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)

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