http://my.clevelandclinic.org/services/Kidney_Transplantation/hic_Laparoscopic_Donor_Nephrectomy_Minimally_Invasive_Kidney_Removal.aspx
Needless to say, the "news" of last week (and my last blog post) has caused me to do some 'research" concerning Kidney transplants, and what it takes to be a kidney donor for a transplant.
I'm excited. I see the hand of God all over this decision, and I request your continued prayers concerning this "life-changing" event.
"Mr Hoover, you are a suitable donor"
I received a wonderful call from the Renal Transplant Center of the University of Alabama-Birmingham hospital two days ago....telling me that my blood samples had been closely evaluated and that I am a 'suitable donor' to give one of my kidneys to my great friend, Dr Bill George.
I was first introduced to Dr Bill George some 20+ years ago, when he was teaching the "Introduction to World Missions" course at Lee College (now University, www.leeuniversity.edu). The Lord used this course, and this precious servant to cause me to fall in love with "missions."
Dr Bill has performed every ministry assignment with class and grace, and genuine humility. He was a missionary for many years. He has also served as a college professor, a missions educator, and in other levels where assigned in the Church of God. He has always honored the Lord with his work.
Several weeks ago, I saw the request for "Help find a kidney for Dr Bill George" on Facebook, and felt a tugging at my heart. Disclaimer: I have NEVER contemplated giving one of my organs while I'm still alive....but this time was different. I knew that God was in this one. I simply wanted to follow where the Holy Spirit would lead. The Lord gave me the words to share with Dr Bill, "Let's see what the Lord might have for us in this situation."
Never once did I ever doubt that I would be a "suitable donor." The LORD had placed a certainty in my heart, and now I'm just wanting to follow His lead and direction in this process.
Please pray for both myself and Dr Bill George. I am now scheduled for extensive testing at the University of Alabama-Birmingham Renal Transplant Center on Thursday, June 11, 2009. It will be an "all day affair."
Truly, I am ready to "see what the Lord has for us in this situation." It will ALL be HIS DOING.
We are trusting in Him.
I was first introduced to Dr Bill George some 20+ years ago, when he was teaching the "Introduction to World Missions" course at Lee College (now University, www.leeuniversity.edu). The Lord used this course, and this precious servant to cause me to fall in love with "missions."
Dr Bill has performed every ministry assignment with class and grace, and genuine humility. He was a missionary for many years. He has also served as a college professor, a missions educator, and in other levels where assigned in the Church of God. He has always honored the Lord with his work.
Several weeks ago, I saw the request for "Help find a kidney for Dr Bill George" on Facebook, and felt a tugging at my heart. Disclaimer: I have NEVER contemplated giving one of my organs while I'm still alive....but this time was different. I knew that God was in this one. I simply wanted to follow where the Holy Spirit would lead. The Lord gave me the words to share with Dr Bill, "Let's see what the Lord might have for us in this situation."
Never once did I ever doubt that I would be a "suitable donor." The LORD had placed a certainty in my heart, and now I'm just wanting to follow His lead and direction in this process.
Please pray for both myself and Dr Bill George. I am now scheduled for extensive testing at the University of Alabama-Birmingham Renal Transplant Center on Thursday, June 11, 2009. It will be an "all day affair."
Truly, I am ready to "see what the Lord has for us in this situation." It will ALL be HIS DOING.
We are trusting in Him.
YES! YES!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYsqUEfmS-o&feature=related
"Then cheer, my brother, cheer!
Our trials will soon be o'er!
Our loved ones we shall meet, shall meet
Upon that golden shore!
We're pilgrims and we're strangers here
We are seeking a City to come!
The Lifeboat soon is coming
to gather His jewels home!
"Then cheer, my brother, cheer!
Our trials will soon be o'er!
Our loved ones we shall meet, shall meet
Upon that golden shore!
We're pilgrims and we're strangers here
We are seeking a City to come!
The Lifeboat soon is coming
to gather His jewels home!
Remembering Eva Mae Lefevre....
Gaither.com sadly reports that Eva Mae LeFevre passed away at 7:25 a.m. on Monday, May 18, 2009, at age 92. She had been hospitalized in April for pneumonia at which time doctors also discovered a fractured hip. Please stay tuned for service details as that information becomes available.
Known as the First Lady of Gospel Music, Eva Mae LeFevre became the first living woman to be inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1978. Ten years later, she was the first gospel music inductee into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.
Eva Mae first began singing and playing the piano as a young child at her father’s church in South Carolina. In 1934, she married Urias LeFevre and began a 40 year journey leading The Lefevres, which became one of the most beloved groups in gospel music history. Eva Mae’s trademark alto voice and piano artistry became a defining influence for the LeFevres. The group became staples on WGST radio, based out of their hometown of Atlanta, Georgia. They later pioneered a gospel music television program, The Gospel Singing Caravan, while touring as many as 100,000 miles a year across North America.
After attempting to retire years ago, Eva Mae could never walk away from her love for gospel music. She continued to delight audiences across North America throughout her twilight years, both through Gaither Homecoming appearances and solo concerts. Today, she has joined her husband in eternity. Her spirit, her dignity, that flawless alto voice and contagious laugh, her quick sense of humor and unshakable faith in Christ was an inspiration to us all. She will be sorely missed.
________________________
I can remember this grand woman singing, "and the prettiest flowers there will all be blooming..." She is now in the presence of the Lord she so wonderfully proclaimed all her life. What a treasure she was! What a precious promise she has now see come to reality!
Known as the First Lady of Gospel Music, Eva Mae LeFevre became the first living woman to be inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1978. Ten years later, she was the first gospel music inductee into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.
Eva Mae first began singing and playing the piano as a young child at her father’s church in South Carolina. In 1934, she married Urias LeFevre and began a 40 year journey leading The Lefevres, which became one of the most beloved groups in gospel music history. Eva Mae’s trademark alto voice and piano artistry became a defining influence for the LeFevres. The group became staples on WGST radio, based out of their hometown of Atlanta, Georgia. They later pioneered a gospel music television program, The Gospel Singing Caravan, while touring as many as 100,000 miles a year across North America.
After attempting to retire years ago, Eva Mae could never walk away from her love for gospel music. She continued to delight audiences across North America throughout her twilight years, both through Gaither Homecoming appearances and solo concerts. Today, she has joined her husband in eternity. Her spirit, her dignity, that flawless alto voice and contagious laugh, her quick sense of humor and unshakable faith in Christ was an inspiration to us all. She will be sorely missed.
________________________
I can remember this grand woman singing, "and the prettiest flowers there will all be blooming..." She is now in the presence of the Lord she so wonderfully proclaimed all her life. What a treasure she was! What a precious promise she has now see come to reality!
Oh the richness of these words...
How tedious and tasteless the hours,
When Jesus no longer I see;
Sweet prospects, sweet birds, and sweet flow'rs,
Have lost all their sweetness with me:
The mid-summer sun shines but dim,
The fields strive in vain to look gay;
But when I am happy in Him,
December's as pleasant as May.
His name yields the richest perfume,
And sweeter than music his voice;
His presence disperses my gloom,
And makes all within me rejoice:
I should, were he always thus nigh,
Have nothing to wish or to fear;
No mortal so happy as I,
My summer would last all the year.
Content with beholding his face,
My all to his pleasure resigned;
No changes of season or place,
Would make any change in my mind:
While blessed with a sense of his love,
A palace a toy would appear;
And prisons would palaces prove,
If Jesus would dwell with me there.
Dear Lord, if indeed I am thine,
If thou art my sun and my song;
Say, why do I languish and pine,
And why are my winters so long?
O drive these dark clouds from my sky,
Thy soul-cheering presence restore;
Or take me unto thee on high,
Where winter and clouds are no more.
_________________________
"How Tedious and Tasteless the Hours" accredited to John Newton circa 1779.
When Jesus no longer I see;
Sweet prospects, sweet birds, and sweet flow'rs,
Have lost all their sweetness with me:
The mid-summer sun shines but dim,
The fields strive in vain to look gay;
But when I am happy in Him,
December's as pleasant as May.
His name yields the richest perfume,
And sweeter than music his voice;
His presence disperses my gloom,
And makes all within me rejoice:
I should, were he always thus nigh,
Have nothing to wish or to fear;
No mortal so happy as I,
My summer would last all the year.
Content with beholding his face,
My all to his pleasure resigned;
No changes of season or place,
Would make any change in my mind:
While blessed with a sense of his love,
A palace a toy would appear;
And prisons would palaces prove,
If Jesus would dwell with me there.
Dear Lord, if indeed I am thine,
If thou art my sun and my song;
Say, why do I languish and pine,
And why are my winters so long?
O drive these dark clouds from my sky,
Thy soul-cheering presence restore;
Or take me unto thee on high,
Where winter and clouds are no more.
_________________________
"How Tedious and Tasteless the Hours" accredited to John Newton circa 1779.
The Journey...
More than thirty years ago, Cynthia Clawson recorded these powerful words:
"I'm making a journey, Lord
The greatest journey of all!
My steps may fail, Lord
So please don't let me fall
The way is narrow, Lord!
And sometimes I feel alone.
When my heart fears, Lord,
I softly pray this song,
'Give me the heart to be pure
Give me the faith to be sure
Give me the strength to endure,
All my tribulations!'
I need some courage, Lord...
To make it just one more mile...
I want to hold Your hand,
And I want to see You smile!
'Give me the heart to be pure
Give me the faith to be sure
Give me the strength to endure
All my tribulations!'
________________________
From the recording, "The Way I Feel" by Cynthia Clawson, 1978. You can order this and many other fine recordings at www.cynthiaclawson.com
Her music and ministry will bless and encourage you for "the journey."
"I'm making a journey, Lord
The greatest journey of all!
My steps may fail, Lord
So please don't let me fall
The way is narrow, Lord!
And sometimes I feel alone.
When my heart fears, Lord,
I softly pray this song,
'Give me the heart to be pure
Give me the faith to be sure
Give me the strength to endure,
All my tribulations!'
I need some courage, Lord...
To make it just one more mile...
I want to hold Your hand,
And I want to see You smile!
'Give me the heart to be pure
Give me the faith to be sure
Give me the strength to endure
All my tribulations!'
________________________
From the recording, "The Way I Feel" by Cynthia Clawson, 1978. You can order this and many other fine recordings at www.cynthiaclawson.com
Her music and ministry will bless and encourage you for "the journey."
A tribute to The Couriers: "Twelve Men"
I first heard this powerful song when I was a young teenager. The Couriers (who have changed personnel over the years) were just wonderful! I had always wanted to be in a men's trio (that dream never materialized, and probably never will--I'm okay with it!), and these guys were the "gold standard" for men's trio music.
This great song, "Twelve Men" helped me to remember the "history" of the "first church" that Jesus called together--His followers, those He would disciple. Here are the words:
____________________
Twelve Men
Jesus walked along the shore one day
Heavy burdens love for others, upon Him lay
He was looking for a friend
He was looking for twelve men
who would gladly follow all the way.
Twelve men, chosen men
Jesus was looking for twelve men.
First He called for Andrew by the shore
told his brother Simon Peter, he had a chore.
And of one, He was so fond, you’ll recall his name was John,
still He called for Judas and eight more.
Simon, James the elder , Jude , Matthew,
Thomas ,Phillip, James the lesser, Bartholomew,
These twelve men the world did hate,
striving to eliminate,
this is how they finally met their fate:
Twelve men chosen men
Eleven of them true but on a devil.
Judas sold the Son of God for silver
Andrew died upon the cross we hear
Thomas died in India, with a spear
James the Less was sawn in two,
Arrows through the body of Jude
Phillip died by hanging without fear
Filleted alive with knives, Bartholomew
Martyred Simon, James the elder, writer, Matthew,
Simon Peter in Rome found, crucified there upside down
Only John did live his whole life through.
Twelve men, chosen men.
Eleven of the true but one a devil
Judas hung himself and lost his silver.
__________________________________
Wow! And just to think of what we believe today....Twelve men....Jesus is still looking for Twelve men!
This great song, "Twelve Men" helped me to remember the "history" of the "first church" that Jesus called together--His followers, those He would disciple. Here are the words:
____________________
Twelve Men
Jesus walked along the shore one day
Heavy burdens love for others, upon Him lay
He was looking for a friend
He was looking for twelve men
who would gladly follow all the way.
Twelve men, chosen men
Jesus was looking for twelve men.
First He called for Andrew by the shore
told his brother Simon Peter, he had a chore.
And of one, He was so fond, you’ll recall his name was John,
still He called for Judas and eight more.
Simon, James the elder , Jude , Matthew,
Thomas ,Phillip, James the lesser, Bartholomew,
These twelve men the world did hate,
striving to eliminate,
this is how they finally met their fate:
Twelve men chosen men
Eleven of them true but on a devil.
Judas sold the Son of God for silver
Andrew died upon the cross we hear
Thomas died in India, with a spear
James the Less was sawn in two,
Arrows through the body of Jude
Phillip died by hanging without fear
Filleted alive with knives, Bartholomew
Martyred Simon, James the elder, writer, Matthew,
Simon Peter in Rome found, crucified there upside down
Only John did live his whole life through.
Twelve men, chosen men.
Eleven of the true but one a devil
Judas hung himself and lost his silver.
__________________________________
Wow! And just to think of what we believe today....Twelve men....Jesus is still looking for Twelve men!
Rest in Peace: Jack Kemp, a Truly GREAT man passes on to his reward!
One of the truly great men in this country, Jack Kemp, passed from this life late on Saturday, May 2, 2009. Former Secretary/Congressional Representative/Quarterback (for the Buffalo Bills) Kemp was one-of-a-kind.
I first came to admire him when I heard him give his testimony of saving faith in Christ many years ago at Rehoboath Baptist Church in suburban Atlanta. His gripping story of how his relationship with the Lord Jesus influenced and impacted every part of his life has always stuck with me.
I was delighted to vote for the Dole-Kemp ticket in the 1996 General Election. The theme of Kemp's campaign was "Character counts." And his character was a sterling one.
"Pro football gave me a good perspective," he was quoted as saying. "When I entered the political arena, I had already been booed, cheered, cut, sold, traded, and hung in effigy."
His grand sense of humor, crystal clear thinking/reasoning, and compassionate heart will be sorely missed in this nation. We need more like him.
I first came to admire him when I heard him give his testimony of saving faith in Christ many years ago at Rehoboath Baptist Church in suburban Atlanta. His gripping story of how his relationship with the Lord Jesus influenced and impacted every part of his life has always stuck with me.
I was delighted to vote for the Dole-Kemp ticket in the 1996 General Election. The theme of Kemp's campaign was "Character counts." And his character was a sterling one.
"Pro football gave me a good perspective," he was quoted as saying. "When I entered the political arena, I had already been booed, cheered, cut, sold, traded, and hung in effigy."
His grand sense of humor, crystal clear thinking/reasoning, and compassionate heart will be sorely missed in this nation. We need more like him.
The Great Music of our Faith...
In 1834 the British clergyman Henry Francis Lyte published a collection of 280 hymns based on the Book of Psalms. He called it The Spirit of The Psalms because these hymns were not strictly translation or even paraphrases, but texts loosely inspired by the Psalms. The following hymn was included as a development of Psalm 103. There are many points of comparison.
Queen Elizabeth II chose this hymn to be sung at her wedding in 1947.
Praise, my soul, the King of Heaven!
To His feet thy tribute bring.
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
Evermore His praises sing!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise the Everlasting King!
Praise Him for His grace and favor
To His children in distress!
Praise Him, still the same as ever
Slow to chide, and swift to bless!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Glorious in His faithfulness.
Fatherlike, He tends and spares us;
Well our feeble frame He knows.
In His hands He gently bears us
Rescues us from all our foes.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Widely yet His mercy flows!
Angels in the height, adore Him;
Ye behold Him face to face!
Saints triumphant, bow before Him,
Gathered in from every race!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise with us, the God of grace!
___________________________
Taken from The Complete Book of Hymns compiled by William J Petersen and Ardythe Petersen, Tyndale House Publishers, 2006.
Queen Elizabeth II chose this hymn to be sung at her wedding in 1947.
Praise, my soul, the King of Heaven!
To His feet thy tribute bring.
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
Evermore His praises sing!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise the Everlasting King!
Praise Him for His grace and favor
To His children in distress!
Praise Him, still the same as ever
Slow to chide, and swift to bless!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Glorious in His faithfulness.
Fatherlike, He tends and spares us;
Well our feeble frame He knows.
In His hands He gently bears us
Rescues us from all our foes.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Widely yet His mercy flows!
Angels in the height, adore Him;
Ye behold Him face to face!
Saints triumphant, bow before Him,
Gathered in from every race!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise with us, the God of grace!
___________________________
Taken from The Complete Book of Hymns compiled by William J Petersen and Ardythe Petersen, Tyndale House Publishers, 2006.
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