Inspiration Friday 2025.05.23

Inspiration: Happy Friday!
Today is the 143rd Day of 2025.

We have $143,000.00 today.
10% savings = $14,300.00
40% taxes = $57,200.00: This week I am expressing gratitude for these tax dollars being spent to support the Isle Royale National Park. Located in the state of Michigan. The Isle Royale National Park officially became a National Park in 1940 and was designated an International Biosphere Reserve in 1980. You will find among other wonders that this park is closed in the winter and shares Lake Superior with over 400 small islands to explore. LEARN MORE HERE!

How will you be spending the remaining $71,500.00 today?

HERE IS MY PLAN: Freedom Matters

“Freedom with Peace is not found in the absence of noise, but in the presence of awareness.”  — Dorothy Thompson and Phillips Brooks

How are you showing up in the world?

Today is the start of Memorial Day weekend 2025. At this time of year Americans celebrate the official launch of summer vacations. More importantly, we participate in heartfelt remembrance of people who gave their life while serving in the military. Several of our family members gave their lives to provide a better life for others. Their sacrifices provide us with the opportunity to be here today.

This week I am sharing Jack Baker’s story about the music played at a military funeral service.

“Many of us in the United States have heard the haunting song, ‘Taps…’ It’s the song that gives us the lump in our throats and usually tears in our eyes. But, do you know the story behind the song?

Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the Civil War, when Union Army Captain Robert Elli was with his men near Harrison’s Landing in Virginia. The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land.

During the night, Captain Elli heard the moans of a soldier who lay severely wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, the Captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back for medical attention. Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, the Captain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment.

When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead.

The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his breath and went numb with shock. In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier. It was his own son. The boy had been studying music in the South when the war broke out. Without telling his father, the boy enlisted in the Confederate Army.

The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of his superiors to give his son a full military burial, despite his enemy status. His request was only partially granted.

The Captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge for his son at the funeral.

The request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate.

But, out of respect for the father, they did say they could give him only one musician.

The Captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket of the dead youth’s uniform.

This wish was granted.

The haunting melody, we now know as ‘Taps’ used at military funerals was born.

The words are:

Day is done.

Gone the sun.

From the lakes

From the hills.

From the sky.

All is well.

Safely rest.

God is nigh.

Fading light.

Dims the sight.

And a star.

Gems the sky.

Gleaming bright.

From afar.

Drawing nigh.

Falls the night.

Thanks and praise.

For our days.

Neath the sun

Neath the stars.

Neath the sky

As we go.

This we know.

God is nigh

I too have felt the chills while listening to ‘Taps’ but I have never seen all the words to the song until now. I didn’t even know there was more than one verse. I also never knew the story behind the song.

I now have an even deeper respect for the song than I did before.

Remember Those Lost and Harmed While Serving Their Country.

Also Remember Those Who Have Served and Returned; and for those presently serving in the Armed Forces.”

Today I am remembering to acknowledge those who made it possible for Freedom and Peace and Hope to have a place in my heart. How are you showing up in the world?

$100.00: for self-care.  I am buying a beautiful blank journal and several colorful pens to support my daily gratitude practice. I am free to write. And I love that!

$0: Priceless: People who serve in our Military.

“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all the darkness!” -Harvey Milk

Do you know that less than one percent of United States citizens have ever served in the military? I am especially grateful to the members of my family that have or who are currently serving. Thank you for the opportunities, we can choose to live a better life because of your contributions. Freedom matters.

$70,400.00: I am contributing to The Montana Military Family Relief Fund. This state law provides money to families of Montana National Guard and Reserve members to help with food and living expenses when their person is placed on active military duty.

Everyone can do something to make a difference. We are all invited to show up and respond to life with love. What would it take?

$1000.00: for a date with my husband. This week’s date includes one of our Memorial Day Weekend traditions. We walked through the sacred grounds of a National Cemetery as we reconnected with the privilege and gift of freedom. Appreciation for others.

How loved can you stand it?

Flow Five Friday: Current “real” life expressions of gratitude, love, and contribution to wellbeing.

$5.00: This week’s five-dollar bill is inside the book called The Wall written by Eve Bunting and illustrated by Ronald Himler. Someone will find it inside a Free Little Library. I am choosing to be the energy of what works in life.

Five Increments of Time: This week I have engaged in the Dream Nudge Challenge with friends. You will find me Dream- Lifting and fueling the Living Intentions of others. Being there. How are you “Flowing Five” this week?

Well-Being: Something that I am doing or not doing for self-care in real time.

I am increasing my steps outside as the season shifts to lighter and warmer temperatures. What are you doing or not doing for self-care?

Planet Awareness: Contributing to the health of Earth.

“Optimism is not the denial of the current state. Optimism is the belief that the future is bright.”-Simon Sinek

We planted a tree this week.

What are you doing for the health of our planet?

Hold Space or Contribute to a Friends Life Intention

This week I am supporting my friend Sara who leads the operations of over 25 National Cemeteries. One of her Living Intentions is to be someone who ensures kindness, attention to detail, and respect with reverence is shown every day in every way to fallen soldiers and family members under her care. One way that you can help support Sara’s living intention is to visit a National Cemetery.  Even though death rearranges us, Love radiates from these hallowed grounds. Remember Why Freedom Matters.

Choose joy. Be kind. Love others and strive to be a better human. What would it take?

Choose to feel good. Be Joy. 
Practice gratitude. Amplify Kindness. Expand Generosity. 
Ask, Receive, and Give with More Ease. 
Respond to life with Love.

PS: If you have been playing with me for several years, below are the current daily deposits in other years Vibrational Accounts: