tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49148906010753190582024-02-18T19:50:05.506-06:00Chaplain's ChatChaplain Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00569363824418149939noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914890601075319058.post-15570481800826870412011-10-04T02:53:00.002-05:002011-10-04T02:55:40.439-05:00One Chapter Ends & A New Chapter BeginsAfter 8 years of service as a Chaplain in the United States Army; My family and I have made the prayerful decision to leave the Army and return to the work of the local Church. I have accepted the work as the new preaching minister at the Ham Lane Church of Christ in Lodi, California. You can follow my new blog at www.chaddonley.wordpress.com May God bless you - CDChaplain Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00569363824418149939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914890601075319058.post-72796270172585708752011-05-31T21:14:00.001-05:002011-05-31T21:15:15.107-05:00I Love Good Biblical PreachingI love good Biblical preaching. As a Battalion Chaplain in the United States Army; I am not assigned to a chapel, but rather I am assigned to a Battalion of Soldiers. Therefore, since I have been on Active Duty these past several years, I have not had the opportunity to preach in a consistent manor. The majority of my time is spent in counseling sessions with my soldiers and doing necessary staff work serving as the Commander’s Special Staff Officer. I do my very best to make time for a ministry of presence to my Soldiers by eating in the dining facility with them, frequenting the motor pools and other work stations and accompanying them in each and every field exercise in which I am allow and able to participate. However, as much as I enjoy and have been so blessed by Soldier ministry; I truly miss have a consistent opportunity to teach and preach God’s Word from the pulpit on Sunday mornings. I host several individual and group Bible studies throughout the week, but in my heart there is just something so fulfilling and special about the awesome privilege of preaching to a gathered group of believers on a Sunday morning. I miss it! <br /><br />I love good Biblical preaching. The most important hour in any Nation’s week is the hour when God’s Man approaches the pulpit to present God’s Word to God’s People. Preaching is teaching with a tear in the eye. Preaching is truth on fire. Preaching is the Word of God in the hand, the fire of God in the heart and the zeal of God in the soul. Preaching is the gift of God wrapped in an excited voice. Preaching is the moral conscience of a nation. Preaching is the soul of the church. Preaching is the throne room of society Preaching is the scepter and crown of the preacher. Preaching is the moral level of the succeeding generation. It was preaching that originally built our secular colleges. It was preaching that originally built our public school system. It was preaching that originally established our law system, and in the early days of our country, a degree in theology was a prerequisite to a law degree. It was preaching that started the Lord’s Church some two thousand years ago. I love the country preacher’s response to what takes place when he preaches on a Sunday morning; “I just set myself on fire and folks come to watch me as I burn.” <br /><br />I love good Biblical preaching. Biblical preaching which understands that we have all sinned and that our sin has separated us from our God, and that no one can justify himself before our God, and that without Jesus Christ we are lost. Biblical preaching that understands that in spite of our sin, God loves us and wants us freed from our sin, and that He therefore gave his only Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross to pay that debt that He did not owe and that we could not pay.<br /><br />I love good Biblical preaching. I am so thankful for each and every opportunity that God blesses me with the amazing privilege of preaching. I am so thankful for the godly men who stand behind the pulpit each and every Sunday to proclaim the Living Word of God. God bless good Biblical preaching.Chaplain Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00569363824418149939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914890601075319058.post-14087263388269511302011-03-01T19:31:00.002-06:002011-03-01T19:51:37.894-06:00What does it mean to be a Christian?The obvious answer to the question, “what does it mean to be a Christian?” is one who follows the teachings of and pledges allegiance to Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. When I was in college, at OVC, we had a Campus Minister who loved to sing the song:<br /><br />I am a C<br />I am a C-H<br />I am a C-H-R-I-S-T-I-A-N<br />And I have C-H-R-I-S-T<br />In my H-E-A-R-T<br />And I will L-I-V-E E-T-E-R-N-A-L-L-Y<br /><br />I can recall another professor and basketball coach who drove a Ford Torus station wagon and had a bumper sticker that read: “I’m not perfect; I’m just forgiven.” Here are a few more quotes I found on what it means to be a Christian:<br /><br />When I say that 'I am a Christian', I am not shouting that 'I am clean living. I'm whispering 'I was lost, but now I'm found and forgiven.'<br /><br />When I say 'I am a Christian' I don't speak of this with pride. I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.<br /><br />When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not trying to be strong. I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.<br /><br />When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not bragging of success. I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.<br /><br />When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not claiming to be perfect. My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I am worth it.<br /><br />When I say 'I am a Christian' I still feel the sting of pain. I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.<br /><br />When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not holier than thou, I'm just a simple sinner who received God's good grace, somehow!<br /><br />The Apostle Paul said it this way, “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:10,11). <br /><br />What about you? What does it mean to you to be a Christian? Let me know what you think.<br /><br />~CDChaplain Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00569363824418149939noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914890601075319058.post-45826929086004799302010-10-25T21:08:00.002-05:002010-10-25T21:12:55.814-05:00Book Review: Taking on the gods: The Task of the Pastoral Counselor<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlZJgDpeNuCIKwfwB-2O3D-L7-W1tDsQW5S3o16a4bhNb1ZPp8564s1kIjpSvq407hxaRV0VfZ1DTVpkUA2TGqQ9yNCPW-fU8h22XIQOzzSzjKN9htCSJZCi1WjocPZhsoYWctGbVDWDM/s1600/taking+on+the+gods.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532171936675357586" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 93px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 139px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlZJgDpeNuCIKwfwB-2O3D-L7-W1tDsQW5S3o16a4bhNb1ZPp8564s1kIjpSvq407hxaRV0VfZ1DTVpkUA2TGqQ9yNCPW-fU8h22XIQOzzSzjKN9htCSJZCi1WjocPZhsoYWctGbVDWDM/s320/taking+on+the+gods.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>As Chaplains, what all is involved in the endeavor of being a pastoral counselor to our Soldiers? Today’s pastoral counselors often integrate modern psychological thought and method with traditional religious training in an effort to address psychospiritual issues in addition to the traditional spectrum of counseling services. But, have you ever considered that our true task in pastoral counseling is taking on the gods? This is exactly what Author Merle Jordan is suggesting in his book: “Taking on the gods: The Task of the Pastoral Counselor.”<br /><br />Taking on the gods explores a clinical and theological approach to the treatment of individuals, couples, and families suffering from neurotic styles of life. Merle Jordan exposes the origins of neuroses in idolatry: the substitution of false psychological gods for the true God as the center of ultimate reality. In attempting to earn the approval of these false gods and to escape their harsh judgment, one enters into a second idolatry: becoming one's own Messiah, parts of the self are sacrificed to placate the false gods. The resulting personality distortions are the source of many emotional difficulties.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Jordan discusses not only the role of pastoral counselors in helping clients confront their idols, but also the counselors’ responsibility to recognize their own false gods. Topics covered include: Pastoral Counseling as the Encounter Between Gods, The Implicit Religious Drama in Marital and Family Counseling, The Operational Theology of the “Common Cold” - Depression, and Self-justification Versus Justification by Faith Through Grace.</div><br /><div><br />Jordan would say that taking on the gods is a significant responsibility of pastoral counseling. That we must confront those psychic structures, forces, and images which masquerade as God in the lives of our Soldiers, their families and in our own lives. Once these false gods have been exposed; our task then becomes bringing love, faith, and hope into the lives of our Soldiers and the family members which we serve and being an extension ministry of Jesus Christ walking in the hells of human existence. Jordan would say these are all ways of expressing the true evangelistic purposes of pastoral counseling. </div><br /><div><br />According to Jordan, helping people to “take on their gods,” to free themselves and to experience the loving God; is the heart of the pastoral counselor's task. Imagine, just as Elijah did some 3000 years ago, you can take on the gods of this age and show the power of the true and living God. I confess that the thought of taking on the gods in the lives of our Soldiers and in our own lives may seem like arrogance or a very humbling and awesome challenge. Nevertheless, taking on the gods is at the heart and soul of pastoral counseling. May our prays today echo that of Elijah’s prayer on Mount Carmel: “LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and I am Your servant, and that I have done all these things at Your word. Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that You are the LORD God, and that You have turned their hearts back to You again” (1 Kings 18:36-39). </div>Chaplain Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00569363824418149939noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914890601075319058.post-70606182606082816842010-04-21T20:48:00.001-05:002010-04-21T20:50:30.293-05:00The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming - by Henri Nouwen<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVhKCh6-8xfGjtoIL4KlXSLv9NMCyTwf4exj23g2Dl8mSLJf-zVjlOdSig8bzjRXqlBXnbntIv6DyMhmtu8iVMmXyjM4-czwsU3Ec6qyEBd0wRi9yeTxom0Eo0WlbT-DwSYLJ_SHJU88/s1600/BookProdigalSon.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462773231121184050" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 272px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVhKCh6-8xfGjtoIL4KlXSLv9NMCyTwf4exj23g2Dl8mSLJf-zVjlOdSig8bzjRXqlBXnbntIv6DyMhmtu8iVMmXyjM4-czwsU3Ec6qyEBd0wRi9yeTxom0Eo0WlbT-DwSYLJ_SHJU88/s320/BookProdigalSon.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>A story you may or may not have read before and a classic painting you may or may not have seen before are brought to a new light in Henri Nouwen’s book, The Return of the Prodigal Son: a Story of Homecoming. Nouwen develops a chance encounter with Rembrandt’s painting of the same title into a personal spiritual odyssey. Inspired by the painting, he skillfully dissects each section of the powerful gospel drama of the Prodigal (or “Lost”) Son in the light of his own personal life journey.</div><br /><div><br />From the back cover: "The themes of homecoming, affirmation and reconciliation will be newly discovered by all who have known loneliness, dejection, jealousy or anger." The New Oxford Review says, "The Return of the Prodigal Son is a beautiful book, as beautiful in the simple clarity of its wisdom as in the terrible beauty of the transformation to which it calls us."<br />Drawing on years of pastoral experience and insight, Nouwen passionately reflects on his own spiritual journey as he became "more and more aware of how long I have played the role of observer." For years he had tried to get students and parishioners to see the importance of actually living the spiritual life, "but had I, myself, really ever dared to step into the center, kneel down, and let myself be held by a forgiving God?" </div><br /><div><br />As the painting took on a personal resonance, he began to see in it the heart of the story that God wanted to tell him. The Prodigal Son became, for Nouwen, a mysterious window that exposed the kingdom of God in an intimate way. He was now able to see the fallen world through the eyes of God’s redeeming love. This introspection as he pondered Rembrandt’s portrayal eventually led him to living with and ministering to the mentally disabled.</div><br /><div><br />Nouwen says: Each little step toward the center seemed like an impossible demand, a demand requiring me to let go one more time from wanting to be in control, to give up one more time the desire to predict life, to die one more time to the fear of not knowing where it all will lead, and to surrender one more time to a love that knows no limits.... I would never be able to live the great commandment to love without allowing myself to be loved without conditions or prerequisites.<br />Herein lays the essence of the gospel: God is for us! It confronts us with the fact that … "truly accepting love, forgiveness and healing is often much harder than giving it. It is the place beyond earning, deserving and rewarding. It is the place of surrender and complete trust."</div><br /><div><br />The Return of the Prodigal Son expresses Nouwen’s personal "homecoming" journey that answered his lifelong question of identity. He discovered that he is the one Jesus loves unconditionally. His book carries the hopeful message that God’s healing love for us is always available, He searches for us and even runs to embrace us – all we have to do is receive it.</div>Chaplain Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00569363824418149939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914890601075319058.post-58603571734055760172010-04-13T10:04:00.002-05:002010-04-13T10:08:20.464-05:00Why I Became An Army Chaplain<p style="LINE-HEIGHT: 200%" class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 200%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', 'serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">I was asked this week why I chose to become an Army Chaplain and after some thought, here's what I cam up with...</span></p><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: 200%" class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 200%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', 'serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"></span><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 200%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', 'serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"> I was adopted by the late Russell and Bonnie Donley of Pleasant City, Ohio.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Both my father and his brother-in-law, my uncle, served in the Army during the Korean War.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I grew up hearing stories and accounts of their time in service as a Soldier in the United States Army.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>As a young child, I would play “Army” with neighborhood friends and I believed in my heart that someday I too would be a Soldier as my father and uncle were before me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>However, during my High School years, I was lead to Christ by a peer and during my senior year in school I felt the burden and the call from God to serve Him as a minister and evangelist of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: 200%" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 200%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', 'serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1"> </span>Upon graduation I attended a Christian College where I trained to be an evangelist and minister in the Churches of Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I grew greatly in the grace and knowledge of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ during my years in college.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I then spent the next ten years doing the work of the evangelist and preaching in the Churches of Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Although it was obvious that God’s Hand was upon me and my ministry; I felt there was a void in my ministry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: 200%" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 200%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', 'serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1"> </span>After 9/11 transpired, I felt the patriotic call to serve my country and my childhood desire and dream of serving in the Army was revived in my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>When I learned of the Army Chaplain Corps, I knew right away that this was the missing element in my ministry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I could now have the astonishing ability and opportunity to fulfill my calling to the Lord while in turn fulfilling my desire to serve my country as a Soldier in the United States Army.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: 200%" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 200%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', 'serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1"> </span>There are some who feel called to serve their God and there are others who feel called to serve their Country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Then there are the few who feel the call to serve both God and Country…we call them “Chaplains!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I became an Army Chaplain because I genuinely feel the call of God in my life to serve Him and He has placed within my heart the desire to serve the men and women of the United States Army.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My God has blessed me with the talents, abilities, gifts, training, education and experience to devotedly serve as a Chaplain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I became an Army Chaplain to bring God to Soldiers and to bring Soldiers to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I became an Army Chaplain because I cannot see myself doing anything else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I know beyond a doubt that God has blessed my ministry as an Army Chaplain and that He will continue to bless and to equip, train and qualify me to be His Man in the United States Army Chaplain Corps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; LINE-HEIGHT: normal" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" align="center"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', 'serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">PRO DEO ET PATRIA<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; LINE-HEIGHT: normal" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" align="center"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman', 'serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">“For God and Country.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>Chaplain Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00569363824418149939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914890601075319058.post-67167387775745284462009-11-04T02:11:00.010-06:002009-11-04T02:34:41.321-06:00Captains of the Church - A Suggestion to re-title Pastors<div><div><div><div>Being a "Captain" myself, I had to share this with you all:<br /><br /><div><div><div>Mike Foster thinks we should <a href="http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=98489702254">stop calling ourselves “Pastor.”</a> In a tweet last summer he wrote: “If I don’t make employees/clients call me ‘Creative Principal Mike’ then why do some expect ‘Pastor’ in front of their name?” </div><div> </div><div>He’s not the only one dropping the “Pastor” prefix. Erwin McManus is known as the “Cultural Architect of Mosaic.” I’ve also met a few executive pastors who are the”Chief of Staff.”<br />Maybe they’re all on to something. After all, “pastor” doesn’t carry the cache it once did. According to one survey the profession of “pastor” is near the bottom of the list of most-respected professions…just above “car salesman.” To make matters worse, pastors don’t seem to think very highly of their profession either. The following stats come from The Fuller Institute, George Barna, and Pastoral Care Inc.: </div><div> </div><div>* 90% of the pastors report working between 55 to 75 hours per week.</div><div> </div><div>* 80% believe pastoral ministry has negatively affected their families. Many pastor’s children do not attend church now because of what the church has done to their parents.</div><div><br />* 33% state that being in the ministry is an outright hazard to their family.</div><div> </div><div>* 75% report significant stress-related crisis at least once in their ministry.</div><div> </div><div>* 90% feel they are inadequately trained to cope with the ministry demands.</div><div> </div><div>* 50% feel unable to meet the demands of the job.</div><div> </div><div>* 70% say they have a lower self-image now than when they first started.</div><div> </div><div>* 70% do not have someone they consider a close friend.</div><div> </div><div>* 40% report serious conflict with a parishioner at least once a month.</div><div> </div><div>* 33% confess having involved in inappropriate sexual behavior with someone in the church .</div><div> </div><div>* 50% have considered leaving the ministry in the last months.</div><div><br />* 50% of the ministers starting out will not last 5 years.</div><div> </div><div>* 1 out of every 10 ministers will actually retire as a minister in some form.</div><div> </div><div>* 94% of clergy families feel the pressures of the pastor’s ministry.</div><div><br />* 66% of church members expect a minister and family to live at a higher moral standard than themselves. </div><div><br />So, what should we do about this dilemma? Based on a recent commentary I saw by <a href="http://kenseidave.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/john-hodgman-iphone-upside-down.jpg">John Hodgman</a>, I’d like to propose a change. Rather than calling our church leaders “pastors,” let’s start calling them “captains.” Think about it…captains are all very respected and liked characters in our culture: </div><div><br /> </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDfzBflRRczpUSQcJKuUhMWqpF_UTImfa-Pnyh9FSPMjcWnq_ZftTEdL7vknhiAnxMoYTmTBvicyHHhExRp_e66azwGaIRT3uvLNZzCdhalrEPCqu8k_wEkfsMdLZIFgvrGtr1KWg2qjM/s1600-h/captain%2520america.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400159456886917810" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 122px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 80px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDfzBflRRczpUSQcJKuUhMWqpF_UTImfa-Pnyh9FSPMjcWnq_ZftTEdL7vknhiAnxMoYTmTBvicyHHhExRp_e66azwGaIRT3uvLNZzCdhalrEPCqu8k_wEkfsMdLZIFgvrGtr1KWg2qjM/s320/captain%2520america.jpg" border="0" /></a>Captain America<br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400159825192291826" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 115px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 87px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_SlFbpmogxymmj612fdcYknjiwf_4OrRE3mZhWt72V8BMGO0yQmZcoR2lyuW3T0EHQ59PchQwftp6AaxlxrA1hrllwy7DEztPXkf17hk75pNG5LbvcohX_HL3Noky6eIjwc9xM2x93to/s320/captain%2520sully.jpg" border="0" />Captain “Sully” Sullenberger<br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcz1C9V_-cg0tsJ74n4QLLumdWf0fAY7duuPlcF8VfwIrVac94iDrFV5kr8OSATzYw7xx1stw8Nf-F7W0vKXI9J07Ng8D1c2frSLO8vn2uF_OpzMRhuUWqpQzT6jQsMHd3jt37xcDT4p4/s1600-h/krksmll.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400160765729733554" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 114px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 91px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcz1C9V_-cg0tsJ74n4QLLumdWf0fAY7duuPlcF8VfwIrVac94iDrFV5kr8OSATzYw7xx1stw8Nf-F7W0vKXI9J07Ng8D1c2frSLO8vn2uF_OpzMRhuUWqpQzT6jQsMHd3jt37xcDT4p4/s320/krksmll.jpg" border="0" /></a>Captain James T. Kirk<br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8UGmOPw4HuyzkAnNqKru-ei50Gmv_uFa4_ENHAya-0WKq5wGhs0G8TS-B5xs9HUuLlW_mjE14Z4kfJG73IBJtp99iNNRdv6OmmESUcH4YZCttgSMkYfI9AO-iKoQwwrCjmVA7SpzZMJI/s1600-h/63-captain-kangaroo-mustache.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400161234186995778" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 120px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 68px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8UGmOPw4HuyzkAnNqKru-ei50Gmv_uFa4_ENHAya-0WKq5wGhs0G8TS-B5xs9HUuLlW_mjE14Z4kfJG73IBJtp99iNNRdv6OmmESUcH4YZCttgSMkYfI9AO-iKoQwwrCjmVA7SpzZMJI/s320/63-captain-kangaroo-mustache.jpg" border="0" /></a>Captain Kangaroo<br /></div><div><br /> </div><div><br /><br /> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5VyWmQl8Vp7SaBx2jc_vlklzfnVjbpYnIKxgHTM4w3hEHo7dPoidhJk78TH5D52eNPhkyucECuKw5O6yQA5jrwMAoXWhix7X-PSayAtIaIPBUF-RDhoggKlSlE_-2xJNmZZ7dRK-3eKE/s1600-h/captain-caveman1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400162409369034098" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 100px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 105px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5VyWmQl8Vp7SaBx2jc_vlklzfnVjbpYnIKxgHTM4w3hEHo7dPoidhJk78TH5D52eNPhkyucECuKw5O6yQA5jrwMAoXWhix7X-PSayAtIaIPBUF-RDhoggKlSlE_-2xJNmZZ7dRK-3eKE/s320/captain-caveman1.jpg" border="0" /></a>Captain Caveman<br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4anrkIrt7Rsg2AL2HZLhEnFLPHUaoSJb8SNKQWsyb60U3QoQwbNiirXoivVI8tMo7duJOH7DyilE1_zV5SQdC721fv-Pvp7GvvtYeEU0RJSOK6s9g_1X9ERHvvDNQDmIE4hr1MPY3MEY/s1600-h/captain-stubing.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400162226022163714" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 94px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 98px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4anrkIrt7Rsg2AL2HZLhEnFLPHUaoSJb8SNKQWsyb60U3QoQwbNiirXoivVI8tMo7duJOH7DyilE1_zV5SQdC721fv-Pvp7GvvtYeEU0RJSOK6s9g_1X9ERHvvDNQDmIE4hr1MPY3MEY/s320/captain-stubing.jpg" border="0" /></a>Captain Stubing<br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd98RF6z5kkCbWK3-XLcrzbWEjoZEEnCxYso_XMUvlE70U2AYVPV0bOfeEPAiQ3BKcIjlQtclXbzR4XSqQrG3ejrok3-TY1SWLtxPEAtcEJHPEtasl1Xi7DTUM1OI60MhTupXZLEjBamQ/s1600-h/captain-jack-sparrow.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400162755156611538" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 97px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 73px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd98RF6z5kkCbWK3-XLcrzbWEjoZEEnCxYso_XMUvlE70U2AYVPV0bOfeEPAiQ3BKcIjlQtclXbzR4XSqQrG3ejrok3-TY1SWLtxPEAtcEJHPEtasl1Xi7DTUM1OI60MhTupXZLEjBamQ/s320/captain-jack-sparrow.jpg" border="0" /></a>Captain Jack Sparrow</div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirXBUnad-HVSxxjawvDHWtpzpg1BxBTzuZiH3scdBegsCfMztqqqHww5Gz2lzJq6l_TM0GiZC9V2v5G1RpDR0Yo88zJl_jRQLuy8uGozcTPmjnB4_o4BNR_QbO1gpsiLJWXMGL0iCkjdA/s1600-h/226937.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400163020105806738" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 97px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 113px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirXBUnad-HVSxxjawvDHWtpzpg1BxBTzuZiH3scdBegsCfMztqqqHww5Gz2lzJq6l_TM0GiZC9V2v5G1RpDR0Yo88zJl_jRQLuy8uGozcTPmjnB4_o4BNR_QbO1gpsiLJWXMGL0iCkjdA/s320/226937.jpg" border="0" /></a>Captain Crunch</div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /> </div><div>In addition, they are very strong leaders often depended upon in life and death situations. They must set vision, direction, and hold the course in a storm. From time to time they must face the threat of mutiny. And to top it off, captians are qualified to marry people.<br />So, forget about “cultural architect,” “spiritual leader,” or even “cheif ecclesiastical officer.” The next time you see your pastor, greet him or her as “O Captain my captain!”</div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Chaplain Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00569363824418149939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914890601075319058.post-36613219046013239382009-10-21T02:40:00.003-05:002009-10-21T02:46:33.413-05:00Beginning To Miss OhioOkay, I am truly loving Korea and the ministry of bring God to Soldiers and Soldiers to God has really been a great blessing here. However, it is turning fall, the leaves are changing, the weather is getting colder and I am beginning to miss Ohio.<br /><br />So, to help me lament; I thought I would share these with you…<br /><br />THE RULES OF RURAL OHIO ARE AS FOLLOWS <br /><br />Listen up City Slickers !<br /><br />1. Pull your droopy pants up. You look like an idiot.<br />2. Turn your cap right, your head isn't crooked.<br />3. Let's get this straight ; it's called a "dirt road." I drive a pickup truck because I want to. No matter how slow you drive, you're going to get dust on your Lexus. Drive it or get out of the way. 4. They are cattle. They're live steaks. That's why they smell funny to you. But they smell like money to us. Get over it. Don't like it? I-70 goes east and west, I-71 goes north and south. Pick one.<br />5. So you have a $60,000 car. We're impressed. We have $150,000 corn pickers and hay balers that are driven only 3 weeks a year.<br />6. So every person in rural Ohio waves. It's called being friendly. Try to understand the concept. 7. If that cell phone rings while an 8-point buck and 3 does are coming in, we WILL shoot it out of your hand. You better hope you don't have it up to your ear at the time.<br />8. Yeah, we eat taters & gravy, beans & cornbread. You really want sushi & caviar? It's available at Jim's bait shop.<br />9. The "Opener" refers to the first day of deer season. It's a religious holiday held the closest Saturday to the first of November.<br />10. We open doors for women. That is applied to all women , regardless of age.<br />11. No, there's no "vegetarian special" on the menu. Order steak. Or you can order the Chef's Salad and pick off the 2 pounds of ham & turkey.<br />12. When we fill out a table, there are three main dishes: meats, vegetables, and breads. We use three spices: salt, pepper, and ketchup. Oh, yeah.... We don't care what you folks in Cincinnati call that stuff you eat... IT AIN'T REAL CHILI!!<br />13. You bring "coke" into my house, it better be brown, wet and served over ice.<br />14. You bring "Mary Jane" into my house, she better be cute, know how to shoot, drive a truck, and have long hair.<br />15. College and High School Football is as important here as the Cavs and the Knicks, and more fun to watch.<br />16. Yeah, we have golf courses.. But don't hit the water hazards -- it spooks the fish.<br />17. Colleges? We have them all over. We have State Universities , Community Colleges, and Vo-techs. They come outta there with an education plus a love for God and country, and they still wave at everybody when they come for the holidays.<br />18. We have a whole ton of folks in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines. So don't mess with us. If you do, you will get whipped by the best.<br />19. Turn down that blasted car stereo! That thumpity-thump crap ain't music, anyway. We don't want to hear it anymore than we want to see your boxers. Refer back to #1.<br />20. 4 inches isn't a blizzard - it's a flurry. Drive like you got some sense in it, and DON'T take all our bread, milk, and bleach from the grocery stores. This ain't Alaska , worst case you may have to live a whole day without croissants. The pickups with snow blades will have you out the next day.<br /><br />A true BUCKEYE will send this Another!!!Chaplain Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00569363824418149939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914890601075319058.post-46303790815670710172009-09-11T09:39:00.001-05:002009-09-11T10:02:28.187-05:00The Land of the Morning CalmWell, here I am in Korea. Seems so surreal that I am serving as a Chaplain with the US Army on the same peninsula where my father and uncle both shed blood while in the Army some 50 years ago. The Land of the Morning Calm was not so calm back then. However, today it is much different than it was back then. In fact the Korea that most of you see on CNN and Fox New and what I see when I step outside each morning for my PT run is diametrically different. The cities are very crowded and very busy, but less than a 20 minute drive and you are in a mountains setting that almost makes me feel as though I’m back in Appalachian Country. Fall is upon us here and the leaves are beginning to chance already and everything is so beautiful. <br /><br />The chapel services on Camp Walker and Camp Carroll are very good services and there are three different church of Christ chapel services on the Army and Air Force bases on this small peninsula. I have become involved in a chapel service called The R.O.C.K (Rely on Christ in Korea). It is a Contemporary Service and has a lot of young families and children in attendance here on Camp Walker. There are several over ROCK services meeting through out the other camps/bases. Please keep all these services in your prayers and keep my ministry of bring Soldiers to God and bring God to Soldiers here in Korea.Chaplain Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00569363824418149939noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914890601075319058.post-43834476499102823292009-04-30T22:45:00.002-05:002009-05-04T10:30:29.268-05:00Baptism<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvrAnm0BHNlpKtg7jWUkpj6-YTBFz27i2G3KWELnBuZBaccFzzv0jdYAIDm8TpruelmWOaC_fsvTKVZdtdEioM5Uk0-vjXtvt-tGuxR5BKaboTCmRrUWdTvwjRUZ3gSN7mMQ_U_DJUwg/s1600-h/100_5469.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330696998784869970" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvrAnm0BHNlpKtg7jWUkpj6-YTBFz27i2G3KWELnBuZBaccFzzv0jdYAIDm8TpruelmWOaC_fsvTKVZdtdEioM5Uk0-vjXtvt-tGuxR5BKaboTCmRrUWdTvwjRUZ3gSN7mMQ_U_DJUwg/s320/100_5469.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Meet PFC Mark Robichaux, our brand new brother in Christ. Mark, a soldier in my battalion here at Fort Hood, is originally from the Bayou of Louisiana and when he first come to visit in my office explained to me that he was a “Wiccan” (Wiccan- Religion believing in witchcraft and recognized by Department of the Army).<br /><br />After helping Mark with the issue he came speak to me about, I simply offered to pray with him (as I do with most Soldiers who come to see me) and he accepted. Following our prayer, I offered for him to come back anytime my door was open. The next time he came by (a few weeks later) he asked for a Bible…so, I gave him one and this time offered to study it with him and answer any questions that he may have about it. To make a long story short, we began to meet and study from God’s Word multiple times over the past few months and after a study on baptism, Mark expressed his desire to confess Christ and be baptized. And that is exactly what we did last night.<br /><br />What a blessing this ministry has been to me. I am so apperceive of my God, my family, my friends, the churches and so many more that have supported me in my endeavor of becoming an Army Chaplain. God is so good. I want to thank you all for your prayers and please pray for our new babe in Christ, PFC Mark Robichaux. -cd</div>Chaplain Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00569363824418149939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914890601075319058.post-61186516578586729102009-04-23T08:25:00.003-05:002009-04-23T08:49:10.345-05:00Finally HomeI had my first "full day" back at work yesterday. It took me most of the morning just getting caught up on emails and returning phone calls. My assistant and I are preparing for a marriage seminar taking place next week at the Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine, TX. That will be 30 April - 2 May and then 3 - 7 May we will be at an annual UMT (Unit Ministry Team) training Fort Worth, TX. That means I pack my bags on Wednesday next week and I won't be back until the follow Thursday. I realized that I have become accustomed to living out of a bag and that troubles me. However, I also realize that I am doing the Lord's work here and that comforts me.<br /><br />It was so nice to spend a week back "home" and I have always considered Ohio "home" (and to some degree I always will) but I discovered that "home" means being with my Sammi (my wife Christine) the Gabe-Man (my son Gabriel) and Gilli-Gracie (my daughter Gillian). This is good news to me. I know that with the path of ministry God has placed before me in the Army, I will be traveling and moving often and living in different homes, states and even countries. But home will mean I am with those whom I love the most and who love me the most. What a blessing! Lord willing my family will be with me next month here at Fort Hood, TX and this fall it is looking very possible that I will be taking them with me to Korea. What an adventure God has placed before us and what an amazing ministry! I love our Soldiers and I love the ministry opportunities that God has placed before me. <br /><br />Mercy Me has a newer song that is popular on Christian Radio now, "Finally Home." What a beautiful song, but it is a tear jerker. Then someone on YouTube placed a video of Military Home Coming ceremonies with the song and that made me cry even more. There is nothing more honest, nothing more sincere and nothing more heart-moving than the hugs and kisses of a reunited family after a long deployment.<br /><br />The Scriptures teach clearly that someday we who are in Christ will have a homecoming with our Heavenly Father on the other side of eternity. What a day that will be! When we will finally be with our Heavenly Father; when we will finally be with our loved ones; when we will finally unpack our bags for the last time; when we finally make it home. cdChaplain Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00569363824418149939noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914890601075319058.post-20547210945258262472009-04-10T11:45:00.000-05:002009-04-10T11:47:31.945-05:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVYm_NCdd_CIewYbvNQHdCIk16NzcM6Uy4NVS2LzQcQRA2GcpzHFdtYfrh-UEIOrHYueFCcx6kgThwUxRsch-xGwy6bY7NJTGlCXwEIIeetyw1KgV5dOXG9xV_azT9856nPgafBotw62c/s1600-h/Eph6.10.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323105182863985426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 291px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVYm_NCdd_CIewYbvNQHdCIk16NzcM6Uy4NVS2LzQcQRA2GcpzHFdtYfrh-UEIOrHYueFCcx6kgThwUxRsch-xGwy6bY7NJTGlCXwEIIeetyw1KgV5dOXG9xV_azT9856nPgafBotw62c/s320/Eph6.10.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I really like this and just wanted to share it with you all. -CH D</div>Chaplain Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00569363824418149939noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4914890601075319058.post-55022789926781015422009-04-10T10:57:00.000-05:002009-04-10T11:36:18.482-05:001st Blog PostOkay, here we go...against my better judgment, I have begun a blog. I realize that to most I am way behind "the times" but here I am nonetheless. "Why?" You may ask (and I don't even know who "you" are because I can't imagine who will read this or why). I recently had two of my soldiers on two different occasions ask, "Hey Chaplain, do you have a blog?" Thus, one reason I have begun this <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">endeavor</span>. Another reason is that since I prayerfully made to decision to go Active Duty in the Army <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Chaplaincy</span>, I have been <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">separated</span> from friends and family and this seems like a great way to keep them <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">abreast</span> of what I'm into and also just a good discipline for me. I am not sure what direction this will end up going and I am even less sure of how often I'll post on here. I guess we'll <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">figure</span> that out together.<br /><br />Today is "Good Friday," the Friday before Easter Sunday. I have a service I am helping out with in one of the Chapels on Post. Tomorrow I plan to drive San Antonino and visit an Easter Service at Oak Hills Church to hear Max preach. Then Sunday I have three services at the Chapels on post. I pray that in the bussiness, I don't lose a chance to focus and reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus. I pray also that you all may have a very blessed Easter with friends and family. I hope you go to church, it will do you good. <br /><br />Lord willing, I will take a one week leave to go back to Ohio for the first time since Christmas. If you would please take a minute to pray for my safe travel and I will thank you in advance for doing so. Please come back here <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">often</span> and read my blogs, give me feed back and advice as I make this new journey into cyberspace. God bless you all - CH DChaplain Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00569363824418149939noreply@blogger.com0