Pastor Pusch

Dickens wrote, “it was the best of times, it was the worst of times… it was the season of Light, it was the season of darkness… it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair…”

It seems that over the last year my family has experienced both sides of the emotional, mental, and physical spectrum that Dickens penned in the opening line of his classic title  A Tale of Two Cities. However, to bring the last 12 months to summation, I would have to say, we experienced the greatest of times showered only by the grace of God.

June 2009 proved to be a trying time in our family as we had to take our daughter Jovie in for surgery to repair her cleft palate. While Jovie was clueless to the situation, Rena and I were charting new and unexpected territory. This was perhaps the most difficult process to endure. We had complete confidence in Jovie’e care, but it was still my little baby girl who had to suffer. I cannot even begin to tell you how much joy and happiness Jovie Madelyn has brought to our home. We released Jovie into the arms of the surgeon with indescribable feelings swinging back and forth between hope and despair. Today, Jovie is doing extremely well and has not experienced any further problems. Grace.

July 2009 we learned that Jovie was going to be a big sister. Overall we were excited about receiving another gift of God, but it would be a complete lie if I told you that we did not experience feelings of another kind as we wondered whether or not we were ready for child number 2 after all we have experienced with number 1. Today, we are within 6 weeks of delivery, and words would fail to describe the great anticipation we feel as we wait for the arrival of Jovie’s little sister. Grace.

September 2009 taught us unforgettable lessons. Two seizures landed me in the hospital for a series of tests that brought forth darkening results. After reviewing the results, doctors wasted no time scheduling surgery. After surgery, recovery was a challenge. From anxiety to full mental breakdown, I experienced everything in between. Thankfully I have been taken off the medications that caused such instability. The pathology reports all came back the same week of surgery. Today, all is well. What was thought to be a low grade brain tumor with malignant activity is no longer. I am taking 1 medication with little to no side effects (for only 6 more months) and to this day all of my scans have come back clean and clear. A miracle for sure. Grace.

It is not like we have not seen God’s hand at work in our lives before, it just 2009 has been a year like none other. Words fail to describe how grateful we are as a family. God continues to mold us and shape us. He has given us new perspective and we enter 2010 with great anticipation thankful for all that He has done and will continue to do. While 2009 brought with it great trials and heartache, I can say for me, it was indeed the “best of times.” Grace.

“And the God of all grace…will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To Him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.” I Peter 5:10-11

Blessings,
PastorPusch

If you knew this was it and life today would come to an end, would you be satisfied? Would you consider your life to be full and complete? Would you consider this to be the abundant life that Christ came to give?

I am not satisfied and it is my fault. While His graces and mercies continue to fall on me daily, I often go about as if today were just another day; as if I had it coming all along. I desire to be more intentional about life. “Lord, remind me.”

My Morning Thoughts,
PastorPusch

Today is Friday, October 16 2009. It’s not just any day… TODAY IS MY BIRTHDAY! “Happy Birthday Pusch!”

One month ago, September 16, I walked into St. Thomas Hospital for a brain tumor biopsy/surgery. It’s during these kinds times that all sorts of “stuff” enter your mind. Now I do not know if it was because the date was exactly one month prior to my birthday, but I remember thinking to myself that I may not make it another month to see 29. It was an odd feeling that did not linger. I have said from the beginning that God was/is/and will be in control of all that happens. I truly do stand amazed at what God has done in my life over the last several weeks. I have shared with some friends of mine that these have truly been some of the best days of my life.The road is long with its many winds and turns, but the journey has been good. One of the biggest struggles I am facing right now has mostly to do with getting the ample rest my body needs. I do not want to complain, because overall I am simply thankful. I am alive and God is gracious and good. Last night was probably the first GOOD nights sleep I have in weeks. I think I got a total of 6 hours… which prior to surgery was the normal. Now, if I can get 6 straight hours… that would be nice. The other issue I am dealing with has to do with the steroid medication I am on. It has a tendency to really mess with my body; emotionally, physically, mentally. The doctors all tell me that it is normal and it is all a part of the process. There are times during the day that are just as normal as any other, then “crash and burn” begins it toil and by the end of the day, I am drained. I am really trusting that next week my neurosurgeon will cut back the dosage (there is a good chance that may happen).

Today I am 29 years old and I thank God for 29 years of grace; grace that I do not deserve, yet He gives it more abundantly. I think often about grace these days. I do not ever want to take His grace for granted. We have so much to be thankful for… even the graces that slip by us each and everyday. “Not to us O Lord, not to us but to Your name be all the glory for your steadfast love and faithfulness.” Psalm 115:1