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