2009: October 22, 2009 JOY IN THE MORNING

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For over two weeks I have not been able to write a post. For some unexplainable reason, each time I started, I felt like it just wasn't the right time. Oh, I had plenty of things to write about. Several of you had sent me things. I also knew four stories that needed to be shared, but for some reason or another, I just couldn't do it. Now, I know why. I needed to wait for yesterday, October 22, to happen in one of those four stories.
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My husband, Steve, wrote this this morning. He has given me permission to share it with you.
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TWO TELEPHONE CALLS
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Call number one: This past May, Stacy, my oldest brother, called me from Rochester, MN and said, “Steve, we have a Christian family from Minnesota who has temporarily moved to Philadelphia, PA. The man is seeking cancer treatment and I was wondering if you could reach out to them?” I asked Stacy their names and telephone number and contacted the family immediately. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that as a teacher at York College (1995-2002), I knew the wife and mother of the family, as well as all of her siblings as ex-YC students.
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A few days later, on Saturday, May 30, I put some groceries together for the family and drove across the river to Philadelphia. I visited with Scott and Bonita and their four little children in their single-bedroom efficiency – thus beginning a relationship that will forever impact my life for good. Scott gave me his “card” that on one side is the picture of his and Bonita’s four children with the statement, “We pray for our Daddy”; on the other side the words “GOD IS GOOD” (Psalm 73:1) and the following note – “Your prayers for Scott’s healing are greatly appreciated. His updates can be found on the following website. www.caringbridge.org/visit/scottmcendree”. (OR, over on the right sidebar on their family picture)
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The next day, Sunday (May 31, 2009), the McEndree family drove 45 minutes to worship with us and participate in our 5th Sunday fellowship. The children loved the hot dogs! Scott put it this way on his daily post:
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Sunday, May 31, 2009 8:36 PM, CDT
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Today was a relaxed, enjoyable day.

We had been checking on

a couple different churches in the area.

God blessed us today as we worshipped

with the Pitman Church of Christ

http://www.cochrist.org .

At the beginning of worship

we stood up and

they prayed a special prayer for us

and some members gathered around us.

Afterwards we met

and spoke with many members

and joined in their 5th Sunday picnic downstairs.

The kids loved the hot dogs and chips

and we all enjoyed ourselves.

We feel blessed to have a church family

with connections even though

we are so far away from home.

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For the next two months, we enjoyed worshipping and fellowshipping with the McEndree family every Sunday. On one occasion I remember they couldn’t make the 1 and ½ hour round trip because of Scott’s poor health, and another time they had worship as a family on the Jersey shore. Otherwise, they were with us, blessing our fellowship of believers.

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Scott never felt very good – he just didn’t want to miss anything! On Wednesday night, July 22, 2009, before the McEndrees returned home to Minneapolis, MN to decide further treatment, Patti and I had them and the Mansdoerfer family over to our house for supper. Afterwards, we all went to our Pitman Wednesday night prayer meeting where the elders called Scott and Bonita and children up front and prayed over them. After receiving the elders’ blessing, Scott, blessed our church family. This simple act epitomized Scott McEndree: he was blessed and he blessed. Praise be to God!
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Even after the McEndree family moved back to Minnesota, we kept up with them through their website. Hardly a prayer session went by without someone praying for Scott’s healing and for Bonita’s strength and courage as well as for the entire McEndree family. The months of August, September, and our present October found Scott and Bonita continuing to pursue any cancer treatment leads possible, asking for prayers all along the way.

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Scott lived life to the full as much as anyone I’ve ever met! He continued to work when possible, he and Bonita took their kids to the park, Phillies’ games, fishing, to the softball field, to the pool, and of course, to church. Plus, Scott went camping on two separate occasions in the last two months. Almost a month ago before their flying to Reno, NV to see about another cancer treatment option, one of our brothers from the church, Brian Mansdoerfer, spent a week with Scott and some other men on a camping trip just south of the Canadian border. What a man’s man! What a husband and father! What a brother in Christ! What a friend!

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Call number two: My brother, Stacy, called me again yesterday afternoon (2:54 pm EDT, October 22, 2009) and said, “Steve, Scott McEndree has died and gone on to be with the Lord.” I cried out “Oh, No!”

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After hanging up, I wept and wept. This morning during our men’s Friday a.m. prayer session, I couldn’t stop weeping for Bonita and the children. Yes. I know Scott is in a much better place; I know he is no longer suffering; I know he is where we all long to be. But, I can’t help but cry for a faithful young widow who freely gave years of her life, since 2002, to serve her husband and stand in the gap for his healing. My mind races back to one of Scott’s earlier website post about his thoughts about his wife, Bonita:
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Friday, March 20, 2009 1:01 PM, CDT:

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"I think of all I’ve been through

and the stress it can take on a family,

and on a marriage.

I have thanked God many times for my wife.

If I were not a Christian,

or if divorce was an option,

then I would worry about Bonita

wishing to leave me and

get away from the cards we have been dealt.

Before I ever asked Bonita to marry me,

I knew divorce would never be an option for us.

We both believe that God wants us to

stay together to uphold the promise

we made to each other before Him,

“In sickness and in health”.

No matter how bad it may get,

or how good things may be,

I never worry that Bonita will leave

and I never think of leaving her.

We are married,

stuck together…

WHAT A BLESSING!"

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Yes. The blessing of marriage – two godly servants, matured and maturing in the fires of suffering, faithful to God and to one another, and in tune to the other’s needs… so, I cry for Bonita. And I can’t help but cry for four small children who will never again have the blessing of sitting in their daddy’s lap, having him stroke their hair and bless them with words of kindness and wisdom. I can’t help but cry for a godly family that will never, on this earth, be the same. I cry for Scott’s parents who have lost a godly son, his sister who has lost a godly brother. I cry for Bonita’s family – her parents, brothers, sister, sisters/brother-in-law who also accepted Scott as family. Traditions like family camping trips will never be the same. I cry.
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As I’m sitting at my computer typing these words I can’t help it, the tears just keep rolling down. My faith says Scott is better off and at peace; my feelings cry out in pain.
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Two phone calls: I am forever blessed. I was introduced to a family where the man was the godly shepherd of his flock and the woman, his strong helpmate and loving companion. I came to love and admire four little children, who even in their own unique personalities and different sets of energies and inquisitiveness were so obedient to their parents and exceptionally respectful and kind to others. I witnessed a family as I believe God envisioned family to be. Not perfect – just as complete as I’ve ever witnessed a family. Now a great loss has come and I cry out,
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“O God,

please hold this family close in Your lap;

speak Your blessing upon them;

stroke their hair

and lead them through this life

and forever more where we all long to dwell –

with You!”

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I’ll finish my thoughts today with one of Scott’s website posts over eight months ago (February 8, 2009) and a word from God:

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“The personal challenge I face is

to keep my chin up and walk forward.

Many of us are able to praise God

when our lives are going well.

How many of us know we can praise God

during the storm?

It makes me think of the Casting Crown’s song

“Praise You In This Storm.”

Here is a link to the song lyrics

if you are not familiar with the song http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/castingcrowns/praiseyouinthisstorm.html

My heart is torn,

but I will praise the God who gives and takes away.

To help us praise God everyday through these treatments,

Bonita and I have been gathering some scriptures

and what we’d like to do is post a scripture everyday.

We will be thinking on and praying on

these scriptures each day and

would encourage you to do the same…”
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“Therefore, having been justified by faith,

we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

2 through whom also we have obtained

our introduction by faith

into this grace in which we stand;

and we exult in hope of the glory of God.

3 And not only this,

but we also exult in our tribulations,

knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;

4 and perseverance, proven character;

and proven character, hope;

5 and hope does not disappoint,

because the love of God

has been poured out within our hearts

through the Holy Spirit

who was given to us.

6 For while we were still helpless,

at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.

7 For one will hardly die for a righteous man;

though perhaps for the good man

someone would dare even to die.

8 But God demonstrates

His own love toward us,

in that while we were yet sinners,

Christ died for us.

9 Much more then,

having now been justified by His blood,

we shall be saved

from the wrath of God through Him.

10 For if while we were enemies

we were reconciled to God

through the death of His Son,

much more, having been reconciled,

we shall be saved by His life.

11 And not only this,

but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

through whom we have now received the reconciliation.”

(Romans 5:1-11)

God is good.
Steve
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NOTE FROM PATTI:

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Christians understand that this world is full of struggle, challenges, and heartache. We believe that no matter our circumstances, God is good all the time and that God always keeps His promises. Therefore, we look forward to eternal life.

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On October 22, Scott's family posted this on his Caring Bridge site:

• God called Scott home this morning. Information to follow.
• Psalm 100:5
  For the LORD is good
  and His love endures forever;
  His faithfulness continues
  through all generations.

2009: SEPTEMBER 20 TO OCTOBER 4: GRIEVING WITH HOPE

The last few weeks I have...

1. had several friends who have passed away
2. had several friends who have had relatives who have passed away
3. had several friends who have had brushes with death
4. attended the funeral of the sister-in-law of my friend Dottie (our church secretary)

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As is often the case in times like these, I meditate about my own life and the lives of family and friends. I rejoice with the families of those who have died in the LORD.

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This weekend, I attended a Women of Faith conference in Philadelphia with 49 other women in our church group. We joined other women at the Wachovia Center to make it about 18,000 women. There were many things that touched me deeply. Yet, one in particular touched many of us... hearing Steven Curtis Chapman... seeing his two sons on stage with him... contemplating the grief that their family has experienced since the tragic death of youngest daughter/sister Maria in their family driveway...

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I came home Friday evening and read/watched multiple things on the internet that told the Chapman's story. I found one that was extremely well done and would like to share it with you as the remainder of this post. When times like these come, because GIGATTAATTGIG... we can grieve with hope!!!

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Romans 8:24-25

For in hope we have been saved,

but hope that is seen

is not hope;

for why does one also hope

for what he sees?

But if we hope

for what we do not see,

with perseverance we wait eagerly for it..."

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Revelation 14:13

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"And I heard a voice from heaven, saying,

Write, 'Blessed are the dead

who die in the Lord

from now on!'"

"Yes,"

says the Spirit..."

2009 - SEPTEMBER 7 - SEPTEMBER 20 - MAKING GOD'S GOODNESS PERSONAL!!!

Recently as I was visiting with my friend, Janet, she said something in passing that meant much more to me than she intended. She talked about giving scriptures to go with a person's name. Scriptures that would be an encouragement to that individual... scriptures that might describe who that person is or the journey that he or she has been on. Since our daughter Jessica's 26th birthday was last week, I knew that was something that I wanted to do for her. As I have shared before, Jessica has had 24/7 migraines and chronic pain since she was 12 years old. She had multiple surgeries as a young child. She also has multiple challenges with her eyes. She is no stranger to difficult circumstances. Through the pain, she has graduated from high school and been a student at 3 institutions of higher learning. She has worked with and mentored people "on the fringe" and found herself standing to defend her God in classes where God was cursed.
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I sat down to write some verses with Jessica's name and in a short amount of time God, in His goodness, gave me some powerful messages from Job and Hebrews for Jessica:
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J - esus, the author and perfecter of our faith,

who for the joy set before Him ENDURED …

Hebrews 12:2

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E - arlier days after you had received the light,

when you stood your ground in a great contest

in the face of suffering (Remember?).

Sometimes you were publicly exposed

to insult and persecution;
…. So do not throw away your confidence;

it will be richly rewarded…

persevere

so that when you have done the will of God,

you will receive what He has promised.

Hebrews 10:32-37

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S - ee to it that no one misses the grace of God

and that no bitter root

grows up to cause trouble…

Hebrews 12:15

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S - lay me, yet will I hope in You!

I will surely defend my ways to Your face.

Indeed, this will turn out for my deliverance,

for no godless man would dare come before You!

Job 13:15-16
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I - f I speak, my pain is not relieved;

and if I refrain, it does not go away.

Surely, O God, You have worn me out;

you have devastated my entire household.

Job 16:6-7

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C - onsider Him who endured such opposition

from sinful men,

so that you will not grow weary

and lose heart.

Hebrews 12:3

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A - pproach the throne of grace with confidence,

so that we may receive mercy and
find grace to help us in our time of need.

Hebrews 4:16

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Powerful! Thank You, God! Thank You for this gift that You gave to Jessica through Janet and then through me! Giving encouragement to each other is so powerful when it's through God's own Word!
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1 Thessalonians 5:8-11

"For God has not destined us for wrath,

but for obtaining salvation

through our Lord Jesus Christ,

who died for us, that whether we are awake or asleep,

we may live together with Him.

Therefore encourage one another,

and build up one another,

just as you also are doing."

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Who could you encouarge this way? Besides my immediate family members, there are many others who have come to mind who would benefit from such a gift because life IS hard. Just this past week alone...

• I attended the funeral of a virtuous woman who died in her sleep at the age of 60, one month after her physical exam gave her a "clean bill of health". Her memorial service was a celebration of GOD'S GOODNESS in her life!
• I listened to someone pour out her heart to me about her abusive son-in-law and her fears for her daughter and grandchild. She ended our conversation pointing to heaven and then putting her hand over her heart, saying, "GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME..."
• I listened as another someone shared of deep wounds from anothers words. She said, "Patti, I'm hurting! Please continue to pray for me! I know that GOD IS GOOD and He will see me through this." Then, she proceeded to talk about how she had doubled, tripled, maybe even quadrupled her time spent in the Word and prayer.
• I stood in a store and had a conversation with a young lady as I was looking to make a purchase. The more we talked, the more connections we had. Not only was she a believer, but she had been on a very long journey trying to decide what she wanted to do with her life. Through it all, she saw the GOODNESS OF GOD in her life. She now is completing her college degree and plans to spend her life as a teacher around the world for missionary kids.
• I sat in front of my sister-in-Christ, Tanya, during our Sunday morning service. She had propped herself up on a chair next to the wall with heating pads plugged into the wall to help her pain. Tanya has spent the last few years in excruciating pain with one thing after another. After the worship service, she said, "I now have two tumors growing on a lung and evidently one of those tumors is touching a _____ nerve.... God will get me through this, Patti... He always does."

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Yes, Tanya! GIGATTAATTGIG!

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