Prayer of an Unknown Soldier

I asked God for strength, that I might achieve;

I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.

I asked God for health, that I might do greater things;

I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.

I asked for riches, that I might be happy;

I was given poverty, that I might be wise.

I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men;

I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.

I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life;

I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.

I got nothing that I asked for but everything I had hoped for.

Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.

I am among men, most richly blessed.*


An Anonymous Confederate Soldier

Memorial Day words by Johnny Q. Gogue III

For many of us, the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, WWI, WWII, and the Korean War are ancient history. The Vietnam War a fading memory. But with the recent Operations Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom we, the American people have once again been thrust into a position of remembering those who are fighting and dying today.

Memorial Day for all soldiers is embodied in the words of the oath that you first take when you enlist into the service of the country:
I DO SOLEMNLY SWEAR (OR AFFIRM) THAT I WILL SUPPORT AND DEFEND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES AGAINST ALL ENEMIES, FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC; THAT I WILL BEAR TRUE FAITH AND ALLEGIANCE TO THE SAME; AND THAT I WILL OBEY THE ORDERS OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES AND THE ORDERS OF THE OFFICERS APPOINTED OVER ME, ACCORDING TO REGULATIONS AND THE UNIFORM CODE OF MILITARY JUSTICE. SO HELP ME GOD.
This oath taken by each and every soldier exemplifies the reason why soldiers do what they do each and every day. Soldiers are defenders of the same principles that made this country great. They stand as Patriots to defend and protect the ideals and sentiments espoused in the Constitution of the United States. Soldiers bear true faith and allegiance to that document and they work, and live, within the Codes of Military Justice. Soldiers also obey the orders of the President of the United States and the Officers appointed over them. These truths are self evident in the everyday lives of soldiers.
Now, as we see our fellow citizens arrive back from a foreign land, we should not forget those words that each and every soldier spoke upon enlistment. Because when we look upon a returning soldier from conflict, a disabled veteran, or a grave marker ・those words should ring in your conscience.

Remember those that gave their lives, so that we may continue to live in freedom as spelled out in the Constitution of the United States and the Declaration of Independence . . . Lest we forget.

A Letter From Our Father

This Letter I found online and it is one that we should all receive and cherish. Please read and reflect on the true Love from our Father in Heaven.

Dear Child of Mine,

Are you thirsty? Come and drink. I am one who comforts you. I bought you and complete you. I delight in you and claim you as my own, rejoicing over you as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride. I will never fail you or forsake you.1

RECEIVE MY LOVE
I throw my arms around you, lavish attention on you and guard you like the apple of my eye. I rejoice over you with great gladness. My thoughts of you cannot be counted, they outnumber the grains of sand! Nothing can ever separate you from my love. Death can’t, and life can’t. The angels can’t, and the demons can’t. Your fears for today, your worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can’t keep my love away.2You sometimes say, “The Lord has deserted us; the Lord has forgotten us.” But, can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for a child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you! I paid for you with the precious lifeblood of Christ, my sinless, spotless Lamb. No one will snatch you away from me. See, I have written your name on my hand. I call you my friend. Why, the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are valuable to me.3 Give me your burdens, I will take care of you. I know how weak you are; that you are made of dust. Give all your worries and cares to me, for I care about what happens to you.4

TRUST MY OVERSIGHT
Trust in me always, I am the eternal Rock, your Shepherd, the Guardian of your soul. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.5So, don’t worry. I never tire or sleep. I stand beside you. My angels encamp around you. I hide you in the shelter of my presence. I will go ahead of you directing your steps and delighting in every detail of your life. If you stumble, you will not fall, for I hold you by the hand. I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.6Wars will break out near and far, but don’t panic I have overcome the world. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. I surround you with a shield of love.7 I will make you fruitful in the land of suffering, trading beauty for ashes, joy for mourning, praise for despair. I live with the low-spirited and spirit crushed. I put new spirit in you and get you on your feet again. Weeping may go on all night, but joy comes with the morning. If I am for you, who can ever be against you?8

ACCEPT MY VICTORY
I know your manifold transgressions and your mighty sins, yet, my grace is sufficient for you. I have cast all your sins behind my back, trampled your sins under my feet and thrown them into the depths of the ocean! Your sins have been washed away, swept away like the morning mists, scattered like the clouds. Oh, return to me, for I have paid the price to set you free.9Your death is swallowed up in victory. I disarmed the evil rulers and authorities and broke the power of the Devil, who had the power of death. Blessed are those who die in the Lord. Your citizenship is in heaven. Come, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you where I will remove all of your sorrows, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain.10

RELY ON MY ENERGY
You are worried and troubled about many things; trust me with all your heart. I know how to rescue godly people from their trials. My Spirit helps you in your distress. Let me strengthen you with my glorious power. I did not spare my Son but gave him up for you. Won’t I give you everything else? March on, dear soul, with courage! Never give up. I will help you. I will uphold you.11Remember, I am at hand. Come to me when you are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. I delight in you; and I can be trusted to keep my promise. Come and drink the water of life.12

Your Maker, Your Father,God

1 Isaiah 55:1, Isaiah 51:12, 1 Cor. 6:20, Col. 2:10, Isaiah 62:4-5, Hebrews 13:5 2 Deut. 32:10 MSG, Zeph. 3:17, Psalm 139:17-18, Romans 8:35 3 Isaiah 49:14-15, 1 Peter 1:19, John 10:28, Isaiah 49:16, Jn. 15:15, Matt. 10:29-31 4 Psalm 55:22, Psalm 103:13-14, 1 Peter 5:7 5 Isaiah 26:3-4, 1 Peter 2:25, Isaiah 43:2 6 Matt. 6:34, Psalm 121:3, Psalm 34:7, Psalm 31:20, Deut. 31:6, Psalm 37:23-24, Psalm 32:8 7 Matt. 24:6, John 16:33, Phil. 4:6, Psalm 5:12 8 Gen. 41:52, Isa. 61:1-3, Isa. 57:15, Psalm 30:5, Romans 8:31 9 Amos 5:12, 2 Cor. 12:9, Isa. 38:17, Micah 7:19, 1 Cor. 6:11, Isa. 44:22 10 1 Cor. 15:54, Col. 2:15, Heb. 2:14, Rev. 14:13, Phil. 3:20, Matt. 25:34, Rev. 21:4 11 Luke 10:41, Prov. 3:5, 2 Pet. 2:9, Rom. 8:26, Col. 1:11, Rom. 8:32, Judges 5:21, 2 Cor. 4:1, Isa. 41:10 12 Phi. 4:5, Matt. 11:28, Psalm 149:4, Heb. 10:23, Rev. 22:17