Driving home from Johnny’s Diner after an early morning breakfast, I mentioned to my wife Trena how the past several years have been a blur because we have lived in one place for more than twenty years. In the past, I was able to remember dates and events by associating them with the places I lived, which until 1998, changed every three years or less. For example, I could remember who won the Super Bowl and the World series in every year from 1966 to 2000 by linking the memory to where I was at the time. However, I now have difficulty recalling who won the Super Bowl and World Series from 2005 to the present.

This morning, I read a verse out of Genesis concerning God’s directive to Abram (later changed to Abraham). An abstract of the first two verses reads as: “Go…to the land I will show you…and I will bless you.” These words have been applicable to me and my household over the past twenty plus years.

In early 1998, the Spirit spoke to me during my devotional time with God, in similar fashion. On one  particular cool afternoon at MacGregor Range, near White Sands, I was sitting in the bleachers on OP5 (where we launched Patriot missiles during training). That day, I read the following: “I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared.”

Later that year, my wife, two high-school kids, and I (along with some pets) moved to Orlando, Florida, where we have been blessed since. In this span of time, I was deployed to the Middle East three times, I retired from the Army, both my son and daughter graduated high school and college, they married wonderful people, we have five grandchildren, my son survived a terrible auto accident (2016), I survived a heart attack (2017), and we (Trena and I) celebrated our 37th Anniversary.
I can honestly say that as for me and my household, we have served the Lord and we are truly blessed!
 
Scott Allan Meehan
 SaM

​Cover Reveal!

Hello everyone, let's have some fun!

In 2018 the high-quality book cover artist, Ravven (https://ravven.com/) held a contest for a free book cover. She began this contest in 2016 and has awarded two free book covers per year. The criteria for winning a free high-quality book cover from 2016 through 2018 was for an author to provide information about their upcoming book. This information included a Title, Author Name, a Tagline, Genre, Short synopsis, and the Theme.

For last years contest (2018), Ravven sought a story which featured a diverse main character and wanted this diversity represented visually on the cover. Then, she asked for authors to send their ideas.

I am honored to announce that I was one of the chosen winners!
Based on the information I submitted to Ravven, she artistically designed the attached book cover for my upcoming 2019 release, "STARDUSK."

As you can see, her work is impeccable!

How can you participate and have fun? Based on the cover design and title, I am asking you to submit a tagline, short synopsis, and theme on what you think my upcoming book is all about. The one closest to matching the information that I provided to Ravven will win a free STARDUSK, signed book upon release, along with an Amazon Gift Card for $20.00.

So, make your submissions and the best of luck.

Hey y’all ~ Happy New Year! I don’t know about you, but my goal for the new year is to be victorious. Victorious in what, you might ask? How about everything I set out to do. It is a “Focus Forward” approach to anything I’ll face ahead. I think it is a good approach anyway, even if—well, no matter. A new year means a fresh start in my book. Oh, the Word has a few things to say about being victorious as well. Here are a few of them:

“For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you the victory” (Deuteronomy 20:4).

“To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God” (Revelation 2:7).

“To the one who is victorious and does God’s will to the end, He will give authority over the nations. He will also give that one the morning star” (Revelation 2: 26, 28).

Ya know what’s cool? Besides being victorious I mean. Have you ever gone outside in the morning before the sun comes up and notice the morning star, which is Venus, by the way? I do on occasions, when I feel like dragging my bod out of bed. Hee hee, haa haa. Sometimes I’ll go jogging with my dad or share a cup of tea or hot chocolate with my mom...if I’m not too sleepy. Anyway, it is the brightest sparkle in the eastern sky. Look at it through a telescope…really cool!

So, to the new year…be victorious! Or at least try your best and don’t let anything get in your way…especially the bad.
​
‘Till the next time
Asha (One each)

Hey y'all ~ Asha here. Some weather we're having these days, huh? A lot of us anyway. Kinda messy...but hoping for a "White Christmas."

So what's new? Ummm, well, Major Scott is up here in our neck of the woods (Tennessee) for a few days to see his folks. He brought along his oldest grandson, Jaden (age 7) with him. They are unable to do too much outdoors because of the weather, however, they did grab some seafood last night and then went to the Bristol Motor Speedway for a Christmas Light display. This evening, they'll go to a Christmas party at the Sheriffs office and see Santa Claus. They hope to see snow too.

The major missed his youngest (Makenzie) granddaughter's 2nd birthday though, and...the birth of his newest grandson, Jaxon Bryant Meehan, who came to the world at 8 pounds, 8 ounces! The baby and his mother, Mary, are both doing fine! The proud father, Aaron, and one of the two grandmothers have already had their pictures taken with Jaxon.

Other than that, not much else happning...hee hee, ha ha. It's just a joyful time of year, especially when my dad is home and not deployed during the holidays. I'll close with a scripture verse, as usual, although it is not your typical Christmas verse.

"Everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God" (1 John 5:4-5).

Merry Christmas everyone!
Asha (One each)

Hey wait! It's starting to snow! Yipeee!

Makenzie turned 2 on the 20th

Major (Ret.) Scott Meehan with grandson Jaden at airport.

Mrs. Trena Meehan with newborn (21 Dec.), Jaxon Bryant.

The following Blog is from Major (Retired) Scott A. Meehan, the author of published books, fictional characters, starring Asha Hawkins, an Army BRAT, and founder of PTSIO. (Asha gets a break this evening).

​ As a twenty-five year Army veteran who spent his last three years in the Middle East fighting the "War on Terror," I, like so many others, can look back and make a fair, "arm-chair quarterback" assessment. I came across an interesting article from a recent Defense News magazine. In it, General John Murray, the US Army Futures Command Chief, talks about how the new command will change the service. 

To summarize his key-points, in my view anyway, he stated two things that were solid hits: 1. - "Successful force modernization requires sound assessments of the future, clear strategy and close collaboration among all force modernization functions — e.g., concepts development, requirements determination, technology development and acquisition." 2. - "...by as early as 2030 our Army may be dramatically challenged by a convergence of factors, including advances in low-cost sensors, precision-strike technology, robotics, artificial intelligence, autonomy, directed energy, biology, quantum computing and information technologies that will fundamentally change how we fight. Meanwhile, geostrategic changes — including urbanization and demographic shifts — may change where and why we fight." I would, however, change the word, "may" to "will" be dramatically challenged.

Absent from this article, again from my perspective, is a sobering Lesson Learned from the past war on terror in Iraq and Afghanistan.  What am I referring to? The major hindrances that kept us and will keep us from rapidly moving forward. I am referring to the nuances involved in political differences at the highest levels...more specifically, the obstacles impeding progress via the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) guidelines and on Procurement Contracting.

Experiencing first hand one of the primary methods used to save thousands of lives during *OIF and *OEF was the effectiveness of Contingency Contracting. The procedures used, although legal, were often improvised, methods necessary to solicit, procure, test, and close on contractual deals that filled in the life-saving gaps caused by long drawn out FAR contractual bidding and negotiations. This of course prevented timely deliverance of appropriate life-saving equipment and supplies that were absent during the initial launch of battle.

Everyone remembers, or should remember, the lack of armor on transport vehicles ridden by so many of our men and women of the armed forces during the early stages. Another FAR hindrance worth mentioning, was the drawn-out process in procuring the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle that was needed immediately for the warfighters but not delivered until it was too late for many. 

I believe that General Murray correctly identified  the future challenges facing our Defense. This can be attributed to good business forecasting on his part. However, I hope that collectively we can recognize the stagnating processes of becoming too "wrapped around the axle" or rather, too bogged down with what I would call, "Red-tape bureaucratic legalism". We could then take swift action forward via preventive Contingency Contracting measures (legal of course), prior to any emergency situation before it arises.

Scott A. Meehan
USA, MAJ (Ret.)

* Operation Iraqi Freedom
* Operation Enduring Freedom
​

​Hey everyone. Although it was two weeks ago, I hope your Thanksgiving was fabulous ~ as was mine. Too much food though. Hee hee, hah ha.

What a weekend for football, this past weekend. Our Titans beat the Jags last Thursday and the Army beat the Navy yesterday! GO ARMY! (More on that later). Exciting ending for the Dolphins-Patriots game today. But on a sour note, Major Scott’s team, the Ravens lost in OT to the Chiefs. Next week, Major!

Before the Army-Navy game, did you catch that prayer by the chaplain? Awesome! He quoted John 15:13, “And there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for his friends,” because military men and women are willing to lay their life down to protect others. That’s what Major Scott did. It is what my dad does…and it is what I’m willing to do when I come of age. I want to be like my dad, and free the oppressed…become a “Green Beret”, maybe by then…even the first one! Why? Because Jesus died for us (Romans 5:8). With Jesus, the hopeless can find their hope.
​
The radio stations are filled with Christmas music now. Don’t you just love it? I do! Seems every year I have a different favorite. This year? I particularly enjoy “Do you hear what I hear,” especially how it ends: “He will bring us goodness and light.” Do you have the light? If not, just remember, it shines on the darkest nights.
 
Well, bah for now,
Asha (One each)

​Early this month the nation voted for their candidate of choice in record numbers. When it was finished…well, it really wasn’t. Seems that there were some vote count issues, which really makes no sense at all in our day and age, especially for a “First-World Country,” with the technology we have.

So what gives? What seems to be the problem? I mean, beside the fact that our favorite form of math across the country is division. Yes, you heard me right…division. America is more divided now than it has ever been before, at least in my short lifetime of sixteen years. I do wonder why, or do I?

There are many fingers being pointed by both sides at each other and frankly, they are all correct…and all very wrong. At least in my view, anyway. My father taught my brothers and I that we were always one Nation under God. So what happened?

I have my viewpoint on the whole matter; however, I am not going to share it. Why bother? Half of the readers will agree with me and the other half will be angry with me. So, I’ll leave you all guessing…hee, hee, hah, hah.

I will share what I believe the problem…and the solution is though, even if it is viewed negatively. I’m still entitled to my opinion…since I am an American.

The Problem (Simply stated)
Matthew 12:25- “Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.”

Romans 16:17- “I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.”
 
The Solution (Bottom Line)
Ephesians 1: 3-10- “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.
In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship (and daughtership) through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will--
6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.
7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace
8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding,
9 he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ,
10 to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring UNITY to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.”

Well, I believe this anyway, and besides, even if you don’t, why would you get mad at me for expressing my opinion?
​
Bah,
Asha (One each)

           Coming in 2019! ESCONDIDA

​ In the winter of 1973, Mike Brown and 
 Tanya Taylor arrive to their new school
 in San Jose, Costa Rica while their
 missionary parents study Spanish.

 Wandering together from the Country
 Day American School one afternoon, the
 two encounter an abandon old church
 tucked away in a small patch of jungle.

 When the church’s front door hangs  
​ open, Mike and Tanya slowly approach ​the marble-stepped entrance. But
​ when a misty blue and white ghost-like image of a teenage girl suddenly appears  
​ before their eyes, the ​two discover that the church, known by the locals as La
  catedral escondida, hides a horrible secret…one that threatens ​to seal ​their fate
​ forever. 

Hey everyone, it’s me Asha! How was your week? Mine was okay—you know, school, karate lessons, family time—all that jazz. Remember my last ramblin’ when I told you I went to our Homecoming Dinner? After Chris brought me home, my brother Caleb was taking a bunch of pictures so I was messing around like a model for him. He sent me this one and said I could use it with my next Ramblin’. He’s a good photographer—I think so anyway.


So, you probably already know how much I love to read books. I have my own personal library and try to read one book per week. Yep, I read lots of books. If you want to know what I like to read the most, you’ll have to ask me. 


One book I love reading, especially during my quiet time, is the Holy Bible. I have read through it twice. Although there are a lot of mysterious scriptures, I believe that it is God’s word to the human race. Recently, I came across some words from Isaiah chapter 12. After meditating on it a bit, I came up with a way to remember it in a distinctive way. I call it, “358”. I’ll explain:


God is three things to me according to Isaiah 12:2—my salvation, strength, and defense. Because this is so, I can react in five ways, according to Isaiah 12:2-5—trust, not be afraid, be joyful, praise Him, and tell the world how great He is. The eight? Well, three plus five equals eight—hee hee, ha ha.


I have a prayer that is like this: Lord, because you are my salvation, I will praise your name and proclaim it to the world. Since you are my strength, I will rejoice and be glad. And, because you are my defense, I will trust and not be afraid. Cool, right? It helps that I know karate for that last part about defense. Ha.


The only other thing I wanted to say is that Major Scott is doing well and has several book projects up his sleeve. He will send out a newsletter to those who subscribed for one. He was reluctant at first but there were readers at the BookFest that wanted his newsletter. 


Okay, gotta go. Until later ~ 
Bah!
Asha (One each)

​Hello everyone! Asha here with more ramblins’. You know what? This past week, including today, has been very special in so many ways! Want to know why? Of course you do. Hee hee ha ha.

Well, last Friday night I went to our Homecoming football game (we won big) and I was on the Homecoming court representing our awesome junior class! Cool, huh? Then the next night, I went to the Homecoming dinner, which was really cool—and yes, I had a date. His name is Chris and you can read about him in, The Hawkins: Army of One. We’ve been good friends for a long time. His parents and my parents are really good friends too.

The other cool thing? I turned 16 last month! Yep, I’m so excited! I can get my driving permit now! Oh, you know what my dad did to me? He stuck an alarm clock under my bed last night and set it to go off at 0100, which is 1:00 AM for you civilians. I woke up frantically searching for the thing blasting the crazy song call Jump, by Van Halen, and I was doing exactly that—jumping all around looking for it. When I finally found it under my bed, I fumbled in the dark to turn it off and when I finally did, I could hear my parents laughing. So I yelled, “Ha ha! Payback is a…” Don’t worry, I stopped right there.

My mom stopped laughing abruptly (I could hear my dad snickering) and says, “A what?”
I answered, “Nothing."
"That's what I thought!" she answered sternly.

Well, after finally getting back to sleep, the annoying thing went off again at 0200—yes, 2:00AM!! This time I grabbed that little—alarm and yanked the batteries out of it before going back to bed. My dad is really going to pay—ooogh he’s going to pay.

Besides my birthday, the Major’s birthday was at the same time. He and his wife also had an Anniversary, their 37th! How cool is that? He told me that he got married at age 22 and two days later on their honeymoon, his wife baked him a chocolate cake! That’s awesome! I think maybe, whenever I get married, I want to have a wedding on my birthday! Maybe my husband will bake me a cake? Hee hee ha ha. There’s a cool verse about finding a wife of noble character. He found his wife in the Amazon jungles of Ecuador! How cool is that?

Until next week ~ Bah!
Asha Hawkins (One each)
​
Verse of the day: Surely God is my Salvation; I will trust and not be afraid-Isaiah 12:2