Thought of the Day

I have started having a thought of the day that I share with some of my soldiers. For some reason, I feel like I am supposed to share yesterday's thought. Without further delay.

Today's thought comes from Mark 4:35-41

That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, "Let us go over to the other side." Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?" He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" They were terrified and asked each other, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!"

We have no idea with tomorrow may hold. However, we know the one who holds tomorrow. He calmed the storms that day and he continues to calm storms today. I pray that we are like the disciples, going to God when life seems/is threatened. Don't be afraid or lose faith.

Garryowen Cross Out!

Absent Minded Chaplain

I forgot some important people who have sent me boxes and I have gotten some more boxes since my last post. I just wanted to add these people and say thanks again. Also, thanks for forgiving my absent mindedness. So, here goes, in no particular order: Jim and Carol H, Randy and Gayle S, Nancy T, Furl M, Edgewater UMC, Michelle L, and last but not least Noah H.

Again, many thanks for your thoughtfulness and generosity. 

Care Packages

I have been amazed at all those who have supported me and my soldiers. I have gotten so many boxes of goodies and I have loved sharing them with my soldiers. We all appreciate your thoughtfulness. I do keep some of the things for my personal use.  :)

Pictured are just some of the boxes that I have

gotten. The top picture of boxes are from churches 

I served in: Menokin Baptist Church in Warsaw, Virginia and 

Slash Christian Church in Ashland, Virginia. The bottom picture 

is of the boxes sent from First Baptist Church Rome, Georgia. This is my brother and sister-in-law's church. 

I really do appreciate all that you have sent to me and my soldiers. Here is a list of all the care package senders: Laura D, Glenn & Joy E, Westmoreland Players, Garland and Vivian M, Furl M, Steve and Christine H, Sheila W, Fredricksburg Church of Christ, FBC Rome, Slash Christian Church, Menokin Baptist Church (Children's Church) and Maxine S.

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!! I really do appreciate you walking along side of me as I get to serve our service members. Here are a few pictures of my soldiers that have enjoyed the goodies sent. May the God of Heaven bless you in the same manor you have blessed me and my soldiers.

Garryowen Cross - Out!

Way Overdue

Well, it is past time to update you all on some of my adventures in Iraq. This is a picture of me in all my gear in my room at Taji. Since I am not there full time, I have a room that I share with others. There are a total of 6 beds in the room. None of the people who stay in this room stay there full time. So there will be times that the room is full and times that it is only me and my assistant.

It is hard to believe that I have been deployed for almost 4 months. Time is going by quickly, and things are rolling right along. I spend a lot of my time being with soldiers. I visit them where ever they are. When I am with soldiers, we talk about all kinds of things. I am honored to be let into their world. I have many opportunities to be one that gives Godly advice to life's situations. Believe me when I say our soldiers are dealing with difficult life situations. Many of these situations are generated because our soldiers have deployed so many times. Our Squadron was deployed in October of 2006 and did not return home until January of 2008. The Squadron was home just barely 12 months before we deployed for another 12 month tour. The majority of my Squadron have deployed before. You can imagine how these deployments can bring about difficult life situations. 

For a moment, put yourself in their position. You are gone for 15 months, home for 12 and gone again for 12. (This does not take into account previous deployments.) By the way, while soldiers are home they are gone about 3 months for training. Can you imagine being away from family half of your career? It is not abnormal or unusual to be away from family half of your Army career. This is just another reason why our soldiers are considered brave and courageous heroes. No, FREEDOM is not free. I am honored to serve FREEDOM givers, my God and our soldiers.

Well, until next time. God bless you all. Keep your eyes peeled, I will be posting again soon.

Garryowen Cross - Out!

I Have Internet

I now have Internet connection for my computer. I hope that I will be able to stay in better touch with you all. I really do appreciate your prayers for me and my soldiers. Things are really going well, and I am staying busy. 

Soon, I will be posting some pictures. Some of the pictures are of soldiers I have been able to share goodies with. They enjoy all the things that you have sent. As a matter of fact, I got two boxes today! Thanks Aunt Nancy & Gayle, and Glenn & Joy! 

Until next time, blessings!