for 9-11

I was debating whether or not to add a weekdate to this post, but I just decided to forego that this week.  My life is very boring lately, and absolutely nothing exciting has happened since last Tuesday.  So, without further ado...

Tuesday, September 11, 2001

I had just turned eight, and was starting third grade.  I was at school with Rachel (we were in the same class).

My school went on lockdown, and I didn't think much of it because we had practice lockdowns and fire drills pretty often.  But then over the loudspeakers Rachel and I were asked to come to the office.  Our teacher got us ready to go and we went out into the hall.  I remember it was really creepy because all the classroom doors were shut and locked and we were by ourselves walking to the office.

My mom had come to pick us up early, just to make sure we were okay, and we went home.  That was when I found out what was going on because my mom left the news on all day.  They played the clip over and over of the planes flying into the towers, and then the towers falling.  I still didn't really understand it, though.

The next day I went to school and one of the girls in my class was crying because she thought her dad was on one of the planes.  I thought she was silly for crying.  I didn't know how many people had died.  It took several years for me to grasp the magnitude of the event.

May we never forget.

Children of the Heav'nly Father

I found this poem today at this website, and I have just fallen in love with it. With what love our heavenly Father cares for His children!

Children of the Heav'nly Father

Children of the heav’nly Father

Safely in His bosom gather;

Nestling bird nor star in Heaven

Such a refuge e’er was given.

God His own doth tend and nourish;

In His holy courts they flourish;

From all evil things He spares them;

In His mighty arms He bears them.

Neither life nor death shall ever

From the Lord His children sever;

Unto them His grace He showeth,

And their sorrows all He knoweth.

Though He giveth or He taketh,

God His children ne’er forsaketh;

His the loving purpose solely

To preserve them pure and holy.

Lo their very hairs He numbers

And no daily care encumbers

Them that share His ev’ry blessing

And His help in woes distressing.

Praise the Lord in joyful numbers:

Your Protector never slumbers.

At the will of your Defender

Ev’ry foeman must surrender.

-- Lina Sandell

Never forget those who were lost ten years ago.  Take some time to be away with the Lord today and lift up the families and friends who continue to grieve.  May He still use this tragedy for His glory and the salvation of many.  Pray also for the soldiers who continue to fight in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and for the families of those who have died in combat.