Dec 25th

Fighting The Holiday Blues

By Patti Katter

holiday blues

Today is a day of joy in celebrating Christs birthday, but to me today is also a day where I miss my family and all that "used to be."

Growing up, we would go to my Grandmas every year on Christmas Eve.  We would have a great time of family fellowship.  Sure, presents were included - but I really don't remember what gifts were given to me.  Well, okay - the truth... I remember Grandma and Grandpa always giving me a big box of socks, pjs and underclothes.  :)

My parents, brother, sister, aunts, uncles and cousins would go to Grandpa and Grandmas every year.  A few years ago, Grandpa passed away, but we continued to go see Grandma.  This year, I was unable to go home to visit.  Even if I went home, it would have been different of course because I am older, cousins are not around as much... my parents and oldest brother moved down to Florida as the rest of my family lives in Michigan. 

I am in a good central location I suppose.  North Carolina.  The weather is mild and we have a great church.  We have everything we need, yet - I do get a lonely feeling sometimes.  Lonely for family, and this year hubby is not even deployed. 

Military families move around often, and if our husbands are here or away - I think most of us end up feeling lonely for family if we can't go home for the holidays.  Even when we do go home, so much has changed since we are military that it's just not the same.

Not only do we deal with missing family, but many of us deal with missing friends or family who were killed in war.  Soldiers and those who have PTSD experience holiday depression more so than others.  Be sure to visit the links at the end of this article to find immediate help, or if you just need to talk to someone.

I try to remember to thank God for the good things in my life.  For the blessings He has given.  Am I the only one who gets a little dose of the holiday blues? Here are a few verses to help us remember that God is God, He is loving and He can fill any void we have.

"Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me." --John 14:1

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." – Matthew 11:28-30

Remember, when you are feeling down - pray.  The Lord is here for us always.  He knows how you are feeling, and it helps us to talk to someone who REALLY cares.  We all know that the Lord cares about us more than anyone does. 

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God; And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and minds in Jesus Christ" – Phil. 4:6.


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Dec 20th

Are You Burnt Out?

By Patti Katter

tired

Being a military wife, I know first hand how difficult it can be to juggle many different things at once.  Lawn work needs to be done, you may be a mother, you are a wife, maybe you work outside the home or are in school... sometimes it just seems like there's never enough time in the day to do all that needs to be done. 

Often times, I find my days seem to flow into each other.  I pretty much have a set routine.  Wake up, eat breakfast, devotions, get ready for the day, run here and there taking care of family business... by the time I come home - its time for dinner, bed and then I wake up and do the same thing the next day.  It gets old, doesn't it?

Do you feel like you are under stress, completely exausted by the end of the day? I recently have been there.  I have felt like hiding in my room, in my bed under the covers and not coming out for weeks.  But, of course - that's not possible is it? Not possible, and it wouldn't have been good for me.

It's important to remember to take breaks sometimes.  Remember, on the 7th day - God rested.  I think that was His way of saying how important it is to take one day to rest, truly rest. 

I find that my Sundays are very busy.  Sunday morning we go to church, then sometimes we go to a local flea market and  I make a nice lunch/dinner for the family. Our church does not have church on Sunday night.  Which, I personally really like that idea.  We have many small groups that meet during the week for Spiritual edification. 

Do you have one day that you take to rest? I will admit, I have to work on that.  I am going to try from now on to take one day a week to REST.  This means, no running all over creation.  No housework, just REST.  Is that possible in todays day and time? It was possible when the Lord created the world, it is possible now.

To be a good wife, a good mom, a good student, a good employee, a good business owner - you need to be rested, you need to avoid the burn out that can happen if you don't take time to rest.

And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. Gen 2:2 (KJV)
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Nov 25th

Unspeakable Joy

By Patti Katter
Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: (1 Peter 1:8)

This verse became a precious comfort to me when I was nineteen. I was very lonely, very single, and desperately wanting to be married. While I don’t know that my personal interpretation was exactly God’s intent when He wrote this Scripture, this verse filled me with hope. I knew that God wanted me to be married, but it seemed there were no possibilities in sight. Even though I did not know who my husband would be, I tried to focus on the fact that he was out there, somewhere, and believe in the fact that God would bring us together in His time. While I could not see him, I could begin to love him. It was this hope that gave me joy.

Now I’m a young woman married to a soldier. This verse took on a new meaning to me during this deployment. As military wives we are daily faced with the choice to love someone we cannot see, touch, and sometimes even talk to. The only thing that can sustain us during times of separation is our faith…faith that we will be together again someday soon. And it is this faith that gives us an “unspeakable joy” that allows us to smile even when our husbands are on the other side of the world.

When I turned the calendar to June, my joy-meter skyrocketed. My husband’s return is now eminent and I have begun frenzied homecoming preparations! As I look back over the last eleven months of my life, I am somewhat disappointed. I feel like I could have done so much better than I did, accomplished more, had a better attitude, the list could go on. But one thing I have no doubt about…my faith has been strengthened. I have had a lot of low moments, probably more lows than highs, but I can remember specific times when God did fill me with unspeakable joy, and that joy was directly connected to my belief and faith.

God also gives us this verse as a reminder about the ultimate homecoming awaiting us…when our Saviour will return! Let us not forget to truly love Him even when it seems like we cannot see him.

No matter where you are in your journey as a wife of faith, whether it be just beginning a deployment, in the darkness of the unending middle of the deployment, planning for homecoming, or just living the ever difficult challenges of garrison life … I pray that this verse will be a comfort to you as it has been to me. May God fill you with unspeakable joy!

Written By: Aprille, Proud CMW Member
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Nov 22nd

FRG Woes?

By Patti Katter

Are you a member of an inactive FRG? Instead of sitting around, talking about how inactive it is… start some type of support group yourself. :) I know, it does not sound like a simple task… but, really it is. You will be amazed how many ladies may want to participate in a support group – especially while their husbands are deployed.

Maybe your FRG is active, but you've had a bad experience in the past or you feel a little ackward? I urge you to pray about things, and let the Lord work in you and in those around you.

Jump in there, get involved with other wives in your husbands troop or unit, communicate with other ladies going through the same thing you are going through. :) You are not always going to hit it off with every single lady in the FRG, but more often than not - you will find at least one new friend.

 

If you are still set against participating in FRG events, there are other ways of meeting military wives and having that great support network you need.  For example, our small groups that are starting up around the country... or maybe your church has a support group for military wives?

If your church offers a support group for military wives, we are more than happy to allow the leader to use our resources here at CMW, and to start a group just for your church members! You can email us and we can make it happen.  info@christianmilitarywives.com

There's nothing in it for us, we are an all volunteer staff just trying to do the right thing. :)

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Oct 20th

Fort Fisher, NC Sister Herd Retreat

By Patti Katter
November 13-15

The Sista Hood Retreat in Fort Fisher, NC is designed to connect women from verious churches and backgrounds, bringing them together to worship our Lord and Savior, grow in our walk and other fellowship with other sisters. 

The cost of the retreat is only $75.  This includes lodging for Friday and Saturday night.  All meals on Saturday are included.  We will not be providing food Friday evening or Sunday morning.

All women are welcome.  Registration is open until October 25.  You may register after October 25, but there will be a $10 late fee.

All questions may be directed to Michele Price.  Michele@micheleprice.net

Come and be blessed!

Retreat speakers are Michele Price and Patti Katter.  All women (military and civilian) are welcome!
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Oct 8th

Loving Jesus Without Limits

By Patti Katter

Do you feel as if you have done something unforgivable?
Shannon Ethridge shares this true, amazing story of the Lords love for us.
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Sep 24th

Noah and the Rainbow

By Mrs.JJ
 

Yesterday while my DH and I were driving to pick Drew up, we spotted a huge rainbow. I have never seen one that vibrant. You could see every color vividly. I looked in awe at the beauty God created. It started us talking. How can anyone say we are not created when they look around? The rainbow is a perfect arc, the way God created it. Do you ever think if it's just the sun reflecting off the raindrops, then why isn't it a "wallbow" ? Why isn't it like a sheet of reflection?? It is an arc....the rain doesn't fall in an arc, it is a sheet of rain. Otherwise we could definately not get soaked as it pours! We could dodge between the drops! :) I know some may try to tell me there is a scientific explanation for the rainbow, there are certain angles, yada.. yada.. yada.. Just like the scientific reasons how we came to be, or how the Red Sea parted for Moses. BLAH!! I KNOW my God created me. I know He created the rainbows. It didn't just happen...

Another thing I've been pondering is, do you think Noah got scared the next time it rained? Do you think he got scared when he took his eyes off the rainbow? We get scared when we take our eyes off God. He promised us He would never leave nor forsake us. But how many times have we failed to see God's rainbow for us?? Sometimes I think of some of the prophets as, I don't know...not perfect, per say. But maybe not having the same battles we do. I know, that's silly, they are human, just like us. Looking at that rainbow elightened me. Noah now seems more real to me, not just a "Super Hero" of the bible. Not just a person in a story.

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Sep 14th

Why does God allow suffering?

By MarineWife

Something that has been heavy on my heart is human suffering.

Sometimes it is the suffering of our children, our spouse, or ourselves.  As I read further and further into God's word I find myself searching for answers as to why I am in pain in the first place.  I have lived with a chronic pain condition for some time now.  I hope by embracing my pain condition I can encourage others to embrace their suffering.  


Someone mentioned that it may be some form of my past sin and God's punishment on me. So I thought...hmm maybe it is and I really never thought about it. Then I kept reading in the New Testament I kept thinking and feeling that God wouldn't punish me for my past sins because the whole testament is about healing and love and accepting Jesus as our Savior and in turn forgiveness. I've been searching for a verse that would clearly point towards an answer about my pain. I did a lot of praying last night before bed for God to send me a message at church.

When I get to church I always like to look at the program and see what scriptures we are going to be listening to so I can mark it. 
 
So it said we were going to be reading John 8:48-59. I flipped to the page and then a title caught my eye. It was John 9: 1-5.
The title is "Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind".
 
As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth.  His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born
blind?"
"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. As long long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. "
 
To me it can't get any clearer than that. I must do the will of God and be a witness to those around me. I am thankful that God would want to use me. I now think of my pain as something wonderful.

I encourage each and every one of you to seek God's word and know He is always working through us.  It really can be as simple as praying for our gracious Lord to show us the way.
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Sep 11th

Walking in Grace

By Sara
For the past several days, I have been in tears several times and until this morning, I wasn't sure why. I kept feeling a heaviness on my heart and an utter despair. Lately I have felt unsure of whether I am making any difference in others' lives and whether or not my motives are even true.

You see, I have a problem with pride. And I am okay (sort-of) with admitting this. :) Though my heart is sincere, I believe, in wanting to serve Christ and to be a "good Christian," there are times that I believe I can do it on my own. And when I fail, I am frustrated beyond belief and end up wondering what sin in my life is keeping me from following the "rules" this time.

Have you ever felt that way? Wondering why, even after spending gobs of time reading the Bible, praying countless hours in the day and all through the night, having 5 quiet times, worshipping hours upon hours, fellowshiping with believers, serving God through some type of ministry, etc... you feel empty still, or that you can not do enough?

I decided to ask God to examine my heart. Let me just warn you - He is faithful to do what we ask of Him. :)

I said, "God, I feel like giving up. Has nothing really changed in my life after experiencing your salvation 7 years ago? Am I still the fake, unloving person with junk in my life that I've always been? I am a seminary student; I shouldn't still be doing things wrong. Lord, I need you to do something better with me."

This morning, I cried out to Him some more, and He answered. God said to me: "Sara, have you forgotten why I came to save you? Self-sufficiency always leads to self-righteousness, but My sufficiency leads to true righteousness. Let me live MY life THROUGH you. My Grace is enough."

Wow...what an epiphany.

So many of our efforts in being a Christian end up leading to complete disappointment when we feel that we don't "succeed." We pray our hearts out for the Lord to work in our lives, yet when things are still going wrong in some way, we think that we didn't pray enough, aren't good enough, or often, we even question our salvation. We wonder what we've done wrong, and we ask God why? We say we are sorry for whatever it is we've done wrong, then we rededicate our life to Him and promise to "do better." Its a continuous cycle of motivation --> condemnation --> rededication.

Somewhere along the way we (I) have forgotten that we are saved by Grace, and that this Grace cannot be earned no matter how hard we try because it is the gift of God! We ask Jesus to come into our hearts and lives by accepting this gift of Grace, then the rest of the time we live under the law, trying to keep a lot of rules so we can be good Christians.

The fact of the matter is, we are never going to be "good Christians" in our own eyes. We can never do enough good works, do enough praying, do enough reading our Bibles, to earn the love of Christ and His acceptance. And we can never be "successful" if we try to do it on our own.

For me, this is where my issue with pride comes in, thinking that because I am a Christian, I can keep all the rules on my own. Then I expect others around me to keep the rules, and I end up living under the Law instead of under Grace and witnessing to others NOT the Grace of God but the Law of God.

Today, I have surrendered my heart to what God wants to do through me, even if I look weak and insufficient in my own strength. I have decided to let the power of Jesus' righteousness run through my veins, instead of me trying to do it on my own. Today, and every day from here on out, I have chosen to walk in Grace, believing that Jesus Christ loves me, accepts me, and can use me despite my shortcomings and flaws.

Are you walking in Grace?

"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." - 2 Corinthians 12:9
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Sep 11th

Is God Trustworthy?

By Jocelyn Green

911memorialIn remembrance of Sept. 11, 2001…

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord.
Isaiah 55:8

On Sept. 11, 2001, Navy wife Deshua Joyce tried to think positively when she heard the news that a plane had crashed into the Pentagon, where her husband worked. She thought, “What are the chances that his office was hit?” Still, her heart was heavy with concern for her husband Tom and all others at the Pentagon.

In fact, the plane crashed through the building directly under his floor, completely destroying Tom’s office. Miraculously, he escaped unscathed and was able to notify Deshua of his safety within an hour. Deshua’s gratitude for Tom’s escape was tempered with grief for those who did not. “I remember thinking at the end of the day, ‘People’s lives are changed forever,’” she says. “I was devastated for the loved ones of those who never made it out.”

When Tom reunited with his family after the attack, he read Psalm 91 with his family, which seemed to be written just for him. His oldest son asked, “What are you going to do with the rest of your life that God spared today?” After Tom retired from the military, he became a pastor.

While many lives that could have been lost on that fateful day were preserved, we know the rest of the story. We remember the news broadcasts and the newspaper headlines. If you walked through Ground Zero, you saw all the photos pinned up by friends and family. Ready or not, 2,973 souls were sent to eternity that day.

On that day, and every day, how does God choose which lives to safeguard and which to call into the next life? I don’t know the answer. I’m sure no one does. The larger question is this: Is God trustworthy? Can we trust Him to be in control of every moment in every part of the globe? If we say yes, we admit that He presides over tragedy. If we say we cannot trust Him in all things, we cannot trust Him at all. If He is not all-powerful, He is not God.

God refers to himself as “Sovereign Lord” 303 times in the Bible. Jerry Bridges notes in Trusting God:

The sovereignty of God is asserted, either expressly or implicitly, on almost every page of the Bible. Rather than being offended over the Bible’s assertion of God’s sovereignty in both good and calamity, believers should be comforted by it. Whatever our particular calamity or adversity may be, we may be sure that our Father has a loving purpose in it. As King Hezekiah said, “Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish” (Isaiah 38:17). God does not exercise His sovereignty capriciously, but only in such a way as His infinite love deems best for us.

God’s sovereignty is also exercised in infinite wisdom, far beyond our ability to comprehend. God’s plan and His ways of working out his plan are frequently beyond our ability to fathom and understand. We must learn to trust when we don’t understand.

When we can’t figure out God’s plan for our lives or for those around us, we must rest in His sovereignty instead.

Ask

Does my belief in God’s sovereignty rely on my circumstances or on what the Bible tells me of God’s character?

Pray

Lord,
When I am tempted to believe that you are only a good God if your plan matches up with mine, remind me that Your thoughts, Your ways, are higher than mine. When I don’t understand what You are doing, help me dwell instead on who You are. Help me to lean not on my own understanding but to trust you with all my heart (Prov. 3:5-6).

Amen.

FaithDeployed_cover*The above devotion is an excerpt from the book Faith Deployed: Daily Encouragement for Military Wives (Moody Publishers 2008). Visit the Web site at www.faithdeployed.com, and purchase the book at Amazon.com.

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