Ten Questions to Start 2014

Excellent or Praiseworthy is posted on Monday and Thursday nights.

Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. — Philippians 4:8,9

Based on the FamilyLife HomeBuilders study Making Your Marriage Deployment Ready, and appropriate links to Excellent or Praiseworthy postings, we can start 2014 by asking ten important questions to gauge your preparedness for what God has in store for you in 2014. Take the time to evaluate:

1. Have you and your spouse discussed what you have learned from past deployments and how you want to improve in your handling of your next deployment? “Reintegrace—God’s Grace for Reintegration”

Important—Unless you take time to evaluate your past experiences you may not be prepared to face future ones.

2. Do you pray together regularly? “The Couple that Prays Together”

Important—The old adage “the family that prays together stays together” is true.

3. Have you found a Bible-believing and preaching church in your community where you can grow and serve? “The Church and Chapel—A Home for the Military”

Important—A family needs to be grounded in a local chapel or church, both for the good of the spouse at home and for the deployed member.

4. Have you declared your commitment to each other—both in words and in actions? “A Renewal of Covenant Marriage Vows”

Important—The priority of oneness in a couple needs to be spoken and demonstrated.

5. Are there any conflicts you need to resolve in order to be prepared to face new challenges? “Forgiveness—Here’s How”

Important—Don’t leave for another deployment without making sure that you have had the chance to discuss and forgive each other for past or present disagreements. Seek counseling help if necessary.

6. Have you chosen a wise person (same gender) to mentor you, or a wise couple to mentor you as a couple? “Hearing Voices”

Important—Learning from others who are more mature in their faith and life experiences is extremely valuable. Be careful who you talk to—many immature friends and co-workers give ungodly advice.

7. What are you doing to make your spiritual growth a priority? “Thrive, Not Just Survive!”

Important—Your time of geographic separation can actually be a time of spiritual growth if approached with the right attitude.

8. Have you planned some special time away with your spouse—either at a marriage conference for a vacation spot? “The Oxygen Mask”

Important—The busyness of a normal schedule, or the schedule of pre-deployment or reintegration, can distract you from that crucial time together. Plan to get away and invest in your relationship.

9. Are there some effects of war duty with which you need to seek help? “PTSD Prayers of King David”

Important—Combat trauma is real, and help is available.

10. Am I prepared to help another military member or couple to live out their time of calling to the military? “A Higher Level of Readiness”

Important—Part of your legacy will be how you have helped other couples in their struggles using what the Lord has taught you through yours.

Questions to Share:

1. Based on this 10-question exercise, what steps do we need to take as a couple to get ready for deployment—or reintegrate well after deployment?

2. What have we learned during our married life which has prepared us well for the next challenge we face?