Emma and Destinee…Miracles from God

In my earlier post I wrote about Emma and Destinee’s mom…Theresa. I told about what a wonderful and loving mother she is. And there is no better evidence of this sacrificial love than her girls. You see both Destinee and Emma were premature. Destinee about a month early and Emma a whopping three months early. Obviously their birth and subsequent good health are a work and miracle from a loving God. It is also a result of the sacrificial love from their mom.

To ensure that Emma had enough womb time and increase her chances to be born healthy…Theresa had a lengthy hospital stay. Then Miss Emma could wait no longer and made her grand entrance a breathtaking 3 months early. Both mom and dad…big sister Destinee made the hospital their home away from home until their daughter could join them at home. A little over three years later brother Abraham would join this loving family.

I want you think for a moment…Miss Emma was three months premature. A stage in the womb in which many states would still permit someone to have an abortion. While very tiny, Emma was in every way fully human, deserving of life…and loved by her parents, sister and Creator. Not only was Emma a blessing to her family…God blessed her abundantly with wonderful, devoted, loving parents. Parents willing to obey God and sacrifice for their children. God has and continues to bless this precious family.

Theresa, Hector, Destinee, Emma and Abraham…I love you very much!

The above picture is of Emma and Destinee. They have been chosen to be part of ad campaigns for the Red Cross. This picture will be seen all around…promoting the importance blood donations and the difference that you can make in the life of another person.

1. God is number one…and that’s all.

2. Don’t pray to nothing or no one…just God.

3. Don’t cuss nobody…especially the good Lord.

4. It’s Sunday…why don’t you pass yourself by God’s house.

5. Your folks done did it all…listen to them.

6. Killing ducks and fish, that’s okay…people no.

7. God gave you a wife…sleep with just her.

8. Don’t take nobody’s boat…or nothing else.

9. Stop lying…your tongue is gonna fall out.

10. Don’t go around wanting some body’s stuff.


Yesterday I left my I-pod at work…so I wasn’t able to download Dennis Prager’s show for my morning walk. So out came the good old Walkman…while I fished around for a Bible study tape from Chuck. I selected one from 11/17/02, called Fulfill You Ministry Part 2 (2 Timothy 4:2).

We’ve all had those times where God brings just the right message to you, at just the right time. Well this was one of those times. In the middle of the tape…was “The Ten Commandments…Cajun Style”. Using a New Orleans accent Chuck rattled them off and as he always does…making things clear, plain and simple.

It was great listening from almost three years ago. It was pre Chuck’s cancer, it was pre our starting Kindred Community Church…we were still a Bible study back then. It was after the Angel’s had won the World Series…and post 9/11. So a lot of memories poured forth while listening to this tape as Chuck referenced these events.

It would have been about six weeks before our church had it’s first official Sunday as a church. It was an exciting and scary time…but one filled with expectation to see what God would do.

Back then Chuck had a lot of energy that he put into his studying and preaching…and he had a bit of an edge too. Chuck always has a passion for God’s word….and speaks the truth in a straightforward and direct manner. While his passion and drive remain…Chuck has softened a bit…and God continues to transform him into the one whom I refer to as my beloved Pastor.

This was really wonderful reflecting back on all the God has done over the past…almost three years now. Praise God…and my great Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Well I have come into possession of a terrifically wonderful photo….that can surely be classified as “it just doesn’t get better than this file”.

It’s a picture of an individual…who at this time shall remain nameless…dancing on a table, during a meeting no less. Now the folks that know him…would be hard pressed to imagine him doing this even in an inebriated state. But this boy was stone cold sober and dancing in front of over 200 people. (I guess we can cross shy off his list character traits?)

Alright…so maybe he’s a bit competitive…and was spurred on by the enthusiastic cheers of his people. Perhaps he wanted to see his competitor buried in the dust by his skillful dancing reminiscent of Fred Astaire…or is that Michael Jackson? (Actually he reminded me a bit more of Zorba the Greek.)

And now I’m left with this dilemma…to post the photo or not? So…what do I do? I have no doubt that if the situation was reversed…it would have been posted within seconds of it being snapped. And goodness knows this individual is always quick on the draw with a cleaver and pithy comment whenever the opportunity strikes. (However I did advise him recently…that he really needs to work on clear and direct comments. Especially when communicating with folks over 40…whose brain function is somewhat impaired…even on a good day.)

Now I truly must be getting soft and weak willed in my old age. Heck…I’m just plain loosing it…because my first instinct is to give this gent a break…and be charitable.

So reluctantly…for the moment…I am going to resist temptation to post this photo. Keeping in mind that if the spirit moves me…I may reevaluate this decision.

Even now as I’m walking away from the computer…I’m shaking my head and muttering…I’m loosing it. Next thing you know…I’ll be campaigning for Hillary. Okay…let’s not go that far. Perish that thought. Hummm…what do I do?

Courtesy of Merriam Webster’s website…here is the definition of forgiveness:

Function: verb

Middle English, from Old English forgifan, from for- + gifan to givetransitive senses

1 a : to give up resentment of or claim to requital for
b : to grant relief from payment of

2 : to cease to feel resentment against (an offender) :
PARDON intransitive senses :
to grant forgiveness
synonym see EXCUSE

Notes from Chuck Obremski’s sermon 8/14/05
Mark 10:45

1. The Two Possibilities
A. The Offender
B. The Offended

2. The Offender (Matthew 5:23-24)
A. Stop
B. Go
C. Reconcile
D. Return

3. The Offended (Matthew 18:21-35)
A. Recognize – that we will have an unlimited number of opportunities to forgive others. (Matthew 18:21-22)

B. Realized – that forgiving is possible only as a response to the grace of God. (Matthew 18:27)

C. Resist – the temptation to be hypocritical. (Matthew 18:28-30)

D. Refusal – to forgive will have severe consequences . (Matthew 18:34-35)

Not difficult to offend. Francis Schaeffer said that people naturally want to boss others around. One does not automatically abandon this mentality when he becomes a Christian. Our greatest battle is not one with God…Jesus took care of that. But our greatest battle is with each other.

Mark 10:45 – “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

This will change your life if you understand the principal.

Forgiveness is not optional for Christians. What is the number one way to resolve conflict? Forgiveness. Both to give and receive it. Misunderstanding or miscommunication…sometimes it is unknown by us that we have hurt someone, that we caused offense. We don’t recognize it or realize it. Communication is so important, listening to words and what was said.

Inability to forgive destroys any relationship. It will effect the body of Christ. We will hurt one another intentionally or unintentionally. Don’t assess motives to one another. Forgiveness is the oil of relationships. It reduces friction. Horizontal forgiveness between people. God’s forgiveness of us makes it possible for us to forgive others.

Ephesians 4:29-32 – No unwholesome words…only that which is edifying.

Two possibilities:
1) The Offender – sometimes on purpose
2) The Offended

Sometimes we may not be aware of how we offended. When offended, we may reply, “if you don’t know by now…I’m not going to tell you.”

God’s word brings clarity when we are confused. Matthew 5:23-24

Offender – what are we suppose to do when we realize it? Stop everything we are doing…stop pretending. Take a good hard look at what God is tugging at to get our attention. Stop pretending that it will go away. You are to go and take care of it.

We should not be like Peter when he questioned about John, “What about that guy?” Don’t be concerned about him…be concerned about yourself. Be concerned about God. Differences should be addressed face to face, if possible. Don’t e-mail…leave out the confusion of misinterpretation. No matter what, just go!

Be reconciled. Do not be angry. It brings about a change of heart. The goal…is peace among the brethren. It’s important to be able to disagree, agreeably.

Return…come again to serve the Lords, present your offering. Nothing will hold us like unfinished business.

Servant – requires humility. It also requires humility to forgive. I’m responsible to that which is right before God. You are then freed up to move forward with the Lord once you take those actions. Certain injuries take a while to heal up.

What if you’ve been offended? Matthew 18:21-35

When you’ve been offended…there are times when you just need to get over it. Stop whining and crying…get over it. Remember…the world doesn’t revolved around us. It’s not all about you…there’s a bigger picture. What is it that is in the best interest of everyone? We are to consider one another as more important than ourselves. Have the best interest of others at heart. Do I have to have my way all the time? Do I have the attitude that it’s all about me?

The Offended…there are an unlimited number of times we will have for forgive one another. Peter asked the question…how many times do I have to forgive? We are always looking for an out. We have an unlimited number of times to forgive because you have an unlimited number of times you will cause offense.

Colossians 2:13-14 – Our transgressions were nailed to the cross. Without that vertical forgiveness…we would not have the ability to forgive others. Have you been broken yet? We are able to forgive others only as a response to the grace of God. Resist the temptation to be a hypocrite. The reason we don’t forgive is because we are unwilling. We have the capacity to forgive. We don’t because we are unwilling.

Relationships that you thought were dead can be mended…made alive again. When you don’t forgive…you pay a heavy price. Unforgiveness is like self strangulation.

Chuck then told the story about Johnny and Sally…playing in the barn yard. Johnny killed the duck accidentally with the sling shot…and Sally saw it. She held it over his head repeatedly, manipulating Johnny into doing all sorts of work for her. Until one day when Johnny could stand it no longer, he confessed to killing the duck to his grandma. Grandma told Johnny that she had seen him kill the duck when it happened. She wanted to know how long he would let Sally hold it over his head before he asked for forgiveness. She had forgiven him the day it happened. But he didn’t take hold of that forgiveness until he confessed and asked for forgiveness.

How long will let you your Sally, AKA unforgiveness, make you a slave?

God too has been standing at the window and saw it all…and forgiven.

by Susan Bunts 8/20/05

I awaken to this song “I Can Only Imagine” by Mercy Me , every morning by CD. I never grow tired of it…in fact in some weird way…I don’t mind that alarm clock going off because I know I will awaken to something that touches my spirit and sparks my imagination…to something more than just this world. Praise God!

Be sure to click on the above link…and explore Bonnie Lehigh’s blog at God’s Most Wanted. The posting that caught my attention is one called “No Other Name But Son”…it’s beautiful and deep.

Bonnie’s site has some fun and whimsical postings…and some that will challenge Christians in their walk…or lead others to Christ.

Thanks Bonnie…your blog is a true delight!

I’m on a vacation day…and listening to one of my favorite radio guys…Hugh Hewitt. Today, Hugh lead off his show with announcement that the Reagan Library had released boxes of documents with John Roberts work at the White House Councils office. Hugh offered to let bloggers “adopt a box”…for the purpose of reviewing the contents and reporting back on what it contained. Took a break from cleaning…and here’s what I found in my adopted box.

Contents of this box is are two memo’s with John Robert’s review and approval of a Press Statement and Presidential Remarks about results from a Joint Study on Acid Rain commissioned by Canada and the US. Also included are the tracking and routing sheets that accompanied the drafts of the press statement and Presidential remarks.

1) Memo dated 3/17/86

To: David Chew – Staff Secretary and Deputy Assistant to the President
From: John Roberts
What: A review, response and approval of a Press Statement about a joint study with Canada and the US on Acid Rain.

Tracking sheet showing the routing of the statement
Sheet showing persons the statement was sent to for action (reading and providing any comments by 4:00 PM that same day) and FYI copies as well.

Draft of a White House Press Statement: Brief overview…the President and Prime Minister Mulroney had commissioned Drew Lewis and William Davis in Quebec City to conduct a thorough study on acid rain and to report their findings by 1/8/86.

After reviewing their report the President fully endorsed the Joint Report of the Special Envoys. The report states that acid rain is a serious environmental problem in both the US and Canada.

US had pioneered air pollution controls and since 1970 had spent approx. $75 billion dollars since the passage of the Clean Air Act to limit emissions of pollutants (precursors of acid rain). By 1990, estimate that $100 billion will have been spent. As a result the emissions have declined significantly.

Joint report notes that more needs to be done. Administration has already provided substantial supports. From 1981 to 1985, $2.2 billion has been allocated for research for clean coal utilization.

Administration will continue to pursue a program to develop innovative control technologies. 1986, $700 million dollars have been earmarked for clean coal research between 1986 and 1991. Additionally $800 million in join industry and government program to develop clean ways to burn coal. Will seek to provide future funding.

Departments and agencies to take following steps to implement recommendations:
Identify and assess cost effective, innovative approaches to reduce emissions leading to acid rain.

• Strengthen bilateral consultation and information exchanges with Canada.
• Conduct interagency review of relevant research. (Reviews actions already taken.)
• Concludes…that acid rain will be a continuing item on future summit meetings.

2) Memo dated 3/18/86

To: Ben Elliott – Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of Speechwriter
From: John Roberts
What: A review, response and approval of Presidential remarks about a joint study with Canada and the US on Acid Rain.

Tracking sheet showing the routing of the statement
Sheet showing persons the statement was sent to for action (reading and providing any comments ASAP that same day) and FYI copies as well. Directed to give comments directly to Ben Elliott and copy correspondent Chew.

Brief Presidential statement on 3/18/86, at 3:00 PM (NBC/Elliott)

Similar to the above press release…only briefer…and not as detailed. The President speaking with Bill Davis and Drew Lewis present. The President gives a brief overview on the joint commissioned study. Acknowledges Davis and Lewis’ presence and commends them for their work and expresses appreciation for their balanced report.

Endorses the report and tells a press release will be forth coming shortly.

Acknowledges that acid rain will continue to be on the agenda. That scientific and economic problems remain to be resolved. Continued cooperation and good will between Canada and the US on this common problem will benefit future generations in both countries.

We all sing about grace, talk about it, and have heard sermons on it and even done Bible studies on grace. Many of us have heard the definition of grace as God extending unmerited favor towards us. While accurate and giving a multifaceted look at grace…I have found these to be wholly inadequate to understanding grace and experiencing it.

The place where I’ve found grace…is in the things that I probably wouldn’t have signed up for. Things like my mom having Alzheimer’s…and dealing with all the “stuff” that surrounds it. Or still being single at the age of 46…enduring the loss of loved ones…or going through times when friends and family are scarce. But it’s been precisely those times when God has revealed to me and supplied me with a living grace.

Sometimes that grace is in the form of a growing wisdom and understanding that comes from experiences, making mistakes and learning. Sometimes is comes in seeing God’s grace lived out in the lives of people before you…such as my beloved Pastor Chuck and his wife Linda. Sometimes it comes from seeing fear of death evaporate in a man drawing close to his Lord and Savior, as with my friend Hugo when he faced a seemly early death… (early from human perspective). Sometimes it comes when reflecting upon the death of a friend like Neil…and seeing the blessings of that person with new eyes. And vowing not to take for granted those currently in your life…and not wanting to miss anymore opportunities.

Sometime God presents those grace opportunities to you when he allows you to offer a kind word or dead to a hurting person. And God in turn pours out His grace to you…through the people and experiences he brings into your life. It may be a timely word of encouragement when you are discouraged and just plain having a bad day. Sometimes it’s a song on the radio that lifts your spirits…and stays with you throughout the day. It may be a Bible verse that you read…that you see with new eyes and an open heart.

Anyway…while I wouldn’t have signed up for these experiences they have taught me, shown me and proven to me God’s living grace…I am ever so grateful to have it. And frankly…I wouldn’t trade who and what I am now…and what I’ve learned…to be a little less bruised by life. Now don’t get me wrong…there is not a day that goes by in which I don’t pray for God to move his hand and remove or change these situations which have burdened my heart and soul.

But…in the midst I have found a living grace. A grace from God…that is more than adequate for all that I encounter.

Before I conclude…I must challenge myself and any readers…to make sure that we don’t miss those opportunities that God will lay before us…to extend God’s living grace to others we encounter. A living grace that helps us to bear the stormy seas that want to swamp and ultimately sink our tiny boat called life.

Thank you Maverick in Malaysia and Bonnie in Florida for visiting Susan’s Blog. Thanks for taking the time to read some postings…and especially for taking the time to comment. I greatly appreciate the feedback and getting to know people that are stopping by.

May God bless you this week…and you continue to be a blessing to others as well.

Be well…Susan

My favorite radio program…is Dennis Prager’s show. It is exceptional. Frequently Dennis will refer to his show as “Prager University”…and in some respects it truly is. Actually the wisdom and truth that comes on this show exceeds that which is found in most universities today.

My favorite hour of each week is the Happiness Hour. Topics vary from week to week…but they always center around some theme or topic having to do with happiness. Attitude…can things or experiences help contribute to your happiness…how others can impact your happiness…choosing to be happy, etc.

Last Friday’s show was particularly good. The topic was Who Is the Happiest Person You Know and Why? I didn’t have to think too long and hard to figure out that answer…and found myself chomping at the bit to send Dennis an e-mail in response to his questions. Below is the e-mail I sent Dennis in response.

Dear Dennis,

My favorite hour of the week is always…The Happiness Hour. This last weeks show in particular really touched me. Who is the happiest person you know and why?

Two people immediately came to mind…both of whom I know through work.

The first one is Dan Quinn. Dan knows that happiness is a choice…not that he’s lived a cushy life with no problems. But instead he chooses to be happy and everyday make a difference for good in the lives of people he encounters. He knows how much as an individual we can impact people…and he makes every effort to treat people like he’d want to be treated…and even better. He always has a good word or is doing a special deed to help someone. He has a great appreciation and is most grateful for the good people and things in his life that he has been blessed with.

Deanna Peterson is the second person who comes to mind. Deanna is so very special…and has a true joy for life. It’s somewhat part of her natural disposition. She’s always bright and cheery…and brightens peoples days. It’s hard to have a bad day around Deanna. She is always seeking to do special things to brighten someone’s day…and make them happy. She does so without expecting something back. When something bad happens…she chooses not to dwell on it…but lets it go and moves on to the next surprise that life has to offer. She rejoices in the beauty of every day and the blessings that it brings…if only you look at it with the right eyes.

I consider it a privilege to know both Dan and Deanna…they are exceptional people. Thank you Dennis for this show…it helped me to see happiness in a more personal way…in the people I know.

If you are not acquainted with Dennis…I encourage you to visit his website, listen to his radio show and read his articles. You will be challenged and grow in your thinking, reason and clarity.

Notes from Chuck Obremski’s sermon 8/7/05

The Servant as a Giver
Mark 10:45

Mark 10:45 – “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

1. Genuine servants should give anonymously. (Matt 6:1-4)
2. Genuine servants should giver generously. (2 Tim 1:15-18, and 2 Cor 8:1-4)
3. Genuine servants should give voluntarily. (2 Cor 8:3-4, 9:7 and 1 Peter 5:2-7)
4. Genuine servants should give personally. (2 Tim 1:16-18 and 2 Cor 8:1-5)

We are always looking for an out…a way not to give…because we are selfish.

In Philippians 2:1-4, we learn that we are to put others first, ahead of ourselves. Do nothing out of selfish ambition…or empty conceit. Don’t let these control what you do. It can be counteracted by what we learn from the word of God. If we know we are prone to these things – selfishness, conceit and pride we need to come up with counter measures. We also need to understand our tendency…and then take action.

Chuck then used a number of sports analogies…most of which were baseball or football related…and went right over this girls head. However one point he made I did understand…we can’t get behind in the count. Instead we need to replace these tendencies with humility of mind. This is how we counteract selfishness and end conceit.

How? By regarding others as more important than yourself. If we do this, we will not fall prey to our selfish and prideful tendencies.

Do you look for ways to support, encourage and build others up? Humility is in the mind…an attitude…a preset attitude. Today I am going to care more about those around me. Put others first. With the Holy Spirit…living through us we learn to live out what is unnatural. Today…put others first.

Romans 12:10-13, 1 Cor 2:3-5, 2 Cor 3:5…don’t worry about judging the motives of others based on what they say. Why? Because when we do we are way off base. We are projecting. Changes our heart, causes us to be bitter. Instead we need to let God judge and deal with it.

Gal 5:13 – Serve one another in love. 1 these 2:7-8 & 5:11, encourage one another. Do people like being around you? Do people feel like something is missing when you are not around? Do you always have something good to say? Yet not compromising the truth…but instead speaking the truth in love. Are you missed? Do you contribute something positive and towards others? To their growth and walk with the Lord?

Where do you turn when you need God’s truth and help? Will people look to you as someone with that wisdom?

Do you encourage and build up others? Yet…you want to also be balanced. Must not come from a place in which you feel inferior. Not be intimidated by any man. Even now we can come boldly because we know God…Christ and Him crucified. Not inferior. It’s all about Jesus…and to Him alone will I bow.

Who is your hero? Is it Jesus? As a Christian…how could it not be Jesus?

How should a servant give? With anonymity…Matt 6:1-4. Let no one know what you are doing. No bragging, fanfare or recognition. We serve a mighty God. Give and He will reward at the proper time.

A former President commented about choosing cabinet appointees. I chose people who had a passion for anonymity. They want to come in and get the work done. Don’t care about recognition.

When we give and want to be recognized by men, we have already received our reward. Does it even compare to God’s reward? What he sees in secrete he will reward openly. A reflection of the hearts of men if they only get recognition. Ask yourself why do you give?

2 Cor 8:9…talks about giving. Every financial decision is a spiritual decision. 2 Cor 8:1-5…practice the art of unselfish giving. Seek to remain anonymous.

2 Tim 1:15-18. Onesiphorus was continually looking out for Paul in the prison systems…so he could give and minister to his needs. Searched hard…and was likely abused in the process. God will not forget him.

Give to others in the midst of our own needs. That is awesome and godly…what a servant is all about. God will keep working on us to conform us not the image of Christ.

2 Cor 8:3-4…gave freely of their own accord…looking out for the needs of one another. Don’t hall your baggage to this church. Let it go…let’s start fresh. Let’s trust that God will do a mighty work. Work if we are obedient, servant and willing giver. 2 Cor 9:7…thoughtful and cheerful giver.

How many people speak out when they are hurting? They don’t speak out…until we reach out to them and say I care about you. We are to bear one another’s burdens. Ministry is personal.

2 Cor 8:1-5…give yourself first to the Lord. First we need a heart transplant…be transformed.

We are never more like God than when we give.

Be sure to check out the online sermons…at Kindred Community Church. Available for download.

Psalm 68:35 – You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God!

We give praise to our great God and Savior for His sustaining power and strength that he has bestowed upon Chuck and Linda. This past week Chuck underwent 5 days of heavy duty chemo. Through it all, it was his desire to be obedient to God and preach His Word to a hungry congregation and a needy, dying world.

We thank God for enabling Chuck to continue to preach despite the heavy assault to his body from cancer and the equally taxing treatments. We are thankful to be witnesses to the continuous miracles God is doing in and through Chuck.

We are also thankful, give praise and are humbled by our Pastor, Chuck Obremski’s continued willingness and obedience to heed the call from his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Psalm 145:5-7

5 They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty,
and I will meditate on your wonderful works.

6 They will tell of the power of your awesome works,
and I will proclaim your great deeds.

7 They will celebrate your abundant goodness
and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

Oh my…I found this incredible, awe inspiring picture on David Fisher’s blog at Pilgrim Scribblings. David says this photo is of the Carrizo plain in the Trembler Range, 50 miles west of Bakersfield, CA.

My eyes are transfixed on this magnificent beauty of God’s handiwork. At once it takes my breath away…and fills me with songs of praise for my Creator and Great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.