Letters from Home. Me and my Veteran.

My husband’s not one to be caught jamming out at a stop light. Those proud moments belong to me. But in the rare opportunity that Letters from Home by John Michael Montgomery happens to come on the radio, he’ll sing.

My heart will race and I’ll stare out the window, biting my cheek in hopes I can prevent mascara from running down my face. See, those words bring memories. How can a song go beyond simple words and feel more like an anthem?

Probably because for several years: 

It Was Our Anthem.

My husband spent many years in the active army and a few in the reserves. Like most military families, we hopped from station to station, spending more of our time apart than together.

Letters from war and letters from home were a staple in our early marriage. 

Not remembering much of our military family life, our daughter asked last night why Daddy deserved to have a day off for Veteran’s Day.

“Honey, Daddy deserves so much more than one day for having to go to war for so long and so often.”

She nodded, but I could tell she still didn’t understand. Not really. Because to her the word ‘war’ wasn’t anything her young mind could wrap around. And for that I am so thankful.

How many children around the world live in daily fear of combat, death, bombs?

 Yes, my husband has missed so much:

Births.

Adoption Placements.

Christmases.

Thanksgivings.

Birthdays.

Anniversaries.

First of so many baby stages.

Last moments with loved ones.

Seasons.

Home cooked meals.

Cool weather.

Hugs.

Kisses.

Sleep.

Showers.

Time…….

All of which can never be repaid by any sum of hazardous-duty-pay.

However…

Without his sacrifice. My brother’s. My cousin’s. My cousin-in-law’s. My Papaw’s. My Grandpa’s. His Grandpa’s. Uncle’s. Our friend’s. Without the dedication of all our military personal (and their families!!!), where would we be as a Nation? What protections and freedoms would our children even have if not for them?

Our Veterans.

During each of my husband’s deployments, I’d choose a verse.

One to memorize.

One to hang everywhere.

One to repeat as I tried to hold everything together on the homefront all the while trying to encourage my soldier oceans away through the variety of stages of wartime.

On his last tour, I chose:

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

To be honest, some of those words are brutal.

Sure, pray continually wasn’t too hard to accomplish, since I was constantly asking God to protect my loved one. But the be joyful part of the verse was a bit more daunting, and the final part about giving thanks in all circumstances…that did not come naturally.

After the heat of the moment, I saw things to be thankful for that came as a result of deployments.

I realized that TIME is a precious, precious gift.

I learned to dig deeper, harder, more into the Word.

I watched how God used hazardous-duty-pay and turned it into debt free adoption.

I learned how to wait.

That hugs, phone calls, letters matter so much more than material things.

I learned how not to take my spouse for granted.

Do I wish for long months away from him ever again—NO! But we don’t always get a say in what happens in our lives. I hope and pray during life's storms and seasons of war that we’ll be able to lean on the One who holds tomorrow, and truly be able to find something to be grateful for.

Today, I’m thankful for all the veterans. They deserve so much more than a day. 

What are you thankful for today?

with love and prayers,

Megan Besing

www.meganbesing.com

Trust in the Lord with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

Proverbs 3:5 

Special Saturday: Called2Speak

“What we have here is a failure to….”

Ever heard that Cool Hand Luke movie quote? Can you finish the line?

I have the privilege of being a part of a blog hop #Called2Speak, one in which we’re suppose to talk about topics that are precious to us. Ones we feel led to speak about in celebration of author Nadine Brandes' newest release: A Time to Speak. 

This seemed an easy task. I have many soapboxes lying around. Ones I stand on every now again. Many passions near and dear to my heart, my life, my family.

But the word FAILURE kept repeating itself.

To be honest, it baffled me at first. Failure isn’t a word I like to speak about, because hello, I prefer to hide all those such things, thank you very much. They’re ugly, yucky, and let’s face it, they don’t bring good memories.

Except we all have failures…

Sooo, inhales a deep breathe  today, I will speak out against one of mine. Because if I didn't choose just one this post would go on forever. To continue that Cool Hand Luke movie quote from above...

I have "...a failure to communicate."

Some of my handy-dandy prayer journals

I keep these handy-dandy prayer notebooks. (Anyone Else?)

I write scripture there.

Keep track of my different readings there.

A place where I record my requests and thoughts to God. PRAYERS.

If someone comes across my notebooks because I don't know where I put them all and reads my daily entries, one request they'll eventually find, in some shape of form, is the request:

Lord, show me when/how/where to share You with/to someone.

And just like the movie quote: “If you build it they will come.” (Field of Dreams)

If you pray it—opportunities will come. Truly.

Sometimes I don’t realize an opportunity until after it has past.

Sometimes words immediately spew from my mouth during said given opportunities.

Sometimes my heart starts thumping rapidly, my breathing is tight, and I know--really, truly know, that God seems to be saying, “Here is that moment you prayed for this morning. Right here. Right now. Talk to the cashier--yes, her, about why that comment she mentioned can’t be true. Point her to ME.”

And sometimes I listen. Sometimes I obey. Sometimes I share my Savior with the world.

BUT.

Sometimes I don’t.

I don’t open my mouth.

I don’t listen to the nudge on my heart.

I don’t share the Good News.

I choose to ignore the opportunity that I purposely prayed for.

And for whatever excuse I give myself at the time, I keep my lamp hidden.

I hate those moments.

Because in those moments: I FAIL.

And lately it seemed God has been providing me opportunity after opportunity to loudly stand up for Him. And you know what?

I. Was. Not. Loud.

I've failed more times than I wish to relive. 

Romans 3:23 says we all fail. We ALL HAVE FAILED. And that sucks!

But you know what doesn’t? Forgiveness. Mercy. New Life. 

After I repent of my failure(s). My pride. My missed priorities, it’s funny how quickly “I’m back in the game.” (10 Things I Hate About You.) And another day, another moment, another opportunity comes knocking—literally someone knocked on my door this past week. And you know what? I chose correctly: I was loud for my Savior. 

Don’t be afraid, “Never give up. Never Surrender.”(Galaxy Quest) of your failures, past sins, or missed opportunities. God never expected us to be perfect. Romans 5:8 says He loved us while we were still sinners. Give God your failures, and "Just keep swimming." (Finding Nemo)

Failures will come. It's what you do afterwards that matters. (tweet this)

I'm #called2speak about #failures. Check out what Parvin's called to speak about in A Time to Speak by Nadine Brandes.

What happens when you live longer than you wanted to? 

Parvin Blackwater wanted to die, but now she’s being called to be a leader. The only problem is, no one wants to follow.

The Council uses Jude’s Clock-matching invention to force “new-and-improved” Clocks on the public. Those who can’t afford one are packed into boxcars like cattle and used for the Council’s purposes.

Parvin and Hawke find themselves on a cargo ship of Radicals headed out to sea. What will the Council do to them? And why are people suddenly dying before their Clocks have zeroed-out?

Doesn't that sound intriguing? 

What's even awesomer: A chance to win said intriguing book: 

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You can learn more about Nadine and Parvin here, including when the facebook party is. 

If you enjoyed my #Called2Speak post, check out the others on the blog hop.

9.28.15 – Gretchen Engel

9.30.15 – Nadine Brandes

10.01.15 – Jason Joyner

10.05.15 – Gretchen Engel (part 2)

10.06.15 – Tricia Mingerink

10.08.15 – Gretchen Engel (Scriblerians)

10.09.15 – Emilie Hendryx

10.11.15 – Janeen Ippolito

10.12.15 – Zachary D Totah

10.14.15 – Brittany Valentine

10.15.15 – Andrew Swearingen

10.17.15 – Megan Besing

10.19.15 – Angel Roman

10.20.15 – Charles Franklin

10.21.15 – Lisa Godfrees

10.23.15 – Shantelle Hannu

10.27.15 – Natalie Walters

10.29.15 – The Artist Librarian

11.02.15 – Rosalie Valentine

11.17.15 – Amanda Fender

What are you #Called2Speak about?

with love and prayers,

Megan Besing
www.meganbesing.com
Trust in the Lord with all your heart 
and lean not on your own understanding; Proverbs 3:5 (NIV)

Worthy Wednesday: Expectantly

The day began like any other morning…until I looked outside.

The lake.

The fog.

The sunrise.

True Beauty. A breathtaking scene that only God could create.

A whimsy mist clung to the lake’s surface and yet a portion of it floated as if its sole purpose was to taste the sunshine rising behind the trees.

I grabbed my camera, stepped into my rubber boots, and rushed to capture the moment.

But truth be told, the photos didn’t give the live view justice.

Psalm 5:3 the New International Version says:

In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice;

    in the morning I lay my requests before you

    and wait expectantly.

EXPECTANTLY.

Every morning, I expect the sun to rise.

Every evening, I expect the sun to set.

 Ps 5:3, James 1:6, and Mk 11:24 tell us when we pray we should expect an answer.

A beautiful song by Jeremy Camp. (Listen here) says: 

“In the morning, when I rise

In the morning, when I rise

Give me Jesus”

My prayer is that every morning I’ll run to Jesus like I ran to the lake, 

that I will earnestly seek, pray, and wait—expectantly.

What are you praying for today? 

with love and prayers,

Megan Besing

www.meganbesing.com 

Trust in in the Lord with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding; 

Proverbs 3:5 (NIV)

If you enjoyed this post, or if you have any haters in your life...this may be for you.

Special Saturday: International Talk Like A Pirate Day, with a chance to win a KINDLE FIRE!

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Good Luck!

with love and prayers,

Megan Besing

Trust in the Lord with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

Proverbs 3:5 (NIV)

Worthy Wednesday: Harvest

It all starts tonight.

Or rather, restarts. 

Our church's wednesday night youth program begins once again  

and will run throughout the school year.

Kids are bussed in. 

There's songs, snacks, smiles, 

and hopefully...

a whole lot of learning about Jesus going on.

We play some basketball.

Give hugs.

Watch little eyes fill with tears as they share how Mommy and Daddy aren't living together anymore.

Encourage prayers, even when it's about a scratch on their second cousin's left elbow that more than likely healed about a year ago.

Do a few cartwheels.

Help them locate each scripture.

Repeat the same verse over and over in hopes that they may know it and apply it.

Open the Bible and teach the Truth.

Tell them that Jesus loves them.

To be honest when I get home...I'm tired.

And sometimes I think about stopping, because (enter any excuse here).

Somehow by the next week, I'm ready for more.

Why?

Then he said to his disciples, 

“The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few." 

Matthew 9:37 NIV

Where we live in Indiana, cornfields are a common sight. 

And soybeans fields.

And wheatfields.

Crops in general are everywhere!

Come harvest time, it's amazing how much one farmer and one combine can get done in a day.

I'm just one.

You're just one.

But together we're two.

Just think about what we can get done together.

My 'field' is in a small church, in a small town, with a small group of kids. 

And it will continue to be the place I 'work'--even when I'm tired. Even when I'm busy. Even when...until the Lord tells me where to go next. Because I have some Good News, and the world needs to hear it.

What field(s) is He calling you to harvest?

with love and prayers,
Megan Besing
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
Proverbs 3:5 NIV
www.meganbesing.com 

Worthy Wednesday: Rescue

This Scripture photo can be shared and printed free here.

Through the waves and currents of life, 

our Life Guard is always on duty.

Have you called out to Him today?

with love and prayers,

Megan Besing

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; Proverbs 3:5 NIV

www.meganbesing.com 

Worthy Wednesday: Brevity

Whether it is in days, weeks, or even years, I’m usually looking ahead, 

waiting for a circled date on my calendar.

This in and of its self isn’t a bad thing, after all, time doesn’t move backwards.

But…

We must be careful. Sometimes we’re so busy worrying, wondering, daydreaming about what the tomorrows may bring that we forget to live in the present—the now.

In the 90^th Psalm, Moses’ prayer exposes the truth: that our life is limited, but God, thankfully, sits above time. He’s blessed us with moments here on earth. 

Let’s make the most of this gift.

Because our life, our time: it’s fleeting. 

What are you doing with it?

Lord, may we live each day to bring You glory.

with love and prayers,

Megan Besing

www.meganbesing.com

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, 

and lean not on your own understanding; 

Proverbs 3:5 NIV

Worthy Wednesday: Eternal

Past.
Present.
Future.

eternal

1.

without beginning or end; lasting forever; always existing

2.

perpetual; ceaseless; endless:

3.

enduring; immutable:

4.

Metaphysics. existing outside all relations of time; not subject to change.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/eternal

God is eternal.

"Being eternal, God is not bound by time. Having always existed, He sees the past and the future as clearly as He sees the present. With that perspective, He has a perfect understanding of what is best for our lives. Therefore, we should trust Him with all areas of our lives." 

(Fundamental of the Faith. Lesson 3. Moody Publishers. Grace Community Church. 2009)

In life...

Trusting is hard.

Faith isn't always simple.

And worry becomes a constant temptation.

BUT...

God sees today and tomorrow as if it's history already written, where as I can barely remember what I ate for breakfast yesterday.

So letting God have control of my future shouldn't be difficult, no, it would be wise, especially since He already holds it.

"...Many things about tomorrow 

I don't seem to understand; 

But I know who holds tomorrow, 

And I know who holds my hand."

Hymn. 1950. Ira F. Stanphill

Are you trusting the eternal One with your: 

Yesterday.
Today.
Tomorrow.

with love and prayers,

Megan Besing

www.meganbesing.com

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; Proverbs 3:5 NIV

Worthy Wednesday: Talk

Today, I made a list.

With school coming to its end for the year, I won’t be seeing the kids I babysit again until the fall, and I wanted them to have what we learned.

To review. To repeat. To remember.

Except, when the list was finished, it was short. Too short, not even a whole typed page long.

Scripture.

The list I made was of scripture. The ones I helped the kids memorized throughout the time we shared together. And honestly, I was a little bummed.

Really, this is all we memorized?

Now, granted we’re talking preschoolers here, and I’m oh-so-very proud of all they learned!But compared to the vastness that is the Bible… I should have sat down and given them more of me—more of the Word, and less: TV, snacks, playtime, etc. Not because in and of themselves those things are bad. (because on some days, they were a babysitter’s best friends) BUT what really matters is the kids' hearts.

And Who and what’s inside.

“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up…Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates." Deuteronomy 6: 6-7 & 9 (NIV)

Reminds me a little of a Dr. Seuss book. Talk about them here and there. Talk about them ANYWHERE!

Talk about what?

Leading up to these verses, God had just given the Israelites the Ten Commandments, and followed them up with this:^“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”

The list I made today may be small. But it's a small step towards talking about God anywhere.

What have you impressed on the hearts of those around you today?

with love and prayers,

Megan Besing

www.meganbesing.com

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; Proverbs 3:5 NIV

Worthy Wednesday: Pattern

PATTERN
: the regular and repeated way in which something happens or is done
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pattern

Cravings of impurity and debauchery. Idolatry, hatred, and discord. 

Jealousy, fits of rage,  and drunkenness... 

Things the world does over and over. The mess our flesh drives toward again and again.

Except.
That is not our pattern to follow.

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, 

faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. 

Galatians 5:23 says, "Against such things there is no law."

Lord, mold my life according to these.


with love and prayers,
Megan Besing
www.meganbesing.com
Trust in the Lord with all your heart 
and lean not on your own understanding; 
Proverbs 3:5 NIV

.

Worthy Wednesday: Love Your Enemies

Really?

I have to be nice to people who hate me?

Great.

If I'm being honest, sometimes it's hard enough putting a smile on my face for those who actually tolerate me, but this, this is hard stuff. And no, I can't cover my ears and pretend I didn't hear it. Jesus taught this. Jesus lived this. Remember Judas?

Betrayal=Enemy

Jesus knew Judas Iscariot would be the one, the very one who would betray Him. 

And yet...

Judas was still a member of Jesus' earthly inner circle--One of the twelve.

He taught him, shared meals with him, spent time with him, provided for him, 

and

LOVED him.

ENEMY=LOVE

Not only am I required to be nice to my foes, but I am to LOVE them.

love: a feeling of strong or constant affection for a person
:unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/love

This is NOT natural human behavior, but takes effort, practice, and 

most importantly, Jesus.

Without Him it would so NOT be possible.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NIV) 

This verse doesn't read: For God so loved the world, excluding Judas and anyone else who betrays or hates Jesus, that he gave....

NO, He: 

LOVED the whole.entire.world.

SALVATION is offered to everyone.

When someone bullies me, betrays me, oh, you better believe that I DO have me some strong feelings, however I'm striving for those to be strong feelings of affection. 

And that's HARD!!!

Do you have someone who makes your life...difficult?

LOVE and PRAY

(or maybe pray first :) )

Pray for their Salvation. 

That God will bless them. Use them. Show them mercy, as He does you and me.

LOVE=FORGIVENESS

Is it hard?  Is it doable?  Is it worth it?

YUP.

with love and prayers,

Megan Besing

www.meganbeisng.com

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; Proverbs 3:5 niv