YOU ARE THE REASON

On this Christmas morning, don’t forget, YOU are the reason Jesus was born.  HE came to redeem YOU. He died for YOU.  HE LOVES YOU!!!

We all search for significance; to matter, if even to just one; to be loved as “ME.”  Over the years, I have been involved with many groups, religious and secular and in most of them, I was just “part of the group,” working toward the common goal.  But I longed for more.  I wanted to be valued, not just for what I contributed to the group or not just as long as I was useful to reaching the goal and certainly not because I could be counted in the total number, but I needed to be loved, personally.  These experiences lead us to believe this is how God views us; we are just “One in a World.”  God has a plan; there is an end game and He values you as just one of the players.  One day, when you die, you can go to Heaven but until then, God really isn’t concerned or involved with your personal life.  Oh, but He is and He does. HE LOVES EACH ONE PERSONALLY AND INDIVIDUALLY.

Listening to the sounds of laughter and watching my grandchildren play with their new Christmas toys, I thought of how special each little person is to my heart.  Oh yes, I speak of them as the “grandbabies and every year, I host “Grandkid’s Camp,” but they are so much more than a small subset in a large group.  Each one possesses a unique talent and personality that I adore and respond to individually.  Mackenzie is so smart and has such a sweet personality that loves animals and people.  Madison is a little “fashionista” who loves to create and perform.  She is always ready with a song or a dance.  Nothing stops Caleb.  From the time he started walking at 8 months until today, at 5 years, he has not stopped exploring, learning and discovering “why.”  Nathan, my sweet, lovable little Nathan; he is so tender and caring toward the younger babies.  I love the way he dances as soon as he hears music and his little voice naming his favorite superheroes.  Next is my beautiful, blond, blue-eyed Anabel.  Her laugh is infectious and just about the time she overwhelms you with the drama, her arms go around your neck and she climbs on your lap for some snuggle-time.  My precious, Maicie, who will be two in a few weeks; I love watching her blond curls bounce as she runs to keep up with her brothers.  Her giggles and version of “gama” when she runs into my arms is enough to make my world stop turning for a few minutes.  2 1/2 month old Payton, who completes our family; his toothless smile, his coos and gurgles as we “talk” have completely stolen my heart.  Each one is uniquely valuable to me by themselves.  I love them Personally and Individually.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

The verse rolls glibly off my tongue and I feel so blessed to be part of that world.  The love of God amazes me.  How could He love a world that 99% of the time dismisses Him and follows the path of its own choosing?  At times it almost seems an ethereal concept; this world that God loves.  I reach out to touch just a small piece of this world and though I’m a part, I can’t seem to wrap my mind around a whole world.  I substitute “Susan” for the “Whole World” and it becomes much more clear; God loves me, personally; HE LOVES ME!

For God so loved SUSAN that He gave His only begotten Son, that IF SUSAN believes in Him, she should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

I NEED TO FEEL

A typical Friday in December, a little warmer than usual, but pulling on a jacket I headed out to get in some early morning, last minute Christmas shopping.  The clerks were slow and untrained.  My irritation level rose as, grumbling to my fellow shopper, I waited in line behind a woman who’s entire Christmas layaway had been lost.  Finally, on the road to the next destination, only to sit through 2 traffic lights as crazy people collecting for charity wove their way through the gathering holiday traffic.  I passed the mall and for just a moment considered…but no, I didn’t have the patience and a tiny atom of apprehension urged me to drive on by.  Finally home, I decided a workout would ease the stress and burning a few calories during the holidays is always a good decision.  It was a typical Friday morning except that once again a small piece of our world was being transformed by evil.

The reports began to cross the newswires.  Like most I was horrified; glued to the television, I waited for the endless updates, misinformation, corrections, interviews, press conferences and pictures.  Suddenly, I reached “Emotional Overload.”  My mind could handle no more.  Switching off the television, I sat weeping; horrified, in pain and sad, very sad.  It didn’t make sense…the innocent babies, a dedicated principal, school teacher, counselor…why?

Wherever you looked, whatever media source was tuned in, television, radio, face book…the shooting in Newtown, CT had consumed our lives.  We asked questions; we searched for answers; WHY?  Perhaps we could blame violent video games, mental illness, bad parenting, guns, taking prayer out of schools, removing God from a political platform, booing God at a political convention, or our President declaring the United States to no longer be a Christian Nation.   Many turned to prayer; others asked, “Where was God?” and “How could a loving God allow such evil?”  O’Reilly stated it was “Pure evil” but in Geraldo’s opinion, “Evil couldn’t begin to explain this action.”  We searched for answers to our WHY, but there were none.

Saturday morning; I could not turn on the television and instead filled the room with soft Praise & Worship music.  I didn’t want to feel anymore.  I didn’t want to weep; I wanted the horror, the pain; the sadness to disappear.  Where was the Christmas joy, laughter, excitement?  I wanted “Peace on Earth, Good will to Men.”  Then I suddenly realized, I NEED TO FEEL!!!

 I NEED TO FEEL the horror that such evil lurks in the darkest places of tortured minds.  I NEED TO FEEL the pain of loss that so many families are experiencing during this season.  I NEED TO FEEL the sadness of living in a world that has carelessly tossed God’s love aside to satisfy their own pursuits.  You see the real danger is in becoming numb, no longer caring, unable to feel the horror, the pain; the sadness of a lost and dying world.

Although at times I may be overwhelmed, let me feel horror at the destruction sin leaves behind; allow the pain that drives me to my knees as I view a world of hopeless, searching people.  As the tears fill my eyes and the sadness envelops me, “break my heart for what breaks yours.”  I NEED TO FEEL!!!

ONE YEAR LATER

Has a year already passed?  A year in a new chapter of the  “Exciting Life of Steve and Susan.”  A year that began with us clinging to the only thing we knew with certainty; GOD IS FAITHFUL and has ended with the certainty; GOD IS FAITHFUL!  A year that began confused, wounded and bleeding and ended peacefully, with a few scars, but healed.  Yes, it has been a year filled with surprises; new friends in a new church, a new house in a new city, a new job, new experiences, a new grandson and through it all GOD HAS BEEN FAITHFUL.

When we left Michigan to pastor a small church in Tennessee, we arrived full of hopes and dreams, so privileged that God would allow us a small role in His grand plan.  Our dream house sold and although our business and precious family were still in Michigan, our joyful hearts found a new home in Tennessee.  I fell in love with the mountains, the slower way of life, the southern accents and the warm feeling I had every time the clerk said, “Appreciate you” instead of the usual “thank you.”   It was a wonderful dream that slowly faded and we awoke one day with nothing but shattered pieces. 

Like the story of “Humpty Dumpty,” we couldn’t put it all back together again.  Our dreams had ended, the joy had turned into depression, and our confidence had given way to confusion.  With no church, no home, no future plans, shattered dreams and barely clinging to a few shreds of hope and the knowledge that GOD IS FAITHFUL, we fell on our faces and gave it all back to God.  Slowly, the Light began to flicker and once again burst into flame.

God, the “Repairer of the Breach”,” Restorer of the Dream” and the “Mender of Broken Hearts” still had a plan for us.  The disillusionment, wounds, disappointments and tears all became part of the process.  We left all the pieces at His feet and quietly waited. One week before our world caved in, God had orchestrated a “chance” meeting with two wonderful people who pastored a church that would love us, soothe our hurts and allow us to continue working in the Kingdom.  Next, we found a beautiful, new home that had been on the market for one year, reduced in price, just waiting for the Niswongers and God’s perfect timing.  A door opened for Steve to take a position with a company that will not only provide for our family but enhances the business Steve started years ago that will bless our children.  Finally, in October, we welcomed a precious new grandson, Payton into our family; my joy is complete and GOD IS FAITHFUL.

Satan always tries to destroy the things of God, the hope, joy, dreams and the plan, but he cannot unless you give all of them to him.  You see the whole package is a gift from God to you and only you can choose who controls it.  Allow God to develop the dream in your life, even if all that is left is shattered pieces.   He will unfold the plan and restore your joy in ways you could have never conceived.

HOLD MY HAND AND DON'T TOUCH

Her Mommy had warned me, "Anabel's like a "bull in a china shop."  You do not want to take her into the candy/gift shop.  But I couldn't resist her big, beautiful blue eyes.

 So…Grandma:  Anabel, you have to hold my hand and you can't touch anything. 

Anabel:  Ok Grandma.

 And into the store we went, her little hand securely nestled in mine.

Now Saykllys Candy in Escanaba, MI is an absolute delight to most of the senses.  They have shelves of beautiful, fragile gifts that I can hardly refrain from picking up to examine more closely.  In one corner is a colorful collection of soft, furry creatures just begging to be hugged by little arms.  But, the back of the store contains the most enticing displays in my eyes, CHOCOLATE!!!    Not only do they have the best chocolates that I have ever tasted, but they have chocolate made into fun shapes, jelly beans, gummy worms and other gummy creatures, giant pinwheel suckers and more…just begging to be touched and clutched in little hands.

As we stopped in front of one delicious display, Anabel slowly reached a hand, stopped, looked up at Grandma and let her hand fall back down to her side.  Of course, Grandma didn’t let her leave with that little hand empty.  Anabel walked out of the store with her own bag of treats, selected just for her, in one hand, her other hand, still safe and secure in Grandma’s hand.

Many years ago...
God:  Susan, take hold of my hand.  You will be in the world but you are not of this world; don't touch.
Susan:  OK, God.

As we journey through life, there are so many enticing displays along the road.  Oh they are meant to excite and sometimes overwhelm the senses.  Their beauty is dazzling, just begging to be touched and tasted.  One hand is tightly holding onto Jesus but the other hand is free and slowly reaches toward the colorful, exciting display marketed by this world.  Maybe, just one finger, a touch, a stroke, a taste…then I look up, into the eyes of Jesus and my wandering hand falls back down to my side.  Just like Anabel, I am never left empty handed.  Jesus, daily loads me with benefits. 

The treats of this world are fragile.  They are so beautiful and enticing but eventually they shatter and you are left with nothing but broken pieces of a destroyed life.  Keep your hand securely tucked in the hand of the Master, keep your eyes on Him and He will lead you to the abundance He has prepared especially for you.  I promise you will be delighted and satisfied.

IF ONLY MATTHEW COULD HAVE POSTED ON YOUTUBE

Yes, I know the Pastor has studied, prayed and labored over the Sunday sermon. He also has to come up with a catchy title that captures his entire thought in three or four words.  The title is then, proudly displayed on the screen to hopefully focus your thoughts and attention on the truths he is about to deliver.  It works, it really does, that is, until he gets off his notes and says something that gets my mind really working.

 So Pastor Chipman is preaching that we are never alone.  Yep, that was the title, “NEVER ALONE.”  And it was a wonderful, comforting, feel-good, love-you-Jesus message.  After all, Jesus promised to “Never leave us or forsake us,” walk with us through the valleys, guide us through the storm and carry us when we no longer have the strength to follow.  You see, “Never Alone” is a very good title.  Jesus is always there, when we are bad, good, selfish, completely tuned in or unfaithful.  Take Peter, for example, he was far from perfect.  Why, he even denied the Lord; THREE TIMES; even I take a breather in between failings.  Then it happened, Pastor Chipman, I’m assuming, off his notes, said, “Are you sure you would want to be an apostle?  It might be you and your failures we would be reading about.”  My mind began whirring.  I’m sure the sermon was a masterpiece and I’m sure I believe, I’m “Never Alone,” but I’m not sure what other deep, theological truths I missed.

Have you ever thought what it would have been like to have your name mentioned in the Bible?  Most of the time, it just isn’t that flattering!  Even the Heroes of Faith had failures that are displayed in “living color” for all to read throughout eternity.  Ok, let’s look at Peter for example; what a great man of God, martyred for his faith, given the keys to the kingdom, thrown in jail and preached the first message of Pentecost to the Gentiles.  BUT….if you were Peter, how would you feel about everyone, 2,000 years later, knowing all the things you would like to have long forgotten?  Now it wasn’t Peter telling these unflattering malfunction tales on himself.  Oh no, it was his friends and colleagues, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.  Can you imagine the fun they could have had if YouTube had been invented?

PETER SINKS…Here’s Peter getting out of the boat.  He thinks he can walk on water, hahaha.  There he goes, sinking into the water; good thing Jesus was there to save him, hahaha!!!

PETER CALLED SATAN…Jesus tells the disciples that He will be killed and raised again on the third day.  Now watch Peter tell Jesus, “It ain’t gonna happen.”  Listen closely, Jesus turns to Peter and says, “Get behind me Satan; you are an offense to me.” Oh, hahahah, Peter sure did deserve that put down, hahaha!!!

PETER’S FEET WASHED UNDER PROTEST…Jesus brings out a basin and towel and begins to wash the Disciple’s feet.  Peter says, “You’ll never wash my feet.”  Jesus to Peter, “If I don’t wash your feet, you will have no part of me.”  Now here is the best part, Peter says to Jesus, “Then wash my feet, my hands and my head.”  Hahaha, Peter wanted Jesus to wash his head, hahaha!!!

PETER DENIES JESUS… This one has to be the most embarrassing; Peter says to Jesus, “I will never deny you.  Even if I have to die with you, I will not deny you.” (If you listen closely, you will hear all the disciples say the same thing, but this story is about Peter)  Jesus tells Peter “Before the rooster crows you will deny me three times.” The evening continues and along comes a damsel, a maid and others milling around.  As they begin to accuse Peter of being with Jesus, he begins to deny that he even knows Jesus, until finally…we had to bleep that part out; he began to curse and swear.  Listen closely…”Cock-a-doodle-doo.”  Can’t even laugh at this one; how embarrassing!!!

We’ve probably all had “friends” that couldn’t wait to share our “stupidest” moments.  Some of the finer ones have been captured and posted on Face book and YouTube or recounted over and over by the blustering “Life of the Party” friend. You may know about my “open mouth, insert foot” moment or watch my graceful “slip and fall” moment but I am so thankful that my deepest, darkest secrets are known only between me and God.  Actually, God doesn’t even remember them because He has covered the ugliness with His precious blood.  If, like Peter, I continue to get up and keep trying, one day maybe it will be said, “they marveled and took knowledge of her that she had been with Jesus.”  Or, I may actually have the opportunity, like Peter to proclaim, “We ought to obey God rather than men.”  Then again, I really would rather not be threatened with prison or stoning.  The point is, you are “NEVER ALONE!”  Who knows what great thing God is preparing to accomplish through you.  It was big mouth, sinking, stumbling Peter who was given the “Keys to the Kingdom.”

SPEECH, THE GREAT BETRAYER

Matthew 26:73-74 And a little later those who stood by came up and said to Peter, “Surely you also are one of them, for your speech betrays you.”

74 Then he began to curse and swear, saying, “I do not know the Man!” 

In the Gospel of Matthew, we find the account of Peter’s denial of Christ.  Just a few hours earlier, he had bravely stated to Jesus, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!”  After, a long, harrowing day, the brave statements had diminished, Peter had fallen asleep during prayer with the Master, one of his inner-circle had betrayed Jesus, all the disciples had fled, and yet, somehow, Peter had made his way back as far as the outer courtyard.  As he sat, warming his hands by the fire, the accusations began; “You were with Jesus of Galilee, This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth,” which of course, Peter denied.  Then came the final indictment, one which Peter would have a hard time countering, “Surely you also are one of them, for YOUR SPEECH betrays you.”  What would Peter do; what closing argument could shut the mouth of the Accusers?  To remove all doubt, Peter began to curse and swear.  His speech no longer betrayed his connection to Jesus.

What does your speech say about you?  Is it kind?  Encouraging?  Loving? Does it identify you as a Citizen of Heaven or betray the true intent of your heart?  Matthew and Luke, both remind us that “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.”  Don’t forget SPEECH covers all the avenues of communication you may travel.

 In today’s world, social media has become the GREAT BETRAYER!!!  It is as if we feel an anonymity to state anything that pops in our head, post suggestive pictures or opine in any way we choose because no one can see us.  Just because, you are not looking into someone’s eyes as you post updates and comments does not lessen the impact.  Colossians 4:6 says “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”  Take an extra minute or two before you hit the “POST” or “SEND” button.  Ask yourself, does my update fit the criteria set forth in Colossians?  Do my pictures create smiles and portray God’s love or do they put ungodly thoughts in someone’s mind?  If I have a differing opinion do I state it with kindness or do I feel a need to insult the person with whom I disagree?  Does my speech point the way to Jesus Christ or does my speech betray me and portray the “real me”?

Psalms 19:14 “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.”

YOU DIDN'T WRITE THAT!!!

I am and always have been a voracious reader.  Yes, I looked up the word voracious, on line and it definitely fits my reading habits.  My love affair with reading began in 1st grade when I found out that the words coming from my mouth were actually different combinations of letters.  I also found that those words could be arranged in different combinations on a page to tell a story, describe a sunset and even transport me to faraway places without ever leaving my chair.  Thus began my fascination with the written word.  I read every book I could get my hands on, read signs and even the writing on the drain culvert; of course Mom quickly explained that I shouldn’t sound out every word I saw.  Around 7 years old, I discovered newspapers.  They contained real news about real people that was happening right now.  On Saturday and Sunday, I would wake up at 6:30 just to be the first to read the newspaper.  The local library banned me from checking books out in the morning and returning them in the afternoon because I wasn’t giving them time to process the cards; this was years before computer technology.  A couple of years ago, Steve bought me a Kindle, now I carry over a 100 books, ready anytime; anywhere.

When I turned 50, my love for reading morphed into a love for writing.  I write when I’m happy, excited, sad, grieving, thoughtful, outraged or when any other emotion invades my life.  There is something so satisfying about describing feelings, thoughts, concepts or revelations through the written word.  I never grow bored with the challenge of using words to transport my reader smack dab into the middle of my imagination.  Through reading and writing, I have developed an appreciation and respect for the work of other writers because each finished work is a very personal piece of the author.

Now you understand why it is so troubling when I see quotes and sometimes whole paragraphs and articles posted on social media without mentioning the name of the author.  No, as a matter of fact, often they are posted as the poster’s own awesome thoughts and creations.  Thumbs up, kudos, oohs and aahs are given and even then the poster refuses to clarify the authorship and instead accepts the accolades as his due.  I know that the world has been around for thousands of years and there is probably nothing new under the sun that has not been said or published somewhere.  I am sure that if someone wanted to Google various lines from any piece of writing, they could find somewhere it had already been spoken or written.  I am also sure I have been guilty of not doing enough research on some lines but if it is not my own thoughts, I try to cite the author or at least, author unknown, so as to not mislead my reader into thinking it is my brilliance on the page.  In the academic/journalistic world, such behavior is called Plagiarism.  Reporters have been fired and students have been expelled for stealing someone’s creativity and passing it off as their own. 

Recently, I was listening to an awesome sermon.  It touched me so deeply; I wanted to post a link so that others could be blessed.  Turning on the television, I heard, to my surprise the same sermon being preached by a different preacher.  It wasn’t just the same scripture text or the same idea or title, IT WAS THE SAME SERMON, WORD FOR WORD!!!  I wanted to scream, “YOU DIDN’T WRITE THAT!!!”  I didn’t post the link because I wasn’t sure who should be credited with the sermon.  I recently posted an article on my Face book page and imagine my surprise as I read another posting today with the exact same article.  The difference, I provided a link to the article which cited the author; today’s post had the article rewritten, word for word as the poster’s own thoughts on the matter.  The comments posted after the article confirmed that most everyone thought the poster was brilliant for having revealed such awesome truths.  I continued reading the comments, sure that somewhere the owner of the page had posted a comment clarifying that it wasn’t his article but one that was so good, he had to share, but NO, the pats on the back and accolades kept flowing.  I wanted to type, “YOU DIDN’T WRITE THAT!!!”  I refrained. 

So please remember, just because you can type or manipulate a pen doesn’t make the words you write your property unless they come from your brain and your heart.  If you author something and I repost, I will be sure and cite you as the originator.  If you post something that you read or hear, please, please, please give the author credit or at least (anon) so that you are not guilty of receiving praise for plagiarism.  According to dictionary.com, plagiarism is “an act or instance of using or closely imitating the language and thoughts of another author without authorization and the representation of that author's work as one's own, as by not crediting the original author.”  And according to the Bible; Exodus 20:15, “Thou shall not steal.”