Monday, November 22, 2010

Thankful

As we approach Thanksgiving I'm acutely aware of the many blessings in my life. As many of you know, this past week has been quite challenging for my family. More specifically, for my wife. As I type this, she has just been wheeled back to the OR for gall bladder surgery. This has been a long time coming seeing as we were in the ER last Saturday night (technically Sunday morning). Thankfully the doctor let us go ahead with our anniversary weekend at the Sheraton celebrating SIXTEEN AMAZING YEARS! Do you know how hard it is to eat low fat at most restaurants? I'm very thankful for online nutritional charts, but mortified at how much fat we are all ingesting. By now Lisa is somewhat of a pro at this whole surgery thing. This will be her fifth abdominal surgery, and sixth overall. She is an incredible lady!

From all of that, I hope you heard that I am so very thankful for my family. My wife and kids mean the world to me, and I am daily astonished that God has seen fit to entrust them to me. Truth be told, they help me just as much as I help them. Isn't that what family is for? If LOVE can't be found in the family first, then where else? I LOVE YOU GUYS...DEEPLY!

That brings me to the next thing I'm thankful for, my other family at Faith. The people in the body at Faith have been overwhelming in their support of us during this trying time. More specifically, our family within a family, the Worship Arts team and staff. You know who you are, and you have truly been a God send to us. Let's face it, Alaska is a long way from...well, anywhere. Our family is a long ways away, and each of you have filled this gap well. WE LOVE YOU! More and more I'm learning that one of my highest callings in life is to raise up leaders. These past two weekends have been a strong affirmation that God is truly using me in this way. I am humbled and honored to work alongside each of you, and to see many of you stepping up in leadership. Through this tough period, I have felt very comfortable leaving things in your capable hands. God is forming a team of worshippers that are ready for anything. I am thankful beyond words for being called to be a part of what HE is doing.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving! Hug your family, tell them you love them & thank God daily for them!

THANK YOU!!!

-Mark

2 comments:

  1. Mark - you and your family are precious gifts. I imagine the past few weeks have been challenging for all of you, but I trust God has used each experience to draw you closer to Him. Thank YOU for all that you are to our family (we Z's and our FCC fam). God has blessed us all abundantly through you. Thank you for your humble leadership. We praise God you are here.
    Sending lots of thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery...perfect healing, peace and hope in the days to come.
    Happy Thanksgiving!

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  2. I HATE not being there, but I've been comforted knowing that your church family is taking such good care of y'all. I imagine Lisa's mom feels the same way.

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