BIG HAIR & WHISPERED PRAYER

Have you ever gone shopping with someone and become separated? You are standing right beside them, looking at the same merchandise, when suddenly, they disappear. In a big department store, you could lose someone for days. You go down one aisle as they are going up another aisle or you happen to be rounding the end of an aisle at the exact time they pass the aisle in which you were just standing. It really could go on forever. What do you do? If you are lost, whether in a department store or a forest, the best course of action is JUST STAND STILL!!!

As a little girl, it was always an exciting adventure to go “to town” with Mom. Shopping was a much more focused decision. There was no wandering down wide, air-conditioned corridors, stopping in a store you wouldn’t ordinarily frequent to check out the clearance rack, grabbing a bite to eat in the food court before moving on to the store you really came to shop at in the first place. “Town” consisted of stand-alone stores and strip malls and going to “town” usually referred to Sears or JC Penney’s. I still remember the smell of freshly popped corn as we entered Sears. A strategically placed counter filled with chocolate delights, candy corn and circus peanuts beckoned to shoppers as they entered the store and tempted them as they exited. Sometimes we would get a 1/4 pound of our favorite candy for the ride back home.

Sears was full of distractions for a curious little girl. There were racks of colorful clothing, mannequins to hide behind and make faces at, and ladies with blue hair stopping to admire a mother brave enough to go shopping with such a large brood. In the midst of all the distractions, I would suddenly realize that Mom had moved on without me. I’m sure she was just behind a rack of clothing or down a different aisle, but it can be very stressful to a child when there are no familiar faces in view. The first few times a panicked cry of “MOM” rang out through the department until she suddenly appeared assuring us she had never been very far away. As we grew older and realized she would never leave us alone, the panic faded and we drifted a little further into departments that were much more interesting. After a short while, the insecurity would set in and we would begin to look for Mom.

Over the years I learned a little trick that worked every time. It was the 1960’s and my mother had BIG HAIR. If I only looked up over my circumstance, I could find her moving in the distance among the racks. I would walk toward the “moving hair” and soon be in her presence. There were times, however, that the merchandise was piled too high. No matter how high I looked, I could not spot the hair. I would get very quiet and listen intently. My mother took the verse that says, “Pray without ceasing,” literally. She had a whispered prayer on her lips as she cleaned the house, cooked the meals and yes, even as she shopped. When all my searching techniques failed, I would listen for that familiar whisper, “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!” As I moved toward the still, small voice, I felt a calming peace; Mom was just around the corner. Looking back, it has become just a fond memory. If I get separated in the mall from loved ones today, I call their cell phone and ask them where they are and where we can meet. The need for big hair and whispered prayer has become obsolete.

There have been times I have allowed the distractions of life to overwhelm me. I look around for God and realize He isn’t beside me anymore. I’ve drifted away and I’m lost among the racks of responsibilities and troubles. If I can only look up; above my circumstance, often times I spot Jesus moving in the distance. Keeping my eyes on Him, once again I draw near and soon I am in His loving presence. But what about the times when I can barely lift my head, let alone see over the problems that have surrounded me? That is when I go to PLAN B; stand still and listen. I get away from the clutter and noise, close my eyes and let that still, small voice begin to speak. As I draw near to God the voice becomes a little louder and clearer until once again, He is holding my hand and directing my path.

If you have become a bit distracted and life is too confusing, give my solution a try. First, lift your head and LOOK UP. If you still can’t catch a glimpse of the Savior, LISTEN. His voice is never stilled; we just have a difficult time getting through the interference to the right frequency. He hasn’t moved He is right where you left Him. God has been patiently waiting to speak peace to your heart.

I THINK I AM A VALLEY GIRL

Do you know or are you one of the people who can’t wait for the next thrill? For the most part you feel that life is boring and you would be happier if you could live in Disney World and ride the roller coaster every day. I DO NOT understand you!!! I am happier with the mundane and would prefer to live in the rut; I think I am a “Valley Girl.”

Our Walk with God has been expressed many times as either a “Mountaintop” or “Valley” experience. The “Mountaintop” describes exhilarating times, conquering, the end of the battle, and victorious celebration. The “Valley,” on the other hand speaks of constant searching, struggling, or stumbling through the darkness and discouragement. I think the Valley gets a bad rap and as a Valley Girl, I have a different point of view.

While a mountain may offer excitement and be exhilarating, living on a mountain is hard. Mountain climbers describe the treacherous perils awaiting those who dwell on the peaks. There are stories of hikers finding a quiet, flat site to set up camp for the night only to have a storm blow in unexpectedly, upsetting the camp. The climber must always be aware of missteps into a crevice or loose boulders that appear solid only to break off with the slightest weight and go tumbling into the canyon below. The thunder of an avalanche strikes terror into the hearts of even the most experienced explorers who understand that trying to escape the tidal wave of snow racing down the mountainside is futile. Once the adventurers have reached the peak, there is a feeling of incredible achievement and the view is breathtaking, but trying living on the mountaintop. There is nothing to be found that will sustain life. There are no places to build a house, no rich soil to grow a garden, or beautiful streams from which to draw life giving water. It can be cold and lonely on the mountain. What do you do when all the provisions you toted on your back have been depleted? There is no local grocer or Wal-Mart on the top of the mountain. Suddenly, the valley begins to sound a little more inviting.

It is in the valley we find peace, rest, safety and provision. The valley provides a quiet place where we can take the time to feel God’s love surrounding us and earnestly seek His guidance. Our bodies have been created to endure hardship, expend incredible amounts of energy and achieve amazing feats of strength but even the strongest and most energetic person will eventually hit the wall because we are also created to require rest. It is in the valley that we can take the time to be revived, refreshed, and reinvigorated. It is true, sometimes life in the valley becomes boring or as I prefer to call it, peaceful. For all you “thrill-seekers,” be assured, Life is never static, the valley will come to an end and soon you will have another mountain to climb.

All of you Mountain Climbers please be patient with us Valley Girls as we journey through life together. I will climb up the mountain side with you and rejoice when we reach the peak. I promise to be a shoulder to lean on as we descend on the other side. I only ask that you allow me just a little extra time to linger in the valley. Let me drink from clear stream of refreshing water, eat the fruit from the Tree of Life and smell the sweet aroma of the Lily of the Valley. As a Valley Girl, I need a few extra moments to prepare for the next adventure. We will reach the mountain soon but for now there are green pastures and still waters awaiting this Valley Girl.

STONES OF MEMORIAL

Some time ago, I watched a funeral of an elderly lady over the internet. This is the fourth funeral I have watched in the last few years. These were people I have seen and heard all my life, yet I have never shaken their hand, spoken to them, or even been introduced. She was not just any old lady; he was not just another sickly old man. They were men and women of God who stood strong in the face of opposition, persevered and overcame.

My family is concerned about my fascination with these funerals. It doesn’t make sense why I would devote an afternoon to hear people eulogize someone I have never met. I asked myself. Why? It came to me that it isn’t a fascination with death or a nostalgic desire to reacquaint myself with people from my younger days. It is the legacy they leave behind. Now that I am over 50 years old, I am more concerned with my own legacy. Have I passed on to my children the heritage that was passed down to me? Will my grandchildren know about the blessings our family has experienced? Have I been a testimony to them? Do they have the confidence and faith in God to stand strong no matter the opposition?

In Washington DC, large cities and small towns, there are statues, walls and monuments erected in honor of great leaders, fallen soldiers and other heroes. These are not set up just to attract tourists or decorate a town square but they are Memorial Stones. The hope is that a legacy will be preserved and the future generations will stand before the memorial to hear the stories of incredible bravery and endurance. The goal is that those who pause will not only stand with a sense of pride in their country but be motivated to continue the legacy.

Joshua 4:20-24 And those twelve stones, which they took out of Jordan, did Joshua pitch in Gilgal. 21 And he spoke unto the children of Israel, saying, when your children shall ask their fathers in time to come, saying, what meaneth these stones? 22 Then ye shall let your children know, saying, Israel came over this Jordan on dry land. 23 For the LORD your God dried up the waters of Jordan from before you, until ye were passed over, as the LORD your God did to the Red sea, which he dried up from before us, until we were gone over: 24 That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the LORD your God forever.

Joshua understood the importance of setting up memorials and passing the details of God’s miraculous deeds to the next generation and the next and the next. Although Joshua was one of the great leaders named in Israel’s history, he was not concerned with his own legacy or making sure his name was preserved in the annals of history. Joshua understood that he was but a vessel used by God to fulfill His great plan. Joshua had a memorial set up comprised of the stones taken out of the middle of the Jordan River. His plan was that the memorial would be visited, the story would be repeated and each generation would “know the hand of the Lord and fear the Lord forever.”

As I watch the funerals of a generation of Godly men and women that is rapidly fading, I am concerned that the legacy of the stones will fade with them. Has my generation preserved and passed down the testimony to our children? Will the new generation, our grandchildren even notice the stones and ask to hear the stories of God’s greatness? As God works in your life, praise Him to your children, write it down for your grandchildren. Have a “Praise The Lord” night at your house as you answer the question “What meaneth these stones.”

THE LAND OF JUST RIGHT

Goldilocks was hungry, there were three bowls of porridge and the story begins. She tasted Papa Bear’s porridge, but it was too hot, Mama Bear’s turned out to be too cold but Baby Bear’s was JUST RIGHT, so she ate it all gone. Then Goldilocks set in Baby Bear’s JUST RIGHT chair until it broke. Finding herself exhausted from eating and sitting, Goldilocks decided to take a short nap. Papa Bear’s bed was too hard, Mama Bear’s bed was too soft, but Baby Bear’s cozy little bed was JUST RIGHT, so Goldilocks fell asleep. She had settled comfortably into the LAND OF JUST RIGHT.

The Bible speaks of several instances of people who settled into the LAND OF JUST RIGHT. In every instance they failed to fulfill the great plan that God had for them and consequently missed out on all the blessings attached to their purpose. In Genesis 11, we learn of Terah, the father of Abram. We are told he took Abram, Sarai and Lot and left the Land of Ur of the Chaldees to go to the Land of Canaan. They came to the Land of Haran and dwelt there and Terah died in Haran. The Bible doesn’t say why Terah didn’t complete the journey into the Land of Canaan but something about Haran was “just right” and Terah decided this was a place where he could be comfortable and he never left. Is it possible that Terah might have had a covenant with God as did his son Abraham, if only he hadn’t settled in the ‘Land of Just Right.”

Just a few generations later, Moses had led the Children of Israel from Egypt, through the wilderness and to the brink of Canaan. Moses died and Joshua led the Israelites across the Jordan River and prepared them to possess the land. God had given them the land and promised that He would deliver it into their hands but first they had to drive the heathen inhabitants completely out of the land. Joshua 15:63 tells us of Israel’s failure to obey the command of the Lord; “As for the Jebusites the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out: but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem unto this day.” Israel decided they were comfortable living along side the heathen Jebusites. Although it was against God’s direct instructions, Israel settled into the “Land of Just Right.” History reveals the consequence of Israel’s disobedience and the result of their becoming comfortable in the “Land of Just Right. To this day, the inhabitants of Jerusalem have been a snare and a trap, a scourge in their side and a thorn in the eyes of Israel, just as they were warned in Joshua 23:12.

The Church of Laodicea in the book of Revelation had become a church that had settled in the Land of Just Right. Revelation 3:15 states in a letter to the Church of Laodicea, “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou were cold or hot. 16So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth. 17Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:” This passage of scripture became a little clearer to me recently while visiting with my Mother. My Mom lives in Southern Missouri where it is usually warm in the month of May. The day we arrived it was a sunny, warm 85 degrees. A cold front moved through overnight and the temperature fell to 50 degrees. The cold spurred my Mom to action; on came the furnace and up went the thermostat. Since I am 20 years younger and much warmer natured than my mother, the stifling heat of the furnace caused me to turn the thermostat way down while mom was in the other room. Finally, we compromised on a temperature, Mom added a sweater and I donned a t-shirt. After settling comfortably in the “Land of Just Right”, we continued eating and visiting.

When we become “cold” in our relationship with God, we become uncomfortable. Something is just NOT right. God begins to deal with us and we move closer to the source of heat; the Fire of the Holy Ghost. When we become “hot” in our relationship with God, the Fire spurs us into action to accomplish our purpose in God. If we have settled into the Land of Just Right, however, we are in a “lukewarm” condition. We have become comfortable in feasting on the blessings of God and fellowship without putting forth any effort. Nothing is accomplished when everything is “Just Right,” and God says he will spew you out of His mouth. While it may require that you get out of your comfort zone and life may not seem “quite right” most days, the further you move away from the “Land of Just Right,” the closer you will get to the Fire of the Holy Ghost and God’s purpose and plan for your life will be fulfilled.

The story of Goldilocks ends with the Three Bears returning home to find Goldilocks asleep in Baby Bear’s bed. We tell our children a nice little ending with the bears waking her with a kiss and sending her home. Since bears are not nice furry little creatures, instead of a kiss they probably ate her and that was the end of Goldilocks; all because she became comfortable in the Land of Just Right.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

In the last few years the Internet has become an integral part of our everyday lives. We use it to communicate with loved ones, share pictures and daily activities on social networks, learn what is happening in every country of the world, purchase new toys and sell the old ones. If you have ever entered a contest, down loaded software, or enrolled in an online group, you will notice that before the transaction is completed a small box must be checked. It is the “Terms & Conditions” box. By checking the box you are promising that you accept and abide by whatever rules the creator has set up in connection with this event. I have checked many little boxes but I have to admit, other than a cursory scan, I have never read a detailed Terms & Conditions page. THAT IS GOING TO CHANGE!!! After reading the following article, I have decided to throw my checkmarks around with a little less nonchalance.

Fox News reported that 7,500 online shoppers unknowingly sold their souls when they purchased a computer game from a British company. The “Terms & Conditions” included this clause, “By placing an order via this Web site on the first day of the fourth month of the year 2010 Anno Domini, you agree to grant Us a non transferable option to claim, for now and forever more, your immortal soul. Should We wish to exercise this option, you agree to surrender your immortal soul, and any claim you may have on it, within 5 (five) working days of receiving written notification from gamesation.co.uk or one of its duly authorized minions." A joke? Probably! Enforceable? Probably not!! The lesson to be learned, however, is make sure you know the Terms & Conditions before completing the transaction.

God promised Abraham that he would be the father of a great nation. The Terms & Conditions to receive the promise were that Abraham had to leave his country and loved ones, follow God to an unknown land, face unforeseen obstacles and finally in his old age, experience the birth of the one son who was the start of the “great nation.” Joseph dreamed of his destiny but not the Terms & Conditions. How could he know that before his brothers would bow down to him, he would be sold into slavery, falsely accused, put in prison, forgotten about for a few years and finally brought before Pharaoh? Did the disciples understand the Terms & Conditions when Jesus asked them to put down their nets and other tools of the trade to follow Him? What about you, have you read the Terms & Conditions to inherit eternal life?

John 14 1-3 says, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” What an exciting promise; Jesus left to prepare a place for me and when it is ready; He will return and take me there. But what about the Terms & Conditions? Am I willing to check the box and hit enter?

When the crowd asked, Peter in Acts 2, “What must we do to be saved,” Peter declared the Terms & Conditions as they were given to him. Acts 2:38, Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Is that it? Just do what Peter says and I can get my place in a mansion for eternity? No, that’s just one of the Terms & Conditions. We find another in Matthew 24:13, “But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” For the complete list of Terms and Conditions read a book called The Bible. If you can agree to all it contains then you are ready to check the little box and hit enter. You have now sold not only your soul but your life to a loving Savior who purchased you with His own blood. Everything He has is yours including eternal life.

HURRY!!! THERE'S A DEADLINE!

This morning as the fog was slowly replaced by conscious thought, I remembered something I had been meaning to get to all week. It suddenly hit me, I am a PROCRASTINATOR. According to Merriam-Webster’s dictionary, a procrastinator is someone who intentionally puts off doing something that should be done. According to my daughter-in-law, Jenesa, “It’s not procrastination, it is good planning.” While, I prefer Jenesa’s definition, I’m afraid my lack of diligence fits more perfectly into that of Merriam-Webster. After examining my thought process in relationship to task process, I realize I work best when constrained by DEADLINES.

It is amusing to watch an individual’s body language when the word deadline is mentioned. It is as if a curtain drops, a mental block is put into place draining all of their energy and enthusiasm for the project. Could it be because behind its benign modern definition lurks its literal original meaning? We use the term "deadline" to refer to a specific time when a project is to be completed, but it literally means a line beyond which you die. According to one source, the word deadline first appeared as a word that referred to the line around a military prison beyond which soldiers were authorized to shoot escaping prisoners. Perhaps the word strikes such fear because deep down we feel that if we miss the set date we may die. I can promise you that most of the deadlines you face in life will not result in death if missed but maybe we should not discount the seriousness of some of the approaching deadlines.

I worked for several years as a Controller of a company. For all of you who have ever worked in an Accounting Department, you understand the word Deadlines. The entire monthly accounting cycle is determined by deadlines; report deadlines, tax deposit deadlines, information submission deadlines, budget deadlines, etc. Although missing a deadline would not cost me my life, it could cost the company stiff fines, non-compliance penalties and ultimately my job. The deadlines were important and took planning and prioritizing every day. There is a deadline approaching in each of our lives that can be met through a time of planning and prioritizing first thing each morning and executing the plan for that day. This is a deadline you don’t want to miss; the penalties are irrevocable and eternal.

Matthew 25 tells us of ten virgins. Five had planned and prioritized their life so that they were ready for the bridegroom’s appearance. The other five, however, were procrastinators. They were all aware of the approaching deadline, they were aware of the preparations necessary to wait for the bridegroom and that once the bridegroom appeared they must be ready to go with him. The Bible doesn’t fill us in on the many distractions that came between them and the long awaited day, but as the countdown began, five realized they had missed an important item on their list of priorities. They had forgotten to fill their lamps with oil. While they were at the market, the bridegroom came and they missed the deadline. Although they knocked and begged to be allowed in there was no grace-period extended.

April 15, tax day, is fast approaching. If you are one of the tax-procrastinators, missing this deadline will merely cost you a fine. Walking into work past the deadline too many times, may cost you your job, but hopefully you will learn a lesson and be on time at your next position. There will be many deadlines over the course of your life that you will meet and others you will miss with less than dire consequence but have you thought of the “end of life” deadline that we are racing toward every day. Young people think they are invincible and old people become obsessed about dying, yet we all come to the same conclusion; this life ends and eternity begins. The deadline is approaching faster than you can even imagine, just ask an elderly friend. The bridegroom may return in your lifetime or we may pass through death but the deadline cannot be avoided; eternity waits. Do you have your priorities in order? Is your lamp full of the oil of the Holy Spirit? Are you ready and waiting? Hurry!!! There’s a deadline!!!!

I CAN'T SEEM TO SEE WHAT YOU ARE SAYING

It had been one of those mornings I never want to repeat. The headache had been building since the day began, but I knew I couldn’t give in to the pain because two little boys were depending on me. Finally, Nathan was napping and Mickey Mouse had captured Caleb’s attention. I settled down in a comfortable chair with a cup of coffee, closing my eyes for just a moment, I rubbed my aching head. Suddenly, I felt a cool little hand on my brow and a tiny voice say Grandma and other intelligible words except for the last two, “name and amen.” A song of praise began to rise up in me and my headache disappeared as I realized 2-year old Caleb had prayed for me in Jesus Name, Amen!

 How did he know that was exactly what I needed? Was it because he had witnessed his dad and mom praying over him in the wee hours of the morning? Had he been paying attention when Grandpa anointed someone with oil and prayed for them in church? Maybe it was the time he fell off the slide and Grandma ran to hold him close, praying in the Name of Jesus as his tears were wiped away. Caleb was imitating the behavior he had witnessed; when you are having a tough time, PRAY!

It is so wonderful to see our children imitate our good behavior. I love watching Madison rock and cuddle her dolls because that’s how mommies behave. Mackenzie explained to me exactly which side of the plate the knife should be placed because someone portrayed this etiquette to her. It is natural for Caleb and Nathan to raise their hands in praise to God as we sing because that has been modeled to them. But, what about the times when our children or grandchildren’s behavior is not so exemplary? Have you ever been totally embarrassed by your child’s antics only to suddenly realize you have been “slapped in the face” by the echo of your own words and actions? Children are “champion imitators” but not “gold-medal discerners.” They will mirror every behavior they observe.

Ephesians 5:1 tells us, “Therefore be imitators of God as dear children,” yet many times the behavior we are imitating is far from the reflection of God. We may say all the right words, quote scripture, and preach sermons, but what are we portraying by our actions? When our words and actions don’t match, our witness is as confusing as watching a movie in which the movement and words are out of sync. Our friends and neighbors just can’t seem to see what we are saying.

I read today where actor, Neal McDonough, was fired from the television series, Scoundrels, for refusing to perform in steamy love scenes. He has also refused to do the same on Desperate Housewives and Boomtown, due to his devout faith and principles. While his words of refusal are admirable, his actions of accepting roles in multiple series which would require this type of performance are confusing.

Last year, Miss California, Carrie Prejean lost her crown after her statement regarding gay marriage. She was lauded by religious leaders and invited to be a presenter at a gospel music awards program. A few days later nude and compromising pictures of her were published. She felt she was being persecuted for her faith and her moral stance. Wait just a minute!!!!!!!! Her actions were turning her words into objects of ridicule by unbelievers. Once again, their philosophy of Hypocrisy and Christianity has been reinforced because they just can’t seem to see what we are saying.

Matthew 15:8, “These people draw near to me with their mouth, and honor me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.” 

We have fed the cynicism of unbelievers through our hypocrisy of speaking words of life with our mouth as our bodies follow the way leading to death. The world is longing for a person or a group of people who really believe what they speak and portray it through their actions. When we reach the point that we believe and embrace the words we are saying, our actions will preach the gospel and our world will see and follow what we have been saying.