How Our Children Became Military Children

April is the Month of the Military Child.  The life of a military child is unlike that of any other.  Some are born into military families and others "join" with their families.  To celebrate my own military children, I'd love to share with you how they entered into this journey.

When Jeff and I first got married, not once did it cross my mind that we would become a military family.

As adults, we make choices for our futures and our families.  Jeff and I don't make any decisions without considering the effects they will have on our children.

Needless to say, making the choice to become a military family was one that took lots of thought and prayer.

When the decision was made, our oldest boys were 3 and 6 years old and our youngest was still in the womb.  He was the only one that was born into the military family.

We are not an active duty military family.  Therefore, some people may consider us to be "not really a military family."  We don't live on a military post, but live in the same house we've lived in since my oldest son was born almost 13 years ago.  We have not been relocated, but we have experienced much of what the military has to "offer."

When my husband decided to enlist in the Army Reserves, he was to become a Chaplain.  To do this, he had to attend seminary and take about 96 hours of masters classes.  He attended CH-BOLC which is basically basic training for Chaplains.  He was gone from June to September of 2010. My youngest son was just 3 months old when he left. During that time, we saw him during the Fourth of July holiday and then reunited at his graduation.  Still, he continued to take his masters classes.  Finally, after what seemed like forever, my husband received his masters in divinity and was officially a chaplain.  He attended his annual trainings and monthly battle assemblies/drills.  Then deployment. We were fortunate enough to have a short deployment, 6 months.  In that time, my boys did extremely well.  It was great that we were able to Skype with their daddy and talk with him on the phone as much as we did.  We had our routines. They had school and church and sports.  Time passed as quickly as it could when a family goes through deployment.  My husband was home just in time for summer vacation.  We were able to travel and just enjoy being a family again.

I do look at all of the challenges the military has brought to our family and how it has affected our children.  I say they have handled things well. My oldest son loves all things military and even speaks of joining when he is older. My middle child doesn't say much about it at all.  He is not one to express his feelings much and internalizes things.  This worries me because I am a feelings type of person.....just let it all out and express yourself.  My youngest is a bit different in the fact that this is all he knows.  He is definitely a Mama's Boy and I wonder if it's because he is the baby or because his daddy has spent a lot of time away during his 5 years.

Regardless of what we've been through, my children are proud of their daddy and his service.  They have a strong since of patriotism and honor.  They support their daddy and what he strives to do with his service in the military.  Please join me this month as we honor all military children.  They serve and sacrifice along their service member.

Why, Hello There!

It seems I have neglected this space.  If you've been depending on me, sorry.  Life happens outside of the Internet.  Want to play catch up?

My baby turned 12. Yep. Next July, Colin will be a teenager.....I cringe typing that word. Teenager.  He is an amazing young man and I am so proud of him.

We had our annual Camp Creative again at church. This year's theme was God's Creative Exodus.  I taught the cake decorating class again.  The little ones made frog cupcakes, the middle group made Ten Commandment cakes and the big kids made cakes with a basket weave design. The youth girls made a "Moses Parts the Red Sea" cake.  

We spent a fun Sunday with Jeff's unit in Nashville.  It was sooooo hot.  Thankfully, the firefighters that came to visit with the children turned on the water hose.  If the wind blew just right, oooohhhhh, the mist felt so good.

Fall soccer has started. Honestly, shouldn't we play fall soccer in the fall?  Its been at least 2 weeks since we've had a practice or game due to the heat.  You really shouldn't have fall soccer in the summer.  

We had a back to school painting party where we each painted pencils for our classrooms.  It was fun and good to hang out with the other teachers before school started.  School is in full swing now.  New teammate. New principal. New assistant principal. New students. New year. I am hoping for a good year for me and the boys. Colin is in 7th grade. He has joined the robotics team. I think he will be on the academic team as well.Carson is in 3rd grade.  I hope he will be able to be in GT Art again this year. Carter has started preschool.  He is learning so much already and doing things for Mrs. Terri that I could never get him to do.

I think our biggest news is that Jeff finally completed and turned in his active duty packet.  A few things happened that finally got us to that decision. But all in all, we believe this is what God want us to do. Just pray for us!  We are now going to play that hurry up and wait game!

Somebody is getting old. Had to get glasses.

Until next time....

The Uniform

I simply love my man in uniform.  I love him. I respect his uniform. 

 

When my husband reminisces about his childhood, he tells stories of playing army with his friends. When other boys his age were shopping for the latest toys at the toy store, he was shopping for the ultimate army gear at Major Weatherby’s.  Anybody from South Central Kentucky remember that place?

 When Jeff and I met as teenagers, he often talked about joining the military.  After we married, he still talked about it.  When he finally decided to follow that calling, I said, “It’s about time!” 

 There’s something I need you to know about my husband.  He is a humble man, a man that cares for others.  He has this amazing personality that draws people to him.  I think he is pretty awesome. 

 Because of his love for others, I think God has called him to the right position, Chaplain in the US Army.  It is an amazing job.  When people first asked us about this job, the best way to explain it was by saying, “He is like a preacher for the Army.”  But honestly, it is so much more than that.  I see him as a friend to his fellow soldiers.  When a relative passes away, he stays with the soldier through the night.  When the soldier is hurting, brokenhearted, he spends his time listening, giving words of comfort and encouragement.  If he can’t help, he finds those that can.  He preaches God’s Word and has had the privilege of leading soldiers to Christ and then later performing their baptisms to show their obedience to Christ. Being a Chaplain is one of the many amazing jobs held by our soldiers. 

Regardless of position, rank, or branch of service, there is something about that uniform.  To me, it is almost sacred.  It takes a special person to honorably wear the uniform.

There are men and women who put on the uniform every day because they have earned the right to wear it.  They have worked hard to earn that right.  I am able to sit back as the wife of a soldier and simply see things from my perspective.  I could try to tell you what it takes for a man or woman to earn that right to call themselves United States Soldiers, but I can’t.  Not even from “knowing” what my husband has gone through.  There is a personal sacrifice they make that none of us could ever imagine.

The first time I saw my husband in uniform, I was so proud of him.  I felt like it was an amazing accomplishment.  Each time I see him in uniform, serving God and Country, I feel so blessed to have a man in my life that would follow God’s calling.  That isn’t always easy to do.

 

I do love the way my husband looks in his uniform, but again, I respect his uniform.  As I am doing laundry today, folding and putting away his things from three weeks of training at Ft. Dix, I am reminded of the sacrifices that soldiers make to be able to wear the uniform with pride. 

 I am bothered by the people who sport the uniform because they like the way it looks. I am bothered by the people who play in the uniform, pretending they are in a warzone.  I am bothered by the local organizations that dress their law enforcement officers in the uniform. I am bothered by the people who are in love with the uniform, not knowing what it ultimately takes to be able to wear it with honor.

It is the uniform of the United States Soldier.  We should respect it and those who wear it. 

Surreal

Friday, November 16, 2012

That's how this feels. 

We have been separated before.

Japan
Ft. Jackson
Chicago
LA
Detroit
Baltimore
Ft. Bliss
Virginia Beach

But this time it is different.

This
time
it
is
deployment
to
Afghanistan.

Yes, that word, that place just came from my fingertips to the keyboard to the screen.

Afghanistan.

It doesn't seem real.

I guess because he isn't there yet.  Jeff will be at Ft. Benning before heading overseas.  Maybe that, that he is heading down south to the state of Georgia, maybe that is the reason this doesn't seem real.  He is in Georgia, where my uncle lives.

Not in war torn Afghanistan. Not yet.

Still, I can't believe I am typing those words. 

We were up late last night. Cuddling. Playing with the boys. Taking pictures in front of the Christmas tree. Cuddling some more. Last minute preparations. Him packing. I told him the other day, "I can't believe you are leaving for nine months and you haven't packed a thing!"  Me, I would have packed and unpacked and packed again.  I guess you could say I am an over packer.  Jeff, though, he is efficient. He gets the job done.

The job.

His job for the next nine months (9? I hope it is shorter) will be to minister to our Soldiers. Our men and women in uniform. 

I almost laugh because as I read through my When Duty Calls book, it kept saying to talk with your chaplain for this problem or that.  I thought, "I'm married to the chaplain! Who do we go to?"

The answer....

We go to the Lord. Our Heavenly Father. Our Strong Tower. Our Refuge. Our Strength.

No doubt about it, this deployment will be tough. For all of us. Me. Colin. Carson. Carter. Jeff.  Yes, it will be tough. There is Thanksgiving. There is Christmas. There is winter. There will be birthdays.  It will be tough for all of us.  But God, oh, I know how awesome He is!

He had this whole thing planned from the very beginning. Never did I imagine we would be here, face to face with deployment. But God knew.

Maybe that is why we had all those other separations.

Maybe that is why Jeff's orders were rescinded the first time.

God is in control. I believe that. I know that. I must rely on that.

As I have read through my Tour of Duty Bible study, there are some verses of scripture that touch my heart. One in particular is John 16:33.  "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

Regardless of how I am feeling, how frustrated I become, how lonely I get, I can have peace. That peace is found in my Savior Jesus Christ.  Oh, how thankful I am for that!

So, how am I feeling 4 hours after driving away from the airport, not knowing when I will see my husband again?  Well,

I guess you could say I am numb. 

I mentally prepared the best I could.

I read When Duty Calls.

I signed the POA paperwork and Living Will.

I have been praying.

And praying.

And praying some more.

I am numb.

I haven't had "my moment" yet.  It will come.

To spiritually prepare, I have been praying.

I am doing the Tour of Duty Bible study (again).

I've read GodStrong (and will again).

And praying some more!

Nevertheless, you can't be totally prepared for deployment.

I wasn't prepared for how calm I have been.

I wasn't prepared for the sick feeling I got as we loaded up the car.

I wasn't prepared for the difficult breathes I took during the drive.

I wasn't prepared for the tension in my body.  Last night, my body was totally tense. Just the pressure of it all. The holding it together.  My body ached from my head to my toes. I got what if felt like to have an anxiety attack. Seriously, the pressure was worst in my chest and neck. Every breath hurt.

I knew I had to hold myself together these last few days. These last few days have been totally dedicated to doing what I could for my husband. 

I knew I had to hold it together for him. For my children. 

My moment will come.  The numbness will wear off. Surreal will become real.

I will cling to my Father in Heaven. 

For the next 276 days,
I will pray.
I will read scripture.
I will call on the name of the Lord.
I will be the wife my husband needs me to be.
I will be the mother my children need me to be.
I will be totally dedicated to my Savior, my husband, and my family.

Giddy

A big day for our family awaits.  

Military Wives' New Testament with Psalms and Proverbs

Today, I have something  for you. Three things actually....a review, a giveaway, and a really good offer!

I love a good devotion/study Bible.  As a military wife, I was looking for something that applied to me and my season of life.  I found that when I came across Military Wives' New Testament with Psalms and Proverbs (NIV).  I looked it over via the internet and considered the pre-order. For whatever reason, I didn't proceed with purchasing this Bible.  Then a couple of weeks later, I was contacted by Zondervan for the amazing opportunity to review this Bible for you.

This Bible contains a forward by Jocelyn Green, who reminds us that The Bible is your protection and your weapon. An amazing group of contributors have helped include sections called Reinforcements, Home Front Heroes, Hymns, and Basic Training. 

Reinforcements are 60 devotions that focus on a specific passage that are meant to challenge and encourage you.  Home Front Heroes are 30 devotions that illustrate a key Bible principal demonstrated by  those on the American home front.  Hymns are included to help strengthen your faith, as well as 10 Bible studies in the Basic Training section. 

I absolutely LOVE this Bible. I think it is a staple for all military wives. 

Are you a military wife interested in this Bible?  Well, you have the chance to win your own copy.  All you have to do is leave me a comment below telling me how long you have been a military wife. I will select the winner on Sunday. Your Bible will be sent directly to you by the publisher. 

If you don't win, can't wait, or want to get a Bible as a gift, I have a special offer for you too!

Buy 1 Give 1 Free!

With every purchase of the NIV Military Wives’ New Testament with Psalms and Proverbs, you will receive an additional copy to share with a friend for free!

To get your free copy:

Visit www.churchsource.com and create an account

Add 2 copies of NIV Military Wives’ New Testament with Psalms and Proverbs (9780310421078) to your cart

Enter promo code BD5W11 at checkout

Offer Valid 5/1/2013 through 5/31/2013

I would love to hear from you too if you took advantage of the special offer. 

I received a free copy of this Bible from Zondervan for the purpose of review and giveaway. 

Wife to Wife Wednesdays: Military Worries

For those of you who know me, you know that I am not a worrier. Not too much anyway.  If I find myself worrying, I try my best to turn it over to God. 

However, with this lifestyle that we live, there are definite things that worry or bother me. 

The thing that comes to me immediately this week is the decision that is to be made by our family:

Do we go active duty?

Ten years ago, or like we say at home BK (before kids) or BC (before Colin), we would have jumped on it.  There probably wouldn't have been too much to hold us back. We were young(er). We had fewer responsibilities.  We really had nothing that tied us down except our jobs.

But now. 

Well, now,

I have 13 years teaching experience. I am almost halfway to my retirement (seriously, that just freaked me out). How will leaving my job, leaving the state affect my retirement?

There are the normal things....family and friends....We live in our hometown. Our neighbors are Jeff' parents. My parents live a mile away. Our roots are here. As a reserve family, we have the blessing and convenience of living near our family and friends, those nearest to our hearts.

Then there is our church.  We love our church so much.  They are the people who shared the love of Christ with us and allowed themselves to be used by God to help mold us into the people we are right now. They have opened their hearts to us, encouraged us, loved us, and have supported us.

But the main thing, the main thing that is keeping us from jumping on this opportunity of a lifetime....well there are 3 actually

Our almost 11 year old (oohhh that hurt saying that!). He has so much going on for him here at home. Academic Team. STLP. Robotics. Family. Friends. Small town sports. Church. Starting middle school in the fall.

Our almost 7 year old. The homebody. He loves being home. He loves school. He is coming out of his shell. He is showing love in so many amazing ways.  He is looking forward to joining the same Robotics team Colin was on. He loves the opportunities Colin has had and wants to do those same things.

Our 3 year old. Buck Wild. He attends a wonderful Christian daycare. He loves his friends. He loves his church. He is becoming his own person. His personality is really showing.

I worry about my boys. 

As their mom, I mess up enough. I make mistakes with them every day.  So I find myself asking, "Should I even attempt to see how badly I can mess them up by uprooting them?" 

YES. I KNOW YOU ACTIVE DUTY MOMS ARE HATING ME RIGHT NOW. 

But hear me out. That is not the lifestyle we are used to. Like I said, BK, we would have jumped on this. We would have raised kids already living the active duty lifestyle.  But come on, we are used to one weekend a month, two weeks (ha!) out of the year, staying put where we are.  For us, it would be a major change.

My main worry is how will deciding to go active duty affect my children. 

Right now, that's where I am out. 

I fully trust God. I know that whatever we are supposed to do, He will guide us to that decision, and HE WILL PROVIDE FOR US. I know that. I believe that. But a mama can't help but worry about her babies. 

So, I would love to hear from you. What are your thoughts? Did you have to make this decision with children involved or were your children "born into it?"  Are you at this point in your military life that you have to make this decision? 

Join me and some other amazing women today and every Wednesday at Wives of Faith for Wife to Wife Wednesdays.

(almost) Deployed

A few months ago, we heard rumor that Jeff would be deployed.  We started taking "inventory" of some of our commitments, starting backing off from a few, and began to mentally prepare (although you are never prepared). It seemed that others knew what was going on and we didn't.  In September, Jeff went for his health assessment/physical.  I told him that if all that went well, then he would hear for sure whether or not he would be deploying.

After his health assessment, rumor then turned into written orders. Jeff was going to be deployed.

We told our boys, closest family members, and bosses. I went ahead and took off the days that would lead up to Jeff's deployment date. I started considering the best date to start the Tour of Duty Bible study again. Also, I started reading my When Duty Calls book, courtesy of the North American Missions Board. I wanted to make things as less stressful on all of us as possible (I am not that naive, but I did want to start checklists and preparations for what would be happening within the next month. Oh, and I am the one who read ALL the wedding books and pregnancy books when those life changing events approached).

As we began to prepare for the deployment, we started hearing more rumors that involved Jeff's orders being rescinded.  What?  I NEVER heard of that!  Talk about an emotional rollercoaster! We talked and prayed about it and decided that we would keep preparing for deployment until we got written orders stating Jeff would not be going. 

Well, those official orders came.  Jeff would not be deployed.

Now, I don't wish my husband away for anything.  No, no, no.  I do, however, understand being called to do something, and the feeling of disappointment when that is taken away.  Jeff felt like this was what he was supposed to do.  We have decided, though, that the timing wasn't right.  We weren't going to push one way or another, but put our trust in God: if Jeff was supposed to go, he would go. If he wasn't supposed to go, he wouldn't. God was and is in control.  

I saw how quickly orders can change.  I realize too that we could get new orders tomorrow. 

So, we will just wait to see what God has in store for our family. Our trust is in Him. 

What I've Learned

1. I never found out what initially clogged my toilet, but the apple slices afterward really did help.

2. I am pretty good with a plunger.

3. My kids think it is funny to ride in Daddy's truck with Mama driving.

4. I have some really talented friends.

5. Kids act better at a friend's house than at home (according to other parents).

6. Never underestimate the power of chlildren on a mission.

7.  I can reprogram the universal remote.

8. Texting + tired = lots of backspacing

9. Be sure to put a space in "good night."

10. I don't envy those who live alongside tarantulas everyday in Texas.

11. Hunkering down in the hall with 3 kids when the lights go out during a storm is actually relaxing.

12.  3 Kids + homecooked meal + me - Daddy = bad idea.

13. 3 kids + fast food (or frozen food) + me - Daddy = better idea

14. 3 kids + any food + me + Daddy = best idea

15. Pancakes work great for breakfast and dinner.

16. Thanks to 3 pregnancies, I know when I need a break and some orange juice!

17. Chuck E. Cheese works wonders!

18. Coffee can be a good thing.

19. Laughing kids is the best medicine!

20. I am proud of my husband.

This two week education is courtesy the US Army! AT is over, my Chaplain is on his way home.  Ready for a weekend away. 

Chaplain Update

In recent days, Jeff has had phone "interviews" and face to face interviews about his placement with a new unit. Things seem to be well underway.

After leaving from a meeting Sunday, he was contacted by one of the Soldiers wanting him to perform his wedding ceremony.

It seems that things either move very slowly or quite quickly.

I try to remember during the slow times that God is preparing us for those "fast times."

Finally!

Jeff took his oath (again) a couple of weeks ago at church. Our friend Chaplain Roy Swisher led the swearing in. 

So, I think it is official. Jeff is now a chaplain.  His paperwork is on file and we are waiting to find out where he will be placed. 

Catching Up

What's been happening in these parts:

1. March arrived. We've had severe storms and will have 70 degree weather all next week.  We never had winter. Wonder if it will show up for spring break?

2. I am reviewing a book right now that is blowing me away. I am almost finished and can't wait to share.  Got two more on the way.  If you are blogger and love to read, I highly recommend you get involved in a book program. 

3. Got a new student recently. He is a hoot.

4. One of my students moved today. He is heading to Louisiana. I will miss him deeply. I drove by his empty house this afternoon and had to hold back tears. 

5. Basketball is over. Baseball is starting. Carson moved up to Pee Wee and is on the Cubs. Colin moved up to Minor League. He is on....I'm not sure yet.  Both boys have practiced. Should be an interesting season!

6. Got a virus on our laptop and my school computer. I think we were targeted. I hope not.  That would be so sad.

7.  Considering sending Colin to space camp.

8. Looking forward to getting our income tax return.  Hoping to redo our floors (goodbye carpet, hello hardwood). Should help with allergies. A new couch would be nice too. Ours is 13 years old and starting to show it!

9. Preparing for an Elmo party on Sunday with family and friends.  Can't believe Carter is turning 2! 

10. Bought a new pair of black dress pants for work. Size 12! First time in years!  So proud of me! 

11. All 3 boys got haircuts this afternoon. I need one too. It will have to wait. 

12. Jeff retook (is that a word) his oath Wednesday night. Not sure how long it will be until he is placed with another unit. Hopefully it will be nearby.  We may get to go to Orlando for CAST this year. That would be awesome!

13. Planning Carson's 6th birthday party (yes, six years old in a matter of weeks!).

14. Praying for a co-worker who doesn't know my Jesus.  I really want her to.  I know He can make a difference in her life.

15. Thankful it is Friday.

16. Did you know this is post #501? 

Details

Thank you so much for your kind words and congratulations.  We are so very excited about Jeff's move into the Chaplaincy.  It has definitely been a long time coming.

Here's what I know (understand) so far.

He is at drill this weekend with his unit in Nashville.  Jeff was told this would be his last drill with that unit. He is not to report until he receives orders to go to his new unit (since he is in the reserves, we stay put as a family). We are hoping it is just across town from his current unit.  That's what was previously "in the works."

Jeff must retake his oath of office.  This will be done once he receives his orders. We won't have a big fancy ceremony like the first time. 

He is now deployable.  If his new unit gets deployed, well....then....you know! We won't go there until we have to!

Jeff has already completed Chaplain School so we don't have to go through all that again.   He will continue his AT (annual training) and all those other meetings/conferences/trainings he must go to.  Our fingers are crossed for Orlando this summer!

So basically, we just wait to see where the Army places him. We wait to see where God leads. We wait to serve. 

I am very proud of my husband. He is not the same man I married.  God called his name and he answered. 

Thank you for your prayers and support these past 3-4 years.

It is Official

Today, Jeff got the call.

He is now

officially

an

Army Chaplain!

Today, I LIVE...

...the life of an Army wife.

Jeff is at drill this weekend, taking part in a change of command ceremony. He will also have a worship service at his unit and the unit he may be transferred to.

As for us at home, Colin has Robotics camp at 10. Carson has his FIRST EVER basketball game at noon. Then we have round two of basketball with Colin at 5:00. A busy day for us.

This is another first that Jeff will miss. We have learned that it goes with the territory of being a military family.  By no means am I pouting or thinking we have it so terrible. I know how blessed we are.  Jeff is only a state away instead of a totally different continent in harm's way.  I will take that any ol' day!

But as I go, I wonder why I get so lucky to teach the adult Sunday School lesson that begins with "sensuality vs sexuality."  Afterall, I'm supposed to be teaching my kindergartners, not the adults!  Thanks, honey, for having drill on the weekend of this lesson!

Where We Are

Right now we are at "Hurry Up and Wait."

Again.

In the past year, Jeff has graduated CH-BOLC and seminary at Liberty University.  He has been ordained by our chuch and received his endorsement from the North American Missions Board.   Jeff was also elected to serve as associate pastor of our church. Even more so recently, he interviewed with a Lt. Colonel (I think that is right) at Ft. Knox. 

Now, we wait on the next Army Chaplain's board meeting.  They will make the ultimate decision on whether or not Jeff will be an Army Chaplain. 

I think he would make a wonderful Chaplain. Jeff genuinely cares about people, about making a difference, and most importantly, about serving our Lord. He has never been afraid to take a stand, to step out on a leap of faith (guess that's how we got here!).  He is an amazing man, and I would be oh, so proud to have him serve our country as a United States Army Chaplain. 

A while back, I started reading God Strong. Life got busy, and I put it away.  Today, however, I started over on chapter one.    I thought about the words I read and a recent conversation I had with a coworker about faith. 

I weep for those that don't share my faith.  Those that depend on their own strength.  I know that I am truly weak. If it were up to me to take the life I led before I knew Christ to where I am today, I could never do it.  When Jeff and I started out over 20 years ago (never thought those words would come from my mouth, must be getting old), we never imagined we would be here today, serving the One who gave it all for us, for you.  My strength comes from the Lord. I am who I am because of Him.  My faith in Him tells me that whatever the outcome of the Chaplain's board, He will guide us to the next step, whether it be serving here in our community together, or serving abroad, or being separated by a deployment. 

I am so excited about this journey, to see where the Lord may lead us.

Weekend Happenings

This past  weekend was full of Christmas activities.

Friday night, we spent the night at "our hotel" (Opryland Hotel).  Of course it was decorated from top to bottom for Christmas.  We saw Santa, Po from Kung Fu Panda, and Shrek.

 Saturday, we went to Jeffrey's unit for their family Christmas party.  The kids got to see Santa. Each child was given a gift. We had a great lunch, and I got to meet some wondeful people.

 Sunday night was when the boys had their Christmas programs at church.  They did a fabulous job.

Soon we will have our annual Christmas party at our house. It is always a good time.

ANOTHER step closer....

Jeff received his endorsement today from NAMB.  How exciting!  God is working in so many awesome ways.  Just a bit closer to becoming a full Chaplain!

Continuing His Journey

The journey to the Army Chaplaincy began more than 3 years ago. Now we are getting closer to what God has called our family to do. Last night was Jeff's interrogation at church. He "passed!" Next Sunday night will be his ordination at church.

Our journey began when we decided we wanted our children raised in church. After we were married, Jeff and I attended church occasionally. We attended our current church on holidays and went to a mega church a few times as well. When Colin was almost two years old, we began attending Calvary more regularly after being invited by a coworker. We were welcomed there with open arms, and Jeff and I were soon saved within days apart and then baptized together. We began attending a Sunday school class our pastor's wife began for a growing group of young couples with children. Soon we were teaching as well. When I was pregnant with Carson, Jeff was chosen by the church to serve as a deacon. He was ordained in January of 2006. With this came a call of doing more for God.

Since high school, Jeff has always had a desire to join the military. He took the ASVAB as a junior, but never did anything else. Upon graduating, Jeff attended WKU and earned a degree in geography. He worked at a local company, went into business for himself, and is currently employed as an engineer at a local factory. Out of all his work experience, Jeff has never felt like he was called to do those things. Eventually he felt led, more than ever, to join the military. And that is what he did. It was one of those things where I joked with him, "FINALLY!". I had always expected it, but joining was just a matter of time. In November of 2009, during my third pregnancy, Jeff took his oath of office and became a 2 Lieutenant for the US Army Reserves.

Last summer, he attended CHBOLC at Ft. Jackson, SC. It was an awesome experience for us both. We both got a taste of military life: him training to serve God and country, me raising three children and running the household on the "home front" while supporting my Soldier.

Through much of the last 3-4 years, Jeff has taken seminary classes through Liberty University. In May of this year, he finally graduated.

After his ordination next Sunday, the final paperwork and steps to becoming a chaplain will be completed. Then we wait for the Army's decision.

Jokingly, I told Jeff this morning that it feels awkward not being pregnant at such a life changing point in this journey!

Through all we have been through, I am well aware that God had a hand in each step of this journey, making it HIS journey. We are only being obedient. It isn't always easy. God never promises that through any thing He requires of His children. However, we have felt His love and guidance along the way. He has held our hands and lit our path. He has blessed us in ways that are simply indescribable.

I know people wonder how we do it all and why we do it all. IT isn't about us. IT is about HIM. My family was chosen to serve. Who are we to not be obedient to the call of the Lord? He blessed us with life, so we owe Him our lives.

Serving is exciting and scary. I am anxious to see what God has in store for us!

I Recently Realized I'm an Army Wife

While lying in bed the other night in my husband's hotel room, it hit me....

I'm an Army Wife.

Yes, I know that Jeffrey took his oath way back in November, but it is so real now.

When he went to AT in Ft. Jackson back in April, he was only gone for a week. That was really no big deal, just like his business trips we are used to. But this time it is different. What started out as Phase 1 of CHBOLC has now turned in to "stay until finished."

I realized that I was only visiting my Army husband, and he was not coming home with us.

I wasn't hurt or upset, it was just a realization that I had failed to acknowledge and let sink in. I knew it was happening, but it just didn't hit me until then.

I am very proud of Jeffrey and what he is working toward. Not many men (or women) can do what he and the other Chaplain Candidates are doing. What better way to live your life than to serve God and Country.

I know it is difficult on him, missing out on a summer with his 3 boys. Carter is getting so big, rolling over, scooting, jabbering away. He will be almost 6 months old when he sees his daddy again. Carson and Colin are starting soccer and Colin's birthday is coming up. School is starting and Jeffrey won't be able to take Colin on the first day as he has always done.

But you know what?

I refuse to complain about it and feel sorry for us.

We, afterall, are not in the situation as many military families. Some families are separated for many month due to deployment. Right now that is not something we are even close to experiencing. Some families are relocated and no longer live close to their support system (mine is next door and a few blocks away).

So, I refuse to gripe.

I stand proud to be the wife of an Army Chaplain Candidate.

I stand proud to be married to a man who is not ashamed of his faith in our Lord.

I stand proud to share my life with a man who wants to serve his country and his Savior.

I stand proud to be an Army Wife.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God.
Matthew 5:9