The Elegant Pen - About Us

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One of our custom legacy albums is truly a gift that keeps on giving. CALL NOW!

Welcome to our on line home.

Convinced that the family is a God ordained entity, and therefore realizing its importance throughout all time, we are dedicated to preserving your family heritage in a way like none other. Your legacy is something to be honored and treasured. We would count it a privilege to be able to help you preserve it in a way that will last through the generations.

God forbid that we ever speak in a boastful manner when we say that our legacy albums are priceless heirlooms to be passed down from generation to generation. As you visit each page this will become evident.

Enjoy your visit. Take your time, for there is no need to hurry. Should you have any questions please feel free to contact us. We would love to hear from you.

Please return often as we continue to update, add products, samples, pricing and more. We think you will find this site worthy of long and repeated visits!

The philosophy of the schoolroom in one generation is the philosophy of the government in the next. Abraham Lincoln

The lettering and flourishing that you see on the pages of this website is not the cold and sterile outpourings of some computer! It is all done by the human hand.

The Cedar Bridge in Madison Co. Iowa hearkens back to a more simpler time, a time when life wasn't so hurry scurry. I took this picture on a recent day trip to Madison Co. What a wonderful day I had touring the county and looking at these wonderful old bridges, The Cedar bridge was featured in the movie, "The Bridges of Madison County", starring Clint Eastwood. Click on it for a larger image.

Click on the, "Today's Grace Gem" link below for one of the finest daily devotionals on the web!

~ Today's Grace Gem ~

Please take the time to read, "Support Red Fridays" at the bottom of this page.

Simplicity IS elegance. See our timeless, classic heritage pages!

Please click on the images for a much larger view.

All the pieces you see on this site are for sale. Feel free to contact us if you see something that you would like. I don't have everything priced.

This picture was sent to me by my good friend, Les Twiford, one of this country's true heroes, a man who devoted his life to serving this great nation. Thank you Les!

When I saved the above image to my Images folder I entitled it simply, "Bravery". This is one of the most moving pictures I have ever set my eyes upon. In a country that makes athletes heroes, and looks down upon its soldiers I do not hesitate to declare that this young man is more of a hero than any of those athletes who make countless millions each year playing games. May God cause His face to shine ever upon this young man and his family; and upon those men, nay, those HEROES, who many times pay the ultimate sacrifice so that we may live the kind of peaceable lives that we enjoy living.

Note how the descender on the capital "G" becomes the opening flourish of the capital "A". Click on image for larger view.

Many years ago George Washington uttered this prayer. Might it be ours also.

"Almighty God; We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection; that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government; and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United states at large. And finally that Thou >wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

Support our troops!!

What we have in this country; our freedoms, our abundant wealth, the overabundance of provender that sustains us, etc., was given us through the spilt blood of countless thousands of young men who died so that we might have what we have. These were men who at the dawn of victory did not sit down to rest and resting there died, rather these were men who continued on in their struggles allowing us these wonderful freedoms that we so enjoy.

Without freedom we cannot truly live! God bless those loyal men and women who are willingly and proudly serving this great nation, and God bless America!

A hometown hero!

Sgt 1st Class Quinton Christensen
1st 168th Infantry Iowa National Guard

We have become a nation of people that idolizes and makes heroes out of sports figures. The quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts has become more of a hero than the man or woman who daily and willingly risks his or her life so that we might enjoy the style of peaceable living that we have become accustomed to here in the US. I find this a very sad commentary on the time in which we live. The sports figure who does nothing to insure that we are able to continue to live peaceable lives earns millions of dollars a year while the soldier who works under often brutal and life threatening situations receives but a drop in the bucket in comparison.

We all need to thank the Lord daily for men such as Quinton, and to pray mightily for their safety and well being in the face of untold dangers. In my opinion he, and the others like him, are the REAL heroes in this country!

Let's also not forget the wives and husbands of those who serve. How many of us stop and think of the constant weight they carry on their shoulders, the fear of losing the one they so dearly love? Please pray for them also.

God bless you all!

Forwarded by Christian Family Coalition

                                     Support "Red Fridays."

       Last week I was in Atlanta , Georgia attending a conference. While I was in the airport, returning home, I heard several people behind me beginning to clap and cheer. I immediately turned around and witnessed one of the greatest acts of patriotism I have ever seen. Moving thru the terminal was a group of soldiers in their camos. As they began heading to their gate, everyone (well almost everyone) was abruptly to their feet with their hands waving and cheering. When I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applauded and cheered for, it hit me. I'm Not alone. I'm not the only red-blooded American who still loves this country and supports our troops and their families.

       Of course I immediately stopped and began clapping for these young unsung heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for us so we can go to school, work and home without fear or reprisal. Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country or of our service men and women, a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 years old, ran up to one of the male soldiers. He kneeled down and said "hi." The little girl then asked him if he would give something to her daddy for her. The young soldier, who didn't look any older than maybe 22 himself, said he would try and what did she want to give to her daddy. Then suddenly the little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave him the biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek.

       The mother of the little girl, who said her daughter's name was Courtney, told the young soldier that her husband was a Marine and had been in Iraq for 11 months now. As the mom was explaining how much her daughter Courtney missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up. When this temporarily single mom was done explaining her situation, all of the soldiers huddled together for a brief second. Then one of the other servicemen pulled out a military-looking walkie-talkie. They started playing with the device and talking back and forth on it.

       After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked back over to Courtney , bent down and said this to her, "I spoke to your daddy and he told me to give this to you." He then hugged this little girl that he had just met and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He finished by saying "your daddy told me to tell you that he loves you more than anything and he is coming home very soon."

       The mom at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young soldier stood to his feet, he saluted Courtney and her mom. I was standing no more than 6 feet away from this entire event. As the soldiers began to leave, heading towards their gate, people resumed their applause. As I stood there applauding and looked around, there were very few dry eyes, including my own. That young soldier in one last act of selflessness, turned around and blew a kiss to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek.

       We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and thank God for them and their sacrifices. At the end of the day, it's good to be an American.

       RED FRIDAYS ----- Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing Red every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the "silent majority". We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers. We are not organized, boisterous or over-bearing. We get no liberal media coverage on TV, to reflect our message or our opinions. Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast
majority of America supports our troops.

       Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday -and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that.. Every red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar will wear something red. By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the
bleachers.

       If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, co-workers, friends, and family. It will not be long before the USA is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once "silent" majority is on their side more than ever; certainly more than the media lets on.   The first thing a soldier says when asked "What can we do to make things better for you?" is...We need your support and your prayers. Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example; and
wear something red every Friday.

As a Company, Southwest Airlines is going to support "Red Fridays."

IF YOU AGREE -- THEN SEND THIS ON.

IF YOU COULD CARE LESS THEN HIT THE DELETE BUTTON --- IT IS YOUR CHOICE.

WE LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE, ONLY BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE.

THEIR BLOOD RUNS RED ---- SO WEAR RED ! --- MAY GOD HELP AMERICA TO
BECOME ONE NATION, UNDER GOD.

HAVE A GREAT DAY.

Soldier's Psalm 91 Prayer
By Harriet Yoder

O Lord Most High, help me to dwell in your secret place and abide under Your shadow.

Help me to believe and say out loud for everyone to hear that You are my refuge and my fortress; that You are my God; and that in You I put my trust.

O Lord God Almighty, please deliver me from hidden traps and diseases.

Father God, cover me with Your camouflage; hide me under Your wings; and let Your truth be my shield and buckler against the fiery darts—the lies—of the enemy.

Lord Jesus, help me not to be afraid of terrorists' attacks in the night; or weapons that fly by day; or sicknesses that walk in darkness; or destruction that wastes at noonday.

O Holy God, though a thousand fall at my side, and ten thousand fall at my right hand; please let it not come close to me and my companions.

O Lord Most High, let me live to see the reward of the wicked, because You are my refuge and my home. Let no evil conquer me and let no plague come into my house or near my family.

O Lord, my Strength and my Redeemer, please set angels over me to keep me in all Your ways, to bear me up in their hands and to keep my feet from stumbling.

Father God, help me to tread upon the lion and adder and trample the young lion and the dragon under my feet.

Lord Jesus, I love you with all my heart and I know Your name. Deliver me and lift me on high to soar with the eagles. I call upon you to be with me in times of trouble to deliver and honor me because I know Your name. Please show me Your salvation and satisfy me with a long life.

I ask this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ

Amen.

A retired military friend sent me the following, "Little Perspective". Please take the time to read it, as it is a must read.

A LITTLE PERSPECTIVE

Your alarm goes off, you hit the snooze and sleep for another 10 minutes. He stays up for days on end.

You take a warm shower to help you wake

up. He goes days or weeks without running water.

You complain of a "headache", and call in sick. He gets shot at, as others are hit, and keeps moving forward.

You put on your anti war/don't support the troops shirt, and go meet up with your friends. He still fights for your right to wear that shirt.

You make sure you're cell phone is in your pocket. He clutches the cross hanging on his chain next to his dog tags.

You talk trash on your "buddies" that aren't with you. He knows he may not see some of his buddies again.

You walk down the beach, staring at all the pretty girls. He walks the streets, searching for insurgents and terrorists.

You complain about how hot it is. He wears his heavy gear, not daring to take off his helmet to wipe his brow.

You go out to lunch, and complain because the restaurant got your order wrong. He does not get to eat today.

Your maid makes your bed and washes your clothes. He wears the same things for months, but makes sure his weapons are clean.

You go to the mall and get your hair redone. He doesn't have time to brush his teeth today.

You are angry because your class ran 5 minutes over. He is told he will be held an extra 2 months.

You call your girlfriend and set a date for that night. He waits for the mail to see if there is a letter from home.

You hug and kiss your girlfriend, like you do everyday. He holds his letter close and smells his love's perfume.

You roll your eyes as a baby cries. He gets a letter with pictures of his new child, and wonders if they'll ever meet.

You criticize your government, and say that war never solves anything. He sees the innocent tortured and killed by their own government and remembers why he is fighting.

You hear the jokes about the war, and make fun of the men like him. He hears the gun fire and bombs.

You see only what the media wants you to see. He sees the bodies lying around him.

You are asked to go to the store by your parents. You don't. He does what he is told.

You stay at home and watch TV. He takes whatever time he is given to call and write home, sleep, and eat.

You crawl into your bed, with down pillows, and try to get comfortable. He crawls under a tank for shade and a 5 minute nap, only to be woken by gun fire.

You sit there and judge him, saying the world is a worse place because of men like him.

If only there were more men like him.

We would love to hear from you with questions about our products, our services or our web site. Click Contact Us here, or on the link to the right, to send us your comments.

Click here to hear Dottie Knudsen of The Elegant Pen singing, "God Bless America" at the 2003 IAMPETH convention held in Cleveland, Ohio.

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