Friday, September 16, 2011
I want YOU to join me on FB!
R&R was a huge success. A bit early in the year, but a MUCH needed break. We have forged ahead into a new routine, including school for all of us. I will not be dedicating as much time to my blog as I would like, but focusing on my studies is a huge part of what this blog is about. To follow daily thoughts PLEASE "like" my FB page (link should be to your right below "labels"). If you are a FB user I would love to have your "impressions" and feedback.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Perspectives - Revisited post
I love my Army Ranger. Many unique challenges are brought on by the Army lifestyle, and to find rewards in these challenges I have had to choose the correct perspective.
The romance. Saying 'goodbye' to my man for a year grips my heart and wets my eyes. My reward is romance. We appreciate our time together and make the most of it, not to mention the romantic reunion when he comes home.
The moves. It is part of the military lifestyle to pick up and leave your hometown, and the next town, and the next. I still love to start an adventure, having to clean out closets, pack up and live like a nomad. I appreciate what I have when I get it back, and I cannot imagine my life without seeing the world.
The friends. Fire-forged friendships. My soldier is not the only one who gets a battle buddy. The military lifestyle taught me how to recognize my true friends, and it also continues to teach me how to grow new friendships. I hold these friends close to my heart, and I continue to open my mind to the world through the eyes of the diverse friends I have met over the years.
The uniform. My man looks good in it, and I love what the uniform stands for. It represents service and sacrifice. My husband is fun, relaxed, and just as handsome out of his uniform, but he makes the choice to put the uniform on, and that is what makes the difference.
The independence. Time together is golden, but a relationship forms between individuals, and there is no reason we should not continue to nurture our own individuality. It is a tight rope balancing family and self, but taking the opportunities to be on my own is enriching. It reminds me that he needs his own interests, and I am sure my interests make me a much more enjoyable person to live with.
The change. I was getting too comfortable in Kansas, or at least that is what the Army thought. I do appreciate that the military shakes up my routine. I can re-evaluate what routines and habits I will keep or leave behind. It allows me to re-invent myself a little. We are all growing, or should be, and moving encourages the bravery in me to become someone a little better than I have been.
The challenge. I try to remember that with each challenge I can walk away with a better understanding of what God expects of me. The military is certainly not the only sub-culture with a unique set of challenges, but the unique challenges I have faced continue to prepare me for His work in service to others. I pray that I can help other military wives see their challenges as opportunities.
My husband. I would not search out this lifestyle. I choose to make the best of the military life, because the military lifestyle is what came with saying, "I do."
What opportunities have you discovered on your journey with the military? Please comment below on how your perspective has changed. What impact does your theology have on that perspective?
(I submitting a sample of my writing when I realized how long the original post was. This edited version is much more to the point, and I hope to keep future posts at this more manageable length)
The romance. Saying 'goodbye' to my man for a year grips my heart and wets my eyes. My reward is romance. We appreciate our time together and make the most of it, not to mention the romantic reunion when he comes home.
The moves. It is part of the military lifestyle to pick up and leave your hometown, and the next town, and the next. I still love to start an adventure, having to clean out closets, pack up and live like a nomad. I appreciate what I have when I get it back, and I cannot imagine my life without seeing the world.
The friends. Fire-forged friendships. My soldier is not the only one who gets a battle buddy. The military lifestyle taught me how to recognize my true friends, and it also continues to teach me how to grow new friendships. I hold these friends close to my heart, and I continue to open my mind to the world through the eyes of the diverse friends I have met over the years.
The uniform. My man looks good in it, and I love what the uniform stands for. It represents service and sacrifice. My husband is fun, relaxed, and just as handsome out of his uniform, but he makes the choice to put the uniform on, and that is what makes the difference.
The independence. Time together is golden, but a relationship forms between individuals, and there is no reason we should not continue to nurture our own individuality. It is a tight rope balancing family and self, but taking the opportunities to be on my own is enriching. It reminds me that he needs his own interests, and I am sure my interests make me a much more enjoyable person to live with.
The change. I was getting too comfortable in Kansas, or at least that is what the Army thought. I do appreciate that the military shakes up my routine. I can re-evaluate what routines and habits I will keep or leave behind. It allows me to re-invent myself a little. We are all growing, or should be, and moving encourages the bravery in me to become someone a little better than I have been.
The challenge. I try to remember that with each challenge I can walk away with a better understanding of what God expects of me. The military is certainly not the only sub-culture with a unique set of challenges, but the unique challenges I have faced continue to prepare me for His work in service to others. I pray that I can help other military wives see their challenges as opportunities.
My husband. I would not search out this lifestyle. I choose to make the best of the military life, because the military lifestyle is what came with saying, "I do."
What opportunities have you discovered on your journey with the military? Please comment below on how your perspective has changed. What impact does your theology have on that perspective?
(I submitting a sample of my writing when I realized how long the original post was. This edited version is much more to the point, and I hope to keep future posts at this more manageable length)
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
"Theology is Knowing God"
I figure I am far overdue to post work from my first semester of Women's Ministry as I promised when starting this blog. I am fairly settled since our PCS and the start of Jason's deployment, and we are getting into our routines. This blog needs to become a routine for me, because its focus is on my relationship with God... my theology.
In my Introduction to Women's Ministry course at Calvary Bible College, we were asked to read and respond to When Life and Beliefs Collide: How Knowing God Makes a Difference, by Carolyn Custis James. This blog post is basically a reworking of that response paper.
In When Life and Beliefs Collide, Custis James urges women to recognize their roles as theologians and then argues that women must strive to improve their relationship with God in order to fulfill that role properly. She focuses on Mary of Bethany as the first female theologian of the New Testament and fleshes out the stories of Mary to illustrate the female theologian's need to know God. While she is not excluding men from this need to know God, she is emphasising the importance of reconsidering the traditional roles of women within the church community.
The book goes on to explore how our theology is involved in keeping faith in difficult times, and how important a role women play in ministering to others during those times. How do you react to deployments, training exercises, TDYs? What is your role when the military spouses around you are hurting? What does our theology say about what we expect from God, and how do we cope with hardship? Custis James turns to the three principles set out in Hebrews 12:1-2. "Its purpose was to fuel the faith of ordinary women and men who were afraid, hurting, and deeply disappointed with Jesus." (p.123) Custis James uses numerous contemporary examples of difficult circumstances, but the best example is from the Bible with how Mary and Martha respond to Lazarus's death and how it refines their understanding of Jesus. "Jesus wanted Mary to learn because he knew how desperately she and other women would need it..." (p. 116) God does prepare us for difficult times. We need to take the time to listen, often through the pain. This book discusses the difficult topic of God's plan, our perceptions of our circumstances, and how our free will and the free will of those around us can complicate keeping our faith in God's plan.
Finally Custis James builds her case for the importance of theology in all our lives, but particularly in women's lives as allies in our relationships and builders of the Church. She covers interpreting Genesis in the meaning of helper and the implications of the Fall. She argues that Eve was created to be a helper for Adam to strengthen his purpose, and that "both of them [should] think through what the other was saying and to act according to the truth." (p.196) She points out that women who serve, like Martha, are often the first and the last on the scene in situation when theology is most important.
When is theology most important? It is not when you are sitting at lunch discussing religion. Your theology is most important when everyday things are getting you down, when situations seem overwhelming, and when your heart is gripped with fear, doubt, and hopelessness. Your theology is most important when your neighbor comes over for a cup of coffee to vent. Your theology is most important when your husband is frustrated and needs your support. It is not just your attitude that makes a difference in these cases, it is your understanding of God and what He expects of you that will shape your attitude and your actions. I know that I am far too flawed to keep my attitude and my words in check on my own, and I am thankful that I am growing in my relationship with God and better understanding how to stop causing frustration and hurt in my relationships. When I interact with others who are hurting, I am drawing on the theology I have. "Knowing Him preserves [Martha] from thrashing about and frees her to focus on the task at hand." (p.231)
I agree with Custis James that, "theology is one more item that has been put safely out of reach." (p.18) As much as my husband and I share decisions in life and talk freely about many things, I have never quoted scripture to him or used biblical principles to influence his actions or attitude. I have never had a theological argument other than something is right or wrong. That is how we all speak in our society, because we don't want to offend anyone else. We spend our days claiming that actions, attitudes, and people are right or they are wrong, but we don't dive into the important discussion of where the concept of right or wrong comes from or actually means to us or our relationship with God.
I am now willing to see myself as a theologian... a budding theologian, and I strongly agree with Custis James on the importance of my theology. For me the most difficult part of getting into When Life and Beliefs Collide was getting past the amount of storytelling. I am familiar with life stories, and I am sure you have more than your share of life stories as well. My drive to share how knowing God has changed my perspective and improved my life choices is what brought me to study Women's Ministry. But, it has been interesting to see the difficulties that have been placed in our way, not only as women, but just as people in our society. I have wanted to dive into having a greater understanding of the Bible for some time, but it took deciding on a career that relied on it to justify it. Why should we have to justify our desire to dedicate ourselves to the study of God's Word? My mother was the only person who expressed to me the notion that regardless of what I did with my career, my life could only benefit from this deeper study of the Bible. So, for me, this book was refreshing, and it helped me define for myself what it is I have been striving for. This book will stay on my shelf and remind me that "the question is, What kind of theologian are you? and, Are you a good one?" Kay Warren (p.9)
In my Introduction to Women's Ministry course at Calvary Bible College, we were asked to read and respond to When Life and Beliefs Collide: How Knowing God Makes a Difference, by Carolyn Custis James. This blog post is basically a reworking of that response paper.
In When Life and Beliefs Collide, Custis James urges women to recognize their roles as theologians and then argues that women must strive to improve their relationship with God in order to fulfill that role properly. She focuses on Mary of Bethany as the first female theologian of the New Testament and fleshes out the stories of Mary to illustrate the female theologian's need to know God. While she is not excluding men from this need to know God, she is emphasising the importance of reconsidering the traditional roles of women within the church community.
Mary's interactions with Jesus demonstrate that nothing in a woman's life is more important than her theology. Knowing God is a woman's highest calling and her most pressing need. What we know of him, whether it is a little or a lot, is all we have to hang on to when the storm hits and we are being pulled into the downward spiral of worthlessness, dispair, and defeat. It is also what energizes and guides us as we tackle the task before us - as mothers, daughters, wives, and friends. (p.168)Custis James tackles women's reluctance to see themselves as theologians. Do you see yourself as a theologian? Before I read this book I would not have dared to consider it. The ideas that "... God did not equip women for theological pursuits." and "... deep knowledge conflicts with the biblical idea of wifely submission;..." (p.46) seems to be coupled with a narrow definition of theology and a fear that "if we are not careful, God can easily become eclipsed by the mountain of ponderous ideas and heady concepts we call theology." (p.35) Custis James makes a strong argument that all Christians have a responsibility to be theologians and good ones. "The whole issue comes into focus when we remember that theology is knowing God. This is not a gender issue. It is not a matter of aptitude, instinct, or intelligence. It is about what it means to be a Christian." (p.47)
The book goes on to explore how our theology is involved in keeping faith in difficult times, and how important a role women play in ministering to others during those times. How do you react to deployments, training exercises, TDYs? What is your role when the military spouses around you are hurting? What does our theology say about what we expect from God, and how do we cope with hardship? Custis James turns to the three principles set out in Hebrews 12:1-2. "Its purpose was to fuel the faith of ordinary women and men who were afraid, hurting, and deeply disappointed with Jesus." (p.123) Custis James uses numerous contemporary examples of difficult circumstances, but the best example is from the Bible with how Mary and Martha respond to Lazarus's death and how it refines their understanding of Jesus. "Jesus wanted Mary to learn because he knew how desperately she and other women would need it..." (p. 116) God does prepare us for difficult times. We need to take the time to listen, often through the pain. This book discusses the difficult topic of God's plan, our perceptions of our circumstances, and how our free will and the free will of those around us can complicate keeping our faith in God's plan.
Finally Custis James builds her case for the importance of theology in all our lives, but particularly in women's lives as allies in our relationships and builders of the Church. She covers interpreting Genesis in the meaning of helper and the implications of the Fall. She argues that Eve was created to be a helper for Adam to strengthen his purpose, and that "both of them [should] think through what the other was saying and to act according to the truth." (p.196) She points out that women who serve, like Martha, are often the first and the last on the scene in situation when theology is most important.
When is theology most important? It is not when you are sitting at lunch discussing religion. Your theology is most important when everyday things are getting you down, when situations seem overwhelming, and when your heart is gripped with fear, doubt, and hopelessness. Your theology is most important when your neighbor comes over for a cup of coffee to vent. Your theology is most important when your husband is frustrated and needs your support. It is not just your attitude that makes a difference in these cases, it is your understanding of God and what He expects of you that will shape your attitude and your actions. I know that I am far too flawed to keep my attitude and my words in check on my own, and I am thankful that I am growing in my relationship with God and better understanding how to stop causing frustration and hurt in my relationships. When I interact with others who are hurting, I am drawing on the theology I have. "Knowing Him preserves [Martha] from thrashing about and frees her to focus on the task at hand." (p.231)
I agree with Custis James that, "theology is one more item that has been put safely out of reach." (p.18) As much as my husband and I share decisions in life and talk freely about many things, I have never quoted scripture to him or used biblical principles to influence his actions or attitude. I have never had a theological argument other than something is right or wrong. That is how we all speak in our society, because we don't want to offend anyone else. We spend our days claiming that actions, attitudes, and people are right or they are wrong, but we don't dive into the important discussion of where the concept of right or wrong comes from or actually means to us or our relationship with God.
I am now willing to see myself as a theologian... a budding theologian, and I strongly agree with Custis James on the importance of my theology. For me the most difficult part of getting into When Life and Beliefs Collide was getting past the amount of storytelling. I am familiar with life stories, and I am sure you have more than your share of life stories as well. My drive to share how knowing God has changed my perspective and improved my life choices is what brought me to study Women's Ministry. But, it has been interesting to see the difficulties that have been placed in our way, not only as women, but just as people in our society. I have wanted to dive into having a greater understanding of the Bible for some time, but it took deciding on a career that relied on it to justify it. Why should we have to justify our desire to dedicate ourselves to the study of God's Word? My mother was the only person who expressed to me the notion that regardless of what I did with my career, my life could only benefit from this deeper study of the Bible. So, for me, this book was refreshing, and it helped me define for myself what it is I have been striving for. This book will stay on my shelf and remind me that "the question is, What kind of theologian are you? and, Are you a good one?" Kay Warren (p.9)
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Mary Smith
Mary Smith.
Passed from our world today, May 29, 2011.
75 years old yesterday.
I did not know Mary very well. When I was in high school she made a dress for me to wear in Sound of Music. More recently, Jason deployed in 2006, and I was home with family raising my new son, and Mary approached me with a smile. She asked me how I was, and then she simply stated that she had done it.
We are silly at so many points in our lives. Our ages and stages become so apparent as we look back at missed opportunities. At the time I was not in a close enough relationship with God to see the opportunity He had placed in my path. I could have listened to her experiences and learned from her choices. Our generation is not the first to experience the separations and loss of war.
Mary was a military spouse.
Mary was a military mom.
Most important, Mary was a sister in Christ.
Mary's loving family understood that Mary's time with them was coming to an end. Mary had accomplished her work for God in our world. I may have missed my opportunity to be part of her life and to let her into mine, but that only intensifies my desire to be viligent in recognizing and accepting the opportunities God is placing in my path now.
For the love of Christ controls us, since we have concluded this, that Christ died for all; therefore all have died. And he died for all so that those who live should no longer live for themselvesbut for him who died for them and was raised.
Wise words were spoken to our church family today. As Christians, we have already said goodbye to this world, but we are physically here because we have work to do... God's work.
I cannot imagine a more beautiful way to leave our world than to know that I have accomplished what God has asked of me. So, I will remember Mary as I strive to improve my relationship with God, so that I can better understand His will for my life and the good it will do in His name.
Thank you, Mary.
Friday, May 6, 2011
11 Perspectives
I am so happy to be the wife of my Army Ranger! It fills my heart with joy to know that we share a love that is truly blessed by God. Like all relationships there are challenges mostly brought on by human weakness, and many unique challenges are brought on by the Army. But, for every action there is a reaction, and similarly for every challenge there is a reward. To find the reward I have had to choose the correct perspective. As part of the Wives of Faith: Military Spouse Appreciation Blog Carnival 2011(http://www.wivesoffaith.org/military-spouse-appreciation-blog-carnival), I am listing 11 things that I love about being the wife of a soldier.
1. I love the romance! Saying 'goodbye' to my man for a year or even a week grips my heart and wets my eyes. I have spent the past couple years sending him away for two weeks of TDY each month, and just this week I left his side for his third deployment. Ugh, its awful! What is my reward? Romance! First, think about how much we appreciate the time we are together. Sure, it is not always perfect, but we make the best of it we possibly can. My two preschoolers and I spent the last month living in a hotel room with my husband in Alaska in order to be with him before his year long deployment. The ladies at the front desk of the hotel always mentioned how impressed they were that we searched out a babysitter and went out on a date at least once a week. To us it was a no-brainer. We look for every opportunity to strengthen our relationship, and that often means getting away from the kids, and even pretending for a brief moment that we do not even have kids!
2. I love reunions! Don't forget the ever romantic reunion when he comes home. Watch out, R&R is how beautiful child number two came about.
3. Do I love the moves? Yes. It is part of the military lifestyle to pick up and leave your hometown. For some it is very hard, but for me I couldn't leave fast enough. Of course, I did cry with a new appreciation for my family upon returning from my first trip away, but I still love to start a new adventure. I guess I love the process of moving, as ridiculous as that may sound. I love having to clean out my closets and get rid of stuff I do not use. I love packing up stuff and living like a nomad for a month, just to make me appreciate what I have when I get it back. I love opening boxes after a move, re-living the memories of places visited as I come across treasured mementos, and finding the perfect placement for the furniture that really only fit well in the house we had two moves ago.
4. I love the friends! Fire-forged friendships. My soldier is not the only one in the family who gets a battle buddy... I do! I have friends who I have not seen in years, some that I don't even know how to contact, but even these I would emotionally embrace. The military lifestyle taught me not only how to recognize my true friends in my hometown, it also continues to teach me how to grow new friendships. I have had such wonderful women and men in my life who have reached out to me, who have been honest with me, and who have set an amazing example for me to follow. One couple in particular helped me make the first steps back to God after loosing my first military man, and they introduced me to the husband God has blessed me with today. I hold these friends close to my heart, and I continue to open my mind to the world through the eyes of the diverse friends I have met over the years.
5. I love the uniform. And I do not just mean how good my man looks in it! I love what it stands for, or rather what he stands for when he wears it. It represents service and sacrifice. What an amazing example to set! When my husband changes out of his uniform into his shirt and jeans he is fun, relaxed, and just as handsome as in his uniform. But he makes the choice to put the uniform on, and that is what makes the difference.
6. I love the opportunity to be on my own when he is gone. Sure, time together is golden, but a relationship forms between individuals, and there is no reason we should not continue to nurture our own individuality. I have been at fault for loosing myself. Not only that, but the more I lost myself in our relationship, the more I expected my husband to do the same. For me it had a lot to do with the birth of my kids and the all encompassing nature of learning how to be a mom, but it still was not right. It is still a tight rope in many ways, balancing family and self, but I believe that taking the opportunities to be on my own when my husband is away has enriched our marriage. It reminds me that he needs his own interests, and I am sure it makes me a much more interesting person to be around. So, my perspective for this deployment: an opportunity to discover more about myself.
7. I love that my kids are awesome travelers! Since March my kids have moved from their home of three years in Kansas to Nevada, stayed with Grandma while waiting for me, and then adjusted to a move into my brother's house. A week after getting "settled" we were off for a week in Disneyland with Daddy and the other set of grandparents, then back to Reno for a week of packing again, then a month in Alaska... in a hotel! They loved it. Within days of being in Alaska they were already calling our hotel room "home". Sad? Maybe. But I consider it resilient! My kids know that 'home' is wherever family is.
8. I love the destinations! Korea, Germany, Ireland, Prague, Amsterdam, and even Georgia, New York, Kansas and Alaska... they all have something new to offer. Yes, some more than others, but each with at least one unique destination that I enjoyed. I cannot imagine my life without seeing the world.
9. I love the change! I guess I was getting too comfortable in Kansas, or at least that is what the Army thought. I do appreciate on some level the fact that the military shakes up my routine. Kind of like packing and moving my house, I can re-evaluate what routines and habits I will keep or leave behind. In a way it allows me to re-invent myself a little, and I see nothing wrong with that. Who will I be this year? Certainly not the exact same person I was in Kansas last year. We are all growing, or should be, and moving encourages the bravery in me to become someone a little better than I have been.
10. I love the challenge! Often it can all be so frustrating. I try to remember that with each challenge I can walk away with a better understanding of what God expects of me. The military is certainly not the only sub-culture that has its own unique set of challenges, but the unique challenges I have faced continue to prepare me for His work in service to others. I pray that I will be able to show my love of God through my love for others. I pray that I can help other military wives see their challenges as opportunities.
11. I love my husband! I would not search out this lifestyle, and the only reason I am here is because of my husband. I choose to make the best of the military life, because the military lifestyle is what came with saying, "I do."
1. I love the romance! Saying 'goodbye' to my man for a year or even a week grips my heart and wets my eyes. I have spent the past couple years sending him away for two weeks of TDY each month, and just this week I left his side for his third deployment. Ugh, its awful! What is my reward? Romance! First, think about how much we appreciate the time we are together. Sure, it is not always perfect, but we make the best of it we possibly can. My two preschoolers and I spent the last month living in a hotel room with my husband in Alaska in order to be with him before his year long deployment. The ladies at the front desk of the hotel always mentioned how impressed they were that we searched out a babysitter and went out on a date at least once a week. To us it was a no-brainer. We look for every opportunity to strengthen our relationship, and that often means getting away from the kids, and even pretending for a brief moment that we do not even have kids!
2. I love reunions! Don't forget the ever romantic reunion when he comes home. Watch out, R&R is how beautiful child number two came about.
3. Do I love the moves? Yes. It is part of the military lifestyle to pick up and leave your hometown. For some it is very hard, but for me I couldn't leave fast enough. Of course, I did cry with a new appreciation for my family upon returning from my first trip away, but I still love to start a new adventure. I guess I love the process of moving, as ridiculous as that may sound. I love having to clean out my closets and get rid of stuff I do not use. I love packing up stuff and living like a nomad for a month, just to make me appreciate what I have when I get it back. I love opening boxes after a move, re-living the memories of places visited as I come across treasured mementos, and finding the perfect placement for the furniture that really only fit well in the house we had two moves ago.
4. I love the friends! Fire-forged friendships. My soldier is not the only one in the family who gets a battle buddy... I do! I have friends who I have not seen in years, some that I don't even know how to contact, but even these I would emotionally embrace. The military lifestyle taught me not only how to recognize my true friends in my hometown, it also continues to teach me how to grow new friendships. I have had such wonderful women and men in my life who have reached out to me, who have been honest with me, and who have set an amazing example for me to follow. One couple in particular helped me make the first steps back to God after loosing my first military man, and they introduced me to the husband God has blessed me with today. I hold these friends close to my heart, and I continue to open my mind to the world through the eyes of the diverse friends I have met over the years.
5. I love the uniform. And I do not just mean how good my man looks in it! I love what it stands for, or rather what he stands for when he wears it. It represents service and sacrifice. What an amazing example to set! When my husband changes out of his uniform into his shirt and jeans he is fun, relaxed, and just as handsome as in his uniform. But he makes the choice to put the uniform on, and that is what makes the difference.
6. I love the opportunity to be on my own when he is gone. Sure, time together is golden, but a relationship forms between individuals, and there is no reason we should not continue to nurture our own individuality. I have been at fault for loosing myself. Not only that, but the more I lost myself in our relationship, the more I expected my husband to do the same. For me it had a lot to do with the birth of my kids and the all encompassing nature of learning how to be a mom, but it still was not right. It is still a tight rope in many ways, balancing family and self, but I believe that taking the opportunities to be on my own when my husband is away has enriched our marriage. It reminds me that he needs his own interests, and I am sure it makes me a much more interesting person to be around. So, my perspective for this deployment: an opportunity to discover more about myself.
7. I love that my kids are awesome travelers! Since March my kids have moved from their home of three years in Kansas to Nevada, stayed with Grandma while waiting for me, and then adjusted to a move into my brother's house. A week after getting "settled" we were off for a week in Disneyland with Daddy and the other set of grandparents, then back to Reno for a week of packing again, then a month in Alaska... in a hotel! They loved it. Within days of being in Alaska they were already calling our hotel room "home". Sad? Maybe. But I consider it resilient! My kids know that 'home' is wherever family is.
8. I love the destinations! Korea, Germany, Ireland, Prague, Amsterdam, and even Georgia, New York, Kansas and Alaska... they all have something new to offer. Yes, some more than others, but each with at least one unique destination that I enjoyed. I cannot imagine my life without seeing the world.
9. I love the change! I guess I was getting too comfortable in Kansas, or at least that is what the Army thought. I do appreciate on some level the fact that the military shakes up my routine. Kind of like packing and moving my house, I can re-evaluate what routines and habits I will keep or leave behind. In a way it allows me to re-invent myself a little, and I see nothing wrong with that. Who will I be this year? Certainly not the exact same person I was in Kansas last year. We are all growing, or should be, and moving encourages the bravery in me to become someone a little better than I have been.
10. I love the challenge! Often it can all be so frustrating. I try to remember that with each challenge I can walk away with a better understanding of what God expects of me. The military is certainly not the only sub-culture that has its own unique set of challenges, but the unique challenges I have faced continue to prepare me for His work in service to others. I pray that I will be able to show my love of God through my love for others. I pray that I can help other military wives see their challenges as opportunities.
11. I love my husband! I would not search out this lifestyle, and the only reason I am here is because of my husband. I choose to make the best of the military life, because the military lifestyle is what came with saying, "I do."
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sermon Notes
Do you take notes at church? I do. It helps me stay awake and focused. I am being honest. There are many 'golden nuggets' of info that would get totally lost in my thoughts if I didn't take a moment from my doodling to write them down. I started taking notes only a couple years ago, when Jason started going TDY (2 weeks gone) each month. My problem is that I am gathering a pile of 'golden info nuggets' on my desk. I intend to revisit them, but there they sit... next to my neglected bible.
(Note: I did open my bible during my classes this past fall, but I mostly turned toward my new favorite resource, the NetBible. http://www.netbible.org/ )
My intentions for this blog are to share the inspiration I have gained from studying Women's Ministry. I plan to use my papers and notes as a springboard for this blog. I will revisit the lessons I have learned, share the process, ask you to join me, and together apply these lessons to the unique lifestyle of the military wife. I took two courses this past semester, introduction to Women's Ministry and Hermeneutics (how to study the bible). I have not been studying the bible my whole life. There have been a few years here and there, but what I have learned this past year has been incredible. Basics for some, but new to me, and I want to share!
I am putting off this semester of study for the reality of our move. We are moving to be with family during Jason's upcoming deployment, but I am looking forward to spending this time with you revisiting what I have learned. Today I was thinking of those sermon notes sitting on my desk. Some have more doodles than words, and some have more words than are necessary, but they all have lessons I learned that should be revisited. So, as part of this blog, look for my weekly (or so) entries titled: Reflections on Sermon Notes.
What is your church studying right now?
(Note: I did open my bible during my classes this past fall, but I mostly turned toward my new favorite resource, the NetBible. http://www.netbible.org/ )
My intentions for this blog are to share the inspiration I have gained from studying Women's Ministry. I plan to use my papers and notes as a springboard for this blog. I will revisit the lessons I have learned, share the process, ask you to join me, and together apply these lessons to the unique lifestyle of the military wife. I took two courses this past semester, introduction to Women's Ministry and Hermeneutics (how to study the bible). I have not been studying the bible my whole life. There have been a few years here and there, but what I have learned this past year has been incredible. Basics for some, but new to me, and I want to share!
I am putting off this semester of study for the reality of our move. We are moving to be with family during Jason's upcoming deployment, but I am looking forward to spending this time with you revisiting what I have learned. Today I was thinking of those sermon notes sitting on my desk. Some have more doodles than words, and some have more words than are necessary, but they all have lessons I learned that should be revisited. So, as part of this blog, look for my weekly (or so) entries titled: Reflections on Sermon Notes.
What is your church studying right now?
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Work in Progress
Like all of us, I am a work in progress.
In my head I debated how finished this blog should look before I share it with the world (or more specifically with you my friends). I am in the midst of a fairly unexpected move, not surprising, but I should be preparing my household goods for packing and my house for renting out. Instead I am starting a blog and a facebook fan page. Once again my focus is a bit off. On the other hand, it is important to me. So, in the interest of actually getting started on my writing, I am presenting this blog to you as a work in progress. A work in progress, just like me.
With that in mind, I will gladly accept tips and suggestions on how to develop and improve this blog, its design, layout, and eventually even its content.
Welcome to the Military Wife Theology 101 blog!
Tia
In my head I debated how finished this blog should look before I share it with the world (or more specifically with you my friends). I am in the midst of a fairly unexpected move, not surprising, but I should be preparing my household goods for packing and my house for renting out. Instead I am starting a blog and a facebook fan page. Once again my focus is a bit off. On the other hand, it is important to me. So, in the interest of actually getting started on my writing, I am presenting this blog to you as a work in progress. A work in progress, just like me.
With that in mind, I will gladly accept tips and suggestions on how to develop and improve this blog, its design, layout, and eventually even its content.
Welcome to the Military Wife Theology 101 blog!
Tia
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