In the Storm

Precious one

It was a great day yesterday. I spent all morning with Ella. Just her and I. We had a good time. At the end of the time I had taken 86 pictures. Wanted to share Ella today. She's walking up a storm. She's talking with words like Thank you, dolphin, momma, daddy, silly goose...she takes naps beautifully...she eats good and minds her grammy. She's not thrilled with grass, loves stuffed animals, likes to play peek-a-boo, goes, goes, goes. Here is Ella - today:

Found this

on another blog. She is very insightful. Thank you Stephanie (a woman I don't even know). This piece is going to be published in a book for National Guard families.

Dear American Soldier

I don’t know your name. I don’t know your family or the place you call home. I haven’t witnessed your special talents, nor enjoyed your sense of humor. I don’t know your aspirations, your dreams, your fears. I don’t know what life is like for you… far from your family, friends and your country. But I do know that you’re making a tremendous sacrifice.

I wonder what inspired you to serve our country. I wonder if you thought about it as a child. I wonder if you signed your name boldly or if you’ve ever felt regret. I wonder how you feel when you hear fellow American’s criticize the war and your role in it. Nobody likes war. Not even our President. And I’m quite sure you feel the same way.

I think about you often, and always do when I travel by air. I see you in the airport. I watch you go through extensive effort to untie your bootlaces before sending them through the security conveyer belt. I see you hauling your heavy backpack and sleeping in your coach seat. I wonder what your hair was like before you had to shave it off. I wonder why the captain doesn’t recognize your name over the loud speaker as he did months before. I wonder if you’re coming home or going away. I feel an urge to talk to you, but the lump in my throat and an overwhelming sense of gratitude paralyzes me. What I want to say is…

Thank You

Thank you for being brave. Thank you for cherishing freedom. Thank you for volunteering to put our country before your personal needs and desires. Thank you for protecting me… and the people I love.

I picked a dandelion for my young son the other day, the day I returned from the airport. Putting the perfectly plump dandelion to his lips, I asked him to, “Make a wish!” With that, he closed his eyes for a moment, then looked up at me and said, “I wish I could be a soldier with our troops.”

My wish for you and the people around you… peace.

Sincerely,

Stephanie

Dear Stephanie,

My husband and I have both sacrificed and we know many who still sacrifice greatly, everyday. Thank you for being one who cares, who understands, and I hope, prays.

Sincerely,

Susan

STAND

my watchword for 2007 has entwined my life more than I imagined. The military minsitry at my church which I head up is growing by leaps and bounds. I took a STAND at the beginning of the year that God would be the grower of this ministry and He has been. I stand in awe of the work He has done. I stand in the gap for military and their families daily. God gives me the grace and the abilities to do this.

I STAND in the gap for missionaries. Our short term missions trip just fueled my desire for more standing in the gap...

I can't wait to reveal my watchword for 2008. One word! I already know what it is. I already know God will work awesome things out.

A few layouts

I've complete in the last 24 hours:

Thank you

Elizabeth B., military wife and mom, for letting me feed your youngest son yesterday. Thank you for letting me serve you for just a few minutes (since you serve me 24 hours a day). I was honored to do it. My sons, my husband and I pray for your husband everyday and we pray for you. For your courage, for your strength, for your sacrifice, for your service - thank you.

No surprises

I should not be surprised by the goodness of God. But I still stand in awe! Another aspect of the Military Missions Ministry is coming to life. Had a meeting/dinner with Bill her at the house last night. Jeff made his awesome pizza which went over well. This aspect of the ministry is a spiritual mentorship/accountability between someone here, back home, on the home front and a military soldier/airman deployed. We'll solidify everything prior to going 'public' with it; everything will be in place, all questions asked and answered for any situation. I am really excited to get this going and for actually the Men's Ministry taking it on too. It has been a partnership that I've desired to see come to fruition and now it is. So so excited.

Sharing Ella

Haven't shared in a while thought I'd share some pics of Ella. 10 months old and walking - with character. Boy, do I see Elizabeth in her. She's a precious ham...

She plays peek-a-boo with her blanket