I'm feeling grateful for our warriors - both those of today and those of the past. I was especially reminded today about Moroni and the story of the Title of Liberty!
"And he fastened on his head-plate, and his breastplate, and his shields, and girded on his armor about his loins; and he took the pole, which had on the end thereof his rent coat, (and he called it the title of liberty) and he bowed himself to the earth, and he prayed mightily unto his God for the blessings of liberty to rest upon his brethren, so long as there should a band of Christians remain to possess the land—"
I am praying that the Lord will raise up righteous leaders at this time, we so much need to be led by those who have a belief in God and Liberty. At times I fear for our country, and my children and their children and so on.
Often I recall the story of my Great Grandfather Gustaf Hillstrom who was so happy to become and American. On the day he received his citizenship, they say he ran down the street waving his certificate and shouting in his strong Swedish accent "I'm an American! I'm an American!" So to So him and all my other ancestor I have a deep and abiding gratitude for what they sacrificed and the gift that I was given - to be born and live in a free land, the promised land. That's why I vote, that's why I study the news and support in any way I can those that chose to protect our freedoms.
Otherwise , today is just another day. The sun is shinning and I helped my lawn guy, Norbert, rake the mountains of leaves in my front yard filling up two huge green waste barrels along with 1/2 of the other barrel. We had a long conversation about Freedom. He moved to America from Hungary so he has insight into the problems of socialism facing our country. What a refreshing view to speak with him, one of the few I can dialogue with about the political atmosphere in our country. He understands.
Something significant about the leaves, the messages and the memories. I have raked many leaves. I planted an enormous Maple tree in front of the porch of my childhood home on Althea Street, Warwick RI. The last picture I have of that house, taken after dad died, the tree then was bigger than the house! I think I wrote a poem about it; how I found it in the woods as a young girl of about 10 years old and dragged a shovel to the woods , dug it up and replanted it in its special place in front of our house. Year after year the tree bloomed and grew and year after year the leaves turned and fell on to infinity as it seemed to me. I will never forget that maple tree and times I sat beneath it, the day I watched the Hurricane of '54 bend it's branches, and the day my brother, dad, and I stood near it for our Easter photo. How could that be such a vivid scene in my mind when days unnumbered had passed by since? Some things are never forgotten but cherished always.
A sister dropped off our food order. So grateful that the church helps us with our food, taxes are due and how will we pay them? The outrageous sum of $1,860.00! I have faith in God, he will help us. Last week I almost through away a bunch of paperwork; before I did I found one and something told me to look inside. I did and found $300 dollars! I did not remember why or when I put it there. I paid my tithing the day before! (smile).
Battling health problems still but this week progress. Dr. told me to increase the thyroid medication and gave me something for pain. Getting older is not fun, but with determination I will ride the roller coaster with grace and wit.
Today the quiet is stilling and sweet, with the soft light of the sun streaming through the blinds and sheer curtains leaving pretty patters of light and shadow on the walls. Sometimes these bedroom walls feel like a prison, keeping me from life due to the tired depressed state of my body; but not today. Today the walls are a sanctuary and a protector, like arms surrounding me, keeping me from the turmoil of the world and the struggles that are a daily battle. Today, I will chose to be happy and grateful for all I have.
I am praying that the Lord will raise up righteous leaders at this time, we so much need to be led by those who have a belief in God and Liberty. At times I fear for our country, and my children and their children and so on.
Often I recall the story of my Great Grandfather Gustaf Hillstrom who was so happy to become and American. On the day he received his citizenship, they say he ran down the street waving his certificate and shouting in his strong Swedish accent "I'm an American! I'm an American!" So to So him and all my other ancestor I have a deep and abiding gratitude for what they sacrificed and the gift that I was given - to be born and live in a free land, the promised land. That's why I vote, that's why I study the news and support in any way I can those that chose to protect our freedoms.
Otherwise , today is just another day. The sun is shinning and I helped my lawn guy, Norbert, rake the mountains of leaves in my front yard filling up two huge green waste barrels along with 1/2 of the other barrel. We had a long conversation about Freedom. He moved to America from Hungary so he has insight into the problems of socialism facing our country. What a refreshing view to speak with him, one of the few I can dialogue with about the political atmosphere in our country. He understands.
Something significant about the leaves, the messages and the memories. I have raked many leaves. I planted an enormous Maple tree in front of the porch of my childhood home on Althea Street, Warwick RI. The last picture I have of that house, taken after dad died, the tree then was bigger than the house! I think I wrote a poem about it; how I found it in the woods as a young girl of about 10 years old and dragged a shovel to the woods , dug it up and replanted it in its special place in front of our house. Year after year the tree bloomed and grew and year after year the leaves turned and fell on to infinity as it seemed to me. I will never forget that maple tree and times I sat beneath it, the day I watched the Hurricane of '54 bend it's branches, and the day my brother, dad, and I stood near it for our Easter photo. How could that be such a vivid scene in my mind when days unnumbered had passed by since? Some things are never forgotten but cherished always.
A sister dropped off our food order. So grateful that the church helps us with our food, taxes are due and how will we pay them? The outrageous sum of $1,860.00! I have faith in God, he will help us. Last week I almost through away a bunch of paperwork; before I did I found one and something told me to look inside. I did and found $300 dollars! I did not remember why or when I put it there. I paid my tithing the day before! (smile).
Battling health problems still but this week progress. Dr. told me to increase the thyroid medication and gave me something for pain. Getting older is not fun, but with determination I will ride the roller coaster with grace and wit.
Today the quiet is stilling and sweet, with the soft light of the sun streaming through the blinds and sheer curtains leaving pretty patters of light and shadow on the walls. Sometimes these bedroom walls feel like a prison, keeping me from life due to the tired depressed state of my body; but not today. Today the walls are a sanctuary and a protector, like arms surrounding me, keeping me from the turmoil of the world and the struggles that are a daily battle. Today, I will chose to be happy and grateful for all I have.
