David Welter's Blog, page 18

Reflections from the Home Team - January 11, 2020 “I...

Reflections from the Home Team - January 11, 2020

“I’m always a bit apprehensive going in for my checkups, might even say a bit fearful...  Over the years, I’ve discovered the antidote to fear is trust and I just need to remind myself it is only a thought away...”

Greetings from Cedar Falls,
I wanted to drop a note to share that I had my six-month checkup a week ago with my medical team in Iowa City. My cancer remains in remission and I am so appreciative of my medical team as well as with the results of that visit.  God has been very kind to me! I’m still working on strategies with my doctors to manage the treatment side-effects that continue and appear to be ongoing. Always a bit apprehensive going in for my checkups, might even say a bit fearful... As I sat in the waiting rooms this past week with a number of folks who are not in remission, my mind wandered to one of my treasured quotes from a baseball favorite of mine, Yogi Berra. Yogi, in all his wisdom shared “Baseball is 90% mental, the other half is physical”.
“Yogisms” are often amusing, but actually offer good insight about many of the life challenges we all face on our journeys in this world. Yogi’s thought certainly rang true with me this time around! Even though Yogi’s math may not be the best, this quote made me smile and helped me reflect on a few other thoughts as I waited to complete the multiple labs and exams at the Cancer Clinic. Please allow me to share a few of those thoughts with you in this reflection.
I recently read a piece by Kelly McGonigal titled “The Upside of Stress”.  In it she says that we all have our own personal Mt. Everest. Could be a particular challenge or task that we are facing in our personal lives. When someone climbs a personal Everest in their life journey, they generally know there are going to be some challenging times. They know there will be stress and fatigue and maybe even some pain along the way. So why do they do it? Probably because they want to reach the summit!
Can you imagine a climber scaling the wall of ice at Mt. Everest and saying, ‘This is such a hassle.’ Or spending the first night in the mountain’s death zone and thinking, ‘I don’t need this stress.’ It would be like an athlete complaining about their offseason workout program or Spring Training/training camp drills. Sorry, but they don’t let you skip that, or the long road trips, or extra-inning games and allow you to go right to playing in the World Series. And on and on it goes…
If we feel fatigue, pain, stress or experience some hassles as we go about our climbs, we need to remind ourselves of what our mission is as we continue the climb to our personal summit. Fits Yogi’s point that it may be mostly a “mental thing” although the physical components of stress, fatigue and pain certainly are a reality. I shared the importance of REST in my last reflection, and that is such a very important part of recovery, not only from the physical pangs we may experience, but also the emotional.
A reminder I often use for myself when dealing with the physical and emotional components of a cancer journey, or for that matter, any challenge is DON'T LOSE THE SNOOZE! Arguably the most important (and awesome!) recovery method is sleep. We all need more of it. If you just ended a relationship, had finals at school, or are struggling with the impact on your body from medical treatments, you’ll probably need more sleep to balance out the mental and emotional stress.  Yogi’s point is a simple one…What’s frequently overlooked in our “climbs to our individual summit” is our minds – more specifically our perceptions and beliefs. Those can have a huge impact on our stress levels.
Another thought that came to mind when contemplating Yogi’s quote was how we often use our individual strengths (physical and mental) to overcome our challenges. This brought to mind for me the story of Samson. Many are familiar with the story of Samson. You can read all about his life in Judges 13-16. God used Samson as a judge over Israel and he ruled as a judge for twenty years. When the Spirit of God would come upon Samson, he would be gifted with tremendous strength that would allow him to do great exploits for the Lord. Samson also had a weakness however, which was an affinity for beautiful women. It was this that led to his downfall. The scene plays out in Judges 16 which I encourage you to read.  I think many of us, including myself, are very similar to Samson. We too have strengths. If we are not careful, we may lean too heavily upon them. This problem can further develop when you become really good at doing something… By the way there is nothing wrong with having strengths! Strengths are good. They only become a potential problem when you begin to trust your ability more than you depend on God’s ability to work through you. It’s like you are telling God, don’t worry, I got this one. I don’t need your help anymore.  I think back to when I first became a Principal. Do you remember when you first started a new role in your career? You were probably a bit nervous like I was. Maybe you were a little unsure if you could do the job. Your inexperience or weakness caused you to depend on God to help you every step of the way. However, over time you got better and what was unfamiliar was now feeling very comfortable. You became so good at what you were doing that what you once considered an area of weakness, you now look at as an area of strength. Because you felt strong, you no longer felt the need to seek God’s help like you used to. When this happens the thing that is your greatest strength can become your greatest weakness, because you leave God out. In John 15:5 Jesus said “…apart from me you can do nothing.”
As we continue to grow regardless of our role – whether it be as a parent, spouse, worker, manager, church leader, pastor, cancer survivor or in whatever capacity you serve or work – we need to be  mindful that as we get better we still need to depend on God to help us. If he’s not helping, then we are operating on our own strength. When this happens, we may not realize it at first, but like Samson, God’s strength has left us, and we are actually becoming weaker.The last thing I want to share is what I first described I felt when sitting in the waiting room in Iowa City. As I shared, I’m always a bit apprehensive going in for my checkups, might even say a bit fearful...  Over the years, I’ve discovered the antidote to fear is trust and I just need to remind myself it is only a thought away... No one is going to push me over the chasm of struggles with my cancer journey, but God will nudge me to first take the leap!  You have to make the jump in your mind and then with your actions. You must make the jump with trust, determination and faith that He is always there, just as He always has been. After all, they don't call it a leap of fear... They call it a "leap of faith" for a reason.I guess I will always feel fear. Everyone will. But my trust must be bigger than my fear. The bigger my trust, the smaller my fear becomes. And the more I trust, the more I become a conduit for sharing my trust and faith in Him with others. 
I believe this New Year represents a fresh start for us all and it also presents a new opportunity to create some positive energy to spread to others. That's my plan moving forward!  I invite you to join me in that opportunity in the upcoming year. Thanks for being there as part of my Home Team, and most especially for the prayers!
Blessings to each of you in 2020!
Dave


Are you or someone you know fighting cancer... struggling with the physical, emotional and spiritual issues that accompany a cancer journey or other serious health issue? Making ourselves available to others can open up the doors of opportunity for deeper relationships, healing, and transformation. For many, time is one of the most valuable commodities in today's fast-paced world. Sharing time with others is a wonderful gift. It says, "Here I am. . . for you. To listen, to care, to serve." The power of presence should never be underestimated!  
Be an encourager in someone else’s life!
To learn more about being an encourager, and to view the Reflections blog, visit the Reflections from the Home Team website at:
www.reflectionsfromthehometeam.com/

Reflections from the Home Team - December 14, 2019 ...

Reflections from the Home Team - December 14, 2019

"As we prepare to celebrate the special season that is upon us, and the busyness and stress that can often accompany it, remember, we can’t control the results in our lives… There’s really no way of getting around it. You can do everything right, work hard and still not get the result you wanted. Summon the courage to lay down the burdens and worries of the day – to simply rest."
Greetings from Cedar Falls,
It’s been a busy month for me in many ways, and I was forced to slow down a bit as I’ve been dealing with some upper respiratory issues over the past few weeks that have been an ongoing issue for me since treatments. It’s always my goal to make something good out of what can seem frustrating, and I wanted to share some of those thoughts with you in this reflection.
I don’t know about you, but for me, it's often hard to “put the bat and ball down” and just rest… In today’s world, busyness is a reality for so many of us and slowing down and resting can feel uncomfortable, almost like failure. The current reality as I see it is that we’re wearing ourselves out, inviting anxiety and restlessness in. Given that fact, I’ve had the opportunity to take a pause and do some reading in “Whispers of Rest” by Bonnie Gray while recovering. It is a wonderful guide to help eliminate the noise in our lives and to experience some “whispers” of rest along the way.
I’ve had some takeaways from Bonnie that have truly resonated with me as I deal with life’s busyness, some frustrating health challenges and the stresses they can bring. She does an amazing job of blending scientific research and loving scripture passages while providing some tips on how to “detox” our souls and find places of rest along the way.
Here are several points Bonnie made that literally jumped out at me as she identified some simple reasons we are stressed while making suggestions on how we can restore some peace in our lives when dealing with that stress.
“You’re good at taking care of others, but bad at filling your own tank.”
This begs the question in my mind as to why are we so hard on ourselves, when God’s love is gentle? We need to extend ourselves the comfort we want to give others. We can’t be helpful in filling other’s needs if our own tanks are empty. We may feel selfish prioritizing filling our tanks, yet, God says we can only comfort others, with the comfort we first receive ourselves! (2 Cor 1:4)
“You are good at problem solving, but what you need is rest.”
 As I’ve learned over the years, most problems that stress us can’t be solved in a day. I often tend to overthink problem solving (guess it’s in my DNA as aformer Principal) but it can lead us to easily obsess about situations or relationships leaving us feeling anxious. One way to reduce that anxiety is by enjoying activities that foster positive thoughts. Music is often used to bring calm and alleviate pain. Music therapy was extremely helpful for me during treatments in Iowa City. Music can help us pray without words… Pull out your favorite playlist and enjoy! “He has given me a new song to sing.” Psalm 40:3

“You are good at listening to others but find it hard to share your hardships.”
 Personally, I typically don’t want to bother others, but, have you ever noticed how            you feel better after talking to someone about your troubles — even if the problem hasn’t been fixed? Kind of like how writing these reflections helps me process…Take some time to tell a grace filled friend about both your hopes and   anxieties. Carry each other’s burdens. (Galatians 6:2)

“You’re busy getting things done, but you forget to breathe.”
I learned in pain management during treatments that you hold your breath when you’re stressed and feeling pain. Shallow breathing creates tension   in your body, raises your blood pressure, and makes your muscles ache with tension and pain. I’ve found it helpful to take a minute and offer up what I call a “breath prayer.” It’s is a special opportunity to invite Jesus into my day and be refreshed.  Experience God’s peace and “pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

“You are always planning and thinking ahead but experiencing God’s grace comes only one day at a time.”
Our culture trains us to “plan” ahead. But, when it comes to the important people in our lives, people are not plans. Hearts are more like gardens to nurture with grace one day at a time. We plant seeds and watch fruit grow slowly, while being nurtured with faith and patience, instead of stress and coercion. Whatever’s happening this week in our lives, hold onto God’s hand. He’s not letting go of   you. He’s walking into every situation you’re facing, with you. Ask for the strength to do what you must do, just for this one next step. Trust He will provide what comes next. Jesus will not abandon you. You are His beloved. “Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you.” Psalm 143:8


As we prepare to celebrate the special Christmas season that is upon us, and the busyness and stress that can often accompany it, remember, we can’t control the results in our lives… There’s really no way of getting around it. You can do everything right, work hard and still not get the result you wanted. Summon the courage to lay down the burdens and worries of the day – to simply rest. Don’t wait until your life is stress-free before spending time on what really matters to God: loving your heart. Take a break and choose what’s better: feeding your soul.  Be renewed and be loved.
In the Spirit of the Season!
Dave
Are you or someone you know fighting cancer... struggling with the physical, emotional and spiritual issues that accompany a cancer journey or other serious health issue? Making ourselves available to others can open up the doors of opportunity for deeper relationships, healing, and transformation. For many, time is one of the most valuable commodities in today's fast-paced world. Sharing time with others is a wonderful gift. It says, "Here I am. . . for you. To listen, to care, to serve." The power of presence should never be underestimated!  

Be an encourager in someone else’s life!
To learn more about being an encourager, and to view the Reflections blog, visit the Reflections from the Home Team website at:
www.reflectionsfromthehometeam.com/

Reflections from the Home Team - November 17, 2019“And th...

Reflections from the Home Team - November 17, 2019

“And that’s the point of being considerate and kind -- it’s not the content of the answer, it’s the intention. As author Ian MacLaren shares; Be kind, for every man is fighting a hard battle.”

Greetings from Cedar Falls,
The Holiday season is fast approaching and I can’t help but notice the rush everyone appears to be in… I was taking a short lunch break from driving recently, and while waiting in line to be served at a local restaurant, there was an elderly lady just in front of me.  She seemed a bit confused as she reached into her purse and was fumbling around to find enough money to pay the worker at the counter for her meal.
Then, as she was leaving with her food, her large purse began to fall off her shoulder and she nearly lost all her food while trying to open the door to leave. She was mumbling to herself about how she was going to get to her vehicle while shifting from side to side, balancing her food and her purse while trying to exit the restaurant. Though I’d just finally reached the front of the line, seeing this elderly lady going through this, I felt the spirit tap me on my heart, telling me to shift from my momentary schedule and assist her.
I walked to the door and said “Here, let me get that for you,” as I held the door open and steadied her drink, I asked “Would you like me to carry your food to your car?” She stopped and looked up at me with gratefulness. “Oh, dear ‘young man’ (made my day) … you must have a grandmother still living that you’re being so kind to an old woman.” I responded, “No ma’am, I don’t,” I just felt it was the right thing to do to help you. It’s how my mother brought me up and certainly what the Lord would have us do for each other.”
Her face softened and she shook her head and said “Of course! You people have always been so helpful to me. I don’t know what I’d do without you.” By “you people” I’m pretty sure she meant, “you Christians.”
It reminded me of an expression one of my favorite coaches used to use all the time…” More is caught than taught.” How true that is, and it demonstrated to me that people are watching. What do they see? Do they see us being considerate in all we do? Unfortunately, I’m sad to report from what I’ve witnessed, probably not.
I know followers of Jesus — and I count myself in particular — don’t always portray to others the considerate and loving ways of Christ, as urged in Philippians 4:5. “Let everyone see you are considerate in all you do.  The Lord is near.” But we can do better! We need to remember that people are watching our behavior. If all they see are uncaring or condemning Christians, why would they want to become one?
I truly think most of us have empathy for others who may be struggling with one thing or another. It's one thing to harbor a sense of empathy and another to put it into action. Considerate people are not only capable of putting themselves in other people’s shoes, they also actively choose to view the world beyond themselves. No one will ever understand the perspective of another unless they take that person’s hand and consider things from their perspective.
As we channel our sense of empathy and consider how others around us are feeling, we need to choose to act on that information. You never know, simply by asking someone how they're doing -- regardless of its impact on your life – it could do wonders for their mood and self-esteem as well as your own! (Please note - I haven’t been called ‘young man’ in quite a while).
Next time you get into the elevator and you have 10 seconds to make a good impression, or just remain quiet and look at your cell phone, I think if you should ask, 'How is your day?' just to be nice, that’s being considerate. Let’s face it… do you really want to know how that person’s day is going? Is it something that would add to or change your life? Especially if that person is a stranger? Probably not, you just ask the question because you want to make the person in front of you feel like they’re valued. And that’s the point of being considerate and kind -- it’s not the content of the answer, it’s the intention. As author Ian MacLaren shares; “Be kind, for every man is fighting a hard battle.”
As those of you who follow me know, I find great comfort in reading.  I have recently finished a book by Jon Gordon titled “The Seed”.  Great read!  In it, he talks about a young man named Josh who has lost his passion for work. His boss challenges him to take two weeks away and decide if he truly wants to work there.  Josh takes off for the country where he meets a wise farmer who gives him a seed and a promise: find the right place to plant the seed, and his purpose will be revealed. As Josh travels the country to decide where to plant the seed, he finds surprising sources of wisdom and encouragement along the way to use as inspiration in his quest to find purpose.
On his journey, he meets all kinds of people with all kinds of personalities in the part time jobs he took along the way.  In his part time job as a waiter, some treated him with respect, while others didn’t.  He learned in his role as a waiter that the more energy he shared with a service mind-set, the more he was refueled. Even though Josh learned he wasn’t meant to be in the restaurant business, he learned to bring a server’s mind-set to whatever career he chose.  And that included being kind and considerate to all those he served, even those who were negative to him along the way. 
As Jon points out in his book, “Be the Seed! Seeds surrender themselves to the ground so they can be used for a greater purpose. Wherever you work, decide to plant yourself where you are and allow yourself to be used for a greater purpose. When you plant yourself and make a difference you grow into the person you were born to be and produce a harvest that will benefit others and change the world. “
May each of us plant that seed as the Holiday season approaches making a difference in others lives by spreading consideration and kindness to all those we touch each day!
Blessings your way!
Dave
Are you or someone you know fighting cancer... struggling with the physical, emotional and spiritual issues that accompany a cancer journey or other serious health issue? Making ourselves available to others can open up the doors of opportunity for deeper relationships, healing, and transformation. For many, time is one of the most valuable commodities in today's fast-paced world. Sharing time with others is a wonderful gift. It says, "Here I am. . . for you. To listen, to care, to serve." The power of presence should never be underestimated!  
Be an encourager in someone else’s life!
To learn more about being an encourager, and to view the Reflections blog, visit the Reflections from the Home Team website at: www.reflectionsfromthehometeam.com/

Reflections from the Home Team, October 28, 2019 ...

Reflections from the Home Team, October 28, 2019


“A man who gives his whole heart to God will quickly learn that the Holy Spirit will lift them up and take them to some amazing, successful places. A star athlete who knows this as truth acknowledges that the game doesn’t mean everything to them. They acknowledge that God comes first in their lives, baseball second.”

Greetings from Cedar Falls,

Well, it’s that special time of year again when it all boils down to two teams who have worked very hard all year to get the opportunity to play for a World Series Championship.  This year’s series has been a bit upside down given both teams are undefeated on the road, and winless at home. The Playoffs have been filled with excitement and the Houston Astros and the Washington Nationals are making history as they played the first World Series game in the nation’s capital since 1933.

While both teams put great teams on the field this season, what makes me take notice this year is that a number of players on both teams are aware that there is more to life than the game they so dearly love. There are players in both dugouts who acknowledge that the talent they have has been given to them by God. 

Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon is having the best season of his seven-year MLB career. He is in the running to be awarded the National League Most Valuable Player award. The 29-year-old Houston native is living a dream as he has now played and won two World Series games in his hometown of Houston. Rendon has been the focus of several articles recently quoting a remark he made last year in which he proclaimed that he wanted to be “more Christian than a baseball player.”

"I want to be known as a Christian baseball player and I'm still trying to grow into that, but in the end, I want to be more Christian than baseball player. If I just try to stay in the Word and try to surround myself with good people and have good community, I think that will just guide me on that path. You want to plan for the future, but I’ve come to learn your plans don’t always come to fruition. Obviously, with my faith, too, I don’t want to seem like it’s all about me, me, me. It takes away from what I do for Him, for the Lord.”

Astros second baseman Jose Altuve was the hero of Game 6 of the American League Championship Series last Saturday when he hit a walk-off, two run home run with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning against the New York Yankees to send the Astros to the World Series. After hitting that home run, Altuve wasted no time in praising the Lord for the accomplishment. In the past, Altuve has expressed how important his faith in God was when growing up in Venezuela. 

“I grew up in a family that always told me that to achieve success, we needed to have God first. To achieve success wasn’t to get to the major leagues or have the best season in the world. The best success is to live your life the way God wants you to. If you can do that, if you can be good with God, then I think you will have success in your life.”

Star athletes are often seen as role models, both good and bad. I prefer to focus on the good, players like Clayton Kershaw, Aaron Judge, Albert Pujols, Brian Dozier, Jackie Robinson, Mariano Rivera, John Smoltz and of course Anthony and Jose who are willing to share their beliefs openly and honestly with their individual fan base while using their platforms as professional ball players to do so.
As I’ve come to know, a man who gives his whole heart to God will quickly learn that the Holy Spirit will lift them up and take them to some amazing, successful places. A star athlete who knows this as truth acknowledges that the game doesn’t mean everything to them. They acknowledge that God comes first in their lives, baseball second. These Christian baseball players are spreading their faith and using their platform to reach people who have never heard of the Lord before. What a wonderful way to use the talents he has bestowed upon them! As 1 Corinthians 10:31 says; “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31

Enjoying the World Series each October has always been a joy of mine, but even more so when I see the young men who are leading their clubs do so with enthusiasm not only for the game, but also sharing enthusiasm for their faith. None of us are perfect, including these “superstars,” but because they are keeping their focus on who called them more than what they were called to do, they keep a balanced perspective which allows them to handle the ups and downs that come their way.I’ve been working hard to keep that balance the past few weeks as my mother has been struggling with some memory and physical issues.  It has been hard on mom as well as all of our family.  I am especially grateful for the love and care mom has been receiving at Western Home Communities throughout her stay there. Some wonderful folks who not only focus on mom’s care, but also on WHO called them to be her caregivers. I have also found much comfort in Psalm 92:12-15 which reads;“The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, “The LORD is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.”It has helped me reflect on how I can take heart in the joy and wonderful memories mom has helped create for me, even though our current reality is quite challenging. One of the greatest privileges of my adult life has been to pray for my mom who turned 92 this past summer. I do what I can to care for her needs and I love to pray for her.
I often pray for protection... I pray that mom will keep on leaning on God, her Rock. I pray for His protection over mom because He is her ultimate refuge. I ask God to protect mom from the evil one, and to show the way out in moments of challenge and frustration while asking for His guidance for wisdom, discretion and understanding as we take each day, one at a time.

I pray mom will be courageous and confident in God’s presence, and that He will meet her needs. I also pray He will show me how to meet mom’s needs in ways that will please Him while equipping me to be a good steward in mom’s care. There is much I can do, but He is ultimately the great provider. 

I pray for continuing purpose, helping mom flourish with an eternal perspective, seeing beyond the confusion and challenges that currently exist in her world. Mom has lived as a faithful role model, and I have learned from her the gifts of kindness and gentleness which have been important life lessons for me.
I also pray that I will continue to be open to be receptive to what God may still want me to learn as we continue on the remainder of our life’s journey together. Even though it has been a rough few weeks, I have much to be thankful for. A special thanks to each of you for being there... for all of our family.
In Christ’s love and comfort,

Dave
Are you or someone you know fighting cancer... struggling with the physical, emotional and spiritual issues that accompany a cancer journey or other serious health issue? Making ourselves available to others can open up the doors of opportunity for deeper relationships, healing, and transformation. For many, time is one of the most valuable commodities in today's fast-paced world. Sharing time with others is a wonderful gift. It says, "Here I am. . . for you. To listen, to care, to serve." The power of presence should never be underestimated!  
Be an encourager in someone else’s life!
To learn more about being an encourager, and to view the Reflections blog, visit the Reflections from the Home Team website at:www.reflectionsfromthehometeam.com/

Reflections from the Home Team – September 22, 2019 ...

Reflections from the Home Team – September 22, 2019




“One of the blessings in my life has been our family who has been such an important part of my journey.  “Pops” and I both have depended on their love and support and I’m sure I can speak for him in saying thanks to each and every one of them.  As I’ve always shared, life can toss us some curveballs and when those challenges come our way, we need to reach out to our Home Teams (both human and Divine) for the strength,  love and support needed to meet them.”
Greetings from Cedar Falls!
Given my journey since being diagnosed with cancer, it certainly has given me an opportunity to do a lot of reflecting. A good friend sent me a quote from Irish poet and philosopher John O’Donohue early on in my journey that has been an inspiration for me over the years.  It reads:
May the angels in their beauty bless you.May an angel of awakening stir your heart.May an angel of healing turn your wounds into sources of refreshment.May an angel of compassion open your eyes to the unseen suffering around you.And may the angel of death arrive only when your life is complete.And you have brought every gift to the threshold where its infinity can shine.  
I sincerely believe I have met several of those Angels in my life so far.  One of them would be my father in law, Don Braun, whom over the years we all have affectionately referred to as our “Pops”.  I have been blessed to recover from my illness, and Pops, also a cancer survivor, was one of the individuals who showed me by his daily example that life was to be lived in the present, enjoying every opportunity that may present itself as he shared his gifts of laughter, joy and ingenuity with all of us who served as part of his “Home Team” over the years.
Pops promoted a message of hope and strength for me as I watched him deal with some of the side effects of cancer; never missing a beat to continue to live life to its fullest.  Pops moved on in his journey to join God’s army of Angels this past week and I’m quite sure he is leading some lively discussions in Heaven while enjoying time in his eternal woodshop. Pops reinforced for me and for all of us in his earthly family that no matter what tomorrow brings, today is a wonderful day, and we need to keep on enjoying it...  As the angels came to lead Don to his eternal home, we can all be reminded that he lived a complete life and that he brought every gift he had to the threshold where its infinity could shine!  
One of the blessings in my life has been our family who has been such an important part of my journey.  Pops and I both have depended on their love and support and I’m sure I can speak for him in saying thanks to each and every one of them.  As I’ve always shared, life can toss us some curveballs and when those challenges come our way, we need to reach out to our Home Teams (both human and Divine) for the strength, love and support needed to meet them. As we gathered at Don’s home last evening to celebrate a life well lived, that same special family wrapped Don’s wife Lorraine (affectionately known to us as Momo) in their arms with love and support.
As summer winds down and we head into fall, a short verse shared Max Lucado, one of my favorite inspirational writers, provides a good reminder about the “Art of Living” when faced with challenging times…
You’ll get through this.It won’t be painless.It won’t be quick.But God will use this mess for good.Don’t be foolish or naïve.But don’t despair either.With God’s help, you’ll get through this.
You can read Don’s obituary at the link below. He truly lived a life filled with joy and adventure and had a profound and lasting impact on all of us. God has used his life for good, and with His help, we will get through this.
https://www.dahlfuneralhome.com/obituary/donald-braun
As I reflect on Don’s life, it also reminds me of a powerful lesson by former Major League pitcher Dave Dravecky shared in his book Do Not Lose Heart. His message provides a powerful example that illustrates our bodies as temporary tents. His piece reminds me that our focus must be on the building to come which we have with God, not the “tent” we have now. The title of the piece is, “O Mr. Tentmaker” and it has provided me a great perspective as I move forward on my journey with this disease.
Writing to the Tentmaker The Tent-Dweller writes:  
O Mr. Tentmaker;
It was nice living in this tent when it was strong and secure and the sun was shining and the air warm. But Mr. Tentmaker, it’s scary now. You see, my tent is acting like it is not going to hold together; the poles seem weak and they shift with the wind. A couple of stakes have wiggled loose from the sand; and worst of all, the canvas has a rip. It no longer protects me from beating rain or stinging fly. It’s scary in here, Mr. Tentmaker.
Last week I went to the repair shop and some repairman tried to patch the rip in my canvas. It didn’t help much, though, because the patch pulled away from the edges and now the tear is worse. What troubled me most, Mr. Tentmaker, is that the repairman didn’t seem to notice I was still in the tent; he just worked on the canvas while I shivered inside. I cried out once, but no one heard me. I guess my first real question is: Why did you give me such a flimsy tent? I can see by looking around the campground that some of the tents are much stronger and more stable than mine. Why, Mr. Tentmaker, did you pick a tent of such poor quality for me? And even more important, what do you intend to do about it?
In his reply, the Tentmaker writes:
O little tent dweller, as the Creator and Provider of tents, I know all about you and your tent, and I love you both. I made a tent for myself once, and lived in it in your campground. My tent was vulnerable, too, and some vicious attackers ripped it to pieces while I was still in it…on a cross. It was a terrible experience, but you will be glad to know they couldn’t hurt me. In fact, the whole experience was a tremendous advantage because it is this very victory over my enemy that frees me to be a present help to you.
O little tent dweller, I am now prepared to come and live in your tent with you, if you’ll invite me. You’ll learn as we dwell together that real security comes from My being in your tent with you. When the storms come, you can huddle in my arms and I’ll hold you. When the canvas rips, we’ll go to the repair shop together.
Someday, little tent dweller, some day your tent is going to collapse. You see, I’ve designed it only for temporary use. But when it does you and I are going to leave together. I promise not to leave before you do. And then, free of all that would hinder or restrict, we will move to our permanent home and together, forever, we will rejoice and be glad.
When we ourselves, a friend, relative, parent or anyone very dear to us is struggling with cancer, or some other life threatening disease, sometimes we feel numbed, bereaved, disappointed, and angry as all kinds of negative sensations flood the mind. As Christians we need to remember that though we are suffering the trials of fighting such a battle, it is our earthly tents which are being impacted, and that we can look forward to forevermore living in a new building, not temporary tents anymore, but rather a new building built with hands by God. There we can live forever and neither death nor suffering will have any sway over us.
2 Corinthians 5:1; “For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.”
May you enjoy the beauty of fall while bringing every gift God has bestowed on you to it’s threshold where its infinity can shine!  

Blessings to each of you!
Dave


Are you or someone you know fighting cancer... struggling with the physical, emotional and spiritual issues that accompany a cancer journey or other serious health issue? Making ourselves available to others can open up the doors of opportunity for deeper relationships, healing, and transformation. For many, time is one of the most valuable commodities in today's fast-paced world. Sharing time with others is a wonderful gift. It says, "Here I am. . . for you. To listen, to care, to serve." The power of presence should never be underestimated!  
Be an encourager in someone else’s life!
To learn more about being an encourager, and to view the Reflections blog, visit the Reflections from the Home Team website at: www.reflectionsfromthehometeam.com/

Reflections from the Home Team, August 17, 2019 “In t...

Reflections from the Home Team, August 17, 2019

“In the end, it’s extra effort that separates a winner from second place. But winning takes a lot more than that, too. It starts with complete command of the fundamentals. Then it takes desire, determination, discipline, and self-sacrifice. And finally, it takes a great deal of love, fairness, and respect for your fellow man. Put all these together, and even if you don’t win, how can you lose?”
– Jesse Owens
Greetings from Cedar Falls!This summer has nearly passed us by and I couldn’t help but reflect on some of the things that I have learned over the summer from the game I love so much…  Many of those “concepts” not only come from the game of baseball, but from individual/team sports in general. There are life lessons that every sports team and athlete at every level can learn from, and they most certainly are lessons that can be applied to our daily lives.
Back in early August, I was watching Team Japan who was visiting Rent One Park in Marion, Illinois to play in the Little League “Colt League” World Series. Following their 5-0 LOSS to a U.S. team from Southern Illinois, their players were walking throughout the stadium and locker room to pick up any trash that was left behind. When a T.V. commentator spoke with their Head Coach through their interpreter and asked why the players were doing this, he shared, "it is an honor for our players to play in such a beautiful stadium. They have created memories that will last their lifetimes. We want to leave it as good as we found it".
Wouldn’t that be a wonderful life lesson for each of us to incorporate into our daily lives? That comment also brought back some wonderful memories for me of the 1984 Summer Olympics that were held in Los Angeles.  One of the featured events that year which my wife Tricia and I and our infant son John were able to attend was the first Olympic demonstration entry of the game of baseball.  That event was held in Dodger Stadium, and we had a seat high above home plate to watch Team United States play Team Japan. The U.S. Team had many future big league stars on it including the likes of Will Clark, Barry Larkin, Mark McGuire and B.J Surhoff. What impressed me most was the discipline, determination and fundamentals demonstrated by the Japanese team both in pre game warm-ups, as well as throughout the game.  Team USA had beaten the Japanese team in six previous meetings that summer, but Team Japan came out with a decisive 6-3 victory that night to move on to the Gold Medal game.
A quote from Jesse Owens, a famed U.S. Olympian himself, sums of what we witnessed that night in Los Angeles.  “In the end, it’s extra effort that separates a winner from second place. But winning takes a lot more than that, too. It starts with complete command of the fundamentals. Then it takes desire, determination, discipline, and self-sacrifice. And finally, it takes a great deal of love, fairness, and respect for your fellow man. Put all these together, and even if you don’t win, how can you lose?”
– Jesse Owens
I have relied on this formula many times in my journey with “Team Cancer”. My “Medical Team” has helped provide me with the command of fundamentals necessary to win the fight, while my “Home Team” (all of you) have provided me with the love, strength and support needed to manage those difficult times encountered along the way.  Sometimes, the struggle during and after treatments put my mindset in a dark place, and left me looking for hope along the way.  I always had the memory of the Japanese Team in 1984 in the back of my mind.  Having been beaten by Team USA in six previous meetings, they were looking for hope in order to advance to the gold medal round.  It taught me that competitive and successful people/teams can outlive their toughest days, and that failure is always part of growing, but that it cannot be a final destination!
I've often wished I had never heard the words, “You have cancer.” They are hope-sucking words. Each time the doctor has spoken them, I’ve felt God whisper into the dark corners of my heart time-and-again: “Just trust me.” It brings to mind a verse that I have relied on when hearing those whispers…“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”Psalm 91:1-2
I don’t think anyone likes hearing the phrase, “Just trust me.” But sometimes that is just what God requires of us. Often when I’m worried about what is going to happen next, or when I’m stressed out over what the doctors results might say, or when I feel like I have no hope because I can’t see my dreams ever being reality, that’s when I hear those whispers, quiet and firm, “Just trust me.”
A life lesson I’ve learned since my cancer diagnosis on my 55thbirthday is that when the rest of the world is saying there’s no hope; Jesus is standing there saying, “They’re wrong.” When everyone else is questioning if Jesus really cares about the hard things we’re going through, I listen for his voice declaring, “Don’t listen to them; just trust me.” I’ve also learned that the “dark days” will give way to days of laughter, days where the side effects of treatment will lessen, and gratitude will pour from my mouth because God has helped me through this ordeal. I am also learning that each of our individual stories were written by God to help restore hope in others. 
If you may be facing a situation and are seeking hope, no matter your situation, I know that God is waiting to hear from you and to give you unlimited hope and faith! I’m confident He will be there for you, whispering as a reminder, “I am your hope.” May you truly enjoy the rest of your summer and wishing God’s blessings your way!
Dave
                                    
Are you or someone you know fighting cancer... struggling with the physical, emotional and spiritual issues that accompany a cancer journey or other serious health issue? Making ourselves available to others can open up the doors of opportunity for deeper relationships, healing, and transformation. For many, time is one of the most valuable commodities in today's fast-paced world. Sharing time with others is a wonderful gift. It says, "Here I am. . . for you. To listen, to care, to serve." The power of presence should never be underestimated!  
Be an encourager in someone else’s life!
To learn more about being an encourager, and to view the Reflections blog, visit the Reflections from the Home Team website at:www.reflectionsfromthehometeam.com/

Reflections from the Home Team – July 28 2019 “...

Reflections from the Home Team – July 28 2019

“My conversation with young Taylor simply reminded me that in a moment, your life can change for the better! I told Taylor that our fateful meeting is proof that no matter what we are going through at the moment, our lives and teams can change for the better.”
Greetings from Cedar Falls,

I am writing to share that the past week has been an emotional “roller coaster” for me and I wanted to share a few thoughts with you today about those emotions. Being a part of my “Home Team”, I’ve never been shy in reaching out to you because being on a team is a privilege, not a right. You give up the right to be selfish, average & apathetic when others depend on you, and honestly, I’ve depended on all of you for the strength, love and support needed when those challenging times have come my way. THANKS for that!
My week started out in Iowa City checking in for my 6-month follow up.  While waiting for my appointment, I was once again blessed to run into my young friend Taylor and his parents.  For those who may not remember, Taylor was the young boy who I had a game of catch with in the pharmacy waiting room toward the end of my treatments. I’ll never forget that day, as it was Taylor, a third grader at the time, who asked me a question that completely changed my attitude… “Mr. when are they going to let you go back outside and play?”  Taylor provided me a perspective I needed to hear, and it was a simple thought that made me realize I had a life to live. Time to get on with it and not succumb to the challenges that may accompany the “cure”. So often, I find myself overthinking things, and with this chance encounter, God provided us both with the simple gift of each other.
We have bumped into each other several times over the years in Iowa City.  He is now a senior to be in High School and continues to be in remission and enjoying his passion for baseball. (Still wearing the Braves hat I gave him as well.) Taylor shared with me how our conversation that day helped motivate him to not give up on the things he truly enjoyed in life, like baseball and the many other activities he has enjoyed as a survivor. I had to smile as he shared, and I told him that he was the “shining light” in that moment of my life when I was feeling so down about the struggles I was facing during treatments. I told him I thought he was part of God’s plan for me at that moment, not only to help me heal physically, but to help me heal emotionally, making me feel whole again.
My conversation with young Taylor simply reminded me that in a moment, your life can change for the better! I told Taylor that our fateful meeting is proof that no matter what we are going through at the moment, our lives and teams can change for the better. You never know where your next opportunity will come from… You never know how your life can and will change from a meeting, an event, a call from an old friend, or a chance encounter like we had back in 2009. We can’t get stuck thinking that our lives can't and won't change for the better. We can’t go through life focusing on our problems with our head down. Instead we need to keep our eyes open and our heads up, being open to new possibilities while being kind to people along the way.
Taylor and I also talked about our experiences with the negative feelings we both have experienced throughout our cancer journeys. Even though we both have a tendency to resist and fight against them, we agreed that we shouldn’t be scared, or worried, or upset because it is a natural tendency that when we get upset at ourselves for being scared worried, or upset, we feel even worse. It’s like a spiral that can lead us down the rabbit hole of emotions. 
We talked about an alternative, where we can simply acknowledge that we’re scared, worried or upset and allow those emotions to pass through us, because they will pass if we just let them! You’re likely to notice how much quicker the emotions pass through you and how much less they drain you when you don’t resist them.
Our conversation leaked out many emotions for me, both past and present. It reminded me of a post I recently read from a poem, author unknown, titled “If You Give a Boy a Baseball”.  There are so many lessons I’ve learned from the game of baseball that I have loved so much and that in turn have helped me navigate the curveballs that life has thrown my way. It also has taught me the importance of team, and the many sacrifices made along the way by “teammates” in each of our life’s journeys.
It Reads:
   IF YOU GIVE A BOY A BASEBALL
If you give a boy a baseball, he will want a bat to go with it.

You’ll buy him the best bat you can find, and then he will probably want a bucket of balls and a glove and some cleats too.

Then, he will probably spend hours begging you to go out in the yard to play with him, even though you may want to sit on the couch and watch tv. He will insist. And his insistence will win.

And when a boy gets a jersey, he will need pants and socks and a belt to go with it. And a TEAM…..
And then life as you know it will end.

There will be no more lazy weekends watching tv. You will see more sunrises than you ever thought possible. Every spare minute of your time will be spent hauling buckets and bags and stinky cleats and crazy boys all over tarnation for hours to practice for a game. 
THE GAME.

And your house will be a mess. And your car will be dirty. All because you gave a boy a baseball.

Your weekends will be spent freezing or burning to death on a fold-up chair. And his weekends will be spent gaining confidence and friends, and learning new skills and having fun and getting dirty. So dirty in fact that you will have to learn how to do laundry in a whole new way, like maybe at a carwash using the pressure washer.

And you will be there the day he hits his first home run, first strikeout, and his first double play. And he will make you SO proud. The other parents will congratulate you. But you feel weird saying thank you because it's not you at bat or on the mound. It's everything him. He did this.

And right before your eyes, your little boy will be transformed from the baby who spun around with his head on the bat, (because he loves attention), into a pitcher. Because he loves attention still.

When you give a boy a baseball, you give him more than just a ball. You give him a sport, and talent, and hope, and dreams, and friends, a new family, a place to learn about the life, room to grow as a person where he can push his limits, and bravery, and courage and LIFE, and memories. And he will have ALL of these things, simply because you gave a boy a baseball.

Because you gave a boy a baseball, you too will develop new/lifelong friendships, developed solely from the same passion for the game and love of your team. You will root together. And spew PG-13 things out of your mouths together. Because you gave a boy a baseball.

Then one day, many years from today….he will be in his room and a baseball will roll out from an old dusty bat bag underneath his bed. And he will pick it up and realize instantly that when you gave that boy a baseball, you also gave him a childhood that he would never forget. And then he will hug you, and your eyes may leak – because you realize that everything YOU gave up along the way…..was worth it!

All because you gave a boy a baseball…


My conversation with Taylor and his folks helped reinforce our mutual love for the game of baseball as well as our love for each other! Both of our lives have definitely had some bumps in the road, but our “Home Teams” (both human and divine) has given each of us the strength, love and support needed to overcome them. We all agreed that when life gets us down, and we may be filled with uncertainty and fear, we also need to pray.
As James: 1:5 shares:
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without fault and it will be given to you.” 
As we prayed together, we realized that God is right there, where He’s always said He would be. He’s never left us and will never forsake us. The next time we face a difficult situation, we need to pause and remember that there is more than what is just in front of us. There is challenge, a lesson, and a plan. 
As Pastor Brian King, my good friend recently shared in his message to us at Nazareth; “No matter where we are going, never undertake any journey in life without prayer.  It’s prayer that enables God to be present and direct our path.  As we sail through life, storms can happen in a heartbeat that can throw our direction off. We need to be ready to navigate those storms, no matter how out of control life may seem through prayer.”
When we are full of emotions, as I was this past week, it has helped to remind myself that all good gifts come from God and that he always wants the best for us. We just need to talk to Him and develop a relationship with Him, allowing those emotions to pass through us and into His loving hands.
Blessings your way!
Dave
Are you or someone you know fighting cancer... struggling with the physical, emotional and spiritual issues that accompany a cancer journey or other serious health issue? Making ourselves available to others can open up the doors of opportunity for deeper relationships, healing, and transformation. For many, time is one of the most valuable commodities in today's fast-paced world. Sharing time with others is a wonderful gift. It says, "Here I am. . . for you. To listen, to care, to serve." The power of presence should never be underestimated!  
Be an encourager in someone else’s life!
To learn more about being an encourager, and to view the Reflections blog, visit the Reflections from the Home Team website at:                               www.reflectionsfromthehometeam.com/

Reflections from the Home Team - July 2, 2019 “Tyler’...

Reflections from the Home Team - July 2, 2019

“Tyler’s short career and life had many ups and downs in it, and unfortunately it ended abruptly with his unexpected death in Texas this morning. This morning, even with the faith that I have in God, it seemed unfair. It seemed like he had done all the right things. He had led a good life. He had overcome obstacles. He had excelled. He had been a great role model. Tyler was a truly good person. If he didn't ask the question—'Why me?'—I know I did… You know, "Why him? Why Tyler?”

Greetings from Cedar Falls,
This morning, I became aware of the fact that Los Angeles Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs passed away suddenly at the age of 27. I began to follow Tyler in his second season of professional ball, when he was named to the Midwest League All Star team. Tyler, who was playing for the Los Angeles Angels’ double A affiliate the Cedar Rapids Kernels as a starting pitcher was one of seven teammates who appeared that year in the Midwest League All-Star game. The Angels were his favorite team growing up, and it was certainly one of the “ups” in his short life that they drafted him. Tyler was part of the same Angels draft class as Mike Trout, and they were roommates in the low minor leagues before Tyler was traded to Arizona. They played on the same team in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in 2010.Tyler’s success drew attention from other teams in the league and he was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2010, which was a disappointment for Tyler given his love of the Angel’s organization. He made his major league debut in 2012 with six starts for the Diamondbacks and had a roller coaster year in 2013 moving between minor league teams and the majors before coming back to the Angels as part of a three-team deal between the Angels, Diamondbacks and White Sox.“It was a dream come true,” Tyler said in 2014. “The fact that I was drafted by my favorite team; I was head over heels. Then when they traded me, I was heartbroken. But now I’m back! And I’m excited for the opportunity.”Tyler experienced a number of challenges in his short career, including “Tommy John surgery” in 2014; and he was also put on the MLB’s disabled list for a left abductor sprain in 2018, after already landing on the list earlier that year and in 2017.He became a fixture on the Angels roster in 2016 after recovering from Tommy John surgery. He made a career-high 24 starts last year, but missed time in April this season because of a sprained ankle before coming back strong. The purpose of sharing Tyler’s background brings me to the focus of this reflection. Tyler’s short career had many ups and downs in it, and unfortunately it ended abruptly with his unexpected death in Texas this morning. This morning, even with the faith that I have in God, it seemed unfair. It seemed like he had done all the right things. He had led a good life. He had overcome obstacles. He had excelled. He had been a great role model. Tyler was a truly good person. If he didn't ask the question—'Why me?'—I know I did… You know, "Why him? Why Tyler?”
My mind and thoughts have been troubled today thinking about the tragic loss of this young man while also reflecting on the number of challenges that can accompany the cancer journey. I know that in visiting with others who have experienced the cancer journey, or for that matter, any of the curveballs that life can throw our way, those thoughts can bring a wave of feeling helpless in trying to know how to deal with them, while also sneaking in the thought of ‘Why Me’?
A verse from Philippians has helped me deal with those thoughts…“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:12-13 
I’ll be honest, sometimes I’ll read that verse from Philippians and think to myself: This is a tough pill to swallow. Content in any and every situation?Really?  When I think back to cancer treatments and the pains and discomfort as well as the ongoing “stuff” that remains as a result, it certainly is tempting to want to wallow in the "why" questions and ask God some questions...
Why did this happen?
Why didn’t You stop this, God?Why weren’t my prayers answered?

Most all of us have had situations in our life where it’s so tempting to wallow in the "why." I guess asking why is normal, but I’ve found that if asking this question pushes me further from God rather than drawing me closer to Him, it is the wrong question. If asking the why question doesn’t offer hope, then what will? The what question seems to help me with that... In other words: "Now that this is my reality, what am I supposed to do with it?"

Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.”

I like to call this verse, “directions on where to park my mind.” Instead of wallowing in why did this happen, I’ve had to do some self talk by acknowledging this is my reality…


Now what am I going to do with it?What can I learn from this?What part of this is for my protection?
What other opportunities could God be providing?What maturity could God be building into me?
Switching from the “why” to the “what” questions paves the road to parking my mind in a much better place...

Is it always easy? No. But is it a way to find a perspective beyond situations where we feel God has allowed something in our lives we don’t understand and we absolutely don’t like? Yes, it is, and I pray this process helps because even if my circumstances aren’t good, I can trust God’s purpose always is.

I want to process everything I face in life through the filter of His love. I know He loves me, but sometimes it’s just hard to understand the circumstances that come my way. I find myself consumed with trying to figure things out rather than looking for His perspective and trusting Him. 

Isaiah 55:8-9 says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.”
By placing His thoughts and love above mine, it helps me navigate the roller coaster of life.
As is usually the case, my favorite author Jon Gordon shared some powerful thoughts on “Dealing with the Ups and Downs of Life” that arrived in my inbox at just the right time. I wanted to share those words with you and hope they inspire you as they did me. Jon writes:
Dealing with the Ups and Downs of Life
If you have ever been on a roller coaster you know it's filled with twists and turns, highs and lows, excitement, anticipation, fear, and relief. 
Once the ride starts, there's no turning back. You are along for the ride and how you handle it determines whether it's an enjoyable or miserable experience.
When I talk to people who are struggling in life and wanting to escape, I explain to them that if they were on a roller coaster for the first time and didn't know the roller coaster continued on an upward trajectory after racing towards the ground they would want to jump off and escape to avoid a crash.
Unfortunately that's how a lot of people feel when they are experiencing fear, anxiety and stress and riding an emotional roller coaster. They try to escape because they feel like they are about to crash. 
The key, however, is to not to escape but to keep going, knowing that even though you feel like you are going to crash, you won't, and if you hold on, you'll ride back to the top.
When you remind yourself that ups and downs are a part of life and your current emotional state is just a temporary part of the journey, you won't resist the tough part of the ride. Instead you will flow with it, your emotional state will rise and you’ll be on the upswing before you know it. 
On the other hand, some of us don't choose to escape. Some of us, when we feel pressure and stress hold on for dear life and are miserable the entire time. We hold on so tight that we don't enjoy the ride. 
I know this well because at times I have found myself resisting rather than enjoying life. 
That's no way to live.  
So then, how should we ride the roller coaster of life? 
If you've ever seen someone who loves roller coasters riding one then you know what enjoying the ride looks like and they give us a picture of how we should embrace the roller coaster of life. 
Scream, laugh, smile, cry and feel all the emotions the ups and downs and twists and turns bring. 
And most of all...
Put your hands in the air and enjoy the ride! 
-Jon
When faced with life’s challenges, let’s shift our thinkingfrom the “why” to the “what” questions while parking our minds in a much better place... By placing His thoughts and love above ours, we can better navigate the roller coaster of life.
In Christ’s love and comfort,
Dave


Are you or someone you know fighting cancer... struggling with the physical, emotional and spiritual issues that accompany a cancer journey or other serious health issue? Making ourselves available to others can open up the doors of opportunity for deeper relationships, healing, and transformation. For many, time is one of the most valuable commodities in today's fast-paced world. Sharing time with others is a wonderful gift. It says, "Here I am. . . for you. To listen, to care, to serve." The power of presence should never be underestimated!  

Be an encourager in someone else’s life!
To learn more about being an encourager, and to view the Reflections blog, visit the Reflections from the Home Team website at:www.reflectionsfromthehometeam.com/

Reflections from the Home Team - June 2, 2019 ...

Reflections from the Home Team - June 2, 2019

I am so grateful for the continued gift of life God has granted me that I don’t have the time and am not willing to waste the energy to complain.  I’ll take each day as it comes and tuck Willy’s advice away in a special place in my heart by treasuring each day as a continuing gift of life with the ability to start each day as a brand new game! 

Greetings from Cedar Falls!
Wanted to share a few thoughts today that were generated as I sat in a doctor’s office waiting for a client that I frequently provide Medical Transportation for.  It was a situation that brought back many memories that I experienced while going through cancer treatments in Iowa City. While waiting for my rider, a couple was doing some “serious complaining” about any number of issues ranging from having to wait for their appointment, to ineffective treatment options that had been recommended, to why “health issues” were now a part of their life… and on and on and on!
Well, my client came out of his appointment and I buckled him in the van and we shared some positive comments with each other on the ride home that were quite refreshing after hearing the previous discussion in the waiting room. When my rider asked to listen to some Country music on the ride home, I tuned to a local Country station and a song came on by Country artist Willy Tea Taylor that caught my attention.  The lyrics that caught my ear went as follows:
“And he never thought life would get so real; because he always thought life was a baseball field; and even if you lost; never complain; there is always tomorrow and a brand new game.”
Willy’s lyrics reminded me to be thankful for the fact that despite issues that may make our days uncomfortable, and at times cause us to complain, we need to be thankful that we have been given the gift of life and yet another day to live and start a brand new game!  His words provided me some perspective after listening to a couple that had appeared to fall into the “rut" of complaining, a place where I have found myself many times.  Maybe you have as well…Those lyrics in turn brought back a couple of life lessons I had learned about complaining which have helped me through some difficult times over the years.
The first lesson comes from one of my favorite coaches who was always big on the concept of “team”.  When he sensed that players seemed to be grumbling or complaining about problems day after day, he got us all together for a “team” meeting… something my former players probably can relate to as I often pulled my teams together to discuss things. When we all got settled in, Coach told us a joke that caused us all to crack up with laughter!  Can’t even remember the joke now. After a few minutes, he told the same joke again. This time only a few of us chuckled. Actually, we thought he might be “losing it”. Then he told the joke for the third time and no one laughed or even smiled. We were all convinced that he had lost it!  At that point he looked out at us and with a smile said, “You can’t laugh at the same joke over and over, so why are you always crying about the same problem?”
His point was a simple one… If you find you find yourself continually complaining about something, are you working towards resolving it? Or have you simply gotten comfortable complaining about it?  Often, the toxic emotions and experiences from our past can sabotage us or keep us stuck with the same old thoughts, patterns and regrets.  We need to let them go and look for ways to resolve them.  I know it’s easy for me to drift back to the pains and challenges that being a cancer survivor can bring, but complaining about them has never brought me relief.  I need to remind myself to always be looking for a solution and to be thankful that we have been given the gift of life and yet another day to live and start a brand new game! 
I often recall the Biblical story of Nehemiah when faced with challenges in my life. Nehemiah was a man who literally lived on his knees. Whenever he needed guidance, strength, provision, or protection, his first response was prayer. Because of Nehemiah’s humble dependence, God was able to use him greatly to achieve His purposes. Like Nehemiah, I constantly need to remind myself to come to God and the Holy Spirit for guidance, strength, provision and protection when life’s challenges lead me to the “ rut "of complaining. Psalm 27:1 says; “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread?” A comforting thought for me…
When we complain, we tend to focus on everything else but being our best. Complaining can result in lost productivity and it will sabotage the morale, engagement and culture of any team, if we let it.  Do we have differences from time to time with strategies on how to make decisions in the best interest of the team?  Of course we do, but we need to accept those differences as opportunities to grow and move forward.
Believe me; I know a lot about complaining. I have been a part of teams in the past where we had some “professional complainers” (sometimes even myself) and found that it not only sabotages your own happiness and success, but the success of your team, whether at work, on the field or in the classroom. I began to realize that we often complain for two main reasons… First, we may feel powerless and second, it may be a habit. Personally, I decided to break the habit as I did my daily best to stop complaining.
I often refer to several suggestions on team that I learned from Jon Gordon, a leader I have grown to admire and respect over the years. Jon has worked with any number of teams and organizations that I have been a part of and he offers some ways to break out of a "complaining" rut if you find yourself in one as I did. His suggestions helped me realize I was not powerless and that I had the power to choose my personal beliefs and actions. And by focusing on the positive instead of the negative, I found the faith, strength and confidence to take on life’s challenges and identify the solutions to my complaints. In a nutshell, here are those suggestions…
Jon Gordon writes:
Practice Gratitude. Research shows that when we count three blessings a day, we get a measurable boost in happiness that uplifts and energizes us. It's also physiologically impossible to be stressed and thankful at the same time. Two thoughts cannot occupy our mind at the same time (despite what some multi-taskers may share).  If you are focusing on gratitude, you can't be negative. You can also energize and engage your coworkers by letting them know you are grateful for them and their work.
Praise Others. Instead of complaining about what others are doing wrong, start focusing on what they are doing right. Praise them and watch as they create more success as a result. Of course, point out their mistakes so they can learn and grow, but make sure you give three times as much praise as criticism!
Focus on Success. At the end of each day, write down or journal the one great thing about your day. The one great conversation, accomplishment, or win that you are most proud of. Focus on your success, and you'll look forward to creating more success tomorrow.
Let Go. Focus on the things that you have the power to change, and let go of the things that are beyond your control. You’ll be amazed that when you stop trying to control everything, it all somehow works out. Surrender is the answer…
Pray. Scientific research shows that daily prayer reduces stress; boosts positive energy; and promotes health, vitality, and longevity. When you are faced with the urge to complain or you are feeling stressed to the max, stop, be still, plug-in to the ultimate power, and recharge!
As always, Jon has good advice to help us through our difficult moments. For many of us, I think prayer may be one of the most challenging areas of Jon's suggestions when dealing with complaining. I know it can be at times in my own spiritual life when I get the urge to complain. 
When I think of prayer, I often think of Matthew 19:13...
“Then people brought little children to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them and pray for them.” 
Praying for the people we love is one of the greatest gifts we can give them and who doesn't love little children! Jesus especially loved little children and the image I often create in my mind of Him placing His hands on those little ones and praying for them touches me as to the importance of prayer as a gift in our daily lives. And letting people know we are praying for them during difficult times is also an important part of that gift.
We often try to make prayer complicated, but it really isn’t. Prayer is simply a conversation with God. Our helplessness is our most powerful prayer. God does not listen for the eloquence of our words, but rather He listens for the voice of our need.
To close out this reflection, I am so grateful for the continued gift of life God has granted me that I don’t have the time and am not willing to waste the energy to complain.  I’ll take each day as it comes and tuck Willy’s advice away in a special place in my heart by treasuring each day as a continuing gift of life with the ability to start each day as a brand new game! With the help of my "Home Team", both human and Divine, I'm able to tackle the challenges that life may toss my way while doing my best to stick to the "no complaining" rule.
Many blessings to each of you and thanks so much for being such a special part of my Home Team!

Dave Are you or someone you know fighting cancer... struggling with the physical, emotional and spiritual issues that accompany a cancer journey or other serious health issue? Making ourselves available to others can open up the doors of opportunity for deeper relationships, healing, and transformation. For many, time is one of the most valuable commodities in today's fast-paced world. Sharing time with others is a wonderful gift. It says, "Here I am. . . for you. To listen, to care, to serve." The power of presence should never be underestimated!  
Be an encourager in someone else’s life!
To learn more about being an encourager, and to view the Reflections blog, visit the Reflections from the Home Team website at:
www.reflectionsfromthehometeam.com/

Reflections from the Home Team, May 5, 2019 “...

Reflections from the Home Team, May 5, 2019

“We may not always have the answers and be able to fix every problem, but by stepping into others’ lives, and helping bear their burdens while walking through their pain with them by listening and being present, we can help them endure some of life’s hardships… and maybe even have some fun along the way!” 
Greetings from Cedar Falls!

Well, it appears spring has finally arrived!  After surviving a record winter of snowfall here in Iowa, I am so ready for some warmth and sunshine.  I have recently spent quite a bit of time thinking about and reflecting on some of the hardships that have been a part of not only my life this past winter, but also the lives of others that have intersected with my life’s journey throughout this past year. Lot’s of “THINKING” going on!
One thing that has struck me as I think about and reflect on each of those challenges is the importance of the love, patience and wisdom that my “Home Team” has provided along the way.  I have also witnessed that same love, patience and wisdom being extended to others I have known or read about who have been enduring hardships as well. Let me share just one of those examples that I had read about late last fall. 
A young lady had been experiencing what she felt was a hopeless situation and saw no reason to continue living. She felt no purpose in her life and decided to walk out to the edge of a local pier, closed her eyes and jumped into the cold, dark waters below. As this happened, a young man who was walking nearby saw what had happened, and before he could even think about what had just happened, he jumped off the pier into the freezing water below to help her. Only one thing he had forgotten to consider… He didn’t know how to swim!  As he was struggling to keep his head above water, the young lady worked her way over to him and began to help him.
They both survived and as a result, the young lady realized she did have a purpose, that being to love and serve others!  It wasn’t just the fact that the young man reacted quickly to try and save her life through a great act of heroism, but rather that someone saw her pain and cared enough to “jump in” and endure it with her!
Sometimes we can “overthink” things when we face life’s challenges, whatever those may be.  I know I’ve often been guilty of that, spending some sleepless nights pondering things I literally have no control over. That’s when one of my favorite “baseballism’s” taken from one of my all time favorite movies, The Sandlot , lightens my mind.  “Man, this is baseball, you gotta stop thinking and just have fun!”  Maybe that can be our call in helping others help bear their burdens…   When it comes to loving others, isn’t that the call of our lives?  We may not always have the answers and be able to fix every problem, but by stepping into others’ lives, and helping bear their burdens while walking through their pain with them by listening and being present, we can help them endure some of life’s hardships… and maybe even have some fun along the way! 
John 16:33 provides us a comforting thought when it comes to enduring hardships…“ I have told you these things so that you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart! I have overcome the world.” A good reminder that helps us remember that no matter what may come our way, He is always there with us!
I have been blessed to be part of a morning Men’s Study and we have been discussing the Book of Job.  Lot’s of wisdom in that room each Wednesday morning!  Wow… talk about hardships in life!! Job was challenged with hardships by the evil one to the extreme, repeatedly testing his faith. Each of us is tested on a daily basis as well and when facing those challenges, it is helpful to pray for God’s wisdom and guidance.
Some thoughts about wisdom shared by a good friend have been very helpful for me, and I wanted to share those thoughts with each of you. Being a teacher, coach and principal, my thoughts regarding wisdom have always been influenced and shaped from a teaching perspective. 
“In scripture, God’s wisdom is named “Sophia” the Greek word for wisdom.  Her gift to us is to trust the flow of life, trust our experiences and intuitive knowing. The following traits of wisdom have been helpful for me as I float along life’s river…
Intelligent: Wisdom has the ability to keenly observe what IS…
Holy: Wisdom will cultivate a heart that is transparent to what IS…
Unique: Wisdom will realize that we are all a special and unrepeatable manifestation of God…
Subtle: Wisdom teaches us to learn to act without coercion….
Flowing: Wisdom teaches us to cut with the grain and tack with the wind…
Transparent:  Wisdom will allow us to cleanse ourselves of selfishness…
Pure: Wisdom teaches us to cleanse our minds of drama…
Distinct: Wisdom teaches us to honor our uniqueness and ourselves…
Invulnerable: Wisdom teaches us to be like water, yielding while embracing…
Good: Wisdom teaches us to work for the welfare of self and others…
Keen: Wisdom teaches us to learn to distinguish between truth and propaganda…
Irresistible: Wisdom teaches us to cultivate integrity and trustworthiness…
Gracious: Wisdom teaches us to make room for others…
Humane: Wisdom teaches us to treat all with respect…
Faithful: Wisdom teaches us to say what we mean and do what we say…
Sure:  Wisdom teaches us to rest in the way…”
The Lord offers wisdom freely; however, many times we don’t bother to ask and, therefore receive it. True wisdom is something that we all need. Like grace, wisdom is something God offers as a gift simply by asking Him. Wisdom has very little to do with cognitive development or education. It has everything to do with the anointing of God to help us see what is right and what is wrong, to know what to do and when to do it.
Wisdom does not come with a sheepskin of a diploma or certification, and should always be used to demonstrate how to love each other, even though we may have differences. Spending some quiet time in prayer seeking God’s guidance, while infusing these “traits of wisdom” in our daily walk can help each of us endure any “curve balls” that life may toss our way!
Blessings to each of you!
In Christ’s love and comfort,
Dave
Are you or someone you know fighting cancer... struggling with the physical, emotional and spiritual issues that accompany a cancer journey or other serious health issue? Making ourselves available to others can open up the doors of opportunity for deeper relationships, healing, and transformation. For many, time is one of the most valuable commodities in today's fast-paced world. Sharing time with others is a wonderful gift. It says, "Here I am. . . for you. To listen, to care, to serve." The power of presence should never be underestimated!  
Be an encourager in someone else’s life!
To learn more about being an encourager, and to view the Reflections blog and several video messages, visit the Reflections from the Home Team website at:
www.reflectionsfromthehometeam.com/