Army Families

I saw this video on another Chaplain's blog, (thanks Dave). I thought it was very well done so I figured I'd give everyone a chance to watch it here. What a blessing to not only have the opportunity to serve soldiers, but to serve their families as well.

Blessings,

Rob

The Body of Christ

I love the Body of Christ. I love the diversity of gifts that God has given us as well as the different ways local fellowships use their gifts. I love the creativity that leaders use to equip those within their fellowship and reach those in their community with the Gospel. While I have had friends from other denominations for a long time, since completing Chaplain's Basic this past fall, I have gained many more friends who love Jesus, but are different. Their tradition may be more liturgical or even more charismatic, but when it comes down to it, they are all about Jesus!

We live in an age that is referred to by some philosophers as postmodern. While this blog is way too short to discuss all the intricacies of this philosophical "bent," postmodernism has some characteristics that are very damaging. When I refer to the Body as being diverse, I do not mean, as some postmodern's may espouse, that there is no absolute truth. Certainly there is absolute truth! Rather, I am referring to the ability to come together under the banner that is the person and message of Jesus Christ. Yes, let us stand on the Gospel of Christ as THE absolute truth, and let's even be willing to discuss, with dignity, our differences. But ultimately, let's focus on the Main Thing. Christ is the reason we live. So what if one fellowship is led by deacons and one by elders. So what if you like hymns and I like choruses. Let's come together under the banner of Christ to worship the King!


Thanks for reading,

Rob

Spring!

Yes, it is finally here. Spring! Ok, so what if we are supposed to get accumulating snow tomorrow night. It's still spring!

Things are well on the Olson front. I have all but finished my ordination requirements. I just have two more books to finish. I am also in the midst of two new classes. One on leadership and one on world missions. They look exciting and not too overwhelming. The key is to get a big project done before the end of April so I don't have to worry about it when I get ready to go to Fort Leonard Wood for my practicum.

I was reading this week in Mark and read both the account of Jesus feeding the 5,000 as well as the 4,000. It really hit home because of how I have seen God provide for my family. We are so blessed. Certainly this year will be a "pile of stones" that we look back upon and see God's provision.


Rob

My Buddy Don

This link is to a story by a good friend of mine, Chaplain Don Williamson. I would encourage you to take a few minutes to read it. It was really encouraging.

Rob

(Thanks to Amy Maxwell for the link.)

The Joy of Fatherhood

This past week, our whole family has been sick. Not very fun, to say the least. As our colds are breaking, my three year old and I were playing "3 Musketeers today." He knows them from the Disney movie, with Mickey, Donald, and Goofy. Well, for awhile I was Captain Pete, the evil bad guy. Then at times I was Goofy. He would say things like, "Come on Goofy, let's go over here." Or when we were eating our apples, "How's your apple Goofy?" Anyway, it was a lot of fun!

All are napping right now, so I get a chance to rest. We're recovering slowly. I just wish this snow would stop and spring would get here quickly. Soon, I know, soon.

Rob