Humor is Captivating

We had a big, strong soldier who had a dynamic and dynamite conversion to our Lord. We deeply rejoice in the newness of life experiences for our beloved soldiers; however, this newly-inspired soldier lacked in the realm of wisdom. He would start preaching at the most inopportune times: in the mess hall line, in the laundry, on the bus, in the library, and in the aircraft while in flight. He, in fact, became a danger for the troops because he spoke while the jump master was giving voice commands and hand signals, all the while at 1000 feet and 150 knots per hour.

He yelled, "If you don't know the Lord, the parachute will burn all up and you will fall to the ground and be killed!" This caused several new jumpers fresh from jump school to refuse to jump -- a serious offense, for a jumper.

The jump master wisely reached me at the Airborne Chapel by field phone. He told me the story and said that the three refusal troops were on their way in from the aircraft to the commander for serious disciplinary action.

I hurried to the commander's office, told the story (as I knew it), and volunteered to jump with the three in the early morning. So, after their commander's firm talk, the three came to the Airborne Chapel. They shared their scary story, and we talked. As we became trusting friends, I suggested that we consider the misguided, converted soldier's words about life and death and the fear of dying.

I told these tremendous soldiers that we fear death no more than we do our beds at night, because our Lord Jesus has overcome the enemies and tyrants of sin, death and the power of the evil one.

They rejoiced in the message, believed it, and agreed to jump together the next morning. They had a great Airborne operation -- a great jump. When these soldiers hit the ground for their sixth time, they leaped like gazelles. (Five jumps were required to qualify as a paratrooper at the Airbornes School at Fort Benning.)

They were real happy soldiers: happy in their uniforms, in the U.S. Army Paratroopers, and happy to be assured as believers in our Lord. They had the victory and became true and balanced leaders in the faith community at the Airborne Chapel.

Connie Never Loses Sight of Family

The steady and hard work, firm physical conditioning, bold training life, and the vast sparks of jubilance seasoned the mix to be just right. Our deep, trusting, and exciting family life, however, continued to flourish, to grow, and to deepen. We always carved out primary family time and meaningful adventures in love and living in growth together.

Ever since the first days of our marriage, Ann and I celebrated a family night evening together and with the addition of each child, it became more alive, meaningful, and robust. Family life together was just that -- a deepening life of joy and love together.

As the children grew and school events came about, we vigorously kept our family night and fun time in place, and we made it actual and real. A celebration atmosphere was present and a love attitude prevailed with and for the children.

Every second or third week (depending on the need), we would have a family council meeting to talk over: How are we making it together? Where are we mostly getting along? Where are we missing the mark? Where are we hurting? What can we do about it?

We would first underline our family strengths, then we would move to any weaknesses that needed special attention and care. What can we do to make life more blessed and more meaningful for one another?

Over the years, the young people developed great skills at assisting one another in weak areas and refined their own personal insights and spiritual maturity. They became champions on what needed to be done to make life more enjoyable and less hurtful.

The entire family was growing in Godly wisdom and caring. As time went on, they all became surgeons, so-to-speak, in their own right, knowing that they had the scalpel in their own hands to do healing surgery on "Ish" (themselves) first -- then the other family members, within the realm of healthy relationship.

The theme was set in that we had a strong and daily devotional life together. Each would take their turn to lead the family. They would select the scripture and the hymns. They would lead in prayer and the closing with the Apostle's Creed and/or the Lord's Prayer.

If their friends happened to be in our home, they were invited to join us if they so desired. The strengthening of the family in the Lord and in daily pragmatic things and happenings steadily progressed. Their growth in all areas of life was like a vast and beautiful symphony! Praise God!