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Everyday Heroes

Everyday Heroes

 

 

Reflections: Everyday Heroes

Every year, as we celebrated Memorial Day, I honor those who have to serve and all who continue their service. My heart is full of respect and admiration as I looked at these fine men and women in our military.

I wonder what would cause them to volunteer to serve his country and go into harm’s way for others. To stand and fight for people he does not know so they can enjoy the safety and freedom he loves.

In our country, we with various opinions on our government and military, we often debate about sending our soldiers to countries that are far away from our everyday lives.  Have we forgotten what life would be like for we fought here in America?

Is it the strong determination of character to serve God and to do what is right because he loves his country and family? They say, “Freedom is never free,” but there is always a price… physically, mentally and emotionally. I am humbled and honored by these brave soldiers who fight for my peace and freedom.

May God bless the men and women of the military who serve quietly, unselfishly, giving their time and extras to bringing a better life for someone else?  To allow people to see what real freedom looks like.  

       Aesop said many years ago, “No act of kindness, no matter how small is ever wasted”

This is the American spirit, which is the heart and soul of our soldiers and the people in these countries cannot ever forget them. ©

 “Christ paid a price I could never pay to give me life I did not deserve”. I am loved and blessed.

Thank You to all who serve, I am praying for you!

Thank you all for stopping by, have a great weekend. Hugs

Lovingly, Karan

 

 

 

What Does Bravery Look Like?

 

We Will Not Forget!

 

 

 

 

 

What Does Bravery Look Like?

Bravery reminds me of the day I watched my husband and my son-in-law walk ahead of my daughter and me towards the restaurant for an early morning breakfast.

I still remember the feeling I had knowing this would be our last breakfast together for a while. Our brave soldier would be leaving for a 15-month deployment.

My heart filled with respect and admiration as I looked at this fine young man, and wondered what would cause a person to volunteer so freely to serve his country and willingly go into harm’s way for others.  

To stand and fight for people he does not know so they can enjoy safety and freedom too.  Is it the brave determination of character to serve God and to do what is right because he loves his country and family?

They say “Freedom is never free,” but there is always a price… physically, mentally and emotionally.

In our country, there are various opinions on how our government and military should run. Or how we should help in other countries far away and remote from our lives.  Have we forgotten what Bravery is, or what life would be like for us if this war were fought here in America or Canada?

Every Country, even our own has paid an enormous price for freedom, and our friends far away are learning what the cost is with their suffering.  But once they have tasted it, they will not stop until they have it for themselves, their families, and country. 

        “No act of kindness no matter how small is ever wasted.” Aesop

The Canadian and American spirit is the heart and soul of our soldiers, and the people in these countries will never forget them.©

Thank You to all who serve, I am praying for you!

Lovingly, Karan

Thank you for sharing your time with me, dear friend. What does the word Bravery bring to your mind?

 I’d love to hear from you.   Hugs

Can I Give You A Smile?

Can I Give You A Smile?

Some days I find myself in a place of discouragement. Bewildered by the world we live in, with so many hurting people looking for hope, encouragement and a smile. My heart aches for all the families that have gone through the hurricanes the last few months and the massacre in Las Vegas last night. 

Sometimes the way forward seems complicated and challenging, and I’m not even sure I have even enough energy to finish the tasks God had given me.  

I have often heard,” Instruction does much, but encouragement is everything.” Many times a kind word of encouragement, a smile or a simple touch can lift a heart out of sadness, grief, exhaustion or despair.

An act of kindness encouraging others and lets them know you care about them, and they are not alone. It also gives us the opportunity to show God’s love as we touch the lives of others. Encouragement gives hope and inspires determination to keep moving forward when life gets tough, and we become weary of the struggles.

Many times I have asked God to encourage my heart with his love, compassion, and guidance. Asking Him to give me a new perspective and passion for the task He had given me.When I become tired, His promises and love lessons come just in time in sweet ways of encouragement from others. God is not finished with the dreams and goals He has placed in my heart, and he is not finished with me either.

Isaiah 40:31 NLV

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
 

LIFE can be tough, and the struggles of life and ministry can be harsh. With God’s encouragement, we can remember His promises and rely and lean on Him. The journey will be brighter for us and others as we stand together building one another up with encouragement.©

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Have you felt more stressed in the last few months, how have you coped with the daily events?

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Thank you, dear friends for spending your time with me, Have a wonderful weekend. Hugs to all.

Have a great week, HUGS
Lovingly, Karan

Let Freedom Ring

   A Bible Story?

 

  A father was reading Bible stories to his young son.  

  He read, “the man named Lot was warned to take his wife and flee out of the city,

  but his wife looked back and was turned into salt.”

  His son asked, “What happened to the flea?

Reflections: Let Freedom Ring

Some years ago while we were touring in Germany, we had the opportunity to see Dachau, a prisoner of war camp outside Munich. I was instantly aware of the strange stillness, and how eerily quiet the camp seemed. I was walking in the same steps of so many who had gone before me but only with a much different outcome.

As the prisoners, walked over the small bridge toward the showers, seeing the beautiful flower and sweet music playing, how would these people know that the showers had a deadly consequence for them?

 After spending an afternoon in Dachau, and seeing the displays, films, and pictures I walked away shocked at the evil and cruelty of man towards one another.

As I left Dachau, I read a sign above the door I have never forgotten. The quote said, “If we forget the past, we are condemned to do it again.” or written a little differently, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

I believe those words, and I can look at the past and remember how far we have come. I love history and often watch war movies. Remembering those brave men and women who have fallen because they loved this country more than themselves, and the precious families left behind. Do I love my country the same way? Or do I just want my own way, and care little for others.

As an American, my heart breaks of all the racial and political disarray that are happening now especially after last weekend in Virginia. I lived and witnessed the 60’s and 70’s which was a chaotic time for our country, but we made it.

I think tearing down our past and trying to erase history only deepens our wounds. Those founding fathers who were flawed, just like us, loved this country too, without them, we would never have the opportunity to live in a country as vast and free as America.

We don’t have slavery in this country anymore, and I thank God for a man like Dr. Martin Luther King who stood up for righteousness to make life better for us all. When will we carry our banner for freedom and stand up for what we believe?©

Psalm 119:45 NLT– I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments.

“If we forget the past, we are condemned to do it again.”
~ George Santayana ~

Please let me know how you are feeling about all that is happening.  I love you all and am praying. Hugs

Lovingly, Karan

Thankful for Our Independence

                         Thankful for Our Independence                                                                                                     

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IN FLANDERS FIELDS

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch, be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields

Canadian physician Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae

 America’s Independence ~ July 4, 1776

4th of july

This Land We Love

How beautiful this land we love. We cherish all good people of

With pride, we call this home our own. Oh how our seed of freedoms grown

American is what we are. Our time has nurtured us so far

For truth and justice, we do strive. Our laws are meant not to deprive.

We know we’re not the perfect place. As we are of the human race

                                                                                       

In God, we trust along our way. His goodness near, both night and day

                                    So please do stop and pray awhile. Ask help in facing each new mile

                                                                                        And now I’ll end with words so clear. Concerning freedom, we hold dear

                                                                        Let Grateful Thought – Well Deep Inside. For Soldiers Brave – Our Country’s Pride

by Roger Robicheau 

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Reflections:

Happy Independence Day!                                                                     

Although I am an American, who lives in Canada now, I have never gotten over the thrill and pride at seeing the American Stars and Stripes flying over a country I love and cherish.    

It still brings tears to my eyes as I sing God Bless America and the National Anthem. What a joy and a privilege to be blessed with such a wonderful heritage. 

I am forever grateful to those who have and still do served our country with honor and integrity and their families who sacrifice so much. 

They say “Freedom is never free,” but there is always a price… physically, mentally and emotionally.  I am humbled and honored to thank you to the brave soldiers who fight for my freedom. Thank You, You are Remembered!©

It is easy to take liberty for granted when you have never had it taken from you. 
~Author unknown

Thank you, dear friends for spending your time with me, Have a wonderful weekend be safe. Hugs to all.

Lovingly, Karan