50th Birthday Celebration

This past Sunday (May 22) we celebrated my 50^th birthday.  There were about 100 or so people in attendance, and we had a great time.  I am so thankful for the many people that helped to make it a success – especially my wife Lou.  Instead of gifts we asked that individuals give to the Alzheimer’s Association.  My wife and I are on the committee this year for the St Charles Alzheimer’s walk to end the disease. This organization does much in the area of research to find a cure for the disease.

  

If you would like to give, you can make a check payable to the “Alzheimer’s Association”.  You can send it to 120 Ridge Ave, Suite 13, Bloomingdale, IL 60108.  This address is for our caregiving business called Ardent Care Health Group, Inc.  We will make sure that the checks are sent to the Alzheimer’s Association.  Many of you know that my Father-in-law suffered from this devastating disease.  We started our agency in memory of him.

In the party, I sang a song that I wrote.  It speaks of God’s faithfulness to me over the years.  I know I have much to be thankful for.  God specializes in turning our sour experiences into something sweet.  He works all things together for our good, for those who love Him and who are called according to His purpose.

Here are the words to the song:

© Copyright 2016 by Tom Toya

Magnificent to Me

There is none brighter.  You shine in the darkness.

Shined your light upon my soul.

I am forgiven.  For you have saved me.

Took this battered heart and made it whole.

The day you saved my soul. 

Chorus

Jesus, You are so magnificent to me.  (Repeat)

As I look into my memories.  It's plain to see.

You have only wanted good for me.

As I look into my memories.  It's plain to me.

You have always   loved me.  You love me.  To Chorus.

Over the mountains, down through the valleys,

Over the years You've been here.

And when I've failed You, You drew much closer.

You wiped away my every tear.  To Chorus

Victory Over Fear (Satan Flees)

During my senior year of high school, I was riddled with many fears. Finding the right college, choosing the best career path, launching out on my own in life; these were the challenges that rocked my boat and caused me to stay up late at night. I tried to combat my fears, but my attempts resembled attacking a gorilla with a twig. My powerlessness against the foe of fear was first rooted in the fact that I didn't have a relationship with the Lord. Later when I accepted Christ as my Sin Bearer and Savior, I began to sense God's love for me. This helped to ease my fears.

The second thing that gave me power over fear was learning God's word concerning victory over my timidity. One of the Scriptures I discovered is found in 2 Timothy 1:7. It reads: “For God has not given you the spirit of fear, but of power, love, and of a sound mind.” This scripture reveals that fear is a spirit. It's definitely not from God, so it is an evil spirit. It also shows us that the opposite of fear is God's power, love and soundness of mind.

I also learned that - just like Jesus, when confronted with temptation - I could quote the word of God to Satan every time I felt afraid. I found great victory in this, and in the knowledge of God's great love for me. The Bible says that perfect love (that's God's love) casts away fear.

Since, I met Jesus and learned these truths, my life has never been the same. Now when I face new challenges and I'm tempted to fear, I remember that the God of love is with me and I quote God's word in the devil's ear. Thank God that when I do that, Satan flees.