The young Black man stood against the backdrop of Trinity United Methodist Church on Robertsville Road in the late afternoon. Jefferson Avenue stretched across the way. It was the summer of 1963 and the picketers had gathered again outside the MultiMatic Laundry at the end of the West Mall and Market Area in Jefferson Center. Their goal: integrate the laundromat.
Are you too busy to be blessed this Christmas? In all the hurry and scurry, it’s possible to find yourself lonely and lost in a crowd.
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head. They sought shelter, but there was no room in the inn. Jesus wants to shelter in our hearts. Is there room within?
It’s easy to miss the journey en route to the destination—to overlook or brush aside the little things, the simple things.
Sometimes in the midst of all the crazy tug of war and the growing pains I wonder what my kids are thinking. What memories do they have of growing up? So, I was blessed to overhear a conversation between my daughters about a little boy they babysit sometimes. Here it is: “He’s got a great personality. But I just want to take him and mold him—give him my childhood. I want to take him to the library and make him sit there and read for hours!” I’m so glad we have those memories. We were the only ones with a book bag with wheels at the time and we always had library fines; still do. I often fell asleep reading my children bedtime stories.
Anna Lisa my little bow legged ballerina has turned into a beauty. Her name means bountiful and gracious or graceful—and she is. It doesn’t seem that long ago that she was popping the heads off her Barbie dolls, and then she graduated to lopping chicken heads off on a Kenyan mission trip.
“Mom,” she said. “ I’m late because on my way home there was a pick-up truck in front of me filled with dirt and it smelled like Africa—so I didn’t take my turn. I followed it for awhile just so I could smell it.”
One evening she stood sobbing in the living room after a really rough day as summer camp unit director. “Anna,” her father said, “You don’t have to work there. You could get a job at another camp where the kids are easier to deal with.”
“But I don’t want to quit. I love it there.” she said as tears streamed down her face.
Sometimes those little things aren’t so little—like taking your kids to the library. Like the smell of Kenyan dirt and how the simple smile of a little child can light the darkest place.
The Bible says, if any man thinks he stands, take heed lest he fall. What it doesn’t specify is that you’re stupid if you don’t wear flip flops when cleaning the shower, which I always do. Except for when I didn’t so I slipped and went, “kaboom!” in the cleaner called Kaboom. And then my shoulder went ka-pop, and our bank account went kaput. Then I did the math. It’s actually cheaper to hire a maid to clean my entire house—Continue reading “Kaboom!”
This post is to alert you to the new European Union (EU) General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) policy which goes into effect on May 25th 2018. These changes in data collection and protection affect how subscribers to my website, Tattoo It On Your Heart, at tattooitonyourheart.com receive my blog posts via email. This is of primary importance to those who subscribe in order to receive Tattoo It On Your Heart blog posts by email, but it’s also relevant for WordPress account followers and for those who wish to subscribe to receive any future notifications, newsletters, or other offers or downloads from, my website and/or by email.
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I received the following messages from a friend who is a teacher. She wishes to remain anonymous.
TEACHER: Texting you this… Need people to help remind me why I teach when I’m having bad days.
Teaching is one of the hardest jobs. You rarely ever get kudos. You mostly hear what you are doing wrong.
So, in those rare moments when the smoke clears, and you see what truly matters, and you see the little things you do, and the impact they can have, that is the gold you have to hold on to—or you will quit.
*Per request, I have re-posted this article from 2017 in honor of #TeacherAppreciationDay and #TeacherAppreciationWeek Please take the time to encourage teachers, not just this week, but throughout the year.
So Far Today:
I comforted and prayed with a teacher who just had a miscarriage.
I’m standing in the hallway welcoming students, hustling the stragglers to class. Glancing in my classroom, I realize one of my boys is crying. I motion him to come into the hall and he tells me his aunt died from a stroke last night. We talk, I give him a hug and help him grieve. He gives me permission to share with the class. His friends quickly change seats and circle him. No talking or touching; they are middle school boys after all. They support him by just being there. They take out paper and write notes of encouragement—without any prompting. #proud #whyiteach
All before 9:30am.
11:20am Update
Another student running up and down the hallway screaming and crying. Counselor trying to help. He refuses… I step into the hallway, take his hands, have him take deep breaths with me to calm him down so he can talk to the counselor without screaming. #whyiteach
Teaching is never about the subject you are teaching. It’s about showing compassion, how to grieve, process anger, express joy. So much emptiness and anger in my students— they just don’t know how to handle life. Happy that I can be here to help them.
Remind me of this when I’m having a really bad day.
Anyone who becomes a teacher because they want kids to learn a subject is missing a huge piece of teaching. I went into teaching because I want to teach children how to successfully live their lives, process emotion, and become productive people. The subject I teach has so little to do with what I really do.
“When will I use this?” they say. (Algebra, science, etc..)
The answer is: “Who really cares? Will you remember that I taught you compassion when your classmate’s aunt died, that I held your hands when you just couldn’t take another step, that I told you I care about you?”
And yes, of course, I’ll give you another chance when you screw up yet again in my class, because this is #whyiteach.
Update 1:00 pm
Two boys try to fight in my classroom. Calmed them down and talked to them. One of the boys tells me he’s not really mad at the other kid. He just watched his dad get arrested and he’s really upset… Sigh. #whyIteach
At lunch, the boy whose aunt died comes up to me. “I’m doing better,” he says quietly, and dashes away.
Last Block:
The boy who was crying and screaming in the hallway comes to class. He’s smiling now, and we’re just figuring it all out. It’s a good day. #whyiteach
I know I could get a job in a better district. My family asks me why I stay all the time.
“Who’s going to teach them if I don’t?” I reply.
“Someone will,” they say.
“But will they care about them? Will they pray over their desks? Will they cry over them? Will they love them?”
I can’t walk away from these kids. Many of them don’t have adults that truly care. They are used to being thrown away, adults not sticking with them. I can’t be one of those people. Teaching is a calling, not a job. I have to teach them how to be cared for and to care for one another, to create community in the classroom. Once I’ve done this, and only then, can I actually teach them any academic content with success. This usually takes a few months to establish.
I have to teach them, I don’t know if someone else will care for them like I do. #whyiteach
A Few Weeks Later:
TEACHER: Why do I teach again? My head hurts, my neck aches…
RACHAEL: Because it matters—maybe for eternity for some of your students. Even though you don’t see it now.
Because they need you even when they don’t want you.
Because you may be the only love, the only Jesus, some will see today and over the next few months.
Because you have to. It’s your calling. #makeadifference #youmatter
Because it costs more to quit than to carry on. #whyyouteach
Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37 NKJV
And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength
is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my
infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2nd Corinthians 12:9 NKJV
It has come to my attention that those who read my post entitled, Herald, and also, What #BillyGraham Meant to Me, and perhaps prior posts, in their emails rather than on my website, may not have realized that several of what appeared to be still photos are actually videos. If you click out from the email to read my posts on my website, there are arrows on the photos which indicate that they are videos. Apparently that doesn’t show in emails. I am so sorry I didn’t catch this sooner.
Also, the black box that says, Tattoo It On Your Heart, mid way through Herald is a podcast, (audio with music and sound effects and me reading my poem, He is Risen).
In my Billy Graham post, there was no text with the link in the videos listed under Resources, so some may have mistook those for still photos as well. I did include a text link for the videos included in my actual Billy Graham story, as I usually do in all my posts, but I did not under Resources. Hopefully those who read my post in their emails noticed the links to those videos and all the others in prior posts.
To avoid these issues in the future and so you don’t miss out on any announcements, promotions, updates to posts, or content in the sidebar and other pages on my website, I will be changing the settings for posts received via email. In the future when you receive my posts by email, they will only include an excerpt of the post with a request that you. “Click here to continue reading this post.” This will take you out to my site which will give you access to the most updated version of my post and site and to resources on the other pages. I plan to add a Q&A and a Resources feature to my site soon.
Until I make these changes, please click the title of my posts in your email as that will also take you out of the email to my site to read posts.
*If you read my prior post, What #BillyGraham Meant to me, you may have noticed my whopper of a typo. If so, sorry about that. I’ve corrected it. Must be that staying up writing until 3 o’clock in the morning makes for a fuzzy brain. If you didn’t catch my error—whew! 😉
Why do we let our finite problems eclipse our infinite God?
Why do we limit the possibilities
When we have access to a limitless God?
He is unsearchable
Yet He calls us to know Him
The more I know Him
The less I feel I know
There is always more
He is fathomless
All encompassing goodness and grace
I have tasted of the wine of His Word and will
And I want more of Him
Nothing else satisfies
Nothing ever will
Morning Song
Jesus, You captivate me.
Your love overwhelms me.
Your majesty is brighter than the noonday sun.
Your splendor outshines the stars.
I am undone.
You are my everything, my all in all.
My Savior. My friend,
My God.
Did you miss last year’s Valentine’s post? Or perhaps you need to be reminded of some of it again. I do. Often. Here it is:
Built to Last Not a Hollywood Romance
The plan was for me to read the scripture, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, at my brother’s wedding, and sit back down. But that’s not what happened…Sometimes this is what happens when I put pen to paper and God starts speaking. Sometimes this is what happens when you give me a microphone…
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1 Corinthians 13:4 (NLT)
You will notice the scripture doesn’t say, “love is a feeling.” That’s because it isn’t. Love has feelings, but it is a choice and an action. Love is first a proper noun, because God is love. But then Love became a verb, an action…
“So, are you the romantic type?” someone asked me recently. Romance, for me, may look a little different than the picture culture and Hollywood paints…
A Story
The fury of the snowy night downed power lines and enveloped all. They settled into the couch as the story played across the screen. Winter’s icy fingers pressed against the window panes… Continued here: Built to Last Not a Hollywood Romance
Speaking of romance, Here’s some more:
Romancing the Rock
Imagine a date where you showed up, tossed a list of what you wanted from your date at them, and then left without even partaking of the meal.
Do you know what “I’m busy right now, God,” means? It’s saying “There is something more important right now than receiving what you have to say to me, God.” And there isn’t. Ever. We need… Continued Here: Romancing the Rock
ForGodsolovedtheworld that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 (NKJV)
I’d like to invite you to read about our young friend, Alek’s, battle against Lymes disease. Please consider sharing on your social media and with friends, family and co-workers.
*Matching funds on new donations from February 1st- February 14th! Link to read his story or donate toward his ongoing treatment. the information on Lymes disease in this article by his mom is a good education on the disease and may be helpful to others battling it or with undiagnosed similar symptoms:
Lazy rays of afternoon sunlight stretched across the beach, the relentless waves strewing shell and stone along the shoreline. I bent for a beautiful shell partially buried in the whirl of sea and sand. Disappointed to find it broken, I flung it back into the angry waters. As it left my hand, the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart.
“Aren’t you glad Jesus doesn’t treat you like that?”
Jesus walks through the sea of humanity, intentionally seeking the broken, the flawed, the less than perfect. He sets out to rescue and redeem the lost, those battered, even shipwrecked, by the storms of life. Sometimes, through no fault of our own, life beats us, leaves us breathless, lying on the ground. Other times we reap the consequences of our poor decisions. Regardless, we can cast ourselves, our cares, and sin, at Jesus’ feet.
Jesus, perfection personified, gave Himself to bring us to Himself. There’s no need to bury our brokenness or feel condemned because of it. Nothing is hidden from Him. God is not impressed with an act, or rote religious dialogue. When we allow Jesus to uncover our shortfalls and sin, we find shelter and safety. He covers us in His grace, forgiveness, and righteousness. Life can leave us worn and weary, off course and in need of direction. Jesus’ invites to us to come as we are so He can make us into who He created us to be. He knows us, sees us, and loves us anyway. He will not cast us away but welcomes a contrite heart and our honest, uncensored prayers for help.
He loves you too. Do you need to be found?
The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit. Psalms 34:18 (NKJV)
I can give Jesus my sin, myself, and what I’m not meant to bear. He carries me when I can’t walk on my own.
Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NLT)
All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out. John 6:37 (NASB)
I want You, Jesus
I want all of You
Have all of me
Thy will be done
Have Your way in me
You fulfill me
But I am not satisfied
Empty me
Fill me
Teach me your ways
Oh God, I want to know You
You are my sustenance
My life, my breath, my strength
My friend
My God.
“For you are a holy people to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth. Deuteronomy 7:6 (NKJV)
“I joined the military because I’m answering my calling.” – U.S. Army serviceman
There is no less than or better than in God’s eyes- just obedience or disobedience to God and the tasks He has called us to. There are no insignificant tasks when we are doing what God has called us to. What are you called to do? Then do that.
Only 2 of the 50 people I asked, knew that the third Saturday of May is designated as Armed Services Day. I didn’t know either until I read Dr. Nichols’s article. However, someone did inform me that May fourth was Star Wars Day. Can we please fix this?
***The quotes in blue dispersed throughout this post are from active duty members of our military who I had the privilege of interviewing this weekend.
“After college I couldn’t find a job. My Father was an Army reservist and encouraged me. My Grandfather was a World War II Navy veteran.” -active duty U.S Air force, 14 years
“I thought why not be the first to serve in my family?”
“It‘s stable. Good pay.” -U.S. Army, Served in Kuwait twice
“I was in a rut and in need of a way out. I felt the military was a good way out- schooling, job. -U.S. Army
”I Joined because I wanted to do something better with myself.” -Retired, U.S. Air Force, 20 yrs. (Still volunteers for events)
President Harry S. Truman led the effort to establish a single holiday for citizens to come together and thank our military members for their patriotic service in support of our country.
On August 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy and Air Force Days. The single-day celebration stemmed from the unification of the Armed Forces under one department — the U. S. Department of Defense.
“They, (American civilians), think Otis Air Force base is closed. They don’t know there is still a war. “ -U.S. Air force
“We do our duty. Be supportive of the military. Some towns locally don’t show support of us. When they see us it’s like, “What are you doing here?” I’d like to see more parades, and events like this, (Troops in the Spotlight), to be more a part of the culture. -U.S. Army
How can we help you?
“Many Americans don’t understand our military. There is a gap between civilians and the military. People ask, most don’t know we are still at war. In World War II there was a shared sacrifice with civilians. They participated in the war effort, to meet the needs. We need civilians to educate themselves and participate.” -U.S. Army
“Remember we are serving. Serving here is just as important as serving overseas.We have jobs, we volunteer in the community- training personnel to deploy, helping with school, with storm support, the Red Cross, the Boston marathon, communications.” -U.S. Air Force
“I never really thought about it. I get treated well. Show support- like atTroops in the Spotlight.” – U.S. Army
“Be an American. Show your support, like you’re doing now. Appreciate the benefits of the U.S. being your home. Take care of it. America needs to come first. Just be a civilian and do the best you can.”
“I could say more benefits, or that some things need to be fixed with the VA… but what we really need is unity. Have your differences. You’re an immigrant…Welcome- but you are an American now. Be one nation.”
~~~*~~~
Belgium, WWII
He was only 19 as he and his fellow soldiers of the 104th Infantry Division “Timberwolves” fought to the north of where the Battle of the Bulge waged. The cold, wet conditions in December 1944 made it all the more miserable and David and many of the men suffered from trench foot as a result.
They pressed toward the Nazi army as shots rang out. Suddenly, in the exchange of fire a bullet found its target and an American soldier fell and lay wounded in the space between them and the enemy.
David ran across the open field, dodging the volley of ammunition raining down on them from the enemy. As he carried his fellow soldier back to their unit a bullet ripped through David’s leg.
David lay recovering from his wound in the hospital in Belgium, grateful to be alive, and that he had managed to save the soldier’s life. But he longed for home. His thoughts drifted to his younger sister, Jean, and the sweet sound of her singing as she played Christmas carols on the family piano in the parlor. David picked up his pen and began to draw.
“The sacrifice of being away from my family is the hardest. The births, funerals, birthdays I miss. When my niece asked why I wasn’t at her birthday…when you come home and kids don’t recognize you, don’t know you. It’s hard not being there for my family, but those people I’m not there for- are the reason why I’m gone. I’m doing this for them, to take care of them. So, by being away, I am there for them.” – U.S. Army
“The hardest thing is being away from my family. I have friends serving overseas.”
The good soldier fights for freedom, righteousness & securing an ordinary peaceful life and opportunity for his people. Those fulfilling wholesome occupations are part of a soldier’s reward which he can look forward to coming home to. Do your secular duty in light of the trust you have received as citizens of our great nation, and if you are a Christian, as ambassadors for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
“God, I pray for your grace to enable us to raise our families, appreciate our freedoms, care for our countrymen and nation and live our lives in such a manner that is worthy of the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform.”
“Those citizens who are doing their best- We appreciate it.” -U.S. Army
What bothers you?
“Staying up all night.”
“The PC. Why is there any such thing as politically correct?”
“When I ask for the military discount and they ask for my husband’s ID. I’m the service person.”
“Recognize women in the military. People ask about us being harassed in the military. I get harassed by those not in the military.”
“I have lost two friends in combat.”
“Most American citizens aren’t aware servicemen died today in combat. Do they know their names?”
Do you have concerns about our military?
“Not at all, right now.”
“No concerns. Everything is a cycle. What goes up will come down and what is down will come up.”
“Drill instructors aren’t tough enough today on recruits.”
“I’m concerned the military has gotten a little soft.”
“The definition of hazing has gone too far.”
“Now there is more paperwork. The military used to be more physical. You can’t engage the enemy with paper.”
“We need to toughen up the military.”
“We hope they don’t shut down more bases. This is how we support our families. This is our job. This is who we are. This is what we do” -U.S. Air Force
“It is what it is. I don’t get caught up in the possibilities, the threats. I knew what I was getting into when I signed up.”
~~*~~
Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)
In 1866, following the Civil War, a women’s memorial association in Columbus, Mississippi, decorated the graves of both Confederate and Union soldiers with flowers. This benevolent gesture inspired the poem “The Blue and the Grey,” by Francis Miles Finch.
On May 5th, 1868, Union hero Maj. Gen. John A. Logan, who was also the Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, issued General Order Number 11, designating May 30 as a day of memorial, originally known as Decoration Day, “for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land.”
With President Ulysses Grant presiding, General James A. Garfield, (who later became 20th president of the united States in 1881), delivered the speech at the first national Memorial Day observance which took place on May 30th 1868, with a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, the ground of which was formerly the estate of Confederate General Robert E. Lee and his wife.
Memorial Day was later expanded to honor all deceased American military men and women who gave their lives defending our nation in battle. In 1971, federal law moved the observance of Memorial day to the last Monday in May.
Today Memorial Day is observed at Arlington National Cemetery by decorating each grave with an American flag and placing a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. In other military cemeteries, flags are placed on the graves of all veterans and even on their spouse’s graves on Memorial Day.
General James A. Garfield’s Speech, known as “His finest hour,” given at the first national Memorial Day:
I am oppressed with a sense of the impropriety of uttering words on this occasion. If silence is ever golden, it must be here beside the graves of fifteen thousand men, whose lives were more significant than speech, and whose death was a poem, the music of which can never be sung. With words we make promises, plight faith, praise virtue… Click to continue
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. -Edmund Burke
In issues of morality, there is no neutral ground.
Do you have concerns about our country?
“The way kids are being brought up. They don’t respect authority and only want to play games. I think they should all serve two years in the military after high school.”
“Taking away gun rights doesn’t stop the bad guys. We need rules and regulations. But you need the right to defend yourself.” -U.S. Air Force
“There’s no respect.”
“Children today have no respect for authority.”
“People don’t have respect for authority, for each other, the military, our country.”
“It’s horrible how people treat our police officers.” -U.S. Army
“The situation in the nation between citizens, the youth, and police officers.” -U.S. Air Force
“We need more enlistments.” -U.S. Army
“I’m concerned about the disconnect. Less than 1% of the population carry the burden of serving in our military.” U.S. Army
“Be aware. Isis is everywhere. They are here. Living on your street.” -U.S Air Force
We are either aiding the advancement of evil, or good. Doing nothing to stop evil when you are able, is aiding it.
War is a terrible thing, but sometimes it is necessary to wage war in order to win peace.
But the greatest danger is always present- war or not. The jeopardy of the man precariously perched on the edge of Hell waiting for someone to deliver the life & eternal life saving message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
I would be remiss to not draw attention to the most epic battle ever waged- the one for our souls. Jesus fought to rescue you from the grip of Satan’s tyranny so you don’t have to live captive to your sin, your sorrow, your past, or circumstance.
You wouldn’t step into battle unprepared. You shouldn’t step into eternity unprepared.
“I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” John 10:11 (NASB)
Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.John 15:13 (NASB)
We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.1 John 3:16 (NASB)
I am concerned that we are divided. Realize what we as a nation are about: United- one nation. Represent your flag. We need understanding, to accept and respect each other. Out of many one people.
Have your culture; have your heritage. Be proud of your heritage, but we are all Americans. E Pluribus Unim; out of many, one. We are Americans first. -U.S. Army serviceman (Twice deployed to Afghanistan) -U.S. Army
Link to video of:The Star Spangled Banner (with lyrics) Performed by Sandi Patti with the original lyrics written by Francis Scott Key in 1814 and added verse composed by Claire Cloninger for the Statue of Liberty Centennial Celebration in 1986.
In grateful acknowledgement of all American military personnel who have served and are currently serving in our United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard. Thank you for your service.
“God, may our hearts hold our American military and their families in grateful honor and prayer and let us demonstrate our love and support for them, not just on designated days, but always.”
The connection between poppies and the military:
The poem, In Flander’s Fields, written by Canadian officer and surgeon John McCrae in 1915 during World War I, is responsible for the red poppy’s rise of popularity and subsequent adoption as a symbol of remembrance. By 1917, In Flanders Fields, was shared throughout the English speaking world and used to bring attention to the war effort, recruit American soldiers, and help raise money for the troops. It became one of history’s most famous wartime poems.
American Involvement in Wars from Colonial Times to the Present
Dates
War in Which American Colonists or
United States Citizens Officially Participated
Major Combatants
July 4, 1675 –
August 12, 1676
King Philip’s War
New England Colonies vs. Wampanoag, Narragansett, and Nipmuck Indians
1689-1697
King William’s War
The English Colonies vs. France
1702-1713
Queen Anne’s War (War of Spanish Succession)
The English Colonies vs. France
1744-1748
King George’s War (War of Austrian Succession)
The French Colonies vs. Great Britain
1756-1763
French and Indian War(Seven Years War)
The French Colonies vs. Great Britain
1759-1761
Cherokee War
English Colonists vs. Cherokee Indians
1775-1783
American Revolution
English Colonists vs. Great Britain
1798-1800
Franco-American Naval War
United States vs. France
1801-1805; 1815
Barbary Wars
United States vs. Morocco, Algiers, Tunis, and Tripoli
1812-1815
War of 1812
United States vs. Great Britain
1813-1814
Creek War
United States vs. Creek Indians
1836
War of Texas Independence
Texas vs. Mexico
1846-1848
Mexican-American War
United States vs. Mexico
1861-1865
U.S. Civil War
Union vs. Confederacy
1898
Spanish-American War
United States vs. Spain
1914-1918
World War I
Triple Alliance: Germany, Italy, and Austria-Hungary vs. Triple Entente: Britain, France, and Russia. The United States joined on the side of the Triple Entente in 1917.
1939-1945
World War II
Axis Powers: Germany, Italy, Japan vs. Major Allied Powers: United States, Great Britain, France, and Russia
1950-1953
Korean War
United States (as part of the United Nations) and South Korea vs. North Korea and Communist China
1960-1975
Vietnam War
United States and South Vietnam vs. North Vietnam
1961
Bay of Pigs Invasion
United States vs. Cuba
1983
Grenada
United States Intervention
1989
US Invasion of Panama
United States vs. Panama
1990-1991
Persian Gulf War
United States and Coalition Forces vs. Iraq
1995-1996
Intervention in Bosnia and Herzegovina
United States as part of NATO acted peacekeepers in former Yugoslavia
2001
Invasion of Afghanistan
United States and Coalition Forces vs. the Taliban regime in Afghanistan to fight terrorism.
It’s easy to miss the journey en route to the destination—to overlook or brush aside the little things, the simple things.
I’m so glad we have those memories. We were the only ones with a book bag with wheels at the time and we always had library fines; still do. I often fell asleep reading my children bedtime stories. 
The Bible says, if any man thinks he stands, take heed lest he fall. What it doesn’t specify is that you’re stupid if you don’t wear flip flops when cleaning the shower, which I always do. Except for when I didn’t so I slipped and went, “kaboom!” in the cleaner called Kaboom. And then my shoulder went ka-pop, and our bank account went kaput. 
email, but I’m asking that you kindly consider sharing my website with others. It is a privilege and joy to write for God and for you. 🙂
Why do we let our finite problems eclipse our infinite God?
Built to Last Not a Hollywood Romance
war effort, to meet the needs. We need civilians to educate themselves and participate.” -U.S. Army
ver really thought about it. I get treated well. Show support- like at
Tattoo It On Your Heart 