MY TAKE HOME LESSON
We had a wonderful Christmas this past December . We had all three of our sons here as well as their gals. The
'presence' of each and every one of them is far more wonderful than anything one can find, buy, and set under a tree.
The weather was brutal and an artic blast moved through our area with snow and ice and sub zero temperatures. We
had a white Christmas and then some!
Our son Josh is a naval aviator. He will soon be sent to Japan. To be honest ,this was a extra special one
because it may be the last one where we are all together for awhile. It was bittersweet but is was in the back of all our minds whether we discussed it or not. I fought this off daily by trying to be thankful for what we have and were given.
On 12/28/22 josh and his wife Christina had to drive to Virginia Beach to wrap up a few details prior to their upcoming departure. As they drove back, Christina saw an dog in the meridian along the interstate. They thought he was confused and afraid. Josh went and found he had been hit by a car and was in shock. The tempertures were still low and dangerous and he carried him back to their SUV.
We recieved a text telling us they had to drive to lexington to find a vet. The kids paid over 500 dollars and
left him there thinking he would most likely be put to sleep. They got home quite late and it still warmed my heart to hear what the kids had done for this perfect creature and I was so proud of them for doing so.
We all prayed for this 3 year old Border Collie(per the vet) . Josh had called him 'Buster' from the get go .I am sure because he was all bloody and busted up. We prayed not only that he would make it, but that they would find the owners or that someone would adopt him if they could save his life.
One morning while at my computer, I saw a picture of Buster on the OR table prior to surgery. Also was an photo of the X ray of a broken left front leg. Josh had written one of the finest letters I think I had ever seen enquiring about him and asking for an update. He explained they could not take him to overseas but that he would adopt him themselves if they
were not leaving the country. I told the kids we would be glad to take him if the owners were not found.
I have read that letter several times ,and it has brought tears to my eyes each and every time. He described our horse farm and said we would share our home with him if he lived and that was an option. He thanked them for thier kindness and efforts and for helping to make perhaps his last moments on earth less painful.
Each and every day I prayed while looking at the surgery picture of him on my computer. Josh called up there but they could not tell him about the dog's status, but did say he was still alive. Hope was rekindled and we prayed the would find the owners and he would find a good home.
Josh was speaking to some kids at the local airport on a wednesday afternoon. I was seeing patients and was to be off that afternon. I recieved a text from josh wanting to know if I was interested in a 3 legged dog!!! I picked Josh up at the airport and we drove to Lexington to pick up the newest member of our family.
Buster has adopted us and is doing great. We had thought about getting a companion for our dog Skyler and they have become best buddies.It is unbelievable how well he is doing and he has the sweetest dispostion. Yes he hobbles ,but each step demonstates grit and perseverance . He sleeps everynight in a king size bed with my beautiful wife. I am not even able to do that because of my snoring!
I do not think most folks realize that God wants to be near his kids too. We enjoy our home but it it so much more wonderful when our family is here with us. We all talk and think about how wonderful heaven will be. I am sure it will beyond anything we have ever seen or imagined as Scripture promises. I believe God is excited about us all being there with Him. Our very presence will make Heaven even more wonderful even for him.
That is not Scripture mind you, nor did a little bird tell me. It is a take home lesson I learned from God and Jesus working through a gifted medical staff , and a bunch of kind hearted souls, and a 3 legged dog named Buster.
Don't be troubled. You trust God now trust in me, There are many rooms in my Father's home, and I am
going to prepare a place for you. John 14:1-2
No eye has seen, nor ear has heard ,and no mind has imagined the things that God has prepared
for those who love him. 1 Corinthians 2:9
As you come up our drive and after you cross the small creek,you pass between two field stone
pillars that match the stones on our home. There is a light atop both of them . Right now, one is green and the the side is white. The green light is to show support for all the people who serve our military as well
as those who have done so in the past.
At Christmas i hang white lights along the 4 rail horse fence. We change the white one to red and
The entryway is good to go. The placement of the red and green has a reason behind it as well.
It may seem to be be random but Iassure you is not the case.
On a plane the red light is always on the left side and the green is on the right side. green and right both
have 5 letters and this was how I was taught to remember as a boy. This applies to boats as well.
Our oldest son, Josh, is a navel aviator. He and his wonderful wife , Christina, are a week or two from going
to Japan. They have lived in several places over the last few years. They lived in Fallon Nevada
most recently and we were blessed to have all of our boys and their girls under our roof and together
the holidays.
Since they aproached our farm from the west the right light was green and the left one was on the left
came home. When they were out east in Va it was the reversed. Japan is on the other side of the world
so I am not sure what I will do. I have not stepped it off but am told it is about as far east to west as it is
west to east.
God is a concerned loving Father who loves you so much! He has made a way for you to come
home through his son Jesus. The porch light of heaven is on . You have a green light my friend.
Because of the red blood of Jesus ,your sins are forgiven . Your approach is cleared as well as all your sins.
As far as the east is from the west,so far has removed our transgressions from us.
Psalm 103:12
ENTRY
Yesterday I went out to check on the horses. It has again been vey hot here of late and a daily chore
to top off the water troughs will cool clear water.As I make my rounds the horses ususlly get excited when they hear the sound of our old red ATV. Because this vehicle usally has horse feeds as well as carrots, we c call it "Chuck" short for chuck wagon .
There is a mare and two young ones in the south pasture. I whistled and they did not come. I banged on the
red tubes on the gate with the scooper. It makes a sound that sounds like a hillbilly dinner bell. I had seen them the evening before and knew they were ok. I surmised they had found a place with a breeze and had it made in the shade.
I set the bright orange bucket filled with feed and carrots in front of the gate. This bucket was a physical reminder for me to "lets do this later". I had some mowing to do and that filled several hours of the afternoon. I kept looking down at the water tank seeing they had not yet drank from it and for the first time became a little concerned.
I went down to the gate and did the two tone whistle my dad taught me. I do this in honor of him and have taught my sons to do the same. They all would turn and prick up their earsand know it was me if I did this even in a crowd.
I banged again on the gate and in no time flat heard the three of them flat out running as hard as they could
go. They seemed happy to see me and even more to see Chuck .They were breathing heavy as they devoured their snacks.
My friend I believe God is calling all of us. As we read Scripture, we learn he calls us all differently . Many people tell me after I speak that I missed my calling. I would quite my practice and enroll in seminary school tomorrow if I felt in my heart that is what God wanted for me. I answered my "call to the see" many years ago. I love the interaction I have with patients for the most part. I never would have believed God would and could could use me to write these stories for his glory.
He has blended and used the very things I love and hold dear such as horses, hunting , and rivers . I am often very surprised at how stories and lessons come together in such a way that I know it is not me but him working through me. Here is the exciting part, he wants to do the same with you. You may not be called to write or do eyes but you are being called . What do you do that gives you joy and satisfaction? There is your best clue in regard to what God is calling you to do.
I pray that at times this website feeds you. I write for all God's people and not just those who gather under the steeple. All I know is when I do this with the hope of pleasing my Savior, it just feels so "write"!
Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things
you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3
When you empty yourself, God rushes in.
A.W. Tozer
For the man who prays in his heart ,the whole world is a church.
Sylvain of Athos