Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Never Forget

We wanted to share this poem that Sophia recently wrote in honor of Vision Forum's upcoming D-Day celebration (www.afinalfarewell.org).  We owe our WWII heroes a debt of gratitude for their sacrifice!



Never Forget
by Sophia Smithe


Mighty and manly
Was the fearless young soldier
As he ran into battle
His gun on his shoulder


Though bullets flew thickly
And smoke filled the air
Though his comrades were fallen
Yet he did not despair


Forward he marched
And into the fight
And there he remained
Though day turned to night


He must not give ground
He must not surrender
He must never give up
Never, no never

In the strength of the Lord
With brave perseverance
With courage undying
And noble resistance


The struggle was ended
The battle was won
And the blessings of freedom
Were only begun


A well honored hero
Our soldier came home
His valiant deeds famed
Through film, song, and poem


And the young man was proud
To be part of the band
That sacrificed all
For the sake of his homeland


Time moved along
The years sped away
The soldier’s eyes dimmed
and his hair turned to gray


His name was forgotten
His story suppressed
That story of manhood
Through which we are blessed


The children did not
Revere and give thanks
For the now aged veteran
Who stood in the ranks


Yet out of the darkness
There arises a light
A remnant of faithful
Who shine through the night


They grasp the importance
And they cast a vision
They rally together
A noble division


They rise up and honor
Our soldier courageous
Their passion infectious
Their spirit contagious


Thanks to their efforts
His fame is revived
And his noble legacy
Is sure to survive


If we would see blessing
And peace in our land
We must remember our fathers
In whose line we stand


Their legacy lives
And must live on yet
Lest we forget
Lest we forget




Tuesday, May 10, 2011

On Liberty and Tyranny...


Thank you so much for all of the encouragement that you have given Sophia over the past couple of months as she has participated in the Sons of the American Revolution oration contest.

Many of you have asked about seeing her deliver her speech. Below is a link to the SAR website that features a video clip of her speech from the state competition. All Praise to the Lord!
 
Click here to watch Sophia's speech 

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Changing of Seasons

 The Smithe Home

 Many of our friends have been praying for us as we have endeavored to sell our home. Last week we received an offer from a potential buyer, and it is with gratefulness to the Lord that we signed the contract yesterday! Lord willing, we will be moving in less than a month!!
Blessings to you all as you serve the Lord Jesus Christ and advance His Kingdom!
The Smithe Family
P.S. In case you were wondering, we are staying in the area! We plan to rent in San Antonio.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Front seat wars...the never ending battle!

How it usually starts...
 
An appeal to the authorities: "She sat here on the way up"!!!
 
Big sister wins out!

Jeremiah goes to Dallas!


"Hey everyone...I'm here"!
 
"Checking in sir."
 
"You're not showing any reservations under that name"??????

And the winner is...


On Friday, the Smithe family (or at least most of us) along with our good friend Kristina headed up to Dallas for the state level Sons of the American Revolution oration contest that Sophia was involved in.  We rolled in Friday afternoon, and the kids spent several hours in the hotel pool before we headed out to a Chinese buffet for dinner.  Then we were off to the hotel gym, complete with every exercise machine imaginable, to work off our dinner!  

The contest took place around noon on Saturday.  There was an audience of about 200 people, including  Ross Perot (he was being presented with an award for outstanding patriotism and presenting an award to an Eagle Scout)!  One at a time the five contestants were ushered in to give their 5 to 6 minute orations.  Then the judges spent about half an hour deliberating in a nearby room.  

The fifth place winner was announced, then fourth...third...second...that left only first place to be announced, and Sophia realized, much to her surprise, that she was the only contestant left!!!  

We are so thankful to see how the Lord has honored her for her faithfulness to boldly proclaim His truth.  All praise and glory to Him!  
Now on to the national contest (July 7-11 in Winston-Salem, NC)!




Before the Contest



Gearing Up!
 

After the Fact