Passing it On

Oh beautiful for heroes proved In liberating strife,
Who more than self their country loved, and mercy more than life!
America! America! May God thy gold refine,
Till all success be nobleness And every gain divine!
-Oh Beautiful for Spacious Skies, by Katherine Bates

Yesterday at church Ev and I played this song, and I had a chance to really study the words of all the verses. Above is the third verse, which I was not very familiar with, but I was struck by the truth and beauty of the words. Today, as we hung the flag, Braden asked why it was a "flag day." We took the opportunity to explain, on a four year old level, why this day is important. I hope that many are doing the same thing so that all future generations will honor the memory of those who have given their lives to preserve this nation.

School Days

After weeks of anticipation, and Trevor asking , "When's do we get to start school, Mom??" We finally started. And I'm proud to say that we all survived. Not only did we survive, but we had a great time. We were both up early this morning, ready to do it all over again. If we can only keep this enthusiasm for the rest of the year! Braden was only slightly less excited, and was glad to be able to wander off whenever he was bored with our activities. We'll be sure to keep you updated as we go along!

Long Time, No Blog

We've been off the radar for the past week. Did you miss us? (Don't answer that!)

We've been off Seeing and Doing in Coronado, CA for the past week. Let me tell you, there are worse places to suffer. More on that later- I've barely had a chance to upload my pics. In the meantime, enjoy this picture of these beautiful iris that I found in my garden, upon my homecoming!

Also, in the meantime, I wanted to tell you about a book I read while I was away. I picked up a package from the mailbox on my way out of town- it was from my Aunt S. and Uncle P. in Virginia. In the package was a book: Never Surrender: A Soldier's Journey to the Crossroads of Faith and Freedom by LTG (Ret.) William Boykin. It was recommended to them by my cousin and her husband, who served in (and retired from) the U.S. Army Special Forces. On the recommendation of four people whom I respect, I began to read it. I couldn't put it down. I found it fascinating and enlightening as he described his life and career, including being a founding member of Delta Force and commander of U.S. Army Special Forces, and detailed how his faith in God sustained him through it all.

It's a very good read!

The Commandant's Own

We had a special treat this weekend. We saw The Commandant's Own Drum and Bugle Corps perform a Battle Color Ceremony along with the USMC Silent Drill Platoon. We never get tired of seeing this stuff. It's always so impressive!


The boys loved hearing the marching music, and were mesmerized by the Silent Drill Platoon.



Afterwards, we got to meet the marines on the field, and the boys got a closer look at the instruments.

They are finishing up their "spring training" out here. Now they will begin their touring season. If you get a chance to see them, don't hesitate! You will enjoy it!

A Prayer for My Country

Philippians 1:27-28 "Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ...stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you."

Heavenly Father, you know my fears as I come to you on this day. Fears about the future of this country. The country where my sons will grow into men. This country where the people are turning their back to you. I pray that you will not turn your back on this country. Lord, please do not remove your hand of protection and sustenance from this country. Bring a revival of your Spirit over this land. Protect our families. Protect our children. Turn this country back to you. I pray that as Christians we will stand firm, unified in your Holy Spirit, working to advance the gospel. "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." (2Timothy 1:7) I pray all these things in the name of my precious Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.