Friday, December 29, 2006 Addendum
OK, I wanted to tell you about this last night but it was too late. Anyways, last night I went in to brush my teeth and this strong feeling came over me that I could do it with my left hand which I haven’t done in SIX YEARS! So I tried it AND IT WORKED! Now I’m NOT going to say that I didn’t make a mess, because I did, but I also did it well.
Talk about a blessing from God!
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
Friday, December 29, 2006
Wednesday, December 27, 2006 Addition
OK, I held off from telling you this because I didn’t want to bother you during family time…but here I go. I have a special recovery blessing to pass on, one that may go further, I just don’t know. Anyways, as I’ve told you before, my left hand just doesn’t work, so I have to use only my right hand to use my computer. Well, that has changed somewhat. Now I can actually make use of my left hand too! Not for everything on the keyboard, but at times I feel that my left hand wants to get involved, so I involve it AND IT WORKS! Now that’s a blessing that I had to share! How far will it go? I don’t know and I don’t care. A blessing is a blessing!
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
OK, I held off from telling you this because I didn’t want to bother you during family time…but here I go. I have a special recovery blessing to pass on, one that may go further, I just don’t know. Anyways, as I’ve told you before, my left hand just doesn’t work, so I have to use only my right hand to use my computer. Well, that has changed somewhat. Now I can actually make use of my left hand too! Not for everything on the keyboard, but at times I feel that my left hand wants to get involved, so I involve it AND IT WORKS! Now that’s a blessing that I had to share! How far will it go? I don’t know and I don’t care. A blessing is a blessing!
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Tuesday, December 19, 2006 Addendum
Yesterday at Therapy was really hard. The first thing that I had was Physical Therapy and again that was just amazing, but the next one was Occupational Therapy, and that’s where the problems occurred. As with Physical everything was going extremely well, at first. Then I woke up on a mat and the Paramedics were coming to get me. And I didn’t remember a thing. But I was told that evidently we were playing a game and I had fallen backwards and cracked my head open on the floor. I was just clueless as far as what had happened, and I was taken by ambulance to the Emergency Room of a local hospital where I was given a CAT Scan and I got my head stapled then my sister and her husband had come and I was released to go home. I think it’s important to tell you that even though something went wrong, God was with me the whole time. My injuries were minor and easy to fix, plus I don’t remember a thing, so I had no bad memories to deal with!
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
Yesterday at Therapy was really hard. The first thing that I had was Physical Therapy and again that was just amazing, but the next one was Occupational Therapy, and that’s where the problems occurred. As with Physical everything was going extremely well, at first. Then I woke up on a mat and the Paramedics were coming to get me. And I didn’t remember a thing. But I was told that evidently we were playing a game and I had fallen backwards and cracked my head open on the floor. I was just clueless as far as what had happened, and I was taken by ambulance to the Emergency Room of a local hospital where I was given a CAT Scan and I got my head stapled then my sister and her husband had come and I was released to go home. I think it’s important to tell you that even though something went wrong, God was with me the whole time. My injuries were minor and easy to fix, plus I don’t remember a thing, so I had no bad memories to deal with!
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
Monday, December 18, 2006
Monday, December 18, 2006
I switched to Luke and the New International Version because Luke was a physician and I have learned so much through his writings in the NIV in my Sunday school class, that I obviously wanted to share it. Actually, nothing has changed. When a scripture comes from the New International Version it will be followed by NIV, otherwise it’s from THE MESSAGE.
In this story, I am crippled and invited to the banquet! Jesus told this story, and God is giving the banquet, so this story includes me too!
Luke 14:16-24
16 Jesus replied: "A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. 17 At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, 'Come, for everything is now ready.'
18 "But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, 'I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me. 19 "Another said, 'I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I'm on my way to try them out. Please excuse me. 20 "Still another said, 'I just got married, so I can't come.' 21 "The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.' 22 "'Sir,' the servant said, 'what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.'
18 "But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, 'I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.'
19 "Another said, 'I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I'm on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.'
20 "Still another said, 'I just got married, so I can't come.'
21 "The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.'
22 "'Sir,' the servant said, 'what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.'
23 "Then the master told his servant, 'Go out to the roads and country lanes and make them come in, so that my house will be full. 24 I tell you, not one of those men who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.'"NIV
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
I switched to Luke and the New International Version because Luke was a physician and I have learned so much through his writings in the NIV in my Sunday school class, that I obviously wanted to share it. Actually, nothing has changed. When a scripture comes from the New International Version it will be followed by NIV, otherwise it’s from THE MESSAGE.
In this story, I am crippled and invited to the banquet! Jesus told this story, and God is giving the banquet, so this story includes me too!
Luke 14:16-24
16 Jesus replied: "A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. 17 At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, 'Come, for everything is now ready.'
18 "But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, 'I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me. 19 "Another said, 'I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I'm on my way to try them out. Please excuse me. 20 "Still another said, 'I just got married, so I can't come.' 21 "The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.' 22 "'Sir,' the servant said, 'what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.'
18 "But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, 'I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.'
19 "Another said, 'I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I'm on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.'
20 "Still another said, 'I just got married, so I can't come.'
21 "The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.'
22 "'Sir,' the servant said, 'what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.'
23 "Then the master told his servant, 'Go out to the roads and country lanes and make them come in, so that my house will be full. 24 I tell you, not one of those men who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.'"NIV
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
What am I going to wear today?
What am I going to do at work today?
What am I going to do about or with that person today?
What am I going to do if there’s traffic today?
What am I going to do…
Today, today, today.
That’s such a huge problem.
The Bible clearly states that before you were conceived that God had planned all of the days of your life, and it also states that before you speak a word that He knows what you’re going to say.
He formed and made the world that world in which we live, and that includes US from as far as we can go, both backwards and forwards, from conception through delivery and everything in between. So, with all that being so clearly spelled out, why do we question so many things in this world where God is clearly in control? Yes, Satan has his job clearly cut out, and that’s to take our focus off of God, BUT AS CHRISTIANS our job is to make him fail by keeping our focus in the right place, on God! So, the next time your mind is beginning to fill with questions, just remind yourself, out loud if necessary, that this is God’s world and whatever will happen will happen and God knows about it and has already dealt with it. Now you probably wonder about prayer. Is it necessary them? Well of course it is, but you may want to look at a couple of things differently. God is your Father, so He does very much like to have conversations with you and know how you’re feeling, but remember, your life and the lives of others are already planned out, and you CANNOT change His will, so don’t even try. Even Jesus, who had a much different and closer relationship to God, taught us to pray with thanksgiving and for help \nwith things that we should be doing, and He provides that help, but with respect to others, His plan is already in action."
He formed and made the world that world in which we live, and that includes US from as far as we can go, both backwards and forwards, from conception through delivery and everything in between.
So, with all that being so clearly spelled out, why do we question so many things in this world where God is clearly in control? Yes, Satan has his job clearly cut out, and that’s to take our focus off of God, BUT AS CHRISTIANS our job is to make him fail by keeping our focus in the right place, on God!
So, the next time your mind is beginning to fill with questions, just remind yourself, out loud if necessary, that this is God’s world and whatever will happen will happen and God knows about it and has already dealt with it.
Now you probably wonder about prayer. Is it necessary them? Well of course it is, but you may want to look at a couple of things differently. God is your Father, so He does very much like to have conversations with you and know how you’re feeling, but remember, your life and the lives of others are already planned out, and you CANNOT change His will, so don’t even try. Even Jesus, who had a much different and closer relationship to God, taught us to pray with thanksgiving and for help with things that we should be doing, and He provides that help, but with respect to others, His plan is already in action.
He’s an awesome God, no doubt!
Imagine, if you will, what kind of a God He’d be if He just sat around in Heaven making or letting bad things happen and then waiting for us to pray about what we wanted changed. Pretty ridiculous and bringing Him down to our level, wouldn’t you say?
I can’t tell you how relaxed I feel and how much I truly feel God’s presence and love and care since realizing this, and I know that you will too!
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
What am I going to do at work today?
What am I going to do about or with that person today?
What am I going to do if there’s traffic today?
What am I going to do…
Today, today, today.
That’s such a huge problem.
The Bible clearly states that before you were conceived that God had planned all of the days of your life, and it also states that before you speak a word that He knows what you’re going to say.
He formed and made the world that world in which we live, and that includes US from as far as we can go, both backwards and forwards, from conception through delivery and everything in between. So, with all that being so clearly spelled out, why do we question so many things in this world where God is clearly in control? Yes, Satan has his job clearly cut out, and that’s to take our focus off of God, BUT AS CHRISTIANS our job is to make him fail by keeping our focus in the right place, on God! So, the next time your mind is beginning to fill with questions, just remind yourself, out loud if necessary, that this is God’s world and whatever will happen will happen and God knows about it and has already dealt with it. Now you probably wonder about prayer. Is it necessary them? Well of course it is, but you may want to look at a couple of things differently. God is your Father, so He does very much like to have conversations with you and know how you’re feeling, but remember, your life and the lives of others are already planned out, and you CANNOT change His will, so don’t even try. Even Jesus, who had a much different and closer relationship to God, taught us to pray with thanksgiving and for help \nwith things that we should be doing, and He provides that help, but with respect to others, His plan is already in action."
He formed and made the world that world in which we live, and that includes US from as far as we can go, both backwards and forwards, from conception through delivery and everything in between.
So, with all that being so clearly spelled out, why do we question so many things in this world where God is clearly in control? Yes, Satan has his job clearly cut out, and that’s to take our focus off of God, BUT AS CHRISTIANS our job is to make him fail by keeping our focus in the right place, on God!
So, the next time your mind is beginning to fill with questions, just remind yourself, out loud if necessary, that this is God’s world and whatever will happen will happen and God knows about it and has already dealt with it.
Now you probably wonder about prayer. Is it necessary them? Well of course it is, but you may want to look at a couple of things differently. God is your Father, so He does very much like to have conversations with you and know how you’re feeling, but remember, your life and the lives of others are already planned out, and you CANNOT change His will, so don’t even try. Even Jesus, who had a much different and closer relationship to God, taught us to pray with thanksgiving and for help with things that we should be doing, and He provides that help, but with respect to others, His plan is already in action.
He’s an awesome God, no doubt!
Imagine, if you will, what kind of a God He’d be if He just sat around in Heaven making or letting bad things happen and then waiting for us to pray about what we wanted changed. Pretty ridiculous and bringing Him down to our level, wouldn’t you say?
I can’t tell you how relaxed I feel and how much I truly feel God’s presence and love and care since realizing this, and I know that you will too!
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
Monday, December 11, 2006
Saturday, December 9, 2006 Addition
This is so beautiful, just like my last few days in Therapy. I NEVER have to go wondering if God is with me, I KNOW HE IS! And He always shows me by doing things like helping me to stand and do things and walk. I AM SO BLESSED!
And so are you, that’s why when I read this this morning, I wanted to share this with you”
All is gift
Every desirable and beneficial gift comes out of Heaven.
James 1:17
Each morning we wake to a world…that is given by God. God shares who He is and what He makes, His love and His salvation. He is not just maker of Heaven and earth; He is not just the revealer of truth; He is not just architect of salvation. He gives… Where all is gift. I do not own things or persons and thus don’t have to protect them. Therefore I do not have to be anxious. In a world of grace I do not live in laborious struggle to fashion a world that suits my needs and desires, hammering together a life out of the bits and pieces of scrap lumber that come my way. I do not live in anxious suspicion, nervous of what others might do to me, what others might think of me. I simply discover and receive.
Boy I sure learned a lot from that!
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
This is so beautiful, just like my last few days in Therapy. I NEVER have to go wondering if God is with me, I KNOW HE IS! And He always shows me by doing things like helping me to stand and do things and walk. I AM SO BLESSED!
And so are you, that’s why when I read this this morning, I wanted to share this with you”
All is gift
Every desirable and beneficial gift comes out of Heaven.
James 1:17
Each morning we wake to a world…that is given by God. God shares who He is and what He makes, His love and His salvation. He is not just maker of Heaven and earth; He is not just the revealer of truth; He is not just architect of salvation. He gives… Where all is gift. I do not own things or persons and thus don’t have to protect them. Therefore I do not have to be anxious. In a world of grace I do not live in laborious struggle to fashion a world that suits my needs and desires, hammering together a life out of the bits and pieces of scrap lumber that come my way. I do not live in anxious suspicion, nervous of what others might do to me, what others might think of me. I simply discover and receive.
Boy I sure learned a lot from that!
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Wednesday, December 6, 2006 Addendum
I am going to Therapy today. The big difference is that now I’m not wondering how well I’ll do, I know that I’m not just going to Therapy and HOPING that God heard me and will answer my prayers, thus positively, I know that He is going with me and His Will will be done. I can’t tell you how much better I feel! That’s the way Jesus prayed before His arrest, “Not what I want, but what you want”. And He was a human at the time, so things did bother him, but He knew where the ultimate and best control was. So it’s not my will that matters, He had my whole life laid out way before I was conceived, so His will makes more sense than mine.
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
I am going to Therapy today. The big difference is that now I’m not wondering how well I’ll do, I know that I’m not just going to Therapy and HOPING that God heard me and will answer my prayers, thus positively, I know that He is going with me and His Will will be done. I can’t tell you how much better I feel! That’s the way Jesus prayed before His arrest, “Not what I want, but what you want”. And He was a human at the time, so things did bother him, but He knew where the ultimate and best control was. So it’s not my will that matters, He had my whole life laid out way before I was conceived, so His will makes more sense than mine.
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Tuesday, December 5, 2006
I am with you ALWAYS
In Matthew 28:20b Jesus said:
20b And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
This is very true, although I think many people, including myself, at times, don’t realize it. There are many times when we think He’s like an earthly Santa. He’s making a list and checking it twice, He’s going to find out who’s naughty and nice… But I’m a living example that this just isn’t true! I was living a poor ungodly life when I got hurt, but I didn’t die, HE MADE ME LIVE AND KEEPS HELPING ME!
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
I am with you ALWAYS
In Matthew 28:20b Jesus said:
20b And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
This is very true, although I think many people, including myself, at times, don’t realize it. There are many times when we think He’s like an earthly Santa. He’s making a list and checking it twice, He’s going to find out who’s naughty and nice… But I’m a living example that this just isn’t true! I was living a poor ungodly life when I got hurt, but I didn’t die, HE MADE ME LIVE AND KEEPS HELPING ME!
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
Monday, December 04, 2006
Monday, December 4, 2006
AddendumI really don’t know what to say except that now it feels weird to be in my wheelchair. At Therapy I walk all of the time, in fact, today I even played a board game just standing up by myself! Now, reality bites, and I got a little worn out. But those of you who can walk had better take some time to thank God that you can because I can tell you that it takes A LOT to try to do it. Now I’m not saying that God wasn’t there, because if He wasn’t, I wouldn’t be able to do anything. Sure, He was there.
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
AddendumI really don’t know what to say except that now it feels weird to be in my wheelchair. At Therapy I walk all of the time, in fact, today I even played a board game just standing up by myself! Now, reality bites, and I got a little worn out. But those of you who can walk had better take some time to thank God that you can because I can tell you that it takes A LOT to try to do it. Now I’m not saying that God wasn’t there, because if He wasn’t, I wouldn’t be able to do anything. Sure, He was there.
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Saturday, December 2, 2006 Addendum
Well, God and I took a shower tonight. Now I’m not stupid, but He did help me TO STAND, FROM THE MOMENT THE SHOWER BEGAN THROUGH BEING DRIED OFF AND STEPPING INTO MY BOXERS THEN STEPPING INTO MY WHEEL CHAIR. AND THROUGH ALL OF IT I MOVED AND STOOD PERFECTLY! PRAISE GOD!
That was so awesome that I had to turn my computer back on and write to you. That’s never happened before, but God is totally obviously doing an awesome work in me.
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
Well, God and I took a shower tonight. Now I’m not stupid, but He did help me TO STAND, FROM THE MOMENT THE SHOWER BEGAN THROUGH BEING DRIED OFF AND STEPPING INTO MY BOXERS THEN STEPPING INTO MY WHEEL CHAIR. AND THROUGH ALL OF IT I MOVED AND STOOD PERFECTLY! PRAISE GOD!
That was so awesome that I had to turn my computer back on and write to you. That’s never happened before, but God is totally obviously doing an awesome work in me.
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Thursday, November 30, 2006 Addition
Yesterday the Lord and I went to Ballard to Therapy, and go with me He did! I prayed beforehand, from my heart, that His Will be done, so I was prepared for anything, and anything was what I got! I actually stood up at a table with nothing but myself and God for balance and moved things from one side to the other! Then, standing up by myself again I wheeled a bicycle with BOTH HANDS! Then I walked with a large walker. Just walking and not using the walker for support! I was actually standing up for around 30 minutes, and I thanked God for His help, and then I thought of telling you.
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
Yesterday the Lord and I went to Ballard to Therapy, and go with me He did! I prayed beforehand, from my heart, that His Will be done, so I was prepared for anything, and anything was what I got! I actually stood up at a table with nothing but myself and God for balance and moved things from one side to the other! Then, standing up by myself again I wheeled a bicycle with BOTH HANDS! Then I walked with a large walker. Just walking and not using the walker for support! I was actually standing up for around 30 minutes, and I thanked God for His help, and then I thought of telling you.
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
This is how Jesus looked at the crooks and whores, how about you?
Matthew 21:31b-32
31b Jesus said, “Yes, and I tell you that crooks and whores are going to precede you into God’s kingdom. 32 John came to you showing you the right road. You turned up your noses at him, but the crooks and whores believed him. Even when you saw their changed lives, you didn’t care enough to change and believe him.
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
This is how Jesus looked at the crooks and whores, how about you?
Matthew 21:31b-32
31b Jesus said, “Yes, and I tell you that crooks and whores are going to precede you into God’s kingdom. 32 John came to you showing you the right road. You turned up your noses at him, but the crooks and whores believed him. Even when you saw their changed lives, you didn’t care enough to change and believe him.
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Monday, November 27, 2006 Addition
CHRISTMAS SONGS
Many of the popular songs are newer like “Here Comes Santa Clause” and “Rudolph the red nosed Reindeer” and are all focused on things of this earth but the old songs like “Silent night” and “Away in a Manger” all focused on Jesus and the holiday that celebrated His birth. Big difference there. So the next time you think of or celebrate Christmas, I suggest that you remember WHY we have it. Your spouse or family or your self will thank you and in addition, Jesus will thank you too!
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
CHRISTMAS SONGS
Many of the popular songs are newer like “Here Comes Santa Clause” and “Rudolph the red nosed Reindeer” and are all focused on things of this earth but the old songs like “Silent night” and “Away in a Manger” all focused on Jesus and the holiday that celebrated His birth. Big difference there. So the next time you think of or celebrate Christmas, I suggest that you remember WHY we have it. Your spouse or family or your self will thank you and in addition, Jesus will thank you too!
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
Friday, November 24, 2006 Addendum
Yesterday I sent an Addendum to you regarding parables, but I forgot to include the main one that I was thinking about! Call it a senior moment…
I was thinking about the Prodigal Son from Luke 15:11-31, we learned about this in Sunday school and I have a poster of the painting in my room on the wall. With the poster and the remembrance of the teaching I am constantly reminded of why Jesus told this parable: BECAUSE THAT’S HOW OUR FATHER LOVES US! Not that He turns us away because of what we’ve done, but He accepts us because we’ve come home. THIS IS SUCH A WONDERFUL FEELING!
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
Yesterday I sent an Addendum to you regarding parables, but I forgot to include the main one that I was thinking about! Call it a senior moment…
I was thinking about the Prodigal Son from Luke 15:11-31, we learned about this in Sunday school and I have a poster of the painting in my room on the wall. With the poster and the remembrance of the teaching I am constantly reminded of why Jesus told this parable: BECAUSE THAT’S HOW OUR FATHER LOVES US! Not that He turns us away because of what we’ve done, but He accepts us because we’ve come home. THIS IS SUCH A WONDERFUL FEELING!
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
Tuesday, November 21, 2006 Addition
Well, you know how things work sometimes…yes, they went from really good to really bad for me. One moment I was walking at Ballard, and the next I was wishing that I could run and hide. I don’t want to say what went wrong, but The Godhead knows, so I’ll just ask you for prayer.
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
Well, you know how things work sometimes…yes, they went from really good to really bad for me. One moment I was walking at Ballard, and the next I was wishing that I could run and hide. I don’t want to say what went wrong, but The Godhead knows, so I’ll just ask you for prayer.
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
Tuesday, November 21, 2006 Addendum
I went to Ballard yesterday and I must say, THE GODHEAD WAS AT WORK IN ME! Firstly, I sat on a mat and threw bean bags with no problem, all of my transfers were good, then I stood up in the parallel bars and used 1 hand then the other to touch something gently, then finally but with great success, I walked a large distance, properly, with a special walker. Needless to say, I said a large “thank you” prayer when I was done.
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
I went to Ballard yesterday and I must say, THE GODHEAD WAS AT WORK IN ME! Firstly, I sat on a mat and threw bean bags with no problem, all of my transfers were good, then I stood up in the parallel bars and used 1 hand then the other to touch something gently, then finally but with great success, I walked a large distance, properly, with a special walker. Needless to say, I said a large “thank you” prayer when I was done.
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
Monday, November 20, 2006
Monday, November 20, 2006 Addendum
Now, before Thanksgiving, I hear nothing but Christmas carols on television and the radio (secular stations). First of all, I don’t remember that happening 6 years ago, and secondly, but MOST IMPORTANTLY, the world sees this as a money making holiday and NOT THE BIRTH OF OUR SAVIOR! I’m not sure specifically what we can do, but IF WE CARE ABOUT OTHERS, THEN WE MUST DO SOMETHING!
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
Now, before Thanksgiving, I hear nothing but Christmas carols on television and the radio (secular stations). First of all, I don’t remember that happening 6 years ago, and secondly, but MOST IMPORTANTLY, the world sees this as a money making holiday and NOT THE BIRTH OF OUR SAVIOR! I’m not sure specifically what we can do, but IF WE CARE ABOUT OTHERS, THEN WE MUST DO SOMETHING!
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
Friday, November 17, 2006
Friday, November 17, 2006 AdditionI read this this morning and immediately thought of sharing it:God sticks with usThe central reality for Christians is the personal, unalterable,persevering commitment God makes to us. Perseverance is not the resultsof our determination, it is the results of God’s faithfulness. Wesurvive in the way of faith not because we have extraordinary stamina butbecause God is righteous, because God sticks with us.A Servant for Christ,
Toby
Toby
Friday, November 17, 2006 Addition
For the last two or so days, I have experienced the realization that I am now handicapped. Not just kind of handicapped, but REALLY handicapped. I don’t want to say everything that has happened, but I will tell you that while I was brushing my teeth, I had to THINK REALLY HARD about where I was going to put my toothbrush in my mouth (which I’m sure is NO BIG DEAL to you) and I STILL MISSED and hit the side of my face! And that’s just one of the many things that have happened. But I still remembered that handicapped or NOT, my goal is for God, and no failure in this world is going to change that in my mind. So, I have been trying to think of ways to still accomplish that and any ways you can think of, please message me.
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
For the last two or so days, I have experienced the realization that I am now handicapped. Not just kind of handicapped, but REALLY handicapped. I don’t want to say everything that has happened, but I will tell you that while I was brushing my teeth, I had to THINK REALLY HARD about where I was going to put my toothbrush in my mouth (which I’m sure is NO BIG DEAL to you) and I STILL MISSED and hit the side of my face! And that’s just one of the many things that have happened. But I still remembered that handicapped or NOT, my goal is for God, and no failure in this world is going to change that in my mind. So, I have been trying to think of ways to still accomplish that and any ways you can think of, please message me.
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
Friday, November 10, 2006
Thursday, November 9, 2006
This is an awesome lesson from Jesus!
Matthew 6:9-13
9With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this:
Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
10Set the world right;
Do what’s best—
as above, so below.
11Keep us alive with three square meals.
12Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
13Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You can do anything you want!
You’re ablaze in beauty!
Yes. Yes. Yes.
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
This is an awesome lesson from Jesus!
Matthew 6:9-13
9With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this:
Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
10Set the world right;
Do what’s best—
as above, so below.
11Keep us alive with three square meals.
12Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
13Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You can do anything you want!
You’re ablaze in beauty!
Yes. Yes. Yes.
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
Sunday, November 05, 2006
I was listening to a Rich Mullins CD this morning and one of the songs was something that I thought you'd appreciate, so I typed it out for you:
Growing Young
I've gone so far from my home,
seen the world and I have known,
so many secrets, I wish I did not know,
cuz they've, crept into my heart,
and they've left it cold and dark,, bleeding and falling apart,
But everybody used to tell me BIG BOY'S DON'T CRY,
And I've been around enough to know that that was a lie,
cuz I've seen the tears in the eyes of a thousand prodigal sons,
they are children of old,
they have sinned and grown old,
but the father still waits and watches down the road,
to see the crying boys come running back to his arms,
they're growing young'
I have attached the song for you.
This reminds me of the parable and my poster (Rembrandt's "Prodigal Son").
I hope you like it.
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
Growing Young
I've gone so far from my home,
seen the world and I have known,
so many secrets, I wish I did not know,
cuz they've, crept into my heart,
and they've left it cold and dark,, bleeding and falling apart,
But everybody used to tell me BIG BOY'S DON'T CRY,
And I've been around enough to know that that was a lie,
cuz I've seen the tears in the eyes of a thousand prodigal sons,
they are children of old,
they have sinned and grown old,
but the father still waits and watches down the road,
to see the crying boys come running back to his arms,
they're growing young'
I have attached the song for you.
This reminds me of the parable and my poster (Rembrandt's "Prodigal Son").
I hope you like it.
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Thursday, November 2, 2006 Addition
God is in Total Control
You may already know this, and if you do I’m sorry, but I was doing some support for someone where I live, yesterday, and all of the sudden it became so clear to me that NOTHING ever happens or has happened that God hasn’t planned and controlled – ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! He NEVER does anything wrong either. It may not be what we have anticipated either, but that may be because we expect to have an effect on things that really only He has control over.
I feel SO MUCH BETTER now, because I have given back to Him what was already His to begin with.
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
God is in Total Control
You may already know this, and if you do I’m sorry, but I was doing some support for someone where I live, yesterday, and all of the sudden it became so clear to me that NOTHING ever happens or has happened that God hasn’t planned and controlled – ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! He NEVER does anything wrong either. It may not be what we have anticipated either, but that may be because we expect to have an effect on things that really only He has control over.
I feel SO MUCH BETTER now, because I have given back to Him what was already His to begin with.
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Sunday, October 29, 2006 Addition
I have to tell you about Sunday School today. We didn’t have the normal class, instead someone showed all of the pictures of when the class went to the beach, the mountains, and even a movie of people in the class talking about God. And all the way through it I realized that I love these people! Every last one of them. In Christ, I love them! And their appearance or looks didn’t matter, I just loved them.
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
I have to tell you about Sunday School today. We didn’t have the normal class, instead someone showed all of the pictures of when the class went to the beach, the mountains, and even a movie of people in the class talking about God. And all the way through it I realized that I love these people! Every last one of them. In Christ, I love them! And their appearance or looks didn’t matter, I just loved them.
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
Brother,
I don't know if you can fathom this, but a minimum of 42 years of my life have gone by and I have very little or no memory of them.
Matthew 10:21-23
21“When people realize it is the living God you are presenting and not some idol that makes them feel good, they are going to turn on you, even people in your own family. 22There is a great irony here: proclaiming so much love, experiencing so much hate! But don’t quit. Don’t cave in. It is all well worth it in the end. 23It is not success you are after in such times but survival. Be survivors! Before you’ve run out of options, the Son of Man will have arrived.
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
I don't know if you can fathom this, but a minimum of 42 years of my life have gone by and I have very little or no memory of them.
Matthew 10:21-23
21“When people realize it is the living God you are presenting and not some idol that makes them feel good, they are going to turn on you, even people in your own family. 22There is a great irony here: proclaiming so much love, experiencing so much hate! But don’t quit. Don’t cave in. It is all well worth it in the end. 23It is not success you are after in such times but survival. Be survivors! Before you’ve run out of options, the Son of Man will have arrived.
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
Monday, October 30, 2006
I have finished the Old Testament now and I have something to say. First of all, I hope that my use of THE MESSAGE has not offended anyone because I’ve learned a great deal! And the second thing is, and I don’t want to offend anyone, but I believe that, especially after reading The Prophets, that the God-of-the-Angel-Armies may have gotten His fill of all of the sin in New Orleans and cleaned up the city. Now I’m not saying that we shouldn’t be in there helping, because I feel that we should. But rebuilding houses is only one thing that they need. What they need, more than that, are Churches and a strong faith that they live instead of preparing for Mar-D-Gras time. If we establish that, then they’ll be set for Heaven and they’re ours for eternity.
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
I have finished the Old Testament now and I have something to say. First of all, I hope that my use of THE MESSAGE has not offended anyone because I’ve learned a great deal! And the second thing is, and I don’t want to offend anyone, but I believe that, especially after reading The Prophets, that the God-of-the-Angel-Armies may have gotten His fill of all of the sin in New Orleans and cleaned up the city. Now I’m not saying that we shouldn’t be in there helping, because I feel that we should. But rebuilding houses is only one thing that they need. What they need, more than that, are Churches and a strong faith that they live instead of preparing for Mar-D-Gras time. If we establish that, then they’ll be set for Heaven and they’re ours for eternity.
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Saturday, October 28, 2006 Addition #2
When I send Addendum’s it’s because I’ve thought of something that I want to share, but it’s mostly just because I’ve thought of something. I hope that I’m not boring you…
But I did think of one more thing that I wanted to share with you, and maybe you can help me with:
Yesterday when I was at Ballard Rehab., I watched an Employee Luau where everyone dressed Hawaiian, had lunch together, took pictures together, talked, laughed and played volleyball. And the whole time I watched, about an hour, I thought how I would NEVER EXPERIENCE ANYTHING LIKE THAT AGAIN. Not only can I not remember what I once knew, but with thickeners etc. I have to be so careful of what I and when I eat.
So when it was all said and done, I just felt a little lost.
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
When I send Addendum’s it’s because I’ve thought of something that I want to share, but it’s mostly just because I’ve thought of something. I hope that I’m not boring you…
But I did think of one more thing that I wanted to share with you, and maybe you can help me with:
Yesterday when I was at Ballard Rehab., I watched an Employee Luau where everyone dressed Hawaiian, had lunch together, took pictures together, talked, laughed and played volleyball. And the whole time I watched, about an hour, I thought how I would NEVER EXPERIENCE ANYTHING LIKE THAT AGAIN. Not only can I not remember what I once knew, but with thickeners etc. I have to be so careful of what I and when I eat.
So when it was all said and done, I just felt a little lost.
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
Saturday, October 28, 2006 Addition
In California you hear this and I’m not sure if you hear it where you live, but every other commercial is about why you should or should not vote for proposition # whatever. It seems that nothing is more important than whether or not something passes, but (just to change the subject) what about whether or not someone goes to Heaven or Hell? I think that the latter is more important. What if there were commercials about that? Like if the announcer said: When is the last time you read Ephesians 2:7-10? Then they read
7 Now God has us where he wants us, with all the time in this world and the next to shower grace and kindness upon us in Christ Jesus. 8 Saving is all his idea, and all his work. All we do is trust him enough to let him do it. It's God's gift from start to finish! 9 We don't play the major role. If we did, we'd probably go around bragging that we'd done the whole thing! 10 No, we neither make nor save ourselves. God does both the making and saving. He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing.
Now THAT will do more good and makes more sense than ANY OTHER COMMERCIALS! Doesn’t it? Isn’t that the work we had better be doing?
This world we live in is just “dis” everything in every way. Jesus is just an interruption to what they believe to be important, instead of the reality of what really IS CRITICAL AND IMPORTANT. So between this and what I wrote last night, we have our WORK cut out for us.
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
In California you hear this and I’m not sure if you hear it where you live, but every other commercial is about why you should or should not vote for proposition # whatever. It seems that nothing is more important than whether or not something passes, but (just to change the subject) what about whether or not someone goes to Heaven or Hell? I think that the latter is more important. What if there were commercials about that? Like if the announcer said: When is the last time you read Ephesians 2:7-10? Then they read
7 Now God has us where he wants us, with all the time in this world and the next to shower grace and kindness upon us in Christ Jesus. 8 Saving is all his idea, and all his work. All we do is trust him enough to let him do it. It's God's gift from start to finish! 9 We don't play the major role. If we did, we'd probably go around bragging that we'd done the whole thing! 10 No, we neither make nor save ourselves. God does both the making and saving. He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing.
Now THAT will do more good and makes more sense than ANY OTHER COMMERCIALS! Doesn’t it? Isn’t that the work we had better be doing?
This world we live in is just “dis” everything in every way. Jesus is just an interruption to what they believe to be important, instead of the reality of what really IS CRITICAL AND IMPORTANT. So between this and what I wrote last night, we have our WORK cut out for us.
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
Friday, October 27, 2006 Addendum
I have 2 things to tell you:
First, I rode the bus again and Therapy was wonderful. I have to admit that even though I pray about it before, several times, and I honestly say “Lord, you have given me so much, and I am so thankful, so if you’re done with me now, that’s ok with me cuz your will with me has been far more than I could’ve hoped for…” And I expect to fail, but you know what? I WALKED PERFECTLY AGAIN! That reminds me of this scripture:
Eph 3:20
20 God can do anything, you know — far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.
(from THE MESSAGE)
Then #2, when I rode the bus home, there were 5 other people with SEVERE handicaps. In fact, I even wondered how some of them could ride the bus without supervision. Then I thought, thousands of dollars have been collected for victims of tragedies, but who do others think these people are? VICTIMS OF TRAGEDIES! I’m sure that most or all of these people didn’t choose to be the way they are, but no one, not even our Churches have reached out to them.
As long as the state will do it, we don’t even think about it. Is that good? NO!
Servant for Christ,
Toby
I have 2 things to tell you:
First, I rode the bus again and Therapy was wonderful. I have to admit that even though I pray about it before, several times, and I honestly say “Lord, you have given me so much, and I am so thankful, so if you’re done with me now, that’s ok with me cuz your will with me has been far more than I could’ve hoped for…” And I expect to fail, but you know what? I WALKED PERFECTLY AGAIN! That reminds me of this scripture:
Eph 3:20
20 God can do anything, you know — far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.
(from THE MESSAGE)
Then #2, when I rode the bus home, there were 5 other people with SEVERE handicaps. In fact, I even wondered how some of them could ride the bus without supervision. Then I thought, thousands of dollars have been collected for victims of tragedies, but who do others think these people are? VICTIMS OF TRAGEDIES! I’m sure that most or all of these people didn’t choose to be the way they are, but no one, not even our Churches have reached out to them.
As long as the state will do it, we don’t even think about it. Is that good? NO!
Servant for Christ,
Toby
Wednesday, October 25, 2006 Addition
I went to Ballard today for Therapy, which was very good, but on the way back, on the bus, there was an extremely strong and good answer to prayer and the silly pity party that I was having. PRAISE GOD!! At one stop we picked up a man who carried a blind stick and he had an uncontrollable twitch in his muscles. At another stop, we picked up a woman who was legally blind. She had a guide dog who rode with us too. And it didn’t take me long to realize that God has done more than I could’ve hoped for or imagined with me. Now I want to make something VERY CLEAR, I’m not questioning their faith and promoting mine, because only God knows everyone’s hearts. It was obviously Him who pointed that out to me and I wanted to share it with you.
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
I went to Ballard today for Therapy, which was very good, but on the way back, on the bus, there was an extremely strong and good answer to prayer and the silly pity party that I was having. PRAISE GOD!! At one stop we picked up a man who carried a blind stick and he had an uncontrollable twitch in his muscles. At another stop, we picked up a woman who was legally blind. She had a guide dog who rode with us too. And it didn’t take me long to realize that God has done more than I could’ve hoped for or imagined with me. Now I want to make something VERY CLEAR, I’m not questioning their faith and promoting mine, because only God knows everyone’s hearts. It was obviously Him who pointed that out to me and I wanted to share it with you.
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
10/25/06 Addition
Wednesday, October 25, 2006 Addition
I don’t mind telling you this, but I am extremely depressed these days. As my Brain heals, I remember more and more of my life before. My job, my abilities, my life at home, etc., and my lifestyle. None of that is the same now, and although I believe that my relationship with God is simply awesome now, sometimes I think that I have nothing to do, so I turn to Solitaire and before long, that bores me too, and I shut the computer off and go to bed.
There’s always the next day, but most likely, it will be the same. So that’s when I get depressed.
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
I don’t mind telling you this, but I am extremely depressed these days. As my Brain heals, I remember more and more of my life before. My job, my abilities, my life at home, etc., and my lifestyle. None of that is the same now, and although I believe that my relationship with God is simply awesome now, sometimes I think that I have nothing to do, so I turn to Solitaire and before long, that bores me too, and I shut the computer off and go to bed.
There’s always the next day, but most likely, it will be the same. So that’s when I get depressed.
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
I am standing
Tuesday, October 10, 2006 Addition
I imagine that some of you will read this and say ”So what! I do that all the time”. But you have to remember that I’m handicapped, so I don’t.
Anyways, Uncle Johnny came over to give me a shower tonight, which is perfectly normal, but after he washed my hair, I actually STOOD UP holding on to the bars in front, and I STAYED UP, strongly, throughout the rest of the shower and THEN I SAT DOWN.
I don’t mind telling you that BOTH Uncle Johnny and I were BOTH SHOCKED at how long and well that I stood. I almost felt normal again and I couldn’t wait to tell you about it.
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
I imagine that some of you will read this and say ”So what! I do that all the time”. But you have to remember that I’m handicapped, so I don’t.
Anyways, Uncle Johnny came over to give me a shower tonight, which is perfectly normal, but after he washed my hair, I actually STOOD UP holding on to the bars in front, and I STAYED UP, strongly, throughout the rest of the shower and THEN I SAT DOWN.
I don’t mind telling you that BOTH Uncle Johnny and I were BOTH SHOCKED at how long and well that I stood. I almost felt normal again and I couldn’t wait to tell you about it.
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
I feel him walking with me
Wednesday, October 18, 2006 Addition
I have to tell you this because it was SO SPECIAL! I went to therapy today at Ballard. First of all the bus was late to get me and I arrived at therapy late so because I was late, they cut my time in Occupational Therapy way down. Then, the next thing was Physical Therapy, and this Therapist came by and told me that I was hers and then my favorite Therapist came up and said that due to a change in plans, she was taking me. Now, normally a person would think “Nothing is going right today”, but not me. I had prayed about therapy this morning, and on the bus there and there, so I knew that God had full control of my therapy, in fact, according to scriptures, I was sure that He already knew! Anyways, when I started walking, I COULD ACTUALLY FEEL HIM WALKING WITH ME. AND I WALKED SO WELL. I’M NOT KIDDING AT ALL! And I immediately thought about telling you!
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
I have to tell you this because it was SO SPECIAL! I went to therapy today at Ballard. First of all the bus was late to get me and I arrived at therapy late so because I was late, they cut my time in Occupational Therapy way down. Then, the next thing was Physical Therapy, and this Therapist came by and told me that I was hers and then my favorite Therapist came up and said that due to a change in plans, she was taking me. Now, normally a person would think “Nothing is going right today”, but not me. I had prayed about therapy this morning, and on the bus there and there, so I knew that God had full control of my therapy, in fact, according to scriptures, I was sure that He already knew! Anyways, when I started walking, I COULD ACTUALLY FEEL HIM WALKING WITH ME. AND I WALKED SO WELL. I’M NOT KIDDING AT ALL! And I immediately thought about telling you!
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
Godlike trust
Tuesday, October 24, 2006 Addition
I read this today and thought it was so special that I wanted to share it:
GODLIKE TRUST
Unless you accept God’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get in.
Mark 10:15
Christian faith is not neurotic dependency but childlike trust…we do not cling to God out of fear and the panic of insecurity. We come to Him freely in faith and love.
Our Lord gave us the picture of the child as a model for Christian faith not because of the child’s helplessness but because of the child’s willingness to be led, to be taught, to be blessed.
This next section isn’t by me, but I love the scriptures…How many of us greet God by saying “What’s next, Papa?” It’s in scripture, so we should. I do. And it brings my relationship as an adopted child into a whole new and real place.
Matt 23:8-9
9 Don't set people up as experts over your life, letting them tell you what to do. Save that authority for God; let him tell you what to do. No one else should carry the title of 'Father '; you have only one Father , and he's in heaven.
Rom 8:15
15 This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It's adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike "What's next, Papa?"
Only He knows and plans what’s next, and because He decides, there’s absolutely nothing to be worried about.
All scriptures are from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved.
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
I read this today and thought it was so special that I wanted to share it:
GODLIKE TRUST
Unless you accept God’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get in.
Mark 10:15
Christian faith is not neurotic dependency but childlike trust…we do not cling to God out of fear and the panic of insecurity. We come to Him freely in faith and love.
Our Lord gave us the picture of the child as a model for Christian faith not because of the child’s helplessness but because of the child’s willingness to be led, to be taught, to be blessed.
This next section isn’t by me, but I love the scriptures…How many of us greet God by saying “What’s next, Papa?” It’s in scripture, so we should. I do. And it brings my relationship as an adopted child into a whole new and real place.
Matt 23:8-9
9 Don't set people up as experts over your life, letting them tell you what to do. Save that authority for God; let him tell you what to do. No one else should carry the title of 'Father '; you have only one Father , and he's in heaven.
Rom 8:15
15 This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It's adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike "What's next, Papa?"
Only He knows and plans what’s next, and because He decides, there’s absolutely nothing to be worried about.
All scriptures are from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved.
A Servant for Christ,
Toby
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