Brief Molly Update: Mayo Clinic has turned Molly away. Twenty minutes before leaving for my Dad's house for Christmas Molly received the letter saying that they turn down a lot of people and that Molly isn't a good candidate for an appointment. Essentially they don't think they would find a solution to Molly's Chiari issues. Maybe it's because they know Molly's surgeon is already a recognized expert and he would know more than they would. Dunno. We can appeal that decision by sending any info that may change their minds. I don't know that we have anything like that. Still looking into it, and other options. Molly has been sleeping a lot better with her new sleep meds. Glad for that.
Two quick prayer requests...
- David Wayne (JollyBlogger) has colon cancer and is now home after surgery.
- A good friend and pastor, Shawn Kemp (no, not that one), has to go 3 weeks without talking: "I have a cyst on my vocal cord. I have to go without talking for three weeks in an attempt to let it heal. If it doesn't heal, I will have to have surgery to remove it....there is a risk that it would leave me permanently hoarse."
Links...
Run to Amazon to download The 99 Most Essential Beethoven Masterpieces for $1.99. World class orchestras and artists in this collection. I'm listening to it now and it's wonderful. C'mon, 2 bucks! Go get it now because the SALE ENDS TODAY!
2009 is the 500th anniversary of the birth of John Calvin, so decorate your church stage with tulips! Or maybe make it a year of reading Calvin. Here's a year through the Institutes reading guide. The Reformation 21 guys are blogging through Calvin's Institutes in 2009 (You can request a reading schedule). John Piper's new book John Calvin and His Passion for the Majesty of God is officially released tomorrow. Piper's pastor's conference message on Calvin is also worth a listen (or re-listen).
I don't think I've linked to this yet (and it's late), but Tim Keller had a Christmas article in Christianity Today: "The Advent of Humility."
JD Greear:
- The Three Things I Pray Each Morning to "Center" on the Gospel
- Why The Multi-Site Strategy is Biblical and Can Be the Wisest Course of Action for a Congregation: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4
Todd Hiestand: Books of 2008 - Leadership
Barnabas Piper: 22 things I admire about my parents on their 40th anniversary
Tim Chester has a new book coming out - The Ordinary Hero: Living the Cross and Resurrection
Virtual church leader hangout at www.churchstaffbreakroom.com
That's frustrating about Molly and Mayo. I was just praying for you guys this morning. Will keep it up.
Posted by: Tim Etherington | 12/30/2008 at 12:49 PM
Some great links here, Steve, thanks.
Posted by: Jonathan Dodson | 12/30/2008 at 04:34 PM
Glad it's helpful, Jonathan.
Posted by: Steve McCoy | 12/30/2008 at 04:36 PM
I know you have had a tough year, but thanks for your work on this site (and Subtext). It is appreciated. You are open about the health struggles, helpful with the links (especially Keller related), give good insights, and throw in a sense of humor.
Prayers for Molly, David (maybe his Gators will win and help with his recovery), and Shawn.
Not really a Twitter reader, but I must say that your twitter comment, "They put whipped cream on my mocha by accident. God is in control", has helped put a smile on my face this morning.
Have a great 2009.
Posted by: Rick | 12/31/2008 at 07:10 AM
Appreciate the comment Rick. Happy New Year.
Posted by: Steve McCoy | 12/31/2008 at 11:01 AM