[…]without a rest. Almost all machine guns are very heavy. It’s a lot of fun to shoot a machine gun but it’s not much fun to carry one! 5. Have you ever driven a tank? Yes, I have driven a tank. It was a long time ago, though, and I do not drive them here in Iraq. I had lots of fun when I was driving a tank. It’s way better than making plans like I’m doing now! 6. Is it hot or cold there?It’s both hot and cold here. Iraq is just one big desert. You probably think a […]
[…]can’t allow striving to become the center of our lives. I am finally satisfied with where I am, not worrying about the next step in my career. God knows where you are and when — or if — you will move on to the next step. He is in control. Steve Mansdoerfer retired as a major in the Air Force Reserve in 2006. Currently, he is Finance Specialist, EDMC Greenhouse Team. He has been married to his wife, Luanne, for twenty years, and they have raised two sons, Dave and […]
[…]once you will be pressured to make a quick decision. Be aware that most decisions you make are not life-or-death. In other words, whenever possible, take a little bit of time before making important decisions. The Bible is full of leaders such as Nebuchadnezzar and Herod who later regretted making hasty, bad decisions. At the same time, don’t labor over minor decisions. Be assertive. But do not allow yourself to be pressured. Ask questions until you are satisfied and confident of your choice. Sharing Your Faith. This is a sensitive area. Once you have earned the respect of your leaders, […]
[…]when you’ve blown it. Proverbs 27:17 tells us, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” If you’re serious about being at your best, this is a must. Don’t hesitate to seek counsel. Even though you are the commander, you don’t have all the answers and should not be shy about seeking sound advice. “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure” (Prov. 11:14). Incidentally, in case you are a little shy in this area, most people consider it a compliment when you ask their advice. Seek balance in being “salt and light” in […]
[…]I am an Augustinian; I tend to binge on pleasure and then retreat to an almost monastic existence, but it is difficult for me to maintain either state for too long. I have been pegged by some as fickle and by others as just plain unbelievable and insincere. Consistency is a problem for me, as is staying focused. I love the Lord with all of my heart, and want to give my life to Him in whatever way He might ask of me. I am not sure why I am telling you this but I thought that I should. I […]
[…]we need to produce qualified elders. He is right, but “elders” is a church term that means different things in different denominations, so a more applicable term for us is leader. Military people understand leadership. Cadets at West Point know from day one that the mission of the Military Academy is “To educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character…” (italics added). The other U.S. service academies have similar missions. Lieutenants and ensigns from every commissioning source are primed to hit the ground running as leaders of soldiers, sailors, airmen, […]
