Shining the Light J103

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Mike Lee

Praying For Others

Mike Lee

Each Monday we gather together here at J103 and we pray for one anothers needs and for the needs of listeners who send in prayer requests. It's a wonderful time each week that we enjoy and look forward to.

On a personal level, I have started making a habit of visiting the PRAYER WORKS page at J103.com and lifting up the needs of people who post prayer requests there. It is a daily reminder that no matter how bad my day may be going, someone else is going through much worse and they need people like ME to pray for them.

Prayer Works is such a wonderful opportunity to have people pray for you and for you to pray for others. We are the body of Christ. We need one another.

As each new year approaches we tend to reflect and look for things we can do to be better at walking with Christ. I hope you will consider making a visit to Prayer Works a part of your daily walk with Jesus. People in need are counting on you and I to lift them up.

Walking with a dummy.

Mike Lee

If you need a good laugh, check this out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exUNpxB0ewE

Redemption Island

Mike Lee

My grandson Tanner and I were watching Survivor last night. We have watched every season of this show and remain big fans.

A few seasons back they introduced a concept called "Redemption Island." When you are voted off your tribe at tribal council you go to an isolated location and wait until another person is voted off at the next tribal council. Then you have a chance to redeem yourself via a challenge of some sort. If you win the challenge you stay there on Redemption Island and keep fighting off other people voted out of thier tribes until a merge of the two tribes happens and then you are introduced back into the game.

This season, a rather brash woman named Christine has successfully won five challenges there and stayed alive in the game. Well, Ozzy, who is a very popular figure from a past season of survivor felt like he could be the best bet at beathing Christine if he faced her in a challenge on Redemption Island. If his tribe lost the immunity challenge he made plans to ask his tribe to vote him off the tribe so he could take her on.

Low and behold they did lose the immunity challenge and Ozzy laid out his plan to his tribe mates, as historically in the game a merge is probably going to occur after the very next challenge on Redemption Island. He did this even though he had found an individual immunity necklace that he could play to keep himself safe from being voted off.
Why? Because if he defeats Christine his tribe will go into the merge with strong numbers giving them a better chance at one of them winning the million dollar grand prize down the road.

While the show was airing, Tanner and I saw the gospel being played out in a way. His tribe needed a redeemer, and even though Ozzie was safe from being voted off he offered to abandon his position of safety and go to Redemption Island for the greater good of the team.

Jesus did this on a much grander scale. He had the safety of being with His Father. He had a tribe (a dying world) that needed a redeemer. He was willing to give up His own status and safety to enter our world as one of us. Then He gave His life for us. The challange was the cross and the grave and He defeated them both so that mankind could be led off "the island" and be in fellowship with God. The prize? Our salvation. Our redemption. What got our attention even more was something said by a tribe mate named Cochran.

Cochran is a nerdy Harvard Law student who doesn't offer much in the way of help at physical challenges. Last night he was the main cause they lost the immunity challenge in the first place. He got some ropes tangled and they lost a lead and valuable time in the challenge. He really did deserve to be voted off and go to Redemption Island and redeem himself to his tribe. However, Ozzy saw that he truly lacked the ability to redeem himself.

Tanner and I both so enjoyed watching such a bold move take place on Survivor last night, but we loved what Cochran said. He proclaimed about Ozzy's plan, "This is like the gospel."

God knew we lacked the ability to redeem ourselves from sin and death. So He sent Jesus to do it for us.

How cool is it that a simple reality TV show could point people to the "glad tidings of great joy" redemption message.

Telemarketing Calls No More

Mike Lee

Since filling in for Ted on the morning show this past few days, and being home in the afternoon I have noticed a huge amount of telemarketing calls to our house. We used to be on a national Do Not Call list, but I found out the original one we signed up for was only good for 5 years.

So I went to donotcall.gov and in five short minutes I had our home phone and both mine and my wife's cell phones registered. A very simple process and the good news...it doesn't expire anymore. Yea!

Here is the link so you can sign up yourself if you desire to:

www.donotcall.gov

Driving While Precipitated...

Mike Lee

Today I was in the J103 Prize Cruiser with our program director Justin Wade. We drove on I-75 to Cleveland to deliver a copier we donated to a non-profit there. On the way to and back I was amazed at the very dangerous things I saw people doing in a very strong rain on a rain soaked freeway.

Now you may not know this, but ol' Mikey Boy spent the better part of 2009 as a big rig driver. May I point out a few things that may well save your life? Thanks. Now let me step over here to my soap box.

1. When you have to use your windshield wipers you should also use your full headlights. I have heard people say this is silly because they can see just fine. That is dandy, however the LAW is in place to make you more visible both front and back to other drivers on the road. If you do this, it will make you a zillion times more visible.

2. When a big rig is passing another big rig or attempting to NEVER pass on the left hand side of the truck. There is a saying in trucking. The right side of the truck is the passing side. Passing on the left side of the truck is suicide. Give them ample time to pass and if they are trying to move over to pass a slower truck, especially approaching an uphill grade, and you see it, please flash your brights and let them pull in front of you. It will truly save lives.

3. If you think texting and driving is somewhat dangerous in good whether, why would you do it in a rain storm? Seriously? Is your death or the death of another driver worth answering or looking at that text?

4. If you follow the vehicle in front of you at a two car distance in good weather make a four car distance in bad. It makes bad weather emergency stops possible and not fatal.

I feel much better now. Please drive carefully and don't play with big trucks. They will win every time.

In Good And Bad Times...We Must Remember This.

Mike Lee

"I can do all things through Christ who strenghhens me." Phillipians 4:13

The last couple of days I have had friends from the J103 audiance reach out to me by way of phone calls, and emails. The range of what they are experiencing go from the loss of a father to being blessed with a much better job than they have ever had before.

Having been blessed by so much in my life, and yet having experienced so me very tough times in the last few years (being laid off, losing my Dad, treatment for Thyroid Cancer etc) I have come to cling to this verse. In good times and in bad.

Often we run to verses like this when it gets tough. Shouldn't we also run to them when things are good? Our loving heavenly Dad who rejected our being lost and sent His only Son is rooting us on, all the way home to reconcilliation with Him. We can do all things, and with great excellence mind you.

No matter what you are experiencing, Abba Father is rooting for you and watching as you win. He is giving you strength beyond all you could ever pray for.

You think about that!

In Case You Needed A Laugh Today...

Mike Lee

Attitude Is Everything.

Mike Lee

Being that I am a very silly and sarcastic type personality it is often difficult to be taken seriously. However, I also like to be a huge encourager. This is why I so enjoyed this Chuck Swindoll quote and I wanted to share it with you. It's all about attitude. With a good attituded God can use us to turn lemons into lemonade.

"We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes."
— Chuck Swindoll

Helping The Victims of Hurricane Irene

Mike Lee

Back in April people rallied around our area in the aftermath of the deadly tornadoes that causes so much damage. Having lived through this life changing experience, we well know first hand how tough it can be to not have power, not be able to be in your home, etc.

We certainly need to be God's hands and feet for the victims of Irene.

Here’s how you can help:

To Donate to the Red Cross

The Red Cross offers a number of different ways people can make financial donations. They include:

Online – Just visit redcross.org

By phone – Call 1-800-733-2767

By text – Text Redcross to 90999 to donate $10, which will be charged to your cell phone account

By mail – Send checks made out to the American Red Cross to P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013.

To Donate to the Salvation Army

The Salvation Army also provides donors a number of ways to help:

Online – salvationarmyusa.org

By phone – 1-800-725-2769

By text – Text the word Storm to 80888 to make a donation

By mail – Send checks made out to The Salvation Army Disaster Relief, PO BOX 1959 Atlanta, GA 30301. Designate “2011 Hurricane Season” on all checks.

Brandon Heath's Latest Video Really Touched Me

Mike Lee

Cooler Temperatures...Cooler Tempers

Mike Lee

It shouldn't take temperatures and humidity levels to come down for us to be nicer to one another. However, as this wave of cool weather has hit the area making all of us happier, I have noticed that on my commute to work and home (most of the time on two wheels) my fellow commuters, including myself, seem much more cooperative and nice. Less yelling, less obscene gusturing. It's made for a much nicer commute all around.

I hope we have a long and enjoyable fall season. I could use much more of this kind of commuting.

Hair Today...

Mike Lee

Reverse Haircut - Watch more Funny Videos

How Hot Is It?

Mike Lee

It's so hot this dog wants an indoor pool!

Dog Tries To Drag His Pool Indoors - Watch more Funny Videos

Healed Through and Through!

Mike Lee

I am so thrilled to pass along news to you that I received on Wednesday. I am officially cancer free!!! God is so good. He has used His might and power, the gifted hands of Dr. Jack Byrd and Dr. Lisa Virostek, and the support and prayers of my family and YOU to heal me completely. That's is how God does things you know. To completion.

When Christ was dying on the cross he uttered the words, "It is finished." In the Greek he said, "It is completely complete." Our salvation has been won. Our healing has been pre-determined whether it takes place here in our earth suits or in His home that He has prepared for us.

Thank you so much to those who have reached out to me over the last several months. It was no walk in the park, this battle with thyroid cancer, however I will honestly say I am a better man for it. I appreciate my wife, family and friends so much more than I ever have before.

It is great to be feeling "normal" again. It's great to be back on the air each day. It's great to be healed through and through.

Back Behind The Microphone!

Mike Lee

It's been a miracle how quickly my voice has come back. My oncologist told me it might be a month after my radiation before my voice was back to "normal." In less than three weeks I was able to get back into the studio and host the afternoon show again.

I have to admit, I was a bit nervous. I had been unable to speak for a couple of months and had gotten out of the groove of daily on air routine. I am so glad to be back. I really am.

The nice comments, emails and Face Book messages since my return have kept a smile on my face. It's great to be home...aiding people in their attempt to get BACK home after work each weekday afternoon. This is where God has me and I am glad to be in this place.

Freedom Isn't Free

Mike Lee

As I reflected over the July Fourth weekend about our freedoms and liberties that we enjoy as United States citizens I think about the amazing men and women who have served our country in the Armed Forces during war and peace time. Fighting when necessary even to the point of giving their lives so we might live. Freedom isn't free. It comes with the price of blood.

Just like our salvation. Jesus paid for our freedom and liberty to become children of God with His blood. He served to make us free.
Thankfully, while there was a great cost to win us back to His Father, salvation IS free...but it came at such an amazing cost.

Back at work...but...

Mike Lee

It's been almost a week since my last radiation treatment and today I was able to report back to work. Justin Wade and our station manager Steve Green had been so kind to let me do my off air tasks from home the last few weeks. I was so happy to be back in the building again. So many people here have become near and dear to me and it was great to interact with them. Prayer time this morning was very much a blessing as we prayed for each others needs and the needs of our listeners and partners.

So I am back at my desk but my voice still sounds terrible. It barely even exists at this point so it will be some time before I am back on the air in the afternoon.

This has been quite a ride. One I wish and pray that I will never have to repeat. I am just so happy to be "home" again with the crew that God has assembled here at J103. The healing has begun!

State of the Thyroid Address Part 6

Mike Lee

Well today was my first day as a "rad grad." My radiation treatments are done and I was so happy NOT to go in and be blasted by that fancy lazer machine.

My neck is pretty badly burned on the outside and I am still experiencing a sore throat and no voice to speak of. It is going to take time. Prayerfully soon I will hear from my oncologist that I am cancer free. Your continued prayers are greatly appreciated.

I get asked a lot, "When will you be back on the air, Mike?" My only answer to that is when my voice comes back from it's vacation and it is strong enough for me to do so. That may take up to another month.

Thanks so much to Steve Green for filling in. Originally I thought there would be about a 7 to 10 day window where I wouldn't be able to do my afternoon show. The radiation has had other ideas. I miss it greatly but I am thankful to Steve for being so generous with his time to fill the void my lack of voice has caused.

I will keep you up to date on how things are going. I know that God has already used my "adventure" with thyroid cancer to touch lives so that has made it easier to endure, but I am so excited about the thought of feeling my version of "normal" again. That will be a great day.

Great Quote About Suffering...

Mike Lee

I read this and I love it. I pray it speaks to you if you are going through a tough time of your own. - Mike

It is not a question of God allowing or not allowing things to happen. It is part of living. Some things we do to ourselves, other things we do to each other. Our Father knows about every bird which falls to the ground, but He does not always prevent it from falling. What are we to learn from this? That our response to what happens is more important than what happens. Here is a mystery: one man’s experience drives him to curse God, while another man’s identical experience drives him to bless God. Your response to what happens is more important than what happens. –Chip Brogden

Suffering Silently Right Next To Me

Mike Lee

Since I have been undergoing radiation I've been going to the oncologists office 5 days a week. There is a very special lady who once a week has to deal with my goofy sense of humor because she takes blood samples and weighs me in...stuff like that. She has always had a smile on her face and a cheery word for me to encourage me on toward getting better. Thyroid cancer has been my toughest health battle thus far in my life and this lady has always listened with compassion and had words of healing and grace for me. Once I remember being in a rough mood and thinking to myself, "It's easy to offer words like that when you aren't going through it yourself." Instantly I felt bad for even thinking this thought and instead thanked God for this wonderful person who was trying her best to help me deal positively with a difficult situation.

Well, today as I was going in the oncologists office I noticed this same lady with a bandana covering her now bald head. Gulp! She's undergoing chemo for cancer...suffering silently right next to me...and I didn't even know it.

How many silent sufferers do we encounter every day of our lives? People who God has put there to encourage us throught difficult times. They are walking the same rough road. Climbing the same jagged cliff we are and in some instances one that is even tougher and yet they are there with words of encouragement and grace.

If you have been praying for me, please pray for my friend (who I don't feel right about naming in this blog) who this entire time has been my encouragement when her own road is a rougher one to travel.

The Size of Sin VS The Size of Mercy

Mike Lee

"A handful of sand, thrown into the sea, is what sinning is, when compared to God’s Providence and mercy. Just like an abundant source of water is not impeded by a handful of dust, so is the Creator’s mercy not defeated by the sins of His creations." - Isaac of Nineveh

Isaac of Nineveh was a great writer and theologian who died back in 700 AD. He almost went blind from constant study of the Word of God. He was familiar with mercy because he saw himself as the one in most need of it. Aren't we all that way?

I pray this quote reaches out and touches you. If you are reading this, I believe God wanted you to. No coincidence, but rather a divine appointment. The next time you think you have out sinned God's amazing mercy, or some well meaning Christian tries to convince you that you have, read this quote and soak it in. God sent Jesus to save that which was lost. You...me...everyone. That is mercy that is always bigger than any sin.

JFest Again Proves To Be A Blessing!

Mike Lee

JFest came and went this past Saturday and once again it was a huge blessing. Not in the way you might be thinking however. First blessing: My cousin Jim Peters, his wife Robin and their kids Skyler and Madie came out all the way from Phoenix, AZ to visit with us but to also experience JFest. As believers, they really enjoyed the atmosphere and the incredible line up of artists that were there. It's always great to see family but I usually see them when I visit Phoenix, not when they visit me. This was just such a great blessing.

Second blessing: The mind blowing amount of people who stopped me at JFest and said, "Hey Mike...it's good to see you up and about and I want you to know me and my family have been praying for you." I could barely talk anyway, but I had to mutter out the best 'thank you' I could. It was never any doubt that J103 friends and family have been praying for me. I've felt those prayers over and over again. However, when you look someone in the eye and you see the care and concern in their face and they tell you they have taken precious time to pray for you...it changes you. God's loving hand is felt in theirs.

Sure...the JFest artist line up was one of the best ever, but the J103 family that turned up and reached out was just out of this world. Heavenly you might say.

Apple Sauce Discoveries...

Mike Lee

Okay, my throat is so sore from the radiation "therapy" I am undergoing in my fight with thyroid cancer that if feels similar to what I do beleive a pit bull gnawing at the base of your throat from the inside would feel like. Mind you, I am guessing here, and I pray I never find out what this feels like for real.

I have two tiny tiny pills I have to take each day to trick my brain into thinking I still have a thyroid. They are so easy to swallow just with a little bit of water under normal cirumstances, however NOW they get stuck in my throat without some trickery. My oncologist said that apple sauce helps pills slide down when your throat is raw like mine is. Well, my wife stopped by the store and bought a bottle and sure enough...it works like a charm. That is my first discovery. Apple sauce makes pill taking MUCH more enjoyable. Now if it would only help with making eating brussel sprouts more enjoyable, but I sincerly doubt it has that much power.

My second discovery...are you ready for this? It isn't the metal can that gives apple sauce that tiny metalic type taste. The apple sauce I have is in a plastic bottle with a plastic lid and guess what? IT STILL HAS THAT METALIC TASTE. I wouldn't kid about something this serious. Try it yourself next time you are really REALLY bored. Buy a can of apple sauce and a plastic bottle of apple sauce. They will tase identicle.

I guess the question that remains is this...why DOES apple sauce have that bit of metalic taste to it? HMMM??? If you know please tell me. It will be driving me crazy.

Sea Monkeys From Heaven

Mike Lee

Well, week 2 of radiation treatment is coming to a close with 3 more weeks to go. So far so good. The throat is a bit sore and that will eventually become laryngitus with loss of voice for a week or so, something my family and co-workers have been looking forward to I am sure.

I feel your prayers as I walk through this last phase of my thyroid cancer treatment. I appreciate them more than you know.

I am just so thankful when I realize how intimately God knows what we need and when we need it. Let me give you an example. One day as I was riding my bike I was thinking "God, I really need to KNOW you are in all of this." I needed one of His "show up and show off" moments as an encouragement. When I was a kid, about 8 years old, I bought an Archie comic book and in the back where the ads are, there were two things I always wanted to order and my folks wouldn't let me. One was Sea Monkeys and the other was an Ant Farm from Uncle Milt. As much as I pestered my parents, they wouldn't let me order them.

Well, low and behold, after just thinking to God, "I really need to KNOW youare in all of this" two high school friends, Jackie and Jenny (both are committed Christians) ended up sending me a "who says radiation treatment can't be fun" package. They got my address from my step daughter and had it Fed Ex'd to my house. What was inside? I'll give you one guess.

Mikey boy is now the proud owner of genuine Sea Monkeys AND an original Uncle Milt's Ant Farm. Jackie and Jenny didn't know about this episode when I was 8...but my heavenly Dad did. Through two wonderful friends from high school, He showed up and showed off big time. It gives me hope to carry on through the journey wherever it takes me.

It's MOVE THAT BUS Time!!!

Mike Lee

This Sunday evening the episode of Extreme Make Over Home Edition that so changed the lives of the Sharrock family in Rossville will air on Channel 9.

Metro Tab will be hosting an episode viewing party and you are invited. The doors will open at 6 PM and the episode airs at 8 PM. Some incredibly touching presentations will be made before the episode airs as well, and the Sharrock family will be on hand.

Metro Tab is located at Hwy 153 and Airport Road in Chattanooga. Hope to see you there!!!

We're #5!!!

Mike Lee

Okay, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation came out with it's rankings for the 2011 allergy capitals. Guess what? Chattanooga is #5 in the entire country. So if you are sneezing, hacking, have runny nose, itchy eyes, etc. just understand it's the price we pay for living in one of the top five pollen spots in the entire U.S. of A.

Someone always has it worse than we do. Knoxville was named #1 in the country. I guess we need to start saying go big orange AND yellow.

State of the Thyroid Address Part 4

Mike Lee

This past weekend I enjoyed the next step in my thyroid cancer journey. As I was told to do I showed up at Memorial Hospital at 1:00 PM and prepared to swallow a radiation pill. Having never done this before, I must admit, it was a bit scary and had my knees knocking just a little. The staff in the radiology department made me feel so at ease. Then they bring out the actual pill. Okay, you’ve seen the movies where they are transporting plutonium for an atomic bomb and they have it in a vile in this thick steel cylinder that they have to unscrew, just to get to the vile, right? Well, that is exactly how my pill was delivered to me. You want me to swallow this? Really?

Well, I did and then I had to rush to a place where I could be on my own for four days as to not radiate anyone else. Before I left however, they took an actual Geiger counter so they could read my radiation levels. I have to tell you, I’m not feeling ANY better about this whole procedure as all this is going on. However, it was necessary. Necessary to achieve a label I’ve been praying for since this ordeal began after my January 18^th surgery where I got the news that I had thyroid cancer. The label: Cancer free. Over the next two weeks I will undergo x-rays and ct scans in order to determine if any cancer remains and I am confident through the radiation treatment and your many prayers, I will hear that good news.

I’ll keep you up to date, in the meantime, if you have a Geiger counter, I bet I can still light it up a bit!

THINGS I THOUGHT I'D NEVER SAY...

Mike Lee

“I am so happy that I finally get to undergo radiation.” I found myself saying this to a family member this past Friday when I found out from my oncologists office that my TCH levels were finally high enough for me to effectively undergo treatment. Then it hit me, in a thousand years I never expected that would be something I’d say with genuine joy.

A cancer diagnosis will change the lens in which you see things. It really does affect you in so many more ways than you are ready for. From first hearing the dreaded “c” word, to walking into a cancer treatment center as a patient, to hoping and praying that you finally get the “all clear” signal after treatment. It’s a trying and difficult path to walk.

That being said, I can tell you it’s also a place where the rubber of your “faith” hits the road. You find out pretty quickly if your peace is in God or was it in your performance? You find out if your trust was in the Cross or your ability to pick yourself up by your own bootstraps. You also find out who your friends are pretty quickly, too. All of this part of the journey is one I would not trade for all the chocolate in Hershey, PA. It’s been a growing process for me. An assuring process for me.

I am sure there will be many other things I’ll find myself saying in my life that I didn’t think I’d say in a thousand years but so far the radiation one takes the cake. I’m so happy it came down to me being able to say it with a thankful heart and one not overridden with anger or self pity. God is good at reassuring us of our growth in Him even when we’re not expecting him to.

When Song Lyrics Become God's Encouragement

Mike Lee

I've had several instances in the last couple of weeks where out studio line rings and it's a J103 listener thanking me for playing "just the right song at just the right time they needed it." I'd love to take full credit because it's so cool to think I could pull something like that off. However, since I have a tough time making my socks match, I don't see that happening. It's truly a God thing.

When HE meets you in your car, at your desk or in your home with just he right lyrics for just the right moment don't hesitate to tell us about it. It goes a long way in enouraging us in what we partner with you to do every day but don't forget to praise HIM for meeting with you in your time of need and right where you are. It's yet another glimpse of what an amazing "daddy God" He is.

State of the Thyroid Update Part 3

Mike Lee

Each week it’s a mentally arduous task. I go in on Thursday morning and have blood drawn, and then I wait for a phone call on Monday to find out if my TCH levels are above 50. Why would I want that? It means I’ll be hypothyroid enough to undergo radiation…finally.

Well wouldn’t you know it…I guess my systems only ability to produce small amounts of something is the one that produces this TCH. Heaven knows I have no issues at all producing fat cells, punch lines, sarcastic comebacks and most importantly a good word in season to help you when you are down. TCH levels though? Hey…body…get with it. We need them in order to get the radiation over and done with.

I can tell you this. The toughest thing to deal with so far in my journey fighting thyroid cancer is a total lack of energy. Even for a big guy I’ve always had a smile on my face and a skip in my step. Now it’s more of a goofy grin and lugging myself around. I can sleep ten hours and be tired all day. It’s really a mental hurdle. God however, through His grace and you, His kids, is and has been there for me every step of the way.

Please pray that my levels shoot above 50 so I can move on in the process. As always your prayers and comments are appreciated.

State Of The Thyroid Address Part 2

Mike Lee

Those of you who go WAY back in the history of J103, to the first days when I was just “Today’s Christian Music…102.7” will remember Matt Stockman. He was the original program director and morning host. He’s an amazing talent and has become an amazing mentor and friend. Well, apparently there was nothing good on TV one day and Matt was listening to my show.

He heard me share about my journey through this thing called thyroid cancer and he shot me an email. Talk about God using someone to show you purpose where you might doubt in your heart that there is any.

In part of his email, Matt said, “With thyroid cancer, I believe that God has put you in a very unique position, one that not many people I know in our sort of ministry have been privileged with. You sharing on the air about your surgery and treatment was the beginning of this journey. Allowing yourself to be vulnerable about what you’re living through will give you a powerful platform to minister people who are hurting, often in the same way you are, and to share the Hope of Glory no matter how things turn out.” Isn’t that cool? I knew from some calls I had received that there are other folks listening who are on their own journey with cancer or have already fought it and survived. Either way, if God can use me in this, I am so ready.

The state of the thyroid: Not ready for radiation yet. Hopefully soon, though. I will keep you updated here. Your comments, prayers and such are a blessing and I welcome them.

The State of the Thyroid Address

Mike Lee

The last few weeks have brought in some amazing and challenging moments in my life. Just after the new year I was diagnosed with having a growth on my thyroid that needed to be surgically removed along with at least half of my thyroid. My thyroid and I have never been all that close, so it didn’t bother me too much that part or all of it would be leaving me.

On January 18^th, during the surgery they discovered the “growth” was actually a tumor about the size of a small spring roll (for those of you familiar with Chinese food). Turns out it was cancerous and so was the right half of my thyroid. When I came to after surgery, the doctor shared the news that I would have to undergo radiation treatments. I have to tell you, anything and everything he said after that…fell on deaf ears. I was stunned. Cancer? Radiation? Me? No way. Not me. Yes! Me.

Over the next few weeks and months I plan to share with you here on my blog a wide range of thoughts, emotions and feelings that have become part of my life since being diagnosed with cancer. I am fully aware that you or someone you love may have already been affected by cancer, or some other “scary” disease. Maybe you got the diagnosis like I did and you are dealing with it. I hope that by sharing my journey with you here that our loving Heavenly Father will show you that you aren’t alone. We labor together even when the task at hand can seem like too much to bear. He is with us. He will strengthen us. He will comfort us.

Walk with me on my journey. I don’t know how it’s going to end for me but the GREAT news is…I know how it’s going to end for me. I have that assurance because of a loving God who sent Jesus to make things right for me…and you.

Volunteering to change lives...of strangers.

Mike Lee

With the Extreme Makeover Home Edition folks coming to town and working with the great folks at Vision Homes to make a family in need from our communities life SO much better, it's great to see how excited people are about volunteering to help.

Sure it's cool that Ty and all the gang from the show are going to be here, but if you've seen the show you cannot help but get a tear in your eye when the needy family sees what has been created to make their lives better. A celebration ensues and everyone is happy.

It made me think about some shortcomings in my attitude though. Why don't I get that excited when I can bless a homeless person with a meal or a few bucks? Or when I can help jump start someones car? Or make someone who is really down laugh and give them an encouraging word.

By all means, I'm looking forward to this project from the first nail being driven to "move that bus." My family and I are going to volunteer and do as much as we can. I also plan to volunteer at a place that doesn't have a camera crew around it...just to help...and see if God doesn't give that excitement there, too.

Oh, and if you want to volunteer for the Extreme Makeover Home Edition, you can sign up at extremevisionhomes.com.

New Reality Show Idea

Mike Lee

I have been a reality show fan since the very first episode of Survivor eons ago. It doesn't matter much what the show is about, if it's reality based I at least give it a chance. Several of them I've wanted to be on, but I think we've run out of ingenious ideas.

Thinking about this as I was riding my motorcycle one day, it hit me. What we need is a show where we take politicians from all political backgrounds, and we hook them up to lie detectors. Everyone who watches can tweet questions to ask them. Nothing is off limits. Politics, faith, their past, etc. If they lie or sidestep the question, instead of a needle moving up and down on a piece of paper, they get a small electric jolt. Not enough to hurt them, just enought to teach them a lesson. Imagine with me:

"Mr. Candidate, how do you feel about abortion?"

"I'm so glad you asked me that, Mike. Since I was a child, when I got my first paper route at age 9..."

He's sidestepping..."zzzzzzzt"

"Owww...well, abortion, my, that's a really sketchy issue. While I believe in the sanctity of life, as I have since I was a child when I got my first paper rou.."

"Zzzzzzt."

"Owww...okay...I'm against it."

See, we would MAYBE get honest answers from them, we get to see someone zapped a little bit, we get to tweet questions and the politician who lies the least would win office. I don't know about you, but I think it's a winner.

CSPAN, it's all yours if you want it.

Cold Weather: Enemy of the homeless.

Mike Lee

As our economy topples and public assistance funds are cut, who is going to take care of the poor? Shouldn't that be the Christian's job? Isn't that part of what Jesus told us to do? (Matthew 25. 35-46) Whatever we do for, or fail to do for, others around us are done -- or not done -- for Jesus.

There's a song out that says, "If we are the body, why aren't His hands reaching?" Are we part of the body of Christ? Did Jesus ever pass by someone in need and not stop to meet that need? We are so used to calling the church "the body" that we sometimes forget what that means. It means body of believers? Yes, but Paul goes beyond that. (1Corinthians 6, 12, Ephesians 1, 3, 4, 5, Colossians 1 and others. Way too many to ignore.)

Sure we are happy to give to the poor in other nations. What about in your backyard? Yes, you might actually have to do something besides writing a check. You may be asked to cook a meal, or help someone get to a doctor's appointment. You might have to go to someone's home and pray with/for them. The Holy Spirit might even ask you to do the unthinkable. You might have to give up something that you value so that you can be Jesus to someone in your community.

Did you know that 36 percent of homeless people are in a family with children? Seven percent are unaccompanied children. That's 49,000 children, without a parent or guardian, homeless on the streets of America. If we are the body, why aren't His hands reaching?

Take some time to find out what God wants you to do. We have let the state and the federal governments do our job for too long. The apostle Paul quoted the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 49.8) "At the right time I heard you. On the day of salvation I helped you." Listen, now is God's acceptable time! Now is the day of salvation!" (2 Corinthians 6:2) There are people in this country who are dying and it is our job to see that they receive the physical help they need so that they can be brought into the Kingdom of God. Today is God's acceptable time.

Faith is...

Mike Lee

Enjoy this poem I had emailed to me recently. Awesome stuff.
Mike-

Faith Is……

Faith Is……reliance on the certainty that God has a pattern for my life when everything else seems meaningless.

Faith Is……remembering I am God’s priceless treasure when I feel utterly useless.
Faith Is……depending on the fact that God is love – not on my ability to figure out "why?" in the midst of smashed hopes, and tragedy.
Faith Is……keeping on when I’m dog tired, discouraged, disillusioned, deserted, dusty, and dry and I’m cast on His strength alone.
Faith Is……realizing that I am useful to God, not in spite of my scars, but because of them.

Faith Is……confidence that God is acting for my highest good when He answers "No" to my prayers.
Faith Is……accepting the truth that, in spite of the wreckage and grief I’ve caused, God has wiped the slate clean & delights in me!
Faith Is……recognizing that God is the Lord of time when my idea of timing doesn’t agree with His.
Faith Is……not a vague hope of a happy hereafter but an assurance of eternal life based on Christ’s Cross on which He took away the sin of the world.
Faith Is……remembering that, though my way is as dark as night to me, God can see and is guiding me unerringly.
Faith Is……doing the right thing regardless of the consequences knowing God will turn the ultimate result into good.

Faith is……a miraculous gift from Jesus Christ that allows us to cry “Abba Father!”
Faith Is……the conviction that The Promisor keeps His promises!

Author Unknown

Survivor: Old Versus Young

Mike Lee

I was watching the season premiere of Survivor; Nicaragua last night with my grandson Tanner. What? TBN was off the air or something. Anyway, I was really delighted to learn that the teams have been seperated into age groups. The old versus the young.

I have the feeling the young people will learn more about the older folks and visa versa from them being seperated. I also think the challenges will be have more degrees of mental difficulty. It will be a good way for young people to learn that there is much TO learn from us oldsters. With years comes cunning, zeal for life and appreciation of hard work.

Or, as Tanner pointed out the young people may beat the old people at every challenge and the old people will be voted off fast. We shall see.

One way or the other I think valuable life lessons may come from this. We shall see. We shall see.

The Cost of Pride

Mike Lee

As long as Uzziah sought the Lord, God gave him success. But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. -2 Chronicles 26:5b,16a (NIV)

Worshiping God's blessings instead of God Himself can be dangerous. In our misguided adoration toward the success that God has blessed us with, we slowly turn away from the fact that it was Him who gave us victory over our situations and circumstances. We begin to deceive ourselves into thinking that we've gotten to where we are now because of our own talents and our own wisdom. Swollen with pride, we allow it to taint our judgement and destroy our relationships. In our deluded state, we make decisions that no wise man would make, and refuse to listen to sound counsel when it is given to us. We feel that because our skills and capabilities are far superior to others, we will not drink of the cup of failure and suffering.

As long as we place our confidence in our own limited capacity, we will always be let down by ourselves. God, because He allows us to exercise the free will He has given us, will allow the consequences of trusting in our own wisdom to visit us. He does so not to maliciously harm us, but so that we may humble ourselves before Him and see the folly of allowing pride to take control of our minds. Who are we before God? We are but dust! Genesis 3:19 says, for dust you are and to dust you will return. Yet in His love, He offers to transform us into beautiful works of art according to His perfect wisdom if we allow Him to invade our hearts. When we dwell in the presence of God, we will realize our place in relation to His eternity, power, and wisdom. In humility, we will want to ask Him to guide our paths and enable us to use the gifts and abilities He has given us to their full potential. We simply do not have the cleverness to skilfully master the abilities God has given us. But thankfully in our weakness He makes us strong. When we see the work of His wisdom and aptitude exhibited in our lives, we will awestruck and praise God for enabling us to do what He has called us to do.

Roses and Wildflowers

Mike Lee

We are warned by Paul in Romans 12, that we not think too highly of ourselves, but rate our abilities "with sober judgement". In that sense we are not to measure ourselves by outside test or standard, but "each according to the degree of faith apportioned by God" to us.

This is a very plain statement that Paul feels that, in addition, gifts, faculties, and talents should be used "according to the proportion of ones faith".

The idea that we have limitless "I can do all things" as offered in Phl 4:13 would then be somewhat dispelled. Even perhaps to say you can never be "better" than you are made to be.

In view of all of the empowerment and self-help books that proclaim "the sky is the limit" selling super achievement, how do we reference things? I personally wonder if all of that chasing after the worlds' standards of achievement releases us from the responsibilty of ARRIVING ; Arriving when and where God intended.

If there is sin in it, and there is; Falling short of God's intention is correctable. We might call it humility, comfortable with not being able to "jump over tall buildings in a single bound", as did Superman. But, one that pursued a calling, reaching his (her) full potential; perhaps early in life; reaching His goal, not ours or that of others.

To that end, I wonder if I did not take Paul out of context "that God apportions faith unequally", but that faith is unique, not little or lesser. But that if it is to be judged, but it would be so by the Lord who says, " What have you done with what I have given YOU?

Some of us are Wildflowers... some are Roses. Are we not equally beautiful?

Cracked Pots Allow The Light To Shine In...

Mike Lee

Bethy lives in Ireland. I love her blogs. She wrote this one and it blessed me greatly. I wanted to share it here and pray it bless you, too.

After all, we're all cracked pots. LOL

Blessed are the Cracked for through them the Light shines.

It's a beautiful morning here in Ireland, the rain is falling gently, the wind is picking up to a nice gale force 8 and the temperature is a balmy summers 12c.
In these sub tropical temperatures I have been thinking about my life and the way in which God has shaped it and moulded it.

As some of you know, I have had a pretty easy journey in comparison to some, and a horrendous journey from the view point of others.

But through the the many ups and downs of my life, I have come to realise one thing, and it is this Through the cracks the many many mercies of God shine.

You see, had I never sat at the bedside of my son while he fought for life I would not have known the healing mercies of God.

Had I not been broken hearted because of a death in the family, I could not have testified to the comforting hand of God.

Had I not been terrified when younger, I could not stand here and claim to know the peace which passes all understanding.
Do you get my drift today?

It's the hard, tough, unbearable days that allow the love of God to really shine. It's when we are as low as we can be that we can feel the power of God lifting us and carrying us. Without the bad days we would not experience first hand the healing, comfort, grace, mercy, steadying hand of God.
How can we speak of these qualities of our God if we have not tasted them?

Of course I ask God that he keep these days from me. I don't cherish nor ask to be walking in the valley. But when I do, and we all do, believe me; I want this cracked pot to let the light in.

Christian music hits mainstream TV.

Mike Lee

I've noticed a trend...and I'm loving it. Contemporary Christian songs are showing up as themes or as cameos on mainstream TV shows. One glaring example is the new show featuring motivational speaker and life coach Tony Robbins. My wife and I were watching and the theme song for the show is Something Beautiful by Needtobreathe.

Now, I know if I like a song I pay close attention to the credits and write down the band name and album so I can buy it. I betcha zillions of folks did that last night. How cool is that?

I pray that God get's hold of some hurting people through that song.

The Pay Off

Mike Lee

My wife and I took our grandson Tanner and a nephew and niece to Splash Country in Pigeon Forge this past Saturday. It was so hot. All three kids ages 11-9 wanted to do different things, and they wanted to do them NOW!!! You know how it goes. After a full day of adventure we attacked the hotel pool, drove some go carts and then hit a putt-putt golf course. A very enjoyable day for anyone.

You want to know what the pay off was? Some simple words from my niece when she was getting ready for bed. She declaired loudly, "This has been the best day of my whole life." For me, it was a day in the scorching sun, enjoying water slides, and trying to keep three kids from murdering each other. To her...it was the best day of her life. Man! That is well worth the sunburn.

Legal versus Right

Mike Lee

Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.” —Acts 5:29

In his powerful book Unspeakable, Os Guinness wrestles with the problem of evil in the world. In one section, he focuses on the Nuremberg trials that followed World War II. The Nazis stood charged with crimes against humanity, and their mantra of defense was simple: “I was merely following orders.” The verdict, however, was that the soldiers had a moral obligation to defy orders that, though legal, were clearly wrong.
In a much different context, Peter and the disciples were arrested for presenting the message of the risen Christ and brought before the religious rulers in Jerusalem. Rather than allowing themselves to be shaped by the mood of the mob, the disciples declared their intention to continue preaching Christ.
The orders of the religious establishment may have been legal, but they were wrong. When the disciples chose to obey God rather than the godless religious leaders, they raised a standard of conviction that rose above the opinions of the rulers of this world.
The trials we face may test our commitment. But we will find opportunities to exalt the King if we trust Him for the strength to go beyond the words of the crowd-pleasers and do right as He defines it in His Word.

J-FEST 2010...A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY.

Mike Lee

This weekend we are hosting J-Fest 2010. It's not just a two day Christian music festival. It is also a wonderful opportunity to invite friends, loved ones and co-workers to a fantastic festival that may very well change their eternity.

So many people are opposed to going to church with you if you invite them, but a chance to hear great live music, comedy and get a hamburger or hot dog? How can you turn that down. Buy their ticket and invite them. Then start praying for them. I promise you that God will show up and show off.

See you and an unchurched friend at J-Fest this weekend. Be sure and come by the J-103 broadcast booth and say hello. I would LOVE to meet you.

Are you a pusher?

Mike Lee

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but . . . let each esteem others better than himself. —Philippians 2:3

I grew up wtih a guy named Tom who ran track for years and never won a race during his entire high school track career. Tom was a "pusher." It was his task to set the pace for his fellow team members, who would then beat him to the finish line. When he ran a successful race, he was enabling a fellow teammate to win. Even though Tom never had enough reserve energy for the final sprint to victory, the coach considered him a valuable member of the team. And well he should have.

In a similar way, the New Testament tells us to run our race of faith with the success of others in mind. "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others" (Philippians 2:3-4).

Our example of such living is Jesus Christ, who left the glory of heaven to share our humanity and die on the cross so that we can have eternal life (vv.5-8).

If the encouragement of our example helps another person to flourish and be successful, we should rejoice. When the eternal prizes are awarded for faithful service to God, a lot of "pushers" will be wearing blue ribbons.

Choices...

Mike Lee

Two men fell on hard times. Try as they might, they couldn't find work. They heard that a museum was willing to pay $50 apiece for live rattlesnakes so, in desperation, they decided to catch snakes.
Outfitted with a net and basket, they hiked to a remote area renowned for its large snake population. But as they scaled a steep ledge, the rock gave way and they tumbled down the slippery bank -- into a deep pit crawling with rattlesnakes!
One of the men quickly sized up the situation and shouted excitedly to his friend, "Look! We're rich! We're rich!"
Some people see good in anything! And I suppose there's usually a brighter side. Take aging, for instance. As we grow older, our skin turns from satin to cotton to seersucker to corduroy. But, on a brighter side, I'm just glad wrinkles don't hurt!
It has to do with how we look at our situation. Like a sign spotted outside a New England shop: "We buy junk. Antiques for sale." Is your attic full of junk or antiques? It's a matter of perspective.
Your greatest power may well be your power to choose. As Abraham Lincoln wisely said, "Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." The truth is, we can choose to view many of our problems as opportunities, we can choose to age in body without aging in spirit, and we can choose to be encouraged by the good of life, rather than discouraged by the bad.
It's your point of view! Choose it!

Watch Your Mouth!!!

Mike Lee

People in Michigan must be so proud. They've got Timothy Boomer, the "cussin' canoeist." They've got Steven Clevenger, the "cussin' coach." And finally, Jeffery Richards, the "school bus cusser." What state wouldn't be just glowing with pride to have these citizens?
All three of these "pride and joys" have had press coverage recently because they haven't yet learned to control their mouths. This is a big deal, not because people in Michigan swear more or less than they do in other places, but it's just that they have this 103-year-old law about swearing in front of children and they actually enforce it!
Mr. Boomer's trial began a couple of years ago. The national news anchors joked about the silliness of the judicial proceeding. Obviously, they thought this kind of language (the same foul word used more than 75 times in a few minutes) was so common that it was ridiculous to try to protect the innocent ears of children.
You know... I was taught that using vulgar words reveals a small mind and a tiny vocabulary. That's pretty obvious when an offensive word is used as a noun, a verb, and an adjective in the same sentence! Some of the Proverbs make a real point of warning us to control our speech. They connect the use of one's mouth with being a wise person or a fool.
It's certainly bad enough that we have to listen to that kind of language all around us. But when we hear a Christian use bad language, our hearts (along with our ears) especially hurt! As believers, we would all hope that no "unwholesome talk" would ever come out of our mouths (Ephesians 4:29). But does it ever come into our minds? Luke 6:45 tells us that our words overflow from what is in our hearts. Controlling our thoughts can be tough, especially if we hear bad language all day long at work, in the dorm, at sports events, with friends. That's why it's essential to fill our minds with what is good, not with evil.
Obviously, God cares about the words we use and our testimony to others. And what about Timmy, Stevie, and Jeffy--those language offenders in Michigan? Maybe the courts will order their mamas to wash their mouths out with soap!

Honoring A Local Legend

Mike Lee

It was announced just a few days ago that Luther Massingill, 69 year morning veteran and local broadcast legend at WDEF FM will be honored with the renaming of a portion of US Highway 1 known as Broad Street to Luther Massingill Parkway.

Since I am just a beginner by the standards Luther has set, since I've only clocked a miniscule 30 years in the biz, I was so thrilled to see that state legislators have chosen to honor this wonderful man in this way.

Luther has done more than wake people up for almost 70 years. He has reunited countless pets with the families that love them, and he has given generations of Chattanoogan's a sense that all is well with the world that day, even in times of great crisis.

Congratulations, Luther. You deserve this honor and many, many more.

Bearing Fruit In Old Age

Mike Lee

They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing. —Psalm 92:14

With the passing of my Dad in January, I've been thinking a lot lately about how age has no limit on our ability to be effective in being a blessing to others. As I say often, the ability to do things that make God smile. My Dad was very gifted at that. He even did it in his will. Who breaks into laughter hearing what someone set up in their will?
Yet Dad was able to pull it off. That inspires me to live the same way, and to strive to be a blessing to people until my last breath is taken. I want to go out doing things that make people laugh and God smile.

A familiar saying goes something like this: "Old age is a matter of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter!"

That must have been John Kelley's attitude. Kelley, who died in 2004 at the age of 96, ran in 58 Boston Marathons (that's 26.2 miles each time)—including his last one in 1992 when he was 84 years old.
Kelley's remarkable feat is a reminder to each of us that we must stay active as long as we can. Far too many folks hit middle age and put the body in neutral. And Christians too often put their service for Jesus Christ in the same inactive mode.

Each of us has a responsibility to God, as long as He gives us physical and mental strength, to work heartily "as to the Lord" (Colossians 3:23). We are never called to retire from life and coast home to heaven.

The psalmist said that the righteous "shall still bear fruit in old age" (Psalm 92:14). For those who are physically able, that means continuing in active service. For those who can no longer move about, that means being active in prayer and in quiet service.
Let's make sure old age doesn't stop us from bearing fruit. We need to keep going for God.

LET'S NOT BE CARELESS

Mike Lee

Whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. – 1 Corinthians 11:27
Wreckers preparing to tear down a burned-out bakery in Troy, Illinois, accidentally made a big impression on City Hall right next door. A 65-ton crane backed into the government building, creating a huge hole in the front wall. According to a supervisor, the crane operator "was just being careless."
This accident reminds me of what happened to the church in ancient Corinth. By being self-absorbed and careless with the bread and wine of the Lord's Table, some church members backed into big trouble. Their failure to honor the sanctity of the ceremony dishonored the memory of Christ's sacrifice. Many believers paid for their mistake with a loss of health or even their life (1 Corinthians 11:30).
Paul urged the Corinthians to judge themselves so that they wouldn't be judged (vv.28,31). And he pointed out that even the Lord's judgment was for their benefit (v.32).
The Lord's Table will remain an opportunity and a danger until He comes (v.26). By the attitude of our hearts, we will either honor His death or do damage to His name.
Before you celebrate the Lord's Supper, prayerfully examine yourself. Then, with a heart of gratitude, focus on His sacrifice for you.

GETTING READY FOR THE RESURRECTION.

Mike Lee

With Easter on the way this is a good time to reflect on our life in the Faith. At the beginning of the new year we make resolutions, usually connected to some habit or behavior and bettering ourselves in the coming days, weeks and months. The season of Lent, which is observed in the Catholic church and by some more liturgical Protestant churches, should serve as the "new year" of our faith.

It's a great time to pray and reflect on how you served God and your fellow man in the last year. A time to confess your failures and get guidance from the Holy Spirit on what God would have you to "resolve" to do better on in the coming year. A time for refreshing and spiritual renewal.

Sometimes we throw out the baby with the bathwater when it comes to liturgical ideas. Some tend to see them as legalistic or burdensome. When it comes to reflectin on how we are serving our Lord and Savior, there is nothing wrong with going to a quiet place and letting God speak to us, and spring forth change in us.

All this is done so we can get ready for the resurrection. It better equips us to answer the question Jesus posed to Peter. "Who do YOU say that I am."

Enjoy Lent, reflect on the Cross and get ready for the Resurrection.

I HAVE SO LITTLE TO OFFER...

Mike Lee

I've thought this myself so many times when it comes to what I can do for God. It's so silly a thought. Every one of us are fearfully and wonderfully made and God has gifted us with something. Here's a good example.

I read of a man who was involved in a tragic accident. He lost both legs and his left arm and only a finger and thumb remained on the right hand. There was only enough left of the man that had been to suffer and remember.

But he still possessed a brilliant mind, enriched with a good education and broadened with world travel. At first he thought there was nothing he could do but remain a helpless sufferer.

A thought came to him. It was always nice to receive letters, but why not write them he could still use his right hand with some difficulty. But whom could he write to? Was there anyone shut in and incapacitated like he was who could be encouraged by his letters. He thought of men in prison they did have some hope of release whereas he had none but it was worth a try.

He wrote to a Christian organization concerned with prison ministry. He was told that his letters could not be answered it was against prison rules, but he commenced this one sided correspondence.

He wrote twice a week and it taxed his strength to the limit. But into those letters he put his whole soul, all his experience, all his faith, all his wit, and all his Christian optimism. It must have been hard writing those letters, often in pain, and particularly when there was no reply.
Frequently he felt discouraged and was tempted to give it up. But it was his one remaining activity and he resolved to continue as long as he could.

At last he got a letter. It was very short, written on prison stationery by the officer whose duty it was to censor the mail. All it said was: "Please write on the best paper you can afford. Your letters are passed from cell to cell till they literally fall to pieces."
No matter what our personal situation is, we still have God-given gifts and talents, experience, and encouragement that we can share with others.

Three Things.

Mike Lee

I had this emailed to me by my friend Mark. Great reminder of what really matters in life. Are we living to make our legacy great or make the lives of others great? Which one of those two acheivements makes God smile more?

Enjoy and God bless!
Mike

Three things in life that, once gone, never come back - Time, Words & Opportunity

Three things in life that may never be lost - Peace, Hope & Honesty

Three things in life that are most valuable - Love, Faith & Prayer

Three things in life that are never certain - Dreams, Success & Fortune

Three things that make a man - Hard work, Sincerity & Commitment

Three things in life that can destroy a man - Lust, Pride & Anger

Three things that will never pass awa- Faith, Hope & Love

Three things that are truly constant - Father, Son & Holy Spirit

THE STORY BEHIND THE PICTURE OF THE PRAYING HANDS

Mike Lee

I'm sure you've seen the picture of praying hands. I know growing up I saw it in many households. I came upon this history of the picture and I found it very interesting. Thought I'd share it with you.

Back in the fifteenth century, in a tiny village near Nuremberg, lived a family with eighteen children. Eighteen! In order merely to keep food on the table for this mob, the father and head of the household, a goldsmith by profession, worked almost eighteen hours a day at his trade and any other paying chore he could find in the neighborhood.
Despite their seemingly hopeless condition, two the elder children, Albrecht and Albert, had a dream. They both wanted to pursue their talent for art, but they knew full well that their father would never be financially able to send either of them to Nuremberg to study at the Academy.
After many long discussions at night in their crowded bed, the two boys finally worked out a pact. They would toss a coin. The loser would go down into the nearby mines and, with his earnings, support his brother while he attended the academy. Then, when that brother who won the toss completed his studies, in four years, he would support the other brother at the academy, either with sales of his artwork or, if necessary, also by laboring in the mines.
They tossed a coin on a Sunday morning after church. Albrecht Durer won the toss and went off to Nuremberg.
Albert went down into the dangerous mines and, for the next four years, financed his brother, whose work at the academy was almost an immediate sensation. Albrecht's etchings, his woodcuts, and his oils were far better than those of most of his professors, and by the time he graduated, he was beginning to earn considerable fees for his commissioned works.
When the young artist returned to his village, the Durer family held a festive dinner on their lawn to celebrate Albrecht's triumphant homecoming. After a long and memorable meal, punctuated with music and laughter, Albrecht rose from his honored position at the head of the table to drink a toast to his beloved brother for the years of sacrifice that had enabled Albrecht to fulfill his ambition. His closing words were, "And now, Albert, blessed brother of mine, now it is your turn. Now you can go to Nuremberg to pursue your dream, and I will take care of you."
All heads turned in eager expectation to the far end of the table where Albert sat, tears streaming down his pale face, shaking his lowered head from side to side while he sobbed and repeated, over and over, "No ...no...no ...no."
Finally, Albert rose and wiped the tears from his cheeks. He glanced down the long table at the faces he loved, and then, holding his hands close to his right cheek, he said softly, "No, brother. I cannot go to Nuremberg. It is too late for me. Look ... look what four years in the mines have done to my hands! The bones in every finger have been smashed at least once, and lately I have been suffering from arthritis so badly in my right hand that I cannot even hold a glass to return your toast, much less make delicate lines on parchment or canvas with a pen or a brush. No, brother ...for me it is too late."
More than 450 years have passed. By now, Albrecht Durer's hundreds of masterful portraits, pen and silver-point sketches, watercolors, charcoals, woodcuts, and copper engravings hang in every great museum in the world, but the odds are great that you, like most people, are familiar with only one of Albrecht Durer's works. More than merely being familiar with it, you very well may have a reproduction hanging in your home or office.
One day, to pay homage to Albert for all that he had sacrificed, Albrecht Durer painstakingly drew his brother's abused hands with palms together and thin fingers stretched skyward. He called his powerful drawing simply "Hands," but the entire world almost immediately opened their hearts to his great masterpiece and renamed his tribute of love "The Praying Hands."
The next time you see a copy of that touching creation, take a second look. Let it be your reminder, if you still need one, that no one – no one - - ever makes it alone!

If I Had My Life To Live Over...

Mike Lee

I found this little piece, written by an annonymous female, on the internet and it's very thought provoking. Don't we waste a lot of worry and time on things that, in the eternal sense, just really don't mean much? I pray this blesses you like it did me. Having lost both my parents in the past 4 years...it makes me think about things just a bit differently.

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded. I would have eaten the popcorn in the "GOOD" living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage. I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment realizing that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner." There would have been more "I love you's" but mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute.....look at it and really see it ... live it ... and never give it back.

Be Still...

Mike Lee

Psalm 46: 10. Be still, and know that I am God…

That's a difficult thing to do, don't you think? Be still, and know that I am God…
After you have done everything to equip yourself, "Stand firm." Perseverance is much more than endurance. Perseverance carries with it the assurance and certainty that what we are praying for will happen.
You might be saying, "But I prayed and prayed for my loved one, and they passed on anyway." And the thoughts always comes back, "What didn't I do, Lord?" "Did I not have the faith to believe?" And a hundred other questions seem to plague your heart with doubt.
Like Job, your friends will surround you and offer their condolences and help, but your answers must come from God. Your peace must come in the arms of a loving Lord. No friend, however close, can possibly answer your questions. Then one day, in an instant, the Lord gives that peace. The peace that assures that your loved one is truly in a better place.
These aren't "be warm and filled" words that haven't been lived out. Losing my mother 4 years ago and my dad just January 2 of 2010 grief has been a frequent companion. Dear friend, God can give you peace even when the storm doesn't go away the very first time you pray "peace, be still."
Be still. . .wait on the Lord. . .stand firm. . .and persevere.

The Funniest Things Happen In Church...

Mike Lee

A new missionary recruit went to Venezuela for the first time. He was struggling with the language and didn't understand a whole lot of what was going on. Intending to visit one of the local churches, he got lost, but eventually got back on track and found the place.
Having arrived late, the church was already packed. The only pew left was the one on the front row. So as not to make a fool of himself, he decided to pick someone out of the crowd to imitate. He chose to follow the man sitting next to him on the front pew. As they sang, the man clapped his hands, so the missionary recruit clapped too.
When the man stood up to pray, the missionary recruit stood up too. When the man sat down, he sat down. When the man held the cup and bread for the Lord's Supper, he held the cup and bread. During the preaching, the recruit didn't understand a thing. He just sat there and tried to look just like that man in the front pew.
Then he perceived that the preacher was giving announcements. People clapped, so he looked to see if the man was clapping. He was, and so the recruit clapped too.
Then the preacher said some words that he didn't understand and he saw the man next to him stand up. So he stood up too. Suddenly a hush fell over the entire congregation. A few people gasped. He looked around and saw that nobody else was standing. So he sat down.
After the service ended, the preacher stood at the door shaking the hands of those who were leaving. When the missionary recruit stretched out his hand to greet the preacher, the preacher said, in English, "I take it you don't speak Spanish."
The missionary recruit replied, "No, I don't. It's that obvious?"
"Well yes," said the preacher, "I announced that the Acosta family had a newborn baby boy and would the proud father please stand up."

Laughter Does The Heart Good, Like Medicine.

Mike Lee

Chonda Pierce will be at Memorial Auditorium on February 19th. Cannot wait to see her live. She is one of the funniest people on stage. Enjoy this clip and we'll see you at the show!

Making Dad Proud.

Mike Lee

"The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice, And he who sires a wise son will be glad in him." Proverbs 23:24 NASB

Saturday, January 30th was a very tough day for me. My Dad passed away on January 2nd, and Saturday would have been his 89th birthday. I know he's happy to be reunited with my mother, his parents, a countless number of loved ones who have gone on, and of course, with our precious Lord, but on Saturday none of that mattered to me. I wanted him HERE. Selfish isn't it? You bet, but it's honestly how I felt.

When you lose a loved one people who mean well say things like, "Well, he's in a better place." This is true. Christ died and rose so my Dad could be in that better place, however, when your hurting, the better place for them to be is a phone call away. Sitting in the house I grew up in where I could visit him. Where I could touch his hand and hear his voice. Where we could swap stories and make each other laugh. That's the better place when your hurting.

When I was reading my bible I came across the verse from Proverbs 23:24. It made me realize that no matter what I accomplish in this life, my proudest accomplishment will be that I made my Dad proud. He was quite happy with the man I had become. The husband, father and grandfather I had become. The lover of God that I had become. This one verse from scripture washed away the pain I felt on Saturday.

Even better news? One day we will see our Heavenly Father greatly rejoice when He looks us in the face and tells us, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." This is what Christ came to accomplish. And He did!!!

I know I have a benevolent Heavenly Father I can talk to every day, so I still have "my Dad." I am so thankful that my Heavenly Father gave me the earthly Dad I enjoyed for so long. He was the one who taught me to fish, to ride my bike, to throw a ball, to hunt and camp. The list goes on and on. Even more importantly, he taught me how to love till death do us part. He taught me how to make choices that benefit others first. He taught me to be a wise steward of every dollar I earn.
My Heavenly Father gave me an incredible example of what He is like in my earthly father, Howard...my Dad.

To know I made him proud. To know he thought of me as a good man. As a friend. That's huge to me. To understand that he's now helping "prepare a place for me" with our incredible Savior. That's even bigger.

Howard Harold Haase
Jan 30, 1921 - Jan 02, 2010

Caring Prayer.

Mike Lee

Just the other day I read this devotion from Dave Branon and I wanted to pass it on.
How much time do we devote on the web to social networks, surfing, etc. This made me realize a little time spent can harvest great results. I pray it's a blessing...
Mike

I beg you, . . . strive together with me in prayers to God for me. —Romans 15:30

I recently received an e-mail from someone I didn't know. It was from a teenager who set a great example we all can learn from. His e-mail showed how much he believed in the power of prayer.
He told about a teenage girl in his hometown who had become pregnant outside of marriage. Her parents were threatening to force her to get an abortion. When the young man heard about it, he got on his computer and sent an e-mail to more than 100 people, telling of the girl's predicament and saying over and over, "Please pray for this girl." His compassion for her was evident—as well as his faith in God to answer prayer.
This teenager could have spent time on his computer doing many other things: looking up information about cars, playing video games, sending jokes to his buddies. Instead, he took the time to compile all those e-mail addresses, then he wrote a caring, heartfelt note.
In Romans 15:30-33, the apostle Paul showed that he knew the value of concerted prayer—whether it's for ourselves or for someone else in need.
What a lesson! It reminds us to cling to the Lord in prayer, and it shows us an example of the compassion that leads us to team up with others in caring prayer.

Miracles In Haiti

Mike Lee

The miracles of God...they keep on coming in Haiti. All the more reason to keep praying and giving.

Thanks for being God's hands and feet to these people.

May this video be a blessing to you.

PROMISE OF A BRIGHT FUTURE

Mike Lee

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing. 2 TIM 4:7-8 NASB

Yesterday I was listening to a 60-something friend of mine tell a story about his glory days playing softball. After the story was complete a much younger man said to him, "Dude, you need to quit living in the past." To which my older friend replied, "Man, when you get my age all you HAVE is the past, because there isn't much future left."

While I understand my friends point and got a good chuckle out of his repsonse, it got me to thinking about this promise that Paul made to Timothy.

Our future is a bright one, because we have a loving Father who sent Jesus when we were dead in our sins, to make us alive again. Not just abundant life HERE, but for all eternity with Him.

The future? It's so bright I've gotta wear shades!

Finding God's Glory In The Valley

Mike Lee

“let me find Thy light in my darkness, Thy life in my death, Thy joy in my sorrow, Thy grace in my sin, Thy riches in my poverty, Thy glory in my valley.” A Puritan prayer

Every human being experiences valleys at one time or another during his or her life. Even though as Christians we know God cares about our suffering, many of us wonder at times why He allows it. I’m not very fond of valleys of suffering. I’d rather spend my life in mountain top experiences. And often, when I’ve gone through a season of suffering, it has been accompanied by many tears and questioning.

Sometimes my valleys are valleys of discouragement and loneliness. Sometimes they are valleys that I’ve created as a result of my sin against God. Other times they are valleys that I’ve been thrown into (losing my Dad, health issues, unexpected expenses, etc). What matters most is not what type of valley we find ourselves in, but rather, what we do when we’re in the valley. Do we complain, groan, and allow bitterness to enter our hearts? Certainly, these are natural feelings. But God can help us past these places. He can restore our souls in the valleys of life.

The Puritan writer of the prayer above knew that God’s glory often shines the brightest in the valleys of darkness. I think the reason for this is that as we stumble through valleys, we learn more of our own weakness. We realize in a tangible way that we are unable to save ourselves or muster up the strength to fix our situations. In the valleys of life, we learn that we need a Savior. So, our response is to look up. Look up to the One who planned your steps through this valley. Look up to the One whose glory is shining through your weakness. Look up to the Savior whose grace is greater than your sins, whose riches are infinitely more than your need, and who will never leave you hopeless in the valleys of life. As we look up to Him, our hearts will grow in gratefulness for His goodness to us.

You restore my soul. You guide me in the path of righteousness for your name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Psalm 23:3-4

Attitude Adjustment.

Mike Lee

Okay, I'll admit it. When it comes to college football, I'm about as big a Tennessee Volunteer fan as is possible. Yesterday conversations were monopolized by the news that the "Lane Train" had departed Knoxville for Los Angeles in the middle of the night. I heard the tempo of the engine as it headed down the track: "I'm a quiter...I'm a quiter...whoooo-whooooooo." A good many of the Vol Nation were upset beyond words.

Then came news of the 7.0 earthquake in Haiti. This already suffering nation, plagued with poverty and corrupt government was rocked. Buildings collapsing, thousands dead, voices of survivors in the rubble begging for food and rescue. Wow, all of a sudden the search for a football coach seemed mighty unimportant.

As I began to pray for the nation of Haiti and the people who are now struggling to bury their dead, I thanked God for His blessing in my life. For the priviliged lives we have here in the U.S. I also asked God to comfort the Haitian people and allow the help we send to be a witness to them that Jesus loves them.

Football is a game. Life ending earthquakes are not. I thank God that even in a time of great personal pain, He loves me enough to shape me with this attitude adjustment. Shifting my focus from self to others in need.

My beloved Dad used to say, "Life is full of disappointments, and there's another one right there." That describes UT losing a coach after one year. A tragedy it's not. Haiti...now that is tragedy. Please give what you can to help, and pray Saints pray.

But that's not what I meant...

Mike Lee

If you've ever fired off an email or letter and not really looked it over before hitting send or putting it in the mail, and then been totally misunderstood, you can relate to today's TOP 10. Yikes! If I had a dollar for every time I've written something that was taken the wrong way...

TOP TEN BEST TRUE-LIFE NEWSPAPER HEADLINES
10. Something Went Wrong in Jet Crash, Expert Says
9. British Left Waffles on Falkland Islands
8. Eye Drops Off Shelf
7. Enraged Cow Injures Farmer With Ax
6. Stolen Painting Found by Tree
5. Two Sisters Reunited After 18 Years in Checkout Counter
4. Deer Kill 17,000
3. Red Tape Holds Up New Bridges
2. Man Struck By Lightning Faces Battery Charge
1. Kids Make Nutritious Snacks

Being lifted up in prayer...

Mike Lee

After all these years as a believer I can now say I really know what it FEELS like to be lifted up in prayer.

As you may know by now, my beloved Dad passed away on January 2nd. Just 28 days from completing 89 years of life. He slipped away peacefully. Sitting in his favorite chair, sipping a cup of hot tea. He'd finished his crossword puzzle and was reading the morning paper. Nodded off to sleep and our precious Heavenly Father called him home.

My family and I went home to Phoenix the week of Christmas and we had such a wonderful visit. It never entered my mind that I'd be back a week later for his funeral. He was chipper, looked great and was as quick mentally as ever. The state of Arizona had even renewed his drivers license for 5 more years, so he'd quipped that it was now for sure he'd live to see at least 94. Then, just like that...he's gone. My life has been changed forever.

Now to the topic at hand. I received so many emails, cards, text messages, etc. assuring me that "I'm praying for you in your time of loss." I can promise you, I felt them all. I needed an "Aaron and Hurr" to lift me up in a time of great grief and I got that and more. Thanks so much for your prayers.

As for my Dad, he left nothing unsaid or undone. Some people see a light, and are reluctant to go to it because they have loose ends to tie up, or things left unsaid. I can confidently say that my Dad ran to the light. He knew HIM in whom he had trusted for salvation. Dad's with my Mom in "a better place." As for me...keep praying. I've still got some grieving to do.

This year I'm going to...

Mike Lee

When a new year gets here we are wise to look at what we can learn from the year that has left us and to make goals for the coming year. If we don't we'll most likely flounder and not make progress as we should.

It's wise to remember, though, that we are not to be presumptuos about what we shall do. As a good friend of mine used to say, "God doesn't promise us our next breath, yet He gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ."

In the words of James:

Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit." Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are {just} a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. Instead, {you ought} to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that."

James 4:14-16 NASB

Make plans, and resolutions. Create goals and meditate on how you can be a better servant of the Living Christ but wrap it all up in "If the Lord wills."

You think YOU have it tough?

Mike Lee

I can tell you from experience that 2009 has been a tough year economically. At times we can begin to think that we really have it rough. Those are the times that, by my experience, God shows me what real suffering, pain or "tough" is like. Watch this video and thank God for the many blessings in your life.

Christmas Warmth.

Mike Lee

My family and I just returned from a Christmas trip to my home town of Phoenix, Arizona. Phoenix is a popular destination for people who desire to get away from the rough winters that visit their home towns. In the winter in Phoenix you see an abundance of license plates from great white north states like Minnesota, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, etc. While warm desert winters are a wonderful reason to visit the infamous Valley of the Sun, that wasn't our motivation.

We went to see my 88 year old Dad, my siblings and their children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren. What an amazing blessing it was.

Ironically the temperatures in Phoenix weren't much different that here in Chattanooga on Christmas week. Highs were in the upper 50's to low 60's and the overnight lows got down to near freezing. However, there was plenty of warmth. The warmth that can only come from a family sharing laughter, fond memories, a wealth of smiles and tears as well.

What I found is that the Arizona temperatures had nothing to do with the warmth that I experienced. It had everything to do with spending time with family. As we worshiped together celebrating the Incarnation I laid hold of what a great heritage I come from, and even more-so, how wonderful it is to know that as believers we have the entire family of God to call our family as well.