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| Image by Cindee Snider Re of Breathe Deeply |
I walked out on him one evening when we were out for dinner with my sister and her husband. Once again he changed the topic of discussion to his desire for our eldest son to enlist in the Navy. Once again I adamantly said we would not have this discussion.
“Our son will not enlist in the military.”
With that I stormed out of the restaurant. My sister and her husband followed my lead.
Walking out of that restaurant and walking out on my husband happened over five years ago.
Fast-forward five years to the present time. In less than 30 days my husband will return home from his first deployment as a solider with the U.S. Army Reserves. He has been away from home since November of last year. Three weeks ago I had a “see–you–later” moment with our eldest son . . . our sailor. His deployment has just begun.
I’m guest posting at the lovely Jen Ferguson's of Soli Deo Gloria Sisterhood today. I’d love you to join me over there for the rest of this story!
Beth, it is so true! The things we most often think will be the end of us, He causes to be the means of growth and strength. So grateful He has been with you all this time, growing you & strengthening you. So grateful you have chosen to share all along the way & in so doing, help us all to grow & strengthen In Him! xo
ReplyDeleteThank you for how you've encouraged me through this journey, Joanne. I am grateful for you. Much love. xoxo
DeleteBeth you bless my heart each time I visit you here on your blog, and even when I happen to see your encouragement elsewhere in blogging land. I can't express how much connecting with you via blogging has enriched my life,but I am encouraged by your testimony of faith, even in the face of fear. There was a time that fear consumed me and he took me to Proverbs 13:12, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick.", and he revealed a deep truth I still cling to. Faith in the face of fear gives wings to hope that cannot be deferred.
ReplyDeletePraying for you and your dear ones as you wait on their return.
Blessings,
Dawn
Dawn, I feel the same about you. I love how God makes these connections in the blogging land. Ones I never knew would become so much a part of my life. Thank you for how you encourage me and others. Thank you for pointing us back to Him. You are a blessings, friend. Much love. xoxo
DeleteSo inspiring, Beth! "We can still have joy because He is the source of all our joy." This is a great Truth! You are such a beautiful example of God's redemption and how He uses His children to bless others. Blessings,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words, June. And THANK YOU for encouraging my heart every step of the way. Soon, oh so soon, I will be able to share his homecoming with all of you. And that makes me so happy. Much love. xoxo
DeleteBeth, The military just runs through the blood in some families. It does in mine. My husband's active days were over by the time we married. I don't know how I would have handled this. We met both serving on the civilian side of the Navy. For this, I will be forever grateful. God gives us the strength during trials to do amazing things. Counting down with you!!!
ReplyDeleteIt's all God. ALL God. I can't wait to share my husband's homecoming with all of you. Much love to you, Kim. xoxo
DeletePopped by SDG and I totally 100% identify. Hubs was already very dedicated to his army career when I entered the picture, but it took me a hot minute to adjust to them telling us what to do, how to do it and when we could.
ReplyDeleteTurns out... Jesus is actually behind all of those army antics. #whoknew? Through all of the hardest moments (deployments, miscarriage by myself, holidays/special occasions apart) Jesus has worked mightily and powerfully. Thanks for sharing your heart!
PS: I am counting down the days for you here in WA. Can't wait til your beloved returns :-) Love you.
Thank you, Sharita. He is good ALL THE TIME! Love you much. xoxo
DeleteBeth, I am thrilled for you as the time draws near for your husband to return home! I appreciate how you continue to share your story in different ways to encourage others. I didn't realize we only live about 4 hours from each other until today. The next time I'm in the Chicago area, I'm looking you up! :) I'm lifting your family in prayer often, friend! Sending hugs your way!
ReplyDeleteWe totally need to plan a meet up, friend. I want to hug you IN REAL LIFE! Thank you for your kind words. Much love. xoxo
DeleteI loved this! It is so frustrating when our plans don't even look like God's plans. When you described how much God has been teaching you throughout these last ten months I am cheering you on because He loves us so much to give us challenges because of the lesson that we will find in the messiness. Happy Wednesday!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, friend. I cannot believe his return home will soon be here. Goosebumps. And lots of goosebumps for how God has carried us through these months apart. He is GOOD. Much love. xoxo
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