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.

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Having never read Dickens’ Bleak House, I must admit I had not a clue what my son was describing.  He went on to tell me that a growlery (the term was originally coined by Dickens) is a place you go to be alone when you are in a bad mood.  Now that was something I could relate to on many levels.

Have you ever had one of those days?  You know the kind I’m describing, a day when you felt like the best thing you could do for everyone was to go back to bed.   The difficulty is that military wife life often leaves little room for such a retreat.  So what is a woman of faith to do?

This is probably the part of the article where you brace yourself for me to share with you five simple steps to vanquishing your bad mood into the blue.   But what if we look at a different approach?  What if you find a bathroom stall at work, a closet in your house or a quiet spot in your car and enter into your growlery?  What if you took a few minutes to pour out the aches, pains and frustrations in your heart?  Listen to what David said in the Psalms.

Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for our God is a refuge.  Psalm 62:8

The difference for a woman of faith is we do not enter our growlery alone.  Our heavenly Father goes with us.  And here is our comfort and assurance.  No matter how ugly, loud or vulgar the growling may become, He is big enough to hear it.  And how do we know this?  Because, before we even enter, He already knows us.

He knows us inside and out, keeps in mind that we’re made out of mud.

Psalm 103:14 (The Message)

So where does life find you today?  Are you feeling in a bad mood, depressed or having the blues?  How about entering your growlery and pouring out your heart to the One who knows you inside and out.

Hello, everyone! It’s been awhile. I’m happy to report that my family and I made it to Hawaii in one piece (barely). Despite a flight cancelation, a five hour layover, and hyperactive preschoolers, we arrived a little over a month ago. Now we’re enduring almost 60 days in a hotel room while we wait on housing. Not the most fun in the world, but with God on our side, we can muddle through anything.

In the last month, my son has learned to sit up on his own, crawl, and is now pulling himself to standing position. I have a feeling he’s going to be walking before we get a house! He’s also starting to feed himself finger foods. He has changed so much in such a short time.

10 things I’ve learned in the past two months:

1. In a hotel room with a baby and older kids, it is a constant struggle to keep stuff off the floor that baby can chew on. If he swallows a little paper, it won’t kill him, I hope.
2. Also in a hotel room, if someone snores really loud, put the baby as far away from his as possible…or right in their arms. Strange, I know. Otherwise the baby will wake up.
3. When flying, be sure to pack a change of clothes for you, as well as the baby. Spit up  on your shirt and ripped jeans are not fun.
4. Bigger is not always better. When looking online, we saw that our double stroller was supposed to be checked because it was so big. So we opted to take my inlaws’ umbrella stroller instead.
5. If your 4-year-old is “mommy-like” don’t ask her to move the baby away from something, because they will take it as permission to move baby all around the room whenever they want.
6. It’s hilarious to see hubby take a flying leap when the baby is about to fall off the bed.
7. Babies love French fries.
8. My baby also loves the beach…and the sand…and the water…and mouthfuls of each.
9. Remotes are the best toys ever.
10. Traveling and hotels may be nerve-racking and stressful, but time with family is priceless. To a point. A very fine point. Time alone is good too.

Overall, I know things could be worse and I am extremely thankful for the fun that we’ve had. Hawaii is a beautiful state and there is lots to see and do on Oahu alone. So, if anyone needs a vacation, send me a message and we’ll make some room! God bless!

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day and I know that many times we cannot see those things that we should be thankful for.  But, no matter what we are facing or where we are in life, one thing to always remember is to be thankful for Jesus.  He reached down and saved you, He has promised you a place in heaven, He has said He will never leave your or forsake you, He has promised His provisions for you, He is waiting to put His arms around you in comfort, He owns a cattle on a thousand hills and can meet any financial need you have, He is the Great Physician and can heal all that ails you, He awaits with encouragement just for you, He showers you daily with love, He is there to carry you when you can no longer go on.  Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good.

Prayer prompt: Today, let your prayers be praise.  Ask for nothing, but instead give to God a song of praise that will fill His heart with joy.

There are some things we just don’t always know how to pray.  I think of my children, when their father is deployed or at training.  I pray for them and for their understanding of his job, but what do they really need prayer for?  Most children themselves cannot tell you what they need prayer for, but God knows.  This verse tells us, “We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us…” Amazing!  If we can just stop before God and ask him to show us how to pray for these needs not known, He will direct our words.

Prayer prompt: Lift up all military children today.  Many times we as adults do know exactly what they need during deployment, or TDY’s, or any other reason for separation from their service member.  Pray for open hearts to know their needs as if we were a child ourselves.