Two weeks have rolled by quickly for a new post at The Turn-Up Patch. As I searched my heart for a message, what has jumped at me are two dynamics that has been in the news in recent weeks. Of course, both involve perspective as to what personal viewpoint an individual shares. But no matter what perspective, what seems to be lost in the translation is respect. I have written previously about respect and also about the American flag, links to follow below.
My birthplace was Canada where I spent the first 21 years of my life. Upon marriage and moving to the United States, I carried with me an innate respect for the law of the land whether it be Canada or the U.S.A. There were morals and principles to be followed and a sense of honor in the privilege to live in freedom in either country. The flag is an embodiment in representing national identity, whether it be the maple leaf or the stars and stripes.
I became an American citizen and embraced the country of the United States of America and its' flag many years ago. Throughout these years, I have noticed an erosion taking place - I am alarmed at the disrespect that is becoming prevalent across the land. Granted, that as a person matures, so does a country in evolving through struggles from technology to sociological advancements in the 21st century. What should not change is respect, which is the tempered force that restrains chaos in the conduit of change. Dissent that shows disagreement in the radical objection of violence leads to dessent, a downward spiral that is devoid of respect and ugly in its promotion of lawlessness. With this being said, please check this link on a post I wrote regarding the significance of respect.... http://turn-uppatch.blogspot.com/2016/07/respect-in-america.html
The hopes and dreams, justices and injustices are written into the fabric of our country represented by "Old Glory". It is a standard that is always measured by time in the movement of history. Let it fly under the banner of respect for effective transformation. A post that I wrote entitled "Identity of the American Flag" is a reminder of our country's foundation in the making for freedom's cause....
http://turn-uppatch.blogspot.com/2013/07/identity-of-american-flag.html
In closing, here is a sober reminder out of Mark 3:25, which states: "A house divided against itself cannot stand". This was the same quote that Abraham Lincoln used in a speech from 1858. A truth for that time and a continued truth for this present age.
Join me at The Turn-Up Patch for another visit on Monday, October 10 ....
Magone Lake is about a thirty minute drive from where we live in Eastern Oregon. It is a hidden jewel within the Malheur National Forest in the Blue Mountain range. Both residents and tourists come to enjoy its peaceful beauty and enjoy a retreat from the hectic demands of life. Here, you can take a pause to do nothing except savor the warming sun on your body, the smell of clean air and sounds of nature. The lake and the sky appear to be of one pristine blue broken by jagged forest trees of spruce and pine surrounding the perimeter of the lake.
There is a trail that surrounds the lake for those who would take a leisure walk, stopping to pick huckleberries along the path and always a scenic opportunity for those who carry a camera. The lake provides fishing, canoeing and swimming for recreational pleasure. Some folks come for an afternoon picnic and others stay in over-nite campsites.
Locals from John Day, Mt. Vernon and Prairie City don't have far to travel for a mini vacation to a "get away" place for relaxing, whether for a few hours or a few days. I have enjoyed visiting this Grant County scenic gem with my daughters and grandson, a backdrop in creating happy memories. For more information on Magone Lake, check out this link: http://www.recreation.gov/camping/magone-lake/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=75128
As we bid farewell to summer, there is an appreciation that all the season brought. Fruit and garden produce, flowers of all varieties in bloom, green grass and trees in full foliage are just a few of the tangible experiences of summer. Despite the hot days, we had long hours of sunlight that will soon be reduced as winter approaches. Predictably, the seasons pass by as a revolving door into a new year.
Magone Lake is a little patch of beauty in Eastern Oregon and inspires us to consider our magnificent God, the Creator who Is All and In All in this world and the universe. Please take time to check out a wonderful video entitled "God's Beautiful Creation, Awesome Scenery" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F79Ck8rFIes
Come back and visit The Turn-Up Patch for my next post on Monday, September 26....
