Who am I? A wife for almost 40 years. A mom for over 36 years. A sister and a friend, of course. Each of these help describe me. But, even more, I have been a Christian since accepting Him as my Savior when I was 12 years old and, this truth defines each area of my life. I have enjoyed some mountain top experiences but have been through some very deep valleys as well. Valleys of incredible grief and even pits of depression. However, most of my days are ordinary, routine kind of days. But in every one of my days, God has been faithful. He has walked with me whatever the day. He strengthens, comforts, encourages and blesses me with life "most abundant."

A favorite life verse: The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

Why do I write? Though not quite as private as my dad, I am definitely my father's daughter. I find it difficult to share. And to let others in. But I do love to write. I love to put words into sentences and sentences in paragraphs that help express my thoughts. I hope my words help me share my heart. Share the life that God has given me and all that He has done for me and through me. I write with the hope of giving Him at least a bit of the glory He is due.

A verse to guide my writing: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. I Peter 1:7

A Pause to Remember

Posted on By jennifer

Happy Friday..and hooray for a long weekend.  Let’s be honest, when you are in my season of life, all the weekends are long ones:)  But I know there are many who work hard and look forward to these three day breaks.  For our family, Memorial Day meant the school year had ended and it was officially summer!  In many ways, it still feels like the official start of summer.  Our community pools all open this weekend (the forecast does not look promising for those hoping to get into the pool tomorrow…) and I’ve already seen the ice cream truck going through the neighborhood.  We don’t have a grill (I know….definitely in the miniority there!) but the weekend still makes me think of burgers and flame-charred dogs, and all the goodness that goes along with them.

Of course, Memorial Day is also about remembering.  Here in States, it is a day set aside “to both honor and mourn military personnel who died while serving.”  To remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as their families.   I hope we remember that as we head into the weekend.  Living in the suburbs of the Pentagon, I am surrounded by military families.  They are, literally, the “family next door.”   And sometimes, it can be easy to forget the sacrifices that come with being in the military, as well as those who have lost loved ones doing so.

Earlier this week, Memorial Day had me thinking about freedom.  Something else that I can too easily take for granted.  I am thankful for the freedom to raise my family and run my home according to Biblical values.  Thankful that I can attend church, carry a Bible and share my faith whenever I want.  I am thankful that I still have choices and can share my voice.  I know all of things may not last forever but, as for now, I can serve, live for and work for the Lord.  What an amazing privilege!

I hope you enjoy your weekend.  Do you special plans?  Do you have a freedom you feel especially grateful for today?  Share it with me in the comments.  As always, thanks for stopping by today!!

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Comments (13)

  1. First, I want to say I love your new blog header. What a welcoming and inviting front porch, Jennifer! I have a couple stitch group activities this weekend. In addition to the stitching, I plan on spending time remembering and reflecting on the servicemen and women who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy (and also take for granted at times). Blessings and prayers to those families and friends who were left behind.

    1. I thought that porch looked so inviting, too!! I have a front porch…and I hope that others find it inviting looking!:)

  2. Hello, thank you for this post, I appreciated what you shared.
    We will be attending our local Memorial Day Service. We will drive out to the Dobie cemetery to place flowers on our dear friend Dave Frank Jr. who lost his life during the war in Bosnia.

    1. Carla, that is wonderful that places are still having Memorial Day services. There certainly are not many.

  3. No special plans here, and I’m fine with that. I’ve had a busy few months. We retired folks don’t get too excited about long weekends anymore. They are all long! I used to tell my sons that I have six Saturdays and one Sunday! Enjoy!!

    1. Six Saturdays and a Sunday…I like that, Terri!! Hope you are enjoying your Monday (er, Saturday)!:)

  4. Enjoyed reading your thoughts about Memorial Day… we have some plans with friends and tentatively with family that I hope come to fruition. Our weather is not going to pool weather either though our community pools all open this weekend. I love having the freedom to be able to go to church and worship. I hope you have a great weekend!

    1. The weather has not improved much here on Monday either. Not pool weather…but there were more than just a few in the pools!! (Much younger souls)!:)

  5. Gosh, do I just love your blog header! And no, no plans. Actually, hubby locked up our gates, and we will just stay here and, in the pool, the next few days. Wishing you a beautiful weekend. Thank you for the smiles.

  6. No special plans here, either. Just work, as per usual. And on Monday, we will get paid time and half, so that’s nice. I’m hoping my peeps have the day off and do something nice for themselves – I will remind them today!

  7. May God bless those who currently serve in the military and are prepared to lay down their lives for others, so that we may enjoy the freedoms we take for granted.. May he also comfort the famlies and friends of those who have made that sacrifice. It is good to remember and be thankful.

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