Honoring the sacrifices many have made
for our country
in the name of
freedom and democracy
is the very foundation of
Veterans Day.
~ Charles B. Rangel ~
In the military, we are thrown into a melting pot of cultures and communities and we disagree a lot on how to accomplish the mission, but when it comes time to get the work done, we focus our energy on accomplishing the mission (MJ Hegar). We must never forget why we have, and why we need our military. Our armed forces exist solely to ensure our nation is safe, so that each and every one of us can sleep soundly at night, knowing we have 'guardians at the gate' (Allen West). One of the things that makes our military the best in the world is the certain knowledge of each soldier, sailor, airman, and Marine that they can always count on their comrades should they need help - that they will never be abandoned (Jon Kyl). The veterans of our military services have put their lives on the line to protect the freedoms that we enjoy. They have dedicated their lives to their country and deserve to be recognized for their commitment (Judd Gregg).
When you're in the military, you teeter on the edge of that line of life and death. The reason you feel so alive when you come through is because you know you've cheated death - and that and the adrenaline rush is addictive, no question (Ant Middleton). Although we can never fully repay our veterans, on Veterans Day we thank our veterans for their selflessness and commit to do what we can to improve the quality of life for our veterans and military families in communities across America (Elizabeth Esty). Those who served, and those who continue to serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard took an oath to uphold and protect the Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic, and we can never forget the importance of their commitment to our Nation (Robin Hayes).
Happy Birthday Norma! You've come a long way from dancing on stage at the Cook Convention Center. For better or worse, it's now been renovated and renamed the Renasant Convention Center. While there's no definition for the word "Renasant", there is for "Renascent". Used as an adjective, it means becoming active or vigorous again; reviving. Maybe the new name is a derivative. Memphians will simply always call it the convention center. Either way, you've reached the "Renascent" performance platform stage of this annual juncture. Cicely Tyson has stated "Age is just a number. Life and aging are the greatest gifts that we could possibly ever have." Your physical appearance may be changing, however you've remained active and with this birthday celebration, you'll experiance a sudden rush of vigor again and become totally revived. Just as you did on stage at the Cook Convention Center! I chose the words of Elizabeth Edwards to explain the context behind the collage photo.
Speaking to an audience, Elizabeth said ; You all know that I have been sustained throughout my life by three saving graces - my family, my friends, and a faith in the power of resilience and hope. These graces have carried me through difficult times and they have brought more joy to the good times than I ever could have imagined. But I have found that in the simple act of living with hope, and in the daily effort to have a positive impact in the world, the days I do have are made all the more meaningful and precious. And for that I am grateful. As you celebrate with your family, know that you have friends who are grateful for your friendship over the years. May the gifts you receive be bountiful and reflective of the love and dedication you've given to your husband, children, grandchildren and greatgrands.
As this pandemic restrains our livelihoods and movements, always cherish the thoughts of faith and hope. We all could use the three saving graces daily, as we stand on this current precipice of life . In the words of Cicely, "I think when you begin to think of yourself as having achieved something, then there's nothing left for you to work towards. I want to believe that there is a mountain so high that I will spend my entire life striving to reach the top of it." Well, you're closer to reaching the plateau today at sixty eight years of age. So with that I wish you a Marcus Anderson type of day. You're a "Hero" to many and a "Shero" to everyone. Keep living the three saving graces and you'll always have "A Brighter Smile" to share.....enjoy your day....stay safe my friend....here's some hip-hugger-music for dancing...
Happy Birthday Darryll! Honors listed on your profile indicate that you've had an exemplary career since highschool and relocating outside Memphis. James Allen was a British philosophical writer known for his inspirational books, poetry and as a pioneer of the self-help movement. His best known work, "As a Man Thinketh", has been mass-produced since its publication in 1903. Quite possibly you've become familiar with exerpts from his book. James stated, In all human affairs there are efforts, and there are results, and the strength of the effort is the measure of the result. A man has to learn that he cannot command things, but that he can command himself; that he cannot coerce the wills of others, but that he can mold and master his own will: and things serve him who serves Truth; people seek guidance of him who is master of himself. Obtaining a Master of Business Administration graduate degree isn't a simple task. However, you achieved the honorific academic distinction, as Magna Cum Laude (but that he can mold and master his own will).
No doubt, you've been a source of inspiration and a motivator of self-help to others. Just like you, as a former Federal Government employee and military service member, "being able to travel and see the world really makes me appreciate the blessings in my life. There are so many people that will never get a chance to see some of the things that I've seen during my travels. I'll never take that for granted." (Laz Alonso)
Now it's time for you to celebrate another lifetime achievement. As you celebrate your day, know that your ongoing civil service to this nation and the brotherhood of military veterans is wholeheartedly appreciated. May the blessings received in the form of physical or monetary gifts reflect the ever mindful words of James Allen; "A man is not rightly conditioned until he is a happy, healthy, and prosperous being; and happiness, health, and prosperity are the result of a harmonious adjustment of the inner with the outer of the man with his surroundings." May your harmonious adjustments of the soul be void of pandemic hindrances. I wish you a Skinny Hightower type of day. As the evening shifts outside underneath the "Blue Moon" of the Chesapeake Bay community, may you prepare for the dawn of "JAMMIN’ IN THE MORNING SUN"....it's predicted to be sunny and 65 degrees....74 degrees on Sunday...enjoy your day...stay safe my friend...
Happy Birthday Carolyn! On this day, we devote homage unto you. Consumed by the anticipation, may you slowly inhale to exhale, as the lifeblood of adrenaline completes it trajectory throughout your soul. A religious leader named James Faust stated "A grateful heart is a beginning of greatness. It is an expression of humility. It is a foundation for the development of such virtues as prayer, faith, courage, contentment, happiness, love, and well-being." Today, your mortal gift of greatness has arrived at it's annual peak of humility. Surely the foundations of the grateful heart, that you've been blessed to regulate, has been fortified by the principles acknowledged by James. May your honored day of celebration with family, bring love, fullfilment, jubilation and prosperity. For the most part, celebrations normally include dedicated friends. However, humanity is going through a tough phase owing to the coronavirus pandemic. And the least we can do to help our government control its spread is to maintain social distance and stay isolated(Ravi Kishan).
Just as the earth is a planet in its own right, so each of us is an individual in our own sphere of habitation. We are individuals, but we live in families and communities where order provides a system of harmony that hinges on obedience to principles(James Faust). So, as your day advances toward the evening twilight, surely you'll continue to act in accordance with the guidelines established by the Shelby County Health Department. Consequently, I wish you an Eddie Bullen end of day. As children, we used to look through a Kaleidoscope, which was a toy consisting of a tube containing mirrors and pieces of colored glass or paper. The purpose, to produce reflections of changing patterns that are visible through an eyehole when the tube is rotated. May you recall that toy kaleidoscope you owned and envision the patterns and sounds of a "Sunset Marquee"...all while relaxing that greatful heart of yours, from it's annual peak of humility....enjoy your day....stay safe my friend....
SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND
(Contributed by a Classmate)
Many have grown weary of being isolated in an effort to keep yourself and others safe in the pandemic. Yes, I know of this pandemic, and it is good for you to keep yourself in a place of safety until it has passed. Consider that even though you feel lonely, you are not alone. "I am with you". Take this time to draw closer to Me and feel My love for you. I am with you to guide you through trials and troubles. Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart......
You need not go back four thousand years for heroines. The world is filled with them today. They do not belong to any nation, nor to any religion, nor exclusively to any race. Wherever woman is found, they are found.
~ Robert Green Ingersoll ~
Happy Birthday Loretta! Enthusiastic utterances of praise are due on your behalf today. Were it possible, a Hologic high-performance SuperSonic MACH 40 Ultrasound System with UltraFast Imaging, would efficiently diagnose you as being 816 months of age. Sounds exhilarating doesn't it...Witticisms aside, you know what the Mach 40 system is used for. I applaud you annualy, on your choice of vocations. Your profession involves prolonged training and a formal qualification. Victoria Arlen, a former American paralympian swimmer reminds us that "Heroes in real life don't wear masks and capes. Sometimes they don't stand out at all. But real heroes can save a life - or many lives - just by answering the call in their heart. Each of us can provide a positive example to others in our lives, and that's powerful. When I visit those with difficult health conditions, I do my best to provide them with positive motivation because I know I was so inspired by people who showed support for me."
These days heroes must wear masks and gowns because of the pandemic. It's obvious to me that you're a hero, because it takes positive motivation and support to answer your calling. We're aware that breast cancer mortality rates are higher for African-American women. The genomics for the research of tumors from African American patients with breast cancer begins with your skillshare. As you celebrate your special day with family, please know there are members of your class extending laudertory praises for the work your perform and for achieving your milestone of 816 months of age. May the gifts bestowed upon you leave you speechless and resonate with unquestionable love. Real heroes are all around us and uncelebrated(Peter Capaldi). As your day of celebration nears an ending, hopefully you've had a Darren Rahn kind of day. Assuredly, it's been a Sonic Boom! This year your celebration happens to present itself on a Sunday, so here's a little Sunday Soul to mellow you out....enjoy your day....stay safe my friend....
If there were no night, we would not appreciate the day, nor could we see the stars and the vastness of the heavens. We must partake of the bitter with the sweet. There is a divine purpose in the adversities we encounter every day. They prepare, they purge, they purify, and thus they bless.
~ James E. Faust ~
Lorene Nightingale October 20, 1921-November 25, 2020
Mrs. Nightingale died peaceably at her son's home, Cloyd and Brenda Nightingale. She was preceded by her husband Henry Nightingale (Mule Ears) and daughter Gloria Nightingale.
She was the mother of six children-Gloria (deceased), Florence, Jocelyn, Cloyd (Brenda), Connie (J. T.), and Arletta.
Services and arrangements are being handled by Superior Funeral Home.
1 Timothy 2:1 New King James Version
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men
Straighten up Bro... Great communicating with you today. Sad to be informed of your tenacious battle with COVID, however grateful that you're recovering. Hopefully, this sharing of information will encourage others to reach out to you or extend prayers for healing on your behalf. As Thomas Carlyle has stated "He who has health, has hope; and he who has hope, has everything." You'll be in my prayers, just as Edward Johnson, for a complete recovery....
Unfortunately, I didn't follow the normal guidance indicated by
Siegfried. The name of Robert Phifer was omitted from my last post
yesterday. Please call, send a card and pray for Robert and all known
classmates recovering or experiencing the effects of Covid-19.
THANK YOU ROBIN HOUSTON
Thank you Robin, for the timely sharing of the scriptures that you shared by mail. I am grateful for your knowledge, sincerity, compassion, prayers and words of encouragement. They specifically apply to the necessity of prayer on behalf of our classmates during this timeframe. I've decided to share them with those who read from this website; Matthew 6:9-10 New King James Version; 9 In this manner, therefore, pray: our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven...... stay safe my friend......
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
