It's a God thing!

I never really knew blogging would be the avenue by which God would minister to my heart so greatly. Not only in the release that comes from writing my thoughts, but especially in the friendships that God has blessed me with through this simple site.

It's a God thing! That's the only way I know how to describe the friendships I've formed over the last few months. I asked my friend, Meredith, if I could blog about her and her family and how we met and what God has been doing in her heart lately. She agreed and, although I know I won't give justice to what has taken place over the last two months in my writing, I pray it will encourage other chaplain wives (or soon to be) to get out there and meet new people and share your life story with others. You will be amazed at how much it helps you walk this road.

To Meredith. Thank you for allowing me to share your story. God has been glorified in your life and the life of your family. He has brought you so far as you've surrendered your will to His. I am blessed to know you! You're such an encouragement to me. Thank you!!Meredith's husband has felt the Lord calling him to serve as a chaplain for some time now, and after sharing it with her it became something that felt very difficult for her to imagine her family doing. One day her husband found my blog and sent her the link and that's where our friendship began! Over the course of about a month I've watched her heart change so much. God is at work, and it's been wonderful to get to walk a small piece of this walk with her.

I'm going to let some of her emails speak. We have this very large strand of emails and I loved looking back at it this morning. The one that made me laugh the most (now, not then!) was when my emails weren't making it through and she was trying to reconnect. Her email came through - "I think I might be freaking out today..." and I responded with, " I emailed you back. Before I rewrite, let me know that you got this! P.S. Don't freak out!! We'll talk!"

"Hi Laura, Thank you again. I am feeling better today. It's not any less scary but I have talked to Dave and it helped to find out that he is scared of the same things but still feels strongly this is where God is leading us. He had just preached a sermon on Sunday about Paul and how difficult serving God was, how he faced dangers on the sea, in the cities, from Jews and Gentiles, etc. But it was all worth it for the joy of the end result. He reminded me that God does not often call us to something in our comfort zone. If He did, we would have little reason to lean on Him. I'm thinking it will almost be easier to glorify God in what I do when it's harder to do those things because it will so obviously be all Him!"

"I'm feeling a little like my life is about to spin out of control. I guess because it sort of is. I'm about to hand over the control to the army. But, ultimately, I handed over control to God when I made Him Lord of my life and now I have to trust that He is in control and will continue to direct us."

"I was reminded this weekend of Isaiah 40:31 which has always been a favorite verse of mine but has recently taken on a new depth. I've found myself wondering if I am strong enough to be an army wife. Then, I was listening to my girl's Bible songs in the car and this song came on. I realized that if my hope really is in God then He is my strength. He'll give me the wings to soar above the fear and doubt that assuage me, He will make me run and not grow weary, walk and not faint. And when I do feel weary, faint, or weak, it's because I have lost sight of Him and the fact that He is my strength."

Some might ask why the email clips? Because if I can reach out to just one more wife who is searching for answers or encouragement I believe hearing what other women are going through really does help. We are NOT alone in this! And, I pray no one ever feels they are. I also love how it shows Meredith's tender, surrendered heart.

I'll end with the one email clip that sort of says it all...Meredith wrote this to me, but I say it right back to her and the other women who are ministering to me, sharing their stories and loving on others. "Thank you for talking with me and sharing with me. It's already helped bring me down a notch or two. I'm sure I'll have good days and bad days but it's good to know there are others out there who understand. Thank you!"