As I was reading this morning in second Thessalonians, I felt led to pray this benediction for my younger sister, Tricia, who is a single mom (of two precious princesses) right now while her husband is serving overseas:
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. –2 Thessalonians 2:16,17 (NIV)
Tricia (and all other spouses and family members of soldiers on active duty), thank you for your sacrifice. May you be encouraged and strengthened today, knowing that you are being lifted up in prayer by many people.
Your turn to share: Are you and/or a family relative serving in the Armed Forces?
March 3, 2008 at 5:58 pm
I do not have family currently serving, but would like to say my “Thank you” to all of you who do. The sacrifices you and your family make are appreciated more than words can say. May God be with you and keep His hand of protection surrounding you!
March 4, 2008 at 1:31 pm
My nephew, by marriage, Ishmael, is a reservist with the MARINES serving his second tour of duty in Bagdad as a fireman.
Please pray for his salvation and protection, as well as for my niece, Marcey, and their three children – Ty(7), Kyana (5) and Hunter (2). None of them profess a personal faith in Jesus.
March 4, 2008 at 2:09 pm
You struck a chord. We fly in and out of Baltimore frequently. I don’t believe we’ve flown without one or more troops on our plane. They seem too alone, too young. Last night I prayed as 30 young men and women passed me–with their crisp new desert camouflage, unbroken boots, dufflebags and backpacks. There’s too much equipment to keep up with the baggage conveyers. We all pitch in– civilians–substitute parents, aunts, uncles and sibblings. Baltimore, a gathering place for the armed forces, sees thousands deployed. The area churches see that no troop leaves without a send off from a group of praying civilians. With Paul the apostle (Phil 4:9b) we pray the “God of Peace” to continue with them. With Jesus we pray, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
March 4, 2008 at 4:36 pm
Yes I have a cousin who is serving in the Air Force. I believe he’s still in Iraq. Although he doesn’t see any land action(he fixes airplanes so he stays on the ship), I still am concerned about him. While stationed in Germany, he met his wife and they have a year old son-Luke(maybe he’ll be a doctor some day?!). I haven’t got a chance to see Luke yet, but hopefully they will be moving to the U.S. in the near future.
March 5, 2008 at 2:37 pm
Great topic Kristen- I wish I had thought of it. I don’t have any close relatives serving actively at the moment, but I have in the recent past. It is so hard on the families! Last weekend Joe was away over night and I had to go to church by myself on Sunday. AHHHHHHHHHH! And that was just one night! And I didn’t have to worry about his safety! I really can’t imagine how hard it is on the ladies whose husbands are away. And- a blessing to go along with your benediction:
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
In honor of any Irish in any of your readers.
XOXO
Joce
March 9, 2008 at 12:07 am
Both my brother and cousin are serving together in Afghanistan right now. They’ve been gone since Sept. and hopefully will return next Sept/Oct. Both leave behind wives and little kids (3, 2, and 1). It’s definitely been an experience I would never wish on my worst enemy, that’s for sure…
March 12, 2008 at 5:34 pm
Hello Kristin,
My nephew, David leaves tomorrow for Iraq for 7 months. He leaves his wife to care for their 2 princesses as well. This will be his 5th or 6th time to be deployed. He is going into a very active area. Thank you for including David in your prayers.