A Prayer for Soldiers

We Said A Little Prayer Today

We said a little prayer today

A Prayer for mates who died

And no one here's ashamed to say

There's been some tears we've cried

For good mates full of zest for life

Cut down while in their prime

Amid the war's furore and strife

Now gone before their time

We said a little prayer today

For all their families

And asking Lord for strength that they

Can bear their sadness please!

For parents who have lost a son

And kids who lost their Dad

And wives who've lost beloved ones

So tragic Lord, so sad.

We said a little prayer today

For strength and courage for

The mates And colleagues who must stay

Away to fight this war

We're sure they're sad to lose their friends

So help them bear the strain

That when one day this fighting ends

This cost won't be in vain

We said a little prayer today

For those who sacrifice

Their lives in service in the fray

To pay our freedom's price

O help us God to realise

As tears flow for the lost

Our peace and freedom is the prize

That's won at such a cost

- Padre Jim Cosgrove

before you complain.....

Don't just think of them on ANZAC Day their out there doing it tough 365, 24/7.

Caroline xoxo

ANZAC Day - Ragged Bloody Heroes

Today is Anzac Day where we as Australians come together to lay our respect for the men & women who fought for our country.

With my eldest son in the Army and my youngest son who will play the drums with the Army cadets at four different Anzac day marches, our day will start early, we have to leave here by 2.15am(So I'm praying blogger will publish this respectfully on time :-)

Please take the time to listen to this wonderful song- Ragged Bloody heroes by Luke O'Shea and his band Medicine Wheel. Some of the footage in the clip sends tingles down my spine as my skin goose-bumps.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.

LEST WE FORGET

WRONG SIDE OF THE WORLD

Australian Country music star Beccy Cole wrote POSTER GIRL (wrong side of the world) as a response to a letter she received from a fan after she spent 2wks visiting Australian Soldiers overseas.

The fan wrote that he would be taking her poster off his wall and would not be listening to her music anymore.

Beccy was quoted as saying "That when I met the troops I become patriotic and really proud. I met young, enthusiastic Australians that just want to keep terrorism from reaching our home shores so that Australians can keep the life of peace & freedom"

She also says she did not know what her stance was until she went over there. People are quick to judge these situations without knowing fully what it's all about. Prior to that she said she would have said she was staunchly anti -war -but then again aren't we all

Please take the time to listen & have a great day

Caroline xoxoxo

AUTUMN CLEANING

I have been Sorting, De cluttering, Simplifying and just basically starting my good old clean up.

Forget Spring Cleaning, Autumn is the season that works for me.

Spring is such a busy time.

Busy working (Time for all the babies (Foals) to be born, time to re bred all the mares for next springs arrivals, busy in the garden-getting ready to plant spring veggies before the days get to hot.

Spring for me is a time to shake free the confines of the indoor winter hibernation, the days lengthen and we enjoy many a long day at the beach followed by picnics & BBQ's that continue well into the night.

So that is why I Autumn clean.

Autumn is a time to prepare my house for winter. A time to wash all the Rugs, Quilts, Pillows & Cushions while there is still enough warmth in the air to line dry my washing. It is Essential for me to smell the sunlight in my fresh clean washing.(Heaven)

A time to Sort, Rotate & Replenish my stockpile.

A kinda primitive form of hunting & gathering I think.

Almost like a bear or akin to a squirrel gathering food to store for the winter.

Fun sorting through all our old Board games, Books & DVDs ready for family nights cuddled up warm together with an essential comfort food. Warm Creamy rice with a good dollop of fresh cream comes to mind.

So this is what I will be doing this weekend and over the following weeks to come. I am a little late to start this year. What with all the dramas that have come of late.

A ritual I usually start sometime after Anzac Day(25April) as usually this is when the weather starts to cool.

Alas life is a journey and preparing my house for the coming cooler months gives me much pleasure. A feeling that I am lucky to be able to provide a warm, secure loving home surrounded by our treasures & mementos that help shape who we are and what we like as a family. Oh and plenty of warm creamy rice too!!

Have a GREAT Weekend.

CAROLINExoxoxo

PLAY'IN SPOT YOUR SON-AGAIN!!

This is something I struggle with -Finding my son.

Glad I didn't have so much trouble when he was a kid!!

Well I know he's not here!!

Nor in the band....








Ahh.... Got the right Battalion








There he is.....







Well somewhere in there.....



and I thought I would know my boy ANYWHERE!!!

ANZAC DAY 2009

THE SOLDIERS PRAYER

The Soldier stood and faced his God,

Which must always come to pass.

He hoped his shoes were shining,

Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, you Soldier,

How shall I deal with you?

Have you always turned the other cheek?

To My Church have you been true?"

The Soldier squared his shoulders and said,

"No my Lord I ain't.

Because those of us that carry guns

can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sunday's

And at times my talk was tough.

And sometimes I've been violent,

Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a dollar,

That wasn't mine to keep...

Though I worked alot of overtime,

When the bills got just to steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,

Though at times I shook with fear.

And sometimes, God, forgive me,

I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place,

Among the people here.

They never wanted me around,

Except to calm their fears.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,

It needn't be so grand.

I never expected or had to much,

But if you don't, I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne,

Where the Saints had often trod.

As the Soldier waited quietly,

For the judgement of his God.

"Step forward now, you Soldier,

You've borne your burdens well.

Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,

"YOU'VE DONE YOUR TIME IN HELL."

-Author Unknown-

Today is not about war it is about peace.

May we look on the next lot of vets who come home from Afghananistan and Iraq with the same respect. What ever your beliefs- They are there to do a job, it is not their choice.

It's the Soldier, not the reporter, who has given us the

freedom of the press.

It's the Soldier, not the poet, who has given us the

freedom of speech.

It's the Soldier, not the politicians, that ensures our right to life,

freedom and the pursuit of Happiness.

It's the Soldier who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag,

and whose coffin is draped by the flag.

If you care to offer the smallest token of recognition

and appreciation for our Armed Services Men & Women,

please pass this message on.

And pray for our men and women who have served and are

currently serving our country and pray for those who have given

the ultimate sacrifice for

OUR FREEDOM.

ANZAC DAY AUSTRALIA

THESE COLOURS DON'T RUN

If you can read this- then thank a Primary School Teacher!!

If you are reading this in English-then thank the Australian Defence Forces!!!

ANZAC DAY is tomorrow 25th April -God bless our Servicemen & Women.