Everything but the Ceremony

As of this morning, I have taken my last final exam. My M.Div. is now complete. I'm assuming that somehow I didn't fail the class (which would be a mathmatical stretch). Next Friday, I'll sit through graduation, and that should make it official. My parents are coming up for graduation.

On the non-school front there is not a lot that is new. The baby is moving a lot now. We'll have another sonogram in two weeks. Tonight, Emily is supposed to meet with a woman that has recently moved here from Ft Hood. One of our church members put her in contact with us. She will be able to help Emily know the neighborhoods to avoid when looking for a house, good places to eat, and all that stuff.

OK, I need to clean the kitchen.

Long Day

Well, we made the dreaded announcement Sunday morning. It was a really sad morning. I woke up at 2:30 am, and never got back to sleep. I did make it through the announcement with crying. There were a lot of tears afterwards. The afternoon was spent at a funeral and talking with one of my church members with whom I've become close friends. The great part of the day was after church that evening. Emily and I had the opportunity to sit and talk with a couple that has been attending the church. They will be joining the church next week.

Today I went by to visit a couple of the senior adults I regularly visit. Suprisingly, they had not heard that we were leaving. They were gracious and encouraging. They were exactly what I needed today.

OK, enough of the serious talk. I need to do something productive (like watch House)

First Kick

Emily has been feeling the baby kick and move for a few weeks now. She's spent the last week randomly grabbing my hand so I would feel the baby move. Monday night, I finally felt the baby kick. My hand happened to be on Emily's stomach as we went to bed. Apparently, the baby didn't think 1 am to be an appropriate bedtime so he kicked me. In retaliation for kicking me, I plan to take Emily out for Cajun food.

Why a Chaplain?

I have a difficult time anticipating questions. I think the "why" question will arise from a few people, so I will attempt to give my reasons.





1. God's Calling - We feel that God has called us to this particular ministry. Emily & I each spent an extensive period praying and seeking God's will. To be honest, this is the real reason for the change. The rest of the "reasons" are simply aspects of the chaplaincy that I am excited about.





2. The Spiritual Need - Think about who is in the army. Many soldiers are very young. Many are away from home for the first time. Many are newly married. Many are new parents. Most are facing the possibility of deployment into a war zone very soon. These are situations where people ask spiritual questions.



3. My personality - I think particular ministry is one that I am suited for. The Army is a heavily structured environment. I am comfortable with structure. The Army is a secular environment, and I am comfortable dealing and working with people who disagree with my beliefs. Physically, I am in a condition that makes this ministry possible.

A Change in Ministry

OK, many of you knew this was coming. For those who didn't, Emily & I will be changing our ministry over the next few months. As opposed to serving within the local church, I will become a chaplain in the US Army. I have not previously mentioned it on this blog because the church I currently serve in doesn't know. I don't think anyone from the church checks my blog, but just in case.



We will be announcing to the church this Sunday, so I thought I would go ahead and post this. We do ask for your prayers as Emily and I prepare for this announcement. In the next few weeks, I will be posting more information about what is going to happen over the next few weeks. I may post an explanation of the process Emily & I went through in this decision later today or tomorrow.