Words From The Heart

We all get those "Do Not Delete" "Pass On" emails.  If your like me practically all of them go in the trash.  There are exceptions and I just finished reading one which I feel compelled to share through this blog. This is just one of several poems written by Corporal Aaron M. Gilbert , US Marine Corps
USS SAIPAN, PERSIAN GULF

Although it was written by and addresses the Marines it applies to all of those brave men & women serving their country so we Americans can live in the way to which we have become accustomed.

Following the poem is the letter that Corporal Gilbert sent to his father.  Enjoy!!

Hooah & God Bless!

THE MARINE

We all came together,

Both young and old

To fight for our freedom,

To stand and be bold.

In the midst of all evil,

We stand our ground,

And we protect our country

From all terror around..

Peace and not war,

Is what some people say.

But I'll give my life,

So you can live the American way.

I give you the right

To talk of your peace.

To stand in your groups,

And protest in our streets.

But still I fight on,

I don't bitch, I don't whine.

I'm just one of the people

Who is doing your time.

I'm harder than nails,

Stronger than any machine.

I'm the immortal soldier,

I'm a U.S. MARINE!

So stand in my shoes,

And leave from your home.

Fight for the people who hate you,

With the protests they've shown.

Fight for the stranger,

Fight for the young.

So they all may have,

The greatest freedom you've won.

Fight for the sick,

Fight for the poor.

Fight for the cripple,

Who lives next door.

But when your time comes,

Do what I've done.

For if you stand up for freedom,

You'll stand when the fight's done

By: Corporal Aaron M. Gilbert , US Marine Corps

USS SAIPAN, PERSIAN GULF

July 23
Hey Dad,
Do me a favor and label this 'The Marine' and send it to everybody on your email list. Even leave this letter in it. I want this rolling all over the US and Canada and The World. I want every home reading it. Every eye seeing it. And every heart to feel it. So can you please send this for me? I would but my email time isn't that long and I don't have much time anyway.
You know what Dad? I wondered what it would be like to truly understand what JFK said in his inaugural speech. 'When the time comes to lay down my life for my country, I do not cower from this responsibility. I welcome it.' Well, now I know. And I do.. Dad, I welcome the opportunity to do what I do. Even though I have left behind a beautiful wife, and I will miss the birth of our first born child, I would do it 70 times over to fight for the place that God has made for my home. I love you all and I miss you very much. I wish I could be there when Sandi has our baby, but tell her that I love her, and Lord willing, I will be coming home soon. Give Mom a great big hug from me and give one to yourself too.
Aaron

Breaking the Silence

WOW, it's been a while since we posted. Guess I need to bring you up to date on what's happening with the ministry.  Based on the lack of participation last summer, 2013, we decided to suspend R&R weekends until September.  By doing this it has given the ministry team and volunteers a much needed rest.  

Card classes at WFSC continue on the first and third Tuesday of each month.  If you haven't been in a while or have never participated please consider joining us. Class begins at 10 A.M. and is usually over by 11:30-12.  We then visit over a light lunch.  Everyone makes two cards which they take home with them. Incidentally, this class is NOT exclusive to women - many men have joined in the fun.

Three of the team members design the cards and teach the class.  Just as personalities are different, so are the designs.  Lisa's cards are whimsical. Many are designs specifically for kids.  Jackie loves bold color while Sharon leans toward softer hues.  All three designers are talented and provide beautiful fun cards for us to make. They never repeat a design.

Inside Blank

The ministry continues to work with Chaplain Ginsburg identifying needs and planning events.  The ministry is also expanding, but more on that later.

Be Blessed!!