Would God celebrate Veterans day?

So this topic is going to be hot-at least, I think it could be. I really welcome comments and feedback because I know people will have differing opinions, and that’s okay. I was really convicted this week about church, knowing that tomorrow (Monday) was Veterans day. It got me thinking, what does God want for our worship when an American holiday (Veterans day, Memorial day, 4^th of July) is near?  I’ve been in churches that don’t even mention the holiday, other churches that spend their whole service focused around the holiday and many in between. So my question is, what does God want for our worship?
            My dad is a military man. Since I was born he was in the service. A Navy man with great pride. He actually just retired this past March as Master Chief of the Navy Reserves (I believe that was his title). Because of his remarkable service and commitment to our country, I have become a very patriotic woman. I love this country and those who serve to protect it. I get emotional thinking about the price of freedom because I’ve seen firsthand that freedom isn’t free. From 2001 to 2002 (I may get dates off a little) he was stationed in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. After that, he was stationed in Kuwait for a year. After that tour he was stationed in Georgia for a year.  Freedom isn’t free, my dad taught me that. I’m proud of him and all he’s done not only for my family but for our country.

Like I said, I’ve been convicted of this and lately, I’ve just needed more Jesus. I don’t know how to explain it other than simply saying, I’m seeking him more. I’m trying to spend time ever day reading his Word.  I’m focusing more on talking about him with others. Spending time with my kids, showing them Gods love in action. Because of this, today for church, I needed Jesus. I needed to feel Jesus today, more than yesterday or the day before. I wanted to seek him in everything.  I may have a lot of people that will read this from my church and I pray their not upset with me when I say what I’m about to say. My church is one that, in my opinion, wraps their service (nearest Sunday to Veterans day) around Veterans. We focus our worship towards them. We cut out the songs to play videos or slideshows of vets. We recognize God and worship the veterans. I don’t agree with the way these Sundays (all Sundays nearest to the American holidays) are done. Today I visited a different church and I was surprised and slightly pleased that not once did the word Veteran come up. We started with worship. We sang powerful songs of Christ love and his promises. We raised our hands in worship. We listened as the pastor talked to us about money, of all topics. We watched a baptism and saw lives changed forever. Never once taking time to recognize any Veterans. Part of me wondered if even that was a little wrong. Maybe they could have done a quick, thank you to those who serve. Maybe they should have had any veterans stand up and we could have prayed for them. But nothing, not even a mention of the upcoming holiday-was this okay? I believe so and here’s why; Scripture doesn’t talk about corporate worship being focused on servicemen.  It just doesn’t! It doesn’t ever say to praise the Lord but put America first and I feel like when we focus our service on the holiday, that’s exactly what we’re doing.

***I don’t want there to be any confusion in my thoughts here. I think it’s okay to recognize the holiday, I just don’t want the whole service wrapped around it.***

            The Bible is packed full of stories of soldiers and war. From Joshua to Gideon, even Deborah, a woman, led a successful counterattack against the king of Canaan. God tells those who serve both their country and the Lord to be strong and courageous. Not to be afraid or terrified because the Lord your God is with you. He won’t leave you or forsake you, Deuteronomy 31:6. This isn’t a reason to change a church service to including lots of honoring people and little honoring of God. I really encourage those who are reading this to give me your thoughts. Maybe I’m wrong, maybe the Bible does talk about focusing on the holiday and I’ve missed it. Maybe I’m right and if you are a member of a church that wraps their service around a holiday, say something-change it! I think for my church change would be hard because nobody ever wants to upset the older people and that’s really unfortunate. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. God spoke boldly. He wasn’t afraid to lovingly convict people of their wrong doings. We need to get back to the point of worship. What does God want for our worship?! He wants everything! He wants us all. He wants our time and our attention. He wants our hearts and our focus. He wants our commitment.  We can’t be fully committed to God when were too busy worshiping America. I love America. I love God more. 

A day of Thankfulness

I know most people are doing a daily list of all the things their thankful for, and honestly there may be some days where I join in, just not on a consistent basis will I remember to do it. However today was different, today was a day full of times I said, “thank you God!”
           The first came this morning as I dropped all the kids off at school and had time, 1 on 1 with Nolan. He’s getting to the age where he loves to play and interact. He laughs and makes the BEST faces ever. I’m so thankful for time with him.
           Second time I was thankful came when Joel and I went to Ty’s conference today and his teacher Mrs. Akers told us what an awesome job Ty is doing! That makes three kids in school who all got outstanding reports. I’m so thankful for Ty and his outstanding efforts in school (Nevaeh and Connor’s too).

The third time I was thankful today came when I was driving to the bank and grocery store. I saw a man standing on the corner of the gas station with a cardboard sign and a gas can in hand. He obviously needed gas so I pulled into the gas station, waved him over and allowed him to fill his gas can up. I offered him a cup of coffee and sent him on his way. I’m so thankful for a husband who works hard to provide and that we have resources to get gas when we need it.

The night ended with me feeling the most thankful. I was blessed to attend my circle of mom’s meeting (great group of moms who meet monthly-if you’re interested, let me know and I’ll get you the info!). Anyhow, at my table tonight, as I sat and talked to the other moms, I discovered one mom was the mother of a child with a severe peanut allergy. We talked about the difficulties and fears that come along with a child in public schools and such severe allergies. The mom across the table kept getting interrupted by her son who later I would find out had severe diabetes and needed to have insulin and blood sugar taken/given regularly. We talked about how scary it is trusting others to care for the medical needs of our children while they are at school or other places. The mom to my right was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. She is now waiting to hear from the doctor as to radiation/treatment etc. We surrounded her tonight, laying hands on her and praying asking our heavenly father to heal our sister/friend. I’m so thankful for the health of my family. I am blessed beyond blessed to have four amazing and healthy children and that I’m healthy-other than the occasional donut overload.

            So many times today I’ve been thankful for all God has blessed me with. Anyone reading this blog has equally as many things to be thankful for, if not more. It’s how you look at life and your surroundings that show it. Find the things in your life that you are thankful for and make sure to tell them!