In My Own Words

They say time flies when you’re having fun, so I suppose I must be having a lot of fun, because I blinked and it’s September already. Go figure! There’s been a lot going on in my little corner of the world, not all of it fun, but that which does not kill us only makes us stronger. So I keep plugging along and saying a lot of prayers.

I’ve sold $100 worth of bread over the past couple of weeks, which is just enough to pay postage on eight care packages. I love it when a plan comes together! I put the finishing touches on 8 packages, taped them all securely, and they’re in the back seat of my car, ready to send off tomorrow after work. I’d planned on getting them mailed today, but it took longer to write 8 Thank-you notes than I thought it would and I wound up running a little late this morning. I filled out the customs forms at lunch time, and when I got home I taped all the boxes. By the time I was finished taping 8 boxes, the post office was closed. Man plans and God laughs…  Tomorrow those boxes will be on their way to Caleb, Dana, Gil, Robert, Ron, William C., another William C., and William U. Hopefully Zippy the Super Snail will be on duty, because we all know if Cletus the slack-jawed snail gets hold of the mail, it will take forever and a day to get there.

I’ve ordered a couple of books for a Warrior, and I went to LillianVernon.com and ordered an assortment of cards that some of our troops can send home to loved ones. There were some cute Halloween cards, 6 for $1.25, and some Thanksgiving cards, 20 for $3.89. I also selected some blank greeting cards, and I ordered some personalized note cards for somebody as well. I’m just about spent out again, but God always provides just when I think I’m going to have to stop sending packages, so I put my faith in Him. He won’t let our Warriors do without knowing somebody they have never met cares about them and appreciates what they do on our behalf.

I got an e-mail notification from Build-A-Sign that my Raise Dough for the Troops banner has shipped, and my magnet in memory of  Cpl. Kristopher “Daniel” Greer as well. Now Tracey and I will have to decide when will be a good time to set up a bake sale at Wal-Mart. We both love to bake, and she makes some awesome looking cookies (they’ve got raisins and stuff that I won’t eat, so I’ve not tasted them – but they look and smell delicious.) If I can get Rachel to make some rice krispy treats, and Tracey and I make a variety of cookies, and bread and rolls…hopefully we can raise a few bucks. This is the time of year to start thinking about Christmas care packages, and the more I can send the merrier for some troops far from home over the holidays. I’ll put up a list of items at the office that people can contribute, and maybe get some help that way. One way or the other, I’ll send as many Christmas packages as possible.

I’ve got a handful of troops who will be home soon – I love it when they get to return to their families, especially when it means they will get to spend Thanksgiving or Christmas, or both, at home. I pray for them all to make an easy transition back to “normal” life – it’s quite an adjustment going from a year in a combat zone back to home and family. When you throw into the equation that whichever spouse has been in charge of the household has to re-adjust, as well, to not being in charge of every detail – well, it can throw a person for a loop. Children have to readjust to having the absent parent back, too.  Kids are adaptable and flexible, but it’s still an adjustment to be made. God bless ‘em all, our warriors and their loved ones, as they get settled back into a normal routine.

Well, it’s bedtime once again. I intended to get a couple of letters written this evening, and it just didn’t happen. Guess I know what I will be doing at lunch time tomorrow…at least it’s not those odious customs forms. (Did I mention I don’t like filling out customs forms?) You all take care, and thanks for reading my ramblings once again. To my deployed troops, you know the routine – blah blah blah, nag nag nag, STAY SAFE!! Don’t make me have to come over there… Hugs {{{{{{everybody}}}}}} (except TJ – if you’re reading this, I’m choking you ——>[[[TJ]]]…) Catch y’all later.