A New Day...Tuesday

Tom had a fitful night of sleep...maybe that was due to sleeping most of the day on Monday!  Anyway, when he awoke this morning he was his chipper old self...praise the Lord!  Thank you for your prayers.  He isn't 100%, not sure when that will ever be, but so thankful for a better day.  Still feeling very weak he went on into work around 9:30 and was excited to see a former teacher, Jason Ragain, who is in town and had stopped by the high school for a visit.  Jason has just returned from deployment in Afghanistan.  The following is an article about Jason:

 by Marine Corps Cpl. Rashaun X. James

2nd Marine Aircraft Wing

CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan, June 3, 2011 – A young James C. Ragain found himself face to face with tragedy in his seventh-grade year. His father, a Navy dentist, had moved his family to Parris Island, S.C., where his first contact with military chaplains would forever change his life.

“One afternoon, a couple buddies and I went to a local swimming pool and one of my friends drowned,” Ragain said. “The whole neighborhood came out to console the family. I remember the chaplains being out there to support the boy’s family. That was enough to really make a lasting impact on a young boy like me.”

After graduating from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, with a degree in social studies education, Ragain became a high school teacher. But two years later, he still felt a call to serve the military and to serve God. So the Knoxville, Tenn., native decided to take part in the Navy’s chaplain candidate program.

“I became a chaplain candidate in 2003, and then went on to seminary, where I worked on my master of divinity studies [degree] in Chicago,” said Ragain, who now serves in the U.S. Navy’s chaplain corps as a lieutenant.

Ragain joined the active duty ranks in 2009, arriving at his first duty station at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., and he deployed here this year with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 40 as the squadron’s chaplain.

“What never changes is that you are facilitating a method for someone to get their religious needs,” he said, comparing his deployed duties with life in garrison. “You’re caring for all the people, you’re doing counseling, advising the command and doing workspace visits.”

A definite difference is the nature of the things he discusses with service members here, such as being separated from loved ones, said Ragain, whose wife, Michelle, lives in New Bern, N.C., and works both as a personal trainer and as a mother to the couple’s three children — including twin 3-year-old daughters. “The Marines are away from their families, just like I am,” he added, “so I am able to counsel them and offer them firsthand guidance.”

Ragain provides several religious services every week and also works with his squadron’s leadership to help Marines who may be facing difficulties.

“In addition to the regular services out here, we are also doing suicide-intervention training,” Ragain said. “It’s a week-long training program we do with leaders to help with anyone who may be having suicidal ideations.”

The chaplain said he has had to talk to Marines who were having troubling thoughts. “Generally, we would talk for a while, and then I work with them to get the next level of help that they need,” he said.

Ragain’s efforts have proved valuable to his command, and squadron leaders said the chaplain’s well-known sense of humor and approachability are ideal for reaching Marines of all ranks.

Sunday night my dad drove to Ashland, Ohio to meet up with a good friend, Dale Engle, so the two of them could get an early start on a Lake Erie fishing trip Monday.  They not only had a great time fishing, but great weather and fellowship too.  Tom and I will enjoy fresh Lake Erie Walleye for dinner tonight!   Thanks, dad!

Zac #20

Last night mom and I were able to go and see one of my nephew's soccer games.  WCMS vs. Columbus Academy.  It was an exciting game that ended in a 1-1 tie.  I have to tell you my nephew Zac is the best player on the team!  I'm really not that biased.  He played hard and it was fun to watch him hustle.

Sweeper

Hustle

Best Fans

Kelly (aka mom) ~ Cassidy (sister) ~ Granny

After the game was over three deer meandered onto the field!  I guess they were looking for dinner and the soccer field looked yummy.

This morning my dad had a doctor's appointment...a regular check-up he scheduled while they were back in town.  After the appointment they rode with friends, Wyatt & Mary Brown, to Kentucky to visit more friends, Bob & Ruth Williams.  They will be back on Wednesday.  While checking in on Tom, his mom mentioned she had a regular check-up with her heart doctor today too.  Everything is A-OK for which we are so thankful.

Tom came home from work around 2:00 and he is still asleep as I type this.  I trust he will wake with more energy and ready for his fish dinner!  I can't say it enough...THANK YOU for your continued prayers and support.

Some of you have requested my 'healthy' version of oatmeal raisin cookies...so here it is:

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Raisin Cookies

2/3 C. olive oil

1 C. brown sugar

2/3 C. turbinado sugar or honey

2 farm fresh eggs

2 t. vanilla

Mix all of above until well blended, add:

2 C. whole wheat flour

2 t. soda

1 1/2 t. sea salt

2 t. cinnamon

1 1/2 C. old fashioned oats

1/2 C. dark chocolate chips

1/2 C. raisins

1/2 C. chopped walnuts

Mix thoroughly.

Bake on sprayed cookie sheets for 10-12 minutes at 350 degrees.

ENJOY!