Thursday, August 30, 2007

Dedication to Jason LaFleur

A Heroes Dedication
One of the soldiers that died along side Jaron Holliday

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Here On This Battlefield

Semper Fi


Every wonder what the word Semper Fi means?
I decided to find out.
The word Semper Fi is a moto used by the U.S. Marines.
It is taken from the Latin word Semper fidelis... meaning "Always Faithful"
The following is taken from the Marine Corp site:

“Semper Fidelis” (“Always Faithful”) is the motto of the Corps. That Marines have lived up to this motto is proved by the fact that there has never been a mutiny, or even the thought of one, among U.S. Marines.

Semper Fidelis was adopted about 1883 as the motto of the Corps. Before that, there had been three mottoes, all traditional rather than official. The first, antedating the War of 1812, was “Fortitudine” (“With Fortitude”). The second, “By Sea and by Land,” was obviously a translation of the Royal Marine’s “Per Mare, Per Terram.” Until 1848, the third motto was “To the Shores of Tripoli,” in commemoration of O’Bannon’s capture of Derna in 1805. In 1848, after the return to Washington of the Marine battalion that took part in the capture of Mexico City, this motto was revised to: “From the Halls of the Montezumas to the Shores of Tripoli" – a line now familiar to all Americans. This revision of the Corps motto in Mexico has encouraged speculation that the first stanza of “The Marines’ Hymn” was composed by members of the Marine battalion who stormed Chapultepec Castle.

It may be added that the Marine Corps shares its motto with England’s Devonshire Regiment, the 11th Foot, one of the senior infantry regiments of the British Army, whose sobriquet is “the Bloody Eleventh” and whose motto is also Semper Fidelis.

I have seen this phrase on many military sites and I wanted to know its meaning. I think it is really cool!

Monday, August 27, 2007

Exercise Your Rights


I was tinkering around on my good friend Kimberly's blog and I clicked on a post she had and I found this and thought it was cool. There is so many things said about how guns are bad but it is not the guns but the people who do the bad things. We have the right to bear arms to protect our families and those we love. I would not want to be put in the position where I could only sit back and watch my loved ones put in harms way and not be able to protect them.

The Hummer ~ Fallen Heroes

CAMP PENDLETON , Calif.

Karla Comfort received a lot of looks and even some salutes from people when she drove from Benton, Ark., to Camp Pendleton, Calif., in her newly-painted, custom Hummer H3 on March 2. The vehicle is adorned with the likeness of her son, 20-year-old Lance Cpl. John M. Holmason, and nine other Marines with F Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division who where all killed by the same improvised explosive device blast in Fallujah , Iraq , in December.

For Karla Comfort, having the vehicle air brushed with the image of the 10 Marines was a way to pay homage to her hero and his fellow comrades who fell on Iraq's urban battlefield. "I wanted to let people know (Marines) are doing their jobs honorably, and some of them die," said the 39-year-old from Portland , OR . "I don't want people to forget the sacrifices that my son and the other Marines made."

Leading up to her son's death, Karla Comfort had received several letters from him prior to his return. He had been deployed for five months, and Comfort "worried everyday he was gone until she got the letters and found out the date he was coming home," she said.

Marines knocked on the front door of her home in Farmington , Mich. , at 3 am with the dreadful news.

"I let my guard down when I found out he was coming home," she said. "There are times that I still cannot believe it happened. It's very hard to deal with."

Karla Comfort came up with the idea for the rolling memorial when she and her two other sons attended John's funeral in Portland, Ore.

"I saw a Vietnam (War) memorial on a car, and I said to my son Josh, 'we should do something like that for John,' she recalled. "He loved Hummers ".

She purchased the vehicle in January and immediately took it to AirbrushGuy & Co. in Benton , Ark. , where artist Robert Powell went to work on changing the plain, black vehicle into a decorative, mobile, art piece.

"I only had the vehicle for two days before we took it in," she joked.

Karla Comfort gave Powell basic instructions on what to include in the paint job. But in addition to the image of her son in Dress Blues and the faces of the nine other Marines, there were seve ral surprises. "He put a lot more on than I expected," she said. "I think my favorite part is the heaven scene."

On the left side of the vehicle, a detail of Marines are depicted carrying their fallen comrades through the clouds to their final resting place. The American flag drapes across the hood, the words, "Semper Fi" crown the front windshield and the spare tire cover carries the same Eagle Globe and Anchor design that her son had tattooed on his back.

"All the support I have been getting is wonderful," she said.

Karla Comfort decided to move back to her hometown of Portland, and making the cross-country trip from Arkansas was a way for her to share her son's story. It's also her way of coping with the loss.

"Along the way I got nothing but positive feedback from people," she said. "What got to me was when people would salute the guys (Marines). It's hard to look at his picture. I still cry and try to get used to the idea, but it's hard to grasp the idea that he's really gone."

Let's get this Hummer going around the world!

PLEASE .. Pass it on
If you go here you can see all the images upclose.
Honor The Fallen

Sunday, August 26, 2007

Iraqi Woman In Grocery Store

Not sure if this is true. I checked it out on snopes and it was undetermined if it was true. Still think it was worth posting. Thanks Tina!

One of my sons serves in the military. He is still stateside, here in California. He called me yesterday to let me know how warm and welcoming people were to him and his troops. Everywhere he goes, telling me how people shake their hands, and thank them for being willing to serve, and fight, for not only our own freedoms but so that others may have them also.

But he also told me about an incident in the grocery store he stopped at yesterday, on his way home from the base. He said that ahead of several people in front of him stood a woman dressed in a berkha. He said when she got to the cashier she loudly remarked about the U.S. flag lapel pin the cashier wore on her smock. The cashier reached up and touched the pin, and said proudly," Yes, I always wear it and probably always will."

The woman in the burkha then asked the cashier when she was going to stop bombing her countrymen, explaining that she was Iraqi. A gentleman standing behind my son stepped forward, putting his arm around my son's shoulders, and nodding towards my son, said in a calm and gentle voice to the Iraqi woman: "Lady, hundreds of thousands of men and women like this young man have fought and died so that YOU could stand here , in M Y country and accuse a check-out cashier of bombing YOUR countrymen. It is my belief that had you been this outspoken in YOUR own country, we wouldn't need to be there today. But, hey, if you have now learned how to speak out so loudly and clearly, I'll gladly buy you a ticket and pay your way back to Iraq so you can straighten out the mess in YOUR country that you are obviously here in MY country to avoid."

Everyone within hearing distance cheered!

IF YOU AGREE, pass this on to all your proud American friends.

I just did.

Saturday, August 25, 2007

Blue Star Mom's Adopt A Soldier


Show your patriotic spirit and let America's heroes know they have your support by adopting a soldier!

Since the Oklahoma Blue Star Mothers was founded four years ago, we've had numerous requests from individuals wanting APO/FPO addresses so that they themselves could send out packages to our troops. We were unable to help these individuals because, for security reasons, we cannot divulge these addresses.

As a result, Oklahoma Chapter One has teamed up with Mix 96 FM to offer Adopt a Troop. This is a way for individuals to purchase and package their own Freedom Box.

All you have to do is purchase the items from the Adopt a Soldier Shopping List and bring them by the Oklahoma Chapter One offices, located at 2198-B South Sheridan, Tulsa (by the old Casa Bonita).

In addition to the items you provide, Oklahoma Chapter One will add an American flag bandana and cards and letters from Oklahomans to each box.

If you would like to add a special hand-held game, DVD or CD along with a letter or card telling the soldier you have "adopted" them and would like to keep in touch, that will be added to the top of your box.

Include a $20 check, money order or cash to pay postage for each soldier you adopt. We supply a box which you can choose to pack on your own, with the assistance of an OKBSM volunteer, or packed by an OKBSM volunteer.

Soldiers with Oklahoma ties are chosen at random. Shipments are usually mailed on Saturdays.

To get started, print off our Introduction Letter and Adopt a Soldier Shopping List.

Friday, August 24, 2007

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Psalm 23

A friend of ours sent this to me. Thanks Ruben! This is way too cute!

Beauty of Math

A fellow homeschooler sent this to me. Thanks Cindy!

And look at this symmetry:
101%

From a strictly mathematical viewpoint:

What Equals 100%? What does it mean to give MORE than 100%?

Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%?

We have all been in situations where someone wants you to GIVE OVER 100%.

How about ACHIEVING 101%?

What equals 100% in life?

Here's a little mathematical formula that might help answer these questions:

If:

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Is represented as:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26.

If:

H-A-R-D-W-O-R- K

8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%

And:

K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E

11+14+15+ 23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96%

But:

A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E

1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100%

THEN, look how far the love of God will take you:

L-O-V-E-O-F-G-O-D

12+15+22+5+15+6+7+15+4 = 101%

Therefore, one can conclude with mathematical certainty that:

While Hard Work and Knowledge will get you close, and Attitude will get you there,

It's the Love of God that will put you over the top!

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Iraq war victim is honored

























The family of Army Cpl. Jaron D. Holliday — including his sister, Jada (left), 7; father, John Holliday; mother, Kelly Holliday; and brother Jeremiah, 9 — release doves Monday at his burial at Memorial Park Cemetery in Tulsa. Holliday, of Broken Arrow, was killed Aug. 4 in Iraq.





















Last Modified: 8/14/2007 3:23 AM

The life of Cpl. Jaron Duvall Holliday is celebrated in a memorial service.

Family and friends who came together Monday to celebrate the life of Army Cpl. Jaron Duvall Holliday heard repeated testimonials to the young man's infectious smile and the spirit of joy he brought to other.

Mourners nearly filled the 800-seat Tulsa Bible Church on South Sheridan Road for the 3-1/2-hour service, which paid lasting homage to his belief in God and the selfless courage he showed in defense of the nation.

It wasn't a funeral in the ordinary sense, but "A Home-going Celebration" for Holliday, 21, of Broken Arrow, who was killed in Iraq on Aug. 4 when his vehicle struck a roadside bomb at Hawr Rajab, south of Baghdad.

He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division at Fort Richardson, Alaska.

Two other soldiers from the same unit were killed with Holliday.

Ever since he was a youngster, Holliday dreamed of joining the military, and he enlisted in the Army two years ago.

He had been home-schooled, and graduated through the Christian Home Education
Fellowship of Oklahoma in 2004.

Friends, classmates and soldiers came together Monday to tell the Holliday family the impact he had on their lives.

Still recovering from a leg wound he suffered in Iraq, Army Spc. Juan Alcivar of New York told the Holliday family of the special qualities Jaron Holliday had.

Alcivar said he and Holliday did their basic training in Alaska, and remembered one day when the temperature was minus 58 degrees.

He said the soldiers stood around shivering when Holliday was the first to reach out with hugs to help warm their cold bodies.

"He had that kind of personality," Alcivar said. "That smile. That was Jaron. There was never a sad moment around him."

Through her tears, Mollie Putman of Indiana offered to help the Holliday family in any way she could.

She told the family her husband and Holliday were the best of friends in the Army, and how they vowed they would look after each other's family.

Her husband, Cpl. Cody Putman, 22, was killed in Iraq on April 12. He was also based at Fort Richardson.

Several clergymen who have known the Holliday family offered comforting words and kind remembrances of him.

Pastor Elisha Verge of Wichita, Kan., told the audience the Holliday family has moved from Kansas City to Milwaukee and then to Broken Arrow, and their sense of Christianity left a mark wherever they went.

Verge said Jaron Holliday went from having a Broken Arrow address to living on "Hallelujah Boulevard, around the corner from that glorious throne we'll all come one day to share."

"This young man," he said, "sacrificed his life for others."

Pastor Marshall Gordon with the Crossover Bible Church in Tulsa, where the Holliday family worships, told mourners that Jaron Holliday is in "the best place possible," and he urged them to rejoice in that thought.

Holliday's parents, Kelly and John Holliday, also spoke and thanked everyone for their kind words and encouragement.

John Holliday said his son was always able to turn a bad situation into a good one with his outpouring of love.

"I learned from him," the father said. "He didn't like to see people hurt," he said, telling mourners his son always rallied to the defense of the less fortunate.

"I'm going to miss him, our talks."

Then, looking down on the flag-draped coffin, John Holliday said, "Son, you did a good thing. You did good."

Kelly Holliday said the military was always part of her son's life.

"We're so very proud of our hero today," she said.

"Jaron," she said looking down at his casket, "you are truly my hero. You have finished strong."

Kelly Holliday, who has been diagnosed with cancer, received a standing ovation after she powerfully and passionately sang the hymn "It Is Well With My Soul" for the church.

Also receiving an unexpected standing ovation was Paul Andert, representing the World War II Veterans of Tulsa, in a presentation of a plaque honoring Holliday.

The Blue Star Mothers also honored the young soldier.

For his service in Iraq, Holliday was awarded the Bronze Star, as well as the Purple Heart.

Under blistering sunlight, mourners gathered at Memorial Park Cemetery, and watched in silence as a Fort Sill Army honor guard carried Holliday's coffin to its gravesite.

After a 21-gun salute and the playing of taps in tribute to Holliday, the honor guard ceremoniously folded the flag from his coffin.

The flag was presented to Kelly Holliday by Maj. Gen. Charlie Cartwright, commander of Future Combat Systems at St. Louis.

Doves were also released by John Holliday and his children.

In addition to his parents, Holliday is survived by a sister, Jada, and six brothers: John III, Joshua, Jeremiah, Josiah, Justus and Jamin.
Tulsa World Article

Gun Control Witness

THE SUZANNE HUPP GUN CONTROL WITNESS VIDEO

As a Gun Control Witness, Suzanne Hupp Tells Congress That We the People Need Guns to Defend Us Against Them!

Suzanne Hupp, a recent gun control witness testifying before Congress bluntly told the corrupt officials in the US government why we need to fight gun control.

“The Second Amendment is not about duck hunting. And I know I'm not going to make very many friend saying this. But it's about all rights. All of our rights to be able to protect ourselves from all of you guys up there.”

All we can say is, “Way to go Suzanne!”

The men and women who allow themselves to be pawns in the banksters’ New World Order game want nothing more than to make sure we’re all unarmed.

Every American needs to watch the Suzanne Hupp gun control witness video and gain an understanding of the Second Amendment to the Constitution.

Here’s a woman who lost her parents to a crazy man with a gun.

Many people might think that she’d be advocating gun control and wanting to disarm everyone.

But, she understands the truth: if her father had a gun that day, he’d most likely still be alive to be with her today.


Monday, August 20, 2007

You Say... God Says

God has a positive answer:
YOU SAY...GOD SAYS BIBLE VERSES

You say: "It's impossible"
God says: All things are possible(Luke 18:27)

You say: "I'm too tired"
God says: I will give you rest(Matthew 11:28-30)

You say: "Nobody really loves me"
God says: I love you(John 3:1 6 & John3:34 )

You say: "I can't go on"
God says: My grace is sufficient(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

You say: "I can't figure things out"
God says: I will direct your steps(Proverbs 3:5- 6)

You say: "I can't do it"
God says: You can do all things( Philippians 4:13)

You say: "I'm not able"
God says: I am able(II Corinthians 9:8)

You say: "It's not worth it"
God says: It will be worth it(Roman 8:28 )

You say: "I can't forgive myself"
God says: I Forgive you(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You say: "I can't manage"
God says: I will supply all your needs( Philippians 4:19)

You say: "I'm afraid"
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear(II Timothy 1:7)

You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated"
God says: Cast all your cares on ME(I Peter 5:7)

You say: "I'm not smart enough"
God says: I give you wisdom(I Corinthians 1:30)

You say: "I feel all alone"
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you(Hebrews 13:5)

Gospel According To Oprah

I found this interesting. So many people trust Oprah and she doesn't take a stand for Jesus in this.


Read the entire article:
Gospel According To Oprah
Other interesting articles can be found on Watchman

God Boxes




I have in my hands two boxes Which God gave me to hold. He said, "Put all your sorrows in the black box And all your joys in the gold."

I heeded His words, and in the two boxes Both my joys and sorrows I stored. But though the gold became heavier each day The black was as light as before.

With curiosity I opened the black I wanted to find out why. And I saw, in the base of the box, a hole Which my sorrows had fallen out by.

I showed the hole to God, and mused "I wonder where my sorrows could be." He smiled a gentle smile and said "My child, they're all here with me."

I asked God why He gave me the boxes Why the gold, and the black with the hole? "My child, the gold is for you to count your blessings The black is for you to let go."


--Author Unknown--

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Tribute To A Fallen Soldier

We had the privilige of participating in an American Flag Honor Guard for Jaron Holliday this week. It was amazing to see the love and support for this family and we felt honored to be a part of it.