Pastor Buddy’s Blog

In the wee hours…

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Journal,

Ever since my? first chemo treatment I’ve had no need for pain medicine in the least. This is wonderful in itself. But I’ve found another issue at hand. Every morning I wake up around 2-3 a.m., and lay there with my mind going various directions. All the thoughts are good ones. I even spend a bit of time weeping over the goodness of the Lord.

But what is this 2-3 a.m. business? My tossing and turning has to bother my sweet Betty. Then last night something clicked. Perhaps the Lord wants me to get up and spend some special ‘very personal’ time with Him. So at 3 a.m., I did just that. The house was so quiet. I sat in my easy chair and began to pour into God’s word. What an awesome time. Spend over an hour just reading the Bible and praying.

Guess what? When my hour was over I went back to bed, fell asleep and then woke up around 8 a.m. this morning.? Looks like I’ve discovered another special gift from the Lord. Thank you Lord Jesus. Now I can say with the Psalmists, “My soul waits for the Lord more than the watchmen for the morning; indeed, more than the watchmen for the morning.” Psalm 130:5,6

What can I say? I’ve been walking on the clouds ever since Sunday morning. Each day has become a high water day with the Lord. Yesterday morning I had a call from my old friend, Joe Garlington. Joe was one of the early elders of Christian Challenge. He has long since moved on to other pastorates. It was such a joy to hear from him. And on top of things, he and James Dauzart, another of the early elders of Christian Challenge are coming by for a visit very soon. I can’t wait to love on these two precious men of God. They both will always hold a special place in my heart.

I’ve just got to share this. I jokedly shared with the congregation that the men could shave their heads just to get on the same ‘faith’ page with me. Of course that was nothing more than a laughing matter on my part. But not on the part of my youngest grandson, Jared. I received word this morning that Jared has shaved his head to get on grandpa’s faith page.? And he is just eight years old.? I can’t wait to wrap my arms around around this little tyke. What a champion!!

Well, Andre, Judy and the kids were with us last evening to share their Christmas moment. The children are flying out for a short vacation to Washington State tomorrow, and they wanted to open presents at grandma and grandpa’s. Nathan and his family were also with us. The only one missing were Shana and her family. But we tend to have a number of get-togethers during this season. Not everyone can be at every place, every time.?

But yesterday cannot be passed over without calling attention to Debbie McBride and her children. What a joy. They worked with Betty, getting? the parsonage? gleaned up and helping put everything where it needed to be. This is largely outside work. Debbie is such a trooper. Her and David are two of the most precious people that we have in our congregation. They are willing to do anything to help the ship called CCI keep in shape.

Not much else to add. This evening we will sit in on Wednesday’s service via a home computer. I am so looking forward to being in the services even if it means getting to sit at home in a comfortable easy chair. Oh the sufferings of a semi-retired pastor.

And Lord, thank you again for the wee hours. I love you so much.