Saturday, July 28, 2012


I think I may have already mentioned that our oldest son Michael is in the Army National Guard.
Well, last summer we found out that he had volunteered to detach from his unit to go on a deployment for a year. This was a hard time for me as he was barely 18 years old. Even though he had gone to Army basic training and Airborne school and training to be a rigger the year before, this time was different because he would be halfway around the world. Even though he had been jumping out of airplanes and helicopters with parachutes that he had packed himself all year, this leaving the country idea was terrifying for me. At the same time though, his dad and I knew it was a good experience for him and were proud of him for volunteering.



Its been a really rough year for him over there. He's learned a lot about life and now realizes how fortunate we are to be Americans and how many luxuries and conveniences we have that others do not. He has been able to travel and see places that otherwise he may have never seen. He's made a lot of new friends and had many negative experiences and some positive ones that taught him about life in this world. Most of all he has gained so much confidence which brings real joy to my heart to see what a competent young man he has become in such a short time.



I've learned a lot too. It's so hard to let your children go but you have to do it. Its also an exciting time because you are finally realizing rewards for all the hard work you did for so many years. Giving your children over to God when they leave your home is one of the hardest things we will ever do as parents. That's why we need to start doing this as much as possible when they are born. We must always realize that our children belong to God and try to stay focused on this as they grow. If we want them to give God the proper place of headship in their lives they need to know Him as their heavenly Father as early as possible. Watching your young adult children grow into who God wants them to be is such a wonderful experience.




I also learned how much of a debt this country owes to the mothers, wives, children, and families of those whose sons will not be coming home. It is such a sacrifice....and many of us are so ungrateful.






Well, our son is coming home very soon. The closer the day approaches, the longer the time seems to be before we will have him here with us again! We are so proud of him. Yes, its been a very hard year but we thank God for the experiences that allow us to grow.


Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Happy Independence Day!!!

Freedom isn't free.....
Why not pause in our celebrations today and pray for all of our soldiers, both at home and overseas, and for their courageous families? If it weren't for them we wouldn't enjoy the freedom we have!