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Dear Friends & Family, I can't believe I am 2/3 of the way through January 2008. What is happening to the time?? It's flying by! The past 4 days here have been absolutely beautiful. Earlier last week, it snowed for several days, completely blanketing the mountains. Of course, in the photo below, the mountains almost look naked compared to their present snow blanketed state.
Of course, with the crystal clear days come excruciatingly cold days. Nevertheless, I never miss an opportunity to jump on my bike and take a spin around the airfield. Praise God there are not patches of ice - very bad for biking. The views of the surrounding mountains are absolutely STUNNING on a sunny day!
My Boss laughs all the time when we're walking together. I'm always commenting on how grateful I am that the sidewalk is dry and not covered in 6+ inches of slush. Or, I'm so grateful for the sun and the pristine sky, or the lack of wind, or the incredible views we're blessed with on a daily basis. He's dubbed me as a "Glass is half full" kind of guy. He states that he's thankful for my positive mental attitude. I can't help it . . . things could ALWAYS be worse - MUCH WORSE!
This week was tough as we said farewell to several of our team members. Of course, their time is up, and it's time for them to head back to the States!
Pictured above from left to right are myself, Terry Simmons, and Don Kammer. Terry left to return to Ft. Carson, CO and Don Kammer is taking Terry's place as the Gospel Congregation Sr. Pastor. Don and I served in Germany together, and than we served in the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division in Ft. Lewis, WA. Don's first wife died in Germany, and he was remarried in Ft. Lewis, WA in 2003. I was priviledged to serve as the best man in his wedding. His new bride is holding down the fort while he's serving in Afghanistan.
Before Terry Simmons left, he gave me one of the coins that he had minted for the deployment. What a great Brother in Christ and humble servant of the Lord!
Front and Back views of Terry's Coin
Next, Chaplain Scott Squires departed for Ft. Lewis, WA. Scott and his family lived right across the street from us in our Ft. Lewis neighborhood. Our daughters played together all the time, and Scott and I would frequently visit one another, talk computers, and the wives would share Chai Tea periodically.
I'm really melancholy about the departure of some of the U.S. Army Chaplaincy's finest selfless servants. Yet, I am absolutely stunned and delighted that the Lord keeps filling our ranks with guys who hit the ball out of the ball park! The 101st Chaplains who joined the team are nothing short of STELLAR!
So, here I lie on my bed, composing this log and I wonder . . . "what did I ever do to enjoy such and incredible life changing opportunity?" And of course, the answer is NOTHING! Then, I have to ask how was I surrounded by such amazing and talented individuals, and who am I to be in a position of supervisory oversight (lay leaders and first term Chaplains)? Again the answer is - God's merit, grace, and favor are completely unmerited and lavished upon us in spite of our flaws and frailties.
I want everyone to know how absolutely humbled and awe struck I am by this gift that the Lord provided. Of course I hate being away from my bride and children . . . yet I am torn by the heartache of family separation and investing in the lives of the service members who serve their nation and their GOD with an insatiable hunger - longing to know Him intimately!
66:2 For all these things hath My hand made, and `so' all these things came to be, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and that trembleth at my word.
God's Richest Blessings upon you and your household . . . and of course as always -- we covet your prayers!
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