Encouraging Words for Today

There are a lot of things I miss since this COVID-19 shutdown started – giving a friend a hug, eating in a restaurant, watching the Yankees play, getting a full paycheck. I miss all these things, but one of the things I miss the most is singing at church.

We are blessed at the Cashmere Seventh-day Adventist Church to have a lot of talented musicians. I love listening to special music or to the young people playing their flutes and violins, but what I enjoy most is when the congregation all sings together. There’s just something special about dozens of people all praising God at the same time. It’s like a little foretaste of Heaven!

My Bible tells me singing is a big part of Heaven. Job 38:7 says, when God created the Earth, “the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy”. When Jesus was born a vast host of angels celebrated, singing, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” (Luke 2:14).

Someday soon Jesus is coming to take us home. Never again will we need to “be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day.” No more will we “dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday.” (Psalm 91:5, 6). Never again will we have to self-isolate or miss out on worshiping together. In Heaven “there will be an abundance of flowers and singing and joy!” (Isaiah 35:2).

When Jesus comes to take us home Heaven will ring with the sound of a vast crowd singing, “Praise the Lord! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God.” (Revelation 19:1). Even God will sing that day. “He will take delight in you with gladness…He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” (Zephaniah 3:17) Can you imagine that? The Creator of the Universe singing and rejoicing? Now that’s something I’ve got to hear!

Even though we’re all looking forward to singing in Heaven someday, we don’t need to wait till then to set the angels singing. Luke 15:10 tells us “there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.”

Do you want to make the angels sing this Sabbath? Do you want to make Heaven ring with joy? Then “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” (Matthew 3:2).

Don’t wait till the pandemic is over and the church doors are open. In fact, don’t wait a minute longer. “Indeed, the ‘right time’ is now. Today is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2). Accept Jesus as your Savior today and then listen closely – you just might hear the angels singing!

Have a Happy Sabbath!

I’ve been blessed with a very special mother, a true Proverbs 31 woman. Mom is loving, kind, hard-working, a little crazy, and a wonderful friend. But most of all she is wise. Here are just a few of the things I’ve learned from Mom:

1. “No matter what, you are loved.” 

Growing up it didn’t matter how bad I screwed up I always knew at the end of the day I was loved.

2. I’ve got your back.

You know what happens if you come between a mama bear and her cubs? That ain’t nothing compared to what would happen if you hurt one of Mom’s kids! Even when we were in the wrong, she was always on our side.

3. Do the right thing, even if it hurts.

Mom believes people need to know they can count on you and you should treat others the way you would want to be treated, even if it hurts.

4. Truth matters.

Mom taught us honesty counts. Nothing hurts a parent more than to be lied to. 

5. It’s okay to have fun. It’s okay to be a little crazy sometimes.

Mom has never let a little thing like pride stand in the way of having a good time. When she and her friends, Deloris Foote or Carol Grimes, got near water, a water fight was sure to break out, even in the middle of a party. 

6. There’s always room for one more at the table.

Mom and Dad opened their home to foster kids, kids from broken homes, strangers, even whole families. It was crazy at times, but it was also a great way to grow up!

As I think back over the lessons Mom taught me I realize she was just passing on what she’d learned from her best friend, Jesus Christ. Just like Mom, Jesus wants you and I to know: 

1. “No matter what, we are loved.” – That’s why Jesus died for us. (John 3:16)
2. He’s always got our back. – He promises, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5). 
3. Real success comes from doing the right thing even when it hurts (Joshua 1:7).
4. Truth matters. Why? Because “the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32). 
5. It’s okay to have fun – Jesus came that we “may have life, and have it to the full (John 10:10)
6. There’s always room for one more at the table – God doesn’t want “anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)

I’ve learned many things from Mom, but the most important thing she taught me was this – – Jesus loves me. He is a Friend who will never let me go. He loves you too and He wants to be your friend. This Mother’s Day, why not give your mother a gift she’ll cherish forever? Give Jesus your heart.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic people are living under stay-at-home orders in an attempt to “flatten the curve”, to slow the progression of this deadly virus. Only “essential” businesses are allowed to stay open, resulting in hardship and loss of income for thousands. My question is, “What makes a business ‘essential’?”

Now, obviously hospitals, fire departments, police departments and grocery stores are essential and I applaud the men and women who daily put themselves at risk to provide us these much needed services. They are heroes, one and all.

However, some of the other “essentials” don’t seem to make a lot of sense to me. I mean how are tobacco shops, liquor stores, or cannabis stores “essential” businesses? How come the liquor store on the corner is allowed to remain open, but our churches must remain closed? Something doesn’t add up here.

When it comes right down to it, much of what we consider “essential” has no real value at all. We spend our lives rushing from place-to-place, trying to make ends meet, striving for success (whatever that is) and we end up missing out on the things which really matter, things like time with family and friends, stopping to smell the roses, or, the best thing of all, sitting at Jesus feet.

The problem is our priorities are all messed up. Unfortunately, this is not a problem unique to our modern world. It has always been this way.

Luke 10 tells of a time when Jesus visited the home of Mary and Martha. Determined to make a good impression, Martha scurried around the kitchen, preparing a meal and making sure the place settings were just so. Meanwhile, her sister sat in the living room at Jesus’ feet, savoring every word which fell from the Savior’s lips.

Finally, Martha had had enough and, bursting into the room, she complained to Jesus, “Sir, don’t you care that my sister has been leaving me to do all the work by myself?“

With a twinkle in His eye and a touch of sadness in His voice, Jesus replied, ““Martha, Martha, you are fretting and worrying about so many things! But there is only one thing that is essential. Mary has chosen the right thing, and it won’t be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:40-42 CJB)

This coming week, as you deal with all the “essentials” of life, don’t forget the “one thing that is essential”, spending time with Jesus Christ. Time with Him is never wasted. If you make Him your top priority this week, you’ll be amazed how all the other “essentials” just fall into place.

Happy Sabbath!

As I am writing this post our local church and churches all over this country and in many countries of the world have closed their doors, doing their part to slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping through the earth.

Although this step was necessary still some worry for the future of the church. With our sanctuaries shuttered, our pews empty and our doors shut, how can we make a difference in our communities?

What we forget is the church was never meant to be a building. It was always meant to be a people, a community of believers. It was never meant to be an institution, a sanctuary from the world, a place to hide from the chaos around us. No, the church was always meant to be a movement, a living, growing, always changing, force for good in the world.

In other words, God never intended for us to just “go” to church. No, He wants us to “be” the church, to be the hands of Christ reaching out to a world in pain. Paul says we “are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9 NIV)

The sanctuary doors may be closed right now, but the church remains open, because we are the church. We still have a work to do. Remember, the Great Commission never was to “stay”, to “stay-at-home” in our beautiful churches. The Great Commission has always been to “go”, “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19, 20)

For far too long we have chosen to “shelter-in-place”, withdrawing from the world, into the safety of our churches. It is time for us to step out in faith and “be” the church, making a difference in this world so in need of a word of hope and the touch of loving hands.

When we do this we need not fear “the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday…For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” (Psalm 91:6, 11).

While following recommended practices, such as social distancing, wearing masks, and washing our hands, we can still care for our neighbors and friends, reach out to those in need, and offer hope and encouragement to the lonely and afraid. We can still “be” the church, even in the midst of this pandemic. Our doors may be closed, but our hearts must always be open to a world in need.

This week let’s “be” the church, going wherever the Holy Spirit leads, knowing He will be with [us] always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)

God bless and have a Happy Sabbath!

I am such a lucky man!

While many wives long for fancy clothes or diamonds and beautiful jewelry, my wife is thrilled when I give her a load of manure!

Don’t get me wrong, Ana loves all the finer things in life (just look in her walk-in closet if you want proof), but her greatest joy is digging in the dirt. She has a 10,000 square foot, fenced-in, vegetable garden and everyday after work that’s the first place she heads.

Ana is always looking for ways to make her garden produce more, so she was understandably thrilled when our neighbors, Amy and Jerry, offered to give us the huge pile of horse manure sitting in their field. So, borrowing our other neighbor, Nancy’s old pickup truck, I spent Tuesday afternoon hauling load after load of smelly, decaying, steaming “horse puckies” to our garden.

Why did I do this? Why did I spend my afternoon shoveling manure, instead of doing something really fun, like cleaning the bathroom? Why? Because I love, love, love this crazy woman! And, for Ana, nothing says love like a few loads of manure!

Hebrews 12:2 tells us Jesus, “For the joy set before him…endured the cross, scorning its shame…” What joy? The joy of seeing our faces when He comes to rescue all who have believed in Him. The joy of spending eternity with the ones He loves and who love Him in return.

What Real Love Is All About

I shoveled manure for Ana yesterday, because I love her, but this pales in comparison to what Jesus did for you and I. Romans 5:8 says, “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Jesus didn’t wait till we deserved it. Instead He stepped into the manure with us, becoming one of us, so He could lift us out of the smelly mess we’d gotten ourselves into.

This morning Jesus stands with His hand outstretched to you. Why wallow in the manure any longer? Take His hand today. Accept Him as your Savior and Friend. Let Him lift you out of the muck and show you what real love is all about – a love that will not let you go!

Almost a year ago now, I received that phone call everyone with an aging parent dreads. My Dad, Jay Edison, had had a heart attack and wasn’t expected to make it. Catching the first plane I could, I rushed to get there, praying the whole way for just one more chance to speak to him, to see him again. Unfortunately, it was not to be. Unbeknownst to me, he had died before I even got on the plane.

It’s been rough at times since. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve wished I could share something with Dad or asked him for advice. Still the comfort I have is the knowledge I will see Dad again.

Right now Dad rests in the grave, just as Jesus did over the Sabbath following his crucifixion, but someday soon our risen Savior “will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 NLT)

This is the hope and promise we celebrate this Easter Sunday. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice in dying on the cross and then His resurrection ,we can look forward with joy to the day we will not only see our loved ones again, but hold them in our arms, laugh with them, and enjoy just being with them, knowing we will never again have to say good-bye.

Many relegate the Easter Story to the realm of fables and truly, “if Christ has not been raised, then [our] faith is useless” and “we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world.” (1 Corinthians 15:17, 19). But, praise God, “in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died.” (v. 20). Because of this “all who belong to Christ will be raised when he comes back.” (v. 23)

Today, as you look back at the Resurrection, also look forward with joy to the great harvest to come. We will see our loved ones soon! What a day that will be!

This Easter let’s spread the word! Jesus is risen indeed and He’s coming soon! I can hardly wait!

I’ve enjoyed profiling my heroes over this last week. They each are such amazing people, each doing their part, in their own way, to help get us through this crisis.

The hardest part in writing these stories was choosing who to profile. Like Paul, when he listed the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 and lamented not having time to tell of all of them, I too wished I could tell you about all the heroes I admire.

For example, there are amazing PA’s and NP’s like Eric Davis, Kurt Haisch, Vikki Russ, Amy Wood, and Craig Elsner, who I had the privilege of working with for many years.

Then there’s incredible doctors like Alex Crane, Jackson Henley, Faith Cowgill, Mike Parnell, Jonathan Kim, and so many others who daily sacrifice time with family and risk their own health to bring comfort and healing to their patients.

Of course, I can’t forget wonderful nurses like Theresa Bindley, Bev Battis, Paula Simmons, Jesin Cacka, Jessica Jimenez, Megan Ruckman, Lisa Hill, and so many others, who keep us providers in line, while gently ministering to the needs of the sick and suffering

And don’t forget the MA’s, like Karen Cortez, Jennifer Alan Rice, Ana Capi, Keri Shipley, and many others, and receptionists and ward clerks like Carmen Guzman, Rosemary Padron, Marsha Rosamond, Sherry Noffsinger and others.

I haven’t even mentioned interpreters like my wife Ana Edison and Jorge Torres or lab techs like Juan Lopez. And don’t forget the counselors, pastors, support workers, grocery clerks, scientists, policemen, EMT’s, and firemen. I could go on-and-on. So many heroes have stepped forward during this pandemic, sacrificing so much to turn the tide of this disease and help the suffering and dying.

It has been said times of crisis bring out the best in people. Never, in recent years, have we seen the truth of this statement so truly exhibited as we have in the last few weeks. Everyday, all over the world we see people following Paul’s advice in Philippians 2:3, 4 to, “in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

We all love our heroes, but I pray this Easter and in the coming weeks and months, while this crisis unfolds, we will all step up and be the heroes this world needs. Having “the same mindset as Christ Jesus, who…made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant…” (v. 5, 6), let us each answer the call and do what we can, where we are, with what we have, to lend a helping hand to those in need.

God bless and have a Happy Sabbath!

Who’s your favorite superhero? When I was a kid I regularly followed the Adventures of Spiderman, wasting way too much money on comics I carefully hid from my parents. I loved to follow Spidey as he swung through the city streets, battling evil in many forms. It was a wonderful way to escape the stresses of being an awkward teenager.

Nowadays, my heroes don’t have superpowers, but they still do extraordinary things, caring for the ill, the hurting, the lonely and discouraged. The heroes profiled this week are all amazing, but I have to admit I do have a favorite. Her name is Rishana Edison, my beautiful daughter.

Rishana works as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle. She puts in long hours helping rehabilitate brain injury patients, stroke victims, and many others, helping them regain their independence and ability to do everyday tasks you and I take for granted. In taking care of COVID-19 patients Rishana has been using her skills to help position them to improve lung function, maintain mobility, and hasten recovery.

No matter how stressful the situation, Rishana brings a positive attitude and a simple faith to her work. When this crisis first started she was asked by her supervisor if she felt comfortable working with coronavirus patients. Rishana replied, “If Jesus could touch a leper, I think I’ll be okay working with a COVID patient.” That’s the kind of faith she has, trusting God will take care of her, no matter what.

Being a hero is not about having superpowers. It’s about showing up everyday and doing what needs to be done, trusting in the one who promised, “With God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26). It’s about doing the hard work with a smile on your face and love in your heart, being the hands of Jesus to someone in need of a loving touch. That’s what Rishana and so many other therapists do everyday.

So, thank you Rishana for all you do and for being the best daughter I could ever ask for. You will always be my favorite hero!

And thank you to all the other therapists who make such a difference in so many lives everyday. You are the real heroes we so desperately need right now!

When we think of heroes, our minds naturally go to people like the first responders and the doctors and nurses who daily risk their own health while taking care of the victims of this pandemic. Truly these people are heroes and we should be thankful we have them.

However, as grateful as we are for these wonderful people, there is another group, the unsung heroes behind the scenes. I’m speaking of the custodial workers, maintenance workers and so many other supportive staff who keep our medical systems running smoothly. Without their efforts it would be impossible for the doctors and nurses to do their jobs.

My brother-in-law, Danny, and his friend Maria Garcia, are two such heroes. Daily Danny and Maria, like thousands of similar workers all over the nation, do the dirty, but very necessary jobs the news rarely talks about.

Scrubbing floors, disinfecting counters, and doing “terminal cleaning” after an exam room has been contaminated by a potentially infectious patient, these unsung heroes make a huge difference, many times at risk to themselves. Yet, somehow they manage to do these thankless jobs with a cheery smile and a positive attitude, helping the rest of us deal with the stresses that are a natural part of medicine in this time of crisis.

James 1:9 says, “Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position.” Cleaning exam rooms and scrubbing floors may not be the most glamorous jobs, but that doesn’t make them any less important.

I’m so proud to have a brother-in-law like Danny and a friend like Maria, who, no matter what they are doing, “work at it with all [their] heart, as working for the Lord…” (Colossians 3:23 NIV).

Today let’s honor the unsung heroes like Danny and Maria and, if you get a chance, be sure to thank them for all they do. James tells us they have a “high position” in God’s eyes and don’t forget – without them we’d really be in a mess!

Social distancing is a necessity during this COVID-19 pandemic, but it is not an easy thing for any of us to do. This is especially true for those who are struggling with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, substance abuse, or any of the many other mental health issues which are so common in our modern society.

Forced to stay at home; isolated from friends and family; listening to nightly news broadcasts, with their dire predictions and statistics, it is no wonder those dealing with mental health issues are especially in need of help at this time. That’s why I am so thankful for heroes like my friends Dr.Timothy Day and Shawna Cozad, NP.

Tim is a clinical psychologist working in the Walk-in Clinic for Confluence Health. The Walk-in Clinic is quite often the first stop for someone dealing with acute mental health issues and Tim’s quiet demeanor, well thought out advice, and willingness to help, have made a huge difference, both for the patients and staff. Tim never seems to get flustered, but quietly points us in the right direction, showing us there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. We are so blessed to have you, Tim!

I had the pleasure and privilege of working with Shawna in Aberdeen when we first moved to Washington in 2001. She was one of the best nurses I’ve ever worked with and became one of my best friends. She now works as a psychiatric nurse practitioner in Western Washington.

Although Shawna is having to work remotely from home during this crisis, I know she continues to make a huge difference for her patients, giving them the tools and encouragement they need to deal with the stresses they face. Shawna’s cheerful spirit and positive attitude can turn even the deepest frown upside down. Keep up the good work, Shawna!

1 Thessalonians 5:11 tells us to “encourage one another and build each other up…” Heroes like Tim Day and Shawna Cozad do this every day and we need them now like never before. But, don’t forget – even heroes need encouragement now and then. They face the same stresses as the rest of us and an encouraging word can go a long way to help brighten their day.

Today, if you know a mental health professional who is working hard to make a difference, give a shout out to them and let them know, in a world desperately in need of heroes, you’re so thankful they stepped up and answered the call.