Emotions...

Emotions are interesting...some days I wish I had less emotion pouring out from within me. Some days I feel I don't have enough. But most days, I'm emotional. Yesterday, I was emotional. I had the opportunity to run into our neighbors, Mike and Kim, and I'm so glad. Today, Mike is leaving to go out of the country...he's being shipped out to Iraq for 8 months. And I am really sad to see him go. His wife threw him a huge going away party on Saturday with tons of friends, family and neighbors there to see him off. There was an awesome impromptu flag ceremony that brought even Mike, the tough military guy, to tears. He said, "The flag now means so much more to me than ever before." He believes in going to Iraq and fighting for his country and helping another. He is a great guy and I hope all who read this send up a prayer for him once in a while for his safety and protection...physical, spiritual, mental and emotional. As I left the party, I really didn't get a chance to say "goodbye" to Mike but I did ask if they were going to be around the next couple of days. They said yes and I thought, "Cool...I'll run into them." And I kept looking out the window trying to figure out if they were home or what over the next couple of days. Well, Tuesday came and I had the pleasure of having my friend Melody and her girl, Julia Rose, come over to play and when lunch time came around, Mel was hungry for Mexican food. Being 38 1/2 weeks preggo, I figured I'd just let her pick! :) When we pulled into the parking lot, I was pleasantly surprised to see Mike and Kim in their truck. I was hoping they were eating at the same restaurant...they weren't. Before I walked into our restaurant, I caught eyes with Mike and he came over and gave me a BIG hug. I told him that I'd be praying for him like crazy and that I'll miss him. And I told him, "You come back." His simple response said with a smile, "I will." I sat down inside with a heavy heart and told Mel who they were. Then I remembered that I had just put my camera in my purse right as I walked out the door. So I rushed out and found them a few doors down grabbing Chinese food and asked them if I could take a picture. The picture isn't the greatest with the best background, but I love it. And I'd love it if you upheld this couple in prayer with me over the next 8 months. Here they are...

At the impromptu flag ceremony...Here's Mike talking before the flag went up...Derek, Dave, Dave's buddy, and Mike readying the flag!When I got home from Bible Study last night, I saw these ribbons and again, got emotional. I haven't seen them in a while and we've never had them up on this street. But I'm glad they are up and they are a constant reminder to keep those deployed in our thoughts and especially prayers. Thanks Heather for taking the time to put all the ribbons up! I'm sure Kim will be surprised and grateful!!


Lord, please keep your watchful eye on Michael. Please protect him and keep him safe from any and all kinds of harm, whether it be physical, spiritual or emotional. Preserve him and Kim through this trying time and allow them to be together again when You see fit! AMEN! :)