Christ’s dedication, love, humility and sacrifice are so clearly depicted that we respond with respect and honor. I want to share another similar moment witnessed with my own father demonstrating greatness.

My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer after 36 years of marriage to my father. During this highly taxing time, my parents were going to take a week’s vacation in the mountains of Virginia. However, my mom’s health took a tragic turn for the worse when she became very ill due to the compounded effects of the chemotherapy. Through this time, my dad would spend all day each day in the hospital with her while she was too weak to eat, move around, and even talk.

My dad and I drove home late one evening while leaving the nightly care of my mom (his wife) to the nurses. My dad was very drained and frustrated because there was nothing he could do about the situation except wait and hope. Of course, these health issues along with the many other life stresses were wearing against him physically, emotionally and spiritually. However, it’s these times (some call it testing) that our true character shines through. I tend to think that these “tests” aren’t for God to see how true we are to him, but for us to realize that our life experiences have moved the faith of God the 18 inches from our head to our heart.

So, it’s this evening of frustration and confusion that my dad makes this profound and heartfelt plea, “I just want my wife back. I don’t know, maybe God is trying to teach me how to love my wife better.”

These are the words of greatness – words of a man filled with love and humility, but dedicated to sacrifice (similar to our Lord). It’s these moments that solidify what I’ve seen continually my whole life – a man of integrity, dedication, and relentless sacrifice.

As I reflect on those people who I look to as heroes, my dad is right there. There are a lot of weak men – losers – who live for themselves and aren’t worthy of any respect (no matter how successful they may be professionally), but then there are men like my dad who carry forth the torch of goodness in this world through pain and uncertainty. These are the men deserving of honor and respect. These are the men that the rest of us can admire, be proud of and model our character after.

Dad – you are a man deserving of much respect and honor. You continue to set a profound example of worthy character for me to follow. Thank you for being a hero and role model who stands far above many other fathers I’ve seen. I am truly blessed.

So, I admire my mom (not just today) for allowing her friends and family to be with her as she fought the good fight this past year. She continues to bring joy and blessing into our lives just as before. I was asked yesterday of one of the good memories of my mom and the first thing that came to mind was this:

When I was in grade school, my mom would come into my brother's and my room (with me on the top bunk) to wake us up for school. But, she would take the time to make it fun. She had these little hand puppets that were such an expression of her being - fun and loving. She would poke at us for a bit and then have them talk to us in funny voices and they would sneak around when I rolled over as if these little animals wanted to play. I also distinctly remember many times waking up before she came in, but pretending I was sleeping hoping that it would be a morning of the little hand puppets.

So, I wanted to take this as an opportunity to share a bit more about my mom and consolidate some of the notes, activities and details of this past year for me, my family and friends.

• My mom's breast cancer blog that she updated throughout the journey (registration required, but free): http://www.carepages.com/carepages/strongtower
• Pictures of a party celebrating the last chemo treatment: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2317991&id=1508003
• Excerpt from my dad's take on the journey (75MB): Dick's Celebrating Strength Speech
• My first publication about how I was dealing with it (not long after the news): http://www.jason1365.com/2009/05/03/i-trust-you-audioblog/
• Finally, more than anything, my friend Abby absolutely was/is an angel.  She jumped in as soon as she found out and called my mom frequently (having never met her before or anything); she sent flowers and packages to my mom with all the items that would make her day; she drove down to the farm to work and support my mom; she made a scrapbook for my mom; she reminded me about how to support my mom and she eased my own fears. I cannot say enough good things about her; she is probably the sweetest girl I know. She is a nurse and helps run Georgetown's ICU.  Finally, she has battled breast cancer twice and knows the difficult journey well.  I don't know how our family would have dealt with this without her.  Was it divine intervention that I met her a few months before my mom was diagnosed?  Or just coincidence?

Strongtower / Celebrating Strength Scrapbook

Mary's Story

Mary is the amazing mother of two handsome young men and the strong and sustaining wife to her husband, Richard. Those who have the pleasure to know Mary know that she lives a lifestyle of joy and compassion. Mary exudes hope and peace at every interaction. Not only does she rejuvenate her friends and family, but they know that she is willing to come alongside and enable them to strive for what is good, right, and beautiful. This is evident each week as she enables people to change their work lifestyle to achieve professional goals that align with their values, gives opportunities to those who had opportunity skip over them by tutoring adults, and constantly sacrifices for her family in the daily activities which are so easily overlooked - rising early, preparing meals, tending to the cows, growing gardens, healing the sick, and meeting any need the family has.

Mary is strong. She continually lives her heart of hope and joy. Mary is the linchpin for the annual UVA football game festivities. Without a second thought, she purchases tickets for a dozen people year after year. Each game she (with her husband) shows up bearing many foods prepared the day before or morning of the game to entertain and enjoy life. Because she wants others to share in her joy and excitement, she saves the clappers, thunder sticks, or other fun toys from the games and brings them to subsequent games. In case, you missed that the fact Mary isn't pretentious, she has painted her kitchen a bright yellow which is an outgrowth of the joy and fun that constantly flow through her.

Mary is our strong tower: Strong Tower.

Mary was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer on 2/5/09. When news came that Mary was diagnosed with breast cancer, her spirits remained high & her focus returned to the up-coming business seminar she was host/delivering the first week in March. In fact she scheduled mastectomy surgery 2 days after the event (no cancer 'scare' was going to alter her immediate goals). Her deep trust in God & love of others has gives her strength and a can-do attitude. She is confident she will meet this challenge & emerge stronger for it - not unlike how she did with her first battle with cancer some 30 yrs ago (Hodgkin's).

Her surgery was deemed a success with no complications & no surprises. Lymph nodes under her left arm were also removed. Pathology reports from the removed tissue are pending - they will give us more info on the progress/stage of the disease. We remain confident in a complete recovery - God is good & will guide us through the struggle.

Post surgery 1 wk update [Posted Mar 14, 2009 8:26pm]

I am overwhelmed with the out pouring of love & prayers from everyone including people I do not know from all over the country. Thru these prayers, God has given me strength and no pain. Thank you very much for your cards, calls, books, emails, flowers, blanket, food & most importantly your thoughts and prayers. You truly have given me courage and strength to continue this journey.

March 18 - 1.5 wk post surgery update [Posted Mar 18, 2009 3:00pm]

God's arms have wrapped me in his love and healing. Thank you for all your prayers and support, He has listened to everyone. God is awesome.

Treatment plan [Posted Mar 30, 2009 10:51pm]

Thank you for your support and prayers - the prayers work! I was able to plant some garden yesterday.

April 2-3 1st Treatment [Posted Apr 4, 2009 5:37am]

I was praying the last 6 mos for the strength & fortitude to loose 20 lbs. I hadn't counted on Him answering in this manner, but that's ok. So be careful of what you pray for. I sincerely appreciate all your prayers because His blessings have been bestowed upon me with minimal discomfort and a positive attitude. (I do not personally know who ALL of you are, but I thank you through God as I know you will never see this!)

Vacation/Massanutten Up-date (Dick) [Posted Apr 8, 2009 4:42pm]

Her strength has decreased & her sicknesses have taken over her body & to some degree her spirit.

I had thought that the overnight hospital stay would translate into some miraculous recovery - on the contrary. Her night was not good - they put her on O2, continued IV's of antibiotics & instituted rules that anyone coming into the room must where a mask.

Vacation week wrap-up (Dick) [Posted Apr 11, 2009 3:35pm]

Mary has now been at the Rockingham Memorial Hospital in Harrisonburg, VA since Tuesday (it's now Sat 4/11). The last few days have been tough for both her & I (but especially her), with little improvement in her energy or general well-being. Her white blood count was nearly 0 and her temperature was up and down Wed & Thursday. Her oxygen level was also lower than optimal, so she has been on oxygen sporadically through Fri.

April 22 Update [Posted Apr 22, 2009 8:39pm]

I can't believe it's Apr 22 already! Thank y'all for all your prayers. It has been a while since our last update.

Finally left the hospital at 5 pm on Sunday, the 12th, arriving home about 8 pm.

Jason, eldest son from No. VA, organized a work on the farm weekend, Apr 17-19. As you may know, Dick & I are somewhat private people, having made the choice in 1981 to have a working farm with the goal to be able to be relatively self sufficient. So it is definitely outside our comfort zone to ask people to help with the very hard manual labor that is required to maintain a farm. I know that this is a critical learning that God is trying to teach us - to trust in people that He has placed in our path, that there are many great & good people in the world. So, THANK YOU - Jason, Phil, Whitfield, Abby, Lacey, Stephanie from No VA, Jeff (younger son from Richmond) & Tasha, Locally - Todd C, Todd T, Z-Paul, Danny. Tasha, the pasta salad has been my mainstay this wk.

A special thank you to Abby for the 'cancer survival kit' and Streams in the Desert and cutting my hair. Sore scalp as my hair quickly falls out.

Thank you again for all your prayers, cards & thoughts. I don't go anywhere without my 'pink blanket.' I know and look forward to the many learnings during this journey.

2nd treatment update [Posted May 3, 2009 1:14pm]

All in all, sunny skies are ahead. The wk after the 2nd treatment was better than the wk after the 1st. Next treatment on May 14 and the wk after should be better than last. I guess this is an iterative learning process as is the rest of life. Again, I am humbled by everyone's prayers, thoughts, cards & wishes and I want to thank you. God has truly blessed me with having YOU in my life and I don't even know all of YOU. THANKS!!

Half Way There [Posted May 27, 2009 10:24am]

Half way there - I feel like Luke Skywalker - 'keep your eye on the target!' So this is treatment 3, wk 2 and finally am able to sleep in my bed. However, at the end of this torture, a fitting result would be 20 lbs lighter (also half way there).

We are blessed to have you all in our lives supporting and praying for us. With bunches and bunches of love, Thank You. Mary & Dick

Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me? (John 18:11)

And the Lord answered - Shall I take away pain, And with it the power of the soul to endure, made strong by the strain?

Had else awaits us on this trip? (Dick) [Posted Jun 3, 2009 12:25am]

Just when you think things are going pretty well; we have a process that keeps nausea under control - then you get hit with the unexpected! Mary got stung by a cicada killer bee (some know them as bell hornets) & shortly thereafter, I found her lying on the kitchen floor - it was scary, & I almost called 911 - I know I lost her to unconsciousness twice (she is allergic to bees). We tried to get Benadryl pills into her, but nausea immediately counteracted those efforts - we finally got the anti-nausea process administered & 1 Benadryl pill was kept down (normally 2 are required - she actually took 4 pills over the course of the "event", but only 1 stayed down). She gradually improved & the swelling/anaphylactic reaction diminished after about 2 hours of horrible reaction (poison from many fronts) - what a relief! Too many challenges/tests of courage & common sense - what else could happen? I guess these are learning experiences & rescues from God. In the end, God has shown his love, strength, compassion, & healing powers - we will prevail.

4th treatment -June 19 [Posted Jun 19, 2009 5:16pm]

I have a request for everyone to please insist on breast health to the females that you know - moms, sisters, friends, daughters (yes, even 17 yr olds). Physically, surgery is easy compared this 4.5 months of chemo (only 1 lymph node involved) & last time I had radiation for 2.5 mos. Early detection is the key.

To aid in self exams for early detection, Olivia Newton-John (16 yr "thriver") has a new product Liv Aid (www.olivianewton-john.com) which enhances the feel of abnormal breast tissue. She has partnered up with Curves to distribute the product - free for the asking for Curves members but can also be purchased for $10 from Curves. Check it out & give as a gift.

Your prayers, thoughts and support continue to be an inspiration to me and I pray for you all daily. I don't feel worthy of all the love you have bestowed on me.

Abby, please call me Mary, and thank you for the package & running for me. I hope to be able to do the same for someone in the future - just because I will be able to. (can't even walk 100 ft now)

Such a blessing to have Theresa, Joel & Rocky here Tuesday at 6 am in the drizzle to work the cows and calves all morning.

"Men see not the bright light which is in the clouds" Job 37:21

5th treatment [Posted Jul 9, 2009 10:01pm]

The abyss was very comprehensive physically & mental, wide & deep, challenging anything Existential. 'But his flesh upon him shall have pain, & his soul within him shall mourn' (Job 14:22) doesn't seem strong enough. Knowing that all abysses come equipped with a ladder, the only way out was with the Lord's outreached hand and then His willingness to carry me across the darkness as He encouraged me to read Job.

I am not looking forward to the last treatment & was considering asking the Dr. about forgetting it - I've had enough of this. A lady briefly popped up while channel surfing - 'take all the cancer treatments your doctor recommends' - I guess the message was for me. It is the only time I've seen it in 14 wks.

Early detection is the key.

Friends, I am grateful & blessed with all your prayers and thoughts.

'A friend is someone who reaches for your hand, but touches your heart.' ~Kathleen Grove

last treatment [Posted Jul 21, 2009 9:01pm]

However, we are doing something a little exciting for the next 2 days (Fri-Sat) - visiting Jeff (younger son, 25) & Tasha in VA beach camp ground. Of course, I can't be in the sun & it may rain, so we will be prepared. Getting away from the never ending farm work & TV routine.

Wow the camp ground was packed but Jeff & Tasha were able to get the only cabin open for 1 night. This was surely the result of a higher power & we were blessed by having a great time.

Jason, elder son from NOVA drove home Sat night to help troubleshoot & fix some of the many damages from the storm. Thank you for your energy and spending 8 hrs on the road to help for 1 day.

We are truly blessed to have 2 awesome sons & God's providence! Thank you Jason & Jeff!

2 Free Thursdays! [Posted Aug 13, 2009 12:59pm]

Today is 4 wks since my last treatment (#6) which happened every 3 wks for past 18 wks. So it has been nice to have 2 Thursday's FREE & CLEAR and not to have to anticipate the darkness coming the following 1-2wks. Now, everything can only get better.

We have been brought thru the hard part of this journey with the help of God, everyone's prayers, love & support, now, sunny days are ahead & I know He will give us the strength & courage as we move forward. All we can do is praise Him as He has brought us very close to the breaking point but not over the edge and He readies us to travel on the next high road of life.

Ps 66:12 We went through fire & water, but You brought us to a place of abundance.

9 wks out [Posted Sep 18, 2009 2:16pm]

It's been 9 wks since my last treatment. Recovery is going slower than Dick & I like which is somewhat frustrating. I was asked recently where I thought I was. I think physically I'm at 10-20% & mentally about 50% of normal. I also understand that there may be a new normal.

I am still on the journey. Thank you for your thoughts, prayers & support.

Just finished reading Martin L. Kings 1957 speech "A New Nation" which is the basis of my analogy

To become free from cancer (or anything), we need to look back at the process (suffering thru freedom) of the Israelites -- the chemo is like the Egyptians, now I am going thru the desert, looking for the Promised Land of normality.

May you be blessed & always have hopes & dreams.

A Few Notes

Dear friends Mary and Dick,

You are being tested beyond all measure. The couple who struggled to understand the goodness of a God who would allow a calf to die or crops to wilt in the field, have become mighty warriors of faith who trust in Him come what may. Our father God must be so proud of you, his precious children, his trophies. We love you and continue to pray for you through this time. I love what you said: God has shown his love, strength, compassion, and healing powers--we will prevail. YES, you will and God will be glorified by it.

Love, Linda

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Lund,

What a journey this has been! I am glad to hear you made it through the confrontation with the "Giant Hornet". Mr. Lund, I can only imagine the fear and adrenaline rush you got when you found Mrs. Lund on the floor. Bless your heart--I applaud you for holding it together and helping her get through it.

Mrs. Lund, you continue to amaze me with your perseverance through some difficult times. You have passed beyond the halfway point--May that bring you some hope and encouragement to see all that you have overcome!

Tomorrow I am running in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. I'll be running for you, Mrs. Lund--running to celebrate your spirit of strength in the face of many trials. I also run for hope because I know there will be brighter days ahead for you. Just know that there will be a sea of pink out there fighting for this cause and for you.

I think of you both often. Hope this latest treatment behaves. Never hesitate to give a holler if either of you need anything!

Much love and prayers, Abby Butts

Hi, Mary.

Keep on hanging in there. Your resilience is remarkable. Thanks for promoting the life saving message of early detection that we of Beyond Boobs, Inc. are trying so desperately to get out there to women. I have felt one of those devices at Curves here in Williamsburg, and it really does help - even though I can't use it myself since I no longer have any breasts to check. Keep on hanging in there, and thanks for the updates.

Love ya!! Mary Beth

Mary,

My heart is with you, friend. Wow--look how far you have come! All those baby steps eventually add up...Painfully slow at times, but you are getting there! I'm excited for some of the joys that await you (like being able to taste food again.).

Dick,

Thank you for your unending love and devotion to Mary. Thank you for caring for her and being there day in and day out. It is not easy to see your loved one go through hardship, and I hope that you, too, will continue to be sustained.

My prayers and love continue to be with you. Can't wait to celebrate you!!! Love, Abby

A wise person once told me that God only gives us what he knows we can handle. Faith, love and strength to you and your family. ~Susan

Love always, from your friends -

Abby Butts; Adrienne Miller; Ami Punatar; Amy Patton; Andrea Mendieta; Ann Knight; Barbara Baker; Barbara Batchelder; Barbara Grimes; Ben Sterling; Betsy Page; Blair Warren; Brent Epperson; Carol Thompson; Carol Willis; Catherine Tung; Cheryl Johnson; Cindy Bondurant; Dan Lynch; Dave Hayes; Debby Ruffin; Dick Lund; Donna Hollin; Erik Scheer; Gina Barker; Graham Hollenbeck; Heather Henderson; Jaclyn Durant; Jan Wicks Fiske; Jane Choe; Jared Warren; Jason Lund; Jason Peel; Jeffrey Lund; Jenna Fowler; Jennifer Tucker; Jenny Brueckner; Jenny Van; Jenny Woollett; Judith Dawson; Kate Evers; Kathleen Mcelroy; Kathy Ruoff; Kay Wrenn; Kaye Lewis; Kristina Hopper; Ky Hasaka; Lacey Hanson; Lalala Mon; Laura Schneider; Linda Irvin; Linda Settles; Liza Mosca; Lizette Pirtle; Mark Allen; Mary Beth Gibson; Mary Lund; Mary Peel; Mary Smith; Molly Cousins; Monica Comparetta; Nataly Mautino; Natasha Hanvey; Ngoc Vu; Nick Cohron; Patrice Robinson; Patrick Griffin; Phil Spradlin; Rachel K; Rd Brummett; Robby Wright; Robert Batchelder; Robert Kantmann; Robin Smith; Ron Beverly; Sarah Likins; Sarith Ruiz; Shirley Quinn; Stephanie Lin; Stephanie Sharer; Steve Mcilvaine; Steve Thomas; Susan Baracco; Susan Myers; Susan Scotts; Terry Gross; Theresa Hesch; Tim Geisland; Tobey Thurston; Tracy Sterling; Vincenza Castello; Virgil Hollender; Winston Bersch; Yun Lee

The Guidance/Input

1. Guiding Deck: Dream Session 2010-04-24
2. Book Highlights: A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller
3. Men for Marriage (for men only)
4. Living a Good Story, an Alternative to New Years Resolutions
5. Let Story Guide You [MP3 Excerpt (2MB)]
6. Facing the Giants [YouTube, MP4 (13MB)]
7. The Best Motivation Video [YouTube, MP4 (3MB)]
8. Lecrae - Go Hard [YouTube, MP4 (9MB)]
9. Disney Pixar Up! - Married Life, Carl & Ellie [YouTube, MP4 (66MB)]
10. Randy Pausch - Last Lecture: Achieving Your Childhood Dreams [YouTube, FLV (229MB)]

In Action

Results

We each leave the time with a list of goals, dreams, ambitions and new friends. We realize that wanting to have lived a good life requires intention throughout. We have looked at each other's goals and have figured out ways to take the next step for each other. We are connecting our friends with other friends and colleagues; we are affirming dreams; we are coming alongside our new friends to pursue the same dreams - together!

Next next step is accountability. We'll need to make sure that we all take the time to move on the next step:

• Develop the plan
• Call the friend, relative or connection
• Do the research and move in the direction we know to be right

There seems to be some demand for another one of these sessions from some friends who weren't able to attend. We'll see what happens - who wants to spearhead the next one? Follow your dreams and make simple things like this happen!

A great idea, but how exactly do we do this?

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner -- Do we cringe at the thought of sappy declarations of love, pink teddy bears and over-priced flowers? Or do we consider that this may be a prime opportunity to bring truth, love, forgiveness and joy into the relationships we have with those around us, particularly our immediate family? Sometimes we may find it is easier to reach out to strangers rather than to those who share our very own DNA. But, consider this…

• What if we loved out loud?
• What if we took a leap of faith and put ourselves out there?
• What if we reached out… first?

You are invited to do exactly that -- love a family member out-loud this Valentine’s Day. Set a goal to connect-- or re-connect -- with a parent or immediate family member on a day that is ripe for meaningful expressions of love. Be intentional and take the time to convey a sincere, concise heartfelt message to a parent, parents, or other immediate family member. Humble yourself, give or ask for forgiveness, share how they have impacted you. By making a simple, deliberate and direct effort, you have the potential to impact the future trajectory of your relationship. Don’t underestimate the power of your words -- for better or for worse -- and make a commitment to share your love openly.

Of course, loving boldly can be scary - examples, stories, motivation and resources are attached.

• Valentines 2010 Details: The specific details, an approach, a framework, tangible ideas and resources to further facilitate your move to live and love boldly your immediate family. Intrigued? This is where to start.
• I Wish I Knew You Better by Stephanie: Transformed her relationship with her mom after asking herself, "Do I wish I knew my mom better?"
• Integrity - The Journey by Jason: Communicated to his father the message which had never been clearly told, "You ARE an amazing, loving, sacrificing, compassionate, and noble father’ to his father."
• Daring to Love by Andrea: Persevered through heartache with tangible direction to begin the journey to a revitalized relationship with her farther.

Those who accept the challenge, let’s celebrate your admirable act of love on Feb. 19, 2010.
RSVP and details: http://www.pingg.com/rsvp/3g8wny38zx37w6jwc

Everything is more fun with friends - pass this on to your friends so that they are reminded to convey a sincere, concise heartfelt message to a parent, parents or other immediate family member.

For me, ultimately, this motivation comes only because of Christ’s outpouring of love for me. I am compelled to express, only in a small way, what Jesus has given me and offers to you – a life of fullness and joy.

I’m always available and my door is always open, if you ever need anything. Many blessings!

Not surprisingly, I’d love to go over there and help in whatever capacity I can. I have been blessed by so many others that I am compelled to do the same (not from a sense obligation or guilt) because love begets love. As I think of this idea of sacrifice, love and faith in light of what I’m currently studying (the Gospel of John) - other ideas begin to connect.

My Hope and Salvation (Jesus Christ) humbled himself as the Creator to become the created. He was deity who chose (for no good reason) to come as the most ordinary to relate to his beloved (all of us). Jesus said of his faithful forerunner, "Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist" (Matt 11:11). John fearlessly lived out his faith by fulfilling his calling - to proclaim repentance and the coming savior of the world, Jesus the Christ. His public calling for repentance angered the powerful - religious, noble and military - which led to his martyrdom only a little more than year after he began. Jesus faithfully obeyed God the Father for three years before humankind rejected his message and demanded a gruesome torture and death because his message was so contrary to our natural selfishness.

I thought of these ideas as I’m running up the final hill to my house the other morning. And, I asked myself, "If I go to Haiti, what opposition would I run into?" Most notably, I believe that my physical safety could be jeopardized and that well-meaning and caring people would advise against such an endeavor. Then, this verse (Phil 3:8) finally made sense (going from head to heart) - "I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord."

For me, there are many things I want to believe and then there are the times when I realize that I actually do truly believe them. The ‘rubber meets the road’ (when life gets difficult and tragedies hit my relational life, financial situations and family members) is where the training is proven. So, that morning I honestly said to myself and God, "I consider it an extreme honor to die in the name of Christ (for I am entirely unworthy), if I can live out God’s call for my life even one day."

For me, it’s hard to see a leader as somebody like Jesus.  I guess, I’m used to thinking of a leader as more of a powerful manager.  So, if I attempt to think of myself as a leader, I feel that it’s my responsibility to instill some sort of conformity of what is right across the board.  However, Andy Stanley states that the manager “manages to sameness” while the leader “leads into chaos” (Catalyst OneDay 2009). The disparity is apparent when I examine my actions and my convictions and conclude that they are not in concert. I strongly ascribe to beliefs that diversity is to be cherished and no two situations are the same and cannot be solved with the same approach.  Moreover, I am drawn to this believe so much because it requires continual dependence upon the Creator for direction as well as consistent submission that my own ideas are lame and entirely insufficient.  However, my actions dispel a counter message – one of conformity, performance and fear.

What is a leader then?  How does that play about?  What does that mean for me?  Today, I see that I need to embrace the following leadership characteristics:

• The leader serves: I must look to serve those whom God calls me to lead
• The leader is a cheerleader: I must celebrate the good (rather than condemning the bad)
• The leader does not change others: I must continually follow and point to Christ
• The leader is authentic: I must seek God’s revelation into my own heart and motives and His strength and wisdom to walk in faith

To conclude, "That is wonderful and inspiring.  What happens next - if anything?”  Rather than answer that question myself, I seek your response.  Enjoy the goodness!

Finally, I reflect on the influence of Jesus Christ:

Nearly two thousand years ago in an obscure village, a child was born of a peasant woman. He works in a carpenter shop until he is thirty, and then for three brief years is an itinerant preacher, proclaiming a message and living a life. He never writes a book. He never holds an office. He never raises an army. He never has a family of his own. He never owns a home. He never goes to college. He never travels two hundred miles from the place where he was born. He gathers a little group of friends about him and teaches them his way of life.

His greatness has never been paralleled. He never wrote a book, yet all the libraries of the country could not hold the books that have been written about Him. He never wrote a song, and yet He has furnished the theme for more songs that all the songwriters combined. He never founded a college, but all the schools put together cannot boast of having as many students. Every seventh day the wheels of commerce cease their turning and multitudes wind their way to worshiping assemblies to pay homage and respect to Him. The names of the past proud statesmen of Greece and Rome have come and gone. The names of the past scientists, philosophers, and theologians have come and gone, but the name of this man abounds more and more.

Along similar lines, we have been so brainwashed by our world with a feeling of entitlement, independence (maybe American independence is actually ripping us from what we need the most, dependence on the body of Christ), and arrogance that we don’t even realize it.  The Evil one has worked against the goodness in society for generations to where we see tendencies that move us away from God as actual traits that are godly.  We are so deceived.  “It’s natural, there are good reasons for this mentality, and it’s necessary to exist in this society” – I agree with all of these.  However, in the parable of the unmerciful servant, there is a king who forgives a servant, then a servant who doesn’t forgive.  Moral of the story – forgive when forgiven.  But, Rob Bell goes a step further and points out that maybe it’s not as simple as do X, but it’s a complete perception and society issue. Maybe our world and how it works may be against the God who created us and His design.  Take a gander for yourself.

Sermon: http://www.marshill.org/cart/download/062109.mp3

Scripture: Matt 18:21-35; http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matt%2018:21-35;&version=31;

“If I stick with the accounting system, this guy is never going to pay me back.” ~ kings thoughts.

Somebody has to pay the debt.  The king pays the price, bears the cost, and dies to the system so that the servant may have a new life. [Sound something like Jesus?]

Forgiveness costs somebody.  When we decide to get revenge, we are essentially saying, “I’m not paying for this one.”

What if I chose to pay the cost when somebody sins against me?  What if I chose to say, “I’m not going to keep track of all of the wrongs or rights.”  What if I didn’t view the world as if there are scales with good on one side and evil on the other?  What if I saw the beauty of truth for what it really is – the face of God.

Follow this up with a few songs.

Passion - One Pure And Holy Passion: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I17edLkBDCo

Give me one pure and holy passion
Give me one magnificent obsession
Give me one glorious ambition for my life
To know and follow hard after You

Dizmas - Redemption Passion Glory: Лаптоп Магазин лаптопhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5zMdWgDYAE

This is redemption,
that you would die for me
And this is salvation,
that you would live in me
This is rejection,
that they would all hate me
And this is submission
that I would live holy

Hillsong - In Your Freedom: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLJctSXX-fA

In Your freedom I will live
I offer devotion, I offer devotion

I've talked about this idea of "Love in Action" before (see http://www.jason1365.com/2007/03/11/love-in-action/), but recently I have been on the receiving end of the love.  It is completely mind-blowing to receive love through these friends; I am humbled because I do not deserve it, nor can I repay them for their expressed love through service and companionship.

Two passages from Scripture come to mind as I reflect on the blessings of relationship.  These passages have continued to resurface over the past couple of years.  I am compelled to let these permeate my lifestyle and being; however inept I am now.

John 13:34-35 - "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

1 John 3:16-18 - This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.

So, to you, friends, you do not know how your service releases the worry from the mind of my parents (in particular my dad).  Thank you, the following is for you.

You have demonstrated friendship in its fullness - your selfless acts are wonderfully humbling and fill hearts with hope and joy.  You are a true blessing.  To provide a little perspective on how your sacrifice reduce stress and bring joy, please read through a sample of how you have impacted the life of my dad.

Imagine you get up early in the morning to take care of the farm.  As you get up, your feet hit the dirty floor as you get dressed.  You get some milk from the fridge, but remember that you wanted to clean out the dust for months now.  You step outside and see the overgrown grass and heinously huge forsythia bush.  You dread another discussion about it and, even more, the work it will take to push it back.  You go to open the garage and see the uncut and un-split logs that have been sitting for many months - more work that needs to be done prepare for winter.  You glace at the untilled garden knowing that seeds need to go in the ground ASAP.  As you walk towards the main barn, you pass one barn full of monitors, old cattle feed, and lots of bags and think to yourself, "I need to clean that out before the time to spread fertilizer."  As you reach the barn you look to your right and see the pile of rock that you need to use to fill in the holes in the driveway while remembering the old bags and other debris in the barn. Again, the burdens push down on your shoulders, "So many things to do, but I need to check on the cows right now."  As you walk through the fields to tend to the cows you see a tree on the fence and many other trees down in the bull lot and think, "This is such a mess and will take forever to clean up, especially with my back problems - I'll have to be careful and go even slower.  I can't use this field for cows until this is fixed."  You walk through some of the other pastures and see the more downed trees - what a mess, creating hassle for you and the cows(all the while knowing that good firewood is going to waste), "What a pity I can't get all of these cleaned up."  As you round your way back toward the house, you see that old barn in a pile knowing that it should get cleaned up so that the cows don't get hurt or eat rusty nails.  You see a woodchuck run toward another building and remember seeing holes throughout the foundation of the building, "That building is going to collapse because of their darn holes."  You walk past two dead trees that need to be cleaned up - in your own yard - "There is too much hard work to do everywhere."  You look around and see the remnants of an old swimming pool and high grass - such an eye sore (not that the myriad of other things weren't). You walk back toward the house door and see seven (count them, seven) squirrels in the tiny tree you were supposed to plant five months ago. Finally, you walk inside and remember you need to make special food for your wife and then make breakfast for yourself.

Pretend like this is just the first hour of your day, how motivated are you to do the actual pressing tasks of the day when you know that when you get those done, these other stresses are waiting patiently, however unrelenting, for you once you accomplish any other task.

Thank you for enduring the burdens of my parents.  You fulfill (see Galatians 6:2).

What does it look like to let go of the stresses of my life?  For me, I am left to wonder about life when circumstances, pain, and uncertainty hit close to home.  When this happens, how do I react?  First, I am frustrated at first that things are out of my control.  I then question God about what is going on - I want to understand; I want to feel like life (a.k.a. God) is fair.  Finally, my God reminds me who He is, His nature, and where I need to be.  It's then up to me to make the decision as to how I will react.

This is my second audio-blog which was recorded on my drive home from the hospital after my mom's surgery.  Enjoy the background music and the noise of the car ride for the 9:32 of this audio-blog.

Audio-blog: I trust you