If this year is like previous years, libraries and schools will have events focused on writing.

Writers will encourage others and teach them how to improve their writing.

I think the best way to celebrate is to start with a blank sheet of paper … and write!

photo credit: koalazymonkey

A Veteran — whether active duty, retired, National Guard or Reserve — is someone who, at one point in their life, wrote a check made payable to The United States of America, for an amount of: ‘Up to and including my life.’

Thank you to everyone who has served our country so our flag still flies flee and proud.

ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, in whose hands are the living and the dead; We give thee thanks for all those thy servants who have offered their lives in the service of our country. Grant to them thy mercy and the light of thy presence, both now and ever. Stretch forth, we pray thee, thine almighty arm to strengthen and protect the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines of our country. Support them in the day of battle, and in the time of peace keep them safe from all evil; endue them with courage and loyalty; and grant that in all things they may serve without reproach; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Learn more about persecution and what you can do to help:

• The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church
• Voice of the Martyrs
• Open Doors
• International Christian Concern

You can find Scriptural guidance on praying for persecuted Christians at How to Pray for the Persecuted Church.

Look with pity, we beseech thee, O Lord,  upon the sorrows of thy persecuted servants for whom our prayers are offered. Remember them, O Lord, in mercy; endue their souls with patience; strengthen them with thy power; comfort them with a sense of thy goodness; lift up thy countenance upon them, and give them peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.