Ramblings

Driven to Temptation

2010-02-17T10:36:00.000-05:00

"The Spirit immediately DROVE Him out into the wilderness." --Mark 1:12 Interesting. The Spirit drove Jesus out to the wilderness for His temptation. I thought they walked everywhere. (rimshot) Seriously, this word in the Greek is the same word that is used of Jesus' activity with demons. As Jesus drove demons out of people so also the Spirit drives Jesus our to wilderness where He fasts and

2009-10-07T11:49:00.002-04:00

Today's Reading: Acts 1:6-11"...why do you stand looking into heaven?" --Acts 1:11The work-a-holic in me asks if spending an hour or so each day reading God's Word, praying for His direction, seeking His will for life and ministry is just standing around looking into heaven. By the way, the irony of the fact that this happens after Jesus' ASCENSION into heaven is not lost on me.On the one hand,

The End of an Era

2009-05-19T08:45:00.002-04:00

On Friday morning, I sent a text message to my dad that said, "I just got promoted to civilian." My Army career is officially over. No Reserves. No National Guard. Just me, Pastor Civilian, with my records, memories, and scars. There's a small part of me that would have liked to do a full twenty years, make rank, and retire with a decent pension. If I were more of a long-term thinker, that

Deep Thoughts on Ash Wednesday

2009-02-26T10:49:00.004-05:00

"Know that you are dust and to dust you shall return" --traditional blessing for Ash WednesdayYesterday was Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. Lententide is a time for each Christian to focus on the suffering passion of Jesus Christ so that, in my opinion, we can put some of our own sufferings into perspective. It also provides a dark backdrop for the glorious resurrection to help make Easter

Yesterday's Joke...which actually happened.

2009-02-11T15:11:00.003-05:00

So, there I was, no s#!t, sitting in my brigade unit ministry team (UMT) meeting and we're talking calendar. Suddenly, this little thing called "Easter" popped out and began to cause trouble. What are we going to do about Easter?Tradition holds that all the General Protestants combine into one mass service and hold a Sunrise Service. Animated discussion ensued on who we should get as a guest

How Far Are You Willing To Go?

2009-02-06T14:03:00.002-05:00

"Are you willing to lose it all?" --Glen Beck (heard repeatedly on his radio show)"Baptism, whenever it occurs, sets into motion a lifetime of turning and detoxification. As Luther said, every day of our lives, we must wake up and volunteer for death, praying God to finish in us that which was begun in us in our Baptism." --William Willimon, Peculiar Speech: Preaching to the Baptized, pg.

Subverting the Culture

2009-01-29T09:45:00.003-05:00

"Are these people right? Is there way of life in no danger from us? Is what we say about God and his ways among us not real in the way that Chevrolets and basketball teams and fresh garden spinach are real? Many pastors, realizing the opinion polls overwhelmingly repudiate their self-concept, submit to the cultural verdict and slip into the role of chaplain to the culture. It is easy to do. But

Missing My Mistress

2009-01-22T09:42:00.002-05:00

Exactly four months ago, I left my mistress and returned to my wife. While I was in Iraq, I had a relationship. It started innocently enough with just short meetings maybe once or twice a week but neither of us could know how we would feel about each other. Eventually, we saw each other more and more and for longer and longer times. The next thing I knew, I was seeing my mistress each and

Is Today Really THAT Important?

2009-01-20T08:53:00.004-05:00

I use igoogle.com as a personal homepage and as a place for headline feeds from various news services. I get Top Stories from AP, Reuters, Fox News, and CNN. Attached is a screenshot from CNN. These are the top feeds that they chose to send to the world today.Now, I fully understand that today is an historic day. We are inaugurating the 44th President in our country's history. This President

Stuck in the "Ustacoulds"

2009-01-12T07:54:00.004-05:00

SPC T, my chaplain assistant while I was deployed, is from Louisana and, therefore, has a very colorful vocabulary. One of the great words he would use repeatedly was: ustacould. It is used thusly, "I ustacould run really good but now I'm out of shape." Like I said, colorful.I've been stuck in the "ustacoulds" lately. This morning I went to the gym for a 20 minute run and 400m swim, times and

Spirituality and Creativity

2009-01-11T20:17:00.002-05:00

"Q: You've written that everyone is born to live creatively, but many of us fail to do so. Why is that?A: Largely because we are lazy. Creativity is difficult. When you are being creative, you're living by faith. You don't know what's next because the created, by definition, is what's never been before. So you're living at the edge of something in which your not very confident. You might

Running Away To What?

2009-01-09T14:27:00.003-05:00

"Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." (Genesis 2:25, ESV)Being back with trainees, it's back to usual with problems. I believe that many of the problems these kids make is related to leaving home for the first time. Drill Sergeants will start yelling at these kids from the very moment they step off the bus and will

2009-01-05T07:29:00.002-05:00

Apologies to those who have been checking in on me. I haven't been checking in on my blog. I'm having a harder time coming home than I thought I would. As a chaplain, I've given a lot of briefs about what to expect at homecoming and some of the things to watch out for. Lo and behold, some of it has happened to me. I haven't done any significant posting because I'm still trying to get used

FIT-- An Acronym for Fitness

2008-11-13T11:34:00.001-05:00

In my college "Fitness and Wellness for Life" class, they taught us about the acronym "FIT" and how it applies to fitness. FIT stands for: frequency, intensity, and time.Frequency is how often one engages in physical activity. Common wisdom says that one should be active at least three times a week. Anything less than this is not enough.Intensity is how hard it is to do something. Common

Spiritual Fitness 101--A Primer for a New Way

2008-09-27T06:23:00.002-04:00

So, there we were, all shapes and sizes, all levels of experience and inexperience, sitting in the bleachers of the old gymnasium at my little college in suburban Chicago. Some of us were very accomplished and polished, others had no idea what was going on. All of us were there for the same reason: we had to be. Even though this class was required for graduation, I still remember thinking to

New Title and Introduction

2008-04-02T02:43:00.005-04:00

[Disclaimer: What follows is a work in progress. Feedback and discussion are encouraged.]One of the overt tasks of the Army Chaplaincy is this thing called "Spiritual Fitness." There's some obscure Army Pamphlet out there that describes what that is but, practically speaking, what it boils down to is the occassional Prayer Breakfast or Special Worship Service. It's a term that was probably coined

I'm Back!!

2007-12-08T03:15:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone! Sorry for the long hiatus but I thought that this spot had been removed from the military access list here at LSAA. It seems that I was wrong. (Yes, Captain Obvious strikes again!)So, what I have been up to since late September? Well, let me tell you...Late September/ early October: Visit to Forward Operating Base (FOB) Warrior, Kirkuk and K-1. I have two Soldiers who are on a

Some "Lighter" News

2007-09-21T06:16:00.000-04:00

Just so you don't all think it's just work, work, work over here, I've decided to post some lighter pictures of our time here:This is the last alcholic beverage I had 82 days ago, aside from wine at Communion. However, this was a REAL Guiness at a REAL Irish Pub in the Airport at Shannon served by a REAL Irish barkeep. Okay, so it's not such a "real" atmosphere but it was Guiness in Ireland. How

A Very Real Danger and a Very Busy Month

2007-09-06T03:33:00.000-04:00

You have probably all seen this story or a similar one:Suicide Rates Rise Among US Army SoldiersWhen this report hit the press, people started to worry. Heck, I was worried about it before I even got here. One thing that I have learned from youth ministry is that boredom leads to homesickness, depression, and misbehavior; keep kids active and engaged and they will wonder where the time went.

Thankfulness

2007-08-20T06:23:00.000-04:00

There are a number of organizations out there that help channel support to deployed Soldiers. I signed up at AnySoldier.com in order to receive a few goodies and treatst to draw people into my office so that I can talk to them. The other day, I received a gift that, at first, looked really strange but has quickly become my favorite. Some kind soul sent me a box full of homemade cards. Thank

Another Glimpse of Anaconda

2007-08-11T13:24:00.000-04:00

So here it is...the first photo from Ananconda. This is me and MAJ Moore in our best "killer" pose. Although, I do have to say that his weapon is a little more formiddable than mine. Yes, that is a Nerf Dart Gun that I am holding. No, that's not a Nerf Dart Gun that MAJ Moore is holding. (Mr. Suckow will be happy to know that my Dart Gun has a "laser sight." Now, if I just had a stack of beer

2007-08-02T03:18:00.000-04:00

Couseling loads have spiked a bit this week. My guess is that, since we are among the first wave of replacements, some folks are "smelling the barn" and allowing themselves to think more of home and reunions and what that all means. Also, since there are two groups of us that are in our first 60 day window, all the problems that went unresolved before these folks left are blowing up right now.

It's my Birthday

2007-07-27T10:28:00.000-04:00

*cue John, Paul, George and Ringo* You say it's your birthday! It's my birthday, too--yeah!So, I'm sure this comes as little surprise to some of you. I think you got the e-mail. Methinks I have been the subject of two conspiracies. I know of one and I suspect the other.First off, I was set up by my S-1 (Personnel Officer). She's working on the July edition of the newsletter and was

Life at Anaconda

2007-07-24T02:59:00.000-04:00

Okay, it's time for me to pull back the curtain a bit so you can understand what my day-to-day life is like here at LSA Anaconda.Basically, it's like being back in college or Seminary. I sleep on a twin bed. I will have a roommate soon (He's been delayed in deploying.) I have make-shift furniture, mostly made from plywood and wood screws. I am contemplating getting some 4x4's and making a

The Good Fight

2007-07-20T13:40:00.000-04:00

"Fight the good fight of the faith." --1 Timothy 6:12aOne of my jobs as a chaplain is to prepare a brief 1-2 minute devotional thought for each day's battle update brief (BUB). Today's focused around the verse found above.The good fight of faith is not one faith against another. Sure, religious ideaology is a main reason behind the enemy's hatred of us. However, every servicemember swears an

The New Has Come...The Old Has Gone

2007-07-17T07:57:00.000-04:00

This is definitely a time of transitions here at LSAA. My predecessor has just a few short days left. As he likes to say, "I'm so short I don't even cast a shadow anymore." I wish nothing but Godspeed to him and thank him for his service to this great nation and to the people of Iraq.As you can guess, it's been a week of "drinking from a fire hose." So far, I have visited all the various

Greetings from LSA Anaconda, Balad, Iraq

2007-07-12T06:59:00.000-04:00

I am finally here. We've known our mission for six months now and yesterday, 11 JUL 2007, it finally got started. I am looking forward to it. Having a mission, something to do, and people to care for, will make this time go a little easier. Knowing that God will do some amazing things through me over the next 14 months and 2 weeks (yes, I've already done some counting down) will set me

God-dreaming

2007-07-08T02:31:00.000-04:00

Still here in Kuwait, Camp Buerhing to be exact. Me and thousands of other Soldiers waiting to "head north" and get started on our rotations. The extra bodies makes it harder to find a computer to use. Used to be able to walk into the computer lab and get right on. Now there's a 10-15 minute wait each time.Today's Sunday and it's a day of rest. It's not a day off; I still have some work to

More News...I Wish

2007-07-02T02:20:00.000-04:00

Well, we're still here in Kuwait...Camp Buehring to be exact. We're getting trained up to head north to Iraq and our final stop. I just wish some of the training was pertinent to a chaplain. :)We're doing a lot of weapons training, which leaves me out. We're getting some briefs, which are somewhat applicable. Mostly, I just tag along and talk to Soldiers...most of whom seem to be doing well.

Greetings from Kuwait

2007-06-29T05:15:00.000-04:00

We landed in Kuwait about 2330 local time and made it to our training area about 0230. We are 8 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time, so you can figure what that was for you. We were travelling over 24 hours. :( As you can guess, we had a few briefs to receive, then unloaded our stuff. I'm trying to get on this time zone, so I took a shower, shaved my face and head (I look like a fat Mr. Clean

An Easter Perspective

2007-06-25T22:32:00.000-04:00

"I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand." John 10:28Today was a hard day. I'm less than 48 hrs. from leaving. I've gotten some great e-mails and phone calls today from dear friends with promises of prayers and care packages. And I ended every call with a verklempt "I love you" and had to take a few moments to try and collect myself. The

I Would

2007-06-23T23:18:00.000-04:00

Following 9/11, I attended a wedding where a good friend of mine was wearing one of the red, white, and blue ribbons that were symbolic of the support given to those who were effected. I remember him looking at me and asking me where mine was. I reached into my back pocket, pulled out my US Army Reserve ID card and said, "This is how I will support those who need me." I leave next week to do

The Spirituality of Playing

2007-05-09T10:10:00.000-04:00

(Note: This is something that I wrote in 2002. It seems very fitting for where I am now in 2007.) Each of us is always in such a hurry to grow up. When we are five, we can’t wait until we are six. When we are half-way through our sixth year, we are suddenly “six and a HALF!” and we don’t let anyone forget it! When we turn 8 or so we start to pick up baseball gloves and footballs and

Sola Fide? (Faith Alone?)

2007-04-04T09:44:00.000-04:00

2 Peter 1:5-7-- "For this reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perserverence; and to perserverence, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.""add to your faith..." Does this phrase make Luther spin in his grave? Nope.Speaking about 2 Peter: "This epistle

Worship at NTC

2007-01-28T15:04:00.000-05:00

Here they are, hot off the presses! The latest images from NTC. This time, we're showing how we worship in the field.Here's about half of my congregation. We had 7 this week, which is seven times more than we had last week. Oooo...that's spooky Biblical! People from many different faiths and traditions but we came together to worship our Savior, Jesus Christ. I still believe that I'm a better

More from NTC

2007-01-27T12:23:00.000-05:00

Got a few more minutes to post some more pictures from NTCThe first photo is where I hang my helmet. This is my corner in the Tactical Operations Center (TOC). As this is the only place with reliable power and NIPR (internet) access, it's a great place to set up also because it's right next to the coffee pot. I get lots of traffic by my workstation. As you can see, I don't go anywhere without my

Photos from NTC

2007-01-26T10:20:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone!I know it's been a while since I posted any deep thoughts here and it's going to be a while longer...maybe.I wanted to share some pics of me here at the National Training Center (NTC) and let you know that I'm doing swell. I've been here about 2 weeks now and just this morning caught my cold! Woo Hoo! Two whole weeks of 7 days a week, 12-16 hours a day and I just now get sick. See,

Stick with what you know

2006-10-24T07:57:00.000-04:00

"So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him." --1 Samuel 17:50As a college football devotee, I know that there is no more cliched expression in all of sports than depicting a classic mis-match as "David vs. Goliath." And yet, there are those times when David does beat Goliath. An example that comes to

Speak

2006-10-11T09:25:00.000-04:00

"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent?" --Romans 10:14-15A few weeks ago, I had a bit of an epiphany. (Yes, I know, it seems like epiphany confession time for me doesn't it? But, sharing these makes me

I am a kicker.

2006-10-10T15:41:00.000-04:00

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witness, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perserverance the race marked out before us." --Hebrews 12:1I'm sure I have shared thoughts and feelings on this before, but just as, philosophically, you can't step in the same river twice, neither can we come to the Scripture

Abandoned to Grace

2006-07-20T09:40:00.000-04:00

"There are few people who realize what God would make of them if they abandoned themselves to his Hands, and let themselves be formed by His grace." --St. IgnatiusConfession Time: I am a What Not To Wear junkie. That's right, I watch the TLC program What Not To Wear. Why? I think it has something to do with the above quote from St. Ignatius.On the show, people have to give themselves over to

2006-07-10T10:51:00.000-04:00

While he was saying these things to them, suddenly a leader of the synagogue came in and knelt before him, saying, "My daughter has just died; but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live." And Jesus got up and followed him, with his disciples. When Jesus came to the leader's house and saw the flute players and the crowd making a commotion, he said, "Go away; for the girl is not dead but

The Kingdom Of God

2006-06-22T08:35:00.000-04:00

Jesus said to the crowds, "Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one." --Matthew 6:9-13 (Emphasis added)Thy kingdom come.What does

A New Prayer List

2006-06-20T10:13:00.000-04:00

Jesus said to the crowds, "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward

2006-06-19T11:38:00.000-04:00

Jesus said to the crowds, "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and

Get over it, stupid!

2006-06-15T14:11:00.000-04:00

"Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid." --Proverb 12:1 (NKJV)This was my "Good Word for the Day" at Tuesday's Command and Staff. Something really cool is that I get to lead off every C&S with a devotional thought, prayer, and then just sit back and watch. I'm learning that I have a great command.Does anyone like correction? I like to be the one

Good for anything?

2006-06-13T10:54:00.000-04:00

"You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot." --Matthew 5:13-16Am I good for anything any more? I'm still stuck in the doldrums of yesterday. This morning, I still had a bitter attitude toward some things and people and I let it show. I let it show so much that

Blessed are the full, for they shall be emptied...

2006-06-12T11:00:00.000-04:00

B"When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for

The Heart and the Compass

2006-06-09T10:29:00.000-04:00

"I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel; my heart also instructs me in night seasons." --Psalm 16:7I love to read cereal boxes at breakfast. I don't know why; I just do. When I was a kid, one box told about how to make your own compass. Take a sewing needle; rub it with a refrigerator magnet; place it on top of something that will float, like a cork or a plastic bottle cap and watch

"Well said, Jesus!"

2006-06-08T10:00:00.000-04:00

The title of this post is linkified so that you can see the text for yourself.One of the common stories, especially in Matthew's Gospel, is about the Scribes, Pharisees, and teachers of the law coming to test Jesus about different doctrines in the church. Can he answer this? Will he answer that? This story in Mark is a bit different in that a scribe comes to Jesus because he LIKES the answers

Howard Stern on Christian Radio

2006-05-08T07:03:00.000-04:00

The following is taken from Friday May 5 "The Purpose Driven Life Daily Devotional" All credit is given. In spite of it being from a "heretical" source (*tongue firmly planted in cheek*), I think it's worth a read: Howard Stern on Christian radioby John Fischer I was in the Denver airport trying to manage my Seattle's Best latte and what must have been

I am Iron Man! (Cue Black Sabbath music)

2006-04-25T21:45:00.000-04:00

Your results:You are Iron ManIron Man 75%The Flash 75%Spider-Man 70%Superman 70%Supergirl 65%Hulk 65%Catwoman 55%Robin 47%Wonder Woman 45%Green Lantern 45%Batman 40%Inventor. Businessman. Genius.Click here to take the Superhero Personality QuizNot too shabby... Self-made superhero with sturdy yet flexible armor that's moldable, changeable, upgradeable. Kinda Marvel's answer for Batman, but with

A Heart "In The Right Place"

2006-03-22T22:11:00.000-05:00

"May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed." --Psalm 20:4Oh yeah, baby! Every day I'll pray this prayer! God, give me the desires of my heart and let my plans succeed! Or, is there more to this than meets the eye...The two need to be one and the same. Notice how they are joined together. David writes that he wants the desires of HIS heart and GOD'S plans to

Explorers Wanted

2006-01-10T10:47:00.000-05:00

Acts 1:7-8-- [Jesus] said to [his disciples], "It is not for you to know the times or the dates the Father has set by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and the ends of the earth."Something my good friend Jeff said to me yesterday has posed a challenge to my heart. He said that he was not

Reprint...kinda

2005-12-15T09:01:00.000-05:00

There's a neat little website that I like to visit from time to time called Relevant (www.relevantmagazine.com). It's kind of a "theology for 20-somethings." The neat thing about it is the ability of some of the writers to get past the denominationalism and politicization of Christianity and to the heart of the matter.This website sends out a regular e-mail update called "850 Words of Relevant,"

Is Christmas Over-rated?

2005-12-12T13:11:00.000-05:00

Before you read this, please click the title and head over to Kristy's blog. This is a blatant rip off of her subject. Well, not a rip-off so much as a counter-point.Done yet? Good. Let me rebutt.True, more is made of the death and resurrection of the Christ and it's importance to our faith and eternal life. Through the death of Christ, the vicarious atonement is made. As is wonderfully

Found You!

2005-11-27T22:02:00.000-05:00

"He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Cor. 1:8)Much has been made lately about how we will be found when Christ comes again. It's part of The Purpose Driven Life and even goes back to Kennedy's Evangelism Explosion when people are asked if they would be in heaven if they died tonight. How will we be found when we meet Christ,

Thanksgiving Thought

2005-11-25T10:18:00.000-05:00

Sara and I spent most of yesterday travelling to Moorhead, MN, where a lot of her family lives. Before we flew from Atlanta, however, we had the opportunity to have some Thanksgiving dinner with the troops.Here's an interesting thing about Thanksgiving: until 1863, it was a church holiday only. In November of 1863, President Lincoln visited the battlefield at Gettysburg and delivered his famous "

The Joy of Discipline

2005-11-10T08:30:00.000-05:00

After being up 24 hours straight, from early Tuesday to early Wednesday, I crashed a bit yesterday. Tuesday brough the Bayonet, a lengthy road march that is done that the end of a field training exercise, or FTX in Armyspeak. I got home Wednesday morning at 6:30 after 24 straight hours. Spent most of yesterday nursing the soreness that came with lugging 60-70 lbs of gear around for 8 hours the

Delayed Reformation Post

2005-11-08T12:55:00.000-05:00

"Be still, and know that I am God.I will be exalted among the nations.I will be exalted in the earth.The LORD Almighty is with us,The God of Jacob is our fortress." (Psalm 46:11-12)The previous verses of this Psalm talk about the awe-inspiring power of the Almighty. At the sound of his voice, the earth melts away. He stops wars and breaks and burns weapons. In the midst of all this violence,

It's Not About Me

2005-10-11T09:33:00.000-04:00

Life is not about what I want. It's not about my comfort, my desires, or my wants. My life is about Christ.Sara and I are worshipping at a church that is going through the 40 Days of Purpose (40DoP). We went through this once at St. Paul, but we decided to go through it again as participants and not as leaders. I'm a little behind on my reading (imagine that), but let me share with you what

They will not answer you

2005-09-22T09:01:00.000-04:00

"Therefore you shall speak all these words to them, but they will not obey you. You shall call to them, but they will not answer you." Jeremiah 7:27Jeremiah's call was not from Israel. Jeremiah's call was not from Judah. Jeremiah's call was not to be popular. Jeremiah's call was not to preach a message that would be accepted and followed. Jeremiah's call was from the LORD, to speak His Word

Nevertheless

2005-09-19T10:23:00.000-04:00

"Nevertheless in those days," says the LORD, "I will not make a complete end of you." --Jeremiah 5:18I had an interesting conversation with a trainee this morning as we were running. He came alongside of me and told me how his parents had been to New Orleans to see the destruction left behind in the wake or Hurricane Katrina. He then wanted to draw a comparison with Sodom and Gamorrah, asking

Return

2005-09-15T09:34:00.000-04:00

"If you will return, O Israel," says the LORD, "Return to me; and if you will put away your abominations in my sight, then you shall not be moved." --Jeremiah 4:1How can a person return to a place he has never been before? The verb "to return" presupposes that there was a time previous when one was at the spot to which one is "returning." I was there once, I left, I return.Through the prophet

According to His Heart

2005-09-06T08:16:00.000-04:00

"And I will give you shepherds according to My heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding." (Jeremiah 3:15, NKJV)According to the Maxwell Leadership Bible, there are four skills needed for a "shepherd after God's own heart." They are:Attitude Skills: a servant's heart both positive and persistent.People Skills: the ability to relate to others: communicate, delegate, motivate,

Do Clothes Really Make the Man?

2005-09-01T08:51:00.000-04:00

"Can a virgin forget her ornaments,Or a bride her attire?Yet my people have forgotten me days without number." --Jeremiah 2:32 (NKJV)Is the old addage true? Do clothes make the man? Or does a person make his clothes? Somehow, the Lord is drawing reference to the relationship between beauty and attire.To hypothesize that we are the virgin

Spiritual Worship

2005-08-16T09:47:00.000-04:00

"'Spiritual worship' refers to worship where God is recognized and is grasped by the mind, as happens when it fears and trusts the God." --Apology of the Augsburg Confession, Article XXIV: The Mass (Kolb/ Wengert Edition, (c) 2000)Romans 12:1-- "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your

Phoning it in

2005-08-15T09:48:00.000-04:00

I have a confession to make: I phoned it in yesterday.I went to worship and walked through the motions. I checked the boxes, fulfilled my duty, stood when I was supposed to, sat down when I was done. I sang, prayed, read, and everything else that are the motions of worship. But, my heart wasn't in it. I phoned it in.What makes it worse is that I was the worship leader.The temptation of

2005-08-12T10:41:00.000-04:00

"So I fall on my kneesTo get back on my feet againAnd I cry out for YouWould You please speak to me" -- from "Healer" by Ten Shekel Shirt, off their Much album.I apologize if I'm being "biblical" enough in my posts but these are the things that are hitting my spirit at the moment.The irony of this chorus is just too much to ignore. How can someone get to their feet by falling to their knees? It

The Presence of God

2005-08-10T09:08:00.000-04:00

"I'm here to meet with youCome and meet with meI'm here to find youReveal yourself to meAs I wait, you make me strongAs I long, draw me to your armsAs I stand and sing your praiseYou come, you come and you fill this placeWon't you come, Won't you come and fill this placeI'm here to meet with youCome and meet with meI'm here to find you,Reveal yourself to meAs I wait, you make me strongAs I long,

Wicked or Wise?

2005-08-09T08:47:00.000-04:00

"Whoever corrects a mocker invites insult; whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs abuse. Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you. Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of all wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." --Prov. 9:7-10Each

Guarding One's Heart

2005-08-08T07:26:00.000-04:00

"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." --Proverbs 4:23I had a real revelation about this Scripture this week; it was revealed to me by a light-sign in front of a tool and die manufacturer in Milford, IA. It's one of those random "God moments" that happen so often in life.Youth Week at Camp Okoboji was just what I needed to guard my heart. The Army takes so much

Of Belly Flops, Back-flips, and Walking with Christ

2005-08-02T22:54:00.000-04:00

I spent about 45 minutes this afternoon on a raft in the middle of the lake. It was swim time and there were a few campers there splashing around. So, I decided to hold an impromptu Belly Flop Contest. For the huge prize of $1, camper after camper would purposefully land on their stomach, hoping to be judged as the "best" belly-flopper. Forget what on-lookers would say or how their

The Importance of a Mentor

2005-08-01T12:34:00.000-04:00

This morning was fun! Brad Niemeyer and Jocelyn Hayes were playing some guitar during free time this morning, so I picked up a guitar and started joining with them. Man, they have some serious skills. It was hard to keep up with them but it was good to be challenged to keep up with them.Man, is that like our walk with Christ, or what? It can be challenging and embarrassing to admit that we

Camp Okoboji

2005-07-31T20:14:00.000-04:00

Well, here I am at the start of Youth Week. Click the above linkified tite for the web page of where Sara and I are.It's always nice to sit and participate in worship without having to do anything. At least, it's nice when worship is done right. I wonder if I am a bit of a "worship snob" but I just think there are certain things that need to be a part of worship. One of them being one of the

2005-07-25T08:52:00.000-04:00

Okay, so this didn't work like I had planned.I'm still trying to post some pics here so you all can see my life. This was supposed to be a profile photo, but it got posted here. Oh well. This is from my promotion ceremony last year. It's got me standing tall and looking good!Profile Photo

I am Guppy Plains

2005-07-20T20:16:00.000-04:00

Huh?It's just something that came up while I was attempting to golf yesterday. I figured the opposite of a Tiger would be a guppy and the opposite of Woods is Plains. I am the anti-Tiger Woods.I shot a 58 yesterday. It's the same score I shot when I first started golfing eight years ago. I know I could get better if I spent the time (and money) for lessons and maybe some new equipment, but

The Cost of Freedom

2005-07-18T10:37:00.000-04:00

Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young once asked this question:"(Do we) find the cost of freedom, buried in the ground?"I would say, "no."The cost of freedom is found in families and the sacrifices they make.My brother-in-law is getting ready to head to Japan for 18 months. He's taking his family with him, but he's leaving a lot of family behind. For many of us, myself included, this will be the last

Relaxed and Recharged

2005-07-15T07:43:00.000-04:00

Yep, like the title says, I am relaxed and recharged. Now if I could just wake up!Last week, Sara and I went to Fort Robinson, Nebraska for her family's reunion. How's this for a travel day: wake up at 4:30 am so that we can catch a shuttle to the Atlanta Airport at 5:30 am. Catch our 2.5 hour flight to Denver at 9:00 am. Nathan and Christi and Jackson pick us up at the Denver Airport. We

Swimming Breakthrough

2005-06-29T09:53:00.000-04:00

Monday was a red-letter day for me...even for a Monday.I swam my first mile. Well, 1500m to be exact, but I'm calling it a mile. It's pretty freakin' close.I'm really amazed at how far I have come in just six months. I started swimming in January. I had to teach myself the basics of the stroke, work on my endurance, swallow half the pool, and put in my time.But, Monday, it all paid off. I

Why Swimming is Like Life

2005-06-20T16:34:00.000-04:00

So, in light of my first triathlon and the troubles I've had swimming, I have re-devoted myself to the pursuit and today, I had an epiphany of sorts. Swimming is like life...Swimming is all about learning to be comfortable in a potentially deadly environment, one that is foreign and not very hospitable to air-breathing life. In swimming, I have learned to put my face in the water where

I am a Triathlete!

2005-05-17T08:12:00.000-04:00

I did it! I completed my first "sprint distance" triathlon! I almost died, but I completed it.The title is linkified over to where I log all my workouts and races so that you can read all about the experience for yourself. You can read all about my swimming adventure, my biking prowess, and my less-than-stellar run.What you won't read about is absolute joy that I find in sheer terror. (Read that

Milestones

2005-05-11T07:03:00.000-04:00

Not so much a deep spiritual insight as an exciting milestone in my life.Saturday is my second first triathlon. (Read that again, let it sink in, and then I'll explain.)My first first triathlon was April 30th. I got there early, registered, got my body marked with my race number, set up my transition area...and then ran like heck to the picnic shelter as the rain came in. Because of lightning

Kiss the Son

2005-05-04T09:10:00.000-04:00

Psalm 2:12 "Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him."Is Jesus mad at me? It's been a while since I've kissed Him. Oh, I've seen Him, heard Him, talked about Him, preached Him, prayed in His name, and such. But when's the last time I kissed Him? Full on the mouth,

The Inner Struggle

2005-03-22T07:33:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since I've posted here. For those of you who have come over looking for insight or news, I'm sorry. The journey that began about two months ago is just starting to produce some fruits. Seeds were sown and now the tiny green tops are visible through the barren earth.Over the last two months I have been working self-control as it applies to earthly things, namely my health and

Wings of Eagles

2005-02-02T17:01:00.000-05:00

"...but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isa. 40:31) Somewhat of a tangent from the thoughts of last week. This verse has been bouncing around in my head lately as I start to do longer and longer runs each weekend. Mostly, it's there because of the "they will run and

2005-01-28T16:11:00.000-05:00

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so a great cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set out before us..." --Hebrews 12:1 Third time looking at this verse, I know, but it's just so chock-full of good things! Witnesses. What do you think when you hear that word? Sometimes it

Casting off the Burdens

2005-01-27T11:06:00.000-05:00

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so a great cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us,, and let us run with endurance the race that is set out before us..." --Hebrews 12:1 Yeah, this is the same verse as yesterday but with a different focus. This morning as I finished my morning run, I saw one of our companies heading out for their

Running with Endurance

2005-01-26T07:18:00.000-05:00

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so a great cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set out before us..." --Hebrews 12:1 In the Army, when someone is a real go-getter, we call him or her "high-speed." As a society, our minds are bombarded with images and plans for things that are

Resolute in my Decisions!

2005-01-19T11:05:00.000-05:00

I am a HUGE procrastinator! It has manifest itself in the fact that I am just now making my New Year's Resolution. Yeah, I know, it's January 19th, bear with me. Here's what I am resolving to do: 30 min. daily spent in God's Word. Bike 2000+ miles. Lose 20 pounds (this has been on the list for a number of years). Complete a duathlon. Complete a triathlon. Cut my household debt in

More than we expected

2005-01-10T11:06:00.000-05:00

The title is linkified to take you to Mark 4:35-41. The story of Jesus calming the storm. I love this story and here's why. The disciples are busy being the usual, normal guys that they really are. Sure, we call them "saints," but so often they show themselves to be completely normal. Here we have Jesus sleeping in the rear of the boat when a squall comes up and starts to swamp the boat.

Some of my Tsunami Thoughts

2005-01-04T14:57:00.000-05:00

Okay, I'm a little ticked off at hearing Europeans rail us as Americans for not doing enough to provide relief to the tsunami victims. As I was e-mailing to my good friend Ty, I had this profound thought: We have trillions of dollars of military assets and personnel spending billions of dollars in fuel and man-hours to deliver Europe's millions of dollars in relief. I guess what I'm asking is

What a Game!

2005-01-03T10:05:00.000-05:00

The title here is linkified; that is, you can click on it for more exciting details. I was able to attend this game, thanks to the wonderful graciousness of Greg Suckow and the unbelievable hospitality of Jon Van Nevel and Dr. Johnny Langley. Dr. Langley works for a cable outlet in Orlando and was able to get us on-field press passes. I was able to stand on the sidelines for the whole contest

Merry Christmas

2004-12-25T19:51:00.000-05:00

Blessed Christmas, y'all! (I just had to say it that way.) Last night we watched that perennial Christmas Classic: Love Actually. It's a great date film (a.k.a. Chick Flick). However, one of the things that I noticed about the film, something that I really admired, is that each character, in his/her own way, took a risk. And, each person, in his/ her own way was rewarded for it. Just the

I'll be home for Christmas...sort of

2004-12-14T07:39:00.000-05:00

Friday, Sara and I are going to be winging our way to Iowa to see the family. We haven't seen them since April, just before I was mobilized and Billie Mike was Baptized. We're going to be home for the weekend before the holiday because I have to perform Sunday services here at Ft. Benning on December 26. It will be nice to be in Iowa for a few days. Just long enough to remind me of what cold

Eeek!

2004-12-10T13:46:00.000-05:00

Sorry it's been so long. I'll be surprised if anyone even sees this; you've probably stopped checking by now. Things are okay. I say okay because I've been having my good days and my bad days lately. Some days, I can do some amazing ministry and really help people. Other days, I can really get screwed by the system and I have to go into fight mode to keep what I have and try to get what I

The Continuing State of Flux

2004-11-16T13:54:00.000-05:00

I would like to say that things are going like normal but normal isn't normal anymore. Normal is better, worse, lonlier, and together all at the same time. Last week, Sara and I left the place that has been our home for three years. We have resigned from St. Paul Lutheran Church in Sheboygan Falls, WI. We packed up our dogs and all of our earthly belongings into a big yellow Penske truck and

Hawkeyes Abounding!

2004-10-29T08:28:00.000-04:00

At yesterday's Turning Blue, I learned that one of the Drill Sergeants from Charlie Company is from Decorah, Iowa. I asked him if he was a Iowa Hawkeye fan. He didn't say anything, he just pointed to a pick-up truck in the parking lot with a Tiger Hawk decal dominating the back window. He then said simply, "That's my truck." It's always good to find another Hawkeye.

I Turned Someone Blue!

2004-10-28T13:15:00.000-04:00

No, I didn't put them in a choke hold. Today is the day before Charlie Company's graduation. With Infantry, there is a special ceremony called a "Turning Blue" ceremony. It's here that they Soldiers receive the distinctive sky-blue cord that will distinguish them throughout the Army. The blue infantry cord is a badge of honor and dedication in itself, much like paratrooper wings, air assault

We do more before nine o'clock this morning...

2004-10-20T14:45:00.000-04:00

I still remember that line from a recruiting commercial for the Army from many, many years ago. Today, I'll bet it's true. Started at 0100 (1:00 a.m. for those who don't do military time) with a final road march for C Company. They have wrapped up their FTX and will graduate about 175 Infantrymen next week. It was a 7.5 mile trek that came in from a completely different area, which was a