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I WONDER

I wonder if you’ll ponder throughout the war-torn day

if someone is thinking of you in a loving way.

I wonder if you’ll doubt that people really care

that you are fighting for their breath of glorious freedom air.

I wonder if you’ll hope when awakened with a start

that someone can relate to the trembling in your heart.

I wonder, will you regard decisions others might choose

should they be walking enemy lines in your battle shoes?

I wonder if you’ll believe when danger blocks your goal

that someone has prayed for the safety of your soul.

I wonder if you’ll question when your service is done

will we all be satisfied that the war was won?

*

I wonder if you know we see the sacrifice,

your courage and decision to pay the freedom price.

To protect the young and old, the weak and the strong,

loved ones, neighbors, and strangers–all the day long.

I wonder if you know that we, too, can’t sleep at night,

fretful over battles that only you can fight.

I wonder if you know that we’re very proud of you,

making this commitment–something we didn’t do.

I wonder if you know you’re the good of everything,

defending, serving, your loyalty unwavering.

May God protect our troops and the red, white, and blue.

You are America’s best, the brave and the true.

Patsy Reiter

 

 

 

 

 

Guest post by my friend, Amy Harke-Moore.

A Rural Girl Writes

http://www.amyharkemoore.com

 

 

Spicy Pumpkin Seeds

Looking for something quick and easy to make with the kids? Something fall inspired? And maybe healthy, too? (Shhh. . . We don’t have to tell them that part.)

How does a batch of spicy pumpkin seeds sound? The recipe is simple to make, and, in fact, you might want to double it. Here is what you need:

Ingredients:

1 cup of hulled, raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

1 teaspoon of chili powder

1 teaspoon of cinnamon

¼ teaspoon of cayenne

1 teaspoon of sea salt

4 teaspoons of sweetener (or sugar if no dietary restrictions)

4 teaspoons of coconut oil (liquid, not solid) or other oil

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a bowl mix seeds, oil, and spices well and spread evenly on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
3. Bake for 10 minutes and let seeds cool before serving.
4. Enjoy!

Know what the second best part of making Spicy Pumpkin Seeds is? Sharing them with friends and family. Once they’re cool, you can fill a mason jar with the seeds, add a bow, and surprise someone with a little autumn goodness.

Know what the best part of making these seeds is? Eating them, of course! Make a batch today and celebrate the season!

Want more ideas on how to savor fall? Check out “My Top Ten Must-do Fall Activities.”

A Rural Girl Writes

http://www.amyharkemoore.com/top-ten-must-do-fall-activities/

 

 

How ’bout a walk in the . . .

or take a break on a . . .

Enjoy a few . . .

or better yet . . .

Why not open some  . . .

          

                                           to design a couple . . .

                                                    Then use a . . .

to repair the bleach stains on the only pair of _________that fit.

Lastly, enjoy a warm dish of . . .

Daniel 2:21 (NKJ)

And He changes the times and season; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.

 

 

 

 

 

 

While dusting the towel shelf in my bathroom, I noticed the antique toothbrush caddy needed cleaning. It contains labeled toothbrushes for my grandchildren, nieces, and nephew–even an old tube of toothpaste. I dumped the toothbrushes onto a towel and lined them up in order, beginning with the oldest one’s name down to the youngest.

I chuckled remembering their younger years when they spent nights at my house, usually two at a time, pairing with their age related cousin. They had their own special bedroom which contained a dollhouse, bookcase, television, and a closet full of cars, trucks, and cherished toys. After they departed for home, I’d find candy wrappers under the bed.

The oldest grandchild recently entered college, and the others follow close behind. Nights at Nana’s remain as past reflections. And orders to “brush your teeth!” are extinct.

But there was a time when Nana’s house rocked with sleep-overs, DVD movies, craft making, card games, basketball, baseball, tic-tac-toe, popcorn, ice cream, cookies, and an all-time favorite snack–graham crackers and milk. Day trips to the park, beaches, rip-sticking, and theater presentations are fond memories. Warmed bath towels awaited them for after showers or oatmeal soaks, and chicken noodle soup was delivered on a tray when ill.

The house is quiet now but filled with their growth spurt pictures. My two cats have staked claim to the special bedroom, and a writing desk has replaced the dollhouse. Maybe someday one or all will sit down and pen their memories at Nana’s.

Proverbs 22:6 (NKJ)

Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.