Five days ago, a special friend sent the bouquet above for my 60th birthday. Thank you to all who took the time to show your love to my family and celebrate my birthday. I am blessed to have family, friends and community around to care for and love me. For the last seven weeks, I have received at least two cards a day. Thank you so much. The bouquet is unique not just for the love it reminds me of but also for the great gift of love given to all of us.
As I mentioned last week, this blog has a theme going that is on remembering. Tomorrow is Remembrance Day, and my friend Roger offered to share a post he wrote for us to remember. Roger is a veteran and helped lead the service with me last year at the Bentley.
When I started my journey being on staff in 2008, at Emmanuel, I became part of a team of people who lead the Bentley Chapel service each week. I also helped with leading the Remembrance Day service each year, a well-attended event within the community.
Before my years at the Bentley, I never had a passion for taking time to remember those who sacrificed much so I could live in a free and peaceful country. Now, I am in the practice of helping my grandchildren to remember and to be thankful for the gift of freedom and peace that has been given to them, to all of us.
Remembrance Day
By Roger Deweerd
This coming week we take time to honour and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in protecting our freedom. On November 11, Remembrance Day, a time to remember those who fought and did not return. Men and women who gave everything so that we may live in peace. On November 11 at 11:00 hours we stop for a moment of silence to honour and remember. Monday November 11 1918 at 11:00, the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month was a turning point in history, at that time the armistice was signed.
This ended the First World War, a battle that started July 28, 1914 bringing peace once again to a world ravaged by war. There were many people from both sides who lost their lives fighting for what they believed in. This was the war to end all wars, but the world did not have peace for long as on September 1, 1939 the world once again broke out into war.
Throughout history there have been many wars and battles which have taken the lives of men and women who willingly stepped up to serve and protect what they believe in. Freedom is not free, it was purchased with the blood of those who fought throughout history to protect us and our land so that we may live in peace.
I enjoy reading and learning about military history, particularly acts of heroism during the various conflicts. The exploits that soldiers have done, the heroism and bravery that is displayed and how these acts have saved the lives of their comrades. These are men and women from all walks of life, backgrounds, cultures and different beliefs. One story that I came upon is based on United States Army Medic Desmond T Doss (1919 - 2006), the army medic that refused to carry a weapon or kill anyone.
I found a wonderful YouTube video based on his story, click here to listen. It is quite the story of bravery and compassion for his fellow soldiers. Jesus was asked by the religious leaders “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied”’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Matthew 22:36-39) These two commandments were exemplified by Desmond Doss in his service to his country.
Jesus taught us to love our enemy, Desmond Doss did just that by choosing not to carry a weapon or to kill another human, his story does not tell us if he helped save the lives of the enemy. Two other US medics (Ken Moore and Bob Wright) did just that on D Day, June 6, 1944, these two medics turned a church in Angoville-au-Plain France into an aid station and treated both American and German wounded, their rule, all weapons must stay outside. There are many more stories of soldiers showing love towards the enemy from all fronts.
With the fall of Adam and Eve in the garden resulting in the death of mankind, God in His amazing grace and love for man had a plan, he sent His Son as a sacrifice for mankind. During His life Jesus taught us lessons by example in how to live a humble God loving life and how to treat and love people. Jesus purchased our freedom by giving His life on the cross, but Jesus took it one step further, He rose from the dead, Jesus conquered death so that those who believe can have everlasting life. This was the greatest sacrifice made for all mankind, Jesus gave His life so that we may live.
The Lord utters His voice before His army;
Surely His camp is very great,
For strong is he who carries out His word.
The day of the Lord is indeed great and very awesome,
And who can endure it?
Joel 2:11
Just as we take the bread and wine in remembrance of the sacrifice that Jesus did for us on the cross, let us take a moment on November 11 to remember the sacrifice others made for our freedom. At 11:00 take a moment to reflect and thank those who served, not only for their generation but for future generations to come. Take time to reflect and thank God for the ultimate sacrifice of His Son Jesus and for all those who did sacrifice everything so that we may be free to worship and praise the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in peace.
Our Heavenly Father thank you for the sacrifice that you made by giving Your Son Jesus to die for our sins on the cross. Thank you that when Jesus rose again that you conquered death and through you we can have everlasting life. Thank you for those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. Thank you for those currently serving, watch over them, protect them and lead them as they provide protection to us. Thank you Lord for world peace and for your love to shine through the world for mankind. Thank you Lord, in Jesus’s name Amen.
On November 11 take the time to remember and to thank a veteran or current member of the military for their service.
Blessings to all…
Thank you, Roger, for sharing your thoughts with us on Remembrance Day and the pictures of the beaver and Saskatoon before the snowfall. If you would like to send Roger a note, his email is rdeweerd33@gmail.com
I met with my oncologist today and my chemo will start around November 24. Please pray for pain management and that I will continue to be strong physically and spiritually to go through the chemo treatments. Thank you all for your prayers and acts of kindness during this season.
Blessings and stay safe,
Robin
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