Hello Faith Pals,
I thought today was the public holiday for the Grand Final. I am behind the times; it has been changed to ‘Thank you’ Day. Well, I am not sure what I think of that; I think we could be more thankful for those in positions of power, those with medical knowledge, who are trying to keep us safe, and advising us on what to do. I know the measures are unpopular, and people are getting sick of being in lockdown, but we have to remember we are sailing through uncharted waters. We will get through this, and one day, all will be well. I don’t think we need a day to pat ourselves on the back. We are just trying to do the right thing.
Besides, if we transfer being thankful from ourselves, to others, then our gratitude for others should extend beyond a designated public holiday. Let us thank God for the many people in our lives for whom we are thankful, present day and through the years.
Now, about the Grand Final. You don’t know everything about me, so you may not know that I am not a sports fan (I don’t have a competitive bone in my body!) The best grand final was about 12 years ago when it was a draw! Both teams should have got a trophy.
For me, it isn’t about winning-it is about doing your best and having fun. Sometimes these sports players do not look as if they are enjoying themselves, and then become very upset if they lose. I think that is why I enjoy watching the Paralympics (which began in 1948) or the Invictus games: they are winners being there, overcoming disability and injury. They are heroes. Here is the story of the beginnings of the Invictus Games:
Most of us will never know the full horrors of combat. Many Servicemen and women suffer life-changing injuries, visible or otherwise, whilst serving their country. How do these men and women find the motivation to move on and not be defined by their injuries?
On a trip to the Warrior Games in the USA in 2013, HRH The Duke of Sussex saw first-hand how the power of sport can help physically, psychologically and socially those suffering from injuries and illness. He was inspired by his visit and the Invictus Games was born.
The word ‘invictus’ means ‘unconquered’. It embodies the fighting spirit of wounded, injured and sick Service personnel and personifies what these tenacious men and women can achieve post injury. The Games harness the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect for those who serve their country.
The Invictus Games is about much more than just sport – it captures hearts, challenges minds and changes lives.
“We have a new chance at life, which is not necessarily worse than the old one. I do many things now without my legs that I didn’t do when I had legs.”
Competitor, Italian Team
https://invictusgamesfoundation.org/foundation/story/
Well, that is probably enough about sport, BUT another lesson from sport is that of not giving up. Who remembers reading Dr Seuss? Perhaps The Cat In The Hat? (what a naughty cat!) or O The Places You’ll Go! (a lovely title for post lock down!) This was the last book to be published before he died-we could say that the book that was about exciting journeys may have been a foretaste of his final one, the unending journey, to eternal life.
Seuss did not give up. His first book was rejected 27 times, but he persevered. Theodor Geisel (Dr Seuss) persisted in his style of creativity which he called ‘logical insanity.’ For a cat wearing a hat and wrecking havoc, from green eggs and ham, a fish that outgrew its bowl, to an elephant sitting on a tree in order to hatch an egg- these all speak of ‘logical insanity’. They also speak of possibilities, or ‘why not?’ Think of our faith; the Son of God living in this world, around ordinary people. The creation of the planet for us to enjoy and delight in. The miracle of birth. Jesus’ resurrection from the dead! An empty tomb! The healing of Lazarus…the feeding of 5,000…the curing of the sick…why not? We worship an awe inspiring God.
News: please keep Alan and Fredrica in your thoughts and prayers. Alan’s blood results were not the best this week, his psa had gone up 32 points. The good news is that his other blood tests were fine. What this means is that the next 3 weeks is critical. We will know more on November 11, which is meant to be the last bout of chemotherapy for Alan. If his psa continues to rise, then Alan will be sent for a detailed body and bone scan (which would be after Nov 11).
Please keep Bruce and Maggie in your prayers. Maggie was saying that they have found a really interesting website that not only talks about Bruce’s condition, but gives positive ways to improve the prognosis/general health. One of the things that is encouraged is prayer and positive thinking, and a good , wholefood diet. This is very much inline with what Alan Kingbury’s integrative physician told Alan and Fredrica. Prayer is very important, and is part of the treatment.
This is what Maggie wrote in her email:
‘The website we found in the US is:
It has given us hope for the future as we have been able to connect with others dealing with ALS/MND. We are learning about how many are not only experiencing remission but reversal of symptoms and a life that returns more to normal.
One of the main components in reversals is the healing power of prayer and positive thinking — using the mind to help heal the body. We are praying everyday asking God for His healing power for Bruce — and expecting God’s love to and mercy to heal.
We also know that the more people that are praying for healing for Bruce, the more positive healing power we feel.’
SO
KEEP PRAYING!! Prayer is partnership with God.
Please keep Shirley Edwards in your prayers too. I spoke to her yesterday, and she is not sure when she will be allowed to go home. She is improving, but very slowly.
Please keep Lex and Leora Ross in your prayers. Lex is having open heart surgery this Wednesday.
‘Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances’ (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17)
‘And this is the boldness we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.’ (1 John 5:14)
‘Seek the Lord and his strength,
seek his presence continually.’ (1 Chronicles 16:11)
Good news: Happy birthday to Sarah Simko and Robyn Daley’s husband Michael, both on Sunday. May there be cake!
Well, if I keep going, it will become another sermon!
Blessings and love
Barbara
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