Thursday May 14, 2009
An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up. Proverbs 12:25.
There are several of our daughter Alex’s In-laws who are going through a period of anxiety and grief. We have mentioned L.’s losing fight with cancer in our last blog and she passed away at 2.30 a.m. yesterday morning. So this is a time for mourning for her parents, her two daughters and a remaining sister and three brothers. It is made harder as one of L.’s daughters has recently had a lump removed from her breast, but the situation is worse than at first diagnosed and it appears that further surgery is probable.
It is difficult to find kind and encouraging words at a time like this; not that the words aren’t there, but they can sound so trite and pat when shared at the wrong time. Grief has to run its course, and in many situations just being there to share in the grief can be a comfort; the offer to pray for God’s comfort is rarely refused in times of distress. And that offer is not just to comfort the grieving ones, because we know that God hears those prayers and responds to our distress, and a sense of his presence will draw the needy one to him.
I know the deep distress felt by Alex, who is firmly part of the family. Others closely associated with them like ourselves, will be praying through this difficult time. For now the kind words are words that share in their sadness. We know that grief washes over like waves, with times of respite in between. It is at those times when grief lifts for a while, words of encouragement and hope will find their place. Please join us to pray for comfort and hope for this deeply hurting family.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Tuesday May 12, 2009
We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4
This is a peculiarly Christian text. I doubt the average man on the street would agree with it. It is only in the recognition that there is value to be found in the adversities of life, particularly that God is at work in those circumstances, that produces a perseverance of faith, strengthened character and hope for the future. From a general point of view, it is readily noticeable that a life of ease encourages a superficial attitude to life; those that have had much difficulty to deal with frequently have a greater depth of character and personal resources.
We are currently dealing with three areas of adversity. We have already mentioned our daughter’s sister-in-law L. who has been fighting cancer for some time and is still holding on to life. But now she is only given days to live. Faith in these circumstances is the difference between despair and hope. Secondly, we have a niece in England whose son is a dwarf. After much research and soul searching, and committing him to the finest surgeon in the UK, he will commence leg lengthening with a five hour surgery on Monday. He is now five years old, and the process will take him until he is eleven. He is an outgoing, plucky lad, but prayer for him would be appreciated.
Thirdly—hardly adversity now!—I have been told I am free of cancer, that all the numerous samples of tissue taken from around the removed prostate are clear. While I am feeling like my old self again, I am still dealing with some of the after effects of the surgery. But in my case the worst is over, and it would be highly difficult to get prostate cancer again! Many thanks for those of you that prayed for me and to the medical staff and others who worked with me through the surgery. And especially to God who continues to be my rock and stay though all of life.
We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4
This is a peculiarly Christian text. I doubt the average man on the street would agree with it. It is only in the recognition that there is value to be found in the adversities of life, particularly that God is at work in those circumstances, that produces a perseverance of faith, strengthened character and hope for the future. From a general point of view, it is readily noticeable that a life of ease encourages a superficial attitude to life; those that have had much difficulty to deal with frequently have a greater depth of character and personal resources.
We are currently dealing with three areas of adversity. We have already mentioned our daughter’s sister-in-law L. who has been fighting cancer for some time and is still holding on to life. But now she is only given days to live. Faith in these circumstances is the difference between despair and hope. Secondly, we have a niece in England whose son is a dwarf. After much research and soul searching, and committing him to the finest surgeon in the UK, he will commence leg lengthening with a five hour surgery on Monday. He is now five years old, and the process will take him until he is eleven. He is an outgoing, plucky lad, but prayer for him would be appreciated.
Thirdly—hardly adversity now!—I have been told I am free of cancer, that all the numerous samples of tissue taken from around the removed prostate are clear. While I am feeling like my old self again, I am still dealing with some of the after effects of the surgery. But in my case the worst is over, and it would be highly difficult to get prostate cancer again! Many thanks for those of you that prayed for me and to the medical staff and others who worked with me through the surgery. And especially to God who continues to be my rock and stay though all of life.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Sunday May 10, 2009
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12.
In our day of tolerance these are fighting words. It goes against the politically correct notion that all religions are equal and none is exclusive, leading to accusations of intolerance and bigotry for those who think different. Today’s text and Jesus words in John 14:6 "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me,” give us little choice in the matter. Jesus’ claim to be the only way to God and Christian desire to share the freedom found in him is the driving force behind Christian evangelisation.
Of all the religions in the world, only Christianity and Islam aggressively seek to expand their message of exclusiveness. Thus the stage is set for confrontation between these faiths, and the current visit of the Pope to the Holy Land and his apparently contradictory statements about Islam highlight this dilemma. Space does not allow for listing all the differences between Christianity and Islam, but one thing stands out: the mass migration of Muslims away from Islamic countries to the west.
From the many Muslim families Ann and I have known, it is clear that the majority seek a place of freedom and safety for their families, away from the oppressive rule of most Islamic states. Given the chance, they are good hardworking citizens glad of the opportunity of living in the west. Contrary to the fears frequently expressed of the inevitable Islamization of the western nations, and apart from the small radical elements in their midst, I believe that most western Muslims don’t want their adopted country turned into the coercive one they left. They want what most Christians want: freedom to practise their faith in peace.
So how do we square our desire to evangelize with the freedom of others to practise their faith? Is conflict between Christianity and Islam at a personal level inevitable? In considering this question, I am brought back to the story of the rich ruler who chose his wealth rather than following Christ (Luke 18:18-23). Jesus was saddened by this man’s choice but allowed him that freedom. While we may have the opportunity to share our faith with those of other beliefs, if we love them and wish to retain their friendship, we will allow them their freedom of choice also.
The current cultural idea of tolerance is one that imposes the idea of the equality of all religions. True tolerance allows for acceptance of another but without compromise of personal belief.
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12.
In our day of tolerance these are fighting words. It goes against the politically correct notion that all religions are equal and none is exclusive, leading to accusations of intolerance and bigotry for those who think different. Today’s text and Jesus words in John 14:6 "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me,” give us little choice in the matter. Jesus’ claim to be the only way to God and Christian desire to share the freedom found in him is the driving force behind Christian evangelisation.
Of all the religions in the world, only Christianity and Islam aggressively seek to expand their message of exclusiveness. Thus the stage is set for confrontation between these faiths, and the current visit of the Pope to the Holy Land and his apparently contradictory statements about Islam highlight this dilemma. Space does not allow for listing all the differences between Christianity and Islam, but one thing stands out: the mass migration of Muslims away from Islamic countries to the west.
From the many Muslim families Ann and I have known, it is clear that the majority seek a place of freedom and safety for their families, away from the oppressive rule of most Islamic states. Given the chance, they are good hardworking citizens glad of the opportunity of living in the west. Contrary to the fears frequently expressed of the inevitable Islamization of the western nations, and apart from the small radical elements in their midst, I believe that most western Muslims don’t want their adopted country turned into the coercive one they left. They want what most Christians want: freedom to practise their faith in peace.
So how do we square our desire to evangelize with the freedom of others to practise their faith? Is conflict between Christianity and Islam at a personal level inevitable? In considering this question, I am brought back to the story of the rich ruler who chose his wealth rather than following Christ (Luke 18:18-23). Jesus was saddened by this man’s choice but allowed him that freedom. While we may have the opportunity to share our faith with those of other beliefs, if we love them and wish to retain their friendship, we will allow them their freedom of choice also.
The current cultural idea of tolerance is one that imposes the idea of the equality of all religions. True tolerance allows for acceptance of another but without compromise of personal belief.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Thursday May 7, 2009
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16.
Thursday already! I was sure it was only two days ago I last wrote to you! Forget the clichés about time flying; it just slips by unnoticed while we attend to the daily round. In fact, life itself can escape our grasp after “never getting around to it”—whatever “it” is—and leave nothing of value. And there’s nothing like passion for something to fill life with meaning and fervour. And there’s nothing like faith in Christ to arouse lifelong passion for the most startling act of sacrifice by our Creator himself.
You may have noticed a link to “Antinozzi Adventures” on our blogsite. Alexandra is our daughter who updates her family antics in funky and engaging prose, with pics and adornments that make her website a ‘darnsite’ prettier than mine! Today it relates the short time left for her husband Gino’s sister L. after a long fight with cancer. Please read it and pray for Gino’s family at this sad but precious short time.
It was because God took on a body like ours, walked the perilous road we all walk, and died an agonizing death, that he can relate to our suffering. That is why we can “approach the throne of grace with confidence” and be sure of finding his “grace to help us in our time of need.” We need never be alone in this life and certainly never need to die alone. Most of us have been where Gino’s family is now, and we will all someday follow L. into eternity. Their suffering is ours as well, but there is grace and comfort for grief in this life, and grace and assurance for the next. Why place ourselves anywhere else but in his hands?
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16.
Thursday already! I was sure it was only two days ago I last wrote to you! Forget the clichés about time flying; it just slips by unnoticed while we attend to the daily round. In fact, life itself can escape our grasp after “never getting around to it”—whatever “it” is—and leave nothing of value. And there’s nothing like passion for something to fill life with meaning and fervour. And there’s nothing like faith in Christ to arouse lifelong passion for the most startling act of sacrifice by our Creator himself.
You may have noticed a link to “Antinozzi Adventures” on our blogsite. Alexandra is our daughter who updates her family antics in funky and engaging prose, with pics and adornments that make her website a ‘darnsite’ prettier than mine! Today it relates the short time left for her husband Gino’s sister L. after a long fight with cancer. Please read it and pray for Gino’s family at this sad but precious short time.
It was because God took on a body like ours, walked the perilous road we all walk, and died an agonizing death, that he can relate to our suffering. That is why we can “approach the throne of grace with confidence” and be sure of finding his “grace to help us in our time of need.” We need never be alone in this life and certainly never need to die alone. Most of us have been where Gino’s family is now, and we will all someday follow L. into eternity. Their suffering is ours as well, but there is grace and comfort for grief in this life, and grace and assurance for the next. Why place ourselves anywhere else but in his hands?
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Sunday May 3, 2009
But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. Ephesians 4:7.
The context of this passage is the gifting from Christ for various ministries in the Body of Christ. Charisma is the Greek word for gift, but the charis part means grace, for a gift is a gracious act of the giver. So as all of us committed to Christ are in ministry one way or another, he has given each of us specific gifts. In our latter years, Ann and I have discovered our joy of writing and rejoice in this gift that we are now able to exercise. We should have the first printing run of our book, Happy Together: Daily Insights for Families from Scripture, available in two weeks time, and are planning an initial launch of the book locally over the weekend of May 23rd. But more of that in a later blog.
You may recall that last weekend was a difficult time for me, not feeling so well and it seemed to be a definite setback on the road to recovery. Well, this weekend has been the reverse. It is the first time I have felt like my old self since the surgery. Not that I am out of the woods yet, and I recognize a few more weeks until I regain full strength, but It feels significant and is a great encouragement. But there are more instances of God’s grace and gifts. Those that have prayed for me; it is a gift of God’s grace—to the one who prays, and for me the recipient of those prayers. The ability of the body to heal itself is a gift of God’s grace, for he is the ultimate healer.
And especially the support and encouragement of Ann; her gifts are the grace of God for both her and me, as she herself continues to be a gift of God’s grace towards me for nearly sixty years—including our courting time! 2010 will be our fifty fifth year of marriage and will mark sixty years we have know each other—and also known the grace of God to us both.
But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. Ephesians 4:7.
The context of this passage is the gifting from Christ for various ministries in the Body of Christ. Charisma is the Greek word for gift, but the charis part means grace, for a gift is a gracious act of the giver. So as all of us committed to Christ are in ministry one way or another, he has given each of us specific gifts. In our latter years, Ann and I have discovered our joy of writing and rejoice in this gift that we are now able to exercise. We should have the first printing run of our book, Happy Together: Daily Insights for Families from Scripture, available in two weeks time, and are planning an initial launch of the book locally over the weekend of May 23rd. But more of that in a later blog.
You may recall that last weekend was a difficult time for me, not feeling so well and it seemed to be a definite setback on the road to recovery. Well, this weekend has been the reverse. It is the first time I have felt like my old self since the surgery. Not that I am out of the woods yet, and I recognize a few more weeks until I regain full strength, but It feels significant and is a great encouragement. But there are more instances of God’s grace and gifts. Those that have prayed for me; it is a gift of God’s grace—to the one who prays, and for me the recipient of those prayers. The ability of the body to heal itself is a gift of God’s grace, for he is the ultimate healer.
And especially the support and encouragement of Ann; her gifts are the grace of God for both her and me, as she herself continues to be a gift of God’s grace towards me for nearly sixty years—including our courting time! 2010 will be our fifty fifth year of marriage and will mark sixty years we have know each other—and also known the grace of God to us both.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Friday May 1, 2009
The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty. Proverbs 21:5.
I think the idea here is that a job properly done will be of far greater benefit than a quick shoddy job. A product that is reliable and lasts will net the producer better returns than a poor quality one that fails. I think back to Japan. In the 1950s, Japan was the place for inexpensive copies of western made goods and soon gained a reputation for sloppy workmanship. But Japan learnt the lesson, and when Japan manufactured cars for western markets, they were more reliable and had fewer defects than new American cars. Many of us drive Japanese cars today. China may be going through the same process today.
If there is one profession where diligent attention to detail is necessary it is in the medical field. Here it is not just a matter of inconvenience; it touches on life and death. I’m so glad I had a surgeon of that calibre; there are too many horror stories of those surgeons who did not, or could not, perform adequately. And the same is true of life generally. A successful and satisfying life is one where at least one task is completed well, rather than a dozen or more incomplete or poorly finished.
One task that stands out is the fostering of relationships, because they affect our ability to cope in other areas and poor relationships affect the lives of others, particularly our children and coming generations. That is not to say that balancing legitimate competing demands is not a challenge, but selecting priorities is vital. For me those relationships are built on my ongoing relationship with God which teaches me so much about getting along with others. And in this case the proverbial “profit” or “poverty” is beyond what can be gained or lost with money.
The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty. Proverbs 21:5.
I think the idea here is that a job properly done will be of far greater benefit than a quick shoddy job. A product that is reliable and lasts will net the producer better returns than a poor quality one that fails. I think back to Japan. In the 1950s, Japan was the place for inexpensive copies of western made goods and soon gained a reputation for sloppy workmanship. But Japan learnt the lesson, and when Japan manufactured cars for western markets, they were more reliable and had fewer defects than new American cars. Many of us drive Japanese cars today. China may be going through the same process today.
If there is one profession where diligent attention to detail is necessary it is in the medical field. Here it is not just a matter of inconvenience; it touches on life and death. I’m so glad I had a surgeon of that calibre; there are too many horror stories of those surgeons who did not, or could not, perform adequately. And the same is true of life generally. A successful and satisfying life is one where at least one task is completed well, rather than a dozen or more incomplete or poorly finished.
One task that stands out is the fostering of relationships, because they affect our ability to cope in other areas and poor relationships affect the lives of others, particularly our children and coming generations. That is not to say that balancing legitimate competing demands is not a challenge, but selecting priorities is vital. For me those relationships are built on my ongoing relationship with God which teaches me so much about getting along with others. And in this case the proverbial “profit” or “poverty” is beyond what can be gained or lost with money.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Tuesday April 28, 2009
Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6.
Sunday was not a good day. We went to church in the morning, but I felt weak and some pain in the surgical area. Even today, I still feel less well than a week ago! We can only assume that we were getting back into routine too quickly and my body complained as a result. Healing comes both through exercise and rest; exercise to stretch the body and rest to allow it to recover. Getting this balance right between exercise and rest is the key to timely healing.
Life is all about balance. Balancing work and family; between commitments to others and boundaries for oneself; between work and play; between our spiritual and physical needs. And probably most important for those of us who are married, balance between our partner and our children. Some parents dote on their children to the neglect their partners; others see children as an obstacle to their relationships. Obviously, both extremes are wrong, but either can become the default position when difficulties occur within the family.
However, our position has always been that the marriage relationship is the first importance, for without that the children’s security is threatened. I often note airline requirements that in an emergency an adult should don an oxygen mask first before ensuring a child’s mask is in place. Should the adult attend to the child first, she may be insufficiently alert enough to look after the child properly and even less for herself. The same applies to establishing a firm marital relationship; it is the crucible to ensure the child’s well-being.
Of course, a totally well-ordered life can seem monotonous, so perhaps sometimes we also need a balance between balance and a fling—there should be opportunity for madness once in a while! We are humans, not machines!
Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6.
Sunday was not a good day. We went to church in the morning, but I felt weak and some pain in the surgical area. Even today, I still feel less well than a week ago! We can only assume that we were getting back into routine too quickly and my body complained as a result. Healing comes both through exercise and rest; exercise to stretch the body and rest to allow it to recover. Getting this balance right between exercise and rest is the key to timely healing.
Life is all about balance. Balancing work and family; between commitments to others and boundaries for oneself; between work and play; between our spiritual and physical needs. And probably most important for those of us who are married, balance between our partner and our children. Some parents dote on their children to the neglect their partners; others see children as an obstacle to their relationships. Obviously, both extremes are wrong, but either can become the default position when difficulties occur within the family.
However, our position has always been that the marriage relationship is the first importance, for without that the children’s security is threatened. I often note airline requirements that in an emergency an adult should don an oxygen mask first before ensuring a child’s mask is in place. Should the adult attend to the child first, she may be insufficiently alert enough to look after the child properly and even less for herself. The same applies to establishing a firm marital relationship; it is the crucible to ensure the child’s well-being.
Of course, a totally well-ordered life can seem monotonous, so perhaps sometimes we also need a balance between balance and a fling—there should be opportunity for madness once in a while! We are humans, not machines!
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