Aug 17th

A Season Of Stepping Down To Step Up

By Nancy Sheridan

A Season Of Stepping Down To Step Up
 August 17, 2010

In the past few years since Steve started deploying, I’ve felt the Lord nudge me to lay down outside responsibilities and positions. I was so involved with volunteering with the different ladies ministries at church and working part-time for a Christian therapist, that I really wished I didn’t have to step down and step out of all the serving and leading that I enjoyed. However, my children needed me to focus on them, and my husband needed me to be stable for him, so I did it as an act of faith and obedience, not as something I preferred.

I cannot even describe all the blessings my simple act of obedience has produced in my marriage, in my children and in myself. I finally gave myself, and God, the room to help me mature, find peace, and learn to enjoy all the different roles I already play in this life. God brought me through a tremendous faith ‘spurt’ and I trust Him so much more than I ever have. Sometimes I do wish I could commit to every small group, home group, bible class, event or volunteer  opportunity, because it’s fun, rewarding, and a way to love others; I do miss that at times.

Still, I know that God had to set me aside to strengthen me for the trials of facing deployment again and buffering the effects of having Daddy gone for the children. It’s a sobering responsibility, but one that is bearing much fruit. My children tell me that they feel loved by Daddy and that they miss him so much. They talk about all the great things that he did with them and that warms my heart. Now, I serve people by bringing a meal, or pampering someone in crisis, or just being a shoulder to cry on. Beyond working on my role as mother, I can do those things and pray, and somehow, it seems to be enough for now.

 
Aug 12th

A Note From Jocelyn Green...

By Patti Katter

Here's a note from our very own, Mrs. Jocelyn Green of  Faith Deployed  and who is also a Christian Military Wives Ministry Leader and the editor of our new magazine, Wives in Bloom:

Christian Military Wives, a branch of Christian Military Fellowship, is announcing a new online magazine: Wives in Bloom will launch on September 1!

I am serving as the editor of this new publication, but the success and value of Wives in Bloom depends on you. We want this to be the premier magazine for military wives who put their trust in Jesus(and for those who are seeking Jesus, too), and we need your help- your wit, wisdom and writing. Please consider writing for Wives in Bloom. Everything you need to know about writing and submitting is right here in these Writers Guidelines.

Two things I want to point out about the month of September:

1) I want to hear your 9-11 stories. Where were you on 9-11-01, and how has it affected your life since then?

2) On a MUCH lighter note, September is National Couponing Month! Please send in some articles about how to become a coupon queen! (Or something related to family budgets, frugal living, etc.)

Remember, the rules for submitting writing for the above two items are the same as for everything else. So please don’t just leave a comment here- follow the guidelines to submit. Thanks!

-Jocelyn Green
Jocelyn@christianmilitarywives.com

Aug 12th

Why Is It Better To Obey Than To Sacrifice?

By Nancy Sheridan

Why is it better to obey than to sacrifice?

To obey is to do what God asks of us no matter what the consequences, to give Him our absolute best even when it hurts. To sacrifice is to hold out what is in our tightly clasped death grip as if it were something too precious to let go.

Take Abel, he obeyed God’s command with his heart and his deeds. He didn’t think twice about giving God his most valuable possessions. Cain, well, let’s just say he thought his sacrifice was worth a whole lot more than it was. Then, his true heart was revealed with its murderous intent.

With thirty years of harboring pain from childhood wounds, twelve years of strife in marriage because I wasn’t trusting God, and going on 3 1/2 years of deployments and separations with all the highs and lows, I’m done with holding murder (rage, anger, unforgiveness) in my heart. I thought what I was holding on to (pain, pride, hurt, offense, my comfort, my life) was worth more than obeying God in word and deed, and my faith suffered for it.

I would much rather obey than sacrifice now, because the difference that letting go makes is complete freedom and wholeness after years of anger and misery.

Wouldn’t you?

~Nancy

1 Samuel 15:21-23 (NIV)
21 The soldiers took sheep and cattle from the plunder, the best of what was devoted to God, in order to sacrifice them to the LORD your God at Gilgal.”
22 But Samuel replied: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD ? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.
23 For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you as king.”

 
Aug 5th

Low Self Esteem?

By Patti Katter

insecure

Last night at church, the speaker (Marco) talked about low self esteem.  He then showed a photo of himself wearing thick goggle like glasses (they almost looked military issued) and dawning a great part in his hair and explained that as a child he had very low self esteem.

In my younger years, I battled with low self esteem.  I never thought I looked good enough and I always doubted myself.  For instance, I thought it would be fun to try out for track... but, I didn't because I didn't think I would have been fast enough.  Or, what about the time I had a cute pair of jelly shoes (yeah, back in the 80s) but I chickened out of wearing them until other "cool" girls started wearing them.  The truth of the matter is, I shouldn't have worried about what other people thought... but, I did.  Who cares if I wouldn't have been the fastest runner on the team, or who would have really cared if I had worn those jelly shoes before they were really popular?

Worldly self esteem seems to revolve around posessions, finances, and accomplishments.  As Christians, our sence of being a good person should not depend on any of those things.  Our self worth and self esteem should reflect who we are in Christ and the wonderful talents God gives us.  We should not worry about what people say or do against us, as all that matters is our relationship with Christ.

Psalm 16:2 reminds us, “I said to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.’”

Psalm 139:13-14 - For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.

As military wives, it can be easy to fall into the trap of gossip which can create others to have low self esteem.  We need to steer far away from talking about others or even having inside thoughts of judging others.

1 Samuel 16:7 - But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

If you are battling with insecurities, give your frustrations and insecurities over to God.  God loves you, you are His child and He will sustain you.

Psalm 55:22 - Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.

Don't worry about what others think of you.  The only one that matters is our Lord, Jesus Christ.  Live for Him, strive to have a personal relationship with Him and everything else will fall into place.  You will feel complete and filled with His love - thus, overcoming feelings of insecurity.
Jul 29th

Body & Soul "Crazy Love!"

By Theresa
Incredible as it may seem, I am still amazed how God opens doors and cultivates friendships in the most unique ways. For instance, a year ago I attended a weekend women’s conference at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, KY. A dear friend, that I met over twenty years ago while teaching fitness classes at our local YMCA, accompanied me. My initial meeting with this friend provoked thoughts of, “she may be a little too happy.” As time passed and I got to know her better, I began to recognize she didn’t change; she was always happy regardless of the circumstances or situations in her personal life. After all these years, she is still wild and crazy in love with Jesus Christ; filled with the Holy Spirit 24/7. She is like a geyser at Yellowstone, splashing the joy of the Lord on everyone within shouting distance. When you are in her presence, prepare to be loved and feel special. She is bubbling with joy continually, so much joy, those that do not know her question her sanity. While standing in the lobby of this magnificent church, I overheard the whispers of attendees who questioned if my friend could possibly be drunk. Laughing silently I watched my friend interact with those who judged her without knowing her. She joked with them and slugged them gently in the shoulder and then gave each of them a big hug. Watching the facial expressions of some of those ladies, I pulled her aside and told her that I needed a strong cup of coffee. The smell of fresh brewed cocoa beans was calling my name. My friend was not interested in coffee as she scurried away into the church book store. The line for coffee was quite long and several minutes passed without much progress except for an increased appetite for the fresh brewed cup of joy. My friend returned and instantly started pulling on my arm, insisting that we go back to the book store before the conference started again. It was at that point that I understood the condition of vapors; it’s the repeated smell of fresh coffee without ever getting to drink the coffee. Arm in arm, along with my vapors, we entered the bookstore and my friend quickly, and rather loudly announced, that my book needed to be made available in this bookstore. The quiet lady standing behind the counter looked puzzled (no surprise) as my friend explained joyfully that I had written a book and that it needed to be in their store for others to read. As I nervously fanned myself, the store worker calmly told her that their manager was not in the store and that maybe we should check back later. Just as God had planned it, the manager walked in and wanted to know what all the commotion was about. My friend gladly explained who I was and told her she needed my book in their book store. I stood there embarrassed not knowing what to say after my friends’ grandiose introduction of me. The manager politely asked for my business card and said she would get in contact with me at a later date. Making a bee line out of the store with my friend giggling and praising God, I headed back towards the coffee shop, this time fully in need of a strong cup of coffee. My friend kept saying to me, “I told you God wants your book in that store.” Honestly, I didn’t think I would hear back from the church book store manager. Two weeks later I received an email from the manager asking me to send my products for review. A month later my book and DVD’s were being sold in their church book store. Telling my friend the good news, she wasn’t surprised at all. She praised God over the phone and sang a song for me. From this door of opportunity my book was selected as their book of the month and I was asked to be a guest speaker at their church. My friendship with the book store manager continued to develop by email and we were able to see each other in person on my recent trip to St Louis. She was on fire for Jesus and explained that she would soon be moving to Charleston South Carolina to minister to those who do not know Jesus Christ as their Savior. She was giving up her position at the church and she and her husband were selling their home at the end of summer. I asked what prompted her and her husband to give up their great jobs in Louisville and pack up and move to a place she wasn’t familiar with. She explained that she had read a book, “Crazy Love,” by Francis Chan and that it totally changed her life. After reading the book she started asking herself, “Is this the most loving way to do life? Am I loving my neighbor and my God by living where I live, by driving what I drive, by talking how I talk, by working where I work?” She said a lot more and I knew that she was in Gods’ will, without a doubt. She and her family were willing to leave their comfortable jobs and nice homes to minister to those they didn’t even know. WOW! I decided to purchase the book, Crazy Love for myself and find out what this author writes that transformed my friends’ life. One of the questions the author asks is, “Do you live as though faith, demonstrated through love, really is the only thing that counts?” Personally speaking, I can honestly say I do a poor job of loving others the way God calls us to love. According to the Word of God loving others allows us to be free. I don’t feel so free at times in my Christian life, do you? In the book of Galatians 5:13-14 Paul writes, “You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Crazy Love is also making a difference in my life; I don’t want to be a luke warm Christian claiming Christ’s name and not walking my talk. I know I must be willing to change more each day and draw closer to Christ if I want to live a life pleasing to God. I ask God daily to help me love Him first and then love others unconditionally. This is an ongoing process that I have not mastered but I will continue praying and loving.
Jul 29th

Christian Military Wives Editor Receives Two National Award Nominations

By Patti Katter

jocelyngreen

PITTSBURGH, Pa.— Two books authored by Christian Military Wives’ online magazine editor Jocelyn Green were recently nominated for the 2010 Military Writers Society of America (MWSA) Award in the spiritual/religious category. The books are Faith Deployed: Daily Encouragement for Military Wives (Moody 2008), written with contributions from 14 other Christian military wives, and Battlefields & Blessings: Stories of Faith and Courage from the War in Iraq & Afghanistan (AMG Publishers 2009), co-authored with Jane Hampton Cook and John Croushorn.

Winners will be selected by a team of judges and announced on Veterans Radio Network (www.veteransradio.net) on July 31 at 9a.m. Eastern time. The awards ceremony will take place at the MWSA Conference in Pittsburgh, Pa., on Saturday, October 2, at 6p.m.

Jocelyn Green, the wife of a former Coast Guard officer, is an award-winning freelance writer. Her Web site for military wives, www.faithdeployed.com, won third place in a national contest held by the Evangelical Press Association in 2010. Jocelyn was contributing editor to Battlefields & Blessings: Stories of Faith and Courage from World War 2 (AMG Publishers 2009), which won the 2009 Silver Medal from MWSA.

Jocelyn writes for nonprofits, universities, corporations, and has had dozens of magazine articles published. Her writings also appear at Focus on the Family’s military marriage Web site, InternetCafeDevotions.com,
ChristianDevotions.us, ExcellentorPraiseworthy.org and cwahm.com (Christian Work at Home Moms). She is an active member of the Evangelical Press Association, Christian Authors Network, the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association and Military Writers Society of America.

Christian Military Wives (CMW) is a multi-denominational, Bible-based ministry of Christian Military Fellowship established to assist military wives and their families through encouragement, aid and education. CMW is a branch of Christian Military Fellowship.

CMW is a group of Bible-believing military wives committed to wholeheartedly serving Christ through the strengthening of one another. We strive to live a life of honor to our husbands stationed around the globe and of duty to our country. We proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom for the oppressed, while providing a place of encouragement, growth, acceptance, fellowship, support, prayer, and the like for our fellow military sisters in Christ. For more information, visit: http://www.christianmilitarywives.com/
Jul 29th

Breakfast Waffles

By Melafwife
Ingredients:

2 c flour

3 tbs sugar

1 tbs baking powder

½  c oil

1 1/3 c milk

4 eggs

 

Directions:

-In a large bowl combine all dry ingredients

-Make a well in the middle

-Add milk, oil and eggs

-Stir until the batter is smooth

Optional: stir in mini chocolate chips, wheat germ, oat bran or flax seed before baking

Use batter as directed with your waffle iron
Jul 23rd

Body & Soul "Passing the Test"

By Theresa

 

As I welcomed my husband home from his annual three day church golf outing, I noticed a careful hesitancy in his movements. He said, “Seventy-two holes in less than seventy- two hours was very tiring. It was hot, muggy and cart path only, which made it feel like I walked everyone of those seventy-two holes. I’m a little sore and uncomfortable. This weekend was a real test.” My husband loves golf but he puts just about everything before playing golf. Even though he puts everything before golf, he still expects to play at a high level and have the endurance necessary to play indefinitely. As he complained about the stiffness in his lower back I held my tongue until he was done. Finally I said, “You are uncomfortable because your core has become too comfortable. Golf requires practice and flexibility and playing once a year, without regular exercise and stretching, has stressed your body. Your core has failed the test.”

Nearly everyone has experienced an enlightening moment in their personal life when you say to yourself, “I really understand that, or, I get it!” It could be something you have been studying for years and suddenly the light bulb comes on. Children experience this moment when they grow into mature adults. Remember, I said mature, not just adults. All of a sudden Mom and Dad become much wiser. As mature adults, it is funny how we say and do things like our own parents did, that we swore we would never do or say. Now my husband is very wise about a lot of things but when I told him about his core being too comfortable, he looked as though the light bulb was burning at two hundred watts. Taking the test helped him understand where he stood and that’s a good thing.


The plank test is a good way to measure the fitness of your core. Lie face down on your mat with elbows resting on the floor next to chest. Push your body off the floor in a pushup position with body resting on elbows or hands. Contract the abdominals and keep the body in a straight line from head to toes. Hold for 30-60 seconds and repeat as many times as possible. The plank is an isolation move used in Pilates and Yoga to work the abs, back, arms and legs. The plank also targets your internal abdominal muscles. For beginners, do this move on your knees and gradually work your way up to balancing on your toes. Try the test and see where you stand.
 

As I was teaching my fitness class last week I experienced one of those “Aha, enlightening” moments. The devotional for the day was from the book of Psalms 139:1-5. “O Lord you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise, you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord. You hem me in- behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.” The book of Psalms is placed right in the center of the Bible and is packed full of beautiful prayers and songs that express the psalmist’ love and deepest feelings for God. Interestingly, the prayers in Psalms are either rejoicing or in despair. The beauty of this book is that we can pick out any Psalm and apply it to our life today. It never grows stale or out of date.


Psalms helps me feel better about my own mistakes and mishaps knowing that God’s chosen people had good days and some really bad days. While we exercised, I explained to the class that God knew we were going to gather together at that very moment in time to praise and worship Him. He knew I was going to teach Power Pump and that we would pray before the class started. Can you imagine knowing every single detail of each of your children? He evens knows our very intimate thoughts before we think them? How amazing is that? I want my thoughts to reflect Christ but sometimes my thoughts are kind of stinky. This requires me to be totally bound to God and to depend on Him for right thinking. I struggle with this on an everyday basis. But don’t you find a comfort knowing God knows every single detail of your life? Or do you? Have you tested your thoughts and actions? How can we mature as Christians if we are unwilling to test our thoughts and actions?


For my husband, he has discovered to reach his potential he must practice and play more often. For those who want a stronger body they must decide to take action. For those who want to walk more closely with God, they must be willing to be uncomfortable, so they can become comfortable, practicing and passing the test.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jul 23rd

The Joy of Natural Mentoring [&everyone needs a mentor.]

By BloomingWrite
grandmagrandpak04.JPG
Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow; Don't walk behind me, I may not lead; Walk beside me, and just be my friend.
  -Albert Camus

Dear friends,
I thought I would do a post about something I am passionate about; that is natural mentorship.

I say "natural" because I am talking about the kind of gift which benefits both sides, the giver and receiver; it does not feel like a leader nor a follower, as much as an observer who is receiving natural lessons just by enjoying company with someone who has traveling a similar path.

This is why I posted the photo above of my adopted grandparents, Grandma and Grandpa K. They have come to mean the world to me over the years.  I cherish them both within the depths of my heart! I want to become like them, in their spiritual journey and also in their love journey with each other. They are an expansive reflection of our Beloved Source.

Love and healthy relationships are hard to comeby, and I wanted to surround myself with someone I could naturally follow after.  With each natural visit with them, it felt like I was able to look into an Ever After window and I liked that very much!

Grandma & Grandpa K. became our marriage mentors once I found my match in Robh, my best friend & Twin soul-mate. We tied the knot! ;)

JenRob.JPG
and now, this is from us on our wedding day, June 2004.

"The best and the most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or touched, they must be felt with the heart." ~Helen Keller

Just this morning, I found our wedding card from them and it touched my heart ..Again... I smiled and felt warmth flood my soul. This is how they lived their life together.. and how their love impacted the world around them so beautifully --they touched my life, forever! Small ripples outward...found in corners tucked away neatly - but wanting to be found again, because Love is like this... it simply returns to us, again.

I want to share this same Marriage Blessing on this card; with you:
*picture a lighthouse, secure, and beaming out a pure stream of love and higher consciousness. This is our aim, our heart's goal, to get settled so that we can be this refuge for one another.


"May the Lord make your union more
than just a marriage of two hearts in love.
May it shine as a lighthouse for spiritual rest...
a loving retreat, and a welcome place for understanding.
May others searching for refuge find its beacon
strong and steady... with golden rays
like Heaven's arms of comfort and security.
May you always stand committed -- two servants
as one after God's own heart."
~Rebecca Barlow Jordan


This is how they lived their lives,.. into Grandpa's crossing over into the Ever After Eternal Kingdom last year. and Yes, their love lives on not only in Grandma's heart, but has also left an imprint upon many other hearts and lives that they have touched just by sharing generously of themselves w/ natural God-centered hospitality.

May God bless you richly and lavish upon you in your relationship, and your marriage today, so that you can bless others likewise.

warmly,
Jenn
Jul 22nd

Help Other Military Wives, Volunteer!

By Patti Katter

volunteer

Christian Military Wives has been growing by leaps and bounds, meaning that our need for more volunteers is on the increase! All positions are on a volunteer basis and you must fill out an application to apply for volunteer positions.

CMW is looking for the following volunteers:

  • Radio Producer - We are in need of a Radio Producer to coordinate our online talk-show radio programs.  Experience a plus.
  • Radio Personalities - We are looking for one or two women who would be interested in becoming a CMW Talk Show Hostess for our Friday night online radio programs.  Experience in public speaking would be helpful.
  • Small Group Leader - We are looking for a dedicated leader to lead our small group leaders.  Yes, you read it right - a leader, to lead the leaders! This is an online position.  You will be needed to educate and encourage our small group leaders around the nation.
  • Online Group Leaders - We are in need of a military wives (past or present) to lead the following online groups: Praying For Your Husband and Deployed Spouses.  If you are interested in leading one of the two groups, please go check out the online groups (under Socialize/Groups) to get a better feel of what the groups are about. If you are still interested after visiting the online group, please email info@christianmilitarywives.com for your volunteer application.
  • Online Moderator - Online moderators help keep the flow of conversation going in our forum section of the website as well as monitor the content being placed on the forum threads.
  • Chat Coordinator - We would love to have scheduled "chat" nights once a week with CMW members... however, we need someone to lead a weekly chat on the website.
  • Graphic Designer - CMW is always in need of graphics for our website.  The more graphic designers, the better! :)

If you are interested in any of the above volunteer ops... please email info@christianmilitarywives.com and we will send you our ministry team guidelines as well as a volunteer application.  We may follow up the application process with a telephone interview.