May
31
May
28
Pink Hair and other important matters
It is now Thursday night about 9:00. It has been a long day. It has been one of those days that you never thought would come into your life, but it did. Our daughter Mary Anne has had her surgery and all is well. The doctor told us that everything went just as she wanted it to go. When we heard those words, there was a tremendous relief. God has once again blessed us richly. Elaine and I first learned of the possibility of Mary Anne’s breast cancer on April 16. Our prayers started at that point. When the cancer was confirmed and she let people know of her condition, even more prayers went up to our God. A few days latter I sent out an email to all of our missionaries telling them about Mary Anne. Once again even more prayers were offered up to God. Literally all around the world, my little girl’s name was being brought before the throne of God. Elaine and I were thrilled to know of the concern others had for her. Then word got out about many of the ladies wearing pink in their hair in support of Mary Anne. The parties that were given, the encouragement that was being offered, the wearing of pink, the volunteers to keep Faith and John Derrick, the offers to bring food, it was more than I could have imagined. God is so good!
The war is not over, but a major battle has been won. I just received a call from Honduras asking about Mary Anne. I have been answering emails telling of the good news that we have received. Words are hard to come by to express how thankful and appreciative Elaine and I feel.
We are not the first nor will we be the last family to be affected by this dreaded disease. The reason for this column is two fold. One is to simply try and say thank you to the 100’s of people who have helped in one way or another. The other reason is to give some insight on how to deal with this disease. I think each of us knows the first thing. It was mentioned at the very start, which is prayer. I can’t help but think that those who prayed for Mary Anne have prayed for countless others through the years. God has heard those prayers. A second thing is to develop a real trust in God. I don’t think this happens just over night. I don’t think it happens when something goes wrong and we need a solution. It happens when you get up each morning and understand that God is in control of our world. He knows what is best in each and every situation. God has a plan, and I may not always know or understand what it is, but I trust him to be in control. Maybe God was us using this to help me develop a stronger trust in Him. If that was the reason, it worked!
Thanks to all the prayer warriors who have been there for us. Thanks to all the missionaries who told so many others about Mary Anne. Thanks all the pink haired ladies who have been such an inspiration to Elaine and I. Thank you Mary Anne for being an example to your mother and I. Thank you God for loving me and holding our daughter in the palm of your hand.
May
21
Where are you headed
I recently read an article about Sir Alexander Mackenzie. I know that is not a household name. He was however a very unique character in history. He is somewhat of a Canadian hero who lived from 1764-1820. Early on he was a fur trader who eventually turned into an explorer. He led a daring expedition across Canada to the Pacific Ocean. His incredible journey was completed in 1793. For those of you who are history buffs, you know that that is eleven years before Americans Lewis and Clark began their famous expedition to the west.
Mackenzie was determined to succeed for an earlier attempt in 1789 had ended in failure. His crew of 12 explorers in three canoes had set out from Lake Athabasca in an effort to find a water route to the Pacific. The brave and valiant group of explorers followed a might river (now named after Mackenzie) with high hopes. They paddled furiously through various rapids with the dream of reaching the Pacific Ocean thus finding that often sought for yet elusive Northwest Passage. They faced great danger daily. Unfortunately, it didn’t empty into the Pacific but into the Artic Ocean. In his diary Sir Alexander Mackenzie called this mighty river, the “River of Disappointment.”
I have difficulty understanding why so many people today set their course of life in a direction that will never lead to life eternal but rather to a life of disappointment. Their beliefs, and values never point to Christ, they are false values that will never lead to heaven. When I read the words of Jesus as he spoke to his disciples in the upper room, it leaves no doubt in my mind that there is but one way to heaven. Remember Jesus said “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6). We are only fooling ourselves when we allow someone to teach us that there are many ways to God. That worldly philosophy that Satan plants in the minds of people that it doesn’t matter as long as you believe, will only lead to disappointment. It has been said, and rightfully so, that those who put their hope in Christ will never be disappointed. With that in mind, it becomes increasingly important for us to help others see that Christ is humanity’s only true hope. By trusting Him as our Savior, we will not end up on a “River of Disappointment.”
Prayer Thought: Thank you Lord for showing us the way to heaven.
May
14
Last Time
What is 3, 230 feet long, made of wood and cost seven million dollars to build? It is the wooden roller coaster Thunderhead at Dollywood. I have never been a big fan of roller coasters. Elaine on the other hand enjoys riding them. She tricked me on our recent vacation to Dollywood. If you will ride Thunderhead with me, I will ride one of the water rides with you. I reluctantly agreed to ride. I knew that I was in trouble when we got to the ride and heard all the screams from those riding. Concern grew when they said you will have to give us your ball cap (there is no way it would stay on my head at 55 mph). For the next two minutes and thirty seconds, of my life I was jerked and twisted as this beast made its way around the track. I actually felt as though I was coming out of my seat. Finally we get back to the station after what seemed like forever (remember it was only two and half minutes). The first words from Elaine’s lips were “I won’t be doing that again.”
The last time! Not again! I am too old for this much excitement! It was that thought of “Last time” that made me begin to think. Throughout our journey of life, we all experience many last times. For those graduating from high school or college, they will never be able to return that school as a student. We experience that last meal at home before we are married. Maybe it is seeing a friend who is moving and we know that we will not be able to see them again. When will be the last time you have to say to your wife/husband and or children that you love them? There is an endless list of things that happen for the last time in our life.
I wonder what will be the last time that you hear the good news of Jesus Christ being taught. When will be the last opportunity to come to worship the Lord in “spirit and truth?” What will be the last time that you have to go and serve the Lord, bringing Him more glory and honor? What will be the last time that I get to pick up His word to read and study it? Remember the words of James as he wrote to persecuted Christians; “…you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” (James 4:14). I truly enjoy life and I am blessed so much. However, the older I get the more my values and priorities change. I hope my love for the Lord is growing as is my love for mankind.
Earlier I said that Elaine tricked me! When I asked about riding one of the water rides, her response was she didn’t want to get wet! I guess years ago when there was an Opryland theme park, I rode for the “last time” a water ride. After riding Thunderhead, my life is going to be a little more sedate.
Prayer Thought: Help me Lord to be thankful for each day that you give me to live.
May
7
Graduation Season
While traveling on vacation, I listen to different CDs while Elaine reads. On our recent vacation I was listening to the Best Hits of the Statler Brothers. One of those hits was a song entitled “The class of 57.” The song goes through and tells what the members of the class did and were currently doing with their lives. The chorus goes like this; “And the class of ’57 had its dreams, Oh, we all thought we’d change the world with our great works and deeds. Or maybe we just thought the world would change to fit our needs, the class of 57 had its dreams.” Do you remember graduation? Do you reflect on what you have or have not accomplished since that time? Do you ever think what it would be like to go back in time to that moment, knowing what you now know?
Last Sunday night I looked at the senior video that Nick had put together. I saw pictures of little babies that are no longer little babies. I saw mothers and dad’s holding their children or playing with them. I think you could almost see in the eyes of the parents the dreams they have for their children. In a few short weeks all of the graduation ceremonies will have come and gone. Graduation speeches will be given and probably forgotten, diplomas will be handed out and a new phase of life begins. Mothers and Daddy’s make adjustments on the home front and the graduates begin to dream dreams of what the world is going to be like as they gain more and more freedom. Of all the hopes and dreams that one has, there is none as important as that of the hope of an eternal home with God. The apostle Paul told Titus; “…while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:13). Of all the dreams we have this is the one that we need to constantly keep before us. It is the one that we long for each and every day. I guess an important question to ask is, how do I make this dream a reality, how do I make this hope become actuality? Maybe a good place to look is a couple of verses before Paul talks of this hope. Listen to the help that we can receive “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say No to ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age…” (Titus 2:11-12). It seems to me that God wants to help you and I make our dreams, hopes aspiration of a home in heaven, a reality. I imagine that the class of 09 has its dreams. May the most important part of that dream be that of heaven.
Prayer Thought: Be with each one that graduates this year to be able to accomplish those things that are good and right.