Author: R. Mangold

Follower of Jesus. I strive to authentically and sincerely embody His Love, His Work on the Cross, and His Compassion and Mercy toward Humanity through servant leadership. My first calling is to Christ, and I live that out by being a faithful and committed husband, father, and grandfather, endeavoring to faithfully steward the gifts and talents God has granted me in this life. My vocational motto is, “I work labor the Lord, but I work for Ford.”

Mangold Pictures – The Early Years

Thanks to some of my newly discovered relatives, Roland Chambers and Marianne Chambers-Hockert, I have some old photos of some of our ancestors from the early 1900’s. With the help of any of the Mangolds, and our extended family, I hope to be able to correctly label these photos and share them with the Mangold Clans throughout the U.S. There are many photos, so this project will likely take some time, so be patient.

I only know who a few these are, and to be on the safe side, I am going to await confirmation from some of you before officially label them.

To let us know who’s who in the photos, please click on the photos above and leave a comment in the appropriate picture. Thanks again for everyone’s help here.

Do I Make You Proud? By Taylor Hicks

To further commemorate Military Appreciation Month, enjoy this tribute video featuring singer Taylor Hicks.

Lyrics: Do I Make You Proud? By Taylor Hicks

I’ve never been the one to raise my hand,
That was not me and now that’s who I am

Because of you I am standing tall,
My heart is full of endless gratitude,
You were the one, the one to guide me through,
Now I can see and I believe it’s only just beginning

Chorus-
This what we dream about
But the only question with me now
Is do I make you proud
Stronger than I’ve ever been NOW
Never been afraid of standing out
But do I make you proud

I guess I’ve learned, to question is to grow
That you still have faith, is all I need to know
I’ve learned to love, myself in spite of me
And I’ve learned to walk, the road that I believe

This what we dream about
But the only question with me now
Is do I make you proud
Stronger than I’ve ever been NOW
Never been afraid of standing out
But do I make you proud

Everybody needs to rise up
Everybody needs to be loved, to be loved

This what we dream about
But the only question with me now
Is do I make you proud
Stronger than I’ve ever been NOW
Never been afraid of standing out
But do I make you proud

This what we dream about
But the only question with me now
Is do I make you proud
Stronger than I’ve ever been NOW
Never been afraid of standing out
But do I make you proud

Do I make you proud?
Do I make you proud?

 

 

Memorial Day Revival – By Joseph M. Salvia

Reverence – We must not forget to honor those who lost their lives serving our Country. Even though we may not know them or their families personally, we must gather each year and stand together to show our appreciation for their sacrifices. We must continue to gather every year. We must teach our young people and our children the importance of carrying on this honored tradition and foster a “Spirit of Patriotism” for our Country.

Remember – We must not forget to respect, and give thanks to those who served in the past wars and other armed conflicts in our history; especially those who were wounded that may continue a life of suffering because of those injuries. They deserve to be honored and appreciated by all of us. Many of them returned home only to feel rejected, humiliated, or laughed at because of their military service. Those who served and are now present in our community, it is time for you to come forward and receive the welcome and thanks for the commitment of your time in serving our Country.

Recognition – There are many men and women that live in our community that served in the military forces during times of peace. They gave of their time in active duty or served in the Reserves or the National Guard. They also made a decision to serve our Country not knowing what might occur during the duration of their tour of duty. It was simply a choice to volunteer and do their part. This great multitude must now come forth and join with the war veterans so our community can recognize them for the role they performed. Once again, the youth of our community need to see that there have been many individuals living here that were not afraid to make a commitment to serve in a military capacity.

Respect – Last, but not least by any means, we must not forget those who are currently serving in the armed forces, or those that have just recently enlisted. We must give them the same thanks and appreciation as well, even in their absence, for their commitment in making our current military forces the best in the world. We welcome the spouses, parents, or other family members to represent them in the parade and carry a sign with their name in the event they are not available to attend personally.

`All of this can only happen if all of us step forward and get involved.

Those who have served or are serving in any capacity please come forward. Let this community see you and show their thanks, appreciation and support for all the time you have devoted during your tour of duty.

Those in the community! You must come forward and be there to clap your hands and salute our veterans. Buy a flag and bring it with you. Make a sign saying “Thank You Veterans”, “Welcome Home” to show your appreciation.

Please come, RAIN or SHINE! Our veterans served regardless of what the weather conditions were at any given moment in time past. What a great tribute it would be to see 10,000 umbrellas lining our streets as the veterans pass by.

Let us make a commitment not to forget anymore, but to make Memorial Day a day that we can all cherish!

May the only complaint heard from those in attendance on this day be, “I could not find a place to stand.”

Pemission to publish was granted by the author.

By : Joseph M. Salvia
Former 1 SG U.S. Army Michigan National Guard (1962-1968)
Former American Legion Post 216 Commander

Photo Note: As of this posting, the owner of this graphic is unknown. It was retrieved from an email I received. If you, or someone you know, owns the rights to this picture please contact me at starspangled@comcast.net and I will either give credit or remove at the author’s discretion.

The Dangers of Using Plastic for Our Food and Water

Bottledwater

Who knew? Arguably, one of the greatest advancements in the past 100 years, plastic is virtually everywhere you look. In fact, the keyboard and computer I am typing on right now, would be impossible without the advancement of plastic technology. But, now it appears some plastics (not all) contain chemicals that can leach into our food and water, and subsequently be ingested by the consumer. You owe it to yourself and your children to research this information for yourself and make an informed decision based on the studies presented in these resources. Startling information about the harmful effects, can be found at the links below.

Essentially, if the plastic you are using has #3, #6, or #7, based on the findings, you should discontinue use immediately. While the “one-time” use of some of the products may or may not be safe, re-using them has definitely proven to leach chemicals into our bodies. What’s troubling about this information, is that many of the water bottles that are sold for hikers and bikers, or to just transport water, for a healthier lifestyle are identified with a lethal #7. You will be sickened when you stop to think about the times you’ve heated up your baby’s bottle, or leftovers from a carry-out container, in the microwave. Plastic “sippy” cups are suspect as well. How many toddlers have you seen walking around with them? Incidentally, the bottled water you drink is a #1 which is only rated for “one-time” use. And how many of us have re-filled our water bottles thinking we were being environmentally conscious?

What is one to do? One expert recommends not “beating yourself up over it,” and moving on, as it were. Make good conscious decisions now, based on these findings. Limit the amount of plastic you use to store and heat food. Don’t re-use “one-time” use water bottles. And, use responsible alternatives when possible. The article links below will point you in the right direction for alternatives and what your risks are.

A Brief Breakdown in Numbers

#3 – PVC or V: Polyvinyl Chloride, used for cling wrap, some plastic squeeze bottles, cooking oil and peanut butter jars, detergent and window cleaner.

#6 – PS: Polystyrene, used in Styrofoam food trays, egg cartons, disposable cups and bowls, carry-out containers and opaque plastic cutlery.

#7– Other: Usually polycarbonate, used in most plastic baby bottles, 5-gallon water bottles, “sport” water bottles, metal food can liners, clear plastic “sippy” cups and some clear plastic cutlery. NOTE: New bio-based plastics may also be labeled #7.

Article Links

For more details click the following links:

Happy Feet – Pastor RD Mangold (Part 2 of 2)

Happy Feet Continued…

  • Moses – When approaching the burning bush was commanded of God to remove his shoes…he was on Holy Ground. Basically, Moses was to bare his feet. God was about to set Moses’ feet on a mission!
  • Isaiah – In Isaiah 52:7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!
  • Romans – But I like how Paul says it better in the book of Romans, “And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”
  • Mary – The sister of Lazarus made the feet of Jesus HAPPY FEET…John 12:3 Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.
  • Jesus – John 13:12-17 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? 13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. 16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. 17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

 

Of all the things Jesus could have used to illustrate servitude and humility, he chose to wash our feet.

Jesus knew that the roads ahead of the disciples were going to be tough and that happiness was going to be the furthest thing from their minds.

They were going to face cruel scourgings, beatings, torture, and death, but when Jesus was facing His own darkest hour, His greatest concern was that His disciples would be…Happy?

If you think for a minute that God’s content watching you be miserable…You don’t know God like I know Him.

God wants us to be happy and he knows that if you really want to be happy, you won’t be able to do it with feet that are fettered and hurting.

So, God has been kind enough to allow a word to be fitly spoken into your spirit today…IT’S TIME YOUR FEET BECAME HAPPY FEET!

Time to Turn Your Mourning into Dancing

God knows, if he can get the fetters off your feet…if he can get you through your trial or test. He’ll pour some healing into your soul that will make your feet so happy you’ll want to DANCE, DANCE, DANCE, DANCE, DANCE!

God’s not concerned with the rhythm of your dance, or how stylish it is, He just wants you to be able to dry your tears long enough to get your DANCE back.

We have a Savior that cares so much about you that the very night he was to be given up to the authorities, He wanted His disciples to know, if you want to be happy…take care of one another’s feet!

If our creator could humble himself enough to bow down and wash the feet of the 12, including one that was going to deny him, and one that was going to betray him, couldn’t we be big enough to do the same for our brothers and sisters.

Paul’s Feet Kicking the Pricks

The day that the Apostle Paul was converted on the road to Damascus, Jesus makes a peculiar statement

Ac 26:14 – 18 And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

 

The Apostle Paul was so busy kicking against the pricks, spiritually speaking, his feet HAD to be hurting. Constantly kicking against something he knew full well was what God was calling him to.

Listen to the rest of the story…

 

 15 And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.

 16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;

 17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,

 18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

Paul’s feet were far from being HAPPY FEET! He was spending so much time and energy kicking against the pricks that he wasn’t seeing the ministry and the purpose God was calling him too.

But when he stopped kicking, and his feet stopped hurting, God granted him a ministry that resulted in millions coming to Christ!

Now those are some HAPPY FEET!

I don’t know where you’re at today, but I’m almost certain, your feet are killing you right now.

If it’s been a long time since you’ve danced before the Lord you have to ask yourself one of these questions…

1. Am I bound by something?

a. Perhaps it’s a habit

b. Perhaps it’s a sin

c. Perhaps it’s the enemy

2. Am I kicking against the pricks?

a. Am I purposely avoiding doing what I truly know is right?

b. Am I so wrapped up in my own life, my own plans, my own schemes that I can’t see the ministry, or the purpose that God has for me right before my very eyes?

God wants His people to have HAPPY FEET! He went to great lengths to ensure that we could enjoy this great truth, and fulfill our purpose in Him…but we can’t do it without HAPPY FEET!