We arrived in Great Lakes in the latter part of Saturday evening. Because of that, we were hesitant to get the entire family out for church on Sunday morning. However, since I had to go to the base to check in anyway, I felt it would be appropriate to worship with the Sailors at the Bluejacket Memorial Chapel. This chapel has a lot of history for me, having been my first home church after leaving Girard, Kansas, and being my spiritual food for the first year of my Navy career.
I walked in as the choir was coming in, and I was immediately impressed. Not only by the choir, but by the sheer number of people in the building. I doubt we ever really went more than fifty back when I was going, but wow…I know for sure that there was over 100 in service that morning. Very impressive! It really shows that the sailors in the service were interested in reaching their fellow students and that the chaplain was interested in guiding those under his care.
The main chaplain was not at the chapel this particular Sunday as he was in a leadership school. The regional chaplain, Captain Finch, preached on contentment and making our relationship with God a priority. The thing I liked the most was how he challenged the sailors to buy a Bible. “You wouldn't use your friend's toothpaste, would you?” he asked. “You wouldn't dig through the trash for a used Q-Tip, would you? Why then do you not have your own Bible?” I LOVED THAT!
I tell you though, maybe the thing that touched me the most was a testimony by a young lady named Jackie. Exactly one year ago, she had lost her 18 month old boy due to a pool accident. She shared a heartfelt testimony of God's healing power and her new strength. Obviously, since I was remembering my sister who had passed away six years to the day, it resonated powerfully for me. I found the young lady after church and thanked her for her testimony.
Unfortunately, this service probably isn't for me. For one, since it caters to mostly single service members, it is not designed for kids. Secondly, and I'm still figuring how to make this work right, the service is for students, for the most part, not for staff. There is a fine line to walk when it comes to mixing with students, and I don't want to cross it. However, if you happen to know a student at Great Lakes, definitely tell him or her that this is a good place to be.
So week one of my church hunting is over. It was successful and productive, even if this won't end up being my church home. It was a wonderful service and a great reminder of my time here over 13 years ago.
Upcoming on The Navy Christian
Now that we've arrived in Great Lakes, where I will be a Navy electronics instructor for the next three years, I am going to bring my PCS series to a close after a few more posts. In the near future, I'm going to start a series on 7 Things, and 7 Reasons. The 7 Things are already up on the main page and 7 Reasons is coming. Here is a very short overview:
7 Things:
This series will begin to show you how to reach the military community. It is particularly useful for churches as they play to reach out to local military bases and military housing communities, but it doesn't really matter in the end. You can live in a small town in Wyoming and still use these ideas to reach the military.
7 Reasons:
It could be that you don't know why you should reach out specifically to the military. Why treat them like any other group? Well, in short, because we are a different group. The military has it's own culture and several sub-cultures that you'll need to be aware of in order to reach out effectively. And there are reasons to do so, like how it will expand your church's influence, create missionaries, and bring young families into your church.
So join in the outreach and ministry as I move forward in focusing on military ministry! If you are curious about any of the 7 Things that are on the blog right now, please ask!
7 Things:
This series will begin to show you how to reach the military community. It is particularly useful for churches as they play to reach out to local military bases and military housing communities, but it doesn't really matter in the end. You can live in a small town in Wyoming and still use these ideas to reach the military.
7 Reasons:
It could be that you don't know why you should reach out specifically to the military. Why treat them like any other group? Well, in short, because we are a different group. The military has it's own culture and several sub-cultures that you'll need to be aware of in order to reach out effectively. And there are reasons to do so, like how it will expand your church's influence, create missionaries, and bring young families into your church.
So join in the outreach and ministry as I move forward in focusing on military ministry! If you are curious about any of the 7 Things that are on the blog right now, please ask!
In Memory of a Great Girl
Six years ago today my sister died in a car wreck. She and I had kind of fallen out of favor with each other. I didn’t know how to handle the fact that she had grown up in the 8 years since I left the farm and I think she felt I had forgotten her altogether since I had gotten married and had a new baby. Things had just started to open back up again and we had started to make progress towards a relationship when I found out she died.
I was in my home office after church on Sunday the 29th of August, 2004. Mostly likely, I was playing a video game, but I can't remember. Alicia was in the living room watching some TV and I think Timothy was napping. I picked up the phone when I noticed my brother Andy calling.
“Hey,” I said, “What's up?”
He was crying. “Meghan's dead.”
“What?!?!”
“Meghan's dead,” he stammered. “She was in a car accident.”
I didn't know what to do. I hung up the phone and walked in shock into the living room. I told Alicia that Meghan had died and the weirdest thing came out of my mouth. I said, “Timothy will never get to know his aunt.” I have no idea why I said that.
Alicia immediately grabbed onto me and hugged me while I just tried to figure out what was going on. I called my Senior Enlisted Advisor at work and he told me to hit the road…we'd figure out the leave (vacation) paperwork later. I'll forever be grateful to him for that.
We arrived in Girard, Kansas at 2:30am that night. My dad threw his arms around me and said that everything would be ok…he had his three boys with him now. My mom and grandparents were all at my grandma's house in shock mixed with heavy doses of crying.
I soon found out that our uncle, who is the county sheriff there, heard the report over his scanner and immediately responded. He identified Meghan so that my parents wouldn't have to see her. He took care of the reports and the hospital for us. Yet another person I am grateful for. He also made sure we didn't see the car. There was no reason to.
On the day of viewing, I asked to be alone with Meghan. Alicia made sure no one went into the room while I was in there. At first, I couldn't do anything. I just looked at her, studying the lines of her face, wondering how she had grown up without me knowing her. Then I said, “I have to say goodbye!” It took an eternity for me to be able to realize how real the moment was. Finally, I fell apart, weeping violently as all of the pain finally manifested itself. I cried for a long time that day before leaving the funeral home and then I cried more outside the funeral home before finally getting myself squared away. I have never felt like that since.
I delivered a sort of eulogy a few days later to a packed church (my mom, my brother Andy, and our preacher also spoke). I don't know how many people where there, but it seemed like half the school or more. My old coaches were in attendance as well, as my family had become known after three boys had gone through the school. It was great to have that support. People were coming out of the woodwork to help. I don't think we cooked a meal for a week or better.
Click here for my Eulogy of Meghan.
There is a song by The Offspring that reminds me of my sister and how much she meant to me. It's called Gone Away. I've embedded it below. I know many of you aren't into rock, but if you can read the lyrics with it, I think you'll see why it's so powerful to me. I still can't sing it without welling up.
Here are the lyrics:
Maybe in another life
I could find you there
Pulled away before your time
I can't deal it's so unfair
And it feels
And it feels like
Heaven's so far away
And it feels
Yeah it feels like
The world has grown cold
Now that you've gone away
Leaving flowers on your grave
Show that I still care
But black roses and Hail Mary's
Can't bring back what's taken from me
I reach to the sky
And call out your name
And if I could trade
I would
And it feels
And it feels like
Heaven's so far away
And it stings
Yeah it stings now
The world is so cold
Now that you've gone away
Gone away, gone away, yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
I reach to the sky
And call out your name
Oh please let me trade
I would
And it feels
And it feels like
Heaven's so far away
And it feels
Yeah it feels like
The world has grown cold
Now that you've gone away
Gone away, gone away, yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
She was a good girl, and I miss her.
I was in my home office after church on Sunday the 29th of August, 2004. Mostly likely, I was playing a video game, but I can't remember. Alicia was in the living room watching some TV and I think Timothy was napping. I picked up the phone when I noticed my brother Andy calling.
“Hey,” I said, “What's up?”
He was crying. “Meghan's dead.”
“What?!?!”
“Meghan's dead,” he stammered. “She was in a car accident.”
I didn't know what to do. I hung up the phone and walked in shock into the living room. I told Alicia that Meghan had died and the weirdest thing came out of my mouth. I said, “Timothy will never get to know his aunt.” I have no idea why I said that.
Alicia immediately grabbed onto me and hugged me while I just tried to figure out what was going on. I called my Senior Enlisted Advisor at work and he told me to hit the road…we'd figure out the leave (vacation) paperwork later. I'll forever be grateful to him for that.
We arrived in Girard, Kansas at 2:30am that night. My dad threw his arms around me and said that everything would be ok…he had his three boys with him now. My mom and grandparents were all at my grandma's house in shock mixed with heavy doses of crying.
I soon found out that our uncle, who is the county sheriff there, heard the report over his scanner and immediately responded. He identified Meghan so that my parents wouldn't have to see her. He took care of the reports and the hospital for us. Yet another person I am grateful for. He also made sure we didn't see the car. There was no reason to.
On the day of viewing, I asked to be alone with Meghan. Alicia made sure no one went into the room while I was in there. At first, I couldn't do anything. I just looked at her, studying the lines of her face, wondering how she had grown up without me knowing her. Then I said, “I have to say goodbye!” It took an eternity for me to be able to realize how real the moment was. Finally, I fell apart, weeping violently as all of the pain finally manifested itself. I cried for a long time that day before leaving the funeral home and then I cried more outside the funeral home before finally getting myself squared away. I have never felt like that since.
I delivered a sort of eulogy a few days later to a packed church (my mom, my brother Andy, and our preacher also spoke). I don't know how many people where there, but it seemed like half the school or more. My old coaches were in attendance as well, as my family had become known after three boys had gone through the school. It was great to have that support. People were coming out of the woodwork to help. I don't think we cooked a meal for a week or better.
Click here for my Eulogy of Meghan.
There is a song by The Offspring that reminds me of my sister and how much she meant to me. It's called Gone Away. I've embedded it below. I know many of you aren't into rock, but if you can read the lyrics with it, I think you'll see why it's so powerful to me. I still can't sing it without welling up.
Here are the lyrics:
Maybe in another life
I could find you there
Pulled away before your time
I can't deal it's so unfair
And it feels
And it feels like
Heaven's so far away
And it feels
Yeah it feels like
The world has grown cold
Now that you've gone away
Leaving flowers on your grave
Show that I still care
But black roses and Hail Mary's
Can't bring back what's taken from me
I reach to the sky
And call out your name
And if I could trade
I would
And it feels
And it feels like
Heaven's so far away
And it stings
Yeah it stings now
The world is so cold
Now that you've gone away
Gone away, gone away, yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
I reach to the sky
And call out your name
Oh please let me trade
I would
And it feels
And it feels like
Heaven's so far away
And it feels
Yeah it feels like
The world has grown cold
Now that you've gone away
Gone away, gone away, yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
She was a good girl, and I miss her.
Eulogy for Meghan Diane Smith
My claim to fame through this week was the fact that in addition to being Meghan's brother, I was also part mother and father. I remember changing diapers, mixing bottles, and dressing my baby sister on Sundays my mom had to work. As she became a little girl, I would make sure she got up for school on time, escort her on the bus, and, as any other self-respecting big brother would, I'd pick on her just enough to let her know I cared. And then I left for the navy. My parents had to literally pry Meghan off of me so I could go. As the years passed, I had to realize that that little girl had become a young woman.
And now she's gone…seemingly too soon, and I find myself asking how God could have let this happen. His answer was swift. In Matthew chapter 10, we read, “Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not, therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.”
The day Meghan surrendered her life to Christ, he became her brother and God became her father. The most powerful force in existence became her closest friend. The Great “I Am” knew my sister before I changed her diaper for the first time and he saw Sunday before it happened. As hard as it is for me to understand, she did not leave us too soon. This most precious jewel arrived in heaven exactly on time.
It is perhaps fitting that I am so involved in Meghan's last chapter since I was so involved in her first. But I am not her Alpha and Omega. I am not her first and last. She surrendered herself in death as she had in life…at the feet of Jesus. I cannot think of a better way to live in memory of my little sister than to live with the hope that I will see her again and be with her for eternity. Please don't go home today without knowing for yourself. It's not only what Meghan would have wanted, it's what her closest friend and eternal brother wants.
And now she's gone…seemingly too soon, and I find myself asking how God could have let this happen. His answer was swift. In Matthew chapter 10, we read, “Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not, therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.”
The day Meghan surrendered her life to Christ, he became her brother and God became her father. The most powerful force in existence became her closest friend. The Great “I Am” knew my sister before I changed her diaper for the first time and he saw Sunday before it happened. As hard as it is for me to understand, she did not leave us too soon. This most precious jewel arrived in heaven exactly on time.
It is perhaps fitting that I am so involved in Meghan's last chapter since I was so involved in her first. But I am not her Alpha and Omega. I am not her first and last. She surrendered herself in death as she had in life…at the feet of Jesus. I cannot think of a better way to live in memory of my little sister than to live with the hope that I will see her again and be with her for eternity. Please don't go home today without knowing for yourself. It's not only what Meghan would have wanted, it's what her closest friend and eternal brother wants.
Smith PCS Transfer Day 03
Today, we left the Winchester Motel:
And we drove through the rest of Colorado. After Denver, all the way through Nebraska, this is what we mostly saw:
These actually reminded me of my childhood home in Kansas, although ours was bigger. Still, it was so refreshing to see so much farmland. I haven't been around anything but groves of trees and grapes, so this was so welcome! I feel blessed to have seen cows, barns, deer, and even corn today.
And then we entered Iowa at night.
I had hoped to make it through all the way to Chicagoland today/tonight, but it just wasn't meant to be. I'm glad that we got as far as we did, though, and we'll be in Chicagoland tomorrow at a decent time.
But that is tomorrow. Tonight, I'm going to bed.
And we drove through the rest of Colorado. After Denver, all the way through Nebraska, this is what we mostly saw:
And then we entered Iowa at night.
I had hoped to make it through all the way to Chicagoland today/tonight, but it just wasn't meant to be. I'm glad that we got as far as we did, though, and we'll be in Chicagoland tomorrow at a decent time.
But that is tomorrow. Tonight, I'm going to bed.
Smith PCS Transfer Day 02
We drove from North Las Vegas, where we had stayed at Nellis Air Force Base, all the way to The Winchester Motel in Rifle, Colorado! We covered roughly 560 miles.
I started the day at the ID Lab on Nellis AFB. I have lost my wallet enroute and needed a new military ID. Thankfully, all I needed was a police report and they hooked me up with a new one. My old photo was still in the system, so they were able to verify me without a photo-ID, which is good, because I LOST MY WALLET! Ok, anyway, that was a success.
Then we just saw beautiful mountain pass after beautiful mountain pass. It was really gorgeous, as Samantha said. "Oh my gosh!" she said. "I can't believe my eyes!" She was too cute! Here is what she saw:
Along the way, we stopped for lunch at McDonald's. The nice thing about a McD's with a play place is that it allows the kids to really run around and do all sorts of mayem than they would otherwise not be able to do in the car. That lets them burn off a little steam and it allows the parents to regroup and plan, which we needed to do a lot of. We also saw a thunderstorm! It was so refreshing after five years in San Diego where clouds don't mean rain!
We got stopped (by traffic, not a cop) on I70 because of a burned out vehicle. Some guy's car must have caught fire on him and burned literally to the ground. I tried to find a news article on it to link to, but I couldn't. Anyway, it stopped traffic for around half an hour while rescue vehicles took care of the incident. I think everyone got out ok, but I don't know for sure.
Our day ended in Rifle, Colorado, where we stayed at the Winchester Motel (ask me if you don't get the significance of that). Pretty nice bed, decent shower, great host. Kids are still resting the morning after. Timothy may have had some sort of night terror last night. It was pretty scary, particularly for Alicia, as she was up with him the longest. He's resting now in bed, so we're staying here a little longer to make sure he gets some good sleep.
Well, that was day two. Here's to a successful day three!
Smith PCS Transfer Day 1
We left San Diego around 3:30pm last night headed for Las Vegas. We arrived an eternity later. Ok, not quite that long, but it felt like it. It honestly wasn't a very good day on the road.
The downhill slide started when Samantha threw up just south of Riverside. We had a bag with her, but I'm telling you, maybe 10% got into the bag. So we spent about 20 minutes in cleaning up as best we could, knowing that the full cleanup wouldn't get to happen until we got to Great Lakes.
Then we hit one wave of construction and traffic after another. It was horrible all the way past Riverside and LA, even though of course we were way East of LA. Not fun at all!
On a very fun note, we drove down part of the Strip in Las Vegas! It was so fun and the kids absolutely loved it! Samantha and Timothy love the movie Despicable Me. In the first part of the movie, the villain/good guy says, "We stole the Stature of Liberty...the small one from Las Vegas!" Well, see below:
We got to Nellis Air Force Base late last night and just crashed. This morning we're regrouping, getting me a new ID, and hitting the road bound for Denver. More updates to follow!
The downhill slide started when Samantha threw up just south of Riverside. We had a bag with her, but I'm telling you, maybe 10% got into the bag. So we spent about 20 minutes in cleaning up as best we could, knowing that the full cleanup wouldn't get to happen until we got to Great Lakes.
Then we hit one wave of construction and traffic after another. It was horrible all the way past Riverside and LA, even though of course we were way East of LA. Not fun at all!
On a very fun note, we drove down part of the Strip in Las Vegas! It was so fun and the kids absolutely loved it! Samantha and Timothy love the movie Despicable Me. In the first part of the movie, the villain/good guy says, "We stole the Stature of Liberty...the small one from Las Vegas!" Well, see below:
We got to Nellis Air Force Base late last night and just crashed. This morning we're regrouping, getting me a new ID, and hitting the road bound for Denver. More updates to follow!
Last Night in San Diego...
I took a long run through the neighborhood tonight as a "walk" down memory lane. It is a combination route that allowed me to hit all of my regular routes in one. I enjoyed the run a lot, despite the fact that it was especially warm. I ran past churches, houses, a donut shop (I did NOT stop), and a police station. All of these things I have run past countless times in the three years I've been at this location, often without a second thought.
San Diego has been so good to us this last time around. It represented a chance to start over in many ways. I was still very immature in my faith and as a man when I first got here for my tour on the Antietam. I needed to grow up a lot and I did. My kids have grown up a lot here as well, and this is the place where Samantha was born. We have had a great time at our church and now have many dear friends that we wouldn't have had were it not for this tour in San Diego. We have been blessed!
Everyone in the house is excited about the move, including me. While Great Lakes wasn't my first choice, or a desire period, it is God's choice, and I am willing and able to go. Alicia is looking forward to homeschooling, the kids are looking forward to a yard, a dog, and snow, and I'm looking forward to teaching and doing God's work. I know this is the path prepared for us by God, and I am ready.
Yet there is that one emotion that I never like feeling. I'm going to miss San Diego and even the USS Antietam. All of us are going to miss CEBC, our church home for the last three years, and I'm going to miss a lot of my Navy buddies.
These boxes are a reminder tonight that, tomorrow, everything changes. It's a nice transition. Tonight, I get to reminisce and enjoy the last night in San Diego. Tomorrow...well, tomorrow can take care of itself.
Different Frequencies and The Navy Christian
Different Frequencies is now The Navy Christian. After one year of fairly steady blogging, 6,000 page loads and several subscribers, I've decided to take a bit of a step of faith and expand the blog a little to have it's own place in the web. I also plan to draw down the number of subjects I write about to mostly focus on the Navy, Military Ministry, and other related topics. Naturally, I intend to keep my options open, however.
I want to encourage you bookmark or subscribe to The Navy Christian. Check back often and comment! I love to hear your thoughts!
One final thought/request: Please take a look at the poll on the right and vote! It will help me a great deal!
I want to encourage you bookmark or subscribe to The Navy Christian. Check back often and comment! I love to hear your thoughts!
One final thought/request: Please take a look at the poll on the right and vote! It will help me a great deal!
The Military Prayer Walk
When I got to San Diego, I met Dave Yumen, a Navigator working with the military in the San Diego area. I had become very interested in starting a men's group at my housing complex, and knew enough to know that I didn't have a clue how to do that. Dave was wonderful, and still is. He guided me through getting in touch with the chaplain of the base, setting up my Bible studies, and most importantly, how to pray for the ministry. It was he who took me on my first prayer walk.
It's not that I hadn't prayed on my walks before, yet this was different…way different. For the first time, my prayer had purpose outside of my own selfish desires. Now I wasn't praying for some book deal, or a promotion, or whatever. I was praying for other people! It was absolutely awkward at first…two grown men just walking around praying aloud to whomever might hear. Dave wasn't worried about that though like I was. He knew we were talking to the only one who mattered.
You know what? Nothing seemingly came from that prayer walk. The Bible study fizzled as soon as it started. I held three meetings where I was the only one in attendance and then canceled the ministry. I was a little heartbroken, but again, Dave Yumen was amazing. “Maybe the only reason you needed to do this was to show God that you were available.” I believe that now, but it was bittersweet back then. Anyway, that was about the last time I ever did a prayer walk. I'm sure I prayed occasionally through my walks over the following four years, but not seriously or consistently.
That changed a few weeks ago. My change in heart began as I would run past the Serra Mesa Christian Fellowship on Murray Ridge Road. I had already become impressed by the church for their support of a local elementary school, but the more I thought about it, the more I felt they could reach the military community that I lived in. I expanded my prayer ministry to the Pacific Hope Church on Afton Road. For each church I prayed that they would reach out to my fellow servicemen and women, as well as their respective families.
You see, I know that the military isn't a priority to many churches, even if the churches are near military installations. There are entire communities that need Christ, and military families aren't permanent, so I can understand the issue. However, I felt that these two churches represented a fighting chance, and I believed that they were already willing and meeting some of the military needs in the area, so I prayed, and continue to do so. I don't know the military makeup of either congregation, but regardless, I hope it grows!
About a week ago, I expanded my prayer to the military community itself. If I remember correctly, The Villages at Serra Mesa (my military housing community) has something like 900 units, which of course means that there are 900 families to reach for Christ. Not only do I need to pray for the local churches who will be reaching these families, but I need to pray for the families themselves!
You see, I used to think of prayer as an afterthought…something secondary to action. Yet my action rarely resulted in anything without prayer and submission first! So I have surrendered. May God do what he wants to with the families in this housing. The families on Afton Road, Krenz Street, Murray Ridge Road, and the rest of the streets that make up Serra Mesa. God is good…and he does have a prayer warrior in this community!
We're leaving for a new duty station, as many of you know, but I have completed my task for this area. Granted, I wasn't around to pray often as it took me too long to get going. Yet is anything too difficult for our God? I was late to the show, but I did my part here, and I am ready for my next assignment.
What about you? Do you have any experience with prayer walks? Tell me about it!
Navy PCS Part III: Prerequisites
Before I could take my position as a Navy instructor in Great Lakes Navy Base in Illinois, I needed to become qualified as an instructor. The first time I tried to go through the school, last month, I missed out because of my weight. I now know that that was ordained by God, although that fact doesn't make me less responsible. At any rate, before I could PCS and begin my journey in Great Lakes, I needed to become qualified to teach.
Enter the men and women who teach the 9502 NEC, which is the instructor classification. For two weeks, I learned how to teach both a traditional class and the more facilitated Computer Based Training (CBT). I passed with flying colors! Ok, that's not that big of a deal because everyone passed with the same colors, but I was called by one instructor a "natural" and that made me feel very, very good.
There is still a lot to learn, but for now, I can rest a little knowing that I got the major hurdle out of the way. We leave for Great Lakes next week! Stay tuned!
Enter the men and women who teach the 9502 NEC, which is the instructor classification. For two weeks, I learned how to teach both a traditional class and the more facilitated Computer Based Training (CBT). I passed with flying colors! Ok, that's not that big of a deal because everyone passed with the same colors, but I was called by one instructor a "natural" and that made me feel very, very good.
There is still a lot to learn, but for now, I can rest a little knowing that I got the major hurdle out of the way. We leave for Great Lakes next week! Stay tuned!
Navy PCS Part II: Getting the Kids Excited to Move
Our kids are very excited to move. This is good news! I don't know if all children like the idea of moving from a city they have come to know and love to a city they've never been to. For Samantha, she's leaving the only real home she's ever known, especially since she is a California native. Timothy was born in Arkansas, but San Diego is about all he's known as well since we moved here when he was only 2 and a half. Our kids are Californians. They like it here.
And they can't wait to move. What a blessing! So how did this happen? Well, we made it exciting for them.
Our kids have bought the idea of moving to Great Lakes. They are on board for two reasons. The first is that they will finally get a yard after living the last three years without one. Reason number two is that they can't wait until they see snow! How wonderful is that?
We made our Permanent Change of Station (PCS), or transfer in English, exciting for our kids. We didn't sell them on a fib either. We didn't have to embellish the truth. We told them what is going to happen. They've seen pictures of our future house, as well as pictures of Great Lakes in snow.
One of the keys to helping your child get ready for a big move like this is to make it exciting for them. Please don't lie to them, though! That will most likely lead to disappointment and anger in your child. The goal should be to help your child transition with excitement, which has been our goal with Tim and Sam, and it's working wonderfully!
And they can't wait to move. What a blessing! So how did this happen? Well, we made it exciting for them.
Our kids have bought the idea of moving to Great Lakes. They are on board for two reasons. The first is that they will finally get a yard after living the last three years without one. Reason number two is that they can't wait until they see snow! How wonderful is that?
We made our Permanent Change of Station (PCS), or transfer in English, exciting for our kids. We didn't sell them on a fib either. We didn't have to embellish the truth. We told them what is going to happen. They've seen pictures of our future house, as well as pictures of Great Lakes in snow.
One of the keys to helping your child get ready for a big move like this is to make it exciting for them. Please don't lie to them, though! That will most likely lead to disappointment and anger in your child. The goal should be to help your child transition with excitement, which has been our goal with Tim and Sam, and it's working wonderfully!
My take on Homosexuals in the Military
Ok, it's time for me to chime in.
First of all, let me cut to the chase. From a military perspective, I don't care if homosexuals serve in the military.
I have served on two ships, the USS Mobile Bay and the USS Antietam. In both of the ships, I lived in a berthing of 40 men or so. I've moved my mostly naked body in close proximity to other mostly naked bodies…usually sweaty. I've seen naked men and I've been around men naked. One loses a lot of modesty when one is that close to other men. It is a reality that we face in the military. Most of us get over it. Some of us never do. Those guys go to the shower in tee-shirts and shorts, which, in my opinion, is too much to deal with in a small space.
Don't get me wrong…I do believe homosexuality is a sin, at least the act of homosexuality is a sin. There is no getting around this. Living in California is killing me because of all this talk about equal rights. No one cares about God's rights (good thing he can take care of himself) and that angers me. If you are a believer, then you cannot read I Corinthians 6:9-10 and think that homosexuality is acceptable.
However, before I delve into a Biblical study that I'm not capable of performing, let me get back to the actual issue at hand. There are several reasons why I think we'll be just fine if Don't Ask Don't Tell (DADT) goes away. They are as follows:
1. Gays are already in the military.
I'm pretty sure I've served with at least three sailors who were homosexuals, and that doesn't count the ones that I know were and got kicked out. I never had a problem with these two men and witnessed on occasion to the one I knew most. I had no problem serving with these men. Well, actually, I didn't care for one of them, but I wouldn't have liked him if he were straight either.
2. Adulterers are also in the military…so are porn addicts, drunkards, and thieves.
This is why people who want DADT to remain in power aren't thinking straight (no pun intended). They are quick to get rid of the gays, but if the Navy got rid of the other men (and women) of ill repute, the military wouldn't exist. This is a simple bias and sick prejudice against one sin while accepting the other. Mark my words; God sees no difference between homosexuality and adultery. You plan on getting rid of all of us evil-doers?
3. Being gay does not mean being a poor sailor.
This is circumstantial to be sure, but so is the idea that they would be poor sailors. I can't speak for the other services, so I won't try, but the fact is, I've seen little women toss around 5 inch shells, so even the girliest of men can handle it. That's not saying that all gays are girlie. I'm just saying that if that is your stereotype, drop it.
4. Corinthians 6:11.
This is the crux of the matter. I am claiming to be a mentor/missionary to the military. If I refuse to minister to one people group because I am afraid of them or biased against them, then what kind of believer am I? Good for nothing, but to be trampled on the ground.
Verse 11: “And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” How do you think they will learn about Christ? The same way the adulterer will…by me telling them.
Look, I don't care if DADT stays the law in the military. I'm not actually arguing for taking it out. Furthermore, I promise I respect people who do want to keep it law. I do, however, believe that it's end is inevitable. What I meant to put out in this article was the reality I face as a sailor. We can survive the removal of DADT. In fact, it would provide more ministry opportunities. As I said, I can't speak for the Marines and Army, and won't pretend to, but for us…we will survive.
Ok, I know I'm in the minority. Feel free to say anything you want and I will do my best to respond!
First of all, let me cut to the chase. From a military perspective, I don't care if homosexuals serve in the military.
I have served on two ships, the USS Mobile Bay and the USS Antietam. In both of the ships, I lived in a berthing of 40 men or so. I've moved my mostly naked body in close proximity to other mostly naked bodies…usually sweaty. I've seen naked men and I've been around men naked. One loses a lot of modesty when one is that close to other men. It is a reality that we face in the military. Most of us get over it. Some of us never do. Those guys go to the shower in tee-shirts and shorts, which, in my opinion, is too much to deal with in a small space.
Don't get me wrong…I do believe homosexuality is a sin, at least the act of homosexuality is a sin. There is no getting around this. Living in California is killing me because of all this talk about equal rights. No one cares about God's rights (good thing he can take care of himself) and that angers me. If you are a believer, then you cannot read I Corinthians 6:9-10 and think that homosexuality is acceptable.
However, before I delve into a Biblical study that I'm not capable of performing, let me get back to the actual issue at hand. There are several reasons why I think we'll be just fine if Don't Ask Don't Tell (DADT) goes away. They are as follows:
1. Gays are already in the military.
I'm pretty sure I've served with at least three sailors who were homosexuals, and that doesn't count the ones that I know were and got kicked out. I never had a problem with these two men and witnessed on occasion to the one I knew most. I had no problem serving with these men. Well, actually, I didn't care for one of them, but I wouldn't have liked him if he were straight either.
2. Adulterers are also in the military…so are porn addicts, drunkards, and thieves.
This is why people who want DADT to remain in power aren't thinking straight (no pun intended). They are quick to get rid of the gays, but if the Navy got rid of the other men (and women) of ill repute, the military wouldn't exist. This is a simple bias and sick prejudice against one sin while accepting the other. Mark my words; God sees no difference between homosexuality and adultery. You plan on getting rid of all of us evil-doers?
3. Being gay does not mean being a poor sailor.
This is circumstantial to be sure, but so is the idea that they would be poor sailors. I can't speak for the other services, so I won't try, but the fact is, I've seen little women toss around 5 inch shells, so even the girliest of men can handle it. That's not saying that all gays are girlie. I'm just saying that if that is your stereotype, drop it.
4. Corinthians 6:11.
This is the crux of the matter. I am claiming to be a mentor/missionary to the military. If I refuse to minister to one people group because I am afraid of them or biased against them, then what kind of believer am I? Good for nothing, but to be trampled on the ground.
Verse 11: “And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” How do you think they will learn about Christ? The same way the adulterer will…by me telling them.
Look, I don't care if DADT stays the law in the military. I'm not actually arguing for taking it out. Furthermore, I promise I respect people who do want to keep it law. I do, however, believe that it's end is inevitable. What I meant to put out in this article was the reality I face as a sailor. We can survive the removal of DADT. In fact, it would provide more ministry opportunities. As I said, I can't speak for the Marines and Army, and won't pretend to, but for us…we will survive.
Ok, I know I'm in the minority. Feel free to say anything you want and I will do my best to respond!
Navy PCS Part I: Finding a new Church
Over the next several days, I will be posting a series of articles about a Navy PCS, which stands for Permanent Change of Station. I plan to cover our church-hunting, helping our kids adjust, and settling into a new job. So sit back, relax, and enjoy (oh, also, please pray for us!).
Part I: Getting ready to find a new church.
I've become very comfortable with the church we're currently attending. Alicia and I found a home in Clairemont Emmanuel Baptist Church.The people are friendly, the pastor is a great communicator, and the worship is very good. I've been a member of four churches since I've been married, and this is probably the best experience I've had. Still, we must prepare to move on as, whether we like it or not, we'll be in North Chicago in less than two weeks.
More than anything, I don't want to pick the wrong church. Unfortunately, I've done that before. I picked the church because of what I wanted, and my family definitely suffered because of it. Moving to North Chicago is a definite opportunity to apply the lessons we've learned in 10 years of marriage in church-hunting and I actually look forward to all of it except for the part about saying goodbye to CEBC.
I want to belong. One of the hardest things for a military family is to belong to a church. We are so accustomed to moving all of the time that it's difficult to mean something to a church. I guess that's why many churches don't have a military ministry. Honestly, it doesn't make sense to a church to have a directed outreach to military families when the reality is that we're just going to move on in a few years.
But I don't want that. I want to be a part of something special. Even though I goofed a few times at CEBC, I felt that in many ways my family belonged. We worked AWANA and Sunday morning childcare and while it wasn't at all what I had originally planned, it was what God and the church needed. We were valued and needed. Looking back on it, I feel good about what we accomplished at this church.
Alicia and I have been praying for a little bit about our upcoming church hunt. It's going to be hard work because there isn't a really great number of churches to choose from in our immediate area and I really want to find a good neighborhood church to call home.
I know this sounds confusing. The fact is that I desire so badly to be in a good church. I want to pick one based on the right things, both for my family and myself. I need prayer and encouragement for what will undoubtedly be a tiring effort over the next few months. My family needs a place to grow for the next three years and I need a place to belong. Please join Alicia and me as we pray for this. It would mean so much to me.
Part I: Getting ready to find a new church.
I've become very comfortable with the church we're currently attending. Alicia and I found a home in Clairemont Emmanuel Baptist Church.The people are friendly, the pastor is a great communicator, and the worship is very good. I've been a member of four churches since I've been married, and this is probably the best experience I've had. Still, we must prepare to move on as, whether we like it or not, we'll be in North Chicago in less than two weeks.
More than anything, I don't want to pick the wrong church. Unfortunately, I've done that before. I picked the church because of what I wanted, and my family definitely suffered because of it. Moving to North Chicago is a definite opportunity to apply the lessons we've learned in 10 years of marriage in church-hunting and I actually look forward to all of it except for the part about saying goodbye to CEBC.
I want to belong. One of the hardest things for a military family is to belong to a church. We are so accustomed to moving all of the time that it's difficult to mean something to a church. I guess that's why many churches don't have a military ministry. Honestly, it doesn't make sense to a church to have a directed outreach to military families when the reality is that we're just going to move on in a few years.
But I don't want that. I want to be a part of something special. Even though I goofed a few times at CEBC, I felt that in many ways my family belonged. We worked AWANA and Sunday morning childcare and while it wasn't at all what I had originally planned, it was what God and the church needed. We were valued and needed. Looking back on it, I feel good about what we accomplished at this church.
Alicia and I have been praying for a little bit about our upcoming church hunt. It's going to be hard work because there isn't a really great number of churches to choose from in our immediate area and I really want to find a good neighborhood church to call home.
I know this sounds confusing. The fact is that I desire so badly to be in a good church. I want to pick one based on the right things, both for my family and myself. I need prayer and encouragement for what will undoubtedly be a tiring effort over the next few months. My family needs a place to grow for the next three years and I need a place to belong. Please join Alicia and me as we pray for this. It would mean so much to me.
Save the Olympia
I was browsing through Wikipedia about a month ago looking at old warships because it's something I do I guess. You old salts can probably understand. Anyway, I scrolled through my usual suspects, like the Bismark, the Yamato, Musashi, Tirpitz, Missouri, Hood, etc, and came on the USS Olympia, a cruiser that fought in the Spanish-American War.
I already knew about the Olympia because I've read about it before, including and especially the exploits of Commodore Dewey, the group commander on board when she fought the Spanish fleet in Manila Bay. Anyway, it turns out that the Olympia is still around as a museum ship in Philadelphia. Interested parties can go to it's website to see more information about it.
Sadly, it appears that this piece of Naval history is on it's way out. It's due to close on November 22nd since her owners haven't been able to raise enough money to fund repairs. There is talk about making it into an artificial reef, which has become the honorable thing to do for old Navy ships, but this doesn't seem right.
I don't know if she can be saved, but I don't like that she might not be. Something fundamentally wrong about letting her go. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like anyone will save her. I am not wealthy, nor do I know wealthy people.
I wonder if our current Navy is the answer to saving our old Navy. If every sailor donated $100, something I'd be willing to do, then we could fund the repairs and restoration needed to make her whole again. Or are there other ideas?
What do you think? I'd love for some old salts to weigh in on this, as well as you younger sailors.
I already knew about the Olympia because I've read about it before, including and especially the exploits of Commodore Dewey, the group commander on board when she fought the Spanish fleet in Manila Bay. Anyway, it turns out that the Olympia is still around as a museum ship in Philadelphia. Interested parties can go to it's website to see more information about it.
Sadly, it appears that this piece of Naval history is on it's way out. It's due to close on November 22nd since her owners haven't been able to raise enough money to fund repairs. There is talk about making it into an artificial reef, which has become the honorable thing to do for old Navy ships, but this doesn't seem right.
I don't know if she can be saved, but I don't like that she might not be. Something fundamentally wrong about letting her go. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like anyone will save her. I am not wealthy, nor do I know wealthy people.
I wonder if our current Navy is the answer to saving our old Navy. If every sailor donated $100, something I'd be willing to do, then we could fund the repairs and restoration needed to make her whole again. Or are there other ideas?
What do you think? I'd love for some old salts to weigh in on this, as well as you younger sailors.
Cystic Fibrosis, my Faith, and Instructor Training School
In November, I will be making a trip to New York to run the New York City Marathon. I'm a couple of weeks into my training program and kind of enjoying it. I have to admit that I'm a little uneasy about a full marathon, despite the fact that I've run two half marathons this year. That's not the purpose of this post, by the way. Once my training gets further along, I'll feel better about the marathon.
The point of telling you that I'm running the New York City marathon is to show you how I was able, if only for a small moment, to share how cystic fibrosis affects my faith. During the first few days of my Journeyman Instructor Training (JIT) school, we were instructed to give a 3-5 minute brief on something that we care about. Well, I care about cystic fibrosis, a disease that my daughter has. Yet, as I thought over what I wanted to talk about, I felt the urge to plant a seed, if only a small one. We had, after all, been instructed not to share about religion as it is a divisive subject.
So I shared how my daughter has cystic fibrosis and how it affects me as a sailor. I also shared how my family has raised several thousand dollars for research and how I'm raising money now for the Boomer Esiason Foundation while preparing for the New York City marathon. Finally, I shared, in a few brief words, that my faith is affected by cystic fibrosis. I let my classmates and teacher know that, should they have any questions afterward, they were welcome to talk to me.
Was that enough? It had to be. Saying that was borderline breaking the rules. I felt compelled to do it by the Holy Spirit, and I know it was the right thing to do. No one has asked me anything about my faith, but maybe it was more about me being obedient to the Spirit than me getting to share more with my classmates. I don't know. The bottom line is that I felt compelled to share, I shared, and I survived. People now know that I am passionate about helping my daughter, beating cystic fibrosis, and about my faith. Pretty much sums me up I think.
The point of telling you that I'm running the New York City marathon is to show you how I was able, if only for a small moment, to share how cystic fibrosis affects my faith. During the first few days of my Journeyman Instructor Training (JIT) school, we were instructed to give a 3-5 minute brief on something that we care about. Well, I care about cystic fibrosis, a disease that my daughter has. Yet, as I thought over what I wanted to talk about, I felt the urge to plant a seed, if only a small one. We had, after all, been instructed not to share about religion as it is a divisive subject.
So I shared how my daughter has cystic fibrosis and how it affects me as a sailor. I also shared how my family has raised several thousand dollars for research and how I'm raising money now for the Boomer Esiason Foundation while preparing for the New York City marathon. Finally, I shared, in a few brief words, that my faith is affected by cystic fibrosis. I let my classmates and teacher know that, should they have any questions afterward, they were welcome to talk to me.
Was that enough? It had to be. Saying that was borderline breaking the rules. I felt compelled to do it by the Holy Spirit, and I know it was the right thing to do. No one has asked me anything about my faith, but maybe it was more about me being obedient to the Spirit than me getting to share more with my classmates. I don't know. The bottom line is that I felt compelled to share, I shared, and I survived. People now know that I am passionate about helping my daughter, beating cystic fibrosis, and about my faith. Pretty much sums me up I think.
The Rest of the Story Part III: Successful Ending
For those who have read parts I and II of my "Rest of the Story" series, I welcome you to what I expect will be the final installment. First of all, a hearty congratulations to everyone who found out yesterday that they made "Chief". I have been passed over two years now, so we'll see how next year goes. It's hard to be too disappointed when God has given me so much, as you will see in this post.
We begin where I left off in my last post. I spent four weeks in the holds division. I mentored Sailors where I could, helped whomever I could help, and worked hard on my weight.
This past Monday, however, was significant. If I were to be able to execute my orders, meaning still get to Great Lakes and teach Navy Sailors, I would need to get into my Journeyman Instructor Training (JIT) classes this week. I was more than a little nervous Saturday and Sunday. I felt that God would carry me through if he were done with me at holds. If he needed me there a little longer, then I wouldn't pass, wouldn't get to go to JIT, and wouldn't get to go to Great Lakes. I had no idea what the Navy would do with me, but I expected I was going to JIT anyway, so I wasn't too worried.
Spiritually, I felt God had done everything with me he needed to do in the holds division. Most of the young Sailors I had worked with were moving on to other things, so I felt that I too would be moving on. That didn't mean Monday morning, with an official weight and body fat check, wasn't more than a little harrowing. But they passed me! God had provided yet again, and I was and am so grateful!
In all, I have lost 4 inches on my waist and a total of 18 pounds. But that was just my part. God really carried the day by providing a way for me to help a bunch of junior sailors. Now that I'm in my instructor school, I am preparing myself to help even more sailors as they prepare for the fleet. So, here I come Great Lakes! Let's see what God will do now!
We begin where I left off in my last post. I spent four weeks in the holds division. I mentored Sailors where I could, helped whomever I could help, and worked hard on my weight.
This past Monday, however, was significant. If I were to be able to execute my orders, meaning still get to Great Lakes and teach Navy Sailors, I would need to get into my Journeyman Instructor Training (JIT) classes this week. I was more than a little nervous Saturday and Sunday. I felt that God would carry me through if he were done with me at holds. If he needed me there a little longer, then I wouldn't pass, wouldn't get to go to JIT, and wouldn't get to go to Great Lakes. I had no idea what the Navy would do with me, but I expected I was going to JIT anyway, so I wasn't too worried.
Spiritually, I felt God had done everything with me he needed to do in the holds division. Most of the young Sailors I had worked with were moving on to other things, so I felt that I too would be moving on. That didn't mean Monday morning, with an official weight and body fat check, wasn't more than a little harrowing. But they passed me! God had provided yet again, and I was and am so grateful!
In all, I have lost 4 inches on my waist and a total of 18 pounds. But that was just my part. God really carried the day by providing a way for me to help a bunch of junior sailors. Now that I'm in my instructor school, I am preparing myself to help even more sailors as they prepare for the fleet. So, here I come Great Lakes! Let's see what God will do now!
The Rest of the Story, Part II
In my previous post, I wrote about how I had failed a very important weight and body fat check while entering Journeyman Instructor School. This failure jeopardized my chances to become a Navy instructor and caused me gross embarrassment.
Nevertheless, I thought that maybe God could use this as a ministry to others. I didn't know for sure, though, because this wasn't something God did to me, it was something that I did to myself. I kept eating high-calorie and high-fat meals. I didn't work out to compensate. None of this was God's doing. Still, as I sat in the holds office awaiting my fate, I prayed, "God, maybe you can do something with this. If there is any way, I give you my situation." It was a simple prayer, but it was the best I could do. I was ashamed of myself.
God wasted little time. Yes, I went through a good deal of judgement as I checked in to the holds division as a loser and a failure. The chief who was in charge of the division made no effort to hide his displeasure. I did stand up for myself, but didn't argue with him. That would have been counter-productive. I knew the truth. I knew that my hope was in God.
I met many of the young sailors I would be working with that day and the following morning. A lot of them were being kicked out because they had screwed up their lives to that point. In some ways, I understood. Despite having a number of awards and great evals, I was essentially throwing away my career, just like they were.
Another thing that they were all going through was a harsh prejudice against junior sailors/students. Once they were in trouble, the military in charge of them continued to nit-pick anything that was wrong, even if marginal. Things that wouldn't have gotten them in trouble on a ship "in the real Navy" was getting them in trouble here. I realized what God was wanting me to do. I realized my purpose.
They needed to know that not every senior leader was out to get them or drag them down. I tried my hardest to become the person that could give them hope. I counseled and mentored many of them about their futures. Those who weren't being kicked out I mentored to help them find their direction. I encouraged them to do what they were told, keep their noses clean, and push through. They would get to the fleet soon...a fleet that didn't care if they made a mistake in A School. I told them about sailors I had known who had made mistakes in school only to be great sailors in the fleet.
And I worked hard. I was losing about 4 pounds a week during this time. I was determined to show these students that I, too, was doing everything I could do to fight through my situation and the judgement I was facing as a "failure." God was using me as an example of hope and spirit for these young sailors. It felt wonderful.
I didn't get through to all of them. Many did get kicked out of the Navy. I might have made their last few days a little brighter, but the fact is that many of them were already too far gone to rescue. It wasn't up to me to make them see the hope I had, only to offer it to them. I also didn't get to outright share my testimony with many of them either. On a few occasions, I was able to share how my faith was vital to me getting through the current circumstances. On another occasion, I was able to reinforce the faith of a few young sailors, even including offering them a ride to church if they wished for it. Anyway, all I can do is pray that I left an impression.
My stay in the holding division was God-ordained. It might have been my fault that I was there, but I was in God's hands the entire time. And when it was time for me to leave...when my work there was done...God move me along. Find out about that tomorrow!
Nevertheless, I thought that maybe God could use this as a ministry to others. I didn't know for sure, though, because this wasn't something God did to me, it was something that I did to myself. I kept eating high-calorie and high-fat meals. I didn't work out to compensate. None of this was God's doing. Still, as I sat in the holds office awaiting my fate, I prayed, "God, maybe you can do something with this. If there is any way, I give you my situation." It was a simple prayer, but it was the best I could do. I was ashamed of myself.
God wasted little time. Yes, I went through a good deal of judgement as I checked in to the holds division as a loser and a failure. The chief who was in charge of the division made no effort to hide his displeasure. I did stand up for myself, but didn't argue with him. That would have been counter-productive. I knew the truth. I knew that my hope was in God.
I met many of the young sailors I would be working with that day and the following morning. A lot of them were being kicked out because they had screwed up their lives to that point. In some ways, I understood. Despite having a number of awards and great evals, I was essentially throwing away my career, just like they were.
Another thing that they were all going through was a harsh prejudice against junior sailors/students. Once they were in trouble, the military in charge of them continued to nit-pick anything that was wrong, even if marginal. Things that wouldn't have gotten them in trouble on a ship "in the real Navy" was getting them in trouble here. I realized what God was wanting me to do. I realized my purpose.
They needed to know that not every senior leader was out to get them or drag them down. I tried my hardest to become the person that could give them hope. I counseled and mentored many of them about their futures. Those who weren't being kicked out I mentored to help them find their direction. I encouraged them to do what they were told, keep their noses clean, and push through. They would get to the fleet soon...a fleet that didn't care if they made a mistake in A School. I told them about sailors I had known who had made mistakes in school only to be great sailors in the fleet.
And I worked hard. I was losing about 4 pounds a week during this time. I was determined to show these students that I, too, was doing everything I could do to fight through my situation and the judgement I was facing as a "failure." God was using me as an example of hope and spirit for these young sailors. It felt wonderful.
I didn't get through to all of them. Many did get kicked out of the Navy. I might have made their last few days a little brighter, but the fact is that many of them were already too far gone to rescue. It wasn't up to me to make them see the hope I had, only to offer it to them. I also didn't get to outright share my testimony with many of them either. On a few occasions, I was able to share how my faith was vital to me getting through the current circumstances. On another occasion, I was able to reinforce the faith of a few young sailors, even including offering them a ride to church if they wished for it. Anyway, all I can do is pray that I left an impression.
My stay in the holding division was God-ordained. It might have been my fault that I was there, but I was in God's hands the entire time. And when it was time for me to leave...when my work there was done...God move me along. Find out about that tomorrow!
The Rest of the Story
Many of my regular readers, or at least my Facebook friends, know that my family is still in San Diego almost three weeks after we should have left. However, many of you don't know exactly why. All I have said up until now is that my orders were put on hold.
Well, here is the rest of the story:
On the morning I reported to Journeyman Instructor Training school in San Diego, I failed a preliminary weigh-in and body fat measurement. As many of you know, I have struggled most of my adult life with my weight, particularly this year as I wrote about gluttony in a vain attempt to hold myself accountable. Well, I couldn't do it, but the Navy could. Before I could even get an excuse ready, I was dropped from the class and told to report to the holding division.
I was devastated and horribly embarrassed. I apologized to Alicia immediately, and she responded admirably. Not once did she fault me or attack me, although I had no defense. I have known for a long time that I needed to get squared away. It was my fault and only my fault. No one else did this. I had been surprised by the body fat check, but that didn't mean I was not to blame for it's results.
Something clicked inside of me, though. I became determined not to go off the deep end. A scant few months earlier, I had changed almost everything in my life because I became dismayed at something God had done in our family. I was determined not to do it again. I knew God could do something with this...this pain and embarrassment.
But that is tomorrow's post. What I want to let you know now is that I am still in San Diego because I failed a crucial weight and body fat check. I had held off telling everyone because I wanted to make sure the plan was coming to fruition. Tomorrow I will tell you how God worked a wonder in my life.
Well, here is the rest of the story:
On the morning I reported to Journeyman Instructor Training school in San Diego, I failed a preliminary weigh-in and body fat measurement. As many of you know, I have struggled most of my adult life with my weight, particularly this year as I wrote about gluttony in a vain attempt to hold myself accountable. Well, I couldn't do it, but the Navy could. Before I could even get an excuse ready, I was dropped from the class and told to report to the holding division.
I was devastated and horribly embarrassed. I apologized to Alicia immediately, and she responded admirably. Not once did she fault me or attack me, although I had no defense. I have known for a long time that I needed to get squared away. It was my fault and only my fault. No one else did this. I had been surprised by the body fat check, but that didn't mean I was not to blame for it's results.
Something clicked inside of me, though. I became determined not to go off the deep end. A scant few months earlier, I had changed almost everything in my life because I became dismayed at something God had done in our family. I was determined not to do it again. I knew God could do something with this...this pain and embarrassment.
But that is tomorrow's post. What I want to let you know now is that I am still in San Diego because I failed a crucial weight and body fat check. I had held off telling everyone because I wanted to make sure the plan was coming to fruition. Tomorrow I will tell you how God worked a wonder in my life.
Finding that "Moment"
I am currently in the middle of a military transition and therefore am not in a typical (for me) status. Instead of being in charge of other FC ratings, I have a conglomerate of sailors working for me, most of them E4 and below, and all of them very young. Many of them have made severe mistakes that have landed them in trouble. Some of those are on their way out of the Navy.
I am convinced that God has placed me within the proximity of these sailors for a purpose. I have already been able to do some spot mentoring with several of them, sharing with them how to move forward in their respective careers, how to bounce back from the mess some of them have made of their lives, and in general, showing them that not everyone is out to get them.
Yet I'm missing something. I know it as sure as it's dark outside as I type this. Several of these sailors need to be introduced to Christ, maybe all of them. I haven't gotten a real good feeling that any are born again. I've been a temporary father/older brother to many of them, but they need something more than me for the long term. They need to come to Christ. And God has chosen to put me in their lives. Someone should have told him he has the wrong guy!
Please join me in praying for the sailors I'm working with right now. I want to reach them, and I'm trying to find the "moment" to bring them to the point of a decision. I'm hoping for the best, and preparing myself to serve God however he needs me to. I would appreciate your thoughts and prayers on this matter. To God be the glory!
I am convinced that God has placed me within the proximity of these sailors for a purpose. I have already been able to do some spot mentoring with several of them, sharing with them how to move forward in their respective careers, how to bounce back from the mess some of them have made of their lives, and in general, showing them that not everyone is out to get them.
Yet I'm missing something. I know it as sure as it's dark outside as I type this. Several of these sailors need to be introduced to Christ, maybe all of them. I haven't gotten a real good feeling that any are born again. I've been a temporary father/older brother to many of them, but they need something more than me for the long term. They need to come to Christ. And God has chosen to put me in their lives. Someone should have told him he has the wrong guy!
Please join me in praying for the sailors I'm working with right now. I want to reach them, and I'm trying to find the "moment" to bring them to the point of a decision. I'm hoping for the best, and preparing myself to serve God however he needs me to. I would appreciate your thoughts and prayers on this matter. To God be the glory!
Local Church helps Local School
Isn't that a lovely thought? The picture below is of John Paul Jones Elementary School in San Diego receiving a check from the Serra Mesa Christian Fellowship Church from the garage sale I wrote about HERE and HERE. I'm not a pastor, but I would hope that, should I become one someday, that I would want to be involved in my community like SFMC is. Of course, I am more drawn toward the military and reaching my fellows, but reaching the community, whether through school or the military base or whatever, is vital for a church's vision and work. Say what you want, but SFMC is doing the right thing, and I want to commend the principle for doing the right thing as well, which in this case is accepting the support from the local church. Well done to all!
My thoughts on CPO results...
Last year, the new chief petty officer inductees found out about their selection yesterday. I had known before the results came out that I wasn't meant to be a chief last year. You can read about my thoughts from then by clicking on this link.
But ironically, this year, I feel like I have a shot, so obviously I am feeling rather anxious right now. I try not to be. I know that this is in God's hands, and I will either make it or not, depending if He wants me to. That's actually a pretty freeing place to be. No board member seeing my record can counter what God wants to happen. And I can't either. I did my part. I took the test, I scored well enough to be board eligible, and now I wait...and wait...and wait.
My impatience is a symptom of my issues with trusting God. Two weeks ago, I was fine with God making the decision and the results coming out however they came out. Now, however, I just want to find out, and of course I hope I am one of the blessed ones that get selected.
I must, however, focus on God right now. Only He has the final authority on me making chief. "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" Jesus asked that in the book of Luke (NIV). I now ask myself, can I add one thing to the chief selection board results by worrying? No, of course not. God knows that I want to be a chief, and when He has decided that I am ready, he will make me one...well, He'll undoubtedly have some help from some current chiefs as well!
But ironically, this year, I feel like I have a shot, so obviously I am feeling rather anxious right now. I try not to be. I know that this is in God's hands, and I will either make it or not, depending if He wants me to. That's actually a pretty freeing place to be. No board member seeing my record can counter what God wants to happen. And I can't either. I did my part. I took the test, I scored well enough to be board eligible, and now I wait...and wait...and wait.
My impatience is a symptom of my issues with trusting God. Two weeks ago, I was fine with God making the decision and the results coming out however they came out. Now, however, I just want to find out, and of course I hope I am one of the blessed ones that get selected.
I must, however, focus on God right now. Only He has the final authority on me making chief. "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" Jesus asked that in the book of Luke (NIV). I now ask myself, can I add one thing to the chief selection board results by worrying? No, of course not. God knows that I want to be a chief, and when He has decided that I am ready, he will make me one...well, He'll undoubtedly have some help from some current chiefs as well!
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