I have all my bags packed and ready...nothing left but a few home-buying oriented things tomorrow...(checking time)...I mean today =(. I don't want to go to sleep. I am tired and my eyes are droopy but if I go to sleep it will be morning sooner.
What do you do when your heart is afraid of what you know you must do?
05 May 2008
04 May 2008
My Last Sunday @ NCF for 15 months...or so
Today was my last Sunday at NCF until I get back from Iraq. We had a great time praising our God together as a family. The kids were largely unimpressed (or perhaps unaware) that this would be my last Sunday with them, they really just wanted to be with their friends.
The message was about parenting...really about realizing that no matter what we try to do God will have His will through our children, as well as through us.
At the end of the sermon the pastor called up Sandy and I to pray over us as we face this deployment...no problem, infact it's a very biblical principal? I appreciated the sentiment of his proposal as he had the entire congregation "celebrate" my service after the prayer. No problem there either...if it was someone worthy of the celebration. Facing only my first deployment, and as a Bandsman at that, I felt extremely inadequate and undeserving as I stood before a congregation of soldiers who have served multiple times in both Afghanistan AND Iraq as they stood applauding me. This is to say nothing about the pastor as I realize that he loves us and just wanted to let us know that we have support and that we are appreciated.
I am not sure what I am really trying to say, just that I am pretty sure I have some insecurities to work through.
The message was about parenting...really about realizing that no matter what we try to do God will have His will through our children, as well as through us.
At the end of the sermon the pastor called up Sandy and I to pray over us as we face this deployment...no problem, infact it's a very biblical principal? I appreciated the sentiment of his proposal as he had the entire congregation "celebrate" my service after the prayer. No problem there either...if it was someone worthy of the celebration. Facing only my first deployment, and as a Bandsman at that, I felt extremely inadequate and undeserving as I stood before a congregation of soldiers who have served multiple times in both Afghanistan AND Iraq as they stood applauding me. This is to say nothing about the pastor as I realize that he loves us and just wanted to let us know that we have support and that we are appreciated.
I am not sure what I am really trying to say, just that I am pretty sure I have some insecurities to work through.
Here's the kick off!
Here we are, mere days from deployment. I'm sure you can imagine what emotions are raging...excitement, sadness, anticipation, dread...but I digest (<---for you honey). God is still in Heaven and continues to bless me and my family. The past two months have been rather trying; after almost getting to go to a SSGT promotion board (which is now taking place in Iraq almost immediately after we get settled) then going to Armorer class, WLC, and block leave with as little as a day between each while still staying current on my deployment processing...needless to say, I'm fried.
And as if all that wasn't enough, God has blessed us with a home. You heard me right. In the middle of the deployment rigamaro (pronounced syllabically ri-ga-ma-ro) we are completing purchase paperwork for a 5bd, 2bth, 3400 sq ft home in Carthage, NY. We love this town and the house. I just think that God's timing is hysterical but ultimately perfect, so really who are we to complain. No one, that's who...we'll just take our new home and like it thank you very much GOD!! No...really...thank you God for our new home, it is truly yours. "But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:15b
These last few days before deployment are a great break until it's "back on your heads" time. God has really brought us through some times and blessed us tremendously. I know He wil continue to uplift my family by glorigying Himself in every way.
Lord, thank you for giving us so much to tell when we speak of your goodness to others. Let us lean not on our own unerstanding but teach us to trust in You as You lead us toward heaven. Let us remember that Christ is our refuge and righteousness, our strong tower. You are the only wise God, all praise and honor belongs to You through Jesus Christ. Amen.
And as if all that wasn't enough, God has blessed us with a home. You heard me right. In the middle of the deployment rigamaro (pronounced syllabically ri-ga-ma-ro) we are completing purchase paperwork for a 5bd, 2bth, 3400 sq ft home in Carthage, NY. We love this town and the house. I just think that God's timing is hysterical but ultimately perfect, so really who are we to complain. No one, that's who...we'll just take our new home and like it thank you very much GOD!! No...really...thank you God for our new home, it is truly yours. "But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:15b
These last few days before deployment are a great break until it's "back on your heads" time. God has really brought us through some times and blessed us tremendously. I know He wil continue to uplift my family by glorigying Himself in every way.
Lord, thank you for giving us so much to tell when we speak of your goodness to others. Let us lean not on our own unerstanding but teach us to trust in You as You lead us toward heaven. Let us remember that Christ is our refuge and righteousness, our strong tower. You are the only wise God, all praise and honor belongs to You through Jesus Christ. Amen.
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