The Written Word is truly the LIVING Word of God...

We have just received word from our Soldier Son that he will soon be boarding his plane for the first leg of his journey home. This is the end of his second deployment.

In 2007, the day that he was actually leaving the USA to begin his first deployment, I posted a blog about my personal devotion. We had open house in our new church and my emotions were fragile to say the least. During my time in the Word that morning before I began my day, God so clearly spoke to my heart, and I scribbled my promise on a piece of paper. I literally held on to it all day. You can read the entire post here.

As I sat today, opened my Bible and my "read-through" plan for this year, I was taken to Psalms 73. It is a different Bible than I was reading in 2007 and an entirely different reading plan. But the passage once again JUMPED off the page - straight to my heart. Verse 26: "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever"

I just stared for a few minutes. How amazing - the very verse given to me for strength and encouragement as he began his first deployment - was the exact same verse given once again today - as He is at the END of his second deployment. I did not orchestrate this. I did not go to this passage just to read it again. Like I said, it was a different Bible AND a different reading plan. To be perfectly honest, I did not even remember that this was where my original promise was found.

It was if God was so clearly speaking to me and reminding me that He is true to His Word. He gave me a promise to hold on to and the promise is still true.

The Living Word...

Given so freely - to speak so clearly - when we simply take the time to hear.

He IS the strength of my heart. He IS my portion forever. I choose to HOLD ON...even when my flesh and my heart may fail.

My heart is full. My emotions are once again fragile.

But today it is from an entirely different perspective.

Updates and Prayer Request

Just a short blog to let you have a few quick updates and also to request prayer.

1. We had a wonderful two weeks with our Warrior for his R & R from Afghanistan. We were able to celebrate Christmas with him. And then last weekend - we had a birthday party for Hal, Jonathan and Ronnie with the entire family together. (All three birthdays are within approx. 3 weeks of each other.) Such fun days together. And one desire that I had for those days is that God would multiply our minutes together - and He really did. It seemed like much more than just two weeks.

2. We have our Church Couples' Retreat coming this weekend. We love it and are so excited about the opportunity - but because of the past two weeks - we are SO behind in getting the final touches together.

So, there are two requests in here - prayer for our son and his precious wife as he serves the final months of this deployment. And then prayer for us as we lead in this conference/retreat.

Thanks so much! I so appreciate all of you. It is my desire to be more consistent with my blogging and visiting your blogs next week.

Applauding our Soldiers...

It goes without saying, that we would applaud our soldier when he arrived home. But I must say that I was not prepared for the waiting.

We arrived at the airport early. I was somewhat surprised to see so many soldiers there. It must be one of the "hubs" for their arriving and departing. That was the first thing to prick this mom's heart. But it was easy for me to refrain from finding one to hug. My soldier would arrive soon.

Time for his plane to arrive and we moved from the food-court area to the corridor where the escalators brought the passengers up. All passengers from all flights come this way and then go to get their luggage.

We had to get behind a "barrier" to wait. The USO volunteers had a booth and were ready to make sure that all arriving Soldiers were properly greeted. We met several other families who were also waiting on their soldier. Some had made signs. All were so excited we could hardly contain ourselves.

We found out that once the plane landed, it would be nearly an hour before he actually made it up to this point because of customs. It was wonderful to get the call that he had landed. Sheer relief. Back on US soil. SAFE.

But as we waited, and as passengers came up the escalators, the moment that a soldier was spotted... Everyone immediately began to applaud! The USO ladies would greet them, and they were given a phone if needed to make a call - and then once again applauded. I have always wanted the opportunity to be part of such a group. One by one, many of our honorable men and women arrived... and we were able for a short minute to let them know that they are loved and appreciated for their service to us and to our country. For just a short moment, we could say "Thank You."

Needless to say, my eyes filled with tears, and often overflowed.

We had Brantley at the front, ready to scoot under the barrier and get to her husband as soon as we spotted him. Our first warning was just, "do not cross that red line" where the security guards were posted. But when one wife who was standing nearby, saw her soldier - she took off like a flash - and the red line meant nothing. Tunnel Vision. One thing in sight. Her Soldier. So, we told Brantley, "never-mind" the red line means nothing when you are going to greet your man.

For a solid hour, we waited and we applauded. We watched and I cried. We applauded and we waited. Soldier after soldier.

Then Hal said, "There he is!" Our boy was rising up on that escalator. Brantley did not have to cross the red line, Jonathan rushed/ran/hurried to wrap her in his arms. What a wonderful sight!

I do not have the words to express the emotion. Maybe this will capture some of it for you to see.


But I must say, you really have to be there. Seriously.

So, if you are ever at the airport as our Men and Women of our Military are arriving or departing and if you have just a few minutes to stop and stand and greet and applaud, I highly recommend it. They deserve it and you will be blessed by the opportunity.

I promise.

Hurry Up and WAIT...

We are awaiting the arrival of our soldier for his 2 week break. And we are waiting and we are waiting and we are waiting.

He left his base on Monday and we were SO excited because it seemed as if he were going to get here sooner than we had been told. What we did not know is that he was just moving to the next base to WAIT for a briefing.

So, the briefing was held and we were given a date of departure from the country. And he has safely arrived in a SAFE ZONE.

We thought we were going to the airport tomorrow morning to pick him up - and we were ready to leave BEFORE the crack of dawn to make sure that we were sitting in the terminal when he arrived. I had held off the extreme excitement - until we knew an arrival date. So I must say that last night my heart was fluttering with happiness - knowing that tomorrow morning he would be home. (even though we know that it is just for two weeks).

How disappointing to get the phone call that his flight arrangements have been cancelled. We are in WAIT mode again. Hopefully it is just a short delay. Hopefully he will be in route later tonight.

He will get 14 days at home beginning WHEN HE GETS HOME. And for that we are sooooooooo thankful. But we are ready. I will try to give an update... but for now, thank you for your continued support and prayers.

Waiting....

Merry Christmas 2009...

Well, the house is clean and as decorated as it will be for this year...

The food for Christmas Eve is cooking. The food for Christmas Breakfast and Lunch is in the refrigerator... I will put the casseroles together tonight and have them ready for tomorrow.

Most of the wrapping is done ... wonder if I could just put the stuff for the stockings in without wrapping them this year? Maybe that will be the NEW tradition. We have 13 stockings at our house since we celebrate Christmas at Breakfast :)... I love it!

I just had a chance to AOL IM with my Warrior. Makes me so happy and so sad. He has to go on a "walk" as he calls it tomorrow. So, if you understand what I mean by that - please pray for him and the others that are "walking"... as you are celebrating Christmas with your family. We are so proud of him and the others who willingly serve so that we can continue to be free! But goodness - how we miss him. Always. But especially at Christmas. Once again so thankful for the technology that lets us have contact. Cannot even imagine how much harder it would be without it.

So, for now, let me close with this Video. I hope you will take the time to listen and watch it all.

Merry Christmas!

A Different Christmas Poem...

(This is my Warrior - currently serving)

I received this poem today in an email... and I wanted to share it with you all. Please remember our soldiers who are out there this Christmas season... serving us all.... protecting us... and by choice I might add.

And remember their families as well. It is a sacrifice. Trust me.

Once again - I proclaim that freedom is not free.

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,

I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.

My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,

My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.

Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,

Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,

Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.

My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,

Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.

In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,

So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.
The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,

But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear..

Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,

Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.

My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,

And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,

A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.

A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,

Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.

Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,

Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.
"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,

"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!

Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,

You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"

For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,

Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light

Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,

I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."

"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,

That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,

I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.

My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,"

Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."

My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam',

And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
I've not seen my own son in more than a while,

But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.

Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,

The red, white, and blue... an American flag.

I can live through the cold and the being alone,

Away from my family, my house and my home.
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,

I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.

I can carry the weight of killing another,

Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..

Who stand at the front against any and all,

To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall.."
" So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,

Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."

"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,

"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?

It seems all too little for all that you've done,

For being away from your wife and your son."
Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,

"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.

To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,

To stand your own watch, no matter how long.

For when we come home, either standing or dead,

To know you remember we fought and we bled.

Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,

That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."

PLEASE, would you do me the kind favor of sending this to as many people as you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our U.S service men and women for our being able to celebrate these festivities. Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us.

LCDR Jeff Giles, SC, USN

30th Naval Construction Regiment

OIC, Logistics Cell One

Al Taqqadum, Iraq

Thanksgiving Week

Here we are at the beginning of Thanksgiving Holidays.

I am struggling to write a post.

I am very thankful - I just have the multi-emotions going again.

I worded it pretty well two years ago here.

Basically, it comes to this... for 2009.

We will celebrate Thanksgiving together.
By "we" - I mean Hal and I, MawMaw and PawPaw, MaMaw, Andy, Jenifer, Aubrey and Barrett, and Brantley.

Julia and Ronnie are coming later - and will have a few days to spend with us.

Jonathan is at war again. We will be hoping for a phone call.

Only a mom who has worn these shoes knows how they feel.

Words are few these days. Hence the lack of blogging.

Prayers are continuous...

Yellow Ribbons and Sentimental Stuff...

We were so excited when we moved into our new house 14 1/2 years ago. It was the first one for us to buy. The first one to be OURS. Really - we were MORE than excited.

We had just been through one of the toughest years of our ministry. Probably THE toughest year. This was such a dream come true - and such a witness to the faithfulness of our God - through the storm.

The house was a new construction - and someone left a circular saw blade in our yard. Our Jonathan was 13 1/2 years old. He and Hal had a lot of fun throwing it at the little pine tree at the side of our yard. And that is where they left it. After several years - I decided that was not a good idea and removed the saw blade from the trunk of the tree. I thought it was not smart to have a saw blade sticking out from a tree in the yard. However, I was rebuked severely by the two men in my life - and they promptly took a hammer and placed it back "where it belonged."

That is where it has remained. So there is a circular saw blade seriously embedded into the trunk now. I have gotten used to it. I have used it to hang things on when I needed to spray paint them (i.e. the baskets for weddings). It has just become part of the "landscape".

How fitting that I now have once again, hung the yellow ribbon at the top of the saw blade. The tree is in the back yard - at the end of the driveway. Every time I come down the drive - I see it. Oh I have one on the front porch right under the flag also. But I think the one on the tree - with the saw blade under it - would have to be my favorite. Jonathan would like it too. I know he would.

The tree has really grown. The saw blade is secure. The yellow ribbon (yet again) is a reminder that our God has His Hand on our Soldier and we are awaiting his return home from this war. We know that God will be with us all through this storm.

Regardless, I am now sentimental about the tree, the silly saw blade, and the yellow ribbon.

Just thought you would want to know.

Pictures of my Warrior on SKYPE

See my previous post.... as I share about the SKPYE technology that we LOVE!

But also... pray for my warrior ---- it is hard for him on the other side of the world too... in a completely different

way. Maybe go to his blog and leave a word of encouragement for him...

Thanks so much for your support, love and prayers :)

I am SO Thankful for SKYPE Technology...

During Deployment days, it is good to be able to IM on AOL with my soldier and chat with him.

During Deployment days, it is good to get a phone call from my soldier and hear his voice.

BUT---

During Deployment days, it is even better to get on SKYPE with my soldier and SEE HIM.

I don't even have the words to describe the emotion that overwhelms me when the screen comes up and I see his face. Not only because it has been months - but also because of the reality that he is at war.

He is wearing in his ACU's... he is in a tent... other soldiers are at other computers behind him...I am looking at all the details.

On SKYPE we are all able to "chat" but only one of us can have video time. This was my night. I really did not have much to say. I just wanted to watch him.

No... actually I wanted to jump through the screen and hug him.

But since I could not - I did blow kisses - I did chat some - I did watch his every move - and I did hold back my tears.

... until he had to sign off. And as the tears began to flow from this Military Mom's eyes - I prayed. Silently. I had no words to speak. I once again held on to Scriptures that I so often pray for him... I once again make myself believe what I say I believe...

Isaiah 52:12b

"For the LORD will go before you,

And the God of Israel will be your rear guard."

He IS in our Lord's hands - the Lord is in front of him and the God of Israel is behind him...



and I know it.





I think when I go to the mall later in the week - I may find a soldier to hug.



I have been known to do that...

Is Facebook an Addiction?

I am still having trouble getting back into the routine of blogging on a consistent basis.

It is not that I do not have things to blog about. I have several going on in this head of mine.

I think the truth of the matter is that I have spent entirely too much time on Facebook.

Now, I am not saying that I am against it or that I plan to take a break from it. No, I really am so thankful for my FB connections. It has given me the opportunity to re-connect with long lost friends. It is a wonderful way to connect with those in our present day "world." ie - church family. It is such a good way to stay connected with our REAL (flesh and blood) family.

It is simply a way to know and be known. Does that make any sense?

While I might not have the time (or actually take the time) to write a letter. I may not even have/take the time to write an email. But when I sign on my Facebook page, I can quickly see an update on the people in my life. Then I have the opportunity to respond or not. It only takes a minute. The connection is made.

Today is a good example. I had just talked to my Jonathan by IM. My heart was aching. I posted about it on my status:

once again... time with my soldier this morning on IM... makes me happy and sad... I just hate it when he says "my time is up... I have to go"

I sit and stare at the screen... and pray...

And the support/connections began. Such sweet manna to this Mother's heart. Support. Love. Prayers. None of which took much time - from me or from my fb world. But it was real. And it blessed me more than can be expressed.

So, I have no intentions to give up my Facebook.

But... I may need to limit my time there.

Happy Fourth of July!

Sitting here right now...

with the computer in my lap...

talking to my soldier on the other side of the world...

I am reminded once again...

that FREEDOM IS NOT FREE!


But can I say how wonderful it is to have the technology of being able to "Instant Message" with him. Hal is on one couch with his computer. I am on my couch with my computer. Julia is in Virginia with her computer. Jenifer is at her house on her computer. Jon is on his Base with his computer (I suppose at an internet cafe).

So for right now... we are all "chatting" with him... the make-up can wait. The last minute trip to the grocery store can wait. The cooking can wait.

Yes, right now, the priority is sitting right here. Talking to my soldier.

Happy Fourth of July?... you bet.

WW # 20 Deployment Again

Here we go again....
(see my previous post)

Laughing and Aching

Welcome to TUESDAYS TOGETHER (in the WORD). # 25

I am so glad that you have joined us.Our goal/purpose is that we are reading God's Word and we are sharing with each other a "nugget" of what we are learning. Join with us - at any time. We welcome your comments and/or your thoughts of what you have read and/or your link to your blog post. You do not have to be a "blogger" to join in on the encouragement and sharing together.

This week our reading (as posted on the sidebar under the button) was from Hebrews 7 - 11; Psalms 58- 59; Proverbs 14.

My verse for this week is:

Proverbs 14:13
"Even in laughter the heart may ache... "

I have had the two grandbabies with me today. I have indeed laughed. I have played with play-dough (homemade, I might add). I have read books. I have rocked and fixed bottles and cuddled and fed. I have giggled till my sides hurt. It really has been a good day.

But all day my heart ached.

The days of deployment begin.

Again.

And I guess this verse explains the emotions well. Life continues here in the states and we will have days that are filled with laughter...

But there is never a moment that the reality of a son at war leaves my mind. Nor my heart. And it really does ache.

The blackberry literally does not leave my hand in hopes of hearing from him. Psalm 91 and many other verses are prayed for him continually. I am one who watches the news - all of it. I am a member of a board of Military moms/wives/sisters and I visit with them daily.

And I also visit a web page that posts the injuries and casualities of the war. I did this every day during the last deployment. Not that I am looking to see if something has happened to my Jonathan. No, when I found this site... I was prompted to pray for these families. The reality of WAR means that some will give their very lives for our freedoms. And these families and soldiers have made the greatest sacrifice. They need our prayers.

Like I have said before... A son at war makes me believe what I have always said that I believe. I know that Jonathan is in God's hands. I know. I know. I know. And I hold on to that truth.

So once again we begin the days that are filled with laughter ... AND an aching heart.

War is real.

Freedom is not free.

Trust me.



Now, your turn.

Remember... leave a comment... share your thoughts... and if you blog - link with us. Also, please post a link back here so that others can come and read the other Tuesdays Together posts. You can use the button on the side bar if you would like.

Speechless...Wordless...

Jon loaded the bus this morning...

Hal has a short blog here...

Jen has a pic here...
(if you click on her picture - it enlarges - and you can get a small glimpse of the emotion... )

We all HAD it...

We all HAVE it...

Overflowing...

I will try to express more later.

A Baby and A Warrior...

Emotional. That is the only way to describe me today.

I just finished rocking and feeding my 2 month old grandson.

But my mind and heart was in Cleburne, Texas. 27 years ago. Rocking and feeding my 3 month old son.

It really was just yesterday.

This morning my son left to start the preparations for deployment. He has 3 Days at Drill. Then gets to come home for Mother's Day. Then a few days at his Unit before leaving state. One month (or so) before the flight overseas. My heart aches.

Oh, I have been here before in this particular mixture of emotions. (You can see my previous post on the last deployment here.) On one hand.... I am SO proud of him. For his willingness to serve our country. I am so thankful for what God has done in his life and what he has been brought THROUGH. But I am reminded of the saying, "Freedom isn't Free."

Then on the other hand, I am so sad for him to leave. Like I said last time... a year is short on the other side of it. But when you are facing a year knowing that your son is going to war... it is a long time.

Oh, you all know me. My faith is still strong. I know he is in God's hands. I believe I previously worded it this way: Times like this make me believe what I say I believe.

But I don't even have to tell you that my emotions are weak. And once again, the blackberry is glued to my hand.

So, I come back to the present in the mix of emotions and praying... back and forth between these two... a son facing war... and a grandson facing life.

I pray constantly for the son and his precious wife and all that this next year will hold for them.

I pray for the little one in my arms today. Where will he be in 27 years? What will he be doing?
Only God knows... but one thing I do know for certain...

It will be here tomorrow.

Family Readiness Group AGAIN

Well, whether I like it or not, the journey begins again.

Today is the first meeting with our Family Readiness Group for Jonathan's Deployment to Afghanistan.

When we did this in the spring of 2007, Rhonda (the leader of that FRG) had tears in her eyes as she talked to us. It was going to be her husband's third deployment. I NOW UNDERSTAND WHY.

I have tears in my eyes as I type this.

Oh, don't get me wrong - I know that God is faithful. I know that he is in God's hands. I know that God will give grace for the journey... for Jonathan, for Brantley, for us... I know all of that.

But like I said before... I just do not want to walk this road again. I just do not.

Pray that I will not "fall apart" today at the meeting. Pray that I will be able to be a witness of the grace of our Lord for the other wives/mothers/sisters/friends of the guys that are going on this assignment.

But it will be ok if I have tears in my eyes...

Emotional Roller Coaster

The appointed RIDE for next week...

Extreme Joy - Julia is coming home on Sunday (Ronnie will be here Thursday).

Extreme Excitement- Jenifer will be induced on Monday (Baby Barrett will be here before the day is over)

Extreme Concern - Mom is having a second biopsy on Friday.

Extreme Sadness mixed with Extreme Pride - Jonathan leaves for a 3-week training for deployment on Saturday.


EMOTIONAL . ROLLER . COASTER .

I think I remember a post about MULTI-emoting... Here I go again.

Thank you in advance for your prayers.

2009 Scripture Memory # 3

#3 Psalms 91:1

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty."

This is the first verse of the entire chapter that I plan to memorize over the next months. Last year - when my soldier was at war in Iraq/Kuwait - this was the passage that we claimed and prayed for him over and over and over.



You would think that I would have it memorized from those nine months. And parts of it, I do. But I am committed to memorizing all of it ... who knew I would need it again so soon? I think I am still in shock. Or maybe I am just not ready. Or maybe I just do not want to go through it again from our side. I can't even imagine what it is like for him or our precious daughter-in-love.



So... my next 15 verses are already picked out...unless I double up on some or God gives me another one to go along with our journey.



Thank you in advance for your prayers and support along the way. Just thinking about it makes my heart hurt.

A Father's Perspective

For those interested...
Hal's recent thoughts about our soldier/son.
I thought you might want to read.