Ramblings on a cloudy day

9/12/10 Worship Set List #sundaysetlist

2010-09-13T19:45:00.001-04:00

Great time of worship at River Springs Church this week. Brought back a golden oldie for this set. We haven't done "Awesome" in probably 2 and a half years. The congregation seemed to respond well. Maybe we'll do some more "oldies."

Song of Hope - Robbie Seay Band
Hosanna - Starfield arrangement
Glorious One - Fee
Burn For You - Fee
Awesome is the Lord Most High - Tomlin

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08/08/10 Set List #sundaysetlists

2010-08-09T21:34:00.001-04:00

Back up after hiatus. Sorry for dropping the ball for so long.

I Will God - Starfield
Until the Whole World Hears - Casting Crowns
Reign in Us - Starfield
Love is Here - Tenth Avenue North
Send Me Out - Fee

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3/21/10 Worship Set #sundaysetlist

2010-03-24T23:10:00.001-04:00

God is Alive - Fee
Hallelujah - Tenth Avenue North
Jesus Paid it All - Kristian Stanfill
The Glory of It All - David Crowder Band
Let God Arise - Chris Tomlin

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3/14/10 Worship Set #sundaysetlist

2010-03-15T22:02:00.001-04:00

Let God Arise - Tomlin
You Are So Good To Me - 3rd Day
You Alone - David Crowder Band
Savior Please - Josh Wilson
God is Alive - Fee

God is Alive is on Fee's Hope Rising album. If you have not heard it yet, you need to. What a great song! What a declaration it makes: "The empty grave is singing now, it's shouting out. He is alive, He is alive, and we are free." If that's not a good reason to celebrate, I don't know one.

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Sunday set list x3 #sundaysetlist

2010-03-07T22:17:00.001-05:00

Again, I've fallen down on the job. 3 weeks of set lists in one post. But before we go there, a quick update. First of all, I missed leading worship on 2/14 with pneumonia. (I promise a full post about the joys of pneumonia later.) It was back in the saddle on 2/21, but only at about half speed. 2/28 was probably about 3/4 speed. Sometimes, playing hurt is good for the soul. It reminds us that in our weakness, His strength is made perfect. It reminds us that it's not about us. Today was the first day I've felt good in a while. Really good. A really great experience in worship today. It's nice to feel good again. I was beginning to wonder if this day would come. Praise be to God!

3/7/10

We Shine - Fee
Glory to God, Forever - Fee
No One Higher / The Stand - Fee
You Are So Good to Me - Third Day
Marvelous Light - Charlie Hall

2/28/10

Here is Our King - David Crowder Band
Great is the Lord - Elevation Worship
Forever Changed - Eddie Kirkland
Savior, Please - Josh Wilson
Jesus Saves - Carlos Whitaker

2/21/10

Jesus Saves - Carlos Whitaker
Everlasting God - Brenton Brown
Forever Changed - Eddie Kirkland
Wholly Yours - David Crowder Band
Rise and Sing - Fee

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2/14/10 Worship Set #sundaysetlist

2010-02-14T15:07:00.001-05:00

Jesus Saves - Carlos Whittaker
Beautiful Jesus - Kristian Stanfill
I Need You - Kristian Stanfill
Forever Changed - Eddie Kirkland
Mighty to Save - Hillsong

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2/7/10 Worship Set #sundaysetlist

2010-02-08T20:59:00.001-05:00

Sing A Song - Third Day
Jesus Paid It All - Kristian Sanfill arrangement
The Stand - Glory to God Forever - Fee
Hallelujah - Tenth Avenue North
Let Me Sing - Todd Fields

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Worship Set 1/31/10 #sundaysetlist

2010-02-06T09:00:00.001-05:00

Sorry I'm running behind this week.

Rise and Sing - Fee
Cannons - Phil Wickham
Jesus Paid It All - Kristian Stanfill version
Hallelujah - Tenth Avenue North
We Shine - Fee

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Worship Set 1/24/10

2010-01-24T17:07:00.001-05:00

Great time of worship today. Pulled out a new song. Let me know what you think of it. I loved this set. Some of my favorites.

Rise and Sing - Fee (I love this song! It's been on my mind to do for weeks. Glad we got it working. We're doing it next week, too.)
From the Inside Out - Kristian Stanfill arrangement
I Need You - Stanfill
How He Loves - David Crowder Band version
Sing, Sing, Sing - Chris Tomlin

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Worship set Update

2010-01-24T17:02:00.001-05:00

So I realized that I haven't posted a worship set since 12/13. That was so last year. I did not intend to fall behind in posting these worship sets. Sorry if you were checking them out and thought I just decided to quit. Truth is, I'm just a slacker. Today I updated them. I'm going to do a better job of updating each week. This is not a New Year's resolution...I'm little late for that. I'm just going to do it. So here goes...

Posted via web from jimmy's musings and whatnot

Worship Set 1/17/10

2010-01-24T16:54:00.003-05:00

This was an all acoustic set.

Sing A Song - Third Day
I Need You - Kristian Stanfill
Beautiful Jesus - Stanfill
How He Loves - David Crowder Band version
Glory to God Forever- Fee

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Worship Set 1/10/10

2010-01-24T16:54:00.001-05:00

Let Me Sing - Todd Fields
Show Me Your Glory - Third Day
Amazed by You - Elevation Worship
Lead Me to the Cross - Chris and Conrad version
Blessed Be Your Name - Tree63 version

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Worship Set 1/3/10

2010-01-24T16:53:00.001-05:00

Awesome is the Lord Most High - Chris Tomlin
Glory to God Forever - Fee
How Great is Our God - Tomlin
Holy is the Lord - Tomlin
Marvelous Light - Charlie Hall

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Worship Set 12/27/09

2010-01-24T16:52:00.003-05:00

Angels We Have Heard - Third Day arrangement
O Come all Ye Faithful - Third Day arrangement
God With Us - MercyMe
What Child is this? - Third Day arrangement
Here is Our King - David Crowder Band

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Worship Set 12/20/09

2010-01-24T16:52:00.001-05:00

All Creation Sing (Joy to the World) - Fee
O Come All Ye Faithful - Third Day arrangement
I Need You - Kristian Stanfill
I Celebrate the Day - Relient K
O Praise Him (All this for a King) - David Crowder Band

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Last Shoulder Update?

2009-12-14T21:27:00.001-05:00

Had my latest appointment on Thursday. In the 6 weeks since my last appointment, I've had a remarkable development with my care. I've been told that I've had enough physical therapy and I should be fine. Not by my doctor, or my physical therapist, mind you. No, that would make sense. That nugget of wonderful health advice came from my esteemed health insurance provider, which shall remain unnamed. (It's initials are BCBS.) Oops, that slipped. Yeah, not to go off on too much of a tangent, but my insurance will only allow 30 visits per calendar year, and the fact that my surgeon sent me for 8 visits back in May to try to avoid surgery is of no matter. So much from attempting to save money. Should've just had the surgery, I guess. And please don't try to find someone in authority to speak with to appeal such a decision. It's kind of like trying to find a grown man who will admit to enjoying New Moon. You know they're out there, you just can't find them.

Anyway, I've been trying to do my own physical therapy at home, and it's been progressing fine. I've noticed myself being able to do more and more things with my right arm over the last month. The pain is getting to be less and less. I have stopped having to use the patches at night to sleep. I'm down to 1 anti-inflammatory pill per day. I'm off the ice and the heating pad. Things finally seem to be looking up.

So I'm at the doctor's office for my follow up and he ran me through my paces. Asked all the questions and give it a look. At the end of the visit, he gave me the good news. He told me that I could go back to playing golf and swinging a bat. He told me to let my pain be my guide. He told me that I could even go back to the gym and resume upper body workouts. He did give me the warning to not push through pain, but he's basically set me free. He even told me I could try to throw a little as long as it's at low intensity and see how that goes. Little does he now that's how I throw when I'm at 100%.

He told me to come back in 3 months if I want to. If I want to? Riiiight. That's exactly what I want to do, go back to the doctor. Then he rephrased and said come back if I'm still having any problems. Otherwise, I'm done. Free. Released. How great is that?

I know I'm not at 100%, but I feel pretty good. Played ball for a while with the kids Saturday night and paid for it Sunday. I could barely lift my arm Sunday morning. Somebody say welcome to your thirties. But I think it's just going to continue to get better. At least that's what I'm choosing to believe.

Thanks for reading these updates. I hope to find the inspiration to continue to write a little. So long for now.

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Worship Set 12/13/09

2009-12-13T20:57:00.001-05:00

All Creation Sing (Joy to the World) - Fee

Angels We Have Heard on High - Third Day arrangement

Glorious One - Fee

Cannons - Phil Wickham

All Because of Jesus - Fee

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Worship Set 12/6 - Student Sunday

2009-12-07T20:54:00.002-05:00

Beautiful - Shawn McDonald
Hold My Heart - Tenth Avenue North
Only Hope - Switchfoot
Never Alone - BarlowGirl
How He Loves - David Crowder Band version

This was an all acoustic set. A great time of worship, led by our student's. They titled the service "In this quiet place" and they really reminded us why God has called us to "Be still." Great contrast from the ordinary, and a great reminder. Great stuff.

Worship Set 11/29

2009-12-07T20:15:00.001-05:00

Sing a Song - Third Day
Great is the Lord - Elevation Worship
Glory to God, Forever - Fee
Cannons - Phil Wickham
Sing, Sing, Sing - Chris Tomlin

Worship Set 11/22/09

2009-11-22T22:07:00.002-05:00

Captivated - Shaun McDonald
Everything Falls - Fee
Glory to God, Forever - Fee
Cannons - Phil Wickham
Mighty to Save - Hillsong

Worship Set 11/15/09

2009-11-17T21:04:00.002-05:00

Let Me Sing - Todd Fields
Beautiful Jesus - Kristian Stanfill
I Need You - Kristian Stanfill
Everything Falls - Fee
O Praise Him (All this for a King) - David Crowder Band

Great time of worship @ RSC this week. This is the first time we've ever done Everything Falls. It's on Fee's new album, Hope Rising, and it's really spoken to me recently. If you haven't listened to that cd yet, I highly recommend it. Really good effort by Steve and the boys.

Worship Set 11/8/09

2009-11-10T20:28:00.003-05:00

Sing a Song - Third Day
Beautiful Jesus - Kristian Stanfill
Reign in Us - Starfield
I Need You - Kristian Stanfill
These Thousand Hills - Third Day

A great day of worship at River Springs Church. Sorry it's Tuesday night before I got this up.

Worship Set 11/1/09

2009-11-03T21:39:00.003-05:00

These Thousand Hills - Third Day
Great is the Lord - Elevation Worship
Amazed by You - Elevation Worship
Show Me Your Glory - Third Day
Blessed Be Your Name - Tree63 version

It was testimony Sunday at RSC. Really cool to hear how God is working. Davii told her story. She reminded me that God is good, no matter what.

Shoulder Update

2009-10-27T19:44:00.002-04:00

So, I know it's been a while since I've written about my shoulder. I figure it's time for an update before this thing turns into a novella. People constantly ask me, "How's the arm?" and my constant reply is, "It's coming." That is pretty much my story. It's better than it's been, but I sure hope it's not where it's going. So here's a brief rundown of the last 6 weeks or so.

I went back to the doctor on September 11th for my 4 week follow up. At that point, I let the doc know it was still hurting and not progressing like I was hoping. He tested my range of motion and told me that even if it seemed as though my bionic arm needed to be oiled, that my progress was actually good. He also said that the pain was to be expected. It's weird how knowing that you're not the only one can be comforting. He gave me new medicine and told me to get back to work. Which is exactly what I've done.

Therapy has been a solid 2-3 times every week. It's not as painful as it was at the outset, but let me level with you...it still stinks. Out loud. All the pulling and stretching and lifting gets old....fast. Just the other day, my therapist ripped my arm off and beat me with it. Or at least it felt like she did. But I know it's necessary. The therapy...not the beatings. I've been taking my anti-inflammatory meds and icing regularly. I'm sure that the exercises are getting easier. It's just that the progress is in such small increments that they are hard to pick up when you look at them every day.

In the past couple of weeks or so, I've noticed that I've been unconsciously reaching for things more with my right hand. Using it more. That's cool, because extending my right arm has been painful and my left arm is virtually useless. I'm what people call very right handed. The opposite of ambidextrous. It's sad really...but I digress. I even noticed myself clapping my hands above my head while leading a song last Sunday. It's been a long time since that has happened. So the progress is undeniable. And very encouraging.

But there's still a good deal of pain. It even wakes me up at night. So I told the doc about it on my next appointment, which was Oct 23. I showed him the spots that were the most troublesome and he gave me some options on what we could do. 1st, he wanted to write me a different script for a new anti-inflammatory med. OK, sounds good. Anything that will help I'm good with. 2nd, he wanted me to try some anti-inflammatory patches that can be put directly on the troublesome areas. Wow, 2 for 2, sounds really good. He even gave me some samples of that to check it out. 3rd, more therapy. Not great, but not terrible. I saw that coming. I need it and it helps, so I can deal with it.

Then he dropped the bomb. Item #4 was, he wanted to give me a cortisone shot in the shoulder. Hold up now. I told him that I remembered the last one. (Just for a refresher. I had one of these in May and it was torture. He used the longest, fattest needle in the history of the world, and drove it in with a ball peen hammer. Well, not really, but just take my word for it....unpleasant.) He said that it was my choice, but he really believed it would help. So, when faced w/ this decision: momentary pain for long term gain...I manned up and had it done.

Don't ask how bad it was, let's just get to the point. It seems to have really helped. The pain is much less, and the mobility is much greater. Therapy is set to continue, and we'll see how it goes. As I look back on it, the last 10 weeks have really seemed like forever. They say time flies when you're having fun. Well, time really creeps when you're not. The doctor told me from the beginning that it would be at least 3 months. I guess that wasn't an exaggeration. He told me on Friday that some people take 6-12 months to be able to do a simple task like changing a light bulb. Based on that new information, I really feel like I'm doing pretty good.

Guess it kinda turned into a novella after all. Not too much funny this time. Hope it was worth your time.

Worship Set 10/25/09

2009-10-26T21:37:00.002-04:00

Here is update number 2:

Freedom is Here by Hillsong United
Show Me Your Glory by Third Day
Glorious by Chris Tomlin
Great is the Lord by Elevation Worship
Mighty to Save by Hillsong

A great day of worship at River Springs Church. It's cool when you have church and God shows up.

Worship

2009-10-18T21:03:00.004-04:00

So, I have been feeling the urge to start writing again. There are a couple of snags, though. I don't really consider my life all that interesting. And I'm not sure that I always have something clever or insightful to say. But I feel more productive when I write. So, in effort to give myself a regular reason to write, I decided to just jump in and start a weekly feature. I know, the smart thing to do would be to just start writing and see where it leads. The problem is, I'm a procrastinator. If I don't have a deadline, I'm probably not going to do anything. What can I say? I work better under pressure. So, here's my idea.

I've been reading a lot of blogs of worship leaders over the last few months. One of the most useful things that I have found is when they post their weekly set lists. I am constantly looking for new material for Sunday mornings. I know how easy it is to get caught in a rut, and I'm not too proud to search high and low for new ideas. Well, I have decided to do that, too. I'm going to start posting our weekly worship set list from Sunday mornings. I'll post the name of the song and the artist who's version we are doing.

I'm doing this for 2 reasons. First, I regularly have folks ask me about the songs that we do. I want to let people know where they can find them, buy them, and listen to them. I listen to these songs and I think you should too. Second, I've been getting inspiration from others and figured I should pay it forward. Will anyone ever read one of River Springs' set lists and find a new song to try in their church? I have no idea. But that's not really the point. The point is in the offering. So, here goes.

"Freedom is Here" Hillsong United
"Victorious" Fee
"Glory to God, Forever" Fee
"How He Loves" David Crowder Band
"Sing, Sing, Sing" Chris Tomlin

In the Swing

2009-08-25T21:03:00.004-04:00

So it's back to the grind. But first things first; the weekend. It was a good one. We went out with some friends on Friday night, and Davii let me drive. It's a weird feeling getting behind the wheel again. Let me just say this, I'm quite happy I don't drive a 5 speed any more. That would be a nightmare. And another thing. Eating, talking on the phone, texting, or anything else that could be construed as fun is next to impossible while driving with one hand. But look out Columbia, I'm back on the roads.

On Saturday morning, I got a call from some friends at church saying they were coming to cut our grass. Amazing. I consider myself to be pretty good with words. I talk for a living and write for fun. It's what God made me to do. And in spite of this, I have immense difficulty coming up with words to describe the people that surround me. My friends and family (both biological and church) are second to none. You people are so amazing that I can't do you justice with words. So this is the sound of me being speechless.

Saturday afternoon, Davii and I got to go flying. Our neighbor is a small aircraft pilot and she took Davii and I up in one, and we cruised over the city and the lake. It was really cool seeing God's creation from 2000 feet. Saturday night, we watched Facing the Giants. Pretty good movie. God used this movie to say something profound to my heart. God sends rain where and when he chooses. Do not simply pray for rain, but expect it, and prepare your fields. I pray that God helps me to heed that remarkable lesson. I pray for rain all the time, but I'm not sure that my fields are ready to receive it when it comes.

Sunday, we had a great day at church. Again, God's power is so magnified when our weaknesses are most obvious. We are working on some new things in worship, and I can't wait so see what God is going to do in the coming weeks. I did, however, have a mishap on Sunday. I fell on my shoulder climbing some stairs. Holy Crap. Hurt so bad I thought I would vomit. Felt like I broke my arm off.

Monday's therapy session was the toughest in a week. Range of motion was decreased and pain was increased. I mentioned that I had fallen and was reminded how stupid it was to not call the doctor. My therapist had me call Dr. O'leary and let him know what happened, which led to an appointment today with the good doc. He gave my arm and shoulder a once over and said he was convinced nothing was fractured or broken loose; it was only a bruise. Whew. Then he told me to be more careful, and he'd see me in 2-3 weeks. Feels like I dodged a bullet. It's a real weight lifted off my shoulders. (Too soon? I think I can make that joke.)

The other noteworthy event has been my return to work. Let's just say that my job is not much fun when you have full use of all your faculties. Trying to do all the typing and writing I do with my right arm in a sling has been an adventure, at best. That's all I'm going to say about work. I'll just say it's tough right now and leave it at that. That's why they call it work, I guess.

That's all for now. Thanks for stopping by. I keep telling myself that I'm going to start writing shorter updates, but it hasn't worked yet. Maybe next time.

Progress

2009-08-21T08:33:00.000-04:00

I went to my physical therapy on Wednesday. Another painful, but good session. Still no strengthening exercises, though. All stretches and range of motion exercises. At the end of each session, the therapist will do the passive ROM stretching and measure how far we've come. On Wednesday, we reached normal range of motion in all directions. Awesome! Praise God. I love milestones. And in addition to this, she told me it was no longer necessary for Davii to do the stretches on me at home. Awesome! Praise God again. Gotta say that I'm happy that the sanctioned domestic battery portion of the rehab has come to a close.

Then she spoke words that would stick with me. She said, "You're way ahead of schedule with your rehab." Wow. Words I've always wanted to hear. I always knew I was better than average, and now I have confirmation. But then she dropped the bomb, "the rehab won't all go this fast or this smooth. You need to be patient, because there will be some bad days." I'm not sure I was ready for this. I thought those were behind me. I want smooth and linear, not any of this 2 steps forward and 1 step back stuff. This makes me a bit uneasy, but all I know to do is work hard and trust God. God give me patience, and give it to me soon.

On Thursday night, we went out to eat. Out of the house, my only purpose, leisure. I remember what that used to be like, and I like it. We ate at Fatz and then did what all good rednecks do when they get all dressed up, haven't been out for a while, and are looking for a night on the town...we went to Wal-mart. (Sorry if that hits too close to home for you.) Visited the new, clean, softly lit, carefully landscaped, Ballentine Wally World. They look different out here in the burbs. It was good to get out of the house.

Today's therapy session was great. Less pain, more flexibility. She told me to cut back on some of my home exercises, for fear that my shoulder might become too flexible. Now, there's something this guy has never had to be concerned about. But I feel like I am making real gains. Again, that is encouraging, so I have to be very careful not to be discouraged when I'm not. I'm going to try to spend the day with nothing stronger than ibuprofen and ice to curb the soreness. If I can pull that off, I can get back behind the wheel.

I have no idea whether anyone is reading these updates, but they are cathartic and they make me smile as I write them. Because of that, I'll continue to write about my shoulder and, who knows, maybe even more. We'll just have to see about that.

1 week and 1 day later

2009-08-18T14:24:00.000-04:00

Where do I start? It's been nearly a week since my last post, I am finally fairly coherent. I know, first time for everything, right? I just wanted to pen a brief update, because I still get a lot of, "How are you doing?"s everyday. First, let me say this...I am doing much better. Thank you so much for the prayers, the thoughts, the well wishes, the food, the flowers, the cards...for everything. You don't realize how special your friends really are until they step into the void and make a real difference. Thank you so much for picking me up when I needed it.

Now, on to the business at hand. I went to the doctor on Friday. He examined the incisions and called my recovery so far "a success." He again reiterated that he had done everything that he had hoped to do with my shoulder and that if I am diligent about my rehab, then I should be back to better than normal in 3 months or so. Awesome. Just what I wanted to hear. Then he took the stitches out, and told me that I could take showers or even go for a swim if I wanted, just not in the lake just yet. Really, he said that. He then broke the bad news to me...it's time to start easing off the pain meds. He reminded me that I cannot drive as long as I am taking them and hoped that would serve as some sort of incentive. Little did he know that I was made to be chauffeured around. But anyway, he wanted to cut back the dosage and the times per day, so it has begun. He told me to come back in a month for a follow up and then he told me to go back to work on the 24th. Begun indeed.

After leaving there, I headed over for another torture session. Oops. Again, I meant physical therapy. Again my arm was jerked all over creation in what she said was more range of motion stretches, but felt more like somebody try to break a pulley bone at Shealy's. (If you didn't understand that last reference then I am so, so sorry.) And then I was reminded to be doing my stretches. No prob, I said...I don't even have stitches any more. The most remarkable thing about this session was that my lovely bride came with me to learn how to do the range of motion stretches. AKA, home torture sessions. Now she has permission to make me cry. Life is so unfair. Just kidding, dear. I really appreciate you being willing to help me, because they really do help, even though it really hurts. But enough whining.

Sunday, I got up and went to church. This was my first trip out of the neighborhood that did not require me to show my blue cross blue shield card. I had full intentions of just worshipping like everyone else, but once I got there, I could not resist. I climbed up on stage and did my best to sing the songs, sling and all. To God be the glory, I did not fall over and as far as I know did not say anything silly in a drug induced stupor. And to the best of my recollection, the name of Jesus was proclaimed and magnified. Again, to God be the glory. After that, I was pretty much a vegetable for the rest of the day, although I did get to witness proof that Tiger Woods is, in fact, a human.

Yesterday, I had another pt session. My range of motion is really starting to return. At least the passive range of motion. My arm will do some pretty cool things when somebody else is moving it. I can't do it myself yet, but they tell me that will come. I spent the rest of the day in a good deal of pain. I'm pretty sure this is the result of my increased workload, coupled with my decreased medicinal assistance. Again, all part of the process, they tell me.

Today, I am pretty sore again, although I am kinda typing w/ both hands. If I sit my laptop just right in my lap, my right hand can reach some of the keys. We celebrate small victories around here. I've used a good bit more ice the last 2 days. Again I'm sure this has a lot to do with greater workload and lessened medication.

Well, that's all I've got. I'm still not driving, but I'm getting closer. My back is getting sore from sitting in my recliner all day and all night. I'm really looking forward to moving back to the bed. Maybe later in the week. Here's hope. And I miss my dog. Hank's at dog camp, at the neighbor's. I can't do the collar and leash competently yet, so our neighbors have graciously offered to let him stay over there when Davii's working.

I'm not sure I've said this out loud yet, but I wanted to add this. Praise God for all of this. Praise God that he can be glorified even through something like this. Praise God the surgery was a success. Praise God that I'm starting to get better. Praise God there is a light at the end of the tunnel. God is good and He is worthy, even when we don't feel so good.

That's all for now. Thanks for reading, and I'll be back soon.

D-Day plus 2

2009-08-13T00:38:00.000-04:00

It's been 2 days since my surgery. I thought I'd try to one-hand an update. I woke up Monday in recovery and was given the good news that the surgery was a success. The doc cleaned up my rotator cuff and my labrum, and dealt with some bone spurs. Said everything went just as he'd hoped. Good words to hear. Afterwards, I was discharged with my right arm in a sling and a prescription for some pretty good pain killers. They had given me a nerve block in my arm, so I literally couldn't feel a thing. Couldn't even move my fingers. I was warned, though, that this was only temporary and that pain would make an appearance soon enough.

Let's just call that an understatement. First, my fingers started to itch. Then I was able to move my fingers. The nerve block was wearing off. I was told it would last 12-18 hours, but it was fading after about 8. This is when the pain began. And boy was there pain. Like, bomb exploding pain. Hurt so bad it took the pain meds hours to catch up. But finally, it did. The meds made it bearable. Now I'm supposed to take the painkillers every 4 hours. And the shoulder starts to ache at about 3 1/2 hours. Like clockwork. Even wakes me up at night, lest I try to skip a dose at 3AM.

Which brings me to sleep. I'm supposed to sleep sitting up. With my sling on. Fun. Really makes for a relaxing evening. Right. Night 1 was tough. Still in pain and scared to move, I slept maybe 30 minutes at a time. I'm propped up in my recliner with meds, crackers, G2, remote controls, ice packs, and kleenex scattered around me. Just in case. But they were all on my left side, because my right side's immobilized with this sling. Night 2 was much better. I think that I had a better grasp on the pain, and have figured out how to move while keeping my right side stationary. Whatever it was, I rested.

I learned the lesson to sleep when I can. The meds keep me groggy, so I'm prone to nod off any time I get really still. So on Tuesday, I napped on and off throughout the day. It's embarrassing, but I'm sure people understand when I fall asleep when they are talking. At least I hope they do. People from church have been bringing food. I should've had surgery years ago....I'm eating like a king. My friends are amazing. They are definitely better to me than I deserve. Come to think of it, maybe they're coming by to see me fall asleep mid-sentence. Whatever. Food's food.

Wednesday was rough. My driver (hah!) had to take me to physical therapy. That's right...I can't drive. Not sure when I'll be cleared to drive, either. When we got in the car, I didn't realize we were headed toward Gitmo. I quickly learned, though. PT is legalized torture. First, my therapist removed the bandages to check on the sutures. Let's just say the tape didn't give up without a fight. Everything looked copacetic. I'll try to post a pic or two soon. Then she began to test my range of motion. For the uninitiated, that is code for "try to make you cry." I'm told it's necessary, but I think it's a prank. Then she gave me some stretching exercises. The key, at this point, is do not push it. Apparently, a lot unintentional damage can be inflicted right now. So we're taking it very slow. I can live with that.

Well, another day is winding down. I feel pretty good about how far I've come. I think I underestimated how big of a deal this was going to be...from the pain to the rehab. I know it's hurt much more than I anticipated. I thought I'd be up and about in just a few days. Now I'm not so sure. My only goal now is to get better. I'm not going to try to be brave, or tough. I'm not trying to push it. I'm going to follow the directions of the people I'm paying to help me. Nothing more...Nothing less.

This is me, moving in the right direction.

Today

2009-08-10T08:17:00.000-04:00

Today is the big day. It's been on the horizon since I don't know when. I don't really remember the first time I threw and felt the pain down the outside of my right arm. I don't really remember the first time I woke up and couldn't raise my right arm. I don't remember the first time I woke up in pain in the middle of the night because I was lying on my right side. I didn't really know what was wrong, but I had a feeling it would lead to today.

I tried so many things, topical analgesics and ice to start with. Then it was vitamin I. I took ibuprofen by the hand full. Both of these methods provided temporary relief, but the pain was getting worse. I finally went to the md, who said it sounded like rotator cuff issues. He sent me for an MRI to confirm his suspicion. He was right, I had torn my rotator cuff. He put me on prescriptions and sent me for physical therapy. Again, the relief was temporary. He gave me a cortisone shot (legalized torture, mind you) but again the relief was temporary.

So I feel pretty good about saying that I really tried everything to avoid today. Today. Today is the day they operate on my shoulder. I've never had surgery before, so I have no idea what to expect. One friend who had the same surgery told me that I would be useless for weeks, and the pain would be substantial. "Thanks for the encouragement," I said. To this, he replied, "Brother, it's the best thing I ever did, but if I wasn't honest with you, what kind of friend would I be?" OK, you win. Thanks for the warning.

So I'm getting cut today. For the record, I slept like 8 minutes last night. It's not fear, or excitement. At least, I think it's not. I think it's uneasiness. It's arthroscopic, so hopefully it won't be too life changing. I am definitely not looking forward to 4 weeks in a sling. Or a couple of months of therapy. I have no idea how I'm going to survive even 1 day without using my right arm. I guess I'll manage.

It's time to saddle up. Pray for me. I'll keep the world up to date on this whole deal. Maybe even post a pic or two. We'll see about that....I will be typing with only 1 hand.

New beginnings

2009-06-29T19:13:00.001-04:00

I started this blog nearly 2 years ago. It started as an attempt to record the thoughts I had on readings for an Old Testament course that I was taking. Now I'm picking up the pen again, so to speak. Now it's just my thoughts. Maybe I'll have something to say. Perhaps it'll be inciteful. Maybe it'll be clever. Seldom will it be grammatically correct. I'll try to update regularly, but we'll see about that part. Enjoy. Please feel free to comment. This is a discussion, not a lecture.

Reward Delayed

2007-11-20T14:58:00.000-05:00

The story of Mordecai's heroic act in Esther 2 is a great example of the way good deeds are often repaid. Mordecai gives us an example that we don't do right because of the promise of reward or recognition. Good deeds are not done for earthly reward, they are done because they are right. When Mordecai delivered King Xerxes from his conspirators, he received nothing in return at the time. He foiled the plot to assassinate the king, not because of promised payment, but because it was the right thing to do. Mordecai received nothing, in terms of compensation or even recognition, for quite a long time. When the time was right though, God chose to have his good deed rewarded. It cannot be coincidence that King Xerxes happened to read from the book of chronicles to cure his insomnia and, in doing so, recalled Mordecai's exploits at the exact time that Mordecai most needed Xerxes' favor. The same is true today. God sees our actions. Even when we feel no one is watching, or that no one cares, God is watching and taking note of our faithfulness to Him. He is also faithful and just to reward us, but always according to His timing, never according to ours.

Nehemiah 6

2007-11-20T14:55:00.000-05:00

Nehemiah 6 recounts the great personal attacks which Nehemiah underwent. The lengths to which our adversary will go to destroy or, at least, hinder the work of God is quite remarkable. The enemy of the Lord's worker is not just lies, rumors, and personal attacks. Satan is too cunning to rely solely on this methodology. He will also astutely use the tyranny of the urgent. As ministers of the Gospel, it will be very easy to fill our plates with plenty of good things, while at the same time neglecting the best thing......sharing the Good News. Nehemiah gave us a great example in that he never took his eyes off his ultimate calling. He did not allow the myriad of other important things he could have been doing with his time to prevent him from doing the work to which he was called. We must be just a vigilant with our time.

The reforms of man

2007-11-20T14:54:00.001-05:00

The first part of 2 Chronicles 34 details Josiah's attempts to purify the land and the temple. We see Judah and Jerusalem purged of high places, Asherah poles, carved idols, and cast images. We also see Josiah destroy the altars of Baal. He did the things that he believed to be right. He was genuinely seeking to do good in the eyes of the Lord. Upon their finding of the Book of the Law of the Lord, though, Josiah found out that his "sweeping reforms" didn't go nearly far enough. Hearing the words read aloud even made Josiah tear his robes. I believe that he mourned because of his misconception of what good and right really were. He had done the best he could, but he saw that his best was lacking.

We make the same mistake even today. Even when our motivations are pure and our intentions are good, when the word of God is not our guide we will surely fall short in our attempts to do what is right.

The amazing faith of a widow

2007-11-20T14:52:00.000-05:00

The poor, faithful widow that we read of in I Kings 17 is a remarkable testament of faith. I love the way God expects our action before giving the blessing. God could have chosen to allow Elijah to multiply the widow's oil and flour without her using it to make the small cake of bread for Elijah had He chosen to do. Instead, God wanted her to show she had the faith to give all she had before bringing the blessing. God does the same today. He often asks us to step out in faith, without seeing, having only His promise to catch us. He often demands our obedience, our giving all we have to Him, before bringing deliverance. It is when we are really willing to put our lives, and thus our well-beings, into His hands that He throws open the door of blessings to us.

Not a Sound was Heard

2007-11-20T14:51:00.000-05:00

The account of the building of the temple contains a bit of information that I had never really stopped and thought about. 1 Kings 6:7 tells us that no hammer, chisel, or any other iron tool was heard at the temple site while it was being built. This is a remarkable revelation. I think it speaks volumes about the people's attitude toward worship. This shows an amazing sense of reverence, one foreign in today's world. I don't think this is a testimony on worship style or on building churches, but rather a how to lesson on attitude. We are to enter into God's house demonstrating respect and honor for our Father. What a great testament!

David: A Sinner Saved by Grace

2007-11-20T14:48:00.000-05:00

I take encouragement away from the story of David and his sin, and his subsequent relationship with God. Time and again, God uses imperfect, fallible people. Being an imperfect, fallible person, I take great hope from the story of David. I know that David's sin, while deplorable, was no worse or better than any of mine. To know that no matter how far we fall, we can be restored, is of great comfort. Such knowledge doesn't give us license, but it does remind us of how amazing God's grace really is.

Faithful to a friend

2007-11-20T14:46:00.001-05:00

The story of David and Mephibosheth, son of Jonathan, is a remarkable testimony to the power of friendship and the value of a promise. In a day and age where a new king would be expected to stamp out the entire family of the previous regime, David would prove to be quite different. By seeking out and killing Mephibosheth, David could have continued to consolidate his power as he had since the death of Saul. Instead of doing this, though, David chose to honor the memory of his best friend. David had promised Jonathan back in 1 Samuel 20 to never cut off his kindness from Jonathan's family, and by looking after Mephibosheth, he was fulfilling his promise. David's fulfillment of this promise, one no one could force him to fulfill or blame him for recanting, speaks volumes about David's character.

The ladies' chararacter

2007-11-20T14:45:00.000-05:00

Ruth's decision to choose Naomi and, ultimately, Naomi's God speaks volumes about the depths of Ruth's character. In my mind, it also speaks volumes about Naomi. It is obvious that Naomi has had a profound influence on Ruth. It is also obvious to me that Naomi has been a tremendous witness to Ruth. Ruth's statement, "your God will be my God," makes it obvious to me that Naomi was a great example to follow. Ruth might not have realized what she was getting in to by following Naomi to Bethlehem, but she trusted that the God her mother-in-law followed would not lead her astray. She looked at Naomi and saw something that she wanted to be; something she wanted to have. To me, Naomi is a great example to the contemporary reader of what relational evangelism is all about.

Part of a greater plan

2007-11-20T14:43:00.000-05:00

I love the story of Ruth. It is the story of a regular person becoming a biblical hero because of the strength of her character and the provision of God. I love the way that God honored her faithfulness to Naomi. Ruth had no idea that she would be blessed for choosing to follow Naomi and, because of that, Naomi's God. God had a plan for Ruth, though. First, God would provide for her and her mother-in-law in the form of their kinsman-redeemer. God chose to honor her further, and more importantly, by allowing her to be part of the lineage of David, and ultimately, Jesus. Yet again, God has used an ordinary person in an extraordinary way.

Grace in the Old Testament

2007-11-20T14:42:00.000-05:00

Judges Chapter 6 is the perfect example of the grace of God. This story is a great picture of God's unmerited favor upon man. The favor that the Lord gave to Gideon, as with Moses and Abraham before him, had absolutely nothing to do with Gideon. God didn't choose Gideon because of his brain, his heritage, his upbringing, or his military expertise. God chose Gideon because God chose Gideon. God's grace is the same today. God chooses us, not based on anything we have done, but because of what He has done.

The book of cycles

2007-11-20T14:40:00.000-05:00

The book of Judges is a remarkable story of short memories. The continued cycle of the people of Israel straying from God, being subjected to foreign rule, calling out to God, and God sending a leader and freeing His people is quite a story. It is remarkable that the people continue to forget who God is and what He's done for His people. Even more remarkable, though, is how long it takes the people to return to God once they are under the rule of their enemies. Chapter 4 tells us that after 20 years under the rule of Jabin, the people cried out to the Lord for help. Why did it take them 20 years to remember they could call on the One who'd delivered them before? How easy it is to forget who God is and what He's done.

"We have heard"

2007-11-20T14:34:00.000-05:00

In the book of Joshua, when that spies encounter Rahab, she says to them, "We have heard of your God." Upon reading these words, I tried to put myself in her position. This is something that we rarely do. One rarely puts himself into the position or reads from the perspective of the Egyptian or the Canaanite, or the Pharisee or the Roman for that matter. This is a wonderful picture of what just such a reading would bear. The influence of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is not solely on the sons of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God chooses how and when He will reveal Himself. He has begun to make a name for Himself throughout the world. The name of God is gaining renown throughout the world, not for anything man has done, but for the majesty and power of God Himself. Such a reminder is very useful. God uses man to spread His name because He has chosen to, not because He has to.

Called to take a step

2007-11-20T14:31:00.000-05:00

I love the story of the Israelites crossing into the Promised Land in Joshua 3. God uses this story to teach us multiple lessons. First, it paints a picture of what God often requires of His people. Before God would stop the flow of the Jordan, He wanted the spiritual leaders in the river. How often does God do this today? God gives us direction and promises us blessings, but He sometimes requires His people to step out in faith before He brings the blessings.

This story is not just about God's people, it is also a great reminder for those in His service. We are not only called to be leaders in our words, but we are called to be leaders in our actions. God calls His leaders to lead His people by example. We are to be first into the river.

Moses' last sermon

2007-11-20T14:30:00.000-05:00

The last sermon of Moses is quite remarkable. I find it quite amazing how eloquent he seems. Moses has come quite a distance (both geographically and personally) since that faithful day recalled in Exodus 4 in which he reminds God he is not a good speaker. Assuming that was not just an excuse, it is quite amazing how God has completely transformed Moses. He has gone from fearful stuttering Moses into a skilled orator and gifted leader.

I again find this quite reassuring. God not only knows our weaknesses, but can turn them into our strengths if we will be faithful and follow where He leads.

"Choose life"

2007-11-20T14:27:00.000-05:00

More profound words have never been spoken, than in Deuteronomy 30:19. This statement reveals one of the God's most remarkable qualities. God loves His people dearly, and wants for them to love Him back. When it comes down to it, though, God allows His people to choose for themselves. They are free to choose life or to choose death, but the key is, they are free indeed. God makes it clear that the choice to love Him or not carries dire consequences, but God still allows His people to choose for themselves.

Balaam and his donkey

2007-11-20T14:25:00.000-05:00

The episode of Balaam and his donkey is quite a remarkable tale. Who, but God, could choose to use a donkey in such a way? And not just use the donkey, but enable it to speak. This story has a way of reminding me that I can be useful in God's hands. It reminds me that God using me is not about me; it's about God. God is the one with the power. He can use who He chooses. This is a cautionary tale for all who believe that God could never use them. Let us not forget that He is God. For goodness sakes, God once chose to speak though a donkey.

What is holding us back?

2007-11-20T14:22:00.000-05:00

Every single time that I have ever read the account of the spies sent into Canaan, I have been moved. This is no exception. Israel has reached the Promised Land. Their journey is over. I am struck by the fact that the majority of the spies, and ultimately, Israel, chose not to enter into Canaan. They are blinded by their fear. God has clearly given them this land and the land is quite obviously everything they could have possibly dreamed it might be. It's flowing with milk and honey, for goodness sakes!

The problem, of course, is not the promise or the One that makes the promise. The problem is there might have been obstacles. It might have been hard. They didn't understand how they could take the land on their own. This was their problem. Though God had made a promise, Israel decided to rest on its own understanding.

How often do we fail to trust in God because of our fear? We rest on our own understanding or attempt to deliver for ourselves. Let us truly put our trust in God to provide.

Go's awesome holiness

2007-11-20T14:20:00.000-05:00

The thought that one could die from going into the Holy of Holies at the incorrect time or in an improper manner is, at the same time, both remarkable and sobering. It reminds me of God allowing Moses to see only His back from Exodus 33. I fear that we are often guilty of taking God for granted. We have such easy access to Him and fail to realize who He really is and what that really means. I believe that these readings make for a wonderful opportunity to be reminded of who God really is. Let us be careful about entering into the presence of God with either thoughtlessness or irreverence.

The Gravity of Sin

2007-11-20T14:13:00.000-05:00

Upon reading in the book of Leviticus, I am struck by the tremendous lengths to which the people had to go to secure forgiveness. Such ceremony and sacrifice seems quite strange to us. Depending on a high priest to make our statement for us is also foreign. I believe that part of the reason for such ceremony is to continually remind the people of the seriousness of sin. To regularly see this shedding of blood would have to have a tremendous impact on the people. The realization that bloodshed is the required payment is a heavy one, and I believe is intended to prevent people from slipping back into their old way of life. The absence of these things could, theoretically, make it easier to forget the gravity of sin.

I say, we should always remember. Let us not forget what a privilege it is to not depend on an earthly priest to make our statement for us anymore. Also, let us not allow the fact that the shedding of blood is not a regular and active part of our worship prevent us from remembering the gravity of our sin and that the ultimate in sacrifices has already been made.

The evidence of God

2007-11-20T14:09:00.000-05:00

The burning bush is an iconic image. It's is also a beautiful picture of God speaking to His child. To me, the most striking aspect of Moses' experience is that the bush was not burned up. There was no lasting physical evidence of God's appearance, aside from a changed Moses. I am struck by the power and simplicity of that fact. To me, this is the most important evidence that God has spoken.

Looking for evidence that God has spoken? Look for changed attitudes.

Perseverance or stubbornness?

2007-11-20T14:08:00.000-05:00

Judged from the outside, perseverance and stubbornness can seem remarkably similar. In fact, they can be quite hard to distinguish from one another. Such is the case with Moses and Pharaoh. To those living in the story, their attitudes must have seemed nearly identical. Moses continues to say, "Let my people go," even though he is rebuffed time and again. Pharaoh continues to stick to his guns and answer, "No," even in the face of all the plagues. The difference lies in motivation.

The reader is able to see the motivations of both men and the basis for their actions. Moses' perseverance is based solely on his faith in the one who sent him. Pharaoh's stubbornness is based in his defiance of God and his desire to be self-reliant. While they seem similar in their manifestations, the perseverance of Noah and the stubbornness of Pharaoh are quite different. In fact, one might say they are opposites.

..like Abraham

2007-09-25T09:29:00.000-04:00

How often do we look for answers on our own? We will regularly go before the Lord seeking guidance. Our problem, just as it was with Abraham, is our own impatience. Rather than waiting for God to make a way, we rest on our own understanding. We attempt to make our own way. We try to do everything ourselves. But as with Abraham, God is time and again faithful to forgive and even use our failures to bring glory to His name and to further His plan.

Imperfection

2007-09-25T09:26:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite themes in Scripture is borne out in the latter half of the book of Genesis. I love the fact that throughout the Bible, God uses imperfect people to do great things. First, God calls Abraham to do His work. Abraham's shortcomings include impatience, short-sightedness, and deceitfulness. In addition, God also greatly uses Joseph. Joseph is revealed to be impetuous and prideful. This theme is very reassuring to me. God's power is revealed more completely through his use of the fallible and the flawed. If He wanted to, God could do His business exclusively through blinding lights and burning bushes. Instead, He has chosen to do a real miracle and use people like us to do his work.

The Faith of Noah

2007-09-14T10:15:00.000-04:00

More thoughts from Genesis

The faith Noah's is staggering. First of all, he is building a boat of epic proportions on dry land and filling it with animals. If that isn't enough of a test, Gen 7:10 tells us that God had Noah enter the ark SEVEN days before the flood waters came. Imagine those first six days inside that ark with no rain. Imagine Noah's self doubt. Imagine the smell. Imagine the attitudes of those on the inside who had trusted Noah. Do you think they doubted or questioned Noah? Imagine the ridicule of those on the outside, standing on dry land. Do you think Noah could hear their laughter? But Noah stayed the course. He held firm. Faith? You'd better believe it.

The names have changed, but the story remains.

2007-09-14T10:03:00.000-04:00

Thoughts from Genesis

The story of the fall of man is quite easy to identify with. It does a remarkable job of summing up in just a few words a story that would be retold for generations. Man (or woman) sees that which s/he cannot have. The fruit's forbidden nature is what makes it so enticing. Once the deed is done, the fruit is eaten, it is man's (or woman's) desire to have someone else join him in his guilty pleasure. When the deed is found out about, hiding is the first option. When hiding doesn't work anymore, it is man's (or woman's) inclination to blame other people, blame Satan, or even blame God.

This story has been retold through the ages. The names, the faces, and the forbidden fruits are different, but the story remains the same. Because of these facts, I am able to easily insert myself into it.