Christ in the Clouds: 05/22/13

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Ever Lifting Me On Eagle's Wings

As Memorial Day Weekend approaches, I contemplate what this holiday means to me. . .

Memorial Day marks the unofficial beginning of the summer season in the United States.

Memorial Day Weekend is a three-day holiday that is typified by the first family picnics and barbecues of the year.

The Indianapolis 500 Mile Race takes place on the Sunday before Memorial Day.

It also is a time for families to get together for ball games, swimming, and other early summer activities

Memorial Day is also a time to remember those who have passed on, whether in war or otherwise. Parades and memorial services take place all over the country. Many, many prayers are said for those who have lost a child, spouse, parent, or family member who died in the Armed Forces.

My heart aches for those who have felt this great loss!!!

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Prayer on Memorial Day

On this Memorial Day
Grant peace to the souls
of all those soldiers who died in war.
We remember the tears and grief of their families,

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The pain of mothers, wives, husbands and children
Who lost precious loved ones.

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To build a meaningful memorial to them,
We ask God to give us all the will
To work for peace around the world
So no more sons, daughters, husbands, wives, fathers, nor mothers
Are slaughtered by the guns and bombs of war.

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To grant us the compassion and wisdom to affirm life
And honor the dead through forgiveness and peace making.

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May God have mercy on the souls of the departed.
Grant them peace, O Lord.

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May we have mercy on the living.
Grant us peace, O Lord.
In Your name we pray.
Amen.

We also remember and pray for those presently in the military.

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Prayer for Our Troops

Lord, please hold our troops in
your loving hands.

Protect them as they protect us.
Bless them and their families for
the selfless act they perform
for us in our time of need.

We ask this in the name of
Jesus, our Lord and Savior.
Amen.

This week, I'm reminded of God's great and awesome strength that carries me when I feel helpless and weak. My hubby and I were out trolling around in our boat, when we saw THE LAKE EAGLE! Everyone on our lake knows about the lake eagle; some have had the privilege of seeing him. And now I am one of the few who have caught him on my camera. He was hiding in a tree, but I did get a few great shots . . .

As we continued around the lake, we rode by this carved pole in someones yard. . . a great image of an eagle in flight. It reminded me, not only those who have fallen, but of our God who lifts us up on His wings of love and strength.