Archive | May 2018

hero

May28

Warmest wishes for a safe and happy Memorial Day! To those who serve our great nation, and to those who have served in the past, and to their families, we extend our sincerest thanks. God bless you and God bless America!

“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.”

– Joseph Campbell
Photo by Jean Pike

Day is Done

May27

Day is Done
Taps

Day is done, gone the sun
From the lakes, from the hills, from the sky
All is well, safely rest;
God is nigh.

Fading light dims the sight
And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright
From afar drawing nigh,
Falls the night.

Then goodnight, peaceful night;
Till the light of the dawn shineth bright.
God is near, do not fear,
Friend, goodnight.

*Note: there are no “official” words to Taps. There are many verses and versions.

The tune was arranged in its present form by Daniel Butterfield. It is thought to be a variation of an earlier bugle call which was used in the U.S. from 1835 until 1860. “Taps” became a standard component to U.S. military funerals in 1891. We use it today to honor all who serve this great nation and we especially remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Music: Public Domain
Photo: Marge McCoy

Press On

May23

Wash on Monday. Iron and mend on Tuesday. Wednesday is a free day! Clean upstairs on Thursday. Clean downstairs on Friday. Saturday is baking day. With five active children to care for, Mom was scrupulous in sticking to her schedule. Of course, that’s the way her mother did it, and many women of Mom’s generation proudly followed suit. (Wow, have I ever broken tradition!!!)

Mom began married life with the joy of ironing for her true love! With her head in the clouds and her heart full of romance, she ironed every handkerchief, every pair of boxer shorts; worn, patched work overalls and sparkling white dress shirts alike, all with the same loving care.
Before long came the thrill of ironing tiny baby outfits ~ first, bonnets and dresses for firstborn Audrey; then rompers and corduroy pants for little Teddy. The ironing increased with the addition of the bald-headed baby Connie (that’s me, folks), then beautiful rosy-cheeked Carol and finally the baby of the family, Patrick David – our beloved Patty. Baby clothes turned into play clothes, school outfits and church duds. Romance and joy turned into drudgery as the ironing went on, and on. The clothes came in larger and larger sizes as the children grew before her weary eyes. The girls were meticulously taught proper and efficient ironing techniques, and to her relief, (but not ours) took some of Mom’s ironing pile off her hands.

Then suddenly, she was tearfully ironing a dress to wear to a daughter’s wedding, and before long, ironing a son’s Air Force uniform when he was home on furlough! All too soon, she was somewhat sadly ironing for just the two of them again, and the old wooden ironing board with the homemade, often-scorched cover was nearing the end of its many years of faithful use.

Since I was the only one who remained in the home-town, Wednesday, the “free day,” became Mom’s day to come to our house, purse loaded with candy and gum for the grand-kids. Would you believe “Mammam” wanted to iron as soon as she arrived? And iron she did, cheerfully tackling my never-empty basket of wrinkled clothes. What a blessed help she was to me as I, following Mom’s footsteps, struggled to care for my own true love and our five lively children.

The Bible talks about “pressing on” and though I don’t know if Mom ever thought of that verse, she diligently pressed on, week after week, meeting her goal of having a family that was neat, clean and wrinkle-free, at least most of the time!

Story by Connie Faust ~ Please forgive me for sharing a wonderful verse from God’s Word totally out of context.

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:14 NIV