Saturday, May 28, 2011

Day of Remembrance

“Then conquer we must, when our cause is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust"
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!”

                                                  by Frances Scott Key

Mr. Key wrote his famous poem in 1814. It wasn't until 1931 that it became our national anthem. The above is the last line of the fourth verse. The history and lyrics are found here: http://www.star-spangled-banner.info 

As you remember your family's heroes this Memorial Day weekend, I am proud to share my family memory with you.

Thomas Paslay, at age seventeen, enlisted in the army in the Revolutionary War in February 1779. He was defending Charleston SC when it fell to the British in 1780. Taken as a prisoner to the West Indies, Thomas remained there for five years. When he returned home to the colonies, he married Winnifred and moved to Kentucky where they had twelve children and he became a pastor.

Thomas must have been a brave young man to endure five long years as a war prisoner. I am personally thankful he did because Thomas became my husband's great, great, great, great grandfather.

I'm sure Thomas would be proud to know more than two hundred years later he would have a son retired First Class from U. S. Navy Reserves and another son retired as Security Forces Manager, rank Chief Master Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force Reserves. I am extremely proud of my husband and my son serving this great country and defending our freedoms.

God bless them and God bless America!

Juanita Turner Paslay
folks7777@gmail.com



Saturday, May 21, 2011

Blessings!

Weather report:  Bright blue sky.  Only a few puffy white clouds to be seen from my library window. I want you to see what I see this morning. My favorite trees are blooming: red horse chestnut and the pink and white dogwoods. 


Note: Horse chestnuts are poisonous to humans, but you can buy the powder in capsules for your good health. Now explain that! Our brown tree squirrels love to gather the nuts in the fall. The busy little animals have a long lunch because the round conkers are so huge.

Blue forget-me-knots under the window are glowing! They are new to my garden and so easy to maintain. Actually, they do a good job on their own.

My view today is beautiful, but that is not true for everyone. I'm concerned for those living along the Mississippi River who are suffering from the flood waters. Let's be thankful for our blessings and give generously to worthy charities. Have you ever given until it hurts? I haven't. Heart examination time!

“Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips.” This was King David's prayer and mine too.

Lord willing, we will talk again next week.

Juanita
folks7777@gmail.com

Saturday, May 14, 2011

"Memories Are Made of This . . ."

Wishing you a sunny morning!

My friend, Christine shared a book of poems written by a lady who had amazing talent to put her life experiences on paper. I'm in my library and just finished reading it from cover to cover. I thought what a treasure for her family and the great, great grandchildren she will never have the opportunity to love. Even I not knowing her, wished I did.

My tears came as I read her last poem, last line: “and I would ask to hold my babies one more time, then I would gather up all my flowers, all my memories and I would go to meet the others.” She has since gone to meet her Lord. Before she left, she printed her poems in a book for her family and friends.

What written treasures are you leaving for your family?

Maybe you have said, “Someday I'll do it” or “nobody would care to read what I write.”

Our grandson Brayden at eight years old began writing poems. What a treasure for himself and our family generations from now!

Writing short stories based on Scripture is my latest joy. What an exciting challenge! I hope to live another 20 years like my mother so I can continue improving my writing and working in my flower garden.

Make a memory today.  You can do it!

Juanita
folks7777@gmail.com






Saturday, May 7, 2011

PATIENCE

Welcome to my library again.

Patience is rewarding, but not always easy to attain.

I have said in the past, “Don't pray for patience unless you want to be tested.” It would be easier if we could go to the hardware store and buy a box of patience, right?   Chocolate would be my second choice.

Last week I was thinking about the word, patience. Our spring flowers were finally blooming and new leaves were appearing on the trees. Being impatient for spring can make winter seem longer. Anxiety and wishing doesn't help. I'm thankful spring has finally arrived with all its vibrant color and freshness. The calendar shows spring came a month ago, but now we have proof.

Last Sunday when bin Laden was killed, another test of patience was successful because of research, planning, bravery and probably much prayer. I found it sobering to hear that he has no more opportunity to repent of his evil ways. Sadly, he is now erased from my prayer list. 
 
Are you waiting for something or someone? Patience and trusting in the Lord will make waiting a little less stressful.

Juanita
folks7777@gmail.com