Oh, the difference a year makes. I find myself reflecting on how much has changed in just a year. I am thankful and hope-filled.

Today I arrived at the Tuscarora Inn and Conference Center to participate in the Nehemiah Leadership Network annual conference.

Reflections on the past year

As I reflect on what has changed in this past year, it is significant.

Last year I attended this conference knowing I would be going home to start my second round of chemotherapy. We had done the scans and found my metastases’ had started to grow. Dr. Saroha and I had made plans, the schedule was set, and I knew the path that lay before me.

As I met this group of people for the first time, I had to share that I was unsure how long I would be able to participate in the program. My future was unclear as I thought about the loss of energy and how my body would respond to chemotherapy.

Looking back God was very gracious, and I always had the energy necessary to continue to participate in the program. The times of learning and fellowship have been very important to me. [Read more…]

This past Saturday Nancy and I got to watch some basketball. We spent a couple of hours with Deisy, Isaac and the Avon Grove Recreation Association.

Deisy and Isaac are an active part of life at First Baptist Church.

Isaac helps lead worship, collect the offering and he provides leadership for our Wacky Wednesday Worship program. Each Sunday Isaac and I find a few minutes to talk about our favorite football teams.

Deisy was helping collect the offering and was looking for other ways to serve. We talked and worked together. If you worship with us today you will hear Deisy pronounce the benediction at the close of every worship service. She has found a special way to serve. A few weeks ago she asked if she could start writing her own benedictions to share with the congregation. I am extremely proud of these two young people and the way they have found ways to use their skills serve.

Their basketball games were great fun to watch.

If you look closely you may notice that First Baptist Church is the sponsor of Deisy’s team!