Veteran's Day 2013 (Matthew 25:40, John 15:13)

"Land of the free, home of the brave"

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

To all the American Veteran's we salute you.  Thank you so much for your service to our country.  We are so grateful for your sacrifice.  When I see the flag, I always smile remembering a little lady named, "Betsy Ross," who hid her stitchery from others so they wouldn't see the first American flag.  It's beautiful isn't it?

This song has really blessed our nation:
God Bless America (Generald Wilson)  link

It was kind of strange this year.  I heard from a second cousin that our family lineage includes military veterans from the Revolutionary War and on.  My Mother and Father never spoke of this.  All my brother and I heard about was Mom's drinking and then Dad left.  I figured I didn't come from a good family and should just give it up.  

I knew someone on my Grandma's side came over on the Mayflower.  And there was someone who signed one of the freedom documents.  I can't remember who or what.  Then I heard from the other side of my family that we came over in the 1600's seeking religious freedom from Europe.  So it turns out our ancestors fought in the revolution in the 1700's.  One of my Great Grandpa's snuck off from home, to free the slaves by blowing up railroad tracks with General Sherman.  Now that sounds about right.

Because of our family history, the ladies in our family can become members of DAR, Daughters of the American Revolution.  Have to admit it's pretty amazing to learn all this about my family in my 50's. 

We are all part of a great history.  Much bigger than we may know.  But the greatest heritage I have received is that from Jesus.  After I accepted Christ as my Savior, I found joy for the first time.  I couldn't stop laughing at times.  The Bible has become a great source of comfort- it's the Word of God Himself.  No one should be prevented from having one.  No matter where in the world they are.

Yet I can't help but feel a new sense of pride knowing my ancestors, countrymen and women have fought so we could be free.  Even my big brother served, all the generations.

13 "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends."
(John 15:13 NASB)
Thanks to all those who would lay down their lives for us. 

"Medical Helicopter"
© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

My prayer-

Dear Heavenly Father I lift up our military to You.  I pray You will reveal the truth about the Bible to our leaders in the White House that they will no longer be frightened by Your Word.  I pray You will bring comfort to our soldiers at home and overseas.  Bless them and keep them safe.  Thank You so much for our freedom Father.  Thank You for our wonderful country and people.

Father I pray for those who survived the terrible typhoon in the Philippines.  I lift them up to You and pray for their safety and protection as they rebuild their country.  Bless them Father, I've heard of many believers that live there.  Please bring healing to their land.  Guide them to pull together with strength and love.

I pray You will restore our land, forgive our sins and guide us to a much better future.  It seems this time now, is a time to learn from for our future.

In Jesus Name, Amen.