OBSERVATIONS AT THE MALL

Friday afternoon, I volunteered to be in charge of the donation table at the local mall for the Saginaw Rescue Mission. The mall was bustling with shoppers but very few people wanted to take the time to give a donation. To pass the time, I began to observe what kind of people come to the mall. The table was set up across from a Tattoo, Piercing, and Body Jewelry Store; this presented a great opportunity to view a variety of characters.
Here are some of my observations:

WHAT KIND OF PEOPLE COME TO THE MALL?
There were mall-walkers with measured strides, children in strollers or wagons and lead around with harnesses. A woman in a wheelchair, a man with a cane and a senior citizen tooling around on an Amigo. Mothers & sons, fathers & daughters, sisters, grandparents with grandchildren, mommies and mommies-to-be; cell phone talkers, security personnel, lonely people, friends in groups chatting excitedly, or sharing a joke. Couples who have spent years together holding hands and couples newly discovering each other, arm in arm. Couples together yet far apart... Caucasian, black, Asian, Hispanic, Indian, Mid-Eastern. Bearded and clean-shaven men; bald men, men with ponytails, short hair, long hair, spiked hair, braided dreds, newly coifed, straight and curly. Hair colored black, brown, red, pink, orange, gray, white, streaked, and two-toned. All joining in the hunt for the world’s greatest bargain.

WHAT DO PEOPLE WEAR TO THE MALL?
Some dress for this all important occasion, others prefer “come as you are” not realizing the personality secrets they are revealing to anyone who will take the time to observe them. I merely observed, you can make the conclusions. There were men and women in dress suits, sweat suits, Army fatigues, torn jeans, camouflage shirts and pants, miniskirts, clothes too small, clothes too big, fur coats, and men in shorts oblivious of 30 degree weather. Many wore Christmas sweaters announcing the season. Team apparel trumpeted team loyalty; Tigers, Lions, Red Wings, San Francisco 49ers jacket, Army, GMI, Grand Valley State, University of Virginia and Syracuse University sweatshirts, University of MI and MI State jackets, but NO OHIO STATE. Their feet were shod with high heels, tennis shoes, fashion boots, snow boots, and work boots, pointed, square and rounded toes. Heads were topped with knit caps, baseball caps on sideways and backwards, fur-lined hoods, earmuffs, felt hats, fishing hats, hunting caps, bandannas and kerchiefs, elf hats, tan hat with feathers, wigs and pink hats on cancer survivors.

HOW DO PEOPLE ACT AT THE MALL?
Some walked fast, as if on a mission; others strolled leisurely peeking into store windows, enjoying the decorations, balls of red, gold, and green, hands in pockets or arms swinging free. People loaded down with shopping bags; bags from stores I’ve never seen. A lady carrying shopping bags layered 3 deep on each shoulder and 2 of various sizes in each hand. Others clutched just one precious package; the one they had searched for diligently, containing the promise of so many dreams. Shoppers ignoring kiosk vendors offering hand cream samples and novelty toys. Excited and exhausted faces, frowning and smiling, afraid to make eye contact; not wanting to be greeted, but unable to resist a friendly smile. Hugging old friends, making new friends; drinking coffee and soft drinks, eating cookies, pretzels, frozen yogurt and other mall culinary delights. Teens with I-Pods singing and dancing, moms checking lists, dads checking wallets. Frustrated parents with screaming children afraid of the bearded man in the red suit. I wonder, how does a man who sits in a mall all day provide toys for anyone?

To a casual passerby it was a typical Friday at the mall but to the more observant soul the faces shown with the wonder of a first Christmas, memories of Christmas past or the boredom of “just another Christmas.” Pausing just a moment, I heard the joyful sound of Christmas music mingled with the dull, distant roar of voices, the click of heels, squeak of canvas shoes, and the plodding of winter boots, babies screams and heartfelt laughter. There were hundreds of strangers brought together by perfect timing with little in common but a need for love, a smile, a hug, a good bargain and most importantly a Savior. Let us not forget the Reason for the Season.

JOY TO THE WORLD

When was the last time you had a feeling of pure, unrestrained joy? Has it been too long? Can you even remember? The dictionary defines joy as an emotion of great delight or happiness, elation caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; rapture or bliss. We get so caught up in our everyday life that we forget to take time to experience joy. After a while, we forget what joy feels like or where we can find it.

My granddaughters reminded me of what it feels like to experience the joy of discovering something exciting for the first time. Laughing at nothing just because you want to hear yourself laugh; finding a hidden ornament on a tree; eating a bowl of ice cream together just before bedtime; wrapping your arms around someone so you can share a little joy with them.

In the book of Psalms, David tells us that there is fullness of joy in the presence of the Lord. David also experienced times when life became overwhelming, but he never forgot the source of all joy. He asked God to restore unto him the joy of salvation. David reminded himself during discouraging times that weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning.

During this wonderful time of year, don’t let the shopping, parties, programs, family expectations take the place of experiencing real joy in the Reason for the Season. Take a few minutes to smell the baking cookies, light a scented holiday candle, taste a chocolate-covered cherry, enjoy the decorations, share a smile with someone you love, or throw your head back and sing this song at the top of your lungs.

Joy to the world! the Lord is come;

Let earth receive her King;

Let every heart prepare him room,

And heaven and nature sing,

And heaven and nature sing,

And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing

NO FEAR

Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, just to take Him at His Word.
Just to rest upon His promise, just to know thus saith the Lord.
Jesus, Jesus how I trust Him, how I’ve proved him o’er and o’er

With all of the events that have transpired over the last week, it is easy to let fear become an overriding force in your life. Thursday, a young man “snapped,” walked into a mall in Omaha and killed 8 people, then committed suicide. Thursday, in New York, a group of young women attacked a man for stepping on a foot. Early Sunday morning a man killed two young people at a mission training center in Arvada, Colorado. Sunday afternoon, a man killed two people in a church parking lot in Colorado Springs and was subsequently killed by a security guard. A woman was found trying to get into Disney Land with a loaded gun. Except for the incidence in New York, all of these events happened in “safe” Middle America in “safe” places.

This afternoon, I volunteered to sit at the mall and collect money for the Rescue Mission. I had to fight a spirit of fear like everyone else. Yes, I am a Child of God. Yes, I know my life is in God’s Hand. Still, I don’t want to die today. This morning I conducted chapel at the Rescue Mission. My subject? You guessed it; Fear.

There were a myriad of different fears discussed. Fear of flying, fear of car accidents, panic attacks, fear of getting shot, fear of dying in general. Luke 21:25 says there will be a time when men’s hearts will fail them for fear; but instead of losing hope, we should look up for our Redemption draweth nigh. I am so thankful God’s Word addresses every situation in our lives and we can rest in His promises. This is what the Bible has to say about fear:

Psalms 23:4
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me

Psalms 27:1
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalms 56:4
In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me

Psalms 118:6
The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?

Matthew 10:31
Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Luke 12:7
But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

II Timothy 1:7

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind

I John 4:18
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

Tonight I place my life and my trust in you as I rest in your perfect love.

IT'S NOT MY FAULT

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT WITH YOUR FAVORITE EXCUSE OF ALL TIME.

I’m fat, it’s McDonald’s fault. I made bad grades; it’s the teacher’s fault. I’m late for work; I’m not a morning person. I’m in debt; it’s the credit card company’s fault. I’m mad; it’s my husband’s fault. IT’S NOT MY FAULT!!!!

I can’t help it! I was born that way! It just happened! If she/he hadn’t said that! He/she did it first! If this hadn’t happened when I was a child! My Dad/Mom was an alcoholic, drug user, abusive, workaholic, cheater, liar and thief? I was raised in a bad environment! I wasn’t hugged enough as a child! I was hugged too much! I was in a hurry! I’m Irish, German, Scottish, Indian, Hispanic, Russian, Middle Eastern! I’m white, black, brown, red, green, purple! I’m poor! He’s just a man! I’m a woman! I’m Pentecostal, Catholic, Baptist, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Atheist! The devil made me do it! These are some of the excuses I’ve heard. I’m sure there are thousands more.

Some of my parent’s favorite sayings were, “If she jumped off a bridge, would you too.” Or “I’m not her mom/dad” or “In our family we have different rules.” I remember being so angry at how unfair everything was for me, yet so protected that my parents cared enough to say NO. Also, I was punished for disobeying. Believe me it wasn’t always a time out and never “Positive Diversion or Reinforcements.” Punishment was handed out swiftly and with a strong message that I wouldn’t soon forget.

Being raised in a Permissive Environment may be getting a little closer to a legitimate excuse. Children are being raised to be narcissistic. Parents treat their kids as if they are the center of the universe. How can the center of the universe do anything wrong? Children aren’t told their behavior is unacceptable. It might hurt their self-esteem. If children are spanked when they misbehave, they will turn in to abusers. If a child chooses to let their sin-nature show, reason with them by giving them the correct options. These theories appear in child-rearing books, written by authors that obviously never dealt with a 2, 5, 10, or 16 year old. As a result of parents raising their children based on psychological philosophy instead of Biblical philosophy, we have raised a generation of monsters.

Thursday, a young man walked into a mall and killed 8 people. His suicide note said “I just snapped.” Violence isn’t limited to young men; recent reports state that aggression on the rise in women. Previously, 1 woman for every 10 men was arrested for violence; it has now progressed to 1 woman for every 4 men. On Thursday a group of young women attacked a man on a subway because he accidently stepped on a foot. The young man who had been raised in a non-permissive environment said he did not fight back because his mother had taught him not to hit girls. IT WORKS!!!! Our kids can learn right from wrong, but these principles must be taught.

We may not want there to be any consequences for our actions, but the Bible clearly states that the opposite is true. Ezekiel 18:4 says “The man who sins shall die.” Choose life, take responsibility and let the Holy Spirit give you the power to change. Your children will thank you (eventually).

BORING MINUTES MAKE EXCITING DAYS

Robert Shields recently passed away. He left a 37.5 million word diary, chronicling his life every 5 minutes for 25 years. As Journalist Jim Shea stated, “If I am going to have anything to write about, I might have to do something. But then if I do something, how do I write about it every 5 minutes?” Perhaps Mr. Shields kept hoping something exciting would happen and he wouldn't want to forget even one little detail. Maybe he felt that life was so precious and every moment, no matter how mundane, was important. I can’t imagine reading about all the boring details of anyone’s life in 5 minute increments including my own. Especially not someone who had so little to do in life that he had time to record it every 5 minutes. However, in memory of Robert Shields, here is a snapshot of my exciting day.

Stumbled out of bed at 6:45 AM. Grandbabies are still asleep, but another one will be here at 7:30. Washed my face, brushed my teeth, hair (different brushes, I think), threw on the first outfit I could find. Poured a cup of hot coffee, took a few sips to wash down a vitamin. Prepared two bottles for Caleb, got a burp cloth and bib ready, set up his toys and made sure the wipes and diapers were handy. I know you can’t wait to keep reading. It is now 7:30 AM.

Caleb arrives at 7:40; Mackenzie appears at the top of the stairs to greet Aunt Jenesa. Park Caleb in front of toys, Mackenzie in front of TV. Thank God for Mickey Mouse Club. Scramble eggs for two little girls, couple more gulps of lukewarm coffee. Caleb is ready for his bottle. It is 8:15 AM.

Madison’s voice comes over the monitor. Grandma, Mackenzie and Caleb trail up the stairs to greet Madison. There is a method to my madness. 1 trip up and 1 trip down. Both girls are changed from PJ’s to regular clothes, dry diapers for all. Eggs and fruit for the girls, the rest of the bottle for Caleb. Change dirty diaper, Caleb goes down for AM nap, it is 9:30 AM.

My day continued with many of the same exciting events repeated over and over again. Juggled lunch for a 6 month, 17 month, 3 ½ year old. Made sure each one received often and equal hugs. Found time to use the facilities myself every few hours. Ate a snack on the run. Somehow was able to get two babies down for naps at the same time. It is 1:30 PM.

Washed the dishes, prepared the supper, played peek-a-boo, sang London Bridge, changed a landfill’s worth of soaked and dirty diapers, shared some ice cream, put two freshly bathed girls into pink jammies, read a story, said their prayers, gave goodnight kisses. It is 9:15 pm.

Thank God, this isn’t a typical day, it would be even more boring. There are few monumental days in our lives, and even fewer events that would be of interest to a jaded audience. But, I can go to sleep tonight knowing that the things I accomplished today and the things I deemed to unimportant to worry about made a difference in the lives of 3 precious little people who will always remember how much Grandma loves them.

GRANDPARENTING: A GIFT FROM GOD

It is 9:00, Sunday evening and I finally have a few minutes of time that belong exclusively to me. Yes, I am playing Grandma-mommy to Mackenzie and Madison this week. Phil and Holly are finally enjoying their long-awaited, much deserved cruise to the Bahamas. What a great time for relaxation and fun in the sun. The rest of us Michiganders awoke to a couple inches of snow, which has progressed from rain to freezing rain tonight.

It has been 27 years since I had a 3 year old and 18 month old. I don’t remember it being this exhausting. Maybe because at the time I was only 23 years old, maybe boys are easier, maybe because I was such an organized mom, RIGHT!!! It certainly wasn’t because I was less busy; we went to church 4 times per week. I can count on one hand the times we were late and on two hands the times we missed because of sick kids or inclement weather.

This morning was a piece of cake. Easy? No, that’s what I fed the kids for breakfast. Call them muffins if you want to, Madison and Mackenzie call them cake. Holly, if you are reading this, they also had some scrambled eggs and blueberries. I arrived at church with the two girls in tow at 9:45 instead of the usual 9:00. Partly because it took me that long to figure out how to buckle them in the car seats correctly and partly because I didn’t think our pre-service would be so spiritual, I could justify two kids running the aisles and shouting as praise to the Lord.

Nothing can match the feeling I had as I looked down at the smiling faces of my 3 grandchildren during the worship service. Madison cuddled up to grandpa trying to take it all in. Caleb, in his mother’s arms bounced to the music and cooed at his dad leading the worship. Mackenzie, standing by Aunt Jenesa was singing with the congregation. I’m not sure all the words she said, but I distinctly heard her say toward the end of the last song, “Let God, Let God, Arise.”
All three were in my Sunday School Class, the only three. I sat down in the middle of the floor and tried to teach about Noah; finally I just let them play with the ark, put together puzzles, then rocked Caleb to sleep.

I wasn’t brave enough to attempt our usual restaurant Sunday lunch. Macaroni and cheese, tater tots and chicken nuggets work just as well. A note to Holly, they also had corn, green beans and a few bites of a hastily ordered pizza. Then Mackenzie and I went to Wal-Mart for new “jammies” and all watched the football game to round out the day.

Finally, they are bathed, snuggled in warm new jammies and hopefully sound asleep, surrounded by an endless supply of stuffed animals. Yes, I am exhausted, but also thankful to have the opportunity to have that “mommy feeling” once again. To feel those little arms around my neck, a big wet kiss planted on my cheek and a little voice saying Grandma, I really love you. To go to Wal-Mart and Waldies (Aldi) with a little girl who can’t leave home without a tiara. To realize that it is much more fun to have two little girls performing in front of the TV then to have a clear view of the football game. To have Mackenzie jump up on my lap and share a bowl of ice cream, chocolate and vanilla at her request. Like Grandpa, she thinks this(the ice cream) helps her to have sweet dreams; I have a sneaking suspicion they discovered the secret. And finally, to read a bed time story, say their prayers and tuck them in safely for a few peaceful hours. The greatest gift God gives to parents is becoming grandparents. You get to relive your younger years, but thankfully, only for a week.

MORE PATIENCE, PLEASE

2 Peter 1: 5-7 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue;

and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

OH GOD, PUHLEEZE, GIVE ME PATIENCE!!!! How many times in one day have I prayed that prayer? This week alone, I can’t count the times I cried out for patience. The turn lane was so long, I had to sit through two lights, Lord give me patience. Shopping at K-mart (big mistake, try Wal-Mart or Meijer), with only 2 people ahead of me, the clerk closed the lane, Lord give me patience. My grandson is teething, and nothing will stop his crying, Lord give me patience. Mackenzie and Madison are coming to stay for a week, Lord, I’m afraid to pray for patience.

God, you have answered so many of my prayers, why can’t you answer this one? Maybe He has, I just didn’t like the answer. If you don’t understand God’s methods go to His Word. Does God have anything to say about patience or is His Word as silent on the subject as I think He is at times? Some versions of the Bible have limited references in the Old Testament, all pertaining to God’s patience with mankind. The KJV contains the word patience 33 times, all in the New Testament, clearly a WORK OF GRACE.

Romans tells us that, tribulation works patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope. Timothy was instructed to follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Patience is obviously a virtue ranked up there with godliness and faith. Hebrews informs us that we have need of patience so that after we have done the will of God, we can receive the promise. James teaches that the trying of our faith works patience and reminds us of the patience of Job and what he received in the end. Of course, we don’t want to leave out Peter who gives us the building blocks of Christian character, including, yes, PATIENCE!! In the same chapter, Peter tells us that all of these qualities are necessary in life so that we may participate in the Divine Nature and escape the corruption of this world.

The muddy waters finally become clear; God doesn’t waste gifts. Every gift He bestows on us is meant to be used to make us into His image and further His plan. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if like the fairy godmother in the children’s stories, God granted every virtuous gift to us from birth? But in His wisdom, He understands that our sinful nature would lay the gift aside, never to be used. It seems that we only appreciate things we learn and earn the hard way.

If I pray for patience and everything is smooth sailing, how do I know that God has given me patience? Every time I pray for God to give me more faith, along comes a situation beyond my control. When I ask God to help me have love for others, someone unlovable comes into my life. The times I went to be more Godly, I’m faced with temptation. God is all about building our character and molding us into a useable vessel. This all takes repetition and, here’s that word again, Patience.

There is an old adage that says, “Be careful what you ask for, you just might get it.” If you don’t want the trials and tribulations, DON’T pray for patience.