Monthly Archives: September 2025

HANDIWORK & GOOD WORKS, AUTHORED BY GOD

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“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2: 10)

If you’ve ever planned to host an event or family dinner of any size, you know that a lot of planning and preparation begins before the actual celebration day arrives. There’s food to be purchased and prepared. Appropriate decorations are also bought and put together to help create a festive atmosphere. If your event is being held in your home, most likely a deep clean of every room will be performed so your guests–and you–feel confident in your cleanliness and attention to detail. 

I remember when I was about 7 years old my oldest brother David was being confirmed in our Lutheran faith. Close family members were invited in advance to attend the service if so inclined but certainly to join us for dinner Sunday afternoon. On Saturday, my mom’s sister Emma came to help her prepare food, get out dishes used for special occasions. I don’t remember being of much help that day at my young age other than being an observer as mom and Aunt Emma talked out plans and worked together making side dishes to go with ham, the chosen meat to feed more than our usual family of five. Mom and her sister spent a great portion of Saturday in preparation, not sitting down until everything on her “to-do list” was checked off as “done”.

The Apostle Paul is considered to be the author of the book of Ephesians. This verse was a highlight of my reading this week. As often is my practice when reading scripture, I look for a word or several in fact, that jump off the page at me. Here, I marveled noticing we are God’s “handiwork”…you and I were created to “do good works”…and if that’s not crazy enough, God “prepared” our good works in advance!  So, how do we respond to these simple yet profound truths?

Because we are handcrafted, formed by God, I believe you and I should accept who we are, that our identity is rooted in His image along with purpose.

Because we have good works prepared for us to do, it is worthy to pursue searching out to discover our gifts and talents, honing them to be sharpened tools and accessories that help us accomplish tasks and achieve goals.

Recently my 75 year old brother Mark traveled to North Carolina with a team of peers in his age range to work with Samaritan’s Purse doing more work rebuilding homes after Hurricane Helene. It was his second such trip. I’ve pondered his ability to go. I’ve chuckled at him saying “ya, us old guys can work circles around the younger ones”. He, and his friends who were on the trip, all have craftsmanship abilities to handle chainsaws, woodworking tools, continued strength in arms and legs for heavy lifting, passion and drive to serve devastated families as they each honor God using the very gifts He gave them. If these guys are much like my brother, their interest in learning skills began in childhood and with each passing year of maturity, deeper attention to mastering construction work was gained.

I never tire discovering in scripture how special God made me and that I have beauty and purpose in Him. Until I came into a relationship with Him 40 plus years ago, I confess I was merely an “observer”. Much like my 7 year old self watching mom and Aunt Emma move around our home’s kitchen I had fallen into a trap of merely going through the motions of church attendance, participating in programs and choir, until the reality of my need for a sincere relationship with Christ fell heavily into my soul. Having gained that relationship and with it a hunger and thirst to know Christ deeply, I also believe “purpose” and “good works” waiting for me to discover and hone were awakened. It’s been an exciting 40 year journey chasing God’s written dreams and purpose!

Lessons I observed watching mom and Aunt Emma have not been wasted nor alll the times my brother Mark had his bike laying in a heap of parts was not in vain; his curiosity to see how something was made taught him how to rebuild and reassemble. Working with his hands took him to a career of welding–later teaching this valuable trade. He also built his own home, with some assistance from our dad who I might add was well into his 60s at the time!

Mark will be returning to North Carolina next year. I’ll continue reading, studying, writing in my journals and for my blog site. Both of us will be a little older with passing days that eventually turn into another year. Though he, I, and you too will slow down physically–the inevitable of our aging process–we need not give up celebrating our creativity and purpose given to us by God!

As a close friend of ours once pointed out to me “nowhere in the Bible does it say we ‘get’ to retire”. God has given you and me purpose. He’s written job descriptions for each one of us. The blueprints for our lives are sealed by His stamp of craftsmanship. May we each spread out the blueprints with our name highlighted in the an upper corner and “get to work”!

CONTRAST IN PURPOSE

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Squatters rights.

In the past week our front porch has been taken over by an orb weaver spider. It took the sun shining out of the west for us to see his intricate web that spans the corner of the porch roof on a diagonal to a location on the storm door. In between suspension threads is his beautiful web where moths, flies, and other tiny insects have become trapped providing him with a country buffet. 

We didn’t know what kind of spider our new resident was until I snapped a picture of him and used an app on my phone to identify him. Sure enough, he’s an orb weaver. He’s rather scary in appearance with fuzzy legs and a large abdomen. His movements are graceful yet quick when dinner gets stuck to one of his strands. Curious to know more about our orb, I looked online to discover that an orb’s routine is leaving the web at dawn to hide close by during daylight hours to avoid being someone’s tasty meal, returning to his sticky home at dusk. Sure enough, I tested the science behind this fact and I’ve observed proof of his coming and going. Quite simply, our “Orbie” as I’ve christened him is living out his purpose.

Last week, a man I admired greatly was cut short of fulfilling his purpose. On Wednesday, Sept. 10, as I sat in our living room relaxing, a notification popped up on my phone that Charlie Kirk had been shot. I turned on live news and followed the next few hours up to our President announcing Charlie’s death. I felt like all the air had been sucked from my lungs as tears streamed down my cheeks. In the days of aftermath that have passed since his death, my emotions have been racing, sometimes with fear, anger, deep sorrow, and more anger. In the midst of all that I felt last week–and continue to experience–I have turned to the only source that never fails me–God and scripture. In Him and in the written word I have found renewed hope, peace, comfort, and an ability to begin comprehending again how evil fits into the world as I know it.

What I loved about Charlie was his keen ability to host events on large college campuses and converse with anyone, asking probing questions, giving his answers to a broad range of topics based on scripture and years of reading and understanding history. I’m not naive to believe everyone who challenged or conversed with Charlie liked him. On the contrary, he allowed opposers to speak their opinions, too, which is called “debate”. As much as I think Charlie was a good “debater” in essence he was more of an apologist for the gospel of Christ, quick and able to defend Judeo-Christian values that originated in the God of the Israelites, the One who created the world and made man in His own image and gave men and women purpose.

Charlie’s gone. His unique purpose has been killed with his unfortunate death at the age 31. Yet, his legacy continues and has ignited a passion in young people to pick up his torch to continue bringing Judeo-Christian values to all people, especially our younger generation. As a Christ follower, THIS is what also has helped my emotions and mournful spirit return to renewed hope for the future to come.

When I sat down to write, I wanted to know why three major universities in America were established. Using my search engine I typed “was Harvard established to train clergy?” “Was Yale established to train clergy?” “Was Princeton established to train clergy?” The answer is “yes”. Obviously–and I won’t take time to expand in this writing–all three universities have expanded their curriculum to produce other degrees, however, I wonder how many of us know the origin of their purpose? I’m certain Charlie knew, and I think that’s why he purposefully chose to host his events on college grounds, to engage and get young students to learn how to think, not fall into traps of being “told” what to think and what NOT to believe, especially in Judeo-Christian teachings or conservative values.

I really don’t want to compare Charlie with our orb weaver, but I think it’s fair to weigh in how God gives purpose to every person and every creature. I admired how Charlie emphasized that every person is created in God’s image regardless of male or female, color of skin, economic status etc. I am intrigued how God placed survival instinct in our “Orbie”. I embrace how God established marriage between a man and a woman, giving children as a blessing to the family home, creating a safe landing place at the end of a long day of work. 

Charlie will no longer return home after a week on the road doing what he believed was his purpose. His wife and children will no longer hug the man they looked to for protection, spiritual guidance, and love from husband and dad.  If his death isn’t enough for me to endure, the reality of his absence from their lives gives me deeper pain. I take comfort that he’s been united in heaven with our God whom he served well. I’m watching and listening now as more and more young people who loved Charlie and want balance in education, life, careers, and spiritual growth are speaking out in his defense and making plans to continue bringing the gospel of Christ to our nation and world. Once again, I’m not naive enough to comprehend that their efforts will  not be met with more evil threats, accusations, and violence. So, I think, too,  of Stephen, who’s considered as the first martyr for the Christian faith,  stoned to death when he stood up in opposition to the religious leaders of his day. You can read the account in Chapter 7 in the Book of Acts where he gave a detailed eloquent sermon spouting historical facts from Jewish history which invoked anger in the established teachers of the law. 

I don’t know what heaven is like. I have spent hours daydreaming about its majesty and Jesus being there as Light. I don’t know exactly how or what we look like when we get there, but if I were allowed to further imagine, I’d dare say that Stephen and Charlie have met. Both arrived at different times in history, together they are sharing in the glory of Christ’s presence and worshiping the One they loved, served and paid an ultimate price–preaching the truth of Who God is and what He desires and commands from mankind.

I know that Stephen and Charlie are at peace. I’m finding peace again and I pray that you reading my heartfelt thoughts about a great tragedy find peace, joy, and comfort, too. Though I would say that’s what I desire for you, my wish is that above anything I could say, please find hope, peace, and comfort from God. And, find your purpose. When you do, stay true to its course, and don’t let anything or anyone sway you from it. 

SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL RECOVERY MONTH

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September is the month that recognizes “recovery”. What does this mean? Quite simply, statistics show that last year alone over 20 million people endured some form of addiction in one form or another, as well as navigating the effects of living with mental health issues. Human sufferings are nothing new, yet for far too long many people have lived trying to hide addictions, mental stress, etc. while feeling that in their isolation they are alone, that no one knows or cares about the situation, or worse–there’s no hope. Living in a state of feeling trapped or isolated from loved ones is a bag of lies. That’s why I’m glad that someone somewhere declared the month of September to recognize struggles and bring awareness to those things that weigh people down. This awareness has been in effect for about 30 years.

I typed in my search engine “September is Recovery Awareness Month” and numerous sites popped up with great information that spells out the background of behaviors that lead individuals into unhealthy choices that affect minds and bodies. Quite honestly, help is available by numerous organizations in communities. The burden of finding help lies upon the one who is affected and willing to seek assistance. One of the best gems I know of personally that offers hope and freedom is Celebrate Recovery. Sometimes I think our ministry is the best kept secret in our county, when actually the opposite is our desire–to see men and women come into recovery to change lives that overflow into bettering the health of relationships, the family, the workplace, and inside church walls.

Livingston County has four Celebrate Recovery locations with Stockbridge as a nearby neighbor in Ingham County. Fowlerville and Pinckney groups meet on Tuesday evenings, The Naz in Brighton hosts on Mondays, Cornerstone Church in Brighton meets on Thursdays as well as Crossroads Church in Stockbridge that same night. All meetings are free and offer a safe environment for those who attend. Attention to safety and confidentiality for each attendee is of utmost importance to the success of Celebrate Recovery ministries which will celebrate 35 years of existence in 2026.

In Jesus’ own words that are recorded in John 10:10 He said “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

Who is this thief? He is our adversary, satan, and his only role is destroying God’s people. He does his work with a lot of tools in his belt: pride, anger, lust, gambling, strife, greed, substance abuse, lying, cheating, gluttony, addictions,  laziness…the list of negative hammers trying to pound out everything that is good from God for us is loud, persistent, and often continuous until a person falls prey to his tactics, living in a state of no hope or despair.

We need not go far to see people who are consumed with partying too hard under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Visit a casino and witness people glued to chairs trying to make a big hit on a jackpot. Or, dine at a restaurant buffet and watch how many plates are refilled beyond what a body actually needs to be properly fed. Drive on our roads and experience road rage. Work alongside folks who irritate you and try to maintain composure when someone ticks you off.  Attend a sporting event and witness those who take the game a bit too seriously, yelling and screaming at coaches or players. Turn on news clips and hear how our leaders treat one another when disagreements on policy arise. No, we don’t need to look very far from our own homes to find dysfunction. But, the good news is we as individuals, families, and communities do not have to live like slaves to satan’s tactics because in Christ there is hope! There is healing! There is freedom! Yet–another “but here”–the latter things do not come without first surrendering our hurts and habits to the power of God and a willingness to change. In Celebrate Recovery we call that process “coming out of denial” and realizing that we are powerless to change, we aren’t God and only He can help us work on leaving destructive lives on a trash pile that is recycled to build new and healthy habits, even restoring relationships that formerly appeared hopeless to become stable.

You and I weren’t created to be people living under yokes of slavery caused by any negative behavior or habit that satan throws at us. On the contrary, you and I were created in the image of God which is all that is good, worthy, loved and valued. Exchanging deep habits or wounds is hard work, it’s not as easy as swapping out coins for currency bills at a bank, but the end results are worth more than silver or gold. Every person has something they struggle with; every person can find alternative ways to cope with those struggles. The choice is 1) will you cope with something that leaves you sick and tired or 2) will you cope with something that speaks of healing, freedom and healing.

I can’t think of a better scripture which highlights part of Jesus’ job description (as if He had one!) than Isaiah 61:1 “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners….”

Do you need some good news? Are you brokenhearted?  Do you feel like a captive by your own devices? Are you living under a cloak of darkness?

Recovery is possible. Recovery is in our community. Recovery is found in Jesus Christ.

Will you step out of denial? Will you exchange pride for humility? Are you willing to set a new course for yourself and your family?

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If you’d like more information about Celebrate Recovery, please call me at 517.223.9490. It’s the number of my church. Your message will be given to me and I or one of our leaders will call you.

A WAGON’S JOURNEY TO GREAT PURPOSE

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Recently, I wrote about my dad’s childhood memory from the farm, where my grandpa didn’t throw anything away. In the 30s old and broken things weren’t tossed out, burned or trashed. No, the pile next to the barn was most likely an original “recycling” concept born out of necessity and never wasting anything “if” it could become part of something “new”. Dad and his brothers were allowed to glean what they needed to build sleds, skis, and wagons.

Today I’m smiling as I can still hear my dad’s voice describing to those fond memories from his childhood, crafting and building outside toys to enhance an otherwise poverty stricken life during the depression years. Now, as I look back on that experience of his, I can see how God used dad’s woodworking abilities during his more mature years to still craft and create wagons–only now he could well afford to use new materials–complete with well skilled talent honed from trial and error, along with good tools.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose”. 

This verse is used often to describe how the hardships of believers intertwine with God’s plan to bring good out of something bad. I’m one who certainly has adopted this explanation when seeking to understand complexities of life’s circumstances. Such was the case when years ago my mother underwent major surgery for cancer, which at that time necessitated a radical mastectomy.  On the day of her surgery I accompanied dad to the hospital. Lunchtime happened to roll around while she was still in recovery so we got on the elevator to go to the cafeteria. Conversation was limited. Quietness and concern filled the air as we rode down three floor levels. Our “car” stopped, the doors opened to allow other folks to join us. We had stopped at the pediatrics floor, where a young child was being transported in a very large bed, rails and pillows that seemed to overwhelm his small body.

We got to our lunch table. Dad broke our silence by saying “I can’t get that little guy in that big bed out of my head. Doesn’t seem very fun or comforting to be carted around in such a thing”. He had an idea. “Hey,” he said to me in almost the form of a question. “Let’s go back to that floor. I want to talk to a nurse”.

Now, with a sense of renewed purpose and hope, dad did speak to a nurse. He asked if he could donate a hand built wagon to be used to move the kids around the floor. “Absolutely!” 

We got back on the elevator to return to mom’s floor. The atmosphere between us had changed. Purpose, hope and generosity for others had replaced any heaviness our hearts had carried before lunchtime. Dad’s demeanor had changed. Quietly, he said to me, “I suppose it was no coincidence we stopped at the ped’s floor, for me to see how I could help kids have a little bit better time while in the hospital”.

“No”, I responded. “Dad, God knew those kids would love a wagon. And He knew who He could trust to provide one”.

You see, I don’t know how many “rough” wagons dad may have assembled in his young years on the family farm. I do know that in the 90’s when our son was a youngster, dad designed a wagon, actually got a patent for his design which is called “The Dan Wagon”, built one for our Daniel, and used those plans to assemble one for Covenant Hospital.

I don’t know if the hospital’s wagon is still being used or not. Our own “Dan Wagon” is worn looking from numerous trips down our driveway’s slight slope, just enough of an angle to delight its rider. I know that childhood attempts to make a useful toy from junkpile bounty later transformed into beautiful new creations using pristine materials.

And isn’t that what God does with us when we come to Him for salvation?  “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5: 17)  No matter the size of junk in our lives, or the depth of our sinful habits, true repentance creates something “new”, meaningful, and with great purpose!

Just like a small wood wagon with bright shiny tires and side rails to protect its occupant. All that is needed is that “SOMEONE” who has the ability to see a pile of junk and think to HIMSELF ….”Hmmm, wonder what I can fashion out of this and make it into something grand!”