Healed!

Our youngest stepped on a nail the other day. He poked his foot pretty good, although not deeply. And for a day he hopped around the house on one foot. It was pretty noisy – we have hardwood floors, and while he isn’t a very big kid, Zane’s hopping sounded like a marching band was going through the place. He was pretty cute as he made his way from the bedroom to the living room. (And yes, we made sure he is up-to-date on shots.)

Anyway, he started getting better yesterday, and after church took his shoes and sock off. When he did that, the plastic bandage came off, too. He notices these things. He looked intently at his foot and then, looking at his sister standing nearby, said, “I think the Holy Spirit made my foot stop bleeding.”

He repeated that diagnosis to me a few minutes later, and all I could say was, “You are probably right, buddy.” Who am I to argue with him?

As I smiled at Zane’s faith in God’s ability to heal his sore foot, I thought about the innocence and truly child-like quality of his statement. We read a lot of Bible stories to him, and while those are important for Zane to hear and to know, it was mighty pleasing to see that he is internalizing those, and that he related God’s ability to heal with today, with his own need. In his mind, his foot is better, so it must have been God’s healing hand at work.

I also thought about the more adult, sophisticated response to illness and injury – even in Christian circles. I’ll admit that I tend to ascribe physical improvements to medicine or the physical therapist. When I have a headache, I do occasionally pray about it, but I more often grab some pain reliever. And when I get better, I don’t usually attribute my healed wounds and hurts directly to the Holy Spirit.

But maybe I’ll start doing that.

To Challenge, To Inspire

In the past week or so we’ve aired some special programs, such as:

Dr. R.T. Kendall sharing his insights about gratitude and thankfulness. Especially appropriate for this week, with Thanksgiving celebrated in just two days.

Chuck Colson and Dr. Robert George talked passionately about the landmark document, The Manhattan Declaration.

Rebecca Hagelin explains how parents can protect their children from the culture’s negative influences. Related, check out our Plugged In experts as they talk about popular movies to see – and to avoid.

Speaker Kay Warren challenges Christians and churches to consider how they might get involved in providing care for orphans.

I think most listeners will find these programs to be both challenging – and inspiring.

Talking About Prayer

It was a privilege to join my friend Charles Morris on a recent edition of Haven Today. The topic was prayer, and I’ll admit it is humbling to discuss my prayer life on a radio program. I feel quite insufficient and undeveloped with regard to prayer. Nonetheless, the program reflects the tagline Charles closes with: “Its all about Jesus.”

Here’s the link to that audio.

The First 25 Years

Where did the time go? 25 years ago today my dear Dena said, “I do,” and we became man and wife. And what a tremendous journey together we’ve had since then!

I can clearly remember the beautiful East Texas sunshine and the excitement November 24, 1984. Family and friends had come from near and far. A neighbor of Dena’s parents hosted a special breakfast for out-of-town visitors. We eventually made our way to the church, where we slipped out to practice our vows one last time. We made our way to the dressing rooms, knowing that a significant rite of passage was about to transpire – we were getting married!

The help and support of friends that day was invaluable, as they arranged chairs, chased details and encouraged us. Then the ceremony began, with music, a dramatic entrance, and some rich and meaningful thoughts from our pastor. The vows, the ring, the candles, the pronouncement…and then we were headed down the aisle, holding hands and overjoyed at the life we would share together. We couldn’t stop smiling.

After posing for some photographs, we made our way to the banquet hall. The reception was wonderful, and we greeted folks for what seemed like hours. In fact, we spent so much time talking to folks that we never had a chance to eat! One of Dena’s aunts saw what was happening, and kindly saved a plate of food for us. If not for her, I wouldn’t have been able to taste the groom’s cake – it was gone before the evening finished.

We changed clothes, I grabbed her hand, and we ran through a hail of birdseed – and warm wishes – to the car. As we drove toward a little bed-n-breakfast, we exhaled and enjoyed some quiet. After the rush of the previous weeks, and little time to relax and enjoy being together, it was great feeling to know we had the entire coming week to ourselves. Indeed, the next day we made our way to northwest Arkansas, where a secluded cabin awaited us. No schedules, no appointments, no interruptions for that week. It was a fantastic way to begin married life!

During these past 25 years, Dena has endured much – I’m not all that easy to live with. She has been patient and graceful, gentle, loving and so loving. We’ve had tremendous times together! Laughter and tears, struggles and joy…we’ve experienced so much. We’ve grown closer to each other and to our God. He has richly blessed us with six children, and each has brought untold joy into our lives. He has also given us loving family and friends to encourage us along the way. Thanks to all who have poured advice, prayers and love into our relationship from the beginning in 1983 to the present!

And thanks be to God, for seeing fit to put us together. In His sovereignty, He knew what both of us needed. He knew His plan to refine, strengthen and use us – as individuals, but more significantly, as a couple. I can’t believe we’ve been together for 25 years – and I wonder what the next 25 will hold? By His grace, it’ll be every bit as good as the first 25!

While I could include a picture from that wonderful day, I’ll instead post a photo from our first date back in 1983. Taken with infrared film – I was an aspiring photographer who liked to dabble with new techniques – that occasion was captured in a rather special way. I liked the effect, but even better, I liked that girl a whole lot! I keep this picture in my office, a reminder of sweet days long ago, and of the special woman God has blessed me with all these years.

Thanks, my love, for standing with me for so long. I treasure you, and thank God for you. And I’m looking forward to the next 25!

Traveling For Thanksgiving?

Our family is staying put for Thanksgiving, celebrating the day with some other families locally. I have co-workers, though, who are flying to be with family or friends this week, and they are (rightly) concerned about delays and crowded airports. At one time this was known as the busiest week for air travel. And new rules and fees could perhaps make this the messiest week for travel.

Reading through some of this info about travel preparation, I’m glad we’re not flying anywhere for Thanksgiving. If you have to fly, though, all the best to you!

Pets and Money

Over the years, my wife and I have had a few dogs as pets. When we met, Dena had a wonderful Golden Retriever. Harvest was a fantastic pet, so wonderfully trained and so very loyal. We’ve got fond memories of that dog! Another Golden followed, and then for several years we relied on smaller pets for the kids to have and care for. Reptiles, fish, birds…we’ve had a menagerie of pets.

Since 2001 we’ve had a “mixed breed” dog, a 90 pound gentle – but rather strong-willed – animal. As our kids and the dog have grown together, we’ve had lots of fun along with some problem behaviors. At this season in her life, though, Kenai is content to chase squirrels, scrounge for dropped crumbs and sleep away the days. She’s a good dog, but we’ve been noticing some unusual symptoms which may indicate a health issue. Lately she isn’t very hungry, and it seems she’s having trouble hearing (maybe she’s just ignoring us?).

I thought of our experiences with pets, all the memories – and the many expenses – as I read this piece about difficult decisions pet owners often have to make. The authors reveal the health challenges their family pet is going through, and the incredible expenses of potential treatment. It raises the question, “How much can you justify spending on the health of your pet?”

So I wonder if you have a family pet, and if there have been medical problems, how much you’ve spent – or not spent – on helping that animal recover?

Unfortunately, I Can Relate

Maybe this is a valid description of what you are like some days? To avoid being a real monster, I usually try to pray on my way home…aware of my need to transition to the most important role I have in life: husband and father.

Pinching Pennies

These days, every penny saved seems to add up. If you struggle with cutting costs and making the most of your money, this broadcast is for you! Best-selling author Jonni McCoy offers money-saving advice in a discussion based on her book, Miserly Moms: Living Well on Less in a Tough Economy.

Also, be sure to see these low-cost recipes. Good stuff!

Sorrow, or Despair?

I think Jim Daly’s blog post about the difference between sorrow and despair was insightful. Maybe you will, too.

Saved By Grace

Here’s a powerful story of redemption – and restoration.

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