I'm Marching with my Commander's Cadence

It’s another glorious morning. I’m owning it. With one air-bud in and the other ear listening to God’s creation greet me with a cheerful “Good morning”, I know I’m on point. With that one ear open to the sounds around me, I hear the cadence of my walking. It was almost like I was marching – 1-2-3-4.

A memory flashed through my mind of my oldest grandson at the Marine Military Academy in Harlingen, TX and our visit down to see him. It was during such a painful time for my husband who, in the next month, would be diagnosed with kidney cancer, and a few months later, pass on. But oh the pride and joy Papa had this day when he saw his oldest grandson in his regal march and cadence with his fellow cadets.

I know there’s something to be said for a great military cadence! I read that besides physiological effects, cadences produce significant physical effects. Singing a cadence while running or marching helps soldiers keep their heads up, take deeper breaths and exhale more forcefully. All that increases oxygen to the lungs and gives the body more energy, which makes their unit healthier and better prepared for the physical feats and tests they had to take. Maybe, I'm feeling some of that today!

To even compare my little walking steps to a military cadence is ridiculous, but on the other hand – in the light of my purposeful listening for my Commander’s voice, maybe not so much. The military listens for their Commander’s voice and so do I. They are “at ease” or are “forward marching” and so am I. I’m either in a “be still and know” stance or I’m moving on with the next task my Commander gives me.

This morning I hear the words “march on”. Usually, I’m power-walking, but this day my march becomes a stroll as I see this dear lady, using her walker, coming toward me as she has many times. In my community, social distancing is a really big deal. We are supposed to stay 6-feet away from each other on our walking paths, so, we always kept our distance.

Typically, Helen (I ask her name this morning), and I just nod at each other with a “Good morning” greeting. But this morning I know I must stop and intentionally speak to her. I ask if she has had surgery and she says: “No, I’ve had a form of muscular dystrophy and couldn’t walk at all, but I’ve purposed to not settle for that, so I walk. Before I could just barely walk in my home with my walker but I didn’t want to stop there. Now I do what I can outside." I tell Helen she blessed me with her courage.

I’m so glad I listened to my Commander when He said to me “At ease”! I get it. Sometimes He wants me to slow down to speak a good word to a neighbor and sometimes He wants me to get on with my day. Oh, how I desire to ebb and flow with Him – in q cadence of the stillness, the easy-does-it times of a slow pace and the forward march times.

Just Push Back Those Curtains

You have met my dear 97-year-old mother-in-law via my blog before. She gave me a “lift” yesterday when I made my check-in call to her. If I don’t call her every couple of days, she calls me. She lives at my brother and sis-in-law’s home in Tulsa. They are among those I’m missing during this "at home" time, along with my Austin crew.

Mom amazes me. When I called, she had just returned to her bedroom, after cleaning up the kitchen from her breakfast and walking (using her walker) up and down the hall five times (her daily “staying-alive” routines). She added: “Now, I’m working on some purchase orders Karen gave me to check for her (for their business). Some of it was new for me, but I double-checked it and they are all right!” I said, “Mom, you are amazing. You don’t quit!” She retorted: “When the dark curtains start to close, I just push them back open. Too many people just sit and do nothing! We’ve got to be determined to keep moving forward! I put me behind me and try to help the guy in front of me!! Forward march! Onward Christian Soldiers (singing that line)!!”

She went on: “Maddie (her 18-year-old great-granddaughter) was here yesterday. She asked me about my family. I told her the name and placement of each one of the twelve: First there was Mary, then Molly, Ann, Dan, (me, Lydia), Penny, Dave, Alma, Amy, Richard, Hilda and Buddy.”

Typically, our calls are just a "check-in" call, but she was on a roll yesterday. Mom knows tough times. She finds great joy in talking about the past because she knows WHO brought them through those times. Floods of the 1950s in Winnipeg (Canada) filled their home. They had to move in with her parents when my husband was 4-years-old. It took a lot to get their home restored. Then there was the tornado in the late 80s (aftermath is pictured here with Dad, Mom and my husband). Mom and Dad were in a bathroom shower stall in the middle of the building, crying out to God for mercy. They came out unscathed and so did the big Family Bible you see here under Mom's arm.

Here we are in almost unbelievable times of 2020. If we listen or read news reports and take them just as they are, it may seem as if the best escape is for God to open up a window above us in the sky and snatch us away to a better place beyond the clouds. But, maybe we should take on Mom’s way of thinking. She has a habit of saying "And that's the way it goes". That's kind of the way she looks at life. When she could be down because she’s a widow, her only son died, has physical issues, must live with her kids and has to use a walker or wheel chair -- she just patiently and calmly says, "And that's the way it goes."

Perhaps that’s the way we should view life – “and that’s the way it goes”. It has a care-less tone to it, doesn't it? Not that we don’t care – but that we “Cast our cares on He Who takes over and handles the cares for us.” (Psalm 55:22) All of this is not too much for God to handle. Whatever the circumstances of our lives – no matter who we are and what our responsibilities are – we will never stump God, or leave Him wondering what in the world to do next. I'm quite certain that none of the stuff is enough to make God throw his hands up in surrender.

Mom is a “Bible-thumper”. It’s her daily go-to for answers. "That's the way it goes" -- trusting, leaning on and depending on He Who has us all in His mighty hands. Let’s leave the figuring out to God. His way (and Mom's way) is to live a calm, peaceful, and assured life. I think Mom's 97-years prove it works!

We’ve Arrived….Well, Maybe Not!

I think back on my life and the times I thought I had “arrived”. I had a boyfriend at last! I’ve arrived! I graduated from high school. I’ve arrived. I landed a great job. I've arrived! I got married. I’ve arrived. I had a baby --- then, two babies! I’ve arrived. In reality, those were never arrivals. They were simply journeys that still continue – even to today.

Once upon a time, I thought being a Christian was a “you’ve arrived kind of thing.” The truth is: I haven't arrived. I am still in great need of my Savior. I must lean on him...24/7. Sometimes I'd like to retreat -- even for a 10-minute nap! To say it’s often a battle puts it mildly. But the crazy good news is this – the battle is good. Good for us. It makes us warriors.

God has the game plan and assures us of a win....eventually. So I’ve come to be okay with the battle. We often get "bruised and battered" in the combat, but the battle makes us wiser and more aware of the same old schemes and tactics of the enemy of our souls. We get stronger. He gets dumber. He is such a loser.

The truth is our faith journey isn’t about arriving. It is about carrying on. We "pick up our cross and follow Jesus" -- no turning back. Our journey is about grabbing hold of the hem of Jesus’ garment and hanging on for dear life. And while we're holding on, we trust that the enemy is waving the white flag of surrender and shouting "CEASE FIRE"! But we don't cease fire. We are in it to win it and no doubt we will because the Lord is with us as a mighty warrior (Jeremiah 20:11).

I've had my times on the battlefield. I assure you -- all the battle scars turn into our testimony. People hear our story and are often star-struck at God in us. We point heavenward because you and I both know, it is a miracle that we’re still here and we’re still standing -- because of God's amazing grace!

This faith ride that we’re on isn’t a one-time ticket where we can say “I’ve arrived!” it is a continual commute. It is a consistent day-by-day, in the trenches of life, even being engaged in an ongoing battle that must be fought minute-by-minute. We are in the middle of it each day and we will not surrender. We will not give up because, in God’s sight and His all-knowing end of the story – we win. It all counts. It is all worth it. God sees. The celebrations will begin when we step over to the other side and it all will be worth it. In the meantime.....we suit up, show up and FORWARD march!

"Christ, the royal Master leads against the foe; forward into battle. See, His banners go! Onward Christian Soldiers! Marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before."

Forward.....MARCH!

In honor of this month of MARCH, and in honor of our service men and women who, on our behalf, are MARCHING to the beat of the love of their country, my word for today is MARCH.

It’s MARCH 4th -- the only day of the year that can also be a sentence -- MARCH Forth! Time is marching forth and so are we! An Army platoon marches FORWARD, not backward. Whether soldiers are at their home base moving from one post to another, or on the battlefield, they are on assignment until their mission has been accomplished. St. Paul wrote "One thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining FORWARD to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14

My daily goal is to MARCH forward. No backward marching for me because I want to make daily progress. Some folks have lost their hope and expectancy for good things to come their way so they HALT, and are at a stand-still. I get that because for over 44 years, my assignment included a partnership with my dear husband and his earth assignments ended when Heaven called his name. My life could be HALTED, too, but Heaven hasn’t called my name. I’m still here! I'd lose momentum in accomplishing my assignments if I stayed in backward thinking.

My precious 95-year-old mother-in-law often asks “Why doesn’t God take me home? I’m ready to go!” And we always tell her “He’s not finished with you here, yet! Keep sharing your love with others, pray, and be here for us! That’s your assignment until you get called home!” You and I are still here and we, too, must complete our God-given assignments. Keep marching!

Everyday we have the opportunity to MARCH to the beat of our Divine Drummer who has perfect rhythm so we can make daily progress on our journey of faith. No more rear-view-mirror glimpses of regret, unforgiveness or shame from the past. No MARCHING backward. We have assignments to complete. This year, with its surprises and joys, AND with some bumpy roads along the way, let's keep MARCH FORWARD to conquer whatever comes our way, hand in hand with our Commanding Officer, Joy-Bringer, Deliverer, Comforter, Guide, Peace-Giver.

What are the assignments that God has given you? What are you going to accomplish with YOU? Life is worth LIVING. We’re still here and we’re “on assignment” – let’s get our MARCH-ing orders today – our MISSION is possible!

March On

I know DSW Shoes was making a play on words with their email advertisement yesterday. After all, we are in the month of MARCH and it's time to MARCH ON. Here are lines from their ad:

*****OK, IT’S TIME: TIME TO FINALLY REALIZE “I WILL” WALKS ALL OVER “I CAN’T.”
*****IT'S TIME: TO CONFRONT EACH NEW CHALLENGE, AND DECIDE WHETHER TO GIVE UP, GIVE IN, OR GIVE IT ALL YOU GOT.
*****WAKE UP. PUT ON YOUR SHOES……MARCH ON.

Their ad worked. Here I am passing it on because it said something. The fact is life happens, stuff happens and we can decide whether to give up, give in or give it all we've got.

The first photo here was of my grandson's Army platoon marching for their Ft. Benning, GA Ranger graduation ceremonies. Notice they were FORWARD marching NOT backward marching. Whether soldiers are at their home base moving from one post to another, or are on the battlefield….they are on assignment and they will not cease until their mission has been accomplished. Paul said in Philippians 3:13,14: “…..but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining FORWARD to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” MARCH ON.

For over 44 years, my assignment included a partnership with a beautiful man and we accomplished a great deal during those years. Though Heaven called his name and his earth assignments ended, Heaven hasn’t called my name. I’m still here!!!! And, because I’m still here, there’s work for me to do, places for me to go and assignments I must complete. I take my “single” life on with fervor and with great ambition. I embrace the life God has given me and I purpose to make the most of every day. That’s God’s gift to me, and my gift back to Him is my attitude of “winning, conquering, celebrating and overcoming”, because He promised that to me. Jesus said, “I am come that you may have life, and have it in abundance”. (John 10:10). So I MARCH ON!

Don’t think for a moment that I don’t appreciate the beautiful life that I shared with my Sweetheart. I often think about those sweet years. And, I could “sit there” in my thoughts for hours on end, and if I stayed “there”, momentum in accomplishing my assignments would be stalled. But, I’ve determined to not “stay there”. It gets me nowhere! If I stayed there, I would be like a soldier gone AWOL (absent without leave). My precious Mom passed away at age 94. When she was still here, she would ask, “Why doesn’t God take me home? I’m ready to go!” And I would always tell her, “He’s not finished with you here, yet! Keep sharing your love with others, pray, and be here for us! That’s your assignment until you get called home!” You and I are still here and we, too, must complete our God-given assignments. We MARCH ON!

What are the assignments that God has given you? What are you going to accomplish with YOU? Life is worth LIVING. We’re still here and we’re “on assignment” – let’s get our MARCH-ing orders – our MISSION is possible! So we, MARCH ON!

Forward....MARCH!

Here we are – well into this month of MARCH! Time is literally MARCH-ing forward, and so are we! An Army platoon marches FORWARD, not backward. Whether soldiers are at their home base moving from one post to another, or are on the battlefield….they are on assignment and they will not cease until their mission has been accomplished. Paul said in Philippians 3:13,14: “…..but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining FORWARD to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Forward: go forth, onward, progressive, ahead, leading, forth, forefront, to the fore, further, advancing.

For over 44 years, my assignment included a partnership with a beautiful man and we accomplished a great deal during those years. Though Heaven called his name and his earth assignments ended, Heaven hasn’t called my name. I’m still here!!!! And, because I’m still here, there’s work for me to do, places for me to go and assignments I must complete. I take my “single” life on with fervor and with great ambition. I embrace the life God has given me and I purpose to make the most of every day. That’s God’s gift to me, and my gift back to Him is my attitude of “winning, conquering, celebrating and overcoming”, because He promised that to me. Jesus said, “I came that you might have life, and have it in abundance”. John 10:10

As Jesus once said to a man whom He was about to heal, “Step FORWARD.” (Mark 3:3), isn't it time we step forward in our belief and determination? Or will we hang back in the shadows afraid to move ahead, forgetting the destiny and purpose God has for us?

This day, month and year -- with all its surprises, joys, blessings, and, yes, even heartaches – lies ahead. Let's MARCH FORWARD to conquer whatever comes our way, hand in hand with the Joy-Bringer, the Deliverer, the Comforter, the Guide, the Peace-Giver.

No longer should we have rearview-mirror glimpses of regret, shame, or unforgiveness from the past. No longer marching backward. We have assignments to complete and accomplishments to fulfill. Life is worth LIVING. We’re still here and we’re “on assignment” – let’s get our MARCH-ing orders because our MISSION is possible!

FORWARD......March!

Day 60 of Photo Inspirations -- Forward.....MARCH!
Here we are – already into the month of March!   Time is literally MARCH-ing forward, and so are we!   This photo is of my grandson's Army platoon FORWARD marching for their Ft. Benning, GA Ranger graduation ceremonies. Notice they are FORWARD marching NOT backward marching.  Whether soldiers are at their home base moving from one post to another, or are on the battlefield….they are on assignment and they will not cease until their mission has been accomplished. Paul said in Philippians 3:13,14: “…..but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining FORWARD to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

For over 44 years, my assignment included a partnership with a beautiful man and we accomplished a great deal during those years. Though Heaven called his name and his earth assignments ended, Heaven hasn’t called my name. I’m still here!!!! And, because I’m still here, there’s work for me to do, places for me to go and assignments I must complete. I take my “single” life on with fervor and with great ambition. I embrace the life God has given me and I purpose to make the most of every day. That’s God’s gift to me, and my gift back to Him is my attitude of “winning, conquering, celebrating and overcoming”, because He promised that to me. Jesus said, “I am come that you may have life, and have it in abundance”. (John 10:10).

Don’t think for a moment that I don’t appreciate the beautiful life that I shared with my Sweetheart. I often think about those sweet years. And, I could “sit there” in my thoughts for hours on end, and if I stayed “there”, momentum in accomplishing my assignments would be stalled.  But, I’ve determined to not “stay there”. It gets me nowhere! If I stayed there, I would be like a soldier gone AWOL (absent without leave). My precious Mom passed away at age 94. When she was still here, she would ask, “Why doesn’t God take me home? I’m ready to go!” And I would always tell her, “He’s not finished with you here, yet! Keep sharing your love with others, pray, and be here for us! That’s your assignment until you get called home!”   You and I are still here and we, too, must complete our God-given assignments.

What are the assignments that God has given you? What are you going to accomplish with YOU?   Life is worth LIVING. We’re still here and we’re “on assignment” – let’s get our MARCH-ing orders – our MISSION is possible!
#ForwardMarch #USArmy #FtBenning #PressTowardTheMark #Assignment