The Hand of God on the Wrist of Dana -- November 21, 2014

Last Friday night, our younger daughter, Dana, attended a birthday party at Pump It Up in Pelham for her friend, Vishwa.  Vishwa was turning nine years old.

The party started at 5:30pm and was slated to run until 7:00pm.  Christina and Audrey took Dana to the party.  I met them after I finished work.  Then, Christina and Audrey took off for home to work on a project.

That left me in charge of the well-being of Dana.  (You other dads know where this story is heading)

From 5:30 to 6:30, the kids had a great time playing on the slides and bouncy houses.  At 6:30, it was time to eat.

Dana came over to put on her shoes.  Everything seemed fine.  All the kids went to the party room.  Vishwa's mom and some other family members passed out pizza to the 28 kids.

I noticed Dana wasn't eating.  And she loves some cheese pizza.  I went to check on her.  She was crying.  And holding her left wrist.

I asked her what happened.  She said she was climbing up the ladder to the slide.  Something pushed her hand backwards real fast and she felt something pop.  She was still having fun so she just kept playing.

Now that things calmed down, though, the pain started.

Dana has never broken a bone or sprained an ankle or anything involving a lot of pain.  So this was new to her.  Fear of something unknown mixed with pain made tears flow down her cheeks.

I looked at her wrist.  She had a nasty bruise forming on the inside of her left wrist.  Moving her wrist in any direction caused a shooting pain.  She could open and close her fist, but that hurt too.  I was afraid she had broken her wrist.

I checked the time on my watch.  Children's Hospital on Acton Road closes at 8:00pm.  So we had time to get there.

Now to make the call to Momma.  

I told Christina to start heading toward Children's Hospital; we'd meet them there.  But they had an issue.  Traffic was at a crawl.  An accident on I65 had snarled traffic.  They weren't going anywhere fast.  She suggested the hospital there in Pelham.  I concurred.

Even though she was in pain and crying, I insisted she wish Vishwa a Happy Birthday and thank Vishwa's mother for inviting her.  To Dana's credit, she did both.

When Vishwa's mom saw the tears, she asked what had happened.  I told her about Dana's wrist.

Then Vishwa's mom, Urmila, said some of the sweetest words I've ever heard:  "Go see my husband over there; he's a wrist surgeon".  I was floored.

I went over to Vishwa's dad, Dr. Nilesh Chaudhari.  I introduced myself and told him of Dana's dilemma.  And, with gentleness, he took Dana's hand and started to examine her wrist.  Dana was a trooper while he checked her out.

He ruled out a break.  No swelling.  He said it was most likely a tendon or ligament that was injured.  He recommended icing her wrist and giving her Motrin for the pain.  He even gave me his cell number to call if it wasn't better by Saturday morning.

He said we didn't need to go to the hospital.  Just follow his advice.  I thanked him profusely before heading outside.  Turns out, Dr. Chaudhari specializes in Carpal Tunnel surgery and Hand & Wrist Fracture & Dislocation Treatment (found that out on the HealthGrades website later).

We got in my van and started home.  I called Christina to tell her the news.  At first, she didn't understand why I wasn't taking Dana to the hospital.  Then it sank in what had happened:  God provided for exactly the right person to be there at the right time and right place.

One verse came in my mind--Philipians 4:19 that says, "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus".

Some might call it a fortunate happenstance that the birthday girl's dad was a wrist surgeon when your daughter has a wrist injury.  I call it a testimony of God's ability to calm His children (both Dana and me) with a healing touch.

Our lesson this week finishes our study of Joseph.  The Bible passage is Genesis 50:15-21.  It's called "Overcome an Earthly Mindset".  The point of the lesson is:  We can trust God is at work on our behalf.

So join us Sunday at 9:47am for the final installment of this series.

Finish Friday strong.  Enjoy Saturday with your family.  See you Sunday!

Loyally yours, Darren Bayne

"The church’s impressive roll call of godly people who did not get what they wanted suggests that we should expect to encounter God at the most unlikely place of all — at the intersection of expectation and disappointment." -- John Koessler

Be Grateful. Even when things are a little plain. -- May 9, 2014

I had the worst fast food experience ever at Wendy's on Tuesday night.

 

I left work at 6:30 pm to go home.  Decided to stop by Wendy's to have a quick bite to eat.
 

Now, I'm a Wendy's fan.  When I traveled all the time, Wendy's was my destination twice a week.

 

My favorite is the #6 Combo:  Spicy Chicken Sandwich (no lettuce or tomato), small fry, and small Coke.  In all my years, no Wendy's has ever messed up my order.
 

Until Tuesday.

 

I gave the cashier my order, paid with my card, and got the receipt.

 

Then, I waited.  And waited.  And waited.

 

Four other patrons who had ordered before me milled about.  Waiting.

 

After the guy before me got his order, I knew I was next.  Nine minutes after I ordered.

 

The lady behind the counter calls out, "Son of Baconator Combo.  No lettuce or tomato".  Nobody moved to get it.  She repeated, "Son of Baconator Combo.  No lettuce or tomato."  Still, nothing.

 

Once more, she says, "Number 5:  Son of Baconator Combo".

 

I pulled my receipt from my pocket.  To my horror, she had charged me for a #5 Combo.  I went up to the counter and politely told her, "I ordered a #6 Combo--no lettuce or tomato".

 

She calls her manager to her register because she doesn't know what to do.  He helps her change the order.  Turns out the #5 Combo is ten cents less that the #6 Combo I wanted.

 

I steeled myself to be asked to pay the extra dime (plus tax).  But the manager looks at me and says, "You got a little discount on your order."  Not "Sorry", not "I apologize for our mistake; we'll get you taken care of really quick".

 

How grateful should you act when someone makes a ten cent mistake in your favor?  Is there a dance involved?

 

So I wait some more for my #6 Combo:  Spicy Chicken Sandwich (no lettuce or tomato), fries, and Coke.

 

And wait.  And wait.

 

The fries she had put on my tray were given to the next person in line.

 

More minutes pass.  Then she gets out a bag.  Puts a sandwich and fries in it.  Sits a Coke on the counter.  Says, "Number 6 Combo".  Twenty-one minutes after I'd placed my order.

 

Of course, I'd told her back then that I was eating my meal inside the restaurant.  But at least I had my food.  Even if it was in a sack.

 

I walk to the counter to get napkins, straw, and ketchup.  Wendy's has the little paper cups you squirt ketchup in.  I can't put them in a bag.

 

So I walk back to the counter and ask for a tray.  The cashier looks dumbfounded when I place my bag on the tray and walk away.

 

Back to the ketchup squirter.  Ketchup squirter has only enough ketchup for two little cups; I like five cups.

 

Back to the counter.  "Your ketchup squirter is out.  Can I please have some packets?".  The cashier hands me four packets of ketchup.  I do the quick conversion in my head.  Two packets of ketchup equals one little cup of ketchup.  I already have two little cups of ketchup.  I now have the equivalent of four little cups of ketchup.  I need five.  One short.  

 

I can feel myself getting impatient.  Many things I'd like to say run through my head.  I thought it best to walk away with a ketchup deficit than to risk making a bitingly sarcastic comment.

 

So I go to a table.

 

I open my bag.  Get out my sandwich and fries.  Place the bag on the floor out of my way.  Squeeze ketchup on my opened sandwich wrapper.

 

Then I take a good look at my Spicy Chicken Sandwich.  Poking out of it was lettuce.  I open the bun.  You guessed it:  a tomato.  After I expressly said on two separate occasions that I wanted a Spicy Chicken Sandwich with NO lettuce or tomato.

 

I take off the tomato and toss it in the bag on the floor.  I grab the lettuce from the sandwich.  I toss it in the bag.  But while flying through the air, an unattached piece of lettuce shoots off to the side and misses the open bag.  It lands on the carpet.

 

I looked at that stamp-sized piece of lettuce sitting on the floor.

 

And I looked at it.

 

And I was thinking, "After all they've done to screw up my order, I ought to leave that piece of lettuce lying there."  And I do.  I take a bite of my sandwich.  Then I look again at the lettuce on the ground.

 

I can't bring myself to leave it there.  Sure, they messed up.  But that doesn't mean I should mess up their floor.

 

So I pick it up.

 

And I take another bite of my sandwich.  Doesn't taste quite right.  It's chicken.  It's fried.  But it's NOT spicy.

 

Great.

 

It's a regular, run-of-the-mill, PLAIN chicken sandwich.

 

All this, and I still don't have what I asked for.  Unbelievable.

 

But it's food and I'm hungry.

 

I should be grateful.  I'm kind of grateful.  Just not happy.

 

So the lesson this week might be geared to me more than anyone.  It's entitled "Hope Expressed".  It's about gratitude and thankfulness.  It comes from Psalm 138.

 

Come join us at 9:47 am on Sunday morning.  Unless you are traveling to see your mother.  It will be Mother's Day, of course.

 

Don't forget.

 

Finish Friday strong.  Enjoy Saturday with your family.  See you Sunday!

 

Loyally yours,

Darren Bayne

“Each day give thanks for the gift of life.” – Pablo Picasso

Where Were You During the Blizzard of 2014? -- January 31, 2014

It looks like we are on the back side of the Blizzard of 2014 (aka Winter Storm Leon).

What was your story?

I got to spend the night at the office Tuesday night.  

Forty-nine of our 50 students made it back to their hotel by foot, car, or hitchhiking that night.  The hotel had no drivers to send the shuttles for them.

Going home Wednesday, I saw some great "Good Samaritan" moments and some outright idiotic driving decisions.  No doubt, you did too.

We'll still be comparing stories by the time we meet again on Sunday at 9:47 am.

Our official lesson this week is called "What About People Who've Never Heard About Jesus?".  I say 'official' because that's what the book has for this week.  The passage is Romans 1:16-25.

Here's the rub, though.  Owen did a great job of answering that question last week.  It was a tangent he took off on without knowing it was the heart of this week's lesson.

I didn't want to duplicate what we did last Sunday, so our lesson will be about something else.  What will it be?  Not sure yet. 

I'm waiting on God to nudge me in the right direction.  He always does.

Finish Friday strong!  Enjoy Saturday with your family.  See you Sunday.

Loyally yours,

Darren Bayne

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago; the second best time is today.”  Chinese proverb

Stand Firm in Your Faith -- November 1, 2013

I hope you've had a great week.

Mine was schizophrenic.  At work, I finished an important project and prepared for a new class.  At home, the girls had a great time at our Fall Festival on Wednesday and Trick-Or-Treating in Paxton Place on Thursday. 

But it wasn't a good week at all for some people I love; three different people to be exact.  My heart hurts for the situations they face.

First, on Monday, my best friend from high school emailed me to say his older brother has a mass on his pancreas.  They did a biopsy yesterday and will know something next Wednesday.

Second, on Tuesday, my mother told me that hospice has been called to take care of her best friend whose breast cancer has spread to her brain.

Third, on Wednesday (during the Fall Festival), one of my good friends from college texted me to say his dad's cancer had returned to his spine.  His kidneys and bowels have shut down.  To quote my friend, "It won't be long."

God has been hearing from me more this week than He has for a while.  I've prayed for healing.  But mostly I've prayed for peace for those afflicted and the people who love them.  Each of the ones affected is a Christian; their final home is no mystery.

October 16th was my birthday.  My wife and girls gave me Andy Andrews' new book "The Noticer Returns".  I started reading it last Saturday and finished it Wednesday night.

One story in the book gave a wonderful picture to those whose loved ones are facing death.  I paraphrased it and sent it to one of my friends.  I'm going to share it with you because either you or someone you know may be the one in fear of being 'left behind' when a loved one slips from this life into the next.  Adapted from pages 143-144 of "The Noticer Returns"...

"Friend,

You think that your sweet father is at the end, but that is only a lie you have believed.  Because your fear has grown, you believe his fear has become greater…which is another lie.  You believe he is experiencing something bad that gets worse until there is nothing at all.  That, too, is a lie.

Here is the truth, Friend.  He is not at the end.  He is at the beginning.  His fear has not become greater; it has become less and less until now, his fear is gone altogether.  And he is not experiencing something bad that gets worse until there is nothing at all…he is experiencing something incredible that gets better, until there is everything.

Before this man was ever born, when he was warm and snug inside his mama’s belly, he kicked and twisted, moving this way and that.  For months he struggled.  He became uncomfortable.  He longed for more freedom and began to sense that the world he inhabited was not where he ultimately belonged.  He did not know what was on the other side of his struggle, but he was getting ready to experience something new and wonderful that in his wildest imaginings could not be described.  Friend…he was getting ready to breathe.

And when he finally drew that first breath, it was clean and fresh and like nothing he had ever felt.  He took another breath and another—and all around him, loved ones and friends cheered in a joyous celebration of his arrival.

Look at him now, Friend.  For many years this dear child was happy and content in this body.  But for some time now, he has struggled.  He has become uncomfortable.  He has begun to long for freedom from the pain of this body and has sensed that the world he inhabits is not where he ultimately belongs.  Even now he does not fully appreciate the reality that is waiting on the other side of his struggle, but he is preparing to experience something new and wonderful that in his wildest imaginings could not be described.  Right now…right this minute…he is getting ready to breathe.

And when he draws that first breath, it will be clean and clear and fresh, like nothing he has ever experienced.  He will take another breath and another and another; and all around, his loved ones, his family and friends, will cheer in a joyous celebration of his arrival.

Do not be afraid for yourself, Friend.  You can make the same journey one day—you can join him if you choose to do so.  And don’t be afraid for him.  He is fine.  Remember…he is getting ready to breathe."

It's a beautiful picture, isn't it?  Now you may wonder where this ties in with our lesson for this week.  The title of the lesson is "Stand Your Ground".  The point is to never compromise when the issue is a matter of biblical right and wrong.

As a Christian, I should not despair in these situations.  God's hand will move to glorify Himself.  I need to stand firm in the promises He's made to us.

We will discuss our scripture passage from Galatians 2:1-14.  Be there at 9:45 am this Sunday morning.  You don't really have an excuse not to make it on time because you'll have an extra hour to sleep.  It's "Fall Back" weekend so set your clocks back an hour on Saturday night.

Finish Friday strong.  Enjoy Saturday with your family.  See you Sunday!

Loyally yours,

Darren Bayne

"Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm." -- Abraham Lincoln

Bestowing a Gift -- September 9, 2013

Who deserves to go to heaven with you?

Who should be told about the Good News of Jesus?

Is that guy over there witness-worthy?

Does that girl qualify for hearing your testimony?

Would you be comfortable with that person sitting in the pew next to you during Big Church?  Dressed like that?

Why would you ever start a conversation with that guy about God?  Just look at him.

Let's discuss the answers to these questions Sunday at 9:45 am.

Read James 2:1-13 so you'll know see what Jesus' step-brother said.  That's a good place to start.

Finish Friday strong.  Enjoy Saturday with your family.  See you Sunday!

Loyally yours,

Darren Bayne

“There are no rules around here!  We’re trying to accomplish something!”  Thomas Edison

The Bible: The Ultimate Kevlar Vest -- August 2, 2013

Do you ever feel like Christians are the new "bad guy" in our culture today?

It's not to the throw-them-to-the-lions level--yet.  But a vocal minority is doing a good job shaping the national conversation in a way to criticize and marginalize God's followers.

So what should we as Christians do? 

I guess we could try to debate those who think differently than us.  We could picket outside of businesses that are "sinful".  We could even go on websites and post messages that tell people they are going to hell if they don't believe what we do.

Or we could do something really radical--learn what's in the Bible.

To handle the arrows of hate that are shot at us, we need to be wearing the armor of God.  That's where God's Word comes in.

If we as Christians will read and follow the Bible, we will influence others who are searching for meaning in their lives.

This week, we transition from the Old to the New Testament in our trip through God's Story.  The next few weeks will highlight the boulders on which our faith as Christians rest.  Think of it as a refresher course on Bible basics.

Our lesson this week is called "God Sends His Son".  We'll talk about:
1.  Jesus is Fully God and Fully Man (John 1:1-2,14)
2.  Only Jesus Came to Bring Salvation (John 1:11-13,18,29)
3.  Only Jesus Embodied God's Kingdom (Matthew 4:17-24)

So join us at 9:50 a.m. Sunday morning.  You'll be glad you did.

Finish Friday strong.  Enjoy Saturday with your family.  See you Sunday!

Loyally yours,

Darren Bayne

A Lunch to Remember -- July 26, 2013

Welcome to Moe's!

That's one of my favorite phrases to hear.  Why?  Because it means I'm about to eat a Joey burrito with steak and black beans.  Rice, cheese, salsa, and lettuce along with tortilla chips make this meal complete.

Such was the case last Sunday for lunch.  After "big church", I changed into shorts and headed to the Moe's at Lee Branch on 280.  The plan was to eat, then go to Academy Sports.  Yes, that's how I roll.

Anyway.  I'm standing in line at Moe's waiting for my turn to order.  Behind me are four nicely-dressed college-aged kids; two guys, two girls (hey, I'm 41; college-aged=kids).  I can't help but overhear their conversation.  One of the guys will be buying everybody's lunch, but he's short on cash.  So they are scouring the menu board trying to maximize the amount of food they can get with their limited funds.

They start working up their plan.  One of them volunteers, "If we just drink water, we can save almost $8!". 

After giving my order to the folks behind the counter, I move on down toward the cash register.  The register is backed up with others ready to pay.

One of the girls from the group of four had given her order and was right behind me.  The other three were still ten feet behind us.  To pass the time, I asked her, "You seem to be part of a group, what are ya'll doing?".

Her answer floored me.  Without missing a beat, she replied, "We are part of a group called 'Pray for Birmingham'.  Our mission is to go into areas around the city and pray for the people of Birmingham.  We want to shine the light of Jesus to the whole city."

Now, let me back up to get a running start.  Scott's sermon just 71 minutes prior to this conversation was titled "Don't Shout: Shine".  The scripture was Matthew 5:13-16.  In it, Jesus tells his followers to be salt and light.  God really must have thought He needed to hammer this into me.  He used two people to give me the same message within a two-hour time frame.

I told her that Birmingham, and our whole country, could use lots of prayer.  And I congratulated her on doing God's work.  By then, her friends caught up to us.  She dove back into a conversation with them.  It was my turn to pay at the register.

I got out my card and paid for my lunch.  Then, I reached for my money clip and got out a twenty dollar bill.  I quietly told the guy at the register that the twenty was to go toward the group behind me.  He nodded and I took my tray.

The restaurant was crowded.  The only place for my party of one to sit was just across the half-wall from the register.  I'd gotten my drink and salsa, said grace, and was unwrapping my burrito when I heard the next part of the story.

All four of the 'Pray for Birmingham' group had their food and were ready to pay.  The guy at the register said, "That will be $14.32".  One of the group replied, "Something must be wrong.  All four of these meals are on one bill." 

The guy at the register said, "Yes.  But he already paid for the rest of it" while pointing at me.

Four pairs of eyes turned to me in amazement.  They settled their bill, then came to my table.  It's the most "God Bless You's" I've ever gotten without sneezing.

I told them to keep doing Christ's work and enjoy your meal.

I thoroughly enjoyed mine.


Now for a preview of this week's class...

The title of our lesson this Sunday at 9:50 am is "God Promises the Messiah".  Our scripture passage is Isaiah 53:2-12.

The outline of the lesson is:
1.  The Messiah Became One of Us
2.  The Messiah Suffered for Us
3.  The Messiah Rescues Us

Finish Friday strong.  Enjoy Saturday with your family.  See you Sunday!

Loyally yours,

Darren Bayne

"What the caterpillar calls the end, the rest of the world calls a butterfly." -- Lao Tsu