Miles of Smiles

This adorable toddler is one of countless community members to contribute valentines to our wounded veterans through the Miles of Smiles program. (Photo taken by Phyllis and published with the child's mother's permission.)

This year marks the 19th year that the USO at Fort Myer has sponsored the Miles of Smiles program. Phyllis served as a local coordinator for Fort Meade for the program this year. The whole Fort Meade federal campus community, local schools, cub scouts, girl scouts, families and individuals got together and contributed over 2,100 valentines! Valentines even came from as far away as Maine (thanks to Phyllis's mom!).

Thank you to everyone who participated!

Aquarium Fun

We aren't sure which one of us took this photo, but it's from the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Thought it was the perfect thing for a gray winter day.

May God bless you!

Sanctity of Life Sunday

"January 22, 2006 the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade,(33 years ago) falls on a Sunday in 2006, which makes it a natural for observing Life Sunday, or Sanctity of Life Sunday. This is a wonderful opportunity to Celebrate Life and Adoption and share life-giving options in Crisis Pregnancy." (Source: http://www.families.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1858)

We believe that life is a gift from God. Even if it weren't (supposing, for those that do not believe in God), life surely is the most important of all human rights. America was founded on principles that hold human life as sacred. There are sources that cite statistics on abortions that stagger the mind. Estimates range from about 25-33% of American children are aborted annually. Yet the lines of parents waiting to adopt children grow longer and longer. There are options. Death does not have to be one of them.

Does this mean that we condemn anyone who has chosen abortion? No. It is not our place to condemn. In fact, our place is to care and help with healing. A wonderful resource for those who have chosen abortion and are now dealing with issues regarding the confusion and pain is http://www.saveone.org/.

We hope that people will consider their options - and choose life. One excellent resource for people that might be weighing such a decision is available at http://www.pregnancycenters.org/ You can call 1-800-395-HELP or email answers@optionline.org anytime 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and caring counselors will help you sort out your feelings and options.

One of Phyllis' brothers is adopted. Had his birth mother chosen abortion, an essential and much loved member of her family would not be with us today. His children could not have been born. Our lives would not be the same. We couldn't possibly communicate how extremely glad we are that she chose life, even though it was most likely a very difficult decision for her.

Sanctity of Life Sunday is a great day to reflect on our blessings - all the wonderful things that make life worth living. We are thankful for so many things, first of all salvation, next our family and friends. The list is really endless. We are filled with gratitude.

We pray that God will bless you.

Resources:

Http://www.family.org
http://www.nrlc.org/
Baptists for Life, bfl.org
Http://www.lutheransforlife.org
http://www.saveone.org/
http://www.mdrtl.org/site/
http://abortioneducation.com/Site/
www.adoptionblessingsnewsletter.com
http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_78870.asp

Sunrise at Fort Meade

Photo taken this morning by Phyllis. May God bless you and your activities today!

Criminal Cat

Kind of looks like she's in a line up, doesn't she? Ben thought of the title and Phyllis took the photograph. May God bless you!

Happy New Year

After Uncle Robert's funeral and the following fellowship dinner, some of us went to my cousin Pam's house. Thank you to Pam and Chris for opening their home to us all.

Here are a few photos from that visit. In order of appearance, they include: Uncle Sonny and Aunt Carol; Uncle Frank and Aunt Stephanie; Uncle Tom and Mom/Bea; Chris, Pam, Kaitlynn, and Marissa; Joshua and Heidi.

Robert will live on in our hearts. During this difficult time, we certainly were reminded of the importance of family and taking the time now to share our love for one another. Remember to take time to express your feelings to those you love!

May you and yours have a happy new year filled with love, peace, and joy.