FAFSA Money?

Thanks to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), I was easily able to apply for financial aid for college.  I thought it would be some extremely difficult task, but it turns out it was quite easy.  I did have to find my past year’s tax information, but that was literally the hardest part!

I applied to Liberty University’s Online program.  From what I can tell, this is a good choice for me.  I’ll be able to work my normal job, still do my side work (PC repair, training, etc.), and have enough time for full time schooling.  I know I can do it because:

Matthew 19:26
But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

I also found out one of my friends from church is thinking about becoming an Army chaplain!  We talked for a while after some church classes last night.  My friend John is a good man with strong faith.  I can definitely see him becoming a chaplain.  He is currently enrolled in the ROTC program at the University of South Alabama.  He’s scheduled to graduate with his bachelors degree after summer classes in 2012.  He is still unsure of his goals within the Army or the church.  Please pray for the Holy Spirit to guide him to a useful path of God’s choosing.

As for me, I’m still “Gung-ho” about the Navy chaplain path.  With my college starting at age 34, I have some major catch-up to do.  I will need prayers too.

Another thing….
While I want to fill our US military and police with Christian chaplains, I do understand that this great nation of ours is very diverse and has many beliefs.  Prayer from other faiths are important.  It helps unite the troops.  It brings motivation and calms fear.  It gives meaning to the battles which protect our nation against evil.

Creating and maintaining this website has been a part-time job by itself.  As of today, I’m still not finished or finalized.  Finding information to post about becoming a chaplain has been a challenge.  (This will likely be a strong focus on many of my future posts.)

Everyone I ask seems to not take me seriously, or they don’t have any documentation.  I stopped by a local US Navy recruiter’s office and they didn’t have any information.  The NCOIC  pulled data from the Navy’s website and basically read what I already read.  To be fair, I understand that the local recruiting offices are mostly for enlisted positions.  The office has PLENTY of enlisted military job documents.

After experiencing this, it made me realize even more than it will take dedication and determination to become a chaplain.  Years of schooling, praying, bible studies, leadership training, and exercise are in my future.

-Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Yep.  That’s what I believe.

Today I spoke with an Admissions Consultant for Liberty University Online.  The guy gave me some good information about online classes and seminary school.  Looks like almost (if not all) of my undergraduate degree can be earned online.  Online degrees are very popular, but BE CAREFUL!  Many places that offer them are not from accredited schools.  Luckily, Liberty is.

Additionally, I also spoke to a Navy officer recruiter that specializes in the Navy’s Chaplain Candidacy Program.  He was very helpful and reminded me of something very important.  Never forget, you are not alone!  Fellow chaplain candidates, pastors, and ministers are always willing to help you.  God provides for us the tools, and we have to take what we are given and do the work.  It takes time.

Please don’t forget to pray for and help the earthquake and tsunami victims in Japan.  Thousands have died with thousands more missing, and very possibly already gone.  Haiti still suffers too.  The previous link can also provide information to help support them.

I'm the guy right of center in the chain maille with the brown belt.

Last weekend (October 30 and 31), I took the kids to an SCA event called Gatalop XXVII. It’s an SCA event that takes place in Dauphin Island, AL. It’s hosted at an old Civil War-era fort called Fort Gaines. This Medieval event is a recreation (NOT re-enactment) of various Viking and 14th century war and combat scenarios. There are also other great activities like ancient pottery classes, medieval cooking, medieval sewing, armor crafting, weapon crafting, and general history lessons.

What did I participate in? Combat! (Yes, I played with the kids too, and was able to teach them about some history. I’ll get to that later.)

We formed up 2 teams and played through various scenarios. Our team had an overall “General” and several other “Sergeants” that lead the smaller groups. Being a leader in a fast-paced environment like a massive martial combat offensive is obviously a difficult task. We’re all using Medieval methods and no modern technology, so shouting is our only form of communication. The problem is that our “enemy” (consistent of many, many friends… not true enemies) is able to hear our commands, though we can hear theirs also.

Now, we had 4 leaders in our group. One for the shield wall (my group), one for the runners (mobile fighters), and one for the secondary shield defense. The 4th is the overall General. During combat, most of the noise is yelling, war-cries, shields and helmets being hit by rattan swords and axes, and stomping feet running. It’s hard to tell when a leader gives a command. They often have to repeat it over and over. It can get frustrating when your commands don’t get heard… even when you try your hardest. It’s also frustrating when everyone follows your lead, then you realize your command was wrong.

Luckily, both sides did great. Our team won half the fights, and as far as I could tell, everyone fought with honor. I had a complete blast.

Now, as far as me and the kids’ time together, we had a blast! It was their first time to camp out in a tent. I made them some medieval garb to wear and they looked the part. They made friends and when I was fighting, my friend, Hunter, watched them for me. In the SCA, we have Kings and Queens, and there is a formal award ceremony that takes place in the evenings simply called “court.” During court, both kids got gifts from the king and queen. They were VERY excited for this. In the daylight, I took them walking around the fort. We explored the old tunnels and look-out holes. Since the entire place is next to the Gulf of Mexico, on an island, we were surrounded by beautiful scenes of waves, large ships, and lots of relaxed people fishing their days away.

God was with us and it was obvious. We were happy, all three of us made friends, and I was able to walk away from the day of fighting with only a few bruises. As far as I know, there were no major injuries. With any combat recreation or re-enactment, there are always bruises and cuts, and it looks like that’s all there was.

Gatalop 28 will be next year at the same place. I’m already counting the days!

What a fantastic weekend!

The kids were surprisingly great for me! We had a blast.. Every football team I wanted to win WON!!! I was also able to fight for 2 straight hours at fighter practice today and my knee gave me ZERO problems!! God has smiled upon me this weekend.  Thank you.

(That’s all I have for today.)

Random Internet Picture!

This won’t be long, since I really should get back to bed.

I have my kids this weekend.  I’ll be working on a PowerPoint thing my daughter has to do for school.  I’ll also be watching the Red River Rivalry!  We were gonna have Noobalot, but that’s not happening now.  Loko is out of town, and my injury is keeping me from doing it.

What’s Noobalot?  I’ll get into it later.  It’s SCA-related.  It’s fun.  Yeah.

Well, off to bed… why did I even turn on the PC?  haha

RANDOM INTERNET IMAGE!!!…..