Hello, and welcome back to Life of Heritage Corner! Today I’m continuing a tradition I started 2 years ago, listing some of the top things I’m thankful for this year!

*Life! This year more than ever, I have come to appreciate the gift God has given us by giving us breath! Thank God for pro-life parents and siblings! Thank God for Eternal Life found in Him! And Thank God for caring about every sparrow (and every unborn baby)!

*Family! Family is one of the greatest blessings God gives us! I am blessed to live in a large family (Dad, Mom, 7 kids, 2 brothers-in-law, and 6 nieces and nephews!) with potential to explode the population of the United States as the rest of us marry and have kids 😉 I can’t imagine life in any other family!

*Friends! God has blessed me with so many good friends over the years, and this year, I’ve learned that taking them for granted is a big mistake. You might not always be as close as you were. Life comes along, and people tend to drift away and make new friends. Enjoy the time that you have together!

*America! I probably say this every year, but hey, I love my country! I cannot stress enough what my country means to me! She’s the greatest nation on the planet, and I am humbled that God chose to allow me to be born here!

*Our Military! Yes, this is another repeat, but this year, I met a sweet young author, and she has opened my eyes to a little more of what our guys go through daily.   It’s heartbreaking seeing exactly how PTSD affects every serviceman in one way or another. It doesn’t always show in flashbacks or nightmares, though these definitely happen. There’s the guilt complex, mood swings, the “100-yard stare” or the everyday memories of that horrifying experience they went through. We owe them a great debt, not only for risking their lives and giving their time to protect us, but sacrificing a “normal” life so we can keep ours.

*Music! This year I got to attend the Majesty Music Conference in Raleigh, North Carolina. And believe me, this conference gave me a brand-new appreciation for Godly music! Such an encouragement!

*Conservative Values! My family has always taught my siblings and me to seek God when it comes to anything in life. What does God say about Marriage? About Life? About Capital Punishment? Because in the long run, it doesn’t matter what man thinks. It matters what God thinks. I praise the Lord for parents who have guided me to God’s views of the world around us, and the conservative values taught in His Word!

*The Pro-Life Movement! Speaking of Conservative Values, I am so grateful for those who are willing to stand up for the unborn, the mentally handicapped and the elderly! Just this year, I was blessed to begin working for Pregnant Options, a website that allows women in crisis to find the Care Center closest to them. These Care Centers help them prepare to be a mother, offer classes on Motherhood, provide medical services, and if needed give referrals to adoption agencies.  It’s a blessing to see everything these centers provide to those who want to choose life for their child! And it’s a joy to help with the editing of articles that have potential to save lives and offer hope to those in hard situations!

*Books! Good books! This year, I have read so many good books, whether it be a physical copy, eBook, or audio, there are so many good books out there! I love a story that challenges me personally in my spiritual life or in some other aspect (getting organized, writing advice, etc.). I also love an informative book. Like a biography, history, or even a cultural study (like The South Was Right! There is so much more to this book than the title reveals!) But there have also been those books that didn’t turn out so great…the ones I couldn’t finish. Which makes me appreciate the excellent books even more!

*Cooking! This year, I’ve actually gotten to play around in the kitchen a little bit…and nobody has died, and nothing has caught on fire 😉 I have cooked in the past, but Sarah is our main cook, so getting the opportunity to try my hand at culinary arts is always fun! Chicken Gyros anyone?

Have a Blessed Day!
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22

I’m so excited about today’s post! Kassie introduced herself to me earlier this year, and I have enjoyed everything I’ve read from her thus far. So when I had the opportunity to help her with her newest project, I jumped at the chance! And today, Kassie is revealing her gorgeous cover with the world! But first…a little information about this project!

The synopsis:
 
Some scars can't be seen. And some can't be hidden.
 
Layla Trent's life is pretty much perfect, except for the little matter of a dog of her own-- and maybe a brother. So why does a random nightmare of a princess dress, a hospital, and a stranger who's definitely not her daddy feel more like an aching wound? And can a broken, glassy-eyed puppy somehow help her release the pain she didn't even know she was carrying?
 
Corporal Andrew Reyes has proven he has what it takes to be the best-- a US Army Ranger. But when a double tragedy rocks his world, his resolve is shaken to the core. What's left for a man to live for when he's lost everything he ever wanted to be? And is the sudden appearance of a teenage girl with a three-legged therapy dog a cruel joke or a divine appointment?
 
Some scars can't be hidden. But some don't need to be. 

Kassie’s bio:
 
Kassie Angle is a teenaged Christian author, cowgirl, therapy dog trainer, stereotypical INFJ, and Army girl to the core. Her first love, i.e., debut novel, O to be Like Thee, swept her unsuspectedly into the world of indie authors. She tries to use her stories to fill the silences in literature, helping more people understand the world of the Army and showing how God heals the broken-hearted. You can find her and more of her writing at SoldierGirlStories.com.
https://soldiergirlstories.com
 
And just because Kassie has been annoyed with this question so much, I will clarify that this book is definitely not a romance! The soldier is older than Layla, and there is absolutely no romantic hinting in this story at all.
And now that you’ve been so patient, here is the beautiful cover!

Isn’t it perfect? I just love it so much! And the story (as far as I’ve gotten to read) is so good! I can’t wait to get my own personal copy of this beauty!

That’s it for now! Have a blessed week!
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22

I love America. I’m sure you never would have guessed that, lol! But yes, I am a proud American citizen and I thank God for allowing me to be born in the Greatest Nation in the world. (Shouldn’t everyone be able to feel that way about their home?) Today, I want to share a book list of 5 books for Patriotic Americans!

1. Let’s Roll by Lisa Beamer
I promise I won’t fangirl over it here. If you haven’t read my review, you can do so by clicking here. This book helps you put modern American patriotism back into focus. It reminds us of why we are at war in the first place and what we as individuals need to do to keep our country great.
 
2. & 3. Battle Heroes: Voices from Afghanistan/War Heroes: Voices from Iraq by Allan Zullo
Want your eyes opened to “boots on the ground” operations in the Middle East by the best fighting force on earth? I don’t care if you are a mature adult, this middle grade book needs to be read by you! The youngest I would suggest read it would be 12, since it is a war book. While sensitive, it’s still intense. This book puts a story with the random things we hear about the war. Ever wondered what goes in to defusing an IED? What exactly are native translators capable of, besides translating? Who are the guys serving our country? What are they like? Do they really have a life besides the military? Just read it, please. (Needs minor editing, nothing major.)
 
4. O To Be Like Thee by Kassie Angle
I know, I know, I talk about this book all the time. But it’s because it is so good! Please, just pick up the book and allow yourself to dive in to this fictional but true to life story. I mean, Kassie has grown up in the Army, so I’m pretty sure she knows what she’s talking about 😉
 
5. Behind Enemy Lines: Under Fire in the Middle East by Bill Doyle
Okay, so if you’ve ever wanted to read/watch Lone Survivor but wouldn’t because of the language (like me!), you need this book. (I mean, I would probably read it if someone else had edited it, just because I still have a few questions, but that’s just me. But I seriously doubt I could endure the movie, even if the language was edited out. Some things are better read than watched 😉) Among the 8 stories of valor in the Middle East is one titled Operation Redwing…and this was my introduction to Marcus Letrell and the Navy SEALs that served with him. Well, I had read an article about his buddy Danny, but I’d never heard the story of how exactly he died or what happened to his friend that made it through the ambush. Well, now I know! This was written on preteen level, so it’s comprehensive, clean and still quite jarring. Don’t read it right before bed, just saying. But, if you want to gain a deeper understanding to the conditions our boys are going through over there, pick up this quick read and let the story pull you in!
 
So that’s it for today! Now, hurry along to your library and find these books. Except for Kassie’s. Just order a copy. That’s what you really need to spend your money on! 😉 And no, she didn’t tell me to say that. She knows nothing about this post.

Have a blessed week!
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22

This is the last review in my 9/11 book series. This book was a large picture book that I borrowed from our local library. It was a bit different than I expected…but still an interesting book.

America’s Heroes
No author listed; compilation
(2011)
3 Stars

My Review: I thought when I picked up this book that it was going to be a compilation of stories about and by service members, focusing on the War on Terror. Instead, this book was a basic history of 9/11, the War on Terror and humanitarian efforts of the military. Few personal stories and profiles were included; most of the soldier submissions were just talking about their humanitarian assignments and not their actual stories. The book was very informative, but not written in an engaging style.

It was easy to see that the project was more focused on humanitarian efforts and “happy Muslim and American relationships” than on telling the truth about terrorism and our efforts to squash it. A few parts even suggested that the terrorist regime has nothing to do with true Islam/Muslim faith, when in fact it is rooted in the teachings of Muhammad. That bothered me.  It wasn’t on every page, but the mature reader will definitely find it hiding in the corners and flavoring the text.

For that reason, I wouldn’t recommend this book, unless you are a mature reader and well grounded in the truth. (Check out Fortress of Faith for many helpful resources on Islam vs. Christianity)

Today, 18 years ago, 19 men committed one of the most infamous crimes in American history. They murdered 2,977 innocent American and foreign people, who were simply going about their daily lives. They all went out into eternity…some to heaven, some to hell, having never received God’s gift of Salvation. But…have we forgotten?

Those who don’t learn from History are apt to repeat it.

I used to work on a bus route at my church before we went on the road full time for FBN. All of my riders were born after 9/11…and none of them had ever heard of it. They were old enough. There is no reason for their ignorance. It’s not their fault. Their parents and their teachers have let them down.

The Twin Towers of the World Trade Center was the death place of 2,605 people, not including the victims onboard the planes. 411 of those were first responders. Have we forgotten them?

The Pentagon was the death place of 125 people, 55 of those being military personnel. Have we forgotten them?

Flight 93 and the other three planes involved were the death places of 246 passengers, flown to their deaths because of 19 wicked men bent on destruction and death, for a god that doesn’t even exist. Have we forgotten those victims and their murderers?

At least 4,424 of our troops gave their lives in Iraq to protect our nation and put down terrorist organizations. Have we forgotten their sacrifice?

As of 2018, 2,372 of our brave servicemen have died in Afghanistan to the same end. There have been 20,32o wounded in the war. Have we forgotten their valor, their blood shed for our freedom, their families mourning loss of life, limb and mental stability?

I would dare to say that we have. I have spoken with people who thought Afghanistan was just a military base, not a war zone. I have spoken with many who have no idea when we went to war or why. I myself can name only two places where fighting has taken place over there. I am ashamed of my lack of knowledge on this subject. After all, this is the war of my generation. I was five when 9/11 happened. I watched the towers fall live on my Grandmother’s television. I have never forgotten that. It is seared into my memory forever.

Did you know that the 18-year-old recruit in Basic Training today was only a baby when 9/11 happened? Did you know that the 17-year-old recruit wasn’t even born? Three of my siblings have only known a country at war. A couple of them remember when Osama bin Laden died, taken out by conscientious Navy SEALs. None of the three remember Saddam Hussein. I do. I lived in fear, as a child, that they would come to America and murder my family, even though I prayed they would come to know the Lord. It was a result of this fear of dying that God softened my heart and I accepted Him as my personal Savior.

I believe though, that as a nation, We Have Forgotten.

But that’s not all…

Jesus Christ came to earth, born of a virgin, suffering the scoffing and criticism by His own people. Have we forgotten the reason He came?

He selected 12 men to be his disciples. One betrayed Him to His enemies for money. One denied that he even knew Jesus. And 11 of them ran when Jesus was arrested. Have we forgotten His agony in the garden, for us? His prayers while His disciples slept?

He was falsely accused, beaten, spit on and mocked before the people. Have we forgotten His humility and acceptance of what should have been our punishment? He Who knew no sin? Have we forgotten?

Jesus died, gave His Life for us on the cross, so that we could go to Heaven when we die. He accepted the rejection of God, His Father, so we could be accepted. He willingly allowed Himself to die and be buried in a borrowed tomb, for you! For me! For the victims of 9/11. For the hijackers who took over the planes. For Osama bin Laden, Saddam Hussein. For every “good” person that has ever lived or ever will live. For every bad person who ever has lived or ever will live. For everyone. He loves us that much. He doesn’t owe us anything, but Jesus did it anyway. Have we forgotten the Love of Jesus?

And the most important part…

He rose again from the grave! Three days after giving His life for us, Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, rose of His own power, victorious over death, hell and the grave.

How could we have forgotten? Do we as a nation even care? If not, it will be to the eternal doom of every individual who has rejected His free gift of Salvation. All Jesus asks is that we repent of our sins. That is all! Small thing to ask, right?

I haven’t forgotten. What about you?

I have accepted His gift. What about you?

Have you forgotten?