unbroken

Last night, Kyle and I decided to watch Unbroken. I had heard it was a great movie, but I had no idea just how amazing it would be. I was completely glued to this story and in awe of each event that happened. This is the true story of Louis Zamperini, an olymipc athlete turned soldier, who suffered terrible circumstances at sea and in Japan. The underlying message (I wish it would have been more strongly portrayed) was that he promised to serve God if he would just let him survive. God saw him thru and he became a Christian and motivational speaker. Louis even forgave his captors. Can you imagine forgiving the people who beat you, starved you, and treated you so poorly? This was a true story of service to God and coutnry. I truly beileve the two go hands and hand as we are one nation under God.

At the end of the movie, Kyle said, "They just dont make people like him anymore."

It really got me thinking about how times in America used to be. In a time of war, everyone served their country. Everyone. Yes, I understand there was a draft and not all served by choice. However, there was such a sence of pride in country. Everyone gave to the war effort and supported our troops. It was noble and expected for young men to serve our country. And let me tell you, many men suffered out of loyalty and service to country.

Today we still have great women and men who proudly serve our country. I am so thankful for each day they spend protecting us and keeping America safe. However, it is not the same as it used to be. In older days, there was such a larger group who served our country. As a mother, I am thankful there is no draft and can say I would be scared to death if one of my children went to war. I can also say I cannot imagine a more admirable or noble profession for them to choose.

When I was thinking about people like Louis, I thought to myself "Are we really appreciative enough of his sacrifice? Are we honoring our country in a way to make men like him proud?"

I feel like America has reached such a different time. We are a torn nation. The majority of schools don't say the pledge of allegiance daily. America is taken for granted. Most of this is done out of a reverse sence of respect to all people from all walks of life. Don't get me wrong....I beleive in showing kindness and respect to every person no matter what walk of life they come from. The true Christian spirit loves all people unconditionally. What I am referring to is that in America we are no longer proud of our country and the principals we were founded on. We are scared to say the pledge, because what if we offend non-believers with the statement of one nation under God? We are scared to wave our flag, because what if we offend people from other lands? We are scared to stand up because of what ifs. We are America, the land of the free. We are welcoming to people from all lands and all walks of life. However, we are America, founded on principles of God and country. There is no penatly for not believing as we are a free country, but there should be a regared for respecting what America is. We must build back a sense of country and respect to country or future generations will let our country fall apart. When I look on facebook recently, I see a lot of complaining. People act unhappy to live in this wonderful country. People are also unhappy in the great state of Arkansas. Things just arent to their liking. They have NO idea how good we have it. We live in a free country, a safe country, and a wonderful country.

When I was growing up, my Sunday school teacher aslways said "The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing." That has always stuck with me. As a Christian, it makes me think is every action I do should be to serve God and serve in a way He would expect me to. As an American, it makes me think every action that I do should be respectful to my country and the principles it was founded on.

Kyle said he would love to live in older days when life was more simple without all the distractions. I am thankful for the modern advances that make our lifes better, but do wish we had more simple times. Mayberry times, where life wasnt so complicated. We were put in these times and it is our job to live life to the fullest in these times, while honoring past sacrifices that allow us to be here today.

Of Shoes and Snakes

Current events in my life bullet point style:

•I am currently watching the Arkansas basketball game with my husband. And I seriously just witnessed one of our players kick his shoe into the audience. Don't worry, after 2 min of playing with one shoe, another player from our bench THREW HIS SHOE onto the court for him so he wouldn't only have one. Let the social media jokes begin!

•I am currently so happy tomorrow is Friday. Love having a weekend without plans!

•Today a customer came into our store wearing a hat with a stuffed snake wrapped around it. The front of the hat featured the snake with its mouth wide open. He told me he wouldn't turn its flashing light eyes on because I'm a lady and he didn't want to scare me. How kind.

•I am currently worried about the state of Arkansas after bullet point 1 and 3.

•I am currently cuddled up with all of my family piled in the bed. Could it be any sweeter?

•Am I the only one ready for sweet summertime?

•Why am I always sleepy until it is time to go to sleep?

•Several of you want answers about Jariel, and I am sad to report I have not heard from my pen pal. I am holding out hope for another Christmas card!

•I promise to try to write a real blog post soon.

•The snake hat guy says he will be back next week. I am secretly excited/secretly will try to get a picture.