A LOOK BACK AT WHAT WAS..........

It is hard to believe that there are just a few more hours left in the first decade of 2000. (My son will argue that this is the last year of the first decade and the next decade begins 1/1/2011, but my mind works better by keeping it on the 00’s) Was December 31, 1999 really 10 years ago? Y2K was the subject on everyone’s mind. The biggest fear was that our “high-tech” nation would suddenly shut down at midnight. All of our computer systems would refuse to recognize 1/1/00 and take us back to January 1, 1900 all because the system programmers had forgotten to program 4 digits for the year. “Intelligence” reports warned us that the electricity, gas and water would suddenly shut off, our money would be electronically locked in the banks and we would experience mega food shortages as our transit system became non-functional. Our basements were stocked with canned goods and a manual can opener, bottled water and extra blankets. We had a stash of ready-cash under our mattress and an extra propane tank for the gas grill. The countdown began, the ball in Times Square dropped, we snuggled in our warm beds and awoke to life as usual on 1/1/00; a new millennium had begun.

Who could have imagined that 21 months later 9/11 would take the place of Y2K in our vocabulary? The events of that sunny September day changed the life of every person living in the United States. We became aware of a dangerous world that for many living in other countries, is just a “way of life.” Flying to Florida for a family vacation became a long, arduous ordeal, young men and women were once again asked to sacrifice their lives for their country and for a time we all joined hands as proud Americans.

For me, 2001 was a defining year in my life. In December, 2000, my career in the job of my dreams began, then ended 6 years later. In May of 2001, Steve and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary with a week-long vacation at Hilton Head. In July, the Hawks family celebrated Dad’s birthday with a wonderful family reunion in Doniphan, MO. On September 2, we sadly said goodbye to Dad as he went home to be with the Lord. December 29, Phil got married and I finally gained a daughter, Holly. Yes, 2001 was quite a year.

The next few years brought their share of blessing and sadness. We gained another daughter, Jenesa in July 2005 and our family was perfect; 2 boys and 2 girls……then, July, 2004, our first grandchild, Mackenzie was born. We felt that there had never been a grandchild born that was as special as this one until July 2006 when Madison came into our lives. Our joy was tripled in May, 2007 as we greeted Caleb, April, 2009 brought us Nathan and finally in June 2009, Anabel was born. During those same years we said goodbye to Steve’s Mom and my Granny, but even in the sadness, we were assured that it was only a temporary goodbye and one of these days, oh what a reunion there will be.

The last 10 years have been full of joy, sorrow, success, challenge and blessing. As the year 2000 dawned, I was 42 years old and I had dreams and goals for the next 10 years. Some of the dreams have come true, others have changed or are yet to be realized, but through it all God has not changed. I am looking forward to great and powerful things in my life as God continues to open doors and lead the way into the next decade.

MORE THAN “A WORD”, HE IS “THE WORD”

It happens every year after Thanksgiving; a clerk says “Happy Holidays” and offends a customer who wanted to hear “Merry Christmas.” The doorman says, “Merry Christmas” before realizing the patron is celebrating Hanukah or doesn’t celebrate any holiday at all. There have been lawsuits, fired employees, school parties renamed and certain songs banned all because they contained the word, “Christmas.” What is it about a 9 letter word that inspires such strong emotions?

It is never really the word for a word is just an arrangement of letters. No, the emotion is inspired by what THE WORD signifies. The Bible tells us in John 1, “ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” THE WORD BRINGS HOPE to a world that was without hope. Ephesians 2:12 tells us, “That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” THE WORD IS LOVE, John 3:16, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. THE WORD FILLS US WITH JOY, Luke 2:10 “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” Finally, THE WORD GIVES PEACE, Luke 2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Yes, there are many catchy religious phrases, slogans, and words flying around during the month of December. We hear that “Jesus is the reason for the season” and “Let’s put Christ back in Christmas.” We declare that “Jesus is the best gift of all” and that “Wisemen still seek Him.” The phrases make wonderful Christmas cards and give us a sense of well-being if we repeat them often enough, but what are we really saying? If we only remember Jesus during the season and put Christ away with the ornaments once the celebration is over; if the “best gift of all” is tossed in the corner with all the other toys and our seeking ends at the manger, the phrases, slogans and carols are just words. This year make the season come alive, after all the wrapping paper has been torn and the gifts are open, thank God for sending salvation to the world. Make Christ more than just the first six letters of Christmas; give him center place in your life. The Bible promises that if we seek Him with our whole heart, we WILL find Him just as the wisemen did more than two thousand years ago. You can allow THE WORD to become flesh in your heart this Christmas.

IT'S THE POWER BEHIND THE STORY!!!

Every year, after Thanksgiving, the controversy begins. Should I say Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays? Is it Christmas Vacation or Winter Break? Can we sing Silent Night or should we stick with Jingle Bells for the School musical program? Should we chance setting up the Nativity Scene in front of the court house, a Christmas tree, Santa and his sleigh, lights? Law suits are filed and millions spent on ads voicing the minority seasonal opinion. The ads this year declared, “No God; No problem!” and “Yes, Virginia, there is no God.” Why is a Christian holiday such a threat to unbelievers? Most Christians are content to mind their own business as the atheist celebrate winter solstice, the Jewish people celebrate Hanukah and other ethnic groups celebrate their traditions, so why do Atheist/Humanist groups feel the need to take away our religious freedom? I am reminded of the story of Irina Ratushinskaya as told by Chuck Colson.

Ten year old Irina Ratushinskaya lived in the Soviet Union city of Odessa. Attendance during atheist instruction time was compulsory, so Irina sat in the classroom watching a rare snowfall. She wanted to be outside enjoying the snow instead of listening to the instructor drone on about the nonexistence of God. The students had been told about a Baptist woman who roasted her child in an oven. Irina knew a Baptist lady who loved and cared for her children. The seventh graders had preformed a play depicting priests as oafs and fools. The Young Pioneers, the teachers, the headmaster, the broadcasters on the radio, the whole country seemed to be against God. It seemed odd that such a furious battle raged against someone they said didn’t exist anyway.

Irina thought, “Can’t they tell they are giving themselves away? Adults tell you there are no gremlins or ghosts. They tell you once or twice, and that is it. But with God, they tell you over and over again. So He must exist—and He must be very powerful for them to fear Him so greatly.” With her childlike logic, she prayed, “Okay, God, if you did not exist, we wouldn’t have to listen to this lecture. So it’s Your fault we’re sitting here missing the snow. If You’re so powerful, make it keep snowing!” It snowed for 3 days, Odessa’s largest snowfall in 60 years. School was canceled and Irina enjoyed the snow. The God her teachers denied had made the snow fall from official Communist airspace.

Irina began to talk to Him secretly at night asking endless questions. Was he kind, all powerful? The Communist state was powerful, but they were not kind. If He was kind but not all-powerful, how could she depend on Him?

At the age of 14, Irina had a pivotal moment in her young life. A classmate threw a chestnut across the room. It crashed into an inkwell, splashing a splatter of ink on the wall. When no one would tell who had caused the mess, each student was interrogated individually. When Irina’s turn came, she began to lie, saying she had been looking in her book bag and hadn’t seen anything. The next student looked the teacher straight in the eye and said, “I’m not going to tell you.” This pierced Irina’s conscience. She thought, “I am becoming what THEY want me to be. I shall never lower myself like that again before anybody. I’ll learn how to behave decently from books, I’ll think a lot, and talk to God more. Then my soul will remain my own. Nobody will be able to manipulate me to suit themselves.” She instinctively knew that she would become a servant to one master or another.

Irina began to explore the great Russian books on her parent’s bookshelves. In them she found a reflection of the God whom she knew was kind and all-powerful. The values of good and evil did not change. Pushkin told her the truth lay in Russian Orthodoxy, Tolstoy’s theories left her confused. She had no way to get a Bible and there was nobody trustworthy to ask about Jesus.
When Irina was 23, a Jewish friend gave her an 18th century volume of the Scriptures printed in Old Church Slavonic. She spent a month and a half learning the ancient alphabet so she could read the Bible. Excitedly, she discovered a God she had already come to know.

At 28 years old, Irina was targeted by the KGB for her writings celebrating Christian faith and human rights. She was arrested and sentenced to 7 years of hard labor and sent to the Soviet Union’s notorious gulag. In prison she refused to rat on fellow prisoners or praise the regime. She continued to serve God and record her writings on tiny bits of paper. Human Rights groups and Christians in the West raised an outcry over her case. In 1986, Irina was released from prison and finally made her way, with her husband to the West and freedom.
Irina’s greatest desire was to have children. Because of the torture and deprivation experienced in the Gulag, doctors said a successful pregnancy would be difficult if not impossible. Friends began to pray as the months went by. Finally, in 1992, Irina delivered twin boys, Sergei and Oleg.

You see the Christmas holiday is not the real problem, it is the power behind the reason we celebrate the season that is the real threat. We celebrate that the great God of Heaven robed himself in flesh and came to earth in the form of a tiny baby. 2000 years ago this tiny baby was such a threat to a king that thousands of babies were given the death sentence. The story continues because this baby was born for a purpose. He would become the perfect sacrifice to redeem fallen man back to God. He not only took our place in death but sent His Spirit to give us power to conquer our hedonistic nature.

So when you hear that another lawsuit against public professions of faith has been filed; if you see another anti-God slogan or witness materialism replacing the Baby in the Manger, take a minute and thank God that you know the truth about a baby that grew up to bear the sins of the whole world on a cross and rose again that His Spirit may live in your heart today.

IF ONLY............

Have you ever indulged in the mind game, “If Only?” Most of us have at one time or another. Usually we’ve experienced a bad situation and a little depression has set in. Don’t be fooled, this game will not help! Your “pity party” will continue until you stop the game or do something that fulfills the fantasy of “If Only.”

It started in the garden! I’m not sure of the year since we are not told how long it took Eve’s dissatisfaction to bring her to the point of standing in front of the forbidden. Sometimes we imagine that Eve was strolling through the garden, happened to pass by the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil when Satan began talking to her. Then on a whim, Eve reached out grabbed an apple and took a bite, shared it with her husband and brought sin on the world. I believe it was more of a process. The Bible doesn’t tell us how many times Satan confronted her before she began to entertain the thought, “If Only!”

Satan’s tactics have not changed since Adam and Eve’s exodus from the garden, so I think this might be a more accurate scenario. One beautiful day Eve was enjoying a moment of solitude, which should have been easy since she only had Adam to think of, but it seems a “woman’s work is never done!” She should really gather fresh boughs for their bed, but maybe it would be ok for one night, fortunately, there was no laundry to finish. Soon it would be suppertime and she hadn’t picked out anything for the meal. Would Adam be happy with fruit salad again or should they start with a wonderful vegetable soup? If only she had some new recipes. Satan began to whisper and Eve began to wonder…If Only!!! Genesis 3:6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. And the SIN OF DISSATISFACTION came into the world.

What is the “If Only” that Satan has been whispering in your ear? It may be, If only I had…, If only I had not…., If only that was mine… Your “If only” may be a different spouse, another career, the house down the street, your bosses automobile, Bill Gate’s money, a model’s body or another Christian’s gifts. We all have different “If Only’s” we desire. James 1:14 says, “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” How do we combat this trick of Satan? Is there a way to avoid reaching for the fruit?

The antidote to the “If Only Syndrome” is a huge dose of “Thankfulness.” When Satan whispers, “If only you had not married him,” think of 10 reasons you are thankful he is your husband. Perhaps you think, “If only I had her money, home, figure, fashion sense or personality.” Make a list of all the things that God has provided in your life; include your healthy body and the fact that God created you with a personality to be used for His purpose. The” Blessing” side of your list will soon overshadow the “If only” column. If only Eve had rebutted Satan with a list of blessings, thanking God for the beautiful home he had provided, delicious fresh food for every meal, a loving, hard working companion and faithful furry friends, always at her side “If Only” must be stopped before it is conceived. If it is allowed to give birth to the “Sin of Dissatisfaction,” “If Only” will destroy you.

THE DOOR WAS OPEN BUT YOU DIDN’T RESPOND!!!

Last Saturday was one of those rare Michigan November days. The temperature hit the mid-sixties, t-shirts were the clothing of choice and although screens have been traded for glass, I just had to leave the door wide open to enjoy the sun. A friend dropped by and we were sitting in the kitchen catching up on all the exciting news of both families. It had the makings of a great day! Directly across the street, however, the picture book day had turned into a nightmare.

Anna (name changed) had gotten out of bed, lingered over a cup of coffee and then stepped in the shower later than usual. Her husband who has been on oxygen for the past several years was in the other bathroom. When Anna finally finished getting dressed, she noticed that her husband still had not come out of the bathroom. She knocked and asked, “Are you ok in there?” When there was no answer, she opened the door and realized she needed help. She called 911 and ran out to the driveway, screaming, “Help, please somebody, Help!” No one heard, no one responded, no one came!

Steve and his friend came back after moving a refrigerator and mentioned that there was an ambulance and 2 police cars across the street. Feeling I would be in the way by going over, I watched from a window as the ambulance left; empty. Eventually a black Cadillac backed up to the garage. Soon the driveway was full of cars and I felt uncomfortable intruding. On Sunday, I had my two grandsons all day and I was too busy to see if I could be of assistance. Finally on Monday, I felt a real urging from the Holy Ghost to at least go over and offer my condolences. At noon, I left Steve with the two babies and walked the few steps across the street to knock on the door. I held Anna as she broke down and sobbed. Her words smote my heart, “I screamed for help and nobody came; I screamed for help and your door was open but you didn’t respond!” I explained that I was in the back, that I was so sorry and wish I had heard, but the fact is my door was open and I didn’t respond. This week, I have tried to be there for Anna and her family. I cooked dinner for them on Tuesday and spent the day Wednesday at her home setting up all the food for the funeral, keeping things replenished and cleaning up after. They have been very grateful but the fact remains, I was so preoccupied that although my door was open, I didn’t hear her cry for help.

Several years ago, we moved into a house by a railroad track. For the first few nights it was very difficult to sleep. I heard the whistle of the train at 11:00 p.m., 2:00 a.m. and again at 6:00 a.m. After about a week, the whistle didn’t even register and I was able to sleep straight through the night without being disturbed. How many times have I been so caught up with the “important” things in my life that, like the familiar whistle of the train, my mind fails to register a plea for help? I pray to be more “Spiritually Sensitive,” yet I fear that I have become so desensitized to the cries of hurting people that the sounds just become part of the background noise of life. The doorway of truth is wide open, yet I am so distracted that the desperate cries of my friends and neighbors stumbling in darkness never reach my ears. Dear God, give me a greater awareness and sensitivity to the distress signals of the hurting souls in my world. I never again want to hear the words, “I screamed for help, your door was open, but you didn’t respond.”

THAT'S NOT THE GOD I WANTED!!!

In the midst of his sermon, last Sunday, the preacher made the statement, “They hate us because they hate God!” As I pondered that statement, I realized that people don’t really hate God, they hate the holiness of God that reveals sin, they hate their responsibility to God, they hate the absoluteness of the truth of God, but they love the idea of God. We love the idea that there is someone out there more powerful than we are, someone we can call on when times are tough, and someone to blame when things don’t go our way, but to many God must also be someone that can be controlled with their hand holding the remote.

Throughout history mankind has resisted accepting a God that is so far beyond what we can imagine and requires absolute faithfulness and obedience from His followers. Thomas Jefferson believed in the ethical teachings of Jesus but he did not believe in miracles or the deity of Jesus, so he created the Jeffersonian Bible. Jefferson cut the passages he liked out of the Bible and pasted them into a book which included the early years and ministry, teachings and parables, the betrayal, crucifixion, death and burial. There is no mention of course of a virgin birth or the resurrection since they fall into the miracle category and give Jesus God-status. This is the sad ending to Jefferson’s Bible; “There laid they Jesus, and rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed." Thomas Jefferson missed the entire message of the Bible. A message about fallen man with no power to redeem himself from the clutches of sin and a holy, righteous and just God who so loved the world that He would robe himself in flesh and die that fallen man could be saved. It is a message about a God who has promised to prepare a place for those who will accept Him as their God, where they can live for eternity with Him. It is a message about the Resurrected Christ who reigns supreme in the lives of those who trust in Him.

Lord of the Rings’ star, Ian McKellen, admits to tearing out the page containing Leviticus 18:22 from every hotel bible he finds. You see, Leviticus 18:22 does not fit with his chosen lifestyle. In an interview he states, “I'm not proudly defacing the book but it's a choice between removing that page and throwing away the whole Bible." Mr. McKellen and Thomas Jefferson are not so very different than most of us who through disobedience tear or cut the parts out that we don’t like. Our lives proclaim, I want a God who is just a prayer away, but only when I need Him. “Don’t call me, God, I’ll call you.” I want a God who would give His all and die for me, but don’t ask me to sacrifice a few hours every week to go to His house and visit. I want a God that owns the “cattle on a thousand hills” and can supply my every need, but I think 10 percent is a little much to ask me to give from my paycheck. I want a God that will heal my body and that of my loved ones but I also want a God to be angry with when it doesn’t happen the way I had it planned. I want a God who can redeem me and save me from sin but I want to be the one who determines the definition of sin and which ones I want to be saved from. I want to make God into the image of my choosing, however, THE GOD I CREATE CAN BE NO GREATER THAN ME!!!

Genesis 1:26 describes the beginning of mankind, “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” No matter what position you ascend to in life, how much money you may accumulate, how many educational degrees you may earn, you cannot make God into your image. We can, as the Apostle Paul stated, “become vain in our imaginations and change the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, birds, four footed beasts or other creeping things”, but it will not change who God is. The bible tells us in Hebrews 6:13 that “When God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no greater, He swore by himself.” There is none greater than God and He will always be God no matter what we do or think. The god that you create will be no greater than you but the God that created me is all powerful. He can supply my every need, heal every disease and sickness, comfort every sorrow and save me from every sin. Jesus Christ is my God and beside Him there is no other.

WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME?

What do you want from me? This questioned has been asked by every frustrated husband, wife, child, parent, employee and employer. It usually comes at a time when you feel every effort has been expended to please another person, yet your performance still doesn’t measure up to the receiver’s expectations. It can create a sense of hopelessness in the performer that if not dealt with properly, will result in the person simply giving up or trying to prove themselves in adverse, destructive behaviors.

The source of most of the frustrations of life is the lack of clear communication. No matter how hard you try, you will live in perpetual frustration if you have no idea what is expected by your spouse, parent, employer or God. Have you ever felt that God has set the “bar” way too high and that you will never measure up to His standard? Go to any Christian church in America this Sunday and if you listen closely, a song, testimony, sermon or prayer request will make a statement of God’s “requirements.” The statements will be as diverse as the Tenants of Faith espoused by the denomination of the church you are attending. You may leave as frustrated and as unsure of the answer as when you drove into the parking lot.

What does God require of me? Some people climb into their “box” of religion. They feel as long as they remain surrounded by the 4 sides of a particular “box,” they are pleasing God. Many cover themselves with a “security blanket” of church rituals. As long as the rituals are performed properly and at regular intervals, God will find them acceptable. Others find reassurance in following a set list of rules. They believe as long as every rule is followed, all the t’s are crossed and the i’s dotted, they have measured up to God’s standard. Perhaps the reason all of our efforts leave us frustrated is because we forgot to ask God for his list of requirements. Living a life pleasing to God is really not complicated. Does God have a list of rules to live by? YES!!! They are very clearly stated in His Word and they may surprise you.

Israel, God’s chosen people, were no different from the New Testament Church, they wanted to please God but their efforts always fell short of God’s Law. Deuteronomy 10:12 gives us a list of God’s requirements;

“And now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all His ways, and to love him and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul.“

God used Solomon to confirm our duty to God in Ecclesiastes 12:13;

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”
.
In Micah 6:8 we find a couple additional requirements to add to our “list;” “

He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”

The Pharisees were constantly trying to explain the law and make sure everyone was following according to their interpretation. Jesus was asked by the Pharisees, what was the greatest commandment on the list. I’m sure they were shocked to hear Jesus say simply in Matthew 22:37-40,

“Thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”

Not only did they have to accept that their interpretations were incorrect but if this philosophy became widely accepted they would lose their control over the people. Paul addressed the “list” with the Holy Ghost filled church of Galatia. They were arguing over what they could and could not ‘get by with.” Paul settled the discussion by stating in Galatians 5:16,

“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”

For those who are not willing to get out of your “box” of religion, you will keep searching, trying to please God through your own efforts and continue to live a life of frustration. If you feel safe clutching your security blanket of ritual and tradition, the blanket will become threadbare and full of holes and you will still fall short of God’s standard. Now to all of us who need a list, make sure your list is God’s list. God’s list is simply:

1. Fear the Lord thy God.
2. Keep His commandments.
3. Do justly.
4. Love mercy.
4. Walk Humbly.
5. Love the Lord with all thy heart, soul and mind.
6. Love thy neighbor as thyself.
7. Walk in the Spirit

BUT GOD, IT HURTS!!!

Children learn at a very young age that touching something hot is not pleasant and they quickly withdraw their hands. The words hurt and ouch are soon added to their vocabulary. As we mature, experience teaches us to avoid those activities most likely to cause pain. There is a segment of people with severe mental disorders, who find pleasure in experiencing pain, but the rest of us go to great lengths to avoid even the possibility. An individual with a chronic pain condition will try any substance or method to relieve the constant assault of pain on his or her body. But could pain be a positive experience? We read in the Bible about a condition called Leprosy. Leprosy damages the nervous system and destroys the body’s ability to feel pain. Can you imagine touching a hot stove and not noticing until you smell burning flesh or grabbing a sharp knife and letting go only because you have fainted from the loss of blood. Pain serves as a warning, signaling that something is wrong.

As a child, my mother had this great red medicine for cuts and scrapes called “methiolade.” I don’t even know if it is still in existence but she would paint our wounds liberally with this antibacterial liquid as we screamed loudly. Physicians have to cut flesh to remove or repair faulty internal organs. They may have to break a bone to set it properly or stick a needle in an arm to vaccinate against a dreaded disease. Although these may cause further pain, it is necessary to prevent a future, more severe condition.

God did not create pain but he created us with an intricate nervous system to feel pain. God allows us to feel both physical and emotional pain in our life so that we become aware of a problem. Many times instead of treating the problem, we mask it with other emotions. When Steve and I were young we experienced a great hurt in our lives. The hurt came through people we trusted and admired. We needed care and guidance instead we were cast off and ignored. The experience was so painful that for years the only way I could deal with it was through anger. I felt that anger gave me the control to manage the pain. The anger became so intense that it consumed my thoughts and “soothed” my raw feelings. The day came when God finally pulled the scab off and I had to choose a life of anger or allow God to start the healing process. I chose God and only then did I realize the lost years and damage caused by anger.

There had been many times God had tried to reset the “broken bones” or apply the “salve” of His love to my situation, but anger seemed less painful. Several times, I wept bitterly before God only to close the door of my heart when He would try to help me face the situation. I would pray until I came to that particular roadblock and say, “Not now God, it hurts too much,” as I clung to my security blanket of anger. Whatever hurts you have experienced in life, God has the necessary therapy to not just relieve but remove the pain. You may be left with a few scars or a slight limp but it is amazing how glorious it feels to be free of the pain.

MAKE YOUR BED WITH CARE, YOU’LL HAVE TO LIE IN IT

My friends and family think I’m obsessive; I call it organization. I become dysfunctional in the midst of chaos. There are some things I’m more organized with than others, so no peeking into my closet. I love order-everything needs a place; balance-an item in the middle of the shelf needs something on either side; and symmetry-my hairdresser finally convinced me that my face is asymmetrical, so my hair should be parted off center. Now you understand why my bookshelf is alphabetized, ironing shirts gives me a feeling of accomplishment and you will never find a haphazard, artistic mess on my mantle. With two boys and now grandchildren, I’ve learned to compromise on the family room and kitchen. I usually have a dirty glass or bowl in the sink, a pile of mail on the counter and various toys lying in disarray in front of the fireplace creating ordered chaos. There are two rooms, however which are non-negotiable; my bathroom and bedroom.

I need a clean neat bathroom, so I keep minimal toiletries on the counter and put out fresh towels every day. Speaking of towels, I always put the freshly laundered towels on the bottom of the pile so that I use all of them the same amount and they wear evenly. OKAY, that may be a little on the obsessive side, but I’m never embarrassed if a guest stops in. Also, there is something so relaxing about not being grossed out by a grimy tub, overflowing trash can and a cluttered vanity. As you probably guessed, I also squeeze the toothpaste from the bottom and hang the toilet paper over instead of under.

Although, I seldom enter my bedroom during the day, it is always ready and inviting if I need a peaceful sanctuary for a few minutes or a calm, quiet place to catch a quick nap. I consider my mattress and pillow to be an important investment. My Select Comfort mattress is set to the exact firmness or in my case softness and my Memory Foam pillow always cradles my head with just the right support. One other luxury that I consider a necessity is high thread-count sheets. There is no feeling like slipping between 600-count satiny, cotton sheets. Every night I slide into bed and just lie there for a moment enjoying the comfort of my mattress, pillow and soft sheets. Then I let out a sigh of pure pleasure as I sink into my luxuriously made bed and let go of the day’s problems and stress. However expensive or luxurious the room and its accessories, it wouldn’t have the same effect if I neglected to make the bed every morning. There wouldn’t be much pleasure if I had to sink into a rumpled bed with wrinkled or soiled sheets rather than a clean smooth bed. My Mom always taught me, “You make your bed and you’ll lie in it.” I figured it was worth taking a little extra time to get it right, if I had to lie there all night.

How many times have I gotten carried away with the every day cares and trials of life and failed to “make the bed” but never noticed until I had to lie in it. The sheets of my world had become crumpled and soiled all because I neglected to spend a few moments changing and smoothing them. I want to take a little time every day smoothing the wrinkles through prayer, tucking in the loose ends and plumping up the pillows by spending a little time in the Word of God. Sometimes daily prayer and Bible reading are not enough to keep everything God has provided in good order and I need a complete refreshing. I have to find an altar of repentance and linger for a while in His presence. I love to let the power of the Holy Ghost wash away all the mess until I feel totally renewed. Lord, remind me that the bed I make every day is the one that I will have to lie in that night. Help me to take the time to smooth, plump and tuck and occasionally change.

IF IT WAS WRONG IN 1850....

The Bible is very clear in naming the evil and sin that transcends generations and cultures, however, every generation defines evil and sin in their own terms. Generational and cultural sins usually have to do with new or changing ideas, expression or technology. We make laws with specific definition and police the vice until the next generation matures and embraces their own designated evils.

In the 1850’s photography was the newest phenomenon with the invention of the camera. It became fodder for many sermons and decency laws were passed in many communities to protect citizens from the evil of photography. It was reported that one shopkeeper placed a daguerreotype of people eating in a restaurant, in his window. So many people gathered to view the photograph that a major traffic jam ensued. The shopkeeper was prosecuted for obscenity!

Another critic stated: The wish to capture evanescent reflections is not only impossible, as has been shown by thorough German investigation, but the mere desire alone, the will to do so, is blasphemy. God created man in His own image, and no man-made machine may fix the image of God. Is it possible that God should have abandoned His eternal principles, and allowed a Frenchman in Paris to give to the world an invention of the Devil? (Author unknown)

The following letter was sent by a Minister to a local paper, voicing his concerns; Sir, - I beg to bring to your notice the serious harm likely to come from the increasing popularity of photography. Since Mr. Talbot and M. Daguerre perfected their processes for fixing a living image on paper a few years ago, there has been an alarming increase in the popularity of this unnatural pastime. The stage has now been reached when permanent damage is likely to be inflicted not only on painting, engraving, and the arts in general, but upon industry, manners, and the home itself.

Already, I am informed, the fascinations of the photograph album have had their effect on the thousands of children who would be better employed in pit or mill; already the reputations of Landseer, Turner, and even Martin and Westall are believed to be suffering; and I can myself vouch unhappily from my own family circle that idleness and vanity are encouraged by the constant posing for portraits, and the subsequent poring over them in unhealthy crouching attitudes. This day, alas, I have been obliged to call five of my daughters before me for reproof... (Appeared in an unnamed newspaper Jan 9, 1851) I find it amusing that he felt children would be better off employed in a “pit or mill” than constantly posing for immoral photographers.

It is interesting to look back over the years and remember the things the things our parents were certain would cause us irreparable damage have been set aside for the newest evil that has reared its ugly head. I wonder what our children will look back at and laugh as they attempt to legislate against the latest music, media offerings or idea?

King Solomon declared in Ecclesiastes 1:9-11, "The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. 10 Is there anything whereof it may be said, See, this is new? It hath been already of old time, which was before us. 11 There is no remembrance of former things; neither shall there be any remembrance of things that are to come with those that shall come after. " The wisest man that every lived understood that human nature has not changed, since creation. We convince ourselves that we are smarter and more innovative than any other time in history, that we have more clarity, a greater revelation and were created for such a time as this. We will make the world a better place for future generations and our children will set up shrines to worship at the altar of our success. In reality we are destined to repeat mistakes, which will be repeated by our children and grandchildren. Every generation must make their own mistakes, learn their own lessons and find their own relationship with God.

The Word of God has left us a blueprint that crosses generations and cultures. It doesn’t address photography, rock music, or the color of your shoes but it does tell us of a loving God. A God who was not willing that any should perish, and came that we might be reconciled back to Him. A God who is so holy and by His grace clothes us in His righteousness that we may come before His throne with boldness. A God who has conquered evil and equips us to live a victorious life. . A God that went to prepare a place for us and is returning soon to take us to live with Him for eternity. A God who gives us the Holy Spirit to live in us and says, “It’s for you and your children and those who are far off;” this generation and those yet to come.

READY TO GIVE A DEFENSE

Have you ever been accused of being “defensive?” It seems that if one person makes a statement that violates your beliefs or values and you try to explain what you really believe or why that has become your core belief, the immediate response is, “Why are you being defensive?” My response is Offenses always make one Defensive. The dictionary defines Defensive as, “a position or attitude of defense.” Defense is defined as, “the defending of a cause or the like by speech,” or in my case, writing.

When my boys were at home, we welcomed everyone to enjoy freedom of speech in our home, with one stipulation; “If you felt the need to make a statement, be prepared to defend it.” Of course, as Mom, my defense at times consisted of, “Because I said so!” or “As a woman, I am entitled to think that!” These statements of course were only applied to the difficult teenage years and not philosophical thought. Because we encouraged critical thinking, my children excelled in high school and college and have developed strong core beliefs that they are well able to defend. Our family “discussions” scared off or “weeded out” many girlfriends, but I am happy that our boys married strong women who are not afraid to have opinions regarding a variety of subjects.

What does the Bible have to say about the subject? I have heard statements such as, “The Word of God or God Himself does not need defending.” Are we supposed to keep silent and let the Bible speak for itself? Can it speak if it is not read? Can they hear without a preacher? Peter addresses this subject with this statement, “sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” 1 Peter 3:15 (NKJV)

There is a growing movement in the world of inclusion. I am inclusive in as much as I acknowledge that you may not think like me, have different opinions and value systems. I do not believe that inclusiveness means that I must entertain all opinions as equal in truth and incorporate all thought into my World View. We live in the United States where according to our Constitution; we still have freedom of speech. I respect that Right and agree that extends to our Beliefs. I also believe that Right covers Christians and our right to defend the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The following is a defense written by my oldest son, Steven in response to many emails and discussions he has had on this subject.

In response to a message that I forwarded to some friends and family, that was subsequently forwarded to others, there has been an incredible and offensive backlash. This response has accused Christians of many things, including hatred, intolerance, and bigotry. I have ignored these charges as long as God would allow, but now I must respond with an attempt at very clear, straightforward language.

It is vitally important that we understand Christianity, so that we can put up a defense against those who, though not trusting in Christ, would tell us how “true Christians” should respond to the world. Satan is the great accuser, so where do you think the accusations of hatred, intolerance, and bigotry are rooted? Would Satan not love for Christians to begin to tolerate corruption of God’s Word and to encourage sin in the world?

This is at the heart of Christianity (nutshell version):
God loves all of His creation and as a result has made a way (through Jesus Christ) to restore the fallen and sinful race of mankind to communion with God, but that perfect love does not override His justice which requires those who reject His salvation (Jesus Christ) to be punished for the sin of pride which seeks to usurp God’s throne.

Christians believe that the Bible was written by God, through men (not by men). As such, it is non-negotiable, timeless, and absolute. As Christians, what must we believe? The answer is clear….we must believe what the Bible tells us. It is NOT our prerogative what we choose to believe and disregard from the Bible.

First principle: Man’s need for redemption. Romans 3:20-26; All have sinned, falling short of the glory of God. None are worthy, all are corrupt, and as a result there is nothing that we can bring to God, no deed we can perform, and no amount of good that can be done on our part in order to rectify our fallen nature. As we are corrupt in our nature (our lusts and desires), everything that comes from us, including all deeds and works, are corrupt by nature. Matthew 7:18 tells us that “neither can good fruit come from a corrupt tree”. The only way to receive redemption from our fallen nature is to allow God to impart His incorruptible nature to us. This does not mean that we are perfect in action or attitude, but that we accept the offer of salvation through Jesus Christ and allow His Spirit to change us, bringing us unto perfection.

Second principle: Acts 10:34; God is no respecter of persons, therefore there cannot be different paths for different people. Ephesians 4:4-6; one body, one Spirit, one Lord, one baptism, one God and Father of all. There is one, not several. Matthew 7:13-14; the path to salvation is narrow, not wide. John 14:6; Jesus makes it clear that He is the way, the truth, and the life…the only way. Acts 4:12; “There is one name given under heaven whereby all men must be saved.” When read in context, it is clear that the name is Jesus. Jesus said, the Bible teaches, and Christianity believes that there is one way to redemption and it is through the blood of Jesus Christ, whereby we come to God, submit our will, and allow the Holy Spirit to transform us into the image of Christ.

Third principle: man needs redemption and Jesus Christ is the only way, therefore, if one does not identify with Jesus Christ in His sacrifice for our sins, one cannot be saved from the punishment that awaits all corruption. A Christian, while not hating those of differing viewpoints and beliefs, cannot embrace other faiths that deny the divinity of Jesus Christ and deny the need for His redemptive sacrifice to be applied to our lives. Those faiths are corrupt at their nature and cannot be true or valid.

There is no faith equal to Christianity because all other faiths reject Jesus as God Himself and reject His salvation. The end road of this lack of belief (and resultant acceptance of salvation) is Judgment and everlasting separation from God.

Why do I write these things? There is an emerging trend in the world toward religious inclusion and universal validity of faith. This is nonsense and the Christian church must not accept this corruption of God’s Word and His Truth.

This is not hatred, it is fact. The heart of the Christian does not look at the world and hope for judgment, we instead hope for revelation and salvation to come to the lost. Just as God so loved the world, so does the heart of Christ in us cry out in desperation that the world is missing out on so great a salvation. Often people are missing out on a relationship with Jesus Christ simply because we don’t want to offend someone else’s misguided beliefs. We do not further the Gospel by compromising the Word of God and marrying Truth with deceit.

The expectation is being put upon Christians to accept the world so that we can all be happy and all get along. Matthew 10:34-35 is clear that Jesus did not come to bring peace and a “kumbaya” attitude into the world. He came to bring Truth and that Truth will be a division between those who embrace it and those who reject it. We must stand up for the Truth even when people don’t like it. Those people may be friends, family, or strangers, but we must stand regardless.

As I have mentioned, the charge of hatred, intolerance, bigotry has been brought in recent days. When you look at the fundamental beliefs of Christianity, it is the farthest thing from hatred and bigotry, though it is intolerant. In order to express love, we must be intolerant of falsehood. Standing on the Truth of God is the deepest love that we could show the world because it is the only way for mankind to be saved. Indifference to the falsehood being thrown around would be the essence of hatred…it would be to disregard the everlasting consequences of man’s sinful actions. By standing up for the Truth of God (the Gospel of Jesus Christ) we are displaying our love for the lost souls we see everywhere. We must stand firm, or more souls will perish without hope of redemption. There is no bigotry in this display of love…all are welcome to partake of the salvation of Jesus Christ.

In the last day, only Truth will stand. Jesus will either know you or He won’t. The consequences are clear for either one: Heaven for those who take on His salvation and have a relationship with Him, and everlasting punishment and separation for those who have not. This unfortunately includes the Muslim world, the Hindu world, the Buddhist world, and the followers of every other religion in the world.

Christians, let us be clear: we do not serve the same God as any other religion. Our God has revealed Himself in Jesus Christ. Acceptance of this is absolutely necessary. Any religion that denies this fundamental truth cannot possibly serve our God. They are rejecting Him and His incredible expression of love.

This presentation is in no way a complete defense of Christianity and all of our beliefs…I simply don’t have the time. However, I pray that it has strengthened your resolve to stand up for the Truth, to never be swayed by vain philosophies of man, and to daily renew your relationship with Jesus Christ.

As a mom, I am so proud of my boys and the men they have become. As their “sister in Christ”, however, I am so thankful for their strong belief in the gospel and their thoughtful defense of the same. Jesus is coming soon and Satan is out to steal everything we hold dear. We must fight for truth and always be ready to “give a defense.”

THE GOOD NEW DAYS

We have all heard stories of the “good old days.” It is amazing how time erases all of the “bad old parts” out of the “good old days” and they become a romanticized memory that we long to experience once again. My mom love to talk of her childhood on the “Ole John Drennan” place. She taught us how to play “kick the Can” and “roll the hoop.” We heard tales of Christmas past, when she got a whole candy cane, apple and orange for herself and how Granny Myers made doll clothes and Grandpa Myers made a doll bed as her Christmas present. Because of the “good old days” we always looked for the apple and orange in our stocking on Christmas morning. Unfortunately, we didn’t treasure them as Mom had and they ended up in a beautiful centerpiece on the table. There were times I longed for the simple life, Mom described, running through grassy meadows, instead of a manicured lawn, walking down the lane, rather than navigating cement sidewalks and a chlorinated swimming pool seemed a boring substitute for swinging from a tree and dropping into your very own swimming hole. Of course Mom told her share of walking a mile to school, trekking through the woods to the outhouse and how she hid behind the barn crying as her little lamb, Blackie was sent to market. But these stories were reserved to teach us lessons when we became ungrateful. Besides, I never had a woods to trek through or a little lamb to cry over; Oh the “good old days!”

Now, I’m sure, if my sons were writing this blog, they would accuse me of my own “good old days.” How we had to walk across the room and turn the dial on our black and white TV to change channels, we had no x-box, DVR, and not even a VCR. A microwave was something in a sci-fi story in a book checked out at the library when we should have been researching the encyclopedia for the paper that would be typed on our typewriter, with no “delete” button. Our bicycles had banana seats, big handle bars and we pressed the pedals backward to stop. We spent endless hours in the backyard playing baseball, making dandelion chains and catching fireflies before taking a bath in the one bathroom with no shower. Neighbors watched out for each other, dropped in for a cup of coffee, and knew you by name. Mom’s hollered from the back porch when it was time to come home and if you needed to make a phone call, you literally dialed a number and stood by the wall phone unless you had an extra long cord. Oh, the “Good Old Days!”

If only we could take the “good” of yesterday and incorporate it into the “good” of today. I must confess, I really enjoy multiple bathrooms with showers, fresh ground coffee at the touch of a button and a DVR allowing me to record, pause and rewind my favorite programs. By instituting a few extra safeguards, my grandchildren can still run free, chase butterflies and take a dip in the lake. It’s true they will google instead of use the card catalog but their eyes will still light up when they discover why birds fly and the sky is blue. I can still push the off button on the remote and introduce them to the joy of fudge, popcorn and a night of playing Candy Land, Checkers, Monopoly or completing a jigsaw puzzle. They can still hang up their personalized, designer stocking over the gas-log fireplace in anticipation of wonderful surprises the next morning. I wonder what the stories of the “Good old days” will sound like to my great-grandchildren?

Sometimes we long for the “good old days” in our relationship with God. We yearn for the time when the power of God was so strong in our services that even the babies were silent. I remember when “waves of glory” would roll from one side of the church to the other that would rival a “fan wave” in any sports stadium. The songs were heartfelt and filled with a message that touched the soul. “Brothers and Sisters” greeted each other with a “holy kiss” and you felt loved and part of the family of God. There were wonderful church potlucks and the children were cared for by all the saints. One of my friends posted the following on Facebook this week, “back then church was different than today. I'm hungry for the church we used to have.” I have made similar statements myself. But have we “romanticized” church? God hasn’t changed and as PCD sang “The Power is still where it’s always been.”

I was reminded of this story in Ezra. The Israelites had been allowed to return to their home and rebuild the temple. Ezra 3 relates how finally the builders had laid the foundation of the Temple of the Lord. The priests blew the trumpets and the people rejoiced, singing and praising God, “because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel.” There were some, however, could not rejoice because their heart was heavy with longing for the “Good Old Days.” Ezra 3:12 tells us, “But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, who were ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice.” They longed for what had been, what could have been, and what they feared their children would never experience. The rest of the verse states, “and many shouted aloud for joy.” Those who rejoiced, remembered from where God had brought them and the miracle that had lead to this day. They were excited about what God was doing at this moment and that their children could once again experience worship in the Temple of the Lord. It might not contain all the former glory but God was doing a new thing in the congregation.

Let us not become so stuck in the “good old days” that we miss the glory of God in the “good new days.” The key is making the service “all about Him.” If we are worshiping God in Spirit and Truth, it doesn’t matter if we are sitting on hard benches or padded seats. If we are lifting our voice in praise to God, it doesn’t matter if we are singing out of a worn hymnal or reading the words off a screen with background video. If the preacher is preaching from the Word of God it doesn’t matter if he is thumping hand-written notes or eloquently speaking from neat word-processed pages. I will gladly trade the whrrr of fans for the quiet cool of central air and the out-of-tune upright and one guitar for the harmonious blending of today’s instruments. I loved the preaching of the “old-time” country preacher I grew up with, but I also enjoy the deep insightful teaching of men who have dug deep into the Word and received fresh revelation from God to deliver to the congregation. You see, church is still about my relationship with God. Will I praise Him in the sanctuary, for his mighty acts, according to His excellent goodness, because His mercy endures forever, and because He is worthy to be praised? We are living in the “Good New Days.” Jesus Christ is still the same, yesterday, today and forever. Let us leave a legacy of praise and power in the Holy Ghost so strong, that our children will look back with longing at our day and say, “Surely the Presence of the Lord was in that place.”

JUST 10 MORE MINUTES

I love to browse the bargain shelves at the Family Book Store. I usually come home with 2 or 3 books. Some end up in the garage sale, half read, others become dog eared, highlighted and quoted because they speak to an area of my life that has been neglected. Last week I picked up such a book. The book was fiction, which is not usually my reading choice, but it was by an author, I enjoy, who also writes nonfiction and it was only $5. The book proved to be an amazing find and I couldn’t put it down. I wanted to fall on my knees, call up my loved ones and start rereading it all at the same time. Now that your curiosity is at an all time high, the book is “Rescued” by John Bevere. It is worth reading even if you have to pay more than $5, it will make you stop and think and possibly even change your thinking.

The main character is a minister of a mega church and his son. I won’t go into all the details because you really need to read the book for yourself, so I will just say the following: It is so easy to justify our actions based on our service to God. We have a great responsibility to those in our sphere of influence. God sees past the service deep into the secret recesses of our heart and mind. Anything you refuse to give to God, you will eventually have to face; either in this life or eternity. Most important you still have time to change anything that’s not in line with God’s plan.

If by God’s grace I knew this was my last day on earth, I would spend a good portion of it examining everything in my heart and make sure it had all been confessed, repented of and was under the blood of Jesus Christ. Then if God, told me, “You have just 10 more minutes to speak to your loved ones. Say anything you want but whatever you say, they will remember the rest of their lives.” Here is what I would say:

God loves you. His love is unconditional but salvation is conditioned upon your obedience to God’s Word.

Your life will be better if you follow God, because you will always have a friend walking with you.

Love the Lord with all your heart, mind, soul and strength and love your neighbor as yourself. Follow these two commandments all your life and you will have no trouble being in the Will of God.

Daily prayer and Bible reading won’t save you, but it will make the journey a whole lot easier.

Be swift to ask for forgiveness and even more swift to offer forgiveness.
You can’t change yesterday and you don’t know what surprises tomorrow will hold, so don’t waste a moment of today.

Let God measure your successes and correct your failures.

If you let your possessions define you, you will have missed out on God’s greatest blessing--relationships.

Your Godly heritage is a precious treasure. You will determine how much of it is passed to the next generation.

Heaven and Hell are equally real and your life on earth determines which one you choose for eternity. Remember, Heaven is not automatic.

Your life is a precious gift from God and you are a precious gift to me. I will always be thankful for the time on earth we shared. Make sure you choose Heaven because I want to spend eternity with you too.

I still have a minute left, I would like to pray a special blessing over you and as I step into eternity, hold my hand.
What would you say if you had only 10 more minutes? Think about it; write it down, or better yet, LIVE IT EVERYDAY!!!!

MIRRORS, REFLECTIONS AND ILLUSIONS

As a child, my youngest son Philip had a fascination with mirrors. If there was a mirror in the room, he could not resist watching himself talk as he told you about his day or ask a question. To get his attention his dad would stand in front of the mirror. Phil, never missing a syllable would contort his body so he could see around, under or over his dad. My grandchildren have inherited this same trait. I’m sure my mother would testify that the gene came from me; I prefer to believe that it magically appeared in my children and then was passed down to my grandchildren. Children will pause to gaze at any reflection of themselves. I watched as Caleb used the glass in the back door to examine his tongue and his belly, to see what scary and funny things he could do with his face and to watch the patterns saliva created as it ran down the formerly clean window. I wanted to capture this moment to show at his graduation party, so to get his attention I asked him to show me the sucker clutched in his little hand. Refusing to look at the camera, he held the sucker up proudly and smiled as I captured the back of his head and the reflection in the glass.

As we mature, our fascination with mirrors doesn’t really go away. Alright, confess! How many of you still make funny faces in your bathroom mirror? How many of you men strike a pose and flex for the mirror admiring the imaginary bulging biceps and six-pack abs? It really doesn’t change, most of the time we see an illusion; what we would like to be rather than what we have become.

This morning, I saw an interview with Ruby. At one time Ruby weighed over 700 pounds and has lost over 300. She said all the weight just sort of “crept” up on her. My first thought was, did you ever look in a mirror? I understand 20 or 30 pounds “creeping” up on you but 400 to 500? Then it hit me this is how everything that would destroy our life begins. Looking in the “mirror of life” after we have allowed just a little lie or envy to invade, we decide, “it doesn’t look so bad.” After all, I can still button the “blouse.” After a few days, the new reflection becomes familiar and when we add some hatefulness or doubt, we again decide I see the changes but no one else notices and we hide behind a “roomier blouse.” The scenario is repeated, we become comfortable with our new look and easily allow jealousy, lust or unforgiveness to pile on. The illusion takes over and we no longer notice or care as we quickly “comb our hair,” closing our mind to our true reflection.

Recently, I have been teaching a bible study to a group. I passed out a mirror to each person in the group and ask each one to look at their reflection and tell me one good thing about themselves. Some made remarks regarding their eyes, hair, wrinkles, or smile, while others mentioned qualities that were not reflected in the mirror but were reflected in their character. One gentleman laid down his mirror and with tears in his eyes began to tell of his experience with mirrors. His life had become something he would have never dreamed possible. His shame was so great that he was unable to even look at the reflection of sin’s destructive forces. Today, he looks in the mirror, past the lasting scars of sin, into eyes that reflect the joy of the Lord, and at a mouth that speaks blessing rather than cursing.

If you have allowed some “weights or sins” to creep into your life, stop, take a good look in the mirror. Instead of embracing an illusion and glancing past the unflattering parts, choose the characteristic that causes you the biggest problem and give it to Jesus. Then move on to the next and the next. Soon you will be able to look in the mirror and see yourself as He does, through eyes of forgiveness. You will no longer see what you have become but the transformed person you are becoming through the blood of Jesus Christ.

I WANT TO BE A BALCONY PERSON

A year or two ago, my friend, Suzanne and my sister, Anita recommended that I read a book by Joyce Landorf Heatherley, entitled Balcony People. I finally bought the book and have read it through twice. It is a small book, only about 60 pages but it contains a very powerful message. It deals with two types of people in our life, Evaluators and Affirmers. My personality and nature makes me a natural Evaluator. I tend to immediately pinpoint the problem, and then offer solutions to fix the problem that make absolute sense to me. It doesn’t matter if the solution seems totally foreign to the person I am evaluating. I am convinced that if they will follow my sage advice their lives will improve and they will become a better person.

As I mature and realize life is not all about me, I have started observing and evaluating behavior in a totally different manner. I have observed that one of the most important needs in a person’s life is affirmation. We all need and desire to be affirmed. Affirmation means what I do and say has value or meaning. It means you acknowledge that my opinion is valid and worth consideration. Too many times I have listened half-heartedly to an opinion, my mind distracted with the need to insert my own thoughts, which of course I feel are much more intelligent and well–thought out than what I am hearing. Naturally, I expect the recipient of my wisdom to fall at my feet in awe that one person could utter such profundity. Instead the person leaves feeling that once again their opinion was dismissed and probably wasn’t valid anyway.

How different the situation would be if I took the time to really listen what the person was saying. I could still evaluate the content according to my set of core values and then express my views on the matter. However this time, I would be acknowledging their insight, seeing the similarities, affirming their thoughtful opinion and preparing them to hear a different view and hopefully open their mind to consider new possibilities.

A Balcony Person is an Affirmer. This person sees the positives that outweigh the negatives in every situation. The Balcony Person emphasizes the positives and cheers you on toward them. The Basement Person, on the other hand concentrates on where you went wrong and how it can be fixed. In other words, the Balcony Person lifts you up while the Basement Person pulls you down. Although it will take a lot of effort on my part, I am striving to become a Balcony Person.
I have been fortunate to have some Balcony People in my life. The number one person in my Balcony is my husband Steve. For 33 years he has been in the front row cheering me on. Steve has always believed in me and encouraged me to grow and pursue my dreams. Because of his support I was able to go to college and earn my degree. When I felt like I didn’t have what it took to apply for certain jobs, I heard him whispering “If anyone can do it, you can. Go for it.” Last night, he sat quietly supporting me as I taught a Bible Study Series to a church group. You see, Balcony People, do not feel threatened by your success. I want to be a Balcony Person.

God has strategically placed other Balcony People along the path that have urged me on, cheered my victories and offered a helping hand as I sat mortified in the midst of my failures. Some of these Balcony People have been put there for a short time or on a temporary, as needed basis. Others have walked beside me every step along the path of life. I want to be a Balcony Person in someone’s life. I can think of nothing I would want someone to say at my funeral than, “She loved me, saw my positives, cheered me on and was one of my Balcony People.”

A HOP, A SKIP AND A WALK AROUND THE BLOCK

If you want to experience life on another level, take a walk with a 2-year old. Yesterday, while Mommy and Nathan went to visit the doctor, Caleb and Grandma went for a walk. Walking with a child won’t get your heart rate up to a fat-burning level or leave you with aching muscles, but it will challenge you to slow down and enjoy the simpler things of creation.

Our walk began at a fast pace, with Caleb running and Grandma hurrying to keep up. You can never settle into a rhythm with a child, however, because you never know when something will catch their eye and present a new discovery opportunity. After walking about 300 feet, Caleb bent over to pick up 4 newly fallen baby pine cones. He handed them to me to carry because he needed his hands free for the next adventure and he knew Grandma would keep his treasure in safe keeping until needed for his future plans. Turning the corner and continuing down the sidewalk, we met 2 stone lions minding their own business until we came along. We paused for a moment to growl and make faces at them before leaving them to their task of guarding a garage. Caleb called my attention to all the wonderful sounds filling the air and we identified the chirps of small birds, a barking dog, the roar of an airplane taking off on an exciting journey and the raucous caw of a large blackbird as it flew from its perch in a nearby tree.

Rounding the next corner, a fallen twig became a sword, a walking stick and a gun on a shoulder as we marched off to war. Caleb held the twig tightly in his little hand as we neared a most exciting task reserved for twigs and pine cones. He loves to let them fall through the holes in the gutter, down into the darkness until he hears the splash as they hit the water. With that assignment completed, we hopped like bunnies onto the manhole cover just to hear the echo. A crack in the pavement down the middle of the road became a tight rope to help perfect our balance. With his little hand in mine we turned the last corner and headed home just in time for a snack and some juice.

Sometime our lives become so focused we forget to let our imaginations run wild and our dreams soar. God has so many wonderful things to show us and share with us if we would pause for just a moment to look and listen. Instead we settle into the rhythm of life as it passes swiftly by carrying all our dreams with it until we finally wake up and realize what might have been. It may sound childish and you may feel silly, but spiritually speaking, take a slow walk around the block, really listen to the soft whispers that have been drowned out by the roar of what you thought was important. Hop like a bunny, skip like a lamb, march like a soldier or make faces at a stone lion. Consider all the possibilities in God and dare to dream once again.

WHO MOVED THE LINE?

THIS IS NOT MEANT TO OFFEND ANYONE OR TO CHANGE ANY ONE’S THINKING OR WAY OF LIVING. NOR WAS IT WRITTEN WITH ANYONE IN PARTICULAR IN MIND. THESE ARE MY OBSERVATIONS OVER THE YEARS AS I SEEK TO BECOME MORE CHRISTLIKE IN MY LIFE AND CHARACTER.

I have set quietly on the sidelines over the years while those who would condemn did so loudly. I did not want to offend anyone with my way of thinking, while many have not minded offending me with their declarations. I have not tried to offer a defense because I did not want to argue the fine points of such a controversial philosophy. I trust in your relationship with God and I trust that the God who saved you is able to keep you until the day of redemption. I only ask for the same trust and respect in return.

The arguments for holiness always amaze me. First of all, “We are to be holy for He is holy.” Trying to define God with a list is impossible. Holiness is who God is; it is the very character of God. Holiness is a state of being, not a list of rules. Because God is holy and I want to be like God, there are some outward things I will not do. They include what I constantly feed my mind; the things I watch, read and listen to, what I think about and what I speak. “Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in thy sight Oh Lord.” I judge the clothing I wear and my appearance as holy by my motives in wearing a garment and does it affect someone else in a manner that would pull them away from God. If I am wearing something that would be deemed suggestive or to attract the opposite sex, it is not holy, if my appearance would cause someone to have impure thoughts about me, it is not holy. If I am obsessed with costly array, gold, a big car, fancy house and accumulating ‘things” so as to show how successful I am or to have something better than my neighbor and never give to the poor, I am not holy. If I constantly stand in judgment against those who do not follow my convictions, I am not holy. “The kingdom of Heaven is not meat or drink, but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.” Like the Pharisees, we can become so intent on defining the law of God that we forget the character of God which is love and He is holy.

The line that has been drawn and keeping the old paths has been mentioned. I ask who drew the line, God or man. As far as changing the line, who decides, God or man? I have witnessed hemlines change over the years. In the early years of Pentecost, the hemlines touched the floor, necklines touched the chin and sleeve length touched the wrists, who moved the line? In the 60’s Pentecostal hemlines barely covered the knee, the 70’s found them back to the floor, and a return to mid-calf in the 80’s; who moved the line. I have seen turtlenecks, round necks, v-necks, buttoned shirts, and unbuttoned shirts; who moved the line? According to the weather, sleeves may cover your hands, touch your wrist, lie between your elbow and wrist or shoulder and elbow, or may barely cover your armpit; who moved the line? My mom told me that red shoes were once preached against because only prostitutes wore them, but now it’s okay because it doesn’t have the same meaning; who drew and then moved the line? Adult men have always had facial hair because that is the way God created them. In the early days of Pentecost, it was acceptable for a man to have a beard, then beards were added to the “banned list”, now we see many that are semi-shaven; who moved the line. Relatively speaking, our outward “holiness” does not measure up to that of the Amish or the cult in Texas; who moved the line? The lines have been drawn and moved many times over the years and God continues to cry, “You just don’t get it; Be holy for I am Holy.”

I have no problem with the different things people do in their efforts to please God, as long as the doctrine is that of the Apostles. Even among those who would define holiness as standards, there are differences and disagreements. Some wear approved jewelry, situational clothing and attend select “worldly” amusements while others stand on the sidelines and condemn the so-called “Liberal” Pentecostals. I have never witnessed anyone being saved by standards, but they have been the downfall of many; not because they didn’t “live them” but because it contributed to a judgmental, prideful character which is NOT holy.

If you feel God is calling you to be more separate than someone else in your outward appearance, by all means obey the calling of God, but be consistent. We can start with the hair. If you don’t cut it or color it, then don’t perm it so that it gets shorter by breaking off. We use the scripture about changing the color of one’s hair to preach against dying it but will use chemicals to change the texture from straight to curly with a perm every 3 months. By the way the same scripture that says we can’t change our hair color, says we can’t add an inch to our stature, so are high heels a sin too? Also, if hair is a woman’s glory and should be long, why is so much time spent on elaborate hair styles to make hair look short? As a side note, the woman you regard as Jezebel because she has chosen to apply makeup, pray for her as you drive to your next tanning appointment or apply that special lotion that will make you glow. Perhaps God will help you empathize with her lack of self-confidence in her natural beauty.

Moving on to jewelry; I agree that as in everything, some pile on the jewelry to excess. It may be in poor taste, but is the mere wearing of jewelry a sin? If jewelry is a sin, then there should never be an occasion when it is appropriate. Earrings, necklaces and bracelets are condemned, but watches and wedding rings are accepted. Again, I ask for consistency! Watches and wedding rings are justified as “necessary” but are they? In the world we live in, we are surrounded by time-telling devices in our homes, automobiles, and even our cell phones, so do we really need to wear a watch around our wrist? And what about those bracelet watches? Is it okay to wear a bracelet as long as it includes the face of a watch? I do not need a wedding ring to remind me of my vows or identify my marital status and what if our culture provided for nose rings as a marital symbol, would that be acceptable? I say if jewelry is a sin, then leave off your beautiful pins, bracelet watches, wedding rings, birthstones, anniversary or other rings, shoe buckles, elaborate hair bows and other “hair” jewelry and silk scarves tied around your neck like a necklace. Who determined that jewelry can only be made of metal?

Speaking of apparel, modesty has to be considered, but again it speaks to motives and bringing shame to our Christian witness. The Bible says “They will know we are His disciples because we have love one to another.” Some have changed this verse in their minds to say, “They will know us because we have uncut hair and wear skirts.” Apparently, women carry the burden of Christian identity and men can just blend in to the crowd. I believe our clothing should cover our bodies and not bring undue attention and sexualize specific body parts. If your motive is to attract another person in a sexual manner, the clothing is immodest. If the clothing would cause even a Christian man to fight impure thoughts, it is immodest. This includes skin-tight tops and skirts, the length of dress and the low neck of the top, including wedding gowns. It seems that in some circles it is okay to show cleavage and skin as long as it is on your wedding day. As I said of the jewelry, if pants on women are a sin, then there is never an occasion to wear them, whether it is cold outside, you are at work, playing games, swimming, gardening or sleeping. Also, if you feel pants are a sin, why would we put them on our little girls and cause them to sin? Look at your feet, ultra-conservatives argue against open-toed shoes because they show “toe cleavage”, high heels and even the color of the shoe. The color of hose has been mandated at times, tan, white, black and gray were acceptable, but any other color or texture was deemed inappropriate leg wear. If you find this extreme and silly, how do you think God feels? As to the men, you have limited entries on your list, they include tank tops, shorts and going bare-chested. If these are sins, then stay away from the beach and don’t justify the length of the pants, perhaps long pants mean uncut; to the shoe! Also, don’t put shorts on your little boys and allow them to run around without shirts, you may be causing them to sin.

Worldly amusements and what we set before our eyes has caused much debate. Television seems to be the “universally accepted evil.” I have owned a television for years and it amuses me that those who would condemn me for owning a television can easily discuss the latest movies, hit shows and seem to know Jack Bauer intimately. They will not have a television in their home but own big screen “monitors” and DVD players. Now that we can watch most network shows directly on our I-phones and computers maybe we can get back to complying with the “manual” again. Speaking of computers, they are a fixture in most of our homes and contain the vilest information available at the click of a button. We also have satellite radio with x-rated channels available as we drive down the road. Practically every young person over the age of 10 owns a cell phone with camera and texting capabilities. We are so attached to our phones that we cannot drive, eat, shop or sit in a 2 hour church service without receiving/sending a text or checking our email account. Kids have come up with their own texting language to send messages that would hardly be parent-approved much less pass the holiness test. Now we find there is an epidemic of “sexting” or sending sexually-explicit pictures to their friends. While all of these communication devices have become accepted on our holiness list, television, the most easily controlled device, continues to be the vice that gets the most pulpit time. As in everything else lets be consistent, if television is a problem, get it out of your life but check the computer, cell phone, radio, magazines, books, videos and any other electronics in your possession. By the way don’t rail against going to a theater, if you are on your way to rent the DVD for viewing later in the privacy of your home. Don’t condemn “worldly” music, then go with the church group to Nashville, Branson, Vegas or Youtube. Don’t condemn going to the ballgame then angrily tell your “brother” where to go at the Sunday afternoon church game.

We were asked to leave an organization because Steve in good conscience could not sign a loyalty oath to an organization and it’s manual. We believe our loyalty belongs to God and His word alone. Although we believed in the salvational message recorded in the manual, there were many things listed that we did not agree with. Since we could not “teach, preach and practice” the things that the oath demanded, Steve did not justify his actions and sign the oath. Some went ahead and signed because they agreed with most of the manual, yet they pick and choose from the “holiness list” the things they “teach, preach and practice.” They have to work out this justification with God, we could not sign!

Perhaps we need to stop worrying about lists and lines and move onto true holiness. It is time to check our heart for purity, examine our motives, are they Christ-like? We need to let God transform us into His image; with His character. Oh, to be like Jesus!!!!

TEMPTATION AHEAD

It was one of those beautiful autumn days that you just have to take advantage of, especially if you live in Michigan. You can ignore the signs, pretend it won’t happen this year, continue wearing summery clothes and refuse to turn on the furnace until November, but deep down inside you know winter is on the way. The lure of colorful leaves, an evening campfire and enjoying a cup of hot coffee on the deck in the crisp morning air was irresistible, so we began the I-75 drive to our cottage at Higgins Lake.

If you have read my other blog postings, you know that I love to read highway signs and billboards. Settled into a comfy position in the car seat with a Big Gulp close at hand, I was enjoying the ever-changing colorful landscape when a billboard caught my eye. The sign simply stated TEMPTATION AHEAD. Underneath the caption was a burger and ice-filled coke so real that I caught a whiff of grilling burgers and saw a trickle of water run down the icy drink. Typically, I don’t care for fast food and never stop unless I am on the road and there is nothing else available. On this day, however, I wanted a greasy burger and watered down Coke more than any gourmet meal in the world.

TEMPTATION AHEAD; is it a warning or an invitation? It all depends on my perception at the moment. If my goal is a healthy lifestyle and wholesome food, the sign is a warning. On the other hand, if I’m hungry or have a weak moment in my health resolve, I view the billboard as an invitation. Or maybe I’ll compromise a little and stop in for an icy Diet Coke. By allowing the billboard to influence me to stop at all, puts me in a position that may tempt me to temporarily set aside my health commitment and go for the entire meal.

On our journey with God, we will see many enticing billboards. Will we view them as invitations or warnings? The Child of God does not have to be blindsided by Satan’s antics. II Corinthians 2:11 says, “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” If we are led by the Spirit, we will recognize the warning signals and avoid the exits. On the other hand, we can ignore the Holy Ghost and give into our desires or maybe just compromise a little and consider only the “good” parts of the invitation.

In my daily life, I have to rely on my own will power to resist a McDonald’s billboard, but in my Christian walk, God has provided me with extra weapons to recognize and resist everything that Satan would use to entice me from the path of following God’s plan. Ephesians 6:11 says, “Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” God provides the armor but we have to use it because I can guarantee that the devil is not above hanging around until he sees you lay the armor down for the night or the moment and then strike with everything in his arsenal.

I am happy to report I resisted temptation that day, ignored the exits and stayed on the direct route to our cottage. On the road of life I haven’t always been quite as successful at fending off temptation. There have been times that Satan has managed to sidetrack me with no more than a colorful billboard and seemingly harmless enticements. If that happens, God still has a way to nudge us back on the main path. I John 2:1 reminds us, “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” If we continue to resist Satan’s invitations, he will finally flee from us and we will begin to recognize them as mere warning signs along the road of life.

I'LL BE BACK!

It has been a crazy busy summer that is finally winding down. We have been enjoying our 2 new grandbabies, Nathan Philip who is almost 4 months old and Anabel Joy who just turned 2 months old. Steve and I have enjoyed visiting and guest preaching at different churches pastored by our wonderful friends. It is always refreshing to worship with the people of God.

We just finished our 2nd annual Niswonger Grandkid's Camp with 5 year - old Mackenzie, 3 year - old Madison and 2 year - old Caleb. Everyday was an exciting adventure. Our life has finally settled down into a familiar routine once again. At age 51, routine is a good thing.

I am looking forward to starting an 8 week bible study on God's blessing with Pastor Murdock's church in Bay City, MI and sharing my insights on the subject with a Ladies group in Muskegon, MI in September. I hope to get some writing done and develop another Bible study that is on my heart.

Thank you for checking back to my blog now and then. I'm sorry I haven't written more regularly this summer, I hope to be more disciplined in the coming months.

God bless all of you and enjoy the next few weeks of summer. Soon the snow will fly, the brisk winds will blow and the summer's heat will be just a memory.

MY NAME IS SHAWN

Yesterday, I met Shawn. A friendly, talkative 10 year old, sporting a “Desert Storm t-shirt” and desperately wanting to go swimming in Higgins Lake. Jenesa, and I were sitting on the beach watching Caleb frolic in the sand and water and Nathan was snoozing under the umbrella. Caleb assumed everyone was family and every toy was his to play with, after all it has always been this way in his world. Most of the other groups were family with children and thought the little blond 2-year old who excitedly pointed out the water, boats, birds, butterflies and other things we could not understand, was adorable; of course, we agree. Caleb had just come back to the blanket for a snack when Shawn walked up. Caleb said hi to his new “friend” and Shawn stopped to talk. He told us he really wanted to go swimming but his dad said he couldn’t without a “buddy, not even dip his toe in the lake.” Having raised 2 precocious boys, I totally understood his father’s explicit instructions. First it’s a toe, then an ankle, up to the knee and somehow “a wave came ashore and swept your whole body into the lake!”

Shawn told us he had just moved here and not just for the summer, he was going to live here permanently with his dad. We learned they were trying to blend two households, having a garage sale and made almost $1,000 yesterday. He mentioned he had a little 3 year-old sibling and a 6 month old sister. His sister, however, lived with his mother in Grand Rapids with her new husband. He matter-of-factly stated that he was from a broken home and his dad had custody of all the other kids, except his 18-year old sister who had just gotten married. I listened half-heartedly, asking all the polite questions until Jenesa asked this question. Noting his “Desert Storm t-shirt, Jenesa asked, “Was your dad in Iraq? Shawn quipped, “Oh yes, that’s when my Mom was cheating on my Dad every night. My sister was practically my mom. If it hadn’t been for her, we would have been left alone.”

My heart missed a beat, Shawn had my full attention. This wasn’t just a chatty little boy wanting to go swimming. This was a kid who calmly spoke of adult situations in terms that a child shouldn’t have to know. I don’t have a degree in psychology, but I know little boys. This was a boy craving the attention of a mother, even if it came in the form of a grandma feeding a two-year old and a mother cradling her sleeping, 3-month old. He wanted to identify with Caleb and Nathan, but found nothing familiar. Did he want, for just a moment to pretend that he was the one being nurtured by a loving mom and getting the snacks and juice box placed in his little 2-year old hand? I wanted to hug him but he was 11 and I was a stranger. I wanted to offer him snacks, but we live in a world where that may not be acceptable. He looked clean and well-fed but did he get a good-night kiss, did anyone ever read him a book at bed time, had anyone ever told him about Jesus?

Shawn waved goodbye and went on his way back home to tell his dad there were lots of people at the beach that would notice if he got in trouble in the water, so could he please go swimming? Jenesa and I stayed for about another hour, but never saw Shawn again. His story stayed with me all evening. I hope that for just a moment we were a warm smile in his life: that our portrayal of motherhood will overshadow his reality or at least that’s the one he will dream about. I wish I could go back to yesterday. I would ask Shawn to sit down with us for a while. I would offer him a snack, put my arm around him and tell him about a friend that will stay beside him all his life. This friend will never cheat on him or break up his home. This friend will be his “buddy” when he is swimming, playing ball or feeling all alone. I would tell Shawn about Jesus!!!