Today is a sad day.
Mr. Price has passed away.
Robert Price spent many years as a teacher at San Angelo Central High School. That is where I met him. That is where I remember him-in his classroom, sharing his knowledge and his love of science with hundreds of high school students.
I remember more of Mr. Price's lessons than any of those from my other teachers. And just about every Central student, whether they had to...er...make that GOT to attempt it or not, knew of his famous "bug project."
The greatest thing that he shared with me was passion for science and specifically for biology. You see, I earned my college degree in biology. Mr. Price was my first biology teacher. He was the man who truly introduced me to the discipline. More importantly, he was the first to instill a love of biology in me-a love for a study that would eventually become my college major.
I had heard recently that Mr. Price was having health problems. Sadly, in the years since I graduated, I have only seen and spoken with Mr. Price a handful of times. I regret that.
Now, he is gone.
So, I just have a few things that still need to be said.
Mr. Price, for the last time, from one biology lover to another, thank you.
And goodbye sir.
Scripture: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us," - Hebrews 12:1 ESV
Quote: "What we have done for ourselves alone, dies with us; what we have done for others and the world, remains and is immortal." - Albert Pike
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Where Words Fail
One of the great things about having a blog is that you get to share your passions with your readers. I am sure to include at least one scripture in every post I write. I have written about my wife. I have written about my daughter...on more than one occasion. If you look closely, you may even find an occasional reference to sports, movies, or TV shows like "Boy Meets World" sprinkled in to my writing. These are all passions of mine that God uses to reveal things about my world, my life, or myself.
Yet there is one very important area in my life that I have yet to write much about.
Music.
"Music is well said to be the speech of angels." - Thomas Carlyle
More than any other medium, God uses music to reach my heart. Also, I personally believe God most often and most effectively uses me through music.
I am by no means a professional musician. I don't have a record deal or a hit single on iTunes. In fact, I have never successfully written an entire song. The music that I do make doesn't reach millions of people, yet. Rather, I am very much involved in the wonderful world of music ministry. I am now, and have been for years, a guitarist (and occasional bassist, pianist, drummer, or vocalist) on my church's worship team. It is a position that I am humbled and honored to hold. It is simultaneously a privilege and a responsibility for which I could never express enough gratitude. It is a task of which I do not ever grow tired. In short, it is what I am supposed to do.
This is why I was created.
Serving my Lord and leading others into his presence through praise and worship is a truly special experience.
"Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without." - Confucius
So why haven't I written about it before? I'll tell you.
I don't know.
For some reason, I had to hear my entire philosophy on music ministry packaged perfectly into four little lines to trigger my creativity. I know this will be hard to believe at this point, but what got me going on this was, of all things, the chorus of a song.
It was like a kinder, gentler version of God's backhand smacked my forehead. "Wake up!"
"One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain." - Bob Marley
The song is a gospel song. I'm sure that, just like every gospel song, many individuals and/or groups have recorded it. The version I like is performed by the Gaither Vocal Band (another shocker) and features Guy Penrod. It's called "I'm Gonna Sing." Here's how it goes:
"I'm gonna sing just as long as it takes for a song to make sad, heavy spirits free.
I'm gonna keep making music that carries the secret that Jesus is liberty.
I'm gonna turn off the sounds that will drag people down to the pit of despondency.
With a sweet happy tune, He is coming soon for His children like you and me."
Each individual line in that chorus is a worthy aspiration of any member of a music ministry team. Add them up and consider them all together, and you have a very succinct description of what I feel music ministry is or at least should be.
The first parts of each of the first two lines speak of persistence or endurance. Music is something you can learn, improve upon, and share for the rest of your life. Your level of involvement, your position or title, or your church might change many times, but once called, you are a minister.
"Without music, life would be a mistake." - Nietzsche
If you were to call my cell phone, you would hear part of an incredible song off of the Zac Brown Band's latest record. The last part of the chorus says "When I've lived out my days until the very end, I hope they find me in my home with my guitar in my hand." That really illustrates my desire to share God through music as long as I can still breathe air.
The third line in the Gaither song tells of the power that worship music has to lift one's spirit. Now, let me be clear here. I am NOT condemning secular music. I'm not the kind of person who believes we should all listen to only Christian music. In fact, if you were to scan my personal CD collection, you would find a very eclectic array. I just love many types of music. However, I also realize that there are certain genres, artists, or songs that are truly influenced by Satan. They evoke very dark responses and emotions from the listener. These are the sounds that we need to tune out and replace with songs glorifying our Lord God.
The ends of each of the first two lines remind me of the freedom in Christ described in John 8:36 and 2 Corinthians 3:17. When you've been set free in Christ, why wouldn't you want to sing about it? I may have chosen a different word than "secret" in the second line though. It's not a secret. People may not have had the chance to hear the good news yet, but God's love is for everyone on Earth. Nobody is intentionally left in the dark. (As I write, a gut wrenching thought hits me. If I know Jesus is liberty, and the person next to me doesn't know yet, and I don't tell them, have I just turned it into a secret by keeping it to myself?)
"Music is God's gift to man, the only art of Heaven given to earth, the only art of earth we take to Heaven." - Walter Savage Landor
Finally, we come to the last line. Jesus is coming soon to take us home. When he does, what do we have to look forward to? Revelation chapters 4 and 5 describe the throne room of heaven. In particular, the end of chapter 5, starting with verse 11, says this.
"Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped."
Here, we call it Revelation Song. In Heaven, it will simply be all of us giving honor and glory to God.
Holy, holy, holy is The Lord God almighty who was, and is, and is to come.
Sounds like a great praise and worship service, doesn't it?
You see, I have long felt that our job as music ministers or praise and worship leaders is twofold. One, to invite and usher in the presence of God. Two, to guide and lead those around us into that very presence.
I firmly believe, and will believe until my dying day, that when this happens, we all have the most spiritual experience possible on this mortal planet...true, honest worship of the King of Kings.
It is literally the closest we can come to Heaven on Earth.
"After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music." - Aldous Huxley
Scripture: "Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises! Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody! With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the LORD!" - Psalm 98:4-6
Quote: "Where words fail, music speaks." - Hans Christian Andersen
Bonus Quote: "There's energy there in music. No one ever danced to Houdini." - Penn Jillette
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Yet there is one very important area in my life that I have yet to write much about.
Music.
"Music is well said to be the speech of angels." - Thomas Carlyle
More than any other medium, God uses music to reach my heart. Also, I personally believe God most often and most effectively uses me through music.
I am by no means a professional musician. I don't have a record deal or a hit single on iTunes. In fact, I have never successfully written an entire song. The music that I do make doesn't reach millions of people, yet. Rather, I am very much involved in the wonderful world of music ministry. I am now, and have been for years, a guitarist (and occasional bassist, pianist, drummer, or vocalist) on my church's worship team. It is a position that I am humbled and honored to hold. It is simultaneously a privilege and a responsibility for which I could never express enough gratitude. It is a task of which I do not ever grow tired. In short, it is what I am supposed to do.
This is why I was created.
Serving my Lord and leading others into his presence through praise and worship is a truly special experience.
"Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without." - Confucius
So why haven't I written about it before? I'll tell you.
I don't know.
For some reason, I had to hear my entire philosophy on music ministry packaged perfectly into four little lines to trigger my creativity. I know this will be hard to believe at this point, but what got me going on this was, of all things, the chorus of a song.
It was like a kinder, gentler version of God's backhand smacked my forehead. "Wake up!"
"One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain." - Bob Marley
The song is a gospel song. I'm sure that, just like every gospel song, many individuals and/or groups have recorded it. The version I like is performed by the Gaither Vocal Band (another shocker) and features Guy Penrod. It's called "I'm Gonna Sing." Here's how it goes:
"I'm gonna sing just as long as it takes for a song to make sad, heavy spirits free.
I'm gonna keep making music that carries the secret that Jesus is liberty.
I'm gonna turn off the sounds that will drag people down to the pit of despondency.
With a sweet happy tune, He is coming soon for His children like you and me."
Each individual line in that chorus is a worthy aspiration of any member of a music ministry team. Add them up and consider them all together, and you have a very succinct description of what I feel music ministry is or at least should be.
The first parts of each of the first two lines speak of persistence or endurance. Music is something you can learn, improve upon, and share for the rest of your life. Your level of involvement, your position or title, or your church might change many times, but once called, you are a minister.
"Without music, life would be a mistake." - Nietzsche
If you were to call my cell phone, you would hear part of an incredible song off of the Zac Brown Band's latest record. The last part of the chorus says "When I've lived out my days until the very end, I hope they find me in my home with my guitar in my hand." That really illustrates my desire to share God through music as long as I can still breathe air.
The third line in the Gaither song tells of the power that worship music has to lift one's spirit. Now, let me be clear here. I am NOT condemning secular music. I'm not the kind of person who believes we should all listen to only Christian music. In fact, if you were to scan my personal CD collection, you would find a very eclectic array. I just love many types of music. However, I also realize that there are certain genres, artists, or songs that are truly influenced by Satan. They evoke very dark responses and emotions from the listener. These are the sounds that we need to tune out and replace with songs glorifying our Lord God.
The ends of each of the first two lines remind me of the freedom in Christ described in John 8:36 and 2 Corinthians 3:17. When you've been set free in Christ, why wouldn't you want to sing about it? I may have chosen a different word than "secret" in the second line though. It's not a secret. People may not have had the chance to hear the good news yet, but God's love is for everyone on Earth. Nobody is intentionally left in the dark. (As I write, a gut wrenching thought hits me. If I know Jesus is liberty, and the person next to me doesn't know yet, and I don't tell them, have I just turned it into a secret by keeping it to myself?)
"Music is God's gift to man, the only art of Heaven given to earth, the only art of earth we take to Heaven." - Walter Savage Landor
Finally, we come to the last line. Jesus is coming soon to take us home. When he does, what do we have to look forward to? Revelation chapters 4 and 5 describe the throne room of heaven. In particular, the end of chapter 5, starting with verse 11, says this.
"Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped."
Here, we call it Revelation Song. In Heaven, it will simply be all of us giving honor and glory to God.
Holy, holy, holy is The Lord God almighty who was, and is, and is to come.
Sounds like a great praise and worship service, doesn't it?
You see, I have long felt that our job as music ministers or praise and worship leaders is twofold. One, to invite and usher in the presence of God. Two, to guide and lead those around us into that very presence.
I firmly believe, and will believe until my dying day, that when this happens, we all have the most spiritual experience possible on this mortal planet...true, honest worship of the King of Kings.
It is literally the closest we can come to Heaven on Earth.
"After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music." - Aldous Huxley
Scripture: "Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises! Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody! With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the LORD!" - Psalm 98:4-6
Quote: "Where words fail, music speaks." - Hans Christian Andersen
Bonus Quote: "There's energy there in music. No one ever danced to Houdini." - Penn Jillette
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Saturday, May 18, 2013
It's A Simple Game
Wow! I have written 25 posts on this little blog. That's a fairly good start, but I've learned one thing already. I've still got a lot to learn. One thing I could still learn more about is topic selection. I have realized that I often leave a lot unwritten as I search for or even, at times, wait for the perfect idea to use.
What this has led to is me not writing as much as I probably should for fear of posting something of poor quality. If you have known me for very long, this element of perfectionism is not likely to shock you greatly.
When I started this blog, I intended to incorporate observations, responses, and personal beliefs about the world of sports. Two sports quotes seem to apply perfectly to this situation.
One is from hockey legend Wayne Gretzky who said "You miss one hundred percent of the shots you don't take."
The other comes from the movie Bull Durham. "Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometimes it rains. Think about that for a while."
What these quotes show me is that if I never let an idea see the light of day, it can never have a chance to be great. If I have something to write, I should write. Sometimes it'll be good, and sometimes it'll be bad. Sometimes, it won't matter much at all, but writing is how I will learn and improve. I just need to fight against the doubt and worry that tries to tell me how poorly I am doing.
Perhaps this whole post could have been written as a much shorter passage.
"Don't think Meat. Just throw."
(I hope to have a post soon about my views on music ministry. Stay tuned.)
Scripture: "In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, and His children will have a place of refuge." Proverbs 14:26
Quote: "Great works are performed, not by strength, but by perseverance." - Samuel Johnson
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Thursday, May 9, 2013
The Most Dangerous Word
My daughter is going to be a high school track star. I just know it.
She won't be a sprinter or hurdler either. No, she will be a distance runner, and her best event will likely be the longest one that they offer in UIL competition.
This won't be a result of me forcing her to do something. It's not because I'm trying to relive my missed opportunities vicariously through her like so many pathetic parents do with their kids. It's quite the opposite. I have no desire to run long distances. None at all.
In fact, when I played sports in school, I chose tennis. It's a sport where the running is broken down into very short distances, and there are built in breaks while you wait for the ball to travel from you to your opponent and then be returned to you again. There are longer breaks between points, even longer breaks between games, and still longer breaks between sets. There is actually little to no continuous running at all. That's more my speed.
And that is precisely why I'm convinced my baby girl will end up going to the complete opposite end of the athletic spectrum.
When this concept struck me the other day, the horror that attacked me was the thought that she will want me to help her at times with her training. I can already hear it.
"Hey Dad, I am going to go run a quick five miles. Will you come with me?"
Yikes! Oh well, as long as it's not yoga I guess.
I love my daughter. When that time comes, if she wants me to run, I will want to run with her. I want to be able to run, but I'm in very poor physical condition.
That thought is what clued me in to what is potentially the most dangerous word in our language. But. Three little letters that give us all an incredibly easy way out of facing or enjoying what we could or should be.
But.
I know this isn't a completely original concept. (For example, wait until you see the incredible quote I found for the end of this post.) It is just something that has been been nagging my conscience for weeks now. How much have I weasled out of in life by tacking on a simple "but"?
I'm reminded of a tobacco prevention poster from my school days. It showed rows of straight on photos of various animal hind quarters. The last photo was the remnant of a cigarette. The poster claimed that "Butts are gross." It was effective campaigning. I have never forgotten it. Now, I want to amend it slightly.
Buts are gross.
I don't believe that we can successfully eliminate the word from such a well established lexicon. So, how can we effectively reverse the effects of a but? I suggest simply reversing the but.
When you catch yourself adding a negative but onto a positive thought, just flip it. For example, "I want to write more, but I don't have much time" becomes "I don't have much time, but I want to write more." Now instead of an excuse, it has become a challenge. You've literally created an opportunity for yourself. Now instead of using a but as a reason not to do something, you can use the but to encourage yourself to find a way to make something happen.
WARNING!! Similar to other rules such as "I before E except after C," this rule applies only in cases where it is convenient to apply it. If the statement is something like "I want to jump out of this plane, but I do not have a parachute," DO NOT reverse the but.
Use with caution. Repeat as often as required.
So what's it going to be? What buts are gross in your life? What buts need reversing?
As for me...
I'm in very poor physical condition, but I want to be able to run.
Scripture: "for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught." - Proverbs 3:26
Quote: "The only limits to the possibilities in your life tomorrow are the buts you use today." - Les Brown
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
She won't be a sprinter or hurdler either. No, she will be a distance runner, and her best event will likely be the longest one that they offer in UIL competition.
This won't be a result of me forcing her to do something. It's not because I'm trying to relive my missed opportunities vicariously through her like so many pathetic parents do with their kids. It's quite the opposite. I have no desire to run long distances. None at all.
In fact, when I played sports in school, I chose tennis. It's a sport where the running is broken down into very short distances, and there are built in breaks while you wait for the ball to travel from you to your opponent and then be returned to you again. There are longer breaks between points, even longer breaks between games, and still longer breaks between sets. There is actually little to no continuous running at all. That's more my speed.
And that is precisely why I'm convinced my baby girl will end up going to the complete opposite end of the athletic spectrum.
When this concept struck me the other day, the horror that attacked me was the thought that she will want me to help her at times with her training. I can already hear it.
"Hey Dad, I am going to go run a quick five miles. Will you come with me?"
Yikes! Oh well, as long as it's not yoga I guess.
I love my daughter. When that time comes, if she wants me to run, I will want to run with her. I want to be able to run, but I'm in very poor physical condition.
That thought is what clued me in to what is potentially the most dangerous word in our language. But. Three little letters that give us all an incredibly easy way out of facing or enjoying what we could or should be.
But.
I know this isn't a completely original concept. (For example, wait until you see the incredible quote I found for the end of this post.) It is just something that has been been nagging my conscience for weeks now. How much have I weasled out of in life by tacking on a simple "but"?
I'm reminded of a tobacco prevention poster from my school days. It showed rows of straight on photos of various animal hind quarters. The last photo was the remnant of a cigarette. The poster claimed that "Butts are gross." It was effective campaigning. I have never forgotten it. Now, I want to amend it slightly.
Buts are gross.
I don't believe that we can successfully eliminate the word from such a well established lexicon. So, how can we effectively reverse the effects of a but? I suggest simply reversing the but.
When you catch yourself adding a negative but onto a positive thought, just flip it. For example, "I want to write more, but I don't have much time" becomes "I don't have much time, but I want to write more." Now instead of an excuse, it has become a challenge. You've literally created an opportunity for yourself. Now instead of using a but as a reason not to do something, you can use the but to encourage yourself to find a way to make something happen.
WARNING!! Similar to other rules such as "I before E except after C," this rule applies only in cases where it is convenient to apply it. If the statement is something like "I want to jump out of this plane, but I do not have a parachute," DO NOT reverse the but.
Use with caution. Repeat as often as required.
So what's it going to be? What buts are gross in your life? What buts need reversing?
As for me...
I'm in very poor physical condition, but I want to be able to run.
Scripture: "for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught." - Proverbs 3:26
Quote: "The only limits to the possibilities in your life tomorrow are the buts you use today." - Les Brown
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Clouds
We sang a great new song at church last Sunday. Perhaps you have heard of it. It's called "Blessed Assurance."
Ok. Ok. So maybe it's not THAT new, but it is the song that often comes to mind when I think about old becoming new.
You may ask...why? I'll tell you.
I couldn't begin to guess how many times I had heard or sung this song before I grasped the first verse. I am ashamed to admit that I fell victim to hearing the words as stanzas of the song, and not as actual sentences. Have you ever done that? I hate that.
The verse is sung like so:
Blessed assurance
Jesus is mine
Oh what a foretaste
Of glory divine
The last two lines musically flow so that the sentence works as intended. However, I always considered "Jesus is mine" to be it's own stand alone thought. If you consider the words a sentence instead of song lyrics, the true meaning should speak to you. (Hopefully much sooner than it did to me in my life. Oops.)
Jesus is my blessed assurance.
Wow! What a thought.
Also not exactly what I want to talk about. I want to talk about clouds.
You see, the newness of that old song is found in the version that we played. It's a recent recording by Matthew West. He took some liberties with the old melody, and he also added this tremendous chorus:
My king is coming soon.
He will roll the clouds away.
Light of heaven bursting through.
Oh what a glorious day!
Of course the cloud lyric here refers to when Jesus returns to Earth in his glory and power. That will indeed be a glorious day, but why limit God to that? Why keep him in such a specific box?
It occurs to me that clouds can symbolize many things in our lives. Figurative clouds can envelop us daily in our walks. Examples could be clouds of sadness, clouds of anger, clouds of heaviness, or clouds of fear. The one I feel that I deal with most is the cloud of doubt. What about a state of confusion? We actually refer to it as things being "a little cloudy."
Any of these clouds can come and go on their own, but sometimes they linger. Other times, they grow. They turn into storm clouds and threaten to destroy us. If allowed to, clouds of sadness can turn to depression. Clouds of heaviness can turn to despair. Clouds of fear can ruin us without any transformation at all, let alone after they have intensified into terrible storms around us.
So, how do you and I escape our clouds? How do we defeat them?
We don't.
We don't because we can't. Not by ourselves, and not with our own strength. That is why we need Jesus. That is why we must cry out to him, and we must do so fervently and without ceasing. It doesn't matter what type of storm we are in. It doesn't matter how long we have been there. Call on Jesus. He has the answer. He IS the answer.
Whatever your cloud is, you may have just encountered it, or you may have been dealing with it for a long time. I encourage you to always continue to call out to Jesus. He always hears us when we pray. You may not have seen your answer yet. Just remember one thing.
Your king is coming soon. He will roll the clouds away.
Scripture: "To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified.” - Isaiah 61:3
Quote: "He will come to where you are. You're not too lost. You're not that far. When you're caught in stormy weather, and you're no match for the waves, the water walking God is gonna come and save the day." - Ernie Haase & Signature Sound (on the new album entitled, appropriately enough, Glorious Day)
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Ok. Ok. So maybe it's not THAT new, but it is the song that often comes to mind when I think about old becoming new.
You may ask...why? I'll tell you.
I couldn't begin to guess how many times I had heard or sung this song before I grasped the first verse. I am ashamed to admit that I fell victim to hearing the words as stanzas of the song, and not as actual sentences. Have you ever done that? I hate that.
The verse is sung like so:
Blessed assurance
Jesus is mine
Oh what a foretaste
Of glory divine
The last two lines musically flow so that the sentence works as intended. However, I always considered "Jesus is mine" to be it's own stand alone thought. If you consider the words a sentence instead of song lyrics, the true meaning should speak to you. (Hopefully much sooner than it did to me in my life. Oops.)
Jesus is my blessed assurance.
Wow! What a thought.
Also not exactly what I want to talk about. I want to talk about clouds.
You see, the newness of that old song is found in the version that we played. It's a recent recording by Matthew West. He took some liberties with the old melody, and he also added this tremendous chorus:
My king is coming soon.
He will roll the clouds away.
Light of heaven bursting through.
Oh what a glorious day!
Of course the cloud lyric here refers to when Jesus returns to Earth in his glory and power. That will indeed be a glorious day, but why limit God to that? Why keep him in such a specific box?
It occurs to me that clouds can symbolize many things in our lives. Figurative clouds can envelop us daily in our walks. Examples could be clouds of sadness, clouds of anger, clouds of heaviness, or clouds of fear. The one I feel that I deal with most is the cloud of doubt. What about a state of confusion? We actually refer to it as things being "a little cloudy."
Any of these clouds can come and go on their own, but sometimes they linger. Other times, they grow. They turn into storm clouds and threaten to destroy us. If allowed to, clouds of sadness can turn to depression. Clouds of heaviness can turn to despair. Clouds of fear can ruin us without any transformation at all, let alone after they have intensified into terrible storms around us.
So, how do you and I escape our clouds? How do we defeat them?
We don't.
We don't because we can't. Not by ourselves, and not with our own strength. That is why we need Jesus. That is why we must cry out to him, and we must do so fervently and without ceasing. It doesn't matter what type of storm we are in. It doesn't matter how long we have been there. Call on Jesus. He has the answer. He IS the answer.
Whatever your cloud is, you may have just encountered it, or you may have been dealing with it for a long time. I encourage you to always continue to call out to Jesus. He always hears us when we pray. You may not have seen your answer yet. Just remember one thing.
Your king is coming soon. He will roll the clouds away.
Scripture: "To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified.” - Isaiah 61:3
Quote: "He will come to where you are. You're not too lost. You're not that far. When you're caught in stormy weather, and you're no match for the waves, the water walking God is gonna come and save the day." - Ernie Haase & Signature Sound (on the new album entitled, appropriately enough, Glorious Day)
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Saturday, April 6, 2013
"Social" Media
Did you have a MySpace page?
Perhaps I should instead ask...have you ever heard of a MySpace page? What about Facebook? Twitter? Instagram? A blog?
Are you secretly a member of an online role playing realm who goes by the name of Dan the Destroyer?
Nowadays, there are a myriad of online ways for us to keep track of friends, family, and random people who remember you from that time you were stuck in line together for an hour and a half at the Walmart pharmacy. (Side issue: how old do you have to get before you're allowed to use terms like "nowadays"?) In fact, with the popularity explosion of smartphones, one need not even be online any more. There is an app for any of these so called social media available on virtually every cell phone company's plan.
All of this connectivity gives all of us unprecedented ability to stay in touch with the other people in our world. We could, if we wished, communicate with others so much more efficiently right now than at any other time in human history.
Here's the problem: we don't.
I have noticed that most social media users mostly fall into two categories.
The first group is people who desperately crave validation of others and misguidedly but actively seek it online. You know these people. They're the ones begging celebrities to follow or retweet them on twitter. They're the ones with 872 "friends" on Facebook. I'm not positive I've even met 872 people in my entire life.
The second group is people who don't communicate with others as much as communicate AT others. I believe that I belong in this group. Nobody cares. I know nobody cares. I am fully aware that I have less than 150 twitter followers, and I was recently the object of ridicule from some coworkers because I had only 89 Facebook friends. I recently tried to ask some general questions of my Facebook friends. Simple stuff about what kind of TV, movies, or music people were enjoying and would recommend to me. Can you guess the answers that I received? Nothing. Crickets. I didn't get squatch. (Hi little Bro!)
Yet, I continue to post MY opinions, MY photos, quotes or sports stats that aroused MY interest, and observations on MY world.
Seems kind of selfish.
It is kind of selfish.
Ironically, it was a Facebook friend who actually did respond to one of my posts (and my response to him) that keyed me into all of this.
Several months ago, I decided that at work, Friday would be the day every week that was dedicated to jazz music. I play it on my computer all day long and often post a status about a song or artist that really touched me that day. One day, that looked something like this...
Man, I can't draw a straight blackout line to save my life. By the way, that Ward quote is incredible in MY opinion.
Anyway, back to the first post. Two things you should know. First, Josh is a friend, but not an extremely close friend or family member. Actually, he is one of my brother's friends. Since my brother and I are both adults, with our own families and lives, I rarely encounter his friends any more. We may only communicate with each other by methods like Facebook for months or years without seeing one another. Second, that one "like" on Josh's comment was from me.
Several days later, it occurred to me how pathetic I was being. Someone actually read one of my thoughts and took time out of his day to to comment. He shared a relevant observation and suggestion that, based on my current and previous posts, he felt I would appreciate.
How did I respond? I clicked Like and went on about my life.
End of interaction.
Sad.
I had a MySpace page once. I use Facebook. Twitter is great. I obviously love blogging. It scares me to think how many social interactions I've avoided by using, or rather misusing social media.
A "like" (which by the way used to be a verb and not a noun) is great for when a "friend" posts an update, a photo, or link that you...wait for it...like. It's not so great for expressing your true thoughts.
What I should have done was respond. Perhaps something like: Thanks for the tip. That's not one of my favorite songs, but if anyone can do it well, it's the Rat Pack. I will look into it.
So, to Josh, and everybody else with whom I have failed to effectively communicate via social media...I am truly sorry.
Please accept MY sincere apology.
Scripture: “A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful envoy brings healing” - Proverbs 13:17
Quote: "The more elaborate our means of communication, the less we communicate." - Joseph Priestly
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Perhaps I should instead ask...have you ever heard of a MySpace page? What about Facebook? Twitter? Instagram? A blog?
Are you secretly a member of an online role playing realm who goes by the name of Dan the Destroyer?
Nowadays, there are a myriad of online ways for us to keep track of friends, family, and random people who remember you from that time you were stuck in line together for an hour and a half at the Walmart pharmacy. (Side issue: how old do you have to get before you're allowed to use terms like "nowadays"?) In fact, with the popularity explosion of smartphones, one need not even be online any more. There is an app for any of these so called social media available on virtually every cell phone company's plan.
All of this connectivity gives all of us unprecedented ability to stay in touch with the other people in our world. We could, if we wished, communicate with others so much more efficiently right now than at any other time in human history.
Here's the problem: we don't.
I have noticed that most social media users mostly fall into two categories.
The first group is people who desperately crave validation of others and misguidedly but actively seek it online. You know these people. They're the ones begging celebrities to follow or retweet them on twitter. They're the ones with 872 "friends" on Facebook. I'm not positive I've even met 872 people in my entire life.
The second group is people who don't communicate with others as much as communicate AT others. I believe that I belong in this group. Nobody cares. I know nobody cares. I am fully aware that I have less than 150 twitter followers, and I was recently the object of ridicule from some coworkers because I had only 89 Facebook friends. I recently tried to ask some general questions of my Facebook friends. Simple stuff about what kind of TV, movies, or music people were enjoying and would recommend to me. Can you guess the answers that I received? Nothing. Crickets. I didn't get squatch. (Hi little Bro!)
Yet, I continue to post MY opinions, MY photos, quotes or sports stats that aroused MY interest, and observations on MY world.
Seems kind of selfish.
It is kind of selfish.
Ironically, it was a Facebook friend who actually did respond to one of my posts (and my response to him) that keyed me into all of this.
Several months ago, I decided that at work, Friday would be the day every week that was dedicated to jazz music. I play it on my computer all day long and often post a status about a song or artist that really touched me that day. One day, that looked something like this...
Man, I can't draw a straight blackout line to save my life. By the way, that Ward quote is incredible in MY opinion.
Anyway, back to the first post. Two things you should know. First, Josh is a friend, but not an extremely close friend or family member. Actually, he is one of my brother's friends. Since my brother and I are both adults, with our own families and lives, I rarely encounter his friends any more. We may only communicate with each other by methods like Facebook for months or years without seeing one another. Second, that one "like" on Josh's comment was from me.
Several days later, it occurred to me how pathetic I was being. Someone actually read one of my thoughts and took time out of his day to to comment. He shared a relevant observation and suggestion that, based on my current and previous posts, he felt I would appreciate.
How did I respond? I clicked Like and went on about my life.
End of interaction.
Sad.
I had a MySpace page once. I use Facebook. Twitter is great. I obviously love blogging. It scares me to think how many social interactions I've avoided by using, or rather misusing social media.
A "like" (which by the way used to be a verb and not a noun) is great for when a "friend" posts an update, a photo, or link that you...wait for it...like. It's not so great for expressing your true thoughts.
What I should have done was respond. Perhaps something like: Thanks for the tip. That's not one of my favorite songs, but if anyone can do it well, it's the Rat Pack. I will look into it.
So, to Josh, and everybody else with whom I have failed to effectively communicate via social media...I am truly sorry.
Please accept MY sincere apology.
Scripture: “A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful envoy brings healing” - Proverbs 13:17
Quote: "The more elaborate our means of communication, the less we communicate." - Joseph Priestly
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Saturday, March 9, 2013
You Learn Something New Every Day
You learn something new every day.
How many times have you heard that in your life? I have heard it so many times that I finally decided to research it. I decided to record the "something new" that I learned every day for a month.
One problem: I forgot to take notes after just eighteen days. This could actually be good news. I chose February for this experiment because it is the shortest month. Even still, if it was successful, that would be a really long blog post. (I know, I know. That's never stopped me before. I'm working on being concise here though.)
So, without further ado, here are just a few more than two weeks worth of new facts that I learned.
1-The college football powerhouses from the University of Texas, the University of Southern California, and THE Ohio State University have never produced a quarterback who would start in the Super Bowl. The Delaware Blue Hens have now produced two: Rich Gannon and Joe Flacco.
2-After two nights of being home with my baby girl without my wife, I know she (the wife, not the baby) is a better and stronger person than I. Nothing can ever happen to her because I could not hack it as a single father.
3-The biggest deficit ever overcome by a Super Bowl winner is ten points.
4-Nothing new. Excuse: I didn't write anything down at the end of the day. The next morning I tried but couldn't recall anything noteworthy. It is impossible to say for sure whether or not I learned something new this day.
5-I am perhaps too serious about saving money. I caught myself worrying about a few dollars increase in our water bill until I considered how much we are saving because of my wife's brilliant idea to use cloth diapers for our baby.
6-I'm impressed greatly by companies who provide an envelope I can use to send remittance.
7-A kind word really can carry you very far. A customer commended me late in the work day, and I was flying high for hours.
8-There exists a version of "Your Cheatin' Heart" recorded by Louis Armstrong.
9-Someone creates individual sized microwave popcorn bags, and they're the perfect size for this individual.
10-Despite the ridiculous name, LL Cool J makes a tremendous Grammy host.
11-I learned what RSV is and that even my baby can get sick.
12-One of my best friends has never watched Boy Meets World. WHAT?!?!?
13-When a nurse can't hit an arm vein, a baby in the ER can be given an IV via a scalp vein.
14-Vince Carter has scored more points in the NBA than Larry Bird.
15-My wife has a lot more and/or a lot better Facebook friends than I do.
16-Nothing new. Excuse: My baby girl was in the hospital. I was distracted. It is also impossible to say for sure whether or not I learned something new this day.
17-Wayne Gretzky played twelve seasons in the NHL before he had a season with LESS than forty goals scored.
18-Only four NBA players have no-trade clauses in their contracts: Kobe Bryant, Dirk Nowitzki, Tim Duncan, and Kevin Garnett.
Some fun stuff there, but what does it prove? Do we literally learn something new every day? If this were an episode of Mythbusters, I believe the verdict would be "plausible."
I don't believe that the two days with no results prove the premise to be false. They can be written off as simple recording errors. Also, even if I had recorded something those days, I don't believe eighteen successful data runs proves the premise to be true. The CDC places average life expectancy at 78.7 years, or 28,725 days. The chance of a human learning something new each and every one of those days seems remote.
You may not know it, but I have a Bachelor of Science degree. I majored in Biology and minored in Chemistry. Though I'm not currently working in the field, I am a scientist at heart. I want to learn about and understand the world around me. Perhaps that has unfairly influenced me, but here is my opinion on this subject.
You may not automatically learn something new every day, but you can if you want to do so. As cliche as it may sound, all you have to do is pay attention. Like the great Ferris Bueller once said, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." Take note of the people, places, and things around you. Stop, look, listen, and learn. (Seems like I stole that from somewhere...any ideas where?)
About my being concise, sorry guys. Maybe next time.
As far as the concept in question here, I will simply add one slight punctuation mark. I will change it from an observation into a suggestion. It could change your life for the better and make it infinitely more intriguing.
You, learn something new everyday.
Scripture: "An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge." - Proverbs 18:15
Quote: "Discovery consists of seeing what everybody has seen and thinking what nobody else has thought." - Jonathan Swift
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
How many times have you heard that in your life? I have heard it so many times that I finally decided to research it. I decided to record the "something new" that I learned every day for a month.
One problem: I forgot to take notes after just eighteen days. This could actually be good news. I chose February for this experiment because it is the shortest month. Even still, if it was successful, that would be a really long blog post. (I know, I know. That's never stopped me before. I'm working on being concise here though.)
So, without further ado, here are just a few more than two weeks worth of new facts that I learned.
1-The college football powerhouses from the University of Texas, the University of Southern California, and THE Ohio State University have never produced a quarterback who would start in the Super Bowl. The Delaware Blue Hens have now produced two: Rich Gannon and Joe Flacco.
2-After two nights of being home with my baby girl without my wife, I know she (the wife, not the baby) is a better and stronger person than I. Nothing can ever happen to her because I could not hack it as a single father.
3-The biggest deficit ever overcome by a Super Bowl winner is ten points.
4-Nothing new. Excuse: I didn't write anything down at the end of the day. The next morning I tried but couldn't recall anything noteworthy. It is impossible to say for sure whether or not I learned something new this day.
5-I am perhaps too serious about saving money. I caught myself worrying about a few dollars increase in our water bill until I considered how much we are saving because of my wife's brilliant idea to use cloth diapers for our baby.
6-I'm impressed greatly by companies who provide an envelope I can use to send remittance.
7-A kind word really can carry you very far. A customer commended me late in the work day, and I was flying high for hours.
8-There exists a version of "Your Cheatin' Heart" recorded by Louis Armstrong.
9-Someone creates individual sized microwave popcorn bags, and they're the perfect size for this individual.
10-Despite the ridiculous name, LL Cool J makes a tremendous Grammy host.
11-I learned what RSV is and that even my baby can get sick.
12-One of my best friends has never watched Boy Meets World. WHAT?!?!?
13-When a nurse can't hit an arm vein, a baby in the ER can be given an IV via a scalp vein.
14-Vince Carter has scored more points in the NBA than Larry Bird.
15-My wife has a lot more and/or a lot better Facebook friends than I do.
16-Nothing new. Excuse: My baby girl was in the hospital. I was distracted. It is also impossible to say for sure whether or not I learned something new this day.
17-Wayne Gretzky played twelve seasons in the NHL before he had a season with LESS than forty goals scored.
18-Only four NBA players have no-trade clauses in their contracts: Kobe Bryant, Dirk Nowitzki, Tim Duncan, and Kevin Garnett.
Some fun stuff there, but what does it prove? Do we literally learn something new every day? If this were an episode of Mythbusters, I believe the verdict would be "plausible."
I don't believe that the two days with no results prove the premise to be false. They can be written off as simple recording errors. Also, even if I had recorded something those days, I don't believe eighteen successful data runs proves the premise to be true. The CDC places average life expectancy at 78.7 years, or 28,725 days. The chance of a human learning something new each and every one of those days seems remote.
You may not know it, but I have a Bachelor of Science degree. I majored in Biology and minored in Chemistry. Though I'm not currently working in the field, I am a scientist at heart. I want to learn about and understand the world around me. Perhaps that has unfairly influenced me, but here is my opinion on this subject.
You may not automatically learn something new every day, but you can if you want to do so. As cliche as it may sound, all you have to do is pay attention. Like the great Ferris Bueller once said, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." Take note of the people, places, and things around you. Stop, look, listen, and learn. (Seems like I stole that from somewhere...any ideas where?)
About my being concise, sorry guys. Maybe next time.
As far as the concept in question here, I will simply add one slight punctuation mark. I will change it from an observation into a suggestion. It could change your life for the better and make it infinitely more intriguing.
You, learn something new everyday.
Scripture: "An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge." - Proverbs 18:15
Quote: "Discovery consists of seeing what everybody has seen and thinking what nobody else has thought." - Jonathan Swift
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Monday, March 4, 2013
A New Understanding
We learned a new song in church this week.
Maybe not "we." I had never played it before, and the acoustic guitar played a prominent role in the song. So, I had to pick it up fast.
Maybe not "new." I had never played it before, but the song has been around for a while and is familiar to many people.
Maybe not "in church." I had never played it before, but this song has been played on many praise CDs and in many services and gatherings.
It seems my opening remark may need reworking. How about this?
I learned to play a song for church this week that was a new and exciting addition to my repertoire.
Much better.
The song is "You Are Good" by Israel Houghton. It is a great praise song that is very well written. It has a great theme and is a blast to play on guitar or on the radio. Yet, none of those factors is what ministered to me the most.
Rather, it was something else entirely. It wasn't the lyrics or music on paper. It wasn't the audio of the song. It was the video.
You see in working on that and one other song ("Not Ashamed" by Passion) for this week's worship service, I spent a lot of time on YouTube. The videos of these songs give me the chance both to hear the music and study the guitarists' methods and approaches to the various parts.
However, something outside of all of that leapt off the screen at me. The congregations when it was a church setting, and the crowds in the outdoor festival or indoor arena settings were all jumping and clapping and singing. The singers on stage were running, leaping, and spinning as they sang. (Chris Tomlin was particularly energetic in the "Not Ashamed" clip.) (Unimportant but amusing side note: if you try to type "Tomlin" on my iPad, it autocorrects to "Tomlinson." Perhaps I post on Facebook/write/tweet about sports a bit too much.) And then there's Israel Houghton, who not only leaps and dances, but does it all while playing guitar. It is really impressive to watch.
Why were they all doing this?
Is it because they love God? In a word, yes.
Is it because the joy that they've found in Christ is that great? Yes again.
For the singers, musicians, and leaders, is it because they want to usher others into the presence of God through praise and worship? Most certainly.
But there is a much bigger cause to the effect.
I also watched a concert DVD this week called "The Complex Rock Tour Live" by The Blue Man Group. If you've never seen them perform, I highly recommend that you check them out. Their music is innovative, and their stage show is amazingly cerebral. They also do some crazy gags, stunts, and dance moves that they would likely never do in public as their "normal" selves. They even have a song that talks about the metaphorical masks that people put on in their daily lives, sometimes to the point that their true form is no longer recognizable to themselves or to others. It is equal parts epiphany and irony coming from a bunch of guys literally wearing blue masks.
It was watching this performance that showed me what all those people in the YouTube clips had that allowed them to expend such energy in worship.
Freedom.
Freedom in Christ.
When we allow Christ into our lives...when we truly accept him for who he is and what he has done, we are set free. The Bible tells us that "...if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36) We are free to be our true selves. We no longer have to put on some misguided disguise or pretend to be someone we are not.
Yes these people love God, have joy in Him, and want others to also experience God's presence, so much so that they feel the need to dance passionately before God. But it's because of the freedom in Christ that all of that gets expressed outwardly. (Is there any other way to express something? Never mind...) Because of Jesus, they are literally free to do what they were created to do.
That's what we witness in these video clips.
In fact one of the comments on the Passion video stated that "Christians know how to party." And you know what? That's ok. We are allowed to have fun while worshipping God. It is why we were given life.
We were created to worship.
What about you? Does your church have a team that dances in front of the church while the music plays? Does your worship team play an instrument or a musical style that's different than you're used to? Are there people in your congregation who bounce, or dance, or raise their hands in worship? What other expressions of praise have you witnessed that may make you or someone else uncomfortable?
I am not one who dances or leaps or spins often...er....ever. It just isn't in my makeup. In the past, I have often been uncomfortable being around people who are able to worship that way. But you know what I've noticed? All of the dancers, leapers, and spinners always give me the freedom to worship in my own way.
Why shouldn't I do the same for them?
Scripture: “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” - 2 Corinthians 3:17
Quote: "Every morning, I put it on. I walk outside, and I am gone. And I don't seem to mind anymore. I can't think what it was like before I wore it all the time." - from "Persona" by Blue Man Group
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Maybe not "we." I had never played it before, and the acoustic guitar played a prominent role in the song. So, I had to pick it up fast.
Maybe not "new." I had never played it before, but the song has been around for a while and is familiar to many people.
Maybe not "in church." I had never played it before, but this song has been played on many praise CDs and in many services and gatherings.
It seems my opening remark may need reworking. How about this?
I learned to play a song for church this week that was a new and exciting addition to my repertoire.
Much better.
The song is "You Are Good" by Israel Houghton. It is a great praise song that is very well written. It has a great theme and is a blast to play on guitar or on the radio. Yet, none of those factors is what ministered to me the most.
Rather, it was something else entirely. It wasn't the lyrics or music on paper. It wasn't the audio of the song. It was the video.
You see in working on that and one other song ("Not Ashamed" by Passion) for this week's worship service, I spent a lot of time on YouTube. The videos of these songs give me the chance both to hear the music and study the guitarists' methods and approaches to the various parts.
However, something outside of all of that leapt off the screen at me. The congregations when it was a church setting, and the crowds in the outdoor festival or indoor arena settings were all jumping and clapping and singing. The singers on stage were running, leaping, and spinning as they sang. (Chris Tomlin was particularly energetic in the "Not Ashamed" clip.) (Unimportant but amusing side note: if you try to type "Tomlin" on my iPad, it autocorrects to "Tomlinson." Perhaps I post on Facebook/write/tweet about sports a bit too much.) And then there's Israel Houghton, who not only leaps and dances, but does it all while playing guitar. It is really impressive to watch.
Why were they all doing this?
Is it because they love God? In a word, yes.
Is it because the joy that they've found in Christ is that great? Yes again.
For the singers, musicians, and leaders, is it because they want to usher others into the presence of God through praise and worship? Most certainly.
But there is a much bigger cause to the effect.
I also watched a concert DVD this week called "The Complex Rock Tour Live" by The Blue Man Group. If you've never seen them perform, I highly recommend that you check them out. Their music is innovative, and their stage show is amazingly cerebral. They also do some crazy gags, stunts, and dance moves that they would likely never do in public as their "normal" selves. They even have a song that talks about the metaphorical masks that people put on in their daily lives, sometimes to the point that their true form is no longer recognizable to themselves or to others. It is equal parts epiphany and irony coming from a bunch of guys literally wearing blue masks.
It was watching this performance that showed me what all those people in the YouTube clips had that allowed them to expend such energy in worship.
Freedom.
Freedom in Christ.
When we allow Christ into our lives...when we truly accept him for who he is and what he has done, we are set free. The Bible tells us that "...if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36) We are free to be our true selves. We no longer have to put on some misguided disguise or pretend to be someone we are not.
Yes these people love God, have joy in Him, and want others to also experience God's presence, so much so that they feel the need to dance passionately before God. But it's because of the freedom in Christ that all of that gets expressed outwardly. (Is there any other way to express something? Never mind...) Because of Jesus, they are literally free to do what they were created to do.
That's what we witness in these video clips.
In fact one of the comments on the Passion video stated that "Christians know how to party." And you know what? That's ok. We are allowed to have fun while worshipping God. It is why we were given life.
We were created to worship.
What about you? Does your church have a team that dances in front of the church while the music plays? Does your worship team play an instrument or a musical style that's different than you're used to? Are there people in your congregation who bounce, or dance, or raise their hands in worship? What other expressions of praise have you witnessed that may make you or someone else uncomfortable?
I am not one who dances or leaps or spins often...er....ever. It just isn't in my makeup. In the past, I have often been uncomfortable being around people who are able to worship that way. But you know what I've noticed? All of the dancers, leapers, and spinners always give me the freedom to worship in my own way.
Why shouldn't I do the same for them?
Scripture: “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” - 2 Corinthians 3:17
Quote: "Every morning, I put it on. I walk outside, and I am gone. And I don't seem to mind anymore. I can't think what it was like before I wore it all the time." - from "Persona" by Blue Man Group
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Where Was God While My Baby Was In The Hospital?
(This is going to be a long one, but I am more than confident enough to promise you it will be worth the read. Thanks and buckle up.)
That was traumatic. I have just been through what was easily the most emotionally disturbing experience of my life.
My wife and I are the very proud parents of the most miraculous baby girl, Melody Joan. She is now almost six months old, and she is simply amazing. Every day with her merely adds to the wonder that I felt the day Mandy told me that we were expecting. She is a gift from God.
At least, I thought that she was a gift from God. Then she got sick.
Here's the timeline:
Monday - Melody wasn't acting like herself and was clearly sick. We got her to the doctor, and she was diagnosed with RSV. RSV is a viral infection with no vaccine and no known cure that attacks the respiratory system.
Wednesday morning - Melody had gotten worse. Mandy had a stomach bug and was concerned that maybe Melody had contracted that as well. Another doctor visit ruled that out but confirmed an ear infection and RSV progression.
Wednesday night - Because Melody slept literally all afternoon from just after one until almost five, Mandy called the doctor again. The doctor was concerned about Melody's blood oxygen levels and advised us to bring Melody to the emergency room right away. We were in the ER by 6 pm. Over the next six hours, our angel was subjected to a myriad of doctors, nurses, tests, and treatments. It was determined that she was still suffering from RSV, but was also greatly dehydrated and had a possible urinary tract or kidney infection. She was admitted to the hospital for further observation and treatment.
Early Thursday morning - Despite all the medicines and fluids, Melody had continued to run a fever all week. It even rose as high as 105 degrees at one point in the night. She still had to undergo frequent breathing treatments and receive iv fluids. When her doctor came to check on her, we learned that waiting on a few test results meant she had at least one or two more days to stay in the hospital.
Thursday afternoon, evening, and night - The late morning and the afternoon hours on Thursday were much better. Melody was more herself, even giving us a few slight but still hugely encouraging little smiles. Then the night came, and she cried. Then she cried. Then she cried some more. We tried everything we could think of-rocking, laying her in the crib, Mandy holding her, me holding her, with and without her pacifier, nursing, with and without swaddling, singing to her, letting her "cry it out," the nurses even brought a swing from the nursery-nothing worked. It was incredibly disheartening. Then...she fell asleep. Despite all the nurses vital sign checks, breathing treatments, and even an early Friday morning blood draw for lab work, she slept through the night.
Friday - I had to go in to work... ... ... ... ... ...
Meanwhile, the doctor was telling us that Melody's chest X-ray, blood tests, and initial urine results looked good. At this point, we were told she could go home after she went 24 hours without a fever spike. Great news! Then, just before lunch her temperature rose over 100 again. At least one more night in the hospital.
Friday evening - Another doctor visit, this time saying that if she makes it through the night with no fever, she might be released in the morning.
Saturday- A different doctor confirms that Melody does not have pneumonia or any infections except in her ear. However, because she still isn't eating or drinking much, she must stay one more night.
Sunday morning - The doctor confirmed our girl was well enough to be released. Melody came home!
That was such a welcome relief to us. Still, if our daughter were truly a gift from God, how could this happen? Somewhere along the way, I found myself asking a potentially dangerous question.
Where was God?
Where was God for five and a half months when we were praying to him over Melody every night asking for good health and protection from disease?
Where was God after she was diagnosed and we began, along with friends and family, to intercede on her behalf and pray for healing?
Where was God that Wednesday night when our baby girl was lying in the emergency room suffering and scared?
Where was God when the nurse in the ER was unable to successfully set up Melody's iv in her arm and had to call in a team to place it in a vein in her scalp instead?
Where was God while we were in the ER and hospital administration came in wanting to collect our insurance deductible of several thousand dollars?
Where was God when our little girl was living for days in a hospital room with cardiac and respiratory monitors keeping her hooked to one machine while an iv flowing into her scalp kept her hooked to another?
Where was God when my grandfather, who I'm convinced is the greatest man of God walking on this planet, couldn't stay in the room with his great granddaughter for more than two or three minutes because his heart was so badly breaking for her?
Where was God that Thursday night when my precious child could not be soothed for hours and I could no longer hold myself together? Where was he as my baby cried, and I sobbed, and my wife cried because I was losing it and was unable to tell her what was wrong?
Where was God on Friday morning when, because of circumstances mostly beyond my control, I had to get up and go to work, leaving my wife and baby sleeping in a hospital room to cope with the uncertainty together but without me?
Where was God when we were supposed to be getting closer to going home, but Melody's condition kept changing and resetting the countdown?
Where was God?
It's a hard question to face, especially under such adversity. You see, it is very easy to believe in God and to see his handiwork in your life when everything is going perfectly. What about times like this? What about when your one and only baby girl is in such a terrible situation? I have to say that I have never thought longer or harder about this than I have in the last several days. My faith in God has never been so tested.
Where was God?
I believe that I know the answers.
Correction: I know I know the answers.
God was there.
Ask any child you know where God is, and you'll likely be give an emphatic one word answer. "Everywhere!" It is a basic truth about God. In fact, it's so basic that we as adults tend to lose focus of the concept because of its simplicity.
God is everywhere, so God was there.
God was there for over twenty five years (including seven years of our marriage that we were convinced we would be unable to have kids) watching, listening, and planning perfection as Mandy grew up dreaming of being a mother.
God was there for five and a half months protecting Melody from sickness. Yes something got to her this time, but she's only been sick for 6 days. She was healthy and strong for an astonishing 170 days as a newborn before then.
God was there in the emergency waiting room with my parents who spent nearly six hours sitting alone and waiting on news about their only granddaughter.
God was there that Wednesday in two different churches, the one we recently left and the one we recently joined, as they heard the news and both congregations began to join in prayer and agreement.
God was there with a team of medical experts who had the knowledge, skills, and experience to know that Melody needed an iv. They also had the knowledge, skills, and experience to move to a "Plan B" when there were issues that arose. He also had apparently designed Melody for just such a contingency. We were later informed that scalp ivs must usually be changed after one day in kids. Ours held up and didn't have to be moved in just over three days worth of hospital stay.
God was there years before when a couple at church reached out and introduced us to Dave Ramsey, which led to us paying off our debt and building up some savings so that we had cash available in an Emergency Fund for just such an occasion.
God was there in that hospital room. He was pouring out his love for us in the form of multiple visits from the pastors at our new church, our family, our friends, and even the pastor and some members of the congregation at our old church. There were stuffed animals, cards, balloons, gift baskets, flowers, and meals brought to the room encouraging us and our baby through this ordeal. One of Mandy's close friends provided the most poignant moment as she prayed over our daughter. She mentioned God having to watch as his only son suffered for us. God was there, and he knew what we were enduring.
God was there walking right beside my grandfather just as he always does, probably with a comforting arm around his shoulder. God may have even carried him for a little while.
God was there when my strength finally failed and my emotions took over, and he was catching every single tear that fell as I wept uncontrollably.
God was there in my office helping me to focus on the task I had to complete. He was there and provided me with coworkers who graciously accepted my very early morning text messages after our ER visit and kindly agreed to cover for me when I missed work, and with an understanding boss who encouraged me to return to my family by leaving work early after I had accomplished my goal.
God was there making sure our little girl got all the treatment she needed from the professionals before Mandy and I brought her home to finish healing up.
I mentioned earlier that's is easier to see God in the good days in life. Such a belief has a corollary as well. It must also be easier to doubt God in the bad times. When all we do is look for, dwell on, and remain in the dark places, then all we can do is doubt.
What should we do instead? Because of the calling to music ministry in my life, I often find answers in lyrics. In hard times, I always think about two songs.
Matt Redman sings "...for all your goodness I will keep on singing, ten thousand reasons for my heart to find."
Phillips, Craig, and Dean sang "Though the darkness for a moment may hide tomorrow's light, just beyond what eyes can see the light of hope is bright. There's a little bit of morning outside. There's a new beginning in the sky. It's been a while, but now the time is right to spread your wings and fly. Silent hearts sing a brand new song. The darkest night is just before the dawn. Weary soul arise. Wipe the pain from your eyes. There's a little bit of morning outside."
You can find God anywhere if you want, because he's there. He's everywhere. All you have to do is look. I encourage you, if you find yourself in a similar situation, to stop for a moment and consider how much worse things could be. You may not get the exact answer that you thought you would or should get, but look closer. You can find the evidence of your heavenly Father working on your behalf.
And when you reach the end of your rope, spend the 99 cents it takes to download and listen to Phillips, Craig, and Dean's "Little Bit of Morning."
Weary soul arise. Wipe the pain from your eyes. There's a little bit of morning outside.
We often refer to Melody as "our little princess." You see she is, always was, and ALWAYS will be a miracle gift from God. No matter what.
She is also the daughter of the King of kings, a true princess. She's home now and on the road to full recovery.
God would never abandon her, or us.
God was there.
Scripture: “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” - Deuteronomy 31:8
Quote: "Some people grumble because roses have thorns; I am thankful that the thorns have roses." - Alphonse Karr
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
That was traumatic. I have just been through what was easily the most emotionally disturbing experience of my life.
My wife and I are the very proud parents of the most miraculous baby girl, Melody Joan. She is now almost six months old, and she is simply amazing. Every day with her merely adds to the wonder that I felt the day Mandy told me that we were expecting. She is a gift from God.
At least, I thought that she was a gift from God. Then she got sick.
Here's the timeline:
Monday - Melody wasn't acting like herself and was clearly sick. We got her to the doctor, and she was diagnosed with RSV. RSV is a viral infection with no vaccine and no known cure that attacks the respiratory system.
Wednesday morning - Melody had gotten worse. Mandy had a stomach bug and was concerned that maybe Melody had contracted that as well. Another doctor visit ruled that out but confirmed an ear infection and RSV progression.
Wednesday night - Because Melody slept literally all afternoon from just after one until almost five, Mandy called the doctor again. The doctor was concerned about Melody's blood oxygen levels and advised us to bring Melody to the emergency room right away. We were in the ER by 6 pm. Over the next six hours, our angel was subjected to a myriad of doctors, nurses, tests, and treatments. It was determined that she was still suffering from RSV, but was also greatly dehydrated and had a possible urinary tract or kidney infection. She was admitted to the hospital for further observation and treatment.
Early Thursday morning - Despite all the medicines and fluids, Melody had continued to run a fever all week. It even rose as high as 105 degrees at one point in the night. She still had to undergo frequent breathing treatments and receive iv fluids. When her doctor came to check on her, we learned that waiting on a few test results meant she had at least one or two more days to stay in the hospital.
Thursday afternoon, evening, and night - The late morning and the afternoon hours on Thursday were much better. Melody was more herself, even giving us a few slight but still hugely encouraging little smiles. Then the night came, and she cried. Then she cried. Then she cried some more. We tried everything we could think of-rocking, laying her in the crib, Mandy holding her, me holding her, with and without her pacifier, nursing, with and without swaddling, singing to her, letting her "cry it out," the nurses even brought a swing from the nursery-nothing worked. It was incredibly disheartening. Then...she fell asleep. Despite all the nurses vital sign checks, breathing treatments, and even an early Friday morning blood draw for lab work, she slept through the night.
Friday - I had to go in to work... ... ... ... ... ...
Meanwhile, the doctor was telling us that Melody's chest X-ray, blood tests, and initial urine results looked good. At this point, we were told she could go home after she went 24 hours without a fever spike. Great news! Then, just before lunch her temperature rose over 100 again. At least one more night in the hospital.
Friday evening - Another doctor visit, this time saying that if she makes it through the night with no fever, she might be released in the morning.
Saturday- A different doctor confirms that Melody does not have pneumonia or any infections except in her ear. However, because she still isn't eating or drinking much, she must stay one more night.
Sunday morning - The doctor confirmed our girl was well enough to be released. Melody came home!
That was such a welcome relief to us. Still, if our daughter were truly a gift from God, how could this happen? Somewhere along the way, I found myself asking a potentially dangerous question.
Where was God?
Where was God for five and a half months when we were praying to him over Melody every night asking for good health and protection from disease?
Where was God after she was diagnosed and we began, along with friends and family, to intercede on her behalf and pray for healing?
Where was God that Wednesday night when our baby girl was lying in the emergency room suffering and scared?
Where was God when the nurse in the ER was unable to successfully set up Melody's iv in her arm and had to call in a team to place it in a vein in her scalp instead?
Where was God while we were in the ER and hospital administration came in wanting to collect our insurance deductible of several thousand dollars?
Where was God when our little girl was living for days in a hospital room with cardiac and respiratory monitors keeping her hooked to one machine while an iv flowing into her scalp kept her hooked to another?
Where was God when my grandfather, who I'm convinced is the greatest man of God walking on this planet, couldn't stay in the room with his great granddaughter for more than two or three minutes because his heart was so badly breaking for her?
Where was God that Thursday night when my precious child could not be soothed for hours and I could no longer hold myself together? Where was he as my baby cried, and I sobbed, and my wife cried because I was losing it and was unable to tell her what was wrong?
Where was God on Friday morning when, because of circumstances mostly beyond my control, I had to get up and go to work, leaving my wife and baby sleeping in a hospital room to cope with the uncertainty together but without me?
Where was God when we were supposed to be getting closer to going home, but Melody's condition kept changing and resetting the countdown?
Where was God?
It's a hard question to face, especially under such adversity. You see, it is very easy to believe in God and to see his handiwork in your life when everything is going perfectly. What about times like this? What about when your one and only baby girl is in such a terrible situation? I have to say that I have never thought longer or harder about this than I have in the last several days. My faith in God has never been so tested.
Where was God?
I believe that I know the answers.
Correction: I know I know the answers.
God was there.
Ask any child you know where God is, and you'll likely be give an emphatic one word answer. "Everywhere!" It is a basic truth about God. In fact, it's so basic that we as adults tend to lose focus of the concept because of its simplicity.
God is everywhere, so God was there.
God was there for over twenty five years (including seven years of our marriage that we were convinced we would be unable to have kids) watching, listening, and planning perfection as Mandy grew up dreaming of being a mother.
God was there for five and a half months protecting Melody from sickness. Yes something got to her this time, but she's only been sick for 6 days. She was healthy and strong for an astonishing 170 days as a newborn before then.
God was there in the emergency waiting room with my parents who spent nearly six hours sitting alone and waiting on news about their only granddaughter.
God was there that Wednesday in two different churches, the one we recently left and the one we recently joined, as they heard the news and both congregations began to join in prayer and agreement.
God was there with a team of medical experts who had the knowledge, skills, and experience to know that Melody needed an iv. They also had the knowledge, skills, and experience to move to a "Plan B" when there were issues that arose. He also had apparently designed Melody for just such a contingency. We were later informed that scalp ivs must usually be changed after one day in kids. Ours held up and didn't have to be moved in just over three days worth of hospital stay.
God was there years before when a couple at church reached out and introduced us to Dave Ramsey, which led to us paying off our debt and building up some savings so that we had cash available in an Emergency Fund for just such an occasion.
God was there in that hospital room. He was pouring out his love for us in the form of multiple visits from the pastors at our new church, our family, our friends, and even the pastor and some members of the congregation at our old church. There were stuffed animals, cards, balloons, gift baskets, flowers, and meals brought to the room encouraging us and our baby through this ordeal. One of Mandy's close friends provided the most poignant moment as she prayed over our daughter. She mentioned God having to watch as his only son suffered for us. God was there, and he knew what we were enduring.
God was there walking right beside my grandfather just as he always does, probably with a comforting arm around his shoulder. God may have even carried him for a little while.
God was there when my strength finally failed and my emotions took over, and he was catching every single tear that fell as I wept uncontrollably.
God was there in my office helping me to focus on the task I had to complete. He was there and provided me with coworkers who graciously accepted my very early morning text messages after our ER visit and kindly agreed to cover for me when I missed work, and with an understanding boss who encouraged me to return to my family by leaving work early after I had accomplished my goal.
God was there making sure our little girl got all the treatment she needed from the professionals before Mandy and I brought her home to finish healing up.
I mentioned earlier that's is easier to see God in the good days in life. Such a belief has a corollary as well. It must also be easier to doubt God in the bad times. When all we do is look for, dwell on, and remain in the dark places, then all we can do is doubt.
What should we do instead? Because of the calling to music ministry in my life, I often find answers in lyrics. In hard times, I always think about two songs.
Matt Redman sings "...for all your goodness I will keep on singing, ten thousand reasons for my heart to find."
Phillips, Craig, and Dean sang "Though the darkness for a moment may hide tomorrow's light, just beyond what eyes can see the light of hope is bright. There's a little bit of morning outside. There's a new beginning in the sky. It's been a while, but now the time is right to spread your wings and fly. Silent hearts sing a brand new song. The darkest night is just before the dawn. Weary soul arise. Wipe the pain from your eyes. There's a little bit of morning outside."
You can find God anywhere if you want, because he's there. He's everywhere. All you have to do is look. I encourage you, if you find yourself in a similar situation, to stop for a moment and consider how much worse things could be. You may not get the exact answer that you thought you would or should get, but look closer. You can find the evidence of your heavenly Father working on your behalf.
And when you reach the end of your rope, spend the 99 cents it takes to download and listen to Phillips, Craig, and Dean's "Little Bit of Morning."
Weary soul arise. Wipe the pain from your eyes. There's a little bit of morning outside.
We often refer to Melody as "our little princess." You see she is, always was, and ALWAYS will be a miracle gift from God. No matter what.
She is also the daughter of the King of kings, a true princess. She's home now and on the road to full recovery.
God would never abandon her, or us.
God was there.
Scripture: “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” - Deuteronomy 31:8
Quote: "Some people grumble because roses have thorns; I am thankful that the thorns have roses." - Alphonse Karr
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
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