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.

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!

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.

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!

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!