One More For JC

The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Mark 20:28) August 24th has always been one of the most special days in the calendar year for me, solely because that was the day my Mom was born.  Throughout my life, my Mom has been a shining example of what loving, giving, serving, and sacrificing is all about…especially this year when she faced a husband and mom both dying of cancer at the same time.  For months, her days and nights were spent selflessly attempting to do anything in her power to make life just a little bit easier for both of them until their passing. Although the battle was long and incredibly hard, it helped me appreciate my Mom all the more.  This side of heaven, I've come to realize I probably won't encounter another person like her; someone with such relentless determination to serve others - no matter the personal cost.  But thankfully, one day I know I will again, when I come face to face with

I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God. (John 20:17) This morning, my Dad passed away after a long fight with cancer.  Although the battle was hard, it helped bring me even closer to him and to my family…and for that I’ll forever be grateful. Today, I choose not to remember the hard times at the end of his life, but only the good.  I remember my Dad being at every baseball game I ever played (and there were many), I remember him driving his old car around town (even holding the door shut as he drove) while my sister and I drove around in the new cars he bought us, I remember him driving me to and from my graduate school classes after I broke my ankle and stating " You're my son, where else would I rather be?" , and I remember more; yes so much more. Forever, I will cling to the memory of what a wonderful father he was; how selfless, how loving.  He may not have been a perfect human being, but in my mind he will always be cherished

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7) I’ve engaged in a lot of competitions over the years – mostly in the world of sports.  However, 2005 marked my most important competition to date – with myself – to deliver on a promise to read the bible from cover to cover before year end.  With Dee by my side, we embraced this challenge together and set aside time each day in devotion to reading the word.  Yes, there were a few days that slipped by due to laziness or exhaustion, but never a second.  Our eyes remaining focused, we successfully finished the race, and we ultimately received the prize that had eluded us all of our lives. I am pleased to announce that the race continues.  Dee and I have decided to make reading the bible a daily part of our lives.  The fixed reading schedule we kept to so strictly in 2005 admittedly is gone, but our commitment to the Lord is not.  I pray that commitment remains strong, and He remains alw