One of the most elaborate FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATIONS took place in the year 1777 in the City of Philadelphia. In the description of the event, it was stated that at Noon all the Armed Ships and Gallies in the River were drawn up before the City, dressed with the colors of the United States and displaying many streamers. At one o'clock, the Yards being properly manned, they began the Celebration of the Day by a discharge of THIRTEEN CANNONS from each of the ships, and one from each of the THIRTEEN GALLIES, in HONOR of the THIRTEEN UNITED STATES.  This began the Celebration that lasted into the night and was closed with the RINGING OF THE BELLS.

In this year 2008, BANDS will be marching and playing their stirring music, FIREWORKS will light up the sky as thousands of grateful Americans Celebrate the FREEDOMS we enjoy and sometimes take for granted. Our FREEDOM did not come easy! It cost the lives of many who in the likeness of Patrick Henry were saying, "GIVE ME LIBERTY OR GIVE ME DEATH!"

The DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE, unanimously declared by the THIRTEEN UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, was adopted by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia on the FOURTH OF JULY, 1776. The opening paragraph of this LIBERATING DOCUMENT reads as follows:

"When in the Course of Human Events, it becomes necessary for one People to dissolve the Political Bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the Powers of the Earth, the Separate and Equal Station to which the laws of Nature and of Nature's GOD ENTITLE them, a decent Respect to the Opinions of Mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the Separation. We hold these TRUTHS to be self-evident, that ALL MEN ARE CREATED EQUAL, that they are endowed by their CREATOR with certain UNALIENABLE RIGHTS, that among these are

And HE came to give us "LIBERTY!" "Therefore, if the SON shall make you "FREE" you shall be "FREE" INDEED!" Yes, Friend, "LIBERATED" from the GUILT and PENALTY of SIN. The Scripture states. "There is therefore "NOW" NO CONDEMNATION to those who are IN CHRIST JESUS." Romans 8:1 Set "FREE" from the POWER and BONDAGE of Sin. "Stand Fast therefore in the "LIBERTY" by which CHRIST HAS MADE US "FREE!" And do not be ENTANGLED again with a yoke of BONDAGE!" Galatians 5:1

NOW, as TRUE BELIEVERS IN JESUS CHRIST, "IT'S TIME TO "FIRE" UP THE "WORKS!" Remember, all these BLESSINGS WE SHARE are by the GRACE OF GOD. "For by "GRACE" you have been "SAVED" through "FAITH" and that not of yourselves, IT IS THE "GIFT" OF GOD, NOT OF "WORKS" LEST ANYONE SHOULD BOAST." However, WE CANNOT STOP HERE! NO NEVER! Reading further it states: "FOR WE ARE HIS  WORKMANSHIP, CREATED IN CHRIST JESUS "UNTO"  GOOD "WORKS!" Ephesians 2:8-19 Yes Indeed, "IT'S TIME TO "FIRE" UP THOSE GOOD "WORKS" SO THAT WE CAN DAILY GLORIFY OUR FATHER WHO IS IN HEAVEN! HAVE A GREAT

Comments click here: djvb7777@aol.com

  *****************************************************************************************

In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge supported the idea of a "NATIONAL FATHER'S DAY" but it wasn't until 1966 that President Lyndon Johnson signed a Presidential Proclamation declaring the THIRD SUNDAY OF JUNE AS "FATHER'S DAY!"

Dr. Robert Webb, Pastor of the Central Church of Fairmont, West Virginia, is believed to have been the first to conduct a "FATHER'S DAY SERVICE" in the year 1908. However, Sonora Dodd of Washington conceived the idea while listening to her Pastor's  "MOTHER'S DAY" Sermon. Mrs. Dodd wanted a Special Day to honor her Father, William Smart, who was a Civil War Veteran, and Widowed when his wife died while giving birth to their sixth Child. Mr. Smart was left to raise the Newborn and his other five Children by himself on a rural farm in the Eastern part of the State of Washington.

After Sonora became an Adult, she realized the SELFLESSNESS her Father had shown in raising his family as a Single Parent. It was her Father who made all the Parental Sacrifices, and was in the eyes of his Daughter, a Courageous, Selfless, and Kind Father.

I too, thank God for Wonderful and Dedicated Parents. Our Mom was so SPECIAL that mere Words could never fully express the beautiful Mother she was to her Four Daughters and Two Sons. Since this is "FATHER'S DAY I want to Dedicate the Words of this Song to Our Father, Rev. Paul Bartkow, who joined Mom, Sister Vera and Brother Paul in Glory at the age of 93, along with a Host of others to whom he witnessed and led to the Fountain of Life, Jesus Christ, during his earthly Ministry for his Lord and Savior.

"His Back was Bent and Weary, His Voice was Tired and Low; His Sword was Worn from Battle, and His Steps had gotten Slow; But He used to Walk on Water, for it Seemed that Way to me, I know He Moved some Mountains, and Never left his Knees. He Faced the Winds of Sorrow, but His Heart knew no Retreat; He walked in Narrow Places, knowing Christ knew no Defeat; But now His Steps turned Homeward, so much Closer to the Prize; He sounded kinda Homesick, and there's a Longing in His Eyes. Strike up the Band, Assemble the Choir, Another Soldier has come Home. Another Warrior Hears the Call He's Waited for so Long. He'll Battle know more, for He Won His Wars, I know Heaven's Table has Room for at Least One More.

I understand fully that there is ONLY ONE PERFECT FATHER, and that is our HEAVENLY FATHER, and if you and I as FATHER'S would pattern our important FATHERLY ROLE after HIM, IT WOULD TRANSFORM OUR HOMES. It would be a huge step in stopping the rapid destruction of our Homes and Families by the demonic attacks of Satan.

How great is the UNCONDITIONAL LOVE OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER! "God proved His Love for us in that while we were yet Sinners, CHRIST DIED FOR US." Romans 5:8 "Nothing shall be able to separate us from the Love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord!" Romans 8:30 How about it DAD, do you tell your Sons and Daughters that you "LOVE" them? Do they really sense that your "LOVE" is for real, even when they stumble along the way? Do they know that wrong must be dealt with, but still feel SAFE AND SECURE knowing your LOVE is an UNCONDITIONAL LOVE?

Again, our HEAVENLY FATHER is Longsuffering and Forgiving when we stumble and fall short of Abiding in His Love. "If we say that we have no Sin, we deceive ourselves and the Truth is not in us. But if we Confess our Sins, He is Faithful and Just to "FORGIVE" us our Sins, and to Cleanse us from "ALL" unrighteousness." I John 1:9 Now we know only too well, that there are times our Heavenly Father has to get our attention, and it can be with the ROD OF CORRECTION. "FOR WHOM THE LORD "LOVES" HE CORRECTS, EVEN AS A FATHER HIS SON IN WHOM HE DELIGHTS!" Hebrews 12

Further, our HEAVENLY FATHER constantly shows His Concern for us, especially when our lives are filled with the Burdensome Cares of Life. When Tests and Trials touch our lives, He is always there, for He said, "I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU!" Hebrews 13:5 And He calls us to "CAST ALL OUR CARES UPON HIM, FOR HE "CARES" FOR US!" I Peter 5:7 Remember DAD, this goes far beyond just being the Provider for the Family, and includes sharing and helping to find solutions for the problems and tough times that touch the lives of our Sons and Daughters. Taking the time to show how much we CARE!

And, in the LIKENESS of our HEAVENLY FATHER, help them to  become more firmly established in their lives, and in their Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Setting a Solid Example of Faithfulness to Christ before their very eyes. Reaching out to them, as we are able, to help them meet their needs. Remember our Example and Pattern who assures us that: "OUR GOD SHALL SUPPLY ALL OUR NEEDS ACCORDING TO HIS RICHES IN GLORY BY CHRIST JESUS." Philippians 4:19 

Christian DAD, the KEY in becoming the Successful "FATHER" every one of us should Want and Strive to be, is found in KEEPING our Eyes FOCUSED on our HEAVENLY FATHER, so that we by His Divine Grace, and the Empowering of the Indwelling Holy Spirit, might grow more and more into His Likeness, and

   *****************************************************************************************************************************

It was JUNE 6, 1944 when the "INVASION" of Europe took place. The "INVASION" was a Triumph of Intelligence, Coordination, and much Planning. This very BOLD attack was also a tremendous RISK, but ultimately Succeeded because of the Bravery of Thousands of our Armed Forces in Combat.

The "INVASION" began with a dangerous attack by American Paratroopers, who were dropped behind Enemy Lines to soften up the German Troops, and to secure needed targets. THESE BRAVE MEN KNEW IF THE ACCOMPANYING ATTACK FAILED ON THE BEACHES OF NORMANDY, THERE WOULD BE NO RESCUE. The Division of Paratroopers suffered great losses, and only one sixth of the men reached their destination points. THEY PAID THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE FOR THE CAUSE OF FREEDOM.

Over the years, many have asked "What was the meaning of the "D" IN "D DAY?" A variety of answers have been suggested. Some say it meant "DECISION DAY" others "DEPARTURE DAY" and still others said it meant "DISEMBARKATION DAY!" Well, whatever it was meant to convey, it was the DAY when 150,000 ALLIED SOLDIERS landed on the Shores of Normandy, and that without question was a DECISIVE EVENT, for it began the Advance of our Forces to "LIBERATE" all who were under the domination of the Nazi Machine. It has been reported that it was the FIRST TIME an Invading Army had crossed the Churning and Dangerous English Channel since 1688.

By the end of the First Day of the "INVASION" more than 9000 Allied Soldiers were Dead or Wounded, but more than 100.000 had made it to the Beach, and secured French Coastal Villages. Can you believe it, within a few weeks, SUPPLIES were unloaded at Utah and Omaha Beaches at the rate of 20,000 TONS PER DAY. That indeed was an Unbelievable, and Amazing Accomplishment! After many Months of very Difficult and Hard Fought Battles, Hitler's Nazi Regime was finally DEFEATED, and the People of Europe "LIBERATED!"

THE CHURCH OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST composed of all whose Faith rests "ALONE" in the Crucified, and Risen Savior, is also involved with THE MOST IMPORTANT "INVASION!" O YES, THE "INVASION" OF SATAN'S DOMAIN. It is not an "INVASION" of his Evil World System with Human Weapons of Warfare, for this Battle is against a High Ranking Hierarchy of DEMONIC AUTHORITY. It is a Battle against an Army of Invisible Wicked Spirits in High Places.

"We do not Wrestle or Battle against Flesh and Blood, but against Principalities, against Powers, against the Rulers of the "DARKNESS" of this Age, against spiritual hosts of Wickedness in High Places." Ephesians 6:12 Jesus Christ has Charged His Redeemed Children to "INVADE" Satan's Realm of Darkness, with the DYNAMITE OF THE GOSPEL!  "GO INTO "ALL" THE WORLD AND PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL TO EVERY CREATURE." Mark 16:15 "I am not Ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the POWER OF GOD, THE DYNAMITE OF GOD to Salvation for Everyone who Believes." Romans 1:16

Just as Brave Men & Women put their lives on the line to "LIBERATE" the People of Europe from Satanic Nazism, SO likewise, Every Believer is called to take a Firm Stand for Christ, and become a Tool God can use to bring the "LIBERATING POWER OF THE GOSPEL" to People Enslaved by Sin and Satanic Darkness. "You therefore Must endure Hardship as a GOOD SOLDIER OF JESUS CHRIST! No one Engaged in Warfare Entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may PLEASE HIM who enlisted him as a SOLDIER." II Timothy 2:3-4

And remember, as you enter this Battleground for the Soul's of Men and Women, be sure you "PUT ON THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD THAT YOU MAY BE ABLE TO STAND AGAINST ALL THE WILES OF THE DEVIL. BE STRONG IN THE LORD AND IN THE POWER OF HIS MIGHT." Ephesians 6:10-11 Rest on His promise that "You shall receive "POWER" after that the HOLY SPIRIT is come upon you, and YOU shall be MY WITNESSES UNTO THE UTTERMOST PART OF THE EARTH." Acts 1:8 Take the SWORD OF THE SPIRIT WHICH IS THE WORD OF GOD, and SOW THE SEED OF THE GOSPEL AND THEN LEAVE THE RESULTS TO GOD, FOR        

Comments click here: djvb7777@aol.com

   ********************************************************************************************************************************

One has written "THE MEMORIAL" in "MEMORIAL DAY" has been ignored by too many of us who are "BENEFICIARIES" of those who have given the "ULTIMATE SACRIFICE!" Often we do not Observe the Day as it should be, a Day when we actively Remember our "Ancestors, our "Family Members" our "Loved Ones" our "Neighbors and our Friends who have given the "ULTIMATE SACRIFICE!"

Several Communities claim to have originated "MEMORIAL DAY" but in 1966, the US Government proclaimed Waterloo, New York, as the Birthplace of this Remembrance Day. The People of Waterloo first observed "MEMORIAL DAY" on MAY 5, 1866, to Honor Soldiers killed in the American Civil War. Businesses Closed, and People Decorated Soldiers' Graves and Flew Flags at Half-Mast.

The following is a reported account of those who gave their lives in battle for our Country. American Revolutionary War - 4,435.......War of 1812 - 2,260.....Indian War - 1,000.....Mexican War - 1,733.....Civil War - Union 140,414 - Confederate -  74,524 World War I - 53,402.....World War II - 291,557.....Korean War - 33,686.....Vietnam War - 47,410.....Gulf War - 148.....Iraq War - over 3000.

We can show our GRATITUDE for the FREEDOM that we enjoy in this Great Land of America because of their Tremendous Sacrifice by: Visiting Cemeteries and Placing Flags or Flowers on the Graves of our Fallen Heroes. Flying the US Flag at Half-Mast until Noon. Renew a Pledge to Aid the Widows, Widowers, and Orphans of our Fallen Dead, and to Aid the "DISABLED VETERANS" to assure them that they too,

"And when JESUS had given Thanks, HE broke Bread and said, "Take, Eat, this is MY BODY which is Broken for you, THIS DO IN "REMEMBRANCE" OF ME! In the same manner HE took the Cup, saying, "This Cup is the New Covenant in MY BLOOD. This do as oft as you Drink it, IN "REMEMBRANCE" OF ME!" For as often as you Eat this Bread and Drink this Cup, YOU PROCLAIM THE LORD'S DEATH,

And what a Day that is going to be for the Redeemed Family of God. "For the Lord Himself will Descend from Heaven with a Shout, with the Voice of the Archangel, and with the Trumpet of God. And the Dead IN CHRIST will Rise First. Then we who are Alive and Remain shall be "CAUGHT UP" together with them in the Clouds to Meet the Lord in the Air. AND WE SHALL ALWAYS BE WITH THE LORD. THEREFORE COMFORT ONE ANOTHER WITH THESE WORDS." I Thessalonians 4:16-18

The Death and Resurrection of our LORD JESUS CHRIST assures every Believer that "There is therefore "NOW" No Condemnation to those who are IN CHRIST JESUS!"  Romans 8:1 "Therefore, being JUSTIFIED BY FAITH, we have "PEACE WITH GOD" through our LORD JESUS CHRIST." Romans 5:1 Friend, if you want True and Lasting "PEACE" OPEN YOUR HEART TO JESUS!

Webster's Dictionary simply defines "MOTHERHOOD" as a state of being a Mother; Maternity; Mother's Collectively; or the Character or Qualities of a Mother. It seems that "MOTHERHOOD" has in recent years once again gained prominence, after too many years when "ABORTION," sad to say, was the prominent step taken by those who wanted no part of the tremendous responsibility of being a "MOTHER!" Unfortunately, many who "ABORTED" their Baby have openly testified of the painful price they have personally paid for their action!  

Friend, LIFE IS PRECIOUS AND "MOTHERHOOD" IS A PRECIOUS GIFT FROM GOD, THE GIVER AND SUSTAINER OF ALL LIFE. Speaking to the People of Athens, the Apostle Paul declared, "God, who made the World, and Everything in it...GIVES TO ALL "LIFE" "BREATH" AND ALL THINGS..... FOR IN HIM WE "LIVE" AND "MOVE" AND HAVE OUR BEING." Acts 17:24-28

It is truly a Wonderful Day that has been established for the express purpose of Honoring our "MOTHER'S!" A special Day that originated with the action of Anna M. Jarvis, who along with others began a letter writing campaign to gain the support of Influential Minister's, Businessmen, and Congressmen in declaring a "NATIONAL MOTHER'S DAY!" The first observance was held on May 10, 1908 at a Church Service in Grafton, West Virginia, and in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The House of Representatives in May 1913 unanimously adopted a resolution requesting the President, his Cabinet, Members of Congress, and all Officials of the Federal Government to wear WHITE CARNATIONS on "MOTHER'S DAY!" On May 8, 1914, Congress passed another Joint Resolution designating the 2nd Sunday of May as "MOTHER'S DAY!"

Abraham Lincoln once stated, "NO ONE IS POOR WHO HAS A GODLY MOTHER!" Writing to Timothy, his spiritual son in the Faith, the Apostle wrote, "I am reminded of your Sincere Faith which First lived in your "GRANDMOTHER" LOIS and in your "MOTHER" EUNICE, and I am persuaded now lives in you." II Timothy 1:5 What a powerful Testimony of the Faithfulness of a Grandmother, and Mother in living and sharing the Word of Truth with Family!

Dedicated Christian "MOTHER'S" in the sight of God are of GREAT PRICE! Such "MOTHER'S" are commissioned by the Lord to "FAITHFULLY" Bring up and Teach their Children the True Way of Life. The story is told about William McKinley, a fine Lawyer, Congressman, Governor of Ohio, and finally President of our Great Country. He had a very close relationship with his "MOTHER" and either visited or sent her a message Every Day. When she became seriously ill, he arranged to have a special train standing by ready to take him to her bedside. Mrs. McKinley died December 12, 1897 in the arms of her 54 year old Son.

Her gentle Christian Virtues helped mold the President's Character. Four years later, President McKinley was gunned down in the City of Buffalo, New York by an Assassin to whom he showed no Bitterness. With a heart full of FORGIVENESS, and with Great Christian Compassion and Courage, he said, "GOD'S WILL BE DONE!" Before he died, he asked to hear once again one of the songs his "MOTHER" had taught him. It was "NEARER MY GOD TO THEE!" Once again, a marvelous testimony of the Faithfulness of a "MOTHER" who did not fail to "TRAIN UP HER CHILD IN THE WAY HE SHOULD GO, AND WHEN HE WAS OLDER, HE DID NOT DEPART FROM IT!" Proverbs 22:6

"HER CHILDREN ARISE AND CALL HER "BLESSED; HER HUSBAND ALSO, AND HE PRAISES HER!" Proverbs 31:28 A Christian "MOTHER" is one who has True Love in her Heart; Tenderness of Soul; with a Faith in Christ that Fortifies her for Every Trial in Life. She brings her Sons and Daughters before God's Throne daily, seeking to bring them to the place where they become VESSELS FOR GOD'S GLORY and a BLESSING TO OTHERS! Always willing to "SACRIFICE" much for the spiritual good of her Children.

How much we need to PRAY for our Nation, that such "MOTHER'S" in this Day of Spiritual Weakness may become the "RULE" and not the "EXCEPTION!" Laura V. Cline wrote: I stand beside the Ocean Blue and Think of all that's Good and True, and, Of all the Lovely Things God Made, There's One Above All Others. HE TOOK THE BEST FROM ALL OF THESE AND MADE THEM INTO "MOTHER'S!                 

Comments click here: djvb7777@aol.com

          "AMBASSADORS OF EXCELLENCE!"

APRIL 23,2008 begins the observance of ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS WEEK! It is an International Organization and is the world's largest Association for Administrative Support Staff, with Chapters and Members Worldwide. For more than 60 years, the IAAP has provided up-to-date Research on Office Trends, Cutting-edge Publications, and Outstanding Seminars and Conferences. This provides Administrative Professionals the opportunity to enhance their Skills, and become more effective contributors to their Employers as "AMBASSADORS OF EXCELLENCE!"

Excellence in the Workplace should be the GOAL of every Employee. The Apostle Paul challenged all Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ to "Obey in all things your Masters according to the flesh, NOT WITH EYE-SERVICE, AS MEN PLEASERS, but in Sincerity, and in Reverence to God. And whatever you do, do it HEARTILY, AS TO THE LORD, and not to Men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the Reward of the Inheritance, FOR YOU SERVE THE LORD CHRIST." Colossians 3:22-24

If anyone in this whole wide Word should be an "AMBASSADOR OF EXCELLENCE" it should be those in the Redeemed Family of God. The Word of God states that, "We are "AMBASSADORS" FOR CHRIST, as though God were pleading through us; we implore you on Christ's behalf, BE RECONCILED TO GOD. For He made HIM who KNEW NO SIN, TO BE SIN FOR US, that we might become the RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD IN HIM."           II Corinthians 5:20-21

How powerful was the Testimony of the Believer's in the City of Thessalonica. They were indeed "AMBASSADORS OF EXCELLENCE!" Of these devoted servants of Christ the Apostle Paul wrote: "You became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the Word in much affliction, with JOY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, so that you became

Comments, click here: djvb7777@aol.com