I snagged a sneak peek into the diary of one of my characters. If you read Higher Honor or Higher Courage, then you met Mandy Montgomery (Mandy Collinger in Higher Courage). She and her fiancé, Michael, were the characters who supported Cassidy, Ryan, and Chris with their unwavering faith and trust in God. I know reading something as personal as a diary is bad, but, we’re going to make an exception. **NO spoilers**
Dear Diary,
I don’t know why I call you “Diary,” we both know that this is just a way for me to journal my thoughts and most importantly, prayers for you, Lord.
Wow, that poly-sci exam was a killer! Even meeting with the study group every night leading up to it, I barely felt prepared. Comparing and contrasting Mary Wollenscraft, Karl Marx, and Confucious really left me confused🤣 Still, I think I did okay. I did learn in all of those study groups that Banton has a sense of humor. Everyone thinks he’s so uptight, but I see a different side of him. A wounded side that he tries to hide by being hard. I know things aren’t easy with his dad being sick, so Lord, could you give him some favor? He really needs a break.
Cassidy and I went out for dinner last night. Nothing fancy, just to that new Indian restaurant in town. I love the curry and spices and it was nice just seeing my roomie and laughing about the crazy things that go on at a military college🪖🪖. She’d ran into some acquaintances from high school who are attending a civilian college when she was home. Apparently all they do is party and sleep late. Heck, even on our “sleep-in” day, we’re up at zero seven. We did extra physical training this morning since we had later classes and it felt good to lift weights. Ohhhhh, and she’s looking forward to Bible study on Tuesday. I know she’s been angry with your for her father dying and her mother not being available, emotionally, in the aftermath, but I think she’s softening. I do hope she realizes you love her so much.
Oh and thank you so much for the work you are doing in Ryan. Since his girlfriend isn’t pregnant and they’ve broken up, he’s been sober and isn’t even dating or hooking up. Michael said he’s been hanging out in the room or with the guys. He did make a comment about maybe he should find a church girl so that would cut out the drama! Of course we know that probably wouldn’t work, but at least he isn’t what he used to be. I just hope he can truly meet you and worship you the way Michael does.
Speaking of…I’m so excited that you blessed me with a man who honors you and treasures me. He is so creative in showing his love for me-from making me dinner, or baking those savory cookies that taste just like the ones on airplanes. He left a post it note in my mailbox of hearts and smiley faces. But, Lord…I don’t understand why my parents don’t like him. They wanted me to find a Godly husband and Michael is that. I know they don’t want me leaving our hometown, but as a mil spouse, I go where my husband is called. They say I’m throwing away my life and career because I won’t be able to advance if we move every two years. They don’t understand that I want to be a wife and mother, not a ladder climber. I know Michael came from a hard background, but it wasn’t his fault he was neglected and abused horribly. Besides, his foster parents were great and even when he rebelled, they continued to show him love. He’s back on track and on fire for you. Why can’t they see the good in him?
Ugh…I’m sorry to have to wrap up, but I’m helping some cadets with their land nav skills🧭🧭🧭. Captain Greely isn’t playing around so I’m going to teach them how to do this. CPT Greely covers this so fast that I’m not sure how anyone understands it without help. Michael and Chris helped me out freshmen year and I’m so thankful.
I love you, Abba. Hope you have a great day! Even though I know there is no time where you are.
💗💗💗,
Mandy