My Future with Caroline

I've decided what I am going to do when I get out of the Navy. Yes, after four years of college and years of traveling the world with the Navy, I'll finally be ready to settle down. Caroline helped me decide where and how to live up to my potential today, during our 3 hour phone conversation. It was the highlight of my day. We decided to open up a surf shop. And uhh, no we don't know anything about surfing. Caro has taken it upon herself to run the cash register because that is what she knows best. She's going to grow dreds and I am going to give surf lessons. She's making me do the surf lessons because she says, "I have the surfer body." Great. Thanks Caroline, I might have been better at the cash register. Anyways, don't worry about us not knowing how to surf. I've learned to not sweat the small stuff these days. We'll figure it out as we go.

We are going to have a quaint little cottage to share. We don't want anything nice or fancy! We want a space that is small and homey. A kitchen for sure is a necessity. We're going to be vegetarians, and Caroline is going to run the garden in our backyard. She listed off all sorts of vegetables on the phone. I can't remember which ones. We'll have wild flowers in the front yard and herbs in our windowsills. At the rate were going, it seems that both of us will be single forever. We might as well grow a little older together, while were waiting for a miracle to happen!

Caroline will sell pottery on the side because that is where her true passions and desires reside. Neither of us want to join the real world. She doesn't want to teach and I don't want to be a dietitian. I think I'd be miserable. I've taken it upon myself to write as much as possible, because when I write I feel as close to myself as possible. What was I thinking majoring in nutrition, when writing is what I have enjoyed after all these years? Also, I'll be making handmade jewelry to sell. I'm not sure how we decided on this, as I know nothing of handmade jewelry either. I'm thinking lots of turquoise, though.



We decided to get a pet dog because I'm allergic to cats and Caroline doesn't want to clean out a fish tank. She also said, "turtles were boring." She wanted a parrot, but I told her "they were obnoxious." So, a dog we will have. When deciding on a name for our surf shop/ jewelry/ pottery store, nothing sounded right. We tried beads and pots. Bowls and beads. Unique beads. All sounded ridiculous and a bit misleading. We decided that we would wear long skirts and toe rings. My curls will be beachy and my toes barefoot with a cute toe ring on. There will be a drink in our hands, all day and we will smell of salt and sand.

But don't try and find us, because we have plans to take off and see the world. We'll find love in Bali, and peace in India. We'll be happily fattened up wherever we go, because foods will be a top priority. We will never leave each other and carry only what will fit in a backpack. And when we get tired, we'll find a coffee shop, to prop up our legs and kick back. What do you think? It doesn't make sense that either of us were born in this decade when we so easily stand out. We are so very different from all of our friends. She hula hoops her days away, and I dream of reading and writing for all eternity. The end.
___________________________________________________________________________________

Oh, I miss Caroline so much. It's a wonder how were going to make it through deployment. She read her senior letter to me on the phone today, a bit tipsy. I'm surprised she made it through without crying. I will say she lost her place while reading numerous times. Of all the people in the world who truly understand me, she is one of the few. We have shared so many memories over the years. Of the ones I cherish, most are truly simple, like laying in her bed drinking wine, or drinking coffee in the mornings.

Above is a picture of us at Watermelon Bust doing the watermelon wheel barrel challenge. A challenge it was! We practiced prior to the field day in the Phi Mu house. Here we are on the second floor. Imagine the two of us. Her holding my feet and me pushing the watermelon with my nose. I think our sisters yelled at us because we were making too much noise laughing. On the actual field day game. We did not win. Caroline was laughing too hard and couldn't hold me up. She didn't drop me but I was close. I can't look at that picture and not laugh out loud.

The other picture is from our canoe slalom endeavor. We took it upon ourselves one year to enter into a canoe race. And umm no, we knew nothing about canoeing. I'd never even heard the word slalom before! Have you? How hard can it be right? Well, for one it poured down rain that morning. And two, we know nothing about canoeing. A canoe slalom is much harder than a canoe race. We had no idea we'd be doing turns and circles instead of just canoeing in a straight line. We finished the race. We didn't win by any means, but we finished and I was so proud of us afterwards!



I cannot wait to see her beautiful face when I take leave next year! Just think, I'll have even more ridiculous stories of us doing silly things to write about, by the time we see each other again. So until then, I keep you close in my heart and carry you with me always, Caro. We may be miles apart but no miles can separate the love I have for you. :)

GA Bible Challenge (Part 2)

Hello once again. This is part 2 of my GA bible verse challenge. I hope that those who are participating are enjoying the challenge. And challenge it is, I might add!! With my busy schedule, I'll be honest and tell you that I don't always give the gospel as much time as I should. With the Ga's memorizing these verses (at least I hope they are because I am working my butt off trying to learn these), it forces me to take a look as well.

Anyways, I tried to broaden the categories of types of verses this time. Lets think of these verses as tattoos on our heart that should never disappear because the Holy Spirit is helping us memorize! We will need them during times of pressure, or stress, during Sunday school or when searching for help through God. I know I will need these verses with me in my daily life, especially through my deployment.

 Sometimes we forget that the answers to our prayers are right in front of our noses. I like to think of God as our teacher. Do you remember as a kid, asking questions in school? The answer was always, "read the text or open your book." I hated when teachers told me that. Sometimes its easier when the answer is told, but when you research the answer, you truly learn better. That's why teachers don't just tell you the answer.The bible is our reference and even when we feel lazy, the answers are there, waiting for us to learn.

These verses could be the basic foundation of building a steady humble life for the Lord. It is better for us to know and understand these short key verses than to fall asleep trying to read something we don't understand because it is too long. That's why I'm glad I've teamed up with the GA's, I like the simple, short, sweet, truth of these verses. I don't feel so overwhelmed because they aren't long or intimidating. I've focused these verses directly on the GA's, so that they will be able to benefit from them. They are short and uplifting because I remember being their age. Sometimes I just needed support from friends in knowing that God was there. Either way, lets continue this fascinating journey with God, and keep up the steady pace. How many verses will we eventually be able to memorize? I'm not counting!

June 17- 23
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in him shall not parish, but have everlasting life

June 24-30
Mark 13:31 Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will remain forever

July 1-7
John 14:16 I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

July 8-14
Romans 10:13 For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

July 15-21
Joshua 1:9 Don't be afraid nor be dismayed for your god is with you wherever you go.

July 22-28
1 Thessalonians 5:17 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ.

July 29-Aug 4
Psalm 46:10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
   I will be exalted among the nations,
   I will be exalted in the earth.”

Aug 5-11
Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because
anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists
and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Aug 12-18
Psalm 62:5
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from him.

August 19-25
Philippians 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit,
but in humility consider others better than yourselves.

August 26-Sep 1 <--- :) (my birthday)
Psalm 62:11
One thing God has spoken,
two things have I heard:
that you, O God, are strong.

Escaping Reality

" I think we dream so we don't have to be apart so long.  If we're in each other's dreams, we can play together all night. "

 ~Bill Watterson, Calvin & Hobbes

Have you ever thought about your dreams? Lately my subconscious has been stuck in my past life, my life before the Navy. My dreams love civilian life and rarely focus on military aspects. Almost 80% of my dreams have been back in the states, which is weird, because I'm currently in Japan. I don't know if this is due to me missing home or what, but its comforting. Some are hilarious, some heartbreaking, some joyful and others sad...I don't know what is going on but, I absolutely love falling asleep. And not just because I'm exhausted from work, because I definitely am. It's because, I've found home in my dreams every single night. It's practically the best part of my day. Believe me, that's saying a lot because you know I love the feeling of hot coffee and the espresso button. God knows, I love that espresso button when I'm stuck at work!

I realize that I am far away from home. I get that. But as good as it sounds, I don't want to be home right now, not yet anyways. Yeah, the command is shitty, but Japan...Japan is a far bigger exploration of myself than I ever thought possible. I try and set myself apart from those with negative attitudes. It's hard. I'm still trying to wrap my mind around me being so far from home. It's crazy! I think I am too independent for my own good.

Every night as I get ready for bed, I prepare to find family. My dreams take me to them. I look forward to the journey. They take me to places throughout my life: snow skiing with dad, laying out by the river with mom, my old apartment with Big, the sorority house with Caro and Galarde, and anywhere with sour gummy worms with my brother. Anything can happen. Caro will bring me beer to my bubble bath and talk to me. Mom will make pot roast and we'll drink coffee and watch Dirty Dancing. Daddy will take me out on the town, and we'll wear cowboy boots. Moments can be re-created and life goes exactly how I want it to...exactly as planned with no interruptions.

In my dreams, I find new experiences, but old ones, as well. You know all those times, you regret not saying what you wanted to? An argument, or a moment passes you by and you re-hash everything? You over think, over analyze and curse yourself for not saying what you truly felt or truly wanted to say. In dreams, I am a far stronger woman, and say exactly what I want and should've said in that moment in time. The ability to see that, gives me so much inner strength and confidence.

I realize that most dreams are utterly ubsurd and have nothing to do with anything. Some don't even make sense but, I also believe dreams are secret desires played out. Things you normally wouldn't even speak out loud because you're afraid it's too good to be true. But in a dream...deeper truths are uncovered. Maybe that's why its so hard  for me to let go. We have an inner life inside us all with inner hopes and dreams that we think are impossible, but are they? Or are we too scared to do exactly what we say? What do you think?

5th Avenue to the Bronx

Ughh...You'll never guess what just happened? My blog, deleted itself. I graduated college, this should not be happening to me. I. AM. SO. MAD. I had about 3/4's of the blog finished, and while trying to copy a picture in, it deleted itself. UGHH!!!!!! The words flashed before my eyes, and then, sure enough a blank page. I had even saved it, like a good student. Thank God, I don't have a deadline. But really? REALLY? This is ridiculous. I haven't worked out yet. I cant handle this stress.

Next week, I'm moving into the Bronx, right now I'm on 5th Avenue. The new berthing I am moving into is sub par to the current one I am in. Right now, I am on the O3 level with 18 racks living with very pleasant MC's (the sailors that take pictures for the navy). I'll be on 3rd deck with 50 or 60 other AO's. Don't get me wrong, I love the girls I work with, but now I have to live with them too? I've posted a picture to the left, for those of you who need a better understanding of the deck levels of an aircraft carrier. The good thing? I'll be closer to my berthing when I have to use the head. And...less ladder wells to go up and down throughout the day. Last week, I chose racks for Thomas and I in this new berthing. Me, being the good friend that I am, let Thomas have the top rack and I sacrificed getting the bottom rack to be closer to her. Friends, are what's gonna help me make it through this deployment, anyways. It doesn't matter where you are, just who is around you to make you smile. If Thomas is around, I'm bound to smile. Together, we do and say some ridiculous things.

Today, I went to the Nex to buy supplies. You'd have thought we were in the midst of a zombie Apocalypse I bought so many items. Never in my life have I bought twelve pairs of underwear, twelve pairs of socks, three bottles of body wash, two tubes of toothpaste, etc, etc...the list goes on. I thought I'd be one armed for this deployment, my basket was so heavy while shopping.

I'm feeling very anxious about the upcoming events. You know when you are packing for a trip and worried you will forget something? Well, that's how I feel currently. If you're anything like my mom, when packing for a trip, you'll have everything laid out on your bed (three days early), lists, a check off sheet, and plan B if something goes wrong. If you are like me, you'll just throw some things in a bag, (the morning of) and figure out the rest when you get there. Here's hoping some of my mom rubs off on me for this deployment. I know friends, and family will send me things of I forget something, but I still feel a bit apprehensive about it all.

I went down to the new berthing today, armed with a sponge and some cleaner. Who would have guessed I would need close to the entire bottle of Tilex? I found old coins, dirt, chewed gum and hair. Ewww, the hair! After about thirty minutes of elbow deep scrubbing, I was semi satisfied with the condition of my coffin locker. To the right, you'll see what a coffin locker looks like. This is approximately how much space I have for all of my clothes. I also have two 1/2 size stand up lockers. And the one to the right is also a bottom rack, i.e. my home. Like, I said, the only thing that makes this better is, I'll be near Thomas. Esmeralda, is in the same berthing as me but is much farther away.

We are suppose to be fully moved in by sometime next week. I don't have time to sit down and wonder how deployment will be, so for now I'm just cruisin' on having a great time on land while I can! Here's hoping this post was delightful and informative.

Happy Sunday.

 DG

Working Man Blues

Let me tell you, working from 05:00am-9:00pm at night is ridiculous...especially when you are suppose to get off work at 6:30pm. Most days I'm pretty cheerful at work, I take small pleasure in the little things but when one of our chief's is on duty we might as well prepare for the worst. You can try and play his game but there is no beating it. Chief always wins. If we clean every item on his list, he'll just pull something else out of nowhere to hit us to make us all stay later. Chief wins every time.

On the nights that he is on duty, gym plans are canceled. Meeting up with friends is out of the question, and GQ is at 0430 the next morning so you might as well, just hit your rack early. I don't care what time you go to bed, 0350am will always be hard to wake up to. I don't even think this time should be an option on the alarm clock, but somehow that is what is required of me. 03:50. Ughh.

Anyways, last night Chief was on duty. Sure enough, he brought his trusty flashlight with him and inspected under the tables, in between grooves, nooks, crannies, anything he could possibly think of ...high and low. By the end of the night, we were crawling on the deck, reaching behind tables with a pincher and rag that hadn't been cleaned since the ship was built...21 years ago. I crawled behind the drink machines, God knows how I even fit back there!

Anyways, most days work isn't too terribly bad. I work with some pretty cool individuals and find myself laughing constantly. Everyone brings something different to the table.  I, myself, do not bring anything until I have my morning coffee. Lately, lifting tables down has been waking me up, before the coffee has.

One day during cleaning stations, our supply officer (suppo) dropped by to ensure that the scullery was being cleaned efficiently. Here's how the conversation went.

Suppo: How are you guys doing today? Having a good day so far?
All of us: Doing well sir. Not bad sir, etc, etc.
(Officer turns to Dean)
Suppo: Do you work in the scullery?
Dean: I'm trash, sir
(Giant pause...)
(Small chuckles of laughter...) 
 
Dean: Uhh...I do the trash, sir.
(The supply officer leaves and we all laugh.)


Lifting all these tables and treys of cups will hopefully build my upper body strength. When I get out of the Navy, I could be a professional "swabber" if I wanted to. (Navy lingo: Mops are called swabs. The mop bucket is a Cadillac)  I could also be a professional painter. After serving four years in the Navy, my uncle never painted another room in his life. I now know why.

I wipe down tables over and over again. After breakfast, lunch and dinner. The only thing that makes this better is the squirt bottle that I rigged filled with soap and hot water. Give anyone a water gun and somehow shit gets better. This brings me to scenario #2: The other day, B-smith and I were wiping down tables in bay 3 using the squirt bottle and rag. I would wipe down the table with the rag as B-smith shot the table with soapy water from as far away as possible by still getting the table wet. An officer comes over...
Officer: Why are you squirting that table with water?
B-smith: It's dirty, sir
Officer: Who is wiping it off?
 B-smith: (Looks in my direction) She is, sir
Officer: Quit horse playing. Get closer to the table and be quiet. We're taking a test in here.
B-smith: Yes, sir

Haha, oh, the trouble we cause! I've learned a thing or two about sweeping and swabbing as well.

Problem #1: I absolutely hate it when the galley serves peas! Those things just roll for miles. I'll be sweeping everything into a pile with a push broom and all of a sudden that pea will just take off, and roll. In my head I'm like, "Oh, crap, that pea just rolled like 20 feet away" And then I'll proceed to sweep it back towards the pile. Except, the problem is, I miss the pile. It rolls beyond the pile, just like mini golf. I'll wind up sweeping in circles like 6 times just watching it roll. By the end of it, I'm so fed up with the pea I just pick the dang thing up and go throw it out.

#2: I take great delight in sweeping  up grapes. Similar to peas, grapes roll too, but I have mastered this problem. I squish them with my boot ever so slightly. Like crunching a bug, I anticipate the splatter of "grape guts" on the deck. Yesterday, I got so into my task, B-smith was sweeping the grapes to me just so I could step on them.

#3: I have a love hate relationship with blueberries and raspberries. They stain the deck and require extra force when swabbing, but if they are out on the line, I eat them in mass quantities. I'm talking a ridiculous intake. Nonetheless, I hate swabbing up the blueberry and raspberry stains.

"Well, that's all for now. DG's out"

Bridges of Madison County

My guilty pleasure: Clint Eastwood. I have intense romantic feelings for him. I know! He's like 80 something years old but, aside from that, I will watch every single one of his movies regardless of what it is about. And even if he is 83, he is still a complete and total bad ass. If I could have him at any point in his life, I'd choose his character from The Good, the Band and the Ugly. There's something about the strong silent cowboy type that will always attract me. I mean, really? Look at him below and tell me you don't want to run your fingers through his facial hair or sling that cowboy hat right off his head? I'm telling you, if my aunt would phrase it, she would say, "That man could eat crackers in my bed any day!" She's right. I'd sure let him.

One of my favorite Clint Eastwood films is Bridges of Madison Country. Meryl Streep is casted alongside him in the role of Francesca,  as a unhappy married housewife. The book is wonderful as well, but the movie evokes emotions the book never did. We have Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep to thank for that, my friends. This is a picture of the Rosman bridge below. The location where the two meet.

If you've never seen the movie, I've posted a synopsis below. **SPOILER ALERT**

"Robert Kincaid is a romantic drifter on his way to photograph a historic covered bridge for "National Geographic" magazine. When he stops at a farmhouse to ask directions, he meets Francesca Johnson, whose passionate nature has long been denied. Their innocent friendship evolves into a tender, torrid and unforgettable four-day affair which they carry in their hearts for the next 24 years."
                                                          
(http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/the-bridges-of-madison-county/#)

Four days. Can you imagine falling in love with someone in four days? If I had Clint Eastwood, I think I'd seal the deal in one day, haha. But seriously to spend the rest of your life madly in love with a drifter who gave your life four days to change everything. I love this movie because its real. Francesca is an honest woman. She sacrificed much of her own passions, dreams and desires in favor of her family's. I don't know if I could have done that for my family if my other option was Clint Eastwood. I think I may have thrown up the deuces sign and never again returned home to lead a passionate life with Clint Eastwood.

 

Psalm 19:14 / Staying Connected to my GA's

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. -Psalm 19:14

Above, I have posted this weeks verse to memorize with the GA's. I'm gonna be honest ladies, I haven't been doing so hot on memorizing this one this week, but I have taken valuable consideration into what this means to me.

Sometimes I get in trouble for the things that just slip out of my mouth. There's no filter. Exactly what I am thinking in that moment in time, just slips into the air. With no admonition, I don't have any time to do anything about it. All I can do is sit there and hope it falls with cushion before the burn arrives.

Today was a long day. I find my patience being tested everyday at work with differing personalities and opinions. Countless mornings I go in with a wonderful attitude and a positive mindset but somehow everyday I veer off of this road and choose to talk and gossip with my fellow nautical buddies. Ranting feels good. Sometimes, its good to just get all of your feelings out. On the flip side, talking shit, helps no one and is quite harmful. Day after day, I think "oh I really shouldn't have said that." or "I should have said please and thank you more" My mom taught me manners, but if there's one thing I have learned so far, it's to be considerate when asking for help. Who is going to help you if you rudely ask?  

Tomorrow I am going to make an honest attempt to be kind to the 3rd class petty officer that micro manages, and not scowl or talk crap when he rudely asks me to do things. Just because his words aren't pleasing to the Lord does not mean I shouldn't watch what I say and how I behave. This is going to be interesting because he drives me crazy.

I may fail. But I know that small changes in my daily life are noticed by the Lord and simply making this attempt is greatly needed in my life. I am lacking in this area and oftentimes don't think before I speak. I know I'm wrong when I'm wrong, but oftentimes, its too late.

At the end of the day, I will write about what I said and how I said it in the reflection of God. If there are mistakes in my day, I will write down what I should have said.

Prayer:

Dear Lord,
Please help me be more like you. I need kindness on my lips, forgiveness in my heat and patience throughout the day. Please give me the strength to stay away from the gossip, to rise above the situation and be the better person you would be proud of. AMEN.

DG

Random vocalizations

I love the first sip of a can of diet coke. I don't think the burn of carbonation will ever get old. Diet coke reminds me of my Phi Mu days. Ask for a drink from a sister's apartment and you're only option is beer or diet coke. Take it or leave it.

I live for the smell of books- old or new. I still can't make up my mind about these kindles, and nooks. While they would make my life underway much easier, I just can't break down and buy one. I feel like buying one, is killing one more used bookstore, shutting down one more library and closing another book store/ coffee cafe. I will not do it. Not yet. They made side pockets on our NWU's for something and books fit perfect!

My ears smile when I hear the song, "Dust on the Bottle, by David Lee Murphy. I'll admit, its kind of a one hit wonder but whenever it comes on the radio, I duet with him...on every line. My old college roommate, Jordyn and I would listen to old 90's country for hours while doing homework.... keyword "doing." Mostly we just facebooked and talked.

My stomach melts when I eat banana sandwiches. Not banana and peanut butter sandwiches...banana and mayonnaise. And don't even call me weird, until you have tried it. It's a North Carolina soul food and tradition. My family pairs it with fried chicken.

About 90% of my dreams are still located in the states. I don't dream Japan, which I find highly interesting. I dream about many of my friends from Japan but most of the time we are in the states.

I become one with myself when I have my cowboy boots on. Every single pair of em! I was fortunate enough to bring a pair with me to Japan. I'm sure I get looks when I cross the quarterdeck but they are my heart and my style. Without them, I don't feel like myself.

Thomas gave me a stuffed bear that she won out of a claw machine when we first got to Japan. I named him Lucky. He almost died, but Hoffman sewed him up before he lost too much stuffing. He gives me something to snuggle with at night. Since I left Pumba in the states with my brother, I gotta have something to wrap my arms around.

Most days I have to be to work by 0400am. I get up at 0330, but my morning is never complete if I don't get to listen to at least 3 songs while getting ready in the morning. This week, its been Clay Walker love songs.

By working on the mess decks, I've found that I have a great deal of patience for my fellow shipmates. I have also learned, that I have no issue with speaking up and telling fellow shipmates to take their treys, trash and leftover food particles with them to the scullery and trash, no matter how much lip or bitching they give me.

Phi Mu still has my heart. I can't look at a lion without thinking sir fidel. I doodle quatrefoils during trainings. 1852 is part of my email. My sisters are my life. I say the sailor's creed far more often, but haven't forgotten Phi Mus creed and continue to live it daily.

Ok, this reads more like a journal entry but its raining out and I don't have anything hilarious to write about yet. More to come!!!

Staying Connected- GA style

I have many friends spread across North Carolina, from Charlotte, to Cullowhee, but among some of my favorites are the Elm Grove GA's. On a tiny back road in Askewville, NC, rests a church my family has come to call home. A pew is reserved for me every Sunday by Mrs. Hattie Mae, the gospel is spoken in words I can understand and hugs are acceptable before, during and after the service (not just when the preacher tells you to greet each other).  The Elm Grove GA's are the Girls.In.Action. To be honest, I'm not really sure how the age group goes between the GA's and the Acteens, but the GA's are younger. Anyways, these girls have style and class, plus a contagious passion for the church, and most importantly helping others, and sharing God's word. As beautiful young women, these girls deserve much praise from me and many others. Whenever anyone in the church or area is not doing well health wise, they visit, write, pray and give smiles and laughter to those in need by doing everything they possibly can- not because they are told to, but because they genuinely care.

When I graduated college, I was blessed to spend an ample amount of time with the GA's. I religiously attended every Wednesday night that I possibly could. We've said numerous prayers, painted many wooden items, lots of crafts and read many passages out of the bible. I've made batches of brownies, and spent lots of time picking out cute outfits to impress the girls. I think I put more effort into getting ready for Wednesdays than I ever did when going on a date with a guy!

 

The GA's inspire me to be a better christian, and help me to feel welcome and part of the Elm Grove family. When I came home on leave after Florida, the first place I went was the beach to surprise all of them. At 3 o clock in the morning, my brother and I drive up to the house to find streamers and signs. Somehow my surprise backfired, and they surprised me.  I think my Aunt let the cat out of the bag and tried to cover her tracks. My mom said later that Katie was texting me and didn't understand why I wasn't texting her back. Only later, she figured out that I was in the airplane on my way to her and couldn't text back in a reasonable amount of time!

 

I miss all of them very much. But, I came up with a solution that I hope will also bless all of your lives as well. I've decided that to stay connected with the GA's, I should first stay connected with God. So, each week we are memorizing bible verses together. Short and simple ones, because I know that we all have a lot going on but I figure if we are 9,000 miles away from each other but keep the same verse in our hearts, God will keep us connected.

Below is an email written by my Mom, I think she may have taken my idea to greater heights.

(Mom, I spell/grammatically checked you, before posting)

Good afternoon,

As many of you know, my daughter, Danielle Greene, is proudly serving our country in the  US Navy. She is an aviation ordnanceman aboard the USS George Washington, aircraft carrier, stationed in Japan. From our home in eastern NC,  Japan is a little less than 9000 miles away.  Yes, it is hard for me to believe.

Thanks to all of you that pray for our military daily.  They need our prays and support, as well as, their families back home.

She has been aboard the George Washington since December and deploys out to sea soon.  Since boot camp, we have been able to talk on the phone (thanks to the USO at her base), facebook, skype, hey tell, email and letters. It certainly keeps us from missing each other so much… Granted she is twelve hours ahead of us so that in itself is challenging. My tomorrow is already there for her.  When she goes out to sea,  the communication will become slimmer. 

I have done pretty well so far -- no breakdowns.  I know that I am operating on an inner strength provided by God.

In an effort to stay closer to God and our home church, Elm Grove Baptist, in Colerain, NC,  Danielle has come up with an idea to keep us connected.  Her idea was she would choose a weekly bible verse for us back home to memorize, study on and pray about.  The idea has taken off. 

Originally she targeted the Elm Grove GA’s the younger girls in church, then we put it out to the church, so it will be in our church bulletin. She  also decided to post it on her blog for fellow sailors in Japan and friends back home. I decided to email to my fellow friends in faith.  My plan is to email you each week the Bible Verse and let you help me spread the good news wherever we can.

I know it is tough with all the emails we get daily to have one more…. But I assure this will be worthwhile.  Worth sharing and we will all grow closer to God if we allow him to work through us.    Help us by passing it on to your friends , and their friends and the power of prayer will be greatly accomplished.

So please join me in sharing prayer and faith with others.  I enclosed a picture of Danielle and her brother, Jonathan and as you can see by the BIG smile on his face he loves and misses his sister.  This was a surprise visit they planned back at Thanksgiving.

It is  my plan to grow the list and share God’s love for us with others. 

Thanks for your friendship and for keeping me,  my daughter and other military  and their families in prayer

Have a blessed day and make it a great one.   Be on the lookout for the weekly Bible Verse.

If you would like to get into contact with my Mom, her email is Bgharden.hsg1@yahoo.com

So, here is the schedule.

March 25-31 Psalm 119:105
Your word is the light to my feet and a light for my path.

April 1-7 Romans 3:23
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

April 8-14 Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

April 15-21 Psalm 19:14
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

April 22- 28 Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

April 29- May 5 Psalm 27:1
The Lord is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid?

May 6-12 1 Timothy 4:12
Don't let anyone look down on your because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.

May 13-19 Proverbs 31-25
She is clothed in strength and dignity and laughs without fear of the future.

May 20-26 Proverbs 3: 5-7
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight

May 27- June 2 John 14:8
If God is all you have, you have all you need.

June 3-9  Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

June 10-16 Proverbs 4:23
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it

There will be more posted, but I am waiting for the girls to come up with their favorites so we can benefit from learning each others top verses.

I know Miss Hattie Mae will be a top participator, so I've posted a picture of my dearest friend, on that 2nd church pew.

Love and miss you all. Keep up the good work. I am so proud and think of you beautiful girls often.

DG