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Nope, I'm not talking about Christ followers, (but I hope you are), I'm referring to blog followers. It helps to lookback over my shoulder and see who is peering around the bend. It really does challenge me to write more directed, prolific, and ambitious. Sorry for the delay in posting. Between chaplaincy and TSC I've been unable to schedule my blog sessions this week. My inspiration for writing began when I wrote devotions as a youth pastor many moons ago. Eventually it led to some devotional writings for lifeway publications. At any rate, I enjoy hearing your responses and reading your notes. The thrill of any devotional writer is to know that others are reading and being encouraged. Blogging is a new thing for me so drop me a line and sign up to the right of this column as a blog follower. Blessings to you ALL as we sojourn together as true Followers...of Him who is able to do immeasurably more than we could ever ask or think! JMT iPhone

Spiritual healing - Physical healing Jesus healed the sick and gave sight to the blind. As a chaplain at the VA hospital you feel a sense of Christ at work. As part of the interdisciplinary team I work with doctors and technicians to bring about healing to thousands of our nations veterans. Just as highly trained and skilled professionals facillitate healing the spiritual healing is equally if not more so important. When I visit patients I feel the presence of God. As I told a friend yesterday, I pray with hundreds of people and work alongside of angels. Pray for my work that I remain focused and sensitive to the spiritual needs around me. My hope is to continue with the fall residency. The selection process is stiff and there are many applicants. Pray with me for God's will to be accomplished. If my time at the VA concludes in May, it still will be the most effective 5 months of my life. Check out this video on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31D2g7t5Bjs&fea...

It's a Good mental exercise to think about all that Jesus did on any given day. From sun up to sundown. What was His plan or agenda for each day. Did He think about where He would sleep or eat? How about a checklist? Did our Lord have a day planner? For at least three and a half years Christ lived everyday in almost identical 24 hour days. His agenda was consistent everyday with ONE plan of action. He was a working man and on each day He picked right up again where the previous day had ended. ONE objective. ONE endeavor. ONE focus. Are you ready for it? Here it is...             To please God! To say that Christ was in tune with His heavenly father would be a serious understatment. "Rising up a great while before day, He withdrew Himself to a solitary place and prayed." In His humanity, Jesus began each days work with; which way today Father; who today Father; tell me what to say Father. Jesus walked in such profound yet child...

Even if you are on the right track, you will get run over if you don't KEEP moving. It's a blessing from God to see the work He is doing in the lives of our children. From the day they were born we feed hope and promise into their lives like hot porridge knowing that their future is as bright as their dreams. Like the lead goose we keep honking saying, "keep moving, you can do it". A chap said to me once, "God rarely works in the instantaneous". We are a building. God is the designer and builder. The challenge of life is to NEVER abandon what is being built. Over time, like mighty towers, His glory is revealed. Giving up is not an option. Check out this video on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uASVzkrEKgs&feature=youtube_gdata iPhone iPhone

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My kids have asked me why I like old westerns. They have been asking that same question for years. I guess they're either not listening to me or can't understand (probably both) The answer is actually simple. Well, simple to me. It's the same principle behind another question they've asked me; Dad, how can you watch "man vs. wild" All DAY LONG??? When I'm watching an old western my mind rests. You don't see cars, phones, tailored suits, or any other image of modern life. Bear Gryls biting the head of a snake or making trail mix from spiders has the same affect on me. It's like those kind of shows rescue me from present day issues and concerns. Sounds deep huh? Maybe that's why they never hear me! Scripture says ...he who dwels in the secret place of the most high shall abide in the shadow of the almighty. Ps.91:1 Doctors tell us that relieving stress and putiing our minds at rest can be the best thing for our health. God has pro...