My husband made it back from Iraq. So many have not and those are the families to which my heart goes. Some of them gave their lives so that my husband may live. Marines are a strange breed. They feel an honor to die for each other. Some day if I can do it without breaking down I will do a tribute slide show of those who were KIA. Though I never met them, they gave me the ultimate sacrifice. They will all have a special place in my heart, as well as their families. Maybe one day they will be able to work through the pain and realize that their Marine, Soldier, Airman, or Seaman died doing what he or she felt needed to be done to support our country. Yes, I say country even though we are fighting for Iraq, because we have always been the Big Brother taking care of others. That's just the way our country is. And I am so very proud to be born an American where as a woman I can worship God any way I choose without persecution, go to college, have a job, free to speak whatever I choose, even to put my thoughts and feelings on this blog without fear of imprisonment or death.
Some may wonder why I titled this entry as "Glory to God. Well, it is very simple. I put my trust in God that my husband would be returned to me safely. Sure there are a few injuries, but none that are life altering. Before he left I asked Him to watch over him. But if he was destined to lose his life, to please help the girls and our families work through the pain. To carry us when needed. I know through scripture that our lives are not over until our mission for God is complete. Obviously, my husband's is not. When it is then I will know that it is God's way and will have Him to help me through it all; just like He is still doing for me with my mother's death as well as other family members.
Our Sunday School lesson was according to the scriptures John 11:1-44. It is all about trusting in Jesus. Lazarus, the brother of Mary(The one who annointed Jesus' feet with oil then wiped them with her hair.), was dieing. Jesus left him to go with the disciples to Judea; doing so would later prove to some Jews that He was the true Messiah. Mary and her sister Martha sent word to Jesus that Lazarus was dead. He had been dead four days in the tomb by the time Jesus made it back to Bethany. This was significant because the Jews thought that the spirit hovered over the body three days and therefore could reenter at any time during those three days. He told both the women, in front of the Jews that had gathered at the tomb to comfort the women, if they believed in Him that Lazarus would rise again. (John 11:40 Jesus said to her,
"Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?" ) Then Jesus thanked God and asked Him to raise Lazarus. Jesus then told Lazarus to rise. He came out of the tomb hands and feet bound with graves clothes. His face was also wrapped. Jesus then instructed the women to loose him. This lesson proved to me that I was right in putting my trust in the Lord, even in everyday things. What other choice do I have really?
I think now I understand why my cousin is named Bethany. In Bethany a miracle of the proof that Jesus was the Messiah occurred. Bethany, my cousin, is a living proof as well. It is apparent that Jesus can be found in her heart.
Yes, God is in control of my life and I'm all the better for it. He has proven to me time and time again that He is there when I don't feel I need Him and when I need Him to lift me up from my sorrow. My heart is filled with joy because of the Spirit.
If you are a nonbeliever or have doubts, please pm me over at Scrap Etc. If you do not have a Bible, let me know, I will get one to you. If you have questions I will try to answer them as best I can or find the answers for you.
May God be with you all today.
