Nothing New! Just Rambling!

I'm sorry to report that there is nothing new to report from Spain. I am planning to go to Rota this weekend one last time before I come home. I have two major places left that I want to visit before I leave. I would like to go to Gibraltar and Toledo, and I intend to do that over the two weekends following this one. Connor reminded me that I only have 36 days left until I come home. I'm not sure who is keeping up with the count more, him or me!

I apologize for not posting yesterday. We had some internet connectivity issues and it wasn't repaired until this afternoon. Unfortunately, I didn't get to see the kids today because of it but I did get to talk to them on the phone. I am really starting to get homesick! I am missing all the little things that make Greenwood what it is. I miss all of our friends and family and I am looking forward to seeing all of you when I get home. Don't get me wrong, this place isn't too bad considering there are lots of men and women living in tents in Iraq. Please pray for our troops. Speaking of Iraq, wasn't it great today to hear President Bush announce that there will be troop reductions in Iraq. I know that he followed up by saying that the troops scheduled to go to Iraq will now go to Afghanistan, but he did give hope to some weary soldiers that more than likely thought they would be away from their families for 18 months or more.

I tell ya, the weeks seem so long here because I only get to talk to the kids and Andria for a few short minutes each day. I'll take what I can get, but even talking everyday, I feel like I am missing so much of their lives! I know that many of you are praying for me and my family and I really appreciate it! Please continue to pray for me as each day gets a little tougher to stay positive and not get down about being away from home. I always remind myself that I am not here alone, God is right here with me! I can feel His presence around me throughout the day and I sincerely believe that He keeps me from getting down. If you've never experienced that feeling, I encourage you to pray and ask God to guide you and protect you.

Only two days until the anniversary of the Sept. 11th attacks that totally changed our way of life in the United States. Do you remember what it was like before the War on Terror, as the country song asks "Have you forgotten?" There's another country song that asks the question, "Do you remember where you were on that day?" or something to that effect. I was thinking about how much life has changed in 8 short years. NEVER FORGET what happened that day! Pray for those families that lost a loved one on that fateful day! Sept, 11th must be a tough day for a lot of people in the US.

I think after Sept 11th, 2001 is when I really noticed how fast paced life has become. I remember that particular day seemed like it was in slow motion and then the phone calls started and our unit went on alert. It seems like that fast pace hasn't let up and frankly, I'm getting tired of it. If taking out some terrorists will allow us to go back to a simpler time then I say we open a hunting season on them. I saw a joke once that said the way to take care of the terrorists was to open a hunting season with no limit and tell all the southern boys! So, anyway, what ever happened to the days of visiting with your neighbors and taking life at a little slower pace? I wonder how many people actually know their neighbors by their first name? Why do we find it so necessary to rush, rush, rush? I am vowing to stop and look around every now and then. Ferris Bueller said it best, "Life moves pretty fast, if you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it!" I think one thing that this trip has made me realize is how important family time is. How quickly I forget sometimes, that the yard could wait another day or the errands I had planned to take care of on Saturday could wait until Monday. I encourage you to spend every available minute with your family. Make the most of every second! I remember my Dad telling me once that the older you get the quicker the years seem to fly by. I also remember thinking to myself, "Yeah right!" Well, I'm here to attest to his words! It seems like 2008 just started and already we are almost into the holiday season!

Well, I suppose I have rambled enough. I will admit that I didn't have a quiet time the last two days and I can tell that it has made a difference. Tomorrow I'll get back on track. Meanwhile, here are the past two days of Signs of Life:

Life Sign, Day 20: I am willing to be pliable in the hands of God.

Life in Action, Day 20: In what areas of my life is God molding and shaping me?

Life Sign, Day 21: I participate in personal ministry that impacts my community.

Life in Action, Day 21: List three areas of personal ministry through which you impact your community.

I should mention that Day 21 finishes the section on Worn out knees. Tomorrow we will start the section of Rolled-Up Sleeves, Living an Authentic Life! Have a great day!