Sheldon

Last Sunday Josh's best friend, Sheldon, experienced some chest pains. He went in to the doc, was cleared, and sent home. After  review the doctors called him back in for further testing. Last Monday, April 26, Sheldon was diagnosed with Stage II Hodgkins Lymphoma.

Josh and Sheldon have been best friends since middle school. They have gone through tests, grades, girls, basketball, volleyball, friends, homemade videos, heartbreak, separation, snowboarding, family issues, college, and everything else that encompasses 10 years of friendship. They're actually more like brothers. Sheldon is one of the few people that Josh opens up to, readily drives to the valley to hang out with even though he's spent the prior 16 hours studying, and is honest and forthright to with all the opinions and ideas rolling around in his head (and if you know Josh, that's saying quite a lot). When it comes down to it, Josh trusts Sheldon and I believe the visa versa is also true.

Yes, if you're going to get cancer this one is probably a better one to get than others. There's a high chance of beating it. But even in knowing all this, stuff like this really shakes you to your roots. It has shaken Josh.  There hasn't been someone this close to him who has gone through something like this. Sheldon loves Jesus so even though he has already gone through chemo and experienced many of the terrible side effects that comes with that, he is holding firm in his foundation in Christ. And out of the ashes there has already been so much beauty - in Josh, in Sheldon, and in the lives of the people that Sheldon has touched.

If you'd like to follow along with Sheldon - and with Josh - on this journey...
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/sheldonsheehy/journal

Sheldon and Josh during college.

Authentic Worship

We didn't have a drummer today during second service. He had a middle high airsoft birthday party. :p But praise without drums can be rough so right before we started I eyed a handheld percussion and scanned the congregation for anyone who might be able to hold a steady beat during the music (welcome to small church 101). I landed on my mom. Now, if you didn't know, my mom is quite musical. She grew up singing with her family and can harmonize in several ways. So I motioned to her to see if she would come and play.

Well, in my split second decision I failed to take into account 2 things: 1. She oftentimes gets quite emotionally involved in worship - so holding a steady beat wasn't an ideal situation for her, and 2. She's a freebird, which means along with trying to hold a beat AND remember the words to the songs she was also harmonizing at the top of her lungs, dancing, rejoicing, yelling, and just plain ole worshipping Jesus in the most authentic way only she can.

I realized this halfway during the 1st song and couldn't help but laugh and smile. I mean, seriously I wasn't able to lead the song. All attempts to gain composure were lost when I accidently made eye contact with A - we both died. She knew what I knew. We both knew.

Can you see the two small fists raised behind Jenna and next to Eric (the ones holding the tambourine and not playing it)? that's her. :)

My mom has been the one to teach me about authentic worship. Even when I was growing up, it didn't matter who was around or where we were - if she felt the presence of the Lord in song - she would whoop it up. Although I kid here, I thank her for instilling in me the freedom to lead without restraint and in total abandon to my King.

Oh yea! And just in case you needed to see the proof of THIS. I love it!!!!!!! Rock on girl.

(Thanks to Special K for the pic)

In Celebration of a Life Well Lived

Last night Linda went to be with the Lord. She was at home, surrounded by family, friends, and Richard.

And even though it hurts like crazy, there is a peace that invades my heart. Even the hospice nurse noticed. Yesterday she said there was something different about this family than many she has seen before. She attributed it to a deep faith in the Lord. Yes, it's painful to lose Linda - but there is an everlasting knowledge that she is with her mom and Judy, celebrating being with Jesus in Heaven. I told A that I bet she's naming all the prophets and disciples as they walk by - and meeting the people from the Word who's lives gave her conviction and purpose.

But still I know it can be hard. This helped me, maybe it can help you too.
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior" Isaiah 43: 1-3

An Open Letter

Hi,

We have some news about Linda. Before her and Richard left for their honeymoon two weeks ago she was looking quite jaundice. The doctors warned this might be a sign that they would need to clean out the area around the stint or replace the stint again. When they returned from their time in Maui the doctors admitted her for that purpose. Since then she has had several complications. Her bilirubin count would not decrease, they could not do this procedure, high pressure, etc. And really she just doesn't look good - weak and thin. She actually weighs less than me now. Last night the doctors told her and Richard there is nothing else they can do. She is being transferred to hospice care and was told she has two weeks.

Prior to yesterday's diagnosis she had been discouraged-but still singing hymns, quoting scripture, and talking about things to do in the church. Mom is in Mississippi, but Linda called her yesterday and they cried together. Mom is flying in tonight.

Please pray for Richard ( this will be his second loss of a wife in two years), the Flach family, and for Linda in these coming days. On Tuesday I was hanging out with her in the hospital and as I was leaving I gave her a kiss and said do not be discouraged. She opened her eyes and said softly, "Our God is an everlasting God". The Holy Spirit is present and we rest on his will, trusting that He is in control. 


Love,
JJ


P.S. I know many of you would love to visit. Please refrain unless you have heard it is okay otherwise.

Whispering these words,
Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." Lam 3:22-24

Momentum 2010

The last few years I have been working with many people to bring a vision to life. That has been my job -to create a conference where we are actively seeking to identify, develop, equip, empower, and send young leaders out to bring people to Jesus. This past weekend God showed me that our vision has been brought to life and that we are in the midst of changing the culture of the conference to one that is alive in the Holy Spirit.

110 young people gathered together this past weekend in Ventura, Ca. for the PCJC Young Leaders Conference - Momentum 2010. Pastor Larry Walkemeyer from Light and Life Long Beach Church came and taught (more like exorted) us to BE BOLD for Christ. When I was seeing Larry off on Saturday night I could not find the words to express my thanks for what the Lord had done through him that weekend. I just stood there with tears falling down my cheeks and God bless him, Larry's eyes just filled up too and he just gave me the biggest hug. He knew what I could not say.

Jesus, thanks for sticking with us all these years, bringing clarity and vision to many people, raising up leaders, and giving me a soaring hope that your divine hand has got some major plans for us.

"Get 'em down der by the watershed son!"

I've been working on putting together Grandpa Miyabe's Life Summary and I ran across this picture of my dad and his little sister Ruth playing cowboys back in the day. I couldn't resist sharing it with you. I love the seriousness to which dad is playing and the length they went to be authentic in their dress. =)

Get 'em!

A Daily Post-It With a Bit o' Naming

Oh yes, and for those that were wondering, we have officially named Mr. Giraffe,
 Charles Willis McDonald III - and you can call him Charlie. Welcome to the family.
(see mom, the family name carries on, just like you wanted.)