Definition of a Veteran

A couple years ago, my definition of a veteran was an old man with gray or no hair, hanging out at the VFW, reminiscing about the good ol' days of nickelodeons and 5 cent/gallon gasoline, while exchanging war stories over a cup of coffee.

Today, I have a totally different view. Since September 11th, our country will never be the same. People my age, joined the Military to fight for this country and to protect my freedom. Many of these young men and women are now coming back from 1, 2 or even more tours in Iraq or Afghanistan to fight this War on Terror. Some wounded mentally and some physically, these 20 somethings are the new Veterans.

As a society, I can't stress to you the importance of recognizing and respecting the Veterans of the United States of America. Whether you come across a weathered man who served in WWII, or an ambitious 20 something who's just been discharged...thank them. Thank them for not only their service, but their bravery and the sacrifice that they've made, by choice, so that you and I can be free.

Ambition

Why is it that as we get older, our ambitious nature gets smaller?

When I was a child, my dream was to be the President of the United States. As I grew older and made my way through high school and college, I brought the dream down a notch and wanted to be a news anchor. Today, I've settled for sitting in a cubicle every day.

Is it because as we get closer to the time where we actually have to take a risk, go out on a limb, be forced out of our comfort zone, or actually work hard to accomplish something, the fear within us takes over, causing us to settle for "easy?"

As a child, we have the drive to do anything. The innocence and naivety to believe that the world is a great place with limitless possibilities. As I sit here reflecting on this thought as an adult, I realize that the world is indeed a place with limitless possibilities. My fear of failure has pulled the reigns on my ambition.

I'm so thankful for the scripture that says in Philippians 4:13 "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Not some things, but everything... even becoming President. Hey, it is election day- Vote for me! ha.

A smile for your Thursday...

A Higher Standard

Do you have someone in your life that you hold to a higher standard than everyone else? Spiritually, they are the one that you turn to for guidance and direction, and also the one you shy away from if you mess up, b/c you would hate more than anything for that person to think any less of you. While at the same time, you know they would never think less of you b/c they are so spiritually, morally, ethically sound, that they would never judge.

What happens when that person in your life messes up? When they fall from this pedestal you have put them on?

This has happened to me a couple times in my life all within the last 6 months. Both situations totally caught me off guard b/c they were “big” things. How dare these people that I so looked up to, turn around and make choices that clearly, they would have warned me against if the roles were reversed? Then I started thinking…is it really fair to judge these people on a different scale than everyone else? If “Joe Heathen” did the same thing, I wouldn’t think twice, because he’s, well, a heathen! But when a spiritual mentor makes a mistake, the world seems to be a darker place. Talk about pressure! it clearly says in Romans 3:23 that: “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Ah ha-- everyone sins. Of course, as Christians, we are to strive to be like Jesus and not give into our sinful nature. But when it comes down to it, even those spiritual leaders in our lives stumble. The question is, will we be there for them to pick them back up?

We all have lapses in our judgment and we all need the support of fellow Christians to encourage us, pray for/with us and to lift us back up. So next time you encounter similar situation, remember we are all human and nobody’s perfect.

It took me 2 minutes

Click HERE to register to vote. It's super easy and only took me 2 minutes...



And...the Treasury announce the new dollar bill today:

ha.