Thursday July 7, 2005
08:00am
Hey Everybody,
It's Thursday morning, I'm sitting in the screened porch with coffee, laptop, and today's newspaper. Life can be so good sometimes.
As expected, you all proved an invaluable source in response to my last newsletter. As a result, I've been in touch with oncology specialists from every major cancer center in the nation - MD Anderson, Mayo, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, to name a few. I've spent days poring through websites and forums; I've had continual sessions in prayer - both praying and listening; and have decided to go ahead with the additional chemotherapy.
I had my first of twelve weekly treatments yesterday and I have felt no effect from it whatsoever at this point; in fact, John and I played a game of tennis earlier and I felt as strong as ever. John cautions me not to get my hopes up (I lean in that direction) thinking I'll sail through this without some discomfort, but, so far, very, very good.
My probing has shown that most people do not have permanent side effects with the medicine as long as it's monitored closely. I guess they have to give you the worst case scenario and hope you are pleasantly surprised.
I also discovered that the reason I need this additional treatment is because my particular brand of cancer "overexpresses" the Her2 protein. (My friends had a chuckle at that.) It is also considered high risk for recurring and metastasizing. Once I jump through all the hoops (Taxol, Herceptin, radiation) I'll have a less than 8 percent chance of recurrence. Those are odds that make sense to me.
The worst part of this is that we've had to cancel our concert dates until next year. That means I won't have an opportunity to thank you in person and to hear your stories as soon as I'd hoped. I guess that also means it will be even sweeter when I do get to tell you what you have meant to me.
We continue to see the Lord in the details. My oncologist reminded me that had we not done the original chemo before the lumpectomy, we wouldn't even know that my cancer had not responded to it. I also think it is not coincidental that the Taxol/Herceptin combination was announced in May - and is considered the biggest advance in breast cancer in 50 years. I also know that God has been listening; maybe Mark Lowry was right when he called to say that God was getting so inundated by prayers on my behalf that He likely turned in frustration to Michael and asked, "Janet who?"
Thank you for your encouragement, and your stories of how the music has made a difference in your lives. That still overwhelms me.Thank you for writing. Thank you for praying. Thank you for forwarding my letter to friends, relatives, medical specialists, and prayer warriors. I have heard from them all, and have appreciated every effort spent in getting information and experiences to me. They have all played a part in my decision.
I'll keep you updated as we progress. I'll also keep you posted on what I'm learning through this as a way to repay your kindnesses, although it will surely fall short of that.
You are a gift to me - and I am deeply grateful.
We love you - we'll be in touch.
Blessings,
Janet
__________________________
Please continue praying for my good friend Janet Paschal. She is such a wonderful minister in so many ways.
Worship and "Higher" Politics...
From the July issue of Christianity Today:
Worship as Higher Politics
Political priorities for citizens of the kingdom.
A Christianity Today editorial posted 06/23/2005 09:00 a.m.
George W. Bush is not Lord.
The Declaration of Independence is not an infallible guide to Christian faith and practice.
Nor is the U.S. Constitution, nor the U.N. Universal Declaration on Human Rights. "Original intent" of America's founders is not the hermeneutical key that will guarantee national righteousness. The American flag is not the Cross. The Pledge of Allegiance is not the Creed. "God Bless America" is not the Doxology.
Sometimes one needs to state the obvious—especially at times when it's less and less obvious.
Say What?Understandably, megachurch pastor Rod Parsley (World Harvest Church in Columbus, Ohio) has had enough of America's moral confusion. But in his newly published Silent No More: Bringing Moral Clarity to America … While Freedom Still Rings (Charisma House, 2005), he writes (not so understandably), "I can be silent no more. Not until the land of our fathers' dream arises. Not until we become the truly kind and noble society we were fashioned to be. Not until the commitment of our fathers truly does become the calling of our times."
And here we thought the Ten Commandments and Sermon on the Mount held the key to a "truly kind and noble society."
Ted Haggard, president of the National Association of Evangelicals, spoke recently about the serious problem of judges legislating from the bench. He also said: "We want to return to a nation governed by law, rather than a nation governed by judges. This is a major issue to us. We know for evangelical Christians to function, we need the rule of law."
The remark implies unintentionally that the church needs humble judges who submit to "original intent" if it is to function. Tell that to the church in Africa and Latin America, where corrupt judges and wild dictators reign, and where church growth approaches the miraculous.
Family Research Council (FRC) Action is a lobbying arm of FRC, and as such it is not explicitly religious in its public presentation. But it is known far and wide as an outpost of the Christian Right. So it can only reap confusion when it posts this endorsement from former U.S. Senator Bob Smith of New Hampshire: "Just beneath our superficial prosperity is a moral and cultural center that is in serious disrepair. We have the tools to fix it: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution … and a people whose hearts, courage, and dedication have never been questioned."
As important as the Declaration and Constitution are to the political health of our nation, surely nobody at FRC Action believes that these documents are the key to fixing the "serious disrepair" at our nation's "moral center."
And for some time now, we've been hearing from David Barton, Peter Marshall, and James Kennedy, among others, about "renewing the vision of our founding fathers, as expressed in America's founding documents," and the need "to defend and implement the biblical principles on which our country was founded."
The not-so-subtle equation of America's founding with biblical Christianity has been shown time and again to be historically inaccurate. The founding was a unique combination of biblical teaching and Enlightenment rationalism, and most of the founding fathers, as historian Edwin Gaustad, among many others, has noted, were not orthodox Christians, but instead were primarily products of the Enlightenment. The Enlightenment, we should recall, has never been much of a friend of biblical Christianity.
Political PrioritiesIn the heat of partisan politics (out of which many of these overstatements and misunderstandings arise), we are tempted to forget that the most potent political act—the one act that deeply manifests and really empowers a "kind and noble society"—is the worship of Jesus Christ.
In worship we signal who is the Sovereign, not of just this nation, but of heaven and Earth. In worship we gather to be formed into an alternate polis, the people of God. It is here that we proclaim that a new political order—the kingdom of heaven—has been preached and incarnated by the King of Kings, and will someday come in fullness, a fullness to which all kingdoms and republics will submit:
"I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. … The city does not need the sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the Earth will bring their splendor into it" (Rev. 21:2, 23-24).
Nearly a quarter of a century ago, just as the Religious Right was blossoming, Richard John Neuhaus put it this way: "Jesus Christ is Lord. That is the first and final assertion Christians make about all of reality, including politics. Believers now assert by faith what one day will be manifest to the sight of all: Every earthly sovereignty is subordinate to the sovereignty of Jesus Christ. The church is the bearer of that claim."
Theologian Stanley Hauerwas, no political ally of Neuhaus, extended the point in a recent interview: "Christians' first political responsibility is to be the church, and by being the church they should understand that their first political loyalty is to God, and the God we worship as Christians, in a manner that understands that we are not first and foremost about making democracy work, but about the truthful worship of the true God."
Let us be clear: The Christian citizen of every nation has a moral obligation to engage at some level in that nation's political life. We do not recommend withdrawal from the political arena. We admire especially those whose calling falls in this area—mayors, councilmen, senators, representatives, presidents. Theirs is as noble a calling as that of a plumber or pastor.
But Christians who enter that calling, and those who pray for and work with them, must not forget one thing: where hope for this nation, and the world, really lies, and where that hope is most manifest Sunday by Sunday.
Copyright © 2005 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.
July 2005, Vol. 49, No. 7, Page 16
Worship as Higher Politics
Political priorities for citizens of the kingdom.
A Christianity Today editorial posted 06/23/2005 09:00 a.m.
George W. Bush is not Lord.
The Declaration of Independence is not an infallible guide to Christian faith and practice.
Nor is the U.S. Constitution, nor the U.N. Universal Declaration on Human Rights. "Original intent" of America's founders is not the hermeneutical key that will guarantee national righteousness. The American flag is not the Cross. The Pledge of Allegiance is not the Creed. "God Bless America" is not the Doxology.
Sometimes one needs to state the obvious—especially at times when it's less and less obvious.
Say What?Understandably, megachurch pastor Rod Parsley (World Harvest Church in Columbus, Ohio) has had enough of America's moral confusion. But in his newly published Silent No More: Bringing Moral Clarity to America … While Freedom Still Rings (Charisma House, 2005), he writes (not so understandably), "I can be silent no more. Not until the land of our fathers' dream arises. Not until we become the truly kind and noble society we were fashioned to be. Not until the commitment of our fathers truly does become the calling of our times."
And here we thought the Ten Commandments and Sermon on the Mount held the key to a "truly kind and noble society."
Ted Haggard, president of the National Association of Evangelicals, spoke recently about the serious problem of judges legislating from the bench. He also said: "We want to return to a nation governed by law, rather than a nation governed by judges. This is a major issue to us. We know for evangelical Christians to function, we need the rule of law."
The remark implies unintentionally that the church needs humble judges who submit to "original intent" if it is to function. Tell that to the church in Africa and Latin America, where corrupt judges and wild dictators reign, and where church growth approaches the miraculous.
Family Research Council (FRC) Action is a lobbying arm of FRC, and as such it is not explicitly religious in its public presentation. But it is known far and wide as an outpost of the Christian Right. So it can only reap confusion when it posts this endorsement from former U.S. Senator Bob Smith of New Hampshire: "Just beneath our superficial prosperity is a moral and cultural center that is in serious disrepair. We have the tools to fix it: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution … and a people whose hearts, courage, and dedication have never been questioned."
As important as the Declaration and Constitution are to the political health of our nation, surely nobody at FRC Action believes that these documents are the key to fixing the "serious disrepair" at our nation's "moral center."
And for some time now, we've been hearing from David Barton, Peter Marshall, and James Kennedy, among others, about "renewing the vision of our founding fathers, as expressed in America's founding documents," and the need "to defend and implement the biblical principles on which our country was founded."
The not-so-subtle equation of America's founding with biblical Christianity has been shown time and again to be historically inaccurate. The founding was a unique combination of biblical teaching and Enlightenment rationalism, and most of the founding fathers, as historian Edwin Gaustad, among many others, has noted, were not orthodox Christians, but instead were primarily products of the Enlightenment. The Enlightenment, we should recall, has never been much of a friend of biblical Christianity.
Political PrioritiesIn the heat of partisan politics (out of which many of these overstatements and misunderstandings arise), we are tempted to forget that the most potent political act—the one act that deeply manifests and really empowers a "kind and noble society"—is the worship of Jesus Christ.
In worship we signal who is the Sovereign, not of just this nation, but of heaven and Earth. In worship we gather to be formed into an alternate polis, the people of God. It is here that we proclaim that a new political order—the kingdom of heaven—has been preached and incarnated by the King of Kings, and will someday come in fullness, a fullness to which all kingdoms and republics will submit:
"I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. … The city does not need the sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the Earth will bring their splendor into it" (Rev. 21:2, 23-24).
Nearly a quarter of a century ago, just as the Religious Right was blossoming, Richard John Neuhaus put it this way: "Jesus Christ is Lord. That is the first and final assertion Christians make about all of reality, including politics. Believers now assert by faith what one day will be manifest to the sight of all: Every earthly sovereignty is subordinate to the sovereignty of Jesus Christ. The church is the bearer of that claim."
Theologian Stanley Hauerwas, no political ally of Neuhaus, extended the point in a recent interview: "Christians' first political responsibility is to be the church, and by being the church they should understand that their first political loyalty is to God, and the God we worship as Christians, in a manner that understands that we are not first and foremost about making democracy work, but about the truthful worship of the true God."
Let us be clear: The Christian citizen of every nation has a moral obligation to engage at some level in that nation's political life. We do not recommend withdrawal from the political arena. We admire especially those whose calling falls in this area—mayors, councilmen, senators, representatives, presidents. Theirs is as noble a calling as that of a plumber or pastor.
But Christians who enter that calling, and those who pray for and work with them, must not forget one thing: where hope for this nation, and the world, really lies, and where that hope is most manifest Sunday by Sunday.
Copyright © 2005 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.
July 2005, Vol. 49, No. 7, Page 16
Sandra Day O'Connor: Retiring from the Supreme Court
This morning, Sandra Day O'Connor, the first woman to ever fill a seat on the United States Supreme Court (nominated by President Reagan in 1981) announced her intentions to retire, pending the nomination and confirmation of her successor. Justice O'Connor has left quite a legacy in her ilustrious career. Read more about her:
___________________________________________
Perhaps no other jurist could have come to the Supreme Court under greater expectations and scorn. When President Ronald Reagan nominated Sandra Day O'Connor in 1981 to be the first woman justice to sit on the Supreme Court, he did so out of an obligation to keep a campaign promise. O'Connor's nomination was quick to draw criticism from both the political left and right. Conservatives derided her lack of federal judicial experience and claimed she was lacking in constitutional knowledge. They considered her a wasted nomination and suspected her position on abortion. Liberals, on the other hand, could not deny their satisfaction at seeing a woman on the High Court, but they were dismayed at O'Connor's apparent lack of strong support for feminist issues. In time, however, O'Connor has come to answer all these criticisms. O'Connor has emerged from the shadow of Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist and the Court's conservative bloc with her own brand of pragmatic and centrist-oriented conservatism. Even those liberals who branded her a "traitor" in her early years for compromising on abortion rights, now appreciate her efforts to keep the "pro-choice" message of Roe v. Wade (1973) alive.
O'Connor's success should come at no surprise. From her rural childhood to her career climb through a profession dominated by men, O'Connor often resorted to practical solutions as she worked within the system. This tendency to moderate, in turn, enhanced her importance in an often-splintered Court.
Sandra Day O'Connor was born March 26, 1930, in El Paso, Texas. Her parents, Harry and Ada Mae, owned the Lazy-B-Cattle Ranch in southeastern Arizona, where O'Connor grew up.
O'Connor experienced a difficult life on the ranch in her early childhood. The ranch itself did not receive electricity or running water until she was seven. Since their nearest neighbors lived 25 miles away, the family spent their days mostly in isolation. Her younger brother and sister were not born until she herself was eight years old, leaving her to spend many years as an only child. To compensate for the loneliness, she befriended many of the ranch's cowboys and kept many pets, including a bobcat. O'Connor read profusely in her early years and engaged in many ranch activities. She learned to drive at age seven and could fire rifles and ride horses proficiently by the time she turned eight.
The isolated ranch made formal education difficult so O'Connor's parents sent her to live with her maternal grandmother in El Paso. Sandra attended the Radford School, a private academy for girls, from kindergarten through high school. Suffering from extreme homesickness, she withdrew and returned to Arizona for a year. Still, she graduated with good marks at the age of sixteen. O'Connor attributes much of her later success to her grandmother's influence. She credits her grandmother's confidence in her ability to succeed in any endeavor as her motivation for refusing to admit defeat.
After high school, O'Connor attended Stanford University where she majored in economics. She chose economics originally with the intention of applying that knowledge towards the operation of a ranch of her own or even the Lazy-B Ranch. A legal dispute over her family's ranch, however, stirred her interest in law and O'Connor decided to enroll at Stanford Law School after receiving her baccalaureate degree magna cum laude in 1950.
O'Connor only took two years, instead of the customary three, to complete law school. Along the way, she served on the Stanford Law Review and received membership in the Order of the Coif, a legal honor society. She also met her future husband, John Jay O'Connor, a fellow student, at this time. O'Connor graduated third out of a class of 102. (First in the class William H. Rehnquist who would become chief justice.)
O'Connor faced a difficult job market after leaving Stanford. No law firm in California wanted to hire her and only one offered her a position as a legal secretary. Ironically, a senior partner of that firm, William French Smith, helped O'Connor's nomination to the Supreme Court years later as the Attorney General. Failing to find suitable work in private practice, O'Connor turned to public service. She accepted a job as the deputy county attorney for San Mateo, California. When O'Connor's husband graduated from Stanford a year later, the army immediately drafted him into the Judge Advocate General Corps. John O'Connor served in Frankfurt, Germany, for three years with Sandra by his side. While in Germany, Sandra served as a civilian lawyer in the Quartermaster's Corps.
When the O'Connors returned to the U.S. in 1957, they decided to settle down in Phoenix, Arizona. They had their three sons in the six years that followed.
O'Connor again found it difficult to obtain a position with any law firm so she decided to start her own firm with a single partner. She practiced a wide variety of small cases in her early days as a lawyer since she lacked specialization and an established reputation. After she gave birth to her second son, O'Connor withdrew from work temporarily to care for her children. She became involved in many volunteer activities during this time. She devoted much of her time to the Arizona State Hospital, the Arizona State Bar, the Salvation Army, and various local schools. She also began an involvement with the Arizona Republican Party. After five years as a full-time mother, O'Connor returned to work as an assistant state attorney general in Arizona.
When a state senator resigned to take an appointment in Washington D.C., Arizona Governor Jack Williams appointed O'Connor to occupy the vacant seat. O'Connor successfully defended her senate position for two more terms and eventually became the majority leader, a first for women anywhere in the U.S. In 1974, O'Connor decided to shift gears and run for a judgeship on the Maricopa County Superior Court. State Republican leaders urged her to consider a campaign for the governorship in 1978, but O'Connor declined. A year later, the newly elected Democratic governor nominated O'Connor to the Arizona Court of Appeals. Not quite two years later, President Reagan nominated her as the first woman to Supreme Court as a replacement for the retiring Justice Potter Stewart.
The Senate confirmed O'Connor's appointment unanimously. As if in anticipation of her arrival, the Court abandoned its formal use of "Mr. Justice" as the form of address, opting for the simpler and gender-neutral, "Justice." Early in her tenure on the Court, most observers identified O'Connor as part of the Court's conservative faction. The public often associated her with Rehnquist since they shared common roots and values. However, after a few Terms, O'Connor established her own unique position on the Court. Although she commonly sided with the conservatives, O'Connor would frequently author a concurrence that sought to narrow the scope of the majority's opinion.
To this day, O'Connor's core legal philosophy remains difficult to define. She approaches each case with individual treatment and seeks always to arrive at a practical conclusion. Her moderation has helped her role as the centrist coalition-builder, which has consequently enhanced her influence on the Court.
__________________________________
What a great legacy, what a great American!
God bless Justice Sandra Day O'Connor
___________________________________________
Perhaps no other jurist could have come to the Supreme Court under greater expectations and scorn. When President Ronald Reagan nominated Sandra Day O'Connor in 1981 to be the first woman justice to sit on the Supreme Court, he did so out of an obligation to keep a campaign promise. O'Connor's nomination was quick to draw criticism from both the political left and right. Conservatives derided her lack of federal judicial experience and claimed she was lacking in constitutional knowledge. They considered her a wasted nomination and suspected her position on abortion. Liberals, on the other hand, could not deny their satisfaction at seeing a woman on the High Court, but they were dismayed at O'Connor's apparent lack of strong support for feminist issues. In time, however, O'Connor has come to answer all these criticisms. O'Connor has emerged from the shadow of Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist and the Court's conservative bloc with her own brand of pragmatic and centrist-oriented conservatism. Even those liberals who branded her a "traitor" in her early years for compromising on abortion rights, now appreciate her efforts to keep the "pro-choice" message of Roe v. Wade (1973) alive.
O'Connor's success should come at no surprise. From her rural childhood to her career climb through a profession dominated by men, O'Connor often resorted to practical solutions as she worked within the system. This tendency to moderate, in turn, enhanced her importance in an often-splintered Court.
Sandra Day O'Connor was born March 26, 1930, in El Paso, Texas. Her parents, Harry and Ada Mae, owned the Lazy-B-Cattle Ranch in southeastern Arizona, where O'Connor grew up.
O'Connor experienced a difficult life on the ranch in her early childhood. The ranch itself did not receive electricity or running water until she was seven. Since their nearest neighbors lived 25 miles away, the family spent their days mostly in isolation. Her younger brother and sister were not born until she herself was eight years old, leaving her to spend many years as an only child. To compensate for the loneliness, she befriended many of the ranch's cowboys and kept many pets, including a bobcat. O'Connor read profusely in her early years and engaged in many ranch activities. She learned to drive at age seven and could fire rifles and ride horses proficiently by the time she turned eight.
The isolated ranch made formal education difficult so O'Connor's parents sent her to live with her maternal grandmother in El Paso. Sandra attended the Radford School, a private academy for girls, from kindergarten through high school. Suffering from extreme homesickness, she withdrew and returned to Arizona for a year. Still, she graduated with good marks at the age of sixteen. O'Connor attributes much of her later success to her grandmother's influence. She credits her grandmother's confidence in her ability to succeed in any endeavor as her motivation for refusing to admit defeat.
After high school, O'Connor attended Stanford University where she majored in economics. She chose economics originally with the intention of applying that knowledge towards the operation of a ranch of her own or even the Lazy-B Ranch. A legal dispute over her family's ranch, however, stirred her interest in law and O'Connor decided to enroll at Stanford Law School after receiving her baccalaureate degree magna cum laude in 1950.
O'Connor only took two years, instead of the customary three, to complete law school. Along the way, she served on the Stanford Law Review and received membership in the Order of the Coif, a legal honor society. She also met her future husband, John Jay O'Connor, a fellow student, at this time. O'Connor graduated third out of a class of 102. (First in the class William H. Rehnquist who would become chief justice.)
O'Connor faced a difficult job market after leaving Stanford. No law firm in California wanted to hire her and only one offered her a position as a legal secretary. Ironically, a senior partner of that firm, William French Smith, helped O'Connor's nomination to the Supreme Court years later as the Attorney General. Failing to find suitable work in private practice, O'Connor turned to public service. She accepted a job as the deputy county attorney for San Mateo, California. When O'Connor's husband graduated from Stanford a year later, the army immediately drafted him into the Judge Advocate General Corps. John O'Connor served in Frankfurt, Germany, for three years with Sandra by his side. While in Germany, Sandra served as a civilian lawyer in the Quartermaster's Corps.
When the O'Connors returned to the U.S. in 1957, they decided to settle down in Phoenix, Arizona. They had their three sons in the six years that followed.
O'Connor again found it difficult to obtain a position with any law firm so she decided to start her own firm with a single partner. She practiced a wide variety of small cases in her early days as a lawyer since she lacked specialization and an established reputation. After she gave birth to her second son, O'Connor withdrew from work temporarily to care for her children. She became involved in many volunteer activities during this time. She devoted much of her time to the Arizona State Hospital, the Arizona State Bar, the Salvation Army, and various local schools. She also began an involvement with the Arizona Republican Party. After five years as a full-time mother, O'Connor returned to work as an assistant state attorney general in Arizona.
When a state senator resigned to take an appointment in Washington D.C., Arizona Governor Jack Williams appointed O'Connor to occupy the vacant seat. O'Connor successfully defended her senate position for two more terms and eventually became the majority leader, a first for women anywhere in the U.S. In 1974, O'Connor decided to shift gears and run for a judgeship on the Maricopa County Superior Court. State Republican leaders urged her to consider a campaign for the governorship in 1978, but O'Connor declined. A year later, the newly elected Democratic governor nominated O'Connor to the Arizona Court of Appeals. Not quite two years later, President Reagan nominated her as the first woman to Supreme Court as a replacement for the retiring Justice Potter Stewart.
The Senate confirmed O'Connor's appointment unanimously. As if in anticipation of her arrival, the Court abandoned its formal use of "Mr. Justice" as the form of address, opting for the simpler and gender-neutral, "Justice." Early in her tenure on the Court, most observers identified O'Connor as part of the Court's conservative faction. The public often associated her with Rehnquist since they shared common roots and values. However, after a few Terms, O'Connor established her own unique position on the Court. Although she commonly sided with the conservatives, O'Connor would frequently author a concurrence that sought to narrow the scope of the majority's opinion.
To this day, O'Connor's core legal philosophy remains difficult to define. She approaches each case with individual treatment and seeks always to arrive at a practical conclusion. Her moderation has helped her role as the centrist coalition-builder, which has consequently enhanced her influence on the Court.
__________________________________
What a great legacy, what a great American!
God bless Justice Sandra Day O'Connor
Buying a New Home: Lessons Learned...
Well, dear readers, I have recently closed on my very first home purchase. It is a lovely condominium (rehabbed) approximately 900 Square Feet, two bedrooms, one bath...and all the amenities--for the most part.
This was the most stressful thing I have ever undertaken....hands down!
And as crazy and egotistical as it may sound, I feel that I should share some "lessons learned" from this whole experience:
1). Get a good real estate agent----I have a wonderful one, Birdie Solti with MetroTech Realty here in Chicago....she was a God-send, in every respect. She answered all my questions, or found the answers to them...and she sincerely looked out for my best interests through the whole process. She wasn't sparse with her opinion about any of the properties we looked over either. I appreciate that more than she will ever know.
2). Get a Lender/Mortgage Broker in your own town---don't go for one that you cannot see and talk to on a regular (for me, at least twice a day) basis. After all, you will be the one paying "the bills"--including their commissions once it is all said and done.
3) Inspect the property from one square inch to the other....and make sure that everything is just the way you want it....or have agreed to....in writing.
4) Get the opinions of a few close, trusted friends. I was smart enough to do this...and it proved to be invaluable--particularly my friend Mike--who was a professional interior designer at one point in his life.
5) Don't believe the "Good Faith Estimates" when it comes to closing costs....these were no where close to be accurate....the REAL costs were far more than the estimates....
This was the most stressful thing I have ever undertaken....hands down!
And as crazy and egotistical as it may sound, I feel that I should share some "lessons learned" from this whole experience:
1). Get a good real estate agent----I have a wonderful one, Birdie Solti with MetroTech Realty here in Chicago....she was a God-send, in every respect. She answered all my questions, or found the answers to them...and she sincerely looked out for my best interests through the whole process. She wasn't sparse with her opinion about any of the properties we looked over either. I appreciate that more than she will ever know.
2). Get a Lender/Mortgage Broker in your own town---don't go for one that you cannot see and talk to on a regular (for me, at least twice a day) basis. After all, you will be the one paying "the bills"--including their commissions once it is all said and done.
3) Inspect the property from one square inch to the other....and make sure that everything is just the way you want it....or have agreed to....in writing.
4) Get the opinions of a few close, trusted friends. I was smart enough to do this...and it proved to be invaluable--particularly my friend Mike--who was a professional interior designer at one point in his life.
5) Don't believe the "Good Faith Estimates" when it comes to closing costs....these were no where close to be accurate....the REAL costs were far more than the estimates....
The Best Ice Cream in the world!
My good friends Chris Hill and Jeff Wilcoxen started a business more than 15 months ago in the neighborhood where I currently live (and will soon be moving from) called Bobtails.
BOBTAILS is an ice cream/soda fountain/coffee shop...
All the ice creams/sorbets/sherberts are freshly made at home...in their store.
Here's the link:
http://www.bobtailsodafountain.com/index.html
If you are ever in the Windy City, please stop by BOBTAILS....
It is the best. Tell them "their buddy Phil" sent you.
And get the MANGO SORBET...
It is to "die for."
BOBTAILS is an ice cream/soda fountain/coffee shop...
All the ice creams/sorbets/sherberts are freshly made at home...in their store.
Here's the link:
http://www.bobtailsodafountain.com/index.html
If you are ever in the Windy City, please stop by BOBTAILS....
It is the best. Tell them "their buddy Phil" sent you.
And get the MANGO SORBET...
It is to "die for."
NBA Pre-Draft Camp..what a great witness....
The Moody Bible Institute here in Chicago will be hosting the NBA's "Pre-Draft" Camp again this year at their state-of-the-art Soldheim Athletic Facility. Here's the story:
June 2, 2005
Home Court Advantage
It’s become one of the most well-known rituals in sports. Every summer, coaches and executives from all 30 NBA teams converge at Moody’s Solheim Center to scout prospects for the upcoming draft. Some of the most famous players in NBA history attend—including Larry Bird, Dominique Wilkins, Jerry West and Isiah Thomas—as does nearly every major media outlet in the country.
Clearly, the pre-draft camp has proven to be a success for the NBA, one of the best opportunities for its teams to evaluate players who aren’t “sure things” in the draft. However, according to Don Martindell, Moody’s Athletic Administrator, the camp also benefits Moody by making good use its athletic center during the slower summer months and by generating positive publicity.
Martindell values the opportunity the camp provides for Moody staff to serve. “The NBA loves it here,” Martindell said, “and we enjoy serving them and reflecting the One who motivates our service.”
The NBA pre-draft camp will be held this week from June 7 to 10. Moody Bible Institute has hosted the camp for 14 years.
***************************
What an incredible opportunity to see the love of Christ and the grace of God in action....
June 2, 2005
Home Court Advantage
It’s become one of the most well-known rituals in sports. Every summer, coaches and executives from all 30 NBA teams converge at Moody’s Solheim Center to scout prospects for the upcoming draft. Some of the most famous players in NBA history attend—including Larry Bird, Dominique Wilkins, Jerry West and Isiah Thomas—as does nearly every major media outlet in the country.
Clearly, the pre-draft camp has proven to be a success for the NBA, one of the best opportunities for its teams to evaluate players who aren’t “sure things” in the draft. However, according to Don Martindell, Moody’s Athletic Administrator, the camp also benefits Moody by making good use its athletic center during the slower summer months and by generating positive publicity.
Martindell values the opportunity the camp provides for Moody staff to serve. “The NBA loves it here,” Martindell said, “and we enjoy serving them and reflecting the One who motivates our service.”
The NBA pre-draft camp will be held this week from June 7 to 10. Moody Bible Institute has hosted the camp for 14 years.
***************************
What an incredible opportunity to see the love of Christ and the grace of God in action....
What's on your mind?
This is the one post where I will ask my readers to state whatever they want to put in the comments section of this website.
What's on your mind?
What's on your mind?
Conflict in the Body of Christ...(link)
Dr James McDonald, Senior Pastor of Harvest Bible Chapel in suburban Rolling Meadows, Illinois is doing a marvelous series on the daily radio program, "Walk In The Word."
Take a listen:
http://www.walkintheword.com/
Take a listen:
http://www.walkintheword.com/
One Senator with Integrity...why not more?
WASHINGTON - In a tense atmosphere, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee debated John Bolton's fitness to be United Nations' ambassador on Thursday. A critical Republican senator, George Voinovich of Ohio, agreed to let the nomination go to the full Senate but he called the diplomat "arrogant" and "bullying."
"This administration can do better than that," Voinovich said in the first big battle of
President Bush' s second term.
Voinovich said he could not vote for the nomination, but would agree to send it to the floor without a recommendation of approval or disapproval.
"We owe it to the president to give Mr. Bolton an up-or-down vote on the floor of the U.S. Senate," Voinovich said.
Despite Voinovich's sharp criticism of Bolton, who now serves as the top arms-control diplomat at the State Department, the White House was clearly relieved that the Ohio senator had agreed to let the full Senate decide.
Bush spokesman Scott McClellan said the White House is confident Bolton will be confirmed by the full Senate. Voinovich called Bolton "the poster child of what someone in the diplomatic corps should not be."
He said Bolton would be fired if he was in the private sector.
"That being said, Mr. Chairman, I am not so arrogant to think that I should impose my judgment and perspective of the U.S. position in the world community on the rest of my colleagues," he added.
Voinovich later told reporters he planned to vote against Bolton in the full Senate. Will Bolton win eventual confirmation? "I have every faith in my colleagues. No one really is excited about him. We'll see what happens," he said.
Republicans hold an 10-8 edge on the panel. All eight Democrats have said they would vote against Bolton. Thus, a single "no" GOP vote would deadlock the panel and keep the nomination from going to the floor.
"After hours of deliberation, telephone calls, personal conversations, reading hundreds of pages of transcripts, and asking for guidance from Above, I have come to the determination that the United States can do better than John Bolton," Voinovich said
Voinovich had been the only holdout of four GOP committee members who expressed misgivings about the Bolton nomination.
He said he hoped the full Senate, where Republicans hold a 55-45 majority, would reject the nomination.
"What message are we sending to the world community?" Voinovich asked.
The Republican chairman of the panel, Sen. Richard Lugar of Indiana, defended the nomination in opening remarks, while conceding that "Secretary Bolton's actions were not always exemplary."
Bolton misjudged the actions of subordinates and sometimes clashed with superiors in his current job as the State Department's arms control chief, Lugar said.
But weeks of intense Senate inquiry turned up no evidence that Bolton did anything that would disqualify him as President Bush's choice for the United Nations job, Lugar said.
"His blunt style alienated some colleagues. But there is no evidence that he has broken laws or engaged in serious ethical misconduct," Lugar said.
Sen. Joseph Biden of Delaware, the senior Democrat on the committee, portrayed Bolton as the wrong choice for the post and opposed sending the nomination to the floor — even without a recommendation of approval.
"I think we have undermined our authority and shirked our constitutional responsibility," Biden said.
"We have already lost a lot of credibility at home and abroad after the fiasco over the intelligence on Iraq, and Mr. Bolton is not the man to help us to rebuild it," Biden added. Later, Biden told reporters he did not know if Bolton's vote could be stopped in the full Senate. "Would I have liked it better to have a 'no' vote? Yes," he said.
In lively debate scheduled to last five hours, committee Republicans and Democrats alternatively praised and denounced Bolton's qualifications and direct manner.
"We are not electing Mr. Congeniality. We do not need Mr. Milquetoast," said Sen. George Allen R-Va., arguing that Bolton would be an effective agent for change at the United Nations.
But Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts, last year's Democratic presidential nominee, portrayed Bolton as a loose cannon whose pronouncements would prompt other diplomats to ask, "Who is he speaking for?"
"What is at stake here is our national interest, our security interests, our ability to advance our interests within the United Nations," Kerry said.
An energetic diplomat who pioneered a program to curb the spread of dangerous weapons technology, Bolton has strong ties to political conservatives inside and outside the administration and shares their skepticism about some international treaties.
The spirited debate over the last month, however, has focused mostly on allegations that he berated several U.S. officials, especially intelligence analysts who did not agree with his assessments of Cuba and Syria's military strength.
The White House made a determined fight for the embattled nominee.
Bush, trying to turn the personality issue to Bolton's favor, has called Bolton "a blunt guy" who "can get the job done at the United Nations" and "who isn't afraid to speak his mind in the post of the ambassador to the U.N."
A 56-year-old lawyer, Bolton was senior vice president of the American Enterprise Institute before he became Bush's undersecretary of state for arms control and international security affairs four years ago.
****************************************
At least ONE Republican Senator has some integrity.....what about the rest of them?
"This administration can do better than that," Voinovich said in the first big battle of
President Bush' s second term.
Voinovich said he could not vote for the nomination, but would agree to send it to the floor without a recommendation of approval or disapproval.
"We owe it to the president to give Mr. Bolton an up-or-down vote on the floor of the U.S. Senate," Voinovich said.
Despite Voinovich's sharp criticism of Bolton, who now serves as the top arms-control diplomat at the State Department, the White House was clearly relieved that the Ohio senator had agreed to let the full Senate decide.
Bush spokesman Scott McClellan said the White House is confident Bolton will be confirmed by the full Senate. Voinovich called Bolton "the poster child of what someone in the diplomatic corps should not be."
He said Bolton would be fired if he was in the private sector.
"That being said, Mr. Chairman, I am not so arrogant to think that I should impose my judgment and perspective of the U.S. position in the world community on the rest of my colleagues," he added.
Voinovich later told reporters he planned to vote against Bolton in the full Senate. Will Bolton win eventual confirmation? "I have every faith in my colleagues. No one really is excited about him. We'll see what happens," he said.
Republicans hold an 10-8 edge on the panel. All eight Democrats have said they would vote against Bolton. Thus, a single "no" GOP vote would deadlock the panel and keep the nomination from going to the floor.
"After hours of deliberation, telephone calls, personal conversations, reading hundreds of pages of transcripts, and asking for guidance from Above, I have come to the determination that the United States can do better than John Bolton," Voinovich said
Voinovich had been the only holdout of four GOP committee members who expressed misgivings about the Bolton nomination.
He said he hoped the full Senate, where Republicans hold a 55-45 majority, would reject the nomination.
"What message are we sending to the world community?" Voinovich asked.
The Republican chairman of the panel, Sen. Richard Lugar of Indiana, defended the nomination in opening remarks, while conceding that "Secretary Bolton's actions were not always exemplary."
Bolton misjudged the actions of subordinates and sometimes clashed with superiors in his current job as the State Department's arms control chief, Lugar said.
But weeks of intense Senate inquiry turned up no evidence that Bolton did anything that would disqualify him as President Bush's choice for the United Nations job, Lugar said.
"His blunt style alienated some colleagues. But there is no evidence that he has broken laws or engaged in serious ethical misconduct," Lugar said.
Sen. Joseph Biden of Delaware, the senior Democrat on the committee, portrayed Bolton as the wrong choice for the post and opposed sending the nomination to the floor — even without a recommendation of approval.
"I think we have undermined our authority and shirked our constitutional responsibility," Biden said.
"We have already lost a lot of credibility at home and abroad after the fiasco over the intelligence on Iraq, and Mr. Bolton is not the man to help us to rebuild it," Biden added. Later, Biden told reporters he did not know if Bolton's vote could be stopped in the full Senate. "Would I have liked it better to have a 'no' vote? Yes," he said.
In lively debate scheduled to last five hours, committee Republicans and Democrats alternatively praised and denounced Bolton's qualifications and direct manner.
"We are not electing Mr. Congeniality. We do not need Mr. Milquetoast," said Sen. George Allen R-Va., arguing that Bolton would be an effective agent for change at the United Nations.
But Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts, last year's Democratic presidential nominee, portrayed Bolton as a loose cannon whose pronouncements would prompt other diplomats to ask, "Who is he speaking for?"
"What is at stake here is our national interest, our security interests, our ability to advance our interests within the United Nations," Kerry said.
An energetic diplomat who pioneered a program to curb the spread of dangerous weapons technology, Bolton has strong ties to political conservatives inside and outside the administration and shares their skepticism about some international treaties.
The spirited debate over the last month, however, has focused mostly on allegations that he berated several U.S. officials, especially intelligence analysts who did not agree with his assessments of Cuba and Syria's military strength.
The White House made a determined fight for the embattled nominee.
Bush, trying to turn the personality issue to Bolton's favor, has called Bolton "a blunt guy" who "can get the job done at the United Nations" and "who isn't afraid to speak his mind in the post of the ambassador to the U.N."
A 56-year-old lawyer, Bolton was senior vice president of the American Enterprise Institute before he became Bush's undersecretary of state for arms control and international security affairs four years ago.
****************************************
At least ONE Republican Senator has some integrity.....what about the rest of them?
Pull the Bolton nomination...NOW!
The senseless nomination of John Bolton as the next United States Ambassador to the United Nations should be terminated...and with all due haste!
His horrible hairstyle, and grotesque mustache aside, this growler would be the most pitiful appointment, diplomatic or otherwise from the Bush Administration.
The testimonies surrounding this man's alleged indiscretions are enough, to any thinking person, for the President to ask Mr Bolton to step aside.
When Former Secretary of State, Retired Army General Colin Powell, refuses to endorse the nomination of someone who worked directly for him, then "Houston, we indeed have a problem."
That nomination should be dropped like a scalding rock....
And quickly.
His horrible hairstyle, and grotesque mustache aside, this growler would be the most pitiful appointment, diplomatic or otherwise from the Bush Administration.
The testimonies surrounding this man's alleged indiscretions are enough, to any thinking person, for the President to ask Mr Bolton to step aside.
When Former Secretary of State, Retired Army General Colin Powell, refuses to endorse the nomination of someone who worked directly for him, then "Houston, we indeed have a problem."
That nomination should be dropped like a scalding rock....
And quickly.
What some people will believe...
Well, it's like this:
Mary, (the mother of Christ) obviously hasn't had anything else to do recently, so she decided to camp out under the Kennedy Expressway here in Chicago. Read it for yourself:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/underpass_virgin_mary
I'm not sure I could call all the "faithful" that have flocked to that busy intersection "Nutty..."--I don't want to insult those who truly are "faithful" and of course the "truly nutty..."
The things some people will believe.
Mary, (the mother of Christ) obviously hasn't had anything else to do recently, so she decided to camp out under the Kennedy Expressway here in Chicago. Read it for yourself:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/underpass_virgin_mary
I'm not sure I could call all the "faithful" that have flocked to that busy intersection "Nutty..."--I don't want to insult those who truly are "faithful" and of course the "truly nutty..."
The things some people will believe.
"Unnamed" and "Unwanted"
I recently heard someone give their testimony of God's faithfulness in their life. It moved me beyond what words can describe.
This person told of how his mother became pregnant as a teenager, and later abandoned him after his birth in the hospital of one of the nation's large cities.
Many years later, he went to retrieve a birth certificate, and was startled at what he found.
The official document recording his birth labeled him "unnamed boy" and in the notations near the bottom, "unwanted, abandoned by the birth mother."
All of his life he has wrestled with these "judgments" from the moment of his birth. Even after he came to Jesus Christ for salvation, he still struggled with the issues of having been "unnamed" and then "unwanted."
I can identify with him in alot of ways. Even though I was named at birth, I was later abandoned by the very two people responsible for bringing me to natural life.
I have felt "abandoned" more than once since entering adulthood...yet I know these words are true:
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you.
For I am the LORD your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I gave Egypt for your ransom,
Ethiopia and Seba in your place.
Since you were precious in My sight,
You have been honored,
And I have loved you;
Indeed, the Lord God, who spoke the universe into existence, and who sustains it by His own power, all by Himself, has called me by my name.
And I am His.
Phil Hoover
Chicago
This person told of how his mother became pregnant as a teenager, and later abandoned him after his birth in the hospital of one of the nation's large cities.
Many years later, he went to retrieve a birth certificate, and was startled at what he found.
The official document recording his birth labeled him "unnamed boy" and in the notations near the bottom, "unwanted, abandoned by the birth mother."
All of his life he has wrestled with these "judgments" from the moment of his birth. Even after he came to Jesus Christ for salvation, he still struggled with the issues of having been "unnamed" and then "unwanted."
I can identify with him in alot of ways. Even though I was named at birth, I was later abandoned by the very two people responsible for bringing me to natural life.
I have felt "abandoned" more than once since entering adulthood...yet I know these words are true:
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you.
For I am the LORD your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I gave Egypt for your ransom,
Ethiopia and Seba in your place.
Since you were precious in My sight,
You have been honored,
And I have loved you;
Indeed, the Lord God, who spoke the universe into existence, and who sustains it by His own power, all by Himself, has called me by my name.
And I am His.
Phil Hoover
Chicago
For Mother's Day
A friend sent these to me.
_____________________________
Things My Mother Taught Me
My Mother Taught Me About:
1. My Mother taught me about ANTICIPATION... "Just wait until your father gets home."
2. My Mother taught me about RECEIVING. . .. "You are going to get it when we get home!"
3. My Mother taught me LOGIC... "If you fall out off that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the store with me."
4. My Mother taught me to MEET A CHALLENGE. . . "What were you thinking? Answer me when I talk to you! Don't talk back to me!"`
5. My Mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE... "If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to freeze that way."
6. My Mother taught me to THINK AHEAD... "If you don't pass your spelling test, you'll never get a good job."
7. My Mother taught me HUMOR... "When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."
8. My Mother taught me how to BECOME AN ADULT... "If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."
9. My Mother taught me about GENETICS... "You're just like your father."
10. My Mother taught me about my ROOTS... "Do you think you were born in a barn?"
11. My Mother taught me about WISDOM OF AGE... "When you get to be my age, you will understand." And last but not least...
12. My Mother taught me about JUSTICE..."One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you....Then you'll see what it's like!"
_____________________________
Things My Mother Taught Me
My Mother Taught Me About:
1. My Mother taught me about ANTICIPATION... "Just wait until your father gets home."
2. My Mother taught me about RECEIVING. . .. "You are going to get it when we get home!"
3. My Mother taught me LOGIC... "If you fall out off that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the store with me."
4. My Mother taught me to MEET A CHALLENGE. . . "What were you thinking? Answer me when I talk to you! Don't talk back to me!"`
5. My Mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE... "If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to freeze that way."
6. My Mother taught me to THINK AHEAD... "If you don't pass your spelling test, you'll never get a good job."
7. My Mother taught me HUMOR... "When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."
8. My Mother taught me how to BECOME AN ADULT... "If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."
9. My Mother taught me about GENETICS... "You're just like your father."
10. My Mother taught me about my ROOTS... "Do you think you were born in a barn?"
11. My Mother taught me about WISDOM OF AGE... "When you get to be my age, you will understand." And last but not least...
12. My Mother taught me about JUSTICE..."One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you....Then you'll see what it's like!"
Overheard in a seminary....LOL
We're not to go out and sin more so that God will have something to do.
Jesus is bad news for alot of people.
You can't just read the Gospels and get away with it.
You have to judge whether it's God talking or just indigestion.
What we don't know about Paul could fill many books.
These weren't Episopalians, these were real evangelists!
If I were grading Luther's exegesis papers, he wouldn't do very well.
Jesus never got where he was going on time.
I thank God for the rich, for they need rectors too.
Some of you may have found last year to be a constant LENT.
Some dead languages are more dead than others.
If having information about God means knowing God, then a computer can know God better than any human.
We can't think up a new heresy, that's why we study the past.
God is not an Episopalian.
Have sermon, will travel. How much are you paying?
There's a blessing on intelligent guessers.
The Spirit of God is not just any old spirit. It's not some anonymous dunamis.
The ten lost tribes of Israel were not just casually misplaced.
By the 7th time you've gone through the 3-year Lectionary cycle, a new idea is a blessing.
My Bible begins "Once upon a time..."
You can't go home in your kitchen and cook up enough sin to frighten anybody without some help.
Bad biology produces bad theology, but let's not go there right now.
God will sort that out, but let me give it a short try...
Jesus is bad news for alot of people.
You can't just read the Gospels and get away with it.
You have to judge whether it's God talking or just indigestion.
What we don't know about Paul could fill many books.
These weren't Episopalians, these were real evangelists!
If I were grading Luther's exegesis papers, he wouldn't do very well.
Jesus never got where he was going on time.
I thank God for the rich, for they need rectors too.
Some of you may have found last year to be a constant LENT.
Some dead languages are more dead than others.
If having information about God means knowing God, then a computer can know God better than any human.
We can't think up a new heresy, that's why we study the past.
God is not an Episopalian.
Have sermon, will travel. How much are you paying?
There's a blessing on intelligent guessers.
The Spirit of God is not just any old spirit. It's not some anonymous dunamis.
The ten lost tribes of Israel were not just casually misplaced.
By the 7th time you've gone through the 3-year Lectionary cycle, a new idea is a blessing.
My Bible begins "Once upon a time..."
You can't go home in your kitchen and cook up enough sin to frighten anybody without some help.
Bad biology produces bad theology, but let's not go there right now.
God will sort that out, but let me give it a short try...
The Papal Trail of Benedict XVI...
His first homily in a private mass with the Cardinals who elected him on Tuesday....
Read it for yourself:
http://zenit.org/english/show_1.php
So much for 'reconciling..."
We shall see.
Read it for yourself:
http://zenit.org/english/show_1.php
So much for 'reconciling..."
We shall see.
Cardinal Ratzinger..now Pope Benedict XVI
I'm not a Catholic, but I have many wonderful friends who exercise their relationship with the Lord in the "Catholic" tradition.
World history was made today: Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger of Munich, Germany has been elected/selected/crowned as the new Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. He will be the new Bishop of Rome. He will be the supreme ruler of Vatican City--a small political entity of 107 acres...
Soft-spoken, mild-mannered and prolific. A lengthy paper trail....and some Catholics have labeled him "a hard liner..."
John Paul II trusted him for more than twenty years to run a very large part of the Vatican...and now 114 cardinals have trusted him to run the Roman Catholic Church...
I just wonder how he will "relate" to the rest of Christianity....
We shall see...
We shall see...
World history was made today: Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger of Munich, Germany has been elected/selected/crowned as the new Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. He will be the new Bishop of Rome. He will be the supreme ruler of Vatican City--a small political entity of 107 acres...
Soft-spoken, mild-mannered and prolific. A lengthy paper trail....and some Catholics have labeled him "a hard liner..."
John Paul II trusted him for more than twenty years to run a very large part of the Vatican...and now 114 cardinals have trusted him to run the Roman Catholic Church...
I just wonder how he will "relate" to the rest of Christianity....
We shall see...
We shall see...
Pentecostals: A Challenge from Catholics in Africa?
Found this to be most interesting:
______________________________
SOWETO, South Africa - Mass is so crowded at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church that the parishioners spill out into the courtyard, where they huddle close to the doors to hear and be heard.
Worship here is participatory and joyous, not a staid moral duty performed amid pomp and ritual beneath the stained glass of one of Europe's cavernous and magnificent cathedrals.
The Catholic Church seems young, active and relevant, growing at a rate so explosive — with nearly 140 million Roman Catholics in Africa — that it's a vital part of today's Christian expansion.
The next pope will inherit a vibrant African flock but will also face challenges in competing with Islam and Pentecostal Christian Churches, said Archbishop Pius Ncube.
The church is growing so quickly largely because it has sought to embrace what is good in African culture rather than trying to make Africans into Westerners, Ncube said.
"There is a vitality to the church in Africa. In Europe, a Mass is simply a duty you must go through," Ncube said. "Africans like to feel they are celebrating. They want to rejoice, ululate and dance."
At St. Joseph's the priest gives the homily in Zulu and draws boisterous laughter as his examples strike close to home. With no organ, hymns are sung a cappella while the congregation and choir sways and dances.
The number of Catholics in Africa has jumped about 150 percent since Pope John Paul II ascended to the throne of St. Peter in 1978. Churchmen and academics say the growth, the fastest in the long history of the church, promises in time to change the nature of the faith.
"The Church is based on Western traditions that will come under huge pressure after the African church comes of age," said Paul Germond, who teaches comparative religion at the University of the Witswatersrand in Johannesburg.
For decades Western Europe and North America have been seen as the financial base of the church even while the faithful slip from strict adherence to its teachings. Latin America, which is more than 90 percent Roman Catholic, has been viewed as a bedrock of the faith. But Africa has been seen as the growth market in the competition for souls.
St. Joseph's, parishioners say, is a model of what the Second Vatican Council had in mind when it replaced the Latin Mass with the local language and a testament to why the faith is growing so fast in Africa.
The red and tan ceramic floor tile at St. Joseph's is cracked and shattered, the white and orange walls are adorned with cheap modern prints depicting the passion of Christ and the windows are panes of white, yellow and green translucent glass in no discernible pattern.
But its parishioners appear passionately involved in the Mass.
"Since Vatican II, people can clap, dance and play the drums," said Alson Ntombela, 72, a member of the St. Joseph's congregation. "Africans are very spiritual. They like to glorify. The Catholic Church now reflects and accepts our culture."
Makhosonke Maseko, 30, a medical doctor, said he converted to Catholicism from the Presbyterian Church because Roman Catholics more than anyone else try to make religion relevant to Africans.
Ncube said when he became a Roman Catholic 45 years ago, he said there were only two or three African bishops. Now more than 80 percent of the bishops are African. Once most of the priests were Western missionaries, now Africa sends priests to Europe and America.
"Africa is a continent with a lot of troubles, with wars, strife, starvation, poverty and the AIDS crisis. That causes a lot of people to seek God," said Ncube.
He credits John Paul II with much of the success in Africa. The pope made 14 trips to Africa, more than to any other continent. "He was a pope of the people when so many had been prisoners of the Vatican," said Ncube. "He was a blessing."
Churchmen and academics in Africa said they believe it's unlikely that the College of Cardinals, which begins voting in conclave on Monday, will choose an African pope. But Cardinal Francis Arinze, 72, of Nigeria is considered a possible contender, having risen to the No. 4 position in the Vatican at a time when fundamentalist Islamic and Protestant sects replaced communism as the biggest challenge to Catholic proselytizing.
Germond, the professor, believes the explosion of Christianity in Africa has come partly because the religion is how Africans accepted and made sense of the modern world. When missionaries brought Christianity, they also brought education and health care. About 60 percent of the hospital beds in Congo now are in Roman Catholic facilities, he said.
"Christianity was entrenched by the education system. Many of Africa's leaders were educated in church schools and universities," said Germond.
But while the growth has been massive, Germond said it is difficult to produce precise figures.
"Africans are very pluralistic in religious beliefs. They can be Catholic and still attend Pentecostal services or go to traditional healers," said Germond.
Adapting the church to African culture is changing the nature of the faith, said Germond. For now the changes in how the faith is practiced are within Africa. But as the church's center of gravity slides south, Western traditions will come under increasing pressure.
"The church is the oldest institution in history. It manages change in a gradual way over generations," said Germond.
_______________________________
Kind of interesting to me, since I'm a follower of Christ, who practices my relationship in the Pentecostal tradition.
______________________________
SOWETO, South Africa - Mass is so crowded at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church that the parishioners spill out into the courtyard, where they huddle close to the doors to hear and be heard.
Worship here is participatory and joyous, not a staid moral duty performed amid pomp and ritual beneath the stained glass of one of Europe's cavernous and magnificent cathedrals.
The Catholic Church seems young, active and relevant, growing at a rate so explosive — with nearly 140 million Roman Catholics in Africa — that it's a vital part of today's Christian expansion.
The next pope will inherit a vibrant African flock but will also face challenges in competing with Islam and Pentecostal Christian Churches, said Archbishop Pius Ncube.
The church is growing so quickly largely because it has sought to embrace what is good in African culture rather than trying to make Africans into Westerners, Ncube said.
"There is a vitality to the church in Africa. In Europe, a Mass is simply a duty you must go through," Ncube said. "Africans like to feel they are celebrating. They want to rejoice, ululate and dance."
At St. Joseph's the priest gives the homily in Zulu and draws boisterous laughter as his examples strike close to home. With no organ, hymns are sung a cappella while the congregation and choir sways and dances.
The number of Catholics in Africa has jumped about 150 percent since Pope John Paul II ascended to the throne of St. Peter in 1978. Churchmen and academics say the growth, the fastest in the long history of the church, promises in time to change the nature of the faith.
"The Church is based on Western traditions that will come under huge pressure after the African church comes of age," said Paul Germond, who teaches comparative religion at the University of the Witswatersrand in Johannesburg.
For decades Western Europe and North America have been seen as the financial base of the church even while the faithful slip from strict adherence to its teachings. Latin America, which is more than 90 percent Roman Catholic, has been viewed as a bedrock of the faith. But Africa has been seen as the growth market in the competition for souls.
St. Joseph's, parishioners say, is a model of what the Second Vatican Council had in mind when it replaced the Latin Mass with the local language and a testament to why the faith is growing so fast in Africa.
The red and tan ceramic floor tile at St. Joseph's is cracked and shattered, the white and orange walls are adorned with cheap modern prints depicting the passion of Christ and the windows are panes of white, yellow and green translucent glass in no discernible pattern.
But its parishioners appear passionately involved in the Mass.
"Since Vatican II, people can clap, dance and play the drums," said Alson Ntombela, 72, a member of the St. Joseph's congregation. "Africans are very spiritual. They like to glorify. The Catholic Church now reflects and accepts our culture."
Makhosonke Maseko, 30, a medical doctor, said he converted to Catholicism from the Presbyterian Church because Roman Catholics more than anyone else try to make religion relevant to Africans.
Ncube said when he became a Roman Catholic 45 years ago, he said there were only two or three African bishops. Now more than 80 percent of the bishops are African. Once most of the priests were Western missionaries, now Africa sends priests to Europe and America.
"Africa is a continent with a lot of troubles, with wars, strife, starvation, poverty and the AIDS crisis. That causes a lot of people to seek God," said Ncube.
He credits John Paul II with much of the success in Africa. The pope made 14 trips to Africa, more than to any other continent. "He was a pope of the people when so many had been prisoners of the Vatican," said Ncube. "He was a blessing."
Churchmen and academics in Africa said they believe it's unlikely that the College of Cardinals, which begins voting in conclave on Monday, will choose an African pope. But Cardinal Francis Arinze, 72, of Nigeria is considered a possible contender, having risen to the No. 4 position in the Vatican at a time when fundamentalist Islamic and Protestant sects replaced communism as the biggest challenge to Catholic proselytizing.
Germond, the professor, believes the explosion of Christianity in Africa has come partly because the religion is how Africans accepted and made sense of the modern world. When missionaries brought Christianity, they also brought education and health care. About 60 percent of the hospital beds in Congo now are in Roman Catholic facilities, he said.
"Christianity was entrenched by the education system. Many of Africa's leaders were educated in church schools and universities," said Germond.
But while the growth has been massive, Germond said it is difficult to produce precise figures.
"Africans are very pluralistic in religious beliefs. They can be Catholic and still attend Pentecostal services or go to traditional healers," said Germond.
Adapting the church to African culture is changing the nature of the faith, said Germond. For now the changes in how the faith is practiced are within Africa. But as the church's center of gravity slides south, Western traditions will come under increasing pressure.
"The church is the oldest institution in history. It manages change in a gradual way over generations," said Germond.
_______________________________
Kind of interesting to me, since I'm a follower of Christ, who practices my relationship in the Pentecostal tradition.
Does the "Church" make a difference?
Does the "evangelical Church" make a noticeable difference in the fabric of our society?
Dr Bradford Wilcox, Professor of Sociology at the University of Virginia seems to think so.
Read all about it:
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2004/008/26.44.html
Dr Bradford Wilcox, Professor of Sociology at the University of Virginia seems to think so.
Read all about it:
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2004/008/26.44.html
"Purpose-Driven" or "Activity-Driven"?
I've been a Christian since I was 6 years old. I just turned 43 a couple of weeks ago. I have seen just about everything that can be seen in a local congregation, I do believe. I've been blest and privileged to be part of very small congregations (numbering less than 40 people) and very large congregations that numbered in the thousands (usually more than 8,000).
But numbers aren't everything, are they?
Of course not. We look at the New Testament Church, and read about it's empowering in the Book of Acts (following the Resurrection and Ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ), and we see a wonderful church, often separated by localities...and folk who are just as human as we are, some twenty-one centuries later.
I do have a few questions though....
1) Can we equate "activity" with "spiritual growth"?
This particularly concerns me, because so many congregations measure their "spiritual life" by how many activities they are sponsoring--and how exhausted their membership can be with participating in all of those "activities."
I contend we are called "human beings" not "human doings." We see the pattern of the New Church (which was by no means flawless, but nevertheless accomplished the mission of glorifying God) as one of evangelism, fellowship, community, and discipleship. The "witnessing" aspect of the New Testament Church was to the "wonderful works of God" (Acts 1, 2, 3, 4ff) in the life of this newly empowered community of believers. We do see "works"--but those works flowed out of the community, not in spite of it. We are called to be the "community of God"--reflecting the community of the Holy Trinity, even though imperfectly.
In my secular employment, my supervisor has a certain amount of goals that are set before me to attain. Yet, in my progress along the pathway of accomplishment, this same supervisor cares about me as a person. My health (physical, spiritual, and mental) are always considered. My successes are applauded, and my failures are never final.
Why can't the local church be the same way?
If we carefully read the Scriptures, we will discover that God is a "relational" God. He is not just a propositional Deity, unconcerned about His creation.
If we want to emulate Jesus Christ in the local church, then we all need to discover our "relational" purposes---not just our propositional theories.
Sound doctrine and biblical theological positions are important. We must, as A W Tozer (and many others before and after him) once said, "We must think rightly about God our Father."
And if we are to think "rightly" about what the Church should look like, we must think relationally, not just propositionally.
And when we think "relationally" we then discover our purpose. The Westminster Catechism states, "The chief purpose of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever."
We best glorify Him in relationship with His, and in relationship with other Christians. These relationships are edifying in the "being"--not just the doing.
I have a friend--I consider him a friend--and the only time I hear from this friend is when he needs me to "do something." I rarely ever hear from him otherwise. I'm profoundly saddened by this. But that's the way it seems to be. Of course my perceptions could be wrong.
Unfortunately, from my perspective "our friendship" is strictly "activity-driven." I have no usefulness to this brother, other than the fact that I can "do something." It seems as though once my "utilitarian value" has been exhausted, that I am a throw-away.
That's not the way Christ has designed our "community" to be lived out.
2) How do we become a "community of saints" instead of a "collection of individuals"?
Again, I have to appeal to the New Testament models of the what "community" looks like. We see an intensity of fellowship and "togetherness" in the newly empowered Church (Acts 2, 3, 4). These believers could face anything because they faced these situations together.
Fast-forward some twenty-one centuries later.
How do we become this "community"?
I believe it is done slowly, methodically, and carefully. We come to a place of trust and confidence, first in God Himself, and then in each other, where we feel a sense of belonging and caring. Knowing that we have something important to contribute to this body of believers we call "our church."
Lanny Wolfe, a great songwriter from the 1970s/80s penned some powerful words that have profoundly shaped my view of the "community of saints." Here's what he said:
"When a brother meets sorrow
We all feel his grief.
And when he's passed through the valley
We all feel relieved.
Together in sunshine,
Together in rain.
Together in victory,
Through His precious name."
And yes, we are together in victory. A victory is shallow if it is not "shared."
So what do you think?
But numbers aren't everything, are they?
Of course not. We look at the New Testament Church, and read about it's empowering in the Book of Acts (following the Resurrection and Ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ), and we see a wonderful church, often separated by localities...and folk who are just as human as we are, some twenty-one centuries later.
I do have a few questions though....
1) Can we equate "activity" with "spiritual growth"?
This particularly concerns me, because so many congregations measure their "spiritual life" by how many activities they are sponsoring--and how exhausted their membership can be with participating in all of those "activities."
I contend we are called "human beings" not "human doings." We see the pattern of the New Church (which was by no means flawless, but nevertheless accomplished the mission of glorifying God) as one of evangelism, fellowship, community, and discipleship. The "witnessing" aspect of the New Testament Church was to the "wonderful works of God" (Acts 1, 2, 3, 4ff) in the life of this newly empowered community of believers. We do see "works"--but those works flowed out of the community, not in spite of it. We are called to be the "community of God"--reflecting the community of the Holy Trinity, even though imperfectly.
In my secular employment, my supervisor has a certain amount of goals that are set before me to attain. Yet, in my progress along the pathway of accomplishment, this same supervisor cares about me as a person. My health (physical, spiritual, and mental) are always considered. My successes are applauded, and my failures are never final.
Why can't the local church be the same way?
If we carefully read the Scriptures, we will discover that God is a "relational" God. He is not just a propositional Deity, unconcerned about His creation.
If we want to emulate Jesus Christ in the local church, then we all need to discover our "relational" purposes---not just our propositional theories.
Sound doctrine and biblical theological positions are important. We must, as A W Tozer (and many others before and after him) once said, "We must think rightly about God our Father."
And if we are to think "rightly" about what the Church should look like, we must think relationally, not just propositionally.
And when we think "relationally" we then discover our purpose. The Westminster Catechism states, "The chief purpose of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever."
We best glorify Him in relationship with His, and in relationship with other Christians. These relationships are edifying in the "being"--not just the doing.
I have a friend--I consider him a friend--and the only time I hear from this friend is when he needs me to "do something." I rarely ever hear from him otherwise. I'm profoundly saddened by this. But that's the way it seems to be. Of course my perceptions could be wrong.
Unfortunately, from my perspective "our friendship" is strictly "activity-driven." I have no usefulness to this brother, other than the fact that I can "do something." It seems as though once my "utilitarian value" has been exhausted, that I am a throw-away.
That's not the way Christ has designed our "community" to be lived out.
2) How do we become a "community of saints" instead of a "collection of individuals"?
Again, I have to appeal to the New Testament models of the what "community" looks like. We see an intensity of fellowship and "togetherness" in the newly empowered Church (Acts 2, 3, 4). These believers could face anything because they faced these situations together.
Fast-forward some twenty-one centuries later.
How do we become this "community"?
I believe it is done slowly, methodically, and carefully. We come to a place of trust and confidence, first in God Himself, and then in each other, where we feel a sense of belonging and caring. Knowing that we have something important to contribute to this body of believers we call "our church."
Lanny Wolfe, a great songwriter from the 1970s/80s penned some powerful words that have profoundly shaped my view of the "community of saints." Here's what he said:
"When a brother meets sorrow
We all feel his grief.
And when he's passed through the valley
We all feel relieved.
Together in sunshine,
Together in rain.
Together in victory,
Through His precious name."
And yes, we are together in victory. A victory is shallow if it is not "shared."
So what do you think?
Pope John Paul II...Pray for him.
As a non-Catholic, I have always admired the vigor and stamina of Karol Wotyla (John Paul II). This son of Poland has revolutionized, in many ways, the (then) rather stagnant face of the Roman Catholic Church during his pontificate which began in the late 1970s.
Known for his sharp intellect, wonderful sense of humor, linguistic abilities, Pope John Paul II is loved by the millions, Catholic and non-Catholic alike. Few religious leaders, with the exception of Dr Billy Graham, has earned the respect and admiration as has the current Bishop of Rome.
I remember reading Crossing the Threshold of Hope (one of his many encyclicals) several years ago, and being absolutely amazed at the clarity and discernment this wonderful Christian possesses in light of contemporary culture.
Dr Billy Graham once labeled the Pontiff as the "greatest pope of my lifetime"--and he has seen many of them, I'm sure.
I remember seeing Pope John Paul II twice during his pontificate.
The first in 1989 when I was privileged to be in Rome (actually Vatican City) and he was doing some type of blessing on the crowd (can't remember the exact event...I was on vacation in Europe, and spent the day at the Vatican).
The second time was in 1993 during World Youth Day in Denver, and along with multiplied thousands of others, I lined the streets along the "parade route" where the Pontiff would be traveling.
It was a special time...and one that I will cherish for a long time.
Even though I have some strenuous disagreements with the denomination that he leads, I have much, much respect for this tender servant of the Lord. A precious Catholic priest once told me, "The Pope is fiercely loyal to Christ. Unfortunately, many Catholics are more loyal to the Pope than they are to Christ....which the Holy Father would not approve of..."
Let's pray for this good, good man.
Known for his sharp intellect, wonderful sense of humor, linguistic abilities, Pope John Paul II is loved by the millions, Catholic and non-Catholic alike. Few religious leaders, with the exception of Dr Billy Graham, has earned the respect and admiration as has the current Bishop of Rome.
I remember reading Crossing the Threshold of Hope (one of his many encyclicals) several years ago, and being absolutely amazed at the clarity and discernment this wonderful Christian possesses in light of contemporary culture.
Dr Billy Graham once labeled the Pontiff as the "greatest pope of my lifetime"--and he has seen many of them, I'm sure.
I remember seeing Pope John Paul II twice during his pontificate.
The first in 1989 when I was privileged to be in Rome (actually Vatican City) and he was doing some type of blessing on the crowd (can't remember the exact event...I was on vacation in Europe, and spent the day at the Vatican).
The second time was in 1993 during World Youth Day in Denver, and along with multiplied thousands of others, I lined the streets along the "parade route" where the Pontiff would be traveling.
It was a special time...and one that I will cherish for a long time.
Even though I have some strenuous disagreements with the denomination that he leads, I have much, much respect for this tender servant of the Lord. A precious Catholic priest once told me, "The Pope is fiercely loyal to Christ. Unfortunately, many Catholics are more loyal to the Pope than they are to Christ....which the Holy Father would not approve of..."
Let's pray for this good, good man.
One man with enormous courage..
http://www.marriageofsamesex.com/
Dr Erwin W Lutzer, Senior Pastor, The Moody Church here in Chicago, has done a marvelous service to this country as well as the rest of the world in his book, The Truth About Same Sex Marriage.
I have included the link above because of the vital importance of this message for our society, both believing and unbelieving alike. The "everyone has the right to marry whomever they choose" crowd hasn't examined all the implications that such "liberties" would force on everyone including themselves.
"Liberties" that are forced are not liberties--they become bondages.
Get a copy of the "Truth about Same Sex Marriage." Read it all the way through and then pass it on.
Dr Erwin W Lutzer, Senior Pastor, The Moody Church here in Chicago, has done a marvelous service to this country as well as the rest of the world in his book, The Truth About Same Sex Marriage.
I have included the link above because of the vital importance of this message for our society, both believing and unbelieving alike. The "everyone has the right to marry whomever they choose" crowd hasn't examined all the implications that such "liberties" would force on everyone including themselves.
"Liberties" that are forced are not liberties--they become bondages.
Get a copy of the "Truth about Same Sex Marriage." Read it all the way through and then pass it on.
Terri is dead...May God have mercy on all of us!
Terri Schiavo died just a few minutes ago according to the news reports.
This nation literally starved this person to death.
This is a national shame....and every single person in this nation bears some of the responsibility.
May God, our All-loving, All-merciful, All-holy, and ALL-Just Heavenly Father have mercy on each of us.
This nation literally starved this person to death.
This is a national shame....and every single person in this nation bears some of the responsibility.
May God, our All-loving, All-merciful, All-holy, and ALL-Just Heavenly Father have mercy on each of us.
When you pray...please remember these people..
Just wanted to ask my "blog readers" to remember these people when you speak to our Father God. These are special people to me....and only a representative sample of God's blessings in my life:
Christian Nass: getting ready to graduate from college, and becoming an Army officer.
Janet Paschal: Battling Breast cancer...and living like a trooper.
David Seleb: My friend here in Chicago..wonderful Christian, wonderful man.
Pastor Al Toledo: My shepherd at Chicago Tabernacle. With a sheep like me, he can certainly use all the prayers you want to offer up.
Thanks for remembering to pray for them.
Christian Nass: getting ready to graduate from college, and becoming an Army officer.
Janet Paschal: Battling Breast cancer...and living like a trooper.
David Seleb: My friend here in Chicago..wonderful Christian, wonderful man.
Pastor Al Toledo: My shepherd at Chicago Tabernacle. With a sheep like me, he can certainly use all the prayers you want to offer up.
Thanks for remembering to pray for them.
When the pain is too much to bear...
Someone I know, a Christian, recently decided to end his own life. I'm profoundly saddened that such a tragedy happened first and foremost, and also grieved that he didn't feel that anyone...not even God...cared about him.
So, what happens when a Christians commits suicide?
What about the ones left behind?
What about the family, friends, coworkers, and others who are left to ask "Why?"
Please let me encourage you...
If you are reading this "blog" and you feel that you have reached the "end" of what ever may be happening in your life, talk to someone.
PLEASE...talk to someone. There isn't anything happening in your life that is worth ending YOUR LIFE--because that really solves nothing...and it creates much, much, much pain and disappointment for so many others.
And, taking your own life grieves, may I even suggest, BREAKS, the heart of God.
You can email me if you want to...I will keep all contacts confidential...and I will pray.
onechicagoman@yahoo.com
God is good! He has created life within you...therefore, Life is good...
Blessings.
Phil Hoover
Chicago
So, what happens when a Christians commits suicide?
What about the ones left behind?
What about the family, friends, coworkers, and others who are left to ask "Why?"
Please let me encourage you...
If you are reading this "blog" and you feel that you have reached the "end" of what ever may be happening in your life, talk to someone.
PLEASE...talk to someone. There isn't anything happening in your life that is worth ending YOUR LIFE--because that really solves nothing...and it creates much, much, much pain and disappointment for so many others.
And, taking your own life grieves, may I even suggest, BREAKS, the heart of God.
You can email me if you want to...I will keep all contacts confidential...and I will pray.
onechicagoman@yahoo.com
God is good! He has created life within you...therefore, Life is good...
Blessings.
Phil Hoover
Chicago
An Update on Janet....
From Janet Paschal's website:
www.janetpaschal.com
Her husband John writes about a recent chemotherapy treatment that Janet endured:
Pressing on.....Yesterday was a good day for Janet. She was physically, emotionally, and spiritually charged. Words are simply inadequate in describing how proud I am of Janet. Not once, I mean it, not once has she indulged in self pity. In fact just the opposite.
Allow me to relate a recent event. This latest visit, after Janet and her Oncologist finished reviewing the lab work and other information garnered from that mornings work up, Janet headed upstairs to the chemotherapy room. I waited in the checkout line (that is correct...you wait to check in and you wait to check out, with patience not being a virtue but an absolute necessity!) and about 20 minutes later I joined up with Janet in the chemo room.
I entered Janet's little corner of the room just as Angela was inserting the catheter. Janet had tears in her eyes and I could tell she was really fighting the urge to cry. I waited until Angela walked away for a few minutes to re-supply her cart. I then asked Janet if inserting the catheter had hurt. She assured me that was not the case, but that she was crying because the gentleman sitting across from us had gotten ill during his chemo treatment and had vomited. She was crying for him....that my friends is Janet.
*****************************************************************
Please continue praying for this wonderful servant of the Lord.
www.janetpaschal.com
Her husband John writes about a recent chemotherapy treatment that Janet endured:
Pressing on.....Yesterday was a good day for Janet. She was physically, emotionally, and spiritually charged. Words are simply inadequate in describing how proud I am of Janet. Not once, I mean it, not once has she indulged in self pity. In fact just the opposite.
Allow me to relate a recent event. This latest visit, after Janet and her Oncologist finished reviewing the lab work and other information garnered from that mornings work up, Janet headed upstairs to the chemotherapy room. I waited in the checkout line (that is correct...you wait to check in and you wait to check out, with patience not being a virtue but an absolute necessity!) and about 20 minutes later I joined up with Janet in the chemo room.
I entered Janet's little corner of the room just as Angela was inserting the catheter. Janet had tears in her eyes and I could tell she was really fighting the urge to cry. I waited until Angela walked away for a few minutes to re-supply her cart. I then asked Janet if inserting the catheter had hurt. She assured me that was not the case, but that she was crying because the gentleman sitting across from us had gotten ill during his chemo treatment and had vomited. She was crying for him....that my friends is Janet.
*****************************************************************
Please continue praying for this wonderful servant of the Lord.
People dear to my heart...(link)
http://www.windwardworship.com/
Pastor Gary Langley was my youth leader in Huntsville, Alabama thirty years ago. He is now the Senior Pastor of Windward Worship Center in Kaneohe, Hawaii, where he has served for almost 23 years in various capacities, before becoming the Senior Pastor.
He is quite a character. Great sense of humor, good music, good speaker, and a very loving, and gracious man (most of the time).
Visit the link site, and tell him that Phil Hoover says "howdy."
Pastor Gary Langley was my youth leader in Huntsville, Alabama thirty years ago. He is now the Senior Pastor of Windward Worship Center in Kaneohe, Hawaii, where he has served for almost 23 years in various capacities, before becoming the Senior Pastor.
He is quite a character. Great sense of humor, good music, good speaker, and a very loving, and gracious man (most of the time).
Visit the link site, and tell him that Phil Hoover says "howdy."
Please read this....(link)
http://www.cwnews.com/news/viewstory.cfm?recnum=35925
Terri Schiavo's life is now in the hands of the legislature...and the Lord.
Please pray for her.
Terri Schiavo's life is now in the hands of the legislature...and the Lord.
Please pray for her.
The Power of the Gospel....
Just what do we proclaim when we say we are "sharing the Gospel..."?
Are we simply spewing a set of ideas, systematized centuries ago, and deep down inside wonder if all "this stuff" is really true? Does it really "live up to its' claims"?
Are we living out the Gospel of Christ in lives that have been radically transformed by His grace, rescued from the cesspools of sin by His love, and raised from the tombs that have imprisoned us by His power?
Just what is so "good" about this "Good News" that we call the "gospel"?
Does it make us love our neighbors?
Our enemies?
Does this "gospel" free us from our tendencies toward selfish ambitions, self-centeredness and "me-istic" conceit?
Just what does the "Gospel" do for us any way?
What do you think?
I'm listening....
Are we simply spewing a set of ideas, systematized centuries ago, and deep down inside wonder if all "this stuff" is really true? Does it really "live up to its' claims"?
Are we living out the Gospel of Christ in lives that have been radically transformed by His grace, rescued from the cesspools of sin by His love, and raised from the tombs that have imprisoned us by His power?
Just what is so "good" about this "Good News" that we call the "gospel"?
Does it make us love our neighbors?
Our enemies?
Does this "gospel" free us from our tendencies toward selfish ambitions, self-centeredness and "me-istic" conceit?
Just what does the "Gospel" do for us any way?
What do you think?
I'm listening....
"No Strings Attached..."
Well, everyone gets a bit "suspicious" when we hear these three words, don't we? "NO STRINGS ATTACHED..."
Yeah, right. Uh huh..."whatever you say..."
At least that's what most of us think anyway.
I've recently challenged people in my sphere of friendship and influence to live out their "care" with "no strings attached."
Let me explain what I mean:
As Christians, we are called to be the Body of Christ, the family of God....At least that is the meaning of two-thirds of the New Testament that we all claim to read...and believe.
We are told to have the "same care one for another" and to love one another fervently. Every Epistolary writer (James, Peter, Paul, John, Jude--as all the others) in the Scriptures gives us the picture of what the Family of God should look like.
It is to be one of rebuke and correction. And we all need that from time to time.
It is to be one of instruction in righteousness. And we all need that on a regular basis.
It is to be one of "great grace" (Acts 4:33). And we must have His grace to fill everything we do and want to accomplish.
But most of all, the "family of God" are to be people of love and care. That love and care is to be without strings....in other words, LOVE each other when you need something, and LOVE each other when you don't need anything.
Don't love someone simply for what they can do for you. After all, that's not love...not sure what to call it...but "love" ain't on the list...!
I know someone that will call me regularly when they need me to help them with something. And I know I can count on that person to contact me during those times.
But sadly, I never hear from them any other time.
No calls to say, "Hey Phil, just wanted to check in on you brother, and let you know how special you are..."
No calls to say, "Hey Phil, I missed you at ____________ the other day."
Sorta utilitarian at best, I guess.
But is that the message we want to send a "watching world"?
Is it really?
You decide...and let me know.
Yeah, right. Uh huh..."whatever you say..."
At least that's what most of us think anyway.
I've recently challenged people in my sphere of friendship and influence to live out their "care" with "no strings attached."
Let me explain what I mean:
As Christians, we are called to be the Body of Christ, the family of God....At least that is the meaning of two-thirds of the New Testament that we all claim to read...and believe.
We are told to have the "same care one for another" and to love one another fervently. Every Epistolary writer (James, Peter, Paul, John, Jude--as all the others) in the Scriptures gives us the picture of what the Family of God should look like.
It is to be one of rebuke and correction. And we all need that from time to time.
It is to be one of instruction in righteousness. And we all need that on a regular basis.
It is to be one of "great grace" (Acts 4:33). And we must have His grace to fill everything we do and want to accomplish.
But most of all, the "family of God" are to be people of love and care. That love and care is to be without strings....in other words, LOVE each other when you need something, and LOVE each other when you don't need anything.
Don't love someone simply for what they can do for you. After all, that's not love...not sure what to call it...but "love" ain't on the list...!
I know someone that will call me regularly when they need me to help them with something. And I know I can count on that person to contact me during those times.
But sadly, I never hear from them any other time.
No calls to say, "Hey Phil, just wanted to check in on you brother, and let you know how special you are..."
No calls to say, "Hey Phil, I missed you at ____________ the other day."
Sorta utilitarian at best, I guess.
But is that the message we want to send a "watching world"?
Is it really?
You decide...and let me know.
My heart's cry....
From the Eighth century, we get this wonderful hymn of Christendom:
Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me,
save that Thou art
Thou my best Thought,
by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping,
Thy presence my light.
Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee
and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father,
I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling,
and I with Thee one.
Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity,
Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul’s Shelter,
Thou my high Tower:
Raise Thou me heavenward,
O Power of my power.
Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance,
now and always:
Thou and Thou only,
first in my heart,
High King of heaven,
my Treasure Thou art.
High King of heaven, my victory won,
May I reach heaven’s joys,
O bright heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart,
whatever befall,
Still be my Vision,
O Ruler of all.
*************************************
What greater request and prayer can we make, except to ask the Lord to "be our vision..."
May I always see through His eyes. May I always cry out to Him, "Be Thou my vision...O Lord of my heart..."
Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me,
save that Thou art
Thou my best Thought,
by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping,
Thy presence my light.
Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee
and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father,
I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling,
and I with Thee one.
Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity,
Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul’s Shelter,
Thou my high Tower:
Raise Thou me heavenward,
O Power of my power.
Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance,
now and always:
Thou and Thou only,
first in my heart,
High King of heaven,
my Treasure Thou art.
High King of heaven, my victory won,
May I reach heaven’s joys,
O bright heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart,
whatever befall,
Still be my Vision,
O Ruler of all.
*************************************
What greater request and prayer can we make, except to ask the Lord to "be our vision..."
May I always see through His eyes. May I always cry out to Him, "Be Thou my vision...O Lord of my heart..."
Important Questions....
How can we encourage each other?
How can I encourage you to draw closer to Jesus our Lord?
What can I do to help you deepen your relationship to Christ and toHis children?
Do we "really" need each other?
Anybody want to take a stab at these questions?
How can I encourage you to draw closer to Jesus our Lord?
What can I do to help you deepen your relationship to Christ and toHis children?
Do we "really" need each other?
Anybody want to take a stab at these questions?
MEN (of all ages) Pay attention! Women can look too!
One of my colleagues, Larry, has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. He is only two years old than me (that would be an early forty-something). He has three small boys, and is just a bit concerned about this latest "drama" in his life and that of his family.
I'm beginning to get a little concerned myself...and so is my physician.
Here's a website you might want to check out.
http://www.prostate-cancer-institute.com
Cancer in any form is nothing to play around with...and I'm beginning to get "more than concerned" about my own physical well being.
I'm not gonna stay young forever....
Keep Larry in your prayers....
I'm beginning to get a little concerned myself...and so is my physician.
Here's a website you might want to check out.
http://www.prostate-cancer-institute.com
Cancer in any form is nothing to play around with...and I'm beginning to get "more than concerned" about my own physical well being.
I'm not gonna stay young forever....
Keep Larry in your prayers....
What a gracious couple! What a gorgeous woman!
I have ALWAYS admired Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr--even when I was a "wee child" and the 5th Dimension was the "hottest thing going..."
But I particularly loved MARILYN McCOO! And I still do.
I had the wonderful privilege of meeting these two last weekend here in Chicago during a discussion group/book signing at Border's Bookstore on N Michigan Avenue. Their new book, "Up, Up and Away" celebrate their faith, their lives, their careers, and their almost 36 years of marriage.
Here's a link to their website:
www.marilynmccoo.com
What a wonderful testimony of the faithfulness of God in their lives--and the more so even before they completely committed their lives to Him. Their witness for the transforming power of Jesus Christ is amazing, and refreshing.
Check them out. Read the book...and give one to somebody.
But I particularly loved MARILYN McCOO! And I still do.
I had the wonderful privilege of meeting these two last weekend here in Chicago during a discussion group/book signing at Border's Bookstore on N Michigan Avenue. Their new book, "Up, Up and Away" celebrate their faith, their lives, their careers, and their almost 36 years of marriage.
Here's a link to their website:
www.marilynmccoo.com
What a wonderful testimony of the faithfulness of God in their lives--and the more so even before they completely committed their lives to Him. Their witness for the transforming power of Jesus Christ is amazing, and refreshing.
Check them out. Read the book...and give one to somebody.
So someone in Southern California has some SENSE
Dr Phil McGraw is a transplant to the Los Angeles area. He is one of the leading voices championing "common sense" and particularly where families are concerned.
Please check out his website:
www.drphil.com
Use the resources, watch the show, and get on with living.
Please check out his website:
www.drphil.com
Use the resources, watch the show, and get on with living.
So, what if we spent those $$$ elsewhere?
The Catholic League has become very vocal in their critique of Hollywood-endorsed morality. And for the most part, rightly so. Yet, I wonder how many of those small green slips of paper with badly drawn pics of dead presidents would float California way if all the "Catholics" decided to not patronize the "Hollywood industry"--at the theatre, in their homes, in their social gatherings, and anywhere else?
Read it for yourself....
http://www.catholicleague.org/05press_releases/quarter%201/050223_Hollywoodmindset.htm
I grew up fairly legalistic, where morality was concerned. I never attended movies, because the church denomination of which I was a part at the time said it was "immoral." But at the same time, most of the adherents would have questionable things in their homes on the "boob tube."
If we want to really send a message to "Southern California morality-makers" then we need to stop patronizing their wares...period. No rented videos of objectionable material. No movie attendance, stop buying those products that actively sponsor such materials....
But alas, most of us Christians are afraid to "put our money where our mouths are..."
We'd rather "curse the darkness" instead of "lighting the candle."
After all, it takes less effort...and provides instant gratification...
Complaining that is....
Read it for yourself....
http://www.catholicleague.org/05press_releases/quarter%201/050223_Hollywoodmindset.htm
I grew up fairly legalistic, where morality was concerned. I never attended movies, because the church denomination of which I was a part at the time said it was "immoral." But at the same time, most of the adherents would have questionable things in their homes on the "boob tube."
If we want to really send a message to "Southern California morality-makers" then we need to stop patronizing their wares...period. No rented videos of objectionable material. No movie attendance, stop buying those products that actively sponsor such materials....
But alas, most of us Christians are afraid to "put our money where our mouths are..."
We'd rather "curse the darkness" instead of "lighting the candle."
After all, it takes less effort...and provides instant gratification...
Complaining that is....
The Philly 5..Is this "Justice" in America?
Read it for yourself:
**************************
Case Dismissed for Philly 5, But Battle Has Just BegunPro-Family Leader Demands Apology; Christian Group Pursues Legal Redress
By Allie Martin and Jenni Parker
February 22, 2005
(AgapePress) - The American Family Association of Pennsylvania is demanding that a judge apologize to members of a Christian group who were arrested during an outreach to homosexuals for comparing the street ministers to Nazis and the Ku Klux Klan. Meanwhile, though acquitted, the Christian activists may be heading back into court.
Last week, Judge Pamela Dembe of the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas dropped all charges against adult defendants belonging to the Christian group Repent America, who were arrested last fall for witnessing during a homosexual pride event in Philadelphia. The charges against the remaining member of the "Philly 5," a 17-year-old girl, were also dropped.
Eleven Christians were initially arrested, a group that ranged from 17 to 72 years of age. They were taken into custody and held in jail for 21 hours, simply for ministering at a city-funded, public homosexual event called "OutFest" in October 2004. They were charged with three felonies and five misdemeanors and faced a potential sentence of up to 47 years in prison and $90,000 in fines each.
Some of the charges were dropped without a hearing, but four of the adult Repent America members that had been arrested -- Michael Marcavage, Mark Diener, Dennis Green, and James Cruse -- were bound over for trial by District Court Judge William Austin Meehan. Meanwhile, 17-year-old Lauren Murch faced a separate trial.
Justice Served with an Unflattering Comparison
According to WorldNetDaily reports, when Judge Dembe reviewed the evidence -- much of it provided by Repent America, since the group had videotaped the events leading up to the arrests -- she found no basis for the allegations against the remaining defendants and dismissed the charges. Dembe is also the judge who, last month, removed the bail requirement that the defendants keep at least 100 feet away from any homosexual gathering.
After hearing arguments and reviewing the videotape of the arrests, the Common Pleas judge noted that America is one of the few countries in the world "that protects unpopular speech." She said this means "Nazis can March in Skokie, Illinois" and "the Ku Klux Klan can march where they wish to" since, in the U.S., "we cannot stifle speech because we don't want to hear it, or we don't want to hear it now."
But while Diane Gramley, president of the American Family Association of Pennsylvania, is glad justice was served, she feels the remarks the judge made in dismissing the charges should have been withheld. She says the Repent America members did not deserve to be compared with fascists and white supremacists, especially after all they had been through.
"For 18 weeks their life has been in an upheaval," Gramley says, "and then the judge who dismisses the charges makes these statements. It's just outrageous as far as I'm concerned, and I would encourage folks to contact her and let her know that her comments were not appreciated."
Gramley feels Dembe's framing comments put the defendants on a par with hate-filled groups and characterized the Christian activists unfairly. "We're very pleased that the judge handed down the decision that she did," the pro-family spokeswoman says, "but we just wish she had not used the words Nazis and KKK in the statement that she made, equating Repent America with those types of hate organizations."
When Love of God and Neighbor Becomes a Hate Crime
Repent America founder Michael Marcavage would say that, far from being a hate group, his group is offering a loving response to sins that are destroying the social fabric of America. He feels the ministry has a calling and a responsibility to confront abortion, homosexuality, and other sins, and in describing its mission, he says, "If we love God, we will obey His commandments; and if we love our neighbors, we will go to them with the Word of God, so that they may be saved."
But after coming through his arrest and the ordeal of being tried in court for ministering at OutFest, Marcavage notes that the price of godly obedience is becoming increasingly steep in an increasingly faith-hostile America. "Christianity is being criminalized," he says. "The attack against Christians by government officials has never been so extreme. Not only are they removing symbols of Christianity from the public square, but they are now removing the Christians themselves."
Marcavage says what he finds most disturbing about this case, aside from "the arrests, imprisonment, and malicious prosecution," is the use of Pennsylvania hate crime law, which has added sexual orientation as a protected category. "Philadelphia District Attorney Lynne Abraham knew exactly what she was doing when she targeted us with the hate law due to our biblical opposition to homosexual behavior," the Repent America spokesman says. He notes that Abraham sits on the National Executive Committee of the Anti-Defamation League, whose members he calls "the architects of the hate crimes legislation."
Brian Fahling, senior trial attorney for the American Family Association Center for Law & Policy, has worked on behalf of the Philadelphia Christian group in the federal courts. In a statement responding to this latest ruling, he commented that the AFA Law Center is pleased for its clients as well as relieved that "justice has finally been done in the criminal system, and though it is apparently slow and rusty, the system still works."
But according to Fahling, Judge Dembe's decision to dismiss the charges ends only the first chapter in the ongoing saga of the Philadelphia 11. The group's legal representatives will be pursuing federal legal action against the arresting officers and the City of Philadelphia, and they are calling for a Department of Justice investigation into the corruption and abuse of power they allege took place in the so-called City of Brotherly Love.
© 2005 AgapePress all rights reserved.
**************************
Case Dismissed for Philly 5, But Battle Has Just BegunPro-Family Leader Demands Apology; Christian Group Pursues Legal Redress
By Allie Martin and Jenni Parker
February 22, 2005
(AgapePress) - The American Family Association of Pennsylvania is demanding that a judge apologize to members of a Christian group who were arrested during an outreach to homosexuals for comparing the street ministers to Nazis and the Ku Klux Klan. Meanwhile, though acquitted, the Christian activists may be heading back into court.
Last week, Judge Pamela Dembe of the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas dropped all charges against adult defendants belonging to the Christian group Repent America, who were arrested last fall for witnessing during a homosexual pride event in Philadelphia. The charges against the remaining member of the "Philly 5," a 17-year-old girl, were also dropped.
Eleven Christians were initially arrested, a group that ranged from 17 to 72 years of age. They were taken into custody and held in jail for 21 hours, simply for ministering at a city-funded, public homosexual event called "OutFest" in October 2004. They were charged with three felonies and five misdemeanors and faced a potential sentence of up to 47 years in prison and $90,000 in fines each.
Some of the charges were dropped without a hearing, but four of the adult Repent America members that had been arrested -- Michael Marcavage, Mark Diener, Dennis Green, and James Cruse -- were bound over for trial by District Court Judge William Austin Meehan. Meanwhile, 17-year-old Lauren Murch faced a separate trial.
Justice Served with an Unflattering Comparison
According to WorldNetDaily reports, when Judge Dembe reviewed the evidence -- much of it provided by Repent America, since the group had videotaped the events leading up to the arrests -- she found no basis for the allegations against the remaining defendants and dismissed the charges. Dembe is also the judge who, last month, removed the bail requirement that the defendants keep at least 100 feet away from any homosexual gathering.
After hearing arguments and reviewing the videotape of the arrests, the Common Pleas judge noted that America is one of the few countries in the world "that protects unpopular speech." She said this means "Nazis can March in Skokie, Illinois" and "the Ku Klux Klan can march where they wish to" since, in the U.S., "we cannot stifle speech because we don't want to hear it, or we don't want to hear it now."
But while Diane Gramley, president of the American Family Association of Pennsylvania, is glad justice was served, she feels the remarks the judge made in dismissing the charges should have been withheld. She says the Repent America members did not deserve to be compared with fascists and white supremacists, especially after all they had been through.
"For 18 weeks their life has been in an upheaval," Gramley says, "and then the judge who dismisses the charges makes these statements. It's just outrageous as far as I'm concerned, and I would encourage folks to contact her and let her know that her comments were not appreciated."
Gramley feels Dembe's framing comments put the defendants on a par with hate-filled groups and characterized the Christian activists unfairly. "We're very pleased that the judge handed down the decision that she did," the pro-family spokeswoman says, "but we just wish she had not used the words Nazis and KKK in the statement that she made, equating Repent America with those types of hate organizations."
When Love of God and Neighbor Becomes a Hate Crime
Repent America founder Michael Marcavage would say that, far from being a hate group, his group is offering a loving response to sins that are destroying the social fabric of America. He feels the ministry has a calling and a responsibility to confront abortion, homosexuality, and other sins, and in describing its mission, he says, "If we love God, we will obey His commandments; and if we love our neighbors, we will go to them with the Word of God, so that they may be saved."
But after coming through his arrest and the ordeal of being tried in court for ministering at OutFest, Marcavage notes that the price of godly obedience is becoming increasingly steep in an increasingly faith-hostile America. "Christianity is being criminalized," he says. "The attack against Christians by government officials has never been so extreme. Not only are they removing symbols of Christianity from the public square, but they are now removing the Christians themselves."
Marcavage says what he finds most disturbing about this case, aside from "the arrests, imprisonment, and malicious prosecution," is the use of Pennsylvania hate crime law, which has added sexual orientation as a protected category. "Philadelphia District Attorney Lynne Abraham knew exactly what she was doing when she targeted us with the hate law due to our biblical opposition to homosexual behavior," the Repent America spokesman says. He notes that Abraham sits on the National Executive Committee of the Anti-Defamation League, whose members he calls "the architects of the hate crimes legislation."
Brian Fahling, senior trial attorney for the American Family Association Center for Law & Policy, has worked on behalf of the Philadelphia Christian group in the federal courts. In a statement responding to this latest ruling, he commented that the AFA Law Center is pleased for its clients as well as relieved that "justice has finally been done in the criminal system, and though it is apparently slow and rusty, the system still works."
But according to Fahling, Judge Dembe's decision to dismiss the charges ends only the first chapter in the ongoing saga of the Philadelphia 11. The group's legal representatives will be pursuing federal legal action against the arresting officers and the City of Philadelphia, and they are calling for a Department of Justice investigation into the corruption and abuse of power they allege took place in the so-called City of Brotherly Love.
© 2005 AgapePress all rights reserved.
Is it LOVE or is it LUST? You decide...
I wrote this for a men's group back in early January 2005. Tell me what you think:
____________________________
Someone recently mentioned "loving rather than lusting..." and I found the statement to be immensely "loaded." There is just SO much there to consider.
Let's talk about a couple of items:
LOVE says, " I want what is in YOUR best interest...not what will harm you, injure you, or bring disgrace to you."
LUST says, "I want what I want, when I want it. My immediates needs and desires are paramount, and gratifying my desires is supreme....regardless of what you or anyone else thinks."
LOVE says, "You are one who bears the image of God, and I am compromising my love for GOD if I 'have my way' with you. God's image in you is holy. I will not touch it."
LUST says, "Your body, your sexuality, and your person brings me great pleasure (in that order), and once I'm gratified (not satisfied), then you hold little, if any value to me."
LOVE says, "Christ has made a way for me to be holy, to live holy, and to respond to every desire in a way worthy of being called 'Christian'"
LUST says, "Live, let live...and my contentment and desires are first and foremost. Regardless of who is destroyed in the process...after all, it's 'all about me.'"
LOVE says, "God is holy. He expects and requires me to live holy. No exceptions."
*****************************
So what say ye?
____________________________
Someone recently mentioned "loving rather than lusting..." and I found the statement to be immensely "loaded." There is just SO much there to consider.
Let's talk about a couple of items:
LOVE says, " I want what is in YOUR best interest...not what will harm you, injure you, or bring disgrace to you."
LUST says, "I want what I want, when I want it. My immediates needs and desires are paramount, and gratifying my desires is supreme....regardless of what you or anyone else thinks."
LOVE says, "You are one who bears the image of God, and I am compromising my love for GOD if I 'have my way' with you. God's image in you is holy. I will not touch it."
LUST says, "Your body, your sexuality, and your person brings me great pleasure (in that order), and once I'm gratified (not satisfied), then you hold little, if any value to me."
LOVE says, "Christ has made a way for me to be holy, to live holy, and to respond to every desire in a way worthy of being called 'Christian'"
LUST says, "Live, let live...and my contentment and desires are first and foremost. Regardless of who is destroyed in the process...after all, it's 'all about me.'"
LOVE says, "God is holy. He expects and requires me to live holy. No exceptions."
*****************************
So what say ye?
Some great local churches..and their websites...
I believe in the local church!
I remember one of my seminary professors saying, "If you love the Body of Christ everywhere, then you must love the Body of Christ somewhere..specifically."
I couldn't agree more.
So, I wanted to post some links to some great local congregations that mean a lot to me. I either know the pastoral staff in these places, or I'm very familiar with their ministries. I heartily endorse these local congregations, and encourage you to visit with the "family of God" when you are in the vicinity.
Valley Baptist Church, San Rafael, California.
http://www.vbcsanrafael.com/index.cfm/method/content.home
Senior Pastor Chris Losey and his wife Sharon have been precious and treasured friends for almost twenty years now. He is a retired United States Air Force Chaplain, and tremendous servant of the Lord and His people. I've had the great privilege of singing in this church on several occasions. It is always a great joy to be with these people in the San Francisco Bay area.
Denver First Church of the Nazarene, Englewood, Colorado
http://www.dfcnaz.org/
Senior Pastor Tim Stearman and his wife Jane have shepherded this marvelous congregation for almost twelve years now. When I was stationed at Lowry AFB (in suburban Aurora) right outside of downtown Denver, I became acquainted with the Denver First Church family. After my first visit there, I never looked for another congregation. I was "home" with the DFC folks--and no, I didn't grow up Nazarene, and not a member of the Church of the Nazarene. But this is one wonderful congregation. If you decide to visit, find Missions Pastor Lanny York, and tell him that Phil Hoover sent you. He will definitely be glad to see you..and to hear from me.
Westmore Church of God, Cleveland, Tennessee
http://www.westmorecog.org/
Senior Pastor Kelvin Page and his wife Debbie lead this growing congregation in the lovely town of Cleveland nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. You will find strong, Biblical preaching, vibrant fellowship, and a warm welcome at the Westmore Church.
On a personal note, I was a colleague of Pastor Page's during our undergraduate days at Lee College (now Lee University) way back in the early 1980s. He is a jewel of a person, and a shepherd after God's own heart. Pay them a visit.
The Moody Church, Chicago, Illinois
http://www.moodychurch.org/index.html
Doctor Erwin W Lutzer celebrates twenty five years of active service as the Senior Pastor of this great historic congregation in the heart of the Windy City. The Moody Church has something for everyone. Their ministries literally reach around the world. Pastor Lutzer's messages can be heard on anyone of three radio programs (Songs in the Night, Running To Win, The Moody Church Hour), and anytime via the Worldwide Web. This congregation is a vibrant, growing, engaging, and warm fellowship of people who seriously want to "connect with God and with each other." If you are ever in Chicago, please worship with the saints at The Moody Church. You will be so glad that you did.
I remember one of my seminary professors saying, "If you love the Body of Christ everywhere, then you must love the Body of Christ somewhere..specifically."
I couldn't agree more.
So, I wanted to post some links to some great local congregations that mean a lot to me. I either know the pastoral staff in these places, or I'm very familiar with their ministries. I heartily endorse these local congregations, and encourage you to visit with the "family of God" when you are in the vicinity.
Valley Baptist Church, San Rafael, California.
http://www.vbcsanrafael.com/index.cfm/method/content.home
Senior Pastor Chris Losey and his wife Sharon have been precious and treasured friends for almost twenty years now. He is a retired United States Air Force Chaplain, and tremendous servant of the Lord and His people. I've had the great privilege of singing in this church on several occasions. It is always a great joy to be with these people in the San Francisco Bay area.
Denver First Church of the Nazarene, Englewood, Colorado
http://www.dfcnaz.org/
Senior Pastor Tim Stearman and his wife Jane have shepherded this marvelous congregation for almost twelve years now. When I was stationed at Lowry AFB (in suburban Aurora) right outside of downtown Denver, I became acquainted with the Denver First Church family. After my first visit there, I never looked for another congregation. I was "home" with the DFC folks--and no, I didn't grow up Nazarene, and not a member of the Church of the Nazarene. But this is one wonderful congregation. If you decide to visit, find Missions Pastor Lanny York, and tell him that Phil Hoover sent you. He will definitely be glad to see you..and to hear from me.
Westmore Church of God, Cleveland, Tennessee
http://www.westmorecog.org/
Senior Pastor Kelvin Page and his wife Debbie lead this growing congregation in the lovely town of Cleveland nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. You will find strong, Biblical preaching, vibrant fellowship, and a warm welcome at the Westmore Church.
On a personal note, I was a colleague of Pastor Page's during our undergraduate days at Lee College (now Lee University) way back in the early 1980s. He is a jewel of a person, and a shepherd after God's own heart. Pay them a visit.
The Moody Church, Chicago, Illinois
http://www.moodychurch.org/index.html
Doctor Erwin W Lutzer celebrates twenty five years of active service as the Senior Pastor of this great historic congregation in the heart of the Windy City. The Moody Church has something for everyone. Their ministries literally reach around the world. Pastor Lutzer's messages can be heard on anyone of three radio programs (Songs in the Night, Running To Win, The Moody Church Hour), and anytime via the Worldwide Web. This congregation is a vibrant, growing, engaging, and warm fellowship of people who seriously want to "connect with God and with each other." If you are ever in Chicago, please worship with the saints at The Moody Church. You will be so glad that you did.
Another friend..and a marvelous singer/musician
Please check out the website for my friend, Allison Durham Speer:
www.allisondurhamspeer.com
This lady who stands 5'1" has a voice that is at least ten feet tall. And what a communicator! What a wonderful, powerful minister of the grace of God through the gifts of music.
She and her husband Brian are just two great people.
Let me encourage you to check out her website, buy her music, and have them in your local church. Or at least encourage others to have them somewhere near you.
So, what are you waiting for? Go to the website....
NOW....
www.allisondurhamspeer.com
This lady who stands 5'1" has a voice that is at least ten feet tall. And what a communicator! What a wonderful, powerful minister of the grace of God through the gifts of music.
She and her husband Brian are just two great people.
Let me encourage you to check out her website, buy her music, and have them in your local church. Or at least encourage others to have them somewhere near you.
So, what are you waiting for? Go to the website....
NOW....
For this Lenten Season...
Legendary singer/songwriter, Dottie Rambo, has given the music world more than 2500 songs in her short life span. I grew up hearing the Singing Rambos, and loving Dottie's music. None of those great songs has profoundly impacted/influenced my spiritual life like this one:
*****************************************************************************
I boast not of works
Nor tell of good deeds;
For naught have I done
To merit His grace.
All glory and praise
Shall rest upon Him
So willing to die in my place....
My trophies and crowns,
My robes stained with sin
Were all that I had to lay at His feet.
So unworthy to eat
From His table of life
But God made provision for me!
I will glory in the Cross!
In the Cross!
Lest His suffering all be in vain!
I will weep no more
For the Cross that He bore,
But I will glory in the Cross!
--words and music by Dottie Rambo.
**************************************************************
What a testimony! What a joy! What an everlasting hope! May it ever be so!
*****************************************************************************
I boast not of works
Nor tell of good deeds;
For naught have I done
To merit His grace.
All glory and praise
Shall rest upon Him
So willing to die in my place....
My trophies and crowns,
My robes stained with sin
Were all that I had to lay at His feet.
So unworthy to eat
From His table of life
But God made provision for me!
I will glory in the Cross!
In the Cross!
Lest His suffering all be in vain!
I will weep no more
For the Cross that He bore,
But I will glory in the Cross!
--words and music by Dottie Rambo.
**************************************************************
What a testimony! What a joy! What an everlasting hope! May it ever be so!
Another Janet Update....
Here's a letter from John, Janet's husband, dated 21 February 2005 (Yesterday):
(6:30 AM) Today is day 5 following Janet's second round of chemotherapy, and there does seem to be a predictable pattern developing. Day 1 of chemotherapy is quite simply, total exhaustion! The good news this time was very little nausea immediately following the chemo treatment.
Day 2 is a very interesting day judging by these previous two rounds. This is the day where Janet feels pretty much "bullet proof". As she stated in her newsletter, "I'd begun to think that chemo had been getting a bad rap - what was the big deal?". I was upstairs working on a photo album to upload to the web site, when I hear the vacuum cleaner running. I go downstairs and Janet is vacuuming everything in sight, good thing Max was with Paw Paw for a few days. We exchange looks, no words are necessary, she then gently turns off the vacuum and lies down on the couch. I am now back upstairs cropping, and resizing when I hear the unmistakable sound, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh of the washing machine. Halfway down the stairs she hears me and defensively states "it's just one load, and a small one at that!".....back to the couch. I return upstairs and am working on about the 3rd photograph with what seems like a million to go, I hear sounds like, clank, clink. whirr, whirr, Janet is in the kitchen....OK, you get the drift of day two. Now, before you get the wrong impression, before you write me and say "let her work, it is good for her!" I say " NOT ON DAY TWO!" You see, day two is a lot like your credit card during those last fleeting days of Christmas, everything looks wonderful, you feel wonderful, all is right with the world. Then comes the end of January with the dreaded credit card bill!
Which leads us to days...3 & 4....horrible, terrible, just downright BAD! Day 2 giveth and Day 3 & 4 taketh away, and then some. As Janet states "I feel like I have been run over by a garbage truck!" Her body aches right to the marrow of her bones, she has a metallic taste in her mouth and NOTHING tastes good. She is totally and completely consumed by fatigue.
Today is day 5 with Janet feeling like she doesn't have to look in both directions before getting out of bed so as to avoid a rogue garbage truck. She definitely feels much better, but the road is still uphill. She is taking it easy right now for we plan to start walking around the neighborhood every day from today forward. Her Dr. says he is a firm believer in exercise, get the heart working and the blood circulating.
(5:00 PM) Janet and I just returned from a walk around the neighborhood of approximately 3 miles. She did great, in fact I had to ask her to slow down a couple of times. Thank you again for the wonderful letters of sharing and encouragement. I will post another update in about one week.
Two rounds of chemo down and two to go, we are halfway home!.
God bless all of you,
John
********************************************************************
Praising the Lord for such an encouraging report. Please continue praying for Janet Paschal and her husband, as they face this "trial" together. That's what the church is all about...how we "care for one another."
(6:30 AM) Today is day 5 following Janet's second round of chemotherapy, and there does seem to be a predictable pattern developing. Day 1 of chemotherapy is quite simply, total exhaustion! The good news this time was very little nausea immediately following the chemo treatment.
Day 2 is a very interesting day judging by these previous two rounds. This is the day where Janet feels pretty much "bullet proof". As she stated in her newsletter, "I'd begun to think that chemo had been getting a bad rap - what was the big deal?". I was upstairs working on a photo album to upload to the web site, when I hear the vacuum cleaner running. I go downstairs and Janet is vacuuming everything in sight, good thing Max was with Paw Paw for a few days. We exchange looks, no words are necessary, she then gently turns off the vacuum and lies down on the couch. I am now back upstairs cropping, and resizing when I hear the unmistakable sound, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh of the washing machine. Halfway down the stairs she hears me and defensively states "it's just one load, and a small one at that!".....back to the couch. I return upstairs and am working on about the 3rd photograph with what seems like a million to go, I hear sounds like, clank, clink. whirr, whirr, Janet is in the kitchen....OK, you get the drift of day two. Now, before you get the wrong impression, before you write me and say "let her work, it is good for her!" I say " NOT ON DAY TWO!" You see, day two is a lot like your credit card during those last fleeting days of Christmas, everything looks wonderful, you feel wonderful, all is right with the world. Then comes the end of January with the dreaded credit card bill!
Which leads us to days...3 & 4....horrible, terrible, just downright BAD! Day 2 giveth and Day 3 & 4 taketh away, and then some. As Janet states "I feel like I have been run over by a garbage truck!" Her body aches right to the marrow of her bones, she has a metallic taste in her mouth and NOTHING tastes good. She is totally and completely consumed by fatigue.
Today is day 5 with Janet feeling like she doesn't have to look in both directions before getting out of bed so as to avoid a rogue garbage truck. She definitely feels much better, but the road is still uphill. She is taking it easy right now for we plan to start walking around the neighborhood every day from today forward. Her Dr. says he is a firm believer in exercise, get the heart working and the blood circulating.
(5:00 PM) Janet and I just returned from a walk around the neighborhood of approximately 3 miles. She did great, in fact I had to ask her to slow down a couple of times. Thank you again for the wonderful letters of sharing and encouragement. I will post another update in about one week.
Two rounds of chemo down and two to go, we are halfway home!.
God bless all of you,
John
********************************************************************
Praising the Lord for such an encouraging report. Please continue praying for Janet Paschal and her husband, as they face this "trial" together. That's what the church is all about...how we "care for one another."
The "Janet Paschal" update...
John, Janet's husband sent out this email, and also posted it on her website (www.janetpaschal.com):
As I write this update, Janet is downstairs sleeping on the couch, a sleep that is so still and deep that it is a bit frightening. We have only been home for about an hour or so, Maw Maw, Paw Paw (Janet's Mother and Father) and Kay (her Sister) have just left with a promise to return day after tomorrow.
We arrived at the clinic at 8:30 am to have some blood drawn for the purpose of determining blood levels (white blood count and so forth). Then around 9:30 or so, we met with the Oncologist to review the results of the blood work-up and ascertain whether the tumor had been altered in any way as a result of the first round of chemo.
The Oncologist informed Janet that her white blood count had not returned to a level he would have preferred. Her count nudged into the region where they would NOT have to delay the second round of treatment; however, the number was sufficiently low enough to require another type of treatment in order to boost her immune system.
Also, an examination revealed the tumor had not changed in size or density. We were hoping to find a decrease in it's size, some measurable result telegraphing that the cancer was responding to the treatment. The Doctor was quick to reassure and to make clear that this phase was still very early in Janet's overall treatment.
11:30 am Janet was in her recliner reading (what else?) a recipe book while being administered her second round of chemotherapy. 2:30 pm we were back home, 3:30 pm Paw Paw, Maw Maw, and Kay left and Janet is now resting downstairs.
I have to be honest, once Janet was quietly asleep on the couch and I was sitting at my computer wondering what to say, a feeling of despondency settled over me. But then I remembered that Joshua was not instructed to march around Jericho just one time....and that Naaman wasn't instructed to dip into the Jordan just once, and so forth. I then went to the web site and reread all of the guest book entries, and the e-mail you have sent. I was humbled by the many prayers being offered for Janet, the encouragement, the moving testimonies of God reaching down and touching your lives and the gentle reminders of how "God Will Make A Way" for Janet as well. Thank you!
OK, now for some good news. Janet has followed quite a bit of the advice from those of you who have blazed this trail before us. She has gargled 4 to 5 times a day with warm salt water and has not experienced one mouth sore. She has also followed many of the suggestions of what to eat, how often, etc., and has experienced almost no nausea.
On the other hand, she has not followed the advice on the importance of resting and taking it easy. Janet is a dynamo and really has a hard time gearing down and coasting a bit....oh well, 2 out of 3 for now is not so bad!
We have been informed by numerous sources that the second treatment tends to take a greater toll on the body. I guess because of the cumulative effect of the treatment and also 3 weeks is simply not a sufficient amount of time to completely recover. Because of this, I will post an update in about 5 days from now letting you know how Janet is doing relative to the 5 days following the first treatment.
We covet your prayers and friendship. Please know that your encouragement sent via snail mail, e-mail, feedback form, and the sub/unsubscribe route are read and appreciated more than we can ever convey.
God bless.
John
**********************************************
Please continue praying for Janet and her husband, John. Feel free to visit her website, and to send her notes of your prayers, encouragement, or anything else you may want to send her.
As I write this update, Janet is downstairs sleeping on the couch, a sleep that is so still and deep that it is a bit frightening. We have only been home for about an hour or so, Maw Maw, Paw Paw (Janet's Mother and Father) and Kay (her Sister) have just left with a promise to return day after tomorrow.
We arrived at the clinic at 8:30 am to have some blood drawn for the purpose of determining blood levels (white blood count and so forth). Then around 9:30 or so, we met with the Oncologist to review the results of the blood work-up and ascertain whether the tumor had been altered in any way as a result of the first round of chemo.
The Oncologist informed Janet that her white blood count had not returned to a level he would have preferred. Her count nudged into the region where they would NOT have to delay the second round of treatment; however, the number was sufficiently low enough to require another type of treatment in order to boost her immune system.
Also, an examination revealed the tumor had not changed in size or density. We were hoping to find a decrease in it's size, some measurable result telegraphing that the cancer was responding to the treatment. The Doctor was quick to reassure and to make clear that this phase was still very early in Janet's overall treatment.
11:30 am Janet was in her recliner reading (what else?) a recipe book while being administered her second round of chemotherapy. 2:30 pm we were back home, 3:30 pm Paw Paw, Maw Maw, and Kay left and Janet is now resting downstairs.
I have to be honest, once Janet was quietly asleep on the couch and I was sitting at my computer wondering what to say, a feeling of despondency settled over me. But then I remembered that Joshua was not instructed to march around Jericho just one time....and that Naaman wasn't instructed to dip into the Jordan just once, and so forth. I then went to the web site and reread all of the guest book entries, and the e-mail you have sent. I was humbled by the many prayers being offered for Janet, the encouragement, the moving testimonies of God reaching down and touching your lives and the gentle reminders of how "God Will Make A Way" for Janet as well. Thank you!
OK, now for some good news. Janet has followed quite a bit of the advice from those of you who have blazed this trail before us. She has gargled 4 to 5 times a day with warm salt water and has not experienced one mouth sore. She has also followed many of the suggestions of what to eat, how often, etc., and has experienced almost no nausea.
On the other hand, she has not followed the advice on the importance of resting and taking it easy. Janet is a dynamo and really has a hard time gearing down and coasting a bit....oh well, 2 out of 3 for now is not so bad!
We have been informed by numerous sources that the second treatment tends to take a greater toll on the body. I guess because of the cumulative effect of the treatment and also 3 weeks is simply not a sufficient amount of time to completely recover. Because of this, I will post an update in about 5 days from now letting you know how Janet is doing relative to the 5 days following the first treatment.
We covet your prayers and friendship. Please know that your encouragement sent via snail mail, e-mail, feedback form, and the sub/unsubscribe route are read and appreciated more than we can ever convey.
God bless.
John
**********************************************
Please continue praying for Janet and her husband, John. Feel free to visit her website, and to send her notes of your prayers, encouragement, or anything else you may want to send her.
Country as "cornbread" but this is GOOD!
One of the great country/gospel songs from my childhood tells us of our journey through life. Not even sure who wrote, "Life is Like a Mountain Railroad"--but it surely speaks to all of us.
Let it speak to you:
_____________________________
Life is like a mountain railroad,
With an engineer that's brave;
We must make the run successful,
From the cradle to the grave;
Watch the curves, the hills, the tunnels;
Never falter, never quail;
Keep your hand upon the throttle,
And your eye upon the rail.
Chorus:
Blessed Savior, Thou wilt guide us,
Til we reach that blissful shore;
Where the angels wait to join us
In Thy praise for evermore.
You will roll up grades of trial;
You will cross the bridge of strife;
See that Christ is your conductor;
On this light'ning train of life;
Always mindful of obstruction,
Do your duty, never fail;
Keep your hand upon the throttle,
and your eye upon the rail.
You will often find obstruction;
Look for storms of wind and rain;
On a hill, or curve, or trestle;
They will almost ditch your train.
Put your trust alone in Jesus;
Never falter, never fail;
Keep your hand upon the throttle,
and your eye upon the rail.
As you roll across the trestle,
Spanning Jordan's swelling tide.
You behold the Union depot
Into which your train will glide.
There you'll meet the Superintendent,
God the Father, God the Son
With the hearty, joyous plaudit,
"Weary pilgrim, welcome Home!"
Blessed Savior, Thou wilt guide us
Till we reach that blissful shore!
Where the angels wait to join us
In Thy praise forevermore!
Amen, amen, amen!
Let it speak to you:
_____________________________
Life is like a mountain railroad,
With an engineer that's brave;
We must make the run successful,
From the cradle to the grave;
Watch the curves, the hills, the tunnels;
Never falter, never quail;
Keep your hand upon the throttle,
And your eye upon the rail.
Chorus:
Blessed Savior, Thou wilt guide us,
Til we reach that blissful shore;
Where the angels wait to join us
In Thy praise for evermore.
You will roll up grades of trial;
You will cross the bridge of strife;
See that Christ is your conductor;
On this light'ning train of life;
Always mindful of obstruction,
Do your duty, never fail;
Keep your hand upon the throttle,
and your eye upon the rail.
You will often find obstruction;
Look for storms of wind and rain;
On a hill, or curve, or trestle;
They will almost ditch your train.
Put your trust alone in Jesus;
Never falter, never fail;
Keep your hand upon the throttle,
and your eye upon the rail.
As you roll across the trestle,
Spanning Jordan's swelling tide.
You behold the Union depot
Into which your train will glide.
There you'll meet the Superintendent,
God the Father, God the Son
With the hearty, joyous plaudit,
"Weary pilgrim, welcome Home!"
Blessed Savior, Thou wilt guide us
Till we reach that blissful shore!
Where the angels wait to join us
In Thy praise forevermore!
Amen, amen, amen!
If I were gonna be a Catholic...(link)
If I were going to be a Catholic believer, this is the kind I would be:
http://www.saintsabina.org/index2.htm
May the Lord continue to use and bless Pastor Pfleger and the people of the Faith Community of St Sabina on the south side of Chicago.
These people are carrying out the Scriptural mission of "lighting a candle" in a very dark world. Maybe the rest of us should follow suit.
http://www.saintsabina.org/index2.htm
May the Lord continue to use and bless Pastor Pfleger and the people of the Faith Community of St Sabina on the south side of Chicago.
These people are carrying out the Scriptural mission of "lighting a candle" in a very dark world. Maybe the rest of us should follow suit.
Cancer Victim or Victor: Janet's Update
A few weeks back, I posted a link to my friend Janet Paschal's website/newsletter, where she told all of us that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer. I also asked everyone to pray for her. Here's her latest newsletter, and she sounds in good spirits:
______________________________________________
Hey Everybody,
It's early, early Sunday morning; John and Max are asleep, as is most everyone except newspaper carriers and the first shift at Krispy Kreme . I've been lying awake identifying the sounds of 4am, like the baby birds in the gutter and the footsteps of the deer who've just topped off my hostas - again. I've also been thinking it was a good time for me to update you on all the 'stuff' going on.
I had my first chemo treatment almost three weeks ago. Having no idea what to expect, I was wide-eyed from the minute we parked in the garage. I had visions of wires and tubes and heavy equipment and torturers with masks, only to find that the treatment room was lined with recliners and staffed with soft-spoken, genteel nurses. The process was simple - an IV in the arm, a sedative, and the little red vial of the potent stuff. During the process they showed me a video of possible side effects, helpful hints, etc., during which I fell asleep (John said they could have saved the sedative and just started with the movie, as I tend to sleep through movies.)
That day and the next were not bad; in fact, I'd begun to think that chemo had been getting a bad rap - what was the big deal?
THEN days 3-5 happened, and I felt like I'd been hit by a tour bus! I'll spare you the details, but suffice it to say that I began to consider the consequences if I just didn't take it anymore. Days 6-7 were better, and the next week I actually felt very normal, but fatigued. This week, I've felt as good as I've ever felt in my life. It's just as my oncologist said, one bad week, two good weeks; those are odds I can live with.
My next chemo treatment is this Wednesday (2 of 4) so I'll be halfway finished at that point. Following the chemo is lumpectomy, then radiation - oh yes, I signed on for the smorgasbord - a little taste of everything. Everyone says the chemo is the hardest part, so it should be downhill from there - at least that's what I'll be telling myself on days 3-5.
Remember I told you that my friend said this process would show you who you are, as the layers are peeled away and the deepest core of yourself is exposed? I didn't quite understand what he meant at the time, but I think I am learning. During the early days of tests, fear, shock, etc., I felt as though I was watching from a distance, scrutinizing someone else's faith, watching for fractures or weak spots. I really did not know how I would react. I fully expected to go through a gamut of emotions which included 'Why me? Why now? Is this fair?' and I can honestly (and happily) say that I have never felt any inclination toward those questions at all.
Statistically, our family was due (1 woman in 7 this year) and I am, in fact, grateful to be plowing through this in lieu of my mother or my sister. Not only has my faith not been shaken, but it has not been tapped, or analyzed, or called into question to any degree.. I AM SO GRATEFUL FOR THAT. It must be that the Lord gives extra grace, just as others have said. It has reminded me so often of my grandmother who stood in the face of her worried family and dared them to doubt the Lord's sovereignty.
Frederick Buechner wrote of his own grandmother whom he likened to the large rocks near the shoreline; weathered and battered, but unmoved and unshaken. I continue to see the Lord's hand in every little detail. I'm beginning to think He especially likes details. I'm amazed at the way He prepares us, the people He brings to us, the day-to-day 'ordinaries' He orchestrates. I am inundated with cards, books, flowers, notes, email - all of which are in plain view from where I am now sitting.
How blessed can you get?
One more thing - I am getting to your emails, except for some 1400 I accidentally deleted (oh yes, chemo has an adverse effect on one's technological reserves). Thanks for your patience.I am so grateful for you - and can't wait to tell you all in person.
Won't THAT be fun!
Love,
Janet
********************************************************
Please keep this precious woman in your prayers. Her ministry has reached around the world, magnified our Lord Jesus Christ, and encouraged hearts in places where only God knows all the details.
His name be praised!
______________________________________________
Hey Everybody,
It's early, early Sunday morning; John and Max are asleep, as is most everyone except newspaper carriers and the first shift at Krispy Kreme . I've been lying awake identifying the sounds of 4am, like the baby birds in the gutter and the footsteps of the deer who've just topped off my hostas - again. I've also been thinking it was a good time for me to update you on all the 'stuff' going on.
I had my first chemo treatment almost three weeks ago. Having no idea what to expect, I was wide-eyed from the minute we parked in the garage. I had visions of wires and tubes and heavy equipment and torturers with masks, only to find that the treatment room was lined with recliners and staffed with soft-spoken, genteel nurses. The process was simple - an IV in the arm, a sedative, and the little red vial of the potent stuff. During the process they showed me a video of possible side effects, helpful hints, etc., during which I fell asleep (John said they could have saved the sedative and just started with the movie, as I tend to sleep through movies.)
That day and the next were not bad; in fact, I'd begun to think that chemo had been getting a bad rap - what was the big deal?
THEN days 3-5 happened, and I felt like I'd been hit by a tour bus! I'll spare you the details, but suffice it to say that I began to consider the consequences if I just didn't take it anymore. Days 6-7 were better, and the next week I actually felt very normal, but fatigued. This week, I've felt as good as I've ever felt in my life. It's just as my oncologist said, one bad week, two good weeks; those are odds I can live with.
My next chemo treatment is this Wednesday (2 of 4) so I'll be halfway finished at that point. Following the chemo is lumpectomy, then radiation - oh yes, I signed on for the smorgasbord - a little taste of everything. Everyone says the chemo is the hardest part, so it should be downhill from there - at least that's what I'll be telling myself on days 3-5.
Remember I told you that my friend said this process would show you who you are, as the layers are peeled away and the deepest core of yourself is exposed? I didn't quite understand what he meant at the time, but I think I am learning. During the early days of tests, fear, shock, etc., I felt as though I was watching from a distance, scrutinizing someone else's faith, watching for fractures or weak spots. I really did not know how I would react. I fully expected to go through a gamut of emotions which included 'Why me? Why now? Is this fair?' and I can honestly (and happily) say that I have never felt any inclination toward those questions at all.
Statistically, our family was due (1 woman in 7 this year) and I am, in fact, grateful to be plowing through this in lieu of my mother or my sister. Not only has my faith not been shaken, but it has not been tapped, or analyzed, or called into question to any degree.. I AM SO GRATEFUL FOR THAT. It must be that the Lord gives extra grace, just as others have said. It has reminded me so often of my grandmother who stood in the face of her worried family and dared them to doubt the Lord's sovereignty.
Frederick Buechner wrote of his own grandmother whom he likened to the large rocks near the shoreline; weathered and battered, but unmoved and unshaken. I continue to see the Lord's hand in every little detail. I'm beginning to think He especially likes details. I'm amazed at the way He prepares us, the people He brings to us, the day-to-day 'ordinaries' He orchestrates. I am inundated with cards, books, flowers, notes, email - all of which are in plain view from where I am now sitting.
How blessed can you get?
One more thing - I am getting to your emails, except for some 1400 I accidentally deleted (oh yes, chemo has an adverse effect on one's technological reserves). Thanks for your patience.I am so grateful for you - and can't wait to tell you all in person.
Won't THAT be fun!
Love,
Janet
********************************************************
Please keep this precious woman in your prayers. Her ministry has reached around the world, magnified our Lord Jesus Christ, and encouraged hearts in places where only God knows all the details.
His name be praised!
Six Grammy Awards and counting...
http://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/music/
The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir has received a Grammy Award for "LIVE..This is Your House" released May, 2004.
This is very special to me, because our local congregation, Chicago Tabernacle, is a daughter church of the Brooklyn Tabernacle. Chrissy Toledo, our Music Director (and Pastor's wife) is the oldest child of Brooklyn's Senior Pastor Jim Cymbala, and his wonderful wife Carol--who founded and has directed the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir now for more than 30 years.
Praise the Lord!
The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir has received a Grammy Award for "LIVE..This is Your House" released May, 2004.
This is very special to me, because our local congregation, Chicago Tabernacle, is a daughter church of the Brooklyn Tabernacle. Chrissy Toledo, our Music Director (and Pastor's wife) is the oldest child of Brooklyn's Senior Pastor Jim Cymbala, and his wonderful wife Carol--who founded and has directed the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir now for more than 30 years.
Praise the Lord!
The Ninety and Nine
Ira D Sankey, renowned musician for Evangelis D L Moody in the 1800s, wrote this wonderful ballad, recounting the love of our Lord Jesus for all humanity. Here are the words:
There were ninety and nine that safely lay
In the shelter of the fold.
But one was out on the hills away,
Far off from the gates of gold.
Away on the mountains wild and bare.
Away from the tender Shepherd’s care.
Away from the tender Shepherd’s care.
“Lord, Thou hast here Thy ninety and nine;
Are they not enough for Thee?”
But the Shepherd made answer:
“This of MineHas wandered away from Me;
And although the road be rough and steep,
I go to the desert to find My sheep,
I go to the desert to find My sheep.”
But none of the ransomed ever knew
How deep were the waters crossed;
Nor how dark was the night the Lord passed through
Ere He found His sheep that was lost.
Out in the desert He heard its cry,
Sick and helpless and ready to die;
Sick and helpless and ready to die.
“Lord, whence are those blood drops all the way
That mark out the mountain’s track?”
“They were shed for one who had gone astray
Ere the Shepherd could bring him back.”
“Lord, whence are Thy hands so rent and torn?”
“They are pierced tonight by many a thorn;
They are pierced tonight by many a thorn.”
And all through the mountains, thunder riven
And up from the rocky steep,
There arose a glad cry to the gate of heaven,
“Rejoice! I have found My sheep!”
And the angels echoed around the throne,
“Rejoice, for the Lord brings back His own!
Rejoice, for the Lord brings back His own!”
_________________________________________
My heart is always pierced with the marvelous words of our Lord in Luke 15 where he tells the story of the lost coin, the lost sheep, and the lost son. In each of the three accounts there is great rejoicing when the "lost" objects are found. Not alot of questions...but an awful lot of rejoicing.
May it ever be so!
There were ninety and nine that safely lay
In the shelter of the fold.
But one was out on the hills away,
Far off from the gates of gold.
Away on the mountains wild and bare.
Away from the tender Shepherd’s care.
Away from the tender Shepherd’s care.
“Lord, Thou hast here Thy ninety and nine;
Are they not enough for Thee?”
But the Shepherd made answer:
“This of MineHas wandered away from Me;
And although the road be rough and steep,
I go to the desert to find My sheep,
I go to the desert to find My sheep.”
But none of the ransomed ever knew
How deep were the waters crossed;
Nor how dark was the night the Lord passed through
Ere He found His sheep that was lost.
Out in the desert He heard its cry,
Sick and helpless and ready to die;
Sick and helpless and ready to die.
“Lord, whence are those blood drops all the way
That mark out the mountain’s track?”
“They were shed for one who had gone astray
Ere the Shepherd could bring him back.”
“Lord, whence are Thy hands so rent and torn?”
“They are pierced tonight by many a thorn;
They are pierced tonight by many a thorn.”
And all through the mountains, thunder riven
And up from the rocky steep,
There arose a glad cry to the gate of heaven,
“Rejoice! I have found My sheep!”
And the angels echoed around the throne,
“Rejoice, for the Lord brings back His own!
Rejoice, for the Lord brings back His own!”
_________________________________________
My heart is always pierced with the marvelous words of our Lord in Luke 15 where he tells the story of the lost coin, the lost sheep, and the lost son. In each of the three accounts there is great rejoicing when the "lost" objects are found. Not alot of questions...but an awful lot of rejoicing.
May it ever be so!
"Bible-Belt" Catholics
I have some very dear friends who express their relationship to the Lord Jesus Christ in the Catholic tradition. Needless to say, we have some theological differences...but by and large, those "differences" do not hinder our friendship and fellowship.
TIME Magazine's February 14th edition has this great story about Catholics in the Deep South. Check it out:
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1025176,00.html
TIME Magazine's February 14th edition has this great story about Catholics in the Deep South. Check it out:
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1025176,00.html
"Facing the Fight"...Are you ready?
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints-- and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
But that you also may know my affairs and how I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make all things known to you; whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our affairs, and that he may comfort your hearts.
______________________________________________________
The Apostle Paul, in the First Century Church, has given some very clear and applicable instructions to the saints of God in the Twenty-First Century Church. His message is this:
"Face the fight and be ready when you do."
From Ephesians Chapter 6.
Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.
Amen.
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints-- and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
But that you also may know my affairs and how I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make all things known to you; whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our affairs, and that he may comfort your hearts.
______________________________________________________
The Apostle Paul, in the First Century Church, has given some very clear and applicable instructions to the saints of God in the Twenty-First Century Church. His message is this:
"Face the fight and be ready when you do."
From Ephesians Chapter 6.
Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.
Amen.
"Willing Heart"--Do you have one?
One of the great songs from the early 1980s was this original by singer/songwriter, Kelly Willard:
_______________________________
Willing Heart
Words and music by Kelly Willard
Once I stumbled into darkness
Doing only as I pleased
but I wasn't really happy
And my heart was not at ease.
I just didn't have the willingness
To follow His commands
'til I laid my heart completely
In His hands.
If you don't have a willing heart
Ask Him to give you one.
If you can't seem to make a start
Trust in His power!
For the Lord of Love is watching you
He sees what you're going through
And He can make a way
If you want Him to
Oh, do you want Him to
Then tell Him so.
All the things my heart held on to
Only filled me with despair
And the road that I was travelin'
Never took me anywhere
And I knew no satisfaction
'til I found my rest in Him
Then He filled my heart with
Gladness once again
©1981 Maranatha Music/Willing Heart Music
All rights reserved.
International copyright secured.
Use by permission only.
_______________________________
Willing Heart
Words and music by Kelly Willard
Once I stumbled into darkness
Doing only as I pleased
but I wasn't really happy
And my heart was not at ease.
I just didn't have the willingness
To follow His commands
'til I laid my heart completely
In His hands.
If you don't have a willing heart
Ask Him to give you one.
If you can't seem to make a start
Trust in His power!
For the Lord of Love is watching you
He sees what you're going through
And He can make a way
If you want Him to
Oh, do you want Him to
Then tell Him so.
All the things my heart held on to
Only filled me with despair
And the road that I was travelin'
Never took me anywhere
And I knew no satisfaction
'til I found my rest in Him
Then He filled my heart with
Gladness once again
©1981 Maranatha Music/Willing Heart Music
All rights reserved.
International copyright secured.
Use by permission only.
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