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August Journal Archived
Tuesday, 1 Aug 06: Today was much like yesterday. I just milled around pretty much all day. I purchased a few things at the exchange to make life a little easier. I also broke down and ate at McDonalds. It was really good, considering it has been quite a while since I have had it. I got a few emails and answered a few, too. I watched a little bit of a few movies, not really interested in them, but they were just there to be watched. I am currently repacking some of my bags to maximize space and will turning in soon to read a little bit and then get some rest. Tomorrow should be much like today and yesterday. I have added a few pictures from my last day at Ft Jackson and then a few showing my home in Kuwait for the next few days. Until next time...Todd out. Wednesday, 2 Aug 06: Nothing new happened today. Much like Monday and Tuesday. I will not be able to post for a few days as we will be going out for convoy training in the desert. I will not have access to much of anything, so look next week for an update of the next few days. Please keep praying and until next time...Todd out. Thursday, 3 Aug 06: Normal wake up today, but we were all anticipating Advanced Convoy Training. We loaded up buses in full battle rattle and headed deeper in the desert for what was shaping up to be some really good training. Once at the new site, it was much hotter and the sand was blowing like mad. We settled into our tents and had some initial classroom training about what was to happen the next few days. We had our first dose of MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) and let me just say they have come a long way. I had boneless pork ribs and it actually tasted like what it was supposed to. It came with powder orange drink and a great big chocolate chip cookie. Not bad for the first night in our new temporary home. We spread out on the floor in the tent. About 40 people, most of whom I did not know, but we were packed in there like sardines. It is not a pretty sight, but a place to sleep nonetheless. Until next time...Todd out. Friday, 4 Aug 06: Up early this morning (0330) to go to the range and do some CQM (Close Quarter Marksmanship) drills with live ammo. We discussed proper stances and positions to assume if we should ever need to engage the enemy at close range. In fact, we were so close, I got a few burns on my neck from the brass casing that are expelled from the rifle after firing. I think, needless to say, it hurt like the dickens. I had to keep going, though, and really enjoyed the whole thing. That took most of the morning. After lunch, we received more specific training on the convoys and what to expect while we are out either on patrol or bringing supplies to outlying bases. Our instructor was very professional and I actually learned quite a bit. After that it was off to the trail for rehearsal. Unfortunately, by this time, the wind had picked up to about 40 mph and we were completely drenched with sweat from head to toe. If you want to know what it felt like, do this. Get in the shower with all your clothes on and get completely wet. Then get your hair dryer and a sand bag. Turn on the hair dryer to high, face it towards your face and sprinkle the sand in front of it. Once the sand is gone, continue to blow the hair dryer on you. When you have had enough, invite about 40 people to sleep in your bedroom, and don't forget to go to the bait shop and get a few crickets to let loose in your bedroom. Oh yeah, I forgot, none of the people you invite can shower for a few days. Get the picture? It was not the most enjoyable day of my life. Until next time...Todd out. Saturday, 5 Aug 06: Up early again (0330) for a 0430 start time for the real convoy exercise. It wasn't that hot yet and the wind had not started blowing, so it was a blessing that we got to go first. I won't go through everything that happened, but just say that we went through some real world scenarios (small arms attack, reaction to an unexploded IED (improvised explosive device), just to name a few. We had 10 trucks in the convoy (I rode on a Humvee). The radios were turned on, just like real life and they even had Iraqi actors in the going through town scenario. It was neat to see how the convoy works through all these things and makes it to their final destination. There were some hiccups along the way, but what can you expect in an area as volatile as Iraq. It was a learning experience and we all learned alot. In the debrief, though, the wind picked up and we had the giant hair dryer blowing again. But the debrief was short and it was back on the buses heading back to camp and sleeping in a real bed (well, as close to real as you can get). But prior to that, we learned that we would be leaving Kuwait for our final destination Sunday sometime. So with that weighing on my mind, I will close and get back to you as soon as I can. Until next time...Todd out. Sunday, 6 Aug 06: Well, today was the day we left for the real combat zone. After spending several hours in an airport hangar, we finally boarded buses to take us to the plane. This thing was huge. It's a wonder it ever got off the ground, but the Air Force has been using it for many years. Within 2 hours after taking off, we landed at our final destination and were whisked off to our new temporary home. Another tent, imagine that. At least I am back with the 10 guys that I initially started with. We got a short brief from our new chain of command and will be getting more details tomorrow about the "festivities" for the week. I should learn where I will be working. So, for now, that's about it from the War Zone. I do have wi-fi capability, so I should be able to get the daily reports out on time for the foreseeable future. Until next time...Todd out. Monday, 7 Aug 06: Today started like many days before. Not up too early, but I was up in time for our 0900 meeting with one of the commanders from JCCS-1 (Joint Combat Composite Squadron 1), my new command about some of the things that were happening this week. Nothing major, so I thought. After milling around smartly for a few hours, I cleaned my weapons (M16 rifle and 9m pistol). The commander came back to the tent around 1400 to collect the rifles to put in the armory here. But he had other news for me, too. I am expected to be at Camp Speicher in northern Iraq by Thursday sometime. There is a person there that I am supposed to relieve. They were actually looking for me today, but were told Thursday would be the soonest. I spent most of the afternoon trying to find out information about Camp Speicher and stumbled across the following website http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/iraq/al-sahra.htm with some information. I did find that it was named for the downed pilot during the first Gulf War. If you get time, check it out. I almost forgot to mention that earlier in the day, I got somewhat of a tour of Camp Victory. We drove by Sadam's palace and the palace he started building to commemorate his defeat of the Americans. Needless to say, construction of that palace has ceased and the scaffolding is still in place. I am sure there is a reason our guys left it alone. I also drove by the facility that Sadam is staying in during the trial. It is a little palace in the middle of a lake with only one road leading in and out. They say on occasion, you can see the motorcade leave the palace and return. That was pretty much the excitement for the day, other than chatting with my lovely wife on IM for an hour or so. She is so strong, I am humbled by her strength throughout this whole deal. God is still in control and He needs me up north. Until next time...Todd out. Tuesday, 8 Aug 06: We got to go to the palace today to get our badges and I got a few pictures that I have posted under the pictures. The palace is amazing, to say the least. It is sickening how much money some people will basically throw away on things they don't need. Anyway, we then had a brief with the CO of JCCS-1 and he explained about the mission of putting a stop to the IED threat here in Iraq. I also learned that I will most likely be home by March. YIPEE!!! It is not 100%, but the CO said it shouldn't be a problem. I will be leaving Camp Victory heading to Camp Speicher sometime Thursday and begin work Friday. It will be a relief to finally be there and actually do some work. All this training has really not been for me, although I learned plenty and am prepared for anything. Well, it's about time for bed. So...until next time...Todd out. Wednesday, 9 Aug 06: Got up early this morning and did PT (Physical Training) with some newly selected Chief Petty Officers. We started with stretching and some exercises and then took a nice 1 mile run. Great way to start the day. Don't quite know why I don't do that more often. Oh well, save that thought for another day. Anyway, after that we loaded buses and were taken to JCCS-1 headquarters to begin training. The training is basically for the guys I am with that will be assigned to Army units to equip them to further defeat the terrorists with the latest and greatest weapons we have at our disposal. Due to the secret nature of the operations, I am not at liberty to discuss any of those. But rest assured, the ultimate goal is to save lives; Americans, our coalition partners and Iraqi citizens. After lunch, I inquired as to my flight arrangements for heading north. I originally thought I would be leaving tomorrow (Thursday), but it seems that has been moved to Friday. So I should be able to post one more day before I have to take a short break. Angi and I got to web cam for a little while tonight and I appreciated that very much. It's getting late here and I have another busy day tomorrow. So off to never never land I go...until next time...Todd out. Thursday, 10 Aug 06: Well, just another day in Iraq. I bet not many people would make a statement like that. I got up early this morning to Chat with Angi. Her and the boys are heading to SC. I went with the group for training. I stayed for a little while, but had some business to tend to at the palace before my departure from here to where I am going. Later on, I found out that I probably will not be flying out until Saturday. Mixed emotions felt here...I am ready to go to work, however, it may give me a few more opportunities to try out the new web cam I bought today. Well, it's late and I am ready for bed. So, until next time...Todd out. Friday, 11 Aug 06: I am all packed and ready to fly out to my final destination. I will be leaving about 3 hrs after I post this. Today was a day to get ready to travel. I was assigned a laptop to take with me with everything loaded that I will need once I begin to do some real work. It has been a long time coming. I survived Ft Jackson and Kuwait and a week here in Baghdad. So, all in all, it has been a great experience thus far. It will real late when I get to where I am going, and I plan on sleeping for a little while. Someone will be there to pick me up and take me to the place where I hope to be living for the next few months. I am really tired of living out of my sea bags. Anyway, let me sign off here, my ride will be here shortly. God Bless you all and may God truly bless America!!!! Until next time...Todd out. Saturday, 12 Aug 06: Well, after a not so fabulous helicopter ride, I arrived at Camp Speicher. My temporary permanent home for the coming months. I was met at the airport by the guy I am relieving and we made our way to my CHU. I have to figure out what that means. Anyway, it has A/C, storage space (Hallelujah) and plenty more room that the tents I have been staying in. I am by myself now, but will more than likely get a roommate at some point. It's about 0230 now and I am extremely exhausted. I went into work shortly after noon and basically got introduced to everyone today and started learning a little about what I will be doing. I am actively looking for a place I can go and publish this. So, it may be a few days before you get to see updates again. But I will do my level best to keep this updated daily. The food here is good and the company seems to be good, too. I met some of the Chiefs that are here. I also got all my log ins for the various computers I will be working on. Well, I am back in my temp home and it's time for bed again. In the meantime, keep praying and all will work out, no doubt in my mind. Until next time...Todd out. Sunday, 13 Aug 06: I got some much needed rest last night. I was up and raring to go about 0930. I pittled around for an hour or so and then went into work. Today was mostly learning how things worked here as far as Admin goes. I got hooked up with some more Navy people here who were happy to see me. Not because I am me, but because I am a Navy Chief. We worked out some computer issues today and I got a tour of the base and the available facilities. One of the nicest things is there is a place I can drop my laundry off and they wash, dry and fold it and I pick it up in about 2 days. What a load off my mind...no pun intended. There is also a small exchange store to buy any needed things, a barber shop, a phone center and a bazaar featuring items from the locals here in Tikrit. After some more computer time, I hooked up with Angi and chatted for a little while. It was some wonderful to be able to do that. Oh by the way, there are phones in the building where I work that are free 15 minute calls to the states. Needless to say, they stay busy and there is usually a line. But I seem to have some free time during my shift and I should be able to call Angi for free. Nothing better than free, right? Anyway, I am getting ready for bed, so I will sign off for now. Until next time....Todd out. Monday, 14 Aug 06: Today got off to a good start. I found the shuttle bus that goes to my office so I don't have to walk. The walk is not that far, but by the time I am ready to go to work it is already in the 100s and I sweat like a stuck pig. Anyway, once I got to work, it was time to get the guy I relieved ready to go. I went with him to the post office to mail some of his things home. Then we verified that he was on the list to fly out. Once that was done, it was time for me to do a little work. I am in the process right now of attempting to streamline processes and procedures. He had a good thing going, but I am going to try and make it great. I know it won't happen overnight, but in a few days I should have it where I want it. The majority of my job is going to be tracking things and making sure reports and information get where it needs to get in a timely manner. I have several spreadsheets that I am going to attempt to consolidate and make a little more user friendly. The OIC (Officer in Charge) seems to be open to anything and is looking forward to seeing what I come up with. I got to talk to Angi tonight on the free morale phones. The time is limited, but it is amazing how long 15 minutes is when it is so precious. She sounds great. Okay, off to the showers and then to bed. Thank you to all who have emailed me. It is such an encouragement. Well, until next time...Todd out. Tuesday, 15 Aug 06: I slept really hard last night. I woke up this morning very refreshed. I got in and found a mound of email. After about an hour of reading email, I was done and lunch followed shortly thereafter. I decided this afternoon that I would take my own guided tour of the camp. I had already been to the helicopter pad, so no need to go there. But I headed out the main road from my building and my first stop was at the free laundry. I delivered my clothes and they told me in 3 days, they would be ready. I think they may even fold them. Wouldn't that be great? I will let you know how that comes out. Then I found the PX (Post Exchange) and purchased a few items that will make my stay here a little easier. I got a couple of CDs (WOW Worship 2006 and WOW Hits 2006). Some wonderful songs that I will no doubt enjoy. I then located the building that houses the billeting folks. I squared away a few things there and even found a place to play ping pong, pool and video games. Pretty neat. I then made my way back to the office and proceeded to answer some more email. No major projects going on right now, so it's basically day to day operations. Someone asked me today if I felt like I was at home yet. After a little thought my response was this: "If you believe that home is where the heart is, then no. But if you believe that home is where you hang your hat at night, then yes." My heart is still in Raleigh NC with my family and friends, but I am living here now. I believe I am making a difference and aim to keep it that way. This has gone a little longer than I expected, so I will sign off now and get ready for sleepy land. God Bless you all and God Bless America! Until next time...Todd out. Wednesday, 16 Aug 06: Well, what can I say about today. It started like any normal day and then got real hectic. Well, not as hectic as my real job, but a little hairy nonetheless. There are some reports and requests that have to be processed every so often. Well, I didn't know when every so often was, so in my email this morning was a request for these documents. After several hours of research and digging in the computer, I finally figured out exactly what they were asking for. Unfortunately, I didn't have the data to go in those reports. So it was email central trying to get the information. As of now...I am almost there. Will try more tomorrow. In the midst of all that today, I managed to get away and get to Burger King. Yes, that's right, there is a Burger King here at the Camp. I enjoyed a Whopper with Cheese, some fries and a Sprite. Wow, was it good. I think I started a weekly ritual tonight. There is also a Subway, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell. I should be able to make the round in a month or so. I will make sure and keep you posted. I am currently copying the CDs I bought yesterday. I listen to music when I am getting dressed in the morning. Well, lots to do before bed, so...until next time...Todd out. Thursday, 17 Aug 06: I thought yesterday was hectic, but I would call today a bear. It was finally time to get those reports in. I got all the information I needed and hit send on the email. Then the questions started. Now, keep in mind, I have been here for less than a week. I don't have all the answers (not that I ever will). But, I had to find them somewhere, so off to the web I did roam. It took a few hours, but I got it all straightened out to everyone's satisfaction. That took most of the day. But then things got a little worse after midnight. I was supposed to pick someone up at the airport at 0105. Well, at about 0130, we were informed that the flight was delayed, but they didn't know how long. So, I proceeded back to my office. I attempted to make some phone calls to get some answers. After a while, I finally decided that they were not coming in tonight. It was about 0230 at this point. So I sent Angi an email and apologized for not getting with her today and shut down all the computers. Hopefully, those guys will make it in tomorrow. Well, it is now 0345 and I am real tired. I will get some sleep and start all over tomorrow. Until then....Todd out. Friday, 18 Aug 06: Well, another day down and another day closer to retirement. I was thinking today what does God have in store for me in the coming year. As I look around, I know that there are many who need God. Maybe the more they see my positive outlook on life and my genuine love of life, they will ask. I pray they do. Please pray that they do, too. It was a day much like the rest. I worked on more reports and answered more questions. I did find the big MWR building. I got on a computer just to check out what I could do. Well, the ones I got on today didn't help much in updating the page. I am still trying and hopefully real soon, I will be back up and running. Chocolate Frappe...every heard of it? I had one tonight. It's like a chocolate coffee shake. It was actually pretty good. I am not much on iced coffee, but I may have another one. Then it was off to the airport to find out, yet again, that all flights were cancelled. This is starting to become a pattern. The only problem with it is that I end up being "at work" for up to 14 hrs. Oh well, what else is there to do, right? It's about 0315 and I am beat. I am going to pay a visit to the Sandman real soon. Until next time...Todd out. Saturday, 19 Aug 06: All in all, not a bad day. I managed to get a little ahead of the game with a few projects. I discovered a new luxury today. From my computer, I can watch a live feed from Fox News Channel. Yipee...no more Fox withdrawal. Now, granted, it is mostly the overnight and morning shows, but it is so great to be able to know what is happening in the world, outside of Iraq. I can also watch CNN if I wanted to, but why would I? What say you? A little O'Reilly humor there. I continue to learn new things, too. I saw a worship schedule for the Camp. Wow, what variety they offer. In one case, I don't even have to leave my building for the evening Protestant service. If I want the Praise and Worship, I have to get up a little earlier than usual. I think this week, I will contact the leader of the group and see if they need any more singers. I think that would be neat to do. Anyway, I did get to chat with Angi for a while. That is always a treat for me. It does get rather lonely here at times, but with God's help and the support of all of you, I will get through this and be home to retire and start my next phase in life. I am in my CHU and the power went out sometime today, so I am cooling things down before I even try to sleep. Keep praying and I love all of you! Until next time...Todd out. Sunday, 20 Aug 06: Hallelujah!!!!! I finally got this thing published. For most of you, this is old news....God is so good. I had been trying for a very long time, and suddenly had a thought. It would be faster and more doable to publish without pictures. And viola...the journal is up to date. Anyway, today started like many of the others. I had a bundle of email to answer this morning. Most of it, though, was things I had asked for before. So I processed all of them, updating spreadsheets, updating my task list, among other things. Today seemed a little hectic, even though it was Sunday. As I said earlier, the war doesn't stop for anything. I have already told you the most exciting thing that happen today, so I guess there is nothing more to say. Well, maybe...I missed church tonight because I was picking up the key for my new place. Currently, I am in a loaner. I will move all my stuff sometime tomorrow. I love you all. Until next time...Todd out. Monday, 21 Aug 06: Well, without a doubt, this was my worst day here so far. No bad in a bad way, just tiring and frustrating. Things started as they usually do, however, after lunch, things started to go south really fast. I was attempting to move all my things into my new home when along came a dust storm. I mean a big one. As soon as I got into the parking lot, the dust and wind started and I could not see anything out the front window of the truck. So, I just sat there with the A/C on, of course, and was going to wait it out. Well, almost 30 minutes later, the wind subsided enough that I could see and could walk to get my stuff and start moving. Then the sun came back out and the temperature seemed to rise at least 10 degrees. Well, it was already over 100, so you be the judge. Anyway, I finally finished moving and it was back to the office for a little work. Very little, to be exact. There were some guys flying in at about 1915. Well, with the way things have been going, the flight was an hour late. I picked them up and brought them to the helicopter terminal because this was not their final destination. Do I have to say it...all the flights were cancelled, but the word didn't get out unit after midnight. I secured them a few cots for the night and we will try it again tomorrow. It's late and I am whipped. I am going to go to bed....Until next time...Todd out. Tuesday, 22 Aug 06: Today was much better than yesterday. I slept in a little and did it ever make a difference. I am now completely settled in to my new place. I currently have a room mate, but only for a couple of weeks. It was relatively slow today. I updated some spreadsheets and created another one that my boss asked for. I also consolidated a few into one and that took a few hours. But, that was about it for today. Nothing real exciting happen, so this update will be short. I am getting ready to put my head down on the pillow. Maybe tomorrow will be a little more exciting...not that much more, though. Until next time...Todd out. Wednesday, 23 Aug 06: What can I say about today? It was pretty much like all the rest. I have started a morning routine that some of you may have, too. I am getting up and reading my Bible according to a yearly schedule devised by someone that I can't remember his name. It was given to me by my Commanding Officer in Raleigh. I should have been doing it all along, but now I feel like I am completely ready for what God has for me. Not only does it give me insight, but it sets me up for the day. I will be sharing some of what God is showing me in future posts. What I would like is some feedback from those of you that want to. All you have to do is click on the Email Me link at the top of the page. There is a whole bunch of stuff going on in the world right now and I do believe it has all been prophesied and we are living in the last days. I know I am here for at least one reason, and that is to serve my country, but I know, far more than that, I am a missionary sent to the mission field of the military. That may sound strange to most of you, but there is a need for spiritual awakening everywhere, even here. Add to your prayers that God will use me in a mighty way while I am here. Well, so much for how my day went, huh? But what I said here is much more important in the big picture. I am going to read a little and get some rest. Until next time...Todd out. Thursday, 24 Aug 06: I got up early this morning and started reading my Bible in earnest. It was rather refreshing to read first thing and get geared up for the day ahead. This morning reminded me that man sees the outside, but God sees the inside. Now that could be not so good, too. People put on for certain situations and that's what man sees. But, woe is the man who puts on and his heart is not right. Equally, there is forgiveness for those that ask and the Lord is faithful and just to forgive us. The fool says he has no sin. For we all have sinned and are in need of a Savior. I know, we have all heard it before, but it certainly doesn't hurt for us to hear it again and again, until we completely understand and live it. I will keep watch over my heart today and each day as long as I have breath. Oh yeah, I actually did some work today, too. I just continued to fix up and make more user friendly spreadsheets. I know I sound like a broken record, but that is my main function for a little while. Tracking is so important, and the system, or lack there of, that was in place before was not working and I have come to rescue the tracking program! We are also preparing for the first wave of people to start leaving in the next few months, so we are preparing paperwork to document what happened while they were here. Not all that hard, just tedious. Well, it's after midnight now and I am in need of sleep to prepare for tomorrow. My love to all of you...Until next time...Todd out. Friday, 25 Aug 06: Hey, today my Bible study continues. It seemed like I had read the scriptures before. Well, I had and I was looking for new meanings and such. Firstly, it was David and Goliath. Now, we all have heard some lesson out of this story. And maybe you have heard this one, but God told me that "I can use what people think is the least". David had an inner strength given to him by God and he was not afraid to use it. Others say him as weak. But that did not deter him in any way. Here's the deal...Don't ever sell yourself short. God has given each of us a bag or satchel, if you will, with tools to use, not for our glory, but for His. Our task, with God's help, of course, is to find what it is those tools are supposed to be used for. I think David found what his bag of tools was for. We will not have the same tools as David had, because we were not built to do what David did. Find out what God has purposed for your life...take hints from what's in your bag. It doesn't matter what others think about you. God made you...you. There is no one on this earth, or ever, for that matter, that is YOU. Be the best YOU you can. David was the best at what God called him to do. And always remember one promise from God..."I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU OR FORSAKE YOU." Obviously, nothing exciting happened at work today. It was pretty much business as usual. Well, it's late and I need to rest...Until next time...Todd out. Saturday, 26 Aug 06: Eye opener today in my studies. As I said yesterday, there are scriptures that we have read a million times, but there is always something new. God is new each day...Praise God! Well, from Romans 16 comes this understanding of who we associate with has the possibility of separating us from God. Maybe not permanently, lest we continue in our wicked ways. Paul is one of my favorites and his writing is so relevant for today. You guys can read it, so I won't rehash, but just give you what I gleaned from it. We are supposed to be open and friendly with everyone...you know "they will know we are Christians by our love". But just as God looks inward, we must use the Spirit to measure those in which we associate. We may need to reassess our friendships and look out for those we meet. Paul warns against those who will cause divisions and obstacles to block us from living the way we were taught. There words are subtle, yet over time, may cause you to sin and you may become blinded to what God has for you. Sometimes it's obvious, but other times, the enemy disguises it and in our haste to possibly save one for Jesus, we are drawn to the evil. Trust the Holy Spirit to warn you of danger. There are times when I am around someone and just get a bad feeling, and later learn the truth about that person. We are instructed to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil. Bottom line is we must stay in constant contact with God, through His Word and through prayer to be able to discern between good and evil. It's a hard lesson to put into practice, but we must look closely at everyone, maybe even close friends, and determine if they are influencing us for good or evil. I love you guys and want only the best for you! Be mindful out there...God is always there for assistance. Once again, just another day filled with projects. I did get to relax and listen to some live music by a group of Soldiers. But, now, it's about 0100 and it's time for this guy to get some sleep. Until next time...Todd out. Sunday, 27 Aug 06: Greetings to you on the Lord's Day. I did my reading this morning and was going to share, but I went to a service tonight and I must share that instead. It's a praise and worship service, with a message thrown in the middle. I felt so at home as soon as I walked in the door. Anyway, I am going to band practice this coming Thursday and I am really excited about that. God is good...all the time! So, tonight we are in the book of Titus. A very small book, but what a message I heard tonight. From verses 11-14. How are we supposed to living now, in the present age? Seems like a simple question, right? Well, here is a new spin, if you will on that answer. We should be living intentionally. There are things in our lives that we have to get rid of and things we need to get. Living intentionally means living with the sole purpose of us fulfilling God's purpose for us. We spend plenty of time intentionally planning for our future here on earth, but what about our future in Heaven. Are you doing anything to plan for your appearance in Heaven? Get busy...God has given us the directions. Secondly, live expectantly. Expect God to act...expect the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ! Most of you know about my excitement when it comes to the second coming. I have been expecting it to happen any day now. Are you living like you are expecting Jesus to come back today? I hope we attend worship services expecting God to show up and be glorified. Thirdly, live victorious! We have won already! Jesus has defeated hell, death and the grave! Some of us live defeated lives and that is just the opposite of how you should be living. When your team is victorious, you cheer as loud as you can. Why is it in worship services, people are sitting on their hands, seeming unable to speak, much less shout? I know life is hard, but remember what Jesus went through in his life. So, take stock in your life right now. Are you living intentionally with a purpose, expecting Jesus Christ to appear, and solidify our VICTORY? I was very stirred by this message. God is soooooooo good. Well, that's the only exciting thing that happened today. I am going to call it a day and look forward to what God has for me tomorrow. Until next time...Todd out. Monday, 28 Aug 06: Monday...although, not the typical one when I am home. Usually, I have weekend stuff to catch up on, but we work 7 days a week, so none of that. I did get in some required documents today that I had been working on over the weekend. Most of the day I was watching Fox News and getting the latest on Ernesto. Of course, the prayer is that it will not hit anymore land than it already has. This morning, I was in I Corinthians 2. I kept focusing in on the first few verses, though. It gives us a lesson on how to approach our "Jesus Speak", if you will. We don't need flowery words or eloquent phrases to proclaim God. We have the greatest thing to share with the world...our testimony. We have a story of salvation, of redemption and victory over sin and death. We should always allow the Holy Spirit to guide our words, even in giving our story. People will not always believe what we say, but if they know we are genuine and the God we speak of is truly guiding our lives, their faith will be strengthened. I think when Paul says he came to them in weakness and fear, and with much trembling, he is demonstrating his reliance on God to make sure he says the right thing at the right time. Remember, it is in our weakness that He is strong. And we are instructed to approach his throne with fear and trembling. Not because we are scared, but because we are in awe of His power. Well, maybe a little bit because we don't know exactly what God is going to ask we to do at that time. When speaking to believers and non-believers alike, you are the expert when it comes to your testimony. But, God knows your story better than you do. Let Him have His way! I think that just about wraps it up for today. I am still excited what God is doing and going to do while I am here. Keep praying for me and all of us. Tell your story...it's always the best one! Until next time...Todd out. Tuesday, 29 Aug 06: Well, today was just another day. I did get plenty of work done, though. Unfortunately, there is not much to show for my work. All the things I do are on-going projects and the results are slow in coming. But, as long I keep the boss, and his boss, happy, we will all get along just fine. I did receive somewhat of an honor today. I got an email from another Chief in theater asking me to be in the Chief Promotion Ceremony next month. One of the guys selected for Chief has asked me to "Pin" his anchors on. Without too much explanation, just know that is a very high honor to be asked to do that. Of course, I accepted and will be flying there in a few weeks to do that. Okay, today I continued in Corinthians. Chapter 3 is all about Jesus being the only foundation to build you life on. But I want to focus on verses 6 and 7. I have often wondered why it is that when I witness to somebody, they don't get it the first, second or even third time. I found the answer in these two verses. We, Christians, are ministers. God has given to each of us just what we need to perform our ministries. In particular, when it comes to witnessing, we are equipped differently, but none are less important than the other. Let's take a person, any person. Some of us are sowers. The sower, or planter, is responsible for letting him know about God. Basically, give your testimony of how God has changed your life and how He can change theirs. Then God will send a waterer, someone to confirm what you have already said and even add to it. Now, we may want to be the one responsible for him "seeing the light". But Paul tells us that it is God that produces the increase. God puts it on his heart and sees what you started to completion. Just like my work, I don't always see the end result. It may take weeks, months, even years for the results to show themselves. But, we have faith in what we do that God will see it through. Paul also tells us that each of us, whether a planter or a waterer, will receive his own reward according to his own labor. Have you been laboring for the Lord? Are you a planter, a waterer, or maybe both on different occasions? Don't get discouraged if you don't see results. Continue to do your part and God is faithful to do His. People need the Lord, and we, as believers, are the ones to offer Him to them. My prayer is that I may be faithful in my role as planter or waterer. Pray for me and for everyone away from home. Thank you, in the name of Jesus! Until next time...Todd out. Wednesday, 30 Aug 06: Today was strangely absent of any real work. I read my verses this morning and came in at my usual time, but it was almost completely dead. I answered a few emails and gathered a little data and ate a few times. That was about the extent of my work day. I just finished up putting resumes in the Department of the Navy's HR website and on Monster.com. I know I am some months out, but this will give me time to get them just the way I want them before I make them public. Anyway, I have read my verses for today over a couple of times and I come back to the story of David and his escape from Saul. David and Jonathan have already forged a sort of covenant between themselves. Jonathan will do whatever it takes to save David from Saul, who is seeking to kill him. Reminds of the friend that sticks closer than a brother thing. Well, David is on the run, thanks to a message from Jonathan and where does he go? He escapes to the wilderness. Sound familiar. Jesus escaped to the wilderness, too. And they were both being chased by someone who wanted them dead. I know that sometimes we think of the wilderness as a rough, dark place that we struggle to get through. But in this passage, God tells David to go and use the wilderness to his advantage. More than once, David inquires of God about what to do next. David obeys and his life is spared. How often are we in situations that we should ask God for direction and we don't? He promised that he would guide our steps. We just have to ask Him where to step and then obey Him. We may not always want to go where He tells us to go, but, trust me, He knows what he is talking about. Do you think I really wanted to come to Iraq? I did, but only after I was sure God wanted me here. A wilderness...maybe. But time for me to reflect, too. David had time to regroup, get his bearings, listen to God. I have plenty of time to regroup, regain my zeal for Christ and listen to God. David and Jesus both retired to the wilderness to hear from God. I urge you to find your wilderness. Get to that place where nothing can get between you and God. You will be amazed at what you will hear when you specifically listen for His voice. Speak to me, Lord Jesus...Until next time...Todd out. Thursday, 31 Aug 06: Well, nothing happen to today, work wise, that is worth mentioning. However, I do have some personal things to share, if I may. Tonight, I went to my first Praise Band rehearsal. Wow...what an answer to prayer. The guys took me in like we were old friends. The song list is very similar to the one we use at RCC. My first service as a band member will be Sunday night. Pray that all goes well and God is glorified! One reason I share this is because, as I have said before, God's hand is all over me being here. I believe He has made it possible for me to participate. I don't know if you can feel my excitement through the computer, but believe me when I tell you, I am psyched! Well, onto today's verse. I was Ezekiel this morning, chapter 3 to be exact. The title in my Bible is The Responsibility of the Prophet. I do believe, however, that what is present in verses 18-21 are not just for prophets, but for us ordinary folks, too. You can read it, so I won't do a play-by-play. It was not surprising to me that, although God differentiates between the righteous and unrighteous, the outcome is the same. I'm getting ahead of myself. We, as Christians, know what sin is and for the most part can recognize it. Because of this, we have the responsibility to be "watchman", as the scripture calls Ezekiel, over the actions of others. That doesn't mean we watch every move everyone makes, but there will be times when we have the opportunity to notice sin and warn others about it. As far as the unrighteous, God calls them wicked, we are to warn them that what they are doing is sin. If we don't mention it, they will die from their sin and God says their blood will be on our hands. But, if we do mention sin, and they don't heed our warning and die, your soul will be delivered, God says. It is the same for the righteous. If we don't warn, and they sin and die, our blood will be on their hands. But our soul, and their lives, will be delivered if we warn them they should not sin, and they turn from their wicked (God's word, not mine) ways. I know, easier said than done. But we all know someone in both circumstances. Some may be close friends of ours. Show your love for them and do your best to save them and yourself. God will reward you according to your obedience. Well, it's late and I need some rest. Until next time...Todd out. |