PROGRESSING TO THE NEXT LEVEL

We are now 16 weeks into 2008; one-third of the year is behind us. It is amazing how quickly time passes and we never notice unless we happen to look at a calendar. The funny thing about time is it continues regardless of what we do or don’t do, whether we are busy or idle, asleep or awake. During these 16 weeks I have be on a journey to a healthy life style. As expected, the time passed and I am 3 sizes smaller.

What is my secret? Commitment and Consistency. In the beginning, it was the commitment that helped me to stay consistent and say no to the many tasty temptations that have been presented. As time continues and the results become apparent, the commitment has turned into a lifestyle habit.

The first issue I had to conquer was my desire for unhealthy foods, especially sugar and chocolate. I cleared everything unhealthy out of my cupboards and refused to go down the “aisles of temptation” at the grocery store. I studied and modified recipes until I came up with healthy alternatives. Eating healthy has now become routine. I have my daily nutritional needs down to an easy science; 3 meals and 3 snacks. It is now time to progress to the next level.

A complete health makeover consists of two components; nutrition and exercise. It is much easier for me to eat healthy than to consistently exercise. I would rather read, research the internet, watch TV and I am busy with my house, my grandson, my husband, my church and volunteer work. You name it, I can turn it into an excuse.

For the last two weeks, I am happy to report, I am climbing to the next level. I need routine, so I have set up an exercise routine. If the weather cooperates, I walk at least 2 miles every day. My pedometer shows that I walk between 2 and 3 miles at a rate of 3.33 miles per hour. It’s not the 15 minute mile I would like but it is faster than a 20 minute mile and 3 of those days I am pushing a stroller with a 20 lb baby. Three days per week I lift light weights for 20 minutes and the other three days I exercise for 15 minutes on the stair stepper. My muscles ache, my feet hurt and I am tired but I am feeling stronger, breathing better and wearing smaller clothes. Consistency has its rewards.

In our walk with God, there are always new levels to conquer. Just about the time we feel we have overcome an obstacle, God has a new area He wants to work on in us. Like a healthy lifestyle, your spirituality is all about commitment and consistency. If Satan can steal your consistency, he will soon steal your commitment.

Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

When you are truly committed to walking with God, you will wait with anticipation the new direction your path will take. You have set a goal and each new level gets you closer to reaching that goal. There will be temptations and setbacks, sometimes your heart will ache and you will feel so tired that you think you can’t continue but believe me it IS worth it. If you will be consistent in reading God’s Word and communicating daily through prayer, you will experience great rewards. Soon you will gain spiritual strength, feel the breath of the Holy Spirit daily and life’s trials and tribulations will become much smaller. Be assured time will continue to march on and you will receive your greatest reward; Eternal Life.

CAN TWO WALK TOGETHER?

Today I am featuring a guest writer, my son Phil. I received this article from him with his comments added. I feel it is a subject that needs to be addressed. The interfaith movement is trying to integrate itself into our churches and our minds. If you believe in truth rather than moral relativism, there can be only one way to salvation. I am so thankful I know that Jesus is The Way, The Truth and The Life and that the Bible is the inspired Word of God. Here is Phil’s article:

Mom:
I found this article on MSN about dating and different religions. I thought the article would be short. A simple phrase of don't do it would suffice. They had a panel of ministers and answered common questions. I am going to put excerpts of the article in here with my comments in red.

First the qualifications of the panel

Rabbi Lev Baesh, director, Resource Center for Jewish Clergy, www.InterfaithFamily.com
Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway, an interfaith minister
Alana Klein, director of communications and publications, Marymount Manhattan College; she and her fiancé are of different faiths
Stephen Miller, Christian expert/writer, ONE: The Digital Dialog
Pastor Bob Moeller, host, For Better, For Worse, For Keeps
Dorette Saunders, senior editor, education unit, Nida Institute for Biblical Scholarship at the American Bible Society

I especially like Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway, an interfaith minister. What does that mean? My guess is she believes in "spirituality" and just like all rivers lead to the ocean, all beliefs lead to God. Yuck. Well, let's get into what she thinks.

Q. What if we’re afraid that dating someone outside our faith will diminish it?

Brockway: My philosophy is that love between two people adds a dimension of holiness to our world that cannot be categorized by religion or culture, and that a temple can be created wherever there is love. I believe in soul mates, and I feel that the couples who are meant to be together have the ability to see each other through the eyes of the soul. That allows many feelings about differences to melt away. Or at least allows them to walk together without having to agree on all things spiritual.

Interesting. I like how she uses the word differences so casually. If by different she means one walking with God for eternity and the other burning in a lifeless Hell, yeah that's pretty different.

Now a gem from Stephen Miller, a "Christian Expert". Note, it does not say he is a Christian, just an expert on one. One could argue Satan is an expert in Christianity, but I have a feeling that this group doesn't really believe in Satan. Let's have Stephen Miller answer a question.

Q: When we start dating someone of a different faith, what’s the first thing a person should do?

Miller: Listen to each other with an open mind. There are wise teachings and doggone dumb teachings in every major religion. As you talk, it’s OK to disagree. You can count on disagreeing. A lot. But there’s no need to be judgmental. That’s God’s job, not ours.

I think our society knows "judge not, lest ye be judged" more than any other scripture. Whenever they want to do something stupid, they just throw that scripture out there. Imagine a Christian dating a Jew. One says, "the Messiah that was prophesied has come and if you believe in Him you can have everlasting life, if not you will burn in Hell". The other says, "No. The Messiah you are basing your faith in was a false prophet and anyone who believes in him will not go to Heaven." Then they decide to go have a nice dinner and put there pesky differences about eternal salvation aside for a moment. After all, it's okay to disagree. Why not wait until you have children to pick this disagreement up again.

Lastly, we have Dorette Sanders, an editor for a biblical studies institute. Note, it also never says she is a Christian or religious Jew. Let's see how she answers the same question that good old Stephen Miller answered.

Q: When we start dating someone of a different faith, what’s the first thing a person should do?

Sanders: Open up and educate each other as to your faith practices. Does an Episcopalian really know what a Mormon believes? Does a Jew understand Catholic teachings? Can an unbeliever uphold the values of a Christian? In order to coexist harmoniously, couples may either agree not to bring up religion or agree to respectfully disagree. The problem with the latter is that such a response will eventually put a strain on their relationship as it becomes more solidified. Or in other cases, one party compromises to the point where his or her “faith” no longer looks the same. It is for this reason that the Bible, in its wisdom, knowing the stresses of everyday life, cautions that we should not be yoked unequally.

I am going to give her credit on a couple of points. (Edited) She points out that simply agreeing to disagree in the long run will not work and is the only one to bring up the Bible mentioning being unequally yoked. However, it is my understanding that the Bible does not caution about being unequally yoked, it says "Don't do it. "

It is amazing to me that people think with a little open mindedness they can compromise on religion. If you are a true believer, there is Heaven and Hell, not compromise. Why not go to a Pastor that cares about your soul for advice. A pastor that is willing to tell someone they are wrong and going down a sinful path. I bet some of these so called experts have never told anyone that they are wrong. And what about children? Can anyone who truly is a Christian be okay with their child being brought up Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, or anything other than Christian? If so, I have to say they are not a Christian.

Anyway, I found this interesting and the answers to be ridiculous. I hope you enjoyed it.

Phil

FORBID THEM NOT

Mark 10:14 But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God

It is so easy to stereotype groups of people; we are all guilty. Sometimes we stereotype according to race, religion, color, gender, size, economic status or social standing. I am learning to really listen to what people say rather than come to surface conclusions.

As many of you know, I conduct Monday morning chapel services at the Saginaw Rescue Mission. It has been a tremendous blessing and eye-opener to this protected, life-long Pentecostal girl. I was sure that everyone staying at the Rescue Mission was either an alcoholic or a drug-addict, with several bags containing all their worldly possessions, wearing many layers of clothing to stay warm and having no knowledge of how God could change their lives. I quickly realized that it was impossible to stereotype the mission’s residents. Sure there were those who struggled with addiction problems, but there were also families who needed a temporary bridge to help them find their bearings, single mothers with children, older citizens from abusive situations, pregnant young women who chose to carry their babies, and men and women from different religious backgrounds and various levels of education. Anyone who would take the time to listen would soon realize that each person had his or her own particular set of problems.

Today I was privileged to meet two precious little girls named Miracle who was 6 and Myangel, a lively 7 year old. They immediately informed me that Jesus had died for their sins and loved them even when they were bad. Myangel let me know that Jesus was a friend to everybody and loved the whole world. I asked if anyone knew the song, “Friend of God.” Both girls excitedly began to sing the chorus. I asked them to come up and help me lead the group as we sang, “I am a friend of God, He calls me friend.” As we prayed the closing prayer, both girls held my hands and asked God to bless everyone, then gave me a big hug.

Their mother asked if she could talk with me at the end of chapel and have special prayer for her specific situation. She told me of her plight and once again we made a circle of agreement as we prayed. When I had finished, Miracle asked if she could pray. I have never heard such a powerful prayer out of the lips of a little 6 year old. She began to present each need to the Lord, prayed for her mother and brothers, for me, the speaker and then presented a request to God that took my breath away. Six year old Miracle asked God for protection when she went outside "so they wouldn’t die, but would live." Then it was Myangel’s turn. As a more mature 7 year-old, Myangel began to plead the Blood of Jesus over her friends and family. She called each one by name and asked that God would cover them with His Blood.

I don’t know what the future holds for these little girls, but I know who holds their future. As long as we know the source of our provision and protection, it doesn’t matter whether we are living in the palace or the rescue mission. Help me pray for Miracle and Myangel that they will grow deeper in their relationship with Jesus Christ, that they will always trust Him and allow God to direct their path.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PHIL

Twenty-nine years ago at 11:12 p.m., one of the most precious gifts was placed in my arms. Philip Lee Niswonger made his first appearance into our world. From the beginning, Phil has brought a smile to every family member’s face. He was a content, good-natured baby; a good eater and a wonderful sleeper.

God has always had a special relationship with Phil. Phil was born late on a Thursday and went to church on Easter Sunday, April 15; he was 3 ½ days old. He loved preaching and at around 18 months old, he would shout AMEN when the preacher said something he enjoyed. At 3 years old he told the store clerk that he wanted to be a pilot and a preacher. By the time Phil was 4 years old, God began to deal with his heart. One Sunday night, after a moving church service, I went in to kiss him goodnight and found him lying in bed crying. He told me that he was afraid the rapture would take place and he hadn’t been baptized. We prayed and the next day he explained to his dad why he needed to be baptized and why the Name of Jesus is the only name by which we can be saved. (Never push your children aside when God is dealing with them. Allow them to pray, be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost; it will save you a lifetime of heartache.) Needless to say, Phil was baptized the next Sunday in the precious Name of Jesus and a few years later was filled with the Holy Ghost.

That same year, he quoted scripture to his dad to set things right after misbehaving. We were attending my sister’s high school graduation. Phil could not sit still. He climbed back and forth between family members, up and down the bleachers. When his dad had finally taken all of Phil’s restlessness that he could and told him to SIT STILL, Phil looked at his dad with his big blue eyes and repeated his memory verse, “Let there be no strife between me and thee.” It’s hard not to forgive a kid like that.

Was Phil a perfect child? Oh NO, he was quite normal. His imagination and innovation was constantly getting him into sticky situations. At about 3 years old, he was looking at a fountain in the middle of the mall, I turned my back to window shop only to be informed by his older brother that Phil was acting like a statue and reliving himself in the fountain. Then there was the time he ran into a clothes line pole playing baseball in the backyard; his explanation to his teacher included details of how I had hit him. I became good at damage control. Someday, Phil will be rich. Fortunately, I have been able to stop some of the questionable schemes such as thinking it would be a good idea to sell scratched off lottery tickets to the kids at school. Another time, he went on a field trip and I forgot to send money to buy lunch, he assured me I shouldn’t feel bad, he had won enough playing cards in the back of the bus to cover everything he wanted to eat. I explained it would have been better to borrow money from the teacher, which I would have gladly paid back. In case you are curious, he did not learn to play cards or gamble at home and the lottery tickets were found on the way home from school.

Thankfully, God has protected Phil for 29 years. At 18 months he walked down the street and crossed a busy road, a kind man was holding him up so that we could see his bright orange Chicago Bear jacket. He learned very early to find a clerk and ask her to page his mother when he got distracted at the store; sometimes it was a weekly occurrence. The first time I allowed him to ride his bike to school, he hit a parked car; needless to say, I was quite concerned about allowing him to take the car by himself. He had crazy friends with crazy ideas, such as, doing donuts in icy parking lots, furnishing the band room at high school with furniture picked out of the trash, going to the bowling alley in an old beat up van dressed in wild clothes from the Goodwill and painting their chests for the football game at Central Michigan University and sitting in 20 degree weather, freezing, all for the team. How did I survive? Lots of prayer!!!

Phil has matured into a wonderful son, husband and father. He and Holly have been married for 6 years and have 2 beautiful little girls, Mackenzie and Madison. He still loves football but has learned how to play Princess, Mickey’s rescue and dress a doll. His hard work and innovation has allowed him to earn a degree in Mathematics and start his own property appraisal business. Now if I could only convince him to move about 300 miles south.

Phil, you have always been one of the greatest gifts in my life. You have made me laugh and cry, made me furious and filled with overwhelming joy; sometimes all at once. Have a wonderful 29th birthday.

I love you,

MOM

THE HIDDEN VALUE

Do you have people in your life that drive you absolutely crazy? Maybe you can take them in small doses then you have to leave the room. Perhaps it is a family member, close friend, co-worker or an acquaintance. If they get on your last nerve, ask God to give you nerves of steel. If they try your patience like no one else, remember 2 Peter 1:6 ….And after patience, godliness. If something incredibly stupid is uttered every time they open their mouth, praise God that you were blessed with “good sense.” Whoever you are thinking of right now is the person that God is commanding you to go out of your way for today.

I am not sure who the author is of the following story, but it may help you to deal with annoying people on a different level.

One day a teacher asked her students to list the names of the other students on two sheets of paper, leaving a space between each name. Then she told them to think of the nicest thing they could say about each classmate and write it down. When they finished the papers were handed in and the students went home.

On Saturday, the teacher wrote down the name of each student on a separate piece of paper and listed what each person had said about that individual. On Monday, she gave each student his or her list. Before long the entire class was smiling and commenting, “I never knew I meant anything to anyone” and “I didn’t know the others liked me so much.”
The papers were never mentioned again and the teacher never knew if the papers were discussed with parents or thrown in the trash. The exercise had accomplished its immediate purpose. That year the students were happier with themselves and each other.

Several years later, one of the students was killed in Vietnam and the teacher attended the funeral. The church was packed with his friends. One by one those who loved him walked by his coffin. Last in line was the teacher. As she stood there, one of the pallbearer soldiers asked, “Were you Mark’s math teacher?” She nodded, “Yes.” The soldier added, “He talked about you a lot.”

After the funeral, Mark’s mother and father approached the teacher. “We want to show you something,” his father said, taking a wallet out of his pocket. “They found this on Mark when he was killed. We thought you might recognize it.” Opening the wallet, he carefully removed two worn pieces of notebook paper that had been taped, folded and refolded many times. The teacher knew without looking that the paper was the one on which she had listed all the good things each of Mark’s classmates had said about him. “Thank you so much for doing that.” Mark’s mother said, “As you can see, Mark treasured it.”

All of Mark’s former classmates gathered around. Charlie smiled and said, “I still have my list. It’s in the top drawer of my desk at home.” Chuck’s wife said, “Chuck asked me to put his in our wedding album.” I have mine; too,” said Marilyn, “It’s in my diary.” Vicki reached into her pocketbook, took out her wallet and showed her worn list to the group. “I carry this with me at all times. I think we all saved our lists.”

Mark enjoyed many friendships in his short life. Most had their beginning in a piece of paper listing his good qualities. If we would dwell on the goodness in each person instead of focusing on their faults, we might find a loyal friend, a lifelong mate or the best neighbor in your community. Take some time today, write down the name of the most annoying person in your life, and begin to list all the good qualities they possess. If you can only think of one good quality, dwell on that feature. Every day, pray for that person and thank God for the characteristic He has placed in them. Soon that is exactly how you will see the person every time you meet. Better yet, send them a note letting them know how valuable they are to you and God. We may never know the eternal difference we can make in someone’s life.

POTHOLES & PATCHES

Yesterday was a rare sunny 60 degree spring day. For all of you southern folks a sunny 60 degree day in April is real rarity. The birds were singing, children were shooting hoops, lawns were receiving their first grooming of the year, couples were strolling, and others were power walking or riding bicycles. It was a beautiful day to be alive. Suddenly, I stumbled. Looking down at the road, I sought for what had caused the misstep. There were no large stones, no large tree limbs or foreign objects. I had stumbled over an asphalt patch set in the cement road.


You, who have lived in the northern half of the United States, understand the havoc the weather plays on our roads. For some reason property, income and high gas taxes cannot keep up with the yearly deterioration of Michigan’s roads. There are very few country roads, city streets, or highways that do not bear the scars of potholes and patches. This particular side street had originally been made of concrete. I have noticed, in my excursions around the neighborhood, that streets composed of concrete are much more durable than those of asphalt. I’m sure there is a great scientific explanation; however, since I am not a chemist, I can only rely on my observations. Although, composed of concrete, this street had succumbed to the ravages of winter and developed its very own set of potholes. The street department had attempted to patch the hole year after year with asphalt. Several layers of the patch material had built up over time. Because the material used to repair the pothole did not match the original material, the patch had shrunk away from the sides of the road. Every year the gap became a little wider and the pothole patch a little deeper creating an uneven surface on which a walker, oblivious to the situation could stumble or fall.

I began to reflect on life. We are created out of the finest material, formed in the image of God. Psalms 139:14 For I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Over time the harshness of life takes its toll and potholes began to form. Potholes of discouragement, doubt, fear, injustices, illnesses, uncertainty, and unbelief begin to mark our lives. If they are not dealt with properly they will grow larger and cause us to stumble as we walk along. Many times we will throw in a little repair material to fill in the gap and believe it has worked until the next storm hits. Finally our lives become so pockmarked with potholes, we can no longer navigate safely down the path we have chosen. We come to the Creator and present the life He gave us repaired with our own solutions and falling apart. The Creator lovingly cleans out all the foreign material and makes us new again. Like the road, we would be spared so much grief and heartache if we would approach the Master for regular maintenance instead of throwing on a little patch here and there.

I came to Jesus weary worn and sad
He took my sins away
He took my sins away
And now His love has made my heart so glad
He took my sins away

II Corinthians 5:17 states, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. We have this precious promise from the Lord. If your life has become ravaged by sin and wrong choices and all the remedies you’ve tried have failed, the Savior is waiting to make all things new.

IT'S ONLY AN OPPORTUNITY

Have you ever noticed that as soon as you feel you have won a great victory, it won’t be long before an opportunity for discouragement will manifest itself? An opportunity is an occasion or a chance. It is not a certainty unless you choose the course of action that the opportunity offers. Although Satan may present an opportunity for discouragement, it is up to you whether it becomes the path you follow

Sunday and Monday I was “flying high.” God was working out some things I had been praying about for some time. I had an encouraging discussion with Phil on Sunday afternoon. A lady called to say she was interested in attending the Bible study I am starting next Monday. We had a great chapel service at the Rescue Mission. God was speaking to me regarding material for the Bible study and the Sunday School material arrived in time for next Sunday. Then Tuesday arrived right in the middle of a 3 day fast. In the middle of a fast I should be feeling spiritual, right? I’ve conquered the first day and I’m not feeling the third day weakness settling in yet. I’ve been praying, reading the Bible and inspirational books, and listening to uplifting music. Maybe I was just a little too proud of what I was doing and had accomplished, because Tuesday evening came the opportunity for discouragement.

I have to say I probably didn’t handle it in a super spiritual way. I cried, let a little anger creep in, asked why and said “If” too many times. I decided to hang onto what God has promised, then feeling a little better, I went to bed. During the night, I finally shut up long enough to let God speak. All night this verse and corresponding song played over and over in my mind. Proverbs 5:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

About 4 o’clock this morning I awoke to realize what God was trying to tell me. I don’t have to understand what is going on because the thing God is about to do in my life is beyond human understanding. He is in control and as long as I seek His will in every situation, He will direct my path. Today I have made up my mind to choose the opportunity to trust rather than the opportunity for discouragement.

MA'AM, CAN YOU HELP ME?

I have the most incredible experiences every time I go shopping at Meijer in Saginaw. They always seem to occur in the grocery aisles when I least expect them. People ask me to help them find items, seek my opinion on products, explain why they are there, tell me about their illnesses and discuss their families. I used to think this was weird, now I look forward to these weekly “meetings.” You see, I believe that they are divine appointments set up by God just for me.
Sometimes I have been led to pray for people, invite them to church, help them find specific products or just leave an encouraging word. Friday’s encounter was a different experience and yes a little strange. I didn’t realize until several hours later how God would speak to me through a “chance” meeting.

It started as just an ordinary Friday morning; I made my list, sorted my coupons and arrived at Meijer for my weekly shopping trip. I strolled down the aisles, picking out the things on my list in an orderly fashion, smiling now and then as I swerved my cart around other shoppers. Then it happened!!! I was innocently bent over the canned vegetables searching for “salted” cut green beans among the “no salt” and French-style; a typical, boring Friday. I straightened up as I heard a voice behind me. There stood a kindly-looking senior citizen. “Ma’am,” he said, “My wife sent me to the store and I can’t remember what she wanted. Can you help me?” Thank God I didn’t blurt out the first thing that entered my mind. I wanted to say, “Do you think I’m a psychic or a mind reader? Or, sorry, your wife didn’t phone me with the list.”

God whispered “Divine appointment.” I simply smiled and said “Ok…..” He proceeded to explain it was a sauce you put on hot dogs. I went through the list, catsup, mustard, relish? “No, it’s a chili stuff with a special name.” It hit me, he wanted Coney Dog Sauce. The excitement in his voice was worth the few minutes my routine was interrupted. I then explained where he could probably find the item. He thanked me and was off to find this prize commodity. A few aisles over, I met up with the gentleman again who happily exclaimed, “I found it exactly where you said it was.” I smiled and expressed that I was certain his wife and daughter would be so proud of him. I finished my shopping and arrived home. Then God began to speak.

Susan, every day you encounter people who are searching for something but are unable to articulate exactly what they seek. They arrive at church for a specific touch from Me, they remember having felt Me at one time, others have testified of My power and the sign on the outside promises an encounter on the inside. However, many times you are so concerned with searching for your specific blessing that you don’t want to be bothered with someone else’s need. Maybe our sensitivity levels are so low that we miss the divine appointment that God has set. We smile, shake hands, tell them they are welcome but fail to lead them to the place that God has everything to satisfy their deepest longing. God has the Words of Life he wants us to speak, His Spirit is waiting to fill every hungry heart and He is also waiting on us to point the seeking soul to the right aisle. No reward will be as great as when that soul looks up from an encounter with Jesus and says, “I found it exactly where you said it was.”