Category: family

“Mrs. Davis, you and your family will be VIPs for the entire weekend!” The kind lady on the phone shared this news after a nurse encouraged me to fill out an application from The Jack & Jill Cancer Foundation, a foundation that encourages families struggling with this disease. After seeing the hardship his two children endured as their mother died of breast cancer, Jon Albert honored his wife, Jill, by setting up a foundation to serve families going through similar struggles. “Since we are based in Atlanta, we usually bring families here,” the representative shared, “but since you live in Atlanta, we thought we’d send you elsewhere. Do you like baseball?” After Susan shared that we did she was told about a professional team that has partnered with their foundation. This team has had a pretty good season (they currently have the best record in baseball); they play in a place called Fenway Park.

This evening all five of us get to fly to Boston for a special weekend. (I told Susan it was good to be a VIP before I RIP. She didn’t think that was very funny…) Seriously, this is an incredible blessing. We are to explore the city Saturday morning and go meet the players and tour the park in the afternoon before watching the Red Sox play Saturday night. Not wanting to be like the nine ungrateful lepers, I’ll be sure to thank the team, the foundation, the hotel, and the chauffeurs that will drive us around. We would never dream of such extravagant treatment. Just being together as a family for the weekend will be the best part for me. I think that is what Mr. Alpert had in mind.

The Father has even better dreams for his children. He knows what each of us will face on this earth. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” He also said, “I am going to my Father’s house to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” This promise of a coming reunion is one of the things that gives us great hope, but I think there is another powerful truth the Father wants us to embrace. If you are a child of God, you are a VIP. Such a statement almost sounds too vain to write, but it is not my idea. If I go around calling myself a ‘very important person,’ I’ll be a nuisance, but if God calls me a VIP it is a different matter. Such a proclamation from above goes far beyond the sentiments we as parents have for our own children. In addition to saying, “You are loved, you are valuable, and you are constantly on my mind,” God says, “You are chosen, you are royal, and you are destined to reign.”

We say, “Who… me? I thought I was to be humble, lowly, and meek.” But believing what God says does not make one arrogant; it makes one wise. He says, “My children are ‘very important people’ with ‘very important responsibilities.’”

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires that war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” I Peter 2:9-12

I would not send this without permission, but I want to share a little about John and his family. You may remember that John lived with us the first months of his life as his mom Terri completed a jail sentence. Terri then came to live with us a while before moving to Monroe, where she has lived with her daughter, Blake, and John, who is now three years old. Her son Nick lives with his father Roger in Cobb County. We have a close relationship with this family. Terri is kind of like a daughter, John is kind of like a son, and Blake, Nick, and Roger are like extended family. God’s grace has been poured out on us all and His faithfulness has been evident day after day.

With God’s power and with encouragement from many brothers and sisters in Christ, Terri has been drug-free for over three years. We are proud of her, but Satan does not rest as he schemes to tempt and destroy. Nine months ago, Terri shared some news that floored us – she was pregnant. Needless to say, such a revelation turns many worlds upside down, but we have learned that God is able to walk with us through any storm – even storms of our own making. This past Friday, August 24, Leesa Elizabeth Turner came into the world weighing seven pounds seven ounces. Terri, Leesa, and John are staying with us a while as Terri recovers and John adjusts to not being the baby in the family.

It is the hope to overcome that keeps us looking to Jesus in our journey on this earth. Terri is learning that walking in the Light is the only way to freedom. She feels she is far from being one that people will point at saying, “You see that lady… God has done incredible things in her life. If you knew what she’s been through and the wrong paths she has taken and now see who she has become, you’d be amazed.” But I know God has done incredible things in Terri’s life and I know that He has plans we can’t even fathom. What do we do when we hear His heart spoken to us? “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

There is the part God plays to bring about these plans and there is the part we play… which is basically to trust and obey. If we don’t believe with the type of faith that involves action, we can’t enter these plans. James used the familiar example of Abraham to teach this truth, but he followed with another example that may seem a little surprising. “Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,’ and he was called God’s friend. You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone. In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? As a body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” (James 2:21-26)

This is how Rahab entered the plans God had for her. When two Israelites came into her house she said, “We have heard of your God and our whole city is melting in fear. The Lord your God is the one true God. I know he has given you this land, so please show kindness to me and my family.” This woman, who worked as a prostitute in a wicked city, believed in God and this faith led her to risk her life to hide the spies and arrange their escape. Read Joshua 2 and notice her boldness. The king sent messengers to her house to search, but Rahab did not flinch. She had embraced a new God – the Lord of heaven and earth.

When Jericho was destroyed Joshua sent the same two spies to rescue Rahab and her family and they began to live among the Israelites. We agree this is a wonderful story of faith and courage as this family was rescued from sure death, but the plans of God were far from over. We’re not sure of all the details, but I’ll propose a scenario that concludes with what we do know. Rahab encountered a huge culture shock as she left an immoral occupation to live among God’s people. But she believed in God and she knew his ways were right so she separated herself from old thinking and old habits and embraced godly living. One day a nobleman from the tribe of Judah named Salmon noticed this non-Jewish lady. He became interested in her and eventually took her to be his wife. This couple was soon blessed with a son. Rahab was a good wife and a loving mother and she and Salmon raised the son they named Boaz to be a man of character who became well respected in his community. Boaz ended up marrying another non-Jewish lady named Ruth (you can read their story in the book called Ruth) and they had a son named Obed. And Obed was the father of Jesse and Jesse was the father of David who became a great King of Israel. In this same family, many generations later, a child was born who was often called the Son of David. And this Son of David named Jesus died for our sins and all who call on his name shall be saved and his Father will say to his adopted children, “For I know the plans I have for you…”

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord… Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” Ephesians 5:8-9 & 15-17

I guess I’ll take a break from writing for a while as we finish a school year and prepare for another summer of camps. I praise God for so many answered prayers. I thank you for praying for me this year and ask that you continue to pray for us through a busy summer.

In doctor discussions since last August, our daughter, Kinsey, has been a common topic. “No, I can’t do that doctor, you see our daughter is graduating this spring and I need to be there.” “Remember, there are some treatments I can’t do, our daughter, Kinsey, is graduating this year.” “Can I skip this day? I really want to be strong for our daughter’s graduation.” Well, last night, I lost one of my ‘really good’ excuses as Kinsey graduated. (Maybe now I can start talking about Karlyn’s upcoming graduation… in 2012.)

Seriously, I am so thankful I was able to join family and friends and a host of other families as the class of 2007 walked across the stage to receive their high school diplomas. As 153 seniors walked down the aisle in graduation attire, I couldn’t help but think of how similar this picture is year after year. Of course it is special when one of your children is in the group, but those wide gowns and funny caps tend to make everyone look the same. Every year there are scholars in the group, athletes in the group, pranksters in the group, and what many would call just ‘ordinary people.’ Of course, few of us want to be known as just ‘ordinary people,’ but as the young, confident, good-looking members of the class of 2007 walked two by two, I thought: “They look like last year’s class… and the class of 2000… and the class of 1990… and the class of 1982 (my first year to teach.)”

So what makes the difference? What sets a graduate apart? What sets you and me apart? Are we all going through life thinking we’re unique when we’re really just the same as the next guy? In a way, we are all the same – we are each created in the image of God and each of us has sinned. But God sees differences. Kinsey was named female Scholar-Athlete of the Year for 2007, but that is not what sets her apart in our Heavenly Father’s eyes. Kinsey was given the honor of being named Miss GACS, but that is not why she is special in God’s sight. People who know Kinsey know how much she loves adventure. When people look at Kinsey, they see a beautiful girl with sparkling blue eyes, but there is something deeper that makes her far more beautiful than any eye can behold.

If there is anything a graduate (or you or I) can truly boast about, it is not what we’ve accomplished or what we think we’re going to accomplish, but rather what God has done and who He has given us. A long time ago, a young man who was not particularly handsome walked a road by Himself to make a difference in the world. Because of His obedience, God does see a difference in people on this earth. He sees some who are lost and need Him desperately, and He sees some who have put their faith in His Son, Jesus, and know of a purpose that goes beyond the ordinary.

“So, Kinsey, love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul and mind and strength. Continue to be a scholar; God has given you a good mind. Continue to be an athlete; God has given you a strong body. Continue to be an adventurer; God’s put that in your heart… and He wants you to temper it with wisdom. Guard your beauty as a treasure and save your heart for the man God has chosen for you. Know what is most beautiful, Kinsey – ‘Christ in you, the hope of glory.’ This is what I saw as you walked down the aisle last night. This is what is special about a girl in a common cap and gown. You weren’t created for common purposes! You are a child of the King! And the King lives in the hearts of His children. So make room for Him every day. Become less and allow Jesus to become more. Live in Him as He lives in you. Be devoted to Him and He will give you everything you need. We love you.”

“For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” II Chronicles 16:9

Our oldest daughter, Kinsey, has just completed her senior softball season. Their goal was to win the state championship and last night they just fell short. A car ride home after a loss seems much longer than the ride after a victory, but if we live on this earth we’re going to experience both highs and lows. At the beginning of the season, our coach asked Susan and me to share periodic prayer requests to help parents, coaches, and players pray for one another and keep focus on our Creator. After quite an emotional weekend in Columbus that put us in the finals of the state tournament, I wrote the following note and prayer. Last night we won the first game by one run then lost the championship game by one run. “Lord, help us keep in mind what is most important.” Have a great week,
Dana

I woke up early this morning with a thankful heart for our softball coaches. I’ve been on the tough end of losses many times as a coach, and trying to find the right words and right ways to encourage can be so difficult. Our coaches lifted spirits, brought perspective, and shared hope. We are all so thankful for a happy ride home Saturday night. One of our coaches made an unusual comment as everyone was preparing to leave the park: “As much as I like beating Buford, I hate eliminating them from the tournament.” Coaches with hearts that reach beyond the game are rare indeed. It may be easy to pray with an opposing team after winning a game, but it is not too easy after a heart-breaking loss. But as our coaches walk out with chin up, our girls also wipe away tears and hold the hand of an opponent and humbly pray to a Father in Heaven who loves everyone on the field. Such sights bring tears to us fathers on earth.

Our daughter has prayed a lot lately about winning games, but she’s also prayed for a Buford player who has lost her family. She wrote her a note saying that she’s never lost a parent, but when her dad was diagnosed with cancer she was forced to deal with things tougher than losing a softball game. As our seventeen-year-old prays that her team achieves its high goals, I want her to remember there are seventeen-year-olds on the other team praying similar prayers. As a forty-seven-year-old, while I may also catch myself praying for victories, I hope I can pray for even greater things.

“Lord, if my daughter makes an error, help her get through it. May her self-worth not be wrapped up in her performance. Lord, if another player makes a mistake, may I have the same empathy as if it were my own daughter. Lord, even in the agony of defeat, we know you can still bring good. May we all trust you in the good times and the bad. Please grant imperfect coaches and imperfect parents your wisdom. Most of all, Lord, may we possess a great measure of your incredible love that looks far beyond exterior happenings to the very center of all that really matters. Bring maturity in all of us. Let us be full of mercy and grace as you are. Mold us into the image of Your Son and let us trust you know best how to bring about such a miracle. We do pray our girls play their best and enjoy a special opportunity this week. We continue to pray for safety in travels and in play. We also pray for all the other girls still playing and all who are dealing with the emotions that surround the end of the season. We give thanks for our children, for our coaches, and for one another. We thank you for sacrifices so many have made this season. We thank you for planting a desire within our team to please you above all. With this desire, we pray as your Son did in the Garden… may your will be done in our lives. In Jesus’ Name, Amen”

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:9-10

Many of you have prayed for Terri and John these past two years. It is so neat to see God’s answers to prayer and His provision for His children. We love Terri so much, but God’s love goes beyond description. Terri now has a great job with a Christian employer and Christian co-workers. Some of you know that our work environment is one of the most important aspects of a job. This job came about when a good friend heard businessmen discussing the great need of helping men and women who have had some difficulties in life but really want to follow God. Our friend asked, “Are you ready to put your money where your mouth is?” Within a week or two, Terri had a job and her employer happily says she often does the work of two people in the office. Susan and I know Terri is a good worker. She is honest and smart. How grateful we are that someone gave her a chance.

For the past few months we have been praying for a place for Terri and John to live. It seems like this is the next step to take, but do you know how expensive it is to rent a house or apartment? We all searched to no avail. Friends kept their eyes open, but it really looked impossible. At one point, Terri had someone offer to help financially, but there were several complications which caused it not to work out. After this fell through, I heard Terri say, “Well, I’m going to quit worrying about it and just let God take care of things.” My faithless heart thought, “Well, I guess Terri and John will live with us a few more years…” But perhaps God was teaching His daughter to come to the important position of really trusting Him for everything. “If He has been with me this far, will He not stay with me? If He gave me a job, will He not give me a place to live? If He helps me conquer addiction, will He not help me live victoriously in every area of life?”

Within a week or two of Terri’s bold statement of faith, a brother brought a church bulletin advertising a house owned by the church that had just come available for rent. We immediately called and set up a visit. It was perfect! We all knew it was God’s answer. I don’t think we could have drawn better plans for a house, and the rent is exactly what Terri can afford. And to show He thinks of everything, there is a clause in the contract that says the church will take care of all yard work!

The final thing I’ll say about Terri is that in this journey she knows it is about more than her. She knows her responsibility to her family. She also knows there are many who struggle with addiction who need to experience God’s love and power. Just a week ago she helped a high school student come clean with his parents about what was going on in his life. A few weeks ago, I noticed a new face in our home watching a movie. When I met this young lady, I saw a beautiful child of God fighting the devil’s drug temptations. Terri had told her friend to call if she ever needed company in the fight. When her friend called, Terri was there… true to her word. Our family has an incredible friend.

“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God… May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:5-7 & 13)