Chaplain's Corner - 1-181 Field Artillery

In all my years as a military chaplain, I’ve never had a call from someone asking to donate their vehicle to a veteran. My wife’s grandfather, Navy veteran Daryl Williams, is at a place in his life where he no longer needs a vehicle. He prayed about what to do with his car and said he felt like God wanted him to give it to a veteran in need.

PVT Nicolas Toungett of the TN Army National Guard rode with members from his unit in Lawrenceburg, TN to Sweetwater, TN today to receive this special blessing - along with a homemade lunch.

In a world filled with selfishness - it was nice to witness sacrificial love toward a young veteran today.

Nothing overly spiritual about this - but a good laugh is good medicine! Hit ‘em first!

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Yesterday was a tough day with the news of a lost 1-181 veteran.

It's a reminder of the pain and anguish that many of our brothers and sisters are quietly going through. God knew firsthand how hard this world was when He instructed His followers to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:31). Showing practical care and concern for someone may go a lot further than you realize - and there are many out there that desperately need to see a ray of light in the midst of a world of darkness.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." - 2 Timothy 4:7

Every month at drill, I talk with Soldiers at various points in their military careers - but a common theme is finishing. For some, finishing won't come until they are 60 years old - while others just want to make it to the end of their contract. For the Apostle Paul, he was nearing the end of his life and ministry when he penned these words to his disciple Timothy. He had confidence that he had done well, and you can feel the peace he has about his next chapter. No matter what stage of your career you find yourself - always make sure that you could echo these words so that you will have peace knowing that you finished strong!

- Chaps

This past weekend, the 181 was out in full force in Tullahoma. The unfortunate part was - the rain was also there in full force!

We say, "If it ain't rainin', we ain't trainin'" - but I've never actually met a soldier that enjoyed training in the rain. If you aren't careful, circumstances will dictate your happiness. The reality is that God is good, all the time. Rather than focus on the annoying rain - focus on the good God in the midst of the rain. If and when you are in the midst of a "Life-storm" - I pray that you'll be able to see the break in the clouds and remember that God loves you.

- Chaps

It's almost that time of year again... the time when resolutions come out about becoming a better person in some way during the new year. There will be fitness goals, education goals, personal goals, etc...

The problem with New Year's Resolutions is that they are popular to make - but not popular to keep. This coming year, decide on an improvement you want to make. Make your resolution and go for it with all you have. If you mess up on day 2, don't throw your goal in the trash - get up, dust yourself off, and continue going for it with all you have! If at the end of the struggle you can honestly say you tried your hardest, you can live with that. But don't settle for a half effort in anything. God bless and Happy New Year!

"Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men," Colossians 3:23 (HCSB)

Has anyone out there ever gotten lost on a land nav course? How about taken a wrong turn when trying to go to a new place? Getting lost is stressful, and being lost doesn't inspire much hope.

It takes a big person to admit that they don't have every answer. But, there is a source that we can turn to in moments of uncertainty! The Word tells us to trust God with our whole heart. That's simply a way to say trust God at all times and in every situation.

Trust God when you are in the midst of a great victory - He is with you and intends it for your good. Also, trust God in the midst of your low moments - He has not left your side and continues to love you in the midst of your greatest difficulties. He will guide you, and you will see Him moving when you seek Him fully! (Jer. 29:11)

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7 ESV)

It's almost that time of year again - the annual APFT is upon us! If you are reading this, you have less than a month to prepare yourself for that annual test of torture. You probably find yourself in one of two categories. The first group are the ones that are fit and ready. It's just a matter of how high their score can soar. The second group is filled with the ones that have put off their fitness for too long. They may be realizing how little time they have left to prepare. We'd all like to be in that first category!

Paul, in writing to his disciple Timothy, was able to look at his life and say that he had fought hard. He was proud of the "race" he'd run. He'd learned what it meant to live by faith more and more as he went.

If you aren't proud of the "race" you've run - there's no time like today to get started moving in the right direction. That applies to preparation for the APFT, but it also applies to life in general. Be a better mom or dad, son or daughter, soldier, employee, student, etc... in all that you do, do it to a level that will make you proud of your efforts!

God bless!

CH Ward

"Carry one another's burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." - Galatians 6:2 (HCSB)

The Bible teaches that it's important for Christian believers to function so closely with one another that you help to bear the load of each other's burdens. Life comes at you hard, and the burden sometimes feels overwhelming. When you are feeling weak, link arms with your brothers and sisters around you and know that there is value in bearing one another's burdens.

A brother from our ranks is going through an unimaginably hard time this week after losing his spouse. If you are a person of prayer - please send one up on behalf of him.

God bless!

CH Ward

After Moses' death, Joshua had to step in as leader of a people that had only ever known Moses as their earthly leader. Talk about a big task! To beat that, he had to lead them into a battle where the army ahead was greater and the task was monumental. God reminded Joshua repeatedly not to fear - but to have great courage because of who went with him.

Sometimes you can't ignore the challenges the world poses against you. Maybe you are up against career obstacles, personal hurdles, or family tensions. As you face these things, embody that part of the warrior ethos that says, "I will never quit!" and go with a quiet confidence knowing that you have the ultimate Warrior by your side.