I have always loved the church family--or in my case, families. I was telling someone yesterday that the reason my local church means so much to me, is because this group of people (wherever it has been) is my "real" and "primary" family relationship base. Sunday mornings are the normal "gathering time" for the family, and I'm always delighted to be included.
I have almost always loved Sunday School. With few exceptions, I've always been involved in the Sunday School hour...and it happens at 8:30 a.m. at The Moody Church for me (www.moodychurch.org). There is a second Sunday School hour at 11:30 a.m. after morning worship....but I am an "early riser"--and so I do the 8:30 a.m. session.
I love being with God's people. I love seeing folks who are gathering in, greeting each other, and coming to worship Jesus!
I love shaking hands, hugging necks, laughing, crying, and sharing. I love the "touch" of people who genuinely care about me...and touching those people that also mean so much to me in so many ways.
I love the great congregational singing...the marvelous organ ministry of Dr Paul Satre, and the phenomenal piano ministry of my close pal, Scott Griffin. I love water baptisms, baby dedications, the public reading of the Scriptures--which we do responsively in our Sunday Morning gatherings...
I love the PASTORAL PRAYER....this is probably my "favorite" part of the Sunday Morning worship gathering...this is when my "earthly shepherd" brings the needs of the whole church to the GREAT SHEPHERD on my behalf...there is just something about hearing my pastor "pray"...that strengthens and blesses my soul beyond description.
I love Sunday Mornings.
40. I'm thankful for "Skills"...most of the time...
My great friend, Dr Jackie Johns (www.jackiespeaks.blogspot.com) recently honored (and humbled) me by writing about his thankfulness for me. It was a very entertaining post, humorous, thoughtful, historical, and well....
I'll get right to the point: Cooking is not my only "skill" or ability--or at least I hope it's not my only skill/ability. But that seems to be the thing that always "rises to the top" when someone asks about "Phil Hoover."
Example: A very close friend of mine at The Moody Church was introducing me to someone new the other week. We were making pleasant talk, when my friend told the 'new person'--"Oh yes, Phil is a marvelous cook....make sure you get an invitation to his place some time soon." I grinned, and was heartwarmed...for a few minutes....But then I started thinking, "surely I can do other things OUTSIDE the kitchen....surely I can. I served in the Air Force, I attended Seminary, I have some decent musical skills, and I consider myself to be an intelligent being....is COOKING going to be my legacy with all the people who know me?"
Well, for now it will be.
The Executive Pastor pretty much confirms this. My friend, Dr Hutz Hertzberg, once told me, "Brother, we have musicians, and theologians, and teachers galore in this church....They are a dime a dozen...but NO ONE can run a kitchen like you can...you are the BEST in this church."
Where is God in all of this?
I'll get right to the point: Cooking is not my only "skill" or ability--or at least I hope it's not my only skill/ability. But that seems to be the thing that always "rises to the top" when someone asks about "Phil Hoover."
Example: A very close friend of mine at The Moody Church was introducing me to someone new the other week. We were making pleasant talk, when my friend told the 'new person'--"Oh yes, Phil is a marvelous cook....make sure you get an invitation to his place some time soon." I grinned, and was heartwarmed...for a few minutes....But then I started thinking, "surely I can do other things OUTSIDE the kitchen....surely I can. I served in the Air Force, I attended Seminary, I have some decent musical skills, and I consider myself to be an intelligent being....is COOKING going to be my legacy with all the people who know me?"
Well, for now it will be.
The Executive Pastor pretty much confirms this. My friend, Dr Hutz Hertzberg, once told me, "Brother, we have musicians, and theologians, and teachers galore in this church....They are a dime a dozen...but NO ONE can run a kitchen like you can...you are the BEST in this church."
Where is God in all of this?
Jackie Speaks: I am Thankful for my Friend Phil Hoover
Jackie Speaks: I am Thankful for my Friend Phil Hoover: "There are friends and then there is Phil Hoover. I first met Phil in the mid eighties. David Horton was the Minister of Music and I was the ..."
39, I am thankful for Men's Fraternity...
Yep, going on SEASON THREE, "The Great Adventure", I am deeply involved with the Men's Ministries of The Moody Church, a program called "Men's Fraternity" www.mensfraternity.com
This is, WITHOUT HESITATION, the very BEST program for men's ministries that I have ever encountered. As you will see on the website, it is VERY ENGAGING...
And the men in this "adventure" are THRILLED that I'm involved also....
I'm the "Kitchen Chief" every Thursday morning. I'm always at The Moody Church by 5:15 EVERY THURSDAY morning (without fail) when "MF" is going strong. I'm the guy who decides what the other 75 (give or take a few, here and there) will have for breakfast every Thursday morning.
I'm the guy who makes sure all the food is ordered, prepared, served...and most importantly that GALLONS of COFFEE is available...I would not ever face these men without CAFFEINATING them first!
We are having our "Man-sized, MONSTER" breakfast this morning (I'll be at the church at 4:45 AM with several others arriving shortly thereafter to help with the preparations.) So the menu will be:
Homemade Biscuits with gravy
Sausage
Bacon
Ham,
Scrambled Eggs
Homemade Hashbrowns
Fresh Fruits
Salsa
Fresh tomatoes
Orange Juice
Yogurts
PLENTY OF COFFEE!
Ya'll come!
This is, WITHOUT HESITATION, the very BEST program for men's ministries that I have ever encountered. As you will see on the website, it is VERY ENGAGING...
And the men in this "adventure" are THRILLED that I'm involved also....
I'm the "Kitchen Chief" every Thursday morning. I'm always at The Moody Church by 5:15 EVERY THURSDAY morning (without fail) when "MF" is going strong. I'm the guy who decides what the other 75 (give or take a few, here and there) will have for breakfast every Thursday morning.
I'm the guy who makes sure all the food is ordered, prepared, served...and most importantly that GALLONS of COFFEE is available...I would not ever face these men without CAFFEINATING them first!
We are having our "Man-sized, MONSTER" breakfast this morning (I'll be at the church at 4:45 AM with several others arriving shortly thereafter to help with the preparations.) So the menu will be:
Homemade Biscuits with gravy
Sausage
Bacon
Ham,
Scrambled Eggs
Homemade Hashbrowns
Fresh Fruits
Salsa
Fresh tomatoes
Orange Juice
Yogurts
PLENTY OF COFFEE!
Ya'll come!
38. I am thankful for CHURCH PICNICS
Yes, you were reading it correctly: I am VERY thankful for Church picnics...and especially the ones we have here at The Moody Church in Chicago. Our FIFTH annual picnic was yesterday (after the morning worship service), and it was great.
So many faithful people showed up in Lincoln Park to help with this great feat--and it's over.
Every single person who committed (to me) to show up and help with the grilling--they showed up, and we had a great time. We fed almost 2000 people in less than one hour (going through the lines), and not a single person (at the grills) was burned or injured.
I've done this now for five years...and next year, I'm taking a break. Someone else--maybe my friend Vincent Ramirez--can be in charge of the "grill" neck of this picnic forest....I'm taking a break next August, Lord Willing.
This was a great time of fellowship for our church family, and for those who wanted to come out and enjoy the gorgeous (but too humid) weather.
Whoever requested "veggie burgers" (and yes, we did have some)....is a very, very sick person. I tasted one of the patties, and it was AWFUL---almost an abomination.
But, I am very thankful for Church picnics.
So many faithful people showed up in Lincoln Park to help with this great feat--and it's over.
Every single person who committed (to me) to show up and help with the grilling--they showed up, and we had a great time. We fed almost 2000 people in less than one hour (going through the lines), and not a single person (at the grills) was burned or injured.
I've done this now for five years...and next year, I'm taking a break. Someone else--maybe my friend Vincent Ramirez--can be in charge of the "grill" neck of this picnic forest....I'm taking a break next August, Lord Willing.
This was a great time of fellowship for our church family, and for those who wanted to come out and enjoy the gorgeous (but too humid) weather.
Whoever requested "veggie burgers" (and yes, we did have some)....is a very, very sick person. I tasted one of the patties, and it was AWFUL---almost an abomination.
But, I am very thankful for Church picnics.
37. I am thankful for HISTORY...
Ten years ago today, I moved from Cleveland, Tennessee to Chicago, Illinois. And what a ride it has been!
Four dwelling places, two churches, six different employers (including my present one), two very minor surgeries and one major surgery, nine years wearing contact lenses--and now back to glasses, a MULTITUDE of people who love me....gaining about 20 lbs, and losing 15 of them, only to gain them back....what a great adventure this has been!
And TGIF: Today, God is Faithful.....He has been faithful to me throughout the last ten years....there have been times of fear and depression and concern....But there has also been many times of great rejoicing, great worship to the LORD, and great fellowship with so many people who dearly love me, and I dearly love them.
Many tears, but triple that amount in laughter....
Yes, I'm thankful for history....
Four dwelling places, two churches, six different employers (including my present one), two very minor surgeries and one major surgery, nine years wearing contact lenses--and now back to glasses, a MULTITUDE of people who love me....gaining about 20 lbs, and losing 15 of them, only to gain them back....what a great adventure this has been!
And TGIF: Today, God is Faithful.....He has been faithful to me throughout the last ten years....there have been times of fear and depression and concern....But there has also been many times of great rejoicing, great worship to the LORD, and great fellowship with so many people who dearly love me, and I dearly love them.
Many tears, but triple that amount in laughter....
Yes, I'm thankful for history....
36. I am thankful for DIRECT DEPOSIT....
For the life of me, I can't understand people who still prefer "paper checks" in their grubby little hands on pay day....and YES, those people still do exist. I've worked with them.....and haven't quit trying to understand them.
I started my new job on August 9---my last post (and I really should make more effort to post more regularly)....and I received my very first paycheck today...VIA Direct Deposit.
I became acquainted with Direct Deposit when I entered Active Duty in the United States Air Force 24 years ago (September 23, 1986)....and I've not "turned back" since that time. Actually, I think I've only had one job in that time frame that did not offer Direct Deposit....and Lord willing, I'll NEVER work for that organization again---and NO, it wasn't the MAFIA....
I'm most thankful for Direct Deposit.
I started my new job on August 9---my last post (and I really should make more effort to post more regularly)....and I received my very first paycheck today...VIA Direct Deposit.
I became acquainted with Direct Deposit when I entered Active Duty in the United States Air Force 24 years ago (September 23, 1986)....and I've not "turned back" since that time. Actually, I think I've only had one job in that time frame that did not offer Direct Deposit....and Lord willing, I'll NEVER work for that organization again---and NO, it wasn't the MAFIA....
I'm most thankful for Direct Deposit.
35. I am thankful for my NEW JOB
Yep, I've been a slacker in my postings as of late...and I really haven't meant to be---and I have a million excuses, but no good reasons.
But in a few hours, I will report for duty at Rush University Medical Center as one of their newest employees. Last Friday, I accepted an offer to become a full-time employee in the Guest Relations Department.
This HAD to be God. There's no other explanation for it.
After approximately 45 interviews this summer (from early April through last week), it seemed that GOD had just put a "stop" to everything that I was hoping for--and I might have to look elsewhere. My greatest fear was moving from my beloved Chicago to some other place. This was my "Isaac that had to go up the mountain" and see what God was going to do with "my sacrifice."
On Thursday, July 29th I was in my bedroom, talking to the LORD about "my Isaac" and asking HIM what the next steps would be. I was FLAT BROKE (less than $100 in my bank account), and knew that I would have to take immediate action of some sort.
Less than 30 seconds after I finished praying, my cell phone rang. My friend at Human Resources from Rush University Medical Center was calling, asking if I could come in the next day for an interview to a position which I had long sought---but there had also be hiring freeze affecting. Of course, I said "yes" and promptly planned to be there early on Friday.
Friday morning, July 30th I show up at the Rush Human Resources Office, thinking this would be the "run of the mill" interview.
Boy, was I ever so wrong! There would not be one interview, but THREE---and each of the department managers WANTED me, and wanted me as soon as I could start.
The HR employee bid me adieu (after I met with each of the managers individually), telling me that she would be in touch with me very, very soon....more than likely on the following Monday. Before I could get home on the bus, HR called, offering me a position. I was elated.
Absolutely ELATED....marvelously elated! (Of course this had happened before, but this time, it would stick...) I had been scheduled for my employee healthscreen for Monday, August 2. That occurred without incident.
On Thursday, August 5 I received a call from the Human Resources department informing me that a BETTER offer was on the table, and it was mine for the taking or rejecting. This would be a non-union full-time position, instead of the unionized part-time I had accepted previously.
Ain't God good? I'll continue this story later.
But in a few hours, I will report for duty at Rush University Medical Center as one of their newest employees. Last Friday, I accepted an offer to become a full-time employee in the Guest Relations Department.
This HAD to be God. There's no other explanation for it.
After approximately 45 interviews this summer (from early April through last week), it seemed that GOD had just put a "stop" to everything that I was hoping for--and I might have to look elsewhere. My greatest fear was moving from my beloved Chicago to some other place. This was my "Isaac that had to go up the mountain" and see what God was going to do with "my sacrifice."
On Thursday, July 29th I was in my bedroom, talking to the LORD about "my Isaac" and asking HIM what the next steps would be. I was FLAT BROKE (less than $100 in my bank account), and knew that I would have to take immediate action of some sort.
Less than 30 seconds after I finished praying, my cell phone rang. My friend at Human Resources from Rush University Medical Center was calling, asking if I could come in the next day for an interview to a position which I had long sought---but there had also be hiring freeze affecting. Of course, I said "yes" and promptly planned to be there early on Friday.
Friday morning, July 30th I show up at the Rush Human Resources Office, thinking this would be the "run of the mill" interview.
Boy, was I ever so wrong! There would not be one interview, but THREE---and each of the department managers WANTED me, and wanted me as soon as I could start.
The HR employee bid me adieu (after I met with each of the managers individually), telling me that she would be in touch with me very, very soon....more than likely on the following Monday. Before I could get home on the bus, HR called, offering me a position. I was elated.
Absolutely ELATED....marvelously elated! (Of course this had happened before, but this time, it would stick...) I had been scheduled for my employee healthscreen for Monday, August 2. That occurred without incident.
On Thursday, August 5 I received a call from the Human Resources department informing me that a BETTER offer was on the table, and it was mine for the taking or rejecting. This would be a non-union full-time position, instead of the unionized part-time I had accepted previously.
Ain't God good? I'll continue this story later.
34. I am thankful for Small Portable Transistor Radios
About nine years ago, I bought a small transistor portable radio (AM-FM) at a Walgreens' for about $7.00 I think. This small contraption uses 4 AA batteries that I replace about twice a year.
I have had this small radio in both occupations that I've held since my purchase of it on Chicago's west side back in late 2001. It still plays wonderfully well (when I keep good batteries installed), and I take this radio with me just about everywhere I go, if I can. It's so small, I can put it in a coat pocket.
Right now, I am listening to Moody Radio Chicago (aka WMBI-FM 90.1) and was listening to National Public Radio (WBEZ-FM, 91.5) earlier in the day.
I grew up listening to the radio...and I'm thankful for the radio....one of life's simple pleasures.
I have had this small radio in both occupations that I've held since my purchase of it on Chicago's west side back in late 2001. It still plays wonderfully well (when I keep good batteries installed), and I take this radio with me just about everywhere I go, if I can. It's so small, I can put it in a coat pocket.
Right now, I am listening to Moody Radio Chicago (aka WMBI-FM 90.1) and was listening to National Public Radio (WBEZ-FM, 91.5) earlier in the day.
I grew up listening to the radio...and I'm thankful for the radio....one of life's simple pleasures.
33. I am thankful for the SETBACKS in life...
This has been a week of "drama" in my life. Lots of drama--most of it unexpected and unwanted.
I left my good-paying job back in mid-March (I felt this was what the Lord was directing me to do), so I could prepare to start nursing school this Fall. I diligently sought other employment opportunities, and had about 20 interviews between mid-March through the end of April. I felt good about these interviews.
Two of these positions were particularly promising--to the point that I was offered employment by both facilities, with potential starts at both.
Those start dates have come and gone (more than one time). The agencies were simply waiting for the "position funding" to be approved. I was using all of my savings from my IRA to pay the monthly bills/obligations. I made sure that I was giving to the ministries of my local church also. I was excited about starting a new job, and starting a new phase of life.
I found out a few days ago (Thursday actually) that both positions are a "no-go" now. One position was eliminated because the "funding" (by a federal agency) was completely eliminated as of July 1st. The other position is the victim of an agency-wide hiring freeze.
So I am back at Square One. I have spent all of my savings (wisely, I hope) to pay the bills and not be a burden on anyone. Now I am down to my last $100 bucks, and find myself needing to pay bills again.
I have arranged for 3 interviews next week...and I've already had one emotional meltdown this week. I just know the LORD will provide a job, and resources...but may I ask you all to please FERVENTLY pray for me? I want to "trust and obey"---something the Lord reminded me of late last night...a song I learned in the second grade..."Trust and Obey, for there's no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey."
I'm thankful for the setbacks in life....even when these setbacks leave me scared and uncertain.
I left my good-paying job back in mid-March (I felt this was what the Lord was directing me to do), so I could prepare to start nursing school this Fall. I diligently sought other employment opportunities, and had about 20 interviews between mid-March through the end of April. I felt good about these interviews.
Two of these positions were particularly promising--to the point that I was offered employment by both facilities, with potential starts at both.
Those start dates have come and gone (more than one time). The agencies were simply waiting for the "position funding" to be approved. I was using all of my savings from my IRA to pay the monthly bills/obligations. I made sure that I was giving to the ministries of my local church also. I was excited about starting a new job, and starting a new phase of life.
I found out a few days ago (Thursday actually) that both positions are a "no-go" now. One position was eliminated because the "funding" (by a federal agency) was completely eliminated as of July 1st. The other position is the victim of an agency-wide hiring freeze.
So I am back at Square One. I have spent all of my savings (wisely, I hope) to pay the bills and not be a burden on anyone. Now I am down to my last $100 bucks, and find myself needing to pay bills again.
I have arranged for 3 interviews next week...and I've already had one emotional meltdown this week. I just know the LORD will provide a job, and resources...but may I ask you all to please FERVENTLY pray for me? I want to "trust and obey"---something the Lord reminded me of late last night...a song I learned in the second grade..."Trust and Obey, for there's no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey."
I'm thankful for the setbacks in life....even when these setbacks leave me scared and uncertain.
32. I am thankful for VICTORY in Jesus...
One of my very favorite songs is "Victory in Jesus"...having grown up in the Pentecostal tradition, this was one of many songs that we sang with great gusto, and with tremendous assurance. We sang it like we really did "have victory" in Jesus....
I was just sitting here listening to the Perrys sing "Victory in Jesus" on YouTube (as part of another song they have recorded), and just realized "again" what a precious, precious thing this "victory" really is to those who are redeemed.
When I couldn't find my way to God, He sent His Son Jesus to find me...to "plunge me beneath the cleansing flood." I was only a bit more than six years old, but I remember the very night when Christ called me to Himself, forgave my sins, and washed me with His blood.
I am thankful for this victory in Jesus....that when all around us is dreary--and even depressing--that we can look UP, and know that HE is still our victorious Saviour! (For all of you preachers--actually both of you--that is SHOUTIN' MATERIAL).
I am thankful for those subtle and poignant reminders that I am not alone, nor am I forsaken or abandoned....the VICTOR still calls me the "apple of His eye."
I am thankful for Victory in Jesus.
I was just sitting here listening to the Perrys sing "Victory in Jesus" on YouTube (as part of another song they have recorded), and just realized "again" what a precious, precious thing this "victory" really is to those who are redeemed.
When I couldn't find my way to God, He sent His Son Jesus to find me...to "plunge me beneath the cleansing flood." I was only a bit more than six years old, but I remember the very night when Christ called me to Himself, forgave my sins, and washed me with His blood.
I am thankful for this victory in Jesus....that when all around us is dreary--and even depressing--that we can look UP, and know that HE is still our victorious Saviour! (For all of you preachers--actually both of you--that is SHOUTIN' MATERIAL).
I am thankful for those subtle and poignant reminders that I am not alone, nor am I forsaken or abandoned....the VICTOR still calls me the "apple of His eye."
I am thankful for Victory in Jesus.
31. I am thankful for FREEDOM...
On this Fourth of July, 2010 I want to stated unashamedly, I am thankful for my FREEDOM. I am an American citizen. Born in the United States of America, and thankful for God's grace and provision in this "land of the free and home of the brave."
But, I am even more thankful for my FREEDOM in Christ....God's only Son. I am so thankful that the "Cross is my Statue of Liberty...it was there that my soul was made free..." Yes, indeed, the Cross is really my Statue of Liberty. When my soul is heavy-ladened with cares, sins, despair, and fear--I know where to find FREEDOM...the JUDGE at the CROSS still hears my case--every time. I can rest my case at the CROSS, knowing that He hears it...and He will settle it.
"Unashamed, I'll proclaim that a rugged Cross is my Statute of Liberty!"
Amen and amen.
But, I am even more thankful for my FREEDOM in Christ....God's only Son. I am so thankful that the "Cross is my Statue of Liberty...it was there that my soul was made free..." Yes, indeed, the Cross is really my Statue of Liberty. When my soul is heavy-ladened with cares, sins, despair, and fear--I know where to find FREEDOM...the JUDGE at the CROSS still hears my case--every time. I can rest my case at the CROSS, knowing that He hears it...and He will settle it.
"Unashamed, I'll proclaim that a rugged Cross is my Statute of Liberty!"
Amen and amen.
30. I am thankful for CARDINAL FITNESS...right down the street...
At the time of this writing, it is 4:50 a.m. on Thursday, July 1, 2010. I have a midterm examination that starts in 13 hours from this very moment...I am up early reviewing for it...
I am also up early, because I want to get over to the local CARDINAL FITNESS center that is one block from my apartment building. This place is my friend....many, many times a "severely neglected one" but a friend nonetheless.
I was so excited two years ago when this place was "moving into" the neighborhood. Now I was going to get into "shape" (and yes, ROUND is a shape...just not the one I prefer), and stay in shape....
All for only $19.99 a month.
Last year, when the transplant team in Birmingham told me that I needed to "lose about 10 lbs" before I could become a living kidney donor, I was in that wonderful place, on the treadmill, faithfully at least five mornings a week. I walked about 45 minutes each time, somewhere between 3.5-4.2 miles an hour, at 4.2% incline, on the "Fat Burn" setting. It was GREAT. Exhilirating most of the time, actually.
I've never felt better. And the months ensuing, since the surgery...well, let's say that I'm glad that "gym neglect" isn't a crime....I'd be in SERIOUS trouble.
As a matter of fact, I AM in serious trouble. All the weight that I lost....it has reappeared....and now, I must "do away" with it again.
Oops, the gym is now open, and I'm late...so let's go those "New Balances" on, and get on that treadmill...
See ya...
I am also up early, because I want to get over to the local CARDINAL FITNESS center that is one block from my apartment building. This place is my friend....many, many times a "severely neglected one" but a friend nonetheless.
I was so excited two years ago when this place was "moving into" the neighborhood. Now I was going to get into "shape" (and yes, ROUND is a shape...just not the one I prefer), and stay in shape....
All for only $19.99 a month.
Last year, when the transplant team in Birmingham told me that I needed to "lose about 10 lbs" before I could become a living kidney donor, I was in that wonderful place, on the treadmill, faithfully at least five mornings a week. I walked about 45 minutes each time, somewhere between 3.5-4.2 miles an hour, at 4.2% incline, on the "Fat Burn" setting. It was GREAT. Exhilirating most of the time, actually.
I've never felt better. And the months ensuing, since the surgery...well, let's say that I'm glad that "gym neglect" isn't a crime....I'd be in SERIOUS trouble.
As a matter of fact, I AM in serious trouble. All the weight that I lost....it has reappeared....and now, I must "do away" with it again.
Oops, the gym is now open, and I'm late...so let's go those "New Balances" on, and get on that treadmill...
See ya...
29. I am thankful for the "hurts" in life...
This is the "hardest" reason to be thankful--to date. But I am so thankful for the times of pain and hurt in my life, both deserved and those times when it was undeserved.
I remember almost five years ago when someone I dearly loved perpetrated great emotional harm to me. Lies were told, propagated, and enhanced against me...and it devastated me, emotionally.
I cried many long days, and even longer nights. I felt my heart literally being ripped out of my body, and I lay bloodied on the ground. (While all of this is very figurative, it would not have been any more painful, had it been literal, in my opinion.)
About 2:30 a.m. one Friday morning, I woke up, and heard the voice of the Holy Spirit say, "Let it go. Give it to Me, and let Me handle it. I will take care of it. I will take care of you. But leave it alone and let it go."
I knew, then and there, that I had no choice but to "leave it alone." And by "leaving it alone" that meant that I couldn't say anything more about it...to anyone...that I would intentionally bless those who had harmed me, and would ask God to help them, no matter what happened to me.
To this day, I pray for this person, and love them more and more--even though I'm never around them anymore.
I look at the pain that Jesus bore for my salvation. I remember the Cross, and remember that I am called to come and die...
I remember almost five years ago when someone I dearly loved perpetrated great emotional harm to me. Lies were told, propagated, and enhanced against me...and it devastated me, emotionally.
I cried many long days, and even longer nights. I felt my heart literally being ripped out of my body, and I lay bloodied on the ground. (While all of this is very figurative, it would not have been any more painful, had it been literal, in my opinion.)
About 2:30 a.m. one Friday morning, I woke up, and heard the voice of the Holy Spirit say, "Let it go. Give it to Me, and let Me handle it. I will take care of it. I will take care of you. But leave it alone and let it go."
I knew, then and there, that I had no choice but to "leave it alone." And by "leaving it alone" that meant that I couldn't say anything more about it...to anyone...that I would intentionally bless those who had harmed me, and would ask God to help them, no matter what happened to me.
To this day, I pray for this person, and love them more and more--even though I'm never around them anymore.
I look at the pain that Jesus bore for my salvation. I remember the Cross, and remember that I am called to come and die...
28. I am thankful for INTEGRITY...
INTEGRITY is defined as "wholeness; uprightness; honesty or soundness of moral principles and character." That pretty much sums it up, huh?
Well, not exactly. I agree completely with the definition as rendered. Last night, I had the great blessing of three different people (who don't know each other) remind me of my obligation (before both God and humanity) to be a man of integrity. These three people challenged me to "be what I say I am" and to "live as I claim to live" not bringing a reproach on the worthy name of Christ.
I am thankful for all three of these people. I am SO GRATEFUL for all three of them, because I know the LORD sent them to me last evening. It was GOD--the ultimate Example and Definer of integrity--who caused them to contact me, reminding me that I must "walk worthy."
I've not always walked worthy...and that is a story in itself. But suffice it to say, that I was reminded last evening, on Father's Day, by my Heavenly Father, to be a man of integrity.
I needed these reminders. I'm thankful for them.
Well, not exactly. I agree completely with the definition as rendered. Last night, I had the great blessing of three different people (who don't know each other) remind me of my obligation (before both God and humanity) to be a man of integrity. These three people challenged me to "be what I say I am" and to "live as I claim to live" not bringing a reproach on the worthy name of Christ.
I am thankful for all three of these people. I am SO GRATEFUL for all three of them, because I know the LORD sent them to me last evening. It was GOD--the ultimate Example and Definer of integrity--who caused them to contact me, reminding me that I must "walk worthy."
I've not always walked worthy...and that is a story in itself. But suffice it to say, that I was reminded last evening, on Father's Day, by my Heavenly Father, to be a man of integrity.
I needed these reminders. I'm thankful for them.
27. I am thankful for FATHERS in my life.
Yep, you read it right, I used the plural word, "Fathers"....because I have so many. I am thankful for every single one of them. Let me explain:
My biological father pretty much abandoned me when I was a baby (after he and my biological mother separated and eventually divorced). I grew up without parents who were regularly in my life in a meaningful and profound way. My father's mother, my Granny Hoover, raised me, for the most part.
She had a lot of help. Help that she never asked for, but also help that GOD Himself (the PERFECT FATHER) knew that she (and I) needed.
Even though my biological father was/is an alcoholic (among other vices), God knew that HE Himself would bring very loving and wise men into my life--who would show me what GOD the Father is really like.
I think of these precious, godly men who loved Christ, loved me, and helped me see that my Heavenly Father is FAR superior to anything my earthly father could ever be in my life. I don't want to start naming them in this post, because I'm sure that I will inadvertently leave someone's name out. (And since this post will show up on FaceBook, I'd rather not stir the "good ire" of any of these men in case their CHILDREN were to read this on FB and see that I left out "their" father--someone special to me.) Now that I've danced around "the naming of names", I simply want to be thankful.
I grew up backward, awkward, and clumsy. I grew up with NO idea what it meant to become a "man"--not to mention a "man of God." I had no "father" in my life--a man who would take the time show me how to become the "man" that God had designed me to be.
But, I have learned this "process" slowly over the years. So many wonderful, gracious, and good men have loved me with the "love of the Father" and the love of "a father." I could never repay such a debt to these awesome friends.
I've done my best to call some of these "giants" in my life, already. Most of them have no idea what "FaceBook" is, nor do they really care. But they have shown me the "face of Jesus" many, many times. And His face has been seen clearly through them.
Some of the precious saints are already in their eternal residence. I miss them terribly. I know that we all have "more to go to heaven for than we had yesterday."
Thank God for my "fathers." I am so grateful.
My biological father pretty much abandoned me when I was a baby (after he and my biological mother separated and eventually divorced). I grew up without parents who were regularly in my life in a meaningful and profound way. My father's mother, my Granny Hoover, raised me, for the most part.
She had a lot of help. Help that she never asked for, but also help that GOD Himself (the PERFECT FATHER) knew that she (and I) needed.
Even though my biological father was/is an alcoholic (among other vices), God knew that HE Himself would bring very loving and wise men into my life--who would show me what GOD the Father is really like.
I think of these precious, godly men who loved Christ, loved me, and helped me see that my Heavenly Father is FAR superior to anything my earthly father could ever be in my life. I don't want to start naming them in this post, because I'm sure that I will inadvertently leave someone's name out. (And since this post will show up on FaceBook, I'd rather not stir the "good ire" of any of these men in case their CHILDREN were to read this on FB and see that I left out "their" father--someone special to me.) Now that I've danced around "the naming of names", I simply want to be thankful.
I grew up backward, awkward, and clumsy. I grew up with NO idea what it meant to become a "man"--not to mention a "man of God." I had no "father" in my life--a man who would take the time show me how to become the "man" that God had designed me to be.
But, I have learned this "process" slowly over the years. So many wonderful, gracious, and good men have loved me with the "love of the Father" and the love of "a father." I could never repay such a debt to these awesome friends.
I've done my best to call some of these "giants" in my life, already. Most of them have no idea what "FaceBook" is, nor do they really care. But they have shown me the "face of Jesus" many, many times. And His face has been seen clearly through them.
Some of the precious saints are already in their eternal residence. I miss them terribly. I know that we all have "more to go to heaven for than we had yesterday."
Thank God for my "fathers." I am so grateful.
26. I am thankful for TECHNOLOGY....
It seems like modern technology is coming on the scene at an "earth-shattering" pace...I was planning to use the word "warp"--but I'm not sure what "warp" (in this context, at least) would mean. It seems like yesterday that "personal computers" were becoming all the "rage." And now, people carry their "personal computer" (aka iPhone) in their front pockets....
WOW.
I remember my first encounter with a personal computer. I was active duty in the United States Air Force, stationed at Beale AFB, California. The office where I worked had just received a large "workstation" whereby we could input information and transmit it to the agency's headquarters in San Antonio, Texas. This was approximately 1988. Or it could have been 1989.
I thought I was "hot stuff"--because I was learning to use this "workstation"...I'd no longer be sentenced to do all that "paperwork" by hand...I could just do it on the "workstation." That was the "ticket"....the secret of my success...the blessed workstation.
Fast forward a year or so...and I'm being relocated to KunSan Air Base, South Korea....and back to doing "everything by hand" once again. NO workstation????? WHAT KIND OF PLACE is this? But I "re-learned" to do everything by hand...
Fast forward to January, 1991, and once again I move...this time to Oslo, Norway to AFNORTH (Allied Forces, Northern Europe), and again, everything was done by hand. However, we did have one very small "computer" in the office---and I was one of the few people who knew how to use it.
So, I'm very thankful for all the advances we've made in technology. And this includes ALL technology, not just computers. I'm thankful for medical technology, particularly.
God bless all of these SMART people who are far more brilliant than I could ever hope to be.
WOW.
I remember my first encounter with a personal computer. I was active duty in the United States Air Force, stationed at Beale AFB, California. The office where I worked had just received a large "workstation" whereby we could input information and transmit it to the agency's headquarters in San Antonio, Texas. This was approximately 1988. Or it could have been 1989.
I thought I was "hot stuff"--because I was learning to use this "workstation"...I'd no longer be sentenced to do all that "paperwork" by hand...I could just do it on the "workstation." That was the "ticket"....the secret of my success...the blessed workstation.
Fast forward a year or so...and I'm being relocated to KunSan Air Base, South Korea....and back to doing "everything by hand" once again. NO workstation????? WHAT KIND OF PLACE is this? But I "re-learned" to do everything by hand...
Fast forward to January, 1991, and once again I move...this time to Oslo, Norway to AFNORTH (Allied Forces, Northern Europe), and again, everything was done by hand. However, we did have one very small "computer" in the office---and I was one of the few people who knew how to use it.
So, I'm very thankful for all the advances we've made in technology. And this includes ALL technology, not just computers. I'm thankful for medical technology, particularly.
God bless all of these SMART people who are far more brilliant than I could ever hope to be.
25. I am thankful for Great Hymns of the Church...
I grew up singing, and loving "Southern Gospel Music." It was and continues to be a GLORIOUS heritage for me....songs that tell the stories of God's faithfulness, guidance, love, saving grace, and almighty power--and how we mere mortals have experienced it....GREAT, GREAT testimonies...
Somewhere along the way, I also fell in love with the rich hymnody of the English-speaking church. I'm not sure if it was my early college years, or my later college years...but somewhere in that time frame, I began this romance with the hymnal...and the "fires" are still burning!
While many congregations have "transitioned" into singing the "ditties" and the "jingles"...(or as one of my friends now calls them, the "7-11s"--seven words, 11 times each), some places (The Moody Church being one of them) still sings the great hymns of the Church....
No one can sing "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" like the saints of The Moody Church (www.moodychurch.org). Every time we sing this wonderful song of praise and testimony, I am just about ready to bawl my eyes out....What a marvelous reflection of just how GREAT our GOD is....and it's all put to music.
The very first song I ever sang in public was one of the great "hymns" of the Church. My great-grandmother Branum (who died when she was 105 years old, in 1970) played a mandolin, and taught me these precious words, line-by-line:
"And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own..." I remember standing up on a piano stool in a small Pentecostal church when I was only 5 years old, and singing all three verses to "In the Garden..." Of course, I forgot many of the words to the third verse....but I have NEVER forgotten the fact that JESUS walks with me, and talks with me...And He still does! Praise His name!
And what greater song of victory and testimony can we find than these words,
"Long, my imprisoned spirit lay, fast bound in sin and nature's night,
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray, I woke, the dungeon flamed with light!
MY CHAINS fell off, my heart was free! I rose, went forth, and followed Thee!"
And the most lovely words in the English language---from the anointed pen of Isaac Watts:
"When I survey the wondrous Cross
On which the Prince of Glory died!
My richest gains, I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride!"
More than 23 years ago, my friend Michael Cork (who was then Minister of Music at Denver First Church of the Nazarene) gave me a "hymnal to use" in my devotions. He told me to keep it, since the local church was planning to buy new ones anyway.
I LOVE THAT HYMNAL. That sacred book has followed me all over the world. Next to my Bible, it is probably the book I read the most...and sometimes even more than my Bible...
I am thankful for the great HYMNS of the Church. My heart will keep singing them!
Somewhere along the way, I also fell in love with the rich hymnody of the English-speaking church. I'm not sure if it was my early college years, or my later college years...but somewhere in that time frame, I began this romance with the hymnal...and the "fires" are still burning!
While many congregations have "transitioned" into singing the "ditties" and the "jingles"...(or as one of my friends now calls them, the "7-11s"--seven words, 11 times each), some places (The Moody Church being one of them) still sings the great hymns of the Church....
No one can sing "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" like the saints of The Moody Church (www.moodychurch.org). Every time we sing this wonderful song of praise and testimony, I am just about ready to bawl my eyes out....What a marvelous reflection of just how GREAT our GOD is....and it's all put to music.
The very first song I ever sang in public was one of the great "hymns" of the Church. My great-grandmother Branum (who died when she was 105 years old, in 1970) played a mandolin, and taught me these precious words, line-by-line:
"And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own..." I remember standing up on a piano stool in a small Pentecostal church when I was only 5 years old, and singing all three verses to "In the Garden..." Of course, I forgot many of the words to the third verse....but I have NEVER forgotten the fact that JESUS walks with me, and talks with me...And He still does! Praise His name!
And what greater song of victory and testimony can we find than these words,
"Long, my imprisoned spirit lay, fast bound in sin and nature's night,
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray, I woke, the dungeon flamed with light!
MY CHAINS fell off, my heart was free! I rose, went forth, and followed Thee!"
And the most lovely words in the English language---from the anointed pen of Isaac Watts:
"When I survey the wondrous Cross
On which the Prince of Glory died!
My richest gains, I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride!"
More than 23 years ago, my friend Michael Cork (who was then Minister of Music at Denver First Church of the Nazarene) gave me a "hymnal to use" in my devotions. He told me to keep it, since the local church was planning to buy new ones anyway.
I LOVE THAT HYMNAL. That sacred book has followed me all over the world. Next to my Bible, it is probably the book I read the most...and sometimes even more than my Bible...
I am thankful for the great HYMNS of the Church. My heart will keep singing them!
24. I am thankful for UNCERTAINTIES....
This one is just HARD for me to admit. What else can I say? The only thing CERTAIN in this life is that GOD knows and sees and controls everything aspect of the universe.
I was pretty sure that I would be "working" by now. After all, I accepted a job offer back in late April--awaiting a starting date. The starting date was postponed...and then postponed again...and yet again. So I still have started this job. I've had other interviews, and haven't heard anything back from most of them either.
I'm getting VERY ANTSY right now. I have just about exhausted my personal resources...and I need to be able to pay the bills for July...
I just don't see it happening...but I am CERTAIN that God knows what is going on. So, even in my faithlessness, He is a good and faithful God. Of this I am CERTAIN.
In all of my uncertainties, I can be certain that He is in control. Now if I can just get my head and heart to both acknowledge this at the same time.
I was pretty sure that I would be "working" by now. After all, I accepted a job offer back in late April--awaiting a starting date. The starting date was postponed...and then postponed again...and yet again. So I still have started this job. I've had other interviews, and haven't heard anything back from most of them either.
I'm getting VERY ANTSY right now. I have just about exhausted my personal resources...and I need to be able to pay the bills for July...
I just don't see it happening...but I am CERTAIN that God knows what is going on. So, even in my faithlessness, He is a good and faithful God. Of this I am CERTAIN.
In all of my uncertainties, I can be certain that He is in control. Now if I can just get my head and heart to both acknowledge this at the same time.
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