Good Morning

October 22, 2007

If you judge people, you have no time to love them.

-Mother Teresa-

Good Morning,

I visited Claire Woods, the former director of The Salvation Army Family Treatment Services, in the hospital on Friday. Her husband, Pat, the doctor and a hospital technician were with me. Claire was asleep during the visit. The doctor and technician were busy working, when I asked them, “Do you know what this lady has done for our community?” They did not. I told them about the families that are together today because of her, about people were alive today because of her, and that there was no way to measure the impact that she has had on hundreds, if not thousands, of people. I am not absolutely sure why I wanted to tell them about Claire, however, I wanted them to know that the person in front of them was very special.

I asked them if they would join Pat and me for a time of prayer. Together, we thanked God for Claire. I thanked God for the lives she had touched and influenced. I thanked God for touching me through Claire’s life.

The focus of so many in our world today is on themselves. This has been called, I believe appropriately so, as the “me” generation. People strive for their own happiness, their own needs, making sure they are happy, pleased, and gratified. It is refreshing and inspiring to know someone like Claire Woods, who swan upstream against the philosophy of today, and spent much of her life working toward the betterment of others.

Jesus stressed the importance of serving others; never more so than in his words of Matthew 25:34-40, highlighted in verse 40, “'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”

William Booth, Founder of The Salvation Army, wanted to send a message to Salvationists around the world. In those days, communication was by telegraph, and you paid for each word. Times were tough and the Army was short on money, so William Booth sent a one-word telegram. The word he sent was OTHERS.

I thank God for Claire Woods. I ask that each of you pray for her, for Pat, and their family. I ask that you pray for her health, but ask you also thank God that He gives us people like Claire who make this world a much better place.

Blessings,
d

Good Morning

October 2, 2007

Never give in! Never give in! Never, never, never, never - in nothing great or small, large or petty. Never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense.

--Winston Churchill--

Good Morning,

The words of Sir Winston Churchill inspire me. I was not alive during England’s dark days of World War II. I cannot fathom the despair that most were feeling. However, if I close my eyes and listen very intently, I can hear the words, “Never give in!”

A few years ago, I participated in a 109-mile bicycle race. At the start of the race, there was so much excitement. There were bands playing, someone yelling encouraging words over the public address system; even individual riders were giving each other pep talks. It was exciting; I was still very nervous. I did not want to fail. Seven hours later, with tired legs, an aching back and all, I crossed the finish line. There were people clapping and cheering; a band was playing; yet, I do not remember being excited. I remember being inspired, and even though I was exhausted, I felt like I was on top of the world. What was the difference? I finished.

Last month Helen Myers, from the Kauluwela Mission Corps, retired after 33 years of service to The Salvation Army. I am sure she experienced good times during the years she worked for the Army. However, there had to be times of frustration. There had to be times that she asked herself why she did not walk away. She did not quit! The impact that Helen has had on the lives of others will never be fully known. As I look at her faithful service, I think of things like creditability, honor, integrity and service. She finished. Helen inspires me.

At the end of his very difficult life, the Apostle Paul, wrote, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Paul must have been tempted to quit hundreds of times throughout his life, yet he did not. He kept going; he finished. Paul inspires me.

John Gowans and John Larsson teamed up to write hundreds of songs during their lives as Salvation Army officers. They penned some of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard; one stands at the top. Unfortunately, I cannot communicate the tune of the song, as it compliments the words beautifully. However, the words alone are moving.

If crosses come, if it should cost me dearly to be the servant of my Servant Lord;
If darkness falls around the path of duty, and men despise the Savior I’ve adored.

If doors should close then other doors will open;
The Word of God can never be contained.
His love cannot be finally frustrated, by narrow minds or prison bars restrained.

If tears should fall, if I am called to suffer, if all I love men should deface, defame,
I’ll not deny the One that I have followed, nor be ashamed to bear my Master’s name.

I’ll not turn back, whatever it may cost;

I’m called to live, to love and save the lost.
I’ll not turn back, whatever it may cost;

I’m called to live, to love and save the lost!

I wish I could adequately thank those who have given measureless inspiration by finishing what God has called them to do and be; I cannot. Nevertheless, they inspire me. I can think of no higher words.

Blessings,
d

Good Morning

September 24, 2007

Success is when I add value to myself. Significance is when I add value to others.
--John Maxwell--

Good Morning,

I attend many events and do many things, so much that I often forget where I was last week, or sometimes even yesterday. I am not sure if it is a busy schedule or a sign of my age. I think, or at least like to think, it is because I am focused on where I am going next. If I am honest, it is probably a combination of all three.

As mentioned, I attend a large number of events each year. Some of them I look forward to, others, well, let us just leave it at that. Some events are known for fine food, others by the extravagant programs and some by the notable people in attendance. If you are very lucky, you will have your picture in the Mid Week magazine.

Last week, Sharron and I attended the Recovery Celebration at our Family Treatment Services facility. There was no Mid Week magazine photographer, no rich and elite, and although known chef may have not prepared the food, it was excellent. This event, of all I attend, encourages and motivates me the most.

Oliver Goldsmith once said, "Success consists of getting up just one more time than you fall." I know he never attended a Recovery Celebration; however, his words were never more appropriate. One graduate of the program spoke of her struggle with cancer, yet she "is doing so with a clean mind, and drug free." I was speechless. One graduate of our Addiction Treatment Services, now a council member of the Family Treatment Services, shared about learning the importance of giving. In her words, "addicts take; people in recovery learn to give." I was amazed.

Our new Family Treatment Services’ Hula Halau performed. The only thing that surpassed their physical beauty was their countenance. They were radiant! It was such a joy to see their smiles as they danced to celebrate their recovery and God’s faithfulness.
The evening concluded by gathering in a circle, holding hands and singing "Amazing Grace." As we sang, I wondered what the neighbors thought. I thought it was beautiful, and I knew that God was very pleased.

I want to thank Linda and her wonderful staff at Family Treatment Services. You touch my heart, but more important, you are doing great things to change lives everyday.

While driving home, my mind went to the words of the Apostle Paul, "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord." (Ephesians 5:8-11) Never were the words more appropriate.

Sharron and I visited Claire Woods, the former Director of Family Treatment Services (FTS), in the hospital last week. The Salvation Army owes so much to this woman, whose passion and drive contributed significantly to make FTS the successful program it is today. Please keep Claire and her husband, Pat, in your thoughts and prayers.

Blessings,
d