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.

WFW # 10 Remembering Homecoming

There really are no words to describe how you feel when your VETERAN arrives back at home. But the scripture that we claimed for the entire deployment filled our minds and hearts. (As they ran out our eyes.) This week is a wonderful time to remember... to thank... to pray for those still serving (some in harm's way).

THANK YOU - JONATHAN

PRAISE YOU FATHER!

All of Psalms 91 - but for today - particularily these verses...

9 If you make the Most High your dwelling— even the LORD, who is my refuge-
10 then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
3 You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
14 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation."

(for more WFW's visit with 160AcreWoods)

Wordless Wednesday # 17

MY VETERAN...

We are SO proud of you!

Thank You to Our Veterans

Really that is all we can say.... "Thank You".

Freedom really isn't free.

So, to all our veterans.... Thank You!

Our Visit with Jonathan

Just the facts....


We (Hal, DeeDee and Brantley) left immediately following the morning worship service to go to Camp Shelby in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.


About 5 miles from Camp Shelby, and immediately after talking to Jonathan - for him to let us know where to park and wait for him to be released - our car stopped. It just quit running! We were able to coast to a service road. After talking to Lee (our mechanic) he determined it was our timing belt.


Lee and Anita loaded Anita's Toyota Highlander on the tow truck - and began their journey to Hattiesburg. Thank the Lord that Lee is not only our mechanic - but Lee and Anita are WONDERFUL FRIENDS!


Then a wonderful Hattiesburg Police officer came to our rescue - and drove us to the base. (Note - Hal and DeeDee in the back seat - Brantley in the front seat) No, I did not take a picture of this... LOL. He even turned the lights on for a short time!






We arrived at the base before Jonathan was released... but we were not far from where he was unloading and he spotted us.




(He did not see us getting out of the police car though).

When we realized that it was him coming our way - I had to hurry to throw down all of my stuff in order to get the camera out - but I was able to capture the run to each other - and Brantley jumping into his arms!
























What a precious moment!

Then after a few phone calls - Mark Windham's twin brother (who lives in Hattiesburg) - came to the base and let us use his car. What a special blessing to us! We were able to go out to eat (at Copeland's ummmm) and visit with Jonathan until Lee and Anita arrived.





We unloaded Anita's Highlander... drove to where the car was parked... Lee loaded the Camry on the tow truck and headed back to Alabama. We were able to stay and visit a little while longer before we drove back.

It was not as hard leaving him there this time. For we know that this time - he is home. He will be back in Alabama in a few days. The deployment is over. He is safe.

If I am able to figure out how to post a clip from my husband's message - I will do so soon. Which by the way - was a wonderful message to our graduating seniors - but also to all of us - about living a life that matters - and not wasting your life. So... go to the website http://www.calerabaptist.org/ and listen to it all... but for this particular blog... you really need to hear a clip. I will let you know if I am able to add it later. It is priceless considering our day!

But let me end by telling you all this: It was worth it all.

A broken down car
A blessed policeman who focused on serving
A friend coming to our aid and lending us his car

A wonderful friend/mechanic (and wife) who went far beyond the call of duty

Worth it all - to see our son.

To put our arms around him and get a wonderful hug.

To talk to him face to face.

To see him with Brantley.

To soak in the reality that our Loving Savior and Lord - protected our Son in the midst of war.

IT WAS WORTH IT ALL.

What a wonderful day! We are blessed beyond measure!

I still do not know how to load a video from youtube... so I will just end with this link.. go listen if you have time. It Has Always Been the Soldier.

Blessings!

Word-Filled Wednesday # 2

Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed,

Because His compassions fail not.

They are new every morning;

Great is Your faithfulness.

“ The LORD is my portion,” says my soul,

“ Therefore I hope in Him."

Lamentations 3:22-24

(A beautiful sunrise in the eastern skies - over Iraq)

So thankful that his mercies (compassions) are new every morning.

No matter what side of the world we are on.

For more Word-filled Wednesday entries visit the 160acrewoods

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Since it is Thanksgiving morning .... and I have not finished cooking for the day.... this will have to be short and sweet :)

But I did not want to miss this opportunity to say "We have so much to be thankful for." And especially this year... I am thankful for our freedoms. Because I have the proof that it is not free. Many have given their lives.... many have given their service... many have and are missing this day with their families - so we can continue to be free. So... with that in mind - I want to say THANK YOU. Thank you to Jonathan. Thank you to Co Company, 1-167 INF, 4th Alabama National Guard. Thank you to all of the many others who are celebrating this Thanksgiving Day away from your family in service to our country.

Jonathan, You are missed greatly - every day - but especially on this holiday. You are loved. You are prayed for - constantly. You have made us all so proud. We can hardly wait for you to come home - but today - We just are hoping for some time on SKYPE :) - to see your smiling face.

And for the list of what else I am thankful for... My Savior. My husband. The rest of my precious family-all of them. My Church family. My home. My friends. And I could go on with many more ....

but......My kitchen is calling me - I really have to go cook lunch.

Much to do...
Have a blessed day!
(oh... and I am soooooo thankful for my BLACKBERRY phone that keeps me in contact with Jonathan!!!) - seriously!

Watching

Several years ago...

while going through a very tough time in our lives and in Jonathan's life, I wrote this poem.

I share it today for several friends of mine who are struggling right now.

Watching...

God it is so hard just watching...
Watching him walk away from You.

Knowing You see all
You are watching also.
I know You see the end that I cannot see
So... there is no worry in Your watching.

I keep hoping in my watching
to see him return.
No more time wasted.
No more days lost.
No more grieving for his hurt
that self-inflicted hurt.

Watching...for it to be over
for freedom again.
Abundant life.
Life he was created to live.
Life testifying of You and Your glory.

Lord, I am watching
hurting (for him)
hoping
knowing...rejoicing will come.

Lord...keep watching!


And today we are rejoicing... we have our son back. Not literally - as he is currently in Kuwait/Iraq. But we have him back. And we rejoice to see how God is using him in so many ways. Even the hard times can be used to help others going through similar situations.

I share this to give hope - and to let you know that we understand from a parent's perspective. Jonathan is sharing with many from his perspective... and God is using it. With more people than he even knows...as I get reports from others who are reading his blogs and comments.

So, for my Jon....
We are so proud of you. Not only for the service that you are giving to us all as you defend our freedoms. But also, for your willingness to be transparent with your life.

The apostle Peter - had to be sifted as wheat - but Jesus said to him..."Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." (Luke 22:31-32)

You too, have been sifted... how precious to know that our Savior prayed for you (He kept watching). And now, that you have turned back.... you are to strengthen your brothers! And that is what you are doing....Keep on keeping on my son!

(And..... as I have heard Beth Moore share in her Bible studies.... remember that you do not have to ALWAYS go on the field trip to learn a lesson.... Sometimes, just learn from the Book!)

Love to you my Jonathan...

Love to you my friends...

Keep watching....
Knowing that our Savior is watching and praying!

Jonathan is home!

He is home!

That is all I need to say right now.
~dd

My Choice of Clothes

So...I continue from the last blog. (If you have not read it - then please go there first!)

"It is the event that should determine every other decision that child will make--from how she will spend the Sabbath to how she spends her money, from her choice of clothes to her choice of a husband...."

My choice of clothes - not only the ones that I buy - but also what I will wear today. Ladies, we need to make sure that we are modest in our dress. Now that does not mean that we cannot be "cute". Just modest. My ladies know that "I love me some Chicos" (on sale of course!) but we must always remember that this too is an area in our lives that reflects our relationship with our Savior. I am not free to wear anything. I am bought with a price.

I remember hearing Bertha Smith speak at a Southern Baptist Convention years ago and she shared that she prayed about what to wear everyday before she got dressed. Have you ever done that?

Makes me think of a Friday morning when I was working for the Dean of the School of Education at Samford. I had only been in that office for a few days. I remember thinking, "Today is Friday - it is casual dress today." (not jeans casual - just more casual than the rest of the week) As I picked out what I was going to wear, it seemed as if the Lord was telling me to wear this really dressy pant suit. Now, I would like to tell you that I had prayed - and that I was listening - but that is not so. I actually stood there in my closet and argued. "Lord, I do not need to be that dressy today. Today is Friday. I can dress down a little today."
But, the uneasiness in my Spirit would not leave. So, I reluctuntly put the pant suit on and went to work. When I got there - they were already busy preparing for the day. I asked what all the frenzy was about - and they informed me that the Governor of a neighboring state would be coming that day. We were hosting a small reception for him in our office. I nearly shouted "Thank you Jesus! You knew that I needed to be dressed up - and You cared enough to not let me wear the wrong thing." I probably would have gone home - I know I would have been uncomfortable.

Regardless, it taught me a lesson - Bertha Smith had it right. God knows what we need to wear today! And He cares. The question is - Do we take the time to ask?

My salvation experience should determine every decision that I make - even the choice of my clothes to purchase - and then the decision of what I will wear today. Oh, Father, help me to honor you in every area of my life...even the trivial ones.


Thoughts about our husbands coming next --- that, my friends, may take more than one :)

Blessings Ladies!
DeeDee

More on Freedom

I want to share a quote from the book, The Legacy of Biblical Womanhood, by Susan Hunt and Barbara Thompson. Speaking about a granddaughter making her "profession of faith"...

"It is the event that should determine every other decision that child will make--from how she will spend the Sabbath to how she spends her money, from her choice of clothes to her choice of a husband. This milestone calls for a pull-out-all the stops celebration..." (pg 16)

That leads me back to the last blog...and where my thoughts have been...and trying to put it in words. Freedom in Christ - but yet a slave to Him. I heard someone say that to be discreet (which is in the list of things that the older women need to be teaching the younger women) means to voluntarily place limits on my freedom. I am not free to go anywhere. I am not free to do anything. I am not free to say anything. I am not free to wear anything. I am bought with a price...I need to live as such.

So, back to the quote from the book. Our salvation is the event that SHOULD determine EVERY decision that we make. How we spend the Sabbath. Do you remember when churches gave awards to people with perfect attendance? (showing my age huh?) But how sad, that is not important to Christians anymore. I remember one year awards...two years...three years... How long has it been since you had perfect attendance? So....How do I spend my Sabbath? Whatever is convenient for the day...hummmmm. Does our salvation determine how we spend the Sabbath? Or has society? You have to determine that.

Our Salvation is the event that SHOULD determine EVERY decision that we make...How we spend our money....ohhhhh, do I even need to go there - especially in the summer- ???? Is the tithe first...or the leftover (after vacations)? Is giving to someone in need even a part of our budget? Are we so in debt for "stuff" that we could not give if we wanted too? And then there is the building fund.... we want the buildings, we want the staff, we want the air conditioning, we want the furnishings, we want the programs....oh, but let someone else pay for it, huh? Am I getting myself in trouble?

Well, that is the first two from the quote. I think I will stop today...and see if anyone responds...what are your thoughts? Freedom in Christ. Discreet. Voluntarily placing limits on my freedom. Salvation - it SHOULD determine EVERY decision that I make.

Next I will address our clothes and our marriage....
Blessings to you all,
DeeDee

Freedom

Sunday July 1, 2007

Getting dressed this morning in my "cute" patriotic jean jacket - home alone - my thoughts were racing.

Freedom.

Our Flag represents freedom. The Red, White, and Blue. Many over the years have fought for that freedom. Many have given their lives. Today, my son is not here worshipping with us for that very reason. He is serving our country. He is preparing to go to war. He is one of the ones presently defending this freedom that I am talking about. So, today, I get dressed, get in my car and go to worship. No fear - No threats - No worry - free. I hang a flag from my porch (now with at yellow ribbon at the base) and Thank the Lord for what it represents. I often sing "that is my flag, that is Old Glory, long may She wave!"

But that leads me to the next thought -

Freedom in Christ.

I have freedom because of the price that Christ has paid for my sins. Now before I go any further with my thoughts....I need to tell you that my husband preached a wonderful message on this very thing. Liberty - freedom. (So on a side note- you can hear his message- mp3 format. Go to the Calerabaptist.org website - and download it)

This will probably be my topic for the next few days....Our freedom in Christ...

But before I go for this evening...I must tell you that my precious baby granddaughter has a "cute" patriotic jean jacket just like her MommaDee. You should have seen her! :)

More thoughts coming later-

Have a blessed week!
DeeDee