Celebrations

Good Sunday to you all. Again the gospel message presented and was a refreshing and renewing as the first time. Today's message came from 1 Corinthians 15:1-11. Before worship I read an article in a previous World magazine that discussed the relationship of science and theology. Near the end, the writer contrasted the world's religions and how they were hampered in the sciences by their unique characteristics.

Not so in the West, where a "reverential curiosity" provided the impetus for science. And just as in all our human endeavors we are beholden to a powerful sovereign, the writer points out that "the beginning of human achievement was to look up in wonder. Then look up and wonder." The article concludes "When we stop looking up, achievement will end." All our days are to be spent looking up, seeking God, giving our selves to his filling presence, and in wonder of his work. Remember, God works through men and women, even non-believers, to effect his will.

Now for something a little different. On Friday, we in this household celebrated my bride's birthday. She was given breakfast prepared by Rachael, and Aaron was able to spend a portion of the morning with her, too. She is an amazing lady. If for nothing more than putting up with me. She has nearly live with me for half her life. And as each year brought new challenges for each of us, her faith and her quiet determination has been invaluable to our growth together. Cynth said she had a wonderful day and many were the well wishes over Facebook. I am thankful for her, and for the help she is to me always.

Another great day, another good week. God continues to be our strength and our provision for daily peace. We know we have two more treatment cycles scheduled, and we anticipate more to follow. We know nothing more of radiation, but we know that all this is according to God's call on us each individual and together as a family.  As we lef tthe doctor's office Thursday, Cynth asked how do we take the news that there is no growing in the current cells, and no new growth.  My first thought was, "no change."  And that almost led to discouragement.  But as she and I talked through it, we each were led to the realization that no growingh, was really very good news.  We had already prepared for no change, so to look at this as no growing required little more than listening to God encouraging us.

We are looking up, knowing that we can only make sense of this, and have confidence by acknowledging God as LORD in all things. He alone is our strength, our ever present help. And he alone can save.

May I, we, and you always look up and wonder to the glory of our great God.