New Year, New.....Get it Done!

2019 has come and now is coming to be the past.  In three short days, we have a new year and new opportunities.  2019 brought many triumphs, our son was married, a master's degree was finished, our youngest son accepted a career that some dream of, family members graduated college, started college... so many things.  It also brought some losses, which came as the loss of loved ones, the near loss of loved ones, and missed family vacations.  But each of those losses made us stronger. 

As I look at 2020, I want to be the best I have been.  I am going to challenge myself, as well as, anyone else that feels the need to be challenged.  I had a discussion this week about salvation, and the fact that in order to be saved, you need to accept Jesus Christ as your savior.  But is that all you want?  I agree that is huge, but God has so much more for us if we allow ourselves to follow the commands that God has commanded us to do. 

So what are we commanded to do?

• Let your light shine.  In Matthew 5:16 (NIV) we read, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."  Open up to others so that they may experience the goodness of God through you.  Jesus tells clearly that we are to let our light shine and if we do that others will come to know Jesus.
• Go! This is probably the one command that has changed my life.  We are commanded to Go and to go to the ends of the earth sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.  This can come in many forms.  For some it may be long term missions, others may be short term missions, and yet others may be to help others go.  But regardless what role God is calling you into, we are commanded to do something.  Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV) says, "Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."  This is come to be known as the Great Commission.  
• Love.  This one is simple.  Matthew 22:37-39 (NIV) says, "Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself."  I felt this first hand. You can fully love another unless you learn to love God first and feel His love directly in your life.  But this cannot be with just words.  1 John 3:18 (NIV) says, "Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth."  We must love on others and we must love others where they are at.  Let them experience God's love through us.
• All glory to God.  We are commanded to give all Glory to God.  Revelation 14:7 (NIV) says, "He said in a loud voice, 'Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.'" We are commanded to give all glory to God and then to Worship Him.  
• Have faith. If we can keep faith, just know that all is possible.  Matthew 17:20 (NIV) says, "He replied, 'Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.'”  If faith that small is capable of something that huge, can you imagine what enormous faith can do.  But faith is difficult for some because it requires believing in something you can see, taking the next step without seeing where the staircase is leading.  But that is faith.  Hebrew 11:1 (NIV) says, "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."  

These are the five things that I am focusing on in 2020.  The Bible contains thousands of commands, as a matter of fact, over one thousand just in the New Testament.  These are the commands that tug on the heartstrings.  

Don't Settle!

Have you ever set and wondered if you could leave one message for your kids, what would it be?  I actually wasn't thinking about it but one thought keeps resonating in me.  Maybe it is a message to myself, or maybe it is something I am to tell my children.  Maybe it's because my children are going through stages of their lives that they are making decisions that will have impact for their life.  Or maybe it's because last month we went through a one week period that we lost two family members and a family friend in the matter of seven days.  Share the message now is what I keep hearing.

The message that I need to share is ...

You see, too many times in life we settle for what is comfortable.  But in being comfortable, we don't see growth.  It is when we get stretched outside of our comfort zones that we see the greatest growth, the greatest potential, the greatest accomplishments.  But don't think there won't be challenges or disappointments along the way.  There will be.  But during those moments, we grow.  2 Chronicles 12:9 (NIV) tells us, "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."  We can take pride during those challenges because we know that Christ's power and His strength will guide us through to the other side.

We can take solace in knowing that when we don't settle for safe and we live the life of our greatest potential, it is the life that God intended for us.  Jeremiah 29:11, a verse that most of us know, says, "For I know the plan that I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  God has a life designed for us and it is a life that we will succeed in.  It's His plan, we are just living it out.  But playing it safe sometimes isn't the plan God had for us.  God wants the most out of us, and that might not be the easy way out.

What does all of this mean?  It means that if you are going to be a teacher, be the best teacher.  If you are going to build a building, build the best building.  If you are going to be an athletic trainer, be the best.  Find your niche, create your path, and work hard to be the best possible version of you that you can be.  You may lose sleep but you didn't settle.

Questions

For whatever reason, I tend to ask Tami weird questions at the oddest times.  Today was no different.  After we were worshipping together this morning, the same thing happened.  I asked her, "At what times am I most attractive to you?"  Tami, being the most political supporter that I could ever want in my corner, responds with, "Always."  Now I know this isn't true because there are times that just aren't good.  Anyway, I appreciate her attempt at making me feel good. 

Now Tami, maybe because she thinks differently didn't return the question.  But that never stops me.  My next line, "Do you want to know when I have found you most attractive?"  She plays along, probably with a little nervousness, and says, "Sure." 

Yes, here is my opportunity to get to the point that I was waiting to get to.  Here is what I said.  "I find you most attractive when I can see the love of God shining through you.  Those times in LA when you were holding and interacting with the children or praying over an addict on Skid Row.  Those times when you completely get lost in worship and don't care who is around.  Those are the times that you are most attractive to me."

This is because Tami allows herself to be an expression of God's love.  You see, Tami cannot love me to her most extent if she doesn't love God first.  We are told in Scripture that we are to love God first.  Matthew 22:37-40 tells us, "And he said to him, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.'” We must love God before we can love others.  And we express love to others because God is love. 

Tami usually gets quiet in moments like this but it gives us both time to reflect on what we were just talking about.  If we can just learn to express the love that God has shown us, then we will learn to serve one another and love one another.  I couldn't love Tami to the fullest extent until I felt the love of God guiding my own life.

Trials

Just when you think the trials of health issues with Tami is done, it rears its ugly head again.  Today, we were supposed to leave for Tennessee to return Tami's father's ashes to their final resting place.  But here we sit at the hospital in Minneapolis once again.  An infection developed from Tami's surgery that needed immediate care and another transport to Minneapolis hospital.

Again, we don't want to make this about us, but about God's miracles.  When I arrived home early this morning, I got on my knees and questioned God about His plan.  See God uses the strongest servants to save His people.  God delivered a bold message to us.  This week we had some family members question God's works and why He does what He does.

God flat out told me early this morning before I went to bed, "I will use you and Tami to save those close to you.  You and Tami are faithful servants and will receive blessings."  God's blessings extend so far and so deep and in so many directions.  When one of His children are saved and submit themselves fully to Christ, many are blessed.  We are willing to bear that cross.

We have such a busy summer.  Tennessee for memorial, wedding in September, and Global Team to serve others in Los Angeles in October.  We are confident that this is a small hiccup in the road of life, and we will get through it.  The power of prayer will be just another miracle in God's plan to get to each of these and fund these.

We are not to understand why everything happens the way it does, but we must stand firm in our faith.  The rewards are greater than anything we can receive here on earth, but we were never guaranteed a smooth path.  There will be bumps. There will be hills and there will be valleys.  I love that the fact that we were all created in God's images, and that includes the trials.  Let us not forget the trials that Jesus Himself had while walking amongst us.

So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! - Hebrews 10:35

http://myrock.rivervalley.org/page/1250?GroupId=272423

The Call

When did my faith journey begin?  Some think it was about six years ago, but my journey started 47 years ago.  Once I understood what faith was, I understood that every step of my life was where God intended me to be and it is what got me to where I am today. 

But I will say my faith journey took steroids, spiritual steroids, and amped up a ton about 6 years ago.  I always knew and believed that God was there and Jesus was real, but now I wanted something more.  I wanted a relationship.  I started researching and watching different things online.  Then, at the recommendation of my cousin, I tried our church and right away, I felt the Holy Spirit moving in me there.  

Tami and I were married shortly after, at the urging of our pastor, to get the "horse in front of the cart."  We wanted to be right with God.  The day after our marriage, we were water baptized.  Many of you already know this story, but it will get better.  I stopped trying to fit Jesus in my life, but instead I started living my life for Jesus.

Fast forward to two years ago.  As I was having a general conversation with a friend, she stops mid-sentence and says, "I feel that I am supposed to tell you that you are to go back to school and become a pastor."  Then, she proceeds with the conversation.  I then stop her and said, "Wait a minute, what did you just say?"  She said, "Yes, and it may be a place where they have not met Jesus."  I was in shock.  I had never had a "God moment" like I had heard others talk about.  

Now, if that would have happened 5-10 years earlier, I would have laughed it off and just continued with the conversation.  But I was at a different place in my faith now, and I took this serious.  I prayed on it.  I went on my first Global Team to Africa. And I prayed some more.  Four months later I was starting my first class towards my master's degree in Christian Studies.  I had to be obedient.  Act 5:29 (NLT) tells us, "But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority."  I just had to keep praying and remain obedient.

Here I am, two classes and five months remaining in my master's degree.  Tami and I pray and remain patient and obedient.  We pray for what will be my next calling.  I don't know if it will be ministry, missions, or where it may lead us, but we both understand that we must be obedient to God's plans for our lives. 

God has such great plans for each of us.  I don't regret any of my past, because I understand that each step of the way, even when I was angry with God, He was with me each step.  Each step has molded me into what I am becoming and I am fully aware that the best is yet to come.  If I could tell you one thing, is to be obedient.  When you hear that voice to take a risk, especially when the risk includes God, chances are it will work out for the best, because it is His Plan, in His Time.  

Not everyone knows my journey and what I am preparing for.  (I guess I am not sure what of my definite plans.)  But I know that when they examine the Word that is the foundation for our lives, they will be supportive because all we are asked to do is be obedient.  God will light the path for us, but we have to be willing to follow it.  

Breakthrough: LA

Breakthrough: LA: Friend/Family This October, Tami and I have the unique opportunity to share the love of Jesus Christ on a Global Team...

LA

Friend/Family

This October, Tami and I have the unique opportunity to share the love of Jesus Christ on a Global Team to Los Angeles.  This will be Tami’s first Global Team.

Our team has the opportunity to serve at the L.A. Dream Center through inner city outreaches, construction services, as well as participating in Bible studies and church services. They also will be able to connect and serve youth and the homeless through food/kitchen and homeless outreaches.

We have sent you this letter to ask if you would prayerfully consider praying for us and supporting us financially. The total amount we need to raise is $3250. Our first large payment will be due on July 1^st, 2019. Any amount of prayer and support you can give will be greatly appreciated. 

This trip is being sponsored by River Valley Church and all donations should be sent to the address listed below.

Thank you so much for your support! We appreciate you taking the time to read this letter and we believe it will be one of the most incredible experiences of our lives.

Sincerely,

Jon and Tami Chappuis

The memo line of your check can be addressed to Jon or Tamara Chappuis - Global Team Los Angeles

(Please include this portion of the letter and send with any donation)

2019    ____________      ______________________

               Month                                location

I would like to support ____________________ with a one-time gift of $_____________.

                                                   Name                                                                   amount

Please note all donations are tax-deductible and should be written and sent to:

River Valley Church

12345 Portland Ave.

Burnsville, MN 55337

Online contributions can also be made by visiting http://rock.rivervalley.org/page/926 and selecting “2019 Global Team Los Angeles form the first dropdown.  Then you can select “Tamara Chappuis” or “Jon Chappuis” from the next drop-down menu.  Please note that any funds raised above the amount needed will be used exclusively for this Global Team. 

1 Mile

Many of you have heard of the movie 8 Mile.  Tonight we are going to talk about 1 Mile, which is a much different story.  1 Mile is a story about a walk I took with my wife tonight.  To many of you, one mile does not seem like a long distance, but to me tonight, it was worth praise.

Four weeks and one day ago, my wife went in for a routine gallbladder removal surgery.  The surgeon explained to us that it was routine "as long as we don't have any complications."  We joked that it's okay because I have her covered with life insurance.  The surgeon and I both laughed and Tami just rolled her eyes at me like I have gotten her to do so many times.  This was her first surgery since being a young child, and I was amazed at how calm she was.  I have seen more panic in Tami when I have went into surgery.  She was pushed back to start prepping for surgery after one last "see you later" kiss. That was at about 11:15 am.  

The doctor returned to the room at 12:46 pm and had the most terrified look I have seen on a doctor's face.  He said, "Well, she's going to make it tough on us."  He went on to explain that when he went in to remove the gallbladder, he found that she had a hernia.  Not just your normal hernia was good enough for Tami, but much of her large intestine was in her chest.  He tried to reduce it back to where it should be but it wouldn't budge.  He explained that he wanted to contact the best surgeon that he knew at Abbott.  He didn't know if the surgeon would want to see Tami on in-patient or an out-patient procedure.  And I consented to this.  

He returned a short time later, and said that we were going to go to Abbott Northwestern where she would be evaluated.  That was about 1:00 pm.  At 4:00 pm, Tami was loaded into the ambulance and on her way to Abbott.

I got to Abbott about 5:30 pm, after stopping home, grabbing a couple things, and letting Bella out to relieve herself.  I walked in, noticed Tami's room was empty, and went to find a nurse.  We got to meet Mary who was Tami's nurse.  Mary had one of the most contagious smiles I had ever seen.  I did not find her aid but I found another one.  She told me that Tami had left a couple minutes ago and was headed to surgery.  Well, she had went down for a CT Scan, so I didn't miss the opportunity to see her before surgery.  A short time later, Dr. Kelly came in, and almost excited, asked, "Have you seen your scan?  This is crazy."  He pulled the scan up and showed it to us.  It was impressive.  Parts of her body were in places that they had no business being in.  

The surgeon showed up at about 9:30 pm.  She told us what she thought was going on, and gave the options.  She told us she could perform the surgery, but she would rather have Dr. Chong evaluate it the next day because Dr. Chong was the best in the business at this kind of hernia surgery.  We both said that would be okay because Tami needed some rest, it had already been a long day.  At the same time both her lactate and white blood count were growing.  I returned home.

Friday was an early day for me.  I wanted to get up there early and arrived at 6:30 am.  Her nurse that day was Myada.  Because I can't help myself, I get to asking questions.  Myada was born of Yemen and Ethiopian parents and was named after an Egyptian queen.  She told us about her husband and kids, but it was her gentle hand and loving nursing that stood out.  I told Myada that although she didn't know it, she was full of Jesus.  Of course, when I do these kinds of things, Myada seemed to get a little uncomfortable, but flattered at the same time. 

Dr. Chong arrived about 9:00 am.  She told us her concerns and our options.  She was concerned that Tami's white blood count continued rising.  But talked about the three options we had.  We could wait, trying to get the infection under control.  She could go in and remove gallbladder and repair hernia, although if gallbladder was source of infection, it could cause mesh to become infected.  Or she could remove gallbladder and see if it was infected.  If not infected, she would repair hernia, but if it was source, she would hold off on hernia because it would cause significant chance of mesh becoming infected.  After talking, we assured her that we trusted her and would do what she felt was best.  Dr. Chong decided the third option may be best.  But she also told us that many things need to happen in order to have surgery that date.  Dr. Chong had two surgeries ahead of Tami's.  She would need to get an operating room and a team.  And a robot would need to be available.  And Dr. Chong had to be gone by 4:30 pm that afternoon.  

So, we waited....

At about 12:15 pm, Myada, who had just snuck Tami some ice chips minutes before, returned to the room and said that they were on their way to get her.  That escalated quickly.  But we were ready.  We waited in the pre-op area until about 1:00 pm, when they wheeled Tami off to surgery.  I knew that God was on our side, when Paster Leif showed up as Lee (Tami's mom) and I were walking out of the pre-op area.  

After a bite to eat, we went and waited in the family waiting area and my dad joined us there.  I was pretty patient until the 4:30 pm mark came and went.  Then at about 5:15 pm, Dr. Chong came to the waiting area.  She was urgent, but told us the story.  She told us that Tami was very sick and proceeded to say, "If we waited until tomorrow, she would have died from surgery."  She had two holes in her large intestine and her body was filling with infection.  Those words shook me and still shake me today.  I was hours away from losing the woman that God sent to me when I needed her most. 

Still that night was going to be a struggle.  Because Tami's lung had been compressed by her large intestine for so long, she was having difficulty with her breathing.  Plus, she came out of surgery with a fever.   The team deliberated the ICU.  Then about 9:45 pm, Tami arrived at her room.  

Fast forward to the following Wednesday, Tami's white blood count and oxygen level finally made it back to normal levels.  We made our trek home the next day.  Seven days, eight nights at Abbott.  The nurses and doctors there were so awesome.  Dr. McDonough and her positive spirit was so enlightening.  Dr. Kelly and Koenig were great.  The nurses, Cheryl, Mary, Myada, Haley, Jess, Lauren, Madi and all the other nurses took such good care of Tami, I was able to come home to Bella each night.  And Dr. Chong and Cassi were the best.  

But this story is not about that.  This story is about the 1 mile.  Tami and I would not have been able to take that walk without her faith.  When it was routine, to hearing those haunting words, we both knew that this was in God's hands.  Whether it was the best outcome or the worst, it was God's story and we were comfortable with that.  There was nervous times, but we just kept praying.  Philippians 4:6 tells us, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."  That is just what we did.  We prayed.  We told Him that we understand that our story is in His hands and we accept that.  And we thanked Him for all that we had, for the team of the best medical staff that he allowed us to come in contact with, at both District One and at Abbott Northwestern, and we thanked Him for the miracles that He still provides us with today. 

God had his had in this in so many ways.  So, many pieces had to come together in order for Tami to be here today, and God provided.  We just prayed and prayed.  And God provided.  Don't ever mistake this story about being about Tami and I.  The story is completely about God and providing miracles today.  

Four weeks to the date after hearing, "If we would have waited until tomorrow, she would have died,"  Tami walked a mile.