My Cousin

Franc was on the national wish list for this tryke and his wish was granted by an anonymous donor. This is the thank you note we sent to all who were instrumental in making this possible.
Franc’s Poem

I was born without a brain,
And yet I’m very smart.
I cannot do what most kids do,
But I can steal your heart.

My progress may seem very slow,
But I do know what I like.
Being outdoors in the warm sunshine,
And riding on my trike.

The sound of children’s voices
Ringing through the air
I crane my neck to find them
I love when kids are near.

And music playing all around
It’s one of my favorite things
I feel the rhythm in my soul
I want to dance and sing

Oh, I can’t forget my time at school
And all I do each day
Crafts and stories and then it’s therapy
But sometimes I just want to play

I’m blessed in this life to have with me
People who really care
They love me unconditionally
I know that’s why I’m here.

Some may say my life’s not full
Because of how I am
But God’s the one who gave it to me
So I know I’m in His plan.

I have a ready smile
For each person that I meet
Perhaps I can’t say “hello”
But I would if I could speak

In fact, I’d say a mouthful
If I could talk to you
I’d start with thank you for your gift
And end with GOD BLESS YOU!

The safest place on earth............

Dictionary.com defines "safe" as "secure from liability to harm, injury, danger or risk.

Check out this quote from a guy named Barry Mosier: "We know that the safest place in the world to work is where the Lord wants you to work."

Now that sounds nice but it takes on a whole new meaning when you know about Barry. And this is why I think Jesus taught that the kingdom of God is upside down. You see, Barry and his family are missionaries who walked away from the recent plane crash in Africa. That quote from Barry is after the crash.

Check out his story here:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/04/16/congo.crash.survivors/index.html

Got Purpose?

You may think the following words are reckless. I think they're packed with wisdom. They're by author Erik Mirandette from his book The Only Road North: 9,000 Miles Of Dirt and Dreams.

"The most horrible and terrifying thing that I can imagine isn't that I would put all that I am on the line for a cause I believe in and then be called on it. The most horrible and terrifying thing is the thought that I could spend my whole existence minimizing the risks I take, living ignorantly convinced of my safety, rejecting the purpose I was created for, and then someday wake up an old man and see that life has passed before me, and now with death knocking on my door realize that in all my years I have never truly lived.

We each have a destiny, a legend that only we can live. To embrace it is scary and dangerous, and most choose not to. Most put it off until tomorrow, until after high school, until after college, until after establishing a financial base. Can't they see? We only get one shot at this life. Tomorrow may never come. The time is now! Not to drop everything and move to Africa, but to find the passion that is inside us and embrace it, to listen to its subtle whispers."

So what purpose were you created for?

Are you embracing it or ignoring it?

I think God usually talks to us in subtle whispers. Not audible mind you, but to our heart. And if we are busy enough, we can easily drown that out. God probably won't start shouting either. He'll probably continue whispering, and the less we pay attention the quieter that whisper will become. Until what we have and the life we're making and the tomorrow that we claim will be the time to follow Him, fades away.

grief and belief

While traveling home from vacation Sunday I got a call that my grandfather had passed away the day before.

I didn't think I'd be able to make it through speaking at his funeral tomorrow so here is a little memoir that I wrote.


An open letter to my grandfather by Rick Royer:

The community you lived in was better because of your leadership. For that I thank you. But even more, I’m thankful for you passing on family values to your son, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Thank you also for the example of a great marriage. Sixty-six years ago said “till death do us part” and you meant it.

I will always remember and cherish those summer trips we took. Canada, Gettysburg, Kings Island, New York City where we stood on top of the world trade center towers. A little bit of business with a lot of fun mixed in.

I’m proud of you and Grandma for sponsoring a little boy from Peru named Jordy through Compassion International. Thanks for giving him the opportunity to eat everyday and hear about Jesus. I plan to meet Jordy on a not too distant trip down there and will tell him all about you.

Late Sunday night, as I arrived home from vacation, I realized you left me one final gift. There on the kitchen counter was an envelope. You had addressed and mailed it just before your surgery day. I ran my fingers across those letters, and I could almost feel your pen writing. Inside was my birthday card and a present in the form of a check, again with your handwriting.

I’m not cashing the check!

So what will I miss about you most grandpa? One thing for sure is the carryout dinners from Jimmy Johns with a little bit of ice cream and a lot of reminiscing afterwards. Mostly I think I’ll miss your phone calls at work. Just a quick call to see if everyone is well, to ask about an upcoming mission trip, about how the kids are doing, or to see if we can get together.

We can definitely get together. Because we believe in the same Jesus who died to set us free.

One of my favorite parts of the Bible is in Revelation 21 where the new heaven and new earth are being described. And then verse 4 says “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death and mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”