Dana's Christian Journey

musings of a thankful cancer survivor

Author: Dana

  • pura vida

    —

    Dana

    Summer is coming to a close. School has already begun. Our eyes are on Jesus.

    At the end of May I shared the report of cancer’s return. I was scheduled to start treatment the last week of July but COVID hit our family and everything changed. Being eight months pregnant, Kinsey had the toughest time with the virus, but we are all thankful to be feeling better. I’ll share details later, but it looks like I’ll start a new chemotherapy to fight multiple myeloma this week. We appreciate your prayers.

    img_1965Susan and I celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary in Costa Rica and Karlyn joined us as ‘trip photographer.’ ‘Pura Vida!’ is the most common phrase used in this beautiful Central American country. Technically translated ‘pure life,’ the statement is rich with meaning.

    The people we met in Costa Rica were kind, joyful, and welcoming. ‘Pura Vida’ served as ‘good morning’, ‘farewell,’ ‘have a nice day,’ and ‘enjoy the simple life.’ ‘Pura Vida’ is a great reminder to not take blessings for granted and to be thankful we are alive.

    Jesus uses the term ‘abundant life’ as He invites us to come to Him to experience the Father’s best. ‘Don’t live the way the world lives… chasing endless goals that rob you of the joys of simple living. Don’t be anxious about the things the world worries about. Receive life from Me today and let tomorrow take care of itself. Come to Me and learn from Me… am I anxious or fretful? No, I am humble and gentle, knowing My Father is in control and is faithful to care for all His children. Put My words into practice, trusting Me completely, and you will find true peace, lasting joy, and pure life.’

    People will tell you such a manner of living is totally unrealistic and impractical today, but we must not listen to societal wisdom. The wisest Man to ever live rejected the world’s philosophies and embraced the simple life of obedient reliance on His faithful Father… a life of love.

    Challenging Christian leaders, Henri Nouwen once wrote this:

    It is not a leadership of power and control, but a leadership of powerlessness and humility in which the suffering servant of God, Jesus Christ, is made manifest. I, obviously, am not speaking of a psychologically weak leadership in which Christian leaders are simply the passive victims of the manipulations of their milieu. No, I am speaking of a leadership in which power is constantly abandoned in favor of love. It is true spiritual leadership. Powerlessness and humility in the spiritual life do not refer to people who have no spine and who let everyone else make decisions for them. They refer to people who are so deeply in love with Jesus that they are ready to follow Him wherever He guides them, always trusting that, with Him, they will find life and find it abundantly.

    Pura Vida!

    Quote from Henri Nouwen, ‘In the Name of Jesus’, ©1989 Crossword Publishing, p. 82

  • good yeast

    —

    Dana

    “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough.” (Matthew 13:33)

    In the end, all the bad yeast that corrupts will not overcome the good yeast God is working throughout His creation. This yeast may not even be noticed, but Jesus assures us of its presence. “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.” (Luke 17:20-21)

    Jesus is the Source of fruit that pleases the Father. He is our Dwelling Place. “If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me, you can do nothing… I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit — fruit that will last.” (see John 15)

    So, don’t grow weary of doing good. Keep serving; keep praying; keep loving; and keep walking in the Light. God will eventually defeat evil and His Church will be victorious (see closing Scripture below).

    We’ve come to the end of another school year, so this will be the last writing for a while. Susan and I look forward to celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary in a couple of weeks. “A wife of noble character, who can find? She is worth far more that rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value…” (Proverbs 31:10-11)

    On the health front, I’m getting some bad numbers from cancer tests. We don’t know the exact strategy of battle as my platelets have still not rebounded. My doctor, an expert in the field of multiple myeloma, says he loves challenges… so after a few more tests we’ll figure out a plan.

    Susan and I have peace and we trust our Heavenly Father. We are thankful for so many who pray for us. If I have news to relay during the summer, I may send out a note, but at this point we’ll simply rest in the familiar place of the unknown… knowing that God is with us.

    With love,
    Dana

    “This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members of one Body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus… His intent was that now, through the Church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to His eternal purpose that He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord… Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:6, 10, 11, 20, 21

  • bad yeast

    —

    Dana

    Being a Man of no pretense, I sometimes wonder how Jesus navigated the broken, hypocritical, and corrupt systems around Him. God had given the children of Israel the perfect rules of society, and no doubt much was implemented that brought good. But the hearts of men can sabotage the intentions of heaven.

    “The truth will set you free,” but the truth can also get you into trouble. When Jesus pointed out to the citizens of His hometown Nazareth the reality of their lacking faith, some tried to throw Him off a cliff. (see Luke 4) How does truth create such animosity?

    The religious leaders despised Jesus the most. In one conversation, He stated seven times: “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites…” (see Matthew 23) The most powerful and respected Jews of the nation began to connive: “Then the chief priests and elders of the people assembled in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, and they plotted to arrest Jesus in some sly way and kill Him.” (Matthew 26:3-4)

    Sometimes Jesus revealed the truth through parables. He once told about tenants of a vineyard who kept persecuting the servants sent to collect the fruit. Finally, the owner decided to send his son. “’They will respect my son,’ he said. But when the tenants saw the son, they said to each other, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him and take his inheritance.’” Jesus asked His listeners: “’When the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?’ ‘He will bring those wretches to a wretched end,’ they replied… When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard Jesus’ parables, they knew He was talking about them. They looked for a way to arrest Him…” (Matthew 21:33-46)

    But Jesus did not always confront; sometimes He knew it was best to not ‘rock the boat.’ “’What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes — from their own sons or from others?’ ‘From others,’ Peter answered. ‘Then the sons are exempt,’ Jesus said to him. ‘But so that we may not offend them, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for My tax and yours.’”(Matthew 17:25-27)

    Not only were many of the prominent religious leaders ‘pretenders,’ but politicians were also corrupt. When told that Herod wanted to kill Him, Jesus said: “Go tell that fox, ‘I will drive out demons and heal people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach My goal.’” (Luke 13:32) But Jesus knew He did not come to just fight worldly systems; He proclaimed a greater realm. “My kingdom is not of this world… My kingdom is from another place.” (John 18:36)

    Jesus did not want His followers to be corrupted… so He cautioned: “Be careful,” Jesus warned them. “Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod.” (Mark 8:15) Our Lord might give us similar words today: ‘You live in a dangerous world. Some who look good on the outside are not what they seem. Don’t fall into their religious or political traps. Avoid their poison and don’t be like them. Trust the Holy Spirit to show you the truth and to speak and live with integrity and wisdom. Seek first the Father’s kingdom and His righteousness. And remember: I am with you!’

    “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside, you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.” Matthew 23:27-28

    “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20

  • boat

    —

    Dana

    macyMy mom celebrated her birthday on Saturday and Mother’s Day on Sunday. It is impossible to honor her as much as she deserves. “Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” (Proverbs 31:28) Then on Monday, Macy turned four. What joy!

    In ‘The Boys in the Boat,’ author Daniel James Brown tells the story of Joe Rantz and eight other members of the gold medal USA rowing team from the 1936 Olympics. Of course the four gold medals Jesse Owens won to Hitler’s chagrin are the most famous victories of the Berlin Olympics, but the championship of hardworking boys from the University of Washington was an incredible accomplishment.

    The book highlights overcoming adversity, development of character, competition, coaching, teamwork, perseverance, relationships, and the results that come when self is sacrificed for the higher good.

    crewJoe Rantz died in 2007 at the age of 93. Roger Morris, the last survivor of the crew, died in 2009 at the age of 94.

    At the beginning of each chapter, Brown quotes George Yeoman Pocock, a British boat builder and expert in rowing who moved from England to Seattle in 1912. A mentor to coaches and athletes, his wisdom inspired generations. Here are a few of his words:

    Every good rowing coach, in his own way, imparts to his men the kind of self-discipline required to achieve the ultimate from mind, heart, and body. Which is why most ex-oarsmen will tell you they learned more fundamentally important lessons in the racing shell than in the classroom. (p 39)

    One of the first admonitions of a good rowing coach, after the fundamentals are over, is “pull your own weight,” and the young oarsman does just that when he finds out the boat goes better when he does. There is certainly a social implication here. (p 149)

    Where is the spiritual value of rowing?… The losing of self entirely to the cooperative effort of the crew as a whole. (p 353)

    If Jesus were an author, He could also title a book ‘The Boys in the Boat.’ Like Brown’s non-fiction, the central characters would come from a common geographical area and mainly be working-class guys without wealth or privilege. Several literally made their living in a boat as fishermen, but when the Rabbi beckoned, they left their nets and surrendered self for a higher call.

    Three years with Jesus and beyond His resurrection, all but one of these boys heeded the instruction of their Coach. Their competition was ultimately Satan, who rules ‘spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms’ (Ephesians 6:12)… and perseverance was a necessity. Loving each other and developing deep relationships with all who surrendered to Jesus became one of the important messages of the apostles. They taught their Master’s mantra: “One must lose his life to truly find it.”

    The good news for us is that Jesus actually is an Author… He is the ‘Author and Perfector of our faith.’ (Hebrews 12:2) He is also calling us into the boat… and He is the Boat. We come humbly, admitting we deserve nothing, but believing His Kingdom is our destiny. Will we surrender self for His higher purpose? Will we accept His ‘coaching’ and learn to overcome with His power and grace? Will we build strong, lasting relationships in His Body… allowing His love to shine forth in such a way that people will know we are His? Will we stand against evil and make a difference in this world? He is our hope.

    “Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:3

    “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope – the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave Himself up to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good.” Titus 2:11-14

    Quotes from ‘The Boys in the Boat’ by Daniel James Brown, Penguin Books, New York, ©2013

  • compassion

    —

    Dana

    raniOur friends with Mission India run Bible Clubs throughout a struggling nation. Children are welcomed into safe, loving environments where they receive help with schoolwork and learn about Jesus. Such gatherings are havens of life in poor rural areas and in the slums where millions live in the cities of India.

    Growing up in such a slum, Rani heard singing one day and followed the alleys until she found the source. Welcomed into the group, Rani not only started doing better in school, she discovered the One who created her and loves her. Leaders discovered Rani’s beautiful voice and now she leads other children in singing praises to the true God… in a land where thousands of false gods are worshipped.

    No matter the continent, some of my favorite life experiences are playing with children and telling them about the One who loves them most. Wherever you go, kids are kids… with a love of activity, an abundance of curiosity, and an uncanny ability to see through hypocrisy.

    “Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36-37)

    Jesus had compassion on everyone, but He took special note of children. His heart still breaks as He sees kids digging through garbage dumps to find something to eat… or children abused by adults who take advantage of the weak… or little ones who never get to hear about the love of the Heavenly Father because of false religions and systems propagated by the evil one.

    “Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest field.’” (Matthew 9:37)

    Lord, give us Your eyes and Your heart of compassion. Let us feed the hungry, heal the sick, teach the children, resist evil, and proclaim the Good News to all the sheep that are without a Shepherd. Amen.

    “Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.’ When He had placed His hands on them, He went on from there.” Matthew 19:14-15

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