Chris left last Monday for training out in California. He will be gone for about 5 weeks. When he returns, we will have less than a week before he leaves for Iraq. The kids are adjusting ok. They ask when Daddy is coming home pretty frequently. Luke always counts everyone at the dinner table. Lately he will count and when he gets to Chris's chair he says, "Mommy, somebody is missing! Daddy's not here. I sure do miss him." We love the Daddy Dolls that I ordered from Hug a Hero. Hayley sleeps with her doll every night. I kinda wish I had my own.
I did give Chris this Mizpah charm from James Avery for our anniversary.https://secure.jamesavery.com/jewelry/search/product/C-384/Mizpah-Set/ure.jamesavery.com/jewelry/search/product/C-384/Mizpah-Set/I love it! He wears his half on his dogtags, and I have mine on a necklace with a cross that Chris gave me for Christmas two years ago. I also got a deployment bracelet to wear. Another idea I got from a friend. Everytime I look at the bracelet, I pray for Chris and his Marines.
The comment that I frequently get from others is, "You are so strong! I don't think I could do what you do." I have to say that it's not me that is strong, but my God that is strong! He is the one that has laid the plan for our family and I know that it is His perfect will that is unfolding in our lives. He gets me through everyday with joy not fear or saddness. Not to say that I don't miss Chris terribly to the point where my heartaches or worry sometimes, but God says in His word, "Do not be anxious about ANYTHING, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
I want to say thanks to those in advance for praying for Chris and his Marines while they are away. We do appreciate your support.
What a beautiful post. I would keep that verse written on post-its and stuck everywhere in the house. I bet it makes you feel better to know that he too, holds and touches that same charm on his dog tag just like you do. I pray for you all the time, May May. I love you to pieces! I love their pillows, too. Was it Hayley or Luke that didn't really "love" it last deployment - Luke maybe? "That's not daddy!!!" Prayers for ALL of you this sunny, beautiful Monday.
ReplyDelete