Our Soldiers

A couple of days ago my son and I went on a little trip to San Diego. We had a fun-filled, fully- packed day. We walked to the Seaside Village where we enjoyed a mocha coffee drink and a bagel with cream cheese for breakfast. We browsed a few art galleries, admiring all the beautiful and unique styles of art. We then headed over to begin our tour of the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier. My son is very interested in the role that our military plays in the scheme of American history and its’ present. When we arrived at the Midway we bought out tickets and climbed the stairs to board the ship. We were given headphones to hear a message at the different displays all around the ship. This ship was huge! There were planes all around the inside of the ship and all along the top deck as well. My son took a ride on the Dog Fight Simulator; we was doing flips and turns and dives, all the while trying to shoot enemy planes down. He said it was much harder than it looked. We sat on the deck for a presentation given by a retired Naval Carrier Airman. He explained the process for landing a plane on deck; the training and the focus that is required. The lives of many young men are at risk even when training, let alone in a real battle scenario.

I have family members and friends who have served in different branches of the military; Navy, Air Force, Army and Marines. Both of my Grandpas and my Father-in-Law served during the Korean War. My cousin served in Iraq. Another cousin is now serving in Japan. Some soldiers are sent abroad to battle on the frontlines in foreign countries, some are kept at the home front to keep up a vigilant defense ensuring our safety and protection. As we enjoy our daily life, they are risking their lives to keep us safe. My son is a young man who really gets the sacrifice these men and women make on our behalf and the honor that is due them. No matter where we are or what we are doing, if my son notices a veteran or current soldier he will stop what he is doing and go over to the soldier to thank him for his service.  Regardless of differences in political position, I think one thing that should be common to all of us is the appreciation of our soldiers. One of the best ways to honor them is by keeping them in our prayers; asking God’s protection and peace over them.  Another is to personally thank them for their service on our behalf.

Isaiah 41:10, ¹⁰ So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Psalm 27:1-6

 The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
² When evil men advance against me
to devour my flesh,
when my enemies and my foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.
³ Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then will I be confident.

⁴ One thing I ask of the LORD,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple.
⁵ For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle
and set me high upon a rock.
⁶ Then my head will be exalted
above the enemies who surround me;
at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the LORD.

Catch My Breath

Like most everyone my days are busy; full of activity from morning till night. I usually wake up at 6 and don’t sit down until it’s time for bed (I do go to bed early though).  I’m sure you can relate. Today has things for me to do as well, but there has been a different feeling about it; less rushed, a more relaxed flow to it. I started my day by sleeping in a bit (very unusual), and then I was off to get myself a coffee treat. After that I headed to the kid’s school for an awards assembly. Then I went to the market... all the usual stuff; but my pace was what made the difference. It was such a beautiful day that I decided to take my dog on a walk to the park; right in the middle of the day! Usually he gets his walks at the end of the day when I have finished my tasks. We walked down to the park and around the park. Then as we were getting ready to head home we plopped ourselves down on a park bench. It had recently rained so every thing was fresh and clean. I sat there with my dog, petting him, listening to my Ipod, staring at the crystal blue sky and the bright green grass and hills around; taking it all in. I was catching my breath from the usual hustle and bustle of every day.  I am finding that things come into a much clearer perspective when I allow myself to sit down and reflect on what is really important, especially outdoors in the beauty of God’s creation where all distractions are removed. I am able to appreciate everything much more. I do not need to feel guilty for taking this time, everyone benefits in the end.

 God doesn’t want us to go, go, go without resting. He actually calls us to rest; He knows we need times of rest so that we can be refreshed by Him before continuing on with our daily tasks.

Psalm 23, the message, ^1-3 God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows,  you find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.