Heroes - My Blog of Remembrance

Each year, The Royal British Legion establishes a Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey, London and Cathays Park, Cardiff.

The Fields become a sea of Remembrance Crosses with scarlet poppies - a touching symbol of Remembrance and tribute to the memory of ex-Service men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect their country.

There have been many wars and conflicts over the years, some close to home, like the conflict in Northern Ireland, others thousands of miles away, like the current conflict in Afghanistan. Wherever the conflict and no matter whether it's still going on or whether like the first and second world wars, it finished many years ago, we must never forget those who were killed fighting for our freedom.

Today, on the 11th day of the 11th month, I hope like me, you took the time at 11 minutes past the 11th hour, you stopped what you were doing and observed a 2 minute silence in memory of those who have lost their lives.

Please pray for these men and women today and for all they sacrificed.


Now I'd ask you to think of those still involved in conflicts...

Hero is a word that is bandied about too readily these days, devaluing and diminishing the actions of real heroes.

The brave young men and women in our Armed Forces, especially those who are serving on the front lines in Afghanistan and Iraq, wake up every morning knowing that it could be their last. These are the people who are true heroes. When serving thousands of miles away from their home, it's tough on our troops' loved ones too.


Remember to pray for those still serving abroad, and the family and friends they've left at home. Please pray that God will keep them and their families safe...and let them come home soon!

Spiritual Home

What kind of weekend have you had? Have you been busy or have you just been relaxing and chilling out?

Well I've had a busier weekend than I've had for a wee while, having been a 3 meeting at the Salvation Army - 1 at Bellshill and 2 at Rutherglen!

For those of you who have not been reading my blog here's a wee bit background - I attend the Salvation Army at Bellshill, but I was brought up at the corps in Rutherglen and transferred to the corps at Bellshill in 2002.

My cousin and his wife are the Salvation Army ministers (officers) at the corps in Keighley, and this weekend they came "home" with the Keighley Salvation Army Community Band, to lead the services at Rutherglen Salvation Army. As I don't see my cousins and their family very often, I went along to Rutherglen last night (Saturday) and this afternoon (Sunday).

Although I've been back at Rutherglen Salvation Army since I left, it was still strange being back there, particularly as I played in the Rutherglen band! It was just like old times, especially with a number of my family also being there.

There were several times during the two meetings I attended at Rutherglen when I must admit I felt a bit emotional, not just because my cousin was back home and leading the meeting, but because spiritually this was my home too. So much of my Christian learning and experiences happened at Rutherglen, it was where I committed my life to God and publicly declared my love and desire to serve Him all my life.

This weekend, I've found myself reflecting on past times, but also the present and the future. I realised for example that without the basis to my Christian faith that I gained while I grew up attending Rutherglen Salvation Army, I would not be the person I am today. While I am happy in my service at Bellshill Salvation Army, I will be forever thankful to those at Rutherglen who taught me all able God and influenced/inspired me to be who I am today. Some of these folk still attend Rutherglen Salvation Army, others are now with God in heaven, others no longer worship at Rutherglen.

1 Peter 2:2
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation

So today, take a few minutes to think about those people who have had an influenced on your life (for the good of course!). If you are still in contact with them, thank them for the impact they've had on your life, after all they may not be aware of it! Say thank you to God too for these people as He is the one who is responsible for it all.

Have you influenced anyone or had an impact on their life?

With God's help and guidance each one of us is capable of making a difference in someones life.

I pray today God will help you to make a difference in someones life.

Home

You've read the title of my today's blog post, so what images or memories has that conjured up to you?

To many of us, we will have thought of our home, a happy, warm, safe place where we live with our loved ones. Or maybe you thought of a specific occassion from recent times or from your childhood, which made you feel "at home".

Here is the dictionary definition of "Home":

• a house, apartment, or other shelter that is the usual residence of a person, family, or household.
• the place in which one's domestic affections are centered.
• an institution for the homeless, sick, etc.: a nursing home.
• the dwelling place or retreat of an animal.
• the place or region where something is native or most common.
• any place of residence or refuge: a heavenly home.
• a person's native place or own country.
• (in games) the destination or goal.
• a principal base of operations or activities: The new stadium will be the home of the local football team.

While we are all sitting somewhere in relative comfort and safety reading this blog, there are many people who have no place to call "home". Therefore, can I ask you today to spare a thought for those who are homeless. No matter what circumstances have resulted in someone ending up homeless, noone deserves to be homeless. No one should have to be homeless.

Please pray for those who are homeless or living rough in our streets. Pray that they will find a safe place to stay and that they get the help they need to change their fortunes.

There are many people who work with the homeless either full time or part time, many on a voluntary basis, so I ask for your prayers for these folk too. Please ask God to continue to help and guide these wonderful people as they try to help the homeless.

With God's help, we can end homelessness. God will help lead the homeless home.



There are so many people in need in our world, so today I just wanted to focus on the homeless. In the coming days I'll ask you to join with me in focusing on/praying for some other needy people in our world.

Thank you.