Three years after the Civil War ended, on May 5, 1868, the head of an organization of Union veterans — the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) — established Decoration Day as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. Maj. Gen. John A. Logan declared that Decoration Day should be observed on May 30. It is believed that date was chosen because flowers would be in bloom all over the country.
The first large observance was held that year at Arlington National Cemetery, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.
To ensure the sacrifices of America ’s fallen heroes are never forgotten, in December 2000, the U.S. Congress passed and the president signed into law “The National Moment of Remembrance Act,” P.L. 106-579, creating the White House Commission on the National Moment of Remembrance. The commission’s charter is to “encourage the people of the United States to give something back to their country, which provides them so much freedom and opportunity” by encouraging and coordinating commemorations in the United States of Memorial Day and the National Moment of Remembrance.
The National Moment of Remembrance encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation. As Moment of Remembrance founder Carmella LaSpada states: “It’s a way we can all help put the memorial back in Memorial Day.”
Remember to take the time on Memorial Day to honor all of those who gave their lives so that we can be free of oppression, free to live in a country where we can express our views without fear of reproach, and free to work as we choose. Think of the many, many young men who fought for this freedom, dying on foreign soil, and never having the privilege to live their lives in the country they swore to protect.
We had a wonderful distribution for the ministry on Tuesday - ample amount of produce, rice, and packaged food to hand out, although we did not invite folks to come pick it up. On Tuesday's we are packing the baskets (boxes) to be delivered by our loyal ladies. This cuts down on the time we need to hand out individual boxes and clean up. It works out well on Tuesdays. This past Tuesday, we celebrated a belated Mother's Day with gifts for all as well as a wonderful "snack" - really a full meal of chicken mole, mashed potatoes, cactus (napoles) salad, a traditional Mexican pasta salad, fresh fruit, flan, pina colada cake, tortillas, fruit and marshmallow dessert, French breakfast puffs (my contribution) and of course, the ever present green noodles. All of the ladies took part in providing some of this wonderful food, which gave us chance to sit and enjoy each other's company, keeping social distance. Our gifts were an array of pampering items - soaps, hand towels, a manicure set, toothpaste and toothbrushes,along with an inspirational note that we each filled out and attached to each gift. Ida gave a short devotional on the importance of women in God's eyes, as well as in our daily living. We all miss the hugs and closeness of being able to physically show each other how much we all mean to each other.
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| Ida with our gifts - including a package of oregano and oil flavored crackers, and a small package of oatmeal, nuts, and a cooked apple mixture to add to the oatmeal.
Children's Haven resale shoppe reopened last week, so I worked my Wednesday morning shift, with a mask and many changes. We are now protected while taking money with a plastic barrier, 2 of us always work together, spaces marked for social distancing, a limit of 10 shoppers at a time in the store, everyone gets a squirt of hand sanitizer when entering the building, we use sanitizer each time after handling money, and wipe down counters, door knobs, etc, often. The restroom/-dressing room is not open as we do not want have to wipe it down after each use.. We had very good sales on opening day, even our Wednesdays ales were good. It was nice to be back working and able to talk to our loyal customers.
Friday was another good distribution day, as we served over 100 families. The girls spoil us terribly, never allowing us to unload the produce or carry boxes to cars. We help all that we can to save them steps and hurry the loading process along. They again surprised us with a cooling drink (it was very hot and humid) of horchata (the h is silent). It is a cinnamon rice drink ad very good. We always have a good time together, even with the language barrier.
This morning was a soft reopening of our church in Prairie Grove, with all social distancing rules applied. Only a certain number were allowed to attend the live service, having to make reservations first. The at risk individuals were encouraged to watch it online. We did so as we are still in S Texas, but will be leaving the end of June for a 2 month haitus. Hopefully at that time we will be able to attend in person. Pastor Vance's sermon series comes from the book of James. He was Jesus' half brother, the biological son of Mary and Joseph, along with a few more brothers and sisters. Most of the family did not really recognize Jesus as the Son of God, the Messiah. James finally realized and understood who He really was after the Resurrection. His book of the Bible is all about being a person of God 24/7. Faith without works is dead. A person does not really believe something until it is acted upon. James tries to show us what we believe and how to live it. If God is really bigger than we are, then it should show through us.
James was the leader of the church in Jerusalem during the persecution of the Christians, so this was his letter to the Jewish Christians who were scattered and going though trials because of it. How you respond to times of trouble reflects your faith. It is said that Christians are like a tea bag, you don't know the flavor until it is put in hot water!! There are 5 responses we need to remember as we go though trials and troubles.
1) We need a joyful attitude. We will face trials of many kinds. God will test us to bring out our worth. Our attitude should be to consider it all joy. Look at our difficulties and realize God can use us for His purpose. This is really a command, Reaction to a problem is a negative, response is a positive. We normally immediately react to a problem, rather than wait and respond to it. If you read last week's blog, you saw my reaction to a problem I though as insurmountable, but when I stopped trying to fix it myself, and asked God to take over the problem was resolved quickly.
2) We need an understanding mind. We know we can understand our that our trails are designed by God to test our faith. We need to have perseverance and patience. We need resistance to build our spiritual muscle.
3) We need to surrender. We need to really surrender our will to the Lord. Let the testing do it's work - it may not be resolved the way you perceived it, but it will be according to God's plan. Surrender is also an active response.
4)We need a prayerful heart. :If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you". James 1-5. Pray for the wisdom to pray for God's help You need to believe that God will answer - be prepared to receive this answer even though it may be different than what you expected.
5) We need to keep our eyes on the prize. When we are brought down by trials, we are forced to look up! Eternal life is the ultimate prize - be prepared to receive it.
Take time on Monday to give thanks to all who gave their life so that we can live ours!! If you see a service person, take time to thank them for their service Those few seconds you go out of your way to thank them will mean a lot to them.
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