Good Bye Old Friend

Last night we said goodbye to a dear old friend of ours. We had come to know and love her even though we were not kin. She was not very old, 9 years old, but had seen a lot in her years. I must confess that it is not what you may think, actually we said goodbye to our 2000 Toyota Camry. Laura's car had almost 206,000 and it was starting to have continuous problems. We could have put more money in the 2000 Camry, but I wanted to make sure Laura and Victoria would not have continuing car troubles while I am gone. So you ask, "What did you buy?" You guessed it, another Camry. This one is a silver 2006 LE with 40,000 miles.

We drove to Austin, about an hour and fifteen minutes, to look at a white 2007 Camry with 24,000 miles. When we got there someone else was looking at it. We couldn't believe we had driven so far and someone else was looking at the car. While they were looking at the white 2007, we perused the lot. We saw a couple of cars that peaked our interest, but most cost too much. The silver 2006 Camry we purchased fit the bill all the way around.

Back story: On the way to the dealer we had asked God to lead us and give us peace about our impending purchase. God answered our prayer. We not only got the deal we had prayed about, but we had the peace of God about the purchase. We were/are praising God.

We look forward to many years, miles and memories with our "new friend."

Sock It To Me

I just got a pay raise today! It is hard to believe that I have been in the Army for 6 months! Time has really flown and it seems like I have been in the Army only a few days, not months! The reason I got a pay raise today is because I was promoted to Captain.

I was thrilled with all the people that were able to attend. Of course, Laura and Victoria were there along with my Squadron Commander and Sergeant Major, all my troop commanders and 1st Sergeants, my Brigade and Division Chaplains and others. We really had a crowd. Laura got to pin on my new rank. Part of the pinning tradition is to put on the new rank and then punch the soldier. Laura did a great job pinning me and then socking it to me, LOL! Several of the people there told her to hit me harder. Laura said she had fun punching me, LOL! I guess that is the only time I have to worry about her hitting me. :-)

God is so good! I love what I do! Thank you for all your prayers. Keep my soldiers in your prayers. Soon we will be going on block leave and before we know it we will be going down range. The young soldiers have many things going on in their lives and can use your prayers as the Lord brings them to your minds.

Here are a few pictures of today's event. Enjoy!
Family and my Commander LTC Costanza.
Laura socking it to me, LOL!
Preaching? No, just a word of thanks!
LTC Costanza, and the family.
LTC Sherer (Division Chaplain) & ???
Me and the family! I am truly blessed!

One other note. It is great to be able to wear my Stetson on Fridays!!

Memory Lane

Last night we decorated our Christmas Tree. Yes, last night. Normally we decorate the tree after Thanksgiving, however, we needed to see if any of our ornaments were broken from the move. Thankfully only one ornament was broken, but it is one that we will not be able to replace since they do not make them any more. :-( 

Well, let me get to the point here. As we were unpacking our ornaments and decorations we were remembering where we got them. So many of them came from our "family" (our family, friends and loved ones.) It was a wonderful trip down memory lane to be reminded of our "family" in Alabama, Georgia and Virginia. Thanks for making this journey down memory lane so special. Even though we cannot be with you all this Christmas Season you are not forgotten.

Never forget that Jesus is the reason for the season.

 

Veteran's Day

What did I do on Veteran's Day? I stayed at home and spent time with family. It was a great day! Today, I have a greater appreciation for our freedoms. Why is that? I think that it has something to do with the fact that I have a greater understanding of what soldiers go through to uphold America's freedoms. God has allowed me the great honor to serve our men and women in uniform. I hope you will appreciate and make the most of the freedoms presented to you. 

As I saw it today, "HOME OF THE FREE BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE!" 

P.S. Sorry I am late posting this. :-)

Training in California

I have just returned from playing in the Mojave Desert. Our Brigade went to Fort Irwin, CA for training to prepare us for our down range missions. It was good training. I am starting to really connect to some of my soldiers. It is an honor to be with them when they deal with difficult issues. God is great in allowing me to be His tool of ministry.

I think the worst thing was the time away from family. Laura and Victoria did well while I was gone. We all agreed it is hard to imagine 12 months away from family. The really sobering think about the time away is that some of my soldiers are on their 3rd & 4th deployments. Our soldiers deserve great respect and appreciation for what they sacrifice for all Americans. 

Here are some pictures I took. Hope this post finds you all doing well. Please pray for my soldiers as we get closer to leaving family again. 

Beauty of the Desert

Sleeping Tent                          My Cot

My Favorite Picture from CA

Settling In

Hello all! Yes, it has been a long time since I have posted. It has not been because I do not have anything to write about, if anything, it would be that I have too much to write about and not enough time to write about it all. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that slowly we are settling in to our new home. The boxes that need to be unpacked are dwindling, thankfully. There is still some work to do, but it is a lot more manageable than it was when we started.

Things are going well here for me. Before I finished getting checked in to Fort Hood I was called upon to do ministry. I had a soldier that was killed in a house fire. It was and is very tragic. Fortunately, I was able to do some of what God has called me to do in the Army. So from the beginning, I have been off and running.

Laura has been working hard around the house. Daily we spend hours going through boxes and putting things away. Laura has done a beautiful job of making a house a home. Even with all this unpacking she has still been cooking!! It is so good to have her meals again instead of having to eat out every meal. I am so blessed!

Victoria is so ready to start school. Yes, she is ready. Normally we start at the middle of August but since we have had so much going on we will be starting on September 28. One of the reasons Victoria is excited is she and another Chaplain's daughter will be taking some classes together.

Well, it is getting late and I have a long day tomorrow. I will leave you with some things you can pray about if the Holy Spirit prompts you.

• For our family as we transition into a new rhythm of life. (Especially Victoria)
• The soldiers God has given me. (I have about 400 now, but will have more than 600 when we deploy.)
• For me, that God would glorify himself through my service.
• That God would lead us to the church where we are to be a part.

May God bless you and keep you!

More Hurry Up and Less Wait!

Well, I am graduating a day early. We were told this morning that our graduation was moved up because of the uncertainty of Hurricane Hannah. Therefore, it is one of the few times in the Army that I will experience more hurry up and less wait.

All is going well otherwise. After graduation tomorrow we will start our journey west. We will have to spend some time loading all our stuff before we shove off. In a matter of a few days, after 35 1/2 years, I will live in a different time zone. I am excited. I can stay up and watch the late news and still get in bed before 11! I know, it is weird to be excited about this. What can I say?

Well, I am off, I have to get ready for our Banquet and for the long/short day tomorrow. 

Eight Days

Wow, where has the time gone? There are only eight more training days before I graduate. I cannot believe the time has gone so quickly, but I am ready to graduate. 

Last week our class was in the field from Tuesday to Friday. The training was a lot of fun and practical. The training was a culmination of all the education we have gotten this far. I am truly being stretched to be the best Chaplain for our Soldiers and their families. 

I would like to thank you all for your prayers for me and my family! Your prayers really do make a difference. For those of you who do not know God answered our prayers about providing a pastor for Menokin. Menokin called their new pastor and he started on August 3. Praise God! God not only hears our prayers but answers them. 

Well, it is time for bed.

Haircut Please

I have been asked about my hair so I thought I would include some pictures for your amusement. The haircut actually has an interesting story. I borrowed Mark’s (the guy cutting my hair) clippers. Because I was cutting off so much hair I broke his clippers. One thing for sure, I was a great comedic relief from the very beginning. I cannot imagine how things would have turned out if Mark and Loren had not helped me. Thanks to my Chaplain friends I now have an Army haircut. I do not have a picture, but I did shave all my hair off a few weeks ago. It has grown back out; I can now say that I have shaved my head. I get to thank Loren for that one. Thanks Loren!

I'm Still Here

Well, I have not lived up to my expectation of posting once a week. Wow, it has been very busy here. I spend most of my time doing homework and self directed studies. I normally get up at 0400, get home from class at 1700, eat dinner, do homework, and get in bed by 2130. Pretty much the same routine daily. On the weekends I do homework all day.

Today is the exception, Laura, Victoria and I went to Charleston for a few hours. We had a really good time being together. Laura did drive and I worked on homework there and back. I am trying to make the most of all the time I have. Laura has been wonderful and so supportive. God has truly blessed me with her. 

In just a little while I will be working on homework again. God is so good. I have gotten all my assignments in on time and hope to be ahead of the curve for this coming week. I will try and get a few more posts before I start on homework.

Laura has started blogging and if you are interested in reading her blog you can click the following link: http://lauraslifereflections.blogspot.com

CH-BOLC Week 1

One thing for sure. I am in the Army now, LOL! I am trying to get used to marching to the cadence of hurry up and wait. That pretty much explains the week in a nut shell. We have spent the whole week getting processed. Below is a list of things we have gotten done this week with a little or lot of hurry up and wait.

• Blood work
  
• Dental X rays
• Dental exam
• Eye exam
• Hearing test
• Vaccinations (4 shots back to back)
• Lab work
• Buying of our uniforms, etc.
• Military ID
• Issue of our gear (sleeping equipment, helmet, wet gear, gas mask, canteens, etc.)
• PT test weigh in

Well, that is all I can think of, but I know it felt like more than that. I would like to say a special thanks to all of you who have been praying for me and my family. Your prayers have made a difference in our lives. God has us in a huge transition, but by His grace we are making it. Thanks for partnering with us as we follow His calling. We are blessed because you lift us to the Father in prayer. 

Well, I am off for now. I have laundry in the dryer that I need to check on. Plus, I need to be in bed now for my early wake up call.

I'm Here

Where is here? Fort Jackson, South Carolina (Columbia). I made the trip safely, yesterday. After unloading for an hour, I got my room all set up and situated. (It took an hour to unload with the help of two other Chaplains, Loren and Mark.) I am glad to have that done since life is going to get hectic soon. I am setting a goal to post once a week. Some guys who have been through this process have posted every day. That is a great goal, but I do not believe I am that disciplined in blogging. Anyway, you should hear from me again soon.

Coming and Going

There is so much of our lives that I want to share with you, but it seems like there is not enough time to share anything. It seems like we have been passing ourselves coming and going. We are trying to get ready for our move. We are scheduled to pack on June 2-3 and load on June 4.

Yesterday was our last Sunday at Menokin. It was a good day. Laura, Victoria and I led in worship and the Lord was with us as we did so. Following worship we had a time of fellowship. Wow, I ate more than I should have, but I enjoyed that good old Menokin cooking. 

Maybe the best way to share some other things that have been going on in our lives is to just list them. Here goes, in no particular order:

1. We continue the downsizing process. Our house is looking less like an atomic bomb was dropped thanks to the hard work of Laura and Victoria.

2. I sold the truck. We had three vehicles and only needed two so we sold the one that got the worst gas mileage. Gas here is over $3.75.

3. We are out of credit card debt!!! Now we have to kick Sallie Mae out of the spare bedroom.

4. I am on vacation this week.

5.We went to DC twice last month. The second time we went to tour the White House.

6. We are going to Kings Dominion, this week.

7. We have been given two new Mac Books for our ministry. These computers are sweet!!!

8. We had a yard sale and got rid of all the stuff we were not going to move.

9. We escaped to Hershey PA for a couple of days. 

10. I went to the NASCAR race in Richmond. It was a blast!

11. I got my Father's Day gift early. Laura and Victoria will be in VA on June 15 so we celebrated Father's Day on Mother's Day. So for us it was Parent's Day! They got me an iPod in preparation for basic and eventually Iraq. It is sweet!!

Oh, I see myself coming so I better go!

Smith Family Story

I came across this video today and wanted to share it with you. I just finished a series on suffering. This video ties in beautifully. I hope it is a blessing to you.
Click here to see the Smith Family Story Video.

For those of you who do not know, Todd sings with Selah.

I'll Do Whatever You Ask

Ridley Barron is pastor of Ridgeview Community Church in Tennessee. I read his blog, and I wanted to share one of his recent posts.

Here is the link to I'll Do Whatever You Ask.

Am I (are you) willing to do whatever God asks? I hope this question will be turned into a statement: I am (you are) willing to do whatever God ask!

Something to think about!

The Old Schoolhouse Magazine Special

Below is something that Laura would like for me to post.

Good morning! I pray everyone is well! Spring is finally in the air. Woo hoo! I love to see the flowers blooming. The daffodils in our yard have come and gone. And now the tulips are fading fast. But, the next round of flowers are beginning to peek through the earth. I am so excited!

I wanted to tell you about a special promotion the magazine for homeschool families is running right now. I subscribe to The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, and I LOVE it! It has articles for everyone. If you subscribe for just a year, you actually (while supplies last) will receive 25 curriculum-type gifts from various vendors. The value is huge – hundreds of dollars' worth of freebies to you. No strings attached – except that TOS only has about 2000 of these “gift baskets” left in their inventory. First come, first served. Here's the link which explains more, below. You can even view all the gifts and find out how they'll arrive. Hurry, though, they go really fast. Last time the magazine did this they sold out about two months early.

Link to Special Promotion

The above link will show you the pictures of your free gifts plus give you all the details.I know a couple of you are still considering whether homeschooling is right for you. :O) This magazine is a wealth of information that I think you would find valuable. It is unabashedly Christian. Praise God! Look over the goodies you get with it. Pray about it. Talk it over with your hubby. I think you might like to try it out.God bless, and enjoy Spring!

Expelled

Last Friday our family went to see Expelled. It was a very interesting movie. I want to encourage you to go and see it. It is worth your time and money. Little children would not enjoy it, but it is perfect for adults and teens. Topic: Darwinism and Intelligent Design.

Washington DC

We have been trying to get to Washington DC for a while. We finally made it a couple of weeks ago. We got up at 04:15 and were out the door at 05:00. We made sandwiches and took snacks so we could stay all day to do some of the things that we had never done before.

Traffic was not too bad, and we caught the Metro in Springfield. We rode that into the Smithsonian stop and were off to get tickets for the Bureau of Engraving, Washington Monument & Capital Tours. We split up so we could get all the tickets we wanted. I started at the Bureau of Engraving while Laura and Victoria started at the Washington Monument. We later met up at the Capital. We were able to secure tickets for all three tours.

After we were able to get our tickets we had a little time so we went to the Holocaust Museum. We did not realize you had to have tickets for that also, fortunately we were able to get tickets for that as well.

Washington Monument Tour @12:30

Views from atop Washington Monument

Cherry Blossoms

Bureau of Engraving Tour @ 13:30

Capital Tour @ 14:30

Holocaust Museum Tour @ 16:00


When we left the Holocaust Museum it was raining pretty hard and we decided we were so tired it was time for us to go on. I feel like we did a lot but looking back at it now it seems like we did more walking and running than anything. I guess it was a good way to get exercise without it seeming like it was exercise.

Seize Your Divine Moment

This is a video that is used in connection with the NAMB's Annie Armstrong Easter Offering.

Do you believe in Jesus? If you need to know about Jesus, contact me at mrmbdawson@gmail.com. If you are a believer, are you being God's messenger? God has a Divine Purpose for you. Live your life for God with urgency and purpose! Seize your Divine Moment!

He Is Risen!

What is the point of Easter? If Easter is not a celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, then what is it about? The centerpiece of Easter is Resurrection not pretty new clothes, sweet candies and other goodies. He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Praise the Lord!!

A Couple of Good Reads

Here are some books that I have read and thought you might like to read also. (The links will take you to Amazon.com)

23 Minutes In Hell by Bill Wiese

90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper

Created

Just wanted to share with something with you. (For those of you who were in church a few weeks ago, this will seem familiar.) Ever since we got a bird I have become more aware of birds of the wild. I really enjoy watching them. As I drive along the road I notice them sitting on the power line. A silly thought crosses through my mind. What if a bird was afraid of heights? This would be a predicament wouldn't it? Birds were created to fly.

This line of thinking makes me ask, "What was I created for?" What were you created for? I shared with the church what I believe we were created for. (This is not a fully expanded list, but it is a starting place.)

1. Love the Lord your God through worship, prayer, testifying about His goodness, spending time in Word and obedience.


2. Love your neighbor as yourself through prayer, providing physical needs, and providing spiritual support and guidance.


3. Be fruitful and multiply (spiritually) through teaching others what we know and encouraging people where they are gifted.

What happens if we do not fulfill the purposes of our creation? May I suggest like the bird afraid of heights, we become prey. Yes, we are hunted down and consumed by the predator, Satan. Just as the bird does not come out of the egg flying we do not start out as Christians knowing how to do the things we were created to do. We must learn and develop these attributes. Where are you in your development of these attributes?

I believe birds glorifies God through flight. I believe we glorify God by living the life we were created to live.

NEVER BE AFRAID TO BE WHO GOD CREATED YOU TO BE!!

In The Army Officially

Today, I was sworn into the Army as a Chaplain. Wow! Here is a picture of me being sworn in. Retired Naval Reserve Chaplain (Captain) Michael Payne swore me in.

Today in my daily Bible reading I came across something that stood out to me. John 8:42 (selection):

for I have not even come on My own initiative, but He (God) sent Me. (New American Standard Version)

Why am I leaving Menokin for the Army? Maybe I can answer the question by following the example from John 8:42. I go into the Army not on my own initiative, but because God has sent me. This is helping me as I work through the bitter sweetness of God's calling. To God be the glory!

Operation Downsize

Operation Downsize is beginning to take shape. Our house is a mess because we are going through everything. Yes, EVERYTHING! We are trying to sell stuff on eBay, sell things at the homeschool convention, sell things in a yard sale and give things away. So if you live in our area and want to stop by and see us, you may want to make an appointment. If you want to see some of the stuff we are getting rid of come to our yard sale the first Saturday in April.

Thank You

"Thank You!"


Enough said!

North American Mission Board Commissioning Weekend

What an honor it was to be commissioned as a North American Missionary. It was a very invigorating and humbling experience. We were in Greenville South Carolina from Thursday through Sunday.

Friday morning we started out by being grouped with people who are ministering in the same type setting. Laura and I were grouped with the other Chaplains and spouses that are or will be ministering to our soldiers. I love the way God works. Two of the couples that we met are going to be at basic at the same time that I will be there. One of those families is also going to be based at Ft. Hood, TX with the 1st CAV. Wow, God is so good!

We also met other wonderful couples that are Chaplains to truck drivers, policemen, firemen, politicians and at hospitals. We met missionaries and church planters who work in casinos, on collage campuses, with cowboys, with Harley riders and other lost Americans who may never enter a traditional church.

While in Greenville we were able to be with Dr. Frank Page the President of the Southern Baptist Convention. I loved seeing his heart for his church, for all the missionaries of the SBC and for the SBC as a whole. We also had the opportunity to be in the homes of some of the church members of Taylor's First Baptist Church. What a privilege it was to be invited into their homes and lives. We were hosted by two couples. It was a blessing to meet these wonderful people and be able to share with them the things that God is doing in our lives. It is also wonderful to know that they will be praying for us as we are outside the walls of the church sharing Christ.

Wow, may I just say that God has some good people serving him in capacities that amaze me. I praise God for godly men and women serving Him wherever He leads them. I also praise God for having had the opportunity to meet all the people we did.

Not only was it wonderful to meet and make new friends but it was good to see family and old friends again. My parents and brother were able to make it to the service along with some dear friends who live in GA. We even got to see friends we knew in GA who had moved to SC and happen to be members at Taylor's FBC. What a wonderful time it was to be with new friends and old! (Can you tell that this was a mountaintop experience for me? I left Greenville all fired up; watch out!!)

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!!!

1st Cavalry Division

Well, it is official. I have gotten my official orders to report to basic in June, and upon the completion of basic we head to Ft. Hood, TX.
I will be attached to a battalion of the 1st Cavalry Division. We are really excited to see God continue to work as we follow Him in obedience.

I would like to take a moment to testify to the goodness if our God. From the beginning of this process we felt like we were supposed to be at Ft. Hood. We really have no explanation as to why we felt this way, we just did.

Our certainty in this matter would waver during the long period of waiting. However, God confirmed to us that Ft. Hood was where we are supposed to be. God has continued to confirm His calling and plan.

Our hearts desire is to follow God. Thankfully God has worked in our hearts preparing us for what He has before us.

Thank you for your prayers! They make a difference.

CHARGE!!

You Know You Are In The South When...

Last week I did the funeral for my maternal grandmother in Georgia. We drove down to Georgia on Wednesday for the Thursday 14:00 funeral.

Thursday morning, we went down for the continental breakfast offered by our hotel. Laura noticed that everyone was greeting us. She told me that they must have really trained their staff well. I told her it was not the training, instead it was that we were in the deep South. That is the way things are done there.

We also went out to eat and experienced another Southern thing. I was ordering my drink, and I asked if they served tea. "Yes!" I asked the waitress what I would get if I ordered tea. "Swwweeeet Teeaa!" That is just the way things are done in the South.

You know you are in the South when...

1. Everyone says hello, even though they do not know you.
2. You order tea and you automatically get sweet tea

It has been too long since we have been back to our old stomping grounds, the deep South.

Drumroll Please!

This has been a very good week! I am sorry that I have not written before now; I really do not have any excuse. Anyway, we did get a call letting us know where our "projected" first duty station will be.

We had to go to Richmond on Tuesday to pick up Laura's car from the shop. We had just picked up the car and gotten to BJ's when the phone rang. Standing in the paper products aisle with CH Goode on speaker phone he told us our base will be...Ft. Hood, TX!

God is so faithful. From the very beginning I thought that God wanted us at Ft. Hood and this week God confirmed that is the case.

Now, it is time to wait for our official paperwork so I can be sworn in.

Just Around The Corner

I received correspondence this week from CH Goode at DACH (Department of the Army, Chief of Chaplains), "I will begin contacting you all beginning early next week to discuss your initial “projected” assignment." Laura and I are hoping that we will get that call on Monday. Of course, we have no way of knowing how many people he has to contact, but maybe he will go alphabetically, since our last name starts with a D! :-)

CH Goode also stated, "For some, it will be no surprise, for some it will be a great adventure, and for others it will be a disappointment. And yet, for ALL of you it will be the best place to begin serving in the military ministry that the Almighty God could ever imagine...even if it is a place that you personally had never imagined!" Of our three options for placement two are places that are considered "hot spots." If we get any of our three choices we will be happy.

What are our three choices? Ft. Hood, TX; Ft. Carson, CO; Ft. Lewis, WA. Actually, we are pretty flexible wherever we end up, however, I am not sure I would want to end up at Ft. Riley, KS. We will see.

Our Youth

The last weekend in February, I was able to hang out with our youth on a ski trip. We had a great time, and no one got hurt. Here is a picture of all who went on the trip.

Even though I enjoy skiing, I enjoyed our times of devotion even more. As a part of our dovotions we incorporated a quiet time. God blessed our time with Him.

On Souper Bowl Sunday, as is customary, we were led in worship by our youth. As part of the worship service the youth shared some of the things that God has been teaching them. It is amazing to see how God is teaching the youth more about Himself.

God is doing great things in the lives of our youth. We are so blessed to have great youth, great leaders, great volunteers and a great God!

Latest News

You guessed it; hurry up and wait! I got an email this week informing me that I should have my papers to be sworn in, my orders for basic and my orders for my first duty post by the end of the month. That is exciting! So when my wait is over, I will let you know.

From what I have read and from what others have told me, hurry up and wait is the way of the Army. God is working in my garden, helping me to produce greater fruits of the spirit. Galatians 5:22-23a.

Reality Check

Well, I have a lot of work to do. I went running with a career Army man this week. (In my defense, I had not run in about a month or more and had the wild hair to go for a run with him.) It all started off fine until I reached 500 yards, LOL! Fortunately a hunting dog was in the middle of the that field we were running around and we stopped and walked home to his owners. After our delivery, we were "running" again. I finally limped to our turn around point. Oh my, I still had two more miles to go. When I was running on a regular basis, I would only run two miles. Things are not looking too good for the Chaplain. What was I thinking when I said I wanted to go running with him on a four mile course?

Well, needless to say, it was the slowest run the soldier had ever had. Most of the way back he was pulling me. Man, do I have a lot of work to do! However, he gave me a good piece of advice that I will remember:

"If you let your body tell your mind what to do, you will not make it. If your mind tells your body what to do, your body will follow." Okay!

I must say that it does work. The next day, I went for a run that was about 2.5 miles long, and I was hurting, especially after the run from the day before. My body kept crying for rest, but I had made up my mind, and I was going to "run" the whole way. I did it! I may not have been moving fast, but I was not walking.

It feels really good to do something when your body says you can't, but your mind says you can. Well, I am off for a run. I have to get in better shape before basic.

New Kid On The Block

Hello, all. Happy 2008 to you! Well, the reason for writing is to let you know about a new editor in our midst. No, I am not talking about the member of our church who just became the editor of our local paper; I am talking about my daughter.

The other day my daughter asked me if she could edit my blog. She told me she wished she could correct all the grammatical errors, and I laughed. (Way to make your dad feel good.) Victoria inherited a command of the English language from her mother's side of the family. So, I have said all of this to say that I am going to let her start editing my blog.

I must say that I am excited because this is a wonderful way to embrace the gifts that God has given her. It also allows her to experience a type of profession that may interest her later in life.

I hope you will enjoy our grammar lessons. (I am not sure who will be the teacher and who will be the student. Maybe, we will be both.)

Welcome, I hope you enjoy your assignments!

(If you readers catch errors, it will be because she did not edit the post.)

Days of Anguish, Days of Hope - Quotes

I recently finished reading Days of Anguish, Days of Hope by Billy Keith. The book is about the life and ministry of Chaplain Robert Preston Taylor. Chaplain Taylor, fellow Chaplains and brothers in arms were POW's during World War II. Wow, what a wonderful book, especially for those ministering in the military. I just wanted to share a few quotes from the book that stood out to me. Enjoy!

"Men, I want to pray and thank God for the confidence he has placed in us by letting us be in this place at this time." "Lord, we cannot see tomorrow, but you hold all our tomorrows in your hand. We dare not question why you've led us here; only help us give a good account of all we've learned of you. And if...and if you should ask us to pay the supreme sacrifice, as you were once called upon to do, let it be with confidence that you will meet us at the river and lead us across the troubled waters. We claim this same support for all our men here, some even now at the point of departure, In Jesus' name, amen."

"That faith prepares a man not only to live but also to die."

"Men, I've learned never to doubt in the darkness what I believed in the light."

"When a person believes in something in his head, it greatly influences what he does and the way he reacts to given situations, including death. But when a person commits himself to that way, above every other way, it changes him and the way he acts."

"We don't know what tomorrow holds, but we know the one who holds tomorrow."

"I've been wrong about you Christians. You really are different. You haven't preached to me, only tried to love me, and I've decided to follow your advice and receive Christ into my heart."

"Love is of people, by people and for people, Taylor reminded himself. Things are to be used; people are to be loved. It is immoral when people are used and things are loved."

Great book of hope and inspiration.