Remembering . . .

May 30, 2011, MEMORIAL DAY. Several have reminded us that this is not just a day off from work—a day to cook-out or play in the yard. It is, foremost, a day to pause and give thanks for others who died for this country; to think beyond ourselves to those who gave up the benefits of home so that those at home could continue to live.

It is so easy to exhibit the childish outlook of focusing on me and what I may not have have rather than being thankful for what I do. That’s not an easy self-indulgent notion to leave behind. Yet, there are voices who remind me to do just that, and there are those who march in tiny parades and carry American Flags to remember their comrades and to jog our memory to give thanks.

There are many flags flying in the breeze today and it is a glorious sight. There are forces in this land seeking to remove those flags because they might cause someone to be uncomfortable. Some say it is prejudicial toward the U.S. Huh?

I don’t understand why anyone would move to a country, seek to enjoy the benefits of its rights and privileges, and then demand that their rights supersede the citizens’ privileges. For that matter, I don’t understand why anyone would move and refuse to speak the language and accept its customs. Why not just stay in the county of that language and those customs? I don’t get it.

In church yesterday, I read an interesting scripture from Acts 17:26, “From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.”

Note that “HE marked out their appointed times in history” and “the boundaries of their lands.”

From that, I get that God is the determiner of boundaries. Perhaps that explains why history repeats itself with egotistical man desiring world conquest rather than accepting God’s determination. And our government is seeking to tell Israel what their boundaries should be?

The more I read, watch, and learn about mankind, the more I marvel at God’s patience, mercy, and forbearance. No wonder He sent a flood!

I must mention that on May 30, I commemorate my own very personal Memorial Day—this is the anniversary of the birth of my first son. Like the words above in Acts, Kevin had an appointed time in history and it lasted only eight days; yet, he has had an enormous impact on my life and my contemplation of eternity.

♫ “Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand.” ♫

Eye Has Not Seen. . .

I have been mulling over how the Kingdom of God works logistically. Now, I know that is silly and I cannot possibly have insight into God’s ways or God’s heaven or God’s plan for eternity. I do realize that I, and for that matter all of us, are so “earthly.” Our minds are so limited by what we see, what we feel, what we experience. I guess it’s that I Corinthians 2:9 thing:“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”I have to say “Amen” to that.

Many of us like to listen to and even sing the song called “I Can Only Imagine” by Mercy Me.

I can only imagine what it will be like
When I walk by your side
I can only imagine what my eyes will see
When your face is before me
I can only imagine

Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of you be still
Will I stand in your presence or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine--I can only imagine

I can only imagine when that day comes
When I find myself standing in the Son
I can only imagine when all I will do
Is forever, forever worship You
I can only imagine. . .

Okay, that sounds logical. But, on the other hand, how can we even begin to imagine? The next verse in Corinthians, I suppose, seeks to explain it. “But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit…” Did you read that? “But God has revealed them.” That would seem to say we can have an idea of the things God has prepared through the Spirit of God.

Still, the logistics confuse me. We are His body, the church; yet, we are a kingdom of priests (Revelation 5:10) made up of individuals. How is that going to work? I can only imagine. . .

Now or Never - NOT

The world obviously did not end on May 21, 2011, but I do hope the very thought of it made people think about the hereafter anyway. Jesus did not rapture His church that day, but just as sure as the day came when the flood lifted the ark and delivered Noah, the day IS coming when Jesus will return and lift His believers. You can bet the farm on it!

One thing I have observed over my many years is a common perspective of the young—if it doesn’t happen now, it never will. My grandchildren, following in the footsteps of my children when they were small, exhibit that perspective. If they want a particular toy and the answer is “No” or “Wait,” there are often inconsolable tears accompanied by some highly dramatic physical display indicating “Woe is me!” Their mindset is, “If not now, then never.”

I’m afraid that is the attitude of many following the non-event of May 21. Just as the child’s mindset is wrong, so is that of the multitude who smugly contend that if not May 21, then never!

I saw a post on Facebook about the forecast doomsday that I want to share with you. I don’t know who originated it, but I think it speaks volumes.

“The world did not end on May 21. It was just rebooted. Please be sure your security software is up to date. Run a full scan of your life and remove any malicious files which may be damaging your joy, stealing your hope, or slowing down your blessings. If you need more instructions, please refer to the user’s manual, readily available and put your hands together, bow your head and contact tech support.”

♫ “And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise. . .I will rise” ♫
Chris Tomlin

Temper Temper

Today, I want to share a little story written by an unknown author (or unknown to me). I hope that person won’t mind if the wisdom is passed on.

There once was a little boy who had a nasty temper. His father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into the back of the fence.

The first day, the boy had driven 43 nails into the fence. Over the next few weeks, as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails hammered daily gradually dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence. Finally the day came when the boy didn’t lose his temper at all.

He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper. The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone.

The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence. He said, “You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave scars just like these holes. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out; but it won’t matter how many times you say ‘I’m sorry,’ the wound will still be there.

A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one.

Proverbs 16:32 He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city.

Thoughts from a Rainy Sunday

My head is so full of thoughts that I couldn't decide what to think about, so I sat down at the computer and began to type (I know, it’s not called “typing” any more) or rather “to enter data.” I almost have a headache because of the sheer number of thoughts.

First, I am thinking that today is a birthday day. Back in the 70’s, our firstborn joined us making a little family of three. A firstborn is so amazing, and we sat and stared at her in wonder. Little did we know, there would be lots more times of “wonder” that would follow.(LOL) She was our “practice” child; we were clueless on what to do, what to say, what to allow, what to expect.

Did our parental expertise improve with those that followed? No! Each one was so different that each brought a new set of unknowns. Were we and are we great parents? Oh, No! Did we want to be? Did we try? You bet we did and still do. You have to be as old and weathered as we are to understand that. Yet, we do love each of those blessings from God with all that is within us.

The second thought that fuzzies up my mind has to do with the church we attend—well, more accurately the hierarchy of that church. There are “levels” of hierarchy (thus the term “hierarchy” meaning “pecking order” or “chain of command”) in our denomination. Certain levels have taken stands that I oppose—some strike me as silly; some I think are blasphemous. Today, I am mulling the latter and wondering what response God would desire and/or require.

As I ponder what I consider to be an enormous error of the institutional church, I am reminded of my response to so many past questions I have been asked that began with “What do YOU think about…”. My answer is always the same…”It does not matter what I think, WHAT DOES GOD THINK about it?” I believe that passionately; so as I ponder, I wonder what God does think about it.

I fervently leaf through the scripture files in my mind. Jesus is our example; what did He do? Well, He sent Peter fishing to pay the temple tax even though it was HIS temple.(Matthew 17:24-27) That was a fairly passive response. However, on the other hand, He did actively turn the tables over, attack some temple merchants, and cause a big stir over the purpose of the temple. (Mark 11:15-17)

Jesus called the Pharisees and Sadducees a “brood of vipers” (Matthew 3:7) as their religiosity went against the God’s Word. Yet, He greatly disappointed all his followers by not overthrowing Roman tyranny and not conquering that political system to set Himself up as King.

I can’t remember a time when Jesus took on the “social ills” of His day but rather dealt with the “heart ills” of the people. He taught them about His Father and His Kingdom that was not of this world.

Those are two of my major contemplations; but there are also other concerns fighting for attention in my head—such as some modern young husbands who act like jerks (my personal observation); difficult weather issues from wet farmlands to homes and businesses destroyed by floods and fires; plans for an upcoming busy week; the choices of our national leaders as godlessness escalates; family members who are suffering with a stomach bug; a world sitting on a powder keg as nations seek wmd’s; and (always in the back of my mind) whether my program will be re-funded. Oh, yes, and what preparations need to be made for retirement.

I think I’ll give my mind a rest and take a nap.

♫ “I'm in a hurry to get things done
Oh I rush and rush until life's no fun
All I really gotta do is live and die
But I'm in a hurry and don't know why.” ♫
Alabama from The American Farewell Tour

My Best Mother’s Day

Today is a bittersweet anniversary in our family. I posted this before on my blog, but it is an enormous part of our family’s history. For us, it is unforgettable.

Some years ago tonight, we had just gone to bed when the doorbell rang. Friends of our oldest daughter hysterically told us our daughter had been shot.

In disbelief, our questions were how was she and where was she? They didn’t know! We five got dressed and hurried to the hospital, knowing that’s where hurt people go. We were right; she was in the emergency room with a rifle bullet having hit her cheek and exploded. As soon as they could semi-stabilize her, she was life-flighted to Evansville, Indiana. We threw clothes into suitcases and took off to follow. It felt like the 90-minute trip took hours.

Needless to say, we prayed all the way there, not knowing what we would find. We found her alive and being prepared for some tests. Following those, she was admitted to the Intensive Care section, where we could only see her a few minutes every hour or so.

And so it went throughout Saturday day and night. Sunday, Mother’s Day, she was scheduled for mouth surgery at 8 o’clock to clean out the debris, take out the roots of the destroyed teeth, and close the wound inside her cheek. They warned us that she would be in the hospital for weeks. I just wanted to hear that she would live. Those words didn’t come. The time ticked by and she was not taken into surgery until almost noon.

Sometimes great challenges bring great rewards. We learned that almost every church in our town had prayed for our daughter that morning at their church service. It seems the surgery needed to wait until those prayers went before the throne of God.

The doctors came out of surgery saying she could plan to go home on Tuesday—a complete turn-around. She would be able to celebrate her birthday at home on Wednesday and to attend her community college graduation on Saturday. It was my best Mother’s Day. My girl would live! Thank you, Lord!

If you know her, check out her dimple—her souvenir. Oh, and wish her a Happy Birthday!

Psalm 20:12 (Eyes that see…)

I just watched a video on Facebook that someone had posted. It showed a young man getting into his car and going to work. Along the way, he found himself annoyed by several people who “got in his way”—a young boy skateboarding, traffic at a busy corner, a woman pulling into his parking space, and waiting in line at a coffee shop.

We watchers are privy to his thoughts, all self-centered, as each of these individuals crossed his path. Then, a tall dark austere gentleman stood before him, reached into his inside jacket pocket, took out an eyeglass case, handed them to the young man, and disappeared. The young man opened the case and quizzically put on the glasses.

An amazing thing happened. The glasses gave him a glimpse of what God saw. Each person around him had a short description of what was happening in their lives printed across their chest. One was “fighting with her husband,” another was “grieving for her best friend,” and others, each with a different problem.

His immediate response was to assure himself that he could not do anything about any of their problems and quickly escaped to his car to return home. As he got out of his car, the young boy on the skateboard rode by with the line “just needs someone to care” across his chest.

Our hero, the young man called the boy over, stooped down, and chatted with him. End of story.

How differently we would treat those around us if we, too, could catch a glimpse of what God sees--what each person’s heart is saying. It was obvious from the video clip that looking at someone’s face has little to do with what is inside them. Like us, they wore smiles, frowns, unconcern, or disinterest as a mask. Finishing the video left me with two thoughts: 1) be more aware of those around and 2) while we can’t help everyone, we can help one.

This reminds me of an Amy Grant song.
♫ “She's got her Father's eyes, her Father's eyes
Eyes that find the good in things, When good is not around.
Eyes that find the source of help, When help just can't be found.
Eyes full of compassion, seeing every pain.
Knowin' what you're going through, and feeling it the same.
Just like my Father's eyes.” ♫

Concerning War

I wonder if any others feel a bit conflicted about the news of the killing of the chief enemy of our country (maybe world). World enemy may well be a better description because this man’s world view results in violence that reaches across the globe.

The report sounded more like an episode of NCIS or a movie than a reality to me. I have been fortunate to be somewhat insulated from this man and his chaos. I haven’t gone through an airport screening since the new “pat downs” have been put in place. None of my family or friends were killed in the fall of the twin towers or pentagon. I don’t live in a city at the top of his list to attack (but rather a small town in an isolated remote rural area). I rarely travel to cities and never to countries that are now on high alert or use mass transit systems that are under close watch for assaults. That's me, but there are millions who are affected daily.

For one or two seasons, my husband and I watched the TV show “24” and found it to be most scary! Those episodes showed more destructive potential than we needed to know (TMI). I am aware that there are bombs out there like the one in Oklahoma City some years ago, nuclear weapons in God only knows whose hands, biological and chemical weapons, as well as others I can’t even imagine. There are millions of people who live under the constant cloud of terrorism fostered by that man.

Can you believe there are people like him across the world who sit around and plan ways to commit mass murder, destruction, and chaos? Why would they do that? I’m thinking it might be what we have been studying in Revelation 6. It might be the white horse and rider that goes forth to conquer and the red one to take peace from the earth. Conquest and war have been man’s proclivity from Cain and Abel down to today.

There have always been individuals or groups who want to take God’s place in ruling the world. Man without God is greedy, ugly, vicious, and barbaric. Jeremiah 10:23 says “I know, O LORD, that a man's way is not in himself, Nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps.”

Killing a captured enemy leader has been practiced as long as history is recorded; and in studying the Old Testament and particularly David, death of a captured king was the acceptable way of war and of life. For that matter, isn’t that why Jesus was executed? Wasn’t it to get rid of the leader so the followers would no longer be troublesome?

Still, I’m glad I did not have to pull the trigger or make the call.

On the other hand, I strongly believe in whole-heartedness. If one is going to the time, trouble, and expense of competing in an athletic event, for goodness sake, play to win. If a nation deems it necessary to go to war, it should go with all its might and go to win! The “Go Big or Go Home” principle seems to me the only sensible one. I don’t understand asking men and women to die for a half-way cause.

I guess what I’m saying inside my head, is “This is war, let’s be in it to win it.”

I’m confident that when Jesus returns leading the armies of heaven, He won’t come half-heartedly, but rather brandishing a mighty sword. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He is indeed King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

♫ “Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord;
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored;
He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword;
His truth is marching on.
Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His truth is marching on.

He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat;
He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment seat;
Oh, be swift, my soul, to answer Him! be jubilant, my feet;
Our God is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Our God is marching on.” ♫
Harriet B. Stowe 1861

Glory!