Weekend Worship—A Holiday Blessing

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith . . . Hebrews 10:22

Our son’s first deployment was the first time our family was apart during Christmas. I found myself dreading the holidays and consequently postponed decorating the house. This was way out of character for me. I’d always delighted in filling the house with multiple trees, twinkling lights and all the trimmings of Christmas. But somehow it didn’t seem right to celebrate so abundantly when my son was halfway around the world in the middle of a war.

Weekend Worship—The Price of Freedom

Who is this glorious king? He is our LORD, a strong and mighty warrior. Psalm 24:8

I snapped this picture as my son left on his first deployment

It was our son’s first deployment and we were on base to see him off. Toward the end of our visit, God showed me things I’ll never forget.

The men were called in groups to the low, brick building that held their rifles. When Jimmy came back with his gun, he took great delight in explaining all about it to his brothers and his dad. I stood a few steps away, just watching and praying. As I watched, I realized that he was so comfortable with his weapon, it was like a part of his body. He knew every piece of it by touch and handled it with a casualness that bespoke many hours practice.