Packages

After some needed encouragement, I've decided to "soldier on" with posts on this site! I recently wrote on my family blog about ideas for items to send in packages to my husband overseas.

This is what I wrote:

"J. finally received his first package from me! He's been having a hard week and he said it made his day.

On that note...If you are interested in sending him a package, here are a few good ideas.

1) he really doesn't need drug store items like toothpaste, etc...he has access to a PX and if he needs something specific I will send it. Soldiers get too much of those type of items, and not enough of the fun stuff that really makes their day.

2) send specialty items that you think he might enjoy. Ideas include (but are not exclusive)...

a)gourmet coffee (this could be something you find on sale at TJ Max or a special blend you like, while it's my favorite, my point is that you don't have to send Starbucks), they get plenty of cheap coffee at the Dining Facility, and since it is the elixer of survival in the military, a nice cup of coffee is a special treat

b)Packaged store bought cookies, or vacuumed sealed baked good from home. J. loves all types of cookies and baked treats.

c)Candy- right now, before it warms up over there, chocolate is a great thing to send. J. loves it! Later on, it will melt and you won't be able to send it. Right now, any type of chocolatey treat would be appreciated.

d)Magazines. One of the things J. misses is not being able to watch the news daily. Magazines that cover interesting current events happening in America help him reconnect to home and keep him updated. If you subscribe to a particular magazine you think J. would enjoy, consider passing it on to him after you finish reading it.

e)Salty treats like trail mix, pretzels, granola bars are great snacks for those days he has to skip a meal or works late and needs a midnight snack

By no means is this list exhaustive. It's just a few ideas that I've had rolling around in my head and I thought it might help you get thinking about the special items you could send him. I know he'd appreciate it SO much! As would I! "

What advice do you give friends and family who want to send your soldier packages? What are your favorite things to mail overseas? I'd love to get a good discussion going on various ideas. I could use some creative ideas to add to my arsenal of gift box standbys. Thanks!

Faith

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

Does faith count if it's contigent on God's performing according to my terms? So many times, my faith has been tested when God did not answer my prayers the way I desired. Over the last year I religiously asked God to prevent my husband's unit from deploying. Three weeks ago yesterday, my husband deployed, one of many from the 101st. Obviously, my prayer wasn't answered in the manner I sought. I wanted God to halt this whole thing and keep my precious husband home. Doesn't he know how miserable I am when he's gone? Doesn't he know how much I need him? Yes and yes, He knows. He knows the innermost thoughts of my heart. Nonetheless, he chose to send my husband to war. Faith comes down to a choice, a decision to honor and trust that God will provide for me. I made a decision years ago to follow Christ, and I will, despite the cost. I will do so with peace, knowing that my will is not always what's best.