There in spirit.

Well, Laurie was promoted today - to Staff Sgt. Three up, one down as they say. Sure wish we could have been there. This is a rank that she made just before she got out of active service but because she didn't have a year left to serve, she had to turn it down. I know that she was feeling good about her decision to leave the Army to have Kasey, and yet...there's this heart that beats in my child that is a soldier's heart.
And so, once she joined the reserves they didn't lose too much time promoting her.
It feels like one of those moments when mom and dad should have been there. But I am thankful that Stephen was. Now that they don't actually "pin" the rank on because of the velcro, I'm just wondering - how do they do the promotion?
When she was promoted to Sgt., Ron and I made the trip to pin her rank on. It was one of the most memorable days of my life and I did very well once I got a handle on things - hardly cried during the ceremony but as we sat there waiting for everyone to enter the room I was trying with all my might not to bawl like a baby - in case you haven't guessed, I get emotional about things like that. But as soon as all the "brass" walked in and then the soldiers being promoted, well, I was a goner. Of course I was discreet - or tried to be, because I knew that if Laurie saw me she would be the same way. And that just wouldn't do. SO I sucked it in and finally stopped.
Today at work, I kept watching the clock and, at the hour of her promotion, God heard a prayer from a new Staff Sgt.'s mom. A prayer of thanks that God has led her to be part of such an honorable profession. When I started out blogging back in July, my very first post acknowledged that life is a roller coaster, but it's a proud ride we venture on when we love a soldier (or two :).
All of you who are riding the curves of this adventuresome trip know what I am saying. The anguish can't take away the pride in moments like today.
And even though there are too many miles between us, our soldiers always know - we are there in spirit.
We were there today Laurie - and we love you.
To all the others who received new ranks today (and those who are waiting for that day still to come) God bless you as you serve - remember you are loved by many. And appreciated by all.
Blessings,
Sue

Hello Papa??


This picture of Veronica was snapped in our family room the other day when she was here paying her Papa a visit. She was standing about a foot away from Ron who was sitting in his recliner, she picked up the phone and said "Hi Papa!!" I love that little voice. She calls here a lot and she's always ready for whoever picks up the phone..."Hi Papa - Hi Nana..." and I melt when I hear her. Same for Kasey - we generally talk to Laurie and Stephen and Kasey a couple of times a week. Laurie picks up the phone and I hear her say, "Say hi Grandma..." and Kasey says "hi... I ou.." which of course translated is "I love you." And once again, I melt. With Luke, of course, we can actually carry on a conversation and not wonder what we are agreeing to. He is a cool kid.
Ron is such a good grandpa - he was on this mission to get an Elmo TMX for Veronica. A lot of stores in our area had them on sale, but of course they neglected to mention that only two of them were available to sell. So he went on Ebay and purchased a new one for $65. It arrived yesterday and Ron felt morally obligated to test it out. It's cute. It's very red. And it's noisy. Very noisy. I like the cute and the red - and even the noisy is ok. But Lilly? She stands back, tries to figure it out, but can't. So she does what ever other red blooded doggie would do (but which she rarely does).
She barks. It's funny to see - this red fuzzy thing rolling on the floor laughing and talking - and Lilly backing up and barking. Well, Christmas morning should be interesting - for about 5 minutes. Then I'm not sure what will happen or who will win - Elmo or Lilly. Yup - should be interesting.
This week has been a long one at work but it's almost done. With an even busier than usual weekend coming up, I'm planning to get a little extra sleep tonight and tomorrow night. I know that some of you may be havng trouble sleeping because you are dealing with deployments - or pending deployments. So I ampraying that He gives you good rest tonight. And that He restores your strength to meet the day tomorrow.
Thanks for letting me be a grandma tonight. It's one of my favorite hats - and I love wearing it.
Blessings,
Sue

God's generosity....

Today would have been my mom's 87th birthday.
Mom passed away in 2003 - on the same day that we (Ron and I & Scott, Tina, and Luke) returned from Laurie and Stephen's wedding out of town. After running through airports all day and waiting for delayed flights, I got home, heard my sister's voice on the answering machine and knew in my heart that mom was gone. Mom had suffered for many, many years with early onset Alzheimers - a disease that took her from us long before we were ready to lose her, and then took her away from us again when she passed away. My mom was the sweetest and most generous person on the face of this earth - she was beautiful inside and out. She and Dad were married nearly 60 years when Dad passed away in 1999 - taking care of mom for so many years had taken it's toll on Dad's heart, in more ways than one.
In this world, there are givers and there are takers - mom didn't know the meaning of the word "take." She gave - always, she gave. And she gave from her heart. Today, remembering the blessing God gave this world 87 years ago, I give Him praise because she was ours. We shared her a lot, but she was ours. She never gave so much to others that she didn't have anything left for us. We were the most important people in her life - but that's how she made everyone feel as well. But oh, after they moved, on those rare occasions when we were all together, mom's light was at it's brightest. She just sparkled.
Back to school shopping trips were awesome - and all those new dresses were kept washed and starched and ironed as though they were more than just school dresses, and she always made us feel like we were going to a party.
Most of all, I remember her faith. One day, when my sister was visiting her (Mom and Dad moved to Florida when my dad retired), she said to Michelle that she'd had a dream. In that dream she had met Jesus and she asked Him when she would be out of this prison that was Alzheimer's. He told her that He wasn't ready for her yet - and it was enough for her to know that He was still with her. Chelle said that her face lit up as she spoke about the dream and it was a gift to see that.
God is very generous. He gives us exactly who we need...remember that post a few weeks back about friends for a reason, a season, or a lifetime? And although mom was far too ill to attend my children's weddings, nor did she live to see my grandchildren, or to see her premature granddaughter become a Staff SGT in the Army, I believe that somehow she knows about them all and no doubt has a great view of it all from Heaven. She's probably commenting to Dad about how great we all turned out - well, she always did see things through rose colored glasses anyway. :)
God is so generous to give us these days of remembrance - it keeps us grounded - makes us realize what He's given us - and what we can give.
Thanks for letting me share - He is so generous to have given me friends like you.
Praying for all of our troops - may He bless them with strength, and courage ~ and safety.
Blessings,
Sue

Just plain thank you and God bless you.

Today, with all that is going on in the sand, I'd like to say something to our Troops.
We missed you on Thursday - missed your face at our dinner tables, your tales of mischief with your cousins or friends, your laughter. We missed you leaning your chairs back and saying "whew, Mom, you really
outdid yourself."
Oh you were here alright - you are ALWAYS here. But we missed you. On Thursday at Scott and Tina's I was asked to do the blessing before dinner. It went well - until I got to the part about you. I was able to ask God's blessing on Laurie and Stephen and Kasey with the words catching in my throat a little bit, because although we missed them at the table, we knew that Stephen was carving their own turkey for their little family. They are blessed to have each other. But then I got to the rest of you - and I was lucky to have been able to say anything at all. Because not only do we think about you, but about your families as well. Ron and I remember the Thanksgiving and Christmas that Stephen was in the sand as though it was yesterday. And it's something that we wouldn't want anyone going through - yet nearly 150,000 families ARE going through it right now.
Now, as so many people are storming the malls, or the Best Buy stores, or Wally World, I would like to think that they think about our military once in awhile - not just when they see the news - but that they take time out of their busy days to pray about them and for them. For that reason, I will wear my Military Moms sweatshirt today - to let them think about our sons and daughters, husbands or wives, or other loved ones are serving. Just so that in all the busy-ness of the shopping, they will remember them in prayer and be thankful for the things we often take for granted. And to remember their family members who are struggling to know what should go in the holiday boxes they are sending.
Today and everyday - to our troops who are serving in the finest military in the world, and to those who love them, this is just a simple message, but sincere...
THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU!!

Sue

Waiting for Thomas!!

In exactly 17 minutes, I will lift the last of 3 pies from the oven - the house smells wonderful - I had requests for apple, cherry, and pumpkin pies and they are all done. Tomorrow will be a relatively quiet in the morning, but then Ron and I-and the pies- head out for Scott and Tina's house, picking up a couple of their friends on the way. I can already smell Tom turkey - he's going to be delicious. I love Thanksgiving - always have. It's more laid back than Christmas. Such great memories - from childhood, and from various points of my adult life.
Tomorrow will be the 37th Thanksgiving Ron and I have celebrated together. The holiday becomes more meaningful to me as I get older - and although it troubles my heart that our family cannot all be together, I am grateful that Laurie and Stephen and Kasey will be sitting at their own table carving up a turkey as well. I remember the years that Laurie was stationed in KY and would drive up for Thanksgiving. She would have a 9 hour drive here and back, but oh the house felt so good with her here. Then there was the year when Stephen was in KY for some training and couldn't get back to where he and Laurie live. They weren't married yet, but were engaged and it was a nice chance for us to bond with him. There was the year that Stephen was in the sand and Ron traveled out to be with Laurie for the holiday and I was surrounded by Scott and Tina and Luke. It was ok for Ron and I to be apart because Laurie needed him there. Isn't it amazing how we adjust to our situations?
For this Thanksgiving, I'd like to mention in particular all those who are serving in harm's way. Do you know how grateful we are for the job that you do? And only God knows how often our prayers are spoken on your behalf. Or how empty your chair is when your family is gathered at the dinner table. Remember, please, that to have you all home would make the holiday perfect, but just because you are there doesn't mean you aren't here at home with us.
Have courage, practice your faith, and be blessed.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.
Sue

Bends in the road and journeys of the heart.

The class I'm teaching for Sunday School this fall is called Road Map. My kids - a lively group of 10 7th and 8th grade boys and girls - are great. They are more than willing to share their thoughts which makes the class time really flow. This morning, we were talking about getting lost - in a car as you are traveling somewhere, or in life. I asked them to write down some things that would tell them how they know they are lost. Some of the boys were more than willing to share stories about how their moms got lost going somewhere. And then of course the girls were quick to tell some stories about how their dads got lost and wouldn't ask for directions. Like I said, they are happy to share their thoughts. But some of the kids knew what we were really looking for - and told about they would know they were headed the wrong way if drugs or alcohol suddenly seemed like a good idea. Anyway, they were understanding what the study material was trying to get across. If it feels wrong, don't go there.
How often do we set out in a direction that seems ok, only to lose our way or find that our plans change midstream? Sometimes our kids do things we don't expect (like join the military). On the day that child was born, you had no idea that would be the path he or she will take. But then you watch as the Army makes them strong, and disciplined, and willing to do what it takes to get the job done and you give thanks for the road less traveled - as you discover that it was the right way to go after all. That same road may take your heart to the sand- or to somewhere else far away, but that's just it. Your heart goes where your feet can't, and you are still traveling. Still wondering if it's where you want to go, but not wanting to stay behind.
Take any detours lately? Did you get lost - or did you find something better?
God bless your journey wherever you go.
And thanks for stopping here along the way.
Sue

Thirty seven years and counting!

Exactly thirty seven years ago, I was waking up on my wedding day. Ron and I had only been going together for three weeks when he proposed but then we waited another 6 months before we got married (well we had to plan the wedding...back then things were much simpler). I still remember what Ron's mom said to me when my dad and I walked into the church that Friday night back in 1969. "Now don't cry when your father walks you down the aisle - we don't want to have Ron see you crying." Well, I managed not to cry then...but anyone who looked closely at me when we left the ceremony as a married couple could see a few tears glistening in my eyes.
I can't tell you all that these past 37 years have meant to me being married to Ron - but I can say for sure that I can't imagine spending my life with anyone else. I have said that since the moment we began dating - and before. Now, as we watch our grown children living their lives and as we enjoy our three grandchildren as well, I shudder to think how empty my life would be without him. Thank you, God.
Grow old along with me - the best is yet to be.
Honey - I think those words were written for you and I.
To Ron - Happy Anniversary honey- I love you.
Thirty seven and counting....
Love,
Susie

TAKE ME ALONG!!


Happy Monday! The weekend sure did go quickly - but then what else is new? Ron and I had a great weekend - we went Christmas shopping for the grandkids on Saturday, visited Scott and Tina and Veronica (Luke continuing with his out and about and having fun tradition), and then Ron and I went out for dinner to The Red Lobster. That's a restaurant we save for special occasions so we decided to go there to celebrate our wedding anniversary which is tomorrow (more on that tomorrow) . and also to honor Ron on Veteran's Day too. So, we ate and ate (LOVE those cheesy-garlic biscuits), and got home early to watch movies and a documentary on CNN. As we sat watching movies (horror movies not my cup of tea) I got to thinking about my sisters. Being the middle kid, I have a sister Pat (older) and a younger sister too (Chelle) and though we fought like typical siblings when we were younger, we have been close in our adult years. We are separated by distance but still fortunate to be connected by a loving bond that has remained strong despite long separations and difficult family situations. As I thought about Pat, I was suddenly reminded of our high school years. Pat was always one to try out for every school play or operetta ever produced in the auditorium of our high school during her years there. With her sweet and clear singing voice and her ability to fill each role with emotion, she was always able to capture a top role. This past Saturday night, I recalled one operetta in particular...Take Me Along. It was a story about a man who couldn't hold on to any sort of relationship because of his inability to stay out of trouble. So, as the male lead sang his closing song with a broken heart, leaving town in disgrace, and without the woman he loves, he turns to board the large artificial train which served as the backdrop. From amongst the hushed audience came a sweet voice calling out..."Sid," and she began singing the finale..."Take me along, take me along..."
It was Pat. She had managed to walk into the dark auditorium during her co-cast member's song and had stopped next to my seat. With so much attention on the young man on stage singing his sad song, I hadn't noticed her standing there, which was exactly her intention, so that nothing gave her away. But as I wiped away the tears (yes, Nancy, even back then I was like that:), it dawned on me that this was the closing night of Pat's last high school operetta. I was so proud of her. So I picked up the phone yesterday and dialed her number in Tennessee just to say hi and I love you - sometimes those memories are God prompting us to do things like that. We haven't talked for awhile - no good reason, just time getting away from us both - and so it was good to chat. She invited Ron and I down to TN for my 60th in March and Chelle and her husband Bob will be going too we hope.
Take me along...take me along. I guess ~ in a way ~ that's what we are asking God to do when we pray for guidance. Take me along Lord and keep me on the path YOU would have me follow. I don't remember a time in my life when Jesus hasn't been present. In fact maybe God has been the one saying to me "take me along..take me along." I may have strayed off the path once in awhile - ok, probably lots of times - but He's always been with me.
Ever feel like that path stretches out long and uncertain? Deployments, or illness, any uncertain situation you know won't be settled soon? Our faith asks us to bid Him..."take me along Lord." Our trust tells us to hold out our hand and let Him lead us. His love for us answers that bidding every single time.
How awesome is that?
God bless you and those we love who serve.
Sue

Have you hugged a Veteran today?

This is a day of remembering all those who have served - and to honor all those who are now serving.
Before I went to work on the day that Laurie left active Army service after nearly 7 years, I removed the bumper sticker on my car which said, "My Daughter is Serving in the US Army" and replaced it with a new one which said, "HAVE YOU HUGGED A VETERAN TODAY?"
Ron and I took the two star banner out of the window, and replaced it with the one star banner which had been removed when Laurie and Stephen got engaged. At work, at the end of my desk, I replaced the paper copy of my two star banner with the one star and also posted the same bumper sticker above asking about hugging a veteran. I could still honor Laurie's service in this way. All of these little acts were bittersweet for us - only another military parent or relative can understand the pride and the fear, the love and the frustration, the ups and the downs of having a loved one serve. When it's all over, well, there is relief and also a tinge of regret.
Of course all of those actions were reversed when Laurie re-joined as a reservist. And it was then that I realized that those old familiar feelings in her serving hadn't diminished at all.
Like I said, it can only be understood by those who walk in the shoes.
My first words to Ron this morning were, "Happy Veteran's Day."
Ron served for 6 years in the Navy during the Vietnam War era - and in fact they did lose a comrade when their ship came under fire as it patrolled the shores of Vietnam. I am proud of his service too - and of his ever present loyalty to our country and our military.
I am one of those people who cries easily - not so much from sadness but from GOOD things. Things like joy; or pride (not boastful pride but a loyal pride like singing the Star Spangled Banner or God Bless America).
This morning on CNN there was a soldier currently serving in Iraq who was given a long distance reunion with his wife and 3 children. It was a public forum for such a private moment and yet, it was perfect.
The President will be at Arlington today presenting a wreath at the tomb of the unknowns and that ceremony will also be on CNN or FOX. And I will watch it - and probably shed a few tears because of the faithfulness God has shown to our country. From the very first moment America was born, men and women have fought hard - and constantly - for our freedom and
to keep us safe. The service of our military as I write this post is not one iota different. The methods and the weapons have changed, but their hearts have not. Quite simply, they are the finest military in the world, as we have always been blessed with. And God has always been faithful in His grace and love.
So - have YOU hugged a Veteran today? Go out and find one - and make sure they know how thankful you are for their courage and sacrifice. And then find a current member of the military if you can - or write to a man or woman who serves - and let them hear your gratitude as well.
God bless America and all those who love her and defend her.
Sue

Blessed are they...

Hi everyone! Well, you might have wondered where I've been lately. We have no internet at home and my workday doesn't normally allow for time to post here. But today, I am taking my lunch at my desk so I wanted to say hello.
Yesterday was All Saints Day - commemoration of the faithful departed. It's always a bittersweet Sunday - remembering friends and family in Christ who have passed away in the past year. Pastor remembers them individually in prayer, and then a bell tolls after each name is read. The Gospel lesson yesterday was the sermon on the mount from Matthew - the beatitudes. Though I used to get hung up in the meaning of each one, I now take them for what their simple message gives:
Beatitudes
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
To me they say - be gentle, and compassionate, and seek the ways of the Lord no matter who defies or belittles or injures you. It tells me that no matter how low I may be in Spirit, He gives me the comfort of knowing that His love goodness are with me. To make peace out of chaos - in relationships you have with others, or in those trying times when two people you love are divided.
When we think of peacemakers, we think of ambassadors, or envoys, or leaders of nations. But when GOD thinks of peacemakers it is you and I that He thinks of. To pray, to reach out, to reason, to love. To help others to know the Peace that He gives.
So, my friends, thank you for the blessing of your friendship. I know that in many ways you show these things to so many. May He bless you for being a blessing.
See you soon I hope - until next time, I am thinking of you and keeping you in prayer - especially if you love someone in uniform, I wish you peace as we all pray for their safety.
Sue