Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Acts 13– 14 and My Brothers and Flag-Draped Coffin and No Starbucks

Acts 13– 14

In today’s reading, we see Saul and Barnabas sent out as missionaries, together with John Mark who went along as their assistant. Their first stop is on the island of Cyprus where Barnabas came from. It is thought by some that Saul took the name Paul here because of his respect for Sergius Paulus.

Did you notice that John Mark left them and returned to Jerusalem after they arrived in Pamphylia? When the Jews were not receptive of the gospel, Paul and Barnabas seek out the Gentiles, who were in many cases more receptive. In any case they travel and preach the Good News regardless of their reception.

After preaching in Attalia, they head back to Antioch of Syria where their journey began.

Tomorrow, we’ll read James.

My Brothers

 

I have three pictures of my brothers; these pictures tell the story of not crying over spilt milk.

My brother Jeff is in the white shirt and my brother Ray in the green one. The refrigerator was so crowded with all of foods for the holiday feast that a half-gallon of milk fell on the floor and promptly spilled out.

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Jeff did a little happy dance in the milk.

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Meanwhile, my brother Ray’s dog, Miya, did her part in cleaning up the floor.

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  Despite how it looks, we are having a great time.

 

.The Meaning of the Flag-Draped Coffin


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All Americans should be given this lesson. Those who think that America is an arrogant nation should really reconsider that thought. Our founding fathers used GOD's word and teachings to establish our Great Nation and I think it's high time Americans get re-educated about this Nation's history.
Pass it along and be proud of the country we live in, and even more proud of those who serve to protect our 'GOD-GIVEN' rights and freedoms.
I hope you take the time to read this ... To understand what the flag draped coffin really means ... Here is how to understand the flag that laid upon it and is surrendered to so many widows and widowers:
Do you know that at military funerals, the 21-gun salute stands for the sum of the numbers in the year 1776?
clip_image002Have you ever noticed that the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the United States of America Flag 13 times? You probably thought it was to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but we learn something new every day!
The 1st fold of the flag is a symbol of life.
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The 2nd fold is a symbol of the belief in eternal life.
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The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing the ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of the country to attain peace throughout the world.
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The 4th fold represents the weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.
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The 5th fold is a tribute to the country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, 'Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.'
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The 6th fold is for where people's hearts lie. It is with their heart that they pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America , and the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.
The 7th fold is a tribute to its Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that they protect their country and their flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of their republic..
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The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.
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The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.
The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of their country since they were first born.
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The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
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The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.
The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding them of their Nations motto, 'In God We Trust.'
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After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for them the rights, privileges and freedoms they enjoy today.
There are some traditions and ways of doing things that have deep meaning. In the future, you'll see flags folded and now you will know why.
Share this with the children you love and all others who love what is referred to as the symbol of ' Liberty and Freedom.'

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MAYBE THE SUPREME COURT SHOULD READ THIS EXPLANATION BEFORE THEY RENDER THEIR DECISION ON THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. FORWARD IT; MAYBE SOMEONE WITH THE NECESSARY POWER, OR POLITICAL AND FINANCIAL INFLUENCE, WILL GET IT TO THEM.
IN THE MEANTIME, MAY GOD PROTECT US ALWAYS.
ONE NATION, UNDER GOD, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.

 

No Starbucks

   WON'T BE DRINKING STARBUCKS ANYMORE

Note: Was checked on snopes and google - it is true.

http://www.snopes.com/rumors/starbucks.asp  Recently Marines in Iraq wrote to Starbucks because they wanted to let them know how much they liked their coffees  and to request that they send some of it to the troops there.

  Starbucks replied, telling the Marines thank you for their support of their business, but that Starbucks does not support the war, nor anyone in it, and that they would not send the troops their brand of coffee.

     So as not to offend Starbucks, maybe we should not support them by buying any of their products! I feel we should get this out in the open. I know this war might not be very popular with some folks, but that doesn't mean we don't support the boys on the ground fighting street-to-street and house-to-house. If you feel the same as I do then pass this along, or you can discard it and no one will ever know.

    Thanks very much for your support. I know you'll all be there again when I deploy once more. Semper Fidelis.

Sgt. Howard C. Wright

1st Force Recon Co

1st Plt PLT

Also, don't forget that when the Twin Trade Towers were hit the fire fighters and rescue workers went to Starbucks because it was close by for WATER for the survivors and workers, and Starbucks charged them!!

  JUST A NOTE TO THIS; STARBUCKS HAD STORES ON SEVERAL MILITARY BASES IN THE UNITED STATES. THEY ARE NOW BEING REMOVED BECAUSE OF THIS. PLEASE DON'T DELETE THIS. ALLOW IT TO BE PASSED TO ALL IN MEMORY OF ALL THE >> TROOPS WHO HAVE DIED SO THAT WE MAY HAVE THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE TO SUPPORT >> THEM OR NOT!!

No virus found in this message. >> Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com/ < http://www.avg.com/ > >> Version: 2012.0.2221 / Virus Database: 2441/5371 - Release Date: 11/03/12

Tim Jones >> North Carolina Food Service >> Fort Bragg, NC >> Office:  910-396-2297 >> Cell:  704-491-1486 >> > > > > >  >  >

Until next time…

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