Resolutions

Another new year is dawning and we close the chapter for 2009. As always, we talk of resolutions and the goals we would like to reach in the new year. Instead, I have taken a new perspective in regards to making New Year Resolutions...I won't! I look back over the blog I wrote at the end of 2008 and I quickly notice that most of my "Top 10" predictions didn't come close to being fulfilled...I didn't deploy, we didn't have a fourth child, I didn't get under 200 pounds, and, of all things, I didn't even read through the entire Bible. It shows no merit to set goals that will never be achieved or where an attempt to reach them hasn't even been started. The Scriptures tell us in Matthew 6:24, "So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today." My goals are not based on tomorrow or what will happen next month or what I think I will be doing "this time" next year. It is today and today only. Today is all I have and even its completion is not guaranteed in my life. I choose, rather, to live one day at a time and to use the time of the day wisely and to its fullest. Jame 4:13-14 tells us "Look here, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city. We will spend a year there. We will buy and sell and make money.' You don't even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? It is a mist that appears for a little while. Then it disappears. Instead, you should say, 'If it pleases the Lord, we will live and do this or that." I will be planning 2010 one day at a time starting with January 1, 2010 and going no further. This, by no means, says that I will ignore what lies ahead in the future. It just means that I plan to stay grounded in the present day (what I can control) so that I can eventually (and successfully) reach December 31, 2010 living focused 24 hours at a time.

What About Him?

I doubt that I would be the first chaplain to admit that military ministry is very competitive. The fact is clear that every chaplain can pray, visit, preach, teach and conduct worship, but not all can be recognized for it. Only one can be stratified as #1. Only one can win a quarterly or annual award and only so few can even have the luxury of being nominated for such awards. Despite our humble and selfless approach to ministry, we still need to "step out" in creativity with our talents and abilities for recognition. It is an unspoken stress in the chaplaincy to be able to "effectively toot one's own horn." If one is not careful this can cause tension, anxiety, suspicion, and jealousy when a colleague is singled out for recognition or wins an award (when I wasn't even nominated). It can even seem more defeating if a supervisor has a tendency to "favor" this colleague because they are "such a great chaplain" that they are always given the "high profile" tasks that leads to even more recognition. I wonder if that is what was always running through Peter's mind as he "battled for position" as one of the twelve disciples. I wonder what he honestly thought about John since the Bible indicates John was, for a lack of a better term, "the favorite" (beloved). I won't lie...I burn a little when a fellow chaplain wins an award, gets a medal, or really shines on an assigned project...especially when I do equal work or even more consistent and successful projects without any recognition, awards, or so much as a "good job, Charles!" I even worry that lack of awards and recognition could lead to me not getting promoted. I seem, like Peter, in John 21:22, always fuming "what about him?" or "what about her?" There is a fear in feeling insignificant towards the natural abilities of others. It is unnerving to feel "outclassed" as well as a day-late and a dollar-short with what I am capable of offering in comparison to what others get recognized for. Jesus sternly warned Peter (in regards to worrying about John), "What is that to you?" The one thing Jesus was most concerned about for Peter was simple: "Follow me!" I need to focus more on advancing my relationship with God who is the source of my career advancement. I need to promote a better focus on my ministry with my Lord who is the One responsible for my military promotion. In regards to my colleagues...it is not a competition. God has designed their steps for a different pace and their abilities for a different approach towards ministry. In that, as with Peter, I stop wasting so much time worrying about what others are doing. Galatians 6:4, "Let everyone be sure that he is doing his very best, for then he will have the personal satisfaction of work well done and won't need to compare himself with someone else."

Lateral Violence

Have you ever had something go terribly wrong, fall apart, or become rejected only to find out that a co-worker, family member or dear friend was the "culprit" behind the dismantling process? Nothing is more painful than betrayal etched in the cold stone of slander and malice. Have you ever had a neighbor or co-worker who just cannot accept you and is constantly criticising your work, talking viciously about you behind your back, and doing what they can to frustrate you and keep you on edge? Then guess what? You are a victim of Lateral Violence. This is an interesting concept I came across that seems to be more prevalent today than ever before. According to the "definition," Lateral Violence is bullying that takes the form of back-stabbing, innuendo, infighting, sabotage, verbal affronts, failure to respect privacy, and others. This bullying always includes an imbalance of power, an intent to harm, and the threat of further aggression. This usually is an intent to stunt your progress or allude any possibility of success. I have always been amazed at those who just can't stand to see others succeed. They are the type of people that are so jealous that they can't stand anything "good" derived by others. To protect themselves, they feel they must be "laterally violent" to others by bad-mouthing sound ideas, thwarting good intentions, and purposely sabotaging projects that are heading for success. They just can't stand to see others do better than themselves. They seethe at the notion that someone else could receive accolades for a "job well done." They struggle and burn with anger towards being "outshined" and "outperformed." Simply put, they feel threatened by the success of others, so they feel compelled to become "laterally violent." It is not easy dealing with the laterally violent as there is usually no arbitrating solutions for them other than for them to see your demise and failure. It is not easy, but heeding the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:27-28, "But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you." May it be our prayer that our petitions reap the dividends of turning those against us towards a restored relationship with Christ and ourselves. It is never easy, but with an eternal perspective in mind, we can see the long-term investment is worth it for these wayward souls for whom Christ died.

What Our Children Deserve.

If you have watched daytime television, you may have noticed that there has been a significant increase in "judge" programming since the good-ol' days of Judge Wapner and "The People's Court." For the most part, humanity is intrigued by justice and infatuated with seeing that one gets what they deserve. It is our nature to desire justice and what is fair. It is also human nature to ensure one gets all that is coming to them such as every possible tax deduction, every last penny of a reimbursement, and the proper portion of food paid for at a restaurant. We place high value on getting all that we think we deserve. So, to those of us with children, I wondered if we ever thought of placing that same mind-set towards them....that is, ensuring they get all they deserve. No, I am not talking about material possessions. I am talking about giving them ourselves as their parents. Do they get all they deserve in our time and undivided attention for mentoring, correction, and play. That is, do I watch them play or do I play along with them for "daddy time." Do I use moments of disobedience to demean them with scolding and slander or use it as an investment to teach them right from wrong? Do I make sure they say their prayers at night or do I simply hurry them off to bed because it has been a long day and I am tired? Let's start considering all the things we can do to invest in the lives of our children...after all, isn't that what they deserve?

Psychic Vampire

Don't be shocked or alarmed, but I learned something from Satanism and from studying some of the teachings in The Satanic Bible written by Anton LaVey. I came across a concept known as "psychic vampire." In a nut-shell, it is basically a process that allows the psychic draining of energy from other people. In other words, it is someone who does not possess their own power, so they much tap in to someone else and use theirs. In the modern-day language, we would call people like this "leaches" or "free-loaders." These are people who, through crafty manipulation, suck the life out of others by adopting the philosophy of "take, take, take" without thought of "giving" something back in gratitude. They use mind-games and their intelligence to "out-wit" you into giving them what they want. In the end, you are depleted and betrayed to the point of feeling like the world's largest "sucker" for being so easily duped by such masterful trickery. Psychic Vampires are not worried about the carnage left behind, but more focused on getting what they want at your cost. So, beware of "Psychic Vampires" as they are not "just" a concept of Satanism or a definition from the Satanic Bible...it is a force to guard against. Don't let yourself be fooled.

The Most Difficult Word to Understand in the Bible

There are quite a few mind-twisting concepts, statements, and words in the Bible such as "propitiation," "blood," and "justification." If you think those are relatively tame, I challenge you to tackle the book of Revelation. But, seriously, despite these things, I feel there is still one word not many have thought about as being a difficult word to understand, comprehend, and live out. I am talking about the word "walk." So you respond, "are you kidding? The word 'w-a-l-k' as in 'putting one foot in front of the other?'" Yes, THAT word. It is hard. It is difficult. It takes great discipline, obedience, surrender and sacrifice. I am talking about walking with God. I am talking about having such a deep, devoted, personal, intimate and loving relationship with God that you can truly and honestly walk with your heavenly Father spiritually and physically every moment of your life. Adam and Eve walked with God in the cool of the day. Enoch walked with God (Genesis 5:22) as did Noah (Genesis 6:9). THIS is why "walk" is the hardest word to understand. The fact that the creator of the universe wants to be more than "just God" to me...more than just "up there in Heaven." One of God's greatest desires is for us to come near...close...even closer. Am I willing to get "up close and personal" with God or have I come too comfortable staying at a distance? May we discover a whole new meaning to the word "walk" when it involves our relationship with God. Blessings to you along the journey.

Have We Forgotten Saturday?

The last four days of this week for Christians is known as "Holy Week." For most, the first thing they would say is, "Oh, I know, it's Good Friday and then Easter on Sunday." Which is partially true. With a quick reminder they are sure to recall that Thursday is "Maundy Thursday" when Jesus instituted the "New Covenant" which we celebrate often as "Holy Communion." But there is still one more day...and, no, it is not Easter Sunday. Have you ever stopped to honestly, thoughtfully, and spiritually ponder the significance of HOLY SATURDAY? We even make mention of this day in "The Apostles Creed." You know, the part that says, "he was crucified, dead, buried; he descended into hell." Yes, THAT part...Jesus literally in hell from the time of his death up until his resurrection Sunday morning. What a moment in history that Jesus spent time in hell "evangelising" the masses as the True Savior of all. Has it ever crossed your mind the millions of souls that were able to depart hell during that time? Have you wondered how sad it must have been for those that, despite the love of Jesus "coming to the rescue," still chose to stay? The love of Christ compels us to ponder deeply just what his powerful presence and messianic work accomplished in the depths of hell on that one day we call Holy Saturday. Jesus truly is the Messiah-Savior. Praise be to God for his love shown to us.

Understanding Inherited Sin

Have you ever watched children play? If you have children of your own have you ever seen them interact...especially when things go sour? I am talking about when "humanness" takes over and hair gets pulled, punches thrown, shins kicked and tears flowing. Ask yourself: WHO teaches them to do this? I know, I said the same thing..."I sure didn't!" Then where does all that "meanness" come from? Well, it is the best illustration of "inherited sin." We, as sinful human beings, crave the natural desires of selfishness, pride, and pleasure for ourselves. We don't need to be taught how to be jealous, hateful, envious, and vengeful...it comes naturally. These are the very destructive attributes that Jesus came to save us from...namely, ourselves. When Jesus invites us to repent of our sins and ask Him to be our Lord and Savior, He is not asking us to admit we are "bad" people....he is wanting us to admit that our nature is naturally sinful and that we need Him (Jesus) to heal and restore us so that we can live victorious lives over that sinful nature that tries so hard to destroy us. Sin is inherited, but something we can be set free from. Ask Jesus Christ into your life today to find that freedom. http://www.ccci.org/wij/index.aspx

Don't Blame Sin

I listen with interest at those who describe "all the evil" that seems to be increasing around the world. Some gasp in amazement and proclaim "what is this world coming to?" They are quick to point out "the increase" in lawlessness, selfishness, and corruption....you name it...any "ill" or "vice" that seems to be the topic of discussion at the time. In my opinion, they are missing the point. In fact, I would go one step further and say they have lost their focus and have been deceived into thinking the fault lies with sinfulness. Oh, how wrong! The "condition" of the world cannot be blamed totally on sin. Why put all the blame on sin? After all, sin is doing only what sin is supposed to do...which is being sinful and doing sinful things. Most of the blame needs to be put on us, as Christians. We have been called to be the light of the world (Matthew 5:14). If there was enough light (or more light) in the world it would have dispelled a lot more of the darkness in the world. So, the next time the conversation is started on "how bad the world is getting," instead of blaming sin let's blame the lack of light in the world...and then work on being more luminary.

Goals or Predictions

I am not one for "resolutions" for the new year as they can sometimes get so ludicrous that they are rarely kept and usually abandoned by the end of January. This year, for 2009, I wanted to just "have some fun" with logging in a few "things" with the hope of coming back in January 2010, to see just how many not only came true, but how "close" I came to fulfilling them. Yes, juvenile...but, hey...you have to admit it is kind've fun! I could set some "goals" and pursue them with precision, dedication and persistence (to ensure they happen) or I could do nothing more than make a few "predictions" of what I "think" have a remote chance of possibly coming to pass by December 31, 2009. So, here is my "wish list" of goals and predictions:

1. Prediction: The last day of the year will take place on December 31st! (OK! I'll get serious)

2. Prediction: I will be tagged for one deployment (Afghanistan or Qatar)

3. Goal: To be under 200 pounds (I am currently 225)

4. Goal: To read through the Bible

5. Prediction: To welcome or be expecting our next child

6. Goal: To set an all-time best in my PT run...meaning running faster than 11:27

7. Goal: To improve my waist measurement from 37.5" to at least 35"

8. Prediction: That I can fulfill at least 2 of my goals "for sure."

Well, for someone like me who has absolutely no patience, I will have to wait until January 1, 2010 for the results. Until then, I better get busy! Happy New Year!

It is 2009...So What Happened to 2008?

I think it would be an understatement to say that it is "odd" that it could "really be" just over one year ago that I took time to reflect back on all that was accomplished in 2007. Well, I am perplexed that it is now 2009 wondering just what became of 2008. Many wonderful things happened such as spending time in the Pentagon, conducting funerals at Arlington National Cemetery, and being "in the crowd" on the lawn of the White House to witness President Bush officially welcome Pope Benedict XVI to America. I have also seen some major milestones with my daughter's first birthday and my 10th wedding anniversary. Our family, after four years, said "good-bye" to the Washington D.C. area and moved to Biloxi, Mississippi, with a new assignment to Keesler Air Force Base. Here we experienced our first major evacuation because of Hurricane Gustav and became the recipients of a brand-new, freshly built, on-base home that was nearly 1,900 square feet. It has truly been one of blessings and surprises that offered many spectacular achievements and a conglomeration of milestones, memories and the every-day normalcy of life. It has been one of those years that begs to ask "how could anything possibly top this?" My goal is to live in 2009 to be able to answer that question.

A Proud Heritage

I just recently received a copy of the "2007 Book of Discipline" of the Free Methodist Church. Yes, I know...you're thinking "oooh, that sounds so exciting!" But, you know...it is. It is a good practice to revisit this wonderful manual that is 296 pages of our history, mission, doctrine and polity. It declares our identity of why we claim to be "Free" Methodists. I was particularly struck by some of the distinct principles of our Wesleyan-Armenian heritage that have guided us since August 23, 1860. Beyond the depth of our theological emphasis on entire sanctification, is the freedom and simplicity of just being committed to "raising up a holy people" and establishing worship that is "characterized by simplicity and freedom of the Spirit" that is "untrammeled by elaborate ritual." As Free Methodists we also focus on our "special obligation" to preach the gospel to the poor and to keep modesty at the forefront that commits itself to "the New Testament ideals of simplicity and modesty as a style of life." A whole lot of this mind-set is one that provides us freedom...freedom to do what is necessary to put all the attention on the Lord Jesus Christ and not upon ourselves. It isn't supposed to be "about us" anyway. It is taking the attitude that "the best way to keep worldliness from invading the church is for the church to invade the world with redemptive purpose." We are free...we are simple...we are focused...we are committed...to Jesus Christ and His redemptive love for all. A liberating way to live...in freedom.

Unity in Volunteering

There was a Veterans Day parade in Biloxi, Mississippi on Saturday, November 8, 2008. My wife took a picture of me marching along with fellow Airmen from Keesler Air Force Base. That's me in the second row and right in the middle of the photo. It took me a while, but I think it finally sunk in what took place on Veterans Day in downtown Biloxi, Mississippi. It was more than just a parade. It was more than just getting into my service dress uniform. It was more than just having something fun to do on a Saturday morning. It was a day of gathering in unity. It was a day of joining with other Airmen who share a love for their country, their branch of service, and their Air Force Base. Each one selflessly made a personal choice to march in the parade...a way of doing something that would instill pride and esprit de corps within themselves while at the same time giving them an avenue to express their gratefulness to all our veterans who redefined the definition of sacrifice. Nobody was forced to be there...the parade was not mandatory...a call went out for volunteers...and they came....and they marched. It was a joy to serve and I savored every step along the streets of Biloxi. To all who serve...I salute you.

Christianity Has Nothing to Do with Halloween

Question: Should Christians celebrate or participate in various activities of Halloween? This question seems easy enough to answer because most would say "yes" it is perfectly fine. But, is it? Asking a Christian about participating in Halloween would be the same as asking if they also enjoy casting spells, playing with a Ouija Board, or worshipping the dead. Although one may first react by saying "You jerk! I don't do that evil stuff...I'm a Christian. Besides, there is a BIG difference!" REALLY? Not so fast! Let me explain. Unfortunately, most of the "fun" activities and American traditions associated with Halloween are related to the seasonal holidays of the Wiccans and the Celtics. For Wicca, their celebration on October 31st is called "Samhain" and it is their highest holy day where festivities are focused on darkness and death. After all, Samhain is a god known as the Lord of Death. It is a time to embrace evil and the dark side of the spiritual world by contacting the dead and paying homage to them.

Let's Just Take a Quick Look:

• Trick-or-Treat: Celtic tradition of placing turnips/pumpkin on the porch/outside the front door to ward off and keep the dead spirits out of their house. It was a hope that the evil spirits would haunt the turnip/pumpkin and leave their family alone.


• Bobbing for Apples: Wiccan celebration during "Samhain" where they appease the dead spirits with a sacred offering of fruit to enhance their state of immortality. Known as "Paradise of Apples."


• Costuming: Celtic tradition of dressing up to mimic the "returning dead" or to pretend to be various spirits from the "otherworld." Main development of the practice was to hide one's identity from the evil spirits and ghosts that roamed freely on October 31st. Some used costumes to hide their identity at pagan festivals while others used it to "change their identity" in order to contact and talk with the dead.


• Bon Fires: Wiccan tradition of worship where cattle were slaughtered for their nightly feast of "Samhain." During the midnight festival the Wiccans would create a large fire and proceed with casting the bones of the slaughtered cattle upon the flames. This was known as the "bone fires" in which we derive the word "bon fire."

It all boils down to one thing: THERE IS NOTHING SACRED, HOLY, GODLY OR CHRISTIAN ABOUT HALLOWEEN...PERIOD. They simply don't mix...they weren't meant to be put together. Halloween is the celebration of death and darkness. Christianity is one that celebrates life and living in the Light. The two are polar opposites.

As one can plainly see...Halloween's history, symbolisms, and activities all come from and still retain the underlying associations for which they were originally intended...their original purpose. So, is this what you, as a Christian, really want to be promoting?

I pray that we will reconsider how much we associate ourselves with a pagan festival that promotes evil, death, and darkness. 3 John 11: "Beloved, do not imitate what is evil." Ephesians 5:1; 8-11, "Follow God's example in everything you do...for though your hearts were once full of darkness, now you are full of light from the Lord, and your behavior should show it! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in their worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, rebuke and expose them."

May you spend October 31st this year and always in deep reflection of how to avoid all appearances of evil and to come to a point where you no longer brush off Halloween as nothing more than "harmless fun." May God be praised by your decision.

Realizing We're Wrong

I have watched with great interest the latest rounds of arguments, debates, and finger-pointing the latest 700-billion dollar banking bail-out has caused. The one thing that amazes me beyond the amount of money involved is that not one single person has admitted fault...everyone has managed to point the finger at someone else or deflect blame in the direction of another party, organization or business. Nobody really seems to be able to handle failure or accept any form of responsibility. I realize that it is basic "sinful human nature 101" to find a scapegoat for our shortcomings...after all, just ask Adam (Genesis 3:12). The fact is no one wants to be told they are wrong. It can even be taken one step further by saying that no one wants to be proven wrong. I don't think anyone really feels comfortable with hearing that it is their behavior, lifestyle, diet, work habits and morals that are wrong, immoral, or unhealthy and that by living in such fashion could greatly jeopardize their life, family, employment or someone else. So let's learn a new concept: THE ONLY WAY TO KNOW WE ARE RIGHT IS TO BE WILING TO DISCOVER WHERE WE ARE WRONG. We must be able to grow to a new depth of maturity that constructive criticism, mentorship and counsel is a healthy routine of our life style. Maturity includes a great deal of integrity to be able to realize when we're wrong and take strides to make the necessary corrections. Words such as "admit" "confess" and "apologize" must become a natural part of our character. When we realize that we are "in the wrong," let us accept and admit our shortcomings then use them as opportunities to grow and succeed at a higher level.