Cleaning Our Junk Drawer

John 6:50 This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die

I was reminded of the constancy, the infallible, and 100% bankability of the Almighty today. With so many variables, pressures, and inconsistencies in our lives, it is refreshing to know that we have ‘Someone’, every time, all the time, whom we have immediate access to. Simply stated, “There is room at the Cross for you!”  I know it is easier said than done, but the Christian must learn to create ample space and time in his life to intimately fellowship with God.

I’m not sure if everyone has “the junk drawer” in your home, like I do, or not. I have a junk drawer in my kitchen. When I’m in a hurry, I discard papers, staplers, hair bands, batteries, ink pens, and anything else that I want to stash out of sight. I prefer my counter tops to APPEAR clean and organized. But we realize that to look clean and spotless and being clean and spotless are two different things entirely. Life Moment: Remember the old adage; don’t judge a book by its cover. This concept should be applied to people too.

Sometimes we try pretty hard to look or behave in certain ways don’t we? Maybe you know someone who looks and acts as sweet as sugar but you’ve experienced an ornery ole’ bear at times? Uh hum…you know who I’m talking about. That person who acts religious, but they don’t seem to bare the fruit of compassion, love, or humility. The person who seems to get by a little too easily with doing wrong! Let’s not get on our high horse though, let’s pray sincerely for that person. Not in a self-righteous, holier than thou way, but in a real Christ-centered way. A selfless approach will help you to cope with the inconsistencies you have to deal with.

Have you ever cleaned out your junk drawer or your “junk” closet? Isn’t it a marvelous feeling of accomplishment after we’ve stopped putting off what we know we need to do? We needed to purge. We needed to organize and thin out. We needed to evaluate what we have stock in. We pushed through and got it done! It feels so great! (We also work harder to KEEP it clean, longer!)

But, isn’t it how shocking how big your junk drawer really is once it is clean? How nice and roomy your closet it is after you’ve completed your spring cleaning?

Our hearts – our conscious-our minds-our spirits are like that too! I know from personal experience, we can accumulate A LOT of junk on the inside. We MUST give God His space in our lives. Number one. Numero Uno. First-place. When God is first in our lives, everything else falls into place, at the right time, and in the right way. How much room do you allow for Jesus? There is room for Him, if you’ll allow Him in. Evaluate your life in the following context:

1) Do you attend your local Bible believing assembly regularly?

2) Do you pray daily to your heavenly Father?

3) Are you removed from reading the Bible?

4) What things take priority in your home over God-centered things?

5) Practicing secret sin? Or not so secret? Lost your fear of God?

It is my prayer today, that you will make MORE room for Jesus today than you ever have before!

So what are you waiting for Christian? Let’s start cleaning our junk drawers!

Look UP my friends!

Something Others Didn't See

Many people called Theodore Geisel a failure. He, as lots of young people, often heard that he “was a loser, and wouldn’t make it.”  It really disturbs me to see or hear about young people being discouraged – or adults for that matter. It is hurtful when someone projects their issues onto us. It is downright unhealthy. The Christian especially should make a point to motivate and uplift those people in our lives. People need a kind word of support! Life is challenging.

Life Moment: If we’re not careful, we’ll believe negative things people say about us too. We’ll carry over childhood hurt into our adulthood. Sometimes we let one or two comments from our past gnaw away at our confidence and inner peace – we’ll remain downcast at times in our lives when we need to exercise faith. Remember, our worth is measured in Christ alone – not the opinions of others, whether positive or negative.

So, according to what I read, "It was after many art classes and painful high school years, that Mr. Geisel found himself at prestigious Dartmouth College. In college Theodore unexpectedly chose to sign up for a writing class – he was interested in writing since he had been so routinely discouraged from being an artist. But alas, Theodore was told again, that his talent was lacking and that he should find another profession. He was told repeatedly that he would always be a failure."

He persevered anyway. He kept going. He was turned down 27 times by various publishing houses. However, the twenty-eighth publisher proved all of the “nay sayers” wrong. Dr. Deuss was born!

As documented, "Theodore Geisel, the doodling, criticized, rejected student, proved everyone wrong. He has sold over two hundred million books in more than 20 different languages." How is THAT for overcoming adversity?

Lots of people called Theodore Geisel a failure. After hearing this negative message so often, I suspect he felt like a failure many times during his life. But he kept going. In our lives, Christ can and will give us the strength to keep going too! And someone in the 28^th publishing house saw something that other people didn’t see.

 Life Moment: The Christian has Someone, and something that the non-believer can’t see! We are more than conquerors though Him.

Dr Seuss – Encouragement Poem

I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind.

Some come from ahead and some come from behind.

But I’ve bought a big bat. I’m all ready you see.

Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!

 Look UP my friends!

Little White Lies

Ephesians 4:25 - Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

Little lies are not very little. They can be indicative of big problems according to some child psychologists.  “White lies” are still lies. There really isn’t a half-truth if the other half of that “truth” is omitted. One report said, "Lies of omission are lies. Innocent niceties can be lies if we’re not careful. We’ve all done it at some point. We smile on approach, “Hi, how are you?” Then comes the habitual, “I’m fine, how are you doing?” in response."  You may feel terrible; maybe you’re hurting on the inside; perhaps you’re going through a particular trial and you’re masking it behind a casual smile; or maybe you just got “snapped at” by someone and you’re stewing about it; maybe you’re extremely worried about an issue. So, you’re actually not fine. But you say you’re fine. That isn’t truthful or sincere, my friend. I’d encourage you to say something like “Thank you for asking. Today isn’t my best day, but God is good isn’t He? How are things in your world?” I’m not suggesting that we wax poetic about every nuisance and each aggravation, but it is more than okay to share with someone that you could use a few prayers and you’d appreciate it if they would remember you. Let’s not be “doom and gloom” but rather more truthful and sincere in our responses. And of course, if you really are fine…try saying, “I’m great! I hope you are.”

A few years ago, I felt like I needed to teach an employee a lesson on “small lies,” as she/he put it. I kept seeing inconsistencies in responses simple questions. This person was a manager, so it was terribly disappointing to see this pattern develop. Do you know anyone who’s had the same grandparent pass away 2 or 3 different times? Or their child is sick but they don’t have children? They called out sick with the flu bug but you later saw them at the county fair? Boy o’ boy! The stories people tell in their lives!  (Life Moment: I do not understand why people feel the need to tell untruths about silly things. Let’s communicate more effectively. The Christian needs to be approachable, not overly reactionary, a good listener, and above all else…honest! Try not to judge too harshly, especially during the listening phase of a conversation, but I speak from experience when I say that it can be hard not to roll your eyes if they’re telling you a big “whopper!”.)

So, it began on a Monday at the weekly Operations Meeting. I noticed inconsistencies in the reported information. After the meeting, I met with this individual in a private space. In my way, and in my style, I confronted the person on what I confidently knew was inaccurate information. Their response was lackluster, not overly apologetic, and disappointing. So, I said, “Okay then, I’m going to tell you one big lie and one small lie this week. You let me know which comments are dishonest because it will be important for us both.” We shook hands, exited the office, and the “game” was on! (I must acknowledge this idea was not original. I had read it in a book one time – a parent was teaching their teenager a similar lesson on honesty. I just happened to recall it at that moment in time).

The next day, I told him/her I would be buying a new desk chair for their office – something they had been asking about for a few months. I asked specific questions about their likes and dislikes, and on my lunch break, stopped at the office supply store for the new office chair.

When I returned to the worksite and asked for help unloading the box, they squealed, “Oh, I just knew you were tricking me! I thought it was a lie! Thank you so much.” I grinned, and proceeded onward.

A day or two later, I said to the team, “Hey, I’m closing the office at 12:00 p.m. I’ll hold the fort down, and ya’ll go home.” Everyone was thrilled – except this person. “No way! You don’t fool me! This is a lie!” was the response. I spent another 5 minutes restating that I had made those special arrangements as a reward for the team. It was a company perk. A type of thank you from the organization. (They lost an hour of her “paid time off,” by arguing!) Life Lesson: There’s a time to speak and a time to be silent. Know the difference.

Then on Friday, I walked into their office and closed the door. I handed them an envelope (with a hand written note and cash inside). I said, “I told you bonuses would be given out on Friday if we exceeded the company benchmarks – here is yours. Thank you for all you’ve done.” Big, golf ball sized eyes just stared at the envelope. “What’s in here? Fake movie tickets? Jalapeño gum? Monopoly money?!” they cried out.

“Wow,” I stated. “I didn’t know you were this paranoid. Or this distrusting.” The person started to stammer – and I saw a tear being quickly wiped away. They said…”But you said…you said…you said you were going to trick me this week.”

“No, I said I was going to tell you one big and one small lie this week to teach you a lesson. It’s tiring not being able to count on someone’s reliability is it?” I asked.

The individual got up from their desk – gave me a long hug. They apologized. I remained silent. They apologized some more. I just let them talk. A guilty conscience often leads to aimless chatter, right? Also, don’t go hugging the boss if you don’t know it to be acceptable company behavior – it could get you fired.

 I accepted the apology. I prompted them to keep up the good work, and I started to walk out the door. “Wait! What did you lie to me about?! I couldn’t tell,” the person said. “Man, you’re good!”

I chuckled – My response was pretty simple. “I didn’t lie, except when I told you I was going to lie.” I left swiftly – I’m pretty sure their jaw was on the desk when I left – their mouth had dropped open quite widely!

The happy ending to this particular story was that for the next 3 or 4 months, this person went over board to keep me accurately informed. It DOES make life easier and more content when we can rely on what we’re being told, and when others can have confidence in us.

Honesty is a necessary part of every family, church, and work group. If we’re honest with each other, we can trust each other. The Bible teaches us “to confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed,” in James 5:16. For example, if we’ve done something wrong to someone, we often begin to avoid them. We need to pray about these situations – ask God to help us. When we allow the Lord to repair broken relationships, we no longer feel afraid to approach the other person. We can greet them in sincerity. And only He can truly restore what is broken.

Being honest also brings a Christian into a closer relationship with God. I John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Just as honesty is necessary for healthy friendships with other people, it is VITAL for a healthy friendship with God. Let’s be reminded that He knows us – inside and out! We cannot hide from God. Perhaps you’re familiar with the saying, “You can fool some of the people some of the time, but you can’t fool God any of the time!” Jesus wants us to confess to Him so that He can forgive us and heal us with His love. As our relationship with Christ Jesus grows closer, He will guide our steps toward a life that will glorify Him.

You see, honesty may be an uncomfortable or even intimidating habit to develop. However, it is a necessary part of the Christian’s life. We must be able to trust one another, forgive, and pray for each other. We don’t want a dishonest person to be the one petitioning our Savior on our behalf do we? The more humble integrity we have – the more peace we’ll have in our spirit. Walking closely with God requires truth.

Life Moment: Ask yourself, “What was the last little “white lie” I told?”

Look Up my friends!

Consistent in our Walk

"Oh, what a happy soul I am, / captionhough I cannot see! / I am resolved that in this world / Contented I will be."

Do you know of the prolific and fruitful Francis Jane Crosby? She put pen to paper more than 8,000 Christian hymns, some of which are among the greatest and most admired in every Christian place of worship. She wrote so many that she was obligatory to use pen names lest the hymnals be filled with her name, more than anyone else’s. (I doubt publishers would have been thrilled either). However, for most people, the most extraordinary thing about Francis Jane Crosby was that she had done such great work when she couldn’t see. Fanny was blind.

“Fanny” was born in New York. Unfortunately, she became ill at 2 months of age. The family’s local doctor was away, and another chap—pretending to be a certified doctor—treated her by prescribing hot mustard poultices to be applied to her eyes. Her illness eventually healed, but the dubious treatment left her blind. Permanently. When the doctor was revealed to be an imposter, he went underground. His whereabouts were never discovered. It is questioned how many babies and adults were so irresponsibly treated and possibly scarred for life. Shortly thereafter, her father passed away. Her mother was then forced to find work as a maid to support the family, and Fanny was mostly raised by her Christian grandmother. Life Moment: Lots of babies and children are exposed to the Bible on grandma’s knee. What a beautiful gift! In Fanny Crosby's Memories of Eighty Years, her autobiography, she speaks most tenderly of her grandmother. She says: "She was a woman of exemplary piety, and a firm believer in prayer. At even time she often used to call me to her dear old rocking-chair, where we would kneel and pray together."

Sometimes people speak without thinking – foot in mouth syndrome as I call it. (Please think before you speak! Hit your mute button before your criticize others.) "I think it is a great pity that the Master did not give you sight when he showered so many other gifts upon you," remarked one well-meaning Presbyterian minister. Fanny replied at once, as she had heard such comments numerous times before, "Do you know that if at birth I had been able to make one petition, it would have been that I was born blind?" said this Christian who had been able to see so few weeks of her life. "Because when I get to heaven, the first face that shall ever gladden my sight will be that of my Savior." (Life Moment: Wow! The first face she saw was the face of Jesus!  (She lived from 1820 – 1915) This thrills me and blesses me. She didn’t hold a grudge against the prank physician – it is obvious to me that she forgave him. Can you imagine your FIRST glimpse of heaven? The FIRST glimpse of our Lord?

At the age of 8 Fanny wrote these words…

Oh, what a happy soul I am,
captionhough I cannot see!
I am resolved that in this world
Contented I will be.

How many blessings I enjoy
That other people don't,
To weep and sigh because I'm blind
I cannot, and I won't!

Life Moment: I learned that Fanny did not feel sorry for herself! She chose to count her pain as a blessing – her challenges as temporary circumstances. She took the “high road” in life! We’ve heard it before, but attitude makes ALL the difference.

It is well documented that Fanny loved the Bible. She memorized at least five chapters a week, even as a youngster she could readily deliver the Four Gospels, Proverbs, the Song of Solomon, and many psalms chapter and verse. Life Moment: I’m feeling a little guilty here. Are you? We should ALL strive to memorize more of God’s Word.

Perhaps you are familiar with these songs (0nly to name a few) so beautifully written by Fanny ~~

Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior

Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine

Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross

I am Thine, Oh Lord, I Have Heard Thy Voice

Rescue the Perishing

Thou My Everlasting Portion

Near the Cross

Let us look to Fanny Crosby as an example of an effective witness for Jesus. You certainly knew Who Mrs. Crosby loved! Her speech and actions reflected Him.

We should make good choices, live wisely, in a way that is reflective of being a Christian, saved by Jesus!  As I’ve stated before, we also need to be careful about our speech, so that the things we say will lead to conversations about God. Part of the challenge as a Christian is to be steadfast in our walk!

People have seen our less flattering side. People have been exposed to the “ugliness” in our lives. Therefore, living as a Christian before them, showing them how you have changed and what it means, takes time (maybe even years) of exertion but can also be the most powerful witness. I’m sure you know people, as do I, who have been turned off from accepting Jesus into their lives because of someone’s hurtful actions – careless speech – rude mannerisms. People are sometimes unkind without knowing it! Don’t give someone this excuse for NOT attending God’s House of worship! Be wise, fellow Christian! We must "Rescue the perishing! Care for the dying!" as Fanny so brilliantly penned.

When our witness and our speech propel others to ask us about our faith, we need to take the opportunity to tell them the Good News about Christ Jesus! When we do speak about it though, we need to be gracious and generous, polite and gentle, non-argumentative, kind in spirit.  We do need to tell them the truth, but in an appropriate way. I think it is particularly important not to “bark” at friends and family members but cleanly answer questions in a caring, creative and straightforward way. Don’t shy away from your convictions and what the Bible says…but demonstrate honesty and compassion at these important impasses.

If we want to attract our loved ones to believe in Jesus, again, we must live wisely – consistent in our walk; loving. Others will be encouraged in faith by OUR living in faith.

Look UP my friends!

Too Much Baggage?

Galatians 6:2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ

It’s really a challenge for me to pack light! I’m typically a serious packer when I need to travel. I like to “dress up” for dinner so that means a few dressy options. There is need for casual clothes; several shoes for various activities during the day; can’t leave behind the strappy shoes for night; then I may need beach attire necessities, and the list goes on. Maybe I’m a tad more of a hoarder than I care to admit, nonetheless, I like to plan and organize my luggage cases as much as possible. A lady never knows what important item she might need – some ladies can relate that my cosmetics tote carries both chocolate brown and black onyx eyeliner – ok, maybe plum and a smoke-gray, but that’s all I’ll confess to. My rule = one color simply won’t do. Many ladies understand that we need a brown shoe and at least two different black shoes. It’s just the law, right?! Oh, okay, it’s not a legal decree, but maybe it should be. <smile> And maybe these examples into my “packing skills” will help the men to better understand why your wife might NEED 3 bags compared to your one bag.

For the first time in twenty-odd years of contented marriage, I packed the right amount of clothing and accessories for our most recent vacation! I asserted the powers of a super hero to narrow my luggage wardrobe down to 2 cases. I was ecstatic, although, one weighed more than the allotted 50 lbs by the airline.  We didn’t grumble when we had to pay added fees during the pre-boarding process. I knew it had to weigh at least 48 lbs before my “last minute” items were squeezed in. Still, my baggage was contained within 2 cases, and I was happy with this milestone.

That is, until I saw my sweet husband carrying the bags through the customs line. He’s a gentleman, and automatically took “charge” of carrying the bags. I had seen him maneuver our baggage in other airports, other terminals, and other locations, but for this trip, at this particular time, I felt worse than normal. No complaining. No whining about everything I felt a need to carry out of the country. No begrudging. The more sweet and caring he was – the more my conscious began to sting a little. He declined my repeated offers to help (I told you he is a kind man!) Life Moment: Your spouse will usually notice the various acts of love and compassion that you extend – other people in your life will too. Feeling well loved and cared for is a tremendous blessing. It will be the Christian’s response to return that love without hesitation. If you struggle being generous with your spouse and family members, there is a problem. Ask God to help you.                       

So, it was during a layover at the airport that I began to make notes about different things I saw…We can learn a lot from people watching.

# 1) We ALL have baggage. Small baggage, gigantic baggage, neatly packaged baggage, wildly arrayed baggage, casual baggage, even formal baggage. We must remind ourselves, that many people hide their baggage with a smile. Or under a false pretense. It’s good to offer encouragement to someone, because you never know what invisible baggage they’re carrying! Life Moment – It’s best not to judge the baggage for what it looks like. It may be tattered or torn, but inside it could be kryptonite. Also, a brief but sincere comment about how good God is might just be the perk that someone needs.

#2) Nobody pushes their baggage – everyone carries it. We CARRY baggage in our lives don’t we? Things that Christ Jesus’ blood has already atoned for, but WE can’t let it go. Baggage that is already forgiven and forgotten – but our minds hold us prisoner to guilt or bitterness. Life Moment: We need to stop carrying unnecessary baggage with us everywhere we go! We don’t require “carry on” luggage either!

#3) Baggage is often heavy and cumbersome! It is often overloaded. I couldn’t physically man-handle the baggage I chose recently. I needed help. Fortunately, my husband was there for me. Yet, I felt bad for some people – wheels were falling off, bags were bumping into walls, some baggage was dropped only to be picked up several more times, some were struggling to even lift their baggage, all kinds of entanglements ensued. Remember friend, Jesus is there for us, to bear our heavy loads! There is no burden or problem too big for Him. The Christian MUST remember this when the adversary tries to tangle us up, and hold us back. Life Moment: Baggage gets heavier the longer we carry it.

#4) Letting go of baggage takes faith! At the airport, we feel a moment of anxiety when we walk away from our baggage, trusting we’ll see it again at our final destination. This can be applied to our lives when we pray over a situation or a burden, and don’t step back and let God do His will. Let go of the baggage! Trust in Him. Lay it down. Stop worrying so much. Have faith that your heavenly Father knows all about you, and loves you immeasurably. Endlessly. Perhaps you recall the truism, “He’s big enough to control the universe, but small enough to know my name.” That’s Him! Our baggage is lighter when we let HIM carry it for us!

Note to self:  “He’s bigger than any mountain that we can or cannot see!”

Look UP my friends!

Glass Half-Full Living

First, let me say today’s post isn’t about happiness. Happiness is a relative term, with different meanings to different people; it is indefinable by the same definition for every individual. I’m not going to say “just lighten up” or any equivalent analogy. Today’s thoughts are centered on optimism. The glass half-full look at life. There is a distinct difference between these two words, although they are often used interchangeably. One writer said, "It is important for the Christian to understand that happiness does not equal optimism. Happiness is an emotion; optimism is a belief in the future. Our belief is in the Almighty God; therefore the Christian has the most opportunity to remain optimistic throughout life."

Quite infrequent are the days in which we’re sitting on the sofa, eating bonbons, picking daffodils in the back yard, and twirling like ballerinas in the green grass to a Tchaikovsky overture. Life can be hard! We have obstacles. We get disappointed. Simply stated, these are hard times.  Even the most dedicated of His servants feel compelled to give up on occasion. Surely we’ve all had days where we want to return to bed and pull the covers back up over our head.

Optimistic people tend to feel that life is good – they expect good things to happen. For example, you may not be content in your current job setting, but you stay committed because you have a belief that your hard work will pay off in the future, and you will have a more rewarding position in due time. An optimist can recognize that there are times situations just plain stink – like when we miss our flight, the unexpected flat tire, the car won’t crank, or a traffic jam causes unexpected delays. The optimist faces these aggravations without collapsing into a negative mindset that God is against them, and everyone else is too. (You know that person! The one who automatically concludes the universe and everyone in it is against them, and nothing will ever work out for their benefit. They tend to fall apart when something ruffles their feathers). Life Moment:  It can be exhausting for the rest of us to hear endless groaning and lamenting! Like your mother probably said, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say it! And, “If you keep your face like that, it’s going to freeze!” The Christian really needs to try to be aware of his influence on others.

My husband applies and displays his rose-colored glasses a lot! He can’t help himself. It’s in his genes.  It is more so, a gift from the Father. He surely knew that someone, somewhere, at frequent times would need an encourager! (Maybe it was me HE thought of). Rose-colored glass wearers are optimistic! Do you know someone whose hope springs eternal? I sure hope so! (No pun intended)  These people look on the bright side – they help us to cope – they look for the good in others – they forgive easily. They help mold our perspective after we finish grumbling and fussing.

You may not have been genetically gifted with the “optimism gene.” Or perhaps you are married to someone who wasn’t gifted with this specific mindset. That’s okay. The Bible offers us many examples of optimistic people to glean from. The Apostle Paul was optimistic even though he fought his thorn in the flesh.  Job was optimistic when he reminded us that his Redeemer lives! Noah was optimistic for OVER 120 years while he preached, and the Ark was being built. Even though he was ridiculed and belittled, Noah had a profound belief that God would follow through on His promise to send rain. Noah looked ahead to the future. He didn’t fixate on the dry ground on which he built the ark.

I have a few pointers for exhibiting optimistic character in our lives:

1)    Lift someone else up. Optimists enjoy offering an encouraging word. Get your mind off your own vexed situation, and look for a way to be a blessing to someone else. The Christian who isn’t actively optimistic is not as effective for Christ as they could be! Be generous with your kindness. Go out of your way to speak to others.

2)    Face problems head on – and with the right attitude. The Bible clearly says (Romans, Chapter 8) that if He is for us, who can be against us? (paraphrased) I’m not suggesting we don’t go through pain and heartache, but it is good to be reminded that our Heavenly Father is the same God of Abraham and the Hebrew boys in the fiery furnace, Shadrack, Meshack, and Abednego.  Daniel 3:19 “Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated.”

He’s the same God who delivered those 3 Hebrew boys; the same God who delivered His people on a dry sea from pharaoh’s army. Our God is certainly a mighty God! He never changes.

3)    Be cautious – not negative. It’s wise to make an informed, prayerful decision. However, it gets you nowhere if you’re constantly negative. Be aware if you’re usually looking on the downside of a situation. Others will pick up on our attitudes. A negative attitude does not exhibit the grace and goodness of God. Pessimists drag others down, insult our feelings, and extinguish hope!

4)    Understand who you are. If you are a Christian, you are eternally HIS child. Because our Hope is in Christ, being optimistic puts hope into action. It helps us to dig our roots deeper into the heavenly kingdom. Optimism isn’t just an academic concept, or wishful thinking. Optimism is a real, tangible characteristic in the mature Christian. Proverbs 3:5 tells us “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not into thine own understanding.” Like Dr. Bob Jones said, "The optimistic Christian understands that the only true hope we have is Jesus. No matter how dark the horizon, through faith, we can face another day." You are the reason Jesus died on the cross. It’s for YOU that He gave His life. No person, place, or thing can ever change the matchless gift that Jesus gave mankind. Be confident Christian! Remind yourself, and the adversary who you are! You are forever HIS. Amen.

Life Moment: Take time to reflect. In what situation did you fail to be optimistic – you approached it negatively, but later realized you should have been optimistic from the start? What situation(s) in your life would improve with real optimism?

Look UP my friends!s developing the ability to play a musical instrument takes practice.

Restore to Abundance

2 Corinthians 12:9 - And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Someone unexpectedly came across a stump among a pile of bricks and rubble. It was literally the remains of a tree stump, covered in ashes and soot, shy of one solitary branch and a few leaves. On a whim the citizen felt compelled to take this “hopeless stump” to Citywide Nursery in New York, NY, rather than throw it in the garbage.

The stump then became someone’s mission – Mr. Richard Cabo’s mission. "Cabo didn’t think the stump would survive, but he committed daily to watering, pruning, fertilizing, and stabilizing it. The stump, previously known as a Callery pear tree, gained new life, and is now known as the “Survivor Tree,” at Ground Zero. It has sense been returned to the memorial site (well over a year now) where it stands humbly and blooms every spring. Today it symbolizes the recovery of America"...those were the words of the writer who shared Cabo's story. As the Survivor Tree’s 30 ft. branches and leaves shimmer in the air, it brings to mind images of Old Glory shining in the sun, wind blowing, standing tall, forever memorializing the patriotism of men and women who have died for this great country of ours– those who have given their ALL – the ultimate sacrifice for all freedoms for its citizens.

You’ve probably guessed where I’m going with my illustration. This pitiable, beaten down, traumatized, discarded stump – is a representation of grace! God can and DOES use those discarded, less cared for, thrown away, down trodden lives to serve HIS purpose. My husband says, "God can always raise a phoenix out of the ashes! No matter where you’ve been or what you’re going through, the Almighty can restore you to abundance!" I’m not speaking directly of wealth (although He can do that too!) but I’m referring to abundant peace; abundant happiness. Joy.  Only He can bring true abundant joy – and it’s through grace. What marvelous grace He bestows!

Plants and other living things require nutrition – water, and food. Our 'love connection' with Christ Jesus is the same. With DAILY watering, pruning, stabilizing, and “Sonshine,” our spirits will develop. We’ll grow. Our daily actions will deepen our desire to serve Him. We will begin to flourish like the Survivor Tree, and become a beacon of light! It requires daily commitment.

I spoke with a kind, mild mannered lady several months ago. She introduced herself as “Margaret` - from El Salvador”. Margaret` suffered tremendous physical abuse in her childhood. Later, when she married at 16 years of age, her husband hurt her by “regular beatings,” as she phrased it. She lost both of her children when she left the marriage. She came to our country with nothing. Margaret` lost everything. She said she had never been so hurt, so discouraged, and so broken as when she entered the United States. She said she initially had “no one or nothing” to start with. (But she did have SOMEONE). She said her only hope was to keep moving – keep walking for fear she would die – to keep busy doing whatever she could. Over the course of 6 months, Margaret` lost 60 pounds, went from living in a shelter to being able to save up money for a tiny one-bedroom apartment, AND adopt a small dog. In six months, her life turned around completely!

I questioned Margaret` about her “walking routine;” she explained that in her early days, she found a headset on the sidewalk. She had picked it up, thinking she would put it in the nearby trashcan. But when she pushed the button, music poured out loud and strong. Christian music! This ONE Christ-centered song was what Margaret` listened to every single day, multiple times per day, as she walked. She said it encouraged her. It encouraged her to keep going. She said it reminded her that God wasn’t done with her life. Tell me that He doesn’t work in mysterious ways! Our God can do anything, with anything, and anyone! 

                                                                                                                     

So how about it, friend? Have you watered, pruned, and fertilized your spirit this week? Today? Are you a living symbol of grace like the Survivor Tree and Margaret`?

Look UP my friends!