Americanism

"The Constitution, like a dutiful parent to its children, provides a loving, nurturing environment for the people of this country to grow and prosper in their own rights. But is this all that matters? Is all we care about in our families that we ourselves are safe, and not our loved ones as well? No, the Constitution as a parent provides an environment for us to protect our brothers and sisters as well. Benjamin Franklin, when asked what type of government the Constitution had created, replied, 'A republic, if you can keep it.' ""

The above quote is from a winning speech "Our Parent, the Constitution" delivered by 2011 American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Contest champion Anisha Guruyraj of Chesterfield, Mo.

For an inspiring 9 minute speech by this young lady watch the winning oration: @ www.legion.org/oratorical

Vision and Darkness - Devotional to ponder during these trying days

Vision and Darkness “When the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and behold, horror and great darkness fell upon him” (Genesis 15:12)

Whenever God gives a vision to a Christian, it is as if He puts him in “the shadow of His hand” (Isaiah 49:2). The saint’s duty is to be still and listen. There is a “darkness” that comes from too much light—that is the time to listen. The story of Abram and Hagar in Genesis 16 is an excellent example of listening to so-called good advice during a time of darkness, rather than waiting for God to send the light. When God gives you a vision and darkness follows, wait. God will bring the vision He has given you to reality in your life if you will wait on His timing. Never try to help God fulfill His word. Abram went through thirteen years of silence, but in those years all of his self-sufficiency was destroyed. He grew past the point of relying on his own common sense. Those years of silence were a time of discipline, not a period of God’s displeasure.

There is never any need to pretend that your life is filled with joy and confidence; just wait upon God and be grounded in Him (see Isaiah 50:10–11) 10 - Who is among you that fears the LORD, that obeys the voice of his servant, that walks in darkness, and hath no light? Let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God. 11 - Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow. Do I trust at all in the flesh? Or have I learned to go beyond all confidence in myself and other people of God? Do I trust in books and prayers or other joys in my life? Or have I placed my confidence in God Himself, not in His blessings? “I am Almighty God …” —El-Shaddai, the All-Powerful God (Genesis 17:1). The reason we are all being disciplined is that we will know God is real. As soon as God becomes real to us, people pale by comparison, becoming shadows of reality. Nothing that other saints do or say can ever upset the one who is built on God.