Friday, November 30, 2007

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10.

For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. Psalms 61:3

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Ephesians 6:10

There's something wonderful I've been learning lately...God IS my Strong Tower! Tomorrow it will be December 1st and I can't believe it! Our family has been through so much change this year that I can't imagine where we would be without the Lord. He is the reason I can sit here and say all is well. It hasn't been an easy step of faith, but then again I guess that's why it's called a step of faith!

I look back at this time last year, when we were waiting for an answer from the Lord on the chaplaincy, and I'm still finding it hard to believe that my husband is a Chaplain. Literally, out in the field right now ministering to Soldiers, training for two weeks in the freezing cold temperatures. His ministry is nothing like it was a year ago and nothing he could have even imagined for himself. It's not easy. He's not so young anymore but he's out there every morning at PT (physical training) doing things that he never dreamed he'd be doing at this stage in his life (his favorite - playing ultimate football with the Soldiers). They don't cut him any slack just because he's the Chaplain either. In fact, it's quite the opposite - they're tough on him because of it. Many people don't realize that our Chaplains have to be as fit physically as an Infantry Soldier!

I feel strong, like I can get used to this life. I can't explain it, but I know that the Lord has done something in my heart to bring me to a new place in my life. I don't mind that I don't really have any close friends here yet, that I'm cooking and cleaning every day and not out in the workforce anymore. It feels good to be here in mind and body for my husband any time he needs me. That was difficult to do when I worked full-time. The same with my kids. I'm here - I feel it. I'm not distracted by other things. We can pay all our bills every month and we haven't missed that money one bit. It's all God and we praise Him for providing all we need to do what he's called us to do.

I miss being a part of the worship team at church and all that it entailed, but that, too, is all in God's hands. The other day Kevin needed me to create a sheet with words to different songs on it so he could hand it out for the Soldiers when they have services. He asked me to pick out songs that would be easy for them to sing and then type it up. It felt good to get to do that for him. I got up from the computer and told him sometimes I feel like I am wasting this gift God has given me and he quickly reminded me that I'm not...that God used me right then to minister to the Soldiers and there are seasons even with our gifts. I walked away realizing he was right and was immediately flooded with other ideas that will help him in this ministry that I can't wait to get started on. God is good

I feel a sense of complete peace here in this place. I feel God's presence and love every day and I don't doubt for a second that we are here for His glory. He's taken us from what we've known and been comfortable with for years. He's teaching us more and more about who HE is and what HE desires for our lives. I can honestly say there is no better place to be! I didn't say it's easy and pleasant and fun all the time, but we're in His will and the peace that passes all understanding is in our hearts.

I haven't been able to really write lately. I've had so much on my mind and heart. Kevin called this morning to tell me all is well in the field and I could hear such excitement in his voice for the time he's having with the Soldiers and I just wanted to praise God for where he's brought us.

2 comments:

Tanya said...

Laura,
My husband introduced me to your blog earlier this summer when he himself was beginning to consider chaplaincy. You have been such an inspiration to me and so often your family is in my prayers. I pray that God will bless you and your family and I pray that you know that the words you write are very much a ministry. Thank you for sharing your gifts here....Blessings
Tanya

Anonymous said...

Amen to Tanya's comments! This day's blog was so wonderful to read. It was informative and insightful. It also blesses my heart to hear you speak of what God has done for you. Blessings, Jennifer