Happy New Year!

Happy New Year, everyone!  It's been a great year, and may God bless you with an even better one in 2015!

This is my favorite verse for the end of the year, and it's a good one to remember through the new year as well.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.  2 Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭16-17‬

Happy New Year again!

Elizabeth :)
Jesus loves ya! 3

Sunday Bible Verse

‬And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
...
And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called JESUS, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.  Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭7, 21

Sunday Bible Verse

‬And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”
...
Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”
....
"...For with God nothing will be impossible.”  Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭28, 30-33, 37

Sunday Bible Verse

In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.  ‭Ephesians‬ ‭1‬:‭11-14‬

Sunday Bible Verse

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen."  1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭8-11‬

Sunday Bible verse

Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for

“God resists the proud, 
But gives grace to the humble.”

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.  1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭5-7‬

Happy Thanksgiving from Elizabeth

Thanksgiving Day is primarily an American holiday tradition, but I think we can all have a great day of giving thanks.

In America, Thanksgiving was started by the Pilgrims, who traveled from England to "the New World," meeting the Native Americans, who helped the new comers survive in the strange land.  Together, the Pilgrims and Native Americans ate of their crops, giving thanks to God for their positive turn of events, after months of misery and death.

Today, we celebrate with eating, games, parades, and more eating.  We forget how blessed we really are in these modern times, and who to thank for these blessings.

This is a great chapter, out of Psalms, for knowing who it is we should give our thanks to:
"Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands! Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations."  Psalms‬ ‭100‬:‭1-5‬


If you feel like you have nothing to be thankful for, think of these verses:
"in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."  1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭18‬
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; ..."  ‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬
"Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: ..."  Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭1

Notice that 1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭18‬ says to give thanks IN everything, not FOR everything.  So, how do you give thanks in everything?  By finding something to be thankful for, something that God has made good out of the bad.

"And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong."  2 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭9-10

Our troubles bring us closer to God, and makes us stronger in our faith.

If there seems to be no reason to thank God, think about how He is still in control, and knows what is best for you, still loving you, no matter what.  That is definitely something to be thankful for.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Elizabeth :)
Jesus Loves You!  <3

Sunday Bible Verse

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.  1 Peter‬ ‭2‬:‭9-10‬

Very Delayed Sunday Bible Verse

because “All flesh is as grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, And its flower falls away, But the word of the LORD endures forever.” Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.  1 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭24-25‬

Sunday Bible Verse

‬For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.  ‭James‬ ‭2‬:‭26

Sunday Bible Verse

...‬and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. ‭1 Kings‬ ‭19‬:‭12

Sunday Bible Verse

Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.  1 Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭12-16‬

Sunday Bible Verse

"‬Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”  Deuteronomy‬ ‭31‬:‭6‬

THE PARKING LOT

Looking out the window
Waiting to be called back
I look at the cars below
Now I get out a snack

Do I really want to eat?
Did I not just have lunch?
Oh yes, that was some yummy meat!
Never mind I won't munch

And now I look again at the cars below
Red ones, green ones, blue ones, black and white 
See how they are all in a row?
A colorful rainbow, what a sight!

Still in the waiting room
When will I be called?
I wish time could zoom!
Come quickly, I might go bald!

Just when I believe no one is there
And I begin to think no one is coming
The door opens, did I really hear?
They called my name! Hold on I'm running!

Now my wait is over and I'm walking in
Good bye parking lot
Time for my appointment to begin
WAIT! What did I come here for? I forgot!

Sunday Bible Verse

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.  Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭21

Sunday Bible Verse

Therefore

 “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭20

Sunday Bible Verse

Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.  Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭19

3 Haikus for Autumn

The change of seasons,

What a wonderful feeling,

The cool days of Fall.

The Summer has left,

Now Autumn is Beginning,

And leaves are falling.

The sounding of leaves,

Crunch, they say, under my shoes,

The brown leaves of Fall.

Sunday Bible Verse

If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.  Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭18‬

Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.  Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭17‬
I will post a Bible verse every Sunday right here.   Thanks for coming to read it!  :)

The Battle of Fort McHenry

Thank you for choosing to read about how our National Anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner, was created.
I researched this historical event, and hope that this is a close recount of happened.  With any historical event, some liberties must be taken, as no one can be sure of what actually happened that day.
September 13th, of this 2014 year, is the 200th anniversary of our National anthem.
And now, without further ado, The Battle of Fort McHenry.

In the War of 1812 much happened.  But, today, I will tell you a story about what happened in 1814.  The War of 1812 actually lasted from 1812 to 1815.

At that time, the British fleet was under the command of Vice Admiral Sir Alexander Cochrane, but we will call him Admiral Cochrane.
The Americans, at Fort McHenry, were protecting Baltimore, Maryland, under the command of Major General Armistead.

A lawyer, Francis Scott Key, was on his way to release a civilian prisoner of war, from the British fleet.

"Colonel John Skinner, I need your help," Francis Scott Key said to Colonel Skinner, "Doctor William Beanes has been taken prisoner by the British."

"What has your doctor friend done, to be taken?" Colonel Skinner asked.

"I am not a hundred percent sure," Francis Key answered, "I believe it may have been Dr. Beanes, arresting British sailors."

Francis Key then pulled out some envelopes and continued, "I have here, however, letters from the British's own men telling of how well they had been treated by Dr. Beanes."

Colonel Skinner felt like this would definitely help in securing the doctor's release, and said, "Very good!  We'll find your friend, Dr. Beanes, and see if we can get him back home safely."

And so, Francis Scott Key and Colonel John Skinner, found out that Dr. Beanes was on a British ship headed up the Patapsco River.  Francis Key and Colonel Skinner then boarded the ship.

"I say!" Francis Key complained, while pacing the deck, after much waiting, "What is taking them so long to see us?"

"Patience, Mr. Key," Colonel Skinner chuckled, "they will see us soon enough."

Francis Key sat down beside Colonel Skinner, just outside the captain's cabin, and said quietly, "I do not like being here on an enemy ship, where it seems as though everyone is watching my every move."

"I don't like it any more than you," Colonel Skinner replied.

Inside the captain's cabin, Admiral Cochrane spoke with one of his British officers.

"I have just received word," he said, "that Major General Robert Ross has been killed in action at Northpoint, and Colonel Arthur Brooke has assumed command of our forces on land.  I want you to go to Colonel Brooke and inform him not to engage the enemy, unless victory is assured, or until we have captured Fort McHenry!"

"Yes, Sir!" the British officer saluted, then walked out the door.

"Colonel Skinner," Francis Key quickly whispered, "did you hear that?  They're planning an attack on Fort McHenry!"

Before Colonel Skinner could answer, the British officer saw the Colonel and Key sitting just outside the captain's cabin.

"What are you two doing here?" he asked with aggravation, "You heard our plans, didn't you?  Come in to see Admiral Cochrane right this second!"

The three men walked into the captain's cabin.

"Sir," the British officer started, "I found these two men snooping just outside your door."

"Oh, these must be the men I was told about," Admiral Cocrane replied, "Thank you, you may deliver your message, now."

The British officer left the ship, then Admiral Cochrane turned his attention to Colonel Skinner and Francis Key.

"Well, what is it?" the Admiral asked, "What do you want?  I am very busy right now."

"Sir," Colonel Skinner answered, "we have come to secure the release of one Dr. William Beanes."

"Oh, you mean the man who arrested three of our men?"  Admiral Cochrane said, with displeasure.

"Yes, Sir," Colonel Skinner replied.

"Well, you can forget it," the Admiral sternly returned.

Francis Key grew frustrated and said, "But I have here, letters from those men, telling of their treatment... Sir."

Then Francis Key put forth the letters.

"Yes, well," Admiral Cochrane said after reading the letters, "your doctor may be released.  But!  You two and Dr. Beanes will have to stay here on the ship until our plans are complete.  We do not want you warning the Yankees of our attack."

So, on September 13th at 6:30 in the morning, being forced to stay on the British ship and watch from afar, Francis Scott Key, Colonel John Skinner, and Dr. William Beanes stood in the pouring rain, as the British opened fire on Fort McHenry.

At the Fort, as the bombs began flying in the sky,  Major General Armistead called out, "We are under attack!  Fire the guns!!  Aim at the ships!!  FIRE!!!"

The Americans fired at the British with no impact.  The British fleet was out of range for the Fort's guns, but the British guns were not doing much better.

"Move the ships closer to the Fort!"  Admiral Cochrane ordered, "We need to make more of an impact!"

When the ships moved closer to the Fort, they were in range of the Fort's guns.

"Pull back!!"  Admiral Cochrane reordered, "We must draw back to our original position!"

The battle raged on, all through the day and into the night.
Key and his companions watched as the bombardment continued.

"This is hard to watch," Francis Key stated.

"The flag flying over the Fort is what we must be looking for," Colonel Skinner replied.

"Yes," Dr. Beanes said with enthusiasm, "If the flag is lowered, the Fort is fallen."

"I can barely see the flag, now.  It must be 'round 8 o'clock.  The only time those Stars and Stripes are visible, is when the bombs explode."

Admiral Cochrane had a change of strategy, "Move the ships around the Fort!" he commanded, "Perhaps we can strike more brutally and still not take heavy blows, ourselves."

It was dark and the British did not know the area very well.  So, when they shot off signal rockets, it gave away their position.  Two other forts, Fort Covington and Fort Babcock, which were on either side of the river, fired at the British fleet, causing even more damage.

Once again, Admiral Cochrane gave orders to move, "Go back!!  This position is worse than the last!!"

The battle went on and on, and eventually, at Fort McHenry, Major General Armistead said, "Lower the flag.  Bring out the bigger one!!"

Francis Scott Key cried out from the ship's deck, "The flag!!  It's going down!!"

"No, it can't be!" Dr. Beanes replied in despair, "Are you sure?"

"The bombing has stopped, after 25 hours.  But it's too dark, I can't see anything!"  Colonel Skinner answered.

"We will have to wait... until morning's first light," Francis Key said with somewhat sorrowful suspense.

Key and his companions waited for what seemed like an eternity.  And then, there it was, an even bigger American flag than the first one, blowing proudly in the wind, over Fort McHenry.  The Fort had endured to victory.

Francis Scott Key was so moved by the sight, that he pulled out an envelope and pen, from his pocket, and started to scribble down a poem.  He finished the poem, later that day.  And when Key, and his companions, were released from the British ship, he took the poem to be published.

The poem was originally titled "Defense of Fort McHenry," but was later renamed "The Star-Spangled Banner."
The poem was set to an old drinking song, called "Anacreon in Heaven."
So, both of the attempts of the British, on land and water, were thwarted, and in 1931, congress finally adopted the poem, along with the song, as our National Anthem.

It is estimated that as many as 1,500 to 1,800 bombs were fired at Fort McHenry, and an estimated 400 bombs actually made it into the Fort.
The Americans suffered 4 casualties and 24 wounded.
The British, however, suffered 300 killed, wounded, and captured, mostly in the attempt to go around the Fort.

One of the most dangerous times for the Fort, was when a bomb landed with some unprotected gunpowder, but failed to explode.  Some believe it was the rain causing the bomb to go out.  Others believe that God was protecting them.  The War of 1812 ended a little more than a year, after the battle at Fort McHenry.

And now, here is The Star-Spangled Banner in it's entirety:

"Oh! Say can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming;
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there;
Oh, say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze o'er the towering steep
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam;
Its full glory reflected now shines on the stream;
'Tis the star-spangled banner!  Oh!  Long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

And where is the band who so vauntingly swore,
'Mid the havoc of war and the battle's confusion,
A home and a country they'd leave us no more?
Their blood hath washed out their foul footsteps' pollution;
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave,
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Oh! Thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation;
Blessed with victory and peace, may the Heaven-rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, for our cause it is just,
And this be our motto, "In God is our trust":
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!"

Thank you again for taking the time to read this story, of the founding of our National Anthem.

Welcome to my corner in the World Wide Web.  This is a new place that I will be posting some of my writings for your enjoyment.  Come back tomorrow so you can read my first story to appear on this site, "The Battle of Fort McHenry."  Have a nice day!
This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalms‬ ‭118‬:‭24

Elizabeth :)
Jesus loves ya! <3