Monday, July 13, 2009
The War in Iraq & Afganistan
My heart is heavy tonight and I can't sleep. I have decided to get up and write. I want to touch upon the war in Iraq and Afganistan. I am not here to debate whether or not we should be there fighting...or whether we went into the war blindly with misinformation....you can save your comments relating to these topics for someone else's blog. I am here to pour out my heart to you about events that I have heard about or spoken to friends about as they relate to the war.
We are a military family stationed in Texas. We live on an army post and are surrounded by everything military. We are an Army family. I am not a propenent for war, I would rather solve disputes through peace, but as a nation WE ARE AT WAR and our military NEEDS our support. Everyday families are sending loved ones off, hoping....praying that they return.
This past week I chatted with a friend of mine. Her husband is a chaplain who is in Iraq. You may or may not know this, but according to the Geneva Convention, chaplains are classified as "noncombatants". This means that they do not and are not allowed to carry a weapon. A chaplain assistant is assigned to a chaplain and it is this assistant who carries a weapon and if need be will defend him/herself and the chaplain should they come under attack.
My friend told me that she was heading to the area hospital where she was going to visit some soldiers. I asked her if they were soldiers from her husband's unit and she proceeded to tell me that yes they were.... but it was a little more than that. You see her husband was in a transport vehicle that was convoying to their location. Another vehicle, not her husbands, in this convey hit an IED (improvised explosive device) and there were those who had become seriously wounded. They had been sent back to the United States and she wanted to go and thank them for their service, especially since they were part of the convey that was tranporting her husband.
You know, we have not been in the military very long, but I have seen this war hit close to home. Last year a neighbor lost her husband to a roadside bomb, he had deployed just 6 weeks prior to the attack.
There are men and women who willingly put themselves in harms way for our safety, security and freedom. Many of them come home safely...some do not come home alive...while others are wounded in this war.
Today it was brought to my attention that a Battalion Commander from Fort Hood, Texas was severely injured due to an IED. LTC Karcher is currently at Walter Reed Medical Center being treated for his wounds from battle. His family and many like them need our prayers and support during this difficult time in their lives. I am asking that you join me in praying for our military..our sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers....who are laying their life down for a friend (you and I).
Above this post is a link to a news article on the incident in Iraq and LTC Karcher.
Please take the time to read it and pray for this man and his family.
Whether or not you agree with the war, you probably know someone who is in the miltary and if they are not currently deployed to a combat zone, they have previously been there. These soldiers need our encouragement and prayers. Some of them have seen more in their time in combat than anyone would ever want to see in a lifetime.
I have previously posted 31 Ways to Pray for our Military and Psalm 91 (The Soldiers Psalm). Please share these with your friends, neighbors and church and let's get on our knees for these men and women.
We are a military family stationed in Texas. We live on an army post and are surrounded by everything military. We are an Army family. I am not a propenent for war, I would rather solve disputes through peace, but as a nation WE ARE AT WAR and our military NEEDS our support. Everyday families are sending loved ones off, hoping....praying that they return.
This past week I chatted with a friend of mine. Her husband is a chaplain who is in Iraq. You may or may not know this, but according to the Geneva Convention, chaplains are classified as "noncombatants". This means that they do not and are not allowed to carry a weapon. A chaplain assistant is assigned to a chaplain and it is this assistant who carries a weapon and if need be will defend him/herself and the chaplain should they come under attack.
My friend told me that she was heading to the area hospital where she was going to visit some soldiers. I asked her if they were soldiers from her husband's unit and she proceeded to tell me that yes they were.... but it was a little more than that. You see her husband was in a transport vehicle that was convoying to their location. Another vehicle, not her husbands, in this convey hit an IED (improvised explosive device) and there were those who had become seriously wounded. They had been sent back to the United States and she wanted to go and thank them for their service, especially since they were part of the convey that was tranporting her husband.
You know, we have not been in the military very long, but I have seen this war hit close to home. Last year a neighbor lost her husband to a roadside bomb, he had deployed just 6 weeks prior to the attack.
There are men and women who willingly put themselves in harms way for our safety, security and freedom. Many of them come home safely...some do not come home alive...while others are wounded in this war.
Today it was brought to my attention that a Battalion Commander from Fort Hood, Texas was severely injured due to an IED. LTC Karcher is currently at Walter Reed Medical Center being treated for his wounds from battle. His family and many like them need our prayers and support during this difficult time in their lives. I am asking that you join me in praying for our military..our sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers....who are laying their life down for a friend (you and I).
Above this post is a link to a news article on the incident in Iraq and LTC Karcher.
Please take the time to read it and pray for this man and his family.
Whether or not you agree with the war, you probably know someone who is in the miltary and if they are not currently deployed to a combat zone, they have previously been there. These soldiers need our encouragement and prayers. Some of them have seen more in their time in combat than anyone would ever want to see in a lifetime.
I have previously posted 31 Ways to Pray for our Military and Psalm 91 (The Soldiers Psalm). Please share these with your friends, neighbors and church and let's get on our knees for these men and women.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Way Overdue
This post is waaay overdue. I should have done this a long time ago BUT unforuntely I didn't. You see, I have a problem. It's not quite at the desperate stage but it's getting there. I probably should seek help...you see I lack consistancy is lots of areas of my life. Posting to this blog if definitely one of those areas. I wish I was better at it but wishing and doing are two different things.
Working at home is sometimes hard....you ever have those days where you don't feel like doing something. Well I have that feeling most days. I don't feel like sitting in front of the computer to work. I'd rather read a good book or clean my house (yes, I said I'd rather clean my house)
The other area I lack in consistancy is with the discipline of my children. Somedays I think I am too hard on them while other days I wonder where my backbone is.
Sometimes my lack of consistancy falls over into my quiet or devotional time. I really hate when that happens. I can tell you that my day runs much better when I can get up early and have time without any kids around to spend time in the Word and prayer. My whole day runs much smoother when I get that time with my heavenly Father. Sometimes it even seems like I have more time in my day when I have started it with HIM.
I don't know about you..but I am a work in progress. I have been a Christian since I was a child, but there are still things God is working in and through me. I don't want Him to stop what He's doing BUT I wish it would happen a little quicker. I have been learning a lot about myself these last 5 months. I am nothing without HIM. I need HIM more each day. He must increase and I must decrease.
Are you struggling with something in your life? An addiction? Insecurity? A lack of something? God is there with arms streched open waiting for you to bring it to Him. HE cares for you. Don't think you need to have everything in life figured out. Let Him lead you in this journey of life and faith. Trust Him today!
Working at home is sometimes hard....you ever have those days where you don't feel like doing something. Well I have that feeling most days. I don't feel like sitting in front of the computer to work. I'd rather read a good book or clean my house (yes, I said I'd rather clean my house)
The other area I lack in consistancy is with the discipline of my children. Somedays I think I am too hard on them while other days I wonder where my backbone is.
Sometimes my lack of consistancy falls over into my quiet or devotional time. I really hate when that happens. I can tell you that my day runs much better when I can get up early and have time without any kids around to spend time in the Word and prayer. My whole day runs much smoother when I get that time with my heavenly Father. Sometimes it even seems like I have more time in my day when I have started it with HIM.
I don't know about you..but I am a work in progress. I have been a Christian since I was a child, but there are still things God is working in and through me. I don't want Him to stop what He's doing BUT I wish it would happen a little quicker. I have been learning a lot about myself these last 5 months. I am nothing without HIM. I need HIM more each day. He must increase and I must decrease.
Are you struggling with something in your life? An addiction? Insecurity? A lack of something? God is there with arms streched open waiting for you to bring it to Him. HE cares for you. Don't think you need to have everything in life figured out. Let Him lead you in this journey of life and faith. Trust Him today!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Psalm 91
Have you read Psalm 91 lately? Do you remember what it says? I am currently reading the book "Psalm 91 God's Shield of Protection" by Peggy Joyce Ruth. I am not that far into this book yet but just thought that I would post a reminder about Psalm 91. The author of this book, breaks down Psalm 91 verse by verse and expounds upon the scriptures and encourages us with some touching illustrations. The second half of this book is of testimonies...I'm not there yet but can't wait to be encouraged in my faith with real stories of God moving in the lives of His people.
This Psalm is often referred to as the Soldier's Psalm and since our country is still in a war, I think it is good to be reminded of this. Many mothers and wives pray this Psalm for their sons, daughters and husbands who are deployed, serving in a war zone. You will see blanks in the scripture I quote below...those blanks are the places where a pronoun has been removed and you can put the name of a soldier that you know who is in the midst of the war.
__________ dwells in the shelter of the Most High and ___________ abides in the shadow of the Almighty. __________ says to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress, My God, in who I trust!" For it is God who delivers __________ from the snare of the trapper and from the deadly pestilence (fatal, infectious disease). God will cover __________ with His pinions, and under His wings __________ may seek refuge; God's faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.
__________ will not be afraid of the terror by night, or of the arrow that flies by day; of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, or of the destruction that lays waste at noon. A 1000 may fall at __________'s side, and 10,000 at __________ right; but is shall not approach __________. __________ will only look on with __________ eyes, and see the recompense of the wicked. For __________ has made the Lord, his/her refuge, even the Most High, ________'s dwelling place. No evil will befall __________ nor will any plague come near ___________'s tent. For He will give His angel's charge concerning __________ to guard __________ in all his/her ways. They will bear __________ up in their hands, lest __________ strike his/her foot against a stone. __________ will tread upon the lion and cobra, the young lion and the serpent he/she will trample down.
Because __________ has loved Me (God said), there I will deliver him/her; I will set __________ securely on high, because __________ has known My name. __________ will call on Me, and I will answer _________. I will be with __________ in trouble; I will rescue __________ and honor __________. With a long life I will satisfy __________, and let him/her behold My salvation.
Maybe you have a friend, loved one or neighbor who is currently deployed as a result of the war....take time to pray for them each day.... Lifting them up by name to the Lord. And while you are praying for the soldier, don't forget to pray for his/her family too!
This Psalm is often referred to as the Soldier's Psalm and since our country is still in a war, I think it is good to be reminded of this. Many mothers and wives pray this Psalm for their sons, daughters and husbands who are deployed, serving in a war zone. You will see blanks in the scripture I quote below...those blanks are the places where a pronoun has been removed and you can put the name of a soldier that you know who is in the midst of the war.
__________ dwells in the shelter of the Most High and ___________ abides in the shadow of the Almighty. __________ says to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress, My God, in who I trust!" For it is God who delivers __________ from the snare of the trapper and from the deadly pestilence (fatal, infectious disease). God will cover __________ with His pinions, and under His wings __________ may seek refuge; God's faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.
__________ will not be afraid of the terror by night, or of the arrow that flies by day; of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, or of the destruction that lays waste at noon. A 1000 may fall at __________'s side, and 10,000 at __________ right; but is shall not approach __________. __________ will only look on with __________ eyes, and see the recompense of the wicked. For __________ has made the Lord, his/her refuge, even the Most High, ________'s dwelling place. No evil will befall __________ nor will any plague come near ___________'s tent. For He will give His angel's charge concerning __________ to guard __________ in all his/her ways. They will bear __________ up in their hands, lest __________ strike his/her foot against a stone. __________ will tread upon the lion and cobra, the young lion and the serpent he/she will trample down.
Because __________ has loved Me (God said), there I will deliver him/her; I will set __________ securely on high, because __________ has known My name. __________ will call on Me, and I will answer _________. I will be with __________ in trouble; I will rescue __________ and honor __________. With a long life I will satisfy __________, and let him/her behold My salvation.
Maybe you have a friend, loved one or neighbor who is currently deployed as a result of the war....take time to pray for them each day.... Lifting them up by name to the Lord. And while you are praying for the soldier, don't forget to pray for his/her family too!
Friday, March 13, 2009
Better late than never
It has been almost an entire month since my last post. The day after I posted, I picked up my dad at the airport in Austin and he spent the last three weeks with us. We had a great visit. I miss my family. Military life doesn't always afford you with the ability to live close to family and with 1500 plus miles between my parents & sister and my family, our main method of staying in touch has been the phone. Thank goodness for cell phone family plans :)
My dad arrived on Wednesday morning and since we were in Austin already, I decided to find the Children' Museum and take the girls there. It was small and cute! The girls had fun running around trying out the different stations. The best part is that is was FREE! We have a science center membership and there is a recipricating agreeement between 250 plus other science/children's museums in the US. We also squeezed in a trip to Sam's Club since it too was on the way between Austin and the base.
I can't specifically remember everything we did in those two weeks but it was great to have another adult in the house....someone to talk to and bounce things off of...help share the load of trying to get the girls ready and out of the house for things....someone to stay up late with and watch TV. I love my parents and having my dad here was a tremendous blessing. I didn't remember what I was missing...until dad came...and then left. Miss you and love you Dad!!
I have been reading a book about Psalm 91 and hope to post next week about that book. The weather here in Texas had been dreary the last two days. It's the kind of weather where you don't want to get dressed or go anywhere...and I haven't. I have stayed in my PJs bumming around. Tonight the girls and I are having a family movie night...so I best be going. Just wanted to post something since it's been awhile.
Let me leave you with a scripture. Proverbs 3:5-6
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight
My dad arrived on Wednesday morning and since we were in Austin already, I decided to find the Children' Museum and take the girls there. It was small and cute! The girls had fun running around trying out the different stations. The best part is that is was FREE! We have a science center membership and there is a recipricating agreeement between 250 plus other science/children's museums in the US. We also squeezed in a trip to Sam's Club since it too was on the way between Austin and the base.
I can't specifically remember everything we did in those two weeks but it was great to have another adult in the house....someone to talk to and bounce things off of...help share the load of trying to get the girls ready and out of the house for things....someone to stay up late with and watch TV. I love my parents and having my dad here was a tremendous blessing. I didn't remember what I was missing...until dad came...and then left. Miss you and love you Dad!!
I have been reading a book about Psalm 91 and hope to post next week about that book. The weather here in Texas had been dreary the last two days. It's the kind of weather where you don't want to get dressed or go anywhere...and I haven't. I have stayed in my PJs bumming around. Tonight the girls and I are having a family movie night...so I best be going. Just wanted to post something since it's been awhile.
Let me leave you with a scripture. Proverbs 3:5-6
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Going through the Fire
Malachi 3:3 says ; 'He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.'
This verse puzzled some women in a bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.
That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver.
As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.
The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: 'He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver.' She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.
The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, 'How do you know when the silver is fully refined?' He smiled at her and answered, 'Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it.'
If today you are feeling the heat of the fire , remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His i mage in you.
'Life is a coin. You can spend it anyway you wish, but you can only spend it once.'
-Author unknown
This verse puzzled some women in a bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.
That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver.
As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.
The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: 'He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver.' She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.
The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, 'How do you know when the silver is fully refined?' He smiled at her and answered, 'Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it.'
If today you are feeling the heat of the fire , remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His i mage in you.
'Life is a coin. You can spend it anyway you wish, but you can only spend it once.'
-Author unknown
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