I Pledge Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

"In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends."

It is our duty still to endeavor to avoid war; but if it shall actually take place, no matter by whom brought on, we must defend ourselves. If our house be on fire, without inquiring whether it was fired from within or without, we must try to extinguish it."

"I will permit no man to narrow and degrade my soul by making me hate him."

"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds."

In Your Arms

In Your arms I rest, O Lord-

In Your lap I climb-

In Your ear I whisper

Words of love forYou sublime.

I feel the comfort of Your caring,

When I'm alone and blue.

The strength You give to me

Always sees me through.

Amen

© Naomi Jean Schlueter - 2001

"Fear can hold you prisoner, hope can set you free."

My ability to survive personal crisis is really a mark of the character of my people. Individually and collectively, we react with a tenacity that allows us again and again to bounce back from adversity.

Listening

If you listen to the wind,

What do you hear?

Is it just a rushing sound?

Or, is it a voice in your ear?

Does it frighten you?

Or does it give you relief?

Is it a welcome commodity?

Or does it heighten your belief?

The mighty voice of our Lord

Comes in the wind,you know.

It brings comfort if you know Him

Because He will begin to show

The mighty hand He protects you with.

The shield of comfort and grace

If only we accept Him.

And look into His wonderful face.

The wind is a kiss from God.

To soothe us when it's hot.

A soothing salve upon our skin,

To show He has not forgot.

The wind clears away

Debris from our foggy mind.

Delivering in its stead

Buckets of beautiful sunshine.

Winds in our souls

Dancing in a whirlwind

As we ponder questions

Of which there is no end.

Listen, my child,to the wind

Feel its soothing relief.

It is Gods way of healng us.

And it only takes belief.

© Naomi Jean Schlueter 9-7-01

A special thanks to a very inspirational person in my life, and one who has become like a mother to me, Naomi Jean Schlueter.

"If my people which are called by my name shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

Midi "I'll Remember" is used with permission and is copyright 2001 Bruce DeBoer