Today we honor and remember those who have so bravely served our country in the military. We should all take some time to thank them for their service. We should all take some time to pray for their welfare and for God's blessing on their lives. As you pray for these men and women, remember to pray for their marriages. I read this alarming statistic that in 2009 alone, approximately 27,000 divorces were finalized in the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps where the husband, wife or both were deployed. The stress that these men and women face is incredible and for many their family is paying the price as well.

The Bible instructs us in Romans 13:7 that we should "give everyone what we owe them...if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor." Our military veterans certainly deserve our respect and honor and our gratitude and most important, our prayers.

I found some quotes about Veterans that I thought were inspiring and thought provoking.

It is easy to take liberty for granted, when you have never had it taken from you. ~Author unknown, sometimes attributed to M. Grundler.

In war, there are no unwounded soldiers. ~José Narosky

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Lord, bid war's trumpet cease; Fold the whole earth in peace.~Oliver Wendell Holmes

Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live taking the form of readiness to die. ~G.K. Chesterton

Don't forget to thank and pray for our Veterans.

Pastor Tim