Mike and Stan

Today is another day of mixed thankful emotions. I really feel like all of these posts are running on top of each other, but I guess that is the way that it works. Thankfulness in one area makes you thankful for another - it just flows.

Today, I am thankful to live in America. I am fully aware that this is not the most perfect nation in the world. I am fully aware that this is not the most godly nation in the world. I am fully aware that this is not the richest nation in the world. I am also aware, though, that we have freedoms and access to resources in this country that others only dream of. We really are a blessed nation!

"I am proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free!!!"

Freedom does not come easily. Brave men and women have fought for centuries to ensure that our nation remains a free nation. Today is no different. We have soldiers all around our world that are fighting to keep us safe and free. Freedom oftentimes takes work, time and sacrifice. This is a reality that my family is facing today.

I know I already talked about my in laws, so I won't go down that path again. I will, however, let you know that I am not just thankful for but also very proud of my brother in law, Mike. Mike is my older sister Miriam's husband (hand picked by yours truly, I might add). When they met, he was serving our country at Ft, Benning, GA. Mike joined the Army after high school, became a Ranger, and served our country overseas in Afghanistan shortly after the war began. Mike finished his term in the Army, married my sister, and got his college degree. Now, nearly 10 years later, God is calling Mike back to the action in Afghanistan. Not as a soldier this time, but as an operator of some super cool spy equipment. (The details are classified - Sorry!! Just know that it is REALLY COOL!!)

Mike will be leaving tonight for 6 months in Afghanistan. He will be stationed on a military base and will be operating the equipment that should help our troops tremendously. Please pray for him and Miriam as they are apart. Please pray that these 6 months will FLY BY for them. Please pray for his safety.

I am very thankful for men like Mike that are willing to go overseas, away from their families, to make sure that we are safe and free back here in America. I'm thankful that he and so many others are willing to put themselves in harms way to make sure that others (here and there) are protected. I am proud to be an American, but I am also proud to call him my family!

No worries! Once they see all this ^, the enemy is bound to throw their weapons down peacefully, turn, run and hide in fear!! Take a good look...these guns may just be the weapons that end the war!!

Love you, Mike!!