Ascent
Every year at the time of the appointed feasts, Hebrews made their way to Jerusalem. The songs they sang on their way are known to us now as the Psalms of the Ascent (Psalms 120-134). They are songs of faith, community, and worship. They are as well known, oft repeated and as unforgettable as the teen road trip song "99 bottles of ...on the wall."
The road back to Tapatio Springs is now familiar to me. I've made the trip down from Dallas 5 times, and I enjoy the beautiful and scenic Hill Country roads. My heart sings its own "Song of Ascent."
I know many of the soldiers and their families. We have stayed in touch with each other over the two years since the Wounded Warrior Getaways began. I look forward to meeting the newcomers and welcoming them with the overflowing joy of the Lord.
The returning children look forward to seeing Care EE the clown, having their faces painted and playing with all the funny clothes, hair and hats. But I never cease to be amazed at the site of grown men, grinning from ear to ear as they try on floral hats, boas, and wigs that make them look like Rock Stars. It is better than Disneyland - and it is certainly like no place on earth.
Two new warriors came in our "Imagination Station." The husband and wife (both soldiers, both wounded) tried to take it all in while smiles of wonderment broke across their faces. A green haired volunteer began to make her "sales pitch." "Over here, you can try on one of these lovely outrageous costumes. Located on the shelves, fancy hats to assure you feel, well... fancy. And as you can see strewn across the tables against the walls - wigs of every color, length and style." Their heads twisted from side to side. They laughed. The wife put on a pink and white feather boa and topped her look off with a "Salvador Dali" style artists beret. Her husband started looking through the hair pieces and wigs carefully weighing each style. Care EE was quick to assist. "No, what I am looking for is something I can clip on." He was particular and purposeful. He finally found an elaborately braided clip on blonde hair piece which he attached to his safari hat. He flung his new found persona into Rock Icon mode. His wife laughed. They both posed for the commemorative photo.
She only had one leg.
He had suffered burns over 80% of his body.
Who could have imagined this day? Who would have predicted their laughter?
"We laughed, we sang, we couldn't believe our good fortune. We were the talk of the nations. "God was wonderful to them!" God was wonderful to us; we are one happy people." Psalm 126 The Message
Smiling of course,
Ascending to the mountaintop of His service,
"In Thy presence is the fullness of joy..." Psalm 16:11
The road back to Tapatio Springs is now familiar to me. I've made the trip down from Dallas 5 times, and I enjoy the beautiful and scenic Hill Country roads. My heart sings its own "Song of Ascent."
I know many of the soldiers and their families. We have stayed in touch with each other over the two years since the Wounded Warrior Getaways began. I look forward to meeting the newcomers and welcoming them with the overflowing joy of the Lord.
The returning children look forward to seeing Care EE the clown, having their faces painted and playing with all the funny clothes, hair and hats. But I never cease to be amazed at the site of grown men, grinning from ear to ear as they try on floral hats, boas, and wigs that make them look like Rock Stars. It is better than Disneyland - and it is certainly like no place on earth.
Two new warriors came in our "Imagination Station." The husband and wife (both soldiers, both wounded) tried to take it all in while smiles of wonderment broke across their faces. A green haired volunteer began to make her "sales pitch." "Over here, you can try on one of these lovely outrageous costumes. Located on the shelves, fancy hats to assure you feel, well... fancy. And as you can see strewn across the tables against the walls - wigs of every color, length and style." Their heads twisted from side to side. They laughed. The wife put on a pink and white feather boa and topped her look off with a "Salvador Dali" style artists beret. Her husband started looking through the hair pieces and wigs carefully weighing each style. Care EE was quick to assist. "No, what I am looking for is something I can clip on." He was particular and purposeful. He finally found an elaborately braided clip on blonde hair piece which he attached to his safari hat. He flung his new found persona into Rock Icon mode. His wife laughed. They both posed for the commemorative photo.
She only had one leg.
He had suffered burns over 80% of his body.
Who could have imagined this day? Who would have predicted their laughter?
"We laughed, we sang, we couldn't believe our good fortune. We were the talk of the nations. "God was wonderful to them!" God was wonderful to us; we are one happy people." Psalm 126 The Message
Smiling of course,
Ascending to the mountaintop of His service,
"In Thy presence is the fullness of joy..." Psalm 16:11
