Divine Lunacy Gives Thanks

Today is Memorial Day.  A day off from work and school.  Most people spend it barbequing, watching the races, shopping, and in general just taking it easy.  And while all that is fun and good, the actual reason for Memorial Day seems to have been lost in the shuffle of Furniture sales flyers, hamburger buns, and the debate as to who will win the Indianapolis 500.

Memorial Day didn't start out Memorial Day.  Nor was it originally meant to honor all those that gave their lives in war.  It was originally called Decoration Day and was meant to honor all the Union soldiers that died during the American Civil War.  It was extended in the 20th Century to include all the American fallen heros of all wars.

I want to take a moment and give thanks to all those great men and women that have given the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom that I have.  Because there were those willing to fight for what they believed in, I am an American Citizen, not a loyal subject of the Queen.  Because there were those willing to fight against injustice, I am an American Citizen, not a fearful memeber of the Third Reich.

I don't like war.  I don't know anyone that does.  However, it is inevitible in this world that we live in.  As long as people covet what other people have, there will be war.  As long as people feel that you have to believe the way that they believe, there will be war.

That there are people in this country that are willing to fight and possibly make the ultimate sacrifice so that we can continue to live free, is humbling to me.  John 5:13 reads:  No one has greater love [no one has shown stronger affection] then to lay day (give up) his own life for his friends. (AMP)  As you read this, there are people across this globe that are giving up their lives for us right now.  Giving their lives so that anyone can protest against war; so that we can rail against the system; so that we can occupy Wall Street.

Today, we should be honoring these fallen heros.  Today, we should be honoring the ones that came back, whether whole or broken.  Today we should be saying thank you to the mothers, fathers, wives, husbands, children, and families that will never be whole again.  Their loss is our gain.  Our freedom was bought and paid for with their blood and flesh and we should cherish it.
Their sacrifice reminds me of another, greater sacrifice.  One that paid for everyone's freedom.  And in their own way, our fallen heros are following in the footsteps of Christ, waging war on all the things that are wrong on this earth.  Fighting to make it a little better, a little safer, and a little freer.

1 Corinthians 7:23-24 reads: You were bought with a price [purchased with a preciousness and paid for by Christ]; then do not yield yourselves up to become [in your own estimation] slaves to men [but consider yourselves slaves to Christ]. (AMP)

Thank you, fallen heros.  Thank you, to those still fighting.  Thank you, to those who have returned.  Thank you, to the families for your sacrifices, too.  May God bless you and keep you always.

Divine Lunacy Has a Melt Down

This weekend, I have been housesitting for my folks.  They have a dog, Ginger, that is 15 years old.  She doesn't see very well; she doesn't hear very well; her teeth are literally falling out of her head.  Everyday, I woke up thinking:  "Is she still in the land of the living?"  Friday night, I had to go out to my church to help with Communion set-up.  When I got home around 7:30ish, I found a couple of accidents on the floor:  poop and throw-up.  The poop was irksome and irritating; the throw-up was a bit more jolting.  Although a much smaller amount than the poop, it appeared to be quite bloody.  The next morning, Ginger wouldn't get out of her little kennel for about 1 hour.  When she finally emerged, she was shaky, disoriented, and very lethargic.  She has also been off her food quite a bit over the last couple of weeks.  I panicked.  I called my mom and I really thought that Ginger was not long for this world.  Mom said ok, but to call my sister so that I wouldn't be alone.  Thank goodness, Crystal was available.  She was calm, cool, and collected, as the saying goes.  She suggested that we take Ginger to the vet and have her examined, then the vet could give us an educated opinion on what to do.  We did.  Ginger's heart, lungs, and body temp were all normal, but the vet said she is obviously distressed.  She gave Ginger three injections for the runny stool, vomiting (although she only threw up once), and an antibiotic.  We brought her home and discussed what to do next.  So I kept an eye on her throughout the afternoon and evening, giving periodic updates to Mom and Crystal.  This morning, I noticed that she was trying to eat but just couldn't seem to take anything into her mouth.  I thought maybe some Ensure, like they give elderly people for extra nourishment.  Then I thought maybe some baby food.  I talked to Crystal and on her suggestion called the vet to ask.  The vet thought that was a great idea.  So I did.  And Ginger was finally able to eat.  She kept it down and I didn't have to take her with me to the vet's when I went to get her meds.  I don't like death watches and that's what this weekend has been:  a death watch.  I will be glad when I can go home and just take care of my stuff.  Anyway, I'm done ranting...for now.  Hope you all have a great week.  Oh, and by the way, How much is that doggy in the window?