Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Mid-week Ramblings


Tues night, 29 Sept 09

It has been about a week since I last added anything to my blog. In many ways it has been the same old stuff here, and then of course there has been quite a bit of new stuff to share. Truth is, I don't know what all is worthy of adding here (verses what would bore you to tears), and what is off limits to share over the internet. I can tell you that I had almost 50 Soldiers attend my chapel service last Sunday night. That was quite a surprise to me, but I was thrilled nonetheless. That old chapel (see picture) felt almost full, which was pretty cool. I preached on suffering and the need to still praise God through the storms of life (such as an experience like this, hint hint). Of course, with that topic I had to play Casting Crown's song, "Praise You in This Storm." It all went over very well and I had many nice compliments afterward. This feels like a regular church back home because I have an older Soldier who wants me to use the hymnals and young Soldiers who want me to stick with contemporary praise songs! (I may do both next week). Just goes to show, it does not matter where your church is located, that issue will still be there! I even have a Soldier who wants to get baptized before we leave here. We have the figure out the when and where to do this since our old chapel does not have a baptistry, but I'm honored he asked.

There is another large group of Soldiers here from somewhere back East, and they have a Chaplain with them as well. He is about my age and we have hit it off well already. We've spent time comparing notes and discussing Bible study topics and times, as well as preaching topics and styles. He's had a number of difficult issues to deal with regarding his Soldiers already, as have I. Many relationships back home are strained and the Soldiers here are feeling the stress. When there are distractions back home, you can't believe how magnified it gets at this end. So please keep us all in your prayers. Pray for our military all over the world who are away from home. Trust me, it's hard.

Gotta run for now, but thanks for reading along and I'll add more soon.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Meet "Chance"

24 Sept. 09

The newest addition to the Army arrived last night via US mail. His name is "Chance" and he is my new buddy. I'll have to teach him how to salute and do push-ups, but I think he'll fit in fine.

Chance was lovingly chosen by my kids for the specific misison of keeping dad company. I love him, girls, and I'll take good care of him, too. Thanks for the new friend!



Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Mental Health Day


23 Sept. 2009

I had some time this morning away from the training schedule to relax and do some laundry, read my Bible, and do a few things on the computer. It has been a nice day so far... but that could change quickly! There is so much going on here with many moving pieces and Soldiers going off to training in many different directions. It is a logistical nightmare! I cannot take pictures or tell you about most of what we're doing now, because it would compromise our mission. The Soldiers are practicing their skills and using equipment that they will continue to use during deployment. It has become very serious, which is a good thing. But the stress has begun to take a toll on many of our troops. We've had people sent home for various reasons, including medical and mental health as well. I can understand because the stress is mounting and the time away from family and friends is daunting.

I'm choosing a favorite picture that we took the day I left. I look at it daily to get me through and I remember why I am here and what I am fighting for. Please keep me in your prayers, as this is a battle that needs prayer coverage, too (Eph 6:10). I have been asked how I continue to hold up when so many are coming to me with their problems. I'm not sure, except I know where my strength and help comes from (sounds like a Casting Crowns song, doesn't it? See Psalms 121:1-2). My wife and daughter got to go to their concert last week with some friends. I was so jealous, but glad they went. I want them to grow stronger in their faith while I am gone, too.
Soldiers who have been through this before say it changes you. If that's the case, then I am praying that God uses it to change me for the better. That I grow closer to him, more confident, and more experience in ministry. That's my prayer. Talk to you again soon.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Mail Call

Wed. night,
Boy is it nice to get mail from home! My family sent me a care package with goodies and cards and letters and candy (which they expect me to share). It was a great feeling to get back to my room and open the package. To my family I say, "Thank you" and "I love you." I have your cards and letters already posted up by my bed (see the picture). The wall is kind of old and beat up, so it is nice to add some color and family to my life here!

I led Bible study tonight in the chapel and ended with showing a "NOOMA" video. Rob Bell, the teaching pastor in this video series, talks about what it really means to be a disciple of Jesus and to know that Jesus has faith in you and I that we can do it (that we can be like him). It's a powerful concept. And it struck me that even though we did not have a strong turn-out for the Bible study tonight, it's OK. Jesus only had 12 guys and they changed the course of human history! So I can start small and be faithful with a few Soldiers, and God will honor that and one-day trust me with greater things (see Luke 16:10). It works that way for all of us, by the way. It is tempting to dream big, but if I cannot be trusted with the little things in life (such as managing money, or relationships, or my job, or a smaller ministry), then there's no way God will give me the bigger things to manage. It is an important lesson to learn.
Gotta run. The alarm at 0500 (a.k.a. 5:00 am) comes fast!

Saturday, September 12, 2009

GO BLUE !!


Saturday 12 Sept, 09
I was scheduled for some training up until early afternoon, and then I was able to catch the 4th quarter of the Michigan vs. Notre Dame game. Michigan won in the last 15 seconds. It was Awesome! Perhaps my Wolverines are on their way back. Look out Ohio State!

On a different note, I led a 9/11 Tribute ceremony last night in the chapel for those who wanted to attend. We had about 30 show up, and I showed some video and played some music and had a moment of silence at 9:11 pm (or 2111). It was nice. My goal was to not only stop and reflect on what happened that day (8 years ago), and to remember that this is why we are (I am) here, but also to motivate the Soldiers (and some Navy guys were there) to continue on with the fight. It is worth it!

Thursday, September 10, 2009

My First Church








10 Sept 09

The last few days have been sunnier and warmer than the first few, and the spirits around here seem to be a little higher, too. The Soldiers are getting into a groove now, which is starting to include more weapons training. We've been issued even more gear, which makes everyone's load that much heavier to lug around. But I suppose that's OK, since there is an old saying that you'd rather have it and not need it than the other way around.

I am attaching a few pictures of the old WWII Chapel that I have been assigned to here in the barracks. I am now the OIC of the chapel, which means "Office in Charge." Sounds official, huh? There are approx. 500 military personnel in various companies in this little area right now, and I'm the only Chaplain in sight. Which means servicemen and women from the AF and NAVY as well as the ARMY will be invited to my chapel services while I'm here. I may be called on to do counseling for anyone who needs it, too, which could be daunting, but we'll see. They tell me a Unit of 1500 is returning from the "sandbox" by the end of the month and they will have a few Chaplains with them to assist in the needs here. I look forward to meeting those Chaplains when they get here.

Well, if you can see it from the picture, that is Mt. Rainier in the background. The old chapel faces it, which is kind of cool. The inside is the old wooden style pews, with a balcony. My Chaplain Asstsiant and I are assigned to keep it clean and accessible for any who want to use it (which often includes large group meetings for incoming and out-going groups). Someday I will look back and fondly remember this place as my first church and first congregation!

Monday, September 07, 2009

396 days and counting!





















Labor Day,
Well, the 400 day countdown has begun. I spent a few days in Texas with my deploying Unit and then we all flew together up to the Pacific Northwest to our Mobilization (MOB) site. It was hard to say goodbye to family, but (ironically) somewhat easier than I was expecting. Maybe you just get used to this sort of thing? I doubt it!

We landed in the rain and proceeded to get settled in to our old, WWII barracks for the next few weeks. For security reasons I cannot tell you how long we'll be here, but we won't be leaving anytime soon. One of the pictures should show you the WWII barracks from a 2nd floor window. It's kind of pretty here, but cold and rainy. In fact, yesterday was a miserable day for me because I was not prepared for the rain or the cold. Yes, I know, I'm an idiot. You see, a few days back I spent time packing a tough box with all sorts of cold and wet weather gear that will be shipped on ahead of us to our final destination. I will not have access to it at all for awhile. And in the Texas heat it never occured to me to pull out some warm weather and rain gear for the time we'd spend in the Pacific NW. So I packed it all up and sent it on ahead. You can either call me a rookie or retarded... maybe both. My wife would call me "High Speed."

The other issue is the airlines broke my personal foot locker even before we left Texas. They kindly taped it up, but it was damaged beyond use. You can see from the picture that one end is completely torn off. They must have dropped it off that conveyor belt that goes up into the belly of the plane and then ran over it with a truck! That's how badly it was damaged (see picture). I empyied the contents and then threw it away. It makes you wonder what really goes on with our luggage behind the scenes at the airport. They must really manhandle our stuff.

Anyway, God heard my prayers and understood my frustrations. After standing in the early morning darkness and wet chill this morning, someone told me that my large back-pack (called a Mollie) arrived late last night and that I could go get it. To my wonderful surprise, I found my helmet, a warm fleece jacket, and some wet weather gear! I was not expecting to be able to get to this clothing, and it sure made my day. I am now warm, dry, and happy! (Thank you, Lord).

They also found me a private room, but there was no bed in here initially. So the guys helped me build a bed frame with old foot-lockers and we found a mattress... and presto! A comfy little room. (It's good to be the Chaplain!) The guys knew I was frustrated and were glad to help me get settled in. Most of the Soldiers are in large open "bays" with bunk beds. There are about 25 men in the room just outside my door, and the same amount down below on the first floor. They say rank has it's privileges, and I'm beginning to understand why. (Trust me, I'm not complaining).

OK, gotta run for now. I'll blog more in a few days. Training started for us up here on Labor Day. Hope you all had a nice Holiday.

Tuesday, September 01, 2009

"He Will Carry Me"

Sept 1, 2009

It's almost time to leave, and I'm mentally getting ready. There is quite a bit of packing yet to be done, and I have to figure out how to pack a year of my life into two duffle bags! The next few days will be hard, especially the goobdbyes to my family. Please keep us in your prayers.

I wanted to share with you the words and music of one of my favorite Christian artists, Mark Schultz. He has a song called, "He Will Carry Me" that will be my theme song for the next year. I will share this every chance I get with my Soldiers. I am not sure if this web link will work, but if it does you can watch his video. Try this:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1511618382816071372

The words are below:

I call, You hear me I’ve lost it all And it’s more than I can bear.I feel so empty
You’re strong I’m weary I’m holdin’ on But I feel like givin’ in But still You’re with me

chorus: And even though I’m walkin’ through The valley of the shadow I will hold tight to the hand of Him Whose love will comfort me And when all hope is gone And I’ve been wounded in the battle He is all the strength that I will Ever need And He will carry me

I know I’m broken But You alone Can mend this heart of mine You’re always with me
(chorus)
And even though I feel so lonely Like I’ve never been before You never said it would be easy But You said you’d see me through The storm
(chorus)


It is a powerful song that has taken on new meaning for me recently. Perhaps it can speak to you if/when you go through tough times as well.

Talk to you again soon.