As I mentioned previously, my sister's funeral was yesterday. One of the things that surprised me, but maybe shouldn't have, was how many people showed up to support us. People that didn't know my sister but just wanted to let us know they care that we are hurting. Greg and Deanna Dawson, Pastor Chuck Richard, Pastor Wayne Moore, Shanna's friend Tabitha, Bill and Evelyn Brown, and Rita Woodard, who is not just a good friend, but also Shanna's boss. She came not just on her own behalf, but representing the school. She said that lots of others wanted to come, but understandably, they had to be at the school. Today we received flowers from The Joy FM , the radio network that I have done some volunteering for. I was really surprised by that. Then again, those are some awesome people down there.
Knowing that there are people in our lives that are willing to be the hands and feet of Christ and prop us up is very humbling, and I hope I have learned from them.
I can tell there are some rough days ahead, not just for myself of course but the whole family. I have to try to do for my brother in-law what others have done for us- be there for support and encouragement. Knowing that Andrea was saved relieves some of the pain, but she is missed already.
When Andrea first went into the hospital on the day after Thanksgiving, her lungs ans heart had already stopped. In the first couple of weeks we didn't know if she would live. Eventually of course, she came around, began the slow process of recovery, and eventually was able to walk out of the hospital. That's probably made her passing harder to take- we thought things were getting better. But really, we can't complain. Not just because God is in control and we don't deserve any of the blessings he gives us, but also because every day we had with her after Thanksgiving was "bonus time".
Most of us have said when someone dies, "I wish I could tell them..." or "if only we could have.... one more time". Well, we got that. Both in the hospital, and over the almost 30 days she was out of the hospital, we got to take care of those "ifs" and "I wish"'es. As a family, we got to spend time together, go out together, celebrate together, express our feelings, say our "I love you"'s. Was it enough? No way. She was out of the hospital for less than 30 days. But if she had been out for 20 years, I would want 20 years and one day. The point is, there's never enough time. I can choose to be bitter about losing her, or I can choose to be grateful for the time we had- especially the "bonus time". So, while it's not easy, and while I am sad for having lost my sister, as best as I can, and by the strength and grace God gives, I choose to be thankful.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
Surprises, Part 1
The funeral for my sister was today. I think it went about as well as can be expected. Lots of laughter. Lots of tears. Quite a few surprises. Some of those started in the days before the funeral.
I'm not easily surprised. It's not that I'm soooo smart that things can't get by me- it's just that I think I generally know what to expect in certain situations. The past few days, I can say I've been surprised and humbled.
As word spread about my sister passing away, I was surprised when we heard from certain people. I was surprised when we didn't hear from some others. I was surprised at how some people expressed their support, especially for my wife.
Shanna is one of the only employees at the school that are not salaried. That means that some of her vacation/sick days get used up for times like Christmas break and other holidays when she otherwise wouldn't get paid. At this point in the year, she has no unpaid leave. Obviously, she was going to take whatever time she needed, and the folks at the school were going to allow it, but then came the surprises.
The staff was there for Shanna all day Friday, giving her whatever emotional support they could, and grieving with her. More than one person told Shanna that they would be willing to give her some of their unpaid time off so that she didn't have to worry about the financial impact of missing work. One person came up to the school just to offer their condolences and to ask if they could help with the reception arrangements and duties. This is someone that didn't know my sister, but knew us and reached out to offer help. I received some encouraging emails from people that I didn't necessarily expect to hear from. Pastor Chuck stayed in contact to see how we were doing. Other friends stayed in contact to see how we were doing. These people reaching out was humbling and appreciated more than I'll ever be able to express, but I'll try, and I hope this is a small start.
There were more surprises at the funeral today, and I'll try to get to those tomorrow.
I'm not easily surprised. It's not that I'm soooo smart that things can't get by me- it's just that I think I generally know what to expect in certain situations. The past few days, I can say I've been surprised and humbled.
As word spread about my sister passing away, I was surprised when we heard from certain people. I was surprised when we didn't hear from some others. I was surprised at how some people expressed their support, especially for my wife.
Shanna is one of the only employees at the school that are not salaried. That means that some of her vacation/sick days get used up for times like Christmas break and other holidays when she otherwise wouldn't get paid. At this point in the year, she has no unpaid leave. Obviously, she was going to take whatever time she needed, and the folks at the school were going to allow it, but then came the surprises.
The staff was there for Shanna all day Friday, giving her whatever emotional support they could, and grieving with her. More than one person told Shanna that they would be willing to give her some of their unpaid time off so that she didn't have to worry about the financial impact of missing work. One person came up to the school just to offer their condolences and to ask if they could help with the reception arrangements and duties. This is someone that didn't know my sister, but knew us and reached out to offer help. I received some encouraging emails from people that I didn't necessarily expect to hear from. Pastor Chuck stayed in contact to see how we were doing. Other friends stayed in contact to see how we were doing. These people reaching out was humbling and appreciated more than I'll ever be able to express, but I'll try, and I hope this is a small start.
There were more surprises at the funeral today, and I'll try to get to those tomorrow.
Friday, April 25, 2008
My Sister Has Passed Away
Unfortunately for my family, my sister passed away today. Although she was released from the hospital about a month ago and was doing pretty well, we knew she still had a way to go in her recovery. She passed on peacefully at her home. God gave us an amazing gift over the last few months, and I'll talk about that more in another post soon.
At times like this my head and my heart battle. In my head, I know that my sister, who is a believer, is no longer struggling. No longer in pain. No longer having to fight. That her lungs are restored, and she is able to sing — which she loved to do — better than she ever has, to the One that she loved to sing about, and she gets to do it in person.
But my heart hurts.
It hurts for my brother-in-law, who lost his wife of twenty years; for my mother, who has lost a child; for my other sister and brother, who lost a sibling and friend; for my daughter, having to deal with this type of loss for the first time; for my wife, who had to wait 22 years to get 2 sisters and now has lost one; and for myself, losing a sister, a friend, and someone that "got" what I am doing.
In Philippians chapter 2, Paul says he is glad that God healed Epaphroditus, saying that by healing him God spared him (Paul) "sorrow upon sorrow". I figure if Paul — who it's safe to say had a pretty Godly perspective on things — would feel that kind of grief, then the rest of us can too. I don't think that just because as Christians we understand that when a believer dies they "go to a better place", that means we shouldn't grieve. Allowing ourselves to grieve is a good thing I believe, and there is comfort that we don't grieve like those "who have no hope" (1Thessalonians 4:13).
I appreciate everyone that has been praying, and ask that you continue to lift up my brother in law and the rest of us, asking that God will provide peace, wisdom, and comfort.
I love my sister, and knowing what I know about God and Heaven, I wouldn't pull her back from where she is even if I could.
But that doesn't mean today didn't suck.
At times like this my head and my heart battle. In my head, I know that my sister, who is a believer, is no longer struggling. No longer in pain. No longer having to fight. That her lungs are restored, and she is able to sing — which she loved to do — better than she ever has, to the One that she loved to sing about, and she gets to do it in person.
But my heart hurts.
It hurts for my brother-in-law, who lost his wife of twenty years; for my mother, who has lost a child; for my other sister and brother, who lost a sibling and friend; for my daughter, having to deal with this type of loss for the first time; for my wife, who had to wait 22 years to get 2 sisters and now has lost one; and for myself, losing a sister, a friend, and someone that "got" what I am doing.
In Philippians chapter 2, Paul says he is glad that God healed Epaphroditus, saying that by healing him God spared him (Paul) "sorrow upon sorrow". I figure if Paul — who it's safe to say had a pretty Godly perspective on things — would feel that kind of grief, then the rest of us can too. I don't think that just because as Christians we understand that when a believer dies they "go to a better place", that means we shouldn't grieve. Allowing ourselves to grieve is a good thing I believe, and there is comfort that we don't grieve like those "who have no hope" (1Thessalonians 4:13).
I appreciate everyone that has been praying, and ask that you continue to lift up my brother in law and the rest of us, asking that God will provide peace, wisdom, and comfort.
I love my sister, and knowing what I know about God and Heaven, I wouldn't pull her back from where she is even if I could.
But that doesn't mean today didn't suck.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
And then the Hazmat Team Showed up...
Today I picked my wife up from work, and then the two of us, plus Abbey went to Dinner with my mom. Well, we left early because Abbey was feeling sick. We went home, and as soon as we opened the door...YUCK! There was a strong smell in the foyer, almost a strong insecticide/gas/paint/I-don't-know-what-smell. We looked around for an hour or so, but couldn't find the source. It was mostly toward the front of the house. At this point, Abbey was getting more sick, and we were getting light-headed, so we called my in-laws to come get her, and drove to the fire station to get some advice.
The fire captain and a couple of his guys came to the house and agreed- yup, there is a smell. They couldn't find the source, but they were concerned about it being from a flammable source or that it might otherwise be toxic, so they called...
THE HAZMAT TEAM
No, they didn't show up in the cool hooded jumpers like in E.T., but they did have cool "sniffing" gadgets. They too agreed there was a smell, but their sniffing gadgets couldn't tell them what it was, only that it isn't flammable. They couldn't guarantee it wasn't harmful, but thought it might not be. They recommended we not sleep there tonight, run the air conditioning, and check it tomorrow. If the smell isn't gone, there are people in the phone book that handle this kind of stuff.
"Smell Busters", I guess.
It figures. Earlier in the day, someone indicated to Shanna that they would be willing to support us in ministry. Then this happens. We can't let the devil steal our joy. God is Good. All the time.
The fire captain and a couple of his guys came to the house and agreed- yup, there is a smell. They couldn't find the source, but they were concerned about it being from a flammable source or that it might otherwise be toxic, so they called...
THE HAZMAT TEAM
No, they didn't show up in the cool hooded jumpers like in E.T., but they did have cool "sniffing" gadgets. They too agreed there was a smell, but their sniffing gadgets couldn't tell them what it was, only that it isn't flammable. They couldn't guarantee it wasn't harmful, but thought it might not be. They recommended we not sleep there tonight, run the air conditioning, and check it tomorrow. If the smell isn't gone, there are people in the phone book that handle this kind of stuff.
"Smell Busters", I guess.
It figures. Earlier in the day, someone indicated to Shanna that they would be willing to support us in ministry. Then this happens. We can't let the devil steal our joy. God is Good. All the time.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Things I Like About Discovery Church
I thought I would list some of the things I like about Discovery Church. They are in no particular order.
10. The people
9. Second Saturday service
8. How many churches have their own basketball court after only two years?
7. So many people help set up for service and tear down afterward
6. Outlet groups are meaningful
5. Claude's creativity. He makes hard stuff look easy
4. Randy's heart
3. The look on Davey's face when someone else is singing and he is just playing and worshipping
2. Jason's willingness to try just about anything
1. The people. Yeah, I said it once before, but they are that cool.
10. The people
9. Second Saturday service
8. How many churches have their own basketball court after only two years?
7. So many people help set up for service and tear down afterward
6. Outlet groups are meaningful
5. Claude's creativity. He makes hard stuff look easy
4. Randy's heart
3. The look on Davey's face when someone else is singing and he is just playing and worshipping
2. Jason's willingness to try just about anything
1. The people. Yeah, I said it once before, but they are that cool.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Something Is Bugging Me
BEWARE: This is a long one...
It seems that I've been dealing with the topic of finances a lot lately. Several of my friends have gone through a Crown class (I couldn't- I was out of town too much for work), I wrote some small group material for Discovery on money and stewardship, and now Kings Avenue is doing a study in all of their Sunday School classes on giving. They also have another Crown class coming up, and I hope to be able to attend it.
Here's what's bugging me: In my research and from what I've heard from the pulpit over several years in different churches, I've heard variations of the following over and over:
"Jesus spoke more about money than He did any other topic", or "Jesus spoke more about money than about heaven".
Here's my problem: No.
No, I don't believe He did. Now, I'll admit that I haven't researched all of the supposed 2,350 verses in the Bible that deal with money and possessions, and I haven't looked at every one of these verses that Jesus spoke, but from the research I have done, I'm not buying it.
Let me give you an example. This is one of the 2,350 verses on money:
"If therefore you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has
something against you, leave your offering there before the altar, and go your way; first be reconciled to your
brother, and then come and present your offering." Matthew 5:23,24
Is Jesus speaking about money here? He is referencing money, but is He talking about it? I don't think so. I think He was talking about forgiveness, reconciliation, and a clean heart. Or look at Matthew 25:14-28, the parable of the talents. Read it and ask yourself, "What is Jesus talking about?". Is money what comes to mind? It doesn't to me. I think of faithfullness, of trusting my master, of needing to be a good steward of everything, not just money.
Here's my point: When we say that Jesus spoke about money more than any other topic, that makes it sound like His focus was on money, and I don't believe it was. I believe that Jesus knows how important money is to us, how it can trap us, and how using and struggling with it is common to most, if not all people, and he used that to teach us the larger, more important lessons about faith, trust, love, Heaven, etc. More often than not, I believe those are the things He was talking about.
As I said, I hope to attend a Crown class soon. I think they have a great, biblically-based program and I am sure I will learn a lot from it. I also believe that the Bible, and in this case Jesus specifically, have a lot to say about money. I just think that we need to make sure when we read scripture we understand what Jesus is really talking about.
It seems that I've been dealing with the topic of finances a lot lately. Several of my friends have gone through a Crown class (I couldn't- I was out of town too much for work), I wrote some small group material for Discovery on money and stewardship, and now Kings Avenue is doing a study in all of their Sunday School classes on giving. They also have another Crown class coming up, and I hope to be able to attend it.
Here's what's bugging me: In my research and from what I've heard from the pulpit over several years in different churches, I've heard variations of the following over and over:
"Jesus spoke more about money than He did any other topic", or "Jesus spoke more about money than about heaven".
Here's my problem: No.
No, I don't believe He did. Now, I'll admit that I haven't researched all of the supposed 2,350 verses in the Bible that deal with money and possessions, and I haven't looked at every one of these verses that Jesus spoke, but from the research I have done, I'm not buying it.
Let me give you an example. This is one of the 2,350 verses on money:
"If therefore you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has
something against you, leave your offering there before the altar, and go your way; first be reconciled to your
brother, and then come and present your offering." Matthew 5:23,24
Is Jesus speaking about money here? He is referencing money, but is He talking about it? I don't think so. I think He was talking about forgiveness, reconciliation, and a clean heart. Or look at Matthew 25:14-28, the parable of the talents. Read it and ask yourself, "What is Jesus talking about?". Is money what comes to mind? It doesn't to me. I think of faithfullness, of trusting my master, of needing to be a good steward of everything, not just money.
Here's my point: When we say that Jesus spoke about money more than any other topic, that makes it sound like His focus was on money, and I don't believe it was. I believe that Jesus knows how important money is to us, how it can trap us, and how using and struggling with it is common to most, if not all people, and he used that to teach us the larger, more important lessons about faith, trust, love, Heaven, etc. More often than not, I believe those are the things He was talking about.
As I said, I hope to attend a Crown class soon. I think they have a great, biblically-based program and I am sure I will learn a lot from it. I also believe that the Bible, and in this case Jesus specifically, have a lot to say about money. I just think that we need to make sure when we read scripture we understand what Jesus is really talking about.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
A Change In Focus
Since I started this blog, much of what I've blogged about has been on the personal stuff, like the one I'm going to do soon about Abbey taking 2nd place in speed and 3rd place in design at the AWANA Grand Prix this past weekend. This has been a great way to keep family and friends (all 5 or 6 of you) up on what's going on.
Going forward, I plan to focus more on Spiritual matters- what God is doing, observations from scripture, that kind of thing. I'll still post the family stuff, but I hope to balance that with things that apply to Discovery Church, how I see God moving, and that kind of stuff.
I look forward to everyone's comments on my posts.
-Jim
Going forward, I plan to focus more on Spiritual matters- what God is doing, observations from scripture, that kind of thing. I'll still post the family stuff, but I hope to balance that with things that apply to Discovery Church, how I see God moving, and that kind of stuff.
I look forward to everyone's comments on my posts.
-Jim
Saturday, April 5, 2008
FIRST, OBEY.
Last week, my pastor was preaching on John Chapter 21, and talking about how some of the disciples had decided to go fishing and what a bad night they had and how Jesus told them to try one more time... you probably know the story. Anyway, I don't know how many times I've read this and heard the story over the years, but this time I noticed something I haven't noticed before.
Like I said, the disciples had been having a bad night of fishing. Why were they fishing? Well, possibly two reasons: first was commerce. Their world had been turned upside down. Jesus had died, and although they saw that He had been resurrected, they didn't know what was next. So what did they do? They went back to what they knew— fishing. Second may have been food. People have to eat, right? Well, they were not going to eat or make money this night.
They weren't catching anything. Then, Jesus calls out to them and tells them where to cast their net. Although they don't expect it to work, they do it anyway. Sure enough, they catch a huge amount of fish.
Here's what I've missed: When they came onto shore, what was Jesus doing? He was cooking fish! You see, the fish they caught wasn't needed for provision- Jesus already had the provision. Jesus could have said, "Hey! don't worry about having a bad night of fishing. I've got plenty of fish here.". He could have, but He didn't. He was ready to feed them from what He had, but He wanted them to obey. After they obeyed, Jesus shared what He already had ready for them.
Like I said, the disciples had been having a bad night of fishing. Why were they fishing? Well, possibly two reasons: first was commerce. Their world had been turned upside down. Jesus had died, and although they saw that He had been resurrected, they didn't know what was next. So what did they do? They went back to what they knew— fishing. Second may have been food. People have to eat, right? Well, they were not going to eat or make money this night.
They weren't catching anything. Then, Jesus calls out to them and tells them where to cast their net. Although they don't expect it to work, they do it anyway. Sure enough, they catch a huge amount of fish.
Here's what I've missed: When they came onto shore, what was Jesus doing? He was cooking fish! You see, the fish they caught wasn't needed for provision- Jesus already had the provision. Jesus could have said, "Hey! don't worry about having a bad night of fishing. I've got plenty of fish here.". He could have, but He didn't. He was ready to feed them from what He had, but He wanted them to obey. After they obeyed, Jesus shared what He already had ready for them.
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