Category Archives: Uncategorized

ARE YOU A GENEROUS GIVER?

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Subtle reminders have popped up in recent weeks that a return to school for children of all ages is around the corner. Aisles at major stores are now stocked with school supplies. This week while I was in town I saw a group of high school girls running, training for their opening season of cross country this fall no doubt. Emails prompting me to take advantage of “back-to-school” sales are filling my inbox. Memories from my own childhood years, anticipating returning to school have crossed my otherwise occupied mind with lingering summer time activities and my own anticipation of fall. 

Even though I’m still hanging on to enjoying time catching sun rays whether on the deck with a cold glass of water or going for a walk after dinner when the temp is more bearable, I’m finding myself looking ahead to the end of hot summer days that will be consumed by fall’s cooler temps. Outside plants are beginning to slow down, showing signs of distress from July’s heat. I’m waiting for berries to ripen on bushes. I’ve been following ads from local farmers so I can plan what to purchase and “put up” for winter months. It’s been a long time since I’ve had to make a list of school supplies to purchase and admittedly, I miss those years. Yet, fortunately, I’ve found new ways to still enjoy the feelings that come from new crayons, scissors, glue, binders, shoes and clothes–all those things that make up a “back-to-school” shopping list.

We’ve got four grandchildren, all school age now. Each year we help contribute to their needs–whether  with supplies or clothes. It’s fun to participate in their excitement preparing for a new school year. For the second year, our Celebrate Recovery ministry has conducted a drive for back-to-school supplies which has allowed me to purchase items to help fill tables decorated with “all the things”–crayons, glue, sticky notes, pencils, pens, paper, binders, backpacks, etc. Generosity is abundant from our small community inside and outside the church. It’s a beautiful thing to witness.  Being a generous giver is something I know that pleases God and it’s reassuring  He doesn’t measure the size of the gift, He’s concerned with the attitude of hearts. 2 Corinthians 9: 7 says “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Our small community always has needs. Staying connected with people through friendships, the workplace, church, school, and even social media allow us to be aware how each one of us can help. When a call comes from the Family Impact Center that shelves are empty, our community rises to the challenge to fill them over and over again. When hardships come to families with unexpected medical expenses, go fund me accounts are created and soon each goal is met with monetary gifts. These and more are beautiful examples of community in action!

I also believe a generous community exemplifies the principle stated in Acts 4: 32 “All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.”

It’s wonderful to be part of a generous community. It’s heartwarming to see evidence of everything families and local businesses do to help care for the needs of folks who need a hand up. As you and I continue to enjoy everything that is provided for us, may we always be on the lookout for ways to help someone else. Struggles are real. Hardships come, sometimes with no warning. Opportunities to give and serve are always among us. May we have eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts that respond with open hands to fill someone’s emptiness. Together, let’s be a community of “like minded” believers taking action to unite as generous people!

GO WHICH DIRECTION?

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It was during a recent road trip that I realized a valuable lesson. Just because the technology you’re relying on for directions says one thing..it’s not necessarily accurate. Therefore, by obeying what the application is telling you, there’s still room to trust your gut. In our case, the old reliable feeling of trusting the gut came too late.

Last week we drove to Indiana, departing from DeWitt about 8:00 pm after watching our granddaughter’s softball game. Our destination was Fremont Indiana where I had reserved a hotel room. Our plan was to open the hotel’s app on my IPhone once we crossed into Indiana and have GPS navigate us to our location which would have us arrive about 11 pm. Unfortunately, in hindsight, we probably should have opened the app sooner because the route that was given put us on a highway heading in the opposite direction for at least 15 miles before we could turn back in the correct direction. In full disclosure, late night driving, being tired, getting bad directions, and the inconvenience of added time and miles to an otherwise easy trip is a strain on nerves and emotions. Because we had no other alternative, we stayed the course that “Siri” was announcing and arrived at our hotel safely, very tired, upset with one another and with the information GPS fed us.

Our experience reminded me of the account in Genesis about the Israelites being set free from slavery in Egypt, getting across the Red Sea with miraculous results, entering the desert and being there for 40 years. Their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land was about 250 miles which meant they could have covered their route in a matter of months. Instead, according to scripture and scholars, finding themselves wandering in the Sinai Peninsula came from a disobedience against God, lack of faith in His guidance, too. Their 40 year delay in entering the Promised Land served as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience.  Yet, in those same years they did learn survival was impossible without God’s provision and guidance. Their journey through the desert is a powerful story of enduring lessons about faith, obedience, and God’s faithfulness in providing for His people. Today, thousands of years later, we can glean our own lessons from their experiences as we reflect on our journey through life.

What lessons can we learn? We need to depend on God. There are consequences to disobedience towards God. There is an importance of faith. God will meet needs even when we have strayed from His plan.

When we opened the application to get directions to our hotel, we were trusting in the information. We got on the highway heading west even though we knew we needed to be going east. We ignored Siri’s prompt to make a U-turn as those maneuvers on a toll road are illegal. We stayed the course even though we sputtered at one another or sat in silence waiting for each prompt telling us where to turn. Thankfully, although we had traveled 15 miles out of our way, we did arrive at our destination. All it cost us was some negative emotions and a $2 toll fee.

I’m chuckling now. It’s safe to do so now that our experience is behind us. A half hour delay really wasn’t worth the arguments we created from being weary and frustrated.

Now, we have a good story to tell even though the mystery remains as to why “Siri” launched us west instead of east. I imagine the Israelites had plenty more good stories to tell after 40 years of desert life. Like, have you heard the one about how God parted the Red Sea so we could escape Pharoah? Or, did you know there’s a lot of recipes for eating manna, this funny dew-like wafer that only lasts for 24 hours? Or, we never had to shop for clothes and our feet never swelled from all the walking and heat…somehow our wardrobe never wore out.

Moses had the original GPS applications of all mankind, God Himself. Today, we have Siri and other maps with voice activation to direct us. But, we still have God.  He is absolutely reliable. The others remain questionable at times. Both will get us to our destination. Both will reward us with stories to tell about our experiences along the way!

CLAY & BEAUTY

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It’s been my practice of late that after morning dew has evaporated from our deck chairs, coffee in hand, I enjoy some of my first hour sitting in the quiet that a new day offers. With the exception of numerous birds flying back and forth from our trees to those of neighbors, our neighborhood is quiet. By the time I rise I think most of the folks in the homes near us have already left for work. Even though it’s summer vacation from school, there are no children playing outside. I think the kids who do live near us are older now, the ages where they maybe prefer the comfort of air conditioning versus riding bikes or playing outside in July’s heat. Which brings me to my next thoughts. July has been a bit brutal.

As I work in a few flower beds that I maintain, I am beginning to notice some of my flowers have succumbed to recent temperatures, regardless of consistent watering and care. Once vibrant blooms that flourished under June’s beautiful weather, now lay limp or dried out no matter the attention I’ve given them. July’s heat has also caused numerous unwanted grasses to grow and thrive around plants, thus creating more work to keep clear and clean, carefully planning what time of day to work without collapsing in a heap from the sun’s scorching rays.

On a positive note, the two tomato plants on our deck are doing great! Flower buds have made the turn to green fruit. Careful pruning along with watering and fertilizing are giving me hope we will have a nice harvest when the fruit turns juicy red. We are also keeping close watch for any of those nasty worms that can strip a tomato plant bare in the matter of 24 hours.

My devotion reading this morning (Wednesday) was from Jeremiah 18: 1-6. In these verses, God is giving Jeremiah–a prophet–a visual description of His relationship with Israel, describing His sovereignty over them and His ability to remake or reshape them as He sees fit. These few sentences offer a beautiful image of a potter carefully shaping a lump of clay into a vessel that is pleasing to him, and useful. When properly applied to our own life, we can imagine ourselves as a lump of clay being molded and shaped into a beautiful vessel for God’s purposes. As easy as it may sound, therein lies the rub, transformation can be slow and difficult, especially when a prideful or rebellious heart is in opposition to the work of God’s hands trying to mold and reshape our sinful nature.  This is why I love the words from 1 Corinthians 13: 7 “It (love) always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres”. This promise from proper love offers encouragement for every person seeking to find comfort in our world and above all, a relationship with the living God.

Birds singing. A gentle breeze ushering in the coming heat of another July day. Clouds enshrining the morning sun in the east. These and more of God’s creation fill my morning. Along with those things, I smiled in amusement as I opened the door to sit on our deck with a cup of coffee. Perched on the deck railing was a young robin. He or she was still sporting baby feathers on top of its head. Startled by my presence as it flew away I could tell it was still learning the mechanics of flight. Mom was waiting for her youngster on the edge of a flower bed and for a few moments, baby and mom “chatted”. Maybe mom was saying “good job flying!” or “see, I told you there’s other creatures around our yard and sometimes they appear without notice”. Hopefully, mom and baby will come to know I am not a threat to them. On the contrary, I like to imagine that our lil family of robins is aware that they matter to God and they, like me, like you, have purpose. As proclaimed in Psalm 19: 1 “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.”

Lumps of clay. Skies that are a canvas for God’s handiwork. Heat from July’s sunny hot days. All have a purpose. Each point us heavenward to proclaim God’s glory.  Be safe during these hot summer days. May you grasp that you have a heavenly Father waiting to cheer you on–”good job!” and that He will love, guide, and instruct you in preparation for every day under the sun.

WATER IS “LIFE”

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“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”  (Matthew 5: 44-45)

Today’s gentle morning rain has evoked many wandering thoughts, even memories from childhood. In the midst of top headlines regarding flood waters in Texas, I pondered  the extremes that rain can cause in our world. Case in point–consider the days of Noah. This remarkable story in biblical history has been the topic of many sermons and even made its way into movie studios.

For anyone that knows me, there’s no doubt  my heart is not breaking for all the families who have lost loved ones in the Texas flood. I cannot imagine. As a mom, and now a grandmother to four young children, if I overthink the situation and insert our own loved ones into the headlines, well, let’s just say “there would be no words to describe my pain”.

I found this simple quote online. “Water is life”. It also can cause devastation.  It ties in to the verse I’ve used to open this blog entry. God’s creativity in a gentle rain as well as forces contained in waterfalls, flood waters, tidal waves, etc. are part of our world.  Choosing to be outside in a gentle rain causes no discomfort other than getting damp clothes. Being in the path of raging flood waters is an entirely different experience. 

In 1986, living in Saginaw, our area experienced unusual rainfall for several days that caused the Saginaw River to crest. Other small rivers in surrounding counties also overflowed their banks. Many homes and businesses were under threat. Emergency crews worked tirelessly building walls with sandbags to hold back the water. My husband and I joined forces with his employer at the time–Domino’s Pizza–to deliver pizzas to the workers. Accompanying us was a Saginaw Police officer who was assigned to the city’s schools as a liaison. In the midst of this tragedy, we did our part to ease some burdens.

Our own residence saw at least 12 inches of water in the basement. A branch of the bank that employed me suffered extreme damage from flood waters created by the Cass River. Water levels tall enough to cover the cash vault and safe deposit boxes were record highs.  Numerous homes in my county experienced basements that cracked and caved in due to water pressure. Crops near floodplains were destroyed. In short, our area was a mess, further indicated by the amount of household trash that started appearing on curbsides for garbage pickup. Warnings to junk scavengers were published as a way to protect folks from dangers of bacteria.

When tragedy strikes under forces created by water, it’s difficult to understand Jesus’ words that rain “falls on the just and the unjust”. Simply understood, a rainy day can either be one of gratitude or a reason to grumble. The farmer whose fields are parched is thankful for nature’s thirst quenching for dry crops. Vacationers looking to enjoy sunning tired bodies under a hot sun at a beach groan with disappointment when an umbrella replaces sunscreen.

This week I’ve heard some pretty miraculous stories of survival in the Texas flood. I cannot ignore or discount the equally heartbreaking ones about death, especially for many children. I’ve also heard accusations and blame being cast on public officials regarding how quickly the floodwaters were produced by the heavy rainfall, as if ANY one man could have restrained the water.  All the blame and accustations made me very sad.

In the account of Noah building the ark, God actually allowed him to preach repentance to the people living in very dark sin. It took Noah approximately 120 years to build the ark, therefore, in those years Noah’s community was warned, given ample time to repent. I don’t know what God would have done if indeed many would have turned from evil…with every blow of Noah’s crude hammers and tools, sermons and warnings weren’t enough to hold back God’s anger and eventual flood waters that wiped out all living things on earth, saving only eight people and a bunch of animals. 

Yes, water IS life. But it is also a force to be reckoned with in God’s creation. When tragedies come, innocent lives will be taken. I read a social media post where the person wrote “why did God kill those children in Texas?” to which my answer is “He didn’t”. Since the original sin of Adam and Eve, we live in a fallen world. After Noah’s flood, our world changed again. We live under the “laws of creation” and “the laws of man”. 

The Bible speaks about times that will come…famines, earthquakes, rumors of war…it also tells us that no one knows the time or hour that Jesus will return. Scripture doesn’t leave us without warning or protection, though. Our response is to be ready. That readiness isn’t an escape route; it comes by having a relationship with Him. 

I grieve with those who are grieving in Texas. I rejoice with those who are joyous and thankful for spared lives. And, in my despair, I remain connected to the truth that “God’s thoughts and His ways” are above mine.

Unfortunately, future tragedies will be coming to our world. Will you be ready? Jesus said “He is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” That’s what I call an escape plan from any harshness the world throws at us.

I found a simple quote online that merely says “water is life”. I also verified that an average human can only survive about 3-5 days without water. In contrast, a person “may” survive without food for one to two months. That’s quite a difference. 

TRUE FREEDOM

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Freedom.

Sitting here, my thoughts about the concept of “freedom” are racing in many directions, kind of like when a canister of beads is spilled out on a floor, tiny balls of color scrambling and rolling in every direction!

Further contemplation allowed me to reign in those scrambled thoughts and narrow down definitions of “freedom” to two important tenants 1) the kind of freedom I have living in America and 2) the benefits of freedom living as a Christ follower.

Coming off last week’s celebration of July 4th was cause for yet another year reflecting on past memories that surround this important holiday in our nation. Growing up in Saginaw, we were fortunate to enjoy a fireworks display at one of the city’s largest recreation areas, Hoyt Park. Dad always made sure we left in plenty of time to find a parking spot. Mom put together blankets to sit on and wrap around us if the air chilled. Mosquito spray was carefully packed in a bag of snacks she assembled. We joined countless families on the park’s hill, anxiously waiting for the dark of night to become the backdrop for the beautiful designs each explosion created. Those that came with a loud boom always caused me to cover my ears and find safety in the arms of my dad. Early childhood years weren’t filled with completely  understanding the “freedom” we Americans were celebrating; those lessons came along later as I advanced through school when classes on our country’s history were introduced, studied, and tested upon. Now that I understand the sacrifices and great risks our founding fathers–and those who served in the military–gave, I’m truly humbled and grateful.

However, there is another “freedom” for which I cannot find adequate words to express my appreciation. That’s the quality of life that I have every day as a Christ follower.  When I think about how different my life could have gone, had I not made some difficult decisions in my early 20s, changes of lifestyle, etc. I dare say I’d not be the person I am today. Christ’s sacrifice for the gift of salvation in my messed up life is one I may never fully comprehend, yet in simplicity I understand and accept the work of the Cross and its implications for living a life of freedom in my identity in Him and not the trappings the world offers.

In one of my favorite teachings from the ministry “Walking the Text”, I heard an explanation that expanded why the Apostle Paul wrote about men removing their hats when entering churches of his day. For years–and with no argument from me–doing so indicated respect and humility before God. Fast forward and we witness many church goers openly criticizing men for wearing hats in church. It took listening to Brad’s teaching about “hats in church” that corrected those criticisms. . Brad taught me that in Roman’s culture, which included owning slaves, when an indentured servant gained his freedom, he was given a blue hat to wear in public indicating he was “free”. If that freed man was a Christian and walked into his church, his hat was an obvious marker of his status under Roman rule. Paul used the hat’s purpose to teach that though a person could be “free” from a life of slavery in a Roman household, there was “greater” freedom as a Christ follower, thus removing the hat showed others the rightful authority and granter of true “freedom”. I love that! What a difference it makes when bad or false teachings are taught in a way to present truth that highlights historical and spiritual significance.

Galatians 5: 1 is a perfect definition for freedom–: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery”. 

Explosions of beautiful fireworks are behind us for another year. Trappings of the day have been put away. Celebrations focused on our country’s bountiful “freedoms” are most likely shelved, too, which causes a bit of sadness in me. In our ever changing world, being aware of increased tension and persecution of innocent lives, I don’t want to lose my respect and humility for the privilege of living in America. Above all, being a Christ follower for over 40 years is still one that requires daily surrender and sacrifice on my part as an effort to honor the One who gave His life for me.

Just as a child who had to learn in school about my American history, with equal importance is my study and discipleship in Christ. Both have value. Both teach about freedom. Both can be threatened. Only one can endure no matter the pressures the world tries to enforce. For that, I raise a hallelujah!

DON’T LET SIZE FOOL YOU

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I am a self admitting proscranitor along with inconsistency regarding exercise goals. My determination ebbs and flows like ocean tides that instinctively sync with our moon. I’d be ecstatic if my desire to walk outside was tied to a natural phenomena in God’s creation, but hope and wish all I want, the fact remains that I am in charge of my choices regarding exercise.

Before sitting down to write this week I laced up my reliable shoes and got outside on the paved road that loops in a “U” shape through a neighborhood that was built up with homes in recent years. Their road makes a very nice safe place to walk, even run, without danger of speeding cars. As much as I enjoy what my neighborhood offers in safety, I found that I’m not the only one benefiting from the road’s mostly smooth surface between well groomed lawns. Catching my eye as I strolled along were numerous small anthills between the road’s edge and multiple lawns. 

I knew we had gotten rain throughout the night as the ground was still wet under humid conditions. Collected dirt and lawn clippings swept along the road like a river were now flat and damp, displaying an appearance of a dried up river bed. Their bronzy hues made a perfect setting for the anthills that are standing small though erect with no apparant damage to carefully laid granules of dirt to create small pyramid shaped homes. I was curious about how these little creatures build the entrances to their tunnel homes. This is what I found: Ants are a superorganism. They have division of labor, use collective problem solving techniques. The nest is one of architecture with a variety of materials, use of soil mechanics, has built in defenses and includes drainage systems. The mound we see on surfaces is the entrance. Underground lies intricate tunnel systems.

In summary, the strength of an anthill lies not just in its physical structure but also in the collective power, sophisticated organization, and adaptable nature of the ant colony within it. (Source AI overview)

I’ve always thought watching ants at work is a fascinating pastime, especially when I was a kid sitting under a shade tree in our front yard. All these years later, now, in adulthood they still intrigue me. Naturally, I know that ants are even mentioned in scripture where in Proverbs 6: 6-9 we humans are admonished to “Go the ant, O lazy one; observe her ways and be wise, which, having no chief, overseer or ruler, she prepares her food in the summer and brings in her provisions (of food for the winter) in the harvest.” (Amplified Version

Ouch! To be thought of as lazy compared to a tiny ant. To be instructed that these little guys accomplish a lot of hard work without need of a supervisor! Lots of lessons to be learned, a lot of humble pie to eat comparing human nature to that of a small insect. How like God, though, to use anything in His creation in an attempt to impart wisdom to mankind.

In addition to my fascination with ants, I must also confess that I’m not overly happy when they make their way into our home. In past years, we’ve had our share of intruders, always in the same spot along a kitchen window over our sink. By using homemade remedies and careful re-caulking around obvious entry points I was thrilled we didn’t have our annual visitors scurrying across dirty dishes or on the floor in search of a crumb. As useful as ants are to our ecosystem, I have always drawn the line at them sharing living space with us. As long as they stay outside, I will not bother them. I make every attempt not to flatten the entrance mounds to their underground homes. I don’t wash them away with a garden hose or spray strong insecticides in the lushness of our lawn.

I’ll continue to be delighted by ants–as long as they stay put in their natural habitats –and remain humbled that God considers them to “be exceedingly wise”. (Proverbs 30: 24) Certainly you and I can learn a lot from these problem solving hard workers. If it wasn’t so, I dare say God would not have mentioned them in His written Word.

MORNING NOURISHMENT, SMALL GIFTS FROM HEAVEN

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“From the dew of heaven and the richness of the earth, may God always give you abundant harvests of grain and bountiful new wine. (Genesis 27: 28 New Living Translation)

Much to my delight, one morning  last week offered me perfect conditions to enjoy sitting on our deck in the early hours of my day. With my second mug of coffee, my Bible and journal in hand, I made my way to a comfortable deck chair to sit in the sunshine and also enjoy a gentle breeze on my body. But, before I could begin my little “retreat”, I needed to wipe my chair dry from  morning’s dew. Funny how a mere amount of water on a chair can create an uncomfortable feeling or harm the pages of my journal if I should choose to set it down momentarily.

I’ve always enjoyed a slow quiet start to my day. Even in the years I had to be awake and up for school, I preferred to wake on my own, never to an alarm or my mother’s urgent voice coaxing me from the comfort of warm blankets. Now, I still find great inner peace inside the confines of quiet that our yard offers as I greet a new day with happy anticipation for what it will offer, the tasks I want to accomplish, books to read, music to fill the house–all part of who I am and what brings me joy.

So, as I sat drinking my coffee, journal in my lap, I slowly became engaged with my surroundings, observing with my eyes and ears all the activity of the morning. Soon I realized I was a disturbance to several birds and one chipmunk who wanted to feed at the seed we provide every day. They came close but quickly exited when seeing me. A blue jay landed on the clothes line pole to check out the situation. A sparrow flew in like a bomber plane and with great skill made a hasty escape when spying me. Off in the distance I could hear birds of several kinds singing as well as crickets or other insects joining in the chorus. I felt the irony of my inner peace being invaded by nature’s choir and thought to myself “who’s invading who’s world? Am I inserting myself into nature’s habitat or are these little creatures interrupting my space?”

As I enjoyed all the songs, my mind returned to dealing with morning dew on my chair. A couple questions formed from my curiosity and I found myself writing them in my journal. “What is the source of dew?” “What purpose does dew serve?” I vowed I would look for answers to both questions. A quick search online provided me fast simple answers. Dew is formed when water in the air condenses on plant leaves during cool nights. Why? It helps plants accelerate their metabolism, improves soil moisture conditions, and helps plants survive in drought conditions. (source Shuncy.com)

Dew’s temporary blanket of moisture on every surface–living or inanimate–serves as beneficial or a slight nuisance. As quickly as it may form, several hours under the heat of the day causes it to dry up, disappear, forgotten about until the next morning when the cycle will repeat. Its repetition reminds me of a favorite portion of scripture from the Bible: “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” (Lamentations 3: 22-24)

Morning dew has the capacity to quench an arid plant and nourish the very soil around it. So it is with God’s great love for you and me. From the beginning of time itself, our sun has risen every day. Birds and other creatures have announced the arrival of a new day with their heavenly chorus and whether they have inserted themselves into our habitat or the other way around, it does not matter. What is important is remembering and embracing that the Lord is “our portion”…..no matter our current circumstances we “can wait for Him”….and simply find rest, inner peace, and above all, incredible benefits of daily provision from our heavenly Father.

“Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting  shadow.”(James 1: 17)

THE POWER BEHIND ONE PRAYER

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Never underestimate the limitless power of God. This concept was born early in my relationship with Him over 40 years ago. Time and time again, His promises and work in my life have shown up in big and small ways, confirming the truth of who He is for me and for countless times in circumstances surrounding family and friends. Often, as a believer, I almost expect my timing to be honored by God, but on the contrary, it’s always in His schedule that “things” happen or manifest. When they do, I stand amazed.

I have a very dear cousin, Judy, who is a few years older than me. She graduated college as an educator and spent her teaching career in a very small community in northern Michigan. Before retiring, she served as a building principal. Young children and teens have always been part of her life; she has a deep abiding love and passion to see that the kids in her life know about the love of Christ. Therefore, in addition to teaching and living her Christian faith by example, she has served on staff for a teen center which is located in Kalkaska. While on sabbatical, I had the privilege of attending the dedication for the center’s renovated building which is beautiful now, but wasn’t always so. Here’s the backstory.

Over 20 years ago one woman in Kalkaska had a burden for the teens in her small city and surrounding rural townships. She began praying that “someone” or “somehow” a place for teens to come hear the gospel, have fun doing so, would be established. Her answer to prayer came about 10 years ago when a ministry took hold of that vision. Created under the auspices of Crossroads Farm is “The Lanes”, located in Kalkaska. An empty run down bowling alley was up for auction. The ministry team which had been serving teens during these 10 years didn’t have funds to place an auction bid to secure the building’s purchase, but God used a local businessman to step up and buy the facility. In turn, he put the bowling alley in the hands of the ministry. Over many months, volunteers in the community gutted the building, rebuilt and painted walls for offices and meeting rooms, and a group of men refurbished the bowling equipment and resurfaced the lanes. Several pool tables occupy space outside the large meeting room along with a concession counter for snacks and beverages. 

“The Lanes” is currently seeing about 80 teens come on Sunday nights for a safe place to hang out with friends and adult volunteers. There’s a bus driver who begins a 4 pm route in the afternoon, traveling to five townships to pick up kids who want to attend “The Lanes”. These are kids who live in some very extreme circumstances. Unfortunately, rural communities are under threats from drugs, homelessness, lack of hope, etc. 

As I sat in the large meeting room with other guests who came to dedicate the facility, it struck me that most of the men and women in the room were gray haired. Very few “younger” adults filled the chairs. Lingering in my thoughts, my “aha” moment was this–it’s we who are now older, retired, still with many years ahead of us–who have the time–and money–to invest in the needs of today’s youth.

I met people who had gutted rooms, the guys who repaired bowling pin racks, men who come to play popular Christian songs using musical talents on guitars and drums. As I smiled, sitting in reverent awe, I heard a voice in my  head that a family friend shared with me years ago….”nowhere in the Bible does it way we get to retire from doing God’s work”.

Moses was 80 when God sent him to Egypt to get His people from slavery under the pharaoh. It took Noah over 100 years to build an ark. Paul was well into adulthood when Jesus met him on the road to Damascus to confront his zealous ways towards Christ followers and convert him into one of the greatest messengers for the gospel! 

That Saturday evening in April will remain a special memory for me. I witnessed one woman’s lone prayer from years ago become a living and vital reality for many teens within range of “The Lanes” influence. Hearing how successful business people from all Christian denominations come together to create a space for teens humbled my troubled thoughts that sometimes I fear that our communities don’t care enough about others to deliver answers for difficult problems that come along in life, especially for our youth.

If having “The Lanes” isn’t wonderful already, Crossroad Farm has plans to establish similar meeting places around our nation, all in rural settings because that’s where their vision lies–to cast hope into the lives of young people who may otherwise slip under the radar of being ignored, not having someone mentor them, and above all, missing the opportunity to hear that Jesus loves them, that each life has a plan and purpose, and people–gray haired and all–are here to help, teach, and love.

Now, when I see empty buildings, vacant storefronts, I say “hmmmmm….” “What if?”

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WHAT’S NEXT?

Congratulations to all of our students who have completed high school and younger students who are moving from one lower grade to another! Educational years are very exciting and hopefully your children and grandchildren are embracing the opportunities placed in classrooms, labs, gymnasiums, athletic fields, and field trips to enhance their learning experiences.

With the advent and final availability of social media, it’s been enjoyable to see photos of my family and friends highlighting the “last day of school”. Looking at happy faces, reading brief comments about “growth”, reminded me of my own years spent in education. Beginning with kindergarten, I struggled attending school. After the first day, I truly thought I was finished. That second morning that mother woke me I actually told her I wasn’t going, that I had already gone. I guess in my infantile mind I saw that “first day” as something to conquer and consider it as “done”.

Yet, with the passing of each grade, learning to read, struggling with math, having science answer my curiosity about things, art projects that allowed me to be creative…school began to be great, fun as I made new friends, especially in junior high when I had more than one teacher, all of whom prepared me for my final years in high school where I discovered vocal music and journalism when I joined the yearbook staff.

Looking back, life was pretty easy from kindergarten to twelfth grade. I wasn’t at the top of my class by any means, but being in the above average group gave me a lot of confidence and good preparation for “life after graduation”. My only true struggle was answering the all familiar question we ask our graduates–”what’s next?”

Honestly, as I sat in my commencement on a hot Sunday afternoon in June of 1971, I didn’t know the answer to that question. My parents were wonderful supporters and providers for all my needs, but we never had conversations about my future plans beyond high school. Many of my classmates headed to colleges, others joined the military, and numerous guys went directly to one of three automobile related plants in Saginaw. I woke up the morning after commencement and felt very empty. What now?

Thankfully, my best friend had an idea what she wanted to do–attend a local business school. She asked me to go with her and after a lot of convincing on my part with my dad, he agreed to pay the tuition for my nine month course of study, which doesn’t seem like a lot but I learned basic skills needed in order to work in the clerical field. When I completed my studies there–Saginaw Business Institute–I was fortunate to secure a position with First State Bank of Saginaw and my young adult life was launched!

Today, I ask myself if I would change anything about my decisions made post high school. Certainly, there are some things I would consider as a “do over”. I would have worked harder academically. I would have attempted to crush proscrastionation’s effects it takes in life. I would have learned why “people pleasing” can lead to merely going “along with the crowd” rather than finding confidence in God’s truths on a variety of issues one faces when growing and maturing.

Yes, I love seeing all our youth in their graduation photos. And I enjoy hearing about future plans–whether it will be college locally or off somewhere far from home. I hope, too, that our young men and women will discover and investigate the value of learning a trade….taking time to fall in love and marry a good person who shares values and ethics of life. I also hope our young folks will value serving others in the community where they settle. As one who struggled a bit in school and life, I’d encourage our young graduates to continue pursuing knowledge, understanding, wisdom … .by traveling to places…meeting people from another culture…creating friendships with young and old alike.  No matter the age, we all have life experiences and stories that are sometimes more exciting than textbooks or other media sources!

So now, the “next” morning after commencement for our graduates has come and gone. “What’s next?” For those of us who have already lived through that question when we were 17 or 18, let’s help our youngsters find their answer by coming alongside them as continuing teachers and mentors!

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds… (Hebrews 10: 24) 

HOW HIGH CAN YOU COUNT?

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Blades of grass. Rocks along a shoreline. Trees in all the forests. Particles of sand. Salt granules in a shaker jar. Strands of hair. Dust mites on my table.

What do these have in common? They are easy and beautiful to see (except for dust…smile) yet challenge the ability to count each one individually to arrive at a specific summary answer. My mind is boggled at how much of Creation remains a mystery. Even a quick online search to ask the question “does science know how many stars are in the Milky Way?” revealed that at best guess, there are over 100 billion stars in this galaxy alone. By broadening the question to include “how many galaxies exist?” The answer is an approximate range of 100 and 200 billion. Are you feeling very very small right now?

Why am I thinking about created things that cannot be counted with mere human mathematical ability? Quite honestly, my observations came as I drove north to Torch Lake for my four days alone during my sabbatical. Along Highway 127 I drove through wooded areas, land covered by a variety of trees such as pines and birch. As I glanced left to right I didn’t see houses or other signs of human habitation, only trees for as far as my eyes could observe.

Then, standing on the lakeshore of the home where I stayed, taking in the sizes and beauty of rocks visible under the water’s edge, I realized there’s no way someone could count or determine the exact number of rocks in Michigan’s deepest inland lake. If that’s not enough to comprehend, think of how many lakes Michigan has with MORE rocks, more sand. If your mind isn’t boggled by now, well, perhaps you don’t think like I do and that’s okay.

Why am I talking about things we cannot count? Why do I even care? My response is this … .even though there are things that exist in the beauty of our world, those things like rocks, sand, trees, hair, eluding the capability to be given an exact count, there is one thing that can be calculated within a fairly accurate conclusion. It’s the number of people living on our planet, all created as individuals with separate DNA, making each one of us unique and pretty darn special. There is only one you. Let it soak a little. Maybe lay the paper down on your lap for a moment as you’re reading my words and let me say it again please. There is only one you.

The Word of God gives us some pretty neat clues how God sees you, includes you, and how He values you. Let’s consider:

Psalm 139: 17-18 “How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand..”

Luke 12: 7 “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows”.

Psalm 147: 4 “He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name.”

Are you feeling small yet? Don’t.

With complete confidence, let me exclaim to you that you were created by an incredible, powerful, amazing God, that though we may not appear as a speck in our galaxy, He deeply loves us. In the vastness of humankind, you are not lost to Him. He sees you. He knows you. He loves you. You are counted as precious in His sight. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints” (Psalm 116: 15) which basically means that when a believer dies, he or she is welcomed by God. He cares deeply for those who love Him.

In conclusion, here’s a challenge for you to consider embracing. Find a comfortable spot on a grassy lawn and allow your eyes to  take in the blades of grass that make up its beauty. Stroll along a sandy shore, your hair blowing in a gentle breeze. On a dark clear night, stand outside and gaze on the stars–remember they have names! Look in the mirror and truly realize that you are you, you are unique. If you ask me? That’s pretty darn amazing and a kind of special I cannot describe.