Christian Reflection and Prayer

Here is something Every American should know.
Until I read this, I didn't know, but I checked it out
and it's true: 
We in the   United States  have all heard the
haunting song, 'Taps...' It's the song that gives
us the lump in our throats and usually tears in
our eyes.

But, do you know the story behind the song? 
If not, I think you will be interested to find out
about its humble beginnings. 
Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the
 Civil War, when Union Army Captain Robert
Elli was with his men near Harrison's Landing
in   Virginia  .  The Confederate Army was
on the other side of the narrow strip of land.

During the night, Captain Elli heard the moans
of a soldier who lay severely wounded on the field. 
Not knowing if it was a   Union  or Confederate
soldier, the Captain decided to risk his life and
bring the stricken man back for medical attention.
Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, the
Captain reached the stricken soldier and began
pulling him toward his encampment.. 
When the Captain finally reached his own lines,
he discovered it was actually a Confederate soldier,
but the soldier was dead. 
The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught
his breath and went numb with shock.  In the dim
light, he saw the face of the soldier. It was his
own son. The boy had been studying music in
the South when the war broke out..  Without
telling his father, the boy enlisted in the
Confederate Army. 
The following morning, heartbroken, the father
asked permission of his superiors to give his
son a full military burial, despite his enemy
status. His request was only partially granted.
The Captain had asked if he could have a group
of Army band members play a funeral dirge
for his son at the funeral. 
The request was turned down since the soldier
was a Confederate. 
But, out of respect for the father, they did say
they could give him only one musician.

The Captain chose a bugler.  He asked the
bugler to play a series of musical notes he
had found on a piece of paper in the pocket
of the dead youth's uniform. 
This wish was granted. 
The haunting melody, we now know as 'Taps'
used at military funerals was born. 
The words are:

Day is done.
Gone the sun.
From the lakes 
From the hills. 
From the sky.
All is well.. 
Safely rest. 
God is nigh.

Fading light.
Dims the sight.
And a star.
Gems the sky.
Gleaming bright. 
From afar. 
Drawing nigh. 
Falls the night.

Thanks and praise. 
For our days. 
Neath the sun 
Neath the stars. 
Neath the sky
As we go..
This we know. 
God is nigh

I too have felt the chills while listening to 'Taps'
but I have never seen all the words to the song until
now.  I didn't even know there was more than one verse . 
I also never knew the story behind the song and I
didn't know if you had either so I thought I'd pass it
along. 
I now have an even deeper respect for the song than
I did before. 

Remember Those Lost and Harmed While Serving Their Country.

Memorial Day weekend can be a time of mixed feelings.
On the one hand, it’s the unofficial beginning of summer,
an auspicious time to look forward to months spent
outside with family and friends. On the other hand, for
those mourning the loss in war of a close relative or loved
one, there is a deep and personal sense of grief, mingled
with feelings of patriotism and profound pride for their
service.

We honor on Memorial Day. Around the country, those
who, in the immortal words of Abraham Lincoln's
Gettysburg Address, gave "the last full measure of their
devotion" for the country they loved – the men and women
who died while serving in the U.S. armed forces throughout
our country’s history, ordinary people who showed
extraordinary courage and sacrifice in times of crisis.

These sorts of public observances are valuable because
they instill in us a sense of gratitude for our soldiers. It is
so easy for us to forget that our lives are not wholly our own
– they are built upon a foundation of God's goodness and
grace, and the blood, toil, and sacrifice of others. Memorial
Day gives us the opportunity to remember that fact.

So, this weekend, let us indeed enjoy the company of family
and friends, and look forward to the pleasures of summer.
But let us do more as well. Let us take a moment to pray for
all those grieving and recovering in Oklahoma, asking God to
strengthen those working to heal and rebuild. Let us
remember the soldiers who died defending the freedoms we
all too often take for granted. Let us pray for the dear ones
they left behind, and for the safety of those men and women
who, even now, are standing at the front lines of the war on
terror in dangerous corners of the world. And let us pray for
the day when God will bless all of us with His most precious
gift of shalom, peace.

SHALOM

PEACE TO ALL

Scripture:

"I am praying not only for these disciples but also
for all who will ever believe in Me through their
message. I pray that they will all be one, just as You
and I are one-as You are in Me, Father, and I am in
You. And may be in Us so that the world will believe
You sent Me. (John 17:20-21).

Reflections:

I think it's interesting to note, when we are at our
spiritual best, we are sensitive to the  needs of others.
We pray easily and frequently. But when we are
stressed out, we can hardly think about anyone but
ourselves. Here we see Jesus Christ in the Garden of
Gethsemane, He was preparing Himself for His
destiny---death on a cross. Jesus knew what he was
about to go through, he knew all the pain, all the
suffering, all the ridicule, He was about to go through.
At this most stressful moment, He prayed for you and
for me! He already had us in mind. He prayed that all
his followers would be united as one and would spread
His message to others you see Jesus always has us
on His mind. I would like to suggest that you take time
to thank Jesus for His intimate attention to you.
In John 20: verse 24 Jesus states, "Father, I want
these whom You have given Me to be with Me where
I am. Then they can see all the glory You gave Me
because You loved  Me even before the world began!"
Jesus glory is partially visible in this life by all believers
but our vision of his glory will be greatest when He
comes again. Jesus concluded His prayer where He
began-speaking of coming for His own to bring them to
there designated rooms in His Fathers house. Believers
are not bothersome intruders in heaven. Rather, when
they occupy their assigned places and behold the Sons
glory, it will be just what the Father and Son have always
desired.

Prayer:

Almighty God thank you always being there for me.
Thank you Jesus, when at the most stressful time in Your
life, you thought of me and prayed for me. Thank you for
always being there for me.  
In Jesus name Amen!