Unbelievable Pictures of Afghanistan!

My friend Fahim Khairy has set up a new facebook page, and it has phenomenal pictures of Afghanistan and her people.  He has also written a novel with characters from his country.  The children of Afghanistan are so beautiful, and when violence is not disrupting their lives smiles are upon their faces.  The pictures of children there tug at my heart.  I wish for their protection and provision for all their needs.  If you love beautiful photography, if you have spent time in service in this country, if you know who your neighbor is, you will love this new facebook page!

 https://www.facebook.com/pages/Afghanistan-Mirror/383918468310778

These photos tell of a  very different Afghanistan than most of the world knows!  Share this link with everyone you know!

My New Neighbors

 

At this point in time,  I have to admit that some positive things have come to my life because of war.  Because of my family's involvement in the military, I have paid much more attention to more than just my own world.  I live in a beautiful and peaceful place.  I have no urgent needs, I endure no tyranny or oppression in the country of my birth.  Education, the gift of studying to obtain knowledge, is a heritage which each of my countrymen expect without even considering that it could be kept from them.  Food is always present in my house, and my home is warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and a place of safety and refuge.  Tomorrow on Sunday I will go to the church of my choice without fear of what that decision and commitment might cost me.  

The result of my family's involvement in this present conflict has been so vast and profound, that I will never be the same.  One of the positive things war has brought to my life is the forming of relationships with people of the Middle East.  In our sharing I have heard of the lack of liberty, and by some of my friends,  such lack of the things needed to supply the basic daily needs of people.  The insecurity of their daily lives, the product of violence and danger, which comes without warning has been conveyed to me in their personal terms.  It is different when somewhere there are some people who live in dire circumstances, and when in Iraq or Afghanistan a friend whom I care for deeply lives in dire circumstances.  Along with my husband being in harm's way, I now have many friends who have made my life much richer, who live in harm's way.  These people have become, because of our coming first to know one another, and then to having a personal friendship, my neighbors.  As I spoke of in a previous blog, God's directive is to love our neighbor as ourselves.  I now have new neighbors who bring blessings to my life, and for whom I have love and concern.  I wish to do what I can to help them in the distress of their lives.  So this morning as I woke up in a state of blessing that I have not earned, I thank God for His generousness to me, and lift the names of new neighbors in my morning prayers.

 

Now Begins the Day

Each morning first the grayness of the coming day softly sings,

To wake up the birds in the woods and then their songs begin to ring.

Those who have roamed the night looking for sweet little morsels to eat,

Curl up in the thicket and snuggle to sleep with their nose next to their feet.

Across the still waters of the pond now beginning to glisten in the light,

Silver fish flit the water, as all around the world begins to grow bright.

From the porch I see flowers touched with the rhinestones of morning dew.

So many colors from the Master’s palate begin in the light to show their hues.

The sun has sent fingers creeping of rose, coral, and pale yellow across the sky.

The rooster from his perch announces his joy at a new day with his boastful cry. 

No matter the state which men or nature has created for the world this day.

In hope and faith I know My Lord will be with me as for His blessing I pray.

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.

  

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.

 

 

Again, I Love that Facebook Blessing

Happy Birthday Fairy Daughter

I have a dear friend on facebook, who brings to my life delight.

Though I’ve never seen her face or from her eyes their light.

When I asked her, she said her favorite color is blue.

I knew when I asked it would be some such soothing hue.

The messages that she sends in intervals to me.

Tell of her youth, her true heart, and the woman of honor she will be.

In my mind, from her words, a delicate beauty I see.

From images of the women of her land, I can imagine her face to some degree.

Kindness lives within her and on her face it must leave its’ distinctive mark.

Women without kindness, even though great beauties, have faces that are stark.

From her mouth only genuineness and truth does she speak.

This tells of the strength and courage she possesses, something others seek.

Her heart, though she lives in a war zone, reaches to live in joy,

There are enemies in her country who endeavor always to destroy.

From a picture she saw of me, in her sweetness she named me “Fairy Mother.”

I ponder what thing so quickly could make me smile, and I can think of no other.

Every morning as I pray for each of my children, and all those my loved ones,

Though her face I do not know, among my children's names, hers comes.

The Remembrance Tree

The Remembrance Tree Soldiers Heart Ranch

A new project has started at the ranch, it is something from our hearts. My husband has told me that the only thing really difficult for him as he serves in Afghanistan is standing at attention on the flight line as the coffins of fallen military are carried to the plane for the military service person's final transportation home. He tells me when he performs that duty freedom and democracy mean more to him than at any other time. Our military, especially those serving in harms way in countries where freedom is as yet not complete reality, are possessed of acute information concerning democracy and freedom. Our desire in this new project will be two fold, to honor the fallen, and to make a tangible display of the cost of freedom and democracy, which we hope to share, particularly with students in our area.

Last evening I posted pictures of the fledgling endeavor on facebook, and a member of the military for whom I have developed great respect replied in a positive way, and I made response to his endorsement. As I finished typing the response, I realized it was a good explanation to give the world of our very humble efforts toward remembering The Fallen. I post it now to share here...

"I will post pictures of the two plaques I have finished for the two Navy personnel whose bodies were recently recovered. Yesterday I had camera problems, probably related to how I felt more than the camera. This is a very simple way to honor these our countries' finest, but the point is... to make everyone as aware as possible that a large part of the world has no real concept of democracy, and their citizens lack the personal freedom to learn of it's principles. Therefore, they cannot seek if for themselves. Not only have these our heroes perished for the freedom of our own nations, but for the freedom of all the world's peoples. When circumstances related to defending our own freedom and democracy cause us to act in countries where there is no freedom, it is morally wrong to desert the people of that country to fall to our common enemy who happens to be their oppressor. After we have given them a glimmer of hope concerning their own freedom, to then desert them, makes us unworthy of our own democracy. I believe God will hold us accountable if we do. Many people who are against the war effort, in all honesty, have no regard for the people of Afghanistan. I appreciate so much the ISAF facebook page and the images I find there of very real people, both Soldiers, and by that I mean anyone acting in a military role there, and the people of Afghanistan. I see in their faces the hope of humanity, and especially in the faces of the military, nobility."

I couldn't tell you who most of the actors, sports figures, and politicians are whose faces dominate the internet are... but I do recognize the faces of Soldiers, and the faces of these citizens of the world who are struggling to stand up a democracy in their own countries.

I don't know who history will best remember, but I know who God will best remember. We are going to do whatever we can to assist history."

As I re-read my words, they satisfied me as representing what the goal is of the hours of my life I will spend in this endeavor. I will be researching and collecting the names of all 44 countries of the Coalition Forces in both Iraq and Afghanistan. I will select and designate a tree in the 13 heavily wooded acres on our little ranch for each country, and there I will hang the names of the fallen. I also will extend to the world the opportunity for participation. I will ask that if you have someone you would like remembered here immediately, that you make your own small wooden plaque. The guidelines will be very simple. The base should be of natural wood, 1x6 stock, and no larger than 8 inches long; it can be painted any color that you like. The name of the military service member, the day they were born, the day they died, their native country, and the country they died serving in should be on one side. Any private message that the sender wishes to write may be on the other side, (both sides will be visible.) Any paint used should be the most durable you can find such as enamel based, and the lettering should especially be done in the most durable product you can find. I will hang the plaque and post here and on facebook a picture of the plaque and the tree it hangs in. I will be making plaques myself, as well as sharing the opportunity with various civic groups, and more importantly area schools. Before this project will be considered completed, every name will be honored and placed on a tree to remind all who come here of the price of freedom and democracy. I will also collect and laminate pictures of Soldiers and the citizens of countries where they serve or have served. Those will be hung in white frames in the chapel we have created in the very old barn which stands on our property. I will be posting pictures of our progress.

If you wish to contribute a plaque dedicated to your own special Service Person, you may send it to: Soldier's Heart Ranch
3296 South FM 331 Rd.
Sealy, Texas 77474

We would appreciate each person sharing this information w th anyone you think would wish to participate in the making of a plaque, or viewing this blog and the dairy of the progress of this project. The email address you may make contact with the project is:

debralecompte@soldiersheartranch.com

This morning I once again personally offer to all those who have served, especially in this recent struggle, my deepest appreciation of your service and sacrifice, and I pledge, never... will we take lightly what has been given, or forget your name.

Borrowed from some Marines

This communication arrived for me some time ago, it moved me profoundly. I am typing from my air-conditioned, comfortable, home... My husband and men and women like him from across the country are wearing 50 pounds of Kevlor in unbelievable heat, as our son said when we told him Randy was being deployed, "well Dad, you gotta do what you gotta do." So now I will share the thoughts of the brave men and women of Baker Company... and as they say, "one picture is worth a thousand words...."

SLEEP LAST NIGHT?

Bed a little lumpy....

Toss and turn any...

Wish the heat was higher...

Maybe the a/c wasn't on...

Had to go to the john...

Need a drink of water...?? ?

Scroll down

Yes.. It is like that!

Count your blessings, pray for them,

Talk to your Creator and the next time when...the other car cuts you off

and you must hit the brakes, or you have to park a little further from

Walmart than you want to be,or you're served slightly warm food at

the restaurant,or you're sitting and cursing the traffic in front of

you,or the shower runs out of hot water,

Think of them... Protecting your freedom!

To all the men and women doing "what you gotta do" this Memorial Day, thank you for your service, we are, because of you....,

THE HOME OF THE FREE BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE!

The proud warriors of Baker Company wanted to do something to pay tribute to our fallen comrades. So since we are part of the only Marine Infantry Battalion left in Iraq the one way that we could think of doing that is By taking a picture of Baker Company saying the way we feel. It would be awesome if you could find a way to share this with our fellow countrymen. I was wondering if there was any way to get this into your papers to let the world know that 'WE HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN' and are proud to serve our country.' Semper Fi! 1stSgt Dave Jobe

The attached photo was forwarded from one of the las t U.S. Marine companies in Iraq . They would like to have it passed to as many people as possible, to let the folks back home know that they remember why they're there and that they remember those who've been lost.

Power... is desirable... sometimes

One of the ways to deal with having a husband who is deployed is to work hard, really hard, that passes the time productively, and makes you tired enough at bedtime that you don't think too long... just fall into the deep sleep that comes when you are completely spent. In the interest of seeking that state I rented a large back-hoe, and for a week I have spent 14 hours a day shaping the land and creating spaces that control our tendency to flood during the occasional four hour rain that produces 10 inches of water running through the ranch.

For a girl who can't open a jar of pickles without assistance... the ability to lift all kinds of dirt in a single scoop is power indeed. I can lift bales of hay, move the stock tank, deepen the creek which runs across the pasture, and fill the new raised rose bed in a single scoop. There is such peace in being up as the sun comes up, listening to the birds, (the blue birds are back from where ever they go during the winter,) and watching the flowers begin to wave in the breeze. The new little goslings and baby ducks are anxious to get out of their little coup and explore their world, and the baby turkeys and baby pheasants run after their larger cousins peeping loudly as they try to keep up. They all attempt to follow me as go to the back hoe to begin my work because they have never known a mother having arrived from the hatchery orphans, and assuming since I feed and care for them that despite my unsightly appearance, I must be their mother.  I must shoo them back, and they protest.

Then the large machine rumbles to life, progress begins, and my mind is rested and centered on productive and good things, and the worries of war and white phosphorus, suicide bombers, and the sufferings of humanity for the time are shooed from my consciousness.