Monthly Archives: February 2013

Can You Sleep Through A Storm?

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Mark tells a brief, lively story of men who were tossed about in a boat by a violent storm. They woke up Jesus who was sleeping through it all. Awakened by their pleas, Jesus spoke and the storm was instantly calmed. His question to them is a challenge to each of us:
“Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Mark 4:40

We visited the University of Iowa hospital today regarding bone marrow transplants and other options for my Leukemia. It confirmed many assumptions, answered many questions, and raised more. We are not afraid – God has seen to that. But all the numbers and statistics and prognostics raise more questions, until one has to just stop the craziness and ask God, “What do YOU want?”

It isn’t easy for an evidence based analyst like me to turn my attention from “the facts.” But in the midst of any problem, we have to evaluate whether the facts are actually valid or if there are other perspectives to challenge them. Faith is believing and living what is true even when the “facts” don’t add up.

Sarah Young wrote a marvelous daily devotional called “Jesus Calling.” (Thank you Connie for this gift.) I would recommend it to anyone, whether you believe in God or not. (I say this, though I think she might have written the book specifically to Marcia and me. :-))

We usually share our devotions at the beginning of the day. Foolishly, with today’s travel and appointments and follow-up discussions, it was delayed until late this evening. (Am I the only one who sometimes makes this mistake?) Today’s message says:

“Slow down and cling tightly to my hand. I am teaching you a difficult lesson, learned only by hardship. When your focus turns away from me, you grasp at other things. You drop the glowing gift when you reach for lifeless ashes. Return to me; regain my presence.”

A few minutes before reading this I had written these words in my journal: “FROM ASHES TO BEAUTY!”

Are there certain “facts” that are making you weary or beliefs you need to surrender today? Perhaps it is time to believe in a new direction…and to let God guide you through the uncertain future. Who knows? You may find a way to sleep through life’s storms.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Matthew 11:28-29

Beyond Cancer – Beyond Suffering

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imageWe saw this photo on one of our walks at Mercy Hospital. Mercy Medical Director, Dr. Richard Deming organizes world trips for cancer survivors; those people he says, “find possibility in what seems to be impossible.”

Deming states, “As a cancer doctor, I have learned so much about life by witnessing the transformation that occurs when individuals and families face a cancer diagnosis. Cancer becomes a mountain to climb, but it also becomes a teacher and a catalyst to changing one’s life.”

I remember a dear friend saying years ago, that cancer gave him such a clear focus on his priorities. In a remarkable confession he said that he wanted to be healed of cancer, but if being healed meant he would lose his focus, especially on Jesus, he would rather have the cancer! While many might find that to be an unacceptable response, it left an enduring impression on me. No doubt, you can recall times when things became very clear, like a ‘mountain top’ experience. But how typical it is to lose some of that focus when you climb back down the mountain and reengage in day to day life.

After reaching the goal of first remission, I thought I would climb down the mountain and get stronger and stronger. Instead, this past week found me weaker and with more struggles. But I thank God (literally) that He has allowed me to regain focus each day. Sometimes my thought processes switches from ‘this situation’ to ‘Jesus’ and back and forth throughout the day. But it never as been stuck in ‘suffering.’ This whole business of drawing close to God doesn’t make our situation go away. But it reminds us that we won’t be stuck in the situation forever and we never have to endure it alone. (Thanks Cindy for that reminder.)

Closing words from Dr. Deming: “Now more than ever, we choose to live our lives fully engaged and passionately committed. No matter how many days we have left on this earth, we do have today. It’s only by reaching for something that’s above and beyond what you think is possible that you have any idea what you can accomplish.”

As you look at your life, is there something you need to get above and beyond? Something that would matter so much in your life that living fully engaged and passionately committed to it would change the impossible to possible?

“Everything is possible for him who believes.” – Jesus, Mark 9:23

Which Path?

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imageSpeaking of choosing new paths for a healthier life (see yesterday’s post), my sister Jane sent this photo from her hike in the Franklin Mountains. The sign gives a choice between taking the “more difficult” path to the right, or the “most difficult” path to the left. Jane observes, “I am reminded that the ‘easy’ path is not always an option, but our choice (our response) determines just how difficult the road ahead will be.”

What are the paths you’ve chosen to renew your mind daily? This is key to having victory over circumstances. We all know that the path of denial doesn’t work, and that the power of positive thinking, while helpful, doesn’t take us the whole distance.

Our personal experience is that meditating on the Word of God and talking with Him frequently is the only way that has brought us true renewal. New ways of thinking and responding to our circumstances have to become habitual. Even then, there will be struggles. This last week has been increasingly challenging for me, even at home. More tired, I push hard to walk 1/4 of what I did in the hospital and 60 days of gastrointestinal distress is taking its toll.

But when we take our eyes off our problems and focus instead on Jesus, our problems don’t take control.

I can’t imagine going through this cancer experience without enjoying a personal relationship with a loving God and the power He gives for victorious living throughout the storms life brings.

Even if you don’t know God or aren’t sure He exists, He welcomes your fellowship. Tell Him exactly how you feel. (Guess what…He already knows!) Whatever your position right now, the path to a renewing relationship is right before you. Whether it is “more difficult” or “most difficult,” walking with God is the best path you could choose. Even if you have walked a thousand steps away from God, it is just one step back to His loving arms.

Make good choices today!

“I am the way, the turth, and the life. No man comes to the Father except through me.” – Jesus, John 14:6

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Hebrews 12:1-3

Turning The Page – New Paths

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One of my favorite memories is when Marcia and I were high school sweethearts; we would love to stroll through the unkept meadows of a local park. Sometimes we would follow the paths that were well worn and sometimes we would make new paths.

This reminds me of a description of how our minds work and habits are formed. I think it was Dr. James Dobson who relayed in neurological terms how God designed the brain to remember things. He talked about how the thoughts and habits we frequently visited carved neurological “paths” in the brain that made it easier and quicker to access than those that we seldom visited. He described it was like walking through a meadow. The worn path was the one we frequenty took; all unforged paths offered more resistance. This explains why habits are so enduring and why new habits or thought processes are difficult for us. We’re told it takes at least thirty days to develop a new habit or a new way of thinking. That is because we have to ignore the worn paths that take us to unhealthy places and beat down the weeds and thorn bushes that stand in the way of forging new paths toward healthy goals.

Today, we turn the page to a new chapter in our adventure, a quieter season of continued healing at home… a new path. It is, as God has spoken to us individually and as a couple, a time for new beginnings and the continued renewing of our minds.

What new/healthier paths are waiting for you to forge? What unhealthy paths are you willing to ignore in order to pursue God’s very best for you…and for those you love?

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2

Going Home!

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Ten weeks ago I had no clue I had a deadly disease. Eight weeks ago I was being treated for Leukemia. Today I am in remission and ready to go home. We are so thankful for God’s faithfulness, thousands of prayers (even from scores of people we don’t even know), a great medical team here at Mercy, countless get well cards, and practical expressions of love. We are also thankful for the relationships that have been formed (some for a short season, some for longer), and for many opportunities to share God’s love, truth, and grace. . . and to receive blessings and lessons learned too.

Blessings always travel on two-way streets.

As we were telling Hector, an environmental services worker here, it is the same Jesus who bore the weight of the cross 2000 years ago who has carried the weight of this cancer. We could not have done this well without the power, grace and guidance of His Spirit.

Next stop will be Iowa City Hospital for a consultation about my rare chromosomal condition and the discussion about stem cell transplantation. More chemo is also in the works over the next few months.

So now we go to another mission field, knowing that what Nurse Naomi shared with us is true:

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” Psalm 32:8

This is the truth behind Go Light Your World ministries; the light of Jesus illuminates and dispels darkness. We each have a candle.

Go Light Your World.