Blessed & Perplexed

Last night some of the people who care the most about us, gathered together to pray for Joe and our family. It was a real simple prayer time. Just a bunch of people calling out to God on our behalf. I was blessed as I looked around the room. These friends, putting feet to their love, by walking this journey with us. You don't get more "community" than that. Thank you to those who came out. It means more than you know.

I must admit, I was also perplexed, by those who were missing. Those who are very much a part of our community, and verbally express their love for us. Several people didn't respond to the invitation at all. I have learned over the years that people say alot of things, but the truth is found in the walking. I know most people don't talk about this stuff, but I think it is important that, if we are going to receive from community, we also need to give to it.


Peace,

K

Sometimes Life Sucks

Two weeks ago my Father in law, Joe, was diagnosed with Blastic NK Lymphoma. That is cancer. It is a very rare form of cancer, there are about 4 cases worldwide every year. It is incurable and they don't have enough cases or data to really know what they are doing. So, Joe is literally in God's hands. It is only in his skin at the moment which is the good news. He starts treatment in two weeks, it is experimental. The Dr's say it should work, because it has worked on other lymphomas, but that isn't exactly what you want to hear when you are in this position. Again. Joe is literally in the hands of God. They can't give him the full treatment they usually give because it would kill a 70 year old. Ironically, so will the cancer. Joe is in the hands of God.

It is really hard to leave a loved one in God's hands. It is easy to say it and wish it, even dream it. But it is hard to walk it day in and day out.

Peace,

K

The Power of God in Our Lives

Through most of my life following Christ, I have been taught and socialized to believe that the power of God in my life will be evident through big events, like crisis or major victories. You know, "and one hundred people got saved....." events. So, we look for major opportunities to share Christ, like mission trips, camps, conferences, etc. Then we will get pumped and be "on fire". The problem with things on fire is, they burn out.

I have come to realize that this is a false teaching. The real evidence of God's power in our lives is seen by how we handle life on a day to day basis. How we handle stress, victory, betrayal, people who annoy us, sickness, death, relationships, etc., is where Christ is most evident. Do we really trust and love Him. It is easy to give lip service to these ideas. It is another thing to get up everyday and walk in the power of God.

I wish it were more glamorous that that, but, it is not.