What the Piano Taught Me

Had a little moment today as I remembered this story.

Way back when Jude and I were first married I really wanted a piano.  I was writing a lot of music at the time and occasionally playing in church, and had no way to practice or write while I was at home. I knew there was NO way we could afford to buy one at the time so I started praying consistently that God would provide one for me.  I didn't tell anyone except for my husband and a co-worker/friend because I really felt that God would provide regardless of if I talked about it or not, and I wanted to see what He would do.  

A couple weeks later I got a phone call out of the blue from someone saying that they had a friend that was moving, and they were looking to get rid of their piano for FREE, and did I want it.  Of course I said, "Um-- YES!"  I hung up the phone and told my co-worker/friend what happened.  We were both shocked at how quickly God had answered my prayer!  On my way home that day, I was thanking God for that piano and how He so lovingly provided for my want, and not just my needs.  As I was thanking Him, I suddenly heard a little quiet voice break through my prayers.  

"Give the piano to your sister."  

In any other situation I would have probably shrugged the thought off and went on my merry musical way, but the voice was so clear, so profound, and I felt the Holy Spirit tangible in the car with me.  It brought tears to my eyes.. and made me angry.

"What?!  No WAY!  Are you kidding me!? You just gave it to me!  Wasn't this your way of answering my prayer?  Of blessing me?  And you want me to give it away!? You are joking.  Tell me you are joking."

But the still calm peace growing in the bottom of my heart told me, He wasn't joking.  After a few minutes of frustrated tears I put down my tissues and sighed, "Okay."  I picked up my cell phone right that moment to call my sister.  She wasn't home at the time, but since my brother in law answered the phone, I figured I'd ask him.

A: "Hey Greg, let me ask you.  Any chance that Jess wants a piano?  Someone gave one to me today, and I feel like God wants me to give it to her."

G: "You're kidding me right?  Are you pulling my leg?"

A: (totally confused)... "Um, no... why does she want one?"

G:  "Yes!  She has been praying every single night that God would provide one!  This is awesome!  Are you being serious?"

I assured him that I was indeed serious, and that the piano was theirs that evening if they could go and pick it up.  I hung up the phone and smiled at God, "Okay, God.  You win.  That was pretty awesome."  It didn't matter that I was still pianoless, I was just overjoyed that God had used me to answer someone's prayer.  Someone who I love very much.  A prayer I didn't have a clue was even being prayed!  

My sister used that piano to teach piano lessons from her home, and now she plays regularly on her church's worship team.  As for me?  I learned a valuable lesson about obeying God's voice and trusting His timing because not even a year later God called my husband and I to spend a year working in Africa as missionaries.  After that we moved houses four times in a matter of three years!  There was no way a piano would have lasted five moves and a year in storage, and there was no way that I could have seen God's plan for us that far in advance. Giving it away was the best thing to do, but I had to just trust God even thought it didn't make sense at the time. I didn't even see the big picture until some years later.

It was over six years after I prayed that first prayer that we purchased our first home (home #6!) and we finally settled down in one place long enough to own a piano.  My in-laws, who were also moving at the time, generously offered their piano to me, so finally I got the piano that I prayed for so many years before.  I realized then that God never told me no.  He knew that a piano would increase my ministry, my talents, and my realm of influence, but He also knew that if He gave it to me in the wrong timing, it would be more of a burden than a blessing.  I'm still amazed that He honored my prayer request from six years earlier- a prayer that I had all but forgotten I'd prayed.  

Someone told me once that our prayers never end.  That once they are prayed they keep on going forever and ever- they never die.  Maybe they spin continuously around the throne, looping and swirling around the King's ears, a constant reminder of our requests, our thankfulness, our praise...  Scripture in the book of Revelation implies that in the last days the prayers of the Saints are collected in bowls and turned into incense to be presented before the throne- a sweet smelling gift- an offering of thanks. 

I find myself at a new season where I need to pray and believe for bigger things, yet despite all the testimonies of His provision in my life- big and small- my faith is weak.  So I wrote out this testimony to remind myself of God's faithfulness, His provision, and how much He loves to bless His children.  I need to always keep in my minds eye a picture of my sweet smelling, never-ending prayers, and trust that God know's what's best and that His answer will always be right on time.

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."  Hebrews 11:1

 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."  

Romans 8:28

"And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people." Rev. 5:8

Coastie Update #5 - Letters to Jude

 

**UPDATE! Got a post card from Jude today. It was very short but he made a point to stress "Please do not send me care packages" so again I just want to stress - letters only. :) And NOT the kind that plays music! Thanks guys! (ps. His note also said that things were going "as expected" ... I'm guessing that's code for "I'm fine but this sucks.")

Well, Jude has been gone for a week and a day but it feels like an eternity!! I haven't gotten any letters yet but I won't give up hope until I check my mailbox tomorrow. If there is still no letter then, than he probably didn't have time to write this past Sunday (they are only allowed to write letters on Sunday during diving hours), and I'll just have to wait until next week.  They say that week two is the worst part of boot camp because that's when the guys get yelled at the most and that's when the physical fitness and incentive training (extra physical exercise they have to do if they, or someone in their company, makes a mistake) is the worst. Jude worked really hard to be in great shape when he left, so I'm not as worried about the physical part as I am about the mental part.  I'm sure he can handle it, I just don't like the idea of him being yelled at for no reason.  

I did get to text him briefly when he as on the bus from the airport in Philly.  He was with the rest of his company at that point, and he told me that is indeed the oldest guy in his company.  The next youngest is 27, and then there was one guy who was 25, and then him. I'm not surprised- we all knew he'd be the old man.  Lol! But he seemed in good spirits when he was texting so I was happy to hear that.  I am sure he will make some lifelong friends out of this experience.  

I have been writing to him every day since the day he left Montgomery.  I also take a picture a day, mostly of Solomon, and I print it out at Walgreens and stick it in his letter.  They pretty much know me and Sol by now since we go in there every day and pick up one photo.  Lol! I just don't want Jude to feel like he is missing out on everything, so I write him about our day and any highlights.  It has actually been cathartic for me too, as writing to him gives me a way to connect with him every day.  

Some people were asking about if it was possible to write to Jude.  It definitely is! Actually, it's recommended, especially in the beginning of training when things are so difficult for the recruits.  If you would like to write, just keep in mind that it shouldn't be very long because he won't have a lot of time to read it.  You are allowed to send pictures, but keep them small or print them right on the paper that you are writing on.  Also do not send any packages- just letters.  And DO NOT put anything on the outside like stickers or put it in a girly envelope.   Only put the address on a plain envelope.  You can send cards, just not the ones that make music!! If you break any of these "rules" Jude will pay for it with teasing and possibly extra incentive training, which of course, no one wants.  

The address is:

SR Judah Clark 

Bravo 187 Healy Hall

USCG Tracen Cape May

One Munro Avenue

Cape May, NJ 08204-5083

If you are even considering writing, let me encourage you- please do!  It doesn't have to be anything fancy.  Just chit chat, update him on the Red Sox or the Olympics, or send an encouraging scripture or quote.  Really, whatever.  Also, for those of you who are computer savvy, go to Treat.com.  You can make a personalized card on there with wording or pictures and they will print it out and mail it for you!  It's genius!  And it costs about the same as buying a card at Walgreens and mailing it yourself.  Use the coupon code FREETREAT a check out and get your first card free.  No, I am not getting anything for this shameless plug- I just really thing that this company is pretty genius.  :)

Lastly, if you are curious as to what Jude is doing every day you can watch this video.  Also, thanks  to everyone who has shown such love and support to us during this challenging time.  It really has meant more than you know.  :)

Coastie Update #4 - Dates and Swearing In

Apparently, I'm not very good at keeping this updated.  *sigh.  I'll try harder... 

A lot has happened since I last wrote.  Judah was given an official ship date (July 24th, although he/we will be going to Montgomery, AL on the 22nd), AND he had his official "swearing in ceremony."  He was super blessed to have his friend Jonathan (who is an Officer with the CG) swear him in, and Jonathan's wife, Ashley, and I were both there to see it, too (with our little guys in tow. :)  )  I asked Jude after if he "felt" anything while he was saying the "oath of enlistment."  He said not at first, but then when he got to the part that talked about "obeying the orders of the President," it got really "real."  :)  If you have never read it before, here is the military oath of enlistment:

I, (NAME), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.

Watching him swear in was a proud moment for me.  Being a military wife was not something that I ever thought I would do, but I have always had great respect for servicemen and their families.  They make huge sacrifices to serve our country, and I have always had great respect for that.  I know that the CG often gets some flack from the military community because many of the other branches feel that the CG isn't "real" military.  I think this idea is based on the unlikelihood that a Coastie would be deployed overseas in a combat situation (among other reasons, I'm sure). In a sense, I get that.  My sacrifice as a Coastie wife who is separating from her husband for a few months while he stays safe in the US for training can't be compared with a Army wife who has just said goodbye to her husband for his second tour in Afghanistan or Iraq.  That's a whole different level of sacrifice for sure.  But, I will still be a single mom for 5+ months, and our lives will still be at the whim of the military- moving wherever and whenever they want.  So, because of those sacrifices (and others as well), I'll feel an extra sense of pride now when I see our flag flying high.  

Judah leaves five weeks from Sunday, and it's just starting to set in.  Exciting and scary at the same time.  I know I'm going to miss him so much, but the thing I'm most freaked out about is caring for Solomon alone for so long.  In the end, I know it'll be okay, but it's a bit daunting to think about.  He is at such a busy age, and chasing him around is EXHAUSTING.  Every day I look forward to Jude's arrival home from work, not just for the help, but also for the adult conversation!  It's going to be very difficult to not have this.  However, I'm so thankful that I have my in-laws to help with Solly and to be there for me.  It was a good decision for us to move to Fairhope.  I love it here, and being so close to them has also been a major bonus.  I don't know how people do this when they are placed completely away from family and friends.  I really, REALLY pray that we don't ever have to find out.  There is always a possibility we will, but we have so many friends/family located around the US coast, we're really praying God will place us near someone we know.

So, that's the update!  Here are the important dates:  

July 22nd- Judah goes to Montgomery

July 24th- Ships to boot camp in Cape May, NJ 

Sept. 14th -  Boot camp graduation (assuming Jude doesn't get reverted!- lol!)

*Jude will have around 5-8 days of leave in between NJ and CA, but he has to get to CA right away, even if it's before his school technically starts.  BOO!!

October 8th- Judah's A-school starts.

December 31st- A-school graduation???  We aren't sure if this is the exact date yet.  Right now it's our best guess... 

Feels good to at least have these dates on "paper."  This whole thing has been such a roller coaster, but at least we have a bit of a timeline for how the rest of the year should play out.  I just keep saying that this whole experience is "stretching my trust muscles," and reminding me to let go of control, and let God do His thing.  Sometimes easier said than done, but I'm learning.  :)

Here is the video of Jude swearing in: