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My First Deployment

Posted by Liz on Monday, August 9th, 2010 in Deployment | Comments (0)

Almost eighteen months ago, my husband left for isolated duty in Attu, Alaska. I did not know at the time, that his original twelve month tour would be extended. This time period was challenging but a great opportunity for my personal growth. As I look back on this time period, I remember the quiet days that seemed to zoom by.

Before my husband was deployed, I decided to go to grad school. I had just left active duty and I had a brand new baby. My academic advisor told me how she was able to go to grad school without comprising her family time. I would catch lectures while the baby was sleeping and write papers at night or early in the morning. I had it all planned out. I would spread out my time and work on college at least two to three hours a day. I thought this schedule would be easy for my lifestyle because I was used to getting up at 0430 everyday when I was on active duty. I am proud that I completed an MBA and graduated with honors while my husband was deployed.

There was another area in my life that I needed to work on. I decided to use my extra time for spiritual growth. My goal was to read the Bible in a year. I was amazed by the joy I received in learning God’s revelations and his plans for his people. I was humbled and honored to be one of his chosen people. I felt his light and his love for me. I grew closer to the Lord and I felt safe. All of my deployment fears melted away. I took long road trips with my son up and down the east coast to visit family. I felt comfortable wrapped in the arms of the Lord.

Deployment was challenging because I had to learn how to ask for help. I had to learn to lean on my family, friends, and the Lord. The most important lesson I learned from deployment is that if you take the Lord our Savior into your life, you can accomplish anything. I would like to share with you my favorite Psalm that also lifts my spirits, Psalm 23:1-6:

The LORD is my Shepherd; I shall not be in want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures,

He leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.

He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil, for you are with me;

Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,

And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

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Liz is both former active duty and a military spouse! She served six years on active duty in the Coast Guard herself, and her husband has over 9 years of active duty service in the Coast Guard.

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Getting Involved

Posted by Nikki on Wednesday, May 12th, 2010 in Faith | Comments (3)

As a Christian, I find it especially sad when I hear about another believer who is going/has gone through a time when they felt alone or unsupported. Even beyond your relationship with the Lord and realizing that Christ is your ultimate supporter, we know that we have been created as relational beings and that, as Christians, we are called to build one another up, challenge each other to grow, and be unified in our callings under Christ. Ladies, you know where I am going with this: the CHURCH! The church is supposed to provide a place where we are focused on seeking God, making friends, and reaching out/sharing Christ.

Have you ever listened to yourself or a Christian friend describing a church negatively with comments like the following: the people there “didn’t reach out to me” or “didn’t serve me” or “I didn’t get fed” – sound familiar?

This view frustrates me. There is a reason church leadership talks about “20% of the people doing 80% of the work” of the church. I simply cannot understand the mindset where people think they can just show up for services on Sunday morning and “get fed” by the church in a Biblical way. God says in the Bible that the church is for SERVICE. Not the kind you listen to, but the kind you do! This is my point: as followers of Christ Jesus, we should ALL be involved in a church! Remember why God gave us spiritual gifts? To build up the church! (I am referring to the church as the people who make up the church, not an actual building!) See 1 Corinthians 12 or 1 Peter 4:10.

Yes, you need to pick and join a church that suits you and that you feel comfortable in. But let’s face it: especially as military wives, we know we will not always find THE most amazing church in every duty station. Some will seem better to us than others, just as friends we make in some places will be closer/dearer than others. That is life. However, you will be blessed by getting involved in a church wherever you go!

Especially if you feel lonely or like you have no support network, finding a church to get involved with and where you can serve will be such a help and an encouragement to you, not to mention the power of service/obedience to get your focus off of yourself and back onto God’s will for your life. Yes, I know this will take time, but I would argue that taking the time to invest in others is worth it!

Do not sit in a church service and wait for someone to notice your feelings and reach out to you – this happens sometimes, but other times people are shy, or just can’t read your mind, or have their own concerns in the forefront of their minds that week – we are all human! We all fail to take an interest in others the way we should. Do not blame the church or grow bitter – get involved! Go to a Sunday School class or a Bible study. Find out what ministry could use some assistance and pray about where God would like you to serve – and then volunteer! Serving the Lord means practicing obedience, which is faithfulness. Growing closer to Him, and serving alongside/investing in others will help you to find that support you crave. If we are faithful to His call to serve, He will bless us! Perhaps you will not find the best friend you ever had at each subsequent duty station, but He will provide the support you need. Seek Him and trust Him.

Personally, God has never failed to provide me with friends (not always best friends, but encouraging friends nonetheless!) and a support network when I made the effort to get involved in some type of ministry; whether in South America, Asia, Europe, a liberal university, or our current duty station, God has shown me time and time again that He is faithful and He will provide!

Let’s not be passive in church, ladies! Let’s get involved! And maybe you’ll find that not only does God bless you, but He uses you to reach out to that next lonely person (maybe even another military wife!) who needs to hear about Christ or needs to get involved, herself! Get involved and let God use you!

“Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly,
and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” – 2 Corinthians 9:6

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Nikki is married to an amazing man in the Navy. She works in international affairs and adores warm weather.

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My MilSpouse Bible Verse

Posted by Sara Horn on Sunday, May 2nd, 2010 in Blog Carnival | Comments (21)

As Wives of Faith, we know God’s Word helps us get through all of the ups and downs we face in military life. Today’s blog post assignment for our MilSpouses Rock! carnival is to share a scripture verse or passage that has helped you and write a little bit on why it’s one of your favorites. Can’t wait to see everyone’s favorite verses!

Today’s Giveaway is a fabulous Relax and Read Pack from Zondervan and includes copies of Blood Ransom by Lisa Harris, A Woman Called Sage by DiAnn Mills, Becca by the Book by Laura Jensen Walker, Take Three by Karen Kingsbury and The New Women’s Devotional Bible, Compact. Visit Zondervan’s website at zondervan.com.

To be eligible for today’s drawing, you need to do two things: 1) link back to this post. 2) Post a link to your post in the comments section below. Anyone can comment but only those participating in the blog carnival are eligible for the drawing.

VERY IMPORTANT: The winner will be announced today at 6 p.m. CST. You have two days to send me your contact info (sara@wivesoffaith.org) so we can mail you your prize. Be sure to include your email address in your comment if you’re not sure you’ll be checking back. Otherwise, if I don’t hear from you, we will pick another winner.

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