"Well what do you know?!"

I'll explain the title in a minute and also the title of my blog.  The reason for starting this is because I love writing, especially journaling.  I've kept a journal since I was about 10 years old, and the collection of journals I've acquire since are sitting in storage at the moment.  But what fun it is to pore back over what my 10 yr. old self thought was funny and moments that I have cherished in the past 11 years,  and how quickly I forget them sometimes too. For instance, my now 11yr. old sister Clara was my best buddy! I wrote lots of stuff when she was little, of funny things she used to do! One particular entry, I wrote that Clara had started referring to herself as "Morgan" and wanted everyone to call her that! It may have been a phase that only lasted several days, but I'm glad that I wrote it down, because I really don't remember that!!   In another entry I wrote of my enthusiasm for helping Daddy Frank (my great-grandfather) pick beans in his garden, and how I made $60 one summer! Not bad for an 11 yr. old kid!  That's why I love keeping a journal; especially as a reminder of where I've been and how I've grown through trials and joyful times. 

Keeping a blog/online journal will help me as I anticipate the coming years as a wife and mother, but I know that it will not be easy being a military wife.  There will be years when I have to be a "single mom."  But I won't trade it for anything, because I am so in love with the man I married! It will all be worth it!   Which brings me to the title of this post.  Whether or not I expressed this to anyone, I always told myself, "I will never marry someone in the military.  I'm not strong enough, or brave enough, to handle the pain and fear of having a loved one leave for lengths of time and not knowing if they're ok."   And then there was Josh.  It was instant attraction. He's a good looking guy (My 90 yr old great-grandmother, Mama Moore, said she thought he was a real hunk!!)  with a great personality but I was also hesitant because I knew he was in the Army.  My parents were cautious because they wanted to make sure I knew what I was getting myself into if our relationship was going to go any further.   It didn't take very long for my feelings to change.  I wasn't instantly ok with the fact, shoving it aside just because I met a cute guy and don't want to give it up.  I honestly, truly, felt a sense of peace from the Lord and asked myself, "Why would I say, "No," to a man that the Lord has obviously intended for me, just because I might be scared?"  I certainly didn't want to regret that kind of decision.   So after years of telling myself, I would never marry into the military, God said, "Well what do you know?! Look who I have for you, Amanda!"  And I have been at peace with my decision since then.  I look at the story of Gideon in Judges chapter 6.  His family was the least among all the tribes of Israel and he was a fearful man. Yet God chose him to save Israel and told him, "Go in the strength you have...Am I not sending you?  I will be with you!"  Sometimes I feel fearful like Gideon.  But I feel like God is telling me to go in the strength I already have and He will equip me with what I need, when I need it.  Because He is with me! That is such a comforting thought!  The Creator of the Universe is always with me. He will never leave me or forsake me. 
                                                                     

                                                   Isaiah 41:10 says,                                              

"So do not fear, for I am with you;
   do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
   I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. 

 So with that, I feel a sense of peace going forward in this journey knowing that as long as I trust in God for everything I need, He will give me strength for today, and a bright hope for tomorrow.

Josh's cousin Autumn, who is also an Army wife, sent this to me and I just love it!

Recipe for an Army Wife

1 ¼ Cup Patience
1 Tsp Courage
1 lb Adaptability
1 ¼ Cup Tolerance
Dash of Adventure
Splash of Humor

Mix the ingredients with 2 tsp of elbow grease, leave alone for 12 months. Marinate with tears. Sprinkle every so often with money. Season with international spices. Bake for 20 years or until done. Serve with PRIDE!!!