Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Promise

Wait, then, in quiet confidence,
Your anxious thoughts at rest.
God knows your needs before you ask
And works for what is best.

 Lutheran Service Book, Hymn No. 771, st. 3

posted by Stahlkes @ 7:15 PM 0 comments

Monday, April 20, 2015

Ten Years

April 2005
Our magnolia tree radiates its glory, resplendent in hundreds of pink blossoms.  Jonathan and I take the new van for a trip to the grocery store.  I look back at the empty seats in the vehicle--sx of them.  It is so quiet, awaiting the children, and wondering who they will be.

April 2015
Our magnolia tree once again bursts with gorgeous, pink blossoms.  Yesterday, Paul was feted with two parties, one at the church and the other at our home.  Today around noon he meets his recruiter, who drives him to the MEPS facility for check-in.  He will be granted leave for supper with us from 6:00-8:00 pm, and we've planned a picnic supper at a nearby lake.  When we drive him back to his hotel, it will be the last time that those van seats are all full with our children.

posted by Stahlkes @ 11:22 AM 1 comments

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Growing

David and Peter grow overnight.  I can see it, even though I live with them!  And they are both very hungry, much of the time.

Yesterday, the youth director at our church sent home some extra food with me from the church kitchen.  So this morning, I put a big piece of chicken and some Hawaiian sweet rolls in Peter's lunch.  We always have sandwiches, so this was a big change from our norm.

When I picked Peter up after school, he immediately mentioned the chicken in his lunch.  More than "mention," actually:

"It's my jackpot day!!!!"

posted by Stahlkes @ 5:21 PM 0 comments

Saturday, April 04, 2015

Greetings

Happy Easter, everyone!

posted by Stahlkes @ 12:00 PM 0 comments

Thursday, April 02, 2015

Paul's Oath Last Tuesday

I, Paul Stahlke, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice.  So help me God.

posted by Stahlkes @ 2:41 PM 0 comments