Memorial Day

Remembering all of our servicemen and women and their families. Past, present, and future. God Bless you all!!!

Soul and Ice Cream

Last week, I took my children to a restaurant.
My six-year-old son asked if he could say grace.

As we bowed our heads he said, "God is good, God is great. Thank you for
the food, and I would even thank you more if Mom gets us ice cream for
dessert. And Liberty and justice for all! Amen!"

Along with the laughter from the other customers nearby, I heard a woman
remark, "That's what's wrong with this country. Kids today don't even
know how to pray. Asking God for ice cream! Why, I never!"

Hearing this, my son burst into tears and asked me, "Did I do it wrong?
Is God mad at me?"

As I held him and assured him that he had done a terrific job, and God was
certainly not mad at him, an elderly gentleman approached the table.

He winked at my son and said, "I happen to know that God thought that was
a great prayer."

"Really?" my son asked.

"Cross my heart," the man replied.

Then, in a theatrical whisper, he added (indicating the woman whose remark
had started this whole thing), "Too bad she never asks God for ice cream.
A little ice cream is good for the soul sometimes."

Naturally, I bought my kids ice cream at the end of the meal. My son
stared at his for a moment, and then did something I will remember the
rest of my life.

He picked up his sundae and, without a word, walked over and placed it in
front of the woman. With a big smile he told her, "Here, this is for you.
Ice cream is good for the soul sometimes; and my soul is good already."

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY POEM

Dear Lord, it's such a hectic day
With little time to stop and pray
For life's been anything but calm
Since You called on me to be a mom
Running errands, matching socks
Building dreams with building blocks
Cooking, cleaning, and finding shoes
And other stuff that children lose
Fitting lids on bottled bugs
Wiping tears and giving hugs
A stack of last weeks mail to read
So where's the quiet time I need?
Yet when I steal a minute, Lord
Just at the sink or ironing board
To ask the blessings of Your grace
I see then, in my small one's face
That you have blessed me
All the while
And I stop to kiss
That precious smile

Climbing Wall

Today we were out and about in town. We stopped at Walmart on 9th st. for their Re-Grand Opening due to their new Super-Center. They had a cool climbing wall that Bryce had to try. Believe it or not he made it to the top in record time. Bryce is like a little monkey and loves to climb on things and we are always having to tell him to stop. So I figure since this was an appropriate time for him to climb....... WHY NOT ! ! ! Hope you all had a great day! It sure was a nice sun shining day.

"Semper Fidelis"

Major Daniel Whisnant, of Kalamazoo, wipes chunks of concrete off of the hood damaged Humvee near Fallujah, Iraq Monday December 4, 2006.

First of all I would like to Dedicate this post to a good friend and a "HERO" Major Dan Whisnant. I have sent alot of you emails and kept you updated about Major Dan Whisnant and kept you informed of what his status was. For those of you who don't know Major Whisnant was the leader of 1st Battalion of the 24th Marine Regiment out of Grand Rapids, Michigan. He lead his team in FALLUJAH, Iraq for nearly a year defending, thwarting, and capturing Terrorist (Let's call them what they are). They also help rehabilitate and serve the Iraqi people in many different ways.

Tonight I had someone ask me why Major Dan Whisnant always sign his letters with "SEMPER FI" and what does it mean. I thought this to be a very good question and decided to answer that question. "Semper Fidelis" is Latin for "Always faithful." This term is commonly used my the United State Marine Corp. Basically the reason Major Dan Whisnant signed his letters with Semper Fi is simply because, he and his men are always faithful in serving our country to the fullest of their capability. The Bible tells us in II Timothy 2:3 - Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. I believe this is exactly what Major Whisnant does as a Marine and a Christian. First of all he is a Volunteer...... He volunteered to enlist in the Marines and serve our country, He volunteered to sacrifice time away from his family for long periods of time with no assurance he would ever see them again..... He simply volunteered to protect and to serve. Secondly he is a hardworker in each and every mission he takes on. He sees to it that the job gets done right and goes to extreme measures at time to finish the job. There is no such thing as laziness when it comes to being a leader of a company of Marines. Hardwork is always a MUST. Lastly he has a willing spirit. You can tell in his actions and words that his spirit is willing in serving as a marine and a Christian. This is not something that he has to do but, something he chooses to do. I am thankful that Major Dan lives up to his words of Semper Fi.... Always Faithful. That should be the motto of each and every Christian. Think about it hasn't Christ been Always Faithful in his word. Thank-You Major Dan Whisnant and Thank-you 1st Battalion of the 24th Marine Alpha Company. "Semper Fidelis"

Have you smiled today?

This is more on a personal note from me today and I wanted to share my thoughts with each and everyone of you. Have you smiled today? Have you smiled lately? When was the last time you smiled and realized it? I was at work last week walking in the hallway passing people like I do each and everyday. Several people smiled at me with-out even saying one word. I then realized *WOW* this is very contagious........ I SMILED RIGHT BACK. So the rest of the week everytime I passed somebody I just tried to smile and see what response I would get back. I would have to admit about 95% of the people smiled right back...... YES SMILING IS CONTAGIOUS and it feels great. Seriously take one look at this picture above and tell me that it didn't make you want to smile..... If you honestly can't smile than I think you need to re-evalute you perspective on life...... Life is too short to go around with a chip on your shoulder or bogged down all the time. JUST SMILE..... You just might give it to someone else and actually make a blessing out of their day ! ! !

Happy 1st Birthday Moesha

Today one of Tamara's co-workers Pascaline and her husband Cedric hosted a wonderful 1st Birthday party for their daughter Moesha. It was a great time meeting new people and the food was very,very good. We had Beef (Kabobs), Chicken, Sushi, Chili, chips, pretzels, and much....much more. There seriously was enough food to feed about triple the amount of people that were there. Everybody was very friendly and it was great to be out of our atmosphere and meet new people. Moesha was so cute dressed in her pretty pink dress, although I think she was a bit overwhelmed with all the people. Happy 1st Birthday Moesha...... We are wishing you many many more!

Briand, Tamara, and Bryce Cooper

Great Day For Golfing.

What a beautiful day it was for golfing. This morning I met up with a long time friend of mine Robert Brierly also known as Bob Norman (golfing name). We went to Galesburg Augusta and golfed at Custer Green Golf Course which is owned by our Veterans. This was my first time out golfing this year and I was rather surprised I kept my score under 50 with the same ball through the entire game. I have to admit this is the first time in a long time I beat my golfing partner yet it was only by one stroke. We had a lot of good golf shots but, I know I need to work some on my short game and putting. After golfing we headed over to the Fort Custer National Cemetery and just walked around and caught up on life and shared stories. Then it was time for breakfast at the Sunnyside Restruant in Galesburg. I can't wait to get out on the golf course again and sharpen up my game.

On a side note I just want to say few things about Mr. Brierly. He used to be my Wednesday Night Teacher at Green Meadow Bible Baptist Church. I thank God for bringing special people like him into my life. Mr. Brierly and his wife has taught me so much and showed support and encouragement all through out my life. He is a dedicated family man and loves his Savior Jesus Christ and it shows in his daily walk of life. It is special people like Mr. Brierly that make this world a much better place.