North to Alaska November 2008 |
| Posted By: morkens @ 11-27-2008 02:10am |
Fort Richardson, Alaska Sunset
November 2008 |
Well, my time at Fort Hood has ended and in turn, UnitMinistry.com is now linking to my most current assignment, 3-509th IN. It was a long journey to Alaska from Central Texas, but here we are ready to get to work! Clearly, the weather change has been something to get used to, but with the right amount of layers of clothing and a warm coffee in hand, anything is possible. More news and information will certainly follow in the weeks ahead, but for now enjoy a bit of Alaska from a recent photo.
Blessings,
CH Morken |
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Spiritual Sustenance October 2008 |
| Posted By: morkens @ 10-04-2008 10:20am |
Prospective father-in-law to daughter's suitor: "How much money do you have in the bank?"
Young man: "I don't know. I haven't shaken it lately.” - Unknown
It is hard not to notice the financial crisis our country is facing. Everyday, it seems another bank is failing and the markets are declining. Perhaps you’ve noticed filling up the car empties the bank account faster. Or perhaps you’ve braved logging into your retirement account only to see a smaller balance than before. For sure, we’ve all had to make adjustments and consider our financial picture a little more often than even last year.
A few weeks ago, my son had somehow found a dollar bill and was wandering around with it in his hand, as two year olds tend to do. And like every other toy, it was eventually discarded on the floor next to a few matchbox-sized cars. And for the next hours before the house was cleaned up for the day, that dollar bill became just another part of the floor. He stepped on it, I stepped on it, and my wife might have even stepped on it. It was somewhat comical to me to think that if he were much older, he would likely save it in a safe spot until next time we went to the Shoppette. But I appreciated how little he cared about the dollar once something else became more interesting. It reminds me that money is useful, but should not rule over us.
In the gospel of Matthew Jesus reiterates a healthy financial perspective. He said, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21
Blessings,
CH Morken
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Spiritual Sustenance September 2008 |
| Posted By: morkens @ 08-31-2008 08:09pm |
In Army training there are events which put newly learned skills to the test. These capstone exercises often require us to go into the field because we train to become proficient in performing our mission deployed and away from regular amenities. At the end of Basic Combat training in 1993, my class put all of our new skills to the test during one of these field-training exercises. Little did we know, however, that the weather would be adding a new dimension of challenge to our training.
When we setup the area, the instructions were to dig a ditch around our pup tents in case it rained so water would go around the tent and its occupants. Many of us were proud of our waterways, like children are of a sandcastle. And in case you haven’t guessed it, there was a strong storm that night which left everyone’s ditch over-run. Strangely, what kept my down-filled sleeping bag and me dry was the foam PT mat, nestled between the sleeping bag and dirt. The mat’s right edge uplifted just enough so that the current of water flowing through the tent went around me instead of turning me into a giant spongy mess. However, what truly made me feel secure was our shelter: two pieces of green canvas, one for each Soldier and connected together. And even though the shelter was primitive, it provided the opportunity to stay dry during the storm. Lying there, it was a relief to realize I was still dry and even almost comfortable although the surroundings were clearly in an uproar.
The writer of Psalm 31 knew the feeling of true security in the storms of life. He declared, “In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge.” The psalmist reminds us that whatever storm we might endure, our true shelter is with the Divine.
Blessings,
CH Morken
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Spiritual Sustenance August 2008 |
| Posted By: morkens @ 08-16-2008 08:24pm |
My son, mom, dad, father-in-law, nephew, and the Chaplain Corps all celebrate birthdays days within a 30-day window this time of year. Each of these days, we pause to honor the person or institution by a party, gifts, or a phone call. Even the Army has an annual ritual that recently commemorated 233 years: get in a big group and jog around for a while. At least there was cake at the finish line.
My wife and I are celebrating our tenth anniversary this year and have made much bigger plans than usual to commemorate the milestone. Perhaps you can relate, but our eighth and ninth anniversaries were spent apart, more than 7000 miles apart, so just being together is a step ahead. Talking to one Soldier, I learned he had missed nearly all of the past six wedding anniversaries due to Army needs. It truly is a sacrifice to serve our Nation at war.
Nevertheless, recognizing these milestones also reminds us that we are social and relational creatures. While our work is important, relationships define who we really are. This is certainly not by accident. God has designed us to be relational not only with each other, but to include the divine relationship as well. So while the milestones of birthdays and anniversaries are honored, pause often to reflect upon the relationship that others model, between you and God. Just try not to celebrate with cake everyday.
Blessings,
CH Morken |
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Spiritual Sustenance July 2008 |
| Posted By: morkens @ 06-30-2008 07:55pm |
Lately in our weekly staff meetings, the room chuckles upon reading the all-encompassing forecast as described by the local news: 7am – nice, 12pm – hot, 5pm – muggy. Nice, hot, and muggy, it really sums up our days this time of year. During our recent field exercise, a few of us spent time enjoying the thought of jumping into a nice, cool and refreshing pool. Summer continually brings about the tug and pull between too hot and pure refreshment. One of the most classic ways of refreshing is to see kids playing in water spraying out of a fire hydrant. Although neither my wife nor I were able to enjoy this experience as kids, PBS regularly engrained this ideal definition of refreshing into our minds. There is enjoyment in the picture of children tempted by the main blast yet unable to place anything more than an arm or other appendage inside the strong current. When the hydrant is open, attention is nowhere else. It wasn’t until recently that I realized this activity could be dangerous without road-guards. But this type of pure refreshment on a summer’s day still holds its
rank.
Spiritually too, it is also normal to pass through seasons. There can be weeks or months of dryness with the added heat of daily stress. However, even within the toughest of spiritual seasons there can be times of refreshing. Perhaps changing methods of delivery might make an impact, such as listening to Scripture rather than reading. Sometimes finding one who is down and offering spiritual encouragement replenishes our purpose and energizes our spiritual step.
There are plenty of potentially refreshing fire hydrants; in fact, eighteen are along my route from work to home. And although closed, they remind me that even in the middle of a hot and oppressive season, there can still be wonderful times of refreshing.
Blessings,
CH Morken
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Spiritual Sustenance June 2008 |
| Posted By: morkens @ 05-29-2008 08:04pm |
This past month I was on orders to travel to Wichita Falls, about 5 hours north of Fort Hood. On the way back, the fuel gauge to the government car started giving me the indicator which says, “hey, you better pull over and fill up soon!” So, I started at one gas station and realized before pumping anything that the gas cap was bright yellow and had E85 written on it – and yellow reminded me of corn and rightfully so, since E85 apparently is fuel made from corn. In any case, I looked at the pumps and none of them were corn-yellow, so I drove off hoping to find a yellow pump at a more major gas station. I drove to another gas station and somewhat surprisingly there was no yellow handled pump – no E85 fuel. This happened about 5 more times along the highway before I had to stop at a small gas station in the middle of nowhere. Turning off the engine, I pulled out the owner’s manual in order to read the chapter on converting the stocks of corn nearby into fuel because I certainly wasn’t finding anything pre-made.
After locating the chapter I learned that the car had the ability to run on either normal gasoline or the corn stuff. Which was certainly a relief, because who knows where E85 is sold, but not anywhere on US 287. So I pumped about $100,000 worth of normal gas and drove off.
It seems in relationships we can feel similarly frustrated and desperate, trying to find help for a problem. We see the problem and know the solution which would fix it, but that solution is nowhere around. And when we are fixed upon the one solution wishing it would happen, we might miss that there is another solution available. Perhaps we have to first relinquish the thought that the one way is the only way and certainly compromise will help. Of course, as a regular measure we could look to the Scriptures, life’s manual, to give us guidance and readjust our perspective.
Blessings,
CH Morken |
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Spiritual Sustenance May 2008 |
| Posted By: morkens @ 05-29-2008 07:53pm |
In April, my wife and I took our son to North Dakota for an extended family function. While there, it was hard not to notice the cool weather, bare trees, ice upon the lakes, and the occasional snow drift. Virtually nothing was green with life. Arriving back in Texas, there was an overwhelming sense of summer with humidity in the air, leaves on the trees, and flowers in abundance. It ALMOST inspired me to plant a few flowers myself!
Planting flowers takes a person who has foresight and vision. My wife is one of those special people who can envision what a garden will look like. Even with her hands digging in the dirt, she knows what shape the plants and flowers will make and how the arrangement will compliment the rest of the yard, it is amazing.
I think there’s something to learn from a gardener about keeping the larger vision in mind. In daily life it is easy to become more in tune with the task at hand than with how that task helps the overarching goals. It is tempting to focus on the way in which the flower pedals are facing and forget the plant’s purpose is to help create a garden. And it seems that in focusing more upon the plant than the garden, we miss part of the wonder of life and the relationships which make it special.
I challenge you today to take a few moments and assess your garden. Remember who your priorities are and how maintaining an overarching vision will align that which is truly important.
Blessings,
CH Morken |
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Free coffeehouse opened for “business.” |
| Posted By: Chaplain Morken @ 09-07-2007 12:12am |
Two weeks after a Sunday afternoon open-house for leaders, the doors to the Mudhouse in Camp Taji, Iraq opened quietly for regular hours. With the generous donations of various individuals and businesses, all of the moving parts of the project were in place for the June 17th opening. Although there were many things to improve upon, the vast majority of setup was completed only 10 months after receiving the building.
Throughout the process, there was truly exceptional support from the Command. From providing the building and large wrap-around deck, to encouraging Soldiers to volunteer, the Command played an instrumental role in encouraging the coffeehouse concept all the way through opening day.
Likewise, many donors back in the States, from Michigan to North Dakota, California to Vermont and Connecticut and Pennsylvania, gave generous and tangible support which allowed the building to become something more than an idea with potential, but a real coffeehouse. The need on Camp Taji was great for a “third place,” a location other than work or home. The donors enabled the creation of that place, and more importantly, one which was desirable.
But all of the coffee in the world can’t serve itself, so volunteers were needed to make the last connection of support. Acting as the final handoff of support, the volunteers have the privilege of individually completing the chain. Ranging from different backgrounds, job skills, and units, the volunteers give of their own free time – many after a long day’s shift – to serve others.
Further, each cup which is served has given direct support in completing Soldier’s mission. As the base of operations for the Army’s aviation in Baghdad, numerous crew members grab a pick-me-up in order to make it safely through the night. Likewise, the Soldiers of logistical convoys are often aided by a good cup of coffee on the road. Nighttime driving can be hazardous aside from the threat of a real and constant enemy, any extra awareness can be life-saving.
The Mudhouse of Camp Taji, plays on several different connotations and is highly appropriate for the setting. Besides the obvious that mud can be slang for coffee, the Mudhouse also reminds people of the rainy season, where mud encroaches upon everything, often adding weight to boots. Even at that, the building is also fashioned out of something resembling hardened mud, along with nearly every other building. And it may also remind people of the story of Jesus in the Gospel of John chapter 9. He takes mud, which was something common, and uses it to heal a man born blind. Truly it was a touch from God through something so common. It was something simple which was offered by hand, to change the life of someone.
A Special Thanks to these Donors
Hirsch Florist of Mandan, North Dakota
Raines Family of the Detroit, Michigan area
Green Mountain Coffee Roasters of Vermont (free coffee for a year!)
Holy Joe’s Café ministry of the First Congregational Church of Wallingford, Connecticut
Living Waters Chapel of Lebanon, Pennsylvania
Diane and her Bible study in Cayucos, California
PJ of Raleigh, North Carolina |
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42 Seconds |
| Posted By: morkens @ 03-03-2007 02:16pm |
CH Morken just after
completing the Austin Marthon
Feb 18, 2007 Austin, TX |
When it comes to goals in life sometimes it's good to have multiple goals for the same event. I know I've said this before, but for me no where is this principle more true than in a marathon. Before selecting the 2007 AT&T Austin Marathon to run over my two week leave, the plan was to get in a good training run for the primary run - the Boston Marathon in Iraq. When training for a goal marathon, one method of ensuring the training is working happens to be just go out and run a marathon - not for a personal record, but to get use to the long distance and race day jitters among
other things. Thinking along these lines the plan was to run a good paced run, hopefully with consistent mile to mile times and finishing around or slightly slower than 3 hours and 10 minutes - which is the Boston qualifying (BQ) time for my age group and gender.
However, as time drew closer with virtually no running two weeks before hand due to travel and in part because the leg issue from December wasn't going away, an assessment of the situation required a new "reasonable" goal of around 3:30:00. The former goal of 3:10 became more of a "that would be nice" but not really possible goal. And then there is always the happy goal of "just finishing." So off we went, and of course aiming for a 3:10.
Now the city of Austin, Texas is not as flat as Camp Taji, Iraq, but it was all paved unlike the dusty gravel of Taji (score keepers: Austin-1 : Taji-1). As for motivation, Taji has regular explosions and small arms fire that could kill me, and for some reason I keep expecting bad guys to sneak in the perimeter and take me hostage during my night runs - all very motivational (1-2). But for motivation the crowds in Austin were very friendly - one person even yelled, "Way to go 5296!" I had to yell back, "Is that me?!?!" "Ya it's you! Get going!!!" (2-2). Another factor had to be clothing. Taji requires physical training (PT) uniforms with reflector belt and I can't wear contacts - not ideal for a 26.2 mile run. During the marathon there were no limitations to what people wore. Austin's point. (3-2). Why am I keeping score? I guess this is definitive proof I should run more in Austin during marathons.
In any case, mile 25 of 26.2 came and yet another hill, this one climbing MLK Blvd. for a few blocks. And like any marathoner hitting a hill at mile 25 my juice was running low. My hill mantra replayed in my head for the 1000th time, "equal effort up the hill." Meaning, slower is OK, just spit out the same effort as the flat areas of the course. Peaking the summit the truth that the finish line was close was sort of motivational - if I could have seen it. But the huge capital building was in the way. So, equal effort resumed. Until Congress Ave - all downhill was directly 12 o'clock. Then the sprinting began - no equal effort here - the finish line drawing near. Wow! If the whole race was only that energetic. Anyway, the clock said 3:18 when I crossed the finish line. But... it was 00:07:00 when I started, which meant a chip time of 3:11:42, 43 seconds from the "unreasonable" goal. Not bad at all! 42 seconds is somewhat disappointing, but really all things considered was a really good end to a long run.
Stats
Overall: 195 out of 4563
Division: 11 out of 93
Gender: 180 out of 2806
Time: 3:11:41 (new second best!)
Pace: 7:19 per mile |
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Power Helps, But So Have You. Thanks! |
| Posted By: morkens @ 12-14-2006 07:00am |
Well, we're closing in on five months into this deployment and things could not have a better outlook. Although the holiday season is here, we're in good spirits and making the best of separation from our families. They too, are upbeat and doing well at keeping the home-fires burning in our absence. One of my projects for this deployment, is our coffeehouse. And as of today, we're still making strides in securing the equipment and supplies needed to open. Our biggest challenge so far has been powering the facility.
However, power is only the beginning. I have been extremely encouraged by the generosity of those who have been willing to donate, with many people indicating a strong willingness to support the soldiers by giving them something more than another pair of sox and deodorant. Just recently the list of needed items was posted, although a few items have yet to be added.
About this time into our deployment we have a routine and are comfortable with our jobs and surroundings, some have even had time to watch a DVD more than one time through. But TV, movies, and the PX (The Post Exchange - aka: the store) loose their appeal after a while. Why? Because people are relational.
Relational? Absolutely! While TV, movies, and the PX can help us forget we're in a combat zone temporarily, the fact remains we're at war. Further, it is nice to buy stuff to feel better, but money is limited (and so are the supplies!). And although it would be great to have a friend over to our rooms - many of us are prohibited from hosting guests of any gender. So, that leaves us with very few places which cater to growing in a relationship with our battle buddies.
It is my firm commitment to soldiers which drives this vision. I see soldiers volunteering to serve one another and soldiers who have an outlet to joke around and share their feelings with one another. I see soldiers taking a moment to walk with a battle buddy to get a free cup of coffee talking about their cares and concerns. The coffeehouse will be that place specifically for soldiers to build one another up and be thankful that someone cares enough to donate to something which influences their daily life.
Contact me with the link below if you would like to help us out with this project.
Coffeehouse Movie: Click Here
Contact for Donation Info: Click Here |
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