Cross: Special Reminder

"For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God."

I Corinthians 1:18

Riverside Methodist Hospital

If this hospital was being built today, I assume much more thought would probably be put into whether or not they would put this cross at such a predominate place on the side of the hospital or if it would be used at all!  As I drive into the hospital in the early morning and leave late in the night...this is the sight I see.  I believe God placed that cross there just for me to remind me of His suffering, His compassion and His presence.  As I checked my e-mail this morning I had received this from Anne Marie Weakley:

This is an excerpt from the chapter entitled 'The Furnace of Suffering' from a book called 'The Greener Grass Conspiracy.'  

"Run to Jesus and unburden yourself at his feet. Lay your griefs upon his chest and let him bear the weight. Let the Man of Sorrows strengthen you in your sorrow. He can prop your head when you are suffocating in sadness. He can strengthen you when you are emotionally and spiritually spent. Call out to him for light in the midst of darkness. Call out to him for strength in the midst of weakness. The one who suffered knows exactly what you need.

The counsel and care of others, while helpful and necessary, is not the ultimate solution. Jesus is the one who gives strength and contentment in the midst of suffering. Cling tightly to Jesus, who already has you in his invincible grip."

 

This morning on the front step of the house I found a gift.  A beautiful, fall wrapped, gift of goodies for Tom...specialty popcorn, peanuts, jelly beans and chocolates from Tom & Patti Sweigard!  What a special treat that Tom will enjoy and hopefully share with me and our many visitors!
Another gift that Tom received this week is the New Mexico Lobos Nike Dri-Fit shirt he is wearing in the above picture.  Thank you to Mark Lawrence and his high school buddy, Steve Alford, who is the head coach at UNM for this treasure...Tom is now a proud UNM fan!
Today Tom met with Rob Jones from Columbus Medical Equipment.  Rob is a wheelchair specialist who fit Tom for his new wheels.  The process reminded me a lot of buying a car!  I wondered if we could trade-in Tom's Bonneville for the wheelchair...unfortunately not.  So many options...he wanted to know if Tom wanted the treaded tires and I asked, "do you think we'll be 4-wheeling?"...who knows where this wheelchair will take us.  I'm praying that he will be walking again before long, but until then we'll enjoy the "off road" options!