February 8, 2009
Today has been a momentous day. This afternoon after we got underway again from a weekend at anchor, I took my helm and lookout practical and board. I was so nervous as I took my practical, and I made so many mistakes. I had to keep telling myself not to give up, but to keep going even though I felt like I had completely blown it---but I passed! Basically the practical comprised of me taking and executing helm commands, going through steering and gyro compass causality drills, and answering certain questions. My oral board went much smoother. A Boatswains mate third class (E-4) and two senior seaman gave me my board and basically just went through my packet and asked me questions about flags, light configurations, how to repot a contact during lookout, what I’d do in certain situations, what I’d do if there was a man overboard, etc. I am qualified now! I am so excited. No more double watches anymore for right now at least! All praise goes to the Lord!
I remember back three months ago when I was completely overwhelmed when I found out what I would have to get qualified in. I did not think I would get it all done, but God has sustained me every step of the way and now I am qualified and can put my name on the advanced training school list. What a God I serve who does not leave me alone but helps me through all of life no matter what I am going through. He brings the joy, trials, troubles, stress, fun times, and everything for His own good purpose to bring Him glory and us joy. He draws us closer to Himself by showing us that we are not enough---only He is enough. These past three months have been crazy! Through it all the Lord has held me by His grace and sustained me with His love. The peace He has filled my heart with can not be explained and it is beyond comprehension. All I know is that a quiet, joyful peace abides in my heart because I serve the Almighty God who is over all. I see everything about my life differently than everybody else---I see the hand of God in everything, and it fills me with joy.
God’s lessons are hard and they hurt, but the joy He gives is deep and it does not run out. I am not living for this life, which is a vapor that will not last---I am living for eternity; I am living for the Almighty God who has saved me.
Today has been a momentous day. This afternoon after we got underway again from a weekend at anchor, I took my helm and lookout practical and board. I was so nervous as I took my practical, and I made so many mistakes. I had to keep telling myself not to give up, but to keep going even though I felt like I had completely blown it---but I passed! Basically the practical comprised of me taking and executing helm commands, going through steering and gyro compass causality drills, and answering certain questions. My oral board went much smoother. A Boatswains mate third class (E-4) and two senior seaman gave me my board and basically just went through my packet and asked me questions about flags, light configurations, how to repot a contact during lookout, what I’d do in certain situations, what I’d do if there was a man overboard, etc. I am qualified now! I am so excited. No more double watches anymore for right now at least! All praise goes to the Lord!
I remember back three months ago when I was completely overwhelmed when I found out what I would have to get qualified in. I did not think I would get it all done, but God has sustained me every step of the way and now I am qualified and can put my name on the advanced training school list. What a God I serve who does not leave me alone but helps me through all of life no matter what I am going through. He brings the joy, trials, troubles, stress, fun times, and everything for His own good purpose to bring Him glory and us joy. He draws us closer to Himself by showing us that we are not enough---only He is enough. These past three months have been crazy! Through it all the Lord has held me by His grace and sustained me with His love. The peace He has filled my heart with can not be explained and it is beyond comprehension. All I know is that a quiet, joyful peace abides in my heart because I serve the Almighty God who is over all. I see everything about my life differently than everybody else---I see the hand of God in everything, and it fills me with joy.
God’s lessons are hard and they hurt, but the joy He gives is deep and it does not run out. I am not living for this life, which is a vapor that will not last---I am living for eternity; I am living for the Almighty God who has saved me.
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