Military Life Wins Again

I can't believe where the time goes when I'm tied up running our household. I am not complaining. I just have been inundated with one thing after another and that often means my writing gets pushed off to the side.

I am in my third week of a new Bible study with a friend of mine by Beth Moore. I am loving it. It is challenging my thinking and my belief in a whole new way.

My friend has a minimum of eight weeks left in her pregnancy. It is a high-risk pregnancy that is going very well. I believe that God is working through her and I have seen her faith grow over the years and  especially throughout this pregnancy. I'm glad we selected this study to do during this time!

Beth Moore describes "Believing God" as a present-active-participle. As a communication junkie, I love that terminology. It reminds me that my faith needs to be active every day. It's not always easy to believe God, but this study is showing me Biblical truths to affirm that:
1. God is who He says He is.
2. God can do what He says He can do.
3. I am who God says I am.
4. I can do all things through Christ.
5. God's word is alive and active in me.

I didn't come up with that handy-dandy list. Beth Moore did, but it really helps me wrap my mind around the concept of believing God.

The Man has been on field exercises lately so we haven't talked much. In fact, I have lost track of time because we've been so busy with his job. I realize that I'm not going to work for him every day, but his job has a profound effect on my day-to-day life. Some people might be offended by that, but any military member who can't acknowledge that the spouses and families are impacted by their job may need a reality check.

Today, I had a little revelation during my quiet time today. Often, the time that we spend apart from each other is often when I do my most growing in my faith. The human part of me is not exactly excited in that fact, but love that I can find joy in our time apart. If it causes me to depend more on God and less on The Man and the world, then it's a sacrifice worth making.

I have also found that I eat fewer calories when he's not around.

It's a good thing I really love my husband or he might have something to worry about!

Face Your Fears

Even a baby bunny can be scary.

I just read this post at SpouseBuzz.com, a military spouse website regarding facing your fears.

The post made me laugh, but also made me so grateful for the other military spouses who take on military life with a sense of humor.

I often feel instantly connected with other military spouses I meet. In this instance, I realize that many of the same "fears" we face like palmetto bugs, spiders or bunnies with fleas, other civilian wives face too.

What makes a military wife different is that we know that at some point in time, usually sooner than later, we are going to have to face that fear head on, and it's always going to be when your husband is gone!

We can laugh about insignificant fears together because we understand that there are more serious fears to face. It's the deeper level of life that we live allows me to draw nearer to a military spouse.

Rather than shy away from those fears, I'm grateful for them because they allow me to live a fuller, more purposeful life. The fears also cause me to draw nearer to God.

2 Timothy 1:7 it says "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline."

Military life gives me the opportunity to push away the timidity that easily controls me and gives me a spirit of power. It's not power from my abilities, but God's. He gives me the strength to face my fears no matter how big or small.

When Pinterest Goes Too Far.

I love Pinterest.

The Man would consider me an addict.

I am not an addict. I swear I could stop using it anytime. But why should I?

THIS is why:

I clicked through because I thought there was some mistake.

Sure enough, it is a mesh bag to wear over your face to protect your makeup.

I thought bags were for covering your face when you weren't wearing makeup. I'd like to know how many of these sell.

Then I thought about a demo video so over to YouTube I went. Sure enough! I found two! The first was demonstrated with great commentary. Here's a much shorter video of another similar product.

I also checked the date, thinking that maybe I got an old pin from April Fool's Day. Nope, 7/6. Three days ago.

I am starting to keep a board just for some of the unique items I stumble upon through Pinterest feel free to follow along! It keeps me grounded when my addiction starts to get out of hand. And also provides a good laugh!

Gone Fishing.

Let me tell you about The Man. He's and outdoors man. He likes nice, fluffy things, but at the end of the day he'd rather be outside chasing some animal and cooking it over a fire. Since we started our dating and eventual married life together, I've know he likes to hunt. He's hunted antelope, elk, deer, and even tried moose hunting last fall without luck. I've learned how to cook wild food (sometimes over a fire) getting the "wild" flavor at least mellowed. I've come to terms with knowing he'll be gone for a week or two each year tromping around with a gun looking for animals and probably not showering. It's cool.

I'd never thought about him fishing, though. He had some fishing poles and a tackle box and once or twice a year he'd go out with his uncle or on a big fishing trip with the guys. Honestly, fishing was not on my radar. And I should have seen it coming.

This year he is obsessed with fishing. I don't know how, or when, or why it happened, but it did. And I can't get him away from the water.

So, a few weeks ago, The Man suggested I go fishing with him on "Give Fishing a Try Day" aka no fishing license needed day. I thought to myself, "I'm dying to get out of the house and get some fresh air, fishing can't be that bad." So I told him, "Sure!" and I brought a book along for good measure.

I caught a fish or two, but I was so frustrated with fishing that I gave up and read my book. I decided that going fishing was my thing, as long as I don't have to fish.

Fast forward a week or so, we're on vacation and we're tagging along fishing. I didn't have the desire to do a thing but read my book or throw some stones in the water with The Boy. Ehh. Fishing.

Rainbow Trout from the Flaming Gorge.

And then BAM. I decided to get a fishing license and try it again this week. We went out last night and I only caught three little fish, but I can't think of anything I'd rather do this week than get back out on the boat and try to catch some more. I think it's because it's like a mini vacation. When you're out there, you can't do anything but toss out a line (or read a book, I still plan to bring a book along!). We went near sunset and it was so peaceful and relaxing and I can't wait to do it again.

Plus it affords some much needed quality time with The Man. Our crazy mixed up military life schedule doesn't allow us normal days, or normal weeks. So if it means we spend time fishing, then I'm taking advantage of it. Who knows what you might catch!

Western Frontier: Part 3

Last photos, I swear!

These are all Utah photos. I can't believe everything we saw in those last two days! I can't wait to go back!



Driving through a mountain pass, we spotted this little moose eating some lunch from a pond on the side of the road!

Bridal Veil Falls

We climbed up a pretty steep little trail. It was worth my freaking out over it, because the view was beautiful and the cool mist from the icy falls felt great on the hot day.

Saw this in the parking lot on our way back from seeing the waterfall. I love it. And now I want one!

More fishing! The Man with a kokanee salmon in Strawberry Resevoir.

Western Frontier: Part 2

After we landed in Salt Lake City, we drove to Wyoming to meet up with the family. We headed north to a little tiny town called Pinedale. It was quaint. The ice cream stand was very popular. Then we took a drive so the guys could fish. The Boy and I caught some stunning views on a trail we took up a little mountain!

Wow!

Freezing. Cold.

 Next stop, Flaming Gorge which crosses the Utah and Wyoming borders. It's a huge recreation location in the middle of pretty much nowhere. The geology is incredible. As you drive, the rock types change drastically because of the way the land was moved, so it's as if you are driving into the earth. Click here to learn more - I'm not describing it well, and honestly, it doesn't look like this describes it perfectly either, but it's cool. Really cool.

The Boy and The Man catching trout in the Flaming Gorge.
Oh, yeah, The Boy and I are recent fishing converts. That's for another post.

Flaming Gorge from above.

Western Frontier

We got back from vacation to the Western Frontier and now I want to go back!

We landed in Salt Lake City and then headed to Wyoming for a family function for a few days. On our way home, we spent the last two days in Utah and I couldn't get enough. The views were spectacular. The weather incredible (if you like it hot!). We didn't even have time to visit the National Parks I had hoped to get to, but after this short stint, I'm ready to go back. Utah seems to be this incredibly kept secret. I don't know anyone, at least off the top of my mind, that I know who has vacationed there. I could probably post about a million photos, but I'll keep my next few posts to just a few of my favorites!

We picked up a mini hitch hiker right when we got to Salt Lake City. He was easy to tote!

Taking a walk in the Great Salt Lake. Water was warm and beautiful!

A view of the Lake from Antelope Island. For awhile, I thought I might have been in Hawaii again!

One of the bison from the herd that lives on Antelope Island. We didn't see any antelope, though...

Community Gardening

We've had quite a month. I can't believe I haven't posted. I don't know where the time went.

Well, I do know where it went, but it went fast!

We planted our garden at the beginning of the month and it is growing strong! We wanted to start with a manageable size so as not to overwelm our small congregation so we planted some staples: tomatoes, peppers, squash, beans, cucumbers and basil (my favorite!).

Despite drought conditions, our garden looks healthy. We have a soaker hose embedded and we topped the garden with mulch to help hold the moisture in and block weeds. It's working nicely and it's a hot topic on Sunday mornings.

Dig it up, lay down weed blocking material, cut some holes, set the plants in, roll out the soaker hose and toss a little mulch on and we're good to go!

The Man thinking hard in the background :)

The Boy lending a hand...

Finished!

Happy Birthday Finn!

Happy first birthday to The Boy!

We planned a small party full of yummy treats and fun. We were almost rained out, so all of my decorations didn't get put up, but I tried to maintain some flexibility (ha! The Man would tell you otherwise...). Check out the pics below on what turned into a really beautiful day, despite the wet beginnings! What fun!

Update: Community Church Garden

Admittedly, this is not the best photo I have ever taken, but I wanted to give a quick glimpse of the plants for our church community garden! They’re strong and getting bigger every day.

I’m really excited to see our garden grow and eventually see it benefit people who need fresh, healthy, delicious produce right in our own community.

When I think about gardening and harvest, one of the first Biblical images that comes to mind is that of the fruit of the spirit in Galatians. I have pasted the passage below so you don’t even have to dig out your Bible!

Just as we need to prepare the land at our church for a garden, we must allow the Holy Spirit to work on our hearts, digging it up, turning it over, and softening it to allow the plants to grow and fruit.

When we don’t allow the Holy Spirit to work through our hearts, weeds take over (do you recognize any of the “weeds” below in your heart? I know I have some weeds that need to be pulled in my own.). It’s often difficult to pull weeds, their roots grow webs under the dirt, strong, powerful and hidden to us. Some weeds have seeds that seem to be able to grow anywhere they land. Ridding your land of weeds is painstaking, tedious and you must stay vigilant or the weeds will be back. One way to prevent weeds from growing is to have your desired plants taking up space.

I doubt that the church land will feel pain or struggle when we dig it up and plant it, however, it will be quite a task. Fortunately we have access to the proper tools to allow us to remove the grass and soften the dirt. We will lay ground cover to block out new weeds from growing and allow our desired plants to flourish. We will water and care for the small plants as they grow deeper roots allowing the plants to grow taller, stronger and eventually, fruit.

We, too, have tools to prepare and protect our heart garden. The Bible, prayer, the Holy Spirit, and our church family are just a few of the tools we have at our fingertips. Often, I forget to use the tools in my shed, or fail to use them properly or in a timely manner. And it makes sense, I’m a human with flaws and a pretty black thumb when it comes to matters of the heart. When we allow the Holy Spirit to take full control of our gardens we allow a master gardener with a very green thumb to help the fruit of the spirit flourish in our own hearts.

Galatians 5:17-26
The old sinful nature loves to do evil, which is just opposite from what the Holy Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are opposite from what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, and your choices are never free from this conflict. But when you are directed by the Holy Spirit, you are no longer subject to the law. When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, your lives will produce these evil results: sexual immorality, impure thoughts, eagerness for lustful pleasure, idolatry, participation in demonic activities, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, divisions, the feeling that everyone is wrong except those in your own little group, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other kinds of sin. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us (emphasis mine): love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. If we are living now by the Holy Spirit, let us follow the Holy Spirit's leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or irritate one another, or be jealous of one another.

Just Breathe.

I feel like I fell off the blog-earth the past two weeks. Last week, The Man returned from school in Utah. He spent the week, a very busy week, at home. We had the normal routine, plus I had my four-year-old nephew over for a few days. We, well actually, The Man, prepared and planted our garden. We had a party for The Boy's first birthday. And to top it off, one of my sisters was in town for Memorial Day weekend - so I didn't spend a minute in waste!

I am exhausted.

After blogging every day during the Wives of Faith Blog Carnival, I had to be blogged out for a few days or risk not getting a thing done before The Man got home! Now, it's back to business as usual. The Man is back to work and I'm back to crazy land with The Boy, The Dog, and occasionally, my nephew around for added fun. I'm pretty sure my neighbors think I'm crazy.

One of the four neighbor dogs has also been over to play frequently which just adds to the madness.

I'm pretty sure Odin and Tucker share a brain...

In all of this chaos, I was struggling to find some rest and some peace, when in one of my daily devotions spoke to my soul.

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
Psalm 62:5-8

I can't imagine living life without my mighty rock, and my refuge. Oh to have a heart for God like David did. I'm embarrassed that I don't turn to Him first in every test and every trial. When I fall short time after time, God meets me at that place no matter how far away I've fallen from him. Not only is He willing to meet me at any place that I call out to Him, He will give me rest, He will give me strength and He will give me hope. It's what I'm looking for this week, at the feet of my Father first.

Surprise Baseball Party

We had a fantastic time at my nephew's fourth birthday party. We kicked off the celebration with a big "Surprise" for the birthday boy. He reaction was pretty cute!

My sister asked me to run with a baseball theme - we had ballpark and easy to eat foods delivered by our very own concessions workers! Brats, hot dogs, fruit skewers, popcorn and peanuts were the highlights. I also made cupcakes with pennants and a baseball banner to add to the decor. Enjoy a few of the snapshots below!

Life is good.

Today's Blog Carnival Topic - It’s been said that a picture’s worth a thousand words. Post a photograph you’ve taken. (And yes, you can describe it or tell the story behind it if you want to!)

The Man, The Boy, The Dog.

I don't have much of a story. I just like this photo because these three boys make me feel at home no matter where we are. We always have a lot of laughs, and, especially when we're all together, life is good.

Hooah!

Oh goodness. My best military wife Hooah! moment?

I don't know if I have one single Hooah! moment that stands above the rest. It's usually a bunch of small moments that get me through the particular situation I am in. Often it's doing something I didn't think I'd be able to do until I had no choice but to do it.

Like shoveling 16 inches of snow for three days straight and getting to work on time each day.

Or getting the lawn mower started for the first time this spring (and multiple times since!).

Or maybe getting on to Fort Riley with the wrong insurance card in our truck during our first year of marriage. It was my first time trying to get onto a military installation without The Man, I was already nervous, had driven 15+ hours to see him and then we had the wrong card in the truck. Not only did I get it straightened out and get onto post, I also found my way without getting lost. An added bonus? You can check out our vehicles now and I guarantee they have the correct insurance card!

Outside the gates of Ft. Riley.

Maybe it was getting home safely after sending The Man off on our first deployment. I'll never forget watching him get on that plane. I stared out the window as I watched the plane taxi down the runway and take off. At that moment, it seemed like an eternity before I'd see him again. If I saw him again. I didn't think I could even get back home. Or wanted to go home. So, I sat down in the airport and cried. After awhile, I picked myself up and drove home. And here we are, three years later already!

Perhaps, my best Hooah! moment is that I never forget the sting of letting him leave and the joy of when he returns. It makes me love The Man in ways I never would have without our time apart. We treasure our moments together because we don't know how long we'll have them. I don't think most civilian marriages have the privilege of loving fiercely like military marriages do.

God gives us the opportunities and it's our job to make the most of them with the confidence that He is by our side:
"For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen.  If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me." Jeremiah 29:11-13.

Hebrews 11 is my rock in these times. Each success at the seemingly impossible moment makes me stronger and ready to tackle the next mission.

So, bring it on, Army.

Bring. It. On.

Hooah!

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Join us in the Wives of Faith Military Spouse Appreciation Blog Carnival! Find the topics HERE!

Dream Sheet.

Today's topic...We all know there’s a “dream sheet” for our service members to indicate where they’d choose to be sent if possible. But what about you? What duty stations or locations would be on YOUR dream sheet?

We don't have a "dream sheet" in the Army National Guard. We're lucky enough to be moved around our home state. Or not moving and The Man doing some unique commuting as is the current case.

However, that doesn't stop me from dreaming!

I'd jump at the opportunity to move with the military. I'd love to not only live in another place, but I think military life offers fantastic experiences that I want to pass onto The Boy. From learning to make life-long friends quickly to easily adapting to situations and cultures. The military has taught me how to be flexible, creative and to make the most out of any situation. The Man and I plan to teach him these skills as he grows, but the military would help speed up his learning process.

If we could go anywhere, here are my top picks, in no particular order:

Italy. I visited once when in high school and fell in love. Really, anywhere in Europe.

Japan. The Man has been to Japan twice for training related opportunities and he said the people are some of the nicest he's ever met. We also love sushi. Dream sheet, right?

North or South Carolina. I'm a pretty big fan of the South and I think the Carolinas could offer some of the things I enjoy the most about visiting the southern part of the CONUS including the people, heat and humidity, and charm.

Hawaii. I have heard mixed reviews from the people we've known stationed in Hawaii, however, we've been there a handful of times and I love the culture and I don't think I could get bored or get sick of eating fresh pineapple. I sure wouldn't cry over missing winter, either.

Guam or Puerto Rico. As long as we're talking about islands, why not talk one of these two? I think I would enjoy living on an island for a few years. I might not handle it my whole life, but for a few years? Why not!


The Blog Carnival is in full swing. Join in the fun!

You know you’re a military spouse when . . .

As the wife to an Active Duty Army National Guardsman, I find myself split right down the middle on this military life thing.

In fact, I've decided that being a military spouse is a lot like being a translator.

Let me give you a little background - There nearest "large" military installation is over two hours from our home. If a person around here is in the military, it's often ANG (Army National Guard) or a Reserve unit. I've gotten used to the quizzical looks, the blank stares and the confusion that spreads across an unknowing person's face after learning my husband is in the military.

If often begins like this:
"What does your husband do?"
"My husband is a soldier, he works full time for the Army National Guard."
"Wait, your husband is in the Army or the National Guard? Isn't that just on the weekends?"
"Let me explain it to you..."

Have you ever used an online translator? I did. Once. It was for my French class in high school. I couldn't figure out how to write a sentence for my homework, so I went online and I tried using a free translator. It was a disaster. Fortunately it was just homework, but you can bet I didn't try it again.

A genuine translator understands how to communicate between languages and cultures. He will grasp what one is saying so that the other will understand it in his cultural context.

So much of language is found in the emotion and emphasis and in those underlying clues that help you understand if the person is making a joke or a threat.

As a military spouse, I find myself constantly translating one culture to the other.

Before The Man left for his latest adventure, he was trying to explain to someone in our church that he was waiting on approval to MOSQ.

Cue the "glazed over look".

So I quickly and quietly jumped in,

Me: "Ahem, acronym." 
The Man: "Oh, I mean, I'm going to be Military Occupational Specialty Qualified."
Me: "Really?! Did you just say that?" (okay, that part was in my head).
I really said, "He's going to training for his new job, it's similar to changing your job title or job specialty."

...or something like that, hopefully not so snotty sounding as it looks typed. Seriously, this is why translators are important!

You know you're a military spouse when being a translator works both ways...

The Man is used to working with people who (mostly) think like him, have been trained like him and who work like him. Get it? Like. Him.

My favorite discussions with The Man surround his life post-military. Especially when it comes to the way decisions are made in civilian organizations or even things as basic as vacation days. Sometimes I even poke the bear just because I find his reactions to civilian organizations hilarious. I know, it's kind of mean.

I once had a boss who made me stay late stay late because his boss stayed late. I thought it was only going to be for that particular week because there was a big event coming up. But it wasn't. We couldn't go home until the big guy went home (don't get me wrong, this same situation can happen in the military, I'm just using it as an example).

The Man was not impressed.

The Man: "When I'm working in the civilian world, I'm not putting up with that. If my work is done, then I'm going home. And you should too. If your work is done and your hours are in, just leave."
Me: "Corporations don't work like the Army."
The Man: "Well when I'm working in the civilian world, that's how it's going to work."
Me: "HAHAHAHAHA. You won't be working for long!"

That job, thankfully, did not last long.

There are so many cultural differences between military and civilian lifestyles, I'm still learning how to properly translate. Each experience helps to make me more aware of how to communicate between and even blend the two into one very special life for us.

Sometimes it feels like I live on two entirely separate planets, but I wouldn't change a thing.


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This entry was written because of a special event sponsored by Wives of Faith. The 2012 Military Spouse Appreciation Blog Carnival runs all week and is open to all military spouse bloggers. Join in the fun by clicking here for the rest of this week's topics!

Wives of Faith Blog Carnival

Twice each year Wives of Faith puts on a military spouse blog carnival. I don't know why I haven't participated recently, but I'm back in the game. It's a blast!

This year, I helped design their button. Take a look!

The 2012 Military Spouse Appreciation Blog Carnival begins Monday! Click here for the details!

I can't wait to write and read along with so many incredible women of faith who are sharing the same military adventure all across the world!

You're Invited!

I

Love.

Love.

Love.

Planning a party.

Right now, I'm planning two!

I thought I'd share a sneak peek of the invitations...I couldn't resist. Besides, what's a party without sending the invite first?

Enjoy!

I'll be sure to post photos when we've actually had the parties...