Don't Worry About Tomorrow

Matthew 6:34 

"Don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

Word. How beyond true is that verse? I can't believe I don't already have it imprinted on my forehead to be reminded of daily. The bags under my eyes and the new lines around my mouth show that this girl has a tough time with worry. I explain to my in laws almost daily that 90% of my problems are all in my own, sweet, little head. Today, I am giving them over to God. Each day has enough problems of its own, so why spend time worrying about the next day? Easier said than done, but I will try! 

Remember the movie An American Tail: Fievel Goes West? Ahh what a classic! I remember my favorite song from the movie as a kid, Somewhere Out There. Here's the lyrics and little music video to reminisce about the good times.

Somewhere out there, 

Beneath the pale moonlight, 

Someone's thinking of me, 

And loving me tonight. 

Somewhere out there, 

Someone's saying a prayer, 

That we'll find one another, 

In that big somewhere out there. 

And even though I know how very far apart we are, 

It helps to think we might be wishing on the same bright star, 

And when the night wind starts to sing a lonesome lullaby, 

It helps to think we're sleeping underneath the same big sky! 

Somewhere out there, 

If love can see us through, 

Then we'll be together, 

Somewhere out there, 

Out where dreams 

Come true...

Light Up! Light Up!

Light Up, Light Up

As if you have a choice

Even if you cannot hear my voice

I'll be right beside you, dear

I came home to see my house fully decorated with professional lights. Santa came early! 

The picture doesn't do it justice, but it was too rainy/snowy and cold to play around with the settings on my camera. I am so thankful and blessed by my wonderful in-laws who secretly arranged for our house to be decorated. The biggest smile is still beaming on my face, and Christmas cheer has warmed my heart. I love you, Jeff and Sue. Thank you for the greatest Christmas present.

He Will Carry Me

In my letters to Brett during Thanksgiving, I felt that God was carrying me through the motions, allowing me to make it through the first of the many holidays to come. I have always loved this Mark Shultz song, but it has now taken on a new meaning in my life. My favorite part- the bridge- has the most impacting words written:

And even though I feel so lonelyLike I have never been beforeYou never said it would be easyBut You said You'd see me through the storm

Hope Now

I have been listening to the most amazing music, songs that I feel are written just for me to hear. One of my new favorites, Hope Now by Addison Road, is the greatest chorus to get stuck in your head and sing all day long. I hope you enjoy it's message. 

If everything comes down to love
Then just what am I afraid of
When I call out Your name
Something inside awakes in my soul
How quickly I forget I'm Yours

I'm not my own
I've been carried by You
All my life

Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free

And when my life is like a storm
Rising waters all I want is the shore
You say I'll be ok
Make it through the rain
You are my shelter from the storm

Brett wrote me letters that got pushed back in the mail due to the Thanksgiving break. He seems discouraged, down and lonely. His other recruit-mates that came from the same recruiting office have all been sent home or to a different platoon. He is the only that remains of that group. He feels like he can't do right, and he can do a whole lot of wrong. He feels broken, alone and defeated. I can't explain the heartache that is taking over my soul. I want so badly to reach out to him, to comfort him and to reassure him that he is nothing but amazing! All I can do is write silly letters, that take days to get to him. I can't stand to listen to people complain about their mundane lives, while I am sitting in the midst of such a roller coaster. I searched the Bible for something, praying that God would speak a verse to me that I could share with Brett. My heart was brought to Matthew 25:14-30, and the story of the talents on loan from God. 

I wrote this verse to Brett in my letter, Matthew 25:23,  "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' I know that this verse is taken out of context, and that the Parable has so much more to it but my point was this: 

No matter what you do, it may never be good enough for USMC. That doesn't matter. What matters, in the end, is that when you meet Jesus- He will say "Well done, good and faithful servant." In all things- in every march, in every cadence, in every push up, in every yell, in every hurt, in every tear- give them every reason to think, "Well done, good and faithful Marine." As I was writing this to encourage him, I found my heart lightened and lifted. I swallowed my own advice- in every conversation, in every interaction, in everything I do- give everyone reason to think "Well done, good and faithful servant." 

It's Like Pulling Off a Band-Aid

I have been meaning to create a blog to document the adventures of our "new" life. I have been thinking and thinking of what to call it, what to write about and who to let in on my new world. There are times when I want to hide away from everyone and everything, and live in deep denial of the long and winding road ahead. In the same moment, there come times that I want nothing but to be around anyone and everyone. Busy. Always on the go. Never resting. Distracted. Yet, still- Alone. I wrote to Brett the other day, explaining that all the while, I still have this Brett shaped hole in my heart. It cannot be filled with family. It cannot be filled with friends. It cannot be filled with shopping, the movies, going out to eat, working out, teaching. Nothing but him. His smile, his laugh, his big, strong hands. Those are the only things that can fill it. So, where do I go from here. Do I sit and wallow in sorrow and sadness until February third? Do I hide out in my house and whittle away to a mere nothing? Or, do I tighten my belt, pull up my boot straps and show the world my strength, integrity and honor? I am choosing the latter. It won't be an easy fight, but it is a battle I will pursue. I won't be alone. I have the most amazing support system of family, in laws, friends and coworkers that have kept the prayers coming, the hugs available and the smiles to light up the room. They are my squadron, my team, my support unit. I am ever thankful for them; I would not be able to get up each morning without them.

This blog is undeniably dedicated to the most amazing, honorable, impressive and strong man I know- my husband. He inspires me, encourages me and loves me although miles and voice separate us- distance cannot quench our love.

Furthermore, I dedicate this blog as a testimony to God's power, faith and grace through this time- my "little while" time if you will. There is no doubt that nothing, not one thing, is possible without Him. My life is to Honor the King. I pray that my words continue to point glory, honor and praise to Him.