Tom Sheltraw

Pray for our firefighters! -While we are resting, they are putting their lives on the line. -While we are with our families, they are away from theirs. -While we are sleeping, they are not.... Pray for their safety Pray for the protection of their families Pray that the constant breathing of smoke won’t destroy their bodies Pray that they would have all the strength they need to put out all the fires Pray that the tragedies they see won’t rob them of their sleep. Pray that God would give them the supernatural strength they need to save lives and preserve their own Pray for the heroes that put their lives on the line, daily, so we can live our lives in a safety. THANK YOU! #lafirefighters #OCFA #lacountyfire #BBQHM #ocfire #ocfirefighters #ocfirefit #ocfiremansmemorial #firefighter #fire #orangecountyfireauthority #LAFD #hero #firefighting #fireman #calfire #fireservice #firstresponders #OCFA #firefighter #orangecounty #costamesafire #tomsheltraw #firechaplain #chaplain #bbqchaplain

#californiapracticalchaplainassociation #cpca #chaplaincy #dcch #cism #cisd #policechaplain #policechaplaincy #tomsheltraw #police #firechaplain

Great article covering the mental health of our Police Officers. Written by Dr. Robert Perkins. @practicalchaplains #cpca #drrobertperkins #police #thethinblueline #ocsd #cisd

I had the pleasure to bring a home made barbecue meal to Tim & Kileigh Brun last night. Tim is a dedicated and passionate career LA County Firefighter who unfortunately was injured while on a house fire call late last week. He experienced a really bad break while trying to enter a home to save a child from the fire. Tim had to undergo surgery to repair his leg. Tim and Kileigh now together face a long road of recovery ahead with a minimum of the next 4 weeks being immobile a...s Tim cannot bear weight on his injured leg. Luckily Tim married the best nurse EVER and Kileigh will undoubtedly be at his side helping him recover day by day as best she can when she isn't working herself. There are significant physical, emotional and financial impacts this new reality presents to both Tim & Kileigh. What impressed on me the most was that Tim has the most caring and loving wife who has chosen to take off work to help and care for her husband. Taking care of her husband is an honor that she cherishes. Although the two of them are in the first year of their marriage, Kileigh has really stepped in and has done everything in her power to see to it that her man, her hero has everything he needs. Tim has been fighting fires for almost 30 years, and has received many medals for his bravery and service....but Tim doesn’t see these medals as anything special, rather believes it is just part of his duty as a fireman. Saving lives is just part of what he was called to do as a fireman, and he loves being there for people. Although he has been knocked down for a short season, that won’t stop his fighting spirit. He will get better and get back into service. It was an extreme honor to hear his story and see a couple working together to get this hero back into doing what he loves....putting out fires and saving lives. If you would like to donate to help them out, or provide a meal, please click on the link below. https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/g49yv3 #lafirefighters #OCFA #lacountyfire #station94 #BBQHM #ocfire #ocfirefighters #ocfirefit #ocfiremansmemorial #firefighter #orangecounty #la #fire #orangecountyfireauthority #LAFD #hero #firefighting #academy47 #fireman #calfire #fireservice #firstresponders #community #SAPD #OCFA #firefighter #orangecounty #oc #costamesafire #tomsheltraw #firechaplain #policechaplain #chaplain #bbqchaplain

Posted by a friend: "I have pulled dead, mangled bodies from cars. I have lied to people as they were dying. I said you are going to be fine as I held their hand and watched the life fade out. ... I have held dying babies. Bought lunch for people who were mentally ill and haven't eaten in a while. I have had people try to stab me. Fought with men trying to shoot me. I've been attacked by women while I was arresting their husband who had just severely beat them. I have held towels on bullet wounds. Done CPR when I knew it wouldn't help just to make family members feel better. I have torn down doors, fought in drug houses. Chased fugitives through the woods. I have been in high-speed car chases. Foot chases across an interstate during rush hour traffic. I have been in crashes. Been squeezing the trigger about to kill a man when they came to their senses and stopped. Waded through large angry crowds by myself. Drove like a madman to help a fellow officer. Let little kids who don't have much sit in my patrol car and pretend they are a cop for their birthday. I have taken a lot of people to jail. Given many breaks. Prayed for people I don't even know. Yes, and at times I have been "violent" when I had to be. I have been kind when I could. I admit I have driven to some dark place and cried by myself when I was overwhelmed. I have missed Christmas and other holidays more than I wanted to. Every cop I know has done all these things and more for lousy pay, exhausting hours, and a short life expectancy. We don't want your pity, I don't even ask for your respect. Just let us do our jobs without killing us" Thank You Police Officers of#America #lfpd #ocpd #sheriff #lasd #anaheimpd #ocsdlakeforest #mvps #peacekeepersforlife #costamesapd #riversidesheriff #thinblueline #riversidecountysheriff #irvinepd #SantaAnaPD #communitypolicing #lapd #FullertonPDProud #IrwindalePD #IrwindalePolice #Police #Detective #Sergeant #ThinBlueLine #911dispatch #police #ocisf #ocsd #cpca #atpchaplain #chaplain #chaplains

Great post from my friend of mine, Linda Hoffman Seitz. She and her husband counsel first responders and their spouses. Please check on your friend who you may think is a strong, tough police wife - because right now, some of them are crumbling. Call them or text them or bring them a Starbucks tomorrow morning - they’re gonna need it A few conversation starter ideas:... I can imagine you’re afraid right now. I am so sorry, one officer does not define all. How can I help you today? Don’t talk about tactics, training or race relations- if we’re trying to be a community of people who really value life and care about each other, those topics can be tackled at another time. For extra support, send them my way via messaging if they need a listening ear. Or share my public account with them, On Facebook: Peaks and Valleys Christian Life Coaching On Instagram: @peaks_and_valleys_clc I’m a retired LEOW now, so we are out of the woods. But oh, do I remember the LA Riots of 1992 like it happened yesterday, and that was BEFORE cell phones! Grace and peace and many prayers covering our men in blue tonight .

Remember during these difficult times some people might lash out, be angry, and try to spread negativity. Don’t take this personally as they are hurting and this is the only way they know how to express themselves. This is the time to show them love and compassion. Many times love or compassion has never been shown to them so they have no idea how to show this love to others. Resist the urge to lash back at them, rather pray for them and speak kindness on their life.

Great training available for Critical Incident Stress Debriefing.

We are all part of this Covid-19 CHALLENGE. LIKE and REPOST if you believe this! #covid19 #encouragement #missionviejo #lagunahills #ranchosantamargarita #chaplain #stress #pickmeup #community #hope #peace #crisis #helpme #help #Restoration #healing #rebuild

What is your story? Imagine that as each day of your life passes by, they are recorded in a permanent journal. Your Life Book. You are the author of your life book. ... You are in control of the content. How will it be written? Write it with passion and adventure. Write it in such a way that your kids will want to read it over and over again. Write it so your kids will use it as a guide for raising their kids. Make it worthy to be passed on from generation to generation. Fill it with exciting memories. Fill it with adventure. Will there be chapter after chapter filled with mommy/daddy working, or stressing? Your kids are only young once. You can add chapters to your book of life, but you can never rewrite previous ones. Take great care on how you write. Now go and hug your kids! ~Chaplain Tom Sheltraw #lifebook #book #lifelifetothefullest #livinglife #happiness #peace #family #happylife #christianliving

Touching story from an ER Nurse. We so appreciate these front line heroes! THANK YOU!

I need your help! Who do you know that needs an encouraging word? We want to send them an uplifting postcard! During these difficult times, people need encouragement to keep moving forward and keep their head up. I have purchased 500 postcards that have motivational and uplifting sayings and encouragement. My family and I will be sending these cards to your friends and family who need a little pick me up. If you need one, let us know! ... Moms: If you know a mom who needs some encouragement, my wife will be hand writing her a postcard. Kids: If you know any kids or girls who need a pick me up, my two daughters will write them a personalized card. Teens: If you know of any teenagers Who could use a positive perspective on life right now, my two teenage boys will be writing those cards. Men: If you know of any husband, father, man, or business professional that could use a motivational word, I will be writing out those cards. You: Things might be going difficult for you right now and you might need an encouraging word. Please let us know. It is our desire as a family to be a blessing to others. There is so much negative media floating around over these last couple of weeks, it is important for us to help keep the spirits of others lifted high. What to do: PM me The name, address, and age range of the person who needs a card. If you would like to share any type of information about a need, or the person, please do so. We will send them an encouraging postcard. If you or a loved one is struggling and need to speak with someone, I am available to talk. These are hard times and life struggles can sometimes seem insurmountable. Please feel free to call anytime. I am an ordained Chaplain who is trained in Critical Incident Stress Management. Chaplain Tom Sheltraw California Practical Chaplain Association 1 (949) 750-0767 #covid19 #encouragement #missionviejo #lagunahills #ranchosantamargarita #chaplain #stress #pickmeup #community

I wanted to give some recognition to Yuri from the Smart & Final Extra off 26911 Trabuco Rd Mission Viejo, Ca. I saw him all around the store assisting people and the work team. When I went up to check out my groceries, he was there as well. I was impressed by the fact that he was doing such a great job and helping out in every department.... I asked him if things had been pretty rough lately. He mentioned that things were good, with the exception of one customer earlier that day that was extremely upset with him. The customer was upset when Yuri mentioned the toilet paper had a maximum quantity of one for purchase. The customer called him a Nazi and threw a fit in the store. This angry man mentioned that he was going to post Yuri’s picture all over social media and let people know that he was a horrible person. Wow! Really? It is sometimes hard to believe how mean people can be to the people that are working so hard, 18 hours a day, to provide food and supplies for the community. I felt compelled to post Yuri’s photo on social media to let everyone know that he is an AWESOME person. He was not only very helpful when I had questions, he also had a smile on his face, M despite working two weeks straight and double shifts. It is people like Yuri that make this world a better place. If you see Yuri in the store, let him know that he is awesome! As a reminder to everyone, please be kind to the selfless and overworked store personnel that have not chosen to go home and take a sick leave, rather stay and help out the community in our time of need.