Memorial Day 2012

This year's Memorial Day has been particularly special to our family. About six weeks ago, our son Justin arrived safely from his second deployment to the war zone in Afghanistan, and made it back home yesterday for a month-long stay. He arrived just as the big celebration was beginning. We actually combined three events for this get-together, our 35th wedding anniversary, our son Jeff's graduation from SMU, and Justin's homecoming.

While we have been extremely blessed at this time, we must never forget the families of those who have not been as fortunate. The picture at right was taken from the marine memorial service last month honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country and for all of us. Let us also not forget our wounded warriors who will carry this reminder for the rest of their lives. I would like to encourage everyone who knows a family that has lost a loved one in our defense, please let them know how much you appreciate it.

In honor of all who have sacrificed their very lives for our freedoms, see our Memorial Day Tribute 2012 page on our main website. God Bless our brave troops.

Happy Mother's Day 2012

My mother went home to Jesus over a decade ago, but I still often thank God for being raised by such a godly woman. History is filled with the stories of the saints that God has raised up to do great things. Almost without exception, behind each one is the prayers of a godly mother. A mother leaves us many lessons, long after she's gone. Never underestimate the power of a godly mother.

The well-known evangelist, Billy Sunday once said, "There is more power in a mother's hand than in a king's scepter."

Billy Sunday's famous sermon on Motherhood can be read on our main website.

So, for all the mothers, we say "Thank you, Happy Mother's Day, and God bless".

National Day of Prayer 2012

Tomorrow, millions will observe the 61st Anniversary of the National Day of Prayer, participating in thousands of organized events in which citizens will unite in prayer for America and its leadership. This year’s theme is “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” (Ps 33:12). For more information, including how to find an event in your area, visit the National Day of Prayer website.

This year's Honorary Chairman is Dr David Jeremiah, founder of Turning Point Ministries and senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church in San Cajon (San Diego area), California. Dr Jeremiah has written the event's official prayer:

Heavenly Father, every good gift and perfect gift comes from You. You are a faithful God and Your mercy endures forever. You have promised to bless the nation that trusts in You. Our currency proclaims “In God We Trust,” but in our culture we are far from You. In the words of the prophet Daniel, “We have sinned and committed iniquity, we have done wickedly and rebelled, even by departing from Your precepts and Your judgments.”

We come before You once more, seeking Your forgiveness and mercy. You, O God, are our only hope… Hear our prayer and, for Your honor’s sake, shine Your face upon this nation. Give our leaders the desire to seek Your wisdom and the courage to follow Your guidance… and watch over the men and women of our armed forces as they sacrifice for the cause of freedom.

We give You thanks for all You have done for us, and we earnestly pray that You will help us become, once again, a nation whose God is the Lord.

In the name of Your Son, and our Savior, we pray this prayer. Amen

With the majority of our political leaders either indifferent or outright hostile toward the true creator God and Christianity, our country needs our prayers more than ever. Please join us in praying for our nation; not only tomorrow, but every day of the year.