Thankful Thursday - Freedom

I had a totally different direction for my TT post until I received an email from my wonderful hubby. His compassion for and dedication to our magnificent country is admirable at the very least. First, the excerpt from his email. Then why he was so adamant about his stance.
"I would like to see the faces of those that think you can't fly the stars and stripes on a well lighted flag pole.  People hate this country and what it stands for.  I have never regretted defending this country because of the things I see around me, the men and women that put their lives on the line every day without any thought of loosing their own.  How thoughtless of those that won't respect a persons undying support for GODs country, grace, mercy and fellow man.  The flag is a symbol of those things that they hate the most and they don't like it.  Who are they?  They are the lawless, those who live without any morals, who want the US to become a country of mindless non-self supporting robots.  Sorry, but I have deep feelings for the flag and what it stands for.  I know, they didn't say he couldn't fly it, it just needed to be discreet and not so outstanding."
On June 15, 1919, Van T. Barfoot was born in Edinburg -- probably didn't make much news back then.

Twenty-five years later, on May 23, 1944, near Carano , Italy , Van T. Barfoot, who had enlisted in the Army in 1940, set out to flank German machine gun positions from which fire was coming down on his fellow soldiers. He advanced through a minefield,
took out three enemy machine gun positions and returned with 17 prisoners of war.

If that wasn't enough for a day's work, he later took on and destroyed three German tanks sent to retake the machine gun positions.

That probably didn't make much news either, given the scope of the war, but it did earn Van T. Barfoot, who retired as a colonel after also serving in Korea and Vietnam , a Congressional Medal of Honor.

What did make news last week was a neighborhood association's quibble with how the 90-year-old veteran chose to fly the American flag outside his suburban Virginia home. Seems the rules said a flag could be flown on a house-mounted bracket, but, for decorum, items such as Barfoot's 21-foot flagpole were unsuitable.

He had been denied a permit for the pole, erected it anyway and was facing court action if he didn't take it down. Since the story made national TV, the neighborhood association has rethought its position and agreed to indulge this old hero who dwells
among them.

"In the time I have left I plan to continue to fly the American flag without interference,"  Barfoot told The Associated Press. 
 
As well he should. And if any of his neighbors still takes a notion to contest him, they might want to read his Medal of Honor citation. It indicates he's not real good at backing down.

 Van T. Barfoot's Medal of Honor citation:
  
This 1944 Medal of Honor citation, listed with the National Medal of Honor Society, is for Second Lieutenant Van T. Barfoot, 157th Infantry, 45th Infantry:

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty on 23 May 1944, near Carano , Italy . With his platoon heavily engaged during an assault against forces well entrenched on commanding ground, 2d Lt. Barfoot moved off alone upon the enemy left flank. He crawled to the proximity of 1 machine gun nest and made a direct hit on it with a hand grenade, killing 2 and wounding 3 Germans. He continued along the German defense line to another machine gun emplacement, and with his tommy gun killed 2 and captured 3 soldiers. Members of another enemy machinegun crew then abandoned their position and gave themselves up to Sgt. Barfoot. Leaving the prisoners for his support squad to pick up, he proceeded to mop up positions in the immediate area, capturing more prisoners and bringing his total count to 17. Later that day, after he had reorganized his men and consolidated the newlycaptured ground, the enemy launched a fierce armored counterattack directly at his platoon positions. Securing a bazooka, Sgt. Barfoot took up an exposed position directly in front of 3 advancing Mark VI tanks. From a distance of 75 yards his first shot destroyed the track of the leading tank, effectively disabling it, while the other 2 changed direction toward the flank. As the crew of the disabled tank dismounted, Sgt. Barfoot killed 3 of them with his tommygun. He continued onward into enemy terrain and destroyed a recently abandoned German fieldpiece with a demolition charge placed in the breech. While returning to his platoon position, Sgt. Barfoot, though greatly fatigued by his Herculean efforts, assisted 2 of his seriously wounded men 1,700 yards to a position of safety. Sgt. Barfoot's extraordinary heroism, demonstration of magnificent valor, and aggressive determination in the face of point blank fire are a perpetual inspiration to his fellow soldiers." 

WE LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE, ONLY BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE!
Thank you each and every one who is serving and has served.....including my awesome husband.
Peace and Joy,
Susan

Psalm 119:45 (NIV)  I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.

Return of the Random Dozen!

1. When was the last time you laughed until you cried? Very recently. At something my hubby said/did to me.

2. If you found $10 today, what would you do with it? That would depend on where I found it. If it was at a store, I'd turn it in because the owner might be looking for it.

3. Do you volunteer anywhere? Yes, for our local Relay for Life.

4. What is your favorite summertime veggie or fruit, and how do you eat it? One? just One??? Who can choose? Strawberries. Blueberries. Asparagus. Peas. Peaches. Corn. Jalapenos. Tomatoes. Bell peppers. New potatoes. Green beans. Cucumbers. Cantaloupe. Watermelon. Apples. From spring through fall. I love all the fresh produce available at the local farmer's market. How do I eat it? hand to mouth. ahahaha. Raw. Grilled. Sauteed. Steamed.

5. Is your social sphere (circle of friends) small, medium or large? Small. I have a huge network of people I claim as friends. But only a handful of intimate friends.


6. When was the last time you attended a family or school reunion? Years ago. How did that go? OK.


7. When you're feeling blue, what is the best way someone can cheer you up? Shopping.

8. Have you taken a vacation this summer? Two so far.

9. What is the most unnecessary item you carry with you all the time? My cell phone. Really! I lived most of my life without it. 


10. What is the best summer flick you have seen so far? Toy Story3.

11. Describe a perfect summer day. I really love lounging at the pool, cool drink in hand, just floating around in the water. OR I really love hopping on my motorcycle with my hubby and splittin the wind soaking up God's glorious creation. OR I really love having friends over and fellowshipping.

12. Please a share a favorite photo from the summer so far! Well. I couldn't choose between my summer trip to Charlotte to visit family and my scooter excursion. So I've included them both. lol.

Oh, and FYI.....the BIG Harley is mine! :)


If you'd like to join in with your own answers to these totally random questions, copy the questions, post your own answers, the just hop on over to Lid's @ 2nd Cup of Coffee and link up. Easy peasy.


Peace and Joy,
Susan

Psalm 119:14 (NIV)  I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.

Throne Trip Tuesdays - Friendship

You gave me words of kindness
tied with a ribbon of gold,
hearing them was important
to heal my heart and soul.

Your gift of words made a difference
when I was down and blue,
questioning why I bother,
doing what I do.

Life can be a challenge
sometimes it seems unfair,
but when I was tired and struggling
it helped that you were there.

What can I give you in return
your friendship is so dear,
please know if you ever need me
I will always be here.

Kind words and time are needed
by people everywhere,
when wrapped with a smile or a hug
they're a gift that says I CARE!

- Author Unknown

I'm so grateful to have reconnected with a dear friend. I so appreciate you, K.D., and welcome you with open arms back into my life.  

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Luke 12:6-7 (NIV) ⁶Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. ⁷Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Monday Musings - Amazing Golf Ball

Image via Wikipedia

A golfer, playing a round by himself, is about to tee off, and a salesman runs up to him, and yells, "Wait! Before you tee off, I have something really amazing to show you!"

The golfer, annoyed, says, "What is it?"

"It's a special golf ball," says the salesman. "You can never lose it!"

"Whattaya mean," scoffs the golfer, "you can never lose it? What if you hit it into the water?"

"No problem," says the salesman. "It floats, and it detects where the shore is, and spins towards it."

"Well, what if you hit it into the woods?"

"Easy," says the salesman. "It emits a beeping sound, and you can find it with your eyes closed."

"Okay," says the golfer, impressed. "But what if your round goes late and it gets dark?"

"No problem, sir, this golf ball glows in the dark! I'm telling you, you can never lose this golf ball!"

The golfer buys it at once. "Just one question," he says to the salesman. "Where did you get it?"

"I found it."

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Psalm 149:4 (NKJV) ⁴ For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation.

Throne Trip Tuesdays - Wrecker or Builder?

THE BUILDER

I saw them tearing a building down
A team of men in my hometown.
With a heave and a ho and a yes yes yell,
they swung a beam and a sidewall fell.

And I said to the foreman, "Are these men skilled?"
"Like the ones you'd use if you had to build?"
And he laughed and said, "Oh no, indeed...
the most common labor is all I need...
for I can destroy in a day or two
what takes a builder ten years to do."

So I thought to myself as I went on my way...
Which one of these roles am I willing to play?
Am I one who is tearing down as I carelessly make my way around?
Or am I one who builds with care, in order to make the world a
little better... because I was there? ~Unknown

I pray that today, This Day, I take care in building up those around me.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

2 Corinthians 13:10 (NIV) This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority—the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.

Romans 15:2 (NIV)  Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.

The Winner!!!!

I had every intention of posting this first thing this morning. But you know....life happens. My SIL needed someone to watch her daughter for the day, so.....me and hubby answered the call. It was tough. Swimming. Reading. Snacking. Napping. Tough I tell you! lol. The one drawback.....no internet. Hence the delay. And now.....

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for entering. Thank you CSN Stores for sponsoring.

....and the winner is:

Congratulations Candace!!! Please send me an email so I can send you the $40 gift code from CSN Stores.

Candace is a new follower who left this comment: "Hi! I'm a new follower of your blog. If I won, I think I would use it to purchase some sort of yoga/pilates equipment or maybe a kettlebell. I seriously need to get in shape. I look forward to getting to know you! Candace"

I'm looking forward to learning more about Candace too. One thing we already have in common is the desire to get in shape. Let me see a show of hands of everyone who wants to be more active. Yep. Just as I suspected. Pretty much all of us. If you don't know Candace, please hope over to her blog: Mi Chiamo Candace and say "hello" and "congratulations."

Thank you again for joining in the fun.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

James 1:22 (NKJV) But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

Last Chance to Enter Giveaway!

Just hopping On to remind everyone of my fantastic giveaway from CSN Stores. You have until midnight tonight to comment on this post.

Right now....I'm off to split the wind on my scooter with my awesome husband.

Hope you're having a fabulous weekend.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Psalm 119:114 (NKJV)  You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word.