Tag Archives: life

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”…..

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!

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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) 

ALL GOOD THINGS COME TO AN END

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“Taking a break was refreshing, but I’m back and ready to shine”. (Unknown source)

Does time fly? Can we go back in time? Is there anything new under the sun?

Interesting concepts to ponder, aren’t they?

At the end of March I temporarily said “goodbye” to my normal schedule that is created from obligations–primarily in a couple of roles at my church home–along with bidding my readers, those here in the News as well as my personal blog and social media, an announcement that I needed a sabbatical. Looking back, March’s date seems to be a very far past point in my life. Now, in the midst of mid-May, I’m re-entering so to speak, all that was very routine for me day-to-day, week to week. 

Does time fly? Yes, it does. Can we go back in time? No. To do so physically is impossible, however, memories from our past live on in our minds and hearts, especially when returning “home”.

When I planned my sabbatical I made a list of personal goals that I hoped to cross off my bucket list. I will write about them in the future and share experiences that have become part of fond memories. Some of my goals were to get away alone for a few days, rejuvenate my relationship with God, spend time with some relatives who live near the area I traveled to, get outside on hiking trails, meet new people. I even chose the exact date I would travel north to spend time alone in a beautiful home offered by the generosity of very dear friends. But, another goal I had listed was to have God interrupt me on the path laid out for me, to encounter what I like to refer to as “divine appointments”.

I didn’t leave on the day I had originally planned. My departure was delayed when I learned that my dear cousin Willie was hospitalized in Saginaw, my home city. Each text I received from his family informed me of his serious condition, his body fighting a fierce infection. On Tuesday, April 8 I made the drive alone to Saginaw to visit and possibly say my “goodbye”. Since I knew the day would be mine alone to choose any activities, upon my arrival in Saginaw I drove to my childhood home. The neighborhood was quiet, no traffic or people in yards. I parked my car and sat for a few minutes, taking in the changes that have been made to the house my dad built in the mid 50s, noting some need for repairs, wondering about the current owners. From there I drove down the street to my elementary school that shares a large parcel of land with a city recreation area. A fence stands now around the kindergarten wing of the school; huge swing sets that were under tall shade trees in the rec area are gone. There’s no evidence of many summers playing games, swinging, or forming a competition of four square on the pavement. I left the area feeling sad.

On familiar streets that took me to Covenant Hospital, I saw many businesses that had closed or became home to different retail offerings. Once grand homes along Michigan Avenue were faded, run down, or boarded up. I couldn’t help but recall the beauty of these homes every time we drove by on our way to a favorite library, church on  Sunday, taking dad to work or picking him up when mother needed the car.

I arrived at the hospital late morning. Willie was non responsive except for occasional moments he opened his eyes. A daughter in law was with him and this was my first time meeting her. More of describing my time with Ursula can come another time.

In short, Willie died on Good Friday. I can’t think of a better time to depart earthly life in exchange for eternity with God. I waited over the Easter weekend to learn of funeral arrangements and when they became known, I was able to leave for northern Michigan the following Wednesday.

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” (Proverbs 19: 21)

I don’t know if my original plans for driving north would have given me different experiences or not. This is what I do know, that by surrendering my schedule to God, being open and flexible to accept interruptions along the way of everyday life, I was given precious memories, glorious opportunities to experience embracing  recollections from the past, and in the midst of saying goodbye to a loved one, I found peace, joy, and hope.

I arrived in Saginaw under a blanket of sadness, but when I left to return home, after spending time soaking in old memories and meeting new family members, I came back with a heart full of gratitude.

WALKS & MUD PIES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LIVING ROOM SOCIAL MEDIA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GENTLENESS OUTWEIGHS ANGER

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Last week I wrote about the necessity of having a strong foundation when building a home and paralleled that process to creating a healthy life for ourselves. As a woman who grew up with a dad who had built our family home, who knew how to properly construct a foundation, then erect walls and roof trusses, I gained proper perspective on the importance of having a blueprint, the right tools, and the knowledge how to follow every step in the building process. By not running ahead of any one of the building’s necessary processes or taking shortcuts, arriving at its final completion date is being able to say a “job well done” and “worth the blood, sweat and tears”.

As mentioned, my dad built our family home which was completed in 1954. With his skills the only work he outsourced was the electrical and plumbing as well as the fireplace in the living room. When I was old enough to understand, I remember dad telling me how the mason who came to lay the fireplace bricks had clearly enjoyed a few drinks too many….yet, with a watchful eye my dad watched to make sure the mason’s level actually read correctly and that each row was put in place with required precision. I often wonder why dad didn’t ask the contracted mason to return when he had full capacity of his mental processes; perhaps my dad’s gentle spirit and reluctance to confront uncomfortable situations prevailed over what others may see as pure logic to resolve a tense situation.

In the 70’s my folks purchased land in the Rose City area and built a small cabin. This structure had a crawl space and when the local building inspector came to observe dad’s progress, he instructed that a rat wall had to be part of the crawl space walls. I’ll never forget my dad’s laughter every time he repeated details about the inspector’s visit. Dad knew the Uniform Building Codes inside and out. He used them every day in his career and even taught them at college level to architects and builders. He knew that his small rural cabin didn’t need a rat wall because rats are typically a city problem, not one in small communities. But, rather than argue, he complied with the request as deep down he knew it didn’t affect the final outcome of our cabin’s foundation and ultimate completion.

In the 80’s our family home needed to be reroofed. By that time my brothers and husband were able to help dad. Although dad was in his 60s, he amazed us with an agility to go up and down a ladder to supervise and lay down new shingles. A couple of family friends came to help; they had years of experience with all tools, but also had the same accumulation when it came to enjoying a cold beer. During one of the work days, on a particularly hot afternoon working on the roof, one of the fellas was showing obvious signs of having over indulged to quench his thirst. Shingles need to line up correctly in order for the entire project to be perfect. Dad observed a slight decline taking place with a row of shingles. In order to save the project, but not use a direct approach, he chose to “shut down the day’s work due to the sun’s heat”. Once again, his gentle nature took precedence rather than confronting our friends “one too many beers”.

One might ask, why didn’t your dad just go ahead and be bold to correct a mason, an inspector, and a family friend in the errors of their ways? My answer is gentleness. I think my dad showed me that sometimes much is accomplished when gentleness is given rather than a harsh response. In fact, in Romans 15:1 it says “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger”.  O, how many arguments or tense situations could be avoided if this admonishment was actually put in place in our conversations and actions with family and friends!

My challenge to myself and you is to consider using the gift of gentleness to diffuse an uncomfortable situation or request a change in behavior from a loved one. That we can remember a soft approach and words of kindness laced with encouragement go a long way to creating healthy relationships. We can endeavor to achieve what is written in 1 Thessalonians 5: 11 “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing”. 

One last favorite memory of my dad’s gentle spirit. While serving in the U.S. Navy, whenever his ship was in port with short leave granted, dad told me each sailor sometimes received two cans of beer and a pack of cigarettes. Dad always gave one beer away as well as the cigarettes. On one occasion, a fellow shipmate asked “Jewell, how come you don’t smoke?”

“Because my mother asked me not to….” I can hear Grandma Jewell’s sweet voice making this simple request to her son as he became a young man and went off to serve in World War II, leaving behind farm life and facing many different new challenges. I like to believe that her steadfastness to remain kind, gentle, always parenting with huge doses of love and hugs, made my dad into the man he became so that in turn I could learn those same traits.

WHAT PATH ARE YOU WALKING?

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Sitting here at my laptop, it’s hard to believe that another year has turned every page of the 2024 calendar. Reflecting on where I’ve gone, what I’ve accomplished, is bringing back many good memories along with numerous questions such as “have I left anything undone that was a personal goal?”

In late spring we enjoyed a “road trip” to Nebraska for a family wedding which allowed us to drive north from Lincoln to see Mt. Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial. On our return drive home, a last minute decision to lodge our car on the Badger allowed us to enjoy its cruise across Lake Michigan, taking in the beauty of that great lake, sunning our faces on the upper deck,  creating more memories, something to cross off our bucket list. October was another road trip, this time to Pennsylvania, for another wedding.  We were able to fill an entire day by visiting Gettysburg National Memorial, finishing our time there with a great burger in one of the small restaurants downtown. 

Summer allowed us to enjoy watching our oldest granddaughter play softball and in the fall our oldest grandson joined a soccer program. Seeing them enjoy, build on basic skills, and participate in a team sport filled some of our weeks traveling to watch, which we gladly did with no hesitation.

Rainy days were good ones to draw me into a good book, some for ministry and others for pure relaxation and enjoyment. Each book taught me new things to understand or escape from otherwise routine days and weeks not taken up with responsibilities.

Yes, 2024, has been good to me. And in a church wide devotional about 30 of us are doing together, the writings from December 24 were very insightful and encouraging. As I anticipate 2025–what will it hold–I like what the devotion’s author wrote: “We don’t need to wait to be called; Jesus has commanded all believers to go!”

So, what is my calling? What is yours? Often, I think Christians are waiting for a loud voice from the heavens announcing a grand “job description” on our life–become a pastor! Go, be a missionary to a foreign land! Give all your possessions to the poor and live a life of modesty! Run for public office! While these are all admirable vocations, in simplicity God calls each believer to walk the path of Jesus and do His work in order to bring increase to His Kingdom. When I answered the reflection question from the devotion I realized that my path usually winds through my church family, Celebrate Recovery, Kroger, Meijer, restaurants, sports fields, my social media platforms, and the privilege to write each week and be included in the Fowlerville News. My path may not be a very long one–with brief adventures like our out of state trips–but it remains one of importance with divine opportunities. 

Our Celebrate Recovery folks donated over $500 in December which we used to bless two families with Christmas gifts. These families were given to us by Angel Tree Ministries, caring for a loved one currently incarcerated. Last week I went with two other leaders to deliver gifts to our Lansing family. Spending time getting acquainted with them was priceless. Listening to their stories of love and support for their little nephew whose dad is currently serving his sentence, praying with them before we left, put a bright spot on my personal “path” that I know was an assignment from Jesus, a beautiful memory I will cherish and glean from the humble lessons I learned from that afternoon visit.

I don’t know what 2025 holds for me. I’m confident there will be more sporting events to attend…I have more ministry books to read…ministry at church and in my community will continue. Hopefully there will be a trip or two to enjoy another adventure!

I don’t know what 2025 holds for you either. As I look around our community I see wonderful families. I also acknowledge we have those living through hardships and tough circumstances. But I see organizations and churches–full of wonderful men and women–willing and waiting to meet needs. I see amazing Christ followers answering individual “calls” every day to change a life or fill a need. I am witnessing “Whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did”. (1 John 2) Those words describe my variety of adventures in 2024 and hopefully continue in 2025–for me AND for you!