Get Screened!

This learner has done his/her best to be true to the group and not abuse administrator privileges, but this morning I feel called to use the forum for a personal issue. Got a phone call last night to inform me that a second close relative has been diagnosed with colon cancer. It is a terrible disease and one that no one really likes to talk about, but I have always been politically and socially "incorrect", so I will talk about it.

Both of my relatives had symptoms for a long time - over a year. Both of them, for their own reasons, postponed and delayed having a colonoscopy. One of them had a mass large enough to cause a bowel obstruction. In our society, no one likes to talk about poop but EVERYONE does it! Get over it! If you have changes or pain, talk to your family, friends, and most importantly your doctor.

And now the next point - if you have symptoms, check with your doctor and get a colonoscopy. I have had several, with a family history, and they aren't that bad. It is one day, a few hours, and some really good drugs! (Wish I could get some of them for other uses!) Everybody says the prep is the worst, and it probably is, but IT ISN"T THAT BAD. Really. Seriously. Just do it, especially if you are over 50 or if you are symptomatic.

Here is a link to the Mayo Clinic. Talk to your doctor and get screened, please!

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/colon-cancer/ds00035/dsection=symptoms

Missouri United Methodist Annual Conference

When asked again if I would go to Annual Conference I said yes, I had graduated to a two year student and this year I could go, relax, and take in all of the spiritual sermons and reports that were presented. I could really show someone else the way. The first good thing that happened was my friend from last year was there. Perfect, we both knew the ropes. So we begin friends with the faith journey of Annual Conference June 4-7, 2010 at the Expo center in Springfield, MO. The theme of the conference: Growing Deeper: Deepening the Spiritual Life for Leadership in the Church.

The conferences that Bishop Schnase leads have a very talented team that excels in making the conference meaningful. I encourage you to say yes if you are asked to serve this church as Lay Leader to Annual Conference. It is a huge way to help your faith journey. From the words of Paul from Romans 12:3 in The Message:

3I'm speaking to you out of deep gratitude for all that God has given me, and especially as I have responsibilities in relation to you. Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it's important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him.

Now I present to you some key points from powerful sermons that were presented. These words mean action on our part, without action they are just words on a piece of paper:

• Passionate Worship, Intentional Learning, Risk-Taking Ministry and Service, and Extravagant Giving

• Come hungry; Be fed; Leave with the strength to go and feed others.

• Isaiah 58: Do not use God for our own purposes, rather than offering ourselves for God's purposes.

• Wake Up, Church, Wake Up!

• Everyone can keep on growing and learning because there are people depending on us.

• Build and release disciples, identify your gifts and give them back to the community and world.

• God will make a difference if you say YES!

• God permits U-turns

• And if you cannot get excited about Jesus, who can you get excited about?

We had a moving service of Retirement and Commissioning, and our pastor was commissioned and appointed to us again this year! If you would like to see more highlights of this conference go to:

www.MOMissionCast.com

As we all grow deeper in our faith, remember we are never on the road alone!