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Many of you know that Danna and I, along with my brother and sister have been going to Miami to be with our mother who has been hospitalized due to an auto accident on March 16th that killed my father.

Watching your mother lying in a hospital bed and experiencing pain is not a pleasant sight. You feel helpless wishing there is something that you could do to alleviate the pain but knowing there is nothing you can do to change the situation other than pray. However, this past week, my mother was having a very rough week. The level of her discomfort was intense, the physical battle was taking its toll and the frustration of not knowing when she might be released from the hospital was evident.

As a result, during the Wednesday night worship service, our church family was led in prayer by one of our Staff Pastors (Danna and I were not present), and I was told that there was a wonderful spirit of intercession that came upon our people. Upon conclusion of that time of prayer, it was obvious to those in attendance that something had shifted with my mother's health.

Not knowing what had happened during that prayer time, I can tell you that the very next day there was a dramatic improvement in the medical condition of my mother. The pain diminished, the fluids draining from the perforation of the small intestine reduced substantially and in just a few short days has completely stopped and her strength has increased so much so that my mother will be released from the hospital today.

Speaking not as a pastor but as a highly thankful son, my mother was the benefactor of the care of some wonderful medical professionals and also the magnificent power of a loving God who responded to the prayers of his people.

I am so grateful to the Solid Rock Church family who were willing to spend some time in prayer on behalf of my mum. Praise be to God for His goodness and a great church!

So thankful,

Jay

On Tuesday, March 12, I recevied a phone call from my sister lettting me know that my father had been killed in an automobile accident in Miami, FL. The news was indeed a shock. Never did I anticipate my dad leaving this world due to an accident. I still cannot believe that he is gone. Dads aren't supposed to leave us you know. Death is so permanent and it leaves a hole for sure.

I had spoken to him the day before and his last words he shared with me were, "Give Danna and the kids a kiss and hug for me." His death has come as a shock, however, I feel the undergirding of the Spirit throughout these past several days. While in the midst of our sorrow, we are so grateful to God for protecting my mother. She too was in the car with my father and escaped with some moderate injuries.

Danna and I would like to thank our church family for your incredible love that you have shown to us and all the prayers that have been offered on our behalf during the loss of my father. It is incredibly comforting to have a loving church family. You are the best!


We love you!

Jay

For the last two years, Columbus and Midland have experienced winter snow storms that caused our schools to close, businesses to adjust their hours of operation and the Bailey family, especially my wife, to get all excited. A few days ago, during our recent snow storm (a whopping three and half inches of snow), my children could not wait to get outside and play in all that white stuff. They ran around launching snow balls at each other, building snowmen and rolling in the white carpet. I must tell you, I exulted in watching their enthusiasm over this snowy shower. Their child-like effervescence reminds me that the simple things in life can still bring great joy to our hearts.

Life, would in fact, become more enjoyable if we could pause for a few moments longer and look for the wonders that life really offers - the beauty of a sunset, the tapestry of clouds painted on the canvas of heaven, the majesty of a waterfall cascading over towering rock faces or the innocence of children gleefully laughing at snowflakes falling from the skies. As I watched my children play, a part of me wished that I could freeze time and halt their journey to adulthood. In fact, I have often expressed to each of them my paternal proclamations forbidding them from getting any bigger or any older – all to no avail. Thankfully, my children help keep me focused and convict me that I ought not to take life seriously all the time. They remind me that laughter is good, simplicity is wonderful, and life is awesome.

Perhaps this is something we should all think about!

Thankfully, I am Solid Rock’s pastor!

Jay

I warned you that I would keep you up to date on the lessons I am learning through my ruptured Achilles Tendon. On January 18th, I had surgery to repair the tendon and since then I have been in a cast with the doctor's order that no weight can be placed on my injured leg. Thirteen days have since passed and I have noticed something quite startling; I am noticing considerable loss of muscle mass in my leg. I am surprised that the deterioration would take place so rapidly. In fact, I find this a little troubling. I have at least five more weeks before I can place any weight upon this foot so I am wondering how much atrophying will take place.

I talked with the doctor about my concern this morning and he tells me that the muscle loss is normal but the good news is that it comes back quickly. Thank God!

As I thought about this, I soon realized that difficulties have a way of strengthening me and helping me to develop character. If my character is never tested and everything in life rocks along without any challenges, it wouldn't be long before I would become weakened. Instead of me growing and expanding to be more like Christ, I would be shrinking in character and my ability to reflect Jesus to those around me.

In reality, I am not sure I want to say this but I thank God for these opportunities to help strengthen me. Every challenge becomes a stepping stone for growth and maturity!

I am still looking forward to some more lessons.

With love,

Jay

After forty-six years of living, I experienced something for the first time. I ruptured my Achilles tendon while playing tennis with my brother. I have heard stories of others who have experienced such an injury but going through it for myself has been surreal. It all began with my hearing this unbelievably loud pop and feeling the vibrations shooting up into my head. I knew exactly what had just happened.

As a result of this injury, I had to go through surgery for the first time. Never had I been under a knife or having to be put to sleep. Wow! However, lessons are learned when you are placed in situations never encountered before. I am learning to shave and brush my teeth while standing on one leg; I am learning to move around with the aid of crutches; I am learning to shower with a garbage bag wrapped around my leg and I am learning to be totally dependent on my wife to care for me. I am learning to be more patient with myself since everything I do takes at least four times longer. I am also learning to preach from a "hoveround" - a motorized wheel chair because I can place no weight on my injured leg. All interesting lessons indeed. However, I think the greatest lesson I am learning is that life can catch us by surprise. Things we take for granted all of a sudden become more challenging. These unexpected surprises force us out of our comfort zones and cause us to evaluate the way we do everything.

I am just two weeks into my new experience of not being able to walk around freely but I know that there are more lessons to be learned. My biggest desire is that I will be a good student and learn everything that God wants to teach me.

I will keep you up to date on what He teaches me.

With love,
Jay