We thank Thee, Lord

          After several years of disruptions to our family gatherings caused by covid and other illness, we finally were able to gather on Thursday to celebrate Thanksgiving. Sixteen of our eighteen family members were there.  My middle son and his wife were absent because he just had hip replacement surgery on Monday and wasn't allowed to travel.

          We had a great time of sharing what is happening now and remembering times from the past.  God has been so good to us as a family and we have so much to thank Him for.

          We also welcomed our first greatgrandchild, thirteen month-old Malachi.  Since he lives near Boston it was a special opportunity to get to know him.  Lord willing we will be together once again on Christmas Eve, another family tradition.

          The day had many special times, but one really touched my heart. It has been a family tradition for many generations to sing our prayer before we eat.  The harmony was special but this time the words and the tradition meant more to me than ever.

          As we sang, I realized how unique this opportunity really was.  I was touched by the knowledge of how true the words were to all of us in attendance.  And I realized that this might never happen again here on this earth. I thought of particular relatives with whom I had sung this in previous years. Precious memories! I hope for the Lord's soon return.

          Here are the words and message of this traditional meal time prayer:

 

We thank thee Lord for this our food,

God is love, God is love.

But most of all for Jesus's blood,

God is love, God is love.

These mercies bless and grant that we

may live and feast and reign with thee,

may live and feast and reign with thee,

God is love, God is love.

Amen!

 

I hope that you had a meaningful Thanksgiving and may the truth of this chorus be real in your life.

Leaves, leaves, leaves

          Leaves, leaves, … leaves.  Oh, how I love to view the beautiful fall leaves.  There is a wondrous beauty in God's handiwork each Fall as He paints the mountains and valleys with beautiful reds and yellows and oranges.
          But, sadly they pass too quickly and often they are left for us to pick up and discard or burn.  But even the smell of burning leaves can be a special treat.  However, cleaning them up can be a major job.

          I am thankful that in recent years we have had my grandson, Zach, to do most of the clean-up for us.  That takes him many hours and we are no longer able to share the work with him. But he has been very reliable and works without complaining no matter how cold it may be.
          We have a beautiful red maple and we have enjoyed its colors for decades.  But it has one problem – it doesn't shed its leaves until the beginning of December.  By that time, we reach the end of the time when our township will pick up our leaves.  So, every Fall we race against the calendar in hopes of having our large piles of leaves hauled away. This year our tree appears to be extra late so we may lose the race this year.  Do you want some leaves?
          One of my most interesting memories came the year my mother was killed in the auto accident.  Her memorial service came when we had piles of leaves to remove throughout our property.  As a joke I changed our phone message to invite folks to help clean up our leaves.  While we were at her service, a family from our church showed up and did just that.  They cleaned up better than we ever did.  We were surprised, stunned and extremely thankful.  That was one task we did not think about that year.
          Now their response was the right kind of response to the statement "Just let us know if we can do anything for you." There are always things that you can do for those of us who have needs or are handicapped.  Just open your eyes.
          Well the leaves will soon be gone for another year.  But then, unfortunately, next comes … are you ready? …. the ice and snow.  I'll gladly take the leaves any day.

          Oh, by the way, if you want to help with the leaves just come on over.  You are always welcome!

Would You Believe?

          My husband and I went through the McDonald's driveway window and I gave the cashier a $5 bill.  Our total was $4.25, so I also handed her 25c.  She said, 'you gave me too much money.'   I said, 'Yes I know, but this way you can just give me a dollar back.' She sighed and went to get the manager who asked me to repeat my request.  I did so, and he handed me back the 25c, and said 'We're sorry but we don't do that kind of thing.'  The cashier then proceeded to give me back 75 cents in change.  Do not confuse the people at MacD's.

 

          We had to have the garage door repaired.  The repairman told us that one of our problems was that we did not have a 'large' enough motor on the opener.  I thought for a minute, and said that we had the largest one made at that time, a 1/2 horsepower. He shook his head and said, 'You need a 1/4 horsepower.'  I responded that 1/2 was larger than 1/4 and he said, 'NOOO, it's not. Four is larger than two.' We haven't used that repairman since...

 

          I live in a semi rural area.  We recently had a new neighbor call the local city council office to request the removal of the DEER CROSSING sign on our road.  The reason: 'Too many deers are being hit by cars out here! I don't think this is a good place for them to be crossing anymore.'

 

          IDIOT SIGHTING IN FOOD SERVICE.  My daughter went to a Mexican fast food and ordered a taco.  She asked the person behind the counter for 'minimal lettuce.'  He said he was sorry, but they only had iceberg lettuce.

          I was at the airport, checking in at the gate when an airport employee asked, Has anyone put anything in your baggage without your knowledge?'  To which I replied, 'If it was without my knowledge, how would I know?'  He smiled knowingly and nodded, 'That's why we ask.'

 

          The pedestrian light on the corner beeps when it's safe to cross the street.   I was crossing with an 'intellectually challenged' co-worker of mine.  She asked if I knew what the beeper was for.  I explained that it signals blind people when the light is red.  Appalled, she responded, 'what on earth are blind people doing driving?!' She is a government employee.

 

          When my wife and I arrived at a car dealership to pick up our car after a service, we were told the keys had been locked in it.  We went to the service department and found a mechanic working feverishly to unlock the driver's side door. As I watched from the passenger side, I instinctively tried the door handle and discovered that it was unlocked. 'Hey,' I announced to the technician, 'its open!'  His reply, 'I know. I already did that side.'

 

STAY ALERT, THEY'RE EVERYWHERE!

Whispering Hope

          Several years ago, a local small evangelical church needed a piano player.  They contacted my wife and offered her a small stipend to play for their Sunday services.  At the time our church had plenty of musicians and didn't really need my wife, so we agreed to minister with them for a year.

          Their Sunday worship service averaged about 60 in attendance.  Their Sunday night service averaged about eight, including the pastor and his wife, the church treasurer, and Dianne and I.  During our time with them the pastor preached through Isaiah in the evenings, an hour each evening. And they didn't seem to understand why they didn't grow.

          They didn't have any musicians except for the pastor who had an excellent singing voice.  Their folks were nice but they kept to themselves.  We never really felt accepted by them – we were outsiders.  I was never asked to lead in prayer, lead singing or participate in the services.  We did sing one duet during our year with them.

          However, we did enjoy our time with them.  They enjoyed Dianne's playing.  But why wouldn't they?  God has blessed her with a special gift.

          But looking back there is one event that I really regret.  There was an elderly widow who attended regularly.  We tried to be friends with her.  Then one Sunday morning she came to me and said she was going to sing a solo that morning.  She wanted the pastor and I to provide some background for her number, "Whispering Hope".

          Now I had never heard her sing. We had no music.  And I really didn't want to do it.  Fortunately, I had a good excuse and could tell the truth.  I had a very bad cold and couldn't sing that morning.  So, I said that I couldn't do it.

          But, the pastor sang background alone for her.  It was terrible.  When we got in the car to go home, Dianne asked me what I thought.  I said that it was the worst thing I had ever heard.  We both burst out laughing and didn't stop until we got home.

          Now that years have gone by, I realize how wrong my reaction really was.  The widow was doing it for the Lord.  It was her offering for the Lord. It now reminds me of the story in the Bible of the widow who gave her last coin.  And it meant so much more than the large gifts given by others.  And now I believe the same thing could be said about this widow's song – it was her best!  Now I am embarrassed by my thoughts.  I was wrong and have accepted it differently.

          And what about the thoughts of the congregation?  They responded to the music with loud "Amens" throughout the church.  

          They understood what at the time I did not.

Yes, they said that

          Some grade school teachers must agree that students say the strangest things, because they keep journals of amusing things their students have written in papers. Here are a few examples:

 

- The future of "I give" is "I take."

 

- The parts of speech are lungs and air.

- The inhabitants of Moscow are called Mosquitoes.

- Water is composed of two gins. Oxygin and hydrogin. Oxygin is pure gin. Hydrogin is gin and water.

- (Define H2O and CO2.) H2O is hot water and CO2 is cold water.

- A virgin forest is a forest where the hand of man has never set foot.

- The general direction of the Alps is straight up.

- A city purifies its water supply by filtering the water then forcing it through an aviator.

- Most of the houses in France are made of plaster of Paris.

- The people who followed the Lord were called the 12 opossums.

- The spinal column is a long bunch of bones. The head sits on the top and you sit on the bottom.

- We do not raise silk worms in the United States, because we get our silk from rayon. He is a larger worm and gives more silk.

- One of the main causes of dust is janitors.

- One by-product of raising cattle is calves.

- To prevent head colds, use an agonizer to spray into the nose until it drips into the throat.

- The four seasons are salt, pepper, mustard and vinegar.

- The climate is hottest next to the Creator.

- The word trousers is an uncommon noun because it is singular at the top and plural at the bottom.

- Syntax is all the money collected at the church from sinners.

- The blood circulates through the body by flowing down one leg and up the other.

- In spring, the salmon swim upstream to spoon.

- Iron was discovered because someone smelt it.

- In the middle of the 18th century, all the morons moved to Utah.

- A person should take a bath once in the summer, not so often in the winter.

- The law of gravity says no fair jumping up without coming back down

- You can listen to thunder and tell how close you came to getting hit. If you don't hear it, you got hit, so never mind.

- A vibration is a motion that can't make up it's mind which way it wants to go.

- There are 26 vitamins in all, but some of the letters are yet to be discovered.

- Vacuums are nothings. We only mention them to let them know we know they're there.

- I'm not sure how clouds are formed, but clouds know how to do it, and that's the important part.

- Water vapor gets together in a cloud. When it gets big enough to drop, it does.

- Rain is saved up in cloud banks.

- It is so hot in some places that people have to live in other places.

The Great Disappointment

           Sunday will mark the anniversary of "The Great Disappointment", an event which had it happened would have changed all our lives.
          In the early 1800's there was much speculation about the exact day and year when Christ would return.  Among those making predictions was William Miller, a minister from New York. After much study he felt that the return would come on October 22, 1844.
          As that date approached a foreboding fell over New England.  People gathered in churches and on mountaintops. Many normal activities ceased while folks watched the skies and looked for the sudden end of the world.
          But, alas, nothing happened.  Many Christians became disillusioned.  Some became cynical. The event became known as "The Great Disappointment".

          Miller and his followers forgot Christ's warning against setting dates. Matthew 24:36, "But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father".
          Miller predicted a few more dates, also without Christ's return. Miller responded publicly about his mistakes, writing, "I confess my error, and acknowledge my disappointment; yet I still believe  that the day of the Lord is near, even at the door.
          Well I do agree with part of his conclusion.  I also believe the day of the Lord is near.  It could be today and we are to be ready.  As He tarries there is still much for us to day in this sinful world.

          An old song sums up my hope.

                                   (1)    Often my soul has been lifted above

Lost in the ocean of God's mighty love

Higher and higher, but once still I say

I'm going higher someday

 

I'm going higher, yes higher someday

I'm going higher, yes higher to stay

Over the mountain, beyond the blue sky

Going where none ever sicken or die

Loved ones will meet in that sweet by and by

I'm going higher someday

 

(2)    Soon will the Savior appear, bless His name

And in a moment, we all will be changed

Then when he calls for his bright come away

We're going higher someday

 

I'm going higher, yes higher someday

I'm going higher, yes higher to stay

Over the mountain, beyond the blue sky

Going where none ever sicken or die

Loved ones will meet in that sweet by and by

                                        I'm going higher and someday!

Be ready, it might even be today!

A Ministry

          As I was nearing retirement, I knew that I needed a hobby to keep me active.  Most of my life I earned money doing writing assignments for newspapers.  I also spent time writing a book for my grandchildren.  So I liked to write.
          Blogs were rather new two decades ago but I thought I would give this a try.  So, I started a personal blog which was fun but did not have much of an audience.  And the only place I had to publish it was on the Awana website which I ran.  But that made it difficult for potential readers to find it.
          Then the Lord directed me to the idea of a weekly hymn blog.  I also found a google site that allowed blogs without any cost.  The blogs were open to any reader with internet access.  So, on October 19, 2008 I published my first hymn blog, "Great Is Thy Faithfulness".

          I am still amazed at how fast my readership grew.  As of today (July 23) I have had 1,252,058 visits.  These have been people from all over the world.  As a result, this has become a ministry and not just a hobby.
          Over the years here are the most popular hymns that people have visited.
1.  What a Day That Will Be,  2. Peace, Peace Wonderful Peace,  3. It Will Be Worth It All,  4. Bringing in the Sheaves,  5. I Shall Know Him,  6. Finally Home,  7. The Old Rugged Cross,  8.  No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus,  9. Learning To Lean,  10.  Higher Ground.
          Let me close this blog by including some of the many comments that readers have left for me over the years.  

          + When singing this song, my heart feels peace, my mind imagines heaven on that day I shall meet my Redeemer face to face. It a hymn of peace and joy. Glory to God and Praises be His name for this song.

          + I was up praying now and Holy Spirit just brought this song fresh into my heart, I have to search for it on line and behold I found it here, is still asking me again and again that HAVE I LAID IT ALL ON THE ALTER?

          + Thank you so very much, Bro. Barry. I'm 70 years old and still gravitate to the older gospel songs of my youth. These Scripture-based songs convicted, gave hope, had true praise, and so much more. they contained words you don't even hear from most pulpits like SIN, BLOOD, REPENT, ATONEMENT, and JUDGMENT.

           + I'll soon be 78 years old. I grew up in a family with missionary parents who exposed us to all kinds of Christian music. Out of nowhere, as I first awoke this morning, the words 'when Jesus comes, the tempter's power is broken' came to mind so I immediately googled. What a powerful message, so timely always but especially fitting in today's world.

          + This old song came back to me this morning as I was contemplating and praying about what to do. My mother is 100 1/2 years old, still lives independently in a retirement village but is now beginning to lose her balance and fall.
          + I have always feared having to have her in a nursing home and that seems to be what is ahead of us. This song came to my mind in the midst of those thoughts and prayers. I know the Lord will guide us and open the right doors leading us on to His perfect will for her.
          + Thank you so much for posting these precious hymns for those of us blessed to have been raised on hymns, Gaither music, and other non-repetitive music with a real message.
          +This was one of my mom's favorite hymns. It gives me such peace and assurance because she had that confidence, to one day see our wonderful Jesus. I long to see both of them!

          + Hello my name is David from South Africa and a born again Christian and loves the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To me He is my everything my Alpha and the.Omega. 

           +This is a hymn I remember singing as a child. I remember my elderly Grandmother singing alto to this wonderful song also singing it as a child in Sunday School. It brought tears to me because JESUS gave HIS life for me and I can vow to live my life for HIM!

          +Thank you for sharing this! We have not found many songs written on the mercies of God, and the history behind this one is a blessing as well. God bless!

          + I look forward to each Sunday's hymn! Thank you for sharing the hymn's history as well as a video! I'm a "senior" like you and find that living "moment by moment in His care" is very satisfying! "The virus" has allowed me to slow down and enjoy the moments He has given me! Keep the hymn messages coming! And the Peace of God be on you as you journey on with the Lord Jesus!

          +I look forward to each Sunday's hymn! Thank you for sharing the hymn's history as well as a video! I'm a "senior" like you and find that living "moment by moment in His care" is very satisfying! "The virus" has allowed me to slow down and enjoy the moments He has given me! Keep the hymn messages coming! And the Peace of God be on you as you journey on with the Lord Jesus!

          + My husband and I are missionaries in Mexico, we have been there 18 years, we went there later in life. We are now 61 and 58 years old.  Out of the clear blue, my husband began singing this song.

          + It's been so long since I heard this wonderful song; thank you, Barry for sharing it this week. The timing was right on for me. God has been "breaking" me and I weep; but, the "spilling out" is coming and I look forward to that. AND, one day soon, I will be with my Saviour who was broken and spilled out for me. Praise the name of Jesus!

Remembering Octobers

          October – one of my favorite months.  Cooler temperatures, leaves changing colors, football, baseball play-offs, and much more.
          But years ago, during my lifetime, the start of October annually brought stress to pastors and their families in our denomination because it was decision time.  In the middle of the conference week they could be told that they were being transferred to a different church in a different town.  Without ant warning they would need to pack up and move.  The children would be forced to change schools and childhood friends.  It was a stressful time for many.
           I was aware of some of this stress since it affected my grandparents, my father and my aunts for many years.  It also affected me as a member of our church since we had to wait until Sunday to see who our pastor would be for the next year.

         We attended a small church and movement of pastors was common for us.  We had five different pastors before I graduated from college.  But only once did we know a change was coming and that was because our previous pastor had died.  And I remember waiting for the news of who the new one would be.  Because of my involvement with our denomination I knew many of the pastors and had my favorites.

          And when the news finally came, I was stunned.  Pastor John Dunn was assigned to us and I was very disappointed. He was older.  He had a deformed arm.  He was short. He was not very dynamic.  He would not have been my choice.  But he was God's choice for us at that time.
          Pastor Dunn was a godly man who loved the people.  He visited.  He cared and he was very adequate in the pulpit.  Under his ministry we grew and we expanded.  God worked under his ministry.  And he was definitely one of the top three pastors I ever had.  I thank God for directing that assignment.

          Before he retired, the denomination changed the pulpit procedure giving churches the opportunity to call pastors of their choice.  No more do pastors and families have to face a possible sudden move during conference week in October.

          The change is great for pastors but I'm not always so sure it is always better for the church.  Who can argue with a process where God makes the choices rather than congregations.  I'm glad He made the choice that year for us.

15 YEARS - REMEMBERING

          September 3, 2008 – 15 years ago I entered the world of blogging.  That's 15 years of sharing stupid stories and personal experiences of little interest to anyone, but maybe me.  I've almost quit several times and probably should have. But as part of my 15 year anniversary, here is the very first blog that I posted here. 

 

          Not all gifts turn out the way they were intended.  This is not my story, but one that was sent to me.   Enjoy!  

          "For my birthday this year my wife purchased me a week of private lessons at the local health club. Though still in great shape from when I was on the varsity chess team in high school, I decided it was a good idea to go ahead and try it. 

          I called and made reservations with someone named Tanya, who said she is a 26-year-old aerobics instructor and athletic clothing model. My wife seemed very pleased with how enthusiastic I was to get started. They suggested I keep an "exercise diary" to chart my progress ....
          Day 1. Started the morning at 6:00 AM. Tough to get up, but worth it when I arrived at the health club and Tanya was waiting for me. She's something of a goddess, with blond hair and a dazzling white smile. She showed me the machines and took my pulse after five minutes on the treadmill. She seemed a little alarmed that it was so high, but I think just standing next to her in that outfit of hers added about ten points. Enjoyed watching the aerobics class. Tanya was very encouraging as I did my sit ups, though my gut was already aching a little from holding it in the whole time I was talking to her. This is going to be GREAT ....  

          Day 2. Took a whole pot of coffee to get me out the door, but I made it. Tanya had me lie on my back and push this heavy iron bar up into the air. Then she put weights on it, for heaven's sake! Legs were a little wobbly on the treadmill, but I made it the full mile. Her smile made it all worthwhile. Muscles ALL feel GREAT .... 

          Day 3. The only way I can brush my teeth is by laying the tooth brush on the counter and moving my mouth back and forth over it. I am certain that I have developed a hernia in both pectorals. Driving was OK as long as I didn't try to steer. I parked on top of a Volkswagen. Tanya was a little impatient with me and said my screaming was bothering the other club members. The treadmill hurt my chest so I did the stair "monster." Why would anyone invent a machine to simulate an activity rendered obsolete by the invention of elevators? Tanya told me regular exercise would make me live longer. I can't imagine anything worse .... 

          Day 4. Tanya was waiting for me with her vampire teeth in a full snarl. I can't help it if I was half an hour late, it took me that long just to tie my shoes. She wanted me to lift dumbbells. Not a chance, Tanya. The word "dumb" must be in there for a reason. I hid in the men's room until she sent Lars looking for me. As punishment she made me try the rowing machine. It sank .... 

          Day 5. I hate Tanya more than any human being has ever hated any other human being in the history of the world. If there was any part of my body not in extreme pain, I would hit her with it. She thought it would be a good idea to work on my triceps. Well I have news for you Tanya - I don't have triceps. And if you don't want dents in the floor don't hand me any barbells. I refuse to accept responsibility for the damage, YOU went to sadist school, YOU are to blame. The treadmill flung me back into a science teacher, which hurt like crazy. Why couldn't it have been someone softer, like a music teacher, or social studies? ....
           Day 6. Got Tanya's message on my answering machine, wondering where I am. I lacked the strength to use the TV remote so I watched eleven straight hours of the weather channel .... 

           Day 7. Well, that's the week. Thank goodness that's over. Maybe next time my wife will give me something a little more fun, like a gift certificate for a root canal."   

          Now have a great day and be careful what you give for presents!

Was It Fraud?

          I guess it pays to be honest, even if it takes time you don't have and is hard on your nerves.

          Recently I received an Explanation of Benefits from my secondary health insurance carrier.  It was ten pages long and contained the information of all the medical expenses we had in the past two months.  As usual I read through it carefully to check on its accuracy.

          This time I found four entries for Medical Home Care during January, February, March and April.  These amounted to $5,356.28 paid to Medicare and $1,366.40 to my secondary insurance.  Fortunately, the patient responsibility was zero.  However, we had no records of any such expenditures, then or ever.

          So, despite not owing anything I wanted an explanation on what these bills were actually for.  I decided to call my secondary insurance which sent me the report.  Their reaction was that they had no information but that they paid the bill because Medicare had approved it.  If I wanted answers I would need to contact Medicare directly.  Did I really want to do that?  No …. but.

           Now I became involved in the vast Medicare system talking to various clerks and spending large amounts of time on hold.  Finally, I was told that I had to go to the fraud division.  I agreed and they switched me to that office.  And then, after about 90 minutes of searching for an answer, I was cut off.  Completely gone with no call backs.  Frustration!
           I wasn't about to let them win so the next morning I began the process again.  This time I was successful until they finally said I would need to be switched to their fraud department.  I told them of my previous experience with this switch attempt.  This clerk was very understanding and this time the switch was successful.

          But the frustration was not yet over.  Again, I had to go through all the details.  They agreed it could be fraud and they would investigate.  But I would not be told the results.  What a reward for an attempt to save our government money.

          Will they actually do anything?  Will they find the problem and get the money back?  Apparently, we will never know.  It will be another government secret.

          A few weeks later an article "The $80 Million Health Care Fraud" appeared in the AARP monthly magazine.  I found it interesting since I think it backs up my appraisal of this situation. The U.S.Attorney General Merrick Garland advises looking at your explanation of benefits every time you get a statement to check for any inaccuracies.  It might be a mistake or it could be fraud.  That's what I did and what I will continue to do.

          Unfortunately, there are crooks everywhere that money is involved.          

Does Anybody Care?

          I think one of the greatest challenges to our faith comes when we have to ask "why", when God allows certain actions which we can't understand or explain.
          Covid was a wicked event that caused the death of thousands.  Many of those who died were believers, some of whom were in ministry.  Why would God take their lives?  Dozens of them were my friends whom I miss deeply.  Why were they taken?

          Then there is the Ukraine War.  Puten and his forces murdered thousands of innocent people including many helpless children.  Where was God?  Why didn't he intervene and stop this murder?  Of course, where was God when Hitler and others did the same thing.
          As I write this, I remember a close friend who was a minister but God just called him home.  And I have four other friends active in ministry who are presently facing very serious illnesses.  Why?  And why did my brother die early and why did my mother die in an auto accident?  Does Jesus care?

          Recently we were with a believer who admitted to us that as she views events in the world she is really beginning to wonder if Jesus does care.  Our faith is tested.
            Frank E. Graeff was a Methodist pastor who served several churches around Philadelphia.  It is said that he was a special friend to children and an encouragement to everyone who knew him. Graeff was known by many as the "sunshine minister".  

          But the sunshine minister also went through some severe testing experiences and resulting periods of despondency. It was while passing through one of these tests that he became very despondent, full of doubt and full of physical agony. Turning to the scriptures for solace and strength he found that I Peter 5:7 spoke to his need. "Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you." This was the inspiration that led him to pen the words of the great hymn "Does Jesus Care?" Each one of the verses of Graeff's hymn asks some intensely personal and important questions, and the answer is always "Oh yes, He cares." 
          Are you troubled today with the questions "why?" or "does He care?"  Remember all the good things our faithful God has done for you and then trust that He does care and is in control

 

(1)     Does Jesus care when my heart is pained

Too deeply for mirth or song,

As the burdens press, and the cares distress

And the way grows weary and long?

Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,

His heart is touched with my grief;

When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,

I know my Savior cares.

 

(2)     Does Jesus care when my way is dark

With a nameless dread and fear?

As the daylight fades into deep night shades,

Does He care enough to be near?

Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,

His heart is touched with my grief;

When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,

I know my Savior cares.

 

(3)     Does Jesus care when I've tried and failed

To resist some temptation strong;

When for my deep grief there is no relief,

Though my tears flow all the night long?

Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,

His heart is touched with my grief;

When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,

I know my Savior cares.

 

(4)     Does Jesus care when I've said "goodbye"

To the dearest on earth to me,

And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks,

Is it aught to Him? Does He see?

Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,

His heart is touched with my grief;

When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,

I know my Savior cares.

 

Listen to it here.   CARE

Your Eyes

         We never know what a day will bring. Often, we are faced with new challenges and we don't know what to do.
          We may face a financial challenge, a sickchild or a sick spouse, a family disagreement, a conflict at work, or a vocational decision.  And we sometimes have to admit, "I don't have an answer."  So, what should we do when this happens?
          Well these challenges aren't new.  Man has always faced such situations, although the circumstances may have been different.  For example, King Jehoshaphat of Judah found himself facing a massive alliance of three armies (2 Corinthians 20:1-30). So, what did he do?
          First, he proclaimed a fast to seek help from the Lord. Then he prayed, recounting God's past counts of faithfulness to His people. And beseeching God to judge their enemies, He concluded his prayer with these words, "Nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You." He didn't know what to do but he did the only thing he could do, put his eyes on God.

          God immediately told the king what to do and Judah was delivered from its enemies.

          There should be a lesson for us in this true story.  When the challenge seems impossible, we should turn our eyes on our Heavenly Father.  Now if you are like me, you know this truth, but it isn't always the response we make.  Instead, we try to solve our impossible challenges in our own strength and wisdom.  And that often fails.  Sometimes I am just a slow learner.
          One of my favorite songs reminds us of the need and value of turning our eyes on Jesus.  Now, I must just do it each time.

 

(1)    O soul, are you weary and troubled?

No light in the darkness you see?

There's a light for a look at the Savior,

And life more abundant, and free!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face,

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,

In the light of His glory and grace.

 

(2)    Through death into life everlasting

He passed, and we follow Him there;

Over us sin no more hath dominion—

For more than conquerors we are!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face,

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,

In the light of His glory and grace

 

(3)    His Word shall not fail you — He promised;

Believe Him, and all will be well:

Then go to a world that is dying,

His perfect salvation to tell!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face,

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,

In the light of His glory and grace

 

Listen to it here.   LISTEN

                        

Hope You Don't Need A Doctor

          A week ago I saw an eye specialist about a continuing problem with mucous in my left eye.  He suggested that I needed surgery to install a stent above my eye and open some blocked tear ducts.  It could be done in his office with a series of shots around the eye and then I could watch what he was doing.

          The alternative was to go to the surgery center where they would put me out and when I would wake up the repair would be completed.  This could be done as soon as September 7.  I said this is my choice, surprised that it could be done this soon.

          Then on Tuesday of this week I received a call from my family practice informing me that I was required to have a pre-op visit before the surgery.  But they only had two appointments open - that evening or September 5.  Neither were with my doctor.  I had to make a choice and, of course, pay for the visit.

          I argued that I see my family doctor monthly, including two weeks ago.  And I have another appointment with him in just two weeks.  I also saw my heart doctor just two weeks ago.  Now what is this doctor who has never seen me going to find in this 10 minute visit?  And I will probably end up waiting 30 or more minutes just to see her.

          I remember, as a child, that when we needed to see a doctor, he would either come to our house or we would sit in his waiting room waiting our turn.  Those were not great memories, but at least you were able to be seen when needed.

          Then, for decades things improved.  Doctors began making and keeping appointments.  And, if needed, they would work overtime to see you.  This worked well. The patient was first, not the money.

          But then big business stepped in and everything changed.  Doctors were bought out by hospitals and corporations.  They were no longer given choices to serve their patients first.  They were forced to see more patients in smaller intervals. Forced by corporations, money became the goal. Doctors are limited in how many appointments they may schedule so it becomes much harder to get appointments, especially with a doctor you want.

          As a result, many doctors, especially mothers, are leaving these practices and forming concierge practices where they control their schedules and make their own decisions.  The patient becomes the doctor's boss.  And the doctor limits the number of patients.  But it cost several thousand dollars a year to join such a practice so few can afford them. Three excellent female doctors have left our "family corporation" and are doing well on their own.  They've not been replaced by the corporation.

          Will things ever improve?  I doubt it.  We better get used to being forced to make appointments months in advance, short visits, and being sent to specialists who are also booked far in advance.  The only alternatives are busy emergency rooms and urgent care facilities.

          There are some things about the "old days" which were good.

An Exciting Flight

          I have been watching the Little League World Series from Williamsport. It included a major league baseball game between the Phillies and the Nationals.  The two teams flew into the Williamsport airport for the special game.   This brought back to me very interesting memories from 1959.

          It was back on December 1, 1959, when an airliner trying to land there in bad weather flew into a mountain and all but one passenger was killed.  The airport was surrounded by mountains which made flying there somewhat dangerous.

          A few months after that tragic accident, I was a student at Susquehanna University and was working as the official NCAA statistician for the school's football and basketball teams.  I traveled with the teams to all of their games.  The university decided that the football team would actually fly to several of the football games in New England.  Now at that time I had never flown in an airliner so I was very excited about the experience.  However, my first trip was one I will never forget.

          After we had taken off from Williamsport, the cockpit received a signal that the luggage compartment was unlocked. I had a vision of our footballs and equipment being scattered all over Pennsylvania, New York and Connecticut.  But the crew felt it was safe to continue and they did.  Fortunately, we landed safely with all of our equipment.

          But then, following the game, we headed back home to Williamsport which happened to be fogged in.  It brought memories of the previous tragic accident there. We circled for nearly an hour but it did not clear.  The recent accident and the mountains surrounding the airport made our situation rather scarry. But what we didn't know was that the pilots had decided to head instead for another airport. 

          Time passed very slowly and suddenly we began to descend.  I was sitting next to a window. I could see the fog clear and then all I could see was a large body of water. We were headed directly for it.  I think my heart just about stopped and then we hit a runway and we landed safely.  I still feel that relief today.

          What had happened was the pilot changed course to Harrisburg.  But we didn't land at the newer airport in Middletown but at the old one in New Cumberland.  Its runway was just over the Susquehanna River and you had to fly over the river to land.  Thank the Lord, we were safe.  Buses took us back to Selinsgrove.

          That was a very memorable trip.  Fortunately, it did not scare me enough to keep me from flying. Thankfully, since then I have taken several dozen plane trips all over the country for work and for pleasure.  I have enjoyed most of them and now miss taking them because of my physical limitations.  And I do thank the Lord for His protection as I've traveled.  And there have not been any river rescues necessary.