Merry Xmas?

In the St Louis area there is a cool place, Mosaic Christian Church, pastored by a super neat guy named Shane Adkisson. Recently, he wrote something that I felt was so good, I wanted to pass it on. Enjoy [and thanks Shane]:

Alright, let me start by saying, I'm probably with you. I mean I don't appreciate seeing "Xmas" plastered around by retailers.

Why? Because Christmas is about Jesus.

But, let me give you something to think about.

Did you know that "X" is the symbol that biblical scholars have used for years for the abbreviation for Christ. Basically it evolved to be the abbreviation because in greek it's the first letter in the word "Christ."

Many years ago, most people didn't read. People came to understand that the symbol "X" stood for Christ. Old buildings where the church (God's people) would gather were often marked with an "X" so the common people, who didn't read, would know that's where the church meets.

I'm not suggesting we be happy about "taking Christ out of Christmas", but I am hoping to give you some slight encouragement when you see it.

For a long time, it's struck me as funny and tragic that many people celebrate Christmas with no idea of what they're celebrating. As unfortunate as that is, I think it's actually quite remarkable at the same time. Whether people know it or not, the world pauses to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

So, when I see the sign declaring the latest "Xmas Sale", I'll consider it unfortunate that they miss the significance of the party; however, I'll choose to be more than offended and I'll marvel in the ability that God has to be proclaimed even when the intentions of men might be otherwise.

The Latest

It's Wednesday afternoon and I'm ready to give everyone 'the latest' update on my lovely wife, Kelli.

She IS feeling better today. She can be up for 2-3 hours, and then has to lay down for a while. This routine seems to be working real well for her. Her back is, obviously, very sore and extremely bruised from all the needle punctures she's had recently. This is uncomfortable, but manageable. Her headache is almost back to where it was before any of the 'lumbar puncture' stuff began, which is still not good, but so much better than the spinal headache she was dealing with... that she isn't complaining.

She's been able to do some home-school stuff with Caleb and Michaela and even help out Conor and Kolten in their studies [they are currently in the dreaded 'finals week' at Maple Weeds College]. Merci is currently out of town with the Petersen family, living large in San Antonio, Texas. I came back to work today and that's been good.

I just phoned Kelli and she described how there are two ladies from the church deep cleaning our entire home. That frightens me a little bit, but only because there is some scary things hidden in the deep crevices of Craft-Manor. Truthfully, the love that is being shown towards us by way of food, cards, gift-certificates for pizza for the kids, and even house-cleaning... is just awesome. Kelli and I are blown away by the love and support we have.

Please continue to pray for Kelli and know that we are eternally grateful for your faithfulness and kindness shown to us in so many ways. Merry Christmas!

Another Update

It's 4:15pm on Monday. Kelli's 'blood patch' procedure apparently went according to plan. She is doing much better. She just finished her first meal since Friday evening, and inhaled it like... she hadn't eaten in a few days! She's laughing and back to her old ways, which includes hitting me and basically just being all-around ornery.

We expect to have a visit from the doctor before 5pm. All the nurses feel that Kelli has made such an improvement that I should probably start getting stuff together to head home. I suppose they could keep us, but if I were a bettin' man I'd wager we'll be sleeping in our bed tonight. That means, Kelli will be schoolin' me at Jeopardy and the smell of Bio-Freeze will fill the air at the Craft home very soon.

I know we still have a long way to go, but this was a yucky hurdle that I'm grateful to have leaped. All of your cards, comments on the blog, meals for the kids, and mostly your prayers have been hugely appreciated. How blessed we are! God has remained faithful once again!

If anything changes, I'll let you know.

The message from the weekend can now be heard here: Michael's Message

Update on Kelli

I so appreciate all the prayers for my wife, Kelli. I know that everyone wants an update, so I'll give one. I felt this might be the best way to do so. I don't have much time, so this will be quick.

Eight years ago, Kelli had a surgery for something called, Chiari Malformation.

That surgery helped... minimally. At times she has dealt with severe headaches that, I'm told, make migraines seem like stubbing your toe. Since that surgery, she has traveled to the Mayo Clinic twice to seek wisdom and instruction and seen her doctor regularly, as well as naturalist doctors.

Over the past six months, her headaches have become increasingly severe. She has missed work, church, and spent entire days [even a week at a time] mostly in bed. She's had to cease exercise, see a multitude of doctors [both natural in nature and the normal kind], tried multitudes of 'diets' and a plethora of medicines. She's had good days, and horrible days.

After some informal training, I learned how to give pretty good massages, and during this past month, each night while Kelli and I watch an hour of DVR'd "Jeopardy", she receives a semi-world-class massage from yours-truly. Our entire room, and most of the rest of our home, smells like either Bio-Freeze or Icy-Hot... something we've all gotten used to. [Kolten's room is directly above ours and he gets it the worst, as far as smells go. Poor kid.]

All of this has helped... a bit. On a pain scale of 1-10, Kelli has been between a 4-6 at all times, with an occasional 7.

In October, Kelli had a headache she rated at a 14, and was rushed to the hospital. They injected her with something and after a few hours sent us home with instructions to go back to our doctor and have him refer us to a neurologist. We did this and were put on a waiting list to get an appointment with the best neurologist our massive amounts of research could find within the Kansas City Metro area.

We finally were able to see Dr. Malik this past week. He scheduled Kelli for a 'lumbar puncture' this past Friday, which was as soon as he could do it. We went in at 11:45am on Friday, the procedure went well and Kelli went home to recoup. We were warned that 10% of those receiving this invasive surgery suffer what is called a 'spinal headache'.

Friday night her head progressively got worse and on Saturday she had to be rushed to the emergency room. They admitted her Saturday evening and we're still here now.

As I type this at 8:30am Monday, Kelli is [finally] receiving what is called a 'blood patch'. This could have been done Saturday evening, however, the doctors felt and advised that we should try a less traumatic approach. Apparently, 1 out of 10 folks that have a lumbar puncture experience a spinal leak. That fluid causes an un-godly amount of pain, which is the 'spinal headache'. That leak stops itself up in about 4 days and the pain will eventually go away. If you can handle that much pain, its a fine way to go. However, the quicker way to get rid of the pain, involves the doctors removing blood from your arm and quickly injecting it into your spine, where the blood acts like a 'patch' and literally clots the leak up. They say pain can be almost instantaneously lessened when a 'blood patch' is performed. It is, however, a more dangerous way to go... thus making us wait the past two days.

On a side note: If you are planning on being sick, in any way, in the near future. Plan your sickness AROUND the weekend. Hospitals all but shut down on the weekends, with nary a doctor in sight. However, Monday mornings hospitals awaken as though they're the doors of WalMart on Black Friday.

I sound as though I'm upset. Truly, I'm just really tired. Kelli hasn't been able to sleep. She cannot move her head. She cannot get up to use the restroom. She cries... a lot. I just wish they had done what they are doing now... last Saturday. But, praise the Lord, she's receiving treatment now. When she comes out, our hope is that she'll be on the way to feeling better... from the lumbar puncture anyways.

As far as the regular headaches she's been dealing with for the past eight years, we are excited about our new neurologist, Dr. Malik, and hope for his practice of medicine to be guided and directed by our great and wise Doctor in the heavens.

Again... that's a 'quick' update. I hope it answers your questions. Please keep praying, and I'll do my best to keep everyone updated when possible. God bless you all, and Lord... please help my wife.

- Michael

Thank You...

Received the following emails. I hope they encourage you, as they have encouraged me:

"I just wanted to say thanks for the free groceries on Sunday. My husband and i hadn't eaten in 3 days so we could feed our children. The food i was given in line while waiting was my first meal in 3 days, thanks isn't enough but thank you to you and your members. We recently moved here from Texas after losing everything and recently got on our feet to get a duplex and my husband lost his job 5 weeks after we moved in. we are still waiting on our food stamps and hardly make rent with my sons ssi. Thanks again." - Amanda R.

"I just truly wanted to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. Last night I was crying because I didn't know how I was going to feed my three kids so I did the only thing that I knew how to do I prayed. After feeling horrible and probably feeling more sorry for myself than I should I went to my computer and there was a ad on Craigs List for a grocery giveaway I guess my kids had been on the computer and anyways it was pulled up. So I went today and now have food for my children to eat and even get to go on a dinner date with my husband thanks to winning the dinner for two while waiting in line. I truly believe God sent me to your church. All of you were so kind and helpful and I never once felt bad about myself or looked down up on that I felt at other places. I wish I could say I could come to church every service but I know I can't. I do plan on access the services on the computer when I can. I just want you to know more than any church I have ever been to including the one I was baptized at you all made me feel welcome. I hope you continue your good works and may god live with in each of your souls and keep helping you bring complete warmth and love to those whose lives you touch." Thanks, - Radonna Y.

"It is quite humbling being a member of Desperation Church and working side by side with so many wonderful caring people. I wanted to thank you all for the food that we were able to take to HART MINISTRIES. We have so many people come thru the door that are homeless and impoverished and our food supply was running bare. Thanks to you our DC family, we are able to send out food, to those on the streets that might not have any othe rway to be fed." - Kathy D.

A Plea for Rescue

As a pastor, oftentimes I am asked about a particular version of the bible. Not to sound too simple, but I think that most of the translations we have today are 'close enough' and that a person should read whichever version they will actually pick up and read. For years I read the NIV (New International Version), because it was easy to understand and it was a gift. When I entered Bible seminary I began reading the NASB (New American Standard Bible), because I was told it was 'the best and most accurate' and it too, was a gift. For close to 23 years now, I've used the NASB and taught many Bible studies from it. Although I own well over twenty different versions of the Word of God, everything from The Message to The King James Version, the NASB has been the one I quote most and passionately run back to.

I love it.

Recently, however, I have purchased a HCSB (Holman Christian Standard Bible). This is sorta a 'big deal' for me. I made a choice to begin preaching from it, studying with it, and praying it in exclusively... for at least a season.

I'm falling in love with the Word of God all over again.

I remember talking with my beautiful sister, Lisa, once. She told me how she had purchased a NLT (New Living Translation) for her husband and my dear friend, Curtis. She explained how he "couldn't put it down" and how he had read the Book of Job straight through and admitted that he "had never really understood it before". I love that kind of testimony! This is why I still hold to the philosophy that "a person should read whichever version they will actually pick up and read". I get weary of those that wish to argue and debate concerning which English version of the Bible is the 'right one'. Truthfully, all of them are subject to scrutiny in comparison to their original languages. So... what's the use? Are there versions that are dangerously close to heresy, due to their radical departures? Probably. However, the Holy Spirit is pretty awesome... and I believe Him when He says He'll lead us into all truth (John 16:13).

For me, recently, I have greatly enjoyed my moments with my new HCSB. I love how it uses the Name 'Yahweh' for 'Lord', and I love how they've kept much of the poetic flow, while remaining true to the way I speak today all while shining light on the original context of Biblical times. Again, maybe it's just another translation, but I'm reading it... and I'm once again marveling at the beautiful Author.

If it's okay, I want to simply share with you a portion I read today. Heck... it's my blog... and you can stop reading if you want. But if you do... I think you'll miss something. For me, this familiar passage took on a new sense of passion and desperation. The final line, when talking about our future hope which states, "...and those who love His name will live in it"... excites me!

Take a minute and slowly read this powerful, poetic, passionate plea for Rescue...

Psalm 69

For the choir director: according to “The Lilies.”

1 Save me, God, for the water has risen to my neck.

2 I have sunk in deep mud, and there is no footing; I have come into deep waters, and a flood sweeps over me.

3 I am weary from my crying; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God.

4 Those who hate me without cause are more numerous than the hairs of my head; my deceitful enemies, who would destroy me, are powerful. Though I did not steal, I must repay.

5 God, You know my foolishness, and my guilty acts are not hidden from You.

6 Do not let those who put their hope in You be disgraced because of me, Lord God of Hosts; do not let those who seek You be humiliated because of me, God of Israel.

7 For I have endured insults because of You, and shame has covered my face.

8 I have become a stranger to my brothers and a foreigner to my mother’s sons

9 because zeal for Your house has consumed me, and the insults of those who insult You have fallen on me.

10 I mourned and fasted, but it brought me insults.

11 I wore sackcloth as my clothing, and I was a joke to them.

12 Those who sit at the city gate talk about me, and drunkards make up songs about me.

13 But as for me, Lord, my prayer to You is for a time of favor. In Your abundant, faithful love, God, answer me with Your sure salvation.

14 Rescue me from the miry mud; don’t let me sink. Let me be rescued from those who hate me, and from the deep waters.

15 Don’t let the floodwaters sweep over me or the deep swallow me up; don’t let the Pit close its mouth over me.

16 Answer me, Lord, for Your faithful love is good; in keeping with Your great compassion, turn to me.

17 Don’t hide Your face from Your servant, for I am in distress. Answer me quickly!

18 Draw near to me and redeem me; ransom me because of my enemies.

19 You know the insults I endure—my shame and disgrace. You are aware of all my adversaries.

20 Insults have broken my heart, and I am in despair. I waited for sympathy, but there was none; for comforters, but found no one.

21 Instead, they gave me gall for my food, and for my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.

22 Let their table set before them be a snare, and let it be a trap for their allies.

23 Let their eyes grow too dim to see, and let their loins continually shake.

24 Pour out Your rage on them, and let Your burning anger overtake them.

25 Make their fortification desolate; may no one live in their tents.

26 For they persecute the one You struck and talk about the pain of those You wounded.

27 Add guilt to their guilt; do not let them share in Your righteousness.

28 Let them be erased from the book of life and not be recorded with the righteous.

29 But as for me—poor and in pain— let Your salvation protect me, God.

30 I will praise God’s name with song and exalt Him with thanksgiving.

31 That will please Yahweh more than an ox, more than a bull with horns and hooves.

32 The humble will see it and rejoice. You who seek God, take heart!

33 For the Lord listens to the needy and does not despise His own who are prisoners.

34 Let heaven and earth praise Him, the seas and everything that moves in them,

35 for God will save Zion and build up the cities of Judah. They will live there and possess it.

36 The descendants of His servants will inherit it, and those who love His name will live in it.

Time to be THANKFUL

I came across a video this morning that perhaps you’ve seen. It’s of a beautiful, young woman named Sarah Churman. She has been deaf and through the grace of God and the wonder of modern technology she has been granted the ability to hear for the first time. Due to my own history with hearing problems, this video greatly affected me. I don’t usually share stuff like this, but felt that this was powerful enough to do so this time. Before reading further, please view the video now:

Sarah Churman video

Awesome, right? Sarah blogs about her experience and it’s great reading. Here’s an excerpt that was pretty neat:

“…We stopped to use the restroom and gas up and the toilet in the gas station about gave me a heart attack! The nurse warned me of this but I had already forgotten and totally freaked. Oh, and this reminds me, earlier when they first turned it on and I burped, totally freaked me out. I’ve been given a remote and I’m supposed to turn it up a notch every 4 days. Right now I’m at a low setting and they said if they were to turn it on full force my brain would freak. It’s like cold water in a pool… gotta slowly acclimate I guess? Oh, and on a sidenote… Lady Gaga sounds horrible on the radio! Just sayin. Sloan just kissed me good night… kisses sound all smacky like… weird… As I sit here beating the keys on the keyboard (not really, it just sounds that way), Skittles the Lovebird has been chirping, it’s so cute J I guess I’m keeping her up. Well, my hubby is in bed… guess I should join him. I’m thinking I’ll leave the device on and listen to him snore. I have to be the only wife that’s looking forward to that. God IS good. Thank you to everyone who has kept up with me on this journey… thanks for the prayers, support, etc. Can’t wait to get up tomorrow and hear the girl’s giggles.”

You can read Sarah’s complete blog here.

This story has so encouraged me to be thankful for the smallest of things today. Hearing birds, giggles, and even snoring… I’m just blown away. We have so much to be thankful for. Life is truly what we make of it. This lady will, I imagine, be expressing her gratefulness for a very long time. May we never neglect to appreciate all the incredible blessings that often go overlooked in our lives. What if we viewed each and every moment and ability as a precious gift from God?

Thanks for reading.