This past week I received an e-mail cartoon drawing depicting a man standing over a grill as the hotdogs, bratwursts, and hamburgers were sizzling.  As the man was looking at the progress of these meats, he wonders, "Is there anything I forgot?"  In the smoke billowing from the grill, pictures of members of the armed forces are shown.  He remembered one of the "traditions" we recognize on the first weekend of summer, but forgot the reason why the last Monday of the month of May is a national holiday.  

Memorial Day, also known as Decoration Day, was first established in 1865 to honor the Union soldiers of the Civil War, but was expanded after WWI to include all American casualties of any war or military action. Since 1971, it was decreed that Memorial Day be observed on the last Monday of the month instead of on May 30.  Tomorrow, testimonies of gratitude will be given as flags are waving in the breeze in front lawns, along streets, or displayed near the headstones of our fallen soldiers.   We will honor the men and women who gave their life to ensure our freedom as American citizens.    

For the past 233 some years, we have heard stories and read accounts of men and women who were willing to give their life as they fought for a cause they believed in giving their children and future generations the opportunity to have the freedoms spelled out in the Constitution.   Through the testimony of their military actions we are able to live the American dream!    

In our epistle reading today, another decree, proclaimed nearly 2000 years earlier by the apostle John, shares the testimony of Christ's mission:  "God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.  He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.    The Gospel is the testimony of God Himself concerning the salvation which was earned by His Son Jesus Christ."  I John 5: 11-12.      

I place my trust in Jesus to protect me from sin, death, and the power of the devil.  Christ was willing to give His life so we may have eternal life.  He constantly gave evidence throughout His earthly ministry that He was indeed God. Because I place my faith in the significance of His death and resurrection, I am able to one day live the heavenly dream!        

As each of us celebrates the Memorial Day holiday in our own unique way, I encourage you to take time to give thanks for all those who fought for the freedoms we have as American citizens.  But just as important, please also take the time to thank God for the freedom you have as a child of God.    

Enjoying the ride,