Five Minute Friday: Lost

It's time for a little Five Minute Friday. Basically, you take a minute (5 really) and write.  You don't over think it. You don't over do it.  Just write. Five minutes. That's all.....

Today's prompt: lost

A few years ago, something had happened, can't remember what, but I had said to Colin, "I've lost my marbles."

Later he went to the store with Jeff, and when they were shopping, he told his daddy, "We need to get some marbles."

Jeff asked why, and Colin replied, "Because Mama lost hers."

Bless his heart.

How many times have a felt like I've lost my marbles?  Too many to count.  But I thank God everyday that He helps me to find them.  He may take a few away and replace them with better ones, but God always provides (my marbles).

He provides by answering a prayer.  He provides for sending a friend.  He provides by bringing peace.

He Provides.

I will continue to lose my marbles, my patience, my temper.  But God will continue to be there for me to pick up the pieces, to calm my nerves, to find me when I'm lost in my own sinful nature.

Amazing Grace!  How sweet the sound! I once was lost, but now I'm found!

Thank you, sweet Jesus!

Book Review: Faith, Hope, Love, & Deployment

As a military spouse, I am always searching for something to grow closer to God, strengthen my marriage, and support my Soldier. 

Faith, Hope, Love, & Deployment: 40 Devotions for Military Couples is written by Heather Gray.  She uses her experience as a military spouse to help military couples grow strong in the Lord and in their relationships with one another.

The 40 devotions included in this book covers topics ranging from separation to communication and from children to naysayers.  Each devotion is divided up into sections related to the title: Faith (which includes scripture for both spouses), Hope (a been there, done that personal story from Heather’s experience), Love (an opportunity to reflect on the devotion and write a love letter, so to speak), and Deployment (a challenge for the couple to become closer during separation). Included within these are discussion/reflection questions for the couple.

This is an amazing book for military couples, and I don’t think I have the words to do it justice.  I am thankful for Heather Gray and women like her that use their experience to minister to others. 

If you are a military spouse, I highly suggest you get a copy of this book. If you know a military couple, this would be a great gift to give them.

Please note that the author's husband was KIA in Afghanistan. This book was actually being written before he was killed, and Heather finished the book after debating about it.  For some couples, it may seem awkward to read a devotional written by a military widow. However, for me, I found comfort in Heather's words.  Not everything in the book relates to her husband's death, although certain devotions focus on it.  I see this as an opportunity to use the experiences of another military spouse to help strengthen my own military marriage.

 I received a free copy of this book from Leafwood Publishers for the purpose of review.  I was not required to write a positive review of this book.  

Five Minute Friday: Hands

Dear Hay Day,
It has been more than a week since I said "good-bye" to you.  Honestly, I thought ending our relationship would hurt more than it did.  Because I haven't missed you, I guess that means that our relationship really meant nothing.

I do want to say thank you for keeping me company while we were together.  You helped me get through late nights when my children refused to sleep.  If I woke up in the middle of the night unable to sleep during Jeff's deployment, you were there for me.  We had lots of fun together, but you really became my obsession.

You were the last thing I thought about at night. When I would wake up, you were the first thing I wanted to get my hands on.  That is really not healthy.  Then you started requiring more of me.  At first, the boat orders and mining were great.  Then you expanded our relationship to a fishing hole and, most recently, a train stop in a small town.  You've tricked me into wanting to spend more time with you.

But....enough is enough. 

I had to say "good-bye."  The best part....I haven't regretted my decision.

I have spent more time doing more important things with my hands.  I have held my Bible more often, and I have even been reading other books as well.  My hands have held on to my children, holding them, playing with them, and tickling them.  My hand have cleaned up, picked up, and been productive.  Holding on to you never accomplished anything. 

So, here it is. We are through.  And I am ok with that!   Good luck to you. 


*****

Five Minute Friday is the baby of Lisa Jo Baker, author of Surprised by Motherhood.  If you would like to participate or read more Five Minute Friday posts, head on over to Lisa Jo's blog.

And yes, I realize today is Saturday!

Feeding Souls

As part of the Wives of Faith Bread and Wine Book Study Group, I have written blog post entitled Feeding Souls.  Head on over to the Wives of Faith Blog to check it out!