Thank You

Both of my grandfathers served in the military. Neither of them talked much about it - Poppop (Mom's Dad) was a little more open about it, and Grandad (Dad's Dad) only talked about it once - just before I was supposed to study in Europe for a semester. He told me the name of the street he was quartered on while he was stationed in Paris and that I needed to walk the Champs Elysees and see the Arc de Triomphe.

I cried when I stepped off the subway and realized that the street my hostel was on was on Rue de La Chapelle, the same street Grandad stayed on.

I was honored and humbled as I toured Normandy, thankful that both of my grandfathers were injured prior to D-Day because they both were to have been there. (the picture above is one I took at the cemetery at Normandy - France gifted the land to the USA to bury their soldiers and after almost 4 months in Europe, it was good to be "home" as I walked those grounds)

Thank you, Poppop, Grandad, and all who have and do work so hard to keep this country free.

This Should Be Interesting

The weathermen are predicting some nasty storms here tomorrow... it'll be interesting and I'm excited for what could be the first significant storm of the season. (If you spent any significant amount of time growing up in "Tornado Alley" you'd understand why storms can be rather intriguing. You spend so much time in the basement hiding from them that you get to a point you're more interested than scared.)

Dear Heavenly Father, I am humbled by awesome power but ask that if this storm is as big as our small minds can anticipate and comprehend, that you keep everyone safe. In Your name, Amen.

His Hands

A new favorite song. SO thankful to know that how no matter how much my hands mess up, HIS hands will always protect me.

More Than Christmas Gifts

To go along with the Advent Conspiracy, I thought it might be a neat idea to share some Christmas gifts that also give to someone in need in some way, shape, or form.

Of course, there are TOMS. For every pair of shoes purchased, they give a pair to someone who needs them. How cool is that?!

If you want something a little more "springy" - there are Sseko's. A group of women in Africa make these shoes, learn about business, hard work and so much more. The cool thing about the actual sandals is that you can change out the straps.

The beads on these necklaces are made out of paper. Again, women in Africa make these necklaces and benefit from their sales. Several of my friends who have traveled to Africa have necklaces like these and they are so pretty!

I know there are LOTS of other organizations/companies who do similar things - these are just a few of the ones that I'm aware of. In the spirit of giving but focusing on the REAL meaning of Christmas, I can't help but think if you can find a way to give to multiple people in some way at the same time, why not?

If you know of other organizations like the ones above - I'd love to hear about them!

Just what I needed to hear

The heavens proclaim the glory of God.

The skies display his craftsmanship.

Day after day they continue to speak;

night after night they make him known.

They speak without a wound or word;

their voice is never heard.

Yet their message has gone throughout the earth,

and their words to all the world.

God has made a home in the heavens for the sun.

It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding.

It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race.

The sun rises at one end of the heavens

and follows its course to the other end.

Nothing can hide from its heat.

The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul.

The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.

The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart.

The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living.

Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever.

The laws of the Lord are true; each one si fair.

They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold.

They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb.

They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them.

How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart?

Cleanse me from these hidden faults.

Keep your servant from deliverate sins!

Don't let them control me.

Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin.

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to YOU, O LORD, my ROCK and my REDEEMER.

-Psalm 19

This and That

I've been in a blogging funk the last few weeks. Here's a little of what's been running through my mind:

• I don't like that Obama won the Nobel Prize. I think it belittles the honor because he hasn't actually done anything.
• I saw an article discussing how this clip from Saturday Night Live is one of the best ways to describe how Obama's term is going so far. The article basically said that you know he's not doing a good job when groups who normally support him are turning on him.
• Those last two posts probably make it pretty clear that I'm not an Obama fan. Regardless, he is our President and I am praying for him and the decisions he makes because I want MY country, and the country both of my granfathers fought so hard for, to remain the land of the FREE.
• I hate confrontation but, for some reason, have really wanted to "run my mouth" a lot lately. (I'm mostly talk but sometimes I actually get brave and really let my frustration be heard) I'm praying that I can do so appropriately - and I hope that makes some kind of sense.
• I'm praying that the economy turns around soon. I'm tired of the roller coaster ride that 2009 has been but counting ALL of the blessings Mike and I have had bestowed upon us through this crazy time.
• I wish I could fix everything for everyone. I have so many friends going through things that make me hurt so much for them. I know God has a plan and His plan is perfect but I really wish I understood it all a little better right now.
• It smelled like Texas when I took my dog outside a few days ago. Texas has three distinct smells for me: bacon, manure and another smell that I can't really describe other than it puts me at peace and makes me think of all the times I'd stand on the storm shelter at my Poppop's and just breathe in the smell.

I feel like I'm being such a downer but somehow I feel better so thanks for reading. :-)

Laminin

Just watch. We serve an AMAZING GOD.

(thank you, Renee, for sharing this!)