WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECT IT....

A RECENT REVIEW FROM AMAZON OFFERS THIS INFORMATION:  A rarely shared story about the struggles faced by the families of deployed service members.  The author does a great job of framing the complex range of emotions that families endure during deployments.  Love, pride, fear, loss, sadness, anger and disappointment.  Most importantly, Hope.


MANY AN AUTHOR HAVE PEOPLE WHO ENDORSE THEIR WORDS THAT ARE FAMOUS.  WHERE THAT WOULD LOOK NICE THE COMMON FOLK ARE OFTEN THE BEST ONES TO OFFER THEIR MIND.  THE FOLLOWING CAME FROM A MILITARY MOTHER THAT SPEAKS HER FEELINGS ON READING, "HOPE IS A WEAPON" .  Please tell John that I’m “in the book".  That is, I’m almost to the middle, but I’m absorbing it as I go.  I really can only read a couple chapters at a time before it hits me hard and I’m crying.  🤷‍♀️  (And then I switch back to an easy read novel to get my mind off the memories) it’s really good.  You certainly nailed it from the parents' side of that experience.  And I’ve started asking our son about some  of his experiences.  He’s opened up a little more, and I’m so grateful to you both for all the time and effort this book must have taken.

I appreciate so much the comments above.  Not everyone wants to talk about issues of deployment.  It's a hard process for sure.  We all know some who has deployed, is deployed or will deploy in the future.  What is expressed in "Hope is a Weapon", is not atypical.  In fact, it's the norm.

YGG,

John , 

WE CAN ALL BE BETTER SEED PLANTERS

I was listening on line to JD Farag. Pastor of Calvary Chapel Kaneohe,  Sunday night on the  prophecy update he does each week.  He was passionately mentioning the "signs" that are around us. 

"And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars.  See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet.  For nation will rise against nation,  and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places.-Matthew 24 6-7" 

What Farag mentioned next hit home with me.  In fact, it took me back to 10/31/2010.  It has to do with the importance of leading people to Jesus in these times.  Not that you have to take someone the whole way home.  Maybe it was simply that you planted the seed.  Below are my thoughts 9 and 1/2 years ago.

I have a new job, one that excites the stuffing out of me.  It doesn't come with an office, doesn't have any big title and the money is lousy.  But that's alright.  You see, I'm the new Seed Planter in town.

 I've been so many other things over the years.  Doing this to get that.  But always in ways that could benefit me,  my family or our future. And that's come with mixed results.  I've done some neat things (taken each of my children to a sporting event and gotten them on the sidelines)......met some interesting people (Paul Harvey, Gerald Ford, Shawn Johnson, Mike Ditka and Ed Thomas).....and traveled to some nice places (Jamaica and Soviet Union).  In every instance, it was about me.  Soaking up the moment, somewhat prideful me.  But I've changed.  I've changed because it's time to.

Let me tell you a story about a little boy named Jake. That's what he's remembered by, Jake.  No last name is needed.  Jake, contracted encephalitis and died several years ago, tragically .  He started feeling punky one day, lethargic, then began running a fever.  No one knew what was happening. Doctors were stumped.  His parents became frantic.  He got sicker and sicker...until he passed away in his mother's arms.  In a span of 72 hours, Jake went from a healthy, bouncing, fun-loving boy....to the end of life.

His mother, wrote a letter several days after he passed and thanked everyone for their support.  The letter was written so eloquently.  It described so much in a short amount of space, but it hit home.  It told of their families knowledge that Jake was their "gift" and that even though they selfishly wanted him longer, they knew God had a plan.  I'm sure Jake's mother had help in writing that letter. How could she not?  And I don't mean the help came from anyone here on earth.  I couldn't imagine losing a child, let alone putting my thoughts down on paper so soon after burying him.

I tell you about Jake because his name lives on.  Each Holy Spirit Retreat at Lutheran Church of Hope's Alpha class, this story is told.  You couldn't hear a feather drop during Jake's Story.  That's the effect little Jake has.  Yes, his name lives on, and on, and on.  He is impacting lives because of his death.

A little dab will do it.......

Back to the present. 

I can't think of a more perfect story regarding a seed planter.  If you and I simply step up and be bold.  If we show God's love, that's all we need to do. The rest will take care of itself.  Maybe you'd continue to be in that person's life...or maybe not.  All...we....need...to...do...is....plant....the....seed.

YGG,

John       

WHERE IS HOPE AT TODAY-PART 6

I'm amazed at the books that call the "Hope is a Weapon" box home.  They step up and confidently express their willingness to serve at a location where they can provide HOPE.  Today was no exception when Jim yelled from the depths of the cardboard walls. "Reporting for duty, sir", he said.  "I would like to suggest we go to the VFW".  On the way to the Des Moines office, Jim explained to me the VFW was founded by James C. Putnam in 1899 in Columbus, Ohio.  It is now headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri.  The purpose according to their definition is "to speed rehabilitation of the nation's disabled and needy veterans, assist veterans' widows and orphans and the dependents of needy or disabled veterans, and promote Americanism by means of education in patriotism and by constructive service to local communities".  What an awesome purpose.  When we arrived at the VFW we met Jerry Black, State Adjutant, who very willingly accepted little Jim into their offices to stay behind and do his work.  Another gift and another story.  What might come next?  I can only imagine....  

Another home and another chance to serve

WHERE IS HOPE AT TODAY-PART 5

I was telling my wife, Joanne, that I was thinking of going to the Polk County Veterans Affairs the other day and gifting them a copy of "Hope is a Weapon".  Almost as soon as I got the words out of my mouth, little Woolie screamed from the book box...."me, me, me".  "And why would that be?", I asked.  "Well they do a great job of helping veterans in the Polk County area and last fall they had their 3rd Annual Coat Drive.  That's where I want to be, seeing veterans get a helping hand or coat", he rattled off.  So off we went.  A short time later, we connected with Pat Sweeney, the Director and Nick Lemmo, the Assistant Director and the rest is history.  Woolie has a new home and we have some new friends.  So, now where?  Stay tuned.  As I've said before, "I can only imagine".

Pat, John and Nick and the Little One….

WHERE IS HOPE AT TODAY-PART 4

WHERE IS HOPE AT TODAY- PART 4


"John?"  came the question from the Hope is a Weapon book box.  "John?  I am reporting for duty to be the next Hope volunteer.  I've got a great idea, I think", said the little Herbie.  The diminutive one ratlled of a number of reasons why he felt the Des Moines VA was the place he needed to settle in at. He cited that the organization came about when President Hoover signed an executive order establisihing the VA on July 21, 1930....and that today there are over 18.2 million veterans in the United States and some 9 million of those use VA services.  "Ok, dude", I said.  "You sold me.  Let's go".  A short time later we were meeting with Shirley Woolluums, Volunteer Service-Program Support Assistant in Des Moines and presenting her a copy of the book.  All in all, it was a perfect location.  So, where will Hope be next?  I can only imagine....      

Shirley Woollums accepting a gift of "Hope is a Weapon".