August 28, 2026

 

Jesus Loves Me

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." -- Matthew 19:14

Jesus loves me, this I know,

for the Bible tells me so.

Little ones to Him belong;

They are weak but He is strong.

Yes, Jesus loves me!

Yes, Jesus loves me!

Yes, Jesus loves me!

The Bible tells me so.

by Anna Bartlett Werner (1827-1915)

Our pastor asked us to think about those who had poured themselves into our lives. Specifically, he wanted us to recall those who spread their faith to others through teaching, mentoring, telling us about Jesus.

This is a young man who was raised in the United Methodist Church. His mentors were youth leaders and pastors. His friends were kids from church. His calling was encouraged. OK. Maybe not from his parents, who wanted a more traditional career for their youngest child. But they also didn't block his way.

I listened to similar stories from others. I remained silent. I was not raised in church. I have very few memories of attending a small, rural church. Then nothing. I started attending church on my own when I went to college. In my later years, my parents tried to rewrite history. They'd returned to church and wanted others to think they'd always gone. I wouldn't go along with their rewritten version of family history. One more nail in our relationship I suppose.

But what I do remember from that first church is my great aunt teaching me the little song above. There were very few children at the little country church. None even close to my age. Maybe I was three or four. Still, she sat with me in a vacant classroom and taught me the words. I am still so grateful.

That little song carried me through many sleepless nights as I tried to survive childhood. It led the teenage me to an old, tattered Bible as I sought answers. Probably not the answers you're expecting. I wanted to know why my Mother didn't love me. I begged God to tell me so that I could somehow fix myself. It was a long time before I realized I wasn't the problem to be fixed. I was the rejected child who took the brunt of Mother's anger, insecurity, and lies.

As an adult, I had the opportunity to forgive adults who came to me admitting they'd seen what was going on and refused to do anything. One aunt explained that she and my uncle thought it would make things worse for me if they tried to intervene. I sure wish I'd known when I was much younger. Instead, I believed with everything in me that I was somehow flawed and unworthy of love and acceptance from anyone.

Jesus changed all that. I didn't need to be "fixed" for Him to love me. I didn't need to change for Him to see me. He was encouraging and helpful and always cheering me on.

That relationship with Him began so long ago when one person decided to teach me a little song. She couldn't have known what a balm it would be to a broken child. "Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so."

October 26, 2024

 Vote for Jesus

At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people.”

– Matthew 24:10-11

Don’t you care about unborn babies? What about our values? We’re not voting for the man but rather for the Bible.

Seriously?

Those are some of the comments made by people I know to defend their votes for Donald Trump. They don’t like the man but they’ve convinced themselves that he’s the best one to stand up for Biblical values.

I care about unborn babies. I care about their mothers. And I care about the babies who are already born. That’s why I am so opposed to Trump.

I want a country where girls, and women, can live their lives without fear of derogatory comments and prejudice against their sex and looks.

I want a country where boys understand that talking about another man’s private parts – publicly, no less – has no place in any conversation.

I want a country where leaders are condemned for lies and bullying, for threats against anyone who criticizes them and for applauding violence and labeling it a “love fest.”

Those are the Biblical values I support. I can’t simply turn a blind eye to a man held up as an idol. I can’t ignore arrogance and comments praising Hitler and Putin.

Will Kamala Harris be a good president? I hope so. She seems to care about people and that’s something Jesus would do.

We are called to care for orphans and widows, for the poor and the foreigner. That’s Biblical. That popular comment “God helps those who help themselves” isn’t in the Bible. Instead, time and time again we are told to love people and help them, sacrificing our time and money if necessary.

We don’t want to hear that.

Please stand up for Jesus. Cast your vote against a manipulative liar who only cares for himself.

September 7, 2024

    Hatred Begets Hatred

Hatred stirs up conflict,

but love covers over all wrongs. – Proverbs 10:12

Hatred begets hatred.

Again and again Christians post ugly things on social media about candidates they don’t like. They call them names. They spread lies. And they proclaim that anyone who disagrees with them doesn't really love Jesus.

Really!? I have snoozed and blocked, reported and prayed for so many people. Please understand that I really don’t care what your political views happen to be. We are all different. That’s a good thing. But I draw the line at hate-filled commentaries spewed out in the name of Jesus.

I look around at our children. Some face bullies. Some are the ones who bully other children. I hear the name calling and the ugliness. Do you? Maybe you’re the parent or grandparent comforting a child you love. Maybe you’re the parent or grandparent making excuses for your child’s attitude and words.

Kids aren’t born with ugliness in their hearts. They learn it from adults. They learn to be mean and judgmental. They learn to tell lies and make excuses.

They can also learn to be kind, compassionate and forgiving. They can learn to respect the opinions of others, especially those they disagree with.

The next time you shout at that “stupid” driver, pay attention to your words. The next time you spread your “opinion” of the political candidate you oppose, listen to yourself. The next time you make fun of someone who is different from you, consider how you would feel in that same situation.

Kids learn from what we do and say. What are they learning from you?

May 27, 2021

Remember

Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. -- Deuteronomy 4:9

This is a photo of Mother's wisteria. She loved it. For years prior to her death, she would insist on instructing me in the best way to care of it. "Take care of my wisteria," she would say. And I always assured her that I would.

We would work together on trimming it back. Time passed and it became my turn to trim and hers to supervise from a nearby chair. Lastly, it was just me. I don't trim it back as closely as she did but I love it just the same. Every year it blooms so beautifully and casts around the most amazing fragrance. It's been four years without her but I still cry every time it blooms.

We are all just travelers passing through this world. Everything here is temporary. I am but a steward of all that God has given to me. Some day someone else will tend the wisteria. That is as it should be.

Children learn from their parents and grandparents, from those who surround them in school and in church. Sponges soak up more information than we can ever imagine. What are you teaching them?

Life is about so much more than schoolwork and athletics. It's about more than fun times and hard work. It's about creating memories and loving those around us. It's about showing people who Jesus is, not with our words, but with our actions.

Hatred and greed fill the hearts of so many people. Why? We see it in a charge on the Capitol. We see it in shootings and violence, in vandalism and destruction. Why? Where is all this anger coming from and why do we think it's alright?

Stop. Take a moment to see the good around you. Look into the eyes of someone who isn't like you and listen to them. Hear more than their words. Listen to their heart. There's beauty in everyone if we only take the time to see it. Teach your children to do the same.

December 11, 2018

Service

For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to the others.

– Romans 12:4-5

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

– Romans 12:11

What are you doing to help others? How are you serving people who can’t do anything to repay you? How are you growing in Christ? How are you giving back?

We have a need for study leaders. There is a hunger but there are few willing to devote the time necessary to be a facilitator. One woman even suggested we send folks to another church so they could attend that church’s studies. Seriously?!

The hard truth is that there are few workers though there are many, many needs. Jesus said it and, unfortunately, nothing has changed. Everyone wants to take but few want to actually give back.

We know the numbers. They’ve been repeated often enough. Twenty percent of the people do 80 percent of the work. The saddest part is that those who never do anything don’t see a need to do anything but show up. They’re missing out on the satisfaction of serving Christ. And we’re all missing out on the talents and gifts they have to offer.

Service doesn’t have to be singing or playing the piano or even leading a Bible study. It can be something as simple as wiping down tables after a church meal or chaperoning children during Wednesday evening activities. Service can mean driving someone to a doctor’s appointment or delivering a meal to a shut-in. Maybe your gift is sending cards of encouragement or greeting people at the door with a bulletin and a smile.

All of us have different strengths and weaknesses and those differences lead us to what we are called to do. My calling is different from your calling. That’s how God intended it. Together we can do so much for God. But – and it’s a big but – that depends on everyone doing his or her part.

We have a wonderful woman who is gifted at leading craft night events. Women come from different churches to partake in a fun-filled night of fellowship. We have someone else who leads the prayer group. Another person serves by washing silverware after every church meal. Some people teach classes. Others work with children or youth. And together some amazing things happen.

We recently approved next year’s budget. The youth department is seeing a substantial increase. Why? The youth minister and adult volunteers have led a turnaround that has resulted in a much higher participation rate. That’s right. Instead of falling away from church, these teens are excited about participating. And they’re bringing their friends.

At the children’s nativity play Sunday night, I saw acquaintances who aren’t church members. Their kids come to Wonderful Wednesday activities. This outreach couldn’t happen without a great many volunteers. There are bus drivers and chaperones. There are people who provide snacks and clean up afterwards. There are people who help with gym and singing and the Bible lesson. So very many people ministering to children as a way of serving God.

I don’t know what you are called to do but I do know you are called to do something. We all are. So if you aren’t serving in your church, step up. And if you are, thanks! It takes everyone doing his or her part to make the body of Christ truly whole.

November 5, 2018

Help the Children

People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” – Mark 10:13-14

She was standing outside the closed nursery room door. Tears ran down her face as she sobbed.

Church members streamed through the hallway, not five feet from where she stood. They noticed her, commented on it, but kept going. Sunday school was about to start and they were scurrying up the stairs or down the hall or waiting for the elevator. No one seemed to have time for a misplaced three-year-old.

I headed over to her and immediately knelt down before her. I knew the little girl, her parents, her grandparents. What I didn’t know was how she’d managed to wander from her adults and find her way outside the room that housed her baby brother.

I hugged her, said a few reassuring words, then opened the nursery room door. The sweet ladies inside immediately came to help. They’d had no idea she was outside. Once the little girl saw her brother and the other 1-year-olds, she stopped crying. Of course, she was welcome to stay there while we located her family. (Her shocked grandfather was headed into the nursery before I could leave to go find them.)

What amazed me was the number of adults who didn’t want to be bothered, or get involved, in the tears of a small child. She was someone else’s responsibility. She was someone else’s problem. Except she belongs to all of us. Don’t we get that?

When children are welcomed into the church, we (the congregation) vow to help raise them, to guide them, to care for them. Those vows don’t say anything about only being available when it’s convenient, or when the child is happy, or when we feel like it. We are to care for them always.

Now, I certainly realize she wasn’t in danger. But she was distraught. Shouldn’t that tug on the heartstrings of us all?

It’s not the first time I’ve stopped to help a child who was lost. It really doesn’t take much time to call security, to dry tears, to notify parents or a teacher. But it does take looking beyond ourselves.

Children are such wonderful people. They wear their emotions outward for all to see. They haven’t yet learned to hide their tears, to push down their fears, to quell their laughter. They are just real. I wish we could all be more like that.

They also trust the adults in their world to look out for them. She was alone because of miscommunication, with one thinking she was with the other and vice versa. It happens. And, like I said, she was never in danger. But she did need a helping hand. She needed someone to open the door, to give her a hug, to find her adults.

I urge you to please never, ever walk on past a child in distress. If you can’t help, notify someone who can. Call the police or security. Notify a store clerk or a teacher. But don’t leave a vulnerable child alone. Jesus would never have kept going while a little girl cried in distress. Be Jesus. Take the time to help.

July 17, 2018

Hold People Accountable

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. – Proverbs 22:6

Several years ago my Sunday school class had a large container of candy stolen from inside a cabinet. Every piece was taken. We were upset. Naturally. It wasn’t about the candy. That was easily replaced. It was about dishonesty and theft.

Months afterward a youth class teacher said that the young man who took it told his mother we’d given it to him. I wasn’t sure what to say so I didn’t say anything. I could see myself getting ugly. Theft isn’t something to brush aside. If we don’t hold kids accountable for the small things, how can we expect to hold them accountable for the large things in life? Was an apology, a confession, too much to ask? Apparently so.

The issue came up again recently because we had a stack of blankets taken along with the candy. The blankets were made by class members from fleece purchased at a local store. Again, it wasn’t about the blankets or candy. We would gladly have purchased new blankets for anyone who might need them. It was about theft and dishonesty.

We’ve now put a lock on the cabinet. How unfortunate! As I asked around the church, hoping that someone simply borrowed the items, I heard comment after comment about things being taken without permission. Things such as supplies for bulletin boards and diapers and wipes from the nursery all seem to disappear. Locks are becoming common.

There seems to be an attitude that if it’s in the church, anyone can simply take it without asking. As the children’s minister noted, our church would gladly provide diapers and wipes for anyone in need. That’s not the issue. The problem comes when nursery workers open a cabinet expecting to find supplies to provide for the children in their care and the supplies aren’t there.

Even small children are known by their actions, so is their conduct really pure and upright? – Proverbs 20:11

As a church, we tend to look the other way and simply let things go. We do it with our children. We do it with adults. But what kind of message are we sending? If people aren’t held accountable in church what are we telling them about God’s standards?

Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them. – Proverbs 13:24

As churches, as the body of Christ, we are trying to build our numbers. We think the more people who attend our services and activities, the more we are doing what God requires. But are we? Are we sacrificing true discipleship for numbers that make us look and feel good?

I’m not about shaming children. I’m also not about holding anyone to public ridicule. But I do think we need to send a clear message that taking something without permission is theft. You wouldn’t go to Walmart and help yourself to candy or a stack of blankets. You wouldn’t walk out with diapers and wipes without paying for them. So why do we think we’re entitled to church supplies without asking?

Yes, we should share and give generously. And we do. But taking what doesn’t belong to you is theft. When we look the other way, we become enablers. Love people enough to hold them accountable, even when it makes you uncomfortable.

June 16, 2018

What Are You Teaching?

“What is it you want?” he asked.

She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.” – Matthew 20:21

The mother of James and John wanted what all parents want for their children. She wanted her sons to be in positions of power and honor when Jesus gained His kingdom. She wanted her sons to be first over the other disciples and all other followers of Jesus.

She really didn’t know what she was asking. Jesus pointed that out. Besides, positions in heaven are determined by God the Father. It doesn’t stop us from trying to get ahead though, does it?

You don’t have to be a parent to want the children you care about to succeed and excel at all they do. You’ll do anything to position them in the right place, with the right people, with the right resources for high achievement.

We teach them that they are worthy of the best. We tell them that they deserve success. And we show them that if they’ll just go along, we’ll make sure they get it served up for them on a silver platter.

Did anyone sputter over that? All defensive parents please raise your hand. Now, go ahead and remind me that I don’t have children and I don’t know how much you love your children. I just don’t understand.

When you’re done, I will remind you that Jesus tells us to serve others rather than be served. I will remind you that in God’s kingdom, the first will be last and the last will be first. And I will remind you that sometimes the worst thing you can do for anyone is carry them rather than have them stand on their own and learn how to live a righteous life.

There was a Facebook thing the other day that said something like this: Discipline your children and spoil your grandchildren. Spoil your children and raise your grandchildren. There’s a great deal of truth in that.

There’s a huge difference between helping someone and enabling them. People of all ages must learn that actions have consequences. It’s the only way anyone learns to make wise choices.

But we don’t want those we care about, especially the children in our lives, to ever suffer the consequences of their bad choices. Especially when the consequences are severe. We want to protect them from the bad. That’s natural. But when we do that we teach them something that isn’t the reality of life. Are we then truly surprised when they fail adulthood?

Parents are meant to guide and protect their children from harm. That doesn’t mean do everything for them and keep them from ever having to suffer for bad choices. We are raising children who feel entitled. I know. Not all children. Not your children. But are you sure?

I have watched friends do without basics so their children can have the latest phone, shoes and clothing. I have watched friends work second and third jobs to provide luxuries, while their children sit at home and play games. The kids are oblivious to the sacrifices their parents are making. Or, maybe, they just don’t care.

James and John’s mother only wanted the best for her sons. She didn’t understand the price they would pay. Jesus did. Do you understand the price your children will pay if you don’t teach them and guide them through childhood, refusing to save them from everything or providing you can’t afford and they really don’t need?

Kids are smart and observant and quick to learn. But it’s up to us to teach them the right way to live.

May 27, 2018

Put God in Your Home

Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

– Deuteronomy 11:18-19

There’s one of those Facebook things that goes around periodically. All my conservative friends share it. Why not? It sounds good. It basically says that if we want to fix our country we need to put God back in our schools and our government. What believer could possibly argue with that?

I wonder what would happen if we stopped worrying about God in our schools and government and focused on putting God back in our homes. Yes. You read that right. Our homes.

It’s not up to the schools to teach our children about God and about faith and about right and wrong. They should be getting that at home. Faith isn’t about a monument or what’s on a piece of paper. It’s about what’s in our hearts.

Do your children see you praying? I’m not talking about the set prayer you offer before a meal. I’m talking about those prayers that come from the heart. The ones that name specific people and makes specific requests. Do they see you reading and studying your Bible on a daily basis?

How often do you attend church? Is it one of those things you do when it’s convenient or when you have nothing better – such as a beach trip – to do? Are your children involved in Sunday school, VBS, choir, sports, youth, and other activities offered by your church? Or are they allowed to say no because their friends from school aren’t involved?

Do you talk about your faith with your children? Do you tell them how you came to know Jesus? Do you give Him credit for your many blessings or do you take all the credit for yourself?

Do you tell the truth, even when it might result in something negative for you? Do your children see integrity in your words and actions? Or do they see someone who fudges on time slips and pads expense accounts? Do they hear your words of praise or do you fill their ears with complaints?

Do you show mercy and grace to people who have done nothing to earn it? Do you remember and explain that God has shown us that same kind of grace and mercy? Do you give without being asked or do you grumble at every little bit the church or charities request? Do you volunteer? Do you give back? Or do you just take and take as though you have a right to do so with no responsibility to ever return even a portion of what you’ve received?

Be careful, or you will be enticed to turn away and worship other gods and bow down to them. – Deuteronomy 11:16

The world tells us we deserve only the best. The world tells us it’s okay to put ourselves first. The world tells us we can skirt the truth, have that extra drink, be a cut-throat business person. The world says it’s just politics when you pass over someone more qualified to do a favor for a friend. But God says something entirely different.

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. – Proverbs 22:6

What do your children see when they observe your life? Stop worrying about putting God back in schools and the government. Focus on putting Him back in your home and He’ll take care of the rest.

May 2, 2018

How Are You Serving?

The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, “The LORD is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him. -- Psalm 92:12-15

I was at an Education Committee meeting at church. The subject turned toward volunteers. Doesn’t it always? Grand ideas will never flourish without volunteers to turn them in to reality.

One of the many issues of getting enough volunteers are those who believe they’ve retired from service. It’s as though parents believe they can only volunteer for activities in their child’s age group. Others believe that when their kids are grown, they have retired from church service.

I don’t know how many times I’ve heard a person say, “Let someone younger do it. My kids are grown. I’m retired.” The Bible doesn’t say anything about retiring. It does speak of teaching the younger generation, of mentoring those younger than we are.

Certainly, our seasons change. One sweet lady volunteered to help prepare supplies and activities for the craft projects during Vacation Bible School. Her patience for young children was gone but her servant’s heart remained. She was able to serve behind the scenes and provide tremendous help to all of us.

Another woman recently declined a request to occasionally lead a Sunday school class. That is her right. I’m not here to do a guilt trip on her or anyone else. It was her excuse that made me pause. She said she’d already led an adult class and someone younger needed to do it. She’s barely passed 50. Seriously?!

Volunteer activities come in all shapes and sizes, just like the people who serve and are served. There something for everyone. Faith isn’t so much about taking as it is about giving back. When did we come to believe it was all about us, about what was convenient and only what we felt like doing when it suited us.

I’m so thankful that Jesus didn’t see it that way. I’ve no doubt that the very human side of Him grew weary as He preached and ministered, healed and served. Jesus never complained as He reached out to those who needed Him. He sought strength and guidance through prayer. And, yes, sometimes He rested.

We aren’t called to do every single thing someone asked us to do. That would be ridiculous. Each of us has special gifts and talents. We each have a unique way that we can serve. One man washes the silverware at church after every Wednesday night dinner. He willingly does it with no complaints. He has found a way to serve.

Another sweet lady, a woman who is no longer physically able to attend church, has become a prayer warrior. She routinely calls people who are sick or in crisis and prays for them and with them. She sends out the most beautiful cards. She has found a special ministry in the midst of her declining years.

How are you serving in your church? If you aren’t doing anything, maybe it’s time to look in the mirror. Everyone can give back in some way. Step up and serve.

April 19, 2018

What Behavior Do You Model?

Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. – Deuteronomy 4:9

The elementary school was hosting a book fair and they needed volunteers. Lots of volunteers. Why so many, I asked. Because some children will steal the books if we don’t keep a careful watch.

My mind was shocked. My heart was broken. It’s a sad reality of our world today. Children aren’t being taught right from wrong. School administrators rarely do anything about it because they don’t get support from the parents. They can’t discipline the children effectively when the parents defend their “innocent” children rather than make them take responsibility.

My Sunday school class has a large container of small candy. We store it in the back of a closed cabinet so it is not readily available or visible to anyone. One year during Vacation Bible School every piece of candy went missing. This would equal several large bags of candy.

We were upset and mystified. It wasn’t about the candy. That’s easily replaceable. It was that someone would think it okay – at church even! We eventually learned what happened, though not the name of the culprit. A young boy had taken all the candy home. His mother asked about it but he lied and said we’d given it to him. She apparently let it go and did nothing. A few “teachers” knew what happened. They, too, did nothing.

The boy was never held accountable for his actions. By letting it go, by not creating a scene, what did we teach him? Again, it wasn’t about the candy. It was about responsibility and learning right from wrong. An apology to our class would have gone a long way toward him understanding that you can’t just help yourself to something that belongs to someone else. Even at church.

Why didn’t the VBS teachers do anything? They didn’t want to make anyone mad. They didn’t want to push the youngster away from church. Instead of using the incident to teach him about God’s rules – Thou Shalt Not Steal – they opted to teach him about mercy. But forgiveness doesn’t mean we forgo the consequences. That’s a lesson he’ll one day learn in a much harsher environment.

Maybe we don’t hold children accountable because we don’t want to be held accountable. We want to help ourselves to office supplies from work. We want to “borrow” something from a friend or neighbor and never return it. We want to lie about something rather than admit we were wrong. The list could go on and on.

What are we teaching our children? What behavior are we modeling for them? Are you honest and merciful? Do you take responsibility for your mistakes? Do you tell the truth even when you’d rather not? Whether you realize it or not, your children are watching and learning. Make the lesson be behavior necessary to help them become honest people of God.

April 17, 2018

Encourage One Another

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. – 1 Thessalonians 5:11

She is our own little Good Will Ambassador. She is just past three, with soft brown curls bouncing on her head. Who could possibly resist her smile?

She welcomes everyone to Wednesday night dinner. She is quick with compliments. “I really like your outfit,” she recently told an older gentleman. She doesn’t meet a stranger and is friendly to everyone.

I’m sure her mom could point out the rest of the story. She’s of the age for meltdowns and stubbornness and all those things that will push a parent’s last button. But to the rest of us, she is a fresh, breath of joy wandering amongst us.

I don’t know too many adults that I could say that about. Most of us are quick to grumble about any and everything. We are too focused on ourselves, our friends, our own agendas to notice others. We look for the negative and that’s what we find.

Maybe God put this little girl in our midst to show us what it means to genuinely encourage people. Maybe He wanted us to see that there’s good in everyone if we’ll just open our eyes. Maybe God wanted to show us what it truly means to view life, to see faith, through the eyes of someone so small.

The other day bad weather was predicted. Fortunately, in our area the storm never became anything other than wind and rain. One woman lamented on Facebook that she sure wished the weather forecasters would stop making dire predictions. She was furious that they’d gotten the forecast wrong – again.

I couldn’t believe the venom from her mouth. I know she’s a Christian with a deep faith but no one could see it in her grumblings. I am thankful we didn’t have a tornado. Have you ever seen the aftermath of one of those? I prayed fervently for God’s protection and I am grateful that the storms never got worse. Other areas weren’t so fortunate. Did local weather forecasters get it wrong? Or did God hear our prayers and spare us from the storm’s fury? I guess it’s all about perspective.

The sad truth is that when you look for the bad, you’ll likely find it. And when you look for the good, you’ll find that too. When we encourage people, we see them blossom. When we criticize, we see them whither before our eyes.

This world can be hard sometimes. It’s filled with hurt and disappointments and unrealized dreams. Be the light. Smile at someone you don’t know. Give a sincere compliment to a person God places in your path. Offer hope for a better tomorrow to someone who has had a bad day.

Children can teach us so much if we’ll only notice. I’m so thankful for that little girl who is a bright light, reminding us that the gift of encouragement makes all of us smile.

April 15, 2018

Don’t Bring Your “Rules” To Church

Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. – James 4:11

I wonder what would happen if we looked to see the good around us rather than focusing in on what is wrong. I wonder how we would all change if we bit back our critical words and instead offered words of encouragement and strength?

I know this has been a column theme for several days. It keeps showing up all around me. God’s Spirit leads me to focus in, to see, to point out, all the ways we use words to destroy rather than build up.

Am I guilty? Absolutely. This column isn’t about me looking down on others but rather about seeing the guilt that belongs to all of us. And we are all guilty. We have all used words to slander others. Anger. Hurt. Bitterness. Rage. They’re all factors.

Some people say that when you criticize someone else, you’re really criticizing yourself. We see our flaws in other people and it upsets us so we lash out. I don’t know if that’s true or not. I do believe we sometimes lash out at others to hide our own flaws, our own hurts, our own disappointments.

The Pharisees got it wrong. So do we. How often do we get so focused on what we want that we miss what God wants?

Our pastor recently shared something on Facebook about children in the church. The commentary encouraged people to bring their kids, to sit up front, not to hang our heads and be upset if they were noisy or didn’t always pay attention. Kids are kids. Welcome them as Jesus did.

Not everyone sees it that way. They expect every child to be perfectly behaved at all times. That’s not realistic. Does it mean children and their parents should stay home? Of course not! But every time we cast a disapproving glance their way, every time we make an ugly comment about their unruly child, every time we shake our heads, that’s exactly what we’re telling them.

One of the reasons I like the contemporary worship service I attend is the mixture of folks who attend. Some are dressed in the traditional suit and tie. Others come in jeans and flip flops. Nobody cares. Everyone seems to know God is more interested in our hearts than our attire.

It also solves another issue that many people don’t understand. Those who can’t afford fancy clothes don’t feel out of place. Are you shocked? Don’t be. A sweet friend tells about a young family with three small daughters who didn’t attend Easter services at her church. The reason? The family couldn’t afford three new dresses and the mama didn’t want her children to be the subject of comments and putdowns. It’s sad. I’ve heard those comments. I’ve witnessed the ugliness when some believe that the “rules” of the church have been violated.

Sometimes it seems that we’ve lost our focus and the purpose of Sunday worship. We focus on the things that don’t matter – like dress, style of music, and children crying – and forget to worship God and cleanse our own hearts of filth.

The law is a good thing when it accomplishes God’s purposes. Don’t use it to dirty His message with your own views.

March 21, 2018

God Determines Our Path

The heart of a man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.

– Proverbs 16:9

We’re a lot alike, she and I. We’ve known each other more years than either of us publicly admits. In our 20s, we had dreams. Oh, the plans we made. Neither of us have the life we imagined.

Both of us remained single, without children. I never expected that to happen. Neither did she. How does time pass so quickly? What happened to the person we always thought we’d be?

It hasn’t been a bad life. Well, except for the hard times that is. Everyone has those. Illness doesn’t excuse anyone from her tirade. Broken hearts and bad choices abound. But mostly I think we just got busy and assumed we had plenty of time.

I never expected to be nearing the end of my life without a husband and children by my side. God had a different plan.

A dear friend still mourns his much-younger wife. She was the love of his life. They raised a son and created memories and were enjoying the grandchildren they adored. He always assumed he’d be the first to go. Age is supposed to determine those things. ALS is a cruel disease. She was gone way too soon.

Another friend expected to grow old with her husband. She was so in love. They’d created what she thought was a perfect family, complete with two young children. Until the day he told her he wanted out of their marriage. He just didn’t love her anymore.

We hold tightly to jobs we think we’ll have forever, to bank accounts we think give us security, to people who can be fickle and unkind, to a lifestyle we believe gives us status and worth. Then one day it is all gone. Our plans lay shredded all around us. We are numb with the shock, uncertain of the next step. We had such plans!

I’ve come to understand that God truly is the only One is trustworthy in all things at all times. Oh, I have some wonderful friends and family who have stood beside me in both devastating and joyful seasons of life. But nobody can be everything to someone else. It is God alone who has carried me through the dark nights and celebrated the seemingly small successes of my days.

He knows best. I’m so thankful for His protection. I’m thankful He didn’t always say yes. I’m even thankful He led me into the storm because it drew me closer to His side. God made a way when I never saw it coming. I am just so grateful for His Presence and protection.

A sweet friend talked about the plans she’d had for her life. Business. She wanted to be in business. She’s an elementary school teacher. She loves it! Her students are so blessed. She has the right amount of toughness mingled with a quick smile and genuine love for “her” kids. God knew where she needed to be, where she would make the most difference by touching the lives of young children.

Another friend got her call to teaching while she labored away in the medical field. She refused the first offer. The second time she was ready. Scared, I might add, but ready. Her high school students win awards all over the state. They gravitate toward her honesty and kindness. She doesn’t put up with any bad behavior but she is quick to forgive, quick to help, quick to defend those she calls her own. She never saw this career coming but she is so very thankful that it did.

God knows where we need to be to make the most difference in this world. God knows what has been and what is to come. He sees deep inside our hearts. My friend from so many years ago? Because she didn’t have her own family, she was able to spend 8 years caring for her invalid father. She also helped raise her brother’s children after their mother abandoned them. She has had a full life, filled with love. Just not the life she imagined.

As for me, well, I’m back where I belong, telling stories and teaching people about Jesus and caring for those who have no one else. It isn’t the life I would have chosen but it sure is the right life for me.

March 14, 2018

Teachers Help Their Students

My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word!

– Psalm 119:28

She had called DHR. For those who don’t know, that’s the Department of Human Resources. It’s who you call to report suspected child abuse or neglect. It was her first time.

She didn’t give specifics. There was no need. She admitted she’d probably never know what the social workers found. She’d likely never see if anything really changed for the child. For some reason, teachers aren’t deemed worthy to know such things.

Years before I had consoled a friend as she navigated the first years of teaching second grade. “They (college professors) don’t tell you how to handle it all,” she said. “They train you to teach the children how to read and write, how to do math and learn about history. But what about all the other stuff? Young children can’t just leave it at the door and get on with their education.”

How true. No one explains what to do when a little girl shows up for class in a summer dress and no coat even though its freezing outside. No one trains you how to help a little boy who is now living with his grandmother because his daddy killed his mama.

The easy answer is to report it to the proper authorities and trust they will handle it. Social workers are supposed to make sure children get the counseling they need. They’re supposed to make sure children are properly cared for, getting the food, medical care, clothing and housing they deserve. Except that doesn’t always happen.

In our world, the focus is on keeping the family together even when it’s obviously not in the best interest of the child. Parents have rights, you know. There’s a long process. The children live life in limbo, unsettled and traded around like playing cards. Is shared blood really worth the cost?

Are there any better options? Foster care can be wonderful or a nightmare. How can anyone ever tell what is best for a broken child? Can love ever remove the scars of rejection and neglect that linger long into a life that goes on?

Another teacher told about finding out on social media that one of her students had been prostituted out by her own mother. She was able to connect court appearance dates with behavior issues with the child. Suddenly, it all made sense. That knowledge helped the teacher as she helped the child.

Teachers spend five days each week with their students. They are the first line of defense. Yet they are usually the last to know what’s going on with their students. Why is that? Aren’t they trustworthy? We trust them to teach our children. Why can’t we trust them to help those same children cope with horrible life circumstances?

There is a bond that develops between a teacher and her students. Their hearts break for those who are hurting, those who aren’t being nurtured and provided with proper care. God alone can open all our eyes to see the children who need help and to grant us the strength and courage to make the call. Maybe one day we’ll see the value of including teachers in the process.

March 12, 2018

What Are You Teaching Your Children?

“You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”

– Deuteronomy 11:18-19

It was one of those days. The rain was pouring down and I was sitting in a veterinarian’s crowded waiting room. A woman, her grandson and her little dog (in a small kennel) came in not long after me. The boy was restless as most almost-four children would be. Waiting is hard.

He decided to get a book. He selected the Bible. His grandmother wasn’t pleased. As the little boy sat down in a chair and started turning the pages, she snatched it away. “No,” she admonished. “You don’t want that one.” She handed him a child’s book on animals.

Another woman suggested a children’s Bible. “It’s probably on the other table,” she said. “I know they have one here.”

“No. This book is fine.”

The little boy soon grew tired of that book and turned to Hot Rod magazines and such. The woman made no effort to engage the child. Maybe she couldn’t read. I don’t know her story. But I do know that she seemed determined to keep that little boy from Jesus.

Sadly, the boy didn’t talk. The most that came from his mouth was the beginnings of a tantrum because I refused to let him play with my phone. I remained calm and offered to read a book with him. When he realized that a tantrum wouldn’t work with me, he moved on to something else.

Never once did he show the woman any respect. Never once did he do as she asked. I know. He’s not quite four. It was still sad.

I don’t know if his environment has created the issues already so obvious to all of us in that waiting room. I don’t know if there’s underlying medical issues we can’t know. But I do know that little boy needs Jesus. So does his grandmother. Why is her heart so hard?

Our nation now is focused on school shootings and how to prevent another tragedy. We are becoming more aware of the need for counselors and mental health intervention. But shouldn’t we also consider getting involved before there’s a serious problem? This little boy could have a different life. His reaction to me when I refused to be swayed by his outburst clearly showed he is capable of listening and changing his behavior. His grandmother can’t control him at this young age. What will his life be like in 10 years?

I wish I had engaged the little boy more. Honestly, I just didn’t want to. I wanted to wait my turn and keep my ailing dog calm. I didn’t have the energy to insert myself into someone else’s life. Conviction hurts. Have you ever been there?

I should have spoken up. I should have drawn this emotionally hungry and needy child toward me so that I could show him the Jesus his grandmother had rejected. I hope next time I’ll reach out. I hope next time I’ll speak up. I hope next time I’ll allow Jesus to use me to nurture those He places before me. It takes all of us to change the world, one child at a time.

February 26, 2018

Get Up and Work

But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. – Colossians 3:8

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you almost must forgive. – Colossians 3:12-13

She gets so angry at the “sins” of others. She sits on her sofa, watching Fox News, and gets more and more upset about all that others have done to persecute Jesus. She goes on social media, blasting the liberals, those in favor of gun control, immigrants, those on welfare. And on and on.

She looks in the mirror and calls herself justified because she reads her Bible and prays daily. That is where her faith ends.

What is she doing to bring about change she claims to want? Nothing. Unless, of course, you count ranting and pointing her polished nail at all those she sees as wrong. All those she sees as less than acceptable.

She is a modern-day Pharisee and she doesn’t have a clue.

She is not alone. There are a great many who share her views and her lack of action. One main point of contention: “They” have banned Jesus from our schools. I agree that Jesus needs to be invited back into our schools. But are we going to use hate or love in our efforts to bring Jesus to the students?

What is she doing to make a change? What are you doing? Our town has a wonderful program called FPKids. It was started as a way for kids to meet at the flag pole at their school, share a Bible lesson and a prayer, before school begins. It is run by volunteers. Some are parents. Some aren’t. All simply love Jesus and are reaching out to kids in any way they can.

The elementary-age kids meet – with parental permission – once each week. The volunteers are amazed at the response. One school had to divide the students by grade levels because there were too many children for one group. There is a hunger there that I don’t think anyone really expected.

Is it a sacrifice for the volunteers? Of course, it is. Some must get up earlier than usual because the group meets for 30 minutes before school. Others must arrange to go to work late that day. But all believe the sacrifice of time is worth reaching children and teaching them about Jesus.

These people aren’t focused on anger or revenge. They aren’t pointing fingers at what others have done “wrong”. They’re simply loving those God has placed before them, offering up kindness and compassion with a large dose of Jesus’ love. They are being the hands and feet of Jesus.

It is so easy to forget that we aren’t called to a life of sitting on the sidelines and pointing fingers at other sinners. We are called to action. We are called to love those who aren’t easy to love. We are called to do good where we are. Sometimes that means getting off the sofa and actually working to change what we don’t like.

So what are you doing today? Are you sitting around pointing fingers and spreading hate? Or are you actively loving those God has put in your path? 

February 23, 2018

Love God and Love Each Other

And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” – Matthew 22:37-39

We are all still reeling from the latest school shooting. Another 17 students and teachers dead. Hundreds, if not thousands, of students traumatized. Let the finger pointing begin.

Why? We ask ourselves that again and again. This is the 18^th school shooting this year, and we aren’t even done with February yet. What has happened to our nation that such horrific violence has entered our schools?

Everyone has an answer. We need tougher gun laws. We need to enforce the gun laws we already have. The FBI didn’t do its job. The mental health system is broken. Agencies need to be more vigilant in reporting unstable behavior. It’s those violent video games kids have these days. Violence is everywhere on television and in movies. Kids don’t understand that death is final. Parents aren’t taking responsibility for discipling their kids. They don’t control their children so children never learn about responsibility and consequences.

The list could go on and on. The truth is every one of those excuses is probably partially true and the whole makes for a broken culture.

How do we fix it? Jesus. Oh, I know. There are those who don’t want to hear that. How could Jesus fix this? Jesus can fix anything and anyone.

And before those conservative Christians start the battle cry, let me quickly add that the beginning should come with the hypocrites keeping their hatred to themselves. I am sickened by the so-called Christians who use the gospel to promote their own political views.

Have you ever seen the movie Woodlawn? It’s the true story of racial strife in Birmingham, AL, and what happens when Jesus shows up. It took one man with a true faith to step forward and allow the Holy Spirit to use him. He could have fueled the flames of unrest. He could have used the violence and discord to further his own agenda. He didn’t. He turned his message to Jesus and that made all the difference.

We are at a crossroads in our nation. The young are rising up and we have a prime opportunity to turn tragedy into a call for genuine faith. I don’t have the answers but Jesus does. He is the only One who can minister to this deep hurt and create a change that brings healing to all of us.

I want to live in a world where our children can attend school without fear of unstable people killing them. I want them to know the peace and security that comes when Jesus is at the helm of all our lives.

Jesus told us what to do. Get rid of the hate and meanness that dot this country. Love God and love each other. Period.