A day to remember

 

Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday in May. It is a day set aside for remembering and honoring those who died while serving in the American Armed Forces. This holiday has also been called "Decoration Day", and is the unofficial beginning of summer.

The holiday began around the time of the American Civil War. More Americans died in this war than in any other US war. According to tradition some women chose May 30th to decorate the graves of the Civil War soldiers.

In 1971 Congress passed a law making Memorial Day a national holiday. Originally it honored those who died in the Civil War, Spanish American War, World Wars I and II, and the Korean War.

People of the Christian faith see a spiritual application to Memorial Day. According to Biblical writings and history, Jesus died in a spiritual struggle for the destiny of mankind. Without His death, which paid for man's sins, all humanity was lost, and had no future with God. Because of Christ's sacrifice, Christians enjoy a relationship with God and know their sins are forgiven. Churches have a memorial of Jesus' death. It is often called The Lord's Supper, Communion, The Lord's Table and others.

I am thankful for the men and women who gave their lives to keep our country free. I am thankful for a Savior who saved me from the punishment I deserve and gave me the free gift of Life eternal.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Words of Wisdom

 

Blessed is the man who listens to me,
watching daily at my gates,
waiting at my doorposts.
For he who finds me finds life,
and obtains favor from the Lord.

Proverbs 8: 34-35

Pass it on

 

My home has always been filled with the aroma of printed paper. Ever since I was a young child, a book was a friend who would go with me and fill my life with entertainment. Books capture my imagination and take me to places I will never visit. I relish entering into the lives of characters who often defy odds. 

When we travel, I make it a habit of searching out places where older books are sold. I found a half price book store in Minnesota, and there's always a wide variety of books at the Goodwill or Hospice thrift stores. Have I found treasures? Yes, I often find out of print books or by some of my favorite authors. 

One thing has perked a question in my mind. With all of the ebooks on Kindle and other hand held devices, what is happening to the printed word? Will we still go to the library or book store to acquire a solid, page turning book? Maybe one day books will become obsolete, but for now I think not. I recently went into two thrift stores, and is my habit, went to the book section. As I stood there, head leaning to the right searching out titles, the whole section filled with people. It becomes a bit of a treasure hunt, mostly because the books are not sectioned. But oh the fun and thrill of finding that one special prize. A title, or an author that will take me away to places where my imagination will fill in the gaps. 

Let's not lose the love of books. I've passed that love on to my children. And I hope they will pass it on to the next generation.

Pressed Flower Friend

 

My Pressed Flower Friend

 (Sherry Morris)

In my book of memories, 

there is a pressed Flower that fills a page,

With a gentle fragrance lingering still,

though it's faded now with age.

The way my Friend smiled and laughed,

The many ways she cared,

Are a legacy that she left behind

In stories I love to share.

So remember the hearts who've touched

your life,

It's what we each are here for.

A pressed Flower gently reminds us

To love and treasure our friendships more.

·.·.,¸¸,.·´¯`·.,¸¸,.·´¯`·.·\o/.(¨`-¦-´¨).\o/·.·´¯`·.,¸¸,.·´¯`·.,¸¸,.·.·

I love you Diana.  

Your Fragrance still 

lingers

Relax

 

"May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the LORD. " Psalm 104:34

Relax, throw open the windows of our stuffy little souls and

 let the cooling breezes of a better world sweep through!

What will all our petty worries amount to fifty years from now? 

Rejoice in the old simplicities which no man can take away—

like spring and green woods and mocking-birds. And, better 

still, rest our souls in the goodness of God and His amazing 

grace. –V. Havner

The Sweet Life

 

The Sweet Life by Suzanne Woods Fisher is a delightful story about a summer in Cape Cod.

Dawn Dixon is a CPA at a Boston firm. She has her life all planned out. Working hard to make partner,  her wedding to Kevin on the horizon, and a one week honeymoon at Chatham Bars Inn. That is, until Kevin backs out of the wedding. Leaving Dawn broken hearted.

Marnie Dixon, Dawn's mother, is recently widowed. She has always been impulsive as opposed to Dawn's rigid planning. 

So what happens next? Kevin gives Dawn the failed honeymoon for her to use. There are no refunds, so Dawn decides to take her mother with her to Cape Cod. On a chance walk, Marnie finds the Main Street Creamery ice cream shop. All boarded up and in disrepair. Being a cancer survivor, Marnie sees this as a new start in her life. And this is where the fun and mess begins. 

Learning from their many mistakes, Dawn and Marnie move forward in their relationship. The story was well written, characters full and well developed.  I love that Ms. Fisher shares that some of the story reflects on her own experience.

 I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

At the end of your life, what will you regret?

 

 (source - Woman's World)

At the end of your life, what will you regret? What will really be important