Christian Reflection and Prayer

God is not a concept,
God is not a simple truth,
God is not a dream,
God is not simply divine.

God is a reality!
If you reject the reality of
God, your life is doomed.
If you accept the reality of
God, your life is eternal!

REJECT OR ACCEPT

THE CHOICE IS YOURS!

Scripture:

166 I wait for your salvation, LORD,
   and I follow your commands.
Psalm 119:166 (New International Version)

Romans 13:11
[ The Day Is Near ] And do this,
understanding the present time: The hour
has already come for you to wake up from
your slumber, because our salvation is
nearer now than when we first believed.


Reflection:

Jesus came to my home the other day.
He was a welcomed guest.
I said to Jesus, "I know that You are my
Lord and Savior.  I know that you are my
Creator and Father. Lord when can I
come home?"
He said, "My child, My son, you may come
home when your done visiting here.  You
were created to serve God and humankind
with all the love I have given you.  That
service is still not done.  There are still
those, around you, who are poor, hungry
and in need.  Many, around you, are sad
and depressed.  Many are at war within
themselves and with others.  I know that
you need Me and you are anxious to to
be with Me.  But remember I AM ALWAYS
WITH YOU, I AM HERE FOR YOU.  This
is your house, I AM YOUR HOME. 
Expand Our home to include and serve
others, in the name of God.  In His time
He will call you to His House and you will
truly be home."

OUR FATHER IS WAITING, SERVE
OTHERS, AND COME HOME!

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.