Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Here's John's most recent post...

Hi there, church family,

I posted the next 2 paragraphs on FB this afternoon, in case you read the one on Facebook.

Good day. Got my medical clearance to drive my car, and I did, right down to Anytime Fitness to begin the journey of still gaining back 26 to 30 lbs of muscle. In a couple of days, it will warm up into the high 50's, and I'll get high walking outside in the fresh air.

Last night I spent hours reading your FB quotes in the early part of the ordeal, like in January. They are all so amazing, I can't get through them without tears.

Yesterday, I wrote a letter to President Dean Coridan and my Ministerial Director Robert Wagley about when they thought I might get back, as far as a tentative date goes, into being a pastor.  While I realize I'm not quite ready, it would be nice to have some type of target date.  I expect much more progress soon, than the first month here at home, cause all that has been recovered, during the first month, can now be used to stage a quicker and more substantial comeback.

I'll just say, that I've always been motivated to being healthy and fit, and that is a powerful incentive for me for my future, and according to the doctors, saved me from certain death. But it's really not me, it's God who works in us to will and do His good pleasure. I can't stand myself being 30 lbs underweight, after eating at home for a month, only gaining about 8-10 lbs.  And having no muscle.  In fact, it's embarrassing. Walking into the gym made me feel like a newbie who starts with 5 lb weights, and is trying to catch his breath. Fortunately I feel loved despite my outward appearance.

Special thanks to those who have brought food over for a meal or 2.  Today, I received several meals from Russ & Pat Quill.  And then there was Marylou Basham who brought over lots of food.  We have never expected any food, so surprises warm the heart.  Please, this is not a hint that we want food.

Ps 145:8-21  The LORD is gracious and compassionate,slow to anger and rich in love. 9 The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. 10 All you have made will praise you, O LORD; your saints will extol you. 11 They will tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, 12 so that all men may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. 13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,and your dominion endures through all generations.

The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made.   14 The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. 15 The eyes of all look to you,and you give them their food at the proper time. 16 You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.

17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made. 18 The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. 19 He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. 20 The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.

21 My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever.


Ps 139:1-18  O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. 2 You know when I sit and when I rise;you perceive my thoughts from afar. 3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. 4 Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.

5 You hem me in — behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? 8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. 9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,if I settle on the far side of the sea, 10 even there your hand will guide me,your right hand will hold me fast.

11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me," 12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;the night will shine like the day,for darkness is as light to you.

13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, 16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! 18 Were I to count them,they would outnumber the grains of sand.When I awake, I am still with you.

Enough for now.
love you all
John