God created this world, and slowly over the generations of time man began destroying it. Piece by piece, life by life. Battles have been fought from almost the beginning of time. Some of us have been called to be the ones to go into battle. These battles are not only for defending a country, but for life's journey.

I was called at the age of 22 to go and join the military. Here is where I learned how to fight battles or help maintain peace on foreign soil, that our country felt we needed to go partake in. But there is only one that can fight our battles and maintain peace in everyday life. His name is Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

When I first joined the United States Army I never thought I would make it a career. I joined because a friend of mine said "Why not join the Army?" I went back home and thought it over, and on 2 June 1981 I made the call. I went downtown in Houston, Texas, took the exam and joined that day.

That summer I was able to spend time with my Grandmother, which was the last time I got to see her alive. The Army took me away from my family. But, I knew in my heart that I was not doing this for me. Instead, I was doing something to help make this country remain free, so my family and friends could continue to live in freedom.

While serving in man's Army I came to know that I didn't have Jesus as my Lord and Savior in my heart; I had only a head knowledge of him. It was during my marriage that God revealed to me that I didn't yet know His Son. I was in a very abusive marriage, which is another testimony in itself! Anyway, God revealed this to me on night in February of 1997. That night I cried like a baby and accepted Jesus into my heart. You know this came as a shock to me, for I thought I had Him since the age of 12. But, I never stated the "sinner's prayer" back then. (This is when one truly asks for forgiveness of sins.)

My marriage didn't improve, it actually was getting worse. In 1998, God laid it upon my heart to move out. If I would not have obeyed Him, I would be six feet under today. You see, my husband, who was also in the military, had tried to kill me twice in our 8 year marriage. But, like I said that is another testimony in itself.

"I'm proud to be an American" I served in one conflict throughout my career. I served in "Operation Just Cause" during December 1989 through December 1990; and many peacekeeping missions overseas. That is when it hit me, that I could come home in a casket one day. Praise God, I didn't! But, if it would have been me that returned home that way, I know that what I had done would not have been in vain. For freedom is not to be taken for granted.

"Will you stand up next to her and defend her still today?"

We in America don't realize how blessed we are until we have gone to the "Third World countries." We are in our home land called the United States of America -- Home of the brave, land of the free!!!

As we saw and felt the outcome of being invaded on September 11, 2001, we all felt the pain of a nation that came under attack. We lost many lives due to the act of 19 radical men. It literally changed our nation as a whole. Many to this day are afraid to travel outside their immediate comfort zone called home. Songs were written explaining where and what they were doing that "fateful" day. A poem I wrote myself which God gave me two days after the attack was turned into a song.

I was preparing to retire from a career I had chosen for almost 21 years. Part of me wanted to stay, yet I knew in my heart I was ready to leave, so the younger ones could take their turn and step up to the plate. I prayed for God to direct me to show me, if, in fact, the door was open for me to step through and hang up my career in helping to defend this nation and to try and be a part of the "peace keeping" military we became. I met the requirement only by 15 days! I knew it was God's will that I retire and get on with another area of my journey here on earth.

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33 KJV

This war against terrorist is not going to go away. I feel as a child of God that this is only the beginning of what is to come. This war will lead to the battlegrounds outside of Israel, where all nations will come against God's chosen land and people. It is not the last battle spoken of in God's Word, but it is the one that comes during the tribulation period.

As a retired veteran, I remain ready to go if the call to serve again comes in. Am I scared? Yes, I am, for I don't necessarily want to serve man's Army anymore. But if it is part of God's overall plan for my life, then I shall go back in.

I recall traveling to Canada shortly after the attack of 911. Actually it was a month to the day!! Many Canadians that came upon my journey then said to me, "Aren't you afraid of traveling this soon after the attacks in your country?" My reply to them all was, "No, why should I allow mere man to stop me from doing things I like to do?" That was my way of saying no man or their act will stop me from enjoying life. No man or their acts will cause me to fear. No man or their acts will rob me of my freedom, nor my right to worship God our Father, His Son and the Holy Spirit. There is only one in whom we are to fear. It is not to be afraid of Him, but to show our utmost respect for, that person is God our Father which begins with knowing God’s Word.

Please, I ask you who read this, don't take what God has given unto us with a grain of salt. We live in a country where freedom should continue to ring. We all are here to stand on the battlefield that Christ won. Even though you may not have actually served in the Armed Forces, you can still stand beside this nation and fight the good fight. [You can pray for those who serve in our military.] And when it is time again to vote for our rights that have been handed down from the forefathers who founded this great nation, let us together fight for our freedom. Let us make sure we keep God in America. The Christian is losing ground. [Remember to take time to vote.]

"I've always believed that we were, each of us, put here for a reason, that there is a ... divine plan for all of us. I know now that whatever days are left to me belong to him [God]."
--Ronald Reagan

"If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen" 1 Peter 4:11

Trudie Husband is a member of the Hearts for Christ Ministry Team and a faithful intercessory prayer warrior. She is also involved with S.I.N.G. [Servants in the Name of God].

In the article please note: Editor additions are located within the brackets. [ ]

All That Really Matters

Last spring was so busy for me! Not only was I preparing for the Hearts for Christ Ministry Conference that we had in May, but also we knew that our home would be full of family for a solid three weeks. Our grown children would be gathering together, my daughter would be moving our way, and my husband Tom and I would have the opportunity to have our three feisty grandsons all by ourselves for almost two solid weeks while mom and dad went on their vacation to Cancun, Mexico. Little did we know what we were getting ourselves into!

What a joy it was seeing almost all of our family together. We feasted on scrumptious seafood (complimentary of my oldest son and his work), we charmed our way into the local Mexican eatery with our hungry, noisy gang, we barbecued up some hefty steaks and giant hamburgers. We ate cake and pops and cookies and lotsa peanut butter, and eventually emptied out whatever else we could find in the pantry.

One day the men of the household sharpened up the knife and did in our giant Scrappy (our male turkey). It was time. I roasted the big old guy up for the church potluck, and everyone had a great time eating and gathering up the leftovers of the 35 lb foul. Well, there was one less mouth to feed around here.

It was good having the kids here and the grandsons. Being together was so special. It was also taxing. Tom and I are not in our 20s or 30s anymore and the little boys, aged eight, six, and three were full of indescribable energy and mischief. It was obvious what family they came from, as they reminded me (energy-wise) of their dad when he was young.

ZEAL

Phil, who was with us as well, has a quieter nature, much like his mom that’s me. The two of us got to sit and play worship songs on our guitars and he and his dad enjoyed some sweet time of fellowship in the Lord. I learned a little about transferring files on my computer (but haven’t had the nerve to try it out on my own yet.)

WORSHIP

Our daughter Caree relocated so she could be nearby, as she had planned, and now I look forward to having great fellowship, tea and scones every couple of weeks as we used to. I’m glad she’s in Oregon.

The conference we had planned for Hearts for Christ turned out great as well. We all met new friends and ate wonderful food well-directed by our chef teammate, Suzanne. We all took part in growing, challenging, Bible Studies that had to do with the fact that we, indeed are beautifully made by our potter, God, as each instructor emphasized the importance of our staying out of God’s way as He does his work on us, in us, and through us. We took time for an inspirational craft, worked our wonderful prayer partner devotionals, and spent some time in our group gathering for much-needed prayer.

FAMILY KOINOIA

When families and those in the body of Christ take time for one other through reunions, conferences, joyful gatherings, fellowshipping, and the like, we are bringing attention to the importance of true Koinonia. How I love that word and all that it represents.

With those who attended the conference I thought mostly of the unity we shared and it was exciting to see the rededications take place. With family I thought mostly of the words of the Apostle John who said "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." 3 John 4 KJV. For me that truly is ALL that matters really.

From the Kitchen of...
Shirley

(A dish to remind us all of our freedom both in this America and in the Lord!)

Do you have a RECIPE that you would enjoy sharing? Send it to us here in the Hearts for Christ Ministries Comments Section or e-mail direct: info@heartsforchrist.org. We will be thrilled to pass it along to our readers.

Sharing Hearts One with Another... The following letters are excerpts from the correspondence Hearts for Christ Ministries has been receiving. We hope you will write in as well. Dear Hearts For Christ: I want to thank God for you and your website! It has been such a tool for growing for me. Here is the question... I believe God is calling me to help get a women's ministry started in our church. I am definitely not worthy...but oh so willing. I find your studies to be so helpful. I wanted to use some of them to get the Women's Bible studies going. I am sure once we get going, the Lord will just take off with us. I feel very much that using your studies to grow thereby as well as the format of your studies would be a big help. I will give credit where credit is due. It will start out to be about 50 women, which will grow from there I am sure. May I have permission to use your format in questions, along with some of your ideas and give you credit? Thank you. In Him, Darlene Dear Darlene, Thank you for writing us at Hearts For Christ regarding our site ministry as a whole and the copyrighted studies as well. We are adding new ones continually. We would all be honored to share the studies with you to get you started with your church. In the Women of the Word studies there are directions on how to download. I believe you can do the same with the Topical Studies in "To Grow Thereby~". If you have any problems downloading, we would be able also to send you a desired study at only the cost of postage and mailing supplies. We do not charge for our studies. Just write us at the following address: Hearts For Christ Ministries PO Box 4120 Brookings, OR 97415 Thank you for your interest, and may God bless you richly in the use of all that pertains to His Word. In the Lord's Service Always, Shirley and the HFC Ministry Team Dear Hearts for Christ, I am grateful for the way the Holy Spirit guided and led you to facilitate the Hearts for Christ Ministries Spring Conference/Retreat 2004 this past weekend. Being able to sing praise songs and worship with fellow Christian ladies is a rewarding experience from the power of God's love. The interwoven theme around "God Doesn't Make Mistakes" was clearly presented so that even I could follow this important message. Truly, God doesn't make mistakes because he is the "Potter" and has the ability to change us (Isaiah 64:8). Even though I find myself broken into shards over and over again, at times failing miserable, it is comforting to know that my "Potter" is continuously shaping, molding and transforming me. Remembering to live by key bible verses, such as (Romans 12:2), whereby God allows me to pick up those shards and press on (Philippians 3:14), helps make life easier. As mentioned by one of our Christian sisters, laziness seeps into our daily life jeopardizing our faith in the Lord (Hebrews 6;12). I need to remind myself to be steadfast, stay on the narrow focused path, "keep in the Word," and look forward to eternity in Heaven. Once again the Spring Retreat has renewed my heart and soul providing me with a protective shield (Proverbs 2:7, 8). I am refreshed in the Lord's power and glory. Thank you Shirley for your faithfulness always. Your sister in Christ, Deborah G Dear Deborah, You have said it all. There is little I can add. God bless you and may He continually be praised for all that He accomplished in our lives as our wonderful Potter. We indeed are the work of HIS hands! Love, Shirley and the HFC Ministry Team

Are You Ready to Share with Us? What is the Lord doing in your life today? Do you have a question, an experience, or a victory in trial you would enjoy sharing in a future newsletter? Send your comments and inquiries to "Dear Hearts for Christ." Article Submissions and Testimonies should be sent to Shirley@heartsforchrist.org. No names will be included without permission, and the editor reserves the right to edit submissions.