THE FLAG OF FREEDOM

The American flag is the only flag in this world representing a people who declare their allegiance to one nation under God.

My father passed away when I was 21, but he taught his children to love and respect this country, it's values and the principles it was founded upon. I want my posterity to understand America's heritage and not to forget the millions of soldiers who sacrificed their lives, that we may live in peace!

The flag is folded in thirteen sections to provide a dignified ceremonial touch and to distinguish the sacred cloth from other ordinary pieces of fabric.  The origin of the script is said to have come from an anonymous chaplain in the U.S. Airforce academy.  Regardless of the source, the meanings are "real" in the sense that they have a deep abiding significance to those who love and honor this great country.

Red represents: Valor, strength and bravery. The blood that has been shed to provide freedom for all.

White represents: Peace, purity and honor. The white stripes resemble the brilliant rays emanating from the sun.

Blue represents: Vigilance, perseverance, justice, truth and loyalty.  A true blue commitment to protect and sustain.

Stars represent: Symbol of heaven and divine goals aspired from time immemorial (originating from a distant past).

The next time you have the privilege to see an American flag, perhaps you will understand the true meaning of the United State of America and the republic for which it stands.  This beautiful flag has covered the caskets of millions of soldiers who fought to protect your rights of freedom.

 

THE THIRTEEN FOLDS OF THE AMERICAN FLAG:

The 1st fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

The 2nd fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.

The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.

The 4th fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.

The 5th fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decaur, "Our Country", in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.

The 6th fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that We pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, Indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

The 7th fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.

The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.

The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for defense of our country since they were first born.

The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit.

The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nations motto, "In God We Trust."

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat.  Ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones.  They were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges and freedoms we are so blessed to enjoy.  Linda Sumner Urza, One fine day,

SWEET MOTHER OF MINE

Dear Mom, 

Thank you for bringing me into this world. You alway said that I was your special gift, but you were mine. I didn't realize until I had children of my own, the endless time and energy that you devoted to me, from the sleepless nights, runny noses and dirty diapers, to the teenage years and far beyond.   You made the difference in all our lives and when I was preparing to make a nest of my own, it was your influence that I wanted to emulate.  The peace, love and joy that you had so beautifully displayed in our home, is now a part of all our lives and will live on the hearts of your posterity.  

In my younger years, much of my time was spent chasing rainbows, but if I knew then what I know now, I would have spent that precious time making more memories with you. Thank you for helping me get up each time I fell and for tending my wounds until the scars faded. I know now, how difficult it is to stand back and let the ones you love learn from their mistakes, and in the quiet moments of life, I reflect upon your tender wisdom. When I was young and immature, I thought you were always nipping at my heals.  Today, I would give anything to be a step or two behind yours. 

I want to thank you for being brave enough to stand up for what was right; it was your example of moral integrity that kept me on the straight and narrow. Thank you for saying, “NO” far more times than you ever said yes; it saved me from the failures in life that creates the greatest pain.  

I learned discipline and self respect from your examples of ~ discipline and self respect!  Thank you for chastising me with tough love and although I didn't appreciate it at the time, it clearly defines who I am today.  To you, I owe it all, for without you there would be less of me!

I don't know where all the years have gone!  One day, I just turned around and you had quietly slipped away.  The hand of fate sealed the last chapter of our lives together.  It's ironic, with great tears of joy you had welcomed me into this life and with tears of sorrow, I watched you leave.  

There's a place in my heart that is reserved for you and it overflows with the abundance of love and respect.  I miss you.  By, Linda Sumner Urza, One fine day.

ATTITUDE: IT'S A BEAUTIFUL THING

Attitude is the determining factor for personal happiness. "As a man thinketh so is he."  The very thoughts and perceptions in the conscious and subconscious mind determine joy. To change the degree of happiness, one must change their thoughts and perceptions to an elevated level of responsible thinking. 

 However, its impossible to see anything in a positive light if someone views them self as a negative force. One cannot serve two masters. The negative perception must be replaced with a healthy image and backed by positive reinforcement. When people inwardly labeled themselves as "a negative person," they must redefine their perception immediately! Healthy goals would be to continually and perpetually move toward divine worth and personal growth. One of the most important ingredients in this formula is to love oneself and to constantly strive to perceive ones image as a positive entity.  When this is mastered, it becomes very easy and natural to love others. 

People who spend their time with those of low moral integrity and character, soon come to realize that its just a matter of time before they display the same type of behavior. (Hurting people, usually hurt people.) If there is no relief from the negative environment, then its easy to become affixed to a dysfunctional behavior (especially children, who are typically vulnerable to inadequate parenting).  

The caliber of an individual can be measured by the amount of opposition it takes to discourage them. A dysfunctional mind is easily recognized through its shortcomings: it blames other, makes excuses, loses control, is critical, holds grudges, lashes out and displays the characteristics much like that of an adolescent. Remember that attitude is an inward feeling often expressed by an outward behavior. One cannot change these habits until first recognizing the harmful characteristics and shifting away from destructive behavior. The first step to healthier relationships is recognizing that the behavioral patterns are dysfunctional. 

We are made up of belief systems and many of them are dysfunctional, inaccurate and irresponsible. "The cup is either half full or half empty." Nonsense!  The cup is constantly overflowing with opportunities for success and we are the beneficiaries of this abundance. "Life has beaten me down."  Ridiculous!  There is only one thing that has the power to beat you down, and that's you. "Money brings happiness." Hogwash!  Take a closer look at some of the richest people in the world, they are miserable and their personal lives are a mess. "I can't help it, I was born this way." Poppycock! You were born with endless possibilities for greatness and no one in the history of time will ever have the ability to become you.

Bruce Lipton is a brilliant cellular biologist who specializes in genetics.  He discovered exactly how the body creates normal and pathological information, and telegraphs it to the cells.  His conclusions determined that environment, thoughts and perceptions are the only factors that creates healthy and diseased cells, and produces levels of happiness. In his studies, he took the exact same group of cells, placed them separately in two contrasting environments and found that they produced completely opposite results (even though they were identical cells). His conclusion: DNA does not determine who you are, rather thoughts and perceptions are the soul governing power and matrix that forms the characteristics of an individual. The spirit fluid within our thoughts and perceptions telegraphs to every cell in the body what is being perceived, and our entire being manifests the results.

So stop waiting for something to happen and take responsibility for happenings. Let everyday unfold into a masterpiece and spend your time creating joy in everything you do! Abandon the mistaken beliefs that money and things create happiness.  My son Brian has a saying above the fireplace in their home: "The greatest things in life are not things at all." Happiness is a place in the soul where peace and harmony intersect, its contagious and the most sought after characteristic in the world.

"Developing a magnificent attitude is wonderful and incredibly rewarding." This is a true statement! It is wonderful, it feels wonderful, it produces results, it creates light and energy, spreads joy and happiness, provides opportunity, delights in peace and harmony, promotes greatness, validates truth, believes in equality, edifies love, serves mankind, is praiseworthy, progresses forward... and the fruits of its labors are infinite. "There is no greater joy in the world than happiness!" 


It takes practice to develop a magnificent attitude, but first one must eliminate "stinking thinking!" Be conscious and recognize the difference between positive and negative thoughts when they start to develop.  There is a big difference between a person who has a problem and one who is a problem.  Learn to recognize the signs and if you are drifting into the negative zone, stop it immediately. Don't make excuses for yourself and own up to your behavior. Be responsible for your thoughts and perceptions by only allowing the positive ones to develop. 

Remember when you were little and your parents told you to "behave yourself!"  If everyone followed those two little words of council, the world would change in the twinkling of an eye.

One man with an extraordinary attitude was U.S. Marine Chesty Puller.  When he found himself surrounded by eight enemy divisions during the Korean War, his response was, "All right, they're on our left, they're on our right, they're in front of us and they're behind us.  They can't get away from us now!"

It takes integrity and self worth to recognize negative tendencies and it's the first step to healing.  Work to cultivate positive thinking and a paradigm shift will begin to occur (perceptions of the world and inner self will gradually change). Its always wise to remember that life is filled with obstacles, they are inevitable, but attitude makes all the difference in how you deal with those obstacles.  Attitude determines happiness, it makes good people great and great people seem immortal.  Attitude is not just a beautiful way, it's the only way. By, Linda Sumner Urza, One fine day.