The Battle is the Lord's!

Let me begin by saying that therapy is going well, I am sooo sore, but I am told I am doing well. I have developed a new compassion for those who face physical therapy after major surgery. Yes, rotator cuff surgery is major, but I also know there are many more involved surgeries one can have. Well, summer is finally here, school is out, Anna, Bella, and I am leaving for annual conference early tomorrow, church camps start next week, then a mission trip to Pine Ridge S. Dakota, then VBS…and the list goes on and on. We are all that busy, it’s not just me or my family, and then we add our own baggage…personal tragedies (surgery, failed relationships, or grief) or stressful situations (financial or family struggles) and I wonder how some people make it through their day. It is no wonder so many people buy into notions that really don’t make sense. I am thinking of Harold Camping, the radio network owner who predicted the rapture last May 21st. So many people it seems wanted Camping’s words to be true, not because they desired to be in God’s presence, but because they were worn out battling the adversary here on earth. How sad. First, Scripture is clear no one knows the day or the hour, even though they always claim special revelation from God. Secondly, I see this as sad because as believers we do not battle the enemy alone, but in the power of God’s Holy Spirit. Pray for those trying to fight the battle alone, pray for annual conference, and pray for me and my rehabilitation. I hope to post from Peoria, but I’ll have to see if Anna and Bella will allow me the time.

The Cost of Freedom

Technical Difficulties...or something like that!

I am not sure what is going on here on my blog…but there have been technical difficulties. Some posting disappeared and then reappeared without comments that were there before. Not something I did, but after all you get what you pay for…and well it’s a free service. Regardless, I wanted to report that therapy is going well. I am sore, but making progress and ahead of the goal the therapists had set for me. God willing, I expect to recover fully, stronger than ever. The only question is whether I can keep up this pace or if my progress will slow down. Even better, on Monday I will have the sutures taken out and then the plan is to begin my therapy at Lawrenceville instead of Robinson. I’ve enjoyed the drive and learning the countryside, but with gas at $4.10+ I’ll be thrilled with the shorter drive to Lawrenceville. So, once again, God is good and worthy of our praise (Revelation 5:13).

Good Day/Great Day!

This was a better day…physical therapy speaking. Don’t misunderstand me, I am totally whipped and so tired of hearing the cliché “No pain, no gain.” Not sure I could fight my way out of a wet paper bag with my left arm/hand right now, but on the bright side, I looked directly into my therapist’s eyes and they were not glowing red! She still seemed to think I needed to feel pain (which I did/do) but I really should retract my statement that she is the antichrist…though she still falls into the general category of heathen! Having said all that, it was a great witnessing day! When people see your arm in a sling they eagerly start a conversation (perhaps it’s my pathetic expression) asking “What happened?” That was all it took for me to share Jesus with four folks today…convincing me witnessing is the best pain medicine there is! Admittedly one laughed me off and walked away (he’s now a prayer request). Another was an active church member in Robinson. But two of these folks engaged in conversation with me eventually asking how to begin a relationship with Jesus! Praise God, I had talked to the church member first and I directed one lady to his church, which sounded like a church who loves Jesus. I pray she connects. The fourth lady was from yet another community and after a time, I commended her to a Bible believing church in her community and offered prayer. I arrived a bit late to therapy today, but it was just the medicine I needed.

Why Mother's Day?

I know I'm a bit late, but better late than never (is that Biblical??? should be)! Happy Mother's Day women...you truly deserve it...and it's not too late to call her!

I Need More Strength Lord (or better drugs)!

My memory verse that I’ve chosen for therapy is “…he who is in me is greater than he who is in the world” 1 John 4:4. I chose that today in the midst of therapy when I thought this sweet young lady, who probably doesn’t weigh 100 pounds, was going to rip my shoulder apart and beat me with my arm! I don’t want you to think she is mean, I am sure she is just doing her job, but once when she asked me if it hurt yet…and trying to control my anxiety, I said, “Kind of.” I was sure a satanic giggle came from her mouth! Seriously, I am finding out that surgery was the easy part…and physical therapy is the tough part. Reminds me of being a Christian…being saved is the easy part, but making (allowing) Jesus to be the Lord of my life…that is much harder. There are times when following Jesus we only want to go so far, but Jesus wants more of us. There are times when we don’t even want to have a Lord, we just want to go to heaven…in our time of course…but that is not what Christ is looking for in followers. Jesus is looking for those who are willing to surrender all because we know that whether spiritual or physical, “The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him” Exodus 15:2. Oh, btw, remember to pray for me on Wednesday afternoon as I have another appointment with the antichrist! :-)

Update...

Just a brief update on my surgery…doing well, I think…better ask Jill to make sure! Lots of pain, but drugs are good! Seem to have my days and nights turned around which means I’ve been watching ESPN ‘cause thats all that’s on…and I’m too sore to concentrate on reading…UGH! Also found out it is really, really hard to type with one hand! Keep the prayers coming…I still need them.

"Do Not Let Your Heart Rejoice"

As I heard the news last night and then during the day today of how our enemy Osama Bin Laden was killed, I must say I have been disturbed by the reactions of many American Christians…including myself at times. There was a part of me that wanted to rejoice because this voice of hatred has now been silenced…I was proud of our soldiers who executed the operation, but make no mistake, I don’t believe this will ever satisfy the families of the nearly 3000 who died on 9/11…but then I am not personally attached to any of the 9/11 martyrs. However, I am personally attached to Jesus Christ who calls His followers to act and react in a certain way and not simply follow our emotions. Proverbs 24:17 says, “Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice.” I was reminded of reading that verse today and searched for it as I watched those who celebrated his death through the night and throughout the day today. I am as much a patriot as anyone, but more than American, I am a Christian and my faith says that the Righteous Judge will judge Bin Laden, and neither I nor all of America is qualified to do that. Perhaps Martin Luther King Jr. said it best. "I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that."