Bridge Builders

My exam rooms are covered with pictures of my patients. Over the years, parents have sent pictures of me with their children.  Today, a four year old at a well visit for his two year old brother stood in the corner intently scanning the pictures.  I was preparing to exit the room when he asked, “Is that you holding the baby?”  I replied, yes it is.  He asked,” Is that you standing next to the little girl?”  Again, I said yes.  With laser focus and in rapid fire, he pointed to the picture you see above and said, “Is that you?”  With a smile, I told him that is my son, Zachary.  There are over a hundred pictures posted in that room and this four year old was able to see me in my youngest son. Was it the eyes, the shape of the head or maybe the smile that he thought resembled Dr. Howelton?  Somehow he knew this child looked just like me. Romans 8:29 29  For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His S...

A 22 year old man was riding his motorcycle on West Loop 1604 on Thursday.  As he approached the intersection at Wiseman Road, a Ford pickup was attempting a wide U-turn onto Loop 1604.  The motorcyclist collided with the front end of the truck and was sent flying through the air, hitting a highway sign.  The impact severed both his legs.  Illegal U-turns can result in dire consequences, causing collateral damage to innocent victims. The ramifications of making an unapproved U-turn are life changing for everyone involved. Genesis 19:15-17, 26 15  When morning dawned, the angels urged Lot, saying, “Up, take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away in the   punishment of the city.”  16  But he hesitated. So the men seized his hand and the hand of his wife and the hands of his two daughters, for the compassion of the  Lord  was upon him; and they brought him out, and put him o...

What is a sheaf?  As a child, I loved singing, “Bringing in the Sheaves,” but I had no clue what the song referred to or why there was joy in gathering sheaves.  I later understood that a sheaf was harvested grain tied into a bundle. Row upon row of standing wheat can be seen while driving through farm country.  Some diligent farmer sowed seed in moistened dirt, thoroughly irrigated the ground then patiently waited for the harvest. Despite drought, financial instability, difficulty finding workers or personal illness or stress in the home, the farmer tills the soil, pulls the weeds and puts down fertilizer knowing joy will come at harvest time.  Psalm 126:5-6 5  Those who sow in tears Shall reap in joy. 6  He who continually goes forth weeping, Bearing seed for sowing, Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, Bringing his sheaves with him. God promises joy when we toil diligently in His field.  The Christian life is not exempt f...

C rooked teeth need straightening.  Orthodontist use devices known as braces to straighten and position teeth according to a person's bite.  Molds and impressions are made to create the proper appliance to produce the desired outcome, a perfect set of teeth.  There are no one size fits all braces. Each is customized for a specific patient.  Braces are adjusted periodically to shift teeth into the correct alignment.  The entire process causes discomfort which is to be expected.  Where there is not pain, there is no gain.   Hebrews 12:7-11 7  Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children.  For what children are not disciplined by their father?   8  If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline —then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all.   9  Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit ...

Five years is a long time when your life is turned upside down.  In 2010, my mother knew my name, walked and talked with me and shared a meal at my dinner table.  The effects of Lewy Body Dementia changed everything.   Over the years, the ravages of disease took its toll.  She no longer recognized her husband of 59 years.  She forgot how to walk, how to take care of her bodily functions or how to feed herself.  But through it all there was a peace about her that never waned.  The sparkle in her eyes never dimmed.  She was a calming presence in a devastating situation.  Finally, she forgot how to breathe.  On August 28, 2015, she was released from the confines of her stiffened, contracted body.  The peace she shared with all who knew her was extended to her by God, eternally. John 14:1-7 14  “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.  2  In My Father’s house are many m...