We remember...

The Declaration of Arbroath, in translation, has become a rallying cry.

...as long as a hundred of us remain alive, never will we on any conditions be subjected to the lordship of the English. It is in truth not for glory, nor riches, nor honors that we are fighting, but for freedom alone, which no honest man gives up but with life itself.

Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death

Patrick Henry, March 23, 1775.

It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace-- but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!

♥

First Glimpse...

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY

There is a certain look…that mysterious and wonderful, incredible, “first glimpse” when a mother sees her child for the first time, the world is renewed with the hope that God has a plan for this particular child. aMandalin came into the world looking around to see what was going on. But the look on her mother's face says it all. I was pleased to capture that loving, tender maternal look that a mother has for her firstborn. Katherine gave us the precious gift of our first grandchild, aMandalin.

HANDFASTING...BINDING TOGETHER

Recently, a friend told me of a wedding she had attended where the ancient ceremony of “handfasting,” symbolic of binding the couple together for life, was celebrated during the wedding ceremony. I have often read of the handfasting custom when researching Scottish history. Handfasting was most often a ceremony of betrothal, a year before the actual wedding took place. We moderns say; we are “engaged” to be married. This custom is not unique to the Scots, but is an ancient Celtic custom that dates back to early medieval times. Today, the custom is making a comeback, but most often during the actual wedding celebration. Since the season for weddings has arrived, I thought to include some portions of the handfasting ceremony.

The Binding

Now you are bound one to the other
With a tie not easy to break.
Take the time of binding
Before the final vows are made
To learn what you need to know -
To grow in wisdom and love.
That your marriage will be strong
That your love will last
In this life and beyond.

Scottish Wedding Prayer

Lord help us to remember when
We first met and the strong
love that grew between us.
To work that love into
practical things so that nothing
can divide us.
We ask for words both kind
and loving and hearts always
ready to ask forgiveness
as well as to forgive.
Dear Lord, we put our
marriage into your hands.