Bighorn Sheep and a U.S. Marine

 Bighorn Sheep,  on the Buffalo Bill Dam on the Shoshoni River at Cody, Wyoming....

 ...and, Brett, climbing a stone wall at the Christian Camp, WI

...and over the Chicago River

Jill's a good cook!

Spiced Gatehouse Tea Bread

(from  Brian Jacques'  The Redwall Cookbook)

Pigs in a Blanket

Michael Crawford

...singing O Holy Night

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The Imperials

...singing one of my very  favorite Gospel songs of all time:

Praise the Lord -- He will work for those who praise Him
Praise the Lord -- for our God inhabits praise
Praise the Lord -- for those chains that seem to bind you
Serve only to remind you
That they dropped powerless behind you
When you praise Him

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Washington Monument

...a history lesson

 LAUS  DEO 

Do you know what it  means? 

One  detail that is never mentioned is that in  Washington , D.C. there can never be a building  of greater height than the Washington Monument  .. ( Heights of Buildings Act 1910 ..."enacted a new law limiting building heights to the width of the right-of-way of the street or avenue on which a building fronts.")
With  all the uproar about removing the ten  commandments, etc., this is worth a moment or  two of your time.  I was not aware of this  amazing historical information.

On the  aluminum cap, atop the Washington Monument in  Washington , D.C. , are displayed two  words:
 

Laus  Deo

No  one can see these words.  In fact, most  visitors to the monument are totally unaware  they are even there and for that matter,  probably could care  less.

Once  you know Laus  Deo's history , you  will want to share this with everyone you  know.  These words have been there for many  years; they are 555 feet, 5.125 inches high,  perched atop the monument, facing skyward to the  Father of our nation, overlooking the 69 square  miles which comprise the District of Columbia ,  capital of the United States of  America 

Laus  Deo!  Two seemingly  insignificant, unnoticed words. Out of sight  and, one might think, out of mind, but very  meaningfully placed at the highest point over  what is the most powerful city in the most  successful nation in the  world.
So,  what do those two words, in Latin, composed of  just four syllables and only seven letters,  possibly mean?  Very simply, they  say '  Praise be to God!'
Though  construction of this giant obelisk began  in1848,  when James Polk was President of the United  States , it was not  until 1888 that  the monument was inaugurated and opened to the  public.  It took twenty-five years to finally cap the  memorial with a tribute to the Father of our  nation, 

Laus  Deo 

'Praise  be to God!'

From  atop this magnificent granite and marble  structure, visitors may take in the beautiful  panoramic view of the city with its division  into four major segments.  From that  vantage point, one can also easily see the  original plan of the designer, Pierre Charles  l'Enfant .....a perfect cross imposed upon the  landscape, with the White House to the  north.  The Jefferson Memorial is to the  south, the Capitol to the east and the Lincoln  Memorial to the  west. 

A  cross you ask?  Why a cross?  What  about separation of church and state? Yes, a  cross; separation of church and state was not,  is not, in the Constitution.  So, read on.  How interesting and, no doubt, intended to carry  a profound meaning for those who bother to  notice. When  the cornerstone of the Washington Monument was  laid on July 4th, 1848 deposited within it were  many items including the Holy Bible presented by  the Bible  Society. Praise  be to God!   Such was the discipline, the moral direction,  and the spiritual mood given by the founder and  first President of our unique  democracy 'One  Nation, Under God.'
I  am awed by George Washington's prayer for  America  ....   Have you ever read it? Well, now is your unique  opportunity, so read  on!
'  Almighty God; We make our earnest prayer that  Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy  protection; that Thou wilt incline the hearts of  the citizens to cultivate a spirit of  subordination and obedience to government; and  entertain a brotherly affection and love for one  another and for their fellow citizens of the  United States at large. And finally that Thou  wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us  all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean  ourselves with that charity, humility, and  pacific temper of mind which were the  characteristics of the Divine Author of our  blessed religion, and without a humble imitation  of whose example in these things we can never  hope to be a happy nation.  Grant our  supplication, we beseech Thee, through Jesus  Christ our Lord.   Amen.' 

Laus  Deo! 

Fly me to the moon

 Justen recently celebrated his birthday, and one of his gifts was a 1-hour flying lesson on a single-engine plane.  The best part of it was being able to take two friends along as part of the deal.  That's where Jared and Micah come in --- Yesssss!

I was happy for Jared, but felt a slight pang of jealousy at this great opportunity.   Nevertheless, thank you, Lord! 

 

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