[…]and executed holiday does not automatically make it a happy one. Do your best to make it special, but don’t think that doing more will make it better. If you are a home front spouse this year, decide what is most important to you and just do your best. 3. Determine in advance to keep a positive outlook. Many well-intentioned souls (often including our own families) become especially “sorry for you” during the holidays. It is okay to publicly acknowledge that you would rather have your deployed loved one home, but it is also okay to truly enjoy the season. […]
[…]who begin with the end in mind, who determine to thrive–not simply survive–during deployments. But what if the spouse returns physically or emotionally injured? What if either spouse was unfaithful during the separation? What if the heart of one or the other grew tired and cold from going it alone? What if numerous “life events” occurred, which have created a wall between the two? Unexpected troubles of life happen in all marriages! Reintegration will look remarkably different for those with such challenges, but resources are available, and God is near. Don’t quit when your best intentions and plans don’t work […]
[…]me as the chaplain. Yes, I go on as many patrols as is safe for my men, and I share the Word, but I cannot meet the spiritual needs of all the patrols that proceed out our gates. I must equip my soldiers with the weapons to fight the spiritual enemy, then I must trust that they will learn through small group Bible studies as the Spirit leads. Pointing Soldiers to Christ I want my soldiers to learn to turn to Christ not to me. This is His ministry not mine. My goal is to utilize every avenue and resource […]
[…]between us and those in command and on staff. Individual counseling sessions with warriors is another way the Lord allows people to grow closer to those they love, and to Jesus. In the future, prayerfully, I will be a Family Life Chaplain (licensed Marriage and Family Therapist), then I will be able to have more impact on individuals and families, as I am able to spend more time with them working on their challenges. I will continue to offer hope, as I “nurture the living, care for the wounded, and honor the dead, for God and Country” (the Army Chaplain […]
[…]participants. At times, specific words are desired, especially if they can be found in the text; if not, the leader should settle for the correct idea and only supply the specific word if you plan to build upon that word later. It will probably take two or three meetings to study this passage with the group. The study does not have specific break points, but you might try to keep the major sections together. In this Bible study, do not think that you have to stick with the script. The script is there to help those who need it as […]
[…]this young child who is willing to do what is right.” Make it easy for him to talk to you again, but do not continue. Do no say, “Oh, yes, you have sinned!” and then name some. With children, wait for God’s conviction. If the answer is yes, continue. He may even give a personal illustration of some sin he has done recently or one that has bothered him. Tell him what God says about sin: We’ve all sinned (“There is not one righteous, not even one,” Romans 3:10). And because of that sin, we can’t get to God (“For […]
