Reflections For Life

What Have I Done?

2012-01-23T06:09:00.001-09:00

So, we had an argument. I told him how offended I was because he was making light of things that I thought were important. He didn’t get it. Then I was even more offended. How could he NOT get it? Then I was silent. Then he was silent. Then he tried to change the subject. Then I decided I was even more offended. Then we went to bed … not exactly full-on mad … but not reconciled. Then I had a dream.

In my dream I kept running into situations of social injustices that we had become accustomed to, old people who didn’t have anyone to help them out, single moms & dads who just didn’t fit in socially, teenagers boys that had no man who was willing to get involved in their life, social misfits who are marginalized because they don’t “fit”. It wasn’t a scary dream. But there was this person in my dream that kept making all of these situations into a big deal. And I was thinking, this is really not a big deal, I mean it’s not an ideal world what do you expect? And I began to wonder, why am I dreaming this?

Then suddenly, almost, I was wide-awake … I had been holding him to a higher standard than I was holding myself. I realized that I had been doing the same thing to God. I have been kind of flippant and careless in our conversations. Spending our time together asking Him to do things for me, or explain things to me, or just be there for me, but not asking Him what was on His heart. Expecting that He would still talk to me and communicate to me and be happy with me. In my prayers I certainly wasn’t asking Him what it was that He wanted to talk about, or what was on His mind, or asking Him if there was anything that I’d done that might have offended Him. It was all about me.

God, what is it that You want from me? I prayed

Listen to what the Lord says:

“Stand up and plead your case … let[s] hear what you have to say.

Hear … the Lord’s accusation … listen … for the Lord has a case against His people …”

“…what have I done to you? How have I burdened you? Answer Me. I brought you up … and redeemed you from … slavery … I sent [people] to lead you … remember your journey … that you may know the righteous acts of the Lord.”

… Will the I be pleased with thousands of [sacrifices], shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression (No, but God did give His firstborn for my sins) … “

He has show[n] you … what is good. And what does the Lord require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:1-8

But how would that work? What would that look like? How would I know that it was something that He wanted done? That would take a lot of faith … faith … “the evidence of things not seen.”

“Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6

The first two-thirds of that chapter talk about the faithful experiencing awesome answers to prayer; amazing miraculous victories. But the last third of the chapter details some faithful people, God honoring people, whose answers to prayer were that God enabled them to remain faithful. “These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better …” Hebrews 11:39-40

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:1-3

Hebrews 11 the story of faithful people who suffered because they believe God was who He said He was and because they wanted to obey Him.

“If you love Me, you will obey My commandments” John 14:15, 21, 23-24; 15:12, 17.

How do we know if someone truly loves God? They obey Him! Matthew tells us that Jesus said “Love God, Love others” Matthew 22:37-40

“No one ever cared for me like Jesus. There’s no other friend so kind and true. No one else could take my life and fully change me. …”

Then I remembered my attitude towards him and our argument ( = discussion :-) and remembered that forgiveness is a decision; it’s a choice, and it leads to freedom in Christ.

“But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

Matthew 6:15

And the story from Matthew 18: 21-35, basically that God will forgive you THE WAY that you forgive others. And,

“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” Mark 11:25

Just as I needed to reconcile, get right with God, so also I needed to make things right with him. Even if it wasn’t my fault I still needed to forgive, to seek reconciliation. The forgiveness I received from God was so great that I longed to be right with him.

“I’m sorry that I got offended so easily. Will you forgive me?”

“Sure. I guess I didn’t realize how big a deal it was to you.”

“That’s ok. Let’s talk some more.”

Awesome Grace

2012-01-14T17:41:00.000-09:00

AWESOME GRACE

By Barbara Chadwick

Grace for the Moment by Max Lucado is a great devotional book.

Yesterday I read:

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1

God justifies those who have faith in Jesus. Romans 3:26

“God keeps His promises. You are guaranteed that your sins will be filtered through, hidden in, and screened out by the sacrifice of Jesus. When God looks at you, He doesn’t see you; He sees the One who surrounds you. That means that failure is not a concern for you.” Max Lucado

I am humbled – blown away – and so comforted, by that thought.

Failures of last year. All the times I didn’t measure up. All the times I didn’t do what I should have done. These things weigh me down. I get depressed about myself.

I often sing:
Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole.
I want Thee forever to live in my soul.
Break down every idol, cast out every foe.
Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow. by James Nicholson.

So when it snowed yesterday ... don’t you love it – the beauty of God’s creation draped in that blanket.

The stillness, the expectancy, the beauty. The scarred earth is covered. Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.

My mother-in-law, Clara Chadwick, said that after she gave her heart to the Lord and asked Him to be her Savior, she looked at her hands and they looked so white and clean – new. She felt amazed!

Oh, the wonder of God’s grace!

So, …forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead… let us … Press on toward the mark of the high calling in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13

Let us not get bogged down, depressed and hindered by our past failures. Let us dwell on "whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, ..." Philippians 4:8,9

So we can know that when God looks at us He doesn't see our failures and imperfections, He sees

the One who surrounds you! Awesome Grace!!

2011-12-31T17:13:00.002-09:00

A NEW YEAR!
A NEW SONG!
by Barbara Chadwick

52 matches. That's how many matches the ESword Bible program gives (in the Holman version) for "Sing a new song"

That's what I'd like to do in this new year of 2012.

The stanzas for my song in 2011 included grief, change, frustration and illness. There were blessings to be sure - but I didn't pay as much attention to the blessings as I did to all the rest.

Some of the old songs bless my soul and fill my eyes with tears. I will always return to them. But somehow, I sing them - then return to discouragement, depression and disillisionment.

But in my everyday life this new year I'd like to make stanzas of encouragement, love, positive words and hope.

God, I will sing a new song to you. I will play on a ten-stringed harp for you. Psalm 144:9 (HCSB)
(I will probably play my new song on the 88 strings of my grand piano though!)

2011-12-18T05:06:00.000-09:00

The Most Wonderful Event In History!
by Barbara Chadwick

Today is Audrey's birthday. What a treasure she's been. What a gift!

One week before she was born I felt - well, fat mostly! - but also I felt an inner joy for the life I was carrying inside of me. I felt an awe that I would soon hold in my arms this treasure growing in me. I was excited and a little impatient. But there was a calm assurance that God was in control.

I wonder what Mary felt the week before Jesus was born?

In the beginning the angel Gabriel had called her, "favored woman" (Luke 1:28) Her cousin, Elizabeth, had called her, "blessed" (Luke 1:42)

I believe she also felt - well fat mostly! - but above all, awe, wonder and a calm assurance that God had orchestrated this most wonderful event in all of history!

2011-11-13T12:16:00.000-09:00

We Got Old!

By Barbara Chadwick

We got old while we weren’t paying attention! All of a sudden our children want to take care of us.

Reality sets in when you look in the mirror and say, “Who is that woman with those canyons running down her face?!” or “Whose hands are those, with age spots and wrinkles?!” or “Those Ritis boys are bothering me again.” – you know - Arthur Ritis. Corny right? But I’ve learned that it’s true that old age is not for sissies!

I saw a woman on Good Morning America this morning who was celebrating her birthday. When they asked her which one she said, "It's my 60th and I'm proud of it!" She was facing reality with a smile.

C.S. Lewis said, “Our job is to learn what reality is, then learn to like it.” Well, most of the time these days I don’t really like reality!

We do learn to deal with the realities in everyday life. Somehow we cope and grow.

Learning to deal with God’s realities is another area of growth. When we accept God’s reality, we bend our will to His. We listen for His voice and want to do the things that please Him.

Sometimes though, thoughts come into our brains without invitation – thoughts that depress or anger us. Paul tells the Corinthians to, …take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5b

Also, Paul tells the Philippians, …brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things. Philippians 4:8

There is excellence in maturity. Just look at fruit. Who wants a green apple? Or strawberry for that matter! You want a beautiful ripe fruit. With maturity you are ripe (and beautiful I might add). You’ve already “been there, done that”. Experience/maturity helps with the coping of everyday life. Experience also helps in following God’s reality for our lives. We can look back and see some of the missteps we’ve made along the way and can more easily sidestep toward a more heavenly way.

However, there is always a danger with our brain! It sometimes wants to go somewhere we’ve determined not to go or dwell on thoughts that are not excellent or worthy of praise. One woman said, “I tend to follow the Lord through my brain, but tend to sin through my mouth!” It’s true. At times it seems as if we have no control. Remember when Paul was talking about our conflict with the two natures within us? For that which I am doing I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do but I am doing the very thing I hate… Romans 7:15

But look in verse 25 of chapter 7: Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ! And in 8:1-2 There is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.

So let us, take every thought captive - even those corny ones that make us dwell on ourselves and let us dwell on God’s reality – things that are pure, excellent and praiseworthy.

2011-10-30T05:14:00.000-08:00

Just A Little More
by Barbara Chadwick

I slurped up the last bit of my Creamy Chocolate Slim Fast Drink through my straw and said, "I always feel like there should be a couple more ounces in these things." Kenneth smiled and said, "That's the way life is. We want a little more banana puddin' or little bigger house or a little nicer car and on and on."

When do we have enough? Certain monks live in monasteries with austere bedrooms - cells, it seems like. They have a bed, a table and a straight backed chair. I think of my bedroom with a carpet, a bed, two side tables, two easy chairs, a dresser, an antique secretary and a wood stove. And I think I need a new bed and a new chair! Let's don't even talk about all the stuff that's in the attic!!

Jesus said in Luke 12:15, Beware and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.

Paul, realizing the end of his life was near, said in II Peter 1:14, ...the laying aside of my earthly dwelling is imminent...   And the Psalmist said, You, indeed have made my days short in length, and my life span as nothing in Your sight. Surely every man at his best is a mere breath.... he amasses riches and does not know who will gather them. Psalm 39:5 & 6b

Life is too short to worry about possessions and to make life's ambition just to have fun.

I have some friends who think of life as a playground. They are always looking for the next funnest thing to do. As they sit around the table they take turns telling the next place in the world they want to visit and the exciting thing they want to accomplish in that far-off place as if that's what life is about - fun and games.

But we're told in Ephesians chapter 5 to:
        be imitators of God
        do not let immorality or any impurity or greed even be named among you
        you are light in the Lord, walk as children of light
        learn what is pleasing to the Lord
        be careful how you walk
        make the most of your time because the days are evil

Perhaps it would behoove us to think of our time on earth as fleeting or temporary. Paul encourages us in Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.... and the God of peace will be with you.

You don't need more you just need to be thankful for what God has given you.

2011-10-23T05:52:00.000-08:00

The Water Of Life
by Barbara Chadwick

I went downstairs to get some water to take with us in the car. It is an hour and a half drive to town so I always take a bag of snacks - and water. Carrying the bottle upstairs got me to thinking.

Looking at a glass of water it seems so, I don't know, innocuous or plain. And yet we simply cannot live without it. Our bodies need water for survival. Then there are the basics of bathing, cooking, cleaning.

I grew up in town and never had to think about whether there was enough water but when we went to visit relatives in the Ozark mountains of Arkansas I learned that water was precious. We had to guard the water that was in the well and use it judiciously.

Jesus was tired of walking and sat down at a well in Samaria. A woman came to get water. He asked her for a drink. When she was amazed that this man - this Jewish man - would even speak to her much less ask her to serve him water, he said, If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water. John 4:10
She was perplexed and didn't understand and said, Sir, You have nothing to draw with and the well is deep; where then do you get that living water? Jesus answered and said to her, Everyone who drinks of this water shall thirst again; but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life. John 4: 7-14

And again in John chapter 7 Jesus says, If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. He who believes in me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.
John 7:37-38

Let us never take for granted the water we use in daily life and let us never look askance at the water of life that Jesus offers.

2011-09-25T06:00:00.001-08:00

God Answers Prayer
by Barbara Chadwick

May the Lord answer you in the day of your trouble! May the Name of the God of Jacob set you securely on high! May He send you help from the sanctuary, and support you from Zion!
Psalm 20:1-2

Kenneth had a heart attack last week!

The doctor took me to a waiting room as they wheeled Kenneth into the Cath Lab where the doctor would put a stent into the artery that was 100% blocked. His eyes were full of concern and he said, "Are you alright?" I nodded and said, "Yes, I am."

I prayed as I sat there in this small room - for Kenneth and for wisdom and steady hands for the doctor. (God heard and answered)

Then I thought maybe our kids would want to know. As I heard the voice of each one I cried and could hardly speak. I thought it was odd that I seemed fine when the doctor sat me down there and as I prayed but hearing the voices of my children made the tears flow! Then they all came here to Ft. Collins, Colorado. One from New Mexico, two from Colorado, and one from Alaska. (God sent help from His sanctuary)

Kenneth and I have experienced blessings and trials from this.

TRIALS:
All of a sudden you can't do the things you want to do
You have to rest a lot
You have to take a lot of medicine
You have to eat low fat margarine instead of butter and fat free milk instead of 2% and IF you make Peanut Butter Fudge you cannot eat it but you have to take it to the doctor instead (Dr's orders!)
You can't just take off and walk in the mountains for an hour, instead you have to walk around the deck 15 minutes at a time

BLESSINGS:
Experiencing God's presence in the time of trouble
Realizing the love and care of family and how precious it is
The outpouring of love from friends through phone calls, cards, emails and visits is so sweet
Seeing that God provides what you need one day at a time

Kenneth will have to have by-pass surgery in a few weeks but we know that we can trust in the God of Jacob to answer us in the day we call on His Name. Psalm 20:9

Were You Ready?

2011-09-11T13:57:00.002-08:00

When did you hear about it? Where were you? What were you doing? Who were you with? All of our hearts were calling out WHY???

I wasn’t ready. I was in a middle school classroom interpreting an art class for a deaf girl and there just weren’t spoken words much less signed words to explain what was happening. We saw the second plane crash into the second tower and I remember my student tugging on me asking me what was happening and why were bad people doing this … and I just didn’t know what to say … stunned silence … really and truly my mind just kept trying to make sense of it all … and it just didn’t make sense.

Today, ten years later, it occurs to me that the day of disaster is not the day to prepare. Sunday, December 26^th it was too late to prepare for the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami. Monday, August 29^th it was too late to prepare for Katrina.

What about illnesses? The Great Influenza, The Black Plague, Aids, Malaria, Typhoid, Cholora, … there is NO getting away from disasters. Disasters affect us physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually. In Revelations we read that they, disasters, will come but will we be ready? Because really truly ONLY God can help us now. What IF you call on Jesus?

Is there life insurance? I mean real life insurance? Popular Mechanics .com lists what they consider to be the next 5 possible disasters to hit the US and has a list of things you need in case of a disaster … but most of the disasters mentioned above would only be useful if you weren’t right in the middle of the disaster.

The truth is there will be wars and rumors of wars, there will be natural disasters and man-made disasters and if you continue to live you will have to live through them or die because of them. So …

What do you need to be prepared spiritually for disaster?

· You need to know that you need a Savior

And there is ONLY ONE … His name is Jesus! I encourage you to seek His face while He may be found. Tomorrow … literally … it may be too late.

2011-09-04T16:18:00.000-08:00

God B In My Head
by Barbara Chadwick

What kind of stories have you heard about college students: College girls getting murdered in Aruba, students on Spring Break in Florida and Freshman Orientation at various Universities - sex orgies, drinking capers, shop lifting, devil worship, trying to out-speak each other with cursing, on and on ad nauseum. I was despairing of this tribe of animals!

Our six grandsons in college who are growing in Christ and ministering in His Name and 20 college students from the University of Northern Colorado have restored my faith in young people.

The 20 UNC students began arriving at our mountain home about 6PM on Friday; seven cars winding up the mountain road. After grilling hamburgers, lots of jokes and kidding they sat around on the floor, the stairs and few chairs to have a devotional time. They sang as *Robert and Greg strummed their guitars. Samuel read scripture and told of how God had become real in his life. Then they began looking for places to put their sleeping bags. Some had brought tents. I, a 69 year-old grandmother, and Kenneth, a 74 year-old grandfather, went on to bed upstairs.

At breakfast Julie shared her story of her first time of sleeping in the mountains in a tent: She got into her sleeping bag in her tent. Almost asleep she turned over, encountered a spider and started screaming. Paula jumped out of her tent to help and her tent blew away down the hill – (where were the stakes?). Then Bill tumbled out of his tent to take care of the situation.

After pancakes and fruit they sang together; Give us clean hands, Give us pure hearts. Let us not bend our hearts to another. O God let us be and generation that seeks, that seeks Your face O God of Jacob… David read Psalms 24:1-6 The earth is the LORD”S and all it contains…Who may ascent into the hill of the LORD? And who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood…He shall receive a blessing from the LORD and righteousness from the God of his salvation. This is the generation of those who seek Him, who seek Thy face – even Jacob. (NAS)

Then they went on a three mile hike. At nine thousand feet. Came back and played games! Oh to be young again!

The name of this group was Christian Challenge and it was their Fall Retreat. As they interacted with each other and with us we heard:

As Mike led the devotional time this morning he talked about the hurt of his parents divorcing when he was 10 years old and how emotionally crippling that was. Through scriptures he showed how God began to heal his heart and how all of us can experience renewal in forgiving others as God has forgiven us.

Charles told of growing up in a non Christian home. His parents argued, cursed and were unfaithful to each other. When he went to college he met some friends who invited him to Christian Challenge where he learned about God’s love and forgiveness.

Doug and Danny told of adventures on mission trips to Indonesia and Africa to help others.

As they were preparing to leave I saw part of the message on Sara’s Tshirt – GOD B … I asked what the rest of the words were. She pulled the shirt straight out so I could see. GOD B In my Head. Sara said she wears the shirt because that is what she wishes for.

Sir Henry Walford-Davies wrote these words in 1559:
God be in my head and in my understanding
God be in my eyes and in my looking
God be in my mouth and in my speaking
God be at mine end and at my departing

Over and over this week-end we heard these sentiments from these college students. They voluntarily joined together to pray for God's Blessings on our home just before they departed. May their tribe increase!

*Names were changed

2011-08-20T17:56:00.001-08:00

ARE YOU A LIVING SACRIFICE?
by Barbara Chadwick

We recently returned home after a two week trip. A pastor asked if we had had any opportunities to witness on the trip. I answered to him that after many years of witnessing to our brother-in-law it was such a blessing to see him praying, talking about the Lord and helping others in Jesus’ Name.

We do need to be ready to tell someone about the faith within us – to witness to them about God’s great mercy and His love for us. In your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. Do this with gentleness and respect. I Peter 3:15

When we left on our vacation we did not make a plan to intentionally find someone to witness to every day. We both feel like our spiritual gift is not evangelism. But Jesus tells us to be salt and light in the world. (Matthew 5:13-14) However, throughout the next week I kept coming back to the pastor’s question. We began to talk about our trip and the people we encountered and we remembered many little instances of giving a witness of our faith.

To a shopkeeper – Thank you. Have a blessed day
To a hotel clerk – Thank you. God bless you
Praying in restaurants before meals
Singing a Praise song in the bathroom
Participating in an offering to help someone in need

The Old Testament is full of sacrifices. The Israelites had all kinds of sacrifices. In the New Testament Paul tells us: Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:1

Today, we too, can offer many kinds of sacrifices:
- Hebrews 13:15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise – the fruit of lips that confess His Name
- Jonah 2:9 But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to You
- Ephesians 5:19b Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ
- Ephesians 5:2 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God
- Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as Christ forgave you
- Ephesians 5:20 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ

Jesus said in Matthew 5:14, You are the light of the world. And in verse 16, He said, Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

I have never given myself to be a sacrifice for someone else – that is, to die for them. But I have to confess that some days I need to sacrifice my selfish spirit, or my cranky attitude in order to let the Light of Christ shine through me.

I pray that I will go through my days with more intentionality than ever before. I pray that I will:
- Confess His Name
- Sing a song of thanksgiving
- Live a life of Love
- Be kind, compassionate & forgiving
- Submit to others

Moises

2011-08-14T13:25:00.003-08:00

I met Moises while I was on a mission trip to Belize this summer. He lives just outside of the city of Corazal in the country of Belize. While my team was at his home visiting he told us this amazing story.

On January 8, 2009 Moises was playing on his dad’s truck when he fell off and landed on his stomach on a jagged log. His parents rushed him to the hospital where the doctors did what they could but didn’t expect him to live 5 hours much less 3 months. In fact the doctors were so sure that he was going to die that they didn’t finish stitching up his stomach. Moises was 7 years old.

Moises says that he prayed and told God that if He would spare his life then he, Moises, would become a preacher. During the five days that he spent at the Belizian hospital (before they sent him home to die) an angel visited Moises and told him that he would be alright. His mother says that it was very hard for her to feed him because everything that he ate would then just fall out of the hole in his stomach. Moises at that time was one of 8 children and they lived in a small hut like building with dirt floors.

Well, people began to hear his story and wanting to help. The Word at Work (and organization that strives to train and encourage Belizian Christians) began searching for an American hospital and doctors that would take care of Moises for free. There were so many things that were involved in making it possible. They needed air transportation, a pilot, gas for the plane, transportation to and from the airport and the hospital. Moises and his mother needed passports. Moises’ mom would have to have a place to stay while they were there. Hospitals, doctors, supplies, tests, and the list goes on.

Remember that every day that passed was another day without nutrition another day just clinging to the hope of the promise of the angel in the hospital that everything was going to be alright.

Then one night, an angel told Moises that they were coming to get him and that they would fly away and he should get ready. At this point he weighed 30lbs. He got up and wiped his arms and face with a wet towelette, then he put some Vaseline in his hair and combed his hair and sat down in the chair near his bed to wait on his ride. When his mother woke up she was so worried about him and wondering what in the world was going to happen and just then a van pulled up and said that they had come to take Moises and his mom to the states for treatment.

Believers got together and it took a good many believers to pull this thing off: doctors, nurses, pilots … but most of all just regular pew sitters who gave to save the life of one little village boy that just refused to die. The testimony of American Christians gained much validity by the unselfish love they showed for little Moises. It took 7 months of treatment before he could go home. First he had to gain weight so that he could be strong enough for the surgery, then the internal surgery, then the reconstructive surgery to graft skin across his stomach before finally he was pronounced well.

While Moises and his mother were in the states, The Word at Work began to look for a way to build their family a new home. They didn’t want him to come home to dirt floors. Before they could approach Juan (Moises’ dad) about it, Juan says that an angel visited him and told him that he would grant him some wishes. So he said, “I want to be saved and I want a house for my family.” The next day some Word at Work people came and asked if he owed that land where his current house stood, when he said yes that he did. They asked for permission to come and build a house. He agreed and worked with them to build the house and while they were working with him they shared the gospel and Juan became a believer.

Today, Moises and his (now) nine brothers and sisters live in this very modest home and feel unbelievably blessed to have it. Moises looks like every other healthy little 10 year old. He’s eyes twinkle and he’s full of curiosity and mischief. However, he’s very eager to learn more about preaching. He cries when he tells his story because he’s still overwhelmed at God’s love for him. And when he pulls up his shirt and you see the huge oval shaped scar stretching from his diaphragm to his pelvis there is no doubt in anyone’s mind that they is a God in heaven and he answers prayers, there is no doubt that God has a plan for this young man’s life. One thing that Moises is so proud of is his belly button … he still has it, although it’s about 5” higher and 4” farther to the left … but he still has one and that brings a huge smile to his face.

My prayer is that as God gives us opportunities to invest in someone’s future in the days and weeks to come that we will be generous and participate in what God is doing in the lives of others around us. We never know what God has planned for that neighbor that we loved as much as we love ourselves! ^O^

1. John 13:34
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
John 13:33-35 (in Context) John 13 (Whole Chapter)

2. John 13:35
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:34-36 (in Context) John 13 (Whole Chapter)

3. Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Romans 12:9-11 (in Context) Romans 12 (Whole Chapter)

4. Romans 13:8
[ Love Fulfills the Law ] Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.
Romans 13:7-9 (in Context) Romans 13 (Whole Chapter)

5. 2 Corinthians 13:11
[ Final Greetings ] Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
2 Corinthians 13:10-12 (in Context) 2 Corinthians 13 (Whole Chapter)

6. Galatians 5:13
[ Life by the Spirit ] You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh ; rather, serve one another humbly inlove.
Galatians 5:12-14 (in Context) Galatians 5 (Whole Chapter)

7. Ephesians 4:2
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another inlove.
Ephesians 4:1-3 (in Context) Ephesians 4 (Whole Chapter)

8. 1 Thessalonians 4:9
Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other.
1 Thessalonians 4:8-10 (in Context) 1 Thessalonians 4 (Whole Chapter)

9. 2 Thessalonians 1:3
[ Thanksgiving and Prayer ] We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and thelove all of you have for one another is increasing.
2 Thessalonians 1:2-4 (in Context) 2 Thessalonians 1 (Whole Chapter)

10. Hebrews 10:24
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,
Hebrews 10:23-25 (in Context) Hebrews 10 (Whole Chapter)

2011-08-07T17:22:00.000-08:00

Beautiful Feet

by Barbara Chadwick

…how shall they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

Today we were driving through Kansas. A tourist shop at a rest stop had a T shirt with the message, “I’ll work for shoes” under a picture of a pair of high heels!
When I was a little girl missionaries would sometimes come to our church and tell about their work in a foreign land. I would listen enthralled as they told about walking to villages and telling the people about the good news of Jesus and His love and how they embraced the message and accept Jesus as their Savior.

My father was a lay minister who was asked to go into some out of the way places to preach. Many of those places were ranches in New Mexico.

One place was the building in the picture above. It’s just a shell of the building now but in the early 1950’s it was a very attractive place. It was a one room schoolhouse in a ranching community. I was a little girl. We went there on a Sunday evening. The chairs were all occupied. The gas lamps on the walls hissed, giving light to the room. The ranchers and their families listened attentively as my father spoke the good news of God’s love and the provision of salvation He made for us by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross to take the penalty for our sin.

When I was older he was sent to a place called El Paso Gap. Again it was a one room schoolhouse – this time in the mountains in a corner of New Mexico. It was a white wooden building. The year was 1952. Ranchers and their families came from miles around to the Sunday service on horses or in horse drawn wagons. They paid daddy with milk, eggs, butter and money for gas. Daddy, Mother and the five of us children would drive the 150 mile round trip every other week-end. The ranchers loved us and kept us for the week-end each time. We loved them and eagerly anticipated each trip.

Another time he was sent to the Flying H Ranch outside of Roswell, NM. We took a small portable organ which Mother played. We sang the hymns the cowboys wanted to sing and daddy preached the good news of salvation. The service was in the rancher’s house and all the cowboys came. What a neat memory for us children.

We went to a place called Salt Creek, also near Roswell. I was nine and was asked to play the piano. We sang and daddy preached. Sometimes everyone brought food. There was a patch of the most magnificent watermelons just over the fence. We were given some and have never had another that tasted as wonderful.

Steve Green sings a song called, “May All Who Come Behind Us Find Us Faithful.” The last verse says:
After all our hopes and dreams have come and gone and our children sift through all we’ve left behind.
May the clues that they discover and the memories they uncover
become the light that leads them to the road we each must find.

Refrain:
O, may all who come behind us find us faithful. May the fire of our devotion light their way.
May the footprints that we leave, lead them to believe and the lives we live inspire them to obey.
O may all who come behind us find us faithful.

May we be faithful and may our feet be beautiful!
As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

2011-07-23T13:40:00.002-08:00

Please Don't Give Up On Me
by Barbara Chadwick

At my sister's house in San Pedro, California there is a pretty lawn of green grass in front. One day as I walked up the front steps I noticed the grass was tall, uneven and shabby. The next day the gardener was working away when I got there, cutting and pruning. He loves his work and the result was beautiful. It got me to thinking.

I want to be a joyful, radiant Christian, a channel of God's blessing to others. I have every intention of reflecting the beauty of Christ's love in words and actions and I start out pretty well. But in the daily girnd of life or shall we say the Reality Show Of Life...

- someone shouts unkind words to me (even if the decibels are not high, it sounds and feels like a shout)
- a driver cuts me off on the freeway almost causing me to wreck
- the boss doesn't see my potential and gives the project to someone whose work is inferior

Oh that my actions would consistently reflect Your decrees! Psalms 119:5 Don't you just love David? When I read the psalms I am constantly reminded of the inadequacy of me. In verse 8b David says,
Please don't give up on me!
V. 11 I have hidden Your Word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
V. 15 I will study Your commandments and reflect Your ways.
V. 16 I will delight in Your decrees and not forget Your Word.

Please don't give up on me when:
- my actions do not reflect one who claims to belong to Christ
- my words do not bring joy but rather pain
- my steps lead me on a path away from You
- my thoughts are not pure
- I don't obey Your commandments (John 15:10-11)
- I retaliate in anger.
- I am arrogant and proud or scornful

I want to cut shabby words out of my vocabulary. I want to prune the attitudes and actions that do not produce beauty or reflect God's grace.

One of our grandson's other grandfather began teaching him new words from the day he began to speak. One day when he was three he got frustrated and said, "I'm trying to co-operate!" A big word indeed for a toddler. There are days when I feel like this. I'm trying to cooperate with the Lord, trying to listen to His voice, trying to follow His mandates when it seems like everything I do or say is opposite to what I intend. Paul said it well in Romans 7:21-25 When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God - through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Lord Jesus, I do love Your Word. I want it to show in my life. Please don't give up on me because
I'm trying to co operate!

2011-07-10T13:08:00.001-08:00

On That Day When Jesus
Calls My Name
By Barbara Chadwick

Is it possible to live your spiritual life using the five senses; see, hear, feel, taste and smell?
We've been cleaning out closets and boxes. I found a list I made a few years ago when I was challenged to live my life using the five senses in a way that would please God.

1. My heart's desire is to be like Jesus
2. To love as He loved
3. To feel the heart of each one I talk to
4. To pray knowing the Father hears me
5. To walk as He walked
6. To be faithful in the things that matter
7. To touch as He touched
8. To know His Word as if He were talking
9. To see the hurts in their eyes
10. To be a pleasing aroma, a fragrant blessing to someone each day
11. To taste and experience life as if He were living through me

If we could live like this would we feel more alive in our hours and days and less like walking dead men?
I have talked with people in this past year who live and speak as if they have no hope, no joy and no peace.
Jesus said, The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10

This week one of my nieces died. She was 53.
She believed the lies satan told her – that she was no good, that she had no worth and that no one loved her. She spent her days, that stretched into years, on her couch with alcohol – empty. Empty of hope, empty of joy and empty of peace. Satan stole her joy. He killed her hope. He destroyed her peace. He filled her mind with the hurts and scars until she couldn't focus on the present. He destroyed her and finally killed her. He is the father of lies.

But Jesus came to give abundant life. He said, If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me... streams of living water will flow from within him. John 7:37

The Gaither Vocal Band sings a song called, I Am Loved. Listen to some of the words:
I said, "If you knew me you wouldn't want me, my scars are hidden by the face I wear."
He said, "My child my scars go deeper and it was love for you that put them there."

Did you memorize John 3:16 as a child as I did? For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. How is it that our days pass and we forget about that love? Verse 17 says, For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. My niece knew that verse. If she had focused on God's words instead of the words of the father of lies her days could have been filled with joy and peace, laughter and light.

Paul says in Philippians 4:4-7, Rejoice in the Lord! …Do not be anxious…but present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Do you remember that song by Wayne Watson, One Day Jesus Will Call My Name?
One day Jesus will call my name. As days go by I hope I don’t stay the same. I want to get so close to Him that it’s no big change, on that day Jesus calls my name.

I DO want to be so close to Christ that there’s no great change on that day when Jesus calls my name.
I want to have the peace of Philippians 4:7, the love of John 3:16, and the abundant life of John 10:10.
I want people to be able to see the five senses in me: the love of Christ in my actions, that my walk matches my talk, that my eyes see their hurt and their scars, that I would be a pleasing aroma to God and to those around me.
I want to walk with Him so faithfully that I can hear His voice and when He calls me I would say, “Yes, Lord,” and step into His presence.

A Good Imagination Gone Wrong

2011-07-05T12:10:00.004-08:00

I love this children’s song:

Oh, be careful little eyes what you see …

Oh, be careful little ears what you hear …

Oh, be careful little feet where you go …

(and I like to add a verse)

Oh, be careful little head what you think

For the Father up above is looking down in love

So, be careful little head what you think

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://webspace.webring.com/people/kl/liesha_ann/images/pics/pic_annetree.jpg&imgrefurl=http://webspace.webring.com/people/kl/liesha_ann/green.html&usg=__Ja_ssd5QRAKJliwPA_WxoM8PeEI=&h=246&w=200&sz=10&hl=en&start=17&zoom=1&tbnid=vtLFa0YW-HLE3M:&tbnh=156&tbnw=121&ei=a5ETTo7lNeHhiAL2-rzaDQ&prev=/search%3Fq%3Danne%2Bof%2Bgreen%2Bgables%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26biw%3D1211%26bih%3D664%26tbm%3Disch&um=1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=360&vpy=271&dur=4441&hovh=196&hovw=160&tx=86&ty=65&page=2&ndsp=16&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:17&biw=1211&bih=664

I love a good story and a good imagination helps a so-so story to be fairly interesting. But not all stories are good. And not everything that we imagine is beneficial. Not even the true things that happen in our world, in our communities are worth repeating … over and over … like the Casey Anthony case. I believe more harm will come from the news coverage than whatever that woman did or did not do to her child. The Bible tells us to …

11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but r

ather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is why it is said:

“Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”

15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Ephesians 5:11-17

God intended us to live abundant lives. It’s hard to live an abundant life if you’re cowering in fear. The Bible also tells us that

Fear of man will prove to be a snare,
but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.

Proverbs 29:25

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://movie.masjo.com/images/anne-of-green-gables-the-collection-.jpg&imgrefurl=http://movie.masjo.com/search/anne%2Bof%2Bgreen%2Bgables%2Bmovie%2Bfree%2Bdownload&usg=__Sc-Wx0yu6En-gvwSQKWtrFpcSmU=&h=500&w=371&sz=52&hl=en&start=83&zoom=1&tbnid=GpKrSWMDBA_X1M:&tbnh=148&tbnw=147&ei=a5ETTo7lNeHhiAL2-rzaDQ&prev=/search%3Fq%3Danne%2Bof%2Bgreen%2Bgables%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26biw%3D1211%26bih%3D664%26tbm%3Disch&um=1

&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=161&vpy=187&dur=25&hovh=261&hovw=193&tx=147&ty=109&page=6&ndsp=16&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:83&biw=1211&bih=664

Perhaps as you read this excerpt from Anne of Green Gables it is possible to see ways that we have allowed our imaginations (via books, movies, the internet) to cause us much grief and pain that is completely unnecessary. Then perhaps you “won’t countenance such things … and it will be a lesson and a warning to you.” … and to me.

“…Anne, I want you to run over and ask Mrs. Barry if she’ll lend me Diana’s apron pattern.”

“Oh – it’s – too dark.” Cried Anne.

“Too dark? Why, it’s only twilight. And goodness knows you’ve gone over enough after dark.:

“I’ll go over early in the morning,” said Anne eagerly. “I’ll get up at sunrise and go over, Marilla.”

“What has got into your head now, Anne Shirley? I want the pattern to cut out your new apron this evening. Go at once and be smart, too.”

“I’ll have to go around by the road, then,” said Anne, taking up her hat reluctantly.

“Go by the road and waste half an hour! I’d like to catch you!”

“I can’t go through the Haunted Wood, Marilla,” cried Anne desperately.

Marilla stared.

“The Haunted Wood! Are you crazy? What under the canopy is the Haunted Wood?”

“The spruce wood over the brook,” said Anne in a whisper.

“Fiddlesticks! There is no such thing as a haunted wood anywhere. Who has been telling you such stuff?”

“nobody,” confessed Anne. “Diana and I just imagined the wood was haunted. All the places around here are so – so – commonplace. We just go this up for our own amusement. We began it in April. A haunted wood is so very romantic, Marilla. We chose the spruce grove because it’s so gloomy. Oh, we have imagined the most harrowing things. There’s a white lady walks along the brook just about this time of the night and wrings her hands and utters wailing cries. She appears when there is to be a death in the family. And the ghost of a little murdered child haunts the corner up by Idlewild; it creeps up behind you and lays its cold fingers on your hand – so. Oh, Marilla, it gives me a shudder to think of it. And there’s a headless man stalks up and down the path and skeletons glower at you between the boughs. Oh, Marilla, I wouldn’t go through the Haunted Wood after dark now for anything. I’d be sure that white things would reach out from behind the trees and grab me.”

“Did ever any one hear the like!” ejaculated Marilla, who had listened in dumb amazement. “Anne Shirley, do you mean to tell me you believe all that wicked nonsense of your own imagination?”

“Not believe exactly” faltered Anne. “At least. I don’t believe it in daylight. But after dark, Marilla, it’s different. That is when ghosts walk.”

“There are no such things as ghosts, Anne.”

“Oh, but there are, Marilla,” cried Anne eagerly. …

…

“Anne Shirley,” interrupted Marilla firmly, “I never want to hear you talking in this fashion again. I’ve had my doubts about that imagination of yours right along, and if this is going to be the outcome of it, I won’t countenance any such doings. You’ll go right over to Barry’s, and you’ll go through that spruce grove, just for a lesson and a warning to you. And never let me hear a word out of your head about haunted woods again.”

Anne might plead and cry as she liked – and did, for her terror was very real. Her imagination had run away with her and she held the spruce grove in mortal dread after nightfall. But Marilla was inexorable. She marched the shrinking ghostseer down to the spring and ordered her to proceed straightway over the bridge and into the dusky retreats of wailing ladies and headless specters beyond.

“Oh, Marilla, how can you be so cruel?” sobbed Anne. “What would you feel like if a white thing did snatch me up and carry me off?”

“I’ll risk it,” said Marilla unfeelingly. “You know I always mean what I say. I’ll cure you of imagining ghosts into places. March, now.”

Anne marched. That is, she stumbled over the bridge and went shuddering up the horrible dim path beyond. Anne never forgot that walk. Bitterly did she repent the license she had given to her imagination. The goblins of her fancy lurked in every shadow about her, reaching out their cold, fleshless hands to grasp the terrified small girl who had called them into being. … The dreadful return journey had to be faced. Anne went back over it with shut eyes, preferring to take the risk of dashing her brains out among the boughs to that of seeing a white thing. When she finally tumbled over the log bridge she drew one long shivering breath of relief.

“Well, so nothing caught you?” said Marilla unsympathetically.

“Oh, Mar – Marilla,” chattered Anne, “I’ll b-b-be cont-t-tented with c-c-commonplace places after this.”

Where I Was Growing

2011-06-26T12:43:00.004-08:00

Where I was growing I was doing alright.

It had taken me a while to take off, I was slow growing and spreading but I was growing. I was producing one or two flowers a season. But I was comfortable.

Then ...

§ for no reason

§ out of the blue

§ unexpectedly

§ without warning

I was uprooted …

in fact I lost about ½ of my roots and all of my natural dirt (My roots support me, they hold me close and tight during any kind of wind or storm, they keep me safe.) … I was placed in a pot … (I’m used to the ground … I like it that way) I was given new soil, sand,

and fertilizer (I had good dirt that I liked). The old wire that I used to lean on was replaced with a fancy climbing tower (The old wire was comfortable and I’d wound myself securely in, out, and around of all of those squares.) … and I was placed on the front porch instead of the back yard (In the back yard I didn’t worry about the world looking at me. It was relaxing and homey).

At first I thought I’d be ok, after all, I’m a strong plant. I thought I could handle it … but soon all that bravado faded and I began to wilt. In only one day I lost ALL of my leaves and I just sat there … naked … in pain … in mourning … for a week.

Then suddenly for no apparent reason I started growing again. I’ve never gr

own this fast or this full. Soon I’ll be bigger and fuller

than I ever was before.

There was nothing wrong where I was growing. I wasn’t in any trouble. I hadn’t do

ne anything wrong … it’s just that my master, my owner had different plans. She was moving on to

another place and wanted to take me along.

If your Maker decides to uproot you, to take you along where He is working, take heart dear friend that His plans are to “prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 and if you’ll trust Him and rely on the food and water He provides …

you will be more fruitful and useful than you ever thought possible.

What a Good Dad Does

2011-06-19T05:34:00.003-08:00

My earliest memories of my Dad are just clips, snatches of a story. I remember him taking me to the nursery at the college he was attending. The nursery had blue walls and windows way up high near the ceiling. And even though I was too big to be in a crib they put me in a very tall crib, with very tall sides. Well, that’s the way it looks in my memory. It was very cold in that room. I remember my Daddy trying to take a picture of me holding a rose but I didn’t want to hold it. I remember riding on his shoulders. My Daddy would swing me up and it was so incredibly high … and a bit scary. But when I heard his voice reassuring me ... well, it made everything all right.

All of my life whenever I’ve been scared, or unsure I could call my Dad and just the sound of his voice made me feel that somehow things would be ok, that I would be safe.

The way my Dad talked about God made me want to know Him as well. And when I was about six years old my Dad introduced me to my Father, my heavenly Father.

Here’s the really neat thing about good earthly fathers: they set the example … the give a picture of what fatherhood is all about. I have a few friends whose dads were just plain awful or mostly absent, but the example of the good earthly fathers that they saw from afar gave them a picture of what a good dad was all about. And because of that picture they were able to see how wonderful it would be to have a heavenly Father.

Jesus tells us that He is the Good Shepherd and that when we belong to Him we know His voice. It is this voice that gives us directions, commands, and confidence (Hebrews 10:35,36). This is the voice that we must obey.

John 10:3-15

… the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out… he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” …

Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. … The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. …

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. … They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.

I thank God today for my Dad who laid down his life … set aside things that he could’ve done in order to spend time with me, in order to make sure that I knew his voice, that I heard his voice, and that I followed his direction. I'm doubly blessed because He introduced me to the most important person in my life ... God.

2011-06-11T17:12:00.001-08:00

Build New Barns
by Barbara Chadwick

This morning I held the cutest outfit before me. I remembered the places I had worn it. I smiled as I remembered the good times with friends in that outfit. However... I haven't worn it in over two years. It is the slightest bit tight over the hips now but how could I give it away? It has too many sweet memories. I went through the suitcase and held up one after another in the same manner. But the problem is my closet is too full already. Why is this so hard?

You notice the Lord didn't put me with the disciples that He sent out with the instructions, "Take no bag for the journey, or extra tunic, or sandals or a staff..." Matthew 10:10

We just moved back to Colorado after being two years and three months in Juneau, Alaska. Moving back in after only two years seems almost as big a hassle as if we had moved everything we had up there. I know, I know, the kitchen sink and all that but I was told to take everything I thought I'd need for at least a year. It turned out to be two but we're not counting because God really blessed our time there.

We visited a relative this summer where I was first reminded about the scripture where the man needed to build bigger barns to hold all his stuff. Every closet and cabinet including the refrigerator was filled to overflowing. The lady invited me to go to a clothing party. We had a good time and....bought more clothes.

I was told about a cousin whose house is so full you can hardly walk through it. There is a couch behind a couch and china closet behind the one you see, etc. We shake our heads at the picture, yet each of us has our own pile that we guard.

Several people we know are in the process of moving. One family told us about getting rid of things in order to downsize - kids have left home, etc. Another family had to pay for an additional storage unit because all their stuff wouldn't fit into the new home.

This afternoon I cleaned out a kitchen cabinet that had vases and candle holders. "Gee whiz," I thought to myself, "I didn't know I had so many of these!" Whereupon I set aside a bunch of them to take to a Thrift Shop. But when I started to put them in a bag I noticed how dusty they were and started washing them. As I washed I muttered, "This would be neat to decorate with at Christmas, or Valentines, etc." So I put a few of them back on the shelf. When I finished and hung up the towel I had the thought that it will take my children a couple of weeks to get rid of all our "stuff!"

Looking at your stuff do you sometimes think, "What if I'll need that sometime?" then, put it in the attic or basement? People who teach about organizing say, "If you haven't used it in a year get rid of it."

If your "stuff" can be used to glorify God then keep it. But remember that sometimes God is glorified in the giving when it can help someone in need.

Jesus told this parable in Luke 12:18. "The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. He thought to himself, "What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops. Then he said, "This is what i'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry." But God said to him, "You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?" Jesus continued, "This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God."

Created in Love

2011-05-29T07:27:00.007-08:00

In the beginning God created …

Mural Mosaic: Lavoie and his partners Phil Alain and Paul Lavoie began the Mural Mosaic journey to bring communities together using their murals as examples of "Unity through Diversity". This is represented by bringing the uniqueness of individual creative styles together on numerous panels to create one united image. The most unique aspect of this artistic process is that artists are given an individual panel with the freedom to paint what they want within the "theme" of the mural subject, however, the final image created by Lavoie is kept secret until mural unveiling.http://www.muralmosaic.com/cpaws.html

God created us and has given us the freedom to “paint” … to create … to live within the “theme” … within the boundaries that He has set for us. God created us different and unique … no two alike and yet we need each other. We were created to flourish in community. And one day we will be able to step back and look at the whole picture, the complete picture, and we will be amazed at what we were allowed to create that fits into His overall creation.

Here’s what God says about how we are to be with one another.

John 14:15 “If you love me, keep my commands. … 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.”

John 15:9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept 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: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. 17 This is my command: Love each other.

Unity and Diversity in the Body 1 Corinthians 12: 12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. … 14 … so the body is not made up of one part but of many. 15 Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body.

21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

Perhaps you’re thinking, “Yes, I see that I need to love others, but what would that look like?” Paul gives a great description in 1 Corinthians 13 Love is …

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8 Love never fails.

2011-05-07T18:10:00.001-08:00

In This Life Something Happened!

By Barbara Chadwick

On a walk in San Pedro, California my husband and I saw several plaques that described something historic that happened there then we passed a driveway with this plaque in the cement, “On this site in 1897 nothing happened.”

Kenneth said, “That statement would make a good introduction to a sermon.” I asked, “How would you develop that?”

“I’d start with that statement then say, What if you got to the end of your life and someone put the words on your tombstone – In this life nothing happened.” That would be a sad statement indeed.

My 93 year-old mother is living her last days. My daughter called and asked me to ask her grandmother, “Is there anything you would like your grandchildren to know?”

When I posed the question to mother she replied, “Tell them, Old age gets here quicker than you think, and it’s not as bad as you think it will be.” Then after breathing a few deep breaths, “Tell them to make a lot of sweet memories.”

In the past few weeks she has talked about how gratifying it had been to serve the Lord throughout her life and how she had loved every bit of it. She remembered life with our Dad and how wonderful that had been. She related that her best accomplishment had been having five beautiful children. She didn’t talk about accomplishments . . .

- Getting a GED

- Owning her own Beauty Salon

- Being the Director of a Baptist Concern Center

- Being the Girls Auxiliary Director for a State Convention

- Finishing a Writing Course

Her example was to be a blessing to others. Her hospitality reached out to hundreds of people. Her love was poured out on one person after another, year after year. In her life so many beautiful things happened!

When I sing Make Me A Blessing by Ira B. Wilson I think of my mother:
Verse 1
Out in the highways and byways of life, many are weary and sad;
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife, making the sorrowing glad.
Verse 2
Tell the sweet story of Christ and His love. Tell of His power to forgive.
Others will trust Him if only you prove true every moment you live.
Verse 3
Give as ‘twas given to you in your need. Love as the Master loved you.
Be to the helpless a helper indeed. Unto your mission be true.
Refrain:
Make me a blessing. Make me a blessing. Out of my life may Jesus shine.
Make me a blessing O Savior I pray. Make me a blessing to someone today.

Do it Royally!

2011-05-03T17:42:00.002-08:00

How important is it to KNOW what the end result will be when you start something? I guess it depends on what you’re doing. If you’re just making yourself a snack it doesn’t really matter what you throw together, especially if you have plenty of food and it won’t matter if it’s a flop or if you’re able to eat it regardless of what it tastes like. However if you’re making the food for a wedding … like say a royal wedding … it might make a huge difference … like whether or not you’re able to continue doing business as a cook or if your business fails because you become known as the person who ruined the wedding. I guess it also depends on what you want to be known for.

Inspiration is what we get when we just sit and doodle. Genius is what happens when we work at and perfect our inspirations. God has gifted each of us with so many different gifts and talents. We need to hone the gifts He’s given us and we need to spur one another on to good deeds. We need to encourage one another to do the best that we can with the gifts we’re given.

1 Timothy 4

7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. … 11 … Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you. … 15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.

(Picture taken from DailyMail.UK

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1381944/Royal-Wedding-cake-Kate-Middleton-requested-8-tiers-decorated-900-flowers.html )

What If God Says NO?

2011-04-23T07:38:00.001-08:00

One year ago today, she got the call
That stopped her life
And ever since that moment,
He prayed God would heal his wife
She got weaker by the minute
In that hospital bed
And she could see that he was mad at
God, so she took his hand and said

Chorus
What if God says no
It don’t mean He loves us less
It just means He knows what’s best
What if God says no
It’s enough we have His grace
So don’t let go of your faith
What if God says no

Just south of Atlanta,
It’s been slow out on his job
But now he’s lovin on his family
And has time to talk to God
He’s prayin that a miracle
Will turn his business back around
But what if God gives him the answer
That His grace is good for now

Jesus prayed on the last night
Before He was crucified
And said, “Dad if there’s another way,
Could you let this pass me by?”
But God saw the big picture,
That it had to be done
So as much as it hurt,
He couldn’t say yes to His Son

“I just listened to the song What If God Said NO?...” said my husband. "One line of the song talks about how Jesus asks His father to take it all away, but God couldn’t … He had to say no … God saw the bigger picture and said no. I’d ever thought of it that way before. The fact that God could’ve said yes to Jesus … but it would’ve cost us all.” My husband just sat there with a look of wonder on his face. And I, like him, began wondering about the times that God said “No.” … the times that God said “No.” throughout the Bible … the times that God has said “No.” since Jesus rose again; the Crusades … the holocaust … the plagues … the times that God has said “No.” in my life …

In the week leading up to Passover, Jesus continually tells them that He’s leaving, that He’s going soon to be with the Father. And the emphasis seems to be on the reunion with His Father and on encouraging His disciples that it will be for the best. And John 17 is the culminating prayer:

“Father, the hour has come … Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent … And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began … I will remain in the world no longer … “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one … “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world …”

It got me to thinking that it’s easier to think about the end than it is to think about how you’re going to get there. Isn’t that why kids sit in the back of the car and ask “Are we there yet?” and “How much longer?” and “Why … ?” But when the time comes … it’s just hard to enjoy the ride … it’s just hard to wait until it’s over … it’s just hard.

In the garden of Gethsemane (when His life is about to get squeezed out of Him) Jesus prays “Please take this cup from Me … nevertheless, not My will but Thy will be done.” Even while He’s thinking about the up-coming pain … He decides to do what God has told Him to do.

And after it’s all over He reminds his disciples of “Why … ?”

Then He opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” Luke 24: 45-49

And what good did it do?

Do not the books of Acts through Revelation record how His message is proclaimed throughout the whole world?

What good did it do?

Is not your very life a record of His great love towards you?

What good did it do?

Do not His last recorded words in Revelation 22:20 say?

“Yes, I am coming soon!”

If God says “NO.”

we can be sure that it is because

He is going to give us a glorious “YES!”

2011-04-16T20:09:00.001-08:00

Opening my mouth

and speaking worthless, foolish words

that were …

looking for APPROVAL

looking for ATTENTION

looking for ACCEPTANCE

… elusively finding it …

… reaching down …

… grabbing a handful of sand

only to watch …

it slip …

… through

… my

h ….

a …

n …

d ..

This is what the LORD ALMIGHTY says:

The people of Israel are oppressed, and the people of Judah as well.

All their captors hold them fast

Refusing to let them go.

YET … their REDEEMER is Strong;

The LORD ALMIGHTY is His name.

He will vigorously defend their cause

SO THAT … He may bring rest to their land,

But unrest to those who live in Babylon.

Jeremiah 50:33, 34

Once again I’m faced with the challenge, the dilemma …

If I can’t get freedom and walk in victory

Then what am I talking to other people for?

God, I need help and forgiveness

Feelings of inadequacy and rejection

Are giving me a sense of vertigo

Causing me to reach out and grab at & for things that aren’t there

NOT trusting the truth

NOT asking for help

NOT obeying

LOSING insight

& influence

& impact

GOD ... have mercy on me !!!

But this is what the Lord says:

Yes, captives will be taken from warriors,

& plunder retrieved from the fierce;

ì will contend with those who contend with you,

And your children ì will save.

Isaiah 49:25

Therefore instead of grasping & thrashing

i WILL cling to Your hand!

i WILL repeat Your truths!

i WILL encourage myself with Your words!

i WILL listen for Your voice!

i WILL fear You!

i WILL trust You!

i WILL trust in the name of my LORD & rely on my God!

THE HOLY ONE of Israel!

2011-04-10T06:35:00.002-08:00

Where Are You?
by Barbara Chadwick

"Where are you?" my 93 year old mother asked.

"We just passed through Boise, Idaho going toward Utah" I replied into my cell phone."

Mother said, "I remember a Women's Missionary Retreat we went to in Boise. We had such a good time. Those years I lived and worked in the Utah Idaho Baptist Convention were such a blessing to me. I was Girls Auxiliary Director for the state convention and Director for the Concern Center in Salt Lake City." She was in her 70's then. "Ministering in God's Name is very fulfilling." We talked further about memories of those days then rang off.

After saying goodby I was reviewing my own memories and the ministry journey God had led us on.

Kenneth had finished the Interim Pastor position at Glacier Valley Baptist Church in Juneau and we were on our way back home to Colorado and waiting for our next assignment.

To know that God has used you to bring someone to Christ or help ease a burden or keep a church going fills your heart with gladness and joy.

A little later I got a call from a friend. "Where are you?" she asked

"About an hour out of Boise, Idaho. We hope to be home tomorrow. How is it going for you?" I asked.

"It's OK. My husband is serving as Interim Pastor and I can't wait 'til he's finished. I don't like it when he does that. It takes him away from home and he stays busy all the time."

After finishing the conversation with her I reflected on our journeys. She had often been unfulfilled and unhappy. While my mother had sometimes been mad or unhappy about a situation she had mostly been fulfilled during her journey and it had been the same for me.

It got me to thinking. Both women had asked, "Where are you?" and yet both had experienced widely different levels of happiness in the degree of involvement in ministry. Would it have made a difference if she had gone with and been involved with her husband? Maybe, but only if she was doing it, "as unto the Lord."

There are blessings stored up in heaven waiting to be claimed. I pray that we will be willing and obedient to do those things God puts in front of us to do, claiming the blessings that come from serving in God's Name.

Just Think of the Cross

2011-04-03T06:42:00.003-08:00

“And she said …. Then I said … can you believe it? … I don’t know what’s wrong with her …!?!?!?!” And so my story went on an on describing in storybook detail every nuance of the offense this woman committed against me.

Then I remembered how God had helped me out during her offense and afterwards, so I added a small tag-line to my story to include what He did.

Then it occurred to me … God should be the center of this story … and I tried to make it so, but the offense was so fresh, so real, so …

How can God be the center of my story if my relationship to Him, my encounters with Him are not fresh and real and … ? Why wasn't God be the center of my story?

I just read The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom for the first time in years and realized that the last time I’d read this I a was a young girl … like maybe high school. I’d forgotten so many things and so many things struck me completely differently now that I’m a grown woman. For instance, Corrie was in her early 50’s during most of the book … I’m in my early 50’s. Corrie was a busy woman … I’m a busy woman. Corrie loved the Lord … I love the Lord. Corrie loved her family and did not want to lose them … I love my family and I don’t want to lose them. But I was so challenged by the love that God gave her and her sister Betsie for their persecutors … their captors.

At one point they are in line for a monthly Dr’s inspection. They had to strip naked and walk in single file past a line of male guards who leered and joked about their physical appearance. And suddenly the four months she spent in solitary confinement reading and re-reading the four gospels someone smuggled in to her, brings a scene back to Corrie’s mind and she leans forward and whispers to Betsie, “He was stripped naked too.” And Betsie replies, “Oh, and I never thanked Him for it!”

Long, long ago in a far away place …

Just to think of the cross moves me now

The nails in His hands … His bleeding brow ...

It should've been me!

It should've been me

Instead I am free!

I AM FREE!"

(lyrics from a song we sang when I was a teenager)

Then I was so embarrassed and humbled by my childishness over this petty minor offense that this other woman committed against me. Really?? The only thing I had to endure was to listen to a woman who had obviously been hurt or wounded deeply at one time or another, because she needed to try to humiliate me in order to elevate herself. Was this minor offense worthy of the 10 minute detailed story that I made it into in order to prove how worthy I was? And by the way … am I worthy? The Bible tells me that I’m not but that God loves me anyways and reaches down even though I’m not and embraces me and holds me and gives me what I don’t deserve.

God help me to give to others what You have given to me … help me to reach out and love people even when they don’t love me … help me to give them what they don’t deserve but what you long to give them anyways … forgiveness. God help me to remember that the days are evil and time is short and that my conversations are a tool to draw people’s minds and hearts to You. Help me to chose my words wisely … for they may be my last.

"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

2 Corinthians 4:17

2011-03-28T10:17:00.005-08:00

Shine Like Stars
by Barbara Chadwick

I finished my crossword puzzle book. The clue to the last word was, "a shining orb in the sky." I filled in the little boxes with my word "star" and, as always, felt a little disappointed to get to the last page.

Flipping back through it I saw that most pages were neatly filled in. However, a few pages were really messy. These were done with my left hand. Since I'm right-handed these pages look like a child just beginning to write - shaky large letters, no symmetry - messy.

That got me to thinking. What if someone picked up the book to look through it? This probably won't happen but just for the sake of exploring the thought: They might think this person was deranged that day. To continue the thought: What will people observe about the pages of our lives? Philippians 2:15 tells us to live in such a way that our lives will "shine like stars."

We went to the Pioneer Home tonight. Alma Penrose is going through the last pages of her life. The family has been told it won't be long. As we visited, each family member shared memories of her life. They told us of how she played the accordian and sang at the Rescue Mission, how she was always providing meals for people - her hospitality was exceptional, how she was faithful to the church and how she loved people. One told of being in the airport with her and when a woman told her she was afraid of flying, Alma said that she wasn't afraid at all because the Lord, whom she loved, would take her to heaven if the plane crashed and that was a far better place anyway.

The stories contined and we saw that the life of this 101 year old woman did indeed "shine like stars!"

As I hugged Martha Penrose and said goodbye I said, 'You've been such a blessing to my life." Martha has continued the life of service and love that her mother-in-law modeled for her all these years.

Perhaps there were days when the pages of Alma's or Martha's lives were rather left-handedly put together but those are not the pages people remember. People remember how God has used them both to minister and fill in the pages of other lives with love and grace. May it be so with all of us.

Alma is not disappointed to get to her last page. She is joyfully, expectantly waiting to see Jesus.

A Higher Level

2011-03-20T06:30:00.001-08:00

I was asked to choose a high school praise band to sing the opener for the Rebecca St James fundraiser concert we had at our school recently. What a buzz it was for our community to have such a big name come to town and what a thrill to get to be the band that opened for her. And I learned something about bands, and practicing, and being ready in season and out. The kids we chose did a great job, but all of the kids who tried out suddenly found out that the level of expectation was way higher than they were even thinking about. Prior to this experience it was “ok” to just meet once a week and practice for an hour; it was “ok” to wear whatever each member wanted to wear and not consider how you would look as a whole; it was “ok” to just focus on your part of the music and not be concerned about engaging the audience. Suddenly all of those things were not only important, but they were going to be judged on how well they did them.

Have you ever felt like suddenly the bar was raised … like right before you’re going to jump over it someone comes along and raises the bar? Right now I’m going through a season where I feel quite a bit out of my depth. I’ve reviewed the major decisions that got me to where I am today and here’s my conclusion:

· I allowed myself to be talked out of doing what I wanted to do

· I talked myself out of doing things I thought would be great

· Why? Because no one else … no one that I wanted to be connected to at the time … was doing it

· Because I wanted to be doing things that my friends and family valued … or things I thought they valued

· Because … I was chasing the praise of men

I find that it’s un-nerving, un-settling, and un-productive to dwell on those mistakes, however, I want to know how to proceed … how do I continue when it’s obvious I’m not very successful on my own?

I was reading in Daniel the other day and noticed a pattern … a habit he established early in life …

“Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.” Daniel 6:10

I’ve been in a season where everything that I did was fine and now suddenly I’m in a season where everything I do is being judged by a standard that I’ve not been practicing. Not just in my skills musically but in my walk spiritually.

You see, I’ve had a morning quiet time for years. For years I’ve practiced getting away to focus on a particular spiritual issue. But I’m discovering what it feels like to be in way over my head at my job, and as I speak to women in the jail, and as I minister to friends and neighbors, I’m discovering that spending time with God once a day is simply not sufficient for the amount of conundrums, puzzlements, challenges, riddles that pop up over the course of the day. There’s simply way too much that I don’t know … and can never know. And if I want to exercise wisdom … if I want to make right and just decisions … then I’m going to HAVE to spend more time talking to Him regarding what He wants me to do and how He wants me to get it done. The bar has been raised and I need to get over it in order to be effective in my home, with my family & friends, in my job, and in my community.

God knew that the new nation of Israel was going to need His direction and guidance so He told them … and me … “Hear, O ‘Audrey’: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 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 …” Deuteronomy 6:4-25

The disciples knew that life would never be the same and after Jesus ascends into heaven the disciples “… returned to Jerusalem … they all joined together constantly in prayer …” Acts 1: 12-14

You and I are not going to be any different. With worldwide disasters like Japan’s Tsunami, with national embarrassments like our national debt, with church dysfunctions like church splits and leadership failures, with our families becoming more and more distant and torn … if we want to be effective believers in the coming days, months, years, we are going to have to be seeking God first and often. I pray God will encourage you and help you to “seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness!”

2011-03-12T19:18:00.006-09:00

Forgiveness
by Barbara Chadwick

"I have done so many wrong things. I have hurt so many people, God will never forgive me."

I put my arm around his frail, bony, 96 year old shoulders and said, "God is a God of grace and love." He began to cry, shoulders heaving. I continued, "God invites us to bring our sins and our regrets to Him and lay them at the foot of the cross."

We were sitting on the side of the bed where his 93 year old wife lay terminally ill. I said, "Let's pray." He nodded his head and put his hand on my knee.

I began, "Heavenly Father, You are a God of love and compassion. You have loved us with an everlasting love. You have invited us to come before your throne and lay our burdens at Your feet. I lift up John* to You. His heart is heavy. Even though he put his faith and trust in You at an early age, he has done things that make his heart heavy. Things he knows You would not be pleased with. He is bringing these things to You. Your Word tells us in I John 1:9, If we confess our sins that You are faithful and just and will forgive is our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. I ask You, Heavenly Father, to reach down and take him in your loving arms. He needs You. Administer Your grace in this moment and fill his heart with the peace that only You can give. Thank You, Lord, for this love and this grace. I pray in Jesus Name. "

He sighed, squeezed my knee, wiped his eyes and said, "thank you." I asked him if he could sit in the recliner now and take a little nap. He said, "I think so." and moved to the chair at that pace that marks 96 years.

As he nodded off to sleep with the weight lifted from his shoulders, I got to thinking.

Basically he knew all the things I said. He's been a deacon for over 50 years. (How many sermons would he have heard in that time? Just one each week would be 2,600.) He reads the Bible and a devotional every day. So it's not that he didn't know about God's grace and forgiveness.

But sometimes we need for our friends and family to come alongside us to remind us of God's Word; to encourage us to walk in the light of Christ and not, cover up our iniquity but to confess it to the Lord and He will forgive the guilt of our sin. Psalms 32:5

*Not his real name.

Tell Me A Story

2011-03-06T06:15:00.002-09:00

In our family we tell stories on each other at our birthday celebrations. We usually either get to pick out what the menu will be for that day or choose the restaurant we will all go to for our birthday bash. It’s been a lot of fun and there’s some favorite stories that we tell on each other. Like when one son ate the only two daffodils to bloom that year, or when another son had an imaginary friend, etc.

We like our stories and my guess is so do you. How do you know if you’re telling a story? Well, have you told it more than once? Can you tell it … or most of it … with very little prompting?

I went to training for a mission trip to Belize where we will be sharing God’s stories using a Chronological Bible Story Cloth. You see most of the world doesn’t read, even if they did have access to a Bible in their own language. So how do we share the words of Christ? How do we tell them of God’s great love for them? We do it the way Jesus did … we tell them stories.

Stories are easy to remember and they evoke emotions that help our memories retain the information. Stories make it easy to place yourself in the moment where the action is. We here in America LOVE stories, hence Hollywood and TV’s ability to make so much money! We will pay regularly to get a dose of a good story.

The Bible is the greatest story ever told. You have introduction to the setting of the story, there is rising action, climax, and falling action, and then there is resolution or catastrophe. And then notice that there are many sub-stories within the overall big story. Your story also has an introduction, rising action, climax, and falling action, … and yet to be told the resolution or catastrophe.

We tend to tell stories to one another to share our lives and what we find important, or funny, or interesting, or ??? But at this training I went off in my own little world for a minute and got to thinking about what kinds of things that I share with other people. And realized that much of what I share doesn’t really edify them, nor does it edify me. All too often it is told to either make me look good (pride) or to gain sympathy (again pride) … it’s all about me. Which got me to wondering how could I reframe my stories so that they were all about Him? Could I make it a point to make Him the hero of all my stories? To put the focus on Him? So that when my children and my grandchildren and my great-grandchildren think about their interactions with me they can’t help but think about Him … ? Could I become a great storyteller?

Another thought that came to me while I was at the training was … How many stories do I know? How many of us know enough of the Bible that we could tell 20 – 30 – 40 Bible stories and remember the point of the story? How many of us could see the Scarlet Thread that is woven through all the stories of the Bible? …The red thread of sacrifice and love that reaches its climax at the death of Christ and will be finally resolved victoriously at His return? Oh that we would become a story-telling people … telling THE story that could change every life we encounter! God make it so … Amen!

2011-02-27T06:45:00.002-09:00

"Ladies and gentlemen we have begun our descent, please bring your seats into their upright and locked positions and make sure your tray tables are fastened and your electronic devices are turned off."

I was reading, Decision Points by George W. Bush. I recommend it by the way. He talks about some key decisions he made, turning points, actually. Three important decisions were

to marry Laura - of which he says, "Thankfully I had the good sense to recognize it was the best decision of my life.”
to stop drinking - he says none of the other things that happened in his life would have come about without this decision.
and to put his faith and trust in the Lord, Jesus Christ.

He had been thinking that putting one's faith in God was a good way for self-improvement but Billy Graham pointed out to him on a walk at Camp David when his father was president) that

"Self-improvement is not really the point of the Bible... The center of Christianity is not the self. It is Christ. Billy explained that we are all sinners, and that we cannot earn God's love through good deeds. He made clear that the path to salvation is through the grace of God and the way to find that grace is to embrace Christ as the risen Lord - the son of a God so powerful and loving that He gave his only Son to conquer death and defeat sin....Surrendering yourself to an Almighty is a challenge to the ego. ...As I deepened my understanding of Christ, I came closer to my original goal of being a better person - not because I was racking up points on the positive side of the heavenly ledger, but because I was moved by God's love."

I turned off my Kindle and put it in my purse. My seat mate turned off her computer and stowed it away; but she got out a notebook and continued writing. I glanced down at her work and read, "when good decisions are made" and it got me to thinking...

Sometimes we make decisions without thinking about the impact it will have on the rest of our life, like speeding, or an angry retort to a boss, or an indiscreet alliance. A poor decision can have disastrous consequences at a later time. Oftentimes our decisions reflect our self-serving natures. Once in a while we pray and ask God for direction. He shows us a better way.

When I was seven I gave my heart to Christ. When I was thirteen I decided to spend my life in mission service. When I was fifteen I made the decision to marry a man who also loved the Lord and had a desire to serve Him. These decisions have made a difference in every situation in my life.

Leviticus 18:3 says: Do not act like the people around you. You must not imitate their way of life. and verse 5, If you obey my decrees and my regulations you will find life through them. I am the Lord.

There is life in following the Lord. There is also love and forgiveness, grace and peace. Death and emptiness await those who live in sin and desire only to please self.

If any of you wants to be my follower you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross and follow me. Matthew 8:34b

Look at these words to Tom Booth's song, I Will Choose Christ (1991)

Verse 1

How many times must He call my name

and show me that He is God?

And as a servant He calls to me

you must serve too.

Verse 2

Christ my teacher and healer

teach my heart and heal my soul

And as I walk this road with you

teach me to love.

Verse 3

As I look upon Your cross

so too must I die with You

And with the death of my own desires

I'll rise with joy.

Refrain:

I will choose Christ

I will choose love. I choose to serve.

I give my heart, I give my life,

I give my all to You.

If good decisions are made you will find life through them!

The Wise Man Built His House Upon THE Rock!

2011-02-21T08:08:00.002-09:00

I love my house on a windy day. Right now the winds are about 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. When the wind blows like this you can’t even see the Organ Mts. It can be a little disorientating. What’s so cool about my house is that though I can hear the wind, occasionally it even rattles the windows, my house doesn’t move, it doesn’t creak or groan. It just sits still and solid. And though the winds come and go it never moves. It just silently does what it was built to do … protect us from the cold, from the winds …

Do you remember the kid’s song that goes like this …

The wise man built his house upon the rocks

And the rain came tumbling down

The rain came down and the floods came up

But the wise man’s house stood firm.

We have friends … and so do you … who are staying in “houses” that are built on sand. They put all their hope in their jobs, their money, or their relationships, and when those things fell through or walked out they were completely lost. And I have other friends whose foundation will be ok but they’re losing the roof, the shutters and the windows because they invested too heavily in temporal things and not enough on eternal things.

Do you remember the rest of the song?

The foolish man built his house upon the sand

And the rain came tumbling down

The rain came down and the floods came up

And the foolish man’s house went “plop”

(you know … with the hand motions that clap your hands together J

So how do you build your house upon the rock … upon The Rock? One rock at a time ^_^

You see the Master Builder will dig a foundation appropriate for the life He knows that you will be exposed to. Then He’ll bring in just the right kind of stones (experiences, people, situations) to make the base of your house strong … and attractive. How? Trust and Obey … reminds me of another song I recently sang to my 92 (almost 93) year old grandmother … cuz she likes it J

When we walk with the Lord

in the light of his word,

what a glory he sheds on our way!

While we do his good will,

he abides with us still,

and with all who will trust and obey.

Trust and obey, for there's no other way

to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

My grandmother is facing some changes in her life … let me just say that you never get to old to need to walk in the “light of His word.” I pray that God will bless you abundantly and that you will let Him build your house strong. I pray that whenever you hear the wind howling all around you … real or spiritual … that you’ll remember to be wise … like the wise man!

2011-02-13T16:22:00.002-09:00

No Reference Needed
by Barbara Chadwick

A lady recently asked me to give a reference for her for a job interview. The problem for me was that I didn’t know her very well. What could I say about her? She’s pretty, she wants to please, she cares about her family – all commendable things in a woman. But the other part is she does not show up to meetings, she has an anger problem and she sometimes does things haphazardly. What could I say that would help her get a job?

A Human Resources Director for a company wants to know if you are reliable - will you show up for work at the appointed time and work the stated hours? Are you conscientious? - do you try to do your best? Are you trustworthy? - can you be trusted to do your work and care for your workspace? Are you considerate? – do you treat others with respect? Are you presentable? – do you care about your appearance? These are all human approaches to how to do life.

But all of this got me to thinking. What if I asked Jesus to give a reference for me to take to heaven. I know, I know. God already knows everything about us. Even the very hairs on our heads are numbered. (Luke 12:7) He knows when we rise and when we lie down and He knows our thoughts. But what if I approached Jesus like this:

Me: Jesus will You represent me to God?
Jesus: Can you show me any evidence that would help?
Me: Well, I read my Bible every day unless I have too many other things to do.
Jesus: Hmm.
Me: I go to church every Sunday morning and evening and Wednesday.
Jesus: Yes….
Me: I have a picture of an angel on my bedroom wall.
Jesus smiles.
Me: Remember that I took food to that family after the funeral?
Jesus: That was nice.

This approach won’t work. This is the way we humans look at things but, we can’t justify ourselves to Him. Psalms 51:17 says, You do not delight in sacrifice…you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken and contrite spirit. Isaiah 64:6 says, All our righteous acts are like filthy rags to Him.

So just, confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.(Romans 10:9) Then talk with Him daily (Pray) and learn about Him daily (Read the Bible) and use the talents He has blessed you with (Serve Him).

When we enter heaven Jesus will take us by the hand and bring us into the presence of Almighty God. He will say to the Father, “Here is Barbara (or put your name here) I bring her to you. She is mine. She has served me faithfully. It is true that there were times when she was not perfect but I have washed her clean by my blood.” (Romans 5:8)

Wanna be RED?

2011-02-05T05:00:00.005-09:00

Just watched RED: Retired Extremely Dangerous. I love watching movies where the bad guy is eliminated in 1 hour and 45 minutes (the movie is actually 111 minutes long) and the good guy gets to jump in there and kick … something or shoot something … really just make the bad guys pay! I mean the story line is just long enough to enjoy getting all worked up and involved with the characters and plenty short enough to share the whole thing with a friend or too and remote enough that I can go to bed and forget all about it. SO not like real life.

In real life … I prefer problems that I can solve and feel like the hero OR problems that my husband can solve and I’m married to the hero OR problems that my friends have and it takes me, or them, 1 hour and 45 minutes to help out and “poof” the problem’s solved. SO not like real life.

In real life … about the only problem that can be solved in 1 hour and 45 minutes is dinner … Start to finish and it’s done. Most of my problems take days, weeks, months, years … They take my prayers, my husband’s prayers, my family’s prayers, my friend’s prayers, … God’s intervention.

In real life … I’ve spoken to people who’re homeless, who’ve lost their jobs, who’re addicted to food or drugs, who have no idea how to maintain healthy relationships … and my response? … I want to solve it … my mind (with its extensive knowledge of book and movie lore) begins to search for the 1 hour and 45 minute solution … you know the plot (if you’re American) because we’ve seen the solution on the screen or on the printed page all our lives. And worse, once I’ve arrived at a solution, I’ve opened my mouth and suggested it. I don’t know about you, but I rarely need to pray to come up with these great ideas to solve social issues, to solve other people’s problems, to solve my own … because the answer is obvious … right?

In real life … that’s not how God works. It’s not how He works with me and it’s not how He works with you and it’s not how He works with the homeless, jobless, hopeless, hurting people who desperately need our help … not our help … God’s help. In real life they need someone who will give them every opportunity to change, every opportunity to accept free gifts of hope and healing … of encouragement and energetic friendship … of solutions that are patient enough for a lifetime of giving.

Remember Judas? Jesus knew from the beginning who was going to betray Him and yet He continued to offer him opportunities to “flip” over to the good side. Remember Peter? Jesus knew He was going to deny Him, in fact He warned him that he would deny Him three times and yet when he did, Jesus forgave Peter and welcomed him back. Remember the 10 lepers? Only one of them came back and said thank you. Remember me? Oh … maybe you don’t know me … but God has given me grace and forgiveness and opportunities to learn from Him … over and over and over … I’ll run out of paper … I’ll run out of ink … I’ll run out of megabites before I would run out of ways that He has rushed to help/save/solve my dilemmas.

In real life … there are too few of us who are willing to just be someone’s friend … to just pray for God to help these people and then go the extra mile, give the extra jacket, … to just give Jesus as a solution. I don’t want to be a Religiously Educated Dingbat. I want to be RED: Radically Empowered Disciple. I want to be someone who runs to help the poor and needy … and stays till the job is done not just 1 hour and 45 minutes … in real life … wanna be RED?

2011-01-31T11:12:00.003-09:00

Expectancy
By Barbara Chadwick

Yesterday I went to the symphony with a friend. As the conductor lifted his baton I held my breath in anticipation, the musicians held their instruments, ready, expecting the downbeat. The music began, filling the concert hall with glorious sound. The instruments interplayed, some made their musical statements while others waited in anticipation to make their statements.

A man held the cymbals in his hands, leaning forward with his knees slightly bent and when the conductor gestured toward him – Pow! We could almost feel the reverberation.

Sometimes the conductor shook his clenched fists with grand gestures and the musicians played with all their might. Other times his hands were gentle, swaying, and the musicians played soft, lyrical phrases.

The last piece was The Planets by Gustav Holst. As they played the first movement entitled, War, we heard the clash of cymbals, the drone of the basses and the boom of the drums. The hurry, the push and the chaos of war was evident.

The second movement called, Peace, was exactly that. It was placid, quiet and restful. The third movement, Messenger, was a skitter, a run. As the other four movements continued I was reminded of our Sunday School lesson that morning from II Kings chapters 6 and 7. It’s a story of war and siege, starvation and hopelessness, then grand deliverance.

In capsule form: The king of Aram held the Israelites captive, under siege. They were starving. The king of Israel gave up any expectancy or hope of deliverance and said, “Why should I wait for the LORD?” (II Kings 6:33) Four lepers at the city gate also had no food, no hope and no expectancy of deliverance. They decided to go to the Aramean camp. Maybe those foreigners would give them some food. Entering the camp they discovered it was abandoned, “for the LORD had caused the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots and horses and a great army” (II Kings 7:6), so this huge army had run for their lives. The messengers, the lepers, ran back and reported to the king of Israel who thought it was a trap but sent a few men to investigate. They discovered it was true then the Israelites were saved by provisions the Arameans had left behind.

Over and over in the Bible God tells us to not be afraid because He will rescue us. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

We do get weary but as the musicians kept their eyes on the conductor expecting their cue, let us keep our eyes upward, our focus in expectancy on the LORD. "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful." (Hebrews 10:23)

Forgiveness: It's is a tricky thing..

2011-01-23T04:20:00.002-09:00

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. And after all the things He created He said, “It is good.” Except man, when He created man He said, “It is not good … it is not good for man to be alone.” So, God created Eve and then He said, “It is very good!” Relationships are very good. And Adam and Eve walked and talked with God in the garden and they enjoyed sweet and precious times together.

Until … The Day … that horrible day … the day they will never forget … the day that everything changed for them forever … Adam and Eve disobeyed in the garden. Do you have a memory of a day or a series of small days, small events, that looking back now you realize that they changed the direction of your life forever? Ever sat around and wished things could’ve been different? Ever wished you’d made different decisions, you know, like the saying “hind sight is 20/20”?

You see in relationships there’s always some kind of give and/or take. Because we keep doing things we shouldn’t OR other people in our lives do things that they should’nt’ve done and we’re suffering for it … shoulda, woulda, coulda.

This whole train of thought started yesterday when I was talking to an old friend and he was asking me about an incident that happened almost a year ago between me and someone else. I had made up my mind that I was going to follow the Biblical principal of forgiveness and either not speak about it OR only speak those things that build up and I’d done pretty good up till then. But I don’t know, maybe he caught me when my guard was down, or maybe I was just feeling a little low, or a little insecure. But have you ever noticed that sometimes when we’re down we “step” on other people in order to get “up” a little? Ever noticed how people who are secure in who they are don’t “step up” on other people? (Ponder Romans 8:31-39)

Dave Ramsey, popular “get out of debt” guru, replies “better than I deserve” when people ask him how he’s doing. When I was younger I used to get SO impatient with other Christians who kept talking about the cross, and pastors who kept teaching on it. I thought, “Ok, ok He died, He rose again, He’s forgiven us, now let’s move on I want to learn something else.” But the truth is there’ve been a few times that someone’s done something so remarkable, so amazing for me that I just can’t seem to ‘get over’ it. I’ve noticed that when I’m very aware of the cross and how it ‘should’ve been me’ there that I don’t struggle so much with what other people do … do to me … because I truly do have it ‘better than I deserve.’

I pray that today as you ‘think of the cross’ that you will be so filled with the glorious riches of His love for you that you will press into your relationships, that you will be filled with love, compassion, and forgiveness towards those around you and that the sweet aroma of Christ will follow you wherever you go.

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

More Than Conquerors

31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

2011-01-15T19:56:00.003-09:00

Clean Out Your Closets
by Barbara Chadwick

On my To-Do List for today is “Clean out the closet in the back bedroom!”

You know that we are here at this church as Interim. That is, until the church finds a full-time pastor. Well, recently the church had a candidate come to preach in view of a call. We invited them to come and see the parsonage. As they walked through they opened the closet doors. This was a natural thing for them to do but I hadn’t thought of this part of the tour! I was embarrassed. We’ve been here two years and - well – stuff accumulates. What can I say?

I had been putting off cleaning because I hesitate to get rid of some of the things in there. Also, I can’t decide where to put some of those things.

There are some shabby clothes that I’m keeping in case one day I should have to paint or clean up the garage, or do yard work.

There are some good clothes I can’t wear any more. I need to give them to somebody who can. There are several pairs of good shoes that I bought. They felt fine when I tried them on in the store but they hurt my feet now. (Age does something unexplainable to feet!) They would look nice on someone with strong, younger feet.

There are travel bags that need to be put where the suitcases are. A pile of scarves sits on the third shelf. They need to be put in a drawer. Three pairs of pajamas are sort of wadded up on that shelf also. Why aren’t those neatly folded in a drawer?

There are empty boxes that held gifts of jewelry. The jewelry has been put into the jewelry roll but I save these boxes in case I craft some item of beads or some such that I can give to someone. However, in order to do this kind of thing a person would have to either have a gift of creativity or take a class in something or other. Alas…

Receipts, scrapbooking stuff and calligraphy stuff go in a closet designated for that genre of “stuff.” Books and papers from seminars need to be filed. Cobwebs need to be swept down and scrapes on the wall need to be fixed. One day we moved in and the closet was clean and the next (well, actually two years later) it's a mess! How did this happen!

Little by little my heart gets full of “stuff”, cobwebs and scrapes, too. I have closets in there that are full of jealousies. There are closets where I'm hoarding anxieties. There are cobwebs of prideful issues and scrapes of slights I'm nursing - holding on to. I go along and things pile up in there.

When I stop to think about how God sees it I’m embarrassed about the mess - the pride, selfishness, judgmental attitudes, etc. and ad nauseum. It all needs to be cleaned out. Renewed. Filled with the love, joy and peace that only God can give.

I need to ask as David asked, Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Psalms 51:10

Crystal Clear Evidence of His Work in Our Lives

2011-01-09T13:52:00.004-09:00

At my school we take the first week of January and use it as a time to explore fun new ways to teach and to learn. So teachers are encouraged to teach anything they want. This year, Mr. Frisinger and I decided to lead a mission trip. We went to the Western Indian Ministries Private school with a group of twelve students grades 7-12. The focus of our mission trip was to bring encouragement and help them in whatever way we could. We had a fantastic time and were SO blessed to be able to serve.

On Thursday morning we were doing our group devotionals when I got a call from the principal asking me if my girls would like to substitute teach the kindergarten class … and could we be there at 8am … it was 7:15am. I said I knew they would and hung up and told the girls they would get to be substitute teachers for the day in the kindergarten. They were thrilled. What a treat for them.

As we were walking down to the school the sun was just coming up over the hill and shining up through the frozen branches. What a treat for me. God reflecting His glory through His creation … just like my girls did while they were teaching that day, and while they were cleaning out the closet the day before … just like my boys did while they were shoveling snow, and entering data into the library’s computer, and giving guitar and drum lessons … just like the whole group did at Awana’s on Wednesday night and especially how they did on Fun Day Friday when they taught a Bible story, played an indoor game, and helped build igloos out on the playground.

Looking at those branches giving clear shiny evidence of His glory, watching those kids give clear shiny evidence of God in their lives … now that’s inspiration!

2011-01-01T13:43:00.007-09:00

A New Year
by Barbara Chadwick

Wow! A brand new year. A year to travel, play, learn, grow (hopefully not wider!) but grow in Christ. - in knowledge of Him and experience with Him.

Kenneth just read to me that to lose a pound a week I would have to eat 400 less calories PER DAY! In addition to that fact is the knowledge that it takes 100 calories to walk one mile. So just think, if I would walk four miles a day that would take care of that 400 calories!! Hmmm, that might not happen every day. Actually, that might not happen ANY day!

Another topic of discussion this New Year's Day was the old wive's tale that whatever you do on New Year's Day is how the year will go. So this year should be filled with Turkish Delight kinds of things because I made Pumpkin Pie and Kenneth made Peanut Butter Fudge with sugar free marshmallows he made. We might have to buy another journal just to log in all the calories we'll have!

Well, I was thinking that I really don't want to major on desserts this year. I'd really like to accomplish something - something significant, something of value.

What would you like to accomplish this year? You could:

learn a new language
study to play the harp (or any other instrument)
build a house
complete a year of study into getting an advanced degree
take tennis lessons
travel to a third world country and minister in Jesus' Name

Or you could minister in Jesus Name in your own country. I know a lady who delivers "Meals on Wheels" That is, she takes a noon meal to shut-ins (people who can't leave their homes) She delivers it with a smile, a hug or a pat and a few minutes of positive conversation.

We visit a lady in a rest home each week. We talk and pray with her. She tells that our visit encourages her. A group of people from our church go to the Pioneer Home once each month and lead the people in singing their favorite songs then serve Birthday cake and ice cream. They love it.

Let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. I John 3:18

Henry Blackaby says we should stay alert to what God is doing around us and join Him. I like that. However, so often I'm more dull than alert! I pray that God will nudge us all when He has words for us to say, love for us to show, meals for us to give and smiles for us to share.

Lavished Love

2010-12-16T18:37:00.003-09:00

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

2010-12-13T08:42:00.001-09:00

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?

2010-12-05T17:38:00.001-09:00

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

2010-11-28T07:06:00.002-09:00

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

2010-11-22T07:39:00.000-09:00

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

2010-10-30T19:05:00.002-08:00

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.

2010-10-23T13:01:00.004-08:00

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

2010-10-18T11:06:00.001-08:00

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.

2010-10-09T15:19:00.003-08:00

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 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 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

2010-10-03T08:18:00.002-08:00

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.