Ken Ardrey
WHEN LIFE SHAKES YOU UP
Kenneth D. Ardrey
An On Purpose Faith Response to Crisis
A pastor battles Parkinson’s disease and shares practical thoughts on the Christian response to crisis
Thesis Statement:
Every Christian faces times of crisis, injustice, fear and pain. In these times there are no easy answers, no aesthesia from the feelings of pain and no insulation to shield us from the realities of life. There are, however, resources of grace that can enable every Christian to respond with faith and resolve.
Bio:
Dr. Ken Ardrey is an ordained Elder in the Church of the Nazarene. He has served as senior pastor for 28 years, 14 years in Canada and 14 years in Fishkill, NY. He has earned a BA in Sociology from Eastern Nazarene College, Master of Divinity from Nazarene Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary. Taking early retirement, following a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease, he presently serves as teacher and guest preacher in local congregations. His wife Brenda is a nurse and they have four grown children living in New York and Massachusetts.
Appeal and Uniqueness:
The appeal of this work is found in the immediacy of a Christian/pastor facing a life-changing diagnosis. The unedited Journal entries which are woven throughout the text illustrate the fear, faith, doubt, hope and a myriad of feelings with which all Christians can identify. The text includes stories, illustrations, and quotes from various authors and theologians as well as those from practical experience.
The uniqueness is found in the emphasis upon the "on purpose" response to crisis. Every Christian by grace through faith can choose to 1) Face the Facts 2) Accept the Feelings 3) Count the Blessings 4) Live the Faith and 5) Trust the Future to God. These five aspects provide a framework for facing any crisis as a Christian.
Chapter Synopses:
Introduction: Life Is Not Fair
The reality that life is not fair and often so painful is difficult to accept. The introduction includes personal back ground information relative to the author's sudden and unexpected diagnosis of Parkinson's disease at the age of 49. The scriptural theme of the crisis Joshua faced upon the death of Moses is introduced. This theme is presented throughout the book as a "Battle Plan from the General".
Chapter One: Face the Facts
"Moses my servant is dead…"
The chapter begins with the account of the hundreds of thousands of Americans who died in the influenza epidemic of 1918 because the policy was “don't panic - everything will be all right”. Joshua is presented as facing the fact that Moses was dead and now he had to lead Israel into the promised land. Also included are the Journal entries documenting the author’s struggles, doubts, and fears when faced with an incurable disease.
The question of “why?” is addressed. Several typical human responses are considered; among these are denial, complaint, self-pity, panic, bitterness, and blame. The premise is that a Christian need not respond in these ways.
Chapter Two: Accept the Feelings
"Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged…"
The chapter begins with a story/illustration followed by the consideration of the feelings Joshua must have felt had when replacing Moses. Again Journal entries illustrate the gamut of feelings the author faced when everything was suddenly different.
Among the feelings every Christian can expect to experience are: sorrow and loss, anger, confusion, loneliness, depression, and doubt. The chapter concludes with the affirmation that the foundation stones of our faith will never change. God Is Real – God Is Love – God Is at Work.
Chapter Three: Count the Blessings
“I will give you everyplace where you set your feet …”
The chapter again begins with an illustration followed by the blessings of Joshua even in his time of crisis. Included are the author's journal entries as he recognizes the reality of God's blessings.
The admonition is to choose to observe and celebrate the positive blessings of life. The headings include: Smile through the Tears, Look Around, Look Upward, Look Outward, Celebrate Gratitude, If we take life seriously we dare not take ourselves too seriously, and Cheer up someday you're going to die.
Chapter Four: Live the Faith
"Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you…"
The chapter begins with an illustration followed by Joshua's choice to respond with faith and obedience in his time of crisis. Journal entries illustrate the struggles and decisions by the author to Live the Faith. The headings of this chapter include: Strengthen the Foundation, Seek God, Talk to God, Listen to God, Share in Community, Worship God, and Acceptance Not Submission.
Chapter Five: Trust the Future to God
"The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go…"
The chapter begins with an illustration, followed by a battle plan from the general, then personal sharing from journal entries. The headings of this last chapter are: The Good Guys Don't Always Win, The “What-Ifs”, “The If-Onlies”, One Day at a Time, Let God be God, Live for Today – Long for Eternity.
Conclusion
Life Will Shake You Up
We Will Never Know All Things
Our Faith Foundation's Never Change
The Choice Is Ours
CONTACT INFORMATION
Address: 260 Osborne Hill Road
Fishkill, NY 12524
Email: KArdrey@Gmail.com
