For Harmony
She is now three years old with the playful vitality returned to her tiny white body. She still wears the chemo port under her skin, a lump of reminder that remission doesn’t always mean over and done. Leukemia. The word stands alone with cancer. She was so pale and deplete, near death before they diagnosed the disease. A two and a half year plan of treatments were presented, radical changes for everyone in the family. A cloud of fear followed us daily.
Repeated trips to the Emergency Room would be common and fever would call for hospital stays. Financial challenges would overwhelm the family. Physically and emotionally draining; the leukemia ate on the parents most of all. A strange bond would be developed at the Children’s Hospital among families of the leukemia kids. Crying; none of us ever would get used to that sound of a hurting child.
With all the modern video games and hi-tech toys, we enjoyed coloring most of all. A 24 pack of Crayolos and a $1 coloring book sprawled out on a hospital bed trying to stay between the lines. Giggles and loud laughter, such good medicine for a little blonde-haired three year old girl.
Her hair has grown back now. The temporary onion head look which called for doo-rags and caps has been replaced with lots of curls. The yo-yo weight loss then gain from steroids is now but a memory. You still can’t help but hold her, carry her, smother her pink cheeks with kisses and an occasional tear.
Prayers numbered in the thousands; begging, trusting, interceding for a child so dependent and innocent. Faith was tested love asks why? We knew our opening and closing of doors in the room did not mean God ever left. Love never fails (I Cor. 13:8) and God is Love. All of life was left in His hands.
Dedicated nurses seem to have a gift of patience beyond measure. No way possible can we thank the angels in scrubs, who feed, bathe, medicate and treat the cancer children. We would never leave that we didn’t feel guilty, fearful, hopeful and grateful walking to the parking lot.
Faces of cancer are all ages and races of people. Tired faces of parents. Professional faces of nurses and doctors. Curious face siblings. Yet, for me, it is the face of a three year old granddaughter named Harmony that put a personal face on cancer. A happy face now. Never can cancer be the statistics of a medical journal again when your family has been touched and…whose family hasn’t?
Support Relay for Life, Rev. Larry D. Sparks
Note: At present time treatments continue but it is in remission. A trip to Disney World is planned for this fall through MAKE A WISH FOUNDATION. All of those spinal taps, bone marrow tests, shots, drawing of blood and tears; they deserve it. Whatever we can do to run the Relay with them, we will, we will.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
RESPECT FOR THE SENIOR CITIZENS
While IN the country of Bulgaria two weeks ago we visited the only nursing home in Sliven, a city of over 90,000. There was about 120 residents who were from the area in and around Sliven. These folk were kind, gentle, granparently people much like the Senior citizens of Shawnee. One lady was hard hearing but had a sharp mind and memory. She took no medication, walked briskly and was 105 years old. The things this little lady had seen in her life would fill a book. Life under the stress of communism, gardening, hard winters and the face of a new Bulgaria.
What a wealth of knowledge is surrounding us each day. Wrinkled, gray, stooped but these are the very age spotted hands that passed the baton of prosperity to our generation. Many have endured war, depression era, dust bowls, isolation and life without computers.
I watch them volunteer at the hospital daily. They work hard, give much, ask little, complain seldom and whether in auxiliary or chaplaincy, we depend on them. Until recently 102 year old John Merrill volunteered. I saw him at the Little Olympics helping out. His presence an inspiration. Tom Stephenson, 89 years old, Chaplain Volunteer, never misses chapel. James Maxwell, near 80, still prays with patients. Look at all these sweet ladies greeting, sorting, guiding and helping in a million ways.
I gather at the PAL meeting each month at the EXPO as the Seniors coffee up, chow down and reach out. The thing that is most evident in each meeting is their appreciation. Sometimes this generation lacks. Yes, they are the walkers at the mall, the porch sitters on the summer evening and if you are able to listen, the sharers of good wisdom.
They gather early at Carl’s Jr. and other local places to sip coffee and talk about good ol’ days. Men, women blend at the Senior Citizens Center daily forming a fellowship that is nearly family. Whether in Bulgaria or Shawnee our mature generation deserves some respect, recognition and above all a little time.
Remember, Moses didn’t lead the Israelites out of Egypt until he was 80 years old. Col Harlan Sanders was on retirement when he started his KFC business. Never say too old, there’s a lot of ideas, input and resources left. The Psalmist wrote, “Do not forsake me when I am old and grey.” Ps. 71:18. God will not forsake, neither should we.
Chaplain Larry Sparks
What a wealth of knowledge is surrounding us each day. Wrinkled, gray, stooped but these are the very age spotted hands that passed the baton of prosperity to our generation. Many have endured war, depression era, dust bowls, isolation and life without computers.
I watch them volunteer at the hospital daily. They work hard, give much, ask little, complain seldom and whether in auxiliary or chaplaincy, we depend on them. Until recently 102 year old John Merrill volunteered. I saw him at the Little Olympics helping out. His presence an inspiration. Tom Stephenson, 89 years old, Chaplain Volunteer, never misses chapel. James Maxwell, near 80, still prays with patients. Look at all these sweet ladies greeting, sorting, guiding and helping in a million ways.
I gather at the PAL meeting each month at the EXPO as the Seniors coffee up, chow down and reach out. The thing that is most evident in each meeting is their appreciation. Sometimes this generation lacks. Yes, they are the walkers at the mall, the porch sitters on the summer evening and if you are able to listen, the sharers of good wisdom.
They gather early at Carl’s Jr. and other local places to sip coffee and talk about good ol’ days. Men, women blend at the Senior Citizens Center daily forming a fellowship that is nearly family. Whether in Bulgaria or Shawnee our mature generation deserves some respect, recognition and above all a little time.
Remember, Moses didn’t lead the Israelites out of Egypt until he was 80 years old. Col Harlan Sanders was on retirement when he started his KFC business. Never say too old, there’s a lot of ideas, input and resources left. The Psalmist wrote, “Do not forsake me when I am old and grey.” Ps. 71:18. God will not forsake, neither should we.
Chaplain Larry Sparks
The Cure
Clear air swells healed healthy lungs,
Once darkened with cancerous breath;
Shallow gasping now has given way,
To the cure that defeated death.
Millions of prayers have been prayed,
God heard, answered we are sure;
The gifted scientist in medicine,
In the white coats of hope gave a cure.
So the feeble and frail can stand,
For the Relay of Life has been won;
The baton of healing is passed,
A final victory lap has been run.
So many souls light the course,
Hear them cheer with voices so pure;
Like candles raised in the darkness,
We can all celebrate the cure.
One day hope becomes reality
For now we stay focused on the tour;
The Relay of Life to fight cancer,
Keep fighting ‘til there is finally a cure.
Larry Sparks
Once darkened with cancerous breath;
Shallow gasping now has given way,
To the cure that defeated death.
Millions of prayers have been prayed,
God heard, answered we are sure;
The gifted scientist in medicine,
In the white coats of hope gave a cure.
So the feeble and frail can stand,
For the Relay of Life has been won;
The baton of healing is passed,
A final victory lap has been run.
So many souls light the course,
Hear them cheer with voices so pure;
Like candles raised in the darkness,
We can all celebrate the cure.
One day hope becomes reality
For now we stay focused on the tour;
The Relay of Life to fight cancer,
Keep fighting ‘til there is finally a cure.
Larry Sparks
A HARD HANDED YEAR
Should I pity the old year?
Or should I scorn him for shame, for pain?
I endured scorching droughts;
Then came the flooding rain,
Ice storms broke my trees,
Young and old alike were snapped;
The power lines went down,
We were isolated, cold and trapped.
The young soldiers continued to die,
Names and faces from ancient Iraq;
The flag has come to mean death,
Soon, this year, they’ll all be back.
And the economy was stretched,
How, a NASDAQ, and S & P;
To we who work and are common,
It means nothing you see, just more poverty.
So Democrat, can you fix it?
Republican, do you have answers in hand?
Your politics grow weary to us,
Surely someone has a genuine plan.
The prisons are full, the people are empty,
The streets are violence filled;
The news is dripping with blood,
Another molested, someone else was killed.
Yet, the hope of a better life endures,
There may yet for cancer be a cure;
A return to truth and to God could be near?
Or just maybe He will come in this infant New Year.
Larry Sparks
Or should I scorn him for shame, for pain?
I endured scorching droughts;
Then came the flooding rain,
Ice storms broke my trees,
Young and old alike were snapped;
The power lines went down,
We were isolated, cold and trapped.
The young soldiers continued to die,
Names and faces from ancient Iraq;
The flag has come to mean death,
Soon, this year, they’ll all be back.
And the economy was stretched,
How, a NASDAQ, and S & P;
To we who work and are common,
It means nothing you see, just more poverty.
So Democrat, can you fix it?
Republican, do you have answers in hand?
Your politics grow weary to us,
Surely someone has a genuine plan.
The prisons are full, the people are empty,
The streets are violence filled;
The news is dripping with blood,
Another molested, someone else was killed.
Yet, the hope of a better life endures,
There may yet for cancer be a cure;
A return to truth and to God could be near?
Or just maybe He will come in this infant New Year.
Larry Sparks
A DANGEROUS LIQUID
One of America’s greatest preachers was licensed to preach the gospel on December 30, 1823 in New York. Charles Finney had been a drunken lawyer before his conversion to Christ. He said the Lord turned alcohol into food in the Finney house. Then almost thirty years later Rutherford B. Hayes and his wife Lucy were married on December 30, 1852. He became President of the United States and took his conservative views on alcohol to the White House. As devout Methodist they began every morning with prayer and organized Sunday Evening Worship services at the Capitol. Lucy was the first First Lady, with a college degree. She had a gift of hospitality and an open commitment to Jesus Christ. One thing she didn’t bring was alcohol. In fact, she banned alcohol from all Executive Mansion events. Washington was shocked and nicknamed her “Lemonade Lucy”.
We preach against drugs, smoking and gambling today. Actually, we don’t much, the government does it for us but we don’t say much about alcohol consumption anymore. I remember Oklahoma as a dry state and how my father visited the bootleggers (a term that came from hiding illegal whiskey in ones boot entering an establishment), it was hidden and somewhat immoral. So today we have legalized nearly every ancient vise and we are gagging on the fruit of the forbidden trees. Our prisons, jails and court systems are full. For years I did city and county jail ministry and became quite familiar with the initials DUI which led to an arrest and other initials like AA.
Please understand, I am neither judging nor condemning, yet I do know God offers free and powerful help. “Do not be drunk with wine which leads to debauchery (excessive drinking and departure from virtue) but be filled with the Spirit.” Eph. 5:18. You see, the next few days lead to the most dangerous time of the year, New Years Eve parties. The Highway Patrol tell us most fatal accidents have involved alcohol. A car becomes a deadly weapon putting the innocent at risk. I work the local Emergency Room and have seen the results. Don’t drink and drive.
So, once again I’m meddling by stepping away from the Israelites and into contemporary society. Please be wise, be safe, be sober and if you’re looking for a good time…Jesus said, “I have come that you might have life and life more abundantly.” John 10:10
Chaplain Larry Sparks
We preach against drugs, smoking and gambling today. Actually, we don’t much, the government does it for us but we don’t say much about alcohol consumption anymore. I remember Oklahoma as a dry state and how my father visited the bootleggers (a term that came from hiding illegal whiskey in ones boot entering an establishment), it was hidden and somewhat immoral. So today we have legalized nearly every ancient vise and we are gagging on the fruit of the forbidden trees. Our prisons, jails and court systems are full. For years I did city and county jail ministry and became quite familiar with the initials DUI which led to an arrest and other initials like AA.
Please understand, I am neither judging nor condemning, yet I do know God offers free and powerful help. “Do not be drunk with wine which leads to debauchery (excessive drinking and departure from virtue) but be filled with the Spirit.” Eph. 5:18. You see, the next few days lead to the most dangerous time of the year, New Years Eve parties. The Highway Patrol tell us most fatal accidents have involved alcohol. A car becomes a deadly weapon putting the innocent at risk. I work the local Emergency Room and have seen the results. Don’t drink and drive.
So, once again I’m meddling by stepping away from the Israelites and into contemporary society. Please be wise, be safe, be sober and if you’re looking for a good time…Jesus said, “I have come that you might have life and life more abundantly.” John 10:10
Chaplain Larry Sparks
BETHLEHEM OR BEDLAM?
In 1247 A.D., a hospital was founded in England called St. Mary’s of Bethlehem. Two years later it became a hospital for the insane. In those days people who were severely mental would be chained to the bed and often abused. The hospital soon became known for its noise and confusion. The moans and cries made them ashamed to call the hospital Bethlehem so they shortened it to “Bedlam”, people lamenting from a bed and the term has come to mean uproar and confusion in our English language. It’s unbelievable that something so peaceful as Bethlehem can sink to chaos and disorder but it’s true. Yet, in many ways that’s what happens to Christmas today, it loses it’s intended beauty and becomes a commercialized mess.
The true message of Christmas is in giving. “God so loved the world He gave His only begotten Son.” (John 3:16) We give to others in that same spirit of sharing but we’ll spend enough on paper, bows, scotch tape and boxes to feed a third world country. Our giving may be more indulgence than self-denial. We are so motivated by television that it’s like entering the on ramp on the freeway, once you’re on, there’s no getting off until December 26. When it’s over there is exhaustion, maxed credit cards.
When Joseph and Mary left Nazareth for Bethlehem (Luke 2:1-7), it was an 80-mile trip. We assume but don’t know for certain they had even a donkey. That’s a long walk for anyone, much less a pregnant woman. Some appointments can be cancelled or postponed but God’s divine schedule must be kept. It was Bethlehem or bust for the young poor couple; they knew God was with them.
I believe they were filled with anxiousness and fear on this journey. What if? Or How long? Or How can we afford? Normal questions from normal parents about the Son of God. It would be a strange dark world if this Baby had not come to begin Christmas and save us all. In Iraq this week American soldiers will sing carols about the child’s coming. In large cities shelters will give food, toys and clothes in His name. In prison some men will kneel and pray in His spirit. This is the Savior of the world that was born in Bethlehem.
Let’s go back to Bethlehem for one brief visit. Hear the midnight cry of the woman in birth, listen to the first infant sound of Jesus, see Joseph beam with warmth over his God-Son and kneel around the shepherds who probably smelled like sheep poop, to worship the LORD. Come … let us adore Him. “Now, let us go even unto Bethlehem and see this thing the Lord has made known to us.” Luke 2
Larry Sparks
New Beginnings Church
The true message of Christmas is in giving. “God so loved the world He gave His only begotten Son.” (John 3:16) We give to others in that same spirit of sharing but we’ll spend enough on paper, bows, scotch tape and boxes to feed a third world country. Our giving may be more indulgence than self-denial. We are so motivated by television that it’s like entering the on ramp on the freeway, once you’re on, there’s no getting off until December 26. When it’s over there is exhaustion, maxed credit cards.
When Joseph and Mary left Nazareth for Bethlehem (Luke 2:1-7), it was an 80-mile trip. We assume but don’t know for certain they had even a donkey. That’s a long walk for anyone, much less a pregnant woman. Some appointments can be cancelled or postponed but God’s divine schedule must be kept. It was Bethlehem or bust for the young poor couple; they knew God was with them.
I believe they were filled with anxiousness and fear on this journey. What if? Or How long? Or How can we afford? Normal questions from normal parents about the Son of God. It would be a strange dark world if this Baby had not come to begin Christmas and save us all. In Iraq this week American soldiers will sing carols about the child’s coming. In large cities shelters will give food, toys and clothes in His name. In prison some men will kneel and pray in His spirit. This is the Savior of the world that was born in Bethlehem.
Let’s go back to Bethlehem for one brief visit. Hear the midnight cry of the woman in birth, listen to the first infant sound of Jesus, see Joseph beam with warmth over his God-Son and kneel around the shepherds who probably smelled like sheep poop, to worship the LORD. Come … let us adore Him. “Now, let us go even unto Bethlehem and see this thing the Lord has made known to us.” Luke 2
Larry Sparks
New Beginnings Church
THE GOOD WE OVERLOOK
It is human nature to be negative, critical and even pessimistic when viewing our social surroundings. I confess that I too have reached the age where the good old days are far better than my current world. It’s true that enormous problems exist in every sector of life but to be fair, they always have. I’m a balconeer who sits on my lofty perch and comments, criticizes and seldom commends anyone. We relish in bad news, scandal, shock and sordid stories of people and are bored at the mundane good all around us. If it surfaces we pick it apart and treat it with either suspicion or apathy.
However, it’s time some people get a good unsolicited word. Lord, close my critical lips and cap my poison pen until I report some good. Amen. For example, the Salvation Army and it’s impact on Shawnee is so obvious that the many meals served, clothes given, children helped and people housed should be joyfully applauded. Then there’s the YMCA, which so many children and adults benefit from daily. The Big Brothers meet a personal need through volunteers with time and love rendered. The Free Clinic meets medical needs each Thursday and now dental is being added by these caring professionals. Golden Age Senior Citizens Cents in each town also provides meals and fellowship. There are so many more that deserve mention.
The churches are often criticized but look at the food pantries, clothes closets, Mother’s Day Outs and spiritual help offered. Some travel around the world to share God’s love through various ministries and messages. I am always amazed at the youth and children’s activities church offer and yet someone is chunking a rock at them for doing good. Keep up the good work, that’s what the Lord would do!
So as we pelt people with our sourness about everything from potholes to tardy mail carriers, let’s don’t overlook the good around us. Thank you Hospital volunteers for so many hours served. Thank you Lions Club, Jaycees, Chamber of Commerce, Red Cross, United Way, people who pick up trash and countless sweet people who give time to help others. Truly there are some problems but I believe the good far out weighs the bad. We just have to look for it. “Whatsoever things are pure and of a good report … think on these ….” Phil. 4:8
Chaplain Larry Sparks
However, it’s time some people get a good unsolicited word. Lord, close my critical lips and cap my poison pen until I report some good. Amen. For example, the Salvation Army and it’s impact on Shawnee is so obvious that the many meals served, clothes given, children helped and people housed should be joyfully applauded. Then there’s the YMCA, which so many children and adults benefit from daily. The Big Brothers meet a personal need through volunteers with time and love rendered. The Free Clinic meets medical needs each Thursday and now dental is being added by these caring professionals. Golden Age Senior Citizens Cents in each town also provides meals and fellowship. There are so many more that deserve mention.
The churches are often criticized but look at the food pantries, clothes closets, Mother’s Day Outs and spiritual help offered. Some travel around the world to share God’s love through various ministries and messages. I am always amazed at the youth and children’s activities church offer and yet someone is chunking a rock at them for doing good. Keep up the good work, that’s what the Lord would do!
So as we pelt people with our sourness about everything from potholes to tardy mail carriers, let’s don’t overlook the good around us. Thank you Hospital volunteers for so many hours served. Thank you Lions Club, Jaycees, Chamber of Commerce, Red Cross, United Way, people who pick up trash and countless sweet people who give time to help others. Truly there are some problems but I believe the good far out weighs the bad. We just have to look for it. “Whatsoever things are pure and of a good report … think on these ….” Phil. 4:8
Chaplain Larry Sparks
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
The Cure
Clear air swells healed healthy lungs,
Once darkened with cancerous breath;
Shallow gasping now has given way,
To the cure that defeated death.
Millions of prayers have been prayed,
God heard, answered we are sure;
The gifted scientist in medicine,
In the white coats of hope gave a cure.
So the feeble and frail can stand,
For the Relay of Life has been won;
The baton of healing is passed,
A final victory lap has been run.
So many souls light the course,
Hear them cheer with voices so pure;
Like candles raised in the darkness,
We can all celebrate the cure.
One day hope becomes reality
For now we stay focused on the tour;
The Relay of Life to fight cancer,
Keep fighting ‘til there is finally a cure.
Larry Sparks
Once darkened with cancerous breath;
Shallow gasping now has given way,
To the cure that defeated death.
Millions of prayers have been prayed,
God heard, answered we are sure;
The gifted scientist in medicine,
In the white coats of hope gave a cure.
So the feeble and frail can stand,
For the Relay of Life has been won;
The baton of healing is passed,
A final victory lap has been run.
So many souls light the course,
Hear them cheer with voices so pure;
Like candles raised in the darkness,
We can all celebrate the cure.
One day hope becomes reality
For now we stay focused on the tour;
The Relay of Life to fight cancer,
Keep fighting ‘til there is finally a cure.
Larry Sparks
In The Sphere of Grief
I can’t remember all of their names; the hundreds of deaths performed each year, the tears, the pain, the grief. Every experience of sadness leaves a notch upon your heart. You can’t help the hurting ones unless you enter the sphere of their pain. A little more on the wagon of life, a little less on those in loss; pull the load a few days, then rest, set it off.
I close my eyes and sometimes see an infant in early eternal sleep, or an aged saint in fragile pause, no more expelling breath. The shrieks and cries of loved ones wage your own emotional stress. A soul has left for Heaven or that other dreadful place; I can only wonder unless they somehow stated. A soul carries no weight unless you watched it’s body die, then you carry it in your heart for awhile, or maybe more.
Health care, Rescue, Law Enforcement and Pastoral Care collectively are the major players in hurting and death. The tear drop that almost fell, the collapsing body on shock of loss, the straight line on the monitor and the awful sound of no beeping. All combine to beat up the inner man leaving bruises on the heart. Yet, it is a blessing of God to be used in this unique ministry of God. The message of Grace, God’s love and comfort resonates in times like death.
Like the prophet of old who stood in the streets of a dying city calling for God’s help. The Chaplain intercedes for the ones in pain. They may disdain God, hate church, swear with every other word but they are hurting, in need and God loves them. Never underestimate the power of genuine prayer; God does listen and He can change hearts. So, when one heart stops physically, God may start another spiritually.
Praise God for the blessing of service to Him by helping others.
I close my eyes and sometimes see an infant in early eternal sleep, or an aged saint in fragile pause, no more expelling breath. The shrieks and cries of loved ones wage your own emotional stress. A soul has left for Heaven or that other dreadful place; I can only wonder unless they somehow stated. A soul carries no weight unless you watched it’s body die, then you carry it in your heart for awhile, or maybe more.
Health care, Rescue, Law Enforcement and Pastoral Care collectively are the major players in hurting and death. The tear drop that almost fell, the collapsing body on shock of loss, the straight line on the monitor and the awful sound of no beeping. All combine to beat up the inner man leaving bruises on the heart. Yet, it is a blessing of God to be used in this unique ministry of God. The message of Grace, God’s love and comfort resonates in times like death.
Like the prophet of old who stood in the streets of a dying city calling for God’s help. The Chaplain intercedes for the ones in pain. They may disdain God, hate church, swear with every other word but they are hurting, in need and God loves them. Never underestimate the power of genuine prayer; God does listen and He can change hearts. So, when one heart stops physically, God may start another spiritually.
Praise God for the blessing of service to Him by helping others.
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