I met a very fascinating lady today! Her name was Wanda. She was exactly my age minus one month (which is fifty-four if you are wondering). Her birthday was actually yesterday. She was taller, than short. More thin, than fat. Well she was just a nice average size, I guess. She had jet black hair and Beautiful, caramel-colored skin. She was sporting jeans, a woolen, plaid vest atop an olive green shirt, and sand-colored UGGs. She looked very “woodsy”, as if she were preparing to go on a short hike in the great outdoors. Her sister introduced her to me and she extended her hand. She had a firm handshake, attempting to possibly display her confidence in herself. She had the most striking smile that spread all across her face. I couldn’t see her eyes because she had on sunglasses, but it was obvious that her eyes were smiling, too! I asked her if she was having a good day and she promptly responded, “Yeah”.
Well, I have given you a brief description of Wanda. I gather you have calculated an image of her in your mind. But there is a lot I have left out!
Add this to your image of Wanda: She did in fact, “shake” my hand, but she wouldn’t let go. I had to virtually pry my hand away from hers after a few minutes. She did smile, but it was a continuous smile! Never-ending! And she did say “Yeah”, but she said “Yeah” to everything. She had a very bad cold and her sister had to constantly wipe her nose, because she couldn’t blow her nose on her own. If her sister got up, she got up. If her sister sat down, she sat down. She followed close beside her sister like a little puppy dog. I was told by her sister that she didn’t know when she was hungry or when she needed to go to the bathroom.
I know that a lot of you are aware that I work with mentally challenged people and you are probably thinking that Wanda is just one of “those” people. Well, I guess she is, but here is what makes her story a little different.
I don’t know all the details, but I was told that four years ago, Wanda was living a very normal life (whatever that is). She had two children and was able to experience life like most of us do. And then one day, she was cooking supper and she turned to her sister and asked, “How much sugar do I put in the chicken pastry?” And that was the beginning of a downhill road to an almost complete mind deterioration. You see, Wanda has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Yes, at 50 years old, Wanda's life changed drastically! She basically can no longer communicate with those she loves, nor they with her.
It is inconceivable to me to think that life could change so quickly. We live life with the idea that tomorrow is promised to us! We take so many things, and people for granted!
Make it a point to think about Wanda for a minute, and pray for her. And her sister, who is literally spending each waking hour, and probably more, taking care of her sister. Go immediately and find somebody! Pick up the phone! Tell somebody RIGHT NOW that you love them and you are thankful for them! And be glad that they can understand what you are saying!
Because you never know when you might hear something like this:
“How much sugar do I put in the chicken pastry?”
Job 33:4The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Target or WalMart?
Well, which do you prefer, Target or WalMart? Think about it! How do you feel when you are in Target? What feelings do you experience when you are in WalMart? Are there major differences? Well, I think so! These might seem like silly questions, but I believe that there is something to be learned here!
I was in Target today, just cruising around and talking with one of my clients. He became interested in a video game and I had a few moments to ponder, yes think! I looked around me. Wow! Everything seemed so clean and fresh; so simple! All the products on the shelves seemed to be perfectly lined up, as if each one had been intentionally placed there and been dared not to move. The big screen HD TV’s were meticulously marching along in step with one another. Each piece of clothing was hung deliberately on its rack as if to whisper, “I’m the only one. Pick me!” Sales associates and stockers dressed in their bright red and khaki, moved almost in rhythm and appeared to work scientifically. (I think really they are all clones!) And haven’t you ever noticed the “clean sheet” smell when you first walk into the store. Totally identifiable to Target! And let me ask you this! We all know that if we took time to look around the store, we would see many different colors, but if we were asked what color the store was, we would definitely say simply, “RED AND WHITE”! What a smooth running machine! And how pleasant it was there! There was no confusion, no clutter! Just a nice sense of peace! I felt really relaxed. I just felt good!
And then I got to thinking about WalMart! The first word that came to my mind was “chaos”! Clothes in WalMart amazingly reproduce while hanging on the rack, and when they are not reproducing they are pushing and shoving and knocking each other down. The products on the shelves have battled it out so many times that they have been bruised, crushed and crippled. Droves of people, like ants on a mission, are totally oblivious to each other and are darting here and there, hurrying to find the shortest check out line. People even yell when you enter and leave the store, yes, YELL! “WELCOME TO WALMART”! “THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING AT WALMART!” And now to add to all the confusion, there are TV monitors in every department, all turned up and fighting to get our attention. The floors are a battleground, with fleets of shopping carts begging to be emptied of “needing to be re-shelved” merchandise. HELP! Get me out of here!
Our pastor preached on “simplicity” Sunday. Simplicity! Do we even know the word? We live in a world in which we are endlessly trying to add stuff to our lives? Our days are frenzied rat races and we are desperately trying to get to the front of the line. We make mountains out of mole hills. Our lives are so complicated! Jesus set the example for us! Study up on Him a little and then you decide: Target or WalMart!
“For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.” 1 Corinthians 14:33
“Cease striving and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
“But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner.” 1 Corinthians 14:40
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, and whosoever believes in Him, shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
IT DOESN’T GET ANY SIMPLER THAN THIS!
I was in Target today, just cruising around and talking with one of my clients. He became interested in a video game and I had a few moments to ponder, yes think! I looked around me. Wow! Everything seemed so clean and fresh; so simple! All the products on the shelves seemed to be perfectly lined up, as if each one had been intentionally placed there and been dared not to move. The big screen HD TV’s were meticulously marching along in step with one another. Each piece of clothing was hung deliberately on its rack as if to whisper, “I’m the only one. Pick me!” Sales associates and stockers dressed in their bright red and khaki, moved almost in rhythm and appeared to work scientifically. (I think really they are all clones!) And haven’t you ever noticed the “clean sheet” smell when you first walk into the store. Totally identifiable to Target! And let me ask you this! We all know that if we took time to look around the store, we would see many different colors, but if we were asked what color the store was, we would definitely say simply, “RED AND WHITE”! What a smooth running machine! And how pleasant it was there! There was no confusion, no clutter! Just a nice sense of peace! I felt really relaxed. I just felt good!
And then I got to thinking about WalMart! The first word that came to my mind was “chaos”! Clothes in WalMart amazingly reproduce while hanging on the rack, and when they are not reproducing they are pushing and shoving and knocking each other down. The products on the shelves have battled it out so many times that they have been bruised, crushed and crippled. Droves of people, like ants on a mission, are totally oblivious to each other and are darting here and there, hurrying to find the shortest check out line. People even yell when you enter and leave the store, yes, YELL! “WELCOME TO WALMART”! “THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING AT WALMART!” And now to add to all the confusion, there are TV monitors in every department, all turned up and fighting to get our attention. The floors are a battleground, with fleets of shopping carts begging to be emptied of “needing to be re-shelved” merchandise. HELP! Get me out of here!
Our pastor preached on “simplicity” Sunday. Simplicity! Do we even know the word? We live in a world in which we are endlessly trying to add stuff to our lives? Our days are frenzied rat races and we are desperately trying to get to the front of the line. We make mountains out of mole hills. Our lives are so complicated! Jesus set the example for us! Study up on Him a little and then you decide: Target or WalMart!
“For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.” 1 Corinthians 14:33
“Cease striving and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
“But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner.” 1 Corinthians 14:40
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, and whosoever believes in Him, shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
IT DOESN’T GET ANY SIMPLER THAN THIS!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Our "Alejandra"!
Well, I wonder where Alejandra is sleeping tonight. Is she warm? Does she sleep alone? Is she in total darkness? Is she safe? Does she have worries that are keeping her awake? Is she hungry? Is she sick? Does she feel loved? Does she know Jesus?
As I prepare to crawl into my warm and comfy bed, I can’t help but to wonder about the young teenager that I have sponsored in La Limonada, Guatemala. I have her picture by my computer, so I will remember to pray for her every day. She smiles, yet she doesn’t. What has this child seen in her young life of 15 years? What has she experienced? What hope does she have for her future? What hope does she have for tomorrow? Does someone really love her and care for her?
There are tons of “Alejandra’s" out there! And it can seem so overwhelming if we try to think about helping them all. And we wonder, can we really make a difference? Well, I’m going to try! My best friend and I are going to be her new “godmothers”. And we are going to do all that we can to “love” her over a distance of about 1600 miles. And we’re not just going to say we love her. We are going to do what we can to show our love for her. We will send her letters, and gifts! We will hopefully one day even meet her. And why? Because we have experienced the most sacrificial, unconditional love of all and we’re going to share it with our Alejandra!
“We know love by this that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? Little children, let us not love with work or with tongue, but in deed and truth.”
1 John 3:17-18
Find your "Alejandra"! http://lemonadeinternational.org/
As I prepare to crawl into my warm and comfy bed, I can’t help but to wonder about the young teenager that I have sponsored in La Limonada, Guatemala. I have her picture by my computer, so I will remember to pray for her every day. She smiles, yet she doesn’t. What has this child seen in her young life of 15 years? What has she experienced? What hope does she have for her future? What hope does she have for tomorrow? Does someone really love her and care for her?
There are tons of “Alejandra’s" out there! And it can seem so overwhelming if we try to think about helping them all. And we wonder, can we really make a difference? Well, I’m going to try! My best friend and I are going to be her new “godmothers”. And we are going to do all that we can to “love” her over a distance of about 1600 miles. And we’re not just going to say we love her. We are going to do what we can to show our love for her. We will send her letters, and gifts! We will hopefully one day even meet her. And why? Because we have experienced the most sacrificial, unconditional love of all and we’re going to share it with our Alejandra!
“We know love by this that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? Little children, let us not love with work or with tongue, but in deed and truth.”
1 John 3:17-18
Find your "Alejandra"! http://lemonadeinternational.org/
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Opportunity to be FREE!
"'Come now, and let us reason together,' says the LORD,
Though your sins are as scarlet,
They will be as white as snow."
Isaiah 1: 18
Wow! What a different day! I can’t ever remember being “snowed in” all alone! And being “all alone” is not one of my favorite things. Being alone for short periods is okay, but for all day or maybe even longer: yuck!!! But thankfully, God has seen fit to add a little pizzazz to my day! Thank you, Jesus!
First of all it’s been a long time since we’ve seen a decent snow. While I don’t cherish being stuck here alone, it is a Beautiful thing to see! It’s amazing how the whiteness of it all seems to cleanse, purify, all of creation! I love it! It’s an awesome reminder of how God made the choice to send His Son to this earth to clean up our lives! What a blessing to have the opportunity to be FREE from our sin!
And I actually got to “play” in the snow! No, not by myself! Jacob is my 9-year old neighbor. We made snow angels, snow cream, and snowballs. We walked in the woods and took pictures. It’s not that I really wanted to do all those things, but God gave me an opportunity to represent Jesus, so I took it! Jacob lives with his mom and they have very little. They are not Jesus-followers, but hopefully one day they will be. I’m just glad that I have the opportunity to be FREE to talk about Jesus with him.
And isn’t it interesting that the “one day” I am stuck at home, there is something else on the “boob tube” besides game shows and soap operas. (Which I am very thankful for, by the way!) Yep, you got it! The Inauguration! Well, I’ll be the first to confess that I don’t agree on all issues with our new President. But I will have to admit that it blesses me tremendously to know that our country has arrived at the point that we can elect an African-American man to be the President of our United States. You see, I remember a time when I rode at the front of the bus, while those with a darker skin had to ride at the back. I remember a time when our “maid” did not allow me to play with her children, because it wasn’t proper! I remember in 1965 when Jocelyn Perry was the first African-American girl in my school, and how she seemed all alone. It is high time that our country is finally “dedicated to the proposition that ALL men ARE created equal!” We still have a long way to go, but this is a great start! What a blessing to know that all men, and women, regardless of their skin color can have the opportunity to be FREE in this country, and we slowly, but surely are becoming a true “land of the free”.
I’m glad that God gave us so many opportunities.
But we must remember that the “ball is in our court”!
First of all it’s been a long time since we’ve seen a decent snow. While I don’t cherish being stuck here alone, it is a Beautiful thing to see! It’s amazing how the whiteness of it all seems to cleanse, purify, all of creation! I love it! It’s an awesome reminder of how God made the choice to send His Son to this earth to clean up our lives! What a blessing to have the opportunity to be FREE from our sin!
And I actually got to “play” in the snow! No, not by myself! Jacob is my 9-year old neighbor. We made snow angels, snow cream, and snowballs. We walked in the woods and took pictures. It’s not that I really wanted to do all those things, but God gave me an opportunity to represent Jesus, so I took it! Jacob lives with his mom and they have very little. They are not Jesus-followers, but hopefully one day they will be. I’m just glad that I have the opportunity to be FREE to talk about Jesus with him.
And isn’t it interesting that the “one day” I am stuck at home, there is something else on the “boob tube” besides game shows and soap operas. (Which I am very thankful for, by the way!) Yep, you got it! The Inauguration! Well, I’ll be the first to confess that I don’t agree on all issues with our new President. But I will have to admit that it blesses me tremendously to know that our country has arrived at the point that we can elect an African-American man to be the President of our United States. You see, I remember a time when I rode at the front of the bus, while those with a darker skin had to ride at the back. I remember a time when our “maid” did not allow me to play with her children, because it wasn’t proper! I remember in 1965 when Jocelyn Perry was the first African-American girl in my school, and how she seemed all alone. It is high time that our country is finally “dedicated to the proposition that ALL men ARE created equal!” We still have a long way to go, but this is a great start! What a blessing to know that all men, and women, regardless of their skin color can have the opportunity to be FREE in this country, and we slowly, but surely are becoming a true “land of the free”.
I’m glad that God gave us so many opportunities.
But we must remember that the “ball is in our court”!
We may have the opportunity to be FREE to share Jesus with others, but we have to choose to make the effort!
We may have the opportunity to be FREE from slavery and oppression, but we have to choose to keep working and not give up!
Because the LORD has anointed me
To bring good news to the afflicted;
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to captives
And freedom to prisoners."
Isaiah 61:1
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Not "Just Red!"
I have a great job! I get paid for walking and exercising! Yes, that's right! I work with people with mental disabilities and sometimes they have goals to become physically healthier, so I get to walk with them. With the weather being so cold, we've been choosing to walk inside the Wilson mall. I'd rather be outside, but it's enjoyable enough. But lately there has been something there that is about to drive me "nuts"! There's a store there. I can't remember the name of it, but the owner paints. He has his paintings on display and for sale in the store. You can actually see them from the window. On some occasions, he is even at his easel creating his next masterpiece. But, for the last several weeks, there has been a canvas on his easel simply painted "just red". Everytime I walk by the store, I anxiously look to see if he has continued painting whatever he intends to paint. But as of today, it's still "just red". I want to see "the end of the story", "the finished results", his "masterpiece"! But it's still "just red!"
I began to think more about that "just red" blank canvas. I've always talked about how awesome it is that God gives us a brand new day each and every morning! You know, a fresh start, another chance, a day to live abundantly! Well, maybe God looks at our day as a canvas painted "just red", and He's waiting to see how we are going to "finish" the picture. We have a lot to do with what our painting will become. Our attitudes, our choices and our efforts all come into play to make the picture. But the most awesome thing is the fact that God has already begun the painting. He began it with His Son's blood, so it's really not "just red". As children of God, He has truly given us the opportunity to experience life abundantly each and every day. And with His help we can have days that are truly fulfilling and purposeful"!
So tomorrow morning when you wake up, think about your "not just red" canvas waiting to be completed. And allow God to help you make it into a Beautiful Masterpiece! He can, you know!
"This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!" Psalm 118:24
I began to think more about that "just red" blank canvas. I've always talked about how awesome it is that God gives us a brand new day each and every morning! You know, a fresh start, another chance, a day to live abundantly! Well, maybe God looks at our day as a canvas painted "just red", and He's waiting to see how we are going to "finish" the picture. We have a lot to do with what our painting will become. Our attitudes, our choices and our efforts all come into play to make the picture. But the most awesome thing is the fact that God has already begun the painting. He began it with His Son's blood, so it's really not "just red". As children of God, He has truly given us the opportunity to experience life abundantly each and every day. And with His help we can have days that are truly fulfilling and purposeful"!
So tomorrow morning when you wake up, think about your "not just red" canvas waiting to be completed. And allow God to help you make it into a Beautiful Masterpiece! He can, you know!
"This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!" Psalm 118:24
Friday, January 16, 2009
Wings like "Blue Herons"!
The skies had been heavily blanketed all day! The wind was definitely exercising its power and authority! Leaves were no longer dancing across the ground, but racing frantically in all directions! The few that were still hanging on tightly to the trees overhead were struggling mercifully. And as the gray blew in, so did the chill; a sharp, stabbing, “to the bone”, chill! A sporadic rain obviously on the verge of freezing, could not make up its mind whether to tingle or sting. The choppy lake water was becoming more aggressive and belligerent by the minute.
As I drove this day, along the water’s edge of Lake Wilson, I saw him! I came to a stop, finding myself only a few feet away from him, the closest I’ve ever been. He was tall, but very thin. He took on the image of a bony old man, hunched over a walking stick. He appeared destitute, hopeless, anxiously searching for something . . . perhaps something to eat. One piercing dark eye never left me and watched me cautiously! He continued to strive desperately to keep his balance on the partially rotten limb floating in the water. His feathers were wet, windswept and ruffled! He looked, oh, so frail! Perhaps even injured, and helpless! Yes, and even hopeless!
Yet he waited . . . and he watched! And suddenly in a twinkling of an eye, it happened! The same wind that had appeared to have roared in heartlessly, now lifted up this great blue heron and miraculously he spread his magnificent wings and he SOARED!
This depressed, feeble looking, dejected bird caught up in a cold winter storm, suddenly became a Beautiful, majestic creation with a six foot wing span, free from worry, and full of strength, confidence and hope! His Everything had changed!
“Yet those who wait for the LORD
Will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings, like “blue herons”,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary.”
Isaiah 40:31
As I drove this day, along the water’s edge of Lake Wilson, I saw him! I came to a stop, finding myself only a few feet away from him, the closest I’ve ever been. He was tall, but very thin. He took on the image of a bony old man, hunched over a walking stick. He appeared destitute, hopeless, anxiously searching for something . . . perhaps something to eat. One piercing dark eye never left me and watched me cautiously! He continued to strive desperately to keep his balance on the partially rotten limb floating in the water. His feathers were wet, windswept and ruffled! He looked, oh, so frail! Perhaps even injured, and helpless! Yes, and even hopeless!
Yet he waited . . . and he watched! And suddenly in a twinkling of an eye, it happened! The same wind that had appeared to have roared in heartlessly, now lifted up this great blue heron and miraculously he spread his magnificent wings and he SOARED!
This depressed, feeble looking, dejected bird caught up in a cold winter storm, suddenly became a Beautiful, majestic creation with a six foot wing span, free from worry, and full of strength, confidence and hope! His Everything had changed!
“Yet those who wait for the LORD
Will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings, like “blue herons”,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary.”
Isaiah 40:31
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Hope!
What a dreary, dismal day! In the midst of winter, I have an yearning in my heart for "SpringTime", or at least a glimpse of it! Fat chance, huh? But wait!
I was driving down the tree-canopied streets of Wilson today, experiencing a monotonous drizzle of cold rain dazzling against my windshield! Everything was gray, just gray! Don't know about you, but I'm not a real fan of "gray"! I was thinking how this scenario so often depicts typical days, or weeks, or even months in our lives. Perhaps we experience depression, hopelessness, or maybe just monotony and boredom. It's during these times, that we would just like to have a little glimpse of "SpringTime". Well, the Father sent me one today! A glimspe, that is! A glimpse of "SpringTime". Just as the dreariness of the day was sinking into my soul, I saw it! As I looked to my right, there it was! A fantastic, truly VIVID, splash of PINK! You see, our Father had decided to allow one little tree to step out and make her debut! Not sure what kind of tree had been lured into blooming, but it was major PINK! And oh, so Beautiful!
It's not "SpringTime" yet, but He showed me a glimpse of it today! Keep your eyes open! It may still be winter, but "SpringTime is Coming"!
"Weeping may last for the night, But a shout of joy comes in the morning." Psalm 30:6
"Drip down, O heavens, from above, And let the clouds pour down righteousness;
Let the earth open and salvation bear fruit, And rightousness spring up with it.
I, the Lord, have created it." Isaiah 45:8
I was driving down the tree-canopied streets of Wilson today, experiencing a monotonous drizzle of cold rain dazzling against my windshield! Everything was gray, just gray! Don't know about you, but I'm not a real fan of "gray"! I was thinking how this scenario so often depicts typical days, or weeks, or even months in our lives. Perhaps we experience depression, hopelessness, or maybe just monotony and boredom. It's during these times, that we would just like to have a little glimpse of "SpringTime". Well, the Father sent me one today! A glimspe, that is! A glimpse of "SpringTime". Just as the dreariness of the day was sinking into my soul, I saw it! As I looked to my right, there it was! A fantastic, truly VIVID, splash of PINK! You see, our Father had decided to allow one little tree to step out and make her debut! Not sure what kind of tree had been lured into blooming, but it was major PINK! And oh, so Beautiful!
It's not "SpringTime" yet, but He showed me a glimpse of it today! Keep your eyes open! It may still be winter, but "SpringTime is Coming"!
"Weeping may last for the night, But a shout of joy comes in the morning." Psalm 30:6
"Drip down, O heavens, from above, And let the clouds pour down righteousness;
Let the earth open and salvation bear fruit, And rightousness spring up with it.
I, the Lord, have created it." Isaiah 45:8
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