Photo for July 10

Today is a picture of my favorite color. Anyone that knows me knows that it is RED. I like all bright colors, but red always makes me feel happy and like I'm putting my best foot forward with those I meet. It's a color that is synonymous with confidence, determination and love. If you want to know more about colors and their meanings click on this link. So the picture today is of...

My ring

It was my Grandmas ring originally. My aunt sent it to me for my 16th birthday. And I've worn it nearly every day since. The only time I didn't wear it on a regular basis was when I had to get the stone re-faceted. It actually fell out when I was standing watch on the NAS II gate in Sigonella. I wasn't even paying attention and my partner that I was out there with, who had just complemented me on it, noticed that it was gone. My heart dropped, but without even thinking about it he and I hit the deck (ground for you civilian types), to look for it. It was a Sunday morning so there wasn't a lot of traffic, but considering we were in a heightened threatcon level our on looking watch commanders were less than thrilled, and let us know as much by trying to hollar at us over our radios, but that hardly mattered to us at the time. He was a real gentleman about it, looking over the entire area that we were watching. I mean it's dark red, against black asphalt not the easiest thing to see so it took a bit. Finally, he emerged from the asphalt with the red stone and I could breathe a sigh of relief. After we were back to full functionality, one of our watch commanders came out to see what was up, he was one of the more mellow ones, and once he found out what we were doing he just smirked & said that it was a good save. LOL!!! It definitely was because it was the only thing that I was able to wear during that time that made me feel feminine. Trust me there's nothing fetching about a woman in camouflage and it's hard enough for a woman in the military to feel feminine with all those boys around, but wearing the ring was a reminder to me that I was still a girl. That may sound funny to some, but until you've lived it you can't ever really understand. It really is the little things. It now has a scratch in the stone but that doesn't matter because the value of the ring is in the sentiment, not in any perceived value. I have other rings too, but this one is just me all the way...well...at least until I get an engagement ring one day;).

Justice Served

Also on my Birthday...

Another event took place, which I've only now had time to contemplate. On May 1st, a day that will now be shared in the collective memory of the world, is the day that Osama Bin Ladin's life came to an end. An honor of dubious distinction I guess. For while our boys in blue, GO NAVY, have taken down a prominent American enemy there still many other enemies in the Al-Quida & Taliban circles that would seek to do us harm, not to mention the number of "American" terrorists that have tried to attack this country as well. So really the battle is far from over even though this was a VERY successful fight in the battle.

Also, as a Christian, it is important to remember that Proverbs 24:17-18 admonishes us not to rejoice in the misfortunes of our enemy.

Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.

Don't get me wrong, when I heard the news for me it was just like hearing the accounts of other times in history when God's will met with the perfect timing. Like the Lord guiding George Washington's decision to cross the Delaware river & to go into the enemy camp. The Lord provided the fog that rolled in so that George Washington's troops could surprise their enemy and turn the tide in the American Revolution. So too in this situation did the Lord guide the leadership that made the decision to go into the compound, the blindness for any potential enemy to get wind of the operation, and the men that went into the enemies camp to complete a long sought after goal. The poetry is goosebump worthy for sure.

Lest any person out there think that America was somehow in the wrong for the actions that were taken on this fateful day there is clear guidance that the the Lord gives as to the modes of how he executes justice, why it is right that justice is executed, and who we should really be praising because of the justice that was executed. 

First, God has given man government to execute justice angainst evildoers.

Romans 13:3-4, For rulers (goverment) are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not e afraid of power? Do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is a minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he (government) is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
1 Peter 2:14, Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by Him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.
Secondly, He told us how that justice should be exectued.
 Genesis 9:6, Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.

Third, the Bible does say we are to rejoice when justice prevails, but it also says who we are to rejoice in.

2 Samuel 22:1, And David spake unto the Lord the words of this song in the day that the Lord had delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul.

Exodus 15:1, Then sang Moses and the children if Israel this song unto the Lord, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.

Lastly, we are also to remember that those that die because of their wicked actions still have souls.

2 Peter 3:9, The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slacjness; but is longsuffering to us ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

We only get to rejoice in these days post OBL's death because the Lord put the right people in place in order to have it done at this time. If it were to be sooner it would have been, but now was the time in His providential wisdom.

Some men are very happy about this day for more personal reasons. Like this teacher in WA that decided not to shave until OBL was brought to justice. Here is the Before & After photos...

Now, I'm not against facial hair on a man, but it has to look appropriate. And in this case it definitely does not. Unfortunately this poor man ended up looking like Osama Bib Ladin! I can only imagine the comments that he must have endured for the past 10 years, albeit self inflicted. No WAY would I want to go around looking like public enemy #1. Suffice it to say that his wife is happy as well!

My former Pastor was also interviewd on this matter by his local news station in Lubbock. Click the button to see what he says.

As for my own thoughts, well I am satisfied that justice prevailed. But we have a long way to go. OBL was just the posterboy for this particular gang of thugs. We still have men & women that are serving oversears in defense of our freedoms and sadly, for those of us that knew a life pre-9/11, we will never go back to the old normal. I can almost remember those days and they really are gone for good. Let's never forget those that have valiantly served our country, those that are still fighting, and those that still need to be reached with the gospel. 

Sometimes you need a reminder

There are things that a person sometimes forgets. But when that happens there are hopefully friends there to give you a gentle reminder, and sometimes, like tonight, it's accompanied by a lot of laughter.

There is in my repertoire quite a few phrases that I like to utilize. Like ....

- It's not my first Rodeo: Used to express my experience in a certain area, and can be in reverse when something does turn out to be my first "Rodeo".

- Adapt and Overcome: This one I started using when I was in VP-46. Things there weren't always the greatest and with all the changes that were taking place that was just a truth that I adopted in order to get through the day. Meaning that you can never really change anyone and not every situation you find yourself in will be enjoyable, but the best a person can do is adapt to the situation, and overcome the hurdles that hold them back from really succeeding.

- It is what it is: This one I started using just by virtue of the fact that I would hear it all the time in the Navy. It's amazing how things can set in subliminally because though I use this one, I don't really like it. I try to use it cautiously because it's a phrase that sticks in my craw. Why don't I like it? Well because when a person uses it they are saying that change is not possible. That a person cannot rise above their circumstances and that it's better to accept what's in your life then to try and do better. As a person who strives for, but falls terribly short of, perfection you can see where the contradiction would come into play. Yet I still get up every morning looking for ways to improve who I am, where I'm going, and what the Lord wants from me. Basically this phrase kills hope, which the Bible has much to say on the subject. It's appropriate to use when stating an actual fact about something, but not so much when you have a problem to overcome.

This brings up my final phrase, which I actually had to be reminded of tonight by some dear friends.

- You'll be strong: I know I started saying it was when I was in Sicily, and I can only assume that I started saying it as a personal mantra to keep me motivated when I was working in NAS Sigonaella Security. That was definitely a place that I needed to exercise personal motivation in. Whenever someone would complain about something my retort "You'll be strong", another version of "Adapt and Overcome". But as the years have gone on its fell out of my vernacular. However, I have to say that I like this one much better and am thankful to Joyce reminding me about it tonight. Why do I like it better? Because I can actually reference it to scripture, Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. This was the way I started using it once I got saved, and what my friends remember about it. Something not going right? "You'll be strong", thinking about giving up with that trial that you're facing "You'll be strong". Strong in the Lord that is.

There have many times this year where I have not felt strong, but here is 2 Corinthians 12:9 - And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. When I am weak then the Lord is stronger than I am and more capable of working things out for my improvement. Coming through a challenge? "You'll be strong". Rest in the Lord.

Really I'm a little ashamed that I forgot about such a great saying that I did use to spout off pretty much all the time. But all I can assume is that as with anything time and people change and different phrases arise to deal with different situations. This one though, is making a comeback. Sometimes a person just needs a reminder from some friends. And I write this knowing full well that I may need to come back to it in the future for another reminder.

Think I can't handle it..."I'll be strong".

2 Corinthians 12:10 - Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

I just had to add this photo because it made me laugh!

Veterans Day

In all my antics in growing up, and with all the titles that I ever thought I would hold, Navy Verteran never would have been one of them. However, that is one of the titles that I hold in my life. I shouldn't say proudly, because the Lord does hate pride, but I can say that I honorably served in the USN for 5 years (I have the DD214 form to prove it).

This picture was taken in 2000 and I was 20. Oh how much I had yet to learn, even though I thought I knew it all back then. Who would know that within a years time I would be stationed in Sicily (a country I had always hoped to go to), standing watch on front gate (on the look out for terrorists) and that I'd come to know the Lord Jesus Christ as my Saviour.


However, this leads me to a thought. While those of us who have given up chunks of our lives, yay even some lives entirely, in order to protect both hearth and home; serving in the armed forces for our Nation is nothing like serving in the Lords armed forces. Once we enlist in those there is no DD214 separation paperwork, and our honorable service is only recognized upon our promotion to glory. We can only hope to hear "Well done, thou good and faithful servant", Matthew 25:21.

The word Veteran is a noun & means - One who has been long exercised in any service or art, particularly in war; one who has grown old in service and has had much experience.

Sadly I believe that there are all to many Christians that fall out of the spiritual battle before becoming seasoned enough to hold the title of Veteran. I believe primarily because alot of people don't ever learn to use their sword, Hebrews 4:12, and because of that they don't know how to use their weapon against the attacks of the enemy. Just like a military service person, the Christian has been given a weapon in order defend themselves, which is the Bible. One way to hear the afforementioned scripture is to know your Bible. And while I admit I have a lot to learn from it and that I'm still learning how to use it better. It is has by far been the best means of defense that I've had in the past 9.5 years.

11 years ago I joined the Navy to serve my country and get money for school. A year and a half later I was actually saved to serve in a much greater capacity than I could have ever imagined. The serving has not stopped and I hope one day that I can count myself worthy of that Veteran status.

Until then however, let me just say that I am happy to be called a Veteran of my country and want to thank all of those that have served and are still serving in our nations Armed Forces. Let yourselves always be counted Semper Fi.

Stranded....But Not For Long

Last night did not go as I had anticipated, but it was not without it's lessons.

I'm still in the throws of moving, which means that I need my car right? RIGHT! So it was not a pleasant surprise to discover that I was having car problems. Maybe I should start at the beginning.

The day started uneventfully enough, besides the fact that I realized I had grabbed the wrong phone charger, so I couldn't charge my phone at work. No biggie, I don't have anything major going on today I can do it when I get home tonight. I then went to see a friend reenlist, for his final time, in the Navy.



It was nice because he chose to reenlist at church and give glory to God for all that He had done for his career and family while serving our country. It was very uplifting. And later on Kali, Tim and Katie stopped by my work to say HI:), which was just the super charge that I needed for my Monday afternoon (that's a reference to the sermon that Tim preached on Sunday night). Monday's can be very wearing:P However, at the end of the afternoon, I remembered that I had a eye appointment in Burlington, which is about an hour away. Still I don't see a problem because I just had my car worked on and my oil is good so off I go.

Well, after picking up my contacts I had decided to stop somewhere else and when I got back in my car I couldn't get the engine to turn over. All I heard was a whir and then...nothing, Uh, oh!!! Now I'm an hour away from home, my car is dead, and all I have on my phone is one little red bar on my battery. Normally I really am more prepared than this, it happens to the best of us, and this is what bothers me more than my car actually not working, because I'm within walking distance to a couple of gas stations and the Super Wal-Mart (although it will be getting dark soon and walking at that point will not be fun). Argh, I was pretty much beating myself up but trying to remain calm at the same time. Think...think...think...who can I call that will give me the most amount of help, without using up the rest of my phone battery in case I should need it later. Voila, Kali's Dad. When I got a hold of him he told me "It's your battery." Sigh, OK now I need to find a jump, in a near empty parking lot...can you hear the crickets chirping? Offering up a silent prayer, I went to work trying to find my jumper cables in my trunk (I should probably clean this puppy out at some point).




PTL, an answer didn't take long at all! I was standing outside my car, hood up, and getting ready to text Kali back when a gentleman named Marvin approached me "Is your car dead? Do you need a jump?" I looked up. "Yes! Oh that would be great. Thank you." I replied. Soon after that he pulled his car around and whipped out his jumper cables, and with a turn of my ignition and a spark from my ignition...TA DA...I once again had a running car! Ahhh, my "Knight in Shining Jump Start" He really was a nice guy and definitely an answer to prayer. Sorry there's no pic (mostly the reason I didn't ask for one is because I think it would have been a little odd to ask some random stranger to humor me with a photo in such a situation). But he beeped his horn and waved as he left the parking lot as I sat there letting my battery get some juice in it before the drive back to the island. Loosing my battery again on a 2 lane HWY home would be even worse for me, since all my contacts, except for the Geists and Vaughns, at that point would have been in Bible Institute. And then where would I be, what with a low phone battery and all:/

So what are my lesson:
1) Sherri reproves me when I leave my phone at home, but having my phone on me without a charge to it is just as ineffective. So, ALWAYS keep my phone charged.
2) Always take time to pray, you never know where the answer will come from
3) It better to depend on the Lord for being taken care of than to fret over what might happen. Chances are something will go wrong the thing is to have the proper perspective.

Where were you?

Today is an anniversary that I'm sure that we would rather not have. I mean it's not like you can walk around saying Happy 911:P Do you remember where you were on September 11, 2001? I do.

Eight years ago I was in the Navy gym at NAS Sigonella, watching AFN's breaking news (although I didn't know what was breaking at the time because I had my headphones on). I looked up right after the first tower was attacked, so all I saw was flames and having a fairly good memory for movies my recal could not go back to any that had this particular scene in it. That's when I took off my headphones, put on my glasses and read the tickers moving across the bottom of the screen. In that moment the second tower was attatcked and I realized that this was no movie. Of course I would have to all the way on the other side of the base away from my ASF gear, I knew where I was going, T.A.D. . . . AGAIN!

There are few worldwide events in a persons life where they can remember where they were and what they were doing when it occured. There was the deaths of JFK & MLK in the 60's, John Lennon & the attempt on Ronald Regan's life in the 80's, and Pricess Diana & Columbine in the 90's. This unfortunately was one for my generation.

It took me all night for me to convince my watch commanders to let me go back to NAS I, only to come back and be told to report in the morning, so I ended up sleeping that night, and subsequently the following 2 weeks, in AIMD's bunk room. My friend, and regular co-worker, Brian woke me up every morning, since he was the mid check and made sure that the Maintenance control had fresh coffee ready for me (it really is the little things). There was no way I would have wanted to claim a cot and live in Disaster Prep with the rest of the security folks, I already had to see them for 18 hours a day why would I want to sleep with. Of course I was always early to gaurdmount, but for any who have wondered how I did it back then that's how. On the backs and support of my friends. I worked 40 18-20 hour days, in a row, before I got just one glorious day off. Numb, from not processing anything, I sat in front of my TV watching whatever string of movies would try and help me forget about the fact that I still had to return to work the next day, washed my cami's (since it was the only piece of clothing I was wearing during those days), and bought whatever food I could that the Navy wives had left over, and would last me until the next time I got by the Comacery, who knew when that would be.

The events of that single day seemed to start a domino effect that we are still realing from, but the men and women who serve this country on that day, as well as today, and the men and women who rose up out of the rubble to help others who were in need as well should not be forgotten, Flight 93 & The Pentagon as well. It's one of the few times that I can think of where we, as a country, seemed all united in a common cause. Why have people forgotten about that? It's sad. But let us not forget.

If you know someone in the military tell them "Thank You", or hug them if you know them. If you know another public servant do the same thing. We should never wait until tomorrow to say what people need to hear today.

Let me know where you were if you feel so abliged.

OH . . . P.S.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TESS!!!

A new favorite

I have a favorite thing simple as it is I feel I must impose my thought's on it into the blogosphere.

If you've known me for any length of time you know that once upon a time, when I was in the Navy, you know that I was lucky enough to live in Sicily for a couple of years. Some might argue that point, but for a gal that loves to travel living overseas, for me, was the highlight of my five years. Granted I probably would have enjoyed it more if I had not been chained to the front gate, and subsequent out posts, but all in all I can't really complain about it. A lot of my buddies from that time are still sacrificing time away from their loved ones in order to protect US interests and for that they deserve all the respect in the world.

Anyway, due to my time spent in Sicily there was certain food fare that I came to enjoy quite a lot. The sad irony is that most of that food I can no longer eat because of Celiacs disease. The joy of a sweet Canoli, spilling over with chocolate or pistachio filling or a hot savory Calzone, oozing with sauce and cheese are not mine to have. I do miss a real Pannini too, no not the little flat sandwiches that you can now lamely buy at a Starbucks near you, but a real Pannini, filled to the brim and stuffed with anything that you can think of. Seriously, nothing beats the Pannini carts in Catania. But I digress, beacause like my friend Levi says, I might turn into a pillar of gluten like Lots wife did for looking back on what she was leaving in Sodom (it's our own little joke).

However, one of the things that I did learn to appreciate over in the med was olives, no not the kind that you have to use a can opener to get at (I hate those kind), but the real kind, you know the ones that have been aging in brine. My favorites are Kalamata olives and tonight while getting some stuff to make a salad for dinner, I had some left over steak that I needed to use and that was a perfect post cardio dinner, I found the below salad dressing on the shelf at the local super market. It was awesome! It's a creamy vinagrette, so a little goes a long way.

In one word it's simply, Delicious! I think I found a keeper. Ranch may go with everything (I think it's a better condiment that katchup), but sometimes it's OK to break out of a rut. Consider my salad dressing rut broken.

Jump roping for the Navy

A coworker sent this to me. The jump roping here is amazing! Way to support America:)