Remembering 911. America, a day in September, we cannot forget. The month of September will always bring thoughts about 911. On that day, each year, we commemorate the courage so many individuals exhibited when in unimaginable horror, we watched the collapse of the World Trade Center, a burning Pentagon and a smoke filled black hole in the Pennsylvania field. It was on that dreadful day 10 years ago that I was inspired to write these thoughts.

God, You are Our Refuge

God, You are our refuge now. 

And our strength in every need you help us.

In all sorrows, you will always guide and lead. 

Though the earth shall be removed, there is nothing we need fear. 

Though the mountains move the seas, we all know that you are here.

Though the waters troubled roar, and the mountain shake and swell, 

Streams shall make God's city glad. Our God's holy place will tell.

Be still. Our God is with us.

He will always be on time.

He's in rage and kingdoms move, but his glory, it shall shine. 

Lord of hosts, you are with us. 

Lead us on eternally. 

Come and see His mighty works. 

God our refuge, he shall be. 

Memories and thoughts of World War II have made me remember the tenacity of one of our great men of history, Winston Churchill. How can we ever forget his most famous words, "Never, never, never give up." It was in 1940 that France collapsed and Britain faced the powerful Nazi onslaught alone. How can one forget his most unforgettable words. Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties. And so bear ourselves, that if the British Empire and the Commonwealth last 4000 years, men will still say this was their finest hour. Those words, "their finest hour," are so relevant, and will require our finest hour in the future of our world. The challenges are before us. And may we also never forget that God is our refuge, and it is he who will guide and lead us. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46. 

The International Day of Peace is on September 21. The UN's International Day of Peace is a global observation and not a public holiday. It is a day when nations around the world are invited to honor a cessation of hostilities during the day, a UN resolution established the International Day of Peace in 1981 to coincide with the opening of the UN General Assembly. The first Peace Day was celebrated in 1982, and was held on the third Tuesday of September, each year until 2002. By setting a fixed date for the International Day of Peace, the assembly declared that the day should be observed as a day of global ceasefire and non violence. By creating the International Day of Peace, the UN devoted itself to worldwide peace and encouraged people to work in cooperation for this goal. Since its inception, Peace Day has marked personal and planetary progress towards peace. It has grown to include millions of people worldwide, and many events are organized each year to commemorate and celebrate this day. On the International Day of Peace, also known as Peace Day, people around the world take part in various activities and organize events, centered on the theme of peace. Events vary from private gatherings to public concerts and forums involving large audiences activities include interfaith peace ceremonies, a toast for peace, a peace choir lights lighting candles, peace prayers, a peace convoy of vehicles, tree planting, peace art exhibitions, promoting peace picnics, for peace and peace works. Organizations such as roots and shoots and international environmental and humanitarian programs for youth show their support for the event on an annual basis. Young people involved in roots and shoots may engage in activities, such as crafting giant peace dove puppets from reuse materials and flying the doves in their communities. People from diverse religious and spiritual backgrounds are also committed to organizing an International Day of Peace vigil. Some groups observe a minute of silence at noon in every time zone across the world on Peace Day. 

More Warm Thoughts: The peace dove flying with an olive branch in its beak is one of the most commonly featured symbols for the day.In Judaism, Christianityand Islam, a white dove is generally a sign for peace, the dove can also represent hope for peace, or a peace offering from one person to another. Hence the phrase, "to extend an olive branch." Often, the dove is represented as still in flight to remind people of its role as a messenger, pray for peace. May God bless America and our world.

Warm Thoughts from the Little Home on the Prairie Over a Cup of Tea by Dr. Luetta G. Werner 

September 15th, 2011

Published in the Marion Record

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Till next time,

Trina