A Day At The Beach

A walk on one fine day.

His Everlasting Goodness.

During July of 2012, we were driving home in our camper from a great couple of days with friends. Suddenly, our camper was giving us problems. Well, I don't like to be on the side of the road, so I began praying. After waiting for a couple of hours, we were able to resume driving and headed home safely. On the way home, we saw such an incredible sunset that my brother and I had to capture what our eyes were seeing. God reminded me that He is the creator, in control and watches over His people at all times. I felt a reassurance as I watched His handiwork in the sky. Only He could grant me a beautiful sunset after praying for His help with a malfunctioning camper hours away from home. 

2 More RSDG

Traditional Celtic Medley - Spirit of the Glen - Journey - The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards.

Traditional  Dawning  Of  The  Day  -  Spirit  of  the  Glen  -  Journey  -  The  Royal Scots Dragoon Guards

A Fun Trip

Past October, we went to a lovely wedding. On the drive home, I took these pictures and had fun experimenting with taking pictures through the window of a moving car.

The Piano Guys - Hymn

Nearer My God to Thee (for 9 cellos) - ThePianoGuys

Royal Scots Dragoon Guards

Amazing Grace

Auld Lang Syne

Abide With Me

A letter by Sullivan Ballou in 1861

Askokan Farewell by Jay Ungar

A letter by Sullivan Ballou

Below is the complete letter that Sullivan Ballou wrote to his wife Sarah.

July the 14th, 1861

Washington D.C.

My very dear Sarah:

The indications are very strong that we shall move in a few days—perhaps tomorrow. Lest I should not be able to write you again, I feel impelled to write lines that may fall under your eye when I shall be no more.

Our movement may be one of a few days duration and full of pleasure—and it may be one of severe conflict and death to me. Not my will, but thine O God, be done. If it is necessary that I should fall on the battlefield for my country, I am ready. I have no misgivings about, or lack of confidence in, the cause in which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or falter. I know how strongly American Civilization now leans upon the triumph of the Government, and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and suffering of the Revolution. And I am willing—perfectly willing—to lay down all my joys in this life, to help maintain this Government, and to pay that debt.

But, my dear wife, when I know that with my own joys I lay down nearly all of yours, and replace them in this life with cares and sorrows—when, after having eaten for long years the bitter fruit of orphanage myself, I must offer it as their only sustenance to my dear little children—is it weak or dishonorable, while the banner of my purpose floats calmly and proudly in the breeze, that my unbounded love for you, my darling wife and children, should struggle in fierce, though useless, contest with my love of country.

Sarah, my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me to you with mighty cables that nothing but Omnipotence could break; and yet my love of Country comes over me like a strong wind and bears me irresistibly on with all these chains to the battlefield.

The memories of the blissful moments I have spent with you come creeping over me, and I feel most gratified to God and to you that I have enjoyed them so long. And hard it is for me to give them up and burn to ashes the hopes of future years, when God willing, we might still have lived and loved together and seen our sons grow up to honorable manhood around us. I have, I know, but few and small claims upon Divine Providence, but something whispers to me—perhaps it is the wafted prayer of my little Edgar—that I shall return to my loved ones unharmed. If I do not, my dear Sarah, never forget how much I love you, and when my last breath escapes me on the battlefield, it will whisper your name.

Forgive my many faults, and the many pains I have caused you. How thoughtless and foolish I have often been! How gladly would I wash out with my tears every little spot upon your happiness, and struggle with all the misfortune of this world, to shield you and my children from harm. But I cannot. I must watch you from the spirit land and hover near you, while you buffet the storms with your precious little freight, and wait with sad patience till we meet to part no more.

But, O Sarah! If the dead can come back to this earth and flit unseen around those they loved, I shall always be near you; in the brightest day and in the darkest night—amidst your happiest scenes and gloomiest hours—always, always; and if there be a soft breeze upon your cheek, it shall be my breath; or the cool air fans your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by.

Sarah, do not mourn me dead; think I am gone and wait for me, for we shall meet again.

As for my little boys, they will grow as I have done, and never know a father's love and care. Little Willie is too young to remember me long, and my blue-eyed Edgar will keep my frolics with him among the dimmest memories of his childhood. Sarah, I have unlimited confidence in your maternal care and your development of their characters. Tell my two mothers his and hers I call God's blessing upon them. O Sarah, I wait for you there! Come to me, and lead thither my children.

Sullivan

DON'T SCREAM

Now, say truthfully did you feel just a bit uneasy and had to look?

Found this as a blog button and it makes you think.

!!!!Happy New Year!!!!

2014

A New Year's Plea

Lord, let me stand in the thick of the fight,
Let me bear what I must without whining;
Grant me the wisdom to do what is right,
Though a thousand false beacons are shining.

Let me be true as the steel of a blade,
Make me bigger than skillful or clever;
Teach me to cling to my best, unafraid,
And harken to false gospels, never.

Let me be brave when the burden is great,
Faithful when wounded by sorrow;
Teach me, when troubled, with patience to wait
The better and brighter to-morrow.

Spare me from hatred and envy and shame,
Open my eyes to life's beauty;
Let not the glitter of fortune or fame
Blind me to what is my duty.

Let me be true to myself to the end,
Let me stand to my task without whining;
Let me be right as a man, as a friend,
Though a thousand false beacons are shining.

                                                                        Edgar Albert Guest

With my Lord, may I reflect His light, ways, living by His word faithfully in all I do, say, think and be.  And He answered and said, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength, and love your neighbor as yourself.  Luke 10:27