Lately my thoughts have centered on cancer. Cancer is a heavy word. It sinks into the pit of your stomach. From there it seems to draw the life out of your for a moment. It takes time to wrestle with and you never seem to get your hands on it. Cancer has been a part of our family now for the last three years. First my mother got colon cancer. Six months later I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Both of us came through with the grace of God. Then last month my mother was diagnosed breast cancer. Last week she had surgery and they found more cancer. So now she is looking at more surgery and chemo in the next few months. All of this has hit her very hard and it is tough to think about.
Today I wrote about Psalm 23, especially the words "I lack nothing". After I talked to my mom, these words again are lingering in my mind. I am struggling to put it all together and I can feel the tension. I am asking in my heart why God would allow her to continue with this. I know what the Bible says and I believe it to be true, but I lack the faith in this moment in time. In this space and context, I am looking for footing on a slippery rock. I know in time I will find my balance, but for right now I am uneasy.
The Lord is my shepherd and I look to Him to comfort us as a family. I know these are the times when our faith is tested and we grow the most. We don't understand everything that happens to us. So now I leave this in the tension of the now and pray for the peace of the Lord. Please pray for my mother.
Showing posts with label My Life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label My Life. Show all posts
Monday, January 31, 2011
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
2009 Review
Here it is 2010. As I look back over the last year, it was most likely the greatest year of spiritual growth I have ever had! It all started with a phone call from a doctor in April and the word cancer. Doctors had discovered growths on my neck and after a battery of test I got a call from Dr. Cushard himself. I can still remember the conversation like it was yesterday. He said I had tumors and they needed to come out immediately. He then proceeded to tell me I was being refereed to a surgeon at the Sacramento Cancer Center. Which prompted me to ask the question, "Do I have cancer?", to which he responded, "yes". The weight of that moment was incredible, I paused and said, "ok, I'll do whatever I have to do". At the end of the conversation I walked out back and sat down and opened my Bible, I was speechless. Right about then I read this verse "He remembered that they were but flesh, a passing breeze that does not return" (Psalms 78:39 NIV).
This verse opened my eyes to reality, life is short and what are you doing with it? From that moment on I gave everything to God. It was the most freeing moment of my life. Over the next few months life slowed way down and I had to learn to lean of God everyday. I graduated from college on May 16th and the following week had surgery. Everything went great, better than expected. In the months afterward God had been strengthen me in ways I never knew. He lifted me out of the pit and put a new song in my mouth and praise song to my Lord. Is everything perfect not at all, but my out look is totally different. I see every day as a gift and I can't wait to proclaim Christ in my life and to the world around me.
So as I look back 2009, it was challenging to me in ways I never imagined and Christ carried all the way. As I look ahead to the coming year I can't wait to see what happens next, already things are happening. I have seen Christ at work in our church, people's lives are being changed and it's all because of Him.
Thank you Lord!
~ps
This verse opened my eyes to reality, life is short and what are you doing with it? From that moment on I gave everything to God. It was the most freeing moment of my life. Over the next few months life slowed way down and I had to learn to lean of God everyday. I graduated from college on May 16th and the following week had surgery. Everything went great, better than expected. In the months afterward God had been strengthen me in ways I never knew. He lifted me out of the pit and put a new song in my mouth and praise song to my Lord. Is everything perfect not at all, but my out look is totally different. I see every day as a gift and I can't wait to proclaim Christ in my life and to the world around me.
So as I look back 2009, it was challenging to me in ways I never imagined and Christ carried all the way. As I look ahead to the coming year I can't wait to see what happens next, already things are happening. I have seen Christ at work in our church, people's lives are being changed and it's all because of Him.
Thank you Lord!
~ps
Friday, March 7, 2008
I’m back from the fog….
I’m back, or I feel like a new person. What has changed, because it is literally overnight. For the last few years I have put on a few pounds and then I noticed I was losing all motivation. I moods started to swing, I found myself depressed easily. I walk around in a fog and I couldn’t get enough sleep. I would drive for twenty minutes in the morning and start nodding off, in traffic! After three-four hours at the church I would drive home and I would have to pull over and take a nap to complete the drive. I always thought about food, I couldn’t eat enough…which mean more weight and the symptoms got worse. I decided to go the doctor after my wife threatened to move me out of the bedroom because my snoring had become ‘legendary’ in level. I mean the poor women was sleeping with pillows on her head and was very ‘grumpy’ in the morning…which I sleep through and that added fuel to the problem.
Well the doctor looked at me, looked down my throat. She put her hand around my neck, moved my head around and said you’re a good candidate for ‘sleep apnea’ and beat that is the problem. Now I knew a little about sleep apnea, I have a few friends who have had this problem. But I never thought much about it. So I went in for a sleep study--that is I went to the hospital to go to bed. I got there they wired me up, attached things allover my head, put two little prongs on the entrance to my nose, attached a few wires to my back and chest…two on my legs and to me to sleep. The technician told me before he left the room, “if you have ‘sleep apnea’ we’ll know within a few hours. If that is the case and I think you you’re a good candidate, we’ll wake you up and try the C-PAP machine.” No problem, out I went…with in three hours he is waking me up, with a smile, “let’s try the C-PAP”. So he puts this mask on me that covers my nose and mouth, no problem. The machine starts to hum softly and a gust of air hits my nose pushes air into my throat. Now there is a problem, because when I breath, there is not suppose to be air in my throat, panic sets in for a moment, claustrophobia starts to also rise. I asked the tech, “how to I get out of this if I have to”…I needed to know where the eject button was. He showed me to quick release straps and I was ok. I settled down and just concentrated on breathing, one breath at a time. Next thing I know four hours had passed and I had to use the restroom, very badly! So the tech came in and what a process, I’ll leave at that. 3:30 A.M. and I’m awake, time to go! I asked the tech if I could see the computer monitors, so I could see the difference before and after the C-PAP machine. Because right at that moment, I was fully awake, I mean my brain was ‘buzzing’. The first three hours without the mask I woke up over eight times (brain wise), my oxygen level went below 64 and that is bad…so in turn my brain would wake me up. My heartbeat was above 90 or higher the entire time, and I never fully entered into REM sleep. After the mask, my oxygen levels stayed above 90, my heart went into the low 80’s, high 70’s and my brain went into REM sleep for a normal cycle. I went to Wal-Mart to buy breakfast stuff, because this morning I was cooking…the works. Biscuits and gravy, bacon, eggs…all timed perfectly to when everyone woke up. At the table the boys are looking at me like I’m on something. I’m buzzing, I’m alive…I mean I can think, I got energy, I’m moving! This went on all day, no nap…12 hours later I finally come down. Needless to say, it was the first real sleep I have had in years.
So they ordered me a machine and I picked it up the day before, so last night was my second night. Yesterday, I was up for 16 hours without a nap and my brain was in high gear…I mean it was buzzing. Poor Gay and Cammille at the church probably thought I was high. All of the sudden I had plans and thoughts and at hundred mile hours I went. I stayed at the church all day, until 6:30 P.M. working on things.
This morning I’m up at 5:30 and I wanted to blog and read and cook breakfast for the kids before school. So I think this is the beginning of something special, I feel totally different. So if your out there and you have any of the symptoms I talked about, go get checked…it could change your life.
-ps
Well the doctor looked at me, looked down my throat. She put her hand around my neck, moved my head around and said you’re a good candidate for ‘sleep apnea’ and beat that is the problem. Now I knew a little about sleep apnea, I have a few friends who have had this problem. But I never thought much about it. So I went in for a sleep study--that is I went to the hospital to go to bed. I got there they wired me up, attached things allover my head, put two little prongs on the entrance to my nose, attached a few wires to my back and chest…two on my legs and to me to sleep. The technician told me before he left the room, “if you have ‘sleep apnea’ we’ll know within a few hours. If that is the case and I think you you’re a good candidate, we’ll wake you up and try the C-PAP machine.” No problem, out I went…with in three hours he is waking me up, with a smile, “let’s try the C-PAP”. So he puts this mask on me that covers my nose and mouth, no problem. The machine starts to hum softly and a gust of air hits my nose pushes air into my throat. Now there is a problem, because when I breath, there is not suppose to be air in my throat, panic sets in for a moment, claustrophobia starts to also rise. I asked the tech, “how to I get out of this if I have to”…I needed to know where the eject button was. He showed me to quick release straps and I was ok. I settled down and just concentrated on breathing, one breath at a time. Next thing I know four hours had passed and I had to use the restroom, very badly! So the tech came in and what a process, I’ll leave at that. 3:30 A.M. and I’m awake, time to go! I asked the tech if I could see the computer monitors, so I could see the difference before and after the C-PAP machine. Because right at that moment, I was fully awake, I mean my brain was ‘buzzing’. The first three hours without the mask I woke up over eight times (brain wise), my oxygen level went below 64 and that is bad…so in turn my brain would wake me up. My heartbeat was above 90 or higher the entire time, and I never fully entered into REM sleep. After the mask, my oxygen levels stayed above 90, my heart went into the low 80’s, high 70’s and my brain went into REM sleep for a normal cycle. I went to Wal-Mart to buy breakfast stuff, because this morning I was cooking…the works. Biscuits and gravy, bacon, eggs…all timed perfectly to when everyone woke up. At the table the boys are looking at me like I’m on something. I’m buzzing, I’m alive…I mean I can think, I got energy, I’m moving! This went on all day, no nap…12 hours later I finally come down. Needless to say, it was the first real sleep I have had in years.
So they ordered me a machine and I picked it up the day before, so last night was my second night. Yesterday, I was up for 16 hours without a nap and my brain was in high gear…I mean it was buzzing. Poor Gay and Cammille at the church probably thought I was high. All of the sudden I had plans and thoughts and at hundred mile hours I went. I stayed at the church all day, until 6:30 P.M. working on things.
This morning I’m up at 5:30 and I wanted to blog and read and cook breakfast for the kids before school. So I think this is the beginning of something special, I feel totally different. So if your out there and you have any of the symptoms I talked about, go get checked…it could change your life.
-ps
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Dad is here…
Today I drove to San Francisco International Airport and picked up my father, who flew in from Atlanta. He is staying with us for the next three weeks. It’s good to have him here. I have never shared this on the blog…but the early part of my life, my father and I didn’t get along. In fact there was an eight year period in which we didn’t talk. But later in life through Christ we where able in mend our hearts and build a relationship.
It’s amazing how ‘forgiveness’ is so powerful in our lives. It starts with Christ…we forgive because Christ forgives us. The power of forgiveness is underestimated in our culture…the need to forgive and the need for forgiveness. For many years I carried the burden of ‘hating’ my father. I blamed him for all that had gone wrong in my life, later in life I stood face to face with him and he asked me to forgive him for what he had done.
I remember at first being shocked, and the same time relieved. It was a freeing experience that opened the door to a deeper relationship with God and my father. People ask me where are the ‘miracles’ pastor…how about the miracles of healing relationships, mending broken hearts and taking the burden of carrying the ‘unforgiving’.
I hope, if you’re reading this and God has tugged at your heart about someone you haven’t forgiven…that you would ask the Lord to help you forgive that person. No matter who the person is or what they have done…God can help you forgive. I’m speaking from experience; I have had to forgive some people in my life, whom many would consider ‘unforgivable’. But how am I the ‘chief’ of sinner, whom God forgave of all my sin…how can I not forgive those who have wronged me.
-ps
It’s amazing how ‘forgiveness’ is so powerful in our lives. It starts with Christ…we forgive because Christ forgives us. The power of forgiveness is underestimated in our culture…the need to forgive and the need for forgiveness. For many years I carried the burden of ‘hating’ my father. I blamed him for all that had gone wrong in my life, later in life I stood face to face with him and he asked me to forgive him for what he had done.
I remember at first being shocked, and the same time relieved. It was a freeing experience that opened the door to a deeper relationship with God and my father. People ask me where are the ‘miracles’ pastor…how about the miracles of healing relationships, mending broken hearts and taking the burden of carrying the ‘unforgiving’.
I hope, if you’re reading this and God has tugged at your heart about someone you haven’t forgiven…that you would ask the Lord to help you forgive that person. No matter who the person is or what they have done…God can help you forgive. I’m speaking from experience; I have had to forgive some people in my life, whom many would consider ‘unforgivable’. But how am I the ‘chief’ of sinner, whom God forgave of all my sin…how can I not forgive those who have wronged me.
-ps
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
So what’s been going on…
Let’s see…we started family night on Wednesday nights. We provide a meal and a Bible study for everyone….K-Living. I love it! Tonight we had 22 people show up for the very best ‘Spaghetti alla Bolognese’ I have ever had. The sauce of was made by Doris aka “Na-na”, mother of PJ and mother-in-law of Don. We followed-up the meal with a bible study class and prayer. Overall I would judge the last weeks as very exciting and I can’t wait to see how God plays this out.
What else, school, football…I am in a Biblical ethics class and it’s been very interesting I will have to share some of what I have learned as soon as I can digest it. It’s like ‘drive by learning’. Last week we had over three hundred pages to read and write on.
Football has been fun…I haven’t coached in years and I get to spend two days a week coaching my son. Who by the way is turned in a real ‘force’ to be dealt with. I love his attitude most of all he plays where you ask him and he gives 100%...and lights people up! I have to say I have enjoyed this year watching more than ever.
Saturday morning I meet with my accountability ‘team’. I have learned to love these two men in way I have only started to understand. I say that because God has brought us together and we are bonded together by a common desire to know Christ deeper and to share that love with others. We all want the same thing and we are helping each other to accomplish that end. I have become so dependant, I need them in my life. I thank God for them…
Sunday morning I meet with the Deacons and the men in training, five of us right now. This group too has started to steal my heart…I have watched them grow spiritually and I have enjoyed watching them serve. All of this has been very humbling…I can see working all around me and I have to wonder why at times….I am so undeserving to have any part…yet that is what God does for all of us…we all don’t deserve his love or grace…and yet ‘while I was a sinner, Christ died for me’…It is too much for me to understand!
I love you Lord!
-ps
What else, school, football…I am in a Biblical ethics class and it’s been very interesting I will have to share some of what I have learned as soon as I can digest it. It’s like ‘drive by learning’. Last week we had over three hundred pages to read and write on.
Football has been fun…I haven’t coached in years and I get to spend two days a week coaching my son. Who by the way is turned in a real ‘force’ to be dealt with. I love his attitude most of all he plays where you ask him and he gives 100%...and lights people up! I have to say I have enjoyed this year watching more than ever.
Saturday morning I meet with my accountability ‘team’. I have learned to love these two men in way I have only started to understand. I say that because God has brought us together and we are bonded together by a common desire to know Christ deeper and to share that love with others. We all want the same thing and we are helping each other to accomplish that end. I have become so dependant, I need them in my life. I thank God for them…
Sunday morning I meet with the Deacons and the men in training, five of us right now. This group too has started to steal my heart…I have watched them grow spiritually and I have enjoyed watching them serve. All of this has been very humbling…I can see working all around me and I have to wonder why at times….I am so undeserving to have any part…yet that is what God does for all of us…we all don’t deserve his love or grace…and yet ‘while I was a sinner, Christ died for me’…It is too much for me to understand!
I love you Lord!
-ps
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Things have been busy..
Ok…I promise to post more this week. I was sick last week and got behind ‘stuff’…I also had finials due this last week…which are done. So all the excuses out of the way…
This morning we had about 60 in attendance and the message was about being thankful. I have been preaching out of Colossians…Col. 3:12-17…the last verse being
“and whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him”.
What I love about chapter 3, it builds to this point…you see in verse 1-3 our eyes are to be one Christ…our hearts and minds are to be set on things above. We have been raised with Christ (v.1), you have a new life, and you are a ‘new creation’…you get a new start with Christ…so set your eyes above.
“Put to death” v.5…notice it doesn’t say wound it and let live in your life, cowering in the corner…have no mercy on ‘sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed”…but you can only kill these if your heart and minds…your eyes are on Christ. He is the one who enables you to destroy these sins….
After these…’rid yourself’ of anger, rage, malice, slander and filthy language…do lie to each other….Paul is working down a list…it starts with Christ…look up…then look in to get rid of those things that keep you from looking up…
Now he is working on the relationships within the church…God representation on earth….’Christ is all, and is in all’ v.11
We are God’s chosen people…holy (set apart, for the glory of God) and dearly loved by the Lord v.12…we are to make every effort (clothe yourself) with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience…with in the church (which should naturally carry outside the church)…but we have to work on these very things so we can “bear with one another…and forgive one another v.13. Have you every had to serve with some tough people in church…people in church can and will hurt you…but we have to forgive…because Christ forgave us. We cannot serve God and have hatred in our hearts…the two cannot co-exist with one another…you have to choose which one you want to keep…
But most of all you have put on ‘love’….without love the above will not work…love binds us and unites us…we love because Christ first loved us…and we are to love others…especially our brothers and sisters in Christ.
“let the peace of Christ rule in your heart" v.15…we all seek peace and only Christ can give us peace that surpasses all understanding…only Christ can take away our fears….but we have to submit…or allow him to rule in our lives…it’s like submitting to a umpire at a baseball game…the players submit to the umpires authority…he says who is safe and who is out…but the players have to agree to his authority…look what happens when we do submit…
We have peace and we can be ‘thankful’…then we can accept the word and the teaching of Christ and they will fill your life…your relationship with other believers starts to grow where you can spur one another on…you can teach and admonish one another…singing hymns and psalms will take on a new life…your hearts will be glad…filled with ‘gratitude’ v.16…
Finally you reach “and whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him”.
So if you read through this and now I have to ask you question…what are you thankful for, is Christ in your life and are you truly thankful….are you thankful for your church family…right now pray a prayer of thanks giving…
Be thankful…
-ps
This morning we had about 60 in attendance and the message was about being thankful. I have been preaching out of Colossians…Col. 3:12-17…the last verse being
“and whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him”.
What I love about chapter 3, it builds to this point…you see in verse 1-3 our eyes are to be one Christ…our hearts and minds are to be set on things above. We have been raised with Christ (v.1), you have a new life, and you are a ‘new creation’…you get a new start with Christ…so set your eyes above.
“Put to death” v.5…notice it doesn’t say wound it and let live in your life, cowering in the corner…have no mercy on ‘sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed”…but you can only kill these if your heart and minds…your eyes are on Christ. He is the one who enables you to destroy these sins….
After these…’rid yourself’ of anger, rage, malice, slander and filthy language…do lie to each other….Paul is working down a list…it starts with Christ…look up…then look in to get rid of those things that keep you from looking up…
Now he is working on the relationships within the church…God representation on earth….’Christ is all, and is in all’ v.11
We are God’s chosen people…holy (set apart, for the glory of God) and dearly loved by the Lord v.12…we are to make every effort (clothe yourself) with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience…with in the church (which should naturally carry outside the church)…but we have to work on these very things so we can “bear with one another…and forgive one another v.13. Have you every had to serve with some tough people in church…people in church can and will hurt you…but we have to forgive…because Christ forgave us. We cannot serve God and have hatred in our hearts…the two cannot co-exist with one another…you have to choose which one you want to keep…
But most of all you have put on ‘love’….without love the above will not work…love binds us and unites us…we love because Christ first loved us…and we are to love others…especially our brothers and sisters in Christ.
“let the peace of Christ rule in your heart" v.15…we all seek peace and only Christ can give us peace that surpasses all understanding…only Christ can take away our fears….but we have to submit…or allow him to rule in our lives…it’s like submitting to a umpire at a baseball game…the players submit to the umpires authority…he says who is safe and who is out…but the players have to agree to his authority…look what happens when we do submit…
We have peace and we can be ‘thankful’…then we can accept the word and the teaching of Christ and they will fill your life…your relationship with other believers starts to grow where you can spur one another on…you can teach and admonish one another…singing hymns and psalms will take on a new life…your hearts will be glad…filled with ‘gratitude’ v.16…
Finally you reach “and whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him”.
So if you read through this and now I have to ask you question…what are you thankful for, is Christ in your life and are you truly thankful….are you thankful for your church family…right now pray a prayer of thanks giving…
Be thankful…
-ps
Sunday, July 29, 2007
I Love you Lord…
Thank you Lord for all you do in my life…I think about how much you love me and I can ‘scarcely’ take it in. My mind is two weak to fully understand the depth of your love for me. Yet there you are, everywhere I turn you’re there to remind me…O’ Lord forgive me where I come up short of such love…
Lord help me love as you love…let me have a glimpse this morning of your heart, touch me and move me to greater depths. Help me love the ‘unloveable’, help me see past hurt and pain, use me to heal and restore. Let my tongue be one that brings peace and joy. Lord make my desire your desire, empty me and fill me with your presence…
Lord I love you and I am yours…bend me, mold me, Lord into the child you want me to be...for apart from you I am ‘nothing’.
Amen
-ps
Lord help me love as you love…let me have a glimpse this morning of your heart, touch me and move me to greater depths. Help me love the ‘unloveable’, help me see past hurt and pain, use me to heal and restore. Let my tongue be one that brings peace and joy. Lord make my desire your desire, empty me and fill me with your presence…
Lord I love you and I am yours…bend me, mold me, Lord into the child you want me to be...for apart from you I am ‘nothing’.
Amen
-ps
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Another Class down…
I finished “Case Studies in Leadership” and have moved on to “Leadership and Small Groups”. I feel like a huge weight is off of my shoulders, turned in my final and homework for the week. My mind is numb from writing and thinking about all this over the last few days…So now I get to turn my focus on VBS (Vacation Bible School) and Mothers Day. I got the sermon this week and have to start thinking about it. I have some ideas…but that is the challenge. So say a prayer for me as I start seeking what God would want me to say.
Well I’m tired and I want to get to bed. Here is a thought for the day…
“When you do things, do not let selfishness or pride be your guide. Instead, be humble and give more honor to others than yourselves.
-Philippians 2:3 NCV
-ps
Well I’m tired and I want to get to bed. Here is a thought for the day…
“When you do things, do not let selfishness or pride be your guide. Instead, be humble and give more honor to others than yourselves.
-Philippians 2:3 NCV
-ps
Monday, May 7, 2007
Old Friends….
As I progress through the years of my life I can’t help to enjoy talking to old friends.
Time it was, and what a time it was, it was A time of innocence, A time of confidences Long ago, it must be, I have a photograph Preserve your memories; They're all that's left you…
Today I talked to my friend Daren, who is still in the Air Force doing well. It’s interesting to talk to an old friend…long ago now we were deployed together in Germany. It was in 1997…ten years ago. We both ended up at Beale AFB and worked together. Most of all he was my brother in Christ. Working in Security Forces it can be something very rare to find a fellow believer.
Thank you Daren, for being a friend and brother in Christ.
-ps
Can you guess the song from which the above verse is from?
Time it was, and what a time it was, it was A time of innocence, A time of confidences Long ago, it must be, I have a photograph Preserve your memories; They're all that's left you…
Today I talked to my friend Daren, who is still in the Air Force doing well. It’s interesting to talk to an old friend…long ago now we were deployed together in Germany. It was in 1997…ten years ago. We both ended up at Beale AFB and worked together. Most of all he was my brother in Christ. Working in Security Forces it can be something very rare to find a fellow believer.
Thank you Daren, for being a friend and brother in Christ.
-ps
Can you guess the song from which the above verse is from?
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Roses and Finials
I’m done! I have finished the class’s finial. Roughly 12 or so pages long and weeks of thought, in fact I’m still thinking about it. In fact I will be thinking about Evangelism and Discipleship for years to come. So in order for me to purposely break away from one thought and go into something totally different I bring you the subject of roses…
Yes the flower, I have roses planted all around the house, I added eight new plants this year. So far I have gotten three roses and very soon there will be literally an explosion of flowers in the next week or so. My wife, the lovely Mrs. Sharon thinks I am very ‘sappy’ when it comes to flowers and the yard. I walk around proudly showing her all the different flowers we have growing and she quietly nods her head and smiles. I feel like one of the kids…I almost expect the standard, “that’s nice dear”.
I love the colors, it amazes me all the different varieties, like the little ‘bush’ I move to the front of the house and it bloomed with all these little orange flowers…I think it is very happy in it new spot…Isn’t great when you finish something hard. Isn’t great when you pour yourself into something and see it bloom right before your eyes. But, there wouldn’t be any of this, if there wasn’t the work involved beforehand. It takes work and dedication to something to see it blossom. I think about reading the Bible…or prayer.
Many times we think it’s not making a difference…it’s easier to just go along and not read it. It’s easier not to pray…sometimes we may not see any rewards for our efforts…at least that is what we think. Give it time and the people around you will see you in a whole new light. You will blossom for the whole world to see! You will become the person God designed you to be.
-ps
Yes the flower, I have roses planted all around the house, I added eight new plants this year. So far I have gotten three roses and very soon there will be literally an explosion of flowers in the next week or so. My wife, the lovely Mrs. Sharon thinks I am very ‘sappy’ when it comes to flowers and the yard. I walk around proudly showing her all the different flowers we have growing and she quietly nods her head and smiles. I feel like one of the kids…I almost expect the standard, “that’s nice dear”.
I love the colors, it amazes me all the different varieties, like the little ‘bush’ I move to the front of the house and it bloomed with all these little orange flowers…I think it is very happy in it new spot…Isn’t great when you finish something hard. Isn’t great when you pour yourself into something and see it bloom right before your eyes. But, there wouldn’t be any of this, if there wasn’t the work involved beforehand. It takes work and dedication to something to see it blossom. I think about reading the Bible…or prayer.
Many times we think it’s not making a difference…it’s easier to just go along and not read it. It’s easier not to pray…sometimes we may not see any rewards for our efforts…at least that is what we think. Give it time and the people around you will see you in a whole new light. You will blossom for the whole world to see! You will become the person God designed you to be.
-ps
Monday, March 19, 2007
Big 41
Today I turned 41; yes it’s over no more birthdays, right! I got up this morning and did my Bible reading and prayer time. Got the boys up, feed and out the door and then I went fishing. I haven’t been fishing in years. It is one of those things I put on hold while I was on active duty with the Air Force. So I went to Camp Far West, a reservoir near by and fished off the dam. I caught two Black Stripped Bass…one little guy and one bigger guy. I let both go and just was thankful I caught something. I fished for about five hours, just one more cast…I know something will hit…I got home ate something and took a nap.
So there was my day…
This morning I came across a verse in Deuteronomy 32:47…It’s Moses last words to Joshua and the people of Israel for the most part. He has recited the song God gave to Moses and he repeats for all to hear. Then he says…”They are not just idle words for you—they are your life”.
Think about what he is saying the words of the Law are not just words but “their life”. So how does this apply to you and me….
The Bible is God’s word to us…they are not just idle words—they are our life! God’s word is life, our life. This really hit me today…God’s word is life. I think about how the Bible impacts the way I live my life everyday. God through the Holy Spirit comes along side me and illuminates the passages and teaches me. In light of this passage, think about these verses…
Mat 4:4 But he answered, "It is written, 'Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.' "
Heb 4:12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing even to the point of dividing soul from spirit, and joints from marrow; it is able to judge the desires and thoughts of the heart.
1Pe 2:8 and a stumbling-stone and a rock to trip over. They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.
1Jn 2:5 But whoever obeys his word, truly in this person the love of God has been perfected. By this we know that we are in him.
Rev 19:13 He is dressed in clothing dipped in blood, and he is called the Word of God.
Joh 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was fully God
Joh 1:2 The Word was with God in the beginning.
Joh 1:14 Now the Word became flesh and took up residence among us. We saw his glory — the glory of the one and only, full of grace and truth, who came from the Father.
Jesus is the Word=Jesus is our Life…
-ps
So there was my day…
This morning I came across a verse in Deuteronomy 32:47…It’s Moses last words to Joshua and the people of Israel for the most part. He has recited the song God gave to Moses and he repeats for all to hear. Then he says…”They are not just idle words for you—they are your life”.
Think about what he is saying the words of the Law are not just words but “their life”. So how does this apply to you and me….
The Bible is God’s word to us…they are not just idle words—they are our life! God’s word is life, our life. This really hit me today…God’s word is life. I think about how the Bible impacts the way I live my life everyday. God through the Holy Spirit comes along side me and illuminates the passages and teaches me. In light of this passage, think about these verses…
Mat 4:4 But he answered, "It is written, 'Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.' "
Heb 4:12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing even to the point of dividing soul from spirit, and joints from marrow; it is able to judge the desires and thoughts of the heart.
1Pe 2:8 and a stumbling-stone and a rock to trip over. They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.
1Jn 2:5 But whoever obeys his word, truly in this person the love of God has been perfected. By this we know that we are in him.
Rev 19:13 He is dressed in clothing dipped in blood, and he is called the Word of God.
Joh 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was fully God
Joh 1:2 The Word was with God in the beginning.
Joh 1:14 Now the Word became flesh and took up residence among us. We saw his glory — the glory of the one and only, full of grace and truth, who came from the Father.
Jesus is the Word=Jesus is our Life…
-ps
Friday, March 16, 2007
Gardening…
Since buying a home I have taken up gardening. I have never in my life owned my yard. So now I feel like the yard reflects me in some way…strange. Growing up I hated having to weed or water…now I enjoy it. I’m away from everything and I just work…no phone, email. It’s just me the dirt, plants and God.
So today, I planted shrubs, flowers and strawberries. After getting everything into the ground I started to do the weeding. Now I hate weeds…I hate where they grow. They like to get in places where you can't reach. You fight and get where you can reach them and you get your grip…pull and all the leaves comes off, leaving the root. So you can’t leave the root…because it will grow back right. So you have to dig the dirt around the root and pull it out. But in the end there a deep satisfaction knowing you got that weed, roots and all.
But this satisfaction is only temporary, because the weeds will be back, like the Terminator. It’s a guarantee…so how does this all fit into my life. Sin, sin is always lurking at our door. It is always at work in our lives and we need to address it, roots and all. You cannot let sin have any space, because like the weed it will grow where you least expect it. It will establish deep roots that tap into your soul. We can attempt to remove it, but most of our efforts will result in us pulling off the leaves…leaving the root. Before you know it the sin has come back bigger and stronger.
It is when we trust in Jesus the ‘Great Gardener’ to remove the sin once and for all…He is the ultimate ‘Round Up’. He is the only one who can remove the sin. It is our job to keep the sin from getting roots. It means when the sin lands our mind or heart, we need to remove it. We cannot allow it to grow and establish roots.
James 1:13-15 “Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted By God," for God cannot be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each one is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desires. Then when desire conceives, it gives birth to sin, and when sin
is full grown, it gives birth to death.
Well that is all I can muster for today…I’m beat! Gardening is hard work and you have to keep at it. You can never quit…because the weeds will always be there fighting for a place in your yard. Just like sin…
So today, I planted shrubs, flowers and strawberries. After getting everything into the ground I started to do the weeding. Now I hate weeds…I hate where they grow. They like to get in places where you can't reach. You fight and get where you can reach them and you get your grip…pull and all the leaves comes off, leaving the root. So you can’t leave the root…because it will grow back right. So you have to dig the dirt around the root and pull it out. But in the end there a deep satisfaction knowing you got that weed, roots and all.
But this satisfaction is only temporary, because the weeds will be back, like the Terminator. It’s a guarantee…so how does this all fit into my life. Sin, sin is always lurking at our door. It is always at work in our lives and we need to address it, roots and all. You cannot let sin have any space, because like the weed it will grow where you least expect it. It will establish deep roots that tap into your soul. We can attempt to remove it, but most of our efforts will result in us pulling off the leaves…leaving the root. Before you know it the sin has come back bigger and stronger.
It is when we trust in Jesus the ‘Great Gardener’ to remove the sin once and for all…He is the ultimate ‘Round Up’. He is the only one who can remove the sin. It is our job to keep the sin from getting roots. It means when the sin lands our mind or heart, we need to remove it. We cannot allow it to grow and establish roots.
James 1:13-15 “Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted By God," for God cannot be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each one is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desires. Then when desire conceives, it gives birth to sin, and when sin
is full grown, it gives birth to death.
Well that is all I can muster for today…I’m beat! Gardening is hard work and you have to keep at it. You can never quit…because the weeds will always be there fighting for a place in your yard. Just like sin…
Friday, March 9, 2007
What’s Your Name…
Here I am shaking the hand of Dr. Frank Page the President of the Southern Baptist Convention; I introduced myself and didn’t say my name. He is looking me in the eyes and asks, “What is your name”. My first thought was I told you my name…then it hit me and all I could say was uhh…Steve. So there you have it, in all my years I don’t recall ever forgetting to say my name.
I enjoyed getting to sit and listen to the “big picture” of our SBC. I got to listen to Dr. Page’s twice and I was greatly impressed. He is a gifted speaker, without a doubt. But what I admired the most was his desire to reach people for Christ. He was also greatly concerned but hopeful about the future of the SBC. I still don’t understand all the inner workings of the SBC, because most of this is very new to me. But I do understand politics and I do understand what it means to be a team player. I believe Frank Page is a team player, someone who genuinely cares about people. In caring he is honest in his opinions about the future direction. He understands the dire need for changes in the way SBC churches do business, because there is so much at stake. What is at stake, an entire generation of 18-29 year olds who are writing us off…we are on the brink of losing an entire generation for Christ.
I am encouraged by what I have heard and what I have seen over the last few days. I know over the next few years the SBC is going to face some very serious challenges. I think many in my generation have a great desire to return to the Bible more than the traditions of our past. We have a desire to be moved by the spirit in our generation. To follow where God is leading us now…in this time and in this place. I believe it will look different than the past…but it has too. My prayer is we will not push to brink of breaking the frame work that so many before us have worked to build. It is a house where we can pull together to reach a greater world at large, all for the name of Christ.
-ps
I enjoyed getting to sit and listen to the “big picture” of our SBC. I got to listen to Dr. Page’s twice and I was greatly impressed. He is a gifted speaker, without a doubt. But what I admired the most was his desire to reach people for Christ. He was also greatly concerned but hopeful about the future of the SBC. I still don’t understand all the inner workings of the SBC, because most of this is very new to me. But I do understand politics and I do understand what it means to be a team player. I believe Frank Page is a team player, someone who genuinely cares about people. In caring he is honest in his opinions about the future direction. He understands the dire need for changes in the way SBC churches do business, because there is so much at stake. What is at stake, an entire generation of 18-29 year olds who are writing us off…we are on the brink of losing an entire generation for Christ.
I am encouraged by what I have heard and what I have seen over the last few days. I know over the next few years the SBC is going to face some very serious challenges. I think many in my generation have a great desire to return to the Bible more than the traditions of our past. We have a desire to be moved by the spirit in our generation. To follow where God is leading us now…in this time and in this place. I believe it will look different than the past…but it has too. My prayer is we will not push to brink of breaking the frame work that so many before us have worked to build. It is a house where we can pull together to reach a greater world at large, all for the name of Christ.
-ps
Sunday, March 4, 2007
Good Tired…
Ever had a “good tired?” Well today was a good day. I had regular church service this morning. Afterwards I did a drive by delivery of my family and raced to Loma Rica Baptist church to be part of an ordination of Pastor Dave. First of all, Pastor Dave has a link on this blog called “Pastor Dave Lets His Hair Down”. He is not known for being your dye in the wool Southern Baptist preacher…don’t get me wrong, theologically he is as sound as one can be. But he is not known for his suits and ties…if he is wearing a tie; it has a joke on it. So today I didn’t ware a tie and coat for that reason. Well Dave walks out of his church today wearing a suit and tie! He looked great!,
Today was a celebration and it was good to see his church family extend their love towards him. He is a man whose heart is set on God and it is a privilege to call him brother. Brother Bob (“empty hands” blog…) sang like no one can. He is my vote for American Idol, hands down.
Afterwards I ran back to Rocklin to preach tonight. So I made it home and it was a great day and I’m really tired…it’s a good tired though. I promise to post something deeper tomorrow.
-ps
Today was a celebration and it was good to see his church family extend their love towards him. He is a man whose heart is set on God and it is a privilege to call him brother. Brother Bob (“empty hands” blog…) sang like no one can. He is my vote for American Idol, hands down.
Afterwards I ran back to Rocklin to preach tonight. So I made it home and it was a great day and I’m really tired…it’s a good tired though. I promise to post something deeper tomorrow.
-ps
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Here I Am…
Here I am sitting in the beauty of the day. Today is so beautiful outside, it’s warm and you can feel spring. The flowers and trees and starting to bloom. Life is returning, ever so slowly. I have turned off the TV and all the other noises. I opened the windows and shades to let the light and fresh air into our home. In the not to far distance is the sound of Jacob coughing from a bug he has, a reminder winter is still present.
Also in the distance I can hear a whistle blow of the train the runs through the town. If you listen closely you can hear the clicky-clack of the tracks. I pause and wonder. Most of the time during the day in Wheatland you don’t hear the train, but the trains are always there. You just grow use to the sound and it becomes a part of the fabric that makes up the community.
I wonder if the sound of the train is like the voice of God. At one time we hear him plain as day…as if He was standing right next to us. It was so clear it caused you to tremble in your heart. The voice was clearest when you where a child in the silence of the night. Over time you grew up and life’s sounds began to make the voice seem distant and unrecognizable. Over time it just seems to fade into the fabric of our lives.
Stop and listen…turn off the noise around you. Don’t speak for to do so would cause you to miss the whisper…the gentle whisper of your Heavenly Father. Take a moment and get away and seek the Lord…I’m amazed at how hard it is for us now to this simple thing. To shut off our minds and listen. It’s not some mystical experience, it’s not of movies and fair-tales. It just the simple…God enjoys the simple.
-ps
Daily Reading: Lev 24, 25 Mark 1:23-45
Also in the distance I can hear a whistle blow of the train the runs through the town. If you listen closely you can hear the clicky-clack of the tracks. I pause and wonder. Most of the time during the day in Wheatland you don’t hear the train, but the trains are always there. You just grow use to the sound and it becomes a part of the fabric that makes up the community.
I wonder if the sound of the train is like the voice of God. At one time we hear him plain as day…as if He was standing right next to us. It was so clear it caused you to tremble in your heart. The voice was clearest when you where a child in the silence of the night. Over time you grew up and life’s sounds began to make the voice seem distant and unrecognizable. Over time it just seems to fade into the fabric of our lives.
Stop and listen…turn off the noise around you. Don’t speak for to do so would cause you to miss the whisper…the gentle whisper of your Heavenly Father. Take a moment and get away and seek the Lord…I’m amazed at how hard it is for us now to this simple thing. To shut off our minds and listen. It’s not some mystical experience, it’s not of movies and fair-tales. It just the simple…God enjoys the simple.
-ps
Daily Reading: Lev 24, 25 Mark 1:23-45
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Thank you...Marie
Diane…Thank you for your kind words and I have been just as encouraged by you as you have been by me. Say that ten times…I have to admit prior to reading your post I was thinking I was wasting my time, blogging. But you changed all of that and I have been greatly touched. I will continue to pray for you and anyone else reading this blog.
We are on this journey together…it’s a long and hard road at time and we need each other. We keep our eyes focused on Christ. Pressing towards the goal as Paul says, forgetting what is behind us. We need each other…period. I am so grateful to have friends like Pastor Dave and Music Man Bob…Who sang so wonderful today at Marie’s funeral.
The songs you pick to have song at your funeral say a lot about who you are. “Go tell it on the Mountain”, How Great Thou Art”, “Amazing Grace” and “In the Garden”. Four classic hymns song so beautifully it took your breath away…no music… a cappella…only “music” Bob could pull that off.
Classic songs for a classic women. Good-Bye Marie, I love you!
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the
first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the
holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God,
prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice
from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man.
He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will
be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,
and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying,
nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."
-Rev 21:1-4 ESV
Prayer:
According to your eternal plan, Lord
The body returns to the earth as it was
And the spirit to God who gave it.
Of all the material we say,
“Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust”
But the spirit we cry…
“Now thou art free”
Free from pain and sickness and sorrow
Free from all physical handicaps
Free to dream and sing and work and love
Free to greet old friends and new and Jesus Christ
And to adventure with them forever”
Therefore we say,
Good-bye, good-bye until tomorrow”
In Jesus Name….Amen
-ps
We are on this journey together…it’s a long and hard road at time and we need each other. We keep our eyes focused on Christ. Pressing towards the goal as Paul says, forgetting what is behind us. We need each other…period. I am so grateful to have friends like Pastor Dave and Music Man Bob…Who sang so wonderful today at Marie’s funeral.
The songs you pick to have song at your funeral say a lot about who you are. “Go tell it on the Mountain”, How Great Thou Art”, “Amazing Grace” and “In the Garden”. Four classic hymns song so beautifully it took your breath away…no music… a cappella…only “music” Bob could pull that off.
Classic songs for a classic women. Good-Bye Marie, I love you!
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the
first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the
holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God,
prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice
from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man.
He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will
be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,
and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying,
nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."
-Rev 21:1-4 ESV
Prayer:
According to your eternal plan, Lord
The body returns to the earth as it was
And the spirit to God who gave it.
Of all the material we say,
“Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust”
But the spirit we cry…
“Now thou art free”
Free from pain and sickness and sorrow
Free from all physical handicaps
Free to dream and sing and work and love
Free to greet old friends and new and Jesus Christ
And to adventure with them forever”
Therefore we say,
Good-bye, good-bye until tomorrow”
In Jesus Name….Amen
-ps
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
So many things….
I have been so busy the last few days. I find myself racing around and constantly thinking about what I need to do. It is in these moments I feel like I’m being tested. I’m being tested on my resolve to seek God daily. Over the last week I feel God walking with me all the time. Right now I can feel His presence in ways I have not felt in a long time.
I am so grateful for this because I feel I need Him the most right now. Tomorrow is Marie’s funeral and I have barely had time to think about what I am going to say. I actually look forward to seeing a lot of old familiar faces from Northside Baptist. The people at Northside Baptist are some of the most amazing people I have ever known.
Leaving Northside and watching the old church close its doors was one of the hardest things I have had to do. It’s a story I will have to share on the site someday. Bottom line I wouldn’t be a pastor without Northside and its people. FBC Rocklin has been so gracious to Sharon and Me, it has been overwhelming. At times I feel as if I could never live up to the thier expectations.
How do you pastor people? When you look at all that is involved and how you affect lives in profound ways…it scares me to death. I know I can never do it on my own. It can only be done through the spirit. So tonight I am asking for your prayers. Pray for me as I oversee the funeral for one of God’s children. Pray for me and all the other pastors who everyday face the challenge of pastoring God’s people.
-ps
Daily Reading: Lev 18, 19 Matt 27:32-66
Remember if you follow the plan above…you will have read the entire Bible in a year.
I am so grateful for this because I feel I need Him the most right now. Tomorrow is Marie’s funeral and I have barely had time to think about what I am going to say. I actually look forward to seeing a lot of old familiar faces from Northside Baptist. The people at Northside Baptist are some of the most amazing people I have ever known.
Leaving Northside and watching the old church close its doors was one of the hardest things I have had to do. It’s a story I will have to share on the site someday. Bottom line I wouldn’t be a pastor without Northside and its people. FBC Rocklin has been so gracious to Sharon and Me, it has been overwhelming. At times I feel as if I could never live up to the thier expectations.
How do you pastor people? When you look at all that is involved and how you affect lives in profound ways…it scares me to death. I know I can never do it on my own. It can only be done through the spirit. So tonight I am asking for your prayers. Pray for me as I oversee the funeral for one of God’s children. Pray for me and all the other pastors who everyday face the challenge of pastoring God’s people.
-ps
Daily Reading: Lev 18, 19 Matt 27:32-66
Remember if you follow the plan above…you will have read the entire Bible in a year.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Small World….
Today I was looking at who was reading this blog. Because I have to tell you I was thinking “what’s the point.” It doesn’t seem to be accomplishing much. After all I’m busy with life, church, school….
I came across a blog (http://missyohmissy.blogspot.com/) where Diane had read this blog and God had spoken to her and she decided to turn her life back over to God. When I was reading it I was floored! I couldn’t believe what I had read.
I gave a big thank you to the Lord above, for encouraging me and others through this medium. But isn’t this what it’s all about…people sharing their stories, their testimonies about what Jesus is doing in our lives…about the relationship together. This life can be so hard and it is truly lived through community. Jesus was all about building a community of faith, body of believers who would be one in purpose and direction. One body united through Christ himself, changing the world through one person at a time.
We all have a role to play, each of us have our own unique stories to share with others. A story about God who became flesh, who humbled himself to the point where the thought of being God was impossible. Humbled He carried the sins of the world to the cross. He also carried our shame and disgrace, our weakness, along with our sin….and He nailed it to the cross. From there He would remember it no more, forever to be forgotten on the wood of the cross. Now He wants us to believe in what He did and put our trust, our faith in Him and Him alone.
By doing so He wants to clean us up, wipe away our tears and heal our broken hearts. What an awesome God we serve. There is now like Him, He is indescribable, there are no bounds to His love for us!
Thank you Lord for changing lives! Thank you Lord for forgiving sin, thank you Lord for your infinite grace and mercy!
-ps
Daily Reading: Lev 14 Matt 26:55-75
I came across a blog (http://missyohmissy.blogspot.com/) where Diane had read this blog and God had spoken to her and she decided to turn her life back over to God. When I was reading it I was floored! I couldn’t believe what I had read.
I gave a big thank you to the Lord above, for encouraging me and others through this medium. But isn’t this what it’s all about…people sharing their stories, their testimonies about what Jesus is doing in our lives…about the relationship together. This life can be so hard and it is truly lived through community. Jesus was all about building a community of faith, body of believers who would be one in purpose and direction. One body united through Christ himself, changing the world through one person at a time.
We all have a role to play, each of us have our own unique stories to share with others. A story about God who became flesh, who humbled himself to the point where the thought of being God was impossible. Humbled He carried the sins of the world to the cross. He also carried our shame and disgrace, our weakness, along with our sin….and He nailed it to the cross. From there He would remember it no more, forever to be forgotten on the wood of the cross. Now He wants us to believe in what He did and put our trust, our faith in Him and Him alone.
By doing so He wants to clean us up, wipe away our tears and heal our broken hearts. What an awesome God we serve. There is now like Him, He is indescribable, there are no bounds to His love for us!
Thank you Lord for changing lives! Thank you Lord for forgiving sin, thank you Lord for your infinite grace and mercy!
-ps
Daily Reading: Lev 14 Matt 26:55-75
Thursday, February 1, 2007
Good Man...
Yesterday I attended the funeral of Fred Patterson, age 71. Fred was a security guard and while I was in the Air Force he did some contract work for our unit. I use to go and sit and talk to Fred while he was doing his escort duties, were he always would get me laughing. I enjoyed seeing him just walking up to the site. This is the effect he had on every person he came in contact with.
His boss (also and older gentlemen) or I should say partner worked with me in providing the escorts I needed and he knew I was leaving the Air Force soon to pastor. I hadn’t seen him in about six month or so and at the funeral he didn’t recognize me, I guess it was the beard and the few pounds…
But at the second glance his eyes filled with tears and he buried his head in my chest weeping…I put my arms around him and held like a father holding his son.
“Carry one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
The Bible says we are to carry on another’s burdens and I thank God I was there for just that moment to be someone he could feel comfortable enough to grieve.
Life is a gift and we never know when and or where we are going to be called home. The only guarantee we do have is we will die. I thank God for putting Fred in my life; I hope at the end of my life someone will say the same about me.
God bless and remember to give thanks for this precious gift called life…
-ps
His boss (also and older gentlemen) or I should say partner worked with me in providing the escorts I needed and he knew I was leaving the Air Force soon to pastor. I hadn’t seen him in about six month or so and at the funeral he didn’t recognize me, I guess it was the beard and the few pounds…
But at the second glance his eyes filled with tears and he buried his head in my chest weeping…I put my arms around him and held like a father holding his son.
“Carry one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
The Bible says we are to carry on another’s burdens and I thank God I was there for just that moment to be someone he could feel comfortable enough to grieve.
Life is a gift and we never know when and or where we are going to be called home. The only guarantee we do have is we will die. I thank God for putting Fred in my life; I hope at the end of my life someone will say the same about me.
God bless and remember to give thanks for this precious gift called life…
-ps
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