Many thanks to David Callahan for his great sermon Sunday!  My original plan was to have surgery last Monday, spend a couple days recovering, and then be back to full speed and back in the pulpit.  I mean, how bad could it be?   

Usually, it's not so much you - it's the people you have around you, the people who speak wisdom to your heart, the people who have your best interests at heart - it's those people who, to a great extent, determine whether you succeed or fail.  I am blessed that here at TOCC, I have many people who speak loving wisdom to my heart.  When I said I intended to preach the Sunday after surgery, some of these people gently suggested that post-surgery recovery might be a bit more difficult than I was thinking, and that, just perhaps, I should consider a "Plan B" - you know, "just in case".  

 Another part of achieving success is actually listening to the people who are trying to help you.  It only took me a few minutes to realize that my original plan was, as usual, not very good, and that "Plan B" needed to be turned into "Plan A".  And, to make this change of plan even better, David Callahan was not only willing, but also excited for the opportunity to speak to us - his new Faith Family.  [For those of you who don't know them, David and Roberta Callahan joined our congregation a few months ago.  Get to know them - they are great people with a great story!]

 Let me remind you of something David told us Sunday.  Even when we give our soul to God, there will be many times of failure.  But God tells us that quitting in those times is not an option.  God hasn't changed His mind about us in those moments.  We shouldn't change our minds about Him either.  

 That's encouraging to me.  Maybe you know somebody who could use a little encouragement this week.  I pray you will serve them with love.  And, maybe say "Thank You" to the people who are trying to help you live your best life for The Kingdom of God.          

~Shepherd Ambrose Ramsey