A Fighting Faith Video Blog: Justified War from a Christian's Perspective

There was a time in my life when I thought being a Christian, and a soldier seemed like an oxymoron. 

It was hard to mesh the idea of taking a life in a war situation, and still be a Christian. Yes, I know there are many occasions when God mandated war in the Old Testament, but what about the peace loving, life saving, and healing God of the New Testament? The same God, but how? And how can war, and killing ever be justified?  Thou shall not kill, right? I wrestled with these questions for a long time, and so have many of our military friends. The answers aren't clear-cut or comforting, but they provided a peace, and I can totally live with that. I hope you find the video below helpful. Please feel free to leave your comments, questions, and prayer requests.

First World Problems...I got too many!

Complaining. Yes, I've done my share of it. 

The lady at Starbucks put sugar in my coffee when I specifically asked for NO SUGAR! My neighbor's yard looks way better than my lawn. Ugh. Birthing two children sucked the calcium from my teeth, and now I have to use toothpaste for sensitive teeth. 

Yes, there are many things I can complain about, but shouldn't. In reality, my problems are FIRST world problems--NOTHING compared to Third World problems.

While the world falls apart around me, I have running water. Clean water. Warm water. A pantry full of food. My kids have never went to bed hungry. We go to church on Sundays and Wednesday evenings, never fearing to be persecuted or killed for our faith. We are free, wealthy, and full...and others are not.

Being grateful for all we have...all I have, isn't enough. I don't what to say "thank goodness I'm not one of those third world people." I want to stop complaining about my First World problems, and start changing the Third World problems.

What about you? What kind of changes do you think the world needs, and how are you gonna help make them happen?

Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Philippians 2:14-15

Video Blog! Unmet Expectations

Unmet Expectations? Me? 

I didn't know I had them...until they went unmet. In fact, I can't recall ever being aware of what my expectations were for specific circumstances/people etc. It's not like I  sat down and listed them out...until now, lol. So where did my expectations come from, and which ones went unmet? But the bigger question ...what do I do when they go unmet?

My First Video Blog!

Thanks for Watching!

Army Wife Tips

As a young new Army Wife, I had many things to learn. Ten years in the saddle, and I'm still learning.

None of my family members, to my knowledge, had much experience regarding military things, let alone the military lifestyle. Still, the prospect of traveling to new places with my very own hunky GI Joe that I was head over heals for, was appealing. Not only would we travel, but we would attend a formal ball every year. Hello dream come true!  In my mind, the Army was like any other 9 to 5 job, weekends off type of career. I knew nothing of rank structure, field problems, deployments, decoding acronyms, how busy the commissary was on payday. I couldn't even begin to explain the difference between a unit and platoon, nor did I care.  

It didn't take long to find out that the military wasn't a typical 9 to 5 career. Sometimes he worked on the weekends. Sometimes he was gone for weeks and months...years. There wasn't a formal ball every year. In ten years, I've been to two. I've learned about rank structure...it's strange, and can create social barriers amongst the spouses, but necessary for job function. I speak in acronyms quite fluently, and avoid the commissary at all costs on payday-EVEN -if there's a case lot sale (lol). Thanks to my patient, wonderful husband, and little toy Army men, I now have a visual on the difference between a unit, platoon...even a division and battalion! Look at me go! :) 

I'm no longer the new Army Wife--I'm still young though, lol. :) It's odd that I'm friends with military families that have been in for two, three, four years. That was us just yesterday...seems like it at least.  When my younger Army Wife friends ask for the Need To Knows  about Army Life here are my tips: 

1: KIA doesn't always mean Killed in Action...especially if it's the name of a car lot. Then that's probably a KIA store that sells those cute little compact cars. Yeah...when I first started learning acronyms I was highly offended that someone would name their store "killed in action." Then I was HIGHLY embarrassed to find out it was a car lot. Ugh. I was blonde then. 

2: If another military family invites you to go "swinging," it's not swing dancing that they're talking about. Say NO, and then run away. That's GREAT advice, and saves you from A LOT of embarrassment...let's leave it at that. 

3: Pick friends wisely. That's just plain good advice for anyone, but especially for the military spouse who has moved away from home for the first time. 

4: Be kind to the other wives, and help them when you can. Babysit their kiddos so they can have a date night with their hubby and not have to pay $40 for childcare. Watch that lady's kiddos so she can go to the grocery store in peace for heaven's sake. 

5: Find a place to volunteer. Military Life is a lot of hurry up and wait. Sometimes you don't even know what you're waiting for, but while you wait find a place to serve. Remember, serving your family is a great way to start.

6: Take advantage of your surroundings. Each new move is an opportunity to explore places the locals don't even know about. Have fun with your family learning about your new community, and its culture. New moves are some of my fondest memories.

7: Laugh. Seriously, you have to learn to laugh. 

8: Don't judge people. That's so Biblical, and awesome advice. I didn't realize how judgmental I was until I became an Army Wife. I was this young, naive, raised in church, Baptist chick that had never seen alcohol, and gasped at curse words. I think for the first 4 years of my Army Life I was in culture shock, and all but twitched. God really got a hold of me and was like "SNAP out of it, and love these people. You are no better than anyone else in this world." I totally wanted to argue...but you can't really argue with God...successfully at least.  SO...love others...period. 

9: Choose your spouse, always! I remember being so lonely, so homesick my first few years as an Army Wife. My hubby was deployed, and when he was home he was gone too often than I liked. I cried often, complained to everyone who listened...ugh, I was horrid. I was feeling so sorry for myself that when I had the opportunities to choose him, to be with him, date him etc, I would often not. I would go to my family...I felt safe, loved by them, but what I didn't realize how choosing them over him was not only hurting him but driving a wedge in our marriage. SO...choose your man. ALWAYS...even if you're mad at him, even if you want to choose something else...choose him!

AND the most important tip...

10: Pick up your Bible, and dig in. God calls His Word a sword...He calls it living, powerful, and able to cut through bone and marrow. That's pretty stinking hardcore. His Word not only encourages me, but strengthens me, changes me for the better. Check it out, it will change your life!

Suggested Reads: 
All Because of One Woman: A Mother, Wife, Author, Speaker Point of View
5 Ways to Strengthen Your Marriage: Building Intimacy, Not Walls
Loving My Soldier: Hindsights & Insights of PTSD
Army Wife Tips


ABOUT HANNAH: 
Hannah Conway is a military wife, mother of two, and speaker. Her novels are a deployment experience of their own, threaded with faith, and filled with twists and turns sure to thrill, and encourage. Hannah is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, and My book Therapy. She and her family live in Tennessee

( A / IBook /BN / K )

CLICK the Links Below The Image to Download Your eCopy of WEDDING A WARRIOR! 

Welcome Home Ceremony! Oh YES We waived our flags!

Us, pushing play on our lives together again! :)

HOME AT LAST!

Ten Months, 12 Days since I last kissed my Hunky Hunk of Love'n Husband (he loves that name, lol). 

Not our longest deployment, but long enough! Hours of waiting in an airplane hanger, temperatures that made the equator look like a pansy, surrounded by anxious family members donning patriotic clothing, and no shortage of American flags--now those are the ingredients for a good 'ole Welcome Home Ceremony! 

Spirits were high, the energy higher! Anticipation doesn't even scratch the surface of what I was feeling. Nervous? You bet. Excited? Um, yeah. Just plain ready to get my man back? Totally. Ready to to get out of my high heels? Please Jesus make it soon! lol. We waited, AND waited. Then waited some more. And when we were done waiting, guess what? Yup. There was more waiting! :) BUT SOON, we all tunneled toward the runway, and searched the skies for the plane...waiting once more. :) 

You wouldn't believe the sound that erupted from the crowd as the plane touched down! Their cheers...my cheers, lol...grew louder as the men filed from the plane. Everyone had been waiting for this moment. Our men were home safe, boots on the ground, and would be in our arms soon.

Like most families there, we weren't new at this deployment bit, so I knew when the soldiers were released, a flood of families would pour from the bleachers spilling into the sea of camo. Staying put, up high on the bleachers was my best chance of him finding us--and he did!! To see him again...kiss him...hold him...watch him grab our children up in his arms...my friends, there are no words to describe. Priceless. One of those moments in life that you store in your heart and treasure, pondering how unspeakably precious it is.  

So he's home!!!! I want to thank you all for following us through this journey, and I would love to share a bit our excitement with ya'll. Please enjoy the video clip, and pictures below! Feel free to leave comments & share this post with your friends and family. :) XOXOXO! :) 

Here they come!

All the pics!

I've Been Waiting: When I Finally Make it Home Video

The wait is almost over!

The next time I post it will be pictures of our family REUNITED! In the meantime, enjoy the video and song by Mercy Me. LOVE it!! 

Mealtime Moments: Dinner Conversations & FREE Meal Plan!

Most of my favorite memories revolve moments that have included good food, good conversation, and lots of laughter. 

This is what we do with our food!

Family cookouts, and get-togethers. Sunday lunches at Granny's house. Romantic evenings with my Honey. Dinner around our table. There's something special about gathering together with those close to you to laugh, eat, and simply be with each other. Jesus even knew there was something great about a good get-together. He's constantly eating and talking with his Disciple peeps, and feeding thousands--how's that for a catering job?

It's not that mealtimes are magical, although there are times when I'm positive the food is so delicious it is better than magic. No, there's no real magic in dining together. The special ingredient is fellowship/getting to know one another better/sharing life.  It's sitting down, slowing the pace of your life, and giving a bit of yourself in order to connect with those you love.

I've heard it said that the most valuable gift you can give someone is your time, and that's what mealtimes are. 

Breakfasts are busy, lunches are low key as we are separated throughout the day, but dinner is where our family reconnects. Don't get me wrong, some nights we park in the living room for a quick dinner and movie, but we work very hard to make sure we have that time around the dinner table. 

Take the Dinner Table Challenge with me. Meet your family around the Dinner Table at least 5 nights a week, and see what a difference it can make. Busy schedule? Not sure what to cook? Let emeals help you out with meal planning! Check out this Vacation Menu plan from emeals to free up your time, save money, and allow for more family time. 

Not sure what to talk about around the Dinner Table? Here are some ideas. :) 

Family Meal Time Conversation Starter Tools
Games:
Bust out Scrabble, a deck of cards, Trivia, and any other game your family likes. 

blogs:
http://kidsactivitiesblog.com/26492/dinner-games

http://faithful-families.blogspot.com/p/family-table-games.html

Websites:
100 Questions to ask your Kids

30 Family Dinner Questions (REALLY CUTE IDEA!)

Books:

    

Stronger Than We Think: Encouragment for Moms

"I don't know how you all do it." Many civilian women/moms say to me. "I could never be without my husband for that long. I'd go insane." 

Ha! What makes them think I'm not insane? There are days I teeter on the edge of insanity. I'm sure my kids would agree.

It's not like I want to be without my husband. I don't look forward to him leaving for lengthy periods of time. Although, admittedly, I don't mind a nice week or two away here and there, lol. To these women/moms who think they couldn't do Army life, I say to you: you're stronger than you think. I was stronger than I thought, BUT, that took some hard knocks to find out.

Life happens. Things are thrown your way whether you're military or not. I've learned that it's how you respond that matters. We learn to be strong. Courageous, kind and loving. Whining, fussing, and complaining does no good for anyone. It stresses my husband out, depresses me, frustrates our children, and causes rifts in our marriage, and family.

How did I learn? Where else? The Bible of course. I totally still struggle with being strong, brave, courageous, kind and loving. I'm such a work in progress--like right n
ow, I'm Picasso looking. There are days I just want to crumble, and I need to cry. I need to vent. Then I get back up, and say, "Okay, God, help me out."

Take a few moments can and check out the verses below that help keep life in perspective when times get hard. They remind us that we are stronger than we think.

"Do all things without grumbling or disputing." Philippians 2:14

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4


"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28


"I can do all things through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13


"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23


"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." Romans 8:37


"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." Isaiah 43:2


"But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:9


Ever in a bind? Don't know what to do, how to respond, or what the next move should be? Ask God. He gives wisdom to those that ask.  

"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." James 1:5

Celebrating Ten Years of Marriage: Now & Then

Happy Anniversary Stephen Conway. I'd marry you all over

June 28, 2003

again.

This wasn't how I thought we'd spend our ten year anniversary. Overseas, somewhere tropical, is what I had  in mind. Guess I should have been more specific, lol. You're overseas, probably closer to a beach than I am. 

But soon you'll be home and we will celebrate. I'm thinking we should look through photo albums, laugh at all our funny memories. Maybe slow dance in the kitchen. Promise to spin me? :) 

You know what I love? I love knowing that I have ten years of memories with you! You know what else I love? Knowing we've only grown closer through all the battles we've been through. 

Basic Training Graduation 2003

Remember when...

I was to terrified to stay with you when you joined the Army, so I broke up with you...like three times? You always pursued me, literally chased me down, haha. You helped me keep faith in you, in us, in God. You kept telling me that all things were possible with God, even Army life. :)

Remember when...
It was my turn to tell you with God all things were possible?

Remember when...

Summer 2003

You told me we'd get married after Basic Training, after you had two years or so in the Army, and could support a family, but you couldn't stand being away from me so you proposed over the phone, and I married you a week after Basic graduation? Our families freaked! Haha. :)

First Summer We Dated 2001

Remember our First Christmas together as a married couple?

You were stationed in Korea. I was still in college saving every penny I earned waitressing at Mark's Feed Store so I could visit you over Christmas break. We spent Christmas Day cuddled in bed watching movies. Korea was so cold!

Remember when...

We used to wonder what our children would look like? How many we would have? What we would name them?  I wanted 12 kids, you wanted 4, so we settled for 2! lol :)  Aren't our children the most amazing creations ever? :) 

Remember when...

March 2005

You held our son for the first time. You were in Iraq, trying to make it home in time...when you came in the hospital room, you still had sand on your boots. I remember being so happy to see your face.

Remember when...

We made it to our first duty station in Colorado. Our first official time away from home...essentially still newlyweds, with a new baby. We had no clue what we were doing, but we made it, and by the grace of God, so did our son! Remember how we called him our little guinea pig? Haha. :) 

Remember when...

We fought all the time? You were always the first to say you were sorry, even if it was my fault. You never could stay mad long...me, well...I'm more stubborn. Sorry. I'm better, right? The best part about fighting was making up. Yeah. Make ups were the best. Wink. 

Oct. 2010 

Remember when...

I cried when Baby #2 was going to be born in Indiana, and not Kentucky like the rest of us? And I seriously considered driving to Kentucky when I went into labor? Haha. :) I used to pray our children had southern accents...I still pray that, lol.

Remember when...

You held me before you left for this last deployment. We were standing in the bathroom, in front of the sink. I was trying to keep it together, hoping you wouldn't come in seeing me struggling with my emotions, but you did.  I cried. I'm sorry. I didn't want you to see me crying. I'll never forget what you did. You reached out and pulled me tight against your chest, and held me. You let me cry, even though you were the one leaving for war.  Remember what you told me? You told me it was going to be okay, and you know what? You were right. You're coming home soon, and it's all going to be okay.

I love remembering. All the hugs, fights, kisses, tears, laughs--yeah I love remembering them all. You and I...well, we've kind of grown up together. We've been by each other's side for ten years, through it all, conquering one mountain at a time. You really are my best friend. Ten years isn't enough time with you. I'm glad we have the rest of our lives. 

US

Ten Years in the Making.

I'll see you soon sweetheart. Happy Anniversary baby. 

Redeployment Ready: The Crazy Ways We Prepare

Image from www.entertainmentwallpaper.com

Oh, I've been more than ready for this deployment to end. For months I've been wishing time would fly faster, and honestly it  has flown. 

At the beginning of the deployment I made a to do list  of all the things I wanted to accomplish while my hubby was away. I'll get to the list later, but today I want to discuss all the ways I'm preparing for his return.

click here to see my deployment list update (some things just didn't get done, lol)

It's occurred to me that we, Military Wives, do some crazy stuff to get ready for our Other Half to come home. Some things are down right comical. For example, I have a good friend that went on a very special waxing adventure before her husband came home...lol...I will not go into details, just know that it didn't turn out the way she had hoped. Good times. 

Losing weight, and toning up seem to be the default things to do when our hubbies are away. Do you even wanna know how much of my money has went to Jillian Michael's workout videos? I'm telling ya, it's almost shameful.

Me with Henna Hannah Hair!

We buy bronzing creams, new unmentionables (wink), search for the perfect dress to greet our man in, schedule hair/nail appointments, or dye our own hair (see my pics), and hit the tanning beds 'cause every lady knows that if you can't get rid of fat, you might as well tan it. After months of not shaving on a regular basis--oh, don't judge me, lol, if you're hubby was gone, you would totally take a hiatus from shaving--anyway...I'm in the market for a fancy new razor. Any recommendations? My Dad suggests I start with some lawn clippers, lol, totally joking.

This is Henna, not baby poo

So yes, in lots of crazy ways I'm preparing for my husband's return, but I want to! I want to be the best possible version of me for him, because he's my husband. You know, I LOVE how giddy his return makes me feel. After nearly 10 years of marriage I feel like it's the night before our wedding, but better. I now know my husband on a deeper level, and I now have a working knowledge of what love really is, and what it isn't. I can't wait to be with him again! 

...And I can't help but see the spiritual parallels to all my preparation. The Bible makes many references to Brides and Bridegrooms.

"[...]and his bride has prepared herself.
8 She has been given the finest of pure white linen to wear.” Rev 19: 8

Just like I should never stop preparing myself for my husband, I should never stop preparing myself for God. The greatest way I can prepare myself for my husband, is to become even more spiritually fit. The closer I get to God, the closer I get to my Spouse...that's just how it works.

So what about you? How do you get Redeployment Ready? Or Spiritually fit? I 'd love to hear from ya. :) 

  

It's A Love Story Baby: Military Proposals

When Your Man Put A Ring On It! That's right my friends, we're sharing military love stories & proposals!

Though I prefer the TBS version, An Officer and a Gentleman (SWOON) quite frankly could have the best movie ending--EVER! Don't believe me? Watch my friends. Watch and swoon with me.

What could be more romantic than being carried by a man in uniform? That's right my dear readers, not many things. Hollywood writes about romance, even acts it out with a bunch overpaid pretenders. But true love stories are all around us. Today I want to introduce you to several Army Wives, and let them tell you their ultra awesome love stories and sweet proposals, that put Hollywood's finest attempts of love and romance to shame. Get ready for some major swooning!


"Shaun and I met through a mutual friend 17 years ago. It was a only a phone call at 1st. He had a very appealing voice and our conversation was great. Through many phone calls and learning how much we had in common, we decided to meet. We have been together ever since. He proposed when I went to visit him in Ft. Sill, OK after his AIT in 1997. We got married May 2001 (long engagement, I know  ) and he didn't go active duty until 2003. My name is Laura and we are currently stationed at Ft. Bragg, NC"


"David and I met in 11 years ago. He was helping my roommate move in. David was really funny and not shy at all. I love about him. We had been together for 3 years when he proposed. He wanted to join the army and didntwant to leave without me, so he asked me to go. We have been married for 8 years and are currently in Fort Jackson, SC." ~Jenn



"Chuck and I went to school together but met through my brother. There was lots that attracted me to him: his personality, humor, and looks. He proposed to me October 7, 2005 on our couch after I said Yes. When he proposed, I wanted him to do more than show me a ring. That's when he popped open the ring case and said "I'll love you forever, will you marry me?" We got married December 31st , 2005. We've been in the Army 8 years."
~Megan, Fort Carson Colorado and on our way to Fort Belvoir, VA.



"Matt and I met in Augusta, GA at Chili's while he was going through AIT at Ft. Gordon. I knew he was THE ONE when he went with me to meet my father at the nursing home where my Grandmother was. He spent a whole Sunday afternoon here and at that point we had only known each other a few weeks. Also he was kind of cute! We met in July 2004. At Christmas, he was going home, Maine, before coming here (Ft Campbell) for his first duty station. He wanted me to meet his family, so I flew solo for the first time in my life to spend Christmas with his family. He wasn't flying up until a couple of days later by the way. He proposed on Christmas Eve. It wasn't really a surprise since I helped him pick out a ring, but as soon as Christmas was over he was headed to Ft Campbell and I was headed back to GA. He put the ring on my pillow before I went to bed. When it was time for bed I saw the ring and he came in and popped the question! We got married on May 28, 2005 and by the time you post this will have celebrated our 8 year anniversary! Although I guess you can't really celebrate it if he's not here "    
                 ~Jenny



"[Kris and I] met through an old high school friend who was in RIP together with my husband. I knew the minute I met him and shook his hand he was "the one"! He was cute, funny, kind and smart. (I would later find out that he had the same exact thought the minute he shook my hand too! Kismet!) He proposed 7 months after we met, in New Orleans. It was kind of a meeting point and special place for us while he lived in Georgia and I was in Louisiana. He spent the day asking where my favorite places were in the city and when I brought him to my favorite spot, he got down on his knee and proposed. He is going on 10 years now in the army, while we have been married for 8."  ~Katie, Fort Benning, GA

"My husband and I were set up on a date by his brother's girlfriend during his 2-week R&R from Iraq. The first thing that attracted me to him was his soft, kind eyes. They made me melt! During our first-date dinner conversation, I became attracted to his odd sense of humor that's just like mine, as well as his intelligence and clear sense of integrity. My husband proposed at the same restaurant where we went on our first date. Of course, this was on the last evening of his pre-deployment leave before another year in the desert. Andrew has been in the Army for 11 years, and I just separated from 6 years in the AF last November, so the first 3 1/2 years of our relationship (and one year of marriage) were long distance."  ~Heidi & Andrew, Ft Meade, MD

I would love to hear from you! Share your love story, and or proposal with us!

Fun in a Hayloft: Local Sites and Scenes For Family Fun

The Hayloft gives new meaning to the phrase, "born in a barn."

On my quest to find budget friendly family activities, my daughter and I stumbled upon this little patch of heaven--a barn. But not just any barn--The Hayloft Barn sale barn! This amazing wonder looked as if Pinterest had exploded inside!Think flea market on craft steroids!

My words cannot do this place justice! Take a gander at the pics below!

                                     

HOME MADE MARSHMALLOWS!! Kid Approved, Mom approved and DELICIOUS!

Visit kerflufflesmarshmallows.com to order your own today!

 

YUM!

Local Vendors: Meet "Those Girls." Every bone in their body is crafty! Click here to see more! 

Some of the Crafts that Caught My Eye

An Extra Splash of Cuteness!

More of the Scene for You to Enjoy!

Meet local Author Christie Jones Ray. Visit Christie at Christiegrammyhouse.blogspot.com

Live music from local Musicians!

I'm trying not to covet this chandelier! 

And More to Behold!

Meet local Artist Kellie Montana! Fabulous Art! Click here to visit her site!

I hope you enjoyed the pictures as much as I enjoyed searching the scene! :) Feel free tell me about any local venues you came up on. Have a blessed day! Now go find yourself a barn to play in! 

On Days When I Need A Laugh

image from www.allposters.com

Like Today.

Is it just me or do all the kiddos seem to be rowdier than usual? Ah. It must be the end of the school year! I dare say this time of the year is almost equivalent to the excitement felt at Christmastime. I feel the pool calling my name. But before I can sink my toes in the cool waters of a community pool, I need to make it until Memorial Day Weekend. I'm praying I can make it, but with one hyper child bouncing off the walls with a condition known as "can't-wait-for -summer-itis" and the other having torrential melt-downs because something doesn't go her way, I just don't know if I can hold on!!

Besides busting out my fav Bible verses, giving myself pep-talks, and deep breathing, I've also included laughing in my prescribed remedies for crazy stressful moments/days/weeks when I feel as if I'm gonna explode.

I've discovered that laughing really does help lift my mood, and ability to manage my stress level! :) It also works with the kiddos...I just need to remember to help to turn their screaming into laughter. :)

So whenever I'm feeling stressed, or grumpy, I yell for the kids (in a pleasant tone of course, :) ) and we check out our favorite youtube videos that have us hee-hawing within minutes! If you have a few minutes to laugh, check out our top picks are sure to bring a smile to your face, if not a hearty chuckle. ENJOY!

That song was my ringtone forever!

I think that goat can really hit the high notes!

FUNNY, FUNNY Guy.

This Church, Vintage Church, put out videos about the misconceptions of Jesus and Christianity. So funny and true! BUT it's  the kind of that funny you feel sort of guilty for laughing. 

Guest Blogger:Musician/Worship Leader Jamie Worley

Jam'n With Jamie! 

Music! We love it, can't get enough of it! It's rocks us to our core, pumps us up, and takes us back in time. God knew what he was doing when He thought of music. Today we want to talk with a musician that uses his talents to lead worship at Hilldale Baptist Church in Clarksville, TN. Everyone welcome Jamie Worley!

Jamie, thank you for joining me on my blog today! 

 Privileged to say the least, Honored.

Let’s go ahead and dive in so we can get to know you better. Who is Jamie Worley? What are you about? Jamie Worley is a 40 year old man just trying to figure out Life. I try to learn everyday how to be a better Follower of Christ, Father, Husband, and friend. I’m an Army Veteran. A Musician, and a Massage Therapist.

 Tell us how you became a Music Leader:
      10 years ago my life was stagnant. I had a steady job, living with my girlfriend (now wife) and two small girls..... Basically just "doing life". I was a believer but seldom attended church (hit-n-miss). I only prayed or sought the Lord during times of trouble or when I wanted things to go my way. Jesus was more of a "Santa like" figure to me, and I certainly didn't treat him as my Lord (insert coin, hope for prize). I was as Craig Groeschel would say, a "practical atheist". I technically believed in God, but I behaved immorally most of the time. I was one of those ones destined to be "spat out" after I died.        
        In the summer of 2003 my Mother called me from S.C. to inform me that my younger and only sister Tami Worley, had committed suicide. Tami's 15 year battle with severe Bi-polar Disorder ended in tragedy. The pain was more devastating to me than any other painful event in my 30 years, and I've had plenty. My entire life I had treated Tami very bad, I disliked her....even hated her during our adolescent years. So, I carried the guilt, and it chipped away at me. Her death haunted me.

       The days that followed brought me to the lowest point of my life. Her death however became a crucial and pivotal point for me. I began seeking the Lord fully. At first it was to find answers and to help cope with the pain. Needless to say this began a Love affair in my soul with the person of Jesus. 

         Soon after that, the people in my church began to realize that I played guitar and the next thing I knew I was playing in the praise band. Romans 8:28 says: and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to HIS purpose. After many months I was asked to lead a song, "What, you want me to sing, I don't know how"? Yikes! But I did it and to my surprise, I am still doing it today. 

        So, 10 years ago I began a new journey. This began with leading Worship for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! My life has never been the same. I am passionately enjoying & growing in my faith and very interested in where God is going to take me!

Wow, Jamie. That's an incredible testimony! Tell us, what is the mission for the music you play?
       My Hope is that I can somehow create an Atmosphere where individual’s hearts connect with their Creator, Jesus Christ. I want to help people know, they were Made to Worship, and that missing link…that feeling that can’t be filled by no other means…..has a voice and a name. Which is Jesus

Do you have an audio or video sample you could share with the viewers?
      My cd is on ITunes and each track can be heard at www.jamieworleymusic.com 

Do you have a life verse that inspires you?
      Proverbs 1:7. This was my first memory verse. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction”

Do you agree or disagree with the following quotes:

     1: Without music, life would be a mistake. ~Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche (I don’t know who that is, lol)

         I would have to disagree with The German philosopher Nietzsche. We have a Deaf community in our church and they seem to think life is pretty good. I would love for Nietzsche (who coined the phrase “God is dead” to hear Crowder sing, My Gods Not Dead, He’s surely alive”

     2: Music is what feelings sound like ~Author Unknown (And I obviously don’t know who that is)
            Songs are born out of feelings sometimes, so maybe

Now I’m going to ask things I wonder but would never ask out loud, lol :
    1: In your opinion, what would Jesus listen to? I know He likes all types of music, yes, yes, I get that. BUT…in YOUR opinion, what would be on Jesus’ iPod? Lol 

    I think he has Holy, Holy, Holy on shuffle. Seems to be catching on around the throne.

   2: Sometimes I hear a Christian song and feel guilty for not liking it. Ugh, I know. How can I not like a song about God, right? That’s why I feel guilt, especially when I “skim” past the bluegrass Gospel station (sorry guys, even though I’m from Kentucky, I can only handle so much twang and banjo before my eyes cross). Do you ever hear a Christian song and feel guilty for not liking it? 
    Not at all. God has created us for likes and dislikes. He made mushrooms, but I don’t think it bothers him that I don’t like them. Culture tends to dictate that in all of us I believe.

   3: An English Teacher friend of mine had her students create a soundtrack of their life and write about why they chose the songs. I have since secretly thought about my own life soundtrack. I like to think mine begins with the Forrest Gump theme, then morphs into the Rocky Theme…somewhere along the way ACDC pops in with Back in Black because it’s awesome, and then I switch over to some DC TALK old school style when I feel my life call’s for some rap. Of course the folk sounds of string guitars, fiddles, and banjos make their debut in the soundtrack of my life when I’m driving back roads. What would the soundtrack of your life sound like?
     It would start with some 70’s singer-songwriter stuff. Since I was born in 1972…hints of James Taylor, Carol King….disco Bee Gees….Earth wind and fire…..then 80’s RUN DMC, I was a break-dancer. Then Metal years……lots and lots of metal Van Halen, then Punk Rock and Grunge, then finally Psalms……..the heart of the matter.

Fun with Jamie:
1: A song that makes you cry (Ugh, Safe in My Arms by Plumb makes me weep like a baby!): Eden by Phil Wickham


2: First instrument you learned to play: Guitar


3: Finish this Sentence: Music is like ___Syrup__________. It makes my heart ___sweet______________.


4: Musicians that you dig (I won’t judge you if you mention “secular” artists, lol )
Josh Rouse (friend from back in the day), Dave Matthews Band, Jon Mayer, James Taylor, Jon Foreman, Phil Wickham


5: The food you would most love to write a song for: Avocadoes


6: The book of Psalms is a BIG book of Songs. Do you have a favorite one? Psalm 150 (why do people freak on the dancing part)


7: What color would music be? White, it’s all the colors mixed


8: If you weren’t a musician, what would you be? Rapper…no pun intended, Ha! 


9: Do you play music for your wife? (If not, then you may want to start…I’m just sayin’. ) Yes, she tells me when it sucks, ha!


10: Tell us 3 interesting facts about yourself: 
I have many tattoos. They actually landed me on stage with Kevin James (comedian) he did a bit on me because I had the most in the crowd.
I hate Chalk or anything that has that feeling, like the white powder stuff on Balloons, I will stop breathing if I get that feeling!
I’m very hard on myself

Thank you Jamie for being here with us again! Feel free to contact Jamie and tell him how awesome he is! His info is below. Be sure to check out his site and download his music. :) 

Contact Jamie:
Facebook: Jamie Worley, and Jamie Worley Music
Website: jamieworleymusic.com 
Email: jamielovesguitar@yahoo.com

http://www.jamieworleymusic.com/