Dh is considering joining the National Guard. I'm behind him 100% no matter what he decides. When I prayed about it, the Lord told me that this is something Terry has to decide for himself (by seeking the Lord, of course)and to not influence him one way or the other. So I've just been praying for wisdom for DH. Seeing as how I am working at a Christian business surrounded by other Christians, I asked a couple of them to pray as well. You know what both of these folks said to me? "I'll pray he decides against it." :shock: That's not what I'm looking for, and I told them that. Why oh why do people have to react in such a way?! I mean, yes, we're at war. Yes, there is a chance he'll end up there. But you know what? Really there are worse things in this world that our family might have to deal with. Why do people just think a person is crazy for enlisting in any capacity during war time? It almost made me a little ashamed of our nation's outlook. Ok, so I'm rambling and venting and very very sleepy, so I'll stop now.
Sorry you had to deal with the anti-military attitude.....welcome to my world...lol. No really, I have relatives that support my hubby but everytime we chat they whine about Iraq, etc.......hello, my hubby has been there twice and Saudi once....no one wants our troops home more BUT it's not as if the everyday soldier has any say and pulling out overnight would kill all the other soldiers who haven't caught the plane yet (big time security issue there)......anywho, I ramble on..... I'll be praying for discernment for your hubby. The Guard has a lot to offer in benefits (further job training, schooling, etc). These days it does tend to mean a deployment but they aren't all overseas...many are to fill the US base jobs of other soldiers deployed. Rhonda
I'll pray for discernment, too. You know, if everyone had the don't-do-it attitude, where would our country be? I'm thankful that your family is even considering it.
As the wife of a retired military man (who did his last eight years in the Guard), I admire your willingness to pray for wisdom and let him make the decision. I know you've shared about your financial struggles, and this could be a good thing for your family in that regard. As others have said, there's no guarantee that he'll be deployed, but of course, it is a chance you take. I really struggled during my DH's deployment, but God totally turned it around for good. I am enjoying writing opportunities now that never would've happened without the deployment. It grew me up in a lot of ways, and for that, I'm thankful. Anyway, I'll keep your DH in my prayers. People would think we were crazy if they heard this, but we've actually thought about my DH rejoining the Navy (where he did his other 12 years of service). That military life just kind of gets in your blood, and you miss it when it's over!
God bless you for being such an understanding and supportive Christian wife and God bless your dh for his big wonderful heart. (((( ))))
My hubby served his time in the Gaurd. I'm proud of the commitment he made to our country. As proud as I am though.. I'm happy that he got out when he did. He has been out 6 1/2 years and his unit has been in Iraq 3 times since then for 12-18 months at a time (they are there now actually). He has talked of going back in, but prefers the family life to the military life. I hope he makes the decision that is right for him.. and for your family.
Thank you everyone for your words of encouragement. This is definitely odd for me. I'm used to being so opinionated that I try to make sure DH does things my way (I know, you're all shocked). This time, however, I really feel blase about it. Not that I don't care, I just don't have an opinion on what he decides.
its got to be a family choice, it's like any kind of job you sign up for it, they may or may not have to do something they don't like. Good luck on whatever you decide
Good for you, leaving this decision up to your husband. My husband was thinking about joining the National Guard two years ago, and I spoke up, and told him I didn't want him to do it. I just don't think I could handle him being away. Well, he started thinking about it again earlier this year. God really spoke to me and told me to let him decide. I don't want my dh to resent me later for missing out on something he wanted. SO, I told him, I would support him, no matter what, and PRAYED and PRAYED for God's will in our lives. After two months, my dh decided not to join. It was his decision, and I know God was pleased with my attitude and trusting that He would take care of us! I will be praying for God's clear direction for your family!
Yeah, um, *cough cough*. I really have no idea how in the world I'm going to manage without him. I mean, really. I love my children, but I'm used to getting a break at least every other day. Usually just running errands or something I need to do anyway, but always something. The thought of having to take the boys absolutely everywhere with me is really nerve-wracking. I'm about to start taking dance classes and I'd have to stop because I wouldn't have anyone to watch the boys (MIL lives 30 miles away and it's not worth the gas to go back and forth). Bah.. God knows what He's doing.....
Ahh...the story of my life.......hubby always gone (except for now...lol). Of course, my girls were in a Dept of Defense school and I had my son in a preschool program a few mornings a week.....that's how I survived those young years. Now, if he were to go, all the kids are home so it would definitely be different. It can be done though. You just have to find a decent support system which doesn't have to be family but can be good friends. Having someone to call or trade childcare with was key to my sanity. At least if he decides to join, you'll have lots of training time, etc to get "life" setup. And we're all here for you!! Rhonda
One thing I have learned, is that God gives you the grace you need to deal with today, not tomorrow. God will get you through (and the help of friends ain't bad either ) when you need it!
Amen to what Christina said. If it ends up that your DH decides to do this, you can trust that it is in God's hands and he will provide for your needs. One thing I missed most after my DH came back home was the closeness I had with God during that time. It truly was a case of that verse being true, where God says that he's the father to the fatherless and husband to the husbandless. He definitely gave me a supportive circle of friends...I couldn't have made it without them!
When my hubby decided to join 3 years ago, I fought him on it. I called him some really awful names, and told him he just wanted to "play soldier" I am NOT proud of how I acted, but God really did get through to me during that time. As much as I need a break sometimes, my biggest fear was having him go to war, and only having a folded flag return. I am scared to death of him dying, but I know that God knows the number of his days, and regardless of where my hubby is, he would still die. And for my hubby, there is no greater honor than dying for your country.
Yep, that's for sure. In addition to lots of prayer, part of my support system when hubby was gone for 35 of 54 months (not normal, btw) was my church family and a Bible Study (called PWOC) held on Ft. Campbell (and everyother post we've lived on)....since I didn't leave close to family. PWOC- Protestant Women of the Chapel. If he decides to "go", get ready to learn more acronyms that you ever thought possible. Better get back to packing. We're headed your way tomorrow (MO that is...not as far as you though).
I know that God will supply me with every resource, support system, strength, and bit of patience I will need if he decides to go. Which is why I haven't locked myself in a closet yet . I think he's going to go for it, ladies. His sister is also likely going to join and she met with the recruiter tonight. He's waiting to hear what she has to report. But he keep saying things like, "what are you going to do without me for 8 weeks?" and "you know I'm going to have to shave my whiskers....permanently?" He's asked me to reapply for a YMCA scholarship so he can start working out. We had a membership for 2 years and he never went a single time...lol. Anyhow.. it's so strange to sit back and be an observer in my own life.
When he's deployed, the YMCA offers discounted rates for you. They may even be free. Don't lock yourself in a closet (unless you need a break) As I was telling one of my friends today, you will survive, and you will come out a stronger person. I am very proud that you are willing to do this. If you have any questions, pm me, I'll help as much as I can. Praying for you
