Novmeber 2018

“I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.” Philippians 4:11

The season of Thanksgiving is quickly approaching upon us. Often, we can get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life. We can become so consumed with what is going on with us that we forget what is truly important.

Be thankful and content for the many blessings God has provided for us already. It is easy to look at the glass half empty and to figure out a way of making it full to the point of overflowing. How many of us take the time to look at the glass half full and begin to share the goodness of being blessed? Being blessed is not always in the form of monetary possessions but can be seen in a healthy life, family, friends, career and most of all helping others who are less fortunate than ourselves.

True contentment is in appreciating the gifts that have already been bestowed upon us. While we might not have everything, we truly have much.

Let us be thankful in all things including the veterans who served valiantly and those who gave their lives as we honor Veterans Day.

Blessings,

Reverend Takana L. Jefferson, Chaplain, United States Navy

October 2018

“God will carry you through the storm.” Isaiah 43:2

The past couple of weeks have been difficult for those of us along the East Carolina Coastline (both North and South) as we have endured the wrath of Hurricane Florence. We have experienced a literal storm of great magnitude first hand. While we are in the recovery phase, many have lost homes and belongings, God has seen us through. For those who are feeling the loss of a loved one due to the storm, God is carrying you through.

While many are dealing with the proverbial storms of life, you can rest in knowing that God will carry you through. Often, we do not want to experience the storm due to the inconvenience and the loss that accompanies the storm, known as the aftermath.  However, even in the aftermath, a rainbow of hope, faith, and love can be found. The reassurance in knowing no matter what life throws at us, no matter the difficulties, or the opposition that precedes us, we are not alone, as God is there to carry us through. I lift those up who have experienced the literal storm as well as those who are dealing with life’s personal storms. May the peace and grace of God be with you now and forever. Amen.

Blessings,

Reverend Takana L. Jefferson, Chaplain, United States Navy

September 2018

Greetings NNOA! May the blessings of love and peace be upon us.

“Behold I am doing a new thing.” Isaiah 43:19

We had an exciting and very educational 2018 NNOA Symposium with blessed fellowship of all. This year’s symposium brought about new change as elections for the board of directors was upon us. Congratulations to all who assumed the newly elected roles of carrying the torch and continue to build upon a solid foundation by those who preceded us.

With all new beginnings in life, be it the NNOA, our careers and/or personal life, there is always a level of uncertainty and apprehension. We often wonder if we can live up to, meet or exceed the expectations of others or those who came before us. However, we must know that our season is our season. What God will do and going to do in this season is a new thing, not neglecting the past but continuing to build and make our future stronger for generations to come. We must embrace and receive the “new thing” being done in our lives and walk in the fullness, knowing that our faith and strengthen from within will carry us through.

I look forward to serving as your NNOA Chaplain for the next two years.

Blessings,

Reverend Takana L. Jefferson, Chaplain, United States Navy

August 2018

Greetings NNOA Family and Friends!

“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” Psalm 133:1

In just a few days we will gather for our 46th annual Symposium at Portsmouth Renaissance Conference Center. NNOA consistently carries the banner for diversity and inclusion thru training and career development. I am a firm believer that the quality of live is determined by the quality of relationship. Daily as a Chaplain, I focus on being a bridge builder in preserving and repairing healthy relationships. We all do this by spending time with those that matter most to us and share the same values. This is why NNOA has become and will always be such an important part of my life. We embody the same values, and wear the cloth of our great nation. These shared experiences create mutual relationships of trusted support and a network of life-long relationships. I’ve been a live member of NNOA since 2008, serving in various capacities around the globe according to my tours. This is the first time serving on the Board of Directors as the National Chaplain. I am looking forward to seeing family and friends at the annual symposium in just a few days! I pray for your safe traveling mercies and for a wonderful time of training, reflection and reconnecting.

Dwelling in unity-

Rev. Kimberly Cain, Chaplain United States Navy

July 2018

Greetings NNOA Family and Welcome to the Jubilant month of July!

As we approach the 4th of July/Independence Day, let us pause to reflect upon a few fun facts about the birth of our nation  I enjoy watching a wonderful, old-fashioned parade! Hearing the marching band and seeing them march in step down main street in their gleaming purple and gold new uniforms.  Little ones sitting up strong on a loved ones’ shoulders as they point toddler fingers, watching the band play on.

When we return to the root of anything, we can always understand it’s fruit.  Our nation was founded by a chorus of gentlemen from similar educational backgrounds. They shared similar religious views and knowledge of foreign and domestic policies.
Only John Hancock actually signed the Declaration of independence on July 4, 1776.  All the others signed later.  The Declaration of Independence was signed by 56 men from 13 colonies.  The average ages of the Signers of the Declaration of independence was 45.  The youngest was Thomas Lynch, Jr. 27 of South Carolina.  The oldest delegate was Benjamin Franklin 70 of Pennsylvania.  The lead author of the Declaration, Thomas Jefferson, was 33.  One out to eight signers of the Declaration of Independence were educated at Harvard, 7 total.  The only two signers of the Declaration of Independence who later served as President of the United States were John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.  The stars on the original American flag were in a circle so all the Colonies would appear equal.  The first Independence Day celebration took place in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776.  This was also the same date the Declaration of Independence was first read in public after people were summoned by the ringing of the Liberty Bell.

I hope that you enjoy your 4th of July/Independence Holiday, pause to reflect upon the conception and birth of this great nation and how It really came into existence today.  As you enjoy time with your loved ones over barbeque and fresh peach ice cream, don’t forget to whisper a word of Thanksgiving for the liberty and pray for those that liberty is still a dream.

Rev. Kimberly Cain, NNOA Chaplain