Today I attended the funeral of my friend, Neil Parker. My boss, my mentor and friend…of about 17 years.

When I heard about Neil’s death…I knew that his funeral would be one of celebration. One of remembering and sharing about this lovely man of whom we were privileged to know. A wonderful Christian, husband, father, grandfather, brother, American, Marine, officer, boss and friend who touched many, many lives.

Neil was a man of extraordinary character…who was able to live an ordinary life…and yet make every day special. He knew how to treat people right…and chose to do so, with each person he met. From a seemingly insignificant person…to one who received much acclaim…each one was important and worthy in Neil’s eyes. That’s because he looked at people through the eyes of his Savior, Jesus Christ.

So today we celebrated a wonderful man whom God gave to us for 71 years. We celebrated, rejoiced and were comforted that Neil had been called home and was united with Jesus his Savior.

Through our tears and grief we are able to rejoice, give praise to our God and loudly proclaim “It is well with my soul.”.

On the eve of your funeral Neil…I wanted to say goodbye.

I do so with deep sadness…and almost disbelief that you aren’t here anymore. While your phone calls in recent years were not frequent…I treasured them…and it was always a treat to hear from you. I looked forward to your Christmas letter and note…filling me in on what happened to you in the year gone by.

Not sure that I can put into words…how much I loved you and what you meant to me.

I don’t remember the exact day I met you. Not sure if it was when you came in to audit the store I worked in as bookkeeper? Or maybe it was to investigate some cash variance or other area of concern? But I do remember when you really made an impression on me. It was when I worked at the Outlet store. That store was something else. There was always an issue at hand that had you in the store almost daily conducting a Loss Prevention investigation. When you needed information or help on the bookkeeping end…you asked me for some help.

That’s when the Loss Prevention bug bit this girl. I loved it from the get go…and it changed my life. I continued on with bookkeeping for about another year or so…and then got up the courage to call you and ask for an LP job. You were game…and I was interviewed for the job of Loss Prevention Agent. After the interview…which I think took place at McDonald’s…I had a polygraph. I was nervous…but passed and was given an LP job.

I trained as an Agent in the Hollywood store. Oh my gosh…that sure was a different place. Glad it wasn’t a permanent location for me. I worked in multiple locations…and you were my boss. While I didn’t do a terrible job at catching shoplifters…it sure wasn’t my strong suit. But you were patient with me…and about a year later…moved forward with the idea of a Loss Prevention Office Coordinator. It was a new position that was being created and defined at that time. So I joined Eva in that role. She had LA North…and I had LA West which was in your area.

What fun we had. It was something brand new…and we figured it out as we went along. I loved our travels to different stores…and digging in to the reports and finding out what was going on. Each day had something new and challenging. We did some good stuff Neil…and had some fun along the way.

I loved hearing your tales…whether from your LA PD days…or interesting investigations that you had handled over the years. The love and passion you had came through when you talked about those times.

Things changed and we moved on…you worked in a different area and I changed jobs. For a while…we didn’t talk a lot…things were a bit bumpy. But fortunately…that changed too. Now all these years later…I’d be hard pressed to remember what caused our falling out. It didn’t last…and you were gracious…and our friendship resumed.

All too soon you were announcing your retirement. It seemed unreal…after all you had been the backbone, heart and soul of our department. How in the world would we get along without Neil Parker. But the time was right for you and your family to make that move.

You didn’t stay retired for long. You ended up back in law enforcement…working at the federal court houses. I’d hear from folks now again about seeing you at the court house when they were on jury duty or responding to a subpoena.

I was most blessed that you did keep in touch. A phone call every now and then keeping me up to date on what was going on in your life. I think we even squeezed in lunch, now and again.

Neil…you believed in me and gave me a chance. You believed in me when no one else did. I thank you from the depths of my heart.

You made a difference in my life…a difference for good. You were giving, encouraging, gracious and forgiving. You unabashedly spoke of your faith in your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Neil…I love and I miss you. I know with absolute confidence that you are in heaven with your Savior. You have entered into your rest…and have heard those much prized word, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

I know that when I die I will join you…and I look forward to that day. I will see my Savior Jesus Christ face to face…and join those who proceeded me to heaven.

So while I am sad and will miss you…I look forward to our reunion one day. What a lovely day that will be. Neil…say “Hi!” to Hugo for me…and I’ll catch you on the flip side. See you kid!

Today marks my 21st anniversary working at Sav-on Drugs.

In some respects it’s made bittersweet by the sad news of the death my friend and former boss, Neil Parker. Neil was very influential in my career…and I owe him much more than I can say.

While I’ve held a number of positions over the years…I remember quite clearly how I got my first job with the company. I had been working for a number of years at a local department store called Wineman’s. That day we had just gotten news that another company, the Boston Store, was buying us out. I had just been interviewed and was offered a job as a supervisor with the new company.

While at work that same day, I received a call from my friend Kathy. For some time I had been applying at Sav-on Drugs trying to get a job as a bookkeeper. This would prove to be my lucky day. Kathy was calling to tell me if I went to the Sav-on in the same shopping center I would be interviewed for a bookkeeper position.

Well lickety split…I was down at Sav-on for my interview…and thank you Lord…I was given the job. I was to start work at Sav-on #69 in Fullerton, CA. The store has since closed and been relocated.

I was trained by a terrific bookkeeper, Gayle. She had high standards and communicated things clearly. She got me off to a good start. I loved my job as a bookkeeper. Now I probably shouldn’t say this…but in school…math was always my weak point. But when I became a bookkeeper…suddenly math clicked and I understood it. It made sense. I worked as a bookkeeper for 4 years.

During that time…I ended up working at a temporary outlet store in addition to my own store. It was wild there…a whirlwind…even now it boggles my mind. This is where I ended up meeting Neil Parker. He was the Loss Prevention Manager for that area. And trust me…Neil made frequent visits to that store…just to try and keep things in line. That was where I was bit by the Loss Prevention bug…and have been sold ever since.

I continued to be a bookkeeper for about another year…but finally worked up the courage to ask Neil for a job in LP. I was interviewed for the job…and back then had to take a polygraph test…which thankfully, I passed.

I started out my LP career as an LP Agent catching shoplifters. While not wretched at it…I would catch them…but it scared the heck out of me. In fact sometimes I would even start shaking when I’d see someone shoplifting because I knew I have to stop them. While they may have been thieves…fortunately…most were not violent. There were a couple of scary times…but God had His hand of protection upon me. I only worked an agent for about a year…one very long year.

Next…I was an “office coordinator”. Along with another lady at work…we were the first to start that position. It was very interesting…and allowed me to approach LP from a paperwork and research standpoint. Suited my abilities much better.

Not sure I remember how long I was an office coordinator. But next I was the supervisor for the in house collections department. That was a different story altogether. What I did like about that job was having the ability to help customers…if they were a victim of a crime and their checkbook had been stolen…or even if they just had some bad times. But I’ll tell you…those collection agencies that we had to deal with made my blood boil. I keep thinking that someone would be hailed as a genius if they came up with the idea of doing collection on bad debt with the key motivation to keep those good, long term customers and not alienate them.

Another bright spot of that job was a wonderful, beautiful woman name Marion. Marion was such woman of character. She was a single mom…and had a wonderful son Jonathan. Marion was such a hard worker…did quality work…and she really truly cared. She cared about the people she worked with and our customers. She’d knocked herself out to help someone. I knew if I wanted the job done right…Marion was the person to have work along side me. Marion died from ovarian cancer…and her loss was very painful…but she left a lasting impression. I will always remember her.

The department was closed when they consolidated everything in our Franklin Park office. Disappointed and scared described me then. But God had His hand upon me. I felt that he impressed upon me the scripture verse, “My grace is sufficient for you.” I clung to that verse and listened to inspirational tapes daily, during that time. And God brought me through.

He laid a burden upon the heart of Peter Bartholomew. Peter took pity on me…and offered me the job of secretary for the Loss Prevention department as his then secretary had recently quit. Now keep in mind…I didn’t even know how to turn on a PC/computer. I had worked on a Wang…which was quite a bit different. You’ll understand how precious this man is when you know that after hiring me…he asked, “Do you know how to type?”. God bless that man.

Peter gave me the classes I needed to get up to speed on the computer…and eventually unleashed the monster that loves the computer…and now blogs daily. I thank God and I thank Peter for my job. I love it…and I love the people I work with. I love the challenge of my job. I love the fact that I’ve been given freedom to grow and develop in my job…and that I’m able to give input.

I work with a group on people directly in my department that ranges from about 20 to 30 people. Additionally there are many others in our stores. And of course there is a lot of interaction with other departments…so to say I’m never board is an understatement. I love my job! (Just between you and me…there are times they make me a wee bit crazy too.)

I’ve had some terrific bosses in LP over the years…Peter Bartholomew, Terry Sullivan, Len Thielen, Louis Escarcega, Robert Wiltfang and my current boss Doug Kuripla. They are each tremendous people…and I consider it a privilege to have worked with them. Peter always used the phrase, “Simply the Best”…and by golly these folks really are.

Do I have a favorite…out of all these people? You bet ya I do…I wouldn’t tell to save my life. But kind of like a mom…while she may have one child that she really connects with…she loves each child in their own special way. There is something special about each one.

So on this 21st anniversary…I thank God for my job…and for the people with whom I’ve worked for low these many years. Blessings to you all.

Please be sure to read the posting “On a Personal Note” by Cindy Swanson. It’s a beautiful piece that she republished on the one year anniversary of her father’s death.

Her father, Thomas V. “Pepper” Garrett passed away a year ago on July 28th.

This writing illustrates perfectly what the death of a believer can be like. Something beautiful and not a struggle…like one going home. It’s also shows the reassurance and peace you can have when a loved who is a believer dies.

Cindy has some great postings on her website definitely worth exploring.

A couple of follow up notes on this thing called faith.

Tonight I was talking with a gentleman named Mike about faith. About not doubting God’s ability to answer my prayers…but knowing that He may answer them by giving something different than what I asked for…or later on down the line.

Mike added that we know that God sees that which don’t see…He can see further down the way…and know if something is good for us or not. You ever have those moments when you actually, maybe, kind of, sort of “get it”. Hearing Mike’s answer was one of those moments.

We can be certain that God’s answer to our prayers will be one that fits His plans and purposes. And yes…I’ve heard what Mike said before and maybe even uttered those words myself…but it really clicked this time.

Second note…thanks to David Fisher from Pilgrim Scribblings for his kind words. David is so open and transparent…and shares so freely. I’m enriched with each trip I make to Pilgrim Scribblings. Thank you!

From Webster’s Dictionary…here the definition of faith:

Main Entry: 1faith Pronunciation: ‘fAthFunction: nounInflected Form(s): plural faiths /’fAths, sometimes ‘fA[th]z/Etymology: Middle English feith, from Old French feid, foi, from Latin fides; akin to Latin fidere to trust — more at BIDE

1 a : allegiance to duty or a person : LOYALTY b (1) : fidelity to one’s promises (2) : sincerity of intentions

2 a (1) : belief and trust in and loyalty to God (2) : belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion b (1) : firm belief in something for which there is no proof (2) : complete trust

3 : something that is believed especially with strong conviction; especially : a system of religious beliefs

synonym see BELIEF–
in faith : without doubt or question : VERILY

Time for a little “true confession”. Sometime I feel like a complete failure as a Christian…especially with regards to faith. Oh not faith in God or if He exists…I absolutely believe in God. No doubt there. I guess I ought not to say that so glibly…since there was a time before I became a Christian…when my belief in God was not fully manifest. And there have been those dark times as a Christian…where I cry out to God…”Are you there God?”.

But right now…I’m trying to figure out faith and how it intersects with believing God and trusting that he will answer my prayers.

Sometimes I almost feel envious of those folks in the so called word faith movement. They seem to have the ability to pray for something…and despite the current circumstances believe that God will answer their prayers just as they have asked.

I’ve never really been able to muster up that kind of faith. I know that God is servant to no one. That He is not obligated in any way to answer my prayers. It doesn’t matter if I pray in some set manner or utter certain words…He is God and I am not. He will answer my prayers that He chooses to, in the manner in which He chooses to do so…in His time frame, not my own.

Yet…I know that I don’t want to not ask God in faith…and get to heaven and find out all that God would have given me, but didn’t, because I didn’t ask.

I also can appreciate the idea of believing and focusing on the goal. I learned that from an athletic perspective. Now for those of you that know me personally…don’t you dare laugh. Yes I fully acknowledge, I ain’t going to be winning any marathons any time soon. Yet seven years ago when I started walking…it enabled me to lose weight and keep it off. I learned from walking and some running that when I focus on the goal that which is ahead of me…tune out the distractions around me…I can get to that goal. So belief, focus and faith are invaluable.

Hebrews 11:1 tells us “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”

Yet… in Hebrews 11 the great chapter on faith, person after person is commended for their faith…faith in which they don’t see answers to their prayers, nor do they see God’s prophecies fulfilled during their lifetime.

Hebrews 11:39 “These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised.”

But their prayers were answered, God’s promises were fulfilled…it was just in God’s time, not their own.

I am a realist…and quite honestly there have been many prayers that God has said no to or has seemingly not answered. Now I will fully grant you that if you say that it’s because I lack faith that He didn’t answer my prayers…you may be right.

So my struggle and questions with faith and prayer continue. However…I feel like I’ve come to good place to be with it all. That is, knowing and believing that God is able to answer my prayers. Taking my needs, and even wants and desires to God in prayer. Yet…trusting God and saying, “Thy will be done.” Accepting in peace that which gives me. (Some days that attutide is a struggle and evades me.)

I’m sure some days I’m like a small dog yapping at the heals of Jesus…and continuing to pester Him for that which so far He has not answered…at least not how I want Him to answer my prayers.

So a faith failure I may be…but at least I have a certain measure of peace and trust in God that I didn’t previously hold.

Have you ever had those times in your life while you are in the moment…you really get it…you understand just how precious or extraordinary this time or this person with whom you are with is. There is something different, something very special about a person. Maybe they are extraordinarily kind or gracious or very honest and real in contrast to this all to often plastic world we live in. Or there is that something there, and you can tell that God has His hand upon this person…and is working in them and through them. And it’s quite remarkable…and you “get it” at the time…during it…not afterward in reflecting back…but in the moment. That makes it a very precious time indeed.

When I think about Chuck Obremski…and remember when I first heard him preach…and look back over the years that I’ve been able to participate in his Bible study…and what God has now grown into a lovely, wonderful church…it takes my breath away. You see, I remember quite clearly when I first walked in that door and heard Chuck preach.

It was January 1999…my second week attending Calvary Church Santa Ana. In addition to attending the regular service I had wanted to get fully involved, including a Bible study. So looking in the church bulletin…I found this one Bible study called Kindred. I knew which building was in…and it was easy to find.

So that second week…I walked in the doors. I can even remember about where I sat. The gentleman who sat next to me and the people who were around me were all very kind, considerate and caring. Even back then at Kindred…each week they ask whoever is visiting for the first time that week to stand up. Back then you would say you name and where you were from…and the congregation would applaud and those around you would welcome you. It was a very warm and inviting setting and group of people.

Of course there was a time of worship with songs of praise and thanksgiving…and some of those good old hymns. The gentlemen who lead the worship team had and continue to have real love for the Lord…and made worship fun. But they also helped you to focus in on who God is and why He is worthy of our praise and worship.

Hold on to your hats folks…because that was just the beginning. Then it was time for Chuck to preach. Even back then…Chuck was a very powerful preacher. Back before the cancer, before our church was founded…back when it was just a weekly Bible study…it was quite evident that God was using this man to preach His word in a very powerful and dynamic way.

I affectionately refer to Chuck as my “kick butt pastor”…and that he is. He is one that speaks the truth from God’s word quite boldly. He holds nothing back. Yet it is not done in a fashion to beats you over the head. But instead the Holy Spirit is working in that Word that’s going out…and convicting the hearts and minds of believers. Helping us to grow and develop into the person God would have us to be. Also reaching out to the non-believers…and giving the no nonsense message…”Hey…you are lost in your sin and perishing.” But there is good news…God has a plan to save you from your sins. Because He loves you…He provided His Son Jesus Christ to pay that penalty for your sin so that though Him you might be saved.

You couldn’t sit in in that Bible study and not hear the Word of God…and clearly hear the gospel message preached each week. Oh I have been most blessed in my life by hearing and sitting under some great preachers…but there was something very different about Chuck. Sure, some of it was style. I really love his no nonsense way of speaking, I loved Chuck’s way of being very open and real…sharing from his life and his heart. Not setting himself up as a paragon on virtue by any means…but knowing that God was in the process of transforming him. Using him for His purposes and growing him up. Chuck has always freely shared about what he was like before he became a Christian…and also stories about his Christian walk since then.

You see I need that “kick butt pastor”…the one who freely and plainly preaches God’s word. I need someone who doesn’t sugar coat it…but gives you that message in a straight forward manner. Knowing that God…through His Holy Spirit will work in you through the cleansing of His Word. And that pastor for me has been Chuck Obremski.

You could also see quite clearly that God’s hand upon this ministry. Sometimes it was confusing to see exactly what God was doing…or where He was going…but you knew God was at work. This was especially so as we transitioned from a Bible study into a Church. Some of the things didn’t make sense from a human perspective…but God had a bigger purpose and plan in mind. It was “A God Thing”. God was at work…and sometimes those growth periods and changes are quite confusing and painful.

I remember on that last week…as we prepared to say goodbye to Calvary Church and start out on our own, Chuck asked for everyone who was planning on making that move to raise their hand. Nearly everyone in the room raised their hand. You know when you hear God’s word given so clearly and undiluted…you begin to crave it and look forward to hearing it each week. Those weeks when we just had one service…so our our entire congregation could be together as one…we had no Bible study. Man oh man alive…it made me all the more eager for Bible study the next week. You see, I’m one who is a super mega bonehead…and I need God’s word to help me so I at least improve or grow each day and week.

But with our eyes fully on God…and trusting Him…with our beloved Pastor leading…we stepped forward in faith. With no official church building…we stepped out…and God provided. Each week for two years we met at the Elk’s club in Santa Ana. The first week we met in the auditorium which proved to be too small to accommodate our growing group. There after we meet in the largest room they had. That required the service of some willing servants in setting up and tearing down the chairs and platforms each week. And God provided…and continued to provide for each different area of ministry or service. God raised up some godly men among us willing to serve as Elders for our church. Each step…our God has provided.

About six months after we started our church, Chuck was diagnosed with cancer. And it turned out to be another time…where things were a bit confusing. Not exactly sure what God was doing…yet knowing and trusting that He was at work and had everything fully in hand. With Chuck and the leadership of church elders…we continued to move forward trusting God in faith. All the while seeking God’s wisdom, guidance and direction each step along the way.

Through it all Chuck’s preaching has became even more intense, dynamic, passionate and straight forward. Each day, each week has become more precious…since we don’t know how much more time God will allow us on this earth with our beloved Pastor. God is using Chuck’s preaching to reach out an touch people’s lives who other wise wouldn’t take the time to hear some “preacher boy”. But because of the circumstances they are in…they are more open to hearing from someone who is in quite desperate circumstances…but whose faith is unyielding. Who in the midst of great pain and suffering continues to trust his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. One who doesn’t cry out and ask “Why God?”…but instead asks, “What God? What do you plan to do with this cancer and how are you going to use it for your purpose, plan, glory and kingdom?”

So you see…in the midst of this time…from when I first heard Chuck preach the Word of God…I got it. I knew just how special man is and that God was using him greatly to teach His word. How precious this time was and is and continues to be.

I remember a call on the Dennis Prager’s show…in which the caller was asking about seeing God…or seeing Him at work in our lives. Dennis responded to the caller that sometimes we recognize God after He has passed by. Kind of like Moses when he asked God if he might see Him. God was unable to let Moses see him directly. Instead he protected Moses in the clef of the rock and permitted Moses to see His afterglow that passed by. Probably in most situations in life…you can see God’s work or His presence after the fact.

Yet there are those rare occasions in which you can see God at work in the present. It is truly a sight to behold and one that is very precious.

So while I am very grateful to recognize the extraordinary person that Chuck is…and how God is at work in him and using him…I wonder. I wonder what it would be like if I sought to look deeper at each person God brings into my life and look for that thing that makes them special or unique. In each situation and circumstance…look for God’s hand and see what work He is seeking to accomplish.

I continue to praise God for what he is doing in and through my beloved Pastor Chuck Obremski…and look forward to seeing God’s plan in action. It was, is and will continue to be “A God Thing”.

God continues to open doors and presenting opportunities for Chuck to speak out to many and tell his story. On the radio, in newspaper articles and now TV, Chuck is being a willing and obedient servant…and telling the message of salvation that God has offered to all. Obviously his testimony is all the more compelling in that he continues to loudly proclaim God’s love and faithfulness while facing a devastating cancer. It’s a great witness to God’ sustaining power.

Today Chuck was interviewed for Behind the Scenes…a show on TBN. The interview is currently scheduled to show on Friday, July 29 at 5:00 PM PDT. Once the show airs…you can watch it on line at the above link.

Also coming up is an interview that Chuck did for our local Fox 11 News. Currently the interview is scheduled to be broadcast on Sunday…following the Angel’s game at 1:30 PM PDT. Either on Fox 11 or on Fox Sports West.

So please be sure to tune in and watch my beloved Pastor Chuck Obremski as he tells his story…of going from desperation to dependence on his great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Your continued prayers for Chuck are coveted and much appreciated.

Below I have a posting from Dennis Prager’s show. This past weekend I had transcribed a call from Brian in Los Angeles. His call really struck a cord with me.

While Brian’s words were very compelling…they are truly powerful when you hear them in his own voice. With that in mind…I sought permission from Dennis Prager to post this clip. I am thankful to Dennis for letting me share.

Please take a couple of minutes and listen to Brian’s call. If you are not already acquainted with Dennis Prager, his radio show and writings…please be sure to click on the above link.

To quote Dennis, “I prefer clarity over agreement.”

A Lesson in How to Die – 7/24/05
Notes from Chuck Obremski’s Sermon

Sin Meters…it’s often easy to overlook our own sin. Much easier to see other’s sin…but hard to see our own.

Chuck acknowledged that he had been “hung up”…on the 126 week record of preaching and took his eyes off the Lord. Looking at the record…not the Lord. But instead we need to walk by faith, not by sight. We don’t know what is going to happen each day.

Proverbs 3:5-6 – 5 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Trusting in the Lord, applies to every area of our life. Walking by faith, not by sight. We may not always be sure what the Lord is doing…or which way he is leading.

While in the hospital God continued to bring people that didn’t know the Lord…and needed him. One person confessed to Chuck, “My life is falling apart.” They need to know Jesus and his death on the cross. Chuck went on to state that while he may be dying, this person knew that Chuck had the answer to a life that is falling apart…and that is Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

We need to look at our circumstances and see how we can use them for God’s glory and purpose.

The reality of our mortality. We will all die. In Genesis 3…Adam sinned. Because of Adam’s rebellion against God we will all die, and we all sin. Without God’s intervention we would all go to hell. In God’s mercy he prevented Adam from eating from the tree of life in his fallen state.

We all die…and only have a window of opportunity to get right with God. The only way to get right with God is to believe in Jesus Christ, his death on the cross on our behalf, his resurrection and his ascension.

As Christians, we’ve been adopted into the family of God. This earth is no longer our home. Our citizenship is in heaven. God uses our decaying bodies to reinforce that we will all face death. Are you right with God? Christ crucified…alone…period!

During his last illness, John Quincy Adams was asked by a friend passing by how he was doing. He answered that he was fine…but his body not so fine. “I inhabit a weak, frail, decayed tenement; battered by the winds and broken in on by the storms, and, from all I can learn, the landlord does not intend to repair.” Likewise Chuck says, “I’m fine…but my house is falling apart.

In God’s hand, I know what lies ahead. I’m in Jesus’ hands and I’m going to heaven based on his work on the cross. Our citizenship is in heaven. When we are absent from the body we will be present with the Lord. We will be with him and judged by him…based on the work we did after coming to Christ.

What has this cancer done to motivate us (me, my family, and our church) to accomplish God’s purposes? If the answer is nothing…then it’s a waste.

Do you have a sense of urgency? First for yourself. Are you right with God? Have you repented of your sins, trusted in Christ? Do you have peace with God? Are you motivated to act upon it? Do you want to earn those spiritual rewards…or are you giving way to selfishness? Do you reach out to others with the gospel message…or do you get in the way? Do you care about nothing but pleasing the Lord? Are you praying regularly? Expecting miracles, but accepting His will? This is a great place to be.

Are you excellent at your job? At the end of the day, you will be remembered by what you do last. Remembered by how we went out. The last thing we will do, that will impart to those around us is how we die. We can look at the Bible and the example of Jesus and how he died. If we can grasp how Jesus died and how we can do the same, we will be okay. Life and death are our great platforms to reach others.

1) Jesus died with the right attitude.
As he came to his death, he realized that if God would not take this cup from him, he would do what God willed.

We need to get to that place where we say, “You are God and I’m not.” You may not always be certain on what exactly God is doing. But you know what you are doing and that’s okay. So why would you question God and what He is choosing to do? Not my will, but yours! Facing death but knowing God is in control…assured that you will see one another soon. Laughter, crying, happiness, joy and sadness…all in one.

One woman who came to see Chuck commented that she was “afraid to see how this cancer would affect him.” She had known a woman a church who knew God, loved him and served him. When struck with cancer she got angry and bitter towards God. Like Job’s wife…she cured God and died.

We as Christians need to die right. Be a person that shows the people around us that when we are facing the shadow of death, we will fear no evil. Instead we will trust God. We need to be like Stephen. You are the person whom people look to. We claim to know God and to have joy and peace. We know what happens when we die and that it will be okay. Are you that person? Be that person with every person, with everyone you come in contact with.

We need to build up and encourage. We are saved. When it comes to crunch time, we are walking hand in hand with the Lord.

2) Jesus died the right time.
We will not live a day longer or die a day sooner than what God has planned. We need to do our best…and we will see what God does. No matter what treatments, no matter what you do, you will die. It’s a lot of work trying to stay alive. God is absolutely in control! Are you trusting God?

Everything that Jesus did, he did according to God’s time table. As he does in our lives. We need to be careful as believers to watch what we say to others. We need to keep our words Biblically based.

Jesus didn’t die young or old, or live a short life. He died on time, in God’s time. Don’t fall into the world’s way of thinking. Jesus work was finished. He didn’t have to live a day longer to accomplish what God had for him to do. Nor do you.

Have that sense of urgency, that today God may call you home. Are you running out of time? Get busy doing what God has called you to do. Don’t forget, he may not have that much for you to do.

Jim Elliot once commented, “God’s people in heaven…why should he limit it to old people?”

3) Jesus died in the right way.
Jesus prophesied to Peter how he would die and in what specific way. Peter knew ahead of time. It’s probably best that we don’t know when we will die. Instead we should live one day at a time…and be walking with the Lord.

4) Jesus died for the right purpose.
Jesus came to die and be a ransom for the world.

We need to know what God has for us to accomplish. We have a purpose in being here…both living and dying too.

It breaks Chuck’s heart to see Christians who become bitter when dying or at the end of a disease or sickness. It shows an ignorance of God. We take God for granted…and the good health he has blessed us with.

We have an appointment. An appointment that we will not miss. Cancer, accident or other…death awaits as surely as concrete awaits a light bulb that drops to the floor.

The first person that died was not Adam, but Able. It goes to show what there is no one righteous, no not one.

You and I are eventually God’s for eternity or the devils. It depends on what you believe and your heart.

God has a purpose and a plan…and we are not afraid of the future in God’s hand.

Today was another amazing day…to see God’s powerful, mighty handiwork and an answer to our prayers. My beloved Pastor, Chuck Obremski was at church and preached a powerful, challenging and convicting sermon. To know how miraculous this is…you need to be acquainted with what Chuck has been through in his battle with cancer.

Following a powerful chemo the prior week and a lowered immune system…Chuck spent this last week in the hospital. During this time…he received 10 units of blood, platelets, neuprogen and antibiotics in an effort to build up his immune system. He was discharged at 6:00 PM last night…and was at church, in the pulpit this morning.

Through this all, Chuck’s desire was to preach on Sunday. Following our service today…Chuck was headed over to the ballpark for Baseball Chapel. Obviously…not something achievable in human strength or power.

We continue to pray for God’s hand to be upon Chuck…for healing, wholeness, strength, peace and wisdom. We thank God for his amazing and powerful answer to our prayers. Who immeasurably answered our prayers, for more than what we could ask or imagine.

“There are only two races, the decent and the indecent.” — Viktor Frankl

On Thursday’s Dennis Prager show on July 21, 2005, there was a call from a gentleman, Brian in Los Angeles. This call was truly unforgettable.

Brian so eloquently and passionately expressed his anger and frustration towards white liberals that patronize black youth through their own beliefs that amounts to nothing more than racism. I believe that George Bush uses the phrase , “the soft racism of low expectations”.

Brian…God bless you! You have put into words, better than any I’ve heard why this practice is wrong and ultimately hurts black people, whom the white liberals claim they what to help. Brian your words brought tears to my eyes…and your words will remain with me.

I transcribed Brian’s call because it was so compelling and his words so important…they must be heard and read by all. It’s not my intent to offend anyone with some of the language from Brian’s call…but to render accurately what he said.

Call to Dennis Prager’s show on July 21, 2005
2nd Hour – Caller Brian from Los Angeles

Brian, “Dennis I love you like a brother. But man you brought up a subject that has me so heated and pissed off right now, I’ll try to watch my language. I am black and I can’t stand white liberals because this foolishness is a form of holding us down.”

“I hire people Dennis. I hire people. I discriminate; I have to be discriminating about who I present before my customers. I work in the inner city and I do not hire black people that can’t talk. Did I say they have to speak the King’s English? No, but they have to be able to speak properly. Because my customers demand that. And these are other black customers. Now all this crap, all this talk from these while liberals, the talk about trying to accommodate us, it’s like they think we can’t do any better than that. Like we have to cater to them because they don’t have the mental capacity to talk any better. They are just a bunch of “jungle bunnies”. That’s what I see and I hate that crap and I want them to stop shoving it down our throats.”

Dennis, “I love you Brian. I love you. I do and I mean it sincerely. We are brothers in that sense. Absolutely! The notion that the white liberal is the black man’s friend is so untrue that I am speechless that it is so widely believed. Speechless!”

The second hour of the show discussed two absurd notions of educators. One in England is promoting the idea that there is no such thing as failure, but only deferred success. The second movement discussed was a new program in San Bernardino that proposes that black students should be communicated to in Ebonics.

This article is posted on CNN’s website. It is yet another picture of the terrorist enemies and their supporters, which we are fighting. I do understand that there are people with good intentions that feel that we should talk to these terrorists and try to understand them. However, ideas like these are inherently naive and ultimately dangerous. A terrorist is not someone that you can reason with, they can not be negotiated with…nor can they be trusted. This is what decent and civilized people are fighting against.

Yet our battle and ability to win…will be ultimately successful only if and when decent people of the Muslim faith fight the terrorists that are within their midst.

CAIRO, Egypt (CNN) — The father of one of the hijackers who commandeered the first plane that crashed into the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, praised the recent terror attacks in London and said many more would follow.

Speaking to CNN producer Ayman Mohyeldin Tuesday in his apartment in the upper-middle-class Cairo suburb of Giza, Mohamed el-Amir said he would like to see more attacks like the July 7 bombings of three London subway trains and a bus that killed 52 people, plus the four bombers. Displayed prominently in the apartment were pictures of el-Amir’s son, Mohamed Atta, the man who is believed to have piloted American Airlines Flight 11 into the north tower of the World Trade Center as part of the attacks on the United States.

El-Amir said the attacks in the United States and the July 7 attacks in London were the beginning of what would be a 50-year religious war, in which there would be many more fighters like his son. He declared that terror cells around the world were a “nuclear bomb that has now been activated and is ticking.”

The man, who gave his age as “at least 70,” said he had no sorrow for what happened in London, and said there was a double standard in the way the world viewed the victims in London and victims in the Islamic world. Cursing in Arabic, el-Amir also denounced Arab leaders and Muslims who condemned the London attacks as being traitors and non-Muslims. He passionately vowed that he would do anything within his power to encourage more attacks.

When asked if he would allow a CNN crew to videotape another interview with him, el-Amir said he would give his permission — for a price of $5,000. That money, he said, would not be kept for himself, but would be donated to someone to carry out another terror attack. El-Amir said that $5,000 was about how much it would cost to finance another attack in London.

CNN’s crew refused to pay for the interview and left after el-Amir’s request. It is CNN policy not to pay people for interviews.

A lawyer by trade, el-Amir had a sign on his apartment door saying he was a consultant.The security guard for the apartment building said el-Amir had been under surveillance by Egyptian agents for several months after the September 11 attacks, but no one had been watching him recently.

El Shaddai…All-Sufficient One, Lord God Almighty
El Elyon…The Most High God
Adonai…Lord, Master
Yahweh or Jehovah…Lord, Jehovah
Jehovah Nissi…The Lord My Banner, The Lord my Miracle
Jehovah-Raah…The Lord My Shepherd
Jehovah-Rapha…The Lord that Heals
Jehovah Shammah…The Lord Is There
Jehovah Tsidkenu…The Lord our Righteousness
Jehovah Mekoddishkem…The Lord who Sanctifies You, The Lord Who makes Holy
El Olam…The Everlasting God, The God of Eternity, The God of the Universe, The God of Ancient Days
Elohim…God, Judge, Creator
Qanna…Jealous, Zealous
Jehovah Jireh…The Lord will Provide
Jehovah-Shalom…The Lord is Peace
Jehovah Sabaoth…The Lord of Hosts, The Lord of Powers

During those times in which you are overwhelmed…your boat is swamped…and threatening to go under…turn to God. When words of prayer fail you…think upon God…who he is…and why you can trust him. Trust him…especially during the storms of life.