Category: News, observances, history

A Cathedral and Psalm 59

The post reflects on Psalm 59, expressing themes of strength and refuge in God. It highlights St. Nicholas Cathedral in Nice, an important site for the Russian Orthodox community, and conveys a personal appreciation for photographing churches.

large ornate church
St. Nicholas Cathedral in Nice, France photo by Ryan Oglesby

Psalm 59 New International Version (NIV)

16 But I will sing of your strength,
    in the morning I will sing of your love;

 

for you are my fortress,
    my refuge in times of trouble.

7 You are my strength, I sing praise to you;

    you, God, are my fortress,
    my God on whom I can rely.

 

 Saint-Nicolas Russian Orthodox Cathedral

The most important orthodox cathedral outside Russia, this is a beautifully ornate building. It was built to serve the large Russian community that had settled in Nice.

When I travel I love taking photos of churches, large and small, ornate and simple. And I like to imagine what the people who worship there are like, their hopes, dreams, and challenges. I am glad my son let me share his photo.

I took the cover photo for this post. It is the Kawaiaha’o Church in Hawaii

 

Exploring the HEART of Health

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Medical stethoscope and heart on a textured background

Dr Aletha

Honoring Our Veterans 

Veterans Day on November 11 honors those who served in the U.S. armed forces. The Veterans Administration supports veterans through health care, education, and research. Personal stories highlight the ongoing impact of veterans, including therapeutic relationships with pets and reflections from veterans of past conflicts, emphasizing resilience and community connection.

updated November 4, 2024

In the United States we reserve November 11, the date of the Armistice of World War I, as Veterans Day, to remember and honor all who do or have served in our armed forces.

The Veterans Administration provides benefits to veterans including health care. The VA Health Care System, or VHA,  one of the largest in the world, not only cares for veterans’ health, but also  provides medical education and medical research.

If you have ever received care from a physician who trained in the United States, that doctor likely learned from a veteran in a VHA facility. So our veterans continue to serve even after they leave military service. 

Welcome home heroes sign on a VA clinic
a Veterans Administration clinic

Here are several stories about veterans. Enjoy them, and thank the veterans you know this week.

disabled veteran patch

One Dog’s Powerful Healing Effects on Two Wounded Veterans

I believe your heart will be touched by this  story about the special relationship between  a wounded veteran and his therapy dog. Mine certainly was.

“It’s been quite a journey for U.S. Army veteran Justin Lansford and his canine companion, Gabe.

In 2012, Lansford lost his left leg in an IED explosion in Afghanistan.”

My husband served in the Army and was deployed to Vietnam in the 1970s. Here is his story –

From bullets to blessings-one man’s journey to recovery from war

“I didn’t want to ever go to Vietnam again when I came home in 1972 after a one-year tour of duty with the United States Army. I was stationed with the Americal Division, 3/18 Field Artillery Battalion near Tra Bong, a major village located about 25 miles west of Chu Lai, the headquarters of the Americal Division, on “China Beach” at the South China Sea.”

man next to concrete bunker at China Beach
Raymond visiting an old war bunker on China Beach

 

A veteran dishes out love– personal reflections from a Vietnam veteran

“The people around us are starving for love and we need to unlock our pantry and see to it that everybody gets a belly full.”

clowns entertain Vietnamese people
A veteran and his wife clown for people at a humanitarian outreach in Vietnam.
two soldiers statue
memorial statue at Canon City, Colorado-photo by Dr Aletha 

exploring the HEART of health

I’d love for you to follow this blog. I share information and inspiration to help you transform challenges into opportunities for learning and growth.

Add your name to the subscribe box to be notified of new posts by email. Click the link to read the post and browse other content. It’s that simple. No spam.

I enjoy seeing who is new to Watercress Words. When you subscribe, I will visit your blog or website. Thanks and see you next time.

Dr Aletha