Family Is Worth It

Just warning you that this is a very long post about our Space-A trip. I will completely understand if you don't read it or choose to just skim through the pics :)

Space-A travel...what an adventure. For those of you that are not familiar with the Space Available travel that we use in the military, it is just like it sounds-space available. If there is air transportation willing to release space available seats, then those of us who wish to "compete" for them by getting on a list in order of category and time signed up, may choose this very cheap and many times free method of travel. We chose to fly this way because it would have cost an obscene amount of money for us to travel commercially from Japan to the US. We were hoping to catch the Patriot Express, which is a commercially owned plane with normal seating, but we did not get on that flight-it was full. So, we then entered into competing for flights with other SPATs (space a travellers) for the KC135s that would be heading out in the general direction of the States. I signed us up to depart from 15 different locations so that we would have better chances of arriving within the CONUS (continental US ). Upon arriving within CONUS, we were planning on purchasing tickets for a domestic flight into Columbus, Ohio, but, first things first, we needed to get off Okinawa.

The first flight we were able to get on was a KC135 headed to Hawaii. I had done lots of research and knew that in order to be accepted for this flight we all had to be wearing closed toe and heel shoes, yay, we all had on sneakers...I had also dressed everyone in layers because I had read that the flights could get extremely cold and hot. I learned that *layers* can have a wide range of meanings- we either did not have enough layers on because we froze or the heater kick on to hyper heat because we burned up at various intervals. You were either shivering or sweating...kinda nice that it was broken up like that ;) The flight was packed so there was not much room to lay around like we had hoped. The crew provided earplugs for us,but it was still incredibly loud. Lily's earplugs were too big for her ears, as were Ayden's...yep this was to be a long flight and we had not even taken off yet! It was about 2 am by the time we took off for Hickam AFB, HI and I was ready for the kids to just go to sleep....which they did. As we flew, I saw another mother, with her 4 children, sitting up and, like me, not wanting to chance waking the two little sleeping heads on our laps by moving into a more comfortable position. The other mother's husband was a pilot and helped out quite a bit with two other mothers travelling alone with their children. I was so glad Brian was with me. Before they fell asleep, Anjolie and Brianna were not happy about the strange seats and said tearfully that they wished they could be on a *normal* plane with normal seats. I couldn't blame them for being fearful and disappointed and I was thankful that the Lord helped me see a very positive thing to share with them. I explained to them how they were in very important seats, not everyone gets to ride in these seats. Those seats were "Hero" seats, I explained, these planes carried men who fight against terrorists in Iraq. Heroes sat, and would sit in those very seats that we were sitting in at that moment. Brianna smiled at the thought...the privilege of sitting in *Hero Seats*. As I thought over what I had just told them, I suddenly felt privileged as well. I prayed for the men that would soon occupy those web seats -their thoughts would be much weightier than just worrying about which flight to catch next.

Among all the other challenges, getting the kids to the bathroom was quite a challenge. The toilet was just a tin box thing with a seat on it, and Lily would have nothing to do with it. I had prepared for that by going ahead and sticking a diaper on her before we left Okinawa. She decided to "hold it" for the entire flight ((!!!))rather than chance the stinky tin box thing. Nine and a half hours or so later, we finally landed in HI ready to hit the beach...just kidding.
I had made reservations for lodging when we were pretty sure we would make the Hickam flight, so we caught a cab to our room and then grabbed a bite to eat. It was good to have a little breather before having to compete for flights again.
The other passengers on the plane were competing for flights as well, so I tried to get a feel for where everyone was headed. The family with the 4 children was giving up at HI. They had enough of the whole Space A drama stuff and decided to just spend the week in HI. I was thrilled as that would up our chances of catching a flight all around. The flight that was headed to Norfolk, VA would have been wonderful, but that was leaving in 3 days and had not released seats yet. We studied the flight monitor praying for something reliable to get us in to CONUS. If the flight was on a C5 there was a good chance of it breaking down somewhere and us having to try for another flight at an odd location-not to mention trying to find lodging. I felt like I was playing chess, one wrong move and we could be in a very hairy situation spending LOTS of money to get out of it. There was a flight with some tentative seating that would be heading to Travis AFB in CA, and, it even had normal seats, so, we went ahead and marked ourselves as present for the flight and processed our baggage. I started to breathe easy until I saw the flight was delayed..... groan...the plane was probably broken.
I saw that the KC135 (the one we had just taken the day before)was headed on to Grand Forks, ND and it had 30 seats available. Brian talked to a pilot at the terminal and asked if there was an airport there. The pilot assured him that there was an International Airport there. We quickly asked the Airmen at the desk if we could get manifested on the Grand Forks flight instead of the delayed one to Travis. They happily obliged and we had to get our baggage processed again and purchase meals etc. *WHEW* so, we got BACK on the KC135...much to every one's disappointment...but hey, it was a flight. Any Space A seat you can get, is a good one.
It turned out that we would be the ONLY crazy passengers on the plane! The crew who happened to be stationed in ND was so nice, they told Brian to bring the girls up to the cockpit to have a look around! They let the girls try on a headset and talk. The crew even asked if the girls wanted to have a seat up there in the cockpit! Now THAT was an experience of a lifetime for them. I so appreciated the crew and their efforts to make the flight as relaxing and enjoyable as possible. The crew informed us that they were soon headed to the sandy spot and were thrilled that they had a few hours in sunny HI. I smiled as I watched them don their Hawaiian shirts over their jumpsuits and happily take pictures to remember their brief Hawaiian visit. I still pray for them.

It was 7 hours or so from HI to North Dakota and we were not prepared for the frigid temps as we lugged our baggage down the stairs onto the flight line. The kids were shivering in their thin jackets, even with the layers underneath! I felt like such a bad mom for not being more prepared-aren't we supposed to know everything? We loaded onto a waiting bus and the local time was around midnight. We were prepared to call a cab to take us to the lodging facility, but we were informed that no cab could get into that area. We found ourselves and our luggage in a room inside a hangar type warehouse with some very hungry and tired children. Two wonderful Airmen (one woman) were a tremendous blessing for offering us a ride to the Temporary Lodging Facility. When we asked about the International Airport...they laughed. Sure, there was an International Airport, it was classified International because it sometimes had flights into Canada! My stomach turned when they told us the closest reasonable airport whose tickets were under $500 a piece was 5 and a half hours away in Minn/St Paul!

We checked into our *wonderful* room and the kids slept while Brian made a 1 mile trek in 30 degree temperature to the computer lounge to find a flight and a car rental facility. Brian found a good deal on a car rental that we could drive one way and leave at the Minn/St Paul airport without filling the tank with gas. We called the airline and made reservations for a flight leaving the next day which would give us a day in ND to rent a vehicle and buy some cold weather gear.
Brian took a cab to the car rental place and returned with a roomy SUV. We made a stop at the store for some much needed coats and hats and spent a day in North Dakota and drove into Minnesota for a bit. We found a wonderful playground and we all had a great time just enjoying some time outside a Flight Terminal :) We tried to get to bed early that night, but the time change had us all thrown off.
We needed to be on the road by 3:30 am to make it to the airport in time, but the Lord knew we would need more time,so we were all just *awake* at 2 am and we got about a 45 min head start. As we drove, I felt impressed to pray that we would not get a flat tire...God is so amazing. About an hour after I had prayed for safety and specifically no flat tires, there happened to be a large utility ladder that had fallen in middle of the highway. We had *just* changed lanes and saw 4 vehicles with busted tires pull over..including the car that was in front of us in the lane we just switched from and the tractor trailer that was directly behind us also hit the ladder. I got chills when I realized that we only had one spare tire and we would have most definitely missed our flight or worse if we had hit that ladder. God is *so* good. We made it to the airport on time and caught our flight to Chicago and then on to Columbus.


Throughout it all, the kids did pretty well. I am so proud of them. It was such a blessing to see my parents waiting for us.

The kids were so excited to finally see Grandma and Grandpa and Uncle Ryan and Aunt Misty. I can't tell you how wonderful it was to be *home*. My mom had "done up" a beautiful room in a way only my mom can do, for the girls and for us and she and my dad even turned an office room into a play room for the kids complete with little table and chairs, books and toys...I just wanted to cry I was so grateful and felt so loved. Brian's Mom had done the same for the girls in their Arizona home...a special room so the girls could feel at home. I am ever so grateful for these gestures that go above and beyond. The kids felt right at home. My sister Misty put together a welcome basket for the girls with doll clothes and dress up goodies...so sweet and thoughtful. I owe 'em big time don't I ? ;) I wish I had more pictures to show...we were so busy doing and enjoying that we didn't take as much time as we should have for pics. I do have lots..but I wish there were more *sigh* anyway.

We spent about a week that went entirely too fast- going to the fair for 2 days to ride rides at the famous Pumpkin Show in Circleville, sitting around a bon-fire, twirling sparklers, making cookies,jumping in a pile of leaves that Grandma had raked after hearing one of the girls voice that she just wished she could jump in a pile of leaves one day, visiting a local farm with lots of animals and people working it like the days of old, listening to Grandma's stories, picking tomatoes in Grandma and Grandpa's garden, feeding the neighbor's cows,collecting leaves along the trails of a local park, playing badminton with Aunt Misty, making beaded necklaces, looking at Uncle Ryan's art work, picking out their own pumpkins and gourds to decorate Grandma's porch with, took a ride on Grandpa's "tractor", visiting my Dad's work to show off the kids, eating at Chick-fil-A!!, thrift store shoppin *yay*, ....oh, the list goes on, we had a wonderful time and would have loved to stay til Christmas. We got together with my Aunt Pam, who is battling cancer (pictured below left to right...Anjolie, my sister Misty and my Aunt Pam), my Uncle Steve, Aunt Betsy and my cousin Tristan. The reunion here at Pizza Crossing was bitter sweet because we met here with my Grandma before we left for Okinawa...it was the last time I saw her sweet face.

After about a week, we headed down to Pennsylvania where we would spend time with Brian's parents (who flew from Arizona)

and his Grandparents.
We were so excited that Brian would be able to attend his cousin's wedding! Brian's Grandparents reserved and paid for our hotel stay while in Reading-what a blessing. My dad provided the rental that we used for the trip as well. God is so good to give us such a loving family. The kids were so excited to see GiGi and Pappy, Grandmom and Pop-pop- as were we. The time went so quickly, but we did have a wonderful dinner with GiGi's famous BBQ sandwiches yuuuummy, we ate at D&Js, visited Reading's Pagoda, and made a trip to the Franklin Institute. Other than getting stuck in the 5pm Friday night rush-hour traffic while looking for a world famous philly cheese stake hot-spot in downtown Phila ;) we had a great time. Brian attended the fairy tale like wedding of his beautiful Cousin M.P. and then next day we headed back to Ohio with one brief stop in Hershey. We made the trip through the Chocolate Factory and hit the road.


I am surprised my mom let my brother take this pic as she hates having her pic taken, but I am ever so grateful. He took this just before we headed out to the airport. It was so hard to leave...there are no words to describe how much my heart ached to leave my family. It is so hard to be away, I miss them so much and can't wait til we can at least live in the same country :) I could barely see through my tears as we headed to the airport for our trip back...I didn't want to have to say goodbye...again. My dad waited at the security check point until he couldn't see us anymore...and I cried.

The trip to Seattle was smooth and uneventful. We decided to risk staying at a local hotel which was a huge mistake as it was in a VERY bad area of town. I broke down in the room...just overwhelmed. We were hoping and praying to get on the Patriot Express the next morning, but again, this is Space A travel and there are NO guarantees about anything. Before I left Ohio, my Dad reminded me that God doesn't want us to be anxious about anything..that we just had to give it to Him. So, I did. We piled our luggage and a heavy chair in front of the door and prayed that we would be safe until 3:30am when we would have to take the shuttle back to the airport in hopes of a flight. That night I just prayed for some encouragement...something...even if it was just little to prop my spirits on. Sure I trusted God, but I felt so sad, so empty and knew that if I asked Him, the Lord would give me just what I needed to persevere. 3am came too quickly and felt sorry for the sleeping little children that I tried to gently dress while allowing them to still sleep. We loaded the luggage and as we got seated in the warmed van, we were the only ones...then God honoring Christian music filled my ears...*tears* my worried heart filled with such warmth and reassurance as the tidy little driver climbed into his seat. I thanked and praised the Lord for the indescribable peace that He gave in this mysterious way. I can't even explain it except to say GOD was in it all. I didn't even care at that moment whether we would get on the flight or not. I knew God was completely in control. I thanked the little van driver, who probably was just trying to support his family with this job, for the blessing of the music in his van that early morning. If he only knew what a part he played in lifting a fellow Believer's Spirit-I continue to thank the Lord for that driver and ask the Lord bless him and his family.

We arrived at the SeaTac terminal, filled out our paperwork and ate breakfast provided by the USO-what a blessing. After about an hour, the official came down with "the list". The hundred or so of us SPATs sat breathless. "YOST"...called the official...YOST???!! They called us first?! I felt like a contestant on the Price Is Right, but held back from the display. My heart, however was leaping with joy!!! We were manifested all the way back to Okinawa on a commercial plane...hot meals and all!!! I wanted to cry.
The rest is history...sure it was long, the kids fought and fussed, Ayden threw up, we had to go through immigration and customs, you know...life stuff, but we had all our needs met. Every single need was met and then some. God is SO good and leaves HIS undeniable prints all over our lives. I will rejoice in HIM always. Thank you so much to my dear family...it is so worth it all just to spend the precious moments we did with you. Late night scrabble, Balderdash...priceless. You are precious to us...we love you so much. Can't wait to see you again...hopefully in 9 months!

Update in the Works :)

Well HI!! Whew...that was quite the adventure! I will update soon. Right now I am still trying to get unpacked, keep up with school and figure out this new laptop that Brian got for us since our computer crashed...very strange. I sure missed you all a ton! I so appreciate all the love and prayers for our trip. God is so good :)

As promised to Brian's Dad, I will post this one fun little mini adventure. :)

When we visited Brian's family in PA, we made a trip with his parents, to the Franklin Institute. Brian and his Dad were brave souls and decided to ride the jet simulator. Well, I thought the flt was a program and that you just went along for the ride and everything was automated. So, as I was watching this thing...I thought they got a pretty rough mission or something!! I heard all kinds of muffled noise in there and was quite amused by it. After the crazy ride was over...Brian and his Dad exited their "jet" looking a bit peaked but his dad also looked especially triumphant. From what I could gather, this thing was completely controlled by the rider. Brian's Dad gave Brian control after the take-off and Brian said that they got into a crazy spin that he could not get out of because his joy stick was not working-*AAAhhh*(guess that was what all the muffled noise was coming from the cockpit) If you listen closely at 00:43, you can hear Brian's muffled hollarin' ..lol. Brian said he finally just let go of the useless joy-stick and clung to the harness holding him in his seat and resisted the urge to reach for the panic button with its inviting glow which would stop the ride and end the nightmare ;) Brian's Dad came to the rescue and worked to get them out of the death spin which first took them up into the sky and then plunged them backward and forward...lol. You can clearly see when his Dad takes control...the ride was so still, I thought the ride was over and stopped filming! Anyway ;) It is amusing to watch. The kids say "Pop-pop to the rescue!" when they see this video, and yes, it was Pop-pop to the rescue indeed :)

God is So Good

:o) Hi, I feel so much better now. A friend of mine, Lauren ;), whose husband is deployed mind you...brought me some beautiful sunny flowers to brighten my day...I can't TELL you what a blessing she is. She is *always* thinking of others. Then, the Lord did some much needed "house cleaning" in my heart after much prayer and a wonderful conversation with my good friend *P* :) My heart was so cluttered with trying to make things complex and her simple statement, "I guess all we really have to complain about our own sinfulness". I tell you, that simple statement just *opened* my eyes so I could see where I was at and I suddenly-I was again filled with joy. That *is* all I have to complain about...my own sinfulness. Yes, the simple truths are the best.

And, it looks as if we will probably get on this next flight in a couple of hours. But if we don't ...lol, God is indeed in control...at all times. So, I won't be on here for a while, but know that I appreciate each and every one of you dear readers. God is so good all the time...ALL the time :) Thank you for caring. Love-Heather

Fragile

Women are the weaker vessels...and I am probably on the weaker end of the weaker vessel line and having a very fragile day.

Do *you* ever feel misunderstood like you never quite *fit* with anyone? I do, lots. It is my fault, I am sure....I wear my heart on my sleeve..or blog rather. Where there are many words, there is much room for misunderstanding..criticism...sin. I look back over this blog that I have kept for the past 2 years and think about the kind of picture I have painted of myself. You definitely have seen some of the rougher sides as the bumps in the road serve to be inspiration to post ;) -sorry about that. And you know what, it really doesn't matter, because this is *my* reality, my current season-and this is an open book-in a sense. No, I don't share many of the circumstances (completely) that surround my posts about struggles or how the Lord is working, but I do share my heart. There are no frills, just me, typing my thoughts (poorly) or sharing what the Lord is doing in my life, and it is usually done with about 20 interruptions- to take care of more important things like helpling Lily in the bathroom *ahem*.

I am always humbled when I read your thoughts, my friends, my heart aches with you, I worry for you, I admire Christ in you, notice your personal convictions, wonder at your talents, and then, I head back to my thoughts, and can't help but feel forlorn. I briefly thought one time that perhaps I *should* change the "face" of my blog, but then you would only see one side, and I am not very good at that. I am definitely a what-you-see-is-what-you-get kinda gal.

When I am feeling a bit hurt and distant, as I am now, I probably should not post. I don't know, today, I felt lonely. When I get lonely, I curl up with my Lord and our time is so sweet. Just me, alone with Him. It's a shame that I wait until I get lonely to really *curl up* in His lap and let His words sooth my soul. It's so wonderful to spend time with the One who won't let me down, who never changes, who knows my heart through and through. Oh, how I love Him. He made this vessel to suit Himself...I can rest in that.

He's Able To

...cause non-refundable tickets to be refunded :) My husband spent almost 2 hours of reasoning with the ticket agent (very polite middle-person of course) and surpervisor (who, by the way, sounded very foreign and could have *cared less* that we were military), we pulled what we thought would be a winning move....an Act of Congress.

The Vision 100 Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act section 427 states, "Declares the sense of Congress that each U.S. air carrier should: (1) establish for all members of the Armed Forces on active duty reduced air fares comparable to the lowest airfare for ticketed flights; and (2) offer flexible terms allowing them to purchase, modify, or cancel tickets without time restrictions, fees, and penalties." We thought an Act of Congress for sure would back us until they said..."Oh, we know about that"...and nothing else. They would not agree that we had indeed purchased refundable tickets even though we paid $100 more for them than a regular ticket-to this rebuttal they had no explanation. So it was an "Oh, so sorry our ticket agents were wrong, but YOU LOSE" type of attitude....*cough* whaaaa?? (This is a MAJOR airline..not some little discount one either)

FINALLY, Brian just said something along the lines of "I'm sorry that your ticket agents were wrong (yes, we confirmed them through 2 ticket agents!), I am not trying to make money or hurt your business, but the only reason you have my money is because I purchased refundable tickets..why would I pay an extra $100 for a regular ticket...???". So instead of being willing to just let us change our dates-which is what we really wanted to do- they just cancelled our tickets and gave us our money back. I'm sorry, but is that not A REFUND?! *laughing* Well, instead of breaking my brain by thinking to hard about it..I will just Praise the Lord...He is Able :0)

We are trying for a flight on Monday morning..(your Sunday)...if that doesn't work we will try again next Saturday. We were supposed to check in tonight at like midnight for a "big plane" mission, but it was cancelled as there is a very strong typhoon passing by. Thank you again for your prayers!!!

Airline NIGHTMARE

So, we didn't get on the flight...today...and, we knew that space-a (space available ) flying is very "iffy" and you have to be flexible...that is why we purchased refundable tickets...or we were TOLD we did.

Yes, we called the airline that sold us our tickets to try and change our flight date and they are trying to tell us that they are NOT refundable...there was an act of Congress as well that states that even if we had NOT purchased refundable tickets...they were to allow us to modify our tickets due to the constraints on military travel. Like not knowing if leave will be approved...space a travel etc. We have been on the phone with them for over an hour now trying to resolve this. They are now saying that the ticket agent that sold us the tickets "didn't know any better!!!" Can you believe this? I don't know what to think. I have been giving the whole situation to God over and over today. He knows. May we walk in His will and please pray for us...I am about in tears. What was really neat though is that Lily (2.5) asked me to sing "He's Able" to her before putting her down for her nap. Now I have that running through my head :) He's Able, He's Able, I KNOW He's Able, I know my Lord is able to carry me through....how can that NOT bring a smile to my face? :)

PLEASE PRAY FOR US!!!

Okay, we went to put our name on the list for our space available flight and it just "happens" to be full with people changing station...just last week there were 20 open seats. SO, if this is the Lord's way of keeping us safe then, okay, but if not PLEASE pray for 6 very possible cancellations!!! *sigh* just waiting on the Lord. If this flight is not available...we will have to fly on a military cargo plane (sob) a C-5 and go a very long route around on Sunday..through Guam, Hawaii, Ca and then finally TN and THEN book a flight to Ohio....ugh, but if that is what is God's will...I will praise Him. PLEASE PRAY for us. Thankyou

Learning Lately...

In Faith Bible class we were looking at the plagues that led up to the Exodus of the children of Israel. I *love* how I am always learning something new in a well read portion of scripture. God shows Pharaoh how powerless his gods are in a pretty ironic way...the account is in Ex 7:15-11:10; 12:29-30



The entire study is fascinating!

The first plague in which the water turned into blood was aimed at the gods of Egypt, yes as were all the other plagues, but this particular plague interested me (and for sake of time will just mention this one). I learned it was aimed at Osiris (another name for Tammuz), a fertility god of land and vegetation whose resurrection was pictured in the annual overflowing of the Nile. (*shaking head* Satan, always tricking people with imitation.) The Nile was considered the bloodstream of Osiris. How ironic.!!..it was like God was saying..you believe it is the bloodstream of a false god and put it before me...then you shall have your "god's" bloodstream- which in turn killed everything in it and smelled of putrid death. The other gods, Hapi, Isis, Khnum and other gods associated with the Nile were also shown to be powerless and non-existent. Notice also, how the magicians could do nothing to purify the water, but they could only use trickery to make the problem worse. I would love to go on, but this point in and of itself is remarkable all by itself for today...the whole study of Exodus in this course is amazing.
As I remembered and thought on this lesson, I thought of how it applies to us today. The Lord *continues* to allow us to see that our "god's" are powerless and an abomination before Him. No, I don't have any graven images, but when I trust in my own wisdom and strength and allow pride of life as a god set up before Him...He reveals to me the folly of my idolatry. He allows me to stumble when He sees me clinging or even resting on anything other than Him. His loving chastisement helps me to see that the very thing I was trusting in or trying to glean personal glory from will be the very thing that has no power and only serves to humiliate and repulse me. These "bloodied Nile" experiences send me to my knees before my One and Only Almighty God asking His forgiveness and asking for the grace to lean only on Him. Lord, please continue to show me the false gods that I allow to creep into my life with even one foolish thought-tear them down-allow *me* to be repulsed by my foolish idolatry as the Egyptians were repulsed by their blood filled Nile.
I continue to be in awe of our Almighty God and find all the time how He uses His Word to convict and guide me.

picture courtesy of allposters.com

Treats On A Slippery Slope

1Thess 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

Slippery slopes are all around us. I find I step dangerously close to many...and the Lord loving guides me away and shows me where I could be guiding my child toward a slippery slope. Would I allow my child to get a piece of candy if it meant she must work her way down a slippery slope in which she could suddenly, without warning, tumble all the way down and be dashed to bits on the rocks below? No, of course not, well what if the risk didn't look too great...so I let her step on the slope that *one time* to get a piece of candy, or a prize, or recognition...what message does that send to my child? It conveys a message that it is ok to take a risk of Biblical compromise if there is a "treat" that may be obtained by it. It also leaves to her the treacherous task of discerning which slope is safe and which is not-whether the risk is worth the prize. You see where I am going with this, I am sure. With every slope the child, then teen, young adult etc tests and challenges...the closer, in their confidence in themselves, they step to the slope that will ultimately send them to their destruction. When did the danger begin? When did they begin to drown in pornography, alcohol, drugs, the occult...etc? On that first step my friend..the one that looked so harmless. The Lord has shown us that allowing our children to take part in Trick or Treating is one of those slippery slopes.

When our 2 oldest were toddlers, we did what the rest of the neighborhood did...dressed them up and took them to some friend's houses for candy. Do you see how "harmless" it all seemed? Our justification? They were dressed as harmless princess like characters...they were going to get candy for looking cute. Again, even one step on a muddy slope is a step headed for disaster in which your feet could suddenly lose control and give way to the slickness of the mud and the next thing you know, you find yourself in over your head in the murky mire of consequence wondering how you got there. We were convicted about this seemingly harmless compromise very shortly after that Halloween night and have abstained from participating in the appearance of evil ever since. We should all be on the look out for those slippery slopes of compromise, I find them all around us. The Lord does not bless the appearance of evil so why allow a child to participate in something that not only appears evil but IS evil? The treat a child gets for Trick or Treating is not worth the destructive message of compromise they get from a Christian parent.

Theresa thoroughly covers the dangers of Halloween in her post here.

picture courtesy of allposters.com

Remember Them

I am thinking too of my dear friends...who are missing their husbands and their husbands are missing them. I appreciate you and am praying for you. I am praying for those of you preparing for your deployment. You can count on our support and our smiling faces welcoming you home.

When the Marines were first coming back from Iraq we would listen to the radio and drive to where we knew the bus carrying them would be and wave flags and show our support. We then, when meeting a friend who was returning, went to the reception area where the Marines offloaded. It was a beautiful sight to see all the reunions, but it was also heartbreaking to see the single Marines, whose families lived too far away to meet them, standing to the side with no happy welcome...just watching and waiting to go back to their Brks. We walked over and shook their hands and welcomed them home. Remember them.

Prayer SPECIFIC

OKAY, so I need some specific praying, people, concerning our Space-A flight. It won't suffice to pray for just 6 available seats...they will ALL be available if this typhoon hits when expected and we sure don't want to fly in 50knot wind. I NEED prayer for 6 available SAFE seats that will carry us *safely* to our connecting flight on the West Coast of the States...preferably ON TIME. We *desire* this flight to be without incident -of any sort-but should it be with incident, I guess I can look on the bright side of Blog material and more importantly yet another testimony to God's Grace in the midst of storm (and there goes that twinge of fear again-though I *know* I am in His care). But should it be the Lord's will for us to fly on a different day, please pray that we not be too delayed or have to be rerouted through any other random country...boy, that would be an adventure, now wouldn't it? ;). Thank you so much! Oh my, I am *chuckling* at the idea of blogging "HELP" to you all from some stinky smoke filled internet cafe of some third-world country surrounded by my 4 children...can't you just picture it...at least my stroller (thank you Brian) is fixed and all 4 wheels now touch the ground ;).

Terrorism And Cancer

Will it just go away?
The Definition for Malignancy: A tumor that is malignant, that is cancerous, that can invade and destroy nearby tissue, and that may spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body

This post was inspired partly in response to readingthis article about the Dems slamming Rush Limbaugh about his using the phrase "phony soldiers" ...in a conversation concerning pulling troops out of Iraq. Apparently there are some liberals offended for the "anti-war soldiers"...

Let's begin with looking at those who are organized to fight the malignancy that is terrorism. The term, Anti-War Soldier, is just ridiculous in my opinion because of the Oath that the supposed Anti-War Soldier took when he/she enlisted.
Even the disgruntled enlisted are not anti-war...they are usually anti-ridiculous politics, anti-poor leadership or anti various other issues that you will have with any job, but they support their President and Country, even if it requires their very life. If they have a negative opinion about the war or some decision that they personally don't agree with, they don't run to the media with it. The media and the liberals have taken entirely too much *liberty* to speak supposedly in the name of the soldier whom they think does not support his/her Commander in Chief.

When a Marine enlists, he/she takes this oath-

"I (state your name) do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to the regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."

Does this OATH alone make one a Marine? NO, but it *is* a promise that regardless of whatever belief system the Marine has, regardless of personal opinion..he/she has ENLISTED into the ranks of a Fighting Force that defends...all that was stated above in the oath..with his/her life if so needed. This isn't the BoyScouts...it's the Marines-or Army or any other Govt funded, trained and equipped fighting force. It is in no way like some Hollywood Movie contract. It is my opinion that no active duty military person should be allowed to speak to the media in a way that would undermine their country, the President or the stance they took when uttering his/her oath.


Now, I *understand* that some enlist without knowing what they got themselves into (I was one, *many* years ago)...they may not agree with all of the calls our Govt makes, but it is still their (as it was my) responsibility to finish their agreed contract and uphold the oath they took to support and defend the constitution and this country even if it means they will lose their life in defense of it. All that said...the reality of this particular war is that the U.S. may not have what the *world* would consider a victory in the war against terrorism, but then again, we know the World gets only what the media shows it.

It helps to think of Terrorism like a Cancer because it behaves like one...please look again at the definition for Malignancy. Do we ever *give up* fighting Cancer? Should we? Should we pull back our efforts? Should we criticize those who have made mistakes along the way in their research and drug trials? Do we *ever* give up research or practicing medicine? No, of course not. We continue to fund research and any other necessary means in hopes that we might find a "better" treatment to combat the disease and possibly even a cure! Would Drs ever consider Cancer research an effort of futility that should be abandoned? No, they continue to try different angles of attack, they continue to *practice* medicine. Now, think of this- what if a few supposed Anti-Fight For A Cure Drs (see the ridiculous term?-kinda like Anti-war soldiers) spoke out and said that tax-payers and everyone else is wasting money on this fight against Cancer. How would this make the Drs who were "in the fight" feel? Would it not be discouraging and possibly affect their efforts in a negative way? How would it make the cancer patients feel? Would it go against the Drs Hippocratic Oath to go to the media with such a derogatory statement that undermined their duty while serving in the medical field? I am sure you get the point. Terrorism is the Cancer we are fighting in our World now. The situation is always better if we are fighting it...we should be willing to "go down" fighting it. Save your critical personal opinions. In the heat of the battle, there is no room for it, it is detrimental to those who are fighting and to those who are sacrificing and or suffering due to the horror of terrorism and the consequences of this war against terrorism.

Instead of criticizing, why not get to know what those who are fighting this "cancer" are like? Turn OFF the news...go *talk* to a Marine, a soldier, a Corpsman, etc...get the story straight from the front line. ASK and you can find out about the "good things" that are happening "over there". Choose to walk among the heroes by welcoming them home at the airport...or on the street, listen to their stories...you will find courage, strength, and I am positive you will hear more than a few testimonies to God's Saving Grace in the midst of them. You won't find Anti-war soldiers among these returning warriors. You will find young men and women who want to know they are appreciated for their efforts in fighting the "disease", you will see also the flag draped coffins who gave their ALL in the fight. You will see the families of the brave, just as patriotic as ever, clutching the hand of a husband who lost a limb in the fight. Do you see any signs of protest among these? No, there is no room for any criticism in this War against Terrorism. And Mr. Anti-Cure if you have that gumption in you to criticize, I guarantee, it would melt away in the presence of one of these brave souls who took an oath to support and defend- and stood by it.

So, my liberal friend, if one would even stumble into this neck of the blogosphere, you *can* choose to sit back, and complain about the money that goes into defending your way of life, maybe it will continue to distract you from the guilt you feel from taking your way of life and freedoms so lightly, or you can support a Nation blessed by God, though undeserving. You *can* continue to blame those that would stand for what is right, for the country's decline both morally and ethically or you can educate yourself and see that historically, your perverted and God-hating way of life is exactly what led to the ultimate destruction of even the most mighty kingdoms, dynasties, nations, tribes, communities, towns, families, people. It is *that* perverse wickedness, and yes, another "cancer" of sorts, which you seek to defend that will ultimately be burned up with the rest of this old sin cursed earth, in the end. The Bible tells of a remedy for this cancer, a miraculous healing if you will, and that is belief on the Lord Jesus Christ and trusting in His shed blood as payment for your sin. If you don't believe the Bible, well, this country was founded on BIBLE Principles...like it or not...the truth doesn't get more real than that. America has been blessed because GOD has not yet removed HIS hand. And, dear American, THAT is the Nation these soldiers stand for...a GOD Blessed Nation-though so undeserving. There are many different types of cancer...many different consequences of sin. Choose to stand and fight for what is right-go down fighting the cancer that is terrorism before it metastasizes...oh wait, 9/11, it already has.


For more pictures that you won't see in the news go HERE and then when you have time read " DEAR AMERICA,"by LT Brown USMC in which he states..."As a citizen of the United States and a U.S. Marine, I will be able to sleep at night with nothing on my conscience, for I know that I, and my country, have done as much as we could for these people. If we leave early, I will not be able to live with myself, and neither should you. The blood will be on our hands, the failure on our watch. " I added the bold to the text.

Overheard

Anjolie and Lily were in the back seat of the van talking when I heard Anjolie tell Lily in disgust-"YOUR breath STINKS, Lily, IT smells like a CENTIPEDE"- ooookay so apparently they stink pretty bad.

In my Sunday Evening 3&4 year old class, the missionary reading the story asked what the black colored heart was to remind someone of...I. raises his hand. "Yes, I.?"...in his cutest little almost 4 year old voice he says, "Icky stuff"...the missionary wants a more specific answer..."Ok, what is the 'icky stuff' called I.?"
Little I. says in a tone that said "you asked for it"..."icky stuff is pooop". I about bit my lip off trying not to laugh at the flabbergasted look of the missionary teaching the class.

Travel Mercies

Please pray for us as we take a trip back to the states. We are taking a Space-Available flight (military) and we are praying there will be 6 seats available for us. *Please* pray that we will be able to fly in pretty directly (on a normal passenger plane) instead of "hopping" all over the place. I don't want to post too much info on this public blog, but I do covet your prayers in this. Thank you so much :)

Stepping Stones

This one ends in a splash...or two ;)
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video HostingLittle Ayden chasing birds...he NEEDS a HAIRCUT! ....warning onslaught of pics to follow!!

Ginowan Seaside Park

I am so thankful that Brian got off work early yesterday! It was definitely a treat that I won't soon forget :) We headed over to the Ginowan Seaside Park for a couple of beautiful hours. The air was warm and the sea inviting. The children had such a fun time, and as I sit here typing this with my coffee...I am still smiling. To be honest, I was so tired and had not even bothered to do my hair or fix my makeup...when Brian got off work, he just changed and we picked up Anjolie from her piano lesson to go to the park. Time is precious. So, yes, don't look too close as I am looking rough :)
The Okinawa Convention Center is a group of very interesting looking buildings. I think they are quite beautiful!The arch is the entrance to Tropical beach. It is beautiful- there is a roped off area for swimming which is shallow and safe (as far as water can be) so the kids can play without me hanging on to them every step so as to avoid the sharp corral and sea urchin.

A happy cast free Anjolie. She had her cast removed on the 10th- :) not that it ever slowed her down!


This little ankle deep pond had lots of little lily pads and fish. Anjolie was deterimined to try and at least touch one ;)

Ayden, like his sisters, is fascinated with birds. He is such a joy to watch...and a major challenge to photograph as most of his pictures turn out blurry. He is a busy one.
Lily is so sweet, she does not like to have her picture taken, so I was glad to get this quick grin on camera.

My beloved and I *sigh* God has brought so much beauty into our lives and there are no words to express the priceless gem that marriage can be when we make Christ the center. Brianna took this pic and did a great job!

The kids played their little hearts out :)I *cracked* up when I went to check on Brianna, who normally protests just a smidgen about her bed-time. I found this little sleeping beauty had drifted off in her beauty mask...probably in mid-play. Sweet little thing. God is so good...I can't say it enough.

Hurry Up and Wait-an Adventure

The Military life and Motherhood can be such an adventure...a hurry up and wait adventure. We have uncertainty at all times as far as what the next day, week, month and year holds, and we live in uncertain times. We can be certain of one thing...or person rather- our unchanging God who holds in His mighty hand our expected end, if we are His children who are saved by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. When things get difficult, trying, and uncertain, this constant is such a blessing and comfort if we will just pause to think of it.

Well, this last week was not as exciting as some weeks, but it was draining all the same. For me, it included recovering from Brian working about 80 hours last week due to duty and an inspection. In the midst of this, your Monday (our Tuesday), Lily got sick and kept complaining that her tongue hurt. I saw that she had some white spots on her tonsils so I had her drink some water and then looked again. Yep, red, swollen, white spots,..gotta do it...gotta call the Dr. The schedulers told me that she needed to be seen *that day*, and so began yet another Yost adventure.

I decided to give Brian a call at work on the miraculous possibility that he might have been able to meet me at the hospital to sit with the kids while Lily got checked....or perhaps they could sit with him in his van at work? No way...not a chance...the inspection, you know. OOOk...that means I get to take allll my little darlings in to the Dr myself :) I was laughing already...seriously. So, I woke up Ayden from his nap...and Lily. They were practicing their crying as I got them buckled in their seats. Brianna and Anjolie behaved perfectly -sensing my stress I am sure.

We have had these adventures before, and you just never know what may happen. I may lose my keys, lose a life necessity-(pacifier), bust my tires on some random curb...Ayden may decide he wants to change his own diaper, someone may throw up in the van on the way (t.m.i.)...what would it be this time??? Praise the Lord none of those things happened---again.

No, this, in comparison to some others, ended up being a pretty mundane trip, but an adventure all the same-as is every day. We were stuck in traffic a bit so that put us in a crunch for time to make the appt. When we arrived to the parking lot of the hospital, I quickly put Ayden in his stroller and discovered that it had somehow warped to where the front right tire would not touch the ground when the other three wheels did. "Of Course"...I thought to myself and laughed at how ridiculous the stroller looked. Ayden was screaming and flailing his little appendages in anger as it was extremely offensive to him that I would momentarily release him from the bondage of a car seat only to harness him again in a stroller...and a broken one at that. I focused my attention on the 3 girls and explained to them that they were to behave, as always yadda yadda yadda-- all the while Ayden is half hanging out of his broken stroller, wailing. I glanced at the time...I had 5 min to make the 15min check in early time...so we were off...

Lily stood on the bar in the back of the warped stroller and Brianna and Anjolie held hands running behind me to keep up. We made it to the counter after a few comical episodes of me getting the stroller through the door etc ...I finally settled on the "pop a wheely" position in which both front wheels were up with Ayden's wailing face peeking over his feet and Lily hung on for dear life on the back. I got many a fun look from the people passing by...I passed an expectant mommy or two...and had to chuckle. "LOOK HOW FUN KIDS ARE!!" we seemed to scream. It was funny.

We made it to the check-in counter on time and a little out of breath. Ayden and Lily resumed their crying when they realized they were in the dreaded Dr's office. As I stood there amidst the whirlwind of events, I secretly promised myself a treat after the ordeal was over. A nurse tried to give Ayden various toys to calm him...all of which became airborne immediately. I told her she should just ignore him and his flailing. She insisted on giving him a sticker *sigh* I know she was trying to help, but all that did was create even more of a tantrum when he could not get the sticker to "fly" like the other toys. He screamed and shook his hand, screamed and shook his hand trying to get that sticker off. When he tried to use the other hand to get it off...it only stuck to that hand...there was a momentary pause at this phenomenon...then the process started again scream, shake, scream shake. Believe me, I know the wailing 18mo Ayden needed some pronto training, but I was busy holding a flailing 2yo Lily who does not want to get weighed or touched or looked at in any way. I *needed* to pray for Grace and better judgment...note to self...NEVER...unless the child's limb is dangling by a strand or the child is in danger of certain death...schedule an appt during nap time.

Back to getting control. I told Lily quietly to obey or she would be corrected. Suddenly it clicked in her mind in a very simple way that her obedience would overcome her fear...or something like that. It helped the flailing..though she was still crying softly -which was fine. Ayden needed a couple or hundred training whacks, but there was no way to do it in this situation- and I am consistent, even if it means interrupting a conversation to do it. This would have to be just more work at home in Ayden's training. Brianna and Anjolie stood quietly by the door watching- I shot them my look of thankfulness and then a plastic grin that said in a clenched teeth way "See, everything is.just.fine". I was truly thankful that noone had to go potty yet or had an accident on the floor yet *ahem* again.

The nurses managed to somehow to get Lily's vitals etc...and then again, we waited. I caught my breath and waited for the drama of seeing the Dr. I kept reminding myself how worth it this was if she had strep. and would get some antibiotics to get her well...."just hang in there...it's worth it", I thought.

So, we finally headed in to the exam room. I had time to calm Lily and talk with God while holding a now happy-to-be-out-of-my-stroller Ayden. The Dr was very good with Lily, and she was not afraid-Lily that is. The Dr then, decides no throat swab is needed...Lily is wheezing and needs a breathing treatment. UGH!!!! I wanted to protest. I had brought her in for strep...not some breathing issue. The Lord is so good though, and I am ignorant of His plan to keep my children safe. I remember thinking, "How long was THAT going to take?". I know that sounds insensitive and awful, but seriously...I was going to be needing a breathing treatment if they didn't get us out of there so I could just take my sick children home and soon. It had been over an hour so, I knew it was coming....Anjolie had to go potty, and so did Brianna... I started to panic just a tinge, but relaxed when I remembered the bathroom was just down the hall. I held Ayden as Lily got her breathing treatment and stepped into the hall to watch Brianna and Anjolie. Just breath, just relax.

The breathing treatment lasted about 10 minutes and I was thankful to be almost finished with the whole ordeal...but it wasn't over. The Dr came in and listened to Lily's chest, Lily started coughing...nope she needed another breathing treatment-she was still wheezing. For a moment, I wanted to just break down into a mental *sob*. Surprisingly, my mind thought panicked thoughts, but my heart felt at peace. I needed to just look up and see the Lord at work in my little situation which was so small yet important to Him.

As I forced myself to count my blessings, I noticed that we were almost the last appt that afternoon and there was no line at the bathroom, the Navy corpsmen and NAs were more relaxed and willing to wait on me since they knew their day was almost over ( it was the Lord of course). Everyone was smiling and not irritated at all that I had my whole crew with me...which I try to never do, but I let them know ahead of time that this would be the case since I could not get a sitter at such late notice. His Grace was around me I just had to be willing to look away from the distractions to "see" it.

Lily had to go potty by the end of her last breathing treatment and Ayden was squirming, but I felt so relaxed and at peace that I barely noticed these as even *wrinkles*. Ayden squalled at his return to the brokedown stroller and we must have looked pretty funny on our trek up to the pharmacy for an inhaler and steroids for Lily...then back down (Ayden squalling the whole way) and out to the car, but I was smiling. Just another little adventure in motherhood.

The adventures may change, but they will never go away. The Lord will help me to keep smiling and laughing along the way and He will be there for the tears as well. Whether it be hurry-up or wait...He is there with me the whole time. God is so good even in the smallest of trials. Life's trials will be uncertain, but His grace is my constant!

Picture from allposters.com

Crazy for PINK!

Dyson Vac Giveaway!....IT's PINK!! Head over to 5 Minutes For Mom and leave her a comment to enter-you don't *have* to be a blogger...the drawing is on Monday...so do it quick! I have a really nice canister vac, but like I said, this vac is special.... IT'S PINK. :)

If Only...

...I would "grow up" *sigh*...we all will have more than a few precious names/faces come to mind when we read the excerpt that follows this whining of mine. Some of you readers came to mind when I read it. And as for me...I *sigh* as I reflect on my less than steadfast walk-it has been erratic at times and less than calm and graceful. I aspire to faithfully "hit the mark" in all I do and stop allowing the inconsistencies in my walk that bring chaos into my life and that of my family.

Bridgen Herman wrote more than 60 years ago " When we read the lives of the saints, we are struck by a certain large leisure which went hand in hand with a remarkable effectiveness. They were never hurried; they did comparatively few things, and these not necessarily striking or important; and they troubled very little about their influence. Yet they always seemed to hit the mark; every bit of their life told; their simplest actions had a distinction, an exquisiteness which suggested the Artist. The reason is not far to seek. Their sainthood lay in their habit of referring the smallest actions to God. They lived in God; they acted from a pure motive of love towards God. They were as free from self-regard as from slavery to the good opinion of others. God saw and God rewarded: what else needed they? They possessed God and possessed themselves in God. Hence the inalienable dignity of these meek, quiet figures that seem to produce such marvelous effects with such humble materials."- E. Herman Creative Prayer (Cincinnati: Forward Movement.n.d.",p.16 I added the bold to the text above. This excerpt taken from Ordering Your Private World by Gordon Macdonald

Just for Fun

No I don't want to be a celebrity, and some of these I have NEVER heard of...and I am so sure they would just *love* this...ha ha. Thanks for the idea Mrs Karen this was fun!

Refreshing Reminder

in these turbulent times....

Jesus Christ

the same

yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.

Hebrews 13:8

I needed to be reminded of that wonderful truth today :)

picture courtesy of allposters.com

Sanctification

"Sanctification means being made one with Jesus so that the nature that controlled Him will control us."-Oswald Chambers

When I ask the Lord to continue His Sanctifying work in me-when I *really* mean it- there is an element of fear there. I feel guilty saying that, but there it is. A good thing is that the fear is the evidence of my faith in Him who has began a good work in me and will complete it. Even now, I tremble just a bit inside when I think of the Awesome God who is THE Authority in my life...that is just...well, I need a minute...whew...is there a bigger word than Awesome-if there is, insert that above.

My flesh doesn't like change and tends to cringe from it-hence some of the fear-but I also have the peace of the Holy Spirit along with the fear. Doesn't that just show how weak our flesh is...to resist change for the better is such an infantile quality...and I display my desire to remain immature in oh so many ways. Yet, He continues to be patient with me and, as I ask Him, the Lord fully equips me for any trial and gives grace to meet the conviction. In my heart of hearts, I know that I must be made more and more into the image of Christ and that means asking the Lord to examine my heart daily-at least. Because I am still flesh, that means He is going to be continually convicting me and guiding me in a way that does not come natural to my flesh. He will show me my stubbornness, my pride, past sins that must be confessed and reconciled if so needed. I have even had to (in the past) go back to someone after almost a year and correct a deceitful statement...*that* was incredibly humbling and boy did my flesh burn in that trial, but God gave grace and courage and bathed me in love and forgiveness. Another example, good thinking habits must replace the 33 year old bad habits that the world considers normal and some times even healthy! When I am frustrated, I must trace my thoughts and see all the blaming that I do and give those evil working thoughts to God...repent and then rejoice.
The thing that *does* make this heart work easier (for lack of a better word), is to remain malleable like the potter's clay. If I allow myself to be in a constant state of being molded, there is no chance of "hardening"...the Master Potter can gently continue His Masterpiece. When I allow even a day to go by without asking Him to examine my heart...if I don't die to myself daily and commit to follow Him in every way...little hard spots develop. The Master must break these hard spots up and sometimes remove them all-together if they have solidified to the point where they would mar the Masterpiece if left in the clay. Sanctification is a constant work that we must allow in our lives-it is unique to each person, but the basics are the same- (after we have trusted Christ to be our Saviour and accepted His shed blood as payment for our sins)- for that work to even begin we must be in daily fellowship with our Lord and getting to know Him through His Word and Prayer. We must labor in the fields faithfully-active in ministry-sharing the Gospel. Anyway, this is where I am at today, as I should be every single day, in the Master's Hands willing and waiting to see what marvellous things He will work in His Masterpiece today :)
1Thes. 5:23
And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and [I pray God] your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Merciful God

He is so patient with me. Amos 7 was my Bible reading this morning and WOW did it speak to me. My grumbling about a situation, in which I am sure the Lord is being merciful, is such a slap in the face to Him. Our lives, justifiably, could be truly devoid of all love and mercy. Yet, my life overflows with evidence of His extended mercy and grace. The Lord's mercy is new every day..continually, He shows His mercy. This morning, as I read Amos, I didn't "get it" or how it applied to me...I then, with some prompting, read the commentary on it by Matthew Henry, got some context, and read it again. I am so grateful that I was given a closer look.

The following is an excerpt from the commentary.. "Thus hath the Lord GOD shewed unto me; and, behold, he formed grasshoppers in the beginning of the shooting up of the latter growth; and, lo, [it was] the latter growth after the king's mowings. And it came to pass, [that] when they had made an end of eating the grass of the land, then I said, O Lord GOD, forgive, I beseech thee: by whom shall Jacob arise? for he [is] small" Amos 7:1-2

Read on for an excerpt of the commentary that I read concerning these grasshoppers that were made for a specific task and that they were limited as to what rather,when they would devour the king's field.this link expounds on Chapter 7.

"God could have sent these insects to eat up the grass at the beginning of the first growth, in the spring, when the grass was most needed, was most plentiful, and was the best in its kind; but God suffered that to grow, and suffered them to gather it in; the king’s mowings were safely housed, for the king himself is served from the field.... But the grasshoppers were commissioned to eat up only the latter growth (the edgrew we call it in the country), the after-grass, which is of little value in comparison with the former. The mercies which God give us, and continues to us, are more numerous and more valuable than those he removes from us, which is a good reason why we should be thankful and not complain. The remembrance of the mercies of the former growth should make us submissive to the will of God when we meet with disappointments in the latter growth. The prophet, in vision, saw this judgment prevailing far. These grasshoppers ate up the grass of the land, which should have been for the cattle, which the owners must of course suffer by."

I read the whole chapter, but the two verses, 1 and 2 of chapter 7, contain such a loving act of a merciful God in the midst of judgement on a wicked people..I had to share it. How can my heart cry out of one complaint when it deserves an eternity in hell...I am living a life crucified with Christ, why do I expect to never be challenged in my growth? Why do I give an ear to the lies of the evil one...it breaks my heart that I listen for even a moment, much less the hour of self pity thoughts I allowed when I wrote the post below. My heart truly breaks when I am given light to the great mercy I am being shown and then directed to the neglected river of grace that is continually given for my personal use during a trial. I *am* a great sinner saved by Grace and that.is.all.-how soon I forget. God is Good and only in Christ is found the abundant life. I am not to just "get through it" I need to rise up, drink from the abundant river of Grace, and I should *want* to sing praises in the midst of my trials...THAT is the abundant life Christ hides in the cleft of the rock. Not that I am hidden from sight-my children and those around me are watching...but may I be hidden from any evil that would hinder my ability to give Glory to God and praise Him. Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world, so there is never an excuse to be defeated in my trials- He has already won! Though the storm rages about me, I can Praise Him through a life hid in Christ :) Thank you for your prayers which no doubt lifted "...my eyes to the hills from whence cometh my help, my help cometh from the Lord..." Psalm 121:1-8 :)

When Is Enough...Enough?

I am struggling in a big way today with ungratefulness...and a bad attitude and a few more issues I am sure. So, let me just cut to the chase...my husband's command is about on my *last* nerve...there, I said it. I am so tempted to just rant away...and believe me, in my head, I am, but I don't *want* to feel this way. I don't *want* to disregard all of the blessings......today I am weary in the military life. Just weary, tired, and jealous of the time it has with my DH. We see very little of one another :( I have told about anyone who would listen that I drove around on a donut for a week waiting for a moment with my DH who had the new tire in his van so we could change it!! Where in my heart is the thankfulness for the money to even get a new tire...trampled on... because I am wanting to be angry with the military life...which, I might add, I have struggled with from the get go. I was so humbled to read of Ashleigh's beautiful attitude in light of her circumstances. I can't elaborate on mine right now, my attitude stinks and needs the Lords Hand to clean it up. So, this is my ungrateful rant...I am off to hit the floor with my knees in prayer...truly. My circumstances are piddly compared to others facing disease, death, combat *sigh*. Boy, do I feel like an ungrateful brat this morning...Lord, please, help my heart today...it has some *issues*.

Busy Bees

She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. Proverbs 31:13
A good friend of ours came over to teach us to crochet some time ago. Brianna, 6, *loves* it. She spent a good bit of time just making long chains, but now she is learning to make the rows of crochet. It is so cute to see her little tongue poke out as she tries to get her hook into the next stitch. :)
Sorry I have not posted in a week! We had a Missions conference last week which kept us very busy on top of homeschool, a Monday night Deacon's meeting for Brian, a Tuesday morning Ladies Visitation, and Tuesday night Faith Bible Institute class...a little typhoon...and another one passed by (Wipha)...so this week I am trying to get back on a normal busy schedule and catch up on laundry :) I will be around to visit! I am very bummed that I missed 2 very important skype phone calls from a Far Away Country...ahem.

Real Faith Quotes From Amy

Aren't these so encouraging?!

"Somewhere in the midst of all of the emotions I had an overwhelming sense of peace. Ever since the Urgent Care doctor had called, the song "Blessed be Your Name" had been running through my head. "Blessed be Your name, when the path's marked with suffering, though there's pain in the offering, blessed be Your name." I told Brandon, "The Lord gives, and the Lord taketh away, blessed be the name of the Lord." In the midst of everything known and yet unknown, all I could know is that He had me. I wasn't anywhere I wasn't supposed to be, this was the path I had been called to, and He wouldn't give me more than I could bear."-Amy Wilhoite July 3rd blog post-day after learning of her diagnosis Leukemia


"I am so thankful for my God and for the peace He has given me for this trial. I think if I were reading this that I'd have a hard time believing the person. I never thought I'd be able to stand anything like this. But I can't, it's God, and it's not about how much faith I have, it's about HOW MUCH GRACE He has. I pray that you may all know Him as I do. I am so grateful that He loves me enough to put me through this, to grant me the privilege of a deeper knowledge of Him than I ever would have had otherwise. He is SO good to me." Amy Wilhoite Friday, July 14, 2006


" 'God's mercies are new every morning because each day has enough mercy in it only for that day. This is why we tend to despair when we think that we may have to bear tomorrow's load on today's resources. God wants us to know that we won't. Today's mercies are for today's troubles. Tomorrow's mercies are for tomorrow's troubles.--John Piper (A Godward Life, pg. 26) (I found this quote on Google, so I'm not perfectly certain of the authenticity of the source -- said what I wanted to say, though.)" Amy Wilhoite-Sat, Aug 4th blog entry-just a few weeks before her heavenly flight.

Again, evidence of a Loving Heavenly Father who held her in His hand.

When The Dust Settles..

edited because I apparently published it in draft form...sorry!
...after a battle well fought, one might think, "What did it mean to win?". For Amy Wilhoite, it was the ultimate victory. Amy was completely healed in the blink of an eye- at the close of the battle. She was swept off to her Saviour and made whole. That is a victory. In her suffering, she brought Glory to God. Her testimony of faith in the storm touched countless lives. The Lord accomplished much in her dear life-more than I could ever know or understand. I *don't* understand, but I know the Lord and know He is good all the time- Amy and her dear family know this as well and find comfort in it I am sure. "What about her family?" we think. Those that are left with the loss-how do *they* feel? The skeptics may think they have reason to lose faith in such a situation as this. Some say that a loving God would not allow such a thing. We live in a world corrupted and fallen-cursed by sin. God did create a perfect world and by man's choice sin entered the perfect world with but one remedy...belief on the Lord Jesus Christ and a reliance on His shed blood as payment for our sin. Some storms we bring in by our own mistakes and others are natural consequences of living in this fallen world. I don't pretend to understand it all, but I do know that I can rest in the fact that God is loving and has my best interest in mind even when it doesn't make sense to me.


When we don't understand, when it appears that the Lord is not present, when those we love suffer and fight to live -only to die, when there are no immediate answers...will we have faith in our NEVER-CHANGING Heavenly Father? Will we cling to Whom we have trusted with every thread of our being? Will He find us clinging to our faith in all our sufferings? Oh, I pray that He will find me faithful- I won't know until that trial comes. How can I say I will have that kind of faith when I have not been tried in that manner...I can't. I do know that the Lord is faithful. He will bring me through any and every trial with an overflowing measure of Grace. Whether or not I choose to cling to that truth is a choice I am given. I can't possibly know or understand the suffering of this family...just as I don't know the Grace that was given them for their trial.

Like many of you, I had followed Amy's blog about her battle with cancer for over a year. I have never met her or her family, but God had allowed the fragile life of this beautiful young lady, wife, mother, sister, daughter...to touch my life and to touch many other lives in a very deep and personal way. We prayed and pleaded and cried for this lovely young lady as we were led by our Heavenly Father. A Father, who moved so many to pray, is one that does love and care beyond our comprehension.

When I heard/read of her ultimate healing-in Glory...I had so many mixed emotions and finally just wept for the loss to her family. I thought about how hard she fought to be with them. I then remembered what her greeting in Glory must have been..."well done, good and faithful servant" what joy that she now knows. I know her family is rejoicing for her as she will eternally abide with her Lord Jesus Christ.

Matt 25:23 "His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord."

For those that *would* question and perhaps speak of the family losing faith at a time like this, let me share this, I wept as I read her husband's post about how she, with the last ounces of strength and in her last moments, managed to kiss her dear husband through the oxygen mask and tell him she loved him...oh how I cried at that word picture he shared with us. She, in all her suffering and in her last dying breaths clung to a faith well tested-and it came forth as gold. May I have a faith like that, one that clings- though I don't understand. Her husband spoke of unexplainable peace-heartache, yes, but peace. As his sweet wife passed from his arms to his Heavenly Father's arms...the Lord gave Him comfort and peace. What a loving God we serve. She will be missed here on earth- such is the heartbreak her husband describes, but the miraculous peace...and not anger at her dying moment, is undeniable evidence of the Great Comforter the Holy Spirit and His presence in the lives of those who are Saved. Not that those who get angry are not saved, but I mention this because of the evidence of such a wondrous gift that can only come from God- we are to HOPE for this and know that we will receive it. The testimony left on her blog pages leaves me speechless as to the testimony of a loving Father. These are Faith Giants in the Lord, my friends. I am so thankful for the opportunity to have read their prayer journal.
You can read more at http://wilhoite.blogspot.com/. Please leave a comment and lift this dear family up in prayer.


So, how are YOU? Are you one suffering and in need of love and encouragement, are you doubting in God's love for you? Tell it to Jesus dear one. He wants to hear your heart. God does care ALL the time...and wants to *hear* about our doubts and fears and direct us in His word to promises that He will never break. He wants us to then walk in those promises not in doubt. Are you persecuted? He cares, He hears, but don't take it from this silly woman here (ahem that would be me) who knows nothing of what it is to suffer. Take it from the Lord Jesus Christ who knows better than any what it is to suffer and offers His Word as comfort.

Luke 18:7-8

7And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?

8I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" I added the bold to the text

Navigating The Blind Alleys

Every other Tuesday morning we have a Ladies' Visitation Ministry where I got to know my friend Pam so well- she used to head it up until she moved :(. I *love* ladies visitation. I have had the opportunity to talk to many through this ministry. The Lord has taught me many things just by talking to others...sharing the Gospel and answering questions. It has so strengthened my faith and proves that it is a MUST to search and study the scriptures.

Well, yesterday, another "Pam" ...Mrs Pam and I went out on a trek in Okinawa to find a family that had visited our church. With 3 sets of directions you would think that we could have easily found their house...NO, I truly felt hindered...I felt as if we were being blinded to finding this house (which turned out to be an apt complex). We prayed...and after parking in an uncertain area where we could have very possibly been towed (there were no signs) we walked in the misty rain up and down the street trying to follow our map which was in Japanese. We asked one Japanese security guard to help who did not speak a lick of English, but he happily pointed us in the right direction down the street. It was as if there were evil forces all around us hissing and spitting at our presence. God always has His way of course...regardless of those that would seek to hamper His spreading of the Word. Another Japanese lady on the way happily took our map and walked us down the block herself...in the rain, to show us the building. When we did finally find the apt, noone was home, but we left a note and church info so they would know of our effort to reach them. We were sure to give the young Japanese lady who helped us a tract and ask her in poor Japanese to please read it. With a bow and a smile we felt refreshed. God was so good to help us by using someone who we could give a Japanese tract to...and hopefully reach her heart with the Gospel written in her own language :). There were no accidents on this trip- the Lord was in control. We do our best and pray for the Lord to bless our efforts for His honor and Glory.
The Japanese...well, Okinawans anyway, are such polite and beautiful people. My friend Alice, a missionary here, explained to me some of the difficulties of witnessing to the Japanese. They don't care too much about death or eternity for one thing, and there is not a good translation for the meaning of sin. The closest thing they have is the word crime. When sin=crime, it is hard to convince them that they are sinners in need of a Savior. They will say they have never stolen anything or committed any crime at all. They really are what the world would consider "good people", well, unfortunately there will be no "good people" in heaven...just sinners Saved by Grace.

Please pray for Maranatha Baptist Church as we seek to continue our outreach to the lost, the Military and the Japanese here on Okinawa. God is so good, and the evil one would love nothing more than to waste our time by "blinding" us to those we are to reach out to with the Gospel, send us on a bunny trail to nowhere, or to have us be plain discouraged. We must be in constant prayer for those around us. I am so glad that the Lord can always find us and is never hindered or blinded to reaching us wherever we may be physically or spiritually. And, you never know, we may just meet that cheerful Japanese lady with a polite little bow and a smile beyond the Pearly Gates. We found her in His perfect timing though it would seem we were just lost on the streets of Okinawa. Have a Blessed Day!!!!

Brenda Slaby

I know...this is bringing in the news,...but I just wanted to say that I hope you are praying for this poor mom who accidentally forgot that her little one was in the car until someone reminded her and it was too late-tragic. My heart goes out to her. My prayer is that someone would bring her the good news of God's Grace. It could have been anyone...when we are busy and stray from our normal routine, our minds can easily think that something in the changed order of agenda was already accomplished, and we subconsciously mark it off the "to-do" list. I get so angry at those who judge and criticize in such a tragic event as this -it is as if they are some how comforted by criticizing her. Love, prayer and support- the LORD- is what this woman needs. For myself...it was a stark reminder of the importance of putting God first then my family and THEN any other outside activity that might distract me from my first ministries. Please say you will pray for this grieving mom and her family.

Hi, how are YOU? :)

Well, it has been a whirlwind these past few weeks...a good whirlwind :). God is so good and gracious. His love is everflowing-overflowing it truly amazes me that His work is literally indescribable-so beyond my understanding (ok no blonde jokes here ;) ). I debated about how to share this, or whether to share, how much to share... but I do want to share this- how excited I am about what God is doing around here- His Word is Saving Lost Souls in a tremendous way. My friends, the harvest is RIPE (I know you know, but I am just discovering HOW RIPE it is!!)- people all around us are just waiting to hear the Gospel..the truth. The Holy Spirit has already been working in their hearts...the Lord needs willing Saints to share His Truth and reap the blessing of leading someone to Christ. The Lord has made it so obvious that it is all Him. If we ask the Lord with a humble and willing heart, He *will* allow you to cross paths with someone waiting to hear and willing to receive. I sense the nodding in agreement from all you soul winners - I know you know all this, but I am just so excited I want to say it again and again :)

I *love* sharing the Gospel-sure I get nervous-but I know it is worth it to be nervous but obedient than comfortable and not obedient. I love even more when those I am sharing with accept the truth and choose Christ as the payment for their sins-make Him Lord of their lives. It is like picking the ripe strawberries in a field where the gardener has so tirelessly laboured and then lovingly sends us out to pick the ripe juicy sweet fruit-but even better than that. It is an opportunity to enjoy the sweetness of His work -though I am incredibly unworthy. Most all of us have been laborers in the fields, some planting, some watering...pulling weeds etc. Yes, these are very necessary parts of tending to these fields. Why not show up for the harvest when the Lord leads? Don't let the beautiful fruit pass to someone else or worse, fall to the ground under the weight of its ripeness to be left for bugs to pick away at-those bugs being any variety of falseness. Someone else will probably approach them, yes, but what if it is a false teacher? Those false teachers are allll around and more than willing to share their poison with anyone. Romans 10:14-15 "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" We are to be heralds of the Gospel.

The harvest we bring in may even be from a field which we had no part of planting or laboring, but the Lord, to show us that it is all Him will allow us to pick the sweet fruit of a field in which we did not even labor. It is so humbling, but such a blessing when we obey His commandment to "GO". I am having trouble finding a way to really *share* how the Lord has worked in this area of my life and my husbands' without leaving room to be puffed up about it and possibly appearing to take credit for a work that God has Himself has done. But I will say this again...John 4:35 "Say not ye, There are yet four months, and [then] cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest." I added the bold for emphasis. Start as a silent praying partner in your church's visitation program, the Lord will show you how it is all Him...we are just mouths to share what is already in our hearts and lives...ask the Lord to fill your heart with the love and boldness you need and hide His word in your heart that you may more confidently share. I know I am "preaching" to the choir here- and I don't believe that women are to preach in church, but we are to proclaim the Gospel. A prayer that many of us have (thanks Pam :)) is Eph 6:19 "And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,". God is so good to give us boldness to share His Word :). God is SO GOOD all the time.