To God alone be the glory. It's such a simple, beautiful statement. I think this could just about summarize the "action" portion of our existence. This concept has been recurring in my life.
Among other things, our current sermon series at church is entitled: "The ONE thing."
We allow our lives to become so cluttered with every other THING that may be happening in our lives, or perhaps it is material THINGS and the stress and effort we put into attaining them.
With such a simple statement, why can't we toss the chaff of life up into the air, letting the breath of God BLOW it away, leaving only the precious kernels of wheat that remain and fall to the ground?
My opinion: we're control freaks. This is most certainly true in my life, as I continually find myself opening and closing the doors in the house that represents my life- maybe a closet here, a front room there, some attitude I don't want to give up or a worry that I can't seem to hand over.
Perhaps we'd do well to try to remember the simplicity of our faith. with child-like belief, turn over to Him the struggles and stresses of daily life and simply sit on the blanket as if our Creator was having storytime and we are free to simply drift off to sleep in His presence.
The five solas of some of our faith-forefathers:
Soli Deo Gloria- To God Alone Be the Glory
Sola Fide- By Faith Alone
Sola Gratia- By Grace Alone
Solus Christus- Through Christ Alone
Sola Scriptura- By Scripture Alone
Friday, July 17, 2009
Thursday, April 9, 2009
(un-)Thankful Thursday
That which we take for granted is sometimes that which we should be most thankful for. (Laura Weimer, 2009)
Today's post actually stems from my own ungratefulness. Several weeks ago, I was having a bad day/week at work. While complaining to a dear friend, she replied simply, "Be thankful you HAVE a job." At the time, I was a little bit peeved. I wanted her to focus on MY selfish complaining, I didn't want to be corrected. Besides, I wasn't concerned about my job security. They NEEDED me, or so I thought. Weeks later, now among the ranks of the laid-off, I realize how selfish I can be.
Today, I'm thankful for employment. More specifically, I'm thankful for a hard-working husband that can support both of us until I'm able to find another job, and I'm thankful for the job that God will provide next, in His time.
I'm also thankful for friends that will kick your attitude's butt when you need it.
What are you thankful for today?
Today's post actually stems from my own ungratefulness. Several weeks ago, I was having a bad day/week at work. While complaining to a dear friend, she replied simply, "Be thankful you HAVE a job." At the time, I was a little bit peeved. I wanted her to focus on MY selfish complaining, I didn't want to be corrected. Besides, I wasn't concerned about my job security. They NEEDED me, or so I thought. Weeks later, now among the ranks of the laid-off, I realize how selfish I can be.
Today, I'm thankful for employment. More specifically, I'm thankful for a hard-working husband that can support both of us until I'm able to find another job, and I'm thankful for the job that God will provide next, in His time.
I'm also thankful for friends that will kick your attitude's butt when you need it.
What are you thankful for today?
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Not-so-Wordless Wednesday (Survey taken from Jess)
1, What color is your toothbrush? I match Jess. Pink and white, actually.
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2, Name one person who made you smile today: She’s not actually a person, but the way I talk to her you might be surprised- my puppy was leaning over her own shoulder to try to nibble at an itch on her butt, and toppled over, doing an almost-perfect backward summersault (sp?)
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3, What were you doing at 8 am this morning? At work. Dreading.
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4, What were you doing 45 minutes ago? Responding to a client email with an answer I’ve given about a million times.
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5, What is your favorite candy bar? Lately, Skor.
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6, Have you ever been to a strip club? If by “been to” you mean ‘driven past Shotgun Willie’s and scrunched up my nose at the thought’, then yes.
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7. What is the last thing you said aloud? I love you too, honey. Have a good day. (Awww…)
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8. What is your favorite ice cream flavor? My mood changes so often on this. Whirled Peace now.
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9, What was the last thing you had to drink? Water. Boring, I know
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10, Do you like your wallet? Not really. I think it’s too thick, but it’s just barely big enough to hold everything it needs to.
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11, What was the last thing you ate? Shredded wheat for breakfast.
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12, Have you bought any new clothing items this week? Not this week, but I got a cute short-sleeved white blazer/jacket last week for our 3-generation pictures with my Granny on her 80th birthday =D
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13, The last sporting event you watched? Hmm- probably Wild v. Avalanche when Kati and I went to the game with Sarah. SO much fun, thank you Sarah!!
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14, What is your favorite flavor of popcorn? Doc popcorn extra-cheesy. It’s the one thing I WON’T share with my hubby ;)
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15, Who is the last person you sent a text message too? Hubby.
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16, Ever go camping? Yep. Last trip was at Steamboat Lake- it was SO pretty.
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17, Do you take vitamins daily? Used to. Need to get back to that.
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18, Do you go to church every Sunday? I try to.
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19, Do you have a tan? Not a chance.
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20, Do you prefer Chinese food over pizza? If it’s peanut butter chicken, yes. Anything else, no.
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21, Do you drink your soda with a straw? Usually only when I’m out.
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22, What did your last text message say? “buy pumpkin” (puppy problems- don’t ask)
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23, What are you doing tomorrow? Working and hopefully finishing my wedding album.
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25, Look to your left, what do you see? My great dane calendar.
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26, What color is your watch? I have one that’s silver, but the battery died and I haven’t replaced it. It’s part of the ongoing saga of my experiences with short-lived watch batteries.
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27, What do you think of when you hear Australia? The Sydney Opera House
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29, Do you go in at a fast food place or just hit the drive thru? More common to drive through.
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30. What is your favorite numbers? 6.01.08
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31, Who's the last person you talked to on the phone? My nephew. He wanted to know whether I dunk my Oreos in milk or not.
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32, Any plans today? Work, then work on my wedding album.
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33, How many states have you lived in? 2- Minnesota and Colorado
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34, Biggest annoyance right now? A co-worker we like to call Elmo.
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35, Last song listened to? In the Real World They’re shuttin’ Detroit Down (dunno if that’s the actual title or not, but that’s how I know it)
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36,Can you say the alphabet backwards? Probably not.
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37, Do you have a maid service clean your house? I wish.
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38, Favorite pair of shoes you wear all the time? I’ve literally worn out my favorites, and don’t have any REALLY comfy ones right now.
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39, Are you jealous of anyone? I don’t really think so…
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40, Is anyone jealous of you? Doubtful.
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41, Do you love anyone? No doubt. Obviously, my hubby tops the list.
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42, Do any of your friends have children? Yes- I’m perfectly content to leave that to them for the moment.
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43, What do you usually do during the day? Work, but that’s changing very soon.
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44, Do you hate anyone that you know right now? Definitely not hate, but there are a couple that I’m pretty frustrated with. (refer to #43- laid off recently, and #34)
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45, Do you use the word 'hello' daily? Usually in the form of, “Hello, this is Laura…”
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46, What color is your car? One’s navy blue, the other green.
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47, Do you like cats? yeah, but I can't eat a whole one by myself. (Haaa haaa! I had to leave Jess’ answer on that one)
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48. Are you thinking about someone right now? Yah, and my trip to MN coming up.
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49, Have you ever been to Six Flags? It USED to be Six Flags, now it’s just Elitch Gardens again.
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50, How did you get your worst scar? Appendectomy.
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2, Name one person who made you smile today: She’s not actually a person, but the way I talk to her you might be surprised- my puppy was leaning over her own shoulder to try to nibble at an itch on her butt, and toppled over, doing an almost-perfect backward summersault (sp?)
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3, What were you doing at 8 am this morning? At work. Dreading.
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4, What were you doing 45 minutes ago? Responding to a client email with an answer I’ve given about a million times.
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5, What is your favorite candy bar? Lately, Skor.
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6, Have you ever been to a strip club? If by “been to” you mean ‘driven past Shotgun Willie’s and scrunched up my nose at the thought’, then yes.
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7. What is the last thing you said aloud? I love you too, honey. Have a good day. (Awww…)
*
8. What is your favorite ice cream flavor? My mood changes so often on this. Whirled Peace now.
*
9, What was the last thing you had to drink? Water. Boring, I know
*
10, Do you like your wallet? Not really. I think it’s too thick, but it’s just barely big enough to hold everything it needs to.
*
11, What was the last thing you ate? Shredded wheat for breakfast.
*
12, Have you bought any new clothing items this week? Not this week, but I got a cute short-sleeved white blazer/jacket last week for our 3-generation pictures with my Granny on her 80th birthday =D
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13, The last sporting event you watched? Hmm- probably Wild v. Avalanche when Kati and I went to the game with Sarah. SO much fun, thank you Sarah!!
*
14, What is your favorite flavor of popcorn? Doc popcorn extra-cheesy. It’s the one thing I WON’T share with my hubby ;)
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15, Who is the last person you sent a text message too? Hubby.
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16, Ever go camping? Yep. Last trip was at Steamboat Lake- it was SO pretty.
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17, Do you take vitamins daily? Used to. Need to get back to that.
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18, Do you go to church every Sunday? I try to.
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19, Do you have a tan? Not a chance.
*
20, Do you prefer Chinese food over pizza? If it’s peanut butter chicken, yes. Anything else, no.
*
21, Do you drink your soda with a straw? Usually only when I’m out.
*
22, What did your last text message say? “buy pumpkin” (puppy problems- don’t ask)
*
23, What are you doing tomorrow? Working and hopefully finishing my wedding album.
*
25, Look to your left, what do you see? My great dane calendar.
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26, What color is your watch? I have one that’s silver, but the battery died and I haven’t replaced it. It’s part of the ongoing saga of my experiences with short-lived watch batteries.
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27, What do you think of when you hear Australia? The Sydney Opera House
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29, Do you go in at a fast food place or just hit the drive thru? More common to drive through.
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30. What is your favorite numbers? 6.01.08
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31, Who's the last person you talked to on the phone? My nephew. He wanted to know whether I dunk my Oreos in milk or not.
*
32, Any plans today? Work, then work on my wedding album.
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33, How many states have you lived in? 2- Minnesota and Colorado
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34, Biggest annoyance right now? A co-worker we like to call Elmo.
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35, Last song listened to? In the Real World They’re shuttin’ Detroit Down (dunno if that’s the actual title or not, but that’s how I know it)
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36,Can you say the alphabet backwards? Probably not.
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37, Do you have a maid service clean your house? I wish.
*
38, Favorite pair of shoes you wear all the time? I’ve literally worn out my favorites, and don’t have any REALLY comfy ones right now.
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39, Are you jealous of anyone? I don’t really think so…
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40, Is anyone jealous of you? Doubtful.
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41, Do you love anyone? No doubt. Obviously, my hubby tops the list.
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42, Do any of your friends have children? Yes- I’m perfectly content to leave that to them for the moment.
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43, What do you usually do during the day? Work, but that’s changing very soon.
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44, Do you hate anyone that you know right now? Definitely not hate, but there are a couple that I’m pretty frustrated with. (refer to #43- laid off recently, and #34)
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45, Do you use the word 'hello' daily? Usually in the form of, “Hello, this is Laura…”
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46, What color is your car? One’s navy blue, the other green.
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47, Do you like cats? yeah, but I can't eat a whole one by myself. (Haaa haaa! I had to leave Jess’ answer on that one)
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48. Are you thinking about someone right now? Yah, and my trip to MN coming up.
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49, Have you ever been to Six Flags? It USED to be Six Flags, now it’s just Elitch Gardens again.
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50, How did you get your worst scar? Appendectomy.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Not Me! Monday
Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to http://www.mycharmingkids.net"> her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.
I did NOT leave a half-full cup of crappuccino on my desk at work over a three-day weekend.
Definitely not, because that would be gross and get a little smelly. Nope. Not me.
I did NOT neglect to water my plant for, oh, 3 and a half weeks until some of the leaves started turning brown. I don't know WHAT kind of plant this is, but it must be pretty hardy to survive my (lack of) care.
I did NOT buy my puppy 3 new outfits, including a ruffly pink dress, because that would be WAY too girly for me. Not me.
I am NOT writing Not Me! Monday from work. That would be wrong.
I didn't ask my hubby to set up a TV and DVD player in the bathroom so I wouldn't be so bored during the 4 hours I spent in there due to a colonoscopy "prep treatment".
I did not go to the Christian Bookstore promising Dear Hubby it would be a quick trip with not much spent and leave with $77.00 worth of goods. And I did not get panicky and try to subtley get him to leave before I found more that I "needed".
I didn't take the liberty when visiting my sick puppy at the vet hospital of finding the "potty pads" and having Mike help me replace it ourselves so she wouldn't have to lay on a wet one.
What DIDN't you do this week?
I did NOT leave a half-full cup of crappuccino on my desk at work over a three-day weekend.
Definitely not, because that would be gross and get a little smelly. Nope. Not me.
I did NOT neglect to water my plant for, oh, 3 and a half weeks until some of the leaves started turning brown. I don't know WHAT kind of plant this is, but it must be pretty hardy to survive my (lack of) care.
I did NOT buy my puppy 3 new outfits, including a ruffly pink dress, because that would be WAY too girly for me. Not me.
I am NOT writing Not Me! Monday from work. That would be wrong.
I didn't ask my hubby to set up a TV and DVD player in the bathroom so I wouldn't be so bored during the 4 hours I spent in there due to a colonoscopy "prep treatment".
I did not go to the Christian Bookstore promising Dear Hubby it would be a quick trip with not much spent and leave with $77.00 worth of goods. And I did not get panicky and try to subtley get him to leave before I found more that I "needed".
I didn't take the liberty when visiting my sick puppy at the vet hospital of finding the "potty pads" and having Mike help me replace it ourselves so she wouldn't have to lay on a wet one.
What DIDN't you do this week?
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Thankful Thursday
Things I am thankful for this week:
1. Erin, for informing me that although I want my honeymoon posts to appear consecutively, once I find the hard-copy journal I kept and post my other entries, I can back-date them. I don't have to wait to blog until I finish that project! Thanks, Ern!
2. My hubby. He's been through a lot the last two months. Taking (very good) care of me not feeling well, then caring for a very sick puppy. What a great guy, caring for his two sick girls.
3. A renewed "hunger and thirst for righteousness". I love these times in my life that when I'm in the Word, I just can't get enough.
4. The opportunity to be in Minnesota to celebrate my Granny's birthday with her (in March), and my hubby for making it happen.
5. A doctor that seems as though he'll continue to be much more pro-active than the previous one and will hopefully figure this stuff out soon.
What are you thankful for this week?
1. Erin, for informing me that although I want my honeymoon posts to appear consecutively, once I find the hard-copy journal I kept and post my other entries, I can back-date them. I don't have to wait to blog until I finish that project! Thanks, Ern!
2. My hubby. He's been through a lot the last two months. Taking (very good) care of me not feeling well, then caring for a very sick puppy. What a great guy, caring for his two sick girls.
3. A renewed "hunger and thirst for righteousness". I love these times in my life that when I'm in the Word, I just can't get enough.
4. The opportunity to be in Minnesota to celebrate my Granny's birthday with her (in March), and my hubby for making it happen.
5. A doctor that seems as though he'll continue to be much more pro-active than the previous one and will hopefully figure this stuff out soon.
What are you thankful for this week?
Be Careful What you Complain About
On June 8, 2005, the following item appeared in the Albuquerque Tribune:
(7) Air Force Capt. Jeremy Fresques, a Farmington native and Farmington High School graduate, joined a growing list of New Mexicans who have died in the war on terrorism, when the surveillance plane in which he flew crashed last week 80 miles northeast of Baghdad. Three of his U.S. colleagues and an Iraqi airman also were killed. Fresques was awarded the Bronze Medal posthumously Friday.
Fresques was 26. He left behind a wife — also an Air Force captain — and his parents. His sacrifice — and theirs — in the name of our nation's security and the cause of democracy was immense. Col. O.G. Mannon, commander of the 16th Special Operations Wing, rightly called Fresques and his comrades "heroes." We regard Fresques and all men and women with New Mexico connections as family and hold them deeply in our hearts. (1)
Capt. Fresque was killed in the line of duty on Memorial Day 2005, a month before he was to return home, and news of his death was conveyed that day to Lt. Col. Scott Pleus, commander of the 63rd Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base in Glendale, Arizona, where Capt. Fresques had previously been stationed. Lt. Col. Pleus, along with a chaplain and a medical technician, drove that evening to Yuma, Arizona, to undertake the sad duty of notifying Capt. Fresque's parents of their loss. (7)
About a week later, Lt. Col. Pleus was notified that a memorial service would be held for Capt. Fresque in Sun City, Arizona, on 15 June and that a fly-by from Luke AFB had been requested as part of the service in Capt. Fresque's honor. Lt. Col. Pleus quickly assented: (7) Of course we would do it. It's a four-ship formation. They fly straight and level over the gravesite and then, directly over the service, the No. 3 plane pulls away while the others fly straight ahead. Symbolically he's headed for heaven. It's the highest form of respect we can pay to a fallen airman.
Everyone involved in such a service considers it an honor. The fliers. The honor guard. The bugler who plays taps. All of us. (2) While preparing to head from Glendale to Sun City (a distance of about 6 miles) for the memorial service, four F-16 fighter jets from Luke AFB flew a holding pattern over Glendale's Arrowhead Mall, prompting a local resident unaware of their purpose to send a sarcastic letter of complaint to the editor of The Arizona Republic:
(7) A letter to the Editor;
Question of the day for Luke Air Force Base: Whom do we thank for the morning air show?
Last Wednesday, at precisely 9:11 a.m., a tight formation of four F-16 jets made a low pass over Arrowhead Mall, continuing west over Bell Road at approximately 500 feet. Imagine our good fortune!
Do the Tom Cruise-wannabes feel we need this wake-up call, or were they trying to impress the cashiers at Mervyns' early-bird special?
Any response would be appreciated.
Tom MacRae, Peoria (3) The correspondent received a response from Col. Robin Rand, commander of Luke AFB's 56th Fighter Wing, in the pages of that same newspaper the following day: (7)
Luke Air Force Base was asked to respond to a letter writer's question about a "morning air show" he observed recently ("A wake-up call from Luke's jets," Letters, Thursday):
The "wake-up call" witnessed the morning of June 15 was a formation of F-16 jets from Luke Air Force Base lining up for a memorial service in Sun City at the gravesite for Air Force Capt. Jeremy Fresques, an officer assigned to Air Force Special Operations. Fresques gave his life in defense of our country while serving in Iraq.
It is unfortunate that at a time when our nation is at war someone would believe we have less than honorable and professional reasons for such a mission.
The commander of the fighter squadron was given the difficult duty of informing the family of Capt. Fresques on Memorial Day that the officer, a husband, son and Arizonan, had died in Iraq.
On behalf of the men and women at Luke Air Force Base, we continue to keep Jeremy and his family in our thoughts and prayers.
Col. Robin Rand Luke Air Force Base
(4) Four days later, the newpaper also published a reponse from Lt. Col. Pleus himself: (7)
Regarding "A wake-up call from Luke's jets":
On June 15, at precisely 9:12 a.m., a perfectly timed four-ship of F-16s from the 63rd Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base flew over the grave of Capt Jeremy Fresques.
Capt. Fresques was an Air Force officer who was previously stationed at Luke Air Force Base and was killed in Iraq on May 30, Memorial Day.
At 9 a.m. on June 15, his family and friends gathered at Sunland Memorial Park in Sun City to mourn the loss of a husband, son and friend.
Based on the letter writer's recount of the flyby, and because of the jet noise, I'm sure you didn't hear the 21-gun salute, the playing of taps, or my words to the widow and parents of Capt. Fresques as I gave them their son's flag on behalf of the president of the United States and all those veterans and servicemen and women who understand the sacrifices they have endured.
A four-ship flyby is a display of respect the Air Force pays to those who give their lives in defense of freedom. We are professional aviators and take our jobs seriously, and on June 15 what the letter writer witnessed was four officers lining up to pay their ultimate respects.
The letter writer asks, "Whom do we thank for the morning air show?"
The 56th Fighter Wing will call for you, and forward your thanks to the widow and parents of Capt. Fresques, and thank them for you, for it was in their honor that my pilots flew the most honorable formation of their lives.
Lt. Col. Scott Pleus Luke Air Force Base (5)
To his credit, the complainant, Mr. MacRae, tendered a written apology which was published in The Republic on July 9: (7)
Regarding "Flyby honoring fallen comrade" (Letters, June 28):
I read with increasing embarrassment and humility the response to my unfortunate letter to The Republic concerning an Air Force flyby ("A wake-up call from Luke's jets," Letters, June 23).
I had no idea of the significance of the flyby, and would never have insulted such a fine and respectful display had I known.
I have received many calls from the fine airmen who are serving or have served at Luke, and I have attempted to explain my side and apologized for any discomfort my letter has caused.
This was simply an uninformed citizen complaining about noise.
I have been made aware in both written and verbal communications of the four-ship flyby, and my heart goes out to each and every lost serviceman and woman in this war in which we are engaged.
I have been called un-American by an unknown caller and I feel that I must address that. I served in the U.S. Navy and am a Vietnam veteran. I love my country and respect the jobs that the service organizations are doing.
Please accept my heartfelt apologies.
Tom MacRae, Peoria (6)
Sources
1. The Albuquerque Tribune. "Editorial: Bouquets & Brickbats." 8 June 2005. 2. Montini, E.J. "Mission of Honor Managed to Fly Under Our Radar." The Arizona Republic. 26 June 2005. 3. The Arizona Republic. "A Wake-Up Call from Luke's Jets." Letters to the Editor. 23 June 2005. 4. The Arizona Republic. "'Wake-Up' Flight Was Memorial Service." Letters to the Editor. 24 June 2005. 5. The Arizona Republic. "Flyby Honored Fallen Comrade." Letters to the Editor. 28 June 2005. 6. The Arizona Republic. "An Apology from the Heart to the Airmen of Luke." Letters to the Editor. 9 July 2005. 7. Snopes Urban Legends Reference Pages. "Wake-Up Call"
(7) Air Force Capt. Jeremy Fresques, a Farmington native and Farmington High School graduate, joined a growing list of New Mexicans who have died in the war on terrorism, when the surveillance plane in which he flew crashed last week 80 miles northeast of Baghdad. Three of his U.S. colleagues and an Iraqi airman also were killed. Fresques was awarded the Bronze Medal posthumously Friday.
Fresques was 26. He left behind a wife — also an Air Force captain — and his parents. His sacrifice — and theirs — in the name of our nation's security and the cause of democracy was immense. Col. O.G. Mannon, commander of the 16th Special Operations Wing, rightly called Fresques and his comrades "heroes." We regard Fresques and all men and women with New Mexico connections as family and hold them deeply in our hearts. (1)
Capt. Fresque was killed in the line of duty on Memorial Day 2005, a month before he was to return home, and news of his death was conveyed that day to Lt. Col. Scott Pleus, commander of the 63rd Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base in Glendale, Arizona, where Capt. Fresques had previously been stationed. Lt. Col. Pleus, along with a chaplain and a medical technician, drove that evening to Yuma, Arizona, to undertake the sad duty of notifying Capt. Fresque's parents of their loss. (7)
About a week later, Lt. Col. Pleus was notified that a memorial service would be held for Capt. Fresque in Sun City, Arizona, on 15 June and that a fly-by from Luke AFB had been requested as part of the service in Capt. Fresque's honor. Lt. Col. Pleus quickly assented: (7) Of course we would do it. It's a four-ship formation. They fly straight and level over the gravesite and then, directly over the service, the No. 3 plane pulls away while the others fly straight ahead. Symbolically he's headed for heaven. It's the highest form of respect we can pay to a fallen airman.
Everyone involved in such a service considers it an honor. The fliers. The honor guard. The bugler who plays taps. All of us. (2) While preparing to head from Glendale to Sun City (a distance of about 6 miles) for the memorial service, four F-16 fighter jets from Luke AFB flew a holding pattern over Glendale's Arrowhead Mall, prompting a local resident unaware of their purpose to send a sarcastic letter of complaint to the editor of The Arizona Republic:
(7) A letter to the Editor;
Question of the day for Luke Air Force Base: Whom do we thank for the morning air show?
Last Wednesday, at precisely 9:11 a.m., a tight formation of four F-16 jets made a low pass over Arrowhead Mall, continuing west over Bell Road at approximately 500 feet. Imagine our good fortune!
Do the Tom Cruise-wannabes feel we need this wake-up call, or were they trying to impress the cashiers at Mervyns' early-bird special?
Any response would be appreciated.
Tom MacRae, Peoria (3) The correspondent received a response from Col. Robin Rand, commander of Luke AFB's 56th Fighter Wing, in the pages of that same newspaper the following day: (7)
Luke Air Force Base was asked to respond to a letter writer's question about a "morning air show" he observed recently ("A wake-up call from Luke's jets," Letters, Thursday):
The "wake-up call" witnessed the morning of June 15 was a formation of F-16 jets from Luke Air Force Base lining up for a memorial service in Sun City at the gravesite for Air Force Capt. Jeremy Fresques, an officer assigned to Air Force Special Operations. Fresques gave his life in defense of our country while serving in Iraq.
It is unfortunate that at a time when our nation is at war someone would believe we have less than honorable and professional reasons for such a mission.
The commander of the fighter squadron was given the difficult duty of informing the family of Capt. Fresques on Memorial Day that the officer, a husband, son and Arizonan, had died in Iraq.
On behalf of the men and women at Luke Air Force Base, we continue to keep Jeremy and his family in our thoughts and prayers.
Col. Robin Rand Luke Air Force Base
(4) Four days later, the newpaper also published a reponse from Lt. Col. Pleus himself: (7)
Regarding "A wake-up call from Luke's jets":
On June 15, at precisely 9:12 a.m., a perfectly timed four-ship of F-16s from the 63rd Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base flew over the grave of Capt Jeremy Fresques.
Capt. Fresques was an Air Force officer who was previously stationed at Luke Air Force Base and was killed in Iraq on May 30, Memorial Day.
At 9 a.m. on June 15, his family and friends gathered at Sunland Memorial Park in Sun City to mourn the loss of a husband, son and friend.
Based on the letter writer's recount of the flyby, and because of the jet noise, I'm sure you didn't hear the 21-gun salute, the playing of taps, or my words to the widow and parents of Capt. Fresques as I gave them their son's flag on behalf of the president of the United States and all those veterans and servicemen and women who understand the sacrifices they have endured.
A four-ship flyby is a display of respect the Air Force pays to those who give their lives in defense of freedom. We are professional aviators and take our jobs seriously, and on June 15 what the letter writer witnessed was four officers lining up to pay their ultimate respects.
The letter writer asks, "Whom do we thank for the morning air show?"
The 56th Fighter Wing will call for you, and forward your thanks to the widow and parents of Capt. Fresques, and thank them for you, for it was in their honor that my pilots flew the most honorable formation of their lives.
Lt. Col. Scott Pleus Luke Air Force Base (5)
To his credit, the complainant, Mr. MacRae, tendered a written apology which was published in The Republic on July 9: (7)
Regarding "Flyby honoring fallen comrade" (Letters, June 28):
I read with increasing embarrassment and humility the response to my unfortunate letter to The Republic concerning an Air Force flyby ("A wake-up call from Luke's jets," Letters, June 23).
I had no idea of the significance of the flyby, and would never have insulted such a fine and respectful display had I known.
I have received many calls from the fine airmen who are serving or have served at Luke, and I have attempted to explain my side and apologized for any discomfort my letter has caused.
This was simply an uninformed citizen complaining about noise.
I have been made aware in both written and verbal communications of the four-ship flyby, and my heart goes out to each and every lost serviceman and woman in this war in which we are engaged.
I have been called un-American by an unknown caller and I feel that I must address that. I served in the U.S. Navy and am a Vietnam veteran. I love my country and respect the jobs that the service organizations are doing.
Please accept my heartfelt apologies.
Tom MacRae, Peoria (6)
Sources
1. The Albuquerque Tribune. "Editorial: Bouquets & Brickbats." 8 June 2005. 2. Montini, E.J. "Mission of Honor Managed to Fly Under Our Radar." The Arizona Republic. 26 June 2005. 3. The Arizona Republic. "A Wake-Up Call from Luke's Jets." Letters to the Editor. 23 June 2005. 4. The Arizona Republic. "'Wake-Up' Flight Was Memorial Service." Letters to the Editor. 24 June 2005. 5. The Arizona Republic. "Flyby Honored Fallen Comrade." Letters to the Editor. 28 June 2005. 6. The Arizona Republic. "An Apology from the Heart to the Airmen of Luke." Letters to the Editor. 9 July 2005. 7. Snopes Urban Legends Reference Pages. "Wake-Up Call"
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