The Folds of Our Flag

 If you have ever been to a funeral service at a grave site for someone in the military, whether a current military member or for a veteran, you have seen the family given the flag that draped the coffin.  You have probably watched them fold the flag that was taken from the coffin.  

But have you ever heard why the flag is folding in such a way?  Do you know what each of the folds in folding of the flag means? 
Probably not.  But don't feel bad, because unless you have been taught or told, you don't know that each fold has a beautiful meaning.

This is what the 13 folds mean:

1. The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
2. The second fold signifies our belief in eternal life.
3. The third fold is made in honor and tribute of the veteran departing our ranks, and who gave a portion of his or her life for the defense of our country to attain peace.
4. The fourth fold exemplifies our weaker nature as citizens trusting in God; it is to Him we turn for His divine guidance.
5. The fifth fold is an acknowledgement to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our country, in dealigning with other countries, may she always be right, but it is still our country, right or wrong.”
6. The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
7. The seventh fold is a tribute to our armed forces, for it is through the armed forces that we protect our country and our flag against all enemies.
8. The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor our mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.
9. The ninth fold is an honor to womanhood, for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty, and devotion that the character of men and women who have made this country great have been molded.
10. The 10th fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since he or she was first-born.
11. The 11th fold, in the eyes of Hebrew citizens, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
12. The 12th fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost.
13. The last fold, when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, “In God We Trust.”

Thank you to the National Flag Foundation for explaining this to us.  

I have known some of these for a long time ... probably from the first time I saw the folding of our flag, but I couldn't remember each fold.  

By placing this here, all of us will always be able to refresh our memories as to the reasons for this beautiful tribute.

September 11th ... 20 years and yet NEVER to be forgotten

Twenty Years have passed since this fateful day that we should never forget.

If I have to post this each and every year that I draw a breath, I will so that we NEVER forget all the beautiful men and women who lost their lives that day.  All the families that have been broken that day, yet have somehow been able to go on.  It is for them and the memories of those lost that we must continue to go on, to prove that we will continue to move forward and be the best that we can be.

God be with us all always, let us feel His presence always, but perhaps most of all in our times of need to know in our hearts that He is with us forever.

 'MEET ME IN THE STAIRWELL'

You say you will never forget where you were when you heard the news On September 11, 2001.
Neither will I.

I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room with a man who called his wife to say 'Good-Bye.
' I held his fingers steady as he dialed. I gave him the peace to say,
'Honey, I am not going to make it, but it is OK .. I am ready to go.'

I was with his wife when he called as she fed breakfast to their children. I held her up as she tried to understand his words and as she realized he wasn't coming home that night.

I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a woman cried out to Me for help.
'I have been knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years!' I said.  'Of course I will show you the way home - only believe in Me now.'

I was at the base of the building with the Priest ministering to the injured and devastated souls. I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven. He heard my voice and answered.


I was on all four of those planes, in every seat, with every prayer. I was with the crew as they were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of the believers there, comforting and assuring them that their faith has saved them.

I was in Texas, Virginia, California, Michigan, Afghanistan.
I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news.
Did you sense Me?

I want you to know that I saw every face.
I knew every name - though not all knew Me.
Some met Me for the first time on the 86th floor.

Some sought Me with their last breath.
Some couldn't hear Me calling to them through the smoke and flames;  'Come to Me... this way... take my hand.'
Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me.

But, I was there.

I did not place you in the Tower that day. You may not know why, but I do.. However, if you were there in that explosive moment in time, would you have reached for Me?

Sept. 11, 2001, was not the end of the journey for you .
But someday your journey will end.
And I will be there for you as well.
Seek Me now while I may be found.
Then, at any moment, you know you are ready to go.'

I will be in the stairwell of your final moments.

God

During the next 60 seconds, stop whatever you are doing, and take this opportunity. (Literally it is only 1 minute.)  All you have to do is the following:

Stop and think and appreciate God's power in your life, for doing what you know is pleasing to Him. If you are not ashamed to do this, follow the instructions.

Jesus said, 'If you are ashamed of Me, I will be ashamed of you before My Father'

If you are not ashamed, spread this message ... but only if you believe

'Yes, I love my God. He is my fountain of Life and My Savior. He Keeps me going day and night. Without Him, I am no one. But with Him, I can do everything. Christ is my strength.'

Don't Underestimate me

 I just saw this one and thought that it nails it.

Don't underestimate me

I know more than I say.

Think more than I speak. 

and

Notice more than you realize.

I've always said to my kids, when they aren't sure what to say because they don't want to seem like they don't know what is going on, so many times they say nothing.

I remind them at that point, they should say nothing, or very little, but continue to listen and watch what overs say or do.

Sometimes, ok most of the time, you learn more by watching or listening then people realize.  There are times that you learn more than others wanted you to just by being silent.  

But being silent, doesn't mean you don't know some or all of what is going on, and THAT scares them more than anyone will admit.  

Putting things in perspective

 I saw this on a post on LinkedIn and I wish I could tell you who it was that originally posted (and possibly wrote) this gem, but I can't find the poster.  It was written in chalk on a sidewalk in what looked to be a somewhat busy city street.  

But I think once you read it and then think about it you will agree with me when I say ... THIS has to be the best quote to start the new year.

When 2020 started, 

I thought it would be the year that I 

GOT everything I WANTED.

Now I know that 2020 was the year I learned to

APPRECIATE everything I HAVE.

 

Happy New Year!

 

I know that 2020 was not the best year in my life or yours ....  

BUT 

I wanted to make sure I was able to wish you all ....