Well, I reckon...

I admit it. Sometimes my mind starts to wonder during a sermon, but this time it was spiritual in nature- I promise. In the sermon he asked a question, “What can we control?” I thought his answer was kind of lame, so, I started my own list…I can control what I think. And thus began my bunny trail on “thinking”.

One of my favorite verses is Philippians 4:8,

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

This verse has been the subject of many lessons and sermons in the past, but it never occurred to me that I am commanded to THINK. Seriously, we are told to use the brains that God gave us- not just take everything in and never mentally digest it.

The word “think” has many different Greek variations, but if we look specifically at Philippians 4:8, “think” is the Greek word “logizomai” which Vines Dictionary defines as “make those things the subjects of your thoughtful consideration” or “carefully reflect on them”. We are called to consider and reflect on truth, honor, justice, purity, loveliness, commendation, excellence and praise. How often do I do that? Well, I usually only consider those things when I’ve been lied to, disrespected, abused, or seriously ticked off at someone.

Well, today, instead of turning your brain off in front of a screen somewhere, take a few moments to thoughtfully consider and reflect on Philippians 4:8. It will be good for your soul.

The Covenant Maker

This week Kyle and I decided to attend men/women's Bible studies at the church we have been visiting. It was my first introduction to doing a Beth Moore group study, and I admit, I really enjoyed it. This morning as I was working on day 1 of my homework, one of the options she has provided is to write out the books of I & II Thessalonians in the back of the workbook while you are doing the study. The idea is that it will help you retain it better by writing. I could only smile as I sat and penned the words of I Thessalonians 1:1. It reminded me of a sweet answer to prayer that I haven't shared with many people...

Last winter, Kyle deployed to Qatar. They were very sweet and difficult days for us. Part of the sweet were friends that are stationed down there: Chaplain Ron and Marsha Harvell. We met them at Ramstein AFB in Germany, where Marsha taught us how to study the Bible inductively using Precept Upon Precepts. This Bible study has truly been life-changing for both Kyle and I. They graciously said yes when we inquired about the possibility of me staying with them for a couple of weeks during Kyle's deployment. Little did we know the journey it would take us all on.

When I arrived in Qatar, I realized how fearful I was to be entering a country where most women are fully covered in black. My stereotypes were telling my brain to be on "full alert" as I waited for hours to get through customs at the wee hours of the morning. The next morning I was whisked away to an International church where there were over 600 people representing over 60 different countries. It was mind-blowing to think that this was just one of 100's of services that were meeting in that complex that weekend! So many people from so many different countries who love Jesus. My stereotypes didn't know what to do with that.

Marsha was gracious enough to let me join the different Bible studies that she led and attended throughout the week. After one of the women's studies, we went to lunch and I deeply enjoyed getting to know some of these women better. I could only hear parts of the conversation that Marsha was having with some of the women at the other end of the table, and on the way home I asked if she might tell me what she was talking about with these ladies. She shared about a workshop that she had given in Germany on the subject of Covenant and how several people had encouraged her to write a book on the subject. She laughed a little and said that she had told God if He wanted her to write this book, He would have to make it easy for her. As she talked, I felt this urging inside to "offer my services". I thought to myself, "Oh, that's ridiculous, Melissa. What do you know about writing a book, and that's rather presumptuous to say, 'I'll help you write a book!'" However, the closer we got to their home, the more I knew I had to offer. As the words came spilling out of me, Marsha became so excited! I reminded her that I had access to the audio recording of her workshop that she taught in Germany and I offered to transcribe it for her. We both sensed God's prompting in it and she excitedly called me her scribe. As we walked in the house, my eyes filled with tears as I remembered a prayer from my childhood.

I'm not sure how old I was, but I'm guessing it was 4th or 5th grade. I was obsessed with handwriting: holding my paper the right angle and my pencil with just the right form, sitting up straight and my feet flat on the floor. Those were the elements that would help you get a prize from Mrs. Lorch's special box. It was one of the few things I was good at. On one Sunday in Jr. Church, I remember listening to the story of the "Scribe". They would spend all day with their ink and feather (or at least that's how I pictured it) and their paper scroll and they would pen each jot and tittle carefully, knowing that if they messed up at all they would have to start all over. I remembered the awe I had for the scribe. The attention to detail they had to have and they had to do it just right. I asked the Lord right then and there if I could be a scribe. I got a new spiral bound notebook and I decided to begin in Matthew. Getting through that genealogy was something else, but I did it. I still have that notebook.

As Marsha and I talked about this new venture, I couldn't help but cry as I realized that this was God's answer to a prayer I had some 20+ years ago: to be a scribe. So, today as I penned the words of I Thessalonians 1:1, I couldn't help but smile. I am so thankful that I have the freedom to read and to write the words of God. I am so thankful that He cares for even the prayers of a child and that even years later, He will answer those prayers over and over again.

For those of you who are curious about the book, YES, it came to fruition only months later! It is called "The Covenant Maker" and it is in print and currently for sale. Check out Marsha's website or you can even buy it on Amazon.com!

To Move or Not to Move- That is the Question

"At the command of the Lord the people of Israel set out, and at the command of the Lord they camped. As long as the cloud rested over the tabernacle, they remained in camp....Whether it was two days, or a month, or a longer time, that the cloud continued over the tabernacle, abiding there, the people of Israel remained in camp and did not set out, but when it lifted they set out."

-Numbers 9:18&22

Moving is not for the weak-of-heart! Even military moves where someone else comes to load up your things for you requires a lot of long hours. As I read Numbers 9 this morning, my heart went out to the Israelites. I've often been very hard on them, but this last year has definitely taught me that I am a lot more like them than I care to admit. Can you imagine every couple of days having to pack up your whole tent and all of your belongings and get back to walking? I guess it's one way to keep those extra feast-pounds off during the holidays, but how tiring that would be to me.

Currently, we live in a one-room (well two, if you count the bathroom) hotel room. We've unpacked as best you can in a hotel, but I'm definitely looking forward to our move to our new rental! I'm looking forward to cooking more healthy food and to listening to the birds on our back porch. I'm not really looking forward to sleeping on an air mattress, but I guess sacrifices have to be made (I wonder if the Israelites just slept on the ground?). Setting up a home is so satisfying. Living amidst a move is so- not.

The other day I was reading a blog post about the benefits of being bored. Truthfully, I was expecting an article about the health benefits and thought, "Wouldn't this be a lovely nugget to pull out when I'm feeling particularly lazy?". Instead, it was an article about how God used people in the Bible who were (probably) bored. Although I realize that God has the Israelites tromping through the desert because of their lack of obedience, I sympathize with them. I'm thankful that the military only has us move every couple of years (hopefully). I can't imagine if we had to pack up and move every couple of days...especially through the desert! Sheesh!

"At the command of the Lord the people set out and at the command of the Lord they camped." 
Lord, once again may I use your example of the Israelites to settle my heart and to know that I will stay or move at Your command. Whether it be across an ocean or across a room, please give me a heart to listen to Your commands. Thank you for being with me everywhere I go and for using it all to make me more like You. Please help me to trust You despite my frightened heart. Amen.

Just a Spouse

When I first joined Cadence, the war was in full swing, patriotism was high and I was proud to be an American serving our military overseas. As a Cadence missionary in Germany, I was blessed to have certain base privileges, including a contractor Military base ID. After several trips to the states, I quickly learned that being military has it's privileges. I could get discounts at restaurants and various stores. Airlines would let me go in priority lines, have heavier bags without any fees, and even bump me up to economy plus or business class seating. Wow! This is so cool that our country honors those who serve our country and even those who serve them.

Two and a half years ago, I married into the military family. Little did I know that I was going to now be "just a spouse". I have just completed a month traveling in the states, and I was shocked at how many companies no longer offer military discounts. Over and over I would ask about military perks and I would hand them my ID card. They would look at it, hand it back to me and say, you're just a spouse". That's right! I'm just a spouse. I'm Traveling alone because my husband is deployed to the other side of the world. Just a spouse. During my entire trip, I was only granted a military discount one time, but I was reminded of my "lowly title" over and over.

I don't say all of this because I want to flaunt my perceived rights. They were privileges that were granted to me, and it's the right of every company to do business as they want. However, if you say you support our country and it's military, I believe that should include all the men, women and children who sacrifice their lives as well. The ones who wear the uniform are not the only ones who give up things for their country and I think it's sad that those sacrifices seem to be widely unacknowledged.

Currently, I am sitting at the USO, one of the few support organizations that I have found that still honors not only the active duty member, but their families as well. That means a lot to me today. So the next time you see someone in uniform and you want to thank them for their service, perhaps you can take the time to thank their family as well.

Thanksgiving 2013

The week before had been the worst yet, but often it is those seemingly impossible moments that make the unexpected sweet moments, even sweeter.

Before Kyle had even deployed, we knew that there was a chaplain and his wife who were stationed at the same base. We were thankful that Kyle would at least know a friendly face as he embarked on his deployment. As the days began to get closer to his departure, one of our friends suggested that I go stay with this family and visit Kyle. After they delightfully agreed to be my host, we were excited for this plan that had potential to make this deployment not seem like the end of life, as we knew it. Kyle left and life was hard, but we were able to use our Apple® hardware to stay in brief contact usually twice a day. We were “over the moon” when we actually got to “see each other’s faces” once a week during his day off. While this was not the way we envisioned spending half of our last year in Germany, it felt “manageable”. We were both much more heavily steeped in the Word and learning to rely more heavily on God and not each other (or ourselves).

The week before my visit was when everything just seemed to implode around us. Without going into details, we both were in very difficult situations, some personal and some with work. Our time of brief connection always seemed to overlap a meeting or Kyle’s sleep time (as he works overnights). I began to feel like I was drowning and how did this happen so fast? The night before I was hopping on a plane in hopes of visiting my husband who had been gone for the last six weeks, I began to think, “I may get down there and not even get to see him.” This was a real possibility. He had learned that his career field was not going to receive Thanksgiving or Christmas off. They were going to be regular workdays. That just seemed to suck the life out of Kyle, and in turn- me.

After several plane rides, I arrived in my first experience with a Middle Eastern country. There are many things I could tell you about that, but suffice it to say, I was very thankful to have such wonderful and knowledgeable hosts! When we arrived at their villa, I let Kyle know that I arrived. He immediately responded that they had been given the day of Thanksgiving off, but he was not allowed to leave base (because that requires paperwork that has been submitted and signed at least 72 hours in advance). What a bummer that I was finally here, so close, and I would still be celebrating Thanksgiving without him. However, we both praised the Lord that he had been given the day off! We enjoyed an hour of so of just chatting, since we had the freedom to do so. It was so fun, until he received a knock at his door. A coworker delivered an ominous email from his Chief that he was to report to his Chief’s office first thing in the morning. The mood was gone as Kyle began to rehearse the possibilities of this unexpected meeting. We prayed together and he agreed to text me the results in the morning.

Another time zone, multiple flights, an emotional week and staying up late talking to my husband made it a difficult morning to get out of bed. After my morning routine, I went to check my messages and I had received nothing. I wasn’t sure if I should be concerned or excited. Either way, I knew I would talk to him eventually…maybe he was still at work. People began to arrive to prepare the last minute details of our Thanksgiving feast, one of who was a friend from Ramstein. It was fun to exchange hugs and a familiarity that made it feel like I had family there for Thanksgiving. We chatted and waited for others to arrive. As the Chaplain walked in the door, I was floored to see Kyle right behind him. I didn’t know whether to squeal, run, cry or squeeze him ‘til there was nothing left. I opted for a little of each.

It will be a Thanksgiving to remember. As we sat around the table with people from all over the US and Sri Lanka, I thought about their families at home wishing they were there with them, and how incredibly thankful I was to be sitting there next to my deployed husband. He has gone back to work tonight, and I miss him already. As my dear, sweet, Kyle said, “No one can take away these precious hours we have had.” I don’t know if I will get to visit with him again during my time here, but I can’t help but be thankful.

My Weird Day

Today has been a weird day. For a couple of reasons actually...it's been over 24 hours since I said "goodbye" to Kyle. Even though we have only been married for two years, it's really strange to not have him come home after work. I didn't realize how much I looked forward to that each day. The "missing" is a moment by moment thing, but the prayers of so many have been carrying me through these strange and difficult times. Thank you.

It's also a weird day, because it's the official "Don't speed in Germany day", or at least that's what I like to call it. Today, the Polizei have speed traps all over our area, and they are also pulling people over to check that they have winter tires on and such. If you are pulled over and receive a fine, you are expected to pay in cash, on the spot. I had a friend who said they knew someone who was pulled over and did not have cash, and a Polizei escorted them to an ATM. How weird is that? Anyway, it's been a quite pleasant day to drive on the road...only a few stupid people riding my tail, trying to pass me because I'm going the speed limit. As well as, everyone in general just seemed to drive better. It's quite a funny thing. I'm sure tomorrow will go back to the normal, crazy driving habits and people going 70 in the 50 desperately trying to pass me for driving the posted limit. Honestly, it reminds me a bit of how us Christians like to live sometimes. Occassionally, a sermon or time in the Word will remind us of how we should be living, and we consciously live the way we're called to live. Then, we become careless, or too busy- that doesn't really apply to me, 'cause I mean well. God will understand. Why is it we're so good at following the law when we know there are consequences, but we don't really care if we think we can get away with it? We're human, I know...but I think there is more under the surface of this question.

Thoughts like this really do make me miss Kyle. He is my answer man. Honestly, he's more like a human commentary. :) Guess I'll have to do more thinking on my own. Boy, this growing thing can be challenging!

My Rear View Mirror

If there is one thing I really miss about living in the states, it would be Christian radio. Today is one of those perfect days where the sun is shining and the sky is blue without a trace of clouds to be seen. I love to worship behind the steering wheel because I can't help but worship with encouraging lyrics filling my ears and beautiful scenery capturing my eyes! Today, I have been listening to Francesca Battestelli's "Paper Heart" which seems to poignantly capture my fragile emotions while reminding me Who is really my Strength.

During my worship drive home from an appointment, I suddenly found myself in a slow-moving sandwich. A huge cemi-truck in front of me and a tiny slow-moving car behind me, and there I remained for the majority of my drive. We've all been there as we realize that twenty cars piled up behind the slow-moving car are going to pass him while you sit there helpless until they all pass you too. As I began to watch the traffic behind me, I suddenly realized I was watching behind me more than in front of me. "Whew! I better be careful. That's not safe.", I thought to myself. Then I realized just how true that statement was. Often times when I get stuck in situation where I feel trapped, I panic and start looking for a way out. In front of me is something SO big that I can't see around it, so I start looking behind me and forget to even look forward. I remember an illustration I heard in Sunday school once...your rear view mirror is smaller than your windshield because you're supposed to spend the majority of your time looking forward- not behind. Can you imagine if your windshield was the size of your rear view mirror and your rear view mirror the size of your windshield? I imagine there would be a lot more accidents.

Vines dictionary defines "Perseverance" as  to stay at or with, to tarry still, still to abide, to continue, remain.

I love how God uses every day things to remind me to persevere. Perseverance is to remain where I am, under the load that I feel and to not seek a way out from under it. Perseverance is to know that my future is SO big I can't see around it, but My God is bigger and He will make a way. Looking in the past can be a dangerous place to live both literally and figuratively.

Philippians 3:13, "Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,"