Monday, March 1, 2010

Blink....Another weekend come and gone.

Oh how sweet and sacred the memories of precious moments in our life are. Each one is added in to the gallery of running video in our hearts and minds. We can reach deep within and grab one from this wonderful processing command center God gave us...our brain, with all its little memory wrinkles. And with that video playing in our cerebral theaters, our hearts begin to play the music and the voices of love and joy and celebration of oh-so-special moments.

This weekend, I added more video footage to my memory bank.

As Justin departs this Thursday to another step in his journey in the United States Marine Corps, I know he is ready and anticipating the arrival over there and the getting oriented to his surroundings and duties and knowing the routine. Everything he and his fellow Marine brothers in the 1/2 have been preparing for is about to become real. They are ready to join the others already there and give them back-up and support and fresh energy and motivation. They will also learn to dig their heels in and get ready to weather a 7 month stay.

I have decided to go out to Camp LeJeune Thursday. I could tell Justin desired it and he and some others have a few things they want to turn over to the Smith household for safekeeping while they are away, and it is our pleasure to be the storage facility for such honorable men. Kameron, and hopefully Kat will be able to go too. Kurt and Jonny will not be able to get away, and da Man wants me to have an extra driver just in case...( since there is no rhyme or reason as to why the Vertigo hit me out of the blue.) But they got their goodbyes in. We surrounded our dear son with prayer and love. He is carrying a little guardian angel pin with him per the request of his mama. My angel will hang on the wall overlooking his shoulder in his Marine photo in the living room. And Jesus Christ, his ultimate commander in chief and warrior will watch his back.... and all those who tread with him.

God bless our military. God give them success. God grant them wisdom and a keen sense of the justice they fight for, and the freedom and peace they deliver to a people who long for it. God keep their hearts righteous, and their consciences clear in doing what they have been called to do. It is honorable and right and just. War is hell, but justice and freedom can only prevail where honorable souls are willing to fight to keep what is ours, that it might not be taken away from the future of our children who are growing up today. God, protect them in their highest calling to do such.

These are my whispered prayers to the God who loves and cares for His own.


These boys ran out and climbed the mountain of mulch by our drive, so that ended up being where today's photos took place. Doggies joined in too! My Kit-Kat had to go to work this afternoon, so we missed having her in them.









And here's pale-faced mama with her much-loved Marine.



Keep praying. HE IS LISTENING....always.
God is good. All the time. God is good.

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)

12 comments:

billypandnikkysmom said...

Oh sweet julie, I am praying for all of our boys. The Lord will hold them in the palm of his hand until they are all home again...God Bless & know that this Marine Mom will be praying!

Theresa said...

Oh Julie, I will be praying for you, that you feel better and will pray for Justin daily! I am happy that you are going on Thursday but I agree that you need to take an extra driver, just in case. Love the pictures of the boys and dogs, the picture of you and Justin is just precious! Hugs to you and prayers for all of you sweet friends up there!

Dianna said...

Good morning, Julie,
I thank you for sharing your heart and your prayers with us. Such a tender piece you have written. I'm so glad that you were able to be up and moving around a bit yesterday before Justin had to leave. Will be praying for you on Thursday...glad that Kameron is going with you. Beyond it being a good idea to have the extra driver, that is a trip you don't want to make back by yourself. God be with you and give you safety.
~Hugs~
Dianna

Jayme Goffin, The Coop Keeper said...

Sweet Lady Julie....you are such a good mother. Your heart is so evident in this post. I'll be praying for you and your marine! What a sacrifice on both your parts. God is good. All the time.

Marmee's Pantry said...

God bless your precious Marine! Tell him 'thank you' from a grateful Ohioan.

I also wanted to say that I enjoy your comments on Dianna's blog. Yes, we often don't realize how blessed our childhoods are/were until we grow up & look back. Great sentiments.

Blessings from Ohio...Kim<><

GardenOfDaisies said...

I will be thinking of you and your son on Thursday. Hugs to you.

Anonymous said...

Father God, I come to You in humble prayer asking You to be with this fine young man as he embarks on this journey as a US Marine. I pray, Lord God, You place a hedge of protection around him and cradle him in Your loving arms. I ask You to watch over his family, because they too are making the ultimate sacrifice and I ask You to continuously bless them with Your comfort and peace. I lift them up to You asking that You pour out Your blessings over this entire family. You know all and see all. Our ways are not Your ways and You never let us down. I thank You, Father God, for Your constant love... and I ask You in Your precious son's name, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen and Amen!

Julie, I will be thinking about you and your son on Thursday. Scratch that... I will be thinking of you both every day. God bless you!

Georgia

Janean said...

sweet photos of your men.

justin looks great & i agree for his protection: physically, emotionally, spiritually and mentally. amen!

Marmee's Pantry said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog. I get my essential oils at a local health food store.

By the way...my best friend lives in Charlotte. :-)

K<><

Dianna said...

Hello again, my friend,
Thank you for stopping by this morning and taking the time to write an encouraging note...as you always do. I'm so glad to hear that you are feeling better...and I have thought of your family SO many times today. Were you able to have time at all to watch The Way We Get By?

I'm glad my memories took you back in time also and that you took time to reflect on some of your childhood memories. I just finished doing the draft for tomorrow's meeting of my grandparents. Hope you will enjoy it, also.

You take care and your family continues to remain in mine and Carroll's prayers...as well as our church family's.

Cindy Lou said...

Dear Sweet Julie, My prayers are with all our military and call out those special names that hold a special place...My church made a pack that at 8 a.m. every morning we would say special prayers for all our military!! So just know that we are all praying!! You take care and I am here if you need me!! Blessings from Georgia!!

Hearts Turned said...

Thank-you, Julie for the kind visit today--I really appreciated it and your sweet comments. Your family is beautiful, and you seem like such a wonderful mother. All will be well.