Military Chaplain's Wife

I've run out of titles!...

2011-11-17T19:38:00.000-08:00

I don't seem to ever have much time to write these days and I MISS IT!!! I know I've said that before...several times.

I let my boss read some of my poems the other day and she said I need to get busy writing a book, and getting my poems published before someone steals them...I agreed. I told her I've wanted to write a book for a long time, and even started on it, but have never gotten far enough to matter. Life just seems to take over.

I opened up my computer in hopes of finding my oldest son on Skype. He has been in Korea for nearly two weeks now. I miss him a lot. Even though we haven't lived close to him in years, due to us all being military, I think the fact that he's in another country makes him seem SO far away. Wait! He is far away. haha. However, I have LOVED getting to talk to him, mostly just messaging, on Skype. I'm so thankful for that!!

Thanksgiving week is coming up quickly. However, you would think Christmas is next week by the way the stores are filled with EVERYTHING Christmas...including the music playin' and the bells a ringin' and even caroling taking place outside the store, courtesy of the the volunteers with the Salvation Army. The boys and I had to run to the store tonight and we couldn't help but crack up laughing at the out-of-tune caroling that started as we walked by. It was just so funny I'm still laughing about it. Maybe by Christmas they'll have it down! :)

The last few months have been filled with my husband being in the field. I'm so excited to say that will be coming to an end, for a little while anyway, sometime this weekend!! I miss him terribly. I think that's the worst part about being military...some people might beg to differ, but I love spending each and every day (evening) with him. Sometimes I think, "One of these days I'll probably get used to it."...and then I think, "no! I don't want to get used to it! I WANT to always miss him being around any time he has to be gone! I'm OK with that!"...he's my best friend; what can I say!

Our friend that I posted about just recently, who had the heart attack, is actually doing pretty well. It's truly a miracle that he is alive. Praise God! He has a long, hard road so please keep him and his wife - Eddy and Kathy Williams - in your prayers. Thanks!

Well, I better get some sleep...work comes early.

Deployments

2011-11-12T10:52:00.000-08:00

KSCE, a Christian T.V. station here in our town asked us if we would come speak about deployments, to be aired in honor of Veterans Day. After aired, they put their shows on YouTube. You can watch it by clicking here.

To our friends who are enduring a deployment right now - we are praying for you and think of you so often. To our friends who paid the ultimate sacrifice during deployment - our hearts are forever touched in ways we can't even explain in words. We think of those men so often. We think of you and pray often for you and your children. Thank you all for the friendships, the laughter, the tears, the joys, the sorrows...all that makes each of us love a little deeper. We love you and our lives are forever blessed because you are in them, even though the miles separate us!

PRAYER FOR A FRIEND

2011-10-27T16:43:00.000-07:00

We have a close friend that had a heart attack and has had some complications. This is from his post on the morning before it happened. I went to his blog to see if family had updated it with the news that he needed our prayers, and this is what I read (as I cried). God is good and he is holding on to life. We are just praying for a miracle! Please pray for his wife and kids as well. We love you, Eddy, and know God is walking with you through this!!

Lets Finish Well

Scripture

Acts 20

24 But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.

Observation

I want to finish well. I want my life to count for the kingdom. I don't want to retire. I don't want to slow down. I want to finish well. I want to make a difference in the lives of as many people as possible. There has been a job that has been assigned to me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.

Do you want to finish well too?

Application

Today I want to count. I want to make a difference in someone's life. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I want to finish well. I want to complete my task. I want You to smile at my life. Don't let me mess up. Don't let me settle for something less than what You have for me. Put people in my life today that need to hear about You.

All is Well

2011-09-30T20:50:00.000-07:00

Work is keeping me very busy, and tired, but all is well. Since I've written about our puppy, I have to tell you he is a sweetie! We all love having him around and enjoy taking him out to enjoy the great outdoors with us. Last weekend we were out off-roading and he was looking out the window and took a leap...all the way out...to the ground. Thank goodness it was a soft landing and I didn't run over him. I was really upset, thinking how easily I could have run over him...but he never made a sound, and came running to me all covered in dirt when I got the jeep stopped. I wish I had taken a picture of him all covered in dirt...but I had a little too much on my mind at the time.

We've been spending some of our evenings out shooting our bows, preparing for hunting season. It's been a fun, and I'm finally getting a lot better at it...hitting the target every time. I didn't say hitting the bulls-eye, but am hitting the target! :) And sometimes the bull-eye!

Our oldest son had a birthday this week. I REALLY miss him, and can't believe how quickly our kids have grown up. If you're a parent of a young one, hold on tight! They'll be gone before you know it!!

Yeah for the weekend! Now it's off to bed, to get up early to go scouting for our hunt next weekend. One of these weekends I'm going nowhere and doing nothing!!!...one of these days!

Duke...

2011-08-27T16:25:00.000-07:00

This little puppy is bringing lots of laughter and smiles to the family...

You'll see why...

He's sooo cute...even more so in person.

He looks bigger in the photos too, but I think this is a good picture to show his size...

We took him for a day of fun out on the road. Our first stop...McDonalds.

This picture shows his size in comparison to a large cup.

He fell asleep on the road trip...several times!

Is that not the most adorable sleep position?!?!

Then the boys added the water bottle to his legs. hahaha!

A soon-to-be Addition to the Family

2011-08-22T19:41:00.000-07:00

If you know me well, you won't be asking if I'm pregnant...since that's not even possible! And, if you know me well, you probably won't ask me if we're getting a pet...since we (my husband and I) haven't wanted a pet in MANY YEARS!!...but...well...we've finally given in to our BEGGING twin boys, asking OVER and OVER and OVER for a dog.

Early July, while a friend was here visiting for a week, we took her shopping and at this particular store they were having Adoption Saturday (if I had remembered I would have avoided). No, we didn't adopt a dog...but it began the begging even more so than in the past. I will admit, one of the dogs stole my heart a little, but I still didn't move forward with getting him even though the boys really seemed to like him too (we have, however, gone by to visit him several times at the Humane Society). We all agreed we weren't sure adopting was the best idea. I do love going to the Humane Society and visiting all the different kinds of dogs though.

Then, after taking my husband to the Humane Society a few weeks ago, we started to talk about getting a dog/puppy and agreed on the same breed - a beagle.

This Friday we will get our little pup, one day short of eight weeks old. The boys agreed to help pay for him...and after much searching and weeding through so many scams, we found someone who actually HAD real puppies. I am still in shock of the scams. Note: Don't ever buy a dog without talking on the phone to someone!! We had so many conversations with people via email but knew better than to move forward without a phone call, but it's just amazing to me how many scams there are out there!! We'd get responses like, "I just moved and don't have a phone yet"...who doesn't have a cell phone these days? ...or wouldn't find a way to call if someone was going to pay you $$??? Or, "I'll call you when I get off work, but until then let me get your information so I can get everything set up to get the puppy to you..." Seriously?? Who would respond to that? Be careful!!

Anyway, my husband will be bringing our new beagle pup home by plane Friday. I told the boys he will either love or hate the puppy by the time he gets home. I imagine he'll have a few funny stories...but praying he (the puppy) sleeps for the short plane ride! :) He'll be flying in the cabin at my husband's feet! :) Can't help but laugh when I think about it...if you know my husband well, you're laughing too. The carrier had to be manly...and when I mentioned putting a diaper (yes, they have those) he refused. At first. When someone else mentioned it was a good idea, and gave him two, he took them. haha!

Here's a photo the owner took for me last week...he looks bigger than he is in this picture. He weighs about 3 1/2 lbs.

Adorable, isn't he?!?!

We still have to decide on a name...(ideas??)

He kind of looks like a little bandit in this photo...hmm...

Hooray for Vacations!

2011-07-30T20:09:00.000-07:00

Well, my first two weeks of work went really well...I survived! haha!...and now it's vacation time for two weeks!! Thanks to my great boss, I was able to get it approved before starting work since my husband has block leave. We weren't sure when I'd start the job so I asked for it in my interview (if I were to get the job...) and my boss was nice enough to ask before calling to let me know they were ready for me to start. What a blessing!!!

So, we're headed to Colorado as soon as our twins get back from their mission trip. They've been working on homes near Los Angeles for a week, getting up at 5:30 a.m. and hitting the sleeping bag on the floor around 11:00 p.m, with our youth group and World Changers. Think they'll be ready to take off for a camping trip? I'm thinking probably not...yet...so we'll be nice and give them one night's sleep in their own beds! :)

We're ready to go! Hopefully they're not too worn out!

Back to Work

2011-07-24T17:42:00.000-07:00

Last week I started my new job in our new location. After being off over seven months - because it took nearly 4 months to even land a job - it was weird to be back in the office setting again. It was a tiring week, but I enjoyed getting to know new people. In the midst of it all, I've found it to be something I know was the Lord's doing, will and plan.

If you know me at all, you know I'm a people person, and I'm probably more concerned about working with good, honest, hard-working people more than anything else. I had a busy, busy week but at the end of the week I could honestly say I am going to enjoy this job and the people I work with. That's a blessing!

I do have to say though, it was not an easy thing preparing myself to go back to work after being off so long...I even cried a little. I have an elderly neighbor I make meals for and take places, and it was tough knowing I wouldn't be able to spend as much time doing so...I also like the freedom to spend time with my husband when he's home or going to battalion functions or chaplain functions...so many things to try to work around. But, God is good and I know He will give me strength to do whatever I need to do, and help me through the emotions and struggles that come sometimes with knowing I can't be a part of all the things I was before. And, in the meantime, when there's nothing else I have to be doing but working at my paying job, I'll be praying for all the no-paying jobs I have going on. :)

I can't say I'll probably not be writing as much since I was barely writing before...but we'll see. While I'm thinking about it, please be praying for my son as he nears his year long, unaccompanied tour to Korea this fall. Next month he'll celebrate his one year wedding anniversary, and then just a few months later he'll leave and have to spend a year away from his wife. We're sure not looking forward to going that long without seeing him either...

Well, it's getting close to a new work week...and then it's two weeks vacation with my sweet husband and the twins! :) I thank the Lord my company was willing to give me that time off before I even started...without pay, of course...and what a HUGE blessing since my husband spent most of this summer in the field!

Little Gifts from God

2011-07-06T08:24:00.000-07:00

There are moments in life where, if you're like me, you realize God gives you little gifts that brighten your life. It's like moments of sunshine among the clouds.

Every day since our move from Fort Lewis, WA, I wake up to sunshine. It's still odd to me to have every day filled with sunshine instead of wondering if we'll get it or not. That's not really what I'm talking about here though...

I'm talking about the moments when you see the sunshine breaking through the clouds, moments when life's not exactly always what you'd like it to be, but God reminds you that it's still all good, even among the hardship.

If you're in the military, you know what I'm talking about.

This is our third summer in a row to be separated for part of it. I think if I see my husband in the evening at least everything is going to be OK. Coming off a year long deployment, you take what you can get. Can I get a witness?! :) My husband has been in the field throughout the week, and a few weekends, since before summer began. I've complained about it several times...to be honest. Just about every time I complain, God shows me the beauty in what he does, serving his country, and brings a little sunshine my way to keep me smiling.

This week the "sunshine" is one of my dearest friends from WA visiting. She and I became really close friends while our husbands were deployed together. It was the hardest part of moving away from there. She arrived yesterday and will be here for a whole week! :) She's such a blessing to me, and just having her around is wonderful. She was a huge blessing during the deployment as well, and she's now going through that year long deployment again after just having a few months with her husband at home. I don't know how she's doing it and staying sane, but she's a good woman for standing by her man and I applaud her for that.

Some of my other "sunshine" moments:

I was complaining one evening to my husband over the phone about having this big, nice garden with all this food and no one home to enjoy it (the twins stayed in Fort Worth from our visit early in June). The next morning I woke up and felt the Lord impress me to make a salad. Most everything was from the garden. See, I was meeting one of his Soldiers who was coming into town to get pizza and meet me to get a cake and cupcakes I had made for them for his assistant's birthday. It was a wonderful treat for the Soldiers, and I was blessed for making it and the sweets.
I got to spend a day out in the field with my husband as they had a "family day" last week. It was HOT as could be, but wonderful to see him and the other Soldiers serving their country.
I got to spend some time with my family, and allow the twins some extra time at the lake - one of their favorite places to be! (SO happy they will be home tomorrow!! ...I've sure missed them!)
Which leads to my next one - I got to spend two weekends, one of those was this last weekend (a 4-day) alone with my husband - the love of my life and very, very best friend! We had a wonderful time relaxing and spending time together. I didn't really want to leave the twins, but they were begging to stay and it ended up being fun for them and some wonderful time alone with my husband.

Sunshine is a wonderful thing! Sometimes there's nothing better than watching it break through the clouds...

Memorial Day 2011

2011-05-30T11:05:00.001-07:00

My mind has been on my widow friends a lot lately, especially this weekend. I hope everyone is remembering our fallen heroes and honoring them for their ultimate sacrifice. Our church did a beautiful job of honoring them, and it made me cry the whole way through this video they showed. It was a girl writing letters to her dad, who had been killed at war, and it was from childhood through her wedding day. My husband and I said it was like watching a video of Evelyn, our friends Sarah and Andrew McConnell's daughter. Andrew was my husband's Soldier that was killed while they were in Afghanistan, and their baby was born just months after he was killed. We also have several other friends who lost their lives in Afghanistan, and whose spouses, children, parents, siblings are without them today, and our thoughts and prayers are with those families during this difficult "holiday"...

I wish you all a wonderful Memorial Day, and ask that you stop to give thanks for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom you have, and pray for their families today. Also, remember those still in harm's way. May we never forget!!

My Chaplain's Article

2011-05-20T11:43:00.000-07:00

My husband had an article posted in the newspaper, and here's a link if you'd like to read it!

To read, click here.

Postings...

2011-05-17T11:58:00.000-07:00

My postings seem to get separated more and more by time. I haven't really felt much like writing lately. Life has been busy!...yet, usually, even when it is busy I feel like writing...so I don't know what's up.

The months seem to fly by. We finally got one of the twin's credits from their high school in WA. We're still waiting for the other twin to take his final test this Friday, and then we'll be DONE. I hope! We fought for months and months...5 to be exact! I pray no other military family has to go through this...it was a horrible experience!! What a stressful thing to have to put your children through, as if just moving isn't stressful enough for them.

I've been in the gym a lot lately...finally getting back in shape and taking care of myself like I should! I thought it would be easier once we moved (and not working) but oh how "life" just seems to consume our time. But, I made a goal and commitment to myself to STICK with it, even when I go back to work!!...which will mean hitting the gym at 6 a.m. Boo! I do love morning work-outs though...just not with a ton of Soldiers around, which is what that time of the morning will bring. If I'm still around close to lunch time sometimes I am hurrying to get out for that very reason. They take over the place!...I know...that's why it's there. I'm not complaining, just sayin'.

Summer is almost here, which means I get more time with the twins, and less time with my husband. Hooray for more time with the twins (because they are growing up SO fast), boo for less time with my husband. We haven't had a "normal" summer in YEARS! Whatever "normal" is in the Army. I was hoping it wouldn't mean time in the field though, after two summers in Afghanistan...but no, he'll be in and out again. Thankfully, close by...I'll count my blessings!

I am looking forward to a visit from a very special friend of mine, whose still stuck in WA, this July!!!!...I can't wait! Unfortunately, her husband is BACK in Afghanistan AGAIN. :( But, she's strong and keeping her chin up, and I'm proud of her... don't think I would be handling it as well. Certain I wouldn't.

Well, I'm not sure I have any readers anymore since I've neglected my blog for so long...but it feels good to sit down and write a little...

Deployments...Coming Home

2011-04-25T11:46:00.000-07:00

I can't think of a more wonderful feeling than to have your Soldier come home! The day my husband returned from a year in Afghanistan will be one I will never forget. I was at nearly every homecoming we had for our brigade, but his flight, of course, was like none other for me. All the others were wonderful as I watched my friends welcome their husbands home, and each one was also difficult as I knew some of our men would not be returning home.

Last night I couldn't sleep so I finally got up and turned on the television. Even though I wasn't able to sleep, I was blessed by what I found...

I'll attach a link to Lifetime's Show, Coming Home for your enjoyment...grab some tissue first!

Click the following link: Coming Home

Deployments...Summer Months

2011-04-15T13:08:00.000-07:00

I think some of the most difficult months for a spouse to be deployed is during the summer. The kids are home every day (if you have kids old enough to be in school) and seem to notice even more so that dad (or mom) isn't around. It's not quite as busy and there's more of the day to just miss them it seems...especially when you are a family like ours that does a lot of fishing and outdoor activities that just don't seem the same without him. Our twins sure noticed, being that he was in the field the summer prior to deployment, then left mid-summer and returned mid-summer. It would have been nice to have him home at least one full summer, but what can we do about it?! ...nothing.

I guess there was one nice thing about the summer - I didn't have to make sure they were up at a certain time, I didn't have to help with homework or make sure it was done, I didn't have to worry about them missing the bus (since I worked). I'm sure there were a few other things, but I can't think of them right now.

I am thinking of my dear friends going through a deployment right now, and those who will be going through one soon and have to spend this summer without their husband. I hope their friends and family will reach out and let them know they are loved and appreciated for their sacrifice.

Deployments...No more waiting

2011-04-11T10:05:00.000-07:00

This morning they delivered the rest of my husband's stuff from Afghanistan. It arrived at Fort Lewis the very day we pulled away to head to our new Post, 5 months after his return home. It's weird. I find myself trying not to think too much about it, while knowing some of the dirt on those containers comes from place he spent a year of his life.

The first thing I noticed was the family photos at the top. Our twins look so different. They've grown so much since then, and are no longer little boys. My first thought was I wonder if this is emotional for my husband. I'm sure thoughts were flooding his mind. I know one thing, he was happy to see it returned to him. A few things didn't make it back, but HE did and that's what matters!

I know I'm WAY behind in my writing, but maybe this will spur me on to keep up with it better. I know it has sure taken me back to those days of deployment. It made me think of the day I went through containers with my friend, Sarah, after her husband's death and how sad a day that was. I miss her.

This war isn't over, and many more are still deploying. I hope if you're reading this you'll stop and pray for those in harm's way, and their families. I hope you'll pray for those who are injured, and their families, and I hope you'll pray for those families whose loved one paid the ultimate sacrifice. To my friends about to go through a deployment, (again for some) you're in my thoughts and prayers!

Deployments...Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T13:54:00.000-08:00

Since it is Valentine's Day, and I know some of you are having to be without that special someone on this day, let me first say...my heart goes out to you! It's never easy to be separated from the one you love, especially on special days where it'll seem like everyone around you is clinging to their loved one but you. Been there, did it two years in a row, and would rather not do it again. I was, however, reminded that no matter the distance we are still very much in love and have much to celebrate.

If you find yourself alone today, call up a friend in the same boat, love on your kids, or prepare a care package. That's what I did. I made sure to have some packages that got there in time for Valentine's Day, but also sent another package out the next morning that I had filled with all sorts of things to say "I'm celebrating our love"...

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

To my husband...

I'm so thankful you are HOME with me this Valentine's Day. I love you with all my heart!!

Deployments...Three Months Down

2011-02-10T09:52:00.000-08:00

It was mid-October at three months down. My birthday falls mid-October. I would say it's difficult when they're gone any birthday, holiday, special event... I don't really remember much about this month except that we were still losing Soldiers and it was difficult. I remember my daughter threw me a birthday party at her house and several of my friends came, and we had a good time. I think the word "celebrate" wasn't really in my vocabulary (until the day my husband returned home for good), but we had a good time. By this time in the journey, I was thinking about it being half-way to R&R and in three months I would see his face again and feel his touch. You have to find things to look forward to...

Also, by three months down I was really close to several of the women in our battalion, and felt a part of the "family". It felt good. I had struggled before the deployment to really feel a part of the "family". I think it's something everyone goes through... God had blessed me with some wonderful friends and it was something I had really desired to take place long before, but I think sometimes it's difficult for people to warm up to us chaplain wives. I could be wrong...but I would be interested to hear what other chaplain wives think... I know, after I got to know some of the ladies well, they shared their fears of being close to me since they weren't "religious". They soon came to find out that didn't matter to me. I wanted to know them and become friends just like any other woman would want. Thankfully, that opportunity came with the deployment, and I wouldn't trade those times of great laughter and even great tears for anything. Except for the lives of our Soldiers.

Thinking through the deployment isn't easy. This time last year my husband had probably just gotten back on the battlefield from having been gone for R&R (it takes longer to return than to get home for R&R). We were given two weeks together and it was wonderful!!! Saying good-bye again, however, was not. I teased him a lot about restraining him and not letting him return. :) But, I knew he must return and that his men needed him there. I think knowing it's what the Lord has called us to do makes it easier...and when I say easier I don't mean it like it was easy to do at all, just that God gave me the strength to somehow let go and watch him step on that plane to go back to a very dangerous place.

I'm thankful it's over and he's home. I am thankful for this Army life, even when it's difficult, and thankful for all the Lord has done. My heart goes out to all enduring a deployment right now!

Deployments...A few photos for today

2011-02-04T06:07:00.001-08:00

The Chapel. They started out with these benches, but my husband was able to get chairs so they could fit more people in the Chapel. Not only Soldiers attended services there; he also had contractors from all over the world. He loved it! Also, once they got Internet service, I was able to watch most of the services via Skype. It was awesome!! Before Skype, my husband was kind enough to video the services and send them to me...something I really appreciated since I missed his preaching so much.

My husband set up a room inside the chapel that he called "The Chap Ex"...a place the Soldiers could come to get toiletries, snacks of all sorts, movies, books and such for free. We had several people who sent boxes on a regular basis to keep it stocked well. The twins and I liked to fill a box (or two, or three) and send out at least once a week. Thank you to everyone who sent boxes! The Soldiers really appreciated it.

Baptism downrange. They were able to cut this broken water tank and use it for baptisms. It was winter there at this time so they brought it into the chapel.

Memorial built downrange by Soldiers to honor their brothers killed in combat.

Deployments...Two Months Down

2011-02-03T14:00:00.000-08:00

About six weeks into their deployment things got rough. On Sept. 14, 2009 we lost two great Soldiers. I wrote about that some in my post "Forever Changed" - you can click here to read if you haven't already...since what I write later won't make much sense if you haven't. It's still not easy to think about all the lives that are forever changed (there were even more lost after that post), but I find comfort in knowing those families are doing well.

It was difficult to leave my friend, Sarah, but I know God has placed people in her life to bring encouragement, and that even the miles between us won't take away our friendship. Her sweet baby girl is such a blessing and I am so thankful the Lord blessed her with this beautiful child. Andrew - her husband, as well as all our other Soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice, will never be forgotten.

After posting "Forever Changed" I didn't get back on my blog to write for quite a while. It was a difficult time working a full time job, taking care of my family, and with all the other things we had going on in our battalion and brigade I just had to step back. It was much more important to me to spend time with people. I'm praying to be able to recall as much as possible to write it now...so we'll see how it goes.

I'll end by saying I really had no idea we would endure so many casualties during this deployment. I knew very quickly it was going to be bad, and my heart broke time and time again as I sat with family after family who lost their hero. I thank God He allowed me to be there, even in the midst of such a difficult time. Those families are precious to me, and I was honored to help however needed or be a shoulder to cry on.

I'm thankful my husband was able to be there in Afghanistan for the Soldiers of our great nation during such difficult circumstances, even though I missed him terribly, and so very thankful for the many who returned home to their families. Many are still hurting from what they experienced or endured from being blown up themselves and injured in some way. Our continued prayers for them, and their families, are important. Take time to pray even if you don't know them by name!

Deployments...One Month Down

2011-02-01T18:03:00.000-08:00

At this point it was still very, very painful to have my best friend gone every day. I would find myself still waiting for him to come walking through the door, like he was just down the road on post. It's a strange feeling. I think once you've known someone for so long (we're about to celebrate 24 years of marriage this month) it's impossible not to feel a void when they're not around.

Looking back I don't recall what all happened the first month, but I remember him arriving at Kandahar and soon experiencing the death of Soldiers. It wasn't Soldiers from our Post, but he still prayed over a few men that had been killed, and participated in their Ramp Ceremony. He asked me to watch for reports of their deaths and write down their names in my journal. Month one was just a peak of what was to come...

Kids & the Military

2011-02-01T06:11:00.001-08:00

Yesterday was a very difficult day. I got a call from the school here saying that the school we came from was not going to give the twins credit for last semester. When my husband received orders we went to the school to talk to them about it, knowing we would have to move before the semester ended. Here it ended with Christmas break; there it ended last Friday. The first words out of the registrar's mouth were, "Can't you just stay here until January 28?"...NO. I was shocked. We're in the military. We move when they say move. If the boys and I did stay, that's pretty much two months of separating our family, making two house payments - with a BAH change not in our favor, deciding what stays and what goes, my husband picking out a house by himself, the twins starting the semester here a month late...need I say more?! After just coming off of a year long deployment, and the headaches listed above, NO ONE would be able to talk us into that!

To make a long story short, they told us we would just have to take their current grades with us and the school here could accept them (or reject them)....which we're finding out isn't the case. The school they left has to decide whether or not to give them credit, and they have said no they won't give them credit...or so the first person I talked to said. And we called and talked to everyone both here and there that would answer their phone, left many messages and got no calls back, and talked to both military liaison's here and there, and...well...we still have no answers.

Needless to say, we're fighting this!!! It's just not right. The children of our service men and women deserve better than this! Please pray for this situation, and for our twins. They worked hard and were in school until the day we had to depart. Just a week before Christmas break, with many driving miles in between. They're just innocent kids caught in the mess of it all...hoping and praying they don't have to redo a whole semester, and lose credit for being in school for months before our departure, working hard, and getting no credit for it. Not to mention, it could happen to us again before they graduate from high school. There has to be something to help military kids through transitions like this.

Deployments...Afternoon of the First Day

2011-01-31T06:00:00.000-08:00

I was thinking I might get a little farther than the first day, but then I got to thinking about not just the leaving but what occurred later in the day...so I'll continue on the first day.

After I was able to hold it together for a little while, I told the kids (at this time our daughter and her husband were still stationed at Fort Lewis as well so that means all but our oldest son when I say "the kids") I would take them to Olive Garden for a lunch...it's one of those comfort food type of places, right?! Little did I know God had already put someone in place to give me encouragement - our waitress.

Walking to our table, the waitress asked how our day was going. I said it was a tough day and my husband had just deployed to Afghanistan...thinking like most people she would just say, "Oh," and not really know what to say next. However, she reached back and touched me and told me she was so sorry.

At her touch, my heart melted. I had to go to the restroom and try to compose myself. I am certain it was more than the words she said, and the encouragement she tried to give. Her touch said I really do care. Her touch reminded me that I would not feel my husband's touch until he returned for two short weeks of R&R, but mostly that I would not feel his touch for nearly a year of my life. And, her touch reminded me that God knew my pain and was near.

Each time she came to check on how our meal was going, she would check on me as well...and every time I would have to go to the restroom to compose myself. The kids giggled after a while, but also felt the pain of his departure. We tried not to dwell on it...but honestly, it was just about ALL I could think about that day. We had been apart before with other deployments when he was in the Air Force, but never a whole year and never to such a dangerous place. I couldn't wrap my mind around either of those thoughts and, to this day, I'm not quite sure how people without the Lord make it through those dark times.

I'll end day one with this word of encouragement - My heart ached like never before, but God was faithful to bring strength and comfort and see us through to a new day.

Deployments

2011-01-28T06:49:00.001-08:00

I'm thinking it's time I start blogging a little about what the deployment was like since I didn't do too much of that while my husband was away. I'm going to try to come up with ideas on what I'd like to write about, but if anyone has any questions please feel free to ask away, and I'll try to answer you as best I can. Maybe that will be the easiest way to start. Maybe I'll start with his departure day...

The moment he drove away from the battalion area was horrible. I've never, ever cried so hard in my entire life. I could barely breathe. It felt like someone was literally riping my heart out, and I wondered how I would be able to handle the next 12 months of my life.

Getting to stay for the ceremony and hear my husband pray over the Soldiers was wonderful, but when they walked towards the bus I walked to where I thought he was going so I could give him one last hug. Unfortunately, the (loud and way-too-hyper-for-the-occasion) bus driver led him another direction. He got on the 2nd bus at the very back and not being able to touch him one last time seemed to take its toll on me. I think I would have been better off had I got that one last hug. Instead, we just looked at each other through the window at the back of the bus and cried.

Looking back I don't know what I could have done differently to make that day easier...I don't think there is anything actually. It is what it is - HARD! If you're nearing a deployment with your spouse, my first piece of advice is make every moment count before they leave. Hold on to each other tight and don't fret the small stuff. I won't tell you to not count down the days because you will do it anyway. We tried, and there's just no way not to count down.

As I end this post, I'd like to remind everyone to continue to pray for those in harm's way and the families they leave behind, and the families who lost their loved one. Thanks!

Beautiful Morning!

2011-01-25T06:17:00.000-08:00

Though I see them every day, they still amaze me. Out our front window are beautiful mountains, and out our back window is the bright sunshine. So bright that I could stand to use my sunglasses in the house. I love opening up our curtains in the morning and seeing the beauty all around me.

Though I've known Him a long time, God still amazes me. He never changes, He's always there, yet still He is beauty to my eyes.

May this day be filled with His goodness and grace, and may the things we experience bring us back to give Him praise at the end of our day!

Family Project

2011-01-24T08:47:00.000-08:00

Last week my husband mentioned building a tactical gear stand for his office, so I decided to try to find one with directions on-line one morning when it came to mind. After finding a picture with directions, I wrote down materials needed and directions, and emailed my husband to let him know it would be fun to build it together this weekend.

So off to Lowe's we all went on Saturday, purchasing a 4x4 post, three 2x4's and some screws. And, we even had enough material to build his assistant one as well. Here's a picture of our work...one loaded with his gear (and some pins that have special meaning to this journey we're on), and the other a gift to his assistant.

It was an easy build, and lots of fun to do as a family. My husband and one of the twins cut the wood, and the other twin and I did some sanding to make it look nice and have a smooth feel to it.

I find a lot of meaning behind this look of his tactical gear hanging on a cross...

It makes me think of Luke 9:23 where Jesus says, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." The gear makes me think about the scriptures I studied this morning about putting on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:11-17). It also makes me think of why they wear the gear...and where they wear it. Which brings about a new thought...to be honest, there are days I have to put on the full armor of God in order to take up my cross and follow Jesus.

There are times I don't feel like following where He leads. Sometimes where He leads us isn't fun or exciting and requires complete trust in Him. Sometimes where He leads us isn't easy and we're sort of dragging the cross, instead of carrying it, hoping He will change His mind when He sees it's so difficult for us. Other times we throw that cross up on our shoulders and take off running, thinking we can conquer the world, only to find out it's not as easy as we imagined it would be. I've done all these things and had to trust in what I know God to be, and that is faithful. He has walked every step of the way with me and, though I've struggled with certain areas of this journey in the chaplaincy (like the deployment), God has been good and I've grown from those rough moments.

If you are reading this and are struggling to pick up your cross today, I understand. It's a daily thing and each day has its challenges, as well as its rewards. My prayer is that we will see the One who was nailed to the cross and who is victorious over sin and death, and that we will live in a way that brings honor and glory to His name. He knows our struggles; He knows our hearts...yet, He loves us and gives us the strength to follow even when the cross is heavy. May your day be filled with the joy of His salvation.

Military Balls

2011-01-22T19:31:00.000-08:00

Well, tonight it wasn't my husband and I dressing up for a military ball; it was our twins. They are there now and I'm praying they are having a great time, and making new friends. They looked so handsome in their uniforms that the girls will probably want to go say hi, and the other guys might be a little jealous. :)

A big "thank you" to everyone who has been praying for them in this transition. We can tell they are doing better. I think tonight will be another positive step since they were excited to be going! :)

Update: They had a really good time!! :)

Time

2011-01-21T14:24:00.000-08:00

All four of us in the family make the comment time and time again how quickly the days seem to fly by. I'm not sure if it's the daily sunshine or what, but it's nice...nice when it's the work/school week.

If someone were to ask me, "What's it like when your husband comes home from a year-long deployment?"...well, this is what I'd say...

I want to spend ALL my time with him, day and night! He's been home since mid-July but it feels like it was yesterday sometimes. I never take my time with him for granted. When he's at work I miss him. When he's in another room I miss him.

I'm pretty sure it's the same for him for the most part. He usually calls me around 11:30 to see if I want to come to his office for lunch. Of course, my answer is always yes. I find myself making sure I'm ready for the call and could leave the house or a store if/when he calls.

Call me crazy...I am crazy. Crazy in love! So, I guess I say all this to say that I'm thankful the work-week is almost over and I can spend 24 hours a day with my husband for the next two days. Love it!

So Thankful!

2011-01-19T11:57:00.000-08:00

This morning I woke up to a magnificent sunrise and, after dropping off the twins at school, I went to PWOC and had such a wonderful time! It was so awesome to finally meet some of my blogging buddies face-to-face for the first time, and to chat with some I've already met...and to meet new people! What a huge blessing!

God is so good! He knows just what we need and provides us with it at just the right time. Thank you, Lord!

(Short and sweet for today)

Sunrises

2011-01-18T06:07:00.000-08:00

One of the things I LOVE about where we live now is the sunrises! I know the sun rises everywhere...but it actually stays visible, not hidden behind the clouds, for us to see and feel until the sun goes down at the end of the day. :) Those who know me and where I came from, know that seeing the sun is something I missed a lot while there. Having it back in my life every day is WONDERFUL!!! I absolutely LOVE it! There were weeks I thought I might just go insane if I didn't get some sunshine soon. God knew I needed a place with LOTS of sunshine so I'm thankful He sent us where He did.

The only hard part has been the school situation...but I trust God in that as well. The twins are doing better. They don't like it any better, but they know that at the end of the day they have a mom and dad who love them very much and pray the best for them, and a fun home to come home to...and they make the best of it. I know God will bless them in their circumstances and give them the strength to make it through. He already provided them with each other many, many years ago so no matter where we go they have each other. He also gave them a teacher on day two that had the counselors give them new classes, Pre-AP, which they still find easy but are together for all but two elective classes. That, too, makes school life easier.

We have much to be thankful for! Most of all, that we are TOGETHER as a family again! I'll never take that for granted!

Praying for those of you I know are separated from your loved one at this time, or soon will be. May the Lord bless your husband's ministry down range, and yours on the home front. May He bring strength during the difficult times and peace each and every day, each and every moment, as you await their return and yearn for their safety.

MY JROTC boys...

2011-01-13T08:24:00.000-08:00

I had to post this handsome photo of my boys. Once a week they have to wear their uniform to school for ROTC & today was their first day. I had to have a photo, of course...despite them not really wanting me to! So, here they are...handsome as ever!

So proud of them and the fine young men they are! It's not easy moving around, especially in high school, but they support the work their dad is doing for God and country and I appreciate them for that. May God bless them here, and wherever else He might have us go before they leave home.

Family Photo - Christmas 2010

2011-01-12T18:11:00.001-08:00

This Christmas our family was so blessed to all be together. Our older two kids are married now, and since we were all going to be in the same state I asked them months before to let me know what they would like our Christmas to be like, and if we could set a day (didn't have to be on the 25th) for it to be "just us"...so, we celebrated Christmas as a family at my daughter's house and we actually were able to get a family photo (I love how cameras have advanced and you don't have to find someone to take photos for you)!

Notice their dog, Lady, walked over and joined us. We laughed about that all day. It was a sweet time, and I was thrilled to have us ALL TOGETHER!!! It was a lot of fun, and I'm praying we get to spend every year together (no more deployments over Christmas, please!!)...and, eventually, have grandchildren joining us! :)

(Yes, Lady is at our feet again! haha!)

It's been a LONG time...

2011-01-10T07:52:00.000-08:00

I know it has been a really long time since I last posted anything so most people probably think I've given up. I haven't. There's just been A LOT going on! We're now at a new Post and still settling into our new home. We traveled over 4,400 miles in the month of December, from moving and then going home to see all our family for Christmas, and then back to our new home again. It was wild! I was about ready to throw a tantrum every time we got back in the truck. My body seriously ached.

We also moved ourselves...and had only one full day to unload all our household goods, by the time we found a house (also helped pack and load all the owner's household goods), before going to visit family 10 hours away. We literally unloaded everything, and headed out the next day. It was wild, but thankfully our daughter and her husband drove the 10 hours to come help us! I don't think we could have headed out when we did without their help.

Now we're starting over and trying to settle/adjust to a new area. The sunshine is awesome...coming from a very rainy, gray area! The most difficult part has been moving our twins, now freshmen, to a new school in the middle of the year, and in a totally different area of the US. Today begins week two and I spend a lot of time praying they will adjust well, and make new friends quickly. I also thank the Lord they have each other!!! What a HUGE blessing!

To those who still check in on me, thanks! I hope to get back to writing soon. I miss it! Your prayers for our twins would be wonderful. Thank you, and Happy New Year!!! (I still can't believe we're in a new year.)

Wedding pics...

2010-09-06T09:01:00.000-07:00

August 21 our oldest son got married!

Meet my new daughter-in-law, Hannah.

Here they are with their wedding party.

And here is one very sweet moment in time - dancing with the love of my life...

Nearly 24 years since our wedding day, and chills still run down our spines! When I saw this picture I loved seeing that look on his face. It's as if we were the only two people in the room. There's nothing like being in each other's arms...

This was one of my favorite photos of the day...

Father & Son

Wishing Karl & Hannah a wonderful life together!!!

Vacation...gone already?

2010-08-26T20:50:00.000-07:00

Well, my husband made it home from his year long deployment in mid-July (praise the Lord!), and we took 30 days off. I'm horrible at blogging now so I know this is way past due, but looking at photos from our vacation made me want to go back really bad...and for some reason think about my poor ol' blogspot. I need to get back to writing...it's relaxing and I enjoy it so much. I have no idea why I neglected it so badly for the deployment. Oh wait...yes I do. My time was consumed by other things that I found to be more important - people, or the words

wouldn't flow when I finally sat down at night or I chose sitting in front of the computer and skyping with my husband instead...yep, that would be it! :)

Back to work we've gone...here's a few pics that make me want to return.

Florida for two weeks with the man I love was AWESOME!

A little Disney World...

Playing at Cocoa Beach...

Shark fishing...

And now I'm tired...haha. More when I have time. It's off to bed since I have to work tomorrow...

Homecoming Coming Soon!!

2010-07-08T21:30:00.000-07:00

I know I haven't been on here in forever, but I had to report to whoever might still be around that my husband will be home from his year long deployment very soon!! It's been a wild ride, especially the last week as the owner of the house we were living in needed it back and we had to move out very quickly. I should say I had to move out - he's not even back yet - but I found a beautiful home that the twins and I love, and all my friends say is awesome, and it's been worth all the hard work. I hope he's pleasantly surprised this weekend!! :)

I'm headed to bed as I'm EXHAUSTED...and thanking the Lord he will be home soon.

I'll Still Follow

2010-03-21T05:03:00.000-07:00

The journey this year has not been easy, but God has been faithful. It was encouraging to read my thoughts for what seems like SO long ago and know that I still feel strongly that "wherever God leads I'll go" ...http://notanotherthingtoremember.blogspot.com/2007/04/chaplain-burtons-wife.html

My Calm

2010-03-15T17:33:00.000-07:00

There is nothing that calms me more than spending time with the Lord. Lately it has been really refreshing. I find that each time I open God's Word, He speaks to my heart. Not only does He speak to my heart, but He calms me and gives me strength to make it through all that has taken place with this deployment.

We're nearly 8 months down, and 4 more to go. I'm thankful for all the Lord has done to help us through. It has NOT been easy...that's for sure...but we're thankful for the calmness He brings to this crazy life we live.

If you're going through a journey similar to ours, I pray strength and peace for each new day. May you find HE is your Calm.

R&R Homecoming pics!

2010-03-13T19:37:00.000-08:00

I think this was the best hug EVER!!!

I love that after 23 years he still looks at me this way!

My heart still skips a beat when I think about this day!

I love you, Chaplain, more than anything else in this world!

I miss writing...

2010-03-13T18:39:00.000-08:00

There are several things I've regretted not spending more time on. One of those things would be writing. I love to write!...yet that seems to be one of the first things I set aside when I have so much going on. I'm not really sure if it's because I don't want to express myself during times of busyness or what. It's something I've sure missed though.

Last night I watched Julie & Julia and it made me really miss writing/blogging. It also made me miss cooking (the real cooking I used to do before I went back to working full-time...), and it made me wish I'd pursued some things like cooking classes. I know it's not too late, but I'm not sure that's what I really want to do at this point in the deployment. I think I'd rather focus on writing more...and maybe get more written in my book. That would be good!

About a month ago I gave up spending as much time on facebook (a definite time sucker!) and only get on for a few minutes twice a week...for several reasons...and, though it has caused me to feel less connected, it has definitely given me back some of my precious time in the evenings. Though that time still flies by, at least it is spent being MUCH more productive.

I can honestly say it has been a good thing, and I have no intention of going back... I do however plan to write and blog more, while not giving up the time I enjoy spending in God's Word and growing closer to the Lord!...that's really important to me!

Since I haven't shared any photos in a long time, I might even get photos up from my husband's R&R soon! It was wonderful, and I can't wait for the REAL homecoming!!

R&R

2010-02-01T15:03:00.000-08:00

For 13 days my husband has been on R&R from Afghanistan. In about 38 hours I'll be saying good-bye again, and to be completely honest...I HATE IT! I don't want to say good-bye, and I don't want to let him go for another 5.5 months!! Six months ago, saying good-bye was one of the hardest things I've ever done, and knowing all that I know now doesn't make it any easier...in fact, I think it makes it harder in some ways.

Once he's gone I'll post pictures of our reunion (if I don't forget to get them off his computer...that would be horrible!) and some of our fun on R&R, and I'll try to keep the "positives" flowing...though never hiding my honest thoughts.

I don't want to take away from the time we have left so I'm keeping this short and just asking for prayer. Thanks!

2009

2010-01-04T21:01:00.000-08:00

I haven't blogged in quite a while. Life has been beyond busy, but I decided I would post what I wrote on December 30.

There are no words to describe what 2009 has been like. For my family, and those of 5th Brigade here at Post, nearly 6 months ago we said our goodbyes to the ones who mean the world to us and, even for those of us who have experienced deployment before, nothing could have prepared us for what has taken place this year.

Each face of our fallen heroes, and each roll call I've stood at during the memorials - hearing the names of these men called over and over with complete silence, is etched in my mind. Hearing Amazing Grace played on bagpipes sometimes week after week, and most certainly month after month, has forever brought new meaning to that song for many of us. While I've sat among grieving widows and friends here, my husband & best friend has prayed over many of these men when they arrived at Kandahar, or performed the memorial for those in his battalion downrange. As I write this, he's preparing to do that for Staff Sgt. Gutierrez, killed Christmas Day, and my heart is heavy for his wife and three kids and the men who fought alongside him.

If I could pinpoint one consistent thought I've had over and over again these last several months, it's that these men have given their lives and I don't want people to go on living as if nothing is taking place on foreign soil. Not only have we lost a lot of Soldiers, many have also been wounded (nearly 40 in our brigade alone)...and all have been in some way changed - that's a cold, hard fact of war. The days are long, difficult and at times I'm sure very lonely. Our husbands, fathers, sons (I use all masculine because we're an Infantry unit) and friends are laying down their lives for us and we must NEVER forget them and their families. It's our job here to make sure we are taking care of our widows and their children, as well as to remember and pray for the safety of those who continue to fight as we go about our daily lives in comfort.

If you can read the names below and not shed a tear, I'm going to ask you to tell me how. So many lives are forever changed, and 2009 will be a year many of us will never forget. I hope it will become a year that no one forgets because of these brave men, and many, many others who've laid down their lives for you and me. Finish out this year remembering our Fallen Heroes. Remember and pray for their families. Commit to pray for our Soldiers who must continue on in this war, despite all the loss they've already encountered. If your family has not had to go through such tragedy this year, cling tightly to them and love them like never before in 2010.

If your Soldier is listed below, know that you are dearly loved and being prayed for continually, and that our door is always open to you and your children. Each man listed below gave his life for our freedom. These are only the ones from our brigade. As of today, in 2009, 319 United State Soldiers gave their lives in Afghanistan, and 150 in Iraq this year alone. Please don't skip reading the names of these men. Pray for each family represented. Also pray for the nearly 40 men in our brigade that are wounded and recovering, as well as their families.

OUR FALLEN HEROES:

Army Staff Sgt. Gutierrez, David, age 35, died 12/25/2009

Army Spc. Aaron Aamot, age 22, died 11/5/2009

Army Spc. Gary Gooch Jr., age 22, died 11/5/2009

Army Pfc. Brian Bates, age 20, died 10/27/2009

Army Sgt. Fernando Delarosa, age 24, died 10/27/2009

Army Staff Sgt. Luis Gonzalez, age 27, died 10/27/2009

Army Sgt. Dale Griffin, age 29, died 10/27/2009

Army Sgt. Issac Jackson, age 27, died 10/27/2009

Army Spc. Jared Stanker,age 22, died 10/27/2009

Army Pfc. Christopher Walz, age 25, died 10/27/2009

Army Sgt. Patrick Williamson, age 24, died 10/27/2009

Army Spc. Kyle Coumas died, age 22, 10/21/2009

Army Spc. Michael Dahl Jr., age 23, died 10/17/2009

Army Res. Cpt. Benjamin Sklaver, age 32, died 10/2/2009

Army Res. Pfc. Alan Newton, age 26, died 10/2/2009

Army Spc. Kevin Graham, age 27, died 9/26/2009

Army Sgt. Robert Gordon, age 22, died 9/16/2009

Army Sgt. Andrew McConnell, age 24, died 9/14/2009

Army Lt. David Wright II, age 26, died 9/14/2009

Army Pfc. Jordan Brochu, age 20, died 8/31/2009

Army Spc. Tyler Walshe, age 21, died 8/31/2009

Army Spc. Jonathan Welch, age 19, died 8/31/2009

Army Capt. John Hallett III, age 30, died 8/25/2009

Army Capt. Cory Jenkins, age 30, died 8/25/2009

Army Sgt. 1st Class Ronald Sawyer, age 38, died 8/25/2009

Army Spc. Dennis Williams, age 24, died 8/25/2009

Army Spc. Troy Tom, 21, age died 8/18/2009

Army Pfc. Jonathan Yanney, age 20, died 8/18/2009

I want to leave you with the words spoken by my husband to his Soldiers at one of their memorials downrange:

Every Soldier lost in battle is a pain felt by the whole. These men have left their mark on history as well as on the lives of every Soldier with whom they have served. In the years to come, when peace and stability are finally restored to the war torn country of Afghanistan; it will be in large part due to the courage and sacrifice of these Soldiers.

Forever Changed

2009-09-27T15:06:00.000-07:00

Thoughts come easy, words don't. This month has been like none other in my life. I've watched strong Soldiers cry, wives mourn the loss of their husbands, mothers and fathers mourn the loss of their sons, siblings mourn the loss of their brothers, children mourn the loss of their fathers, and friends mourn the loss of great friends.

Death has a sting like none other. It forever leaves its mark on our lives. It scars our hearts and leaves us forever changed. It's something no one wants to face in life, but something we most assuredly will if we live long enough. Babies born just before daddy's departure to Afghanistan, or soon after, and those yet to be born will never know what it feels like to be held by them. They will only have pictures and stories told by others to cling to; not even a memory.

My mind has been filled with thoughts to the point of overflowing this last week as we mourned the loss of Soldiers in our own battalion. One was a friend, and someone my husband greatly misses downrange. He brought smiles, encouragement & company to my best friend. They prayed together and opened God's Word together. They talked about his unborn child and his sweet wife. When he was finally able to call out, I cried as he shared with me he had lost a good friend. Even now, it's hard for me not to cry about that loss, for war is already difficult and even more so when you lose a friend.

I will never forget the moment when it hit me who it was and that my friend, Sarah, had just lost the love of her life. I couldn't speak without crying as I shared with her what her Chaplain, my husband, wanted her to know. He had just married them 9 months prior.

Her strength and faith in God has been a testimony to us all. She smiles while others cry. She tells us she's praying for our husbands just moments after having said good-bye to hers. She is a woman we all admire and love.

Though it has been a difficult month, I've grown closer to many of our ladies in the battalion, and experienced things that only come through such tragedy. I've made many new friends, who I would not have known otherwise, that have touched my life beyond words. I've watched our Soldiers give it their all to honor their fallen brothers (even those wounded coming to the memorial & funeral), and experienced a new level of patriotism and honor. And for all this, and other reasons I still can't find the words to express, my life has been forever changed.

I will never forget those who gave their lives, nor stop praying for those who continue to honor them by continuing the mission set before them.

Thank you!

2009-09-04T14:48:00.000-07:00

To everyone who has stopped by to let me know you are praying for me and my family, and the Soldiers and their families - THANK YOU!

To everyone who has stopped by to ask questions or check in on me - THANK YOU! I am sorry I haven't answered questions or written much lately! Our brigade has had a tough few weeks, losing 9 Soldiers and having several others injured, and life has been busy ministering to the ladies God has put in my life. I promise to write more later. Just wanted you to know I haven't forgotten about you all and appreciate all you do to show your love and support!!

Trials and Peace

2009-08-22T09:32:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning with a heavy heart, wanting to hear from my husband...more so, wanting him to be home with me. It's been a long month. It goes by quickly for him, he says, since he's so busy, but for me it sometimes feels like forever before I'll see him again.

After starting some laundry, I sat down to try to plan out a little of his R&R. We're planning to meet up somewhere other than home, since the winter months can get very long and dreary here. After a few phone calls, I felt I needed to stop. It's just too much to bear today. My heart is heavy missing him, and the frustration I was feeling from trying to plan out something so far in advance was getting the best of me.

The first load of laundry was ready to go in the dryer so I ran upstairs to put it in and start another load. There, throwing clothes from washer to dryer, the tears started coming quickly. It hurts more than I can bear sometimes. I want him here, not there today. It's hard when you want something you can't have...there's no bargaining for this particular request!

While straightening up a few things around the house, tears still falling, I felt compelled to get my "Moments of Peace for the Morning" book and read the thought for the day. It's funny how that works out sometimes. After reading it, I immediately realized I'd be much better off if I had started my day with God.

It started out like this - "As you awoke this morning, you may have felt like grain - threshed and milled by trials." ...My life is filled with moments where I wonder if God slipped in a note just for me to read at the very moment I needed it. One particular part said, "The moment will come and the threshing will end, and we will be prepared with the patience, faith and humility that only milling can create in your life." God's reassurance that He is here with me now, and that a moment will come when all this will end, brings me hope!

I love the little prayer at the end that brought me to the place where I needed to be to face the day - "Thank you, God, that trials don't last forever but that qualities you build in me do."

Three Poems in Two Days...

2009-07-25T22:35:00.000-07:00

I'm not really sure what's going on in this head of mine...but I'm keeping pen and notepad handy!

Called to Serve Both God and Country

This journey will be long…
At times, a little rough
But, we’ll find the peace to make it through
For in God’s name we trust!

When the fear of the unknown
Grips our hearts and minds
May we find our strength in Christ
To help us we carry on

When we think it’s more than we can bear
And we’ve fallen to our knees
Please pick us up and dust us off
And fill us with Your peace

When we feel our hearts can take no more
And this journey steals our joy
We know You’ll quickly bring us back
To what we’re fighting for!

(Above is from my last post that has the pictures)

Their Faces Tell A Story

I see them walking to and fro
They look a lot like me
I wonder if their Soldier left
And where he had to be

It's not an easy thing, you know
For everywhere I go
I see a Soldier standing near
Or a loved one all alone

Our faces tell a story
No matter what's about
'Cause everywhere we go these days
Our hearts are torn apart

Worlds Apart

It's one a.m. where I lay
And half past noon for him
Our worlds are very different now
Though our hearts still beat as one

While my day's just beginning
His is winding down
I spend my waking hours
Praying he is safe and sound

God, help me to remember
When I'm tired and all alone
There's more to life than I can see
And one day he'll be home

Pictures say a thousand words...

2009-07-24T06:18:00.000-07:00

Called to serve both God and CountryThis journey will be long...
At times, a little rough
But, we'll find the peace to make it through
For in God's name we trust! When the fear of the unknown... Grips our hearts and mindsMay we find our strength in Christ

To help us carry on.

When we think it's more than we can bear...

And we've fallen to our knees...

Please pick us up, and dust us off...

And fill us with your peace!

When we feel our hearts can take no more...

And this journey steals our joy

We know you'll quickly bring us back

To what we're fighting for!

Coincidence? ...I don't think so!

2009-07-08T08:28:00.000-07:00

About two weeks ago I went to the library to look for a book that might help to distract me from the upcoming deployment. As I walked down the rows and rows of books, I felt a bit overwhelmed so I stopped and asked God to help me find something that would minister to my heart. After my short prayer, I walked over to the religious section, but nothing caught my eye so I moved on. Until recently, fiction hasn't really been my thing. For the most part, I felt like I was wasting my time if I didn't read something that would help me grow in some way.

Another row passed and I almost walked out of the library when a book caught my eye. I'm not even sure why, other than it had an inviting cover, maybe? The name - Sunset, and the description - The power of a family's love and the healing miracle of redemption (written by Karen Kingsbury). Hmm...sounded a bit interesting, and I thought it must be Christian fiction, so I thumbed through a few of the pages and thought to myself, what do I have to lose; if it's not any good, it's only a library book and I can bring it back. At the time I didn't notice it was a series; series #4. I thought about taking it back and looking for #1, but, for some strange reason, I felt like I was to start there and go back later. So I did.

It wasn't long before I felt this overwhelming certainty that this book had something in it I needed to hear. There was one day when I was struggling with the whole deployment issue - what if something happens to Kevin, what if I lose my husband and best friend, what if... No sooner did I get into the book that day and it talked about one of the character's grandparents, and how they loved to sing. One of their favorite songs - Have Thine Own Way, Lord. I smiled and knew God was telling me to put all my trust in Him and let Him have His way in my life, in Kevin's life, in our children's lives, and so on. I stopped there for the evening and just pondered that thought for a while.

Just this weekend I was talking to Whitney, our daughter, about the book. I told her about the song and how God used it to speak to my heart. The next day, during communion at church, the piano began to play Have Thine Own Way. Coincidence? ...I don't think so! Was it what I needed to hear again? ...I'm certain it was! God was reassuring me that it was He who was speaking to me that day.

Two things happened last night that made me think I've got to write this down:

1) Yesterday I was driving back from lunch and decided to turn on the radio - something I rarely do when by myself in the car these days, since it tends to make me want to cry, and a song from Jeremy Camp came on - Walk by Faith. I'm not certain how I kept myself composed as that song takes on a lot of meaning for me. It's a song I used with some picture videos I made - one for our son when he was leaving for Basic Training in the Air Force, and the other when my husband had finished training and I put together a video of pictures to show friends and family before we left for our first Post. There sitting in the parking lot at work, I typed on my facebook status "I will walk by faith, even when I cannot see." Last night, in the book, the song came up! I could not believe it! I told Kevin about it and even he thought that was amazing and strange all at the same time. By this time, he had heard other ways the book seemed to speak truth to me in our circumstances.

2) Last night before we went to bed I began working on something I want to send out to people as a reminder to pray for Kevin and his soldiers. As I looked and looked for the scripture that I wanted to add to it, I found myself right back where Kevin and I both tend to find ourselves in the bible when times are tough. I wasn't looking for that particular verse. In fact, I didn't think about it at all but knew there were a lot of good verses, but something new or different from our favorites might be nice. But, in the end, it just seemed to be the one I was supposed to use. It is Philippians 4:6-7: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

After spending time snuggling with Kevin, he feel off to sleep and I picked back up my book. I couldn't sleep and, besides, I wondered what was next in the story. Before falling off to sleep though, Kevin jokingly said, "I hope there's not a part in that book where a chaplain gets killed." I had already told him there was a character in the book who went off to war - another part of the book that I found odd in the story. Anyway, about a half hour into the book, that very scripture I just mentioned came up! I was speechless! Good thing since Kevin was fast asleep. I ended up finishing the book, tears rolling down my cheeks, wondering what it all meant. Why had so many things in this particular book spoken to my heart? I've been reminded time after time in this book that God is in control and His plans are higher than my plans.

I'm still pondering it all and not sure how to wrap my mind around it all, but I do know this - it's not a coincidence that I picked up that book and began to read it at this exact time in my life. God is faithful. Only He can bring the strength and comfort I need to make it through this next year. He will be glorified in all this, and He will use Kevin to minister and speak comfort, peace, and strength to those Soldiers. I know we are here for a purpose and I'm thankful that God used this book to speak to me in the midst of all I'm going through right now. I know the road ahead is going to be tough at times, more than I'll want to endure, but God will be with us all every step of the way. I couldn't be more certain of that right now. He used a fiction book, sitting on a book in the library among hundreds of other books, to tell me He is here with us through it all.

Thankful Thursday...Bravery & Sacrifice

2009-07-02T20:22:00.000-07:00

What would life be like without the brave?

What if no one was willing to sacrifice for our freedom?

This Thursday I'm extremely thankful for the brave men and women of our Armed Forces. I'm thankful for the sacrifice of many so that we can be free, and so that those who aren't yet free can live in anticipation of it. I often wonder where we would be without men and women who are brave and sacrificial. I know we would be in a heap of trouble, that's for sure!

Three men in my family serve our country - my husband, my son and my son-in-law. All three will be deploying in the very near future. All three hold a very special place in my heart, and their bravery and sacrifice sometimes overwhelms me.

This 4th of July, I pray all Americans will think beyond the parties, parades, and pretty fireworks displays; that they will stop and pray for those in harm's way and thank God for their freedom.

Thank you to our brave Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors, Marines and Coast Guard! To the many in harm's way, and your families, know that many are praying for you as you bravely fight on foreign soil. Thank you for your bravery and sacrifice!

A few words...

2009-06-29T21:16:00.000-07:00

I'm not even sure how to begin this post. It's been so long since I've written anything - or at least finished it. Several times I would begin to write, but the words just wouldn't flow so I gave up. Time is drawing near and my heart aches. We've spent as much time together as possible - another reason I fail to post much on my blog these days - but it doesn't seem like enough when I compare it to the time we will have to be apart.

Thank you to each of you who have written recently to tell me how I've ministered to you through my blog, or told me you are praying for me and my family. That has ministered to my heart! I have so many wonderful friends through this blog and I'm so very thankful for that. Hang with me through this time of few-and-far-between posts, or little communication via email or facebook. Each of you holds a special place in my heart and I cherish our friendship. Thank you for sticking with me and sharing how God is working in your life right now. I'm happy to say we have new chaplains who recently began their ministry, or have word they have been accepted, so I'm thrilled about that and celebrate with them! Praise the Lord!

Again, thank you, friends, for your love, encouragement and prayers. Soon enough I'll be back to writing more often and keeping in touch better. For now, it will continue to be few-and-far-between when I post as I minister to my husband and family as time draws near.

Discussions We All Hate

2009-05-16T05:58:00.000-07:00

We don't want to think about it, much less talk about it, but death is something every Soldier and wife must talk about before the Soldier deploys. It's difficult, it hurts, it stings, it tears at the very core of your heart as you look into the eyes of the one you love and have to talk about the possibility of death - but it's important.

My husband and I have been having these conversations off and on some lately. Off and on because it's hard to do in one sitting. It's not easy, and it makes me want to vomit when I think about it, but I know it has to be discussed and certain things have to be set in place. When he tells me he loves me and doesn't want me to have to think about it later, if it were to happen, I can't argue with that. But, I do cry (which makes it even harder for him to discuss).

To get to the point - this morning I was wide awake at 5 a.m. (not by choice because it's Saturday, but because I'm used to it) and, as I was reading my bible, I came across this (it's long so prepare to stay engaged and read it all):

1 Corinthians 15: 42-55: So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. So it is written: "The first man Adam became a living being"; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit. The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual. The first man was of the dust of the earth, the second man from heaven. As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth; and as is the man from heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. And just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven.
I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory."
"Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?"
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

All of it spoke to my heart. All of it moved me to tears. All of it made me think about the man God created for me. All of it made me so grateful that he has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. All of it made me rejoice that we don't have to worry about death. Christ gives us VICTORY over death! I love the verse that says, "we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed..." And I love the final verse that helped me to find peace with the very thing I feared the most. I put it in bold letters above, but I want us to read it again - Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

The Lord has called my husband to something that requires that he give up EVERYTHING and go to the place God has called him to go. The Lord is asking him daily to give himself fully to the work of the Lord, and His Word tells us that it is NOT in vain. He's asking that of me, too, and of all who believe in Him. We must stand firm and let NOTHING move us! We MUST give ourselves fully to the work of the Lord, and, if in that, we lose our life (physically) then we will know what it is to stand in the presence of Almighty God!

We will continue to have these tough conversations, but the sting has lessened by the power of God's Word and the promises therein.

Thank you for your Word, God. Thank you for your promises. Thank you that because of Jesus Christ and the sacrifice He made we can live in victory today and forevermore.

The Touch of His Hand

2009-05-12T16:25:00.000-07:00

Early this morning my husband rolled over and moved his arm to the back of my pillow and, as it woke me, I put my hand in his. I'm finding these simple touches instantly bring me to this thought - how in the world am I going to live without him for so long?

What If...

2009-05-04T18:28:00.000-07:00

This evening I picked up my book - Following God with All Your Heart, by Elizabeth George - and just had to giggle at God. If you haven't read my post from yesterday, you might want to read this first so the rest makes sense.

In this particular chapter of the book, speaking mainly about obedience, Elizabeth ended it with:

Imagine what the world would be like if...

Noah said, "I don't do boats."
David said, "I don't do Goliaths."
Mary said. "I don't do virgin births."
John the Baptist said, "I don't do baptisms."
Paul said, "I don't do letters."
Jesus said, "I don't do crosses!"

And what if Joshua said, "I don't cross Jordans."

I can't tell you how many times I've picked up this book to find that God just continues to speak on the same subject I was reflecting on, or read in my bible or talked to Him about. It's as if He rearranges the pages to continue the conversation.

I thought this little phrase at the beginning of the next chapter was pretty amazing too...very fitting for what we are experiencing.

If it is God's plan that we should march through a river,

or attack a walled town, or turn to fight an army,

we have simply to go forward.

He will make the mountains go away.

Rivers will dry up; walls will fall down;

armies shall be scattered.

F.B Meyer

From Ordinary to Extraordinary

2009-05-03T18:22:00.000-07:00

One of the twins just asked me how long it has been since I've blogged...I found that a little funny! He heard me say I needed to blog this weekend, and then evidently noticed I haven't done it yet. The weekend's not over so I guess I better keep my word! haha...

I'm having a hard time with it being May already. Part of me wants it to be May because our son is coming to visit this month (in less than three weeks now!!), and the other part of me - the part of me that thinks about the deployment - doesn't.

I struggle with the thought of wishing it was the weekend all the time, too. I know I shouldn't wish my days away, but I long for them so I can spend more time with my husband...not to mention work is stressful and exhausting.

Today was the last time I'll hear my husband preach for over a year. I did good - I didn't cry, or even tear up! I prayed all the way to chapel that I wouldn't. Thank you, Lord!! His sermon title was "From ordinary to extraordinary" and was very fitting for all that is taking place for the people of our chapel.

Many of us are about to experience deployment and a year long separation due to it. Also, due to so many chaplains deploying this summer, they have decided to close our chapel and one other on our post. Our last service will be May 31. They said today that 60 chaplains from our post will deploy, leaving only 20 to minister to those not deploying. I'm sure those 20 will be extremely busy with rear detachment so I support that decision.

With all the changes taking place, we all have to make the choice - will we be ordinary or extraordinary? Will we step out in faith and do things for God that make a difference? Will we trust God and His will for our lives? It's not an easy thing to watch your spouse walk into harm's way and not feel overwhelmed. It's not easy to accept change sometimes, or not get down when things don't go the way you had planned, but God is with us and wants to work in and through us to accomplish extraordinary things for His kingdom.

I love Hebrews 11 and 12. After reading verses 35 - 40 of Chapter 11, I was touched by these words that came out of my husband's mouth - the world was not worthy of them, but the world NEEDED them. I knew God was speaking to my heart.

I don't know what it is exactly that the Lord would have me do in my husband's absence, but I've been asking Him to show me and prepare me. I know God has a purpose and plan for all things, and that it is His will for my husband to go and minister to our soldiers on foreign soil, and so I'm at peace about this. It doesn't mean I won't be extremely sad to see him go or not struggle. It just means I'm going to lean on the Lord and trust Him in this and seek to do the extraordinary for His glory while my husband seeks to do the same. And when the days set before us get tough and challenge our faith, we will remember those who have gone before us and fix our eyes on Jesus!

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12: 1-3

Short & Sweet

2009-04-15T20:55:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has been praying for us during this time of preparation. I won't lie - it's not easy. Work is very tiring right now, as we're finishing up a project, and I want to spend as much time as I can with my husband, so I wish for the weekends, and then when I think about the fact that the weekend means it's one week closer to his deployment I feel bad for wishing the weekdays away.

I appreciate the prayers very much. God is good. We're strong in Him and continue to trust Him and His plans. My husband and I just continue to grow closer to the Lord and each other. I wouldn't trade some of the wonderful talks we've had over the last few months. God is faithful and I know He will meet every need in the weeks and months and years to come.

Thanks again! You all are a blessing!

Hello Again!

2009-04-04T20:56:00.000-07:00

I know...it's been a long time! Even for someone who loves to write, there are certain times it's just hard to put into writing what my heart feels.

A little over a week ago, I was given a calendar during our FRG meeting that I didn't really think a whole lot about at the time, but the next day at work I was writing down all the days off my husband will have before he deploys and it hit me like a ton of bricks - I was holding three months in my hand (April, May and June)...the last of the time left before he would leave for ONE YEAR!

ONE WHOLE YEAR (minus two weeks of R & R!) without the love of my life, my best friend, my favorite person in the whole world...

Since that day, every night when I roll over and feel his body next to mine in the middle of the night, I feel the sadness come over me. Some nights I cry. Some nights I try to hold him close without waking him. Some nights I imagine that day when he'll have to walk away from us and wonder how much agony he will go through. Some nights I imagine what the day of his return will be like. Some nights I think about the unthinkable and ask God to bring him home safely to us. Some nights I simply ask the Lord to help me to be strong and help me fall back asleep.

A few times I've cried at random, weird moments. Like the moment we got in the car after walking through the camping section at a store yesterday. We just ran in to get a baseball cap for the twins and wandered that direction and BAM! it hits me...this summer won't be the same. Everyone else in the car was talking about baseball, since the boys had just found out they made the team, and I'm crying like a baby and trying to hide it. My husband mentions to me a lot how he wonders how much the twins will change in the year he is gone, especially now that they have braces. I know it makes him sad.

See why I haven't blogged lately...haha! When I type it all out I feel like I sound so down or something. I'm not though! I know the One who brings strength and encouragement and peace that passes all understanding. I certainly can't explain it any other way! I still smile. I still feel joy and peace even knowing it won't be easy. I still trust God with His plans for our lives, knowing this is His plan for my husband to minister to the soldiers that He places under his care. In fact, just this Friday, as I watched soldiers march on both sides of my car as I drove to work and they went about their weekly road march, I was filled with joy that he will be there for our country's brave men when they face difficult moments. I wouldn't want it any other way because I know it's the Lord's will.

A Short Sermon Clip

2009-03-11T20:27:00.000-07:00

God is at Work!

God uses these videos to work on my heart. When I tell the Lord I'm not sure I'm ready to be without my husband for a year, all it takes is seeing something like this to bring me back around to surrendering my will to His (God's). Have you ever asked the question - what would our military be like without chaplains? I pray we never know!

The Old Rugged Cross - Sung by our Soldiers

2009-03-11T19:05:00.000-07:00

I'm always thrilled to sit down with my husband and see pictures after he returns from the field, but this time he came home with video clips of one of his services!!

Recently, I've had several new women contact me through my blog whose husbands are considering the chaplaincy. I pray this video will give you a glimpse of the ministry he could have to the Soldiers of this country.

Leaning and Learning

2009-03-03T18:03:00.001-08:00

The last four weeks have been a growing process for me. I believe the Lord used this time to teach me how to lean on Him more, and, quite frankly, to show me more of who he IS. Early on in this particular "journey" I discovered something about myself - when times get tough I tend to lean more and learn less. I never really thought about it this way before but I tend to lean more on what I already know about God, from past experiences, rather than discovering new and amazing attributes of him. I tend to cling to the truths that I already know to be true, and, although that's not a bad thing to do, what I've discovered is there is so much more about God, but I have to be willing to get in His Word and dig deeper. I have to spend time alone with him and seek his face.

I wrote about the experience I had with being drawn to a particular book in my post A Renewed Heart but it has become so much more than I could ever express since that time...but somehow I'll try.

I haven't missed a day in Joshua since I committed to the Lord that I would get up early and get in His Word. What has been amazing to me, though, is that over and over again I am hearing and reading verses in Joshua every day through different means-none planned out by me-and I'm not just talking about from the bible. When I open up the two books I'm reading it is there. When I listen to a particular audio study CD that I'm listening to every time I get in the car it never fails something comes up in it, and then on Sunday one of our chaplains is preaching and a man in the congregation yells out Joshua 1:8 in the middle of his sermon. It was the strangest thing...

I've found that, more than ever before in my life, God is showing me how much He truly is with me. He wants me to lean and to learn, not just lean and not just learn. They go together! I've also realized all I would have missed had I not been in His Word every morning. So many things have been tied to my morning bible reading.

Today, as I was driving to work, Beth Moore said something on the CD that put it all together for me. She was talking about a friend of her daughter that was jumping hurdles and struggled with each and every one of them, but she never gave up. Even when she fell and scrapped up her knees and elbows, she continued on. Beth talked about how all the other girls had already finished, but she would not give up, and before long all eyes were on this one child and everyone was cheering her on.

I don't remember what Beth said next because it was in that moment that I saw myself there on that track. I saw some of the hurdles that lay before me with the long deployment lurking at our door. I saw myself backing up and moving forward. I know what lies before me and my family will not be easy; it will take guts-and probably a little blood, sweat and tears-to get through this, BUT God is going to be right there cheering us on (better yet, picking us up in the moments we're just too tired to carry on) and in the end HE will be victorious!

This journey is not about me. It's not about my husband or our children. It's about God Almighty being glorified! And, when all is said and done, we'll know and love Him more. I am certain of that! The things I'm not certain of-which are many-He is in control of. All He is asking of us is to surrender to His will and walk this journey with Him, for His glory.

Have I not commanded you? Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)

How do we keep from being terrified or discouraged in the tough times that lay before us?

Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night... (Joshua 1:8)

God's Will Be Done!

2009-03-03T06:36:00.001-08:00

I want you all to meet one of my husband's soldiers. About a month ago this soldier came to my husband and wanted to know Christ. His life has forever been changed. Our lives have forever been changed. You see, every time my husband shares with me what God is doing in the lives of the ones he is called to serve, I am humbled.

Times of Ministry While Training

2009-02-22T13:59:00.000-08:00

When I received these pictures via email yesterday, and saw the smile on his face, I felt such peace about us being apart. I'm not saying it's easy and I like it or anything; I'm just saying I love that he is there for the soldiers and ministering to them. God put him in this ministry for a reason, and I'm learning more and more to lean on God and trust that what we are doing is for His kingdom and His glory. He's the one smiling! (haha) In the picture below they are taking supplies to some of the soldiers and going to visit them.Yes, that means he got to ride in a Blackhawk Helicopter! I figured out those are his goggles on his head, covered to keep all the dust off of them I guess. It kind of looks like a [brown] smurf hat.Here he's having a service for his soldiers right where they are. I love seeing pictures like this!!

Here he's taking a little break or something with his assistant. For those who don't know, chaplains don't carry a gun...so, yes, I do a lot of praying for his assistant with the upcoming deployment! Actually, there's someone much bigger who has his back - God!!That's my man! (Even though I didn't recognize him when he first sent the picture...It was his hand with the wedding band that I recognized first.)

I sure love him and miss him!

A Renewed Heart

2009-02-21T15:57:00.000-08:00

Over the last few days I've done a lot of reflecting, and what I discovered is this:

- I allowed other things to creep in and distract me from the most important relationship ever, my relationship with Christ!
- I allowed the weight of "my world" to fall on my shoulders and was not giving it to God.
- I was allowing things that I have no control over (like the upcoming deployment of my husband) to control me and get the best of me.
- I was not growing.
- I was not focused on anything significant or eternal...and so on.

But...PRAISE GOD...He did not leave me. He used a book on a shelf, while I was walking through a store praying to Him to help me get out of the rut I was in, to catch my attention - "A Woman After God's Own Heart"...that is my desire, I told Him! I want to be that woman - one who seeks to know Him and grow in my relationship with Him each day, one who doesn't allow the day to day demands or struggles get to me in such a way that I lose focus of what God would have me learn or experience for His glory.

Two weeks ago, early on a Sunday morning, I believe God woke me up and laid it on my heart to go get my bible and read Joshua 1. I did, and He spoke to my heart. Three times in the first nine verses of Chapter 1, God told Joshua to be strong and courageous. He told him to meditate on His Word day and night. He told him not to be discouraged and that He would be with him wherever he went. I believe God was telling me the same things that morning.

You would have thought that the next day I would have gone back to His Word and started in Chapter 2 of Joshua, but I didn't. Here's the catch. After about an hour of prayer and drawing near to God last night, I felt like God was leading me to pick up another book I had purchased by the same author and go directly to the chapter on Fear. I hated jumping into the middle of the book, especially when I was hardly through the first one I started reading this week. Do you know it took me right into Chapter 2 of Joshua?! In that very moment I knew that for two weeks I had missed out on what God wanted to show me the very next day in Chapter 2, and so on.

My heart has ached, and all the while God was trying to speak to me...trying to comfort me...trying to teach me something new about who HE is in my life. I would pray off and on throughout the day, but mainly for my husband and his soldiers and other people in my life who asked for prayer, but I was neglecting to draw near to God.

Today my heart is whole again. In fact, that took place last night as I surrendered everything to the One who knows me from the inside out, the One who knows what the future holds and what is best for me and my family, and the One who is in control of all things and is victorious! My heart is renewed!

Psalm 51:10 says, "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." That was my prayer, and he was faithful! Psalm 51:12 says, "Restore to me the joy of my salvation..." That, too, He has been faithful to do! I praise Him for a renewed heart and a renewed focus.

The word is out.

2009-02-17T18:19:00.000-08:00

I write and erase, write and erase...

Today we got word of where our husbands will deploy to. All I can say is I'm thankful they didn't announce to us when via email. I hope we get to hear that with our spouse beside us! If I could have it my way...I want to hear that from my husband as he holds me in his arms and tells me everything's going to be OK. Hearing anything when you can't talk to your spouse for another couple of weeks just stinks! That's all I'm going to say about that!

Lots of bubbles!

2009-02-06T22:33:00.000-08:00

This evening makes night #2 without my husband. I miss him very much! This morning I woke up feeling like something was missing...kind of like when you go on a trip and as soon as you leave the house you start wondering if you forgot something important...like your passport or your purse, not just a pair of socks or something insignificant. Except it's more than that. I don't want to say it's an emptness I feel; it doesn't go that deep because God filled that void many years ago, but it's just a big part of my heart that's missing and I can't get it back until he returns.

Anyways...the twins and I went to get some groceries and just sort of hang out for a little while. When we returned home, we had dinner and then the twins were unloading/reloading the dishwasher and I ran upstairs to check emails and blog a little before turning in for the night...then it happened. Darby calls from downstairs, "Mom! The dishwasher is spewing!" I thought I'd find that it "threw up" in the sink due to the garbage disposal, but when I arrived in the kitchen there was water and bubbles everywhere! It took us about an hour to clean it all up, but we did it.

The moral of the story...don't buy different types of soap without telling your kids! I guess I confused him a little. Either that or he wanted to see what would happen when you use dish soap instead of dishwasher detergent! :) I'm kidding. The kitchen floor is squeaky clean and we're all doing fine. God is good and keeps us moving along. Maybe it all happened so we'd focus on something totally different than not having dad around... oh wait a minute... I was thinking, "Where's dad when things like this happen?!" at one point. Then we set out to do all that we needed to do to make sure nothing got ruined, and later we'll have a good laugh when we get to tell dad what happened while he was away.

Why we moved off post...

2009-01-28T19:12:00.000-08:00

I've had several people ask me why we moved off post and so I thought I would give an answer.

I don't, however, have an answer for those who would ask me what is best when it comes to deciding whether to live on or off post. It's totally a personal preference and both have their pros and cons. It's also a preference that might change - as it did for my family!

From the moment my husband found out he was in the Army, I really wanted to live on post. In fact, I was a little adamant about it. I'm not really one who always feels comfortable home alone at night so, with the knowledge of lurking deployments, I thought that living on post would eliminate more of the feelings that sometime accompany that. My husband, on the other hand, liked the idea of living off post, except for the thought that a very short commute to work would be nice. The twins, like me, also liked the idea of living on post and making neighborhood friends. That didn't really happen at our first house on post, but it did at our second place so I figured they wouldn't ever really go for living off post.

Then, just a few weeks ago, we all entertained the thought...

BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) recently went up and the thought of having an actual house to ourselves, not a duplex, appealed to each of us. Looking at the price to rent a home that was almost twice the size of the place we were currently living in, and less expensive when you look at the fact that they take all your BAH when you live on post, made it even more appealing. And then the other factor of our twins not liking the school district we were in...and, well, it all begins to unfold as we drive by this big, beautiful home in a very nice, quiet, safe neighborhood just outside the post (making our commute only a few minutes longer than before), and then we drive by this HUGE, brand new school that looks great and is rumored to be a really great school...and not a one of us was left with anything to think about. It was perfect...it IS perfect.

This evening my husband and I were chatting about how much we love living here. It's such a nice house. It's relaxing, and private, and the twins are happy as can be about their new school. All is well, and God is good! We thank Him for the blessing of this home. The guest room awaits friends and family!!!

Another Move

2009-01-17T20:39:00.001-08:00

This weekend we're in the process of moving off post. It's not something I wanted to do when we first moved here, but just recently we decided it might be nice so we prayed about it, and last Saturday went looking very close to post (the one thing we both agreed had to be so for us to make another move)...and, within a few hours we found a house we all loved very close to post, with a huge, new school for the twins (another reason we thought a move might be good!).

I still can't believe it!! On Monday morning we went to the housing office and asked if they could waive the 30 day notice...and, praise the Lord, they said they could! On Wednesday we got the keys to a beautiful home...and tonight we're 98% moved out and just have a little more to clean. The only glitch...the twins both woke up vomiting in the middle of the night and my husband and I have done most of the moving on our own. Surprisingly, it hasn't been bad at all though.

Our prayer tonight is that we don't get sick and have trouble finishing the moving and cleaning after church tomorrow. Due to the twins sickness, we left our couches and our bed set up so as not to disturb them and are spending one last night at our house on post. They slept or watched T.V. all day while we moved, and this evening we worked a little while on setting up the new house so they could comfortably move over there tomorrow if they're still sick.

And, at the end of the day, we're praising God for a beautiful home to live in for the remainder of our stay (because we're not moving again until the Army moves us!!!) and for how well the move has gone.

Pray for our Soldiers!

2009-01-10T09:11:00.000-08:00

This is a photo of one of my husband's soldiers. It brings tears to my eyes every time I run across it. As many of our service men and women are still in harm's way, please don't forget about them. And, as many still prepare to go to the battlefields, don't forget to pray for them and their families as well. The battle might not be as intense, but until they all come home we must not forget to lift them up in prayer and extend love and care for the families on the home front, or to reach out to those who have lost love ones.

Thank you to all those who serve and to their families. I know the sacrifice is great!

Thankful Thursday

2009-01-08T16:58:00.000-08:00

I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13

It's been so long since I've actually written anything, and I miss it so much! I was just about to get off the computer when I realized it was Thursday and I had much to be thankful for.

As I was searching for a verse about being thankful, I came across the one above and, even though it doesn't talk about being thankful, it just seemed to resonate with me and speak to my heart. I have so much to be thankful for, yet in the midst of a very busy week I've found myself to be a little grumpy. Days and days of rain, and tons and tons of things to do at work, seemed to get the best of me...

That is until a wonderful friend reminded me, "the sun IS still shining...we just can't see it right now."

We talked for a few minutes during my lunch break and those few little words went a long way. As I reflected on my attitude and went back to work, I saw the fruit of my labor and no longer felt aggravated. I had been dwelling on the negative (lots and lots of work to catch up on from my vacation) and never even noticed how much was actually being accomplished. The piles on my desk were almost gone!

God reminded me today (through the words of a wonderful friend) that He is my strength, and He is my sunshine! There is nothing that He and I can't accomplish TOGETHER!

Just to name a few...I'm thankful for:
-Friends who speak the truth in love. I needed out of that slump!
-The opportunity we had to spend time with family and friends in Texas.
-A beautiful, wonderful wedding for my daughter and her husband.
-A wonderful husband who has been such a huge help to me and is such an encouragement (he did all the unpacking and grocery shopping when we got back from Texas since I had to go back to work!).
-Loving, sweet kids. I just love them! It was so awesome to get to be all together this Christmas!!
-My job, which provided the money we needed for the wedding.
-Life!
-The love of Christ!!!
-My boys...who are urging me to get off the computer to watch the football game with them and eat pizza and relax!

Our Daughter's Wedding

2008-12-26T07:34:00.000-08:00

Oh, Happy Day!!! She was the most stunning bride I've ever seen...and is still glowing! What precious bridesmaids... they prayed over her before her wedding! Big brother...The groomsmen, ushers and ringbearer (and my FOUR boys!) The bridesmaids and flowergirl...beautiful! Moments you never want to forget... Congratulations Skyler and Whitney!!! It was a beautiful day! Meet our new son...

Their first dance...
Daddy holding tight before he must let go! I wanted to put these two pictures together because I love her countenance on both...

The day could not have been more perfect!

(I'll add more when I have time...)

It's been such a long time...

2008-12-15T21:28:00.000-08:00

I wish the times of writing here weren't few and far between right now, but, unfortunately, I have little time to write...much less think! I appreciate the emails that let me know I'm still thought of and being prayed for during this time. Thank you!! After the wedding is over, the holidays pass, and I'm back home and life gets back into a routine, I hope to be here again writing more often. Until then, I hope to have a few moments here and there to keep friends posted on the wedding events, and ask that you continue to keep us all in your prayers...especially this Saturday when we give our only daughter away to be wed.

Thank you, Lord!

2008-11-27T09:39:00.000-08:00

Give thanks to the LORD,

call on his name;

make known among the nations

what he has done.

Psalm 105:1

This Thankful Thursday, Thanksgiving 2008, I'm thankful for so many things. First and foremost, I'm thankful for Jesus Christ. There are many wonderful things about life, but nothing would be as it is without Him. He gives life purpose and meaning, and I'm so thankful for His forgiveness and grace!

Secondly, I'm thankful for such a wonderful husband who loves the Lord and seeks to honor Him with his life. That is most important to me because everything else falls into place because of his love relationship with the Lord. After all, God is the author of true love! I'm thankful for the unconditional love he shows and the friend that he is to me, and the wonderful father he is to our children. I'm thankful for the sacrifices he makes for our country and his Soldiers, and his willingness to put others before himself. He's a wonderful man!!

I'm thankful for my children and the wonderful blessings each one of them bring to our lives. This Thanksgiving our son couldn't be with us, but my parents flew my nephew to South Carolina to be with him. Praise God! It did this mother's heart good to know he would not be without family this Thanksgiving. I'm thankful that each of my children have a personal relationship with the Lord, and that no matter what this life holds for them they have the Savior walking by their side all the way. And, now that we're about to give our daughter away, I'm so very, very thankful our soon to be son-in-law is a Christian, too, and was raised in a Christian home. There's nothing more important!

I'm thankful for my parents. I'm thankful they love the Lord and raised me in a Christian home. I'm thankful for their love and support all these years. I'm thankful for the example they've been to me and for their evident love for the things of God. This Thanksgiving is very special because my parents are here! What a blessing it has been to have them in my home this Thanksgiving week!! For weeks now I've been wishing my mom was here to share in the planning of my daughter's wedding with me, and how great God is that he laid it on their hearts to come visit. The blessings have overflowed.

I'm thankful for a wonderful and amazing mother-in-law. Life hasn't always been easy for her, but the strength of the Lord has ALWAYS shown through. I could not have asked for a better mother-in-law.

I'm thankful for my brothers, brother-in-law, and sister-in-laws...and all their children. Seeing our Christian heritage continue on is such a blessing. I love each one of them and I'm so very thankful to have the family that I do.

I'm thankful for friends...old and new. I can't imagine life without friendship! I am so thankful that no matter where we go God always has someone in mind to befriend us. It was so hard to leave our friends in Texas, and I struggled for a long time when we first arrived here...then one day God put Sheryll in my life. I tear up any time I think about us having to move to different Posts one day (My prayer is that won't happen and we can end up at the same Post!). She has been a huge blessing to me in this move!! (Please pray for her and her husband as her husband is serving our country in Iraq right now. Thank the Lord for our chaplains who are there for our soldiers during the holidays!)

I'm thankful for the freedom we have in our country, and the military members who have fought and are fighting to keep us safe and free! I'm thankful for the freedom we have in this country to worship God. Is hard for many of us to even comprehend what some Christians are going through right now. I'm thankful for the freedom we have in Christ and the sacrifice He made so that we might be free!

I could go on and on, but I'm going to stop here and go spend time with my family. I'm thankful for each of you that have become dear friends through this blog. I appreciate you and pray you have a wonderful, blessed day!

Life as it unfolds...

2008-11-15T07:51:00.000-08:00

It's been so long since I've actually sat down to write what all is going on in my life that I find it difficult to do so. So much of what I do Monday through Friday is work, come home and cook dinner - and nothing too fancy at that - and crash. It's difficult sometimes - having little energy for other things that are precious to me. There are days I really miss the old days of just taking care of my family and anticipating their arrival home from school and work, having dinner ready and a clean house, and just time to do things like hang out with my friend, Sheryll. (I don't have a whole lot of really close friends here, but, praise God, He's given me an amazing friend in her!) We get together at least once a week and I think we could talk for hours and hours...oh wait, we do! ...but we could talk longer if we had the time.

But, back to what I was saying, I also want to be careful not to have an attitude of ungratefulness. I know the Lord provided this job for my family for this time in our life. I can't even begin to imagine how we would have been able to pay for our daughter's wedding and the travel arrangements without this job. I praise God for this job. He knows our needs long before we do, and just at the right moment this job landed in my lap. Thank you, Lord!

Yesterday I took my lunch break really early - 7:30 a.m. - to help provide breakfast for all the soldiers in my husband's unit. It probably ministered to my heart more than it did anything for them. Seeing them in uniform, gun in hand (except for my husband, of course), coming to enjoy breakfast (some with their wives and children waiting for them) made me feel a part of something bigger than just life as I see it some days. It was nice, and seeing my husband in his element always puts a smile on my face.

Last weekend we were at a marriage retreat with my husband's soldiers and I was reminded of the life so many of them lead. Difficult. Often lonely for one or both. Many without Christ. I found myself very burdened for so many of these young couples. It was difficult to shake, and hard to watch when some would show evidence of a troubled marriage. And then Sunday I felt the burden lift as God reminded me that that's why He sent us here - to bring hope to soldiers and their families. I feel so inadequate. I feel so out of place so often, and constantly ask God to show me how to minister to them. It's not as easy as you would think! Often times they don't want the help, or the Helper.

Only Jesus Christ can fill the void in their lives. Only Christ can bring hope to seemingly hopeless circumstance. Only Christ can change a hard heart. Only Christ can restore the broken-hearted. Only knowing what it means to be truly forgiven allows us to forgive others. Knowing all that, and knowing what a beautiful marriage is because of the grace of God made me want so much more for so many of them. Pray for our soldiers and families as we seek to minister to them and share the love of Christ with them. Pray for us as we seek to live out the life God has planned for us and share His love with those around us.

My mind is everywhere...so many things on our plate and so much moving along so quickly. I honestly cannot believe it's the middle of November! It's hard to believe in a month and five days we'll be giving our little girl away. God is helping us to let go of her more and more...and boy can that be emotional sometimes. It's a huge thing to trust God with your kid's future. I wrestle with God often on this matter! I love her so much that some days I just want to hold on way too tight and God has to constantly remind me that she is His child. His plans are much bigger than ours, His ways are much higher - isn't that what He promises?!!

If you have a child about to get married you know what I'm talking about! God unfolds much to us during these times...and all that we must have put our own parents through. Can I get a witness?! There is fear and excitement all wrapped up in a bundle of love. All of life prepares us for these moments of letting go, yet somehow we're caught off guard. We've been raising them for years and years, training and encouraging them to spread their wings and fly...so why do we struggle when they say their ready to do so? I think it's all a part of a bigger picture; part of growing us and teaching us to trust God with those things we love most - our family. We tend to forget that another little family will be born out of ours! (That just put a smile on my face.) One day our children will be having children of their own and carrying on our Christian heritage. What a blessing!

A few minutes ago I unzipped the garment bag just to take another look at my daughter's gorgeous wedding dress. I know she will take his breath away on that special day. It's exciting, beautiful, dreams are big and life is unfolding... Life is just as it should be, and God is good!

Thank you to our veterans...

2008-11-10T20:40:00.000-08:00

We would not enjoy the freedoms we have today without your bravery and sacrifice. Thank you for serving our country!

I love the saying...

HOME OF THE FREE BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE!

Thank you!!!

A very special birthday for two very special boys!!!

2008-11-02T07:52:00.001-08:00

Two little miracles... Tiny and precious...Two adorable gifts from God...Melting our hearts with their sweet smiles...

...and laughterTake a good look at Dillon (in the red shorts). What an adorable look of laughter. He thought that water fountain was hilarious. They're not so little anymore, but there's nothing more rewarding than watching them grow into such fine teenagers...We've been so proud of them as we've made this transition back into the military.

Their love, support and sensitivity to others has at times overwhelmed this mother's heart. I can't imagine our lives without them. They're so very, very precious!!!

Happy 13th birthday, boys!!! We love you, and thank God every day for blessing our lives with the two of you (at the same time!). You are loved so very, very much!!! We know you both make sacrifices for your dad to be able to minister to the soldiers and their families, and we thank you for your willingness to share him with others. You are wonderful sons, and we couldn't be more proud of both of you. As you continue to grow physically, I pray you will continue to grow spiritually...putting God first and being surrendered to His will. There's nothing more important! Thank you for the love you show to others; you are making a difference in other people's lives! May this day be very special because you are very special. Love you boys! - Mom

FIREPROOF YOUR MARRIAGE!

2008-10-25T22:07:00.000-07:00

I went to see the movie Fireproof today and I just have to blog about it. I think everyone (whether married, engaged or even single) should go see it. Any relationship can be strengthened through watching this movie. Or, best of all...you can discover a new relationship with someone who will love you more than any human being on this earth!

I don't want to say too much...just go see it if you haven't! ...married or not...support it. We need more movies out there like it!

Oh...and if you are an emotional person, take some tissue with you. There were several times I could not help but cry. There's also a book out - The Love Dare, that they mention in the movie, and I recommend this as well. If you click on my link above, you can see sample pages.

May you know His peace today...

2008-10-21T06:30:00.000-07:00

The LORD bless you
and keep you;
the LORD make his face shine upon you
and be gracious to you;
the LORD turn his face toward you
and give you peace.

Numbers 6:24-26

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace

as you trust in him,

so that you may overflow with hope

by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13

And the peace of God,

which transcends all understanding,

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:7

Just a few minutes...

2008-10-20T22:18:00.001-07:00

I find myself missing this place! It's not always easy to sit down and write what's on my heart (especially when it's so public)...and sometimes I'm not even really sure what's on my heart, much less able to express it, but this evening as I was spending time in God's word I found this scripture to be very thought provoking:

For God is greater than our hearts,

and he knows everything.

1 John 3:20b.

When we struggle to love others, or ourselves, God is greater than our own hearts. Another reminder to me that NOTHING is impossible with God. Are you struggling to love someone, or to love yourself? The answer is found in knowing God and in allowing Him to love through you! Love...the love of God...never fails.

There are five words in verse 19 that express what my heart feels when I come to a place of surrender in the area of love - "at rest in his presence". Isn't that beautiful?! We can feel at rest in his presence when we are demonstrating love for other people. I think that is so powerful!

Thank you, Lord, for the love you demonstrate...in while we were yet sinners, you died for us. We are so unworthy of your love, yet you freely and willingly give it. Help me to love others just as you have loved me and to forgive just as you have forgiven me.

Downfalls of Being a Chaplain's Wife

2008-10-11T08:07:00.000-07:00

Just this morning I received a question - what are some of the downfalls of being a chaplain's wife? So, I thought to myself, maybe I'm not eluding to the difficulties we face, or maybe this person hasn't read some of the "issues" I've faced in the journey as of yet. Either way, I thought this was a good topic for today.

For anyone who has ever been in a church ministry setting, the chaplaincy is much different (at least it has been for us). My husband and I walked "hand in hand" every step of the way for 13 years of church ministry. The ministries changed... We started out Sunday School teachers to four and five year old children in a church in Germany (might I add, it was like 25 four and five year olds who won our hearts but wore us out every Sunday...we'd have to go home and take a nap! :) oh, but we loved it!), then we were asked to teach a young married couple's class (which was wonderful...and for the first time I saw that God was truly molding and shaping my husband for something even more beautiful.)

All this took place while my husband was in the Air Force. Somewhere along the way, God really got a hold of our hearts and our lives began to really change. My husband began to really surrender his whole heart to the Lord. He was a new man. Totally sold out for Christ. It was there that one day he knew for certain God had called him to be a minister. He had no idea what that looked like, or what to do, but he knew God wanted more and he was willing to give it.

From Germany, we moved to Oklahoma, where we quickly became involved in a church in the small town of Duke. It was really small...like 400 people small. Not long after joining, we were asked to work with the youth. We had a wonderful ministry there. Many times my husband would tell me he had this strange urge to preach. Now, coming from a man who doesn't speak much, you can believe me when I say it was even foreign to him to have these feelings. But, I had already began to see the preacher in him as he would teach the youth. There before them stood a preacher, called by God, to minister to their young hearts. We worked and taught alongside each other and I kind of always imagined we'd just stay there...but God had other plans.

Towards the end of our time there, a church down the road (in an even smaller town) asked my husband to be their interim pastor, and so we made the tough decision to leave the church in Duke (not completely though, as I would still go on Sunday night and Wednesdays to work with the children...something that began when God showed me the children were needing someone to minister to them as well). This was a very loving church, where God could grow my husband and allow him the opportunity to preach. I was so moved by his preaching that I never wanted to hear anyone else! The church was small, and the people were much, much older than us...and the only children there were ours, but we knew it was God's will. It wasn't easy sometimes because there weren't any other children, but I was quickly able to look back and see that God was preparing us for something that would prove to make that time in our lives useful for the years ahead.

I know this is getting long so I'll just say that we ended up in Texas, my husband worked a full time job, went to seminary full time and after a few months also preached every Sunday. After starting the church in Arlington, serving alongside each other like never before, and imagining that we would probably be there for the rest of our lives, God messed with our plans!

Today, we are here, serving in a totally different way. The first few months, when I was busy helping us to settle into our new life, were fairly easy. Once I finished setting up "home" I began to feel the sadness of not having that "hand in hand" feeling of ministry. I missed not being able to serve alongside my husband and experience what he was. He was seeing God at work. He was understanding why we were here. He was seeing the fruit of his labor. Not at first though. I want to add that it wasn't an easy transition for him either. It took time to learn the ropes of the Army and the chaplaincy. Much was demanded of him, with little know how on his part.

Isn't it in those times when we see that it's God, not us, doing the work?!

When you question why you're at a place in your life where you can't seem to get your mind or hands around something and it just seems too big...hold on and trust the Lord! If you are certain it is He who called you to something, just continue to walk with Him! He will get you to where you need to be, and He will help you learn the ropes. Let Him carry you on the days when you can't see why it is you are where you are and it's not as easy as you imagined it would be.

There are things that aren't easy about being a chaplain's wife, or Army wife. I wouldn't necessarily call them downfalls. It's just different. My husband always says, "Different is just different, not better or worse," and I've come to understand that. Our ministry IS very different here. It's more one on one. It's more about him being out among the soldiers and me supporting him and praying for him and encouraging him...and when the opportunity arises for me to actual be there with him ministering (like the retreats and other things) I jump on it! Just hearing how God is moving in even one soldier's life moves me. Knowing my husband is ministering to those who would give their life for another and sacrifice daily fills my heart with joy. God has taught me a lot about trusting Him in this ministry.

There are days when I really, really miss our church family and all that we had there, but I also am fully aware that whatever it is that God calls us to do He will be right there to help us to accomplish His will. He will bring comfort when we are lonely. He will bring strength when we are weary and worn out. He will bring new friendships. He will bring new ministries our way. And, ultimately, He will be glorified for the work that is being done to bring people into fellowship with him.

When trying to count the cost of what it will mean to take a step into a different direction, you only have to ask yourself one thing - did the Lord call me to this? If He did, there are no downfalls, only possible hardships. And, He will be right there with you. All throughout scripture people faced hardships to further the kingdom. Count the cost. We're told to do that. But then, follow at all cost. There's no other way to live. Glory to God!

Life IS good.

2008-10-05T15:29:00.000-07:00

There are times I feel as though the world around me is spinning just a little too quickly. My oldest son just recently turned 21, our daughter is preparing to get married in December, our twins are about to turn 13, and, well, quite frankly, sometimes that's just a little too much for a mom to handle all in one year.

Good thing I'm not handling it all on my own!

This morning (I wrote this on Sunday...and am publishing it on Tuesday) in chapel the sermon was about rest for the weary and, although I don't feel weary right now, I loved the reminder of whose yolk I should be carrying.

Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus speaking -

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Probably the heaviest load I carry sometimes, at this point in my life is 1) the thought of my husband deploying, and 2) there are days when I just don't want to let go of my kids. I had one of those moments last week where I stood in the doorway of my daughter's room sobbing like a baby. I love that they are maturing, but there are just those times when I want my kids to be little again so I can hold them in my lap and snuggle them! There are days when I don't want to give my daughter away, I don't want my oldest son to be living on the other side of the world (or so it seems!), I don't want my last two babies to be turning teenagers... I just DON'T. :)

Then there are days when I look around me and see that my children are turning out to be fine young adults, and we are about to enter into a new phase of life, and I'm excited about that too. How wild at times to think about the new phase of being in-laws and letting go even more. About this time last year we were experiencing all that comes with great change as we left our oldest two in Texas. Later God brought our daughter to us here, but we still had to begin a new life with two of our children far from us.

The burden could have been very heavy, but quickly we saw that the Lord was taking care of us all, and working in each of our lives to bring us to the place He wanted us to be. He's still at work. He's still growing us and teaching us all to lean on Him. From time to time though, I want to pick up my own yoke, throw it on my back, and try to make things turn out the way I want them. Today was a good reminder for me that HIS yoke is light, and to trust HIM in ALL things.

God IS in control and Life IS good.

Update on my mother in law

2008-10-05T09:38:00.000-07:00

Thank you for the prayers! We finally got to hear her voice this morning...a very wonderful sound to our ears! She is out of ICU...praise the Lord! But, please continue to pray for the pain she is in and the migranes she is having, as well as her healing.

Thanks again for the prayers! We really appreciate it!

Praise the Lord!!!

2008-10-04T13:58:00.000-07:00

My son was able to get leave for our daughter's wedding and Christmas!!! ...we're all so very, very happy about that! God is good!!!

Prayer Request

2008-10-04T13:48:00.001-07:00

Please pray for my mother-in-law. She was hit by a car while crossing the street yesterday (at a crosswalk). She's got a fractured hip (updated report since last night - they thought it was broken, but it's only a hairline fracture...praise God!), a broken tailbone, stitches on the back of her head and part of her ear was torn at the top (which they were able to repair yesterday with some stitches and staples).

Today she is still in ICU in serious condition, with migranes and vomiting, and in a lot of pain. Please pray for that she can rest peacefully and that her recovery will be quick! She is one very tough woman!

Talking with her husband, I know we are truly blessed that she is still with us. She was thrown in the air and flipped from the impact of the car...but, praise the Lord, she is alive!

Thank you for your prayers!

Deployment

2008-10-02T16:53:00.001-07:00

Deployment is becoming more real for us. Not only for one person in our family, but two. Not our son, but our soon-to-be son in law. We're all aware anything can happen after the election, but it's very unlikely that we'll pull out right away. So...it's very real for us.

As for now, we're just walking this road God has paved for us and trusting Him in all things. It's not "new" news, just more news. Being that the time frame for when they will take off isn't definite and it looks to be more like next spring or summer, we'll just continue to take it one day at a time, cherish our time together even more, and know that God is in control.

It's not easy to think about my husband leaving for 12 months. In fact, I try my best not to think about it for now! But, if and when he does deploy, I have a wonderful friend who is showing me that everything will be OK. She's such a great example of God's overflowing comfort, peace and strength, as her husband is deployed right now. I see it in her every time we're together, and there's not a doubt in my mind that God orchestrated our friendship...and I'm so very, very grateful for that!!

At the Crosswalk

2008-10-02T16:15:00.000-07:00

This morning on my drive to work I had to make a stop at the crosswalk. I didn't stop for children... I stopped for 10 Soldiers, carrying guns and all. I laughed at the thought that it's not every day that people stop at crosswalks for Soldiers with guns. I'm in a much different world now.

On a different subject...

A few minutes before noon today I got a call from my husband inviting me to lunch. It wasn't "out to lunch" though; it was lunch at his battalion with other Soldiers. We ate and then he prayed for requests they had and did a short devotional. It was a little awkward being that I was the only one that wasn't a Soldier, not to mention the only female, but I loved it. I think it's wonderful that he does this sort of thing with his Soldiers, and when I get the opportunity to see him in "action" I love it! I wish I could be there more often...

Happy Birthday son!!!

2008-09-28T09:34:00.000-07:00

Our firstborn turned 21 today. I can not believe it!!!

While we hate that we can't be with you today, we're so very proud that you are serving our country. This picture speaks of so much of who you are. You are strong, able to face challenges of life, willing to give of yourself for the better of others, willing to sacrifice for the freedom of those you know and love and those you don't even know. You put others before yourself every day as you live this life as an Airman. You're courageous. As I look at the face in this picture, I see the heart of a good, godly man. Your dad and I love you, miss you, and pray for you daily. We anxiously await the time we get to be with you again. Keep up the good work and may God bless you as you live out the life He wills for you. We're here for you every step of the way. May God bless you in a very special way on your 21st birthday as you're far from family and friends. We all wish we could be there with you!! We love you...

A Strange Scenario

2008-09-27T21:05:00.000-07:00

It's 9:00 p.m. for me and midnight for my oldest son so he calls and says, "You're not even going to wish me a Happy Birthday?!" ...I didn't even think about it being Sept. 28 there and Sept. 27 here. I told him he wasn't 21 yet since he was born in Texas and still has an hour to go...plus the fact that I'm not ready for him to be 21 yet!!!

Wow! Where do the years go??? My birthday post will come tomorrow...for right now I'm just going to enjoy my son being a little bit younger. haha...

I'm excited to say...

2008-09-27T10:27:00.000-07:00

I got a job! Probably about a month ago my husband and I started praying about whether or not I should work outside the home. I had brought it up to my husband after I had been praying about it a while and the night I talked to him about it, as we were praying together, he vocalized his prayer asking the Lord to show us His will.

All I've been asking all along is, "Lord, would you have me work outside the home? Is it your desire for me to be a stay-at-home mom still, or should I consider working again since our kids are so much older?" I can't really explain it...it's just a feeling I had that I needed to be seeking His will about this.

On Thursday of last week I got an email which had a few jobs openings. I decided to open it and it wasn't the ones listed on the attachment that came with it that caught my eye, it was a little note I noticed on the very bottom of the email (a forward) that caught my attention. So, I prayed about it and decided to call. On Tuesday I went in for an interview, and on Thursday they called to ask if I was still interested.

I am not kidding when I say I had just prayed that if it was the Lord's will that I have this job that I would hear something that day. I had already told myself I would get the job if God wanted me to, and would not if He didn't. On that particular day though I had stopped to pray because I didn't want to be disappointed if I didn't get it. I knew it was a good opportunity for me, I knew it would be good for us with the wedding coming soon, and I knew that if I wasn't careful I would decide what was best for me and not be happy with God's answer if it was no.

The blessing of knowing what it is God desires for your life is amazing. Whether it be something I want or not, knowing and trusting His will for my life is important to me. It's in the knowing that makes things bearable when it's tough. I'm sure there will be tough days ahead. I'm losing a little of my daily "freedoms" that I enjoy. But, I also know there are blessings to be had with having this job and a reason God would have me work there.

The job is on post - three or four blocks from my house and just down the road from my husband's battalion. I'll be home before the twins get home from school. I don't work weekends, and we have all the federal holidays off as well as vacation time (and I can still get time off when my husband's off). Not to mention I'll be doing what I love to do - administrative work. I am so excited!! ...The family is excited!! Thank you, Lord!

Time in the Field

2008-09-24T15:28:00.002-07:00

Birthday cake in the field (it's a cookie, jelly and a lit match)

He's just a little dirty! :)

This is what I love about the field...

He was sick the entire time he was there due to allergies, but there was still a smile on his face.

Soon!

2008-09-24T07:58:00.001-07:00

My husband has been in the field since last Monday and sometime today he'll walk through the door! I'm so excited. It hasn't been an easy time in the field as he's been sick the whole time. His allergies started acting up day one and he's still not well. I'm hoping he gets a little time off to recover and be pampered.

This time while he was away I spent time organizing the entire house...including the garage! Since our move into this house in June, it's been so busy that I didn't really have the time to organize like I wanted to...but today it feels great to finally have it all done!

All I have to do today is wait on my husband to arrive and then give him lots of TLC. Hopefully it'll be sooner rather than later. I miss that man!

Oh, speaking of houses...I was at a friend's house yesterday and noticed this on her wall and it made me smile:

OUR HOME IS WHERE GOD SENDS US.

I love that!!!

Requests accepted

2008-09-24T07:52:00.001-07:00

Several of my faithful readers have asked for a way to subscribe to my blog so that when I post something new, they hear about it. So...here ya go...go to my sidebar and subscribe! Let me know if this works for you. I may need to do something different.

Thanks for stopping by and joining me on this journey of life as a military wife! I appreciate you all.

Such a blessing!

2008-09-18T19:49:00.000-07:00

Our son made it safely to his first base today!! Praise the Lord! It was so wonderful to hear his voice AND see his face. He called me on Skype to show me his room and then we talked for a long time...that's always a blessing! I always get off calls like that and miss him even more though.

God's timing is perfect yet again. I found out today that his unit is actually deployed at this time. They should return in a few weeks, so knowing that he was kept from deploying makes me extremely happy! Thank you, Lord! ...I'm not ready for that yet!!!!

Update on our Airman

2008-09-16T21:26:00.000-07:00

Our son is currently making his way to his first duty station. He has officially finished his training and is on his way to South Carolina as I type. I wish we were with him to make this transition, as I'm sure his girlfriend does, too, but it's all in the Lord's plan and he's in His hands so we're just praying for him to make it there safely and with joy for whatever the future holds.

It's weird for me as his mom to think about him finally being completely out on his own and starting his career. I didn't really think about it until I got off the phone with him just a little while ago. I write this trying to fight back the tears as I think of the wonderful man he has become; and I thank God for blessing us with such a fine son. We wish him the best at his new base and know the Lord has great things in store for him.

Please keep him in your prayers as he travels for the next few days and then does his in-processing (which is never fun for anyone!).

Happy Birthday, Chaplain!

2008-09-15T08:07:00.000-07:00

He was out the door at 5:00 a.m., and will be celebrating his 40th birthday in the field with his soldiers for two weeks.

Babe, I'm so very, very proud of you and the wonderful man that you are. I pray God will bless you in a very special way on your birthday, as you spend it ministering to your soldiers. You are a blessing to many, especially to me! I love you more with each passing year and am so grateful that the Lord blessed me with such a wonderful, godly husband. Your life reflects the love of Jesus, and I'm so very, very honored to be your wife. Thank you for all you do for me and our children, and the many ways you sacrifice for our country and give to the soldier in your unit. I love you! Happy Birthday!!!

A Year Ago Today

2008-09-12T16:48:00.001-07:00

It was one year ago today when we arrived at our first Army Post. It's been good!!! I'd love to write more, but we've got to get ready for a Hail and Farewell. I took a little walk down memory lane (skimming back through my blog) and can see the goodness of the Lord in it all and look forward to the year ahead!

Thankful Thursday - God's Provision

2008-09-11T10:35:00.001-07:00

...And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh. (The Lord will provide.)

Genesis 22:14 (KJV)

I've probably read this story over a hundred times in my life, yet I'm still struck by Abraham's obedience. But today I'd like to focus on Jehovahjireh - our Provider! In a world filled with so many ways to provide for ourselves, it's so easy to forget that we need to rely on God. If we're not careful, the ways in which we provide for ourselves can become the very thing that causes us to stray from our true Provider. We can easily become distracted and prideful in thinking we can provide for ourselves and don't need God.

Today as I read this, I thought about Abraham's faith in God. He knew God well enough to know that God was going to provide for him no matter the outcome...whether that meant comfort for the death of his son Isaac, or an offering to take his son's place. Either way, we see no resistance on Abraham's part to trust in God.

God provided in a mighty way for Abraham (and his son) that day. He still does today. We're not sacrificing burnt offerings anymore, but is there something you need to lay on the alter and trust God with today? Maybe it's an issue over your finances. Maybe it's an issue over your children. It could be a number of things. Whatever it is that you need to lay before God, take the time to lay it on the alter and give it to Him. He will provide. It may not make sense right now, just as it didn't for Abraham I'm sure, but give it to God and ask him to provide whatever it is that you need for today.

Genesis 22:1-14

Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, "Abraham!" "Here I am," he replied. Then God said, "Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about."
Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about. On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. He said to his servants, "Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you." Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, "Father?" "Yes, my son?" Abraham replied. "The fire and wood are here," Isaac said, "but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?" Abraham answered, "God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." And the two of them went on together. When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, "Abraham! Abraham!" "Here I am," he replied. "Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son." Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided."

Lord, thank you for being our Provider, Jehovahjireh! I am so grateful that you love us enough to provide for our needs, whatever they may be. Help us to trust in You in all things. In Jesus name, Amen!

9/11 - Never Forget!

2008-09-11T07:39:00.000-07:00

It's been seven years... My mind still goes back to that day when a close friend of mine called and we actually watched on T.V. as the towers began to crumble. We could hardly believe our eyes! I can only imagine what it was like for those who had family or friends there at that time. Today, seven years later, I'm still shocked that terrorist were able to do this on American soil. When people talk about whether we did the right thing or not by going to war, I always tell them we better be glad we're fighting over there and not here. When I think about other people, whether American or not, being terrorized by someone, I know we are doing what's right. Yes! I hate that American lives are being sacrificed. It kills me to know we have thousands of our soldiers in harm's way. But, we can never forget what took place on our soil. We MUST be willing to fight for what is right...no matter the cost! We must never forget...and we must never back down from upholding peace and justice for ALL.

Lord, be with the many families and friends of those who lost their lives due to terrorist attacks on our soil. Bring comfort as they still mourn the loss of their loved ones. Keep our country safe from other attacks, and help us to never forget: those who died during the attacks, those who willingly gave their own life to help those in need, those who fought in the war and died and those who returned home but will forever remember what they experienced there, and those who continue to sacrifice for our freedom. Bless them, keep them safe, and bring them home soon. Be with the many who are preparing to go and take someone's place in the war; be with the families left behind. In Jesus name, Amen.

Deployment

2008-09-08T17:04:00.001-07:00

My twins have two boys they hang out with all the time and about two minutes ago one of their dads left for deployment. As I watched my twins stand there with their friend, waiting for him to leave to take his dad to the airport, I found myself wondering what my boys were thinking. It's been the topic of discussion several times here as his departure drew near and the dates in which he was supposed to leave changed a few times, but they never really say how they feel, or what crosses their mind about their dad possibly deploying.

I know as their friend's dad leaves it has to hit home a little more for them. I know that they are sensitive to how their friend might be feeling right now. In fact, Dillon said to Darby, "Don't go over to C's house right now because they are probably spending time together before his dad leaves." I know they are good friends for each other and will help each other through this...what a blessing to have friends like that!

I'm not thankful someone's (anyone's) dad has to deploy, but what I am thankful for is the opportunity to witness friendship in my children's lives, and the lives of other children around me.

God bless our Soldiers and their families as they are apart.

Good-bye Summer

2008-09-08T13:11:00.000-07:00

...and I'm not talking about the season. I pray that stays a little longer...or a lot longer. I'm not quite ready for fall.

Today is the beginning of week two of school for the kids, and my husband went back to work after two weeks of leave. I knew it would feel this way... just a bit strange. It's extremely quiet around here! I've been struggling a lot with the words "routine" and "normal" the last few days. Every time I would use those words I found myself not really liking them too much. I like what they imply - everyone is back in their day-to-day routine of school or work, but, for me, those words just don't seem to resonate with me. I don't want normal...I desire something different!

This summer was a little different for me. Normally when the routine breaks for the rest of the family, it does for me as well and the things that I felt important sort of don't seem as important anymore. I tend to slack off and by the time summer is over I feel all out of whack. This summer, though, I've done a lot of reflecting, I've read more books in one summer than I typically would in a whole year, and I've spent a lot of time drawing closer to the Lord. I guess it's been the books for the most part that have caused me to do a lot of looking inward - to see what's in my heart - but I also know that it's not really the books, but God who has been stirring my heart.

One of the most recent books was one my husband and I actually listened to as we were traveling this past week. Our trip took us about two and a half hours from home, and, since my husband loves to listen to audio books on long trips, he had a new one for us to listen to. Typically he would have a western playing, but this time I had asked him to pick something a little different since I don't care too much for the westerns. The way it read (or spoke, in this instance) caused me to really...really...really think.

The title - Lord Foulgrin's Letters. (I highly recommend everyone get the audio book and listen.) I'm not sure who wrote it, but it really got me thinking about the ability that Satan has to get us off track and how we need to stand guard. I was overwhelmed a few times thinking about -- what we don't guard against can easily entangle us.

When I returned home Thursday night, I looked up Ephesians 6 and printed it out to place around the house as a reminder to put on the full armor of God, daily! God's Word tells us in Ephesians 6:10-18: Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

That book reminded me that to not pray and seek the Lord, to not read my bible and grow in my knowledge of the Truth, to not spend time on my knees asking the Lord to search me and know my heart and ask forgiveness when I sin against Him, is to give Satan room to work. It's so easy to get caught up in our day-to-day routine and totally miss out on the relationship that should be most important to us - our relationship with Christ. Nothing on earth compares, yet, if I'm honest, sometimes I don't treat that relationship as I should and I allow life (routine) to creep in and take over. Then, when I'm feeling worn down by this world I wonder why?!

Listening to that book caused me to really take note and desire to make the things of God a priority in my life. My relationship with the Lord has been strengthened by each book I've read this summer. Each one has been a reminder to me to place Him first in my life and to take seriously the scriptures that tell us that the devil has an agenda to destroy us. He wants nothing more than to distract us with our everyday lives and keep us busy doing everything BUT spending time with the Lord and growing in our faith.

As I say good-bye to summer, and try not to let the fall months bring with them a routine that is stagnant, I pray God will fill me and use me to bring glory to His name; that He will continue to pull at my heart when I allow other things to creep in and allow less room for Him, and that all I've learned in this summer will continue to build as I grow in my love relationship with Jesus. I don't want "normal" or "routine" creeping in!

The Rollercoaster Life of a Military Wife

2008-09-01T20:04:00.000-07:00

Sara, over at Faith at the Front, is hosting a Blog Carnival. The theme for September - The Rollercoaster Life of a Military Wife. When I first heard of it, I jumped right on it not realizing I would be out of town so much and not really writing like I typically do.

Anyways...I still wanted to take just a few minutes to thank Sara for all she does to try to connect other military wives, and for hosting the Blog Carnival, and write for just a few minutes.

I'm thinking back to last summer and how often the twins and I went to Six Flags since we had season passes and it was easy to take the boys there for fun while their dad was away at chaplain training for three months. I didn't want to ride the rollercoasters and end up sick, but I knew it would mean more to the boys if I got on the ride with them rather than wait for them at the end so...I did it. I got on. I rode those crazy rollercoasters until I was green. One particular time we rode the Titan over and over again because there was no one in line. I think I finally cried mercy about round four.

I think the same holds true for us as military wives. We can either tell them we'll meet them at the end of their ride so to speak, or we can jump on the rollercoaster with our spouse. We can fear the unknown so much that we never take the chance to find out it might actually be fun. Choosing to join them on the ride, and looking to make the best of it, can make all the difference in the world. There's no doubt about it - it's going to be a rollercoaster ride. We can look at this ride one of two ways though - this is going to be horrible, OR I know if I go on this with them it's going to be a lot more fun together (...and, sure, I might get a little sick and tired of it every now and then but that smile on their face because I joined them is so worth it!)

If you've read my blog for any length of time, you already know my life as a military wife is a rollercoaster ride. Some days are great, some days aren't so great. I'm pretty sure that's true for all people, in all walks of life though...we just happen to have more potential for a giant change to happen very quickly (like being on the biggest, wildest rollercoaster ever!). It's funny though - as I think about this life, and how different it is from our life just a little over a year ago, I know it is grounded in Jesus Christ, just as it was then, and that there's no place I'd rather be than on this rollercoaster with Him. Only He has the power to keep me seated, or not screaming to get off, when I'm frightened about what's around the corner or on the other side of that great big hill that I can't see.

We did a lot of laughing...

2008-08-30T18:51:00.000-07:00

This really happened on the way to Hawaii, on the plane:

Whitney and I didn’t have seats together so I asked the steward if something came available would he let me know. When he found two seats together for us, he came and told me and said he would go tell my daughter. Evidently he forgot which seat I said, and asked the girl in front of Whitney’s row if she had been separated from her mother. Here;s how the rest of the story went:

Girl: “Yea.” (in a very sweet, sentimental tone)

Steward: “She’s got a seat for you up front.”

Girl: “WHAT? …we were separated at birth!”

Whitney realized he was talking about her about the time I sent her a text wondering what was taking so long. I thought the steward forgot or something. We are still laughing about that one. (It was like something out of a sitcom.)

~~~~~~~~

We’re walking down the beach, still full from lunch, about to get back in to the water to snorkel some more. Noticing that we only have three pictures left on our underwater camera, I told Whitney not to take any more pictures just in case we see something really good. Here’s how the rest of the conversation went…

Whitney: “Like a shark?”

Me: “No! If I see a shark I’m going to throw up.”

Whitney: “So…if you see a shark the first thing you’re going to do is throw up?”

Me: “Yep!”

Whitney: “…oh no! A shark…(barfing sounds) …bluuuuh…”

Whitney said she envisioned me choking on vomit in my snorkel.

~~~~~~~~

We're looking at pictures from our trip one night and I see a picture of the back of myself...

Me: “I don’t remember that.”

Whitney: “Mom…because you were turned around!” duh…

~~~~~~~~

Me: “I have a scar!”

Whitney: “A scar? Mom…that would an indention! …not a scar. You just got that today from the goggles. It'll go away eventually!”

This trip was such a blessing. The sights were amazing, but the time with my daughter was priceless.

Hawaii Photos

2008-08-30T17:49:00.000-07:00

Aloha! I'm sorry it has taken me so long to post pictures. Once we returned from Hawaii, we went camping for a few days. Anyways...we had a BLAST! It was so much fun...so much so that I'm hoping we get stationed there next round.I could fill my blog with photos from our trip...but that could take forever so I'll just stick to a few of my favorites. Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~~

The first beach we stepped foot on...My daughter took this photo from the patio restaurant we ate at the first night. We were still on the same beach seen above.Our first sunset in Hawaii...Another angle on the same beach.Hanauma Bay - where we went snorkeling. You can see pictures from our snorkeling here.
North Shore (below)...another beautiful beach! The flowers were amazing!Taken from our balcony. We were on the 28th floor. I loved to walk out first-thing in the morning to see the sun shining over the city, and feel the warmth on my skin. I could hardly wait for my daughter to get up so we could get outside (that's why I was always waking her up early!). No time to sleep...we only had five days to enjoy this beautiful place!

This was the beach where the wedding took place. When we arrived, the view took my breath away. It was unlike anything I had ever seen before! The song How Great is our God came to mind immediately. (The picture doesn't even give it justice.)

A special thanks to my sweet, wonderful husband for such an awesome Mother's Day gift. I love you, babe!!