Another Year

Where did 2011 go? This year seemed unusually swift in its entrance and departure. I am not sure why it seemed exceptionally fast. I think it may have been the whirlwind of activity in not only my profession, but our way of life. I am amazed that it started while living on base at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, Mississippi as a Chaplain in the Air Force. Now, as I end the year, I find myself living on Post at Fort Sam Houston as an Army Chaplain in San Antonio, Texas. Although the year started with the knowledge of moving over to the Army, I still didn't know "where" it would be in terms of assignment. But, the year is complete and God has walked me through a very successful transition from "blue to green." The blessings included getting housing on Post, a non-deployable assignment, and successful completion of Chaplain Basic Officer Leadership Course...or "CH-BOLC" as we call it. Of course not all the blessings stopped with just those three accomplishments as I continue to experience the joy of rounding out 2011 with family. We have been able to visit all our family in Iowa as well as Kentucky. So, as another year closes, I would like to write a few "predictive-guesses" on what could possible unfold in 2012. I am not trying to "predict" anything in particular. I just find it intriguing to trace back to these blogs on December 31st to "compare" what really happened with what I "thought" might happen. 1. First, I am looking forward to my transition from student-based ministry to "regular" unit ministry with the 201st MI BN at Fort Sam Houston. 2. I am still counting on my first Army deployment to Afghanistan in October 2012. 3. I would like to be sitting at 200lbs (or possibly 195-198lbs) on December 31, 2012 (one year from this writing). I think these three can be a good start. But, above all, I know for sure that regardless of what transpires, God, my Heavenly Father is with me. Therefore, I remember His promise to Joshua, "I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you." Let us all end 2011 and begin 2012 in remembrance of this promise! As we reflect on God's faithfulness in 2011 we can have hope for 2012.

December 25th: Christmas?

First off, this is not a writing against Christmas being celebrated on December 25th! Whew! Now, with that disclaimer out of the way, I wanted to introduce just my pondering of "when" Jesus could have really been born. Although, for calendar celebration's-sake, we annually recognize the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25th, I am more convinced that Jesus was born during the Jewish celebration of SUKKOT. That means, to me, that the birth of Christ occurred sometime within September to October time frame. The thoughts came to me as I wrote a sermon based on the Advent-Season lectionary Gospel reading in John 1:6-14. I came across verse 14, that says, "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us." The word "dwelt" can be interpreted as "tent" or "tabernacle." Oddly enough, SUKKOT is the Jewish "Feast of Booths" or "Festival of Tents" to remember the 40 years the Israelites spent wandering the deserts and living in temporary shelters. It is one of the most joyous of celebrations and is considered as "The Season of Our Rejoicing." OK, so where am I going with this? I just think that Jesus being born during Sukkot makes sense. I believe God is very intentional with presenting/revealing Himself to us. After all, if the crucifixion/sacrifice of Jesus coincides with the Jewish celebration of PASSOVER why, then, could it not be possible for His birth to run parallel with SUKKOT? So, yes, I will keep on track with the Christmas, December 25th "recognition celebration" of Christ being born the Messiah...Savior of the world. I am in no hurry to "change Christmas" but to simply expand my understanding of how God works in our lives and our world to reveal Himself to us. Why, yes...that is a reason to rejoice! MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Eagle's View

For many years, I have not only read Psalm 40:31, but have heard it preached and have used it myself for Bible study. But, not until recently, has it impacted me in a whole new way. The first part of the verse says, "But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles."

We would all love to find that "new strength" that would help us to soar like an eagle. Yes, allowing God to uplift us emotionally and spiritually is wonderful, but also discovering why the imagery of an eagle is being used is also important.

I believe the answer lies in the view the eagle sees while in flight. When we "soar like eagles," God is lifting us up high to get a better view of our circumstances. When we stand on a mountain peak or the observation deck of a tower, building, or monument, we get a entirely different view of our surroundings. We are not only blown away by the thrill of heights, but how spectacular the view is from "way up here."

The next time you face trials or venture through tragedy, mistakes, opposition and even victories, allow God to help you see the events from the heights of an eagle. By doing so, it will help you see things from not only a "now" perspective, but also an "eternal" perspective that God is truly "working all things for good" (Romans 8:28). Begin today learning how to "enjoy the view" from the eagle's perspective as you "soar" through each day!

The Garbage Truck

There are some people who can't seem to talk about anything but what is hurting them, what isn't fair, what stinks and how bad things are at the moment. They are constantly "dumping their garbage" on every possible unsuspecting "victim" who happens to accidentally use the greeting "so, how's it going?"

That reminds me of the "Law of the Garbage Truck"....which is told:

"One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport. We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us.

My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us.

My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was really friendly. So I asked, 'Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!' This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, 'The Law of the Garbage Truck.'

He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you. Don't take it personally.

Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets.

The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day. Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so ... Love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don't.

Life is ten percent what you make it and ninety percent how you take it!"

Have a garbage-free day!