I am reminded that God is the center of all that I do. When I forget that, I get off course and end up tossed and turned by the churning seas of trouble. Looking to Him, who is my creator, and He who leads me in the direction I take and how I respond to the good things in my life and the difficulties, as well.
Look back over your life and consider the big picture -- hasn't God been there all the while, opening doors, bringing comfort, guiding and directing you and bolstering your courage when you can't see how to go on? I can't help but rejoice at the end of this year for the many ways God touches our lives and His graciousness toward me and my loved ones-- family and friends!
I thank God above for our sons, our daughters in law, our granddaughters, our parents-- all of which are living-- and our brothers and sisters in our nuclear families. So many blessings in our church, our health care, our doctors, our Pastors, our many friends and all of the neighbors and community we are blessed to come in contact with! God has brought us a new Movement Disorder Specialist, a wonderful Primary Care Doctor and a very dedicated new Neurologist at our clinic. Our Neurosurgeon did such a great job on my surgery to implant my new DBS device in my chest. The healing has been so smooth!
I think over my life and the decision I made to respond to His call and the guidance I received in my early years in Lakewood, CA as a high schooler-Christian from my Pastor, who led our youth group (and me) in the ways of Jesus. He also taught me so many practical things about life-- camping, fishing, tennis, social justice and walking with God in Christ.
Yesterday, we received a call from this very high school Pastor (who was the Associate Minister of our church) whom I haven't seen in 40 years! He and his wife, who is also my friend, are coming to visit us for coffee next week. We are so looking forward to seeing them. We will have the chance to thank them for the influence their lives had on my life, and indirectly, on those of my children.
God has been good. He has been faithful. Not everything goes as expected, but He is with us, holding us through it all.
In II Corinthians 7:10, Paul writes:
"Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret..."
I know that we suffer but not in proportion to how Christ has suffered on our behalf. Through it all, we can say, "To God Be the Glory, for the things He has done! All that I am and ever hope to be: I owe it all to thee." -- Andre Crouch
Below is a video of this very song that I recorded in approximately 2010, when my hands and voice weren't as affected by Parkinsonism-Plus.
Below is a video of this very song that I recorded in approximately 2010, when my hands and voice weren't as affected by Parkinsonism-Plus.
Happy New Year, my friends! Thanks for your much support and prayers. -- Dan
4 comments:
Dear Dan and Karrie, it is SO great to hear from you and to know that you are still walking in faith in the peace that God provides. Patti and I trust that you'll continue to experience His guidance and draw upon His strength this new year in 2017. Your brother and friend, Dale
Rev Dale and Patti! Thanks for your comment and for all the years of friendship over the miles. We hope things are going well, and continue to pray for you and your beautiful family. Hope to see you in 2017. Dan
Dear Dan, What a wonderful message to us. Yes, I now understand what it is to go through those health trials with trepedation, but also victory in Jesus. Thank you for being the model with the Rock in the hard times. Say hi to Jay for us.. We haven't been able to travel but we are trusting in God to bring us to SD in mid Jan. I hope that I can get up to visit you. Love, Gary
Hi Gary, I am so glad that you are sensing God strengthening you as you realize how chronic illness can be a real struggle. I am so sorry you have to experience those medical challenges, my friend. I hope that you and Susan are well enough to travel soon and that you are subsequently able to visit us, too! :) Love and appreciation, Dan
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