Monday for the Military: Meet Stephen Novak

Please join me in welcoming Stephen to "Seasons of Humility!"

Amber: Thank you so much for joining us today! It is an honor to have you visit. To start, could you tell us a little about yourself and why you chose to join the U.S. military?

Stephen: My name is Stephen Novak. I am a senior at Corban University majoring in Criminal Justice with the goal of a career in federal law enforcement. I desire to serve the Lord in my career. I joined the military because I wanted adventure and wanted to see the world. I wanted to serve my country as well and learn about the military.

Amber: What branch(es) of the military have you served in? How would you describe your overall experience?

Stephen: I served in the Army National Guard as an Infantryman. My experience was very good and worthwhile. I looked at the military as a huge witness field for Christ.

Amber: Could you share at least one of the ways you saw God working in your life during your term of service?

Stephen: Later on during my Iraq tour, I was able to lead my fellow soldiers in prayer before going out on missions.

Amber: Do you recall any lessons you learned about humility while in the military that we could also learn from?

Stephen: I learned that my way was not always the right way. There are a variety of ways to get a job done and it is not worth the effort sometimes to argue about who is right and who is wrong. Save your energy for the physical and spiritual enemy.

Amber: What are some of the needs you or other military men and women you know have? What are ways those of us on the "home front" (so to speak) could help meet those needs?

Stephen: I do know they need hygiene items. Q-tips are really handy as well as Baby Wipes. Good Gospel Tracts are perfect to send as well.

Amber: How can we pray for you specifically, as well as all those in the military?

Stephen: Pray for wisdom and guidance for leaders to make the right decisions at the right time. And to be leaders and make decisions. Pray for soldiers to stay alert and confident in their abilities and for God to help them recall information at the proper time.

Amber: Thank you for sharing with us today, Stephen!

And readers, please leave an encouraging comment for Stephen. This is a great opportunity to thank one of our military men for his service!

Sunday by a Waterfall

This past weekend with my parents was wonderful! We actually didn't end up going to the E.Z. Orchards HarvestFest because it was rather rainy here in Salem. However, we did go to Silver Falls State Park, which was beautiful, even in the rain!

While we were there, we spent most of our time at the South Falls, which had trails all around it. We could go on a trail behind it, above it, and around below it. And while I was there I was blessed by a look at perspectives.

As humans we are like a little droplet or stream of water that makes one small part of a big waterfall. Before we reach the big drop-off, we slowly meander along, unaware of what lies ahead. And then when we reach the edge, we see a free-fall that scares us and seems completely wrong. We can't see the big picture from our place within the waterfall.

But God sees it all--and far more than we can imagine. God sees the whole, beautiful waterfall. He can see where we are, the fear we have of the unknown that lies before us and the falls we have to go through. But He also sees how each little droplet comes together to form something both spectacular and awe-inspiring when seen in its entirety.

He sees the slow motion free-fall, and He sees the grandeur from a distance. And we can trust in His all-encompassing perspective that is so far beyond our own.

The falls we endure can be painful and difficult. But know that the entire waterfall God sees is stunning. He has a purpose for all of us, and the droplets of our lives come together in ways we can't even comprehend to form a living, powerful praise to God and His design.

This is just one small analogy, and it can't even come close to fully demonstrating the greatness of God's plan for our lives. But I just wanted to share with you the encouragement I received from witnessing one lovely and amazing part of God's creation.

"Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labour to seek it out, yet he shall not find it; yea farther; though a wise man think to know it, yet shall he not be able to find it."
~Ecclesiastes 8:17

(The picture above is of the South Falls and is from Salemoregon.com.)

Fall Friday

Childhood memories of fall . . . trips to the pumpkin patch, wandering through a corn maze, and going on hayrides. There's something delightful about seeing the bright orange and white pumpkins dotting the greenery. There's something heart-warming about sitting on poky hay bales and laughing in the slight fall breeze. There's something beautiful about enjoying the harvest with loved ones. And these are some of the main reasons I love fall!

Last year was difficult for me. For someone who loves fall and spending time with family, it was hard being away at school, missing out on all of our wonderful traditions back at home.

But my parents and my sister came to visit me in the middle of the season last year, and we created a new tradition. We decided to go to the HarvestFest at E.Z. Orchards here in Salem--and we had a lovely time! It wasn't exactly the same as our experiences at home, but it was something new that I thoroughly enjoyed. One of my favorite parts (besides the overall atmosphere) was listening to the bluegrass band while sitting on hay bales. (Bluegrass music is so beautiful to me, and I'm so excited to be celebrating it later this month with a couple of wonderful and talented guests!)

Now, I'm away from home for another fall. But my parents are coming up to visit me this weekend, and we're planning on heading back to E.Z. Orchards and making more fall traditions and memories together. The love of family doesn't change, no matter where you are, and the season of fall can be delightful even while away from home. I'm so thankful for God's blessings of people to love and His creation to enjoy!

This would be a great note to end this post on, but I thought it would also be good to talk once again about autumn in the seasons of humility--because that's what season I'm in right now. This week has been fraught with emotional turmoil for me. I've cried about so many different things, and I've been having such a poor attitude.

And then Wednesday it really hit me--almost all of the things I've been upset about are due to my own lack of humility. I haven't been trusting in God about my future . . . I haven't wanted to hear criticism or obey my parents . . . I've worried more about how grades would make me look than about what I've been learning. I'm at the very beginning of my poem once again, looking at my broken dreams littered on the ground like dead leaves. I keep wanting my own way, rather than God's way.

It hurts. It's not easy to let go and to trust God. But I've seen the fruits of my pride and my selfishness, and I long for a proper perspective again--an eternal perspective. I need to reorder my priorities, putting God first and seeking His will, because He truly does know what is best. He can see what I can't, and while it's hard, following Him is always rewarding in ways that I could never begin to imagine and are far better than any of my own dreams.

So I encourage you to turn to your Friend and realize that He truly loves you and has a purpose for you. We must trust in His timing and in His plan--something I'm learning the hard way right now, but something I'm very glad to be learning, as well.

In that regard, I'll probably be posting less often for the foreseeable future, posting only on the scheduled days (in the "Normal Weekly Schedule" in the sidebar) except for reviews or special events ("Sightseeing by the Seasons" off and on and the "Bluegrass Festival Weekend," for example). I have been rather obsessive about my blog recently, and I need to remember to seek God first and use the time and blessings He has given me wisely (which includes taking full advantage of the great education I am getting). I appreciate your understanding, and I'm so thankful for all of you!

Well, I'm off this three-day weekend (Friday is "Study Day" for our school, so no classes!) to make more fall memories with my parents and to take time to think and re-order my priorities. May the Lord bless you as you walk with Him! I'll leave you with this thought, something that wise Solomon discovered and something I need so desperately to remember:

"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man."
~ Ecclesiastes 12:13

I've Been Interviewed!

Julia over at Dark Glass Ponderings has interviewed several writers and bloggers for "The Ministry of Writing & Blogging Week," and I am absolutely honored to say that one of those bloggers is me!

If you have a few minutes, you can read the interview HERE.

And be sure to check out all the other marvelous bloggers and writers Julia is hosting this week! For those of you who are bloggers, Julia is doing a giveaway for a custom-made/personalized blog header, so don't miss out!

Have a wonderful day!

Of Lost Crowns and Missing Mondays

This week is going to be rather hectic for me! I apologize in advance if I'm not around as much. This past weekend was quite unproductive for me in terms of schoolwork, so the next few days will be filled with homework, especially since I want to be free this next weekend to spend time with my parents who are coming up to visit me! =)

That being said, I simply had to share a fun story with you from my experience at Awana last night! As I've said before, I'm working with the "Sparks" (Kindergarten through second grade) age group at the Awana club at a local church. Last night the game time took place outside . . . in the dark! The kids had a lot of fun running around and playing dodge ball and such.

Once we came back inside, one of the girls in my group told me that she had lost her "crown" pin, which is a pin shaped like a crown that holds the jewels she had earned for saying memory verses and completing parts of her workbook(s) in the past. She said she had lost it outside. So I told her I would go look for it. In the dark.

A couple of the other leaders who help with game time were still outside, so I told them what I was looking for. One of them let me borrow his phone (or iPhone or whatever it was!) that had a rather bright light. So I searched for the pin, shining the light around the places they had been playing. No luck.

I gave the phone back and expressed my disappointment. It wasn't the worst thing that could happen, and it probably could be replaced. But it still was sad that we couldn't find it. As soon as I gave the phone back, I headed for the side door so I could go back inside. Just then I kicked something in the grass with my foot as I was walking. I bent down, saw the bronze pin with its jewels in the light of the open door, and proclaimed that I had found it! The lost crown was lost no more!

I don't think the girl was quite as excited as I was about the story, but it certainly put a smile on my face. =)

Anyway, as for the "Missing Mondays" part of the title of this post, I just wanted to address the fact that I have missed yet another "Mondays for the Military." I suppose I could have written something about the military today, but I'm still rather eager to start profiling different military men and women whom we can encourage and thank. So this feature is simply on hold until I get the first interview back (which should hopefully happen before next Monday!). Thank you for your patience!

Well, I hope you all have a wonderful week, and I'll probably still be posting/commenting off and on when I can! Talk to you soon!

Sunday by the Sea

"He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity. . . . As he came forth of his mother's womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he many carry away in his hand." ~ Ecclesiastes 5:10, 15.

I need desperately to be reminded of this. How complicated life becomes with greed! I have indulged myself so much lately, from food to books. I'm not satisfied with the piece of cake I had at dinner--I also want some of that candy I let myself buy for my pumpkin candy container. I'm not satisfied with the wonderful deal I got on a book online--I also have to buy the "Love Inspired Suspense" book I let myself look at in the store.

So much is about attitude. We are aware of our limits, but we test them until we are overcome with the desire to cross them. Oh, I need help! How many times have I talked about my desire to stop buying so much, to stop being so greedy? I'm so sorry to you, my readers, for being so hypocritical. I go through spurts where I let myself go. I just let myself get whatever I want, and in so doing, I lose sight of what is truly valuable.

What does this have to do with the sea? Well, the picture above is of me probably a couple of years ago or so (back when I had bangs!). I was with a good friend, my mom, and my sister. The four of us were on a little beach, collecting shells. What wonderful gifts memories are! What wonderful gifts family and friends are! What a wonderful gift the beauty of God's creation is!

When I get caught up with material possessions, it is as if I'm sitting on the beach, hoarding bits of shells and grains of sand in one little space--alone. I'm missing out on the opportunities for memories with others having fun on the beach. I'm missing out on the feel of the wind on my face and the sun shining warm around me. I'm missing out on the spectacular view of the ocean meeting the horizon.

In the same way, I've been squandering money and collecting little bits and pieces, missing out on something special and wonderful when I lose my eternal perspective. I need to look up from my pile of sand and stand in awe of the wide ocean of God's purposes and the destiny He has for me.

May I use the gifts God has given me wisely. May I hold some shells in my hand and smile at the blessings God gives, seeing their beauty as a reminder to look to the everlasting beauty of the Lord who created them.

May I not lose sight of the ocean for the fragile fragments I hold for now.

"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
~ Matthew 6:21

Snail Mail Sunshine and a Blog Award

Many of you know what I mean when I say that snail mail is like afternoon sunshine spilled over a grassy hillside after a gray, dreary morning. We all get so busy with everyday life--going to classes, going to work, chauffeuring the kids, doing sports, helping at AWANA, doing homework, etc.--but having a piece of mail in your mailbox causes you to pause. Your heart warms as you see the return address of a loved one on an envelope, or a slip of paper that lets you know that you have a package.

I have been blessed with a lot of snail mail lately. Yes, a lot of packages I've received are books that need to be reviewed--but they're a treat nonetheless! It doesn't matter that you know it's coming. The sun starts to peek through the clouds, and you look for that inevitable splash of sun that will warm the earth and brighten the path.

This week I received copies of Within My Heart by Tamera Alexander and Emily's Chance by Sharon Gillenwater to review. I'm really looking forward to diving into those! I know I have a couple of books for fun coming, too, including a three-in-one hardcover copy of Tamera Alexander's "Fountain Creek Chronicles" series, which I got for a great price at Christianbook.com!

I recently received a letter from my grandparents, which is such a wonderful gift. I love corresponding with my grandparents, and I am so thankful that we can stay close even while I'm gone at school. "I'll be home for Christmas" takes on special meaning for the college student. =)

I also received a package from my sweet mother. Not only did she send me some different helps for my cold (medicine, Vitamin D, nose strips for nighttime breathing, etc.), but she also sent me some fall decorations! It feels a little more festive in my dorm room, and it makes such a difference to have those little connections with my mom, who decorates often for various holidays! And that wasn't all. There were other little things, like a copy of Country magazine and some candy for me and my roommate.

But there was also something very unique in this package. My mom sent me a copy of a book my aunt put together about my great-uncle Robert, who died in WWII and whose funeral I went to this past summer in Washington D.C. There were copies of letters, information about Robert, and pictures of him along with pictures of this past summer. Here's what the cover says:

Robert Lloyd Crane
He Gave His Life for His Country
On May 23, 1944
While Flying Needed Supplies
To Merrill's Marauders in Burma

Buried With Honors at Arlington National Cemetery
66 years later in Washington D.C.
July 15, 2010
In A Funeral Fit For Our Nation's Heroes

I simply looked through it when it came, and I couldn't help but cry . . . for the beautiful tribute to my great-uncle . . . for the beautiful family that I am a part of . . . for the beautiful sacrifice my great-uncle made for the people and the country he loved. This summer was unforgettable.

And it is with this aunt and some of the other members of my dad's side of the family that I get to spend Thanksgiving this year--in Texas! I am overwhelmed by the love of family, from welcoming arms to timely and meaningful packages in the mail.

Before I move on to the blog award I received from a dear blogging friend of mine (Casey), I want to let you know that I also received a package from this same friend a couple of days ago! Why am I telling you this? Because the package I received contained the jewelry I had ordered from Casey's blog Bug's Beads.

See the necklace pictured at left? I indulged and bought a piece of jewelry for myself, and isn't it lovely? Casey is a joy to do business with, and I can't wait to wear this necklace! Plus, her jewelry makes great gifts, so now might be a good time to do some birthday, early Christmas, or surprise gift shopping! (And she has a great earring sale going on RIGHT NOW!)

With that, I am so touched to say that Casey also passed on a blog award to me recently! Thank you so much, Casey! I'm so glad we can be friends! Take a look at this sweet award:

I could pass this on to so many people, because I have been blessed by all of you and your friendship! Here's a few of those people whose friendship brings sunshine into my life:

Ashley at After All, Tomorrow Is Another Day

Hannah at Project Journal

Bluerose at Bluerose's Heart

Cerella at The Cerella Life

Kav at Best Reads (2010)

. . . and Amanda, who as of now does not have her own blog, but whose encouraging, uplifting comments to everyone inspire me and brighten my life!

Thank you to all of you for your friendship! Be sure to check out the great blogs mentioned above.

And if any of you, my dear followers, would like some snail mail, e-mail me at stokes[dot]a[at]suddenlink[dot]net with your snail mail address and I will try my best to get a letter out to you, because I want to share a bit of the sunshine you have brought into my days! Maybe we could become pen pals!