I think I experienced some fatigue today from my schedule yesterday. I did have my massage appointment which resulted in discovering some tighter muscles and joints than in previous sessions. I need the massage after therapy to recover from therapy, and then I need a nap to recover from the massage!

I have been reading through early CaringBridge posts and have taken note of a few in the early part of August 2013 that Christian wrote. I learned a little more about what I was experiencing and Christian did a good job trying to explain to others the challenges of my immobility and debilitating condition. I believe he also did a good job challenging readers about lessons that were already emerging from the first few weeks of hospitalization.

Emily, my student occupational therapist, was working with me yesterday and found that my scapula in both of my shoulders did not seem to be moving properly. So, she spent quite a bit of time addressing that issue. I actually felt this was pretty insightful and helpful in pinpointing a key area to restoring my strength and range of motion in my shoulders and arms.

Emily (pictured with me) was working at McKee Hospital last year at this time. She recalls some of my early days of hospitalization and was present to help me sit up on the edge of the bed for the first time and also recalls the challenging trek to get me outside in a wheelchair with all my poles and tubes. That effort took a nurse, two therapists and several family members. It proved to be quite an undertaking, but was worth the few moments that I could tolerate the effort at the time.

It has been interesting to have someone working with me that had experience with me in those early days in the hospital and now as an outpatient. I trust it provides her a good perspective for her future work.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…“Apply your heart to instruction and your ear to words of knowledge.”  Proverbs 23:12

When it comes to continued personal growth in all facets of life the issue is one of the “heart.” That is an inward commitment manifested in consistent actions. Solomon basically says, “when your heart is committed to instruction, you will be open to words of knowledge.” I notice it doesn’t say you will “speak” words of knowledge.

Life-long learning is a personal commitment that often makes the difference between the quality of leaders and ongoing personal growth. The opposite would be an individual who views themselves as having “arrived” and as one who, no longer views themselves as a “student” but only as one who possesses knowledge.

I found that sometimes “wisdom”  comes from reading, structured classes, from others or life experiences. One of the best approaches to life is to ask yourself, “what can I learn from this experience”? That is something that I have been doing considering the journey of my life this past year. (My hope is that I can quantify and articulate all those lessons.)

I also have observed that the more I learn, the more I realize “I don’t know!” As a matter of fact, speaking from my political experience, one of the best admissions (especially in an interview) is to simply say, “I don’t know.” Instead of trying to bluff your way through by sounding wise, it is often better to state what probably everyone else including yourself knows. You can only put yourself in a position to learn, when you admit your lack of knowledge in an area.

That can make you vulnerable. Because I have found that everyone has knowledge in certain areas of training or interest. They often use that to marginalize others. After all Paul the apostle said it well, “knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” (1 Cor. 8:1) When some one attempts to test your level of knowledge on a subject only to assert their own pride of what they know, they aren’t a good source of “wisdom”. Somewhat when the religious leaders of Jesus day approached Him with a question. It wasn’t out of sincere desire to learn only to hear a response that they can “pounce on” to use to their own advantage.

Regardless of the challenges you may face, follow Solomon’s advice and “commit your heart to instruction, your ears to wisdom.” I like the adage “you don’t know what you don’t know.” But one committed to learning, especially from God’s Word, and you will grow in wisdom so that your leadership and personal influence can bring glory to God.

Today has been a good day. I had a good session of therapy at Northern Colorado Rehab Hospital, I then enjoyed connecting with Pastor Steve Harris for lunch and then I returned home to meet up with some of my senior softball team players. They made the trip to Fort Collins after their game today in Longmont.

It was good to see Bob, Steve, Bruce, Ed and Ross. They brought me my “league championship T-Shirt” from last season. We had just ended the regular season of play when I was hospitalized. I didn’t even know we had earned that honor. I shared with them more about my journey and showed some pictures from the last year. In the picture Steve is holding a coffee cup with my new logo. I told them my plan was to be able to join them next season!

It is partly cloudy right now, but I’m going to try to get in quick trip to our pool before Debbie gets home and we go out to eat to mark our journey through this past 12 months.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord! Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart,who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways!” Psalm 119:1-3

As I have come again to Psalm 119, the longest Psalm in the Bible, my attention was drawn to the first three verses. These serve as the preamble to what follows in the remaining 173 verses. Psalm 119 extols the value of God’s law and word, the psalmists love for the law of the Lord and the benefits of life being directed by the precepts of the Lord. All this and more unfolds through this psalm with stanzas structured according to the Hebrew alphabet.

The psalmist pronounces blessing, but it comes with a high bar. We see that in the phrases, “whose way is blameless” “who keep His testimonies, ” “who seek Him with their whole heart, “who do no wrong.” Of course we see the law of Moses laying out the prescription to deal with shortcomings as a result of human failures. As I have read through Leviticus I was reminded that if God’s people followed those laws, they wouldn’t have time to fool around with idols.

However in these verses are two important keys. One is found in the phrase, “who seek Him with their whole heart.” The other is  the phrase, “walk in His ways.” We read in the Old Testament  God’s lament concerning the failure of finding leaders whose “hearts are full devoted to Him.” Also, the concept of walking (or living) in the ways of the Lord points to more than an adherence to a level of unattainable perfection, but to a commitment to place God in the center of life.

Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Proverbs 14:12 says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.” King David was called “a man after God’s own heart” not because of his perfection, but because of the dedication of his heart and life to walk in the ways of the Lord.

I am thankful for the New Testament provision of forgiveness through God’s grace. However, if we are not careful we can end up in the same situation from two different mindsets. The Old Testament one would be to look at God’s laws and say, “it is too difficult to attain, it doesn’t matter what I do.” The New Testament approach is to view God’s grace and say, “it doesn’t matter what I do, I’m covered by grace.” Both are equally toxic and show a failure to understand that our life is more about the issues of our heart than “following the rules.”

That is why Jesus said the greatest commandments is to, “love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength…” When we do that we find ourselves “walking in His ways” and enjoying a life of blessing.

Today marks the year anniversary of my hospitalization with West Nile Virus. It has been quite a journey indeed and one that continues to unfold. Our friend Cyndy Luzinski brought by some cupcakes made by daughters Anna and Sarah to mark this special day. Also, we received a beautiful flower arrangement from our daughter Stephanie. It was good to receive calls from both Christian and Stephanie as they have more vivid memories of these early hospital days than I do.

Today is certainly a day to be thankful to Debbie and our children for being by my side, advocating for my care and facilitating updates on CaringBridge for family and friends. I am here today gaining strength as a result of not just good medical care but as an answer to prayer. This last weekend we ran into our friends Tom and Linda Scheffel. They expressed how consistently they have prayed for me, especially Linda who Tom described as “our prayer warrior.”  We were also delighted to hear that their son, Tom is connected to the Genesis Project here in Fort Collins that is a ministry of Timberline Church were we attend.

I want to express my deep gratitude for ALL those who have been so helpful this past year. Those who have prayed, encouraged, sent cards, donated, visited and followed my progress. The journey continues, but the finish line is in sight!

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “When a man’s folly brings his way to ruin, his heart rages against the Lord…..The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm.”  Proverbs 19:3, 23

From time to time I am reminded how insightful scripture is to the character of people and I am reminded how little people have changed over the course of time. In my life interacting with people I don’t know how many times some one expresses anger, resentment or disillusionment with God over some thing that they were responsible for. They have the attitude “if I am not suppose to do this God will stop me.” These are not individuals who necessarily even claim to be people of faith.

So this morning when I read Proverbs 19:3 I found myself saying, “people have always been the same.” Their own actions get them in trouble but it is God’s fault. “God let me down….where was God?”

Later in Proverbs 19 we read how an individual can have confidence before the God. The key is the “fear of the Lord.” That means allowing our life to be directed by the Lord, staying close to Him, loving what He loves, hating what He hates. That is where we find life, rest and safety.

Don’t “pass the buck”  – don’t blame God when your own actions lead to harm. Instead look to Him for wisdom, commit your life to Him and you will find He is there to guide, protect and rescue you from all harm. Journey with the Lord through all of life not just in times of need or desperation.

 “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity.” Amen. 2 Peter 3:18

Today has seemed like a day of recovery from my long weekend. But it was worth the effort to make this past weekend work out. I appreciate Debbie’s hard work to help me get from place to place since I was using my manual wheelchair.

The highlight of my day was having my Aunt Paula and Uncle Jim come by and take me to lunch before their afternoon meeting in Loveland. As we were leaving I couldn’t find my wallet which my uncle told me “was very convenient.” I’m glad he hasn’t lost his sense of humor! They did let me drive without my driver license. When we returned to the house we scoured the strawberry patch for the remaining dozen or so strawberries left on the plants.

One of the more interesting connections this past weekend was with a golden eagle that contracted West Nile Virus through a mosquito bite. The eagle actually has some permanent paralysis in one of his wings as a result. It has been interesting to learn that the spread of West Nile has been largely due to mosquitoes infecting birds and then birds infecting mosquitoes as they migrate to new areas.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “For you have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling; I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living.” Psalm 116:8.9

As I look at this verse on the eve of the anniversary of my hospitalization one year ago, it serves as a good rehab verse and reminder of my journey. I certainly have much to be thankful for even though I remember at one point, I told someone that I anticipated walking or full recovery by the time my year was over.

I am not quite there but I am making progress. As I visited with friends this past weekend, I was reminded that I was saved from death. I can also recall many tears shed for many reasons, by me that is, and perhaps others. Some just related to my fragile emotions after a traumatic brain injury, some out of gratitude to the Lord and others for their support. I am thankful that I will “walk” (literally) before the Lord in the land of the living. My commitment is out of gratitude to the Lord for His faithfulness to “live” for the Lord in the land of the living. As is expressed in Mark Batterson’s newest book, I have been reading, I want to be “all in.”

It is good to be home! We had an enjoyable weekend but a busy one. It was really my first time to be out and about in a large group with a busy schedule. Debbie and I enjoyed the Western Conservative Summit, but it was taxing as well. By the end of today, I was ready to crash. But a little rest for me goes a long way.

I was good to see many friends, but it was also humbling to have many others I didn’t know greet me and to say, “we have been praying for you!” I owe a great debt of gratitude to the President Bill Armstrong of Colorado Christian University. He has had his leaders and staff praying for me from the onset of my illness.

I had the opportunity to greet President Armstrong and thank him for his personal support and that of so many at CCU. I even met an old high school classmate who is now employed at CCU who told me how she had been praying for me.

CCU is gaining national recognition for its achievements as an institution of higher education. I recall back in the mid 1990’s it seemed that the focus at CCU at the time was to gain status by just charging a high tuition and minimizing the “Christian” aspect of its history.

When Bill Armstrong became President (which is a story in itself. He was not looking for a job at the time.) He quickly placed his stamp upon the university which included a Christ-centered education and campus. I comment to him frequently that, “Bill Armstrong put the ‘Christian’ back into “Colorado Christian University.” Today when I said that he responded, “Jesus has done that!” Even though it has been a few decades since Bill Armstrong served as a U.S. Senator from Colorado he continues to be held in high esteem in Colorado and across the nation. He has set a great example to show that men of faith can serve with character and distinction and have the respect of a cross section of people.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! …they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress….For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things….He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction…..Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,  for his wondrous works to the children of man! ”  Psalm 107:1,6,9,20,21

When I consider the greatest of the Lord, yet the plague of idolatry among the Children of Israel, the contrasts between the living God and those idols of man are immense. Idols are worshiped in order to achieve personal gain. Yet one thing that is missing from the lips of those who worship idols are words that we find resonating in the Psalms like Psalm 107.

“Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever.” You don’t associate “love” and “wondrous works” with idols of wood and stone. You don’t associate these attributes with “wishing upon a lucky star” or allowing your life to be guided by your horoscope. You don’t associate these attributes with the philosophies of new age or world religions.

Our creator God, the all-powerful God is worshiped with thanksgiving for who He is and what He alone possesses in His nature and dealings with His creation.

The Lord hears us in our trouble and delivers, He satisfies our soul, He makes us complete, He brings wholeness to our being and keeps us safe. The focus in idolatry is on the Idol, but the living God we worship and to whom we express our thanks has His eye upon us. Our job is not to coerce His favor, but to respond to Him in relationship and to experience the “His wondrous works to the  children of man.”

Today was a full day at the Western Conservative Summit. The event this year has attempted to balance inspiration from nationally acclaimed speakers with a focus on the arts and music. That has made for variety but also a challenge to keep everything on schedule. Senator Ted Cruz the capstone speaker did not get introduced this evening until about 10 p.m., that certainly threw off the schedule for the 9:30 p.m. events in the program schedule. However, the crowd was large and enthusiastic.

My all time favorite Dennis Prager spoke early on. He always makes me feel like I get my monies worth. I recall meeting Dennis at an event a few years ago. I found him to be very gracious and humble. Dennis says, “clarity is our friend.” I always find his talks clear, passionate and filled with principles backed by common sense.

Debbie and I ran into Senator John Andrews the Director of the Centennial Institute and the the Western Conservative Summit. Last year’s event was a week later in July and convened just a few days after I was hospitalized. John said he recalled reporters asking him about me and said they made him feel like they were preparing my obituary. I am thankful that wasn’t the case and certainly the prayers of many people made the difference.

Bible Verse for Today…. “But they soon forgot what He had done and did not wait for His plan to unfold.”   Psalm 106:13

This verse is found in one of the historic Psalms reflecting on Israel’s exodus and journey to the promised land. We read of the golden calf,  the murmurings and complains and find it easy to criticize and wonder why? This verse is not only insightful as to Israel’s downfall but sounds a precaution for  us today.

We can be in awe of God’s intervention and miracles,  but if we are not careful we can adopt an attitude of “what have you for me today.” Instead of the miracles of God bringing faith and encouragement, the children of Israel seemed to feel God’s power had been exhausted. The majesty and glory that had been revealed began to fade into the background of the challenges before them.

Impatience was the downfall of the Children of Israel and that short coming is even more pronounced in our day. When it seems like God is not acting we become tempted to take matters into our own hands or to look for alternatives. That is what the Children of Israel did and it brought them more hardships than a little patience and trust in the Lord, even when it seemed He was not taking action.

As Paul talks about the history of the Children of Israel he says, “Now these things took place as examples for us…” (1 Cor. 10:6) The idolatry that they were guilty of and the warnings against idolatry that Paul gave to the Corinthians are tied back to this basic flaw pointed out by the Psalmist. Forgetting God’s miracles, failing to wait for God’s plan to unfold. God’s faithfulness and concern is not dictated by out agendas and time frame.

Our duty is to be patient, trust and always put God first. Wisdom is the ability to learn from the mistakes of others. This is a good lesson to learn. So. “remember….and wait.”

I am writing later than usual because Debbie and I traveled to Denver today for the Western Conservative Summit. I missed last years event for the first time in four years because I was in the hospital. I appreciated the consideration of President Bill Armstrong of CCU and Senator John Andrews of the Centennial Institute for requesting prayer for me at last year’s event.

This evening three speakers were featured including Gov. Bob Jindal, Sen. Lee from Utah and the final one being Dr. Ben Carson. It was an exciting atmosphere with 3,000 attendees in the Bellco Theater at the Colorado Convention Center. It was good to see some friends that I haven’t seen for over a year. During the conference I will help out with the Rocky Mountain Energy Forum exhibit. I will be assisting Mary Janssen and Amy Attwood.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” Proverbs 13:20

When I read this verse this morning it caught my attention. It reminded me once again of the adage, “show me your friends and I will show you your future.” While it is good to have a variety of friends and friendships, not all relationships should be view the same. Those that are closest to you, those who have the greatest influence on you should be those Solomon describes as, “wise.”

If you want to sharpen your leadership skills, be around leaders. If you want to be more creative, be around creative people. I have always felt lifted up and “sharpened” in my skills when I am around those with more experience or insight into a certain arena of life than what I have. I need those I can challenge and help and I need those who can help me.

The converse is true as well. Some people may drag me down, make me negative and even influence my behavior. The challenge for parents is with their children. Usually parents can tell which kids in the neighborhood their children have been playing with by their attitudes or conduct. Paul warned in 1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” .

We also, have the opportunity to be those who lift others up. That is certainly part of the calling that we have as followers of Christ. Wisdom from the Lord is needed in each situation to know how we are impacting other and how others are impacting us. When it comes to friends and the company you keep, choose wisely, evaluate frequently.

Today ended up being a busy day or at least a day that went by fast. After some early office work, I was off to my weekly massage therapy. After that I stopped for some lunch at the local Dairy Queen, and then to a haircut appointment. I navigated into my massage appointment and the Dairy Queen with my walker. I made it, it just took a while, and was a little draining.

After returning home for a nap, I got up to get ready for my presentation to the Larimer County Board of Health and the County Commissioners. They were discussing mosquito spraying and the interface with the City of Fort Collins. I shared my personal story. They were a receptive group and I appreciate the invitation of my friend Commissioner Steve Johnson who made this opportunity possible. (Picture above me and  Steve Johnson)

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing! Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.” Psalm 100:1-5 (ESV)

Perceptions can be interesting. If Christians were a Muppet character which one would fit the image the best? I hope it is not “Oscar the Grouch.” Rejoicing should be characteristic of those whose faith is in the Lord. Why? The Psalmist gives us the reasons.

The Lord we serve is THE  God of all the earth. There is no one like Him, there is none besides Him.

We belong to Him and He cannot forsake His own. We are His sheep and those under His care.

The Lord is good. This is a descriptor of His nature. He does what is good because He is good. To do otherwise would be a contradiction to His character.

His love and faithfulness endures forever. We may not be faithful, but He is! Our love for Him may wane, but His love for us remains the same.

Remember when we come into His presence with joy and gladness and singing the glory due His name, the Lord is “tone deaf.” In other words, He delights in our praise regardless of its imperfection.