Veteran's Day 2004

America the beautiful
May it always stay that way --
But to keep "Old Glory" flying
There's a price that we must pay...
For everything worth having
Demands work and sacrifice,
And freedom is a gift from God
That commands the highest price...
For all our wealth and progress
Are as worthless as can be
Without the faith that made us great
And kept our country free...
Nor can our nation hope to live
Unto itself alone,
For the problems of our neighbors
Must today become our own...
So in these times of crisis
Let us offer no resistance
In giving help to those who need
Our strength and our assistance --
And the stars and stripes forever
Will remain a symbol of
A rich and mighty nation
Built on faith and truth and love.

Helen Steiner Rice

 

May Your peace, O Jesus Christ, dwell within us, be expressed in our daily lives, and bring us closer to one another.  (Moravian Daily Texts 2001, 4 November)

May I be satisfied with enough.

Lord help me to keep my wits about me in every situation.  Help me to avoid doing things which make me less than You want me to be.  (Wisdom from the Bible, 5 November)

We thank You for the day that is before us, with its opportunities, its privileges, its unexpected pleasures, and its disappointments as well.  (God's Minute, 7 November)

From Billy Graham's "Unto the Hills" - 10 November

Abraham Lincoln said, "I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go.  My own wisdom, and that of all about me, seemed insufficient for the day."  (Billy Graham's comment.)  Would that our leadership were as humble today!

Some Authors and Books I Like

There are a number of authors whose books I have found particularly helpful.   Most of these books are designed for daily reading, with one page devoted to each day of the year.  Some of the books were written for people with substance abuse and codependency issues.  If you don't have these issues don't be put off from investigating the books.  The discussions of the Twelve Step philosophy found in these books can be very helpful to anyone who is working on self improvement.

Guideposts, The One Year Bible (TLB)

Iyanla Vanzant (Any book by this author.  Her books are written mostly for African American women.  There are two of her later books, which I am aware of, which are addressed to African American men.  No matter whether you fit the intended audience for the books or not they should work for anyone, that is to say, whenever she says "woman" just substitute "man" and where she mentions "race" just plug in your own ethnicity.  It works for me and I think it will work for you.)  I particularly like: Until Today!; Faith in the Valley; and Acts of Faith.  If you know anyone with relationship problems I recommend, In the Meantime.

Melody Beattie (Most books by this author.)  The Language of Letting Go; Codependents' Guide to the Twelve Steps

Norman Vincent Peale (Any book by this author)  Positive Thinking for Every Day of the Year

Hazelden Series (Any book in this series of daily devotion/meditation books.)  Food For Thought is particular good if you have problems with overeating or obesity.

H. Norman Wright, Quiet Times for Couples; Quiet Times for Parents

The One Year Book of Personal Prayer

The Catholic Church, Shorter Christian Prayer

John Baillie, (A small book with a page of  prayer for morning and evening of each day of the month.)  A Diary of Private Prayer

Oswald Chambers(A Christian classic), My Utmost for His Highest

William C. Creasy (He is the translator of this version of this Christian Classic.  There are other versions.  I found his translation to be easy to read and comprehend.)  The Imitation of Christ - A Timeless Classic for Contemporary Readers, written by Thomas 'a Kempis. 

John Baillie

Dear Father, take this day's life into Thine own keeping.  Control all my thoughts and feelings.  Direct all my energies.  Instrust my mind.  Sustain my will.  Take my hands and make them skilful to serve Thee.  Take my feet and make them swift to do Thy bidding.  Take my eyes and keep them fixed upon Thine everlasting beauty.  Take my mouth and make it eloquent in testimony to Thy love.  Make this day a day of obedience, a day of spiritual joy and peace.  Make this day's work a little part of the work of the Kingdom of my Lord Christ in whose name these my prayers are said.  Amen.  (A Diary of Daily Prayer, 9th day)

Isaiah 55:8-9

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my way," declares the Lord.  "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Almighty God, how glorious are my thoughts of You, for You are everywhere -- loving and caring for the minutest details of our lives!  (What Would Jesus Do? 8 November)