Postcards from Matt

Are You a Mile-Marker?

noreply@blogger.com (J. Matthew Henry) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 04:01:00 +0000

Every generation seems to have significant mile markers that impact and, at times, define them. My generation has been impacted by major events from the war on drugs to the global war on terror, from the Berlin wall to Tiananmen Square, from Operation Enduring Freedom to Operation Iraqi Freedom, and from the shuttle Challenger to the events of 9/11.

As I write this I am reminded that I will never forget my experience on September 11, 2001. I will never forget standing on my back porch overlooking the New York City skyline filled with smoke as I watched the second tower fall. I will never forget the moments that followed as I learned of the impact on family, neighbors, friends and classmates who were in those towers. I will never forget the stories of those who stepped up and were called “heroes.” I will never forget.

Today, honored to humbly serve my country as a Chaplain and officer in the USAF, I strive to uphold the Air Force core values of “Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence In All We Do”. What I love about the Air Force core values is that they also uphold the spiritual truths that are found within the Scriptures. In particular, the central core value of service reminds me of Matthew 20:28; “for even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and give his life as a ransom for many.”

If you have accepted Christ as the leader of your life, you have a great responsibility to prepare now for the opportunities that you will be presented with. His desire for you is that you live an “abundant life” (John 10:10) as you live out His mission to “Go into all the world” (Matt 28:18-20). The only way for us to truly live this abundant life and fulfill His mission is to be groomed and fed by the Giver of Life as we abide in Him (John 15:1-11). The question now is, how will you respond?

You see, having accepted Christ we have been given the greatest gift of all. Just like the countless men and women who have stepped up to serve in moments of crisis, even at times gave their life, we too need to be prepared for the moments that will be presented to us. At times, they may not seem like acts of heroism but I would challenge you to think about what role you play in someone’s eternal journey. How will you affect someone today? What value are you adding to their life? How are you serving in response to The One who came to serve you? What legacy will you leave behind? How, and why, will you accomplish this?

Warren G Harding said, “I accept my part with single-mindedness of purpose and humility of spirit, and implore the favor and guidance of God in His Heaven.” My prayer is that we will be able to respond to the salvation we have been given in such a way that we too can be mile-markers in the lives of those we come in contact with. Moreover, that we would infect the world with His grace, as we become more like the Servant who placed a mile-marker for us on the Cross.

A New Dawn

noreply@blogger.com (J. Matthew Henry) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 01:04:00 +0000

Over a year has passed since my last post, now it's time to start writing again.

I have found writing in blog form forces me to ratchet down my wordiness, getting to the heart of the matter in a succinct manner.

Since my last post, so much has transpired. I have completed my second Masters degree, been ordained for ministry, completed a second Chaplain Candidate tour at Lackland AFB and am currently waiting for my reappointment interview with the USAF to become a "real" Chaplain.

I have not written for so long wondering what I could possibly say that would have an impact on others through this venue. Perhaps the real truth is that the thought that goes into my writing has more impact on me than anyone else--so I will begin to write again. However, my hope is that as you read this you will find something in my journey that can serve as part of the transformation process in your life (Heb 10:23-24).

Just as this photo shows the sun setting over the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, the place I currently call home, the sun also sets on the old man as I seek to continually be renewed by the power of the Holy Spirit. Though the mountains do not disappear when the sun sets, the dawn renews them just as we are renewed every morning by the grace and mercy of our heavenly Father (Lamentations 3:22-24).

CS 08.10 - CCIIP Raptor Flight Recap

noreply@blogger.com (J. Matthew Henry) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:00:00 +0000

I would like to share with you a video I created for my CCIIP flight,the Raptors, led by Chaplain, Major Bill Dickens. All of the members of the Raptor Flight are included and I am very grateful to each of those who took the time to be interviewed for this project. Although there was over an hour of video from the interviews and hundreds of photos what you will see below expresses our experience from the members of the Raptor Flight.

I would also like to recognize our mentor Ch. Dickens for being an invaluable resource for us as Chaplain Candidates as he invested in us with purpose. Finally, although not featured in any of the interviews, I would like to also thank MSgt Patricia Ayres. MSgt Ayres gave of her time and energy to make much of this trip possible often giving beyond her responsibilities so that the trip would be a success. I'm sure I will continue to post more about my experiences through COT, CCC and the CCIIP but for now, let's roll the video...

CS 08.9 - Don't Get Stuck on Stupid!

noreply@blogger.com (J. Matthew Henry) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 04:01:00 +0000

Wow, what a summer... once again, so much has happened since my last post. Nearly one month later and I have completed my USAF Chaplain Candidate Internship, taken a wonderful vacation with my family at the beach as well as starting work again with the world's largest evangelical university and leader in online education as the Supervisor for Admissions Consultants.

Before I share more recap of the summer with you however, I thought it best to keep my commitment and post the devotional that I had promised. This devotional stems from a message offered to the Chaplain Candidate Course students from class 08A but I have adapted it for a broader audience here.

I'm sure that in your life, as has been the case in mine, there have been times in which you had seemingly lost hope or simply become frustrated with your place in life. Perhaps you wondered if there was a point feeling as though you had seemingly lost your direction. I'd like to share with your three key words you can easily remember that will help impress the following Biblical principles on you.

1. Remember
2. Recall
3. Rely

I'm not normally one who goes for alliteration but, it seems to work here. Take a moment to read through Lam 3:19-27 then follow along with me through the following.

It's so easy to remember all the reasons for your pain, frustration, and overall loss of hope when you are in the midst of a tough time in life. Moreover, it's even easier to sit down and have a pity party for yourself while you wallow in sorrow enjoying your misery. Doesn't it seem to come as nearly second nature to a number of people? You know what I'm talking about. There seems to one in every crowd. The person who is unnecessarily needy, aimless in life or just enjoying the low spot in life because it allows them to draw the attention of others. Well, here in verses 19-20 of this passage we see the writer doing just that--remembering. But he is allowing his soul to be downcast as a result.

However, although the author is remembering the root of the feelings he does not end there. The remembrance turns into recall of how past circumstances have been orchestrated and what the outcome was in verses 21-23. He does not get stuck on the past but begins to move forward as he recalls the faithfulness of God time and time again. God's mercy is truly new every morning and the author recognizes that God's faithfulness is not dependent upon anything he has done but solely upon God's character.

Finally, in verses 24-27, having remembered his pain and affliction, recalling God's faithfulness, He is able to rely upon the Father and move forward!

This summer I was shared a story of a three star General who was giving a media briefing (see the video inset) after hurricane Katrina and just prior to hurricane Rita. During his briefing the reporters kept addressing the past--all of the frustrations that the public was dealing with after Katrina. The General reminded the reporters that the purpose of this briefing was to move forward and get information out to the public about what was about to happen. He encouraged them not to get stuck on stupid. In other words, he didn't want them to get so wrapped up in the past that they could not move forward and help those who were in the path of this new hurricane. Immediately following his comments, what was the first question from one of the reporters? He wanted to compare this storm to the last storm. Immediately the General points out that the reporter was stuck on stupid.

The point I'd like to make is, "Don't Get Stuck on Stupid. Remember, Recall & Rely."

It's entirely too easy to get stuck on stupid while getting caught up in the frustration, stress, pain and merely the ebb and flow of life and forgetting the faithfulness of God. I would like to simply challenge you to follow the heart of the author of Lamentations.

Remember why you are feeling what you are feeling.

Recall that God has been faithful throughout generations. His faithfulness is not dependent upon you or anything you do. Simply put, God is faithful.

But do not let it end there. Take action. Rely upon God's faithfulness.

It is in remembering and recalling that there is renewed hope found in a faithful Father. He will continue to carry you through the difficult times and allow you to find joy once again. Don't get stuck on stupid.

CS 08.8 - Been a While

noreply@blogger.com (J. Matthew Henry) — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 19:32:00 +0000

So, it's been several weeks again between posts. So much has happened! I've graduated from the CCC (Chaplain Candidate Course) and have already visited several bases on the CCIIP Tour (Chaplain Candidate Intensive Internship Program). Please feel free to check out the photos I've posted by clicking the link at the top of the page. Immediately following this post I'm going to add a devotional thought that I shared with my squadron during CCC.

Where have I been, you ask. Immediately following CCC I drove from Maxwell AFB in Montgomery, AL to Robins AFB in Warner Robins, GA. During our stay at Robins we visited the flight line and the shops where they work on the F-15's as well as visiting the AF Museum (see photos).

I then experienced my first C130 flight to Patrick AFB in Cocoa Beach, FL where we had several briefings about the various missions of that base including both the space and rescue mission. The Airmen at Patrick are top notch and we all had a great experience there meeting the PJ's from the 920th Rescue Squadron as well as the various others from the 45th Space Wing who support the Space Mission. While in Cocoa beach I also visited Ron Jon's Surf shop, did PT on the beach in the morning, as well as take a deep sea fishing trip (where I caught a baracuda).

Leg three of the trip started again with a C130 flight to Homestead ARB (where I'm writing this from) which is just south of Miami, FL. This base is unique because it is a Reserve Base. It had previously been an active duty base and was nearly closed for good following the 1992 hurricane Andrew. The ministry setting here is unique because the base is comprised entirely reservists. I was blessed to go on visitation twice to the Equipment Maintenance Squadron with Chaplain Fink. On my second round of visitation he asked me to take the lead since I had been before. This was a great time as we got to know some of the Airmen serving in the various shops as well as how they support the Mako's, F16's, to which the base is home.

From Homestead we will be traveling to Charlestown AFB, SC and will be traveling on a C17. This will be yet another new experience as the C17 is a large Airlift aircraft. Just to give you an idea of how large a C17 is I should mention that it is able to house 10 Hummers within its cargo bay.

Keep your eyes peeled for new pictures. My ability to connect to the internet has been very unstable so I am not always able to post as often as I would like. However, I will tell you that this is a trip of a lifetime and I am blessed to be able to be a part of this experience. My flight commander/mentor, Ch. Dickens is an incredible man who serves as the reserve wing chaplain at Wright Patterson AFB, OH. Our Chaplain Assistant, Patricia "Trish" Ayres is an incredible asset to the Squadron as well. I look forward to telling you all more about them as time progresses. I have been able to learn much merely by observing them both in action as they lead us though this tour.

CS 08.7 - I Made It!

noreply@blogger.com (J. Matthew Henry) — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 02:54:00 +0000

Graduation never quite meant so much as it did today. I've squeaked by in elementary, middle, and high school not to mention my undergrad where I exceeded the minimum GPA by about .01 (if I remember correct). Now that I've been working on my master's degrees I've finally been succeeding, even getting several "A's"!

However, I took my first test at Commissioned Officer Training only to find that I missed two too many questions. Having been fed information as though I was trying to take a drink from a fire hose on full blast I was overwhelmed with information and attempted to pass that test in my own strength. Yes, I admitted it--the Chaplain Candidate was relying on self. I know better than this. As a result I was placed on SMS (essentially academic probation). The following week was filled with even more information to learn, pressure and stress of knowing that if I didn't attain the minimum level on the next test I would have to complete a cumulative exam in order to graduate.

I once heard John Maxwell say, "Life is full of flat squirrels who couldn't make a decision." The decision I needed to make was to start relying on God again. I realized I had been doing things solely out of my own strength and began to once again rely upon God for my strength as well as the support of my flight. There were several of my flight members who really encouraged me and kept me accountable in my studies. Not only that, I am also grateful to everyone back home who were praying for me. It took some time but I recalled the verse I had placed on our morale board: "Tune your ears to wisdom & concentrate on understanding" Proverbs 2:2.

I felt great taking this exam. I was fully prepped and ended up only getting two questions wrong! After the test was reviewed several Officer Trainee's challenged one of the questions I had gotten wrong and as a result we were all credited for that one yielding me a 98% as a final grade!

So, there's always a lesson--right? I think it's pretty obvious... Who are you relying on? I'm not suggesting that Christianity is or should be a crutch. I fully believe that my responsibility was to study and do my part yet, I wasn't relying upon God to assist me. I had left Him out of the picture for test #1. What have you left God out of? Who do you rely upon? Where do you get your strength , peace, rest, sanity, and security? If you're not really sure please feel free to drop me a line, I'd love to talk to you more about this.

CS 08.6 - 5K Run

noreply@blogger.com (J. Matthew Henry) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 11:57:00 +0000

So much has happened since my last post but I wanted to quickly make a post this morning. I just finished the 5K and made it in 28:57. My personal goal was to make it under 35 minutes with a stretch goal of 30 minutes. I paced most of the way with Lt. Mullins, Lt. Bird and Lt. McCrae (seen with me here). We’ve got an awesome flight! There’s an incredible amount of teamwork as we drive toward winning with excellence through discipline. I’ll post some more later about the field exercises we went on this week and when I get access to a public internet connection I’ll post some photos as well.

As a side note, I also passed my second exam with flying colors!!!! I only got two questions wrong and after official evaluation they gave me credit for one of the questions finalizing my score at a 98%.

CS 08.5 - Red Cross

noreply@blogger.com (J. Matthew Henry) — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 01:43:00 +0000

It’s summer time and man is it Hot here in Alabama. I’m told that summer is when the Red Cross is typically short on blood supply. COT Class 08-04 held a blood drive today and many of us decided to donate. In the picture above is Lt. Marc Mallone and I. Lt. Mallone is our Flight Social Officer and was assisting the Red Cross with the blood drive.

CS 08.4 - The Airman's Creed

noreply@blogger.com (J. Matthew Henry) — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 21:48:00 +0000

I am an American Airman.

I am a Warrior.

I have answered my Nation’s call.

I am an American Airman.

My mission is to Fly, Fight, and Win.

I am faithful to a Proud Heritage,

A Tradition of Honor,

And a Legacy of Valor.

I am an American Airman.

Guardian of Freedom and Justice,

My Nation’s Sword and Shield,

Its Sentry and Avenger.

I defend my Country with my Life.

I am an American Airman.

Wingman, Leader, Warrior.

I will never leave an Airman behind,

I will never falter,

And I will not fail.

CS 08.3 - Changing of the Guard

noreply@blogger.com (J. Matthew Henry) — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 02:52:00 +0000

Montgomery has historically been a place of change. On December 1, 1955 Mrs. Rosa Parks was on her way home from work and decided to do nothing. That is, she decided to remain seated toward the front of the bus. Mrs. Parks said, “If you want to be respected for your actions, then your behavior must be above reproach. If our lives demonstrate that we are peaceful, humble, and trusted, this is recognized by others.”

Above is a picture of most of my flight that ran the Assault Course on Tuesday. Thursday we experienced a Change of Command ceremony in which the staff here at OTS gave us the charge of the class (COT Class 08-04). We were also upgraded to third class status which means that over the weekend we are given Base Privileges (allowed to travel anywhere on outside the OTS Campus but still on Maxwell AFB). Today we had a Hall Call in which our Squadron handed out awards for the highest Athletic, Academic and Overall best flight of the week. My flight, KILO Flight, won two of the three—Academic and overall best average scores. Over the weekend we’ll be spending a lot of time studying for our second major academic test. A lot has changed in the past week.

So what’s the connection to Rosa Parks? Simply this, I am an officer in the world’s greatest Air Force! As such, among my duties is to uphold the core values of the USAF. The first core value of the Air Force is “Integrity First.” The AFOATS manual on character says that integrity first is “an unfaltering devotion to honesty, truthfulness, doing one’s duty, and doing what’s right.” As Kilo has been working to hone our communication and leadership skills and work cooperatively toward the same end we have found success in living out integrity and simply doing what is right even when it’s not easy. We have been encouraging each other to rise to the next level and have plans to continue to succeed.

Personally, all of this ties into my faith as well as my service to country. One person can make a huge difference as part of a team working to make a greater impact. I’m incredibly proud to be a part of Kilo Flight. We are a strong, confident, and positive group of leaders who desire to win, strive for excellence and greater discipline. As part of this awesome team I must remember that I need to personally do my part of living out Integrity First.

This core value is not something that should be left to Airmen or even other military members—it should be embraced by all of us. Imagine what your family, community, church family, or team at work would be like if we all began to embrace Integrity First. Imagine if there were more Rosa Parks in the world. I have the pleasure of serving alongside some incredible men and women who just may very well become the next Rosa Parks. Some are commissioned to be Doctors, Nurses, PA’s, JAG and chaplains. I can’t wait to see where this journey will take each of them and what kind of impact they will have on our incredible country.

The question now is—how about you? Are you prepared for a changing of the guard? Are you willing to take responsibility and live a life that puts integrity first? Are you another Rosa Parks?

CS 08.2 - Assault Course

noreply@blogger.com (J. Matthew Henry) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 04:47:00 +0000

One week down and things are still moving along. It’s so hard to keep up with all the events of the past week. Essentially we wake up at about 0400 to prepare to head out for PT (Physical Training) at the PT Pad. We have to line up in formation and size up before marching over to workout. Monday morning we had to take the PFB (Physical Fitness Baseline) at 0500. This consisted of one minute of pushups, one minute of crunches and a mile and a half run. These three things combined with the wait measurement provide a baseline score for the Assessment later in the month as well as assess whether or not you could participate in the Assault Course.

Having passed the PFB, I was able to go through the Assault Course. This course was made up of various obstacles that needed to be traversed. From the parallel bars seen here (if my picture loaded remotely), and performing a low crawl in the sand like you see in the movies to monkey bars over water. In this picture you see me in the background and Lt. Mullins, my temporary wingman, in the foreground. We ran the course together encouraging each other and our flight to raise the bar and make it through the course without giving up.

Though this was a physical event we spend most of our day in the flight room learning about USAF leadership principles. On Saturday morning we had our first exam which I passed as well. The next exam is going to be on Monday, 09 Jun. I believe this is going to be a tough one. I’m going to have to spend most of my weekend studying and preparing for the exam.

I hope to share more later. I am learning a lot not only about leadership but also about myself. If this post is successful I plan to post a bit more often and post much shorter snippets perhaps some day shots here and there.

Please continue to pray for me and my family.

CS 08.1

noreply@blogger.com (J. Matthew Henry) — Tue, 27 May 2008 12:00:00 +0000

Here I sit in Atlanta, teetering on the edge of the unknown. In just about an hour or so I will be making the final leg of my trip to begin Commissioned Officer Training which will be followed by the Chaplain Candidate Course and then a four week Chaplain Candidate Intensive Internship Program. Though I'm sure that at some point this summer I'm going to have a sense that time has flown by, at the moment I see that there is a long haul in front of me.

While I have an idea of the big picture, it's the details that have me a bit on edge. However, I know that I have a BIG God who is able to sustain me. I have been thinking about Paul's words to the Corinthians in chapter 9 of I Corinthians. He said, "I beat my body and make it a slave..."(27). My goal is to be among the best in my class while honoring God in the process. In order to accomplish that goal I know that I will need to continually be challenged physically while keeping myself prepared mentally and spiritually for the journey ahead.

So, what's with the title for this post? I'm planning to keep up on my journey and thought the easiest way was to keep the title simple. CS 08.01 is simply an abbreviation for Chaplain Series 2008 First Post. Again, the plan is to be able to follow up giving a glimpse into life as a Chaplain Candidate but, we'll see how the summer rolls.

The Urgent vs. The Important

noreply@blogger.com (J. Matthew Henry) — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:27:00 +0000

What eats up your time?

What tugs at you all day?

What tempts you toward procrastination or laziness?

What unnecessarily fills up your calendar?

Every day each of us are presented with choices. For some of us, the choices presented come hourly, others even more frequently. The balance I am still learning to find is between the urgent and the important. Though this is a common concept taught to young professionals it is one that takes years to master. We must not merely evaluate what is important, that which will best serve the vision of the organization, we must follow through and weed out the urgent, that which appears last minute and draws us away from the important. The urgent can also mask itself as being supportive of the important yet we must not fall prey to its temptation while getting caught up in busyness and tedious work.

Eugene H. Peterson, in The Contemplative Pastor, writes, "I am busy because I am lazy. I indolently let others decide what I will do instead of resolutely deciding myself...If I vainly crowd my day with conspicuous activity or let others fill my day with imperious demands, I don't have time to do my proper work, the work to which I have been called. How can I lead people beside the still waters if I am in perpetual motion?"

What I most appreciate about Peterson's statement is his humble honesty in which he takes responsibility for not taking responsibility. The beauty and danger of the urgent versus the important is that the easy way out is to allow ourselves to rush off to do something exciting and fresh as we justify our actions in fulfilling the urgent while the important is silently ignored.

The danger is that when we allow ourselves to succumb to the urgent too frequently, the important is left alone as the whole show begins to unravel. This is dangerous in any environment whether at work or in one's spiritual life.

So how do we overcome this battle? Donald Rumsfeld, former Secretary of Defense, said, "Think ahead. Don't let day-to-day operations drive out planning."

1. Be Vigilant From Day to Day. Planning definitely plays a major role in overcoming the temptation of the urgent. Cautiously guard your calendar as you plan each day.

2. Learn to Say NO. We can not allow ourselves to become busy with tasks that seem to result in quick results.

3. Do not Forget the Big Picture. If we evaluate tasks in light of the long term vision and goals of the organization, as well as our individual calling, we will be more likely to choose the important over the call of the urgent.

4. Make a Firm Decision and Move Forward. Life is full of flat squirrels who couldn't make a decision.

Lord, as I move into the next phase of life, grant me the wisdom needed to find balance in both my spiritual life, family life, and business. May you help me stay vigilant, learning how to say no while keeping the big picture in mind as I move forward. May I learn to consistently overcome the temptation to succumb to the urgent. May I honor you in choosing to do what is important as I seek to fulfill your calling for me, my family and my employer.

Always With Honor

noreply@blogger.com (J. Matthew Henry) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 09:00:00 +0000

It is with great honor I proudly continue to prepare to attend the United States Air Force Commissioned Officer Training (COT). Today I present to you this brief video of what I will be experiencing as I cross into the blue. There is no doubt that this training will prove to be both challenging and rewarding. I am truly thankful to God for the opportunity to serve my country as a United States Air Force Reserve Chaplain Candidate.

Calm Haste

noreply@blogger.com (J. Matthew Henry) — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 01:11:00 +0000

In The Journal of the Reverend John Wesley, Wesley wrote,

"Though I am always in haste, I am never in a hurry; because I undertake more work than I can go through with perfect calmness."

I sit here tonight having just finished submitting my final assignment for my homiletics class as well as completing the last of my discussion boards for both my homiletics and small group ministry classes. Now, I await my final grades.

Right now it seems that I'm in the calm between the storms as one school term has ended and another will begin next Monday. For me, life is always busy. Nearly every day someone inevitably walks up to my desk at work and starts by asking, "Hey boss, are you busy?" If I am at my best, I actually stop what I'm doing to pick my head up and respond properly. Most of the time I am in need of being reminded of Wesley's words above. More importantly however, I need to be reminded of Psalm 46:10, "Be still and know that I am God."

What this boils down to is time management and yet, greater still, reliance upon God. Being a motivated and driven person I can empathize with Wesley's attitude of haste. Yet his haste is not hurried or frantic. I see this as a call to greater growth and high productivity while maintaining a calm spirit as we strive to fulfill our calling.

Do you know that to which God has called you? Yes?

Together, may we move forward with calm haste as we fulfill His calling for our lives.

Happy Valentine's Day From Charis

noreply@blogger.com (J. Matthew Henry) — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 03:00:00 +0000

I trust everyone had as wonderful a Valentine's Day as I did with my family.

I won't say much and simply leave the talking to Charis.

noreply@blogger.com (J. Matthew Henry) — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 01:34:00 +0000

CCIIP - Chaplain Candidate Intensive Internship Program

The latest and greatest from the USAFR Chaplain Candidacy Program is CCIIP. I recently learned that I am going to be part of this new and exciting program summer 2008. Essentially, this is an intensive internship tour which "will involve visits to five different bases (Robins, Patrick, Homestead, Eglin, Charleston), several different MAJCOMS, and one Combatant Command. [I will have the opportunity to] see and experience many different missions of all three components of the Air Force (Active Duty, Reserve, and Air National Guard), and [I] will experience the ministries of several different Chapel staffs. One of the exciting aspects of the tour is that we are planning to fly on AF Reserve aircraft—most likely C-17s and C-130s--from base to base."

I'm extremely excited about this portion of my training. As you may know, there is not a very high demand for active duty Protestant chaplains. However, I'm simply trusting God to continue to lead through this experience and direct my family to the place He has chosen for us.

noreply@blogger.com (J. Matthew Henry) — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 19:11:00 +0000

Wanted: Military Chaplains

While on my way into work the other day my Chaplaincy professor hollered for me, calling me into his office. He said that the local television station, WSET, would be in later that day compiling video for a story they were putting together in regard to the shortage of military chaplains. I agreed and showed up to his class at the requested time. As a small group of us filed into the classroom the video camera was set up and they began rolling film. After the camera man finished getting some classroom footage, those of us who are Chaplain Candidates were asked to meet in a conference room the following day for a brief interview with the reporter, Leigh Forrester.

Since the shortage is primarily for the Army Reserves and Army National Guard I didn't know that the input David (one of my USAF buddies) and I shared would be included which was fine by us.

Though it was a short segment it highlighted the passion we have for those we serve as well as the incredible educational program at LBTS.

In the video you will also see Dr. Charlie Davidson. Dr. Davidson Lt. Col. USAF (Retired) is currently the head of the Military Chaplaincy program at Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary where I am currently a student. I have gained great insight under his guidance and look forward to my experiences as a USAF Chaplain Candidate.

Please make sure your flash player is up to date. Click here to update.

noreply@blogger.com (J. Matthew Henry) — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 18:58:00 +0000

Liberty University's Online Program Ranks #3 Nationally

Recently I began working for Liberty University's Distance Learning Program as the Supervisor of Admissions Consulting. We are responsible for calling new students who have inquired about our Online Program.

Last week we were awarded the honor of being among the top online schools in the country by OEDB. Read more about the story here. I am honored to have joined a successful team such as this and have been enjoying getting to know my new responsibilities. I am also pleased to say that the team I lead is among the best teams I have ever worked with! If you are looking to continue or complete your education I'd encourage you to check us out www.luonline.com.

noreply@blogger.com (J. Matthew Henry) — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 19:05:00 +0000

Surprise!

A few weeks ago we received a phone call from someone at Amber's dad's church. They called to see if we would be willing to fly out to WI for Thanksgiving to surprise Amber's parents. Since I'm currently able to work from anywhere we decided to go for it. It was difficult to keep the secret from her entire family but we were successful in the mission.

On our way to the airport Monday we got a flat tire. We were pretty much in the middle of nowhere. To make a long story shorter... All the nuts came right off the tire easily, the Jeep fell off the jack, though in the middle of nowhere we stopped in front of a crane company who had a floor hydraulic jack as well as compressed air to firm up the full size spare that we had.

As we pulled away after pumping up all the tires and saying thanks I was filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude toward God for watching over us. It was AWESOME!

Then after several hours of travel, layovers and delays, Monday night we were picked up from the airport and about an hour and a half late we showed up at their door. They were expecting a package to be dropped off from someone in their church and we showed up at their door. Amber's mom Ann was in tears and it was a lot of fun. Now we've pulled off this stunt twice. A few years back prior to moving here we surprised them in a similar fashion.

Now the family is preparing everything for Thanksgiving and last night we were all able to celebrate Charis' first birthday together. We're looking forward to a long weekend and time with family.

noreply@blogger.com (J. Matthew Henry) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:15:00 +0000

To Drink, or Not to Drink...

That. That is the question of this post. So, I'm in a place in life where I'm walking through another potential metamorphosis. Growing up I felt very strongly about abstaining from alcohol. My mom had shared stories about her father who drank a lot and I knew of school mates who did not make it through alcohol related auto accidents. In fact, I got very upset at a girlfriend who had hidden her underage drinking from me because she knew how strongly I felt about it.

Then, I turned 21. Still feeling very strong about alcoholic consumption someone else ordered me my first drink. I have never been drunk, though there were times when I drank more than I should have.

As I grew older and began to make decisions for myself that I thought were based not merely on opinion but my understanding of what the Bible teaches. Being that Jesus first miracle was turning water into wine and Paul told Timothy to take a little wine for his ailments I did not stop my consumption. The flip side of this argument was that I knew I should not lead a brother astray. With that in mind I was careful to watch not only quantity but location and company. I tried to be very careful who I consumed alcohol near. On top of this I made a decision that I should never drink alone.

Having chosen to complete my graduate education at an institution that requests me to live by a certain standard I have chosen to live by that standard and not consume alcohol while enrolled in classes. This is where the transformation, or potential metamorphosis, begins to take place.

In August 2007 I was commissioned as a USAF Chaplain Candidate. As I think toward the future and the type of influence I wish to have I am debating abstaining from the consumption of alcohol altogether. This thought is mostly due to the thinking that my testimony is more important than my personal desires. You see, I enjoy a nice glass of wine, a good beer, a smooth whiskey on the rocks or even a gin and tonic. Now don't go thinking I'm some sort of lush as I haven't had a drink in quite some time. Perhaps that's what you were reading into the previous sentence...

All of that to say that I'm in a decision making process that is very important to me and ultimately I want to make this decision not because I feel I have to but because I want to. This is a choice that I can substantiate with scripture to support both stances. While I'm not currently drinking alcohol, the final verdict is still out... though I'm leaning toward abstinence.

(Photo, of corks above, taken while visiting family with a Canon A95 and manipulated with Picasa2)

noreply@blogger.com (J. Matthew Henry) — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 20:16:00 +0000

Another long time between posts.

But, what else is new?

Well, for starters, if you have been following my journey you may or may not know that I finally took my Oath of Office as a 2 Lt. Chaplain Candidate USAF on August 2, 2007. This has been a long journey which has tested my endurance at each turn. I am grateful to God for allowing me this opportunity.

My Oath was administered by my brother-in-law Col. Michael Sheen USAF (Retired) in the Equipment Maintenance shop at Mountain Home AFB where my brother, Sr. Airman Jonathan Henry USAF, serves.

Now, it's time to wait, run, wait & run a little more... (did I mention I need to run a bit more?)

I've got some working out to do to prepare for next summer. As it stands now it looks like I will be attending the first class for COT as well as attending Chaplain Candidate School and a short CONUS tour.

In other journey new... it looks like there is a very good possibility that, due to a degree title adjustment, I am going to be able to complete my M.Div. much sooner than expected. I'm not sure how this will play out with the Candidacy program but It looks like I will complete my M.Div. by next August enabling me to begin my D.Min. about a year and a half sooner than expected!

noreply@blogger.com (J. Matthew Henry) — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 15:31:00 +0000

New Photos

I've uploaded a few new photos, including this one of Kyla, to my Picasa Album. Click on the link on the left panel to take look. I'm hoping to take a few more of the girls together. we missed out opportunity to have both of them sit in the flowers, our next door neighbor decided to mow his lawn. Hope you enjoy these.

noreply@blogger.com (J. Matthew Henry) — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 14:40:00 +0000

USAF Update

Well, it's been a long journey for me and my family as we make the adventure through the application process for the USAF Chaplain Candidacy Program. As I mentioned in an earlier post I needed to apply on a medical waiver. I'll have to sit down and figure out the approximate dates for all this but while we (my recruiter and I) were waiting on the waiver to go through my recruiter wanted me to go through MEPS (Medical Entrance Processing Station). I went to MEPS December 15, 2006. Unfortunately, I did not make weight. It's a bit of a long story but I was quite disappointed in myself and thought all hope to enter the program was lost. After hearing back from my recruiter several months later we decided that it would be worth it to try and go back to MEPS again as well as submitting the medical waiver. I went back to MEPS March 27, 2007 and MADE WEIGHT!!! This was a great experience. I had spent two weeks working out really hard, juice fasting 6 out of 11 days, and lost about eleven pounds in that short time.

After the second trip to MEPS it was simply time to wait... Now I had to wait to hear back from the medical board. I finally got a call from my recruiter May 21, 2007 informing me that my waiver request had been processed and I would be allowed to enter the program. Now, it's time to wait--again. Now we are waiting for my paperwork to circulate from the pentagon to chaplain headquarters in GA and then off to CO for final processing before I am commissioned. My recruiter thinks that everything should be in line so that I can be commissioned sometime in August. We are hoping that I will be able to be commissioned in ID while out there for my brother's wedding.

noreply@blogger.com (J. Matthew Henry) — Fri, 13 Oct 2006 17:33:00 +0000

USAF Application Update

Well, my application is in and as it turns out I need to apply on a medical waiver since I had my thyroid removed in 1993. If my blood work all comes back showing normal levels all will be good and I should be accepted for service.

For those who are praying for me, I ask that you would continue to pray. Here is how I'm praying... I'm simply asking God to shut the door, if He doesn't want me in the Air Force. The key part here is that I'm praying for God's will to be done. My desire is a life yielded to Him. I realize that a short description as this, here, may not suffice my view of this type of prayer. If you are confused feel free to drop me a note and I will respond with an explanation.

So that's where things are now...prayer.