Passing it On

Oh beautiful for heroes proved In liberating strife,
Who more than self their country loved, and mercy more than life!
America! America! May God thy gold refine,
Till all success be nobleness And every gain divine!
-Oh Beautiful for Spacious Skies, by Katherine Bates

Yesterday at church Ev and I played this song, and I had a chance to really study the words of all the verses. Above is the third verse, which I was not very familiar with, but I was struck by the truth and beauty of the words. Today, as we hung the flag, Braden asked why it was a "flag day." We took the opportunity to explain, on a four year old level, why this day is important. I hope that many are doing the same thing so that all future generations will honor the memory of those who have given their lives to preserve this nation.

Freedom

When our perils are past, shall our gratitude sleep? ~George Canning

Liberty. Something that is so integral to our daily lives, and yet so commonly taken for granted. First and foremost, we owe our daily liberty to God, the Giver of all good gifts. But God chooses to use men and women to protect that gift. They are the service members of the United States military. This week as many of us move freely around our country, gathering in our homes with loved ones, let us not forget those who sacrifice to provide the freedom to do so. There are so many service members who are away from their loved ones this Thanksgiving Day. Take a few minutes to send them a small Thank You note from this website. Xerox is partnering with the Boys and Girls clubs and several other groups to provide this service to our troops. The cards have been designed by children from around the country. They have some wonderful text to choose from, or you may compose your own. Whichever you choose to do, it will take no more than a few minutes, but I promise that it will be sincerely appreciated. Brighten someone's day this week. Be thankful.