Resist fear, go with joy
By Bob Docter - To the Joyful Intercessors, the 2017 session of graduating Salvation Army cadets in the Western Territory: Soon, you will be leaving the most beautiful accommodations anywhere. You have lived at Crestmont for the past two years. You’ll
Maydays
“And after winter folweth grene May.” – Geoffrey Chaucer By Bob Docter - The flight school plane engine sputtered and then began to lose
What Easter brings
This April, the most beautiful month of the year, hope is in the air. Choose to feel and act on it. Easter has become a time for celebration, for enjoying the flowers of springtime, the warm greetings of a Sunday morning,
Empathic compassion
His rheumy eyes seemed on the verge of imminent discharge—without spark, listless, lacking in spirit—within ill fitting, almost hollow cavities in a tight, hard living face. He stood before me in the partially lit hallway, unkempt, unclean—unloved. Oh brother, I
Growing as a process for change
By Bob Docter - We have a new territorial commander who will look at things from a different angle—exploring, determining the quality of our impact and facilitating change in the “whole” of the Western Territory. I admire this orientation. What
Building a family
Diane and I have six children, four girls and two boys. They are all different and terrific human beings. They reveal beautiful care and concern for the “other” regardless of who that person might be. All work in helping professions,
Changes of appointment
By Bob Docter - This is the way I see it. In The Salvation Army, there is certainty in regard to officer appointment change. Newly commissioned officers usually “farewell” (transfer) more rapidly than other officers. High ranking officers move less. As in
Boldness
By Bob Docter - William Booth led boldly with a lot more than a “big bass drum.” He modeled action. He didn’t delay, didn’t question his decisions, didn’t hesitate if he made people angry. He demonstrated great flexibility—changing his approach many
To the Messengers of the Gospel
By Bob Docter - The corps of cadets, over 100 strong, entered the College for Officer Training at Crestmont in September for education, training, and to actualize their session names. They are Joyful Intercessors and Messengers of the Gospel. To each
What comes next?
By Bob Docter - When you start wondering what comes next, before the question can be answered by the searcher, one needs to have a thorough look at the immediate past and then ponder the immediate future. So let’s have a
Let’s reason
Hear the word of the Lord, you rulers of Sodom; listen to the instruction of our God, you people of Gomorrah! “The multitude of your sacrifices— what are they to me?” says the Lord. “I have more than enough of burnt offerings, of
Living a life with love and kindness
We grow in strength and harmony with our desires and move from strength to strength. We increase our strength in direct relationship with our will. This shapes our future. I, along with God, am responsible for my life. I view