The Ultimate Sacrifice Day #11 of Thankfulness

Fancy pants dining. 

It's what they do. 

All these kids. 

From the time they were little. 

Aunt Clara's china being used. 

The candle light glowing. 

It's in those moments I see the table full. 

All the seats occupied. 

The laughter and joy around the farmhouse table. 

Things have changed. 

So much. 

One space remains empty; forever. 

The future, here on this earth, not mine to know. 

I know he was dedicated. 

Committed. 

He wanted to serve this country with his life. 

 The eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month. 

We celebrate today because of the lives given. 

Sacrificed for our freedom. 

For men and woman who selflessly stand so we can sleep. 

Elijah would have made an amazing marine. 

But God called him home. 

His work finished. 

For those of us left- we still have work to do. 

We honor these men and woman because of the life give for us. 

The ultimate sacrifice was made on our behalf as One walked willingly to the cross.
He gave. . .all.
So that we may be free.
A symbol.
An example.
For God and Country.

~ 30 Days of Thankfulness~

I am thankful for:

Veteran's Day

a grandfather and uncles who served this country

my dad who gave to serve

Harold, a family friend who served and influenced 

our son Elijah so much

those men and woman who have pledged to protect and

 serve our country

the families of those men and woman -thank you 

a son who never wavered in his desire to serve

those that came alongside of Elijah as he trained and prepared

For the glimpses of grace along this journey

 a flag flown over Parris Island on Elijah's birthday- 
the day he would have left for boot camp
 a gift of the Marine Flag

 an enlisted Marine who knew Elijah 
and came to the door to meet this grieving mama- 
who returned from boot camp and brought a copy of his
 boot camp memory book 
the extended warmth and sunshine this fall
 backyard prayer
grace for each day
my farmers family that shows how to live out this grace each day
 my family and their unending love and support- and laughter

My cousin posted this picture for me




Thank you to all for serving. 
We owe you a debt of gratitude. 

John 15:3
Greater love has no one than this:
 to lay down one's life for one's friends.


Here is a video clip of Marines singing, 
"Days of Elijah"

Honoring Those Who Served. . .Day #11 of Thankfulness

You won't wear the uniform.

The pride that ran so deep never to be experienced.

Life ended so abruptly

Dreams shattered

Cuts like a knife

The memories; all that are left

It is Veteran's Day
And the Birthday of the Marines.

This is the uniform that I hold in my heart now.
It will be forever etched in my mind.

Right there in that moment your present and future mingled.
Yet your future never to be.
And the grace that is given this side of eternity leaves me once again undone.
We are given the Marine Flag.



Cedric heads to the woods.
He returns with a Cedar post for a flag pole.
We will now proudly display the American Flag along with the Marine Flag.
That Cedric. Is growing into a fine young man.

Day #11 of Thankfulness
Today I am thankful for:
The Marines and the desire our son had to serve
The men and woman who are serving now
Those who have served
 families with loved ones serving
Those that have given their life for our freedom
This country and the freedoms we have because so many gave
Our flag and what it represents
My dad, Uncle Harold, Uncle Richard and Uncle Buddy for their dedication and service to our Country

A son with a heart that is broken and uses his grief to serve.
A Memorial Service to remember children who have gone before their parents
God who will never let us go, who holds us in the palm of his hands

Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you;
    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Please stand with me as we honor the great American Heros

Thank you