Hey Guys!
My first update since boot camp. The internet on base isn't very good so I probably won't update again for another month. I'll be on facebook here and there when I hit a wifi hotspot.
Well I made it through boot camp! :)
It was exhausting but easier than I thought. I really didn't personally get yelled at. The RDC's just yelled at our division. They were pretty cool though. I thought there would be a lot more running and I thought we would be running in our boots but we didn't. I did get some pretty gnarly blisters on my heels, like half dollar size. They have become callused, so I have man feet. I also got pink eye twice, ewww. Other than that no major issues.
Today I felt different. I notice people noticing me in my uniform. People want to tell me about who they know in the military. People want to approach me. I also carry myself a little taller now. I feel honored to wear a uniform that represents our country. I have only just begun and have yet to realize what service actually means.
Today in the elevator I was polite and said good morning to a lady, normally I would have just stayed quiet. I feel like this uniform forces me out of my shell and to act in a manor that reflects the core values of the Navy. I feel that what I was taught in boot camp is lining up with what God has planned for me. I'm slightly anxious of how A-school will be. I'm excited to see where this path will lead.
I want to thank all of you who took the time to write me. I know everyone has busy lives and that you would take time out of your day to think of me means a lot. Mail call was the best time of day and I truly have a great support system.
James I missed you more than you know. To know you have my back and support me feels amazing. Going through this whole process my respect for you has grown even more. You are amazing. You are my best friend.
I love all of you! Can't wait to be caught up on what all of you have been doing.
-Audra
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Monday, April 29, 2013
Ready, Set, Go.
This is it guys, my last blog post before RTC. (Recruit Training Command)
This last week has been pretty crazy. My in-laws came down. They helped paint our wall back and took off some paint outside that James and I were too lazy to do. (Thanks guys! I love you.)
We spent that weekend hiking and went to LuLu's over in Gulf Shores and I can't even remember what else. My brain is all over the place.
This weekend was supposed to be fun and relaxing. Saturday we rented a boat thinking that would be fun. Weather was nice, boat and waves not so much. It was pretty choppy water and our boat was so little. I got seasick within 30 min. No throwing up, but headache and I was gagging like I was about to throw up. Not sure I'll be the best sailor! Haha.
After that I wanted to go to Dunkin Donuts to get an iced coffee. Caffeine helps with headaches right? I have never ordered from there so I just told the lady I wanted a sweet cold coffee. She said "We don't have that." What!? I see pictures of it on all the commercials. I can't help it if I don't know what it's called. You are supposed to know what I want lady. Customer service, come on. So I didn't get anything. Another waste of time on our last Saturday. James was frustrated with me. I don't feel well and am frustrated that he is frustrated. We went home and took naps. Once we woke up and ate dinner the rest of the night was nice and uneventful.
Sunday I was lazy for the first bit of the day. Made biscuits and gravy for breakfast. Took a nap, then I got to work. I cleaned out the deep freeze, the refrigerator, the closets, the shed. Pretty much everything. Then James took me to dinner out on Pensacola Beach. After dinner we just took the long way home and drove out to Santa Rosa beach and Navarre beach. It was nice and relaxing, exactly what I wanted. I teared up a little just thinking about how much I'm going to miss him and our life here in Pensacola.
I know this is what I want to do. I just can't help thinking "What are you doing Audra? Life is great and here you are throwing a job in the mix that is taking you away from everything you know."
When I tell people I'm joining the Navy one of the first things people ask is "What does your husband think?" I honestly don't know what he thinks. When I first talked about it a LONGGGGG time ago, he was against it. It wasn't even a possibility with how big I was anyway. Once I lost the weight and made him aware that I'm serious and I really want to join he was on board. He also wanted to make sure that this is what I want to do. I don't want to be separated from him, but it's part of it. I am pretty sure he isn't going to like being alone either. No one will be here to make him grilled cheese sandwiches.
I do know that he will like that he gets to have to whole bed to himself instead of the little sliver I give him now. He will be able to watch sports and fake wrestling anytime he wants. He can eat an entire bag of chips in one sitting without me saying something. I'm pretty sure he will enjoy all of that.
I just found out that I have to be at the recruiters office tomorrow morning at 0700. I know we can't even check into our hotel until 1530 (3:30pm). All tomorrow is, is just getting me to New Orleans. I was really hoping James could just drive me and we could leave around 1100. Now I have to wake up early for basically nothing. Welcome to the Military??? Wednesday I have to wake up at like 0345 and eat breakfast before 0430. The bus takes us to the base and we process. Then my flight to Great Lakes (where RTC is.) won't be until late Wednesday night cause they want you to be exhausted when they yell in your face. I will have to stay awake all Wednesday night and all Thursday until they tell me I can sleep on Thursday night. Please, please, please, please pray for me. I'm going to hate my life. I'm going to cry, I'm going to be exhausted. I know that a lot of this will be mental. This will probably be the hardest thing I have ever done.
Everyone says the first day is the hardest day and the first two weeks are the hardest weeks. After that they say that it's fun. I'm not sure if their definition of fun will be the same as mine.
I'm worried about making friends. I'm 27, not 17. I'm worried about being put into a leadership position and not being able to take the pressure. I'm worried of falling asleep. I love my naps ya'll. Please pray for these areas specifically.
There is so much more I could say, but I think I'll get off here and update you guys once I am a United States Sailor! I'm going to be so proud of myself. I can't wait until James and my dad see me in my uniform. I'm going to cry, happy proud tears of course.
I love you all!
I want to give shout outs
To my mom -Mom you are an amazing women. I love you so much and am so grateful you are in my life. I hope to be the women of God you are.
To my dad -Dad I love you. I still think of myself as your little girl. I hope to make you proud. I am proud of you and proud to be your daughter.
To my love -James, you are my partner in life and love. You are the first person I want to tell about my day. You are my best friend. I am so glad you are my husband. I am grateful to you for letting me take this adventure. Grateful that we are in this adventure together. I love you.
2 Kings 6:16 "Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them."
Isaiah 40: 29-31 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youth grow tired and weary, and young me will stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
This last week has been pretty crazy. My in-laws came down. They helped paint our wall back and took off some paint outside that James and I were too lazy to do. (Thanks guys! I love you.)
We spent that weekend hiking and went to LuLu's over in Gulf Shores and I can't even remember what else. My brain is all over the place.
This weekend was supposed to be fun and relaxing. Saturday we rented a boat thinking that would be fun. Weather was nice, boat and waves not so much. It was pretty choppy water and our boat was so little. I got seasick within 30 min. No throwing up, but headache and I was gagging like I was about to throw up. Not sure I'll be the best sailor! Haha.
After that I wanted to go to Dunkin Donuts to get an iced coffee. Caffeine helps with headaches right? I have never ordered from there so I just told the lady I wanted a sweet cold coffee. She said "We don't have that." What!? I see pictures of it on all the commercials. I can't help it if I don't know what it's called. You are supposed to know what I want lady. Customer service, come on. So I didn't get anything. Another waste of time on our last Saturday. James was frustrated with me. I don't feel well and am frustrated that he is frustrated. We went home and took naps. Once we woke up and ate dinner the rest of the night was nice and uneventful.
Sunday I was lazy for the first bit of the day. Made biscuits and gravy for breakfast. Took a nap, then I got to work. I cleaned out the deep freeze, the refrigerator, the closets, the shed. Pretty much everything. Then James took me to dinner out on Pensacola Beach. After dinner we just took the long way home and drove out to Santa Rosa beach and Navarre beach. It was nice and relaxing, exactly what I wanted. I teared up a little just thinking about how much I'm going to miss him and our life here in Pensacola.
I know this is what I want to do. I just can't help thinking "What are you doing Audra? Life is great and here you are throwing a job in the mix that is taking you away from everything you know."
When I tell people I'm joining the Navy one of the first things people ask is "What does your husband think?" I honestly don't know what he thinks. When I first talked about it a LONGGGGG time ago, he was against it. It wasn't even a possibility with how big I was anyway. Once I lost the weight and made him aware that I'm serious and I really want to join he was on board. He also wanted to make sure that this is what I want to do. I don't want to be separated from him, but it's part of it. I am pretty sure he isn't going to like being alone either. No one will be here to make him grilled cheese sandwiches.
I do know that he will like that he gets to have to whole bed to himself instead of the little sliver I give him now. He will be able to watch sports and fake wrestling anytime he wants. He can eat an entire bag of chips in one sitting without me saying something. I'm pretty sure he will enjoy all of that.
I just found out that I have to be at the recruiters office tomorrow morning at 0700. I know we can't even check into our hotel until 1530 (3:30pm). All tomorrow is, is just getting me to New Orleans. I was really hoping James could just drive me and we could leave around 1100. Now I have to wake up early for basically nothing. Welcome to the Military??? Wednesday I have to wake up at like 0345 and eat breakfast before 0430. The bus takes us to the base and we process. Then my flight to Great Lakes (where RTC is.) won't be until late Wednesday night cause they want you to be exhausted when they yell in your face. I will have to stay awake all Wednesday night and all Thursday until they tell me I can sleep on Thursday night. Please, please, please, please pray for me. I'm going to hate my life. I'm going to cry, I'm going to be exhausted. I know that a lot of this will be mental. This will probably be the hardest thing I have ever done.
Everyone says the first day is the hardest day and the first two weeks are the hardest weeks. After that they say that it's fun. I'm not sure if their definition of fun will be the same as mine.
I'm worried about making friends. I'm 27, not 17. I'm worried about being put into a leadership position and not being able to take the pressure. I'm worried of falling asleep. I love my naps ya'll. Please pray for these areas specifically.
There is so much more I could say, but I think I'll get off here and update you guys once I am a United States Sailor! I'm going to be so proud of myself. I can't wait until James and my dad see me in my uniform. I'm going to cry, happy proud tears of course.
I love you all!
I want to give shout outs
To my mom -Mom you are an amazing women. I love you so much and am so grateful you are in my life. I hope to be the women of God you are.
To my dad -Dad I love you. I still think of myself as your little girl. I hope to make you proud. I am proud of you and proud to be your daughter.
To my love -James, you are my partner in life and love. You are the first person I want to tell about my day. You are my best friend. I am so glad you are my husband. I am grateful to you for letting me take this adventure. Grateful that we are in this adventure together. I love you.
2 Kings 6:16 "Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them."
Isaiah 40: 29-31 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youth grow tired and weary, and young me will stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
Monday, April 15, 2013
Desire
I have this desire to be the best person I can be. The thing that stops me is...me.
We were talking about the 7 deadly sins at work today. (Proverbs 6:16-19, Galatians 5:19-21)
I could have sworn that being lazy was one of them, maybe it is, just not in the versions I have read. Or maybe they are in another book of the Bible.
Instead of focusing on the things I don't want to be I want to focus on the ones I do want to be.
Galatians 5:22-23 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patients, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
Proverbs 31:1-3 Who can find a virtuos and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. Her husband can trust her and she will greatly enrich his life. She brings him good and not harm all the days of her life.
Proverbs 31:17 She is energetic and strong, a hard worker.
Proverbs 31:20 She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy.
Proverbs 31:25-27 She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. She carefully watches everything in her house and suffers nothing from laziness.
I want to be like that. Loving, hard working, energetic, wise, helpful and kind. So many things I want to be.
How am I going to put the things I want to be into practice? Lord help me to become this women. When life situations arise that make me want to react in a way that is not Yours, help me to remember who I want to be in You.
We were talking about the 7 deadly sins at work today. (Proverbs 6:16-19, Galatians 5:19-21)
I could have sworn that being lazy was one of them, maybe it is, just not in the versions I have read. Or maybe they are in another book of the Bible.
Instead of focusing on the things I don't want to be I want to focus on the ones I do want to be.
Galatians 5:22-23 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patients, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
Proverbs 31:1-3 Who can find a virtuos and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. Her husband can trust her and she will greatly enrich his life. She brings him good and not harm all the days of her life.
Proverbs 31:17 She is energetic and strong, a hard worker.
Proverbs 31:20 She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy.
Proverbs 31:25-27 She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. She carefully watches everything in her house and suffers nothing from laziness.
I want to be like that. Loving, hard working, energetic, wise, helpful and kind. So many things I want to be.
How am I going to put the things I want to be into practice? Lord help me to become this women. When life situations arise that make me want to react in a way that is not Yours, help me to remember who I want to be in You.
Ugly Run
I told you guys that I have been running with James' command. They do a large group PT with all the students on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. On Tuesdays and Thursdays the turtle group (that's me!) meets up and does just a little warm up with 15 min cardio then a cool down. 30-45 min tops.
Last week I was good. I was motivated. I was like yeah buddy, I can do this. Today.....was UGLY! Man, I hated every minute of that run. It was humid, my glasses fogged up and I had to take them off, then I couldn't see. I was red faced, sweaty, slow, breathing hard. I stopped running for about a minute just before we were halfway done. The last girl behind me caught up to me then she wanted to stop cause I stopped.
Well crap, now I have to keep running so this girl will run. Pump my arms, pump my arms, pump my arms. Don't stop, get it, get it. Pump my arms. Jesus help me. Breathe. Pump my arms.
I knew I shouldn't have ate those rolls and mashed potatoes last night! I keep going. I was trying to let my body rest this weekend so I didn't do anything unlike last weekend where I just did a little running on both Saturday and Sunday. Apparently I'm not allowed to take two days off cause today just plan sucked. I keep going.
I run the whole rest of the way and complete the stupid 3 mile run. Sweat dripping, red faced, can't breathe, I did it. BAM! Boo Yah! It was ugly, but I did it.
All that to do it again on Wednesday.
Colossians 3:23 Whatever work you do, do it with all your heart. Do it for the Lord and not for men.
Last week I was good. I was motivated. I was like yeah buddy, I can do this. Today.....was UGLY! Man, I hated every minute of that run. It was humid, my glasses fogged up and I had to take them off, then I couldn't see. I was red faced, sweaty, slow, breathing hard. I stopped running for about a minute just before we were halfway done. The last girl behind me caught up to me then she wanted to stop cause I stopped.
Well crap, now I have to keep running so this girl will run. Pump my arms, pump my arms, pump my arms. Don't stop, get it, get it. Pump my arms. Jesus help me. Breathe. Pump my arms.
I knew I shouldn't have ate those rolls and mashed potatoes last night! I keep going. I was trying to let my body rest this weekend so I didn't do anything unlike last weekend where I just did a little running on both Saturday and Sunday. Apparently I'm not allowed to take two days off cause today just plan sucked. I keep going.
I run the whole rest of the way and complete the stupid 3 mile run. Sweat dripping, red faced, can't breathe, I did it. BAM! Boo Yah! It was ugly, but I did it.
All that to do it again on Wednesday.
Colossians 3:23 Whatever work you do, do it with all your heart. Do it for the Lord and not for men.
Friday, April 5, 2013
I Can
Hey Guys! Today I did the PRT (physical readiness test) with James' command. I did better than I thought I would. Yay!
Monday was my first day of actual running. I have never really ran before, more than from here to the stop sign type of deal. So Monday I was like, "Okay Audra, let's see what you can do." Well I ran on the treadmill for almost 20 min without stoping. I was proud of myself for that. Then I just did intervals of walking/running until the hour was up.
Wednesday I went to the command PT. I felt a little awkward, just a civilian with all these Navy peeps. Once we got started it wasn't so bad. When we started running though, thats another story. They started running at a pretty fast pace. James was next to me for that part. I was like "Babe, I can't do it. They are going too fast. They are 19 yrs old."
He said, "Exactly, they are 19 yrs old. They get beat everyday, and they are right there in front of you. You can do this."
Mind you we were only like 2 blocks into the run. I was already feeling like I'm in way over my head. He said just wait, they will start dropping like flies. Sure enough I started passing people. He told me to just pump my arms. I kept saying in my head, "pump my arms, pump my arms, pump my arms." You know what happend? I kept going. I was able to complete the 3 mile run with the group and I was even ahead of about 15 people. I was so proud of myself. I ran for about 45 mins. 45 MINUTES!!! That is such a long time for me. I'm still proud of myself.
Today was the PRT. I have to tell you I did fail on the sit ups. For my age, I need to be able to complete 43 sit-ups in 2 minutes. I did 34. I need to complete 13 push-ups in 2 minutes and I did 23. Yay! I need to run the mile and a half in 16:08 I ran it in 15:12 or 15:20. I was too exhausted to really hear. I thought I was going to throw up. I did it though! I'm so proud of myself! I wanted to cry, but I didn't want everyone looking at me even more so I held it back. AHHHHHHH! I can do this guys.
A year ago I never would have thought this was possible. In the process of trying to lose weight and get my body healthy to carry a baby this dream to join the military came alive again. I have lost 37 pounds over the past year. I still need to lose about 10 more pounds to comfortably pass the weigh in. For my height of 64.5 in I need to weigh less than 160. At 160, I will get measured. I weighed in at 159. If they measure me a half inch shorter I need to weigh 156.
I have discovered in just this past week that I am capable of more than I thought. I want this. I pray for this and about this. I still get scared but when I complete a run I'm excited. I'm going to succeed. If I'm the only one who believes in me, that's enough. I'm enough. I CAN!
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.
Monday was my first day of actual running. I have never really ran before, more than from here to the stop sign type of deal. So Monday I was like, "Okay Audra, let's see what you can do." Well I ran on the treadmill for almost 20 min without stoping. I was proud of myself for that. Then I just did intervals of walking/running until the hour was up.
Wednesday I went to the command PT. I felt a little awkward, just a civilian with all these Navy peeps. Once we got started it wasn't so bad. When we started running though, thats another story. They started running at a pretty fast pace. James was next to me for that part. I was like "Babe, I can't do it. They are going too fast. They are 19 yrs old."
He said, "Exactly, they are 19 yrs old. They get beat everyday, and they are right there in front of you. You can do this."
Mind you we were only like 2 blocks into the run. I was already feeling like I'm in way over my head. He said just wait, they will start dropping like flies. Sure enough I started passing people. He told me to just pump my arms. I kept saying in my head, "pump my arms, pump my arms, pump my arms." You know what happend? I kept going. I was able to complete the 3 mile run with the group and I was even ahead of about 15 people. I was so proud of myself. I ran for about 45 mins. 45 MINUTES!!! That is such a long time for me. I'm still proud of myself.
Today was the PRT. I have to tell you I did fail on the sit ups. For my age, I need to be able to complete 43 sit-ups in 2 minutes. I did 34. I need to complete 13 push-ups in 2 minutes and I did 23. Yay! I need to run the mile and a half in 16:08 I ran it in 15:12 or 15:20. I was too exhausted to really hear. I thought I was going to throw up. I did it though! I'm so proud of myself! I wanted to cry, but I didn't want everyone looking at me even more so I held it back. AHHHHHHH! I can do this guys.
A year ago I never would have thought this was possible. In the process of trying to lose weight and get my body healthy to carry a baby this dream to join the military came alive again. I have lost 37 pounds over the past year. I still need to lose about 10 more pounds to comfortably pass the weigh in. For my height of 64.5 in I need to weigh less than 160. At 160, I will get measured. I weighed in at 159. If they measure me a half inch shorter I need to weigh 156.
I have discovered in just this past week that I am capable of more than I thought. I want this. I pray for this and about this. I still get scared but when I complete a run I'm excited. I'm going to succeed. If I'm the only one who believes in me, that's enough. I'm enough. I CAN!
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Best Husband Ever
Ya'll I have to tell you my husband, is the best one ever. I know I've talked about him on here before, but I just can't resist from posting again.
He is supportive of doing what I want to do, all the time. Not just with joining the Navy. We watch the shows I want to watch. We are eating healthy this month to ensure I am ready for basic training and even when I'm not there he chose to have a salad with his work buddies instead of something else. (I on the other had eat spoonfuls of peanut butter when I'm alone.) The past couple of weekends we went hiking and used our new off-brand camel-bak backpacks. Hopefully hiking can be a new healthy hobby for us.
He spoils me. He posted the other day about how I had never filled my car up with gas. It's true. We got it in December and until just after he posted that, I had never filled it up.
He makes me laugh. I know that sounds generic, but he is funny. For instance, he took my phone (when I wasn't around) and took a picture of himself making a funny face and put that as his picture when he calls me. Now every time he calls his funny face pops up and I answer the phone laughing. Genius, I tell you.
He loves our dogs. I know he is supposed to and I know it will make my heart melt 100+ more times when it's our (future) baby that he is loving, but I love that he loves animals.
He hugs me. It's that "everything will be alright" hug. Pulls my heartstrings and calms me down every time.
He always shares his candy with me. (That's love folks!) Yes we are eating healthy and still eating candy. We can do that right?
He loves me. I can feel it. I can see it. I can hear it.
I am so blessed to have him as my husband. This year has been the best one yet. I'm over the moon in love with him.
We are a team. We have each others back. I know that the rest of this year is going to be a bit crazy for us. I do ask that you keep us in your prayers as we will be apart. You can never have too much support and I am asking for yours.
I love you.
Audra
He is supportive of doing what I want to do, all the time. Not just with joining the Navy. We watch the shows I want to watch. We are eating healthy this month to ensure I am ready for basic training and even when I'm not there he chose to have a salad with his work buddies instead of something else. (I on the other had eat spoonfuls of peanut butter when I'm alone.) The past couple of weekends we went hiking and used our new off-brand camel-bak backpacks. Hopefully hiking can be a new healthy hobby for us.
He spoils me. He posted the other day about how I had never filled my car up with gas. It's true. We got it in December and until just after he posted that, I had never filled it up.
He makes me laugh. I know that sounds generic, but he is funny. For instance, he took my phone (when I wasn't around) and took a picture of himself making a funny face and put that as his picture when he calls me. Now every time he calls his funny face pops up and I answer the phone laughing. Genius, I tell you.
He loves our dogs. I know he is supposed to and I know it will make my heart melt 100+ more times when it's our (future) baby that he is loving, but I love that he loves animals.
He hugs me. It's that "everything will be alright" hug. Pulls my heartstrings and calms me down every time.
He always shares his candy with me. (That's love folks!) Yes we are eating healthy and still eating candy. We can do that right?
He loves me. I can feel it. I can see it. I can hear it.
I am so blessed to have him as my husband. This year has been the best one yet. I'm over the moon in love with him.
We are a team. We have each others back. I know that the rest of this year is going to be a bit crazy for us. I do ask that you keep us in your prayers as we will be apart. You can never have too much support and I am asking for yours.
I love you.
Audra
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Trust
It's been awhile since I gave an update. I have been debating on what to say or if I should say anything, but here goes.
Tomorrow morning I am heading with one of the recruiters over to New Orleans. I will be going through the screening process and swearing into the Navy on Tuesday. I am so excited! I also have little moments where my heart beats really fast and I have no idea what I am about to do. Then I take a deep breath and think on what my pastor has been saying for the past month about trusting God. More importantly I think on who God says I am in Him.
You see, I can't do this on my own. I'm not one of those strong willed women who think I can do anything a man can do. That's not who I am. I do know though that I can do anything God says I can. He didn't say it would be easy, in fact he says the opposite. Isaiah 43:2 When you go through the deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through the rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.
I know I can't do this on my own. I don't want to think I can do this on my own either. I don't want to become prideful or take light of this by saying, "Oh, people join the military all the time. You grew up military, you married military. You are familiar with this." Those are comforting words to say to myself, but they make me believe in myself, not in God.
John 17:13-21 "And now I am coming to you. I have told them many things while I was with them so they would be filled with my joy. I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not. I am not asking that you keep them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They are not part of this world any more than I am. Make them pure and holy by teaching them your words of truth. As you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself entirely to you so they also might be entirely yours. I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me because of their testimony. My prayer for all of them is that they will be one, just as you and I are one, Father- that just as you are in me and I am in you, so they will be in us, and the world will believe you sent me.
I believe God has set it up for me to do this, in this season of my life. I believe that with God, joining the military will be a catalyst. Setting into motion his work through me.
I am asking for you as a reader to be in my corner. I need to be reminded who I am in Christ. I need cheerleaders. Pray these versus over me. Philippians 1:2-6 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. Every time I think of you I give thanks to my God. I always pray for you and I make my requests with a heart full of joy because you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again.
With Love,
Audra
Tomorrow morning I am heading with one of the recruiters over to New Orleans. I will be going through the screening process and swearing into the Navy on Tuesday. I am so excited! I also have little moments where my heart beats really fast and I have no idea what I am about to do. Then I take a deep breath and think on what my pastor has been saying for the past month about trusting God. More importantly I think on who God says I am in Him.
You see, I can't do this on my own. I'm not one of those strong willed women who think I can do anything a man can do. That's not who I am. I do know though that I can do anything God says I can. He didn't say it would be easy, in fact he says the opposite. Isaiah 43:2 When you go through the deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through the rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.
I know I can't do this on my own. I don't want to think I can do this on my own either. I don't want to become prideful or take light of this by saying, "Oh, people join the military all the time. You grew up military, you married military. You are familiar with this." Those are comforting words to say to myself, but they make me believe in myself, not in God.
John 17:13-21 "And now I am coming to you. I have told them many things while I was with them so they would be filled with my joy. I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not. I am not asking that you keep them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They are not part of this world any more than I am. Make them pure and holy by teaching them your words of truth. As you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself entirely to you so they also might be entirely yours. I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me because of their testimony. My prayer for all of them is that they will be one, just as you and I are one, Father- that just as you are in me and I am in you, so they will be in us, and the world will believe you sent me.
I believe God has set it up for me to do this, in this season of my life. I believe that with God, joining the military will be a catalyst. Setting into motion his work through me.
I am asking for you as a reader to be in my corner. I need to be reminded who I am in Christ. I need cheerleaders. Pray these versus over me. Philippians 1:2-6 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. Every time I think of you I give thanks to my God. I always pray for you and I make my requests with a heart full of joy because you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again.
With Love,
Audra
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