As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:6-8 NLT) Too many Scriptures to cling to or to want hold onto in these days... But for a couple of reasons let me make this update with this, the never-ending significance of Pauls Youth Ministry. He always held himself in a relationship of mentor, and here is Timothy reaping the wisdom. What an incredible ride it has been that Rev. Bob Nelson would tap my shoulder in 1987 and ask me to start a youth group, and he would even give me money to do it. No inkling before then that youth ministry could be a career. And every so often I kept asking, When am I too old/irrelevant and need to grow up? Paul kept relevancy to the very end because of the one thing that binds us all together. Our faithfulness to believe in Jesus and the power of his resurrection. The ultimate healing of all things for all times. The hope we share in this Army here. The other idea for me however is the present reality of living it now. The prize is for all. And although I can get excited about hangin with Jesus daily (you think he plays Fantasy Football?//I sure hope so!) I am more excited that throughout this ordeal that we have used our lives to say we are about living each day to the rich fullness of Gods glory. (Just reading through this for edit: and got to thinking how cool is it going to be, Biblical Celebrity Gawking. Selfies with Abraham, coffee with Gideon, cornhole with Malachi. Who do you think has the best sports talk podcast in heaven? Im sure Paul has some opinions on the Broncos.) For me Gods glory is defined easily, When all created order is the way God designed. Six days in the garden. And somehow, someway, our (my) earthly job is to bring it on! Like white on rice! Certainly I have failed. Assuredly my humanness has hampered my witness. My repentance closet has gotten a great workout over the years. But in spite of those misgivings and the times I have or have needed to ask your forgiveness -- the community of Christ followers Im associated with has made me, not Lou Gerhig, the luckiest man on the face of the planet. Yes Im getting fitted for a crown, but if you all could be reading all the things that have been sent to me for the past 11 months, you would know that I - through YOU - have been wearing a nice crown for quite a while. I used to at times defend my sheltered life. Enjoying Christian music, making decisions to attend church activities before others, going to a Christian/Evangelical College. But Ive always told people, I just desire that I am not defined by worldly standards or expectations, my world is to be, Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. (Philippians 4:8 NLT). My world or my friends have constantly brought Gods glory in my life. And for that I again say thanks. And then of course Jesus words in John 14 as he tells the faithful disciples that they will do even greater things now because Jesus returns to the father to intercede on your behalf. Just know, I got your back! Something... someday... some obscure way... or maybe --- Ill try and pull off something big. Of course we are not saying goodbye we as believers say, see you soon; and when we do it will be glorious. Just as I intend with Micki Sparks, Wayne Sparks, Michael Sparks, and a host of others that I get reunion with before you. So BE JEALOUS! Over our next few weeks dont come around me without joy and celebration. Give me more stories // there are lots of great ones I wish you all would post to my wall and not just message. And if you start to feel sorry for me, Dawn or the kids, STOP IT! We are beneficiaries of radical love, overwhelming hope/peace, and a Christian community that has gone through much more than Ive endured Enough sermonizing for now... We waited to make this announcement of my health till after Luke came home from school and we could announce at church on Sunday. Of course you might imagine that we have been bombarded since then // and although greatly appreciated Im asking for some family time before we jump into a parade of visitors. Plus the fact that Dawn and I have been contacted no less than for a dozen visits this weekend. But it looks as If Im to be again in the hospital for the next three to four days. To that, my plan is that we might have a David Sparks 49 Birthday Party like no other after the semester ends; where we might see the most people at one time. (Maybe like my surprise party the counsellors at SHUMY threw for me when I turned 36? I still love that randomness). Luke has 5 weeks left and admittedly he is not wanting to be in Bowling Green right now. But I am VERY strong. The pains I have always had through this ordeal have not been debilitating, and Im planning for a long time of bear hugs and kisses. Radiation did its job, and weve got some time. Ive promised Luke that if weakness does appear to be coming, hes 1.5 hours away and well call him first. They cannot predict weeks -- and Makenzie and I are getting good at counting to 100. I like tangible goals -- and banner #9 in Rupp after a Bengal Super Bowl run seems like an incredible number of weeks to me. This morning Dawn did express that downhill could come unannounced quickly. But any indication of that, we will push the party forward. Some people dont like my partys title or theme. Davids BIG Aloha! But Im thinking luau. Hawaiian shirts and whole pig (Marks does that, right?) I look forward to seeing every last one of my over 1600 Facebook friends before I change address. Right now however the emotion is overwhelming. Each call, text, visit, and Facebook message is appreciated, but almost all of them (sappy Facebook post included) are a new set of tears. Funny makes me cry too, but crying and laughing at once is good. The announcement of working with Hospice at this time is physical relief for Dawn and my mother who is come to help for a while. Its been a couple of comical evenings as we find the right adjustments and correct placements as we put me in and out of bed with a portable harness lift. Hospice nurses 2-3 days a week and aides 3-4 days until more time might be warranted. Plans are still in the works, but the advisement of my Dr (& of my wife) I will be taking incapacity leave. I plan on pouring lots of time into Winter Blitz for our weekend in January. And certainly my hope is being there to master the ceremony. If I cant, everything is well in place and we will not miss a beat for an incredible weekend. Ive not given up. Im planning on walking again before I need the wheelchair full time. And although this is surreal since last Wednesday, I am a realist and know that this cancer has gotten me --- but it has not taken my heart, my soul, or the incredible memories that you and I will always have. Thanks for several good memories today with pics that some of you have posted this morning of a young man 100 lbs lighter and with a head full of hair. How can you pray? Admitted to the hospital tomorrow for surgery prep Surgery on Wednesday for a rod in my right arm. At this point stroke risk have risen and I think there are some in the family a little worried Dawn, my mother and others as they continue to my physical needs. (Under title of TMI, last night I woke Dawn for 4 urinal empties and 2 butt wipes) Luke and Kelsey as they go back to school. As I have said, Luke has already wanted to just lay in bed with me at home; but thats no good to either of us Megan & Matt as they too think they want to move in my basement and attend to my every need A couple of congregations that has been without a full-time shepherd for a while, but will now deal with great transition My older granddaughter Makenzie turns 2 on Sunday and we are having family and friends for a party after church. Im planning to be at church for the first time since July 20... and in the midst of All-Saints Sunday and Communion --- I will be baptizing Wesley Mae Bracken I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me— and this is not my prize alone, but we all share this one and I thank God for each of you!
Posted on: Mon, 27 Oct 2014 18:56:32 +0000
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