My physical therapist came today and wrote up the paperwork for my discharge from at-home therapy! He feels that I have made the progress and accomplished the goals that we set out a little over three months ago and that I’m ready for the next level of therapy in my recovery.

That means out-patient therapy back to Northern Colorado Rehab. Hopefully this will over the next couple of weeks. I have a neurologist appointment on Monday and a echo-cardiogram on Thursday. After those appointments next week, I will contact my primary care doctor about the referral.

This next step also includes me looking into driving school and eventually getting set up to be a little more self-sufficient and independent in being able to drive myself to appointments. Wow! I recall coming home from the hospital and the desire to drive was not even on my mind at the time.

I did feel a little more fatigued today after my mile wheelchair jaunt yesterday. I will need to get my exercise routine down similar to my running programs and alternate between easier and more difficult workouts. As this point it is almost comical what that may mean to me as far as my level of strength and endurance.

BIBLE VERSES FOR TODAY…

“I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” Luke 7:9

“Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”  Luke 7:50

“Daughter,your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”           Luke 8:48

“Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.”  Luke 8:50

For those who are familiar with the ministry of Jesus, I’m tempted to put in some blanks after the scripture reference and have you put in the names of the individuals associated with the statement.

As I read these chapters during my morning Bible time, I found it interesting of the number of miracles that Jesus performed and the commendation of faith in these varying circumstances.

The first is a Roman Centurion who came to Jesus in behalf of his daughter. His faith was evidenced when he showed his understanding of Jesus authority. “Just speak the word and my daughter will be healed.” In the natural he understood his authority of over men, in recognizing Jesus for who He was, he recognized Jesus spiritual authority. Great faith from the least expected source, a Roman, not an Israelite.

The second verse is from an account of Jesus at a dinner when a “sinful woman” comes in and begins to wash and anoint his feet. While others are repulsed by the woman’s character, Jesus sees her plea and the sincerity of her heart. Her actions are an action of faith for forgiveness and a new life.

The third verse is the account of the woman with the “issue of blood.” Doctors had given up, she was out of  money. But she knew if she could just get to Jesus she would be healed. She pressed through the crowd and was able to just to reach out and touch the “him of his garment.” I remember my son telling me in his research how some scholars believe that she touched the tassels on Jesus prayer shawl. When the woman touched Jesus, Jesus knew someone had touched him with a touch of faith.

The final verse is related to the story of Jarius, the Ruler of Synagogue coming to Jesus in behalf of his 12 year old girl. Before Jesus is able to get through the crowd and get to the house, the news comes that the girl is dead. Even with this news, Jesus turns to Jarius and says, “Don’t be afraid, only believe…” Jesus arrived at the home and raised the girl from the dead. Faith can overcome fear as wait for a miracle.

Faith is a mystery. Everyone exercises faith, even those who don’t believe in God. Even those who make science their god, put their faith in the research and conclusions of others. If you can understand it, it’s not faith. If you have the power to change it, it’s not faith. If you can guarantee the outcome, it’s not faith.

Faith requires an object. These individuals put their faith in Jesus. They did not just believe something they believed in someone to come to their rescue.

Faith is demonstrated through actions. Each of these came to Jesus. Today we “come to Jesus” through prayer. Just talking to Him and laying our lives and our needs before Him.

Faith is taking Jesus at His word. Believing that He heals, forgives, removes fear and has compassion on us as the objects of His love.

What you need today from the Lord is actualized through faith. Place your trust in Him today.

 Today I received a visit from Bill Schroeder from Jefferson County. Bill is a former State Senator and has been involved in politics in Jefferson County and Colorado for a number of years. While serving in the State House, I was Bill’s State Representative. After serving in the State Senate Bill has worked as the Government and Community Affairs Director for Intermountain Rural Electric Association. He is now retired but still serves as the President of the South Jefferson County Republican Breakfast Club. This is where I first met Bill personally when I ran for the State House in 2006. (Picture above Bill and me)

I have valued Bill’s support and perspective over the years and always took note of his wisdom and experience. He hand delivered a nice card with a generous gift from my friends at the club. I miss the meetings that are held the first and third Thursday of each month at Foothills Golf Course in Lakewood.

I got out this afternoon and rode my racing wheelchair for about 45 minutes. I think I am learning more how to navigate uneven surfaces with slight slopes that require me to use one arm for most of the power. I need to get better if I am going to traverse three miles in less than three hours!

I also received an email from my friend Bob Long that contained the following “Wisdom from a Friend.” I thought some of these were pretty good and wanted to share them with you. Bob and I attended high school together and were college roommates as well. We lived in the house in Greeley that my mom just sold. Bob is retired high school teacher and principal. He and his high school sweetheart and now wife, of 36 years or so, Sandy live in Sydney, Nebraska.

WISDOM FROM A FRIEND                           

I’ve learned…. That just one person saying to me, ‘You’ve made my day! ‘makes my day.

I’ve learned…. That being kind is more important than being right.

I’ve learned…. That you should never say no to a gift from a child.

I’ve learned…. That I can always pray for someone when I don’t have the strength to help him in some other way.

I’ve learned…. That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.

I’ve learned…. That we should be glad God doesn’t give us everything we ask for.

I’ve learned…. That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

I’ve learned…. That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.

I’ve learned…. That love, not time, heals all wounds.

I’ve learned…. That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.

I’ve learned…. That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.

I’ve learned… That life is tough, but I’m tougher.

I’ve learned…. That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.

I’ve learned…. That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.

I’ve learned…. That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.

I’ve learned…. That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

I’ve learned…. That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, that you’re hooked for life.

I’ve learned…. That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you’re climbing it.

 BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…

 “With perfect peace you will protect those whose minds cannot be changed, because they trust you.  Trust the Lord always, because the Lord, the Lord alone, is an everlasting rock.”  Isa. 26:3,4

Remember: Steadfast trust = perfect peace

I was just finishing my afternoon coffee and opening my “love letters” from medical providers that have been hanging out there for several months. Fortunately all 20 of the medical bills were under $200 each.

Gina Brummett our Executive Director at Teen Challenge of the Rocky Mountains joined me today for a meeting with Mark Orphan, Missions Pastor at Timberline Church. We had the opportunity to update him on some exciting things happening at New Hope House in Utah that serves at-risk teen girls. This program is expanding through the acquisition of a new property that will enable us to serve more girls and almost double our capacity. I recall several years ago   a director at one of the juvenile detention centers in my House District told me that the greatest growth in the inmate population was among girls. This program intervenes and provides troubled girls and their families the needed help. You can find out more at www.tcrm.us

Of course your sponsorship of my efforts on May 17th in the Colfax Charity 5K will help out this program as well. www.coloradogives.org/ksummers

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…

After he left Hebron, David took more concubines and wives in Jerusalem, and more sons and daughters were born to him. These are the names of the children born to him there: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon,Ibhar, Elishua, Nepheg, Japhia, Elishama, Eliada and Eliphelet.                  (2 Samuel 5:13-16)

Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry. He was the son, so it was thought, of Joseph,…. the son of Nathan, the son of David, the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz…” (Luke 3:23,31)

The two accounts of Jesus genealogy in Matthew and Luke present some interesting debate and discourse. One begins with Abraham and ends with Mary, the other begins with Jesus and moves backward to Adam. I always believed as some commentators that one belongs to Mary and the other Joseph. However, it is interesting how the accounts match the audience of the gospel.

Matthew was writing to Jews and presenting Jesus as King. As a result, the connection to Abraham and the names of Judah’s Kings in the genealogy would be of importance for Jesus rightful claim to the throne of David.

Luke was writing to Gentiles and presenting Jesus as the “Son of Man.” Luke was an historian and given to detail as well, so it is not surprising the he would begin with a focus on Jesus and move backwards though time all the way to Adam to show that Jesus was the Savior for all mankind.

It is interesting that the son of David referenced in Luke’s genealogy is “Nathan.” We don’t know for sure who his mother was, we just know that he is listed among the children born to David in Jerusalem.

Yet this historic link to David is what makes Christ’s claim to David’s throne valid and verifies that claim through Joseph’s lineage. We are familiar with the name Nathan as the prophet during David’s reign but know nothing about his son. Yet this son played a critical link to the Messiah.

Of course the same can be said of the “faceless” names as we move through the list. As one reads the names some will look familiar and then you ask the question, “Is that the same person that I’m thinking about or just someone with the same name?

The point is this…We never know the part we are playing in God’s plan. I don’t believe any of those individuals through the generations as they prayed for the coming of Messiah, said to themselves and their children, “the Messiah is coming through our family!” They didn’t know.

So, just because we can’t see the role we are playing in God’s plan, doesn’t mean we are not a significant part of God’s plan. Actually every follower of Christ is. Some are known and celebrated, but all are chosen to be used by God.

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;”  (1 Peter 2:9)

Today we worked on cleaning up my wheelchairs. This included the new racing wheelchair that we picked up yesterday. After dismantling if for cleaning, I wasn’t sure if we would get it all back together, but it looks like we made it. I aired up the tires and even made a trial run down the sidewalk.

Today also marks the last day of antibiotic treatments. It has been six weeks since I was hospitalized and IV antibiotics were started in the intensive care unit at the hospital. This marks the longest and most intense round of antibiotic treatments that I have received. Tomorrow, I have an appointment with my urologist. So we will try to bringing him up to date and see if we can get some of the hospital MRI’s to him before our afternoon appointment. The visiting nurse will also come to remove the PICC line from my arm marking the official end to this multiple times a day regimen.

I am testing my limits on my journeys with my walker. I walked from my recliner in the living room to the bathroom. However, on the way back, I pushed it a little and began to get weak. Debbie was helping move my wheelchair my direction when my knees seemed to give out. So it wasn’t as much of a fall as a collapse. I was near the couch and was able to get myself with some assistance from Debbie onto the couch, so I just laid there for a while and enjoyed the rest before finally moving back to my power wheelchair.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…

There are several verses that come to my mind when I think of the change that Christ desires to bring into a person’s life.

“ Therefore,if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Cor. 5:17)

“ For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”  (Colossians 1:13,14)

“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy,  made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.”   (Ephesians 2:4,5)

Following Christ is marked by and characterized by the word, “new.” Paul called us a “new creation” and declared “the new is here!” As a Pastor I would enjoy hearing individuals share their own story of their journey of coming to faith in Jesus Christ. The change they experienced and how that decision impacted their life.

Scott one of our graduates from our Teen Challenge men’s program (180 Ministries) recently wrote to update us on his life…

“…since graduating I have completed a YWAM missions training/trip as you are aware of. Somehow managed to graduate CCU with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science and Global Studies, I got married,and as recent had a baby boy named Titus! And most recently accepted a job working for OMF international as the US short term Missions Coordinator for Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam.”

 When Scott came into Teen Challenge he was addicted to drugs and living a life without hope or direction.  But because of God’s grace and power working in his life he was made new, rescued and given life.

Scott goes on and says…

“As I look at my faith, my family, my future and my past I see the finger prints of Teen Challenge all over it. I am eternally grateful for being part of this ministry that changes the fabric of our society and gives hope to hurting individuals. Honestly had it not been for Teen Challenge and a very active God I’m 90% sure I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

I am thankful that God’s love and power changes lives today. You can find out more about the life changing programs of Teen Challenge at www.teenchallengerockymountains.org

You can sponsor me in my wheelchair efforts in Colfax 5K on May 17 and invest in changed lives through Teen Challenge by logging onto www.coloragives.org/ksummers

 Today my sister and brother-in-law and mom joined us at the Cracker Barrel in Loveland to celebrate my mom’s 89th birthday. We enjoyed our meal and time together. My mom continues to be in good health. When were together I told them about my physical therapist making some comments about speech therapy. I told my physical therapist that I actually had a few sessions with one of the speech therapists at Northern Colorado Rehab Hospital. He worked with me on my memory….but I couldn’t remember his name! I did recall it later though. I am at that stage where I tell someone if I can’t remember a name at that moment that “I will recall sometime in the next few minutes or hours.”

We also made a stop by the Good HealthWill store. This is a great place in Loveland with used medical equipment. We did pick up a “racing” wheelchair that I will use for some of my exercise. I have until May 17th to see if I can get ready to traverse as much of a three mile course as I can.Otherwise I will take advantage of my son and daughter-in-law and any others wh

Cracker Barrel Loveland 89 years old

o want to help push me along the course. You can donate to Teen Challenge of the Rocky Mountains and support my effort and the cause of effective recovery from drug and alcohol addiction at www.coloradogives.org/ksummers

In Jesus Today, Sarah

Young was commenting, “The Lord has good plans for you: Offer for a hope and a future. Many people fear the future, but ultimately yours is glorious – beyond anything you can imagine!” (Young, S. 2012. Jesus Today, pg. 230, Thomas Nelson Press)

Reading this reminded me of a question on the TV game show “Family Feud.” The question was “on a scale of 1-10 how much do you fear the future?” The greatest response of those surveyed was 10. When you look at the daily news, there is certainly cause to fear the future. Uncertainty seems to abound at every turn. When I heard this week of another shooting at Fort Hood, I wasn’t sure if it is was a current event or the anniversary of the previous shooting. We see the turmoil around the world with Russia and the Ukraine. The search continues for missing Malaysian flight 370.

But as we face the future we must make a choice between fear and faith. Fear will paralyze and create internal anxiety. It will impact our confidence and leave us in a perpetual state of uncertainty and dread. That removes the joy from living.

However, faith in the God who is in control and knows the future and holds our life in His hands brings confidence and joy. We may face tough times and times of difficulty, but when we trust a God who promises to be with us and give us strength and work in the midst of every situation, we can live life with confidence, peace and joy.

God’s love for us drives out fear.

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear…”  1 John 4:18

God’s care and watchfulness over our life removes worry  

“Therefore I  (Jesus) tell you, do not worry about your life…But seek first his (God’s) kingdom and his (God’s) righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”   (Matthew 6:25, 33,34)

God promises His peace through Christ. Jesus said,

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John14:27)

Today you can choose faith and face the future with confidence in knowing the God of the universe who knows the beginning from the end is with you and directing your steps. That is what I have been learning as I have been on a road that I could never have anticipated for my life.