Beginnings and Reflections

Happy New Year to each of you!

Beginnings are a time of reflection as well as making resolutions.
We must remember where we've been
and acknowledge where we are,
in order to plan where we're headed.

I received this link from a friend – it's definitely worth watching.

http://www.trdaniel.com/Battle%20Hymn/index.htm

Let's remember why our nation is great and
acknowledge what we need to do to stay great.

Our troops today are dedicated to defend the cause of freedom,
just as the soldiers who fought in the Civil War
when the Battle Hymn of the Republic was penned.

Union soldiers inspired Julia Howe
when she visited their camp along the Potomac River.
They were singing the camp song, "John Brown's Body".
The tune stuck in her head.

Through that February night in 1862, she composed the lyrical poem.
Part tribute … part prayer, the Battle Hymn of the Republic
acknowledges God's involvement in the Civil War and its outcome.

Ed and I have been to Washington DC several times.
We've stood at the Lincoln Memorial and read his immortal words.
We've touched the names recorded on the black walls of the Vietnam Memorial.
We've seen the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence
(without Nicholas Cage anywhere in sight, unfortunately!)
We've been privileged to take a private tour of the Capitol Building.
We've felt the aura of peace and honor at Arlington National Cemetery.

Music is powerful.

Travel is powerful.

Prayer is powerful.

Let's make a resolution for 2008 to pray daily for our nation,
for its leaders (regardless of political party),
and to explore the places in America that symbolize all that we are.

Reflect … Acknowledge …Resolve.
And make time every month to see a part of our great country.
May 2008 be your best year ever!