April 29, 2010

Being a parent is a life-long endeavor. It is a great joy and hard work. Children don't choose their parents. We choose to be parents and are forever parenting. Sometimes well and sometimes not so well. I have found myself sitting on the bedside of our children more than once asking them to have patience with their father...I told them I was trying to be the best parent I knew how to be but from time-to-time I would come up short.
I believe forgiveness and grace are acquired in life by showing forgiveness and grace. I believe trust is earned by showing one can be trusted and by being honest and faithful. I have great kids and they have become precious adults. God has given them Godly partners to share life together. We have been given a extra gift of love in the person of a grandson. We look forward to more grandbabies! Being a parent or grandparent is a life long endeavor that God has given us the privilege of experiencing. Now I understand Grandma Elsie's and Grandma Olga's joy in life as they shared time with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. God is good. Thank you for the many "gifts' we have in our lives.

April 26, 2010

A few sentences caught my attention today from one of the devotionals we have for daily use.

"The book of Acts concludes with Paul confined in Rome, living under guard in a rented house, where he “received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 28:30-31).

Instead of focusing on his restrictions, Paul saw opportunities. That’s the key for us as well. There is a universe of humanity within our reach today."  by David C. McCasland

"Instead of focusing on his restrictions, Paul saw opportunities."  I need to remind myself daily of this insight. Obstacles or Opportunities. Interruptions or Opportunities. Restrictions or Opportunities. It really is a choice. It is a conscious choice to be made daily...encounter by encounter. Living under God's leading...choose life.

Deuteronomy 30:19-20a

"I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, 20 loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days..."

April 25, 2010

Attended a "Cowboy Church Service" this morning. Lots of music and some preaching. The text was Matthew's Gospel chapter 6 reminding us "not to worry about what we will wear or what we will eat but seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added on to you." The pastor used the illustration of a "horse"...surprise; surprise! A horse lives in the present and not in the future or past. We, on the other hand, worry about the past or future and miss out on the present moment. He asked a good question, "If you think worrying about the future helps...try to remember what you were worrying about last year at this time." Great question. Most of the things we tend to worry about never come to past. Learning to live in the present with a "sure and certain hope" for the future in Christ is a rich gift. It was a good service inviting us to live in the Light of Christ each day...sound familiar?
Blessings to you all.

Speaking of "presents"!

Oh how we love him!

April 23, 2010

The end of the week...the beginning of a weekend. Daily happenings become daily blessings if we look for them. A smile, a word of encouragement, a hug, a tear or whatever you may encounter become touches of God's love for us through others. Tonight I am grateful for Anne and Jack. They have come alongside and walked with us many times through joys and sorrow. Tonight we shared a meal and laughter which enriched our day at the end of the week. Who touched your life this week? Whose life did you touch?
Give thanks!

April 21, 2010

Twins Win Again! Go Twins!

The Flowering Crab Trees are ready to burst forth in full bloom. It will be beautiful!
Not as beautiful as the Empty Tomb of Jesus but beautiful. We are blessed by such beauty and wonder.
May Jesus burst into our lives afresh today. Thanks for all the prayers and kind words.

For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.  Romans 1:20a


If you have time today, read Our Daily Bread for today:
http://odb.org/2010/04/21/false-hope/

April 20, 2010 Good Report...

We spent a good portion of Monday at Mayo. There is always a senses of anticipation and anxiety before I meet with the physicians. The "unknown" is lurking.

However the news was good! There has been no change. We may have a slight med change in the next couple weeks but all-in-all it was a good report. I return in July for another follow up. There is a sense of relief and release in knowing.

Thank you Father, in the Name of Jesus. Pour out your healing Spirit on all who seek your presence.

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen."    2 Peter 3.18

April 18, 2010

On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood 

and cried out, saying, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to 

Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has 

said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." 

But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those 

believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was 

not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

                                                              John 7:37-39

Tomorrow I return to Mayo for follow up on the Mantle Cell Lymphoma and the cardiovascular issues that have resulted from the Stem Cell Transplant. I am confident that the "Living Water", Jesus will be in all things pouring out wisdom, healing and hope. God's hand is upon all things at all times no matter what the season of ones life.

April 17, 2010

We had the joy of going to the local park and playing with Haakon on the "big toy" then off to supper. His words and phrases are becoming clear and longer. Our grandson is growing up too fast. I wonder if Mary, the mother of Jesus had such thoughts as Jesus grew "in wisdom and stature".  Surely she sensed the precious gift she held would grow up. The words of St Luke echo with life and love..."but Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart."

Not one my best quality of pictures but the "subjects are precious".  Easter 2010

April 15th, 2010 "Our Daily Bread" reading for Today

April 16, 2010

The Treasure And The Pots

Listen Now |  Play MP3 (Mobile)READ: 2 Corinthians 4:1-11

We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. —2 Corinthians 4:7

It has been said that the Roman Empire ran on olive oil. It was used in cooking, bathing, medicine, ceremonies, lamps, and cosmetics. For decades, olive oil from southern Spain was shipped to Rome in large clay jugs called amphorae. Those jugs, not worth sending back, were discarded in a growing heap of broken shards known as Monte Testaccio. The fragments of an estimated 25 million amphorae created that man-made hill, which stands today on the bank of the Tiber River in Rome. In the ancient world, the value of those pots was not their beauty but their contents.

Because of this, the first-century followers of Christ would have clearly understood Paul’s illustration of the life of Jesus in every believer. “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us” (2 Cor. 4:7).

Our bodies, like amphorae, are temporary, fragile, and expendable. In our modern world that highly values outward beauty, we would be wise to remember that our greatest treasure is the life of Jesus within us. By God’s grace and power, may we live so that others can see Christ in us.

We are just the clay pots. Jesus is the true treasure within us.  — David C. McCasland

Although my outward shell decays,
I’m inwardly renewed each day,
Because the life and power of Christ
Indwells this fragile jar of clay. —Sper

Christ is seen most clearly when we remain in the background.

April 13, 2010 "18 Months Old"

Hard to believe but 18 months ago today I received my stem cell transplant. They wished me a Happy Birthday early in the morning as we prepared to do the transplant. It has been quite a ride. I have been blessed by generous prayer by many. Thank you!

This morning one of my best friends and brother in Christ stopped by to share words of encouragement and challenge into my life. What a gift to have friends like Tim. I have had another ask me if it (the transplant experience and cancer) had changed me. The answer would be yes. I am changed. I have a "new normal".
My life is filled with joy at each new day. I am at peace where I am right now. I am waiting on Jesus to direct my path in a new season of life. My hope is full and my family is precious. I am able to spend time...valuable time with those who are the most important in my life. Change is difficult but necessary.
In the midst of transition comes faith challenging and strengthening moments. Seeking to be faithful and "Living for Jesus" in these moments have changed me. Being "born anew daily" is so "Lutheran". The Holy Spirit calls, gathers and enlightens in these moments to be changed; to be transformed in the "heart song of Jesus' Way". The Cross before us; the world behind us...choose to follow Jesus.

Today one of my favorite passages in God' Word came to mind...and a favorite prayer of many was shared with me by Tim...

Psalm 103

Bless the Lord, O my soul,
   and all that is within me,
   bless his holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
   and do not forget all his benefits-
who forgives all your iniquity,
   who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the Pit,
   who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
who satisfies you with good as long as you live
   so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. 

The Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will; That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him Forever in the next. Amen. --Reinhold Niebuhr

April 8, 2010

God's ways of communicating with us are awesome. I (by chance today) opened the devotional Streams in the Desert. God's ministering and leading hand stretched out and touched me through the words of the writer. I will share this with you and any who might be struggling with direction or darkness...

Streams in the Desert - Apr. 8

 

April 8

Don't Rush

"Who is among you that feareth Jehovah, that obeyeth the voice of his servant? He that walketh in darkness and hath no light, let him trust in the name of Jehovah and rely upon his God" (Isa. 50:10, RV).


What shall the believer do in times of darkness -- the darkness of perplexity and confusion, not of heart but of mind? Times of darkness come to the faithful and believing disciple who is walking obediently in the will of God; seasons when he does not know what to do, nor which way to turn. The sky is overcast with clouds. The clear light of Heaven does not shine upon his pathway. One feels as if he were groping his way in darkness.

Beloved, is this you? What shall the believer do in times of darkness? Listen! "Let him trust in the name of the Lord, and rely upon his God."
The first thing to do is do nothing. This is hard for poor human nature to do. In the West there is a saying that runs thus, "When you're rattled, don't rush"; in other words, "When you don't know what to do, don't do it." 

When you run into a spiritual fog bank, don't tear ahead; slow down the machinery of your life. If necessary, anchor your bark or let it swing at its moorings. We are to simply trust God. While we trust, God can work. Worry prevents Him from doing anything for us. If our minds are distracted and our hearts distressed; if the darkness that overshadows us strikes terror to us; if we run hither and yon in a vain effort to find some way of escape out of a dark place of trial, where Divine providence has put us, the Lord can do nothing for us.

The peace of God must quiet our minds and rest our hearts. We must put our hand in the hand of God like a little child, and let Him lead us out into the bright sunshine of His love. He knows the way out of the woods. Let us climb up into His arms, and trust Him to take us out by the shortest and surest road. --Dr. Pardington

Remember we are never without a pilot when we know not how to steer.

"Hold on, my heart, in thy believing--
The steadfast only wins the crown;
He who, when stormy winds are heaving,
Parts with its anchor, shall go down;
But he who Jesus holds through all,
Shall stand, though Heaven and earth should fall.


"Hold out! There comes an end to sorrow;
Hope from the dust shall conquering rise;
The storm foretells a summer's morrow;
The Cross points on to Paradise;
The Father reigneth! cease all doubt;
Hold on, my heart, hold on, hold out."

April 7, 2010

Life in the Spirit

Romans 8:1-6 ESV There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.

Living life together is a daily joy and challenge. "Fixing our eyes on Jesus" is the mindset for the Christ follower. Seeking to see Jesus in others is a source of peace and life. When we meet Jesus in another we are graced with His peace and life. "Be Jesus" to someone today. Extend mercy, comfort or a helping hand in the name of Jesus to bring life and peace to someone you know.

April 6, 2010

Family...takes on many aspects as our "family" has grown in wonderful ways over the years. One of our extended family needs prayer. Marilyn, Marc's mother has been hospitalized after surgery and stroke. She is recovering but needs prayer in these tough days. Roger, her husband, is by her side and needs our prayers too. We are thankful for the healing that has been taking place in the past few days. Thank you for your prayers, again.

Easter Sunday April 4, 2010

While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” Luke 24:4-7 ESV


As we worshiped as a family this Easter Morning I heard in a new way the question of why do we seek Jesus among the "dead things" in our lives. Why do we dwell in the past of death and loss when the Word Lives. The Word of Life has been spoken in the face of death...He is risen...Jesus is not dead; He is alive.

Tomorrow Lindsay, our daughter, would have been 33 years old. She had so much to live for and give yet her life was lived in a shorter time than others. Her living testimony to God's love and mercy will forever be before us. She faithfully and courageously lived out her trust in Jesus, the Risen One. Her hope was in the Word of Life of God, Jesus the Christ. With her death we are not to look for her among the dead but with the Living Christ Jesus. We see our Living Hope in the Cross and empty Tomb of Jesus. He lives; so shall those who have died trusting in Christ live.

April 1, 2010 Happy Birthday John and Colin!

Birthdays are great times. We are celebrating brother-in-law John and soon to be son-in-law Colin's birthdays today. God has blessed us with John and Colin. May we be a blessing to them too.
Spring is here!!!

A Psalm for giving thanks.

100:1 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!
2 Serve the Lord with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!

3 Know that the Lord, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!

5 For the Lord is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.