Happy New Year

It seems that we can finally start a countdown as the guys start to visit home for a couple of weeks and we get to enjoy them for a little while. This year will be full of trials, yes. But blessings as well will follow. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 I continue to pray for health, safety and comfort for the guys in the sand and their loved ones back home, and that all of us are able to identify the "good" that our purpose has brought us.


Lee's children, neices and nephews all wish the men of the 1/117th and their familes a Happy 2006!!!

Imagination

IMAGINATION IS A POWERFUL THING. We can choose either to call up images of comfort or to dream up dreadful scenarios. Often, we employ it in an attempt to answer that consuming question, “What if . . .?” We can be held hostage by our imaginations or use them to draw closer to God. The choice is ours.


Whatever it true, whatever is noble,
Whatever is right, whatever is pure,
Whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-
If anything is excellent or praiseworthy-
Think about such things.
PHILIPPIANS 4:8

From a devotinal based on "I can only Imagine" by Mercy Me. Submitted by Girl Tracy

Pictures from Home

If any of you have visited The "yellow ribbon site" link on the left of this Blog, then you will know about a sweet lady and her angels that have adopted our family to encourage. The latest thing we received were Army ornaments from Leanne that did the website.
Thank you Leanne and angels for everything you do. You are truly a blessing to us with your little (and big) surprises!!!!

Here is Libby with her ornament hung in honor of her daaaaddeeee!!!!







This is Gavin who was so proud to hang his ornament on the tree and can't wait to have his dad here next year to help him hang it way up high!!!!









And finally- Victoria who loves Lee and is very proud of him and misses him!!!!













The kids wish everyone whose eyes touch this blog a Very Jesus filled Merry Christmas!!! To the guys in the sand: We are so thankful for you and cant wait to spend many more Christmas Days with you. May Jesus fill you to the top with all His love during the holidays.

Some pictures to share from Taji

Lee outside his barracks during a rainstorm.


















Fats getting in the Christmas spirit!!

Keep Praying

Dear Lord,Help me to accept the loneliness I feel tonight.
Help me to understand that even though my spouse is thousands of miles away, They are still very close to me in my heart.
Lord, wrap your arms around my spouse and his men.Guide them in their mission and keep them from harm’s way.
Bring them back to their loved ones, theirs sons and daughters who are missing them terribly.Give peace to us left behind who cry ourselves to sleep.
Give peace to the children who long for a hug from their absent parent.Give peace to our soldiers and sailors who worry about the loved ones they had to leave behind.
Dry the tears we all cry.Give strength to us left behind who must step into the role of both mother and father.
Give comfort to those who miss the birth of their children and their children’s first steps.
Lord, place yourself in the midst of all our sorrow and be the bond that keeps our families and marriages together in spite of the separations we all must endure.
I ask this in your name.
Amen

Forwarded by
Wendy Hays

We saw Santa Saturday

Just wanted to share our visit with Santa. The kids did really good. Gavin wants a Robot, Libby wants "dowa" (dora to me and you), Victoria wants an American girl doll (imagine my suprise). They did really well considering we had to wait about 45 minutes. But there was a carnival in the next building to keep us busy. Lee is still doing good. He has good and bad days just like all of us I guess. They are all getting Christmas goodies daily now. So they are very full.


Keep praying for their protection and health daily.

open invitation

Ft Rucker Band Holiday Concert Invitation
Family memebers of Bravo Battery have been invited to:Ft Rucker Band Holiday ConcertMonday, December 12, 20057:00 pm at the Post TheaterPlease RSVP to Tracy Simpler no later than Friday, December 2, 2005.


girltracy@andycable.com

Sad News

I want to let everyone know that a dear servant of our Lord Jesus and dear friend of the 1/117th has passed away. Thad Straughn died yesterday. Thad had kept us informed of almost every training exercise in Indiana and would have probably hidden on the plane to Iraq if someone would have given him a little assistance. It was so clear who he was. "For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks" Luke 6:45. His words spoke volumes about the condition of his heart and there is no doubt where he will spend eternity.

He and his words will be missed more than anyone can say. Thank you Thad for all you did for us.

"But small is the gate and narrow is the path that leads to life, and only a few find it." Matthew 7:14

I pray that every eye that touches these words pass through that small gate and walk that narrow path, and that if there is anyone who isn't sure that they would seek the truth from someone they trust.

Peace be with you all

Angie