prayers answered

I've a small booklet given to me by Bill Nash that reads Prayers Asked on one side and Prayers Answered on the other. I started keeping up with it, but trailed off years ago ... I think because I realized that all prayers are answered ... in time. About eighteen months ago I remember praying over Vicki Spargo, anointing her with oil, and asking for her healing from cancer. Yesterday, she was taken from the cancer. What an irony that as she was leaving this world, a group of friends surrounded me and prayed that no blockage would be found in my heart, that GOD would heal my heart and the doctors would find nothing wrong. But I had seen the photographs from the nuclear stress test that showed an area that was oxygen deprived and I'd had the conversation with the cardiologist who sensed the urgency to do the catheterization to remedy the problem. So when he told me and the family that there was no blockage ... that occasionally the tests show a 'false reading' ... I knew in my mind what had occurred. I trust that I have been touched by the healing hand of the great physician. Last night at 1:22 am I woke up to answer the call of nature. But as I returned to bed the full moon was illuminating the prayer bench I made for Karen two years ago - as clearly as if it was under the spotlight of a broadway stage. I accepted that invitation and gave thanks again before I returned to my bed. GOD is good and no, I don't understand ... but I accept. Praise GOD!

Several hundred years ago, someone took the time to clear these fields, stack the rock plowed from the fields, terrace the land, then plant and build trellis for the vinyards. This photo was taken last summer outside Rome at a villa that used to be the home of the Spanish Embassy in Italy.

I told myself when I began that I would not feel guilty if I did not make regular entry to this site. I do not feel guilty, but somewhat melancholy ... I've missed being here. Somehow in writing my thoughts out where at least I can see them helps me to get in touch with the reality of where I am - who I am. I tried to think back over the days since last I wrote here ... they have been busy ... too busy. Consumed with good things, but neverthelesss, consumed. Between living my daily walk, spending time with family, ministering to people in need, meetings at church, meetings at school, teaching and planning for school, yada yada yada... I've not taken or made enough time to walk away to a quiet place to pray. Jesus was consumed by the crowds, by meeting the needs of his disciples, settling the quarrels among his apostles, teaching, healing, spending his days dedicated to telling his story and reminding the people of the urgency that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. No, I do not compare myself to the Christ ... I am not worthy to tie his sandals ... but I am trying to follow him. Even he admitted that his life was not his own, but belonged to the one who sent him.

So, I return to the written page - at least today ... perhaps tomorrow. What I have to say is important - at least to me - because I write it down, it becomes permanent...a benchmark to return to later and think to myself, "Have I grown from there?" It is amazing how a visit to the cardiologist clarifies one's purpose ... pushes everything else to the side of the table and challenges you to choose what is most meaningful. So today, I think I'll build a trellis for the green beans ... that seems important doesn't it?

Every day I write a quote on my chalkboard. I'll leave with yesterday's quote:

"Life is not about trying to avoid the storms, but learning to dance in the rain!"