Angles & Dangles

I served on submarines (USS Simon Bolivar) in the U.S. Navy for 7 years after high school. When we were getting ready to go to sea, we'd do this evolution called 'Angles & Dangles.' Before leaving the dock we'd walk around our work area and make sure everything was 'stowed for sea.' Then, after we pulled away from the dock and went under the water the captain would make the submarine go up and down at extreme angles & dangles to make sure nothing was loose and would fly around and make alot of noise, which could give away our position to the enemy. Isn't it ironic that a 50 cent nut and bolt could give away the position of a several $100 million piece of machinery?

Looking back on me and Brandi's journey, we recognize God was just shaking up our submarine to see what was loose and what could expose us to the dangers of our enemy. Believe it or not, we made ALOT OF NOISE, during our angles & dangles. But, we would have never known those things were loose, had he not shaken up our boat! Also, now we have the experience to minister to other hurting people who are right in the middle of what we have already been through. That's priceless as far as we're concerned.

It is very hard to grasp 2 biblical facts: First, there is an enemy who is only here to steal, kill and destroy us, (John 10:9-11 & 1 Peter 5:8-9). Second, that God tests us to make us stronger and reveal His Glory in/through us, (1 Peter 1:6-7 & John 9:1-3). But, once we get this, we know that trials are coming and we can tackle them head on with hope and faith.

I hope from now on, when we feel our boat is being rocked, we recognize the things that are loose and properly secure them. Most of all, I hope we recognize the captain of our boat is The Almighty Father, who loves us and wants us to be as "sea worthy" as we can be.

I wouldn't want to serve any other Captain!

Ahoy Mates!