Yesterday was a bitter sweet day for me. I will explain.
Diane is attending a small group class at church called "Run for God." They are learning that God wants us to take care of our bodies. They also get together for a 30 minute walk / run exercise. Yesterday evening I went with Diane and participated in the walk /run. It was the first time that I have tried to run since I have been sick. I am excited with the results of my efforts. I made it through the entire 30 minutes. That helps to remind me that I really am getting physically better. God is so good!
Within minutes after we finished the run, I received a phone call that a dear church member had suffered a massive stroke and that the prognosis was not good. Diane and I immediately went to Wake Med in Raleigh to be with the family. My heart really goes out to Miss Jean and the family. They have some tough decisions to make over the next few days.
After preaching two morning worship services, participating with the outreach to an assisted living facility, running, and then going to Raleigh, it made for a long day and night. But I am thankful that I am healthy enough to go to be with the people that God has given me to care for. That is the bitter sweet part.
I am thankful that I am here and healthy enough to remind folks that no matter what we go through, God is with us.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Sunday, April 29
I did not post on my blog on Friday. That is because I was out enjoying God's creation with my friends, Billy M, John L, and Steve D. We went to Bayboro to do some trout fishing. It was a great day. I caught a dozen beautiful speckled trout. Not all of them were "legal keepers" so I did not keep them.
It would not have mattered however, if I had not caught a single one. As Billy and I discussed while we were on the boat, God's creation is absolutely breathtaking. The joy was in the fellowship and in the time spent with God's beauty.
So, Friday I enjoyed God's creation. Today I am going to worship the Creator. I am going to church with anticipation that my Lord will accept my thanksgiving, my praise and my worship during the services.
I have heard folks say that they can worship God on the golf course or at the beach or in the yard. While I agree that these are all beautiful examples of His creation, my question would be:
Do you worship the creation - or do you worship the Creator?
See you in church.
It would not have mattered however, if I had not caught a single one. As Billy and I discussed while we were on the boat, God's creation is absolutely breathtaking. The joy was in the fellowship and in the time spent with God's beauty.
So, Friday I enjoyed God's creation. Today I am going to worship the Creator. I am going to church with anticipation that my Lord will accept my thanksgiving, my praise and my worship during the services.
I have heard folks say that they can worship God on the golf course or at the beach or in the yard. While I agree that these are all beautiful examples of His creation, my question would be:
Do you worship the creation - or do you worship the Creator?
See you in church.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Wednesday, April 25
One of my favorite Scriptures in the New Testament is in Luke, chapter 24. Two followers of Jesus are leaving Jerusalem on what we now call Easter Sunday. Of course, these two travelers did not consider that day a happy Easter day. For all they knew, the person whom they had been following was dead and gone. They did not understand who Jesus really was. They only knew the Jesus that they wanted him to be. This is a big deal. Verse 21 of that chapter records these travelers as saying,"But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel." In other words, Jesus was not the Jesus that they had hoped that He would be, that THEY wanted Him to be. Of course they were followers of Jesus and understood that he was "mighty in deed and word before God and all the people." (vs19) That was the Jesus they wanted Him to be. Then they wanted Him to redeem Israel.
Some days Jesus is exactly what we want Him to be. We are blessed with abundant life, just as He promised. We have a good job, a good family, a few good friends, and a good lifestyle. But what about the days that Jesus is not what we want Him to be? What about those days when we just cannot understand what Jesus is up to in our lives? What about cancer, divorce, financial, career, or family issues? Are we like those first century followers? Are we disapppointed?
Or is that the time when we really trust Jesus, not to be who we want Him to be, but to be who He really is? That is when we truly say "It's all about HIM!"
Some days Jesus is exactly what we want Him to be. We are blessed with abundant life, just as He promised. We have a good job, a good family, a few good friends, and a good lifestyle. But what about the days that Jesus is not what we want Him to be? What about those days when we just cannot understand what Jesus is up to in our lives? What about cancer, divorce, financial, career, or family issues? Are we like those first century followers? Are we disapppointed?
Or is that the time when we really trust Jesus, not to be who we want Him to be, but to be who He really is? That is when we truly say "It's all about HIM!"
Monday, April 23, 2012
Monday, April 23
Since this is a personal blog, I will get personal. I have the most awesome church family anywhere! Don't get me wrong. There are many good churches. But there is something extra special about the Garris Chapel family. I am overwhelmed by the love that and support that they give to me in so many different ways. "Jerry's Journey" is a team that ran 100 miles this weekend for Cures for Colors, an event sponsored by SMOC to assist cancer victims. The GC Relay for Life team is working hard getting ready for the May event.
Yesterday, our worship team, media team, Mr. Steve, our ushers, our greeters and our ladies hosted a district celebration. It was not supposed to be at GC event, but the GC family came through with flying colors. After leading the music at the celebration, our worship team packed up and led music at Daniels UMC for their first night of revival.
I am sure that there are many tired folks within the GC family. All I did was attend these events and I was absolutely beat by the end of the day yesterday. Which brings me to my last thought for today. Please pray for my continued gaining of strength and stamina. It is coming way to slow for me. But then again, it is not about me.
It's all about Him!
Yesterday, our worship team, media team, Mr. Steve, our ushers, our greeters and our ladies hosted a district celebration. It was not supposed to be at GC event, but the GC family came through with flying colors. After leading the music at the celebration, our worship team packed up and led music at Daniels UMC for their first night of revival.
I am sure that there are many tired folks within the GC family. All I did was attend these events and I was absolutely beat by the end of the day yesterday. Which brings me to my last thought for today. Please pray for my continued gaining of strength and stamina. It is coming way to slow for me. But then again, it is not about me.
It's all about Him!
Friday, April 20, 2012
Friday, April 20
Today is my oldest granddaughter Maia's 12th birthday. It is hard to believe that she will be a teenager in one year. (On the other hand, she has been going on 21 for several years now).
Yesterday I had the privilege of speaking to the leadership team for the Wayne County Relay For Life. It gave me a chance to tell some of my story again. It gave me a chance to say out loud, "I am a cancer survivor." It allowed me to share once again that God is good! I am sure that many folks have heard it from me unti lthey are a bit weary of hearing it. So it was good to be able to share it again.
I have a story to tell! Maia is a very important part of my story. And so are the rest of my family. And so are my church family and my friends. And so are you. But my story is really all about Him.
You also have a story to tell. When is the last time that you shared it with someone?
Yesterday I had the privilege of speaking to the leadership team for the Wayne County Relay For Life. It gave me a chance to tell some of my story again. It gave me a chance to say out loud, "I am a cancer survivor." It allowed me to share once again that God is good! I am sure that many folks have heard it from me unti lthey are a bit weary of hearing it. So it was good to be able to share it again.
I have a story to tell! Maia is a very important part of my story. And so are the rest of my family. And so are my church family and my friends. And so are you. But my story is really all about Him.
You also have a story to tell. When is the last time that you shared it with someone?
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Wednesday, April 18
I just read an article that stated that medical research has determined that "being upbeat and optimistic just may help protect against heart disease. Rather than focusing only on how to lessen heart risks, 'it might also be useful to focus on how we might bolster the positive side of things,' said lead researcher Julia Boehm of the Harvard School of Public Health."
The article goes on to say that in these tough times, it is hard to be optimistic. So how can you continue to be optimistic when things don't seem to be going well? The article states, "That's a hard question. There's no magic happy pill,"
I beg to differ!
No, I don't "feel" good every day. No, the future doesn't always "look" bright every day. No, the "odds" are not always on my side. But I have a logical, explainable reason to be optimistic.
His name is Jesus!
What is your reason to be pessimistic? What is your reason to be optimistic?
The article goes on to say that in these tough times, it is hard to be optimistic. So how can you continue to be optimistic when things don't seem to be going well? The article states, "That's a hard question. There's no magic happy pill,"
I beg to differ!
No, I don't "feel" good every day. No, the future doesn't always "look" bright every day. No, the "odds" are not always on my side. But I have a logical, explainable reason to be optimistic.
His name is Jesus!
What is your reason to be pessimistic? What is your reason to be optimistic?
Monday, April 16, 2012
Monday,April 16
Through my journey with cancer, God has given me so many lessons to learn. I am thankful for each lesson. The bad news is that now and then I have a tendency to forget a lesson. The good news is that He has a tendency of teaching that lesson to me again.
One of the hardest things that Diane and I had to learn early on in our journey is that we are actually on the receiving end of the situation. As pastor and wife, we have always been the caregivers to our church family, as well as to our family and friends. During the journey we learned to be thankful for the cards, calls, food, money, prayers, and so many other acts of kindness that so many people simple gave to us. It was not an easy lesson, but we learned it well.
Yesterday at church, Bob Smith announced that the Beacon's group (men at GC) is having a fund raiser for me to help us with medical bills and related expenses. My first reaction was my old reaction. No. I am the caregiver. Then God reminded me once again that this time Diane and I are to be the receivers of the gifts of love from others. Wow! What a lesson. I am such a blessed man. And I truly am thankful for all of the folks from whom I have received love in the many different ways.
Is there a lesson from God that you needed to be reminded of?
One of the hardest things that Diane and I had to learn early on in our journey is that we are actually on the receiving end of the situation. As pastor and wife, we have always been the caregivers to our church family, as well as to our family and friends. During the journey we learned to be thankful for the cards, calls, food, money, prayers, and so many other acts of kindness that so many people simple gave to us. It was not an easy lesson, but we learned it well.
Yesterday at church, Bob Smith announced that the Beacon's group (men at GC) is having a fund raiser for me to help us with medical bills and related expenses. My first reaction was my old reaction. No. I am the caregiver. Then God reminded me once again that this time Diane and I are to be the receivers of the gifts of love from others. Wow! What a lesson. I am such a blessed man. And I truly am thankful for all of the folks from whom I have received love in the many different ways.
Is there a lesson from God that you needed to be reminded of?
Friday, April 13, 2012
Friday, April 13
Yesterday turned out to be a very good day. Before we went, the trip to Durham reminded me of some things that I did not particularly want to be reminded of. After we went, the trip reminded me of some things that I am glad that I was reminded of. Let me explain.
While we were in Durham we made a visit to the Caring House, our home away from home for about six weeks. As we sat and talked to Dawn, a very special coordinator there, we shared with her how Diane and I have grown closer through this journey. Then we went to some eating places we don't often go to. We went to "Sweet Tomatoes" in Raleigh for lunch. Then we went to "Panera Bread" for dessert.
When we returned home, I was reminded that life for me has changed. So far, not for the better physically. But my relationship with Diane, my appreciation for friends and family, and my sense of awe in how God works everything out is incredible.
How is your relationship with others and with God?
Happy Friday! See you in church on Sunday.
While we were in Durham we made a visit to the Caring House, our home away from home for about six weeks. As we sat and talked to Dawn, a very special coordinator there, we shared with her how Diane and I have grown closer through this journey. Then we went to some eating places we don't often go to. We went to "Sweet Tomatoes" in Raleigh for lunch. Then we went to "Panera Bread" for dessert.
When we returned home, I was reminded that life for me has changed. So far, not for the better physically. But my relationship with Diane, my appreciation for friends and family, and my sense of awe in how God works everything out is incredible.
How is your relationship with others and with God?
Happy Friday! See you in church on Sunday.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Thursday, April 12
Going to Duke today for some blood tests (Not scans) and doctor consultation.
This is not one of those major appointments. But it does remind me that I don't look forward to going to the Cancer Center, no matter how pretty the new building is, or how nice the people are. Then I pause and am reminded to focus (see yesterday's post) on what God has already done in my life. He used this facility and these people to do wonders in my life.
And I am reminded to focus on IT'S ALL ABOUT HIM!
This is not one of those major appointments. But it does remind me that I don't look forward to going to the Cancer Center, no matter how pretty the new building is, or how nice the people are. Then I pause and am reminded to focus (see yesterday's post) on what God has already done in my life. He used this facility and these people to do wonders in my life.
And I am reminded to focus on IT'S ALL ABOUT HIM!
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Wednesday, April 11
It is hard to keep your focus, isn't it?
Knowing that God has worked a physical wonder in my life through cancer, and a miracle in my life through a heart change, you would think that I could focus on those things every minute of every day. I suppose that I could say that, for the most part, I do. My life is definitely not the same.
Once in a while (like most every day) life wants to get in the way of that focus. Both personal and pastoral issues make their way to the forefront of my thoughts. One granddaughter gets a bug. Another granddaughter needs some encouragement from Papa and from Jesus. One church member is in the hospital. Another church member just needs some extra prayers from their pastor.
Just when I have the tendency to focus on what is in front of me, I am reminded, perhaps by the Holy Spirit, that the same God who is present with me through my wonders and miracles is the same God who can handle any of life's issues - for anyone.
Do I focus on what I am seeing? Or do I focus on what God has promised? Do I focus on what might happen? Or do I focus on what I know that God can do?
On what do you focus? It is hard to keep your focus, isn't it?
Knowing that God has worked a physical wonder in my life through cancer, and a miracle in my life through a heart change, you would think that I could focus on those things every minute of every day. I suppose that I could say that, for the most part, I do. My life is definitely not the same.
Once in a while (like most every day) life wants to get in the way of that focus. Both personal and pastoral issues make their way to the forefront of my thoughts. One granddaughter gets a bug. Another granddaughter needs some encouragement from Papa and from Jesus. One church member is in the hospital. Another church member just needs some extra prayers from their pastor.
Just when I have the tendency to focus on what is in front of me, I am reminded, perhaps by the Holy Spirit, that the same God who is present with me through my wonders and miracles is the same God who can handle any of life's issues - for anyone.
Do I focus on what I am seeing? Or do I focus on what God has promised? Do I focus on what might happen? Or do I focus on what I know that God can do?
On what do you focus? It is hard to keep your focus, isn't it?
Monday, April 9, 2012
Monday, April 9
I must confess to you, yesterday wore me out, physically. But spiritually, I am still excited about Easter.
Christ Is Risen! He Is Risen Indeed!
It is a miracle of Easter. The cross no longer holds Jesus. The tomb is empty. All of this is "part" of the Easter miracle. But these are only ways in which the Easter miracle takes place. The Easter miracle is changed hearts that lead to changed lives. Changed hearts can only be a miracle straight from God. It is why Jesus came. It is why Jesus died. It is why Jesus arose. It is why I preach.
Easter did not come and go yesterday. Easter people know that the miracle continues. It continues through you and through me as Christ uses us to tell others about the miracle.
Lord, let it begin with Jerry!
Christ Is Risen! He Is Risen Indeed!
It is a miracle of Easter. The cross no longer holds Jesus. The tomb is empty. All of this is "part" of the Easter miracle. But these are only ways in which the Easter miracle takes place. The Easter miracle is changed hearts that lead to changed lives. Changed hearts can only be a miracle straight from God. It is why Jesus came. It is why Jesus died. It is why Jesus arose. It is why I preach.
Easter did not come and go yesterday. Easter people know that the miracle continues. It continues through you and through me as Christ uses us to tell others about the miracle.
Lord, let it begin with Jerry!
Friday, April 6, 2012
Friday, April 6
Maundy Thursday service at GC is always special to me. The unique thing about this service is that there is no preaching. The message comes strictly from the Scriptures. We read the 20th chapter of Matthew.
Maundy Thursday is so named because the word maundy is an early Greek word from which we get our English word commandment, or mandate. It was on that special Thursday evening that Jesus gave his disciples a new mandate. He commanded them to love one another the same way that He loved them. Jesus gives that same mandate to us even today. We are to love one another in the same way that He loves us. If we pay attention, during the Maundy Thursday service, we get a stark realization of just how much Jesus loved us.
Let me suggest that you find a quiet place sometime today on this Good Friday. Read the 20th chapter of Matthew again, letting the words sink into your heart. When you finally realize how much Jesus loves you, consider whether you have kept the commandment to love others in that same way.
Lord, let it begin with Jerry.
Maundy Thursday is so named because the word maundy is an early Greek word from which we get our English word commandment, or mandate. It was on that special Thursday evening that Jesus gave his disciples a new mandate. He commanded them to love one another the same way that He loved them. Jesus gives that same mandate to us even today. We are to love one another in the same way that He loves us. If we pay attention, during the Maundy Thursday service, we get a stark realization of just how much Jesus loved us.
Let me suggest that you find a quiet place sometime today on this Good Friday. Read the 20th chapter of Matthew again, letting the words sink into your heart. When you finally realize how much Jesus loves you, consider whether you have kept the commandment to love others in that same way.
Lord, let it begin with Jerry.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Wednesday, April 4
Yesterday I mowed my lawn. For most folks that is not a big deal. But for me, it is a huge deal. There was a time when I could not do that. My brother Ronnie has been taking care of those sorts of things for me, like working in my yard and cleaning out the gutters. He is a special brother, for sure, and I love him and thank God for him.
But you might be able to understand why I am excited to report that I can do some things like this myself. I was on the lawn mower and thanking God for the day, for the sunshine, for the grass, for my home, for my life, for my brother, for my friends, and for my . . . well the prayer went on for just as long as I was out in the yard. Ronnie is still helping me with the trimming. But I will soon gain enough strength to do that also. (and I am sure he will be glad when I do)
Have you ever thanked God for yardwork? I don't think that I ever have in the past. What else do I need to thank Him for? What else do you need to thank Him for?
But you might be able to understand why I am excited to report that I can do some things like this myself. I was on the lawn mower and thanking God for the day, for the sunshine, for the grass, for my home, for my life, for my brother, for my friends, and for my . . . well the prayer went on for just as long as I was out in the yard. Ronnie is still helping me with the trimming. But I will soon gain enough strength to do that also. (and I am sure he will be glad when I do)
Have you ever thanked God for yardwork? I don't think that I ever have in the past. What else do I need to thank Him for? What else do you need to thank Him for?
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Tuesday, April 3
Thank you for your prayers. Physically, I am having a good week so far. I am feeling stronger each day, I think.
I love Holy Week (the week leading up to Easter). And I am always amazed at the many ways in which Christians celebrate this week. We attended "Dance for Christ" on Sunday. These young people celebrated the life of Christ through the expression of dance. I am so impressed with the passion that these young people have for this project. And surely these folks must be worn out from all of the hard work. My hat is off to Miss Crystal, Lynsey, MaryElla, Lisa, Reagan, and everyone involved. Other Christians celebrate Holy week through drama or cantata.
There is one thing that makes all of these vehicles for worship so powerful. It is the message behind the media. How powerful is the fact that God sent his only Son, Jesus to take our sins to the cross so that we could be forgiven, and then raised Him from the dead so that we could have eternal life?
It is all about Him!
I love Holy Week (the week leading up to Easter). And I am always amazed at the many ways in which Christians celebrate this week. We attended "Dance for Christ" on Sunday. These young people celebrated the life of Christ through the expression of dance. I am so impressed with the passion that these young people have for this project. And surely these folks must be worn out from all of the hard work. My hat is off to Miss Crystal, Lynsey, MaryElla, Lisa, Reagan, and everyone involved. Other Christians celebrate Holy week through drama or cantata.
There is one thing that makes all of these vehicles for worship so powerful. It is the message behind the media. How powerful is the fact that God sent his only Son, Jesus to take our sins to the cross so that we could be forgiven, and then raised Him from the dead so that we could have eternal life?
It is all about Him!
Monday, April 2, 2012
Monday, April 2
This will be the busiest week for me since before I got sick. I am preparing for three services, Maundy Thursday, Sunrise Service, and Easter Morning worship this week. I am also officiating the wedding of Scott and Kelly on Saturday. I know that the Lord will give me strength to do whatever He wants me to do. An extra prayer from you would be appreciated.
Especially on Mondays, some folks wake up with the words, "good morning Lord." Some folks wake up with the words, "good Lord, it's morning." I hope that you are one of those who wake up talking to the LORD. He is always there, waiting for you to talk to Him.
Yesterday was Palm Sunday. In a nutshell, people stood beside the road, laying palms and their coats on the road as a symbol of their anticipation of the coming King. When he arrived, the people shouted "Hosanna," which means "Lord, save us."
The King has arrived. He is here! His name is Jesus! He is waiting for you to talk to Him. And I am thinking that the words, "Lord, save me," would be just fine with Him.
Have you talked to HIM today?
Especially on Mondays, some folks wake up with the words, "good morning Lord." Some folks wake up with the words, "good Lord, it's morning." I hope that you are one of those who wake up talking to the LORD. He is always there, waiting for you to talk to Him.
Yesterday was Palm Sunday. In a nutshell, people stood beside the road, laying palms and their coats on the road as a symbol of their anticipation of the coming King. When he arrived, the people shouted "Hosanna," which means "Lord, save us."
The King has arrived. He is here! His name is Jesus! He is waiting for you to talk to Him. And I am thinking that the words, "Lord, save me," would be just fine with Him.
Have you talked to HIM today?
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