Broken and Smoking-

"A bruised reed shall He not break, and the smoking flax shall He not quench" (Isaiah 42:3).

Then I may reckon upon tender treatment from my LORD. Indeed, I feel myself to be at best as weak, as pliant, as worthless as a reed. Someone said, "I don't care a rush for you"; and the speech, though unkind, was not untrue. Alas! I am worse than a reed when it grows by the river, for that at least can hold up its head. I am bruised -- sorely, sadly bruised. There is no music in me now; there is a rift which lets out all the melody. Ah, me! Yet Jesus will not break me; and if He will not, then I mind little what others try to do. O sweet and compassionate LORD, I nestle down beneath Thy protection and forget my bruises! Truly I am also fit to be likened to "the smoking flax," whose light is gone, and only its smoke remains. I fear I am rather a nuisance than a benefit. My fears tell me that the devil has blown out my light and left me an obnoxious smoke, and that my LORD will soon put an extinguisher upon one. Yet I perceive that though there were snuffers under the law, there were no extinguishers, and Jesus will not quench me; therefore, I am hopeful. LORD, kindle me anew and cause me to shine forth to Thy glory and to the extolling of Thy tenderness.
 (CHS- Faith's Checkbook)

Soldiers from Camp Mike Spann Help Break Ground at Local School
(Source Troop Scoop)

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/9-11
Posted: 11 Sep 2010 06:30 AM PDT
Camp Mike Spann Soldiers help break ground at local school.

Students at the Girls' School pause from their school work, as Soldiers arrive for a ground breaking ceremony.

Army Cpl. Joseph Hinojosa and Spc. Brandi Morales enjoy the company of a crowd of young Afghan boys and girls