Cool Breezes on a Hot Day!

Jumping into supposedly the hottest summer anywhere this side 0f the equater. I laugh because I'm not there yet. Guess I'll see if I'm still laughing when June and July get here. When it gets hot I always look forward to the cool breezes that show up at the most opportune moments...Cool Breezes are a lot like the enjoyable moments in life...The kind of moments I can look back upon and smile about, despite the crap thats constantly getting in my face. Today was a day I would have liked to give into my fleshly urge to destroy someone. But Thankfully I haven't gone that far. I know why problems seem to pile up and get fustrating. I'm not putting on my armor every day, I'm putting it off in hopes of getting to it later. Excuses are worthless to God and painfull for me. I know that the fustrating people I face are there as a temptation for me to be foolish and out of control, so I try to see it not with the eyes of this world but with the eyes that God has given me. It gets tougher and tougher the longer I put off not stepping into the word of God which is my sheild from such nonsense. Even though I can't really find my balance right now, God places within my day, Momentary experiences that show me he is still near. Still pushing me to succeed. Moments that I have an oportunity to bless another person or moments when they are a blessing in my life. We have an Iraqi Mechanic that works in the motorpool near where I live and he braught his daughter with him the other day. She was real cute and shy about talking to others even with her dad standing at her side. He called me over to show her off but I was a little busy at the time so I didn't get to. I did later though and before I said goodbye, I told him his daughter was beautiful, which she really is. The look on his face was enough to know how he felt. Moments like that I really enjoy, and they make this road I'm traveling worth every mile. The days are getting hotter and hotter and pretty soon cool breezes aren't going to be enough to fight the bitterness of the heat. So I'm going back for it with greater intensity , Jumping deeper into the word of God. Because I really need it in this place. War is not for those who believe in themselves...it's for those who believe in, Trust in and consistantly lean on the saviors wisdom and love. Its a life decision to walk the unpaved road carrying a cross, being marked for death by a world that just doesn't get it. Why would anyone want to suffer and sweat serving people who don't care, People who would rather see you die pennyless, than live to your full potential. These are the poeple I have been called to serve, whether they turn a blind eye to it or they pat me on the back for helping them, doesn't matter because everything they see me doing for them, I do for the one who is far more worthy of it than them.
Take me away into your embrace, show me the beauty of your heaven in this place, Every day you fill me with your awsome grace, Opening my eyes showing me the evil that has fled without a trace, Awsome is your compassion and Love, showered down from above, I stand in awe of your wisdom and might, giving me the confidence and courage to fight, I'm thankfull for the breath I breath as I go your way, and especailly for the Cool Breezes on a Hot Day!

!Traveling Great Distances!

Traveled far, done a lot to get here. Thinking back upon yester year, I remember all the things I have been through. People I have met and would love to see again, others I'm glad have faded out of view. I started walking on my own with God almost 6 years ago. Departed a home where I knew for sure I couldn't stay...Now I search for places to rest my head as I travel toward a home that awaits. Iraq is the place I find myself today. Surrounded by people who don't know the God I love and live for. It's so great to know and really see the impact of people who do battle by praying on my behalf. People all over this war torn and poverty stricken place are going are being impacted in an awsome and powerful way, because of people back home and abroad who trust God to pour out his spirit and saturate this dry desert land with heavenly dew! It's really sad to see the smiles on the faces of everyone I meet. Knowing that they have lived a life unlike mine. I had plenty of food, love, and security...They had, and some still have very little, if that. It's sad because I go day by day listening to the complaints of people who don't have butter for their bread...Just rediculous claims of how life just isn't fair. Cursing God for what they don't understand. It's a problem for many when they get comfortable and think that they should always be comfortable. I am thankfull for times when I can step out of the comfort zone, and trust God to be my guide, my provision, My shield and strength. When I'm attacked and have nowhere else to go, he is always there asking me where have I been. In this stage of my journey, I'm taking a walk through a the wilderness...A friend encouraged me about this. Just as Moses and the Isrealites did, walking through the desert coming across trials and temptations the whole way. It really showed them where their hearts were and how much they truly depended on God. I know I need God, but sometimes I just give in and struggle for a little, come back, say sorry and walk a bit more up the mountain. I want this deployment to be a turning point. I want to walk away from this place grounded and disciplined. Having a better sence of who I am in Christ and who he is in me.

NOTES: Excitment fills my heart and joy ties the shoes on my feet. (She's so helpfull) Life is not just about words...It's about walking...People talk all day and don't get anywhere by doing it. Gotta put on the gloves, put on the shoes and get dirty. Fearing what? Fearing God, by praying, loving, living. Fear nothing for he is always near, always near...Always he is by your side...Always. Worry is for those of this world who don't know the Lord...Not for me. God set in place the plans for my life before I started to live it. Whatever comes next, is supposed to come next. He not only planned for it to happen, he planned for me to have the strength, the ability and the wisdom to deal with it and if need be, over come it. Wow...I love Jesus!!! end.