Monthly Archives: February 2025

WALKS & MUD PIES

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These slightly warmer days in the month of February which serve as ushering in windy March are what I refer to as “inbetweener days”. February has a reputation of giving us a range of temperatures…all the way from frigid to ones that tip  moderate warmth helped along by more sunshine as compared to wintry cloudy days threatening heavy snowfall. As snow begins to melt, creating puddles in drives and dirt roads, snowbanks become dotted with large splotches of mud. The sound of squish-squish is now a familiar sound under my feet as I walk down our driveway to the mailbox or along the road on the shoulder when avoiding traffic.

This past week’s warmer temps allowed me to get outside a bit more compared to January’s extreme cold. Feeling the sun on my face has been wonderful. Going for walks without bundling under several layers has been liberating! Now that I can avoid icy conditions, though, I find it necessary to watch my step on the mud. This gooey mess concocted from water and dirt can be dangerous to a misplaced footstep, resulting in slip sliding away when least expected.

Such was my experience this week. Thankfully, I did not slide to the point of a fall, however, I found myself being very careful testing the “muddies” so-to-speak whenever I moved off the pavement of our road. On one of my walks, I intentionally did not listen to a podcast, music, or an audible book. Instead, I wanted the luxury of being “mindful” of my surroundings. What would I see? Hear? Smell? My senses did not fail me.

As I strolled along I enjoyed bright sunshine on my face and cool air filling my lungs. In tall trees I heard birds singing. The breezes smelled fresh and clean, even though my eyes caught winter’s end with melting snow, dead underbrush exposed above once deep snowbanks, muddy blotches on remaining piles of snow. Though not pristine by any means, I comprehended that there is a “season for everything”, complete with the rough edges of waning winter giving way to  promises of lush springtime growth coming in a mere few weeks. 

All that I took in with my eyes reminded me of our relationship with God. By nature we are all sinners, covered with sin’s dirt, marred by its effects. Yet, when He comes into our lives, those things are removed by His salvation and grace, leaving us white as snow.  “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson,  they shall be like wool. (Isaiah 1:18)

And if it isn’t enough to have sins washed with such purity, Jesus is also a healer. In the book of John we can read about a time that Jesus healed a blind man by mixing His saliva with dirt, creating a mud pie in His hands which he applied to the man’s eyes. I’m not sure why He chose this method to deliver a healing, but it shows us how He can use ordinary elements of the earth to grant a miracle. Afterall, if God created Adam from the dust of the earth, why can’t Jesus use a mixture of dirt to restore sight? When common meets divine I’m in awe.

Yes, my ordinary walks outside are opportunities for me to observe the world around me. I can look up and see planes streaming across blue skies. I am able to notice roadside areas covered with mud, stones, and dead plants waiting to wake up to spring’s alarm. I can marvel at numerous deer trails winding through wooded areas, their tracks molded in mud next to pavement, leaving behind evidence of their presence in our neighborhood.

My mind, on another walk outside, has had the opportunity to meet with divine, to enjoy present day temps while anticipating the promise of spring in a few weeks. When spring arrives, my eyes will have new things to behold. I’ll be able to smell different aromas in the air. And, most likely I won’t be walking in mud. Unless it rains! Maybe, just maybe, I should have fun making “mud pies”…..

LIVING ROOM SOCIAL MEDIA

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Ah, the blessings and curses that come with social media.

When Facebook surged above all other social media platforms, I joined a myriad of friends and family making use of this communication tool. I quickly connected with friends who live in different geographic locations…families spread out across Michigan and beyond to the west coast … .close friends…highschool classmates…individuals and groups that feed into my personal goals for understanding of scripture and ministry where I serve. The past years belonging to Facebook, and now Instagram along with X, have been heartwarming, intriguing, plus an occasional wringing of hands in frustration.

Reflecting on my experiences with social media, I could not help but remember Sunday afternoon visits with my grandparents. Following a delicious dinner, it never failed that I ran back and forth between the living room from playing outside, my grandpa seated among dad and his brothers, along with brothers-in-law were, discussing current events. My memories are totally foggy and I certainly don’t have recall for those conversations other than to remember they were quite lively, but never critical or mean spirited. Sources of topics were what they heard on the evening news, newspapers, radio, and magazines.

On one such visit, our family was the first to arrive on a Sunday and when we walked in the door my grandpa jumped up excitedly, waving an issue of Time magazine in my dad’s face, declaring “Jack, do you know what them Roo-sians are up to?” “Read this, Jack!” Before dad could react or respond, Gramp told dad word for word what was contained in the article.

Going back to my uncles. Within their career circle were two engineers, a car salesman, a laborer for General Motors, a self employed building contractor,  a minister and a colonel in the United States Air Force. My dad was employed in the building inspection department for the City of Saginaw in the 60s, the years of many family dinners and living room conversations. Grandpa’s working years spanned farming, logging, and in his later years, some small machine work. My Jewell “guys” certainly represented a variety of work skills which included a strong foundation of integrity. 

IF they had strong disagreements when discussing America’s woes in the 60s, it never was evident to me. What I heard and observed was a group of siblings having lively conversations. When I really leaned in to what they were talking about, I was happy to sit and listen when many “yarns” or stories from childhood dominated their lively banter,  many of which were repeated year after year and are now beloved memories from my childhood.

So, social media. As I’ve been a part of my “friendship circle” the posts have often gone from family photos or highlighted vacation moments to discussions of current matters in America. Admittedly, I have joined in all of these topics but having done so has not always been beneficial.

My observations boil down to things for me. One, there’s a lot of courage behind a keyboard evidenced by some very mean spirited posts. Secondly, I’m convinced social media is never going to serve as a beneficial or uplifting platform to discuss “hot topics”. Certainly, I enjoy reading a variety of opinions, while struggling with motives behind “jabs” or “disrespectful” words. Once again, of my own admission, I often got sucked into a “ping pong match of wits” with those who think differently than myself. Not anymore.

I made a conscious decision to keep my social media focused on family photos, special moments we’ve enjoyed as a family, connecting with family and friends, sharing encouragement from “my” source of all that is good–scripture.

My Jewell guys never solved any of America’s problems in the 60s. At most, they accomplished hearing the viewpoints of each other. No one ever left angry or “unfriended” one another. 

Yes, social media is now an outlet that illustrates our human nature ranging in behaviors from elation to anger. Missing is the ability to “hear” a tone of voice behind typed words, or the “heart” behind comments. Missing is the beauty of face-to-face conversations which allow differing angles to meet over closely held passions and stances without resulting in being cut off.

I can’t imagine any of my dad’s sibling relationships being severed due to thinking as an individual. In my grandparents’ small living room, in that small close knit circle of the Jewell men, there was love, acceptance, and always yielding to differing opinions.

I think those of us who use social media could learn a lesson or two from a circle of loving and goofy brothers. Who, when finished bantering away the afternoon, went out to the kitchen for another slab of pie or outside for a rousing game of horseshoes, brothers against brothers in fair play and healthy competition.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Ephesians 4: 29) 

LESSONS OUTSIDE MY WINDOW

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Happy anniversary to me!

In what seems like a whirlwind swirling through the past 12 years of my life, I am marking two decades of writing my personal blog, which is now being featured weekly in the ‘News & Views’. I am grateful for personal satisfaction I receive in the expression of written words as well as being given an audience in the paper’s readership. Both experiences have been paths I would not have considered showing up in the landscape of my life.

During these past years, sitting down each week to write, I’ve had numerous “a-ha” topics come to mind, making my task easy to complete. Admittedly, there have been mornings where my thoughts are stuck. I feel dry and empty sitting at my laptop, asking myself “what shall I write about this week?” Some call it writer’s block. Such spells can often be described as a “dry patch”. I have endured both afflictions, yet neither of them has devoured my ability to “pen” something that I feel is worthy of a “job well done”. Most weeks, when I struggle to hone in on a topic worthwhile of writing about, my go-to source has been to ask God…”what would YOU have me write about today, Father. What can I say to encourage someone today or cause them to smile and even provoke a hearty laugh?” Never to my surprise, He has been faithful to answer.

Today, God has been showing me small lessons from the birds who visit our pan of birdseed. We have resorted to using a cake pan to hold the seed, as several bird feeders have been either destroyed or stolen–maybe a crafty racoon? Fortunately, we’ve not lost the pan; it has survived weeks of cold or rainy days.

When the pan is empty, I have observed the numerous birds sitting on the deck railing, waiting for their morning meal. Sometimes they perch in a nearby pine tree and swarm the pan when we fill it. We’ve got our share of sparrows, juncos, morning doves, and blue jays who compete for a “seat the table”. Vying for a turn to feast on the mixture of seeds is our resident squirrel who plops his or her plump body smack dab in the middle of the pan, choosing the sunflower seeds, tossing aside the shells which are now strewed over the deck. We’ve even had a chipmunk or two enjoy a turn dining. Watching them dart back and forth competing with our fine feathered friends is always a source of laughter for me.

When I take time to watch the feeding frenzy our beloved creatures create, I soon realize that in their need to eat, to survive, there’s a bit of competition and chaos. The Blue Jays are the most aggressive; the morning doves seem the most docile. What they lack in aggression, is made up in their own sizable bodies to dominate the seed by sitting on top of it as though perched in a nest. 

Then there are what I refer to as “dive bombers”. These are the fellas who come in from the safety of the neighbor’s shrubs, swooping in to take over our small country buffet. Their fast approach and crash landing antics cause all others to quickly scramble. Until all bellies are full, this is a cycle I’ve seen continue for several hours.

One small baking pan of birdseed may seem insignificant as we do our part to feed the birds who remain with us during Michigan’s cold winter months. Yet, I’m confident even our small efforts are producing great results for all who rely on the pan being on the table for them, filled every morning for their delight.

So, a question to God…what do I write today?…a small pan of birdseed. Small amounts of common birdseed and witnessing the ability to provide for small beautiful creatures provide me with an example of God’s love and faithfulness to me, too.

Sometimes I come to Him in a fast swoop, too. There are mornings I have the gift of leisurely time to “sit in the middle of God’s Word” and feast on His promises. The difference for me in comparison to our little outside creatures is that I do not need to worry about competing for God’s presence or feeling satisfied from His provision.

God is able to meet all needs. He does this for everyone who comes to Him, all who are hungry or thirsty. And He does it every day without slumber or sleep. His riches and glory are never ending. And I like to imagine Him smiling and laughing at me when I come to Him frantically, or waiting with arms out wide to hug me as a child needing comfort and safety.

GOD, THE UNIQUE CREATOR

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Children, babies…their presence among us older folks often bring out the best in us. With gentle cooing to downright hefty belly laughter, I find that these little people bring a unique type of joy and innocence that overshadows any form of negativity in a room.

Admittedly, I’m not one to gravitate to newborns other than a quick glance and word of congratulations to new parents. Yet, when it came to welcoming our own two children, and later our four grandchildren, my appreciation for newborns changed with noticeable measure.

For the past several years, I’ve been serving in children’s ministry at our church. Twice a month I’m in a room full of elementary age children who are ready to shout, sing, and enjoy a Bible teaching through cleverly written videos. I’ve seen kindergarten age kids grow up and leave our group; they’re now part of the middle and high school groups. Being part of their spiritual growth has been a source of great joy and has also given me insight into the unique qualities God places in every person.

Psalm 139: 14 says: “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well”.

I remember the very first time I heard all of Psalm 139. We were attending a benefit for a Christian organization, Concerned Women for America. Our guest speaker for the event was Cal Thomas, renowned veteran columnist and commentator who has written for numerous publications. Mr. Thomas’ speech that evening focused on looming abortion rates in America and the role we as Christians could take to help save innocent lives. Our event was in the mid 1990s when abortion was making frequent headlines, not unlike our present times.

His speech, his use of Psalm 139 helped to reshape some of my opinions regarding a very sensitive topic, most of which I cannot express with adequate words in a short article. But it was the Psalm itself which burned remaining truths in my mind and heart that every life, every person, is indeed precious to God, created in His image, and with great purpose He is the author and the one who creates the uniqueness we see in everyone we meet.

In my large group of children at church there are the loud noisy ones. Sitting with them on a bench are the more shy, the “let me merely sit here and not be noticed” ones. During worship time I’ll see lively kids jumping up and down, doing all the motions that go with each song. Another glance around the room reveals those kids who are happy to stand, hands at their sides, expressionless faces, you know, the ones who “I may be standing but I’m sitting on the inside; you can’t MAKE me sing even though I want to but I’m way too cool…”

There are girls decked out in party dresses, some are wearing their comfy leggings. Boys come wearing hoodies, a couple don a button down shirt, maybe one or two will sport a tie. Our kids come in all shapes and sizes, every color of hair and eyes–some need glasses, some need a pair of headsets due to the noise level. Most of them are wiggly squiggly giggly human machines. I love that!

I love that no two people are the same. Even identical twins do not have the same DNA nor do they have the same fingerprint configuration. Though our human eye may not be able to quickly differentiate between a set of twins, by God’s design they are unique individuals.

I encourage you to read the entirety of Psalm 139 this week. Take hold of David’s words as you discover the power behind God’s creation of every person. Marvel in knowing that God knit you together, He knows you and He sees you. You are precious to Him. 

Now, I can honestly admit I love being around small children. Their joy is infectious and their antics bring laughter to my spirit. Their love and ability to embrace Jesus and Who He is a beautiful thing to see on a Sunday morning. We’ve got several little girls who will do cartwheels during worship. We’ve got girls who sit on a bench holding hands like best friends do…we’ve got boys who are excited to show off their dance moves when we sing “Church Clap”. We’ve got kids who will ask if they can be the one to say a prayer at the end of our time together.

Jesus’ own words offer us a beautiful admonition: “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these”. (Matthew 19)

I can declare with confidence that children matter to Jesus. Therefore, they can and should hold great significance to us, too.

So, if you need a healthy dose of joy, a measure of hope, an example of innocent jubilation for a beautiful savior, get yourself around some kids at church. And when the music starts, join in for some wild and crazy worship!