11.10.2008

Monday Miscellaneous

It's been a CRAZY Weekend....

- I wasn't at church this weekend so we decided ahead of time to do something we've never done: I video taped my entire message beforehand and showed the video instead of asking somebody else to fill in and teach. I was told that it was super effective. What I found interesting was that instead of shooting it in a creative setting we simply set me up on the stage and I taught to an empty room. I thought that was a mistake heading in because I assumed in order for the video idea to work it would have to be more creative...but the word is that students totally responded. I helped, I suppose that much of my lesson was built around a fun story and that we had a live "teacher" set me up and wrap it up.

- While we were in the dessert dirt bike riding we got word that my dad had suffered a heart attack (he has had several heart attacks and strokes in recent years), and had been placed on life support. We packed up, headed into town and have spent the last couple days and nights at his side. He has specifically requested no drastic measures be taken to spare his life, so we took him off the medication that was keeping his heart somewhat stable...so far he is still very much conscious so we have had some great time together. The doctor originally said that when we took him off the medicine he could survive anywhere from 10 minutes to several days.

- My dad loves the Lord and has been an incredible example of faithfulness over the years. He has always questioned his effectiveness of a father because we struggled financially so much while we were young and he has always seemed to carry an enormous amount of guilt over his "inability to provide for us". He brought this up in conversation at the hospital and we had some great conversation reminding him what some of the true measures of a man really are...all of which he has faithfully fulfilled. I would appreciate your prayers.

12 comments:

Pat said...

Hey Kurt, We will be praying for your Dad. Always enjoyed the times we have spent with him. Let him know we are thinking of him.

Adam J said...

Dear Kurt;

My heart is with you. I pray for the comfort and grieving process for you and your family during this time. May God continue to bless you all in this process of living here on this earth, with great promise for the life that is to come.

Adam J

Unknown said...

Hey Kurt, I echo what my Dad said. Please let your dad know we are praying for him and thinking about him. It was always so fun being with you guys and your parents over in the house on Vigo Dr.

Anonymous said...

KJ - The Rubin family's been praying for you & yours. Thanks for this update -- I wish I had something more intelligent to say than "our hearts are with you"... but that's what I'm feeling. Way to love on your dad, man. Way to go.

Rob said...

Kurt,

Though we've never met, I feel I've gotten to know you a little bit through your blog. My dad had a stroke about 2 months ago. He's recovered well, but going through it with him has made me treasure the time I do have with him. I'm so glad you're getting that time with your dad right now. Prayers from Indiana are going up for you, your dad, and your family. May God wrap you all up in His almighty arms during this time.

Ariel said...

Oh man, Kurt ...

My dad has heart problems, has had a couple of heart attacks, and I nearly lost my dad 4 years ago.

I can empathize to a point with what you're going through, and know that I'll pray for you and yours.

Michelle said...

Kurt - praying for you, your dad and your family. I'm in a similar situation with my uncle - heart attack last night - bypass not an option - he's done fighting (to put it in his own words). Thank God for salvation and eternity...

Judy Gregory said...

Kurt,

I lost my dad a year ago this month. While my hopes and prayers are that your dad makes a miraculous full recovery, I'm glad you are taking the opportunity to have some great coversations and say everything you need to say ... for "would of," "could of," and "should of's" are hard.

You are loved by many and in our thoughts and prayers.

Judy

Anonymous said...

God,

Give Kurt's family strength and perseverance through these trials. You know their needs and you are more than able to meet those needs. Thanks in advance for the ways you are going to comfort and support the Johnston's family.

Amen

Ken said...

dude, my heart goes out for you. and I'm so glad you've gotten this special time together.

praying for you, bro.

ken

Anonymous said...

Praying for you man...

LC

I'm Nick Emery said...

Praying for you and your family...it looks like many who follow your blog and who know you personally are praying too.

You are loved Kurt. Continue to share your love with your family.