A Fitting Day to Start -- Memorial Day 2007

Are you concerned about our nation? I am.

I see too many things going on to stay quiet any more.

The war in Iraq.
Immigration.
The coming elections.
TV shows and movies coming out of Hollywood.
Ignorance and confusion about the Christian faith.

I repeatedly hear the news media say Americans are against the war in Iraq and I want to throw rocks at the TV. I don't know who these media people are talking to or speaking for, but they are not speaking for me. I want our borders protected and the people who enter the United States to do so legally and I'm called a bigot and a racist. I invite entertainment into my living room only to watch myself as a Christian be insulted and made fun of. I'm appalled by some of the motion pictures coming out of Hollywood. I see and hear prominent people equating Christians with terrorists, blaming the Christian faith for the world's problems, and trying to smooth things over by saying we all worship the same God.

Enough. It's far past time I spoke up. Said something. Found ways to make my voice be heard. I think a lot of Americans feel the same way. So here I go. I'm going to start speaking up...and in more ways than just this blog. I'm going to explore ways to make my voice be heard and my views known. It is my hope that you will join me. Will you speak up, too?

I'll tell you what I'm thinking and what I'm learning about making my voice be heard. I plan to write about the issues that concern me: politics...the entertainment industry...and religion. My name is Dianne E. Butts and I'll be writing about it.

I hope you'll stay tuned. And as I learn to voice my views to people in power, I hope you'll join me, making your own voice be heard. Together, maybe we can make a difference.

It's Memorial Day 2007. I'm proud to be an American. I love this country. I don't take for granted the freedom many died to provide for me. And I don't want to lose that freedom--not on my watch. What a fitting day to start this blog.

No buts about it.

* * *

"Taps"

How many times have you heard "Taps"? Countless times, no doubt. But do you know the words? Some of you may remember the beginning phrases: "Day is done. Gone the sun..." But did you know there are several verses to the song? Here they are. Be blessed.

Day is done, gone the sun,

From the lake, from the hills, from the sky;

All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.

Go to sleep, peaceful sleep,

May the soldier or sailor, God keep.

On the land or the deep, Safe in sleep.

Fading light, dims the sight,

And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright.

From afar, drawing nigh, falls the night.

Thanks and praise, for our days,

'Neath the sun, 'neath the stars, neath the sky;

As we go, this we know, God is nigh.

Sun has set, shadows come,

Time has fled, Scouts must go to their beds.

Always true to the promise that they made.

While the light fades from sight,

And the stars gleaming rays softly send,

To thy hands we our souls, Lord, commend.

(As found on http://www.countrygoldusa.com/taps.asp this date.)