Wednesday, April 27, 2005

Palmer

Mark Palmer is a friend of a friend of a friend. But most importantly he is a brother in Christ who is in need. The following is Palmer's story that you will find by clicking on the button:

Palmer's Story:
In August 2003, Mark lost his young wife Jennifer to a swiftly-moving case of stomach cancer. Mark and Jennifer, in their fortitude in the midst of this tragic illness, were bold witnesses of the hope of Christ Jesus to many people far and wide. On November 6, 2004, Palmer was married to Amy Smith. However, two months later, in January 2005, Palmer himself was diagnosed with rectal cancer and was set upon a course of treatment. The most recent turn in this story is that in April 2005, Palmer found that his cancer treatment would not be covered by his insurance and that he would have to bear the cost of this treatment.

If God so leads you to give so be it. If not, please at least be praying for a brother of Christ. The greatest part of Palmer's story is the way the people around him have risen to take care of him much like I believe the church of Acts would have done.

Tuesday, April 19, 2005

Interview from Faith in Florida

A fellow blogger has started a series of interviews for her readers. The following is mine:

1. If you could change any one decision that you made in your life, what would it be?

I use to wish I had done well in college my first time around instead of having to go back a second time. But if I had done that, I would not have married my wife and met some of the amazing people in my life now. So it seems trite but the one thing I would change is the day I was working out with a friend and I did a squat down to far and pulled my back. It bothers me now every time I bend over too much. Too scared of effecting too many other good things in my life to change anything major that happened.


2. God says to you, "I will reveal any one thing to you." What would you want Him to reveal?

Why my 2 year old screams so much! Just kidding! No, I would like to know why I have a hard time doing the things that I want to do for Him.

3. You can change one historical event. Which event, and how do you change it?

Wow that is tough. Once again, afraid of changing the present too greatly. I think I would change the Berlin wall coming down only in the fact that I would be there to watch it happen. That would have been cool.

4. Is there one defining moment in your life that is significant, that you think changed you?
Tell me about it.

Well there was the day at my sister's house when I was spending the summer with her in Iowa that I gave my life to Christ. But that is an easy answer and it was a natural step in the life I was already living. (Grew up in the church) But I would say the most significant event I have already told you about. (See Tim Stories)

It is funny b/c I was telling my friend about it and he asked me how I think it changed me not just then but still today. I think it has helped me to see the important things in life. Spending time with friends and family. Work is such a low priority in my life. If I can get away and spend a day out of the ordinary with a friend, that makes me really happy.

5. Where will you be in 20 years?

Where will I be next year!? In 20 years, I would like to be running my own retreat center for teen groups or leadership teams.

Thursday, April 14, 2005

No Compromise

Make my life a prayer to you
I wanna do what you want me to
No empty words and no white lies
No token prayers no compromise

Keith Green was one of the most prophetic voices of our era. If you have not heard of him or listened to his music before I would highly recommend it. I just received my copy of his biography by his wife Melody Green called "No Compromise". I am looking forward to reading it and getting even more insight to the man who wrote some of the most inspiring and challenging music I have ever heard.

Seriously, if you haven't heard of him you really need to listen to at least 1 song & you will be hooked.

Tuesday, April 12, 2005

Opening Day

Well yesterday was the Indians home opener. My first home opener I have ever been to. Ron, Kevin, Charlie and I headed up and watched the Indians lose 2-1. It was a great day none the less. It was windy and chilly in Cleveland. We were lucky enough to be in a section that was blocked from the wind and had some sunshine hitting to keep us rather warm. It was a difference of about 20 degrees from our seats to the windy, shadowed walk ways below. Okay maybe not 20 but very noticeable.

On the down side today, Anna was up all last night sick. Amber stayed home with her today. Be praying for both of them as Amber has been very uncomfortable since the baby has dropped.
Also Amber was called back for a second interview and was one of only two chosen for a second interview and was not chosen. Most likely b/c they think she does too good a job in her current special needs class which she needs a break from. So be praying she finds just the right job for her. Thanks!!

Monday, April 04, 2005

Pope John Paul II

Although I am not Catholic, I have great respect for the man that was Pope John Paul II. He was a great moral leader for this world who stood strong on his convictions. Please be in prayer for the Church as they chose a new papal. Some highlights about the life of PJP II :

When he was elected to the papacy in 1978, Pope John Paul II was the first non-Italian pontiff in 455 years. He came from Poland -- a country, at the time, with a Marxist and atheist government.

John Paul II was the most widely traveled pontiff ever, having visited 118 countries in all the continents except Antarctica. By the time he made his historic visit to Cuba in early 1998, he had logged more than 600,000 miles of travel.

In 1986, Pope John Paul II became the first pope to visit a Jewish synagogue. There he spoke of how he deplored the "hatred and persecution" of the Jews throughout the centuries. In 1993, the pope presided over the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Vatican and Israel.

Eight months after he was elected Pope, the pontiff went to Poland, where the Communists were still in control. His visit encouraged the rise of the labor movement known as Solidarity and chipped away at the wall of communism in that predominantly Catholic country.

While standing firm on religious doctrine as old as the Bible, the Pope was the first Pontiff to also embrace 20th Century technology as a way to evangelize. In addition to weekly radio broadcasts, regularly televised services, a recording of his most popular masses and a 900 number, he was the first pontiff to have a website.

Pope John Paul II is the first pope to become an international best-selling author. His 1994 release of "Crossing the Threshold of Hope" was received with mixed critical reviews, but it garnered a six million dollar publishing deal, with the money going to the church.

The pope's ability to reach people was aided in large part by his ability to speak several languages. Born into a Polish-speaking home, the pope began learning German at age ten; Latin at age 13; and Greek at age 14. By the time he became pontiff, the pope had mastered eight languages.

PANIC !!!

That is what Amber about felt this morning. She went to get Anna out of bed this morning and she was no where to be seen. Her room is on the second floor so we put a gate in front of her door so she won't roam the house. She falls out of bed on occasion. (It is a toddler bed that is less than a foot off the ground. It is suppose to have rail but the crib mattress we used is as thick as the rails, makes no sense.) So Amber looked all over the floor and under one of the extra blankets on the ground and still no Anna. Finally, under the bed all the way back against the wall and sound asleep she finds her. Whew. And of course 7 months pregnant she had to come get me to get her. And was nice enough to warn me where she was and what was going on. That crazy child of mine.