DO YOU TRUST GOD ENOUGH TO LIVE LIKE IT?

I was recently reminded of a critical lesson I learned my first year at in college at the Naval Academy. Pretty much everyone who goes to an Academy finds it academically demanding, but it was even harder for me. I studied every waking moment for months; I saw tutors, went to study sessions, spent hours getting extra instruction from my teachers, and was still failing several of my classes. I didn't take the time to work out, hang out with friends, watch movies, or read more than a verse or two from the Bible. It was looking like I wasn't going to make it and I thought the only chance I had was to spend every available second studying.

DO YOU EFFECTIVELY LOVE AND INFLUENCE THE PEOPLE YOU WORK WITH?

I want to do more than just show up to work and collect a pay check. I want to be more than the status quo. I want the people around me to be more effective, feel more encouraged and happy, and ultimately be drawn closer to God as a result of my having been there. As such, I'm always trying to find better ways to connect with and influence the people I work and spend time with. Several weeks ago, I heard something that made me think about it from a different perspective. Instead of considering how I could best influence those around me, I thought "who are the people that have influenced me the most and why?" Perhaps I could identify what those people did or said that made such a difference for me and use it to try to make a difference in the lives of others.

HOW DO YOU SPIRITUALLY PREPARE FOR A NEW CHAPTER IN LIFE?

Earlier this week someone asked me about what I do to prepare spiritually for a deployment. I think he was looking for a profound answer or some three step program. But as I thought about how to answer his question I realized that my response was more of a "back to basics" kind of idea. It isn't anything complex or deep but it is vital for a Christian's everyday life and for anyone going on deployment or any other kind of life adjustment.