Transplanted & Gifted

With another song from just before my transplant, I'd like to share the 'what if?' of if it all ended - if I had no gift and no transplant.

Welcome to a new season! Thomas continues looking at the songs that mean al lot to him as he takes on a song from his recovery - Scars (I AM THEY)

It's been a month!   I've had a few busy weeks and have been recuperating from my kidney ordeal.   Back to the podcast!   This week I'll share from a song that has meant so much in my recovery due to it being introduced to me by my sister.   The back story is that we were discussing how my story has affected others and it was her that prompted that the 'hallelujahs be multiplied'.   Today's song is Multiplied by Needtobreathe. 

This song, by far, was a source of comfort for me.   Please listen as I go through the encouragement I received from a song by a band that is known for being encouragers!

I had chosen this song for this episode, before we had a quest speaker come on Sunday and speak on "Encouragement".   Today's episode has a double song feature as the speaker reminded me of a related song which is a lot older and I learned it as a child.

Moving away from the man born blind story, I'd like to take up with songs, lyrics, poems, and such that spoke to me in my time of need and also currently.   Music is a large part of my life - it's not my intent to promote a genre, artist, or even the song, although I'll give credit as it is due.

As promised Thomas takes up the small progression noted with the man who was born blind in his view of Christ.   Over Thomas' life, the Savior's interaction has provided for the same.   It's encouraging to see this progression in others, but do we see it in ourselves?  It's evidence of the God who knows and the God who cares.

Jumping down in the story of the man born blind, he's thrown out of the synagogue and is about to realize what that action truly entails.  Jesus finds him - He always does, and always will.  It is an encouragement to know He finds us - even when we don't know or realize we need Him.

A few episodes ago, we looked at the reason the man was born blind - specifically that the works of God might be displayed in him.   Notice it's not ON him, but IN him.  Then Jesus says to those who followed Him closely, "We must carry out the works, as long as it is day."  Today, I want to look at this aspect of Jesus who never quits and invites us to join Him in working.

God works in our lives.   We're often looking for him in the special or the supernatural.  Often He's using the natural.  Just as with the blind man's healing, I can see the handiwork of God in the natural.

In the story of the man born blind we see a directed and purposed encounter.   I look at me life that way - it's purposed, it's not random.

Taking up from last episode, I want to look at the story and the question that is asked, "Rabbi, who sinned ... that this man would be born blind?"   Jesus offers the most stunning of answers.  Let's take a look.

Often people use the phrase 'born this way' to make excuses for a shortcoming.   This isn't how I'm using it.  Over the next few podcasts I want to look at a guy who was born with a deformity, a disability and he ran headfirst into Jesus.  If that doesn't strike any parallels for me, I'm not sure what will.  The account is from the Bible and what happens presents a lot to consider - from an encouragement perspective.  Also, this set of episodes are not to be an exposition of the account - but merely to provide the basis from which I see what has happened to me.  

Most of us will call out 'Bless you!' when someone sneezes.   Many of us will count our lives blessed when survey them.   A Casting Crowns' song note we want our 'blessings in our pockets'.  Not that long ago, I hear a comment on the radio about blessings and it struck me.  I share it with you.

In this the last last episode in a series of 3, Thomas deals with the outputs.   The transplant recipient is always measuring - and taking note of things nd this time is taking stock of what is coming out.

Podcast #2 in the series is about Processes.  Last time we talked about Inputs and what goes in, this time Thomas looks at what is measured in the way of processes.  

A solid organ transplant recipient spends the rest of their life measuring.  We measure time, medications, levels, and host of other things.   This episode is titled Inputs and it comes in a series of 3 episodes:  Inputs, Processes, and Outputs.

I waited almost 46 years to find out more about me as a son.   Today, I encourage you to take a deep look at who you are from both genetic and environmental perspectives - both naturally and, more importantly, spiritually.

At the end of last week's episode I felt the content was light.  So I've decided to continue with a second installment on that word know. 

I was reminded by my brother in law, Troy, of the things I know based on what has happened to me.  It sparked my interest at looking at that word 'know'.   We often use it, but do we stop and appreciate what it is and what we really know.   Knowing has helped me tremendously in times of uncertainty.

Thomas takes up the word beloved and how it has played out his his life and encourages you that in Christ you are move than loved, you are beloved.

Today I want to encourage you to seek - truly seek; but what?  I want you to seek what can be found.  I want you to seek a Person.  A Person that wants to be found.  It is encouraging to find!

Thomas discusses his reasons why he's started this podcast.