Matter of Fact

A girl can dream...and I just happen to have a few (a repost)

2012-01-16T07:12:00.001-06:00

(Jordan Murphy Photo)

I have a dream that one day every child, in every nation will lie down in a comfortable warm bed, with a full belly and surrounded by the love of their family.

I have a dream that the intelligent minds of the world would grasp the importance of listening to the cries from the hearts and souls of those in need.

I have a dream that every adult would realize the importance and power of their words when landing on little ears.

I have a dream that one day the importance of teaching self-sacrifice and reaching out to others will top the lists of parental lessons passed down to their young.

I have a dream that one day we will not wait and rely on governments and leaders to begin the aid to the elderly, the poor and those who are sick, but we will first start the giving, assistance and healing and let them follow our lead.

I have a dream that one day our leaders will lead from their hearts, and not political agendas, and poll ratings and labels and fears.

I have a dream that one day every human will feel the love of their Creator and know their worth as a Divine creation of the Master's hand.

I have a dream that one day we will all decide that we will not be ready to leave this earth until we have made a difference...a change... a positive impact, a lasting impression that will forever benefit someone other than ourselves or our own.

"Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does." ~William James

Every word we say today, every action or reaction will make some sort of difference (be it good or bad) in our lives and the lives of those we come across. Our words and actions will either encourage and build someone up, or they will tear them down... choose carefully.

AND DREAM BIG!

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.
~ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

*I have posted this again today-something I wrote awhile back. I'm still dreaming these same dreams.

It's Ok...look back--just don't drive in reverse!

2012-01-01T07:55:00.003-06:00

If your are reading this, you have survived 2011, making it into yet another new year here on planet earth. Go ahead and look back- it's OK. It's even OK to take some souvenirs from 2011 and carry them with you into 2012. Not the heavy things like bitterness, fear and unforgiveness, but those lighter things like joyful moments and even hard moments where lessons were learned. Those lessons fit nicely into your backpack, never weigh you down, and remain there for easy retrieval- trust me---you're gonna need them sometime during the upcoming year.

2011 mistakes can miraculously turn into great wisdom in 2012, so don't throw it all out the window. Go ahead, start packing your bags for the 2012 journey- just be very selective about which items you bring along. Fill your backpack with lessons learned, wonderful memories and moments--leave the bitterness and forgiveness on the floor. Better yet, take it away- far away from your soul--lay it down-at the feet of Jesus. He will properly dispose of it--and no toxic waste will destroy you.

Here's an easy way to begin the year--look back over 2011 and decide what things to lay down- of which things do you need to let go? Which memories and lessons should you take with you into 2012?

You can do this thing! Go ahead and check that review mirror when you are about to make a turn--just for safety's sake-- but never drive in reverse. It takes takes twice as much energy and you'll get nowhere fast!

Welcome 2012. Here I am with my bags packed full of blessings, and hard lessons learned and wonderful memories. I'll be getting into this bag from time to time because it is full of things I will need,but I will try to keep it as light as possible, and refuse to allow those heavy ugly things inside so I will not be weighed down --I've got mountains to climb and I hear the view from the top is spectacular!

Looking forward to the view.

Does it matter?

2011-12-31T14:33:00.004-06:00

I just returned from a visit to my brother's ministry, THE PROMISE, a hands-on ministry to many families who are living in one room at a motel nearby--some live in campers behind the motel. Obviously, not the American dream that most of us share.

I watched as two little guys with guitars in hand that someone had donated,laughed and talked with my brother (who they call "Pastor Dave")and I saw their faces light up when my brother told them that his son-in-law was going to give them guitar lessons- for free!

Sometimes we can do things that seemingly are insignificant, but they MATTER. I looked on my brother's wall in the office there, and he had framed a quote that my Dad once said:

"I'M TIRED OF BEING GOOD AT THINGS THAT DON'T MATTER."

I love that thought--a great one to carry in 2012 as we plan to make all sorts of changes.

God help me be good at things that MATTER, and lay aside those insignificant changes that are not worth my time, energy or money.

My resolution for 2012: To spend my time, energy, money and thoughts on things that matter.

Two days before New Year's Day (better known as the LAME DUCK SESSION)

2011-12-29T09:32:00.005-06:00

Here I am, two days before the New year and counting-- planning my resolutions for the year ahead,but I dare not begin a single one of them as I am experiencing what I like to call the "Lame Duck Session"-- that week after Christmas and before New Year's day where I would gladly begin a healthier diet if it weren't for all the leftover sweets and creamy food I prepared.

I don't want to begin a daily devotional on Dec. 28th that is set to start on Jan.1st and risk getting the days all jumbled up...might throw off my Mojo.

Getting organized a few days early may prove to be overwhelming, so rather than risk failing at every resolution I have made (on paper) before the New Year arrives in all its glory, I've decided to begin my planning during my otherwise Lame Duck session.

I'm strategically planning for several of my resolutions--all of which end in the same goal
-"To be the best me- closest to what I was created to be."

There is NO WAY I can attain the goal of fulfilling what I was created to be without first seeking my Creator.(It would just seem silly to not be consulting Him, don'tcha think?) So part of my planning of course includes prayer time and reading His words- approaching Him for wisdom and strength to achieve the plans HE has for me.

I have a ONE YEAR BIBLE, which is a regular Bible, but it is divided into a daily reading plan (a chapter from Old Testament Beginning in Genesis, a chapter from New testament-beginning in Matthew, One Psalm and Proverb each day). At year's end, you will have read the entire Bible (cover to cover)if you follow the prescribed reading plan. You can also set up an online daily reading program from the same Bible I'm using.

Click here for the online version.

This is a discipline- and won't really be included in my regular individual Bible study (I don't want to be all rigid with my readings- I'm more of a "random" sort of girl.) It takes about 10-15 of your day depending on how quickly you read and if you are a ponderer (a very good thing to be), then it may take a bit longer.

The idea is to get these words inside of you. Get acquainted with the wisdom of your Creator--learn about history-enjoy the poetry and there's even a love story in there--the book of the Song of Solomon is pretty racy! You may find while reading it, that you would like to get to know your Creator better...and as you continue to read, and seek His face, you will! If you diligently seek Him, He will be found-- and by believing in His son, Jesus, and asking His forgiveness, and opening yourself up to HIS spirit, you will also find the power to actually put into practice the things you find within the pages....and then the peace-that passes all understanding enters into your life.

Wisdom comes when knowledge and faith are intertwined. Wisdom will save you from many sorrows. Wisdom will also help you deal with sorrows that have come and will come your way. My life has been full of pretty much everything everyone else battles, but I can say I have HOPE. I am a peaceful women-- and although I still haven't got it all down perfectly, and I continue to slip up, I do feel that I am on the right track. I have a clear goal, and I am daily striving toward it. His words and the power of His spirit is what will get me there. I hope others will join me in this journey.

SO as you make your list of things you would like to change about yourself-- or plans to have, places to go, people to see, things to conquer....remember these words:

"Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness...and all these things will be added unto you."~Matthew 6:33Put Him at the TOP of your list.

Enjoy the best year yet...here's to growing--spiritually, physically, emotionally in 2012.

A time to celebrate? Seriously?

2011-12-23T08:43:00.004-06:00

My emotions are all over the place as I savor the time with my sons and daughter-in-law Sol, while wishing my other son, who is now living in California, could be with us to enjoy it. (My first time experiencing Christmas without one of my children-- and I realize many of you have done this for years- especially those who have a family member who has passed on.)

My friend Gail's son is in the hospital on oxygen, a local soldier is recovering from major injuries from a roadside bombing (losing a limb, sight in one eye and burns on his face-but is doing better thank GOD!) and other friends have children/spouses serving in the military who can't come home- many right smack dab in the middle of a war as we celebrate the season back home. Friends who have lost lovedones this month, some at the bedside now of those getting ready to cross over-- and then those whose children are fighting cancer....it's almost too much to think about. My heart aches for all of them.

But, I still celebrate. I celebrate the fact that I have a refuge--a place to go with this heavy heart, that I'm not alone and have not been asked to carry these heavy loads on my own. Some may think it's a myth or silly to believe in a Savior, but I have proven Him, over and over in my own life as He has BLANKETED me with His peace when I came before Him- belly down on the floor pouring my heart out to Him.

When words from no other could comfort me-- His words soothed my soul and made sense of things of which I had no previous understanding-- He is as real to me as my family members I can see, feel and hear. And without Him, I would be full of fear and unrest.

I celebrate His coming to earth and the change His presense made in our world. Thousands of years ago, and He is STILL touching lives. Giving hope and peace and wisdom and forgiveness to anyone who diligently seeks Him. For this reason, I celebrate the Christmas season, while lifting up in prayer, those who are facing hard days and nights.

He came to us. And now He says, "Come to me all you who are weary and heavy burdened. I will give you rest." Celebrate the Peace He has to offer. With all the fanfare it deserves!

The Christmas Confession (an annual repost)

2011-12-19T07:29:00.000-06:00

I have a confession to make.

*WARNING! After reading this you may view me differently and decide to run for the hills!

But, be certain that as always, I will try to justify my sins, because...well, that's how I roll.

Ahem.

This one goes WAY back.

I was between 3-4 years old.

My brother and sister were 8 and 10 years older than me, so I was given LOTS of love, affection and attention around the house. My siblings were much like extra parents and I was also one of the few small children in the family at the time, and I come from a LARGE family, so the doting just went on and on and on.

I guess the term some uncaring person would use to describe me was "spoiled".
(Jealous people always use the term "spoiled".)
If another baby or child came along, and I would catch my precious Momma, "oohing and ahhing" over my perceived competition, it would make me VERY jealous. So basically, I was jealous of any babies that received attention from my Momma- Attention that was rightfully mine!

ANY BABIES included BABY JESUS, I'm ashamed to say.

Momma had a large family Bible that stayed open on the coffee table.

It was always opened to the picture of the Holy Family following BABY JESUS' birth, while they were in the stable.

Especially around Christmastime, she would read The Christmas story to us. Telling the story of BABY JESUS' miraculous birth. She would tell us how she loved him.

Other families would send us Christmas cards with BABY JESUS' picture on it.

Then there were the stained glass windows in the Catholic church downtown with the blessed Baby Jesus artistically portrayed.

Sadly, rather than growing fond of BABY JESUS, I began to grow envious of the attention my Momma was paying to him. In my young mind, all I heard was "Baby Jesus this...and Baby Jesus that."

He was PERFECT! How could I compete?

Well, the green-eyed monster got the best of me. One night while my family was in the other room, I grabbed an ink pen. I had one agenda, and one agenda only. I was going to to tell this Baby what I thought about all this attention he was stealing from me, and that My Momma was MY Momma, and should just back off. He had his own Momma.

I walked closer to the bible. Looked at the Holy Baby staring up at his mother, and did the only thing a jealous 3-4 year old could do to settle the score...

I SCRIBBLED OUT BABY JESUS' FACE!

GASP! (I know.)

I dropped the pen and ran out of the room! I thought no one would be the wiser. How could they PROVE it was me?

Well, it took a few days for anyone to notice, but as I knew it would, JUDGEMENT DAY came for this spoiled little baby girl.

My Momma came to me and asked,"Sherri. Did you scribble out Baby Jesus' face in the bible?"

(me) "HUH?"

(Momma) "Sherri. Look. Last time I checked, Baby Jesus' face was fine, and now you can't see it because someone has scribbled out our Savior's face. Was it you?"

(me) "No."

(Momma) "Really? Are you sure?"

(me) "I'm sure."

(Momma) "Why would ANYONE want to scribble out the face of our Savior?"

(Me) "Because he has his OWN Mommy and I want him to leave you alone!"
And I started crying.

She smiled, hugged me, told me of her great love for me AND for Jesus, but that it was a different kind of love and I need not be jealous of Him, for He loved me too!

So, that day in my young mind, I decided I would share my magnificent mother with Jesus, 'cause it looked like He was here to stay and I was just going to have to deal with it.

And I did.

I've come along way! It is funny,though. She still has that Bible, with my graffiti in it.

Now, I don't find ANY scriptures against putting graffiti in the bible, or more specifically, crossing out Baby Jesus' face keeping me out of heaven. I've looked several times, it is NOT in there. So I think I'm good. (Pastor Mark? Are you there? What say you?)

But during this reflective week, this little "transgression" popped in my head and I thought I may need to confess it and move on.

I'm a changed person now. I'm mature. I am willing to share my awesome mother's love with Jesus, or any others she chooses to adore.

I believe I'm forgiven. And all Jesus jealousy is gone!

Momma was right.

He.is.awesome!

Do YOU have a confession to make? Come on...It will make me feel better.

Luxurious Bed and Breakfast Getaway Giveaway

2011-12-15T07:42:00.008-06:00

This is a teaser for TOMORROW'S Giveaway!

Visit my food blog, EVERYTHING IN MODERATION blog tomorrow, Dec. 16 (actually after midnight tonight) for an inside tour of this Luxurious Bed & Breakfast in Metropolis, Il. and you may win a FREE NIGHT'S STAY (up to $200 value)!

All you need to do is leave a comment and random draw will determine the winner.

MOre details and photos tomorrow...in the meantime, scroll down on the blog for some delicious rocipes perfect for the Christmas season.

See you there tomorrow!

UPDATE; THe winner is Julie Macier of West Frankfort! Congratulations, Julie, and thank you to the 70 or so who participated and left wonderful comments!

A Little Child Shall lead Them (a repost)

2011-12-05T23:00:00.001-06:00

This was one of my very first posts from a couple of years ago when I began blogging. It's also one of my first articles to be published in a regional magazine. It has always been one of my favorite "life lessons" that I learned from my children.

Many years ago during the early years of our marriage, my husband and I were preparing for yet another Christmas holiday, putting together our gift list and planning to give to a very worthy cause.

My brother had told us of a church nearby that had parked a semi-truck in their parking lot and were going to fill it with furniture, gifts, toys and clothes and drive it to a community in Mexico to be distributed to the needy villagers there.

We were struggling financially, so there were no new items to purchase, however, we had plenty of extra clothes and toys we could donate.

I went through my closet and pulled out a large pile of clothes that we no longer wanted or needed, picked out a few other items from around the house, then went to talk to my 4-year-old son about going through his toy box to give from his abundant collection of unwanted toys.

I explained to him that his toys would be going to children who may have never had their own toys and many had no parents or family to help meet their needs. We discussed how very sad their life was in comparison to ours, and although we didn't have much money, we would be considered rich in their eyes. I told him how any toys that he decided to give away would help put a smile on the face of a needy child many miles away.

I left him alone in his room so he could sort through his toys so he could choose the toys he didn't want to play with anymore. A few moments later, he emerged from his room with two contributions; a fuzzy lamb backpack full of books and a pair of "Pound Puppy" house shoes.

He handed them to me and said, " Here Mommy. Give these to those kids to make them happy."

When I saw his gift choices, I thought he had misunderstood what was going to happen to his gifts.

"Now, you won't be seeing these again, they will stay in Mexico with the kids", I said, certain that he must have been too young to understand this concept.

"I know. I don't think they have puppy shoes and lamb backpacks in Mexico", he explained.

In that moment, my entire perspective on giving to the needy changed.

Let me explain the significance of his gifts.

Each morning when he awoke, he would fill this lamb backpack, (his favorite) with books for me to read to him each day. If we finished reading those books, he would refill it. He would walk around the house wearing this backpack and would take one out and ask me to read one aloud to him. He loved the backpack, and so enjoyed the many books we would read together.

The "Pound Puppy" shoes basically never came off his feet unless we were going out of the house. He would even sleep in them! They were just white slippers with puppy heads on them but he was so attached to these little shoes.

I looked at the two gifts he had chosen to give, then I glanced at the LARGE pile of "gifts" I had chosen to give.

Mine were clothes that were out of style, didn't fit , or things I just didn't care to keep. His were the two most cherished items from his collection of treasures.

I was immediately humbled.

A four-year-old child was giving the very best he had to someone he didn't even know because he wanted to make them smile. He was HAPPY to give his most cherished possessions if it meant making life better for someone else.

I went back to my closet, picked out my best Sunday dress, with the matching shoes and purse and laid them on the top of my pile as I asked forgiveness for my very selfish "generosity".

I really had not given anything. I was getting rid of things I didn't want to help make space for the new and improved items that would soon take their place.

My four-year-old child led the way to inspire my giving from a heart of love and true compassion.

As we make our plans to give again during this season, ask yourself a couple of questions?

What can I give that would put a smile on some one's face?
How can I help lighten some one's load?
Am I truly giving from a heart touched by compassion or am I just giving my "sloppy seconds"?

Will you allow a child lead you?

The Thanksgiving Fleas....

2011-11-22T06:02:00.006-06:00

What do Thanksgiving and fleas have in common?

More than you think. Actually, you may never look at a flea the same again.
Hopefully, you'll never view Thanksgiving the same.

It's fairly easy for most of us, to rattle off a list of thank-yous during the month of November. I hear the thankful lists from children at school, and adults participating in a Thankfulness countdown on facebook,and I notice a familiar theme: "Thankful for family, health, my home, my freedom..." All wonderful gifts, indeed.

I join them in thanking God for these gifts I have been given. I have a need to be thankful for more than the obvious gifts, though.

Some days, I must search harder for the "gifts" in my day- to find a reason to give thanks for things that on the surface anyway, I find nothing good in: mundane tasks I so often take for granted. Annoying or frustrating circumstances disrupting an otherwise good day. Actually, there are things I don't feel very grateful for;things that give me reason to gripe, moan, groan and complain : Doing dishes, laundry, grocery shopping, etc. And then there's that ever-growing list of physical attributes that are changing before my my eyes that leave me less than grateful including newly appearing wrinkles, stubborn lumps and bumps on my body that refuse to leave and making clothes fit differently than they ever have before. And then I think of difficult people. You know the ones--the people that seem to take pride in making your day less than desirable--the incompetent employee who doesn't do their job that causes stress on the part of those needing proper service. The rude lady in line at the grocery store that cuts in line, or takes the last parking place you had been waiting for...or those that are never happy unless they can spread some of their misery to innocent bystanders.

And then I think of many of my friends and relatives facing horrible situations: the death of a child, a loved one with cancer, financial ruin due to job losses, couples divorcing after many years of marriage when their spouse announces, "I never really loved you." Are these same people expected to be grateful around the same Thanksgiving table as the rest of us? That seems impossible, even inconsiderate to even ask that of those struggling just to keep their head above water.

As my mind wrestles with these thoughts, I am reminded of a story of some fleas, and how this nuisance became an unexpected object of thanksgiving for some ladies facing horrible circumstances. Yes, I said FLEAS, of all things.

Corrie Ten Boom and her sister Betsy, were prisoners in a concentration camp in Germany back in the 40s.They were not Jewish, however, they were arrested for hiding Jews in their home to save them from certain death when the Nazis invaded their home during the war.

The living conditions were horrible;filthy, cramped rooms. No toilets, only monthly showers, little food, too much labor and unspeakable torture and many of them were witnessing and/or experiencing this daily, the annihilation of nearly their entire Jewish race including many friends and family members.

To make matters worse, when the ladies were moved to a new section of the prison in Ravinsbruck, the overcrowded cell happened to be infested with fleas. Corrie's reaction was understandable. "Fleas? Really, God? On top of everything else we are asked to deal with, we now must live in a flea-infested,overly-crowded room?" Her sister Betsy reminded her of the scripture in Thessalonians, "In ALL things give thanks..." Corrie argued with her vowing that she could never be thankful for such a thing. Fleas were only adding to their miserable, daily existence.

Corrie and Betsy were Christians and felt the only thing keeping any sense of peace and hope in them, was the wisdom, hope and peace they found in the scriptures. Scriptures they had read daily for many years in their home when life was good. They knew the power behind the words inspired by God many years ago had been at times, the only thing that had gotten them through rough times in the past. Corrie had smuggled a Bible into the concentration camp, and was reading it aloud to the ladies cramped inside their filthy cell, being careful to hide their bible studies from the unforgiving guards who would punish them unmercifully if they were caught participating in this illegal activity.

As the ladies read about giving thanks in ALL things, Betsy reminded Corrie that even the overcrowded room was a blessing as it allowed many women to hear the comforting words of the scriptures, when no other comfort could be found. She thanked God for the opportunity and for the situation of overcrowding which made this possible. But the fleas? Corrie remained adamant that there was no perceivable reason a flea would be the worthy object of thanks.

After awhile, the ladies noticed that the frequent cell visits from the guards (that were always unwelcomed and feared) were becoming much less frequent. This gave them more time for Bible study and prayer- and encouragement--and less of a chance for their illegal activity to be discovered and stopped, as punishments would have surely been brutal...even fatal.

Soon, Corrie realized the reason for the guards absence...it was because of the fleas. The guards would not enter their room because of them. The fleas, the very object of Corrie's added misery, was at the same time, the very object being used for not only her protection, but also for her mental well-being--as well as those around her.

Unbeknownst to her and those around her, the fleas were actually a blessing. Before Betsy knew a good reason to be thankful for the fleas, she chose to be thankful anyway, as the scripture had instructed her to do.

I thought of the "fleas" in my life. Those things for which I've never been grateful. My new wrinkles--which are actually a sign of my survival. I wept as I thanked Him for laugh lines--the years of joy they represent. My double chin that is the result of having an abundance-- I am well-fed, and then some! Those difficult people, the "fleas" that cross my path from time to time. What is their purpose in my day? "Thank you God, for the life lessons you are willing to teach me through these people. Patience, Mercy, among other valuable, eternal lessons."

My list of things to be grateful for, just continues to grow : The mounting laundry..proof that I am blessed with more clothes than are necessary." My electric bill :and our ability to pay it every month- however difficult it may be, to keep my family warm in the cold, cool during the hot humid temps, able too see in the darkness..." It's actually becoming difficult to stop the thanks giving.

My "fleas" each have a reason to be in my day. Somedays I will know their purpose immediately, some purpose of the fleas may only be known to God. But if I choose to be grateful IN all things like the scripture commands, I will survive those situations (either temporarily or for eternity) and will be at peace during the struggles, big and small that come to every man, woman, boy and girl, walking planet earth.

I am learning to practice the art of gratefulness. True gratefulness. Not just for the obvious "good gifts" I have been given (and they are too numerous to count), but also for my "fleas".

My prayer, to you God, is that you would enable me to see Your hand at work in my life in ALL things that come my way. Help me to trust You-believing that You have my eternal well-fare and well-being in mind, and Your plans for me will always result in good, regardless of the difficulties I must face along the way. Help me to not only trust You, but to thank You for the FLEAS, that carry great purpose, unknown to me.

CARDS WIN! CARDS WIN!

2011-10-28T00:18:00.004-05:00

Dear Mrs. Miller,

I will not be at school tomorrow. I've had chest pains on and off all night. Was having diffulty breathing and at one point, even lost bladder control. I was up till after midnight!

Thank you for your understanding,
Sincerely,

Mrs. Murphy

P.S.
CARDS WIN! CARDS WIN! You can read more about it here:

Stagnant Water Stinks! (a repost)

2011-10-26T04:00:00.001-05:00

I've been taking notes for awhile now. I'm noting the differences in people that I knew from childhood- some relatives,some friends- people I have known very well for many years- and how they have become different over the years.

The aging process certainly has a role in the deterioration of some of the energy and strength I witness departing the once agile bodies of those I love. I notice though, some qualities that are being lost are not due to age, but due to the lack of drive, inspiration, or hope that often times comes with age- like an unwanted stowaway on the journey into the unknown.

Now, I'm not talking about my elderly parents who are well into their seventies and have experienced more than their share of physical problems that would have killed a lesser person! I'm speaking of those who are much younger who seem to have fallen into a rut and remained there, while stagnant water filled up all around them until the smell becomes so strong, and the waters so murky that it seems no one wants to be close enough for any length of time to offer any way out.

Several years ago, I was noticing that familiar odor of stagnant waters that seemed to be too close to home. My once fun-loving personality was beginning to morph into a comfortable, safe- yet boring existence. I had begun to settle. Unmoved or inspired by much that was unfamiliar to me. My flow was blocked as I was full of fears, and uncertainties and was unwilling to move into any unfamiliar places regardless of the appeal.

I was living in stagnant, murky waters. Eventually, all stagnant waters begins to stink, and even worse is that fact that these waters become TOXIC! It becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and parasites. Polluted waters cause disease and eventually death. The very same happens to a soul left unmoved and not cleansed regularly.

There are two ways to combat stagnant, murky waters.

1. Always allow drainage.
Just as water is not meant to stay immobile in one place without flow (or to empty into a larger body of water) neither are we just to soak up all the good there is in life and not allow it to spread and move from ourselves, into the lives or bodies of others. We must take what we have been given- our talents-gifts-resources- and pour them into the lives of others. It works almost like magic- the more we give- even more returns to us. Most of us feel "drained" but it is not often because we are flowing or draining into the lives of others. We are trying to tread water in our murky, stagnant pool we've created for ourselves. It's time to stir up the muddy waters!

2. Never avoid regular cleansing. When the boys lived at home, we had a pool in the backyard. To keep this contained body of water clean, we had to purchase a filter and many chemicals that would work together daily to maintain a safe level for swimming. I'm sure as young boys,my sons (or their friends) left a "yellow stream" occasionally that could easily be swallowed up by the next unsuspecting swimmer! The strong chemicals would fight against the harmful bacteria until it would rid the danger from the pool. But then would come the fallen leaves, and bugs and other unwanted foreign objects that were not meant for a pool- it was always something- these things had to be removed quickly so further problems would not arise. Filters become clogged- bugs on the waters surface lay eggs...and the problems worsen.

My "cleansing" comes in the form of a spiritual cleansing that must take place often and immediately when "things that shouldn't be there" fall on the surface to be dealt with. The longer I wait...the more toxic the things become...the deeper the danger lies... the more harmful the water becomes to me and to those around me. One cleansing is never enough because of the constant encounter with destructive elements. The cleansing must become regular and thorough.

If you should find yourself treading the murky ,stagnant waters, ready to go under for the last time, you must decide to remove yourself from the rut....start moving- and begin your cleansing.The first step you take is the most important- the step you take towards Christ.

Allow the movement to become a flow. Start the cleansing and drainage process.

Don't allow another day to become routine and all about you. Step it up. Give of your time- your talents- your resources- flow into the life of another. Stop standing still. MOVE IT OR LOSE IT!

Present yourself for a cleansing before your Creator who desires nothing more than to allow you to enjoy the best this life has to offer without guilt and shame, and fears and regrets -Allowing you to feel refreshed, renewed, restored ,healthy and hopeful. We are washed clean in and by the blood of Jesus.

"If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceived ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." I John 1:7-9

Jesus calls Himself the Living Water, and whoever drinks of this water will never thirst again.

What a wonderful trade.

This...

For this....

It's kind of a "no-brainer"...don't you think?

Well ,hello there....I've been anxiously awaiting your arrival ( a repost)

2011-09-23T04:00:00.001-05:00

Autumn is my favorite season; my hands-down favorite.

I love everything about Autumn. The look, the smell, the sounds, the food, the clothes...for those of you that are summer-lovers and just can't let go, let me provide some visual stimulation and plead my case for voting Autumn the number one season.

Gorgeous, colorful changing leaves in hues so calming -contrasting nicely against the blue sky.

The Feel

Stiflng humidity has gone, leaving a breathable, comfortable temperature suitable for outdoor rest and recreation that does not leave one dripping with sweat while trying to catch your breath . Evenings requiring a jacket that keeps the cooler air at a comfortable distance from my skin.

The smell

I so enjoy the smell of burning leaves (in moderation) they scream FALL IS HERE!

Simmering pots of soup on the stove,

Apple pies baking in the oven....

ahhhh, Autumn, you are too good to me.

Scented candles burning filling my home with scents of the season.

The Decor

Pumpkins and wreaths and leaves and warm colors scattered throughout porches in my neighborhood. Scarecrows, corn stalks and hay bales add to the comforting homey Autumn scenes.

The Clothes

Jackets and sweaters

and more material to cover up my ever changing body! Finally time to wear those boots I purchased!

The activiites

Football games to attend-

hikes in the woods-
sipping cider on the front porch while enjoying a good book .

Visiting Local Pumpkin Patches with small children

Attending craft fairs,

Raking leaves and watching children jump in them.

The food

Hearty Soups and stews.

Homemade breads.
Crisp apples and fun fall foods

Warm casseroles to feed a brood of Irishmen.

The benefits

Saving money on the electric bill by turning off the AC!
Hair that is actually manageable now that the humidity is gone.
Snuggling on the sofa while watching a a good tearjerker.

I realize that Spring is quite spectackular, and winter holds the best holidays, and summer is full of vacation time and lazy days, but honestly, I think they're all jealous of Autumn.

Autumn in her quiet glory- reminding us all the endings can be a marvelous thing- if we take the time to notice the beauty and enjoy the moment.

So....clothes DO make the man....(or “What NOT to wear”)

2011-09-22T06:37:00.005-05:00

(from the Bible study last night in my home)

Read through this set of scriptures, and try to get a visual for what is being said:

Colossians 3:5-145 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.[a] 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11 Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythia, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”New International Version (NIV)

Before we put on anything new (verses 12-14), we must remove the old (verses 5-10).
We can't just “cover up” the old . How silly it would be to leave on our old clothes and put the new garments over them! We would still see parts of the old showing through. It would be very uncomfortable, and why on earth would we wear something OLD when we have something NEW to show off?!
We must REMOVE them, and REPLACE them with the new "garments"!

Jesus chose for us “new garments” which will fit perfectly, and NEVER WEAR OUT!
He doesn't force us to wear the new clothes, however, ...He says, “clothe yourself”. And also tells US to “put to death” those old habits and sins.

The power to destroy them is through Him, however, it is our choice –He doesn't do it for us. The Holy Spirit was sent as our HELP-er—not the DO-er. He will HELP us put to death the old sin nature and the ugliness that came with it. He will also HELP us put on the new, beautiful garments He has chosen for us.

The clothing we choose to wear daily is strictly our OUR CHOICE. We must CHOOSE to clothe ourselves in His finest garments.
At times, an old grungy pair of shoes or jeans is appealing to us because they have become comfortable. Our bad habits and sinful nature often feels “comfortable” as well.

However, once we put on something new, and we try them out, walk around in them, wear them a few times- break them in—they feel “right” and also become appealing-not only to us, but to those around us. The new garments become a part of our new wardrobe and style-our “signature look”.

I love the last part: “Put on love, which binds them altogether in perfect unity.”

LOVE is the perfect accessory! It looks good on everyone, goes with everything, One size fits all and it never goes out of style!

So, this morning, and every morning, as you look through your closet for something to wear, let it serve as a reminder to CLOTHE YOURSELF in the beautiful garments He has chosen for you to wear--but don't even think about leaving on those old ones---let's support each other as we put to death those old smelly garments that only weigh us down, trip us up and eventually will destroy us.

PUT TO DEATH:
sexual immorality
impurity
lust
evil desires
greed, which is idolatry.
anger
rage
malice
slander
filthy language
Do not lie to each other

PUT ON:

compassion
kindness
humility
gentleness
patience
forbearance
forgiveness
LOVE

THIS WEEK'S PRAYER: Lord, help me to be aware when I leave on my old, dirty clothes I thought I had removed, and help me destroy my old ways that are not pleasing to you. Remind me to put on the new garments you have chosen for me to wear as I face the day—so I may be prepared for what ever, and whomever crosses my path.

I'm on the air...Goodwill Hunting

2011-08-05T06:39:00.005-05:00

Today I will be interviewed LIVE on WINI 1420 AM on the program SOUTHERN ILLINOIS ON THE AIR with Lori Libby, 1-2 pm.

For those of you who didn't know, I have a little past time called thrifting, I affectionately refer to my frugal finds as a "Goodwill Hunting" trip because, yes, my trips often include shopping the local GOODWILL store.

This is really more than a hobby or a money saving venture, it is a mentality--living below our means, that at one time seemed embarrassing to many, but now I have people asking for my secrets when they compliment my home, or my outfit, etc. and I tell them how little I spend.

I am been asked several times to speak on this lifestyle (and I get paid and everything! )

And yes, there ARE tips that help you become successful and save yourself some big bucks and your sanity!

You can LIKE my GOODWILL HUNTING page on facebook, to receive regular updates, tips, ideas and see photos of recent finds.

You can listen HERE LIVE online from ANYWHERE in the world today from 1-2 Pm (CT)and hopefully become inspired to live on less.

"Just what DO you do?"

2011-08-03T07:40:00.009-05:00

I've been asked this question many times. I am involved in many things and sometimes folks tend to think I'm everywhere and involved in everything (sometimes I feel the same way). So I just thought I'd answer the question here, and then I'd also like to pose the question to you here, as well. Just what do YOU DO? I think it will be interesting to see your passions, and career choices.

I'll go first:

I am a public speaker.I encourage others to rise above their situations and try on a new outlook. You can learn more about that on my Murphy's Law website.

I am a free-lance writer. I write regularly for two seasonal publications, Good Living In Southern Illinois and Good Living in West Frankfort.

I handle the Marketing for MORTHLAND COLLEGE in West Frankfort. *I landed this part-time position after months of promoting this college I believe in on facebook. I love to promote my hometown, and this time, it paid off in more ways than one for me!

I work as a Teacher's Aide in Special Education. I worked in a room for children with behavior disorders for many years, then I tutored children , and finally began working with autistic children.

I volunteer in many different ways.

I created the REDBIRD READY program in our school district and work alongside some WONDERFUL people using the donations generously given by community members to meet the need of school children (clothing, school supplies, fees, etc.) so they can be ready for the school day.

I've been involved with the American Cancer Society's Franklin County Relay For Life for many years (as event chair, co-chair, team captain, committee head, and team member.

And a part-time hobby is running the community page on facebook for my hometown, WELCOME TO WEST FRANKFORT. It is my personal page that promotes and highlights people and business within my community, as well as weather reports and other events and newsworthy items to share.

I also have a weekly Bible Study in my home that will resume later this month.

I am a mother to 3 grown sons, a new MOTHER-IN-LAW to one fabulous girl! I'm a wife of 29 years to Big AL. I'm a daughter, sister, aunt, great-Aunt, cousin and friend to a wonderful bunch of people.

Now, I'll spare you the list of all my hobbies...it goes on and on and on!

So, this is what I do. Now, you know.

SO, JUST WHAT DO YOU DO?

Upcoming Speaking/Singing Engagements

2011-08-03T05:00:00.000-05:00

Below I have listed a few of my upcoming speaking/singing engagements. I will keep a current listing posted on this blog and a link will be provided on my sidebar.
VIsit my website at www.MURPHYSLAW.yolasite for more info.

Saturday, Sept. 17
Women's Health ConferenceJohn A. Logan College, Carterville, Il.

I will be speaking at a break-out session on the topic of THE HEALTHY MARRIAGE.

Saturday, Sept. 10Singing at the Tanner-Bowers Wedding
West Frankfort, Il.

AUGUST 15
First Christian Church, West Frankfort, Il.

Speaking at the BACK TO SCHOOL PRAYER RALLY on behalf of the REDBIRD READY program (designed to get needed school supplies, clothes, shoes and funding to children to get them ready for back to school)

AUGUST 5 1:30-2:30 pmSpeaking LIVE on WINI's talk show (SOUTHERN ILLINOIS ON THE AIR) with Lori Libby. *You can listen to the LIVE STREAM online from ANYWHERE!

JULY 14 6 am and 6:30 am
WSILTV3 Morning News show"CHILLIN AND GRILLIN" segment

Preparing a couple of no-cook recipes "Lazy Berry Salad" and "Pineapple Salsa"

Click here to view segment.

July, 13 NoonWest Frankfort Chamber of Commerce Luncheon
Speaking on behalf of the REDBIRD READY PROGRAM which provides school supplies, clothing and other needs to ensure that kids in need are READY for school in West Frankfort, Il.

Sunday, July 3rd, 10:30 amFREEDOM CELEBRATIONWhittington Church, Whittington, Il.
Singing during the morning service as we celebrate our heritage, and give honor to those who sacrifice to serve and protect.

Friday, June 24,9 pm
Franklin County Relay For Life (American Cancer Society Fundraiser)
West Frankfort, Il. City Park

I will be walking to raise money to help stop cancer, and will also be singing AMAZING GRACE during the touching Luminaria cermony.

Sunday, May 22
Singing
Mini-Concert of old, inspiring, timeless Hymns.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH in Johnston City, Il. during the 10:45 worship service. If you are in or around the area, would love to see some familiar faces there. I will be singing some old hymns, with a bit of a new arrangement for each of them.

Sunday, May 1st
Speaking at the COMMUNITY OF FAITH Ladies Spring Banquet
12:30 pm
"Mirror, Mirror on the Wall" Seeing ourselves through God's eyes.

Friday, April 29
Speaking & Singing at the LADIES SPRING BANQUET
McKinley Baptist Church
Harrisburg, Il.

MARCH 7
THOMPSONVILLE GARDEN CLUB

Speaking about my mission trip to the village of Lagosette, Haiti and how these precious people inspired ME!

On Sunday, March 20, I will be singing at COMMUNITY OF FAITH CHURCH in Marion, Illinois at the 10:00 am service. My brother, David Maragni will be bringing the message. Click on link for directions.

Saturday, March 26 8:30 am-2 pm
Speaking at GAM Women's Conference
SIU Conference Center
Carbondale, Ill.
I will be speaking on the topic of Marriage: "If you H.U.G. him and K.I.S.S. him, you'll bless him and keep him."

*For more info on conference, visit www.gamwc.org

Friday, Feb. 11
Singing at Helia Healthcare Valentine's Sweetheart Dance

Saturday, February 26 1:00-4:00pm
Speaking at a FREE Couponing 101 class At the West Frankfort Public Library conference room
*Rachel Taylor will be bringing the presentation on Extreme couponing, and I will be presenting my tips on "GOODWILL HUNTING" (bargain shopping, sales, thrift stores, yard sales, etc. )

For more information on my speaking or singing engagements, please visit my website:
www.murphyslaw.yolasite.com

SILLY SATURDAY DORKIEST PHOTO CONTEST

2011-07-30T06:03:00.014-05:00

GOOD NEWS/BAD NEWS:
First, the BAD NEWS: You are about to view a bunch of dorky photos.

GOOD NEWS: I know ALL of these people personally, and NONE of them are dorky in real life. They all learned how to fix their hair, they've memorized some fashion tips and now they all lead happy, successful lives! (So no need to pity them)

And...ONE of these dorky people is about to enjoy some DELICIOUS, HOMEMADE FOOD
IFThey are chosen as THE DORKIEST PHOTO on this page!

We need your help.

Study the photos closely. Then vote for your favorite. Then go tell your friends and family to come and vote for their favorite.

The dorky photo that receives the most votes (in the comments on this blog), will receive a homemade meal (if they live in my hometown) OR homemade cookies mailed to their door, if they live out of town.

Voting begins now, and ends tonight at 9 pm. Central time.

GO ahead...make someone's Dorky day! VOTE!

(Feel free to log in as "anonymous")and leave the name of your favorite dork in the comment section- and any comment you'd like to add.

1. Meet "Jane", our first contestant.She's the one standing front and center sporting the ever popular, Steve Erkle look. Wait a minute- EVERYONE in the photo is sporting the SAME look! But we're only voting on Jane today. (This photo could easily take the prize for the highest amount of dorky people in one photo.)

2. Meet "Tonette", contestant number 2. She's proud to have the highest bangs the eighties ever gave us! 2 cans of hair spray and 1 hour of teasing later, she posed for this pic.

Meet Contestant number 3, "Dr. Tim" No one would have suspected that this fine fella would have gone on to greatness and not only become a medical Doctor, but he also founded his own college!In graduate school, they suggested he "lose the gold chain" and from then on, the world was his oyster!

Meet "Denise", contestant number 4. Tiny Denise was trying to look as cute as possible in her new short do. Which may have been a "don't", however, she learned early on about the best styling options, and has gone on to be a gorgeous 50 year-old with a great DO!

Meet "Karen", contestant number 5. Speaking of hair "don'ts"....I present to you THE MULLET. Nuff said.

Meet "Mr. Romero", contestant number 6. You never know when a Mardi Gras party is gonna break out, so it's always best to be prepared.

Meet "Tracy", contestant number 7. Tracy is the classic example of why you NEVER--EVER attempt a home-perm.

Meet "Lisa", contestant number 8. With her velour top, large-framed glasses and short do/don't, she was a great representative for "what not to wear". However, back then, you know she was stylin! (And today, she's a little doll!)

Meet "Disco Danny", our 9th contestant. SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER was his favorite movie, and he was happy to sport his Disco-wear line at the elementary school. Later he became BBQ sauce KING, but has been known to break out the disco pants when the mood strikes.

Our 10th contestant is "Mr. Williams." The well-dressed third grader who KNEW he was destined for greatness, and decided to go ahead a dress the part! I heard he made his classmates call him "Mr. Williams" and was sent to the office when he demanded that his teacher do so as well. It was while he sat in the Principals office that he decided he wanted to be a man in power. His subsequent success dates back to this photo.

Our 11th contestant is Julie. Cute little face hidden by yet another hair
don't". As an adult, she sports a very short DO!...Live and learn. :)

Contestant number 12 is little Judith. Grown-up hair and grown-up teeth just making their debut, Judith was happy to have this photo taken. (But later admitted to trashing all she could find.) Her mother of course, still had one! ;)

And last, but certainly not the least dorkiest, is me. This is NOT a perm, this was God's work right here. SO watch it when you are tempted to make Bozo jokes. He doesn't take kindly to His handiwork being heckled! BUT NO VOTING ON MY PHOTO I only threw it in to show I was just as Dorky, and a good sport.

So, THANK you to all my Dorky friends who threw vanity to the wind and shared their dorky photos with the rest of us!

Remember--VOTE! And send all your friends here. LEAVE A COMMENT--that is your vote!

Hey- a girl can dream...and I just so happen to have a few (repost)

2011-07-19T05:00:00.001-05:00

(Jordan Murphy Photo)

I have a dream that one day every child, in every nation will lie down in a comfortable warm bed, with a full belly and surrounded by the love of their family.

I have a dream that the intelligent minds of the world would grasp the importance of listening to the cries from the hearts and souls of those in need.

I have a dream that every adult would realize the importance and power of their words when landing on little ears.

I have a dream that one day the importance of teaching self-sacrifice and reaching out to others will top the lists of parental lessons passed down to their young.

I have a dream that one day we will not wait and rely on governments and leaders to begin the aid to the elderly, the poor and those who are sick, but we will first start the giving, assistance and healing and let them follow our lead.

I have a dream that one day our leaders will lead from their hearts, and not political agendas, and poll ratings and labels and fears.

I have a dream that one day every human will feel the love of their Creator and know their worth as a Divine creation of the Master's hand.

I have a dream that one day we will all decide that we will not be ready to leave this earth until we have made a difference...a change... a positive impact, a lasting impression that will forever benefit someone other than ourselves or our own.

PMS for Dummies (a repost)

2011-07-08T07:06:00.002-05:00

*I wrote this a couple of years ago, and it still applies, however,I now have begun phase one of the journey into menopause, or better known at my house as MEANO-pause. Meanopause is basically the same as chronic PMS so I felt that it was my civic duty to educate and warn men or other innocent bystanders of what is happening to the women around them. Wherever you read the word PMS, you may also insert the word MEANOpause, because they are basically one in the same.

I must ask all my readers, especially men, to put on a hard hat before reading any further....I'll wait. Really, it is THAT dangerous here today...

Pastor Mark- all I can say is I'm sorry. But you can probably benefit from this too. Although you could probably write this post having raised 3 daughters and being married all these years. ...and Big Al, you KNOW this is really written for your benefit, so you might want to print this out and keep in in your wallet.

YOU KNOW there will be a test! ahem.

Alright class. You have all now entered the PMS Zone, and I am willing to give each of you a free tutorial as I will be addressing the age old problem of PMS, and the wonderful females who are forced to live with it- and the men who love them.

I've got some good news and some bad news regarding PMS.
First, the bad news.

There's no escaping it! If you live with or near a female in the age range of 12 and 50. The worse news is, after age 50 or so,menopause takes its place and I hear that menopause makes PMS look like teddy bear!

Although, there is no known vaccine for your protection guys, (We'll make sure one is not invented so we don't have to suffer alone), there are some strategic moves that can be practiced on your part that may lesson the severity of the outbursts, and keep the damage limited to only a few minor cuts and bruises.

I just noticed the striking resemblance in these two pictures...I bet Big AL could tell you which week this photo was taken!

First of all, there are a few things you need to realize. Men, listen closely. Nuggets of gold being shared here today for free. Are you taking notes?

1. IT IS VERY REAL! It's not all in our head. It's in our heart, and head, and our bodies.

2. It feels horrible. Something like having your brain and heart strapped to a roller coaster...that's being run by one of the circus carnies that look like they've just escaped from prison!

3. It makes us want to slap people. Sometimes, innocent people.

4. We may cry for no reason. All day long. Many days in a row.

5. We can easily love you one minute, and plan your death the next. (You may need to sleep with one eye open, or at least keep your hard hat on!)

6. Our emotions SOMETIMES can become uncontrollable. ahem.

7. We MAY tend to "blow things out of proportion." Best advice is to wait it out... much like a tropical storm. Hunker down- duck and cover. You're pretty much powerless at this point. You may be one of the lucky ones who lives to tell about it.

Not that I have ever acted out in any of the aforementioned ways, but I've heard that other women suffer from this horrible syndrome- so I'm speaking strictly on their behalf. Ahem. (HUSH Big AL!)

Then there's a few things you should do during this time:

1. Keep lots of chocolate in the house. The bigger the candy bar, the better. None of that cheap stuff either. We girls get kinda' "picky" during this time as well.

2. Just nod along when we are talking. Don't ask questions! Even innocent ones. Trust me- you're better off with fewer words. WHAT YOU SAY CAN AND WILL BE USED AGAINST YOU! And will be on file for MANY years to come!

3. Give us extra shopping money. Credit cards, with unlimited spending...

4. Watch LIFETIME and don't complain about it.

5. Shower us with compliments- especially about our slim figures (Rent the Movie Shallow Hal if you think you can't fulfill this request)

Then a few things to NEVER do, Under ANY circumstances during this week:

1. NEVER, I mean NEVER EVER ask us if we have PMS!!!! Especially during one of our rants!

2. Don't leave sharp objects or any weapons laying around the house in plain view.

3. This is not the time to bring up budgeting, housekeeping skills or lack thereof.

4. Never recommend taking us for therapy or counseling-unless you want EVERYTHING YOU'VE EVER DONE FOR THE LAST TWENTY YEARS to resurface and be microscopically analyzed.

And men, for those of you who are still clueless, here's a list I found to help you say what you need to say during this most difficult time:

The safe way to say things

DANGEROUS: What’s for dinner?
SAFER: Can I help you with dinner?
SAFEST: Where would you like to go for dinner?
ULTRASAFE: Here, have some chocolate.

DANGEROUS: Are you wearing that?
SAFER: Gee, you look good in brown.
SAFEST: WOW! Look at you!
ULTRASAFE: Here, have some chocolate.

DANGEROUS: What are you so worked up about?
SAFER: What did I do wrong?
SAFEST: Here’s fifty dollars.
ULTRASAFE: Here, have some chocolate.

DANGEROUS: Should you be eating that?
SAFER: You know, there are a lot of apples left.
SAFEST: Can I get you a glass of wine with that?
ULTRASAFE: Here, have some chocolate.

DANGEROUS: What did you do all day?
SAFER: I hope you didn’t overdo it today.
SAFEST: I’ve always loved you in that robe!
ULTRASAFE: Here, have some more chocolate.

(Thanks to http://www.funtasticus.com for the safety tips for conversing with a woman during PMS.)

Okay, now that all of that is out of the way, I'm gonna' go lie down, eat some chocolate, turn on LIFETIME and suggest that Big AL come in here and read this post. You know, just for kicks...or maybe to avoid some.

Okay ladies, it's your turn. Tell the men just how you feel! Can you add anything to my list of dos and don'ts?

Men, am I making any sense? Have you learned anything here today?
(It's okay, I know you're scared. Keep your words few, and mail me some chocolate, and all will be well.)

Another tip: Google "PMS". You'll be overwhelmed.

Disturbing Test Results

2011-07-06T08:26:00.010-05:00

Yesterday while cleaning out drawers, closets, etc., and making great strides in a job I HATE to tackle, I was talking on the phone with my mother, and she mentioned that the verdict for the Casey Anthony murder trial was about to be read, so I decided to stop what I was doing and listen in while taking a well-deserved break.

I normally read my news online- a conscious decision I made a few years ago to save my sanity- but I have also been following the story of this precious little girl whose life was ended tragically,too soon. I followed the courtroom coverage and was pretty certain I knew what the verdict would be.

My reaction? My jaw dropped...my head began spinning...my heart sank. My head was instantly filled with legal questions, and moral questions. I love finding answers to things I can't figure out on my own, but no "answers" were satisfying. I would Google, and read and ask those who should have answers for their thoughts to make it all make sense to me. It never did (still doesn't). THEN, after at least 2 hours, I realized that I wasn't going to the right person for the answers. I needed to go straight to the top,to "THE Counselor" of all Counselors. But I chose instead to take the long route....which caused blood pressure spikes, fear and discouragement, and I waited to go to the top only after nothing else satisfied me. (I HATE it when I do that!)

Starting at the top (through prayer or searching the scriptures for answers) always brings me peace (and I could have probably finished cleaning the whole house had I not been so caught up in "injustice" in the wrong way).

I think our knee-jerk reactions are a way we learn that there is still plenty of work to be done in our hearts. "Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks." said Jesus (Matthew 12:24).Listening to our own words is like having a heart check-up--we get to see what is buried deep inside that we may not know is there until something causes it to surface- just like a heart symptom that would warrant a visit to the E.R. Yesterday I had an echocardiagram, of sorts,and found some disturbing results. My heart needs some fine-tuning. A heart-healthy regime that needs bumped up a notch or two from the regular routine. Today I begin to get back on my reg. healthy "diet" which does NOT include watching the news, but instead listening to the One who knows exactly what my future holds, and trusting that this God I serve,who is just,will keep my heart at peace as I follow along the pathways He has set before me.

It is His wisdom I seek today. And His forgiveness for allowing my heart to be filled with things never meant to reside in a heart of one that desires to follow after Him.

So today, I implore you to follow his instruction. Turn off the news and seek wisdom from the scriptures: Philipians 4:8

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

Walking in Freedom

2011-07-04T07:24:00.003-05:00

~Photo by JORDAN MURPHY

We are walking in Freedom today on paved paths that were previously covered in blood, sweat and tears.

I for one am grateful for those who came before me and paved those paths so my steps could be much lighter and quicker than even they could have imagined them to be.

Celebrating my freedom on this Independance Day.

Murphy Marriage: The Good, The Bad and the Ugly

2011-06-20T22:03:00.014-05:00

We're celebrating 29 years together...and they said it wouldn't last!

When you marry very young ( I had just graduated from high school- still 17, my parents had to sign for me), you quickly realize that the odds are not your favor of ever becoming an old married couple.

Not only are the odds not in your favor, most people frown upon such a "unwise" decision.

Well, all I have to say to that is..."what do THEY know?"!

29 years after the fact, I now teach classes on marriage, sharing from my own good, bad and ugly attempts at wedded bliss. I think it's important to share not only what works, but what doesn't! And I've actually learned more from what doesn't!

On June 26, Big AL and I will celebrate our 29th anniversary! Yes, we started young, and began adding to our family just two years after that, then every three years we added another son until, by the age of 27, I already had three sons!

Looking back, although we had many struggles, I have no regrets of marrying so young.

There are many things I wish I could do over, though, if given the chance, but we all know that is impossible, so I can only choose to do the next best thing, which is learn from my mistakes and try not to continually repeat them...on purpose, anyway. ;)

I think we have a very happy marriage--not always an easy one- and yes, there were times over the last three decades that it would have been very easy to say, "I'm done, here." But a feisty Italian girl and a mild-mannered yet stubborn Irishman have always realized that we had much more going for us than anything that could ever destroy us--and we fought for what was rightfully ours--a good relationship!

Don't think we are just "lucky". Nothing could be further from the truth! NO relationships (whether it involves spouses, friends or business partners) ever lasts 3 decades without some major work on both sides. Happy marriages don't just happen- they happen on purpose. And yes, it takes two.

Our strong points include that we are still physically attracted to each other (and no, that's not shallow. It's important.) We try to keep the attention of each other, and that is done ON PURPOSE. There are all sorts of ways to keep the interest even after 3 decades...see photo below. ;)

Yep! I think we were off to a good start!

Gotta fan those flames!

*This photo was taken on Valentine's Day this year. I made a Chinese dinner for the two of us, complete with music, Asian table setting and I wore a kimono.

Let's just say... the evening was a success.

This sure beats hamburger helper served in a tattered tee and sweatpants, dontcha' think? It's those "intentional" moments that are appreciated.

More importantly, we respect each other. We are VERY different personality types, which can open us up to lots of friction at times.I think he's too quiet, he thinks I should be quieter.(Like that's ever gonna happen!)

Guess what? It ain't gonna happen! THIS is the way we were created and also is one of the things about the other that attracted us. Although it's still frustrating at times, we can see the perfect balance of our opposite personalities. God knew what He was doing when we brought us together. We need the balance. It's actually a wonderful survival tool.

The older we get, it is much easier to overlook things that really are of no consequence.Does it REALLY matter that he leaves the toilet seat up in the middle of the night? Well, yes it does if mine is the rear that hits the cold water , however, that can be easily remedied with a simple prank that doesn't require a nagging comment from me. Nagging is much easier, but usually doesn't change much. We intentionally, look for ways to laugh at things that could otherwise make us really angry.

We learned the importance of arguing without hateful comments. (It CAN be done!) And we've both learned to hold our tongue when a tongue-lashing would only cause more pain and or scarring. (Big AL is much better at this than I am!)We argue much less than we did when we were younger. And when we do, the duration is short. And no, I'm not a 100% tongue-holder- still working on that one. But I can call myself an 80% tongue-holder. (95% on a good day.)Not bad for a peri-menopausal woman!

We also enjoy making each other happy.NO "looking out for number one" here. I serve him, he serves me. SO much more rewarding than hoarding for ourselves.

We've learned to VALUE each other.

If you believe that each person on this planet was created in the image of God (even if they are now unrecognizable from the initial created intent), it is much easier to see their value as a one-of-a-kind creation. Anything we value, we take care of-protect-give a special place-esteem highly. There were times when I didn't see his value- his worth- especially if I thought he was wrong! The more I dwell on his worth, the easier it is to take good care of him. I WANT to serve him. I want to be gentle with him. I want to protect him. He is not replaceable. I don't want to lose him, or damage him. And yes, I believe I have the power to do both.

We take vows seriously.

We vowed to love, honor, cherish each other, forsaking all others... till DEATH do us part! Why would we bother saying that if we didn't intend to keep those vows? And when and if our feelings change, do the vows then become void?

If I sign my name on a home mortgage because this house was "everything I always wanted!" and then later, I find that I need a bigger one, a better one, one with more features I deserve, can I just stop making the mortgage payments and walk away?
Well, I CAN, but I will pay a big price...for many years to come.

I am bound to an oath I signed. A promise I made to be faithful in fulfilling my oath. Our feelings wane from day to day. One day, I feel the love so strongly I could burst! But there have also been days in the past I thought to myself, "What was I thinkin'?

The commitment to the vows we made, "For better or worse", can sometimes be the very glue that keeps us where we belong. I want to be a woman of my word. Not a woman who is blown around by every wind. I am proud to be called a faithful wife.My husband has no worries- he knows I can be trusted.

THE BAD: There were times when the boys were growing up and Big AL worked long hours and was exhausted when he was home, and I resented him for that. I felt as if we were cheated on quality time spent with him. I felt that too much pressure was on me as the disciplinarian as well as the many other roles I didn't want to fill. My resentment caused me to be miserable at times. And you've heard the old saying...
"If Momma ain't happy, ain't NOBODY happy!" Well, I'm
ashamed to say that was probably true more often than I'd like to admit.

Only later in our marriage did I learned to live by the philosophy, "It is, what it is." Deal with it.

If you never take away another tip from an old married lady, put this one in your pocket. RESENTMENT IS UGLY!strong> It looks good on no one! It is a detriment not only to relationships, but to souls as well. It is a cancer that will devour any living thriving cells in its path. It is the beginning of the end. It leads you down a path going no where. Well, actually, all paths lead somewhere- resentment leads to a path of all things bitter. WHO in their right mind wants a life full of bitterness?

When I decided to forgive and let go of disappointments and unfulfilled expectations,
I finally was able to enjoy my marriage fully- maturely, as it was intended for me to enjoy it.

I can honestly say that I LOVE my husband-with everything in me! We have a physical bond as well as an emotional and spiritual one. We share a love for our Creator and Savior and that has always brought us even closer. The Bible says that a "three-strand cord is not easily broken." So we work on building those "cords". We are bound together in body, spirit and souls. Rather than shredding the cord by picking apart everything about him that drives me crazy, I want to continue to strengthen that cord- In every possible, conceivable way.

Ours is not a perfect marriage, but a loving one. It is strong-s even stronger as the years go by.I feel very blessed to have the relationship I have with my Big AL. God knew exactly what I needed. He is a good balance for this otherwise "off-balanced" lady.

And yes, 3 decades later, I get butterflies when I see him. I do still think he HAWT!I choose to be with him over others. I want to grow old with this same man I have grown up with.

To you, Big AL--may we enjoy many more loving years together as we continue to strengthen that cord.
That cord becomes a lasso, luring the other even closer.
Happy Anniversary! My love. My life. My better half. My soul's desire.

To My Father

2011-06-14T07:17:00.000-05:00

I wrote a poem to my Father to try to articulate just how powerful the example he set for me was in regards to the relationship I now have with my Heavenly Father. I've shared it before, but am sharing it again in hopes that a Father will read it and be inspired to be such an example.

My relationship with God the Father was strengthened by the example you set.

I know Him as my provider, as you have never failed to meet any need that was within your power to grant.

I know Him to be forgiving as you chose to look beyond my faults and give me another chance...and another one...and another.

I know Him to be all powerful as you have shown me how even you will move heaven and earth to fix any problem that would cause me harm.

I know of His wisdom, because you have enlightened me through His written word so I could understand what is best for me.

I know of Him to be patient as you have tried to teach me the same things over and over, sometimes years of trying until I finally "got it"!

I know of His compassion as I watched you reach out to the lowest of the low,and to those who were down and out and "undeserving".

I know of His joy as you have passed along your wonderful sense of humor to me.

I know Him as my protector as I have always felt safe knowing that you are around and that NOTHING will ever come between the two of us.

I know of His Peace because you have always been a refuge for me when I'm in need- I can always run and hide in your strong arms.

I feel the love of God in ways many will never know, not only because you have continually pointed me toward Him, but by your example as a Father. I know Him as One who takes pride in His creation and enjoys my company. I can feel His delight in me, and I know I am a treasure. Not because of who I am, but because of whose I am.

I am a unique creation of the Most High God. Valued highly and I am not replaceable.

Thank you, Dad, for giving me this priceless gift.

Happy Father's Day.

I love you.

Oh, to be known as a REPAIRER of BROKEN WALLS

2011-06-12T13:43:00.008-05:00

"If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger & malicious talk,& if you spend yourselves on behalf of the hungry & satisfy the needs of the oppressed,Then your light will rise in the darkness,& your night will become like the noonday.

The Lord will guide you always.He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land & will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose water never fail.

Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins & will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called the Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings."
~Isaiah 58:9-12

I want to be called a "Repairer of Broken Walls"--Building up-not tearing down.

Through my recent kitchen fire and our subsequent "displacement"...God has been teaching me beautiful lessons on the importance of ridding myself of the things in me that will eventually "smell" and could cause harm if not thoroughly cleaned and removed, before rebuilding/restoring.

And also reminding me that although things look too badly damaged to the untrained eye, an "expert" can, in fact restore them. Walls CAN be rebuilt that will be stronger than before--a FIRM foundation is being built, not only in my kitchen, but in my heart at the same time.

Thank you, Lord, for speaking to me through Your Word, My Pastor, and my fire and for Your willingness to use us, though we have been sometimes badly damaged before the tedious work of Your amazing restoration.

I am humbled and ready to be known as a Rebuilder of Broken Walls.

Use me.

*Thank you, Pastor Mark Minor for reminding me of this beautiful promise today in our service.

NO Compromise

2011-05-14T11:46:00.001-05:00

~By Pastor Mark Minor

There is a slippery slope we encounter when begin to accept certain ideas as truth. Or that all ‘truth’ is equal. When we cease to believe that some thing are ‘wrong’ simply because they are ‘wrong’... or that our values must be adjusted to accommodate the newest poll out declaring Americans have changed their minds and no longer believe what once was— we fall into the trap of ‘compromise’ and the newest term for a sell out of values, what some call ‘political correctness’.

We live in the ’can’t we all just get along’ generation. The ’intelligentsia’ of our day have somehow elevated those who chose to be ’uncommitted’, independent’, and ’tolerant’ as the purest lifeforms on the planet. To be non-partisan is, in the minds of these cultural gurus, the highest form of social nirvana.

Sorry, I can’t go there.

Though it may sound lofty and sophisticated to those without a spiritual anchor, the Bible is very clear: there are things that are ‘right’ and there are things that are ‘wrong’. There are stands to take that no amount brow beating from Katie Couric, David Letterman or your college ethics professor should ever sway you from.

It is GOOD to be partisan.

I love to hear others opinions. I think I truly listen. Often times in a ‘board meeting’ or group discussion I will say to those on the ‘other side’ of me— ‘Convince me’. Often they have… both by their passion and their reason. And when convinced, I change my mind. I call that ‘growing’. In fact, the word we translate as ‘repent’ in the Bible is the Greek word ‘metanoia’ which literally means to ‘change ones mind’ or to ‘put on another mind’. You see, I was once very ‘wrong’— I was living a life of wrong attitudes and selfish beliefs. Somebody was willing to ‘debate’ me on the decisions of my life and convince me that I needed a change of direction. I ‘repented’… and to HIM I am eternally grateful.

Back to my point… there is no courage in compromise. There is no virtue in having ‘no opinion’. Even Jesus said “I wish that you were either hot or cold, but because you are lukewarm, I am going to spit you out of my mouth. Much of what stands as admirable today is nothing more that a spitwad’ in the mouth of the Savior.

If you stand for nothing, you will fall for everything.

The King of Judah— a man named Ahaz— was trembling in his sandals because of the news reports coming at him from all sides. The reports were ‘It’s over for you’! His enemies were coming at him from all sides. The Bible actually reports that the fear was so intense that “the hearts of Ahaz and his people were shaken, as the trees of the forest are shaken by the wind”.

Have you ever been there?

So God sends the Prophet Isaiah to Ahaz. The message from God to the leader of Judah is the same message, in my opinion, we need to hear today. Looking Ahaz in the eye, the Prophet spoke into his spirit these words from God:

“If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.’”

Look friends… we are prophets to this generation. If you spend your time with your finger in the air trying to figure out which way the winds of culture are blowing, you are irrelevant. An emptying voice in the desert. These are times to have and hold to truthful convictions. Don’t be ’bamboozled’ into ‘trying to get along’ with those who are diametrically opposed to you. There is no ‘middle ground’. There are no artful compromises for the things that matter. There are two side— and you are on ONE of those two sides, whether you know it or not.

Do you know what a prostitute is? It is a woman without convictions or commitment. Do you know what a Christian is who doesn’t HAVE and HOLD TO their convictions and commitments? Yeah… that’s right!!

I have firmly and passionately held convictions— based on my study of the ‘Code’ I adhere to called the Bible. I believe I am right… otherwise I wouldn’t waste my time (or yours) filling your ears with empty rhetoric. And because I believe I am ‘right’, I believe that others are ‘wrong’. Some, desperately and wickedly wrong. With these, I have no interest in finding middle ground. My interest is to (get ready now) DEFEAT the influence of these conflicting ideas.

There are, for sure, different depths to our opinions. If you want to talk about who is the best baseball player in the majors (Pujols) or the best plants to landscape your yard with (knockout roses), the best computer to buy (used to be Gateway but now probably Dell) or who I should vote for (usually Republican but always pro-life)... Well, let’s talk. Maybe I’m wrong! Convince me!!!!

On the other hand, I have core opinions that are deeper, indelible, not open for argument, uncompromising. My faith in Christ, my commitment to my family, my love for my country. Talk all you want. Call me any name. Site the newest opinion poll showing me out of the mainstream. Quote a thousand ‘experts’. Won’t matter. I will not change. My beliefs— at this level— are rock solid. And whether in the name of ‘political correctness’, ‘going along to get along’, bipartisanship or ‘tolerance’… I ain’t movin’!!!!!

But some have been convinced that we are not to hold on too deeply to anything. I disagree. Having differences of opinions is not wrong. It’s good. It’s Godly.

If ‘coexist’ was the plan of God, Jesus would not have died. In fact, he probably would have saved himself the trouble of the trip to planet earth and just ‘FedEx-ed’ our redemption.
But for Jesus, conquering sin and it Author (Satan) were literally ’a hill worth dying on’!

I teach psychology classes for our local junior college. Recently in a class, I brought up the topic of the Civil War as an illustration concerning complex cognitive issues. One of the students chimed in that the Civil War was such a waste of time and life. “They should have just sat down and talked, negotiating their differences and finding a compromise. “In fact”, she added, “all wars ought to be that way”. “Nice thought”, I responded “but real life doesn’t work like that” In fact, it cant. There are things worth fighting for— ‘hill’s worth dying on.

I’m not suggesting that wars are ’honorable’ or ’glorious things’. They are not— they are hell. But it is incredibly naïve, even deceitful, to think that compromise can end all conflict. Most times, compromise only serves as a catalyst to increase the certainty and severity of the conflict (think Neville Chamberlain, Hitler and WW2).

We must clearly articulate what it is we believe. We must not be discouraged or deterred by the opinions or the polling data of ‘man’. We must understand that life is a conflict not a compromise. We must face the fact that there are people with opposing ideas that are out to enslave and/or destroy us. And most importantly, come what may, we must accept that there are ideas worth giving our lives to and for. And ’hills worth dying on’.

As Jesus clearly showed on his hill… called Calvary.

*My Pastor , Mark Minor, shares a weekly Sunday post here. If you have a question or topic you'd like him to discuss, please leave a comment.

Ring One Up for a Wedding

2011-04-30T21:29:00.003-05:00

(Photo by PVT Jordan Murphy)

~ By Pastor Mark Minor
I have to be honest, I am not at all caught up in the hoopla surrounding the royal couple— I think their names are William and Kate, aren’t they. I am, on the other hand, extremely excited about all the hoopla concerning the reason for the ‘hoopla’: a wedding.

If we are to believe the prognosticators of our current culture, marriage is an antiquated Judeo-Christian superstition we have finally out-grown. But if we pull back the shroud and dig a little deeper, we strike closer to the truth. Despite the bad press, marriage is alive and well in the hearts of young and old alike.

What’s that you say? No way?

Yes, way!!

William and Kate may be the most current ‘actors’ on the stage… but the real ‘star’— the reason for the tears and cheers and world wide attention isn’t just two young people in ‘love’… but ‘that they are GETTING MARRIED’. It’s the marriage— regardless of the cost of the dress or the glamorous location or the number of congregants. It is that these two individuals— a man and a woman— have chosen to exchange vows and tokens of pledge and entered into a covenant in front of God and witnesses. It’s that they will publicly commit themselves one to another. Til death do they part!

Whether they will keep their vows is another matter. But one that, honestly for the sake of our discussion today, doesn’t really ‘matter’. The fact is they felt the need… even the desire… to get married. They could have just slept together (maybe they have) or moved in together or thumbed their noses at such an ‘outdated convention’ as Holy Matrimony and had an ‘open arrangement’. Instead, they chose to get married.

Now mind you, I am not naïve to the onslaught against marriage. Marriage has indeed taken some hard knocks in the last few decades. Despite these givens, It’s just that I’ve been in the ministry long enough to observe that deep pensive look in every bride’s eyes. While she may be willing to move in with some guy she thinks she might love someday… and might be willing to exchange her physical intimacy for a few “I love you babes” uttered from the lips of Prince Somewhat Charming, I can tell you just as sure as anything I know— I have seen that look. This girl’s hope and dream is to someday ‘be ‘married’.

Still doubt me? May I quote Ted Koppel from 30 years ago as the then ‘royal fascination’ focused on another couple: Prince Charles and Diana. Koppel sums up beautifully the truth about ‘marriage’. He spoke, concerning THAT royal wedding, these words:

"Today’s marriage between Charles and Diana was ... a hugely magnified version of what most of us hope for, the idealized beginning of what is meant to ripen into the perfect partnership of a man and a woman."

Well said, Ted!! I like that— “What is meant to ripen into the perfect partnership of a man and a woman”.

None of us were meant to go through this life alone. We ARE INDEED LOOKING FOR A PERFECT PARTNERSHIP! And God’s creation of the institution of ‘marriage’— the cocoon that holds the couple as they incubate into mature adults— has never been more needed. Or more misunderstood.

Interesting, isn’t it, the words of Creator God as he is painting this masterpiece we call life. After every molecule was hung with perfect care, God looks out over all that he has made and utters these immortal words: “It is not good’!”

What’s not good, God?

“It is not good for man to be alone”.

Do you understand that ‘sin’ and Satan had not yet entered the picture. How then, can it be that God Almighty is declaring something ‘not good’. And that ‘not good’ thing wasn’t a misshapen rose or the sun without it beams, a monochrome rainbow or some gorilla gone wild. No, it was that man was alone.

And so, God created woman, performed the first wedding ceremony there in the pristine beauty of Eden, and then sighed with a sigh equal to the corporate sighs of every woman watching the most current ‘I do’s’. With more pathos that we can imagine came His benediction at the end of the ceremony. God uttered these words: ‘Now It is VERY good.’ And now, Adam, you may kiss your bride. And now Eve, you can get lost in the arms of the man whose rib I used to fashion you.

‘Ripen together’!

Yep, that is what we all desire. Someone to ‘ripen with’.

Sex doesn’t ripen. It’s an explosion, not a ‘ripening’. And no doubt, many are on the look out for their next explosion. Which of course, is indicative of the problem. There is always the need for one ‘more’… the next ‘better’ experience. Which cause earthly mankind to always be on the look out for the next ‘best thing’. Usually another person. How sad.

I pray William and Kate have found the ‘best thing’— each other— and therefore will not have to be on the look out for the next ‘best thing’. If they ‘ripen together’ they will wake up each morning lying next to their ‘best thing’ and they will realize that their dream has been fulfilled.

Til death do they part.

Tired of seeing pics and hearing of Jesus dying on the cross?

2011-04-23T07:53:00.002-05:00

Bear with us.

He came so "that we would have life, & have it more abundantly".
He died so that we could be free from the grip of sin.
He arose so that we also could live forever.

I don't know of anyone else who did that for me.I can't keep silent!

There have many good men come & go from this earth...NONE who stood in the gap and gave their lives for the very same people who despised and rejected them.

Those who continue to mock him- laugh and joke of His great sacrifice- roll their eyes at another mention of His name....His blood was shed for them.

Those who continue to dismiss His words and wisdom as archaic and non-relevant for a modern culture...His blood was shed for them.

Those who continue to angrily shake their fist toward the heavens and curse His Father and those attempting to follow His teachings...His blood was shed for them.

He didn't play the Political games- not even with the religious "leaders" of His day.

He came here on a mission:

"To seek and save that which was lost."

"Not to be ministered to, but to minister. And to give His Life as a ransom for many."

Mission accomplished.

A "ransom" is the price demanded for the release of those held captive.

Once the ransom is paid, the captives are FREE!

We are celebrating our freedom. We are no longer chained and bound nor are we captives to sins that rule our hearts and ruin our lives and the lives of those around us.

We have a hope. And that hope brings peace. And a peaceful heart is full of strength. And a strong heart brings us joy. And a joyful heart is like a medicine. And medicine heals our bodies and minds.

So bear with us. We've much to celebrate.

~Sherri

It was a GOOD Friday

2011-04-22T10:51:00.002-05:00

Betrayal, violent beatings, blood shed, torture, endless mockery.

What could possibly be good about this Friday?

It is called Good Friday, because it was on this Friday, an innocent Man, humble and loving, gave up his life and stood in the gap for all mankind and offered his life as a ransom for our sins.

Christians around the globe today will be focusing on His unimaginable sacrifice.

His short time on earth while spent serving, and healing and aiding all those he came across, has sparked more controversy than any other religious leader even THOUSANDS of years after His death.

A Man who came spreading the gospel of PEACE , but to this very day is hated and mocked by so many.

My life has changed because of Him.

His words have become life-sustaining for me. Words from a Man I've never met. Words so powerful that my heart would suddenly find peace, when no peace could be found otherwise.

His words of wisdom guiding me when I had no idea where I was going.

His words showing me how to love, and help and heal.

His words of Peace, calming my troubled soul.

His words of encouragement causing Hope to rise up within me.

His sacrifice providing for me the opportunity to be freed from chains that bind me.

His love making it possible for me to stand before a Holy God, washed clean, covered by His blood.

This is my tribute to Him, on this VERY GOOD FRIDAY.

*If you have 4 minutes, you can be reminded of his sacrifice on this HOLIEST of ALL DAYS. Although this video does contain some disturbing scenes, it is a beautiful glimpse into his life and ultimately his death that changed the world forever.

36 hours changed our world as we know it

2011-04-10T08:11:00.003-05:00

~By Pastor Mark Minor, Whittington Church

Time: Thursday Morning

Location: Bethany, a small village on the back side of the Mount of Olives and a 3 mile walk to Jerusalem

The rooster crowed at early dawn, awakening Jesus from what would be his last ’sleep’ on Planet Earth. Seems only fitting that the last time Jesus would lay down his head to sleep would be in a borrowed bed in the home of his very good friend Lazarus. He had arrived on earth in a borrowed bed… he would depart in the same manner.
Undoubtedly he knew of the events about to unfold. It was the day of Preparation for Passover. Shortly, he would direct Peter and John to go to the home of an acquaintance— probably the home of a young follower named John Mark— and prepare an Upper Room in their home for the 13 men who would dine together there that Passover eve. And so all was ready…

Time: 6PM Thursday evening (the beginning of the Jewish day)
Location: The Upper Room

Jesus shares a last meal with the men he chose. Earlier, he washed the feet of all Twelve of his Disciples. Now, while dining, Jesus tips the hand of the betrayer Judas and quietly dismisses him into the Jerusalem night.
Transforming the Passover observance into a Memorial Meal with his startling pronouncement, the remaining disciples nod and question but barely understand. And then it was night.

Time: 9PM Thursday evening
Location: Garden on Gethsemane

Jesus and his Eleven disciples journey to the familiar location of an olive press on the side of the Mount of Olives. There in a grove of trees, Jesus prays while his Faithful sleep. Then mob arrives, and all chaos breaks out. The sign of the Kiss identifies the target. The soldiers arrest him and Jesus is hustled to the High Priest house for what would be the first of the four interrogations Jesus would endure during the next 12 hours in route to his final destination.

Time: 9AM Friday morning
Location: The Judge’s Seat at the Governor’s Residence

A mock trial at the High Priest’s home… to the brutal taunting of King Herod soldiers… to the scourging of Pilate… all led the tired, bloodied Son of God to hill called Golgotha. He carried his cross as far as he could. And then he was nailed to it. Stripped of his garments… he was hung between Heaven and Earth.

Time: 3PM Friday afternoon
Location: A Hill called Golgotha

From almost noon until now, a spiritual darkness covered Jerusalem. Cries of pain and loss were mixed with jeers and mockery. Around 3PM, the Man in the Middle cried from his Cross “IT IS FINISHED’. And so it was! The Earth shook, rocks exploded, the Temple curtain was torn. Jesus, the Son of God, was DEAD!

Time: 5PM Friday afternoon
Location: A Pathway from the Hill Golgotha to a nearby tomb

Prying the nails from the dead hands and feet of this ‘Savior’, an odd parade of people formed the funeral procession to the gravesite. A Pharisee named Nicodemus and a rich citizen named Joseph struggled to carry the lifeless corpse down the hill and along the quarter mile or so path to an empty tomb. Alongside were a gaggle of weeping women: mother Mary, Salome the mother of James & John and a ’lady’ of Magdala… also known as Mary. Arriving at the cave, Joseph hastily wrapped the body, Nicodemus spread the 75 pounds of spices over the dead man… and the large stone wheel was rolled in front of the tomb’s door. Rest in Peace!

And now we arrive at a most incredible period of time— the time Jesus spent buried in the Tomb. The next 36 or so hours are perhaps the most blessed, mysterious and precarious time span in the history of the Universe. All Heaven sighed. All Hell cowered. All Humanity hung in the balance of what would transpire in those 36 hours.

Time: 5:30PM Friday evening
Location: The Tomb of Jesus

Most of what we know about those 36 or so hours Jesus’ body was inside the tomb comes to us, not from the Gospel accounts but from the Holy Spirit inspired writings of Peter and the author of the book of Hebrews. Two particular incidents provide a window into the marvelous workings of salvation and grace occurring during these 36 hours. Let’s take a look…

The earthly body of Jesus may have been resting in the Tomb, but our Lord Jesus was very busy in the Spirit as he fulfilled the logistics of our Salvation. In Hebrews we read of what seems to be a journey of Jesus to the Tabernacle of Heaven.
Hebrews 9:11 But when Christ came... he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. 12 He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.

24 For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence.

Is it possible that during the 36 hours while Jesus’ body was laying dead in the Tomb, while the Priests of Jerusalem were bringing the sacrificial blood of the Passover lambs to the earthly Temple, that Jesus was entering a Heavenly Temple with his own sinless blood (the blood of the Lamb) to make the ‘once for all’ payment for our sins?

YES!!

Then there is the passage in 1 Peter 3 that suggests another destination of Jesus during those 36 hours while his earthly body was in the tomb:
18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. 19 After being made alive, he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits— 20 to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built.
Is it possible that during the 36 hours of Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday morning, Jesus had a speaking engagement… making proclamation to ‘imprisoned spirits? Seems so.
Without any guessing, this we know for sure. Sometime early Sunday morning, to the cheers of Heavenly chorus, the moans of the demons of Hell, and the inexpressible gratitude of a lost human race LIFE flowed back into the cold dead body of a sinless Son of God. Weeping was turned to dancing. Jesus rose from the dead!

Time: Easter 2011
Location: Planet Earth— with its wars, earthquakes, financial downturns and sorrows.

He is still Risen! He is still Alive! And Jesus truly is Lord of All.

Handling Those Who Would Hinder You

2011-04-03T07:54:00.000-05:00

A Trowel and a Sword: Handling Those Who Would Hinder You
~By Pastor Mark Minor

Jesus looked out over the crowds of people in his day and, with a heart of compassion, rendered a rather sad opinion. He saw the people as ‘harassed and helpless… like sheep without a shepherd’ (Matthew 9:36). Hasn’t changed much in 2000 years, huh?

In the midst of every sort of ‘twist and turmoil’ writhing all around us, it seems very clear to me we need one thing: a leader with a vision.

Enter Nehemiah!

‘Vision’ is an amazing thing. It can rally people to do incredible works… both for good and for evil. I am old enough to remember Pres. John F. Kennedy, who on September 12, 1962 uttered these ‘visionary words’: “We chose to go to the moon. We chose to go to the moon in this decade and do the hard things…” On the shoulders of this challenging vision, inspiring the necessary technology, it was accomplished on July 20, 1969. Neil Armstrong fulfilled JFK’s vision, doing the heretofore unthinkable, leaving man’s footprints on our moon. ‘Hard things’ DONE… all because of a vision.

Vision and leadership, however, is never without its critics. Those who would douse the fire of vision with the waters of doubt, ridicule, condemnation and accusation. Satan’s tactics all— requiring a heart of courage and a willingness to SPEAK the vision.., and SEE the vision through.

Nehemiah was a waiter in the palace of the Persian king. As God often does, he touches the hearts of the inconsequential and gives them a vision to accomplish the monumental.

Nehemiah received the report from an eyewitness. “The walls of Jerusalem are broken down and it gates burned with fire’. This tragic news stirred vision in the soul of the waiter. “The walls and gates of the Holy City— my Holy city— must be rebuilt” mused Nehemiah. “And I will do it!”

God gives the vision… and finds His leader.

May I ask you a question? What are doing for God? If you are not a ‘believer’ then let me rephrase the question… What are you doing that is hard, challenging, seemingly impossible, and beneficial to the ‘harassed and helpless? Are you the Shepherd or just one of the ‘bleating sheep’?

Nehemiah made the 600 mile journey to Jerusalem. Vision ‘births’ plans… and God works to accomplish His visions in numerous ‘coincidental’ ways. So it was with Nehemiah. And now he lays eyes on the true task before him.

So what was the biggest task facing Nehemiah? Was it ‘laying the stones to build the walls’ or ‘summoning backbone to confront the onslaught of the critics’? I would suggest for Nehemiah, for you, and for me… it is the latter. Fulfilling vision, accomplishing great tasks, upsetting ‘status quo’ will ALWAYS be meet with the ‘slings and arrows’ of the critics. Nehemiah had his share and we can learn some valuable lessons for ourselves if we investigate how this ‘upstart waiter’ handled his.

I don’t know if the schemes of our critics always work in the same ‘order’ as we are about to see from the book of Nehemiah, but I sense they often do. The types of attacks our enemies use are calculated to rise in intensity and perversity. In other words, if one attack doesn't succeed in defeating us, the next ploy will raise the stakes. All toward the end of destroying the vision.

Notice one important point. When a true leader speaks out their vision, the ‘harassed and helpless’ people will ‘join in’. Nehemiah laid out the vision, explained the situation, and inspired the poor impoverished inhabitants of ‘broken down Jerusalem’ to unite with him in this great endeavor. It was to their benefit to see the walls built and the gates restored. And now God had raised up a leader they could… and would… follow.

Maybe you are that ’leader’ to the ones around you?

The first wave of attack from Nehemiah’s critics there on the ground in Jerusalem went like this:

NEHEMIAH 2:19 But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official and Geshem the Arab heard about it, they mocked and ridiculed us. “What is this you are doing?” they asked. “Are you rebelling against the king?”

The first prong of attack was to ‘QUESTION MOTIVE’. Salted and peppered with doses of ridicule and mocking, Nehemiah’s critics sought to back him off of this great task by attaching self-serving motives to the goal of rebuilding the wall. To question the status quo or to try to improve something is often criticized in this way. It happens in politics, happens in business, happens even (or especially) in the church. ‘Who do you think you are?... What authority do you have to question that which ‘is’? Upsetting someone’s ‘applecart’ is most often viewed as ‘rebellion’. So is helping the poor and downtrodden. Those who don’t have the vision or the courage to tackle great challenges will usually bristle and buck when someone comes along who does.

When the first round didn’t work, the enemies of the vision ratcheted up’ the criticism aimed at Nehemiah: here comes PUBLIC HUMILIATION! In other words, go public with the intimidations in an effort to humiliate. Bad ‘press’ has shut down many a dream and discouraged many a leader. But not Nehemiah. With a trowel in one hand and a sword in the other, he and his team continued the work.

NEHEMIAH 4:1 When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became angry and was greatly incensed. He ridiculed the Jews, 2 and in the presence of his associates and the army of Samaria, he said, “What are those feeble Jews doing?

Your critics may go public. They may start the ‘gossip chain’… use Facebook… even letters to the editor of local papers or media outlets. Increase the ‘crowd’ to increase the pressure on you to ‘give it up’.

Don’t!

Tactic number three is insidious and devious… downright dirty: the FALSE FRIENDSHIP TRAP! It usually works like this. Pretend to be a friend, to see the light, to act like you are ready to give up and get on board. All the while, the trap is being laid. Sabotage is in the air.

For Nehemiah, the invitation came this way.

NEHEMIAH 6:2 Sanballat and Geshem sent me this message: “Come, let us meet together in one of the villages on the plain of Ono.” But they were scheming to harm me;

How many politicians… how many ministers,,, how many good men and women have been laid low by this old trick of deception. Like a fly into the spider’s lair, if we are not wise enough to recognize the motives of our enemies, we will get sucked in. And brought down. Vision dies when the leader is compromised.

Five times Nehemiah was invited to their cocktail party. Five times they sought to wine and dine the man of God. And five times the man of God was not intimidated or seduced.

If your goal in life is to be liked by the pundits and ‘establishment’, then forget about being a leader. But if your goal is to be respected and accomplish the task, like Nehemiah, then don’t read their newspapers, don’t listen to their worthless opinions… and don’t accept their invitations.

The most vicious of all attacks is the one that comes from within. Julius Caesar, as the knife was plunged into his heart by a friend and confidant, uttered these famous words: “Et tu Brute”? Or as translated from Latin ’You too, Brutus’. BETRAYAL is the ultimate form of wickedness. Death by friend! There is no lower low. As, of course, Jesus himself, experienced.

NEHEMIAH 6:10 One day I (Nehemiah) went to the house of Shemaiah son of Delaiah, the son of Mehetabel, who was shut in at his home. He said, “Let us meet in the house of God, inside the temple….

We know little of Shemaiah from the Bible other than the fact that Nehemiah trusted him enough to go to his house and visit him. And that the enemies of Nehemiah knew of this friendship and paid blood money to Shemaiah to seek to trap and betray the man of God.

Nothing hurts more in the relationships of man that when friend betrays friend. Yet it happens. It happens all the time. Just visit the bookstore to see the ‘tell-all books’ written by ‘trusted friends’. The ’bribe’ (or book advancement) is often stronger than the friendship.

Regardless, Nehemiah’s commitment to his vision and his uncommon ‘backbone’ enabled him to stand even in the midst of betrayal. The enticement of a ‘so-called friend’ did not deter him from the God-born vision and goal.

It should not deter you either.

Satan (and our critics) live in a house of straw. We must remember this. For when you take up the vision and, in the midst of withering criticism, accomplish your goal, something amazing happens.

NEHEMIAH 6:15 So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of Elul, in fifty-two days. 16 When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God.

When ‘visionary leaders’ rise up, the wicked and persuasive will attack and rail. When leaders succeed, the wicked run and hide. They are, after all, hollow men with no heart or soul. You, on the other hand, are the temple of God.

Rise up and lead. The ‘harassed and helpless’ are waiting on you.

So, what are YOU reading?

2011-03-20T06:15:00.003-05:00

~By Pastor Mark Minor

13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.

2 Timothy 4

A couple of years ago, my dear sister (in the Lord) Sherri Murphy offered me the privilege of hosting a weekly sort of ‘Ask My Pastor’ column for her daily blog entitled ‘Matter of Fact'. She assured me that her readers would send in hundreds of questions, that my writing would be read by thousands upon thousands of people… and that I would receive a considerable ‘stipend’ from her for my efforts.

*'Scuse me Pastor Mark--I don't recall offering the stipend....

Well, the check is still ‘in the mail’… I’m not really sure if Sherri’s readership is in the ‘millions’, the ‘hundreds or thousands’, the thousands or just a few of her ‘off the beaten path’ hillbilly relatives (those that can read and have electricity, that is).

*'Scuse me, Pastor Mark, but now the family is really MAD! We are Italians, and you know what that means...we have connections!

And the Biblical or pastoral questions ended after about the third week. Which may be my fault since my answers aren’t always clear, concise or aligning with the theology of most ‘normal’ pastors. Regardless, I have loved and continue to enjoy writing my weekly effort. I trust a few others may too.

Today, I offer an interactive challenge of sorts.

Like many of you, I love to read! I won’t go to the doctor or dentist office without a magazine or book. I can’t eat a meal without something alongside my cheeseburger and fries. Jeff Bezos (founder of Amazon.com) and my credit card are on a first name basis. When I watch television, it is always with a book on my lap (what the young folks call multi-tasking). And when I’m desperate, I read the back of the Crest toothpaste box when using the.. Uh.. ‘facility’.

God created us with an inborn need for ‘word’. We don’t have time now, but one of the most incredible aspects of human development is the innate need/ability of children to speak and be spoken to. The God who is WORD… created us in His image… to also consume ‘WORD’.

I am, of course, talking about the book of God’s Breath known as the Bible… but not just! The Scripture passage referenced at the beginning of this article presents an interesting picture. You see, Paul had been to the city of Troas (also known as Troy). For some reason, he had left his ’books’ there (scrolls and parchments)… and now he is asking to get them back. We know Paul was a studied and learned man. Partly because he was a Jew and a Pharisee who had studied under the leading professor of the day— Gamaliel. Also because he quoted Greek poets when speaking to Greek audiences (Acts 17).

Paul was a reader…

OK, back to my ‘interactive challenge’. Really more of a question…

I like to find out what other people are reading. I don’t have to agree with everything I read– in fact, sometimes it’s good to read someone you disagree with just to get their views or perspective.

So…. What books have you read that have had an influence or impact on your life? Recently or not so recently. Or maybe a book that has captured your interest or challenged the way you think. I will give you a few of my mine.

If you read this list and have a chance to respond, I would appreciate a few of your…

Master Plan of Evangelism (Robert Coleman) An book I read three decades ago but a wonderful study of how Jesus’ life impacted the world.

Eternity in their Hearts (Don Richardson) Presents the idea that God writes His plan of salvation in many places because he loves all of us equally— those who have the Written Gospel and those who understand the ’good news’ from other avenues.

Valley Forge (Newt Gingrich/ Forstchen) How close we came to never becoming a country. This novel recalls the sacrifice of the colonialist and the messiness of allegiances of that day. And gives insight into the man whom, I believe, was a Divine instrument for America’s destiny.

The Great Divorce (C. S Lewis) The author whose books have become the movie series ‘Narnia’…. Mr. Lewis writes of a bus load of souls from ‘hell’ and what they experience as they travel to the ‘bright’ homeland of God and saints know as Heaven.

The Twelfth Iman (Joel Rosenburg) Newest novel from Rosenburg, who gives a unique perspective into the Mideast affairs.
Rosenburg is a Jewish Christian who worked for the CIA and who knows more than he can tell about what is really going on.

Love Not the World (Watchman Nee) A short but awesome classic that really helped me to understand the true Biblical meaning of ‘the world’.

Evidence that Demands a Verdict (Josh McDowell) Classic book on the reasons why we can believe that Jesus is the True Son of God. Understandable and chocked full of facts and insights.

Love to hear from a few others about some books that you liked. I still have a little room in my ‘book budget’ to buy a new volume or two... and I’m interested in what others are reading. Like You!!

What’s in a name? Plenty.

2011-03-13T08:38:00.002-05:00

~By Pastor Mark Minor

“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose. By any other name would smell as sweet. (William Shakespeare from Romeo & Juliet)

Some years ago, my lovely wife gave birth to our twin girls. We named them Emily and Sarah. For a while anyway. But before long both Pam & I came to the same conclusion. The name ‘Sarah’ just didn’t seem to fit this six pound thirteen ounce person of flesh we were holding. Don’t ask me why— we don’t know. All I can say is that before we left the hospital, Sarah became Erin… and to this day we are confident about the correctness of this ‘change of name’.

Names are important. Amazingly important. God is all about names.

Take a moment a glance through the passage below, if you would— and identify with me a few thoughts concerning ‘names’.

Psalm 147:4 He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name.

One would think it would be a daunting (and meaningless) task… to name all the stars. Why would God care? I don’t know— except that this Creator God is obsessed with ‘names and naming things’. Think of it, according to Psalm 147:4 God not only created the trillions of stars in the universe— He named each and every one of them. No one would cares but Him.

Which ought to tell us something.

And consider this verse:

John 10:3 The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep BY NAME and leads them out.

The Good Shepherd Jesus is speaking to his disciples. He lets them in on a little secret. That secret: Jesus knows the name of every one of us… and he calls us by that name. How amazing— most often I can’t remember the name of my five children, but Jesus remembers and speaks the name of every single one of us. No mistakes… no ‘hey you’s… no brain lapses… just that wonderfully satisfying exhilaration we know when ‘someone important’ remembers our name— and then speaks it aloud. And this ’someone important’ really is.

Mark 5:8 For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you evil spirit!” 9 Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “My name is Legion,” he replied

Even those, it seems, on the opposite side of Christ are afforded the ‘respect’ of being called by their personal name. No derisive ad hominem attacks or vulgar slurs. When Jesus addresses the demonic force that has captured and controlled the personality of a man from Gadera (see the verse above— Mark 5:8) he demands the ‘name of the spirit’ before executing judgment. “What is your name” Jesus asks? ‘LEGION’ the spirit responds. So we see that even Jesus’ enemies are named and identified.

So what does it all mean— this infatuation with ‘names’ that our God seems to have. A lot—I think!

God loves us and identifies us as INDIVIDUALS! God ALWAYS treats us as INDIVIDUALS. With God, You are YOU! In a world that wants to herd us into one common ’stall’, our God is always liberating us to be the Unique YOU that you were created to be. That why the name is so very important. If God takes the time to name the lifeless stars of the universe, how infinitely more valued and important is your name to the Heavenly Father. YOU, who was made in His image and likeness.

What a beautiful picture of the value of each individual person is found in the parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:5). Jesus leaves the ‘safe and accounted for’ sheep to find the one individual one that is lost. And when found, the ‘Shepherd’ hoists the sheep up on his shoulders rejoices over him. A true celebration of the value of the individual.

Luke 10:20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

Most important fact of all: There is a book of names… kept in Heaven and known as the Book of Life. Yes, there may be a thousand John Jones’s or Mary Smith’s on the list but don’t sweat it—the God who names the stars can sort it all out. Regardless, it is our NAME in the Book that will determine our eternal destiny. ‘Rejoice’ Jesus said,,, ‘if your name is found in the book’.

It is. I do!

Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?

2011-03-06T09:47:00.003-06:00

Our ‘Towers of Siloam’

~By Pastor Mark Minor

“… Those 18 who died when the Tower of Siloam fell on them— do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? (Luke 13:4)

Recently one of my daughters had a miscarriage at twelve weeks of pregnancy. She and her husband were excited as this would be a second child and they had already experience the passing of a daughter. But it was not to be…

An Amish family was attempting to cross a creek in their home area in Kentucky when the strength of the current became too strong. The carriage flipped over— four children drown.

A vibrant, active, healthy twelve year old young man from our area contracted a virus. The virulent infection has result in him lying comatose in a hospital bed— his once normal life and future now hanging in the balance.

Three examples among millions of things that happen every day to the inhabitants of planet earth. Sometimes the sad tragedies are the results of our own (or someone else’s) obvious actions and choices… but at other times these events just seem to ’happen’? We try to make sense of it all— but can we?

During the earthy sojourn of Jesus, people— including his disciples— questioned him about such things. For example, in John 9, the disciples and Jesus were walking down a road when they encountered a man who had been born blind.

“Teacher, who sinned, this man or his parents that he has been born blind?”

“Neither…” was the reply for the Savior.

*We often try to equate bad ‘luck’ with ‘bad behavior’. In other words, “if something bad happens to someone, there must be a reason. The ‘bad thing’ (in this story— the blindness) is simply the inevitable payback for the misbehavior of the person. But the Bible doesn’t really teach that there is a ‘hook-up’ between ‘good times’ and ‘good behaviors’. In fact, it teaches the opposite.

Jesus said that his Father causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good… and sends the rain on the righteous and the unrighteous (Matthew 5:45). The Psalmist reminds us that the evildoers sometimes prosper (Psalm 92:7), bad men and cheats seem to avoid many of hassles that good people have to bear, and, and… well— IT JUST DOESN’T SEEM FAIR!!

It may not be ‘fair’— however I don’t think you will find the idea of ‘fairness’ in the Bible either. As humans we like to think that everyone will experience the same amount of ‘good’ and the same amount of ‘bad’… the same amount of ‘pleasure’ and the same amount of ‘pain’. The Bible does not, however, promise such ‘fair-ness’. Some people, indeed, have heavier crosses to bear’. Jesus told us that ‘here on earth we would have many trials and sorrows’. He was right.

There will be justice and there will be reward. But not always here on earth.

If life is wrought with a heavier share of hardships and unfairness for some, then how are we to understand the tragic things that happen?

I don’t know that we always can.

How do you explain to a heart broke expectant mom... or a family who, in one awful moment is left with for empty beds? How do you explain that everyone else’s children recovered from their childhood ailment but your child barely clings to life and may not?

There may not always be a reasonable answer. While I believe it is theologically correct to say that God knows everything that is going to happen, I’m not sure that we can ever explain, this side of Heaven, WHY it happens.

A tower fell down one day in the Jerusalem suburb of Siloam. (We know nothing of the accident other than it is mentioned in Luke 13). Eighteen lives were lost in the tragic accident as the tower toppled over. Some may have been in the tower… others simply passer-bys walking in the wrong place at the wrong time. Certainly none of those who lost their lives that day planned to be under the tower that moment. It just happened.

Jesus questioned his disciples “do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem?” Then he answers his own question: NO!

Was Jesus telling us that sometimes bad things happen in this world that lack for any reasonably sane answer? Was Jesus telling us that we live in a broken world and therefore are subject to it’s dangerous and unfair consequences? Was Jesus clueing us in to a great cosmic mystery that sometimes we can’t explain or attach meaning to stuff that happens— we just have to accept it and go on?

Yes, I think so!

I don’t have to like it. Nor do I have to invent some exotic rational as to why stuff happens. As hard as it is, sometimes I just have to accept things I can’t understand.

And keep on walking by faith in the things I can.

When you feel helpless, hopeless, overwhelmed, discouraged, weak, "off-track".....

2011-02-27T07:57:00.002-06:00

(PV2 Jordan Murphy Photo)

I just feel the need to share this today. ~Sherri

Sometimes, I "feel it"...other times, I don't. When I feel discouraged, overwhelmed, very weak and like throwing in the towel, I flood my head/heart with TRUTH from the scriptures.What I see and am experiencing now is only temporary--but at times it feels so important and as if this world is all there is. When I fix my mind on eternal truths, I am reminded of who and whose I really am.

I have been created for eternity. My soul needs fed daily to become strong and able to experience the freedom that was designed for a soul to experience. Not bound with chains and limitations.

When I read and meditate on the scriptures, I find peace that this world cannot give me. When I come before my Creator and speak to Him and ask for His peace, and wisdom, He never fails to deliver.

It is a very natural act for a child to go to their Father for help. Don't be ashamed.

It is also a very natural act for a Father to meet the needs of His child.

Read His words--find something that really connects with your soul, and read it again and again. Believe it and watch the power behind the words become a reality. Let His words strengthen you- encourage you-lead you and give you wisdom.

1Sam 12:16...... "...stand and see this great thing which the Lord will do before your eyes...

Luke 18:27....... "The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.

Num 23:19....... "God is not a man, that He should lie. Has He said, and will He not do it?

Rom 8:31......... "If God be for us, who can be against us?

2Tim 2:1.......... "...be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

2Tim 1:13........ "Hold fast the pattern of sound words...in faith and love...

Col 3:2............ "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

Col 3:23.......... "Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,...

Mark 9:23........ "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.

Josh 1:9............ "Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed,

for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

2Chr 20:17........ "You will not need to fight this battle. Position yourselves,

stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you,..."

John 16:33......... "In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

Rom 8:18............ "...consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."

Rom 8:37............ "Yet in all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us."

Rom 8:39............ "(Nothing can) separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Rom 8:28............ "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."

2Tim 4:5.............. "...be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry."

2Tim 4:7.............. "Fight the good fight, finish the race, keep the faith."(paraphrased)

Mic 7:8................. "Do not rejoice over me, my enemy; when I fall, I will arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me."

Phil 4:13................"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

1Jn 4:4................. "(You) have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he that is in the world."

Phil 1:6................. "(Be) confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ,..."

Phil 4:4.................. "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice!"

Top fifty things I love about my 50 year old Big AL....

2011-02-20T09:56:00.009-06:00

50. You're older than me.

49. You still wear the same size pants as you did when we married--28 years ago!(I can still wear the same size jeans too, I just can't pull them up past my thighs!)

48. Your hands are calloused.(Oddly, I find that crazy sexy!)

47. You have a gorgeous smile--full, sexy lips and pretty teeth!

46. I'm not embarrassed to admit it--I LOVE YOUR BODY! STILL!

45. You have great posture. You do. :)

44. You have the kindest eyes--beautiful hazel-that I still love looking into.

43. Your "salt and pepper" hair makes you look wise (and like a sexy older man)

42. Even your feet look good. What's up with that?

41. I like you in your Harley Jeans best-with my hands hooked in your belt loops as I hang on behind you when we tour the countryside

40. I'm proud that you can build things, and create things and repair things. Your work is always perfect!

39. You are a hard worker--never lazy.

38. You have many talents and almost all of them involve making life better for someone else.

37. I've never seen you be rude to someone...not ever! Even when you have every right to be rude.

36. You are always the perfect gentleman.

35. I love that you always see the good in people and are ALWAYS willing to give someone a second chance...and a third...and a fifteenth!

34. You love my family. You've always respected them and been very good to them.

33. You are very patient.

32. You have an astounding ability to hold your tongue when others would have lashed out and caused damage.

31. You believe "everything will be alright" far sooner than I get to that place.

30. I love it that you are a spiritual person and not just a surface guy. You run deep- and I find that very attractive.

29. I love to watch you worship in church. Especially when you raise your hands to honor our Creator. I know that is not a comfortable thing for you to do and to see you tapping in to His presence and responding to Him in that way makes me love and appreciate you even more.

28. I love it when you tear up over sweet moments.

27. I love that you give me room to be who I am.

26. You are a master of forgiveness. I am in awe.

25. I love your quiet, gentle ways.

24. You can be the best, thoughtful gift-giver.

23. You are very generous. Others have no idea just how much you give when no one is looking.

22. You are "that guy" people call on when they need someone to listen to their heart--and never fear that they are being judged.

21. I never have felt disrespected by you...ever.

20. I've never known you to purposefully hurt anyone.

19. I know you have flaws, but your heart is pure.

18. You go out of your way to make someone feel valuable--especially those who have been humbled by various life circumstances.

17. Your sons know that you will meet their needs...still.

16. I am proud to introduce you to people I meet.

15. I feel very proud when someone tells me what wonderful work you have done for them in their home.

14. I love that you are not complicated. You are a simple man, with simple desires and very easy to please.

13. You mean what you say. There's never any "fluff" in your conversations.

12. You'll easily take a back seat to others.

11. You have calmed me down when my hyper-mode kicks in...just with your soothing voice.

10. A hug from you can change my mood (and so can a kiss!!Hubba-hubba!)

9. You care NOTHING about power or prestige.

8. You don't chase after money- to you it is a necessary evil.

7. You are a good man.

6. You are humble.

5. You are handsome.

4. You are wise.

3. You are flexible.

2. You are loyal

1. You are PRICELESS!

YOU ARE LOVED!

PLEASE stay around for 50 more years so I can continue to love you!

Big AL's UNEDITED views on Lil Sher

2011-02-14T07:31:00.001-06:00

(a repost from a couple of years ago that received the most feedback ever!)

I did it.
I followed my own advice.

I lead an Adult Bible study(don't laugh, I really do...and people come and everything!)

This week, we were once again studying the book of Matthew (I love that book!) and we were talking about the scripture where Jesus says, "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." He was talking about not storing up treasures here on earth, but instead, we are to focus on treasuring eternal things. Meaningful things.

It sparked a discussion about our views on ourselves, and what we think (or want to think) we treasure...and what we actually find ourselves holding most dear.

When I first started blogging, I wrote a post about "Hidden Treasures". If you want to, you can read it here.

In both the class and in the post, I suggested that the best way to find things out about ourselves is to ask someone closest to us to answer some questions honestly about how we view things, what "ticks us off" and what we treasure.

SO I decided to ask Big AL some questions about me. I told him I want honest answers because I wanted to know what HE saw...not what I hope he sees in me.

This was an exercise for both of us, as
1. He hates these quizzes-he always feels as though he's being set up (Can't imagine why--I would Never do such a thing).
2. I thought it would spark some great discussion.

Ahem.

I kept some of it very light so he wouldn't suspect a thing.

So here goes.... The UNEDITED views of my beloved husband regarding, me.

WHAT IS MY FAVORITE COMFORT FOOD?
(what I hoped he would say) Celery sticks. She's a health nut.
HIS ACTUAL ANSWER: Chocolate.
How close was he? DING! DING! DING!

IF MONEY WERE NO OBJECT, WHERE WOULD I LIKE TO GO ON VACATION?(hopeful answer)She's so sacrificial, she'd never go on vacation. Only to a third world country to minister.
HIS ACTUAL ANSWER: Ireland.
Ding! Ding! Ding!

HOW DO I FEEL ABOUT HOUSEWORK?
(hopeful answer) She's immaculate, I tell ya'! Always scrubbing on something.
ACTUAL ANSWER: You don't like it. You think I should do it.
Ding! Ding! Ding!

WHAT IS MY LEAST FAVORITE HOUSEHOLD CHORE?
(hopeful answer) You love it all, I really can't answer that one.
ACTUAL ANSWER: Mopping the floor.
Ding! Ding! Ding!

WHAT BRINGS ME THE MOST JOY?
(hopeful answer) When you give unselfishly as you are always putting others first.
ACTUAL ANSWER: When I give you attention.

*Uh, NO Big Al....not even close, but hey, you're only being honest. My answer really would be MY KIDS. Sorry.

I HAVE A SATURDAY WITH NO COMMITMENTS. HOW WOULD I SPEND IT?(hopeful answer) You would find a way to spend the ENTIRE day praying, fasting, reading the Bible and reaching out to others.
ACTUAL ANSWER: You'd be on the computer.(
Pastor Mark, he's lying! I don't know what he's thinking!)

WHAT IS MY GREATEST GIFT?
(HOPEFUL ANSWER) YOUR GIFT IS HELPING OTHERS. ALWAYS. ALL DAY LONG.
ACTUAL ANSWER: COMMUNICATING.
(hummmm. Could be a compliment...not sure)

WHAT IS MY GREATEST TALENT?
(Hopeful Answer) You sing like an angel.
Actual answer: Writing.
(always has something to do with the computer).

*Now I wise up in my line of questioning....

BESIDES THE COMPUTER, (yeah, I tricked him), WHAT DO I ENJOY MOST?
(Hopeful answer) Spending time with God and your family.
ACTUAL ANSWER: Food.

How embarrassing! I'm ashamed. My life has come down to the love of the computer and food BEFORE GOD OR FAMILY.

So, now that I'm humiliated because I promised myself I'd print ALL answers, I start asking LEADING questions.

DO YOU MEAN FOOD, AS IN COOKING?
(Hopeful answer) Yes, you're a fabulous cook!
ACTUAL ANSWER: Well, cooking it AND eating it.
*Why did I even bother?

WHAT IS MY GREATEST FEAR?
(Hopeful answer) Not being Holy Enough.
ACTUAL ANSWER: That something will happen to our kids.
He's right.

WHAT IS MY BIGGEST PET PEEVE ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE?
*Now, honestly, this is word for word what he said, and I must say, it was the only good answer in the quiz.
ACTUAL ANSWER: Well, you really don't say much about other people, so I don't know. I guess you don't like people that are all about themselves or braggarts.
(My one shining moment. Thanks Big AL.)

WHAT IS MY FAVORITE BOOK OF THE BIBLE?
This one is a no brainer, since I quote from it constantly and I've taught out of the book for 6 months now at church.... MATTHEW.

*Here's where he really starts to lose it.

WHAT DO I HATE MOST ABOUT MY BODY?
He stares stone faced and won't answer.

I'M NOT ASKING YOU WHAT YOU HATE ABOUT MY BODY, I'M ASKING YOU WHAT I HATE MOST ABOUT IT!
(Hopeful answer) I don't know what you would hate! I love your body. I think you're H A W T !
Actual answer: Your weight, I guess.

*Look out! Steep slippery slope ahead....

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS MY BEST FEATURE?
(HOPEFUL ANSWER) HOW COULD I CHOOSE? YOU'RE THE WOMAN OF MY DREAMS! IT'S APPLES AND ORANGES. EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU IS BEAUTIFUL!
ACTUAL ANSWER: YOUR PERSONALITY.

I'm not joking! HE SAID THAT!

I LOOK UP AND SAID "WHY THANK YOU. REMEMBER WHEN PEOPLE TRY TO FIX SOMEONE UP ON A BLIND DATE WITH AN UGLY PERSON AND WHEN SOMEONE ASKS WHAT THEY LOOK LIKE, THE ANSWER IS ALWAYS "THEY HAVE A GREAT PERSONALITY."? WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO SAY?
(HOPEFUL ANSWER) OH, I JUST MEANT THAT IN ADDITION TO YOUR BREATHTAKING BEAUTY, YOU ALSO HAVE A WONDERFUL PERSONALITY. YOU'RE THE TOTAL PACKAGE!

ACTUAL ANSWER: WELL, YOU DO HAVE A GREAT PERSONALITY.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
*When he sees smoke coming from my ears he then, and ONLY then adds: And you're pretty.

Too late, Big Al.

My Last question.... because I went into the other room and flipped him off (with my PINKY , Pastor Mark, not the REAL finger) was this:

WHAT IS MY MOST ANNOYING HABIT?
(Hopeful answer) You have no annoying habits. You are perfect.
Actual answer:When you bite your nails at the dinner table. It's gross.

Honestly folks, I wasn't aware that I bit my nails at the table. And I have to agree, that I wouldn't want to see someone do it either. It is gross and obviously, I've been grossing him out. Good thing I have a good personality.

He then left and went to the Men's group at church where apparently they all "encourage" each other. I'm sure he told them about the test. They're all probably telling him to NEVER fall into the trap again.

But he will. I can talk him into anything because I have, and I quote, "A great personality."

Okay, this was a pretty transparent questionnaire if you ask me so now I'm DARING all of you to do the same.

Ask these questions to someone closest to you and I double dog dare you to print the REAL answers.

You can link your post in my comment section if you're not a chicken!

Only the brave and transparent need participate. And no bragging and acting like it's all bout you either, cause, according to Big AL, I won't like you so much if you exhibit that behavior.

Who will take the challenge?

Dirty Words: Profanities, Oaths and Slurs

2011-02-13T06:06:00.003-06:00

~BY PASTOR MARK MINOR

We hear them every day. Words used as profanities, oaths and slurs. For some it is simply a second language… you know, like French, Latin or Swahili. They are incredibly proficient at it and even invent new ways to use this ‘language’. For those skilled in such linguistic arts, the biological impossibilities of some concocted phrases are of no consequence. It’s not reality… it’s an esoteric art form. Those with postgraduate degrees in profanity have even mastered the ‘higher level polysyllable forms’ and insert profanities into the middle of non-profane ordinary speech— to the utter amazement of unlearned ’hearers’.

Does God care what I say?

Yes, I think so! Words are very important to God. The Gospel of John, Chapter 1, verse 1 informs us that ‘In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God’— so yeah, I’d say the ’word’ matters to Him. In fact, He uses ’words’ as creative tools to build things— like the universe… to heal things— like the eyes of blind Bartimaeus… and to raise up things— like the dead body of Lazarus.

But what about you and I? Do the ‘dirty words’ we use really matter? In fact, exactly what words are ‘dirty’… and why?

First things first… yes— the words we say ‘matter’. Why— because it is a reflection of what is inside of us. Of who we really are.

‘Out of the abundance (or overflow) of the heart the mouth speaks’ (Matthew 12:34). So if I’m dropping F-bombs, using perverted sexual terminology or calling down ‘curses’ on someone who happened across my path, I am actually ‘tipping my cup’ and pouring out for all the see the true revelation of my heart. More explicit than an X-ray or MRI… I have, as they say, shown my true ‘colors’. And it may be ‘blue’!

Now I’m not saying it’s easy— especially since we live in such a perverted and profane society. ‘Dirty words’ are just an accepted form of expression. Why, during the most recent Super Bowl, even a commercial advertising ‘ice tea’— of all thing— included a profanity. Maybe they were just trying to break new ground— like the movie of decades ago ‘Gone With the Wind’… which was the first movie to include a ‘curse word’. You remember— as Clark Gable turns to Scarlett at the bottom of the stairway and says ‘Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn’.

How tame that seems now for our ‘movie fare’.

When it comes to ‘dirty word’, I usually break them into three categories: profanities, oaths and curses. Each has an origin and a purpose all its own.

PROFANITY
The purpose of ‘profanity’ is to ‘desecrate the holy’. Let me explain it this way: if I want to ‘profane’ something… I must find an object that is considered ‘holy’ to someone... and then I must contrive a way to show my contempt for what someone else holds as holy. I could do that by taking a carving of Buddha and dumping cow manure on it. Or I could take a Koran and soak it in a jar of urine. Or I could write vile phrases upon the doors, walls and altar of a church. I could spit on a statue of the Virgin Mary. Even place a religious figure like Jesus in compromising sexual positions… such as many artist have done in mockery in recent years.

You get the idea. Profanity is much more than just ‘dirty words’. It’s purpose is to ridicule, demean and belittle.

The greatest ’profaning’ that occurs, in my opinion, is when one uses a NAME in such as way as to ridicule and demean. Such is the case with the name of Jesus— a Holy and ‘saving’ name that is revered by Christians. Yet the world (inspired by Satan, I might add) loves to toss it around like manure… using it as a byword for the least little irritation or insult. We’ve all heard it! ‘JESUS CHRIST!’ can be the name of the Savior of the World… or it can be the vilest of profanities coming from the lips of ignorant and twisted men.

Interesting, isn’t it, that you never hear the name of Buddha or Mohammed used in such terms. I haven’t recently experienced an individual asking Allah to ’damn’ some one or something. But, of course, the purpose of profanity is to ’profane the Holy’ so I guess that might eliminate others except the genuine article.

OATHS

An oath is usually a Deity or authority figure whose ‘name’ is ‘loaned to a situation where extra credibility is needed. For example, take the term ‘By God’. When someone say ‘By God… I mean it!”’ what they are doing is using the authority of God to prove their intentions. The ‘individual’s ‘authority’ isn’t good enough so they must reach out to a power greater than they. Other phrases like ‘So help me God’ would qualify as oaths. Even the text-ing favorite OMG (which stands for ‘Oh, My God’) could be considered an oath. Are we asking for God’s help… wanting to get God’s attention... Or do we just feel ‘empowered’ when we invoke the name of Deity over our often ‘petty’ situations?

And it doesn’t have to be ‘God’ as the authority figure. ‘By Jove’ is an older term not used as much now but it refers to the Roman god ‘Jupiter’.

For those who follow the Bible, Jesus gives us some very clear instructions concerning ‘oaths’.

Matthew 5:34 But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. 36 And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. 37 Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.

Notice that last verse. If we are ‘credible, genuine, honest people’… then our ‘YES’ will mean ‘YES’ and our ‘NO’ will mean ‘NO’.

SLURS

Slurs refer to all sorts of terms meant to belittle and put down. Slurs can refer to our ’heritage’ such as ‘you SOB’ or other such language. They can be racial in origin. In our world today, we often ridicule people by comparing them to some part of the anatomy— usually the anatomy somewhere around the waist. The back side of the front side. ‘Various derivatives of the male genitalia’ are also popular ‘slurs’ in some segments of society.

Of course, the F bomb usually stands as the ultimate ‘slur’. Couple that with a term for the female parent and you have reach ‘cursing nirvana’. The apex of ’dirtyword-dom’!

You get the point!

So... what about these ‘profanities, oaths and slurs’. Are there certain ‘words’ that a follower of Jesus shouldn’t use?

Perhaps, but let me phrase the question in a more ‘understandable’ way. It’s not just the words… it’s that MOTIVES and INTENTS that are important. As a follower of Jesus, I am not to engage in ‘profaning’ the Holy-ness of my Lord. I am to ‘respect’ and cherish the Name that I claim as my Lord and Savior. And, in my opinion, I don’t need to profane any other name, for that matter. Not that I accept the ‘deity’ of false gods… but ‘ridicule’ was never the style or character of Jesus.

Nor do I need an ‘oath’ to back up what I say as truth. Just speak things honestly— with the authority of Jesus living with me.

Tearing down people with ‘slurs’ is also not something I see Jesus doing in the New Testament. Jesus was a builder not a ‘destroyer’. Destroying— characters, reputations, personalities— is the work of Satan, who came to kill, steal and destroy. Why would I want to join the Devil in his work by using ‘slurs’?

Lastly, I would suggest that the issue is really not about ‘words’ but ‘attitudes’. Are the words coming out of mouth (and therefore, heart) coming from a spirit of REBELLION? Am I adding a ‘dirty word’ to my speaking just to fit in with my ‘buds’ because I FEAR they won’t accept me if I don’t? Do I feel POWERLESS to motive my team, unit or employees unless I cut loose with a tirade of obscenities? Am I ANGRY and the invectives flowing forth out of my mouth are just indicative of the festering, puss-filled, wounded spirit that lives within me? Do I HATE and so I curse?

Listen to yourself!! It is a window to the ‘soul’ and a true barometer to the person that lives with.

James 1:26 If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.

Ephesians 5:3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.

James 3:6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

*My pastor Mark Minor shares a post here each Sunday. To learn more about Whittington Church, click here.

Who Knew? Big AL Is A Writer...sort of

2011-02-12T07:00:00.001-06:00

(A repost)

Have you ever been just blown away when someone does something thoughtful for you? Especially when it is totally unexpected?

I arrived home around 9 pm recently from a wedding reception. I know that is early to be leaving a party, but I had been up since the crack of dawn and I had gone to the reception solo, so to me, wedding receptions aren't as enjoyable when your main squeeze is not around, although I did enjoy spending time with my friends.

When I entered my home, Big AL walked me over to the computer and told me to sit and listen to something. It was a song that he told me he had written... at first. Then he came clean and said, "Well, I didn't write it- but I could have."

He had been at a friend's house and this song was playing and Big Al said it explains exactly how he feels, but could never describe on his own.

I found the video on you tube, and I've added the lyrics, both of which I am going to start my day reading/listening to till I leave planet earth! I was very touched by the words of this song especially since the only man I care to impress says they come from HIS heart!

I think it's one of the sweetest things he has ever done. This is partly the reason I am so moved by all kinds of music. When it speaks to my heart, or articulates the words filled with emotions FROM my own heart so I am able to share feelings with someone I love....what could be any better? (Especially if you happen to be a quiet guy that has a hard time communicating what's inside.)
He clarified the song by saying "You're the diamond...I'm the deep dark mine."

So, here's Mark Knoppler and EmmyLou Harris singing Big Al's heart with "I dug up a diamond"

I dug up a diamond
Rare and fine
I dug up a diamond
In a deep dark mine
If only I could cling to
my beautiful find
I dug up a diamond
In a deep dark mine

My gem is special
Beyond all worth
As strong as any metal
Or stone in the earth
Sharp as any razor
Or blade you can buy
Bright as any laser
Or any star in the sky

Maybe once in a lifetime
You'll hold one in your hand
Once in a lifetime
In this land
Where the journey ends
In a worthless claim
Time and again
In the mining game

I dug up a diamond
Rare and fine
I dug up a diamond
In a deep dark mine
Down in the darkness
In the dirt and the grime
I dug up a diamond
In a deep dark mine

Okay, here's my homework to pass along today. Find a song that articulates your feelings for someone special in your life. Play the song for them, or send them the lyrics, or the link to the song. You'll be surprised how much it will mean to them. (Unless of course, you pick some mean country song, or something dumb like "I wanna' check you for ticks"!)

Loving, Humble Gestures

2011-02-07T05:00:00.000-06:00

*This is a repost--but one of the BEST lessons onlove I've witnessed. It is worth another read.

Recently, I was able to experience a wonderful evening with my husband, Big Al.

Our church hosted a Spaghetti dinner to honor the ladies, and allowed us to sit back and relax while the men prepared the delicious food, and waited on us hand and foot!

It was just a fun evening to get together and enjoy meeting new people while enjoying some delicious food.

Just as the evening seemed to be winding to a close, our pastor Mark, had asked a few men to get up and say a few words about the special woman in their life. A couple of men spoke about their loves, and it was very sweet.

Much to my surprise, my very quiet Big Al stepped up and shared some beautiful thoughts that had me pretty choked up. I was actually so shocked that he was standing and speaking in front of a large group( NOT.his.style) that I hardly remember a word he said. I was so touched by his gesture of stepping up to the plate, out of his comfort zone, that I just wanted to stand up and wrap my arms around him and plant a big kiss on his nervous lips! But, I remained seated. (I kissed him in the car on the way home!)

Another man shared of his gratitude for his wife who took care of him throughout his Battle with Leukemia a couple of years ago. This big burly man's man, stood and told how afraid he was during his fight with this deadly disease, and how his body would quiver with fear. NOTHING would stop the shaking. Not even nerve medicine prescribed by his doctor to help with the anxiety. He said he would ask his wife to come lay by him on the sofa...and the shaking would stop. Her love, her very presence, calmed the fear in her husband. How powerful is the love shared between two souls?

He then performed a beautiful gesture; he knelt down before her as she was seated at the table, and as he spoke of his love for her, he began washing her feet-as a servant to the master. He ever so humbly, gently, lovingly, placed himself beneath her, and offered his love through an act that I am certain was out of his comfort zone. I don't think there was a dry eye in the place.

I began to realize how unselfish true love really is.

It is when we willingly step out into a place that is not common, nor comfortable for us for the sake of someone else, that we really can say we love them.

There is a bit of sacrifice on our part.

Many of us may be so busy filling on own desires and needs, that we may overlook those than mean the most to us.

I say today, stop and look around. WHO is needing you to come out of your comfort zone?

DO you have a hard time saying I LOVE YOU?
or I FORGIVE YOU?
HOW CAN I HELP YOU?

Be creative. Find someone to shower with your love in a way you have NEVER shown it before.

Come on... give me some good ideas for showering love!

God's Economic Plan....

2011-02-06T07:03:00.002-06:00

(Image:Flickr.com)

~By Pastor Mark Minor

For the last few months I have been doing a personal Bible study on money, wealth and Biblical economics. It has been an eye-opening and intensive study for me… and has birthed a series of six sermons that I have shared with our church family. I am convinced that the way out of our PERSONAL and NATIONAL economic crises is the Bible.

God is, after all, an economist. And a pretty good one at that. He was written in his Instruction Manual all we could ever need for understanding, accessing and sharing ‘wealth’.

I have come to believe that God despises ‘poverty’ of every sort. Financial poverty, moral poverty, poverty of vision, poverty of soul, poverty of emotion… the God of the Bible, as I am learning, is not about LACK but is always about ABUNDANCE. He is Jehovah Jireh— the God who provides.

Yes, he wants his children to be ‘wealthy’— in every way. But… it has to be through his means.

What I would like to do is share numerous verses from the book of Proverbs. I don’t normally like to just ‘toss-around’ a lot of ‘Scriptures’. For this purpose, though, I find I must just let the Economist ‘speak’ (the God who created all the gold in the world and who uses it as paving stones in his city— so wealthy is He).

I will add a few comments along the way.

Proverbs, written by the pen of the man at the absolute top of the Forbes List of wealthiest people ever,[Solomon] has so much to say about different economic topics. The book of Proverbs teaches about ‘wealth’… about giving… about saving… about financial integrity… about earning… about inheritances… about lotteries… about punishing corrupt politicians… and on and on.

For this article, however, I want to zero in on one topic: work ethic.

I will let the verses basically speak for themselves. (My ‘thoughts’ are interspersed with the verses). And I pray that the Holy Spirit gives ‘insight’ us all about our work and the efforts of those that we love, that are raising, that we work with… and that are governing our nation.

Work Ethics

Proverbs 6:6 Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! 7 It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, 8 yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. 9 How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? 10 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— 11 and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man.

Proverbs 10:4 Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth 5 He who gathers crops in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son

Proverbs 12:14 From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him.

Proverbs 12:27 The lazy man does not roast his game, but the diligent man prizes his possessions.
**Take care of what we’ve got!!

Proverbs 14:23 All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.
**’Talking about work or effort does not bring a profit— doing it does.

Proverbs 16:26 The laborer’s appetite works for him; his hunger drives him on.

Proverbs 20:13 Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and you will have food to spare

Proverbs 21:5 The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.
**Make plans… take your time… or as Jesus said “count the cost before building".

Proverbs 21:17 He who loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and oil will never be rich

Proverbs 21:20 In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has. 21 He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.

Proverbs 22:13 The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside!” or, “I will be murdered in the streets!”
*Don’t live in ‘fear’… of course there’s a lion outside— but you are a ‘lion conqueror’. Don’t be afraid to fulfill your vision.

Proverbs 22:29 Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men.
*If you are the BEST at what you do, it doesn’t matter WHAT you do, you will always have ‘work’.

Proverbs 24:30 I went past the field of the sluggard, past the vineyard of the man who lacks judgment; 31 thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins. 32 I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw: 33 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— 34 and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man.

Proverbs 26:15 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth. 16 The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who answer discreetly.

Proverbs 27:18 He who tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who looks after his master will be honored.
*TEND TO the things God has blessed you with… and make it grow!

Proverbs 27:23 Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; 24 for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations

Proverbs 28:19 He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.

Proverbs 31:10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. 11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. 12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. 14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. 15 She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls. 16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. 17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. 18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.

19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. 20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. 21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. 22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. 25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:

29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. 31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

*What an incredible business woman this lady is. Look at how the Bible honors her for her ‘amazing’ character. She gets up early… buys property… invests her earning to make more money… doesn’t get sucked into bad deals but only profitable ones… supervises employees… owns a business… sells things both retail and wholesale… And wins the admiration of husband and children.

This woman should be President of the United States!!

*My Pastor, Mark Minor shares a post here each Sunday. To learn more about WHITTINGTON CHURCH, click here.

Change the World?

2011-01-29T21:31:00.003-06:00

~By Pastor Mark Minor

It may seem like nothing really… just a play on words or the turn of a phrase. But I believe for me it clarifies purpose and positions.

You hear the chant routinely. ‘Let’s CHANGE THE WORLD’! We even sense the fire in our own bones from time to time. Let’s change the world’!! Say it a little louder so other can hear! Look, here come the TV cameras— say it in unison and with great enthusiasm. Maybe we’ll make the 5 o’clock news.

Sound’s good, but I have a question. Are we really called to change the world?

I don’t think so!

Instead, I would suggest a different phrase— one that I think comes more in line with the work, words and sacrifice of Jesus. Jesus didn’t come to change the world. He came to REDEEM it!

Change, by it’s very nature can go two directions. Could get better… could get worse. Either direction is… CHANGE.

I think a better way is to ‘do and be’ what Jesus did. He REDEEMED. And that, I believe, is what we are called to do. To ’buy back’, ‘rescue’ or ‘restore’. Jesus said he came into the world to ‘seek and save’ that which was lost’ (Luke 19:10) He didn’t stand on the mountaintop and shout ‘Let’s change the world”. No, he reached into the hearts of hurting children, broken lives and wounded pilgrims— and redeemed them.

Jesus’ mission was not to be a ‘world-changer’— He was a REDEEMER. Those who want to change the world have a focus of moving from ‘something’ TO ‘something’. If you are going to change the world, you must not like what currently ‘IS’... and you must have a ‘blueprint’ for what you want to change it TO. Of course, ‘redemption’ can lead to a change in the world— but the change is not the focus, simply the result of a transformed and rescued life.

John Newton was a slave trader. We know him as the author of the most famous of church hymns— ‘Amazing Grace’. Newton met his Redeemer. A redeemer that would ‘save a wretch like me’ as the verse in his song says. And while untold millions have loved and sang his song, it was not his most important work. In 1788, John Newton wrote a pamphlet entitled “Thoughts Upon the Slave Trade”. Writing with a passion as only a former ‘slave-dealer’ and eyewitness of the atrocious sufferings of the slaves could, he distributed a copy to each and every Member of the British Parliament of his day. This pamphlet, along with the faithful labors of his good friend and MP William Willberforce, is directly responsible for the passing of the Slave Trade Act of 1807, which abolished the slave trade in the British Empire.

Newton’s ‘redemption’ brought about a profound and positive ‘change’ in the world. From redemptions flows real change.

If ‘world change’ takes place because of our ‘redemption, that’s great. Most often, in one way or another, it will. But the focus and call upon a Believer’s heart is to live a ’redeeming life’.

What is a redeeming life? Some suggestions…

When I pray for a child who has lost their health, I am living a redeeming life. When I share a meal and give kind words to a soul who has lost their way, I am living a redeeming life. When I shed a tear of compassion at the casket of a grieving wife who has lost her husband, I am living a redeeming life. When I coach a little league baseball team— loving on those kids, modeling Jesus’ lifestyle to a crew of 9 year olds, I am living a redeeming life. When I notice that my waitress has had a tough day and I leave her a larger tip, I am living a redeeming life. When I share the gospel with a ‘lost’ individual and introduce them to the ‘Prince of Peace’, I am living a redeeming life.

You get the idea… With every action I take, every word I utter or endeavor I engage in, there is one question I must ask myself: Is what I am doing ‘redemptive?

I hate to waste time. Time is life, I only have so much of it— and I can’t buy more. More precious than silver, gold or platinum is the commodity of time. So when I consider the quest, the mission of my life— especially as a follower of Jesus— I really, really need to be sure that what I am saying and doing is accomplishing the same thing my Lord did.

A ‘redeeming lifestyle’ is what I seek to live. In the gospels, Jesus sent his disciples out into society. He told them to pray for the sick, destroy the forces of darkness, take care of the hurting and to preach the good news that Jesus had come. The Redeemer was here.

To redeem something means to ‘restore it to its former beauty or value’. It’s why Jesus came to earth. Not to change the earth but to rescue you from it’s brokenness and destruction.

The question from the lips of the Savior is not ‘How can I change you’ but rather ‘How can I serve you. The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45)

‘Hope and change’ or ‘redemption’? I’ll take redemption.

If this world continues to exist one hundred years from now, the problems will still be the same. Change— even good change— is only temporary. Redemption, on the other hand, can make an eternal difference in the lives of those we touch. My prayer is simply this: let every thing I do, every activity I pursue, every word I write, every relationship I enjoy… be redeeming to those I touch.

Why Big AL can't be left alone in a room to watch TV

2011-01-24T06:18:00.003-06:00

Many wives across the nation can't trust their husbands.

I am not alone.

Normally I don't share the bad side of Big Al, but I think people need to know just what I must deal with. I think you'll appreciate me even more.

Big AL is a night owl...I'm a morning person. He's a TV watcher...I'm a computer girl.

When I turn in for the night, he is always up watching TV. He usually watches the History Channel (at least while I'm awake). Once I wander off into la-la land, he sneaks and watches something that is not good for him- especially since he can be easily persuaded. He is secretly addicted to the late night INFOMERCIALS and it has cost us some money and a lot of aggravation while dealing with his little "hobby".

He has ordered quite of few things off of these infomercials, NONE of which we ever use. The man cannot be trusted alone in the room with a talkative salesperson imploring him to call within the next 4 minutes to receive an added bonus!

Exhibit A: The Jack LaLanne's Power Juicer.

Don't be mistaken folks. This is not just ANY ole' juicer...this one has P O W E R !

Okay, it seemed like a great idea. He told me of all the healthy fruit and vegetable juices he could make that would increase his energy, stamina and overall health.
Jack LeLanne is 114 years old and still running marathons due to the pricey fruit drinks he downs 3 times per day. Big Al thought, "Hey, if it works for 114 year Old Jack, it'll work for me!" (I will NEVER let him wear one of the blue jumpsuits though. I don't care how much "stamina" he has!)

He orders it. We buy $40 worth of fruit and it made 3 glasses of juice and a huge mess to clean up!

Really. By the time you purchase all of the fruit, your drink is about $18 per glass and you must clean out the machine.

Did I mention it was $100?

They sell a generic model for $40 bucks at K-mart.

It sits proudly on my counter. Unused. Makes us look like health nuts though, so I keep it out. Then when visitors stop by and remark, "Oh, you two must really be into healthy eating..." I'm like, "yeah, well, we do what we can. The body is the temple, you know."

Anyway, before this recent purchase, I opened the mail to find a package
with this in it:

It's an ultrasonic pest repeller. A $100 dollar value for only an amazing $49.95!(Plus shipping and handling.)

The makers boast that the High Pressure Ultrasonic Frequencies will rid your home of unwanted pests.

Well, you know we have an issue with squirrels within the walls of our home, and have had the occasional mouse, so he thought this was a breakthrough answer to the pesky problem.

At at only $49.95, it was a Bargain! Plus, he received an extra one for calling within the 4 minute allotted time frame.

Guess what?

The squirrels have mated and had children they are raising within the walls.

They must all be deaf.

It came with a money back guarantee so I was going to send it back for just the shipping and handling amount. Which amazingly was $29.95 (according to them), so needless to say, they are in the basement. A mouse is probably pointing and laughing at the contraptions.

And then I found the same thing at Wal-Mart for $15.00.!

And I won't even get started on the countless books that have the Secret Cancer Answer that have only been skimmed through and now sit gathering dust on the bookshelf.

and What the Government Doesn't Want You to Know. The books, all hardbacks, were sold at an amazingly low price of only 3 monthly payments of $29.95, plus, if you were one of the first 20 callers, they would throw in a free plastic carrying case! I bet they sent out hundreds of those to the "first twenty" callers.
*They sell all of them at Wal-mart now for under fifteen bucks!

Anyway, I think he's learned his lesson, but I am thinking about having the home shopping network channel blocked before he buys that can of spray paint to cover his receding hairline.

Really, it works. Just check out these before and after photos:

Ron Popeil makes it looks so nice. And if Big Al calls within the next 5 minutes, Ron will throw in a can of paint remover!

I may need to cut the phone lines as well.

And...if any of you out there want to purchase the Jack LaLanne Power Juicer for $50 plus shipping and handing, I'll throw in the books and used pest repeller if you email me within the next 4 minutes!

UPDATE: Sadly, Jack LaLanne passed away, but I am happy to report we SOLD the power Juicer and Big Al no longer suffers from this addiction (after much counseling...from me.)

This story was a repost from last year and was published in the GOOD LIVING IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS Magazine.

*Have you been sucked in by any of these infomercials?
Do tell.

I Have Many "Homes"...

2011-01-22T07:02:00.018-06:00

Yes- I live in a cyber world as well as in my humble abode here in southern Illinois.

Just in case you would like to catch up with me in a couple of other places,I wanted to share a few links.

I am a speaker who speaks to church groups and business groups offering encouragement and inspiration (some call me a motivational speaker).
I also sing in various places: churches, weddings, festivals, funerals, special events. My website, MURPHY'S LAW will explain more.

To join MURPHY'S LAW on facebook (for daily inspiration and encouragement) click here

I love to cook, and I created a food blog, Everything in Moderation that is filled with southern-style cooking (not necessarily diet-friendly recipes, however, with a bit of self-control, you'll be okay.

For the blogsite,EVERYTHING IN MODERATION, click here
and to follow EVERYTHING IN MODERATION via facebook, click here

I created a special page on facebook called THE RED WORDS, where every day I post a scripture from Jesus (in the book of Matthew) so we can all focus on His words to us each morning to allow it to set the tone for the day. Click here if you would like to be reminded daily of THE RED WORDS.

I can also be found on TWITTER by following @gabbysherri

Hey- and while you're here, do you follow this blog? It's easy--become a follower! Check out my sidebar and sign up!

So...how many "homes" do you have? Feel free to leave some links in the comment section and tell me about your "homes".

It's a Revolution...a Prayer Revolution

2011-01-19T15:16:00.009-06:00

If you tried to talk me into reading a book about prayer, I would most likely smile politely and say "thank you" but honestly, I would put the book on the bottom of my pile and most likely never get around to reading it.

Why?

NOT because I'm a stellar prayer warrior who is unteachable about the subject, but I find that all too many books on prayer are written as formulas to apply to receive the desired result which usually is a thing, a wish, and more things, etc.

Personally, my prayer life is really an ongoing communication with my Creator and although I do find myself asking Him to meet my needs and desires, it is usually His presence that I seek, above all, and I have never felt the need to to "learn" a new way to speak to my Heavenly Father when I am already very comfortable doing so, and finding it to be very fulfilling, to say the least.

Enter the book, Prayer Revolution, Ronda Ray. (True Path Publishing)

It is exactly what the title implies.

"Prayer is something we live,not a formula to apply. It's about passion. It's a revelation of Jesus that unfolds over a lifetime. We need real prayer to cooperate with God's plan for our generation." *The back cover of the book.

As I opened the book, the introduction grabbed my attention:
"For me, prayer is a vital part of the most important relationship in my life. It's the place where eternal truths are shared. It's the place where my Master and Friend reveals the secrets of His covenant to me and shows me their deep inner meaning. The unveiling of these truths is nothing short of a revelation of Jesus that unfolds over a lifetime."

Because I have had the same experiences in my prayer life, I wanted to hear more of what Ronda Ray had to say.

The book is filled with profound thoughts backed by experience and practice that seemingly comes from a much older author. I had to keep reminding myself that the author was in her early thirties, and already well-seasoned with wisdom beyond her years.

"We must change the way we relate to heaven....We must stop valuing the words of men above the words of Jesus. We must no longer take our Christianity from Christians and stop partaking from Christ. We must come to Him in this hour, to enter into Him on a different level, to join with Him, to take part in Him. Only then will we capture the characteristics, qualities, and attributes of the wonders of His person, that through us His church, He may be unmistakable to the world."

Ray addresses every issue imaginable on the topic of prayer: faith, intercession for others, obedience,patience,power,humility,deception etc. with such wisdom that is easily recognizable as inspired by God.

The recurring theme throughout the book is getting to know the Saviour that we are praying to.

"Jesus is the central theme in everything that is spoken in truth. That's why it is very important that we know who He is as a person, what he thinks and what He would and wouldn't do."

The book is not a "light read"--it's a study on prayer that must be read, pondered, and certainly practiced.

It will lead the reader to a breakthrough--a true revolution in the prayer life of those wanting to become closer to their Creator through this wonderful vehicle, prayer, so we may not only see prayers answered, but also enjoy the relationship He has created.

"Where love enters, God enters. And where God has entered in His power and revealed Himself as All, there man becomes nothing. And where man becomes nothing before God, he cannot be anything but humble toward his fellow men. For this person, the presence of God becomes not a thing of times and seasons, but a covering under which the soul always dwells."

This book is a vehicle that will be used to help the soul find that place to dwell.
Not come and go, but LIVE in the presence of God.

You can learn more about author, Ronda Ray on her website here:

You may order her book online here:

I recently had the privilege of meeting with the author at a book signing in my hometown. What a precious soul!

From the mouths of bears....

2011-01-19T06:15:00.004-06:00

“"I don't see much sense in that," said Rabbit. "No," said Pooh humbly, "there isn't. But there was going to be when I began it. It's just that something happened to it along the way."” (Winnie the Pooh)

Many of us begin correctly, then become sidetracked or derailed. Our best intentions, dreams, ideas, hopes and plans, crumble and become unrecognizable.

We have plans to find our soul mates and begin a marriage that will go on happily ever after.

Plans for our children to excel in school and sports and relationships.

Plans to land that dream job.

Plans to remain healthy well into our golden years so we can enjoy this life to the fullest.

And then, out of nowhere....BAM! Our hopes and dreams are shattered--we hardly recognize ourselves, let alone remember how to make sense of the pieces remaining.

This is when we surrender. Not "give up", but surrender our so-called strength to a Higher Power. One who specializes in repairs.

Allow your Creator to make sense of it all-
to pick up those pieces and put them together in such a way that ALL will recognize the beauty of His creation.

Jesus said, "Come unto me all you who are weary and heavy burdened, and I will give you rest."

He wants to hear your plans, and dreams and thoughts...and He wants YOU to hear His as well. Listen closely or you may miss the greatest plans you've ever heard!

If your way is no longer making much sense, allow Him to show you His way. He has already made the path clear for you to follow Him.

A gift not received has no value.

2011-01-17T07:26:00.006-06:00

*Each week I share a post written by my Pastor, Mark Minor. To learn more about Pastor Mark, or Whittington church, click here.

~By Pastor Mark Minor
My junior high math teacher, as they say, was older than dirt. I don’t recall many of the formulas or equations he taught us, but I do remember one phrase he used—and quite often with my class. It was “You don’t even know who you are”!

He was right them. But not now. For whatever I am not, I know who I am. I have been reprogrammed. I’ve got my mind right. Been set straight. Lookin’ at myself through new glasses.

Some years ago I received a phone call at 6:30AM. It was a friend calling to tell me that a boy from our youth group had been killed in a car accident. I was devastated and knew his parent would, of course, be too. Dutifully I pulled on my Levi’s and head to the parent’s house—rehearsing the words I would say to try to comfort them in this incredible tragedy. When I arrived, I was a little surprised to find his mother cooking breakfast. Easing my way in, I made a few opening comments, waiting for the flood gates of grief to burst open. It never did. Instead she offered me bacon and eggs.

Confused, I mentally took two steps back to reconsider. What was up? I expected grief. After all, I had cried all the way over there. My heart was in my throat. My pulse was jumping. Why wasn’t hers.

Soon the truth came out. The friend who had phoned me early that morning to inform me that someone had died in a car crash… had the wrong guy.

It was a mistake. An inaccurate report. A false belief. Still… my tears had been real. My body had reacted in accordance with the tragically wrong information as thought it were true. But that was just it: I had believed something that wasn’t TRUE. Still...the emotionally transforming thing with the report was that—I HAD BELIEVED IT!

Many of us believe false reports. Reports about ‘who we are’ and ‘what we have’ and ‘what our destiny really is’. We’ve been told we were ‘losers’, ‘nobodys’, ‘insignificant humans’, ‘mistakes’ and ‘unloveables’. LIES… LIES… ALL LIES.

Which brings me to the TRUTH of what the Bible say about you and me—especially if you are a ‘believer. You see… what we believe about ourselves really matters. And it is time you believed the truth. The truth coming from the Father who knows you and sees you in a way you’ve never imagined. He wrote it down for you in a letter… have you never read it. You should. In fact, let me help you..

Below are statements—true statements about you—from the letter He wrote to you. These aspects of your character and heritage are true… and if you begin to believe them, these truths will change your life. It will change the way you see yourself… carry yourself… and express yourself. When you begin to believe, you will be transformed.

“…Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2)

It is totally amazing the wealth, privilege, encouragement and authority that the Bible says I have. Truly amazing. I now know who I am.

Below are some transforming truths about YOU… if you chose to believe what God has said about you (and God will not lie) then you will begin to have a transformed mind. Better than Weightwatchers or Jenny Craig… you will look at yourself in a whole new light. God’s light.

Here are a few of my favorite things that God says, does for, or has given me. And you!

God knows my name (John 10:14)
The devil knows my name (Acts 19:15)
My name is recorded in heaven (Luke 10:20)
I have authority to trample on ‘snakes and scorpions’. (Luke 10:19)
I am the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13)
I am the light of the world (Matthew 5:14)
I am the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21)
I will judge angels (1 Corinthians 6:3)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)
I am under no condemnation. (Romans 8:1)
I am seated in heavenly places with Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:6)
I am an heir of God and an equal heir (partner) with Jesus (Romans 8:17)
I have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthian 2:16)
I am the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19)
I am a new creation in Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
I was chosen to be God’s child before He formed the universe (Eph. 1:4)
I have access to the heavenly throne room at any time. (Hebrews 4:16)
I am recognized as a citizen of heaven (Philippians 3:20)
I am a friend of Jesus. (John 15:15)
I am forgiven. (1 John 1:9)
I will never be left alone (Matthew 28:20)
I have been appointed an ambassador for God. (
I have a home in heaven (John 14:2)
I am a priest of God (1 Peter 2:5)
I have an anointing from the Holy Spirit (1 John 2:27)
I am a child of God (1 John 3:2)
I am wiser than Satan (Psalm 119:98)
I am loved (Ephesians 5:2)

A gift not received has no value. Believe… receive.. and be transformed.

Somedays you just have to make your own fun...

2011-01-14T11:54:00.002-06:00

Lest We Forget

2011-01-09T06:11:00.005-06:00

I'm not normally one to post controversial issues, because I HATE when people start leaving hateful comments and firing hate toward each other. DON'T BE A HATER! I HATE THAT!

But I do have very strong opinions about certain issues, yes, even political ones, but you won't see them posted here because I save them for discussions at home with Big Al.

I do however, see MANY blog posts, twitter and facebook statuses of those who disagree with many of my opinions and they never seem apologetic--it seems that all too often, people who share many of my beliefs are told we are close-minded and don't receive the same respect for our beliefs as those who believe differently.

So, what I am asking today, as you read through my pastor's article on abortion,is that you would at least attempt to understand that many who believe abortion is a bad choice and will never support this "issue" are coming from an opinion that it is taking a life that is just as precious as mine or yours. A life created by the Master of the Universe, God Himself. For those that truly believe this, it then becomes impossible to remain silent on this issue. Just as many of you would be unable to remain silent on issues regarding the legality of child molestation-you would feel the need to defend the rights of those children who have no voice in the legal system regardless if the adults in the matter disagreed.

So, this is the hearts of many of my friends--they are not "close-minded" to the rights of women--they are open-minded enough to hear the silent voice of a life waiting to present itself to our world. A priceless creation that can never be duplicated. It is the right to life of an innocent unborn child that we are defending.

Please do not link us with the radicals who bomb abortion clinics and spew hatred at the ladies going inside clinics clinic to abort their child. We do not share their ideals or motives. We offer hope and alternatives, education,love and forgiveness.

Whether or not you agree or disagree, I ask that you at least be TOLERANT and understanding of our beliefs.
~ Sherri

LEST WE FORGET
~By Pastor Mark Minor

Not much stirs more emotions in America these days than the subject of ‘abortion’. I think that is actually a ‘good thing’ because, in my opinion, nothing has more to say about a culture than the way they view their ‘young’. It is certainly a discussion worth having.

I realize different opinions exist. If you don’t agree with mine, your entitled not to. But if you would be so kind (and tolerant— which is what the media tells us we’re supposed to have more of these days), I would like to share a few of my thoughts concerning abortion and where we are at in America today.

First a few statements to define my beliefs, if you will.

One huge question in the debate is simply ‘When does life begin?” For me, the answer is simple: life begins at conception. When a sperm penetrates the outer membrane of a woman’s egg, whether it is in a fallopian tube of the mom or in a Petri dish in a laboratory, I believe the fertilized egg (or zygote) is a ‘soul’ and a human being at that point. Some may disagree, to be sure, but I see no other option.

Secondly, I believe abortion to be the greatest single tragedy of our generation— and the one which God will ultimately judge us for. While some like to equate abortion with a ‘woman’s right to chose’, I chose to stand for the unborn child, whose life will be ended and who suffers a cost greater than simply the inconvenience or embarrassment that the mother might bear. This child will die.

Since abortion was legalized in 1973, 52,000,000 Americans have lost their lives to abortion. That number is equivalent to all the people in the state of Illinois being killed. Each aborted American child was denied their Constitutional right to ’life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness’ . An with each lost American child, the ‘heart and soul’ of this country is damaged.

For those of us who are ‘pro-life’, as we approach the 37th anniversary of this tragic and misguided Supreme Court decision, our ultimate goal is clear: overturn Roe vs. Wade.

Critics will say… “It is settled law and can’t be overturned’. I beg to differ. Thankfully those saints who saw the evil in slavery weren’t deterred... and fought on for decades until this horrendous practice was legally abolished by the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. And those who believed in equal justice for women fought on until the 19th Amendment to the Constitution was passed and women received their right to vote.

Over the years, I have dealt with the long term effects of abortions on the moms who have had them. My heart goes out to them as, for those I have counseled with, they attempt to ‘deal’ with the trauma. These ladies don’t need a ‘guilt trip’-- they need healing. As one abortive mom related in a session, ‘every time I kiss the face of my two children at bedtime, I am reminded of the one whose face I never kissed.”

Whether you are mad or glad in reading my article so far… let me offer statistics of a recent report by the New York City Health Department. They boggle my mind. In New York City in 2009, 41% of all pregnancies ended in abortion. Forty one per cent!! Almost half of the babies conceived in the city were ’eliminated’. For my African-American friends, the numbers are even more frightening. Some 63% of all black babies were aborted.

Numbers are just numbers… but my friend, even the staunchest of pro-choice advocates must admit that abortion has opened the doors to wholesale slaughter. For those concerned about racial injustice and the rights of minorities, as I am, I offer this thought: what the KKK could never accomplish, Planned Parenthood has.

I am appalled and sickened at the frequency and the flippancy at which these abortions occurred in the largest city in our country. It can’t speak well of our society.

On September 11, 2001, three thousand Americans lost their lives in an attack on the political, financial and military symbols of our nation. The results and bitter memories of this attack live on to this day.

On January 22, 1973, six men in black robes invented a right not found in the Constitution to justify their vote in the landmark Supreme ‘court decision known as Roe vs. Wade. This ‘decision’— whether intentional or not— was an attack on the ‘heart and soul’ of America… and the bitter consequences live on to this very day and hour.

Believe what you will, my prayer and affirmation is that I will not rest until this American tragedy is overturned and the defenseless unborn receive their ‘right to life’ given to them by God and guaranteed by the Constitution. It can happen. It must. Lest we forget...

The Hands of Time (repost)

2011-01-03T05:13:00.001-06:00

*I found the author of this poem on facebook, through another speaker/friend I met on facebook. I thought this was one of the best I've read in awhile and decided to share it again for the new year--it serves as a great reminder to me, and hopefully you will feel the same.

"There are times in life when one wishes to
grab the hands of time
and still them so that you might
relish,
absorb,
and smother your soul with the very essence of it

those days when you realize
how truly blessed and beautiful life is,
times when you know heaven has much to live up to.

God gives us these,
and watches to see

how much we notice
how much we thank,
how much we soak in..."

~Renée Hartley Wall~

*I just met this lady...looking forward to hearing more from her.

Boundary Lines (by Pastor Mark Minor)

2011-01-02T06:36:00.005-06:00

~By Pastor Mark Minor

I don’t know about you… but I have a code— a code that I have embraced and am called to live by. It is called the Bible. As I accepted the author of the ‘code’ many years ago— Jesus, I also accepted this way of life defined by Him in His book. In my mind they go hand in hand. You can’t accept one (the Savior) without accepting his code of conduct (The Bible and a Biblical lifestyle).

Living by the ‘Book’ gives me definition and character. It provides ‘safe boundaries’ for me. It ‘reigns in’ my wicked desires and subjugates them to a higher Authority. His Authority.

If life is a ‘game’ of sorts, then the Bible defines the ‘playing field’. It tells me whether I’m ‘in’ or ‘out’ of bounds. I may not always like the ‘boundaries’ but if I am going to ‘win’ in this ‘game’ I feel I need to KNOW THEM and play within them.

Now there is a part of me that wants to test the boundaries. I think there is a part in you that desires to test them too. I may even feel it unfair that God would be so ‘judgmental’ as to draw up boundaries. But as every sports fan will tell you, it is the boundaries that ‘make the game’ possible. Without a playing field, everyone would make up their own rules… and anarchy would prevail.

The following is an incident I observed at a basketball game a few years ago:

Her six year old head turned when she heard the stern voice of her father. “Katie, I told you, don’t step across that line. You will get hurt!” The scene was a grade school basketball game. The action on the court was not all that interesting or intense— but the contest playing out before me a few bleachers below was riveting. For the girl, the father, and the twenty or so sets of eyes watching, the boundary was clearly defined. The ultimatum had been given. And all that awaited us was whether the warning would be heeded by the blonde haired six year old. The little lady inched her way up to the line, seeming to ignore the spectators. Then, with a quick turn of her head to confirm that father was looking, she did it. Her leg lifted from the floor and with a gleeful defiance, she touched down on the other side of the line.

Judgment that day was swift and certain.

Father and daughter left the gymnasium for parts unknown. In life, as with basketball courts, there are clearly defined lines. I did not write them— God did. I, like the little girl, have tested the boundaries. But I can’t ignore them as if they don’t exist. The Father, I believe, is watching me. Will I obey… or chose to step across?

We live in a world that doesn’t like ‘lines’. Do you?

I do! And I thank God that no matter how much political correctness (with is just a code word for the mushy, fuzzy, “I’ll make up my own” morality of the world) tries to blur the issue… there are lines.

And consequences.

Whether I like the lines… whether the majority agrees with the lines… regardless of the social or emotional inconvenience of the lines— my friend, there are lines God has warned us not to step across. To do so is rebellion. Will God zap me with a lightning bolt if I step across His lines? No, but my inevitable ‘guilt and confliction’ will be self-inflicted.

The point is simply this. The Bible draws lines, boundaries, fences of protection in which we are to reside. God is not mean-spirited or a ‘kill-joy’ in defining these lines. In fact, it’s one of the greatest acts of love for a ‘Father’ to not let his children wander into dangerous territory. The boundaries (laws) show God’s compassion. And when we flaunt these ‘lines’ so willingly and effortlessly, especially those of us who claim to be followers of Jesus— we show contempt for God’s Word, God’s plan and God’s very nature.

Take sexual sin for example. Many in the world today would have us believe that there is no such thing. “It’s my body and I can do what I want with it”. I have to lovingly disagree. For me as a ‘believer’, there are lines. Sex before marriage— no matter how ‘common’— is stepping across the line. Cohabitating is also. Sex outside of marriage (adultery) is stepping across the line. ‘Homosexual’ or any other ‘sexual’ activity outside of the legal marriage of a man and a woman is a stepping over the line.

As a ‘believer’ I can not ‘lie’. Regardless of the ‘color’ or ‘size’ of the misstatement, a lie is a lie. When I knowingly pervert the truth I know to be fact, I have stepped across the line. I may have my Bible beneath my arm, but it is my behavior by which I am judged.

Or take the cousin of lying— cheating. Cheating… in a contest, off a school friend’s paper in class, on my taxes, when I fill out my time card at work, when I fail to tell a prospective buyer about the ’knocking noise’ in the car’s engine, or when I change the price tags on an item at K-Mart. Cheating is… stepping across the line drawn by God.

Some are reading this right now and thinking “Mark, it’s really no big deal?” Maybe not for you, but it is for me. God defines the boundaries for a reason. Jesus said in John 14:15 that ‘If you love me, you will keep my commandments. I do… So I will. There is a purpose and a benefit for everything God says and does. As Ted Koppel remarked one time in a speech: It wasn’t the ‘Ten Suggestions’ that Moses came down the mountain with, it was the Ten Commandments.

I write this article on New Year’s Eve. Most will make some kind of New Year’s resolution. Good for you! Mine is this: To trust the Bible completely. To attempt to live by my ‘Code’ more faithfully. And to not be influenced or intimidated by those who would seek to move, ridicule or erase the Biblical boundary lines.

Here I stand!

My pastor Mark Minor , is the senior pastor at WHITTINGTON CHURCH, and he shares a post with us each Sunday. Feel free to leave a comment or email a question or topic you would like him to address in a future post. If you are in the southern Illinois area, we'd love to have you worship with us.

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Taking a step backward after taking a step forward is not a disaster, it's a Cha-Cha! ( re-post)

2010-12-31T06:11:00.003-06:00

*This post was published in a regional magazine last year, but I feel it still rings true for this year--any year, so I'm sharing it again.

The title quote is from Robert Brault as he describes an optimist.

Optimism seems to be universal on New Year's Day. Well, at least for a day , anyway. We can pretend that we will approach the New Year with an iron will as we declare resolutions, goals, plans and dreams. We become visionaries....and it feels good.

There is just something about a blank page that brings out the creativity in all of us. The "what ifs?" actually grab our hearts and allow us all to dream a little dream, if only for a moment.

Who knows what 2011 has in store for all of us? Might we actually lose that extra weight we've been trying to hide? Could we land the dream job or get that promotion or become a fitness guru?Is it possible that the bad habit we've been trying to break for a decade may actually see its final demise?

We all know there can be no "perfect year", it will be filled with good and bad, heartache and joy, but we still hope against hope for the year to beat all others.
We dare to dream the dream.

The frightening part of actually dreaming, or resolving to make changes is that deep down, we still remember our track records....we know we will likely be unable to fulfill these dreams, hopes, resolutions as we have in year's past, so it keeps many of us from making a resolution, dreaming that dream or reaching for a goal we may be unable to attain.

The first day we sneak a cookie, or a cigarette, or take a step backward instead of toward our goals, we often give up the effort altogether, treating the step backwards as a disaster, rather than turning it into a dance step. Just one step in a series that keep us on our toes!

Let the blank page of the new year inspire your creativity once again. Allow the newness to inspire new dance steps in a forward moving direction. Don't ever allow a step backwards to cause you to give up. Never. Ever. It's all a part of the dance.

I've got my dancing shoes on (a gorgeous pair of red stilettos) to usher in the new year. I'm ready. I can hear the music playing in the background, I can feel it in my bones. I will dance like no one is looking (or at least my dancing will make them so tired they will eventually look away...or join me!)

Come on- it's a CHA-CHA! Will you join me in 2011?

DANCING WITH THE STARS may actually be inspired by some of our moves!

One resolution I have made, and try always to keep, is this: To rise above the little things. ~John Burroughs

WHY?

2010-12-25T07:23:00.004-06:00

Because I have felt "Empty" and now feel fulfilled

Because I have been anxious and fearful and have experienced His Peace

Because I have suffered depression and now am full of Hope

Because I have been sick and He healed me

Because I have been in need and He supplied them

Because I was confused and He showed me the way

Because I can feel the difference His presence makes in my everyday life

This is why this day is very important to me.

My Savior came to earth and became my refuge.

Hallelujah!

Rejoicing on the day set aside to honor the birth of the Prince of Peace.

May you find in Him all these things and more.

Merry Christmas.

The Christmas Confession (repost)

2010-12-24T05:05:00.002-06:00

Make it a Merry Christmas! (repost)

2010-12-23T06:39:00.003-06:00

There is no ideal Christmas; only the one Christmas you decide to make as a reflection of your values, desires, affections, traditions.

- Bill McKibben, Author, Hundred Dollar Holiday: The Case For a More Joyful Christmas

I took these photos of my great-niece last Christmas, in my living room for her Christmas cards.

I thought as I viewed the photos, how "Perfect" looking everything was...the beautiful girl in a fancy dress in front of beautiful decorations.... and was reminded of how we see what we want to see.

This photo is basically an optical illusion, apart from the beauty of the child.

The only thing perfect in this photo is the love that you may sense while viewing. it. My family, like many of yours, has lots of love to share but also has its struggles and pains, but we choose to see the beauty in those around us ...and to create beauty where none exists.

I say make it a Merry Christmas. If you look hard enough, you'll find the beauty. It's all around you.

Enjoy your family and friends this Christmas.

Peace on Earth....

2010-12-22T00:05:00.003-06:00

I've always been a seeker of peace, but recently, PEACE meant more to me than it ever has.

A couple of months ago, my husband told me of my son's decision to join the Army. My reaction to the news had nothing to do with peace...until I surrendered.

Read more about it at KATDISH'S blog.... and hopefully, PEACE will make its way into your heart and home.

His Gift List

2010-12-20T21:27:00.002-06:00

As we attempt to give honor to the One whose birth we are "celebrating"...
let's keep in mind His desires-as we would any other recipient of a birthday gift.

So, what do you get "the man who has everything"?

He has left us a few "hints"--a gift list of sorts:

Matthew 25:34 "...for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.'

Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?' And the king will answer them, 'Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.'

Celebrate the difference His presence made on planet earth by making a difference in the lives of those He created.

Have a wonderful Christmas.

Peace on earth, goodwill to men.

Rock-a-By Daddy

2010-12-19T08:20:00.000-06:00

~By Pastor Mark Minor

It will come as no surprise to even the casual Bible reader that there’s a lot of music in the Bible. Songs of all kinds. In fact God is the Creator of music. He built us with lungs and vocal cords to sing. He gave skills to men to make instruments like saxophones and trumpets and harmonicas and Les Paul guitars. In fact God has his radio on all the time. Even when he was busy with the business of creating the Universe, we find that God had music blaring from his JBL speakers. As Job 38:4-7 tells us— ‘the morning stars sang together’ while he was ’hanging planets’ and turning ‘mud pies’ into people named Adam and Eve. (Didn’t the Morning Stars eventually get a contract with ‘Motown’… ah, but I digress!)
Psalms… Revelation… trees singing… harpists strumming…. Yes, lots of music in God’s place.

But the coolest thing of all, in my opinion, is not that God ‘CREATED’ music— but that He SINGS IT. And most importantly, we are his audience.
I love Zephaniah 3:17. Let me share it with you.

Zephaniah 3:17

The LORD your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing."

It’s almost Christmas... and I’ll be brief with this blog. But think about it, friend. God is so excited about you he sings songs ‘over’ you. What does it mean to sing a song ‘over’ someone? Well, think about a baby resting in the arms of a mother. Rocking in the chair, aware of the gift of love in her arms, she begins to sing a lullaby ‘over’ the baby. The purpose of this ‘song’ isn’t to ‘teach’. No, it’s much deeper. The song is an harmonic blanket of peace and security over the baby. It communicates at a level deeper than the mind— it touches the spirit.
And that is what God does for us too— if we will let Him. Look at the verse again. It says ’He takes great delight in you’. No need to ‘prove yourself’ or try to ‘earn His love’. Your in. The God of the Universe takes great delight in you simply because you are you.

And look at the next line. ‘He will quiet you with his love’.
In other words, in the midst of a flurry of worldly obligations and hassles, there is One who ‘delights in you’ and is singing you to ‘a quiet assurance’ that all will be OK. He promised,

And then ‘he rejoices over us with singing’. God sings. Hey, I may not know as much as I want to about this ‘God’ but I’m pumped that he’s into ‘music’ and that he’s a singer. And the song He is singing... is to me.

What song is He singing over you right now? A song of strength… or a song that brings restful sleep… or a song that takes your mind off of the loss or the pain?
Or maybe it’s a funny song ‘cuz you need to laugh and you haven’t let loose of a belly laugh in a long, long time.

God’s ‘singing over you’ may inspire you to hang on… pick up the cadence of your march in the doldrums of your life. Hey, might even feel good enough to dance a little— if the music moves you and your not Baptist.

Regardless, it is a comforting and sobering picture to consider. YOU are the focus for his song over you. And I truly believe that He does. I think I have heard his song. I know I have felt it’s melody. And my soul is satisfied in a way only Daddy God (Abba Father) can satisfy.

Is that the wind whistling… or the Maker of the wind tuning his pitch pipe to sing you through?

Pouring a Little ‘Salt’ Into the Christmas ‘Cheer

2010-12-11T19:22:00.004-06:00

By Pastor Mark Minor (Whittington Church)

I know this Christmas is a little different than others. We find our country in the midst of 10 per cent unemployment (which most economists say may actually be much higher). For many struggling retailers, the huge sale events of Black Friday, the traditional ‘day after Thanksgiving’, began early in November— trying to generate a little income during a down and despairing year. And most of us, I guess, have cut back on our Christmas spending, which in past years was $935 per family according to American Consumer Credit Council.
Still, as in most other years, I find myself full of Christmas cheer. Not because of what I hope to receive but because of the incredible examples all around me of people who ’believe’.

People who ‘believe’… people of faith… people who, because of their love of Jesus and their compassion for neighbors, put their money where their good intentions are. ‘Salt of the earth’ Christian soldiers who make sure that EVERYONE within their community has the opportunity for a ‘MERRY CHRISTMAS’.

I am thankful to God for these people. Most, anonymously or without fanfare ‘do the stuff’ that continues to make this country the greatest on earth. And make no mistake… it’s because of the Christ of Christmas that this country was born and has the DNA of ‘Biblical compassion’ in it’s collective soul.

But please, we must understand it’s not over just because we delivered the presents or dropped off a basket of sweet Christmas goodies to some neighborhood child in need. Far from it.

Jesus uttered some very important words— words we need to understand— when he said in
Matthew 26:11 ‘The poor you will have with you always…’!”

What Jesus was pointing out is that: along with the momentary ‘joy of giving’ we need to work to fix the real problem as to why there is need in the first place. We need to be ‘salt’ as well as ‘sugar’.

Most poverty in America is not from a lack of resources. The reason for most of the poverty I see in my community today is ’broken lives’. To truly fix the problem of hurting children in our country we must address the problems of those who are supposed to care for the kids. Pundits like to throw out statistics about how many poor and underprivileged children there are in this most prosperous of societies— and I don’t deny the reality. The challenge before us, though, is not to educate (and shame) an ‘uncaring or selfish country into giving more. That’s ‘hogwash’! The challenge is to change the morals and bad habits of the system— beginning with the parents and the governmental agencies.

I have worked with the truly poor for over 22 years. Every month our church feeds, clothes and cares for over 100 families in our area. I know them by name… I perform their weddings and funerals… and I genuinely care about them. But I have to be honest. Most of the problems that these families have are the result of poor, wrong or unwise decisions. I don’t help them a bit just by giving them a can of green beans or a second hand coat unless I can also help them ‘change their ways’. And it’s not easy.

Some of the ‘brokenness’ may be best describe as an attitude or understanding toward ‘poverty’. A sense of entitlement is very destructive— and not Biblical. The Bible tells me not to ’covet my neighbor’s house or anything my neighbor has. (Exodus 20:17) And to be thankful for the blessings I have received. Many of my ‘needy friends’ are very thankful. For others, I need to be ‘salt’ and help them understand that none of us are ‘entitled’ to a certain lifestyle—we need to be faithful and thankful for every blessing.

There is an old saying that goes something like this: “I thought I was poor because I had no shoes… until I met a man who had no feet.” In other words, being ‘poor’ is ‘relative’— it depends on your definition of ’poor’.

For the past four years, Pam and I have been privileged to have students from the African country of Kenya live with us. Many of these ’kids’ come from ’huts’ with dirt floor, hammock beds, no plumbing and an open ‘campfire’ to cook every meal. A meal usually of rice or corn. Then they come to America… Their eyes enlarge like saucers when they see all the food and goods as they walk through a Wal-mart. The poorest of homes in our area seems as a palace. But one comment from one of the Kenyan girls sticks with me. One day she came to church with me to observe our Helps ministry as we handed out food and clothing to the ‘needy’. She was surprised by our definition of ‘poverty’. She observed most of the ’needy’ that day driving their own cars, talking on cell phones, wearing jewelry… and, according to her observation— they were ’ very well-fed’. She commented “at home (in Kenya) the poor are skinny, naked, sick, neglected and disadvantaged’. Your poor people in America would be ‘wealthy kings’ in our country. “

In other words, ‘poverty’ is ‘relative’. I was proud, humbled and embarrassed at the same time. Proud that in America… and I believe especially here in the communities of Southern Illinois, we take care of ‘people’. Are they “Donald Trump’ rich? No... but the compassion, sharing and diligent work of churches, organizations, community businesses and individuals gives most or our ‘poor’ a higher lifestyle than much of the rest of the world. Humbled that God continues to bless ‘our communities’ with the means to supply ’needs’. And embarrassed about our ‘definition’ of begin ‘poor’. Some may have more than others— than you— but we all here in this area have a reason to be thankful.

Secondly, we must also understand the deeper issues. The ‘brokenness. Not all— but a great deal of the poverty in America can be traced, not to a lack of resources, but a ‘lack of wisdom. In other words, an ‘attitude of poverty.”

There are, of course, heartbreaking reasons for the ‘neediness’ of some— sickness, loss of job, injury. But I also recognize that some of the children in our area experience poverty because the money given or earned by parents went to buy alcohol, drugs or was blown at the gambling boat rather than spent on milk and corn flakes.

Some children today experience poverty because mom and dad ‘split up’… divorced, and the resources were divided in half. Statistics show that many middle class families ‘fall below the poverty level’ simply because ‘mom’ has to find an apartment she can afford or ‘dad's paycheck just doesn’t go as far now that it is providing for two households instead of one. Obviously it’s not the children’s fault when marriages disintegrate, and sometimes not the fault of the one on the receiving end of the ’divorce decree’. This isn’t about ’judging’ but to ‘fix’ the kids, we need to be ‘salt’ to the parents and families, working hard to keep them together and function as Bible based homes.

Some children in our area live in poverty because they just don’t know any other lifestyle. Second, third, fourth generations who have lived from government paycheck to government paycheck. I’m not criticizing the ‘government paycheck’… but the attitude of poverty convinces many of these kids that ‘this is as good as it gets’ for them. In their ‘poverty of vision’ they just can’t see themselves becoming a teacher, a business person, a lawyer or a nurse. So another child… will all too soon become a parent... of another child... of poverty. Hence Jesus’ reminder… the poor you will have with you always.

These kids are not ‘imprisoned in poverty’ because of a shortage of resources or opportunities, but by an ‘attitude of poverty’ communicated to them by ‘loving’ but often ‘misguided’ adults. And maybe a society that is more apt to given these kids a ‘handout’ than a ‘dream’. It is our task—January thru November— to be ‘salt’ to these future leaders and give them the moral courage, guidance and lift them need to break free from their ’self-imposed chains .

On our refrigerator used to hang a poster with this familiar saying; Give me a fish and I eat for a day. Teach me to fish and I eat for a lifetime. ‘Giving’ is good. ‘Teaching’ is life transforming. The gift the keeps on giving.

So, welcome to Christmas 2010! ‘Give’ Jesus said. ‘Take care of the poor’. Provide for the children, the widows and the ‘innocent’ among you. This Christmas… I thank God for those many, many hands and hearts that are doing just that. YOU make a difference. You are heroes with hearts.

It's SNOWING!

2010-12-06T16:52:00.006-06:00

I don't care where you live, it will be snowing in your neck of the woods by the time you finish reading Billy Coffey's first novel , Snow Day. (Faith Words Publishing)

When I first began reading chapter one, it was an unseasonably warm, fall day here in southern Illinois. By the time I was reading the second and third chapters, I swore I felt a chill in the air, and midway through the book, I broke down and made myself a cup of hot cocoa! Seriously, Billy Coffey's descriptive knack for story-telling, caused me to tag along with his main character, Peter Boyd as he experienced an unexpected snow day. I found myself shaking my head in agreement as Peter was challenged by the seemingly meaningless events of the day that somehow taught him life lessons he would never forget...nor will the reader.

Each chapter could stand alone as a wonderfully inspiring message that not only warms the soul, but first challenges the reader to take another look at the big picture while closely inspecting the small details.

Billy Coffey has been likened to a modern day Mark Twain with his easy-to-read story telling style. I must agree, but I found his chapters to be even more inspirational and thought-provoking -very timely and timeless.

The following excerpts were especially inspirational and are wonderful examples of Coffey's wisdom and gift for imparting it to his readers.

"I realized then the real reason I'd taken off work. I needed to search for my constants. For my own bread and milk of my life that would sustain me if life at work unraveled.

So as I drove I prayed for what Mandy had. I asked God to help me believe that if I lost what means much, it would be so I could find what means more." (pg. 14)

"And maybe most of all, how to realize that you are not a keeper of your blessings, but a borrower." (pg. 168)

"A bad day is when people don't realize what God has given them." (pg. 127)

I also enjoyed connecting with the many characters that crossed paths with Peter Boyd, and especially the clever, descriptive introductions to their personalities:

"It started at an early age for Kenny. Maybe around Little League when he was stuck in right field where the ball never went. That way he would never have to try to catch it and never have to throw it."
(pg. 51)

Snow Day is more than a novel--it is reality for so many of us and a great reminder to notice those things that are often overlooked that may end up being life's great blessings.

This book is a must read especially during the Christmas season and especially for those who are needing a bit of encouragement--real, down-home encouragement.

I am going to give away a book to a lucky person who leaves a comment here or on facebook (randomly chosen--continental US only)).Winner will be announced this Friday, at 9 pm.)

The book is available in bookstores (Barnes and Noble included) and on Amazon.com.

Perfect read for your Snow Day!

*Better by two- one for yourself and one for someone you love!

It's almost SNOW DAY!

2010-12-06T07:02:00.001-06:00

Come back this evening for my SNOW DAY book review!

Grab a cup of hot cocoa, and a blanket and allow author Billy Coffey to talk you right in to having a meaningful holiday season.

See you this evening!

Giving From the Heart

2010-11-30T05:38:00.003-06:00

~By Pastor Mark Minor

Another Christmas time is upon us in America. Hope yours is joyous! While the ‘hate Christmas’ crowd was still out there trying to eliminate the meaning of the holiday (though not the retail sales), it remains a glorious time in our culture. So many things remind us it’s Christmas— lights decorating houses, Christmas carols, specials on TV, crowds at malls and the many, many family gatherings. All signs of the season of the coming to earth of a Savior.

The most telling symbol of the meaning of Christmas, however, is none of the above. In fact. It’s not found in symbols at all but deeds. It’s the many acts of ‘giving’— charity shown especially at Christmas. More than anything else, the gift of God giving His Son to a lost and broken people has established for Christians (and even non-believers) the precedent that ‘it is better to give than receive’. And for 2000 years, true Christians have followed God’s example by giving to fellow human beings— even people who aren’t followers of Jesus— to eliminate suffering and bring hope. Despite the critics barbs, believers have actually done a pretty good job. The giving of Christians and churches could possibly be the most single significant change in all the course of human history. Such corporate compassion and sharing, such sacrificial giving, had never been witnessed in history before Bethlehem. In a sense, the birth of Jesus was the beginning of charity.

That’s not to say that non-Christians don’t give. Many do… and very generously. Yet in answer to the day-in day-out needs of people, statistics show that ’heart-changed believers’ are in a class of their own. It’s true!! And though we may not be doing all we can do… we are ‘doing’— and research bears that out. There are those who would have you believe that faith in Jesus is a detriment to giving. The exact opposite is true! Evangelical (Bible believing) Christians are the giving-est group of people on Earth.

Proof… give me some proof, you say. Well, just ‘look around’ this Christmas would be one of my responses. ‘Salvation Army’ bell-ringers on every corner. Young Men’s Christian Associations (most readily known by the initials— YMCA) serve up free hot meals to those down on their luck. Church food pantries pour out Christmas meals and millions of children receive gifts from the local congregations in their neighborhoods. It happens ‘from sea to shining sea’ every year. But there is more…

A recent book entitled ‘Who Really Cares’ by Arthur C. Brooks, noted professor at Syracuse University, documents the gifts and giving of Christians (as well as the non-giving of many who often criticize the church but never ‘put their money where their mouths are?.) Mr. Brooks researched deep into the ‘giving habits’ of different American groups. What he found was not what he suspected.

Brooks began to research ‘who’ in America really gave and ‘why’. The strongest factor leading to charity, Brooks discovered, was not how much money a person has, but how much faith they have. Not just any ‘faith’ either, but, according to his research, a faith based on the Bible and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

The statistics on charity show an amazing contrast on the giving habits of people. For example, consider a family living in San Francisco and a family in South Dakota. Both geographic areas have about the same population, and both groups give away about the same amount of money on an average each year— about $1300 of their income. San Francisco is a largely secular city with very little Christian witness. The average income of the family living in San Fran is $80,822. In contrast, in the predominantly church-going population of South Dakota, the average family makes $45,364. Or as Brooks points out, the family living in the plains of South Dakota, while making much less, is giving away 75% more of it’s family income each year than the family in the San Francisco!

What reason could explain this large ‘charity discrepancy’, Brooks wondered? The answer he discovered: FAITH!!... across the board and in every situation.

Statistically, only 14% of San Franciscoans attend any kind of church. In South Dakota, over 90% do. Those who attended church and regarded the Bible as God’s Word gave of their money at a much higher rate and proportion than did those who had no church attendance. To Brooks, it was a startling correlation.

And the giving of Christians is not just money to help support churches or church work. Brooks also found that Christians are also more likely to give to non-religious groups such as United Way, Red Cross, local school PTA, Katrina victims and so on. The findings document that the giving of the ’church folk’ was not just to ‘take care of their own’ but out of a true desire to lessen the suffering of human beings on the planet— regardless of faith or ethnicity.

Then there is the issue of the ’feet’. Christians not only are more likely to give to charity, they are more likely to volunteer time and energy for a cause than are non-believers (51% to 32%). Just watch the caravans of vehicles, during disasters like the hurricane Katrina in 2005, heading almost immediately to the scene of a disaster to help cook meals, clothe survivors, clean up and take care of people. The great majority of those folks, according to Brooks, come from churches, denominations and religious relief organizations. Unpaid, compassionate believers giving of their time, taking vacation days, traveling at their own expense— all because giving IS the way of Christ.

Matthew 10:8 As you have received, freely give.
Acts 20:35 ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave…

I write these thought, not to diminish the efforts of others who are moved to giving, simply because of ‘good hearts’ that see suffering and want to eliminate it. Certainly nothing wrong with that— and we should honor those who do such. What I am suggesting though is that— day in and day out— ‘giving’ is a huge and ongoing part of Christian life. It can’t stop just because Christmas is over… nor can it simply be motivated by TV images of catastrophes such as earthquakes in Haiti, tsunamis in Indonesia or famines in Darfur. Need doesn’t end when Oprah leaves.

Christian giving is a response to HIS love for us— and an indication of our love for Him. If we are following his example of giving, we can be proud of what our gifts are accomplishing... which is MUCH. If we aren’t giving, we can question whether our faith is truly real.

Just as a way of personal illustration… our church will be providing Christmas gifts to over 200 area children this year. We will provide Christmas food for over 100 families. Through ‘Angel Tree’ we usually provide gifts for the children of every inmate incarcerated in a state institution whose families live in our county. I love my church family because they understand the joy of giving!

Your tithe, your giving, your compassion, your volunteering IS changing the world, my Believing friends. What a wonderful way to say ‘Jesus loves you’!

Surviving....Thanksgiving

2010-11-22T05:36:00.000-06:00

*This is a repost from last year, however, finding myself again in the same state, I chose to share it with you .

As an optimistic person by nature, I so anticipate the coming of each new year and I'm am ever filled with hope and excitement just thinking about the fresh new start and the unlimited opportunities the new year will hold.

Usually by Thanksgiving time, so many things have transpired over the year, (a sprinkling of good and bad) that I may tend to feel a little weary, but still very appreciative for the blessed life I have been allowed to enjoy.

This year, however, more than a year's regular share of "bad" has been happening all around me. If you follow my blog, you know I have attended more than my fair share of funerals of family members and friends and even yesterday, I learned of another tragic death, my friend's sister, passed away of a heart attack, a single Mom in her late thirties leaving two small and one grown child behind. Please remember her family in your prayers. Her name is Amy.

We also learned that Big AL's brother, a man we all ADORE, received some scary news and I won't go into details here, but he needs a miracle....if you believe in them, would you pray for Jim?

Lots of hurting people all around me, but as I thought about what I have witnessed and experienced so far this year, I do realize that many of us, have been taken through paths that have caused us to feel as if we may be drowning, and about to go under for the last time, which doesn't normally leave us feeling very thankful.

But guess what?

There's good news! Although at times it may have felt as there was no way we could survive these dilemmas, tragedies, heartaches.....here we are in NOVEMBER....WE SURVIVED!

The year may have already held enough heartache to destroy a person, but if you are reading this, you can be thankful, or GRATEFUL (as my Pastor shared so beautifully yesterday in his post on gratitude---a MUST READ as you enter this week)that you are a SURVIVOR!

We all have a reason to be grateful...we have been delivered once again! We have survived what we thought we would never rise above.

My pastor shared yesterday, that a grateful person (as opposed to a thankful one) always GOES BACK. They go back to the one to whom they are grateful to offer thanks.

Is there someone that is worthy of your return to say thanks? To show your true gratitude, not just lip service?

What have you survived this year? Will you "go back" to offer your thanks for your survival?

I have many to visit, but I will start at the feet of Jesus. I will run back to Him to offer my heartfelt thanks for not only all He has brought me through this year, but for that sweet peace that always accompanies His presence.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. I hope you can also find yourself with a grateful heart, regardless of your situation. I think if you look hard enough, you will find that you can be grateful that you have survived!