Teaching Kingdom Values in a Secular Culture
Looking back to that time in her early sixties when Linda first began to manifest signs of memory loss, I now realize that the desires of three persons were involved: Linda needed an answer to a huge question, “Why is this happening to me?” I was focused upon a single request, “Father, I want you... Continue Reading →
Near the end of last week’s blog, I noted: “Going forward, there are two possible paths: I can become bitter, throw in the towel, and conclude that my life is over, or I can submit to continuing transformation though the power of the Holy Spirit.” During Linda’s long battle with Alzheimer’s, the issue of healing has... Continue Reading →
When asked if they are rich, most Americans automatically say, “No.” Therefore, Paul’s admonition to Timothy is disregarded as not applicable: Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides... Continue Reading →
In Pentecostal Spirituality, Steven J. Land notes, “The kingdom of God is already present, but not yet consummated.” While living in that tension, it sometimes seems as if we are alone and God is unaware of our pain and suffering. Conversely, when we experience an inbreaking of the kingdom which is yet to come, we are overwhelmed by... Continue Reading →
Before my wife, Linda, became a resident at Legacy Village, I, along with my family and paid caregivers, were able to meet all of her physical needs; however, the picture accompanying today’s blog, taken last week at a luau, vividly illustrates what I could not provide her – a social life with her peers, and... Continue Reading →
In three days, Linda and I will have been married for fifty-nine years. Recently, a new appreciation of this milestone has captured my attention. It cannot be understood apart from Jesus’ clearly drawn distinction between two opposing realities: The thief’s purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its... Continue Reading →
The view from atop Lookout Mountain is breathtaking; however, the picture accompanying today’s blog has even greater significance. It was taken in October 2015 and in many ways serves as a timeline for measuring the increasing severity of Linda’s struggle with Alzheimer’s. In previous weeks, I have covered these events in detail. Therefore, in keeping... Continue Reading →
Looks can be very deceiving! That is certainly true of the picture accompanying today’s blog, which was taken twenty days ago. Linda appears to be a very beautiful and healthy eighty-one-year-old lady. She is certainly very beautiful; however, she is not healthy. Helplessly, I have watched as Alzheimer’s has moved from being an inconvenience to... Continue Reading →
Reflecting on the wonderful day that Linda and I enjoyed on July 27, I ended last week’s blog on a positive note: “... I cannot understand why, against the backdrop of so many painful memories, God chose to break the pattern and bring me such joy.” Since then, after watching her struggle with recurring episodes... Continue Reading →
Linda and I have always believed that true happiness is found when we embrace life as a process: fear God, live out His precepts, and love that which He loves. Obviously, the truth and beauty of all this was challenged when Alzheimer’s slowly took away Linda’s ability to provide fun moments for family gatherings, rejoice... Continue Reading →
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