9.23.2013

so..you want to be like Jesus?

Dying to Self 
by Bill Britton
When you are forgotten, or neglected,
or purposely set at naught,
and you don't sting and hurt with the insult or the oversight,
but your heart is happy, being counted worthy to suffer for Christ.
that is dying to self

When your good is evil spoken of, when your wishes are crossed,
your advice disregarded, your opinions ridiculed,
and you refuse to let anger rise in your heart,
or even defend yourself, but take in all in patient, loving silence.
that is dying to self

When you lovingly and patiently bear any disorder,
any irregularity, any impunctuality, or any annoyance;
when you stand face-to- face with waste, folly, extravagance,
spiritual insensibility and endure it as Jesus endured.
that is dying to self

When you are content with any food, any offering, any climate,
any society, any raiment, any interruption by the will of God.
that is dying to self

When you never care to refer to yourself in conversation,
or to record your own good works, or itch after commendations,
when you can truly love to be unknown.
that is dying to self

When you can see your brother prosper and have his needs met
and can honestly rejoice with him in spirit 
and feel no envy, 
nor question God, while your own needs are far greater
and in desperate circumstances
that is dying to self

When you can receive correction and reproof from one of less stature 
than yourself and can humbly submit inwardly as well as outwardly,
finding no rebellion or resentment rising up within your heart.

that is dying to self.
*       ~     *       ~      *      ~      *      ~      *      ~     *        ~       *
"Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ "
(Phl 3:8)

9.06.2013

A decade of paying tribute..a lifetime of memories & healing ~



Sep. 6th-8th, 2013 marks the 10th year for the Tribute To The Troops' mission to pay tribute to those who have served our country and fallen, particularly during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan). It will be the 9th year for husband and I as we were out of town during TTTT's inception.

TTTT began simply to recognize and thank the families and friends of those who lost their lives by paying them a personal visit, letting them know that there are people out here who care and won't forget about their loved one and the sacrifces made for the people of this country. As well, to heighten awareness far and wide that men and women were dying for our country while we continued with our lives, business as usual.

These men and women belonged to someone-people who were and are our neighbors. Something had to be done, somebody had to reach out these families.

It started as a mc ride because the original founding members and their friends love riding motorcycles and shared a great appreciation for the freedom we have in this country (several of whom  themselves served).  A freedom abundantly enhanced by two wheels, a throttle, and an open road.  These Freedoms we have did not come without great cost.  We recognize and want to honor that.

Over the years, the families we've met have been some of the most wonderful, gracious, loving people I have ever come across. Many of those we've visited are themselves riders and have joined us on the ride, many of have become an integral part of TTTT through volunteering and serving on the Board.

It has been truly amazing what TTTT has meant for many, many grieving parents, widows, siblings kids, and more. .

Due mostly to normal circumstances of life our own involvement with this marvelous organization has been greatly reduced, but the people, along with all the wonderful memories (and they are many and rich!) will forever maintain a special place a place in my heart.

Tomorrow husband and I will take part in the ride and I am really looking forward to it.

~
(Edit): 'I may add more as the weekend progresses..'  Well I didn't do that :)

Turned out to be another wonderful year..with broken hearts moved toward healing, memories made, connecting with friends old and new, and of course many pictures taken:
Friday Ride
Saturday Ride
Sunday Ride & Concert

God's grace abounds, in every nook of every cranny of every person, place and thing.