Veteran's Day Afterthoughts

I've been thinking about Veteran's Day, and reading a lot of books about terrorism (my 20 year old son is a Marine and I'm trying to educate myself). I have a lot of patriotism in my family that I hadn't truly recognized until just yesterday. My late father was in the army (as was his brother, my Uncle Jack), my husband and his brother were in the Navy (and their father, my father-in-law served in the army), their sister Melanie served in the army, the boys' Uncle Herb was a Marine, I have a nephew in the Army (Michael Schommer) as well as some friends I acquired through my sons (Billy Ellison, Bryce McNeely and Michael Shephardson), another young friend is about to graduate from MCRD as a Marine (James Monroe), I have a nephew and a friend in the Airforce (Mitchel Bayes and Jeff Fortner), my former boss Michael Fassio and many more who served our country whose lives have touched the fringes of my own.
As I read "The Sand Box", "Heros Among Us" and "Fear Less" it made me realize that what these people do is not only for our country and the freedom that is our birthright, but they are truly trying to do God's work for all countries. Each day, they work His mission by showing the world what liberty, freedom and peace really means! It is the desire of all people. They endure and train and perform for the sake of others. They all sacrifice for us by serving and putting our needs before their own - and some sacrifice all by giving their lives to the task. The passion, dedication and courage they exemplify has humbled me in a great way. I'm so grateful to each of them, so thankful for every man and woman who are the sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, husbands, wives, mothers, fathers and comrades in arms with brothers and sisters from all walks of life that make America beautiful.
My prayer is that God would open our eyes to our own duty, here at home. That we wouldn't be complacent or callous about terrorism and war. That we don't spout opinions tainted by media as our own but will instead educate ourselves and be aware with a keen mind and heart. Though we don't always agree with it, God in His infinite wisdom can use the wicked things in life for the good purpose of all.
I pray that none harden their hearts to veterans or military personnel but instead, give them the praise, thanks and support they deserve from their country and their people. For the injured and broken, let us do everything we can to help them live the rest of their life with dignity and honor. They do this for you and me! And for those who grieve and have suffered loss, my prayer is that God provides you with a covering of strength to endure the days ahead. May He offer you peace and the knowledge that your fallen hero is in the hands of Christ our Savior who loves them even more then you. He knows what giving the ultimate sacrifice for saving others is all about. They wear a special crown for what they did in the line of duty.

Too Many Blogs

I have too many blogs and never enough time to keep up. I MIGHT get on each of them once a month. I don't know how people who constantly update can possibly get any work done! I mean, with MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, Plaxo and all the rest...you could literally be on the computer all day. I can't do it. I just can't. Not with good conscience anyway.
In this age of electronics, gamers, cell phones and PDAs, the do everything in the fast pace hurry and get to the party mentality, I think I might be slipping into the "old fashioned" category. At 51 years old - I guess I'm entitled to. And, truthfully, I'm not sure I want "everyone" to know my every thought, mood, frustration, screw ups and/or joys. You become disconnected from life when you are reading it in print rather then experiencing it in "real life". Being glued to your phone, computer or television makes you a slave to the media and someone else's opinions. And I'm not just talking reality shows here folks. Like Garth Brooks song "The Dance" you simply have to experience the good, the bad and the ugly as well as the love and happiness in life. Trust me, I've had my share of all of it. Been there, done that, bought the t-shirt. But you know what? Thanks to the good Lord, I'm going to continue on the road I started...in the way I started...the good "old fashioned" way.

Homesick

My son graduated Pfc meritoriously promoted. My stepson graduated high school. Another son is an OTR semi driver and another is trying to enlist in the army (albeit a few major obstacles to overcome first). My daughter and all my grandkids are in California and I work so much I don't have any real friends or hobbies. My husband is always studying and we're too broke to do anything (like go on a date to a movie or anything). I'm homesick for "life the way it used to be" when the kids were smaller and still looked up to and needed their Mom. To busy weekends watching soccer games or football practices and summers going camping or on road trips. I miss family in Wisconsin I never get the time or money to visit them. I never even get back to my little church in Rio for Sunday service. Heavy sigh, heavy heart.

Son Made Squad Leader

I'm SO proud of my 19 year old son who made squad leader. . .in Marine bootcamp. "With great privlege comes great responsibility" he said. He only gets 4-6 hours of sleep a night. But, he's enjoying the challenge and it's molding him into a new man. I pray for his strength, endurance, protection and guidance. Thank you Lord for being our Savior and for covering my son with blessings.

Disappointed in Obama

I may be ruffling the feathers of many of the President's followers, but I have absolutely NO confidence in him. His speech last night was all "vanilla" and just another campaign speech. So many hidden agendas in his stimulus plan are just plain unconstitutional. Have you noticed that the stock market keeps dropping as a result of his decisions and directives? It's only been a couple of week's since he's been in office! He continues to "blame" his predecessor for the state of economy. PLEASE! It's beyond panic mode and I don't think he can patch it up with his "feel good" speeches. I can't believe how many of the American people bought into this dog and pony show. The only thing I can do now, is hope things change for the U.S.A. and pray that God takes charge of the President and his cabinet.

Proud Parent of a U.S. Marine

My youngest just shipped off last week to San Diego for boot camp. I'm now the proud parent of a U.S. Marine! I pray that he doesn't go to Afghanistan. But, I trust in God to take care of, guide, and protect Joe on his life's journey.