We have been on a Journey Together

These words were spoken with precision and passion as my husband’s cardiologist honored us by telling us personally of his retirement.

This doctor is an elegant man, both in his appearance and his manner. His presence changes the atmosphere of a room as he brings confidence, calm and care.

We were not surprised by his announcement because as we sat in the office waiting room we witnessed the tearful hugs and statements of appreciation by those who had earlier appointments. Today he walked each patient out to the desk as he assigned him or her to a younger colleague.

Waiting for him was a given. We knew he would be late because he was giving the same personal attention to the person ahead of us that he would give to us. Once in his office, time seemed to stop. The only thing important to him was the doctor/patient relationship of the moment.

My husband’s heart condition has a long complicated history and a precarious prognosis but it has never felt like the focus when we met with this doctor.

He seemed more interested in the quality of our life. He asked questions about our ministry as pastors and discussed the vocation of medicine as ministry.

He asked thoughtful questions that would uncover a masked depression or a settling for a more limited life than that our condition mandates.

He loved to hear that we did not have a kitchen table because that is where we dance.

On most visits he reminded us that a day without wine is like a day without sunshine. We talked about the risk of wine causing my husband’s heart to flutter and he said that a small glass was OK with him.

After caring for us as people, he attended to my husbands’ pathology by listening with competence to his heart and lungs. We completely trusted his assurance that all was well. More importantly, we trusted the man who had learned to treat his patients as unique creations made in the image of God. He knows that our bodies are designed for temporary use so he cares for them without challenging their finitude.

Today we had our last appointment with this cardiologist. We will miss these times where dementia was treated with dignity and a diseased heart took second place to a life well lived.

Memories of these office visits will continue to bless us.

We have seen a model of what Jesus may have looked like if God had chosen to visit earth in Waukesha two thousand years later than His appearance in Galilee.

We have been on a journey together.

We’ve been on a Journey Together

These words were spoken with precision and passion as my husband’s cardiologist honored us by telling us personally of his retirement.

This doctor is an elegant man, both in his appearance and his manner. His presence changes the atmosphere of a room as he brings confidence, calm and care.

We were not surprised by his announcement because as we sat in the office waiting room we witnessed the tearful hugs and statements of appreciation by those who had earlier appointments. Today he walked each patient out to the desk as he assigned him or her to a younger colleague.

Waiting for him was a given. We knew he would be late because he was giving the same personal attention to the person ahead of us that he would give to us. Once in his office, time seemed to stop. The only thing important to him was the doctor/patient relationship of the moment.

My husband’s heart condition has a long complicated history and a precarious prognosis but it has never felt like the focus when we met with this doctor.

He seemed more interested in the quality of our life. He asked questions about our ministry as pastors and discussed the vocation of medicine as ministry.

He asked thoughtful questions that would uncover a masked depression or a settling for a more limited life than that our condition mandates.

He loved to hear that we did not have a kitchen table because that is where we dance.

On most visits he reminded us that a day without wine is like a day without sunshine. We talked about the risk of wine causing my husband’s heart to flutter and he said that a small glass was OK with him.

After caring for us as people, he attended to my husbands’ pathology by listening with competence to his heart and lungs. We completely trusted his assurance that all was well. More importantly, we trusted the man who had learned to treat his patients as unique creations made in the image of God. He knows that our bodies are designed for temporary use so he cares for them without challenging their finitude.

Today we had our last appointment with this cardiologist. We will miss these times where dementia was treated with dignity and a diseased heart took second place to a life well lived.

Memories of these office visits will continue to bless us.

We have seen a model of what Jesus may have looked like if God had chosen to visit earth in Waukesha two thousand years later than His appearance in Galilee.

We have been on a journey together.

We’ve been on a Journey Together

These words were spoken with precision and passion as my husband’s cardiologist honored us by telling us personally of his retirement.

This doctor is an elegant man, both in his appearance and his manner. His presence changes the atmosphere of a room as he brings confidence, calm and care.

We were not surprised by his announcement because as we sat in the office waiting room we witnessed the tearful hugs and statements of appreciation by those who had earlier appointments. Today he walked each patient out to the desk as he assigned him or her to a younger colleague.

Waiting for him was a given. We knew he would be late because he was giving the same personal attention to the person ahead of us that he would give to us. Once in his office, time seemed to stop. The only thing important to him was the doctor/patient relationship of the moment.

My husband’s heart condition has a long complicated history and a precarious prognosis but it has never felt like the focus when we met with this doctor.

He seemed more interested in the quality of our life. He asked questions about our ministry as pastors and discussed the vocation of medicine as ministry.

He asked thoughtful questions that would uncover a masked depression or a settling for a more limited life than that our condition mandates.

He loved to hear that we did not have a kitchen table because that is where we dance.

On most visits he reminded us that a day without wine is like a day without sunshine. We talked about the risk of wine causing my husband’s heart to flutter and he said that a small glass was OK with him.

After caring for us as people, he attended to my husbands’ pathology by listening with competence to his heart and lungs. We completely trusted his assurance that all was well. More importantly, we trusted the man who had learned to treat his patients as unique creations made in the image of God. He knows that our bodies are designed for temporary use so he cares for them without challenging their finitude.

Today we had our last appointment with this cardiologist. We will miss these times where dementia was treated with dignity and a diseased heart took second place to a life well lived.

Memories of these office visits will continue to bless us.

We have seen a model of what Jesus may have looked like if God had chosen to visit earth in Waukesha two thousand years later than His appearance in Galilee.

We have been on a journey together.

We’ve been on a Journey Together

These words were spoken with precision and passion as my husband’s cardiologist honored us by telling us personally of his retirement.

This doctor is an elegant man, both in his appearance and his manner. His presence changes the atmosphere of a room as he brings confidence, calm and care.

We were not surprised by his announcement because as we sat in the office waiting room we witnessed the tearful hugs and statements of appreciation by those who had earlier appointments. Today he walked each patient out to the desk as he assigned him or her to a younger colleague.

Waiting for him was a given. We knew he would be late because he was giving the same personal attention to the person ahead of us that he would give to us. Once in his office, time seemed to stop. The only thing important to him was the doctor/patient relationship of the moment.

My husband’s heart condition has a long complicated history and a precarious prognosis but it has never felt like the focus when we met with this doctor.

He seemed more interested in the quality of our life. He asked questions about our ministry as pastors and discussed the vocation of medicine as ministry.

He asked thoughtful questions that would uncover a masked depression or a settling for a more limited life than that our condition mandates.

He loved to hear that we did not have a kitchen table because that is where we dance.

On most visits he reminded us that a day without wine is like a day without sunshine. We talked about the risk of wine causing my husband’s heart to flutter and he said that a small glass was OK with him.

After caring for us as people, he attended to my husbands’ pathology by listening with competence to his heart and lungs. We completely trusted his assurance that all was well. More importantly, we trusted the man who had learned to treat his patients as unique creations made in the image of God. He knows that our bodies are designed for temporary use so he cares for them without challenging their finitude.

Today we had our last appointment with this cardiologist. We will miss these times where dementia was treated with dignity and a diseased heart took second place to a life well lived.

Memories of these office visits will continue to bless us.

We have seen a model of what Jesus may have looked like if God had chosen to visit earth in Waukesha two thousand years later than His appearance in Galilee.

We have been on a journey together.

We’ve been on a Journey Together

These words were spoken with precision and passion as my husband’s cardiologist honored us by telling us personally of his retirement.

This doctor is an elegant man, both in his appearance and his manner. His presence changes the atmosphere of a room as he brings confidence, calm and care.

We were not surprised by his announcement because as we sat in the office waiting room we witnessed the tearful hugs and statements of appreciation by those who had earlier appointments. Today he walked each patient out to the desk as he assigned him or her to a younger colleague.

Waiting for him was a given. We knew he would be late because he was giving the same personal attention to the person ahead of us that he would give to us. Once in his office, time seemed to stop. The only thing important to him was the doctor/patient relationship of the moment.

My husband’s heart condition has a long complicated history and a precarious prognosis but it has never felt like the focus when we met with this doctor.

He seemed more interested in the quality of our life. He asked questions about our ministry as pastors and discussed the vocation of medicine as ministry.

He asked thoughtful questions that would uncover a masked depression or a settling for a more limited life than that our condition mandates.

He loved to hear that we did not have a kitchen table because that is where we dance.

On most visits he reminded us that a day without wine is like a day without sunshine. We talked about the risk of wine causing my husband’s heart to flutter and he said that a small glass was OK with him.

After caring for us as people, he attended to my husbands’ pathology by listening with competence to his heart and lungs. We completely trusted his assurance that all was well. More importantly, we trusted the man who had learned to treat his patients as unique creations made in the image of God. He knows that our bodies are designed for temporary use so he cares for them without challenging their finitude.

Today we had our last appointment with this cardiologist. We will miss these times where dementia was treated with dignity and a diseased heart took second place to a life well lived.

Memories of these office visits will continue to bless us.

We have seen a model of what Jesus may have looked like if God had chosen to visit earth in Waukesha two thousand years later than His appearance in Galilee.

We have been on a journey together.

We’ve been on a Journey Together

These words were spoken with precision and passion as my husband’s cardiologist honored us by telling us personally of his retirement.

This doctor is an elegant man, both in his appearance and his manner. His presence changes the atmosphere of a room as he brings confidence, calm and care.

We were not surprised by his announcement because as we sat in the office waiting room we witnessed the tearful hugs and statements of appreciation by those who had earlier appointments. Today he walked each patient out to the desk as he assigned him or her to a younger colleague.

Waiting for him was a given. We knew he would be late because he was giving the same personal attention to the person ahead of us that he would give to us. Once in his office, time seemed to stop. The only thing important to him was the doctor/patient relationship of the moment.

My husband’s heart condition has a long complicated history and a precarious prognosis but it has never felt like the focus when we met with this doctor.

He seemed more interested in the quality of our life. He asked questions about our ministry as pastors and discussed the vocation of medicine as ministry.

He asked thoughtful questions that would uncover a masked depression or a settling for a more limited life than that our condition mandates.

He loved to hear that we did not have a kitchen table because that is where we dance.

On most visits he reminded us that a day without wine is like a day without sunshine. We talked about the risk of wine causing my husband’s heart to flutter and he said that a small glass was OK with him.

After caring for us as people, he attended to my husbands’ pathology by listening with competence to his heart and lungs. We completely trusted his assurance that all was well. More importantly, we trusted the man who had learned to treat his patients as unique creations made in the image of God. He knows that our bodies are designed for temporary use so he cares for them without challenging their finitude.

Today we had our last appointment with this cardiologist. We will miss these times where dementia was treated with dignity and a diseased heart took second place to a life well lived.

Memories of these office visits will continue to bless us.

We have seen a model of what Jesus may have looked like if God had chosen to visit earth in Waukesha two thousand years later than His appearance in Galilee.

We have been on a journey together.

We were not surprised by his We’ve been on a Journey Together

These words were spoken with precision and passion as my husband’s cardiologist honored us by telling us personally of his retirement.

This doctor is an elegant man, both in his appearance and his manner. His presence changes the atmosphere of a room as he brings confidence, calm and care.

announcement because as we sat in the office waiting room we witnessed the tearful hugs and statements of appreciation by those who had earlier appointments. Today he walked each patient out to the desk as he assigned him or her to a younger colleague.

Waiting for him was a given. We knew he would be late because he was giving the same personal attention to the person ahead of us that he would give to us. Once in his office, time seemed to stop. The only thing important to him was the doctor/patient relationship of the moment.

My husband’s heart condition has a long complicated history and a precarious prognosis but it has never felt like the focus when we met with this doctor.

He seemed more interested in the quality of our life. He asked questions about our ministry as pastors and discussed the vocation of medicine as ministry.

He asked thoughtful questions that would uncover a masked depression or a settling for a more limited life than that our condition mandates.

He loved to hear that we did not have a kitchen table because that is where we dance.

On most visits he reminded us that a day without wine is like a day without sunshine. We talked about the risk of wine causing my husband’s heart to flutter and he said that a small glass was OK with him.

After caring for us as people, he attended to my husbands’ pathology by listening with competence to his heart and lungs. We completely trusted his assurance that all was well. More importantly, we trusted the man who had learned to treat his patients as unique creations made in the image of God. He knows that our bodies are designed for temporary use so he cares for them without challenging their finitude.

Today we had our last appointment with this cardiologist. We will miss these times where dementia was treated with dignity and a diseased heart took second place to a life well lived.

Memories of these office visits will continue to bless us.

We have seen a model of what Jesus may have looked like if God had chosen to visit earth in Waukesha two thousand years later than His appearance in Galilee.

We have been on a journey together.

We were not surprised by his We’ve been on a Journey Together

These words were spoken with precision and passion as my husband’s cardiologist honored us by telling us personally of his retirement.

This doctor is an elegant man, both in his appearance and his manner. His presence changes the atmosphere of a room as he brings confidence, calm and care.

announcement because as we sat in the office waiting room we witnessed the tearful hugs and statements of appreciation by those who had earlier appointments. Today he walked each patient out to the desk as he assigned him or her to a younger colleague.

Waiting for him was a given. We knew he would be late because he was giving the same personal attention to the person ahead of us that he would give to us. Once in his office, time seemed to stop. The only thing important to him was the doctor/patient relationship of the moment.

My husband’s heart condition has a long complicated history and a precarious prognosis but it has never felt like the focus when we met with this doctor.

He seemed more interested in the quality of our life. He asked questions about our ministry as pastors and discussed the vocation of medicine as ministry.

He asked thoughtful questions that would uncover a masked depression or a settling for a more limited life than that our condition mandates.

He loved to hear that we did not have a kitchen table because that is where we dance.

On most visits he reminded us that a day without wine is like a day without sunshine. We talked about the risk of wine causing my husband’s heart to flutter and he said that a small glass was OK with him.

After caring for us as people, he attended to my husbands’ pathology by listening with competence to his heart and lungs. We completely trusted his assurance that all was well. More importantly, we trusted the man who had learned to treat his patients as unique creations made in the image of God. He knows that our bodies are designed for temporary use so he cares for them without challenging their finitude.

Today we had our last appointment with this cardiologist. We will miss these times where dementia was treated with dignity and a diseased heart took second place to a life well lived.

Memories of these office visits will continue to bless us.

We have seen a model of what Jesus may have looked like if God had chosen to visit earth in Waukesha two thousand years later than His appearance in Galilee.

We have been on a journey together.

We were not surprised by his We’ve been on a Journey Together

These words were spoken with precision and passion as my husband’s cardiologist honored us by telling us personally of his retirement.

This doctor is an elegant man, both in his appearance and his manner. His presence changes the atmosphere of a room as he brings confidence, calm and care.

announcement because as we sat in the office waiting room we witnessed the tearful hugs and statements of appreciation by those who had earlier appointments. Today he walked each patient out to the desk as he assigned him or her to a younger colleague.

Waiting for him was a given. We knew he would be late because he was giving the same personal attention to the person ahead of us that he would give to us. Once in his office, time seemed to stop. The only thing important to him was the doctor/patient relationship of the moment.

My husband’s heart condition has a long complicated history and a precarious prognosis but it has never felt like the focus when we met with this doctor.

He seemed more interested in the quality of our life. He asked questions about our ministry as pastors and discussed the vocation of medicine as ministry.

He asked thoughtful questions that would uncover a masked depression or a settling for a more limited life than that our condition mandates.

He loved to hear that we did not have a kitchen table because that is where we dance.

On most visits he reminded us that a day without wine is like a day without sunshine. We talked about the risk of wine causing my husband’s heart to flutter and he said that a small glass was OK with him.

After caring for us as people, he attended to my husbands’ pathology by listening with competence to his heart and lungs. We completely trusted his assurance that all was well. More importantly, we trusted the man who had learned to treat his patients as unique creations made in the image of God. He knows that our bodies are designed for temporary use so he cares for them without challenging their finitude.

Today we had our last appointment with this cardiologist. We will miss these times where dementia was treated with dignity and a diseased heart took second place to a life well lived.

Memories of these office visits will continue to bless us.

We have seen a model of what Jesus may have looked like if God had chosen to visit earth in Waukesha two thousand years later than His appearance in Galilee.

We have been on a journey together.

We were not surprised by his We’ve been on a Journey Together

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These words were spoken with precision and passion as my husband’s cardiologist honored us by telling us personally of his retirement.

This doctor is an elegant man, both in his appearance and his manner. His presence changes the atmosphere of a room as he brings confidence, calm and care.

announcement because as we sat in the office waiting room we witnessed the tearful hugs and statements of appreciation by those who had earlier appointments. Today he walked each patient out to the desk as he assigned him or her to a younger colleague.

Waiting for him was a given. We knew he would be late because he was giving the same personal attention to the person ahead of us that he would give to us. Once in his office, time seemed to stop. The only thing important to him was the doctor/patient relationship of the moment.

My husband’s heart condition has a long complicated history and a precarious prognosis but it has never felt like the focus when we met with this doctor.

He seemed more interested in the quality of our life. He asked questions about our ministry as pastors and discussed the vocation of medicine as ministry.

He asked thoughtful questions that would uncover a masked depression or a settling for a more limited life than that our condition mandates.

He loved to hear that we did not have a kitchen table because that is where we dance.

On most visits he reminded us that a day without wine is like a day without sunshine. We talked about the risk of wine causing my husband’s heart to flutter and he said that a small glass was OK with him.

After caring for us as people, he attended to my husbands’ pathology by listening with competence to his heart and lungs. We completely trusted his assurance that all was well. More importantly, we trusted the man who had learned to treat his patients as unique creations made in the image of God. He knows that our bodies are designed for temporary use so he cares for them without challenging their finitude.

Today we had our last appointment with this cardiologist. We will miss these times where dementia was treated with dignity and a diseased heart took second place to a life well lived.

Memories of these office visits will continue to bless us.

We have seen a model of what Jesus may have looked like if God had chosen to visit earth in Waukesha two thousand years later than His appearance in Galilee.

We have been on a journey together.

We were not surprised by his We’ve been on a Journey Together

These words were spoken with precision and passion as my husband’s cardiologist honored us by telling us personally of his retirement.

This doctor is an elegant man, both in his appearance and his manner. His presence changes the atmosphere of a room as he brings confidence, calm and care.

announcement because as we sat in the office waiting room we witnessed the tearful hugs and statements of appreciation by those who had earlier appointments. Today he walked each patient out to the desk as he assigned him or her to a younger colleague.

Waiting for him was a given. We knew he would be late because he was giving the same personal attention to the person ahead of us that he would give to us. Once in his office, time seemed to stop. The only thing important to him was the doctor/patient relationship of the moment.

My husband’s heart condition has a long complicated history and a precarious prognosis but it has never felt like the focus when we met with this doctor.

He seemed more interested in the quality of our life. He asked questions about our ministry as pastors and discussed the vocation of medicine as ministry.

He asked thoughtful questions that would uncover a masked depression or a settling for a more limited life than that our condition mandates.

He loved to hear that we did not have a kitchen table because that is where we dance.

On most visits he reminded us that a day without wine is like a day without sunshine. We talked about the risk of wine causing my husband’s heart to flutter and he said that a small glass was OK with him.

After caring for us as people, he attended to my husbands’ pathology by listening with competence to his heart and lungs. We completely trusted his assurance that all was well. More importantly, we trusted the man who had learned to treat his patients as unique creations made in the image of God. He knows that our bodies are designed for temporary use so he cares for them without challenging their finitude.

Today we had our last appointment with this cardiologist. We will miss these times where dementia was treated with dignity and a diseased heart took second place to a life well lived.

Memories of these office visits will continue to bless us.

We have seen a model of what Jesus may have looked like if God had chosen to visit earth in Waukesha two thousand years later than His appearance in Galilee.

We have been on a journey together.

We were not surprised by his We’ve been on a Journey Together

These words were spoken with precision and passion as my husband’s cardiologist honored us by telling us personally of his retirement.

This doctor is an elegant man, both in his appearance and his manner. His presence changes the atmosphere of a room as he brings confidence, calm and care.

announcement because as we sat in the office waiting room we witnessed the tearful hugs and statements of appreciation by those who had earlier appointments. Today he walked each patient out to the desk as he assigned him or her to a younger colleague.

Waiting for him was a given. We knew he would be late because he was giving the same personal attention to the person ahead of us that he would give to us. Once in his office, time seemed to stop. The only thing important to him was the doctor/patient relationship of the moment.

My husband’s heart condition has a long complicated history and a precarious prognosis but it has never felt like the focus when we met with this doctor.

He seemed more interested in the quality of our life. He asked questions about our ministry as pastors and discussed the vocation of medicine as ministry.

He asked thoughtful questions that would uncover a masked depression or a settling for a more limited life than that our condition mandates.

He loved to hear that we did not have a kitchen table because that is where we dance.

On most visits he reminded us that a day without wine is like a day without sunshine. We talked about the risk of wine causing my husband’s heart to flutter and he said that a small glass was OK with him.

After caring for us as people, he attended to my husbands’ pathology by listening with competence to his heart and lungs. We completely trusted his assurance that all was well. More importantly, we trusted the man who had learned to treat his patients as unique creations made in the image of God. He knows that our bodies are designed for temporary use so he cares for them without challenging their finitude.

Today we had our last appointment with this cardiologist. We will miss these times where dementia was treated with dignity and a diseased heart took second place to a life well lived.

Memories of these office visits will continue to bless us.

We have seen a model of what Jesus may have looked like if God had chosen to visit earth in Waukesha two thousand years later than His appearance in Galilee.

We have been on a journey together.

We were not surprised by his We’ve been on a Journey Together

These words were spoken with precision and passion as my husband’s cardiologist honored us by telling us personally of his retirement.

This doctor is an elegant man, both in his appearance and his manner. His presence changes the atmosphere of a room as he brings confidence, calm and care.

announcement because as we sat in the office waiting room we witnessed the tearful hugs and statements of appreciation by those who had earlier appointments. Today he walked each patient out to the desk as he assigned him or her to a younger colleague.

Waiting for him was a given. We knew he would be late because he was giving the same personal attention to the person ahead of us that he would give to us. Once in his office, time seemed to stop. The only thing important to him was the doctor/patient relationship of the moment.

My husband’s heart condition has a long complicated history and a precarious prognosis but it has never felt like the focus when we met with this doctor.

He seemed more interested in the quality of our life. He asked questions about our ministry as pastors and discussed the vocation of medicine as ministry.

He asked thoughtful questions that would uncover a masked depression or a settling for a more limited life than that our condition mandates.

He loved to hear that we did not have a kitchen table because that is where we dance.

On most visits he reminded us that a day without wine is like a day without sunshine. We talked about the risk of wine causing my husband’s heart to flutter and he said that a small glass was OK with him.

After caring for us as people, he attended to my husbands’ pathology by listening with competence to his heart and lungs. We completely trusted his assurance that all was well. More importantly, we trusted the man who had learned to treat his patients as unique creations made in the image of God. He knows that our bodies are designed for temporary use so he cares for them without challenging their finitude.

Today we had our last appointment with this cardiologist. We will miss these times where dementia was treated with dignity and a diseased heart took second place to a life well lived.

Memories of these office visits will continue to bless us.

We have seen a model of what Jesus may have looked like if God had chosen to visit earth in Waukesha two thousand years later than His appearance in Galilee.

We have been on a journey together.

We were not surprised by his We’ve been on a Journey Together

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These words were spoken with precision and passion as my husband’s cardiologist honored us by telling us personally of his retirement.

This doctor is an elegant man, both in his appearance and his manner. His presence changes the atmosphere of a room as he brings confidence, calm and care.

announcement because as we sat in the office waiting room we witnessed the tearful hugs and statements of appreciation by those who had earlier appointments. Today he walked each patient out to the desk as he assigned him or her to a younger colleague.

Waiting for him was a given. We knew he would be late because he was giving the same personal attention to the person ahead of us that he would give to us. Once in his office, time seemed to stop. The only thing important to him was the doctor/patient relationship of the moment.

My husband’s heart condition has a long complicated history and a precarious prognosis but it has never felt like the focus when we met with this doctor.

He seemed more interested in the quality of our life. He asked questions about our ministry as pastors and discussed the vocation of medicine as ministry.

He asked thoughtful questions that would uncover a masked depression or a settling for a more limited life than that our condition mandates.

He loved to hear that we did not have a kitchen table because that is where we dance.

On most visits he reminded us that a day without wine is like a day without sunshine. We talked about the risk of wine causing my husband’s heart to flutter and he said that a small glass was OK with him.

After caring for us as people, he attended to my husbands’ pathology by listening with competence to his heart and lungs. We completely trusted his assurance that all was well. More importantly, we trusted the man who had learned to treat his patients as unique creations made in the image of God. He knows that our bodies are designed for temporary use so he cares for them without challenging their finitude.

Today we had our last appointment with this cardiologist. We will miss these times where dementia was treated with dignity and a diseased heart took second place to a life well lived.

Memories of these office visits will continue to bless us.

We have seen a model of what Jesus may have looked like if God had chosen to visit earth in Waukesha two thousand years later than His appearance in Galilee.

We have been on a journey together.

We were not surprised by his We’ve been on a Journey Together

These words were spoken with precision and passion as my husband’s cardiologist honored us by telling us personally of his retirement.

This doctor is an elegant man, both in his appearance and his manner. His presence changes the atmosphere of a room as he brings confidence, calm and care.

announcement because as we sat in the office waiting room we witnessed the tearful hugs and statements of appreciation by those who had earlier appointments. Today he walked each patient out to the desk as he assigned him or her to a younger colleague.

Waiting for him was a given. We knew he would be late because he was giving the same personal attention to the person ahead of us that he would give to us. Once in his office, time seemed to stop. The only thing important to him was the doctor/patient relationship of the moment.

My husband’s heart condition has a long complicated history and a precarious prognosis but it has never felt like the focus when we met with this doctor.

He seemed more interested in the quality of our life. He asked questions about our ministry as pastors and discussed the vocation of medicine as ministry.

He asked thoughtful questions that would uncover a masked depression or a settling for a more limited life than that our condition mandates.

He loved to hear that we did not have a kitchen table because that is where we dance.

On most visits he reminded us that a day without wine is like a day without sunshine. We talked about the risk of wine causing my husband’s heart to flutter and he said that a small glass was OK with him.

After caring for us as people, he attended to my husbands’ pathology by listening with competence to his heart and lungs. We completely trusted his assurance that all was well. More importantly, we trusted the man who had learned to treat his patients as unique creations made in the image of God. He knows that our bodies are designed for temporary use so he cares for them without challenging their finitude.

Today we had our last appointment with this cardiologist. We will miss these times where dementia was treated with dignity and a diseased heart took second place to a life well lived.

Memories of these office visits will continue to bless us.

We have seen a model of what Jesus may have looked like if God had chosen to visit earth in Waukesha two thousand years later than His appearance in Galilee.

We have been on a journey together.

We were not surprised by his We’ve been on a Journey Together

These words were spoken with precision and passion as my husband’s cardiologist honored us by telling us personally of his retirement.

This doctor is an elegant man, both in his appearance and his manner. His presence changes the atmosphere of a room as he brings confidence, calm and care.

announcement because as we sat in the office waiting room we witnessed the tearful hugs and statements of appreciation by those who had earlier appointments. Today he walked each patient out to the desk as he assigned him or her to a younger colleague.

Waiting for him was a given. We knew he would be late because he was giving the same personal attention to the person ahead of us that he would give to us. Once in his office, time seemed to stop. The only thing important to him was the doctor/patient relationship of the moment.

My husband’s heart condition has a long complicated history and a precarious prognosis but it has never felt like the focus when we met with this doctor.

He seemed more interested in the quality of our life. He asked questions about our ministry as pastors and discussed the vocation of medicine as ministry.

He asked thoughtful questions that would uncover a masked depression or a settling for a more limited life than that our condition mandates.

He loved to hear that we did not have a kitchen table because that is where we dance.

On most visits he reminded us that a day without wine is like a day without sunshine. We talked about the risk of wine causing my husband’s heart to flutter and he said that a small glass was OK with him.

After caring for us as people, he attended to my husbands’ pathology by listening with competence to his heart and lungs. We completely trusted his assurance that all was well. More importantly, we trusted the man who had learned to treat his patients as unique creations made in the image of God. He knows that our bodies are designed for temporary use so he cares for them without challenging their finitude.

Today we had our last appointment with this cardiologist. We will miss these times where dementia was treated with dignity and a diseased heart took second place to a life well lived.

Memories of these office visits will continue to bless us.

We have seen a model of what Jesus may have looked like if God had chosen to visit earth in Waukesha two thousand years later than His appearance in Galilee.

We have been on a journey together.

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Strength through Whispered Weakness

My friend has been in a Surgical Intensive Care Unit for a week.

Her health crisis came without warning. She was awakened at 2 AM with symptoms that prompted her family to call 911. The ER transferred her to Surgical Intensive Care unresponsive with a brain bleed.

This week has heightened the tension between standing firm that God heals and frightening medical data. Those who were interceding for her could have been placed on a continuum. Some were taking authority, claiming healing with bold confidence, others scanning the ICU monitors and reminding God that the ball was in His court.

Hope was fed when she was able to wiggle her feet on command and then hold up two fingers. It looked like she would survive this event but what neurological damage had been done?

Prior to this hospitalization I have only known this friend as one whose prayers stir my spirit and whose strength in God is contagious. When I have been privileged to meet personally with her I have seen myself as a student meeting with a teacher. This is especially true when the conversation is focused on the authority we have as children of God.

This week her physical weakness has jolted me into a place of needing to step up. My heart raced when my phone rang and her name appeared on the ID. I could barely hear her as she whispered, “Roselyn, I need you to pray. TAKE AUTHORITY”

It felt like my math professor asking me to help solve a problem that he knew we had not covered in class.

Yet, there was no mistaking that my friend was calling me and that she knew Whom the authority comes from.

I prayed. I took authority over this illness in the Name of Jesus. I practiced praying with the confidence I have heard her in her as she prayed. I remembered her telling me “sometimes you have to be violent with the enemy”.

It’s two weeks now since this medical event occurred. Many prayers and much reason to praise have been recorded. We are watching to see how God will bring glory to Himself, as her healing has been amazing.

I will visit her today and find this friend restored to the person of strength and vitality I had come to know. She texted last night that she was planning a “jail break” LOL (Meaning she has been in the hospital long enough).

As I continue to process this I want to embrace a heart of gratitude that never forgets that His strength is made perfect in weakness.

In her weakness she knew that authority needed to be taken in the name of Jesus. In my weakness, I recognized that the power to take authority is available to me.

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Show Me the Trail

I was in an unfamiliar city today. Yesterday a neighbor told me that the Ice Age Trail was only a mile away. 

 I listened carefully to this neighbor’s direction, as I wanted to walk this trail. This morning I started out with eagerness. All was well until I came to the end of my described path and couldn’t see that it led anywhere but to a residential street.

 Turning unto this street I was encouraged to see a big rummage sale a few houses down. I trusted that the people running this sale would know where the Ice Age Trail was as it had to be between their two feet.

 The answer was not as easily attained as I had hoped. The local people had a general awareness of this trail but no one knew exactly how to find it. One young lady graciously tried to locate it on her smart phone. With no one knowing for sure, the consensus was that I walk about a mile in the direction I was going and ask other people along the way.

 After about a half mile I asked a man who was pounding in a sign for a garage sale. He didn’t know for sure either but he thought if I turned left I would come to a park that would yield access to the trail

 Not feeling confident of any of my guidance, I decided to retrace my steps and go back to house in which I was staying. By now I had met my exercise goal and I would find the trail another day.

 Coming up to the turn that would take me to the origin of my walk I noticed a man running hard through what, from my vantage point, looked like a cornfield. Excited by this sight I thought, “That has to be the trail”.

 I walked on about a half a block and found this sign:

 

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 Reflecting on this discovery, I wondered how the people hosting the rummage sale could have lived a block from this sign and not known the Ice Age Trail was there.

 I wonder if I would have seen it if I hadn’t first noticed the man running.

 What do we need to do in order to let people know a path exists and then where to find it?  Do we rely too much on printed words?  Do we need to see someone who attracts our attention?

 Lord, help me today to run in such a way that those who see me ask questions and ultimately discover a path for which a sign in the ground is simply not enough.

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Recognizing the “Hound of Heaven”

The “Hound of Heaven” is a well-known poem written by Frances Thomas more than a hundred years ago. It is long, which is important for those of us with faith through aging eyes.

 I recommend reflectively reading the whole poem.                                                                                                                                                                       I want to write today about one time when I was undoubtedly visited by the Hound of Heaven. As I remember this time, it is a stimulus for many other encounters, some dramatic and others more subtle but all drawing me to fall to my knees and rise up with Praise.

 This specific encounter dates back about ten years. I don’t remember the details of how I was introduced to this person. I think it somehow spun out from having mutual friends.

 The scene is a lunch date with a lady from another state young enough to be my granddaughter. We deeply enjoyed each other’s company with our common passion being a desire to know God at a deeper level.

 At some point in the conversation I asked her why she had come to Milwaukee.

 She smiled. After a time of quiet reflection she softly said, “God wants you for yourself”.

 After a longer time of quiet reflection I asked, “Did you cross several states to come and tell me, a woman you have never met, that God wants me for Himself?”

 She smiled again.

 More words would have diminished the awe that grasped my heart.

 How have you encountered the “Hound of Heaven”?

 

 

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That’s Your Answer

I have a friendship that I deeply cherish even though we only connect once every two years and then for just a few hours. Yet, that brief time consistently both nurtures my soul and empowers me to travel light.

 We both agree that out times together must be a God encounter. One of the reasons we know this is that each of us feel as though we are the needy one coming to the other for help.

 We had a precious morning together this week.

 I told him how disappointed I was in an area of my life where I acknowledge the call of God, respond with obedience, and embrace His promises but still battle terror.

 His response initially appeared to be one where he hadn’t even heard me. He started telling me a story that didn’t seem to have any connection to my struggle.

 This story was his memory of being drafted by the army to go to Viet Nam. The prospect was one for which he was not physically, emotionally or spiritually prepared. He just couldn’t fathom being in that environment and potentially using a weapon.

 Desperate, he sought help from his pastor. After hearing all the reasons that this assignment was totally impossible the pastor asked, “If God asked you to go to Viet Nam and die would you go?” My friend tried to reason with his pastor but the question remained the same.

 Finally, this friend said, “Yes”.

 “Well then,” the pastor replied, “That’s your answer”.

 And like a motion sensitive floodlight penetrating the darkness, I knew this was my answer, too.

 

 

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Resting in the Second Story

One of the benefits of Faith Through Aging Eyes is the realization that I have been casted for two movies that are playing simultaneously.

 The first movie depicts the ordinary events of life. My role in this is obvious to anyone who watches. I do things like eat, sleep, meet with friends, read, pay bills and feed my cat.

 The second movie is revealed by grace through faith. When the curtain lifts allowing me to view this “story behind the story” it always prompts worship.

 An illustration of this is a phone call I made to a missionary home on furlough. My reason for calling was to see if she knew of any project that we could support with donations from a Senior Adult Worship Service. When I asked the question, this missionary burst into tears. At the very moment I placed the phone call, this missionary was looking out the window praying for a way to buy rice for some starving refugees.

 Another window into the second story happened when I needed to suspend my Camino walk because of a painful knee. It “just so happened” that a 22 year old girl on this same pilgrimage also had a painful knee and, thankfully, access to a car. We arranged to meet up with our hiking group at the next destination but because the two of us would arrive in a much shorter time we simply stayed at our current hotel and talked. During that morning, as we were discussing the book she was reading, which “happened” to be a Bible, she recognized that a relationship is what God wants with us. The curtain to the second story opened as I realized that the painful knee from the first story was a window into my young friend’s encounter with God.

 When this happens often enough, one becomes convinced that there are always two stories being played out. One, we call ordinary life, the other we call glimpses into what God is doing. In the first, much seems random. In the second, although we only catch glimpses, we recognize the sovereignty of God.

 Psalm 91 invites us to live in the second story. The real estate is called the “Secret Place of the Most High”.  Those who live there engage in “hosting the presence of God.”

 God is always sending us invitations to rest in the second story. It happens when a verse you are studying in your Bible jumps out and you know it is His word, personally, to you. It happens when He speaks to you in prayer, when something He created opens your eyes to the character of the Creator, when someone who is already resting in the second story prompts you to ask if there is room for one more.

I want to learn to rest in the second story. 

 How have you learned to do this?

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You Need to Know it isThere

Why are some things so hard to see?

As I walked up to our deck, at a seasonal campsite, I realized I had disturbed a humming bird. The stunningly small bird fluttered over the branch that literally hung over the steps to the deck.

I looked at the tree and then at the branch, specifically. I wanted to see the nest but I didn’t see one.

Later, I went back determined to see the nest. This time my expectations were different. I knew the nest was there and I was not going to give up until I found it. It didn’t take me long to spot it. It was actually eye level with the top step of the deck and only a few feet away. The tiny humming bird was actually sitting on it quietly.

(The nest is smaller than a golf ball. I wanted to get a ladder and see the eggs that have to be about the size of a pea, but I chose to not frighten my little friend.)

get-attachment.aspxIs faith through aging eyes a mindset of watching for God’s goodness until you find it because you know it is there?

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The Gift of “No Control”

It’s hard for me to let go of the delusion that I have some control.

I try to defend this lie by setting up trust accounts, investing in life insurance and establishing safeguards.

God, in His faithfulness, is relentless in tearing down these fragile structures from which I try to extract a mindset of confidence and peace.

This journey of faith through aging eyes is faithful in providing experiences where trusting God is the only option.  The diminishing of aging, in itself, erodes the illusion of control.

Our own bodies do not respond in the way we have learned to expect. Our circle of family and friends are in transition. We find ourselves deleting more contacts than we add. Those we have leaned on have limited power to keep their promises, much as they would like to.

All of this, and much more, is designed to lead us to a reality of dependence.

A friend recently asked me, “How much control do you really have?”

I wanted her question to be rhetorical but she waited patiently until I answered, “None.”

I am learning to believe it.

I wonder if faith through aging eyes empowers us to embrace loss of control as a gift rather than a lament.

What do we have to know about God is order to celebrate the gift of no control?

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Bucket List Launch

 

Today I checked off an item from my “in process” bucket list.

I had a pedicure.

This may not seem like an adventure but you need to understand that I have lived for 71 years without one.

As I walked into the shop, my first impression brought back memories of what I thought was a life threatening experience in China. I quickly let my mind take control of my emotions and reminded myself that this was not going to be dangerous. (After being released by Chinese Police I met friends at a foot massage spot at 1 AM)

 

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Today, I relaxed in a recliner while my attendant paid more attention to my toenails than they have ever had. After a sequence of lotions, sprays, and instruments that looked like dental tools, I chose to enjoy this experience. Much like the dentist, it looks like it is going to hurt but it doesn’t

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The next step was to take something that looked to me like a tool to shred cabbage and vigorously rub it over the bottom and sides of my feet. Thankfully, my feet did not shred. They are softer now, so something good must have happened.

I haven’t mentioned it yet, but after the pedicure was complete I moved to the manicure table. After a few sprays and dabs, an instrument that looked like a mini version of what my Dad used to sharpen lawn mower blades, removed the surface of my fingernails. The operator wore a mask but I didn’t get one.

This was followed by a series of applications of clear and colored polish. After each, I was directed to put my hand in a slot that looked like a microwave. It must be appearance only as my hands did not cook.

Throughout this hour and a half experience of being pampered and treated like royalty, I wondered why I have been so blessed.

Another reminder of an average day for the Daughter of the King.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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What Movie is Jesus Watching?

 

A note from a missionary friend has stirred my heart.  This is a true story of a return flight from the US to the field where my friend serves.

“A woman from the country to which I was returning was thrilled when I sat down next to her on the plane. She was 71 years old and very nervous about the flight. When I spoke her language to her she started kissing me. I think that I got at least a dozen kisses on that flight. It was a bit like sitting next to a young child though. She did not know how to fasten her seat belt and didn’t know how to open containers on her food tray. When I asked her if she wanted to watch a movie, she said that she would rather lay her head on my shoulder and just look at a movie on my screen. I had to smile affectionately at her. “

I love the picture this story invites me to imagine. I love to let myself feel deeply as both received God’s love with skin.

I want to hear God speak to me in our language.

I want to lean my head on to His shoulder and watch the movie He is watching today.

I know He sees things with the confidence that “It is Finished!” I know He sees the battle as Won!

I know He looks at me with compassion when I tremble because the battle I am in today is fierce. I am glad that God knows that at my age of 71, I need Him to care for me with the tenderness of a parent.

I don’t want to watch my movie today. I want to lean on His shoulder and watch His.

What movie are you watching on your journey?

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