July is the month that we celebrate our independence as a nation. I love the picnics and fireworks that come with this special time. I can’t say the same for our cat Zach who does not enjoy the fireworks at all.
The United States has been a warrior nation from it’s birth because we have been willing to fight, not just for our freedom, but for the freedom of others.
A few months ago I had the opportunity to go to Valley Forge National Park. I was at the conference center to pray for Pennsylvania and our nation with many others who had come from around the state. As we stood at a monument to pray I thought about how many men had actually lived on these grounds during the fight for our independence as a nation.
It is well known that in the winter many of these soldiers lost their lives, many had frostbite and the tribulations were very real. Yet, they did not give up. They continue to stand.
Now, years later, we have soldiers all over this country and around the world still standing for freedom and independence.
It is privilege to have some of these men in our family and to be able to say “welcome home” when they return from duty.
Let us never forget how important these men and women are and how much sacrifice they are making to defend us and other nations.
When I see someone in uniform I try to take the time to thank him or her for their service to our country and tell them I am grateful. Why not try it? It will change your day and theirs.
Anne
Monday, September 28, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
“MY HOME”
When our oldest daughter, Holly, started school, she was able to walk home after classes. Back in those days, children could all walk to and from school together with no adult supervision.
Holly would always run into the house after school and yell, “My home!” This translated as, “I’m home!” Even though we knew her English was not the best, we loved to hear her say it.
I have often thought of the blessing it is for a child to return from school to a home that loves them and is safe. Because of the calling that God has given to Jimmy and I, we have been the “my home” for many young women who never knew a happy, secure home.
I remember a time when we had 17 young women living with us, most of whom were still in high school. They would all get off the school bus and come into the kitchen, talking and laughing. There would be snacks ready, and Jimmy or I would always be there to hear about the day as they all tried to talk to us at once about a friend, a story from the day, or a test result.
To all the houseparents across the country: Thank you for being there. Your example and care is so important.
Christ chose to have the disciples live with Him as He traveled to various hilltops and villages. He shared His life with them, and they were transformed by His example. In the same way, the many houseparents around the country are sharing their lives with the girls that come into their homes. And these girls are also being transformed.
Will you pray that many more men, women, and children will be able to spend time in a happy and secure home? This will give them the opportunity to have their lives transformed because the Body of Christ was there for them.
May more and more young people and children be able to run home from school saying, “My home!”
Anne
Holly would always run into the house after school and yell, “My home!” This translated as, “I’m home!” Even though we knew her English was not the best, we loved to hear her say it.
I have often thought of the blessing it is for a child to return from school to a home that loves them and is safe. Because of the calling that God has given to Jimmy and I, we have been the “my home” for many young women who never knew a happy, secure home.
I remember a time when we had 17 young women living with us, most of whom were still in high school. They would all get off the school bus and come into the kitchen, talking and laughing. There would be snacks ready, and Jimmy or I would always be there to hear about the day as they all tried to talk to us at once about a friend, a story from the day, or a test result.
To all the houseparents across the country: Thank you for being there. Your example and care is so important.
Christ chose to have the disciples live with Him as He traveled to various hilltops and villages. He shared His life with them, and they were transformed by His example. In the same way, the many houseparents around the country are sharing their lives with the girls that come into their homes. And these girls are also being transformed.
Will you pray that many more men, women, and children will be able to spend time in a happy and secure home? This will give them the opportunity to have their lives transformed because the Body of Christ was there for them.
May more and more young people and children be able to run home from school saying, “My home!”
Anne
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