Melancholy Mama ...

Melancholy. There are quite a few definitions for this word, some with negative connotations.  The one that best suits my mood is "soberly thoughtful, pensive". Is it possible to place 'thankful' in there as well? Does it fit? Hmm, I don't know if it's proper but it is appropriate.  This week has been one of deep thought about the past, present & future.  Admittedly, there was a catalyst for the present mode I'm in. While, initially, "I can't believe I'm back here again" came to mind, I've decided that it's actually productive to take a good long look at where I came from, where I've been, the people that were so instrumental in molding me into the 'Me' I became.  I believe that everyone who has ever been a part of your life, big or small, has brought something to the table.  Not everyone brings the most appetizing dish. Some taste great but look bad. Some are very appealing but end up leaving a bad taste in your mouth and still others upset your stomach so badly you can't imagine what purpose the pain could possibly serve, only to find, years later, that 'Pepto moment' was an excellent learning tool, life defining. Others are simply nutritious and necessary.  But everyone brings something.  Maybe the season has a bit to do with my mood as well.  Fall is my favorite season and brings out 'The Nester' in me.  Thoughts of scented candles, wonderful baked goodies in the oven, cozy quilts, a good book, sharing a cup of coffee with good friends and good conversation. I could go on forever but all those things provoke me to thought. Perhaps it's because we slow down from the busyness of Summer with it's cookouts, pool parties, reunions, visits from faraway family and we find we have time to ponder a few things. Looking back causes me to think about the present.  You know the saying "I may not have gone where I intended to go but I think I ended up where I intended to be"? I love that and isn't is true for most, if not all, of us? I think so. I've been blessed with a great life. Raised by parents who loved me, married to a man who still adores me and who I love more today than ever, two children who brought me more happiness than any one woman deserves and have turned into awesome men that make their momma very proud, three grandgirls -- so giggly & sweet -- who love me every bit as much as I love them (& that's a whole lot of love!). Yep, God has been very good to me.  Then there's the future -- our lives, our Nation, our world. I, occasionally, have moments of internal panic -- watching the news & all the talk of the rising cost of living, the election and just the state of the world in general (especially with a son on a warship God only knows where - literally) then I remember the big picture -- the same God who's been so good to me and loves me so much, is still in control and is not panicked by my imagined emergency of the way things appear to be-- then I feel His prescence and I know everything is gonna be all right.  "Lord I appreciate You. My heart is full with love for You. You're a Father with my well-being in mind. What's important to me is equally important to You. Thank you for saving me from myself in times past, present and future. I trust you totally.  I love you".... He's a good God & I'm a blessed woman.

It's been a while...

Life's just got a way of getting in the way of getting in the way, doesn't it?  It's been a busy month, full of lots & lots to do.  We just had our annual Youthfest at church and that required lots of practice, planning & preparation.  Everything was great and went off without a hitch.  I couldn't have been more pleased with "Stirred".  The group as a whole had gone through some transition -- losing a few older, experienced members and gaining a few young ones -- which, of course, is what happens but when these changes take place (kinda suddenly) right before preparation for a big event it's always more of a challenge.  Then there was Anna Elisabeth's birthday.  I can't believe that precious babe is three-years-old!  I know it sounds so cliche but it happens so fast, doesn't it?  Of course, wasn't I just 16 yesterday? Now I have a son who's nearly 31 (my baby is 28) & the hubby (who I've known since he was 17) will be 50 in December.  Of course, I'm much younger than him :)  I won't hit the big 50 until the end of August 2011 --- a long, long time from now! ;) Some times all this busyness takes up so much of our time both physically & mentally, that we don't enjoy the simple things or take the time to thank the Lord for his love & mercy.  Joshua's recent deployment has been on my heart & mind this month as well.  I continue to trust God for his safety & well-being.  I've got a busy day ahead of me as I'm sure you do -- gotta get to it ....

Anchors away ...God bless the USS Doyle

Today is the day the USS Doyle begins a six-month deployment.  This is the longest deployment thus far since my son has been in the Navy and I know that by some standards it's not considered to be a long time, many are gone for at least a year.  The Doyle is a Frigate (and frigates are the smallest war ships the Navy has).  It's job (on this deployment & every one my son has been on thus far) is to police the seas between the southeastern US and South America and deter the drug traffic.  Although we in the US are getting ready to go into our winter season, because they will go through the Panama Canal and below the equator, it will be approaching the Summer season in the southern hemisphere.  I'm praying this doesn't mean there will be more drug traffic.  I know they will go down the coast of Chile but I'm unsure where else. Joshua has promised to communicate via e-mail when possible.  Oh how I love him but he really is the worse at keeping in touch whether sailing the high seas or at his home in Florida so I'm praying he takes the time & throws me a bone with an occasional e-mail.  I'm trusting the Lord to keep him & everyone aboard safe, to give widsom to those in command and to keep every wife, child, mother, father, sister, brother of those on deployment safe & healthy in their absence.  I know He can and I believe He will.  He's a good God. 

About a year ago, I was in prayer and terribly concerned about Joshua (right before he first deployment) when I had a vision of all the world's oceans and saw all the ships as they floated. It was night and many had lights on but some were illuminated only by the moonlight.  It was at that time that the Lord laid on my heart to pray for every ship and every son and daughter aboard them because not everyone knows Jesus or has a praying family member lifting their name to God for salvation, safety & health. "Lord, touch them, save and keep them safe in Jesus name" is my prayer for all the ships in all the seas.

So begins a six-month wait for my son to be Stateside again.  I'm praying Winter flies by and Spring quickly brings him & everyone aboard The Doyle back home safe & sound in Jesus name!