Labor Day

 Alien Dreams, Autumn, Christmas, Holidays, Seasons, Thanksgiving, traditions, Uncategorized, Winter  No Responses »
Aug 242023
 

     Ah Labor Day. September 4th.  A Federal Holiday instituted to celebrate the Unions. To most, it’s just another day off. The last BBQ of the summer season. Football, beer and a good cookout. To the more seasonal minded of us it is the meteorological start of Autumn. ( The beginning of the changeover from the summer weather pattern to the fall pattern. ) The Astronomical start of actual Autumn or as it’s known The Autumnal Equinox, is on September 23. It is called the Equinox due to there being equal amounts of day and night.

     But back to my original thought. I have to confess that I am one of those. I am an Autumn freak! Yes, while I have a year round love of Christmas , I am of the mind that there are only 2 seasons. Fall and waiting for fall. While I live in probably the worst place for Autumn, I do not let lack of fall colors detract from my overall love of Autumn. Nor does it detract from the whole Christmas season! Why you ask. Simple.

     I love the change of seasons. The air has a crispness to it. Gentle breezes flow bringing with them the smells of bon fires, pine and all of the cook smells of the various treats soon to tempt our tummys. As we get closer to Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas you can sense the softening of the attitudes of the masses. Well for the most part anyway. Some people allow the stresses of family and shopping for that perfect gift to take away from their joy. Joy, Thats what it should be about. Sweaters! Thats the ticket. Sweaters and hoodies. Flannel in abundance. Beanies and other forms of headgear. That first Pumpkin Spice from the various outlets. with the smell of cinnamon and nutmeg. Music, TV specials and Peanuts (with Snoopy of course) for every holiday. It is unfortunate that politics will overshadow the days and news everywhere. Our country that is now so divided thanks to a few politicians that put a pall over everything.  .  They think they know better than us what we need. The power grab is ongoing as the two major sides vie for absolute power over the people. These are the great detractors from the joy and peace we are supposed to feel.

     My mission this year is to break away from all that and try to feel the real reason for the season. To make at least one person smile every day. I will enjoy the season and all it is about and try to make at least one person forget the daily strife and political warfare that invades everything just long enough to give thanks for what we have in spite of the Congress of whores in Washington. I look forward to falling leaves, falling temperatures and gentle Autumn breezes. I look forward to longer nights and clear skies. And that most delectable delight Cider! I look forward to giving out candy, roasting turkey and roasting chestnuts. I look forward to TSO and Mannheim Steamroller on tour. (Cant afford to go but wait for them anyway). TV specials from CMA, Kelly Clarkson and Michael Buble’. I will be searching the skies on Christmas Eve for that jolly fat man and his sleigh.  And most of all I try to remember the real reason for the season.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

 

     That my friends is the reason. If we could all just remember that just for a short time the world would be a better place.

 

Nuff said

——-Publius

 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

 Holidays, Our Toops, Seasons, Winter  No Responses »
Dec 302022
 

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:10 NIV

Dear Heavenly Father, As we celebrate Jesus’ Birthday and the upcoming New Year, it’s a wonderful reminder of His love during the Holiday season.

Today as we share this holiday feast, may we also share with one another a tender heart and an encouraging smile.

We pray for those in the military who can’t be with us, may they feel Your Presence throughout their time away.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

A Soldiers Night Before Christmas

 Christmas, Holidays, Our Toops, Winter, Wounded Warriors  No Responses »
Dec 132022
 

Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,
In a one bedroom house made of plaster & stone.
I had come down the chimney with presents to give
And to see just who in this home did live.

I looked all about a strange sight I did see,
No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand,
On the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.

With medals and badges, awards of all kind
A sober thought came through my mind.
For this house was different, so dark and dreary,
I knew I had found the home of a soldier, once I could see clearly.

I heard stories about them, I had to see more
So I walked down the hall and pushed open the door.
And there he lay sleeping silent alone,
Curled up on the floor in his one bedroom home.

His face so gentle, his room in such disorder,
Not how I pictured a United States soldier.
Was this the hero of whom I’d just read?
Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed?

His head was clean shaven, his weathered face tan,
I soon understood this was more than a man.
For I realized the families that I saw that night
Owed their lives to these men who were willing to fight.

Soon `round the world, the children would play,
And grownups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year,
Because of soldiers like this one lying here.

I couldn´t help wonder how many lay alone
On a cold Christmas Eve in a land far from home.
Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees and started to cry.

The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice,
“Santa don´t cry, this life is my choice;
I fight for freedom, I don´t ask for more,
my life is my God, my country, my Corps.”

With that he rolled over and drifted off into sleep,
I couldn´t control it, I continued to weep.
I watched him for hours, so silent and still,
I noticed he shivered from the cold night´s chill.

So I took off my jacket, the one made of red,
And I covered this Soldier from his toes to his head.
And I put on his T-shirt of gray and black,
With an eagle and an Army patch embroidered on back.

And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride,
And for a shining moment, I was United States Army deep inside.
I didn´t want to leave him on that cold dark night,
This guardian of honor so willing to fight.

Then the soldier rolled over, whispered with a voice so clean and pure,
“Carry on Santa, it’s Christmas Day, all is secure.”
One look at my watch, and I knew he was right,
Merry Christmas my friend, and to all a good night!

Written by LTC Bruce Lovely, USAF 1993

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