This past Friday was my 16TH wedding anniversary. I am amazed that as time passes our love for each other continues to grow. I have made a lot of bad decisions in my life, but choosing to marry Autumn Rogers was not one of them. I do not believe in the cliche "soul mates." That is modern bunk. I do, however, believe you can choose the right spouse for you. Yes, you need your heart to guide you with love. You also need your God given mind to lead you in making the decision.
Before Autumn and I married, I ask God to bring the right person in my life. I became impatient with God and began dating someone that was not right for me. By God's grace, He gave me the wisdom to get out of that relationship. Shortly after this poor judgment, my eyes were opened to see Autumn as more than a friend. She and I had known each other for about a year and a half. We always seemed to be dating others. Once the light went on in my heart, it was not long that I knew this young woman was the right person for me.
Autumn was very beautiful to me. She was a very devoted follower of Jesus Christ. We had a lot of fun together as friends. Her family was close and very kind and loving people. We complimented each other. These realities continue to this day.
It has not always been easy for us. Take two sinners with different ways of seeing things (add hard heads), you will always have confrontation. Through God's mercy and our maturing as Christians, we have an awesome relationship. Autumn was, is and always will be my best friend.
As a Chaplain in the Army, I get to help marriages stay together. I also see a lot of marriages end. Many in life do not use their head only their heart (sometimes not even the heart!) to choose whom to be with forever.
God did not tell us to marry the ones we love, only to love the ones we marry. In the Bible, the Apostle Paul says, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God (Romans 12:2 emphasis mine)." Thank God for the wife the Lord provided me!
Autumn, I love you very much. Happy Anniversary!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Monday, August 3, 2009
Family Joy
Do you have a good family?
Not everyone does! I visit and counsel many individuals where a good family or home has slipped away from them.
I thank God that He has given me something that so many do not have in this life, a Christian family. This gift is by grace, because I have not earned it. Of course, the greatest gift the Lord has provided me is salvation from God's judgment. I have been forgiven by God through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ my Lord. Yet, God has given me another gift in this life. No, not quite of the same significance. A gift however that I am so thankful for every day. The Lord of heaven and earth not only redeemed me from death and sin, but He redeemed my entire family. The covenant promises given to me in Christ have also been shared with my immediate family.
What joy to know that your family is right with God, the maker of heaven and earth.
Saturday night, I spoke with my wife and son. They both were doing well. At this time, they are healthy, relaxed, and happy (No demon possessed cars, nor barbs in the hand, nor bad weather, nor . . . those that know them understand.) It has been a slow week for them. They enjoyed time resting and playing at the pool. When I spoke with them, they were about to go on a "date" out to eat and purchase school clothes. They bring such joy to me. The stories they tell are so funny. Simple things get turned into comedy hour with the two of them.
Autumn and I both miss being with each other. We look forward to returning to our dates to Cafe Espano. Elijah and I look forward to fishing (And actually catching fish!). When I come home on my R&R, we plan to go to the Great Wolf Lodge. After this deployment, we are planning a big family trip that is a surprise to Elijah (He probably already knows).
I miss them both so much. Thank you for all the joy you bring me.
Also, Elijah you have a boggart under your bed!
One final note, today is my Mom's birthday. She would not like anyone to know that she is 61 years old. I want to tell the world. God has graciously given her this long life. I am thankful for my Mom. She is a wonderful and godly Christian woman. She was and is a great Mom (I mean look how good her son turned out!). Happy Birthday Mom!
Without Christ at the center of your life, you nor your family will ever know how good God can make this life. Even through the difficult times, God provides a joy that surpasses all knowledge. May the Lord continue to bless our family with joy, peace and Love. Of course, the greatest of these is the divine love of God.
Love God and live life to the fullest!
Not everyone does! I visit and counsel many individuals where a good family or home has slipped away from them.
I thank God that He has given me something that so many do not have in this life, a Christian family. This gift is by grace, because I have not earned it. Of course, the greatest gift the Lord has provided me is salvation from God's judgment. I have been forgiven by God through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ my Lord. Yet, God has given me another gift in this life. No, not quite of the same significance. A gift however that I am so thankful for every day. The Lord of heaven and earth not only redeemed me from death and sin, but He redeemed my entire family. The covenant promises given to me in Christ have also been shared with my immediate family.
What joy to know that your family is right with God, the maker of heaven and earth.
Saturday night, I spoke with my wife and son. They both were doing well. At this time, they are healthy, relaxed, and happy (No demon possessed cars, nor barbs in the hand, nor bad weather, nor . . . those that know them understand.) It has been a slow week for them. They enjoyed time resting and playing at the pool. When I spoke with them, they were about to go on a "date" out to eat and purchase school clothes. They bring such joy to me. The stories they tell are so funny. Simple things get turned into comedy hour with the two of them.
Autumn and I both miss being with each other. We look forward to returning to our dates to Cafe Espano. Elijah and I look forward to fishing (And actually catching fish!). When I come home on my R&R, we plan to go to the Great Wolf Lodge. After this deployment, we are planning a big family trip that is a surprise to Elijah (He probably already knows).
I miss them both so much. Thank you for all the joy you bring me.
Also, Elijah you have a boggart under your bed!
One final note, today is my Mom's birthday. She would not like anyone to know that she is 61 years old. I want to tell the world. God has graciously given her this long life. I am thankful for my Mom. She is a wonderful and godly Christian woman. She was and is a great Mom (I mean look how good her son turned out!). Happy Birthday Mom!
Without Christ at the center of your life, you nor your family will ever know how good God can make this life. Even through the difficult times, God provides a joy that surpasses all knowledge. May the Lord continue to bless our family with joy, peace and Love. Of course, the greatest of these is the divine love of God.
Love God and live life to the fullest!
Monday, July 27, 2009
My Down Day
Monday is my down day. This means I do not get a day off each week, but I limit what I do on Mondays. Unless there is an emergency or crisis within my Task Force, I do not go to our work area. This allows me to blog, email, call family, rest, and take care of some personal errands, i.e. laundry, purchase minutes for my cell phone (yes, we have cell phones in the war zone!), etc.
Yesterday was a wonderful Lord's Day! We had 70 soldiers and civilians gathered together for church. I had the privilege of bringing God's Word to these wonderful saints. A good Word from God encourages us during a time of separation and war. I attended a Memorial Ceremony for two fallen heroes from another unit on Saturday. Ceremonies like that remind us of the fragile nature of life in a war zone. Many of the friends of those great Americans attend the Worship Service I lead at Kandahar, Afghanistan. My heart goes out to the soldiers and the families of these whom made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
On a lighter note, my Task Force is doing great. All is well with the Saber Force! I enjoy my Troopers every day. They make life interesting that is for sure. We have some real characters in our unit. Soldiers always seem to make things interesting when you are far from home, living in the 115 degree desert, eating less than standard food quality, using port-o-johns, and facing the enemy.
Yesterday, I walked past one of the doors of our pilots and noticed a magazine clipping. It was man in a little bikini walking on the beach. It was placed there to harass one of the pilots who is consumed with his build. Before that, I went to the latrine and noticed someone had placed a oatmeal cookie in the toilet. It took that cookie five days before it dissolved. Makes you wonder how long it take in your stomach! We have some soldiers who found an abandoned truck that they acquired. The fixed it and painted it and made it run. It is the small things that help keep you sane in war. Everyone needs a good laugh once and a while.
For me, last week consisted mostly of counseling soldiers, visiting soldiers, going to meetings, preparing sermons, and leading worship services. As an Army Chaplain, this seems to be the norm. It has been a good deployment so far. Though many of my soldiers have faced difficulties with situations back home or with struggles here in Afghanistan, most are excelling in morale and health. Many have found themselves longing to be closer to God. Some have a new found hunger for His Word, the Holy Bible. Others are seeking new paths with the Lord. It is a very exciting time to be an Army Chaplain and a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The most challenging times for most of us is the sadness from missing our loved ones. For me, this is the hardest part of deployments. I miss the companionship and friendship with my wife. I miss playing with my son. The greatest moments in my life is when the Lord affords me the opportunity to share with my wife and son quality time together. Christ is Lord of my household and He has greatly blessed us. Thanks be to God for His grace!
Autumn, I look forward to a date with you. Elijah I look forward to fishing with you. Until then, may the God of heaven and earth keep us and watch over us as we are apart.
Love God and Live Life to the Fullest!!!
Yesterday was a wonderful Lord's Day! We had 70 soldiers and civilians gathered together for church. I had the privilege of bringing God's Word to these wonderful saints. A good Word from God encourages us during a time of separation and war. I attended a Memorial Ceremony for two fallen heroes from another unit on Saturday. Ceremonies like that remind us of the fragile nature of life in a war zone. Many of the friends of those great Americans attend the Worship Service I lead at Kandahar, Afghanistan. My heart goes out to the soldiers and the families of these whom made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
On a lighter note, my Task Force is doing great. All is well with the Saber Force! I enjoy my Troopers every day. They make life interesting that is for sure. We have some real characters in our unit. Soldiers always seem to make things interesting when you are far from home, living in the 115 degree desert, eating less than standard food quality, using port-o-johns, and facing the enemy.
Yesterday, I walked past one of the doors of our pilots and noticed a magazine clipping. It was man in a little bikini walking on the beach. It was placed there to harass one of the pilots who is consumed with his build. Before that, I went to the latrine and noticed someone had placed a oatmeal cookie in the toilet. It took that cookie five days before it dissolved. Makes you wonder how long it take in your stomach! We have some soldiers who found an abandoned truck that they acquired. The fixed it and painted it and made it run. It is the small things that help keep you sane in war. Everyone needs a good laugh once and a while.
For me, last week consisted mostly of counseling soldiers, visiting soldiers, going to meetings, preparing sermons, and leading worship services. As an Army Chaplain, this seems to be the norm. It has been a good deployment so far. Though many of my soldiers have faced difficulties with situations back home or with struggles here in Afghanistan, most are excelling in morale and health. Many have found themselves longing to be closer to God. Some have a new found hunger for His Word, the Holy Bible. Others are seeking new paths with the Lord. It is a very exciting time to be an Army Chaplain and a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The most challenging times for most of us is the sadness from missing our loved ones. For me, this is the hardest part of deployments. I miss the companionship and friendship with my wife. I miss playing with my son. The greatest moments in my life is when the Lord affords me the opportunity to share with my wife and son quality time together. Christ is Lord of my household and He has greatly blessed us. Thanks be to God for His grace!
Autumn, I look forward to a date with you. Elijah I look forward to fishing with you. Until then, may the God of heaven and earth keep us and watch over us as we are apart.
Love God and Live Life to the Fullest!!!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Trying something new!
This is going to be short. I am not much of a writer. I am doing this for my family and friends. It is to inform everyone about my life in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Only certain things are allowed to be shared. Most of the details will pertain to me and my family, not to my unit or missions. May this be used for God's Glory.
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