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Military Wives, Page 2

While much of what a military wife faces is universal to all wives, some aspects of her life is very different. This is where military spouses can find encouragement. You will also find all posts related to my book The Warrior’s Bride here.

What was the best of the best?

The Best of 2016

What a year! In 2016, I graduated a son (my toughest student), published two new books for military spouses, and one new fiction novelette. What was the best of the best? What did you, my readers, like most? It was a mesh of military tips (like surviving a military move), friendship advice (avoiding the wrong friends), and finding what the Bible says about how involved we are supposed to be in each others lives. But to read the best of the best, or remind yourself of what you read earlier this year, this is the place to start.
Veterans Day

Honoring Veterans

In the United States, this Friday is the special day dedicated to honoring veterans. What comes to mind? Among other things, The Star Spangled Banner and Lee Greenwood's God Bless the U.S.A. Two very different songs, but they communicate the same things to this U.S. Air Force girl's heart. The same things I see when I look at the American flag and or any American uniform within our Department of Defense. Honor. Courage. Commitment to a cause bigger than themselves.
moving tips

It’s PCS (Moving) Season! My 6 Best Tips

Hey! Don’t miss the fantastic NEW Freebie for families!
If you’re moving soon, you’ll want to check it out.

“We’ve got orders.”

Even though my husband hasn’t said that in many years, I can still hear those words coming out of his mouth. I still feel the pause, the brief moment of held breath, when friends say them to me.

0719 aOrders are funny. In their most basic form, they are just a simple piece of paper with writing on it, yet they control so much of our lives. Sometimes we can’t wait to receive them, and other times they appear unexpectedly, without warning. But within their immeasurable weight, they carry hope, concern, adventure, frustration, and even fear.

We’ve experienced orders that came through smoothly, orders for which we had to be approved for travel, and orders that didn’t include the children and me when they should have.… Want to read more?

3 steps to freedom

3 Steps to Freedom (#3 is My Favorite)

[Don't miss this week's giveaway!] Freedom. On Monday, the United States celebrated its 240th birthday. Two hundred and forty years of standing on our own two feet, as it were. Of figuring out what that means. Of discerning where the balance lies between the freedom to do as you please and the responsibility that infers. Because all freedom confers responsibility. Oh, I know. Most of us like to talk about freedom, but we'd also prefer to stay away from the responsibility aspect of it. It's nice to talk about the freedom of speech or religion or security within our homes. It's hard to talk about the damage our words can cause. It's sometimes uncomfortable to practice peace with faiths very different from our own. And it's difficult to know when you should break through a door -- whether that door is physical, mental, or emotional -- to reach the person within. Preparing to face a giant First Samuel 17 tells of the time that a giant of a man stood before King Saul and his men. "This day I defy the armies of Israel," he said. "Give me a man and let us fight each other."
I wanted God to fix it.

Stuck? Follow Apollo 8 to a Renewed Mind

I knew I needed a renewed mind, to see things God's way. But I didn't want to. I was exhausted and lonely. I felt like I was being set apart — not for some grand purpose, but left behind; unchosen, like the kid no one wants to pick for their team.
God's Financial Plan

God’s Financial Plan (And How You Can Get on It)

I remember a story my mom told about a family that lived near them early in my dad’s military career. As per usual, at the beginning of each month, the military paid their men. The wives took the grocery money to the commissary, and each month, among her other items, this neighbor would buy a huge sack of potatoes—way more than any normal family would eat in a month.
Memorial Day

How Will You Remember Memorial Day 2016?

Mrs. Barnett, this is Sgt. Smith calling to inform you that there has been an incident regarding men within your husband’s unit. We want to assure you that your husband is fine. On April 25, we regret to say that Richard Herrema was killed in action while serving his country.
avoiding the wrong friends

Avoiding the Wrong Friends

Friends. I've been fortunate at each new home to find one or two close friends. Not every friendship ended well, though. In fact, some splits were downright painful. Can we tell the difference between good friends and people who may not be good for us? What things should alert us to be on guard?
Military Families Bible (box)

Supporting Military Families [Giveaway!]

Many of you are either military or part of a military family. Or love and support a military family.

Military Families BibleThat’s why I’m excited to introduce to you the new Military Families Bible by B&N Publishing!

This beautiful, imitation leather Bible (Holman Christian Standard version) includes thirty devotions and thirty prayers written by military authors for military families.

  • Seeking fulfillment in your life as a military spouse? This Bible has a devotion for that — written by me!
  • Feeling alone during deployment? Yep, a devotion for that too.
  • Need a prayer for trusting God’s provision during seemingly dire circumstances? Chaplain (Colonel) John Laing wrote one specifically for that.
  • Want some guidance to know how to pray for your solider, sailor, airman, or Marine to follow orders wisely and accurately?
… Want to read more?

Other Military Spouses

When Kathy and I were discussing the topics to include in the Beyond Warrior’s Bride series, I asked several active-duty military spouses stationed around the world what they saw as the biggest challenges to thriving in the military. One of the overwhelming responses we got back: other military spouses.