ALL I NEED IS DADDY'S ARMS

Shouts of joy and shrieks of laughter filled the room. Three year old Nathan and Five year old Caleb were experiencing all the fun Grandma’s house had to offer. Sword fights with Grandpa, yummy things to eat, games and puzzles to enjoy, when suddenly the arm of the sofa became a launching pad for a new game. This game quickly accelerated to a potentially dangerous point. The words of warning from Nathan’s Daddy fell on deaf ears as Nathan prepared for one more leap from sofa. Before true injury occurred, Daddy swiftly administered a minor correction, which hurt Nathan’s heart far more than his backside.


Brokenhearted, with tears flowing down his face, Nathan ran to his mom. It soon became apparent that the comfort he sought could not be found sitting on his mother’s lap. He decided to try Grandma and like all loving Grandmas I gathered him in my arms and wiped away his tears. Slowly, Nathan realized that even Grandma didn’t offer what he really needed. No, what he really desired was Daddy’s favor once again. He needed to know that Daddy wasn’t really angry and that the love he enjoyed was still available.

Many times, like Nathan, I have become so lost in the pleasure of doing things my way, that I fail to hear the gentle warnings God whispers to my heart. Following the perceived fun and laughter, the still small voice becomes lost in all the noise. Because of God’s great love for me and the fact that it is “not His will that any should perish,” He sometimes abruptly ends my “fun.” Too often, nursing my hurt feelings, I run away to the nearest comforter. Dissatisfied, I finally realize what I really need is to run to the arms of God. I want to know that He is not “mad” at me, that His unfailing love hasn’t ended and that forgiveness is still being extended.

Nathan slowly climbed off Grandma’s lap and walked toward his Daddy. After about 3 steps, he ran to his Daddy’s outstretched arms and received the assurance that Daddy still loved him but didn’t want him to be injured. Safe, snug and secure in Daddy’s arms, the tears disappeared and a sweet smile returned to Nathan’s face.

If you’ve been walking the wrong way and moving further and further from the everlasting arms, turn around! Jesus is waiting with outstretched arms; run to him! God is not mad at you, He loves you with an unfailing love and has been trying to get your attention and keep you from the destruction of sin. It isn’t the pleasure of sin or the comfort of the world that will satisfy your searching heart. True joy can only be found in “Daddy’s Arms.”

THE SOUND OF SILENCE

It was 4:00 a.m. and like all intelligent people, I was snuggled, safely in my comfy bed fast asleep. Suddenly, I was rudely awakened by something. Wide awake now, I listened. What had, without warning, jarred me from a deep sleep? There was no earthquake shaking the room, thunder booming, or an alarm ringing? Listening intently, I heard nothing. For years I have slept with a fan whirring in the room blocking all unwelcome noises; now there was no whirr, no hum from the refrigerator, no click as the clock changed time; the house was completely still. Slowly, I realized, the electricity was off and I was suddenly awaken by the Sound of Silence. After about 5 minutes, the electricity was restored and I drifted off to sleep with the comforting whirr of the fan in the background.

So many times, I have been drifting along, doing my thing and enjoying life. God is right there, softly whispering, guiding and encouraging me along the way. As I slip comfortably into the familiar routine, that still, small voice becomes merely background noise. I am faintly aware that God is there; handy if I really need something, but easily ignored as I continue moving through my day. Suddenly, I am jolted into reality by the Sound of Silence. I listen intently and I hear nothing. The comforting whispers have faded, the faithful Presence that always surrounds me has seemingly disappeared. Falling to my knees, I once again connect with the sweet, sweet Spirit of the Lord and rest in the comfort of His Everlasting Arms.

If the voice of God in your life has become just a hum in the background or perhaps there is complete silence and you cannot find the rest you need for your soul, it is time to reconnect. It may take some searching but God has promised in Jeremiah 29:13, And you shall seek me, and find me, when you shall search for me with all your heart. God is not hiding from you; He is just trying to get your attention. He doesn’t want to be just comforting, background noise. He desires to be the voice that leads and guides you daily along the path He has prepared. Listen closely; soon the Sound of Silence will be shattered by His voice calling your name.

DWELLING IN THE BALCONY

Once again I was prompted by the Holy Spirit to pull out my well-worn copy of Balcony People by Joyce Landorf Heatherly. Only 69 pages, it is a small book with a powerful punch. Every day we can choose to be a “Balcony” or a “Basement” person in someone’s life. With our words and our actions we can build up, encourage and affirm or we can tear down, evaluate and criticize. I have determined in my heart to dwell in the “Balcony.” If in person, through a smile, a hug or a compliment; in an email, some empathy, an encouraging word or a compassionate prayer; even on Face book, let my postings be pure, good and uplifting.


Everywhere we go most people we meet and most situations we face are filled with stress and discouragement, just think how an encounter with one “Balcony” person could change an entire day. Now stop and think how many lonely, discouraged people could face a brighter day, if you chose to BE a “Balcony” person. There is no lack of subjects on which to practice as you develop your balcony expertise. Start with your spouse, your children, neighbor, the greeter at the grocery store, the people in your church, your PASTOR and HIS WIFE.

Having been a pastor’s wife and having run a lonely obstacle race most days, I now am on the other side, in a congregation with the opportunity to be a balcony person to my pastor and his wife. The Balcony Person doesn’t just stand on the sidelines and cheer but they get involved in the race. They help share the load, they speak a word of praise, send an email of encouragement, give a quick hug, they make sure to pray for their pastors daily, support the vision, button the “lip of criticism” and oh yes, always, always cheer them on to victory.

Here is an excerpt from the book, “Balcony People.”  “We do not allow a pastor to experience discord, admit to or deal with depression; give them permission to be angry or human. We don’t allow pastor’s spouses to have mental illness, emotional burn-out or even a miscarriage. They must be spiritual at all times, with a biblical reference on the tip of their tongue. They must never have a bad day, lose their spirit or temper and most of all they must be able to play the piano.” I especially appreciate the last line. I was not blessed with natural piano playing abilities but taught myself to play by ear and was usually the only one available in our small home-mission churches. Maybe it was God’s way of keeping me humble, but after experiencing people in the congregation sticking fingers in their ears and some giving their children permission to stay home because they disliked my playing, I have asked God to please use me in any other role in the future. It has also caused me to become a “Balcony” person toward the Praise Team and anyone who serves God through music.

Joyce Landorf Heatherly continues, “If we ever do become balcony people of God to our ministers, you’ll know it instantly. There will break out over pastors, missionaries, lay people and congregations alike, the greatest revival the world has ever seen!” Talk about “World Changers!” If you struggle with your role in the Kingdom or you just are not sure what God is calling you to do, become a Balcony Person. You will amaze yourself, those around you, in the process be blessed and who knows, you may find out this is what God was calling you to all along.