Funkyjimmer's Blog

Wednesday, May 28, 2003

After waiting a week and not hearing from my family doctor, I decided to call him. I guess they forgot about me! Easy to do!!

Anyway I'm now battling with the "way-too-large" Cardiology group to get something scheduled. When they get so big they become uncaring and nothing matters--neither the individual nor their schedule--nothing except the Group's "policies". So we'll see what happens. I am supposed to get a test called "DYSPNEA-ON EXERTIA". Sounds exciting, doesn't it? Maybe I can find out something about it before having it. If I can get it scheduled at a time I can be present, that will be a feat in itself. I think they do this so the person will get stressed out and really need a heart doctor!!

I have preached 3 Sundays at Countryside now. God seems to be blessing. I feel so much at peace because I know that in ministering there I am in the center of His Will for my life right now. God is blessing my study, the preparation and delivery of HIs Word. Apparently He is blessing the reception of the presentation of His Word also. I have "mapped out" what I want to teach this summer through the Preached Word. Yesterday I took a day off from my secular job and spent the entire day (accompanied by my wife) in visiting many of the members of Countryside either in their homes or places of business.

Right now on Sunday mornings we are studying the Biblical concept of "every member ministry" and each one using his or her gifts for ministry. At the conclusion of that we will give everyone an opportunity to express where and how they would like to minister this year.

Following this series, we'll be teaching Biblical Christianianity as opposed to any one denomination or sect. We're not going to talk about any other group--either for or against--just teach what the Bible teaches about Christianity. "What Does It Mean To Be A Member of a Non-Denominiational Church?" will be the first message later this summer. An interesting sidelight in preparation will be a survey of a number of people as to how they would answer that question.

Guess I'd better Post and go back to work!

Jim

posted by jim 1:17 PM 0 comments

Monday, May 19, 2003

The "Saga of the Tests" continues! The results of the stress echo test were inconclusive. They appear to be normal. However, yesterday when I was delivering the message at Countryside I experienced something I have never known before. About half way through the message, I became very short of breath and thought I wouldn't be able to finish the message. Thanks to God, I did, and those few I asked said they didn't detect anything wrong. I am thankful because I didn't want anything to detract for the message of God's Word.

I told the servant leaders what had happened and about my previous tests. They are praying for me. Today my family doctor called and wants to send me to a cardiologist for another test. It might be a nuclear test where they inject radioactive stuff into me and follow its progress. Or it might be another test when he didn't wish to describe!! So I am just praying for God's direction and strength through all this.

In the meantime, I continue to serve Him with my life as best I can. God is so good and I love Him so much. And His blessing is evident even in the mist of "stuff", like health issues and spiritual struggles. "Praise be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!" (1 Corinthians 15:57). He has given me victory and freedom in an area where I have struggled for a long time!!

Guess I'd best get to bed! The doctor said something about taking it easy! (What does that mean?)

More later,

Jim

posted by jim 10:50 PM 0 comments

Thursday, May 15, 2003

Well, time to add to this Blog before going to the dentist to get the permanent crown on a tooth. Hopefully this will be the last trip to the dentist for awhile. After 2 crowns later, it is about time!!

The stress echo test went really well. Actually it really wasn't as bad as last Tuesday's test. It will be 3-5 days before any official results are known!! The doctor said the initial results, unofficially, didn't look too bad. So I am praying that I won't have to have anything further done at this time. The doctor said these tests are about 90% accurate so I should still pay attention to symptoms I occasionally experience.

But I am grateful that things are looking better than I thought last Tuesday. I have a lot going on--family-wise; work-wise and with ministry. I don't want to take time for these physicial nuisances!!

Jim

posted by jim 11:08 AM 0 comments

You who are in or have been in College--ever have one of those times when you were really worried about a test but actually ended up doing pretty well? Sure, we all have. And do you remember those times (at least one!) when you were sure you would "ace" the test--no problem----and you flunked it!! (Come on, be honest -- we've all done that, too!)

Well that is what happened to me. I was pretty sure they would find some problem with my colonoscopy--but I "aced" it -- as you know from reading my previous Blog.

So I went Tuesday morning for my heart stress test. "No problem, right? I mean I walk on my treadmill at home and exercise and all that good stuff! This is just routine. You are ahead of me by now -- I "flunked" the thing! So in a few minutes I go to a Cardiology group and have what they call a "stress echo test". This is to be sure the other test wasn't wrong. (I don't think it was wrong!) I asked the doctor the other day what happens if I "flunk" this test today. His answer was short and to the point. He said (and I quote): "All hell breaks loose!"

So I'll let those of you who read this thing know what I find out. I'm supposed to go from the Cardiologist immediately to the dentist -- lucky me! Then I leave for Covington, Indiana, near the Indiana-Illinois border. I have meetings there and my client wants to show me a place near Attica, Indiana, called "The Badlands", famous for off-roading for trucks, dirt bikes and the like. I guess it is a big deal there every weekend.

I'll post this and write more this afternoon before I take off.

Jim

posted by jim 8:39 AM 0 comments

Monday, May 12, 2003

The "Dreaded Colonoscopy" has come and gone. Actually there was nothing to be dreaded--neither the "Prep"process the night before, nor the procedure itself. And even better news for me, no polyps to be removed and no sign of any cancer. God is faithful and I praise Him! And I'm thankful for the prayers of my dear wife Karon and my Prayer Partner, Joel. I don't have to experience this exam for another 5 years!!! Tomorrow the heart treadmill test. Should be a breeze because I use the treadmill here at home all the time with no problems.

I "officially" began my ministry at Countryside Christian Fellowship last Monday, May 5th. However yesterday was the first Sunday for preaching the first "official" sermon as their minister. Things did not work out for Joel to preach yesterday because he had to remain longer than expected in Phoenix for work thus not enough time for preparation. So I went ahead and preached. Joel's presence was missed, however, and it was made clear that the church wants to hear him again soon. But because Joel was unable to preach yesterday, it seem a clear indication that it was God's Will that I preach yesterday. God really showed His blessing by the message He gave me. He also blessed the presentation and the way it was received by the people. So although I didn't reach the personal goal mentioned in my previous Blog before preaching the first time as their Pastor, God blessed. (I will reach that goal this week, though!) Besides all that, Mother's Day was great, too.

Today I am going to recouperate by reading some things, and watching Mel Gibson in, "The Patriot". I am looking forward to seeing it again. Sunday night we watched. "Catch Me If You Can", With Tom Hanks and Leonardo DiCaprio. I thought it was really good. I especially liked the special section of interviews with Frank Abagnale, Jr.

Guess I'd better post this and start "The Patriot"! If anyone wishes to respond to anything the best email address would be jimewing1@hotmail.com. If I think anyone reads this I'll post more often and more "serious stuff" -- sometimes!! We had a situation take place in Muncie, Indiana, over the National Day of Prayer that really got my "juices" flowing. I almost posted about it.

If this Post doesn't make much sense, just lay it to the anesthetic that hasn't completle worn off. Maybe I won't even remember that wrote this!! That's sort of why I am waiting to watch, "The Patriot". I don't want to sleep through it like I did this morning when I got home!!

Later,

Jim

posted by jim 1:24 PM 0 comments