POEM (Flanders Fields)

By Lt. Col. John McCrae, MD
(1872 - 1918) Canadian Army

 

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.

SOMETHING TO PONDER (The Story of the Poppy)

     The poppy flower only grows in the absence of other flowers and only in ground that has been churned.
    In perhaps the best known poem of World War I, when Dr. John McCrae observed poppies growing between the crosses on the soldiers' graves, it inspired him to write the poem "In Flanders Fields".
     The poppy has since become known as "The Flower of Remembrance" and is worn in memory of our veterans.

       *******************************

     The Eygyptians considered the poppy to symbolize eternal life and consolation. They used the red poppy at funerals and left them in tombs.
     "In Flanders Fields" poppies grew with abandon in Flanders after the Napoleon Wars when the fields were disturbed by fighting. They reappeared in World War I for the same reason. Following an exhausting day caring for the wounded in 1915, Lt. Col. John McCrae saw the poppies and was inspired by them, associating the red poppy with those who had fallen in battle. He wrote a poem called  "In Flanders Fields," which begins: "In Flanders fields the poppies blow/ Between the crosses, row by row..."

"We Shall Keep the Faith"
Moina Michael read "In Flanders Fields" and was inspired to write her own poem in 1918 called, "We Shall Keep the Faith". In this poem, she included a promise to wear red poppies to remember the dead.


******************************

WHAT DOES THE POPPY FLOWER MEAN?

Native to just about every continent in the world, poppies symbolize several concepts, especially those related to life and death.

SYMBOLISM

In general, the poppy means eternal sleep, oblivion, sacrifice and imagination. The flower also symbolizes magic, consolations, fertility and eternal life.

WAR

The red poppy signifies sacrifice. The flower is used to honor soldiers, particularly in Canada. The connection began during Napoleonic wars of the 19th century. The war-disturbed soil uncovered poppy seeds that grew to cover the fighting fields in a sea of red. During the First World War, Flanders came alive with poppies, when the effects of the war disappeared, the poppies did too. The poem "In Flanders Fields" by John McCrae renewed the poppies' connection to war and death.

NATIONAL SYMBOL OF REMEMBRANCE

In 1920, the American Legion agreed to adopt the red poppy as the national symbol of remembrance.

MADAME E. GUERIN

Inspired by the message of "We Shall Keep the Faith", a Frenchwoman, Madame E. Guerin, decided to make red paper poppies to wear on Remembrance Day to remember those who had fallen.

POEM (A Soldier Came Home For The Last Time Today)

With gratitude we remember your service. We cannot thank you enough for all the sacrifices you have made on our behalf. God bless the families of the fallen heroes. May we ALWAYS honor you with the respect you deserve.

 

 

Paying the price for freedom led this hero to the grave.
   There were, however, others unnamed on any wall,
             a footnote to a story that does not tell it all!

 

 

 

They lost not just a soldier but a beloved daughter or son.
    An honored burial ends the story for many,
             but for them the pain has just begun.

 

 

Their scars might be harder to see,
     but on the inside they also suffer and bleed
        a river of tears shed by them
          does not lessen their grief.

 

 

The next time the family of a soldier you see,
    thank them for their own sacrifice
       in keeping the world free.

POEM (The "Military" Mom)

There hasn't been much said

about the "military" mom...

yet no wars could ever

have been won without her.

A "military' mom is a teacher

of independence, perseverance,

discipline and integrity;

possesses a great sense of humor,

and can make of any house a home.

She is a woman of quiet strength

who has shaped the hearts

of our bravest heroes

and taught them

to value peace above all.

The "military" mom is unshakable

in love for her country.

That is how she is able to let go

of her most precious treasure --

a son or daughter.

We proudly salute

and thank

the "military" mom.

~Eileen Hall 1998~

 

 



INSIGHTFUL MESSAGE (It Is The SOLDIER)

"It is the soldier, not the
reporter, who has given
us freedom of the press.

It is the soldier, not
the poet, who has given
us freedom of speech.

It is the soldier, not the
campus organizer, who
has given us the freedom
to demonstrate.

It is the soldier, who salutes the flag, who
serves beneath the flag,
and whose coffin is
draped by the flag,
who allows the protester
to burn the flag."

GOD BLESS ALL THOSE WHO SERVED AND CONTINUE TO SERVE TO PROTECT OUR FREEDOMS AND OUR LIFE.  GOD BLESS THE FAMILIES WHO HAVE LOST SOMEONE WHO HAS SERVED. MAY WE NEVER FORGET AND FOREVER BE GRATEFUL FOR YOUR UNSELFISHNESS!

HUMOR HELPS HAPPINESS (A Bucket of Fish)

 

 



     A redneck, with a bucket full of fish, was approached recently by a Texas game warden as he started to drive his boat away from a lake.
     The game warden asked the man, "May I see your fishing license please?"
     "Naw, sir," replied the redneck. "I don't need none of them there papers. These here are my pet fish."
    "Pet fish?!?!" the warden was stunned.
     "Yep. Once a week, I bring these here fish o' mine down to the lake and let 'em swim 'round for a bit. Then when I whistle, they swim right back into my net and I take 'em home."
     "What a line of baloney! You're under arrest."
     Just as the warden pulled out his handcuffs and was ready to arrest him, the redneck said, "It's the truth, Mr. Gov'ment man. I'll show ya! We do this all the time."
     "We do, now do we?" smirked the warden. "PROVE IT!"
     The redneck released the fish into the lake and stood and watched. After a few minutes, the warden said, "Well?'
     "Well, WHUT?" asked the redneck.
     The warden asked, "When are you going to call 'em back?"
     "Call who back?'' said the redneck.
     "The FISH!" said the warden.
     "What fish?'' asked the redneck.

REDNECK MORAL: We may not be as smart as some city slickers, but we ain't as dumb as some government employees.

POEM (Hands)

Hands that soothe a hurt with love,

Are smiled upon by God above.

 

Helping hands to show they care,

Always do their willing share.

 

Hands of fine dexterity,

Can tools of lasting beauty be.

 

Hands that join in fervent prayer,

Have appeal beyond compare.

 

Reaching hands toward those in need,

Bridge the gap of thought and deed.

 

Hands that give their all and more,

Lead the way to Heaven's door.

~Catherine Janssen Irwin~



POEM (Heart Strings)

 

It's not the things that can be bought

That are life's richest treasure;

It's just the little heart gifts

That money cannot measure.

 

A cheerful smile, a friendly word,

A sympathetic nod;

Are priceless little treasures

From the storehouse of our God.

 

They are things that can't be bought

With silver or gold;

For thoughtfulness and kindness

And love are never sold.

 

They are the priceless things in life,

For which no one can pay,

And the giver finds rich recompense

In giving them away.

 

~Helen Steiner Rice~

 

 



INSIGHTFUL MESSAGE (Time of Prophecy)

     It seems to me that we are living in a time of prophecy, a time of definitions and decisions. We are the generation with the responsibilities and the option to choose the Path of Life for the future of our children, or the life and path which defies the Laws of Regeneration.
     We can still alter our course. It is NOT too late. We still have options. We need the courage to change our values to the regeneration of our families, the life that surrounds us. Given this opportunity, we can raise ourselves. We must join hands with the rest of Creation and speak Common Sense, Responsibility, Brotherhood, and PEACE. We must understand that the Law is the Seed and only as True Partners can we survive.
     Although we are in different boats --- you in your boat and we in our canoe --- we share the same river of life. "The environment isn't over here. The environment isn't over there. YOU are the environment. If you have a clean environment, you will have a healthy atmosphere. This will make you happy and your happiness will bring joy to your parents and it will affect the community, too. Then there will be peace of mind to one and all."
     "The young generation can influence their elders and can make them understand the environmental problems that are faced by us today. The youth can make them see that our environment is deteriorating day by day."
     Global warming IS REAL! It is imminent. it is upon us. It's a lot closer than you think and I don't think we're ready for what's coming. We're not instructing our people. We're not instructing our children. We're not preparing for what is coming... and it IS surely coming. We've pulled the trigger and there is nothing we can do now to stop it. The event is underway.
     The chiefs and I personally feel that we have not passed the point of no return. Not yet. But we are approaching it. And the day when we do pass that point, there will be no boom, no sonic sound. It will be just like any other day."

~Oren Lyons. "Faithkeeper of the Turtle Clan"
Advocate member of the Onondaga and Seneca nations of the Iroquois, activist for indigenous and environmental justice.
    

We can help change the world to make it a better place. We start by healing our own individual hearts and Spirit. Then we can spread hope and love and healing with others. We need to look at things we can do that can make a difference for the betterment of ALL of God's creation. It begins with that first step. And its US who need to take that step.
~One Love~

INSIGHTFUL MESSAGE (Melissa Dohme's testimony)

     I am a survivor of domestic violence. My name is Melissa Dohme and I am 21 years old.
     On January 24, 2012, I was attacked and stabbed 32 times by an abusive ex-boyfriend I had broken up with 3 months prior. 19 stabs were in my head, neck and face. The rest were defensive stabs on my hands and arms.
     Two teens heard me screaming and intervened the stabbing and called 911. I owe my life to them! They are my 17 and 18 year-old angels. My ex left me for dead in the road and attempted suicide. But God saved us both that night.
     When first responders arrived, I was still alert enough to identify myself and him --- despite hemorrhaging severly from cut arteries in my neck. I was airlifted to Bayfront Medical Center where Dr. Johnson and his team saved my life. I flatlined 4 times in the ER, received 12 units of blood, suffered a stroke in my cerebellum, had a fractured skull and nose, missing two teeth, right facial paralysis, stabbed larynx and was severely beaten. It's a miracle I am still alive today... even the doctors say so.
     God saved me. He couldn't stop what happened but He did perfectly line up each individual after the attack who had a hand in saving me. I believe God saved me to tell my story. To be a voice for those who are too afraid to speak or no longer have the chance because their abuser succeeded in taking their life. I stand strong against domestic violence and teen dating violence because I know what it's like to be afraid. I know what it's like to feel alone. And if you're feeling that way now, let me tell ya... you are NOT ALONE! There is help and you deserve to be treated right!
     Now, over a year later, I have come so far in my recovery. I've met amazing people, connected with fellow survivors, grown in my faith, traveled, graduated with my AA degree, spoken to thousands, moved into my own apartment, forgiven,accepted and most importantly... moved on.
     I am now happily in love with an amazing guy, Cameron. Who just so happened to know my story quite well considering he was there as a firefighter responding that night. My very own hero, my very own fairy tale.
     Please, if you are in an abusive relationship, listen to me when I say... IT ONLY GETS WORSE! Tell someone to get help! Then you can find the love you truly deserve.

Thanks for reading, please share... together we can end domestic violence! For more visit and like "Support Melissa"
www.facebook.com/melissadohme

POEM (Your Mother)

Your mother is a gift.... don't abuse her.
Your mother is a gift... please always respect her.

Your mother is a present... please treat her delicately.
Your mother is a present... cherish her forever.

Your mother carried you... until the day you were born.
Your mother carried you... please do the same in return.

You are your mother's blood, sweat and tears... LOVE HER ALWAYS!
You are your mother's blood, sweat and tears... AND SHE WILL LOVE YOU MORE!

INSPIRATIONAL STORY (I Had The Meanest Mother In The World)

I had the meanest mother in the whole world. While other kids ate candy for breakfast, I had to have cereal, eggs or toast. When others had cokes and candy for lunch, I had to eat a sandwich. As you can guess, my supper was different than the other kids' also.

But at least I wasn't alone in my sufferings. I had other siblings who had the same mother as I did.

 My mother insisted on knowing where we were at ALL TIMES! You'd think we were on a chain gang. She HAD to know who our friends were and where we were going. She insisted if we said we'd be gone an hour, that we be gone one hour or less --- NOT one hour and one minute.  I am nearly ashamed to admit it, but she actually spanked us. Not once, but each time we had a mind of our own and did as we pleased. Can you imagine someone actually spanking a child just because they disobeyed? Now you can begin to see how mean she really was.

We had to wear clean clothes and take a bath. Other kids would insult and make fun of us because she made our clothes herself, just to save money. Why, oh why, did we have to have a mother who made us feel different from our friends?

The worst is yet to come. We had to be in bed by nine every night and up at eight the next morning. We couldn't sleep until noon like our friends. So while they slept, my mother actually had the nerve to break the child-labor law. She made us work! We had to wash dishes, make our beds, learn to cook and all sorts of cruel things. I believe she laid awake at night thinking up mean things to do to us.

She always insisted upon us telling the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, even if it killed us --- and it nearly did!

By the time we were teen-agers, she was much wiser and our life became even more unbearable. None of this tooting the horn of a car for us to come running. She embarrassed us to no end by making our dates and friends come to the door to get us. If I spent the night with a girlfirend, can you imagine she checked on me to see if I were REALLY THERE! I never had the chance to elope to Mexico. That is, if I had a boyfriend to elope with. I forgot to mention, while my friends were dating at the mature age of 12 or 13, my old fashioned mother refused to let me date until the age of 15 and 16. Fifteen, that is, if I dated only to go to a school function. And that was maybe twice a year.

Through the years, things didn't improve a bit. We COULD NOT lie in bed, "sick" like our friends did, and miss school. If we weren't running a high fever.. we HAD to go to school! Our marks in school HAD to be up to par. Our friends' report cards had beautiful colors on them, black for passing, red for failing. My mother being as different as she was, would settle for nothing less than ugly black marks.

As the years rolled by, first one and then the other of us was put to shame. We HAD to graduate from high school. Our mother was always behind us talking and demanding respect so none of us children were allowed the pleasure of dropping out of school.

My mother was a complete failure as a mother. Out of four children, a couple of us attained a higher education. NONE of us have EVER been arrested or have wanted to drink or do drugs.
And who do we have to blame for the terrible way we turned out? You're right!!! Our mean mother.

She forced us to grow up into God-fearing, educated, honest adults. Using this as a background, I am TRYING to raise my children. I stand a little taller and I am filled with pride when my children call me mean.

Because, you see, I THNK GOD, He gave me the meanest mother in the whole world.

INSIGHTFUL MESSAGE (Reflection of a Mother)

I gave you life, but I can't live it for you.
I can teach you things, but I can't make you learn.
I can give you directions, but I can't be there to lead you.
I can allow you freedom, but I can't account for it.
I can take you to a place of worship, but I can't make you believe.
I can teach you right from wrong, but I can't always decide for you.
I can buy you beautiful clothes, but I can't make you beautiful inside.
I can offer you advice, but I can't accept it for you.
I can give you love, but I can't force it upon you.
I can teach you to share, but I can't make you unselfish.
I can teach you respect, but I can't force you to show honor.
I can advise you about friends, but I can't choose them for you.
I can advise you about sex, but I can't keep you pure.
I can tell you the facts of life, but I can't build your reputation.
I can tell you about drinking, but I can't say "no" for you.
I can warn you about drugs, but I can't prevent you from using them.
I can tell you about lofty goals, but I can't achieve them for you.
I can teach you about kindness, but I cant force you to be gracious.
I can warn you about sins, but I can't make you moral.
I can love you as a child, but I can't place you in God's family.
I can pray for you, but I can't make you walk with God.
I can teach you about God, but I can't make you believe in Him.
I can tell you how to live, but I can't give you eternal life.
I CAN LOVE YOU WITH UNCONDITIONAL LOVE ALL MY LIFE...  AND I WILL!

POEM (So Blessed By You, Mom)

A mother who always cares,

A mother who is always there,

A mother who always prays,

A mother who always stays,

When things get rough,

When life gets tough,

When all is just too much to bear,

God's Word she shares,

God's light she shines,

So blessed God made...

This mother of mine.

 

 

BLESSED MOTHER'S DAY!

 

POEM (Mother's Day poem)

I have never needed a special day
     to say how much you mean to me.
You have always been there
     whatever my need might be.
You have gone to all efforts so show
     that you so dearly do love me.
There may be things that I would change about my life
     but one of these would not be....
YOU! Because when God was handing out mothers,
     I know now that he gave the best one He had to me.

 

BLESSED MOTHER'S DAY !

  

SOMETHING TO PONDER (Similarities Between Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy)

Abraham Lincoln was elected to Congress in 1846.

John F. Kennedy was elected to Congress in 1946.

Abraham Lincoln was elected President in 1860.

John F. Kennedy was elected President in 1960.

Both were particularly concerned with civil rights.

Both wives lost a child while living in the White House.

Both Presidents were shot on a Friday.

Both Presidents were shot in the head.

Now it gets really weird!

Lincoln's secretary was named Kennedy.

Kennedy's secretary was named Lincoln.

Both were assassinated by Southerners.

Both were succeeded by Southerners named Johnson.

Andrew Johnson, who succeeded Lincoln, was born in 1808.

Lyndon Johnson, who succeeded Kennedy, was born in 1908.

John Wilkes Booth, who assassinated Lincoln, was born in 1839.

Lee Harvey Oswald, who assassinated Kennedy, was born in 1939.

Both assassins were known by their three names.

Both names are composed of fifteen letters.

Now hang onto your seats!

Lincoln was shot at the theater named "Ford."

Kennedy was shot in a car called "Lincoln" made by "Ford."

Booth and Oswald were assassinated before their trials.

And here's the "kicker!"

A week before Lincoln was shot, he was in Monroe, Maryland.

A week before Kennedy was shot, he was with Marilyn Monroe.

ANNNNDDD.....

Lincoln was shot in a theater and the assassin ran to a warehouse.

Kennedy was shot from a warehouse and the assassin ran to a theater.

Now that certainly is something that should make you go.... HMMMMMM!!!