There are so many words that I can think of when I look at this picture…I am sure that you may have a few yourself!!
My Good Time Stories
Inspirational, Motivational, and Heartwarming Stories
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Photo Credit: Tapicure.com -
Photo Credit: Beverly & Pack via CC Flickr Memorial Day is a day observed by millions of people in the United States of America in remembrance of men and women who sacrificed their time, careers, and lives for their country. America is not the only country which honors their military…many countries around the world do the same in some fashion.
The history, rituals, and the customs of the United States Military has always fascinated and intrigues me. I hold in highest esteem and respect, all people who have sacrificed their time and/or their lives for their country.
A military tradition that has always been deeply moving to me, is watching the person of a fallen spouse or child, receive the folded American flag during a funeral ceremony.
I often wondered the story behind the folded flag. Why is it folded in that particular manner? What does each fold represent? What is the history behind it?
I recently read a short article on the internet site, Folds of Honor, which answered my questions. It is for this reason that I thought that this would be a great article to share with you. I hope that this story will enlighten and encourage your heart as much as it did mine!
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The folded flag has long been a dual symbol of sacrifice and the cost of freedom as well as hope and admiration for those defending our country. As we transition into using the folded American flag as the Folds of Honor logo, please take a moment to read what each of these folds represents:
The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.
The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks, and who gave a portion of his or her life for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.
The fourth fold represents our weaker nature; as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace, as well as in times of war, for His divine guidance.
The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right, but it is still our country, right or wrong.”
The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
The seventh fold is a tribute to our armed forces, for it is through the armed forces that we protect our country and our flag against all enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.
The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor our mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.
The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood, for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty, and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded.
The 10th fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since he or she was first born.
The 11th fold, in the eyes of Hebrew citizens, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
The 12th fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Ghost.
When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, “In God We Trust.”
After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it has the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under Gen. George Washington and the sailors and Marines who served under Capt. John Paul Jones and were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the U.S. Armed Forces, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today.
Have a Wonderful Memorial and that the ones who serve for us now and remember the ones who paid the ultimate price for the freedom that we can enjoy today!!
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This is a terrific video dedicated to moms. It is my hope that you enjoy it as much as I did!!
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Photo Credit: Steve Depolo via Flickr Every once in a while, I come across a story that renews my faith in miracles. The following true story is an example of how miracles just “don’t happen” but come from a higher being.
Tess was a precocious eight year old when she heard her Mom and Dad talking about her little brother, Andrew. All she knew was that he was very sick and they were completely out of money. They were moving to an apartment complex next month because Daddy didn’t have the money for the doctor bills and their house.
Only a very costly surgery could save him now and it was looking like there was no one to loan them the money. She heard Daddy say to her tearful Mother with whispered desperation,
“Only a miracle can save him now.”
Tess went to her bedroom and pulled a glass jelly jar from its hiding place in the closet. She poured all the change out on the floor and counted it carefully.
Three times, even. The total had to be exactly perfect. No chance here for mistakes. Carefully placing the coins back in the jar and twisting on the cap, she slipped out the back door and made her way 6 blocks to Rexall’s Drug Store with the Big Red Indian Chief sign above the door.
She waited patiently for the pharmacist to give her some attention but he was too busy at this moment. Tess twisted her feet to make a scuffing noise.
Nothing.
She cleared her throat with the most disgusting sound she could muster.
No good.
Finally she took a quarter from her jar and banged it on the glass counter.
That did it!
“And what do you want?” the pharmacist asked in an annoyed tone of voice.
“I’m talking to my brother from Chicago whom I haven’t seen in ages,” he said without waiting for a reply to his question.
“Well, I want to talk to you about my brother,” Tess answered back in the same annoyed tone.
“He’s really, really sick… and I want to buy a miracle.”
“I beg your pardon?” said the pharmacist.
“His name is Andrew and he has something bad growing inside his head and my Daddy says only a miracle can save him now. So how much does a miracle
cost?”
“We don’t sell miracles here, little girl. I’m sorry but I can’t help you, “the pharmacist said, softening a little.
“Listen, I have the money to pay for it. If it isn’t enough, I will get the rest. Just tell me how much it costs.”
The pharmacist’s brother was a well-dressed man. He stooped down and asked the little girl, “What kind of a miracle does your brother need?”
“I don’t know,” Tess replied with her eyes welling up. “I just know he’s really sick and Mommy says he needs an operation. But my Daddy can’t pay for it, so I want to use my money.
“How much do you have?” asked the man from Chicago.
“One dollar and eleven cents,” Tess answered barely audibly. “And it’s all the money I have, but I can get some more if I need to.
“Well, what a coincidence,” smiled the man. “A dollar and eleven cents—the exact price of a miracle for little brothers.” He took her money in one hand and with the other hand he grasped her mitten and said “Take me to where you live. I want to see your brother and meet your parents. Let’s see if I have the kind of miracle you need.”
That well dressed man was Dr. Carlton Armstrong, a surgeon, specializing in neuro-surgery. The operation was completed without charge and it wasn’t long until Andrew was home again and doing well.
Tess’s Mom and Dad were happily talking about the chain of events that had led them to this place. “That surgery, “her Mom whispered.” was a real miracle. I wonder how much it would have cost?”
Tess smiled. She knew exactly how much a miracle cost… one dollar and eleven cents …… plus the faith of a little child.
A miracle is not the suspension of natural law, but the operation of a higher law!
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There is nothing better than “man’s best friend” when they are “taking care” of our kids. Hope this little video makes you smile and allows you to have a great day!
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Photo Credit: Dowellbaumsinzambiablogspot.com Every person in the world has their own individual story. Many times this story of the life may turn out being something that we never knew anything about. Sometimes, we don’t REALLY know what makes a person “tick” because of something that they may have experienced at some point of their life.
Why do I say this? Because sometimes we judge and create opinions about someone without even knowing them. We really should make it a goal each day not to judge people before we truly know them.
The truth might surprise you.
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A few years ago, a 24 year old boy seeing out from the train’s window shouted…
“Dad, look the trees are going behind us!”
As his Dad smiled, a young couple sitting nearby, looked at the 24 year old’s childish behavior with pity, when suddenly he again exclaimed…
“Dad, look the clouds are running with us!”
The couple couldn’t resist and said to the old man…
“Why don’t you take your son to see a good doctor?”
The old man smiled and said…
“I did and we are just coming from the hospital, my son was blind from birth and he just got his eyes today.”
Remember: Don’t judge people before you truly know them. The truth might surprise you.—————-
Source:rishikajain.com
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Photo Credit: Robert via Pxleyes.com Sometimes a picture really does speak a thousand words. I wonder what this little angel is thinking…
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Photo Credit: Cliff via CC Flickr We can’t help everyone but everyone can help someone. ~ Ronald Reagan
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Photo Credit: Wibowo Rusli via CC Flickr As most of you know by now, I love finding all kinds of stories, quotes, pictures or short pieces of wisdom to share with you. It is in this spirit that I hope you enjoy today’s words of wisdom!
WHO: You are is what makes you special. Don’t change for anyone!
WHAT: Lies ahead will always be a mystery. Do not be afraid to explore.
WHEN: Life pushes you over, you push back harder
WHERE: There are choices to make, make the one that you won’t regret
WHY: Things happen will never be certain. Take it in stride and mover forward.
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Live Well. Laugh Long Love Much
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Photo Credit: Shad Bollin via CC Flickr I once heard a fantastic, short story which gave me a perspective on life that I still use to this day. As in one of my previous blogs “The Garbage Truck Principle”, I enjoy sharing things that I feel may help other people. It is again my hope that today’s posting will, in some way; help you or someone you know, look at life from a different point of view.
One day, many years ago, one of the richest men in the world decided to take the wise man of a village on a hike to the top of one of the tallest mountains. After packing up their supplies and hiking for several days, they finally reached the peak.
The rich man, filled with pride, smugness, and conceit, pointed all around him then said to the wise man, “look around you as far as you can.” “Look to the west, then to the east, the north and south.” “Everything that you see, I own.” “I have spent my entire life acquiring more wealth and riches than any other person in the world.” “Do you see that huge flock of cattle over there?” as he motioned his hand down to the valley. “They are mine” he gloated. “Do you see all of the cities down there scattered around the countryside? I own them too.” “I have more riches and treasures than anyone could ever know!”
The rich man then looked directly into the wise man’s eyes and asked the old man, “and where are your riches and treasures?”
The quiet old wise man then smiled and simply pointed up to the sky and said, “THAT is where my treasure is stored!”
Folks, we all need to understand that while having money and other nice things in life are good to have but they are not the most important things. You see, the most important things in life are not the things that you see but the things that you don’t see. The focus in our lives should not be in how many things that we can get, how much money we earn, or other material items we own…they should be on the stuff we can’t perceive…like how we act and treat others, love our family and friends, and worship God.
We should always strive to lay up our treasures with God for someday, if we remain faithful, He will be the one that will honor us for entrusting Him with our hopes and treasures. Why? Because every man is mortal. It was once said that we will leave this earth the same way we entered it. In other words, we came into the world with nothing and will leave it with nothing. The most important things will be where we decide to store our treasures and what our legacies will be to our loved ones.
Where have you been storing your TRUE riches, treasures, and wealth? If you are like the wise man, you will know where it should go!
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Photo Credit: Unknown There is nothing sweeter than a child and their friend. Friends forever!
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Photo Credit: P. Gordon via CC Flickr There are many kinds of people that we come in contact with each day. Some people have encouraging, positive, and happy personalities, some have quiet and soothing behaviors, while still others, have just plain mean, nasty, and miserable people.
Personally, I am the kind of person that enjoys helping, encouraging, and uplifting others. Nothing “makes my day” more than making someone smile or going out of my way to hold a door open for someone, cutting someone’s lawn, or, believe it or not, pay for an anonymous person’s meal or their food at the check out line in a supermarket. Why? Because it makes me happy…it brings me joy…it’s the strength of what I do.
You may be wondering why I am revealing these thoughts with you. The reason is simple…I would like to share a principle, a theory with you that I once heard, that affected the way that I react when certain people “lose their cool.” It’s called the “Garbage Truck Principle.”
The “Garbage Truck Principle” goes something like this… there are some people in today’s world that are like Garbage Trucks. They are filled with all kinds of “garbage”, anger, resentment, rage, hatred and other poisonous feelings. They fill themselves with all kinds of trash until they can’t take any more. The result? They look for something or someone to dump their trash onto. These individuals “explode” by yelling, screaming, shouting, or displaying hurtful actions towards others.
There are a couple of ways to deal with the “Garbage Trucks” which will help us stay positive and prevent them from robbing us of the joy we have. First, don’t allow these negative people to dump the trash on you. When you meet a person that is filled with these poisonous emotions, avoid them. Don’t react to them by what you say or do…just ignore them and move on. Remember, they are looking for a place to dump their trash. Second, be mentally strong. Make up and prepare your mind in advance when you do come across a Garbage Truck, you will not allow them to steal your joy. You will not allow them to take control of your actions or emotions. You have better things to do with your life than to waste it on these people. Remember, you are not a garbage dump. You are special, one-of-a-kind person, that was put on this earth to be an encouragement and help towards others.
Lastly, don’t become a garbage truck! Don’t allow the negative experiences and hurtful things in life make you bitter, angry, and resentful. Turn your negative thoughts into positive ones. Instead of seeing what people can do for you…change your thinking…”what can I DO for others?” You will find your life will be more fulfilling and meaningful.
Remember…Don’t Be A Garbage Truck!!
My Good Time Stories 