Saturday, April 25, 2009

Arizona Sunshine



We are currently in Yuma, Arizona enjoying the warm sunshine. When we first arrived, the car thermometer read 107! Today, though, it is breezy and about 87--truly a gorgeous day. We're near the Colorado River and can walk along a trail that weaves through cactus, native foilage and trees. The desert is in full bloom--it's restful and each day Paul increases strength. Thank you for your encouragement, support and prayers.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Preaching again!

Paul was pleased to have the opportunity to preach on March 15th for the first time since his heart attack on December 1st. He shared his journey these last 3 months and the many good things God is teaching him. If you'd like to hear that message, Life Defining Moments, you can go to http://www.glenwoodcc.org/ and click on the earphone graphic which will take you to a page where you can listen to or download past sermons.

On March 22nd, the Associate Senior Pastor, Craig Hasselbach, preached to allow Paul some turn around time and then Paul preached again last Sunday, March 29th continuing in the book of Ruth where he left off on Sunday, November 30th. Unfortunately, this week he's been down with a nasty cold but, Lord willing, he hopes to preach this Sunday, April 5th, and the 3 services on Easter Sunday, April 12th.

After Easter, we look forward to heading down to the desert sunshine where Paul can rest for a couple of weeks and where we'll have a chance to see my and Paul's family. We'll return the first week of May when Paul hopes to preach again, Lord willing. ;)

Sunday, March 15, 2009

March--Door to the Future

Recently, I felt like it would be helpful to know how these next months would play out, so to expedite the answer, I decided I would just knock on the Door of the Future. The waiting room was full--seemed I was in good company. They called my name and I walked into a room where I laid my mental plans for the coming days on the table. I then sat and waited for God's endorsement. Naturally, I tapped my fingers and looked at my watch because this always speeds things up.

While I waited, I heard muffled voices in an adjacent room, "Your prescription to know the future may be filled for either 7 days, 31 days or 52 weeks. You will see both the good AND the bad. Be aware that side effects will include sleeplessness and anxiety."

"Do you have anything without side-effects?"

"No, I have nothing that guarantees the absence of side-effects; however, the side-effects are proportionate to the individual's level of T-flow. There is a heart analysis that can measure this."

A florescent bulb flickered and buzzed overhead as I strained to hear more. I couldn't make out what T-flow was and I was not interested in going through tests, I just wanted God's endorsement so I could get on with all the other things I wanted to do. I fidgeted in my chair and looked around restlessly. Outside the window, I spotted a robin sitting on the fence top--so content. I wondered why a bird-brain had such a bad rap...

Finally, a technician entered my room. I explained what I wanted: A view of the future without the side effects of sleeplessness and anxiety. I acknowledged that I did not know my T-flow and asked if there was an over-the-counter test I could purchase that would measure it as effectively as the heart analysis. He said there was actually a home-test that was natural, organic and cost effective because it eliminated insurance companies.

He handed me a pamphlet, "Understanding Your T-Flow" and explained that if my T-Flow measured low on the index, I could follow a daily health regimen so that a 52, 31 or even a 7 day prescription for the future would be unnecessary.

I thanked him for his help and as he was leaving, I opened the pamphlet.

T-Flow is released by the inner cardio-muscle, trustisamust maximus. Daily exercise strenghtens the muscle and increases the flow of Trustzyme, a protein enzyme that fortifies the heart and mind. For optimal Trustzyme-Flow (T-Flow), a health regimen must include:

  • AHW 24/7 Hydration--Acknowledge His Ways 24/7 Hydration is fundamental for maximum T-Flow. Drink throughout the day 24/7. Intravenous drip is optimal. ISBN-PROV3:6

  • Walk daily. Wear WalknHim cross-trainers that are rooted, built-up, established and grateful. ISBN-COL2:6-7

  • BAFN Oil-- Take PHIL46 with AHW 24/7. Recommended dosage: 1440 tsps. daily and Be Anxious For Nothing. ISBN-PHIL4:6

  • Soak in ROMpson 828 salt each evening. ISBN-ROM8:28


I looked out the window. The robin stirred and flitted off--so free.

I rolled up my plans and walked out the door.

"Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?" Luke 12: 24



Saturday, March 7, 2009

Re-entry!

These past 2 weeks, as some of you may have heard, Paul has been meeting with staff and elders to prepare for his re-entry. He will not resume his full pastoral responsibilities quite yet, but he will return to the pulpit to preach this March 15th, Lord willing! He has a lift to his step as he looks forward to being in the service again with you. You'll hear more about his preaching schedule and plans for re-entry at that time.

Saturday, February 21, 2009

February--Return to Normal?

We returned home on February 5th after being in Idaho for a few weeks. When we walked through the doors of our familiar house, we were greeted by some old friends, Routine and Normalcy. I had looked forward to seeing them again, but they looked different than I remembered--one of them must have either shaved his mustache or lost weight. When I got a little closer, I could see that one had actually grown a beard and the other gotten new glasses. And I exclaimed, "My, what changes you've made since December 1st!" And they returned, "The better to change you with!"

Thursday, January 29, 2009

January 29, '09 Improving!

We've been in Idaho for just under 3 weeks now. Rest, the bright sun, blue sky, exercise and the absence of stress have been the perfect equation for increased stength. Although, Paul still has some days that are better than others, his foundation of stamina is growing. The doctor and he will develop within the next several weeks a reasonable plan for how and when he will re-enter his pastoral responsibilities.

Thank you for your continued prayers, encouragement and support.

Monday, January 12, 2009

January 13--Idaho Sunshine!


We've travelled to Idaho where the sun is shining and the diamond dusted snow is bright and beautiful. This is a restorative place to rest and we'll be here for a couple more weeks. Paul noted yesterday that the tightness in his chest has finally dissipated. Adjusting to the medication, however, is still a a challenge.

Each day, the weather has been fabulously sunny (albeit cold) and has provided the option to exercise in the fresh air. Some days he feels better than others, but overall can see a gradual improvement over the weeks.