. . . a bit of history and a wonderful reminder that our country was founded by godly men on biblical principles . . .
One detail that is never mentioned is that in Washington, D.C. there can never be a building of greater height than the Washington Monument
With all the uproar about removing the ten commandments, etc., this is worth a moment or two of your time. I was not aware of this amazing historical information.
On the aluminum cap, atop the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. , are displayed two words: Laus Deo.
No one can see these words. In fact, most visitors to the monument are totally unaware they are even there.
Once you know Laus Deo's history, you will want to share this with everyone you know. These words have been there for many years; they are 555 feet, 5.125 inches high, perched atop the monument, facing skyward to the Father of
our nation, overlooking the 69 square miles which comprise the District of Columbia , capital of the United States of America.
Laus Deo! Two seemingly insignificant, unnoticed words. Out of sight and, one might think, out of mind, but very meaningfully placed at the highest point over what is the most powerful city in the most successful nation in the world.
So, what do those two words in Latin, composed of just four syllables and only seven letters mean? Very simply, they say " Praise be to God!"
Though construction of this giant obelisk began in 1848, when James Polk was President of the United States, it was not until 1888 that the monument was inaugurated and opened to the public. It took twenty-five years to finally cap
the memorial with a tribute to the Father of our nation, Laus Deo. "Praise be to God!"
From atop this magnificent granite and marble structure, visitors may take in the beautiful panoramic view of the city with its division into four major segments. From that vantage point, one can also easily see the original plan of the designer, Pierre Charles l'Enfant...a perfect cross imposed upon the landscape, with the White House to the north. The Jefferson Memorial is to the south, the Capitol to the east and the Lincoln Memorial to the west.
A Cross you ask? Why a cross? What about separation of church and state? Yes, a cross; separation of church and state was not, is not, in the Constitution. So, read on. How interesting and, no doubt, intended to carry a profound meaning for those who bother to notice.
Within the monument itself are 898 steps and 50 landings. As one climbs the steps and pauses at the landings the memorial stones share a message.
On the 12th Landing is a prayer offered by the City of Baltimore.
On the 20th is a memorial presented by some Chinese Christians.
On the 24th a presentation made by Sunday School children from New York and Philadelphia quoting Proverbs 10:7, Luke 18:16 and Proverbs 22:6
When the cornerstone of the Washington Monument was laid on July 4th,1848 deposited within it were many items including the Holy Bible presented by the Bible Society. Such was the discipline, the moral direction, and the spiritualmood given by the founder and first President of our unique democracy "One Nation, Under God."
I am awed by Washington's prayer for America. Have you ever read it? Well, now is your unique opportunity, so read on!
"Almighty God; We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection; that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government; and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United States at large. And finally that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
Laus Deo!
When one stops to observe the inscriptions found in public places all over our nation's capitol, he or she will easily find the signature of God, as it is unmistakably inscribed everywhere you look. You may forget the width and height of "Laus Deo ", its location, or the architects but no one who reads this will be able to forget its meaning, or these words:
"Unless the Lord builds the house its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain." (Psalm 127: 1)
Be Still
Be Still
This prayer is powerful and prayer is one of the best gifts we receive.
There is no cost but a lot of rewards. Let's always pray for one another.
Father,
Thank You for each and every day You have blessed us here on earth.
Thank You for Your tender mercies. Thank You for giving us friends and family to share these Internet joys with. I ask You to bless my friends, relatives and those I care deeply for who are reading this right now.
Where there is joy, give them continued joy,
Where there is pain, give them your peace and mercy.
Where there is self-doubt, release a renewed confidence.
Where there is need, fulfill their needs.
Bless their homes, families, finances, their goings and their comings
In Jesus' name, AMEN!
Gramma's Hands
GRANDMA'S HANDS
Grandma, some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the patio bench. She didn't move, just sat with her head down staring at her hands.
When I sat down beside her she didn't acknowledge my presence and the longer I sat I wondered if she was OK
Finally, not really wanting to disturb her but wanting to check on her at the same time, I asked her if she was OK. She raised her head and looked at me and smiled. "Yes, I'm fine, thank you for asking," she said in a clear voice strong.
"I didn't mean to disturb you, grandma, but you were just sitting here staring at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were OK," I explained to her.
"Have you ever looked at your hands," she asked. "I mean really looked at your hands?"
I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them over, palms up and then palms down. No, I guess I had never really looked at my hands as I tried to figure out the point she was making.
Grandma smiled and related this story:
"Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they have served you well throughout your years. These hands, though wrinkled shriveled and weak have been the tools I have used all my life to reach out and grab and embrace life.
"They braced and caught my fall when as a toddler I crashed upon the floor.
They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back. As a child, my mother taught me to fold them in prayer. They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots. They held my husband and wiped my tears when he went off to war.
"They have been dirty, scraped and raw , swollen and bent. They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son. Decorated with my wedding band they showed the world that I was married and loved someone special.
They wrote my letters to him and trembled and shook when I buried my parents and spouse.
"They have held my children and grandchildren, consoled neighbors, and shook in fists of anger when I didn't understand.
They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the rest of my body. They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and raw. And to this day when not much of anything else of me works real well these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again continue to fold in prayer.
"These hands are the mark of where I've been and the ruggedness of life.
But more importantly it will be these hands that God will reach out and take when he leads me home. And with my hands He will lift me to His side and there I will use these hands to touch the face of Christ."
I will never look at my hands the same again. But I remember God reached out and took my grandma's hands and led her home.
When my hands are hurt or sore or when I stroke the face of my children and husband I think of grandma. I know she has been stroked and caressed and held by the hands of God.
I, too, want to touch the face of God and feel His hands upon my face.
BE GLAD
You who seek God, let your heart revive.
Psalm 69:32 (NASB)
When you have been away on business trip, it feels good to come home. There's something special about knowing that someone you know and love is going to be waiting for you when you get home. There is no place quite like home.
Living in god's presence brings that same sense of homecoming. You know that no matter what else happes, there is someone there who know you and loves you. He delights in being with you as much as you delight in being with Him. Living in God's presence is like seeing familiar face when you get home.
Make your next homecoming extra special.
Bring a thank you gift for the person
meeting you at the airport.
A gift opens doors for the one who gives it and
brings him into the presence of great people.
Proverbs 18:16
NO YEAR'S RESOLUTION
This is the time of year when we sit down and write or print out our New Year’s resolutions for the coming year. Common New Year’s resolutions include ways to make us look better and get healthier by setting goals to lose weight, quit smoking or begin an exercise program. Maybe our resolution is to have more or give more, or just to get along better with others.
However, as good as our intentions are to keep our resolutions, we usually fall short... probably sometime early in February. And, when we fail to keep these resolutions guilt follows close behind.
This year may our New Year’s resolution be to not make any New Year’s resolutions. Because when you think about it, our lives are in God’s hands, not ours. We have no idea what the new year will bring.
May I suggest, in lieu of New Year’s resolutions, that we, first of all focus, on our relationship with Jesus. Second, value the eternal above the temporal. And, third, let God—not self-interest—guide our lives.
It was said that a certain office supervisor decided to post New Year’s resolutions from the staff. One woman got upset when hers were accidentally omitted. She complained bitterly. The supervisor checked and found her list buried on his desk. Her first resolution: “I resolve not to get upset about little things.” She might just as well not have bothered making resolutions.
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