Showing posts with label dadz praise. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dadz praise. Show all posts

Sunday, May 26, 2013

To Those Who Gave All For America, Thank You

   Memorial day is a time that all Americans reflect back on those men and women who have sacrificed themselves in the service to us and our great nation. I can think of no thing more honorable or special to write about than a tribute to the heroes of America.

   In the 18th century we fought America's first war, the War of Independence. America was born from that unlikely success we enjoyed way back then, when states didn't exist yet, only colonies loosely united. But even back 237 years ago when its people were being treated with contempt and disdain, those early Americans rose up and went forth in the face of overwhelming odds to defend this land and its people against the tyranny being imposed on it by a ruler an ocean away.

   Thousands gave their lives way back then so that their children and their childrens children would be able to live in a land of freedom. We had forefathers who had the insight and wisdom to provide us with a road map for democracy, the Constitution and the Bill of rights, perhaps the most important documents ever written. Those revolutionary soldiers set the standard of what Americas military would become, a proud professional force whose courage and honor could not be surpassed, and whose strength on the field of battle would become legendary.

   In the first half of the 19th century the military proved it's abilities in two major conflicts, the war of 1812 and the Mexican American war. In 1861 our great nation faced its worst nightmare, a civil war. The American civil war threatened to tear the United States apart forever, and although it began as a war for states rights, its ultimate cause would be for the enforcement of that which is written in our Constitution, that "all men are created equal."

   The civil war succeeded in putting right a situation that shamed America, abolishing slavery. The civil war cost over 600,000 American lives, by far more than all other wars combined to that point in time, but it also brought a new beginning to these still United States of America. We ended the 19th century with the Spanish American war, where we established our military reach virtually around the world. Early in the 20th century America was quickly becoming an industrial giant and its influence in world affairs growing. Beginning in 1914 European nations entered war with each other that would eventually draw in most of the world.

   Although The United States attempted to keep itself isolated from the conflict, we too were drawn into battle. By having our brave fighting men entering what was called the "war to end all wars", the gridlock was broken and the Americans and their allies were the victors in what would be known as World War I. This was a turning point for Americas military, we had gone abroad in the defense of other nations right to freedom.

   Twenty one years later the European nations again found themselves at war with each other, and we again attempted to stay removed from their conflict. However over the next 2 years it was becoming more and more apparent that the only way this new war would end with the worlds freedom intact would be for the United States to once again enter the fray. While our nation was debating on whether or not to become involved, the decision was made for us on December 7, 1941. That day Japan attacked our Pacific fleet in Pearl harbor and decimated our battleships, it had also attacked our military bases throughout the Pacific. The next day we declared war on Japan, a short time later Japans allies, Germany and Italy declared war on the United States.

   Once again the entire world was at war with each other, and once again the brave men and women of America stood up and took their place in the defense of freedom. For four years the might of the American military fought battles worldwide and in 1945 became the victors over tyranny. That massive war cost over half a million American lives, lives sacrificed on foreign soil in the name of freedom. Just 5 years later we again found ourselves engulfed in a conflict in Korea that would claim thousands of American lives. In the 1960's and 70's the Vietnam war would cost over 50,000 brave Americans their lives.

    Through the 1980's and 90's Americas military answered the call to battle and did their duty without question. Here in the 21st century Americas fighting men and women have again been sent to foreign lands and again have given their all while representing this nation. All throughout the history of our great nation the bravery and honor of the men and women of Americas military have gone unquestioned, and their integrity and strength are unequaled in the world today.

   To the countless number of those American heroes who gave their lives, and the families that lost them, we owe our undying gratitude and thanks, for without their great sacrifices we would not have a United States of America, and the world would be a much different place. So be grateful everyday, but be especially grateful today, and say a prayer of thanks to the ones who made freedom possible for us all. May God bless America, and the brave men and women who protect it every day.   

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Monday, May 6, 2013

A Letter To My Beloved Family

   I have been blessed in my life with having three great sons, James, Thomas, and Alexander, all of whom I love to no end. And now it appears that two of my sons plan to wed. I am of course overjoyed that they have found someone to share their lives with and bring them happiness.

   Both of my sons fiances, Cassandra and Kelly are very lovely women with the intelligence and wit to keep them on their toes, and the quality of character to be role models for others. As opposed to their mother and my getting married far too young, all three of my boys have been patient in pursuit of their mates, which no doubt will prove a wise decision as they remain together for life with their chosen spouses.

   Although their mother Patty and I were less than a perfect example to them for long term matrimony, all three had the benefit of witnessing a rock solid union between their Uncle Larry and Aunt Dianne.

    After Patty and I divorced, circumstances dictated that the best possible setting in order to minimize the trauma of parents splitting up would be with their Uncle and Aunt, along with their cousins who belonged to Larry and Dianne. Three beautiful and loving girls named Jessica, Amy and Emily. In all the world you could not find a more stable and loving home, and with great love and open arms James, Thomas and Alexander were welcomed into their home and were brought up as though they were their own.

   Although I regret the relationship that I might have had with them, the bonds between us today are strong and secure, and the love between us is as it should be. And the care, devotion, and sacrifices that went into raising them is quite apparent, they are all men anyone would be proud to call their sons.

    To my sister Dianne, my brother-in-law Larry and my nieces: Jessica, Amy and Emily, the words don't exist that could express to you just how much I love you, and how much I will forever be indebted to for your unselfish giving of yourselves.

   I know that I do not deserve such a wonderful family as this, but I sure as hell am glad that I'm part of it. It is with great hope and optimism that I wish my sons the love they've seen possible between a man and a woman, a love that has seen my sister and brother-in-law through 43 years of marriage with no plans on ending in sight.

   While feeling happy for my sons, I can't help but feel a little sorry for myself. It feels like one day we were all sitting by a camp fire listening to the story about the flying cockroaches in Florida being told to us by an elderly man by the name of Norm  from the camp site next door, and then I blinked my eyes and 25 years have gone by.

   For some unknown reason whenever I picture my sons in my imagination, they always appear to me as young boys. And though I call them boys, it is quite obvious to anyone else that they are fully grown men.

   With the full measure of respect and honor they deserve, I am proud to call them my sons, but I will always think of them as my boys.

    And to you James, and to you Thomas, and to you Alexander, you have made my life worth living and I thank God every day for blessing me with you. There isn't a father on this planet who loves his children more than I love you. Thank you for being in my life.

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Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Thank God For God part 1

   Let me begin this posting by making one thing perfectly clear. I personally have accepted Jesus Christ as my savior. Furthermore, I believe God has had a plan for us since the beginning of time and that plan is not, in my opinion, defined anywhere in writing to be deciphered.

   I struggled for many, many years trying to understand what God was and what He wanted from me. For a long time I just fooled myself into thinking that I understood. But, I was wrong. Due to the inner frustrations I harbored between doing the so-called "right" thing and the things that I desired to do, I more and more would choose the things I wanted to do.

   After some years, any voice which God had been using to talk to me through, got more and more faint. I always thought of myself as a Christian, but I doubt anyone else would recognize me that way. I'm not saying I was evil and created chaos wherever I went, but I didn't leave too many commandments intact.

   I'm now 55 years old, and suffice it to say that I've been around the block enough times to be familiar with all the neighbors. Some of those times have been good, some bad, and some I truly would not wish upon anyone. Through the haze has come good, however. That's what I want to share and I believe with my entire being, what I say is true.

   The secret to understanding God is the realization that we do not possess the ability to understand him.

    You need to think of God as you would the universe; it is impossible to conceive the size of this universe. It's too large. This is why we can't logically picture God. He's too complex.

   At the moment I accepted that fact, I began understanding. I have read the Bible cover to cover more than once, but that's all I did: read. I did not experience.

    My rational, logical thinking would be challenged by unbelievable stories contained throughout the Old and New Testament, and my skepticism would attenuate my faith in the truth. When I realized where God's words were truly written, it opened my eyes at once. For the first time in my life, I knew there truly was a God and He loved me and had a plan for me.

   As simple as it sounds, I found God's words written in my heart. I know this sounds goofy and some people will say, 'of course they're written on your heart,' but the simplicity of my description belies the fact that it took a half century for me to see the truth. I'm not just saying that I know the truth now. I can feel every bit of God's love and grace in every part of my life.

   Outwardly, I probably don't appear much different to those who know me. But, inside me, God has shown me that I need to rely on His strength and wisdom. The key to this all is that God loves us so much, that he wants to nurture us, to protect us and to keep us near him.

   We are the ones that keep rejecting Him. I don't purport to be able to describe God to anyone else. Like I said, I'm comfortable that if we were meant to understand God , the our brains would be able to do that.


    Throughout my blogging career, I will rant and rave about many subjects. Many of them political and many with what, I believe, are diabolical intentions at their root. I'll yell at people to wake up and see what's going on, and I will expose unjust behavior that shouldn't be happening.

   But, regardless of my ratings and ravings, I can promise you this: I know that in the end, our heavenly Father has a place set for us where there will be no wars, no pain and no injustice. A place filled only with His love.

   With the way today's world is and the leadership we're supposed to trust to see us through, I am ever-more thankful for God's unending grace.

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