Today is Sunday, April 10th, 2011; Karen's Korner #2040

(On Sunday to make five for the past week, missing 'korners' on Monday & Tuesday)
 
While we were in North Carolina and Virginia, we visited a number of Civil War museums and battlegrounds (Since April 1861 was the beginning of the Civil War, there are a number of celebrations commerating the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the war).
 
It was noted in the four year struggle, more than 700,000 Union soldiers and more than 600,000 Confederate soldiers died (It is still the most deadly war in which the United States has ever been engaged.). The struggle was amazing, effecting probably everyone in some way, helping behind the scenes if they were not soldiers.
 
One day we went to Colonial Williamsburg to step back in time to the beginning of our country. We learned about the people who wrote our country's founding documents and where some of the events took place.
 
Among other things, we heard that George Washington and his rag-tag army holed up at Valley Forge one winter during our struggle for freedom from the British. All of us have heard the stories, but sometimes we need to be reminded:  he had 1200 soldiers with him as they waited out the harsh winter to resume their fighting when weather conditions improved. They didn't have enough clothes or food; many didn't even have shoes. More than 200 died there that winter of pneumonia and other sicknesses.
 
Learning again about these struggles and others in our country's history, I thought, "What is it that I believe in so strongly that I would be willing to die for it?"
 
I couldn't and can't answer that. I don't know for sure.
 
Can you?
 
It is remarkable that people throughout our history have been willing to give their lives for something they believe so fervently. Those sacrifices have resulted  that we might have an easier, better life.
 
As we move through the Easter season, recalling the events leading up to Jesus' death on the cross, we are reminded that His whole purpose was to be born, to teach, and to die for us......all of us......so that we might have not just life her and now, but eternal life.
 
What a fact worth celebrating! Not just for a few days each year, but every day!!!
 
 
"Then Pilate gave Jesus to be crucified.....
When Jesus had tasted it (sour wine soaked sponge),
He said, ''It is finished,'
and bowed His head and dismissed His Spirit."
~ John 19: 16, 28, 29 (LB)
 
 
Father God, thank You for You have done for me and everyone in the world. Thank You for what others have been willing to do so that we might have 'life and have it more abundantly'. Help me to not take anything and anyone for granted. Thank You for Your past, present, and future plans for Your Life and ours. What a gift! Amen.
 

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