The Threshold Volume Two
Chapter 4: New church vs. Old Hymns Loved, Page 72-74
Early on May eighth, I took a taxicab to the hospital for my surgery. Only God was with me through all the phases of the operation.
In my post surgical recovery, I was somehow given the presidential suite in the hospital on the orthopedic ward. The very large room with only one bed also had a large flat-screen TV and living room area with small tables, a couch, and large soft chairs, with no visitors to sit in them.
The only channel I found that was worth watching was an all-nature photograph channel that had printed Bible verses on the screen with piano music. It was fabulous and super meditative for me to dwell on the Word of God as I recovered in bed, drifting in my mind dreamily on painkillers.
Pastor Jerry and Ron, my friends from church, came to visit and prayed with me. It was so good to see friendly faces, and we all prayed together. James, April, and Kelly provided transportation home from the hospital. I was so glad and thankful for their help in my weakened condition. The prayers of people at church and the meals they sent were also blessings I received with thanks.
At times the complete quiet and total solitude in the house were beautiful. My recovery was slow, and I drove myself to therapy using one arm. Returning home, I found the absence of anyone or any sound overwhelming at times, similar to my latchkey afternoons coming home from school fifty years earlier.
So before leaving for therapy, I’d turn on three radios playing the same classical music station. Sitting in the living room chair, I realized that after fifty years, the same technique with the radio was used to overcome silence. My earthly solitude may not change, but I knew my spiritual union with God would never change.
My faith came from accepting Jesus as my Savior and Lord. I lived in hope and placed my hope in the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit. No matter what kind of day I lived through on earth, heaven was ahead of me and a day closer.
Easy meals were made with one arm and hand; Rice-A-Roni, peanut butter and jelly, or tuna sandwiches were followed with ice cream. I slowly gained weight without exercise. I was back to the TV watching my old friend, the preacher from the south, on Sunday.
As summer rolled around, I was driving once again the distance to church and enjoying Pastor Jerry’s preaching. Many of us had a picnic under the pine trees, relaxing and sharing our lives. There was talk of the upcoming presidential election.
I pointed out Daniel 5:21: “The Most High God rules in the kingdom of men, and appoints over it whomever He chooses.” God’s control, His plans, were in all of world history and still are. God appointed leaders. We pray for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. We pray obediently for our leaders, no matter who God puts in power. At that point in time, the 2012 election was six months away.
Prayer was the best and only path for my friends’ and my clarity and for our country. God’s continuing judgment on America was to be unfolded as God saw fit. The fact that God allowed a cult member to run for president was already an alarming judgment.
By the end of July, I found that my strength from the left shoulder replacement was not yet able to handle the long-distance driving and sitting combined with my job. Both my return to work and my church presence were then put on pause briefly, and I was back on disability.
I was looking forward to seeing my church friends again. I was learning how to add to my box of church experience. I was also trying to enhance my ties and experience with people on my path of life and fill the void.
By September I was not only watching preachers on TV. I got up earlier to watch a wonderful morning show with all shots of nature and Bible verses. Similar to the channel in the hospital was beautiful classical music that accompanied the slide show. I was taken away in a very peaceful commune with God. My blessed morning lasted about three hours with selective Christian programming and worship.
That 2012 November, I entered the voting booth and cast my write-in vote for one of the earlier candidates who was eliminated. With what I knew of their consistent biblical views, I rested soundly in my choice. I could stand before God with a good conscience.
End of excerpst from The Threshold, Volume Two
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My last week’s trip to Miami in November of 2014 for the International Book Fair at Dade College, was a good opportunity to meet people from my publisher Westbow Press.
After hearing the voice of my marketing consultant for two and a half years, it was a pleasure seeing her face to face. Spending time to chit-chat with her about book trends and opportunities was a treat.
Returning to upstate New York and enjoying the great northeast in its splendor is truly a gift from God. With hope for many snowy days I look forward to quiet hours with the word of God.
James 4:8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
