Children's book: 30,000 Stitches

About the book:

Discover the inspiring story of the American flag that flew over Ground Zero, traveled across all fifty states as it was repaired, and returned to New York as a restored symbol of unity.

In the days following September 11th, a 30-foot American flag hung torn and tattered at 90 West Street, across from Ground Zero. A few weeks later, the flag was taken down by a construction crew and tucked away in storage, where it stayed for nearly seven years.

The flag was brought out of storage in 2008 when the New York Says Thank You Foundation headed to Greensburg, Kansas, a town nearly destroyed by a tornado. NYSTY brought the flag with them, sparking a grassroots restoration effort that traveled over 120,000 miles across all fifty states, bringing together thousands of people, and helping America heal and rebuild . . . hand by hand, thread by thread, one stitch at a time.

This book is the story of that journey, a journey that ended at the opening of the National September 11 Museum, where the flag remains today. Along the way, the flag was restored using pieces of retired flags from every state—including a piece of the flag that Abraham Lincoln was laid on after he was shot at Ford's Theater and threads from the original Star-Spangled Banner flag, which flew at Fort McHenry in the War of 1812 and inspired Francis Scott Key to write the national anthem. The pieces and threads were stitched in by military veterans, first responders, educators, students, community-service heroes, and family members of 9/11 victims, among others. At each stop, communities came together to remember, to heal, and to unite.

 

My thoughts:

This is a beautifully done book for children about the National 9/11 flag.  Young and old alike can learn something from this book. I did not know the flag had traveled through the fifty states so this was interesting for me.  It is appropriate for elementary aged children. This is a wonderful choice for a school library and to read to your class as we remember this tragic day. The restored flag is a symbol of hope,healing, and unity for our country.

I loved the illustrations by Sally Wern Comport. You will see snippets of the flag throughout the book.  At then end are photographs of people across the country adding stitches to the flag.  

Click here for more information..

I received a copy of this book from Hachette Book Group for my honest review.  Thank you.

Have a day of blessings!

 Bethany

Thankful Thursday

God bless America!  I hope you are having a nice holiday and remembering all the things we have for which to give thankful in this country. 

This week I am thankful for...

~  enjoying a couple days with my husband while our boy went camping.  We watched a couple movies which we normally don't do and ate some Mexican food! 

~ my boy having a GREAT experience at his new dentist.  I am very thankful it was a positive experience for him this week, plus he got a good report on his teeth. 

~ enjoying fireworks last night with friends from church.  It was a nice evening and the fireworks were pretty.  My husband got us home quickly too around the traffic.

~ having clean car windows.  Wednesday evening after church we had a note under our wipers.  The youth had cleaned windows during service as a service project.  The note said "Your windows have been washed by the youth.  Your sins have been washed away by the blood of Jesus."

~ cooler temperatures this week.  It was nice to feel the breeze this week and not be 100 degrees for a few days.

Thankful Thursday is meeting at Women Taking a Stand this month.

Have a day of blessings!

Election Reflections

This morning I was pondering the election results, feeling disappointed in the outcome.  I was doing some things around the house and thought I'd listen to Pandora.  Guess what song came on first thing? 

My hope is built on nothing less
than Jesus' blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
but wholly lean on Jesus' name.

Here are the lyrics.

What a great reminder!  MY hope is not in any government official, leader, or country.  MY hope is in Jesus! 

If you do not have this wonderful hope, you can! 

Have a day of blessings!

Join me on Election Day over at Laced With Grace

I have shared some thoughts on Two Things to Remember on Election Day over at Laced With Grace today.  Please join me there!

Have a day of blessings!

A day to remember

It is always touching to me to read the stories and hear the memories of 9-11-01.  Memories held closely of a day that changed us forever....changed us as people, changed us as a nation.  I have seen many thoughts shared on blogs and Facebook today.  We saw the flags around our neighborhood as we drove to school this morning, the flags at the school blowing only half way up the pole today as we pause to remember.

Today I am remembering those who lost loved ones on that day.  I wonder how drastically their lives have changed since that day.  I wonder what they do on this day to pay tribute to their loved ones.  I wonder if they have found a new "normal" for their lives. 

Today I am remembering those who bravely went to the scene and served, risking their own lives to help.  So many heroes.

Today I am remembering those serving our country far away from their family and loved ones, all for our country and our freedom.  Another example of heroes. 

Today I am remembering the unity that I saw exhibited all across our country on that day and the days following. It was such a beautiful thing to see everyone come together.

Today I am remembering what it was like before "9-11" was a common household phrase and realizing that my son will never know that "pre- 9-11" life as I knew it.

Remember with me today.

Have a day of blessings!

Book review: Twilight's Last Gleaming

I would like to share with you the book Twilight's Last Gleaming by Dr. Robert Jeffress.
About the book:
Economic chaos, spiraling immorality, cultural decay, terrorism and global upheaval have convinced many that we are living in the twilight days of America. Widely respected pastor, author and frequent media commentator Dr. Robert Jeffress agrees, but is quick to add a note of hope and challenge in his latest release, Twilight’s Last Gleaming (Worthy Publishing, January 2012). Although we cannot prevent America’s eventual demise, he asserts, we can postpone it . . . and make a difference for eternity at the same time.

Including a foreword by former governor Mike Huckabee, Twilight’s Last Gleaming offers a bold roadmap to guide readers’ attitudes and actions in these volatile times. “But it is not all doom and gloom,” writes Jeffress. “We have an unprecedented opportunity within our current culture to delay our country’s ultimate dissolution so that we can continue to grow the kingdom. Even if America’s best days are behind her, for American Christians, this can and should be our shining moment.”

About the author:
Dr. Robert Jeffress, a popular guest commentator on top network news shows, is pastor of the 11,000-member First Baptist Church in Dallas and host of Pathway to Victory, which is heard daily on over 720 radio stations nationwide, including the Salem Radio Network, American Family Radio and Bott Radio Network.
My thoughts: 
I am still reading this book as I requested it late for my review.  However, I am enjoying Dr. Jeffress' thoughts so far.  One thing that has stuck out with me is how we are living in such a dark time.  As Christians we can use this opportunity to be bright lights amidst the darkness.  We need to be salt and light to the world around us.  I will share more with you about this book when I have completed reading it. 

Thank you to Audra at The B & B Media Group for sending this book for my review. 

Have a day of blessings!

Prayers & Promises Week #27

I hope you are enjoying this wonderful weekend. We enjoyed a parade Saturday morning and look forward to fireworks Sunday night. I think it is a wonderful thing to remember and celebrate our country. I love seeing my fellow Americans proudly wearing their red, white, and blue. We drove down one street in our town where all the houses had small flags in the ground along their front curb, which was great to see. I am proud to be an American and thankful for those who serve our country with such bravery and dedication.

For July I am using the theme of power for my verses each week. This week's verse is Ephesians 1:18, 19--

"I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe."

As Paul is telling the people of Ephesus, we who believe have been given something great. Verse 19 goes on to say "That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms...." I think many times we take that power we've been given for granted. I know I forget. I hope these verses this month will remind us of God's power.

For the prayers today, please remember to pray for our soldiers and their families who are serving our country. We have a man at our church who will be heading to Afghanistan on Wednesday so say a prayer for him and his wife (who is pregnant with their first child) and his other family. Also, remember to pray for the leaders of our country.

Have a day of blessings!

Prayers & Promises Week #12

My heart is in prayer tonight for our country. I don't follow politics, but I do know there is a big debate going on right now about health care. As I was preparing to write this post with this week's verse, another verse I know by heart (that is also fitting with the theme of humility) came to mind. You may be familiar with it too...2 Chronicles 7:14--"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

If you click above on the link, you can read the rest of this passage. The Lord is talking to Solomon here as the temple is finished. The Lord said basically when there is no rain and locusts have eaten everything, when you humble yourselves and pray, I'll hear you.

I believe today God wants us to humble ourselves before Him. We need to throw aside our materialism and pride and be completely humble before Him, seeking Him in prayer for our country. Where is our country headed? I don't know, but I do know God is in control and that gives me comfort. I know in the end He is the victor. I trust Him still.

I'm going to use this verse for the week this week as a reminder to pray for our country. I hope you will join me in prayer for our country and leaders.

Here are some other requests:

~ Karen's son, Cameron--physical healing.

~ families of local students killed. Our newspaper has reported a couple car wrecks this week. In one two high school seniors were killed in one vehicle and a 1st grade boy in another car was killed, his father was hospitalized. Then another day there was another wreck killing a high school senior. My heart is sad for these families, schools, friends, and communities.

~ my husband. I pray he has a less stressful week at work.

Join us for Spiritual Sundays today.
Have a day of blessings!

Veteran's Day

I'm late in posting today but I did want to say I'm thankful for our soldiers and their families. They do so much for us and make so many sacrifices. I'm thankful for those serving now and those who've served in the past. I'm glad we have this day to remember and pay tribute to these heroes.

Have a day of blessings!

Remember...

Have a day of blessings!

.....Land that I love....

Hot Glitters

Thankful Thursday: Freedom

It is a blessing to live in America. This is a blessing we often take for granted. I'm thankful for the freedoms we have here in our country, like being able to worship the Lord. I'm thankful for days like Independence Day to remember and celebrate. I'm thankful for the men and women who have served and those who continue to serve our country with such courage and bravery, as well as their families who are back home waiting for their safe return. We need to be thankful for the freedoms we have and not forget all the Lord has blessed us with, even in the midst of hard times we've faced recently.

Also, we have freedom through Christ for which I'm thankful. We are no longer held captive because He makes us free!

Other things I've been thankful for this week have been:

~ my sweet husband. He always helps clean up the table after supper while I do the dishes. I love this and am thankful he is helpful.

~ the cute things I hear my son say. We were driving into town. I told him it looked like those clouds had some rain and we should pray and ask God to send us some more rain. A little bit later it started raining. He said I guess He heard our voices. :)
~ rain. It was such a blessing to wake up to the dark morning and hear the sound of rain outside.

~ getting to eat Chinese food. Since my hubby doesn't care for it, I was excited to be able to go out to eat Chinese with my sweet friend. It was delicious and I'm thankful for her friendship too.

~ being able to go to the library.

God bless America! Have a safe, happy holiday weekend!

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"I will always obey your law,
for ever and ever.

I will walk about in freedom,
for I have sought out your precepts." Psalm 119:44, 45

More thoughts....

I have a video clip to share with you. I hope you will be able to see it through this link (click on the words "President Bush returns to Central Texas" to see the clip I'm talking about). It made me proud to hear Mr. Bush speak to the crowds greeting him as he arrived in Waco, TX before heading to his ranch in Crawford.

Two things in the article jumped out at me:

Bush said he went to Washington with a clear set of principles, and left with them intact.

"I never took an opinion poll to tell me what to think, and I'm coming home with my head held high and a sense of accomplishment,” he said. (from KWTX article)

He also said that when he looked in the mirror he could be proud of what he sees. It just touched me that he is remaining positive even though so many are being rude and disrespectful towards him. I knew I would share it with you as soon as I saw it! Shouldn't that be each of our goals at the end of the day....whatever we're doing to look in that mirror and be proud of what is looking back, knowing we've done our best, and not living with guilts or regrets.

Caleb has asked a couple questions about Mr. Bush. What will his job be now and did he like being President? I think we'll mail him a card, letter, picture, etc.

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"Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor." Romans 13:7

Thoughts on the day

Did you watch the Inauguration? Caleb and I viewed bits and pieces of the events this morning with Caleb commenting on everything (especially when they said Washington, DC or showed the White House since Daddy went there a few months ago!) He got out his cymbals too to play as he heard the bands. Caleb was full of facts to tell Daddy when he got home about what we'd watched. Of course the shortened version of the entire day was on the national news tonight.

I read a few blogs today that shared thoughts on today's events. Two that I particularly appreciated were: Kiki's Corner and A Magnolia's Heart Beats titled "He Reigns."

I wondered how much money was spent on the festivities including the fancy lunch today. I wondered how all the people who were there afforded to attend the festivities from all across the country when things are so financially tough for so many.

I will be praying for our new President and his family as they adjust to their new life. I will be praying for the Bush's as well as they get settled in "normal" life. I am thankful he was our President and thankful for his service to our country. So many are rude and disrespectful to him now which makes me sad.

Everyone says how they'll remember this day forever. What will you remember about this day? Does anything stick out for you?
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"Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, 'I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.' " John 8:12

Remember to pray

I received a reminder to pray for President elect Obama in one of my comments (Thanks Amanda!) Also tonight I received an email from Max Lucado urging everyone to take a few minutes to pray on Inauguration Day, January 20. You can visit the link (click above on Max Lucado or in my side bar) to find a prayer guide and more information.
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"But if any of you needs wisdom, you should ask God for it. He is generous and enjoys giving to all people, so he will give you wisdom.”James 1:5

Holiday Mail for Heroes

I found this great idea over at Amanda's site and wanted to pass it on. Amanda is making cards to send for each comment she receives so you can leave a comment to participate or you can send your own cards. Here is the link.

Happy Veteran's Day! SCC song

I read that SCC (Steven Curtis Chapman) wrote a song in honor of our veteran's. You can read about it here and also find a link to listen to the song if you sign up for his newsletter. SCC also has a new video up speaking about the song and the visit that inspired it here. It is an amazing song! Just wanted to share.

Thinking about the election... and a song

Earlier today I wrote a post concerning the election. I came to edit it tonight, and it wasn't saved in it's full form. My husband said sometimes second drafts are better. I won't be discouraged about this!

I know we are all concerned about the election, and I can't count the number of times I've read it is the most important election in history. There are so many things at stake really. I wonder how this election will change history. I wonder if voters are educating themselves on the issues. I wonder how those who are voting in their first election are responding to all the hype and attention. I've read from several bloggers that they aren't commenting on the election which is their choice and I respect that. I have a couple things on my heart, though, so while I'm not trying to start some debate, I also feel I can't just be quiet and not say anything.

Many states will be voting regarding the definition of marriage. Recently in the celebrity news blurbs on the back of our daily newspaper I've seen two "big names" (Steven Spielberg and Brad Pitt) each donating a hundred thousand dollars opposing Proposition 8 in California. Also today I read an email that Google was opposing Prop 8. Because of this, one man is choosing to use a new search engine. All of this got me thinking: What can I do to make a difference? I don't have a hundred thousand dollars to give to a cause I support. Should I ban Google as well? It would be easy to use a new search engine, no problem. But there are a lot of other functions of Google I use from this blog to a bunch of the other blogs I read. Where do you draw the line on supporting companies that openly support lifestyles that are contrary to God's truth? For example, I know of some companies that have recently been in the news for their support of gay "marriage." I can refuse to support those companies, but how do I know that a product I buy 100% doesn't support things I don't support? If you have thoughts on this, please share.

With all the differing viewpoints that bombard us each day, I'd like to share a few things that I've found to be beneficial. First, I think we need to pray. I received an email, you may have received it too, that asks Americans to stop and pray about the election for one minute at 8 p.m. each night. I clearly believe we need to cover this election with our prayers and need to be praying continuously. I think it would be so powerful for millions of Americans to make a commitment to stop what they are doing at this time each night and say a prayer. Will you think about joining me in this? I set the alarm on our cell phone as a reminder to stop and pray.

Marsha has posted an election prayer guide. I printed this out today and think it will be a useful tool.

Third, I'd like to share a song by Casting Crowns called "While You Were Sleeping." You can read the lyrics and about the song through this link (it is song #7 if you want to scroll down). I found it on God Tube for you to watch as well. The lyrics really make you think about our country and the direction it is headed.



Finally, today in our daily Bible readings I was greatly encouraged and wanted to share this with you as well. My heart has been heavy after reading a blog post about the election and this person's reason for selecting the candidate for which he'll vote. His logic makes no sense to me and what concerns me is if he has these thoughts as an educated Christian, what are others thinking and basing their choice upon? The first verses were Philippians 1:27--2:17. This encouraged me to have faith and not give up. The second one was Proverbs 24:11, 12. I liked the version from The Message too. When I read this I immediately thought of those unborn babies killed in abortions. I am no Bible scholar and I think this passage is probably referring to those who are unjustly accused of wrong when they are innocent. But it made me think of the babies; they are innocent. It touched my heart to read verse 12. God isn't going to listen to our excuses. We do know the babies are being killed. Are we doing anything about it? This can be applied to many areas. We know the things that are going on that are against truth. What are we doing about it? It was God's perfect timing that those were the passages in today's reading. I felt it was His truth speaking to my heart.

We as Christians we need to take a stand. We need to be bold and not apologize for the views we have. We need to hold to truth. We need to present that truth and not be scared we'll offend someone. We need to share the hope we have in this crazy, messed up world. We need to shine like stars. We need to keep our faith in God, trusting that everything is in His hands.

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"Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing." Philippians 2:14-16

Friday Favorites: USA Songs #4

For my last Friday Favorite of July I'm choosing the song "Fifty Nifty United States." I learned this song when I was in 5th grade (I think). I didn't totally remember all the beginning words as I was teaching it but this is a pretty close rendition. Hope you enjoy this little "surprise," someone you normally don't see on my blog. I hope this works, I've not used the video before on here.

video deleted

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"Yes, because God's your refuge, the High God your very own home, evil can't get close to you, harm can't get through the door. He ordered his angels to guard you wherever you go." Psalm 91:9-11

Friday Favorites: USA Songs #3

When I was thinking of what song to use this week on my Friday Favorite, the song "This Land is Your Land" came to mind. I think the reason I like it is because we sang it in elementary music class. It seems like we memorized it too. I just remember singing it a lot! I like the words and the tune.

I hope you have a great weekend! I am looking forward to going to a SCC concert with my husband. I'll let you know about that in another post!

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"Prove me, O Lord, and try me; test my heart and mind. For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in faithfulness to you." Psalm 26:2, 3