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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!”

YOU WANT ME TO LAUGH?

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“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones”. (Proverbs 17: 22)

Have you ever been around grumpy people? You know the ones…they aren’t happy unless complaining about something or someone else. It’s one thing to occasionally lament about a situation, but it’s entirely different to be surrounded by constant pessimism or a critical spirit. I prefer to be in the company of lighthearted individuals who can find joy in all circumstances, focus on silver linings in gray clouds, drinking from half full glasses versus seeing life as half empty. That’s why I love that God included this prescription for good health in the Old Testament Book of Proverbs–a cheerful heart is actually good for the human body.

In fact, Mayo Clinic has this information on their site regarding the benefits of laughter:

A good laugh has great short-term effects. When you start to laugh, it doesn’t just lighten your load mentally, it actually induces physical changes in your body. Laughter can:

  • Stimulate many organs. Laughter enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles, and increases the endorphins that are released by your brain.
  • Activate and relieve your stress response. A rollicking laugh fires up and then cools down your stress response, and it can increase and then decrease your heart rate and blood pressure. The result? A good, relaxed feeling.
  • Soothe tension. Laughter can also stimulate circulation and aid muscle relaxation, both of which can help reduce some of the physical symptoms of stress.

Often, I include stories and experiences from my dad’s family to illustrate a thought or serve as an example for living life. Once again, I cannot help but reflect on my Jewell relatives for more material this week. My dad’s parents were anything but wealthy their entire lives. Don’t get me wrong, they always seemed to have their needs met–sometimes in practicality–yet always as a result of God’s care. At least, that’s how I prefer to perceive it based on grandma’s prayer life. Their lives were wrapped in hard work, challenges of raising 11 children, merely trudging along. My grandmother loved a good clean joke and she always had a hint of sparkle in her eyes. My dad and his brothers all possessed a keen ability to spin a story with just enough truth to turn it into a clever yarn. Their humor was based in gentle teasing, stretching out their stories of boyhood antics with a bit of “added details”, and pranks that really never hurt anyone other than prideful egos.

So, when a few of us Jewell families were at my grandparents’ last home on Sunday afternoons, I often took a chunk of time to sit in the living room with dad and his brothers, listening to their “tales”. I heard about Rowan tying Buddy to a tree during recess, on the side the teacher couldn’t see from the classroom. There was their favorite, convincing a neighboring family of boys–the Dunham Brothers– that walking home in the dark through farmland and meadows was dangerous. They warned them that under a moonlit sky the “Hillgougers” would attack them. To make their story credible the Jewell boys actually hid behind trees one such night, and sure enough when their friends came strolling by from town, they jumped out to scare them and bellylaughed as they watched them run all the way home!, screaming “the Hillgougers, the Hillgougers!”

I’ll admit these childhood pranks might not be everyone’s cup of tea nowadays but I’m honestly not willing to back down from the reality that no one was hurt physically. Buddy was found in time to release him from the schoolyard tree and the Dunham boys remained friends with the Jewell guys until highschool graduations took everyone on their own path for careers or further education. These guys were able to survive childhood pranks and enjoyed a lot of reminiscing about their adventures for years to come! I think that serves as a lesson not to hold grudges, build resentments, or be unwilling to accept good natured teasing.

Truth be told, I think our homes, businesses, schools, and anywhere we gather as groups of people, could use a bit more lightheartedness and laughter. Sometimes I think some of us folks are a wee bit too serious or work too hard manipulating others to feel guilty for not always being stoic.  I’m not saying we need to tie up a friend on a tree or create imaginary spooky beings to scare others. Rather, let’s cultivate moments of laughter, kindness, and looking for positive things in each person and our interactions every day. And if we were to do so? Well, we just might create a nicer gentler atmosphere around ourselves, making it possible that others will want to enjoy our company versus living in avoidance because we are acting old, crabby, settling for life in a half empty glass when I believe God wants us to enjoy abundance and blessings!

Need a place to start finding more laughter? Get around some children. Turn on a good clean comedy. Pull up comedians on FaceBook or YouTube. A few of my favorites are Jeff Allen, Nate Bargatze, Michael Jr. and Robin Williams. These guys are funny, taking everyday life and spinning it to make laughter erupt easily, all the while doing so with ease and perfect delivery! The best part? You can sit in your living room or any other place using your Smartphone to soak in a bit of laughter and joy throughout the hours of the day!

TRAIN, TEACH, ENCOURAGE

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“Train up a child in the way he should go (teaching him to seek God’s wisdom and will for his abilities and talents), Even when he is old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22: 6)

This verse has often been used as encouragement within the walls of our churches to our parents struggling with prodigal children. The encourager’s intentions are not wrong, however, a deeper understanding what’s being said is as parents, when we get to know our children, how they’re wired, gifted, their talents, we can better direct them towards activities and proper academics to hone in on their particular “bent”–how they learn, what excites them and what brings utter lack of enthusiasm. 

Often, I draw on my father’s family for numerous life experiences that are the backdrop for examples or topics for my weekly writing. This week is no different. As I look back on each of my uncles and aunts lives, including my dad’s, I can truly note where their childhood experiences and talents took them in life.

My Aunt Joy was the second oldest. As she grew old enough to help grandma, quite often she helped care for the younger ones. Helping in the kitchen and chores with grandma were normal. It’s no wonder that as added income for her own family, she cared for several elderly women who actually lived with Joy in their large home. This was a “side gig” she did even after Uncle Ed had passed away. Joy was loving, compassionate, kind, and very patient dealing with aging minds and weary bodies.

Lyle was 17, working in one of the farm fields, when a small plane flew overhead. This disruption in his duties distracted him long enough to pause, looking up as he shielded his eyes to watch this “marvelous machine” pass over the family farm. “One day I’m going to fly, too”, he said. And fly he did. Lyle served in the Air Force as a pilot, retiring as a Colonel. 

Grandpa had a pile of what we’d call common “junk” nowadays. Worn out wood, metal scraps, odd and ends from farm materials, and discarded wheels in a variety of sizes were piled next to the barn. If the boys wanted a sled, well they made one. In summer months they longed for a wagon, so one of them figured out how to fashion one from the pile. Nothing went to waste in the depression years. Access to materials–old or fairly new–was the drafting table for all kinds of things to enhance childhood years. I don’t know the quality of the things the boys made but I do know that all of them had a love and great ability to build anything from a wagon, pair of snow skis, to furniture and homes.

My four aunts inherited grandma’s sewing abilities. Lots of clothing, and later on, numerous quilts were constructed by careful hands and an eye for design. Reading was a favorite pastime as there was no TV or radio in the home. My Aunt Esther was the only girl to graduate college and taught elementary age children until retiring. She had a passion to learn which overlapped with a deep desire to teach.

So, with the start of another school year, it’s my hope that our young parents–our guardians, our grandparents, will embrace how God has created our “littles” as unique individuals. Not every child will excel on an athletic field. Reading may be boring to some while others will tuck themselves into a corner to bury their nose in a books pages. Drawing and creating works of art from raw materials will soothe and fill the child whose creative mind is chomping to test and explore the beauty of color. Create a stack of small musical instruments and watch who will wander over and pick one up to test what kind of sound it makes. 

 The worst thing I think we as parents can do is forcing our child to do and be what goes against their natural inclinations. A great book I read years ago is “Eight Great Smarts: Develop & Nurture Your Child’s Intelligences” (available on Amazon) Each chapter is a short read and helps identify each way a child has been created to learn. And, each chapter will give you guidance on how to develop the hidden stuff in your child!

My Aunt Esther, the avid reader of the girls, preferred books over household chores. Pulling her away from a book to help in the kitchen was a disruption to where exciting novels and non-fiction materials could take her young mind. She was also bold and not afraid to climb trees. She even climbed a water tower in one of the small towns the family lived in for a stretch of time. She had a keen ability to memorize children’s storybooks and often acted them out with silly props for her young students. Her favorites were any of the Dr. Suess storybooks. 

It’s a new school year, from kindergarten to college courses and even trade schools or military enlistments! No matter the age, no matter the path of education, let’s all work together to train, guide and encourage our children along their unique avenues of learning. And let us not forget our wonderful teachers, these men and women who are challenged with 20 plus kids every day, who learn differently. Some will be daydreamers. Others will stay on task. Some will be anxious to get outside to run, jump, play, and climb. There will be those who are content to sit on the sidelines and merely watch, while contemplating what’s next in their day. All of their differences combined which cause minds and bodies to be going in numerous directions are not bad, merely different. Different is not bad. May we embrace “different” and properly fuel busy little people and our young adults, too.

Blessings on a new school year! I’m thankful for teachers who encouraged me to read, helped me get through math that made no sense…brought out my love for vocal music…honed my skills that lead to a passion for writing…my dad who drove me to the library week after week for a new stack of books. Now, I still have stacks of books in different rooms of our home, waiting to be picked up to be devoured, filling my mind with new information! Guess I better buckle down and join all the students who have returned to classrooms!

A LIFE FULFILLED OUT OF OBEDIENCE

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“I figured if the Bible said to obey and honor your parents, I’d live a long time”. 

This was the response given to the question posed to my great aunt Esther when The Flint Journal reporter interviewed her for her 100th birthday celebration. She was asked “why do you think you lived to be 100 years old?” Always fast on her feet with witty remarks, Aunt Esther was actually paraphrasing three verses from the Book of Ephesians, chapter 6, verses 1 through 3: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother–which is the first commandment with a promise–so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy a long life on the earth”.

My great aunt was quite the character. She had a mischievous twinkle in her eyes at all times. She was a woman of modesty and what we’d call “old fashioned” tendencies. In her 100 years of life I never saw her in a pair of slacks. She always wore dresses. Her long hair was styled in a messy bun. She was gentle yet firm in her beliefs and expectations of others like the time she “chewed” out my Uncle Lyle for wearing a pair of shorts on one of his visits to her. I’m thinking the visit may have fallen on a Sunday when more “godly rules” were followed. Not to be outwitted by her, Uncle Lyle wore his Air Force dress uniform to her 100th party and asked her “is my attire suitable now, Aunt Esther?” 

My beloved aunt was an evangelist in her own right. She and Uncle Alvis lived in a very small home. During the summer months the garage was used to invite the neighborhood children in for her own version of Vacation Bible School. If the garage wasn’t available, her back porch and small yard became her backdrop for teaching numerous children Bible stories and God’s plan of salvation. Many of those children were influencers in their families and often parents came into a relationship with Christ because of Aunt Esther’s passion for reaching children with the gospel message. In fact, she and several families were the founding members of the current Court Street Church of God in Flint, which was the host building for her 100th birthday. Many of those children–adults by then–attended her party, surrounding her once again to be loved and teased.

She and Uncle Alvis were not blessed with children of their own. Yet, in addition to loving several generations of kids in their neighborhood, they also fostered children who needed a loving secure environment. She was also the sister to my dad’s mother who came to the farm to care for the family each time my grandmother had given birth to a new child. She is credited with holding newborn David, naming him David Paul and declaring that “this one” would grow to be a man in Christian ministry. God heard her proclamation and indeed my Uncle David was a minister in the Free Methodist Church for his entire pastoral career.

Aunt Esther and her wonderful life examples came back in a flood of memories this morning–Wednesday– after my reading schedule took me to Psalm 119. It’s a long chapter and as I read through all the verses I noted five words that occur quite often…Laws, Commands, Precepts, Decrees, Statutes. Obviously, the psalmist is referring to these as belonging to God and a common denominator I also noticed is the concept of “obedience”.  Along with obeying there are also promises such as by following His commands we can have a fulfilling life. His precepts offer divine instructions to guide behavior and practices. Decrees give us God’s eternal plan and purpose, encompassing everything that comes to pass. His laws outline His will and expectations for believers.

O, that it is “that” easy to obey all that God desires for us. Somehow my only memories of Aunt Esther are wrapped in all things positive. As much as I’d like to think in fairness to her as merely another imperfect person in need of a savior, I can’t recall any negative traits or memories of her being nothing short of loving, kind, and passionate for Jesus. 

I certainly have no idea what heaven is like. I know Jesus said He would “go and prepare a place for His children”…mansions with many rooms is how John describes God’s house. Heaven sounds like a pretty grand place. It’s where my Aunt Esther has been for a few years now and when I close my eyes I can see her sitting on a chair or her back porch, Bible in her lap, maybe a flannel graph board, to tell the children at her feet all the wonderful stories from scripture that talk about God’s love, how special they are in His sight, and I’m willing to bet she reminded all of them to “obey their parents”….

Ample time on warm summer days. A garage or a porch. A few supplies. Maybe some lemonade and cookies. A Bible with worn pages. A twinkle in your eye that was magnetic. A big warm hug. These simple things were all that Aunt Esther needed to fulfill her purpose in God’s plan. Visualizing what her day must have looked like makes me smile and wonder….is she sitting on a small porch in heaven enjoying the fruit of her labors? Or did God promote her to a larger one to accommodate all the souls she won to Christ? Is she still adorned in a modest dress with a messy bun, her thick glasses almost hiding the twinkle in her eyes? Or, is she wearing a white robe of righteousness with her promised “new body”? No matter the reality of heaven and what I think it may look like…I’m excited one day to see her and get one of her “big hugs” along with “hello, Susie”…..

WHY ARE WE SO QUICK TO BE OFFENDED?

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“A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense”.

(Proverbs 19: 11)

Isn’t this quite the statement considering what is a common thread of conversations in today’s culture–at every turn of comments on social media or televised news outlets–”someone is taking offense at “someone” or “something” that’s been said. While I don’t dismiss sincere mean spirited opinions, the bottomline for me is that we’re living, actually cultivating, a generation purposely “looking” at something to be offended by whether it’s from a person, an organization, or a business’ method of operating. 

Years ago when I was a child, I was with my parents on a Friday night; it was the evening of their mixed doubles bowling league. All the teams were made up from City of Saginaw folks. At this time in dad’s career, he had been promoted to a position that required him to supervise a small staff of people. On one Friday night, one of his newer employees brought his wife over to meet dad. After the introduction was made the wife innocently blurted out “Oh, you’re the boss my husband doesn’t like!” I can still remember how I felt when I heard the exchange. I am able to recall dad’s smile and chuckle. I don’t remember him giving her any type of response. He maintained his composure.

On the car ride home I couldn’t wait to ask my dad “how could she say such a thing!” and “aren’t you upset that she said that!” Dad was still calm, retained his composure and responded “not everyone likes their boss” along with “she probably didn’t realize what she was actually saying, maybe she was nervous”. That was my dad, quick to give everyone the benefit of the doubt rather than get angry over something that was trivial to him.

In the past two weeks American Eagle launched an ad promoting their blue jeans. Using Sydney Sweeney as their model for televised ads, they’ve come under some heavy scrutiny for their ad copy which says “Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair color, personality and even eye color My jeans are blue.” 

I’ve seen the ad several times. I’m not offended. I don’t have blue eyes or blonde hair. I certainly don’t look like Miss Sweeney. I’m not offended. She looks beautiful in American Eagle’s jeans. Will I purchase a pair based on the ad? Most likely not; I’m not your typical American Eagle shopper at this point in my life.

A popular quote that has evolved in some Christian circles is “there’s a demon behind every bush”. While there’s absolute truth regarding spiritual warfare inside the Christian community, there is no biblical reference that supports this statement. So, I think we can compare quick tendencies to blaming satan for most of the negative behaviors in ourselves or others is akin to the same rapid offenses some people find in everyday conversations, speeches given by our variety of leaders, and in this case–an ad for blue jeans.

In my humble opinion there are more important matters to be offended by than a blue jean ad. For years I’ve been offended by the upsurge in pornography use, human trafficking, disrespect for authority in our schools, and above all, twisting the truth of scripture in order to justify personal beliefs and life choices that are contrary to God’s commands. I like what this man, Russell Moore, says when answering the question “are we living in a post Christian culture?”

“Someone said to me one time, “We just need to get back to where we were before this culture fell apart.” And I said, “You don’t even remember when the culture fell apart, because the culture fell apart somewhere between the Tigris and the Euphrates rivers in Genesis 3.” Every generation since then has manifested fallenness and brokenness—just in different ways. There are different challenges in each generation, but they’re always there. Where I would say that we’re a post-Christian society is that we’re a post-pretend-Christian society. There was a previous era when people had a certain basic understanding of biblical truths and some connection to the church. That brought some benefit because, in many cases, there was some sort of stable understanding of morality. But, it also brought a lot of drawbacks because a nominal Christianity doesn’t save.” (source Crossway.org)

When confronted whether to be truly offended or not, my personal response draws from my dad’s gentle wisdom and composure in a seemingly awkward moment. Did that one woman’s description of him define or determine his future as a successful supervisor? I’d have to say, no. I also remember what else dad said in response to her exposing her husband’s dislike for him. “I guess if he doesn’t like me it means I’m doing my job”. 

As Christians, we have jobs to do, too. We were commanded in the book of Deuteronomy to “love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength”.  When we put God first, everything falls into place. When we love God and others with sincere hearts, those around us will experience genuine compassion. When we are determined to be on the lookout for every offense, satan is pleased he was able to distract us from what’s truly important living as authentic Christ followers. 

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.