To Mom: Connie Cross, Legacy Builder.

Since tomorrow is Mother’s Day, I thought it would be fitting to spend some time remembering all that they do and have done for us. Yet today, I am going to wax somewhat selfish in my posting. I have been reflecting this week on all the things my mother has done for the 5 of us. I might add that, most or all of these things hold true for my Mother-in-law, Judy Morris, also. They have both helped me tremendously! Thank you ladies!

            My mother was, and still is, a legacy builder. She started us out on the journey of life with many invaluable skills. And as I look around me, I realize that she did a fantastic job.

·         She taught us about God.

Some of my very first recollections are of sitting in church with my family. But that is not where it happened. She lived it in front of us. She was not perfect; she was honest and devoted.

·         She taught me to do the right thing, even when no one was watching, but simply because it was the right thing to do.

·         She stood up for us when we were in the right, and “upended us” when we did wrong. (Enough said.)

·         She taught us how to be creative without having to buy everything.

She decorated cakes, taught us to make frosting flowers, sugar molded bells, candles, and do many other crafts and fun activities.

·         She taught us how to recycle when it was not even popular.

I remember the summer when she made a town for us out of television boxes. We had a house, complete with painted on bricks across the front. There were stores, and a lemonade stand with a counter and a pull down window. They were all hand-made, with love.

·         She taught us how to help others – often for free.

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·         She taught us how to read – well. There is a reason all of us have educational degrees.

·         She gave us a love for music. She always sang to us and encouraged us to pursue music lessons.

·         She gave us the freedom to be children. I suppose we would have been called “free range” children by today’s standards, but she did know where we were, and most times, what we were up to. Sometimes I still wonder how she knew.

·         She taught us not to steal. I remember going back to a shop and giving back the tiny pen I had pocketed. When the shopkeeper said, “oh, that’s alright”, she proceeded to explain to him how “alright” it wasn’t, thus helping his character also, killing two birds with one stone. We probably both still remember it.

·         She taught us how to love. My parent stayed together through thick and thin. I know a good marriage takes two, yet I know she did her part.

·         She continues to be a wonderful grandmother and great grandmother. FaceTime is a wonderful thing. (Hm, maybe that’s how she knew…)

I am sure I have left things out. Some things I will not realize for years to come; others will return to mind as life moves on.

Bless you mother. on your special day. I can only hope that I can give as many things to my children as you have given to me! 

What Would You Do With $1,000,000?

What would you do if someone gave you one million dollars?  I have heard this question asked many times in many different venues.  I will admit, I have thought about this myself on more than one occasion.  My answer was very different when I was young and newly married than what it would be today.

Originally, my thoughts revolved around taking care of my family. I thought about better vehicles, a house of our own, and travel vacations that would enhance the education of our children.  Later, it revolved around making my job of teaching more efficient, more comfortable. I wanted to add the latest technology to my classroom, to raise teacher salaries, and to have the resources I saw in other schools.

It is amazing how time can change your perspective.  My wife and I have really felt the need to begin reaching out to others that are less fortunate then ourselves. I believe God is moving us that direction; we just do not know where that will finally end up.  We have finally reached a point financially where we can be the one to pick up the tab, say, when I am out to coffee with a buddy or my wife is out to lunch with one of her friends. I have to admit, it is a nice feeling to be able to help others instead of them helping me.

One million dollars: It does not go as far as it did when I first thought about it.  Still, I know what I would do.  I would continue to look for ways to help.  And I think I would like it to be anonymous - kind of like an unknown super “Do-Gooder”.  My wallet would always have a several gift cards in it that would be ready to help in a situation of need.  It could be a grocery card, Walmart, or a Visa gift card. I could pay off a doctor bill here, a tuition payment there, a car repair bill that has someone wondering how they will get to work on Monday. There would be more gas for the stranger trying to get home, and food for the truly homeless guy that you pass every day to work. Christmas could still happen for the mother who works two jobs and is still barely keeping her kids fed.  

I am Fifty-Four. I have seen much and had many great experiences. But now I see there is more.  There are hundreds, no, thousands of people around me who need loved, who need hope. And in the best way I can, I just want to be the hands and feet of Jesus, $1,000,000 or not.

So, I shook my fist at Heaven

Said, "God, why don't You do something?"

He said, "I did, I created you"

“Do Something”

Songwriters: Matthew West

Published by Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.

Of Bugs and Men

Have you ever wondered why the infinite, all-knowing, all-powerful GOD of the universe would bother with silly humans?  I have; I still do. God has been kinder, more gracious, and more merciful to me than I will even deserve.  I find the words “I deserve” to even be inappropriate. I deserve nothing good.

In my years of science teaching, I have collected and kept many strange things. Most would say that the strangest would have been a fairly large collection of Madagascar hissing cockroaches. At one point the colony numbered in the hundreds. Although mostly raised as a food source for my bearded dragons and other lizards, they also served as an interesting diversion. For some of my colleagues, they were the ultimate in disgust; in my eyes, they were, well, entertaining. As I look back on the experience, a thought has occurred to me. Why had I fancied some, and yet speedily dispatched others to a fate of being crushed between the jaws of a hungry lizard? I  guess it had something to do with their individual personalities. I realize that for the non-cockroach aficionados, this seems like a wild and even absurd idea.  Still, they had their subtle, yet distinct differences. Some would instinctively run and hide; others would linger as if to try to fathom the great shadow that loomed above them. Some even seemed to look up. I think my favorites would be the ones that actually seemed to notice me. I cannot say I felt love for them, but I did feel compassion. They got a special lettuce leaf, a choice morsel of fruit. But most of all, they avoided the gaping jaws.  All it took was for them to look up.

God has done some very wonderful things for my family, and myself. We have seen him provide everything we needed, when we needed it, in crazy and wonderful ways. Why me God? Why so much favor on such an insignificant thing? There is nothing good in me. I am not special, lovely, or extraordinary. There is not, nor has there ever been, any reason for the Great Creator to have favor on me. Yet HE does, I think I now know why. Yes, I understand HE is the one who calls to us, who quickens our hearts. Still, I am grateful that at an early age, my parents to taught me to just look up.

“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.”

James 4:8

Just A Walk On The Beach

"In their hearts humans plan their course, 

but the Lord establishes their steps." 

Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)

It was just supposed to be a lazy walk at the beach.  We were returning home from visiting our children in central California and a day on the beach was too long coming and sorely needed. We decided to stay in Camarillo, CA for the evening and visit the beach the next morning.  After a warm breakfast and a purposeful late start, we headed toward McGrath State Beach. It was a good plan, a great plan, and really poor timing, or so we thought.  For some reason, the beach and campground were closed. Being the efficient, thoughtful (lazy) man that I am, I Googled the next nearest place. We drove down S. Harbor Blvd (much less exotic than it sounds) and turned up a dead end patch of W. 5th Street.  To our pleasant surprise, we ended up on a lovely stretch of sand and water known as Mandalay Beach. It really was just what we were looking to find. We walked along the shore, snapping action shots of the pelicans, listening to the gentle break of the surf, and even spotting dolphins as the occasionally surfaced for air. Pat looked for shells, while I looked for small, flat, ocean polished stones to use for carving. We passed a couple sitting on a blanket, enjoying the warm sun, and even received a smile and a wave.  Since it was already afternoon, we thought it might be nice to spend some time looking at the shops and then grabbing a bite to eat. We decided to ask the local couple if they knew anywhere nice in the area. After a brief introduction and some casual small talk, we found out that they were both Christians and a bond of friendship was instantly formed.  We ended up sharing the story of Caleb, our miracle grandson, and they told us about their daughter who was going through some tough times physically. Soon were joining hands in prayer for each other right there on the beach. Two hours can pass by so quickly with friends. We both ended up encouraging each other, sharing what God had done, and what we hoped He would do in the future. It was like we had known then for years.  It never ceases to amaze me how God can put you just in the right spot at just the right time.  It reminds me to stop and look around. Those little accidents are not really accidents. That little voice is not always just in your head. When your plans get changed, it is time to put your spiritual antenna up. When God changes your steps, It's time to start asking, "Who does God want me to be light to today?"

Grand Things Come in Threes!!!

God has been amazing to the Cross Family this year! 

I have no need of presents; my heart is full. Three amazing grandchildren, all gifts from on High. 

All praise to our Lord and Savior, Maker of Heaven and Earth, lover of simple men such as I. 

To GOD be the glory!

The GOD of the Impossible

The following is the factual account of the birth of my grandson, Caleb Thomas, 

as written by my amazing wife, Patricia. 

November 4th, 2014

“Faith is the Substance of things Hoped for,

the Evidence of things not seen…” Hebrews 11:1

     Just a little less than a week ago my life was thrown into a tailspin!  Word came that my daughter was rushed into emergency surgery and my unborn grandson had no heart beat!  The hours and days to follow would prove to be one of the greatest tests of my faith, in my walk with God.  Immediately I flew into my Savior’s arms crying and pleading for him to save my grandson and my daughter! 

     My husband, Marty, and I prayed as we waited.  Soon we found out that, though he had to be revived, our grandson had made it!  Sometime after our daughter was in the recovery room, but only after having two transfusions and nearly losing her life!  Both were out of immediate danger, but this was short lived.  The next day as we headed for California, exhausted and functioning in the Spirit only, we received more bad news.  Tiffani’s (our daughter) kidneys were failing!  And the prognosis for Caleb (our grandson) was grim. The best neurologist in Sacramento said Caleb was brain dead, and there was no chance of recovery. We began to pray as we drove.  We finally stopped to sleep and the next morning God gave me and then Marty a message.  “BRING HOPE!  You will face a giant, but I will be with you!”  So we prayed and cried.  Then we put on our armor, ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen it and headed out. 

     When we arrived we had no realization how dark and heavy a place the Enemy had prepared for us. We struggled to keep a positive attitude and to balance reality with what God had put in our hearts.  With our Tiffani so very sick and absolutely no hope given for Caleb’s condition, I knew that the only reason I was standing and walking and talking was because the Holy Spirit was holding me up.  My helmet was in place so that the Enemy’s taunting was like a far off shout, that when it reached me it was so faint I could hardly make it out!  Yet he was relentless. Marty and I had little spiritual support in the hospital, but God had given us an army of support around the world!  As word spread we lost count of how many were praying for us and our family.  Evening came and we went back to our daughter’s home to rest.  We prayed individually and we prayed together.  We not only prayed for healing, but we prayed for faith, hope, and for God to be glorified!

      The next morning we spent a good hour in prayer, praise and worship. Please understand we are not anyone special, nor are we spiritual giants!  We were completely depleted of human strength.  It was only because of the power of the Holy Spirit and a choice to resign ourselves to His will that we were functioning!  When we were finished God gave me a song that helped me to put my day into perspective:  WHEN YOU WALK THROUGH A STORM HOLD YOUR HEAD UP HIGH AND DON’T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK….

      So, we arrived at the hospital and indeed the storm had darkened.  Tiffani’s kidneys were a bit better, but still serious.  Caleb, though alive, we were told he had NO outcome for a quality life.  He was not even breathing on his own.  The doctors basically said if he survived it would be completely dependent on machines!  Reality slapped us in the face!  I continued to have faith in the hope God had placed in my heart, but I struggled to see passed what was in front of me.  Then I heard the Holy Spirit’s voice saying, “You have not, because you ask not!  You can move a mountain if only you believe!”

     “Ok!” I shouted from within.  The rest of that day no matter what the doctors said, or anyone for that matter, I held my head up and was not afraid!  I only believed! Later that day there was a meeting.  Our kids were now given the choice to let him go or continue to help him (via machines) with the same grim future as before.  My heart exploded as I witnessed this being explained to Tiffani and the realization of what this meant sinking into her heart!  My mind spun as I saw the excruciating pain in my Son in Laws eyes!  Inside of myself I was searching for the Rock as I felt myself slipping into the pain.  When the meeting was over I left the room, broke down into tears for a brief moment, then held my head high and continued on.

     The reality before me was that I was most likely going to witness my grandson slip away into eternity,  because that was the direction it was heading.  Babies in his condition don’t come back from it!  I found Marty and we went down to the cafeteria for a bite to eat.  I told him what had been said and the direction things were headed in.  We prayed some more, strengthened our armor and God renewed our Hope!  On our way back up Joel (our son in law) met us halfway.  With a bit of hesitation he told us, “Caleb started breathing on his own!”

     My heart jumped out of my chest for joy!  I will never forget it for the rest of my life.  God told the Enemy, “No!”  From that moment on, no matter what was said, I believed without a doubt, that God was going to heal our little Caleb and from that moment on he has astounded the doctors and nurses and everyone!  Tiffani also began to recover and after a month has recovered completely. 

     After nineteen days Caleb went home, free of all machines.  At one month old, he breaths, eats, cries, and has reached all the milestones of any normal one month old. He hears and sees and responds to all of us. Caleb grows stronger every day!    

     Hallelujah, praise God, for he alone is responsible for this miracle!  

UPDATE:
Caleb will be 3 years old in November 2017. He no longer needs any visits or services. He is both physically and mentally NORMAL. He meets or exceeds all of the normal benchmarks for his age. Of all of the children in a 10 year study that included over 70,000 children if his "category 3" condition, only 5 have survived. Only one has ever recovered fully. Even the doctor called it a "miracle".
Praise GOD for His marvelous works among the children of men!

For My Wonderful Wife, Patricia

In a forest nestled in a fertile valley, next to a meandering stream, stands a sturdy oak.  He has lived here for over half a century.  His branches stretch into the sky and out sideways all about him.  Some 30 years ago, a wonderful flowering vine was planted next to him.  Throughout the years they have grown together; their branches entwining ever so tightly that it is now hard to tell one from the other.  Through winds and rain, blizzard and ice, and drought and heat, they have grown. 

In the influence of their shadow all manner of plants and small trees grow.  Nurtured by their shade and protecting boughs, they flourish.  Many creatures of the forest visit to rest and play under their canopy.  Once a year, to mark the passing of time, the vine blossoms in a stunning explosion of light purple flowers.  The flowers only last for a few weeks and then they are gone.

A curious thing has happened over the years.  Instead of adding a burden of weight to the oak tree, his branches grew lighter.  He was able to reach much higher than many of the other oaks around him.  He did not fear the wind, but let it flow freely though his branches, making each leaf dance as it went.  The vine supported the oak; the oak in turn sheltered the more fragile vine.  As individuals, they were both grand.  As a couple, completely entwined, they are glorious!  The years, as is fitting, will someday take their toll; yet these two stand as a monument of what two hearts entwined as one can accomplish.

Picture by Patrizia Szymkowicz

used by permission from http://bitze.wordpress.com/