You might be a military wife at Christmas if .....

1. -- you have camouflage of any kind as part of your decorating scheme   or your use little Army men spray painted gold! (I think I  need these ornaments!)

2. -- you have moved lock stock and barrel during the Christmas season (usually to someplace you don't have the proper clothing for!)

3. -- you have spent Christmas in guest housing/billeting with a tiny tree from Walmart/Hobby Lobby/Michael's,etc and ornaments the kiddos made or you let them randomly choose!

4. -- you have a yellow ribbon or a camouflage heart somewhere on your tree to remind you of those who spend Christmas apart (even during peace time), and a lighted yellow ribbon on the lawn

5. -- you decorate in a red white and blue or patriotic theme 

6. -- you know what a ChristKindl markt, gluwein, marzipan, Dec 6th, Weinacths Chocolate, and Kinder Eggs are OR have any other "foreign" celebrations as part of the your holiday traditions  ....

7. ... celebrating with your military family instead of blood relations is ok with you, cause they're just as close anyway!

8.....know what it means to sacrifice your holiday wishes so others can have theirs even if they don't know it.

9.... have sent a picture to hubby downrange of you in christmas lingere/just his "blouse" or a bow and a Santa hat  in front of the tree....

10 ... have ever sent a christmas tree and ornaments to a foreign country  just so the "boys" can have a little touch of Christmas in their tent/room/chu/palace/barracks...

11... have sent chistmas cards addressed to any soldier because you hope someone is for yours and you can't stand the thought of someone not getting anything for Christmas!

12 .... own the book " The Soldiers Night before Christmas" (or other branch versions if they exist)

13.... your children know that Christmas really isn't about stuff but about being together (even if it IS in guest housing or Christmas Dinner is at Cracker Barrel) but of course still ask for stuff! ;)

14 .... you hang up his stocking anyway and have a framed photo surrounded by greenary

15 ... you carry your cell phone everywhere Christmas Eve/Day hoping he'll call....

16 .... you don't live in the States but Christmas overseas has it's own kind of magic!

17 ... you've ever sung Silent Night in German around a lit tree outside with both German and American friends (or other languages and places you might be)

18 ... know that it's ok if you can't get "home" for Christmas because HOME is where the Lord sends you anyhow!

19 .... your Christmas card list includes addresses literally all over the world!

20 ... you've ever made your kids get up on the roof to hang lights cause Daddy's not home and you have to stay on the ground to supervise (Fort Irwin in the wind is fun!)

21 .. you know how to hang lights, fix broken toys, defrost locks and change flats, scrape the windshield daily and can change shoveling snow into a fun race but you'd rather hubby was home to do it......because each thing reminds you he's not home ....

22 ... you've discussed what Christmas is like (weather, traditions, was Jesus born at Christmas,etc)  in the Middle East or wherever  Dad is this year and counted it as a homeschool lesson!

23... you've "moved" Christmas because  the day is not as important as what day he's coming home!

24... you consider The service songs to be Christmas Carols too!  (and you may not know the words to everybody elses but you know yours and so do your children!! The Cassions go rolling along....)

25 ... you are part of a unique sisterhood who understand what it's like to do any or all of the above and then some!



I'm sure I could go on or come up with more but I hope you liked my list so far ...be sure to check out other's lists/ideas/posts at Wives of Faith  ... today's the last day for the blog carnival! Personally I'd love continue but tis not to be! Merry Christmas to all my "sister's in arms" wherever you may be!

Jingle Jingle Jingle ca ching....

that's the sound of Christmas Joy ...... so goes the line on one of the Veggie Tale Christmas songs....(one of our cd's we listen to every year! :) )

It's all to easy to get caught up in who needs what present, which store, etc this time of year! Even for Christians ... now there's absolutely nothing wrong with gift giving I'm not saying there is but sometimes we need to refocus...

yesterday (yes I'm behind) the topic on the  Wives of Faith Blog Carnival was "your favorite non material Christmas Gift ....
 

      Babies, hubby's home from deployment, and perspective are all gifts mentioned -- check out what the other ladies had to say!

For me I remember one Christmas Eve at Candlelight Service some of the guys came walking in from a Yakima Rotation (Ft Lewis anyone?) it was so fun to watch the joyous surprised reactions of the ladies and then worship together!  My honey wasn't one of them, he came home later that night but it was still truly a joy to see that and on such a special night and place!

Another memory would be sitting on the tarmac waiting for the plane to be deiced whilst traveling home while hubby was in Iraq the first time and our youngest who was three at the time softly singing "the Cassions go rolling around "....  :)

Finding Joy in the midst of lifes struggles, something the military has taught me is truly a choice, I guess that's the gift....

A Holy light .....

I've always had a thing for lights ....
        basking in the summer sun, twinkling Christmas lights (I love turning off all the lights except the tree), driving around to look at Christmas lights,the friendly crackling glow of a campfire at night, the way the light in the desert can be blinding and wonderful all at once, candlelight shining softly, the glimmering dance of light on water, the shimmer of golden aspens or red maples when the light hits just right, snow glinting frostily in the sun, sunset when the sky is set aflame, starry nights when you can see the entire milky way (yes it is possible depending on where you live) .... {grey wintry days really do a number on my energy level,mood,etc if it lasts more than a day or so (living at Fort Lewis,WA was wonderful but I would buy a light box if we went back)}...

Today at Wives of Faith the blog carnival topic is "a favorite childhood Christmas memory" .... do you know how hard that is?! I mean really.... but  in thinking back one of my favorite memories is Midnight Mass at Tumacacori Mission in Arizona ....(here's a picture of the mission on a typical wintry day)

no I'm not Catholic but this is one of the things we did when I was growing up .... there was just something about the cold night air, the history of the mission (it was established in 1691), quiet greetings from friends and neighbors,  and waiting for all the bells to ring at midnight -- but what really did for me was the lights.....

     Luminarias to be exact -- such a simple thing, a brown paper sack with some sand and a candle inside, a common Christmas decoration in the Southwest (we usually put out several along our driveway or porch when I was growing up and my parents still do, Northern AZ University puts out over a million every Christmas all over campus ). It's amazing how something so simple can be transformed into something so beautiful ...

 (national parks traveler)

Yet isn't that how Christ is with us, even as we remember His birth and the purpose behind it at Christmas? That when we allow Him to come in and remake our lives, forgive our sins He can take the common, ordinary, dirty things of our life, the little we have to offer and make them into something beautiful ? .......

The soft, flickering, golden glow from the candles both inside and out of the mission was comforting against the shadows of the night , yet beautifully ethereal ... luminarias just mean home and Christmas to me now, the quiet of remembering what Christmas is really all about.

(We don't tend to do them here in KS as it's usually way to windy and the fake ones just don't look the same and I miss them, the simplicity and beauty!).

What memories make it Christmas for you?

Holiday yumminess....

so the topic today at  Wives of Faith  is your favorite Christmas dessert .... there's just soooo many to choose from!! :) Marzipan, Chocolate, Ginger cookies, the list continues.....

My favorite Christmas time treat is Weinachts chocolate (spiced chocolate that's soooo good) -- I think a trip  to World Market is in order, since I can't get to Germany this year, I do miss Christmas in Europe--- but I digress...

We are supposed to say our favorite dessert and add a recipe ... so here's one we make every year and only at Christmas....

These are some of our favorite cookies to make and to give ... we get raves every year. They are somewhat time consuming but worth it, buttery, crisp and delish! As we are off to Colorado this Christmas we will have to make some either beforehand or after -- we always give out plates of cookies to the neighbors Christmas Eve/time so this year it'll be for a Happy New Year!     (tons of work but fun and a great memory -- normally around 2 dozen plates of variety cookies, you do the math...)

The first Christmas we were married (and together, long story ) I found a recipe for these in a Pillsbury cook book, my German neighbor gave me her recipe instead and it's gone from there - I never use the other one anymore, these are so much better! ... I remember being in her kitchen and learning to make these along with coffee, conversation and marzipan! (Books and recipes I've seen call them Linzer cookies, Sabrina called them Helga Platz)

Linzer Stars/Helga Platz

• 250grams (1 C + 2Tb)  Butter  (NO substitutions!)

• 250g  Sugar (1C+2Tb)

• 2 eggs (preferably organic, pastured)

• 1 Package Vanilla Sugar ( you can get this at the commissary or specialty shops, you can make your own but I've never had it come out quite the same)

• 500g (31/2-4C) flour 

• Red Currant Jelly (if you can't find it Raspberry will work ... Schwartau brand is the BEST!) 

Cream together all but flour & jelly until light and fluffy, pale in color. Add in flour 1 cup at a time mixing well after each addition. Divide dough into small portions,wrap in saran wrap and place in freezer or fridge to chill well (you want the dough pretty much solid). Preheat oven to 375, roll out thin on a lightly floured surface working quickly (The dough will be really hard to roll at first but once it warms up to much it will stick to the rolling pin, return to fridge at this point and get another lump! You can also use a combo of flour/vanilla sugar for your rolling surface) -- you want these as thin as you can get and still get them off the counter! Cut out centers of 1/2 of the cookies with a canape cutter, bake until slightly golden. You want them just barely done or they will be to hard -- don't worry it takes practice, be prepared to burn a few, have some underdone, have a few break! Cool slightly. Place 1/4-1/2 tsp of jelly in the center of the bottom cookie, place top over smushing slightly (again be careful they break easy), dust liberally with powdered sugar. These are even better after a day or so! 

These are our together time cookies as it is easier to work with someone once your oven is hot,etc ... I usually roll and cut out centers, dd's watch the oven, jelly and sugar! Conversation , Christmas Music and a messy kitchen abound ...

Enjoy -- Frohe Weinachten!

Favorite Christmas Movies ...(WOF Day 1)

Today's topic over at Wives of Faith is your favorite Christmas Movie....

Hmmm we watch several every year and it's not easy but I polled the fam and here's our must sees:

Ok so we don't actually own this one presently but we used to watch this every Christmas when I was a girl (loved the Waltons!) and I have missed it, hoping to order it from Amazon this payday! If you've never seen it it's the story of a depression era family and their struggles at Christmas and how love is the most important gift of all....

A lovely adaption of the Biblical story and a new family "classic"

One of my daughter's favorites and a true Classic with generosity, love and laughter! and an unforgettable score!

My Eldest Son's favorite .... a neat take on the commercialization of the holidays and what it means to live in community!

Another of my favorites ... great movie, funny and a message of hope and faith

The true classic which MUST be watched every year! Uplifting reminder of the difference we each make!

 If you love Anne of Green Gables then you must watch Road to Avonlea ... originally titled Happy Christmas Miss King this is a wonderful family film about faith, hope, love and family!

So this one isn't necessarily a "Christmas" Movie but it starts out at Christmas and we usually watch it and who doesn't love the March Girls  ... 

 and last but certainly not least, Eloise! A precocious little girl who lives at the Plaza who has a heart of gold .....you simply must watch it as it's rawther a good movie and dd#2's fav! ....  

So there you have it our family's must see Christmas movies every year, a bit eclectic I grant you  and we add other's but these are De rigour for the Christmas season ..... fix yourself some cocoa and popcorn and settle in!

It's the most wonderful time of the year....

and that includes blog world!  :)

The Ladies over at Wives of Faith are hosting their annual Blog Carnival as part of the festivities .. soo fun to see what everyone has to say about daily topics and find new bloggy friends as well!

The Carnival starts tomorrow so join me here won't you? (You can click on the photo in my sidebar to visit the site!) Can't wait to hear what everyone else has to say....(topics include favorite Christmas recipes, memories,etc...)

Sacrifice of Thanksgiving....

 Let them give thanks to the LORD
    for His faithful love
    and His wonderful works for the human race.  Let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving
    and announce His works with shouts of joy

For He has satisfied the thirsty
    and filled the hungry with good things. .... Psalm 107:7-9  (read the rest of it, long but worth it!.. here ) 

The phrase sacrifices of thanksgiving really jumped out at me today in my devotional time ...  this whole past year God has been talking to me about Thanksgiving and gratitude (Ann Voskamp's book and website for instance...), about CHOOSING to see, that it is indeed a choice to look for His daily blessings..... but a sacrifice? ...

I confess I have not had the best attitude of late towards hubby  or God -- I have been praying for years, YEARS people! -- about our family and our soldoutness to God (it's a word I made it up, whatever!), about hubby leading more , I was very disappointed with his reaction - or lack thereof - with the movie Courageous, angry with him and his deployment habits -- hey we've done 6 it's a habit! -- not that he goes, that's not a choice but his choices not to write or make extra effort to be involved. I feel hurt, abandoned and rejected. So there you go...

BUT -- I have not been choosing to be thankful anyway -- at least not where he's concerned! He really IS a great guy -- he does so much that other husbands don't. He doesn't question my involvement with PWOC, babysits without complaining (even other peoples kiddos), doesn't harass me about the budget, does laundry,etc .... yet I see the way it could be and I yearn for that .....

             Mark Gungor says that "when your expectations don't meet your experience you have an emotional meltdown" .... well honey Satan has been testing me on that and let me tell you it's been melting all over the place over here even if it is below freezing out....

I have allowed my expectations, dreams, disappointments and desires get in the way of my reality ....seeing the sacrifice yet?....... Then I found this verse:

Whoever sacrifices a thank offering honors Me,
    and whoever orders his conduct,
    I will show him the salvation of God. ....Psalm 50:23  

Soooo... IF I really want to see God move in my life I need to starting lifting a thank offering to Him ... in  Leviticus  the thank offering was heave offering something lifted up to God with open hands in a posture of praise .... OUCH I can't say I've been doing that with my marriage or husband of late.... Now I know I am NOT the only one who hasn't so please don't say I told you so but use this post to examine your own heart, I confess not for condemnation but for prayer and support ... not for platitudes or scripture quotes but in the hopes that my honesty can help someone else who feels trapped and like they have no one to talk to ......

By very definition sacrifice means it will cost you something .. don't believe me? feel free to look it up ....  it will cost me something to Thank God in the middle of things that don't make sense, of things that I've prayed about and heard wait again, or no ....... so to thank God in the very midst of pain doesn't negate the pain, do away with the emotions, the fact I feel unheard IS NOT SIN, but choosing to dwell on it and use it to hurt my husband is another story .... counseling IS NOT SIN ......tears, wrestling with God IS NOT SIN .....

 the sacrifice is in the choosing 

   ~ to love my husband in SPITE of the things that make me crazy, ..
     ~or the fact that he doesn't do the things I wish he would (like pray with me).....
       ~to thank God that my son doesn't do drugs, sleep around,etc EVEN if he is choosing badly in school....
         ~ to see the beauty in each day .... as Ann says "the ugly beautiful" ....asking Him to make the Ugly beautiful in spite of me .....
             ~ in the letting go of those things I hang on to for protection: pride, being right, hurt, despair, desires, dreams, expectations, anger, the things I long for  .... to be willing to pay the cost
                 ~ to breathe in the blessings of God and breathe out gratitude..........even, no ESPECIALLY when it hurts.....                             


“It is always possible to be thankful for what is given rather than resentful over what is withheld–one attitude or the other becomes a way of life.”... Elisabeth Elliott.

I want to do that ..... to lift up my life in Thanksgiving as a living sacrifice....

    even when I don't understand or see a "return" .....
to be free to praise in the midst of pain ......
 
To believe that I  WE will be satisfied, we will be filled and  we will see the salvation of God in the land of the living!

Black Friday

I don't know about you all but I try to avoid shopping on the Friday after Thanksgiving like the plague ... the fact we usually don't have much extra to spend aside I have no wish to be part of the stampede! I try to avoid scenes like this at all cost ...

What about you this year? ....... What if you could spend your money on something that really mattered without having to brave the crowds?  On someone or something that made a difference? That was really needed and not just a little (or large) luxury?

Well there is! 

I'm honored ..... to be a new Compassion blogger!! Helping talk about needy children all over the world.
As I said in my previous post we've sponsored two girls from Compassion for a few years and one little girl from World Vision which we had to stop. It's been amazing to think that just a few dollars a month from us is making a difference in others lives in other places and a difference for the Kingdom!

I got this assignment from Compassion today, but I have to tell you I find it ironic as well - you see in talking to one of our girls who's at college this morning she was debating about sponsoring  a little girl in India or one in Guyana as there was a Compassion rep at the school!

Here's the video we were asked to share, go watch it and come back (you may need tissues)..... Missions in Action - Philippines  ...

  Can you imagine living like that? I think I could deal with the water -- if it was clean -- but those houses...I grew up on the border with Mexico and often visited with our church group, and remember our church building a "house" for a family with 12 children; yet even those shacks of corrugated tin, adobe and cardboard were solid and somewhat warm.

The beautiful smiles and spirit of making the best of it all -- can I say I would do the same? I'm not sure.... not sure at all.

How often we complain as we sit in houses with central heating and air, plenty of food and solid walls! The ability to walk outside without worrying about disease or drowning, or what happens if your raft floats off?

No I don't think God calls all of us to move into that type of housing but I do think he expects us to help if we can. How spoiled we all are ..... maybe this year instead of hitting the "Black Friday" sales you could choose to make it a Beautiful Friday for a child who's been waiting for a sponsor instead?

(there's also a  Compassion Christmas Catalog where you can order things through Compassion that others need and give a card to whomever you sponsor it for!)

Only God...

could make something so sad, so sweet! Could turn such a seeming tragedy into a magnificent triumph of His glory!

This week I was privileged to attend the funeral of a dear friend's sweet 8 year old boy .... not privileged because he's home with Jesus of course but because of the glimpse into the kingdom we were all given. Caleb was diagnosed with a brain tumor almost 2 years ago and in the interim those of us who knew the family were able to pray, weep, fast, and sing together, claiming healing for him.... on Aug 3 he was fully healed! The service was absolutely amazing and a testimony to God's goodness even in the midst of uncertainty and pain. His family of course will miss him dearly but were able to tell story after story of how God worked through Caleb's short life. To point others to Jesus even in the midst of their own sorrow....

It's hard to put into words how beautiful things were ..... all the songs sung were perfect, God's presence was palpable in the midst of the service. At the cemetery we were all given balloons and at the end of the short time there everyone let go together into the breeze and started clapping .... I will forever remember the sight of those multicolored balloons sailing heavenward and away .... a full heart, a perfect tribute to a wonderful little boy who loved life, family, parties, legos and telling others about Jesus.


Only the Lord could take the pain and sorrow, the why questions of what many would deem such a "short" life and make them into something so beautiful. As another friend said " that was the happiest sad day of my life!" ....

MIlitary Spouse Appreciation Day...

So, today is the day  for those of you who may not know .... here's a link to the "Official"  proclamation for the day Presidential Proclamation. I changed my header for today too (Thanks to The Patriotic Wife, I hope she doesn't mind my borrowing it til I can figure out how to make my own -- as you can probably tell I'm still learning all the picture goodies! Be sure to check out her site for fun stuff!) ....  and I will be blogging a little later for the Wives of Faith Carnival too! Whoo hoo....

 This is just a quick note to start the day.... but if you know someone who's a military spouse please let them know you appreciate them and all they do even if you don't understand it! Sometimes it may seem like the military gets a lot of recognition but the reality is 1% of our population right now is serving and that means -- they don't and the families usually get even less. Not that our troops or families are begging/asking for it mind you but everybody appreciates a thank you now and again and knowing what they do makes a difference!

Quite the adventure....

Our marriage has been! 22 years ago today my soldier boy and I were married and the crazy ride began!  I think I'll emulate my friend and give you a few bullet points.....

• We met while working at the Grand Canyon summer of 87
• Attended Northern AZ Univ. together

• From College ROTC  to Senior Enlisted Active Duty --
• 10 Anniversaries together -- 12 Apart (including the first two thanks to Korea and the Gulf War)
• Home approximately 10.5 of those years does that mean we've only really been married half of our marriage? :)
• 4 beautiful blessings -- two of which are Korea returnee babies! and amazingly he was home for all of their births! Hooaah! although he did leave the day after Sara was born to go back to AIT ....
• 9 PCS moves, 21 addresses, 322 days in guest housing/tent sites/hotels/friends homes, 13 tactical addresses, and countless miles on vehicles! 
• Lots of practical geography & social study  lessons for homeschooling -- how many miles to? we're moving where? 
• Countless Dr. visits, ER runs, broken vehicles/appliances, a few surgeries and Fisher House visits, caring for friends,......etc
• 6 year or longer Deployments -- two extended indefinitely, that was FUN! lol ... and we're in the middle of number 6.  
• BDUs/DCUs/ACUs/Greens & Blues and the ASU now -- can the Army please make up it's mind? (fyi we should have kept the BDUs/DCUs :) )
• Lots of fighting and making up, lovin on each other and kiddos

I wouldn't trade our Army life for anything -- even with all the hardships, obstacles, tears and fears. God has used and continues to use it for our good. I can't wait to see what He will do in the next 22 years!  I love you Timothy!! Happy Anniversary!

See a need, fill a need....

 (thank you Mr Big Weld off Robots...)   Otherwise known as Practical Ministry in Crisis.... (warning acronym soup ahead for those not in the military!)

So the looming deadline for the govt budget or shutdown is quite the "talk of the town" in my circles..... just gotta say though I love the military, already seeing an ok this would really suck but how can we deal with it mentality kicking in, although I have to say it truly angers me that Congress and the President would continue to get paid whilst our troops would not. How is this a good leadership model? And ummm hummm who needs a paycut and to deal with reality....but I digress.....

I wanted to just point out a couple things I see at this time.

1. We who name the name of Christ need to take this opportunity to minister to those around us, to be an ocean of calm in the midst of chaos. Even if we are ourselves are in that boat too! Here's what I mean -- so there's the chance we could all get 1/2 pay this next payday, Yippee!, but is your 1/2 pay equivalent to or possibly even more than someone elses full pay? ( ie MAJ vs PFC?) It's all perspective! Surely you could spare enough to buy that young mom on your street or in your study group some groceries, diapers or fill up her car? Babysit so she doesn't have to pay CDC while she's going to the Dr? Offer a ride?
2. Some of the things I've already mentioned are just practical ways to help others around you whether you make more or less than those around you. Does it really matter if you earned your rank or if you've been more fiscally responsible than the one of the same rank who hasn't? (yes it's important for daily living and getting your budget under control but in the middle of a crisis, um NOT!)
3. Be sure to explain to your children what's going on -- not in a scary way but in a lets get through this together, God will provide, think of creative things to do way.
4. We should be looking for ways to minister to one another here's some other thoughts:   

• Share meals if you can - not military or govt worker? Invite someone over who is for dinner! Make it a standing invite even! (every Monday night for example....)
• Maybe a recipe swap day or a frugal living program at PWOC or FRG meetings? (sure we can all point fingers but wouldn't it be more productive to look for ways to help each other?)
• Make your own laundry soap and cleaning products ( Homemade Cleaners is just one of many sites)
• Carpool if at all possible
• Service members who live off post -- consider taking a cot to the office and saving gas by sleeping over a night or two each week. If there's a bus available take it even if it means your hours are wacky (remember this is temporary)
• If you regularly buy in bulk or have property and animals, share with those around you without expecting payment later (milk,eggs, meat, etc)
• Skip mowing the lawn this week (grass is healthier a little longer anyhow)
• Consider ending your cable contract or suspending it, same with internet service if possible you can use the library or go down to the slowest speed (and trust me you won't die if you can't skype with your loved one who's overseas! I love it too but you can survive without it and who knows you might actually get letters to treasure!)
• Now's a great time to quit tobacco! (have you really added up how much that habit costs?!) 
• Allow others to live with you for a short time if necessary - camping gear and airbeds work indoors too or let them camp in your yard! 
• Got mechanic skills? Help out that wife who's husband's away and car just broke down! Same with bicycles
• Start a military ministry in your church -- ask families to have a list ready and expect a group of people from the church to show up on this day and get it done! 

These are all practical ways to encourage those around who may be frightened or needing help..... it's not exactly a pretty picture for us either as we are still living paycheck to paycheck for the most part. Just really starting to get things squared away (no lectures necessary and trust me your neighbors don't need or want them either we all have enough guilt) .... so this will be dicey especially if it continues and we don't get paid AT ALL the end of the month. Yet I know that God is still able to supply all our needs and it will work out. What an opportunity the Church has been given this year to RISE UP and be the hands and feet of Jesus both abroad and at home! ( yes this list should be what we do every day no matter what but sometimes it takes a crisis to wake people up and who knows that package of diapers you deliver just might open the door to share the Gospel and usher someone into the kingdom?!)

(feel free to post more ideas, thoughts etc....)

But he's not a tame lion .....

A friend who's son is in Basic Training recently referred to our military (specifically the Army) as Godless. I was a little incensed at the time and I beg to differ even now...

Dictionary.com defines the term Godless as:

1. having or acknowledging no god or deity; atheistic.

2.wicked; evil; sinful.

While I would admit there are many who may act this way in the Army does it follow that the institution itself or everyone in it is/does? Nope not at all ..... just as it does not follow in civilian life either!  In fact  there is more evidence of worship of God in some ways in the military than outside it! (that old saying about no atheists in foxholes is true....) Chaplains such as  Dale Goetz give their all on a daily basis for those around them. Prayers and creeds still refer to the Lord, including the oath of enlistment.

I understand her concern for her sons exposure to others who may or may not use profane language, drink, carouse, etc ... however I know many, MANY godly people who see the military as a calling from the Lord and who have made a huge difference for the kingdom!  Should we discount or discourage our children's calling because they make us uncomfortable? How is our military less needy of godly men and women and their families then the slums of Calcutta, Appalachia or some other mission field?

I can also say that God is on the move (hence my reference to Aslan in CS Lewis' books)  in our military and in our Army and that the recently retired Chief of Chaplains was a true warrior for the Lord and a tremendous man of faith!   I would also submit that God has used the military to teach me much about His character and love, challenged my faith and forced me to know what I believe and why, and given me faith-filled and faith-walking friends who are on fire for the Lord! 

Whilst our military may not be able at times to acknowledge God the way we wish they are on the front lines both physically and spiritually these days and I can assure you that God is right in the midst!  

A New Thing.....

Happy New Year everyone! 

Ok so I'm a little late... the following passage of scripture is something the Lord gave me years ago and when I say years I do mean years, as in 1988 at a Baptist Student Union Conference at Golden Gate Seminary in San Fransisco... I had no idea then the fires and waters I would walk through but it has been precious to me ever since! God repeatedly says do not fear, something I admittedly have struggled with. This portion was brought back to mind in a signifigant way two years ago (portion in green in particular) and this year at PWOCI (Protestant Women of the Chapel) conference in Dallas God once again brought it back to mind but especially verses 18-19 (highlighted below in blue). I am excited to see what God is doing this year -- in my health, with my husband/our marriage, with the kiddos,EVERYTHING! Excited but a little scared at the same time, it's been a heck of year! National Horse Competitions, new signifigant others in children's lives (more on that later when I have permission), Deployment (AGAIN), Girls in College, etc.....etc.... While I am still figuring out how to be a mom to adult children, and one soon to be, how to homschool only one, still struggling with consistency, lonliness and a quieter house, I am finding a renewed hope and sense of God's presence as well and a renewed sense of following where he leads even when it's scary,or not well lit!
   Now this is what the LORD says the One who created you, Jacob,
and the One who formed you, O Israel
"Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name; you are Mine.
 I will be with you
when you pass through the waters,
and [when you pass] through the rivers,they will not overwhelm you.
You will not be scorched when you walk through the fire, and the flame will not burn you.
 For I the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, and your Savior,
give Egypt as a ransom for you,Cush and Seba in your place.
  Because you are precious in My sight and honored, and I love you,
I will give human beings in your place,and peoples in place of your life.
 Do not fear, for I am with you;
I will bring your descendants from the east, and gather you from the west.
 I will say to the north: Give [them] up!and to the south: Do not hold [them] back!
Bring My sons from far away, and My daughters from the ends of the earth
  everyone called by My name and created for My glory.
I have formed him; indeed, I have made him."
 Bring out a people who are blind, yet have eyes, and are deaf, yet have ears.
All the nations are gathered together,and the peoples are assembled.
Who among them can declare this, and tell us the former things?
Let them present their witnesses to vindicate [themselves],  so that people may hear and say, "It is true."
"You are My witnesses" the LORD's declaration
"and My servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe Me
and understand that I am He.
No god was formed before Me, and there will be none after Me.
   I, I am the LORD,and there is no other Savior but Me.
   I alone declared, saved, and proclaimed—and not some foreign god  among you.
So you are My witnesses"—the LORD's declaration-"and  I am God.
  Also, from today on I am He [alone],and no one can take [anything] from My hand.
I act, and who can reverse it?"
 This is what the LORD, your Redeemer,  the Holy One of Israel says:
Because of you, I will send to Babylon and bring all of them as fugitives,
even the Chaldeans  in the ships in which they rejoice.
 I am the LORD, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King.
This is what the LORD says—
who makes a way in the sea, and a path through surging waters,
 who brings out the chariot and horse, the army and the mighty one together
(they lie down, they do not rise again;they are extinguished, quenched like a wick)
 "Do not remember the past events, pay no attention to things of old.
 Look, I am about to do something new;
even now it is coming. Do you not see it?
  Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert. 
The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls,
because I provide water in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland,
to give drink to my people, my chosen,
 the people I formed for myself  that they may proclaim my praise
                                                                                     ... Isa 43:1-20

Extremist?

Interesting isn't it how quickly those of us who are actually mainstream American's are being made to feel as though we aren't?? Or told we aren't?

Case in point, I commented today on a board concerning education and the tea party; while I don't necessarily consider myself a true Tea Partyist we did attend the original rally near us. However I'm sorry I don't consider a movement several thousand strong to be a "fringe" element or extremist? Hello??? Same with homeschooling.....

Then there's always the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell  (planning to blog my thoughts on that more later) ... hmm lets see over 60% of combat troops and 50% of non-combat troops did not support the repeal yet that constitutes a minority?! In who's warped world? I mean weather you agree or disagree over 50% is a majority anywhere else.

If being a conservative Christian woman who loves her husband, her children, her country and her God makes me an extremist .. then I guess I am but how sad is it that a country based on such priniciples is ever more rapidly marginalizing them?!!!

You Might be a Military Wife at Christmas if.......

                                                      1..you have any camoflauge, yellow ribbons, military vehicles/emblems/slogans or red white and blue ornaments anywhere in your decorating scheme.

2. ... you are waiting to talk to your hubby on skype Christmas morning/phone call/other technology wives didn't have 20 years ago because he's in another country

3.. ..home for Christmas means where you live now not where you were raised

4..... you've ever spent Christmas in guest housing/lodging/billeting and decorated the room!

5.... Christmas season was the same as PCS season at least once in your marriage

6... your children know that things aren't as important as who you're with

7 .... family time at Christmas means you, hubby and children because he wasn't home last year

8... you've mailed a Christmas tree and ornaments downrange

9... you've received presents from another culture/country

10 ... your family traditions are a mixture from different duty stations (tamales Christmas eve from the Southwest, Weinacht's Pyramids and Gluhwein from Germany, St. Nicholas Day, Desert themed items,etc...)

11.... you  read the Soldier's Night Before Christmas book and understand all the terms

12 ... you've eaten at the DFAC cause you didn't want to cook, it's reasonable and you could be with other loved military families that day

13.... you've gone on "holiday home tours" just to see what the inside of the General's/ Base Commander's  house looks like!

14... Christmas Eve Service means dressing up and guys in dress uniforms

15 .... sometimes you wonder if anyone remembers the family's as they go about their Christmas times and it's irritating when they ask about hubby but not you yet you're not sure they really want to hear everything if they ask so you just say "fine".

16 ...  coupons for dinner once a week with friends would make an awesome stocking stuffer!

17 ...  you know civilians don't "know how you do it" and frankly neither do you but you wouldn't trade this life for anything!

18 ... you've braved the midnight sales at the PX/BX/NEX for that one special item

19 ... you've posted an add in the newspaper with your honey's picture and a message just for him

20 .... you have no idea what he wants/needs for Christmas so a sexy picture of you will have to do ....

21... you've ever sent out military themed baby announcements "Our New Recruit..." etc

22... you've ever held Christmas for just a few days cause Dad will be home by then

23... the best Christmas present was when he showed up unannounced on Christmas Eve

24.... you know exactly where all the Christmas decorations are, the breaker box and how to hang lights,etc but that doesn't mean you want to cause it's just one more reminder he's not home... but you do it anyway!

25 ... you've ever spray painted little green plastic Army men gold in order to make them ornaments for the tree in your boy's room

26.... God has given you the gift of understanding just a little better what it means to sacrifice someone you love for someone else's good...

(of course there's more and I could go on but ..... check out others lists at Wives of Faith Christmas Blog Carnival)

 ....

OPSEC/PERSEC

This subject comes up often and I confess I've probably applied it poorly at times, funny thing is my 18yo beautiful daughter is the one who reminds me the most "that's not good OPSEC Mom" .... hmm, guess those AFN commercials in Germany actually work! :) I have been agahst at times with what I've seen though so as a reminder to myself and many of my friends I send you to this page by Household 6 Diva who has already written a great article/thoughts on the subject ... so really, why reinvent the wheel! Thanks Diva!!

Deployment Goals...

So for this deployment here are my goals:

1. Blog at least twice a week
2. Exercise 3 times a week
3. Daily Prayer and Bible Study
4. Set a resonable schedule and get in a good routine
5. Get my Prayer Journal organized and use it see (see # 3 above)
6. Scrapbook (hopefully finish one or two -- big goal would be to catch up but don't hold your breath!)
7. Lose at least 50 lbs (preferably more)/Eat Better (see #2)
8. Save at least $1500-$2000
9. Pay off as much debt as possible
10. Spend tax return wisely (new Mattress from Marriot here I come! Ours is 18years old and there's dip in the middle from Tim being gone so much!)
11. Make a book and Dvd list and work through it

Let me know what you think!

Here we go/are again!

For those of you who don't know we are once again in the middle of a deployment! :) Go round #4 in Iraq and #6 overall of year or longer seperations (can I get an Atta Girl bracelt  out of this please?! Tim says do you know how much that would cost? ok so one link at a time dear one link at a time...). Timothy is in one of the new "assist and advise" brigades that are to be the last large groups sent to Iraq (name change that's all) ... rather ironic actually as he was in the 1st large group sent over! While this is not our first choice (duh) I am still excited to see what God has for us this year......

 

(Jessica fits in Dad's new duffle! She so wanted Tim to "pack" her so she could move/jump out and scare the guys packing bags on the truck! LOL... and middle is relative Tim left in Nov...fyi)







Grown up Christmas List ....

Day 4 of the Wives of Faith Blog Carnival:

Today's topic: A grown up Christmas list based on the song by Amy Grant, here's a reminder of what the song says:

What do I really wish for this Christmas... funny we just watched "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" last night and while they never mention the real reason for Christmas they do point out our excess and how we get so caught up in wishing for things instead of enjoying those around us and the true spirit of Christmas -- which I would argue of course is God Himself and the unfathomnable gift He gave us so long ago - the baby born to save the world, I can not imagine such love -- but I digress.....

1. Gods Will be done and His kingdom advance, and we would catch a glimpse of that bigger picture and our part in it
2. Gods tangible presence with each and every person away from loved ones this year and a true sense of HIS purpose and plans which include this Holiday season apart (sometimes again!)
3. Every child would feel the arms of God wrapped around them in exactly what they need -- food, love,clothing,etc.
4. Healing in my extended family relationships and for others who need that as well
5. Everyone who's lonely would feel loved and appreciated
6. Godly, loving spouses for each of my children and continued healing in our marriage

Of course I could go on with our own needs and wants (financial, etc) but I think that'll do for now....check out more lists at : Wives of Faith