FYI, for those of you who want to track one of my means of communication with my soldiers, feel free to check my blog for them at sustainedbyforce.blogspot.com
Here are some of the books I am reading right now:
I) The Day of Battle by Rick Atkinson. This is second book of Atkinson's masterpiece trilogy on WWII. The first book, An Army at Dawn, which I finished about a week ago, followed the American military through the war in Africa. This book picked up where the last left off, and will take the reader through the war in Italy. The final book will extend from D-Day to the end of the war. Favorably compared to Cornelius Ryan, these books are exceptionally well written, combining an overarching vision that never dims with an intimate and vivid array of details that add vitality.
In reading these books, it is easy to note the many things that never change with the American military: the occasional brillian commander, the normal and humane heroicism of the average soldier, the mind-boggling communication breakdowns and basic logistical inefficiencies, etc. There have also been some clear changes--the most obvious being that development of a vastly superior fighting force and unapproachable technological prowess. In addition, and perhaps the greatest strength of these books, is the portrait of American growth from infant to adult in foreign affairs. America entered the war with a largely naive and unserious military force, but in being brutally blooded throughout the war, departed as a realistic, superior, battle-hardened superpower.
II. The Christian Life by Sinclair Ferguson. I hope this book is the first of many I get to read on the way to getting a counseling degree. It is a treat, in that I am reading wonderful, biblically-based material for a gard degree. And Sinclair Ferguson has also had a knack for combing the doctrinal with the personal and pastoral. This book studies the doctrines of the Christian life (called the ordo saludis in theological terms): effectual calling, regeneration, faith, repentance, justification, adoption, sanctification, and glorification. As a systematic treatment of these doctrines, this book pales in comparison to John Murray's Redemption Accomplished and Applied, but as a pastoral treament of these doctrines, it is accessible and edifying.
III. Commentary on Philippians by Hywel Jones. What Jones lacks in not being an elite scholar in New Testament scholarship he makes us for through the experience of decades as a pastor and professor and through the piety that only comes through a lifetime of being sanctified by God's Word and Spirit. As with his lectures and sermons, Jones' brief commentary is filled with thoughts both pithy and profound, that add delight to the sermon preparation process.
Not that I'm only reading alongside of my normal chaplain work. As I just read in a thought-provoking article in Runner's World about how sitting is the new smoking, I am keeping very involved in physical fitness. I will be continuing to run Rock and Roll half marathons when they start back up with the VA Beach run on Labor Day weekend. In late September, I will probably take over the role of leading these races here and will probably set up a 5-HM club and a 10-HM club for those who run multiple half marathons. I'll also probably be the coordinator and leader of our post's Army Ten Miler, which should be a good bit of work as well as a lot of fun (despite the fact it will meaning doing 40 back-and-forth laps across our post). Wish you all a blessed day!
