The Ultimate Stress Reliever

Twas the Day After Christmas

2011-12-29T17:26:00.000-08:00

Wouldn't it be great if every day was Christmas...or Easter...or Thanksgiving... or graduation...or the week of our honeymoon and the list goes on and on and on. My point is the special days that takes us to the mountain top. Mountain top experiences are just hard to beat and we all love them.

The only problem is that there are way more in the valley days than there are on the mountain top days. God watches how we use those valley days and often times blesses us for our being patient, faithful and obedient.

So even though Christmas was great this year remember to ask God for strength to stay alert during those valley days. Learn to enjoy God's presence and be obedient regardless.

Working on Christmas Eve

2011-12-21T16:29:00.000-08:00

This story came my way about 30 years ago. It's still relevant.

For the cops, or former cops, on here, and the members of their families, you will understand the memories. For those of you that haven't spent Thanksgiving or Christmas working the streets this will give you some insight to the life of a cop.
On Christmas Eve in 1977, I learned that blessings can come disguised as misfortune, and honor is more than just a word.

I was riding one-man patrol on the 4-12 shifts. The night was cold. Everywhere I looked I saw reminders of the holiday: families packing their cars with presents, beautifully decorated trees in living room windows and roofs adorned with tiny sleighs. It all added to my holiday funk.

The evening had been relatively quiet; there were calls for barking dogs and a residential false burglar alarm. There was nothing to make the night pass any quicker. I thought of my own family and sunk further into depression.

Shortly after 2200 hours I got a radio call to the home of an elderly, terminally ill man. I parked my patrol car in front of a simple Cape Cod style home. First aid kit in hand, I walked up the short path to the front door. As I approached, a woman who seemed to be about 80 years old opened the door. He's in here she said, leading me to a back bedroom.

We passed through a living room that was furnished in a style I had come to associate with older people. The sofa has an afghan blanket draped over its back and a dark, solid, Queen Anne chair sat next to an unused fireplace. The mantle was cluttered with an eccentric mix of several photos, some ceramic figurines and an antique clock. A floor lamp provided soft lighting.

We entered a small bedroom where a frail looking man lay in bed with a blanket pulled up to his chin. He wore a blank stare on his ashen, skeletal face. His breathing was shallow and labored. He was barely alive.

The trappings of illness lay all around his bed. The nightstand was littered with a large number of pill vials. An oxygen bottle stood nearby. Its plastic hose, with facemask attached rested on the blanket.

I asked the old woman why she called the police. She simply shrugged and nodded sadly toward her husband, indicating it was his request. I looked at him and he stared intently into my eyes. He seemed relaxed now. I didn't understand the suddenly calm expression on his face. I looked around the room again. A dresser stood along the wall to the left of the bed. On it was the usual memorabilia: ornate perfume bottles, a white porcelain pin case, and a wooden jewelry case. There were also several photos in simple frames. One caught my eye and I walked closer to the dresser for a closer look.
The picture showed a young man dressed in a police uniform. It was unmistakably a photo of the man in bed. I knew then why I was there. I looked at the old man and he motioned with his hand toward the side of the bed. I walked over and stood beside him. He slid a thin arm from under the covers and took my hand. Soon, I felt his hand go limp. I looked at his face. There was no fear there. I saw only peace.

He knew he was dying; he was aware his time was very near. I know now that he was afraid of what was about to happen and he wanted the protection of a fellow cop on his journey. A caring God had seen to it that his child would be delivered safely to him. The honor of being his escort fell to me.

When I left at the end of my tour that night, the temperature had seemed to have risen considerably, and all the holiday displays I saw on the way home made me smile.

I no longer feel sorry for myself for having to work on Christmas Eve. I have chosen an honorable profession. I pray that when it's my turn to leave this world here will be a cop there to hold my hand and remind me that I have nothing to fear.

I wish all of you who have to work this Christmas Eve all the Joy and warmth of the Season.

How Much?

2011-08-28T13:37:00.000-07:00

I saw this on Facebook. It's good to think about.

Question. How much would it take in money for you to put your life on the line everyday for strangers? My answer is a lot more than they pay law enforcement, more than they pay fire fighters. So I pray to you, Father, watch over these people and keep them and their families safe.

It seems so many take delight in watching public servants lose their jobs or struggle to survive. I pray that God will defend them from this evil and sustain them with his love.

Down Times

2011-08-24T22:09:00.001-07:00

Sometimes things seem overwhelming. When that happens, I rely on this scripture

‎"... Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers,
against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able
to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."
Ephesians 6:11-13

Simple Prayer

2011-08-15T20:48:00.000-07:00

Here's a prayer I found the other day that I think is very relevant to public safety folks.

Lord I ask for courage

Courage to face and
Conquer my own fears...
Courage to take me
Where others
will not go...

I ask for strength

Strength of body
to protect others
And strength of spirit
to lead others...

I ask for dedication

Dedication to my job,
to do it well
Dedication to my community
To keep it safe...

Give me Lord, concern
For others who trust me
And compassion for
those who need me...

And please Lord
Through it all
Be at my side...

Law Enforcement Memorials

2011-04-27T09:28:00.000-07:00

Well here it is again almost May and that time of year that our thought go specifically to the memories of those officers who have given the ultimate sacrifice for those they were sworn to protect and serve. If you are in the Topeka, KS area our State memorial will be on Friday the 6th of May at 12:00 noon at the State Capital building. Hope to see you there.

Remember May 15th is the day our nation honors those who have fallen in the line of duty. Set aside some time to say a prayer for our police officers and their families.

Our God is great...

2010-11-27T13:26:00.001-08:00

We have woken in Portland Oregon today to the news that the FBI has crushed a terror plot to explode a bomb inside our wonderful city during a tree lighting ceremony last night. The suspect had accomplished enough that he was attempting to detonate the bomb when arrested. We thank God for the undercover officers who handled this incident.

The ceremony usually has a few thousand people attending; it is in the heart of downtown. This kid spent years planning it out. And by the grace of God and the hard work of law enforcement, the city and its people are safe.

When I worked for the Sheriff’s office, I never thought of how “great or important” of a career it was, like most I just simply did my job, waited for vacations, PH’s and overtime.

But now as a civilian, I realize how important the work is and how much I truly appreciate the agencies and people who are keeping us safe. My praise to God for each of you.

Be safe, and Merry Christmas…Charlie

Keep the Light Burning

2010-07-28T17:49:00.000-07:00

I learned this weekend that a young man I watched cross a stage and receive his certification as a law enforcement officer a few months ago, died in a car accident while traveling to a domestic violence call. He graduated with several of our newer officers so the gravity of the loss was even greater than it normally is.

The first bit of information I found was a derogatory posting on a local newspaper site about the incident just hours after I learned about it by an individual coward who took shelter in an anonymous posting. As this week progresses, the sense of futility of policing has been the equivalent of trying to paddle a rowboat up a waterfall for me.

In the midst of the pain I see in the eyes of my officers over the lack of compassion and understanding by the very people they have sworn to protect reminded me that we do not receive strength through earthly means but through the Grace of Jesus Christ who made the ultimate sacrifice to save all of us.

Don't let the devil get too you during this time of weakness. Find strength in the love of Christ and hold His promise up to celebrate the crossing of a brother to Paradise.

Grace

2010-07-01T19:39:00.000-07:00

Most of us in public safety understand the need for laws and even for the punitive nature of how they work. Consider that at the time of Moses, the Ten Commandments came at a time when there was a lot of turmoil, sin and very little thinking about God. By the very nature of the laws, they were punitive. One could say they lead to an earthly end. But thanks to Christ's willingness to die for us, God erased the punitive nature of sin and of the old law and provided us with pure and undying love through Grace. I often think that rather than fighting for the public posting of the Ten Commandments, we ought to be posting John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that he gave his only son and whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life."

Think about it. Through the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, we have a clear and straight river of righteousness to carry us through this life on to the next. There is no need for the finality of death. All you have to do is ask and He will provide you the Grace and spirit necessary to make it through every bump and twist in this earthly life. It's just as simple as John states. Believe in Him and you will not perish! The law does not give you life. Christ sacrificed so we all can live!

During this time when we celebrate our country's freedom, give thanks to the One who really set us free...Jesus Christ!

At First Glance

2010-06-23T08:05:00.001-07:00

My daughter got me this fantastic T-Shirt for Fathers day. At first glance I thought it said "law enforcement" but after a closer look and seeing the riding mower (which I don't have) on the patch I noticed what it really said. I guess I just assumed it said something else.

Those in the law enforcement profession often do the same thing. They just assume things are a certain way when in reality they are another. Take for instance the hot topic of racial profiling. Often people of certain ethnic backgrounds who are out of place in a specific neighborhood are automatically suspect just for who they seem to be and where they seem to not belong. Just yesterday a couple was looking at a house next door to mine, he was African American, she was Hispanic. Now some people would automatically assume that they would make bad neighbors simply because of their ethnic background, but we don't know that until they move in and we have opportunity to see them for sure.

Officers and others who live in the "assume zone" are more likely to struggle with stress related issues. Is there a cure? Take nothing for granted operate only on the facts.

Law Enforcement Memorials

2010-05-06T11:24:00.001-07:00

Notice the beautiful blue sky in this photo? I have been personally involved in Kansas Law Enforcement Memorial services in some fashion for the past 15 years. The most amazing part of it is that we have never had a day when it was rained out. God seems to smile upon our efforts. As a chaplain I try to make sure that I always insert God in the midst of what we do. I enjoy leading in prayer because it gives me a chance to bring my law enforcement friends into the presence of Almighty God and to remind us all that God is deeply concerned about all that goes on in our lives.

When we think about law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty we also think about how Christ died in the line of His duty, serving mankind and protecting them from sin.

To thos of the law enforcement profession I am so proud of you.

Stress and smiles...

2010-04-12T10:48:00.001-07:00

Even retired and out of law enforcement you find stress can build up in your life. As I have mention in the past, I walk twice a day. What started out as a weight loss project for my daughters wedding has turned out to be a habit three years later.

Today was a day of waking to a major headache and a load of stress in my life. So out I went on my normal walk. Three blocks in to it I realized how warm and beautiful the day was….sun and no clouds…in Oregon no less. Where is the rain???? A block further and a man who had just climbed in to his car gets out, asks if I would mind going a extra four laps for him. The joking and laughing begins. I have never met this gentleman.

I say good bye and as I head on down the street I realized how many people I have met here in my new neighborhood, they’ll smile, wave and joke with me as I walk past each day.

“Do I ever stop and realize how God has touched my life with new neighbors becoming friends? And how they brighten my day with smiles?”

Well that only took two minutes to loose the stress and tension. How blessed I am and what a wonderful day outside. Little, such little things that God does to reach out and touch us. No splitting the sea, water, wine, or the disabled to get up and walk, just a small simple smile brings me to understand what is important.

I wish you smiles, waves, and laughter in your day….Stay safe…Charlie

WHAT????

2010-04-10T07:21:00.000-07:00

I was reading through a bunch of Facebook entries today and came across this one:

“It’s hard for me to understand how you don’t understand.”

I thought about the statement for a while and pondered if it might be more profound than one might consider at first glance.

In a business where frustration is often the rule of the day, is part of the challenge to understand is the simple fact that we often don't understand others? We each come to this point in time from our own frame of reference: our own life experiences and we often are confounded when others don't get what we are saying or communicating to them.

The challenge for us is to first seek to understand others so we can then better empathize with their situation. Much of our strength as law enforcement officers is derived from our ability to seek first to understand others. It is a gift that most folks will never truly......understand.

How to Start Your Day Right

2010-04-07T17:04:00.000-07:00

The one and only hockey game I have ever attended produced a pretty good object lesson for me. I was interested in watching the goalie as he positioned himself in front of the goal. This guy had some kind of weird ritual, he would bend one leg, then the other and then hit himself on the head with his hockey stick. (good thing he had a helmet on) I finally figured out that this is how the goalie started his time in front of the goal.

Every professional has something that he or she does to start their day or time on the job. Police Officers are no different. While it might be a ritual of checking your vehicle or putting that one bullet in your pocket like Barney Fife did there is always something that you can do to get yourself ready.

Let me by recommend a ritual that will help you get started on the right foot and in the right direction. It's pretty simple, read one chapter out of the bible before shift. Make sure you read out of Proverbs. There are 31 chapters, so one a day by the calender, whatever day of the month it is, read that same chapter. You know if it's the 7th of the month read the 7th chapter and so on. This a great way to start your day or shift, try it.

A Simple Prayer

2010-03-27T14:46:00.000-07:00

I've used this space several times to remind you that your strength comes not from your own physical power but the in the power that is given to you by God. I truly believe that regular prayer and reflection is important for each peacekeeper in his or her ability to stay centered and focused on what is truly our calling. The following prayer was written by St. Francis of Assisi and adapted by Phil Coulter. I would urge you to reflect on its meaning and how it empowers you to do great works.

"Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred - let me sow love.
Where there is injury - pardon.
Where there is discord - unity.

Where there is doubt - faith.
Where there is error - truth.
Where there is despair - hope.

Where there is sadness - joy
And where there is darkness - light.
Oh, Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled - as to console.
To be understood - as to understand.
To be loved - as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned.
And it is in dying that we are born of Eternal Life.

Lord make me an instrument of your peace."

Police Character Flaws

2010-03-12T09:57:00.000-08:00

Many of you know Sheriff Ray Nash from South Carolina. I have had the opportunity to set in on some of his pollice dynamics classes and have been following his blog for awhile. Click on this address and watch the video he has
on "Root Causes of Police Misconduct" you'll be happy you did.
http://www.PoliceDynamicsMedia.com

Why Do You Do What You Do?

2010-02-23T20:27:00.000-08:00

There are many reasons that drive people to choose a public safety career. One overriding comment I've heard over the past 29 years has been to make a difference.

There are a lot more challenges out there than when I started. There are those who want to rob us of the future of our children through violence, drugs and just plain unhappiness.

You make a difference! What you do is honorable! I've attached an old video that many of you might not even remember as it's about 20 years old now. The lyrics may change but the message is still the same. Please remember what you do matters!

You are the candle in the darkness that can shine the way for someone in need.

Coolio-gangster paradise

Dragon | MySpace Video

Lost Weapon

2010-02-18T07:29:00.000-08:00

I read in the February 18, 2010 edition of "USA Today" that the nations Homeland Security officers from 2006 through 2008 lost nearly 200 weapons (handguns, shotguns and military rifles). Yes I said 'lost'. They lost them in bowling alleys, restrooms, unlocked cars and other unsecured areas. The article stated that most but not all cases were caused by negligence of the officer. Strange huh?

Now take this same type situation but apply it to the Christians weapon, his bible. Many people have lost their most important tool for survival in a world full of evil. It's not really in the hands of some criminal but it's at the bottom of a stack of other books and papers or it's up in the back window of the family car or stuck away on a book shelf very seldom ever visited. If needed at a moments notice it could be found, it's lost.

Just like an officer must know where is gun is and know how to use it, so must the Christian know and use on a daily basis his bible.

Angels Amonst Us

2010-02-13T22:53:00.001-08:00

After nearly 30 years of law enforcement work, I've spent my share of time in emergency rooms consoling families who have lost children in needless accidents. Tonight, it was my turn to get the call from the emergency room. Our teenage daughter had been in a vehicle with three other teens, something her boyfriend's parents had assured us would never happen, when they were involved in a very serious accident. On a rural road, at high speeds, God was watching over our daughter who escaped with some broken bones and bruises but with her life. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case for everyone tonight. One young man lost his life as a result of this needless incident that could have been prevented had parents exercised better judgment.

As friends stopped in to check on us, it reminded me of how strong the support system is between law enforcement officers and their families and reinforced the reason why I've stuck it out for all these years. A miracle kept our daughter with us tonight. Life is precious but with God's help we can make it through. God will never give us a burden to bear that we cannot manage. He will be right with you, by your side, if you just call his name.

Fools

2010-02-02T21:53:00.000-08:00

The reality is there are those out in the world that just don't get it. Here is a prayer I use regularly, (sometimes multiple times a day) to help me keep perspective.

God of wisdom, I don't understand why fools do stupid things. I am frustrated by their selfish, careless, and insensitive behaviors. Help me to deal with foolish people professionally and calmly. If they are unable to hear wisdom from my mouth, inspire them to hear it from someone else. And protect the innocent endangered by foolish behaviors.
Amen.

The Pain of Interference

2010-01-21T19:31:00.000-08:00

Often, I hear from officers and administrators who are frustrated with the malicious meddling of elected and appointed officials who want them to avoid arresting certain people or try to interfere with legitimate law enforcement operations.

The issue reminds me of the story found in Acts Chapter 12. King Herod found that the Jews enjoyed the execution of James so he set about killing someone else. He had the soldiers arrest Peter to have him put to death. But God had enough of Herod's dealings.

God sent an angel to rescue Peter and took him away from his jail cell and returned him to his friends and family. When Herod discovered what happened, he was so mad he killed the soldiers. Later in the chapter, when Herod thought himself to be above God, God struck him down.

In today's vernacular, the "kings" might not execute the cops when their plans don't work as they like, but they certainly are willing to throw them under the bus when their plans are discovered or intervened. That may be why the tenure of police chiefs continue to get shorter and shorter. Far too much inappropriate conduct takes place outside the public purview.

Know that just as God rescued Peter, he will watch over you as you try to be fair and just. Pray continually that God will seek out and support the just.

God of Justice, our human system of justice on this earth is imperfect. I do my best to enforce the law and protect the public. Help me as I seek to serve with integrity. Be with me when the task at hand is unpleasant. Be with me when there is injustice that I cannot rectify. Inspire politicians to use their influence over law enforcement only for good outcomes. Hasten the day when you will ultimately right all wrongs.

Amen.

Happy New Year...

2009-12-27T01:19:00.001-08:00

Greetings, as the days fly by I would like to wish all of you a very Happy (and safe) New Year. It has been a Christmas full of blessings. My Dad is settled and happy in his new care home. A home owned and directed by two wonderful Christians for four adults.

On Dec.21, 2009 at 10:20PM my grandson was born…there just aren’t words to explain how happy, and blessed I feel. Rowan is growing strong and is healthy, my daughter and her husband are also growing stronger, after the long wear and tear of the pregnancy.

I know there are many who are suffering at this time. The Washington state area is going through a tough time as several officers have been wounded and killed in the line of duty. I lift each of you in my prayers.

I have the highest regards for each that step up and protect us. I believe God will bless you in ways that you can’t even think of at this time. All my best for a safe and wonderful 2010….Charlie

Follow the Star

2009-12-19T20:00:00.001-08:00

The holiday season can often be stressful as well as a time of enjoyment with friends and family.

Unfortunately, public safety folks often see the less joyous side of the lives of many people.

It is my prayer that you will have a joyous Christmas and that God's love will shine down on you so that you may be a shining star in the lives of others.

Merry Christmas!

No Better Shield

2009-12-06T16:20:00.000-08:00

'No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the LORD.' Isaiah 54:17

This scripture reference came across my email basket today from an individual who recently was targeted by some folks who didn't like him preaching the Word of God on the Internet. It made me think about how easy it is for the anonymous in the shadows and lash out to injure good people with good intentions.

Remember, that what you do is right and just. Remember also, that the Lord is with you always.

Happy thanksgiving...

2009-11-26T09:03:00.000-08:00

Greetings, I want to take this time to say “thank you” to everyone who protects us. Police officers, fire fighters, EMT”s, and the military. Each one of you, on the front lines or working support, I couldn’t have the freedom I do without you being there ready to risk everything for me.

This has been a year of major changes for me and my entire family. Due to his age and medical needs, in just a week our Dad will be moving to assisted living. It’s been four years since Mom passed and I moved back home to take care of Dad. A little frustrating at times, but more so are the great memories of being here with him and watching his face light up each day.

Now, as Dad and I both move we say good-by to our family home of 48 years. We have been lead by God in each step and the sale of the house has gone by without a single problem. So today is our last thanksgiving in this home, it hurts, and is a little sad, but my family and friends will always be together, and for that I can’t thank God enough.

If God hasn’t given me enough, in just a few short days my daughter Beck is due to give birth to my grandson. How can I say thank you for all I have (and will) receive? I guess the best way is….Thank you…and Happy Thanksgiving…..Charlie