USS NEW YORK-part 2

Strength Forged Through Sacrifice. Never Forget.

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The USS NEW YORK (LPD 21), built with 7.5 tons of steel from the World Trade Center in her bow, was commissioned in New York City on Nov. 7, 2009, and I got the opportunity to ride the ship from Norfolk, VA. into New York City for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. At approximately 8:00 a.m., on November 2, the USS NEW YORK came to a standstill across from the World Trade Center site, dipped her flag, and delivered a 21-gun salute. Members of the Fire Department of New York, the New York Police Department, Port Authority Police, members of the families of 9/11 victims and veterans gathered on the shore at the North Cove in the World Financial Center to return the salute.

I was in New York City with the ship (9 days total) in support of the commissioning and it was by-far one of the most remarkable times I can ever remember having. Serving in the military is an honorable thing for me; I love it and have never once regretted it. It's been almost 11 years next March (whoa!). The people of New York were amazingly grateful and it was so very humbling to meet first-responders, family members, and loved ones of the victims and heroes of that fateful day in 2001. Words cannot express the bond between the people of New York and our country's military. Every person I met had such a tender place in their heart for those who have served and who currently serve in the world's greatest military forces. I'll post some of my favorite and most memorable pictures.

I could write a thousand posts about my time in New York and about those I came to know while I was there. It is truly unforgettable. The USS NEW YORK's motto: "Strength Forged Through Sacrifice. Never Forget" is a powerful message to us all. My hope is that we don't forget. In doing this, we honor those who lost their lives that day. And please continue to pray for those who serve in our military; some have given the ultimate sacrifice.

My Utmost for His Highest- Daily Devotional

Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters . . . , so our eyes look to the Lord our God . . . —Psalm 123:2

This verse is a description of total reliance on God. Just as the eyes of a servant are riveted on his master, our eyes should be directed to and focused on God. This is how knowledge of His countenance is gained and how God reveals Himself to us (seeIsaiah 53:1 ). Our spiritual strength begins to be drained when we stop lifting our eyes to Him. Our stamina is sapped, not so much through external troubles surrounding us but through problems in our thinking. We wrongfully think, "I suppose I’ve been stretching myself a little too much, standing too tall and trying to look like God instead of being an ordinary humble person." We have to realize that no effort can be too high.
For example, you came to a crisis in your life, took a stand for God, and even had the witness of the Spirit as a confirmation that what you did was right. But now, maybe weeks or years have gone by, and you are slowly coming to the conclusion— "Well, maybe what I did showed too much pride or was superficial. Was I taking a stand a bit too high for me?" Your "rational" friends come and say, "Don’t be silly. We knew when you first talked about this spiritual awakening that it was a passing impulse, that you couldn’t hold up under the strain. And anyway, God doesn’t expect you to endure." You respond by saying, "Well, I suppose I was expecting too much." That sounds humble to say, but it means that your reliance on God is gone, and you are now relying on worldly opinion. The danger comes when, no longer relying on God, you neglect to focus your eyes on Him. Only when God brings you to a sudden stop will you realize that you have been the loser. Whenever there is a spiritual drain in your life, correct it immediately. Realize that something has been coming between you and God, and change or remove it at once.

This is EXACTLY what I've been facing the past couple of weeks, every since I got back from New York. Other things (i.e. fleshly desires, worldly ways of thinking) have intruded upon my heart...and now I'm in a place of repentance & thankfulness of God's unending mercy and grace. If it weren't for His continual tugging on my heart, I'd continue to be a wayward child instead of a prodigal son. Thankfully He continues to pursue us! II Cor. 12:9 "My grace IS sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness!" Amen & Amen. :)