THANKS-GIVING

"When we are willing to give thanks to God in all things, not just some things--to consciously thank Him even when we don't feel grateful--something in us begins to shift. We begin to see life as Christ sees it, full of opportunities rather than obstacles. (emphasis mine) And when we view life through eyes of faith, fear just has to flee."

Joanna Weaver
Having A Mary Heart In A Martha World
Waterbrook Press  2007
p. 41

Everything I read, for going on a second year, seems to at least "mention" thanks-giving. Like fads of coffee shops, health clubs, and massage salons, a Christian or church sometimes initiates a theme or discipline and everyone else jumps on.

I remember in my early Christian days Merlin Carothers encouraging us to Praise The Lord for "everything!" For a dropped pencil, a new job, a car wreck . . . and I did. "Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!" The idea, as I recall, was more about God working all things together for good. But honestly, I "worked it" more like a superstition. If I do this--God will do that.

I don't think what I'm experiencing, now, is a fad. I believe God is planting a truth; in me, maybe in you--maybe in the Body of Christ. I'm seeing how connected thanks-giving and faith are. No, I'm not thanking Him "for" war, child prostitution, or even a difficult person. Thanks-giving is not so much the words I say as much as the attitude that's building in my heart.

It looks a lot like trust--like believing in God's unfathomable love even when . . .

EverGrowing,
Lonnie

PROBLEM? NOT OUR BEHAVIOR

"The problem is not in our behavior; the problem is in us. Jesus said, 'For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, stander' (Matthew 15:19) We don't need an upgrade. We need transformation. We need a miracle."
(emphasis, mine)

John Eldredge
Waking The Dead
Thomas Nelson Publishers  2003
p. 59

How like me, to try to change my behavior; and honestly that works--for a while. Behavior changes only last when God does a deep work in the heart.

I'm struggling with someone in my life these days; to make matters worse, this person is a Christian--albeit one that I can neither respect nor trust. I can't fake good behavior. I can't fake kindness. I can't even fake tolerance. I need a change of heart. "I" need a miracle. Fortunately for me, when I ask, God says, "I can." and "I will."  

This other person may need heart changes as well. But -- I'm only responsible for mine.

EverGrowing,
Lonnie

STUDIO AUDIENCES

"The deadpan expression of audiences is the despair of public speakers. A single appreciative face stands out and is a source of inspiration.

"In the early days of radio when performers worked in silent studios, many of them found it impossible to give good performances. Studio audiences were introduced--and stage managed--to supply the appreciation which is essential even to professional entertainers."

David Dunn
Try Giving Yourself Away
Prentice-Hall  1947
p. 62

Dunn reminds readers that a public speaker or pastor, pouring himself out to an audience, can become pretty discouraged without an appreciative comment. I wouldn't recommend "commenting" during a sermon, but I suspect signs of engagement would certainly encourage a pastor, performer, or speaker. A little head nod, appropriate chuckles, or even a smile might do wonders. And . . . I'm thinking a worship leader would love to see smiles, clapping, raised hands or even a little toe tapping.

Can I challenge you this week? Appreciation, sincerely spoken, is always an encouragement. This week, try it without words. 8-)

Smiling,
Lonnie

IMPACT UNKNOWN

"How we travel in darkness and the work we do in all seriousness counts for naught, and the thing we toss off in play-time, unconsciously, God uses!"

David Grayson/Ray Stannard Baker
Adventures In Contentment
Grosset and Dunlap Publishers  1907
p. 61

The preacher thought himself a failure; but had the young boy in the front pew known the preacher thought so, he'd have convinced him otherwise.

Sometimes I wonder if God will ever use me. Other times, I'm convinced that He does; I just don't know how or when. And that's as it should be. For I wonder how long it would take before I'd take credit for what God has done. More than God not sharing His glory with another, I believe ministry wrapped in pride loses its effectiveness.

 God use what you will -- my work, my play; my smile, my tears; my voice, my silence; my blessings, my trials . . . I'll be me. You be You!

EverGrowing,
Lonnie

EIGHTY-ONE AND LONELY!

"While I was volunteering for an organization called, 'Friendly Visitors,' I went to an 81 year old lady's house to help her with housekeeping. She was very quiet, just sitting at the kitchen table while I worked and made small talk.
. . .
As I was getting ready to go I asked if she wanted me to blow out the candle. She kept looking at the candle burning, in broad daylight, and said, "No it keeps me company."

Dawn Nelson
From The Heart Through The Hands
Findhorn Press  2001
p. 12

That's lonely!

Is there someone in your life, church or neighborhood who needs to see another human being, hear a human voice, or feel a hand clasped over theirs? Next time you or I light a candle, I sort of hope this . . . haunts us.

EverGrowing,
Lonnie

DEFINE NEGLIGIBLE!

"Darling, when you read and hear about the wonderful gains our army is making, keep in mind it just didn't happen--that many guys gave a lot of blood, even lives, to gain that objective. Don't forget that--even when the newspapers say "our losses are negligible."

Keith Winston (edited by wife, Sarah Winston)
V-Mail: Letters of a World War II Combat Medic
Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill  1985
p. 176

Oh my gosh! Even when I thought negligible meant "few" I couldn't count any death above zero as negligible. How do you tell a parent, "I'm sorry your son died in combat--but he was the only one in our company . . . ?"

Then I actually looked up the definition of negligible. "Worthy of neglect; trifling." --American Heritage Dictionary.

I'm several decades late for writing an editorial, but let me make myself clear. I disagree!

Lonnie

LETTERS FROM WAR

"This morning we saw scores of haggard Russians walking toward our rear--prisoners the Nazis had used as slaves and left behind when the Krauts retreated. Darling, when I saw their faces--their smiles of joy, their revived hope--and American food in their hands, it brought tears to my eyes for I knew I was seeing first-hand just what we're fighting for--the right to be free--to go unmolested, to have freedom from oppressive tyranny--something these poor souls hadn't known for years."  (emphasis mine)

Pfc. Keith Winston (edited with preface by Sarah Winston/wife)
V-Mail: Letters of a World War II Combat Medic
Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill   1985
p.195

Do we even begin to appreciate our freedom? Or the sacrifice of blood, limbs, family time, or even finances paid to obtain it? Do we appreciate those representatives who fight to maintain it?

EverGrateful,
Lonnie

What is V-mail?
"A V-letter was written on a single sheet of special stationary, which was on sale at post offices, and was photographed after mailing; the film was sent overseas by air, and the letter was then printed in reduced size on photographic paper and delivered . . . this did not always work out." p. 100