Togetherness

2 Timothy 3-5
I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day, I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy. I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

It has been a little over a month since I last posted, as most of you know I had my second back surgery in a little over a year. This seems to be better than last year, I still have more rehab to do, (physical therapy, etc.) Over all, all seems to be going in a good direction......... I am however moved by the above verses. At first it didn't hit me, but after reading them over again, and reading devotions from my church, I got it!

Our church is rather large, and really pushes the small group thing. As well they should, as should more churches. When you are large, it is difficult to reach every single person on a one to one level, so that would be why small groups are encouraged, as well as it is also encouraged by the word of God. My wife and I are involved in a small group, we are extremely happy with it. Everyone is normal, (you know what I mean), I have been in other churches and groups where some have faked or said things just to get their 2 cents in, or make it a soap box type of climate. Our group, and others I have seen through our church are real. No fakes, no overbearing leaders, (ALL IN FOR CHRIST) <---- being a motto at our church at this time. Everyone is there to further their walks as well as to be there for others, to serve.

Being laied up like I am at this time, friends and family are so important. My first surgery took place in a time when I had walked away from God, when I let my family walk away. I have always have been surrounded by good family. However the friends were limited and really at that time I didn't want to see anyone. I was all about self ............ all about my pain, about me, me, me. How much further away from Christ could I get? During this next year though, Christ had not moved away from me, He was always there, even though I didn't want him there, or even know He would be. Different problems had arose, pain didn't stop, and the family started to fall away altogether.

(Finally my eyes open again, I saw Christ in front of me, in all His glory He stood with open arms, an open heart, asking me to hold hands, to take a walk with Him, and see all He could do, all He had in store, not only for me, but for my family........... O WHAT A WALK. Even though I'm in this house for a recovery, I am still walking and what a journey!)

Now I didn't see the real image of Christ, but through songs, through friends, through my beloved wife and kids, and most importantly through His word, I saw Him and started my walk again....... O how I long to continue to educate myself to serve Him, our Lord, our Holy Father, the Lamb of God..... I am on that walk now, and though we all stumble, I am still here, and with the small groups and friends, together we all walk with Christ, and we all see His wonderful plan when He desires us too.

Now this time, after this surgery, I have been blessed with friend, with brothers and sister in Christ, that have visited, offered help, just talk with me, either by phone, email, or just pray with me and for me. I have seen friends that I haven't seen in along time. I have had better conversations with some than I thought possible. It is all cause of Christ, His work through other, in church, small groups, family. Trust in the notion of serving with others, and fellowship with others, and watch what comes of your life, and the lives of those around you. We are not ment to walk this road of life alone. Christ had 12 others with Him, Paul had several, never did Christ say that we'd be alone.

Love, Hope, Trust, Faith, Service, Sacrifice, is not a solo act, hand and hand with the lead of Jesus Christ, all can be done for His glory, and His plan.

Heavenly Father, my Lord, my God, O how I do long see Your face. To touch the hands that were pierced, to kneel at the feet of the Lamb. Holy Father, forgive me for wanting to go alone, forgive me for seeking myself when others need and should come first. Father I ask for help in restoring that in me, and shining as a light for others to take that flame also. Father I seek to serve You, and minister for You, Father if it is Your will may I follow Your footsteps in this walk of life You have for me. May I and all that read Your word, follow Your direction and honor Your name, and bring Your glory to those who seek and cannot find, and to those who need the saving grace of Your sacrifice. May all things that have breath sing Your name, I pray humbly in the most High and Holy name of my savior, my redeemer, Jesus Christ, amen