Category: Random Thoughts

The junk that pops into my brain

Our National Anthem Rocks!

~ JodiLea

Flag Superimposed over Gravestones  Most of the time when I hear someone sing The Star Spangled Banner, I cringe. They either change the key, the notes, or add personal flourishes to show off their talent. In my humble opinion they should leave well enough alone.

OK. I may have been wrong…

Imagine my jaw-dropping surprise when I clicked on this link my hubby sent me of our anthem, performed by a rock band.  I know, right?!

I had to share it with y’all on this Memorial Day weekend.  So… turn up the volume, click the photo (or link below) and enjoy  🙂  I think you will find it as inspirational as I do.

The Star Spangled Banner  – Madison Rising

The Donkey in the Well

~ JodiLea

The Donkey in the Well

Donkey in a Well

One day a farmer’s donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn’t worth it to retrieve the donkey.

He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone’s amazement he quieted down.

A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up.

As the farmer’s neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!

MORAL :
Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a stepping-stone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up.

Sunday Reflections

~ JodiLea

April is National Poetry Month & I plan to write some. The following is not one of them, however.
It was written by Judge Roy Moore in Alabama, after being sued by the ACLU for displaying the Ten Commandments in his courtroom. I feel it should be read again this second Sunday in April.

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AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL
America the Beautiful, or so you used to be.
Land of the Pilgrims’ pride; I’m glad they’ll never see.

Babies piled in dumpsters, Abortion on demand,
Oh, sweet land of liberty, your house is on the sand.

Our children wander aimlessly poisoned by cocaine,
Choosing to indulge their lusts, when God has said abstain.

From sea to shining sea, our Nation turns away
From the teaching of God’s love and a need to always pray.

So many worldly preachers tell lies about our Rock,
Saying God is going broke so they can fleece the flock.

We’ve kept God in our temples, how callous we have grown.
When earth is but His footstool, and Heaven is His throne.

We’ve voted in a government that’s rotting at the core,
Appointing Godless Judges who throw reason out the door,

Too soft to place a killer in a well deserved tomb,
But brave enough to kill a baby before he leaves the womb.

You think that God’s not angry, that our land’s a moral slum?
How much longer will He wait before His judgment comes?

How are we to face our God, from Whom we cannot hide?
What then is left for us to do, but stem this evil tide?

If we who are His children, will humbly turn and pray;
Seek His holy face and mend our evil way:
Then God will hear from Heaven and forgive us of our sins,
He’ll heal our sickly land and those who live within.

But, America the Beautiful, if you don’t, then you will see,
A sad but Holy God withdraw His hand from Thee.

– Judge Roy Moore

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As I mentioned, this is not the way I would have written the Judge’s message. But I sure see where he is coming from.

J