Independence Day

I love today, and what it stands for. The 4th of July is more than a day of lakes, pools, BBQ's, alcohol, baseball, carnivals, picnics, concerts, and fireworks. It is a day in which our founding fathers officially signed the Declaration of Independence, and the Colonies were no longer under Great Britain's rule.

I love how for one day the entire country shows its love for what it has been given by the blood of the fallen whom have paid the ultimate price. It is sad how far gone from this that America has gone, that you only see this on the 4th of July, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and when a tragic thing happens to Americans and to America herself. It isn't just a time after a terrorist act, after mother nature visits and displays her might, after our first responders and military members lose their lives, or when they walk by in uniform. Independence day is every single day. Every house across the nation needs a flag that is flown everyday of the year and not just on holidays!

Independence Day is everyday you wake up and still have your freedoms. It is everyday we are a free nation. It is everyday that we can still fight for what we believe in, for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It is saying the Pledge of Allegiance, and that we are One Nation Under God. It is when you sing and hear the National Anthem, you get goosebumps. It is the mom and pop stores, the small businesses, the farmland, the wide open spaces across the country, and, oh so much more!

The fallen before us who fought for our freedoms, those that currently fight for our freedoms and protect us, and those that will...Independence Day is why they do what they do. To protect the ones they love, and keep our country free. It is why more than half the troops that are home on American soil and veterans whom have seen combat who have PTSD will battle their inner demons tonight and in the days and nights to come. The sounds of fireworks puts them back to fighting for their lives and that of their brothers and sisters in arms. PTSD is alive and well, and it will be running rampant in the days, weeks, and years to come for troops and Veterans, all for us to remain a free country.

May God wrap His arms of protection around our troops abroad and at home. May He continue to give the families, children, and spouses the courage and strength to get through the long nights, hard days, and times of re-acclimating when their loved one is not quite the same person that left.

I thank God for the stars and strips, for the troops, may we forever be free, and may Old Glory forever Fly!

These are my thoughts and feelings. The thoughts and feelings of a patriotic, God fearing, Marine wife. ♥ ⚓★彡 Mrs. Briney July 4th, 2013

Relgiousness and Holiness

Do you see yourself as someone who is striving for and pursuing holiness?

In this world, there is a tendency to become cultural Christians, rather than holy Christians. Holiness is foundational to being a Christian, without it there is no transformation and you plateau. The difference between religiousness and holiness is this; religiousness is wearing the coat of Christianity, where holiness is living the life of Christianity.

J.I. Packer in  "Discovering Holiness" says this: "This is not a trend that one would have expected, since Scripture insists so strongly that Christians are called to holiness, that God is pleased with holiness but outraged by unholiness, and that without holiness none will see the Lord. But the shift of Christian interest away from the pursuit of holiness to focus on fun and fulfillment, ego-massage, and techniques for present success, and public issues that carry no challenge to one's personal morals, is a fact. To my mind it is a sad and scandalous fact, and one that needs to be reversed."

Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Charles Colson in "Loving God" says this "Holiness is the everyday business of every Christian. It evidences itself in the decisions we make and the things we do hour by hour, and day by day."

God wants the Bible to be a mirror for our lives!

James 1:22-25 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18  Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

PTSD Awareness

June is PTSD awareness month. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is not a subject to be quiet and taboo about. This is a very real thing that our service men and women (our first responders, those left behind to pick up after mother nature incidents) and even the spouses of all of the above are dealing with.

Many things can trigger someones PTSD episode, and no two are ever the same. Families cannot have the same fun times as before, loud noises, crowds, etc can send one of these people into an episode so fast it can make your head spin. The night terrors that have them bolting upright in their sleep never get easier to deal with ever. It is nights of no sleep, of wondering how long this episode will last, knowing that the "morning after the episode" will not be pretty, and more.

I hate PTSD. I wish more research and understanding could happen over night. I wish people wouldn't look at them (and the wives) with pity, instead DO something to help raise awareness about it!

Just some of the signs of PTSD:
Re-experiencing the traumatic event, Avoidance and numbing, Anger and irritability
Guilt, shame, or self-blame, Substance abuse, Feelings of mistrust and betrayal, Depression and hopelessness, Suicidal thoughts and feelings, Feeling alienated and alone, Physical aches and pains

Want to know how to help these people?
Be patient and understanding. Getting better takes time. Be patient with the pace of recovery and offer a sympathetic ear.

Try to anticipate and prepare for PTSD triggers. Common triggers include anniversary dates; people or places associated with the trauma; and certain sights, sounds, or smells. If you are aware of what triggers may cause an upsetting reaction, you’ll be in a better position to offer your support and help your loved one calm down.

Don’t take the symptoms of PTSD personally. Common symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) include emotional numbness, anger, and withdrawal. If your loved one seems distant, irritable, or closed off, remember that this may not have anything to do with you or your relationship.

Don’t pressure your loved one into talking. It is very difficult for people with PTSD to talk about their traumatic experiences. For some, it can even make things worse. Never try to force your loved one to open up. Let the person know, however, that you’re there when and if he or she wants to talk.

http://www.ptsdalliance.org/resources.html
http://www.military.com/benefits/veterans-health-care/ptsd-frequently-asked-questions.html
http://www.military.com/benefits/veterans-health-care/posttraumatic-stress-disorder-overview.html

REMEMBER: you are never alone! Wives of first responders and military personnel stick together and this is just another instance in which we have to hold each other up and help.

 

One of my friends makes wall graphics and car decals. She has made this one for PTSD awareness. Please go check out her website. 

http://osevenelevencreations.com/ptsd-awareness-ribbon/