JOY = LOVE

JOY -  Jesus Others Yourself

JOY is a choice

The law of attraction says whatever you focus on you get more of. Your heart secretly attracts what it loves or fears. Hebrews 12:1-3 says that we need to keep our eyes on Christ. As we learn to focus our faith on Christ we learn to find our JOY in knowing, loving and serving Him.  

At home, we try to focus on JOY.  I'll ask the kids - "Is Jesus in your heart and are you thinking of Others before Yourself"  It's a simple concept of keeping JOY in the right order.  Jesus, Others, Yourself. 

On July 3, 2010.  Morgan, Ryan & Daniella got baptized and accepted CHRIST in their heart.  They made this decision at summer camp.  In fact, it was when we visited Daniella during sabbath... the kids witnessed the baptisms and decided right then and there that they also wanted to give their hearts to the Lord.   

"I have no greater JOY than to hear that my children are walking in the truth."  (3 John 4)  

  

Morgan selected:  Ephesians 2:10 

as his bible verse to be read before being baptized.

Ephesians 2:8-10 (New International Version)

⁸For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹not by works, so that no one can boast. ¹⁰For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ryan selected:  Roman's 3:23

Romans 3:23-24 (New International Version)

²³for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, ²⁴and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

 

Daniella selected a bible verse that her counselor Chrissy shared with her when she was having a hard time (homesick) during her week at camp.  It made such an impact on her... she has memorized it and says it daily... and we have named this BLOG "Strong & Courageous" because of it.

Joshua 1:9 (New International Version)

⁹ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

To feel GOD'S presence at camp, and to see all the smiles on everyone's faces and to have family & friends there to share this moment - filled my heart with such JOY!  And yes... I believe the HEAVENS were also celebrating with us!  


I'm so thankful that our kids were able to experience camp this summer.  What a blessing each and every counselor and mentor has been to them.  This is truly a summer of their independence and growth.  What a blessing that Dale was able to be a part of this before he left for his deployment. 


I will pray continuously for my children... even MORE since they've made the decision to follow CHRIST!  Thank you for joining me in prayer, that they will continue on the right path and that they will always keep JOY in their hearts!   My prayers will also be that they will not keep this JOY to themselves... but also be a LIGHT unto this world!  By sharing their JOY of Christ to those they meet.  Not just in the words they say... but in their actions and reactions in their EVERY DAY life.


*thanks to my cousin Gigi Jacobs for taking such beautiful photos of the kids getting baptized

MY DADDY

Mia "draw'd" a picture for Daddy

Hi Daddy,

I love you daddy!  Good Morning, Daddy!  Good Night, Daddy!

Bye Daddy!  Hi Daddy!  Good Daddy!  I'll draw you a picture daddy!    Can you see it?  I miss your funny faces.  I miss Daddy!

Good Morning Daddy!  Good Night Daddy!  Thank you for coming back!  Thank you for being my DADDY...

Bye Daddy!  I draw'd a picture for you Daddy!

That's all, Mommy!  I love you SOOO MUCH!!!

Good Night Daddy!

* this letter was typed as Mia spoke her letter 
to Daddy!  She later told me... 
"I said a lot of Daddy's".  We all miss you, honey!!!  
xoxox, Momma D

I miss you Daddy!

Dear Daddy,
  
We are having a good time with MomMom and PopPop. It would be great if you were here with us.  We just came back from St. Augustine.  The OLDEST city in The United States of America.

My favorite part was when we saw Alexi and Justin McMonigle at the Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum.  Mommy didn't tell us that they were coming so that we wouldn't keep asking her,  "WHEN ARE THEY COMING?!?!?!?!",  and so we could be SUPER happy when they got there.

We got to go to their house and see their dog, Hannah.  Hannah is a Golden Retriever/Poodle Mix.  She does a lot of tricks like our dog Bella.  She is super loving but attacked me with her crazy love.  I felt safer when Lexi locked me in Hannah's cage.  Luckily, I managed to get out.  Alexi left me there, but she knew that I could get out.

Lexi's room is really nice.
It's a jungle themed room.

Whenever we are in Lake Wales, we get to swim EVERY DAY!  I LOVE IT!  The pool is indoors and it is right next to the ping-pong room.  It would be fun if we went to the Bowling Alley but it got flooded and it has been closed for a long time.

We gave MomMom and PopPop pottery that we made.  You weren't deployed yet but we made it before you even came to Maryland.



I hope you are having fun!  I love you! :)

-DanDan

You Are Not Alone

You Are Not Alone

You are not alone - For God is with you.
You are not defenseless - For God is your protector.
You are not inadequate - For God is your sufficiency.
You are not useless - For God has a purpose for your life.
You are not worthless - For God sent His Son to die for you.
You are not without hope - For God has a place prepared for you.
You are not unloved - For God loves you with an everlasting love.
You are not rejected, or abandoned - For God calls you His own.

"I will never fail you. I will never abandon you." So we can say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?" Hebrews 13:5-6 NLT

Tomorrow

Annie was the first Broadway Musical I remember seeing as a kid.   I loved it so much that I would lay down next to our tan colored dog (a Japanese Akita named Aikko) and pretend that she was just like the dog Sandy in the play.  I would sing while stroking her fur and with all the emotions, I would pretend to be little orphan Annie.  Day dreaming and wishing for a better world.   I must've been 8 or 9 years old.  At one point, I think I did this daily… just sing and pretend.  Not to mention, annoy my brother to no end!

"The sun'll come out… TOMORROW, 

betcha bottom dollar that 

TOMORROW - they'll be sun!  

Just thinking' about TOMORROW.. 

clears away the cobwebs and the sorrows - 

till there's NONE!  

When I'm stuck with a day

that's grey and lonely!

I just stick out my chin

and grin… and SAY - Oh

The sun'll come out… TOMORROW, 

so you gotta hang on till Tomorrow

Come what may…

Tomorrow, Tomorrow…

I LOVE YA… Tomorrow!

You're only a day away!!!!

(imagine me singing even louder now building to a crescendo… and about this time my older brother Len would be screaming to my mom, "PLEASE…make her stop singing!")

TOMORROW!  TOMORROW!

I LOVE YA… TOMORROW

YOU'RE ONLY A DAY A-W-A-Y!!

Who knew at the time that this song was already teaching me how to think positively and not focus on what could be wrong today… but that "TOMORROW, there will be sun!  Just hang on… and wait for tomorrow."   It's called - Hope.  When you have it in your heart… no one can take that away from you.

This reminds me of the time I had Ryan.  He was born 12 weeks premature (2lbs 11oz when he was born).  He stayed in the NICU for 7 weeks to feed and grow and basically for his lungs to develop more.  Every day when I held him in my arms… I would close my eyes and day dream.  In my mind, he was healthy and happy.  He was running and jumping.  He was older and bigger… not so small and frail.  He had so many different wires attached to him… to help him breathe, to watch his heart, to regulate his body temperature… and who knows what else!   I would pray.  I whispered my prayers in his ears.  I was strong and courageous during that time.  EVERYDAY I held Ryan I knew that those thoughts of him running around was just around the corner… and here we are… 11 years later... trying hard to keep him still.  

This time apart from Dale… is no different!  When I hug and kiss my kids goodnight and when we pray together, I still close my eyes and I see us all reunited again.  Visualizing us all together as a family again is my focus... it's what I see when in my minds eyes.   Eight months is nothing compared to a LIFETIME together... it's only a short time in the grand scheme of things!  TOMORROW!  TOMORROW!  I LOVE YA... TOMORROW... YOU'RE ONLY A DAY A-------WAY!!!

photos by Mia

Mia and Dani making a wish... 

I WISH I WISH THAT TIME WILL GO FAST SO DADDY WILL BE HOME SOON!!  WE MISS YOU SO MUCH DADDY!


Mia loves the PHOTO BOOTH feature on my computer... all the kids do!   I'm amazed that she knows how to work it on her own... just this morning I found her in front of my computer entertaining herself and snapping photos of herself... here are a few of your funny little girl.

Smiling for you Daddy... do you miss me?

I miss you so much!

See you soon!  Bye - bye!!

Pinky promise that you'll skype us soon!

Man to Man

Dear Daddy,

I miss you.  I love you.  I am the man of the house now.  Tough job, but someone's got to do it.  I'd say, I'm "filling" in for you... but your foot is smaller than mine!  We're having a great time in Florida.  Disney World was fun and the pool here is awesome.  I'm helping MomMom and PopPop by not wasting food and eating everything in sight.  I'm growing faster, so watch out!

We can't wait until you come back... and you're not even in Kuwait yet.   Mia is talking to the computer right now like you're on Skype. That's funny.   Mia's funny, Ryan's funny, we're all funny!  We take after you.  LOUD AND FUNNY!  That's funny.  Really funny.  Ha ha ha funny!

Well, bye Daddy, see you on Skype and call us ok?


                                          Love,
                                      Morgan (ME)

Scriptures from friends...

Here are a few FACEBOOK messages that were sent to me from friends... THANK YOU for your love and prayers!  I'm so blessed to have such an awesome support all around the world!


AMY RAYMOND MORRISON July 10 @ 10:08pm (my friend I met on Guam, now in TN)
Just wanted to send you anote to let you know that I'm thinking of you.  I can be by your side in an instant if not physically but on the phone :-)  Love you, my friend.  You will get through this. 
This is for you.  So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.  Isaiah 41:10 
This is for Dale.  Where can I go from your Spirit?  Where can I flee from your presence?  If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.  Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.   Psalm 139: 7, 9-10, 23-24


GEMMA MERCADO July 13 at 10:14am  (friend from GUAM)
I just wanted to let you know that we are including you and your family in our nightly family prayers.   When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.  Isaiah 43 : 2


MARY WAUGH July 15 at 1:12pm (friend from FL)
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trails of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking in anything.  James 1 : 2-4

my little fish

Well, after a long morning of trying to motivate... we're finally here at the indoor pool at Lake Ashton. Love this pool... out of the sun, indoor ping pong tables... not to mention internet access. Can't beat it. Kids get to swim and have fun (what kids are supposed to do during the summer)... and I get to relax, catch up on blogging and facebook... and organize my photos. I easily have over a thousand photos just this summer... so glad we're in a digital world!!!

Ryan cracks me up with his letter... I try to contain this kid and have him slow down and sit still... but it's like tying up a wild animal! The boy just needs to move. He's most happy when he's outdoors and active. He's found MomMom's ankle weights and walks around with them all over the house. He weighed himself today and he weighs a whopping 68lbs! Can you imagine our little 2 pound 11 ounce boy is 68 pounds! Praise GOD that he is healthy and normal.

Mia woke up screaming and fighting with someone in her dream. Apparently she was fighting for a sprinkled donut. I had to laugh because this is what she was crying about? Seriously! WHY? MomMom had a good laugh when I told her... so, of course... like a good grandma - when she was out shopping - she stopped at the bakery and got her grand-daughter a sprinkled donut. This put a HUGE smile on Mia's face this afternoon at lunch! I'm sad that you'll be missing this stage... it's really my favorite time/age! If I could only bottle her up and wait for you to come back and see her now!!! Every day she's doing and saying something new. I'll be happy when you finally get to Kuwait and we can skype daily so she can see you.

Dani continues to ask to be home schooled next year. Oh what to do? She's a huge help with Mia and helps with her all the time. Not sure what I would do without her... she's amazing! Right now she's swimming with Mia... catching her as her baby sister jumps in fearlessly into the water! I'm still not sure what to do about next year and her schooling. Will I regret NOT homeschooling her? She is growing up so fast. Maybe I should try it for one year. School on Guam starts in 6 weeks... I guess we'll just have to see.

Morgan... our tween, who is taller than I am... who's voice is always imitating someone other than himself - is growing so fast. He stepped on the scale today and is already 115 lbs. He's been working out more and trying to develop his six-pack... he's constantly eating and making good choices saying, "this won't get me my six-pack". ha ha! When you return in 8 months I won't be surprised if he's taller than you. I think that is his goal. Today he asked me, "Mommy, what should we focus more on... music or martial arts?" He answered his own question and said, "we should concentrate on music and have martial arts as our hobby". He spent most of the morning youTubing piano tutorials and watching and learning new pieces like, "A Thousand Miles" by Vanessa Carlton and "Ribbon in The Sky" by Stevie Wonder. He's also reading (or supposed to be reading) JD Salingers, "The Catcher in the Rye" - but he keeps going back to the piano. Can't stop him... it's probably for the best - since I recall the character in the book is a bit rebellious and in his teens. No need for Mo to learn about these things just yet. He's already growing up too fast!

It's been 9 days since we hugged you good-bye. The time is going by slowly... even though we're having so much fun. The kids are doing great. I'm doing great. We love you so much and are proud of you sweetie for being a wonderful leader. We miss you and know that soon this time will speed up and in a blink this time apart will be over. Looking forward to hearing from you soon!!! xoxoxo For Always my LOVE!

I JUST WANNA SWIM!

Dear Daddy,

I hope you're doing good and I hope you're getting fit for training. We love you. Morgan and I are taking care of the family and having fun with MomMom and PopPop here in Florida. I'm reading a book called, "Vicki and the Black Horse". It's about a horse named Pat and Vicki is training the horse for a big show. She just bought a pony for the horse so Pat wouldn't be lonely. The pony's name is Jesse. I feel like crying because mommy is making me read and this book is off the wall! It's really boring and old... and who cares about ponies and horses anyway... I just want to go swimming. It's a good book (I'm just saying that so mommy feels better) because she's with me right now. It hurts to read because I have to sit still for so long... my body just needs to move! I WANT TO SWIM! Wish you were here because I know we would've been in the pool 2 hours ago!!

I love you,

Ryan

Disney Magic

Dani asked me how long has it been since Daddy's been gone and it's hard to believe that it's only been 8 days. It seems much longer than a week! We've been distracted with some great fun and of course being here with my parents in Florida. But it's still not complete when Dale's not with us.

We just returned from 4 days of Disney Magic Fun. It was jammed pack of fun and late nights. We were able to enjoy the Military Appreciation Special of $99 for 4 days. Comes with a price though... a deployed daddy! It's wonderful that the park honors military families with these appreciation tickets every so often. Eight years ago, we took advantage of the Military Appreciation and brought the boys to Disney when Morgan turned 4 years old and Ryan was still 2. A great week spent with our cousins and their families! The memories of that vacation is still fresh in my memory... even after 8 years!!

Disney never disappoints! The kids enjoyed themselves so much - especially little Mia, who is at the perfect age to enjoy meeting all the different characters! She loves Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse and had a blast walking around their cottage homes and getting pictures with them! Oh to be three!!

There was a part during the 4 days at the park where I was brought back in time. When Dale & I started dating we lived 3 hours away from each other. Dale lived in North Chicago, IL and I was living and working in Mishawaka, IN. Our very first date... when it was just the two of us... he drove 3 hours to take me to see the new Disney movie - Aladdin. That was 18 years ago! Amazing how the song "A Whole New World" brought back all those feelings of "love" and how much I missed my sweetheart! Who knew the words would mean so much now as it did then... he has truly shown me the world! As we're worlds apart right now... I look forward to our time when we'll be reunited to continue our journey together!!!

I can show you the world
Shining, shimmering, splendid
Tell me, princess, now when did
You last let your heart decide?

I can open your eyes
Take you wonder by wonder
Over, sideways and under
On a magic carpet ride

A whole new world
A new fantastic point of view
No one to tell us no
Or where to go
Or say we're only dreaming

A whole new world
A dazzling place I never knew
But when I'm way up here
It's crystal clear
That now I'm in a whole new world with you
Now I'm in a whole new world with you

Unbelievable sights
Indescribable feeling
Soaring, tumbling, freewheeling
Through an endless diamond sky

A whole new world
Don't you dare close your eyes
A hundred thousand things to see
Hold your breath - it gets better
I'm like a shooting star
I've come so far
I can't go back to where I used to be

A whole new world
Every turn a surprise
With new horizons to pursue
Every moment red-letter
I'll chase them anywhere
There's time to spare
Let me share this whole new world with you

A whole new world
That's where we'll be
A thrilling chase
A wondrous place
For you and me

... the Military Wife

She packs. She moves. She follows. Why? What for? How come? You may think she's lost her mind. Actually, she's lost her heart. It was stolen from her by a man. A man who puts duty first, who longs to deploy, who salutes the flag, and whose boots in the doorway remind her that as long as he is her Military Husband she will remain his Military Wife.

Skype is AWEsOme!

Dani announced, "whoever invented skype is AWEsOME!" Daddy called Dani on her little lap top (all on her own) and they chatted and talked and laughed... even though miles separated them! She had a BIG smile on her face knowing that it won't be as hard as she thought it might be!

-currently stopped at a KOA just north of Richmond, VA and Dale is in a Marriott near Port Hueneme in California.

Dear Daddy

Hi Daddy,

I miss you already and it has been only 3 hours. : D

Thank you for deploying even though I didn't want you to go. I am glad that you are only deploying for 8 months and not a couple years. I will see you in March!

I love you!

- DanDan

Joshua 1:9

Today begins our new beginning. Dale left early this morning for California to do his training for 3 weeks before heading off to Kuwait for 8 long months. I wanted to start a new blog to help record this time apart... to give the kids a chance to write and learn how to post. Possibly even get Dale to add some of his thoughts and photos on his end. We'll see how this goes. Dale is new to uploading photos with his new camera. I may have to ease him slowly into the blogging world!

The name of this blog is STRONG & COURAGEOUS... taken from Daniella's favorite bible verse found in Joshua 1:9

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your GOD will be with you wherever you go."

This is the verse that was read to Dani when she was feeling sad and homesick at camp... and it will definitely carry us all through the next 8 months apart. How blessed I am to have 4 amazing children!

... and our theme for our family to live by is the boys favorite song that they all learned at Mt. Aetna Camp this summer and it's EVERYDAY by Hillsong. The boys even learned how to play it on the ukulele's! It's a great song.

EVERYDAY

What to say Lord it's
You who gave me life and I
Can't explain just how
Much You mean to me now
that You have saved me Lord
I give all that I am to You
That everyday I could
Be a light that shines Your name

Everyday Lord I'll
Learn to stand upon Your word
And I pray that I
I might come to know You more
That You would guide me
In every single step I take and
everyday I can
Be Your light unto the world

Everyday, It's You I'll live for
Everyday, I'll follow after You
Everyday, I'll walk with You my Lord

It's You I live for everyday
It's You I live for everyday
It's You I live for everyday