02 Jan 10
Moving Day
Hey everyone just wanted to send a quick note to let you know I am moving this blog to another place. Geri and I have decided to share our thoughts, which could be dangerous, on one blog. You can find us at http://reynoldsinbloom.blogspot.com/ As much as I enjoy it you can see I haven't posted anything in a while. That can be as good as it is bad I guess because that means even though I don't have time to post my days are going by fast. I look forward to seeing you all over at the new one. Take care
GOD Bless
Jason
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
How to Build a Fire
October 1st - October 5th, 2009
Some time around my Junior or Senior year of High School my dad was trying to teach me a valuable skill that would help out around the house and possibly one day help me in some way or another. I figured it was kind of silly because hey heat seemed easy....just turn up the thermostat right? So my dad taught me................
How to Build a Fire.
Sounds easy right? Well you would think so, especially since most teenage boys like to make fires when given a chance. But you see you can't just throw a log in the stove and expect it to catch fire off some old newspapers. There is actually a little science to it.
We had this old wood stove, and I mean old, that sat in our kitchen. It resembled a stove you would see in pictures from like back in the 40's or 50's. Just a small 1 foot by 3 foot stove that actually heated the house pretty good, when it was going. Problem was my parents went to work at 5:30am, I woke up on a good day at 10:00am on the weekends......wood doesn't burn that long in such a small stove and usually there were very few coals left over.
So what did my dad do in a desperate attempt, I assume, to get me to build a fire and help out the family. Well he came across this old article titled "How to Build a Fire". I never read it, I hated reading as a teenager, but he did eventually teach me how to get a fire going from scratch.
Well thanks to my dad I was able to pass those skills along to a group of Soldiers that have been positioned on to a Observation Post (OP) to over watch their units bases. They are in a pretty remote place, as a matter of fact the only way that we had to get to them was to be flown in by helicopter in the middle of the night. Our first day there we asked about how we were going to make dinner chow and they told us the grill. Awesome right, every good old American loves a cook out right? So the closer we got to dinner the more information we actually got about how the grill was used. They had a nice set up, a 55 Gallon Drum converted into a nice grill that in the civilian world you would pay hundreds for. I asked about charcoal, which they said they got from time to time but it was usually gone in a day or two. So then I asked, so how we gonna get this fire going? To which they replied, DIESEL!!!! So at first I thought maybe they were joking, especially since Diesel does not ignite the same way as regular gas so it can be a little hard to get going, but they were dead serious. Why not they have an abundance of it, that's what they use to get rid off all their other trash and stuff (I will let your imagination figure out what else).
In their defense, 7 out of 9 Soldiers on the hill were not what the Army considers "Combat Arms" (Combat Arms are basically Infantry, Artillery, Armor etc type jobs). There little group consisted of 5 - Mechanics, 1 - Supply Clerk, 1 - Medic, 1 - Scout, and 1 - Forward Observer. Most of the guys because of their jobs in the Army have never been trained in survival skills, and therefore the easiest and most efficient way to build a fire for them was to start it with GAS.
Well I didn't want my steak to taste like JP-8 (Diesel Fuel), so my buddy and I who had gone to this OP decided we would show the gents how to build a fire.
Its funny the things we take for granted even in a combat zone. A lot of Soldiers, Airmen, Marines, and Sailors have it pretty good compared to those who came before us. You don't even have to go back that far. In 2001, when this all kicked off those men and women lived in their vehicles and tents and faced the elements, didn't have Internet or phones, or HEATING / AIR CONDITIONING. A lot of people complain and gripe about how bad they have it over here or that combat is so rough on them physically and mentally. The funny thing is at least 60% - 70%, or more, are what we call FOBITs (they don't leave the FOB {Forward Operating Base} for anything except to go on R & R or Re-deploy back to the States) and they get free Internet / free phone calls home. Even when you pay for it you can get on a phone call for 4 cents a min now a days back to the states. That's better than state to state long distance in most places. I am not gonna lie I was actually kind of looking forward to living that lifestyle this tour. I had no plans on going anywhere.....well I guess the people above me decided they had a better plan. Those who know me know I hate sitting behind a desk on some FOB anyways and sometimes its good to take a step back away from these blue walls and go out and be with the guys. My wife on the other hand would wish it to be different for her own sanity and love it if I could just stay on the FOB but I know she understands even in her worries. Don't worry mom I don't travel to much just enough to stay sane not as much as some but more than others. I just consider it site seeing.
Anyways, the point of all this was to show that not everyone has it good in modern combat and to thank my dad for teaching me something that there is no way he could have know would effect the lives of Soldiers in combat one day. I know that for a small group of Soldiers on the Pakistan Border appreciate eating their chicken, steak, goat, and occasional sheep without the taste of Diesel. Thanks again DAD
Some time around my Junior or Senior year of High School my dad was trying to teach me a valuable skill that would help out around the house and possibly one day help me in some way or another. I figured it was kind of silly because hey heat seemed easy....just turn up the thermostat right? So my dad taught me................
How to Build a Fire.
Sounds easy right? Well you would think so, especially since most teenage boys like to make fires when given a chance. But you see you can't just throw a log in the stove and expect it to catch fire off some old newspapers. There is actually a little science to it.
We had this old wood stove, and I mean old, that sat in our kitchen. It resembled a stove you would see in pictures from like back in the 40's or 50's. Just a small 1 foot by 3 foot stove that actually heated the house pretty good, when it was going. Problem was my parents went to work at 5:30am, I woke up on a good day at 10:00am on the weekends......wood doesn't burn that long in such a small stove and usually there were very few coals left over.
So what did my dad do in a desperate attempt, I assume, to get me to build a fire and help out the family. Well he came across this old article titled "How to Build a Fire". I never read it, I hated reading as a teenager, but he did eventually teach me how to get a fire going from scratch.
Well thanks to my dad I was able to pass those skills along to a group of Soldiers that have been positioned on to a Observation Post (OP) to over watch their units bases. They are in a pretty remote place, as a matter of fact the only way that we had to get to them was to be flown in by helicopter in the middle of the night. Our first day there we asked about how we were going to make dinner chow and they told us the grill. Awesome right, every good old American loves a cook out right? So the closer we got to dinner the more information we actually got about how the grill was used. They had a nice set up, a 55 Gallon Drum converted into a nice grill that in the civilian world you would pay hundreds for. I asked about charcoal, which they said they got from time to time but it was usually gone in a day or two. So then I asked, so how we gonna get this fire going? To which they replied, DIESEL!!!! So at first I thought maybe they were joking, especially since Diesel does not ignite the same way as regular gas so it can be a little hard to get going, but they were dead serious. Why not they have an abundance of it, that's what they use to get rid off all their other trash and stuff (I will let your imagination figure out what else).
In their defense, 7 out of 9 Soldiers on the hill were not what the Army considers "Combat Arms" (Combat Arms are basically Infantry, Artillery, Armor etc type jobs). There little group consisted of 5 - Mechanics, 1 - Supply Clerk, 1 - Medic, 1 - Scout, and 1 - Forward Observer. Most of the guys because of their jobs in the Army have never been trained in survival skills, and therefore the easiest and most efficient way to build a fire for them was to start it with GAS.
Well I didn't want my steak to taste like JP-8 (Diesel Fuel), so my buddy and I who had gone to this OP decided we would show the gents how to build a fire.
Its funny the things we take for granted even in a combat zone. A lot of Soldiers, Airmen, Marines, and Sailors have it pretty good compared to those who came before us. You don't even have to go back that far. In 2001, when this all kicked off those men and women lived in their vehicles and tents and faced the elements, didn't have Internet or phones, or HEATING / AIR CONDITIONING. A lot of people complain and gripe about how bad they have it over here or that combat is so rough on them physically and mentally. The funny thing is at least 60% - 70%, or more, are what we call FOBITs (they don't leave the FOB {Forward Operating Base} for anything except to go on R & R or Re-deploy back to the States) and they get free Internet / free phone calls home. Even when you pay for it you can get on a phone call for 4 cents a min now a days back to the states. That's better than state to state long distance in most places. I am not gonna lie I was actually kind of looking forward to living that lifestyle this tour. I had no plans on going anywhere.....well I guess the people above me decided they had a better plan. Those who know me know I hate sitting behind a desk on some FOB anyways and sometimes its good to take a step back away from these blue walls and go out and be with the guys. My wife on the other hand would wish it to be different for her own sanity and love it if I could just stay on the FOB but I know she understands even in her worries. Don't worry mom I don't travel to much just enough to stay sane not as much as some but more than others. I just consider it site seeing.
Anyways, the point of all this was to show that not everyone has it good in modern combat and to thank my dad for teaching me something that there is no way he could have know would effect the lives of Soldiers in combat one day. I know that for a small group of Soldiers on the Pakistan Border appreciate eating their chicken, steak, goat, and occasional sheep without the taste of Diesel. Thanks again DAD
Sunday, August 30, 2009
The Bizzaro World We Walk Thru
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.
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.
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!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Proud of You
July 23rd, 2009
I started this blog kind of jokingly off a suggestion by a close friend and mentor. At first I laughed it off. I started the page prior to leaving but had no idea what I was going to write about. Initially, I figured it would be a way to keep in touch with my family and friends but recently it has turned into just random thoughts throughout the days while I have been deployed. The entries seem to have a random time span between them. Sometimes a day or a week or occasionally more. Mostly just when something strikes me. I guess that is what a blog is for though.
I do want to take a minute though to address the name sake for this blog (if you notice the url up top on your browser .... http://calvarychapelcoreblog.blogspot.com/) It comes from small group known as "The CORE". The CORE is the name for our youth group at Calvary Chapel Eastside in Colorado Springs, CO. You see another reason I decided to pursue the blog was to stay in touch with the teens at our church. Ever since last summer when we returned from North Carolina we have been helping out with the teen ministry. I know, I know you have to half insane to want to work with teens right? Actually NO you have to be led by GOD AND BE HALF INSANE. Just kidding, I can't express how these young people and the leadership of the ministry have blessed Geri, Adia, Isadora (Izzy), Jaise, and I. They opened up their group and their lives to us and we haven't stopped learning from THEM since.
You see it was nothing short of GOD's direction that we ended up becoming part of The CORE ministry. I had only been back from Iraq for a few months, we had just started to get comfortable and back to normal when we were sent to North Carolina for 3 months of duty helping out recruiting stations that were struggling (I was a previous Army Recruiter....Hated IT). While we were there we maintained close contact with the Associate Pastor / Youth Pastor at our church, who is the earlier mentioned individual that got me into blogging, man you had no idea what you were getting into when you suggested this did you? We had been wondering what GOD had in store for us once we got back to Colorado but we just hadn't seen a light bulb as I like to call it. You see we knew GOD was calling us away from the Army to something better but we had no idea what. One day in an email Tracy asked me to pray about something they wanted to do with the teens. For the life of me I can not remember what he wanted to do exactly, I think something dealing with local schools. At the time we had nothing to do with The CORE ministry we were more focused on a different group that we had grown to love at the church (we still love you guys). So like good friends we added him to our prayer list, and a funny thing happened. GOD opened our eyes and our hearts to the teens and wanting to know more about them and the ministry. By the time we had returned to Colorado a few months later we knew that our place was with them, that was of course if they would have us. So we started to come to The CORE on Friday nights and after a few weeks we never looked back. Ever since then we have felt like they (The CORE) were part of the family.
So whats the point? Well, give me a minute and I will get there.
Over the past year we have seen the teens grow not only physically and mentally but also spiritually in their relationship with GOD and its amazing what goes on within that group. A pretty wise person (my father-in-law) once told me that the youth in a church is the foundation on which a church will either flourish or falter. If you do not invest time in the youth then the church may or quite possibly will falter with the aging members and there will be few left over to continue the ministry. I have never asked Tracy how the name of the Youth Group came about but I am sure it is something along those same lines. The CORE has made me and all the other youth leadership proud over the past few months with their actions in and out of the group. They continue to reach out to friends within their communities and schools, a few have started their own ministries,a few have become great examples and mentors to others in the group, and a few have stepped up to the plate to lead their fellow teens in various areas of the ministry. You see that's the point, without our youth group who is it that we can expect to one day lead the future congregations? I have no idea if any of them will go on into ministry or even if they will go on to lead groups within the CCES ministry but I see the fruits of the labors of The CORE's ministry. Keep on, Keepin on guys and girls. The world may not like you or understand you but if thats true then The CORE is doing its part to spread the word. Didn't Jesus say that the world would hate us just like they hated him. Don't ever get discouraged by the world and its views of you or our beliefs. In the coming year I hope you guys find more ways to continue branching out and spreading the GOOD NEWS to those around you. I do not know how long The Reynolds' will be part of The CORE, only GOD knows that answer, but my hope and prayer is that it will be for many, many years to come. I miss all of you guys (and girls) and I can't wait to rejoin you next spring/summer and see how much more you have grown in your relationship with GOD.
GOD Bless
Jason
PS. "The CORE" is made up of several adult volunteers that lead and guide the teens. They help facilitate, teach, and mentor in various situations and activities (even crazy events like laser tag and sleep overs){HALF INSANE}. I love all of you guys too but I think we all can agree that The CORE is the youth of our church.
I started this blog kind of jokingly off a suggestion by a close friend and mentor. At first I laughed it off. I started the page prior to leaving but had no idea what I was going to write about. Initially, I figured it would be a way to keep in touch with my family and friends but recently it has turned into just random thoughts throughout the days while I have been deployed. The entries seem to have a random time span between them. Sometimes a day or a week or occasionally more. Mostly just when something strikes me. I guess that is what a blog is for though.
I do want to take a minute though to address the name sake for this blog (if you notice the url up top on your browser .... http://calvarychapelcoreblog.blogspot.com/) It comes from small group known as "The CORE". The CORE is the name for our youth group at Calvary Chapel Eastside in Colorado Springs, CO. You see another reason I decided to pursue the blog was to stay in touch with the teens at our church. Ever since last summer when we returned from North Carolina we have been helping out with the teen ministry. I know, I know you have to half insane to want to work with teens right? Actually NO you have to be led by GOD AND BE HALF INSANE. Just kidding, I can't express how these young people and the leadership of the ministry have blessed Geri, Adia, Isadora (Izzy), Jaise, and I. They opened up their group and their lives to us and we haven't stopped learning from THEM since.
You see it was nothing short of GOD's direction that we ended up becoming part of The CORE ministry. I had only been back from Iraq for a few months, we had just started to get comfortable and back to normal when we were sent to North Carolina for 3 months of duty helping out recruiting stations that were struggling (I was a previous Army Recruiter....Hated IT). While we were there we maintained close contact with the Associate Pastor / Youth Pastor at our church, who is the earlier mentioned individual that got me into blogging, man you had no idea what you were getting into when you suggested this did you? We had been wondering what GOD had in store for us once we got back to Colorado but we just hadn't seen a light bulb as I like to call it. You see we knew GOD was calling us away from the Army to something better but we had no idea what. One day in an email Tracy asked me to pray about something they wanted to do with the teens. For the life of me I can not remember what he wanted to do exactly, I think something dealing with local schools. At the time we had nothing to do with The CORE ministry we were more focused on a different group that we had grown to love at the church (we still love you guys). So like good friends we added him to our prayer list, and a funny thing happened. GOD opened our eyes and our hearts to the teens and wanting to know more about them and the ministry. By the time we had returned to Colorado a few months later we knew that our place was with them, that was of course if they would have us. So we started to come to The CORE on Friday nights and after a few weeks we never looked back. Ever since then we have felt like they (The CORE) were part of the family.
So whats the point? Well, give me a minute and I will get there.
Over the past year we have seen the teens grow not only physically and mentally but also spiritually in their relationship with GOD and its amazing what goes on within that group. A pretty wise person (my father-in-law) once told me that the youth in a church is the foundation on which a church will either flourish or falter. If you do not invest time in the youth then the church may or quite possibly will falter with the aging members and there will be few left over to continue the ministry. I have never asked Tracy how the name of the Youth Group came about but I am sure it is something along those same lines. The CORE has made me and all the other youth leadership proud over the past few months with their actions in and out of the group. They continue to reach out to friends within their communities and schools, a few have started their own ministries,a few have become great examples and mentors to others in the group, and a few have stepped up to the plate to lead their fellow teens in various areas of the ministry. You see that's the point, without our youth group who is it that we can expect to one day lead the future congregations? I have no idea if any of them will go on into ministry or even if they will go on to lead groups within the CCES ministry but I see the fruits of the labors of The CORE's ministry. Keep on, Keepin on guys and girls. The world may not like you or understand you but if thats true then The CORE is doing its part to spread the word. Didn't Jesus say that the world would hate us just like they hated him. Don't ever get discouraged by the world and its views of you or our beliefs. In the coming year I hope you guys find more ways to continue branching out and spreading the GOOD NEWS to those around you. I do not know how long The Reynolds' will be part of The CORE, only GOD knows that answer, but my hope and prayer is that it will be for many, many years to come. I miss all of you guys (and girls) and I can't wait to rejoin you next spring/summer and see how much more you have grown in your relationship with GOD.
GOD Bless
Jason
PS. "The CORE" is made up of several adult volunteers that lead and guide the teens. They help facilitate, teach, and mentor in various situations and activities (even crazy events like laser tag and sleep overs){HALF INSANE}. I love all of you guys too but I think we all can agree that The CORE is the youth of our church.
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