Celebrating A Year Together!

Today we celebrate the one year mark since Braden returned home from a very long deployment. Just for fun, I dug up a few photos to share so that you can remember the journey with us. 

Ryder and Daddy have one last 'lovey' before he leaves.

On his way home, I met Braden in Spain for their last port call.

Our view of the carrier from our hotel balcony.

This is my all time favourite photo. Braden leaves the Truman for the last time. Zappers are on their way home!

 

Ryder and I eagerly await the Zapper jets.

Together at last!

 We learned a lot in 9 months apart - but mostly how to rely on God's strength and wholly trust in Him. We appreciated so much the support of family, friends, and the church.

Oh but it's sure good to be together again!

Playing the Waiting Game

For those of you who were waiting to hear the news with bated breath, the waiting game has begun.  Sorry to build anticipation and then leave you hanging. We've got 3 more weeks until the next ultrasound.

It happens so often that we are forced to play the waiting game. Waiting for answers. Waiting for deployment to end. Waiting for a particular trial to end. At some time, most times, I'm willing to bet, we are waiting for something or another. 

Waiting for deployment to end.

Waiting is inevitable, but what you choose to do along the way is just that - your choice. So, if you're playing the waiting game, like I am, here are some ways to beat discouragement:

1. Don't set plans too firmly, you only have so much control.
Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”—yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” (James 4:13-16 ESV)
http://www.esvbible.org/James+4/

2. Make it a matter of prayer, God knows the specific details of your situation.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV)
http://www.esvbible.org/1+Thessalonians+5:11/

3. Keep living in the meantime. 
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12 ESV)
http://www.esvbible.org/James+1/

4. Know that there's always hope, nothing should cause you to despair.
For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. (Romans 15:4 ESV)
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (Romans 15:13 ESV)
http://www.esvbible.org/Romans%2015/

Waiting for Daddy.

Together at last.

This was my personal timely reminder. 
I trust that it has been an encouragement to you as well. 
Have you been playing the waiting game?  How have you encouraged yourself in the midst of waiting?