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What I was Especially Thankful for ... Incredible Volunteers

This past weekend as we celebrated Thanksgiving like all of us had much to be thankful for.  Yet one unique situation stands out.  Let me explain.  The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is usually a very productive day because we want to everything taken care of given that it is a short work week and that we want to enjoy our time with family and friends not preoccupied with work details.  I had anything but that type of Wednesday.

There was a last-minute pastoral situation that I had to take care of as I was about to leave for the day (a possible future post) and looming on me was the fact that a critical print piece that would play a central role in our service that Sunday was not printed and prepared yet.  For months we had this vision of providing our church members with a tool to help them invite friends to services this Christmas.  When we received the invites on Tuesay that would need to be put into holders there was a significant spelling error on the card.  The mistake was not on our end.  The team wrestled whether we could just give the cards but we unanimously agreed that was not option being that this would be for many of our seeking friends the first impression of our church in which we spelled Wednesday incorrectly.

So we scrambled trying to find a printer to get it re-done no small task given the holiday and then there was the nature of getting the cards put in the holders -- we had a team ready to go on Tuesday, but now the cards would not be done until Friday -- thankfully.  So here is why I am so grateful and why I serve with arguably the best volunteer teams!  We put the word out to some of our existing teams to meet extra early at 7:30am to put the invitation pieces together.  I had estimated a 2 and 1/2 hour window of time to get it done with different people rotating in.  Instead people got there before 7:30 and a big team showed up and it was done in less than 45 minutes.  The load was lightened also by two incredible people -- our LIT leader Alex Layson and cafe Leader who took on the task to jump start the process by taking some of the work home on Friday and Saturday.

What was particularly meaningful was how those involved and those who showed up to see the task completed really saw this as a significant win. 

Rod Bell to speak at New Format Tonight

Rod Bell, not Rob Bell the famous author & speaker will be speaking at New Format -- the college gathering of Journey Community Church tonight at 7pm.  This is by no means a comparison or commentary of my speaking or oratory skills instead it is the college programming teams way of  making fun of my enjoyment of the Twilight series.

So the "Bell" part of the name is really shortened  form of "Bella" and my first name is Rod so hence Rod Bell.  Now it does help that there is famous speaker that has only one letter difference.

I was tipped off to this by one of the college students who attends the gathering who showed me this (below) in their programming team planning room.

 

Weekend Update from Thanksgiving to Christmas

This Sunday at Journey Community Church coming off of our Thanksgiving holiday we will be taking time in our service to receive communion to remember the One whom are all thanksgiving is due.  

Then like the rest of the world  we will be turning our attention toward Christmas.  When you drive up onto the Journey property you will notice that we have our Christmas service banners up displaying our service times.  In addition a good portion of the service will given toward envisioning all of us for the season ahead.  We will also be giving out what we believe is an effective invitation tool to invite people to a Christmas service.  In addition there is still great opportunities to sign up for a "FIRST SERVE."

Just a reminder that we are not meeting on Friday, in view of the Thanksgiving holiday, and are meeting on Sunday only at our regular times of 9:00 & 10:45am.  We will be resuming our Friday service on Dec. 4 as we kick off a new series called "Hello, God."

See you this Sunday and Have a Happy Thanksgiving.

As You Approach Christmas ... "First Serve!"

 I was first  introduced to the concept of First Serve through a teaching series put together by the Willow Creek Association (WCA) called “Living Beyond Yourself.”

What First Serve is, and we modified it a bit for best application in our setting, is giving those currently uninvolved in a volunteer role have an opportunity to get involved in a short-term one-time experience.

It serve a few purposes.  One being it shores up teams with extra help needed during a high impact events like Easter and Christmas services.  Second, it gives those uninvolved in weekend serving roles an opportunity to participate.  Third it gives the uninvolved a positive introduction to a serving experience.

It is also positive because our team leaders and team go out of their way to make sure the serving conditions are optimum and the volunteer knows they are not tied into a long term commitment.  The results of this process is incredible!  The team leaders also do a follow-up with each first serve volunteer to get feedback on their experience -- it almost always is very positive.

Yet here is where the real benefit of “First Serve” is.   Many of these volunteers become long term, regular team members.  Why?  I believe it is the sampling effect.  If they just try it -- you know they will like it.  And when it doesn’t work out for the specific team they did a first serve with for whatever reason maybe it just was not for them, it did not match their personality or skills.  We still try to point them in the right direction.  Though the team did not work out their commitment to get involved still is. 

And the ultimate beneficiary is the volunteer.  So many comment they had no idea how being a part of team could change their life.  For most their involvement is the highlight of their week.  And they are grateful to get in the game.

A great picture of the effectiveness of first serve was seen at our Technical Arts Team Christmas Party.  At the part the Jim Hammond, the leader of the ministry, asked each team member to share how they became a part of the team. Of 30 or so people there -- 75% first became introduced to the team through a first serve experience!

So over the next few weekends you will see team members wearing shirts that say “FIRST” and others wearing shirts that say “SERVE” to promote the serve First Serve opportunities for our Christmas services.  This great idea was made by our Lasting Impressions Team (LIT) leader Alex Layson.  If you are currently not involved in a weekend role First Serve is a great opportunity -- see the church program this weekend for details.

Respectable Sins -- Confronting the Sins We Tolerate

The very first Christian book I read as a Christ-follower was the Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges that had a shaping role in my relating to God during my college years.

I just completed another one of Bridges’ book “Respectable Sins -- Confronting the Sins We Tolerate,” and the timing of this read could not have been more beneficial.   Bridges would define “respectable sins” (and this is my paraphrase) as those sins that are subtle in nature, that are not as bad as the flagrant ones of society like for example murder, stealing, theft and get often dismissed as minor behavioral challenges.  Yet no matter what we call them Bridges reminds us is that they are still sin and they need to be addressed for they are more harmful and destructive than we realize.   Though he mentions there could be far more exhaustive lists, here are some examples of these subtle sins:  discontentment, pride, lack of self-control, anger, worldliness etc.

As someone who has been a Christian for over 25 years and has served in vocational Christian ministry for over 15 – I found this book very convicting and found myself guilty of many these subtle/respectable sins to varied degrees.  

Now one of the issues that Bridges makes clear is this that the intent of this book is not to condemn or put us in a state of guilt over all of these areas that we fall short in.  Instead it is to bring to the light subtle areas of sin in our life that is having a far more damaging effect in our relationship with God and others then we recognize and how to confront them to experience great vitality in our relationship with God and hence others.

I love the way that Bridges gets to the heart or root behind our sinful behavior.  For example when we get angry because someone is late in picking us up for a meeting.  That does not excuse our work colleague for being late nor does it give us permission to go off the handle and when we really take time examine why we are so angry it often is pride.  Pride in the fact that people view us a certain way and that image is being tarnished. 

I also appreciated how Bridges, with much candor, addresses how these respectable sins show up in how relate to other churches or Christian organizations and its respective leaders.  Very convicting.

One of the great points that he makes is that the Gospel is not for unbelievers but for sinners, whether we are non-believing sinners or believing sinners the power of the Gospel has application in our lives.  In fact he also states that we need to preach the Gospel to ourselves daily, a great thought to put into practice.  I love this quote, “The truth is, there is never a day in our lives when we are so ‘good’ we don’t need the gospel.” 

I hope you will be prodded to read this book.  Whether you are seasoned believer whom, I believe will experience a lot of “a-ha” moments as thing are brought to the light or a newer/young believer who can begin to be aware of these sins early on – you will definitely benefit from reading this book.

This Halloween Was a Real Treat!

In my previous post "No Family Fall Festival This Year -- It's A Good Thing" I mentioned that one of the indicators that not doing this event was a good thing was because people were choosing to celebrate Halloween in their own neighborhood.  What really help seal my conviction for not doing the event anymore was the insight I gleaned from reading the book Making Room For Life by Randy Frazee.

In the book (to summarize his point) Frazee mentions how distant we have become from our neighbors with many of us never meeting them even though we have lived next to each other for a long period of time.  Now this insight is nothing new, many studies have proven similar results. 

However the next bit of insight is where I had my "a-ha" moment.  Frazee shared that there is one night when barriers are broken down and an opportunity to meet and connect with our neighbors just makes sense and is very easy to do, the night Halloween.  However he further mentions that on that night when all of our neighbors our out and it gives us (the church) the perfect time to meet our neighbors none of us our home because we are at our Family Fall Festivals.  

So this year -- the first in the nine that I have lived in our neighborhood -- I was able to take our kids trick or treating!  And we had a blast!  It was incredibly cool to meet our neighbors whether it was us going to their homes or staying at home giving out candy.  My wife and I swapped responsibilities back and forth.  I kept internally slapping myself on the side of my head saying,  "This is what I have been missing."  I had such a great sense of connectivity to those who live by me and no longer do I simply see idle homes around me, but rather people that God cares and loves deeply.  

This Halloween was a real treat!

No Family Fall Festival This Year -- It's A Good Thing

Since year one of our church’s 16 year history we have put on an annual Halloween event called the Family Fall Festival that over the years has grown to be quite an undertaking involving hundreds of volunteers, thousands of pounds of candy and thousands of people in attendance. And for all-intention purposes was a pretty successful event in the life of our church.

However, in the past two years including this one -- we have not had this event and it is a good thing. I will explain shortly, however let me first explain what I have deemed as some positives of the event in years past.

1. It served as a great way to introduce ourselves to the community. In 1997 we relocated our church to a new community and with a name change to our church in 1998 we were relatively unfamiliar. This event served as great way to introduce ourselves by providing a “give” community event completely free to all participants. I liken the FFF to a better, more strategic open house. I have been a part of a church open house in the past where over 50,000 direct mail pieces were sent to neighbors to come and check out the newly built church in their area. In an eight-hour span -- I believe 50 people showed up -- with the majority of the people being attendees of the church who wanted to get an early look at the property.
2. It served as a great invite opportunity for our church. Whereas inviting people to a weekend service may have been a little more risky -- inviting friends to a free event for their kids where they were sure to get tons of candy and participant in a whole slew of games and rides was a no brainer. It also gave to our guests a positive first impression of Journey or maybe church all together.
3. It mobilized people into action. For many their serving at the FFF on a one time basis was the first step to committing to an on-going serving role. 

Now there were many other positives, but these were the main ones that stood out. Now like most things -- terms lose meaning over time and practices lose its effectiveness over time. Such as the case I believe with the FFF.

Now here are some of the main reasons why I feel not having this event anymore is a good thing.

1. After about 5th year we did this event in the La Mesa community we were pretty well established as a presence in the area. So if the purpose was to introduce ourselves to the community this is no longer a reason.
   
2. The crowd that we were drawing changed. More and more this became a Christian community event versus an outreach event. It was not uncommon to see another church bus’ show up to drop of its members. In fact one church pastor (of a huge church) said that they actually xeroxed copied our flier and put in their church program and encouraged them to attend our event. Now I am all for events that unite the big C church and I all for serving other churches -- yet this was not the purpose and focus of the event.
   
3. Volunteer involvement continually decreasing. Now this is no reason to stop an event yet some of the reasoning for is valid. Often people chose to do their event in their own neighborhood (expect a follow-up post on this)
   
4. Overall effectiveness is in question. Though some have acknowledged that the FFF was the initial introduction to our church over the years these stories have become less frequent. In addition I also believe seekers are changing as well and these methods do not necessarily address where they may be.
   

 (Please note these opinions do not necessarily of Journey Community as a whole -- it is one person’s opinion.)

A Prayer on Behalf of the Persecuted Church

Either today (Nov. 8) or next Sunday churches all across the globe are encouraged to take time during their weekend worship services to pray on behalf of the Persecuted Church -- the well over 200 million Christ-followers that live in under extreme hostile conditions in which their faith is persecuted. 

One my friends Jonathan Cervantes has a real passion to pray on the persecuted church's behalf not only on these designated Sundays, but throughout the year.  The ministry he leads here at Journey Community Church is called "Bound With Them Ministry."

In addition we encouraged to where these bands with the Hebrews 13:3 on them serving as a reminder to pray on the persecuted church's behalf.

This morning he lead us in an incredible prayer that I hope can serve you well in praying on the persecuted church's behalf.

Father God,

As we gather today as your church, your bride; we lift up those in the many countries that make it difficult to be a Christ follower.  We ask that you will give them the strength to stand firm as they under go the persecution, the torture, being imprisoned for their faith.  We pray for the 150,000 Christians as they will face their own death this year, the very 17 who will enter eternity this very hour.  We lift up especially the underground church in China.  The church that is even larger than our nation.  A nation where your Spirit is moving in great ways.  You have given your church, your bride a great hope, hope of an eternal life with you.  But for those being persecuted, this hope is all they have.  But with such a great hope there is also a great evil. 

We pray for ourselves.  Pray that the same hope that we share will become a greater reality to us.  A hope that will see us through anything.  Help us to remember our brothers and sisters being persecuted, not just today but every day.  To join them in lifting them up daily.  To be with them in spirit and heart.
In Jesus name, Amen.

If you would more information on the International Day of Prayer of the Persecuted Church click here.

My 1st U2 Concert Experience

In my junior year of high school a good friend was trying to broaden my music palette beyond the normal 80's pop music genre to a band exuded an incredible passion and conviction in their song writing -- he introduce me to the song "Sunday Bloody Sunday" by U2.  It was a year later that the The Joshua Tree came out and two songs in particular grabbed me "With or Without You" & "I Still Haven't Found What I am Looking For."  That album was followed up with "Rattle and Hum" that also was a film documentary that  I thoroughly enjoyed (I have it on DVD) and I was becoming a huge fan.

However, shortly after this time I experienced a renewing in my relationship with Christ and with that brought a struggle in my spiritual journey that took an unfortunate all or nothing approach.  And what I mean by this is that I would listen to, engage in and watch only "Christian" oriented material.  As time passed my conviction in regards to this loosened. 

Yet the struggle of what is secular and what is sacred continued over the next 5 to 7 years and the question on whether something that was not specifically labeled or themed as Christian had much redemptive valued continued.

It would be at an event over 12 years ago that brought forth an incredible awakening.  It was a church event that primarily featured "secular music" to help tell the story of people's spiritual journey.  It was there and series of unrelated experiences that opened my eyes to how God can use the secular to point to the sacred and how God can use any means to speak to me.

So one event I have been wanting to experience is a U2 concert.  I had missed their previous two tours for various reasons.  However last week at the Georgia Dome I was able to take in my first concert and to say it was an incredible experience would be an understatement.  Here are a few pictures from the concert.  If you get a chance to take in the 360 tour -- I want to prod you to so -- you will not regret it.  With the 360 format there really is not a bad seat.

 

 

 

The Routine May Not Be So Routine

Yesterday during my visit to Children’s Hospital to see a family in our church whose 5-month son had open heart surgery -- I was afforded a very pleasant surprise.  Now first I want to mention the best news is that the surgery was a success and his recovery is gong well. 

Now for me the surprise was running into ICU nurse that was assigned to my son when he was there in that same ICU six years ago.  (For a recap of my visit and my son’s medical journey click here.)  I had not seen in her in five years and it a took a little while for her to have some kind of remembrance of me and she could not recall who my son was.  I took no offense to this as I know she has probably seen hundreds of similar cases and patients in the past 5 years let alone her lifetime.  I was just glad that I was able to express my gratitude toward her for the way she took care of my son.  I even showed her a recent picture of my son, though she would not recognize him by any means, just to show that he is living a normal life.  This brief interaction prodded an overwhelming sense of gratitude for not only her, but all who played a role in getting my son and wife & I through this.

In my line of work where I serve as a pastor in a church of over 2,500 people and I have had the privilege of being a part of individual’s and family’s defining moments of their life.  Yet I would be lying if I said I can recall those moments with the same vividness as they do.  Sometimes it takes a little of reminiscing on their part for memory to be jarred of the event. 

However, there was a significant learning for me.  “What may be routine to us in our vocational life, maybe a defining experience for others.”  This prodded me to want to try to give my very best in all that I do because even I don’t remember it they will.

"So We Can Comfort Others ..."

II Corinthians 1:3,4 (TNIV) says, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”

These verses are often quoted as way of encouraging others or possibly to shed light or offer perspective when someone is going through a critical life situation or crisis.  The notion being that one day, it could be in the near or distant future, the pain or turmoil you are experiencing now will have a purpose to help someone else, though at the present moment it is unsightly.

On Wednesday I went on a visit to Children’s Hospital to see a family in our church whose almost 5-month son was having open heart surgery to repair multiple holes in his heart.  I was approached by the child’s grandmother about 4 months ago when the child was born to ask me to be available in the future when this day would come.

So I strategically went to the hospital at around 11:30am -- the surgery was about 7am.   I say strategically because I figured that it would be right around that time when their son should be out of post-op and in his intensive care unit room.  The parents would have been able to see their baby, get a report from the surgeon and now breathe a sigh of relief that the operation was over.

Now how would I know this information?  And why would I be approached about this unknown future date almost 4 months ago?

Because almost six years ago our son at five months had open heart surgery at Children’s hospital in San Diego.  We like this family had the same time scheduled for our son’s operation and went through a similar process. I was actually familiar with the surgeon that performed their son’s operation.   When I met up with the family it was in the same waiting room that was our residence for about 5 day and when I was able to go in see their little baby boy it was in the same ICU.

Being there was a surreal experience.  The chairs in the waiting room was the same, the layout etc.  It brought back so many memories of what we went through.  I never stop being amazed at how God works!  I would not have thought when we were going through our son’s operation 6 years ago we would have an opportunity to minister to a family in our church going through an almost identical situation in many ways years later.

Most importantly their son came through the operation really well and the surgery was a success!  Praise God!!!

So I don’t know what you may be going through at this moment and the idea of your situation having some redemptive purpose in the future is the last thing on your mind, yet I want to encourage you God is faithful and He will use what you are going through for good.

San Francisco Eating Day 3 Meal 2 -- The Chocolate Festival

Our last few hours in San Francisco were spent at Ghirardelli Square where by chance they were hosting the 14th annual Chocolate Festival.  It was a two-day event that went from 12-5pm each day.  I saw a special on this festival either on the Food Network or Travel Channel.  The way it works is you purchase a ticket for $20 (the proceeds go to a local charity) and you are given 15 sample opportunities that are checked off by each vendor you receive a sample from. There were chocolate companies of various sorts throughout the square and the street in front of it.   The great thing is that you can share a ticket and for Tara and I one ticket was more than enough.  I never thought I would say I can too much chocolate, however after having multiple gelato servings, ice cream, cup-cakes, drinking chocolate, shakes, truffles, cookies and so on -- we were experiencing a chocolate coma.  Our last 2 samples were used on tea -- we just could eat any more chocolate.

Here are a few pictures from our day:

Tara after a long wait gets a cupcake.

One of the many vendors preparing his sample.

Having some drinking chocolate even though it is a small cup I could not finish it.

Well that is it for our San Francisco trip -- thank you for journeying with us. 

San Francisco Eating Day 3 Meal 1 -- The Ferry Building

Tara and my last day in San Francisco took us to The Ferry Building for breakfast.  This place is unbelievable! 

The Ferry Building has been featured on multiple Food Network shows and most recently on Chefs VS City. One of the hosts of the show Chris Cosentino has a great place called Boccalone that features Salumi which is Italian for cured meats.  Boccalone was featured on the show the The Best Thing I Ever Ate for its Salumi Cone which is a cone full of three different salumis -- you can have the suggested trio or choose your own three.  I had to get one -- unbelievable! 

In addition on Saturday, when we there, there is an incredible farmer's market where you can foods of various varieties -- we at a couple of local vendors. 

Inside there are so many different shops you can check out -- I could spent the entire day there.

About to shuck and oyster -- only $1.50.

San Francisco Eating Day 2 Meal 1 -- Mama's

Day 2 in San Francisco began by incredible breakfast at Mama's in the North Beach area of San Francisco.  This restaurant was featured on Food Network's Rachael's Vacation.  Of all the places we would visit this was the place that I was most excited about eating at.  First I love breakfast food at any time and I have heard from others what a great place this is.  The first thing you notice there is that there is a line.  This restaurant is open only 7 hours a day (8am-3pm) and it takes no reservations.

The food did not disappoint and the next time we get to visit San Francisco -- I will eat there daily if possible.

You order your food first then you are given your seat assignment and you can see your food being prepared as the kitchen is right there.

Tara had the French Toast samplers that changes daily.  I had an incredible Monte Cristo.  This is must visit place!

San Francisco Eating Day 1 Meal 2 -- NOPA

After walking off the meal we had Rocco's, later that night we had a late dinner at NOPA.  We were introduced to this restaurant when we saw it on the Food Network show  The Best Thing I Have Ever Ate.  This restaurant is known for its trendy, hip vibe and it was one of the few restaurants open late night to 1am nightly.

We ordered the dish featured on the episode "flatbread of spicy fennel sausage, lipstick peppers and crescenza."

In addition for dessert we had an almond butter cake with plumb ice cream.  

Earlier that day while visiting China Town we went to oldest bakery there Eastern Bakery.  As you can see by the picture some pretty famous people have visited.  When there order the warm custard tart.  It cost less than a dollar and it great snack.

San Francisco Eating Day 1 Meal 1 -- Rocco's

So I am about 6 pounds heavier than I was last week at this time.  In fairness I was in training. Not for a 1/2 marathon or some other athletic event, but for the eating I would do in a city known for its incredible cuisine -- San Francisco.  Tara & I celebrated 11 years of marriage on Sept. 12 and we went there for a quick get away last week.

(above: It is always great when the owner/chef is in -- Tara and I with Rocco)

From the beginning of our marriage we were big Food Network fans and we created a list of restaurant and eateries we wanted to visit based on what was featured on various Food Network shows.  So on day 1 last Thursday here is where we we visited.  The day began with a late lunch/early dinner at Rocco's that was featured on the show Diners, Drive-inns' and Dives with host Guy Fieri.  The food was incredible!  We had dish we saw on the show -- clam linguine with white sauce & we also had an order of fried calamari with homemade cocktail sauce and they give complimentary fresh bread with fresh garlic/olive oil dipping sauce.  Again can I say the food was incredible!

This restaurant is in the SOMA district and well worth the visit.

The kitchen is real close to seating area -- you could see the whole layout.

Across the street is another cool place to check out that was also featured on one of Rachel Ray's shows called Brain Wash -- which is a laundromat and cafe combo that serves espresso drinks and pastry/desert items.

What Shows are You "Falling" For?

Recently I had a lunch with a mentor/friend and our discussion like always went to the books we were currently reading.  She then posed this question, "How are we going to get all this reading done with new fall television season starting?"  A great question.  I love TV!  If I had to choose TV or movies -- TV would win hands down.  The writing in the television programing these days are exceptional especially the serial shows.  And now with cable channels offering their own original programming and big name actors and actresses valuing the steady work that a television series can provide -- the choices are seemingly endless.  

Now I am not a "real timer." By definition a real timer is someone who watches a television program when it is offered by the TV network not opting to watch it later on their DVR or online or even later in the year when released on DVD (my preferred method).  However, there are some programs that I am committing to watching during the course of season and here it is and I have had to restrain myself:

Mad Men Sunday 10pm AMC 

Dinner Impossible 10pm Food Network

Flash Forward 8pm ABC

30 Rock Thursday 9:30pm NBC

If I can fit these in great ... Lie To Me, The Office, Fringe

What will you be watching?  Let me know by commenting, Facebook Comment or Twitter

Interesting ... Does Anybody Actually Makes Use of This?

On my wife and I's recent trip to San Francisco -- I came upon two interesting signs that got my attention.

Here is the first one found at AT&T Park home to the San Francisco Giants.  Thankfully I did not need to make use of this.

The second was seen at the San Francisco International Airport (SFO).  If anyone has seen some one use this booth -- please let me know I would love to hear the story.

The Last Dance Miracle!

Our churches are full of gold.  When speaking of gold I am referring to rich, treasured stories of God's working through the lives of the people in our congregations. And when you hear a great story the discipline comes in discerning the right placement of it in a specific service.  Sometimes we sit on a story for over year in our attempt to share the story for optimal results.  Such is the case of this my journey segment by Jon Davies who has been a part of our church life since day 1.  

Here is his journey that he shared in our services this past weekend.  You might want to get some tissue before you read.  Enjoy!

Hi my name is Jon Davies and this is my journey.

A miracle could be defined as an event which cannot be created or manipulated by human hands or intellect but orchestrated by God to give honor and glory to Him alone.  That is what I experienced and many witnessed on August 12, 2007 when I was the father of the bride on that day.

Charcot Marie Tooth and Parkinson’s disease has taken its toll on my life and as a result on most days my ability to walk is limited and I get around using my wheelchair or my Segway, or crutches or even on my hands and knees.

But my conditioned paled to the one thing that had consumed my heart outside of the Chargers loss to the Patriots in Jan 2007.  On my daughter’s wedding day was I going to be able to walk her down the aisle of the church and give her away and would I be able to dance with her.

I was going to miss out on an event that could never be repeated or experienced in any way.  .  Without a miracle by God Himself,  I would have to  watch as someone else walk her and indeed miss that last chance to dance with her and whisper in her ear how much I loved her and how proud I was of her on her day.   

I shared my dilemma with any who would listen.   And I found many people whose hearts were full of compassion and hope and encouragement.  I pleaded for prayer hoping for a miracle, but my faith was weak, as my body typically would not offer me the same hope.  

And as time went on…  people would encourage me to expect a different.  My best friend Dave and I prayed together every week and implored God to allow me this desire.   My home group was praying.   Our new in-laws were praying.   People I did not even know were praying for me… and it was quite humbling.  

As the days got closer to “the” day my daughter asked me the dreaded question,    “Dad, are you going to be able to do the dance?”   Tearfully I did not know how to answer.

The night of the rehearsal came and at that point we had several plans in place for the walk down the aisle.  It was then my emotions began to take over and I began to tear up…  (which of course started the girls crying)  

One option gave me some hope.   This was a pretty large church and with a long isle even under the best of circumstances it was unrealistic to think I could walk the entire way alone.   So perhaps I would ride the Segway halfway (to the back of where the people were sitting) and get off and walk the remainder of the way.   

The wedding arrived and I needed to pace myself to conserve energy.   I arrived at the church an hour before the ceremony and began to move around in the waiting area as much as possible to get limbered up and see if I could coax my legs to move …..   but they were not responding..  15 minutes before the wedding a young man named Ben came up to me and out of the blue told me he had been watching me for a few days and had compassion and asked if he could pray for me.    I knew at that moment there were many others praying as well.  It was at that time my son Tim approached me stating that riding the Segway all the way would be lame ….   So I made the decision based on faith and not by sight.   We are going for it

5 minutes ago I could barely stand up and now I am telling the beautiful bride that we are going to do it….WOW…. and …HOW?

I was extremely nervous as I was rolling down the isle on the Segway… aiming for the last row of guests.   I arrived there, got off and Kristen put her arm in mine and we walked and walked all the way to the front of the church where I proceeded to pump my fist in the air for God had done a miracle!

At the reception the moment fast approached where I would share our special dance.  Again things were iffy but I was not going to miss this for anything.   My daughter chose Bette Midler’s “You’re my Hero”.   As the music started, I shuffled to the edge of the dance floor and we began to rock back and forth.   My legs began to move slower and slower till they could not move any more.  I felt like Cinderella at midnight.    I did not want to let go of the moment… and soon we were standing in one place swaying to the music and as our time ended we embraced and I had to be helped off the floor by Kristen and the DJ.    Another miracle had taken place!  I will never forget that night and what God did.

I still cant walk…. But for a few brief moments…..  I did. 

My name is Jon and this is My Journey.

Being Like the One Leper

10 days ago I had the opportunity to play a very small role at a celebration gathering, that quite frankly,  I wish would happen more often.  Chuck Martinez one of the greeters at our church gathered 50 of some of his wife Jeannine’s closest friends to simply give thanks to God and to all of them for their support in the journey they had been on.

Jeanine, two months ago went in for a double-mastectomy, and by God’s grace the surgery was successful.  She went in on a Monday, was released on Wednesday and actually attended church that Sunday.  Now a surgery of this magnitude is serious however, the weight of this was even more so for Jeannine as she has been battling various forms of cancer over the past five years and there was a sense of finality this time around.  In addition this is an extra sensitive matter to Chuck who lost his first wife to cancer.

So on this afternoon it had the flavor of a small wedding.  There was a catered meal, a cake, a presenting of gifts to hosts who helped put this party on and even an out of town friend from child hood visiting to share memories of Jeannine.  We ate, laughed and simply hung out with the sole purpose to celebrate the fact that Jeannine was here with us.   What a great afternoon!  I had the privilege of presiding over Chuck and Jeannine’s wedding seven years ago and in many ways this gathering was just as special if not more so.

In Luke 17:11-17 Jesus tells the story of healing ten lepers and how only one returned to give thanks.

“One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.”

How often do we let these moments of God’s intervention in our lives pass and fail to take the time to reflect and give thanks to God He truly deserves?

Chuck and Jeannine thank you for being like the one who returned to give thanks.