I want to apologize for being gone from my own site for so long.   It's embarrassing when you do this type of thing to yourself.  But I have to confess, it's very disheartening when one tries to pour out for God and into the veteran brothers and sisters and their families that you care about and believe in and there's no response.  Not even questions.

Don't take this wrong.  This isn't a guilt trip or manipulation.  It's honesty.  You see, I believe in being as open with those I try to minister to as I hope they would be with me.  It's a shared trust.  If I expect you to trust me, then I must trust you.

During this time too I have been experiencing some PTSD issues of my own and have taken time to pray and seek support.  The end result is I've learned once again that my Lord has never abandoned me.

Just as Jesus cried on the cross, "My God!  My God!  Why have you forsaken me?"  God did not leave Him.  Neither did He leave me.  There are times however we must face trials on our own.  It's not because the Father doesn't care.  Instead it's because He does.  Some of you who had fathers will understand this.

At times fathers will let their sons attempt something on their own.  Sort of a test if you will, to see how the son handles what he's learned to a point.   I remember for example my step-dad, an ex-marine, teaching me to shoot.  The first time wasn't very successful.  I blew away a branch, some ground and bruised the crap out of my shoulder.  Eventually though I passed the test and we went hunting.  Soon, one Christmas, under the tree was a 20 gage shotgun.  Mine.  Along with the gun came permission to hunt on my own, anytime, as long as my chores and homework were done.  Finally!  I had made the grade.

Some times God must turn away and let us take a "life test" on our own.  That includes when we're 55 and 60 years old.  You see, life never stops teaching us...until we pass on.

So the Scriptures I want to leave you are:

Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV) "Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or terrified ... for the Lord your God goes with you, He will never leave you nor forsake you."  AND  from  1st Corinthians 10:13 (NIV) "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man.  And God is faithful, He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.  But when you are tempted, He will provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."