It looks like my big event for today was mowing the lawn. It is much easier mowing the lawn with my riding mower than trying to push a regular mower behind my power wheelchair! The one thing I haven’t tried yet is using the electric trimmer, so I am having Jonathan Hill who helps me with my lawn to come and take on that task.

We had Jerry Cooper from “Helping Hands Handyman” come by to take a look a putting a fence in our backyard. This will help keep our new little dog in. It may be just in time. Somehow how the little varmint go off his leashed and took a stroll somewhere in the neighborhood. I just know that by the time I got home from almost a mile long loop looking for him he was at our back patio door. At least he is learning where home is!

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,  for his compassions never fail.
 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22,23

God’s people are in captivity. Jerusalem is in ruins, the temple of God burned. Jeremiah the prophet is mourning (lamenting) what has taken place.

Tough love is the expression that is used to describe actions where love is demonstrated through discipline or temporary pain that is designed to get a loved one’s attention and change their behavior. God is demonstrating “tough love” to His people. The time frame will be 70 years before they realize that following the Lord and obeying Him is the only way to live.

The context of Lamentations 3 shows the condition of God’s people. Jeremiah becomes the personalization of the judgement of God on His people. We read the following:

I am the man who has seen affliction by the rod of the Lord’s wrath. He has driven me away and made me walk
    in darkness rather than light; 3:1,2

He has made my skin and my flesh grow old and has broken my bones. 3:4

Even when I call out or cry for help, he shuts out my prayer.  3:8

He pierced my heart with arrows from his quiver. 3:13

I have been deprived of peace; I have forgotten what prosperity is. 3:17

Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed… 3:21,22

After the litany that describes the condition of God’s people it is amazing that there is anything positive that can come from this perspective. However, in the midst of describing the condition in the present, there is the reflection on not what God has done or allowed to happen but who God is. God is the God of hope and the God of love. He is the God of mercies and His mercies are renewed every morning. The summary of it all? Great is your faithfulness! In good times, in bad. In joy and in tragedy the Lord continues to be faithful.

Here is the conclusion in light of all the pain and God’s love and faithfulness….’I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him;it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.’ Lam. 3:23-26

In times of trial, in times of discipline, God provides the strength that is needed. As we hope in Him with Psalmist we can say, “I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” Psalm 27:13

Whatever we face, our situation probably doesn’t equate with what is described in Lamentations 3. We can hold on to the character of God at all times. As you do, you will find this to be true…. “when you don’t understand God’s ways, you can always trust God’s hand.” You are in good hands, when you place your trust in God.

Today was a nice “summer day.” After last week with rain and some severe storm warnings, it looks like we have catapulted into summer with temps in the 80’s. Yesterday one of our projects was to work on the weeds in the garden. It is looking better, but we will not be planting a garden, but we will keep Isla’s (Debbie’s mom) garden spot tended. We do have a healthy patch of strawberries, so be the end of the month they should bearing berries!

I am glad that I have been feeling better and stronger. I am walking longer distances and trying to be more independent with activities around the house. I trimmed some of the rose bushes today as part of my outside activity. Tomorrow I return to Northern Colorado Rehab for another therapy session.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….“Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” Jeremiah 32:17

This verse above is a prayer of Jeremiah’s. It is prayed after he is instructed to buy a field and bury the deed, because the Lord will one day bring God’s people back to the land. The Lord told him that one day in the future land will be once again bought and sold. The opening statement in Jeremiah’s prayer to the Lord is recognizing God’s creative power and His ability to do what He has promised.

The instructions that Jeremiah received from the Lord seemed at the time out of the realm of possibility. Jeremiah’s response in prayer is to recognize the ultimate power of God. This is the God who spoke the world into existence. Here we find one of those assertions of God’s creative work. Jeremiah had no doubts about how the world came into existence. This creator God is able to do whatever He determines in keeping with His sovereign plan for individuals and nations.

There is more to this verse than inspiring faith in God’s ability to intervene in our lives. This verse and its context reveals that God is working out His plan for His people and He can be trusted to fulfill His plan. I think of this in our current day. God is still working out His plan for people and nations. He is not the God who was, He is the God who is! As such we can learn from and be strengthened in our faith by what we read of God’s working in times past.

I recently caught the end of Governor Bobby Jindal’s commencement address to the graduates at Liberty University. He challenge them that in spite of what our current culture looks like and the obstacles that may come our way as Christ follower’s that this is the time to put our faith into action and be the light of the world that Christ called us to be.

Can God work out His plan in a post-modern, anti-Christ culture? Nothing is too difficult for Him

Can God provide strategies to allow believer’s to influence their culture when they may feel more like victims than victors? Nothing is too difficult for Him.

Can God be found in the darkest of spiritual surroundings, when it seems all have forsaken Him? Nothing is too difficult for Him.

Can God use even those who deny Him to reveal His glory and fulfill His purpose? Nothing is too difficult for Him.

Can God restore and fulfill His created order to that which He intended from the beginning of time? Nothing is too difficult for Him.

Remember, regardless of how dark the night, light is present, hope and a future is present when God is there. That is what Jeremiah discovered at the worst time in Judah’s history and He held to God’s Word and promise. When we do the same we find in the creator God, nothing is too difficult for Him.

As we come to the “unofficial beginning” of summer it is important to pause and to remember those who gave their life in defending freedom over the course of time and several wars and conflicts abroad. I was challenged once again about the importance of our nation’s values, viewing the past speeches of President Ronald Reagan at Normandy and at Arlington Cemetery. My friend Josh Cook’s son recently asked him, “dad what’s Memorial Day.” Josh said, “it is when we pause and remember those who died in battles fighting for our freedom.” His son responded, “I don’t remember any of them.” Often when the connection is not personal, the significance can lose its meaning. However, we all owe a great deal of gratitude to the many unsung hero’s who have served to keep our nation free and to defend the freedom of others.  To the unknown individuals who pledged their sacred honor on the field of battle in noble service to their country, so generations to come could enjoy freedoms, we say thank you for your sacrifice.

This Memorial Day for our family has been a combination of rest, work, play. In the series of those words “rest” should be at the end, but for me sometimes I need to have it at the beginning of my activity. Our grandkids were with us as mom and dad ran in the Bolder Boulder. Bridget did a great job crossing the finish line in under 49 minutes. Christian was ten minutes or [and] so…behind.

Here at home base we had morning waffles and then the kids played on the computer, while grandpa and grandma did some work on theirs, we then pulled some weeds in the garden and when Christian and Bridget return back to our home we made a trek down to the neighborhood swimming pool.  We are glad that the weather has cooperated. It was not blazing hot but no rain.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY... “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3

There are not too many verses in Jeremiah that come to mind or that stand out to even avid Bible readers. However, this is one that many will recognize. In its brevity it rings of hope and inspires faith and confidence in God.

I found have my observations interesting in reading through the message of some of the Old Testament prophets. This verse for example, was a call of God, an invitation if you will not to the faithful, but to the rebellious. As God’s people were looking everywhere for help and guidance and worshiping all kinds of images and false gods, the God of Heaven stands amidst the chaos and invites His people to  “call on me…”

The idols they worshiped had ears but could not hear and God says if you call, “I will answer.” What is amazing about this timing is that God through His prophets is pronouncing judgment and captivity by evil nations on His people. Yet God has still not turned His back or deafened His ear from those who were objects of His mercy and loving kindness.

God promise is not “hold back” but let His people have the insight and understanding that they so desperately sought in the midst of warfare, starvation and a sea of voices using a “thus says the Lord” as a way to get people’s attention, but only adding to their plight spiritual confusion that brought hardness of heart.

“I will tell you great and unsearchable things that you do not know.” We don’t know what these things were, but it is clear that God is wanting to reveal Himself and His plan to those who will call on Him…who will seek Him. Given the context of this verse, it brings to mind Jesus weeping over Jerusalem,  “Jerusalem, Jerusalem…how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. Matthew 23:36

To this rebellious people God urges them to “call” yet He knows that they are unwilling. How important it is for us to be willing to simply, “call on God.” Regardless of our struggles, confusion, disappointments and wanderings. God in His mercy and loving-kindness is always available and will always hear.

I finally did make it home today from the hospital by mid-afternoon. After the final review of cultures and tests and a visit from my infectious disease doctor I was given the okay to return home. I will continue on IV antibiotics for the next two days as an outpatient back at McKee Hospital. I was also give a new medication that I will take for the next two weeks to address some fluid around my heart. Fortunately the urine cultures did not indicate anything too abnormal or a specific bacteria in sufficient number to cause concern. However with my history all of the doctors error on the side of caution.

This evening we did attend the home school graduation of Sarah Luzinski. Sarah is the daughter of Craig and Cyndy who were neighbors to Debbie’s mother when she was in the house we are in now and they have become good friends. A special graduation ceremony took place at Timberline Church for the Olive Tree Home-School network honoring 14 graduates.

Craig took on the intimidating job of speaking at his daughter’s graduation. He did a good job and presented a transparent and challenging message on how to “thrive” in life. I took some cues from Craig that helped me with tonight’s blog.

High School graduations are the most special. Many attempts have been made to describe this transition in life. Tonight I heard reference to the idea of “launching children into the future” and perhaps that is an appropriate metaphor.  So much goes into the preparation to bring a child through the physical, social and educational stages of growth that are represented in a high school graduation. It is not just a “launching” into the future, but into adulthood. There is much reflection on the past and anticipation for the future in a high school graduation and that was evident this evening in these sharp young men and women. I believe they will do well.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “I have come that you might have life and have it to the full.” John 10:10

Where ever Jesus was He imparted life. He forgave sins, He healed, He raised the dead. The idea of “abundant living” comes from Jesus. It is well said that Jesus does not just intend for us to survive in life, but to thrive in life. As Craig shared this evening he inspired my own thought process of the idea of how to “thrive” in life. I decided to express some concepts in an acrostic so here it goes:

T – Take a long view of life – Life begins and it is measured in months and then years and then seasons. It is important to set goals and to keep dreaming dreams. It is always inspiring at this time of the year to hear of a 70, 80 even 90 year old completing a degree.

H – Have patience with yourself – Honor the investment of others in your life. Patience is an important virtue, but is especially so when it comes to our own lives. Also, remember those throughout your life who have feed into your life. The old saying is, “if you see a turtle on a fence post you know he didn’t get there by himself.”

R – Remember priorities determine capacity (thanks Craig for this one) Craig gave the great visual of the “big rocks in a jar.” You can only fill a space to capacity if you put the big rocks in first and then the small “stuff.” As Solomon said in Ecclesiastes, “Remember your creator in the days of your youth.” Our lives have limits, we must fill them first with that which is most important.

I – Invest in others – The opening words of Rick Warren’s book “The Purpose Drive Life” are “it is not all about you!” We grow, we live full when we invest in the lives of others. I was delighted to hear tonight of the number of graduates who had been on mission trips and have hearts of mercy and compassion for others.

V – View failures as opportunities to grow. If you don’t fail you probably are not trying. Failures in life are not to be seasons of discouragement but of learning and readjustment.

E – Examine your relationships (thanks Craig for this one too) the adage, “show me your friends and I will show you your future” is true. We need to be with those who have achieved the success we would like to have and learn from them. Another saying I don’t hear too often (it may be politically incorrect) is, “it is hard to fly with the eagles when you are surrounded by turkeys.”

Our ability to “thrive” is founded in our relationship with Christ and our commitment to His Word. We must live life in the context of God’s grace and forgiveness and wisdom. When we do so we will know the abundant, full life God has for us.

I was planning on writing this blog from home. It has been a long day waiting for tests and then test results to be read by the proper specialist. I have been feeling much better today and did have a visit from the OT and PT personnel here at McKee Hospital. I even made some phone calls from my hospital room for our Energy webinar next Wednesday at 10 a.m. If anyone want to join in let me know. This is just facts and information on Colorado energy and the topic of hydraulic fracturing. It is only a 30 minute online presentation.

After being told my urine was clear and showed no bacteria growth, the doctor came in this evening to let me know that several unknown strains of bacteria have been detected. Also my C-reactive blood proteins that are watched during infections have gone from two to twenty which is not a good sign. The end result is that instead of going home tonight, I am spending another evening in the hospital. Our approach has been to be more proactive this time and to avert another crisis, so it makes sense to stay on that track as disappointing it is not be returning home.

It was good to have some “normal” activity while here in the hospital. The exercise time went well and I walked about 75 feet down the hall. That is the first time I have walked with a walker for distance in a long time. I must have waked close to 150 feet total by time I returned to my room.

Christian and Bridget and the kids came by to see me before they headed back to Lakewood. Caed and Eliana held one end my theraband and helped me with some of my exercise. It was good to have visits from Pastor Steve Harris and John Engle today and to hear from some other friends as well.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16

Not all prayers are the same. In many respects they are not designed to be. I think of prayers in offered in the public arena that are akin to the “national anthem.” In some of my prayers in the legislature, I felt stymied because I knew some issues where already decided ahead of time.

Some prayers are offered in thanks to God and build our relationship with God and with other believers. However, the healing prayer of a “righteous person” is designed to be powerful and effective.

In James we see some keys that emerge from the context.  James says we are to confess our sins and pray for each other. So, a key is a right relationship with God and with other believers is important. One key to healing a relationship with another person is not just “forgiveness” but praying for that person.

Faith is critical to powerful prayer. This is obvious. However just as important as our faith in God is, it is also important to have faith that God desires to use me! James points to Elijah and says, “he was a human being just as we are…” It is fairly intimidating to compare yourself to the famed prophet of the Old Testament. But Jesus told His disciples that they would do “great works” than He did, because He is going to His Father in Heaven.

Prayer is the means by which the supernatural power of God is established on earth. It seems the secular world in its “war on prayer” in the public arena recognizes it. Perhaps it is time for all Christian to believe that too!