Step'N Stones

A small girl once wanted to climb a steep hill and play on its grassy top. She had seen her older brother do it many, many times, but when she saw how steep and rough its path was she exclaimed, "But it's all bumpy and stony, I'll never be able to climb to the top!" "Yes," replied her brother, "How else would we ever be able to climb to the top if it wasn't? The stones and bumps are what we step on to get there!"

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"We do not have all of the answers to life's problems, but we know who does; and it is "HIM" that we try to serve and please. The contents of "Step'N Stones" is courtesy of numerous friends and web-sites, and is for the soul purpose of lifting the sagging spirit we all encounter from time to time, and to cause each of us to reflect upon our beliefs and our relationship with God our Creator, our spiritual and physical families, our fellowman, and God's creation!"

- Phillip D. Rudd

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Scroll

. . . . to read these topics!

"Why I Pledge Allegiance!"

"Thoughts for Living!"

"Memorial Day!"

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Here's to all "our brothers and sisters who have served and are serving our country today."

"Why I Pledge Allegiance!"

by Woody Bond US NAVY (VET.), from "Belief Net"

The United States Flag is a symbol of unity. It stands for a country that is UNITED and represents all the brave men and women who fought and died for it. The flag is not a rag, shirt, pants, etc. The flag is what I stand for, fight for and will die for if I have to. Americans created the flag; and Americans from the North and South fought under it. I will continue to teach my children what this country is about and hope they will grow up to be good Patriots. I love this country and there is no other country where you can come and go as you please. Any man or woman who will not pledge allegiance to the flag, I feel should go and live in another country. Our ancestors were Americans and fought under an American Flag. Other countries have tried to change us and make us like them and have not succeeded in doing so. This country is not perfect and I feel leaves a lot to be desired. It's the men and women like you that will stand up for this country and try to make it a better place to live. There are men and women who are fighting for this country today, who believe in the flag and what it stands for, who believe in freedom. My wife and I have not always agreed on the politics of this country or why I am such a strong patriot. Out of eight and a half years I spent in the Navy my wife was with me for six and a half of those years as a Navy wife. We spent two of the years overseas and she can agree that there is no place like home. I served under the United States flag as my father did and other relatives of mine. I said it once and I will say it again, I am a patriot I stand for the flag and it stands for FREEDOM. I love my heritage and being from the south, I had no choice in where I was born. God has put us all on this earth for a reason. In the eyes of God we are all brothers and sisters and should all try and get along with one another. I must say this, anyone who will not pledge allegiance to the United States Flag is no brother or sister of mine. All of my brothers and sisters are just as proud as I am to be an American.

"May God Bless Us All!"

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"Thoughts for Living!"

"The most assiduous task of parenting is to divine the difference between boundaries and bondage!"

- Barbara Kingsolver, Novelist

"This is the true nature of home - it is the place of peace; the shelter, not only from injury, but from all terror, doubt and division.!"

- John Ruskin

"Our old history ends with the cross; our new history begins with

the resurrection!"

- Watchman Nee

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"Memorial Day!"

by Bill Brant, 2008 - "HeartLight Magazine"

It was a haunting sound, carried by the wind as it seemed to float around those of us gathered there. The lone bugler sounding Taps has

been the aural recognition for a person's military service from a grateful nation.

At age 88, he had led a good life by earthly standards. His three year, all expenses paid excursion to Europe, as a Captain in the United

States army earned him the right of this honor.

I have heard the mournful melody many times, including at the burial of my own parents, both of whom were veterans. Since the Civil War, that sound has marked the end of person's physical existence. And every time I hear it, I cry. I cannot explain it, other than to say it stirs my

heart, and I acknowledge that one who served to protect me has died.

Today men and women still choose to safeguard this country, fight its wars, and die in its service. And Taps, if requested, will mark the

occasion of their burial and the final honor from a grateful country.

I am also reminded that there is one who chose to come to an earthly world, fight the ultimate enemy and die for me. And now He sits at

God's right hand claiming me as His! And He is protecting me from the evil one.

Death’s Dirge is overwhelmed by Resurrection’s Chorus.

This Memorial Day, we acknowledge those who served our country and over whom Taps has been played. So also should we honor the One whose death allows us to claim victory over our enemy, and we do that each and every First Day of the Week when we assemble to worship the Son of God, Lord of Lord's and King of King's!

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"There are two freedoms: The false, where a man is free to do what he wants; and true freedom, where a man is free to do what he should!"

Charles Kingsley

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"It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists but by Christians, not on religions but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ!"

Patrick Henry, patriot and Founding Father of The United States of America

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Wishing you Grace, Peace & Lve!

Phillip' & Evelyn