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Pain in the Back

2/24/2015

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    Today was an interesting day. A day that I received some information that makes sense, but is a bit on the "bummer" reaction. In November my tailbone started to become sore, especially when sitting. After a few weeks this soreness became all out pain as I couldn't sit still for a prolonged period of time. I was at the end of the road with this on the first day of hunting season when I could only sit in our deer stand for two hours with Corban. I had to leave hunting that first day because the pain was so severe and I had to get to a doctor.
    After we drove home I changed and headed to my PCP. Once there they did a checkup and took an x-ray. The technician at the doctors office felt so bad for me because I could hardly lay down on the x-ray table. After I was situated and the x-rays were taken I needed her help just to get spun around to be able to sit and then stand up off of the table. The pain was nearly unbearable.
    I scheduled a followup appointment for a week, but since my tailbone area started to not hurt so severely I canceled that appointment. (Saves a copay also) My tailbone region hurt some, but the severity of it had significantly decreased.
    That takes us to two weeks ago when I went back to the doctor because of a bad cold and heartburn. They asked me what I had done about my back. I told them that it was still an issue, especially when I would shovel snow. They told me that I  needed to see an orthopedic surgeon to look at the x-ray results. I agreed and that takes us to today's appointment.
    Not knowing what the diagnosis was going to be, I told the surgeon my story and he took a look at the x-rays. He said that there was nothing serious but that it appears to be some scoliosis in that region. He told me that if it becomes as severe as it was in November to come in and see him ASAP.
    So the one symptom of Marfan syndrome that I haven't had an issue with for the last 37 years is now a part of my journey. With this I will still press forward and I know that God will help with the pain and discomfort. His power is made perfect in my weakness.

I can also look at it this way: Since it can hurt to sit or stand too long, I will just have to take afternoon naps! 
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Who you are is who you are meant to be.

2/19/2015

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    I was able, for the sixth year in a row, to speak in Mrs. Kline's practical nursing class at the Venango Technology Center on Tuesday about life with Marfan syndrome. I have a wonderful time sharing with the class my life story with Marfan syndrome and also about raising two sons with the condition. Even though I can have some very difficult days physically and I have had a number of major medical procedures, I am so happy that I am who I am.
    Some folks want to feel sorry for me and are even apologetic that two of my sons have Marfan's, but I don't desire anyone's sympathy. I wouldn't change who I am for anything. When I was younger, yeah, maybe I did a little, but as I have gotten older I realize that I am exactly the way I was meant to be.
    So, just as I told the students on Tuesday, each one of us has a story and each one of us has a choice regarding its use. We all have scars and pains in our lives, but we can and should use them to help others. To help bring Hope into their lives.

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Valentine's Birthday Breakfast

2/14/2015

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     Today I turn 37. I can't believe that I am that old. Amanda made me a wonderful breakfast of biscuits and sausage gravy. I first enjoyed this breakfast delight while at Kentucky Mountain Bible College and am filled with excitement each time it is made for breakfast! Half was already eaten, and what you see on my plate was quickly finished only minutes after taking the pic.
     It was always unique having my birthday on Valentine's Day as both my maternal and paternal grandfather's birthday were on this day. I also had a great-grandfather whose birthday was on this day of love also. Very odd to have all these Valentine's babies in one family, but I do enjoy sharing this fact.
     When I was in high school I never dated anyone seriously. I had plenty of friends that were girls, but none that I could call girlfriend. I recall one girl telling me that if my personality was different she may consider dating me and a different girl said that we might be able to date depending on what happened between her and another guy. Needless to say, I wasn't involved in the dating scene in school.
     In college I was wondering if I would find anyone to share my life with. I was so much taller than everyone else and on top of that I had Marfan syndrome. I had already had open heart surgery when I was 18, right before heading to college, and didn't know what other procedures could be in the future. Why would anyone want to spend their lives with someone with these types of scars? These types of pains?
     I know that many individuals that have a unique health concern can feel the same way. When you don't look like the majority and you cannot function like the majority it can become a little discouraging. I know I was discouraged, but then I met someone who loved me for who I am. Amanda knew of my health concerns and even the concerns with having children with Marfan syndrome, yet she loved me for who I was on the inside. She loved my heart, the man that I was, and because of that love for the inside, she loved the outside just the same.
     So for all who may be down about themselves because of Marfan syndrome or any other unique condition please remember that you were never a mistake to God. He loves you just the way you are and He doesn't want you to change your uniqueness to try to impress people.
     When you can accept yourself for who you are, then others can look at you and hopefully accept themselves. My two youngest sons have Marfan's, yet since I have embraced my uniqueness, they see that their uniqueness isn't anything to be afraid of. If dad can make it so can we!
     I don't know if you had biscuits and gravy for breakfast today or if it's your birthday, but what I do know is that you were not created a mistake and all of your uniqueness will never make you less of a person.
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The Uniqueness of Me

2/12/2015

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    The beauty of the snow often covers up the brown of the winter here in NW Pennsylvania. We have had plenty of snow and ice this year, but nothing compared to the feet of snow that Buffalo and now the New England states are facing. Snow is incredible because each snowflake that falls is unique. No other snowflake in the world will be designed exactly the same way. As I am looking out my window I see hundreds of new flakes falling to the ground, increasing the depth of the snow outside. Even with over a foot of snow on the ground right now, not a single snowflake is the same. Remarkable!
    Over the last few weeks I have joined three different FB groups relating to Marfan syndrome. I had never joined one of these groups before but I regret that decision now. Over these last few weeks I have been able to connect with people who have similar unique characteristics as I do. I have seen the families and the smiles of men and women, boys and girls, who have the same concerns that I have. I had missed out on connected with many who can relate and advise me in my journey.
    Within these posts are stories of strength, courage, and fortitude. But there are also plenty of posts from individuals who seem hopeless and hurt. Often times this pain is derived from the sole reason that they are perceived as not "normal". My heart breaks when I read these threads of individuals who are seeking strength when no one around them is offering them any.
    Just like each snowflake is unique, each of us are unique. There is no "normal" snowflake, they are all different. They are all made just the way they were supposed to be. Just like people, their really isn't a "normal" because we are all created unique and for a purpose. God created me just the way that I am and regardless of what others may say, I am special and loved by my Creator. 
    We see the beauty in the individuality of the snowflakes . . . God sees the beauty in the individuality of each one of us.
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The Hair Trimmers Just Broke!

2/9/2015

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    I am the barber when it comes to cutting my three sons hair. Corban and Andrew both received one haircut from a "professional", but other than those two hair appointments, I have buzzed their heads when needed. During the summer months the boys get their hair cut outside because we just gather the hair trimmings off the ground and place them around the garden to keep small animals out. During the winter months they have to sit on a stool in the bathtub to get their hair cut. I can easily wipe the hair out of the tub after each one gets their haircut.
        A couple weeks back while I was using our new hair trimmers, I acted as if they had broken. Corban was the victim of my trick and, as you can see, I intentionally cut his hair as to imitate a balding man. As I was "trying" to get the electric hair trimmers to "work" again I told him that he needed to look in the mirror. I then told him that I couldn't cut anymore of his hair until we purchased another trimmer. His eyes show some concern because I had told him that he would probably have to go to school the next day looking like this! He couldn't believe what was happening to him.

    After a perilous couple of minutes I told him I was just joking and the relief that came over that boys face was priceless. I then made sure the sides of his hair got the proper care they needed and he came out with another buzzed head.

    We have a great deal of fun as a family. Humor can often times help heal hurts. It can also be rejuvenating to the entire body. Just last night Andrew, our 6 year old, wanted to know how many fig cookies he could eat. The other kids had asked if they could have one or two. When Andrew asked how many he could have I asked him, "How many do you want?" Instead of answering "Two" he was quick to say, "I want three!" We all laughed at his quick wittedness and he then received his TWO cookies.

    I know that often times when we are hurting it can be hard to laugh or joke. I have experienced times in my life where it was hard to even break a smile during the day because of stress and even depression. I try very hard to have our home be a home filled with laughter even when things may be tough. When my kids smile . . . I smile. When my kids laugh . . . I laugh.

    We must keep laughter and humor as a part of our lives. Enjoy the life that God has given to you. Can days, even weeks or months, be hard? Yes they can. Utilize the time that you have and make sure you smile. Often times their are many other people that are hurting more than you are, so you can be that glimmer of hope to help brighten their day.

    One more quick story. On Friday I called my heart surgeon at Allegheny General Hospital to make sure he had received my echocardiogram from this summer. When the receptionist picked up the phone she promptly asked me, "Can you please hold for a moment?" I responded, "Yes, I can." After 45 seconds she came back on the phone and asked how she could help me. I then asked her if anyone had ever replied "No" to her asking to be put on hold. This question puzzled her as that wasn't a question she was anticipating on being asked.  

    She told me that, "Yes, I have been told 'No' before." I then asked how she deals with that and the conversation flowed forward from there. She stated that I must work somewhere that I place people on hold to help others. I told her that I am a pastor and that I can be pulled in various directions and be needed promptly regardless of other things going on. It's just part of being a pastor and I can relate in some ways!

    We had a pleasant conversation for a few minutes and then I proceeded to ask her to direct me to the division I needed to go to. I thanked her for taking the time to talk with me and she then told me that she appreciated the fun conversation that we had on the phone. My call was directed to its appropriate division and I found out the my surgeon did indeed receive my echo. Mission Completed!

    I didn't know this woman, but their was a person on the other end of the line that I wanted to help put a smile on her face. I told her I appreciated her work in directing calls and scheduling appointments for a number of surgeons. I threw humor into our conversation, of course, and I trust that she had a smile on her face when she hung up the phone.

Proverbs 17:22a says, "A cheerful heart is good medicine."

Regardless of the day you are experiencing, let's take a dose of this together!
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Pray for my Pennsyl-Tuckian 

2/4/2015

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For over two years I have been working on a manuscript about my Custom Scars. It not only deals with the numerous events that have been a part of my life due to Marfan syndrome, but it also plainly addresses the issue's of death, bullying, parental love, the acceptance of your scars, and of course how we are all created with a wonderful purpose. . . a purpose that was known by God before I was even born.

I have allowed a handful of people read my manuscript, with a few of them helping with edits. (Kathy, Dr. John, Gary, and Jennifer) It can be tough to write because I am known to speak Pennsyl-Tuckian. (A mix between Pennsylvania and Kentucky speaking) I have appreciated the edits and am now proceeding to have it professionally edited in order to try to secure an agent. Finding the right editor isn't an easy task, but I truly believe that God has led me to an individual named Linda. She is already praying for my project regardless of whether I select her as my editor.

Your prayers during the editing process are highly coveted. I truly believe that God desires to use my (and your) Custom Scars for His glory and purpose. Next week I will be seeing my geneticist in Pittsburgh along with two other individuals for my checkup as well as to discuss my heart's ministry with Custom Scars. The week after that I will be lecturing nursing students locally about my condition and how living with a health concern doesn't mean that a person is useless. I always look forward to sharing my life story with any and all that will listen. (Of course they get a good dose of Jesus mixed in too)

I am blessed by having so many people supporting me in this venture, especially Amanda. She is such a support to me and walks beside me in my passion to reach people. I couldn't have made it this far without her.

Thank you for your prayers and please continue to pray as I take the faith steps forward that I believe God wants our family to be taking. All glory goes to Him as He is in control of my Custom Scars.


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Real Men Love Jesus

2/2/2015

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     Red Davis was a man who loved Jesus. He was a hero of the faith. He would share the life-changing message of Jesus Christ to all who would listen. He studied God's Word for its life giving wisdom and direction. I wrote this article for Saturday's newspaper and I felt that it would be beneficial to post as a blog entry. Red impacted my life and scores of others. I desire my legacy to be the same as Red's. He was a real man who loved Jesus. Earth's loss is Heaven's gain. I'll see you again some day.
Real Men Love Jesus
January 31, 2015

      Those four words are poignant. Not really any wiggle room with such a brazen phrase. Real Men Love Jesus. I have a bumper sticker with those four words on it stuck to my guitar case. But what do those words mean? What do those words look like?

     On Tuesday, January 13, Daryl “Red” Davis, a man I have known since early childhood, entered eternity at the age of 82. He and his wife, Joan, lived down in Emlenton and, as a child, Joan was my piano teacher. We went to church with them and Red made a huge impact on the lives that he came into contact with including my own.

      His one son shared a few words during the service holding up one of his father’s Bible’s.  It was covered in duct tape and read front cover to back multiple times with innumerable notes and underlines throughout.  Red was a Real Man who Loved Jesus.  He dug into the Word for wisdom, strength, and understanding.

      2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  Red Davis was one of only a few men that I know who this was their life passion.

      Yes, he taught at AC Valley for over 30 years and was their JV basketball coach for almost two decades, but everyone knew that those things weren’t Red’s highest priority. He loved his wife and children, but they weren’t his highest priority either. His top priority was to lead people to Jesus. Red would use the platforms that he was given to share the love of Jesus daily. He is one of less than a handful of men who I remember sharing about praying with someone to ask Christ into their hearts. He was a Real Man who Loved Jesus.

      Men like Red need to be our hero’s. It has nothing to do with fame, possessions, or talents. Our hero’s need to be men like Red Davis. Red studied, memorized, applied, and lived the words of Scripture. He was a man who was thoroughly equipped to share his faith to anyone at anytime.

      I asked Joan if I could share about Red in this week’s article because he impacted so many within Clarion and Venango counties as well as other places across the US and around the world.  During the service my heart was saddened by the loss, but overjoyed with the knowledge that Red is with Jesus, the author and finisher of his faith.

      Real Men Love Jesus with all of their heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Red should not be the exception of a Christian man, but he should be the norm. He was a spiritual example. He was a spiritual hero.

      Red isn’t experiencing anymore pain and I can only imagine the crown that was placed upon his head by Jesus when He looked into Red’s eyes and said, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”
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    Steve Henry

    This is a place where you can find hope without feeling ashamed of your Custom Scars.

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