Covenant & Code

Home and Reintegration (06 DEC 11)

2011-12-06T11:16:00.003-05:00

Well, I've been home now for about four months. Though being away from my family for a year was one of the hardest things I have ever done, being home with them is also difficult. God is showing me how much I need to rely on Him every day to make this work! My wife and kids are doing great and we are slowly but surely creating our new normal. I am thankful for such an understanding wife and wonderful kids who consistently surprise me. Thank you, Lord!

Got my Passports in the mail (15SEP10)

2010-09-30T10:27:00.002-04:00

I spent almost four hours today helping SFC Turner "clean" and organize the medications at the local national's clinic. We had some laughs and made the place look pretty good compared to what it looked like before we started.

Another mail day! We got packages from the Greenville Methodist Church and Vineyard Publishing. I was excited to hand out the Passport books at Bible Study, and we had a good discussion about prayer, intimacy with God, and vines and branches.

Also got to talk with Sheri, Ellie and Asher on Skype. Eleanor heard my voice and ran across the house yelling "daddy!" Asher told me "Corban is at school."

Day in a nutshell (14SEP10)

2010-09-30T10:23:00.004-04:00

I stayed up late last night watching movies and ditched PT this morning (it's nice being the commander). Met a fellow Red Sox fan in line at the laundry; he is from Little Rhodie. We talked for a while about home.

Started reading a pretty good book by John Piper called "Don't Waste Your Life." It's about finding purpose in two things: enjoying God and bringing Him glory.

Not much else going on today, just want to keep in the habit of journaling.

Productive Day! (13SEP10)

2010-09-30T10:15:00.003-04:00

Worked on a short talk for my Skype appointment with Corban's kindergarten class, got two steps done on my sermon, and delivered four bags of goodies to different units on the FOB. Prayed with a Soldier after he shared with us about losing his faith. He is from Haiti, and he lost 5 cousins and 2 uncles in the earthquake this year.

Played a game of dominoes with some of the guys in the SECFOR, which was a lot of fun. While we were playing, the ANP were training in combatives. It was interesting watching them and seeing how much like American privates they are.

Gave three haircuts tonight, MAJ Czeladzki (sounds like Cheladski) is my most regular customer, and has come to the office twice to have tea and talk in English.

After haircuts, I got on Skype and talked with Sheri before talking with Corban's class. I got to share most of what I had prepared based on an email from his teacher. Corban looked awesome in his Scottish prince costume for Castle Day, and Tanner had a cool "page" outfit.

Soul depth with my sweetie (11SEP10)

2010-09-30T10:09:00.002-04:00

Got up early to talk with Sheri; I love talking with her! We are such good friends and we are blessed with soul depth in our relationship.

It was a quiet Patiot's Day, thanks be to God!

Is it Right to Burn a Quran? (10 SEP 10)

2010-09-17T11:07:00.003-04:00

Had an interesting (and good) talk with Peter about Pastor Terry Jones' plan to burn Qurans tomorrow in protest against the evil of Islam and, more specifically, the calculated construction of a mosque near Ground Zero scheduled to open on the ninth anniversary of 9-11. While I do believe that Islam is a perversion of the true faith perpetuated by the Enemy, and I do value free speech granted by the 1st Amendment (also the Amendment that guarantees freedom of religion, interestingly), and I am offended at the insensitivity of a mosque built at the site of radical Islamic terrorism, I do not see anywhere Jesus teaching that we as Christians should respond to an insult with an insult (see Matthew 5:39). Nor do I believe that burning what another person esteems as holy to be an act of loving your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 5:44).

Ultimately, I believe that God has given men a choice to make, and I will espouse another person's right to choose a false religion if it means I also have the right to follow my faith and share my understanding of Christ's forgiveness without fear. God never told the Israelites to try to convert the Philistines (though I do believe He would want them to love the Philistines and live a life that reflected the righteousness of God) just to make sure that they didn't follow in their idolatrous practices.

Missed My Family Today (09 SEP 10)

2010-09-17T11:00:00.002-04:00

I got to talk with everyone on Skype before they went to school (even little Ellie started preschool today!). When they hung up, I stayed on and watched them getting ready for a few minutes.

I got an email back from the USO today. My request for USO2GO resources was approved! I just need to send them back a form saying that I will be responsible for the equipment and sending in the monthly sign up sheets they require. They are sending a Wii, X-Box 360, and PS3 with controllers and games, portable DVD players and 100 DVDs, a guitar with strings and music books, a keyboard with music books, and a bunch snacks amd toiletries. I think it will be a fun day when that shipment comes in!

I purposed today to reach out, and I had a good conversation with SSG Cheatwood about Bible Study last Wednesday and playing guitar.

Another Good Haul (08 SEP 10)

2010-09-17T10:57:00.003-04:00

Best mail day yet! We got 11 boxes from a bunch of people I had written to: Military Ministries, Operation: Care & Comfort, Ranger Rosary, RGB Ministries, Adopt-a-Chaplain, & Greenville Methodist Church in Alabama.

I got to talk with Eleanor on Skype; she is getting more talkative in the last few days. Also got to see Asher identify a blue truck from a red and a green truck!

Another Ordinary Day (07 SEP 10)

2010-09-17T10:51:00.001-04:00

I went walking around the FOB today and had a couple of cool encounters. I prayed with a platoon of Sappers on their way to Kandahar after I hung out with them for about 15 minutes. Their LT was telling me about how God had redeemed him and saved his marriage, and we had a good time of fellowship talking about God's goodness!

On my way back from the "North End," I stopped into the PRT motorpool and had a good time chatting with a few Sailors. I am especially hoping to talk with on Petty Officer (I can't remember his name, though!) who opened up a little while I was there.

Sheri and I talked on the phone for a while tonight; God really matched us well. Sometimes it is a little weird how much we think alike. Weird, but very cool! I can't wait for our "date night!"

Labor Day (06 SEP 10)

2010-09-17T10:42:00.003-04:00

I have never seen such a big deal made over Labor Day! The DFAC was decorated with streamers and posters, there were three cakes, two ice sculptures, three kinds of BBQ, and ice cream! I organized a clean up day in the morning and there were about 20 Soldiers who came to help out. In about 45 minutes we probably picked up 40 bags of trash!

After getting some work done, I gave Houde a half day off. I stayed at the office and set up our SIPR and CENTRIXS computers and finished watching a movie.

Had a couple of good conversations this afternoon! One with SPC Trejo from the new RCP (Route Clearance Package); he seems like a really good guy and he was comfortable talking about his faith with me. The other was with Mark, an Afghan interpreter for the Polish who is from the US and who doesn't practice Islam. He asked me some questions about communion and the difference between Catholics and Protestants. I believe he is interested in these things because he is searching, and I always talk about the Gospel when he and I have these conversations (this is the second time he has asked me questions about Christianity).

Getting Better Today (03 SEP 10)

2010-09-17T10:37:00.003-04:00

We had both morning and evening services, and though I don't think this week's sermon was as good as last week, it was definitely better than my first sermon here. We also had a couple of guys show up for a game of basketball this afternoon. SPC Houde and I took on LT Bamberg and Richard and won 22-18!

We got some good news today about the electicity for the chapel. Apparently, the Polish had plans for a chapel back in April and submitted a request for electricity that was most of the way through contracting, so that contract can be applied to our project! God has made it very clear that He has His hand on this project. From the construction crew to the quality of their work and now the electical work. I am excited to see what His plans are for this building on FOB Ghazni!

A hard day (02 SEP 10)

2010-09-17T10:32:00.002-04:00

I am not sure if it was just the news about CH Goetz, but I was not able to focus today. I came over to the tent tonight feeling defeated. Then, as I was getting ready for bed, I met SSG Kin. He is here for a few days from Andar to help set up some logistical systems for the Rakkasans. He shared how seeing me pray this morning encouraged him and started his day in the right direction. What encouraged me was when he reminded me that everyone falls short, but it's how you respond that makes a difference. I can get up tomorrow in God's mercy and might to face the day on His terms, regardless of how today went.

Chaplain (CPT) Goetz (02 SEP 10)

2010-09-17T10:28:00.003-04:00

I found out last night that CH Goetz was killed by an IED in Kandahar on Monday. Victor posted it on Facebook while I was on the phone with Sheri. God used the articles I read about him this morning and his mission to bring 300 Soldiers to Christ during his tour to challenge me. It is not enough to build relationships and be a nice guy; I must be bold to share the Gospel if I truly want to make a difference. I had lost a clear vision for soul-winning, but I want Your courage Lord, to be open and inviting with the Gospel. Hear MSG Chase's prayer over my feet and empower me; open doors, give me eyes to see the possibilities, and boldness to speak in Your name!

Mail day! (30 AUG 10)

2010-09-17T10:24:00.002-04:00

Operation First Response sent six boxes of magazines to FOB Ghazni Chaplain's Office. I sent out an email and had quite a few guys come to the office to look through them. Barbershop open tonight; I cut 4 guys hair and a Polish MAJ asked if he could come by for coffee tomorrow. He is a nice guy and I hope that he appreciates instant coffee!

A good Sunday! (29AUG10)

2010-09-05T08:12:00.003-04:00

I got up just before 0530 to Skype Sheri before she went to bed. Talked with Tanner for a little bit, too. Little Corbie is starting kindergarten tomorrow! I am sad that I will miss it, because I know how proud I would be to see him off to his first day of school. Sheri said he is really excited, especially about his blue pencil box.

God really blessed my preparation this week and the "dress rehearsals" this morning. I felt much more confident in a sermon that I had studied and developed as opposed to an Internet special.

Just as I was getting ready to head over to Big Daddy's for service, a crane hit the foundation of the chapel and broke a couple of beams in the floor. When I got back, the mayor cell was putting up T-walls at the street end of the chapel and the Afghan workers had replaced the broken beams.

We had one Airman show up for the second service at 1730. I will keep offering a service in the evening through September and see what the overall response is. I am thinking about starting a men's group, maybe on Friday nights. I will keep praying and see where God is working!

Preparing for Sunday (28AUG10)

2010-09-05T08:06:00.002-04:00

Slept in until 0730 and made it over to the office after my quiet time about 0900. I spent about 5 hours on my sermon today, with another hour tomorrow to tie things up and run through it a couple of times, I will have spent 10 hours on this sermon!

Four Soldiers from the Rakkasans were MEDEVAC'd into Ghazni this evening. All but one returned to duty. The Soldier who was flown to BAF just had to have a test done because he never had a baseline MTBI scan. We have been here almost a month, and only 9 US troops have been treated by the FST. None of them were seriously injured. Praise God, He has protected our guys this month!

Chapel project (27AUG10)

2010-09-05T07:59:00.002-04:00

The last few days have been taken up mostly with projects around the chapel. We got two more truckloads of wood, and a Soldier needs to excort the trucks from the gate to our site. The floor is almost done! We have been building a fun relationship with Walt, the chief of construction. I know God is using it in his life, and it is nice to see a friendly face every day!

On Wednesday, I went to the clinic on the FOB run by and Afghan doctor for the local nationals both here on the FOB and from the nearby city. I met Dr. Massoud, who was glad to meet me, but I was not able to be much help. I saw LCDR Yach the next day, and she said they were coming up with some projects that I could help with. I really want to get involved with this program!

Last night, we had karaoke in the DFAC, and SPC Houde and I sang "Sweet Home Alabama" together. It reminded me of Sheri's family (who is at the beach this week) singing karaoke every year at Salisbury Beach.

Busy day...(23AUG10)

2010-09-05T07:51:00.002-04:00

It was busy, though not what we were expecting. CH Hurley had said he was coming to visit from BAF, but I got an email in the morning that said he wouldn't be able to make it. We did get to meet BG Phipps, who came to the chapel project site and took a good picture with SPC Houde. He asked us to keep a good eye on the progress, because of the great impact the completed chapel will have on morale.

This evening, Farid invited us to have a meal with him to break his fast. We spent almost two hours sitting with a few of the interpreters eating, asking questions, and watching TV broadcast from Ghazni City. They stuffed us full with rice and potates and bread (my wife buys this kind of bread in the states, back home it is called Na'an bread. Here, na'an means "food.") then desert of melon and chai from Jalalabad.

Quiet Sunday (22AUG10)

2010-09-05T07:46:00.003-04:00

Brother Anthony preached today because I wasn't sure if I would make it back on Saturday. Flights are not a guarantee and they only run a couple of times a week. God reminded me to believe and have faith in His call! Houde and I played some B-ball and I went to hear the Ghazni Sunday Occasional Band (the Polish worship team).

Religious Support trip to FOB Warrior (19AUG10)

2010-08-26T11:06:00.005-04:00

Took a chinook to FOB Warrior, southwest of Ghazni, to provide services for US personnel there. In the middle of the FOB is an old Afghan fort that was used by Al Qaida at one time. The troops call it "the castle." There is also a little stream that flows through the FOB and has trees growing on both banks! The Soldiers diverted the stream to make a little waterfall and built a bench at the bottom of the falls where you can sit in the shade and listen to the water (and the large generator about 10 feet away...sigh). The small chapel (right next to the MWR building, dubbed "The Devil's Den...coincidence? You decide) is also full of character. The chaplain has used spent brass from the 30 caliber cannon on the Polish Rosomack to make a cross, mortar shells to hold candles, and a large artillery brass as a bell.

Chapel project underway (16AUG10)

2010-08-26T10:58:00.002-04:00

Just before I was getting ready to head over to the DFAC for dinner, I found a truck full of lumber in front of my office! It wasn't for the chapel... But the truck right behind it was! They unloaded the lumber and called it a day, after spending the hours of 0400 to almost 1700 getting through the various checkpoints and entry control gates to deliver the wood onto the FOB. I also did some research online for chapel furnishings: the Polish mayor cell offered to pay for all the furnishings as a joint effort on the chapel. God is good! I thought I was going to have to ask the 101st for money, and then the S4 came up to me last night to let me know about the mayor's offer.

Polish Armed Forces Day (15AUG10)

2010-08-26T10:52:00.002-04:00

Chaplain Kapron invited me to prayevangelium (Gospel reading) and read the at the 1000 Polish Mass (check out my facebook page for pictures!) It was a neat experience, though I felt a little out of place sitting in front of a large crowd of Polish soldiers celebrating a Catholic Mass that I couldn't understand. I had to watch Raphao to know when to stand, kneel, and sit. I had some authentic Polish food at lunch: real Polish sausage, a type of lentil soup, and something they called szmelytz. This is basically chipped pork under a layer of fat that you spread on toast with dill pickle spears. But for the layer of fat, it wasn't too bad!

Polish is hard! (12AUG10)

2010-08-26T10:48:00.003-04:00

I've spen two days thyis week learning the alphabet and reading the first three lessons in Raphao's grammar (Raphao is the Polish chaplain on Ghazni). Besides having 35 letters instead of 26, the consonant blends are unnatural for me. I am going to have to back off to once or twice a week, because my tongue is tired!

It's been a long time...

2010-08-12T10:42:00.002-04:00

Connectivity in Ghazni is not even as good as it was in Bagram. I have a half hour a day on the computer for MWR, and I have been spending it with my family on Skype! I have been keeping a journal, so I will try to catch everyone up who is following the blog soon. Do vidzenya (goodbye in Polish)!

Maranatha Marathon

2010-07-25T00:49:00.003-04:00

Genesis 47:7-10
Then Joseph brought in his father Jacob and set him before Pharaoh; and Jacob blessed Pharaoh. Pharaoh said to Jacob, “How old are you?” And Jacob said to Pharaoh, “The days of the years of my pilgrimage are one hundred and thirty years; few and evil have been the days of the years of my life, and they have not attained to the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage.” So Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from before Pharaoh.

Spending time reading the Bible this morning, I came across the above passage in Genesis, and was struck by Jacob's answer to Pharaoh's question. After being confronted with another delay in transportation, I was frustrated, but recognized that God's plan was not upset by a cancelled flight. Later this morning , I was talking with CH Gregory, who is the Family Life Chaplain at Bagram Airfield (BAF), about life being a marathon and that all the experiences and circumstances that we encounter are designed to draw us closer to God over the course of our lives. Jacob described his entire life as a pilgrimage. Wikipedia describes a pilgrimage in this way: "In religion and spirituality, a pilgrimage is a long journey or search of great moral significance."

All of us are on a pilgrimage to find meaning in life. Praise God that He has shown us the ultimate meaning to life!

Psalm 34:8-9,22
Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. Fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing. The LORD redeems his servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him.

If you have not yet found the meaning of life, taste and see that the LORD is good! If you have begun the journey of a life in Christ, it is not over! It is a marathon, and you can only complete the race when you run with Jesus.

Philippians 1:6
Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:12-14
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

P.S. Maranatha really has nothing to do with the above thought, but I remembered it from when I was a kid listening to my parent's Christian albums. If you have never heard this phrase, I copied the definition below from Wikipedia.

Maranatha (either מרנא תא; maranâ' thâ' or מרן אתא; maran 'athâ' ) is an Aramaic phrase transliterated into Greek. It is found at the end of Paul's First Epistle to the Corinthians (1 Cor 16:22). As understood here ("O Lord, come!"), it is a prayer for the early return of Christ. If the Aramaic words are divided differently (Maran atha, "Our Lord has come"), it becomes a credal declaration. The former interpretation is supported by what appears to be a Greek equivalent of this acclamation in Rev 22:20 "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!"

A quick note from Afghanistan

2010-07-22T09:31:00.004-04:00

SPC Houde and I are at Bagram Airfield waiting for transportation to FOB Ghazni. Once we get there and get settled in, I will update the blog with some pictures and thoughts from the last week. Keep praying!

Occupational Specialty

2010-07-13T05:57:00.003-04:00

13 July 2010: We have been in Kuwait for 4 days waiting on a flight to our duty station in Afghanistan. Though it has been frustrating at times, I am glad that I was here this morning because I had a great conversation at breakfast this morning. I talking with someone about my beliefs about the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and I was able to explain it in military terms that I think really hit home.

Every Soldier in the Army is assigned a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) and given the training and tools he or she needs to complete that mission. In the same way "...one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills." the Holy Spirit gives us what we need spiritually to accomplish the tasks God has specifically designed us for!

Declaration of Dependence

2010-07-13T05:45:00.002-04:00

July 4, 2010 - Attended church in Hattiesburg, MS with a couple of other Soldiers. The pastor promised fireworks in honor of the fourth of July and he delivered! He preached from John 15:1-10, but focused on verse 5 where Jesus said, "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing."

As Christians, we can become ineffective when we take our walk for granted. I was reminded by this sermon how important it is to abide in Jesus; to live in Him, read and meditate on His words, pray and communicate with Him as my source of spiritual life. Without Him I can do nothing, so I declare my dependece on Him!

Pray for Afghanistan

2010-07-02T09:13:00.006-04:00

I recently heard about this mineral deposit in Afghanistan that could change the tenor of our involvement there. I have included an exerpt of and article from the New York Times below. Let's pray that God will use this natural resource to free Afghanistan from the opium trade and give the Afghan people hope for the future!

U.S. Identifies Vast Mineral Riches in Afghanistan

By JAMES RISEN
Published: June 13, 2010

WASHINGTON — The United States has discovered nearly $1 trillion in untapped mineral deposits in Afghanistan, far beyond any previously known reserves and enough to fundamentally alter the Afghan economy and perhaps the Afghan war itself, according to senior American government officials.

The previously unknown deposits — including huge veins of iron, copper, cobalt, gold and critical industrial metals like lithium — are so big and include so many minerals that are essential to modern industry that Afghanistan could eventually be transformed into one of the most important mining centers in the world, the United States officials believe.

“There is stunning potential here,” Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of the United States Central Command, said in an interview on Saturday. “There are a lot of ifs, of course, but I think potentially it is hugely significant.”

Onward, Christian Soldiers

2010-06-24T22:00:00.004-04:00

We have a lot of work to do, spiritually and physically, to get ready!

I am in a replacement company with other Soldiers who are individual backfills going over to meet up with a unit already in theater. We have become a kind of surrogate unit for each other, and God has opened a number of opportunities to help Soldiers as we prepare to deploy. Last Sunday, a few of us walked to Greer Chapel where Chaplain Partin preached from Psalm 122. It was a reminder to me of our purpose as a Christian community. It is good to fellowship and encourage one another; only we can be intentional about pointing each other to God for His glory!

Psalm 122:1 & 4 "I rejoiced with those who said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the LORD.' That is where the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, to praise the name of the LORD according to the statute given to Israel."

On Monday, about 15 of us got together to pray for one another as Warrior Platoon 37 prepares to go to their respective units now that our training is complete. Pray for these Christian Soldiers, that we would encourage one another in the LORD during the difficult times when they come.

2010-06-03T22:36:00.004-04:00

As I make final preparations for my year-long "mission trip," I am thankful for the people in my life who will miss me. I am grateful to God for the peace I have leaving them to minister to our service members overseas. Please remember me and my assistant, SPC Dennis Houde, while we are at "camp" over the next few weeks to get ready for deployment.

The Moment of Truth

2009-10-07T08:28:00.003-04:00

So, it has begun... I received the call to serve my God and my country and will deploy in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) at a time TBD. I praise God for the training that I have received both spiritually and professionally over the course of my career as a chaplain to prepare me for this missionary duty.

CWO James Levon Williams

2009-09-18T19:48:00.005-04:00

From the Times Record News, Tuesday, September 15, 2009:

"CWO James L. Williams went to be with the Lord on Sunday, September 13, 2009 in Wichita Falls. Services have been scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at Hampton Vaughan Chapel officiated by Dr. James L. Williams, Jr. Interment with military honors will follow at Crestview Memorial Park.

Mr. Williams was born on September 9, 1919 in Carthage, MS. A WWII era veteran, he proudly served his country for thirty years, retiring from the USAF in 1970 as a W4. After his military career, Mr. Williams went on to work for the Department of Employment Security in Las Vegas, NV and Shreveport, LA. He and his wife often lived overseas and he and she continued to travel in retirement. A dedicated Christian and lifelong deacon, he was a loving father and devoted husband.

Mr. Williams leaves behind his wife of sixty-seven years, Alice Hodge Williams; son, James (Lee) Williams, Jr. and wife Deanna; daughter, Jeannette C. Vandestreek; nine grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren."

I love my grandpa and I will miss him, and I am glad to know that he is home with Jesus. The picture above is of my father and I saying goodbye to a great American and the pater familius of the Williams clan. Godspeed, Grandpa.

New Life on COL Freedom, WI

2009-08-29T06:28:00.002-04:00

Three weeks at Ft. McCoy, WI does not mean the world stops turning. The pressures of life seem more acute because we can't fix things at home while we are focused on training. While I was there, I was able to share with many Soldiers the hope of trusting Jesus Christ for answers to these difficult problems. Four Soldiers accepted Him as their Savior, one rededicated his life to Christ, and two followed Him in believer's baptism! Hallelujah! I love working for the King!
Pro Deo et Patria

On The Road Again

2009-05-03T15:52:00.003-04:00

Ft. McCoy, WI: I spent the last two weeks at Ft. Jackson, SC for my career course and I am going to the pre-command course this week to learn more about commanding a detachment. I am looking forward to the opportunity to be light and salt to a class of company grade officers! Though things have started a little rough, I am looking for where God can use me, and that's always better than inviting people to a pity party!

I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret [of being content] —whether well-fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me. ~Philippians 4:12-13

Marjorie Eleanor Sawyers (1935-2009)

2009-03-04T06:59:00.020-05:00

Marjorie "Grammie" Sawyers was a loving, sentimental New Englander with a passion for her family; especially her Scottish and American heritage. My first introduction to this interest was the annual retelling of the original settlers of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and Dr. Samuel Fuller, the doctor on the Mayflower. Marjorie was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution by virtue of her verfied relation to Dr.Fuller.

She also traced her ancestry to Robert the Bruce and the Royal Stewart Clan, and was a member of the St. Andrew's Society of New Hampshire. Her last present to me was a necktie from Scotland By The Yard made from Stewart Hunting Tartan. This tartan is the official tartan of anyone who does not have a tartan. My last present to her, before she moved to hospice and the last time I saw her, was to share the album of my military heritage that my mother put together for me this Christmas. She was a wonderful lady who always told me how proud she was of me and loved my wife and children lavishly. I will miss her laugh and her New England accent.

Commander Williams

2009-01-16T21:58:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow I will drill with my new unit as the detachment commander of the 104th Chaplain Detachment! I was assigned to this position because it is administratively attached to my unit, and there were no other chaplains in my unit to take the job. Really though, I believe that this is just another part of God's plan to use me in the Army training Soldiers to care for the hearts and souls of our nation's service members. I am excited and will do my best, with God's help!

MARK WILLIAMS
CPT, CH, USAR
COMMANDING

Unconditional Love

2008-12-22T11:38:00.020-05:00

This Thursday, Christians around the world will celebrate the love of God the Father and Jesus Christ as they initiated their plan to offer salvation and reconciliation to all peoples of the earth for all time. God sacrificed His only Son...

John 3:16-17 (NKJV) 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

...and Jesus sacrificed His rights as God to become a man, die in our place, and pay for our sins...

Philippians 2:5-11 (NKJV) 5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

...all for love.

We have an innate desire to find this unconditional, "true" love during our lifetime in relationships with others. Though I will argue that a personal relationship with Jesus is the most important and fulfilling one you can have, I want to write a bit about another very important lifelong personal relationship.

When a man and woman are married, they are joined together as one flesh. This is accomplished legally and is symbolized by sharing a last name, physically when they conjugate their marriage, and emotionally.

Mark 10:5-9 (NKJV) 5 And Jesus answered and said to them, “Because of the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept. 6 But from the beginning of the creation, God ‘made them male and female.’ 7 ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, 8 and the two shall become one flesh’ ; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”

Trying to separate two people once they have been woven together in marriage would be like trying to separate your arm from your torso. Can it be done? Yes. Will it hurt? Very much so! Will there be a scar left on your body? Only if you are alive.

I have counseled with many Soldiers who are struggling to make their marriage work. They are trying very hard to do the right thing, yet there seems to be no progress toward reconciliation. I counsel these men and women to focus on the one thing they can change: themselves. You cannot change your spouse, and separating from them will only make things worse for everyone (with the exception of leaving an abusive partner). Jesus loved us so much that He suffered the most painful death humans have ever been able to inflict on another person. Can you love your spouse enough to keep trying no matter what response you receive?

I challenge you to look into the Love Dare (see links below). This is about you, and how changing your perspective will impact your relationship for the better. If you are at the end of your rope, you have nothing to lose. If you want to get closer to your spouse, get closer to God.

Advent Activities

2008-12-10T10:33:00.003-05:00

I found a cool website to help celebrate the season of Advent leading up to Christmas! Check it out at: http://www.teachingmom.com/features/advent.html.

Also found a neat activity to remind us of the "Reason for the Season."
Merry Christmas!

Bring some living greenery (pine boughs or holly, a winter flower, a Christmas cactus) into your home today. Remind yourself that our Christian forebears saw the color green as a sign of God's unending love and hope.

He is here!

2008-11-24T10:53:00.004-05:00

Asher James Williams was born at 4:29 a.m. on November 24, 2008! He outweighed his largest sibling by 11 oz., coming in at a whopping 10 lbs. 9 oz., and 22 inches long. He is doing great, as is momma (she pushed for 15 minutes). He is named for the 2nd son of Jacob (Genesis 30:12-13) and his name in Hebrew means "filled with happiness." His middle name is in honor of his grandfather, James Levon Williams, Jr.
I will post more pictures on my website (http://www.wonderfulwilliams.com/) in the next few days. Follow the link to our gallery. I am thankful for a healthy baby and all of my friends and family who have been/are supporting us during this exciting season in the life of our family. Praise the Lord!

Waiting for Asher James

2008-11-21T09:16:00.003-05:00

I am in the office today after telecommuting yesterday to be home with Sheri. She is at her women's Bible study and we have decided to go about our lives, as "a watched pot never boils." I spoke with CH Sachs yesterday and he gave me some wisdom from the Hebrew, which roughly translated says, "may the birth come at the perfect time." We are all excited to meet this new little man, and I will post pictures very soon!

Go Army, Beat Navy!

2008-11-12T10:40:00.004-05:00

On December 6, 2008, the Army Golden Knights and the Navy Midshipmen will meet on the gridiron at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field for the 109th Army Navy football game. This rivalry began in 1890 and currently stands at 52-49-7 in favor of the Navy.

Did you know? The reason that the games are played in Philadelphia is because the two academies were forbidden to play away games from 1894 to 1898 because of an arguement between a Rear Admiral and a Brigadier General that almost resulted in a duel! Philly was chosen as neutral ground for the game in 1899 and has been played there 81 times.

CBS will air the game at 12:00 EST. GO ARMY! BEAT NAVY!
http://www.phillylovesarmynavy.com/

Holiday Mail for Heroes

2008-11-10T17:16:00.013-05:00

I recently received the following email:

A great idea! When you are making out your Christmas cards this year, set aside one extra card and mail it to the following address: A Recovering American Soldier, c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 6900 Georgia Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20307-5001. If you approve of the idea, please pass it on to your email address."

I researched this forward at http://www.snopes.com/politics/christmas/soldiercards.asp and read that while this is a great idea, mail sent to Walter Reed addressed with no named recipient is discarded in accordance with security protocol. Fortunately, there are programs that fill this need and you can still share a holiday greeting with a recovering Soldier. This year, the American Red Cross and Pitney Bowes will collect, inspect and distribute mail to wounded servicemembers. The following address is from WMUR News Nine in Manchester, NH. http://www.wmur.com/military-service/17953053/detail.html

Mail can be sent to:
Holiday Mail For Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

Thank you for supporting those brave men and women who have sacrificed so much for the freedoms that you and I enjoy.

P.S. Don't forget to thank a Veteran tor their service today!

God bless America

2008-11-05T10:10:00.008-05:00

Senator John McCain conceded the race last night to our new president-elect, Barak Obama. Though I am disappointed, I take two things from this night that give me hope. Number one, our system of government works. The American people made their choice and their voices were heard. Democracy still works!
And number two, and more importantly, no man, not Barak Obama, nor John McCain will ultimately stand against our Lord and King, Jesus Christ, when He returns to claim His kingdom!

Revelation 22:12-13; 20-21
"Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen."

So, for now, we must believe that God is in control and submit ourselves as Christians to those in authority (Romans 13:1-7), though we are not required to contradict our morals and we do not have to give up our voice. Barak Obama has a hard job to do, and he will need the support of all Americans to protect our way of life. I, for one, will give him my support and maintain my right as a citizen of this country to disagree with my government. God bless America.

DON'T FORGET TO VOTE

2008-11-03T16:15:00.001-05:00

As my pastor so eloquently put it this Sunday, "If you don't vote, you can't complain."

Back in the Saddle

2008-11-03T10:04:00.003-05:00

It has been a while, I know, but I want to keep this blog a little more current as a preparation for the future. I have been serving as the battalion chaplain of the 368th Engineer Battalion since 2006, and will be moving on to command the 104th Chaplain Detachment this month. I am blessed to have been used by God to minister to the Soldiers and families of the 368th, and many others in our Reserve Center. I look forward to the work and refining that God will accomplish in my new position. He has a plan to use everything I have ever done for His glory, and I am excited to partner with Him and share my life with anyone He places in my path. Do you want to know more about this Great King and Lord? Check out the Gospel of John, ask a friend who has a relationship with Him, or better yet, ask Him yourself! He loves you!

It's your right!

2006-11-09T11:50:00.000-05:00

But to all who have received him – those who believe in his name – he has given the right to become God’s children. --John 1:12

Testimony

2006-11-09T08:50:00.000-05:00

In 1999, I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior and re-enlisted in the Army Reserve as a Chaplain Assistant. During a period of time when my unit was between chaplains, I served as the sole member of the Unit Ministry Team (UMT). I enjoyed ministering to the men and women of the unit and mentoring the chaplain assistant who would later take my place. As I realized that I could better perform this ministry to my unit and my UMT in the role of a chaplain, I began to pray about going to seminary and applying to the chaplain candidate program.
I have learned a lot about the ministry and the chaplaincy, and I look forward to the opportunity to bring soldiers to God and God to soldiers. I hope to be of greater service to my country as a noncombatant and a pastor than I was as an NCO. As a Christian and a patriot, I believe that the religious freedom guaranteed by the First Amendment is the undergirding foundation of democracy. I am proud to be a champion of this great ideal as a chaplain in the United States Army.

Mark David Williams 07 October 2005