{Memorial Day and my selfish heart}

I think of myself as pretty patriotic, a proud American if you will.  Today instead of being moved by the buzz in social media that I was so quick to retweet, I sulked. My husband worked today and the kids and I were supposed to pick up on school where we *ahem* left off  two weeks ago. In the quietness of the house after being given some aggravating news I let every bit of my energy pile up into a great big pity party.  I let the weight of the world crash down as though I had nothing to be thankful for, let alone today of all days.  I sobered up real quick when I read this post.  Then I saw Rachel post her Tuesday Prayer Request and I quick poured my pity party into an email.

{numero uno} Hubs hates his job.  He works in law enforcement and his job is heavy with emotional baggage that tears him down daily. My daily prayer for him is to find an opportunity for joy, work unto the Lord, and breakthrough.  We got some crappy news regarding a change in the their payroll which will result in a loss so to speak in pay.  It just feels overwhelming.  We want peace, we want God to move, we want to obey.

{numero dos} My nephew Carter is having major surgery Thursday in Boston to remove am ostomy bag that he has had pretty much all (nearly) four years of his life.  His daddy, had to stay in Texas to {THANK YOU JESUS} start a new job and his heart is heavy not being there for the first time for his little boy. We want healing, we want comfort, we want grace. www.cartermcates.com

{numero tres} So selfish, I want to attend Blog Sugar.  Not going to happen. Feeling fragile about how much I have invested in these 'so-called' on-line friends....because to me they are just friends.  My heart grieves that I can carry someone {read: many} in my heart, that I may not meet this side of Heaven. Realizing my investment has created a void for desiring friendships I so need locally. I want strength, I want deep friendship, I want a Blog Sugar sponsor {keeping it real, folks}.

The reality is that if it matters to me, it matters to God.  It really does, even the ugly parts.  But the reality of that, is He wants to work on my character.  He used my pity party no matter if it was worthy or not, to turn my eyes to Him.  To seek Him.  To thank Him.

And in turn, it reminded me to thank them...

 {My Daddy}

 {My BIL Corey}

...because they have and do sacrifice so much for our  country.  The men and women who have, do, and will fight for and serve our country deserve your thanks and your prayers today and everyday.  Don't let embarrassment, politics, or pity parties keep you from thanking your fellow man/women for their selfless service.  While you are at it, thank their spouse, their children, their Momma because behind every good soldier is a proud family serving right alongside.

Memorial Day

Memorial Day is special to me, not only as an American, but also as a daughter.  My Daddy, started his service by joining the Air Force in 1966 and while he retired after more than 20 years of service he continued to work with military minded companies until he retired earlier this year.  From the moment my Father could serve his country he did.  He is patriotism in the flesh. The flag is more than freedom to me, it was a way of life.  I along with several of my eight siblings were born on military bases, in military hospitals, with the help of military doctors.  Some of our first and oldest friendships began as our Mother took the reins as my Dad 'traveled for work', and befriended other military families.  I have yet to be able to sing the National Anthem without tearing up and even sometimes bawling.  

Retired SMSgT Kenneth Cates

"All the great things are simple and many can be expressed in a single word: 

freedom, justice, honor, duty, mercy, hope."

Winston Churchill

My Soldier, My Daddy

You chose a road less followed by others; 

sacrificed yourself to protect your brothers.

Gave all you had and trusted the Father, 

Traveled, moved, and fought...to you it didn't matter.

To you it was your path, your destiny, your call;

To insure freedom was secure and liberty would not fall.

My Daddy, My Hero

Jenni Carlisle, Memorial Day 2007

Memorial Day is also a special day as a sister-in-law to an active military serviceman.  My brother-in-law, Corey Carlisle is currently at home, but has served his country in three tours for Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Corey Carlisle

Corey and his wife Laryn gave us a priceless gift this Christmas, a flag flown in Iraq while he was on one of his tours with a thank you plaque for supporting the troops.

  

It reads:

To Randall and Jennifer Carlisle

This American flag was flown over the Al Faw Palace on Camp Victory in Baghdad, Iraq 

during Operation Iraqi Freedom on July 4, 2009.  On behalf of the 

Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines we thank you for your continued support.

Please, please, please pray for our active military men and women, as well as, their families.  Thank a soldier when you see them in public. And please remember Freedom isn't free.