DennyLongley Loc: Bay City Michigan

I spoke with Chaplin yesterday while I was at the VA, and I think I may want to end up in that type of position, volunteer or otherwise... I've been looking into divination school, and I'm talking with one of the pastors that mentor me and he has been showing me the way to ordination. However, the Veteran aspect of that field is starting to interest me. I'm starting to think bigger. Yesterday was a revelation-day for me. As I was sitting in the lobby of the VA mental health annex posting to fb, I had a hard time posting anything between veterans walking in and out of the lobby stopping and talking with me...stories of their own struggles, and how I, just showing up daily with a smile on my face and speaking on my struggles with addiction, ptsd, and recovery, helps them in HUGE ways.. I was humbled beyond words. To hear that the Goodness of God shines through my broken cracks, and lights the path for others.. talk about spiritual paydirt!!!

It set me on fire all over again, and showed me just how powerful "testimony" can be. The VA has kind of a gray area when it comes to religion or spiritual things in nature. About 2yrs ago, I asked a counselor what that was about and he told me that VA employees cannot bring up any spiritual beliefs, UNLESS a veteran opens that door, then they can speak freely. Well, I went about finding out the group leaders and counselors beliefs so I wouldn't offend anyone, and once I was comfortable about it, I brought up God and my own recovery at every group and meeting, JUST to "open the door".

I was told just how powerful that open door actually is, and it was confirmed over and over again...and right on time. God is GOOD!

When I talked to the Chaplin, he said "Have you thought about being an ordained Chaplin in the VA system? You would have your own beliefs to bring to the table, and theres a ton of Veterans out here who needs you and your story...you would make a powerful statement to your fellow vets, and would be an asset to Gods Kingdom. Plus, you can still do your thing outside the VA as well... you would have both areas in your arsenal."

Revelation!!! Thinking bigger!! I LOVE that idea!!

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

Sounds like a no brainer D L. Go for it, do what you enjoy in life and then its not a job.

FixorFish Loc: SW Oregon

Sometimes an empathic ear is all folks need, advice is optional at times and a caring attitude...a trait you appear to have in abundance....is always welcome. I have never had "the calling", but being a minister's son, I do understand it. I wish you good luck and having read many of your posts, I think you might have found a niche you can fulfill with fervor. It will take some time (& sorry... some $$) to become educated & eventually ordained through a Divinity school and their credentials are widely varied, so do your "due diligence" wisely, with MUCH regard to the effect on your young family and spouse. Unlike Plumbob, I respectfully submit it is hardly "a no-brainer"...it is very much a "whole brainer", pondering the eventual goal and embracing the effort required to achieve it.
I wish you much luck on your journey ! (and add that "a" to your spelling of the position desired.... it's chaplain.)

Randyhartford Loc: Lawrence, Kansas

Hey Denny,
This sounds like it could be a great opportunity for you to do what you enjoy and more importantly, what God has called you to do. You already know that if God is in it, He will be there to make it prosper for good. I pray that He continue to lead you and give you wisdom in all your decisions. Praying and watching for those “open doors” is so very important; then just trusting completely on God and ignoring negativity that Satan is sure to throw at you. Please keep us updated on how things develop.

I would also appreciate yours and others prayers concerning my ministry(music) as it is still in limbo with Covid being as it is. God continues to open doors for me to witness in other ways in the mean time. 🙏🏻

DennyLongley Loc: Bay City Michigan

Bob, thats truth.. I have heard that somewhere before too, if you are passionate of your work then its never actually work its passion!

Fixorfish and randy, thank you for the encouragement guys (and the spelling lesson lol thank you for correcting me).

God Bless you all, walk in peace and love.. move with faith and the Spirit be strong.

YBIC,

Denny and fam