Meaning of Flag Draped Coffin...... and its Folding

Some of you may have known this already, but I didn't.
 I think it is a lesson we all need to learn.
 
   Meaning of Flag Draped Coffin......
   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?
   
   Have you ever noticed 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.
   
   The 2nd fold is a symbol of the belief in eternal life.
   
   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.
   
   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.
   
   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.'
   
   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.
   
   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.
   
   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.
   
   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.
   
   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.'
   
   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,  the symbol of ' Liberty and Freedom.'
   
   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.

What's new in CPR

I wonder if this technique could have saved my Dad.

Worth passing on;  a new CPR technique.  At our age, we all know someone who has had a heart attack.  A neighbor went into sudden cardiac arrest and his family didn't know what to do till the medics arrived, by which time it was too late.  This video, from the University of Arizona College of Medicine, demonstrates a new, simpler, and more effective way to apply CPR to someone suffering sudden cardiac arrest.

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Snake Snack Time

 Meet Fluffy the Boa Constrictor; plus an un-named, hungry Corn Snake.  Camille (and AJ)  partook in a snake feeding class at the Nature Center at Camp.  I feel slightly disturbed by the pictures of the innocent baby Gerbils.  Born to be eaten alive...imagine that!

ouch

The audience/class (feeling pity for the gerbils, I'm sure)

Sweet & Sour Chicken

Ingredients

Serves 8

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1/3 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 4 teaspoons sugar
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 bell peppers (green, red, yellow, or a combination), cut into 1-inch pieces
• 8 scallions, cut crosswise into 1-inch pieces, white and green parts separated
• 6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• Cooked white rice, for serving (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper

Directions

1. In a large bowl, toss chicken with 1 tablespoon each soy sauce and cornstarch, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, combine remaining soy sauce and cornstarch, vinegar, ketchup, sugar, and 1/2 cup water; set aside.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high. Cook half the chicken, turning occasionally, until browned and almost cooked through, 4 minutes; remove. Cook the remaining chicken in another tablespoon oil; remove.
3. Add remaining oil to the pan. Add peppers, white parts of scallions, and garlic; cook over medium-high, stirring, until peppers are crisp-tender, about 3 minutes.
4. Whisk soy sauce mixture; add to pan. Return chicken; add scallion greens. Cook, stirring, until sauce has thickened and chicken is cooked through, about 2 minutes. Serve immediately over rice, if desired.

Honor Cabin @ Summer Camp in Wisconsin

To be bestowed the  Honor Cabin  award meant a cabin (and the Campers who reside therein) got the most points for being the cleanest/most organized cabin during the entire week of camp...along with possessing other sterling qualities.  They were judged on a daily basis by two, qualified, impartial judges --- the Camp nurses.

Congrats to Cabin Number 11 -- AJ's cabin!  The other boys were Nathanael, Micah, Chase, Noah, Christian, John, Clayton, and Luke.  Their counselor was Terence Jackson (in white cap).
 Note that 3 of the 9 boys are from our Chapel in Elgin. *Ahem*

Remember!

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Red Ferrari 308

I had to take a picture of this beautiful Red Ferrari 308 at the parking lot at Culver's,  where we had lunch last Saturday.

The right to bear arms

I ♥ it!

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Paddington, the SpringerDoodle Dog

DH's niece and family just acquired "Paddington".
He is a mixture of Springer Spaniel and Poodle (a Springerdoodle).

Where can I get one of these?

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Case study, or Do Not Hinder God

it's all pretend

I had been looking for my Oliver Peoples sunglasses for a few days.  I could not remember the last time I wore them, but I approximate it to be the 28th of June.  The eyeglass case was empty after that, and remained empty --- till today.

We were done at the Dentist's office at 12:15 pm.  Before having lunch at Joy Yee's, we headed to Rosehill Cemetery for a quick look, and to water the sod and flowers.  Eagle-eyed FJE spotted my sunnies a few feet away from Mom & Dad's plot.  It was on the plot of someone named "Martin". The sunglasses must have fallen off of their perch on my shirt when I bent over to straighten something.  How many days ago was that??!!!

I consider this event a miracle, the goodness of God manifested in my life. The location of the glasses was beyond my reach and my control. On top of that, (A) the glasses were exposed to the elements.  They went through several warm/humid/sunny days in the open air, and it rained at least twice. They somehow evaded being crushed by vehicles; and, no one took them. God became the "case" or protector of my lost sunnies. They remained in perfect (used) condition with not a scratch on them! (B) I had convinced myself of their proximity: they were either in the house or in one of our vehicles (Wrong! They were 30 miles away, blending with the sod).  So, checking back at the cemetery was not on my radar screen. Looking at their lost-and-found department, in case someone had turned them in, would not have even occurred to me.

I need to allow God to do all of my worryings for me. My usual m.o. when I lose something of value to me is to get nasty.  To get bitter. To get even nastier.  This time, I wasn't anything other than oblivious to the danger.   Thus, I did not hinder God (with my sins of the wrong attitude, wrong words, and plain-ol' wickedness) from performing His miracle.  God was free to take care of the problem for me.  All because He loves me through the Lord Jesus Christ.

How awesome is that?!

71.9.3.18

NO! to a mosque on Ground Zero

This video explains it all:

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Cockatiel Jack

Why, Jack?  Why the sudden and un-expected parting??!  Was it Old age? Disease?  Neglect? Stress? a Broken Heart? our new Dog?  because you happen to be male? Did you miss your true nature --- being outdoors, free and  clear to go wherever you please, whenever you please? Why, oh why, our beloved Jack?

Our  memories of you:

As a helpless baby whom we had to pick among at least 10 others.  We couldn't tell whether you were a girl or you were a boy, and we WANTED a boy.  It was tough having to leave you at the Pet Store till you were older.  But you were hand-fed while we waited, with the added benefit of you being quite used to people.  Thus, it was no problem for you to perch on our fingers.  Exhibiting no panic, no fear.  Overall, just an acceptance of us, your Humans.

You easily learned the tune to the theme to "The Dick van Dyke" show.  On and on you'd belt it out, as your pitch got higher and higher.  We LOVED it! (Oh, why did we never record it?)  Memories of you gliding down the bars of your cage to get closer to us.  Your screams of greeting; your piercing squawks.  Your vicious and well-aimed pecks when you were irritated. You were strong; you were active, you were loud, and you were regal.

Damn, you looked good in this picture!