SAY I LOVE YOU OFTEN; PEOPLE FORGET

Martha Harper writes about a group of professional people who asked a group of 4 to 8 year olds, “What does love mean?” There were the usual endearing answers. Five year old Elaine replied, “Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken. According to 7 year old Chris, “Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Brad Pitt.” Nikka, age 6 has this advice, “If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate.” Every parent can agree with 4 year old Terri’s insightfulness, “Love is what makes you smile when you’re tired.” Have you ever noticed the wisdom that comes from innocence? Children have the unique ability to bypass all the peripheral junk and get to the real meaning of life.

My favorite quote comes from 4 year old Billy, “When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.” No one says my name quite the way my husband, Steve, does. Whether his tone is loving, aggravated, questioning or even sometimes “accusing,” I know my name is safe in his mouth.

Mary was downcast, all hope was gone, for Jesus had died and been placed in the tomb. Every time she closed her eyes all she could see was His face, the tender smile and eyes full of forgiveness. She longed for His gentle touch on her head and if she could only here Him call her name; maybe rest would come to her weary body. Finally, she arose from her bed and went to the place where they had laid Him. The tomb was empty, now she was confused. Was there no end to her grief? With tears streaming down her face, she began to walk toward a gardener standing a short distance away. Maybe he would know who had taken Jesus’ body. Surely he could direct her to the new burial place. Then He spoke her name, “Mary.” There was that voice, no one could say her name like Jesus; she felt so safe as peace flooded her soul.

Walking down the street or sitting at your desk, you will hear the name of Jesus several times a day and most of the time it has nothing to do with our precious Savior. It is a term that is used like any other word to mean anything but what was intended. I believe there is nothing so precious to Jesus then to hear his children say His Name. All of Heaven stands at attention when the Redeemed begin to call on the Name of Jesus. No one can speak that Name quite like we who have been filled with His Spirit and taken on His Name in baptism. He knows His name is safe in our mouth. We can call His Name often; He is never too tired or busy.

Eight year old Jessica wraps it up with her comment, “You really shouldn’t say, “I love you,” unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget.” Is there anyone in your life that has forgotten that you love them? Has it been too long since you spent a little time with God letting Him know how much He means to you or maybe just speaking His Name? Hopefully, it hasn’t been so long that He’s forgotten. Take a little time this weekend to let the ones you care about hear you say it. Say their name in a way that makes them feel safe. Make sure you include Jesus in your circle of loved ones. When He hears your voice, He will whisper your name back.

WHAT MEANETH THESE STONES?

Memorial Day was first celebrated on May 30, 1888. It was originally called Decoration Day, a day of remembrance for those who died in our nation’s service and an opportunity for relatives to decorate the graves of their loved ones. Many cemeteries will offer Memorial Day Services today but very few people will take time out of their busy day to decorate a grave or pause to remember a fallen soldier. Most of us celebrate Memorial Day as a day off work, the beginning of summer and an opportunity for cookouts with family members.

Memorials are very important to God. God spoke to Moses and Joshua on several occasions to set up memorials as a reminder to future generations. One of my favorite accountings is found in the 4th chapter of Joshua. The Children of Israel had journeyed for 40 long years and the only barrier between them and the Promised Land was the Jordan River. God gave Joshua explicit instructions regarding their crossing. Then He told them to take 12 stones from the river to set up as a memorial. When future generations would ask, “What meaneth these stones,” they were to be reminded of Gods deliverance and provision. Joshua 4:24 That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the LORD your God for ever. As the priests with the Ark of the Covenant on their shoulders stood in the middle of the Jordan River, God parted the river so that everyone could walk over and once the priests with the ark reached the other side, the water returned to its normal flow.

There were other important memorials established by God. Some were set aside as feast days and holidays which are still significant and celebrated today. Others were set up to honor the faithfulness of specific individuals. The Jewish people still celebrate the holiday of Purim which was set up as a Memorial to honor God’s great deliverance of His people through the obedience of Queen Esther. In Bethany, a woman came to Jesus with an alabaster box of precious ointment. The woman break the box and anointed Jesus’ head. When the disciples became indignant at such a “waste,” Jesus said in Matthew 26, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me. 11For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always. 12For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial. 13Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.

One of the final and most important memorials instituted by Jesus Christ is Communion. Most Christian religions regularly celebrate Communion, the “Lord’s Supper,” or the Eucharist as it is called. In 1 Corinthians11, Paul reminds us of this important Ordinance; That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 24And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 26For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord’s death till he come.

Although the official Memorial Day holiday in the United States is almost over, the remembrances don’t have to end. In the life of a Believer, a celebration of Memorial Day should be observed on a regular basis. Gather some stones for a memorial. When your children ask, “What meaneth these stones?” tell them about the goodness of God, His deliverance and provision for your family. Tell them He is Jehovah Jireh and of the time when He made a way where there was no way. Remind them of His protection for all who abide under the Shadow of the Almighty. Teach them that He will be a Lamp unto our feet and a Light unto our path. Most of all declare unto them, His Name is Jesus and Acts 4:12, Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

I pray this will be a Memorial Day holiday unlike any that you have experienced. May you and your family be blessed as you remember and give honor to God.

TWO IMPERFECT PEOPLE IN A PERFECT MARRIAGE

Today I celebrate 32 years of being married to the most wonderful man in the world. We were 18 years old, Steve was working part time at a Penney’s Auto Center, I was working full time making $3.10 per hour, we had no assets and no money set aside to buy any; but we were in love. Conventional wisdom would suggest that we had all the strikes against us. I would agree except that we had one thing going for us that would carry us through all the struggles, victories, smiles and tears we would encounter over the next 32 years; we had God at the center of our marriage and a family who wanted us to succeed. It has been said, “There is no perfect marriage.” I disagree!!! Marriage was instituted by God and everything God touches is perfect. A more accurate saying would be “Two imperfect people in a perfect marriage.”

We decided from the beginning that our relationship was more important than possessions; easy to do when there are no possessions. We found joy in the mundane things of life, laughed uproariously at the predicaments we got ourselves into, had dream vacations in the backyard and dined on gourmet pizza once a month if we had coupons. The biggest blessing in our relationship has been the 2 wonderful sons that were entrusted to us. Since then our family has grown to include 2 beautiful daughters-in-law, 2 granddaughters and 1 grandson. God has been truly faithful.

We have lived in gorgeous homes with 4 bathrooms and a small apartment on the back of a church with 1 tiny bathroom; drove new cars with leather seats and 10 year old well rusted vehicles; traveled to the Bahamas on a cruise ship and found enough gas money to take the kids to the beach at Tawas for the day; I have worn clothes from Macy’s and sported ensembles from Walmart; dined on 4 course meals complete with soft music and cloth napkins and shared a foot-long turkey sub from Subway; but through it all only one thing has mattered, that we were walking through life together. Looking back over 32 years I have to say, it has been the perfect marriage for two imperfect people.

I love you Steve with all my heart. You are and will always be my Knight in Shining Armor that makes my heart beat faster by just walking in the room. I would love to try for another 32 years.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CALEB

Saturday, we celebrated Caleb’s first year of life with a party. He, of course, did not have that great of time. A First Birthday Party is an opportunity for the parents and grandparents to take a lot of pictures of other children opening his gifts, eating food he cannot yet eat and of course the indignity of trying to eat his very own cake without the help of utensils and managing to smear the frosting in his hair, ears, face and torso. Such was Caleb’s party and we loved every moment which has been captured in movie and still form.

It is hard to believe that we have been blessed with Caleb for a whole year. I have enjoyed spending every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday watching him grow, learn new things and develop into a wonderful little boy. The gummy grin has changed into a smile with 8 shiny teeth and the hungry, wet-diaper wail has developed into loud grunts when told NO and car sounds when playing in the floor. I love the feel of those tiny arms around my neck and hands that pat my back when I pick him up for a quick hug. My morning oatmeal and afternoon snack are no longer my own, now there is a wide-open mouth asking for his share.

There are very few “do-over's” in life. We have successes and failures and move on to the next challenge. Grandparenting is one of those gifts from God that is close to a “do-over.” You have the opportunity to learn from all the mistakes you made with your children and get it right with your grandchildren. I find myself running through the grass, crawling on the floor, making funny faces and noises, discovering birds and flowers all over again and marveling at every new accomplishment. I take more time to be silly, have more patience and tolerate actions for which their parents would have been reprimanded.

Caleb, along with his cousins, Mackenzie and Madison has been a true joy to this Grandma. I am so thankful to be part of his young life, for the things he has taught me and the unconditional love I have experienced once again. Happy Birthday Caleb.

ITS ALL ABOUT THE SHOES

What is this strange relationship women have with shoes? It is another one of those special qualities we possess as women that most men will never understand. My husband, who has more shoes than he will admit, cannot comprehend why my closet contains two rows of black shoes, a row of blue, one of various shades of white, cream, brown and taupe, another of all the colors of the rainbow and finally a row of casual shoes. His idea of a complete shoe wardrobe is black and brown dress shoes, black and brown casual shoes, a pair of athletic shoes and a pair of sandals. He actually owns more than that only because he never gets rid of anything. I have tried to explain that one pair of black shoes may not compliment every outfit or that some events call for a conservative look while a wild pair of shoes may be the perfect accessory to express exactly who I am on another occasion. Unfortunately, his problem-solving, matter-of-fact brain cannot process such information of higher understanding.

My latest acquisition was a gorgeous pair of bright yellow heels. I am convinced that an outfit can go from mediocre to spectacular when paired with the perfect shoes. On the other hand a stunning outfit can be forgettable when no thought is given to your feet. I can be transformed from a dowdy house wife into a gorgeous femme fatal simply by donning a outrageous pair of shoes. It may only be a mental transformation but we tend to act out the mental picture we have of ourselves, so watch out!!!

Several years ago, my sister Deb, stated that she loved shoes so much that when she died she wanted to be buried with only her feet showing clad in gorgeous purple shoes. Since everyone who passes by the coffin always seems to remark on how good the deceased looks, she wanted to give them something really beautiful to talk about. I agree with her totally except I want my coffin closed and surrounded by a display of my fabulous shoe collection in lieu of flowers.

Shoes are very important to God also. As the children of Israel were preparing to leave Egypt, God gave them explicit instructions. Exodus 12:11 And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD’S Passover. The women fully understood the order to have their shoes on their feet and without being told that they should be of the best quality. As the next verse tells us they had to travel a long way to get to the next Dillard’s or Macy’s. Deuteronomy 29:5 And I have led you forty years in the wilderness: your clothes are not waxen old upon you and thy shoe is not waxen old upon thy foot. That verse makes you a believer in the Grace of God. In our own strength it would be impossible to have tolerated 40 years of the same style shoe.

Moving into the New Testament, we again find the important role that shoes play. In the parable of the Prodigal Son, the father falls on his son, kisses him, puts the best robe around him, a ring on his finger and don’t forget; shoes on his feet. Luke 15:22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: That’s right, we find shoes listed right up there with the fatted calf. After all how could he attend a party in his honor and enjoy such a grand feast in the same shoes he had worn in the pig pen.

Speaking of footwear, one of the most important verses in the Bible is Ephesians 6:13. After we have been born again, we are instructed how to withstand the onslaught of Satan that will inevitably come our way. God gives us very specific wardrobe advice and because He is God, He includes footwear. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Whether you like pointed, square, round or toeless shoes; leather, patent, suede, or canvas; black, red, yellow, pink or polk-a-dot; boots, spike heels, sandals or flip flops; don’t forget to slip your feet into “the preparation of the gospel of peace” every morning. Our ensemble may include a skirt of truth, blouse of righteousness, a Sunday hat of salvation, our sword of the Spirit covered in lace and a matching handbag of faith, but to make a lasting impression don’t forget your shoes of preparation. We can make an eternal impression on everyone we meet; IT’S ALL ABOUT THE SHOES.

BABY SISTERS ARE A PRECIOUS GIFT

Today is Amy Jo’s birthday. She is the youngest of my 4 sisters and will always be my baby sister. I won’t reveal her age but on May 14, 1970, a precious gift arrived. I was almost 13 years old so I was given the privilege of staying with the other 4 kids while Dad and Mom went to the hospital to “pick up” the baby. I got to sleep in Dad and Mom’s bed where I would be close to the phone. In those days there were no ultra sound pictures to spoil the surprise; I was so excited when Dad called to tell me I had a baby sister. I went to school the next day on top of the world.

Amy provided excellent training for me as I matured. Although Mom doesn’t like to remember, I sometimes got up in the night with her, dressed her and brushed her hair for church and in general spoiled her rotten. She was one of the first “Hawks Family Idol.” We recorded a mock radio program in which 4 year old Amy would sing her version of worship songs. She was a “gymnast” turning flips during the Olympics and the only one Dad would allow to have roller skates. She was also the only one of 6 kids who broke their leg.

Amy was 6 years old when I got married and was a miniature bride in my wedding. She was so adorable in her white lacy dress and veil. Once, Steve and I were babysitting her, he had to swat her on the behind; I’m sure it broke her heart.

Now that Amy is an adult, we share a special relationship, part mom, part daughter, part sister and mostly friends. I don’t get to see Amy as much as I would like to but she loves to call me while she is driving on one of her many daily trips. Amy and Anthony have 3 beautiful children, Nicholas, Alex and Jada. They will be moving into their new home soon and I can’t wait to visit them in Granite City.

Just as most sisters experience in their complex relationships, Amy and I have had up moments and down moments, laughter and tears. One thing will always hold true, baby sisters are a precious gift and I will always love mine.

Happy Birthday Amy Jo!!!!!

HAVE A WONDERFUL MOTHER'S DAY

FAILING TO PLAN IS PLANNING TO FAIL

Every day we have an opportunity to succeed or fail. Many times we want to blame everything except ourselves for the end result. What it really comes down to is whether our plan is focused on success or failure and then executed properly. Situations and circumstances may change but the outcome is up to you. Failing to plan is planning to fail.

This principle can be applied to every area of your life, spirituality, dealing with difficult family members, your job, managing money, raising children and yes, even eating healthy. You got it!!! This is another update on my journey into healthy living. The most important aspect of staying focused in a life style change is creating a sensible plan, carrying out every minute detail and not allowing anything to lure you away from your vision of the results you desire. If it is a well thought out plan, it will provide for breaks in your usual routine, surprises and special occasions.

Last week, I went to visit my mother in Missouri, then to a church conference in Indiana. Both were great opportunities for failure. As a mother one of my greatest pleasures is to feed my children all their favorite dishes and a must for every Pentecostal is late night food and fellowship with friends after church. This trip contained both possibilities but I had a plan to succeed.

Packing smaller clothes reminded me that I’ve come too far too turn back now. That was enough motivation to help me execute my plan. First, I called my Mom, told her what we were eating and took some provisions just in case she “just couldn’t help but feed us.” I knew we would have birthday cake Saturday and Sunday so I worked in ½ piece of cake each day into my eating plan. Then came a glitch in the plan, my brother-in-law made home-made ice cream. I left off potatoes and bread at dinner, walked a mile and ate the ice cream. The next trap was meeting my sister and niece and nephew for lunch at a restaurant that has unlimited chips and salsa. I held the babies then ate soup and salad. Success!!!!

On to the conference and the second phase of my plan. First stop, Wal-Mart, where we purchased mini bagels, peanut butter, low fat, low calorie muffins, fruit cups and protein bars. Since I am an early riser I took advantage of the wonderful state-of the-art gym on the top floor of the hotel. After 40 minutes of exercise, I was ready for a bagel with peanut butter and a fruit cup. We enjoyed lunch with friends at various restaurants that offered delicious healthy choices. A protein bar before church prevented face-stuffing after church. A steaming bowl of vegetable soup offered a light, late night snack. Success!!!!

Our daily walk with God also offers opportunities for success or failure. There will be obstacles and temptations that may be unexpected, but we don’t have to be unprepared. The Bible gives us a plan for success. I Peter 3:15 says, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” II Timothy 2:15 tells us to “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." With a little planning you can walk in success daily. Communicate with your Heavenly Father on a daily basis, Hide His word in your heart, give Jesus Christ the highest priority in your life and like Timothy you can be instant in season and out of season.

Whether you are struggling with a healthy life style or a healthy relationship with God, it is never too late to Plan for Success. Remember, even if you have just begun, you’ve come too far to go back.

THE AWESOME BODY OF CHRIST

Having just come from a wonderful conference, I am in awe of the Body of Christ. I am learning to appreciate and celebrate each member’s uniqueness. For many years I was judgmental and disapproving of anyone who acted, looked, thought, spoke or worshiped differently than the norm of “my little box.” God has helped me to understand that He calls individuals BECAUSE OF, not DESPITE OF their differences.

Thursday evening Steve and I sat with three other couples that we have grown to love and count as dear friends. It would be hard to find four couples who are more diverse. We are different in looks, temperament, taste in clothes, food and hairstyles, ministry styles; pretty much anything you can name. The only thing that could forge a friendship among such a group is the Holy Ghost and our love for God.

John and Darlene have pastored in Duluth, MN for several years and have 2 daughters and 1 grandson. Mike and Tammi pastor in Grand Rapids, MI, have one daughter and 2 granddaughters. Wayne and Suzanne live in Monticello, IN where they previously pastored and are currently seeking for God’s will in their lives. They have a son in college and a daughter who is a junior in high school. Of course, Steve and I pastor in Saginaw, MI, have 2 sons, 2 granddaughters and a grandson. That is where the similarities end.

Darlene is a classy dresser, wears her hair in a more traditional style, is soft spoken, and obviously adores her husband and daughters. Suzanne is my “wile chile” friend. I wish I possessed some of her boldness when it comes to dress. Despite her “advanced” age of 40+?, she wears her long dark hair straight, hanging past her shoulders, sometimes with a hat perched jauntily atop her head; loves vintage clothes and crazy shoes. Suzanne is a vivacious, lively person who gets totally involved in worship, likes to touch people when she talks to them and is full of boundless energy. The best way to describe Tammi is ultra-feminine. Everything about her screams, “I am a woman and I love it.” She loves ruffles, cute little shoes and purses and even walks like a lady. Tammi loves people and it makes you feel good just to be with her. She is always smiling and allows her intense love for God to shine through at all times. I am the most unspontaneous person I know. I usually opt for the most practical, sensible solution even though others sound much more fun and fulfilling. I dress on the conservative, classic side of the spectrum with the exception of a few edgy shoes now and then. When everyone around me is enjoying boisterous worship, I stand quietly, hands raised with tears streaming down my face.

How do I fit in to this Body of Believers? Only the magnificent God I serve could bring us all together. I Corinthians 12:12 says “For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 13For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. 14For the body is not one member, but many.

I may be the eyes, Darlene the hand, Suzanne the feet and Tammi the heart, but we have all been baptized into one body and drank of one Spirit; and He makes all the difference.