I just got off the phone with Nick not too long ago. We were able to talk for 20 minutes! That's the longest I've ever spoken to him since he's left. We had such a good time catching up and just making small talk. He's pretty sure he's coming home on May 20. I'm so excited. We're going to make such a scene when he gets off the plane...we'll embarrass the socks off of him. :)
He's doing much better. He said that things have calmed down where they are at the moment, and he's really been sustained by the joy of the Lord. He said he was feeling happy the other day, there's no real reason to be happy out there and just felt as though the Lord was giving him His joy. I'm thrilled. That has certainly been right up there on my prayer list. I'm just hoping he'll get most of the packages we've sent him in recent weeks.
Keep praying for their physical health. Tony hasn't had any really nasty headaches recently, but keep that in the forefront of your mind, if possible. He's going to get himself checked out to see if he has migraines. Pray they have loads of Imitrex over there if that's the case.
Other than that, not much to report on here. Beacon is on for tonight. Hope you all can come.
See you there...
Amidst all of the tragic news coming from the Middle East regarding the deaths of our servicemen, there is wonderful news. We still have good men in this country. I'm sure most of you have heard about the death of former NFL player Pat Tillman. If not, click here to read about the sacrifices he made for you and me. But he's not the only one.
Soldiers are re-enlisting in strong numbers. 28,406 strong. We have a great deal of good men willing to go back into harm's way to preserve and defend our freedom. Our friend Sgt. Tony Roth is one of them.
I have hope when I read about such men. It's easy to be discouraged about the collective character of our nation when our only news sources report nothing positive. But every once in a while a little ray of light will pierce through the thick clouds called journalism to give us hope that we just might survive if we continue to produce men with the integrity and moral fortitude that Sgt. Tillman had.
I've got even more pictures in my "The Boys" and "Swingers" photo album. Some friends of mine just went to Nick's mom's house to have dinner and dessert with her, and simply to support her and spend some quality time with the mother of our dear friend. We had a great time. She gave us some pictures that Nick had taken with his camera. They're great.
Check them out. I'll write more later.
Emily
It's just occurred to me that one cannot be an environmentalist and a supporter of the U.S. troops. Although liberals will try to deny that, saying they just don't support G.W., but they love the men and women who serve this country. I would have to point out something that probably wouldn't be too obvious to little minds (ouch, did I say that?). Click on the thumbnail of the image on this post. (I'm irate with typepad; they no longer have the option of posting whole images with my posts. Hopefully that will change.)
Take a good look at the various vehicles you see in the picture. Now, how can an environmentalist honestly say they support those men in uniform when those vehicles probably burn enough oil to power every SUV that John Kerry owns. It's impossible. Environmentalists care too much about precious oil, and they hate those who use too much (don't get me started on the hypocrisy here), so it's not possible that they support and "love" the troops that serve this great nation.
Okay, now that that's off my chest. I've been able to email Nick a great deal in the last several days; a wonderful development, I must say. He is going out on a mission that will last a few days, so remember to pray for them. He's sick right now, as well, and says that Tony is really suffering from headaches and struggling with being sick quite often. Please keep their health in your prayers; as that's something I completely forgot to bring before the Lord, I'm sure others have too.
Other than that, it's supposedly three weeks and counting until he arrives back on good 'ol American soil. He's still waiting to hear that confirmed, but we're hoping he'll be free to leave. Yet another prayer request.
Well, I've got to get going. I have to do my lovely vocal warm-ups as well as exercise and get ready for Beacon tonight. Hope to see you there!
Emily
I am so crunched for time right now. I'm taking on new clients right now (goodness knows why) so I'm desperately trying to find time for myself and what I need to accomplish in my own time (aka organizing my room:)
I will write tonight about the latest coming out of Iraq and other musings of mine.
Beacon is on tomorrow for those who are still somewhat unsure. We haven't had it for two weeks now--seems like forever--because of Good Friday and the Salvador concert. But we're back on track now. Please come and bring friends if possible. We really need to start rallying people to the service; we need to pick up and keep the momentum going.
I'm excited. I feel like I haven't seen all the Beacon people in well...two weeks! :) It'll be great. We're doing really good songs tomorrow too. Hope you come.
Love you all!
Emily
For those who are slightly baffled at the image of two Marines with a "Barbie" doll, here's the whole story.
The weekend before Tony and Nick left for Iraq, a group of us took them swing dancing. Before we went swing dancing, they were both at my house discussing politics. I had mentioned that I loved Ann Coulter, Sean Hannity, et al, and asked if they'd heard of Ann having an action figure. They replied in the negative, so I quickly retrieved mine from my room. (My parent's had gotten it for me for Christmas.)
They got the biggest kick out of the doll and listened to every last sound bite she uttered. They joked about how great it would be to get one and take it to Iraq. We all laughed and I told them how it would be virtually impossible, seeing as it took nearly three weeks to get to me when we ordered one, express mail. Meanwhile, I plotted the perfect time to give them mine.
At the end of the night, I said that before they left, I had one last present I wanted to give them. I had wrapped the doll and handed it to Tony. When they opened it, they were so excited. I told them that there was one condition: they had to take pictures of Ann at every checkpoint and major landmark they encountered; if they were near a toppled Saddam statue, she had to be there; if they were near one of the palaces, she was too, etc. They promised me they would follow through and send me the photos, laughing about how cool it would be to have a well-traveled Ann Coulter action figure.
Nick called me just before they were about to leave for Iraq and said that as they were packing their bags and getting ready to leave (Ann was gently placed on top of their luggage), one of the guys helping them took the doll and threw it back on their bunks, thinking it wasn't supposed to go with them. Either Nick or Tony said, "Oh wait, the doll goes with us." Of course the other Marine replied, "What?!" But they were proud of their mini-pundit.
Sadly, our tiny Ann has been declared MIA. She was among some other personal belongings of theirs eventually bound for the wash room when someone took their stuff without their knowledge. They tried to find her, but to no avail. It's disappointing, and I know they feel bad, but at least they got these great photos.
To little Ann, wherever she is, may God protect you in that culture. Lord only knows what they might do when they find you. Barbies are a hot black market item in the Middle East...one can only wonder...
~Emily
Do you remember reading my post asking you to pray because I felt that the recent deaths of several Marines was close to where Nick and Tony are stationed? Well, I was right. Nick called me last night to assure me that he's okay. I asked if he'd lost anyone he knew, and he said that his company hasn't taken any casualties, but some guys did get injured. He was only able to talk for 2 minutes so we tried to get in as much information as we could, making room for the 4 second delay as well.
Nick said that "insurgents" (I hate that name, let's be real..they're terrorists) blew up their mail truck. He said if I sent anything two weeks ago, it's probably gone. I can't tell you how mad I got when hearing this. Talk about destroying morale. These guys live for their mail, and we live to give it to them. I have a feeling that the elaborate scripture collage I created was blown up. Grrr.... I just feel so bad for the guys. They love getting mail.
Nick thinks he'll be home in a month. How great would that be? We've got to get hopping on setting up all of our plans for his return.
Anyhow, if you'd like to see pictures of the guys, click on my photo album "The Boys." I've also posted a whole bunch of new photos of events in the last week in the "Friends" album. Hope you enjoy. I'll write more later about the other pictures. For now, I've got to go to work.
Emily
Hey Nick,
Here's two emails you can reach me at: emilyabeal@yahoo.com and emily@redefinedmagazine.com.
I'm so glad to hear you're okay. I'll post more later. Rachael and I are planning our trip to Europe now and we're actually getting down to business as opposed to talking about our hair and boys, which is the usual routine. So I don't want to break the flow for long.
We love you and are praying for you. I'll kill some Iraqis myself if my last package was blown up. I spent some nice time making you both something....okay, getting mad...not about me, it's about you right now...
Thanks so much for calling. I've got to tell you, it's just like Christmas to us too when we hear from you.
Love,
Emily
For those of you who read about Nick and Tony on my site and have no faces for the names...here they are. Nick is on the left, Ann in the middle :), and Tony's on the right. I will post all of the pictures they sent me and others of this week with my friends later tonight. For now, I'm going to go work off all the junk I ate this weekend.
See you soon!
Emily
I am sorry I don't have my pictures up of my venture into the vacuum called Hollywood, but I'll have them by tonight. I'm getting them developed as I work my afternoon job.
I had a very productive weekend, socially speaking. I went to Salvador's concert on Friday, which was great. I did busy work and then went to dinner at a friend's house on Saturday. Sunday, I went to my dear friend Lisa Harriton's senior recital in the morning and the brunch following. Then I went to a barbeque for our college group just after, followed by my voice lesson, followed by going to Anna's to watch Alias.
Okay, on the topic of Alias. The show has gotten so stupid that it begs the question, did they recently fire their writers to hire the writers from As the World Turns? Not that the show was ever realistic, but give me a break, it's gotten so soap opera-esque that it makes me angry watching it. I refrained from making sarcastic comments the whole episode (which took everything in me to do), but instead I rolled my eyes at every "turn" in the plot. I think if this isn't the last season for the show, it should be if this is the direction it's headed.
On to more fun topics. Lisa did fabulously at her recital. It was so good and I got to see so many old friends as well as friends that I just don't get to catch up with very often. Dan, our drummer, was there with our friends from Harvest Rock. I love those guys. I always have so much fun with them. Jessica Morris and Tisha were there too. We just had a great time. Lisa was thrilled because her grandpa was able to come. He's really suffering from cancer right now and she wasn't even sure he'd make it to the date of her recital, but he came and it was such a blessing.
So, that's enough talk about me. I don't have much of an update on Nick. It seems his battalion has lost somewhere around 5 guys. They had over 10 Easter services out there and from what I understand they were able to watch The Passion as well. Nick has really been able to minister to the guys, which makes me so glad. I don't think he'll be staying the whole 7 months, so hopefully he'll be home mid-June. If I hear more, I'll post it.
Until tonight... :) Emily
Well, I finally sent off a load of cds (nine to be exact) to Nick, and Tony. I feel so awful because it's taken me so long. Before Nick even left he asked me to send him copies of Stevie Wonder's music. I told him I would, and I've only just now had the time to do so (it's been two months since they've left). I know he's been dying to get them too because he mentions it to not only myself but my friends. He'll talk about how much he loves Stevie, etc and how he can't wait or hasn't gotten the cds yet. Talk about daggers right into my lazy little heart. :)
Well, I've tried to make up for it by sending a bus load of other cds as well. I won't say which ones on here because I know he frequently checks this site. I've got more coming as well. I can't wait for him to get them. I wish there were a way to make them travel faster.
I just read a headline that 6 Marines stationed near the Syrian border were killed today. If I remember correctly, that's where his battalion was to be stationed. I'm slightly worried, but confident that the Lord will keep him. I just hope he didn't lose anyone he knew (not that that makes this loss any less significant). Remember to pray for them. I'll be sending food over there asap if any want to contribute.
Stay tuned for great pics of my recent venture into the uniquely shallow world of press junkets. :)
"It's the most wonderful time of the year...." :) if you didn't make any money last year, like me! :) I love being well under most tax brackets and getting fat refunds. However, my self-employed status will change all that...*sigh*...I'm just not going to go there yet.
Anyhow, I don't think I have much to say today....lol...as if that's ever the case. Rachael called me and said she's spoken to this couple that travels to Italy all the time and they know someone we could stay with in Florence! They're pastors of a church over there. I'm so excited. This couple wants to meet with us to help us plan our itinerary, tell us all the do's and don'ts of shopping, sightseeing, dining, etc. This is just becoming more and more amazing every minute. Thank you God!
I'm having way to much fun compiling cds for Nick and Tony. I'm sure they won't have nearly as much fun listening to them as I do, but that's okay with me. I had fun, and that's all that matters, right? :)
So, I worked out soooo hard yesterday, only to go to my client's house to go swimming for another hour with their kids. Now, swimming with little kids is no walk in the park. It consisted of me rescuing their toys every two seconds, picking them (the chillins) up and chucking them as far as my little arms could (over and over again) and treading water the rest of the time making sure they didn't drown unexpectedly. Oh my gosh, after I was through I felt as though every muscle in my body had atrophied. I honestly was incapable of movement. It was the combination of all the sports activities that did me in. Still, I need to be in better shape. I might be doing this routine all summer :)
Speaking of the gym, I think I'll head over there now. Hope you all have a fabulous day. If it's just so-so, I have something that will brighten it, thanks to my friend Melissa. Visit the subservient chicken. It's honestly the funniest thing I've done in a long time. Here are some suggestions to get you started: Command him to fly around the room, pretend he's a rap artist performing on stage, peck for corn, run around hysterically....and you come up with the rest. I laughed so hard.
Ciao!
Well, it's all quiet on the western front. I've just been getting back into the groove of working, though today working will entail me going swimming with my little ones in the afternoon. (And I get paid for this!) I'm still saving every penny to go on my trip this summer. I've been praying a great deal that the Lord would truly provide, as opposed to the usual "I do it myself" routine we've been through since I was able to speak. It appears that He actually wants to be my Father...what a concept, huh? What have I been missing all these years?
Anyhow, I think I might have found the greatest travel deal ever. I'm still working on it. I need to talk with the lady who told my dad about it. As soon as it's wet concrete, I'll post what's going on. In the meantime, just know that if you ever need hook-ups for European travel, I might have your gal.
As far as Nick and Tony go, Mindy got a letter from Nick yesterday. He said he's okay and that he and Tony are trying to find joy in their situation. He mentioned that he had gotten my package and was enjoying the tea I sent him, but that he's full out of food again. So, I'm getting right on sending them some more. I hate that they have to eat disgusting MREs. I wish I could send them a home cooked meal, but uh...just not possible. We will all make up for lost time when they return, I'm sure.
On a political note, if you want to see something disgusting that, of course, is not being taken seriously by the media, click here. The democrats in this nation have wandered so far from their origins, it would make their hero, JFK, roll in his grave.
Okay, that's about all I can think of to write this early in the morning. Oh! I'm sending the boys the most amazing two disc set of 80's music. They're the best of the 80's in my opinion. I can't wait for them to get them.
Me
I had a very eventful weekend (pictures to come). You can read my Friday post; Saturday I went to tea with my dear friend Liz and went to see The Alamo with my brothers, Rachael and Ryan. That movie is an offense to celluloid. I would say it's the worst movie I've ever seen, but that would imply that it gave rise to some emotion in me. To describe the movie as flat is a tremendous understatement. It was not only un-epic, it was almost anti-epic. I've found some great reviews of the movie that more articulately state my opinion on the waste of $100 million. Film Critic and The Onion both give excellent reviews. But I'd have to say the one that completely reiterates statements I made just following the film is done by Slant Magazine. The reviewer could have been sitting right behind me; his comments are nearly verbatim, it's funny, especially the one about Wolverine. I think you'll enjoy these. Please, don't waste your money. Wait until it comes out on video, better yet, when it's shown on ABC because they can't think of anything better to play.
When my friends and I left the theater, we all admitted to never having felt more uninspired. The character development was non-existent and the script seemed to be pandering to all audiences, thus rendering the entire story completely impotent. I could go on, but the reviews state it better.
Anyhow, Easter was great. We went to church and came back and had friends over for a brunch. The food was amazing and quite diverse. We had Greek foods, American foods, Jewish foods, you name it. I had a wonderful time. And to top the whole night off, I heard from Nick (see below). I love Easter. I hope yours was as joyous and carefree as mine was.
Call it a hunch, woman's intuition, the Holy Spirit, but I somehow knew that Nick would call me yesterday. I kept my cell phone by my side at all times, worried that I might get bad reception at any given moment and not receive his call. Well just as some of our favorite dinner guests, Joe and Liz Wainer, were leaving, I got a phone call from a strange area code and knew it was him. Everyone was really excited but got really quiet.
Nick said he was doing well, but that he's really homesick so things get on his nerves easily now. I'm surprised it took so long for this to happen to him. I probably would have become irritable within the first two weeks. Anyhow... he said that Tony's a bit stressed out right now. Keep them in prayer, for protection of their physical bodies and of their minds and spirits.
Nick did have to bear some bad news to me....my Ann Coulter doll I gave them is MIA. :) She, along with some of their other stuff, was apparently set in these bins ultimately destined for the wash room. But someone took the bins early or without their knowing so they couldn't get their stuff out of there, and our dear Ann was lost. I told him that I was slightly more concerned for their safety than I was a stupid doll...no offense to Ms. Coulter, of course.
He thinks he'll probably be home in a month in a half, praise God. He said unless things get really bad over there, that's the plan. I know there's a part of him that wants to stay with his guys through the whole tour, but he's served his four years and wants to go to school in the fall, so he really needs to get back before September.
Because Joe and Liz were still there, they got to say a quick hello to him, which I know meant a lot to them and Nick. I was so emotional after receiving his call. I had been worried sick about them for so long, praying and praying and praying for them each day. It was such a relief to hear from him. I knew he was okay, but that didn't stop me from really praying for his spirit.
Nick, thank you for calling. I truly needed to hear from you. Tell Tony I hope he's doing well, or better, and have been praying for him earnestly. I cannot wait to get your pictures. Have you gotten my care package yet? I certainly hope so. There's more stuff coming your way. I'll work on getting you The Passion....you really need to see that without people in a movie theater distracting your view of the screen. :)
Until then, be safe and know you're deeply missed and thought of each day by all of us. Talk to you soon. *Emily
Not long ago, I returned from seeing The Passion for the second time. It was almost a completely different experience seeing it again. The first time I was with a group of about 30 and had to go straight from the theatre to a graduation (Bad planning). This time I went by myself after the Good Friday service.
The first time, the emotions I experienced were also quite different from those I had today. Originally, I was shocked, horrified and terribly angry at Jesus' tormentors. I wanted to leap up into the action and kill them myself. I also found myself thinking (like Simon Peter), "Lord, just make it stop. It doesn't have to be this way. You can make them stop." Wow, complete "get thee behind me, satan" thinking there.
This time, I was so struck at the magnificent cost for my soul. I was, am, humbled beyond words. I think I cried more too...even though I knew blow by blow, literally, what was going to happen. The reality hit so much deeper that His love knows no bounds. I could go on forever about how astounded I am that 'His gospel beckoned me." As I watched I hoped that I would have been one of the followers back then, not a scoffer. But the Bible clearly says that while we were still sinners Christ died for us. Even his followers denied Him during the ordeal. Most of that is unproductive thinking anyway; what matters is that I have committed my life to His and will follow Him 'til He calls me home.
I am still processing everything, an opportunity I was not previously afforded. I am so thankful that I was born into a believing family, raised in the ways of the Lord, and am now walking with Him. There is no life outside of Jesus. Thank you Lord for giving yours for mine.
Hope your Good Friday is full of reflection, renewal and whatever other R word Pastor Jim used today :) Blessings on your time with the Lord.
And if I don't post until then, HAPPY EASTER!!
So, I'm getting ready to go out and run errands when it hit me, "Oh my gosh, I'm going to Italy this summer!" Now, this is not a rare occurence. This thought hits me close to three times a day. But the frequency in which 'new' revelation occurs does not diminish the significance of it, I can assure you. I am practically giddy as I type this because it's hit me again. :)
I used to dream of going to Italy, fully anticipating it would never be possible because it's too expensive, etc, etc. Well, it is pretty darn expensive (I am budgeting nearly every penny that passes through my hands) but I know it's going to be worth it. I'm just in awe of possibilities. If you truly commit yourself to saving money, it will happen and you can go on amazing vacations. Wow, I just thought that was for my truly frugal, disciplined friends. But I'm one third of the way there with my finances and I've got 3 months left to go. (It's only taken me 3 weeks to get to the third, too.)
Anyhow, I thought I'd take a moment out of my day to thank God for 1.) making Italy, 2.) making me (and my wonderful traveling friend Rachael) and 3.) for dazzling me with His providence. I have a feeling that "I ain't seen nothin' yet." Bring it on, Lord! :)
ME <---- that's my nickname backward :)
Today is our good friend and lead guitarist's birthday. Ryan turns the big 22 today. He likes long walks on the beach, reading poetry and writing music. He loves the Lord and is currently single, and will most likely kill me for writing this. Any takers? He's a keeper ladies. :)
We love you Ryan! Happy Birthday, man. "That is neat!"
Emily
Latest Headline to come from the frontlines in Iraq: 12 Marines Killed in Fierce Fighting in Iraq
Pray for the continued protection of the coalition forces, more specifically the U.S. Marines. The casualty rate is higher than it was when the war began. There are people who hate freedom and are determined to destroy those who want it for the country of Iraq. They're evil and must be stopped dead in their tracks, which is what we're attempting to do. Just pray that the men fighting for the rights of innocent Iraqis and for the future freedom of the United States are protected by the hand of God.
Alright, so here's the last great creation to come from the mind of one Timothy Hathaway. Tim swears that at times I sound like Stacie Orrico, hence her huge noggin on my frame. The rest is Switchfoot. Like it? :) That boy makes me laugh...Tim, I'm not sure exactly how boring my life would be without you, but I'm sure it would be pretty bad :)
*Emily
Here's the latest update on Nick and Tony's tour. It's a relief to hear from Col. Tucker. I religiously check this site to see what is happening to our troops. It had been a while since his last update, so I started to get somewhat anxious, what with the events that have transpired there recently. It was a great relief to read his latest newsletter.
It's mixed with happy and sad news. Please keep them in your prayers. They really need them.
*FYI* They're in 3/7 whenever you read that mentioned.
This picture just gets me...
Nick and Tony have been so heavy on my heart the last week. I pray for them every day, and each day the Lord is truly faithful in giving me new things to pray for, in addition to the staples of protection and comfort. Today at college group, we prayed for the two of them. Joe had two men sit in stead for Nick and Tony and we just intensely prayed over the two of them. It was so powerful...I was close to crying the whole time, just knowing a small amount of what they've been going through.
We prayed enormous protection over them. We prayed that the Lord would trade a spirit of heaviness for garments of praise. We asked the Lord to raise up a standard against the enemy, and prayed God's light would be seen in them. That men may see their good works and glorify their Father in heaven. I could go on and on. It was awesome. Not only do I have faith that our prayers are effective, but our prayers also help put our minds at ease while we sit here and hope for them. God is good.
Anyhow, all that to say. I'm sending out care packages again. But this time I want to know if anyone wants to get in on that action. I'm sending a load of food and cds and pictures. They really enjoy getting American food. So, if any of you want to chip in or make your own package for some soldier who might really need it, let me know. Post a comment and we'll work it out.
Thanks. They truly live for our letters and packages. As you can see from the picture above.
Let me know,
Emily
Alright, so I think it's about that time that I let everyone in on my law school progess. My "fleece before the Lord," so to speak was getting into USC Law. If you've read my posts at all, you'll have duly noted that. Well, USC must have had a momentary lapse in consciousness and wisdom :) and decided not to accept me. All I can say is that it must have been the Lord closing that door.
It's a long story that you can ask me about in person, if you even care to hear it. Basically, the Lord is really revealing to me my motives for certain things and that though my intent might have been for my best interest, it doesn't mean things would end up that way. It hurts a bit because I've always seen myself as an attorney, absolutely decimating the opposition, but somehow I don't think that was what the Lord had in mind for me...the complete destruction of those outside my worldview :)
This is not to say that law will never be in my future...it just won't be now. So, I've decided to stay opinionated :p but I will study music this next year. I'm thrilled. I've always wanted to do this but have never had the time. I may reapply to law schools next year, but we'll see. I still haven't heard back from others I've applied to for this year, but I'm pretty sure music is my path for 2004-05.
Anyhow, just thought I'd update everyone. I'm sure you were dying to know ;p
Your wannabe attorney friend,
Emily
The news out of Iraq is utterly sickening. Years ago, I thought I'd seen the worst treatment of Americans when I saw the footage of Somalis dragging our soldiers through the streets rejoicing. I didn't think people were capable of such evil. And somehow I convinced myself I'd never have to see anything else like that again...until yesterday.
I was just listening to Dennis Prager and he said that Iraqis who are capable of such things need to be terrified of ever committing such atrocities. He said they aren't scared spitless, thus the disgusting display of ...I can't even come up with words for it. That humans would drag 4 charred American bodies through the streets and jubilantly dance because of their demise is so far beyond my comprehension. God be with those families. They weren't even soldiers, they were just contractors.
I've been thinking about my friends a great deal...surprise, surprise, I know...and it's such a strange alternate reality that they are living in now. Nick mentioned that he had seen two children blown up. His convoy has been fired at and the list goes on. That people would fire weapons with the intent to kill my friends makes me so angry; it also makes me truly believe in good and evil, and my friends are on the side of good, and I am so proud of them for that.
I could go on forever about this. I kind of already have. I'm just praying that their physical bodies are not only protected but also their minds. Being in an environment like that is not without its consequences, but I'm praying that they are guarded with the peace of God that surpasses all understanding.
Nick, I hope you read this...we miss you and are planning so many crazy stunts upon your return. Though we can't actually fight with you over there, we sure are in the spiritual realm over here. May God's blessings be richly upon you while you serve our great nation.
~Emily