for smiles

Because I love my Dad and I think he's the greatest...

...and because (as I told my family when they came to see me for Christmas)

anything you say or do will probably end up on my blog!

(I don't get out much lol!)

;)

just for kicks

Here are some quotes my brother left on my board when he was here over the weekend:

If you want something you ain’t never had before, you gotta do something you ain’t never done before. -Crossover

Life is hard. But it’s even harder when you’re stupid. -John Wayne

I hope he wasn't implying anything by the last one...lol jk ;)

my christmas in photos

This is my 18 inches of Christmas cheer (before I got lights).

This nostalgic nativity set holds many memories in our family.

Let the baking begin!

I do have chairs in my house. Really.

.....

Grandma's House

The hats were a hit!

.....

Mema's House

...but I'm not fond of this hat...

one of Bandy's presents

I got a vacuum and other stuff for my house!!

to be continued after our family christmas :)

Merry Christmas!

I am sitting here anxiously awaiting the arrival of my family!! It's starting to feel more like Christmas. Just one more day of work, and then the weekend starts! This year, the biggest gift is being with my family...wish Dad could be here too, but someday soon that wish will come true.

I wanted to share this poem with you. It was written by one of the flight docs. My mom got it in an email from the base, and I love it because it is about my dad. Well, okay so it never mentions him, but its about his job so it makes me think of him. Oh yeah, and the photo card that was with it is the Christmas card that my dad's crew sent out all over the world. :) Enjoy.

Twas the night before Christmas, and all through Base Ops
the flightline was stirring, preparing their drops;
The loads were all placed on the plane with great care
For the Christmas supplies to deliver by air.
Soldiers on ground were all snug in their beds
While visions of flying hercs danced in their heads.
The first shirt stood ready to see the plane off
It will skim over peaks and fly over troughs.
Now out on the base the excitement did soar,
As soldiers anticipate goodies galore.
They stood at the windows, a peak they did sneak.
They cracked open the doors hoping that they don’t squeak.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,

When, what to their wondering eyes did appear,
But a big C-130, and it was perfectly clear,
That the wily old pilot and all of his crew,
Knew how to deliver… they knew what to do.
More rapid than choppers the coursers they came,
The target was lit by infrared flame;
"Now, loadmasters prepare to deliver the drop!
We are time on target, the delivery won’t stop!
To the end of the valley, our plane will not stall
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"

As parachutes opened and delivered the goods,
they hit time on target where the chaplain he stood,
Then up to the cargo the chaplain did stride,
to open the goods he’ll distribute inside.
And then, in a twinkling, soldiers heard at their door
That the load had arrived and there was something more.
They went to the DFAC to receive all their presents,
That would lighten their hearts and warm up their tents.
The chaplain was dressed in a Santa Claus suit,
And his clothes they were tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of gifts he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler as he opened his pack.
His eyes – they were twinkling! his actions so merry!
His cheeks, were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His grin had his mouth all drawn up like a bow,
And his fresh-shaven face was as white as the snow;
The stump of a candy cane held tight in his teeth,
And the DFAC’s décor including a wreath
Gave the holiday evening the joy that it needed
The wishes of soldiers had not gone unheeded.
The chaplain’s broad face and the bit of a belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly.
Made him look like a chubby, right jolly old elf,
Soldiers laughed when they saw him, in spite of themself
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave soldiers to know they had nothing to dread;
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
Handing out gifts like a quick postal clerk.
Then laying his finger aside of his nose
He surveyed the soldiers and began to speak prose

The maintainers, God bless them! They keep the planes ready
watching over our needs they keep the planes steady;
God bless the aircrew, they are doing their job
But they know what this means to the outlying FOB,
In the distance the plane flew away like a kite
Soldiers heard them exclaim, ere they flew out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night."

~Capt. Janice Weixelman, Flight Surgeon, ANG.

my dad is the second head from the right, in the back

A Different Christmas Poem (Revised)

This brought tears to my eyes as I remember my friend who was killed in Iraq this year and my dad who is celebrating Christmas in his hooch along with other soldiers.

Letters from War, Part 4

I always enjoy getting emails from dad. He has also called me three times, and even sent me a Christmas card - a funny picture of his crew. It made me smile. Here is another email...edited only for security reasons. I have kept his spelling, punctuation, and capitalization lol.

Hey there Crew,
I have been extremely tired after the last few missions. I'm not sure why but, I know I'm not as young and tough anymore. Even the young tough guys are exhausted too though. We have had long days with physically demanding missions. Tonight should not be so hard. I did get off in time to go to the USO tour show. Robin Williams was there and the Country Singer, Kix Brooks of Brooks and Dunn, along with some other comedians. Only 5 from our Squadron were allowed to go. Out of 5, [another guy] and I from our crew were picked. So we wore our Santa hats and somehow ended up on the front row right in front of the Microphone. It was pretty fun. We tryed not to steal the show! It just amazes me that these people would actually come all the way over here to this dusty dirty place to entertain us! They have to sleep in tents with no bathroom too! Pretty unusual circumstances for Celebrities...
Love you, see you soon.
Dad

I have been so busy this week, I haven't even had time to eat! I sat down and ate lunch today for the first time in a week. I can't seem to stay on top of everything right now. Sorry I haven't updated in a while...

I just wanted to share these verses. I read them in my devotion earlier this week, and they really spoke to my heart. They are from the Amplified Bible.

"So, since Christ suffered in the flesh for us, for you, arm yoursleves with the same thought and purpose [patiently to suffer rather than fail to please God]. For whoever has suffered in the flesh [having the mind of Christ] is done with [intentional] sin [has stopped pleasing himself and the world, and pleases God]...Beloved, do not be amazed and bewildered at the fiery ordeal which is taking place to test your quality, as though something strange (unusual and alien to you and your position) was befalling you. but insofar as you are sharing Christ's sufferings, rejoice, so that when His glory [full of radiance and splendor] is revealed, you may also rejoice with triumph [exultantly]. If you are censured and suffer abuse [because you bear] the name of Christ, blessed [are you - happy, fortunate, to be envied, with life-joy, and satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, regardless of your outward condition], because the Spirit of glory, the Spirit of God, is resting upon you...Therefore, those who are ill-treated and suffer in accordance with God's will must do right and commit their souls [in charge as a deposit] to the One Who created [them] and will never fail [them]."
1 Peter 4:1, 12-14, 19

Letters from War, Part 3

Note: this is one of my favorite ones so far; I got goosebumps reading it!


All's well here. I'm catching up on movie watching and listening to my music on my ipod and computer in my off time. I still haven't got skype to work here but I'm still hopeful. Our crew was talking today of how the time has gone buy and soon we will be coming home. Staying busy makes time go buy faster, which most of us want while we are here. I guess we shouldn't wish our time away. This has been my best deployment. I'm not sure why. I'm on a great Crew and we have had good missions. Maybe it's partially because I kind of know what to expect and don't have too many surprises. Most likely it's because of Prayer and the Hand of God.
The other day we were on an air drop mission that was not going well and looked impossible. After trying several times to get the drop zone we had decided to just abort the mission and return to base. The dust was so thick we could not see or get good communications. Our navigation and wind equipment was just not working. We could occasionally see glimpses of the ground and terrain around us so we decided to make one more attempt and drop down as low as we safely could. We gave up on the high tech equipment and went back to the most basic procedures relying on basic instruments and visual cues. Hoping (actually I was praying) on this last attempt we would be able to find the drop zone to deliver the load. I was actually standing up leaning across between the pilots straining to see the ground over the instrument panel and running the checklist. While cross checking the altimeter, airspeed and power, I was trying so hard to see the drop zone but couldn't see anything in front of us but dust. The navigator called one minute, then 5 seconds, and finally saw the Drop Zone within the last 3 seconds. Green Light and the cargo was on target!
The Army now had supplies. One of them must have been praying too! We pushed the power in and climbed up out out of the dust and headed back to base. I believe it was a miracle.The Good Lord must have been smiling.
We were exhausted. It felt good to get back on the ground. Slept good that night!
Love you,
DAD

What would you say

How would you answer these questions?


If my life is only filled with pain and struggle, what is the purpose? Every day presents a huge mountain to climb; and every aspect of my life is a challenge – physically, emotionally, spiritually.

Why?

Save me from myself and this life I flounder through.

No one else can take my physical pain away. Doctors have tried, and have no answers to give me. Only God can heal me now.

No one else can walk with me through this time of life. I sit alone, eat alone, drive alone, shop alone, sleep alone, clean alone. I am alone. Only God can carry me through this.

No one else can stand with me through the relational struggles with people I know. I have to face them myself. Only God can give me the grace to push through.

No one else can pay the bills that I get in the mail. I have to support myself. Only God can provide for my every need.


When there is NO ONE ELSE, do you still believe in God? Believe that He is? Believe that He can? Believe that He will?

Pray. Pray. Pray.

Read your Bible. And read it more…

Choose Truth. What is Truth?

Sure, the truth is that you are hurting right now. But the Truth is that God has not deserted you, and He does not take your feelings lightly. How do I know? Check this out:

You might say: It’s impossible.
But God says: All things are possible.
Jesus replied, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.” Matt. 19:26

You: I’m too tired.
God: I will give you rest.
Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls for my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matt. 11:28-30

You: Nobody really loves me.
God: I love you.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16
A new command I give you, love one another as I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13:34

You: I can’t go on.
God: I will direct your steps.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path. Proverbs 3:5

You: I can’t do it.
God: You can do all things.
I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me. Phil. 4:13

You: I’m not able.
God: I am able.
And God is able to make all grace abound to you so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need you will abound in every good work. 2 Cor. 9:8

You: It’s not worth it.
God: It will be worth it.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

You: I can’t forgive myself.
God: I forgive you.
If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1

You: I can’t manage.
God: I will supply all of your needs.
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:19

You: I’m afraid.
God: I have not given you a spirit of fear.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Tim. 1:7

You: I’m always worried and frustrated.
God: Cast all your cares on me.
Cast all your anxiety on Him because He does care for you. 1 Peter 5:7

You: I don’t have enough faith.
God: I have given everyone a measure of faith.
For by the grace given to me, I say unto to every one of you, do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself in sober judgment according to the degree of faith given to you by God. Romans 12:3

You: I’m not smart enough.
God: I give you wisdom.
It’s because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus who has become your wisdom from God that is our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. 1 Cor. 1:30

You: I feel all alone.
God: I will never leave you or forsake you.
Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have because God has said never will I leave you and never will I forsake you. Hebrews 13:5

Ten Years

Ten years of curls, giggles, baby dolls, hugs, kisses, pictures, crayons, pigtails, stories, songs, and memories. My baby sister. Julia. An answer to my prayers. All grown up. How I love her. Happy Birthday.

She decided she wanted to be an Olympic figure skater. Better start practicing.

Waiting for dad to come home. 2009.

She posted these flyers around the house.

Baptism!

Christmas Cards

I have 117 Christmas cards ready to mail. Not from me, from the company. It took me about two days to get them all ready. What amazed me is that half of them will be sent out to businesses in our little community. It's hard to believe this small town with such a small population has so much going on! We are only sending cards to those we do business with, so there are still plenty others in this spot on the map. Most people who are not in our field don't have a clue about all the business that goes on here every day.

I went to the gym again tonight and walked off another two miles of frustration lol! I bought a membership to try it out, and discovered that I like it because it gets me out of my house in the evenings and is beneficial at the same time. I'm not sure that I should include a monthly membership in my budget, and I really don't like getting out in the cold, so we will see how long it lasts. I am going to be getting a fitness flyer from my coworker, so I will probably exercise in my house this winter and get back to the gym in the spring...we will see.

a little devotion for you

One of my goals this year was to read through the entire Bible. It has been a few years since I have done that, so I have really enjoyed re-discovering these Letters from God. I am still on track; right now I am starting Titus. When I was reading in 2 Timothy there were some familiar verses that jumped out at me in a new way so I wanted to share my thoughts on them.

Here is 2 Timothy 1:12, paraphrased by Lauren ;)
This is why I continue to accept the suffering of this present life, for I know and am well acquainted with Him Whom I have believed (adhered to, trusted in, and relied on) and I am completely persuaded, convinced, and assured that He is able to guard, protect, and keep that which I have committed to Him until His perfect timing.

In essence, this life can be very difficult and often brings suffering which can be hard to bear at times, but the faith we have in Christ, the absolute trust in Him and assurance that He will provide and protect is what will carry us through.

And here is 2 Timothy 2:24-26:
And the servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome. Instead he must be kind to everyone and mild-tempered; he must be a skilled and suitable teacher, patient and forbearing and willing to suffer wrong. He must correct his opponents with courtesy and gentleness, in the hope that God may grant that they will repent and come to know the Truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape out of the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him, to do God's will.

We must have the correct response to those "opponents" in our life. For example, those people we may have to interact with on a daily basis who might not see things from our perspective, who undermine our abilites and decisions, who challenge our relationship/communication skills, and are in general, difficult to get along with! We must not retaliate, but we must pray that God will open their understanding and give us creativity in relating to them...and patience, too.

And when I say "we" I mean "I."

These are just some of my thoughts...they may or may not apply to you at this time, but I'm sharing them anyway! Do you have any thoughts to share?

{{{Hugs}}}