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/

A New Cross Family Era

I really must apologize for the lack of posts this year.  Things are changing very quickly in the Cross family.  I have started working on my Masters of Education in Technology.  I like it, but I still think I would rather be a teacher than a student.  Our first grandson, Chase, was born in February.  Now we have two more grandsons on the way!  Stephanie and John are being tight-lipped about the name.  (Please not another John…)  Tiffani and Joel have announced that Caleb is on the way.  Stephanie is due in October, and Tiffani due in November.  I can personally say grandparenting is going to be fun!  It truly does agree with my wife Patricia.  She may not look like a grandmother, but she sure enjoys being one.  We now look at shopping in a whole different way.  We have informed our children that Christmas is now all about the grandchildren.  They will have to buy their own Christmas presents.  (Well, at least it was a good idea…)  Actually, you never quit loving them.  I’m sure they will never get left out.  I am amazed how the human heart expands to love more and more people.  I remember wondering as a new parent how I could love another child as much as the first one.  Yet love continues and grows.  There can never be too many grandchildren for this Grandma and Papa!  And I think we see a Disneyland trip with the Three Musketeers in our future!

Chase Alexander

Tiffani,     Bethanie,    Stephanie

The Two Rules of Marriage

“What’s the secret?” 

I was working my “summer job” at the local Sate Park and one of the guys that worked with me was talking about his upcoming wedding. We had just celebrated our 26^th wedding anniversary. He was amazed. His parents were divorced, as were many of his other relatives. Since he came from a non-Christian background, I was temporarily stymied. Having a mutual faith in Christ is a definite advantage in our marriage, but there needed to be more. I have seen Christians get divorced. I have seen non-Christians live together into old age. That’s where the “two rules” came to mind. As far as I can tell, this is the closest I can come to the secret of marriage. I realize they are not full-proof. People can let themselves become mean and evil. Drug addiction can destroy them from the inside out. They still have a choice. But it’s the best I've got.

Rule #1

“Divorce is not an option.”

If you decide this from the start it will give you several advantages. It will make you choose wisely. If you know you will have to live with him/her for the rest of your life, you might be a little pickier. It will force you to work things out. It’s amazing how people will adapt and change once they realize the mountain is not moving. “‘Til death us do part!” (And no, murder is not an option.)

Rule #2

“Be the first to apologize. It’s probably your fault anyway”

As the man, it’s my responsibility to lead the home. (If that concept is foreign to you, then probably not much else is in this blog making sense, so I’m just going to go on.) It’s a rare occasion that I don’t have any culpability in the problem at hand. I admit it. I don’t listen as intently as I should. I can be about as sensitive as a shoe. Even if by some freak chance I am right, it’s still no reason to go around with an arrogant attitude. Communication is the sap of the tree of marriage. Keep the lines open.

We are sneaking up on our 32^nd wedding anniversary in June of 2014. Face it, a great marriage has been work. But when I think about it, fishing is also work. I’m tired when I get home from a great fishing trip. yet it’s a good tired, a happy restful tired. They’re a lot alike, marriage and fishing. It’s been almost 32 years. And I would do it all again, and 32 more…Love you!

Love God. Love People.

Recently our church handed out arm bands to be worn for the next 30 days. Truthfully, I am not a real fan of the flexible advertising goodies, but this one caught my eye.  It’s a simple slogan, but an immense idea. Love God. Love People. In a world of WWJD, I think this is one that even Jesus might wear. After all, He was the one to come up with the slogan. It’s a shortened version of the two greatest commandments: Luke 10:27(NIV) … "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with your entire mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" Yes, this is one reminder I need to wear. Love God. How often I forget. Love People. Boy, would this solve a lot of problems if we would focus on “others better than ourselves” as we go about our daily duties. As a “left hand man” my very existence is serving others. Our school theme verse for the 2013-14 school year is Philippians 2:3-5 (NIV) “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Who will you please today? Jesus? Others? Yourself? If you live the word of Jesus. Joy will follow!