A New Song That I Think Will Become a Part of the Fiber of Our Country

Found something on facebook this morning that calls to my heart, it is testimony to the God I serve, and a tribute to the country I love.  It is powerful, brought me to tears as it's message hit my heart, and is something everyone should share with everyone.  Our nation is filled with artists who honor our country with their expressions of art.  Their artistry contributes to the good of mankind mankind.

Beautiful music in praise of God and our country is what you will hear at this site.  God bless the America cannot be spoken in prayer enough.    In times when there is so much out there which tears our country down, patriotic music continues to be written which is uplifting and filled with truth.  

When a "film," produced in this country, has brought so much destruction, violence, and death, I would point to the true nature of the artistic efforts of the people of our country.  Every country has citizens it is ashamed of, and every nation has citizens that bring it honor.  This citizen, Taunia L. Henry, has once again reminded me how  proud I am to be an American, despite there being citizens who bring dishonor to our country.  I find there are far more people who quietly go about their lives and live honorably in America, than those who shame us.  Again, God bless America, and her patriots! Taunia L. Henry is one of them!  I wonder if she is kin to Patrick Henry?

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4nUXhEOiwY

A Cry for Freedom
 
In the air there is "A Cry For Freedom"
From a nation born in Liberty
For there's A Battle that is waging for her children
That can only be won upon her knees.

CHORUS
America, envy of the nations
For long ago, you answered freedom's call!
If in God we trust, we shall stand in victory.
America, America, stay free!
(Last time: For this battle that is waging is only won upon our knees. America, America, stay free!)

In the heart there is a beat for freedom
From a soldier on that lonely distant shore.
He is willing to give his life in honor.
We must pray like we've never prayed before!

In the soul there is a shout for freedom
From a nation being burdened from within.
If we seek the Lord and follow, he will heal us.
And our country can be blessed once again!



(A Cry For Freedom written by Taunia L. Henry. ASCAP.
Copyright 2009 by Taunia L. Henry. All rights reserved.
This recording of A Cry For Freedom is sung by Heartland Quartet on the album, "Liberty" available at www.forhisglorypublishing.com. This album was produced for charity fundraising for various charity organizations such as Apostolic Christian World Relief, Christian Aid Ministries, Lifesong for Orphans and Shared Hope International.)

Ninja Rooster

I saw the cutest picture on facebook of a rooster, it reminds me of my own rooster... sort of.  Mine is not so well behaved...  Every single day when I go to gather eggs, I have to fight this rooster, as soon as I turn my back he is flogging me.  He will even attack the egg gathering basket if I put it down...

I Volunteer to Ask Questions at the Presidential Debates

I would like to be one of those citizens who asks questions at the Presidential debates... and mine would not be about the economy.  First things first, if our country is not secure... the economy won't matter at all until it is. I have noted that the good guys in Iraq, those who are attempting to hold the liberty gained at such a great cost, are falling daily.  There isAobviously a concerted effort to bring down the good guys.  See this link for the latest murders today:

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-501713_162-57520423/officials-4-policemen-killed-in-attacks-in-iraq/

In light of what has gone wrong in Iraq and why,  (see this link:)

http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2012/09/24/the_iraq_red_team

we need to look closely at each of these crimes, and make sure our intelligence sources know exactly who is perpetrating them.

The possibilities that I am aware of are:

1.  Sectarian insurgents

2.  Syrians

3.  Iranians

4.  Al Qaeda, ( who has bragged they are going on the offensive.)

5. All of the above

Then the question is how does that intel affect the following:

1. How does it impact the citizens of Iraq, whose country twice now we have invaded in my lifetime.  Moral courage is needed here.

2. How does it impact the rest of the Middle East.

3.  How does it impact the average American citizen.

4.  How does it affect the citizens of those countries who joined us in the Coalition Forces?

5.  I believed in the stated reason we went to Iraq.  We went to crush Al Qaeda operations in Iraq and secure weapons of mass destruction, which I firmly believe were there, and are now in Syria.  We do not seem to have taken care of business, as Al Qaeda is now bragging we "ain't seen nothing yet."

  

6.  How does it affect our sons and daughters, who in good faith left their blood in the soil of Iraq?

7.  How does it affects the families of those who never came home?

Reckon they will let me be one of your average Americans asking the candidates probing questions?

It is my theory that just picking up your toys and going home exacts a new and higher price every time.

New Afghan Parents for Pola Rose!

The news on Pola Rose is very good.  She has new Afghan parents.  This is the best of news.  The parents are shop keepers who have been wanting to have a child for the last four years!  One little sparrow picked up from the ground...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/26/pola-newborn-abandoned_n_1914182.html

This Guy is Naming Names!

This article demands that every thinking American read the book!  In fact this book is a look into the mistakes made in the pursuit of peace and security for all the countries of the world.  On my way to purchase my copy of The End Game.

http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2012/09/24/the_iraq_red_team

The Story of the Peace Rose

The largest rose in this photo is a Peace Rose from my rose garden.  It is arguably the most famous rose of all time.  

Francis  Meilland, was the hybridizer  who first cross-pollinated two roses, ((George Dickson x Souv. de Claudius Pernet) X (Joanna Hill x Charles P.  Kilham)) X Margaret McGredy, from which was born a not so great a little seedling the next year, with a few eyes budded.  No one was particularly impressed.  Then that same fall, one of the seedling  was covered in foliage, and it was lush, dark green, and to go with that were large blooms, they were the most beautiful delicate ivory-with pale yellow brushes.  The edges of the roses were touched with pink.  It was a true beauty!

At first just like Pola Rose, there was no name for her, they simply called her #3-35-40.  From weakness, with little chance of coming to fruition, the story of success of the Peace Rose went on.  

There was a war on when the Peace Rose was introduced in France, and at that time and place they called her by the name Mme A. Meilland, in Italy as Gioia, and in Germany she was introduced as Gloria Dei.  Overnight she was a huge success.  Meilland had named the rose in France after his mother.

As the war grew closer and closer, just before the occupation of France, the rose stock was smuggled away on some of the last planes to leave France for the United States.   In April of 1945, the Conard -Plye Company offered
the rose in America, having paid an unheard of 33% royalty to Mr. Meilland.  Jackson Perkins, by far the most famous of the rose growers, had considered that too high a royalty.  The date of that first show was the day that Berlin fell, and the war came to an end.  On that day the rose was introduced to the world as the Peace Rose.  The show where this took place was in Pasadena, California at the First Annual Rose Show of the Pacific Rose Society.  At the ceremony, two white doves were released, symbolizing peace returning to the world.  

She was awared the All-American Rose Selection Award for 1946 (AARS.)  Since that time it is estimated that up to 50 million Peace Rose plants have been grown.  The Peace Rose is most popular rose of the 20th and 21st Century by all accounts.  Many other awards have come since that initial one, and 500,000 are still grown annually.   

In addition other hybrids have been been developed from the rose... peace spreads...  Roses such as  Double Delight, Perfume Delight, Garden Party and Princesse de Monaco, have come from the lineage of the Peace Rose.

Jackson Perkins is the most famous of all the rose growers of the world, but when they were offered the reins of Peace, they passed up the chance.  I believe the reins of peace could easily be taken up by the leadership of Islam.  Let it be so, the chance to bring peace to the Middle East can be held by the true leadership of Islam.

  

More News of Pola Rose, I Found Out the Soldiers Who Found Her Named Her!

But I officially claim her second name to be Rose!\

Here is an Update!

 http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/news/polish-soldiers-save-2-day-old-baby-in-ghazni.html

The pale rose in the center is a Peace Rose.

Hundreds and Hundreds of Sparrows

My girl-friend Jacqui and I went to supper together tonight, and then on to an art show at the Holland Street Gallery in Bellville.  Bellville is the charming little town of about 4,000 where I live.  They have a square that is much the same as it was over a century ago.  Some buildings are even over two hundred years old.

The art work is first class in this little gallery.  I was just blown away by the artists who were displaying tonight.   Amazing work that reflected such talent.  The photos I took cannot  do the work justice.

 I was thinking about Baby Rose all during the evening, and I shared her story with several people talking about how the consensus had been she would be forgotten and lost in the system, and there was not much hope of a great outcome.  I talked with each person about the Bible verse I had used which speaks of two sparrows selling for a penny, and when one falls that God takes note.  That scripture goes on to say how much more valuable we are than two sparrows to God.  Despite how well received the story was by each person I spoke with, as I left the art show doubt was playing around in my mind.  Thoughts like, "what are you thinking, the world will not get behind one little baby."  Then, "this is just making you look foolish, and you don't need any help with that."

As I crossed the street and entered the Wells Fargo parking lot, I noticed people looking up and when I did too, hundreds and hundreds of sparrows filled the air.  They were collecting in tw0 of three trees, and the sounds of their chirping together were  really loud.  Many birds commonly collectively roost, but I have never heard of or observed it among sparrows, certainly not in Texas.  As more people exited the building, or arrived in the parking lot, their attention was immediately drawn to the strange bird behavior, and everyone commented as I photographed the birds, then took video.

For me the behavior was a perfectly clear message from God to "keep telling the world the story of Rose, I love her, and she is worth so much to me, more than thousands and thousands of sparrows."

Here is a very short clip from the video I made so you can get the picture of how many sparrows were crossing the sky and landing in two trees under which I had parked my truck to go to the art show.  I will never forget this phenomenon, or Rose, and the message she has brought to my heart.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5Bwr4g8F2s

Who Will Love Rose With Me?

This little abandoned Aghan baby girl has touched my heart. She was found abandoned in Kandahar I believe.  The story came out in this Polish publication:  http://wiadomosci.onet.pl/swiat/afganistan-polscy-zolnierze-uratowali-noworodka-po,1,5252865,wiadomosc.html#fp=info
Associated Press/Marcin Gil/Poland's Defense Ministry 

I have named her Rose, because I believe despite the circumstances of her birth she is going to rise above those circumstances. I love Rose. I see hope and beauty in Rose, and there is a woman I do not know named Julane, and I see love for Rose in her too. There is a Viking Warrior, tough as nails, and I can tell, the picture of this little one has melted his heart too. He loves her as well. There is a Bible verse, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny, and not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father?” It goes on to say how much more important each of us is to Him. I believe in prayer, and serve the God who made this beautiful little girl. There was much discussion over what we cannot do for this child, but we can pray, and where two or more are gathered in His name .... we can ask anything. I want to provide for this child, and I know a woman who perhaps can tell us how we can provide for her. I trust her implicitly.   Her life speaks for itself that even though most of it was spent in Afghanistan and has been  full of tragedy and sacrifice, light is still in her heart.  She is not defeated.  I have sent the information to her that Rose is loved, and there are those who wish to provide for her, and make sure she grows up in a loving home.  As I knew would happen, she agreed that Rose is a special child, and care must be given to provide for her every need.  Now at least four of us love Rose.  She must grow up knowing how valuable she is to the world and to God.

I have  come to believe Rose is a very special baby, a baby who speaks to the world of peace.  If one vile film can spread such violence and death, one small miracle baby can shine the light of peace and life even more quickly and powerfully.  I am sure she is touching the hearts of so many others. Look at her... So exquisite! So perfect! That she sucks her thumb as so many babies I have held just melts me, and makes me long to hold her and rock her and sing to her... Rose is a baby of peace, a baby the people of countries the world over can look at and long to hold and rock,  and sing lullabies of peace to.

Send this to anyone you think could love Rose too.  Share the picture of this beautiful and special child with the world.  Peace comes from knowing one another, and loving one another.  

 

  I changed the picture of the rose because I wanted the rose to be the Peace Rose.  There is a war story about the Peace Rose.

Here is another picture of her posted by Buzzy, it shows Polish Soldiers finding and rescuing her.  God bless them.  What made them stop to explore such a tiny rag on the ground?  How did she survive through the night on the side of the road?  Because the God who watches sparrows... watches beautiful little baby girls.

 

 

Marines Raising the Flag at the American Embassy Egypt

No Words Needed

 

Stories... now Randy knows stories...

As my husband, Col(R) Randy LeCompte was growing up he lived in poverty.  His life however was rich with relationships, and one such relationship was with his Aunt Eva.  She was the wife of a Baptist minister, and she lived in Kentucky and ran a boarding house.  Every summer until he was old enough to stay by himself Randy was sent to stay with her as his mother was a single parent working to raise two children alone.  Randy has very fond memories of his stays every summer with this Aunt, especially of the summer when he was nine and in a Vacation Bible School at her church he made a profession of faith and the destiny of his life changed forever.

Summer time has come to an end, our own grand-children were visiting during the Fourth of July, we made sweet memories.


Like many of us growing up as baby boomers, Randy didn't have many toys, and so his play had to come from his own imagination.  Randy has always had a gifted mind, and his play revealed that even as a child.  While he stayed with his Aunt in the summer he had a little spiral notebook she had given him, and a pencil.  The boarding house had a railroad track that ran close by and whenever he heard a train coming he would grab the little notebook and pencil and race to the train crossing.  He would write down the numbers on the side of the train, and note the time that it was passing.  This note taking enabled him to figure out when each particular train passed through the town, and to make a schedule of the trains.

The last time he was on leave, as is our custom, we made our way over to Coushatte RV Park, when every last Saturday of the month except November and December, a little Blue Grass singing is held.  The performers are more than talented.  The last weekend of the month of October every year, a Blue Grass Festival is held, and groups from all over the country come for four days of wonderful music and fun.  You should come, you might see Randy and I, and you might hear The Wabash Cannonball.  The link just below will take you to a You Tube video of one of the best renditions of Wabash Cannonball I have ever heard...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiQUcsiA5bM&feature=context-gau

Come and hear the great music coming in October at Coushatte RV Ranch.  Here's a link to there site: http://www.coushatte.com/

I Like To See Credentials, Education, and Experience in the U.N.'s Diplomats

Well, personally I think Angie should stay home and take care of all those kids... that's what I did.  Not to mention, Americans who run around the Middle East giving out advice can impact my own life, and the lives of those innocent people of the Middle East.  Surely, those who make cheap and vile movies do, as we have seen with the unprecedented violence and anti-Americanism that is sweeping the Middle East since You Tube allowed the posting of that cheap and vile movie produced by a single disturbed American.  Individual Americans can effect the lives of so many, so great care should be given to each of our individual actions to first do no harm.

Angelina Jolie is traveling through the Mid East, especially those countries which border Syria, asking that nations will keep their borders open for refugees.  One of the first things that comes to my mind is, well since she is a person of such wealth, and the citizens of these countries live in such poverty, and their countries do not have unlimited resources, perhaps she should pitch in some of her own wealth to support the care and feeding of those fleeing Syria.

I feel compelled as well to point out the security risk that arises when a country opens its' borders as the oppressed of one nation spill into the next.  Terrorists are likely to move across with them, and begin subversion activities in that nation as well.  Care must be taken not to un-stabilize countries which have at least some security.

Angie stated:
  
"The most important thing is cooperation from the countries on the (Syrian) border ... and to make sure these borders in all countries stay open," Jolie told Australian Herald Sun reporters at the Domiz refugee camp.
"I've been of course very encouraged to be here and hear the government speak of continuing this wonderful, life-saving open border policy." 

I would beg to differ Angie... and I hate to point it out, but the life style you have lived isn't necessarily one that is greatly admired in the Middle East, whether you are a "movie star" or not.  In light of the current reputation of the film making industry in the United States, you should take great care in what you say and do...  That is coming from a person who has a dog in this hunt.

She is From One Country, and I From Another

I know a woman who has become so important to me.  She is from one country, and I am from another.  She lost her husband in war,  and that makes us knit together, for it is my greatest fear.  Our lives are very different.  She is strong and brave and goes forward and this makes her a beacon in my life.   With great respect for this remarkable woman... humble words of admiration.

Missing Him So Much

Once a woman wrote to me words that my heart did touch.

“Missing my husband so much, missing him so much.”

An act of war took him, no matter how tightly she did clutch.

“Missing my husband so much, missing him so much.”

She and I know that nobility resides more deeply in men as such.

“Missing my husband so much, missing him so much.”

Once a woman wrote to me words that my heart did touch.

“Missing my husband so much, missing him so much.”

I Have Always Been a Romantic

"Love is not affectionate feeling, but a steady wish for the loved person's ultimate good as far as it can be obtained."  C.S. Lewis


I have always been a romantic, and my friend Judy Pritchett made a post on facebook about it being her 28th wedding anniversary today that made my heart flutter.  The story is the epitome of a military romance and I begged her to let me post it here... sigh...  How it makes my heart smile....  Of course no telling of a romance story is complete without a wedding photo, and her's is so beautiful.  Happy Anniversary to you both!  You are proof that the military family is alive and flourishing!

  

Today my husband and I celebrate our 28th Wedding Anniversary! Hard to believe it's been that long already. For those of you who don't know our story, we were 17 yr old soldiers (we met in AIT, both combat medics) and only knew each other for 30 short days when we decided to tie the knot. It's been a rockin' ride and God must have known how badly we both needed someone to love. We have raised a family, conquered mountains, and had to accept our fair share of defeats, but there is no one else I could ever imagine having to go through life with! He has been my rock in times of trouble, my voice of reason when I needed it (oh boy, that is a job in itself!) and he loves me unconditionally (he deserves a medal for that!) I guess I just can't say enough when it comes to how wonderful he is. I am one lucky girl and I can't wait to see what the next 28 years brings for us!

So Many Great Activities for Your Enjoyment! I Am Almost Finished With My Costume!

• • 
    

    
    

    Civil War Savannah (historical presentation)

    
    

    Public Event · By Mark Stolarski and Dwayne Virnau

    Thursday, September 20, 2012
  • 6:30pm

• Liedertafel Hall, 116 Lux Road, Sealy, TX 77474

• Civil War Savannah As Revealed by Author and Historian Barry Sheehy & Historical Photographer Cindy Wallace Authors of the much heralded four-volume series Civil War Savannah will discuss Volumes I and II – Immortal City and Brokers Bankers and Bay Lane. Inspired research anchored by historic photography takes the reader to the very bottom of the truth about this extraordinary city, its people and its survival when all else was reduced to ruin. Within the pages of Savannah: Immortal City, and Savannah: Brokers, Bankers and Bay Lane, readers will undertake a remarkable pilgrimage behind the “moss curtain” of cultural grandeur, legendary mystique, and historical prominence assigned to Savannah. The Four-Volume Series: Savannah: Immortal City is the first of a four-volume series entitled Civil War Savannah. It offers a pictorial and textual history of all the important antebellum and Civil War sites in the city of Savannah and surrounding Chatham County. Savannah: Brokers, Bankers, and Bay Lane-Inside the Slave Trade, the second volume, examines the business of slavery in late antebellum Savannah. The third volume, Savannah: Touched with Fire, offers a history of Savannah’s Civil War cemeteries and the wartime generation buried there. Finally, in Savannah: A Terrible Beauty, the authors examine the important military sites in Chatham and surrounding counties, showcasing the beautiful photography of Cindy Wallace. Time permitting, they will also discuss their upcoming book on the Confederate Secret Service in Canada: City of Secrets. Short biographies about Mr. Sheehy and Ms. Wallace are at the end of this information. 6:30 pm -- hor d’oeuvres 7:00 pm – dinner 8:00 pm – presentation There will be a book signing after the presentation. Period attire is encouraged! This will be at the historic and fully-restored Liedertafel Hall in Sealy. The Liedertafel is over 100 years old. It is located at the intersection of Lux Road and Peschel Lane. From Hwy 36 in downtown Sealy, take Main Street west until it curves right, turning into Lux Road. Cross the rail road tracks and the Liedertafel will be on your left. A photo of the Liedertafel is at http://www.ci.sealy.tx.us/images/park-LiedertafelHall1.jpg and a map is at http://www.bing.com/maps/default.aspx?v=2&cp=29.779799%7E-96.167579&style=r&lvl=16&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&sp=Point.nyx61k6zk940_116+Lux+Rd%2C+Sealy%2C+TX+77474%2C+United+States___&encType=1 So that we may properly plan the amount of food, advance ticket purchases are preferred but a LIMITED number of tickets will be available at the door. Tickets may be purchased at the Gordon Memorial Library (979-885-7469) or by calling Nancy Naron at 832-492-4244. Adult tickets are $15 each and student & children tickets are $8 each. Sponsored by the Sealy Area Historical Society and The Friends of the Gordon Memorial Library. For more information visit www.sealyhistoricalsociety.org and www.civilwarsavannah.org about Barry Sheehy Originally from Montreal, Canada, Barry Sheehy holds degrees from Loyola and McGill Universities. Mr. Sheehy’s lifelong passion for history has continued since his early years as an officer in the Canadian Armed Forces. He holds the Canadian Armed Forces Decoration. After leaving the military, he entered the entrepreneurial world of business consulting where he acquired clients from New York to London and as far away as Dubai and Hong Kong. Barry is the author or contributing author of several books and over fifty published papers and articles. His works have appeared along side of those of Presidents Clinton and Bush, Alan Greenspan, Robert Rubin and business leaders such as Lou Gerstner, Jack Welch, and Michael Dell, as well as Edwards Deming, Stephen R. Covey, Rosabeth Moss Kanter, Gary Hamel, Peter Senge and Tom Peters. Barry’s ongoing interest in history eventually focused on America’s most complete, surviving, antebellum southern city – Savannah. After many years of exhaustive research, Sheehy began the task of final development in 2005, aided by an all-volunteer team of skilled professionals. With rigorous cross-checking from both previously published works and newly discovered original materials, Sheehy has written the most extensive historical study of Civil War Savannah ever undertaken. Now, just in time for the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War, the first and second volumes of a four volume series – Savannah, Immortal City, followed by Savannah: Brokers, Bankers, and Bay Lane: Inside the Slave Trade – go to press. about Cindy Wallace A native of Amarillo, Texas, Cindy Wallace earned her undergraduate degree in Art Education with a Photography concentration at Armstrong Atlantic State University and her Master’s degree in Photography from Georgia Southern University. Ms. Wallace has taught darkroom and digital photography at both of her alma maters. Cindy has also spent many years travelling the American West, photographing the dramatic topography of the region with a special interest in “slot canyons.” Her unique style of photographic composition and talent for capturing the dramatic enormity of vast landscapes is balanced by an equal talent for catching the play of light and shadow on architecture and decorative detail. A master in both film and digital photography, Cindy developed a personal mastery over photographic editing with an original. Over her career she has shown work in solo and collective photographic exhibitions including an exhibit at Armstrong Atlantic State University funded by the coveted Savannah Art Council grant. Cindy Wallace is also a freelance commercial photographer who has photographed the Savannah area for over 20 years.

There Are So Many Things To Do At The Ranch

When you come to see us at the ranch there are many things available to enjoy, 
and as always, active duty military and their families enjoy the ranch at no cost.

 Accommodations Pricing

All prices include breakfast served from 6 am until 9am

Additional meals available at a cost of $8.00 per plate by reservation (What’s in My Pots.)

Cabins have air-conditioning, dressing table, hot and chilled water,

electric fire places, microwave, and micro fridge

Bedrooms in the house share a bath room

Separate Bath room is in the house for cabin guests,

(Outdoor bath house/restroom facility under Construction.)

Cowboy Cabin, $40 per night

Gardener’s Cottage $30 per night

Jewel Cabin $40 per night

Rose Bedroom $45 per night

Carousel Bedroom $45 per night

Blue  Bedroom $35 per night

Camping $10 per night Bring your Own Tent, use of our tent $20

Motor home parking $20 per day (no hookups available presently but coming soon.)

Activities pricing

Day Pass for Property $20 per vehicle

Canoeing $10

Grilling $5 (use of our grills)

Fishing $10 per day per fisherman, (Texas License Required)

Dove Hunting $50 Per Day Per Gun,  Deer Hunting $100 Per day per gun

(exclusive reservation required,

no other guests on the property during a hunting reservation, and appropriate License required.)

Four Wheeling, bring your own four wheeler, $50 per day per four wheeler (Reservation required.)

Horse back riding $20 per hour per horse, (reservation required.)

The petting zoo, hot tub, and above ground pool are free, swim at your own risk, no lifeguard on duty!

The doll barn is always free admission,

barbie play in diorama $4 per hour per child, party pricing available

Call us at 979-865-8919 for reservations and more information!