Memorial Day Poem

On behalf of myself and all of our staff at Mohave Community College, we want to wish you and yours a safe & enjoyable Memorial Day Holiday - so enjoy the wonderful weather...Cherie Houston

Memorial Day

~ by Michelle Keim, PA (1999)

As we stand here looking, at the flags upon these graves

Know these flags represent, a few of the true American brave

They fought for their Country, as man has, through all of time

Except that these soldiers lying here, fought for your country and mine

As we all are gathered here, to pay them our respect

Let's pass this word to others, it's what they would expect

I'm sure that they would do it, if it were me or you

To show we did not die in vein, but for the red, white and blue.

Let's pass on to our children, and to those who never knew

What these soldiers died for, it's the least that we can do

Let's not forget their families, great pain they had to bear

Losing a son, father or husband ~ they need to know we still care

No matter which war was fought, on the day that they died

I stand here looking at these flags, filled with American pride.

So as the bugler plays out Taps, with its sweet and eerie sound

Pray for these soldiers lying here, in this sacred, hallowed ground.

Take home with you a sense of pride

You were here Memorial Day.

Celebrating the way Americans should 

On this solemnest of days.

Happy New Year - 2012 - To All

On behalf of myself and everyone at Mohave Community College we want to wish you and yours a healthy, happy New Year full of happiness, wonderful health, great blessings, peace and joy ~ May this year "2012" be the best yet! Cherie Houston

One of my most favorite New Year Poems...

~ William Arthur Ward quotes (American dedicated scholar, author, editor, pastor and teacher)

ANOTHER NEW YEAR

“Another fresh new year is here . . .

Another year to live!

To banish worry, doubt, and fear,

To love and laugh and give!

This bright new year is given me

To live each day with zest . . .

To daily grow and try to be

My highest and my best!

I have the opportunity once more

To right some wrongs,

To pray for peace,

To plant a tree,

And sing more joyful songs!”

Tribute to the victims and families of 9/11

I want to thank Paula Abrahms from Schnectedy, NY for sending this to me and I hope you will join us today as we all remember all the families who lost children, parents, husbands, wives, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, associates, friends and personal heroes on that dreadful morning that we now refer to as 9/11. Cherie Houston

No doubt most of us remember that beautiful Tuesday morning, ten years ago today “September 11th, 2001” when in just moments, 2,996 people lost their lives that morning - 2,977 innocent victims and the 19 highjackers.

Yes 246 innocent victims were on the four planes, the two that struck the towers in New York, the one that struck the Pentagon and the 4th that went down in a field in Shanksville, PA; another 2,606 innocent victims in New York City who were in the towers or on the ground, and the 125 innocent victims at the Pentagon in Washington. Yes all the deaths that morning were innocent civilians except for 55 innocent military personnel who were killed in the attack on the Pentagon…

This morning please take a moment to remember these families who continue to live with the impact of that dreadful morning, so that they will continue to find the strength needed to continue moving forward on their life journey..

This day is remembered and quietly kept
I pray to God that we never forget,
Yes the blow was hard, the shock severe,
So many lost, so much fear amidst the tears

I pray its true they still live on in the hearts and minds,
Of the loving families, that they left behind
No longer here in our life to share,
But in our hearts – they are always there

Our love for them and theirs for us, can never go away,
I think they are with us every day
Unseen and unheard, but always near,
So loved, so missed, and so very dear.

Yes its hard for sure when we’re left behind
Trying to move forward, praying for some peace of mind
Time and faith and kinds words when spoken
Will help heal our hearts that were so badly broken

Good Lord Above
Please grant strength and peace
to all 9/11 moms and families

And take a moment to visit the website dedicated to the 911 Memorial being dedicated today in New York City, NY in memory of all who lost their lives...

http://www.911memorial.org/

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to all our dads, grandfathers, uncles and those who are dads but don't have the titles... Know how much you are loved and appreciated even though it may not be said often enough...

Life Lessons

You may have thought I didn't see,

Or that I hadn't heard,

Life lessons that you taught to me,

But I got every word.

Perhaps you thought I missed it all,

And that we'd grow apart,

But Dad, I picked up everything,

It's written on my heart.

Without you, Dad, I wouldn't be

Whom I am today;

You built a strong foundation

No one can take away.

I've grown up with your values,

And I'm very glad I did;

So here's to you, dear father,

From your forever grateful kid.

By Joanna Fuchs

Memorial Day-Thank you to all who serve

This weekend, we celebrate Memorial Day 2011, a day meant to remember and give thanks to all those serving in our military and especially those who have served and have since gone home to heaven...

I received this poem a few weeks ago and feel that it's a wonderful tribute to all those whom we remember this weekend. So as we take a moment to remember and be grateful for the selfless sacarafices so many have and continue to make on our behalf, take a moment to say a prayer of thanks for each and everyone of them - and for those still serving, we thank you and pray that you all come home safely to your families.....

THE FINAL INSPECTION

The Soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass..

'Step forward now, Soldier ,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?'

The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
'No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear..
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the Soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

'Step forward now, you Soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell.'

Author Unknown~

Happy Mother's Day

First of all as we celebrate "Mothers Day" this weekend, on behalf of everyone at Mohave Community College and me, we want to wish all our students who are moms, grandmothers, aunts, godmothers and those of you who fill these rolls without the official titles – a very wonderful Mother’s Day Holiday and thank you for all that you do for those around you…Cherie Houston

Mother’s Day is and should be a time to celebrate, not just by buying gifts, cards and flowers (now don't get me wrong those are very nice gestures) but ask any mom and she'll tell you that more important than gifts are the hugs, phone calls, the touches, being included, remembered and thought of throughout the year, not just on Mother's Day. Now those are the "gifts" that are more important than anything purchased…

A poem that might just say it all:

UNSAID

~ Author Unknown

Somehow we always say the least

to those we love the best

And hope our thoughts are understood,

Although they're unexpressed.

That's why it means so very much,

when days like this are here

To say how very much you're loved

each day throughout the year.

Happy Mother's Day

Not sure why and how the "Mothers Day" holiday began, you might want to check out a few websites we found…

http://womenshistory.about.com/od/mothersday/a/early.htm

http://www.biography.com/womens-history/mothers-day.jsp

http://www.mothersdaycentral.com/about-mothersday/history/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother's_Day

HAPPY NEW YEAR - 2011

On behalf of our entire staff at Mohave Community College and myself, we want to wish you and yours a healthy, happy New Year full of blessings and joy ~ May this year "2011" be the best year of your life! Cherie Houston

~ William Arthur Ward quotes (American dedicated scholar, author, editor, pastor and teacher)

ANOTHER NEW YEAR

“Another fresh new year is here . . .

Another year to live!

To banish worry, doubt, and fear,

To love and laugh and give!

This bright new year is given me

To live each day with zest . . .

To daily grow and try to be

My highest and my best!

I have the opportunity once more

To right some wrongs,

To pray for peace,

To plant a tree,

And sing more joyful songs!”

Merry Christmas Everyone

From our families to yours, may you have a peace and joy filled Christmas…

CHRISTMAS BELLS
~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet, The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along, The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Till, ringing, singing on its way
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Then from each black, accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound, The Carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And in despair I bowed my head;
‘There is no peace on earth,’ I said;
‘For hate is strong, And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!’

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
‘God is not dead; nor doth he sleep!
The Wrong shall fail, The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men!’

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone

From our families to yours, we all wish you and yours a blessed, safe and thankful Thanksgiving Holiday...

BE THANKFUL

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
because it means you've made a difference.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who
are also thankful for the setbacks.

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings.

~~Author Unknown.~~

Happy Father's Day

Anyone can be a father,
But it takes someone special to be a DAD
So for all our special dads & grand-dads – here’s to you..
Happy Fathers Day and thank you for being such a wonderful dad…

MY DAD
When I was just a tiny kid,
Do you remember when,
The time you kissed my bruises,
Or cleaned by soiled chin?

You scrambled for the balls I hit,
(Short-winded more than not,)
Yet, every time we'd play a game,
You praised the "outs" I caught.

It seems like only yesterday,
You wiped away my tears,
And late at night I called your name,
To chase away my fears.

Though time has changed your handsome grip,
Your hair is snowy white,
You gait's a little slower now,
Thick glasses help your sight.

Oh, do I thirst for years gone by,
To be that growing lad,
Re-living all of the memories,
Of growing with my dad.

…Author Unknown


Grandfathers Are Fathers Who Are Grand
Grandfathers are fathers who are grand,
Restoring the sense that our most precious things
Are those that do not change much over time.
No love of childhood is more sublime,
Demanding little, giving on demand,
Far more inclined than most to grant the wings
Allowing us to reach enchanted lands.
Though grandfathers must serve as second fathers,
Helping out with young and restless hearts,
Each has all the patience wisdom brings,
Remembering our passions more than others,
Soothing us with old and well-honed arts.

…Author Unknown

BEST WISHES FOR A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY

~ by Charles M. Crowe

Easter is the demonstration of God that life is essentially spiritual and timeless.

We wish you & your family a wonderful Easter & Passover Holiday!

LEARNED FROM THE EASTER BUNNY...
All I need to know I learned from the Easter Bunny
Don't put all your eggs in one basket
Walk softly and carry a big carrot
Everyone needs a friend who is all ears.
There's no such thing as too much candy.
All work and no play can make you a basket case.
A cute little tail attracts a lot of attention.
Everyone is entitled to a bad hare day.
Let happy thoughts multiply like rabbits.
Some body parts should be floppy.
Keep your paws off other people's jelly beans.
Good things come in small sugar-coated packages.
The grass is always greener in someone else's basket.
An Easter bonnet can tame even the wildest hare.
To show your true colors you have to come out of your shell!

~ Author Unknown

Happy New Year 2010!!

On behalf of our entire staff and myself, we want to wish you and yours a healthy, happy New Year full of blessings and joy ~ May this year be the best year of your life!

By William Arthur Ward quotes (American dedicated scholar, author, editor, pastor and teacher)

“Another fresh new year is here . . .
Another year to live!
To banish worry, doubt, and fear,
To love and laugh and give!

This bright new year is given me
To live each day with zest . . .
To daily grow and try to be
My highest and my best!

I have the opportunity
Once more to right some wrongs,
To pray for peace, to plant a tree,
And sing more joyful songs!”

Bells on Christmas Day

When I considered what to write in our post on this special day, I wanted the post to be reminicscent of the holidays, but also wanted to be careful not to offend anyone.. So researched this favoite poem/song of mine, and learned how it had come to be written.. On behalf of our entire staff we want to wish you and yours our warmest wishes this holiday season...enjoy

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was filled with sorrow at the tragic death of his wife in a fire in 1861. The Civil War broke out the same year, and it seemed this was an additional punishment. Two years later, Longfellow was again saddened to learn that his own son had been seriously wounded in the Army of the Potomac. Sitting down to his desk, one Christmas Day, he heard the church bells ringing. It was in this setting that Longfellow wrote these lines:

I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men!

And thought how, as the day had come
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along
The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men!

Till, ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime,
A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good will to men!

Then from each black, accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound
The carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good will to men!

It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,
And made forlorn
The households born
Of peace on earth, good will to men!

And in despair I bowed my head;
"There is no peace on earth," I said;
"For hate is strong
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men."

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep.
"God is not dead, nor doth he sleep!
The wrong shall fail,
The right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men!"