Tis me again .. asking if you would pray for my brother George. He's going thru such a difficult time, again. I talked with him this evening and he's learned that the sheathing that covers his spine has basically worn off in a space about 2" long at the top of the spine. He's in much pain and dealing with other difficulties as well. I listened to him talk and it hurt my heart to know how much he's suffering and questioning the whys of so much pain in life. Not just physical, but mental and emotional. He's learned his only son is most likely doing what he shouldn't be doing ... that his youngest grandson at times isn't being cared for as he should be ... and it tears at his heart because he can't change things, especially for his son.

I've heard it said that a parent is only as happy as his happiest child ... and I believe that to be true. When you have two children as one is doing alright and the other isn't, the one that isn't seems to take center stage in our lives and the pain can outweigh the joy.

I so wish I could make things all better for so many people! I can't, but I know One who can and I cry to Him to be merciful and gracious to George and his son and grandson.

How many others are out there, hurting and in despair and we who know them simply turn our heads, offer a short prayer and continue on our way? I've been guilty of that very thing, because I don't want more pain added to what I already carry and I don't want to feel worse than I sometimes do. That's selfish and that's not like Christ. I'm to help carry the burden when it's presented, aren't I?

It hurts to have your loved ones hurting Lord. Help me, help us to better shoulder their burdens and if needed, help them carry their cross for just a little while. Minister to Your children as only You can and give us what we need to be burden-bearers with those we love; and with those we don't know yet. Amen

Good news ... my eye exam went better than expected this morning. I do not have a hole in the retina. What I do have is a wrinkling of the membrane that covers the retina. The doctor doesn't think it will get worse, but if it should he said there's a surgical procedure he can do. I will go back to see him in 6 weeks for a re-check.

Thank you for praying!

Hi dear ones,

A quick note ... I spent last week helping with Vacation Bible School at church, so no time to write. I also had to see an eye doctor last week and learned I have a small hole in the retina in my left eye. I go early tomorrow morning (Tuesday, July 28) downtown to see a retina specialist. Hopefully this can be repaired. I'll check in on all of you later this week.

Much love to all,

Louise

A gracious Sunday to you all.

I have another prayer request. My nephew Jamie's father-in-law Greg is scheduled to have his leg amputated this coming week due to complications from long term health problems. Jamie's wife Kristi is understandably upset and anxious. My sister Linda (Jamie's Mom) will be coming in to help with their children.

A few weeks ago I asked you to pray for our friend Louie. His wife called me last night to tell me Louie died last Wednesday. I was shocked that he was gone so quickly and that she hadn't called to tell us about his death sooner. She said he wanted a private family-only service with cremation to be done afterwards. She honored his wishes and told no one but immediate family that he had died.

She seems to be doing okay but is concerned about being able to stay in their home as it's not paid for. She also must continue working to keep insurance for herself.

Thank you for praying for them.

Blessings!

This is 'Grace', my brand new Baby Lock sewing machine..... My older machine was traded today for this fairly up-to-date new one. I had the old Singer for 30 years and debated whether to just have it fixed or buy new. After looking at the ease of using this one I decided to buy it. I must admit I'm having a bit of buyer's remorse however. I seldom ever spend this kind of money on me. Never mind the fact this machine will most likely outlast me; I just don't like spending money on me. I am the Queen of cheap and frugality.

The good thing is I will most likely do a lot more sewing than I used to. This one is so quiet I can use it in the dining area of the kitchen where there's great light until Fred gets the basement finished; then I'll set up my sewing area down there. I'm already thinking of making quilts for the grand-girls, heaven knows I have enough fabric. Also, some of the ladies in church are making 'Traveling Bags' for women in homeless shelters; I had made one before the old machine clunked out. Now I can make a few more.

I guess I'm trying to justify spending money for myself aren't I? That's how I am. I've been wearing a pair of too-small shoes because they're still in good shape ... they hurt my toes, but hey, they look okay, right? Why do we women do that to ourselves anyway? Must be something in our genes.

I'll let you know how the sewing goes and I do look forward to using all the fabric I've accumulated over the years.

Blessings.

Please pray for this young man ... Marino David Gaggini

He's serving in the Army in Afghanistan and

his Mom attends church with my Mom.

“JUST A PIECE OF CLOTH”

A few years ago, I was in my car listening to a radio call-in-talk show and the topic of conversation was that of whether it was proper for people to burn the American flag in protest or if it was a protected individual freedom. During the talk show, someone called in and said they didn't understand what all the controversy was about over "just a piece of cloth." The image struck me immediately of the Marines on Iwo Jima with their faces down in volcanic ash and looking up at Mount Suribachi to see the flag being raised. Surely, they didn't consider it to be just a piece of cloth.

When I arrived home that evening, I put the following thoughts down on paper and I believe that this expresses my beliefs and my feelings of who I am and the love that I have for this country, entitled it:

"JUST A PIECE OF CLOTH"

I was with Colonel Parker and the Minutemen at Lexington and Concord to hear "The Shot Heard 'Round The World" that began the American Revolution. I was with General Washington when he crossed the Delaware and suffered with his men in the harsh winter at Valley Forge.
Did they fight and die for just a piece of cloth?

I was with Ethan Allen and his Green Mountain Boys at Ticonderoga and with Washington, Hancock, and the Marquis de Lafayette to accept surrender terms at Yorktown with the British playing that old European tune "The World Turned Upside Down"
Did they fight and die for just a piece of cloth?

I was with Andrew Jackson and Jean Laffite at the Battle of New Orleans in 1812. 1 was with Bowie, Crockett, and Travis at the Alamo.
Did they fight and die for -just a piece of cloth?

I was with Lee and Longstreet and all the Boys in Gray at Gettysburg and I was with all the Boys in Blue with General Mead and Colonel Chamberlain on Little Round Top. I was with Grant in the Wilderness and at Vicksburg. I was with both the Blue and the Gray when our country was healed at Appomattox.
Did they fight and die for just a piece of cloth?

I was with Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders on San Juan Hill and with Admiral Dewey and the Great White Fleet in Manila Bay. I was with the Doughboys in World War I, the "War To End All Wars" and now lie buried in Flanders Field.
Did they fight and die for just a piece of cloth?

I was with Admiral Isaac Kidd aboard the ARIZONA that fateful Sunday morning in 1941. I was with the infantry that landed on beaches so far away named Omaha, Juno, Utah, Sword and Gold.
Did they fight and die for just a piece of cloth?

I was with General Wainwright on Correigador. I was with Admiral Fletcher in the Battle of the Coral Sea. I was aboard ENTERPRISE, HORNET and YORKTOWN at Midway.
Did they fight and die for just a piece of cloth?

I fought at Kwajalein, The Battle of Leyte Gulf, at bloody Tarawa, Guadalcanal, and Iwo Jima and served on destroyers on picket duty off Okinawa.
Did they fight and die for -just a piece of cloth?

I flew Saber Jets in MIG Alley in North Korea and I was with the Marines at Chosin Reservoir. I was with the Navy at Inchon Harbor and fought on hills and ridges called Bloody, Heartbreak, Old Baldy, and Porkchop.
Did they fight and die for -just a piece of cloth?

I flew bombing missions over Hanoi and was on Rat patrol in the Mekong Delta. I was with the Navy on Yankee Station in the Tonkin Gulf. I flew night missions over Bagdad and was with the battalions in Desert Storm.
Did they fight and die for just a piece of cloth?

Freedom is not free. It has a price and it has been paid many times by many people. I am a product of my past. I am an American and I am free.

The above was written and presented to Tin Can Sailors Association Banquet at the annual conference in Las Vegas, Nevada on February 6, 1996 by:
H. Maury Drummond
Executive Director, Louisiana War Memorial (Includes USS KIDD) President, Historic Naval Ships Association

Please pray for Jenifer, 38 years old. Is looking for work and is without health insurance. Her claim for unemployment has been denied and she recently had an episode of blacking out. Doctor's bills are coming in and she's very stressed and concerned.

Also pray for Beth, 40 years old. She's a nanny and also doesn't have health insurance; she learned yesterday, Tues., June 30, that she has rectal cancer.