An Old West Story

And of some have compassion, making a difference: Jude 1:22

One of the best speeches I ever heard was given by our niece at her high school graduation – the Valedictorian of her class – you can imagine how proud we were. I think we cried throughout the entire day. It’s extremely rewarding and fulfilling to see young people who love the Lord. People who care about others more than themselves. To see people reach their God-given potential! There’s nothing like it. Graduations are milestones. Weddings are milestones. Our Christian lives are milestones within themselves. They matter. Our countenance, our disposition, our inner character make a difference! 10+ years later…that speech made a difference in my life. You probably have milestone moments too. Important moments that made a lasting impact.

 I won’t disclose her age, because it might mean disclosing mine, (Haha!) but her keynote verse was Jude 1:22. She made an emphasis on compassion. I’ve had this speech and this thought on my mind for a few days. Do we extend compassion enough? Do we put anyone else’s needs above our own? Are we making a difference in our Christian walk?

So, a few days ago when I came across a short story, it stuck with me. It goes along with my thoughts on compassion today, so I’ll re-tell it as best I can. (Repeat -This original story was not written by me. Unfortunately, I do not know the author).

A man in the ‘Old West’ was on trial for stealing a horse. (Let’s remember that stealing a horse in the Old West was a very grave and serious offense). A person could be hanged if found guilty of such a deed. It was considered in some aspects, no less than a murder.

It so happened that the man whose horse had been stolen had always made it a point to get the best of any person with whom he had any dealings. (He was spiteful!)  He never tried to do anything good for anyone other than himself. (Selfish!) Consequently, the man whose horse had been stolen didn't have a single friend in the entire town. The case was tried and presented to the jury.

The evidence against the alleged man was pretty strong. After 30 minutes of deliberation, the jury returned to the court room. "Gentlemen of the jury, have you reached a verdict?" the judge asked. The chairman of the jury stood up. "Yes we have, your honor," he replied. "What is your verdict?" inquired the judge. There were a few moments of silence and then the chairman spoke. "We find the defendant not guilty if he will return the horse."

After the judge had silenced the laughter in the courtroom, he admonished the jury. "I cannot accept that verdict. You will have to retire until you reach another verdict," said the judge. The jury went back into their room to deliberate toward another verdict. (No member of the jury had any particular liking for the man whose horse had been stolen. At one time or another, he had gotten the best of each of them).

About an hour passed before the jury could reach another verdict. They re-entered the courtroom. They took their place in the jury box and the courtroom grew silent.

"Gentlemen of the jury," began the judge, "have you reached a verdict?" The chairman of the jury stood up. "Yes we have, your honor," he replied. "What is your verdict?" asked the judge.

The courtroom was totally silent. You could have heard a pin drop. Everyone eagerly awaited the verdict. The chairman read the decision reached by the twelve good men, tried and true. "We find the defendant not guilty, and he can keep the horse!”

That was a surprising outcome, right? Unexpected compassion. Unexpected forgiveness. (Sort liken to how God is toward His children. Full of mercy! Unmerited favor). It’s good to be compassionate to those who are seemingly undeserving, isn’t it? Note: I didn’t say it was easy – I said it is a good thing to do.

 I have a few short tips for dealing with difficult, selfish people…

1)       Don’t take it personally, but know sometimes that it is personal.

2)       Act instead of reacting!

3)       Don’t let someone else hurt your relationship with Jesus

4)       Disarm negativity by doing or saying something positive

5)       Resist the urge to label and/or judge someone

6)       Don’t allow others’ behaviors to rub off on you – don’t ‘entertain’ bad company too long

It’s hard to extend compassion when we assume that we have a person nailed. It’s quite tempting to generalize certain situations – especially if we’re on the receiving end of negative behavior!  “He’s a jerk. She’s a rebellious person. He’s selfish.” Even if it unlikely someone will wake up one day and act differently – act kinder or more nicely – we must remember that it IS possible through God’s power.

God will bless your works through Him. You CAN make a difference! He will give you the grace to extend compassion in difficult situations – Ask for His help today. He WILL strengthen you.

Look UP my friends!

 

A Chance At Love - Boaz & Ruth

Gatsby and Daisy. Jane and Edward Rochester. Catherine and Heathcliff. Before today’s Edward and Bella became internationally famous, there were Tristan and Iseult, Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Mr. Darcy and Miss Elizabeth of Pride and Prejudice, there was another couple. Possibly “the couple” of ALL couples! Boaz and Ruth. Their love story, dating from approximately 1000 BC, is still strongly applicable in the twenty-first century. With more than 2.2 million weddings in the United States each year, I’d surmise that people are looking to find their “one true” love. (By the way, it averages about 5,918 weddings per day in America!)

An article I read online stated, "Boaz, cinematically speaking, was the leading man in the Hebrew book of Ruth. Chapter 2 accounts this short but divine love story. The book of Ruth is the story of a young widow, whose heart had been broken by her husband’s death, yet healed by faith in the God of Israel."

"Having touched God’s heart, she also touched the heart of one of God’s champion followers—Boaz. The juncture of their lives becomes not only the framework of an earthly love story but also the foreshadowing of the greatest love story, God’s love for the world through Jesus." {For God SO loved the world, that He gave His only begotten…John 3:16}

I won’t spend a lot of time in review of Ruth and Boaz in this specific blog posting, but I wanted to bring to the reader’s fore mind that our young people – our teens and pre-teens need good, Godly examples in their lives! Right now the “Boaz Principle” or “Recognizing My Boaz” is being taught by leaders throughout the country.  You can lots of good information online about it. I encourage you to attend a seminar or prayer study about this teaching if you have an opportunity. You’ll leave encouraged and stronger.  But what about AFTER the symposium? After the girls go home? The months following the Bible study?

I’ve been thinking about this for several months – possibly because I’ve had recent opportunity to speak in front of several young ladies this summer (Not bragging on self – but rather glorifying God!)

Let’s teach our girls (of all ages) the difference between:

*A young man who lusts after her, verses a man who wants to protect her purity.

* A young man who believes he’s a gift to women, verses a man who believes SHE is a gift to him from God. (Read that comment on Pinterest)

* A young man who views her as a piece of property, verses a man who views her properly

* A young man who sees what he can get, verses a man who expects to receive nothing

*A young man who acts like a Christian in front of her, verses a man who LIVES like a Christian in and out of her presence. (My pastor has said this many times).

* A young man who “acts right” in front of mom and dad, verses a man who acts right when they are alone together, away from mom and dad.

*A young man who brings up past mistakes, verses a man who offers hope, trust, and acceptance in building a future

*A young man who puts his wants first, verses a man who puts himself last.

A famous minister said, "What made Boaz perfect for Ruth had very little to do with his relationship to Naomi, his influence, or his wealth. It was the fact that he was the son of Rahab (Mat 1:5), a Harlot woman who by grace (undeserved favor) was wedded to one of the Israelite princes. Thus, Boaz spent his childhood in groundwork, in preparation, observing the love and respect his royal father showed to his mother."

Thanks to the wonderful God we serve who knows EACH OF US from the beginning from the end, Ruth’s second chance love was born to the right set of parents, with the right dispositions and experiences to teach their son how to love Ruth with divine precision before she was even born.  What God did for Ruth, He is able to do for you! (Already blessed with your Boaz?! Then praise God for His excellent goodness!)

And by all means…Let’s teach our own sons to be the men God will be pleased with!

Look UP my friend!

A Highwire Act

Have you heard of Charles Blondin? I’ve written about him before, but this time I wanted to convey his story of faith. Charles Blondin was a famous French tightrope walker. I feel like his life was a wonderful illustration of what true faith is – and the crowd’s response to his high wire act serves as a valuable life lesson as well.

One famous quote stated, "Blondin's utmost fame came on September 14, 1860, when he became the first person to cross a tightrope stretched 11,000 feet (over a quarter of a mile!) across the massive Niagara Falls. People from all over the world, Canada, and the United States hoarded to see him defy death."

He walked across, 160 feet above the Falls, many, many times... each time with a different daring feat. The newspaper's report stated, "He crossed over once in a sack, a couple of times on stilts, once on a bicycle, even in the dark, and blindfolded, among other precarious things. It is also documented that he even carried a stove and cooked omelets on one daring crossing." Unbelievable sights! You can imagine the “ooohhs” and “aaahhhs” from the large crowds gathered to watch him – how exciting it was to see him pushing wheelbarrows filled with potatoes and other extreme tasks.

Then one day, according to witnessed accounts noted in the paper, "He unexpectedly asked for the participation of a volunteer."  He suddenly stopped and addressed his audience: "Do you believe I can carry a person across in this wheelbarrow?"

The crowd unreservedly yelled, "Yes! You are the greatest tightrope walker in the world! We believe!"

"Okay," inquired Blondin, "Who wants to get into the wheelbarrow?"

As far as the Blondin story goes, NO ONE did at the time! (Not that I blame them).

This unique story illustrates a real life picture of what faith actually is. The crowd watched these daring feats. They said they believed. But... their actions proved they truly did not believe.

You probably know where I am going --- Let’s evaluate our own Christianity.  It is one thing for us to say we believe in God, but it is another thing to actually LIVE it. To demonstrate it consistently. To put God first. (How easy it is to SAY we put God first in our lives! But DO we?)  It's true faith when we believe God, putting our faith in Christ Jesus…Let’s work harder to ensure our ACTIONS and our SPEECH correspond.

Follow Up Story: In August of 1859, Blondin's manager, Harry Colcord, DID ride on Blondin's back across the Falls.

Look UP my friends!

A Happy Pill

Christians most likely know the scripture A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones – Proverbs 17:22, KJV. The ability to laugh and retain a lighthearted spirit are signs of a healthy spiritual life, in my opinion. Laughter simply makes people feel better – literally and emotionally. A good laugh can help us to forget our worries for a few moments. Laughter can help put our lives into perspective. When we laugh, we are able to call to mind that there’s more to life than our pain, our illness, or our mountains. A physician on television said, "A healthy sense of humor and a good laugh bring hope into the present by making us feel better even in the midst of a hard day." Did you know that laughter can also help us forget our fears? Yes! It REALLY is important that the Christian retain the ability to laugh at himself and demonstrate a clean, honorable sense of humor. I understand as I write this, that life isn’t always funny, but it’s relevant to push forward and remain in a lighthearted disposition when at all possible. (Other people are watching your life!) I must confess that I’ve thought if there was a safe and effective “happy pill” that I would like to offer a few happy pills to some people. Nobody likes to be around a scrooge too long. (C’mon! You’ve thought that too! Happy pills?! Surely! Or maybe it really is just me?)  

I remember when I was about 7 years old, an early December morning, a Sunday school classmate REALLY wanted it to snow early for our Christmas break. (Christmas was still a few weeks away). He made a short speech in Sunday school about it. Going so far as to write a note to his parents; a note to several friends including myself, putting us all on notice that he would not be bathing or eating until it snowed. My young brain was quite impressed at his zeal. I lost track of the days – and the note. But the next Sunday I remembered his oath. I was excited to see if he didn’t take a bath for a whole week! Did he eat? Had he melted away from starvation? Would he look the same? Would he look like “little orphan Annie” my only reference point at that young age?

I walked through the parking lot with eager awareness that cold winter morning, my patent leather shoes scuffing as I walked along the curb. My pea coat ruffling against the wind, my thoughts were on the snow-day pact my young friend had made. Then what did I see?

His family’s station wagon! There he was in the front seat “chowing down” on a big fat country ham biscuit and a large glass of apple juice. I gasped! “What happened to the not eating?” I exclaimed. More of an accusation than a question. (I knew it hadn’t snowed).

“Oh,” he casually responded. “That didn’t mean my grandma’s food.”

Boy, was I disappointed. I begrudgingly stomped off to class.  I’m not completely sure why. But I do recall having the feeling of being “let down.” I must have wanted him to show up stinky, putrid, and skinny– a young nobleman with a cause. No baths! No food!

When it snowed AFTER Christmas, my young friend took credit in class. “See! My plan worked!” I did what any good 7 year old girl would do…I ‘bopped him on the arm’ really good and indignantly told him he didn’t have anything to do with it snowing.

What did the teacher say? “Somebody needs a happy pill this morning, right Kimmie?!” Lesson learned! Haha! (We can all use a happy pill sometimes, I suppose! Thankfully, as an adult, I understand that my sincere joy comes from knowing Christ Jesus. Every Christian has this gift of genuine peace).

Ya’ never know what amusing things kids will do or say. I wanted to share a few comments made by kids about relationships! I thought they were quite funny. Enjoy…

Kids Say The Funniest Things Part 2 (Found Online)

HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHO TO MARRY?  
You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming.
- Alan, age 10

No person really decides before they grow up who they're going to marry. God decides it all way before, and you get to find out later who you're stuck with.
- Kirsten, age 10

WHAT IS THE RIGHT AGE TO GET MARRIED?
Twenty-three is the best age because you know the person FOREVER by then.
- Camille, age 10

No age is good to get married at. You got to be a fool to get married.
- Freddie, age 6HOW CAN A STRANGER TELL IF TWO PEOPLE ARE MARRIED?

You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids.
- Derrick, age 8
WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR MOM AND DAD HAVE IN COMMON?
Both don't want any more kids.
- Lori, age 8

WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE DO ON A DATE
Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know each other. Even boys have something to say if you listen long enough.
- Lynnette, age 8

On the first date, they just tell each other lies, and that usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date.
- Martin, age 10

Look UP my friends!  

Short and Powerful Quotes

All of us, at all times, are facing obstacles and adversity OR we know people who are. I’ve received quite a bit of feedback and requests for short but simple truths that will be an encouragement to the readers of this blog. Below I’ve listed a few short but powerful quotes. My prayer is that one of them will speak to your heart and encourage you to look to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith.

The best way to cheer yourself up is to cheer everyone else up!

~ Mark Twain

We tend to judge others by their behavior and ourselves by our intentions.

~ Albert Schlieder

Knowledge is power but it may not foster understanding and compassion.

~ Bro. Danny Hemric

The most beautiful gift a preacher can give others is the truth – even if it is painful.

~ Bro. Danny Hemric

A house divided against itself cannot stand.

~ Abraham Lincoln

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.

~ Romans 3 :23 KJV

Don’t be afraid to stand for what you believe in, even if that means standing alone.

~ Unknown

Look UP my friends!

The Burning Question

“Why is this happening to me?” was the question I received from a friend. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a profound; immediate response. It’s not a bad question - Why DO bad things happen to good people? The question might have at least a dozen right or wrong answers. I needed to tread lightly!

The person who asked me this question – the burning question – seemed to have bitterness in their heart at that particular moment. So in that split second of decision making, I asked God for assistance and decided to be bold in my answer.

It is important not to challenge or rebuke God when things go wrong in our lives. {It is easier said than done sometimes!} The Christian understands that wrong doings still occur. Sometimes they occur frequently! We experience painful situations such as being wrongly fired, unfairly accused, erroneously hurt, the loss of a loved one, or dishonorably treated by someone. Being a child of the King, doesn’t mean we’re treated or loved like one! (Except by Him, the One who died for us).

However, I recommend that we refrain from being hostile with God. Don’t insert a personal pronoun into the question. It could be considered accusatory.   How easy to internally say, “God, why did YOU let this happen to me? Why are YOU allowing this to happen? I’m the good guy here, why are you not punishing THEM for their wicked ways? Why did you let my loved one die? How could you do that, God?” Sentences like those.

The truth is – God’s ways are not our ways. His thoughts are not our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8).  Sometimes life is extremely hard to understand, if we can understand at all. Some occasions offer no earthly answer for heavenly questions. I do, however, know that during and through times of sorrow and pain, the presence of God is available to us 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. He’s there ALL the time. It’s during the valley that we can feel the presence of God. His strength. His comfort. His sustaining love. When everyone and/or everything in our lives fails – God will never fail! He sustains those who grieve and lament. He offers assurance in the face of evil deeds. He offers His magnificent grave to those He calls to Himself.

When my friend asked me about her situation - it seemed a natural question. Most all of us would question favoritism on the job, family rifts, or the loss of relationships. My friend’s story (or account) is quite tragic. A second child with cancer (the first one survived into teenage hood prior to passing away). Unfair workplace treatment. Financial struggles secondary to a family member’s dishonest choices. Just a lot of wounded emotions and sore feelings all at once! Totally understandable, right? A SECOND child with cancer!? Beyond hard!

I cannot explain the loss of a child. I know that God doesn’t look at death like we do. God is able to restore life to that child through the resurrection of Jesus. It’s what heaven is all about! It’s why we put our trusting souls literally in His hands.

I cannot explain the workplace injustices that occur across the nations. I do know that God will meet your needs according to His riches in glory. I know that HE can open better doors. I know that He can be glorified for turning valleys into victories! He CAN make a way. I am reminded that He sees what is wrong, and only He can make things right.

I cannot explain chronic financial struggles. I can testify to God’s deliverance though. I’ve seen Him make possible what I thought was impossible! I know He wants us to rely on Him entirely. You probably have your own personal witness to the glory of God – your witness to Him meeting your needs in an unexpected but holy way! God does work that way quite often. The unforeseen gift from someone. “Laying something on your heart” to be a blessing to another. (Be obedient, dear Christian! You never know what the need is behind the gift!)

My hope in answering the burning question (with what I can and cannot explain) is that you will find His comfort, His presence, and His grace into the circumstances of your life. Remind yourself that God is bigger than anything you’re facing. Jesus is right where you are.

Look UP my friends!

Pancakes on Sunday

I wanted to cook something special for my husband Sunday morning. I don’t usually prepare a large breakfast on Sunday, so as not to run late for Sunday school. It’s not a very good role model if the teacher runs consistently late, so I try my best to avoid my “5 minutes late” lifestyle on the Lord’s Day. Yet, the first Sunday of the month is a big “work day” for my hubby, so I wanted to start his day off well.

With that said, I went about assembling my items: Eggs, milk, canola oil, vanilla, blueberries, 1 lemon, and a box of gluten free pancake flour I had unexpectedly found at the grocery store. (I wasn’t sure how the gluten free flour would taste, so I thought if I doctored it up to make a batch of blueberry-lemon pancakes, then the potential “healthy” taste would be masked. The gluten allergy is my thing, not my husband’s).

I pulled out my big wooden bowl, my ladling spoon, and the large heavy skillet I needed. I poured some oil into the pan. I prefer the pan to be “good and hot.”  I like to hear the sizzle of batter as it initially hits the pan.

As I proceeded to pour oil into the flour mixture, I looked over to the counter and noticed I had left a floury trail on the countertop, my dress, and the floor. No idea how that happened! I thought I was being careful. I don’t know what happened next, but as I cracked the eggs, I also knew two pieces of the shell had landed smack-dab in the middle of the batter! I found myself getting frustrated as I went to the cupboard for a spoon. What I had intended to be a relaxing and fulfilling meal, was suddenly a monumental mess.

Just then, I saw hubby standing at the door. He was watching me. He walked over, popped a blueberry into his mouth, and gave me a kiss on the cheek. “Thanks for going through the extra trouble this morning, you didn’t have to,” he said.  With a squeeze on my arm, a kind word, and a brief acknowledgement he left the room to finish his Sunday morning preparations.

This little snapshot into our Sunday morning routine, got me to thinking... That's how God deals with us sometimes. We try to do something noble in life, but it veers into a mess. HE is there to offer us comfort - an encouraging Word. He’ll set straight what went crooked. Many times our marriage relationship, our job, among other things, gets all sticky and messy (we insult a friend, or we can't stand our job at a particular moment or our health declines or our feeling s are hurt). Sometimes we just stand there for a second, fighting back tears because we don’t know what else to do. It’s at that moment that God picks us up. Comforts His child. That's when God reaches down and forgives us, even though some of our mess gets all over Him.

Just because we might get messy, we can't stop trying to "make pancakes" for others. It’s through our messes that God has opportunity to clean us up! Sooner or later we'll get it right, and then you’ll be glad you tried.

Outcome of our gluten free pancakes? They turned out great.

Look UP my friends!