This will be a bit different than most of my “real” postings. Now that I’m no longer doing MilSpouse Friday Fill-Ins each week, I have more time to do actual blogging.

This might become a heated debate. If it does, I’m expecting that my fantastic readers will maintain civility, even if there are opposing views. I expect that no one will attack anyone else or say negative things about other views. Differing, CIVIL opinions are welcome.

Let me preface this by saying I’m a Christian. I was brought up in a Protestant (Methodist) church and 100% believe in God. I’ve had enough things happen to me that just can’t be explained by anything except God. However, I don’t believe in pushing it down other people’s throats. I think each person is free to choose the religion–or choose not to believe in a religion–that they wish.

I’ve just recently been going back to church regularly for the first time in a while as an adult. Though I’m Christian, I believe the Bible was created and translated by humans. Meaning, there are probably errors in it, but that the general theme of a loving God, Jesus,  salvation, persevering during trials and tribulations, Heaven and Hell are true.

But I have things that I believe that make people say I can’t be a true Christian. And things that make me question myself.

I 100% believe in letting those who are gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transsexual marry whomever they want. Seriously, what is wrong with love when it is two consenting adults? Is love really that bad, in whatever form? Frankly, I think the world needs MORE love!

Yet, this past week at church, the pastor told us his thoughts on Washington’s then-upcoming law (which, as of today, is law). He encouraged the congregation (without actually saying it) to sign the petition that will temporarily repeal it and put it on the upcoming ballot so the voters can then vote it down.  He stated that there are six sexual sins of the Bible and God hates each equally: incest, bestiality, homosexuality, adultery, sex before marriage and one other than I’m not remembering at this moment.

He then said he’s looking into the legal ways they can prevent “those kind of events” happening in the church. This is where I have the issue… if God hates all sexual sins equally, then shouldn’t the church also prevent anyone who has had premarital sex or had an affair from having a wedding at the church? Is the church going to welcome GLBT’s into the congregation? If not, then why should anyone who has had premarital sex or an affair be allowed into the church? I mean… if all sexual sins are equal in God’s eyes… then why should ANYONE judge which sin is worse and which one will be discriminated against? What about “let ye who is without sin cast the first stone?”

And while I’m on this topic, we were talking about making marriages strong at the same service. He was talking about The Five Love Languages and was giving the example that his is affirmation. He said he’s vain and loves his wife to tell him he’s the best husband, man, lover, etc.   Wait a minute… isn’t vanity (pride) one of the Seven Deadly Sins?  I’m a bit rusty on my Bible, but doesn’t it say somewhere in the Bible that God hates all sins equally? So, if homosexuality is a sin and so is vanity… who’s “more wrong?” And really… there’s no one in this entire world that is without sin. So where does that leave us? Why does a church choose one “sin” to rail against?

Now, I can see the argument that marriage is something that is biblical in nature and therefore meant for a man and a woman. But if using that logic, ONLY a member of the clergy should be able to marry you. If you are “married” by a judge, captain of a ship, etc… it should be a civil union. And if the church wants to preserve the sanctity of marriage as only for one man and one woman, I can maybe be okay with that. BUT ONLY IF CIVIL UNIONS RECEIVE THE SAME LEGAL RIGHTS THAT MARRIAGE DOES. Because, if marriage between one man and one woman is based on biblical teachings and it’s those who follow the teachings to the letter, then what in the WORLD is anyone other than a pastor/reverend/member of the clergy doing marrying people?  (by the way, don’t tell our family, but Huzzy and I were married legally 15 days before our wedding in the courthouse… which, under this logic would be a civil union.. and I’m fine with that).

Also, if marriage is based on the Bible, then why does that give anyone legal rights? Aren’t we supposed to have separation of church and state? Isn’t that the foundation of our country?

Wouldn’t it stop a lot of the “marriage is for one man and one woman”  and “the gays are ruining the meaning of marriage” <insert eye roll from me here> if MARRIAGE was a church ceremony, but a civil union was what everyone had to have in order to be given the legalities provided by the state/federal governments, including insurance and legal rights? Then the church could keep marriage to one man and one woman… without infringing on the rights of others.

I’m not arguing one way or another. I really am struggling with these questions. I will never change my stance that two consenting adults who are legally able to make their own decisions should be able to be with whomever they want and get the same legal protections as anyone else. But I’m trying to figure out why we focus on certain things in the Bible and emphasize certain things.

I would think that if the church is against homosexuality and wants to make it (or keep it) so that it is against the law… shouldn’t they also be pushing for adultery and pre-marital sex to also be the law?

Does anyone have any way to clear this up for me? You will not change my views on being a Christian. I am one. You will not also change my views on gay rights. But what I’m looking for… is explanations. I’m horribly confused. Other than the above, I really do love the church.

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2011 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

The concert hall at the Syndey Opera House holds 2,700 people. This blog was viewed about 44,000 times in 2011. If it were a concert at Sydney Opera House, it would take about 16 sold-out performances for that many people to see it.

Click here to see the complete report.

We will be spending our first holiday season together since we’ve been married (and our 3rd Anniversary is approaching). In fact, Thanksgiving will be only our SECOND holiday together EVER.

So, I’m sorry, but MFF is going on hiatus for two weeks. I will resume it the week after Thanksgiving.

The CO of my NOSC sent this out to unit leaders and I thought I’d share it with all my readers. Here are some great deals for Veterans Day, which is coming up in less than two weeks!

2011 Free Veterans Day Meals

Applebee’s – free meal, Friday, Nov. 11: Last year, Applebee’s served 1,024,000 million free meals to military veterans and active servicemembers. Applebee’s is again offering a free meal to military veterans and active-duty service members on Veteran’s Day, Friday, Nov. 11, 2011. There will be 7 entrées to choose from. Military ID or proof of service required. Find locations at http://applebees.com/.

Chili’s – free meal, Friday, Nov. 11. Chili’s is offering all military veterans past and present their choice of one of 6 meals. This offer is available during business hours on November 11, 2011 at participating Chili’s in the U.S. only. Dine-in from limited menu only; beverages and gratuity not included. Veterans and active duty military simply show proof of military service. Visit their website to find locations.

Golden Corral – Free meal, Monday Nov. 14: The 10th annual Golden Corral Military Appreciation dinner will be held on Monday, November 14, 2011 from 5 pm to 9 pm in all Golden Corral Restaurants nationwide. The free “thank you” dinner is available to any person who has ever served in the United States Military. If you are a veteran, retired, currently serving, in the National Guard or Reserves, you are invited to participate in Golden Corral’s Military Appreciation Monday dinner. For more information visit http://www.goldencorral.com/military/.

Special thanks to Golden Corral: To date, Golden Corral restaurants have provided over 2.5 million free meals and contributed over $4.3 million to the Disabled American Veterans organization.

Hooters – Free Meal, Friday, Nov. 11. Hooter’s is serving up a free meal to military veterans all day on Veterans Day. Offer good for all veterans and active duty military personnel. Choose one of the new specialty items on the Hooter’s menu. Offer valid at participating Hooters only; open to all active duty and military veterans with valid military ID or proof of military service. Drink purchase required. For more information, visit, www.HootersVeteransDay.com.

Krispy Kreme – Free doughnut. Available only at participating Krispy Kreme stores. Offer available to all active-duty, retirees & veterans on Friday November 11th. Be sure to call ahead to verify your local Krispy Kreme is participating.

McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants – free lunch or dinner, Sunday Nov 13, 2011: McCormick & Schmick’s is celebrating their 13th annual Veteran’s Appreciation Event on Sunday, November 13th. Veterans will be able to choose a complimentary lunch or dinner entrée. Veterans must provide proof of military service. Be sure to contact your local McCormick & Schmick’s as this is valid at participating restaurants only. Also, Space is limited and reservations are highly recommended. For more information visit: M&S Veterans Appreciation Event.  Please note, after receiving a comment below, I went to their website. Her comment is 100% correct… they WILL NOT recognize those currently serving as veterans. This is what they say, “The McCormick & Schmick’s Veterans Appreciation Event is offered at participating restaurants to veterans defined as a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.” While it is their choice to do this, I do not agree that someone who has served 4+ tours in the sandbox is not honored as is someone who served four years stateside. I will keep this listing up only because I want people to see this. 

Outback Steakhouse – A week of Free Bloomin’ Onions and Cokes Monday Nov. 7 – Friday Nov. 11. Outback Steakhouse is honoring America’s military veterans by offering active duty military and veterans a free Bloomin’ Onion and a Coca-Cola product during the week leading up to Veteran’s Day. This offer is available to Military Personnel who have one of the following forms of identifications: U.S Uniform Services Identification Card, U.S Uniform Services Retired Identification Card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), DD form 214 Veterans Organization Card (i.e., American Legion and VFW), Photograph in Uniform, Wearing Uniform. For more information, visit, http://outback.com/companyinfo/veteransday.aspx.

The Outback understands commitment. For the past two years, The Outback, with the help of their patrons, has donated $2 Million to Operation Homefront, a non-profit organization providing everyday and emergency support for active troops, wounded warriors and their families.

Subway – Free Six Inch Sub. Select Subway locations offer a FREE six inch sub to military veterans on Veteran’s Day. However, Subway restaurants are franchises, so this offer may not be available everywhere. Please call ahead.

Texas Roadhouse – free meal, Friday, Nov. 11. Offer varies by location; our local Texas Roadhouse is offering a free meal from opening until 4pm. Other locations may vary in offer, hours, or availability. Call ahead to your local restaurant for more information.

T.G.I. Friday’s – Buy one get one free Nov 11-14. At participating locations for anyone with an old or current military ID. November 11-14.

Uno Chicago Grill, Friday, Nov. 11. Uno’s is offering a free entree or individual pizza with a purchase of an entree or pizza of equal or greater value. Offer good for all military  for veterans and active duty military. ID or proof of service required: Show up in uniform (if your service permits), provide military ID, show a picture of yourself in uniform, or have other ID showing proof of service. More info here.

Home Depot and Lowes Coupon Updates

Update: Home Depot and Lowes 10% Military Discount Available Everyday.

Home Depot: The Home Depot(R) is offering all active duty personnel, reservists, retired military, veterans and their families a 10 percent discount off their purchases in honor of Veteran’s Day. The offer is valid on purchases of up to $2,000 for a maximum of $200 and is available at The Home Depot stores, The Home Depot Design Center locations, Yardbirds and EXPO Design Center(R) locations. The 10% discount is available everyday for active duty and retirees, but not all veterans. Home Depot makes this offer available to all veterans on most military holidays. You can also find Home Depot discounts online.

Lowes: Lowe’s Companies, Inc. will offer all active, reserve, honorably discharged, retired military personnel and their immediate family members a 10 percent discount on in-store U.S. purchases made during the Veterans Day holiday. The discount is available Nov. 7 – Nov. 11. The discount is available on in-stock and special order purchases up to $5,000. To qualify, individuals must present a valid military ID or other proof of service. Excluded from the discount are sales via Lowes.com, previous sales, and purchases of services or gift cards. Like Home Depot, Lowes offers this discount daily to active duty military members, but not to veterans. However, they extend the offer to military veterans on military holidays. You can also find exclusive discounts at Lowe’s.com.

Free Park Admissions for Veterans Day

Anheuser-Busch Parks. Anheuser-Busch Parks offers Active Duty Service Members free admission for them and up to 3 dependents to any of their parks once a year. Throughout 2011, members of the military and as many as three direct dependents may enter SeaWorld, Busch Gardens or Sesame Place parks with a single-day complimentary admission. The Here’s to the Heroes program is only available to Any active duty, activated or drilling reservist, or National Guardsman. Eligible parks include: Adventure Island, Busch Gardens (Tampa Bay or Williamsburg), SeaWorld (Orlando, San Diego, or San Antonio), Sesame Place, and Water Country USA. Not valid at Discovery Cove and Aquatica. Christmas Town at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Va. is not included as part of this program. For more information and to register, visit: Free admission summary, and ticket application.

Colonial Williamsburg Free Admission. Colonial Williamsburg offers free weekend-long admission tickets to active-duty military, reservists, retirees, veterans, and their immediate dependents from Friday, Nov. 11 through Sunday, Nov. 13th. The complimentary ticket incudes admission to Colonial Williamsburg exhibition sites, art museums, and most daytime programs, as well as free parking and use of the shuttle bus system. Tickets are only available at on-site ticket sales locations. Tickets are also available to families of deployed servicemembers. Tickets available on the following dates: Nov. 11-13.

Historic Jamestowne – Free Admission. The National Park Service commemorates Veterans Day with Fee Free days at Historic Jamestowne November 11-13. Free admission for everyone. See events calendar.

Knotts Berry Farm Military Tribute Days – Free Admission. Knott’s Berry Farm has an annual Military Tribute event in which they offer military members past and present by offering free park admission. This year the Military Tribute Days run from November 1 – 24 November (Thanksgiving Day).  Veterans or current serving military personnel plus one guest get in FREE with proper ID presented at Knott’s turnstile (DD214, Veterans Administration Hospital ID or Active Military Service ID). Purchase up to six additional tickets for just $17 each. More info.

Fee Free Day at National Parks. To honor America’s service men and women, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced that areas managed by the National Park Service would not charge entrance fees for Veteran’s Day weekend – November 11-13, 2011. Over 100 national Parks will be participating in this event.

San Jacinto Monument and Museum (La Porte, TX). November 7-13: Free admission to the theatre, Observation Floor, and (on November 12-13) the special exhibit to all veterans and their families. More info.

Bed and Breakfast for Vets

In the third year of the program, B&Bs for Vets has organized over 485 (and counting) participating Bed and Breakfasts and Inns across the US and Canada which will be offering veterans a free night’s stay on November 10th, the night before Veterans Day. This offer is available to both active duty military members and veterans with ID, but space is limited. Each Inn and B&B has at least one room available for this promotion and reservations must be made directly through the participating Inns and B&Bs. For more information visit B&Bs for Vets.

Free Hugo® Canes for Veterans.

Sam’s Club® locations nationwide will distribute 36,000 Hugo® canes free of charge on November 9th, 10th, 11th, 2011 to U.S. military veterans in need of mobility assistance. Limited quantities available, while supplies last. Sam’s Club® Membership is not required, but proof of military service may be required. For more information, visit HugoSalutes.com.

Other Veteran’s Day Discounts

Here are some additional Veteran’s Day Discounts. In all cases, be sure to provide proper ID or proof of service. In addition, some of these stores are franchises, so verify participation before assuming the discount is in place.

• Free Car wash. Thousands of car washes around the country are offering vets a free car wash on Veterans Day. Find a list at Grace for Veterans, which helped veterans receive 101,537 FREE Washes on Veterans Day in 2010.
• Amazon.com – Discount “Veterans Day Honor” MP3 album download. This downloadable album includes 12 songs as performed by the military bands and ensembles of the U.S. Armed Forces. Visit Amazon on Veteran’s Day to download the album.
• Netflix – One Month Free Trial.
• Sport Clips – FREE haircut to active-duty military & veterans. Offer only available at select locations. Please call to verify local participation.
• Tim Hortons – all US locations are offering a free donut to all veterans (check out the Star Spangled donut!).

-Wifey

Can you please help me help a fellow MilSpouse (Navy wife)? Can you go to this Facebook page and vote for Mommy Rambles?

Mommy Rambles is a blog of a woman (who is my friend in real life) who has three special needs kids. Faith is 8. She survived a right-hemispere stroke before she was even born. She is also diagnosed with Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Familial Mediterranean Fever Syndrome, Golobal Developmental Delays, severe food allergies and a laundry list of other things. Seth is 15 and has Aspergers. Jon is 17 and he was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at age 7.

The iPad would help Faith’s fine motor skills TREMENDOUSLY!

Thank you.

~reposted from last year since I think this is an important reminder~

Happy Independence Day, everyone! As we celebrate our freedom. Our freedom to say what we choose, our freedom

The flag does not belong on your boobs.

to decide what we want to do with our lives and our freedom of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

And because I know a lot of posts are going to be about freedom, I want to write a post about the symbol of our freedom. The symbol of our country: The American Flag. This is a post that I wanted to write for Flag Day on June 14th, but I just didn’t.

Most of you know that there are rules regarding how the flag should be displayed, but did you know there are other rules regarding the flag as well? I think it is important for all citizens to know–and follow–the rules governing their flag. I see a lot of people disrespecting our flag and it makes my heart hurt. I think a lot of people take freedom for granted (not necessarily military folks… we know the sacrifices) and even more take the symbol of our freedom and country for granted.

Nor should your @ss rub on our flag.

And what, exactly is defined as a flag? It is a flag or anything “by which the average person seeing the same without deliberation may believe to represent the flag.” So basically, if you see something and you think it’s meant to represent the flag, then that “thing” is considered a flag and is to be treated according to the Flag Code.

These rules are all covered under the Flag Code, but here are some highlights:

• No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America.
• The flag presents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.
• The flag should be lighted at all times, either by sunlight or by an appropriate light source.
• The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding or drapery (Editor’s note: yes, this means the flag bikinis and towels!). It should never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds, but always allowed to fall free.

And for the love of our country, please do not WALK on our flag!

• The flag should not be used for any decoration in general. Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is available for these purposes.
• The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose. It should not be embroidered, printed or otherwise impressed upon articles such as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes or anything to be discarded after temporary use.
• The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen and members of patriotic organizations.
• The flag should never have any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure or drawing of any kind placed on it, or attached to it.

So if you are proud to live in America, please please please don’t disrespect the symbol of our nation by using our flag
in any way other than flying it high and proud. And if you are NOT proud to live in America… well, please feel free to

You can show your patriotism with something like this. It's not a flag, but proudly displays our nation's colors.

move to Canada. Or North Korea.  Yeah, North Korea… see how you like a dictatorship and country that is based on a class system with no hope of bettering yourself.

And remember, if you don’t stand behind our troops, please feel free to stand in front of them.

There will not be a MilSpouse Friday Fill-In tomorrow because I will be celebrating Military Spouse Appreciation Day with a post that you all helped write.  Back in a MFF in February, I asked you to complete the sentence, “You Might Be A MilSpouse If…”  Well, tomorrow’s post will incorporate all the responses that were given that day. Exactly 101 of you responded.

So stay tuned for a fun post tomorrow!

I was going to head to Starbucks for their free WiFi to post MFF since we don’t have internet at our new house yet but I’m busy packing a bag for Huzzy and checking flights.

I hope you understand.

(please feel free to use this!)

I love learning more about my fellow MilSpouse bloggers. So I created a weekly meme. Each week, I’ll post a list of questions on Thursday (so you can have your blog ready on Friday). Come back here on Friday (like today!) and enter your blog post into Mr. Linky below so others know who else participated and we can all visit other blogs. Please leave a comment too! And please feel free to use the button above!

This week’s questions are:

1. What romance movie scene reminds you of your s/o or spouse and the LOVE you share? submitted by Simply Sunshine and Daisy’s
This has to come from one of my (and Huzzy’s) favorite movies!  This scene totally reminds me of our love for one another.
From Sweet Home Alabama:
- Melanie Smooter (Reese Witherspoon) “Why would you wanna marry me for anyhow?”
-Jake Perry (Josh Lucas): “So I can kiss ya anytime I want.”

2. If you were allowed to deploy with your husband to a war zone would you and why? submitted by I & J
As long as we had someone to watch the dogs, then yes. I mean, I’m going to have to go over there anyway, so why not take Huzzy with me? It’d be great to at least have someone there, even if we couldn’t hang out (the whole officer/enlisted relationship in public while in uniform is a no-no).

3. Have you ever done anything (intentionally, or unintentionally) to embarrass your spouse/significant other in front of his military cohorts?  submitted by Marrying the Navy
Not yet. But I will. See, Huzzy and I had a deal that I could tease him by making him salute me twice a year without him taking it out on me (in a nice way, hehe) at home. And he was supposed to give me my first salute when I commissioned. But the silly Navy took too long with my commissioning documents and so Huzzy had to move before my ceremony. And since we’ve been together so little, I haven’t had the chance to exercise that agreement. So, there will be at least one day that I’ll randomly show up in uniform (on a day that I have to be in uniform anyway) outside his place of work. He’ll have to salute me. In front of his shipmates. LOL.

4. What is your most irrational fear? submitted by Eights on the Move
I’m terrified of bears (but I love Pandas… which I know are more closely related to raccoons than bears but that’s another topic). Wholly afraid of them like whoa. And now that I live in Washington, I’m even MORE terrified of cougars (and no, not the ones that may try… and fail… to take my Huzzy away with their age and prowess). I love cats, but I know they are plotting, thinking, PLANNING creatures who will kill for sport. Yup, afraid of them too.

5. If you could only live in one kind of climate for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?  submitted by Many Waters
Pretty much right here in Western Washington. Minus about 10 inches of annual rain. But other than that, it’s perfect. Temperate year-round, sunny in the summer and there’s enough rain to make it green and beautiful all the time. I love it.

Please don’t forget to add your blog link to Mr. Linky below by clicking on it. But also if you are not participating in MilSpouse Friday Fill-In this week, please do not put your link on there… I will remove it. It is unfair to others who do participate.