Did you wake up this morning? Was there breath in your lungs? Good. That's a start. God has seen fit to give you another day. Another chance to face the world. As a Veteran, I can personally attest to how rough some days can be. Some mornings it feels like the whole world is against you and that even just the simple task of getting out of bed isn't even worth it. PSALM 118:24 "This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it." Have you been through hell and back? More than likely. So now you're a civilian. Be thankful and rejoice! Go out there and kick some butt! God has granted you a second chance in life, a chance to live your life in peace. Don't squander it. LIVE! LOVE! LAUGH! You can be miserable, if you choose. However that's not fun. It's not helpful to anyone either. Not your family, friends, co-workers and especially yourself. Now, I am not saying go out there and be an annoying ray of sunshine that drives everyone bonkers. I'm saying, try and face the world with a motivated and positive attitude. That you're going to accomplish as much as possible each and everyday. As Veterans, we know how precious life is, and that every second counts. Don't waste them. Are there going to be days that are just horrific and volatile? Of course. But those days will pass. The Bible tells us how to handle these things; John 16:33 I have said these things to you, thatin me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” AND Psalm 50:15 " and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” So strap on your boots, grab your pack and move out! Oscar Mike! (thats military lingo for ' On the Move' for you Civi's out there) God Bless and CYH
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I have been told that I have anger issues. I won't deny it. When it comes to burning bridges, let's just say I'm a demolitions expert. One of the greatest challenges I have had since being out of the service, is adapting to civilian life. Going from a life that was structured and oriented, to a life where not many people have a clue how to tie their own shoes let alone function as a society has been truly challenging. I have been out of the service for almost 12 years now, and it is still a challenge. I have had so many different vocations since, that I have pretty much lost count. Minimum wage mediocrity, high paying trade professions, unemployed; I have done it all. Many jobs I have quit simply because my anger was going to lead to a manager or customer going to the hospital after a severe beating. I think one of the things I have a difficult time dealing with is the lack of honor and selfish mentality that festers in civilian life. The hate is a big factor too. There is so much hate everywhere I turn. Political views, Race, etc... it seems like everyone is at each others throats. In the service, it didn't matter who you were, where you came from, your sexual orientation, your race or religion. We all had a job to do. We got it done, and then partied our butts off. I don't understand how the rest of the world can't function like this. As such, I have burned so many bridges just trying to fit into society that I can't even remember who all I kicked to the way side. I have made friends and lost friends along the way, as well as made many enemies. My anger is one of the greatest adversaries I have in my faith and walk with Christ. To be honest, there is a part of me that wants to burn that bridge too. I am tired of setting fires. I have to struggle and fight. Remind myself of why and how I followed God's calling back to the Church. I ran from him for so long, and tried just about everything else to survive with little success. Much like the "prodigal son" parable that Jesus talks about in the book of Luke, I came back. And He came running with arms open. Luke 15: 20-22 “...But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. These are just some of my demons that I have to face on a daily basis as a Christian and Veteran. I can't attest to my fellow Veterans, but I am sure many of my Brothers and Sisters can relate. Remember the Bible says that "...a fool is quick to anger..." -Proverbs 29:11 I refuse to be a fool. God Bless and CYH Hands down, one of the hardest times to be a Christian for me is when I'm driving. It doesn't even have to be Rush Hour. Other drivers can infuriate me so immensely that it's like I'm back in the military again and I'm the poster child for the old adage "Swears like a Sailor". People running stop signs, not stopping for a school bus when it's warning placards are out, not using a turn signal, ignoring the rules of "Right of way", not pulling over for Emergency Vehicles (that's a huge one for me); so many people just being reckless!! AAAARRRGGHHHH!!!!!!!!!!! We've all been there. Right? Ephesians 4:26 "In your anger do not sin..." Which is a REALLY difficult thing for me to do. Just about every curse word comes into my head when I experience the folly of other drivers. But it is this trial I am beginning to realize, that gives me the opportunity to become a stronger Christian. I have to remind myself that the rage and hate and anger I feel is not what God wants from me. James 1:20 says "because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires." I have to remind myself of this, because more than anything I long to be righteous and good in my life and walk with Christ. There is always going to be stupid drivers on the road. I am sure that something that I have done while driving has caused another to swear and curse at me. I'm not perfect. None of us are. It is crucial to remind ourselves that a fool angers quickly. The Bible says so, Proverbs 29:11 "Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end." To anger and sin is to give the devil a foothold on your life. Ephesians 4:27. So stay safe out there everyone, and remember to remain calm, we are not perfect and we all fail. The important part is to get back up and stay on the path that God has set before you. God Bless and CYH. Back in the '80's, my Father took me to hear this man speak. He was a local Christian celebrity in the Pittsburgh Area and Radio personality for WPIT FM. His name was Dick Hatch. I remember him being very genuine and humble. Charismatic and clever. For the life of me, I don't remember his sermon. But I do remember his joke. It was the first "Grown Up" joke I ever committed to memory. The Joke goes something like this... A blind bunny rabbit is hopping through the forest when he bumps into a snake. "I'm so sorry!", says the bunny rabbit. "You see, I am blind since birth, lost from my family, and I don't know what I am." The snake replies to the rabbit, "Wow! What a coincidence! You see, I too am blind since birth, lost from my family and I don't know what I am either." "Wow! That is a coincidence!" says the rabbit. "Hey, I have an idea!" the rabbit exclaimed. "Why don't we sniff around each other and then tell each other what we are?" The snake pauses for a moment, "That's a fantastic idea!" the snake agreed. The snake sniffs around the rabbit, stops. Thinks for a moment. "Okay! I got it! You have long ears, big feet, a bushy tail, and a wiggly nose. You're a Bunny Rabbit!" "AMAZING! I have waited my entire life to know that! Thank you!" The rabbit gratefully confesses. Now the rabbit sniffs around the snake. He stops. Scratches his head. Sniffs around two more times. "Okay." the rabbit says reluctantly. " I think I've got it. You have beady eyes, a fork tongue and slimy skin. You're a Tele-Evangelist!" As funny and messed up as the punch line is, I think I have finally figured out why I have committed that joke to memory for 30+ years. Firstly, the snake. A lot of the time, people don't realize they are a snake; until someone points it out to them. In their minds, they are oblivious. The same goes for the rabbit. Aimlessly hopping around and bumping into every darn tree in the forest until they can find the path. If they ever find it at all. It doesn't matter if you're the rabbit or the snake, we're all blind without God. God tells us who and what we are. He leads us, guides us and helps us to find our way. Psalm 119:105 "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." We can always help those who are still blind find the path too. Sometimes, we can be the lamp, that God uses to help others. Remember, Jesus had this awesome trick he did,.... making the Blind Man see. It's kind of his thing. God Bless, and C.Y.H. We've all said it before. "God, give me the strength..." But have you ever noticed that he doesn't? He doesn't waive his hand and *POOF* , magically you're as strong as an Ox! Or, *POOF*, you have the resolve of a dozen people and are able to get through the day. That's not at all what God does. What he does do, is give us an opportunity to be strong. To do what needs to be done on our own. Don't get me wrong, he is always with us, but like any good parent; he wants his children to be able to stand on our own. I have come to understand this hard truth in the past few years, and have wrestled with it sporadically. But once I accepted the fact that God wants me to be strong, things got easier. Now, I don't pray for God to give me strength. I pray for God to give me an opportunity to be strong. "I can do all this through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13 I have heard this verse cited all my life, and I look at it now with new eyes. God does give us strength as Paul states in Philippians, but I think he does it by giving us the opportunity to be strong. To learn from our mistakes, to develop and grow. Not just as a human being, but also as a child of the Lord. "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1 Psalm 46 is another very resounding verse about God being our strength. I look at this verse like this. A parent is teaching their child to ride a bicycle. The parent holds onto the back of the bike and reassures the child that they are there. But at some point, the parent has to let go so the child can ride the bike on their own. Yes the child might fall down a few times, and God, like a good parent, is there to pick them back up. Our "refuge" like Psalm 46 says. But the parent gives the child a chance to try again. A chance to be strong and to learn from past mistakes and events. Yes, you might stumble. Yes you might fall. But he will always be there to help you back to your feet and to give you a chance to be strong. I like to end my blogs with music, so please enjoy this song from DC Talk. It always helps me to be strong. Be Blessed. (Photo Credit: Pintrest) I think it's safe to say that most people despise Mondays. Goes without saying. The weekend is over, and for most, it's "back to the grindstone". Our bodies are sluggish, our mind set is dragging and it can feel like there is not enough caffeine in the world to get the week going. Trust me, we've all been there. However look at it this way, God has seen fit to give you another day. Another week. Another chance to provide for your family, a chance to make a difference in the world. You read that correctly. You can change the world. Even the smallest act of kindness can change the course of events in someones life in a positive way. The 5 minutes it takes to help someone push their disabled car to the side of the road. Stopping to help a Senior citizen who dropped her groceries in the parking lot. Giving that extra dollar to the single mom in front of you in line at the store who is just a little short of her total. Small acts for some, but to that person, it is life changing. My sons former elementary school teacher told him once that there is no such thing as "luck". I have to disagree. I believe that "L.U.C.K." is a real thing. Love Under Christ's Kindness. Be someones "LUCK". Use this new week that God has given you. Be joyful and grateful for the opportunity. Give thanks to the Lord above for the chance to make a difference. Give praise. Dance and Rejoice in him. Yes, it's "MONDAY"; so what? Strap on your grown up pants and head in full throttle. The right motivation can help you do this, and I have always found music to be a crucial motivator. The Bible says, "Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp." - Psalm 149:3 So here is a song by Toby Mac that always gets me motivated to be someones "L.U.C.K." Be Blessed. |
AuthorSpike Bowan is the Pittsburgh, PA born Writer and Fiction Author. He is a Veteran of the US Navy, retired Paramedic, Husband, Father and Christian. BECOME A PATRON. CLICK BELOW!
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