In Memorial

The unofficial start of summer arrives this weekend. For me Memorial Day is more than hotdogs on the grill and a day off.

In my home town remembering started on Monday, May 23rd when a couple men went around and "renamed" the streets in the center of town.


We remember the men from town who died during WWII and Vietnam by renaming the street closest to their family's home or their home. George Synder's aunt and uncle lived at the end of Oak Street. It is such a special way to keep their sacrifice in the forefront of our minds as we drive down the street during Memorial Day week.

I have my Grandpop to thank for instilling in me the importance of remembering. These fellas were his childhood playmates. He remembers them well and has always taught -by his actions- the importance of remembering those lost. For as long as I can remember, at noon on Memorial Day I have gathered with my parents, neighbors and fellow townspeople at the war memorial outside of the police department and we remember specifically our 17 men who died in World War II and 1 in Vietnam.

I have watched in pride as my Grandpop, also a WWII vet, set up for this VFW Memorial service and made sure everything ran smoothly. I teared up when Taps was echoed by a distant trumpeter. I listen attentively as names are read off of the veterans who have passed during the year and as a bell is rung for each one. Often I knew them. At the end, my aunts and whatever cousins are around get their picture taken with Grandpop and his sisters in front of the memorial. To me this is what Memorial Day is.

This Monday my baby boy will get to attend for the first time. He will probably cry during the "21 gun salute" but I hope over time to instill in him the importance of remembering those who gave their all and also those veterans who have diligently kept memories alive by honoring their fallen comrades.

Farmers Market Time

The Amish and local growers are back in town bringing with them produce of the season.

Friday we picked up succulent strawberries and luscious looking lettuce.


I am looking forward to Fridays from now until November. I will eat my way through all those beautiful fruits and veggies of the season! From strawberries to butternut squash ... yum.

Fan into Flame

It is decided I am going back to my old Bible.

My good old underlined and highlighted with life and struggle Life Application Bible. I got it in college and it is underlined with intention. I pulled it out this morning and what moved me back then is moving me now. Now, when I feel distant, out of sorts, alone and weak. I have felt like a reoccurring train wreck and I shouldn't feel this way. I have been through worse struggles, situations and emotional states of mind. I made it through God's well thought out lesson plans (with His help!) and learned well enough to ... pass to the next thing... by applying what I read!

I have felt a little like the Bible I have been using the last few years coming apart at the seams on the outside and not doing anything about it on the inside to fix me. There is a shocking lack of underlining and that's not because there has been a lack of trial and struggle or pens but more a lack of leaning, reading and delving into the Word for hope, sustenance and assurance of God's provision.

This morning I read...

(From the old Bible) For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands for God gave not a spirit of fear but of power and love and self control.

The Life Application says "stir up the gift of God" that works too because I have been sedentary.

Thanks 2 Timothy 2:6-7 I really needed a stirring, a good old kick in the pants.

So this is what I need to do.

I need to fan into flame the gift of God. I need Him to stir up the gifts He has put inside me.

Starting with spending less time sedating my worries with Swagbuck games and solitaire. I believe God gave me the gift of writing but I have had nothing to write about because I am not delving into the Word of God. A few paragraphs before bed is not enough to grow or maintain past growth let alone produce anything that might cause reflection or revelation or encouragement for me or anyone else for that matter.

I am weakened by or just too weak to research rentals, face calling a health insurance company or staying home all day with no errands to run because gas is too high to take a daily "field trip". I am not exercising my spiritual muscles, I have laid aside the full armor of God. I am a flabby spiritual couch potato and have no one to blame but myself!

So cue the Rocky Theme Song it is time to get back in shape!