Our son called yesterday to tell us he will be stationed in South Carolina after he completes this training phase (15 weeks). I'm thrilled for him...and us...because there is always a chance we could end up at the post near his base when we leave here...wouldn't that just be awesome!!! I'm already praying!!! That is one of the places we've talked about returning to since we liked that area when my husband was in training. And oh to be less than 40 minutes from our son...yes, I've already searched map quest...and yes, I can dream a little...hope a little...pray A LOT! :)
He just began his 2nd phase of training in Texas and everything is going good. I know he is happy to be close to friends and family again. Please continue to pray for his training there, and that God would prepare him to move far from everyone after his training is complete.
Please also pray for us as we miss him very badly. Everything seems to remind us of him...especially one of the twins who looks more like him every day. I can't tell you how many times we would look across the field at his track meet on Friday and be reminded of how much he looks like his older brother. We wish he was here with us! Maybe one day...
Son - we love you and miss you and are so proud of you. Keep up the good work!!!
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Thankful Thursday - Friends
I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. Ephesians 1:16
When I first began this journey with my husband into the chaplaincy I never imagined it would bring about such wonderful friendships. Daily, I am thankful for this in my life. Some of these women I will probably never meet. Some I have (praise the Lord)! All of them are very special to me. Many, but not all, I met right here. It began with a simple comment on this blog, and has blossomed into a wonderful friendship.
To all of you - the scripture above says it all. I give thanks to God every day for you and I am praying for you. You are precious people, and a huge blessing to me! Although the majority of you are very far away, I feel very, very close to you. For those of you I have the privilege to live close to, I am so grateful to God for that!
I can't leave out the rest of my friends...
To those of you who I knew before this journey began, I am grateful to God for you as well. Thank you for your continued support and encouragement, and for staying in touch. I miss you! And, to my very best friend on this earth, my husband, I am forever grateful for you and the friend you are to me. I love this journey we are on...together. We've been friends a very long time, and it grows sweeter with each passing year. Your friendship is unlike any other because you see me just the way I am, all the time, and you love me unconditionally.
Thank you for your friendship! I love you all.
Lord, thank you for the gift of friendship! Our lives are richer because of it! Thank you for being that friend that sticks closer than a brother. Your friendship is sweeter than any other and, because of your great love for us, we are able to love others. I am grateful that you are ever-present; that no matter where I am, or what I am going through, you are here with me.
(For other Thankful Thursday posts, visit Sting My Heart. It's great to see so many people giving thanks to God for the many blessings in life! We have much to be thankful for.)
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Joy! ...May it be evident!
This morning, as I was cleaning out my refrigerator (I hate to do that!) and singing praise songs, excited as can be about my husband getting home this afternoon, I found myself listening intently to a song from Third Day, called May Your Wonders Never Cease. As I was singing it to the Lord, I realized my joy for the Lord should be as evident as the joy I was feeling over my husband returning. Had I not known my husband was returning today, would I have been so full of joy? I'm not certain. Maybe I would have. I would have spent that time cleaning and singing to God, but would I have been so excited about why I was concerned with cleaning. I love cleaning, really cleaning, when I know he is coming home and hasn't had a clean thing around him for days.
I love my husband more than anything on this earth, but nothing, even that, compares to the love I have for the Savior, yet sometimes I know that isn't so visible. I desire to "be reminded of His grace" as the song says, and I pray that "His name be glorified...above all others, above this world, above everything else that is in our lives." It was a great reminder to me this morning about what it means to let your light shine for Jesus. There's nothing wrong with getting excited about my husband returning home, or thinking about the things of this world that make me happy...but I don't want to allow anything to take the place of Jesus and the relationship He desires to have with me. I want His love to be all I need...and everything else to be an added blessing. Even the love of my husband.
I was going to post the song I mentioned above, but then I saw this video and it truly says it all. Jesus gave up His own life beause of His great love for us. The video below shows his beating, and it's not pretty, but I think we all need to realize it wasn't pretty. His death was horrific, ugly, gruesome, terrible...but He loved us that much. I cry every time I watch the Jesus film, from which this was taken. He suffered greatly for each one of us. His love is real!
My prayer this morning is that YOU would know the love of Jesus...whoever listens, may YOU be touched by his great mercy and forgiveness and, if you don't know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, that you would give your life to Him. He loves you so much more than I could ever express, but the cross says it all. If you do know Him, I pray you would forever live your life as one who brings glory to His name so that others are drawn to Jesus. There is NO GREATER JOY in all the earth, than knowing Jesus Christ!
I love my husband more than anything on this earth, but nothing, even that, compares to the love I have for the Savior, yet sometimes I know that isn't so visible. I desire to "be reminded of His grace" as the song says, and I pray that "His name be glorified...above all others, above this world, above everything else that is in our lives." It was a great reminder to me this morning about what it means to let your light shine for Jesus. There's nothing wrong with getting excited about my husband returning home, or thinking about the things of this world that make me happy...but I don't want to allow anything to take the place of Jesus and the relationship He desires to have with me. I want His love to be all I need...and everything else to be an added blessing. Even the love of my husband.
I was going to post the song I mentioned above, but then I saw this video and it truly says it all. Jesus gave up His own life beause of His great love for us. The video below shows his beating, and it's not pretty, but I think we all need to realize it wasn't pretty. His death was horrific, ugly, gruesome, terrible...but He loved us that much. I cry every time I watch the Jesus film, from which this was taken. He suffered greatly for each one of us. His love is real!
My prayer this morning is that YOU would know the love of Jesus...whoever listens, may YOU be touched by his great mercy and forgiveness and, if you don't know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, that you would give your life to Him. He loves you so much more than I could ever express, but the cross says it all. If you do know Him, I pray you would forever live your life as one who brings glory to His name so that others are drawn to Jesus. There is NO GREATER JOY in all the earth, than knowing Jesus Christ!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Thankful for the phone calls
Last night I struggled as I had not heard from my husband since early that morning. Some people would think that was a bit silly...that is if you're not in the military or don't know the feeling of being seperated from your spouse for any great length of time. Just a simple, short phone call can make all the difference in the world.
About 10:30 last night I hated that I hadn't heard from him. I knew he was probably either working late, or had fallen off to sleep thinking I was probably already asleep and didn't want to wake me. I hoped that wasn't the case and gave him a quick call, thinking if he came in late he would know I was up and could call (not that it matters to me in the least bit if he calls and wakes me up!). He didn't answer. I prayed he would call, even if only for a minute. My prayer was answered. It was short and sweet. Pretty much, "Hi babe. How are you?...I'm fine...it's freezing out here so I'll call again in the morning." That was all I needed!
This morning we were able to talk probably five or ten minutes. The amount of time never seems to matter, just hearing his voice. He hasn't showered since last Thursday and it's dusty, dirty, cold and windy. He's worn out, missing his family, and wishing he could sleep in a bed, his bed...beside me. He asked how the kids were and how things were on the home front. I told him good, and we talked about the kids and the things they have going on. We talked about missing each other and looking forward to his short return tomorrow night, before he is gone again for another week.
It's short, it's simple, it's beautiful. I tell myself, "Cherish every moment. Cherish the phone calls. Cherish those words, 'I miss you!' and 'I love you!'...Hold on to all of it!" My husband isn't down range, just in the field. My heart aches for the men and women who are, and the families they leave behind. I can't help but think about them every day. These are only my thoughts, what I experience. Imagine the thoughts of those who haven't seen their spouse in over a year, not just a few days. I don't want them to be forgotten. I don't want them to feel alone. I don't want them to feel abandoned. Lord, bring them safely home!
About 10:30 last night I hated that I hadn't heard from him. I knew he was probably either working late, or had fallen off to sleep thinking I was probably already asleep and didn't want to wake me. I hoped that wasn't the case and gave him a quick call, thinking if he came in late he would know I was up and could call (not that it matters to me in the least bit if he calls and wakes me up!). He didn't answer. I prayed he would call, even if only for a minute. My prayer was answered. It was short and sweet. Pretty much, "Hi babe. How are you?...I'm fine...it's freezing out here so I'll call again in the morning." That was all I needed!
This morning we were able to talk probably five or ten minutes. The amount of time never seems to matter, just hearing his voice. He hasn't showered since last Thursday and it's dusty, dirty, cold and windy. He's worn out, missing his family, and wishing he could sleep in a bed, his bed...beside me. He asked how the kids were and how things were on the home front. I told him good, and we talked about the kids and the things they have going on. We talked about missing each other and looking forward to his short return tomorrow night, before he is gone again for another week.
It's short, it's simple, it's beautiful. I tell myself, "Cherish every moment. Cherish the phone calls. Cherish those words, 'I miss you!' and 'I love you!'...Hold on to all of it!" My husband isn't down range, just in the field. My heart aches for the men and women who are, and the families they leave behind. I can't help but think about them every day. These are only my thoughts, what I experience. Imagine the thoughts of those who haven't seen their spouse in over a year, not just a few days. I don't want them to be forgotten. I don't want them to feel alone. I don't want them to feel abandoned. Lord, bring them safely home!
Monday, April 21, 2008
Mercy Monday
I am seeing more and more of God.
His presence.
His peace.
His love.
His beauty.
His mercy.
This morning I just wanted to worship and praise Him and I got on YouTube to listen/sing to a few songs. The two songs below really got to me. I can hardly think of someone in my life who ISN'T going through something difficult right now. Life is not easy...there is a lot of pain.
BUT, there is also a lot of healing taking place; a lot of prayers being answered and a lot of glory being given to God, even in the trials, and I can't help but praise the Lord for His mercy. The presence of the Lord is mighty and powerful!
Thank you, Lord! Your mercy is new every morning. I want to start my week praising You for all you have done, are doing and will do in the future. Where Satan intended to harm, You are restoring and I am in awe of You, Lord. One of the toughest things to do is surrender our will to Yours, but here I am before You saying...I surrender all. Daily. Hourly. Minute by minute. Whatever it takes. Holy, Holy, Holy are You, Lord God Almighty...
His presence.
His peace.
His love.
His beauty.
His mercy.
This morning I just wanted to worship and praise Him and I got on YouTube to listen/sing to a few songs. The two songs below really got to me. I can hardly think of someone in my life who ISN'T going through something difficult right now. Life is not easy...there is a lot of pain.
BUT, there is also a lot of healing taking place; a lot of prayers being answered and a lot of glory being given to God, even in the trials, and I can't help but praise the Lord for His mercy. The presence of the Lord is mighty and powerful!
Thank you, Lord! Your mercy is new every morning. I want to start my week praising You for all you have done, are doing and will do in the future. Where Satan intended to harm, You are restoring and I am in awe of You, Lord. One of the toughest things to do is surrender our will to Yours, but here I am before You saying...I surrender all. Daily. Hourly. Minute by minute. Whatever it takes. Holy, Holy, Holy are You, Lord God Almighty...
Sunday, April 20, 2008
21st Time Video
On Friday night, while out with my kids, we were approached by a man who gave us a long story about how he needed some money to put gas in his car down the road. Looking into his eyes and observing his body language, I knew deep down he was lying. My daughter's boyfriend, Skyler, felt the same.
Even so, we just couldn't say, "no we can't help you," so we told him we'd go find his car "with his wife and son" and put gas in the car. I didn't feel comfortable letting him in my car, so we told him to start walking and we would meet him there. Once he finally arrived (to our amazement) he had to tell the truth. I allowed Skyler to do the talking and the kids and I remained in the car.
About 30 or 45 minutes later we see Skyler going into the gas station to buy the man something to eat. We went in to see what was going on. He told us that the man confessed that he was lying to him so, because he had lied to him, Skyler told him he could not give him money, but that he would buy him a hot cup of coffee and a sandwich.
I left there feeling good, not mad, because Skyler reached out to him, even though he knew the truth was not being told. He could have easily walked away, but he confronted the man in his sin, shared the love of Jesus and ministered to him.
I wonder if one day that man will change because a young man reached out to him and loved him despite his sin.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Take Time for the Lord right now!
If you haven't opened up the Word of God today, do it! If you haven't stopped to praise God today, do it! If you haven't worshipped Him, do it! Click here, then close your eyes and let the world fade away...sit with Him awhile.
Whatever happened to Spring???
It's snowing!!! Yesterday afternoon, in a matter of three or four minutes, we had rain, sleet, snow and sunshine...and I thought Texas weather was crazy! I'm looking out my window right now and the snowflakes are so big they look like feathers falling. It's beautiful...snow falling always is...unless it's almost the end of April and you like SPRING, not winter!!! That would be me! Last weekend it was in the 70's and we were sitting on a beach soaking up the sunshine! I want that weather back!
Ha!...what a great way to start out an update on last week's post: Fasting from Complaining
I have to say this is one of the best fasting experiences I've ever had! And, not because I still got to eat either. My week has been filled with joyfulness. Every day I've found fulfillment and peace in even the simplest of things. Not because anything was really different about my every day routine...but because there's something that happens to you when you make the commitment to look at life without grumbling.
I can't say I didn't slip up. After getting in the car from sitting on the beach in the sunshine for several hours, and waiting on my daughter's boyfriend while he was talking to a man for a little longer than I expected, I made the complaint, "It's hot in here!" Immediately, though, I realized what I had done and confessed it to my kids and asked the Lord to forgive me. I confessed it to my kids because I had told them we were all on a fast.
Their reaction to the news that we were on a fast was hilarious. They said, "We're not going without eating; this is your deal." I then told them what the fast was about...and told them they didn't have a choice. They didn't take me seriously...
Until I was the one to slip up, that is!
The blessing in sharing it with them was that I had accountability. I'm more likely to complain to them, or at them, than anyone else. Knowing that they knew what I had committed to the Lord did make a difference. I'm not sure if anyone else joined me in this fast, but if you did I'd sure like to hear how your week went. Mine was wonderful and I'm going to continue this fast. It's a much better way to live - looking at the good things in life, not the bad...looking for ways to praise the Lord rather than complain and grumble.
What a beautiful sight that falling snow is. You just can't help but see beauty in the pure white falling snowflakes! God's majesty is portrayed in it's simplicity.
Ha!...what a great way to start out an update on last week's post: Fasting from Complaining
I have to say this is one of the best fasting experiences I've ever had! And, not because I still got to eat either. My week has been filled with joyfulness. Every day I've found fulfillment and peace in even the simplest of things. Not because anything was really different about my every day routine...but because there's something that happens to you when you make the commitment to look at life without grumbling.
I can't say I didn't slip up. After getting in the car from sitting on the beach in the sunshine for several hours, and waiting on my daughter's boyfriend while he was talking to a man for a little longer than I expected, I made the complaint, "It's hot in here!" Immediately, though, I realized what I had done and confessed it to my kids and asked the Lord to forgive me. I confessed it to my kids because I had told them we were all on a fast.
Their reaction to the news that we were on a fast was hilarious. They said, "We're not going without eating; this is your deal." I then told them what the fast was about...and told them they didn't have a choice. They didn't take me seriously...
Until I was the one to slip up, that is!
The blessing in sharing it with them was that I had accountability. I'm more likely to complain to them, or at them, than anyone else. Knowing that they knew what I had committed to the Lord did make a difference. I'm not sure if anyone else joined me in this fast, but if you did I'd sure like to hear how your week went. Mine was wonderful and I'm going to continue this fast. It's a much better way to live - looking at the good things in life, not the bad...looking for ways to praise the Lord rather than complain and grumble.
What a beautiful sight that falling snow is. You just can't help but see beauty in the pure white falling snowflakes! God's majesty is portrayed in it's simplicity.
He [God] says to the snow, 'Fall on the earth,' and to the rain shower, 'Be a mighty downpour.' Job 37:6
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)