iwo jima

iwo jima - one of my all time favorite monuments in dc. it is a good place to go and reflect on what men gave up in order that we may live free as we do today. it's close to arlington national cemetary which - walking through there is a realistic reminder of the men and women that have given so much for us.
the upcoming movie "letters from iwo jima"
is going to be great! as a follow up to "flags of our fathers" eastwood has responded with this movie from the japanese perspective. i'm so looking forward to this!

as the year draw to a close there is so much to look back on. i'm reminded with all of the military engagements that have occured in order that i be able to live free. being that 2007 is right around the corner i hope to spend some time reflecting on not only what men and women died for -- but most importantly what Christ died for. i'm quite challenged by this understanding. there is so much going on in the world -- there are men and women defending us right now around the world that we have no idea about.

ultimately -- the Lord knows what's going on. that is encouraging. i'm slowly learning to rest in His ability. i'm by no means close to trusting in Him as i should -- but, i'm so thankful for His continual daily grace that many times i'm unaware of.

my prayer is that the next few days you'll spend some time thinking of the blessings that you've been given and that you'll be thankful. that you won't waste them, that you will actively think of ways in 2007 that you can give to those the Lord has placed in your life.

fe

RED AGAIN

(RED) has caught my attention. December 1 was World AIDS Day . What I thought was going to be just an interactive game that I was making up for my co-workers to raise awareness - well, I'm the one who actually has become aware and very convicted to do something. The statistics are heart breaking - and I have been saying, "Someone needs to do something. Someone needs to go!" As the Lord often does -- the finger was pointing back at me. This summer I'll hopefully be heading to Malawi. An old acquaintance of mine runs the GAIA where he has focused on the stigma of HIV/AIDS specifically in Malawi. I can't imagine the burden that one has to carry who has HIV/AIDS in Malawi and surrounding countries. I've always had a heart for children - and learning that 15 million children have been orphaned by AIDS - I just can't get my head around that. It's overwhelming! The UN has put out their 2006 Report On The Global Aids Epidemic and the statistics are sobering. *South Africa remains one of the worst - 5.5 million people living with AIDS *An estimated 38.6 million people are living with AIDS worldwide by the end of 2005 There is also progress being made in many ares. *The number of people using HIV testing and counselling service has quadrupled in the past 5 yrs. in over 70 countries *In 58 countries that reported - 74% of primary schools and 81% of secondary schools now provide HIV/AIDS education *6 of 11 African countries heavily affected by HIV reported a decline of 25% or more in HIV cases among 15-24 yr. olds in capital cities. This is good news -- and yet there is still a lot more to be done. Get involved!

... oooonly a few days left til' ...

It just wouldn't be Christmas without Hoops & YoYo :)

I do pray that your Christmas is filled with the joy of the most precious gift that was given to us in Christ.

Isaiah 9:6 "For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

NOOMA

I like these. They help people relate to the gospel. I feel sometimes like it's pouring too. Sometimes the Lord allows us to be in the down pouring rain. What do we learn there? I'll let you know, I'm in the middle of one now :)

... time to color ...

It's Christmas time and it's time to color the Silas Partners Christmas card!

Although getting these things sent out has not been as fun as coloring -- I'll admit that I took a little break to color in the midst of labeling and comparing spreadsheets.

Have fun!

Silas

this saturday

I can't wait! This Saturday is going to rule the schools! I need to do this on my boat -- I still need to get a boat :)

.... victory ...

Navy

Victory for my Mids! They have had an amazing season! Once again we've captured the Commander's Cup. I tell ya -- they just keep getting better each year. Season tickets for me next year -- no matter what! What a great weekend-- :)

RED

December 1, 2006 -- Today is World AIDS Day. Having the opportunity to help share some stats with my co-workers this afternoon reminded me of how much we all need to know about this. AIDS is not just something that effects "other" people. It impacts all of us - globally. Please take some time to look at some of the links below and pray about how you can do something to help spread awareness and erase the stigma that so many people live with.

Youtube

(RED)

World Vision