Humanism

I had to write this paper for Psychology a.k.a. Apologetics...thought I would share it here.




Humanism presents arguably the most dangerous worldview prevalent today; away from any form of faith other than self. Such a belief brings in its wake a reliance on intellect, science, and most of all a corporate and sort of cosmic human nature as a new universal way of living in peace. Those who would pledge allegiance to “old beliefs” are met with a call to abandon doctrines that are said to have “lost their significance and which are powerless to solve the problems of humans living in the Twentieth Century.” Mans’ “increased understanding, his scientific achievements, and deeper appreciation of brotherhood” are called as evidences of the need to redefine religion into a more functional system. Humanists, in all their realized wisdom make reference to that which they know not, for they don’t know the creator of the brotherhood of which they speak. Walk with me as I present Christ as the answer to that which all Humanists, in their own intellect, seek answers. Appropriately, we will use the Humanist Manifesto I to illustrate the err of a great many doctrine they hold as Humanists.
We begin thick in the intellectual jargon of self-existence. The Humanist holds that the universe is self-existent and not created. Plato and Aristotle both knew it foolish to even imply that the universe was self-existent. This quickly gets out of control when you start contemplating the implications of self-existence, considering that even if the universe has always existed, it still owes its existence to something – some uncaused cause. It is entirely illogical to say, or think for that matter that the universe is because of itself, and for itself. That is to say “I exist because I am, because I can.” This reasoning sounds contemplative and “deep” but proves to be confusing and circular and leaves no explanation or purpose for existence. No reason for existence yields no purpose and leaves chance as both. To exist merely per chance leaves no point to the other issues discussed in the Humanist Manifesto I, because there is no reason to value life, let alone others if we are all chance occurrences. Without purpose we find ourselves back at the beginning, which is ironic because purpose is what Humanists are trying to realize.
Did you see what happened there? We have stumbled across the truth. The truth of the Humanist situation is one of a lonely existence, self-caused, with no value except that ascribed by chance. For the sake of continuing this talk let’s give the Humanist worldview the benefit of the doubt and assume that morality enters into the picture at all. Bound by a belief in continuous natural processes which resulted in Human life, a completely organic view of all life to include people, and assertion that God is merely a side effect of individuals reacting with their native culture, Humanists put themselves in a tight spot; a spot that holds no moral certainties, where acceptable conduct and behavior are determined by their situation. That is to say morality is based on and determined by human nature. The problem is that this is simply not true. In cultures throughout the world we see evidence of a universal standard: don’t murder, don’t steal, don’t commit adultery, help those less fortunate, etc. What seems to be different is the application. By saying that all life is organic, the result of situation, it is an attempt to explain existence. What it does is destroys purpose, which destroys value, which makes us merely organisms as children of mere chance. If chance be our parent then all have the same value: none. The only inherent value would be to that individual, but that is only internal. Where does morality come in? Morality could be defined as right human conduct. In a situational morality nothing is right, nothing is wrong; all is acceptable if the situation permits.
“Is it wrong to kill?”
“I don’t know, I haven’t been put in that situation before.”
Wrong!
“Should I steal this food?”
“I have stolen food before but I was hungry and out of work.”
“I’m not out of work, but I am hungry.”
“Don’t look at me. I don’t know your situation.”
Strike two.
“Should I break into this house? I am cold and it is warm in there.”
Strike three. What do we have for our contestant? A 5 year stay in one of our lovely state penitentiaries; give our contestant a round of applause. Yeah, not so much. I admit that these are extreme examples but they represent the logical end of the Humanist system of morality.
There in their ideals of morality and social affluence comes the religion of the individual humanist: self. “In the place of the old attitudes involved in worship and prayer the humanist finds his religious emotions expressed in a heightened sense of personal life and in a cooperative effort to promote social well-being.” By stating such things as this, one is allowed and encouraged to engage in only those activities which directly concern oneself. The humanist sees himself as tolerant and accepting, yet fails to consider that which brings even a moment’s discomfort. If you believe in the humanist doctrines why would you subject yourself to others’ needs at the expense of your own? The answer is simply that you wouldn’t unless you had a vested interest in the needs of said person. Sound familiar? This is the mantra of our society as a whole. Principles taught to us since we were barely school aged. The Golden rule is no longer “Do unto others,” instead we say “take care of number one.” Instead of “turn the other cheek” we say “strike first.” The humanist truth is that there is nothing beyond self, yet somehow they profess a commitment to “a shared life in a shared world.” In light of this contradiction we can see why humanists have revised their manifesto twice already since 1933. You see, they knew that human nature is not a nature of kindness and tolerance. In fact, if given the free reign to act according to self and for self, as the Humanist Manifesto I asserts, people have been historically observed to degenerate towards violent and destructive acts. People naturally gravitate toward self-centeredness. We need no incentive toward this, rather one in the opposite direction, toward community and fellowship. Perhaps an example based on selfless love, undeserved forgiveness, and undeniable purpose and value?
I say to the lonely, uncaused, valueless, morally conflicted humanist, there is one who has given you value, companionship, purpose, and who has once and for all defined right and wrong. What would the humanist say to the invitation of one who offers purpose outside of self, outside of others, outside of chance? Set aside the commitment to scientific myths of evolution and natural selection for only a moment to consider with no presuppositions what your own manifesto says you are open to, “humanism does not deny the possibility of realities as yet undiscovered.” Consider a reality wherein one of ultimate importance and worth dies to save your life. What purpose would your life hold then? Knowing that even the lowliest of person would give up their life, dying in your place, would you pay attention? Consider a reality where God exists. Even knowing that He took time to create you, as evidenced by your existence in that reality, what value would that give to your life? Now consider what purpose your life would inherently hold if that same God sent His son, but more than that, Himself, to die in your place just so that He could have a relationship with you. Talk to you. Care for you in all matters. What if He valued your relationship enough to want to keep you close for all eternity? What then? You see it takes value to have value. Money does not have value by its mere existence. It’s assigned value through many different means but certainly not based on itself. Likewise, a tool is created for a purpose by a smith or toolmaker. The creator gives it a purpose for existing and a reason for being – to turn a bolt, or tighten a screw, or drive a nail. There is indeed a creator who assigns to all of us the utmost value in that He gave of Himself, out of His own value, to give us life. We have value because the only powerful and perfect God saw it wise and acceptable that we exist. So He created us, placing in us a reason for existing. Not chance put purpose.
By God’s purpose we can look at that reality and see that all would be valuable because all would be creations of God. Therein is the source of the brotherhood humanists speak of. If God values me enough to have created me, then the same value is placed in you merely by your existence. This relationship of inherited value is the active ingredient in our fellowship. I can value you equal to myself because of our existence, and I am only now opening my mind to your point of view as equal to mine. Only through God’s value placed in each of us can we begin to truly act selflessly, with less premeditation towards self. Only then can we consider others as ourselves. In considering this world of divine value, and mutual consideration based on that value we still are without purpose; without direction. The very same One who dies for you in this reality is the One who provides a meaning for life, a direction, an ultimate and divine purpose. By knowing that He died for you He gives you the purpose of telling others what He did. He tells you that because He is indeed God, His death was not just for you but for all those who would believe what you tell them when you speak of His death. He not only says to tell them but to love them as much as He did when He was willing to, and did, lay His life down in place of theirs.
I am telling the humanist of a reality that is the truth of human existence. I am telling the humanist of the truth of the world and of all time. The one who died in place of you, me, truly all, is Jesus Christ. He gives to all the value given Him by God, as God. He is God, and as God Jesus nailed Himself to a piece of wood and died because He valued us so much that it was worth His death.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” John 3:16.
We were so valuable to Him that He was willing to die to have a relationship with us. It is in this seeming contradiction that we have the very definition of brotherhood: love. It took unspeakable love for Christ to do that. Because he loved us, even to death, we are compelled to love each other if we accept that He did in-fact die. A wonderful gift comes if we are willing to accept that truth.
“That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9
Saved from what? Saved from eternity apart from the one who gives value and purpose.
So the Humanist is left with a decision between solitude and brotherhood, between pointlessness and divine purpose, between selfishness and love. The humanist must truly choose between life and death.




Just my thoughts on the relativistic crap people are spouting today. Hope you enjoyed.

It is official...Obama is our next President. I don't pretend to know all about this man but there are a few truths that concern me as we enter into this new era of United States history.

If you have read anything of this man's past it is a past steeped in education. Though he was raised Muslim he separated himself from the faith of his childhood soon after high school and on into college. While in college he studied quite a few other religions, never really settling on one, but claims common values and concerns with evangelical Christians. This concerns me for two reasons.

1. I would much rather see a man who believes in something rather than everything...we call that Humanism. To believe (whether displayed vocally or by action) that all paths are correct and good as long as it works for that person, is a highly dangerous place to be. The implications of such a doctrine are far reaching indeed.

"You can't do that!"
"Who says? It feels good to me!"
"It's just wrong!"
"Stop pushing your rules on me!"

If everyone finds what works for them then there is no real truth. If there is no truth or constant aside from that which is discovered by each individual than we have just taken one step closer to Socialism. One step closer to the end. "WOW, that's a bit harsh don't you think?" NO I DON'T THINK SO! The bible says we will have a world government under one rule and law. How do you make that happen without willingness to let everyone have their own truth. Socialism is the only worldly way one can wrangle all nations under one umbrella government while letting all maintain their identity and "system." The other way is of course through the person and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

and the other problem I have...

2.This man supports abortion. Needless to say this is a controversial issue but an important one none the less. Anyone who believes the bible is truth can see that this is an outward evidence of our country's downward spiral. We are seeing the beginning of a pattern displayed time again in the bible. Murder, the distortion of truth, and the like inevitably manifest themselves into blatant homosexuality and the governmental support of such, bestiality, etc. leading to the ultimate destruction of said society. Read in the Old Testament and see this spiral displayed in Sodom and Gomorrah and other such cities. God has standards and will hold every transgression accountable to that standard.

That is just my point of view so please take it for what it is...the opinion of a bible thumpin' Christian preaching Hell fire and Brimstone...etc. I am not one saying that "THE END IS NEAR" rather one just observing the path our country is on. The path of so many other cultures who no longer exist. Will this change the fact that Christ saves all who call to Him...no. But even Christ condemned cities to which the Good News was given, who did not repent, saying "it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for you Capernaum." I hope things change, and yet I don't. This all must be realized if we are to move towards Christ and Heaven.

October Stuff

We are almost finished with October...whew! This month has been particularly difficult for me. God has tested, convicted, and renewed me all in the span of a month. Although when He does that, He usually sees me and my family to the other side while adding blessing to us...so no hard feelings. Just exhaustion!

This month I had my birthday (27...man I'm gettin' old). To emphasise my age, I found out that one of my soldiers didn't even know about the show In Living Color. One day I turned to him and said "Homey don't play dat" to which he just gazed at me blankly not knowing what I was talking about. I was immediately struck with the reality of my age. I am amungst a generation who knows nothing of, Perfect Strangers, Mork and Mindy, CHiPs, Knight Rider (original series), the A team, Mash, Who's the Boss, Three's Company, Family Ties, when MTV actually played music...etc. I could go on forever. So I will say again...MAN I AM GETTING OLD!

Yesterday we had an "Organizational Day" which roughly translates to mandatory fun. What they hadn't planned on was people actually having fun. About an hour into the days festivities it began to rain. Yes, you read that right...rain...in Baghdad...and how. It was pooring! Did that stop anything what-so-ever? NO!! We went ahead and completed the events in the rain. Inbetween events we even were playing mud football, and soccer. Yesterday was the most fun I have had so far on this deployment. There have been more meanningful times, but none quite so fun. Most of us were covered form head to toe in mud, even as we proceeded to other events. Have any of you ever played dodgeball on a water filled court? I would highly rcommend it. The referees lined the balls up on the center line and the teams each had to sprint from their corresponding side of the court to try and get as many of the balls as possible. So everyone would charge the centerline, water flying everywhere, people sliding across the slick, wet pavement. What a great time. Later we realized that while we played the entire post was turning into a mud bog. Yuck!

I will be coming home on R&R leave soon, though not soon enough. When I am home we plan on not doing much of anything except be a family for the short itme I am home, and perhaps have some dinner with some dear friends. I will only be home for 18 days or so and then it's back to Iraq. Oh, and by the way...Sandy and I will be trying to get her pregnant again while I am on leave...please be praying for us.

Divorce

Sandy and I are currently discussing a subject that is quite a personal one to me. MARRIAGE! We have come across those who seem to gloss over God's standard by "interpreting" into it what they want it to mean, using phrases like "what I think it says" or "what this says to me." Read on and I will show you where I am going with this...

I was listening to KLOVE today...yes I have KLOVE in Iraq...and within a half an hour three callers revealed to the host that they were in the middle of a divorce, some as fresh as a couple of days. One woman was mother of six children...SIX!!!!! In her case the father had just up and left. She continued to share her story as my heart broke more and more with each passing word. The climax to her story was that the two children she has left at home (yes this father even went as far as to break up the children) got out of the car on the highway to hold each other while they both cried. Yet another woman experienced her husband suddenly leaving her three years prior. He abandoned three children. It was not mentioned where these men were spiritually (I assume not even trying or aware), and I do realize that it is not usually one person that is to blame.

This is what we get when we combine God's word with the relativistic garbage that is being puked aloud (much louder than the Gospel) in our country. GOD HAS ONLY ONE STANDARD, FOR ALL PEOPLES, IN ALL COUNTRIES, AT ALL TIMES! WE are the ones who change with the wind and the blown sands of the desert (Yes me too). If his revealed word means something different for me than it does for others than He is at best perverse and at worst not God. He IS God though and his word IS the same, always. His word is true, in it’s true meaning, in the message it was intended to deliver. It produces only one truth that is universally applicable IN ONLY THE INTENDED WAY, NO MATTER THE SITUATION OR CIRCUMSTANCE. To interpret the word “submit” as anything other than what it was intended to mean (in most cases “obey”) is a forgivable mistake; to then teach others or convict others that it means “share” is, at that point, an abomination.

GOD’S TRUTH IS NOT RELATIVE!

· Hebrews 13:8-9a Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever. Be not carried about with diverse and strange doctrines. KJV

And…so you don’t think I am “one of those Christians” who only use the KJV, claiming that it is the only true scripture…

· Hebrews 13:8-9a Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. NIV
· Hebrews 13:8-9a Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Do not be carried away by varied and strange teachings. NASB
· Hebrews13:8-9a Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings. ESV
· Hebrews13:8-9a There should be a consistency that runs through us all. For Jesus doesn't change—yesterday, today, tomorrow, he's always totally himself. Don't be lured away from him by the latest speculations about him. The Message

GOD’S TRUTH IS NOT RELATIVE!

How can I make a reference to a verse that talks about Jesus when I am talking about the Bible?
· John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. KJV
· John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. NIV
· John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. NASB

I think you get the idea about the different translations…for simplicity I will use NIV from here on out.

Let’s look at this as it was intended for its original audience. John’s audience was predominately Jewish and thus his intent in writing his gospel was to communicate that Jesus was the Christ (Messiah) and that they could have eternal life through His work on the cross. Now we have the original intent. In fact John gets right to work letting us know who Jesus is. So who is He? He is God, the Christ, the Word made flesh. Here we see an equation: God=Jesus=Word. Working backwards…“the Word was God,” is self explanatory. The only part that is not self explanatory is that the Hebrew for “Word” is “logos” which suggests Christ as well as something written or spoken. There is nothing further, or “deeper.” That is the truth of that phrase…emphatically-“the Christ was God.” Next, “the Word was with God.” Again using the Hebrew “logos,” so “the Christ was with God.” Lastly, “In the beginning was the Word”…”In the beginning was the Christ.” So we now come to the entire revealed truth of this verse…Christ existed, known as “logos” as/with God in the beginning. That is it! Nothing else exists in that verse unless WE create it. As if you need it to be anymore inspiring and hard-hitting than that?

In this analysis we have a startling simplicity, and a direct correlation with our verse earlier…

· Hebrews 13:8-9a Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings.

Jesus Christ…a.k.a. “the Word”…is the same yesterday and today and forever. Here the word “same” in Hebrew “autos” means self. So it could read like this: the Word is self, or the Word is the Word, or the Word is the same yesterday and today…etc. Either way you want to translate the Hebrew to English you’re only left with one truth: the Word doesn’t change; the Word is the same as it always has been, is, or will be. THERE IS ONLY ONE TRUTH!

In all His love and provision God has made His Word for us and has worked hard to keep it clear enough for EVERYONE to understand. One of the many mistakes of the Pharisees was that they shackled the people with cumbersome burdens “for the sake of the Law.” Let us not burden each other with the task of seeking our truth in scripture, but God’s. God has already provided a truth for us, and that in Jesus Christ. One question to ask yourself when you have trouble accepting God’s truth: Why don’t I agree with God? When He says obey but you “interpret” share, ask Him to give you wisdom (James 1:5) and courage to meet your worldly ways head on and bring them into submission (obedience) with His word. Amen.

So how does this apply to marriage and the ladies mentioned above? When standards are relaxed, or in this case ignored, we are left with something less than holy. Something less than what God intended; something evil. That happened over and over again in the Old Testament and it is happening today. There is no longer a commitment, connection, or relationship in marriage anymore, as we have let the “state” define it for too long. It now more resembles a business agreement that only exists as long as it is mutually beneficial and not so uncomfortable for both parties. Instead of God’s one flesh standard with the husband as the head and the wife as the “helpmeet” we now have a dual flesh standard where there is no discernable head…and as we know, without a head it is hard to tell which way is forward.

Stuff from August

Well August has come and gone. Nothing has changed so much that I felt I should write except when looking back through the month. In fact things stay so much the same here that I, and some others have taken to wishing each other a happy ground hog's day. I eat the same things most days. I go to the same places each day though at different times, depending on my schedule for that day. I see the same people.

I have gotten to know the Ugandan guards all around this post. They are super nice and most of them are Christians...like 84% of thier population...what a testament to God's work abroad. They have names like John, Ronald, Enoch, Addah, Bernard, etc. Those names don't seem so uncommon to us, but in thier country where Swahili is the local tounge it is as obvious as someone named Carlose. In that counrty those names identify them as Christians just as Carlose would identify someone of hispanic decent in our country. Some of them are here to help support families, while others are here to work up a dowry for the woman they have in mind back home. Out here they earn what would be the equivalent of $2 Million a year. Though they are so far away from home they still bring thier culture with them. At night sometimes they will build a bon fire and dance around it singing with drums. They are so high on life it is infectious. I can't get enough of them as you can probably tell by my rambling. Just wonderful people and true evidence of God's love for all peoples of the world.

I have started school with Liberty University in hopes of earning a Multi Disciplinary Degree. So far I have transfered around 90 credits to this program. I am in Bible 104 and Theology 104 right now. In fact, as I write this I am procrastinating finishing my assignment for this week...don't worry, I will get it done...always do. This will hopefully lead to a commision as a Chaplain. I have been corresponding with Chaplian Jones to get more information into this program. More to come on that one as I progress into my education.

Last night I took the Dixie Band out to Camp Cropper to play for the MP Brigade. Just getting on that post is a chore in itself as they are very watchful who comes on and even moreso who goes off, if you get my drift. We got all set up and started playing, leading off with the MP Song. Sounds appropriate, No?? We finished and everyone applauded as usual but we noticed it was a "oh wasn't that a nice march," sort of applause. We rounded out our set with more traditional dixieland music and then ate dinner with them. The group leader went and talked with the 1SG and Commander to ask if they recognised the first tune we played...after a short pause they answered, "oh yeah, it was some sort of march right?" Later on we had a good laugh at thier expense. The MP's didn't know the MP Song...not even thier General knew it. It is supposed to be thier fight song...like Climb To Glory is my Division's fight song. I know every word! Too funny. The night was not without it's own appreciation...as we left my group leader came up to me and said that he appreciated my hard work and handed me a coin from the CSM and the CC of the MP Brigade we played for. Though it has no actual value it was very much appreciated and will always be something special to me. I tried to upload pics but the internet is routinely stupid out here...sorry.

Well all, that is what has happened in August. Please stay tuned as I will continue to post, no matter how long inbetween.

I venture to write you a poem of kind
But sitting here blank nothing comes to mind
Do I tell you you're pretty, no that just won't do
Or that you complete me, maybe I love you
I could tell you I'm proud as a king in his court
Knowing his knights are defending his fort
Perhaps shedding a tear might show you my glee
But really, how much fun would that be
Some how I must display my love and esteem
Knowing you I could do that with some chocolate ice cream
A triple chocolate moose cheese cake might do
Who am I kiding, I'd like that too
I would make you a cake with a zillion and one candles
But making fun of your age might loose me everything, and my sandles
Truly I can say you age quite well
For a woman your age you don't even smell
Much
With age comes wisdom, some have said
At your age maybe it's best to just stay in bed
Now that I have lost even my sandles
For your birthday I'll get you a walker with handles
Enough is enough, sorry I teased you
In my jesting I hope that I pleased you
I hope that your smile will rule your day
And that you'll have joy in your spirit
Though I'm away
Happy birthday Sandy
My blessed helper

Black Eye

I have started going to MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) night at the gym here on post. It has really been a great release not to mention great cardio and strength training. We've been learning to punch, kick and block correctly on "stand-up" days. On "grappling" days we roll around on the mats and wrestle each other trying to choke, or submit the other guy. Choking is self-explanatory; when you "submit" someone you are basically moving a body part like an arm or leg in a manner it wasn't designed to move, thereby putting pressure on the joint or bone itself.

That being said, I was wrestling this guy and we were having a good match...very equally matched. He was trying to control my arms so that I couldn't get him into a postion to submit him. As we were fighting for the dominant position I guess he caught me with an elbow or something. I wound up wining by putting him in a bent arm bar (a submition). We stood up and he said "I am sorry man, I think I got you in the eye". I didn't think so because I never felt him hit me with anything...I got up and looked in the mirror and sure enough he did. Here are the pictures from that night and the following day. Good stuff.

I took a night off last night because my body was just hurting so bad. I feel better today so I will be there tonight.

Truth

So I came to a startling realization after reading through the first three chapters of "Everyman's Battle" and the associated work book.

I do not value holiness.

I dont personally place value in being irreproachable in my conduct and thoughts.

It is not that I think it is a waist of time. It is not that I think God's standard is optional. I just have not ventured into the battle to claim my desires and intensions in God's name. I still "like" my sin. I want to obey God because my mind knows it's good; I want to continue in sin because my heart wants to. I obey (sometimes) because it is right; I sin (more than obey) because I want to. This is why when I am faced with the choice to stand and fight or give in, I chose to give in. This is why, even though I know His word-His standard, I willingly sin.

I am the worst of men. I despise the same sin in other men but cling to my wikedness still. I hope that the knowlege of this plank in my eye, which truly is newly discovered, is the beginning of something closer to Christ. Something holy. Something righteous. The end of my dual mindedness.

I am sorry if these words affend or hurt any of you. I don't mean anything but to tell the truth of who I am...no matter how ugly it may be. Now you know the truth.

LORD, have mercy on me and cleans me today of this plight, that I may walk in your ways, for they are perfect, just, holy, and righteous. Help me to see myself for who I really am and yet know that you have washed me clean. Make my soul to yearn after you as the deer does the water. Let my spirit rejoice to know your holiness; let it overtake me and change me LORD. I am undone. Lord, here am I.

Balad Air Base Armed Forces Hospital

Today we were able to leave Camp Victory for the first time and get out to play for some folks on Balad Air Base. We rode a Black Hawk in the morning and a Chinook to get home early the next morning. I say early the next morning but it was really the same night. We set off around 0600 in the morning and didn't get back until 0330 the next day. No sleep...21 hour day folks. What an experience.

By far the best part was playing for the wounded Soldiers and local Iraqis. It was a bitter sweet time though. As we played our set of music the nurses witnessed patients smiling that had never before during thier stay at the Hospital; however we found out later that in the very next room, listening to us play, a US Soldier had died about midway through our performance. I wasn't and am still not sure how to take that. Am I happy he died listening to us? Not really. Do I hope he enjoyed it and that it brought a smile to his fading face? Absolutely. I pray that he knew Christ and that his sole now rests in the Lord's peace. The people at the hospital were very kind to us. They fed us twice and as a thank you, gave us hospital scrubs with thier squadron number and motto on them. This was very nice, and rather unique I must say, in an organization that is notorious for giving "challenge coins" as tokens of appreciation for a job well done.

Yet another memorable moment came when it was time to go back to our post. After waiting in the terminal from 1930 to 0145 for a flight that was supposed to leave at 2150 we finally got confirmation that we were ready to go. We walked out to the Chinooks and got our safety brief. We loaded up and the choppers taxied to the launch pad. In the darkness, backed by the blinking lights of the runway, we took flight. We in the lead chopper had the view of a lifetime as the loadmaster lowered the back door opening the cargohold to the view behind us. Since we were the lead chopper our view consisted of this: the loadmaster sitting on the lowered edge of the rear door hanging his feet over the edge with night vision goggles clamped to his helmet and engaged to watch for any potential threats. From my vantage point, directly over his left sholder you could see the blacked out silhouette of the trailing Chinook against a randomly lit Baghdad backdrop as we maneuvered our way back to our camp.

As I stared out that back door I felt a distinct connection to every Soldier serving before me. It was a calming feeling to know that so many had flow in the same chopper in much worse curcumstances. I felt as though they were riding with us. Though we had ear plugs in and the roar of the engine and the sound of the rotars slicing the air above us consumed every noise, there was a deafening silence. I found myself alone with my thoughts as I gazed out at the broken city below. The faces I panned across sitting next to and across from me all seemed to say the same thing...I AM AN AMERICAN SOLDIER.

Doin's

Wow...so long without a post! You all must have thought I had fallen off the earth or something. Well I haven't. It's just been quiet here. Only a few things to report in almost a month.
My 1SG (read first sergeant) put a good foot forward for me and got me to a SSG (read staff sergeant) promotion board. So I went before a panel of 5 1SG's and the SGM (read sergeant major) while they grilled me and two other sergeants on all things Army. What a worrisome event. So much pressure and tension. It is actually supposed to be that way though. They want to see how young sergeants will react under intense pressure, direct scrutiny, and stress. I was able to achieve a passing score of 147 out of 150. I am happy that it is over though...it was my last one, ever and I feel like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders. The night before I could hardly sleep as my mind coursed with the NCO Creed, Troop Leading Procedures, and so on, from a list of at least 15 subjects, all of which have such a breadth material to study it is difficult to even study it all let alone really know the material. I am so glad that is over.
We (the Dixie Land Band) have had a few gigs here and there at the chow halls mostly but they have been wicked fun. Hopefully playing in the chow halls will give us the exposure to have people invite us to where they work to play for them in a more personal setting. It is fun to play for people who really appreciate it. A lot of people could care less that it is Dixie Land music, which they would most likely never listen to at home. They care that where ever they go they have a chance to hear good live music. Yes there are some that, even though the Dixie Band is playing, will call out "play Freebird", but for the most part people are quite appreciative. We are working on a Dixie arrangement of Freebird by the way...gotta please the audience!
Sandy can confirm that I have had a general feeling of being called to ministry, as she has had a feeling of needing to support me in ministry. Lately, Chaplain Jones and I have developed a pretty good relationship. I have voiced my heart for ministry, specifically Men’s ministries, to him. His face lit up. He told me that the Army has a Chaplain Candidacy program that will help me finish a masters degree and then place me immediately as a 1LT Chaplain. I was hesitant to consider this because I have just barely finished a transition to the Army Band. My heart cries out to play my saxophone everyday. I love it so thoroughly and would be content to stay in my current situation for the rest of my career...promotions or no. The Chaplain quite gently put it into perspective for me though; "when God calls, there is only one answer" he said. I think God was placing those specific word at the exact right time because what popped into my head was from Isaiah 6:8 which says "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" If you know anything of my life since surrendering to Christ you know that these words resound so true in my family. We are a family shaped by God's calling. Every time I, as my family's leader, have responded in my heart with "Here am I Lord. Send me!" He has lead us nowhere but into glory. And now, who knows but Him.
I think it is shaping up to be an exciting, tiring, stressful, wonderful year for both me and my family.
Wendy - You are welcome. I consider it my pleasure, and my duty, to be there for him the same as others have been there for me. What else can I do but love you both.
All - thank you for the comments left here. I may not respond to them all but know that I read them all and they consistently bring a smile to my face whether you mean them to or not. Thank you for the continued prayer and the Godly love and provision you are showing my family in my absence.

This week's providence

It's the start of a new week. May God's blessings and love reign in my life and that of my family.

We started out this week with Father's day, about which my God-given helper had some very undeserved things to say about me. I love you my darling and long for all of you each day. I fill the days with meager substitutes trying to dull the days hoping 15 months might blur together into one day where I find myself on the other side of a field opposite you counting the mere seconds before I hold you again.

Much by God's provision, and if all goes well (there is your fail-safe honey) we will see the end of this week in our new home. One that is ours! Where we can paint walls, change floors, reorganize, and the like without permision or fear of reprisal or penalty. It's been a long time coming but the light at the end of the tunnel is brighter than ever now. Sandy and her mother have packed more than half the house already. What a bunch of packing Ninjas.



The end of this week will see you, Sandy, living in God's blessed home, prepared specifically for us. All of us. Each of us. Perserver in faith and know that our God will give you strength and see you through this to the end.



Phillipians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me



Psalms 23:6

Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

All in one time

Today I have CQ duty. For those of you who may be reading this thinking "what the heck is CQ" allow me to enlighten you. CQ stands for "Charge of Quarters", which basically means I sleep in the band hall and guard the building and the equipment and answer any phone calls...amungst other duties. Needless to say there are some boring times while pulling a 24hr CQ shift. I was sitting here listening to KLOVE online and couldn't help but think that Sandy was probably listening to the very same song at that same moment. What an encouraging feeling. To know that I am sharing at least someting with my family, though we are so far apart, is a wonder. The title in this post is represented in the thought that though I am 7 hours ahead and roughly 8000 miles away, there are things that connect us at any given moment. God's blessings certainly do transcend time, distance, and location.

looky looky what I found http://kozabaptist.blogspot.com/

How amazing is that?

Spoon Tree

I was walking around post when I first got here and was thinking to myself, ya know this isnt so bad...even the plants are somewhat the same. There are date trees here and there a few scrub bushes and some dried up weeds. In many ways very similar to living in Nevada only you don't get dust storms like here. Just as I was feeling less intimidated by this place I found something I had never seen in my life and probably wont see ever again...A SPOON TREE! MAN THIS PLACE WEIRD!

Random thoughts

So we have made it through an entire month. Sandy still isn't in the house yet, but she digests. I am settling in here and getting into a routine, which can be good and bad. It can be good for my sanity but bad for my safety. It's funny how the little things are what you notice out here when there is nothing and no one you care about around to draw your attention. Little things like being able to finally unpack and settle into a room...even though it may be a glorified semi-truck trailer. We only get about 2 or 3 hours to ourselves each day (a lot better than most units) but even so there is just too much time. I find that when I am busiest is when it is easiest. The time passes quicker and it is the end of another day before I know it. I doubt I could keep up that level of business for the entire deployment without a melt down or something similar...not a good thing when you have live ammo and a rifle on your person 24/7.



Most people are handling deployment fine and just finding their nitch while others are feeling some pressure. We are around each other all the time and personalities that clashed in garisson have been thrust into prime living space with eachother. Sometimes even the same room. From what I hear those situations will eventually blow up and then things will be calm again. I will say that deploying is a great lesson in finding true joy in the little things that really matter...I guess that would make them the big things, but you get what I am talking about. Finding God in the little things turns them into big things and they become your motivation and purpose. When you find purpose in where ever God takes you and what ever He has you do then getting up daily is easy and even pleasurable.



Though I may not be certain of that purpose myself I feel I am closer than ever since leaving NY. I spoke with the Chaplain a couple days ago and we're gathering steam for the men's accountability group. We will read through Every Man's Battle along with the work book. God has really provided for this group as I found in talking to Chaplain Jones. He has a great mind for organization while I feel God has burdened me with the vision for the group. It almost seems like the old Voltron cartoon where all these robot cats came together to form a huge robot to take on an even larger adversary. They would all come together and say "OUR POWERS COMBINE TO FORM...VOLTRON" and then you would see this huge powerful mega robot. That is how I feel about God's combination of Chaplain Jones and I. I feel like we should kick off the group with a loud "OUR POWERS COMBINE TO GROW...CHRISTIAN MEN" or something like that. Kinda dumb but still. Maybe I'm just still a nerd.

Goofin' Off

So this week was really busy and went by really fast...I can only pray the weeks will all pass this fast. In the midst of all the bustle we did manage to have some fun. Fun in the Army... in Iraq? Quite often it is all we can do to keep from thinking about home. Que the Harlem Globe Trotters music...

And yes Wendy that is your man being hung on like a tree...because he IS one!!!

Al Faw Palace

I went to a class on Sunday in the palace on post here. When I entered into the foyer of the palace my jaw hit the floor. Everything was marble or some sort of rare form of granite. The pillars were dark Grey marble accented with light sort of bone colored marble and capped with inlays of red granite. From the ceiling hung a chandelier that had to be about 15 feet across attached to a downward conical array of sky lights cased in wood and crowned in 3D mosaic tiling. The bathrooms were as impressive; the fixtures were real porcelain with abalone accent, a hand painted flower trim pinstriped in real gold. The spiral stairs were solid marble, but the quality was amazing and the veiny inconsistencies were perfect for the overall effect. Everything was amazingly detailed and though in places you could see the evidence of war, in all the palace was just breathtaking. These are just a few pictures that really don't do it justice but short of actually being here, the grandeur of this place just can not be conveyed in mere pictures.

By the way, all my pictures are date stamped on purpose so that you all know when I took them.

Happy Birthday to Wesley and Stephanie

I can't believe you two are getting so big.  I remember holding the both of you in my arms in the hospital.  Your life was a blank slate back then.  I thank God for allowing me to watch Him begin to fill that slate.  May God keep you and bless you my children.

Futility Itself

As I walked to the band hall today I noticed a man operating weed waker.  Nothing seemed odd about this at first, and then it dawned on me,  why on earth would you weed whack an area this already barren.  I guess you could weed whack the dead weeds or the dirt that is on the sidewalk.  EIther way it was very humorous.

God's People

Ya know, God is so good...I thought I would catch you all up on some happenings that are not merely an accident and that took until today for me to put into context.

I went in to start my internet service out here and the as I was filling out the papers the Philippino lady behind the counter starts singing, "Lord I lift your name on high...Lord I love so sing your praises...I'm so glad you're in my life...etc."  Today I was eating lunch and ran into a man by the name of Rob who used to support a civilian contractor running guns from place to place out here.  His truck broke down in the middle of Baghdad and he was stranded in a bad neighborhood for an american to be.  Long story short some folks from the Army got him out of there and saved his life and he was wondering if we could look them up because he never got to say thank you.  Then I saw him pray over his meal and he continued talking to us about his experience using phrases like "by the grace of God" and things like that.  He was obviously a spiritual man.  It just always amazes me who God places in my life and the timing.

Also I though I would gross you guys out by posting a picture of my small pox area on my sholder...now this is absolutely normal so don't be alarmed...muahahaha

Weird man

I was just having a though as I sit here on CQ.  CQ is a 24 hr shift which means I sleep here at night to ensure the security of high dollar items in the band hall.  That being said, there is a huge possibility, in fact almost a certainty, that Saddam Hussein once roamed the room where I now sleep seeing as how this was his pool.  Weird huh?  Kinda creepy.

Death by Picture

I forgot to put a few pictures in yesterday...I couldn't figure out how to upload them in order so here are few of all the bags while still on Ft. Drum, one of me in the cockpit on the flight to Kuwait, one of my cot/living area in the tent in Kuwait, one from inside the C17 on the way to Iraq (everyone has their Kevlar on), a bunker on post here in Iraq, one of Saddam's palaces on post, and last but not least the band hall. Here is one of me all kitted up for you honey. Everyone enjoy...more to come.

Over the River and Through the Woods

Well it took a little bit of doing but I am in Baghdad...via Kuwait. I would have to say that though Iraq is more dangerous than Kuwait it is in many ways better. Although I awoke to a sand storm this morning it is better here because there are things to look at, interesting buildings, and it is an odd feeling being thrust into the middle of a location of such turmoil and recent history our children will be learning about in school years from now.

Here are some pictures of Kuwait so you can see just how barren it really is there. Keep in mind it is a little better where I am now and I actually have a room. There are actually plants and it is nice to be able to work again! Working is a worthy distraction from the many days we have ahead of us. I will have more pictures tomorrow or so...I am really tired so I think I'll go to bed...goodnight.

Don't wanna sleep

I have all my bags packed and ready...nothing left but a few home-buying oriented things tomorrow...(checking time)...I mean today =(. I don't want to go to sleep. I am tired and my eyes are droopy but if I go to sleep it will be morning sooner.
What do you do when your heart is afraid of what you know you must do?

My Last Sunday @ NCF for 15 months...or so

Today was my last Sunday at NCF until I get back from Iraq. We had a great time praising our God together as a family. The kids were largely unimpressed (or perhaps unaware) that this would be my last Sunday with them, they really just wanted to be with their friends.
The message was about parenting...really about realizing that no matter what we try to do God will have His will through our children, as well as through us.
At the end of the sermon the pastor called up Sandy and I to pray over us as we face this deployment...no problem, infact it's a very biblical principal? I appreciated the sentiment of his proposal as he had the entire congregation "celebrate" my service after the prayer. No problem there either...if it was someone worthy of the celebration. Facing only my first deployment, and as a Bandsman at that, I felt extremely inadequate and undeserving as I stood before a congregation of soldiers who have served multiple times in both Afghanistan AND Iraq as they stood applauding me. This is to say nothing about the pastor as I realize that he loves us and just wanted to let us know that we have support and that we are appreciated.
I am not sure what I am really trying to say, just that I am pretty sure I have some insecurities to work through.

Here's the kick off!

Here we are, mere days from deployment. I'm sure you can imagine what emotions are raging...excitement, sadness, anticipation, dread...but I digest (<---for you honey). God is still in Heaven and continues to bless me and my family. The past two months have been rather trying; after almost getting to go to a SSGT promotion board (which is now taking place in Iraq almost immediately after we get settled) then going to Armorer class, WLC, and block leave with as little as a day between each while still staying current on my deployment processing...needless to say, I'm fried.
And as if all that wasn't enough, God has blessed us with a home. You heard me right. In the middle of the deployment rigamaro (pronounced syllabically ri-ga-ma-ro) we are completing purchase paperwork for a 5bd, 2bth, 3400 sq ft home in Carthage, NY. We love this town and the house. I just think that God's timing is hysterical but ultimately perfect, so really who are we to complain. No one, that's who...we'll just take our new home and like it thank you very much GOD!! No...really...thank you God for our new home, it is truly yours. "But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:15b
These last few days before deployment are a great break until it's "back on your heads" time. God has really brought us through some times and blessed us tremendously. I know He wil continue to uplift my family by glorigying Himself in every way.
Lord, thank you for giving us so much to tell when we speak of your goodness to others. Let us lean not on our own unerstanding but teach us to trust in You as You lead us toward heaven. Let us remember that Christ is our refuge and righteousness, our strong tower. You are the only wise God, all praise and honor belongs to You through Jesus Christ. Amen.