Monday, January 16, 2012

2 Card Winners Announced...and introducing my son, a US Airman.

Hi Friends~


Thank you for being patient with me as I recovered from my trip to see my son become an Airman 1st Class in the US Air Force.  It was an amazing trip, and God kept revealing Himself to me in so many ways. Thank You, Jesus!  I am most excited that Joshua accepted my first Bible from when I found the Lord when I was 29.  Josh had only asked for a book of Psalms and Proverbs.  He had been meeting with the Chaplain on base, to discuss Judaism, and he found great peace and comfort in His Word.  Well, we know that His Word never goes void!  Never!  Josh is seeking, and I am ecstatic!  I am still praying for his Salvation, and for a life of loving and serving the Lord for my son. I am trusting in God for everything this year. My "Thought of the Year."  I have used a word in the last couple of years to focus on...this year it is the same thought...it's a good one!   I'm doing my best not to get down, or act without asking Him first. 


The Lord clearly answered the prayers that were lifted up asking for Him to please grant me the energy and strength to make it to every event for Josh and the other Airmen.  I made it while we walked miles around the base and San Antonio...such a beautiful city...so much art!  Since being home, I have been recovering from the change in weather, and I miss my son so much.  I have been down. I know, I need to look up.  Keep My Eyes Upon Jesus!


Our trip to Lackland AFB in Texas was amazing!  I have never felt so proud of my son or my country.  And, I have always been against war...still hope we end the war soon, and that humans, (The smartest animal on earth), will come to a different, more intelligent way to solve differences.  Don't get me wrong, I am, and always have been extremely grateful for all of our military members.  I saw everything that our Airmen go through at Basic Military Training on video from the base--not something easy!  And, I saw my son emerge with more confidence, standing straighter (6' 3" with boots!), and a leader as well as a follower when needed.  I am so proud of him, and love him very much.  Here is a photo minus his wonderful red, curly head full of hair:


Airman 1st Class Josh Simring
______________________________


I found two poems that really struck my heart.  They are both in the book, Whispers of Promise.  This book is published by Harbour, and both poems are anonymous.  I hope you enjoy them!


You'll Never Stand Alone

God doesn't want to see you suffer
 unnecessarily.  Instead of leaving
you to work out your life in your
own way, He wants to guide you.
  When you face difficult days... you
 won't stand alone.  Trouble won't
 blast your life but will strengthen
you instead.  Your Creator can turn
 all trials to blessings if you just
 stand firm in Him.  Enjoy your
days in Jesus.
                                                          ~Anonymous

This second poem is what this blog is about...it's why we have the
He IS Able Blog Card Give-Aways.  To encourage us to share the Good News of Jesus Christ either through voice or through the cards you may receive as a gift from this blog.  "The He IS Able blog:  Sharing His Love, His Word, His Gift of Salvation through Card-Giving!"  I hope this poem will help cause an enthusiastic reply, and that you will all tell someone about Jesus Christ this week...one way or another!

 
Let's Lighten the Darkness

When we reach out in faith to
someone and don't get a positive
response, do we recognize that
we're speaking to a spiritually deaf
soul?...Kindness in the face of
opposition may begin the work
that opens deaf ears and lightens
blind eyes.  Let's start to unclog
ears and lighten the darkness.
~Anonymous

 
This poem really fit my life.  Before I knew the Lord, I really felt that my eyes were sealed with concrete before learning about the Lord.  I could not know the Truth because I could not see it with my eyes sealed shut.  But, when I heard about Him, read His Word, asked Him into my heart as my Savior and Lord...he opened my eyes.  It's as if He chiseled the concrete off of my eyes...I WAS blind, but now I can see!  Praise God!

______________________________


Announcing:  The Winners of the Last 2 Week's He IS Able Card Set Gift!

Congratulations Becky Dunham and Abby from Little Birdie Blessings Blog

 
This is Becky's comment:  "Thanks Traci! I am thrilled to have won these cards! Will get you my snail mail immediately. I have just recently found your blog and I am so glad I did - we can all use uplifting every day :) Thanks for providing an amazing blog where I can be lifted in my faith just by visiting! God Bless!"

And, this is Abby's comment: "Thank you Traci, I'm excited to have won the five cards and looking forward to getting them."

How interesting that both of our randomly chosen card recipients were chosen before!  Well, ladies, you know what to do...please send me your mailing address (tracistarkweather@gmail.com)  so that I know that you each want your cards.  Oh, how many did you get?  The random number was 2.  So, you will each receive 2 cards/envelopes this time.  Just let me know before Tuesday evening (the 24th) that you want these cards.  If I do not hear from you, I will put the cards back in the "Card Stash."  How were you entered in this?  Well, you simply left a comment before Tuesday night 8pm.  Just like our Give Away every week!  That's all it takes. 

We have many cards left on hand...so the give-aways will continue.
 However, we would love to add some A2 cards that have a Scripture, Biblical Image, or say a flower and a word like "Blessings" or "Jesus Loves You" on the cover.   It would be wonderful to include your cards in our Weekly He IS Able Card Give-Aways.  Thank you for considering this way of serving the Lord.  If you have more than one card, please put it in a plastic ziplock and include an envelope and mail to: 
                                   
                                           Traci Starkweather
                                            116 Colyer Drive
                                            Longwood, Florida 32779

 
He IS Able!
Traci Starkweather

8 comments:

  1. Great photo of your son Traci, and the poems are wonderful.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Becky,

      Thanks for your comment. I saw so much truth in that poem "Let's Lighten the Darkness." I could really relate to it. And, I think it fits a command that Jesus gave us. To go out and share the Gospel! The Great Commission! I know you are so bold at doing that. I love your blog, "A Diamond in the Rough." It is listed with my favorite blogs on the right hand side of the blog, right under the Card of the Week photo.

      He IS Able!
      Traci Starkweather

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  2. So thankful you enjoyed your trip and had a wonderful time with your son! He looks so handsome in the picutre! May he continue to seek God and always remember he who seeks him will find him! Blessings, Michele G

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    Replies
    1. Amen, Michele! He who seeks, finds. I know it is true...and it doesn't matter if Josh knows it up front...as long as he keeps doing it.

      We hope that things lighten up on your list of things to do so that you will be able to stop back in and write a post a month. We miss you! I miss you! And, if you don't come back as a writer...I'd rather have you as a good friend, anyway!

      He IS Able!
      Traci Starkweather

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  3. Ohhhh GF, so handsome and so serious! Next photo I want to see a smile. I am so happy he is doing good and that you got to visit and see everything. I know you are exhausted, and need some rest, take time for yourself!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Gerrie~

      Thank you. They aren't allowed to smile when in uniform photos. I think they call it "Military Bearing." I don't know if that is how they spell it. Apparently, Josh was the one who would always burst out into a smile during photos. His Wingmen told me all about it! LOL Thanks for the comment!

      He IS Able!
      Traci Starkweather

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  4. Congratulatons Josh and Mom, too!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Seamom~

      Thank you so much. It was such an amazing experience. So many great points along the way...and then the long walk as he said good-bye and headed off to his dorm.

      "I am trusting in God for everything!"

      He IS Able!
      Traci Starkweather

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