Friday, December 25, 2015

Our Christmas Dinner Was for Two in Germany

We are far from Texas and our family in the States, but we were able to share with them on this day.  Always I have enjoyed preparing Christmas dinner for family, but today it was just the two of us, and it was very special still.  Some of our recent Christmases have been spent apart because of the duties of war which are required by some of the citizens of our country.  Today as we enjoyed the blessings of being together and sharing this season of celebration, I thought of those who this year are apart from their own loved ones.  I especially considered those military families who this week experienced the receiving of the news that their own loved ones will never again be home for Christmas.  May God be with them, and all those who stand in harm's way tonight for American, and good people the world over, and may the true joy of Christmas be made known to each of you.  Merry Christmas from our house to yours.




Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Every Year I Post This Most Accurate and Comprehensive Explanation of Christmas


http://soldiersheartranch.blogspot.de/2015/12/it-is-time-again-for-most-comprehensive.html

The truth about Christmas is that the baby was born to die, that God knew before he ever put two molecules of anything together that if He in His great desire to love and be loved, created a free will creature, sin would come, and redemption would be necessary. He deemed that it would be worth it to make the sacrifice of His Son, a part of Himself, for the love that would eventually be gained and treasured in a world made clean of sin.

May the true joy of Christmas be yours...


Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Making Progress on the Tree




The Tree Has Taken Three Days So Far!

But it is coming right along!

First thing was to get the lights and stuffed animals on the tree...


Then the porcelain dolls...


Then I started in on the details...


Then there are the details... that is what takes so much time...


It will take at least another couple of days.

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Have I Mentioned I Love Christmas?

I truly love the Christmas season, it celebrates the greatest gift ever given, and my own redemption!

I decorate everywhere...
Everywhere...


Our guest powder room is done after a New Orleans theme, as that is where my husband grew up.
It is done in purple, green and gold, the colors of Mardi Gras.

So of course the decorations have to feature purple, green, and gold.


I just love the new wreath I made this year for this bath.
I think it represents the change that occurs when a person accepts the gift of eternal life!

Monday, November 30, 2015

So Many Women Live in Daily Violence

In many countries domestic violence is not even considered a crime.  The United Nations has a 16 day campaign underway, which began in a conference in Iraq several days ago.  This is a beautiful season of the year, Christmas celebrates God's love for each of us.  We should take care of those around us who are in need of the expression of God's love for every person.  Ask God what He would have you do to help those who suffer.

Sunday, November 29, 2015

Randy Says I Have Too Many Christmas Decorations

For instance, he says I have too many nutcrackers...

Too many little ones...


There are twelve big ones like these, one for each of the steps up the stairs...


Cowboys and Firefighters...


Soldiers...


In the foyer...


And so many, many more, it will take a while to get them all put in just the right place...



Saturday, November 28, 2015

When You Are Far From Home, Thanksgiving Is Good

We celebrated with church family!

We had lots of food.


We had lots of church family!



We had great entertainment!


There were people who cooked, people who served, and people who helped clean up!


Friday, November 27, 2015

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Support The launch of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence Campaign

THIS IS IMPORTANT... WHILE I CANNOT BE AT THIS CONFERENCE, I CAN SUPPORT IT FOR THE NEXT 16 DAYS, AND EVERYDAY!  I INVITE YOU TO SHARE THE POST AND ALSO SUPPORT THIS VITAL WORK!  I URGE YOU TO SHARE THIS MESSAGE EVERYWHERE!



November 2015

Subject: The launch of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence Campaign

Dear editors, reporters, anchors of news organizations, bloggers:
I am writing to you with a personal invitation on behalf of UN Women and the United Nations Gender Task Force in Iraq. On 25 November, we will commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. It will kick off the 16 days of global activism campaign, until 10 December, Human Rights Day, to halt this gross violation of women’s human rights. Each year, the United Nations brings together people from all around the world for the period of 16 days to campaign against violence towards women and girls and to renew our commitment to end all forms of abuse.

To mark this occasion in Iraq, we have the honor to invite you to a high-level event on 25 November 2015 in Baghdad, at the Al-Rasheed Hotel, from 9:30 – 12:30, under the patronage of the Speaker of the Parliament, Mr. Saleem Al Jbouri.  During the 16 days of activism, events are being organized across the country to draw public attention to the issue and stimulate action. This year’s campaign in Iraq will not only shed light on the plight of women as the most affected group in armed conflict, but also on the role of women as agents of change and transformative leaders for reconciliation and stabilization in their communities.

Given your strong commitment to gender issues, I am inviting you to join us this year to play your part as important influencers of public awareness and opinion.
I hope you will decide to lend your powerful voice to this cause, and partner with us in our efforts to end violence against women and girls. When we all pull together, we can put an end to violence against women and girls.

Sincerely,
Hiba Qasas
Country Representative a.i
UN Women Iraq

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

It Can Get Lonely in Germany

When your husband is out of town, you can get lonely and bored, and resort to drastic measures to fill the evenings.  So, I taught the dog to sing Jingle Bells... sort of...


Monday, November 16, 2015

Chance Has a Freundin in Germany

He is so in love!!!


Sasha comes to flirt along the back fence, she is a real beauty.


Sasha has one white paw, and a cute little white tip on her tail!


She has one dainty little white paw, and just a whisper of white on the tip of her tail, 
not to mention that hot green collar she wears so well!


He want's to get married so badly, but Randy and I think he is too young...

He just sits around mopping when she goes back inside...


He day dreams about going courting...



Saturday, November 14, 2015

I Am So Broken Hearted for the Mothers of France

I remember so well my own grief on 911, and my own fear.  My fear immediately centered on my daughter and son-in-law who were both serving at Fort Hood Texas in the United States Army.  So much is spoken of the sacrifices of our military, and rightly so, but there is a greater sacrifice...  The greatest sacrifice a Service Member can make is their own life.  When you are a mother, father, spouse, child, sibling, etc., of someone serving in the military, the greatest sacrifice you can make is surviving after the Service Member, and living with your loss. 


On two more occasions, both of the mass shootings which occurred at Ft. Hood, again I was the mother of a daughter serving, and a son-in-law serving.  I had chest pain until I heard their voices, and knew for certain they had survived. Not only were my adult loved ones in harm's way on the day of that first attack, but my two beautiful grand-daughters were potential targets as well. I drove like a mad woman from my home near Bellville, Texas to pick them up from a friend's house where they were staying, since both their parents were confined at Fort Hood for many hours until the all clear was given.  I was shopping in Walmart and passed a television set with the news of the second mass shooting at Fort. Hood, I remember almost fainting as I frantically dialed my son-in-law William, and finally got hold of him.  It is important that I convey where my husband was on the two occasions of "shooters at Ft. Hood."  The first time, he was on duty in Afghanistan with the United States Army.  The second time he was on duty with the United States Army in Baghdad, Iraq.  Mothers and wives in particular bear such burdens during war.


Yet my stress and pain did not subside with discovering that all those I loved had survived, and were completely unharmed. For days, weeks, months, and years, I lived, and live still with those I love so dearly serving my country in places of grave risk.  So this morning, I pray for all of France, but I pray more fervently for the mothers and wives, and the other family members of those who serve in the military and law enforcement of France.  My heart is with you all, and I will faithfully pray for you, and the protection of your loved ones.


The Young Martyr, Musee du Louvre, Paris France

By Paul Delaroche

In this beautiful painting, there is a star in the upper left hand, the scene is painted just at dawn.  That star it is recorded, represents Lucifer, Star of the Morning, the father of evil, and the two shadowy figures are the grieving parents of the young Christian woman martyred for her faith.  This art work is one of the most moving pieces I have ever beheld.


Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Oh My, My Dog Has Become a Fashionista!

Chance loves going on outings with us, and every morning he watches very closely as Randy gets dresses.  He knows that blue jeans and tennis shoes means a whole different day that dress shoes and tie.  He gets so excited when he watches Randy put on tennis shoes, he knows that he will more than likely get to go somewhere on a L-E-A-S-H...  Actually, spelling it doesn't even work anymore. when I say L- he perks up, and by S- he is going crazy, barking and dancing around my feet!

Monday, October 26, 2015

Oh Italy, You Too Capture My Heart!

We just got back from a week in Italy.  If you can only make one trip in your life... Italy should be on your short list!  These first photos are from a little cafe in an alleyway.  It was so charming, we ate there after they opened.