Hello Everyone!

If there is a companion proverb for June and the beginning of summer as there is for March and the onset of spring, “in like a lion, out like a lamb,” I don’t know it. I wasn’t informed that summer would begin with such a vengeful whirlwind. However, if this one week is indicative of the season, there will be no time for (June) gloom.

José Garcia started preparing the rent house for painting and is now finished. Our dear friend, Pastor Monroe Nunley stopped by for a visit. He is as much a fireball of action as he ever was. This day, he had sad news to share. The long-time mother-daughter pianist-organist team at Greater Fountain of Life had an automobile accident. Sister Kimbrell, the mother and organist, was killed. Sister Ervin, the daughter and pianist was severely injured and is still in the hospital. Our thoughts and prayers go out to their personal and church family.

Pastor Rigsby and I made our way to Lancaster for Susan Cowan’s funeral. We trust the Lord uses His Word to comfort and encourage Susan’s family and friends. In unfamiliar places, familiar faces help ease my own uneasiness. By their presence and encouragement, Mike and Berniece Cosgrove, and Brian Cosgrove added significantly to the service. I was surprised—and delighted—to see Danny Filatoff. I haven’t seen him in years. In the brief moments we talked after the service I learned that Danny is now married and his wife is expecting their first child. He says he is scared. Don’t you find it odd how God mixes our sorrows and joys?

Burial took place the next day at Park Lawn in Commerce. Several others from the church were able to express their sympathy and support. I think Jonathan Cowan was especially appreciative that Teresa Garcia and Johnny Estudillo came. It had been a long time (at least before their college years or maybe a little more) since they have had an opportunity to talk together. How do they say it? “There’s been a lot of water under the bridge” since those days in grade school when Susan would lead them in wild games of Simon Says.

My (favorite) niece, Sarah, brought a friend, Kristine, to Southern California so they could enjoy, among other things, a day at Disneyland. Of course, it is my sacred duty to oblige, and I (hope I)did. We opened the park up and shut it down. It would be easier to tell you what we didn’t do, because everything else, we did. We didn’t ride the horse drawn trolley. O.K., we missed a couple of other attractions, but you get my point. While waiting for the fireworks to begin, I met a family from Australia on a seven week “holiday” to the United States. They are from Melbourne. I told them how much I enjoyed visiting their country, commenting how God had created such a unique and beautiful place. Unfortunately, “God” didn’t interest them, so I moved on to “Vegemite” and the Great Barrier Reef or something like that. They were impressed I knew about Vegemite. As we parted, I wished them well on their trip, hoping they would find the real riches “we” have to offer.

For weeks the kids at church stopped counting days left in school and began badgering me about how many days until we commence Fridays at the beach. Our first of the season didn’t offer the best weather (it was a little windy and cool) or even good waves (too choppy and a big rip tide). But, if I counted accurately, there were 39 of us, 10 or so who have never been to church at Bell Gardens. It is always a pleasure to meet and get to know these different ones. It was also nice to have a few of the parents from the Spanish congregation join in and enjoy themselves, as well!

I don’t necessarily aim to be “busy” for busy-ness’ sake. I could be busy enough trying to finish a DVD project that I began in January. But I do aim to talk and walk the faith along the way, in ordinary, everyday circumstances. Moses outlined that same principle in our reading this week (Deuteronomy 6:4-9). Jesus expressed a purpose identical to Moses when He summarized all the Law in the Great Commandment and the Great Commission.

If you need a memorable way to, umm—well, remember this truth, then hum along with Ruth Harms Calkin:

    Do you know, O Christian, You’re a sermon in shoes?
    Jesus counts upon you to spread the Gospel News;
        So walk it and talk it,
        Live it and give it,
        Teach it and preach it,
        Know it and show it;
    You’re a sermon in shoes.

In the midst of finishing the (never-finished) bulletins for mailing and the internet last week, the phone rang. On the other end of the line was Susan Cowan. She wanted to tell me that she had made a monumental decision. She was going home.

You may remember, in January Susan’s kidneys suddenly stopped functioning. About March, she was told she had cirrhosis of the liver, essentially not working. This month, physicians said that her heart was weakened and failing.

Those who know Susan would expect her to be hopeful of full a recovery and from the beginning she was. Susan always rose higher than the challenges she faced. It is like she thrived on overcoming adversities. “Never say ‘die,’” that was Susan. But uncharacteristic of Susan, she said it. In disbelief at what I thought I just heard, I stuttered for what to say or ask. Each objection was thoughtfully answered, including her anticipation of Jonathan’s wedding next month.

But, the dialysis, all of the other physical complications, and being in and out of the hospital took a huge toll on her body. After explaining her condition, the reasoning behind her conclusion, and that her family didn’t like it but was supportive of her decision, Susan concluded by saying, “I’m just waiting for my ride.” At first, I thought she meant “to heaven,” but she was speaking of the ambulance that would transport her home, so that from there she could go to heaven. Or, at least, that is what I think she was saying.

It was difficult to fathom Susan’s positive attitude. As her sister Eurcey said, “I’m not sure I’d have the ability to make it for myself, but Susan seems to be at peace.” Even her facial expressions said, “everything is going to be O.K.” I remembered something Chuck Swindoll said in his little book “Encourage Me” that explained the source of Susan’s incredible peace.

“God does not dispense strength and encouragement like a druggist fills your prescription. The Lord doesn’t promise to give us something to take so we can handle our weary moments. He promises us Himself. That is all. And that is enough.”

Throughout her life, Susan experienced many “weary moments,” but she did so knowing that Jesus Christ always fulfills His promises. Not because Susan was deserving more than others, or because she had done so much for others and the church. But because she had responded in faith to His saving grace, Susan discovered that Jesus Christ is all, that He truly is enough.

While Susan’s announcement startled me Sunday afternoon, it was not easy saying good-bye on Monday, knowing this might well be the last opportunity I would have to talk with Susan on this earth.

Thursday morning, just after midnight, the “ride” Susan really waited for arrived. I’m glad she didn’t have to wait too long. I hope the wait for our face-to-face introduction with our Savior and Lord, as well as the grand reunion with those who have preceded us is not too long, either.

There will be a funeral at Joshua Memorial Park Mortuary on Tuesday at 2:00 PM. The address is 808 E. Lancaster Blvd. in Lancaster, CA. Burial will be at Park Lawn Cemetery in Commerce on Wednesday at 10:30 AM.