[…]her Daddy was at sea, and between the little gifts which he left for her and tapes, I don’t believe she ever doubted that he was thinking of her and missing her. You might want to help the children plan a special project as a surprise for Dad when he returns. Depending on the ages and abilities of the children, this could range anywhere from a specially framed painting or picture, to some needed object for his desk or office. Once again–your own attitude is vitally important! It sets the tone as to how your children will react. If they […]
[…]The best chaplains have a deep empathy for the challenges, problems, and victories of their units. Even they, however, cannot enter fully into the decisions, dilemmas, and difficulties of those who lead and those who fight. The Christian line officer, who does serve as a full participant in decisions and actions of his unit, has a superb opportunity to witness through professional excellence. In all his duties, his primary aim should be to lead in such a way that Jesus Christ will be glorified as Lord in all he says and does. The Lord will bless such a commitment to […]
[…]that will honor the Lord.”5 Denise McColl said, “A good friend once told me, ‘Pray as if everything depended on God; work as if everything depended on you!’ Applying this concept works wonders during deployment!”6 Sue Roberts advises separated families to “not pray for an easy life; pray to be a strong person.”7 Admiral Grady Jackson said, “In many ways I’ve never been closer spiritually to my family than when I’ve been away from them for extended periods, because those are the times I fully put them into the Lord’s hands. When we move out in the job that the […]
[…]Christian worship leaders and space for worship. You should not be surprised if your chaplains, even though devout Christians, are interested in caring for non-Christians and atheists. You should not deter them from assisting non-Christian groups to secure worship leaders and worship space. These chaplains are doing what the U.S. government has commissioned them to do. The chaplains, however, do not have to lead or participate in these worship services of non-Christians. If you are a commander, do not assign your chaplains to lead worship in situations incompatible with their faith perspectives. Finally, you should not expect your chaplains to […]
[…]had. In the rapid push north from Rome, however, I had neglected these men. I talked to them that evening about what it meant to me to believe in Jesus Christ; how He was my Saviour and could be theirs if they would open their hearts to Him. When I finished what I had to say, I went back to writing. Several of the men sat there and did not write any more. Some went over and lay down on their blankets on the floor. A month passed and some of these men joined our Bible study, and shortly thereafter, […]
[…]in my heart to be different. I would do all I could to give my girls a sense of having a father, even if he wasn’t with them for months on end. Each day we talked about Daddy. We sent artwork and cookies to him and even made a tape or two. When the mailman brought a letter, it was a time for celebration. Daddy would send the girls kisses (they smooched the letter and giggled), and once he was able to send little treats. But it was, after all, a war, and Dad had to be gone. We began […]
[…]for close combat against the tares, was his trusty kabar. The knife found many peaceful uses, even mixing concrete for retaining walls and other construction projects. Eventually, soil and stone dulled and scarred his kabar. Peaceful employment transformed it over the years from a knife into a trowel. My father intuitively recognized that in life there are different seasons for different pursuits. When his weapon had completed its military service, it was properly suited for a nonviolent use. Man forms instruments for war. God changes them into tools of peace. That is at the heart of this promise in the […]
