Today is Thanksgiving Eve - Tomorrow we set aside the one day of the year to give thanks. Don't stop reading. I know what you are thinking. Jerry is going to get on his soapbox about how we should be thankful every day. Relax, while that is true, I am glad that we do take some time, if only a day to be thankful.
What is on my mind this morning is less about being thankful and more about to whom we give our thanks. Everyone, and I mean everyone, has more reasons to be thankful than can be counted. Plus, blessings and things to be thankful for often come in disguises that we only recognize in hindsight, if at all.
During this year's season of thanks, I want to concentrate more on The One from whom all blessings flow. His name is Jesus. I know Him personally. I just thought of something. (Since it is my blog, I can do that)
If you don't know who to thank, why give thanks at all? Hmmm.
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Saturday, November 23, 2013
November 23, 2013
My family is just like your family or any other family, I am sure. It seems as though we live on a roller coaster. Maybe that is because we all live in a world originally made perfect by a perfect God, but utterly messed up by imperfect humans over the centuries. God made it good. We messed it up. Then God fixes it. Then we mess it up again.(By "we" I am referring to all people who live in His creation.) Sometimes we realize that our own personal imperfections are a direct correlation to the situation, and sometimes things happen that seem to be no direct fault of our own.
My family has been on a roller coaster ride as of late.
Of course you know that I began this battle with cancer with scary low percentages of survival. But I have not only survived, God has made much good come out of it. Lately, even the oncologists are beginning to call my disease chronic instead of terminal. Things began looking better.
Then my dad began taking radiation for prostrate cancer. Things did not look as good. Then dad finished his treatments and all seemed to be better.
Then my brother, Ronnie was diagnosed with prostate cancer and had surgery. The situation was made worse when the doctors discovered that his cancer has spread along a nerve and that he will need to undergo radiation also. Things did not seem so good. Just the other day Ronnie received word that his latest PSA test result was "0." Great news! Things looked better.
Then yesterday afternoon my daddy was taken to Wayne Memorial to monitor what they believe could be some serious heart issues. We are awaiting results.
There is an old short joke that says something like. "Things were looking pretty bad. Someone told me to cheer up, things could be worse. So I cheered up, and sure enough, things got worse."
Well, that is not the way that things are in God's arena. We don't get to choose which way our roller coaster is going - headed up or headed down. But we do get to choose how we react to it. Here is what I know. God is in control. God is good. It is all about Him! Nothing gets by Him. Nothing happens to me that is not filtered through His love. (I think that last one is credited to David Jeremiah)
Which way is your roller coaster headed on this beautiful North Carolina morning? How are you choosing to respond?
My family has been on a roller coaster ride as of late.
Of course you know that I began this battle with cancer with scary low percentages of survival. But I have not only survived, God has made much good come out of it. Lately, even the oncologists are beginning to call my disease chronic instead of terminal. Things began looking better.
Then my dad began taking radiation for prostrate cancer. Things did not look as good. Then dad finished his treatments and all seemed to be better.
Then my brother, Ronnie was diagnosed with prostate cancer and had surgery. The situation was made worse when the doctors discovered that his cancer has spread along a nerve and that he will need to undergo radiation also. Things did not seem so good. Just the other day Ronnie received word that his latest PSA test result was "0." Great news! Things looked better.
Then yesterday afternoon my daddy was taken to Wayne Memorial to monitor what they believe could be some serious heart issues. We are awaiting results.
There is an old short joke that says something like. "Things were looking pretty bad. Someone told me to cheer up, things could be worse. So I cheered up, and sure enough, things got worse."
Well, that is not the way that things are in God's arena. We don't get to choose which way our roller coaster is going - headed up or headed down. But we do get to choose how we react to it. Here is what I know. God is in control. God is good. It is all about Him! Nothing gets by Him. Nothing happens to me that is not filtered through His love. (I think that last one is credited to David Jeremiah)
Which way is your roller coaster headed on this beautiful North Carolina morning? How are you choosing to respond?
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Tuesday, November 19
I have never really thought very much about a "pause button" until Robbie Sutton spoke at his grandmother's funeral the other day. He shared that he could not get his family's attention so he reached over and hit the pause button on the television. Suddenly folks stopped what they were doing and began to listen to what he had to say.
During these past days, God has hit the pause button for me. Maybe I need to explain. I cannot think of a day within the past two years that I have not thought about and even talked about cancer. Cancer is a way of life for Diane and me. And, it is often through the conversation of cancer that God gets my attention. But then God called me to be present with families who lost loved ones to the grave - two funerals in four days. It is as though God hit the pause button on my personal cancer journey and allowed me to walk the grief journey with folks that I love.
One family is dealing with the death of a 35 year old who can now sing the song, "My chains are gone. I've been set free. My God my Savior has ransomed me." Another family is dealing with death of an 84 year old who has served in the church for over 70 years. And yet, due to stroke and CHF, she also can sing, "My chains are gone. I've been set free. My God my Savior has ransomed me."
I am thankful that you and I can also sing that song. Because of our God our Savior, we too can be free to be joyful. And listen to even better news; I don't have to depend on a win from any of my Tarheels sports teams (and boy ain't I glad?). Win or lose, they don't give me my joy, and they cannot take my joy away! I don't have to depend upon the bad decisions of those in government, or even the difference in opinion that I might have with religious leaders. I don't have to depend upon the results of scans or tumor marker numbers. And when I do, God might hit my pause button.
Maybe it took God hitting my pause button to remind me of that. Maybe Thanksgiving is a great time for God to hit your pause button.
Think about it.
During these past days, God has hit the pause button for me. Maybe I need to explain. I cannot think of a day within the past two years that I have not thought about and even talked about cancer. Cancer is a way of life for Diane and me. And, it is often through the conversation of cancer that God gets my attention. But then God called me to be present with families who lost loved ones to the grave - two funerals in four days. It is as though God hit the pause button on my personal cancer journey and allowed me to walk the grief journey with folks that I love.
One family is dealing with the death of a 35 year old who can now sing the song, "My chains are gone. I've been set free. My God my Savior has ransomed me." Another family is dealing with death of an 84 year old who has served in the church for over 70 years. And yet, due to stroke and CHF, she also can sing, "My chains are gone. I've been set free. My God my Savior has ransomed me."
I am thankful that you and I can also sing that song. Because of our God our Savior, we too can be free to be joyful. And listen to even better news; I don't have to depend on a win from any of my Tarheels sports teams (and boy ain't I glad?). Win or lose, they don't give me my joy, and they cannot take my joy away! I don't have to depend upon the bad decisions of those in government, or even the difference in opinion that I might have with religious leaders. I don't have to depend upon the results of scans or tumor marker numbers. And when I do, God might hit my pause button.
Maybe it took God hitting my pause button to remind me of that. Maybe Thanksgiving is a great time for God to hit your pause button.
Think about it.
Friday, November 15, 2013
Friday, November 15
Have you ever experienced a situation where the most important thing in your mind is to simply "get through it?" The events of this past week have seemed that way. And the fact is, we did get through it. Brent Wiggins' family and friends took huge steps in getting through the funeral and all that goes along with that tradition. Lynn Taylor and the Rouse staff provided much needed guidance in ways in which people don't even know about. I often wonder what we would do if we did not have people who work "behind the scenes" helping us get through life's challenges. There are several folks who fall into that category. During this past week's events, everywhere that I looked, one or more of the members of the GC family was there. Just being there helped us get through it. As I look back, I can see that happening to me during my cancer journey. People were there.
But there is something else that I am discovering each day. Even during those times when I got through it, I find that I still have more journey to travel. I still need those behind the scenes people.
You may wonder if your "small deed" matters. IT DOES! You are needed today and tomorrow and next month and next year. Let me give you a hint. Just be there.
But there is something else that I am discovering each day. Even during those times when I got through it, I find that I still have more journey to travel. I still need those behind the scenes people.
You may wonder if your "small deed" matters. IT DOES! You are needed today and tomorrow and next month and next year. Let me give you a hint. Just be there.
Monday, November 11, 2013
November 11, 201
Wow! What a life God is giving me to live. Yesterday was filled with joy as our Family Life Center was filled with people who shared lunch with me for Pastor Appreciation. I am humbled and thankful for my church family. Yesterday evening we had a very productive Council Meeting. Again, a day filled with joy.
Then - tragedy struck within the church family. As one of the members of that family said, "it's not suppose to be this bad." No, it is not.
Then - this morning a long time friend had a heart cath. I just received word that all is well with his heart and the diagnoses is leaning toward reflux.
All of this, and SO much more, and yet I am wired to a chemo chair all day today. Yet, through the blessing of electronics, I am still able to share joy and sorrow and everything in between with those that God has given me to love. No excuses not to.
Who has God given you to love? No excuses.
Then - tragedy struck within the church family. As one of the members of that family said, "it's not suppose to be this bad." No, it is not.
Then - this morning a long time friend had a heart cath. I just received word that all is well with his heart and the diagnoses is leaning toward reflux.
All of this, and SO much more, and yet I am wired to a chemo chair all day today. Yet, through the blessing of electronics, I am still able to share joy and sorrow and everything in between with those that God has given me to love. No excuses not to.
Who has God given you to love? No excuses.
Friday, November 8, 2013
Friday, November 8
Whoops, I did it again. It has been almost a week since my last post. I do appreciate those of you who keep checking the blog.
This past week has been a pretty good one. My old friend diarrhea continues to bug me. Because of that, I get easily dehydrated. Last Sunday immediately following worship I went to Wayne Memorial to get some fluids. All in all, these chemo treatments have been extremely better than past ones. We continue to trust in The Lord that He will give Diane and me the direction He wants us to take.
Big deal this week was the celebration of Rev. Billy Graham's 95th birthday. The one thing that strikes me is that Dr Graham has a powerful message that he has been preaching for decades. The message is simple. The message never changed. As the world changed over those years, The Billy Graham crusades used many different genres of music. From George Beverly Shea to Johnny Cash to Michael W Smith to Third Day, the message is the same. From the style of a fist pounding young evangelist to a more gentle orator later years in his ministry, the message was, is, and always will be same. Jesus saves! Jesus is the only way! Accept Jesus now!
We need more Billy Grahams that will preach the message that never changes.
LORD, let it begin with me and you.
This past week has been a pretty good one. My old friend diarrhea continues to bug me. Because of that, I get easily dehydrated. Last Sunday immediately following worship I went to Wayne Memorial to get some fluids. All in all, these chemo treatments have been extremely better than past ones. We continue to trust in The Lord that He will give Diane and me the direction He wants us to take.
Big deal this week was the celebration of Rev. Billy Graham's 95th birthday. The one thing that strikes me is that Dr Graham has a powerful message that he has been preaching for decades. The message is simple. The message never changed. As the world changed over those years, The Billy Graham crusades used many different genres of music. From George Beverly Shea to Johnny Cash to Michael W Smith to Third Day, the message is the same. From the style of a fist pounding young evangelist to a more gentle orator later years in his ministry, the message was, is, and always will be same. Jesus saves! Jesus is the only way! Accept Jesus now!
We need more Billy Grahams that will preach the message that never changes.
LORD, let it begin with me and you.
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Saturday, November 2
Sleep is a wonderful thing. This is especially true when you are sick and rest is hard to come by. So tonight we all get an extra hour of sleep, at least theoretically.
If you are one of those folks who are slightly technologically behind and your clocks don't make the adjustments automatically, don't forget to "fall back" by turning your clocks back one hour. That's how you will get your extra hour of sleep.
But if you really want to get some good rest and sleep, before you go to bed "cast all your cares upon Him, because He cares for you." Stop worrying about tomorrow and meet the One who holds tomorrow. Close your eyes, take a deep breath and remember that It was Jesus Himself who promises, "Peace I leave with you. MY peace I give to you. My peace is not the same peace that the world gives. Let not your hearts be troubled, nor let them be afraid."
Jesus promises. I believe Him.
Sleep well.
See you in church tomorrow, (whatever time you get there).
If you are one of those folks who are slightly technologically behind and your clocks don't make the adjustments automatically, don't forget to "fall back" by turning your clocks back one hour. That's how you will get your extra hour of sleep.
But if you really want to get some good rest and sleep, before you go to bed "cast all your cares upon Him, because He cares for you." Stop worrying about tomorrow and meet the One who holds tomorrow. Close your eyes, take a deep breath and remember that It was Jesus Himself who promises, "Peace I leave with you. MY peace I give to you. My peace is not the same peace that the world gives. Let not your hearts be troubled, nor let them be afraid."
Jesus promises. I believe Him.
Sleep well.
See you in church tomorrow, (whatever time you get there).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)