This book was not what I was expecting.  Rebecca’s testimony written in book form is a powerful reminder of God’s redemption for any of our mistakes even, or maybe especially, the ones society says are most unforgiveable. It’s an engaging and well written read, and her style is that of talking to you over a cup of coffee. I expected it to be more of a “help” book in the sense of what to avoid, or the things that she did that maybe the wife at home was not;  instead it’s more of a warning to “good, Christian girls” to not think themselves above such behavior/sin.

My favorite quote was “God will not lead you into sin, just so He can glorify Himself by bringing you out of it” –  to which I say Amen and applaud her willingness throughout to take responsibility for her actions.

I would have liked more on both fronts – details of what went on and what she would change. Not so much more sordid details about how, when, salaciousness, etc.; but more about her heart at the time and what lead up to her willingness to set aside her standards. I would have liked to read more about how God pursued her even in her sin leading to deliverance.

Although Rebecca grew up in a military household, this is only briefly mentioned in the first chapter. Nevertheless, as a military wife I found this book to be a good reminder of God’s redeeming grace in any situation and a warning/reminder that any of us are capable of sin beyond what we believe but there was nothing truly specific to our military life or the unique challenges of military marriage.

I would still recommend the book as a good read; and while it is not specifically a  “military” book, I believe it has much to offer military wives.

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Rebecca Halton grew up as a  military brat who writes a feature for Operation We Are Here: http://www.operationwearehere.com/bratchatwithrebecca.html).

In her book Words from the Other Woman, she tells her story of having been the adulteress in an extramarital affair, even as a Christian. Rebecca says, “I really think it would be valuable to military wives because two of the mistakes I made were lack of boundaries and not seeking worth, value, fulfillment in Christ. Both of which (in addition to some other things) made me more vulnerable, both of which I hear or see military wives struggle with, especially during deployments.”

“Discovering Joy in Adversity” is the subtitle for Laurie Elmore Thompson’s book “Laurie’s Story.” An engaging, easy but inspiring read, it tells the story of her walk through a horrific car crash, subsequent health problems and the challenges of everyday life. Beginning with her early life, Laurie takes us through the crash, her paralysis and life “after” the incident, including marriage, children and being a military spouse. Whilst giving glory to God throughout, she still reveals her struggles and time of doubt and how she did indeed discover joy even in the midst of it all.

I found this book to be a great read for a general view of how God can use adversity to bring us closer to Him and an inspiring reminder of what He can do through and in us. It did leave me wanting more though, as I do wish she would have spent more time fleshing out each time period and really delving into how God brought her through; at times it seems to be just scratching the surface, especially about her husband’s military service and her role in that (as a military wife, I wanted to read a lot more about that). Made me want to sit down with her and chat about all of it for the rest of the story! A great reminder/refresher that God can use anything for good, especially hardship.

Laurie Elmore Thompson is a contributor to Wives of Faith. You can read more about her story on her website.
FTC note: Special thanks to the author and her publisher for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

1.  How did you get started writing?

I started writing when I was a child. My parents went through a difficult divorce when I was nine, and I still have poetry that I wrote during that time. I think I just turned to writing as a way to bring the confusion of my inside world, out. I guess I have always used writing that way: a way to process and make some sense of my inner world. I also found that the great writing of others became a companion to me over the years, and I wanted to provide that kind of companionship — through words — to others.

2.  What are you favorite Bible verses as they apply to the military wife/lifestyle?

My favorite Scripture, currently, is Ecclesiastes 3:1-11. This passage has helped me make some sense of life, especially during those times when life has seemed senseless.

“There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under the heavens . . . He has made all things beautiful in its time . . . and yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”

As a military wife, I often find myself facing situations that don’t seem “beautiful” on first pass, and I need these kinds of reminders that God is, in fact, at work in the world and in my life, making things beautiful in his own way and in his own time. I also appreciate that it says, “no one can fathom what God has done,” because these words validate my feelings of restlessness and unease. Where are you, God, and what are you doing? This passage reminds me that I may not fully understand the mystery of God, yet he is still beauty-making all around me. Wow. I feel like I need to be reminded of that every single day.

3.  What suggestions would you give to the military wife who would like to minister to or support other military wives?

Getting involved in established blogs that reach out to military wives and/or starting your own blog can be an immediate way to encourage other wives. I have also seen small groups — based on mutual vulnerability, confidentiality, and authenticity — be an incredibly powerful force of validation and support. Perhaps starting a small group could be a great way to get to know some women and just begin sharing your stories. I find small groups can be especially helpful if women are able to share courageously what’s really going on for them and then create a safe space for others to do so as well.

4.  What has been your favorite assignment (duty station)?

We are currently stationed in the Middle East, and we were also here 8 years ago (you can read about that entire adventure in my book Found Art: Discovering Beauty in Foreign Places), and I truly love being here. The transition out here this time, with our two-year-old twins in tow, was nothing short of gnarly, but we are getting our feet under us, and I feel so thankful that we have the opportunity to share such a unique experience as a family.

5.  What is something you wish others knew about you?  (This can be a totally random fact, like you like to wear glitter toenail polish, or you like frozen blueberries in your oatmeal, or you would like to go rock climbing one day?)

I am a closet artist, and I love providing space for other women to explore creative expression. Also, I love sour candy, watching football, and champagne (not necessarily together, though).

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Born and raised in San Diego, Leeana holds English degrees from Liberty University and West Virginia University.  In 2003 Leeana married Steve, an active duty Navy SEAL.  They spent their first year marriage stationed in Bahrain, an experience she recorded in her first book: Found Art: Discovering Beauty in Foreign Places (Zondervan 2009).  In addition to writing and speaking, Leeana offers Found Art workshops and retreats that create space for self-reflection and self-expression.  In 2008, Leeana and Steve welcomed boy/girl twins, Luke Stephen and Lane Watkins.  Follow Leeana at GypsyInk.com.

(Writer bio courtesy of Faith Deployed…Again)

1. How did you get started writing?

Writing has been one of the biggest surprise gifts God has given me.  I was the child in school who groaned the loudest when the teacher said, “It’s time for creative writing.”  I frequently asked teachers who wanted essays if I could just give a speech.  Seriously, it was an activity I absolutely dreaded.

God had begun to teach me about processing some of my walk with Him on paper when we were transferred to D.C.  Removed from the amazing close relationships of other sisters in Christ that I had in Orlando, I began writing thoughts down and sharing them with about a dozen women through email which eventually led to the creation of my blog.  When Rob received orders to Iraq the weekend he was working on his retirement paperwork, I sought out internet sources for military wife support and found Wives of Faith. Sara invited me to write for WoF, which led to me meeting Jocelyn via email, which led to me writing for the Faith Deployed blog and then contributing to Faith Deployed Again.  I just love how God’s paths are rarely straight lines!

2.  What are you favorite Bible verses as they apply to the military wife/lifestyle?

2 Corinthians 12:10b   For when I am weak, then I am strong.

This is such a tough concept for us as military wives, but so very liberating.

3.  What suggestions would you give to the military wife who would like to minister to or support other military wives?

Bloom where you are planted.  Share your heart with God and ask Him for opportunities.  Do not look just for large, visible avenues.  Ministry is simply being Jesus with skin to someone else.  A meal, offering to babysit, cleaning house for someone, even just a smile – these acts of service can open doors for the gospel.

4.  What has been your favorite assignment (duty station)?

Orlando – hands down.  When my husband transferred from active duty to reserves with a fulltime DoD job, we were able to plant ourselves for several years.  We raised our babies with sand between their toes, so the memories of palm trees and warm winters make me smile.

5.  What is something you wish others knew about you?  (This can be a totally random fact, like you like to wear glitter toenail polish, or you like frozen blueberries in your oatmeal, or you would like to go rock climbing one day?)

This summer I got to fulfill one of my bucket list dreams – driving in Manhattan!  My husband would not even ride with me, but I was so excited that I took pictures of myself with my cell phone camera.

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As a military wife for more than twenty-nine years, Bettina treasures the opportunity to serve military spouses.  In 2010 she and her husband, Rob, celebrated both his homecoming from Iraq, and his retirement from the Navy.  They have two sons and a daughter-in-law pursuing artistic careers in Los Angeles and a high school daughter (Libby-Bettina’s co-writer on “Gimmes for Teens”) at home with them outside Washington, D.C.  Bettina is a speaker, and a contributing blogger at faithdeployed.com and wivesoffaith.org and enjoys writing on her own blog at simplestoriestimelesstruths.blogspot.com.

(Writer bio courtesy of Faith Deployed…Again)

1.  How did you get started writing?

In 2009 I was laid off of my fulltime employment and wanted to use the free time to help other military spouses who were feeling as lost as I was. When my husband deployed, because we were National Guard, we had very little resources available to us. I had the goal to share my experiences and perhaps offer encouragement to those who needed it.

2. What are you favorite Bible verses as they apply to the military wife/lifestyle?

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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. Philippians 4: 6-7

3.  What suggestions would you give to the military wife who would like to minister to or support other military wives?

Don’t give up on reaching out to others, there will be times when you feel like no one is listening and you are fighting a losing battle. There are many out there that need to hear the positive and encouraging words of what God has done for you and your family.

4.  What has been your favorite assignment (duty station)?

As a National Guard family we have not had the pleasure of moving around as many have so although we have moved we live off base. I do however enjoy meeting new people regardless if they are military or not. It is amazing to see how many civilian families support and stand by you during a time you need it the most.

5.  What is something you wish others knew about you?  (This can be a totally random fact, like you like to wear glitter toenail polish, or you like frozen blueberries in your oatmeal, or you would like to go rock climbing one day?)

Well most people don’t know that I went to school to become a chef. Food is something that I have always been passionate about, it excites me to cook new and different things and then share it with the people I love the most. One dream that although did not fully come true, I can still use my skills as a hobby and keep my family very happy.

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Angela Caban is a freelance writer and military columnist.  Her husband, Vincent, has been in the Army for more than thirteen years and was deployed in 2008; he was one of the many soldiers impacted by the unprecedented activation of the National Guard.  In 2010,  Angela launched the Homefront United Network (homefrontunited.com), a military spouse and family support website offering support through positive encouragement.  She is a key volunteer for the National Military Family Association and Operation Homefront.  She and Vincent have one son, and currently reside in Pennsylvania.  For more on Angela visit angelacaban.com or email her at angela@angelacaban.com.

(Writer bio courtesy of Faith Deployed…Again)