My uncle was the most gentle man I have ever met.  In my entire lifetime, he never once raised his voice or said a hateful word to anyone. He was always the first to volunteer to help the community, or a neighbor.  It surprised me very much to learn, after my childhood, that he was once a Marine in the Korean war.

  My uncle, Jack, never discussed his experiences while in the Marines,  that is until I became one myself.  Shortly after returning home from Parris Island I visited him.  He showed me horrible pictures of death, talked of being wounded saving his buddies, and the Inchon resevoir.  He then told me the story I am about to tell  all of you.  I do this so that maybe you will also be moved to believe.   

  On some unkown hill in the middle of an intense firefight  Jack found himself,  pinned down while advancing toward an enemy  position.  He was about to find more cover in a nearby gully when he heard a booming voice yell at him, "Get your head down, Marine!".  He turned around and there stood a Marine officer in full dress blues, glaring at him.  He was clean as a button and sharp as a tack.   Jack was very confused because he himself was covered in mud.  While asking himself how in the hell this officer got here in that condition, and why he wasn't in his combat fatigues,  Jack heard a loud explosion that covered him in mud and debris.  After  the dust had settled Jack turned to where the officer had been to find that he was gone.  He then looked towards the gully where he was about to go...a ten foot wide crater was in its' place.

  Jack came home to raise two wonderful children and be a devoted husband.  He also lived his life as an example of how a Christian should be.  While battling cancer our pastor came to ask Jack, "How is your soul, Jack?"  Jack told him it was fine and asked him,  "How's yours?".  Even as he lived his last days he was the one teaching and helping and consoling.  I have no doubt that the encounter he had with that Marine Angel made him more Christ like than anyone I have ever met.

When you've trusted Jesus and walked his way
When you've felt his hand lead you day by day
But your steps now take you another way,
... start over.

When you've made your plans and they've gone awry
When you've tried your best and there's no more try
When you've failed yourself and you don't know why,
... start over.

When you've told your friends what you plan to do
When you've trusted them and they didn't come through
And now you're all alone and it's up to you,
... start over.

When you've failed your kids and they're grown and gone
When you've done your best but it's turned out wrong
And now your grandchildren have come along,
... start over.

When you've prayed to God so you'll know his will
When you've prayed and prayed and you don't know still
When you want to stop cause you've had your fill,
... start over.

When you think you're finished and want to quit
When you've bottomed out in life's deepest pit
When you've tried and tried to get out of it,
... start over.

When the year has been long and successes few
When December comes and you're feeling blue
God gives a January just for you,
... start over.

Starting over means "Victories Won"
Starting over means "A Race Well Run"
Starting over means "The Lords' Will Done"
We need not just sit there ... START OVER.

WAITING FOR THE WIND...
By Alice (Anon.)

My nephew's 10 year old son came for a visit one hot, July weekend. I was enticing him to stay inside by joining him in a nintendo game. After being mercilessly defeated by a more experienced player, I suggested that we relax awhile. I collapsed into my favorite recliner to let my neck muscles relax and my ego recover from such a beating. He had slipped out of the room and I was catching a few relished moments of peace and quiet.

"Look, Alice," he said enthusiastically as he ran over to the chair where I was recovering.
"I found a kite. Could we go outside and fly it?"
Glancing out a nearby window, I noticed there was not a breeze stirring. "I'm sorry, Tripper," I said, sad to see his disappointed eyes, but thankful for the respite from more activity. "The wind is not blowing today. The kite won't fly."
The determined 10 year old replied. "I think it's windy enough. I can get it to fly," he answered, as he hurried out the back door.

1. Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride.
2. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
3. When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
4. When it's in your best interest, always practice obedience.
5. Let others know when they've invaded your territory.
6. Take naps and always stretch before rising.
7. Run, romp, and play daily.
8. Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
9. Be loyal.
10. Never pretend to be something you're not.
11. If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
12. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
13. Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
14. Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
15. Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
16. On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
17. When you are happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
18. No matter how often you are criticized, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout. Run right back and make friends.