First post and first day here. I am a full-time US servicemember, happily married and proud parent of two. I have a happy dog and many hobbies and interests. Of the many helpful things that have come my way over the years is Randy Alcorn's book Heaven. I had just come back from one of many tours in the war on terror and came across this very hopeful and thought provoking book.
I am bi-polar and have, over the years, tending to fluctuate between being hyper-religious and being just very thankful that God has not smitten me I have always believed that this time on Earth is merely a blink in an eye of the time. My true home is Heaven and I am just a traveler here.
One of my favorite books is Illusions: Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah by Richard Bach. One of the quotes I think of often from this book: "Here is how you know your mission in life is complete - If you are still alive, it is not."
I have come face-to-face with death many times in my life. I do not fear it. I believe in what Nate Saint said to his son many, many years ago - in the 50s, as he was leaving his son to witness to a tribe of indians in South America, as showcased in the movie End of the Spear: "I cannot kill these Indians as they do not know Jesus - I do. I am ready to die, they are not." Nate believed that death could not take away what God had already granted Him - eternal life through His Son.
I believe that and tread lightly even though I am a fierce and dedicated warrior in the war on terror. I know that I could slip on a patch of ice and die just as easily as I could be sniped or mortared or bombed into immortality but I do not fret for - Like Nate - I believe that I am already immortal.
Because of this. I do not hate nor judge others for whatever they do to hurt me or others. This time, our lives here, is so very short.
I do get angry. I believe Gandi did have it right about us all being children of God and I am morally angered when people kill each other in the name of God. For this reason, I continue to soldier on - that peace may be promoted and war be lessened. I do not, however, think that we will ever get rid of war. In this respect, I am a realist.But, this is not all there is.
Just wanted to share a few opening thoughts. I'm going to go play frisbee disc golf now and enjoy the sun and continue to ponder my studies - I'm fortunately not on tour right now. Currently I am full-time enrolled in a Masters program and a year hiatus from service. Most likely, when I graduate this fall, I will redeploy for yet, another tour. It's O.K.
Today, however, the sun waits - the sky is blue - and flinging a frisbee is something I can imagine doing forever - might as well begin here. Do something fun today that you can imagine doing forever.


John 16:33 “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Jesus