I returned home last Saturday after an 11 day stay in the hospital. I think it will take a while to process this experience and learn all that God has for me to learn. The overriding emotion I have so far is gratitude to God for His grace in my life to keep me safe through the last few months. Things could have turned out so different. Instead, I have received expert treatment and my potentially dangerous heart condition has been remedied. I am following doctor's orders this week to rest and I should be able to return to my responsibilities next week. I am so looking forward to getting back into the flow of all that God has for me to do.
We are on the threshold of a new month and a wonderful opportunity for personal growth and relationship building. 40 Days of Love begins this Sunday and our small groups will be studying and practicing this theme for the next six weeks. If anything will empower us to impact those who do not have faith in Jesus, it will be our ability to show them what true love looks like. This is a time for growth and change. We can become more loving in all our relationships with others. It begins with our personal relationship with God. Determine with me to be a doer of the Word and not just a hearer of it.
Friday, March 20, presents a great opportunity to influence a friend toward Christ. We have rented the Crest Theatre for the evening and Michael Jr. will be our guest for a night of comedy. Purchase a ticket for yourself and a friend and join us for a great night of fun and faith. We have a limitation of 1,000 seats so be sure to get your tickets early.
1 John 4:9-11 "This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another."
Together . . . Continuing the Dream,
Pastor Rick
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Bit Of An Adventure
Life has been a bit of an adventure for me this past week to say the least. For a few months I have experienced occasional dizzy spells that I assumed could be related to nutritional imbalance of some kind. Then, a month ago I passed out for just a couple seconds with one of those spells. That got my attention and led me to the doctor. I was sent to a cardiologist who ordered a routine stress test last Tuesday. A few minutes into the test, my heart spiked a few times in what they call V-Tach. The doctor immediately called for EMT's and had me in the hospital within minutes to do a heart catheterization and look for any blockages. There were no blockages. Then I was sent to a specialist in the electrical issues of the heart. Dr. Aryana determined I needed a defibrillator/pacemaker device to keep my heart rhythm safe. So, that was installed on Friday. He also saw in the MRI of my heart a spot that might be causing the irregular rhythm. There is a procedure called ablation that targets that spot and in essence cauterizes it. This should be a permanent solution to the irregular rhythm and this will be done on Thursday. So, I will be going home on Friday as good as new. A few more days of recovery and I am looking forward to getting back in the flow of all that is going on.
I did not know I had a dangerous condition and God has protected me from serious consequences. Thank God for His intervention and the wisdom and skill of great doctors. I have been well cared for.
Cathy has been a strength to me each step of the way. She has been by my side all the way from the stress test to this final procedure. She has been strong and courageous, feeding me healing Scriptures and praying God's favor in my life. I have not had a moment of discouragement or doubt because of her constant love, care, and incredible spiritual strength. God has given me the perfect partner in life. For Valentine's Day, she had my hospital room looking festive. Sunday was Cathy's birthday yet she expressed no disappointment in having to spend it in a hospital. We were fortunate to be given a private room since last Friday and she has slept by my side since then, enduring the many wake-up calls in the night to check my blood pressure, take blood samples, and give me pills. I couldn't hope for more.
All my family has been encouraging and attentive to me and I love them deeply. Our kids have been sneaking in Chili's and Big Spoon Yogurt to keep us going. They've been a great help. Also, my church family has been so gracious and loving along the way. Thank you for your prayers and the many expressions of concern. I am feeling good and looking forward to being 100% healthy and at full strength very soon. God has been good to me.
Don't forget to invite a friend to church this Sunday! Dave Roever is a special friend and he has a way of touching the hearts of those who are searching for faith. We are believing for a wonderful harvest of people accepting Jesus as Savior. It is going to be an awesome day!
I'm looking forward to seeing you soon.
But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him" (1 Corinthians 2:9).
Together . . . Continuing the Dream,
Pastor Rick
I did not know I had a dangerous condition and God has protected me from serious consequences. Thank God for His intervention and the wisdom and skill of great doctors. I have been well cared for.
Cathy has been a strength to me each step of the way. She has been by my side all the way from the stress test to this final procedure. She has been strong and courageous, feeding me healing Scriptures and praying God's favor in my life. I have not had a moment of discouragement or doubt because of her constant love, care, and incredible spiritual strength. God has given me the perfect partner in life. For Valentine's Day, she had my hospital room looking festive. Sunday was Cathy's birthday yet she expressed no disappointment in having to spend it in a hospital. We were fortunate to be given a private room since last Friday and she has slept by my side since then, enduring the many wake-up calls in the night to check my blood pressure, take blood samples, and give me pills. I couldn't hope for more.
All my family has been encouraging and attentive to me and I love them deeply. Our kids have been sneaking in Chili's and Big Spoon Yogurt to keep us going. They've been a great help. Also, my church family has been so gracious and loving along the way. Thank you for your prayers and the many expressions of concern. I am feeling good and looking forward to being 100% healthy and at full strength very soon. God has been good to me.
Don't forget to invite a friend to church this Sunday! Dave Roever is a special friend and he has a way of touching the hearts of those who are searching for faith. We are believing for a wonderful harvest of people accepting Jesus as Savior. It is going to be an awesome day!
I'm looking forward to seeing you soon.
But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him" (1 Corinthians 2:9).
Together . . . Continuing the Dream,
Pastor Rick
Thursday, February 05, 2009
We Believe Part II
We have eight core values that provide great direction for us in our church ministry and outreach. Last week I shared four of those values in detail and this week I will complete this study with the other four. To understand our vision it would be important for you to study these values with me. I am thankful for all that God has done for us in the past and I have great anticipation for what He has prepared for us in the days ahead. We have a lot to look forward to.
It is time to find a small group to meet with for our spring emphasis of 40 Days of Love. We will grow in relationship with the Lord and with each other through this important study. We learn more and grow stronger as we engage with others in the process of life. Our group meetings begin the first week of March so be sure to register with a small group near you.
We are two weeks away from a great opportunity to influence our friends toward faith. Dave Roever will be our guest on Sunday, February 22. His story is very compelling and he has a way of communicating that touches the heart. Injured severely in Vietnam, Dave has overcome his tragedies with humor, faith, and an amazing ability to turn pain into triumph. Start thinking about who you might be able to invite to this outreach opportunity.
Can't wait for Sunday! Hope to see you there.
Together . . . Continuing the Dream,
Pastor Rick
It is time to find a small group to meet with for our spring emphasis of 40 Days of Love. We will grow in relationship with the Lord and with each other through this important study. We learn more and grow stronger as we engage with others in the process of life. Our group meetings begin the first week of March so be sure to register with a small group near you.
We are two weeks away from a great opportunity to influence our friends toward faith. Dave Roever will be our guest on Sunday, February 22. His story is very compelling and he has a way of communicating that touches the heart. Injured severely in Vietnam, Dave has overcome his tragedies with humor, faith, and an amazing ability to turn pain into triumph. Start thinking about who you might be able to invite to this outreach opportunity.
Can't wait for Sunday! Hope to see you there.
Together . . . Continuing the Dream,
Pastor Rick
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