A Note From the Desk of DK

[zephyp]

One the eve of the birthday of Jesus I have a chance to reflect upon the last year. Its been one of great change for me. No, I'm not talking about obama's change. I'm talking about personal change. During this past year I've grown mentally and spiritually. I've been assigned new and exciting responsibilities at work. I've made some new friends. I've found a home here at VGOF. Young and I have found a new and deeper commitment in our relationship with each other and with the Lord. These things are all change that I can truly believe in and they are very real. I've also been very challenged by the political movements in DC this past year. I've discovered a passion within myself that I didn't realize existed. During the coming year I hope to tame that passion and channel it towards helping move our country in the direction our Founders intended. I don't know how to do that yet, but I'm sure God will show me a way if that's in His plan for me. I don't know what the coming year will bring, but I do know that I'm better prepared to face it today than I was a year ago. I can thank God, Young, and many of you for that. My prayer is that God will show us all the way in the coming year. I pray that He will give each of us wisdom and a sense for His will in our lives. I pray that He will give me and each of you a sense of peace that He is truly in control and to turn my trust completely over to Him. I also pray that the friendships I've made here will grow and that more will be made.

I pray that each of you and yours will have a blessed Christmas and a blessed new year. May we all stand together, shoulder to shoulder, as God holds our banner to face whatever the future holds.

[Vahunter]

Today would have been my Dad's 98th birthday.

[graybeard321]

Well said DK, but as we all say our prays tonight we need to remember to say and extra pray for the men and woman of the Armed forces who are away from their familys in far distance lands fighting so they we are all free to enjoy Christmax with our familys. having missed several Christmas with my family during my 20 years of service i know how lonely they are tonight.

[zephyp]

Well said DK, but as we all say our prays tonight we need to remember to say and extra pray for the men and woman of the Armed forces who are away from their familys in far distance lands fighting so they we are all free to enjoy Christmax with our familys. having missed several Christmas with my family during my 20 years of service i know how lonely they are tonight.

Thanks, Brent. Indeed, we must pray for their courage, strength, and faith in God. May he return them home soon. Whether we think so or not they do stand in the gap for us.

[zephyp]

Today would have been my Dad's 98th birthday.

Henry I know how it feels to miss your dad. Mine passed away a few years ago. The hardest day of my life was the day I buried him, but I'll see him again. By the way, tomorrow is Young's birthday. She'll be 53 and she shares it with someone great. I'm guessing she missed it by one day sharing it with someone else great too.

[theryans33]

Amen.

and yes being in the military on holidays can be hard. the year before last i was in iraq, last year I spent it with my in laws, this year i had to work thanksgiving day, tomorrow, and new years. and to top it off im alone with my wife with her family in Minnesota and mine at hope in PA. but it is ok because I chalk it up to personal time to reflect on the past and my situation in life. AAAAAND also gave me a chance to stop by sharpshooters and squeeze a few off and try out an FN FNP45 which i loved

Thank the Lord for the important gifts we have, life, health, family, friends, and freedom.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

[allingeneral]

DK - You've been a great leader and mentor here at VGOF. I personally feel as though you have done a wonderful job channeling your energies here. This has been (and will continue to be, God willing) a good place to develop our own set of agendas (That dirty word - Agenda - unfortunately, everyone has to have one, or your fight is pointless). I know that the conversations, discussions and debates here have really helped me begin to define and understand my political views and begin to look for ways to propagate those views to others and to provide a place where others can do the same.

But, I don't want to take away from the main point of this thread which is that the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior is one of the most important events in the history of mankind (a couple of other "Most importants" can also be attributed to Christ). I pray that we, as a society, can begin to come back to the roots of our faith and the Christian values that the Founding Fathers used as a pillar of strength for the forming of our country.

Thank you all for sharing your views here at VGOF and for making VGOF a great place to be.

God Bless all of you this Christmas day and into the New Year. Those who are dealing with difficult times right now, please keep the faith and stay strong. Good things await you somewhere down the line - you can count on that!

Merry Christmas everyone.

Rick

[allingeneral]

And also - to those in the Armed Forces - in theater, who do not have the loving comfort of your family immediately available, please know that we, here at home, are thinking of you and praying for your safe return. Take comfort in the brotherhood and sisterhood of those around you and bring everyone home safely.

[zephyp]

Amen Rick and thank you for your kind words.