Beyond the Warrior Within

So much can occur in one year. It’s really crazy how my mind works at times. My memory can recall something to the day. I will say it is rather easy when stationed around a major holiday. Anyway, I went through last night and read a bunch of old writings from before I left for bootcamp. Every single part of them still ring true. It was a year and a day ago when Allen graduated boot and I decided that the Marine Corps is where I was to spend the next four years of my life. Not to mention that like 10 hour ride home that normally takes six. Followed by going to hangout in your driveway until well in the morning. One of my most fond memories, especially adding how that night ended. heh. The days are flying buy. It’s 20 days til I’m home. I love life. I can’t wait to see some of you guys.

All for Him.
<3
Zachary Piontkowski, PFC USMC.

Maybe these are the reasons people do what they do. Why have patience and faith in the Lord knowing He will bring you everything you will ever want or need? Why do that when you can settle for something selfish that brings you a bit of happiness for awhile. Hard work is unheard of in today’s society. Devotion is a thing of the past. Marriage is a joke to people, a punchline by the time you hit your 5th or 6th spouse. I pray I never make it past one. I think of the actions of some people and an anger fills my inner soul. This fire burning inside me causes this rage. I don’t understand. I just need prayers or something.

For those of you who somewhat know what I’m talking about I’m glad. And if anyone feels this pertains to them, I’m sorry.

Apathy is the solution. I mean, it’s easier to lose yourself in drugs than it is to cope with life. It’s easier to steal what you want than it is to earn it. It’s easier to beat a child than it is to raise it. Hell, love costs: it takes effort and work.

I love that quote. I’ll write more on this when I’m a bit more calm. I hate being a rambling fool without considering my words.

All for Him.
<3
Zachary Piontkowski, PFC USMC.

It’s not that I’m too trusting. Just that I trust the wrong people. Over and over again.

If you guys could keep Mark McDaniel in your prayers that would be wonderful. He is going through a hard time. Also, the Jarvis family their father is very ill. The Lanes and the Malloys and the Schoenthalers all three families expecting children.

As far as I go. Well, I need prayer right now. For patience and understanding. Heh. I’ll write on that later.

All for Him.
<3
Zachary Piontkowski, PFC USMC.

Know yourself. Seek self improvement.

I was asked to help convince you that the Marine Corps would be the best choice for your son. While I can understand your opposition to his choice and I do understand the negatives that ring supremely clear in your mind. We have no leadership and we are fighting a pointless war. I don’t want my son to perish in such a futile cause. These are things I’m sure your son, Joshua, has considered time and time again. I’m quite certain his fears were mine at what time. I am also fairly confident in the fact that he has considered the consequences joining would hold. Somewhere in his mind he has brought his thoughts to the conclusion that this is where God wants him in his life. Sacrificing all he has for you and others like you. Despite the looming shadow of War on our armed service, and the heightened chance of your son ending up in a combat environment I ask you to listen as I list my transformation since I have joined the Corps, which is so dear to my heart.

The amount of discipline one receives from giving everything he has away. Values of honor, courage, and commitment entombed on  one’s very soul. Driven to find the depths of ones limits and drive exceedingly through them. If Joshua was any less of the man that he is I would be against it. He realizes his life is slowing and he also can see on the horizon what he can do to fix it. I understand your argument for the Air Force, believe me. There was a time I considered if I should have gone that path. Though, hearing from James in boot has led me to believe that such would not be nearly as efficient in changing a boy to a man. Without sacrifice there is no victory. Without pain there is no brotherhood. Without sweat there is no result. He could walk through 8 weeks of summer camp, calling home to friends and family for a reward or even getting online on liberty when his squad bay is nice and clean, and your son could come out the exact same way he is now. Only with a cute little uniform and a steady job. And you’ll hug him and tell him he did a wonderful job.

Or, he can take his former self and ball it up and toss it away. Go on a thirteen week trip of the most difficult and rigorous training he has ever imagined to partake in. Giving up everything and stretching himself beyond anything he has ever imagined. And you will see him…Months later after nothing more than letters for contact. And you will see a difference in who he is right away.

That’s my spill for now, but I assure you it does not stop there. There are so many great opportunities to take advantage of as far as schooling and whatnot. I don’t know if my words have began to sway you at all. Though, I only pray God’s Will be done in Joshua’s life. And regardless of what decision he makes I stand behind him all the way. The choice depends on what you are looking for in life. That is all.

So I think it was last night. We were all getting ready for the ball. I had my nice dress blues on. Looking mighty sexy I might add. We had the doors and top off the Jeep just riding in style. We get there…Shake hands, find our friends, make jokes, and just mingle really. Making fun of guys and their dates due to the fact most of them spent tons of cash flying them in. Not to say I wouldn’t do that, there was a person I would have. Would, being in the past tense. Anywho. So the ceremony starts…

The Marine Corps Ball is a birthday of the Marine Corps celebration. Where everyone has a wonderful time and gets in the dress blues and just is basically a High School prom. Though, it’s every year and a billion times more fun. Anyways.

There is a big room filled with tables and chairs and everything to make it all fancy and whatnot. Save one, this small table in the front when you walk in. A single table, possibly big enough for a chess game sits with a black table cloth, a single chair, and a single burning white candle. The speaker begins with greetings and a motivated Happy Birthday. Though, directly following he states that our celebration looms in the shadow of a war. A war that will still be present when the hangovers wear off, and that the table. That cold and lonely single table and chair, it was a symbol of our fallen comrades. The candle, the candle was a representation of those still out there, a symbol of their hope.  We were asked to rise for a moment of silence, out of respect. As I stood I felt the Lord in me. As I stood hundreds of other Marines around me, 10 of them at the same table as me, those 10 being like brothers to me, as I stood in that moment I nearly cried tears of joy. Even now, as I retell this story I feel the same way. I, after searching for so long, have found where I should be, for now at least. I don’t know what to say past that. I had the most incredible time. On the ride home, I couldn’t help but sing. My heart was perfect in that moment. I cannot wait to go to His house tomorrow and just praise His name.

In other news, I’m going to live in North Carolina for the next three years. I’m happy to be home of course, but I am even happier knowing that this is God’s Will being done in my life. I can’t wait to see what He has in store for me there. Other than that, nothing is new. I’m still single. I’m still sexy. I’m still ready to spend a month at home. Life is wonderful. I pray all of you feel the same. Oh and my parents sold their house. Woot.

All for Him.
<3
Zachary Piontkowski, PFC USMC.

And here I am Lord, in front of you. Patiently waiting for what You will do.