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Archive for the ‘Devotional’ Category

Cloudy With a Chance of Meteors

Posted in Devotional, Encouragement, Endurance, Faith, God's Faithfulness on December 17, 2010| Leave a Comment »

Photo Credit: Getty Image via CNN

This year’s Geminid meteor shower was hailed as the best of 2010 and I missed it. I was more than willing to bundle up like an Eskimo and head to the observatory to watch the show, but it was just too cloudy. What a shame! Sky gazers in other parts of the country reported seeing as many as one-hundred-twenty meteors an hour during this peak time; it must have been spectacular.

Even so, I can certainly understand why most people have little interest in staying up half the night to watch a bunch of meteors streak through the cold December sky. Truth be known, now that I am older I find it harder to stay awake for these things myself. Still, it would’ve been cool to watch the shower because I have always been fascinated with every aspect of creation from the microscopic to the cosmic.

I was one of those nerdy kids who could sit for hours and marvel at plain, ordinary rocks or admire the uniqueness of a single tree. In that respect I haven’t changed much. The difference is that when I look at the various things in the world around me now, I marvel more at the Creator than His creation.

God is awesome and all of nature declares His glory, especially in the heavens. Psalm 19:1 states: The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies proclaim his craftsmanship.

I believe that God created the universe in such a way that we would see these meteor showers as a reminder of how awesome His creation really is. The Geminid shower lasts for days and lights up the sky with fireballs which can be seen from almost anywhere on Earth. And, according to Nasa astronomer Bill Cooke, the Geminid showers “defy explanation.”

God does lots of things on a grand scale that defies explanation. It is His desire that, when we see these things, we turn our thoughts to Him.

The morning after I missed the meteor showers’ peak I was somewhat disappointed that I missed the ‘shower’ and there would only be a trickle of meteors over the next few days. For some reason, probably because of the term shower, I found myself thinking about a passage in the book of Ezekiel that describes a time when the Lord will bless His people with abundant peace and provision. He promises that there shall be showers of blessing (Ezekiel 34:26).

I couldn’t help but think about the many blessings that God is pouring upon the earth even now. Sadly, though, too many people fail to recognize some of them because their ‘vision’ is clouded by the storms of life. We may not be living in the fullness (showers) of God’s blessing just yet, but his blessings continue to rain down on upon us whether we see them or not; and His mercies are new every morning.

I know that the world is very dark now and people are hurting, but like the Puritans, let us pray, “…let me find Thy light in my darkness.” Your circumstances might not change immediately, but God is more than capable of moving those clouds so that you can see His glory rip through your darkness with more ferocity than those fiery meteors which pierce the night sky.

It may be too late to look up and see the meteor shower, but it is never too late to look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh (Luke 21:28b).

Credit: Wally Pacholka / AstroPics.com / TWAN.

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Elbow Grease and Head Cheese

Posted in Devotional, Guidance, Spiritual Strength on December 13, 2010| 3 Comments »

I was about seven-years-old when I first learned that elbow grease is not stored in the garage and head cheese is definitely not a dairy product. For the record, head cheese is hardly my idea of food. This nasty lunch “meat” is actually made from the flesh of a pig’s head, tongue, and other gross body parts. Why they call it head “cheese” is beyond me even today, so you can certainly understand why I was confused as a child.

Finding out the meaning of ‘elbow grease’ was really no big deal; I had been using it for years even if I hadn’t known it. Adversely, I nearly vomited when I learned the truth about head cheese the hard way -by tasting it. What kind of adult gives one of the world’s biggest cheese lovers a slice of this nasty stuff (which looks nothing like cheese) and let’s them stick it in their mouth thinking that if it has the word cheese in its name it must be good?

Speaking of cheese, my mother’s heart compels me to share a humorous memory with you. After the birth of my second daughter, my son decided he didn’t want grilled cheese sandwiches anymore. I was a bit puzzled because this was his favorite food at the time.

“Really? Why don’t you want a grilled cheese?” I asked quizzically. “You love those.”

His response made me laugh out loud.

“I don’t want no more girled cheese sam-iches, I want a boyed cheese one.”

I still get a kick out of that when it comes to mind. Then I wonder, how many times have I misunderstood my Heavenly Father while He was “feeding” me His Word?

The apostle Paul wrote: When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. I Corinthians 13:11

Studying the Holy Bible is unquestionably one of my all-time favorite things to do. However, I learned a long time ago that some parts of Scripture are far more difficult to understand than others. Consequently, they can be easily misunderstood. How then are we to mature in the faith if we don’t understand some of the more obscure passages? Commentaries are wonderful resources, but ultimately they are just another man’s opinion, which may or may not be as enlightened as our own. It is very important that we read the Bible with the correct understanding.

Our Father made it easier than we think. He inspired the apostle John to write:

But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (John 14:26)

But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will[a] abide in Him. (I John 2:27)

I am certainly not minimizing the role of pastors and teachers. These were given by God for our benefit (Ephesians 4:11) and we most assuredly need them, but I am encouraging us all to begin EVERY Bible reading by inviting the Holy Spirit’s wise instruction. Each time we open the Bible, let us pray that the Spirit would help us to correctly read God’s words, setting aside any preconceived notions, personal biases or false teachings- anything that would hinder our understanding.

The first time I did this, it was as though I was reading Scripture for the very first time. I truly began to understand many passages far more clearly, and I believe, more accurately.

Growing in Christ is a life-long process, one that we toil at daily. I pray, therefore, that our spiritual appetites become insatiable, and that the spiritual “meat” we consume is pleasant and nourishing. No spitting this stuff out.

“How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth.” (Psalm 119:103)

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Can Coon Stay?

Posted in Devotional, Encouragement, Love, Servanthood, Uncategorized on December 9, 2010| 3 Comments »

Nestled snugly on a mountaintop in the Tonto National forest, is a small, cozy house which I had the privilege of calling home for one summer during my youth. There, the Arizona sky is swirled with turquoise and tangerine, and the ever-present fragrance of fresh air and pine exhilarates the senses. It is no wonder that so many Native Americans and pioneers chose to settle this area and never leave.

I had plans to attend college in the fall or else I might have planted my roots there as well. Being an adventurer, I could have easily spent every moment of every summer exploring the vast display of nature’s treasures throughout Tonto’s three-million acres.

Admittedly, winters would have been a little more challenging for an outdoorsman like me because there isn’t much to do when you are completely snowed in. I would have managed quite contentedly though. Until one has experienced first-hand the solitude of living apart from the pandemonium of this world, it is hard to imagine the inexpressible tranquility that such a quiet life affords.

I had never experienced the harsh winters of the mountain, but my grandmother told me many stories about them. Tonight, as I watched orange and amber flames dance atop the logs inside my fireplace, I fondly recalled one of them.

Each night, after the dinner dishes were cleared, Grandpa would build a fire large enough to thoroughly warm the house until long past bedtime. The house had electricity but it was always turned low during sleeping hours. Nestling under two or three hand-made quilts atop a feather bed usually kept everyone warm, but I’m told that stepping out of bed into the frosty morning was rather unpleasant.

One morning after a particularly heavy snow, Grandpa awoke to find a big raccoon curled-up on the rug in front of the fireplace. How it got there was a mystery at first. He wasn’t an especially feisty coon, though. Grandpa simply opened the door and the coon walked out without a fuss.

The following morning the coon was back on its self-assigned rug in front of the fireplace, and the next morning, and the one after that. Each morning, just like the first, Grandpa opened the door and the critter headed outside as if he were a beloved household pet merely going out for his morning business.

The mystery was solved by day three when Grandma noticed little ashy footprints coming from the fireplace. Apparently the coon had waited for the fire to go completely out then managed to work his way down the fireplace, leap over the hot ashes and settle in for the night.

Because of this, my grandparents nicknamed him “Jack” from the old Mother Goose rhyme:

Jack be nimble, Jack be quick, Jack jump over the candlestick.

A simple metal mesh would have thwarted the cunning houseguest, but apparently he had become such a welcome diversion to the monotony of winter he was allowed to continue his nightly visits.

Jack slept in the house for about three weeks then stopped coming around for reasons unknown. Knowing my grandparents, they would have let him sleep on the rug for the rest of his life because they were very warm and caring like that. After all, they welcomed me there for a whole summer when I needed a place to stay.

I guess that is why I sometimes think of that old raccoon story. My world at the time was as bleak and cold as a frozen winter and yet, like Jack, I was offered a warm place to rest my cold, weary soul with no strings attached. Beyond that, I was loved and cared for by people I barely knew.

A great many summers have passed since the one spent on the mountain and most of my memories of those days have faded. Even so, in the same way that the old coon was able to stay warm by the ashes of those long-ago fires, I still have enough memories remaining to warm my heart when I think-back on them.

Dear reader, never underestimate how deeply a kind word or deed can impact others. There are many people in today’s world who’s hearts have grown cold -wounded souls looking only for a warm place to rest. Let us be swift to offer them that refuge.

> Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?

Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.(Matthew 25:34-40)

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One Great Race

Posted in Devotional, Love, Racism (anti), Servanthood on December 4, 2010| 4 Comments »

Unusual Animal Friendships

While filling out a job application, my friend marked an X through all the “race” choices and wrote HUMAN. He didn’t get the job, but I gave him an ‘A’ for bravado. I wonder, is it really that burdensome to use the correct, five-syllable word nationality instead of the incorrect, one-syllable term race?

True, there were races in antiquity, but those generally involved chariots or feet. Biblically speaking, the word race is only found four times in Scripture and never in reference to a people group.The word nation(s), however is used hundreds of times.

Semantics, semantics, some would say. What difference does it make if we use the word race to distinguish ethnicity? Whether we use the word race for ethnicity, contest of speed, or even a political campaign, the word gives rise to thoughts of competition and superiority. Sadly, this is why some folks feel justified in ranking others as “inferior.”

Nothing could be more unscriptural. The Bible says God created MAN in His image not His images. He distinguished them male and female, and by that distinction alone.

Prejudice is, therefore, one of my pet peeves. My family and I have always been colorblind and have no tolerance for racism. Nevertheless, I must ashamedly admit that I learned just today that my otherwise angelic little doggie is prejudice (insert imagination here). This will never do in my family!

This will never do in God’s family either. Unbelievably, prejudice and racism actually take place even in the church. When I first learned this, I was utterly shocked. Mankind, all six-billion plus, are family regardless of our skin colors. Those of us who call upon Jesus Christ as Lord are immediate family, everyone else is extended family, but family just the same.

Let me add for clarity, I do not believe that all roads lead to heaven. I know, speaking of Jesus, that there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12) Those who have not accepted the Lord’s salvation are prodigal siblings. As such, we must love them and pray for them all the more.

Jesus said:

..Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. (Matthew 22:37-39).

Notice, there is no loophole which allows for discrimination. I don’t know about you, but many of my friends and neighbors are of a different skin color than I. So what! As I said, we are all part of one great big family, one great “race” if you will-the human race. If we are going to have antipathy for color brothers and sisters, let it be towards the blackness of sin not skin!

Perhaps you are a believer and yet struggle with intolerance issues, skin color or otherwise. I am not judging you; I simply pray that we all, myself included, allow the Lord to break any chains which have bound us and prevented us from loving others as we truly should.

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us… (Hebrews 12:1)

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A Wedding Gown for Mandy

Posted in Devotional, Encouragement, Love, Mother's Love on December 1, 2010| 1 Comment »

Mandy’s heart leapt for joy when she viewed herself in the mirror. She looked very pretty in her wedding dress and she knew it. Her mother, Linda, knew it too.

If there were tears in Linda’s eyes, they were undoubtedly bittersweet. On the one hand she would be overwhelmed to see her precious daughter standing there looking and feeling so beautiful in her wedding gown. On the other hand, heartbroken at the knowledge that her daughter would not be getting married that day, nor any other for that matter.

Though Mandy stood adorned in white, she did not do so to show forth the purity of body in which a woman is supposed to present herself to her beloved on their most cherished day. No, Mandy’s innocence was of a different nature. Her body was unquestionably pure, but it was the simplicity of her child-like thoughts that made this day so very special.

Born with autism and mental retardation, Mandy’s thoughts remain in a perpetual state of childhood –playful and imaginative. Somewhere deep inside, she probably dreams of getting married someday even though she doesn’t really understand what that really means. But on this day, she only wanted to play dress up in a wedding gown so she could feel pretty and special.

Linda always attested to Mandy’s specialness, but not because of her disabilities. Every mother’s daughter is uniquely special because of her mother’s love, which is unconditional. Linda certainly acknowledges Mandy’s disabilities, but it is her great love for her child which motivates her to bring as much joy into Mandy’s life as she can. And so she headed to the second-hand store for a play dress.

The gown was not expensive, but to Mandy it was priceless. She gazed at herself in the mirror and began to happily sing, “Oh so pretty!” Linda was delighted. As pride welled-up inside her heart she thought “Mandy deserves to look and feel beautiful just like all girls do!”

The occasion turned into outright fun. Mandy continued to play bride and Linda was able to play mother of the bride. Just like any other ‘wedding day,’ pictures were taken and Linda would always have the memory of what her daughter would look like if she had ever been able to marry.

“Oh so pretty!” Yes, Mandy was a beautiful bride that day. She may not have walked down the aisle of a flower-filled church to wed, but she was a bride just the same. Linda proudly admired her daughter and tenderly assured Mandy that she is beautiful. Then, she aptly told her, “You are the bride of Jesus!”

Indeed, Jesus does liken his love for us as that of a bridegroom for His beautiful, virgin bride. We are all terribly flawed and “disabled” but He looks past that, embracing our uniqueness and our specialness because His love is pure and unconditional.

Someday, our bridegroom will come for us and take us to the eternal home that He has prepared. Till then, may we all be “dressed” and ready. And may we know that we are “Oh so pretty” to our Lord because we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).

How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: (Psalm 139:17,18a)

~Thank you Linda and Mandy for permitting me to share your story. I know that many of your friends were deeply touched, as was I, and I am thankful for the opportunity to help you touch other hearts by sharing your special mother/daughter experience with them. I know, Linda, that in recounting the details you said, “I’m the one that got blessed!” because you saw how happy Mandy was. I’m sure Jesus is also touched by the great love you show your daughter. Mandy is truly blessed to have you as a mother.

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Six O’Clock Charlie

Posted in Contentment, Devotional, Preparedness, Servanthood on November 20, 2010| 3 Comments »

Six O’Clock Charlie is hanging out with me this weekend while his folks are gone. The affectionate addition of “Six O’clock” to his name was my idea. Charlie knows that my house is his home-away-from-home and he really loves his weekend stays here, but he is especially devoted to his papa, who apparently returned home from work habitually at six o’clock in the evening during Charlie’s formative years.

Charlie’s internal clock is set at six o’clock sharp. I seldom get up before six o’clock in the morning, but that is precisely the time when Charlie, who is determined to awaken me, exhales his hot breath onto my face and nudges me with his cold, wet nose. Like it or not, I am up at six to let Charlie out for his morning business.

Then, after a long day of tailing me and sleeping, mostly sleeping, Charlie gets a bit anxious. At precisely six o’clock in the evening, that lovable old lug moves to the door, which I try to keep open at that time, and intently watches out the screen door for his papa; thus his nickname, “Six O’clock Charlie.” Morning or evening, when six o’clock comes, Charlie is ready for action.

After a while, when Charlie realizes that he is probably going to bunk down for another night at my house, he heads into the kitchen in hopes that I will feel sorry for him and slip him a little something. I usually do; a little treat now and then goes a long way in keeping Charlie content.

Ole Six O’clock always knows his papa will come to get him soon, and he gets really excited any time he hears anything as promising as a car door. Even so, when things don’t go the way he had hoped, Charlie still knows how to make the best of it while he is here. And no matter what, he always lets me know that as long as he stays here, in my home, he is going to dutifully watch out for me and be my loyal ‘best friend.’ (Shhh, don’t tell Dazie Mae!)

Today, a friend of mine earnestly stated “Oh Christ Jesus come back soon!” I’ve felt that way for some time and so have countless others. We are all a bit like Six O’clock Charlie; we know that our Master is coming for us soon, we just don’t know exactly when. And like Charlie, we too must make the best of it while we are still here. After all, this world is our own home-away-from-home. However, what matters most is not in knowing when our Master is coming for us, but whether or not we are ready when He does come and whether or not He will find us faithful and diligent.

Jesus Christ himself said “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” (John 9:4) Until that glorious day when Jesus returns, let us all be about the Father’s business as well. As children and loyal bondservants of our Heavenly Father, we must dutifully ‘watch out’ for mankind and proclaim the Gospel message of salvation and of hope.

Unlike Charlie, though, we don’t have the luxury of sleeping most of our time away. Scripture warns:

“But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.” (Mark 13:32-37)

A few hours ago, my husband came home from an errand and was greeted by a rather disappointed Charlie. I heard my husband tell him, “I can see the disappointment in your eyes. I know- you were hoping I was your daddy; don’t worry he’s coming soon!”

God’s children may be tired and frustrated with this present world. And we may be disappointed that the Lord has not yet returned. But we can be absolutely sure of this one thing, He is coming soon! Furthermore, He promised “Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching…” (Luke 12:37)

We cannot just sit at the door watching for our Master like Charlie does, that’s not what the Lord meant. Rather, we awaken each morning with the expectation that it is time to get busy with the work at hand, knowing full well that our Master is coming soon to take us home- to our real and permanent home. And there, we shall find eternal rest in Him.

Speaking of sitting at the door, it is after five. It’s time to go open the door of expectation for good ole Six O’clock Charlie and then go make supper.

If by chance you are reading this, but do not know the Lord Jesus as your personal Savior and Master, I would like to encourage you to open a door also. Jesus said, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20)

Even so Lord Jesus, come quickly!

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There’s Nothing There?

Posted in Breast Cancer, Devotional, God's Faithfulness, Healing, Testimony on November 14, 2010| 3 Comments »

Breast cancer runs in my family like a mighty torrent of flood water, carving its destruction into the lives of every generation. Some have died, others have survived, but all have in some way been affected. I stared the beast in the face about twelve years ago when my doctor confirmed a lump with smaller “bb’s” extending towards my armpit.

If I had to deal with a lump, the timing could not have been better. I had been ardently studying what Scripture has to say about healing –it’s a lot– and I believed with every fiber of my being that God not only CAN heal, but He is very much in the business of doing so.

A second mammogram and sonogram had been scheduled and it was time to engage in spiritual warfare against this aggressive foe. I confided in only three friends because I felt it crucial that we all be in total agreement as to my healing. Others would certainly have prayed for me, but I could not risk any of those “if it be God’s will” prayers. I already knew what God’s will was.

When one of the disciples asked of Jesus, “Teach us to pray…” He answered thus:

Our Father who is in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come
Your will be done,
On earth as it is in Heaven.

I believe there are some issues for which it is appropriate to pray “if it be God’s will….” but I knew that to overcome a giant like breast cancer, it was imperative to stand on promise, not possibility.That may sound impious to you, but I had four small children and my life was at stake; I had no other choice but to take God at His word that He hears our prayers and answers them.

Before I proceed in recounting just how God answered, let me explain that I am in no way denying that many of God’s children face very grave sicknesses and diseases, some of which even result in death. I cannot speak to those situations, nor do I understand them. It is evident that sometimes our prayers for healing are not answered. I do believe, though, that we shouldn’t automatically ‘blame’ God nor blame ourselves. There are a great number of things that can interfere with our prayers being answered, but that doesn’t necessarily mean we have done anything wrong. Therefore, there is no condemnation to any of us if we battle with sickness or disease.

Now, let’s get back to the doctor. My three friends and I had been praying that by the time I arrived for my second mammo that the lump would be gone. It wasn’t. The technician asked me to point to where the lump was so I clarified (by faith) “It was here,” indicating the spot.

“Yes, I can certainly feel that,” she said and marked it for the sonogram, which would follow later. As she moved to the other side of the room to prepare a few things I whispered to the Lord, “This is unacceptable; I believed this lump would be gone before the second mammogram.” Again, you might think this impious or even sacrilegious, but I was speaking to my Heavenly Father. He made promises to His children in Scripture and I was holding Him to them.

After she finished the mammogram, the technician led me to another room for the sonogram. I spoke to the Lord again. “You know what I hate about these tests, you always have to wait several days before anyone tells you anything; It would be nice if you would work it out so I could hear something today.”

“I’ll be right back,” said a confused technician. Apparently this test was not going the way they had anticipated. Moments later, a stern-looking doctor accompanied the technician to the room. He repeated the question, “Where is the lump?” I repeated, “It was here.”

In no time at all the doctor told the technician, “That’s enough, I’ve seen all I need to.” He looked at me as though I had committed a crime and stated, more like a question, “There’s Nothing There?”

“Praise the Lord!” I exclaimed with glee. “I knew He would come through!”

The doctor’s expression turned sour. “You attribute this to him?” he asked defiantly. “You bet I do,” I insisted confidently. “God answers prayers and I believed that he would remove this lump from my body before my second mamogram.”

Obviously this man did not believe in prayer; his posture and flippant tone gave him away. “Well I don’t know what to tell you. I looked at the mammogram and there is nothing on it; nothing shows on your sonogram either. Just go home and keep up with your yearly screenings, but there is nothing there!” With that he shot me one more disgusted look and huffed out of the room.

I hope you are encouraged by this true testimony of God’s faithfulness. There are many similar testimonies that I could share, and will do so later, but someone needed to hear this account today. That someone might even be me. Despite all the miraculous healings that God has blessed me with thorough the years, I gradually quit standing on the promises of healing like I used to.

In fact, I was laying on the couch this afternoon in tears, feeling defeated at a particular ailment, when the Lord reminded me of the many times He healed me, though the doctors could not, including the above healing. He also brought to my remembrance the words of this Christian chorus:

Whose report will you believe? We will believe the report of the Lord!

My body may temporarily be in pain but my heart is encouraged anew. After all, I know from experience that the Lord’s word overrules every opposing report. And His word promises that He answers the prayers of His children and cares for all our needs.

This brings me to my personal motto: God said it! I believe it! That settles it!

What more can I say?

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Riding the Pig

Posted in Courage, Devotional, Zeal on November 13, 2010| 5 Comments »


I can say with certainty that it is not a good idea to ride a pig bareback. On the other hand, it is a hysterical thing to watch if you are on the outside of the pen. I know this because I once busted a gut watching my younger sister’s efforts to conquer a big fat hog. Incidentally, those porkers can really move when they’re riled.

With lightning speed, the hog violently bucked my sister off; which would have silenced me at that very moment had she not fallen into a fresh, mucky puddle of piggy poo– that was just too riotous for constraint.

The hog, relieved to have thrown its burden, paced frantically back and forth squealing some unintelligible swine dialect, uncertain of what to do next. But when my sister stood up, the furious beast decided to charge; she barely cleared the pen before it slammed against the railing in an effort to nail her. That brought me to my senses rather abruptly.

I could just imagine the next day’s headlines: “Nine-year-old girl is killed by charging pig; thirteen-year-old killed by parents for letting it happen!”

Even though she was only bruised and shaken, I was angry that my sister had not listened to me when I forbid her to climb into that pig pen. Then again, she always was pig-headed (pun intended). She just grinned smugly and proclaimed with more than a hint of arrogance: “See, told you I could do it!”

Truthfully, I never really doubted it. That girl was always one to grab the bull by the horns- or the pig by the ears- and seize as much of life’s gusto as she could manage. Though I would never have told her so, I secretly admired my sisters’ sense of adventure and her limitless courage. (Don’t tell her I said that- I would never hear the end of it.)

I, on the other hand, was quite the opposite. Whereas my sister had been raised in such a way as to believe nothing was impossible to her, I was conditioned to believe that everything was. I had absolutely no self-confidence and was pretty much afraid of my own shadow, so I always played it safe. Being an incredibly difficult hurdle to clear, that fear has kept me from fully enjoying life for more years than I care to admit.

And I will confess that even as a person of faith, I spent way too many years being overly cautious, especially in regards to my children. It is only by the grace of God that they aren’t afraid to pursue their dreams and desires, despite my frequent nominations for the Over-Protective Parent of the Year Award. I guess they really took it to heart when their father and I taught them to believe the words of Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Being nearly grown, I’m sure none of my adventurous offspring will ever want to try riding a pig, but it goes without saying that they will undoubtedly want to do other ‘risky’ things on occasion. That may be hard for an old mother hen like me, but I have to realize that I cannot always protect my children, nor should I always try.

Even if their decisions cause them to ‘fall in piggy poo’ once in a while, I still rejoice in their adventurous spirits and their courage. And, I am very thankful that they are willing to take the bull by the horns and go for the gusto. After all, “A life making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing.” [George Bernard Shaw]

As for me, I don’t know what the future has in store, but watching my children grow into such fearless young adults has been a great inspiration to me. I’ve even decided to dust off a few old dreams and give ‘em a whirl. After all, I too can do all things through Christ who strengths me. And so can you!

“Don’t fear failure so much that you refuse to try new things. The saddest summary of a life contains three descriptions: could have, might have, and should have.” (Louis E. Boone)

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Snipe Hype

Posted in Devotional, Emotinal Pain, Endurance, God's Provision on November 5, 2010| 5 Comments »


Being the new kid, I was thrilled with the invitation to go snipe hunting. My parents never let me do anything so it was out of the question, but I was chomping at the bit to go. For once in my life someone wanted to include me in the fun and frankly, I was miffed that I didn’t get to indulge in the adventure.

Just in case you happen to be wondering what in the world a snipe is I will explain, although I am probably breaking some sort of backwoods code of silence. There are two species of snipe. The first is a small, long-billed bird that lives in the marshes. The second type of snipe is a small nocturnal creature that lives only in deeply wooded areas; they are extremely elusive and nearly impossible to catch.

Now let me tell you what the latter type of snipe is not. A backwoods snipe is not real. This fictitious creature is a decoy meant to lure an unsuspecting dupe into humiliation and ridicule.

For high-schoolers, snipe hunting works something like this: The really “cool” kids seek out the “nerdiest” or loneliest introvert in the school and pretend to take an interest. A short time later, they ask this “reject” to go snipe hunting; banking on the fact that he or she will jump at the chance to be included. Then on a cold, dark night, the whole snipe-hunting party drives to a remote location and walks deep into the woods.

Once there, the naïve chump is given a gunnysack or pillowcase and a stick to aid in the capture. “By the way, you are far more likely to catch a snipe if you give them a snipe call,” you are told. “It sounds something like this….” Of course their victim will sound like an idiot making that call, but it’s all part of the humiliation.

The group breaks up at this point because it is “easier to catch a snipe like that.” I probably don’t have to tell you what happens next- the poor dupe is left alone in the woods and the others drive off. How long he or she is left in the woods is entirely up to the coolest of the cool.

In retrospect, I am certainly grateful that I didn’t go along on that snipe hunt; I had already endured enough arrows of humiliation back then as it was. I only wish others could escape the beguilement but sadly, innocent recruits are still being gulled into snipe hunting to this very day.

If this were just some harmless prank it would probably be more copacetic but in reality, the demoralizing outcome is not harmless at all. The culprits, motivated by malice, are intent on victimizing those who are already weak and insecure. This really angers me.

What angers me more is that all of humanity has a very real enemy out there with a similar, but infinitely more destructive agenda. Scripture says that your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. (I Peter 5:8)

The devil, otherwise known as Satan, often employs tactics similar to those of a snipe hunt. He too seeks out those individuals who are completely ignorant of his schemes or their consequences. And more often than not, he chooses fragile souls who are weak and insecure or those who are emotionally wounded already.

He then lures them into his web of deceit- usually through the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (also spoken of in Scripture). Unaware that they have just become the devil’s pawn, these eager victims initially enjoy the thrills of pleasure-hunting. If only they can nab that evasive creature called happiness, the end result, they reason, will be self-fulfillment and acceptance.

Satan knows, however, that mankind can only find true happiness through communion with God, his Creator. So, he carefully maneuvers his pawns into a cold dark place far away from God until the reality sets in that the pleasures of this world were only decoys. By then, the fragile souls are demoralized and buy into the lie that they have made an insurmountable mistake and are quite alone in it.

The enemy has worked this same plan of deception from the dawn of time; the wisest man who ever lived, according to the biblical account, fell victim to this same pleasure-hunting deception. He wrote:

I denied myself nothing my eyes desired;
I refused my heart no pleasure.
and this was the reward for all my toil.
Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done
and what I had toiled to achieve,
everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind;
nothing was gained under the sun.
(Ecclesiastes 2:10-11)

Perhaps you, dear reader have felt like you have been on a hunt for happiness and still feel like your gunnysack is empty. Moreover, you might feel like you have been standing alone in an emotional darkness, calling out to no avail. Notice, Scripture says the devil seeks those who he [may] devour; if you are in God’s hands, he is unable to.

Furthermore, Jesus spoke in Scripture saying Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:28, 29 KJV)

In addition to rest, God wants to give you every good thing; not the temporal things of this world that are fleeting and do not really satisfy, but those things which bring true fulfillment and true happiness.

Whether you are in relationship with your heavenly Father or not, please watch this video and take its words to heart. It is my sincere prayer that you do not leave this blog site empty-handed. If nothing else, take with you the knowledge that Jesus loves you too much to leave you alone.


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Can You Dig It?

Posted in Devotional, Spiritual Hunger, Zeal on November 2, 2010| 2 Comments »


Several years ago a friend and I were pondering what the ancient Israelites looked like. What did they wear? Did the men use head coverings? What about their hair and beards? I suggested that we go back three or four thousand years and look at the newspapers and photographs.
Of course I had to explain that what I really meant by that light-hearted metaphor is that some of those answers can be found in archaeology.

It took a very long time, but I was finally able to put together a pictorial portfolio comprised of images from antiquity. The search was tedious and difficult but very enlightening in the end; well worth the effort.

I would probably never have seen an image of the ancient Israelite, though, had it not been for the labors of thousands of archaeologists who painstakingly combed every square inch of the ancient historical sites and dug the answers out of the ground inch by inch.

That’s why I love archaeology so much. With a little digging, we can view the day-to-day lives of the ancients as though they stepped right out of the pages of history. There are museums in every country of the world housing a variety of artifacts that chronicle ancient history, yet we have probably not even scratched the surface of the vast store of treasure still buried.

If ever I could, I would love to participate in a dig- especially in the area of ancient Mesopotamia. This might not ever happen, but I suppose that’s okay since I am on a far greater treasure hunt anyway; one which spans 6,000 years of human history and beyond.

Listen to what the Word of God said about the kingdom of heaven:

… the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.(Matthew 13:44)

Notice that the kingdom of heaven, at least the knowledge pertaining to it, is “hidden.” Where? It is hidden within the pages of the Holy Bible. But the good news is that anyone who diligently searches for it can find it.

There is no greater treasure that may be found in this earth than that of God’s Kingdom. With that kingdom, however comes great responsibility and it is absolutely imperative that we seek God’s wisdom in order to fully comprehend it. Again Scripture says:

All the words of my mouth are in righteousness… They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge. Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. (Proverbs 8:8-11)

Seeking God’s wisdom as well as understanding the pages of Scripture is a life-long endeavor, but oh the treasures we will find there!

It never ceases to amaze me that archaeologists will sometimes devote their entire lifetimes unearthing one buried city or searching for sites long forgotten. They will in their great devotion work with little more than a trowel and a brush in the grueling heat day after day, year after year. And yet I, to my shame, sometimes find it hard to spend an hour a day in God’s word. Forgive me Lord.

I pray that I may become a great treasure hunter. And I pray for patience as I search through God’s Word to find the hidden riches there. If archaeologists can continue to work at unearthing Pompeii for more than two hundred years (with a third of the city still yet to be cleared); then surely I can devote more of my time searching for the greatest treasure that can ever be found; one that will last for an eternity without decay.

After all, the Lord God instructed us: Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also (Matthew 6:19-21)

My heart is with God and my desire is for His kingdom; I’m sure yours is too. Can you dig it?

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