Today was a full day of functional exercise. That means a lot of therapy just from the normal demands of taking care of getting ready for a trip to Denver. I was up and down from my wheelchair, in my walker walking, taking a shower, ironing and all the things that didn’t take me very long before my illness that tnow prove to be a test of patience.

That is not a discouragement, just an adjustment and really an improvement. Because what I needed help with or depended on others to be able to do, I am able to do on my own, even if it takes a little longer and is a little more draining.

Debbie and I connect with Christian today for my ride to Denver. We had the rehearsal for the Gonzalez/Hunter wedding that I mentioned yesterday. We enjoyed a special rehearsal dinner at the home of Jeff and Lisa Hunter (the groom’s parents). Jeff and a friend are both chefs and their home is equipped with a wood fired oven. So we had endless rounds of a variety of fresh made wood-fired pizzas. This was topped off by homemade cheesecake and chocolate cake. I will begin a new diet tomorrow. (Picture above Tammy, Evan and me)

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all…”         2 Cor. 5:14

“… the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” 2 Timothy 2:2

Many people ask me about my wife’s commitment to hospice nursing. Certainly providing care for those who are in their final days is a calling that not everyone is suited for. Recently we were discussing this and two words seemed to form the criteria for a good hospice nurse and really for any nurse and those are “qualified and compassionate.” Certainly after my five plus months or more in the past year in the hospital I can attest to the importance of those two qualities for a nurse or any health care professional. But you certainly want them at the end of your life.

You can be qualified and have the necessary education and skill and training, but if you lack compassion people are treat like projects. If you have compassion, but lack qualification you can be sympathetic and caring, but if you don’t have the skill to address the symptoms or the know how to perform needed task the patient is not well served.

I began thinking of how that applies to the life of a Christian. Paul told Timothy

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy2:15 (NIV) The King James uses the word, “study” in place of “diligent.”

It is interesting that this admonition comes after Paul calls Timothy to share what he has learned with others, who will also be qualified to teach others. Making an impact on others does not happened by accident. To impart God’s word we need to know God’s Word and that requires a devotion to God’s Word that equips us or qualifies us.

But knowledge without love, as Paul says only puffs up. Compassion that comes from love for God and for others helps us build others up according to their need. Compassion for others and wisdom from God, helps us know when to be present in people’s lives and when to speak into people’s lives.

Empowered believers, qualified and motivated by compassion, making a difference in people’s lives is just “what the doctor ordered” for spiritually sick world.

Today has been a fairly busy and productive day. I had my weekly physical therapy session at Northern Colorado Rehab Hospital. The physical and occupational therapy sessions went well. I worked on some exercises that I have not done before so that was good. Once again I was reminded about the importance of brain signals, nerves and muscles working together or in I should say, in proper sequence in order for muscles strength to take place.

When I returned home Ted Grizzel who helped with my ride home help me get gas for my riding mower and supervised me as I tried to get familiar with the controls. I did get the lawn mowed for the first time with the riding mower, so that seemed more like a normal activity. After all, if you don’t have a motorcycle you should at least have a riding lawn mower!

The end of this week will be special in a couple of ways. I will be joining my son Christian for our first father-son wedding ceremony. We will be joining in marriage Tammy Gonzalez and Evan Hunter on Friday night in Highlands Ranch. I have known Tammy’s parents since they first come to Colorado from Puerto Rico to attend school. So I have known Tammy and her family all of her life. Christian also served as Tammy and Evan’s Youth Pastor at Dakota Ridge Church.

Then Saturday is the big day for the Colfax Charity 5K Run. A Rotary friend of mine, Ted Cluett, now living in Wellington is joining to come down to help me as a guide along with Debbie. We pray the weather will be good and all runners will meet their sponsorship goal to support Teen Challenge of the Rocky Mountains.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.” 2 Timothy 1:11,

I like 2 Timothy. Perhaps it is because it was one of the first books of the New Testament I studied diligently as a junior higher. But in reading it once again, some of the verses stood out in a fresh way. Paul is writing to a protégé of his. His osn in the faith. This letter is his last and is important because the work of the Church will only continue as new leaders are raise up and equipped and empowered. Paul is pouring his life into Timothy and as he does he reminds him of the Holy Spirit’s empowering:

 “…fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” 2 Timothy 1:6,7

Paul goes on and reminds Timothy that relationship with God (salvation) and the calling of God flows from God’s grace and desire to see His good news reach all people.

 “He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,” 2 Timothy 1:9

Paul continues and discusses his life as a messenger of the gospel. A message that caused him much hardship, suffering and would lead to his death. When someone is facing the end of their life reflection on their life is only natural. Did I live my life in vain? Did I make a difference? Did I make a fool out of myself? Paul was bold in his assertion, “I am not ashamed!”

What was the source of his confidence? He simply said, “I know the One in whom I believe and have put my trust and He will protect and guard what I have entrusted to Him.” What had Paul entrusted to Jesus? His life! His life on this earth and his eternal destiny as a child of God.

I want to live as a “confident” Christian. One that knows that what he believes is the only way to live.  The message of God’s love and grace never causes shame but results in a desire for others to have that relationship with Christ which brings power for confident living.

The snow is quickly melting here in Fort Collins. At the end of the day it is almost melted off the grass. It was somewhat ironic that on the day we are recovering from a May snow storm that my riding lawn mower was delivered. I thought I might be mowing the lawn today to try it out. Instead I will need to wait a few days.

I ran through some of my exercise program this morning. I have therapy coming up on Wednesday and I am sure my PT will ask me how my home exercise program has been going, so I thought I had better get more disciplined and consistent on my daily routines!

This weekend the Colfax Charity 5K takes place. It will be Saturday, May 17 at 9 a.m. at Denver’s City Park. The race and charity village will be near the lake with the large pavilion.

I appreciate all those who have been supportive and have donated to Teen Challenge on my behalf.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name,  Lord God Almighty. Jeremiah 15:16

The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. Psalm 19:9,10

I was thinking today how little kids enjoy something time and again; the same story, the same song. At the same it is interesting how quickly adults get bored and are ready to move on to the next item on the list, the news story, etc.

Last time our granddaughter Eliana was with us, we were watching a news video of something that I really can’t

Eliana with her Bible

remember. As soon as it was over, Ellie, said with enthusiasm, “again!”  Stephanie (our daughter) recently sent a picture of McKenzie listening to an audio book that we had sent them with my voice reading the story. (see picture above) Even though she just turned one, she enjoys listening over and over. I’m not sure how many times a one, two or three year old would listen to the same story or view the same video before getting tired of it. All I know is that they can drive a mom or dad “crazy” at that time with that tendency.

I began to think about how that applies to our attention and consistent commitment to God’s Word. The verses above from Jeremiah and David reveal a heart for God’s Word that was a priority in their life and a joy to them; something that was desirable and precious.

When we hear God’s Word are we willing to respond with a “child-like faith and eagerness and say, “again!” Hearing God’s Word builds faith, but our eagerness to hear, read and meditate on God’s Word is a matter of heart and attitude.

I am concerned that our reaction is more of an “adult” approach to God’s Word and say, “I’ve heard that, I’ve read that, I’m ready to move on, tell me something don’t know, share something that I haven’t heard.

At the end of my pastoral ministry, I began to feel the more simple and basic my teaching the better. After years of seeking to share something “insightful” and “deep” or “unique” I found some of the best insights came from the straightforward message of God’s Word.

For a number of years I have made a practice of reading through the Bible using the same Bible reading plan. I like to read a different translation each year and now with online Bible versions the options are greater than they have been in the past. I have found that when I read the Bible the Bible reads me and I constantly see different verses standing out. Even though the beginning of the process may seem like a big undertaking I try to echo the words of my granddaughter in my mind and spirit and say “again!”

My brother and mom spent the night with us last night. So I had my mom with me on Mother’s Day for church for the first time in a long time. My brother, Don, mom, Debbie and I then had lunch together before Don and my mom headed back to Englewood. I then laid down and caught up on some rest and took a nap for the next hour and a half. How about that for the summary of day?!

As I begin my outpatient therapy work, I am going to start using my manual wheelchair more inside the house. This will help with some muscle and strength development and be a good test of endurance. It will be interesting to see how that impacts my strength and endurance for walking with the walker.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.  Proverbs 31:30,31

On this graduation weekend for our family, I am taking the name of this blog from the academic honor, “Summa Cum Laude” which means “with highest praise” and applying it to mothers who excel in their role.

This verse above from Proverbs says, a “’woman who fears the Lord” is worthy of praise in the city gate. The “city gate” was a place where officials took care of community business; it was the place where the greatest crowds would gather. Perhaps in a modern day application, we could say that, “a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised…with a Congressional resolution.”

Proverbs 31 is praise to faithful wife, but in the context of Old Testament family that would certainly presume that she is mother as well as wife. The descriptions of her industry reflect care for the family and her “household.” What I find of interest is verse 30 summarizes all the actions of a “wife of noble character” as a woman who “fears the Lord.”

Yesterday I ended my blog with pointing out that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” In a mother’s world today, if there is a quality that is needed in successful “mothering” it is that of wisdom. Mother’s have daily opportunities to play the role of King Solomon in settling disputes among siblings and keeping a watchful eye over their children’s activities, influences and education.

The following Proverbs of Solomon’s have been verified over the last “few thousand” years…

“…a foolish son brings grief to his mother.” Proverbs 10:1

“…a foolish man despises his mother.” Proverbs 15:20

“…a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother”. Proverbs 29:15

One thing that has changed over the course of time is the divided attention of mothers from home and family to careers and other activities. This creates a layer of new challenges for the modern day family.

We are beginning to see some of the ramifications of failing family structures in our society with not only absentee fathers, but neglectful and abusive mothers. That is why this verse from Psalms 109:14 caught my attention, “May the iniquity of his father be remembered before the Lord; may the sin of his mother never be blotted out.” David was praying this about his enemies, but I believe they apply when a child’s enemies become his or her own parents.

My friend, State Rep. Spencer Swalm in debating one of the last bills of the session that dealt with providing assistance to those in poverty pointed out with courage, that one of the greatest deterrents to poverty and many of the social problems of our time was a stable loving home with a father and mother.

I realize that there are no guarantees in life. Children who have grown up in the best of families can bring heartache to parents. At the same time children who did not grow up in the best family prove to be productive citizens and responsible adults.

With that in mind, it is important for mothers to train children, serve as a role model and example for children, to treat each child as an individual, being sensitive to his or her own needs and to engage the child’s mind in knowing how to make good decisions on their own.

Here is a final recommendation for the environment for that to happen in…the family dinner table. Sitting down with the entire family for a meal at least 3 or 4 times a week can do wonders to family unity and communication. In our day of “retro” designs and “throwback….” ???? try that one out and see what happens over time.

Happy Mother’s Day to three ladies who have done and are doing it right, my wife, Debbie, daughter, Stephanie and daughter-in-law Bridget.

 Good family resource:  www.famtime.com

We just arrived home in Fort Collins from our trip to Gunnison. We came back early because of the weather forecast for Sunday included snow all day. We did have a good day and the graduation ceremony at Western State Colorado University went well. My niece Allyson Porter graduated with a B.A. degree in Sociology. Governor Hickenlooper was the commencement speaker and he did a good job sharing about his own educational and professional experiences.

The after graduation party was back in Almont at the resort were we were staying. Several graduates and their families joined in the celebration and it was good to meet a number of the family members. (The picture above is Allyson and me at graduation)

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.  Prov. 19:8   How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!  Prov. 16:16

During the graduation ceremony today the new President at Western State in his address talked about the importance of wisdom. He shared that one of the priorities of their institution was not just departing information but providing tools to help students deal with the challenges and obstacles of life.

Wisdom is different from knowledge. Information is important. Knowing how to apply that knowledge is another issue. Making good judgement will keep you from pain and help in overcoming some of the challenges in life.

I found it interesting that President Salsbury shared that he believed wisdom was the ability to learn from others without having to go through the same experiences yourself. How often parents desire that for their children. Even though those admonitions seem to fall on deaf ears, it is an aspect of practical wisdom for life to know that certain behaviors will have negative consequences.

Graduations are not only opportunities to share words of encouragement for graduates, but for those in attendance to hear once again how that the principles such as perseverance, overcoming failures and using wisdom to overcome the regrets in life are of value for everyone.

As we learn from the life of Solomon it is better to ask for wisdom that brings success than to search for success through human efforts without seeking wisdom. We also, are reminded that, “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge of the holy one is understanding.” Prov. 9:10  Remember we don’t graduate from the school of life.

I am writing outside of Gunnison in Almont. My niece arranged for us to stay in a large home where she has worked during her years here in college. This home is part of a resort that is located near Taylor Reservoir. Allyson Porter (my sister’s oldest daughter) graduates from Western State Colorado University tomorrow.

Debbie was not able to make it at the last moment because of patient issues and concern over the weather. My brother flew in from California and picked up my mom and then met Debbie and me for the trip here. We actually made good time and the weather was good, although the forecast is iffy for the next few days.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…
“…What you’re doing is wrong. Shouldn’t you live in the fear of our God to keep our enemies from ridiculing us”. Nehemiah 5:9

When I saw this verse from Nehemiah I thought of the words of Nathan the prophet to David when he sinned with Bathsheba. “You have given the enemies of God an occasion to blaspheme.” 2 Samuel 12:14

The idea is when the people of a God live like the world around them God is the one whose name and character is demeaned. A high profile Christian is arrested for a DUI. A scandal involving money or relationships. I recall in my early years of ministry my pastoral mentor referring to these situations as the “black eyes of Jesus.” Christians mess up and Jesus gets attacked.

The enemies of a God look for occasion for an “I told you so” or to say “that is why I don’t go to church or am not a Christian. Not that those attitudes or excuses serve as a “get out of hell free card” but they do bring confusion to people in the process of their journey to Christ. It is not helpful to rely on “Christians are not perfect, just forgiven.” While that is true, it is confusing if it looks like I can be a saint on Sunday and a sinner the rest of the week.

It is important for those who follow Christ, to make it their aim to live like Christ and to represent Him faithfully through their lives. Perfection is not required, but diligence is. I like the way our Pastor ends worship service. His “benediction” is “remember the service begins now!”

The weather has been cooler today and now we are getting some rain. I’m glad I had the lawn aerated yesterday and that it has been fertilized. Some of the spots that were slow to green up are now making progress.

I went on another wheelchair jaunt around my neighborhood. I logged a little over 1.5 miles in just under 45 minutes. I ran into some challenging uphill grades but not like last week. I have been working on some of the new exercises from my outpatient therapy work. You can pray that there will be effective in addressing some of my deficiencies and helping with my overall strength. I am being creative in my shoulder presses. (see picture)

Tomorrow we travel to Gunnison for my niece’s college graduation. Her last final is tomorrow morning the day before graduation, working up to the last minute. I’m not sure what happened to a lighter schedule for seniors? I didn’t ask her what would happen if she failed the final. But I don’t it will be a problem, sounds like she will graduate with honors.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “O Lord, you are my lamp. The Lord turns my darkness into light.”  2 Samuel 2:29

A recent issue of TIME magazine arrested my attention when the front cover had the title, “Finding God in the Dark” The subtitle contains the words that the preacher/author says, “strength, purpose and true faith are found in the shadows.”

With my journey through a major medical setback and a long road to recovery the words, “strength, purpose and true faith” got my attention. There is certainly no “dark” time like facing a life threatening illness or diagnosis. Through these challenges one discovers the foundation of their strength, purpose and faith. For others, threse qualities emerge from the setback or illness.

As I turned to the pages of the article, I found that the author was encouraging spiritual discovery by “embracing darkness.” She suggests going out for walks at night, sitting in a dark room or closet. Not what I was expecting. I began to reflect on one of those cave tours when they turn out the lights and you experience total darkness. The darkness where you can’t see your face in front of your hand! I didn’t feel close to God in those moments and was glad that darkness was only for less than a minute. However, it is that kind of darkness that does give you an appreciation for the light.

I am thankful that, “the Lord turns darkness into light.” The Bible does talk about darkness both metaphorically and in describing the actual time of day. I’m not sure that Jesus being born at night and the description of a “dark cloud” over Sinai when Moses received the ten commandments and dreams coming to people at night is an endorsement of embracing darkness as a way to get closer to God.

Darkness is used more often to describe the condition of the human heart without God. We also see blindness being one of the most used metaphors of a physical condition with a spiritual application.

So I am thankful today, on kind of a dark day, that…

…“God is light in Him there is no darkness at all.”(1 John 1:5)

…Jesus said “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will have a life filled with light and will never live in the dark.” (John 8:12)

…“Once you lived in the dark, but now the Lord has filled you with light. Live as children who have light.”  (Eph. 5:8)

Our lives in many ways can gravitate to darkness, I think I would rather choose to live in the light and to have God reveal Himself as the one who removes the darkness from my life and helps to triumph over every obstacle of life. I believe strength, purpose and true faith are found in God revelation of Himself through His Son, the Light of the World.