Chaplain's Corner
Chaplain Dr. James L. Brown III
April 2026
When I ask myself what I long to do and achieve, I think of what matters most to me and is closest to my heart. Tangible things may come to mind, but those are fleeting and temporary. As I focus more on my enduring desires, I imagine having family, friends, health, peace, and all I need to live comfortably, not extravagantly.
Discerning my deepest desires warms my heart and gives me a feeling of possibility and positive expectation. With faith and gratitude, I acknowledge God as the source of my desires for love, health, and peace.
I feel the presence of God within guiding me as I direct my indwelling spiritual gift of strength, zeal, and imagination as I work to bring my desires to life.
There can be no real and abiding happiness without sacrifice. Our greatest joy does not result from our efforts toward self-gratification, but from a loving and spontaneous service to others' lives. Joy comes not to him who seeks it for himself, but to him who seeks it for other people.
Psalm 119:174: I long for your salvation, o Lord, and your law is my delight.
March 2026
"FORGIVING"
Today I take the words of the Bible to heart and comment to forgiving, even if I have to do it again and again.
I understand it's natural to feel resentful when someone does or says something that hurts me. I don't judge myself for feeling hurt, but I also understand that remaining stuck in those feelings only compound them.
I choose forgiving again and again, for as long as it takes my heart to heal. I travel the path of love, focusing my thoughts on God.
GOD's love within me is the soothing balm that makes my commitment to forgiveness possible. My body, my thoughts, and my soul are nourished. Forgiveness brings peace and comfort to my heart.
"How often should I forgive? As many as seven times? JESUS said to him. " NOT seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times"
Matthew 18:21-22
February 2026
The words "I believe" contain tremendous power because they show me where I am placing my faith.
If I catch myself believing disempowering thoughts, I don't despair. I use the moment to recommit to my faith in God as the one presence and power that is all good all the time.
Believing in the goodness of God means I have faith in prosperity, not lack.
It means I have faith in health, not illness. Faith in God means I believe all things are possible.
Faith gives me strength and power to live life fully and to let nothing stop me.
Believing with all my heart, I affirm: THE BEST AND HIGHEST OUTCOME ARE UNFOLDING IN MY THOUGHTS, MY INTENTIONS, AND MY ACTIONS. I CAN DO ALL THAT IS MINE TO DO, AND I WILL.
JESUS SAID TO HIM, "IF YOU ARE ABLE! - ALL THINGS CAN BE DONE FOR THE ONE WHO BELIEVES."
MARK 9:23
January 2026
Our strength is our support
Whenever we feel overwhelmed by that which we are called to face, we remember that the strength of God within us equips us to overcome adversity and thrive.
Divine strength can manifest in many ways. It can be the mental acuity giving us fortitude to overcome difficulties with diligence, patience, and persistence. Strength can be the emotional stamina keeping us cool and clear during turbulent times, helping us relax, and trust there is always an answer, a way that benefits and blesses all.
Our physical strength helps us accomplish our daily work and errands with ease. When we face a challenge that calls for extra might or stamina, we respect our limits, but we give it our all.
No matter the challenge, God is our strength and support in all ways.
God, the Lord, is my strength. Habakkuk 3:19
"MAY ALL HAVE A BLESS AND A SAFE YEAR OF 2026"