For my blog readers at DAT Ministries, let me start by apologizing for my lack of updates. Summertime kept me mostly inside due to my intolerance to heat. Along with being trapped inside, my health has been an extra challenge the past few months. I’ve been fighting an infected wound on my bottom which required surgery about a month ago and still has not closed (healed) properly. If my sanity has been kept in check by any worthwhile activity, I want to give credit to the folks at MyChurch dot ORG. Not only have Joe and Carol, the cofounders of MyChurch, given me small tasks to occupy my time, the entire membership of that awesome website has been an encouragement and Godsend.

Over the past several weeks, I have found myself slipping in to what might be called a depressive state. No need to go in to the details but between bouts with sickness, ever increasing neuromuscular pain and a seemingly decreasing ability to hold on to things, including my memory, it has been a personal struggle to maintain a positive attitude. This morning, I woke up and said a special prayer to God because I was close to my wits end with how to continue in my ever shrinking and lonely world. As one loses ability to perform certain tasks, one’s world becomes more tightly tied to medical needs that restrict the ability to venture too far from home.

And today, along with the rain that we so badly needed, my tears flowed as I cried out to God for help. I’m lonely. Even our birds that used to frequent our bird feeders had dwindled to just a few visitors. But then it happened! A single dove landed on the deck railing and seemed to be looking straight at me; for the longest of times. I was praising God for sending me the symbol of His Holy Spirit to let me know that He was right by my side. I had not felt His presence, that intense, for a long time.

Then, out of the blue and without warning, that dove began to fly straight at me! Now between me and that dove is a large plate glass patio door that had just been cleaned this morning. And then, SPLAT!!!

I was stunned as I rolled over to the door expecting to see a dove laying on the deck. We have birds periodically slam into the glass, knocking them out cold as they fall to the deck. After a period of time, the birds will regain consciousness and upright themselves; eventually flying away, probably somewhat embarrassed, I’m sure.

This time, however, the large body of the dove was nowhere to be seen. Apparently, the collision did not knock the bird out cold. That in itself was a miracle that the dove was able to continue its journey to wherever it may have been headed next. I was somewhat disappointed to have the dove leave this particular day because of the comfort I was reaping from its presence. Of course, we all know that the real Comforter was the Holy Spirit. As I backed up from the glass door, I saw it:

That dove had left an imprint on the glass where it hit. But looking closer, I realized it was more than just a spot where the next of many birds have left their mark. It was much more than a spot. It was a reminder for me that He will never abandon me. Yes, God works in mysterious ways and this is physical proof:

That glass may never get cleaned again! He blessed me today in a way that I will forever remember!

Yes, He is here with me and He is there with you. Whether you are at your lowest point in life or living on Cloud 9, cry out to Him. Look around you. You will see His presence everywhere. He loves you just as much as He loves me! Accept His Son and accept no substitutes. There is only one way to heaven; to eternal peace. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)

Pastor Dave