THE FOURTH OF JULY

Tomorrow is the 4th of July, the 233rd birthday of our beloved United States of America. Will it be a special day for you? I hope so, because it is the day when we can truly remember, and appreciate, our many freedoms.
Over the years, although most citizens claim to be patriotic, patriotism is not as prevalent as it used to be. Yes, you still see those who salute our flag when the Star Spangles Banner is played and our flag displayed, but not like it was when I was growing up. Even as children we learned to salute our flag and even display it proudly, and correctly.
For the most part, the people of this Country are loyal patriotic Americans. They are proud of our Nation and everything it stands for. But with the pace of today’s living being so fast,
people just don’t take the time to say or do anything to express these feelings. This is a shame, because the rest of the world hears mainly the loudmouths and the reports of corruption, etc. They do not remember that we have our choice of religions, or vocations, or leisure activities, and that we can vote the way we believe. Yet, when they hear all this other negative stuff, what do they have to really compare with their way of life and ours? To some, it may seem like a choice between the “frying pan” and the “fire”. Still, there are many who yearn to come here to live. They know there is great opportunity for those willing to work and take a chance. They know that they can do what they want to do, live where they want to live, go where they want to go, speak when they want to speak, and enjoy all the freedoms that we Americans many times take for granted because they are as familiar to us as breathing.
Each war gave vent to patriotic songs. From “Yankee Doodle Dandy” in the Revolutionary War; to “Over There” and “My Buddy” in World War I; to “Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition” and “America, I Love You” in World War II. And of course, one we still do sing today and that is “God Bless America”. During these first wars, Americans sang their way to freedom and peace. Since that time, there have been wars in Korea, in Vietnam, and in the Middle East, all unpopular, and with no songs really associated with any of them. Although there have been some new songs written over the years, such as “I’m Proud to be an American”, there has been no real emphasis that they applied to any of the later wars.
Most Americans like to sing, and now, when the entire world is in such turmoil, it might be a good time to start reviving some of the patriotic songs, Not only revive them, but sing them loud enough for all the world to hear. Remind them that we live in a free land and that, even with all its faults, America is neither the “frying pan”, nor the “fire”, but a well-seasoned pot roast.
I guess you can tell that I love patriotism and one of my fondest memories is the first time I ever stood retreat as a member of the US Women’s Air Force. In full dress uniform, the bugle sounding, and our beautiful flag slowly descending, I was never more proud that I was an American and was serving this great Nation. And, as my family can all verify, there is still nothing that compares with seeing Old Glory waving, especially all the large ones. And like most of you, hopefully all of you, I pray for God to continuing to bless America and all it stands for.

ANOTHER GOOD REPORT – FATHER’S DAY

Know it has been a while since I have written, but because of circumstances,just have not had the time to write as I would have liked to.

If you are familiar with my blog, you may remember that it a little over a year ago I was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, a rare form of cancer that is incurable, and given 3 to 12 months to live. Well, PTL, I am now in my 13th month and, except for the fluid, everything else about me is fine. When I went to the Doctor on june 5th she said my lungs were clear, my heart sounded strong, my vitals are all good, the lab report shows that everything is in the normal range, and my body is otherwise functioning the way it is supposed to. Then, on June 10th, I had more fluid drained out of my abdomen and it was NOT the dark bloody red it had always been in the past, but a sort of cream color with a tinge of yellow in it (at least that is what it looked like to me and the girls). I have not talked to the Doctor (not scheduled to go back until July 30th) but I believe that this was definitely a breakthrough in God’s healing process. I have now asked all my friends and family that are prying for me to change their prayers from just being healed to praying for the MANIFESTATION AND PROOF of my healing so that I might testify of God’s great glory.

Next Sunday is Father’s Day and I am so grateful that I had not only a wonderful earthly Father, but that I have and know my Heavenly Father who is even more wonderful. And I am grateful that Angela and Ben have a wonderful earthly Father and that they also know and love their Heavenly Fahter. What a blessing to know that all my family loves the Lord and are serving Him in what He has called them to do.

I think back to when I was growing up and what a great family we had. There were just Mom and Dad, my brother Warren, and me, but we always enjoyed doing things together. We used to go on picnics and for automobile rides, and things like that. And when we went up to visit my aunt and uncle in Milwaukee, we had a lot of fun, too. Of course, I was the youngest (my brother was almost 8 years older than mt – and my cousins 14 to 20 years older) so as the cousins all got married and they became a big family, when we had picnics, etc., there were at least 50 or more that came together. Sometimes I wish we could all go back to those days, and then again, I am glad we can’t. Guess the best thing to do is to take one day at a time and let our Lord lead us the way He would have us go.

However, we do have our plans and next Monday, the 22nd, Barbie is coming after me and I am going back and spend a week with she and Steve. That will be nice. I always enjoy being up there and since school is out, will have more time to be with Barbie than usual, and that will be nice.

Again I thank God that He is my Heavenly Father and that nothing is impossible for Him. I pray you all know Him, too.

MOTHERS DAY

Whether you are a mother or a child, Mother's Day is very special. At least it is in my family. I have been blessed with two beautiful daughters (Cathie and Barbie) two great sons-in-law (Tim and Steve, and two wonderful grandchildren (Angela and Ben)- except now there are three because a grandson-in-law (Zach)was added in 2006. Although Angela and Zach could not make it home, and Ben was there for just a few hours, the rest of us had a great weekend.

Cathie and Tim brought me up on Friday and stayed the weekend. On Saturday the four of them went hiking on the property, climbing hills, fording streams, and having a great time together. They were out for about three hours and were really tired, but exhilarated, when they returned. That night Steve fixed deer steak for supper. He knew it was my favorite and it was a wonderful meal.

On Sunday, Mother's Day, we all went to church and it was nice to have a daughter on each side of me and all be together. After church Steve took us on a scenic tour and then came home to grill steaks. They were delicious and we all enjoyed them. Not too long after that, Cathie and Tim had to head back to Memphis, but I will be staying until the 27th. It's such a joy to be with Barbie and Steve and to enjoy their beautiful home and all the great scenery. It is so restful to be able to just sit and praise God for His artistry and His great love.

Although I did bring some projects to work on (I am going to do another Poem Tape and CD, and a couple of poem booklets, but a lot of the time I plan to read and just enjoy the peace and quiet here.

It seems that the Lord always gives me at least one new poem when i am here, but yesterday, He gave me four, but I am only going to share one with you. It is entitled "Buried Treasure" and it is so true that we all have treasure buried in us, but we do need to dig it out ourselves.

Hope you enjoy the poem - that you had a wonderful Mother's Day - and that you will do some digging into the Word.

BURIED TREASURE

Dig up the buried treasure
That dwells inside of you
Then stepping out in confidence
To do what you can do

Knowing that the God in you
Is greater than the foe
And when you search the Scriptures
He’ll help you learn and grow

That you might know the words to speak
And just what you should do
To overcome the enemy
Each time he comes at you

For God will give you wisdom
No matter what you face
If you will take your cares to Him
And His Words you embrace

You will always find an answer
But you must dig it out
Then act on it in confidence
Not having any doubt

For this treasure that’s within you
It’s all you’ll ever need
Because it is the Word of God
And it has been decreed

Kay Smith Crouch
May 12, 2009

MOTHERS DAY

REPORT TIME – SPRING - EASTER

Time for another report and I am glad to say that everything is about the same as last time. Know that every time I go in to see the Doctor she is expecting some signs of deterioration, but, PTL, there is still no change. All my vital signs are good, the lab report shows everything in the normal range, and, except for the fluid, everything is functioning normally. What a blessing! I know it is because of the prayers and love of all my family and friends who are standing with me..

Just spent a week at my daughter’s home in Clarksville, TN. It was a busy week, but I still had time to gaze out of their big picture window and enjoy the view. The trees were starting to bud and grew bigger and greener every day. And, yes, I saw four deer and a big turkey. As always, it reminded me of how wonderful our Creator is and what beauty He put into our lives to enjoy. Also got to go to the Bunco Meeting where I finally met more of the group who had been sending cards and praying for me this past year. What a blessing to get to know them and to be able to put names and faces together. They are all precious ladies and I enjoyed my time with them.

Here in Memphis, the fruit trees are blossoming and there is forsythia and buttercups and even tulips to enjoy. I truly love Spring, not only for the beautiful colors, but also because it is the time of new life and hope. Although I also love the colors in the Fall, Springtime is my favorite time of the year.

I am so grateful for all the support and prayers during this time. As you can imagine, it has not been an easy time, and as the months go by and it gets closer to the end date of her prognosis (3 to 12 months), the enemy is really hitting full force. BUT, because of your prayers and the fact that you are all standing in faith with me, it is also closer to the time of my victory!!!!!!! My confession every day is “I will live and not die, and be a testimony for the glory of God”! This is the end of the 10th month and I am reminded daily that I am not to look at circumstances, or to go by what I see or hear or feel. How many times He has said that in the poems He has given me, but sometimes it is hard to remember and I catch myself having to ask His forgiveness when I forget.

As we draw closer to Easter, I remember how Jesus was so willing to suffer and give His life for us, and what I am going through is nothing compared to what He had to. And the same for whatever you are going through, too. And THROUGH is the key word, because He has promised to bring us through.

THROUGH

In trials and tribulations
The Lord will see you through
For He has promised in His Word
To always be with you

Holding you by your right hand
To guide your steps each day
Keeping you upon the path
That you not go astray

But even if you stumble
He’ll pick you up again
Setting you back on the track
According to His plan

You don’t have to be perfect
In thought and word and deed
Or to focus on performance
To have Him meet your need

You only need to trust Him
And give to Him your praise
For He is ever faithful
To lead you through your days

His love is unconditional
And always shines on you
Regardless of your actions
He’ll always take you through

Kay Smith Crouch

I pray you all have a wonderful and blessed Easter season, and that you will remember not only what Jesus did for us, but also remember what the Father had to go through watching Him suffer and die. What a wonderful God we serve. To think they would do this for us so that we might live eternally with Him. Hope you enjoy this poem that God just gave me this week about the “Man of Sorrows”.

MAN OF SORROWS

He was a Man of Sorrows
Who died upon that cross
Willing to endure ‘til death
And counting it not loss

Because He knew His Father’s plan
To draw men back to Him
Giving them a chance at life
And not a future grim

Willing to be sacrificed
To pay the debt we owe
That we clothed in righteousness
And washed as white as snow

For when He died upon that cross
A mortal man was He
Yet pure and clean and free from sin
Fulfilling destiny

From birth to resurrection
He lived here on this earth
Going from the manger to the cross
To give us second birth

Giving up His life for ours
God’s wrath to satisfy
That we might walk with Him again
And on Him to rely

Kay Smith Crouch
March 24, 2009

Love and God’s blessings to each and every one who reads this.

GEORGE AND THE CHERRY TREE

Yesterday was George Washington’s birthday, and if we think about him, we picture him as the “Father of our Country”, our first President of these great United States. And just about everyone has heard the story of George and the cherry tree. There probably isn’t a child alive who hasn’t been told about this episode at least once. But I wonder how many have remembered it!

Apparently not many, or if they did, they just have not paid any attention to it at all. This is quite evident as we review the things told us by our co-workers, by sales people, by others we meet in the course of everyday living, and by our representatives in local, state, and national government, and even sometimes by our own family and friends. Is this right? Should a friend tell us we look good if we don’t; or our family tells us it’s okay to do something when it isn’t; or a salesperson tells us that the suit or dress makes us look good when it really doesn’t?

The answer to some of these questions is quite obvious. The answer to some of them depends upon your point of view. There are those who believe that “honesty is the best policy” no matter what, while others may believe this except when being honest would be harmful to someone. Of course, there are some who believe honesty is a matter of convenience and that the only thing wrong with lying is the fact that later it is often hard to keep their stories straight. And there are those who are pathological liars because they just cannot help it. Is there a difference between a lie and a fib? Is there such a thing as a “little white lie”? This is strictly between you and your conscious. There are many ways you can look upon the subject of lying, and what you do and what you say will ultimately reflect your beliefs.

One example of truth being the best policy is when a doctor tells a patient they have an incurable disease and gives them a prognosis of how much longer they have to live. It may seem harsh but it also prepares the patient to face reality. As many of you know, this happened to me last year, and it has caused me to look at life a little differently. The one good thing about it is that I have lots of family and friends who are standing in faith with me to be completely healed. Was the doctor wrong? With the information she had and looking at things from her perspective, she believed she was telling the truth. Yet it has been interesting to see that, except for the fluid buildup in my abdomen and lung (which get drained every so often), every time I go in my vital signs are all good and the lab reports show everything in the normal range. The truth does not always depend upon what man sees and knows, but what God has planned for each individual. Yes, there will be a time when I will go Home to Heaven, but it is in His timing, not mine – or the doctor’s.

I know that since this has happened, I really appreciate the beauty of the sky and the trees, and all the other beautiful artistry God has provided for us. I thank Him for the wonderful family and all the great prayer warriors He has given me to help me through this time. And I treasure the times when we can be together. Not that I did not always appreciate them and love them, but it is that I have learned not to take them – or anything else – for granted. These are gifts from our Heavenly Father and I treasure them highly.

I pray that as you read this, you will be blessed as you remember all the precious gifts of family and friends He has given to you.

LOVE MAKES THE WORLD GO ‘ROUND

There is an old saying and a popular song that “Love Makes the World Go ‘Round” and today this old world should really be spinning as that cute little cherub Dan Cupid shoots off a lot of love arrows in celebration of Valentine’s Day.

Just think of all the valentines that have been made or purchased this week, not to mention all the flowers, candy, and other types of gifts, including some diamond rings. Although we express our love on various occasions during the year, this is the holiday that is especially devoted to romance and affection. Everyone likes to be loved, whether it is a simple expression of friendship, or the courtship of that special one in your life.

I once wrote a column about how this holiday came into being and I happened to come across it, so thought you might enjoy knowing about it. Of course we know that it comes on the feast day of that Christian martyr, St. Valentine, but did you know there were at least two St. Valentines, and possibly more? Or that the customs we celebrate have nothing to do with the lives of these saints? It is generally believed to have come from an ancient Roman festival called Lupercalia, which took place on the 15th of February. This festival, honoring Juno, the Roman goddess of women and marriage, and Pan, the God of nature, was celebrated as a lover’s festival for young women and men who chose their festival partners by drawing names by chance. The partners would then exchange gifts as a sign of affection and many times such partnerships ended in courtship and marriage.

Wanting to give Christian meaning to what he considered a pagan festival, Pope Gelasius changed it to St. Valentine’s Day in 496, but the sentimental meaning of the old festival still remains. The holiday did not become popular in this country until the mid-1880’s, although the oldest valentines found in America date back to the early 1700’s.

Down through the years there have been many beliefs and customs in connection with this day, mostly concerned with romance or the choice of a mate. One of the oldest beliefs is that birds choose their mates on this date. There was also an old superstition that it was bad luck to bring snowdrop flowers into the house of an unmarried girl before Valentine’s Day if the girl hoped to get married that year. In some places an unmarried girl would strike her forehead with a folded rose petal. If the petal cracked, she knew that her valentine loved her.

Although these things might be interesting, one thing is for sure, Valentine’s Day is a day for children and lovers and no matter what customs or beliefs you might have, it is a fun day with lots of love and affection being spread around.

Wouldn’t it be nice if all this love and affection could be spread around every day?

Hope this Valentine’s Day has been special for you and that you celebrated it with those you love. I did!