Remember!

Lest we forget, .. Pearl Harbor caught us unprepared, and we pay less attention every year.  How long before we forget "9-11"?  Life must go on, but if we fail to learn from present and past, we will repeat what we either failed or missed opportunity for.

I was able to finally visit this memorial, in 2005, and it was truly a solemn occasion as both Americans and Japanese, veterans and citizens stood shoulder to shoulder, silently remembering the terrible tragedy of Pearl Harbor's attack.  I'm certain both, had to wonder what we were pondering as we paid our respects the those who lost their lives.

The remains of the sunken ship Arizona lies beneath, and even today, an oil slick is present and seeping from below, where soldiers/sailors are entombed.  We don't realize the price paid for freedom, not just our own but others, but freedom is not free.

Our freedom from sin's penalty was not free.  Jesus gave his life to buy us back from bondage and slavery to sin and it's penalties.  I am yet thankful for His gift to me.  Shall I not give Him my best for taking my place, offering my life, knowing I should have death?  For Christ I die daily, that I may live for Him.

Thanks be to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost.

2010 Turning Point

What do we do when everday is crammed with more than one day's schedule can handle?  When looking at the long range picture, what will matter 24 hours from now, or what will matter a month from now, ... how about 6 months, or a year?  What will matter in eternity?

If you have read the previous blog, it's easy to see this year has had it's challenges, along with rewards, but none the less, we haven't lacked for challenges.  How much we have taken on to handle, becomes part of our everyday thoughts and concerns, even with great expectations as a motivation.  What escapes "me" sometimes is the current level of ability to multi-task or juggle the choices that are not mine, with choices that my seem inviting.  "There is a way that seems right ...." at times, and, I've realized (more than once) that what "seems" right may have brought "overload" to the commitments already in progress.

Long story shortened, I have as of today, made a choice to let go of a commitment that when presented originally, seemed like the thing to do and it would provide help where help is needed.

Need is not the best reason many times to make a commitment.  While I do not regret jumping into the process, I see now I can provide only so much for so many, and pleasing others is not the way to evaluate accomplishments.  Sometimes that comes from pride, sometimes, just good intentions.  I became burdened beyond my own capacity to fulfill and no longer had the peace of the process.  I don't know that I missed God, ... just that while learning some valuable "information", I also lost the joy of the race.

Today, I let go of that commitment, and find already the peace of the process in living up to what is mine "first to do" and all else will take it's place in line, or be left for others who are able to handle "in peace".

Is anyone disappointed in me for that choice?  That will be for others to "deal with" and understand.  While "I can do all things through Christ", I'm not required to do everything others may expect.  Did I go back on my word?  Not!  I did work toward a goal that was based on unknown factors, and am now satisfied I gave it my best.

Today I continue with what is mine to do with a better focus, and with less distraction to what comes first.  My race continues.

Thanksgiving a'plenty!

It's almost the end of another year .. whew!! Where has the time gone?
As I think back over this year, I recognize we still have a full month to go, but we have passed through some hard times, but .. God has walked with us through what could have been worse.

As both Pam and I have been in the hospital twice, some planned, some unexpected, we both look back and can truly say we're stronger than we've ever been .. we haven't flinched.  God is faithful and has kept us from what could have been our enemy's delight.  He has not only worked with us, but for us and we continue to win.

Saying farewell to my youngest brother would be tougher than the health issues ... he went home to be with Jesus November 18th after a battle with cancer.  He remained faithful to God and has in no way felt that God let him down, but rather has stood on the Word, that "His grace is sufficient .. ".  Andy left a legacy for us all by living a pattern that Jesus gave us .. believing in God and searching for Him with our whole heart, knowing that God is, and He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him .. with our whole heart, .. a relationship, not a religion.

We look forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas.  A time to give thanks for all He is and has done, as well as a time to remember to give as Christ gave, not expecting anything in return and to give in love.  We are called to live in peace with one another, forgiving, comforting, and showing the kindness God has shown us through mercy.

Let your light so shine before men that they will glorify Him (not us) and draw others to that same light.  Do you have the light of Christ burning within?  It requires that we agree with God that we are all sinners, but that we can all be saved when we turn from sin, to God (turn around) and allow Him to change us from within.  We can't fix it first ... He is the one Who makes us a new creation in Christ, then day by day we are changed as our minds are renewed in the Word.

Happy Thanksgiving and a blessed merry Christmas to you as we celebrate His goodness and the birth of our greatest gift, Jesus Christ, ... Light of the world, our Savior!

Our Health Progress

As some have followed our recent health issues, it would be great to note that God has been with us and we are greatly improving day by day  as we follow the directions given by the doctor and therapists (for Pam), and we benefit from the prayers and support of our families, natural and spiritual.

No weapon formed against us has prospered ... weapons were real, but God had a better plan to bring us out.  A blood infection (sepsis) and MRSA were the diagnosis I have for both occasions in the hospital.  Both have responded to IV treatment (antibiotics) and I am on the mend.  God is faithful and uses medicine as well as supernatural healing.  I am benefitting from both.  Let me say right now, it has been God Who has been there and brought me through a very uncomfortable time, and to Him belongs ALL glory.

Pam is on track with her rehabilitation after the left knee surgery for a new knee.  This has not been easy, but has progressed greatly and she is actually scheduled for the second one by the end of August.  We see her beyond the rehabilitation, doing well and without the pain of the past from deterioration and arthritis.  Again God has been with us through all of this and we are still confident of her full recovery and a new lease on life with full mobility.

We have had our days to feel sorry for our selves, but each time we have been reminded of God's best and His presence to go through it with us.  Please know He will be there for you if you invite Him to be.  The Spirit of God indwells those who give their lives to God through Jesus Christ and obey His direction day by day.

Rejoice not over me oh my enemy, for when I fall, I will arise .... by the power of God at work in me .. as I am transformed by the renewing of my mind .. through God's Word.

In everything give thanks, and so today, we thank God for all He has provided and all He is doing for us ... most of all, just for Who He Is ... there is NO GOD BESIDE HIM ... never has been, and never will be!

New Knee For Pam

We are now at home recuperating and following the therapy directions, with a titanium and plastic left knee to replace Pam's arthritic and worn out knee.  Now in day 5, the pain is different, but very present as the swelling reduces, but everything inside the area is coming more alive as the med's she received during the surgical procedures are now depleting and all the muscles, tendons and anything else inside are very much awake.

The scheduled therapist arrived and after his review with her progress, she is ahead of the normal goals and has minor adjustments to the exercises.  Her fear of being negligent or doing something wrong has been proven false and she is well on her way to full restoration.  We were given insight as to the true picture of the normal recovery period and we have a ways to go, ... but we are on track and fully engaged with the correct procedures.

We know that God is very much present and at work in her progress and want to say to anyone considering this surgery, we do believe thus far it is worthwhile to have the replacement ... more so when we know the healing provided by God is our "edge" on full recovery, and regaining mobility and range of motion.

It is our great joy to give God all the glory for this amazing opportunity for restoration, knowing the level of pain Pam has endured for quite a while ... and now we are seeing the changes day by day.  It is God Who gives man (doctors, nurses, therapists) knowledge of how to treat and provide relief through such surgery and rehabilitation.  The many prayers of faith and agreement are ours still and we are blessed to know that God is our source through friends and family who put their trust in our Creator, and His Word .... He sent His Word and healed ... by His stripes we were healed ... thank God for His everlasting goodness and promises.

Thanks to all who have been a comfort and for praying with us and for us.  Thanks for every kind word and your support as we work through the rehabilitation, both now and in the coming weeks.  A friend loves at all times, both good and not so good (or comfortable).

Summer Update

Well, much has changed since April .. weather finally seems to be summer for sure. Along with that a wake up call you might say, .. spending 10 days in the hospital with an infection that still hasn't been traced, and now having a pacemaker to regulate my heart rate (seems to be working).

I started required training that would upgrade my drivers license (CDL) to provide for driving the buses at our church for outings, etc. Having completed two of five classes, I was interrupted by the stay in the hospital and the classes will now be postponed until further notice and re-evaluation physically for approval to continue. I am waiting on God's direction to see if I can continue that venture.

God has been orchestrating my steps, and Pam's of course, as we walk through this new challenge in my health and her's. According to doctor's, I should be able to return to a "normal" lifestyle after the reasonable recuperation I am now walking. From the time I entered the squad for a ride to the emergency room, till this day, I have received excellent and thorough care from the hospital staff, both doctors and nurses. We know certainly the prayers of our family, and church, plus extended family of friends has been the most rewarding as we have agreed that the healing provided by God, is evident. Yes God uses medicine and doctors, ... all healing comes from God and I am witness of His Presence through a very uncomfortable process.

Give God the credit and praise for not only saving my life, but providing the renewal of my strength. As you remember me, and Pam, in the coming weeks, we continue to appreciate the ongoing prayers and encouragement each of you have offered. May God richly reward each of you and your families.

Our steps ahead are not known, but we are entrusting our lives to Him to direct our steps and guide us by His Wisdom.

Roger and Pam

Not April Fool .... It's Really Spring and 76 degF

This is what I'm talking about....!



Ok, I've certainly looked forward to a day like this for so long. Thank you Lord that even when the weather gets cold now, it won't last and we can look forward to beautiful days like today for a while. This also helps me understand Resurrection Day .... everything becoming new, ... new life all around us, reminding us, that He Lives.

Everyday is a blessing from God, and how we use it determines whether we are thankful. Let's make the most of it and with every new flower, budding tree, emerging grass (to cut), just watch how nature moves along as His Word says, Springtime and harvest, winter and summer, will not cease, because our Creator had a plan for the earth and it's inhabitants to be fruitful and multiply. Our's to enjoy and make everyday count, to His glory.