Freedom

For a lot of people in this great nation of ours, freedom is just a word.
 Just a word politicians debate about, a word people use in speeches on days like Veterans Day and the 4th of the July.
 We hear it often enough.
But do we really know what it means?
There are people all over the world that would give up their own lives for one, solitary, second of freedom.
If their last breath on earth was to be the moment they would be given the freedom we all enjoy so much, they would die, and they would die gladly.
 Freedom is a sweet, sweet, thing that so many across the globe wish to simply have a small taste of its goodness, while those who have a steady diet forget how precious liberty is.
They have the nerve to complain, to whine that they aren't getting their fair share, when they should be getting down on their knees and thanking God for His Blessings, for placing them in a country where they can still go to church, sing, laugh and joke without fear or intimidation.
 You can hop on over to get your third coffee on whim.
You can talk about politics, government, without danger.
You lie down in bed at night, knowing that your family is safe and secure.
 You can worship God in any way you see fit, because in this country we have freedom!
And that freedom wasn't handed to us on a silver platter, either.
 It was fought for, bled for, defended and paid for by every man and woman who loved freedom more than their own lives.
They were thinking of you as they stumbled across Valley Forge.
They were thinking of you as they were being shot down in a bloody field at Gettysburg.
 They were thinking of you as they waded into that cold, tumbling waves at the beaches of Normandy.
They were thinking of you as they worked in a make-shift bamboo hospital in the middle of a place called Baatan.
 They were thinking of you as they crept through mine-infested rice fields in a strange country called Vietnam.
 They are thinking of you as they sneak through the darkness toward a enemy with only a knife as their weapon.
 Freedom is for you if only would learn to appreciate it.
Its time you got down on your knees to thank God for this blessed word.
 Freedom.
                                                                   God Bless America                                   
                                                                        LaKaysha

Please, Remember Me

I wrote this poem just today.

It may need some work, but I just wanted to know what ya'll think of it.

I've been thinking about all of the brave men of yesterday, and it saddens me that they are forgotten and mocked.

 It really hurts me, especially the men of the Alamo, who are bashed and sneered by people who don't really know just what they are saying.

 My heart just breaks for all the brave men, past and present, that sacrificed so much to keep us free. 

 



Please, Remember Me

I marched through wet and freezing weather, my feet left red in the snow,
I stumbled through fog and rain, my trials you could not know.

Such sadness, pain and loneliness, I endured it all for you.
I ask nothing in return, but there is one thing you can do.

 

No money or riches in all the world, could soothe this weary soul.
No, nothing in this world could ever make me whole.

 

But please, there is something I wish, if only the world could see,
My plea for all, please don‘t forget; Please, remember me.

I knew the enemy was stronger than we, knew we hadn’t a chance,

But my men and I had to try; had to slow their advance.

There were 185 of us, against seven thousand foe,
But we held them back for 13 days, each day filled with woe.

Although we knew we were going to die, we hadn’t any regret,

And together we fell at The Alamo, freedom for Texas set.

But please, there is something I wish, if only the world could see,
My plea for all, please don‘t forget; Please, remember me.

I took up arms against my countryman, I called him my enemy,

I shot and killed fathers and sons, because we disagree.
It is awful, the things angry men do, when the cannon roar they hear,
Those terrible sounds will forever ring in my ear.

 

But please, there is something I wish, if only the world could see,

My plea for all, please don‘t forget; Please, remember me.

Again, my country called my name, and without fail, I went.

To foreign lands and frightening trenches, my division was sent.
The German boys were tough, but us Yanks stood strong and true,
And didn’t you ever stop and think, I did it all for you?

I was gassed, shot and shell-shocked, in those days of long ago,

I witnessed horrors and evils, that no man should ever know.

But please, there is something I wish, if only the world could see,
My plea for all, please don‘t forget; Please, remember me.

So many men have given their lives, for the high price of liberty,

Normandy, Vietnam, Iraq, these places their souls were set free.
Oh, how do we repay these men, for the high price they paid?
We cannot number all the graves, the places they were laid.

But one thing we can do for them, if only we would try,

Oh, do not forget their sacrifices, even as the days go by.

But please, there is something I wish, if only the world could see,

My plea for all, please don‘t forget; Please, remember me.

Please, remember me. Please, remember me.

 

LaKaysha Stenersen
June 4, 2016

Moonlight and Love Songs Are Never Out Of Date

Vera Lynn

So, I am a very old-fashioned girl, and I listen to old songs quite often.
 I thought it would be fun to share some that you  more than likely don't know, and add a little bit of why I love them so much. ;) here goes:

As Time Goes By: sung by Vera Lynn
 This song is from the WWII era, and like most of those songs, it really pulls at my heartstrings.
 Some of the lyrics go like this:
  It's still the same old story, a fight for love and glory, a case of do or die. The world will always welcome lovers as time goes by...
I guess the reason I love this song so much is that it reminds me of the passage in the Bible that says there will be marriages until the end of time.
 Isn't that a lovely thought?
I think it is so wonderful of God to show us, that even as time goes by, and the world goes on in it's sad, evil ways, love is forever.
 For God is love.

The White Cliffs of Dover: sung by Vera Lynn
 Also from WWII, this song is about England's famous White Cliffs of Dover, and how someday, the war will be over, things will be peaceful again, and 'there'll be bluebirds over the White Cliffs of Dover...'
 A pretty song, that expresses the hope and courage that the people of England kept strong during the frightening war.

We'll Meet Again: sung by Vera Lynn
 Okay, so I like a lot of Vera Lynn. ;) But she sings them all so beautifully, and with such meaning, it's no wonder she is called, The Forces Sweetheart.
 Another hopeful song during a dark time in history, assuring all of the lonely fighting men, 'we'll meet again, don't know where, don't know when, but I know we'll meet again, some sunny day..."

Side by Side: No particular singer
 Now this song dates back to the twenties, I believe, although it became much more popular during the hard times of the Depression.
 The singer is telling his/her love, that no matter what happens, no matter how dark the skies, they'll face it together.
 I think it's a beautiful message that the couples of today should follow.
'Oh, we ain't got a barrel of money, maybe we're ragged and funny, but we'll travel along, singing a song, side by side.
Oh, we don't know what's coming tomorrow. Maybe it's trouble and sorrow, but we'll travel the road, sharing our load, side by side..."

Where Have All the Flowers Gone?: sung by Peter, Paul and Mary or Vera Lynn
 This song is a sad one, and it makes one think.
I am not sure the year it was written, but I know Vera Lynn sang it, and she was from the forties, so I'm guessing it's from around that time.
The singer first asks, where have the flowers gone, then answers, 'young girls picked them', and in turn, 'where have all the young girls gone?'
 'gone to young men', then 'where have all the young men gone?'
'gone for soldiers' then, 'where have all the soldiers gone?'
'gone to graveyards', and finally 'where have the graveyards gone?'
 "Gone to flowers." which in turn, the young girls pick them again.
In other words, it describes the ever-present cycle of wars, soldiers and dying.
 It became much more popular in the troubled 70's, and I guess you can understand why, although I'm not saying I support the peace-protestors of the hippie age.
 I thank God for the men of the Vietnam War, and feel terrible when I see the pain in the veterans' eyes. Know that I respect you, please!
In the song, they ask the question, "When will they ever learn?"
 We know that man will never learn, and that as long as time passes, there will be wars and rumors of wars, and men must take up arms to protect their homes and families.
 Just a thoughtful song, and a very pretty tune.

The Life of a Song: sung by Joey+Rory
This isn't a old song, but I thought it was worth mentioning. :)
This song talks about the way music touches people, but the lyrics say it much better than I could;
 'A song lives forever and never, ever dies. It sings enemies together, and touches so many lives. Words and melody will always be after we are gone. Oh, how I wish that I could live the life of a song.
 I could mean the broke and wounded, I could prove that love is real. And take someone from China to a Carolina cotton field.
I could comfort every soldier, hum all the homeless home. I could change the world if I was just a song...'

I know I have a lot more, but I can't think of any at the moment.
Just to name a few of the old singers I listen to:
 Ed Ames
Vera Lynn ;)
Doris Day
Dick Haymes
Clint Eastwood (yes, he sings! I was shocked, too)
Ricky Nelson
Marty Robbins
The Lennon Sisters
The Everly Brothers

Well, that's all I can think of for now.
 I hope to do a post on the campout sometime, but until then,
                                                            God Bless,
                                                                       LaKaysha

Busy, Busy

So I've been pretty busy these last few days.
 I've been babysitting a sweet little boy for eight days, overnight, and even though he is a very happy boy, he still can be a lot of work, especially at nights.
 Just getting a small taste of motherhood. ;)
But I am going to miss the angel now that's he's gone.
 There is something about a little baby that brightens up your day, even if you've been getting up all night to stop him from crying.
 But most of the nights he actually slept all night, so it wasn't bad. :)
I've also been busy trying to get ready for the Memorial Day Campout this weekend, and when you go in such a large group, it can be pretty stressful.
 Yesterday we finally got all of the groceries bought, we figured out our transportation, and I got my money for paying at the entrance, so I'd say we are coming along fine. :D

I've been sketching again, something I haven't done in quite a while. Decided to try out different eras of makeup. This is forties. :)

twenties and thirties :)

These are done with pencils and an ink pen. Wanted to try something different.

 

Well, sorry, but that's all I've got to say for now. :)

Will try to do a post on the campout, if Daminika doesn't beat me to it. ;)

 

God's peace,

 LaKaysha

Meaningful Song Lyric Tag

I was tagged by Daminika @Walking In the Sunshine to do a Meaningful Song Lyric, so here it goes.
(I'm not as fancy at this kind of stuff as my sister, so bear with me, please)

 

 

Well, that's it!

 I could go on and on, but my computer is slow, so I figure that four songs was plenty ;)

 

I tag Kimberly @MyScribbling

 

Here's how from Daminika's blog:

Find some lyrics that you think are really meaningful from a song and type them onto a nice background. Be sure to write the song name and the writer. 

 OR you can just write it all on your blog page- you don't HAVE to make a background. ;) (You can do more than one, too.)

Then post it on your blog and tag however many people you want! You can also save the top picture and put it at the beginning of the post. :) 

 

My Typewriter

So most of you already know that I have a typewriter, but I thought I'd do a picture post on it anyways. :D
 I had mentioned before that I was looking for a typewriter, so when Grandpa and Sue were at an antique shop and saw one, they decided to give it a look.
 It was in excellent condition, and it priced at $75, if I remember correctly.
They texted me and asked how much I was willing to pay, and if I wanted them to buy it for me.
 $75 for an antique typewriter that worked like new?
Of course I did!
 The lowest I found on Amazon was $120, and it wasn't in very good condition.
So needless to say, they bought it for me and I paid them back.
 The letter 'P' on one of the keys is missing, but I did typing in school and I know that it's a 'P' without looking, so it's no big deal to me. ;)
 A while back I looked up the serial number on the model and found out that it was made somewhere around 1938-1939, and it's an American make.
 Pretty cool, huh?
I know I was excited to know that someone during World War II owned it, and maybe even used it to write letters to their soldier overseas! (I know, I have quite the imagination)

Sorry about the boring pics. I plan to do a photo shoot of it outside someday

Whoops! forgot to put my blog address on it. All rights reserved

I just typed random songs and speeches on this page, for the picture, so don't be confused if you read the words and they don't all make sense ;) 

 

And that's it! I really love this typewriter, and I know it will last a long time, so I can enjoy it for years to come! :D

Hope you enjoyed it,

LaKaysha

Living and Living Well

Well, hello again!
 I haven't really much to write that would be terribly interesting, but I thought I'd just give a little update on my life. :)
 The weather has been pretty warm these days, (sometimes too warm) sunshine and blue skies, and I've been loving driving through all of the pretty countryside, studying the mountains, trees and pastures lovely enough to paint.
 Mt. St. Helens always looks so majestic against a clear blue sky, towering over the trees and valley, warming my heart every time I gaze at it's snow-capped top.
 Now, I've got Scandinavian blood in my veins, which might explain why the heat drives me crazy at times ;)
 When you get panicky in too much heat, it'd be nice to have AC, something we don't have, unfortunately.
 Don't get me wrong. I LOVE sunshine, but I say when it hits the 80's, it's just too hot!
I always said that the mid 70's is a perfect temperature, but not many people agree ;)
But even I have been enjoying the nice weather, and we've been taking advantage of it, believe me.
Walks to the park, laying in the sun...Just soaking up that good vitamin D! :D
 Sundays are always my favorite, because us young people (my aunts, siblings and cousins) usually eat out after church, and with such a large group, we often get stares and some looks.
 I enjoy the boys rowdy but innocent fun, and they always lighten up the mood around the table.
Last Sunday, however, we didn't eat out. In fact, we didn't even go to church!
 Saturday Mindy, my aunt, went into labor, so all of the kids, plus Kimberly and Lando (they came down from Cheney for a visit) came to stay the night.
 We all rejoiced at the arrival of little Joshua that night, a bundle of joy from God!
Now when you have one shower and all those people staying over, we knew it would be useless to try to make it to church, but my parents were able to.
 Well, short post, but I've run out of things to say. ;)
I'll try to make the next one more interesting. :D
                                                                 In tearing hurry,
                                                                           LaKaysha

Miss Liberty's Prayer

Since I was very young, I loved listening a song that Emily had on her gospel CD, called, "Wine Into Water" about a man begging God to help him overcome his problem.
 I never really knew why, but I loved the tune, the rhythm, and of course, the meaning.
For some reason, the song had always reminded me of America, and I secretly wrote my own words to the tune.
 I finally decided to write it down, and soon added more verses.
I have always loved my country, so strongly, that the thought of it falling into corruption was more than I could bear.
 I tried to take the burden of my nation onto my own weak shoulders, instead of leaving it in God's Hands.
 Do you know how heavy that can be?
Anyways, I just thought I'd share the song with you all....
 It is meant to be America praying...
The first two verses are basically the same as the original song.

Miss Liberty's Prayer

(1) You’ve heard a multitude of prayers on my behalf.

I pray one more is not too much to ask.

I’ve tried to fight this battle by myself,

But it’s a war that I can’t win without Your help.

(2) So many times I’ve hurt the ones You love.

I’ve pushed them to edge of giving up.

They’ve stood by me but how long can they stand,

If I don’t put this nation in Your hands?

(chorus)

And tonight I’m as low as any land can go,

I’m down and I can’t fall much farther.

But I’ve read that across the sea, proud nations broke and kneeled to Thee

And I’m on my knees, please show me what to do.

Could You help me give this nation back to You?

(3) I’ve forgotten what’s made this nation strong,

I’ve fallen to the wicked ways of wrong.

I’ve tried to regain the power of this great land,

But now I know that power is in Your hands.

(4) So many have fallen far into sin,

And, Oh, Lord, where do I begin?

It’s time I’ve stopped searching for something new,

When all the healing is right there in You

Repeat chorus

                                       Anyways, that's it ;)

                                                                          LaKaysha

My Husband....The Man He Must Be

All girls have their own little fancies of their future spouses, like what they will look like, talk like, and even dress like.
 We lay on our beds and dream of how wonderful he will treat you, how he will open doors for you, talk to you like you were a queen worth serving...
 And those things aren't so bad to hope and dream for, right?
But the other night, I realized there is something much more important.
 And so I decided to make up my own little "list" of my future husband 'requirements'.
The man I marry must be polite, kind, caring, and considerate.
 He must treat his mother and father with love and respect, his siblings as his dear friends, do well with babies and little kids.
But most of all, he must love God with all his heart, mind and soul.
 He must be able to sit down with my parents and other elders, speak truthfully and from his heart about his faith and his Lord, without embarrassment or hesitation, and truly, truly, believe what he is saying.
 He must look to Jesus Christ as his Savior and Redeemer and have the Holy Spirit within him.
He must be able to encourage me in my faith, uplift me, and with God's help, I pray I can do the same for him.
 These things are important to both God and to me, and this what I pray for each night before I close my eyes to dream.
 A man who has the love of God within his heart.
Just some thoughts tonight. :) I hope you enjoy.
                                                                 God's peace,
                                                                            LaKaysha

A Picture Post...Again!

Ah, the romance! Kaysha and Roger's wedding was absolutely beautiful and wonderful, and it will now have a place in my heart for all of my cherished memories.
 Serving the bridal table wasn't too bad, and I actually kind of enjoyed it. :)
Kaysha looked like Cinderella, Roger was the perfect prince charming, and they both looked so happy, it was the best wedding I have attended in a long time! :D
 Now that all of the hustle and bustle is over, I can get back into a regular schedule.
Last Saturday we were pleasantly surprised by my dear friend Kimberly!
 She is staying with us for two whole weeks, and I am so excited to have her for a while. :)

The guys helping out with the decorations

We filled all of these cages and lanterns with flowers and candles

So fairytale-ish! :) Love

 

The big day! Marita was a huge reason the wedding was possible and I think she did a wonderful job as personal attendant :) She deserves a medal!

Oh, Kaysha is so lovely, isn't she? *sigh* She was a beautiful bride, and Roger was so proud

Liberty caught the bouquet :)

 

Saying goodbye, and then they're off!

These girls are wonderful! :) Such good memories

 

Yeah, I know it's a random picture to post! ;) But when this pulled up next to us at Freddie's, I was ecstatic! Just had to share with you all! ;)



The awesome sunglasses that my sweet brother bought me for Christmas :) 

Isn't he just the best?

Beautiful view on the drive home....Oh, I love living here!

 

Kimberly surprised us all with a visit, and we got to keep her for two weeks!

Burgerville! Kimberly always requests to go there for lunch since they don't have one in Cheney

After church we went shopping at the mall

 

Kimberly asked to see the ocean before she left, so the next Sunday we headed to the beach after church

 

 

It was a BEAUTIFUL day, and the drive was gorgeous :)

 

Since Daminika posted more of the beach, I wasn't going to put up any pictures of the trip. :)

Some other things that have been happening....I passed my drive and am now a licensed driver!

 Yay! Applause all around! ;)

 I can't even tell you what a load it is off of my mind to have it done and over with. :) Stress gone in a second.

 Well, I can't think of anything else to say right now. So, I'll be seeing you all later! ;)

 

                                                           God's peace,

                                                                      LaKaysha