Tanks Don't Have Shock Absorbers

David, my son, straps on my helmet before my ride on a AAV (Amphibian Assault Vehicle) during Family Day at the Marine Base. They piled us "civilians" on board, about twelve of us, six on each side. We plopped down on hard metal benches facing each other. My son climbed over our group and took his place up front to drive the land course for this momentous occasion. I secretly suspected his driving maneuvers to be a bit wild with his Mom and Dad aboard. They were.


From the time the back end closed and the diesel fumes surrounded us, the AAV rocked and rolled, bounced and turned. Whoooeee, I always imagined I possessed adequate, if not more than adequate padding on my backside. Uh, no. The terrain shoved us next to each other and slammed our "buttocks" hard on the metal benches. Of course no seat belts either. (So this is why we strapped on helmets.) I have ridden mules with smoother trots than this. Oh, where are the shock absorbers? But the aim is not comfort here. AAV's are troop carriers and protectors. They carry troops across water or from ships to land and are equipped with weapons for defense.



"For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison." 2 Corinthians 4:17
"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us." Romans 8:18


Oh, where are the shock absorbers in these verses? Scripture has many verses about hardships and trouble. My husband was laid off from his job last Thursday. Help, I want a shock absorber! But I know that God's aim is much like the AAV. Whether the terrain is over deep water or dangerous land, He is our defense. I must trust His driving. He is equipped with all the weapons for combat and will bring me safely through this battle.




So what if my "buttocks" slams down on the seat, I know I'd rather be protected without shock absorbers than be comfy and vulnerable in war.


Say, does anyone have a pillow?


Blessings**

Regular Post Interruption

Hey, all you writer types, check out Kindred Heart Writers blog. My short post is a contest for another blog award, and might, just might give your idea wings.

Thanks

"Hope" Me

This squirrel has an acorn in it's mouth. She is clinging to my patio screen for dear life. She's trapped, or so she thinks. The squirrel jumped on the screen hoping to avoid another "supposedly" starving squirrel vying for the acorn. (There are plenty in my yard.) It also sees me with my camera looking out my glass slider. But that's not what has her frozen. My golden retriever stands at my side, his hunter eyes focused on this enticing furry object on his screen. He drools, yes, dogs drool, ready to charge if I should open my glass door even an inch.

But this silly squirrel doesn't realize I won't let my dog out and a nice sturdy slider keeps the dog at bay. What she sees and imagines freezes her. She doesn't know I will not allow my dog to harm her. What does she hope for? To eat her acorn and live.

"My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him." Psalms 62:5

Life is tough. Many times I feel like this squirrel, clinging to my last morsel, and imagining all the things that can go wrong. No hope paralyzes and destroys any ministry. I can see the "hunter" drooling in the future, ready to pounce if given an inch.

"For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men." 1 Timothy 4:10

When I look and "fix" my eyes on the living God from which hope comes, I can step out and run, just like the squirrel did when she turned and jumped on the bush and ran to the nearest tree. Safe from the hunter and his opponent and with her acorn intact.

Thank you Savior and giver of Hope.

photo-karenrevans-click on pic to enlarge and you can see her large eyes.

Never Forget 9/11

I pledge allegiance to the flag

of the United States of America

and to the Republic for which it stands

One Nation, under God,

Indivisable

with Liberty

and Justice

For All.

Photos: first five by geekphilosopher, last three by david and karen evans

God's Work-MITC

Hey Ya'll,

Check out my brother's new website and video. After my parents left the mission field, he stayed on. I'm so proud of him and the work God enables him to do. If you have a minute or two take time and check out his site.

Dan and Chuy Hall

Here's a picture of the two of them and their four "little" boys. ha, ha....

Just had to brag a bit.

Have a good day to all,

Blessings

Coming Attractions by Robin Gunn

Coming Attractions is the third book in the Katie Weldon Series. This book is set during Katie's Senior year of College. Conflicts abound with her current boyfriend, new and old relationships, estranged family and of course the senior exams.


This young adult book will appeal to teenagers too, with important spiritual messages, though not preachy. Robin writes wonderful characters that draw you into the story immediately. I did not read the first two in the series and yet Robin gradually brought me up in time with an easy manner.





Read to find out what Katie refers to as a "victim of grace" and "wavy" or "straight lines" in life. Coming Attractions makes me curious to read what's next in her life.




Robin Jones Gunn is the much-loved author of Peculiar Treasures, On a Whim, and the Christy Miller, Sierra Jensen, College Years, Glenbrooke, and Sisterchicks® series, with over 4 million books sold worldwide. Robin loves to travel and often speaks locally and internationally. She and her husband live near Portland, Oregon, where the view outside her window is green all year round.To find out more about Robin Gunn check out her site.





I received this book as part of a book blog tour.
To read more reviews of this book from other bloggers, click here. Info about the book is also on Amazon.





Happy Reading

Waaait for It.....

My husband and I follow the pastor's sermon outline, filling in the open blanks. My husband likes to nudge me to show his filled in words before the pastor gets to them. Even though I may be able to figure them out, I prefer to wait, absorbing the moment until it comes.


I'm the same way with gifts. I love to wait until the right time, building the excitment of the unknown. My husband, yes, you guessed it, he wants to know what everything is beforehand.


"Wait for the LORD; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the LORD." Psalms 27:14


There are some things in life only the Lord can provide. The farmers when they have done all they can do, whether or not they believe in God, must wait and rely on "nature." God drops the rain, shines the sun, and grants the increase.


There are times in life that I hate being in "the waiting room." Such as waiting to see my grandkids again, waiting to know about new jobs, waiting to see if my dad's eye surgery is successful...things which only God can change and control. It's hard to be strong and courageous, but that's when my eyes are on me and not on God.


The daily work to fight off impatience and wait, you'd think would be easier because of my temperament, but it's not. As a writer I strive to channel emotions and thoughts with the "exquisitness (is that a word?) of the battle between apprehension and peace."


What things do you like to wait for, or don't mind waiting for?
What things drive you crazy to have to wait for, and how do you cope?


(Notice I didn't use the dreaded "P" word.)


Okay, already, hurry up and answer!


Photo-karenrevans