Howdy!

Eye update. Thanks for all the prayers and comments about my recent vision dilemma. I saw the Retina specialist and my surgeon last Thursday and here is the latest. Things are improving, but still lots of junk inside the eye. (I think it must take after my garage) We have surgery scheduled for the 29th. They are concerned there is a tear in my retina in the bottom of my eye, but there is too much blood pooled to tell. Three options on 29th: 1. Clearing out on it’s own/no tear - cancel surgery. 2. Clearing out on it’s own/tear - laser surgery to seal it. 3. Not clearing out - surgery to replace eye fluid, then if they see tear, fix it at the same time. At least I feel we have a plan. Big prayer is if there is a tear, it will remain stable until 29th. Thanks for your continued prayers!!

It still hurts to look at the computer for very long, so I'm going to revisit some favorite devotions from years gone by this month and hopefully will have a brand new batch for you in November. To kick things, here's what I wrote right before my right eye cataract surgery thirteen years ago...

LIFE IS LIKE A MARTINI - October 30, 2013

Bond, James Bond.

Just three words conjure up images of action, adventure, exotic locales… and really cheesy music. I love a good action flick, and although I’m not a huge Bond fan, I do know two quotes that find their way into almost every 007 movie. First the name - “Bond, James Bond.” And the drink - “Martini, shaken not stirred.” I’ve never actually had a martini, (shaken or stirred) but I think this popular drink in the pointy glass holds a lesson in life… and faith.

Life throws us lots of curves. Lately I’ve been dealing with some health issues, including my vision. Who would have thought a 45 year old guy would be up for cataract surgery? I know it’s not a big deal, but it’s still got me thinking. Will I be able to see to read? How do I lug around sound equipment with a week of lifting restrictions? How can I afford the cost? There are lots of folks facing much more difficult challenges, but even in non-life threatening situations, the concerns are still real. When troubles come, our faith (like the martini) can be shaken - causing us to worry and ask “what if?” and “why me?”; or it can be stirred - like coals in a fire causing it to burn brighter. That’s exactly what Paul encouraged Timothy to do in 2 Timothy 1:6(NKJV) - “Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you…” I like the way the NIV renders “stir up” as “fan into flames.” Verse 7 continues “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” So how do we “stir up” or “fan” our faith? Let’s “look” into it!

1. LOOK BACK - Remember the amazing ways God has come thru in your life and the lives of others. The Bible is full of stories of God bringing His children through impossible situations. But it doesn’t stop there, God is still working every day! If you need a modern example, I know a book about a paralyzed singer who God brought back to her feet! (Her miraculous story is 100% true, especially the part about her wonderful husband.) If God did it before, why wouldn’t He come through this time?
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2. LOOK AROUND - Instead of focusing on ourselves and our problems, let’s turn our eyes to the people around us. No matter how bad our situation, there is always someone who has it worse. I couldn’t tell you how many times people told us, “Things were really tough, but then we thought, ‘at least we’re not Phil and Pam.’” (on second thought, I’m not sure I like being the “worse” example.) How can we help those around us? We can laugh with them, cry with them, pray with them, and like all good Christians - take them a casserole. The more we think about others, the less time we have to worry about ourselves. Just writing this for you has made me feel better! (Sure, I can’t read the screen with my right eye, but my left one and fingers still work!)
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3. LOOK UP - Where do you turn when your world turns upside down? There is only one constant in this ever-changing, turbulent world - one solid foundation to cling to: Jesus Christ. Let this struggle drive you deep into His strong arms. Read His word, pray to Him, and most of all listen and watch for his reply. Some day you may look back on this moment and treasure how God used it to take you to a whole new level in your relationship with Him.

Please don’t think I’m downplaying the struggle you are facing. I know it’s tough, confusing and scary. But I also know that God is bigger than whatever you are facing. He’s been taking His kids through tough stuff for a long time and He’s really good at it! Trust Him.

Consider James Bond. No matter how many bad guys lurked just around the corner and evil super-villains were out to destroy the world, Bond always took time to sip a freshly shaken martini and romance a beautiful woman. I’m not saying you should get drunk and fool around, but don’t let worry blind you to your blessings. Savor each moment, and enjoy a refreshing glass of faith - stirred, not shaken.

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God Bless,
Phil and Pam

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