This was a big week for us. Chloe had surgery on Thursday. This was our first surgery as parents. She had tubes placed in her ears, her adenoids out, and an allergy test. Throughout the week she did so well and on the day of the surgery I thought this might change but it was amazing how she handled everything - I was so proud of her!
On Thursday we arrived at WakeMed, which is the hospital where Jill works, and I received a call from my best friend, Steve, saying he was on the way. Steve is a Pastor in Fayetteville, NC about 90 minutes or so from us. This was a great surprise that we appreciated and Chloe loved. She loves her "Uncle Steve"!
Once we got back into the pre-op area Chloe got her gown and a bed. The gown was to small and she left her pants on because she said that she "didn't want her bootie or panties showing" - I was so proud of my modest little girl :). After getting a new gown and a warm blanket she for the first and only time showed some nervousness and started to cry. As she cried I took my hand and caressed her cheek, she then grabbed my hand and pulled me in and burrowed her head into my arm and shoulder. At this point I dropped to my knees and cried with her whispering in her ears that the Lord is in control and that I loved her. She then stopped crying and I did too and was fine throughout the rest of the day.
After receiving her "goofy shot", which did affect her, she started to act a little funny but not too bad. Dr. Holmes came in and we had a word of prayer with him and Chloe and then we waited unitl they took her back. After the surgery he came out and informed us that all went well, he was surprised by the amount of thick fluid he had to suck out but that other than that he was pleased.
In recovery she did really well. It didn't take long and we were ready to go home. On the way out I took a pic of her in her Mommy's arms at the front door before getting into the van. I will say that Jill didn't want me to do it but is now glad I did. Looking at this pic now brings a flood of emotions because it was just like the pic we took when we left the hospital with her - it's amazing how many thoughts can rush through your mind in a holy instant of blessing like that, she's only 5 but soo many instant pics flooded in! See our family blog and the pics - the link is on the left.
I was so thankful for the calls, texts, and for those who hit us up on facebook checking on Chloe! I was definitely thankful for the fact that Steve was there with us! But most of all I'm thankful for God's graciousness throughout this week and day! I praise Him for all of this!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
A thought on bigotry, the Oscars, and True Hope
I happened to catch a small protion of the Oscars and saw Sean Penn accept his Oscar. During his acceptance speech he "wagged his finger" and chastised all in California who voted against homosexual marriage along with any and all in our country that oppose it. I found it funny that for someone so "accepting" and "open" that his comments were the height of bigotry. For those on the left to through massive bombs of hatred and then call anyone with a differing opinion a bigot is quite hypocritical.
Two things on equal rights popped into my mind as I listened:
1) I fully support equal rights. For example, I would have marched in the 1960s during the Civil Rights Movement, if I were alive, side by side with African-Americans fighting for their rights. Yet, this is entirely different than espousing homosexual rights, one is an issue of God-given pigmentation while the other is of a self-made choice.
2) God's view of us all is the same. We are all sinners in need of a Savior. From the racist, to the homosexual, to the married father of three I am sin is sin and its an ugly, foul thing. Our need then is not for equality but for salvation. The answer to our need is found only in Christ.
In this time of division politically, racially, and over issues of choice unity is not found in us but in Him. True hope is hope in Him. The hope we find in Him is one that does not disappoint (Rom.5:5).
Two things on equal rights popped into my mind as I listened:
1) I fully support equal rights. For example, I would have marched in the 1960s during the Civil Rights Movement, if I were alive, side by side with African-Americans fighting for their rights. Yet, this is entirely different than espousing homosexual rights, one is an issue of God-given pigmentation while the other is of a self-made choice.
2) God's view of us all is the same. We are all sinners in need of a Savior. From the racist, to the homosexual, to the married father of three I am sin is sin and its an ugly, foul thing. Our need then is not for equality but for salvation. The answer to our need is found only in Christ.
In this time of division politically, racially, and over issues of choice unity is not found in us but in Him. True hope is hope in Him. The hope we find in Him is one that does not disappoint (Rom.5:5).
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Our 1st Surgery
We've been blessed with our three children. So far God has been gracious and they've all had good health. On February 26th we will experience a first for us, Chloe will be having surgery to remove her adnoids and place tubes in her ears. It took 30 seconds in the ENT's office today, during which he looked in each ear, for him to say that is what is needed. With my big mouth I immediately blurted out "you only need 30 seconds to know that for sure?!". The Doctor's response was to point at his gray, balding hair and say, "trust me I know." My response was, "the Bible says that is a crown and that I wasn't meaning to sound sarcastic." His follow up was interesting, "just like you can look at Psalm 23 and know what it's about I know this because I see it everyday and it will be fine." That was an interesting exchange and it calmed me some. Soooo...we will be going with her on the 26th for her surgery!
We got to this point because she has been having trouble with her hearing for a little while now. She failed her school hearing test and it was the same at the pediatrician when they followed up. If she has her back turned she doesn't hear us well and when she watches tv she asks for the sound to be turned up. All of this is due to fluid build up in her ears. The heartbreaking thing today for me was watching her take her hearing test and seeing that she was unable to hear some of what was said while she was really trying to concentrate on listening.
A friend said, in response to an email prayer request I sent, that this procedure will be harder on us than on her and I believe she's right. Our prayer is that God uses this to grant her better hearing and that the procedure and recovery go smoothly. Please be in prayer for her and us!
We got to this point because she has been having trouble with her hearing for a little while now. She failed her school hearing test and it was the same at the pediatrician when they followed up. If she has her back turned she doesn't hear us well and when she watches tv she asks for the sound to be turned up. All of this is due to fluid build up in her ears. The heartbreaking thing today for me was watching her take her hearing test and seeing that she was unable to hear some of what was said while she was really trying to concentrate on listening.
A friend said, in response to an email prayer request I sent, that this procedure will be harder on us than on her and I believe she's right. Our prayer is that God uses this to grant her better hearing and that the procedure and recovery go smoothly. Please be in prayer for her and us!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
To what do you give a Second Thought?
As I've stated beofre Jill and I are reading through the Bible in a Year and each day has a devotion related to something from the Scripture read that day. Here is a something that really jumped all over me during my quiet time yesterday (2/9):
"The Second Thought"
My son, pay attention to my words; listen closely to my sayings. Don't lose sight of them; keep them within your heart. - Prov.4:20-21
"To get the best out of life," said Pascal, "great matters have to be given a second thought." Meditation is just that - giving biblical truths a second thought. If you have been thinking that the best way to get the best out of the Bible is by reading it, studying it, or memorizing it, then I urge you to think again. I have found that the way to get the best our of the Bible is by meditating on it.
Reading, studying, and memorizing the Bible are, in the main, intellectual exercises which bring spiritual results. Meditation is not primarily an intellectual exercise but a devotional exercise, a way by which the Word of God is carried in to the spiritual digestive system so that it can be translated into spiritual nourishment and energy.
What is it you give a second thought to? Is it your family, your bills, or your health? All these are noble and are things that we should seek to glorify Him in yet His Truth must be what dominates your thoughts! I've been challenged of late in terms of my reading, studying, and especially memorizing God Word yet if they aren't used in meditation then they are a intellectual exercise. He deserves my second thought, along with my first, third, fourth...! May He challenge your heart as He has mine in this!
"The Second Thought"
My son, pay attention to my words; listen closely to my sayings. Don't lose sight of them; keep them within your heart. - Prov.4:20-21
"To get the best out of life," said Pascal, "great matters have to be given a second thought." Meditation is just that - giving biblical truths a second thought. If you have been thinking that the best way to get the best out of the Bible is by reading it, studying it, or memorizing it, then I urge you to think again. I have found that the way to get the best our of the Bible is by meditating on it.
Reading, studying, and memorizing the Bible are, in the main, intellectual exercises which bring spiritual results. Meditation is not primarily an intellectual exercise but a devotional exercise, a way by which the Word of God is carried in to the spiritual digestive system so that it can be translated into spiritual nourishment and energy.
What is it you give a second thought to? Is it your family, your bills, or your health? All these are noble and are things that we should seek to glorify Him in yet His Truth must be what dominates your thoughts! I've been challenged of late in terms of my reading, studying, and especially memorizing God Word yet if they aren't used in meditation then they are a intellectual exercise. He deserves my second thought, along with my first, third, fourth...! May He challenge your heart as He has mine in this!
Freedom from the effects of Smiles and Frowns
I recently read "What's wrong with Preaching Today?" by A.N. Martin. The following is a quote from this book:
"One of the elements of powerful preaching is preaching as a man liberated. Liberated from what? From the ensnaring effects of the fear of men. You are never free to be an instrument of blessing to your people unless you are free from the effects of their smiles and their frowns. People know when you can be bought by their smiles and beaten by their frowns. It will not take them long to discern whether or not you are a man who is not affected either by their smiles or their frowns. Such a man is a free man in Christ."
Wow! If only there were who would preach with such freedom! God has blessed recently and provided two opportunities to preach inthe past three weeks and this has become evident to me. Each time their was a freedom and in this freedom the proclamation of His Word flowed in a powerful Spirit empowered way.
I have seen those who preach to felt needs and bring glory to their ministry. They survive where they are yet do not leave lives impacted. May I always from this day forward seek to glorify Him in all things especially in proclaiming His Word to others!
So the question we must consider is: are we free from the effects of the smiles and frowns around us or are we glorifying Him in all we do? May He so saturate us that He is all that matters!
"One of the elements of powerful preaching is preaching as a man liberated. Liberated from what? From the ensnaring effects of the fear of men. You are never free to be an instrument of blessing to your people unless you are free from the effects of their smiles and their frowns. People know when you can be bought by their smiles and beaten by their frowns. It will not take them long to discern whether or not you are a man who is not affected either by their smiles or their frowns. Such a man is a free man in Christ."
Wow! If only there were who would preach with such freedom! God has blessed recently and provided two opportunities to preach inthe past three weeks and this has become evident to me. Each time their was a freedom and in this freedom the proclamation of His Word flowed in a powerful Spirit empowered way.
I have seen those who preach to felt needs and bring glory to their ministry. They survive where they are yet do not leave lives impacted. May I always from this day forward seek to glorify Him in all things especially in proclaiming His Word to others!
So the question we must consider is: are we free from the effects of the smiles and frowns around us or are we glorifying Him in all we do? May He so saturate us that He is all that matters!
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Thoughts on a Super Bowl Weekend
This weekend was a great weekend cap off by a game for the ages. Saturday started off on quite a sad note. I received a call from my Mom about my Pop Pop, my 86 year old grandfather. He recently had bloodwork and the results were not good - cancer. This call was followed by a call I placed to my Uncle as we discussed Pop Pop's health and had prayer. We are unsure of what the upcoming days will hold but will be consistent in lifting up this situation in prayer. To top off the morning while on the phone Caleb grabbed my brand new glasses (they were two days old) and broke them. Thankfully, I was able to take my glasses to where I had purchased them and get them fixed. From there we attended Chloe's Upward game and then left for Fayetteville, NC.
We arrived in Fayetteville and got to visit with our dear friends Steve and Jennifer Lloyd. We were there because God had opened the door to preach at the church where Steve is the Pastor, Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, for their annual Men's Day. It's always great to spend time with Steve. God has blessed me to have an amazing man of God in my life such as Steve, I'm honored to call my best friend.
Sunday Morning was great. Steve's church was wonderful. I know that my small group from North Wake and many friends were praying because while preaching there was a freedom while in the pulpit. Preaching is addictive! I love it! There is no doubt that this is what I want to do for the rest of my life! I have no idea if that will be in the pulpit or with youth but either way God has placed a burning passion to share His Word!
We returned on Sunday afternoon. We stopped at Sam's Club to "cook" some things (some wings and a huge pillsbury brownie) for our small group Super Bowl Party then we went to the Party and had a wonderful time. We left during the third quarter because Jill was almost out on her feet and the kids were tired from the busy weekend. We arrived home in time to see the fourth quarter of an amazing game with a jaw dropping ending. I was on the fence, as a lifelong Redskins fan, about who I wanted to win and when Larry Fitzgerald ran away from everbody and scored and then the Steelers started off their final drive with a holding penalty I thought it was over. The Ben took over! Santonio Holmes made some great plays but Ben should have been the MVP. The Steelers play ugly but when the game is on the line Big Ben steps up! It was a game for the ages!
What a roller coaster of emotions this weekend. From Saturday's news to Sunday morning's joy and freedom in the pulpit to Sunday evening's game it was quite a few days. Through it all God showed Himself to be faithful and I praise Him for it!
We arrived in Fayetteville and got to visit with our dear friends Steve and Jennifer Lloyd. We were there because God had opened the door to preach at the church where Steve is the Pastor, Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, for their annual Men's Day. It's always great to spend time with Steve. God has blessed me to have an amazing man of God in my life such as Steve, I'm honored to call my best friend.
Sunday Morning was great. Steve's church was wonderful. I know that my small group from North Wake and many friends were praying because while preaching there was a freedom while in the pulpit. Preaching is addictive! I love it! There is no doubt that this is what I want to do for the rest of my life! I have no idea if that will be in the pulpit or with youth but either way God has placed a burning passion to share His Word!
We returned on Sunday afternoon. We stopped at Sam's Club to "cook" some things (some wings and a huge pillsbury brownie) for our small group Super Bowl Party then we went to the Party and had a wonderful time. We left during the third quarter because Jill was almost out on her feet and the kids were tired from the busy weekend. We arrived home in time to see the fourth quarter of an amazing game with a jaw dropping ending. I was on the fence, as a lifelong Redskins fan, about who I wanted to win and when Larry Fitzgerald ran away from everbody and scored and then the Steelers started off their final drive with a holding penalty I thought it was over. The Ben took over! Santonio Holmes made some great plays but Ben should have been the MVP. The Steelers play ugly but when the game is on the line Big Ben steps up! It was a game for the ages!
What a roller coaster of emotions this weekend. From Saturday's news to Sunday morning's joy and freedom in the pulpit to Sunday evening's game it was quite a few days. Through it all God showed Himself to be faithful and I praise Him for it!
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