Peace Be With You

A woman from one of my online communities (lets call her Margie) wrote a message one day about how she has never experienced peace from God, even though she had accepted Him as her Savior. Here is what she said:

“Before I became saved, I heard from ministers and others that walking with God would be a wonderful experience and my life would be changed forever. In many ways that has been true, yet I hear of other Christians as having peace and rest in God. I do not see that in my life. I feel no peace since becoming a Christian. If anything, my life is harder. It seems that, now, I am constantly having to make some "spiritual change" in my life, or some trial comes along, or I am constantly worried about whether I am raising my kids right, or wondering if ‘x situation’ really is God's will or my own will, since I do not seem to ‘hear’ from Him as others do. Where is the peace Christians talk about? What would it be like if I ever did have it? I feel like such a baby in the faith and it is not growing. What do I do?”

J.I. Packer, in his book, “Knowing God,” addresses this very issue in chapter 21. To be brief, he mentions how it is cruel for a Christian to tell an unbeliever that his life will be like a “bed of roses” once he accepts Christ into his life. (And, on the flip side, it is also not a good idea to stress only the “rough side” of the Christian life.) To be fair to an unbeliever, we must be truthful about the positive difference Christ has made in our own lives, but remember to give a balanced approach in what a person might encounter.

While it is true that a Christian can experience peace and rest through knowing Christ, the truth is that, in many ways, life does become even harder for us. Satan hates it when we turn to Christ, so he will do everything he can to keep us from becoming effective for the Lord. He tries to influence our attitudes, actions, and thoughts. It is definitely not an easy life! But, if we continue to stay in the Word, continue to learn what God's Word says, and continue to seek guidance through prayer, then we will GROW in the Lord, and we will have confidence in knowing He will always be there to help us through the difficult times.

As for peace, Margie had a misunderstanding as to what peace from God really means. Another definition of peace is "contentment." God does not promise we will never go through struggles. But, through Him, we can be content in whatever situation we are in - Contentment with the thought that God knows what is best for us; contentment in knowing the things He allows us to go through are used to help make us stronger Christians; contentment in realizing we are reaching our goal of becoming more like Him. Peace and contentment does not always come easily, but the more we walk with the Lord, the more He will show us that peace is something we encounter when we choose to abide in Him.

I hope this encourages you in your Christian walk - not only to explain things accurately to unbelievers, but to also realize we CAN have peace in the midst of our trials. In Christ, we have hope that others do not have. So, take courage, my friends; and, may peace be with you...

John 16:33 - "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."(NAS)

Thanksgiving Suggestions & Ideas

As Thanksgiving Day approaches, I thought I'd share the following suggestions. I found these several years ago on  ANNIE'S HOME PAGE. 

• If you know a single person make sure that they don't spend Thanksgiving alone. Let them become part of your family for that day.
  
  
  
• Spend one hour as a family at a shelter or nursing home volunteering.
  


• If you can afford it take a single mother or father to the grocery store and pay for their thanksgiving day groceries.
  


• Make two of each of the pies you make and give one away to a busy mother or senior that can't bake this year.
  


• Be creative, there are so many ways to use your abundance to help those in need. Your abundance may be that you have a family that loves you and you can even share that with a lonely widow or widower who never had any children of their own. They can become an adopted grandparent for your children for Thanksgiving Day or any day for that matter.
  


• Often it is just a matter of using your organizational skills to check and double check to make sure that NONE will be lacking in your church or neighborhood for the holiday season. Consider starting with your Sunday School class and make sure that each one will have a place to go on Thanksgiving instead of being alone.
  


• Call one of your neighbors and see if they can come over for a piece of pie or have dessert with you this Thanksgiving Day.
  


• Share your abundance of clothes and blankets this year. Gather some extra blankets and even the coat that is a little too small. Maybe bring that extra pair of gloves that you never really liked and take them to a homeless shelter.
  


• Make some sandwiches and cookies and take them to the homeless people in your town. Get some empty shoe boxes and put a few seasonal treats and treasures along with some Thanksgiving cards in them. Then they can be handed out at the nursing home this Thanksgiving. While you are there you can ask the director if there are any people who might need a visit or some fresh flowers to cheer them up this year.
  


• If you love the tradition of Thanksgiving Football games, that's great. BUT make sure you don't watch them alone. Invite a single person over to watch the game with you. Not everyone will either want to or be able to travel home for the holidays. You can even PRAY for the athletes as you watch the game this year. Also consider praying for the announcers or those in the stadium that are watching the game.

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving as you celebrate with family and friends!

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GUEST BLOGGER: Mary Lee

Mary is a good friend of mine. We both attended the same college, but at different times, and I "found" her one day in our alumni magazine. I was interested in getting to know her, as I thought she looked familiar, and I also saw she was a mother of special needs children (something we definitely had in common). I e-mailed her one day, and we became friends almost instantly. We have shared prayers and support, shared several family "outings," and have studied God's Word together. It has been a blessing to know Mary, and she has allowed me this opportunity to share a poem she wrote in her college days. It is a poem about Wisdom and how it's important for us to strive at living our lives in a way that would make God want to say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." 

Matt 25:21 - "His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'(NKJ)

Now, here's Mary....

In college I spent some time serving the elderly in a particular apartment complex. We ran errands, fixed things, and spent time talking. One woman stood out in particular to me.

Wisdom

“Enjoy your youth,” the woman said,

Imploring with her eyes

I could not grasp her full intent

But knew that she was wise.

“I was young once, just like you,

And felt I’d always be;

But now I look back with regret

On all I did not see.

If I could relive my youthful days

I’d get it through my head

That life is short and I must grasp

Each moment, each word said.

Don’t demand love from your friends

And don’t expect too much.

Love them each for who they are

Don’t use them as your crutch.

Look for ways to be content

With what God gives to you

That way you’ll not regret

And to His word You’ll be true.”

As she spoke she brought me

To a state of deepened thought.

I thanked God for wiser people,

Praying others could be taught.

~ Mary Lee ~

Happy Veterans Day!

My family and I attended the Veterans Day ceremony in town this morning. Here are a few pictures we would like to share....

Honor Guard veterans lined up on the courthouse lawn.

The Jr. High band played several patriotic songs

and did a great job!

There were over 400 flags on the courthouse lawn, with names on each one to recognize the deceased veterans in the County.

It was quite a site!

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What is Veterans Day?

What is Veterans Day? Oh, I know, I know.... it’s a holiday that lets us stay home from school and work. We get the day off from our regular duties and get to do whatever we want to do, right? Well...yes....but why? Have you ever really shared with your children or grandchildren what Veterans Day is all about? I would guess that half the population really doesn’t have a clue as to what its for, aside from it being a day to sleep in.

Well, here's the scoop... Veteran’s Day is an annual American holiday that encourages us to honor all veterans (past, present and future) for their service to our country. 

So, who are veterans? They're the men and women who have served (or are currently serving) in the various branches of the armed forces: Army, Army Reserve, Army National Guard, Marines Corps, Marine Corps Reserve, Navy, Navy Reserve, Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air Guard, Coast Guard, Coast Guard Reserve.

By the way, the men pictured on today’s blog are all United States veterans. They are all related to either me or my husband in some way. This, by no means, is ALL of the veterans in our family lines. However, these are some of the photos I was recently able to gather.

Veterans Day is not to be confused with Memorial Day, which specifically honors military members who have DIED in service to their country. While deceased veterans are also remembered on Veterans Day, the focus is on their faithful service, and not on their death in battle.

Everyone who owns a calendar should be able to see that Veterans Day is coming up this Wednesday, November 11th. As the day approaches, please remember it is not a day to debate whether or not we should or should not be at war with someone; And, it is not a day to voice your opinions about the military and whether or not you think they are doing a good job. What it is a day for is a day to honor and remember all the men and women who have served for YOU and for the freedom you have here in America.

As Veterans Day approaches, I want to encourage us all to keep patriotism alive in this country and find some way to help our children (and ourselves) appreciate the sacrifices our veterans have made for us. This article from eHow.com has some good suggestions on how we can do that:

HOW TO CELEBRATE VETERANS DAY

In closing, I want to personally thank each and every veteran out there for your service to our country. God bless you all,
and God bless America!

Click below to hear Celine Dion sing a wonderful rendition of
God Bless America!

GUEST BLOGGER: Dr. James L. McIntosh

I'm pleased to present my dad as a guest blogger today. He is an Instructor and the Academic Dean at Brookes Bible Institute in St. Louis, MO. A couple of years ago, he wrote this short message for the back of a church bulletin. With his permission, I am sharing it with you now....

I Love Fire Departments

While teaching a class in our small Bible Institute, one day a student asked what it means to be a disciple and how that relates to going to heaven. The Lord provided me with a good answer, as we have a fire department across the street.

In response, I told [the students] how one could become a “disciple” of the fire department. (They do like visitors, you know.) Each week, I could go there and learn what they have to do to put out fires. They could teach me about cleaning the equipment, getting it all ready for the next emergency, and what wax to use to polish each item. They could show me what mask to use for each kind of fire and what tank to use to breathe properly in each situation. They could teach me how to put the hoses away. They would call me by name and be glad I came, as we all are friendly. However, when the bell rings and they leave, I would be left behind. You see, I am only a learner, or a disciple. Not a part of them.

Each week, we have in our churches the same situation. Many friendly folk come and are learners. They can tell most of the facts of what Jesus Christ did for mankind. They can tell of His virgin birth, sinless life, death, burial, resurrection, and even ascension. Yet, when it is time to leave this earth and go to heaven, they will be left behind, as they were only learners. They were not a part of Him.

A disciple is a learner. Become a “truster” in what He did, not just knowing what He did. Place your TRUST in Him today.

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Be a Blessing Today

Its that time of year - cold and flu season. So many people are, or already have been, sick with one thing or another. I’m not going to take the time right now to tell you all the best ways to keep from getting sick, what or what not to eat, what supplements to take, etc. There are many other websites out there that have already covered that. What I would rather focus on is how we can help each other during the times our friends and family are not feeling well. Here are just a few suggestions. You can do these without even entering the person’s home and exposing yourselves to their illness:

• This may be obvious to some of you, but prayer is very important. Don’t just pray a blanket prayer like “Lord please help all the sick people get well.” Pray a specific prayer for each person you know who needs healing.
  
• Send a “Get Well” card, or a note of encouragement, letting them know you are thinking of them. Even an e-mail or a note on Facebook can help to brighten someone’s day, if only for a little while.
  
• Make them a simple meal, such as soup and crackers, especially if the main cook of the family doesn’t feel well enough to prepare meals. Or, for those of you who can afford it, ask the family what they like and go buy frozen dinners, or order take-out for them.
  
• Drop off a basket of videos, books and/or games for the family to borrow while they are stuck at home. Or, go buy the kids a new toy or some coloring books to help pass the time.
  
• Call the family up and ask if there are any errands you can run for them around town.

I think its important that we all try to remember each other in our times of need. Ask the Lord to show you who needs a special blessing today; and, most importantly, when some names have been brought to your attention, go and BE a blessing.

Make Me A Blessing

(click on the title above to hear the tune)

Words by Ira B. Wilson

Music by George S. Schuler

Out in the highways and byways of life,

many are weary and sad;

Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife

making the sorrowing glad.

Refrain:

Make me a blessing,

Make me a blessing,

Out of my life

May Jesus shine;

Make me a blessing, O savior, I pray,

Make me a blessing to someone today.

Tell the sweet story of Christ and His love;

Tell of His pow'r to forgive;

Others will trust Him if only you prove

true ev'ry moment you live.

Refrain

Give as 'twas given to you in your need;

Love as the Master loved you;

Be to the helpless a helper indeed;

Unto your mission be true.

Refrain

GUEST BLOGGER: David Stankus

We have a guest blogger today: My husband, David. He has been involved with Emergency Services for over 20 years now. Here's what he has to say about seeing the fruits of our labor... 

As a Paramedic, I don't usually get to see the end results of my work. I do as my medical protocols command, then let the doctor worry about the outcome. One day, my partner and I were thrilled to see the results of our labor as we had a direct hand in saving someone's life.

We received a call for a person choking. When we arrived, we found a man who was indeed choking. He was unconscious and not breathing. We followed our protocols and training and in a matter of a few seconds, we had the object out and his airway was clear. We began helping him to breathe and on the way to the hospital, he started to breathe on his own. About an hour later, we returned to the hospital with another patient and we checked on him and found that he was awake and doing fine.

It was exciting to see the results of our labor. Usually, when we deal with a patient, we assess the problem, begin treatment in our ambulance, and deliver him to the ER. That's the last we see or hear of the patient. We know we make a difference in that person's life but, sometimes, we don't get to see it.

This also has a spiritual application. We labor in the cause of Christ and, many times, do not see the fruits of that labor. It is easy to get discouraged and believe that you are not really making an impact or a difference for Christ. However, God said His Word will not come back empty. He does do something with the seeds we sow. Occasionally, we get to see the fruit of our labor. But, even if we don't, we must remember to do as Christ commands us, then let Him worry about the outcome.

Isa 55:11 - So shall My word be which goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding {in the matter} for which I sent it. (NAS)

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I Just Came to Praise the Lord

When I was growing up, my parents enjoyed listening to various types of music and collected a large number of different LP’s for us all to listen to (an LP is a Long Playing record, for those of you who were wondering). Those were the days when the only thing available for listening to music was either the radio, a cassette player, or a record player. My parents instilled in me a love for a variety of good, wholesome music, as we would spend an afternoon or evening listening to our newest album.

One of the Christian albums we all enjoyed was by The Imperials; and, a song they made popular is a very simple chorus about praising the Lord.

I just came to praise the Lord.

I just came to praise the Lord.

I just came to praise His holy name.

I just came to praise the Lord.

On this beautiful Autumn day, I am coming to this blog to do just one thing - to praise the Lord and thank Him for His goodness. Through good times, and difficult times, He has been there for me and my family. I am thankful for all He has done for us.

Ps 146:2 - I will praise the LORD all my life;
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.

Happy 90th Birthday, Grandma!

Yesterday, a gathering of 50-60 family and friends met at my grandmother’s church to help celebrate her 90th birthday! It was a nice day - a time to fellowship, share, cry a little, and laugh a lot - a time to remember the good times we’ve had, and to look back and laugh at the things that may not have seemed so funny at the time it first happened. It was a day to recognize a wonderful “young” lady who has touched so many lives with her love and compassion, her sense of humor, her strength, and her love for the Lord.

Grandma has been such an inspiration to me, and to many others as well. I am so “proud” to call her my grandma. She isn’t perfect (Who is?), but the overall way she has lived her life is a testimony of how I want to be remembered when I am her age.

Grandma’s favorite hymn is “Because He Lives.” As I listen to the lyrics, I can see how perfect they are, and how well they fit with my Grandma’s life. Through all the struggles she has encountered, as well as all the joyous times in her life, she has never forgotten what really matters.... Because HE lives, we can face tomorrow....

Even if you don’t know my grandma, please take some time to listen to this song and be reminded of how our lives are soooo worth living.... Just because HE lives....