These last five and a half weeks have been really difficult for me and my family to go through. You have to understand me. The worst pain I have ever really dealt with is allergies, so for me to have really bad lower abdominal and lower back pain constantly without stopping, it's major.
I started out with my family doctor and went through bloodwork, CT Scans, and plenty of other run arounds. And still no answers.
About 3 weeks ago, I went to the Cookeville ER and had another CT Scan, bloodwork, crazy juice :), and they sent me home with medication.
Over the past week and a half, the pain has intensified to even greater levels. I am to the point of being frustrated and ready to get answers from doctors at gun point. ;>) Just kidding.
All this time, I have still tried to continue working and taking care of my regular responsibilities. It hasn't been easy, but I press on.
Today, still in great pain, decided to go back to the Cookeville ER and get some answers. I figured if they see you and don't hear from you, they think you have gotten better. But, if you keep coming back, then they know you mean business and can't keep doing the same thing over again.
Well, my nurse, Ashley did a great job of taking care of me. She was gentle and got me whatever I needed. They did urine tests, bloodwork, lots of x-rays, a fast IV drip, and some medication. After the doctor examined me and checked my tests, she concluded that I have a severe case of IBS (irrital bowel syndrome) from being under lots of stress and needed to be referred to a Gastroenterologist first thing in the morning. She said that sometimes the pain can be so great that they might have to hospitalize the person. So, with a prescription and some directions in hand, I left the ER to come home and rest. I'm supposed to call Dr. Bremer, setup an appointment and the ball is rolling toward more answers.
Thank you to all of the wonderful people who have prayed for me over the last 5 and half weeks. Your prayers have been strength to me and my family. I ask that you continue to pray for us as we press forward and find out what the future holds for me healthwise, HEALING!!!!
What do I miss most? I really hate that I missed the 3rd night of the awesome VBS taking place at Bridges of Hope Fellowship this week. Oh well, I'll be there tomorrow night for sure, unless something else happens.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
God's Wink
Sometimes, we all need a little (or big) wink from God to let us know that He is there and cares. I mean, we don't have to have it, but it sure does provide a boost of encouragment.
This past weekend was full of them. I spent Friday and Saturday in Athens, Tennessee doing a wedding rehearsal and wedding for my cousin, Sean Collins. He married a sweet and beautiful girl, Crystal Hicks. Okay, so I'll admit, she is way out of his league in looks. LOL! Afterwards, we grabbed Dwight from his grandparents and headed to Chattanooga where we met our good friends, Derek and Kristin Coverly and their girls. It was a great surprise to see Kristin's mom, Deanna, too. We had a great time of food and fellowship before getting on the road to head back to McMinnville.
Sunday, the service was great. The Appalachian Mission Team shared their stories and we worshipped the Lord in an awesome way. I preached on "Breaking Selfishness" and challenged our people to live selfless lives for Christ. During the service we had several exciting announcements:
1. The offer of a FREE building from another church. We would have to move it to our land and have it setup. The Leadership Team would meet and discuss the logistics and so forth. The congregation cheered with excitement.
2. Then, I announced that a man in our community approached me and wanted to make a $1000 matching gift to help us during these tough economic times. We have until August 19th to raise $1000 above and beyond our tithes and offerings. Praise God!
After church our family went to lunch with The Claytons at Fiesta Ranchera. Mexican is always good, especially when you can take a nap afterwards. LOL!
Sunday night, The Claytons joined us for worship at Gum Springs Baptist Church in Walling. Pastor Brent preached from James 5 on "Does God still heal today?" It was a great message and right on Biblically. We stayed around after the service and enjoyed an ice cream social that the ladies provided from their Women's Ministry. Nothing like a good fattening snack! It was delicious.
So, needless to say, God winked in our direction several times over the weekend. Thanks God for always letting us know that you are right there.
Today (Monday), I slept in a little and relaxed. Got to the church around lunch time and worked up until time for dinner at 5 p.m. We check out Dairy Queen with Cathy and Steven Clayton before heading back for an awesome meeting with our Leadership Team at Bridges of Hope. It's been a long afternoon! Guess I better sign off and get ready for another busy day tomorrow.
Keep on looking for those God winks. They are there when you least expect them!
This past weekend was full of them. I spent Friday and Saturday in Athens, Tennessee doing a wedding rehearsal and wedding for my cousin, Sean Collins. He married a sweet and beautiful girl, Crystal Hicks. Okay, so I'll admit, she is way out of his league in looks. LOL! Afterwards, we grabbed Dwight from his grandparents and headed to Chattanooga where we met our good friends, Derek and Kristin Coverly and their girls. It was a great surprise to see Kristin's mom, Deanna, too. We had a great time of food and fellowship before getting on the road to head back to McMinnville.
Sunday, the service was great. The Appalachian Mission Team shared their stories and we worshipped the Lord in an awesome way. I preached on "Breaking Selfishness" and challenged our people to live selfless lives for Christ. During the service we had several exciting announcements:
1. The offer of a FREE building from another church. We would have to move it to our land and have it setup. The Leadership Team would meet and discuss the logistics and so forth. The congregation cheered with excitement.
2. Then, I announced that a man in our community approached me and wanted to make a $1000 matching gift to help us during these tough economic times. We have until August 19th to raise $1000 above and beyond our tithes and offerings. Praise God!
After church our family went to lunch with The Claytons at Fiesta Ranchera. Mexican is always good, especially when you can take a nap afterwards. LOL!
Sunday night, The Claytons joined us for worship at Gum Springs Baptist Church in Walling. Pastor Brent preached from James 5 on "Does God still heal today?" It was a great message and right on Biblically. We stayed around after the service and enjoyed an ice cream social that the ladies provided from their Women's Ministry. Nothing like a good fattening snack! It was delicious.
So, needless to say, God winked in our direction several times over the weekend. Thanks God for always letting us know that you are right there.
Today (Monday), I slept in a little and relaxed. Got to the church around lunch time and worked up until time for dinner at 5 p.m. We check out Dairy Queen with Cathy and Steven Clayton before heading back for an awesome meeting with our Leadership Team at Bridges of Hope. It's been a long afternoon! Guess I better sign off and get ready for another busy day tomorrow.
Keep on looking for those God winks. They are there when you least expect them!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Starting the weekend
Where has this week gone to anyway? It seems like it was just Monday yesterday.
Today I am getting ready to make my way to Athens, Tennessee for the wedding rehearsal tonight of my cousin, Sean, and his soon-to-be wife, Crystal. They are getting married out in an open field. Bet it's going to be hot! I'll be officiating their wedding on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. (EST). Afterwards, we'll pick Dwight up and head back to McMinnville to get rested up for Sunday's awesome worship celebration.
I plan on taking the other time I'm there to visit the grave of my grandparents, drive by the old home place, visit with friends and family, and just plain relax, if that's at all possible.
I am also looking forward to seeing Megan again. She is the front desk clerk at Comfort Inn in Athens. On our last visit, I stood and talked with her for a long time. She moved there from Detroit, Michigan to be close to her family. She has recently had a baby and her and her boyfriend are looking for a church home. She is in her early 30's, I would guess. The problem is the same as many other people. She is sick and tired of the cold and lifeless traditional church. She is looking for a pastor who is REAL and transparent with his people. She laughed and said, "Too bad I don't live in McMinnville." However, I did recommend her to a church in Athens where a good friend of mine pastors, Christ Community Church. This sounds exactly what she's looking for in a church. Please keep her, her boyfriend, and their baby in your prayers. They need a touch from God.
Well, the mission team arrived home safely last night around 10 p.m. They were so excited and ready to go back next year. They will be sharing in the service this Sunday at Bridges of Hope.
Gotta go! The highway is calling.
Today I am getting ready to make my way to Athens, Tennessee for the wedding rehearsal tonight of my cousin, Sean, and his soon-to-be wife, Crystal. They are getting married out in an open field. Bet it's going to be hot! I'll be officiating their wedding on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. (EST). Afterwards, we'll pick Dwight up and head back to McMinnville to get rested up for Sunday's awesome worship celebration.
I plan on taking the other time I'm there to visit the grave of my grandparents, drive by the old home place, visit with friends and family, and just plain relax, if that's at all possible.
I am also looking forward to seeing Megan again. She is the front desk clerk at Comfort Inn in Athens. On our last visit, I stood and talked with her for a long time. She moved there from Detroit, Michigan to be close to her family. She has recently had a baby and her and her boyfriend are looking for a church home. She is in her early 30's, I would guess. The problem is the same as many other people. She is sick and tired of the cold and lifeless traditional church. She is looking for a pastor who is REAL and transparent with his people. She laughed and said, "Too bad I don't live in McMinnville." However, I did recommend her to a church in Athens where a good friend of mine pastors, Christ Community Church. This sounds exactly what she's looking for in a church. Please keep her, her boyfriend, and their baby in your prayers. They need a touch from God.
Well, the mission team arrived home safely last night around 10 p.m. They were so excited and ready to go back next year. They will be sharing in the service this Sunday at Bridges of Hope.
Gotta go! The highway is calling.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
It's Reaping Time!
I am so excited after the day I've had. My only problem is, I can't share everything that I've found out today. That's the pits!
My day began with a time of prayer and relaxing this morning before picking up Brent, a great pastor friend of mine, in Walling to head to Sparta and meet Duane, another great pastor friend of mine, for a fabulous lunch at El Tapitio. I ordered the taco salad chicken fajitas and it was delicious, as always. We laughed, shared, and prayed for each other around the table. Nothing like good friends with whom you can be totally transparent.
After lunch, Brent and I headed back to his church for a time of fellowship and prayer at the altar. Sweet times!
Then, I found out today that the Lord may be giving our church (Bridges of Hope Fellowship) a building to put on the back of our land on Hwy. 56 for FREE. Wouldn't that be awesome? We could use it for worship, offices, children, youth, etc. until we get our new facility built next year. Then we would use it as a youth facility and possibly some community support groups or an apartment for visiting pastors, teams, etc. We would probably have to pay to have it moved and then to renovate it to our needs. If God can provide the building, the other is a piece of cake. Let's give God praise in advance people!!!!!
Also, I received another piece of news that will assist our church during these tough economic times for everyone. I'll be sharing this great news this Sunday, so don't miss it! Hint: $$$$
This afternoon, David Clayton, Natalie, and I made a quick trip to Murfreesboro to pick up a few more pieces for the sound system. It's almost ready for the weekend! Afterwards, we stopped by my new favorite barbque place, Bar-B-Cuties. Delicious!!! We'll be back cutie!
Finally, I have just settled down to relax a bit before bed. Thinking about our mission team in Appalachia that will return home late Thursday night. Praying for their safety, protection, and blessing.
Final thought: I keep seeing this saying around every corner lately, "God never guides where His grace doesn't provide." How true that is. Sometimes it seems that God has forgotten all about us, when in fact, He is only preparing us and our faith for what is to come in our journey of life. Praise God that He is always faithful!!!
My day began with a time of prayer and relaxing this morning before picking up Brent, a great pastor friend of mine, in Walling to head to Sparta and meet Duane, another great pastor friend of mine, for a fabulous lunch at El Tapitio. I ordered the taco salad chicken fajitas and it was delicious, as always. We laughed, shared, and prayed for each other around the table. Nothing like good friends with whom you can be totally transparent.
After lunch, Brent and I headed back to his church for a time of fellowship and prayer at the altar. Sweet times!
Then, I found out today that the Lord may be giving our church (Bridges of Hope Fellowship) a building to put on the back of our land on Hwy. 56 for FREE. Wouldn't that be awesome? We could use it for worship, offices, children, youth, etc. until we get our new facility built next year. Then we would use it as a youth facility and possibly some community support groups or an apartment for visiting pastors, teams, etc. We would probably have to pay to have it moved and then to renovate it to our needs. If God can provide the building, the other is a piece of cake. Let's give God praise in advance people!!!!!
Also, I received another piece of news that will assist our church during these tough economic times for everyone. I'll be sharing this great news this Sunday, so don't miss it! Hint: $$$$
This afternoon, David Clayton, Natalie, and I made a quick trip to Murfreesboro to pick up a few more pieces for the sound system. It's almost ready for the weekend! Afterwards, we stopped by my new favorite barbque place, Bar-B-Cuties. Delicious!!! We'll be back cutie!
Finally, I have just settled down to relax a bit before bed. Thinking about our mission team in Appalachia that will return home late Thursday night. Praying for their safety, protection, and blessing.
Final thought: I keep seeing this saying around every corner lately, "God never guides where His grace doesn't provide." How true that is. Sometimes it seems that God has forgotten all about us, when in fact, He is only preparing us and our faith for what is to come in our journey of life. Praise God that He is always faithful!!!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
The Send Off and Beyond
Sunday was an awesome day at Bridges of Hope Fellowship! We worshipped God in song and then commissioned our first overnight mission team. It was great! There are seven people (adults, teens, and kids) who are serving in the Appalachian region doing home repairs, Bible clubs, and food and clothing ministry. When I asked them to come and stand at the front for us to pray over them, one was missing. It turned out to be one of our youth who was serving her turn in the nursery. WOW! What a testimony that are teens are willing to do whatever God asks them to do. After the message, we experienced communion together as a church body. Awesome!
The send off, however, was difficult for me. I guess it was because me and my family were supposed to go on this trip with them. As the doors closed and we said our final goodbyes, I fought back the tears. As I watched them pull away, headed for Jefferson City, Tennessee, I lost it. I was so proud to see our church family continue the journey that I began. David Cook is leading our team in this endeavor. I now only wish that more of our people would catch the desire to GO serve on mission with God. I have been receiving text messages, pics, and reports from Charles Clayton about the progress of the trip. They are doing a great job of sharing the love and gospel of Christ with others in need. I am proud of you guys and gals!
Since they've been gone, David Clayton and I have worked hard ourselves at the church. We rented a scissorlift and 18 ft. ladder and moved the sound system from the stage to the back of the sanctuary. What a job! We did it. It looks great and we can't wait to use the new sound booth for this Sunday. My son, Dwight, will take over running the projection and Steven Clayton will step into the sound engineer role. Yes, they will both need some training and equipping! They have to start somewhere. As a matter of fact, all of our youth serve in one or more areas in our church. I'm proud of that!
Tonight, Natalie and I sat down to watch the first 2 hours of the second "Anne of Green Gables" movie. I love it. I guess we'll finish the night by reading some more in the book "Sticky Church." It's a must read for any church leader.
Tomorrow is another very busy day. Until then, be blessed!
The send off, however, was difficult for me. I guess it was because me and my family were supposed to go on this trip with them. As the doors closed and we said our final goodbyes, I fought back the tears. As I watched them pull away, headed for Jefferson City, Tennessee, I lost it. I was so proud to see our church family continue the journey that I began. David Cook is leading our team in this endeavor. I now only wish that more of our people would catch the desire to GO serve on mission with God. I have been receiving text messages, pics, and reports from Charles Clayton about the progress of the trip. They are doing a great job of sharing the love and gospel of Christ with others in need. I am proud of you guys and gals!
Since they've been gone, David Clayton and I have worked hard ourselves at the church. We rented a scissorlift and 18 ft. ladder and moved the sound system from the stage to the back of the sanctuary. What a job! We did it. It looks great and we can't wait to use the new sound booth for this Sunday. My son, Dwight, will take over running the projection and Steven Clayton will step into the sound engineer role. Yes, they will both need some training and equipping! They have to start somewhere. As a matter of fact, all of our youth serve in one or more areas in our church. I'm proud of that!
Tonight, Natalie and I sat down to watch the first 2 hours of the second "Anne of Green Gables" movie. I love it. I guess we'll finish the night by reading some more in the book "Sticky Church." It's a must read for any church leader.
Tomorrow is another very busy day. Until then, be blessed!
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