The Tenth Day of Christmas.... All in the Family

To kick start the last three days of My Christmas, I will now move into the realm of personal experience. 3 tales of people I know who have personally been an inspiration to me, not necessarily because they are related to me and that I learned from them, but just who they are, their character traits, and belief systems. First I offer you my Parents and Grandparents.

My Grandparents were old country through and through. Coming over from Poland, they were the antithesis of the polish joke., hard working, intelligent, as far as "street knowledge" goes, and hard working. My Grandmother raised 7 kids, without any kind of government aid, and with only her husband, my Grandfather, working. Yes, you say things were cheaper back then, but then wages were not that much either.

They walked everywhere they needed to go to. All the stores they needed were within good walking distance. they needed wood for the stove?? they chopped it. Needed apples?? they grew them. everything was home made. sewing, cooking. They taught me the value of hard work, and perseverance. they laid down the rules and like my parents, were not afraid to whip their children when they misbehaved. Not to be abusive, hardly. they demanded obedience, but they also knew how to create an environment where obedience was fun, and rewarding. woe to us when we did disobey, but under these conditions, we would be nuts to disobey.

I do not think it was a coincidence when both my Grandparents lived well up into their 80's, and my mom is still with me in her mid 80's. I have no doubts that the traditions of the old country, hard work, firm but loving care, mostly natural and home made foods, a good solid religious upbringing, respect for others, perseverance, and Independence, helped fuel their longevity.

To this day I honor my parents and Grandparents with my belief in hard work, optimism, confidence (which all go together. If you are merely optimistic and confident, well and good, but to get anything done, you need to get your hands dirty and get to work). steadfast religious beliefs, and strong family attitude of honor and respect for my elders, and for the opposite sex.

I fail at times, like they did, and like we all do, but to this second, I stand firm in what I believe in, and I owe it to my own everyday heroes, My parents and grandparents.

Here's to our ancestors... and their children.

The Ninth Day of Christmas.. Bethlehems Manger

Excuse the Delay in posting. I had anticipated the 12 days of Christmas to be finished by oh.. say.. CHRISTMAS... but I myself was caught up into the holiday Spirit of being busy and having my usual Christmas fun. I hope everyone had a joyous Christmas, and are anticipating the best year yet coming up!!

but the inspiration never ends here, So here is my Ninth story of inspiration, and it comes right from Bethlehem's Manger.

Now you may be saying, "Yes, I know the story of the manger and how tranquil and serene it was, a setting of perfect peace and harmony... "Silent Night, Holy Night, Oh little town of Bethlehem, how STILL we see thee lie.. right???"

WRONG! yes Bethlehem's Manger IS a symbol of inspiration, but NOT because it was so peaceful and tranquil. Lets look at it.

Bethlehem, at the time of the Census was a city of Chaos! everyone was in town for the Census, so much so that there was, of course no room at the Inn. Try to imagine a peaceful setting when you are trying to get your 14 or 15 year old 9 month Pregnant wife on a mule to a city in chaos because of a Census. Oh, I bet that was a joy..

It was also a scene of Obscurity... a manger?? what a manger was was actually a feed trough. a very obscure place to be born in a very obscure and chaotic city.

And of course there was the rejection. No room at the Inn, because of the chaos of Bethlehem at that time.

OK. Bethlehem's manger.. Chaos.. Obscurity.. rejection.... Why?? and why is this a scene of inspiration.

Well, because, believe it or not, this describes our lives at times, doesn't it?? who amongst us can honestly say that there is not SOME chaos in our lives this time of year?? be honest. whether it be the many Christmas parties we feel obligated to attend, or maybe the unwanted or unexpected visitor, or the chaos of last minute, or first minute shopping?? CHAOS!

then theres the feelings of obscurity. Ever feel like you as a person are lost in the shuffle?? that you will not be remembered, or your gift will find itself on someones shelf, and never be seen or used again?? do you feel the true meaning of Christmas is being overwhelmed by the commercialism?? Hey over here in Detroit (and I am sure many cities, they have people who have lived here many years ago that they named streets after. must be famous people Hmmm?? well today no one remembers them. Obscurity...

and then there is rejection. Why is the Christmas season so depressing for some?? its because of the feelings of rejection some of us feel. yes, we may be invited to lots of parties, but once those parties are over, and the celebrations stop, it is back to the old life, and if we feel rejected before, than the feelings can get worse once the season is over. Heck even when I was a kid I would get some feeling of rejection if my sister got more gifts than I did. I am sure it is not so much different today.

OK, so why is this inspiring?? well I believe that This scenario in Bethlehem, Chaos, obscurity, rejection, happened PURPOSEFULLY, so that We know that our Savior has been there, done that. So we can go to Him when we are feeling these feelings, because we hear Him saying to us from the manger... "Hey, I know your feelings of Chaos in your life. your feelings of obscurity, and rejection. I have been there. I understand!"

I believe there was no Silent Night that night. And when I am feeling feelings of Chaos, obscurity, and rejection, I am glad it wasn't. I am inspired that the Prince of Peace was BORN into those same situations.

He indeed understands.

The Eighth Day of Christmas..Riders and Angels

I will get right to the story here, because this is too powerful, and it makes us think the next time we may complain about long lines at Airports or Shopping malls this time of year.

John Johnson, US Army Spec has survived 5 bombings. this time however he was laid up in a hospital recovering again from massive injuries suffered in still another one. but this time is different. Different because earlier in his recovery, his wife and three children were involved in a car accident that killed all three of the children. they were all driving over to see their Dad in recovery.

To lose one child is bad enough. but to lose all three while you yourself are recovering from massive injuries?? and to lose them just before Thanksgiving?? How can any of us, including parents look at this story and actually feel we have a right to complain about long mall lines??

But here's where the heroes come in! More than 200 Patriot Guard Riders, a band of motorcyclists served as one of the childrens pallbearers. they travelled from many states to attend. Anonymous donors provided funds for funeral expenses.

The Soldiers Angels provided hotel rooms for the Johnson's family, this group also provided funding for food and other needs. the VFW and Operation Comfort also pitched in to cover expenses.

The Fisher House Foundations Hero Miles program provided travel for Johnson to get his injured wife, and American Airlines picked up the tab for the airfare for them to travel to their childrens funerals. The PGA raised almost 100, 000 dollars for a new car and other expenses, and Operation Home front will use any monies left over to provide a memorial fund. heroes all.

Let us not complain about meaningless things this Christmas. Let us count our blessings, and let us remember these organizations who can be blessings to others.

Love to all.

The Seventh Day of Christmas... Hail Ceasar??

Well now you may think I have flipped my lid, or ate too much fruitcake and rum punch. "OK" you say "The first 6 days of Christmas was very inspiring, but .. Ceasar Augustus?? " Now two things are probably happening here. Number one, you may not know who Caesar Augustus was, and those who do wonder what does he have to do with inspiration? Wasn't he the one who decreed that the whole world be taxed, which eventually sent Joseph and Mary into Bethlehem?? Yes, also known as the Christmas Story



Yes he was, so hear me out. Emperor Augustus took over after the assassination of Julius Caesar. Augustus also was a victim of a conspiracy against him but he survived and went on to rule, and eventually United the whole Empire, and eventually had a statue erected to himself which basically read.. Hail Caesar Augustus.. Savior of the world". Now with most rulers, this went to his head, and like a lot of rich folks, he liked to count what he had, so he decreed that everyone go back to his home city to be counted, so he could pursue his tax. Thus led Joseph and Mary to go to Bethlehem, where Jesus, the REAL savior of the universe was born.



OK, so how is this inspiring?? Well I do believe that God USED this egomaniacal ruler for HIS purpose, basically saying... Hey Caesar.. YOU don't control history.. I DO" I believe that for many of us, we have in our lives a Caesar Augustus waving a census in front of our face, basically telling us.. "hey, I have control over you. YOU don't matter, I do. I have the power over you." be it a spouse, a child, a boss, a co worker, whoever, there is someone in our lives who wants to Lord his power over you, whether emotionally or physically.



Well we can use this story to realize that this person who claims to have this power over you, has nothing. He does not control your history, God does. Its interesting to note that No one would have even KNOWN about Ceasar Augustas if it wasn't for the Christmas story. Think about it. where else would you have known about this man???



God USES this mans power against him, and as a result, all of man will benefit for all time. Is there someone manipulating you in your life today?? remember the lessons echoing through 2000 years of history. THAT person does not control your history.. God does.

The Sixth Day of Christmas. Hero Marine at McDonalds

Marines are all heroes in my opinion, but mostly they are known for their battlefield toughness and loyalty. but this episode on my 6Th Day of Christmas happened far from a battlefield, It happened at McDonald's.

Jamie Nicholson, Marine Corp DI, was tired and hungry. He pulled into a McDonald's drive through (He was still in his camouflage uniform, and thus according to Marine Regs, he could not enter a public building) as he pulled in he heard the cashier scream! It turns out a man at the window who was trying to retrieve his change accidentally put his foot on the accelerator and his car lurched forward with his head still out the window, pinning his head between the door, and a pillar.

For the full inspiring story, click here. To Nicholson, it came naturally. He was a man in trouble, and he was there to help. Semper Fi!!! (always faithful.. a good motto anywhere)

Nicholson raced to the scene, broke the mans window, and, kneeling on broken glass, freed the man from his trap, knowing full well that since the mans foot was still on the accelerator, any moment the car could lurch forward and kill them both. But he acted without thinking.

The Fifth Day of Christmas..Scouts Honor

The Boy Scouts, a truly Honorable organization has been under fire by clueless groups who have no idea how valuable the Boy and girl Scouts are. Without getting on my soapbox more, here is the story of Kevin Bardsley, and his son Garrett, a boy scout, who saved another scout, Brennan Hawkins. the way Kevin helped save Brennan was inspiring enough, but the way Garrett did was truly a tale to make you proud and inspired.

You see, Garrett, like Sprite the dog in my previous post, was not alive at the time of his greatest deed. Garrett Died in the Uinta Mountains after he took a wrong turn on a hike. 11 days of searching by his father, and other authorities came up empty. Garrett's father Kevin started up a memorial fund for his son. a fund that would eventually supply GPS units and other devices used to search for missing people. When Kevin got the news of Brennans disappearance, he could have balked, but instead he brushed back memories of his son and went on the quest to find Brennan.

Using horses, ATVs, and GPS units, he put together a search party. using the information he gathered from his search for his own son, he worked diligently to find Brennan. It was his knowledge of his failed search for his own son that eventually led the rescuers to find Brennan, scratched and sunburned.. But alive.

Kevin Bardsley gave up his time and comfort to help save another scout. Yes, he had flashbacks to the tragedy of his own son, but he worked through that. Brennan will not be another Garrett.

Garrets death helped save another Scout from death. With the help of many volunteers, a memorial fund, and the devotion and diligence of His Father, Kevin Bardsley. another hero, I honor on the fifth day of Christmas.

The Fourth Day of Christmas....Sprite

Well as you can see, by this adorable picture, I am not talking about the soft drink here. And when I speak of Pepsi, I am not talking about the drink either. Pepsi is Sprites doggy friend adopted by the Levin family.

Pepsi and Sprite were inseparable and also, as many pets do, brought a whole family together, in love and togetherness. It was wonderful watching Sprite and Pepsi "grow" together. But when the time came, that happens to pets and humans alike, when the old body ages and decays, and it was time to put Sprite away, it left heartbreak and almost devastation, so close were this family, and Pepsi to Sprite.

But what happened AFTER Sprites death is the real inspiration. Sprites life brought a family together. His death brought a community together. I am enclosing some links here that will direct you to more information about this wonderful story.

The book is called Rescuing Sprite. The Levin family rescued Sprite, little did they know that later on, Sprite would return the favor from beyond the grave.

Sometimes we never know the influence we have on people. Sometimes we may NEVER know in this life. But I believe in heaven we will see people we did not expect, and they will say to us.. "YOU are the reason I am here. It was YOUR efforts and love, that led me to saving faith.

Never stop doing good. We never know who it will affect. I wonder if Sprite did.

The Third Day of Christmas... The kids are all right

On the third day of my Christmas, more stories of hope and encouragement, this time coming from the younger generation. Now when I was growing up, as well as today, the standard question from the "older" generation was always.."whats wrong with the kids today?" Well may I present to you some kids today who are providing inspiration, not only to their peers, but to most parents out there. I am talking about the young men and women whoare a part of True Love Waits, an offshoot of Lifeways Student ministries. these brave young people are flying in the face of peer pressure and cultural norms by taking vows of celibacy and purity until they are married. click here for the awesome pledge that they take.

In the 10 years that the organization has existed, over 4269 teens have taken this pledge, and this past year, over 350 teens have taken the pledge.

this is not an organization you hear too much about, because popular culture brands this as wierd. I mean after all, Abstinence and purity until marriage?? hogwash. everyone knows that CONDOMS are the answer, and every teen must have some free of charge from the schools.

I applaud these teens for what they are doing, and sticking to the high moral ground in giving their prospective spouse a gift they have been working on all their lives. mainly themselves.

I strongly advise a visit to thissite to find out more about these inspiring young people.

In the words of peter Townsend and The Who... the Kids are alright!!

The Second Day of Christmas.. Courage

In a day when movie stars, Athletes, and politicians are considered "heroes" by the sole means of their acting ability, their ability to catch or throw or hit balls, or their charisma, real heroes are all but left out of the spotlight. one of the most neglected bunch is our soldiers. Whether fighting wars abroad, or simply keeping us safe here, their selfless acts of courage touch individual lives, their deeds go unsung. So here is their song.

Paul Ray Smith was 33 when he was fatally wounded near Baghdad International Airport. Smith braved horrendous enemy fire to repel an attack by more than 100 heavily armed terrorists and saved the lives of dozens of his soldiers and buddies.

Jason Dunham was only 22 when on April 14th 2004 wile struggling with a suspected insurgent after an ambush. the terrorist released a hand grenade. Without thought, Dunham covered the grenade with his helmet and body and saved the lives of 2 of his fellow Marines.

There is no greater love than to lay ones life down for his friends. The hope and inspiration derived from these stories is that courage and honor still exist in this world, and whether fighting war, or just trying to keep peace in the family, doing the right thing even when no one will sing our praises for doing so, is the apex of honor and inspiration to those who will hear those stories.

The second day of Christmas, I salute the courage and honor of these men who made the ultimate sacrifice so that others may go on living.

The First Day of Christmas... John Gibbons

The San Diego Fires were a time of tragedy for sure. But as in all tragedies, heroes emerged. There were the brave firemen (aren't they all) , the people who live there and face this kind of problem regularly, and there is John Gibbons.

John lived with his 76 year old mother, and half-brother David in a trailer park located in a canyon so remote that cell phones do not even work there. It was not much, to be sure, but for them, it was home.

When the inevitable happened and the firefighters came to evacuate them, Johns mom refused. and refused. and refused. Finally the time came for them to forcible remove her from her only home, and relocating her,and her two sons to a friends home a couple of miles away. the sight of this woman was truly a tragic one, bleeding from the nose, and crying "I have no where else to go"

After an hour of this, John Gibbons could stand no more of this. He persuaded his friend to help him onto a motorcycle where he proceeded to head back to the mobile home, and the flames.

For two days he raced around the perimeter with his friend, frantically shoveling dirt on any small fires that were erupting on the property, as huge palm trees exploded nearby beside the propane tanks around them.

Finally after two days it was over. 80 per cent of the trailer park was gone. Moms trailer still stood. When asked why he did it, John said "Mom wanted to go home, and its all we got".. Nuff Ced.

Was he a fool or a hero?? well I guess it depends on your take. If he and his friend would have died, people would have called them fools I guess, but in my opinion, a real man, a real hero will come to the aid of a woman in tears anytime. A fool to some, but a hero to others, and I hope a good story of inspiration for my first day of Christmas.

You can read the link here for more details.

MY 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS.

Twelve stories of hope and cheer

The Christmas season is here, and amidst the rush of last minute shopping, and the pressure to give gifts that are of equal or greater value of the ones we get. (why we do that, I will never know) And the general angst associated with people forgetting the real reason for Christmas, I have decided to post twelve real stories of love, sacrifice, and hope, performed by real people, real heroes. The first one is due shortly, so stay tuned. Enjoy and remember, the reason for Christmas is Joy indescribably, and Peace that can never be found anywhere.