Walking With My Walker And My Christ

Praise the dear Lord of Glory, I have shed the walker and am getting along with a cane.

Last night we walked about a half mile with the cane . . . slowly but surely . . . painful but profitable . . . pleasant and yet purposeful -- I want to get home and walk up the stairs to the pulpit unhindered. The good hand of God will enable.

This morning early, before the sun proved its strength, Max and I walked another 2/3 of a mile in cool, drizzling rain. Max Pool’s encouragement means a lot to me. The walking is helping his back and my hip . . . and I trust both our hearts.

Douglas Chavez is due in Fort Worth today. He will be going to church with us on Wednesday. I am so grateful that God has given us a refreshing place to fellowship. Pastor Bob Smith and his people have been so very kind to Cynthia and me. I am learning things from him that we will incorporate into the ministry in Fairbanks. He is 70 years old . . . proven true and faithful. Perhaps some day in the future, we can bring him and his dear wife to Fairbanks for you to meet him. He is a gracious Christian gentleman with fire in his bosom and a sharp mind. There are so many things about Trinity Baptist Church that are similar to Bible Baptist Church. If you ever get down this way, a visit to this church is a MUST. They love Max and Carol Pool . . . but then, who doesn’t? They have been so very gracious and patient and kind and generous to Cynthia and me. I am humbled and so very grateful.

Bro. Jeff Day gave me an Ipod a couple of years ago to allow me to listen to preaching, music, etc., when traveling on planes. What a blessing it has been during this ordeal. Bro. Dave Duffett bought a speaker for it. All day and all night I listened to Alexander Scourby read me the Book of Psalms. One night (in the middle of the night) when nurses came in with meds, I heard him tell the one leaving who heard the Scriptures, “He already has his medicine.” :)

Here at the house I am able to listen to Bible preaching as well. Bro. John O’Malley is preaching to me this morning. Powerful messages. He is a good brother. Thank you, Neal, for introducing us to him.

Mrs. Barbara Frone graciously sent Cynthia and me two cd's of music that encourage her heart. One of the songs was unknown to me until the day I played it and wept and rejoiced. Here are the words:

Lately I’ve been winning battles left and right
But even winners can get wounded in the fight.
People say that I’m amazing . . . strong beyond my years,
But they don’t see inside of me . . .
I’m hiding all the tears.

They don’t know that I go running home when I fall down;
They don’t know Who picks me up when no one is around.
I drop my sword and cry for just a while
‘Cause deep inside this armor, the warrior is a child.

Unafraid because the armor is the BEST,
But even soldiers need a quiet place to rest.
People say that I’m amazing . . . I never face retreat . . .
But they don’t see the enemies that lay me at His feet.

I drop my sword and look up for His smile
Because deep inside this armor, the warrior is a child.

A wounded soldier is still a soldier.