Mother's Day Flowers, and Other News

In a very nice gesture, Be's three children cooperated in sending her some beautiful flowers for Mother's day.



I walked in the Abilene Relay for Life April 29. I walked 10 miles to reach my goal, and Be walked with me. We started the walk at about 7 pm and were home by midnight.



We took a few breaks during the walk. The longest break was for the Luminaria Ceremony. In this ceremony, white paper bags containing battery powered "candles" are placed entirely around the track and the lights in the stadium are turned off. Each sack has the name of a cancer survivor or someone who has died from cancer. It is quite sobering to see how many people have been touched by cancer. The sacks were about 1 to 2 feet apart all the way around the track. We sat in chairs behind my sack during the ceremony. It was very windy.



I was walking in an effort to raise money for the American Cancer Society. With very little effort on my part, several generous and kind people gave a total of $1070 in my honor. Because of that I was given a nice green T-shirt which I wore proudly for the last 10 laps. On the back of the shirt was written "$1000+".

Resignation

December 16, 2010

To the University Church of Christ Elders

It is taking more time to recover than I thought it would. Though my physical stamina is increasing rapidly, my emotional stamina is rebounding more slowly. There is no doubt in my mind that during the trials of my experiences in the last year and a half, God has given me eyes to better see when people are hurting and in spiritual pain. And I praise God and thank Him for such clearer vision. But with eyes to see comes a burden to act. It is this facet of my healing that is slower to recover. My mind is flooded with opportunities to serve, but my soul is not yet able to do the work required. Even small and simple tasks sometime seem an insurmountable challenge. The spirit is willing but the resolve is weak. Frequently my inner being experiences emotional overload followed by agonizing guilt. I am not “losing it.” Indeed, I am recovering, but it is taking longer than I would have liked. Additionally, certain family concerns have increased in the last few days that further complicate the issues that I am facing.

Therefore, to help facilitate my journey back to full spiritual vigor, I respectfully ask that I be relieved of my responsibilities as an elder of the University Church of Christ. I make this request with regret and humility. It is an honor for me to serve in this congregation of God’s people. But I need some relief from the burdens inherent in being an elder.

Please continue to pray for me, as I do for this eldership. I anticipate being increasingly able to serve vigorously in God’s work in the future. And I pray that you also will have increasing resolve and dedication in your service to the Master. May God bless us in His kingdom work.