Sunday,  27Sep09: Well, this has been a good day! I enjoyed the worship service this morning, heard some great preaching and had a wonderful lunch with some great friends. During my afternoon nap, I was awakened by some severe pains and became concerned so I visited the ER.

They decided to run some extended tests to see if everything is ok with my heart – so I am spending tonight in the hospital.

But it is still good. I have said  for a long time that I do not believe in coincidences or luck – it is the divine providence that orders the steps of a righteous man. Someone recently added to that, “there are no wrong numbers (on the telephone).” Everything has a purpose – even an unexpected trip to the ER. Just remember me in prayer that I will recognize whatever opportunities God has in mind for me while I am here.

BTW, this situation will severely hinder my access to the Internet so I will catch up when I can.

Monday, 28Sep09 Update: I still do not know anything about my situation. I feel fine now. They did an ultrasound of my leg to check for a blood clot but I have not seen the doctor about that or any of the other tests. You may call my room at  985-230-xxxx but I think that I  have already served the purpose that God had for me here  so I expect to leave today (??)

Tuesday, 29Sep09 Update: I was released from the hospital at 11:30pm. None of the tests revealed any problems and I am released to normal activity without any restrictions.

Wednesday, 30Sep09 Update: This morning, I am reflecting upon the opportunities that were presented to me during my stay. I did not recognize any epiphany event that shouted “NOW is the time!” Although I did find a number of opportunities to share with different individuals. One of whom was my room mate during the stay.

But that is the way God works with us in life. We are not put here to develop ourselves and lay claim to the fame. We are here to be His emissaries – representatives of our home country while we are in a foreign land. We are to be an ambassador for our king – not a superstar in our own glory. But the reality is that sometimes I feel more  like a mascot than an ambassador.

Well, today is another day in another place with more opportunities for service. I plan to do what I can to represent Christ – whether I recognize the event as an “opportunity” or not and, whether I am received as an ambassador or a mascot.