Lilies Speak

Today a polite, young man who loves the Lord our God with all his heart and soul and mind willingly left his safe and comfortable home in Michigan to begin his four years of service in the U.S. Marine Corp. He will have to do hard things. He will be uncomfortably challenged. And he will potentially risk his life to protect the country he adores. He will do this for me and for every citizen of our nation. Friday night Fashionista hosted a party in his honor. The lilies above are for him. They are saying, "Shine your light!" God go with you, Cavan.

On June 30, the world lost a good and faithful servant- Phil. During his 73 years of life on earth, he worked unceasingly for peace in the name of Jesus. He served as a missionary in Singapore and in Seoul, teaching and spreading the gospel abroad. Hundreds of his writings and letters on the subject of peace can be read at http://web.mac.com/pemerson1/Site/HOME_PAGE.html . On Saturday many gathered to celebrate Phil's life, as his family encouraged each and every one to carry on Phil's life purpose: To be a witness to Jesus Christ in whatever I do. To help others to make a difference. To live in happiness with my family and friends. To travel and learn.

Phil's life verse was Micah 6:8
He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

The yellow lilies are also for Phil. They are saying, "Welcome home, good and faithful servant!" We'll see you later, Phil....

The world is full of love and light. Therein lies hope.

Peace,

4th of July- Celebrate!

Two powerful military jets ripped through the atmosphere, as hundreds of people, who had gathered for the annual parade down main street, stared wide-eyed toward the sky. It was the beginning of the 4th of July celebration - 2009- Anywhere, U.S.A.

Leading the procession were men and women who serve and have served the country- working, fighting, willing to give their life for mine and yours. Their bravery, their diligence and their sacrifices keep us free!

Too frail to walk, veterans in their 80's and 90's rode by in an air conditioned coach and waved through the windows. We waved back wildly and clapped our hands high in the air so they could see. They earned the comfort. I owe the respect. It's my privilege to show lavish high regard, even if the only way to do it is wave, smile and clap. Tears caught in my throat, as appreciation welled up in my heart for these hometown heroes. I do not know their names.

But I know my own father, who served in Korea. I know the kid I graduated with, Roger, who served 27 years in the Navy. I know Cavan, who leaves in one week for San Diego- basic training for the U.S. Marine Corp. We all know someone who is giving up, or gave, something of himself, or herself, that we may live in freedom.

Thank you! Thank you U.S. service men and women, who are serving now,who have served in years gone by.

I echo the words of others I've already read today, that call us to remember the One who gave His very life that we may live- free from the bondage of sin now and eternally with Him- one day. May we all meet again, because of this- His great love for us!

Happy Independence Day, hope it's full of firecrackers!

Heidi