Tribute

 I've always admired (at least to some degree) the principle of abstract art. In my own personal 

interpretation, I believe that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  Blogging for me is a similar art.  We can get lost in the day to day, which I believe is a life well spent, but once in a while we as humans are touched deeper than other times, and in my case, I love to write about it.

This one of those times.

Tonight I finished the first of what will be several commentaries of an individual who God used to forever change my life.  I've spoken about Dr. Osborne in previous blog posts so for the sake of brevity, I'll not repeat them here.  Suffice it to say, God has used that one class to change my perspective of Him and the Christian walk, for which I am eternally grateful.

Before he passed away in 2018, Dr. Osborne was working on a series of commentaries.  In the link below, he talks about writing a commentary set for the layman, such as I.  And while it does not appear he finished the project as he may have set out to do, we are left with what I consider a series of masterpieces for students such as us who want a deeper knowledge of God's word without being overwhelmed by academic content.

Over the next few weeks, I will finish our study in James, which began in early May I believe.  Yes, it is a small book but when I teach a book, I like to get as much out of it as I can.  Like eating a well broiled lobster dipped in garlic butter, I love to savor each bite of the book we're studying.  While there is always more study I can do, I thoroughly enjoyed his commentary in the book of James.  It was easy to read, with church history woven through the text, yet no so much as to get lost.

I never cease to be amazed at the power of a teacher in a class.  I've watched this video several times and while I know he is in a much better place with His Savior, I can not help but wonder the scores of individuals whose minds were expanded, and thoughts introduced by his work.  I carry very fond memories of that class, and am sure there are many others who share the same.

I loved his commentary in James and am already eyeing my next purchase - practically, I think I'll go to Ephesians, but I can not wait until Revelation . . . .

https://lexhampress.com/osborne

Humbling Transformation

Multnomah Falls - 1919 postcard

I've seen quiet a few comparisons between the current Covid-19 and the Spanish flu.  Both were difficult times, both required the wearing of masks and both brought significant amounts of, well, uncertainty.

As of today, September 26th, there is no cure, no vaccine.  There are some medicines which can help treat it, but no vaccine yet, a point which will be made ad nauseum I'm sure in the upcoming November election.

But I digress.

For a couple of months, I've wanted to share what's happened to me spiritually as a result of COVID.  My previous post briefly spoke of hospital stays and sickness.  What happened next was nothing short of a miracle.

Prayers were lifted and praises echoed upon my return to home.  In fact, a spiritual revival had swept through my house in April.  It is now September, and the revival grows.  What began as a little study now has six of us who study the word, many times exegetically when not watching the next "Chosen" series episode (currently in season I, season II is almost funded).  A weekly English class has now born out of our study, first class was this past Tuesday and our current enrollment is now three :)

All I can say is that God worked a miracle in me.  He forever changed my heart to Him.  In 2018, He allowed me to see myself for who I really was, then allowed me through COVID to see what I could be in Him.  He took every selfish desire I had away, and replaced it with something better.  For years, I had (sometimes) patiently waited for the "go" signal - that moment when I knew that I can return to my studies, passionately studying his Word, and then share some of my findings with others.

I tried to do this on my own.  I knew it was my calling, and many a time I tried to force it.  Yet every one of my feeble attempts ended in failure, and eventually I gave up hope.  When God touched me, it was as a fire had been lit in my soul.

I could have never imagined it would be in Spanish though.  All I can say is that my weak attempts at Spanish is again a gift of God.  Our group is so very patient with me as I fight through newer words, and my girls graciously correct me when I mispronounce a word.

I deserve none of this to be sure, but I give my all, each day begging him to take control and work through me.  This little progress I've seen is enough to last me a lifetime of praise, yet I know there's more to come.

If you asked me how and why, I couldn't really say.  I do not have any answers other than God decided it was time.  I'd hoped for these moments all my life (His pursuit of me, not COVID), and now that they have come not only to me but to my family, I find myself eternally grateful.  I can truly say this happened in God's time, and He receives all praise.

My life is dedicated 100% to Him and forever will be.  Work has seen its challenging moments, but I truly believe God is preparing me for something.  If I'm wrong, it's fine by me.  I am happier now than I could have ever imagined and to see my family walk with me in this journey is truly mind-blowing. 

To Him, and only to Him, be praise and glory forever and ever.  

Amen.

Shalom Sabbat

Eternally Grateful

A new day.  A new blog them.  Quite apropos for a guy who loves to cook and enjoys eating almost as much.

The title?  well, two and a half weeks of being sick, one of those weeks spent in an hospital bed.  Yeah, I was worse for the wear.  Couldn't breath, could barely walk.  Still have yet to see the doctors bill, but I'll be paying that one for a while.

But who cares.

I'm alive.  And even more so, blessed, because I was able to see what some never see - the amount of people who love you and will miss you when you're gone.

My wife showed me here phone, the countless "how's Matt" questions she fielded while I lay in a hospital bed, just trying to get through the day.

I've not quite rectified the eternal question of "why me", as in why was I allowed to live while so many died.  I realize that many have their opinions on this sickness.

having experienced it first hand, let me tell you - it's every bit as powerful an fatal as they say.  It's not a political play, it's not a platform or exaggeration of the media.

It is very real, very painful, and very deadly.

Wash your hands, cover your face and be smart.

Many before us have had everything stripped away because they thought it wasn't real.

It is.

I'm one of the lucky ones.  I didn't have to die to see how many folks love me, how many prayed as I laid in that hospital.

I've been grateful for the life and love God has given me.  Today, even more so.

Glad to be back.  Grateful to have another day to live, to love and to laugh.

Eternally grateful . . .