Lincoln Memorial

The Lincoln Memorial is another impressive memorial in honor of one of our nation's leaders.

 

Part of the Gettysburg Address

Here are some quotes by him about the Civil War:
"My enemies pretend that I am now carrying on the war for the sole purpose of abolition. So long as I am president, it shall be carried on for the sole purpose of restoring the Union." Interview with Alexander Randall, Washington DC, August 19, 1864
"I would save the Union....My paramount object in this struggle is to save the Union, and it is not to destroy slavery. If I could save the Union without saving any slave, I would do it; and if I could save it by freeing all the slaves I would do it; and if I could save it by freeing some and leaving other alone I would also do that." Letter to Horace Greeley, August 22, 1862

Interestingly, we are taught the Civil War was about freeing the slaves, not keeping states in the Union (even though they had the right to leave). I think he makes it pretty clear what his intention with the Civil War was.

The memorial is also lit up nicely at night.

A few quotes by Abraham Lincoln:
"Many folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be."
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power."
"And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years."
"We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses."
"Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves."

posted by Sarah

Washington Monument

The Washington Monument is a beautiful memorial to one of our founding fathers and first president, George Washington. It stands 555' high. Unfortunately, we were not able to go inside of it because it was closed for renovations.

Daddy and me

Daddy

This one was one of my favorite scenes from DC

They light it up so prettily at night

A few quotes from George Washington:
"If freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep tot he slaughter."
"Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence."
"A free people ought not only be armed and disciplined, but they should have sufficient arms and ammunition to maintain a status of independence from any who might attempt to abuse them, which would include their own government."
"It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible."

posted by Sarah

Arlington Cemetery

I just returned from an incredible trip to our nation's capitol, Washington DC, with my father. I had the opportunity to visit many memorials, museums and other sights while I was there.
Our first stop was Arlington Cemetery.

It was very humbling to see the great sacrifice made by so many for freedom. Row after row of simple white head stones made me want to weep. These men and women gave everything for the things we enjoy today and so many just take it for granted.

We had the honor of being able to watch the changing of the guard at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It sent chills up my spine watching them.
According to the Museum: "Initially, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was unguarded. In 1925, a civilian watchman was assigned to protect it. Congress established a military guard to secure the Tomb in 1926, but only during normal cemetery hours. Since 1937, the U.S. Army has maintained a 24-hour guard over the Tomb. Sentinels of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment "The Old Guard," assumed these duties in 1948 and have maintained a vigil at the Tomb year-round ever since, regardless of conditions. For example, Tomb Guards remained on duty throughout September 11, 2001 and during Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
The Changing of the guard ceremony begins when the Relief Commander appears on the plaza, salutes the Tomb, announces Changing of the Guard, and instructs the spectators to remain silent and standing during the change. After the inspection of the relieving Sentinel, the Relief Commander and the relieving Sentinel meet the retiring Sentinel at the center of the plaza in front of the Tomb. All three salute the Tomb and the retiring Sentinel passes on his orders to his relief who then steps into passion top begin his tour of duty. The Relief Commander and the retired Sentinel march off the plaza, ending the ceremony.
The Sentinel's walk in based on the ritual of the military's highest honor - the 21-gun salute. The Sentinel takes 21 steps, and then pauses for 21 seconds between movements. After executing a facing movement and before walking to the next point, the Sentinel executes "shoulder-arms" to place the rifle on the shoulder farthest from the Tomb. This signifies that the Sentinel stands between the tomb and any possible threat."

The mast of the USS Maine that sunk in Havana Harbor during the Cuban revolt against Spain.

The graves of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy, his wife Jacqueline, their unnamed baby daughter, and 2 day old son, Patrick. His brothers, Robert "Bobby" Kennedy, Edward "Ted" Kennedy, and Joseph P. Kennedy Jr., are also buried at Arlington.
Only one other president is buried at Arlington: President William Howard Taft.

Daddy and me at the Arlington Memorial Amphitheater

posted by Sarah

Just Be Held

Sure do miss holding him...

Lyrics:

Hold it all together
Everybody needs you strong
But life hits you out of nowhere
And barely leaves you holding on

And when you're tired of fighting
Chained by your control
There's freedom in surrender
Lay it down and let it go

So when you're on your knees and answers seem so far away
You're not alone, stop holding on and just be held
Your world's not falling apart, it's falling into place
I'm on the throne, stop holding on and just be held
Just be held, just be held

If your eyes are on the storm
You'll wonder if I love you still
But if your eyes are on the cross
You'll know I always have and I always will

And not a tear is wasted
In time, you'll understand
I'm painting beauty with the ashes
Your life is in My hands

So when you're on your knees and answers seem so far away
You're not alone, stop holding on and just be held
Your world's not falling apart, it's falling into place
I'm on the throne, stop holding on and just be held
Just be held, just be held

Lift your hands, lift your eyes

In the storm is where you'll find Me

And where you are, I'll hold your heart

I'll hold your heart

Come to Me, find your rest

In the arms of the God who won't let go

So when you're on your knees and answers seem so far away

You're not alone, stop holding on and just be held

Your world's not falling apart, it's falling into place
I'm on the throne, stop holding on and just be held

(Stop holding on and just be held)

Just be held, just be held

Just be held, just be held

A Semi-Silly Song

I haven't heard this song since I was a young girl and I didn't think much of it then.  A few months ago, it just popped into my head one day.  It's been playing around in there periodically ever since.

The video made me laugh.  Although I get that the original intent of the song is in regards to romantic relationships, it got me thinking about love, in general.

Love is hard.

Love is always a risk.

We get hurt.  Not intentionally or out of silly mistakes, like in the video, but life and sin dictate that one day we must have a temporary separation.  And it hurts.  It's hard to go on.  But we do.  We must.

It is only the greatest loves that bring the greatest heartaches, but that love is worth it all.  ALWAYS.

"Love's Been a Little Bit Hard on Me"

I'm not posting lyrics on this one.  It's just for kicks...

Also, just to let everyone know, my cardio appointment went really well.  Things look really good.  I have to go back to the hospital for one more test, but it's all very encouraging.  Thank you for praying for me.  God has been much better to me than I deserve.