The Four Chair Turn

"With all this going for us, my dear friends, stand your ground. And don't hold back. Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for Him is a waste of time or effort." 1 Corinthians 15:58 The Message

It's no secret I'm a fan of The Voice. It's the "nicer" version of all the other competitive vocal contests that fill the nightly television line up. I could tell you some of the reasons I LOVE the show, but knowing who reads these miscellaneous missives of mine, I'm pretty sure you already watch every Monday and Tuesday evening on NBC!

What I will share is my favorite element of the broadcast - the "Four Chair Turn." It's like a home run when the bases are loaded, or the 50 yard touchdown pass in the last 3 seconds of the game, (I'm allowing other references for the men that may not understand).

The singer (young or old) tells their story before taking to the stage. Typically, tales of triumph and tragedy, longing for belonging, and knowing they have a "gift" to share with others. Nerves get the better of a few, but they all know this is the chance of a lifetime - to appear before four of the top artists in the world and give it all they've got.

They walk out in high heels, tennis shoes, or cowboy boots, the band begins and taking a deep breath -they SING. Belting out the song choice that identifies them as an artist, and then
One
Two
Three
Four chairs...

...turn around in amazement to witness the flower of someone's unrecognized talent come into full bloom. It's amazing, wonderful, awe-inspiring, and tear-producing. The young (or old) artist is finally validated and recognized on a televised platform. Now the power to choose (the right vocal coach) is in their hands, with all the judges vying to be the "one" that shapes this diamond in the rough.
For the past 16 months, I've been sequestered on USA soil, working to build a better way for military personnel and caregivers to find and access resources. It involved Warrior Forums in San Antonio, meetings with IT people, hundreds and hundreds of hours of data entry and tedious research, it was not fun, or fancy, or anything like reporting from some exotic foreign mission field the events of the day. But I knew without question it was the task I was charged to do by the Master. I put in the time, effort, and mental sweat (typing doesn't burn many calories).

And then...

I walked out on the figurative "stage" at the George W Bush Presidential Center!

I had my own "Four Chair Turn," of validation.

One of the initiatives of the Center is a military focused program to see returning soldiers get access to resources to assist in their transition to civilian life. Hello! That is exactly what WE have done. That "we" includes all the soldiers, caregivers and wounded warriors who have helped in countless ways. It includes friends who've personally volunteered time and talent to assist whenever they could (like serving over 700+ homeless veterans at the Operation Care Christmas event). It includes faithful supporters who have sent me to the foreign fields over the years and who kept sending support trusting God knows what He is doing. It includes those who pray for the work of the ministry and keep us keeping on! WE WILL MAKE a DIFFERENCE!

"So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith." Galatians 6:9-10 The Message

I met with the "movers and shakers" working to impact the community of returning military and their families. Everyone of those introductions was orchestrated by the One who sets my schedule and brings the Harvest! We are at the top of the first hill on the roller coaster. I've told all my "battle buddies" I'm not sure whether I should close my eyes and start screaming, or throw up my hands and have a blast! Either way - we need YOU!

Continue to cover us in prayer!! Pray for the connections we made to bear a great harvest! The enemy is gaining territory in the military community assaulting them with feelings of hopelessness and helplessness - claiming over TWENTY TWO soldiers lives EVERY DAY to suicide. WE WILL reduce that number by helping these families find the help they need.

Consider becoming a monthly supporter of our mission. Trace Adkins isn't going to sing you a song, and we don't have logo blankets to send out, but WE need you in the "armed forces" that will change the world.

Underwrite an endeavor. It currently costs $360 (a year) to operate the server for the website. Pay for the production of our "Info" cards ($300 for 10,000). We've already passed out over 15,000 cards from South Korea to Afghanistan! Our Data Expansion Initiative needs funding. We've added our first paid staff member at $1200 a month who will be traveling to Veteran Offices and VA Hospitals, speaking at various events to get the word out that WE ARE the RESOURCE for RESOURCES!

Make a contribution EVERY amount adds up to make a life-changing, hope-offering impact.
Contact us for ways YOU can be involved. We spend one day a week at the Dallas Veteran Resource Center, offering assistance to the Vets who come for services. We're running out of time - the enemy and ISIS aren't slowing down or retreating. It's time to "take the hill" of despair and plant the flag of faith firmly in the hearts minds and souls of those who have paid so much for our freedom!

"God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them." Hebrews 6:10
Onward Christian Soldiers!


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Sunshine After Rain
2610 Lakehill Lane
Unit 5A
Carrollton TX 75006

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*Sunshine After Rain is a 501 c3, donations are considered tax deductible by the Internal Revenue Service. Battle-Buddy.Info is the "military initiative" of the ministry