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Job lost all 10 of his children in one day, he lost his health, his wealth, he got depressed and he didn't know why it was all happening to him. He was beaten down by his friends. The scripture tells us he was blameless and yet he suffered. In the midst of his suffering, he breaks out of the depths of his angst , "I know that my redeemer lives and that one day my flesh shall see God." It was his proclamation, "I am not  without hope. I am not a person without a destiny." Romans 8 groan . . . but one day glory . . .

I have learned that the question I most want answered in this life "WHY" is not a question that God has promised to answer.

I continue to have to learn of the eternal "nowness" of God. Augustine spoke of God as not being bound in time and space but rather being beyond these. So God is the eternal Now . . . all time is present tense . . . God does not move through sequence, he sees the beginning and the end. And then he gives of himself to us, yet we experience that in the time/space continuum. 

I have had enough inquiries in the past several days that I thought I would let you all know how I am doing.

• I have another week or two (at least that is the plan) on the I.V. antibiotics.
• This next week (July 19) I have several medical appointments--the lead medical team, the infectious disease; the following week hopefully the pain management group, several others.

The Motions by Matthew West

This might hurt
It’s not safe
But I know that I’ve gotta make a change
I don’t care
If I break
At least I’ll be feeling something
‘Cause just ok
Is not enough
Help me fight through the nothingness of life

I don’t wanna go through the motions
I don’t wanna go one more day
Without Your all consuming passion inside of me
I don’t wanna spend my whole life asking
What if I had given everything?

My recent experiences with deep suffering cause me to introduce  Lady Julian of Norwich who lived 1342-1416. Little is known about this amazing person of faith. Bubonic plague, the ‘black death’, swept through Norwich three times during the course of her life. It is very unlikely that any families would have remained untouched by the ravages of the plague. Virtually every person living in Norwich would have known great hardship through the loss of many loved ones: relatives, friends and neighbours.

We have received so many kind notes, emails, facebook responses and are deeply appreciative of our friends all around the world who have prayed for me and provided tangible support.  It has made this difficult journey much more bearable.

Anything with water or wheels is big sport in New Zealand; sailing, rowing, swimming, motor sports and the topic of this blog-cycling. 4th of July weekend, a Kiwi driver, finished third in the Indy Car Race at Watkins Glen, New York to move to the top of the overall standings.

Other musings

The safest place?

St. Patrick was 14 when captured by Irish raiders and taken to Ireland as a slave. Six years later he escaped. Some years later he returned to the land that was such a source of sorrow years before. He returned as a missionary. He is believed to endured great hardship and was instrumental is seeing many warrior chietons come to faith in Christ.

ST PATRICK'S BREASTPLATE

I  arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,