Santa in Overalls...

I had an interesting day...interesting, but good. Let me tell you what the Lord did. I decided to go to Wades and get something yummy. I stood in the express lane, thinking I was getting it to go. Turns out, I was in the wrong line. I was actually in line with Santa in overalls. This dear, old strawberry farmer was in front of me in line and we struck up a conversation. He liked the t-shirt I was wearing that reads "My husband rocks". I told him about Andy and what he is doing. He said, "God bless you ma'am and God bless your husband." We continued talking. It was a VERY long line. Turns out I was in the line to dine in. So I went down the line and choose some AWESOME turkey and dressing and green beans. He was in line to pay in front of me and he said, "I'm buying her lunch today too." I kept saying, "Thank you, sir, but you don't have to do that." He said, "I know, but I want to." Well, we get into the dining room and there is literally ONE table for two in the whole place. I sit down and he stands there. I say "Please, sir, join me for lunch." He sat down and I asked him if I could pray for lunch and big tears welled up in his eyes. He took off his old farmer's hat and bowed his head. I prayed for Andy and this farmer's ailing wife. We just sat and talked at lunch about what Andy is doing and the strawberry business. He had a truck filled with baskets...enough for 1000's of my famous strawberry shakes. :)

This is what struck me...God sent this old fella to minister to me...why me? God's grace is so sweet, just like strawberries. The Lord knew (and was the only One who knew) that I needed a lift today. But, in some way, I pray I ministered to him by just listening and praying and smiling across the table. When I left he said again that he would pray for Andy and me and the girls. He offered me some strawberries, but I was already so humbled by his kindness, that I declined. So "Big O", the strawberry farmer sends his regards to a certain chaplain and was delighted to treat me to lunch today. Doesn't this always happen? God sends unexpected people into my life to encourage me? Sometimes the most unlikely people...in the most unlikely of places. And now, Santa in overalls...the strawberry farmer from Chesney who thinks what we're doing is important. He found a kind way to say, "Thank you." I won't ever forget this day...Thank you, Lord.

LT

Carolina Girls...

Thank you for your prayers in the past few weeks. We are grateful for you remembering our family. We headed to SC for a few weeks of R & R with grandparents. (Really, that's code language, for getting spoiled). We are looking forward to seeing everyone. It's a wonderful distraction for us.

Andy is adjusting to his new "home" away from home. Ministry is demanding, but rewarding. He is preaching 3 times a week and you know he'd rather preach than eat. Speaking of eating, the dining facility is by far, the nicest building on base. He's enjoying that, too. He's also meeting new brothers & sisters in arms. He's encouraged to see the leadership in the worship services. Please continue to pray for his safety and that Christ would be lifted high in his ministry there.


We're almost down to 15 Mondays...but who's counting, right?

Blessings,
LT

18 Mondays...

This has probably been the toughest week of my 39 years. We have had emotions we didn't even know we had. We have felt God's presence. We experienced a strength that was not our own. We have peace that only comes from the Prince of Peace. It is true what the psalmist said, "Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning." With each new day, more smiles emerge and the time has begun to tick away. In an effort to explain how long a deployment is, we determined that "18 Mondays" didn't sound as long to us. And the good news is, it's almost down to 17 Mondays. We have felt the prayers of many saints on our behalf and I know you'll keep ringing the bells of heaven for our family. Thank you for remembering us. God is answering your prayers. I will try to let you know how his ministry is going and give you specifics to praise and pray for in the coming weeks.

Since we moved on base four days before he left, we are slowly unpacking, hanging curtains, placing pictures on the wall and setting up house. At last count, this is our 7th house in 7 years. I ought to be great at it by now. We love being on base and the girls are over the moon to be near so many friends. We are so thankful for all the Lord has done for our family.

I'm also thankful that God choose me to be the mother of our three girls. They are gifts from His hands. They bring so much joy, so much fulfillment and so much dirty laundry to my life. Just kidding... But I'm very thankful to have a Mom, Mom-in-Law and a Grandmom who all love Jesus. What a legacy they have given to me and our girls.

soli Deo gloria!
LT