Lloyd and Betty Thomas have been married for 38 years. They have raised 5 children, and have 10 grandchildren. They both enjoy traveling and doing things together. Betty was raised in a family with 6 children. She graduated from Ozark Bible College (now Ozark Christian College) with a Bachelor of Theology degree. She has some graduate studies at Abilene Christian University. She has an Associate of General Studies from Central Texas College. She was a missionary in Germany, where she met and married Lloyd. She now tutors math and gets "to play grandma" to numerous children at the day care where she also works. She worked as a Texas Department of Corrections correctional officer and laundry manager for over 10 years before retiring. She was married to Lloyd for 21 years of his military service. Besides grandchildren, she enjoys gardening and quilting. Lloyd was raised with 2 brothers. Lloyd holds 13 academic degrees including: a Bachelor of Arts in Ministry and a Bachelor of Theology from Dallas Christian College, a Master of Divinity and Master of Science in Marriage and Family Studies from Abilene Christian University, a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from American Technological University (now Texas A & M University Central Texas), and has completed his course work for a Doctor of Ministry degree from Emmanuel School of Religion. Lloyd is licensed in Texas as a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. Lloyd served in the army in an enlisted status for approximately 12 years, and is a retired army chaplain. He served two periods of active duty in the army and several years as an army reservist. He retired with over 23 years of service. Lloyd is an excellent teacher and counselor. His specialty areas in counseling are marriage and family as well as drug and alcohol.

A comprehensive overview of the history, present status, and future directions of the marriage and family enrichment movement.

Where Can You Turn. . .? . . .when the bills are due, the kids are acting out, loneliness and doubt are creeping into your quiet hours--and you're handling it all alone? If your partner is in the military, these challenges may be the greatest that your relationship will ever face. Now is the time you need answers, resources, and understanding. This is the book that will give them to you. Military wife and U.S. Army veteran Shellie Vandevoorde has penned a practical, compassionate guide to help military couples cope with the separation of active deployment. Now updated and expanded, Separated by Duty, United in Love is infused with her years of experience, offering sound and comforting advice from someone who's been there. Vandevoorde explores real-life issues and shares invaluable insights on the best ways to: • Keep the lines of communication open while your partner is away • Address your children's fears as you cope with your own • Juggle finances and other household duties • Find the balance you desperately need • Cope with post-traumatic stress, injury and other challenges when a spouse returns from war • Utilize military resources and support groups to help yourself through the toughest times You are not alone. Separated by Duty, United in Love gives you the tools and the encouragement you need to help your military relationship survive--and thrive.