Through It All.

I've been more emotional lately... missing my hubby... missing my family... missing my friends.  My heart feels a bit heavy today.  It's raining here on Guam... and that's kind of how I'm feeling... rainy & gloomy in the inside.   Everyone's allowed to have days like this... so I'm going to allow myself a good cry.  And then shake it off and move on.   I have too much to do... so I have no choice but to move on from this moment!

Sitting down to connect with some family & friends via their facebook and blogs... I stumbled across my friends blog... and entered her picasa family photos and a BIG SMILE came over my face.  As I was smiling... my blog started playing the song that she introduced me to and gave me for Christmas on a CD by Hillsong.  THROUGH IT ALL!  Whenever I hear it I think of her.  Not a coincidence at all that I was looking at her family photos and then this song came on over my computer.  Truly a moment given to me... THANK YOU GOD... reminding me that I am not alone during this time.    He's given me amazing friendships to lean on - even if they are many miles away.

I smiled because I noticed in her pictures she was wearing a similar shirt that I bought over the summer.  Here's the funny thing... when I saw this shirt at the store (Ross in Maryland) I remember saying to myself... "This is such an AMY SHIRT" - probably because it had paisley like shapes on it.   I liked it, probably because it reminded me of my friend.. so I bought it.    Love that we had such a great connection when we first met... and continue to have that life-long friendship connection - STILL!  Even dressing a like and not even knowing it!  :-)  ha ha!

 ** I miss you, my friend! **

THE SHIRT THAT PUT A SMILE ON MY FACE                                                                                                                          .

Amy & her family in TN                                               .                                    Surrounded by new friends on GUAM

The military life is not for everyone... it's always changing and as spouses we are always adjusting and having to find and seek out new friendships...  hoping to make a connection with someone.   I look at this photo above and the faces in this group picture... there are some new ladies that I just met that day at a baby shower.  Some that I've known for only a few months, yet - we gather together, encourage one another, laugh, cry, plan trips, set up play dates, discuss books at book clubs, work out/exercise together, plan and organize fund raisers and yard sales and holiday parties.  

Amy & I only had 9 months together as families here on Guam.  We truly embraced that time and enjoyed every moment given!    She & her family had to move to Tennessee.  It was awful to see her go... but of course, it's just how our military life is.  Through it all... we were able to travel to Hong Kong for Christmas our first year here, Thailand for a girls trip (total of 6 of us) and the Micronesian Island - YAP for a Mother's Day weekend before she packed out and moved to TN!

Returning to Guam, after vacationing in the states for the entire summer - so many good friends have now moved on to new military duty stations... and once again there is small emptiness knowing that the amazing friendships that I enjoyed are now a FB page or a phone call away!

Just when I think I'm having a gloomy & boo-hoo for me morning... I connected with a mom (just met on FB, as a friend suggestion) who just moved to Guam earlier this month.   They are still living out of suitcases, waiting for housing, kids are slowly adjusting to school and trying to make new friends... and her hubby is at the top of the list to deploy for 15 months, and is expected to leave any day now!  Hmm, then I realize... my situation isn't so bad after all!   And at that moment, I shake it off and realize God's leading for me today.   Romans 12:12 & 13 says, "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  Share with those in need and practice hospitality."

 JOY - I forgot to find that this morning!  Ooh, how am I supposed to instill this in my kids if I forget it myself!
Jesus Others Yourself.

I was all about "me" today.  The sun is out... the JOY is back in order... I'm good!

Lord, THANK YOU for the amazing people you put in my path.. and reminding me of how I am so blessed!  Thank you for the rain today... and even through my "moments of sadness" - you LIFT ME UP and remind me daily that you are here... and PRESENT in MY LIFE, always!

THROUGH IT ALL by Hillsong
(go to my playlist and click on the song to hear it)

You are forever in my life
You see me through the seasons
Cover me with Your hand
And lead me in Your righteousness
And I look to You

And I wait on You

I will sing to You, Lord
A hymn of love
For Your faithfulness to me
I'm carried in everlasting arms
You'll never let me go
Through it all

Hallelujah, hallelujah 


Romans 12:9-16 (New International Version)

 ⁹Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. ¹⁰Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. ¹¹Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. ¹²Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. ¹³Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. ¹⁴Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. ¹⁵Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. ¹⁶Live in harmony with one another.