MAY is National Military
Appreciation Month and includes:
Loyalty Day (May 1st),
Military Spouse Appreciation Day (May 11th), VE Day (May 8th), Armed Forces Day (May 19th),
and Memorial Day (May30th).
This very important month of May honors, remembers, recognizes and appreciates all military personnel; those men
and women who have served throughout our history and all who now serve in
uniform and their families as well as those Americans who have given their
lives in defense of our freedoms we all enjoy today.
It recognizes those on
active duty in all branches of the services, the National Guard and Reserves
plus retirees, veterans, and all of their families - well over 90 million Americans
and more than 230 years of our nation’s history. Let us celebrate them just as we celebrate
the other important entities that make up this wonderful country of ours.
Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service.
Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.
The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states. The South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I (when the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war).
The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states. The South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I (when the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war).
Memorial Day is now celebrated in almost every State on the last Monday in May (passed by Congress with the National Holiday Act of 1971 (P.L. 90 - 363) to ensure a three day weekend for Federal holidays), though several southern states have an additional separate day for honoring the Confederate war dead.
Being in the military is stressful enough - but what about the strain of being in a spiritually mismatched marriage on top of it all?
You might be deployed while your spouse is back home. Maybe you made a decision to give your life to Jesus Christ during your tour, and now you are wondering how it will affect your relationship when you return.
Perhaps you are the one at home while your spouse is serving overseas with the military. You and the children are attending church regularly and you're studying your Bible daily. Now you wonder what will happen when your husband returns and finds his family totally immersed in religious activity.
One thing is for sure - being a follower of Jesus Christ means you are officially "in a relationship".
Scripture tells us that there are evidences of a true conversion. Zacchaeus is a great example of someone who immediately wanted to make things right with those he had wronged (Luke 19:1-10). Another example is that of Saul – later known as the Apostle Paul. He once hunted down and murdered the followers of Jesus who called themselves The Way. Later he was ministering to saints and gentiles about the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Both men had a dramatic change in their lifestyles and their hearts.
In most cases – a true conversion produces a changed life. Godly sorrow produces repentance, and that equates to a noticeable difference. Becoming a Christian requires a transformation from the “old man” to a "new creation". A Christian is a follower and disciple of Christ. The one who keeps His commandments and does His will is a true Christian (John 14:15).
Be encouraged - you are not alone! There are many online groups and vast resources to help you in your Christian walk. Discipleship is an important part of your Christian development and maturity in Christ.
Be encouraged - you are not alone! There are many online groups and vast resources to help you in your Christian walk. Discipleship is an important part of your Christian development and maturity in Christ.
I received this email from a female soldier on my website regarding my book MISSION POSSIBLE
Ma'am, Thank you very much for your generous donation to Operation eBook Drop. Your kindness is appreciated more than you know. While I am not married, I once was (to a non-believer) for 10 years. It was one of the things that unfortunately brought our relationship to a close. I am looking forward to reading your book in case I should ever find myself in that situation again. Thank you again. Best Wishes,
- Major J K., US Army, Bagram, Afghanistan
Here are some great Websites and Blogs to visit while you or your loved one is deployed:
God bless you for your service to your country...
Deborah
is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is
written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their
passion. It will encourage and challenge
the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.
If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to
share it with others.
