Lavished Love

Lavished Love
By Barbara Chadwick

Let the little children come unto me for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 19:14

I was almost asleep when the phone rang. The hoarse voice asked, “Could you sub for me tomorrow?” She sounded so bad that at first I didn’t recognize Lorraine. (A teacher in our church's Preschool, Valley Baptist Academy) I said, “Sure. You go drink lots of liquids and rest.”

She began to warn me about K. “You’ll have to watch him like a hawk. He’s like a bull in a china shop. His elbows and feet have a way of hurting the other children. Oh, and he doesn’t like restriction. You have to stay practically on top of him. The other children are afraid of him.”

I took a deep breath and said, “Okay.” I hung up and tried to go back to sleep but I kept thinking, “How are you going to have strength to do this? You’re already too tired - and 16 four-year-olds? So I prayed. “Lord, give me strength for this task and a love for the children.”

He did it!

Guess what?! K. didn’t come to school that day. But R. did! R. took up where K. left off, running, snatching, angry and roaring. When I told him to get a round disk from the box for his creation instead of from J’s hand he said, “Never!” and marched off. J. said, “It’s Okay. I can give it to him.”

C. came in very quiet and clinging to his grandmother. After a bit I took his hand and said, “C, I’m a grandmother too. Come and sit in my lap.” He did. It was Wednesday and he had had a circumcision the previous Friday. As he lay back in my arms he told me of a game he had and other important stuff. He said that when they went to Wal Mart “I went to the bathroom and my pee pee had blood on it and I freaked out!” After a time of cuddling he was ready to color his booklet about Baby Jesus in a manger in Bethlehem.

B. wanted to talk to me the entire morning - Not just talk but he wanted my eyes to be on him. He explained the behavior of all the other children interspersed with stories of dragons.

A. sobbed when someone took her ball away from her. S. came and held her hand. When D. had a problem cutting his paper E. said, “I’ll help you.”

Some were selfish, angry, hurting, needing attention and needing love. Some were giving, loving and serving.

Dear Lord, do you look down from heaven and see us like these little children? I wonder, do you get exasperated with some of the things we do and clap your hands when we get it right? We are sometimes selfish, angry, hurting, needing attention and love.

Thank you for the manger and for the cross. We are so grateful that you have lavished your love on us even while we were in our sin.

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called children of God! I John 3:1 and verse 11 – Dear friends, since God so loved us, we ought to love one another.

Come now; Let Us Leave … for Bethlehem … for Egypt … for Nazareth … for Jerusalem

by Audrey Wauson

Mary’s life would be changed completely after the angel told her she was “highly favored”.

How many times have I listened to someone share their passion for their work, their passion for serving God, or explain how God called them, spoke to them, told them what to do and thought, “Wow, I want God to speak to me, to use me like that.”

This year I joined a community choir and one of the songs we sang was Amy Grant’s “Breath of Heaven”. Look at these lyrics:

     I have traveled - Many moonless night
     Cold and Weary - With a babe inside
     And I wonder - What I've done
     Holy Father - You have come
     Chosen me now - To carry your son

     I am waiting - in a silent prayer
     I am frightened - by the load i bear
     In a world as cold as stone - Must I walk this path alone
     Be with me now - Be with me now

     Breath of Heaven - Hold me together
     Be forever near me - Breath of Heaven
     Breath of Heaven - Lighten my darkness
     Pour over me, your holiness - For your holy Breath of Heaven

     Do you wonder - As you watch my face
     If a wiser one, should of had my place
     But I offer-all I am - For the mercy-of your plan
     Help me be strong - Help me be - Help me

As I’ve sung this song this season it occurred to me what all Mary lived through. First of all, the rejection/pity of family and friends who could neither accept nor understand that a real live angel had spoken to her. I’m just thinking about how as communities we use stories to explain why someone did what they did, or why something happened. My guess is that Mary was never fully appreciated in her lifetime. Her price for obedience was costly. After her son, Jesus, was crucified I imagine that one of the conversations in her community might have run like this:
“Well it’s no wonder he thought he was all that, her telling him that angel told her that God would make her pregnant. It warped his brain, he got to thinking he was God’s son. It’s blasphemy it is … and it’s so sad … I mean Mary looks and behaves otherwise like such a normal sweet person. Seriously, you can never be too careful these days.”

And it got me to wondering just exactly what all would I be willing to put up with in order to be a part of God’s plan? Just how confident am I that God knows best? How long would I endure the rejection of this world in order to participate and rejoice in another?

According to scripture Mary pondered all these things, treasured up in her heart, stored these things away carefully. So when I read these excerpts from John 14, I remember why I follow Him and I ponder them, treasure them, store them away for rainy, terrible, no-good days.

1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. …


6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” …

9 Jesus answered: “… Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. … The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. 11Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. 12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. …

15 “If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. …

21 Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”…

23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. …

26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. …

29 I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. …

Come now; let us leave.

Where Is Your Treasure?

by Barbara Chadwick

“Ma’am we can’t find your suitcase.” You know that feeling? You were tired before the words were said…

The last leg of our journey – Sitka to Juneau. They said, “Please exit the plane and take all your belongings.” Hmmm, not a good sign. “Stay in the airport and we’ll update you in an hour whether we can land in Juneau.” An hour passed and you guessed it. The plane would go on to Anchorage – not Juneau!

So we did the next best thing to going home – actually, a wonderful thing. We called our kids who live in Sitka. They came, took us home, loved on us, gave us their bed and use of their car the next morning at 4:00AM (they picked it up later that day at the airport)

At the counter they changed our ticket for the next morning’s flight and got our luggage off the plane. That is, they got two of the three bags off! Oh well, one of the retrieved bags was my overnight bag. I had the important stuff, right?

We got home (Juneau home) at 7:00AM the next morning. You know the words to that old western song, El Paso? “I’m getting weary, unable to ride.” Then you open the door to your home. Wow, can you describe that feeling?

So almost noon Kenneth said, “I’m going to the airport to make a claim for your suitcase. Would you make an inventory?” That was no problem until I sat down with my pad and pen.

I had gone shopping in California. Twice. New clothes. Mother gave me some new shoes, my brother-in-law gave us five avocados from their tree and my sister gave us a jar of olallieberry jelly. Thank goodness I had receipts for the new things.

Then there was the jewelry pouch. I got it about 15 years ago and each time Kenneth would give me a new piece of jewelry I’d put it in there so it would be ready to go on the next trip. So I started listing the things in that pouch: Gold chains & bracelets, pendants of pearls, emeralds, rubies and rings of the same. There were sterling silver necklaces, bracelets and earrings. I don’t even know how many earrings. Over the years I didn’t stop to think how much value was accumulating in that pouch.

As the list got longer I began to feel really bad. My heart was feeling heavy. My brain was pondering my treasure – lost!

But then I thought of that verse in Matthew that says, For where your treasure is there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:21 Was my heart there? I truly was feeling just awful about the idea of it all being lost.

But I don’t really want to feel tied to earthly things. I want my heart and my mind to be concerned about/tuned to/aware of heavenly things. These things are for this earth. Our real home is in heaven.

You remember when Mary was there with the baby, the Savior of the world, and Joseph stood beside her. There had been no room in the Inn. But there was The Star in the sky. There were the angels and there were the shepherds who had come to worship Him. And the scripture says, Mary pondered these things in her heart. Luke 2:19 There was the treasure of the world in front of her in the manger.

That’s where I want my treasure to be. I want my brain and my heart to ponder on Him. Jesus

P.S I did get my suitcase back and by the way they don't reimburse for jewelry after all!

Depressed & Dreading the Holidays

Ever felt depressed and dreading a holiday? I was. Only one of my sons was going to be in town and he let me know he would not be seeing us on Thanksgiving Day because he’d be spending it with friends. All of my other friends failed to invite me to visit with them on T-Day. So I was warming up to a great pity party and letting God know about it too!

Then I got a great idea … we just won’t be home on Thanksgiving. We could go to El Paso, or Albuquerque, or Carlsbad, or whatever. I told (yes … told) Larry that I was NOT going to be staying home … in fact didn’t even want to be home for Thanksgiving Day. He asked me what I wanted to do … and I was like “I don’t know … I just don’t want to be here when no one else is here.” Then he says, “So I’m not someone?” Well, not really he’s part of me, so that doesn’t count. Anyways, the Gospel Rescue Mission came up and he suggested we try to serve there. I called in and got on the list … yes in Las Cruces you have to get on the list if you want to help out because it’s a popular thing to do on Thanksgiving. Then two other of my friends asked us to drop by when we were done at the mission. Score!

So we went to the mission helped and it was great. There wasn’t a lot to do because many hands make light work ^_^. While we were there we ran into our new friend Kory. He just got stationed out at Holloman AFB and since he couldn’t go home for the holiday he looked up a place where he could make himself useful. Then my son’s plans got cancelled and he showed up at the mission with another friend of his and so we were really enjoying the visiting. Then we all split up to visit different friends and then reconnected at another friends, then ended up at our house to play cards and visit some more.

When the Israelites had just left Egypt, and during the 40 years that they wandered around, there were times that they had genuine needs so they complained & grumbled. Nevertheless many times God just provided for them even in the midst of their complaining.

So while I was looking forward to a very bleak holiday and feeling sorry for myself and complaining, God provided a great time of fellowship and sharing with my son, our new friend Kory, and my friends Yvonne and Mari. We had three Thanksgiving meals and I didn’t cook anything! But God provided abundantly above and beyond what I couldn’t even imagined. What a wonderful Thanksgiving we had.

Isn’t it great how He’s so good like that? Providing what we need physically & mentally & emotionally even on holidays. I pray that you will be able to look forward to the Christmas holidays, look forward to it as an opportunity to serve Him and an opportunity to give thanks for all that He has done and is still doing in our lives and in the lives of those around us. Thank God that He is the reason for the season.

The Lights of Glory

by Barbara Chadwick

We were flying into the John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, California on a Friday evening at 5:00PM on November 19th. The lights of greater Los Angeles were startling!

There were lights in homes where families were gathering, lights in stores and malls where families were shopping, lights in parks where children were playing sports while their families watched. Lights shone from restaurants where families ate, and on and on….

There were rivers of lights criss-crossing the whole area where vehicles made their way home from work and school on the freeways.

It was beautiful! Awesome! It was just a little reminder of the glory that awaits us in heaven.

Do you remember the hymn, Because He Lives by Gloria and William Gaither

God sent His Son. They called Him Jesus. He came to love, heal and forgive.
He lived and died to buy my pardon, an empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.


And then one day I’ll cross the river. I’ll fight life’s final war with pain.
And then as death gives way to victory, I’ll see the lights of glory and I’ll know He lives.

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow. Because He lives, all fear is gone.
Because I know, I know, He holds the future; and life is worth the living just because He lives.

Today, Sunday, we had a worship service in my Mother’s apartment. She and my step-dad cannot go to church any more. It was a wonderful time of singing, prayer, and fellowship. Kenneth presented a wonderful sermon on being thankful . The scripture he used was Philippians 4:4-7:

Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Kenneth talked about the things we are thankful for. Uppermost is that we have a God of love who provided a way of salvation for us through Jesus Christ, so that we can have the privilege of seeing those lights of glory and approaching the throne of Grace in heaven.

Show & Tell

Today I walked with the grandbabies to the park and the sky was just so and there was a slight breeze … Just a faint smell of fall in the air, a few leaves turned yellow had fallen to the ground … Sweet chubby arms reaching up for a quick hug before toddling off to play again.

I remember walking with my mom on days like that when I was a child. I remember her telling me, “Do you see those trees? God made those trees. He loves us very much.” In my mind’s eye I can go back and remember a street lined with trees, the sun floating down on thin golden ribbons, streaking us with their rays.

I remember my dad picking me up from a nursery. The walls were blue and the windows were high up near the ceiling. He would pick me up and as soon as we were out on the walkway, he would swing me up and carry me on his shoulders and we walked down the arch-lined walkway. He the king and I his princess greeting everyone we’d meet.

Today we live in a world where people have forgotten that they must Show & Tell their children about their faith or their will be no faith to share. Deuteronomy 6 says

⁴ Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. ^a]">[^{a] 5} Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. ⁶ These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. ⁷ Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. ⁸ Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. ⁹ Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

On this day that the world around us celebrates everything that is anti-Christian, let us not forget that the Lord, our Lord brought us OUT of the land of slavery, slavery to another nation, slavery to their idols, idols made of wood and stone and fashioned by their own hands. God brought us OUT of slavery INTO freedom and blessing … and then warned us to be careful NOT to forget the Lord.

¹⁰ When the LORD your God brings you into the land he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to give you—a land with large, flourishing cities you did not build, ¹¹ houses filled with all kinds of good things you did not provide, wells you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves you did not plant—then when you eat and are satisfied, ¹² be careful that you do not forget the LORD, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.

My parents were careful to Show & Tell me about His great love towards us. It is important that we Show & Tell our children, our children’s children, our friends children, each other … about how God delivered us and about His great mercies towards us

²⁰ In the future, when your son asks you, "What is the meaning of the stipulations, decrees and laws the LORD our God has commanded you?" ²¹ tell him: "We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. ²² Before our eyes the LORD sent miraculous signs and wonders—great and terrible—upon Egypt and Pharaoh and his whole household. ²³ But he brought us out from there to bring us in and give us the land that he promised on oath to our forefathers. ²⁴ The LORD commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear the LORD our God, so that we might always prosper and be kept alive, as is the case today. ²⁵ And if we are careful to obey all this law before the LORD our God, as he has commanded us, that will be our righteousness."

Let us obey all that God has told us to do and let us fear the LORD our God, so that we might always prosper and be kept alive. Let us have an answer in season and out of season to tell the next generation of the goodness of the Lord.

Moving With God

by Barbara Chadwick

A UHaul truck just went past my house. Into my brain came so many pictures of past moves - the packing, the boxes, the emotions, the adjustments. I wonder if it was any easier for Sarai? When Abram came in and said, we're going to a land that God will show us, did her mind go into high gear, thinking about all that had to be done? Did her emotions go into some higher dimension with questions that had no answers?

They were nomadic people. We have that in common with them. American society is very fluid.

Abram (later God changed his name to Abraham) always carried his faith with him. He never packed it away to be carried by a camel. It was steady in his heart. Hopefully, as christians we will do the same.

This is the command . . ., Moses said, the Lord, your God has instructed me to teach you so that you may follow them in the land you are about to enter... Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them be a symbol on your forehead. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:1-9

So as we go let us carry God's word in our hearts and in our hands. And please remember to join a church with a group of other believers in your new land. You will be encouraged and strengthened by other christians who believe as you do. People who practice their faith, who carry it with them into halls of their occupations and into the marketplace.

You know how you have to call and reserve the UHaul truck specifying the size and type? Wouldn't it be neat if we could also order the kind of picture we want on the truck? A picture of a family reading God's word together or entering a church together. Or maybe we could order the scripture above from Deuteronomy to be painted on the sides. :)

When you pass a UHaul truck on the road, say a little prayer for the family that their faith would sustain them and their transition would go smoothly and they would find a church to join.

The Genesis Siblings

Siblings … those people you love to hate! They seem to be the ones most likely to make you crazy and give you the most warmest fuzzies. How can that be? Probably because usually they know us the most and have lived with us the longest. We’ve been through Christmases and summer vacations and Spring Break together. We had the chicken pox with them and broke their toys and they shared our toys with their friends who destroyed them. We listened to them cry. They listened to us whine. We share parents who always loved them more than us. And when we share our experiences growing up they seem to have been raised by different parents in different places, at least that’s what my dad says about his sister’s stories. ^_^

I’ve been reading through the great sibling stories in Genesis and I have to say that my three brothers come out smelling like the real gems/roses that they are. For example:

· Cain & Abel

· Shem, Ham, and Japheth

· Abram & Sarai (1/2 brother and sister)

· Ishmael & Isaac

· Jacob & Esau

· Leah & Rachel

· Joseph and his 11 brothers

Did I leave anyone out? Wow after reading these stories and their dysfunctional lives and realizing that God in all of His great mercy still continues to love us and counts us faithful based on our desire to pursue relationship with Him, based on His faithfulness He forgives us, based on our feeble actions to obey His leading and do what He tells us to do, He makes it possible for us to walk and talk to Him.

Who is like this great God of ours? No! There is NONE like Him and none can compare.

God bless you as you pursue enriching and encouraging your sibling relationships.

How do you know when you're getting older?

Yesterday I squatted down to clean something off the bottom of the door and when I stood up I realized something was wrong with my back. Actually I groaned! or did I yell? I'm not sure but it got me to thinking about getting older.

It's hard to think of yourself as old - or even old - er because there's this young spirit inside you. But here are some clues.
You notice that people start offering the senior rate to you.

Your body begins to close down earlier at night, you can't keep going as long as you used to and you can't do things as quickly as in earlier years.

You start getting these brown spots that one Dr. called barnacles of old age. - in your 60's! Shouldn't that wait to happen in your 90's?

Wrinkles and things sagging. You get a new wrinkle and a new gray hair - is it every year or every month? AND they say that your ear lobes keep growing as long as you live. What will that look like?


Your feet and your back don't like it when you stand too long. Some knees and hips just give up altogether!

Then there's the hairs that grow out of your ears and nose and chin but won't grow on top of your head.

And what about those words that get lost somewhere in your brain?

You give up trying to learn the newest thing:

- Facebook

- Twitter

- Iphones and Ipods

- and why do you need to learn this? You can get any information or the answer to any question on Google!

There's bifocals, trifocals and then the magnifying glass!

Some people say that you start out with diapers and you end up with them.

Do you know the song, Stand By Me by Charles A. Tindley?

When the storms of life are raging stand by me.

When the storms of life are raging stand by me.

When the world is tossing me like a ship upon the sea,

Thou who rulest wind and water, stand by me.

Then the last verse is perfect for this morning:

When I'm growing old and feeble, stand by me.

When I'm growing old and feeble, stand by me.

When my life becomes a burden, and I'm nearing chilly Jordan,

O Thou "Lilly of the Valley," stand by me.

The words of Deuteronomy 31:6 are especially poignant for times when we're feeling this way:

Be strong and courageous. . . the LORD your God goes with you; He will not leave you nor forsake you.

So keep smiling.

One Foot From The Goal Line

Louisiana State University players were just standing on the field this Saturday, un-comprehension the only facial expression at their loss. Mentally, reviewing the play … about one foot from the goal line … their center hiked the ball and it sailed right past the quarter back … the quarter back unprepared reached, flailing for the ball as it sailed past him waist high.

The Tennessee crowd roars at the win. Unbelievably they who saw their loss one foot from sure defeat … won! Absolutely amazing.

But wait … the referees are conferring. Three flags had been thrown and the start of the play but because all eyes were on the play no one noticed. Tennessee had 13 players on the field for the play (you’re only allowed 11). It’s not a win.

Incredibly, LSU is going to get a second chance to score. And score they do. Neither team was happy with the outcome. The LSU coach says, “A win is a win” but he never wants to get another win like this again.

http://www.rockytoptalk.com/photos/some-positives-from-tennessees-loss-to-lsu/1114025

Ever feel that way? Like “How can this be happening?” “What happened? I thought I was prepared … but I missed it.” “I thought I was winning … but I lost.”

Hebrews 10:35-39

So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while,

"He who is coming will come and will not delay.
But my righteous one will live by faith.
And if he shrinks back,
I will not be pleased with him."

But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.

Are You a Basket Case?
by Barbara Chadwick




"Don't let your worries get the best of you; Remember, Moses started out as a basket case." from Nubiagroup.blogspot.com/

Some of the best things come in a basket:
Nut bread, a collection of teas and cookies, sewing notions, bathing lotions and then of course there's Moses.

I like baskets. There are a myriad of styles, sizes and colors. Michaels store once had baskets on sale at an incredible price and I looked at as many as I could dig out of the bin, but since I couldn't make up my mind I walked away.

I know. You're remembering the issue with the purse and thinking, "She's blonde." But sometimes it's good to walk away. I once heard of a woman who bought 40 light sabers because they were on sale for 1$ each. She had two sons. I was told that every time someone came to visit, the boys would ask, "Hey, do you want a light saber to take home with you?" She should have just walked away.

Well sometimes my worries accumulate. I suppose I should write them down and put them in a basket. Henry Blackaby says in his study, Experiencing God, that worrying is really unbelief. Probably so.

Moses. What an incredible story. Don't you just wish you could have been up there with God watching it all unfold? ...the basket, the burning bush, his question (we could call it his whine), "Couldn't you just send someone else?", the plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, Mt. Sinai and the Ten Commandments, his face as he came down from the mountain after being with God.

Your face. What does it show? Sorrow when the cancer returns. Anger when you've been treated wrong. Unbelief when a friend maligns you. Worry when there's not enough money to last until the next paycheck.

But when you've been with Jesus, then your face glows with the light of His Presence, Peace because He has promised to walk with you and Joy because He has chosen you for His own.

Henry Blackaby says that God develops character to match the assignment. He certainly did that in Moses case. Moses was uncertain, hesitant and sure that he could not speak up. But God took him one step at a time. God was holding the basket. Moses couldn't do it. But God could.

Nothing to Offer but Jesus

by Audrey Wauson


Dear Tammy,

Regarding your inquiry about being involved in prison ministry:

I go to the Detention Center (DC) on Sunday nights from 7-9pm. After I committed to that so many fun things have come up on Sunday nights that I’d like to be a part of, but I KNOW where I'm supposed to be so that makes it a LOT easier. Once I'd made a connection with these women and saw their desperate need for Christ, it just feels right.

The procedure is that I go into the DC itself near the front where the classrooms are. After a guard escorts me in they bring the women from one of the pods. There are three pods that are allowed to go out to the classroom. Each pod can hold 32 women but there’s only room for 15 women in the classroom. We never know how many will come.

When the women first come to the DC they are often still cocky and full of themselves, eager to make someone else as miserable as themselves. But after they've been there for awhile they begin to see the seriousness of their situation and that they need someone. My job is to show them who God is and what He'd like to do in and through them. Not many of them will choose to follow Him but, as many as received Him, to them He gave the power to become "daughters" of God". Jn 1:12

Please understand that I don't want to 'talk you into' coming to the DC because it is a place where spiritual battles are fought and you shouldn't go because of any reason other than ... you can't be satisfied doing something else. You absolutely have to know that's what God is leading you to do. I personally wrestled with the decision of whether or not to go for over six months.

I didn't want to go in by myself. So finally, I told God if you will send someone who's willing to go in with me, I'll go. When I called my friend Mari, she said that God had been pestering her about going as well. Then the first time we went in God gave us a boldness that is simply unexplainable, a confidence that we could never have mustered up on our own. And, because we know that He wants us to be there, we feel like whatever happens (and you and I both know that bad things happen to good people) we can have confidence like Steven, Paul and Silas and Peter and other greats like Corrie Ten Boom, that our God will protect us and give us the strength to do His will. However, the chances of anything bad happening are pretty remote.

In order to get in at all, you have to get a background check and go through the prison training. The training alone will turn away any of the 'faint of heart' cuz they show & tell some of the worst case scenarios. The people who work at the DC want you to be afraid of what these people are capable of so that you won't break their rules, so that you will understand the reason these rules are in place. Many people who start volunteering become so burdened with these people's troubles and hard life that they start trying to do 'favors' for them and it's just not safe. However, IF you remember that you have NOTHING to offer these people but Jesus and His word then you'll be fine.

Tammy, please know that God will make your way/path clear and if you choose to follow Him you won't regret it. That may or may not include going into the DC. But here's what it won't do, it won't make you more spiritual, or closer to Him or any other thing. But if He's calling you, He won't give you the courage to go ... UNTIL you go. You won't have the courage while you're thinking about it and planning it, but when you ARRIVE at the DC to start the paper work you'll have enough courage to do that much. Later if you go in to the DC to encourage the women ... you won't be given the courage while you’re standing around waiting for the guards to take you in but AS YOU WALK THROUGH THE DOORS then the courage will come. It is in the moment that you step out in faith that the strength & courage is given. God is VERY generous, He will give you exceeding, abundantly above all that you can ask or think or even imagine as you step out in faith to do what He's calling you to do (Eph. 3:20)... whatever it is!!!!

God bless you as you start serving Him ... wherever you serve ^_^

Have you 'gotten over' what Jesus has done for you?

One of my sons and I were talking about traditions in the church, a while back, and some of the messages that we communicate through those traditions. The conversation got around the huge problem of ‘easy-believe-ism’ in the American church today. As I was on the phone, sitting in the University parking lot trying to explain my point of view to my mom, it occurred to me that our walk with God is much like university life.

1. Before anything can happen you have to apply to get in.
2. Once you’re accepted you can register for classes.
3. In order for any learning to happen, you actually have to attend class AND do the homework.
4. Then after 4-6 years (depending on the amount of energy you put into it … hehe) you can graduate

What concerns me in the church today is that there seems to be a thought or teaching, that you can just ‘apply’ … simply ask Jesus into your heart and that’s it … you’re good. You don’t have to “Do” anything. While I fully recognized that there is nothing I could do that would make me more eligible for ‘saving’ than anyone else … like if we were all lined up and started jumping up to touch the moon, from our perspective some of us could jump WAY higher than others, but from the surface of the moon, all of our efforts would be completely imperceptible. But what Jesus’ says is not only the John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him will live and not die” but He also says that IF you are His you WILL obey His commands.

John 15:9-17 (New International Version)

9 "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 IF you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends IF you do what I command. … 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 17 This is my command: Love each other.

And what are His commands? Basically Matthew 23:37-38

1. 1. Love God
2. 2. Love others

Forgive one another. “… I cancelled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had mercy on you?” Matthew 18:21-35 Serve one another. “Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for Me.’” Matthew 25:31-46

Until we arrive at the pearly gates we will be taking ‘classes’ in how to Love God and Love Others. Those classes will take the form of unruly children, or a disagreeable neighbor, or unpleasant illness, or a cranky boss, but we will be given opportunities (tests per James 1:12) to exercise our faith. If we don’t pass the test, don’t worry we will continue to have them (tests that is) until we’re ready to move on to harder material … or until we get our diploma (die and go to be with Jesus forever).

In Jesus’ words, “I tell you the truth (He’s not lying or teasing.) anyone who has faith in Me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the father.” John 14:12

Mike Napier was preaching at East Mesa Baptist Church this past week and his challenge to me, is my challenge to you. “Have you gotten ‘over it’ … have you ‘gotten over’ what all Jesus has done for you? Do you still feel obligated (in a good way, like the apostle Paul, Romans 1:14,15) to share the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ?” Have you ‘gotten over’ that overwhelming desire to do anything that He would find pleasing? I pray that God will open your heart and eyes to the people around you and that you will ‘begin classes’ today, begin learning how to better serve Him and others. And may God bless your efforts!!!

Rusty

by Barbara Chadwick

Kenneth said, "Once upon a time this vehicle was new and shiny! Just think how proud they were of it. They brought it home and looked at it and polished it and showed it to their friends. They never thought that one day it would look like this."

It got me to thinking about rusty things:

• a closet door that squeaks (it could wake the dead!)
• an SOS pad used for three weeks
• a certain cookie pan if I put it in the dishwasher
• et cetera and ad infinitum

I'm sure you have your own list because we can't seem to get through life without some rust somewhere, especially here in Southeast Alaska!

There are things in my life that are rusty too. When someone asks me to play for a wedding, the first thought in my brain is, "I'm so rusty!" I have stressed daily practice with an emphasis on scales, chords and arpeggios for umpteen years of teaching piano. This kind of practice keeps your fingers nimble and responsive. When you neglect this practice your fingers act like they're rusty. You can play but the music isn't melodic and flowing. Wouldn't it be wonderful if I could just rub a little WD40 on my fingers and they would respond to my brain signals in an instant tickling the ivories as in years past?!

"If you don't use it you lose it." We often hear that phrase. It's true with a second language. After getting a diploma in Spanish at a Language School in San Antonio, Texas, Kenneth and I got to where we even dreamed in Spanish. We thought it was a milestone. We could converse fluently. But, we have not served in a Spanish church since 1982 and when we meet someone today who speaks only Spanish we can converse but our thoughts don't flow as they once did.

I'm trying to memorize one scripture verse each week. I think I'm doing well until I start to review from the beginning of the year. Then it feels like my brain is corroded. I stutter and hem and haw trying to get the right words in the correct order.

Wikipedea says that, "rust left alone will corrode, destroy, damage, degrade, disintegrate, cause collapse and breakdown."

In controlling rust every method mentioned has to do with taking some kind of action. You have to do something. In our spiritual lives we must guard against corrosion.

When you first see rust you have to scrub it away before it can do damage. Ann Graham Lotz says in I Saw The Lord, " Sin is deceptive and temptation always lurks at your doorstep. ... from time to time, I need a wake-up call to personal revival - a fresh experience and vision of Christ in order to open my eyes to His holiness and my helplessness and the eternal hope of the Cross. I need to come back to the Cross and get right with Him - not for forgiveness, since I am forgiven forever, but for sweet fellowship with Him and for power in His service. " (p.118)

We get lax and rusty in praising the God of all creation. It is easy to forget to thank Him for daily blessings. In Philippians chapter 4 Paul calls us to Rejoice. Then he reiterates, Rejoice!... in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

If We Do Not Give Up!

I can honestly say that I never really liked to exercise. It is hot and sweaty, I never really felt good when I got done, and it didn’t seem to make any difference. So, I just didn’t … exercise that is … until recently.

I have a friend who goes to the gym religiously and I had been watching her. She always has a lot of energy and she looks great. Then in the small group at our church two women have had to have knee surgeries and I know a couple of others outside of our group who’ve had knee troubles. So when I was out walking my dog and took a turn a bit sharply and my knee twinged and I thought, “Oh no, I’m old! My knees are giving out and I’m in my early 50’s! What am I going to do?” The answer was obvious … I was going to have to exercise. Ick! Or so I thought.

I joined a gym. I joined the first of June and went every day religiously for two months. Unbelievably, I found out several things about myself. First: I LOVE Zumba … it’s a kind of dance/exercise class. Unfortunately, my knees are not ready for Zumba. After three weeks I was forced to try out some of the other classes. I tried the yoga class … ick. I’m not a yoga person. I tried a cardio-kick class … ick X’s 2 … too much like trying to be the Karate Kid. But I found that I liked the Step class and Cardio Sculpt class. So, I went there for the rest of the summer. I enjoyed going to the classes because: there were other women to talk to and commiserate with; the music and the instructor kept pushing me to continue just a bit more; and when the class was over …. Well in about 30 minutes … I felt great! Like seriously, I felt better. Now my clothes fit better, I have more energy, and I enjoy the rush of being successful at something that I formerly was NOT successful at.

The Christian walk … or as the early Christians calledl it … The Way … is a bit like that sometimes. Sometimes it’s hard to see the benefit or profit in what you’re asked to do … loving others, serving others, self-sacrifice, self-discipline, fasting, praying, considering others as better than yourself … but if you persist, if you find a group of people to do it with, if you don’t give up … you WILL reap a reward … and it WILL be worth it!

It will be worth it all when we see Jesus

One smile of His dear face all sorrows will erase

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time We Will Reap A Harvest IF WE DO NOT GIVE UP. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galations 6:7-10

The Purse

by Barbara Chadwick

I almost bought a purse this afternoon.

My granddaughter, Abigail, was trying on some clothes for school so I was walking around and behold there was the neatest purse! I picked it up to check if it had enough pockets for all the things I have to carry!

You know, Kleenex, 3 shades of lipstick, a notebook (in case I think of something incredible to write!) my calendar, cell phone, 2 pens and a pencil, a zippered pouch for loose change, one side for make-up and one side for cough drops, gum and Gas X, and a place for my keys. Only the essentials.

I take it with me at all times just like the mother on Golden Girls (Well, actually, I don't carry it to the living room like she did.)

Anyway, so here I am, in the purses, waiting for Abigail. I am enthralled with this purse. So I put it in the cart and start to move away - but wait - here's a different one. It might even be more sassy. I examine it, put it back and note where it is in case it might really be the one.

But lest I go away and actually miss the right one, I begin to look at all of them. I put a couple more into the cart (to be able to make an intelligent decision.) It has now been about 45 minutes since I saw the first purse.

I reach for a kleenex and my eyes see my old purse. I bought it in March. It still looks nice. There are no smudges or scratches. It is not discolored. It has not lost it's shape. In fact, it looks good. I like it.

I begin to put the purses back on the shelf.

I start thinking about why I wanted to buy a purse in the first place. Oh yeah, because it caught my eye and I do have that gift certificate from my birthday.

Jesus said, Don't collect for youselves treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy and thieves break in and steal. But collect for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth... Matthew 6:19-20

OK. I don't think moths or rust will destroy a new purse and probably thieves wouldn't break in to steal it. However, it also is not a treasure for heaven. Kenneth will not put it in the casket with me!

In verse 28 He says, Why do you worry about clothes? (or purses to carry) Ouch!

Verse 31, So, don't worry saying...What will we wear (or carry?) ... Seek first the kingdom of God and His Righteousness...

I don't think the Lord cares what purse I carry but I know He wants First Place in my heart. And that's what I really want - for Jesus to have First Place in my heart and in my thoughts.

The Progress of One Pilgrim

Re-reading Pilgrim’s Progress has been so inspiring for me this time around. Not sure why, but perhaps I’m just relating more closely to this particular Pilgrim’s progress J For example: Christian and Hopeful made it through Vanity Fair and though they lost their dear friend Faithful (he was killed by the people in town) they are encouraged in their desire to be more faithful. They arrive at Pleasant Meadows and are so refreshed, it’s been such a long time since they were really able to relax.

But when they leave Pleasant Meadows they find that the going is really rough. And just outside The Way … I mean it’s so close that they had difficulty telling which way they should go … they saw this other path that was running parallel to The Way and Christian is like “Look, this path is so much easier and we can still see The Way and it’s going the same way. When it veer’s off we’ll just get back on The Way.” So what could be wrong with that? The problem? Well they got to focusing on the pleasantness of their walk and soon they lost sight of The Way and when they stopped to rest they fell asleep and they awoke to Giant Despair poking them and he took them off to Doubting Castle.

My husband and I have traveled quite a bit. We’ve lived in England, Panama, California (Oh wait that’s part of the US J We’ve lived in Alaska, California, New Mexico, Texas, Utah. We (one or both of us) have traveled from Washington State to Washington D.C. and 20+ states in between as well as out of country to: France, Turkey, Mexico, Canada, Nicaragua, Honduras, and Ecuador. And in all our travels, I have never seen a map as straight at the map of Pilgrim’s Progress.

As I was reading this, it was brought back to my mind the number of times that I’ve just done something that was “easier”, “quicker”, a “short-cut” and found myself feeling so lost & alone, full of doubts & despair. And just like Christian, when I remembered that I had a key to get out of that dungeon I found that the key opened all the locks and I got free!

The Key? The promises of God. Here’s the difference between faith and religion. Faith doesn’t see how it will work, doesn’t really care. Faith knows that there’s hope and it believes. That belief is not a “head” knowledge but an action verb. Faith is NOT a noun; it’s a verb. If faith is not acted on, then it’s not faith … it’s religion. Pilgrim acted on his faith, claimed the promises of God and was freed from Doubting Castle and from the cruel hand of Giant Despair.

Today, I claim the promise of 1 John 1:9 “… if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” (NLT)

What promises do you need to claim today?

What Draws Your Heart
To The Lord?
by Barbara Chadwick


As I flipped through a cookbook in the kitchen, looking for a recipe to use left-over salmon in a different way. I heard a voice. Singing. It didn't startle me. I knew who it was.

This voice was raspy, vibrant, off-key, but the praises to God were strong and heart-felt. The words and the music were touching something deep in him - More Love To Thee, O Christ (words by Prentiss, music by Doane).

More love to Thee, O Christ, more love to Thee.
Hear, Thou, the prayer I make on bended knee.
This is my earnest plea.
More love, O Christ, to Thee
More love to Thee, more love to Thee.

I have been married to this man - this voice - 53 years. I love to hear it. I can sense the emotion behind the voice. It blesses me to hear it.

Every morning Kenneth reads God's Word and sings praises to God from the hymnal. Many times it sounds as if he is being drawn into the very presence of the Lord.

What is it that draws your heart to the Lord?

Angie told me recently that it is early in the morning in a very quiet place. No distractions. No other sounds. As she reads God's Word He speaks to her. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13

Andrew Neal Park says these words in a song:
In the secret, in the quiet place
In the stillness, You are there.
In the secret, in the quiet hour I wait,
Only for You.
'Cause I want to know You more

Maria said, "As I hike these trails of Juneau, I sense God's Presence. To walk here amid such beauty and to talk with the Lord touches my heart in a profound way."

Mrs. Dorothy Patterson wrote that one place she communes with God is in her garden.

Do you remember the words and the melody to that old hymn, In The Garden by C. A. Miles?

I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses.
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear, the Son of God discloses.
He walks with me and He talks with me,
He tells me I am His own.
The joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known.

Dr. Ronnie Floyd says in his book, The Power of Prayer and Fasting, it has been through fasting that He has come into God's presence.

In my daily devotions at the kitchen table many times God has spoken to my heart through His Word. I underline the words and often write in a journal what He communicates to me. It is a habit - a discipline. As I wake in the morning my spirit is drawn to Him and when I draw near to Him He is there - waiting.

When we need a word from the Lord we seek His face. We call on His Name. We sing the chorus of Mr. Park's song:

I want to know You. I want to hear Your voice.
I want to know You more.
I want to touch You. I want to see Your face.
I want to know You more.

Jeremiah 33:3 Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.

Overheard
On The
Saddle Ridge
Ranch
(at VBS)
by Barbara Chadwick



What a privilege it is to teach boys and girls about Jesus. I thank God that I was able to help this week. Although, I did say a couple of times, "I think 68 years old is too old for this!"

Teacher: Who was the Bible lesson about this morning?
Student: Zaccheus
Teacher: Was he big or little?
Student: He was Wee!

Teacher: Let's read our Bible verse together, "For I know the plans I have for you. Plans to give you a hope and a future. This is the Lord's declaration.... Jeremiah 29:11" What does declaration mean ?
Student: That's when you make something nice and pretty! (decoration)

A teacher asked a question and several students answered at once. She said, "Please raise your hand to speak." They raised their hands and she called on one litte guy who said, "Can I please go home?"

In the snack room after drinking four ounces of pink lemonade one boy asked, "Tomorrow can we have red wine?"

Friday in the craft room the students were given the pouches to make their "saddle-bag". They were to write the theme for the week, Have Questions? Ask God! One boy came in with a bit of an attitude. When he was handed his pouch he said, "You can't even MAKE me do this!" He pushed his chair away from the table. The other students got into the task loving every bead and sticker. He was ignored. Soon the teacher glanced his way and saw that he was busy, his head bowed above his work. His pouch was one of the most artistic done that day. As he left he said, "This has been the best week!" Who can understand the power of using the talents that God has put into a child.

At the end of class there were lots of Saddle Ridge Ranch stickers left over. One student asked if they could have them to put on their refrigerator at home. The teacher smiled and said, "You need to ask your mother first."

Monday morning: One of the teachers said, "Don't you just love the excitement and joy in the kids faces?
Friday morning: One of the teachers said with excitement and joy in HER face, "Just one more day!"

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

Feeding 5000

Down-turns, down-sizing, re-organizing, minimizing, loss of income, loss of job, loss of life-style, re-evaluating … when the VA told us that they were changing my husband’s disability status, we were a bit stunned. We thought the status was permanent and we’d made a lot of financial decisions based on that. Then it felt like we were the only ones who’d received such a stark blow. But it turns out several of our friends and acquaintances have been or are currently going through the same thing. What a weird experience this is. As I was talking to God about it this morning I began reading where I’d left off in John yesterday.

John 6 (NIV) Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand

⁵When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, "Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?" ⁶He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.

God was not surprised at the VA’s decision. Nor was He or is He surprised by anyone else’s misfortunes.

⁷Philip answered him, "Eight months' wages^[a] would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!"

Have you ever asked that question? Where will we …? How will we …? Ever been in a place where the need, both personal and communal, was so great that it occurs to you that no one … absolutely no one can supply this need …? Except God?! Philip looked at what it would take to solve the problem and the answer he came up with was staggering. If you saved eight months of your family’s wages how much would that be? … and how far would it go?

⁸Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, spoke up, ⁹"Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?"

Have you ever looked at your resources, and then looked again, and yet again, hoping to find something anything that you could use? Andrew looked at what they had and was appalled because it wasn’t enough… it wasn’t really enough for one grown man much less a multitude on a hillside.

¹⁰Jesus said, "Have the people sit down." There was plenty of grass in that place, and the men sat down, about five thousand of them. ¹¹Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.

Jesus asked the question, I believe, because He wanted them to understand what they were about to see. He knew what they had and what they didn’t have. But more importantly, He knew what He was going to do. Jesus took what they had, and He gave thanks, and had the disciples distribute it to everyone who was seated, about 5000 men (not including women & children) and … and they had as much as they wanted.

¹²When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, "Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted." ¹³So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.

I believe that following His example is probably a good idea at this point in our lives. Look at what we have, give thanks, and distribute what we have to the need that God sets before us. Then let Him be responsible for multiplying it. He can do the most amazing things if we’re thankful … and obedient.

In the book of James, chapter one, He tells us to … ²Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. ⁴Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. ⁵If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. ⁶But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. ⁷That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; ⁸he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.