Embracing Love, Kindness, and Divine Guidance in Life
Summary
In reflecting on my journey, I am reminded of the profound impact that love, friendship, and divine guidance have had on my life. My wife, Kathy, has been a cornerstone of support, embracing the challenges of raising a family with a blind husband. Her unwavering love has been a testament to the power of partnership and resilience. Throughout my life, God has placed remarkable individuals in my path, each contributing uniquely to my growth and understanding. From Norm Persky, who equipped me with tools and knowledge, to Grady Kickel, who opened doors for me to share my experiences with others, these friendships have been divine gifts.
My early years were marked by challenges, particularly at Perkins School for the Blind, where I faced harsh realities and loss. Yet, it was there that I encountered a teacher who, with a simple act of kindness, altered the course of my life. Her words encouraged me to find purpose and make a positive impact in the world. This pivotal moment led me to a profound encounter with God in the serene beauty of Franconia Notch, where I found peace and assurance.
My professional journey has been equally transformative. Teaching at the New York School for the Blind and later at SMSU allowed me to explore my potential and defy limitations. The friendships I formed, particularly with Randy Replinger and Jerry Kangas, taught me invaluable skills and reinforced the belief that with faith and determination, anything is possible. These experiences have been a testament to God's work in my life, guiding me through challenges and triumphs alike.
In the church community, I found a place to express my love for music and service. Whether singing in the choir or participating in outreach programs, these activities have enriched my life and deepened my faith. The friendships formed here, like those with Cheryl and Larry Jeska, have been a source of joy and inspiration. As I reflect on these experiences, I am filled with gratitude for the love and support that have shaped my journey. God has truly blessed me with a life full of meaningful connections and opportunities to serve.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Power of Partnership: The unwavering support of a loving partner can transform challenges into opportunities for growth. Kathy's love and resilience have been instrumental in navigating the complexities of life, demonstrating the profound impact of a strong partnership. [13:17]
2. Divine Encounters in Nature: Sometimes, the most profound spiritual experiences occur in the quiet beauty of nature. In Franconia Notch, I found peace and assurance, a reminder that God often speaks to us in the stillness of creation. [18:20]
3. The Influence of Kindness: A simple act of kindness can alter the course of a life. My teacher's encouragement during a moment of despair was a divine intervention that redirected my path towards purpose and fulfillment. [26:15]
4. Defying Limitations: With faith and determination, we can transcend perceived limitations. My journey in education and beyond has shown that with the right support and mindset, we can achieve what seems impossible. [28:25]
5. Community and Service: Engaging in community and service enriches our lives and deepens our faith. Through music and outreach, I have found joy and purpose, surrounded by a community that reflects God's love and care. [35:53]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Introduction and Humor
- [01:15] - Acknowledging Kathy's Support
- [02:45] - Learning and Friendship with Norm Persky
- [04:00] - Reflections on Blindness
- [05:30] - Early Life and Family Influence
- [07:00] - Perkins School for the Blind Experience
- [09:00] - Encounter with a Life-Changing Teacher
- [11:00] - Meeting God in Nature
- [13:00] - College and Teaching Journey
- [15:00] - Friendships and Learning at SMSU
- [17:00] - Community and Church Involvement
- [19:00] - The Joy of Music and Service
- [21:00] - Reflections on God's Blessings
- [23:00] - Closing and Gratitude
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 - "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up."
2. Psalm 19:1-4 - "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world."
3. Galatians 6:2 - "Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
#### Observation Questions
1. How did Kathy's support and partnership impact the speaker's life and achievements? [13:17]
2. What role did nature play in the speaker's spiritual journey, particularly in Franconia Notch? [18:20]
3. Can you identify a moment in the sermon where a simple act of kindness had a significant impact on the speaker's life? [26:15]
4. What examples from the sermon illustrate the theme of defying limitations through faith and determination? [28:25]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. In what ways does the speaker's relationship with Kathy exemplify the biblical principle found in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10? [13:17]
2. How does the speaker's encounter with God in nature reflect the message of Psalm 19:1-4? [18:20]
3. How does the speaker's experience with his teacher align with the concept of carrying each other's burdens as described in Galatians 6:2? [26:15]
4. What does the speaker's journey suggest about the importance of community and service in personal growth and faith development? [35:53]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when a partner or friend supported you through a challenge. How did their support change the outcome? How can you be that support for someone else? [13:17]
2. Have you ever experienced a profound spiritual moment in nature? How can you create more opportunities to connect with God in the stillness of creation? [18:20]
3. Think of a time when a small act of kindness had a big impact on your life. How can you intentionally offer kindness to someone in need this week? [26:15]
4. What perceived limitations are you currently facing? How can faith and determination help you overcome them? [28:25]
5. How can you become more involved in your community or church to enrich your life and deepen your faith? What specific steps can you take this month? [35:53]
6. Identify a friendship or relationship that has been a source of joy and inspiration for you. How can you nurture and strengthen this connection? [35:53]
7. Consider the role of music or another form of service in your spiritual life. How can you use your talents to serve others and glorify God? [35:53]
Devotional
Day 1: The Transformative Power of Partnership
In life, the support of a loving partner can be a transformative force, turning challenges into opportunities for growth. The unwavering love and resilience of a partner can help navigate the complexities of life, demonstrating the profound impact of a strong partnership. This is exemplified in the story of a husband and wife, where the wife's steadfast support has been instrumental in overcoming life's hurdles. Her love has been a testament to the power of partnership and resilience, showing that together, they can face any challenge that comes their way. [13:17]
"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a relationship in your life where you can offer more support. How can you actively demonstrate love and partnership to that person today?
Day 2: Divine Encounters in Nature
Sometimes, the most profound spiritual experiences occur in the quiet beauty of nature. In moments of stillness, away from the noise of daily life, one can find peace and assurance. Nature has a way of speaking to the soul, reminding us of the divine presence that surrounds us. In the serene beauty of places like Franconia Notch, individuals have found a deep connection with God, experiencing His peace and assurance in the stillness of creation. These moments serve as reminders that God often speaks to us in the quiet and beauty of the natural world. [18:20]
"For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands." (Isaiah 55:12, ESV)
Reflection: Plan a time this week to spend in nature, whether a park, garden, or even your backyard. How can you use this time to listen for God's voice in the stillness?
Day 3: The Influence of Kindness
A simple act of kindness can alter the course of a life. In moments of despair, a kind word or gesture can provide hope and encouragement, redirecting one's path towards purpose and fulfillment. This is illustrated by the story of a teacher whose encouragement during a difficult time became a divine intervention, leading to a life filled with purpose. Such acts of kindness remind us of the power we hold to impact others positively, often in ways we may never fully realize. [26:15]
"Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body." (Proverbs 16:24, ESV)
Reflection: Recall a time when someone's kindness impacted you deeply. How can you extend a similar act of kindness to someone in need today?
Day 4: Defying Limitations
With faith and determination, we can transcend perceived limitations. Life's challenges often seem insurmountable, but with the right support and mindset, what seems impossible can be achieved. This is evident in the journey of individuals who, despite facing significant obstacles, have defied limitations through education and personal growth. Their stories are a testament to the belief that with faith and determination, anything is possible, and that perceived limitations can be overcome. [28:25]
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Corinthians 12:9, ESV)
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you feel limited. What steps can you take today to begin overcoming this limitation with faith and determination?
Day 5: Community and Service
Engaging in community and service enriches our lives and deepens our faith. Through acts of service, such as participating in music or outreach programs, individuals find joy and purpose. Being part of a community that reflects God's love and care provides a sense of belonging and inspiration. The friendships and connections formed in these settings are sources of joy and encouragement, reminding us of the importance of serving others and being part of a supportive community. [35:53]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: Consider how you can contribute to your community this week. What specific act of service can you commit to that will reflect God's love to those around you?
Quotes
Most of what I've accomplished in the last 40 years, I wouldn't have been able to do without the love and support of Kathy. My love, my best friend. When I met her, she'd just come back to Marshall with five children. The oldest, 11 years, and the youngest, just a baby. It takes a very special person to be willing to take on a totally blind man as a husband to raise that family. [00:11:58] (36 seconds)
I had both his business and home phone, and he told me to call him any time if I needed help. God gives us special friends when we need them. I'm truly blessed by God. He sent me many wonderful people to help me on my journey. And I guess the devil has sent me a few, too. First, though, a word or two about blindness. [00:13:17] (38 seconds)
When I was 16 I knew there was going to be a lot of things I was not going to be able to do and I decided to take my life I wasn't sure how but I'm really sure I would have done it I had however promised my math teacher a Greek and Latin scholar who was my first year Latin teacher that I would help her clear out her classroom I was chatting away at the top of the ladder when all of a sudden she said come down here a minute when I got down there she put her arms around me and said don't do what you're thinking of doing make it so that your being here makes this world a better place God had to have sent her how did she know I'll never know but shortly after that I met God [00:19:24] (74 seconds)
God I've been in the sequoias and it's awesome to think that those trees were growing when during Jesus ministry but I met God in Franconia notch in the white mountains of New Hampshire you walk through the flume rushing water little waterfalls and you come up into some tall trees far away from her highway sounds all you can hear is the breeze way up in the tops of those trees God spoke to me that day I think of peace I think that things were going to be okay sometime [00:21:04] (57 seconds)
The Mechanical Engineering Technology Department asked me to be a consultant to tell them what a blind person could do in that sort of a shop. I told them I couldn't do that because I didn't know anything. But I said I would take classes and try anything they threw my way. That's when I met Randy Replinger, a good friend, an awesome lecturer, and a very very wise man. [00:27:07] (37 seconds)
I will always be grateful to that man for saying, oh yeah, you can do that. God has blessed me with friends who have helped me do things that many blind people never get a chance to try. One thing, though, was interesting carrying things with Jerry. A plank, for instance. Go left, white. I went left, white. Other left, as I fell off the curb. [00:30:55] (35 seconds)
When I married Kathy, her family attended Wesley Methodist Church, which later became Cornerstone. When the choir began singing, I tried to harmonize under my breath. Kathy told me either to keep quiet or join the choir. Thank the Lord they'll let me join the choir. I don't think I'd ever have been able to keep quiet. [00:33:04] (31 seconds)
For about 40 years, Larry has sung beside me, looked after me. He has an awesome voice and a ton of talent. Cheryl, well, she's my music idol. When she's playing, Kathy and I have to come and listen. As an accompanist, heavenly days, she knows what you're gonna do before you do. She's absolutely amazing. [00:33:36] (34 seconds)
In the church, we didn't just sing. For a while, we had what we called Matthew 25. We gave out rescue food to people who came to us on Saturday mornings. Now I get a chance to work at the kitchen table food shelf with Leo Bass and Charles Kaufman and a bunch of other wonderful people. I'm happy to be here. [00:34:14] (35 seconds)
I spent a lot of time after that trying to get rid of that band, but God had other ideas. We played for nursing homes, for assisted living places, all over the places. That band survived until just recently when Art Cadwell, our guitar player, passed away. God has also given me seven wonderful dogs full of totally unconditional love. [00:35:36] (38 seconds)
An anthem I sang a long time ago says it well. God is love. His mercy lightens all the paths in which we rove. Bliss he wakens and woe he lightens. God is wisdom. God is love. Now we come to living word. Most of you knew June because she never knew a stranger. She's passed away. [00:36:22] (35 seconds)
God has blessed me with all of us. He has blessed us with a church full of wonderful, caring people and three pastors who are also wonderful, caring people. They have to be wonderful to put up with someone like me. Thank you very much for your patience. I love you all. Thank you very much. [00:37:44] (31 seconds)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?