amandaspace1330

Honor. High respect, merit or rank. High public esteem, honesty, fairness or integrity in one's beliefs. Honor Dictionary.com This word embodies the tradition of the military of the United States of America: the men of our armed forces. They serve their country with distinction, valor and honor. I was able to get a small taste of this on Tuesday June 24 when my dad retired from 31 years serving in the United States Navy. The ceremony took place at the Navy Memorial in Washington D.C. The weather was perfect, the setting ideal, and family and friends gathered from across the country to honor the service of The Force Master Chief of the Navy Reserve, my dad, and also the incoming Force Master Chief, Ronnie Wright. I sat in amazement at the tradition of honor that the servicemen in attendance showed to one another and to their country. It was an impressive morning and an experience I will not soon forget.

Today I read Matthew 27. The passage tells the story of Jesus' trial, execution and burial. The passage hit me in a different way today, because of where I am in life. I stress about doing things incorrectly and embarrassing myself. This is a particular struggle for me at school working in the research lab. I am very conscious of doing things correctly because the professor I work for tends to nail people to the wall over simple mistakes. I went to bed last night praying that I could rest in the Lord's hands, and if I mess up, to bear the "shame" and accept my imperfections. Then I read about Jesus' crucifixion this morning. How humiliating of a death it was! Jesus was mocked and abused. Rejected by the crowds. He was disrespected, beaten, and hung with criminals. How humiliating! The crazy thing about it is, He was perfect. He did nothing wrong. He took that humiliation for the salvation of all of mankind. I stand amazed at Jesus. I know that I could not have end...

If you have called and left a message at my house recently, or if you've seen Ash and I kicking around town, you already know about the changes aroung the Pickering house. My sister Ashley is staying with Jason and Me for the summer. It is such a blast living life together and we are excited about the next few months that she will be in PA with us.