Being a military spouse, you get used to the constant moving. Not that one always like it, but it just goes with the territory of military life. But there usually is a place or two on everyone's list that ranks at the very bottom for desirable places to live. We all have our different reasons. Some prefer the cold, others warmer climates. Some love the plentiful trees and flowers of the south, others the wide open spaces of the west, still others the heartland of America. If you ask most military people, they can give you the one or two places they would least like to go…and the reasons for it. There have only ever been two on my list…otherwise, I am pretty easy going when it comes to picking up and planting myself somewhere else. The first place I would never choose…Alaska. Why? The six months of light deprivation would probably drive me crazy. I NEED my sunshine! It makes me happy! The second place I would never choose…Oklahoma! Now, for you Oklahomans out there…nothing personal. This is just my list. I wasn't too crazy about my own southern hometown either. Two days ago, we found out where we are going next…want to take a guess? FORT SILL, OKLAHOMA! Yes, number two on my least desirable place to live. In case you are curious about this place I will soon call home...here we go:
1) LOTS and LOTS of days of 100 degree weather.
2) Home of the brown tarantula (Did I ever tell you I have arachnophobia?)
3) Has my second least favorite arachnid - the scorpion.
4) 301% above the national average for tornado activity
5) Higher than the national average crime rate…need I go on?
Yes, in September (Praise the Lord He gave me 8 months to get a handle on this one) we are Oklahoma bound.
But, the most discouraging news…the two things I prayed about most…finding a doctor who specializes in the care I need and a good church. God knew that even Ft. Sill would be welcome if those two factors were met.
I don't know about the church yet…but there is not a single chiropractic doctor that specializes in the care I need in the whole state of Oklahoma. The nearest one…three hours away in Texas.
So, what am I to do? Cry? Check…did that! Have myself a pity party? Check…did that too! Get mad at God! Heaven forbid! Does this mean He doesn't love me? That He doesn't understand my needs? That He didn't ordain these events for my good? No, it doesn't. How can I talk about the Sovereignty of a loving God and not believe it when things like this come into my life? This is one of those moments when I do not see the hand of my God…but I choose to trust His heart. I know He loves me…I know He knows my physical needs…and I believe that He will work ALL things for my good. So, no more pity parties, crying spells, and rantings about the negatives. God has ordained that I go to Oklahoma…what do I believe He will do?
1) Give me lots of sunshine with that 100 degree weather…after all, sunshine makes me happy.
2) Help me face my fear of spiders.
3) Oh, and scorpions too!
4) Show me that He is the God of the storms of life…whether they be the ones over the horizon, or the ones I face personally
5) Show me that He is the One I put my safety in…not what man can do to me.
What about the doctor? Well, I am trusting Him for a miracle…and Oklahoma is just as good a place for a miracle as any other!
12 comments:
I'm sorry about this move. I've been to OK, I like it. But I didn't know about the scorpions, yikes!
Praying that your miracle will happen:)
I know how you feel. I have said the same things with pastoring. God knows what he is doing and he will be with you every step of the way. Who knows they could change the place, Miracles happen. " There's always a miracle in the making".
So when they they sing "Where the wind comes sweepin' through the plain", they really mean tornadoes!
Say hello to Curly and Laurey for me, but keep the children away from Jud.
Sorry, I couldn't resist the Oklahoma jabs.
We'll be praying for the safety of the Fowlers! Do try to remember that them critters are God's creation too. :-)
Praying God will move the doctor you need to OK. I'm so sorry. I'm with you. I wouldn't want to live there either. My husband went to basic training there and it sounded miserable. I'm praying it will be a short assignment and that you will be protected. You're attitude is amazing and such an inspiration to those of us in Blogland. Hugs to you and your precious family!
Man, that just stinks! I pray you can make the best of it. I know God will help you face your fears and even though OKlahoma is not on your bucket list, I know you will one day look back and see the blessings of submitting to your Lord.
Love you!
oh, can I relate. Did't want to leave our beautiful home in Montana and move to where we have moved. *sigh* Really learning to trust and be content in ALL THINGS. You can so do this thing!
*sigh* I would give you a hug if I could. I, like you would not want to move to Oklahoma. More for tornados than anything else. Well, that's until you educated me on the spiders. I'm a military wife too. Unlike you though my husband isn't active. Like you, we are at the mercy of where we are allowed to live. We are currently in Idaho. I want trees and warmth so we've been talking about moving. My husband has to be with his current job another two yrs and then we are free to move to another base. Currently we are in a non-deployable unit praise God and would like to keep it that way. That means however that we are very limited to where we are able to move. I wanted Texas. God is presenting Tennessee. So... TN here we come in as soon as we can. you'll have my prayers mama. <3
*Kristy*
Thank you all for your kind comments…I appreciate your prayers so very much! I know without a doubt God knows exactly what He is doing. His ways are so much higher than mine!
How precious your attitude is my friend. The LORD will be with you each step of this journey as HE has been in the past! HE is Faithful! (I know you know that...or you couldn't write a post like this). :)
Many Blessings,
Camille
Oh wow! It seems like yesterday you moved and now you are doing it again!!!
I will be praying for you as you prepare to make this next move. That God will give you a good, sound, biblical church,a home free of spiders and scorpions, and no tornadoes!!!
I pray now for friends to encourage and rebuke you when needed, more growing in Christ, and for your faith to be made stronger in Him more than ever!
Blessings!!!
Christine
I haven't been blogging for awhile, so I just now read this. First, I so agree with your assessment of OK. You forgot to mention the toll roads. Bring lots of change, and don't exit the interstate, because they charge you to get back on! Oh, but the good news of this move is you will be closer to Lois in TX! Now, that should make your day. We drove right past Ft. Sill many times, back and forth from Kansas to see my mother-in-law. Unfortunately, she died several weeks ago, and once her estate gets sold, my husband is closing the Kansas chapter of his life.
On our move to TX from SD, we stayed at a cheap motel in Lawton, with our 3 cats, car, and moving truck. I remember thinking, "I'm sure glad we don't live here." With your family's arrival next fall, it should improve the landscape considerably! (Tee-hee!) I will genuinely pray for your concerns. God bless you, my friend! I'm sure it will be a good assignment. Sometimes the assignments are better than the place! Oh, and remember the Great Commission, that God calls us to the ends of the earth.....even Ft. Sill, OK.
Lois,
So good to hear from you…I have been missing your comments…please keep in touch. I would LOVE to get together with you when I am in that part of the country. Not sure what part of TX you are at…but we will be visiting TX often I have a feeling! You, of course, are always welcome at my home! It would be nice to put a face with your sweet comments! That will definitely give me something good to look forward to!
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