Monday, July 1

Happy "July" Blog friends,
I had an "interesting" weekend. Not many folks at the church know about this, so I will share it with you. After having an awesome weekend last weekend, the painless days continued into the first of the week. I am not sure exactly what happened, but on Wednesday I hit a brick wall. I began to have some intense pain, so I took some intense pain meds. The more pain that I experienced, the more meds that I took.
So on Friday I felt washed out, of course. We went to SMOC to receive some fluids, hoping that it would help with my energy level. I think that it helped because I was able to preach both services and make a short appearance at a wonderful GC outreach project at Kirkwood Retirement Center. BUT, due to all of the pain meds, I became "full of it," as we like to call it. Folks - if you have never had a Grandma's Molasses enema at Wayne Memorial Hospital then you just don't know what a relief it is.

So anyway, here is the lesson that I learned. Everything that we do has a "side effect." For instance, the more pain meds, the more likely you are to get stopped up. There are many more illustrations that make my case, but I think that you get the point. But this little rule is not always a bad one. Think about it. You may have come to believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior because you wanted to make it into Heaven. And the fact is, the only way to get to Heaven when you die is to have Jesus as Lord of all you. But, can you think of all of the side effects that comes from following Christ? Jesus said that He had a peace that only He could give. So some of the side effects might be a happier, more content life, the ability to sleep at night knowing all is well, and many more.

Sometimes, the side effects, like Grandma's Molasses and the peace of Christ are well worth it!

Wednesday, June 26

 Over the past few weeks we have experienced good ol' North Carolina weather. It has been cool and raining, hot and sticky, stormy and sunny. But I have found that is the way that life really is.
One year ago today, on June 26th, my brother in law Craig Capps died from cancer. I was diagnosed in November of 2011 and he was diagnosed in December of that same year. We all thought that I would be the first "to go." God had other plans.

Had Craig lived these past months, what would his life had been like? We have no idea. Only God knows, and God chose to not allow Craig to experience it. God has allowed me to experience life with cancer. It is like the North Carolina weather. This week has continued to be beautiful days for me. I have been able to do some serious work as pastor. I have visited, planned for the future, attended meetings, preached some heart-felt sermons and have made some hard decisions. BUT, I have been able to do this without being side-tracked by pain. I continue to have some issues with endurance, but only short day to day endurance. With God's help, I will continue to endure until God calls me home.

What short term endurance are you dealing with today? What long-term endurance are you facing? Philippians 4:13 - look it up.

Saturday, June 22

I have to share this with you blog family.

As I awoke this morning, gave Diane a kiss, and prepared to have my morning talk with Jesus, I realized something that has not happened to me in a very long time. I realized that I woke up completely pain free! Seriously, I cannot remember the last time that happened! You know what immediately happened next? Before I could even pray, the feeling of "wonder how long it will be before the pain returns?" came to mind.

Then I named it. It is called "doubt." It is the oldest weapon in Satin's arsenal. I did not fall for it. Instead, I used the oldest and waaaay more powerful weapon in my arsenal. I prayed! Not only did I use my weapon, but I also called in for backup. I called Diane to my prayer closet and we prayed together. What an awesome beginning to my birthday celebration!

What "doubt" do you have that you need to get rid of today? You have the weapon. Use it!

Friday, June 21

Welcome Summer! In case you missed the sunrise this morning, today is the first day of the summer season. Personally, I like summer weather. I would rather sweat than to freeze. (Like the preacher is going to sweat - lol)

I remember last year about this time very well. I was almost completely recovered from the symptoms of chemo and radiation. I had gained almost all of my weight back. All of my scans showed no sign of cancer. Our family was excited about planning our annual vacation in August. I went fishing with my friends several times. I got up early in the morning to walk. After the walk I would make my way to my back yard and catch a fish or two. I remember well just how good I was feeling at the time. You remember those times really well when those times are gone.

This year I am not as strong as I was last year. I am still quite a few pounds less than I need to be. I haven't been fishing, even in my own back yard. One of the most difficult aspects is that I am still having some issues with pain. The good news is that my digestive challenges have gotten much better - thank you Jesus!

So, here is the deal. I can look back at one year ago to measure how bad I am doing today. Or, I can look back at one year ago and remember that God did it then, and God can do it again! I think that I like the latter. It sounds more like me. And besides, tomorrow is my birthday. And since it is God who gives us our birthdays, I will trust Him with many more. After all, it's all about Him.

So maybe on this first day of a brand new season we should simply glance back at last season and then focus on this season.

Lord, let it begin with Jerry! - and . . .

Tuesday June 18

Hi KIT family,
Believe it or not Diane and I actually took some time away for a day or so. We have precious friends, George and Kaye who offered us a chance to be away longer and further, bur Diane decided that would not be wise. We also have church family who have graciously offered beach homes. Anyway we are relaxing today after a great week at UMC Annual Conference and a wonderful weekend at church.
The bad thing is that wi-fi is limited here. The good thing is that wi-fi is limited here.
 So I don't have a lot of media communication, except for my smart phone, and I will be able to spend more uninterrupted time with Diane and with Jesus.

Maybe you should try turning off your i-stuff for a short time.