Johnny was in my Vacation Bible school class while we were stationed at Tachikawa Air Force Base in Japan.  He was my friend and we had lots of fun together as 3rd-grade students.  While Dad was busy with his assignments, Mom stayed involved in Church, Bible Studies and as one of the teachers in our summer program.  We had just moved on base after living in a little village where Mom and Dad had worked as Lay Missionaries with the precious people there. 

"Can Carol come home with me and play?"  Johnny asked my Mom.  "Where do you live?" she asked, wanting to get an address.  "Oh, I don't have an address.  But it's right in the middle of the base and takes up a whole block!"  Mom knew Johnny was a good kid and let me go home with him, I think out of curiosity to find out where he really lived!

Sure enough, Johnny's address was a whole block right in the middle of the Air Force Base for Johnny's father was General Waldron!  I was amazed when I went inside.  There was an elevator to his playroom on the third floor.  The whole floor was designated for toys and games!  I thought I was in Heaven!  Outside was a swimming pool and Japanese gardens with little bridges going from one area to another.  Johnny taught me how to swim and how to ride a bike.  We were great friends though his Father was the General over the base and my Dad was a Technical Sargent.  We were in the service together, on the same team, making a difference in a country needing God's love!

 "Put on God's complete set of armor provided for us, so that you will be protected as you fight against the evil strategies of the accuser! Your hand-to-hand combat is not with human beings, but with the highest principalities and authorities operating in rebellion under the heavenly realms."  "In every battle, take faith as your wrap-around shield, for it is able to extinguish the blazing arrows coming at you from the Evil One! Embrace the power of salvation's full deliverance, like a helmet to protect your thoughts from lies. And take the mighty razor-sharp Spirit-sword of the spoken Word of God.  Pray passionately in the Spirit, as you constantly intercede with every form of prayer at all times...." Ephesians 6:11-12; 16-18. (Passion translation)

Some of you have been going through some rough situations.  Take time to apply your armor and spend time with our Great Commander!  "Embrace the power of salvation's full deliverance!"  Let His helmet protect your thoughts from lies.  Get into the Word to find out what is the truth!  The truth will dispel the lies!  It's time we know who we are and what we are called to do!

It's an honor to be in the Lord's army!  We all need to put on His armor whether you are an experienced General or a foot soldier!  There is an enemy against whom we need to be on our guard.  We are not fighting against one another, but against the powers of darkness!  We have been given what we need to have victory!  

I often wonder what happened to Johnny Waldron.  God's hand was on him then and I am sure it is on him now.  Johnny was a sweetheart of a friend and I miss him even after all these years.

Honoring the military is a part of who I am, I guess it comes from all the years of being raised in the Air Force!  I love our country and pray for our leaders daily.  Join me February 16th at Rothchild's to celebrate the Lord as our Ultimate Valentine and to honor those who have served our nation!  If you are a Veteran, please call the office at Anna's Gate today and be a part of this event!  Ladies make your reservation immediately so you can join our celebration! It is in the theme of the 40's as we honor the Veterans and pray for our nation!  (Ladies, you can even dress like the 40's if you like!)  Please plan to join us or sponsor a widow to attend for $20. You can sponsor a table of 10 for only $200 for your organization or for us to use! Go to  www.annasgate.org or call 865-803-5445 to register or donate.

                                                                

As we start off this new year, your gifts of kindness help us empower widows around the world.  Monthly partnerships are so appreciated and are pure religion (James 1:27) for Anna's Gate cares for the fatherless and the widow!  (We don't just give them the fish, we teach them how to fish and help others!)  Thank you for making a difference!