I said the other day, when I was diagnosed with Diabetes, that my life changed that day. Boy did it ever!
Now that the Diabetes is more under control, I feel SO MUCH better. It is amazing! I don't know how long I have been waking up in the morning only to complain of being tired... not anymore! I don't know how many times I would get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom... not anymore! I don't know how many days I would have to take a short power nap... not any more! I don't know how many days I would just feel BLAH... not anymore! I don't know how many days I would have aches and pains ... not anymore!
I am now realizing that I had diabetes for a long while! And I would encourage everyone to get regular physicals, especially if you have any of the above symptoms.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Home Sweet Home!
Do glad to be out of the hospital! Lots of sickness going around! Got a room mate today and was not happy about it... lots of drama and he was very sick! I was so happy when the doc came in to say they were springing me! They will increase my oral meds and I will continue to monitor my levels and then visit them next week!
Said I could return to normal activity... so, since Sharon didn't want me to go hunting with my friend, I mowed grass. Walked behind the mower for 25 minutes and my sugar levesl went from 197 before to 136 after! WOW!
Learned lots in the hospital and will share that later. Started two new books and lots of other life experiences to share!
Thanks to all who prayed, called, texted, facebooked, stopped by and showed support. It was OVERWHELMING!
Not sure what I will do about vacation, leaning toward taking this week as sick leave and next as vacation but preaching on the 7 and 8th! We will see. Don't really want to miss the hunting opps this time of year! That was my biggest struggle with being in the hospital. But so glad to have my sugar levels lowered. I feel so much better! WOW! I guess I have been brewing this for a while! I can see signs in the past! If you haven't... get a yearly physical. I missed mine this year and who knows what I would have found if I had not missed it!
Said I could return to normal activity... so, since Sharon didn't want me to go hunting with my friend, I mowed grass. Walked behind the mower for 25 minutes and my sugar levesl went from 197 before to 136 after! WOW!
Learned lots in the hospital and will share that later. Started two new books and lots of other life experiences to share!
Thanks to all who prayed, called, texted, facebooked, stopped by and showed support. It was OVERWHELMING!
Not sure what I will do about vacation, leaning toward taking this week as sick leave and next as vacation but preaching on the 7 and 8th! We will see. Don't really want to miss the hunting opps this time of year! That was my biggest struggle with being in the hospital. But so glad to have my sugar levels lowered. I feel so much better! WOW! I guess I have been brewing this for a while! I can see signs in the past! If you haven't... get a yearly physical. I missed mine this year and who knows what I would have found if I had not missed it!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
The Doc Orders a Hospital Vacation....
Levels are still over 550. So, I get to spend some time in RR in the Hospital! The only good thing about that is I am still alive and I won't be tempted to go hunting!
The Day My Life Changes....
All of us have days in our lives that we could say... today, my life changes. Well, today is one more of those days for me!
I can now explain my TIREDNESS! It isn't that I need a vacation, because that is what I am on now! It isn't that I am frustrated with my life or job or family. It isn't that I am frustrated with my hunting season's results... bagged a deer last night with my bow.
It is DIABETES! Yep, I can hardly believe it, myself! In fact, I can't remember much the doc said after she told me what I had. It does explain my muscle cramping and lots of other symptoms too! My suguar level was a whopping 518! Normal is 0 - 100. She told me NO HUNTING! NO sugar, candy, sweets of any kind, fruits, pasta, bread, splits (and I just got three bags of them!) And I was expecting a lemon merrangue pie from my wife this week too! And she said I was inches from being in the hospital! She gave me an immediate shot of insulin and a prescription for an immediate oral med... and then to take my blood levels and call her. I just did that and they were even higher... the first one said HI and the second was 570. She told me to take to pills and call her with new readings at 2:30. I have a feeling I am headed to the hospital to spend some of my vacation there. I pray it is not so!
And if I don't, I will be going to the lab for blood work in the a.m. and to see the doc on Thursday and so.... today is the day my life changes!
I can now explain my TIREDNESS! It isn't that I need a vacation, because that is what I am on now! It isn't that I am frustrated with my life or job or family. It isn't that I am frustrated with my hunting season's results... bagged a deer last night with my bow.
It is DIABETES! Yep, I can hardly believe it, myself! In fact, I can't remember much the doc said after she told me what I had. It does explain my muscle cramping and lots of other symptoms too! My suguar level was a whopping 518! Normal is 0 - 100. She told me NO HUNTING! NO sugar, candy, sweets of any kind, fruits, pasta, bread, splits (and I just got three bags of them!) And I was expecting a lemon merrangue pie from my wife this week too! And she said I was inches from being in the hospital! She gave me an immediate shot of insulin and a prescription for an immediate oral med... and then to take my blood levels and call her. I just did that and they were even higher... the first one said HI and the second was 570. She told me to take to pills and call her with new readings at 2:30. I have a feeling I am headed to the hospital to spend some of my vacation there. I pray it is not so!
And if I don't, I will be going to the lab for blood work in the a.m. and to see the doc on Thursday and so.... today is the day my life changes!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Surprises, Celebrations and Analytical Minds!
What a special group of people Community of Joy Church of the Brethren is!!!!
Today they attempted to surprise me (in some ways they did and others I had some clues!) to celebrate the completion of 10 wonderful years of ministry here for Sharon and I! They went to great lengths to plan a special day! First was the guest preacher, John Layman, a blast from the past! What a great message and so great to see John and Peg! Then Tracey Townsend stepped up to lead worship and for the first time, Sharon and I sat near the back of the sanctuary in two worship gatherings.
Then there was the many guests... my parents, niece, nephew, great aunt, and several other significant people in our personal and congregational lives.
Then there was the delicious dinner at Hebron Fire Hall! What a great place to eat such a scrumptious meal and to reminisce about the past. This was topped off by two cakes that made the number 10!
I realized again today how important it is for us to tell stories and to mark places where we have been part of what God is doing in and through us! It is also good for us to be reminded of ALL the places God provides, guides, and works in our lives! In fact today's celebration was all about God!
So incredible it is to be on the adventurous journey with God and these awesome people at Community of Joy! We are so spoiled, we could never go anywhere else!
The day was topped off when a new and special friend came up to give us a hug and with a tear in her eye, say... "I'll be here to help you celebrate 20 years!" Can't wait to see what God has in store for the next ten years! It will be an adventure for sure!
One regret I have for the day is that I didn't think about soon enough to change into a suit to go to the reception! That would have been so much fun! And I have a new one too!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Tired???
Lately I have been feeling really tired. Struggling to get myself motivated and going in the directions that I need to go! So happy that I have a vacation coming up to hunt as that always fills me up!
Here is a great quote that I found today from Oswald Chambers, "It is impossible to get exhausted in work for God. We get exhausted because we try to do God's work in our own way."
Here is a great quote that I found today from Oswald Chambers, "It is impossible to get exhausted in work for God. We get exhausted because we try to do God's work in our own way."
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Proud Papa!
One of the joys of being a parent is seeing your children develop and become who God created them to be! Found this video of Caroline. She is having an awesome senior year so far and has been interviewed alot already! She has so enjoyed the band and did a great job on Sunday playing in the pit!
Friday, October 16, 2009
How Committed Are You?
Today's Bible Reading includes Acts 5. At the end of the chapter, Peter and the other disciples of Jesus were told NOT to teach in the name of Jesus anymore and they were flogged (beaten). Yet inspite of the harsh warnings and beatings, it says in verse 42 "And everyday in the temple and at home, they did not cease to teach and proclaim Jesus as Messiah."
Now that is commitment to the cause of Jesus for sure!
Would I be that committed? I think I would, but I won't really know until I faced such a situation.
None-the-less, this account does make me think about my commitment to Christ. Am I willing to suffer for him, in order that I might share his love with others? Am I willing to go risk my life so that others may know about and ultimately know Jesus? Will I really follow Jesus wherever he leads me?
If I am not willing or will not follow him wherever, then I guess I am not really commited to him, am I?
Thankfully, we live in a country where we are free to share his love! But even if we weren't free, I would still be willing to risk it all for the sake of Jesus! Afterall he did that for me!
Now that is commitment to the cause of Jesus for sure!
Would I be that committed? I think I would, but I won't really know until I faced such a situation.
None-the-less, this account does make me think about my commitment to Christ. Am I willing to suffer for him, in order that I might share his love with others? Am I willing to go risk my life so that others may know about and ultimately know Jesus? Will I really follow Jesus wherever he leads me?
If I am not willing or will not follow him wherever, then I guess I am not really commited to him, am I?
Thankfully, we live in a country where we are free to share his love! But even if we weren't free, I would still be willing to risk it all for the sake of Jesus! Afterall he did that for me!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
What Image for the Church?
Over the weekend, I was at a Pastor's Gathering before District Conference and one of the leaders, Doug Sider, shared some interesting insights.
He was asking what image best suits our church.
1. Museum - a place to look at past things and celebrate them.
2. School - a place to learn.
3. Hospital - a place to heal.
4. Fire station - a place where everything they do is focused on serving the community.
Not that choices 1-3 are bad. Part of being the church involves looking at the past, learning, and healing. But choice 4 is a very important image. Firefighters train to go out into the community to serve the community. Everything they do is about going out! When they raise funds, it is to better serve the community by purchasing new equipment, etc. When they train, it is to better serve the community.
What if the church were like a fire station? And everything we did was for the benefit of the community and world. What if everything we did was to go out?
After all, the very last thing Jesus said to his disciples and us was... Go therefore...
He was asking what image best suits our church.
1. Museum - a place to look at past things and celebrate them.
2. School - a place to learn.
3. Hospital - a place to heal.
4. Fire station - a place where everything they do is focused on serving the community.
Not that choices 1-3 are bad. Part of being the church involves looking at the past, learning, and healing. But choice 4 is a very important image. Firefighters train to go out into the community to serve the community. Everything they do is about going out! When they raise funds, it is to better serve the community by purchasing new equipment, etc. When they train, it is to better serve the community.
What if the church were like a fire station? And everything we did was for the benefit of the community and world. What if everything we did was to go out?
After all, the very last thing Jesus said to his disciples and us was... Go therefore...
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
The Importance of Coffee....
I have long been a proponent of having refreshments before and after worship.
Recently, I read an article in Rev Magazine by D. Michael Lindsay entitled "Why Coffee Hour Can Save Your Church." In it her says some interesting things. "...researchers reveal that regular, informal socializing before and after worship services plays a significant role in nurturing Christian community. In a recently released study, Chris Ellison, Neal Krause, Bryan Shepherd, and Mark Chaves found that these interactions created perceptions among churchgoers that they are part of a supportive community, on that convinces people that they can count on others for help when troubles arise."
"Also having a consistent time for informal fellowship allows newcomers to become integrated into the church gradually, yet steadily."
"A church that devotes time every week to unstructured fellowship invariably communicates that it values community. Visitors pick up on the message that this is a church that wants people to get to know one another."
Indeed Community of Joy wants to be a place where relationships matter! And having a coffee time before and after worship is part of setting the stage for that to happen.
Recently, I read an article in Rev Magazine by D. Michael Lindsay entitled "Why Coffee Hour Can Save Your Church." In it her says some interesting things. "...researchers reveal that regular, informal socializing before and after worship services plays a significant role in nurturing Christian community. In a recently released study, Chris Ellison, Neal Krause, Bryan Shepherd, and Mark Chaves found that these interactions created perceptions among churchgoers that they are part of a supportive community, on that convinces people that they can count on others for help when troubles arise."
"Also having a consistent time for informal fellowship allows newcomers to become integrated into the church gradually, yet steadily."
"A church that devotes time every week to unstructured fellowship invariably communicates that it values community. Visitors pick up on the message that this is a church that wants people to get to know one another."
Indeed Community of Joy wants to be a place where relationships matter! And having a coffee time before and after worship is part of setting the stage for that to happen.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Every Preacher Loves It When....
Every preacher loves it when he or she sees what he or she preaches about come to life. Yesterday, I encouraged us to use the gifts God has given us to impact the lives of others. Told a story about 76 year old Gertie and her significant youth ministry until she was 86. And Johnny the bagger who was a downs syndrome young man but put a thought for the day in the last bag he packed for each customer.
Today, I received an email from a teacher at Wi-Middle with a copy of the email that one of Community of Joy's youth sent out to teachers, staff, and students... so AWESOME!
Teachers and Staff Members of Wicomico Middle School,
Today I've decided that everday I'm going send out a positive?thought to everyone. I've taken the time to?write down every?e-mail address of each person who works at our school so that maybe I could start your day a little brighter.
I'll start with Monday's positive thought:
Be good to yourself by seeing and connecting with the goodness in life. Look on the bright side, and make it brighter.
Nothing is gained by feeling sorry for yourself. Nothing is gained by spreading misery or despair.
Sure, life has its troubles. Yet the great thing is, you don't have to let any of those troubles get to you.
Give your energy and awareness to the best possibilities of the moment. You can make something good happen today, so by all means do it. Offer a healthy dose of joy to your situation. Feeling positive will take you much further than any alternative. Be the brightest source of goodness in your corner of the world. Choose to feel great and truly you'll do great things.
This shall be a regular thing. Have a blessed day,
Lena Habig--- Eighth grade student at Wicomico Middle
Things like this bring tears to my eyes! Way to go Lena!
Today, I received an email from a teacher at Wi-Middle with a copy of the email that one of Community of Joy's youth sent out to teachers, staff, and students... so AWESOME!
Teachers and Staff Members of Wicomico Middle School,
Today I've decided that everday I'm going send out a positive?thought to everyone. I've taken the time to?write down every?e-mail address of each person who works at our school so that maybe I could start your day a little brighter.
I'll start with Monday's positive thought:
Be good to yourself by seeing and connecting with the goodness in life. Look on the bright side, and make it brighter.
Nothing is gained by feeling sorry for yourself. Nothing is gained by spreading misery or despair.
Sure, life has its troubles. Yet the great thing is, you don't have to let any of those troubles get to you.
Give your energy and awareness to the best possibilities of the moment. You can make something good happen today, so by all means do it. Offer a healthy dose of joy to your situation. Feeling positive will take you much further than any alternative. Be the brightest source of goodness in your corner of the world. Choose to feel great and truly you'll do great things.
This shall be a regular thing. Have a blessed day,
Lena Habig--- Eighth grade student at Wicomico Middle
Things like this bring tears to my eyes! Way to go Lena!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Friday, October 9, 2009
I AGREE!
Received a nice letter after the Neighborhood Pork Roast and wanted to share parts of it... "Dear Martin and Sharon, Yesterday, leaving the CoJ Pork Roast I was struck again by what a wonderful congregation Community of Joy is. I just had to write to express my appreciation and thanks for a wonderful event. You two have done a great job pastoring and shepherding this group of Godly individuals. Congrats on your ten years at CoJ! It is clear to me that you are serving the Lord and CoJ. I pray that God continues to bless your ministry!
CoJ has always had a heart for serving like Jesus. You should all be proud of how evident that service was yesterday. I felts so welcomed by everyone.... The food, as always was delicious and plentiful. THANK YOU again for such a good time. TImes like yesterday of sharing food and fellowship and fun are gifts from God. You are so clearly serving as God intended us to - I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed yesterday and to commend and encourage you for all you do the the Lord and CoJ. God Bless! "
I couldn't agree more! What an awesome group of Jesus Loving, Jesus Serving people we have at CoJ! Guess we really are living our mission... to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the community and world!
CoJ has always had a heart for serving like Jesus. You should all be proud of how evident that service was yesterday. I felts so welcomed by everyone.... The food, as always was delicious and plentiful. THANK YOU again for such a good time. TImes like yesterday of sharing food and fellowship and fun are gifts from God. You are so clearly serving as God intended us to - I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed yesterday and to commend and encourage you for all you do the the Lord and CoJ. God Bless! "
I couldn't agree more! What an awesome group of Jesus Loving, Jesus Serving people we have at CoJ! Guess we really are living our mission... to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the community and world!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Focused on Mission....
Last night at Passages (Bible Study) we looked at Matthew's account of Jesus' encounter in the temple and with the religious leaders when he turned the tables and ran out the moneychangers. In the midst of this chaotic clash Jesus is having with the religious tradition and ritual of the day, is this line.. (v 14) "The blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he cured them."
Jesus' mission (found in Luke 4:18) is to 'bring good news to the poor, ... to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed free, and to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." In the midst of this chaotic time, Jesus remains focussed on his mission. And his mission is more important than the religious ritual and tradition of that day!
Same thing is true today! Yesterday, I attended a meeting of the churches in Salisbury that will host the cold weather emergency shelter for homeless men. I have been associated with this group for many years and Community of Joy has hosted men two years in a row and this will be our third year. The Dept. of Social Services person from the county was there and reported that they are seeing a marked increase in folks seeking assistance. Usually they see 100 people a month, they are currently averaging 400 people a month! Shortly after that sobbering report, a sister from a liturgical church complained that their time to host the shelter always falls in lent and it affects their ability to do their lenten programs. It was then pointed out that the shelter is a 12 week program and 6 of those weeks are lent! But still she was determined to change her weeks so that they could do their lenten things. Several of us around the circle voiced our thoughts that hosting the shelter feels like what we should be doing in lent. (kind of a modern re-enactment of the Matthew 21 account of Jesus in the temple!)
CoJ is only hosting one week this year at our site, but I am exploring an option to be part of a week using another site. There are three weeks still open and in need of hosts. The mission of Jesus is more than words or religious ritual or tradition, it is a call to each of us to care about loving others with God's love. It is a way of life!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
What Length?
What length are you willing to go to inorder to get closer to Jesus? You must atleast take a step in his direction or he will pass by.
This morning I was reading my Daily Bible Reading and part of it was from Luke 19 - the story of Zacchaeus and the lengths he went to just to get a glimpse of Jesus. He climbed a tree, because he was short and knew that it was the only way he would get a glimpse. That one step got him an audience with Jesus! That one step, changed his life forever.
Getting closer to Jesus involve you and me taking a step in his direction! As Max Lucado says, if there are 1000 steps between you and Jesus, if you take the first one, he will take the rest.
I went through a period recenlty where I had fallen off the wagon of daily Bible Reading and it didn't take long for me to realize that my relational connection with Jesus was suffering. So, I took a step.
I decided to set my alarm at 5:15 again (I had been getting up at 5:45 since school started) so that I had half an hour first thing in the morning to get closer to Jesus through prayer and daily Bible reading. And it is amazing the difference that makes in my life!
If you are feeling distant from God, just take one step closer toward him and it will make all the difference in your life!
This morning I was reading my Daily Bible Reading and part of it was from Luke 19 - the story of Zacchaeus and the lengths he went to just to get a glimpse of Jesus. He climbed a tree, because he was short and knew that it was the only way he would get a glimpse. That one step got him an audience with Jesus! That one step, changed his life forever.
Getting closer to Jesus involve you and me taking a step in his direction! As Max Lucado says, if there are 1000 steps between you and Jesus, if you take the first one, he will take the rest.
I went through a period recenlty where I had fallen off the wagon of daily Bible Reading and it didn't take long for me to realize that my relational connection with Jesus was suffering. So, I took a step.
I decided to set my alarm at 5:15 again (I had been getting up at 5:45 since school started) so that I had half an hour first thing in the morning to get closer to Jesus through prayer and daily Bible reading. And it is amazing the difference that makes in my life!
If you are feeling distant from God, just take one step closer toward him and it will make all the difference in your life!
Monday, October 5, 2009
Sunday, October 4, 2009
An Awesome Day....
Today was an Awesome day at Community of Joy! We had our 3rd annual pork roast and fun fest. Had beautiful weather, great serving hearts and hands, a decent crowd and the best pulled pork around! So much positive happened today! Thanks to ALL who helped pull it off! It would not be possible to do without such awesome cooperation and serving hearts and hands! It really is becoming a signature event that CoJ uses to share God's love with our neighbors through hospitality!
As I was reviewing status updates tonight from my Church of the Brethren Pastor friends who were all celebrating Love Feast today on this World Wide Communion Sunday, a thought struck me. That what we did today really captured the essence of Love Feast and included a whole lot more people. We had an awesome meal, we served one another and shared the love of God in a tangible way.
For those wondering, we will do Love Feast next week!
And the final icing on the cake of today was the begining of mine and Sharon's second decade of service as Pastor at Community of Joy! It has been an increidble and adventerous first decade... I can't wait to see what the next decade holds. The most important fact of the whole deal has been that it is ALL GOD! We have sought him, listened to him, followed him, loved him, shared him and most of all sought to honor him.
Will post pics tomorrow when I am not as tired!
As I was reviewing status updates tonight from my Church of the Brethren Pastor friends who were all celebrating Love Feast today on this World Wide Communion Sunday, a thought struck me. That what we did today really captured the essence of Love Feast and included a whole lot more people. We had an awesome meal, we served one another and shared the love of God in a tangible way.
For those wondering, we will do Love Feast next week!
And the final icing on the cake of today was the begining of mine and Sharon's second decade of service as Pastor at Community of Joy! It has been an increidble and adventerous first decade... I can't wait to see what the next decade holds. The most important fact of the whole deal has been that it is ALL GOD! We have sought him, listened to him, followed him, loved him, shared him and most of all sought to honor him.
Will post pics tomorrow when I am not as tired!
Friday, October 2, 2009
Tattooed!
Marked my "new to me" truck today as mine! Thanks to Roger and Claudia Jones of Jones Signs!
Freedom....
Enjoyed initiating my truck last night at Assateague Island. This is one of the upsides of the accident. After years of regretting not having a 4 wheel drive truck, I took the plunge and last night was one of the reasons why! A friend and I spent the afternoon exploring the off road territory of AI. It definitely opens lots more hunting opportunities for me and the chance to get away from other people. I enjoyed it immensely.
Here are some pics...
Thursday, October 1, 2009
The Importance of Roots...
When you look at a plant or tree, you don't do much thinking about the roots! But the roots are so important to what you are looking at! In fact, the roots are so vital, that without healthy roots, you don't have a healthy plant!
Yet roots are taken for granted, forgotten and often ignored! They lie beneath the ground and thus no one thinks about them. However, roots are what feed the plant, they stabilize the plant and they determine how productive the plant will be.
Jesus told a parable about a guy who told the gardener to cut down a fig tree after it didn't produce fruit for 3 years. The gardener asked to have another year and promised to cultivate the roots. In so doing, the next year the tree produced fruit.
If you want to produce fruit in your life, you must cultivate your roots! Roots in our lives are that which we can not see, but stabilizes and feed us. I have discovered that for me, one of the necessary elements to cultivating roots is regular Daily Bible Reading. Nothing strengthens my connection to God more!
I have just come through a period where I had gotten lazy about the DBR and was only reading the Bible sporadically each week. And I was seeing evidence of this neglect in my life. So, I made a conscious decision to set the alarm earlier and make time for it each day. Also the resuming of my Life Transformation Group and the accountability it holds in my life helps to keep me on track with this practice!
I highly recommend that every person who is serious about following Jesus figure out a way to cultivate their roots.
Yet roots are taken for granted, forgotten and often ignored! They lie beneath the ground and thus no one thinks about them. However, roots are what feed the plant, they stabilize the plant and they determine how productive the plant will be.
Jesus told a parable about a guy who told the gardener to cut down a fig tree after it didn't produce fruit for 3 years. The gardener asked to have another year and promised to cultivate the roots. In so doing, the next year the tree produced fruit.
If you want to produce fruit in your life, you must cultivate your roots! Roots in our lives are that which we can not see, but stabilizes and feed us. I have discovered that for me, one of the necessary elements to cultivating roots is regular Daily Bible Reading. Nothing strengthens my connection to God more!
I have just come through a period where I had gotten lazy about the DBR and was only reading the Bible sporadically each week. And I was seeing evidence of this neglect in my life. So, I made a conscious decision to set the alarm earlier and make time for it each day. Also the resuming of my Life Transformation Group and the accountability it holds in my life helps to keep me on track with this practice!
I highly recommend that every person who is serious about following Jesus figure out a way to cultivate their roots.
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