Thanks, Veterans! I Owe You My Next Breath of Fresh Air!

Happy Memorial Day! My 55+ community of 3,000+ homes is proud to display its patriotism. The main roadways and most all homes, including mine, have American flags billowing in the wind. Those who are veterans have dozens of flags all around their property. I'm honored to sing with Lee Greenwood: "I proudly stand up next to you and defend her still today. 'Cause there ain't no doubt, I love this land. God bless the U.SA."

There are not enough words of gratitude to express to those who have gone before us and to all of you serving today who have been willing to sacrifice your life for our peace and our freedoms. Move over, ANYONE, who takes this peace and freedom for granted. I love you, but, I'll, respectfully walk out on your rants about what's wrong with America, because it dishonors those who gave their lives for all that's right.

Memorial Day was originally created to help us remember the sacrifices of the brave heroes who fought for our peace My family loved this 3-day weekend when we'd gather for a family reunion or a well-planned camping trip. Such sweet peace – sitting around a campfire! That peace was brought to us by those who we honor on Memorial Day.

Our world falls short on peace these days, doesn’t it? Mother Teresa once said, “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other." Sometimes it seems we have forgotten that we really are in this together. It’s a noisy, hectic, I’m-right-you’re-wrong world out there. Today, I want to make a special effort to be less concerned with making a point, and more concerned with making some peace. Surely if our brave service men and women were (and are) willing to lay down their lives for us, can’t we pull our bootstraps up and do what we can to help bring peace to our world today?

If there really is going to be peace here or anywhere on earth, as the song says, “Let it begin with me.” Let it begin with me on social media, or around the dinner table, or in a church, or a family squabble, or in some legislative chamber. We can take our peace efforts up a notch by serving someone – anyone -- whose life is in turmoil or could use a bit of the love that we have within our heart.

Ultimately, the only way we’ll find true peace is when we look to Jesus Who laid down His life for us. Happy Memorial Day to our Lord -- thanks for the memories of giving Your life freely for our peace. “And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. (Colossians 3:15)

On this Memorial Day, may we put aside all the petty things we complain about, and sincerely be a people who humble ourselves and pray and offer thanksgiving to God Almighty for our great country and for those who served and continue to serve us so unselfishly! God bless America! And, God bless our service men and women from yesterday, today and tomorrow!

Happy Memorial Day!

I live in a 55+ community of almost 3,000 homes and I've noticed incredible patriotism throughout on this Memorial Day. American flags are lining the main roadways and most homes have a flag in their yard or on their home. I'm quite sure many of those who live in this community are veterans and/or they have family members who gave their lives or are serving our country today. There are not enough words of gratitude to express to those who have gone before us and to all of you serving today, who have been willing to sacrifice your life for our freedoms.

Even though we know that Memorial Day was originally created to help us remember the sacrifices of brave heroes who fought for our freedoms, it has become an event built around a 3-day holiday that kicks off the summer season. Today, millions of people will head outdoors to dust off their patio furniture, fire up the barbecue and welcome the sun-filled, fun-filled days of summer. Goodness gracious, the heat came with this Memorial Day as it welcomed 3-digit weather to Texas. It's supposed to hit 105 this week! My family always cherished this 3-day weekend when we'd gather together with friends and family, either for a family reunion or a well-planned camping trip. Such sweet memories! But, over the years, I've come to realize the real meaning of Memorial Day. Oh, yes, there's a wonderful connection between good food and friends that nurture our relationships with each other. But, Memorial Day is REMEMBERING our veterans and missing the ones who are gone, and it's "remembering" our loved ones who laid the foundations for our lives, prayed for us, for our families, our country AND for our armed forces.

I give thanks for the sacrifices my grandparents and my parents made for me, especially for my Mama who left me her strong faith and joy in life. Today, I continue her mission. And, thanks to my precious husband who seemed to have left this earth way too soon, but left behind a most grateful wife that is a strong overcomer and resilient woman of faith, because of his example. I am so grateful.

And, above all.....to focus with heartfelt gratitude.....

** To all the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard, and Coast Guard servicemen and women. You are selflessly giving and devoted, and your sacrifices do not go unnoticed. You are so deeply appreciated.

** To the families of our military members, know you have our sincerest thanks. You are generous and brave behind the scenes, and your sacrifices do not go unnoticed.

** And to those families of the fallen, may you feel the all-encompassing arms of Jesus around you on this Memorial Day and always. May you rest in the heart of God, a heart that knows the ache of loss Himself. He longs to comfort you and love you.

With tender hearts we lift you all up today, and we say "Thank you for everything, including this 3-day holiday where we are free to sing: "I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free, and I won't forget the men (and women) who died, who gave that right to me!"

Happy Memorial Day!

Happy Memorial Day!
I live in a 55+ community of 2,000+ homes, and this Memorial Day, I am recognizing incredible patriotism as American flags are lining the main roadways and nearly every home has a flag in their yard or on their home. I'm quite sure many of those who live in this community are veterans and/or they have family members who are serving our country today. There are not enough words of gratitude to express to those who have gone before us and to all of you serving today, who have been willing to sacrifice your life for our freedoms.

There was a news story on NBC in which some high school students (as it happened, they were all African Americans with a patriotic teacher), rode a bus to put flowers on the grave sites of fallen soldiers. An elderly Korean War vet and his wife watched from a distance, then approached the kids. He tearfully thanked them for their gesture and shared a bit of his story. The students (boys and girls) were soon in tears, too. His service and that of all who had been laid to rest around them became very real. That story should make us all think about the men and women who fought for the freedoms we enjoy every day. At this moment, none of us should take their sacrifice for granted.

Our gratitude seems insignificant in comparison to their storming the beaches of Normandy and Iwo Jima, freezing in Korea, wading through rice paddies of Vietnam, braving the heat of Kuwait, Afghanistan and Iraq. What if we intentionally showed our appreciation to our military heroes? Here's some ways we can:

1. Fly Old Glory (there's one on my home)! Fly the flag in your yard, or display it in a prominent place where passersby can easily notice it. If veterans driving by your residence see the stars and stripes proudly waving in the breeze, they will be reminded of the patriotism that citizens harbor in their heart.

2. Say “Thank You” -- If you personally know any veterans and want to make their day, call them on the phone and thank them for their service to our country. If you see a soldier in uniform, thank him/her. Pay for their meal. This simple action on your part will be long remembered, and hearing and seeing your appreciation can make all their sacrifices seem worthwhile.

3. Write a Letter to a Soldier -- Any letter a soldier receives from their homeland is precious to them. There are wonderful organizations that help with that endeavor. The whole family could get involved.

4. Help the Family of a Serviceperson -- The family of a serviceperson is often overlooked, but their loved one’s active duty in the military involves plenty of sacrifices on their part, too. Help them by offering to do yard work or make home repairs or give them a restaurant gift certificate.

5. Pray -- We can petition God for the safety of our military who are in harm’s way, along with asking Him to comfort the families of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

6. Donate to Charities That Help Veterans -- We can make a monetary contribution to one of the charities that help veterans and their families.

Throughout his eight years in the Oval Office, President Ronald Reagan brought a renewed sense of optimism to a weary nation disillusioned by war and scandal. He repeatedly described America as the “shining city upon a hill.” Were it not for the work of our veterans down through history, America wouldn’t shine as brightly or perhaps would have ceased to shine at all. Because of them, the glow of democracy still beams out for all the world to see.

On this Memorial Day, may we put aside all the petty things we complain about, and sincerely be a people who humble ourselves and pray and offer thanksgiving to God Almighty for our great country and for those who served and continue to serve us so unselfishly! God bless America! And, God bless our service men and women from yesterday, today and tomorrow!

Remembering to Remember

Yesterday was Memorial Day and I couldn’t help but notice all the photos of tombstones on FB that represent fallen soldiers. I also saw many FB posts and photos that were honoring loved ones who served in the armed services, as well as to those loved ones who were so dearly loved and remembered on this day.

Remembering the past is vital to living in the present. It causes us to remember those who died in defense of our nation and express the most profound gratitude we can by how we live our lives.

Besides those who served our country, we should never forget those steadfast, strong, immoveable and unshakeable people who built that same tenacious spirit in us. One of the greatest ways we can carry on and repay our loved ones for all they did in leaving a legacy to us, is to leave a legacy for those who follow us by living lives of character, strength, honor, faith, and love for our fellow man.

My sweet little mama had so little in terms of earthly goods to leave me, but what she did leave me was a legacy that continues to speak volumes in how I live my life today. She lives on in me because she left me with the stuff that mattered.

The question is “What will we be remembered for? What will we leave our heirs and those who know us? More than the tangible inheritances we will leave, our character (good or bad) is creating a legacy that will continue to speak after our life on this earth has ended. "Unquestionable character" is one of the greatest gifts we can leave our heirs....and that comes as we embrace the character of our Father God. Character begins with our example - our life. I know I want to leave a legacy that says “Donna was most known for keeping God at the center of her life – it showed on the outside….. and behind closed doors.”

Charles Spurgeon said, “A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots have withered. Carve your name on hearts – not on marble.”

What Memorial Day Means to Me

Even though we know that Memorial Day was originally created to help us remember the sacrifices of brave heroes who fought for our freedoms, it has become an event built around a 3-day holiday that kicks off the summer season. Today, millions of people will head outdoors to dust off their patio furniture, fire up the barbecue and welcome the sun-filled, fun-filled days of summer.

My family was no different. We cherished this 3-day weekend when we'd gather together with friends and family, either for a family reunion or a well-planned camping trip. Such sweet memories!

But, over the years, I've come to realize the real meaning of Memorial Day. Oh, yes, there's a wonderful connection between good food and friends that nurtures our relationships with each other. But, Memorial Day is REMEMBERING our veterans and missing the ones who are gone, and it's "remembering" our loved ones who laid the foundations for our lives, prayed for us, for our families, our country AND for our armed forces.

This is a special day to give thanks and show appreciation for the people who have woven themselves into our lives. I give thanks for the sacrifices my grandparents and my parents made for me, especially for my Mama who left me her strong faith and joy of life. Today, I continue her mission. And, thanks to my precious husband who seemed to have left this earth way too soon, but left behind a most grateful wife that is a strong overcomer and resilient woman of faith, because of his example. I am so grateful.

And, above all.....to focus with heartfelt gratitude.....
** To all the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard, and Coast Guard servicemen and women. You are selflessly giving and devoted, and your sacrifices do not go unnoticed. You are so deeply appreciated.

** To the families of our military members, know you have our sincerest thanks. You are generous and brave behind the scenes, and your sacrifices do not go unnoticed.

** And to those families of the fallen, may you feel the all-encompassing arms of Jesus around you on this Memorial Day and always. May you rest in the heart of God, a heart that knows the ache of loss Himself. He longs to comfort you and love you.

With tender hearts we lift you all up today, and we say "Thank you for everything, including this 3-day holiday where we are free to sing: "I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free, and I won't forget the men (and women) who died, who gave that right to me!"