WISH I HAD MY CHILDREN BACK

"The fear of contamination has led people to believe that only what someone else has clearly labeled Christian is safe."

Gladys Hunt
Honey For A Child's Heart
Zondervan Publishing  1969, 1978, 1989
p. 17

How I wish I had my kids back! We would read more Suess and silly authors, for sure. We'd read books about Varooming trucks and courageous girls. We'd read books with incredible art; my goodness, they abound!

Where did I, a first-generation Christian, get the idea that everything (I mean everything!) had to be coloured, framed, and saturated with Jesus? Maybe because Jesus wasn't really a part of my life until my early twenties; and I so wanted my children to know Him sooner. Maybe because, as a young Christian, I and so many others were sure Jesus would return for His Bride any day! Maybe even before my children went to half-day kindergarten. 

I lived in a generation, or an environment, where satan was more interested in our children; and evidently more powerful than the God who created them. How ridiculous is that? Discernment is not overrated. Fear--a whole 'nother matter.

We had fun times with our children, but oh how I wish I had them back to read fun stories to.

EverGrowing,
Lonnie

FROM REMNANTS TO MASTERPIECES

"The people who are in danger of missing life's great meaning are the people of ordinary capacity and opportunity, and who say to themselves, 'There is so little I can do that I will not try to do anything.

"One of the finest windows in Europe was made from the remnants an apprentice boy collected from the cuttings of his master's work."

A.B. Simpson (1843-1919)
Days of Heaven Upon Earth
p. 23/Nook

I could so easily fall into the trap of thinking my "one talent" isn't worth much. But in doing so, how much richness of life would I miss?

This young man made a masterpiece from remnants. I've seen stunning quilts made from scraps. And Jesus told the disciples to gather the leftovers after He'd fed the thousands. My friend, whatever you have--IT MATTERS! Use it for your joy and God's glory.

EverGrowing,
Lonnie

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