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ASSOCIATION PIN In the stillness of the morning we begin our journey along the edge of the lake listening to the melodic tunes of a pair of loons float through the air. Leaving the edge of the lake, we happen upon a trail which leads us past snow covered trees glistening in the early morning light. The trail beckons us toward a mountain range, calling us to scale their peaks. The first and easiest peak is in the North, representing a year of learning. From there, we climb South, the second leg of our journey. During this year we are responsible for guiding other through the labyrinth of human life. Heading West, a year of preparation, we take time for an occasional glance toward the summit which keeps the goal in mind. During these three years we must stop and reflect on my many beautiful scenes observed from each of these vantage points. Finally, slowly, and steadily following the trail while enjoying each passing moment we reach the East. With a view that will serve as a fitting climax for this TREK.
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BIBLE VERSE |
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I lift up my eyes to the hills - where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1 and 2
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COLORS Hues of Cerulean and Sky Blue These shades of blue represents tranquility, peace, wisdom, and a sense of relaxation.
White As Past Grand Esther, white represents kindness, purity, and softness. It can provide clarity and is a good choice fro new beginnings. My love of winter and the freshly fallen snow.
Violet Associate with romance, imagination, inspiration, and has a special, almost sacred place in nature.
Magenta Creates feelings of tenderness, calm, contentment, and is effective in neutralizing disorder. This color holds special meaning as it is a shade of the ribbon color associated with Breast Cancer of which I am a survivor.
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FLOWER The yellow rose, a symbol of friendship and one of my favorite flowers accented with garden perennials and woodland greenery.
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WATCHWORDS Wherever your TRAIL leads may the Tranquility .... you encounter allow time for Reflection .... fill your wish Exuberance .... as you demonstrate Kindness .... to others
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FUN EMBLEMS The Loon Its graceful elegant look, mournful call, and its wilderness haunts - combine to create a powerful wildlife symbol. From its prehistoric evolution and mythical ancestry to its current-day precarious existence in water habitats fed by acid rain, the loon is a survivor, a creature for our time. Just like the loon, the Order of the Eastern Star has experienced many challenges during its existence. but by working together it will continue to be a survivor.
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THE GREYHOUND Greyhounds have been man's companions for a long period of time. They are mention in many ancient texts, including the Bible, and some reports suggest the breed dates back about 4,000 years. During this period they were mostly used as hunters due to their keen sight and speed. Often helping the nomadic tribes of Africa, Egypt and Persia catch game to feed their people. During the middle ages Greyhounds became popular in the royal courts and used in the hunt. At one time it was a capita offense to kill a Greyhound. As time progressed the hunt gave way to the business of racing. The Greyhound then became in many cases a disposable commodity when no longer economically useful. the breed also fell prone to Cancer Some say due to the pesticides used on the tracks. More recently, public outrage at misuse of Greyhounds has caused the closing of many tracks. People, such as myself who have adopted these retired racers have discovered a true and loyal companion. Our Greyhound, long time survivor wears a racing bib containing a replica of the Eastern Star, 2011 and she is ever ready to run the good race.
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AMERICAN FLAG In the background waves our American Flag, the symbol of greatest Country on earth. We are proud to pledge allegiance to this banner at every meeting. This banner was with me on my journey as a young man in harms way and also on my safe return home after serving my Country in Vietnam. Her stars and stripes will enfold me -- as well as many of you on our last earthly journey. Long may she wave. |
