Last week I was in INDOC, a two week period where a new command teaches you everything they want you to know about how things operate. Mostly, I got the idea that I wasn’t to be too familiar with students. It’s all wrapped up in fraternization and the like. I don’t have any trouble with the idea, though it does present a problem with ministry. More on that another time.
During one of the lectures, this time about diversity and equal opportunity, the issue of religious tolerance came up. The Navy has to make accommodations for religious services of any kind, as long as it’s a legitimate and recognized service. One religion that has come up a few times on my ships in the past, and was brought up by the instructor last week, was the Wiccan religion. The instructor asked if anyone had heard of it, and I have had dealings with Wiccans before, so I raised my hand. Scarcely had I started to do so, however, then did the hand of another sailor shoot up in the class.
He asked her what she knew about it, and she confessed to being a Wiccan. Then she proceeded to tell all about it, about witches, warlocks, paganism, the sun god and mother earth. Our instructor allowed this happily to show the types of religious differences we might come in contact with as Sailors. In essence, he was showing us that we needed to make accommodations for her beliefs as well as the usual suspects (Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, etc), including how she had been given Halloween off because it is a holiday for Wiccans.
It hit me somewhere in the discussion that what was happening was wrong, but I couldn’t put my finger on why. It wasn’t until after a spirited Facebook exchange and talking with my wife that I realized the instructor had done exactly what we aren’t supposed to do. He had given on faith a platform that he didn’t offer any other faith. As a lay-leader for the Protestant faith, I should have been given equal time with her.
I didn’t even think to argue the point because that isn’t what I do, but I think I could have had a leg to stand on. In hindsight, I have found numerous places in the discussion where I could have interjected, and should have. It’s not my style though. I like canvassing a crowd, building relationships, and working the future discussions toward the issue of faith. I’m not much for the shotgun approach, which is what this would have been.
The more I think about it, however, the more I wish I would have said something. For one, it would have shown how convoluted the issue of religious tolerance really is and how impossible to provide perfectly equally for all faiths really is. More importantly, however, it would have provided seekers in the class with me an alternative. All they got that day was that no one was representing the Christian faith. I should have been that person.
What would you have done?
To the Church in the Military
Just to be clear, if you are in the military and a believer, then this is for you. If you are not in the military, or you were in the military, then please get this to those you know who are in the military. Usually my posts are for civilians and former military, but this time, I’m talking to the church in the military. Thank you!
We must pray more. Without it, our hearts cannot be turned to God and our fellow servicemen and women will not be reached. It’s as simple as that. By praying more, you and I will be more open to what God wants for us and wants us to do. By praying more, we will find that our shipmates will be more open to the Gospel, and that we will be bolder.
We must be bolder. I struggle with this one the most. For some reason, I find myself petrified at the thought of sharing my faith in Christ with someone. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to do so, and cherish them, because they don’t happen often enough. I would submit that it is likewise true for you if you are honest with yourself.
We must care more for our own. When one of our brothers or sisters is being beaten down, we must rally to his or her side. If they are hurting, we must become the shoulder to cry on. Our greatest witness is how much we love, and that starts with how much we love our fellow believers. Unbelievers are watching us at every turn. Even if they weren’t, shouldn’t you care enough about other believers to come to their aide when they are down?
We must care for others. Unless we do, we will not be bolder. During much of my early career, I was so intent on doing something else that I did not hurt for the unbelieving Sailors around me. I wanted to do this or that for God and missed countless opportunities. If I had just cared more for them at that time, then I would have known what they needed. I know it’s not good to talk about failure, but without addressing it, how can I move on? I am committed to moving forward with what the Lord has given me to reach those around me as best I can.
If you are afraid or upset about any of what I’ve written so far, then you need some serious time with God. All of what I say is wrapped up in Matthew 28:19, 20. It is a direct command from our Lord to reach out and witness to our fellow service members. If you are concerned about it…well, take it up with him. I’ve had to deal with it myself.
Some of you will remain in denial, thinking that faith is supposed to be private. You will pretend, for your own sake; that the words of Christ were somehow not meant for you. They were. If you want to reject them, then do so, but they were definitely meant for you. Faith was never meant to be private. Of course I know that the military has rules on when and how you can share faith, or at least everyone says they do, but the reality is that if you have a relationship with someone, and the opportunity comes up, you can share Jesus. I’ve never seen a sailor get in real trouble for sharing his faith. I’d be interested to learn if it has happened.
If you believe in hell, don’t you want to give your fellow service men and women a chance to avoid it? If you believe in heaven, don’t you want to have them there with you? If you believe in Christ, and believe that he died to give you a better life, wouldn’t you want others to be able to take advantage of that as well?
Brothers and sisters in uniform, we must and can do better. The lives of our shipmates hang in the balance and we are the key, or rather our actions are. Fight on!
We must pray more. Without it, our hearts cannot be turned to God and our fellow servicemen and women will not be reached. It’s as simple as that. By praying more, you and I will be more open to what God wants for us and wants us to do. By praying more, we will find that our shipmates will be more open to the Gospel, and that we will be bolder.
We must be bolder. I struggle with this one the most. For some reason, I find myself petrified at the thought of sharing my faith in Christ with someone. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to do so, and cherish them, because they don’t happen often enough. I would submit that it is likewise true for you if you are honest with yourself.
We must care more for our own. When one of our brothers or sisters is being beaten down, we must rally to his or her side. If they are hurting, we must become the shoulder to cry on. Our greatest witness is how much we love, and that starts with how much we love our fellow believers. Unbelievers are watching us at every turn. Even if they weren’t, shouldn’t you care enough about other believers to come to their aide when they are down?
We must care for others. Unless we do, we will not be bolder. During much of my early career, I was so intent on doing something else that I did not hurt for the unbelieving Sailors around me. I wanted to do this or that for God and missed countless opportunities. If I had just cared more for them at that time, then I would have known what they needed. I know it’s not good to talk about failure, but without addressing it, how can I move on? I am committed to moving forward with what the Lord has given me to reach those around me as best I can.
If you are afraid or upset about any of what I’ve written so far, then you need some serious time with God. All of what I say is wrapped up in Matthew 28:19, 20. It is a direct command from our Lord to reach out and witness to our fellow service members. If you are concerned about it…well, take it up with him. I’ve had to deal with it myself.
Some of you will remain in denial, thinking that faith is supposed to be private. You will pretend, for your own sake; that the words of Christ were somehow not meant for you. They were. If you want to reject them, then do so, but they were definitely meant for you. Faith was never meant to be private. Of course I know that the military has rules on when and how you can share faith, or at least everyone says they do, but the reality is that if you have a relationship with someone, and the opportunity comes up, you can share Jesus. I’ve never seen a sailor get in real trouble for sharing his faith. I’d be interested to learn if it has happened.
If you believe in hell, don’t you want to give your fellow service men and women a chance to avoid it? If you believe in heaven, don’t you want to have them there with you? If you believe in Christ, and believe that he died to give you a better life, wouldn’t you want others to be able to take advantage of that as well?
Brothers and sisters in uniform, we must and can do better. The lives of our shipmates hang in the balance and we are the key, or rather our actions are. Fight on!
A Message for Christian Leaders
Greetings in the Name of Christ! I hope you are blessed.
Many Christians say that they pray for the military, and I don’t doubt that they do. I know that many people are praying for me at any given time. I know they are because I can feel God’s hand all around me. The prayers of my partners have “availed much” in my life. My family and I would not be where we are today without them.
My heart’s desire is to see my fellow military service members come to Christ. It’s as simple as that. If ever someone was a missionary to his own people, I am. God has continually called me to work within, for, and toward the military community, of which I am a part. No matter what I have hoped to do with my life and ministry, the thing that I keep being drawn to is working for God with the military.
There is nothing really unique about my ministry. I do what you would do. I pray continually for a revival; for chapel and church doors to be broken down because they can’t contain the number of new believers. I witness when and where appropriate. I mentor young believers and young sailors. I preach when the opportunity arises.
Each year, on the week of Veteran’s Day, I host a Military Prayer Week (MPW) on my website. From Monday through Friday of that week, I will have two prayers posted, one in the morning and one in the evening, to help guide believers in praying for the military. Naturally, five days and ten prayers can’t cover the entire gamut of needs in the military, but it is a start. My hope is that people will desire to continue praying for the military after the week is over.
The next MPW is coming up from November 8-12. Please make it known to your church and help spread the word to other Christian leaders. If we can somehow get a large group of believers behind this movement, then perhaps, if God wills it, a revival can start in the military. I can’t tell you how much I want that. A revival in the military most likely equals a revival in the rest of the country, and I know you want that as much as I do.
Contact me for more details. I want to help you and your congregation reach “my people!”
Many Christians say that they pray for the military, and I don’t doubt that they do. I know that many people are praying for me at any given time. I know they are because I can feel God’s hand all around me. The prayers of my partners have “availed much” in my life. My family and I would not be where we are today without them.
My heart’s desire is to see my fellow military service members come to Christ. It’s as simple as that. If ever someone was a missionary to his own people, I am. God has continually called me to work within, for, and toward the military community, of which I am a part. No matter what I have hoped to do with my life and ministry, the thing that I keep being drawn to is working for God with the military.
There is nothing really unique about my ministry. I do what you would do. I pray continually for a revival; for chapel and church doors to be broken down because they can’t contain the number of new believers. I witness when and where appropriate. I mentor young believers and young sailors. I preach when the opportunity arises.
Each year, on the week of Veteran’s Day, I host a Military Prayer Week (MPW) on my website. From Monday through Friday of that week, I will have two prayers posted, one in the morning and one in the evening, to help guide believers in praying for the military. Naturally, five days and ten prayers can’t cover the entire gamut of needs in the military, but it is a start. My hope is that people will desire to continue praying for the military after the week is over.
The next MPW is coming up from November 8-12. Please make it known to your church and help spread the word to other Christian leaders. If we can somehow get a large group of believers behind this movement, then perhaps, if God wills it, a revival can start in the military. I can’t tell you how much I want that. A revival in the military most likely equals a revival in the rest of the country, and I know you want that as much as I do.
Contact me for more details. I want to help you and your congregation reach “my people!”
Church hunting week 3
I am unfortunately still without Internet in my house, so this post is an experiment. Please bear with me.
Internet woes aside, Alicia and I had the most wonderful time this Sunday at Immanuel Church (www.immanuelhome.org) in Gurnee, IL. We settled on this church for this weekend because it is in the same denomination as our former church in San Diego, Clairemont Emmanuel Baptist Church (www.cebc.com).
It was definitely a good decision! It was a great experience! Immanuel has a great setup all around. We were definitely pleased.
Our time there started at the children's department. Timothy was excited immediately because of the really great setup for his age group. Today, the day after church, Timothy told Alicia how excited he was because they had a band lead them in singing about Jesus! How awesome is that? Sam was likewise excited when she found out that she was in the "lions" class. She had a great attitude and was only sad at the end when she had to leave.
As for Alicia and me, we had a great time. I haven't seen worship music done that well in a long time. They respected hymns while bringing it to a current level. The pastor was very good as well. At one point, after reading a good amount of scripture, he apologized and then added, "what better thing could I do than read you God's Word?" That, my dear readers, is what I want to hear from a preacher!
Is this our church? I don't know. It stays on the list though, for sure.
Internet woes aside, Alicia and I had the most wonderful time this Sunday at Immanuel Church (www.immanuelhome.org) in Gurnee, IL. We settled on this church for this weekend because it is in the same denomination as our former church in San Diego, Clairemont Emmanuel Baptist Church (www.cebc.com).
It was definitely a good decision! It was a great experience! Immanuel has a great setup all around. We were definitely pleased.
Our time there started at the children's department. Timothy was excited immediately because of the really great setup for his age group. Today, the day after church, Timothy told Alicia how excited he was because they had a band lead them in singing about Jesus! How awesome is that? Sam was likewise excited when she found out that she was in the "lions" class. She had a great attitude and was only sad at the end when she had to leave.
As for Alicia and me, we had a great time. I haven't seen worship music done that well in a long time. They respected hymns while bringing it to a current level. The pastor was very good as well. At one point, after reading a good amount of scripture, he apologized and then added, "what better thing could I do than read you God's Word?" That, my dear readers, is what I want to hear from a preacher!
Is this our church? I don't know. It stays on the list though, for sure.
Offline
I know I've been offline most of this week and I apologize. We still don't have steady Internet in our house, so until then I'm kind of winging it.
I would like you all to consider donating to a very worthy cause. As you know, my daughter has cystic fibrosis, a disease that will, if no cure is found, lead someday to her death. We are raising money for the Boomer Esiason Foundation, which supports young people with CF through transplant grants and scholarships. Please look at my fundraising page for more information and please consider donating! Thank you for your time!
Here is my page: www.firstgiving.com/sdansmith
I would like you all to consider donating to a very worthy cause. As you know, my daughter has cystic fibrosis, a disease that will, if no cure is found, lead someday to her death. We are raising money for the Boomer Esiason Foundation, which supports young people with CF through transplant grants and scholarships. Please look at my fundraising page for more information and please consider donating! Thank you for your time!
Here is my page: www.firstgiving.com/sdansmith
What professions should you pray for?
The other day I received an email from a friend who had a very sincere question to ask. This guy is a teacher, and therefore someone involved in serving his fellow man as I am doing in the military. Different jobs, yes, but we are both involved in seeing the next generation succeed. Here is his email:
I like your blog setup for supporting the military. I believe that's important and that churches (more importantly, Christians) should pray for military personnel.
I'm not trying to be overly critical but I can't help but wondering about other "noble" professions. Should they be prayed for as well, or are is there any other profession as "noble" as military? I realize your blog reflects what you are, and a good majority of that are your experiences you have had in the military. Anyway, just me thinking, that's all.
It got me thinking too. I want you to know that I value your profession as well. In fact, that's why I mentioned the church in San Diego that was reaching out to the local elementary school, and how much churches can and should affect education. I need to post again on that because the church that Alicia and I used to be with in San Diego is also reaching out to teachers and a local school.
So the short answer is that yes, there are many noble professions, and they can and should be prayed for. I think that everyone should be praying for schools, as I've mentioned. In fact, last year Alicia and I prayed specifically for Timothy's school year. Boy, was that necessary!
Are all professions as “noble?” Should we be praying for plumbers, electricians, businessmen, etc? Sure! If you know someone in that profession, whether they are believers or not, then yes, pray for them. If you are a plumber, then it makes absolutely perfect sense to pray for your fellow plumbers and to ask others to pray for them. Same thing goes with businessmen, doctors, electricians, teachers, and military personnel. Since that is the life I live, it makes sense for me to push that. Maybe Navy Christian needs a brother site called, “Christian Teacher” or something, eh? You start it and I'll link to it for sure!
Everyone has the opportunity to reach the world, starting with where they are. You and I now share many of the same realities. I have to be careful, just as you do, with talking spiritually around students. I have to maintain the staff/student protocol, just like you. You can really make a difference. I fervently believe that. So can our movers, that were here just a few days ago. Think about how many people a mover can influence, just by his/her character?
So the answer to your question is yes. Yes, by all means, pray for everyone! Pray for the professions that mean the most to you and encourage others to do so as well. Because I am in the military, and because I want to see military servicemen and women come to Christ, I ask…no…beg…for you to pray for them/us.
Thank you for your question and keep them coming! And start blogging!
I like your blog setup for supporting the military. I believe that's important and that churches (more importantly, Christians) should pray for military personnel.
I'm not trying to be overly critical but I can't help but wondering about other "noble" professions. Should they be prayed for as well, or are is there any other profession as "noble" as military? I realize your blog reflects what you are, and a good majority of that are your experiences you have had in the military. Anyway, just me thinking, that's all.
It got me thinking too. I want you to know that I value your profession as well. In fact, that's why I mentioned the church in San Diego that was reaching out to the local elementary school, and how much churches can and should affect education. I need to post again on that because the church that Alicia and I used to be with in San Diego is also reaching out to teachers and a local school.
So the short answer is that yes, there are many noble professions, and they can and should be prayed for. I think that everyone should be praying for schools, as I've mentioned. In fact, last year Alicia and I prayed specifically for Timothy's school year. Boy, was that necessary!
Are all professions as “noble?” Should we be praying for plumbers, electricians, businessmen, etc? Sure! If you know someone in that profession, whether they are believers or not, then yes, pray for them. If you are a plumber, then it makes absolutely perfect sense to pray for your fellow plumbers and to ask others to pray for them. Same thing goes with businessmen, doctors, electricians, teachers, and military personnel. Since that is the life I live, it makes sense for me to push that. Maybe Navy Christian needs a brother site called, “Christian Teacher” or something, eh? You start it and I'll link to it for sure!
Everyone has the opportunity to reach the world, starting with where they are. You and I now share many of the same realities. I have to be careful, just as you do, with talking spiritually around students. I have to maintain the staff/student protocol, just like you. You can really make a difference. I fervently believe that. So can our movers, that were here just a few days ago. Think about how many people a mover can influence, just by his/her character?
So the answer to your question is yes. Yes, by all means, pray for everyone! Pray for the professions that mean the most to you and encourage others to do so as well. Because I am in the military, and because I want to see military servicemen and women come to Christ, I ask…no…beg…for you to pray for them/us.
Thank you for your question and keep them coming! And start blogging!
2010 Labor Day Message
This is post number 201 for me, meaning that I've crossed a pretty neat little milestone for this site. While it does take dedication and perseverance to write for that long, it isn't anywhere close to the work being put in as we speak by the men who are unloading and unpacking our household goods. That's why I am focusing on the movers this year in my Labor Day Message.
You may recall that last year, I wrote about the men and women who keep our ships going. They are obviously still very important, but the difference is that this year I'm no longer on a ship. And, with the recent PCS transfer move, I've decided to recognize the hard workers who move military folks all over the country...a major, major perk of the military service.
So thank you, Tommy, and thank you to your crew. You guys are amazing. In every case, I've been thoroughly amazed by your ability and hard work. In fact, delivering the goods a day early, and giving up your Labor Day so that I can have my stuff back in my house means a lot to me. If you were a sailor, you'd be my Sailor of the Year. You and your crew rock! Thank you so much!
Well done, fellows! Hope you get some rest soon!
You may recall that last year, I wrote about the men and women who keep our ships going. They are obviously still very important, but the difference is that this year I'm no longer on a ship. And, with the recent PCS transfer move, I've decided to recognize the hard workers who move military folks all over the country...a major, major perk of the military service.
So thank you, Tommy, and thank you to your crew. You guys are amazing. In every case, I've been thoroughly amazed by your ability and hard work. In fact, delivering the goods a day early, and giving up your Labor Day so that I can have my stuff back in my house means a lot to me. If you were a sailor, you'd be my Sailor of the Year. You and your crew rock! Thank you so much!
Well done, fellows! Hope you get some rest soon!
Church Hunting Week 2
There is something intriguing about a going to church on a Saturday evening. First of all, it is the actual Sabbath and while it's not that big of a deal in light of grace, it is at least intriguing to worship on the day my spiritual ancestors worshiped. But it's also nice because it leaves Sunday open for ministry, relaxation, and yes, football. Granted, I lose out on watching KU football lose another game, but I can do without that.
Going to Christ Church in Lake Forest was important because it is where our new friends go to. Naturally, we look to other church goers to help make decisions on where we should go, so when John and Karen, the Campus Crusade for Christ staffers working with the military, suggested we go there, well, go we went!
The most striking feature of the church is it's structure. The website does not do it justice. Pulling into the church parking lot leaves a person breathless. The bell tower is simply amazing. When I mentioned it to John, he said it was modeled after the old congregational churches of New England. The inside is also very beautiful. Very simple, yet absolutely stunning architecture.
As soon as we walked into the foyer area we were met by two ushers, one with the children's ministry and one that helped people as they went into the sanctuary. This was really good, especially since we had to make a few turns to get our kids where they needed to go. You never know how important a greeter service is unless you've gone to church without one, and we have, so we are grateful for CCLF and their outreach.
The pastor, Mike Flemming, is truly a gifted speaker. He's more mellow than some preachers, but he's sound. He went through a basic sermon on purpose last night, detailing the five things that make CCLF what it is. You can read them here. It really was a perfect sermon to hear as a visitor.
One thing that I wasn't overly happy with was the fact that we never went to our Bibles to look up scripture and scripture wasn't posted on the overhead displays. Pastor Mike gave scripture randomly through his message, but it just seemed off to me not to go there myself. I know this doesn't bother everyone, and I had considered leaving it out of this post, but it bothered me, so I put it in. It could be that this isn't the case every weekend, but it did happen this weekend.
After church, we talked at length with John and Karen, and even met the pastor (hopefully he's forgotten my website). It's a good church and it stays on our list. We'll see where we end up in the coming weeks.
Going to Christ Church in Lake Forest was important because it is where our new friends go to. Naturally, we look to other church goers to help make decisions on where we should go, so when John and Karen, the Campus Crusade for Christ staffers working with the military, suggested we go there, well, go we went!
The most striking feature of the church is it's structure. The website does not do it justice. Pulling into the church parking lot leaves a person breathless. The bell tower is simply amazing. When I mentioned it to John, he said it was modeled after the old congregational churches of New England. The inside is also very beautiful. Very simple, yet absolutely stunning architecture.
As soon as we walked into the foyer area we were met by two ushers, one with the children's ministry and one that helped people as they went into the sanctuary. This was really good, especially since we had to make a few turns to get our kids where they needed to go. You never know how important a greeter service is unless you've gone to church without one, and we have, so we are grateful for CCLF and their outreach.
The pastor, Mike Flemming, is truly a gifted speaker. He's more mellow than some preachers, but he's sound. He went through a basic sermon on purpose last night, detailing the five things that make CCLF what it is. You can read them here. It really was a perfect sermon to hear as a visitor.
One thing that I wasn't overly happy with was the fact that we never went to our Bibles to look up scripture and scripture wasn't posted on the overhead displays. Pastor Mike gave scripture randomly through his message, but it just seemed off to me not to go there myself. I know this doesn't bother everyone, and I had considered leaving it out of this post, but it bothered me, so I put it in. It could be that this isn't the case every weekend, but it did happen this weekend.
After church, we talked at length with John and Karen, and even met the pastor (hopefully he's forgotten my website). It's a good church and it stays on our list. We'll see where we end up in the coming weeks.
New Church Launch with a Military Outreach in San Diego
Pastor Howard Everett, a powerful man of God, blogs at 5 Crowns and is launching this week a church in Miramar. The thing that makes me so happy is that Howard and his team are dedicated to reaching out to local military communities. San Diego county is home to the largest military complex in the world and includes, at least in some form, all 5 services. It is a city ripe for ministry. Howard has made me proud to know him.
The River Church is launching on the 5th, which is tomorrow, and I want everyone to say a quick prayer for him, or why not spend a lot of time in prayer for him? He knows what he wants, he knows what God wants from him, and he's a dedicated mover. I'd be there if I weren't in my new duty station of Great Lakes looking for a church myself. That's how much I value this ministry.
Tomorrow is a special day for the military, with Howard reaching out specifically for them...I mean us. Thank you Howard!
Here is Howard talking about worship:
Like I said, I value Howard's work a great deal. He has mentored me in the past, and will undoubtedly continue to do so from a distance. Best wishes for tomorrow, Howard!
The River Church is launching on the 5th, which is tomorrow, and I want everyone to say a quick prayer for him, or why not spend a lot of time in prayer for him? He knows what he wants, he knows what God wants from him, and he's a dedicated mover. I'd be there if I weren't in my new duty station of Great Lakes looking for a church myself. That's how much I value this ministry.
Tomorrow is a special day for the military, with Howard reaching out specifically for them...I mean us. Thank you Howard!
Here is Howard talking about worship:
Like I said, I value Howard's work a great deal. He has mentored me in the past, and will undoubtedly continue to do so from a distance. Best wishes for tomorrow, Howard!
Stewardship and Saving Money
When we moved to Great Lakes, I lost around $450 a month because I left sea duty. That was a big part of our monthly income, and so we have to tighten the purse strings. Alicia and I had already made many changes to our life in light of this, but I wanted to show you evidence of one of those changes.
Haircuts, even if I go to a Navy barber, cost me around 10 bucks every two to three weeks. Over the year, that's anywhere from $200 to $250. Crazy, huh? And if I add my son's costs in there, it's nearly double that! Ok, time for a change.
Alicia and I have talked a few times about doing this before, but never got the guts to do it. So today, she gave me and Timothy our first haircuts in the post-barber life.
Before:
After:
Alicia did ok, didn't she? So as you can see, we went with the basic cut for the military. Even though we spent $20 on the clippers, we've already made that up by not spending at least that amount on haircuts for Timothy and myself. And Alicia is only going to get better, so this is going to be even better as we go!
Being a good steward requires some decent sacrifices, big and small. My big one will be Pepsi, but for now, I'll start with this. By the way, Frugal Dad has a great article about the subject of doing crazy things to save money.
Haircuts, even if I go to a Navy barber, cost me around 10 bucks every two to three weeks. Over the year, that's anywhere from $200 to $250. Crazy, huh? And if I add my son's costs in there, it's nearly double that! Ok, time for a change.
Alicia and I have talked a few times about doing this before, but never got the guts to do it. So today, she gave me and Timothy our first haircuts in the post-barber life.
Before:
After:
Alicia did ok, didn't she? So as you can see, we went with the basic cut for the military. Even though we spent $20 on the clippers, we've already made that up by not spending at least that amount on haircuts for Timothy and myself. And Alicia is only going to get better, so this is going to be even better as we go!
Being a good steward requires some decent sacrifices, big and small. My big one will be Pepsi, but for now, I'll start with this. By the way, Frugal Dad has a great article about the subject of doing crazy things to save money.
Army Chaplain gives all for his country and God
I feel a little sick to my stomach. I just learned tonight that an Army chaplain was killed in Afghanistan a few days ago by a roadside bomb. He left a wife and three kids in the States.
Chaplain Dale Goetz is the first chaplain to be killed in either Iraq or Afghanistan. I can't get him out of my mind. This man not only served his country (a secondary priority), but served God and gave his life for both.
Can you imagine dying with those you serve? Can you imagine sacrificing everything while trying to reach the men and women you serve beside? What honor! What a testimony! I have no idea what his wife is going through right now, or the loved ones of the other four Soldiers who died with him in that attack. My heart goes out to her right now and I've prayed today for her and their kids. His sacrifice is their sacrifice, and forever will be. According to what I've read, his desire was for his Soldiers to know Christ, which means this guy was a straight arrow in the Kingdom. He wasn't a watered-down counselor...he was a soldier with two citizenships. I don't know what he would think of himself, but I think he's a hero.
Alas, it is a testimony I don't have, nor will I any time soon. I'm not even able to go overseas at all right now, due to my job as an AEGIS firecontrolman and due to the fact that my daughter has cystic fibrosis. That is why I'm a little ill.
For once, I want my life on the line. I want to stick my neck out for God and see what happens. But that isn't going to happen soon. As of right now, I can't even say that I've had to pay for my faith with my career, much less my life. I've heard of missionaries being beaten and now I've read about a chaplain dying in the service of his country (and God, even if the insurgents weren't attacking him directly). Alas...what will they say about me someday?
This post is a celebration of a family. It is the celebration of Dale Goetz who gave his life in the line of duty and it is in celebration of his wife and children who will never see him alive again, until the day they meet in heaven. He fought the good fight, he finished the race, he kept the faith. That is what I want people to say about me someday, and that's what I'm saying about Dale now.
Rest easy Chaps...
Chaplain Dale Goetz is the first chaplain to be killed in either Iraq or Afghanistan. I can't get him out of my mind. This man not only served his country (a secondary priority), but served God and gave his life for both.
Can you imagine dying with those you serve? Can you imagine sacrificing everything while trying to reach the men and women you serve beside? What honor! What a testimony! I have no idea what his wife is going through right now, or the loved ones of the other four Soldiers who died with him in that attack. My heart goes out to her right now and I've prayed today for her and their kids. His sacrifice is their sacrifice, and forever will be. According to what I've read, his desire was for his Soldiers to know Christ, which means this guy was a straight arrow in the Kingdom. He wasn't a watered-down counselor...he was a soldier with two citizenships. I don't know what he would think of himself, but I think he's a hero.
Alas, it is a testimony I don't have, nor will I any time soon. I'm not even able to go overseas at all right now, due to my job as an AEGIS firecontrolman and due to the fact that my daughter has cystic fibrosis. That is why I'm a little ill.
For once, I want my life on the line. I want to stick my neck out for God and see what happens. But that isn't going to happen soon. As of right now, I can't even say that I've had to pay for my faith with my career, much less my life. I've heard of missionaries being beaten and now I've read about a chaplain dying in the service of his country (and God, even if the insurgents weren't attacking him directly). Alas...what will they say about me someday?
This post is a celebration of a family. It is the celebration of Dale Goetz who gave his life in the line of duty and it is in celebration of his wife and children who will never see him alive again, until the day they meet in heaven. He fought the good fight, he finished the race, he kept the faith. That is what I want people to say about me someday, and that's what I'm saying about Dale now.
Rest easy Chaps...
My Ministry Hope for Great Lakes
I don't want to do the wrong thing. The truth is that I've messed up opportunities in the past with ministry, mostly because of prideful decisions and desires. Boy, that was a fun way to start a post, huh? Anyway, it is my sincere hope that I have moved past that life. Great Lakes represents an opportunity to serve God in ways I've never been capable of before. For one, I'm going to have the opportunity to help set Sailors on a good path for their careers. Secondly, I'm going to get a chance to minister to Sailors who, like myself, have been in for quite awhile and have valuable experience to lend to the Kingdom if they would go to Christ.
Yet, in the same way it represents a stellar opportunity, it also represents a serious challenge. As an instructor, I must be very, very careful how I interact with the students. The local Campus Crusade for Christ missionary has already told me that I should probably not attend the Friday evening fellowship for students, as it might compromise my position. Until I meet with the base Chaplain about all of this (hopefully today) and figure out exactly where I stand, I'm treading lightly. Still, I'm figuring on the following:
1. Reach out and minister where I can with the local Campus Crusade for Christ missionary. He's the boss. If he says I can work in this area or that, then I will. If he says I should hold off, then I will.One area that he hopes Alicia and I will become involved is in the Thursday night study. While the kids are all in AWANA, he holds a study for parents. Alicia and I look forward to being a part of this. This is not, however, a ministry for me to take part in (as I see it), but rather a place for me to be fed spiritually and to learn from John.
2. Invest heavily in my fellow staff members at the schoolhouse. One of the keys for ministry in a modern context is to build relationships. It might very well be true that America no longer lends itself to major revivals, tent meetings, and door-to-door outreach.Therefore, one of my main areas of work will be with relationships with my neighbors and the staff.
3. Be prepared to work inside and with the church we end up in. Our church-hunting is in full swing now, and finding a place to fit in is a priority. Naturally, along with focusing on learning from other ministers and building relationship with those I work with and live near, I also want to be part of a local congregation, both to be fed and to feed.
God has been so good to me during this move to Great Lakes. I'm looking forward to a new ministry and learning as much as I can from those more experienced than I. Stay tuned for more updates!
Yet, in the same way it represents a stellar opportunity, it also represents a serious challenge. As an instructor, I must be very, very careful how I interact with the students. The local Campus Crusade for Christ missionary has already told me that I should probably not attend the Friday evening fellowship for students, as it might compromise my position. Until I meet with the base Chaplain about all of this (hopefully today) and figure out exactly where I stand, I'm treading lightly. Still, I'm figuring on the following:
1. Reach out and minister where I can with the local Campus Crusade for Christ missionary. He's the boss. If he says I can work in this area or that, then I will. If he says I should hold off, then I will.One area that he hopes Alicia and I will become involved is in the Thursday night study. While the kids are all in AWANA, he holds a study for parents. Alicia and I look forward to being a part of this. This is not, however, a ministry for me to take part in (as I see it), but rather a place for me to be fed spiritually and to learn from John.
2. Invest heavily in my fellow staff members at the schoolhouse. One of the keys for ministry in a modern context is to build relationships. It might very well be true that America no longer lends itself to major revivals, tent meetings, and door-to-door outreach.Therefore, one of my main areas of work will be with relationships with my neighbors and the staff.
3. Be prepared to work inside and with the church we end up in. Our church-hunting is in full swing now, and finding a place to fit in is a priority. Naturally, along with focusing on learning from other ministers and building relationship with those I work with and live near, I also want to be part of a local congregation, both to be fed and to feed.
God has been so good to me during this move to Great Lakes. I'm looking forward to a new ministry and learning as much as I can from those more experienced than I. Stay tuned for more updates!
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