The Difference a Year Makes

It is hard to believe that one year ago today I was on my way from Kuwait to Iraq. I am sure that I ate some type of fast food from the DFAC before hopping on a C-17 headed to Iraq. Today has been a little different. We went to chapel for worship and then we came back to the house and I opened my birthday gift from Laura and Victoria. I loved my gift! From our R&R trip to Disney they made me a book of memories using our pictures. It is wonderful! I have looked at it a few different times today. To add to that, Laura made me one of my favorite meals. She fixed chicken spectacular, vegetable casserole and 5 cup salad. Great day! It is amazing the difference a year makes.

Nurture The Living, Care For The Wounded And Honor The Dead

The title of this blog sums up what I have been doing since my last post. Actually, this is the chaplain's mission statement. I have not been good at communicating to you all of what is going on here. Some of this has to do with the fact that most of the time I really do not have much to say. It is "Ground Hogs Day." I do the same things day in and out. I have reached a rhythm of sorts. That is to be expected since I have been deployed for almost 8 months. Yes, it has been that long. 

Since I last wrote I had to do the part of my job that no chaplain wants to do, honor the dead. On August 23 I lost a soldier to an IED. It was a Sunday morning and I was getting ready for chapel while just a few miles down the road my soldiers were attacked. One soldier died and two others were injured. I am thankful that we only lost one, but I am sad that we lost one. We worked to get everything right for the memorial, and I believe the memorial truly honored our fallen brother.

Because of this event I have had increased opportunities to care for the wounded and nurture the living. God has allowed me the opportunity to fulfill my calling into this ministry and the chaplain's mission statement. God is so good. I appreciate your continued prayers and support.

Many of you have continued to send packages to my soldiers and I want to thank you for partnering with me in ministry to our soldiers. Your love and support is appreciated. 

Until next time...

Garryowen Cross Out!

Time Marches On

It is amazing how quickly time goes by. I started this post almost a month ago, but I have not gotten back to it before now. It is hard for me to believe that I have been in the Army for more than a year. June 8, marked one year in the Army. I remember showing up to Fort Jackson with excitement and dread. What would it be like? What had God called me to? 

More than one year removed from that day, I can say I never expected this. I have had the opportunity to share my faith with people that cannot or don't understand my beliefs. I have had the opportunity to stand beside soldiers as they struggle with some of the most difficult of life's situations. I have had the opportunity to minister to family members that are more than seven thousand miles away. 

Even with all this great stuff and more, I miss things I have/had to give up to follow this call. I really do miss my beautiful wife. God truly blessed me the day we met. For a while I did not know she was my blessing from God, but finally got it and I asked her to be mine. Thankfully, she said yes. I also have a beautiful daughter God has blessed me with. I miss seeing her grow up. She is truly becoming a young lady. She has grown so much in her faith and I missed seeing that. I also miss being pastor to the great people of Menokin Baptist Church. 

How is it that so much time has passed since we said yes to God's call into the military? It is because time has continued to march on. Before I know it I will be back in Texas and celebrating two years in the Army.

Garryowen Cross Out!

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.