Faith | Wives of Faith

Archive for Faith

Have you surrendered?

Posted by Stacy on Friday, March 9th, 2012 in Devotionals | Comments (0)

Now that Rob is back from deployment, we are church hunting again. It’s always a challenging process, but this past Sunday we visited a church for the 2nd time and so far we really like it. Whether or not we’ll choose to become members there still remains to be seen, but I know without a shadow of a doubt that God spoke to me personally through that church on Sunday.

We sang an old hymn that I grew up singing and love dearly called “I Surrender All.” I couldn’t help but giggle with joy a bit when I heard the first few words because it was like God had sent me a special gift that morning in care of the church, delivered straight to me through the music leader.

I surrender all. That is God’s theme for me this year as I learn (and re-learn) how to truly surrender it ALL to Him. My cares, my worries, my dreams, my desires, my husband, my daughter….ALL of it.

My favorite verse in this song is this:

“All to Jesus I surrender;
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.”

Am I living in His presence daily? Every day? When I am, I know it’s easier to surrender to Him. When I make myself get out of bed to have that quiet time with the Lord before starting my day; When I stop and pray during the day not only when I need help, but also just to praise Him for his glory – the closer I am to Him, the easier it is to trust Him (and his plans for me) completely.

Our lives are often busy and carving out time for “quiet time” can be challenging as military wives and moms, but it’s so important to find that time somewhere. Lately, I’m being challenged because we have a new puppy. My morning quiet time is being disturbed by taking the puppy out to potty, feeding him, making sure he’s playing with the right toys and running constant interference between him and the cat.

God is good and so very gracious! He wants to hear from us. Talk to Him while you drive, while you are doing the dishes or laundry, in the bathroom, or even in the shower. Seem weird? Well, God made you – He already knows what you look like naked! One of my greatest spiritual mentors has her quiet time every night in the bathtub.

He also wants to speak to us through His Word. Get an audio version and listen to it when you are in the car. Leave your Bible open on the kitchen counter and read it a little at a time throughout the day. I know a lady that keeps a Bible in the bathroom to read because it’s the only place she can get a little privacy with her kids running around. Do what you can, but make time for it!

What if you mess up? What if you just didn’t make the time today? The last few days? Then give yourself a break, remember God’s grace, and try again tomorrow. He loves you and desires to communicate with you.

“Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lam 3:22-23)

Popularity: 4% [?]

What to Do in an Extraordinary Situation

Posted by KathrynBaskara on Wednesday, January 11th, 2012 in Faith | Comments (0)

“Have you ever thought about what you would do in an extraordinary situation?”

My husband’s random question caught me a little off-guard.

“Like, would you saw off your own arm to keep from freezing to death?” (Referring to the movie 127 Hours.) “ Or would you chase down the guy that stole your phone right from your hand?” (Referring to a story we recently heard.)

I surprised myself by saying, “No. I wouldn’t do any of that. If someone were to describe me, “brave” and “courageous” probably wouldn’t be the words that first come to mind.”

As I heard those words come out of my mouth, I felt sad and ashamed of knowing that I might lack courage in any situation.

As I reflected on this conversation from the night before, out of nowhere (I love it when God does this!), God spoke to me: “Be strong and courageous. Be strong and courageous. Be strong and courageous!”

I instantly knew that the verse these words come from would be my “theme” as I confront 2012. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

2011 was a rough year for my family for a number of reasons, and many work-ups and a deployment loom in 2012. There is a lot to be afraid of in the coming year. I’m not threatened by freezing to death in our warm duty station (unless my husband still insists on keeping the heat off), and I don’t anticipate having my phone stolen from my hands (since I generally can’t walk and talk at the same time).

The situations I will face this year are not unique to the military wife, but they are extraordinary. And I can be strong and courageous as I face them with my Lord by my side.

____

Kathryn is a Christian military wife. She feels blessed to be surrounded by adorable things: a husband, a son, and two dogs. Kathryn’s faith and family are her life. When her husband is at work and her son is napping, she loves writing, reading, working out, baking, and keeping a happy (and mostly clean) house. You can learn a bit more about her by visiting kathrynbaskara.blogspot.com.

Popularity: 5% [?]

Making the Most of Every Opportunity

Posted by Stephanie Arredondo on Thursday, October 27th, 2011 in Daily Encouragements | Comments (0)

“Be very careful, then, how you live
-not as unwise but as wise,
Making the most of every opportunity
Because the days are evil.”

Ephesians 5:15-16 Read More→

Popularity: 3% [?]

Courageous: A Film Review

Posted by Holly Massie on Monday, October 3rd, 2011 in Entertainment, Faith | Comments (0)

“Where are you, men of courage?” This is the line from the movie I’ve been thinking myself lately! Unless you live under a rock, you’ve probably at least heard of Sherwood Baptist’s new production, Courageous. I had the privilege of watching it with my children this week and it is an inspiring film about fatherhood and what it means to be a man of integrity. Hopefully it will still be in theaters when my hubby gets home. I hope my review isn’t too vague, but I don’t want to give you any spoilers!

The story follows four policemen and their new friend Javier as they struggle with what it means to be a father in today’s society. Is it okay to just be “good enough,” provide a paycheck and not beat your wife and kids? What impact is fatherlessness, and even fathers at home who aren’t leading their homes, having on our society? The movie touches on these themes and what it means to honor your wife, your God and your fellow men through action, thought provoking scenes and dialogue. Each man is a slightly different kind of father: One has a baby out of wedlock and is ashamed, another is seeking to walk in integrity and in God’s plan but still wondering about his own father he never knew, one is what most would consider a “good” dad but who realizes his shortcomings and apathy through tragedy, another is a hardworking blue collar guy struggling to make ends meet and lead his family, and the last wants to do what is right but isn’t sure just where his moral compass lies.

Courageous doesn’t pull any punches right from the beginning. Plenty of police action, gang violence, and intense scenes make this a great guy movie, but not necessarily the best for the “whole” family – leave little ones at home until you’ve seen it at least once and then make the decision what age is best for your family; there’s a reason for the PG-13 rating(no bad language, alcohol, sex and drug use are mentioned but only to discuss the ramifications). This film is a warning shot across the bow for men, so to speak. Be sure to take tissues though as it’s definitely a tearjerker! One secular site I read calls the film “emotionally manipulative”— but let’s face it, what movie isn’t?! The difference is this movie is up front, while many secular movies are more covert about it. You will cry, laugh hysterically (careful not to snort soda out your nose!) and be challenged in your integrity and faith.

The acting isn’t necessarily the greatest, we’re not talking Oscars here and there aren’t any big name actors this go round, but Sherwood has definitely come a long way from Flywheel and in my book the message outweighs the method. If you’ve seen other Sherwood films you will recognize several actors, and I would say look for the nods to their previous films (i.e. many of the vehicles have plates from Jay Austin Motors of Flywheel, there’s a reference to Fireproof, etc.). Several secular sites say the film is heavy handed and didactic but I did not feel that so much as that it is obviously directed to men of faith, although there is much here for men who are non-believers (including a strong salvation message).

Take your older boys and husbands– or send them on a guy’s night out and be ready to discuss things! Young ladies can be encouraged by one father’s protection of his daughter. Both my eldest son and my daughter’s steady beau were deeply impacted and felt it to be a life changing movie and their new favorite! Men will be challenged to rethink their fathering, how they were fathered and where they want to go, to seek out what DOES the Bible say about fatherhood? How should men in the Church be caring for the “fatherless”? Women can come away with some of the same challenges related to mothering as well as how best to encourage the men in our lives to be those men who stand up for what is right no matter what. There are also follow up books called The Resolution (similar to the Love Dare idea from Fireproof) for both men and women. Already in my Amazon cart! J

This film is definitely one we will be purchasing and discussing again, and it’s worth seeing even if it’s not a favorite if only to springboard discussion on what it means to be a real man for your family and your church. I am praying that it will have a profound impact on our family and that men in the church would indeed rise up in our day and age to be men of God. What will your legacy be?

(You can check out http://www.pluggedinonline.com for a complete review)

Popularity: 3% [?]

An Inspiring Extreme Home Makeover

Posted by Pattie on Thursday, September 22nd, 2011 in Entertainment, Faith, Resources | Comments (2)

I recently had the opportunity to preview the season premiere of ABC’s award-winning hit series Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, premiering this Sunday night, September 25 (check your local listings for time).

For those who might not be familiar with this show: Each week Ty Pennington and his team of highly trained and compassionate professionals help make a family’s dream come true. They remodel, they revamp, and sometimes they rebuild from scratch, a home or a space in a home for a family in need. (And it never fails to make me cry!)

For this season’s premiere episode, the EMHE team joins forces with First Lady Michelle Obama and the Joining Forces initiative she shares with Dr. Jill Biden to encourage Americans to give back to military families. First Lady Michelle Obama makes a special appearance on this show, and she and the show are highlighting a former Navy Chaplain, Barbara Marshall, who is fighting to end homelessness among her fellow female veterans. As she says, her goal is “to help women veterans get back in the game of life.” She’s an amazing woman with a hands-on ministry to women veterans who find themselves in need.

From the beginning of the show to the end, the immense support for this project begins with the show’s design team, and expands to include veterans, active duty military personnel and their families, community support–and yes, our First Lady as well.

But wait…there’s more! One segment of the show is hosted by Sears, as a part of their Heroes at Home program, and they held a job expo to help female veterans hone their resumes and identify how their military skills and training would work in the civilian workforce. I sure hope this type of thing will continue nationwide. Now that I am teaching adults, many of whom are either retired or near the end of their military careers, I can see how valuable this assistance truly is.

One overarching theme of this episode was stated by Mrs. Obama herself: service doesn’t end with a tour of duty; it continues on for a lifetime. Barbara Marshall is one of many who saw a need that she could meet, and she met it right where she lived. You, as Wives of Faith, do the same thing every day: in your homes, in your installations and spouse support groups, in your churches and chapels, in your communities. And yes, even online here at Wives of Faith, we support you and encourage you–and even connect you where you live, so you can support each other. That’s what the body of Christ is all about.

Thank you, Wives of Faith, for all you do.

I highly recommend watching this inspiring episode, because I am only giving you a small glimpse into the whole experience. Get ready to laugh at the show’s trademark humor, but be sure to have your tissues handy as well!

To learn more about Barbara Marshall’s ministry at Jubilee House, you can visit their website.

And here’s a preview of the show:

Other links:
DOD news article about Barbara
DOD article about the project
WOF staffer Jessica’s review on her blog
______

Special thanks to Different Drummer Productions for the opportunity for a “sneak peek” of one of the most positive shows on television today. God bless you!