Alright, I admit it. I'm a hemophobe, one who is hemophobic. Yup, an abnormal fear of blood. First, I exaggerate a bit. Second, it's really not that abnormal; many folks I know don't like to give blood for their own benefit or the benefit of others. What I'm grateful for is, my son did not pick up this fear from me. He donated a pint of his own blood (I have to put it that way because I'm all for donating someone else's blood.) for the first time yesterday and plans to do so again. The phlebotomist staff drawing the blood said that every pint saves three lives. Being a much better mathematician than I am, he has already calculated how many people he could save if he donates as often as he can for the remainder of his life. That's pretty cool.
There was more than one reason why he chose to donate,but I see a fingerprint of God in that he is most proud of helping someone else. That's God's way. He's also proud that he's not a wimp like his dad who must look away even for a blood test and is always prepared to faint when a needle needs to enter his body.
Thankful to God for my son's giving, and proud of this boy who is a man-size taller than me already.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Team Ministry
I'm celebrating team ministry this morning.
In a few hours I will join people from The CREW, young adults from my church committed to Connecting, Reaching, Encouraging & Worshiping. This has been a fantastic group to work with. We have a player/coaches team that serves the many guests that come to church each week. These men and women leaders are usually in a new career having finished recent studies at a university or graduate school. They have a love for Jesus, want to be connected with others who do, and are excited about helping others come to know and experience that same great love.
My role is exciting because I do not dream up and then direct everything. In many ways I hear of this team's passion and I help lower hurdles so that they can get done what God has placed on their hearts. Today we help move a single dad from one apartment to another. This one was my idea, and the group had other service plans in mind for the day. But because we work together, plan together, and are flexible, they graciously are reaching out with me to this family. I am so grateful that this family that has seen such hard times will be surrounded by caring people who just want to do them good today. I am grateful that my team is putting their plans down this time to follow my lead, and I am grateful that often I can follow their lead and put my energy behind what they want to accomplish.
God's people working together. Unity bringing good to others. There's a fingerprint in that; it's a God thing, and I like it!
In a few hours I will join people from The CREW, young adults from my church committed to Connecting, Reaching, Encouraging & Worshiping. This has been a fantastic group to work with. We have a player/coaches team that serves the many guests that come to church each week. These men and women leaders are usually in a new career having finished recent studies at a university or graduate school. They have a love for Jesus, want to be connected with others who do, and are excited about helping others come to know and experience that same great love.
My role is exciting because I do not dream up and then direct everything. In many ways I hear of this team's passion and I help lower hurdles so that they can get done what God has placed on their hearts. Today we help move a single dad from one apartment to another. This one was my idea, and the group had other service plans in mind for the day. But because we work together, plan together, and are flexible, they graciously are reaching out with me to this family. I am so grateful that this family that has seen such hard times will be surrounded by caring people who just want to do them good today. I am grateful that my team is putting their plans down this time to follow my lead, and I am grateful that often I can follow their lead and put my energy behind what they want to accomplish.
God's people working together. Unity bringing good to others. There's a fingerprint in that; it's a God thing, and I like it!
Friday, November 20, 2009
You Know It when you Receive It
Care.
You know it when you receive it. Some 10 weeks ago my wife was mugged downtown. Her world was shaken significantly, and what could be trusted and enjoyed one day was threatening and anything but reliable the next. There was the police report and the ER visit to deal with a significant concussion and some very bruised ribs. Then the task of getting some "normalcy" back into life began. Well, just eight days later a fellow commuter sandwiched her compact car between the driver's SUV and another SUV. That's a lot of trauma for one person in little over a week, and her GI tract, which doesn't function perfectly when everything is at peace, spiraled out of control. We have not been in a hospital for almost two weeks now, and boy, are we grateful. But there were five hospitalizations, seven ER visits, and one ambulance ride. The fog is finally lifting enough to see more clearly the care that was all around.
Care. You know it when you receive it, and we sure have. There's been card after card arriving expressing concern and willingness to help. There's been more calories given in the form of hot meals than I want to acknowledge, at least on a scale. There's been friends who ventured out to visit at the hospital, friends who picked up the boys and got them where they needed to be and shuttled them home when done. There's been encouraging texts, and emails, and phone messages. There's been employers who have demonstrated true graciousness when we could not be anywhere near the top of our game in the areas we were hired to perform.
Care. You know it when you receive it. You know it, too, when God begins to answer it. You see, countless people held us up in prayer time and time again. Healing was slow in coming from our perspective, but it continues to take place remarkably well. Over and over I thanked people for praying telling them, "We really appreciate that. We value prayer very much." We were so encouraged by each prayer. It's an awesome thing for others to continuously place you in the might hands of God. Family and friends have truly come through surrounding us with relationship and caring for us physically and spiritually. We experienced God's care through the hearts, hands, meals, texts, emails, phone calls, visits, rides, prayers, cards, help with cleaning, counsel in getting the best from medical care provider ....so many ways. Our many friends and family members have shown us God's fingerprints, and those fingerprints are beautiful!
You know it when you receive it. Some 10 weeks ago my wife was mugged downtown. Her world was shaken significantly, and what could be trusted and enjoyed one day was threatening and anything but reliable the next. There was the police report and the ER visit to deal with a significant concussion and some very bruised ribs. Then the task of getting some "normalcy" back into life began. Well, just eight days later a fellow commuter sandwiched her compact car between the driver's SUV and another SUV. That's a lot of trauma for one person in little over a week, and her GI tract, which doesn't function perfectly when everything is at peace, spiraled out of control. We have not been in a hospital for almost two weeks now, and boy, are we grateful. But there were five hospitalizations, seven ER visits, and one ambulance ride. The fog is finally lifting enough to see more clearly the care that was all around.
Care. You know it when you receive it, and we sure have. There's been card after card arriving expressing concern and willingness to help. There's been more calories given in the form of hot meals than I want to acknowledge, at least on a scale. There's been friends who ventured out to visit at the hospital, friends who picked up the boys and got them where they needed to be and shuttled them home when done. There's been encouraging texts, and emails, and phone messages. There's been employers who have demonstrated true graciousness when we could not be anywhere near the top of our game in the areas we were hired to perform.
Care. You know it when you receive it. You know it, too, when God begins to answer it. You see, countless people held us up in prayer time and time again. Healing was slow in coming from our perspective, but it continues to take place remarkably well. Over and over I thanked people for praying telling them, "We really appreciate that. We value prayer very much." We were so encouraged by each prayer. It's an awesome thing for others to continuously place you in the might hands of God. Family and friends have truly come through surrounding us with relationship and caring for us physically and spiritually. We experienced God's care through the hearts, hands, meals, texts, emails, phone calls, visits, rides, prayers, cards, help with cleaning, counsel in getting the best from medical care provider ....so many ways. Our many friends and family members have shown us God's fingerprints, and those fingerprints are beautiful!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Storm Chasers & Books
I got up early today to work on a sermon to be delivered Sunday. I am truly grateful for morning hours when the day is new and my family is resting and quiet. The TV is off, the dog is fed and settled nearby. A morning glow comes through the blinds. I love to read and to search for information. I'm using a reference to Bill Cosby's take on the possible conversation between God and Noah, and I was able to get a written text of his comedy routine and an audio copy from Youtube.com. All this in seconds. The tools available today are amazing.
There's also a new television show that I'm hooked on, Storm Chasers. It's a Discovery Channel series, I believe. It follows meteorologists who often compete in placing themselves in the path of tornados to get live scientific data. There is an obsession within them to be there and to experience the power and awe of nature. They crave to see a fingerprint of the almighty as it is first laid down, a fresh print if you will. These folks have sunk serious money into this pursuit. They have expended great quantities of research, technology, focus, travel, and time. In many cases they are risking not only valuable property but their very lives. Some pursue the information so that others will come to have early warnings of these distructive by-products of storms. It seems there is a mixture of care for others, a hunger for knowledge, and a desire to make a name for oneself. It is facinating to follow.
One of God's fingerprints is seen in how he has wired us with a desire to search out and know.
God has formed us to want, to desire, to seach, to press for understanding. There's an unsettled part of us that seeks out and finds pleasure in exploring. What a delight to see that within myself. What a delight to see the passion with others. We often benefit from the passionate study and research that came out of the passionate pursuit of another in an area that we had little or no interest but which we come to have a great need.
There's also a new television show that I'm hooked on, Storm Chasers. It's a Discovery Channel series, I believe. It follows meteorologists who often compete in placing themselves in the path of tornados to get live scientific data. There is an obsession within them to be there and to experience the power and awe of nature. They crave to see a fingerprint of the almighty as it is first laid down, a fresh print if you will. These folks have sunk serious money into this pursuit. They have expended great quantities of research, technology, focus, travel, and time. In many cases they are risking not only valuable property but their very lives. Some pursue the information so that others will come to have early warnings of these distructive by-products of storms. It seems there is a mixture of care for others, a hunger for knowledge, and a desire to make a name for oneself. It is facinating to follow.
One of God's fingerprints is seen in how he has wired us with a desire to search out and know.
In Proverbs 25, the writer observed,
"It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings.
As the heavens are high and the earth is deep,
so the hearts of kings are unsearchable."
God has formed us to want, to desire, to seach, to press for understanding. There's an unsettled part of us that seeks out and finds pleasure in exploring. What a delight to see that within myself. What a delight to see the passion with others. We often benefit from the passionate study and research that came out of the passionate pursuit of another in an area that we had little or no interest but which we come to have a great need.
I am seeing God's fingerprint within me and his prints in people around me, and it is something to see!
Saturday, November 14, 2009
100,000 Miles
My family gives me a hard time for my car, but the odometer turned over to 100,000 miles yesterday. The old Olds is almost 14, but it's the first time to 100,000 miles. It was enjoyable to have both boys in the car at it turned from 99,999 9/10 to 100,000 0/10. while we headed to their high school. The car was eight years old when we bought two or three days before leaving San Diego for Colorado, but it had just over 14,000 miles. We have never had a car payment. And for going strong for six years, we haven't dumped a lot into it either. The car sure doesn't impress many with it's lines and looks, but it keeps on going. It has its own idiosyncrasies, too, like requiring medium grade fuel from Shell only so that the "Check Engine" light stays out. But the thing runs, and it gets us there. Got thinking about this vehicle today; the boys and I have probably had more breakfast meals in that car than we have had at home together. We had some great laughs, and the boys have listened to some crummy talk radio while I have listened to a whole lot more hip-hop than I would ever care to.
I seriously praise God often that this car starts, goes, and returns. What some would hate to be seen in, I just thank God for. It is transportation that is reliable and affordable. To others it's a candidate for Cash for Clunkers, but to me it's my ride.
I seriously praise God often that this car starts, goes, and returns. What some would hate to be seen in, I just thank God for. It is transportation that is reliable and affordable. To others it's a candidate for Cash for Clunkers, but to me it's my ride.
Friday, November 13, 2009
TWLOHA
Today was To Write Love on Her Arm day. I was drawn to this cause by invitation from a Facebook friend. It seems that over a million people were aware of the event in which people chose today to write the word "Love" on their arm to support "a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide." I hope this event grows along with the support this non-profit receives. I know that as a young man fresh out of high school I dealt with depression for a good five years, and I received excellent care. I am certain it took great patience from family and friends as God walked with me through this difficult time in my life. Since then I have seen how God redeems painful portions of our lives for the good of others. He certainly deepened my faith and increased compassion within me for those who struggle.
On the website for TWLOHA there was a meaningful testimonial of a Christian family that believed in the value of a young gal who saw no value within herself. They committed themselves to bringing love into her life, and her life was turned around. What was headed quickly toward death was renewed by God through the love of others. I saw God's fingerprint in that testimonial and in today's event to build awareness for those who struggle. I thank God that he provides care when people struggle, AND that he uses those who have received to turn around and care for others.
That makes me thankful.
On the website for TWLOHA there was a meaningful testimonial of a Christian family that believed in the value of a young gal who saw no value within herself. They committed themselves to bringing love into her life, and her life was turned around. What was headed quickly toward death was renewed by God through the love of others. I saw God's fingerprint in that testimonial and in today's event to build awareness for those who struggle. I thank God that he provides care when people struggle, AND that he uses those who have received to turn around and care for others.
That makes me thankful.
Praise be to the God and Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Father of compassion
and the God of all comfort,
who comforts us in all our troubles,
so that we can comfort those in any trouble
with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
For just as the sufferings of Christ
flow over into our lives,
so also through Christ
our comfort overflows.
2 Corinthians 1:3-5
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Two and No Longer Counting
I woke early yesterday and began some work with the TV running in the background. The TLC series, "Eighteen and Counting," was on. It is a reality show about the Duggars; they are high school sweethearts who now have 18 children, one on the way, and one grandchild. The episode involved tracking the all-steel home they built for themselves. The dad and two sons did most of the work. I think it's a 7,000 sq. ft. home with nine bathrooms! They thought it would take months, and it took three years. I know people think these folks are seriously crazy, but it struck me that these people love each other. You can see the love and care in their life focus, you can hear it in their words, and you can see it in their actions toward one another. All the kids seem to have a confidence combined with purpose. I'm really impressed.
Yesterday afternoon my two sons helped me rake and clear the backyard of lots of leaves, leaves that had been weighted down by an early snowfall. It was cool to have their help and to make a positive difference together. I am proud of my boys. I love them a lot and just don't work with them enough. I'm thinkin' of changing that.....
In the meantime, I thank God for my two boys. For the unique people they are, for the skills and strengths they have, and the love they have for me. Thank you, Lord, for giving love through these two boys!And thank you for the privilege of loving them.
Yesterday afternoon my two sons helped me rake and clear the backyard of lots of leaves, leaves that had been weighted down by an early snowfall. It was cool to have their help and to make a positive difference together. I am proud of my boys. I love them a lot and just don't work with them enough. I'm thinkin' of changing that.....
In the meantime, I thank God for my two boys. For the unique people they are, for the skills and strengths they have, and the love they have for me. Thank you, Lord, for giving love through these two boys!And thank you for the privilege of loving them.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
More than Coffee and Bagels, Everyday
I'm one of those coupon shoppers so I visit Einstein's Bagels on Tuesdays and Fridays. Tuesday's special-- $2 for a cup of coffee and a toasted bagel with cream cheese. It's a great place to study Greek with a bottomless cup of some good coffee.
At the shop near work, they have a woman whose main job is to greet customers, I think. If not, it should be. She keeps the coffee counter tidy and well supplied, but creating an inviting atmosphere is her strength. She is such a warm lady. I don't even know her name yet, but today she says, "Where have you been?!" sincerely wanting to know.
I explained that my wife has been in the hospital lately, and freetime has not been available.
"I hope she's doing better."
I told her that I'm hopeful that she's on the mend.
"Thank the Lord," she said caringly.
"I do thank him, everyday." I don't always speak that way to people in public because they have a different orientation to life, but I can tell by this woman's words and actions that she doesn't just speak this way, she lives this way.
"I'm thanking him with you, everyday," she responded with a smile.
Great lady. Great place for her to work. She is an asset to her company because the place is warm and welcoming when she is there, and she's only using the talents and joy that God has placed within her.
I thank God for her today. Thank him that I'm encouraged everytime I step into that shop because one of his daughters is living joyfully, giving God credit, and make this world a better place.
I don't know her name yet, but something tells me we thank the same God, everyday!
At the shop near work, they have a woman whose main job is to greet customers, I think. If not, it should be. She keeps the coffee counter tidy and well supplied, but creating an inviting atmosphere is her strength. She is such a warm lady. I don't even know her name yet, but today she says, "Where have you been?!" sincerely wanting to know.
I explained that my wife has been in the hospital lately, and freetime has not been available.
"I hope she's doing better."
I told her that I'm hopeful that she's on the mend.
"Thank the Lord," she said caringly.
"I do thank him, everyday." I don't always speak that way to people in public because they have a different orientation to life, but I can tell by this woman's words and actions that she doesn't just speak this way, she lives this way.
"I'm thanking him with you, everyday," she responded with a smile.
Great lady. Great place for her to work. She is an asset to her company because the place is warm and welcoming when she is there, and she's only using the talents and joy that God has placed within her.
I thank God for her today. Thank him that I'm encouraged everytime I step into that shop because one of his daughters is living joyfully, giving God credit, and make this world a better place.
I don't know her name yet, but something tells me we thank the same God, everyday!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Getting Started...A Grandpa's Love
I heard or read a quote recently that made the point that in no other time in history has so much been written and so little read. I don't believe we always write to be read by others, but that is welcomed here. This blog is really more for me to begin recognizing God's hand in normal, common occurances. As a Jesus-follower, I believe God is active and alive; though I too often fail to recognize the simple ways that he brings goodness around me.
If others comment with ways that God has shown his fingerprint(s) in their day, I would be encouraged by that as well.
This morning I logged on to Facebook to find that my brother-in-law had posted a stop-action video be had made of Scooby-Doo for his eldest grand-daughter. How cool that a grandpa would use his talents and take some extensive time to bring some joy to a little girl's heart. I commented tongue-in-cheek that my grandpa only played cards. That time with my grandparents, too, was a fingerprint of God's I now recognize from my past. Those were some fun times at my grandparents' table playing Shanghai Rummy. I remember the simple meal the card game often followed most often included fresh cucumber slices in vinegar and pepper. Every meal I remember there ended with some very fresh white bread and homemade jam.
Anyway, remembering that reminds me of loving times from my past. I bet my grand-neice feels loved today and will look back and recognize that more clearly in the future. God loves us through family.
If others comment with ways that God has shown his fingerprint(s) in their day, I would be encouraged by that as well.
This morning I logged on to Facebook to find that my brother-in-law had posted a stop-action video be had made of Scooby-Doo for his eldest grand-daughter. How cool that a grandpa would use his talents and take some extensive time to bring some joy to a little girl's heart. I commented tongue-in-cheek that my grandpa only played cards. That time with my grandparents, too, was a fingerprint of God's I now recognize from my past. Those were some fun times at my grandparents' table playing Shanghai Rummy. I remember the simple meal the card game often followed most often included fresh cucumber slices in vinegar and pepper. Every meal I remember there ended with some very fresh white bread and homemade jam.
Anyway, remembering that reminds me of loving times from my past. I bet my grand-neice feels loved today and will look back and recognize that more clearly in the future. God loves us through family.
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