Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us – Hebrews 12:1 (New King James Version)

Adversity can affect us in so many different ways. It can affect our finances, health, relationships, and countless other ways. Today, for me… it came in the form of a VERY steep gravel hill about 9 miles into a 12.5 mile bike ride through the Hills.

I have a sore calve muscle on my right leg. It’s been nagging me for awhile and I’ve been running less and biking more this last week hoping it would heal soon. So after a mild 2 mile run and then walking the dogs another mile I decided to head out for a routine 6 to 8 mile bike ride. But this time adventure beckoned and I tore off onto a gravel road that led me into the forest of the Black Hills. I had never been on this road, but the sky was blue… I had Journey rocking on my iPod, I was good to go… off on an adventure.

It was gorgeous and I felt great. I took in the sights. Cows walking through a meadow. Horses galloping into a far off field and a brief race with a butterfly was good my weary soul.

As I am known to do in such moments, I couldn’t help but offer a humble heart of thanks to God. I felt extremely blessed!

After awhile I came to a clearing. Just a head I could see a huge thunderhead cloud forming and I started to wonder if it might rain soon? Also in the not too far future was a steep, gravel hill. From what I could tell, I would need to crest this hill to get back to Piedmont and so I garnered my will and prepared myself for the challenge ahead. I know it would not be easy as I had zoomed up and down small hills throughout most of this ride and my legs weren’t as fresh as when I began.

Then the moment of truth arrived and I slipped my gears into the lowest setting on my Trek Mountain Bike and started to push forward. Sweat formed upon my brow, my breathing greatly increased as the incline steepened. I pushed and pushed not wanting to back down, but… as I got half way up this hill something happened that caused me to pause and abandoned this effort.

My chest all of a sudden tightened and I lost the ability to breath. I’ve never had that happen before… so, it scared me and I decided to stop. After gathering my wits I realized that I was ok, and… sadly, I resigned myself to the understanding that this was a hill I would not conquer today. Dejected I slowly began to walk of the hill.

Off in the distance I could hear what I thought might be a truck behind me. After living in South Dakota all these years, one can tell the difference in cars & trucks. I thought, “great… here I am in biker clothes, WALKING up a hill.” In other words, the HILL beat me today. I was embarrassed and wanted to hide but there was really no where to go. As soon as I crested the hill I notice a roadside graveyard and paused to view this place of rest. And, in all honesty… I was trying to hide myself from this truck which at this point was very close.

As the truck crested the hill, the driver started to slow down. Turning around to see what was happening the driver stuck out his head and with his fist he held up he formed a thumb sign and said “way to go… you made it!”

He seemed sincere, so… I managed a smile and waved back to acknowledge his encouragement.

After a moment of reflection… and by the way, I can never come to a gravesite and not take a moment to reflect on those who once lived among us and have now passed on. Call me morbid… call me weird. I just felt they deserved my respect. I read a couple of tombstones and quietly asked God to bless their families. The ones who have to live on after losing these loved ones. Sadly, I know all too well what that feels like. Maybe that’s why I am not able to merely pass such places without pausing for a moment of reflection?

As I got back on my bike the cloud of the forming thunderhead began to cover me and all sudden the words of the passing truck driver welled up in my heart and spirit again… “way to go… you made it!”

Now I know this all sounds completely dramatic, but I live my life in such a way that I want to see, and hear God speaking to me. In other words, I desire to be open to hear His voice in my life… even through an experience like today. My eyes began to fill with moisture as I understood what I felt God was revealing to me within this moment of revelation. It’s like the passage in Hebrews 12:1… referencing the ‘great cloud of witnesses encouraging us to press on in life.’ Courage filled my heart and being as it was something I desperately needed today.

We all face times of adversity and maybe you feel as though you failed in life. But here’s the deal… we all fail! We all fall short! Pride can sometimes make us feel as though I can do anything, do no wrong, but the reality is… we all fail.

I fail all the time. I hate it! But, I am usually one who continues to look and search for moments of hope and restoration. Today, it seems as though God wanted me to know that I’m going to be ok. And, even though I was beaten by this hill of adversity, He wanted me to know that He was proud of me as the ‘cloud of witnesses’ cheered me on as well. I will face many more ‘hills of adversity’ in coming days ahead, but this moment of new understanding comforted me greatly today!

What is your hill of adversity today?

If you don’t mind… please allow me to join in with our Heavenly Father, and the cloud of witnesses and say to you… “way to go, you made it!”

Good Morning…

This morning I am wrestling with how frail things can be… friendships, relationships, life in general.  Witnessing the passing of prominent entertainers Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson solidify such thoughts this early morning hour. I guess what I am saying is… there’s a fragility in life that I will never understand.

Thankfully, God does…

This morning I resolve to once again place my faith in God’s ability to work in and through all things.  So… I am pressing on… living, loving and doing my best in my friendships, relationships and life.

Today I travel to Yankton, SD… sharing at the Yankton Assembly of God over the week-end.  Looking forward to a blessed time…

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. – Ephesians 4:2 (New International Version)

During the Summer months, western South Dakota often experiences massive thunderstorms. There’s nothing like driving west towards the Black Hills and watching a huge thunderhead form on the horizon. Often I am in awe of how powerful nature can be. It’s something that demands my admiration and respect!

Even my furry kids, Beau & Aubrey understand that these storms aren’t anything to take lightly.

This is never more apparent than when the ‘emergency broadcasting system’ announces a warning on TV. You know the one with the loud buzzing sound, followed by an announcement of a ‘watch’ or ‘warning’ in your area? I am sure you know exactly what I am referring to.

Such announcements strike great fear in Beau!!!

As soon as the buzzing starts, Beau begins to shiver and shake with fear. Being of a compassionate heart, I can’t idly stand by and let my little boy struggle alone with his fear. During such moments I’ll take Beau to my side and comfort him. This usually continues throughout the storm as it rains and thunders above.

On the other hand, Aubrey ‘barks’ at the thunder, but she gets quit nervous as well and seeks out my affirmation that everything is going to be fine.

For Beau & Aubrey I’ve often wondered why these storms bring so much fear upon them?

Maybe it’s because I know that these storms come and go. Life experience has taught this to be true, but for Beau and Aubrey this is something they haven’t come to understand, and maybe never will?

For some, this is a reality as well. For them, life is filled with a constant ‘buzzing’ and warning of another storm ahead. It’s a series of storms (financial, health, emotional needs, etc.) that constantly threaten their well-being and they can’t help but shiver and shake with fear.

We who are Christians know that these storms come and go. We’ve learned this through our faith experiences, and we should be full of compassion for those who need to be comforted during such times.

Just as we’ve been comforted through God’s hand and presence in our lives, may we be God’s hand extended to those who are in need of comfort & care, bearing one another in love. Sometimes it’s a sacrifice, but the end result leads to lives experiencing what we’ve come to know in Christ. It’s a gift that is meant to be shared.

Have you shared your gift today? Be ready… storms are on the horizon!

And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. – Ephesians 6:4 (New King James Version)

My dad was a fairly quiet man. He basically went to work (US Air Force), after work, spent some time at the club with a few of his buddies and came home. While at home, he enjoyed sitting in his chair watching his favorite TV’s shows before he called it a day. Interestingly, he was a pretty even temper individual. Looking back with all the years of experience that I have gained… I appreciate the demeanor of my dad.

Although, I remember a particular instance where I feared the wrath of my dad!

It was around 1973 when we moved to Hermantown, near Duluth, Minnesota. My folks had purchased a brand new AMC 10 speed bike for my birthday and I was thrilled. What a great gift that was! Now I was able to explore the roads throughout of Hermantown. There’s nothing like having the freedom a bike affords a young teen-ager!

Soon I met another young man who had a brown AMC 10 speed bike. We became instant friends!

One afternoon we decided to ride over to the Mall! If my memory serves me correctly… we decided to look around in Sears. Once inside we started to investigate the bike section… looking at bikes and accessories. My friend began to note that he felt we should have ‘matching’ lights for our “matching” AMC bikes. I agreed, but little did I know he would grabbed 2 lights and proceed to start heading out the door. Fear gripped my heart because this was theft and I wanted nothing to do with it. I determined that I needed to get home. I knew this was not a good thing!

He exited out the door first and I followed. As soon as we stepped out the doors my friend and I were grabbed by a store officer and arrested.

After a series of phone calls and discussions my dad was able to come and pick me up. On that sobering drive home, I explained everything to my dad and he to his credit spend a great deal of time explaining the danger and consequences of stealing. He knew that I wanted no part of what happened at Sears, but he felt it was very important for me to learn a valuable lesson.

I had feared the worse, but my dad with great wisdom corrected me… and then spend the time to help me understand what had just happened. Sadly, I never saw my friend again… but my dad felt that was for the best.

My dad wasn’t a Christian at the time when this took place… but he handled my situation with great care and instructed me on how to conduct myself in a society of laws. Now that I am a Christian, what a great example for me to follow today.

Brand new song… written yesterday after coming to the conclusion that even at 50 years old, I am still learning… reaching, longing to know God more and more.  Ultimately… in His presence I am whole & complete… Psalm 27:4.

Chasing Fireflies

Moments of clarity
Are often few and far between
But with my eyes I see
Beyond the bittersweet

Our days like pages turn
The ink fades with great concern
But holding on to what is dear
Can sometimes slowly disappear

But I’m learning
I’m still growing
Reaching for the light
I am hoping
I’m still searching
Like Chasing fireflies at night
Chasing fireflies at night

Mason jar, holes on the lid
Can carry the dreams of a little kid
What was lost can now be found
Childlike faith, free & unbound

But I’m learning
I’m still growing
Reaching for the light
I am hoping
I’m still searching
Like Chasing fireflies at night
Chasing fireflies at night

Staring deep into the night
I see…

That I am still learning
I’m still growing
Reaching for the light
I am hoping
I’m still searching
Like Chasing fireflies at night
Chasing fireflies at night

—

© 2009 Heartcall Music
Words & Music: Ken Verheecke
June 17th, 2009

Sing to God, sing praises to His name;
Extol Him who rides on the clouds, By His name YAH, And rejoice before Him. A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows, Is God in His holy habitation. – Psalm 68:4-5 (New King James Version)

Growing up, I was blessed to have a father who at times encouraged me in my endeavors. When I became a musician… my dad often shared with others that he felt I was as good as Chet Atkins on the guitar. Of course… nothing could be further from the truth! But… I know how parents are and my dad was just simply expressing his excitement that I was becoming a musician.

I treasure such a memory! But there is more…

I’ll never forget certain moment that my dad and I shared together. It was on the steps of parents home in the late 80’s.

My nephew Josh was zooming around in the front yard doing things only young boys can do. Twisting, twirling enjoying the moment of a child’s imagination. “Oh to be young again” I expressed to my dad… thinking he would respond with head shaking approval. But silence followed, and perplexed I glanced at my dad, only to see a vulnerable tear descending down his face. His eyes had a far away look and feeling concerned, I wondered if he was alright. He then began to tell of a time when he used to watch me playing in the front yard of our home in Illinois. He got more specific and reminisced about a time when he and my mom purchased a helmet with a flashing red light for me. As nightfall began to descend on that Fall Illinois evening, they both watch with great joy as their son ran around with this flashing helmet, trying to catch fireflies.

It was that very moment I caught a glimpse of how bittersweet aging is…

This year I turned 50 and I am starting to understand even more what my dad was feeling in that moment of clarity upon the steps of their home.

My dad is no longer with us. He passed away on May 1st of 1992.

I miss his presence in my life and to be quite honest, there are times when I wish he and I could talk. I have so many questions about life, and growing older. His perspective on such things would be a welcomed blessing… but, I still have the memories of those times when my dad spoke a word of wisdom, or… shared his vulnerability with me to carry me through the coming days ahead.

But, even as great as those times were with my dad, my Father in Heaven is always working His purpose within me. Through the daily reading of His word I am learning more about myself and of course… much about God’s love and character towards me. He never gives up on me… with patience, understanding, and compassion, He leads through the maze of each and every day. He is truly a Father to the fatherless!

But in Heaven, I bet my dad is right there with Jesus… telling him that I play like Chet Atkins!

The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. – Psalm 103:13 (New Living Translation)

I’ve considered this passage from Psalm 103:13 many times.

Jill and I were have never experienced the blessing of children. At times that has been something that has brought a great measure of disappointment and heartache, but… we’ve come to a place of acceptance through the years. What I mean by that is… we know there’s a reason and purpose in all things and we are trusting in God’s plan for our lives.

Of course we’ve considered all kinds of options, many ideas, etc… but, ultimately we took a road that we felt was appropriate at the time. Once again, trusting in God’s ability to meet us where we were, and… God in fact blessed us beyond measure.

In August 1996, we adopted Beau!

Beau was 5 weeks old at the time. He was a Dalmatian, German Shepherd. Now before anyone starts to roll their eyes, please let me continue. Yes, Beau is a dog… but, we took him into our heart, life and home and he’s been a great joy ever since.

Dogs are amazing! They are so faithful and deeply committed to those they love. Even now as I write this… Beau is lying down beside me. He never, ever… ever leaves my side when I am home!!! And, when I am away I miss him dearly. He’s my little boy and on July 4th of this year he will be 13 years old! Sometimes he moans because of his age… but he’s always willing to offer companionship, love and affection. I love him dearly and consider him a great gift!

In October, 2007 Aubrey came to our home to stay! Aubrey is a Weimaraner and we think she’s 4 years old. She first came to us as stray and to make a long story short… she came back a year later and her owner ultimately gave her to us.

Aubrey is a handful!!! BUT… she like Beau has brought so much joy as well. She full of energy and she LOVES life. Whenever I ask if she would “like to go outside…” she spins, and spins and spins in a tight little circle. You have NO idea how much that blesses me! She’s my little girl and I thank God she came back. She’s a great addition to the family!

So, back to the matter at hand. Let’s consider the passage noted in Psalm 103:13!

If I could offer the amount of love & compassion I give to my ‘furry’ kids… which as you might imagine is beyond measure. How much MORE can our Father in Heaven offer you?

That’s something worth considering today… God’s blessings to you!

The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice, And he who begets a wise child will delight in him. – Proverbs 23:24 (New King James Version)

I relate to my dad on so many levels, but he was far from perfect and in recent years have discovered things about him that I could never imagined. None the less… he is someone who I am grateful was my father. Prior to his passing he shared with me that had recently given his heart to Christ. During the days after his death, such knowledge comforted my heart greatly and it gave me the courage to face a future without him.

While he was among us, there are a few key moments where my father said some significant things… little sayings that he lived by and now… I live by them as well.

It was the spring of 1976 and I was about to run my second track race for Hermantown High just north of Duluth, MN. I had joined the track team half way through the season and I was placed in the one mile race. My first race was a disaster!!! I even wanted to quit, but evidently my track coach was so encouraged that I ran a 5:42 for my very first effort. I couldn’t disappointment him. Then, my dad declared he was going to come to my second race… and being someone who never wants to disappoint anyone, I reluctantly decided to compete once again in the mile the following week.

So there I was, sitting upon the track, lacing up my spikes… dreading the upcoming torture of my race and nearby was my dad resting his arms upon the fence smiling. Whenever I attend Little League Baseball games it’s easy to pick out the proud parents of the players. They’re the one’s who sit in the same seats week after week cheering on their children to greatness! Even when their little leaguer strikes out! I admire that kind of support!

I know my dad was there to support me… but, because I dreaded the pain I was about to endure I was wishing he would go sit in the stands and leave me to my thoughts.

Then the call came for the one mile event. I started to remove my sweats and as I stood to report to the starting line my dad called out my name. I took a deep breath and turned around… wondering what in the world he was going to do, or say because again, I really did not want to run this race. THANKFULLY I listened enough to hear what he said… and to this very day these words still echo within my heart and being.

He said, “Ken… the only failure is a no try.”

Well, I competed and ran my race, and this time I paced myself… and actually started to improve with each passing week. By the end of that track season, I went on to break the 5:00 barrier for the mile.  The following Fall, at a new school in Michigan I ran Cross Country and by the third week of the season became the best distance runner at Rudyard High School for my Junior and Senior years.

My dad wasn’t perfect, but in his imperfection… he taught me so much about my Heavenly Father! Today I am still in the race… pressing on toward the prize!

The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, And night unto night reveals knowledge. – Psalm 19:1-2 (New King James Version)

I was a horrible student during my High School years. I wanted to learn, but all too often my mind would drift off into great imaginations. In other words I was quite a dreamer! One of the things I often thought about was running. During the last two years of my life in High School I became very successful at competing in Cross Country & Track. It was so bad that I would read “Runners World” magazine beneath my desk during Mr Gough’s Geometry class. I had Olympic Dreams and I imagined myself winning a Gold medal one day.

Then one day I discovered the guitar at the age of 19 and soon running became a low priority and music took over my life! My Olympic dreams shifted to one day signing a recording contract, selling millions of albums and so on. I know… this all sounds crazy! But, remember… I was young and I had a lot of learning to deal with in the coming years.

It’s interesting how life tempers one’s dreams.

Without going into detail I suffered through a season of loss and heartache. This eventually brought me to a place of deep, deep surrender. It’s something I now do daily… surrendering my life, wholly and completely into God’s care!

Today I run… not because I want to achieve greatness, but for the pure joy of it!

Today I sing and write songs… not to become a million selling artist, but for the pure joy of articulating what God is accomplishing within my life.

I marvel at this work of God within me… for each day I am changing, becoming more of who He has created me to be… less of someone who seeks things for himself.

I believe that God knew what I would face one day. I see this so clearly in Psalm 139 and I also believe that God knew that I would respond in such a way, acknowledging His working in my life. This work has opened my eyes! I SEE God’s handiwork in my life… and now, when I stand in my back yard and peer into the night sky, I join with the heaven’s and declare His glory!

My dreams have changed through the years. I am still a dreamer… but I dream of knowing the fullness of God.

Now when I run, I see the world around me and marvel at His handiwork. The way leaves change and flutter in the breeze captures my imagination. As the seasons come and go, I am left in awe of God’s plan.

When I sing, I desire to magnify the Lord! I dream of taking the life experiences I’ve had… and finding ways to articulate His goodness, mercy & grace. Life is truly, indeed a gift!! To this end, I live and breathe… all for the glory of God!

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! - Psalm 46:10 (New King James Version)

A couple years back, Jill and I took in a stray dog.

I was seated in my office, working on my concert schedule on an afternoon like so many other afternoons… when all of a sudden our Dalmatian-German Shepherd “Beau” starts to bark out in the living room of our home. Apparently there was a dog wandering around in our front yard.

Staring out our front window I watched to see if the dog would eventually leave the yard and head back to it’s home. What happened next is something that has forever changed our lives. The dog sat by the front door as if it was waiting for it to open. The dog looked like it had been on it’s own for many days. Being one who has a heart for animals, this was difficult for me to comprehend. So with great compassion I opened the front door to further investigate the situation.

The dog was a female Weimaraner. As she entered our home, she looked as though she had not eaten in a quite awhile. I immediately grabbed a bowl for some food and water and took her into the garage. She ate so quickly it scared me… and, she drank the whole bowl of water! Her ears were caked with mud and I felt so horrible for this animal. I knew she would be staying until we found it’s owner.

After five days of calling animal shelters, looking for reports on missing Weimaraner, we decided to name her ‘Aubrey’ and we took her to our vet to be looked at. He was astonished at how badly this animal looked… malnourished, infected ears, etc. We knew that we would not abandon her from here on out. She was welcomed in our home… for she was lost and needed a home.

Sadly, we eventually found Aubrey’s owner and she returned to her to her home. They called her ‘Baily.’ It wasn’t easy after seeing how badly she was treated, but we prayed that Aubrey would be ok… we even offered to buy Aubrey… but the owners wanted her back. Aubrey had become apart of the family and we missed her throughout the coming months after she left.

Interestingly, a year later came a knock at the door! It was Aubrey’s owner wanting to know if we still wanted ‘Baily.’ This time he was willing to simply give her to us! I responded immediately and said YES! Aubrey was once again back in family and we re-named her Aubrey.

It was immediately apparent that she was never trained. She chewed up the house, as well as many other items around the house. She was a handful, but… we were committed to making it work. I spent hours working with Aubrey… instructing her to “sit!” “Be still!” SIT!” and I’ll forget the day when she sat after the instruction came. With great delight I gave Aubrey a HUGE HUG! She has become the joy of our lives and she’s still learning, and for her safety and well being we are committed to continued instruction.

God knows what is best for us all. Many of us have lost our way in life… just like Aubrey. But God is committed to leading us to a place of peace and comfort. Sometimes, we just need to ‘be still’ long enough to know how much God loves, and desires the best for us! Are you listening today?