Aug 30, 2009
So yeah this is a play off a friends blog, that will remain nameless ( http://rantsfrompastortracy.blogspot.com/ ). But bare with me this might be fun and then again it might just be some more mindless garble coming from my brain.
To know where I am going with this one you have to have a frame of reference ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bizarro_World ). You can check out Season 8 of Seinfeld or if you are real old you can look back at some of the DC Comics where Bizzaro appears as the opposite of Superman.
Anyways here we go.
I decided today to try an experiment in a realm of Bizzaro (a.k.a. Jalalabad, Afghanistan - this can apply however to pretty much any place related to OIF / OEF). The experiment was a success if compared to our aforementioned examples. There were some similarities but these constants would never change because they could upset the balance of each "realm".
As I jot down my ideas I sit in a small dive in Jalalabad Airfield, Jalalabad, Afghanistan. Rather than a nice quiet coffee shop, this place is a converted containerized unit used to ship stuff on cargo ships. I wouldn’t say I love this place but it does remind me of a nice little place back home in Colorado Springs. A place where I would go from time to time to “study” with my friend Tracy. In all actualality (is that even a word) most times we talked about what was going on in life, observed those around us, and it was just a good time to sit, relax, and have some good coffee with a great friend.
I didn’t have a book to read just some paper and I found a newspaper lying on the counter (Constant) which I decided to use to pass the time and play Sudoku. As I sat and observed several people came in and out. NONE of which just sat and enjoyed a cup of joe (Bizzaro). They are from all over the world and from all walks of life I am sure. We have every branch of military (save the Coast Guard) and all kinds of Civilian Companies here. Everyone carries a weapon to the coffee shop(Bizzaro). How strange would that be to walk into Pikes Perk with a gun? Not a cop or law enforcement, EVERYONE, and EVERYONE'S got ammo. Its very interesting to people watch. My wife has caught me doing it on several occasions, I know somewhere along the line I have been taught to stay cognizant of my surroundings. Most of the time its just plane fun to be honest.
It’s a Sunday, and I know that most of the people on this FOB are not even aware of that fact and that there are about 8 different services today just to meet everyone’s spiritual / scheduling needs. I even offered to one of my Soldiers if he wanted to go to church he could and I would cover the morning shift, he has previously expressed the interest to go (personally I like the night service better), He declined so I went.
Being here is just so odd. Geri and I have talked many times about how the Army is just not our way of life. We have tried to fit in but we don’t really mesh well with the lifestyle. So why did we stick it out so long? Well it was an easy job and GOD wanted us to, that’s the bottom line. Don’t get me wrong the Army is meant for some people, a lot of people actually. I do believe it is one of the largest employers of men and women between the ages of 17 & 40 something (Over 1,000,000 employees and counting). It just all seems so bizzaro to me.
I thought this the other day as our Company Nickname has been changed twice since last deployment, both times in reference to Hell (Hell Hounds, Hell Storm), the Army is fixated on things that scream macho, bravado, and most of all death and hell. It just seems so odd that an organization that is meant protect is so bent on destruction and the thought of taking pleasure in “sending people to hell”. Am I right? Last time I checked we are in the business of protecting our nation and others weaker than us......even though we invade we are not keeping the land. Or at least that's what they would have us believe, who knows what the real motives are (that is another discussion all together). Have you ever thought about that, actually wanting to send someone to hell, its not a nice thought.
What’s interesting is that these Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors, and Marines all have more access to GOD than most Americans. Every unit has a Chaplin and every Chaplin talks to a majority of the people under his charge on a regular basis. Everyone knows the Chaplin, he’s the guy with candy and a smile (no jokes please). We have free bibles and literature coming out of our ears here. I guess it goes to show that Satan will always take a great situation for GOD and turn it around to seem like GODs not here. I have even had one Soldier make the statement…”That’s why I am going to HELL”. Sometimes I don’t understand why people are so willing to accept eternal damnation, so willing not to make a change for the better.
I guess that is the way of this world though. If you look at it, Earth is Bizzaro in comparison to where we as Christians will one day spend eternity. As unfortunate as it is, some people will never know a better place than this. Our problem is how many of them will we let slip thru the cracks? How can we show them that accepting an eternal fate of hell is not a good option?
I agree we should do what we can to talk to these people around us that are afraid to step into the light. Because that’s what it is, a fear of coming out and having their SIN exposed. I am not perfect and my wife, parents, family, and friends can attest to that for sure. But not everyone see’s it that way. As soon as they know you’re a Christian they assume you never did anything wrong. Ooooh if they could have seen the things I have seen and done the things I've done. Not that I am proud of where I have been but it proves none of us are perfect but by the Grace of GOD we can be fixed.
And on the other hand we have people professing to be Christians that act no different than the world, which makes me even sadder. If you are reading this and you haven’t seen the light ask someone who has what their life was like before GOD as opposed to how there life is now. Settling for Going to Hell is not a good option.
If you are in the light don’t hide it but rather share it. That doesn’t mean to shove the gospel down some ones throat. If they can’t breathe how can they grow? If we can just plant that seed and water it as needed it may grow into a beautiful flower.
So take a walk in your Bizzaro and see if you can show someone the Real World.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Still Around
28 Aug 09
Hey all (or Ya'll for the Southerners) I am still around I have just been busy. I have a few thoughts in the works and probably will put them on here soon. Thanks for all the prayers and watching over Geri and the Kids. Talk to you all soon.
GOD Bless
Jason
Hey all (or Ya'll for the Southerners) I am still around I have just been busy. I have a few thoughts in the works and probably will put them on here soon. Thanks for all the prayers and watching over Geri and the Kids. Talk to you all soon.
GOD Bless
Jason
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Investing
Aug 6th, 2009
I have never been very good with finances, by the world’s definition that is. Sure, I have a good credit score, money left over after the bills to buy groceries, and sometimes (many times) I have been known to buy a coffee or two, it’s my vice and I can’t wait to get back to Pikes Perk and have a Saturday Evening “Study”. But, if you were to ask a financial advisor they would probably look at me and consider it crazy that I have no investment plan or plan for my retirement. My portfolio consists of a few accounts I like to call the “Fun Fund” and the “Ministry Fund”. Sure we put some away in savings from time to time but we usually take that out to buy things for Christmas or whenever we want to make a big purchase. I don't own a CD (Certificate of Deposit), I don't have money in stocks, and I really have no idea how 401K's work or what a ROTH IRA is. Frankly I don’t care. The only reason I ever even considered investing at one point in my life was in Satellite Radio because I thought I could make a quick buck, I didn't by the way.
My dad always tried to impress on me the importance of saving and not spending frivolously (investing). He will probably tell you I was a horrible student. I remember countless times coming home and him asking how much I spent on something, just to get the response back from him...."and how many did you get for that"....lol (my siblings can tell you the same). So anyways eventually I grew up a little and went out on my own and discovered what he was talking about to some extent. I learned that it was better to get 2 tacos for $1 ($20's worth) at Jack in the Box and eat for a weekend rather than spending $5 a meal at Burger King ....Thanks dad you saved me a ton of money, even though I eventually blew it on stupid things while living in Hawaii....lol.
Fast-forward to modern day. As many know I am leaving the Army. Well today that sparked a HUGE conversation / uproar in the TOC (Tactical Operations Center - it’s where I work), basically the Army's fancy name for "The Office", and yes it is FULL of characters. I can't even for the life of me remember what started the conversation but I of course chimed in with "I'm getting out" (meaning the Army) and was asked by the Battle Captain (Basically the office manager in the civilian world) "Sgt Reynolds you have 20 years in". Of course I knew where this was going because I have had this conversation numerous times since we have decided to leave the Army. I laughed and the onslaught ensued. Of course numerous people in the office already knew my plans so everyone perked up to see how the conversation would go between the West Point Graduate and Old SFC Reynolds. He preceded to tell me that I was making a stupid decision and that if I stuck it out my last few years I would make half a million just off my retirement after 20 years.
I cannot blame him because he has an Ivy League Level Education, and he can only see what makes sense to him. He is a product of one of the finest educations our country has to provide. In logical terms he made sense to a lot of people here in the office and he echoed several opinions I have already heard. However, there were a few problems with his theory.
1. Even though dad thought me the value of a dollar I still never invested a single cent. His arguments hinged on me investing $15,000 a year from my retirement check…..never have and probably won’t anytime soon start investing so that was the first problem.
2. He also hinged on the fact that I could retire at 20 yrs of service. Again a problem, when you become indefinite with the military that’s exactly what it means…..INDEFINITE. They can keep you as long as they like. Ask several of my friends who attempted to retire at 20 and see how it turned out for them. Most ended up serving 22, 24, 26 years. So now we are talking about a whole decade or more rather than a few more years.
3. He argued that I could never get this time back and that it would be a waste. I agree with him 100% on the time. I can never get back the first steps or words of my 2nd daughter that I never got to hear and see. The same will hold true for my son that I will not get to experience those moments. I have missed out on diapers, birthday parties, the funeral of my last living grandparent, weddings, graduations, holidays, and anniversaries. He was right I will never get that time back.
You see he is victim to the school of thought that much of the world is. What will you do without a guarantee? But what they can’t understand is that I have a guarantee. It was given to me by my LORD and Savior. You see I know that no matter what I will be taken care of and so will my family. In the gospels Jesus spoke of just such a situation (see Matt 6:25-34). Today my dad came to mind when thinking about investments and the future. I can remember him investing his time in family, conversation, books, and his bible (and who could forget him beating every game of FreeCell). So thanks dad for teaching me about investing in what is important. I know all your investments haven’t always worked out but I am certain that the one you have put the most stock in will turn out the best for you in the end. I hope that my life and investments will reflect the same.
*For those who don’t know the definition of indefinite is
Indefinite:
1. Unlimited; not fixed or limited in length, size, duration, or quantity
2. Not clear or not precisely defined or fixed
3. Vague and uncertain; unable or unwilling to give a clear indication of thoughts or plans
4. Too many to count
**After 10 years of service and a certain rank, The ARMY REQUIRES a Soldier to become Indefinite upon reenlistment.
I would much rather reenlist in GOD’s Army for an Indefinite period of time!!!!!!!!!
I have never been very good with finances, by the world’s definition that is. Sure, I have a good credit score, money left over after the bills to buy groceries, and sometimes (many times) I have been known to buy a coffee or two, it’s my vice and I can’t wait to get back to Pikes Perk and have a Saturday Evening “Study”. But, if you were to ask a financial advisor they would probably look at me and consider it crazy that I have no investment plan or plan for my retirement. My portfolio consists of a few accounts I like to call the “Fun Fund” and the “Ministry Fund”. Sure we put some away in savings from time to time but we usually take that out to buy things for Christmas or whenever we want to make a big purchase. I don't own a CD (Certificate of Deposit), I don't have money in stocks, and I really have no idea how 401K's work or what a ROTH IRA is. Frankly I don’t care. The only reason I ever even considered investing at one point in my life was in Satellite Radio because I thought I could make a quick buck, I didn't by the way.
My dad always tried to impress on me the importance of saving and not spending frivolously (investing). He will probably tell you I was a horrible student. I remember countless times coming home and him asking how much I spent on something, just to get the response back from him...."and how many did you get for that"....lol (my siblings can tell you the same). So anyways eventually I grew up a little and went out on my own and discovered what he was talking about to some extent. I learned that it was better to get 2 tacos for $1 ($20's worth) at Jack in the Box and eat for a weekend rather than spending $5 a meal at Burger King ....Thanks dad you saved me a ton of money, even though I eventually blew it on stupid things while living in Hawaii....lol.
Fast-forward to modern day. As many know I am leaving the Army. Well today that sparked a HUGE conversation / uproar in the TOC (Tactical Operations Center - it’s where I work), basically the Army's fancy name for "The Office", and yes it is FULL of characters. I can't even for the life of me remember what started the conversation but I of course chimed in with "I'm getting out" (meaning the Army) and was asked by the Battle Captain (Basically the office manager in the civilian world) "Sgt Reynolds you have 20 years in". Of course I knew where this was going because I have had this conversation numerous times since we have decided to leave the Army. I laughed and the onslaught ensued. Of course numerous people in the office already knew my plans so everyone perked up to see how the conversation would go between the West Point Graduate and Old SFC Reynolds. He preceded to tell me that I was making a stupid decision and that if I stuck it out my last few years I would make half a million just off my retirement after 20 years.
I cannot blame him because he has an Ivy League Level Education, and he can only see what makes sense to him. He is a product of one of the finest educations our country has to provide. In logical terms he made sense to a lot of people here in the office and he echoed several opinions I have already heard. However, there were a few problems with his theory.
1. Even though dad thought me the value of a dollar I still never invested a single cent. His arguments hinged on me investing $15,000 a year from my retirement check…..never have and probably won’t anytime soon start investing so that was the first problem.
2. He also hinged on the fact that I could retire at 20 yrs of service. Again a problem, when you become indefinite with the military that’s exactly what it means…..INDEFINITE. They can keep you as long as they like. Ask several of my friends who attempted to retire at 20 and see how it turned out for them. Most ended up serving 22, 24, 26 years. So now we are talking about a whole decade or more rather than a few more years.
3. He argued that I could never get this time back and that it would be a waste. I agree with him 100% on the time. I can never get back the first steps or words of my 2nd daughter that I never got to hear and see. The same will hold true for my son that I will not get to experience those moments. I have missed out on diapers, birthday parties, the funeral of my last living grandparent, weddings, graduations, holidays, and anniversaries. He was right I will never get that time back.
You see he is victim to the school of thought that much of the world is. What will you do without a guarantee? But what they can’t understand is that I have a guarantee. It was given to me by my LORD and Savior. You see I know that no matter what I will be taken care of and so will my family. In the gospels Jesus spoke of just such a situation (see Matt 6:25-34). Today my dad came to mind when thinking about investments and the future. I can remember him investing his time in family, conversation, books, and his bible (and who could forget him beating every game of FreeCell). So thanks dad for teaching me about investing in what is important. I know all your investments haven’t always worked out but I am certain that the one you have put the most stock in will turn out the best for you in the end. I hope that my life and investments will reflect the same.
*For those who don’t know the definition of indefinite is
Indefinite:
1. Unlimited; not fixed or limited in length, size, duration, or quantity
2. Not clear or not precisely defined or fixed
3. Vague and uncertain; unable or unwilling to give a clear indication of thoughts or plans
4. Too many to count
**After 10 years of service and a certain rank, The ARMY REQUIRES a Soldier to become Indefinite upon reenlistment.
I would much rather reenlist in GOD’s Army for an Indefinite period of time!!!!!!!!!
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