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{Straight From the Heart} *A Father's Reflections* 3/3/00
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Welcome to "Straight From the Heart!"
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While this is a story that was written during this past Christmas
season, I thought the message was worth hearing now. My thanks to
our friend Jesse for sharing his writing with all of us.
Michael
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A Father's Reflections
By: Jesse Thompson
The other day, Joy and I were in our upstairs room talking about all
that had to be done during this very busy time of year. And as often is
the case, Linnea (now 2 years old) was quietly playing around us; not in
any way requesting our attention, simply enjoying being near us.
It so happened that in the midst of our conversation, we stopped walking
around and were standing at the top of a full flight of stairs. Linnea,
being 2, decided to play on the first step with some small toys. Now
this is something that she has done many times, and has always been
quite careful to avoid doing anything that might cause her to lose her
balance; so I took no special notice.
As we were talking, my glance again strayed to watch my
little girl deeply involved in what ever imaginary world she had created
when she began to shift her position from one that provided balance and
safety to one that left her dangerously tipsy, with her back facing down
the stairs.
Before I could speak or even move towards her, over she went. As a
scuba diver going over the side of the boat, Linnea began to tumble
uncontrollably down the stairs. Joy happened to be a little closer than
I, so I shouted, "Get her, get her!!" Time seemed to almost stop as
neither one of us could move fast enough. We were forced to watch our
little girl fall helplessly from step to step, her hair flying wildly,
and her arms and legs as limp as a rag doll. Joy raced down after her
and finally caught her about three steps from the bottom. Linnea
screamed, mostly from fear, and Joy scooped her up and ran back up
stairs, where we all shared a family hug that lasted for some time.
Not exactly a Christmas greeting you say? Well, hear me out and
you'll understand the connection. As I was reflecting on this
experience, my mind kept returning to the same thoughts over and over.
Man; us; you and me; are, or one time were, dangerously perched atop of
a high gorge. The "stairs" that we are about to fall down promise much
more than temporary pain. They offer nothing less than eternal
suffering and separation from our Creator. We, like Linnea did,
construct around us a world that seems safe, that we claim we have the
answers to not realizing that it is that very "imaginary" world we have
created that makes our situation so perilous. That false sense of
security can be, and often is so strong that we don't even realize the
great depths to which we are falling. But unlike Joy and I, who had
only the desire to spare our child (we would have done anything to
rescue Linnea from the imminent pain with which she was faced), God has
both the desire and the power to save His falling children. His plan,
His method of salvation was introduced to us face to face those many
years ago, on that first Christmas morning. When did you realize you
were falling and call out to the One who offers true salvation, true
safety? I trust that you will join Joy, Linnea and myself, in
celebrating Jesus' birth this year and give thanks to God for His
incomprehensible love, and unmatchable power to offer us salvation.
May you and your family have a blessed New Year
Jesse Thompson
jesjoy@ticon.net
Send Jesse an email and let him know what you thought about his story!
A little bit about Jesse
Jesse graduated from Wheaton College, where he met and married the love
of his life, Joy. They have one daughter (Linnea, 2), one dog
(Maggie), and one cat (Chloe). They live in beautiful Southern WI,
where Jesse is the Youth Pastor for the Jr. and Sr. Groups at his
Church.
He enjoys spending time outdoors (ie-camping, skiing, hiking,
rafting, and having campfires) and playing softball and volleyball.
Jesse was diagnosed with Crohn's disease about 5 years ago, which just
recently has put him through three major surgeries and countless
other "procedures", and has taught him many life and spiritual lessons
as he wrestles with the disease.
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REQUESTS:
From: Smileyblonde@aol.com
My cousin's wife had a baby 3 months ago. He is so tiny and so sick.
I think he is finally up to about 2 1/2 lbs. they are trying to get
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colon. Please put him in your prayers. Little children should not
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Denise Rodgers
From: Smartmcs@aol.com
Our church is planning an evangelistic Easter service. Please be in
prayer for us. And share this request with all.
Thanks
Chris
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Thought For The Day:
"Beware lest your footprints on the sands of time leave only the marks
of a heel."
Verse for the Day:
"The memory of the righteous will be a blessing, but the name of the
wicked will rot."
Proverbs 10:7
Kid's Thought For The day:
"You feel a lot braver the second time you jump out of the tree."
Parent's Thought For The Day
"The advice your child rejected is now being given to your grandchild."
Coach's Thought For The Day
"On the day of victory, no fatigue is felt."
Deep Thought For The Day:
"The guy who invented the first wheel wasn't that smart. The guy who
invented the other three, he was the genius."
_
/_/\/\ MICHAEL T. POWERS
\_\ / THUNDER27@aol.com http://members.aol.com/Thunder27/index.html
/_/ \ "For I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but
\_\/\ \ Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body I live for the Son
\_\/ of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20
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the video too! Thanks again!"
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