Dear Salvation Army, Don’t Hate Christmas…but Don’t Worship it either

In my head I have this idealistic concept of what Christmas should look feel like.
I picture myself standing next to George Bailey as the whole town comes to rally around him. I picture all of us gathered around the Christmas tree all bright and sparkly, glittering and shiny, and we’re singing ‘Auld Lang Syne‘. We are all breathing in the regalia, drinking up our tasty glasses of egg nog and we’re all wearing those cheesy sweaters you only see at Christmas time. It’s a fantasy. It’s a dream. It’s certainly not reality. (just let me dream for a moment please)

Sometimes it’s Christmas worship…for all the wrong reasons.

There’s another side of me though.
It’s the side that comes out more often than not.
It’s a side that I seldom acknowledge.
With everything that we do this time of year…raising much needed funds, running ourselves sick so that by Christmas day, almost every year, we are literally sick…counting toys, sorting toys, dreaming about toys and the sounds of ringing bells (it really is a reoccurring nightmare)…that side of me wishes I never experience another Christmas again. This side of me HATES Christmas.

Bah…humbug.

I don’t say that lightly.
Sometimes I wish someone else would just take over and let me go put on my cheesy sweater so that I can stand by George Bailey again. Sometimes I honestly dread getting to this time of year. Now, I know what we do and why we do these things matters, it’s just that I can’t help but feel overworked, under-appreciated, and Christmas has become something that I hate instead of love. Did I do something wrong? Did I cancel Christmas because of my calloused heart? Am I the cause of this emotion? Sometimes that side of me rises up, rages, and won’t go back into its cage. It snarls at the “job”. It wails at the hours. It flails like a two year old in the middle of a grocery store when they don’t get what they want. The Grinch scream at the top of its lungs with veins popping out of its neck, the words are garbled yet still recognizable; “I HATE CHRISTMAAAAAS!”

But…
Then I get to Sunday morning.
Then I get to refocus my heart.
Then the raging animal gets locked up again in its dented cage.
Then I get to retrain these emotions.
Then I swallow them down.
Then I push back at these raw, sour feelings.
Then I get to realign my intentions and my attitude.
Then I realize that once again I’ve lost my way.
It’s Sunday.
It’s Advent.
Where is this holiness, this sanctified spirit within me?
Did I misplace it?
Did I leave in the pew next to the pew bible and discarded bulletin?
Is it sitting next to the advent candles ironically located above the crimson holiness table with the words of irony “Holiness unto the Lord”? Is it left in the chapel on Sunday?

Yes, we have made Christmas something to despise…sometimes.
Yes, we have worked ourselves to death…sometimes.
Yes, we make an impact on people’s lives…but are we really?
Yes, this system works…but is this the best we can do with the limited resources that we have?

All of these questions…
Not very many answers.

I really don’t hate Christmas.
I’m not green and please don’t call me the Grinch.
The two year old was left on the floor to finish that childish tantrum alone and embarrassed.

In my dream of the perfect Christmas I know that me and George Bailey are hanging out…but It’s just a dream.
I can’t worship this false ideal of what Christmas should look like either. The real world come crashing in.
For now I’ll forget about buying that cheesy Christmas sweater and lounging in a comfy couch next to that fantastically decorated Christmas tree sipping egg nog while singing Old Lang Syne.

But is there a middle ground here?
I don’t want the proverbial cake and eat it too.
I’m not complaining.
I am a servant and an Officer.
Though I think we might get our priorities backwards at times.
Servants of what exactly? Whose servants are we?

To help refocus and realign us today amidst the hustle and bustle of our crazy, busy day:

Luke 2:1-20

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. ²(This was the first census that took place while^[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) ³And everyone went to their own town to register.

⁴So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. ⁵He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. ⁶While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, ⁷and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

⁸And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹²This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

¹³Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

¹⁴“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

¹⁵When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

¹⁶So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. ¹⁷When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, ¹⁸and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. ¹⁹But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Something more for our Army to ponder today.
To God Be The Glory.

December 15, 2014 0

Dear Salvation Army, Expressions of Christmas Distribution…

It hasn’t happened yet…but, “Santa’s Workshop” is in full swing as presents and other gift items are placed on folding tables where our Sunday School class usually meets and are now being carefully sorted by a precious few volunteers. It sort of feels like a big build up to a crashing finale’ in an orchestra piece. The triple fortes are being played and soon the timpani will come exploding in the rallying final note that is held out, emphasized and controlled by the conductor’s raised hands…I’m waiting for the signal, the final “cut off”, the conclusion. It all culminates and concludes here. All the hard work, the radio spots, the television minutes, the rushing from place to place in order to drop off angel tree tags only to return numerous times to retrieve bags, boxes and ornately wrapped (even though year after year we ask for “unwrapped gifts”) presents.

Sometimes it seems a far cry from a small infant who was born into our world and placed in a feeding trough for animals. Sometimes, I can kind of see a glimpse of the nativity from our chapel from here. Sometimes, I wonder if this is as vital as we make it out to be, or if we’re missing the point…and by “we’re” I mean both you and me and those who receive such services.

But…Flashback from last year…
I saw Jesus.
I glimpsed His smile in a mother who’s cheeks were wet with tears because we could help her make ends meet this Christmas. -Times had been hard for her.
I glimpsed His caring eyes as parents came to our Social Worker and gave her a thanks laden card that said “you matter and without you here we would not have had a Christmas this year.”
I glimpsed His nail scared hands in the numerous voluntary services those who had come to give of themselves and of their time to this Christmas cause. In these simple gifts of services I saw a servant Jesus stooping down again to wash the disciples feet – how humbling such acts can be to behold!

I recall Jesus’ words to His disciples when they were squabbling over who would be the greatest disciple in the kingdom and Jesus cuts them off and says, “…whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else.” (Mark 10:44) Sometimes I think this ministry is anything but “greatest work”, it is hard laborious, back breaking work. It has some rewards in this world, but notoriety and fame is certainly not a part of that. Sometimes living out this expression of servant demands far more than we’re willing to give.

Thankful and Thankless…
Not everyone will receive these gifts with grace. Some, with great pride will look upon such an offering and refuse it because it is beneath them. Some will scorn these works and the efforts put forth hour after back breaking hour by priceless volunteers because it doesn’t meet their standards. Yet, as infrequent as it occurs, a few will come having worn the bruises of this world, and with eyes welling up and choking back the weary restrains, say “thank you!”. These few make it worth while, not that we are looking for their gratitude, but it does help to know that an impact on our community has been made. It does help to feel productive for the Kingdom. No, perhaps souls were not won at some kind of “Toy Shop Mercy Seat”, but perhaps a seed of generosity, grace and love was planted here. Perhaps such acts of mercy will cultivate a loosening of the soil around hardened hearts.

And…as they go from that place, with bags of toys, clothing and food, children’s lives will be altered. Perhaps a glimmer of hope will be found. Perhaps this simple expression of love with spark a child-like interest in the Divine.

These Aren’t Just Toys…
This isn’t about the blockbuster movie series “Toy Story” where toys will come to life.
This is about something more, something deeply heartfelt, some sort of of personal/spiritual contact with another soul who is searching. This is not just about toys and physical needs being met…this is something more. This can be about something more if we can look past the tired eyes, the weary bones and herculean Christmas effort. Yes, it can be a sin to overwork ourselves. Yes, it can be wrong if we misplace the true meaning of Salvation born in a manger. This can be about so much more than just providing gifts at Christmas…but the question remains what will we make it to be?

Not Just Another Production Line…
I’ve been to Walmart, Target, Bestbuy and other market places this holiday season. I’ve seen the madness. I have witnessed the rush to get the perfect present. I too have stood in those check-out lines, waiting impatiently for my turn.
BUT…when families and individuals come to The Salvation Army, who are in need, we cannot treat them like just another number in a long line of other “customers”…they are people! There is dignity in grace. There is compassion in calling on names rather than numbers. Can we change this persona? Can we make it personal? Can we become something more than just another production line?

It’s coming…and as we provide these basic human services to those who are in need at our distribution, will they see Jesus in us? Can we share that hope? It may sound like lollipops and rainbows here, but the reality is what we do matters and we can truly make an impact for the Kingdom!

Are you ready?
Something more for our Army world to ponder today.
To God be the glory!

Isaiah 9:6
“For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.“

December 12, 2014 0

Dear Salvation Army, Expressions of an Officer at Christmas

Perhaps this will sound poetic and a little disjunct…perhaps you will relate.
Every year we gear up, dear Officer, staff, volunteers and friends.
Every year we spend countless hours planning, preparing and executing a plan for “others”.

Expressions:
I am tired.
I am weary.
I am a little banged up and bruised.
I am bruised physically,
but most of it is on the inside…the frequent personal encounters.
the connections with the cynical, the battered, the broken, the apathetic.
many have given up.
many have lost touch with compassion.
many are consumed with self-driven purpose.
sometimes all I can do is find one solitary moment and exhale.
sometimes I have laid tired bones upon a pew in a sanctuary that is far too often deserted.

at night, following the long burdensome day
I drive home and on my way I peer past windows and homes
illuminated by twinkling Christmas lights and trees carefully donned
with ornaments, keepsakes and aspirations.
I cannot help but covet in these moments.
I cannot help but long for something that vaguely resembles idealic Christmas’
I have seen on the big screen.
I cannot help but pine for something out of reach to me.
It is selfish, I know.
It is a little melodramatic.
it is, at times, unrealistic…it is a dream, a blur in my rearview mirror.
I park the car in the driveway, hang up my coat, lounge for a time and slumber for a while
only to do it all again.

Expressions of Purpose:
In spite of these emotions.
in spite of these longings.
in spite of my covetous spirit…I plod on.
There is a reason.
There is a purpose to this.
Something beyond working tired bones to a daily grind.
Something past human personal needs.

I have seen tired, hopeless eyes.
these eyes are not the ones staring back at me in the mirror.
I see them every day.
I see them in faces of parents desperately trying to make ends meet.
I see them in the eyes of single mothers who work three jobs
and is weeping in front of me.
I see hopelessness in the dirty work clothes of an underpaid worker
coming in for a foodbox because this month’s rent is late.

We could all just pretend these needs are not real.
we could imagine they all deserve the circumstances they find themselves in
we could easily compartmentalize this
push it down
swallow the guilt and conscience…
but we are soldiers.
we are fighters
we fight for more than food boxes and funding
we fight for the lives of these hopeless souls
we fight even in the midst of our covetous moments…
when in the rearview mirror we see a life that glitters and glimmers
beckoning to us…

sometimes we have to dig down deep to keep fighting.
sometimes we have to be pulled up short to be reminded.
sometimes we enter the fray with jaded hearts.
sometimes we would prefer to spectate, deliberate and end our day
by putting it all out of our minds.

Expressions of Reason:
Yes, dear soldier,
we work this insanity at Christmas
yes, sometimes it seems unholy, improper
all in vain.
We could walk away,
others will pick up the slack
others will finish what we started
others will lend a helping hand.
Does faith play into this?
Where does our walk with the Lord lead?
Have we left Him behind in OUR works?
Have we begun to do this great thing
for man’s glory instead of His glory?
Are our intentions pure?
Or are we just chasing the dollar signs?
Capturing notoriety….
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me...”
(Luke 9:23)
Is this what discipleship looks like?
Do we get it wrong sometimes?
are we truly denying ourselves in this?
Is this “cross” worth carrying?
These questions arise in me during this time.
Sometimes His holy presence stills these thoughts
other times they get bantered about
tossed around, chewed on, bitten into
sometimes they get spit out…

Expressions of Compassion
But in the eyes of the hopeless
in the lives of the desperate
in the darkness of the forlorn
I have an opportunity to help.
I have a chance to mend brokenness
I have these hands that are able to pick up
the broken pieces and, with the holy spirit, help
to put the pieces back together again.
Can I attain and capture this compassion?
No.
It isn’t in me…it never was, nor will it ever be…
It isn’t something I am born with
or some sort of innate empathy for complete strangers…
I am, at times,
the priest that walks on by in that parable of the Samaritan.
I am incapable of it…by my own strength, heart, and power.
Without Him, I can do nothing.
Without His strength, heart, and power
this compassion is far beyond my reach.
But…
I want to help.
I want to serve.
I want to live this set-apartness
To experience this holiness
To shine His light…
Lord,
help me to express
your restoration
your forgiveness
your deliverance
your love.
-Amen.

These are some expressions of an Officer at Christmas.
There’s nothing wrong or right about it, just expressions, inflections, conversations of the heart.
Often times these conversations become reality and represent us.
I understand weariness.
I understand frustrations.
I understand fighting this – for good and for ill.

In the end, at least for me, it boils down to where my heart is…whose heart is mine…what or who I serve…
this makes all the difference between pointless, mindless work and mission-filled service to the Almighty.

Something for the Army to ponder today.
To God Be The Glory!

December 10, 2014 5

Dear Salvation Army, 10 Evangelistic Ideas For Your Corps

Today’s pondering is a slight deviation from the normal format…sorry.
With that said, however, I would like to offer some realistic evangelistic outreach ideas that could (emphasis on could) revitalize your corps’ ministry. Please recognize that these are merely suggestions and they may not all work in your specific location. It should also be noted that true evangelism must be a passion that your corps has before you can actually go out and reach into your neighborhoods and communities. Also, as far as I know, some of the best forms of evangelism happens on an individual basis not so much the “event” oriented methods. With that having been said, don’t simply replace your individual/personal evangelistic attempts with these suggestions. The idea today is to provide you with some unique and creative means of sharing the gospel with your community…so here goes.

1. Prayer Walks
This evangelistic idea is probably the least invasive idea for evangelism and involves your current soldiers and adherents. This notion literally is what it says…go out and walk your community and pray for specific people as you go. These prayer walks are generally done in pairs or “prayer teams”. Walk the streets around your corps. See specific homes and families and pray for those homes and families as you walk by. This type of personal evangelism allows your corps members to truly SEE the people living around your corps and community.

Before starting, make a plan. Don’t just go out. Instruct your corps members how this should be done. There are numerous resources online for this type of evangelism. Help them catch the vision and then ask them for a commitment to walk and pray. Assign, if needed specific times for these prayer partners to walk. Perhaps it can be done during the lunch hour once a week, or after work for just an hour. Never underestimate the power of prayer! Mighty things can and will come if we would just cover our community in fervent prayer.

2. Family Movie Nights
Understandably you might run into copyright issues with this one, so be careful! Creating family times together can be very rewarding for your corps. I know of some corps who started a Wii bowling league a few years ago and people thoroughly enjoyed that type of event. Casual events where we aren’t trying to “sell” Christianity but rather allow our Christian relationship be seen tends to make new comers more at ease. Sometimes I think we try too hard to impress the guest that we come off as phony or a group with ulterior motives. Pick movies that are kid friendly and not overly saturated Christian films.

3. Block Party
The block party idea has been around for years…so it’s not a new one, but with some fresh paint it can be a healthy way to get to know families in your neighborhood. These events can lead to some wonderful connections while over the barbecue grill or around picnic tables. Plan it wise, make sure you have plenty of time to send out invitations and remember to engage and enjoy this family fun event!

4. Art Show
Bring some culture into your corps buildings or local park venues by hosting an Art Show. These art shows could be individuals from your corps, a local college or high school in your area or even elementary school age children. Parents will want to come out and support their children along with the rest of the family. Plan to meet people at the door, welcome them, prepare of invitations to worship, and provide an atmosphere of welcoming and family friendliness.

5. Parents Night Out
If you have been or are currently a parent you will understand the necessity to just get away from the crew for a while. We all need to unplug, unwind and go out with our spouses for a date that doesn’t include highchairs and making huge messes in public (been there have the stains to prove it). Set up a babysitting event in your corps where corps members will come and host a kids friendly event while Mom and Dad enjoy a night out. Understandably ensure contact numbers are exchanged and parents understand that the event is NOT A SLEEPOVER for their children. Set the hours, assign the volunteers and staff for child care and invite the parents out. This could be a wonderful followup after a block party or another event listed here.

6. Mom’s Night Out
There are many single parents out there, including many in our corps. Host a similar event to the one above for the purpose of Moms (as well as single Dads) to enjoy some time away without having to worry about their children. If you host this sort of part for single parents in your community, you might be surprised at the response you will get. Again, it does depend on the community that you live in.

7. Free Finance Classes or other free educational offerings
One of the biggest challenge in marriage and life in general is how to manage your money. Create a six week (or less) “how to manage your money” workshop to help families learn about personal finances. Make it fun, because 9 times out of 10 these workshops can become boring and labor intensive. Get the word out, this could be an opportunity to help a parent, family or individual struggling right now with this physical need.

8. Specific Need Based Ministry for Your Community
Do some research. Ask hard questions. Study your community and discover what needs people around your community currently without. Can you meet these needs? Do you have the resources or personnel to help assist you? Is this a short-term or long-term “need-based” ministry? Perhaps you have a lot of single teen moms in your community that have no where to go to connect with other single teen moms. Perhaps there’s an educational need like a GED program for graduate certificate curriculum you could offer. Find what’s missing in your community and try to fill that gap and meet that specific need!

9. New Born Gift Ministry
Perhaps you have elderly men and women in your corps and they feel that they can no longer contribute or be useful anymore. Here is an opportunity to engage an elderly crowd. Have them make blankets for newborns at the local Natal/Maternity wards at the hospital. Make little stockings or a simple “New Mom’s” care package with thoughtful gifts and cards of encouragement in them. Make it a clear ministry that involves praying for the new moms and dads. Some new parents may not have thought of church before or currently have family to encouragement them.

10. A Community Day of Caring (I’ll Fight Day)
This is an up and coming event each year in December here in the United States…but it could be done any time during the calendar year. Get out with your corps people and help neighbors by cleaning their homes, raking leaves, help elderly people with groceries and many other community caring events. Be strategic. Plan and inform the neighborhood of your caring event. Take time to show the community how much you care for them through works of kindness and charity. Be mindful that not everyone will be receptive to your acts of kindness, but think of the seeds you might plant when getting out of the corps building and into the community to offer such acts of love?!

These are just ten evangelistic ideas to help you dear Soldier in this fight for the spiritual lives of many. Use them if you can. Devise some authentic, caring moments to reach out to people in need. Get out of the corps. Learn who lives around your corps. Be aware of the needs of your community…and get on with loving the least of these!

Just another thing to ponder for our Army world today!
To God be the glory!

December 9, 2014 0

Dear Salvation Army, “Raised by the Corps”

Dear Salvation Army,
You have a purpose and reason to exist. Don’t ever forget that!
You will never be a mega-church, nor truly ever fit the “church” model…we are more than that.
We serve within brokenness. There are countless families, children and people who come to us bent and broken by life and sin. We cannot shirk these responsibilities. It is like a Lighthouse to many. Turn off the light and the jagged rocks will capture these souls. Do not let your lights go out! Do not take these great responsibilities to the bent and broken for granted!

Christian Orphans…
It’s not so much a physical orphan than it is a spiritual one. Many parents drop their children off or have them picked up by the Army van on Sundays or for certain programs in the week. These Christian orphans do not have a rich soil of faith at home and are left to figure out this relationship with Christ on their own…but are the corps raising them up to be strong children of faith? What an amazing opportunity we have with these young people!

I have heard many of these such stories. Even my Grandmother came to the Army and was raised by the Corps in her faith. I would imagine many out there who are reading this can relate, either by having taught a Sunday school class to such children or having been an orphan Christian.

Dear Corps…
Never stop teaching these children! You might be the only light of Christ that they experience in this world.
It might become burdensome to pick them up every Sunday. It might grind against you that their parents show absolutely no interest in the spiritual nourishment of their children…but don’t give up on the child! Keep feeding them breakfast on Sundays. Keep teaching them the principles of this faith. Keep striving to improve their daily lives. Don’t give up! What an awesome responsibility for not only the future of this Army, but the future Saints of the next generation! The seeds you plant, or water now could blossom and grow into a future leader or preacher of the gospel. Take this seriously! Heed these words: What you do with the young people who come into your corps MATTERS!

“[Kids] don’t remember what you try to teach them. They remember what you are.”
-Jim Henson.

Be something that these future saints will aspire to!
Be their hope!
Be consistent in your faith!
Be the evidence of Christ’s love for their lives!

Dear Salvation Army,
What a great honor and power you wield in the formation of these priceless children of God!
Keep on keeping on…and don’t you ever quit on them!

Something more for our Army world to ponder today!

December 8, 2014 1

Temptation (A Poem)

I will refrain from playing these melodies
for in them I find disjunct, discord…
discouragement.
Its tune resounds loudly,
far too proudly,
resolutely profound.
I will refrain from playing these melodies,
though this heart bends to its lure…
it is the knocking on the door
but deeply wrong to the core…
A sigh from maudlin groans,
yet I cannot play these melodies
for all too soon
they will play me
swaying me like autumn winds
through bowing trees…
and I will be swept from this identity
crushed down,
torn apart,
stabbed in the heart
by riffs and these temptress notes.
So I slam this door,
board it up.
lock it down tight…
and walk away
pretending not to hear
its deceitful strain.

December 5, 2014 0

Dear Salvation Army, Officer’s Kids…

I am an Officer’s kid. For those who have no idea what I am talking about, let me explain.
No, my parents weren’t in the military. My parents were/are Salvation Army Officers.
Being an Officer’s kid is a lot like being a Pastor’s kid.
Being an Officer’s kid is also nothing like being a Pastor’s kid.
Is that as clear as mud? Good.

Backing up,
I am an Officer’s kid…
So was my father and mother.
So were my Grandparents.
My Great-grand parents were the first in our family to join the ranks of this fledgling army here in the United States.

Being an Officer’s kid is a unique thing.
People expect more from you.
People expect you to act a certain way.
People expect you to be more mature than the rest of the kids your age.
In short, the expectations for Officer’s kids are unfair and perhaps the bar is set too high.

There is also the running joke that if one marries into the army and also has family in the army that a blood test is required to ensure your soon to be bride is not related. Seriously, sometimes the life of an Officer’s kid can become solely an “army” bubble…and that, in my opinion, is not always healthy.

Back to Officer’s kids and expectations…
I recall meeting many officers kids while living with my parents growing up. We moved to various locations including South Africa, St. Helena and places in the central states of the U.S. I have met some very straight-laced Officer kids, who in turn grew up to also become Officers themselves, and I have met some rebel Officer kids who pushed back at every turn.

Are the expectations of Officer kids fair? In short, I believe that the answer is a resounding “No“!
Do these expectations of Officer’s kids sometimes lead to them wanting nothing to do with the Army when they grow up? In short, I believe that the answer is a resounding “Yes“!
Other times, and I have witnessed this, Officer’s kids have seen how the Army and its leadership has treated their parents and because of those seemingly unholy moments, they have walked away from this movement.
Could we use a little more compassion in our Army? Yes.
More understanding? Yes.
The ability to understand the hectic lives of Officers who have young children in their homes? Yes, yes, yes!

One might contend that Officers know what they are getting into when they sign their covenant…but did their children sign it too? Do they tag along during the kettle season? Do they help out, sometimes as the best and only volunteer on Sunday mornings? Do they go where their parents tell them to go? Many these Officer kids have unknowingly signed the covenant of officership too.

It is the nature of this organization.
There will be cause and effect.
A ripple here might become a wave on the other side…

Questions:
How might we improve the lives of Officer’s Kids?
Does this responsibility fall squarely on the parents?
Does the corps, does DHQ, THQ, IHQ have a role in this as well?
What of the many who have left the army following reaching adulthood? Is there something to learn from those experiences?

This isn’t some sort of “Woe is me” edition of Pastorsponderings, this is just me hoping to teach my kids the importance of being their own individual and walk their own spiritual path. I’m not saying I didn’t or am not right now…because I have. How can we improve this ever changing facet of Officer families for the better? Are we making strides today? Yes I believe we are. Is there more work to be done in this sometimes forgotten aspect of “Army life”? Yes I believe there is.

Honestly, I haven’t arrived at a conclusion on this today.
I am simply pondering the nature and nurture of Officer Kids.
I understand them.
I was one.
I sympathize.
I know that there are also perks, privileges and opportunities.

Honestly, I would like to hear from you. What do you make of Officer Kids?
Were/Are you one? Are you a Pastor’s kid…you can somewhat relate too.
How about a missionary kid? You fit this mold to some extend too.
From the outside looking in – Soldiers and friends, how do you see Officer’s kids?

Something more to ponder in our Army world today.

December 5, 2014 29

In December…(A poem)

Putting on my outer coat, with sleeves – woolen and rough,
I open up the world and step into it once more.
The fray, the angst, the hatred, the love…it rushes at me
almost knocking me off my feet.
Taking away my balance,
my compass,
My light…
Exhaling another breath,
it gets caught in winter’s embrace
lifts off,
takes flight in wisps of cloud…soft, white, feathery;
And sometimes,
if I am brutally honest,
I wish I too could take flight,
could rise up,
on the wings of morning
and embrace the frigid breeze.
I wish that I too could
top the bowing trees, heavy with fallen snow
and be eye to eye with the sun…
Longing to feel its radiance
its warmth
breathing into me a song
as old as the groanings of the earth
as these bones pine for its alluring kiss
and sighing one last time,
I close the door
engage the engine
and head out into the thick of it
while I bid the rising dreams goodbye
for but a moment.

December 4, 2014 0

Dear Salvation Army, The Angel Said Whaaaaaaat???

(Luke 1:26-45)
Today’s Pondering, Dear Soldier…

It had been a quiet morning as the sun seemingly struggled to wake the slumbering cobwebs from the earth. This is how Mary always began her day. She helped her mother prepare the house then it was off to collect water and the list went on… The sun began to pour into their dwelling, rays of gold catching every glimmer and spec of dust falling in the air. Mary enjoyed these silent, ponderous moments. Abruptly, her silent moment is caught by the heel and turned upside down in the most remarkable way possible. Perhaps, years later, she will look back upon her life and identify this as the moment when everything changed.

Her neck hairs stand on end and she immediately knows that she is not alone. Something behind her catches the eye…movement. Spinning around swiftly she is caught off guard by the imagery in front of her. Imagine something not of this earth, strikingly radiant, suddenly appearing in your home. Wouldn’t you be caught off guard as well?

She notices beyond the aura of light that a being stands before her.
“Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.’ An unknown voice calls out. The being’s voice is deep, confident and strong. Mary is afraid. A momentary swell of fear captures her and she is glued in place, unable to move. Mary peers around for the closest door, her muscles tense as she prepares to escape this fear. But The angel, for that is what it is, calls out again and says “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”

Whaaaat???
Okay, perhaps Mary’s response wasn’t exactly like that, but a look of concern crosses her face. How could this be? She isn’t even married yet. She is, in fact, still a virgin. It is unnatural, unheard of, it is just too much to take in all at once. The Angel had told her not to be afraid and yet she was certainly anxious and afraid.

There in that lowly room so long ago, history was being made. It didn’t happen to a mighty queen, nor did it happen to one who was prepared for such a feat…but it happened to a teenage girl, inexperienced in the world, naive and young. How could this be? The Savior of the world is placed in the arms, or soon would be, of a young woman. Think of it! Mary experiences this theophany of sorts and the symphony of salvation is born to all the world!

I find it interesting that Mary doesn’t refuse the Angel’s announcement, or laugh as Zacharias (Elizabeth’s husband) does. She takes in this message. She absorbs the news. She is strong, much stronger than most…perhaps this is one of the reasons she is chosen to be the mother of Jesus. It still astounds us today if we contemplate it long enough. Salvation will be born of a virgin. Could it be that because of such a concept the Christ is not born into sin as we were? Could it be that all of the “messiah’s” who came before Jesus, the bloodshed, the violence was all in vain? Could it be that man’s attempts to find salvation and restoration from sin was imperfect for the lambs they were sacrificing were also imperfect and not enough? There is much to ponder here today my friends.

Immediately following the proclamation from Gabriel, Mary runs as fast as she can to the nearby village…(was it the same day? Was it immediately, as in ‘that day’? We don’t know, it just says “at that time” Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea.) Perhaps she stumbles a few times on the way in her haste to seek out solace and reassurance. Mary seeks out the comfort of family. She seeks out someone in whom to confide. No one will believe that she is still a virgin. No one will accept such a tale…but family, the trusted few will help, protect and guide.

For Us…
What do we make of this tale? What do we find reassuring from this record? Is there not something we can all glean from this? What does faith look like, dear soldier? Certainly Mary’s response to the Angel’s proclamation is a indication of courage and faith. Certainly the mother of Jesus provides us with an example of how we are to respond to the workings of the Lord. Are we so far removed from this narrative? Does this not still impact our daily lives? Mary doesn’t laugh at the Angel. She doesn’t weep and rebel and refuse to participate in this salvation story…in fact she accepts it and moves forward. It doesn’t say that her life improves immediately. I am sure she could not have hidden this pregnancy for too long. From a pure physical perspective, Mary’s life could have been in danger and at the very least susceptible to all kinds of scorn, gossip and sideways glances. “Oh look, there goes THAT Girl“.

QUESTIONS:
How do we respond to the leading of the Lord in our lives?
What is our response?
Are we fully submitted to His will or do we still struggle, moaning and groaning within this call?
Can we reflect within this holy narrative today?
Can we find comfort in a mighty God?
Have we forgotten, or taken His holy presence for granted, especially during this busy season?

Prayer:
Dear Lord,
renew us again. May we respond to you as Mary once did so long ago. We all face challenges, some large and some small, instill in us Your comfort again no matter what season we are in. We long to be your people. We long to give you praise in all things. Refine us, O Lord. Restore unto us, this joy of our salvation today! Reignite our passion to serve you and to reach out to those who are still lost. O Lord, we can do nothing without your hand upon us. Journey beside us today. This we pray. -Amen.

To God Be The Glory!

December 4, 2014 0

Dear Salvation Army Soldier, Are You Broken And Weary?

This work that I believe has been thrust upon us to do in this world today is arduous and sometimes debilitating to the soul. Often times I have looked upon the tasks before me and have thought that I was too ill-equipped, surely there are better, smarter, more talented people to do this work. Make no mistake, dear soldier, our rewards for laboring in this mission will not be found in the personalized accolades of this world. We will also not become famously wealthy in our service to suffering humanity. Rather, we work because of this higher calling within our hearts and lives. If we have been called into this deeper fellowship with the Father, then our highest aim is to live in holiness while at the same time ushering others into the same, life-saving lifestyle.

The Brokenness:
This is not about Leadership abuse or being beaten down by society for our testimony, although these things do happen. The brokenness I am talking about today takes place within our spirit. We have been given this free will to choose. We can choose to rebel against God in all things. We can choose to turn our backs on His leading in our lives. We can decide to ignore His pleadings to help those around us; but with these choices comes the consequence of separating from God’s will for us. This will is a deep desire for us to become like His son, Jesus Christ in every way possible. If we choose to walk such a difficult path (Holiness) we make a conscious decision to become selfless in both word and deed. This brokenness, dear soldier, can truly transform our ministries in not only our corps but in our work places and homes. It transforms our every thought and intention and directs it towards a motivation and power far beyond our own. The Holy Spirit whispers into our lives this transformational choice, without His guidance our brokenness will be incomplete and pitiful. With His power, we posses through Him the power to be transformed and to help in the transformation of others. Dear soldier, are you broken? What is the measure of your surrender? Does it end with the benediction on Sunday until the following Sunday, or does your surrender run through and through?

The Weariness:
The second component deals with physical and emotional exertion. In my country (United States), this time of year is extremely busy. We rush to and fro, forwards and backwards, only to repeat it over and over again for the next twenty one days. It can be an emotional roller coaster. Sometimes I believe we truly lose the emphasis of Christmas in our extreme business. I understand we need the funds to support our programs, but there are times when I question if what we do, which takes a toll on our bodies, is the appropriate method to this madness. I know of countless officers and soldiers alike who grow overly tired during this six+ week stretch and there is a groaning of their bones for finality.

In our efforts of doing good for Christ and living out our brokenness, “let us not become weary in doing good” (Galatians 6:9). I read this verse and think to myself how can we possibly NOT become weary in this season? Many of us literally dread the Christmas season, and I can’t help but think that the Lord does not want us to grow weary like this.

Questions:
Is there still holiness in Nativity for you?
Do we suffer from burnout in our efforts to do good?
What are we doing to care for the needs of our bodies and souls?
Have we lost that “lovin’ feeling”?
Have we lost a step in our relationship with Christ because of our responsibilities?

Prescriptions:
There isn’t one “miracle” pill to take, but allow me a moment to offer you a few remedies for weariness.
#1 Sleep.
I don’t care if you have to go to bed earlier or sprawl out on a pew, get some rest! Take your rest seriously!
#2 Pick up a new book to nourish your soul!
Read something that will connect with your spirit on a deeper basis. Don’t just settle for an easy read, but try and sift through the riff-raff for some good, healthy, challenging reads. Don’t stress about how long it will take you to read it either, just read.
#3 Keep Your Sabbath Holy!
For Officers this becomes quite difficult when you lead the red kettle campaign Monday through Saturday and then preach & teach on Sundays…but keep your Sabbath holy. Maybe this happens by attending another church’s service (Oh yes, I just said that!). Even the Shepherd needs to be fed, so go get fed!!! (I need to take this advice to heart as well!)
#4 Your Relationship With Christ
How is it? I don’t mean how do other people view you, but how is your personal relationship with Him right now? What are you doing to feed your spiritual life? Are you in a spiritual desert right now? Are you communing with the Father? Have you carved out vital time in your prayer closet, wherever that may be?
#5 Find, Recapture Some Joy This Christmas!
Christmas isn’t all about Kettles and Toys. It should never JUST be about that. If it does become this, then we will have lost our way in trying to do good for others we will have lost ourselves in the process. We must rekindle that spark, that flame, that passion for holiness. Let’s rediscover the mystery and awe of the Christ-child. Laugh a little. Enjoy life a little…take a breath and yes even relax a little.

This Army needs you alive both physically and spiritually. So don’t kill yourselves in your weariness!

Just another pondering for our Army today!
To God be the glory!

December 3, 2014 0