In honor of Veterans Day

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

 

by Major John McCrae (Canada), May 1915

On the way home today!

 

On the way back from golfing this afternoon, Charles spotted three dear grazing in someone's front yard!

Back on the links

Charles took advantage of the wonderful fall weather and his Friday off to play a round of golf at the nearby Alamo Golf Club.  It was really windy today which made Charles' first round of golf in a long, long time challenging!

U.S. DoD Military Casualty Update: 25 October - 7 November, 2012

Arlington National Cemetary



In II Samuel chapter 1 we read;

"Oh Glory of Israel, on your high places see how the mighty have fallen... How the mighty have fallen, in the thick of battle…"

  

I imagine that grief today is much the same as grief was then and that these families and friends grieve today much the same as King David grieved in his day for King Saul and Jonathan.

+ Cpl Alex F. Domion, USMC, 21 of New York died October 31 in Afghanistan

+ Petty Officer 2nd Class, Matthew G. Kantor, USN, 22 of New Jersey died November 1 in Afghanistan

+ Staff Sgt. Dain T. Venne, USA, 29 of New York died November 3 in Afghanistan

+ Spc. Ryan P. Jayne, USA, 22 of New York died November 3 in Afghanistan

+ Spc. Brett E. Gornewicz, USA, 27 of New York died November 3 in Afghanistan

+ Pfc. Brandon, L. Buttry, USA, 19 of Iowa died November 5 in Afghanistan

May their legacy be a better world, their memories a blessing, their loved ones consoled and may we be forever grateful.

After the election prayer

God of all nations, Father of the human family, we give you thanks for the freedom we exercise and the many blessings of democracy we enjoy in these United States of America.

We ask for your protection and guidance for all who devote themselves to the common good, working for justice and peace at home and around the world.

We lift up all our duly elected leaders and public servants,those who will serve us as president, as legislators and judges, those in the military and law enforcement.

Heal us from our differences and unite us, O Lord, with a common purpose, dedication, and commitment to achieve liberty and justice in the years ahead for all people, and especially those who are most vulnerable in our midst. Amen.

- Cardinal Adam Maida,
  Archbishop of Detroit

Election Day Communion

Charles joined a small, but faithful gathering at the San Antonio Mennonite Church tonight for "Election Day Communion."  This was one of 893 congregations, schools, and groups in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. that participated in Election Day Communion.

From tonight's service:

"Twelve frightened men, who feel that death is hovering over, crowd around the Son of Man whose hand is lifted over a piece of bread and over a cup.  Of what value is this gesture, of what use can it be? 

How futile it seems when already a mob is arming itself with clubs, when in a few hours Jesus will be delivered to the courts, ranked among transgressors, tortured, disfigured, laughed at by his enemies, pitiable to those who love Him, and shown to be powerless before all.

However, this Man, condemned to death does not offer any defense; He does nothing but bless the bread and wine and, with eyes raised, pronounces a few words." 

- François Mauriac (1885 - 1970)

Today is the day

A thought to start the day from Bruce Barnard @ www.electiondaycommunion.org:

As our day begins, let us remember:

Politics attempts to draw lines in the sand.
Jesus brushed away lines in the sand.

Politics creates a language of hate.
Jesus said our words reveal our heart.

Politics divide families, friends, neighbors.
Jesus said, "Love your neighbor."

Politicians promise to put food on your table.
Jesus said "Remember me at the Table."

Tonight, at over 800 churches nationwide, we will "remember him at his table" and find unity around the things that really matter.