STRESS RELIEF for Firefighters & Paramedics from Chaplain Skip

To say we have had some negative things occur around us lately would be an understatement. There have been several life-changing issues involving our children. Then, last Thursday night, we were involved in a MVC (that is a "Motor Vehicle Crash" to those not in "the business"). (I don't really want to go into detail, but please know that Cindy and I are okay for the most part. Lots of aches and pains. My car, though, is probably a total (will find out tomorrow for sure). The worst news is that the other driver, who was found at fault, is not insured. That hurts. I have turned this over to GOD and truthfully, I really don't know what to do.... We have uninsured motorist coverage. Our car will be replaced. But, we are the ones who have to come up with the deductibles and, more than likely, bear the cost of what we owe versus what the insurance company gives us. We were told that if we wanted to go get x-rays, etc., that it would probably come out of our pocket, since we didn't have personal injury protection.)

While there are some things to be really thankful for (like, we weren't on the Harley), there were some things surrounding the incident in which we have only one way to turn... to our REAL CHIEF. How? Through trust in what HE says.

Do you remember back in your rookie days and you were on your first working fire. Did you do it on your own? Or did you have to place your trust in your captain or your partner on the nozzle?

I am asking for your prayers for Cindy and I as we go through this season in our life. I am believing HIS words to us. We trust in HIM.

...On HIS Shift,

Emergency Ministries is an IRS 501.c.3 organization and donations are greatly appreciated. PO Box 9121 * Spring, TX * 77387

May 11, 2008

"Mother's Day"

"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said."

- Luke 1:38(a) (NIV)

To all the moms: Cindy and I pray that you are having a great Mother's Day.

Our verse this week is the story of a Mother-to-be Day. It is a story of love. It is a story of belief. It is a story of faith. It is a story of trust. It is a story of obedience. And, it is the story of the Mother of our REAL CHIEF.

GOD was sending HIS SON to take on the wrong-doings of the world. HE chose a teenage girl who was pledged to married to a carpenter. An Angel of GOD was sent to give her the news that she would be the mother of the SAVIOR of the world. And what was her humble reply? "What ever YOU say, GOD... I am YOUR servant."

Mary knew also the pain of motherhood... first, ladies, how would you like to be nine months pregnant with your first child and ride on a donkey for miles and miles? Then, she gave birth to our REAL CHIEF in a stable and used a hay trough as a crib. When HE was about 12, HE stayed behind in Jerusalem when HIS parents had left to go home. Mary frantically searched until she found HIM. Then, the worst pain of all... she saw her SON crucified on a cross. She watched HIM die an agonizing death.

But, Mary also knew the joy of motherhood; angels announced her son's birth, she saw everyone from shepherds to kings come and worship her CHILD. She "treasured in her heart" when she saw HIM teaching. She saw HIM perform the first miracle. She saw HIM save you and I by giving HIS own life so that we may live.

For her love, belief, faith, trust and obedience, GOD let her know that "From now on all generations will call me blessed."

Yes, mothers have known the joy and the pain of motherhood. Moms; celebrate the day. Children; celebrate your mom. Believers; celebrate that the CHILD of a teenage girl is the SON of GOD who gave HIMSELF for you and I.

...On HIS Shift,

Emergency Ministries is an IRS 501.c.3 organization and donations are greatly appreciated.

Now you can post Prayer Requests and much, much more by registering with the all new Emergency Ministries forum board.

Simply go to www.emergencychaplain.org/forum. Right under the EM banner, you will see a "Check Mark" that says "REGISTER". Click on that, get signed up and start posting on many topics.

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It is my prayer that the verses we discuss help each of you as it has helped me deal with the amount of stress we are all faced to deal with.

If you are not yet saved, I have Good News for you. Jesus loves you very much and His Holy Spirit is drawing you to Him. To learn more, click here.

Chaplain Skip writes STRESS RELIEF every week, usually on Sunday afternoon