May 1, 2012

Will I Finish My Race?

 
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." — 2 TIMOTHY 4:7

"He peleado la buena batalla, he terminado la carrera, he guardado la fe." — 2 TIMOTEO 4:7

"You can't avoid pain, but you can choose to overcome it." ― Paulo Coelho

If Derek Redmond Can Overcome Pain like he did in the 1992 Olympics in Spain, then  finishing the race I was created to do will be an ongoing challenge for months or years to come but the determination to make it to the finish line & complete my unique task makes life worth more than all the riches of sunken pirate ships throughout the Florida Keys!

Enjoy a short video of Derek's amazing accomplishment in the midst of horrific pain!


"I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race & complete the task the LORD JESUS has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of GOD's grace." — ACTS 20:24

"Para mí, sin embargo, mi propia vida no cuenta, con tal de que yo pueda correr con gozo hasta el fin de la carrera y cumplir el encargo que el Señor Jesús me dio de anunciar la buena noticia del amor de Dios." — HECHOS 20:24


I appreciate all of the support & prayers for me in my race much like Derek Redmond's father demonstrated to him during the Barcelona Olympics, but be ready for what praying for me & for others will do for you!

"The function of prayer is not to influence GOD, but rather to change the nature of the one who prays." ― Søren Kierkegaard

I'm so thankful for my family who know better than anyone that I am far from perfect!

"You don't love someone because they're perfect, you love them in spite of the fact that they're not."― Jodi Picoult

Years ago I was not as expressive as I have grown to be through writing about the bad, the GOD, the good, & the ugly about my life ... but I am even more observant than I have ever been before. I encourage everyone to have an outlet to not just vent & complain about co-workers, family, or friends ... but to avoid holding in the especially painful things!

"I have learned now that while those who speak about one's miseries usually hurt, those who keep silence hurt more." ― C.S. Lewis

There are many truths in this world & because of that I am blessed with an eclectic variety of friends ... & my gratitude may not always be made known to everyone, but trust me, I'm so thankful for everyone who has seen something within me worth making the effort to be friends!

"What draws people to be friends is that they see the same truth. They share it." — C.S. Lewis

Yesterday my wife & I spent several interesting hours waiting to see a neurosurgeon about my medical issues at the massive Jackson Memorial Complex in downtown Miami, Florida.

Another neck surgery along with other issues being resolved must happen but I will somehow finish my race & proclaim:

"YOU are worthy, our LORD & GOD, to receive glory & honor & power, for YOU created all things, & by YOUR will they were created & have their being." — REVELATION 4:11

"Digno eres, Señor y Dios nuestro, de recibir la gloria y el honor y el poder, porque tú creaste todas las cosas, y por tu voluntad existen y fueron creadas." — APOCALIPSIS 4:11

"Chariots of Fire" is one of the best true life story movies of all time & Eric Liddell is an example of He who honors GOD truly does have something that most people will never understand yet the LORD has chosen us to share the supernatural faith, hope, joy, love, & peace the HOLY SPIRIT fills us with on a daily basis!


"In the dust of defeat as well as the laurels of victory there is a glory to be found if one has done his best." — Eric Liddell

Just as many people prayed for Eric Liddell during his moments of athletic brilliance to loving others as a missionary in China, I am thankful for the many prayers for me but I know that there is only ONE who is the true healer ... Doctor JESUS!

"By faith in the name of JESUS, this man whom you see & know was made strong. It is JESUS' name & the faith that comes through HIM that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see." — ACTS 3:16

"Por la fe en el nombre de Jesús, él ha restablecido a este hombre a quien ustedes ven y conocen. Esta fe que viene por medio de Jesús lo ha sanado por completo, como les consta a ustedes." — HECHOS 3:16 

If you are encouraged at all in my faith, it's because I praise JESUS no matter what I may be going through!


"GOD smiles when we praise & thank HIM continually. Few things feel better than receiving heartfelt praise & appreciation from someone else. GOD loves it, too. An amazing thing happens when we offer praise & thanksgiving to GOD. When we give GOD enjoyment, our own hearts are filled with joy." ― William Law   

My journey is far from over yet I feel overwhelmed for the first time in a long time as I process what challenges lie before me including yet another neck surgery which will make one lower back surgery & a total of three neck surgeries.

Let's just say that I'm not only JESUS strong but titanium strong as my wife calls me the bionic man but the song "Frail" by Jars of Clay is a more accurate portrayal of how I have been feeling as each moment of a continual battle of pain is harder than the next & I honestly don't know how the LORD has allowed me to continue when there are several times throughout each day when I would much rather just pass on to be with JESUS!

"Have mercy on me, LORD, because I'm frail. Heal me, LORD, because my bones are shaking in terror!" ― PSALM 6:2

"Tenme compasión, Señor, porque desfallezco; sáname, Señor, que un frío de muerte recorre mis huesos." ― SALMO 6:2

What I really need is for "Doctor JESUS" to heal me & that is a song by Randy Travis from his CD "Inspirational Journey" & the lyrics are a perfect conclusion before a SCRIPTURAL prayer from me to you!

You know, I’ve got so many problems
And lately, I’ve been feelin’ kinda down
I hear YOU’re the ONE I should talk to
I hear YOU’re the best healer around

Doctor JESUS, will YOU help me?
Make me better, make me whole
Doctor JESUS, LORD I need you
To mend my heart, & save my soul

There’s so many out there who need YOU
Do YOU think YOU could work me in?
You see I’m in the worst of conditions
But mostly, I just need me a friend

Doctor JESUS, will YOU help me?
Make me better, make me whole
Doctor JESUS, LORD I need you
To mend my heart, & save my soul

Doctor JESUS, LORD I need YOU
To mend my heart & save my soul

"May the grace of the LORD JESUS CHRIST, & the love of GOD, & the fellowship of the HOLY SPIRIT be with you all." — 2 CORINTHIANS 13:14 

"Que la gracia del Señor Jesucristo, el amor de Dios y la comunión del Espíritu Santo sean con todos ustedes." 2 CORINTIOS 13:14


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