"Lord, I am leaving tomorrow, and I haven't heard from the Gold Star President", I prayed. It was late fall in 2011 and I was scheduled to fly out the next day for Israel. God arranged for me to meet with the head of the Widows and Orphans of the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) while in Israel and with such a special opportunity, I connected with the President of our Gold Star Wives who represents the widows of all our branches of the military in the United States whose spouse had died while serving our nation. At this time our leaders were not supportive of Israel, but I knew the people were and especially the widows whose husbands had served. Because I was raised in a military home, I have great respect for not only the ones who served but also their families, understanding what they go through.
I spoke to the president of our Gold Star Wives and was reassured I would receive a "Proclamation" of our supportive and prayers for the widows and families in Israel. As I picked up my suitcase to go the next day, special delivery handed me my long-awaited letter! In Israel, I was able to present the proclamation of our love and support along with one from Anna's Gate to their leader!
Since that time, I have wanted to re-connect leaders representing these groups, knowing God would arrange the right connections with those understanding my heart. (If ever God needed to establish the borders or territory of the widow in Israel and in the United States, it is now! (Pro 15:25) Anna's Gate has covered this with prayer watching to see how God would do it!
This past week while in West Virginia visiting a friend in from Switzerland I met some of her extended family. To my wonderful delight, I met Lois Custer, and yes, a Gold Star Wife! Not only is she a part of this wonderful organization but she has been honored as the Army's wife of the year competing with all the branches of the military. Lois received 1st Runner-up in the worldwide competition of our military Gold Star Wives for her work in helping the families get the help they needed through 
Veteran Affairs. Lois pushed through the decision that widows that husbands died from the effects of "Agent Orange" (the chemical used in the Vietnam war) would receive a pension. She also has done much in bringing better communication between the branches and helping the wives and families receive benefits they deserve. On Lois' Virginia license plate she proudly wears the Gold Star emblem! We honor Lois and her love for our nation!
Lois is now helping me connect with the leaders to refresh this wonderful relationship between our countries!
I absolutely love how God connects the dots in our lives! During this time of fasting and pressing into God, I am seeing daily answers to prayers! (As we deny the flesh our spirits can hear more clearly from the Holy Spirit bringing power in the agreement!) I encourage you to keep pressing in for our 21 days of "deeper purpose"!
Re-read words the Lord has given you throughout the years and assignments he has given you. See if it's time to take it to the next level in obedience. Read John chapter 10 and be assured He wants to speak to you! (If He has been quiet for a while, maybe it's because you haven't finished doing what He asked you last.) This is a time of quieting our lives and listening to Him especially during this 21 days! It too will bring you a "gold star"!
