Update On Things

First off I'm sorry to have left people hanging like this about how things are going with my decision about joining the Army. Things have gotten more complicated in the past week. It seems some of the things I put on the Yes/No medical questionnaire raised a stink with the recruiters. Their advice was to lie on some of it by circling "No" even though it was a blatant lie. If it was more of a voluntary thing where you're just asked to physically write anything down and not have to circle Yes/No questions, it wouldn't be that big of a deal. But it's not. They were concerned I wouldn't pass the physical if I circled "Yes" on those questions and if I wanted to join, I'd have to circle "No." When I heard that, I pretty much told them that I really wanted to join, but not at the expense of my morals........then walked out.

I figured it was over then and almost had closure when the recruiter that was assigned to me called me on my cell 20 minutes later. He said if I could get the relevant paperwork for the medical questionnaire, they would send it in to the folks who give the physical in Houston to see if I could pass. I agreed and was able to get the paperwork without too much difficulty, so I'm expecting an answer within the next couple of days.

I'll reiterate that I haven't officially joined the Army yet. I've filled out all of the pre-enlistment paperwork and have given them everything they need to process me. The contract is the very last step and will not be signed unless I pass everything.

To tell you the truth, I think I'll be happy either way. I know it's in the Lord's hands and he'll take care of me whether or not I join. Please pray that the Lord will shut the door if this whole thing isn't his Will.

I truly appreciate your prayers. It's a wonderful to know that people are praying for me.

Important Prayer Request

Dear Family and Friends,

I would ask an interest in your prayers as I am seriously considering joining the Army Reserves. A major reason for considering this is the college financial aid that is offered. In addition to that, I feel a desire to do my part in earning the freedom I've come to take for granted so many times.

I would also like to say that I'm not rushing into this. Since high school I've been interested in joining the Army, though reasons have varied. I started thinking about this seriously last year. I finally decided to seek out more information at a local recruiting office here in College Station. I talked with them for quite a while and there was hardly a question I didn't answer. I went a second time to with my older brother Stephen to ask any questions I didn't think of when I went to give them my references and other info.

In addition to talking to the guys at the recruiting office who obviously will tell me mostly the good side of the Army, I've also sought counsel and advice from Bro. Zack, my parents, and a couple of my siblings (including my Bro.-in-law, James Taylor). However, most of all I've sought the Lord's counsel and petitioned him in prayer to reveal his will to me. So far, I feel like it is the thing to do.

I have all of five days to decide for sure whether or not to join. If I indeed agree to this, I will be leaving for Houston on April 13 at 1400 to take my tests and do all the paperwork. Upon completion, I will finish out this semester at Texas A&M and go for my 9 week Basic Training in June, which unfortunately means no Harmony Hill or Camp Moriah. After that, I go for my specific job training during the fall semester after which I will return to Texas A&M for the Spring 2007 semester and finish out my degree. Supposedly, the training and job experience I will get (if I sign) will transfer as some amount of credit hours towards my degree, though the exact amount is uncertain at this point. Needless to say my "P.E." credit hours will be fulfilled;) That being the case, I won't actually be too far behind in my education if at all.

Once I start back at A&M, I will be working for the Army at my specific job one weekend a month and two weeks during the summer. That will be what I do for the rest of my enlistment unless I get called up.

Again, I beg an interest in your prayers. This is an extremely important decision. If you have any advice or comments, please feel free to comment on this post or e-mail me at cpuaggie@ev1.net

The Oath of a Knight II

Be loyal of hand and of mouth, seeking to serve every man as best ye may.
Seek ye the fellowship of good men, hearken unto their words and remember them.
Be humble and courteous wherever thou goest, not talking much, neither being dumb altogether.
Allow no women or child to suffer by thy default, so that if ye may lift thy hand to assist one, do so. If thou must draw thy sword to defend them, do so unto thy own death.
If thou come into fellowship with boys or men who speak in a disrespectful manner of any women or maiden, let them know in gracious words that this displeases thou and thy Lord, then depart their company forthwith.
Thou art to defend and protect those who seek to worship in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and promote faith in Him throughout this earth He has made.

"As a knight I do hereby pledge to one and all to serve under this oath."

-Guys, we should take this to heart and do the same.

The Oath of Knight - Re-posted by Request

Almighty God, Eternal Father, Lord of Lords, have mercy upon me, a humble knight in Thy Divine Service. Oh Lord, I pray for Thy indulgence and blessings. Forget not Thine servant in his trials, nor his Order of Knighthood. I pray, that Thy Will be done in all things, both great and small.

Let me always be worthy of Thee, let me not forget Thee in good times nor bad. Armor me with the armor of Thy Righteousness, give me the sword of Truth that I shall confound Thine enemies and be unto Thee a true knight.

O Lord, in my hour of need, be with me. Let me never forget my sacred and holy vows unto Thee, that I should not be prey unto demons and devils nor the dark things of this world.
Let me always be a beacon unto those in distress, never allow me to forget my obligation unto the homeless nor the poor: let me serve Thee and Thine Eternal Throne all the days of my life. Let me always remember the obligations that I have taken upon me. Lord, if it is Thine Will, let me serve Thee forever!

If ever, oh Lord, I turn from Thee and this Order, let my name forever be cursed, may my spurs be broken and my body given unto demons to dwell with them forever in that Lake of Fire which Thou hast: prepared for the ungodly.

Power beyond Power, Pillar of Strength, Refuge of the Homeless, let me serve Thee for all the days of my life!

Amen.

A Knight's Charge - Re-posted by Request

Be without fear in the face of your enemies. Be brave and upright that God may love thee. Speak the truth always even if it leads to your death. Safeguard the helpless and do no wrong.

-From the movie Kingdom of Heaven