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Sunday, March 23, 2014

Healthy vacation

How good to see old church friends in Sarasota this week.  I looked forward to coming down here, but not too much. Usually vacations are too important and promise too much to my mind and heart. I have long since learned that they fly by and to try not to set my heart on them. But I so enjoy what I do that I don't have anything in trying to escape from. "There is nothing better for a man than to enjoy his work the few days God has given him on earth." 

Thank you God for fulfilling , enjoyable work. And for breaks. For family and friends who are so kind and love us so well. 

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Fast Pace

The pace is picking up, and I still love chaplaincy.  I spent a night in the field last week during a freezing rain.  Though I have to admit I slept in a heated tent, I spent hours outside, and the Soldiers were encouraged to see their Chaplain out in the woods voluntarily.  I went on a 'mission' with a squad to take out an enemy trio.  My job was to get down low when they did and hide behind the squad leader, but I learned a bit about their maneuvers and had fun.  I went back out to the field Sunday to perform my first field service.

Thank you, God, for answering prayers that I could be a distinctively Christian chaplain.  For the opportunity to preach the gospel to many Soldiers who are not believers, for more and more opportunities to help Soldiers through counseling, and often with the full Gospel communicated.  God, bring salvation to the Soldier who texted me tonight if I could give him a Bible.  Thank you for those who came to the Bible study today, particularly those who don't know you yet.  That this could continue and grow, please lead me in what topics to teach, and grant me the time to prepare.

Grant me the words to share in the change of command ceremony tomorrow; may I communicate truths of you even in this sterile environment.  Grant me strength and endurance in the gas chamber tomorrow.  Help me not become over-committed, but that I also would be willing to work hard with extra hours when necessary.

And God, grant us a sweet visit to Florida next week! 

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Military Machinery

The days are filling up more and more.  Soldiers come by to talk, or catch me in the field and ask me if I have a minute.  I spent the night with a Company in the field last week, and for some reason, the Soldiers love seeing their Chaplain out in the woods, sleeping out under the stars with them.  We will continue to do this, about once a month. 

I continue one of my favorite aspects of church ministry, and that is following up with Soldiers who have had babies, or who have health problems, who have been hospitalized, or who have family members who are suffering.  I love that pastoral, shepherding side of Chaplaincy. 

What is most refreshing is that this Battalion of 700 or so Soldiers runs itself, or I should say, is well run by Operations.  The training schedule is in place, and it gets updated every week or so.  But it is running no matter what.  I have no temptation to get involved in operations and try to make it go smoother, my only question is whether and how I am to be involved.  What is my place? What is the best place to be today, or tomorrow to make an impact on Soldiers? 

Paul tells us in Galatians, "As you have opportunity, do good to all..."  Thank you, God, that it is not my job to run the machinery of the unit.  Thank you that I am free to maximize my own gifts, to be myself, to not pretend to be anyone else.  Thank you that I can be where you call me to be, and I do not need to be anywhere else. 

Thank you for the opportunity to share the gospel with a Soldier last week who was leaving the Army, and who was open to receive it.  May your Spirit be at work, and may you open his heart to believe your Good News.  Thank you for the opportunity to talk to a platoon before their PT run, and to be able to join them.  May I always be ready to give a 'word,' may you grant more and more opportunities, and may I make the most of them, as you give me opportunities to be a distinctively Christian Chaplain.