Veteran's Day

Today is Veteran's Day here in the United States and Remembrance Day in Canada. It is a day we take the time to honor our veterans. I think America has lost the whole concept of honor. We used to honor people older than ourselves, people in authority. We don't any more and it's sad to me.

Whenever I see a person in the military, I always go up to them and shake their hand and say "Thank you". I am amazed at how much that touches them. One time we paid for the groceries ( it wasn't a lot) of the guy in line in front of us who was in a uniform. He told us after that he was heading off to his 3rd stint in Afghanistan! That small gesture meant a lot to him. I'm not telling you this to brag, but to give you the idea of honoring our military men and women.

Today if you can, thank someone who is willing to put their life on the line for other's freedom.

Thank you to all the people in our armed forces. I appreciate and value what you do.

Rhondi xo

A Day to Remember

My sister has a blog called Wendalyn Loves to Write. Today I am taking my idea from her.

My great grandfather died at the battle of Vimy Ridge, so I never knew him. But he wrote faithfully to his family which has given me access to some parts of his character. The poem I want to share gives me the best part of all as it reveals his faith. Actually I am going to share two poems. The first is written by a soldier who is wondering 'is there a God who cares?' My great grandfather answers that question for him, in a second poem.

Is there a God Who Cares?

At the battle front where cannons roar,
Midst the screaming shells as they upward soar
Ere they reach the trench where our loved ones are,
Is there a God who cares?

The toll they gather as they burst and bite,
In dug-out and trench in the fading light,
Hearts sicken and groan at the awful sight,
Is there a God who cares?

On the virgin soil where man meets man,
With flashing steel till the red blood ran
And crimsoned the ground where both did stand,
Is there a God who cares?

The wearying pain as the eyes grow dim,
The loss of life, the loss of limb,
Is a world of anguish nothing to Him?
Is there a God who cares?

Are breaking hearts, the mother's tears,
The childrens' wails, the widows' fears,
The empty chair; the love of years,
Is there a God who cares?

by Corp. W. Wright

My great grandfather Pt. Frank Tamblyn answers:
Ah yes; God cares, He loves us every one,
To bless and save us He gave His only Son,
But man forgets God's will must be done,

There is a God who cares.
He sees the sparrows fall; He counts them one by one,
Knows every pain, and hears the dying groan,
Delights in Mercy through His beloved Son,
There is a God who cares.

In this mad strife, it's ours to trust and pray,
That right prevails and wrong be put away,
"Vengeance is mine" saith God, "I will repay",
There is a God who cares.

So now dear loved ones while I'm far away
In the clang of battle just watch and pray,
For peace to reign in God's own way,
For there is a God who cares.

Today I thank all those who have been willing to fight for our freedom and remember the sacrifices they and their families made.
Thank you.
Rhondi xo