Thursday, December 30, 2010

Sweet Success

I'm done. I've finished my physical therapy with success. I have taken physical therapy off and on most of my life, but I think I got more out of it this time. I achieved my goal. I wanted to be able to walk at least in the house, and I can do that now.

I can't walk long distances, but this will help a lot if I can just walk a little each day to keep my legs and muscles strong.

The therapists at the hospital were really good. They let me help set the goals and then they pushed me to reach the goals. It was hard work, and I think we were all happily surprised with the results. When I started four months ago, we weren't even sure if I would be able to walk because of how my ankle turned in. The leg braces have helped correct that.

I consider this a real miracle! After all, I hadn't walked in more than a year. I've had a lot of people praying for me, and I know that made a difference. Prayer works!

I don't know where I'll go from here, but I believe anything is possible. The more I walk, the stronger I'll become and the farther I'll be able to go.

Life is that way, too. The longer we walk with God, the stronger we become and the farther we'll go in life. When trials come, we'll be able to face them because we're walking in the strength of the Lord. God is an ever-present help, and He won't let us face anything we can't handle.

And God gives us the desires of our heart. If we remain true to Him, there's no limits to where we can go and what we can achieve. I've come a long way -- physically and spiritually -- in this year of 2010. Now, I'm looking forward to the new year and wondering where I'll be a year from now. I believe it's going to be great and can't wait to see what God does in 2011.

Monday, December 27, 2010

Christmas Blessings

Another Christmas has come and gone. I had a great time with my family. When I was working, I usually had only one day off, so it was good to get to spend more time with my family this year.

We went to my sister's on Christmas Eve. She lives on a farm north of town, and they have a lot of animals at their place. They even have a miniature donkey, named Jefferson Davis, that follows my sister around! My sister tried to give me one of her cats to bring home, but I didn't take it. Maybe some day I'll take one but not right now.

I got a wild ride getting into their house in the country. It has several steps leading up to the porch, and they decided to "bump" me up the steps in a wheelchair. I guess I am a little heavier -- or a lot heavier, actually -- than they thought. It was a fun ride for me but took quite an effort on their part.

We had a big meal and opened our presents. The only thing missing was my niece, who spent Christmas on the beach in Florida! She was married in July, and this was their first Christmas away. We missed you, Michelle and Nick!

The feeding frenzy continued on Christmas Day at my aunt and uncle's house. We always gather over there for a really big meal. I look forward to the food all week, especially my aunt's dressing. It's the best! And I get to see cousins that I don't see very often, although one cousin wasn't there this year.

I had an easier time getting into their house. My uncle has built a specially-made ramp, so I can ride my scooter right into the house. It worked great, and I appreciated the effort he made to build it.

It was a good Christmas. Really good. The presents are nice and the food is always great. But, to me, the best blessing of Christmas is being with family. It's great when we can all get together to celebrate this special time of year and the birth of the savior!

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Truth and Consequences

Well, I did it again. I stirred up a hornet's nest when I posted a comment on my Facebook page about my disdain over the repeal of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy, which will allow gays to serve openly in the military.

Some of my Facebook friends agreed with my opinion. Others certainly did not agree, and they let me know. Here's what I posted:

"Homosexuals will be allowed to serve openly in the military after Obama signs the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell. Obama says this is the ideals the military defends. Lieberman says it's the best day in his career. God says all nations who forget God will be turned into hell. What a sad day when the president and Congress vote for God's wrath!!"

I didn't post it to be mean. That's my opinion based on my understanding of the Scriptures. I believe homosexuality is a sin and that it really is sad that our country, a Christian nation, is trying to normalize this sin.

One dissenter to my opinion posted that God knew us before we were born, and He made us as we are. True, God did know us while we were still in the womb. (That's why abortion is murder, but that's a discussion for another day.) God knew us before we were born, and He knew we would need a savior because we are all born as sinners. That's why we have to be born again. We have to die to our sin nature and take on new life.

God had every day of our lives planned before one of them took place. But we have to choose to follow His plan for our lives. He gives us free will, and we can choose to go our own way, outside the will of God. It's our choice.

We all fight this fight against sin. I battle with my sin nature every day, Every day, I have to choose to count myself dead to sin and alive to new life in Jesus. I have to tell you that I fail more times than I care to admit. I have to ask for forgiveness, pick myself up and go on. It's not easy. It never will be. Even as Christians, we have to reckon with the enslaving power of our sinful nature as long as we live -- until "the redemption of our bodies."

I don't think it was a coincidence that my Bible study this week was in Romans chapters 6-8, where Paul writes about struggling with sin and becoming slaves to righteousness. I needed to hear that this week as I struggle with issues in my own life.

This part really spoke to me in Romans 7:21-24. Paul wrote: "When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?"

We don't have to fight alone, though. In fact, we can't win this battle in our own power. We can never be good enough to earn our salvation. But as Paul wrote in the next verse: Because of what Jesus did when He came to earth to redeem us, we can overcome the power of sin in our lives.

Romans Chapter 8 then says if we are led by the Spirit instead of the sinful nature, we can live a holy life free from sin. If you are struggling with a sin issue, read Romans 6-8. It can help you. It helps me. That's why I keep going back to it.

I wasn't trying to condemn anyone with my Facebook comment. I look at what Romans Chapter 1 says about same-sex relations. It calls them sin. So I wonder how anyone could ignore this plain declaration from God's Word. We all fall short, but we should be striving to live up to God's holy standard. Our goal is heaven. Don't let the consequences of sin keep you from reaching it. Follow the truth. Be there!

Monday, December 20, 2010

Naughty and Nice

He's making a list. Checking it twice... As I look back on this year, I've come up with my own list of Naughty and Nice. Here's a light-hearted look at my top three Naughty and Nice people or groups of 2010:

Number 3: The ladies of "The View." This gaggle of gossips has bad-mouthed conservatives like Sarah Palin and her daughter Bristol, Glenn Beck and others. Most recently, these loudmouths attacked soon-to-be House Speaker John Boehner for being "too emotional." Boehner got emotional during a speech on election night and during an interview on "60 Minutes." The 'View' ladies said it made him look weak. Not nice, ladies! I think it made Boehner look more real.

Number 2: The TSA airport screeners. By grabbing and groping airline passengers, the TSA screeners violated privacy rights. Not all screeners are bad, but some took the pat-downs way too far, earning them a spot on the Naughty list. The screeners could have at least bought passengers a drink before groping them!

And Number 1: Naughty Nancy. Who else could top this year's Naughty list but Nancy Pelosi! Even after her party suffered massive losses on Election Day, Nancy refuses to face reality. She continues to push her Socialist agenda and spend, spend, spend taxpayers' money. The election is over, Nancy. The people have spoken, and your party lost!

Now, for the Nice list. Number 3: The Tea Party. This group of patriots stood up for what's right and made a difference in November's elections. They led the way for Republicans to take back control of the House. The Tea Party has proved that it is a force to be reckoned with and will be a major player in the 2012 election.

Number 2: Glenn Beck. Even though he is controversial at times, Glenn Beck has earned my respect by promoting Christian values on his radio and TV shows. He often bases his shows on the themes of faith, hope and charity. And he encourages viewers to pray for the country. How often do you hear that on cable TV? Glenn is a true patriot and a great American.

And Number 1 on the Nice list: ME!! Who else? I have been good all year, and I'm sure I'll get a visit from Santa on Christmas Day. It's not easy being good all year, but I think I've done pretty well. No comments, please. (That means you, Karen.)

I hope you are on the Nice list, too. If not, well, there's always next year.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Finish Strong

Remember all those New Year's resolutions we made at the beginning of the year -- the ones we broke by about the third week of January? The end of the year is a good time to look back and see where we've been and where we're going.

It doesn't matter that we may have gotten off track during the year. It only matters that we finish strong. That's true not only about the year. It's true about all of life. No matter how many times we mess up, if we turn back to God, He WILL give us a fresh start. And He will help us persevere so we can finish strong.

Finishing strong is a theme throughout the Bible. It's a lesson we must learn if we are to "run the race with endurance." The Bible compares the Christian life to that of a runner. A runner has to pace himself in a long-distance race, and a Christian must pace himself when trouble comes so he'll be able to finish the race strong.

The apostle Paul is an example of someone who finished strong. At the end of his life when he was in prison for preaching the Gospel, Paul wrote to Timothy, encouraging him to "keep his head in all situations, endure hardship and do the work of the ministry."

Paul never gave up. He persevered. He pressed on despite the hardships he faced throughout his Christian life. By his determination, Paul not only overcame the obstacles but he thrived in the middle of his problems.

I want to be like Paul. The key is not giving up but to persevere. We will face problems in this life, and we may get off track. But the great thing about God is that He is willing to take us back and give us a new start.

Wherever you are in life, God will take you as you are. He will begin to change you from the inside out. So start wherever you are and run to God. Then, just keep running your race. Don't look back and don't quit. If you fall, get back up and keep running. Then, you will be able to finish strong and receive the prize of eternity in heaven.

As this year ends and a new one is about to begin, get ready to run your race like never before. You will win if you run and do not give up. Ready . . . Set . . . GO!!

Monday, December 13, 2010

Sights and Sounds

I love the sights and sounds of the Christmas season. Christmas music is everywhere. It's on the radio. It's heard at church. It's played in the stores. And it seems to put everyone in a festive mood (unless you're stuck in a long line at the checkout).

I like the traditional Christmas carols that I've heard all my life -- songs like "Away in a Manger" and "Silent Night." These songs remind me of the true meaning of Christmas, and it's good to hear them every year at Christmas. I also like all the fun songs associated with Christmas, like "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer." And, of course, it's never Christmas until I hear "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" on the radio!

The church that I attended in Amarillo had a Christmas worship service on Sunday, and I went over for the special service. It was a neat experience. The praise team led worship while pictures flashed on screens in the background. It was a powerful time of worship. I enjoyed seeing friends there that I haven't seen in a while.

I also like the lights at Christmastime. I haven't been out yet this year, but I want to drive around and look at Christmas lights. Some people really go all out with the lights. In Amarillo, I loved to drive through the historic Wolflin area of town, where all the big, older homes are. It's really something to see.

I'll have to go exploring and see some of the lights here in Pampa this year. Pampa used to have a big light display at Recreation Park, but it's not there anymore.

It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday, but the music and bright lights can make this time of year more special. So take some time this year to enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas. That's what I plan to do! Merry Christmas!

Thursday, December 9, 2010

100

Television shows usually celebrate their 100th episode. It's a milestone when they last that long because many shows don't last. I am marking a milestone today. This is my 100th post on this blog. I actually have written a few more than that, but I deleted a couple of them.

I started this blog nearly a year ago as a way to share my thoughts and opinions. If you've been reading the blog, you know I have LOTS of opinions -- especially about politics!

People say you shouldn't talk about politics or religion, but that's mostly what this blog is about. I love to follow politics, and I'm not shy about saying which side I'm on. I've grown up in a conservative part of the country, so I like to champion conservative causes. One reader told me the blog lets him see a side of me that he's never seen before.

I also write a lot about religion. I like to share my faith with others. I believe we are all called to spread the gospel as part of the Great Commission. This blog is my attempt to share the gospel with someone who may not know Jesus as lord and savior. I don't know who all may read these words, but it's my hope that the blog will encourage and even point others to Christ.

Sometimes, I write about personal experiences I have along life's journey. Lately, I've been writing about my progress in getting back on my feet and being able to walk again. I'm in my last month of this round of physical therapy, and I'm walking farther and farther each week with a walker.

I've had lots of comments about the blog, most of them good. I appreciate everyone who reads it and all the kind words. And I hope you'll keep reading as we go through life's journey together. God bless you all!

Monday, December 6, 2010

The Christmas Spirit

Everyone seems to be getting in the Christmas spirit. But the politically correct crowd would prefer to call it "Holiday" spirit. They would like to take Christ out of Christmas completely. Isn't that ridiculous! Don't they know that without Jesus, there would be no Christmas?

I went to the lighting of the Christmas tree at the courthouse Saturday night. I'm glad that our little town of Pampa hasn't caved in to this political correctness the way many cities have. I'm glad that our town still has a Christmas tree (as puny as the tree may be -- it really isn't very big).

Christmas isn't even about the tree. It's about the birth of Jesus. But, more and more, cities are doing away with Christmas displays for fear of offending someone. Cities are calling it a "Winter" tree or a "Holiday" tree. How stupid!

I understand that some people don't celebrate Christmas. If that's their choice, I respect that. We shouldn't force Christmas on anyone. Nor should anyone try to take Christmas away from us either.

For believers, Christmas is a foundation of our faith. Jesus was born to save us from our sins and give us eternal life. That's definitely something to celebrate! We can't let anyone take that away from us. Even if we have to fight for it, it's worth fighting for.

It's sad that manger scenes and the baby Jesus have disappeared from public Christmas displays. It's sad that children can no longer sing Christmas carols at school. It's sad that there are lawsuits over Christmas trees. But that's what our world has come to.

We can still have the Christmas spirit in our hearts, though. No one can take that from us. So, I say to all of the politically correct wackoes: MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Thursday, December 2, 2010

A Day in the Life

Here it is December. Only one month left in the year! People always say that the years go by so fast, and that seems to be true to me, too. This year has gone by especially fast for me.

When I had to stop working, I thought I'd be lost, wondering what to do all day. But I haven't been bored at all. I've found a routine. I have to have a routine. Even when I was working, I followed the same routine. I work much better when things are the same day to day.

I'm a little more flexible now. I'll change my plans if something else comes up. Still, I like my routine. Here's a look at a typical day in my life's journey:

I still get up pretty early, around 7 or 7:30. That's when I like to have my quiet time, where I can pray and read the Bible before I really get the day started. I also have a radio devotional program that I listen to in the mornings. These things all help prepare me for the day.

I have a home-care aide who comes three mornings a week. She gets here at 8:30 or 9. I have my breakfast then while I watch 'Regis and Kelly.' I don't watch much daytime television, but I enjoy that show.

Around 10 or so, I get on the computer. I read e-mails and look at Facebook. That's also when I do my writing, either this blog or work on the monthly newsletter that I coordinate for my church. I'm glad that I have the time to write now. I didn't do much writing when I was working because I was too busy or too tired. So I'm enjoying doing what I've always wanted to do: write.

I have lunch about 1. The aide makes foods that I can just warm up and eat. After lunch, I like to get out of the house for a while. I may go to the store or do errands. Sometimes, I just ride my scooter around in the neighborhood. It helps to get out.

After that, since I've been sitting on my scooter most of the day, I like to stretch out on the bed so I can put my legs up. Sometimes, I have a short nap but mostly I listen to talk radio. I have to have my daily fix of talk radio, you know! I usually get back on the computer again in the afternoons, especially if I have something to work on.

I try to catch the local news at 6. Then, I warm up supper and eat while I watch TV. By this time, I'm usually pretty tired, so I settle in for my nightly double-header on Fox News: 'O'Reilly Factor' and 'Hannity.' This keeps me entertained, and informed, most of the evening. Then, I turn in after the late local news.

So, that's my day. It doesn't sound too exciting, I know, but if I can manage to stay active, spend some time with my family and friends and enjoy the blessings of God, I think it's a pretty good life!