Christmas -2007 "From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another (John 1:16)

Kirkuk, Iraq 2007

Christmas 2006 Matt and Cyndi you are a blessing.

Presidential Message to the Men and Women of the United States Armed Forces

On behalf of a grateful Nation, Laura and I send our best wishes for the holidays.
In this season of giving, we remember our duty to others, and we see that sense of duty fulfilled in the men and women who wear our Nation's uniform. Our country owes you a debt of gratitude for your courage and resolve to serve the cause of peace. Americans are proud of your dedicated service, and I am proud to be the Commander in Chief of the greatest force for freedom in the history of the world.
Our Nation is thankful for the many sacrifices you and your families make every day. During the holidays and throughout the coming year, we ask the Almighty to bestow His protection and care on you and your loved ones. We pray for your safety and for liberty, justice, and peace on Earth.
Laura and I wish you a joyful holiday season. May God bless you, and may God continue to bless America.
GEORGE W. BUSH

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/12/20071221-2.html

“From His Fullness We Have All Received Grace upon Grace”
John 1:14-16:
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. . . . And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.

A Christmas Meditation on John 1:14-16 by John Piper

http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/TasteAndSee/ByDate/2007/2545_From_His_Fullness_We_Have_All_Received_Grace_upon_Grace/

"The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth,.." Ps 121: 8

Sgt Mwenyiley

Gen. David Petraeus, the commanding general of Mulit-National Force - Iraq recognizes Scotland Neck, N.C. native Pfc. Linwood R. Letchworth, fire support specialist, 2nd Platoon, Bravo Company, 1-10th Mountain Division, 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, for his part in "saving the life of an Air Force EOD technician" with his coin of excellence during a visit to Forward Operating Base Warrior in Kirkuk, Iraq, Dec. 8. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Margaret C. Nelson, 115th MPAD)

Some Scripture and quotes from The Life of William Wilberforce:

How grateful ought I to be for this protecting providence
of a gracious God.

"There are times when we know, of a certainty, that God has been watching over and protecting us.
It is then that we understand, in many ways that are new to us and twice-blessed, what the Scripture means
when it declares:

`for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.' (Heb 13:5).

"The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth,
and even for evermore.' (Psalm 121:8)

http://www.blackanthem.com/News/corner/Photos-MNF-I-commander-visits-Task-Force-Warrior12443.shtml

Warrior Report #2 from Kirkuk

Matt with his fellow Charlie Company officers and our friends.

Freedom Chapel in Kirkuk, Iraq

Cynthia on minute 2:52 of this You tube video Warrior Report #2

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ETSR2p-fuQw&feature=related

Warrior Report #1- Kirkuk

We are proud of you,Matt and Cyndi and 10th Mountain 1BCT
It is worth it! Thank you for your sacrifice! Surge on!











Warrior Report #1

-1BCT 10MTN from Kuwait to Kirkuk
-Chuck Norris visits in Kuwait

http://youtube.com/watch?v=23oSNheT3i8



1BSTB 10th Mountain Division
1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.
In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
(John 16:33)

"-We remember."
Pfc. Adam J. Muller
Sgt. Derek T. Stenroos
Staff Sgt. John D. Linde

10th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team
Staff Sgt. Carletta S. Davis

http://www.drum.army.mil/sites/installation/pao/casualties/

9/4/07 Deployment -1BSTB 10th Mtn- Video
http://youtube.com/watch?v=-7_C1bu6hqg&feature=related


You Never Let Go - song by Matt Redman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIAdgLR1ZGw

You Never Let Go by Matt Redman

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I'm caught in the middle of the storms of this life
I won't turn back
I know you are near
And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?

(Chorus:)
Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me

And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
We'll live to know You here on the earth

(Chorus)
Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
Still I will praise You, still I will praise You

Thanks-giving for you Cynthia Rose and Matthew

Bless the Lord, O My Soul Thanksgiving 2007
Psalm 103:1 Bless the Lord, O my soul,and all that is within me,bless his holy name! 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,and forget not all his benefits,3 who forgives all your iniquity,who heals all your diseases,4 who redeems your life from the pit,who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,5 who satisfies you with goodso that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

Matt and Cyndi
You are truly a blessing to us.
We never want to forget that you are a gift to us by God.
We also want you to know that our soul is refreshed when we think of you and spend our cherished times together.
So be encouraged this day and know, new and afresh, the new mercies and protection of our Lord.
We give thanks this day for you!
Love,
Jayne, Joe, Jon ,Rachel, and Emily Ann
“In order to our return of praises to God, there must be a grateful remembrance of the mercies we have received from him: Forget not all his benefits. If we do not give thanks for them, we do forget them; and that is unjust as well as unkind, since in all God’s favours there is so much that is memorable.” (Matthew Henry Commentary)

In all cases, the blessing served as a guide and motivation to pursue a course of life within the blessing.

Matt and Cyndi in Kirkuk - Missing you

"Night and day i constantly remember you in
my prayers" (2 Tim 1:3)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kirkuk

10th Mountain Brigade takes command in Iraq

Staff reportPosted : Saturday Oct 13, 2007 7:30:22 EDT
A transfer of authority took place Oct. 10 in North Central Iraq between the redeploying 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, and its replacement, 1st BCT, 10th Mountain Division.
It was the first of several in the area of responsibility of Multi-National Division-North, which spans six provinces in an area about the size of Idaho.
The assumption-of-responsibility ceremony took place at Forward Operating Base Warrior in Kirkuk, about 150 miles north of Baghdad.
“Almost two years ago, my brigade witnessed the courage of the Iraqi people as they went to vote for the first time to determine their destiny,” 1st BCT commander Col. David Paschal said in a press release in reference to the brigade’s previous deployment.
“The courage demonstrated then fuels the commitment of my soldiers to the Iraqi people and our critical mission,” he said. “It was a distinct honor to be a part of that historical event and especially today, as we move forward to help the people of Iraq maintain their hard-earned freedom.”
During its rotation, the 3rd BCT completed more than 1,000 partnered combat operations with Iraqi security forces, conducted numerous civic and humanitarian projects and secured oil pipelines, according to the release.
“Our achievements echo Iraqi security forces’ achievements and would not have been possible without your commitment to stand against hatred and evil,” 3rd BCT commander Col. Patrick Stackpole said.Paschal vowed that the Warrior Brigade would add to the successes of its predecessors and continue down the same road of professionalism while working toward a better Iraq.

http://www.armytimes.com/news/2007/10/army_northcentralbde_071013w/

Visit to Pa before leaving for Iraq

Cynthia , Matt, and sisters Emily and Rachel hang out during time together to celebrate Matt's 23rd B-day.

Sacket's Harbor

sunset

Courage
"We (you) have been called to leadership in a period of consequence.
And sometimes it can seem that history is turning in a wide arc, toward an unknown shore.
Before history is written down in books, it is written in courage.
Like Americans before us, we will show that courage and we (you) will finish well." (GWB 2/07)

Ps 33
11 But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever,the purposes of his heart through all generations. 12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,the people he chose for his inheritance.13 From heaven the LORD looks downand sees all mankind;14 from his dwelling place he watchesall who live on earth- 15 he who forms the hearts of all,who considers everything they do.16 No king is saved by the size of his army;no warrior escapes by his great strength.17 A horse is a vain hope for deliverance;despite all its great strength it cannot save. 18 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,19 to deliver them from deathand keep them alive in famine.20 We wait in hope for the LORD;he is our help and our shield. 21 In him our hearts rejoice,for we trust in his holy name.22 May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD,even as we put our hope in you

Psalm 91:11-12:
11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;

4th of July Picnic

Cyndi and Matt visit family in Indiana,PA

Wonderful visit .

Mitchells, Swartz, Weaver,Wallworks

celebrated birthdays .

Matt enjoyed the burger and brew.

Cyndi relaxes while Matt eats

Enjoyed fireworks at the Lutz home.

Cynthia Holuta Completes Quartermaster Training

Congrats Cyndi
4 months of training, Oklahoma,and Virginia

- great to spend some time with you on your way back to Fort Drum, 1st BCT

Welcome

Matt and Cyndi


Psalms 144
1 Praise be to the Lord my Rock,