Fire!

Black Forest, Colorado has been on my mind and in my prayers all week.  We lived just a few miles from where the wildfires have been raging for nine years.  I have friends who live there.  My son-in-law’s sister lives there. Last year’s Waldo Canyon fire was also a blow to my heart as many familiar landmarks and organizations were threatened and even destroyed by the inferno back then.  These catastrophes in the national news hit close to home when people and places you know are involved.

We waited day after day this week to hear if David’s sister Rhina and her family still had a home.  The flames, pushed by strong and shifting winds, were rapidly advancing toward their ranch.  Earlier in the day they were able to move their horses out of harm’s way, and helped some neighbors move their horses as well.  Suddenly they were given a two hour evacuation notice and they began the rush to pack up what they could, but even more suddenly, as the winds turned once more, they were told they had to leave immediately.  They left with only the clothes on their backs and a handful of important documents.  There was no way to take the herd of goats, their two llamas or all the barn cats.  It grieved their hearts to leave the animals behind but they had no choice.  The houses below them were burning and the fire was coming across the field straight at them.  They saw no hope, barring a miracle, that they would have a home to return to.

Word came to them some time later that officials had allowed the Humane Society in when the winds changed once again to rescue their animals.  Much of the distress they were under was lifted at that moment.  And beyond hope, the word was that although all the homes around them were destroyed, their house still stood.  The threat was still great, however, as the wind kept shifting and firefighters were forced to return again and again to areas they thought they had contained.  Days later they knew a miracle had happened—their house had survived amidst total devastation in their area.  At this time, the fire is 60% contained. Nearly 555 homes have been destroyed and 25 square miles have been scorched.

Fire.  It is one of the things we fear most.  It is no respecter of persons.  It is one of the worst ways to die.  It is one of the most difficult, painful things to survive when badly burnt.  It consumes everything in its path.  This thing which can be one of man’s most useful tools can also be one of his most destructive enemies.

Did you know fire in the Bible often represents God Himself and how He works in our lives?

God’s Presence – Fire sometimes symbolizes the person and presence of God.  We see that in several passages of Scripture in the book of Exodus.  God spoke to Moses through a burning bush in chapter 3, verse 2.  The Lord came down to Mt. Sinai in fire.  “And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the Lord descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly.” (Exodus 19:18)  He led the Israelites through the wilderness with a pillar of fire.  (Exodus 12:21)  Later on, the prophet Ezekiel described his vision of God as surrounded by fire.  (Ezekiel 1:27)

God’s Punishment – Judgment and punishment by God in the Bible are very often carried out by fire.  In Genesis 19 we see the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, their sinfulness and ultimate destruction by fire and brimstone from God.  Disobedient priests in Leviticus 10 were punished by fire: “And there went out fire from the Lord, and devoured them, and they died before the Lord.” (v. 2) Nahum 1:3, 6 tell us that He pours out the fire of His wrath on his enemies.  “The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked… Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him.”  His future and final judgment will be by fire, first for this old earth which has been stained by sin.  “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.”  (II Peter 3:10)  A new heaven and earth are created for all those to dwell with Him for all eternity.  For those who have rejected Him, however, everlasting hellfire awaits.  “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night forever and ever.  And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.  And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.  And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”  (Revelation 20:10, 12, 14-15)

God’s Purification – The Lord likens the testing and trials we, His children, go through to purifying fires.  Just as silver and gold are purified by going through fire and burning the impurities away (see Isaiah 1:25), in His love He strengthens us and causes us to come through the fires shining like gold.  “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” (I Peter 1:7, 4:12, 13)

It may seem strange to us that fire is a symbol of God’s wrath upon his enemies as well as a symbol of His love for His children.  Hebrews 12:29 says that “God is a consuming fire.”  His fire consumes the wicked and purifies the righteous.  The fire of His judgment leaves the unbeliever separated from God forever.  On the other hand, He walks through the purifying fires with His children, never leaving or forsaking them.  Remember Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in Daniel 3?  Jesus walked with them in the fiery furnace when they were tested for their faith in God.  God’s presence is with us, as well, when we walk through the fires of purification.  Isaiah 43:1, 2 says “…Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.  When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” 

We do not know why God has allowed this terrible fire to rage in Colorado.  It may be judgment for some; purification for others.  His presence is there, nonetheless, for all who call upon Him.  Let’s continue to remember the people of Black Forest, and others affected by wildfires elsewhere, in prayer.

The Value of Golf Shoes

The Missionary – Our son-in-law Fernando is a missionary in Cuenca, Ecuador.  There was something different about Fernando from the time he first came to know Jesus as his Savior.  He was filled with a great zeal to bring others to know Him, as well.  He had a burden for his family, for his friends, for the people of his city.  Our daughter Laura met Fernando when she went as a college sophomore to Cuenca on a nearly year-long college work/study program called Arriba!  One of the young men in the group led Fernando to the Lord. Although the others in his family were not yet believers, they welcomed the entire group of young Americans into their home.  Before Laura returned to the States, she and Fernando knew they were beginning to have feelings for one another and shortly after she left they began a courtship via telephone, video and mail.  (This was pre-email and Facebook days—and before cheap phone rates, too!)  Eighteen months later Fernando came to the States and they were married.

I knew from the beginning they would be returning to Ecuador as missionaries.  With his zeal to win his family and countrymen to the Lord, and her great love for the people, it was no surprise that God would call them to that mission field.  As Laurie’s mother it was hard to say goodbye to them and my grandchildren when the time came, but how could I say no to the Lord?  If this was His will for them, then who was I to try to hold them back?

Twenty years and seven children later, they are currently working to start a third church in Cuenca.  Everyone in Fernando’s family has come to know Jesus as their Savior, including his parents, grandmother, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews.  Some of his friends and many others have met the Lord, as well, through his witness to them.  Fernando is bold in evangelizing and takes every opportunity to tell others about the Lord.

The Method – Fernando has an advantage over American missionaries.  Of course, language is never the obstacle it often is for gringos on the field.  More importantly, however, as an Ecuadorian and Cuencano himself, Fernando has an understanding of the mindset, culture and religious background of his people that other missionaries will seldom achieve.  American missionaries will often come into a mission field and labor for decades trying to turn a small group of people into a carbon copy of an American church.  American hymns, American programs, American methods.  They fail to meet the people where they are and how they think, believing that their ways are superior to the native culture of the people they are trying to win.

Fernando has been criticized in the past by older, more “experienced” missionaries for, what seems to them, his unorthodox ways.  The hymns he uses may have the traditional words and music we know, but sung with guitars, panpipes and folk drums—the music of the people.  Sunday is traditionally very much a family day, gathering with extended family after the morning church service. Because this is very important culturally, they do not have Sunday evening services.  Fernando leads Bible studies several evenings during the week, however, with couples or small groups as a means to not only discipleship, but also evangelizing.

Ninety-five percent of the people of Ecuador are practicing Catholics.  Only three percent are “evangelicals” (and included in that statistic are several cults such as Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses and the like.)  And then there is the tiny, “secret” population of Jews in Ecuador.  Hidden for centuries because of the persecution they had suffered in Europe, only in recent years has it become known that there are about 700-1000 Jews in all of Ecuador, or 00.01% of the total population.  Fernando, suspecting that there was Jewish blood in his background from certain memories he had of his grandfather, had his DNA tested and confirmed, that indeed, he is part Jewish.  This has opened a unique door to him.  Having been raised in Catholicism, finding Christ as his Savior and converting to an evangelical, born-again Christian, and then discovering his roots in Judaism, Fernando has found that door opened to him on all three fronts as far as evangelism is concerned.  He understands the Catholic for he has been there.  He has a love for the Jew and has studied deeply how the Old Testament and Jewish feasts and holidays relate to Jesus Christ, salvation and His church.  In short, he knows how to reach these people and is prepared when the Lord brings them into his path.

Then there are the unconventional methods Fernando uses to bring witnessing opportunities his way.  Even when the people are only nominally Catholic, they are often suspicious and resistant to talking on a one-on-one basis with an evangelical, considering them all, including Baptists, to be cults. He recently invited a group of the friends of his youth up to his family’s country property for a mini-reunion.  It was an opportunity to touch base with them again and reestablish relationships.  They knew what he been like in his youth before he knew the Lord, and they had all seen or, at least heard of, the change in their old friend Fernando Naranjo.  They were curious but not willing to talk in a large group about spiritual things.

One by one, Fernando has invited these men and others to a non-threatening, relaxing atmosphere where they are more willing to open up about their spiritual needs and listen to Fernando’s presentation of the Gospel.  He takes literally Jesus’ words in Matthew 4:19, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” and takes them fishing, or teaches them to tie flies.  In a peaceful situation without interruptions, the conversation turns to spiritual things and Fernando can share his testimony and how they, too, can know Jesus and have peace with God.  Finding a common thread of interest opens doors and smoothes the way to evangelism.

That common thread is not always fishing.  The Naranjos have recently discovered a little mini-golf place on the outskirts of town.  Fernando enjoys golfing, although he doesn’t get to go very often.  He decided to take the kids there for mini-golf one day and they had a great time.  While they were there they met the family who owns the place.  There seemed to be an instant connection between the two families and they struck up a friendship.  The best thing was, though, that this family was open and curious about the things of the Lord.  Fernando has been back several times to hit a bucket of balls or take the kids, striving to keep the lines of communication open.  Each time he went, the owner had more questions for him about the Bible and the Lord.  Fernando had his eye on a Bible he had seen at a bookstore for this man and was planning to buy it as soon as he had the money to get it.

Recently Fernando had left a set of golf clubs that someone gave him, as well as a pair of white golf shoes that were like new at the place.  The man said folks asked if he had things like that for sale from time to time and Fernando wanted to sell them.  The next time he went, the owner said with a grin that he was getting a pair of white golf shoes from his family for Father’s Day and asked Fernando how much he wanted for the shoes.  Fernando replied that he had planned to sell them for $55 but for him he would take $30.  The man was elated and hurried off to get the $30.  As Fernando told Laurie about the exchange later he said, “I’m going to use that money to buy that Bible for him!”  A pretty good trade, wouldn’t you say?  God’s Word and possibly salvation for an entire family someday for a pair of golf shoes!

The Message – Jesus met people where they were and treated them as individuals with specific needs.  Zaccheus.  The woman at the well.  Nicodemus.  Blind Bartimaeus.  The thief next to Him on the cross.  The Bible says, “And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.”  (Matthew 9:35)  When Christ shed His blood on that cross, it was not for the world as a whole, but for each individual person in the world to determine what he or she would do with the gift of salvation that Jesus offered—accept it or reject it.  His message was simple.  It is the Gospel and the Gospel is this: Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.  For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:  I Corinthians 15:1-4)

God calls us all to share the Gospel.  He does not expect us all to be great evangelists or preachers or to go to a foreign mission field.  But He does want us to share what God has done for us, and to be willing and able to share the way of salvation in our own simple way when He brings others to our path.   We are all different and have different gifts and callings.  Our methods may be different, but the message is the same: how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.

Fernando, like Simon Peter and his brother Andrew; like the sons of Zebedee, John and James, is a fisher of men.  He golfs for God.  He reaches out to people with an understanding of their cultural and religious backgrounds.  He uses whatever methods will give him an opportunity to bring someone to Jesus.  Please pray for Fernando and Laurie as they minister in Cuenca, Ecuador.

Oh, and by the way—Feliz Cumpleaños—er, Happy Birthday—on Wednesday, Fernando!  We love you!

Best of the Best

Today is Bob’s birthday–#62!  Robbie and I have done our best to celebrate him the last two days.  We went to Red Lobster yesterday for a birthday lunch, and a mighty fine lunch it was! After a delicious meal of coconut shrimp, salmon and steak—and plenty of those yummy Cheddar Bay Biscuits—three of the waiters came over to our table with a big piece of chocolate cake and ice cream, complete with a lighted candle, and sang “Happy Birthday” to him.  I had all I could do not to giggle!  It was the poorest rendition of the birthday song I’ve ever heard!  I tried to jump in and sing with them but since it was in three different keys, I wasn’t sure where to jump!  Bob and I looked at Robbie; sure he wouldn’t be able to handle it.  He hates the birthday song (we usually sing “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow”) and he really hates unharmonious music.  Somehow, though, he held it together with only a pouty lip and furrowed brow to show his displeasure.

Today we will have another nice lunch here at home.  Laurie and her family plan to Skype with Bob at 2:00 this afternoon.  They want to wish him a happy birthday, but they also have a special announcement to make to him.  They recently found out that the baby they are expecting is a boy and they plan to name him Michael Robert, after Bob!  (I’m not spoiling their surprise.  He won’t read this until later.)  The excitement will continue when Julie’s family Skypes this afternoon, too.  Bob loves and misses his children and grandchildren, so when we Skype with them it is always a special occasion.

Bob received his birthday/Father’s Day gift from me a couple months ago when he bought himself another handgun.  (I can’t shop for such things—he has to do it himself.)  Robbie had a gift for him, though.  He loves to give gifts in gift bags so he can “help” pull out the tissue paper and then the gift.  Yesterday he gave Daddy three new t-shirts—two patriotic ones (Bob loves his patriotic t-shirts and wears them all the time) and one that had two thumbs up for Dad.  Robbie has just recently learned to do “thumbs up” so it was perfect for him to give to his daddy!  I liked the gift bag Robbie gave his dad.  It had dogs all over it and said “Dad—Best in Show”

That’s Bob—best in show!  Actually, he’s the Best of the Best!   Now, I know there are some of you who think the husband or father in your life is the best, and that’s fine, you can think that if you like, but in my world Bob is best.  His name even says it—B.O.B. (Best of Best.)  Forgive me for repeating this, but the list of things I love about Bob is just as true as it was four years ago when I wrote it:

1. He makes me laugh – What a goof! Whether it’s slapstick, “punny,” or stand-up comedy, those wheels are always turning in his head to somehow make me laugh!
2. He protects me – Oh, there are times I feel over-protected, but I always know he is looking out for my best and simply wants to be sure I am safe and well.
3. He’s my problem solver – All I have to do is open my mouth with the slightest hint of a question or problem and he jumps right in, trying to take care of it for me. Sometimes all I’m really looking for is a little sympathy, but he’ll find a solution, nevertheless, if he can!
4. He’s a faithful husband – Bob is 100% a family man. When he took those wedding vows, he meant them for life. I know without a doubt he would never do anything to jeopardize our family or marriage.
5. He’s an awesome dad – I know there has never been a better dad to his children! He’s always done his best and been there for the girls to help them in any way he could; and as a daddy to Robbie—well, let’s just say thirty-seven years of willingly changing diapers, cheerfully bathing, dressing, feeding and caring for Robbie, and lovingly standing beside him through all the testing and trials, and being his best pal says it all.
6. He’s a man of faith – From the moment of his salvation forty-four years ago. Bob has loved and served the Lord with his whole heart. His faith in God is unshakeable and he does not waver or worry because he trusts in Him. He’s a godly leader in our family and a faithful witness for the Lord at every opportunity.
7. He’s does the “little things” – Making my coffee in the morning, bringing me flowers or chocolates for no reason, getting the car washed for me when I’m going out, making sure I get those nights out from time to time…
8. He is like a rock – He stands up for his convictions whether they be spiritual, political or philosophical. He is dependable, responsible and steady. I know he will always be there, doing his best.
9. He is generous and caring to others, loyal and gives his all – I have literally seen him give the coat off his back and boots off his feet to a homeless man. He’ll drop everything if a neighbor needs help. He is loyal to his employers and gives everything he’s got on the job.
10. He loves me – He accepts me the way I am, despite my shortcomings. He supports and encourages me in all my endeavors and many times put me first before his own desires. I couldn’t ask for a better husband and am thankful to God for giving him to me.

I could add one more—although it drives me a little crazy sometimes!  Bob is a perfectionist.  In just about everything.  I have to admit, I am a perfectionist, too, in some areas.  I cannot keep up with him, however, when it comes to his standards!   He is confident, determined and skilled, so it is difficult for him to yield even a little bit of control on a work project because he thinks he can do it better (and he’s right!)  He wants things super-clean and healthy and safe, because he is protective of his family.  He gives 100% of himself to everything he does.   The motivation for that, I think, is I Corinthians 10:31b, “…whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”  It is in his nature to be a perfectionist, but it is also a part of the man of God he has become. He wants always to do his best, whether it’s for me, or his family, friends, neighbors or even strangers—but always for God.

The rest of us may not be perfectionists to the degree that Bob is, but we all ought to do the best we can for the glory of God!  What a testimony for the Lord and a blessing to Him when we do our best!

Let Go and Let God

I mentioned a few weeks ago that my daughter Julie and her husband David are in the process of adopting a baby.  They already have five children—three by birth and two more by adoption.  With such a large family already, some might wonder why they would want to go through all the expense and effort to adopt again.  Their only answer would be that this is the calling they believe the Lord has given them.  I would add that He has well-equipped them for this calling with all the love, patience, wisdom, acceptance and strength that they will need to raise these children for Him.

They are in the very early stages of this new adoption.  This week they have been writing a profile letter to introduce themselves to prospective birth mothers and pulling together a collage of photos to include with the letter.  Julie was concerned at first that with all the mandatory things they were supposed to include in this one page letter, that they would not be able to convey the essence of who they are and what family life is like in their home.  Somehow they managed to do it, though, and they wrote a beautiful letter.   I cannot imagine anyone reading it and not being moved by the tender, compassionate hearts of this wonderful couple.

The way I understand it, the agency goes to a birth mother with two profile packages in hand.  After looking them over, the mother may choose one of them, or she may ask to look at two more.   It is a small agency and they do not work with more than fifteen sets of adoptive parents at a time.  They have told Julie and David that, since they do not have a preference as to gender or ethnicity, and do not have a problem accepting a baby with “issues,” it probably will not be long before they are matched with a birth mother.  We are praying that the Lord will open or close doors according to His will and that they will receive exactly the baby He intends for them.

Of course, as humans, we hope as a birth mother reads their profile letter that she will choose them.  But what if the first girl to whom they hand that letter is not the right girl?  What if it is the seventh or eighth girl—a year from now?  The temptation is to jump up and down like little kids waving our hands wildly in the air and shouting “Pick me!  Pick me!”  At least that is the temptation for me, as their mother.  Julie and David are wiser than that.  They’ve already taken hands off the control of which sex, what ethnicity and even whether or not they will accept a baby with handicaps, giving God control over such things.

It is a difficult thing for some people to let go and let God take control.  They wonder, “What if God’s will is not my will?”  They are afraid to pray, “Not my will, but thine, Lord.”  What if He messes up my plans?  Why do I have to wait so long?  Why doesn’t He answer?  This is where trust comes in—trusting God that He is trustworthy!  This is where faith comes in—having faith that He is faithful.  Believing that God wants the best for us.

Here are a few thoughts on the will of God and why we need to let go and give Him control:

According to Ephesians 5:17, we are wise when we choose God’s will above our own. “Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.”  Following the will of God means we let Him lead and guide.

He plans to prosper us.  Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

We cannot begin to imagine how much better and higher His will for us is than our own.  “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.   For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”  (Isaiah 55:8-9)

God’s will teaches us.  The apostle Paul learned about God’s grace and power when he gave in to God’s will.  He said in II Corinthians 12:8-9, “Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

Giving God control brings peace to our lives.  “Be anxious for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

When we let go and let God, we see His love for us.  I Peter 5:7 says, “Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.”  His will is love.

He is God.  Who are we to think we know better what is right for us than our Creator and our Lord?  Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”   Be still, let go and let God have control!

Old Friends, New Fellowship

A voice from the past greets me over the telephone.  An e-mail from a long-lost friend pops up in my inbox.  A “friend request” reaches across Facebook from someone I haven’t seen in decades.  What a surprise—a happy, happy surprise!

This has happened to me several times in the last few months.  Three, even four, decades have passed since I last saw these friends.  That is a lot of catching up to do!  It is great to hear about children, grandchildren, where they’ve been and what they’ve been doing, and how the Lord has worked in their lives over the years.  It is sweet to share memories of the good ol’ days and to recall mutual friends.  Like flowers that suddenly appear in the spring, these friends brighten my life by their sudden and surprise appearance.

Recently we have had the joy of not only reconnecting through e-mail and telephone calls, but also through face-to-face visits with an old friend who played an important role in our lives at one time.  Mark was the one who introduced Bob and me over 43 years.  He played a part in Bob accepting the Lord back then, and later on he stood up at our wedding.  He had been a close friend to me throughout our teenage years and an important part of my inner circle of friends.  We lost track of him a year or two after our wedding.  When we suddenly heard from him a few months ago—through this blog, actually!—it was very exciting.

Mark and I share a love for writing and books and even certain authors, so the e-mails flowed back and forth as we discussed these things.  When he discovered that I have been writing books prolifically over the last twelve or thirteen years, he offered to help me e-publish them.  As a computer programmer he had the skills to actually write a program specifically to convert my books into Kindle format, and was knowledgeable in other areas about e-publishing, as well.  Mark very generously shared his skills and a huge amount of his time in helping me, and hopefully in the next few months we will see as many as nineteen of my books offered on Amazon.com!

Mark lives in Colorado, but a few weeks ago he made a trip back to our area to see family members who still live here.  We were able to have him and his sweet sister Jean over for dinner one evening.  What a precious time of fellowship it was!  Mark remembered from what he’d read on the blog that Robbie loves music, and bless his heart, he brought his guitar with him on the plane just so that he could play for Robbie!  Robbie had never met Mark before, but welcomed him as a long-lost brother, and with stars in his eyes and a grin from ear-to-ear could not get enough of his new friend!  Forty+ years had changed us all physically, but as I watched him play his guitar for Robbie, he was somehow magically transformed before my eyes into that young guy who used to play his guitar for a bunch of teenagers gathered around him.  It made me smile—almost as widely as Robbie!

For Bob and me, it was a blessing to reconnect with this kind, generous man who loves the Lord and loves to talk about Him.  It was a blessing to see the joy he brought into our Robbie’s life.  And it was a blessing to welcome him back to our home two more times as he taught me more about e-publishing.  Mark Twain once said, “Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.”  Our friend Mark has certainly encouraged me.  He has a greater confidence in what will happen with my books than I do!

Mark will be returning to Colorado this week, but in the near future he will actually be moving back to our area to help in the care of his elderly mother.  We are looking forward to continuing this special friendship and thanking God for bringing him back into our lives.  There are blessings on both sides as we renew and develop this friendship that began more than forty years ago.  Mark has become a mentor to me.  He has offered his skills in other areas to Bob.  I think he would say that we, in turn, have something to give back to him that would bless his heart.  I certainly hope so, for we owe him a huge debt of gratitude.

What are the characteristics of true Christian friendship?  John 15:13 is probably the foremost verse of Scripture that we recall when we think of friendship.  It says, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”  Of course, this is speaking of the sacrificial death of Jesus, but it applies to us, as well.  Naturally, we are not called upon to give up our lives for others every day, but the principle of loving sacrificially is here.  In this context He was humbly and selflessly washing the disciples’ feet just a short time before he would walk that horrible path to Golgotha.  Philippians 2:3-8 tells us that we ought to have that same mindset as Christ:  “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.  Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.  Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”  Sacrificial love is a characteristic of a true Christian friend.  Friendship should not be based on what I can gain from it, but on what I have to offer to show the love of Christ.

Another great verse of Scripture that speaks to the nature of true friendship is Proverbs 17:17.  It says, “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”  In the good times, and especially in the bad times—a friend is there.  When my friend offends me or if he falls, a true friend will accept and forgive the other unconditionally.  None of us is perfect, none of us is blameless.  Unconditional acceptance ought to be a trait of true Christian friendship.  A good friend forgives and asks forgiveness in that spirit, and loves and accepts through difficult times.

True Christian friendship is also based on complete trust.  Proverbs 18:24 tells us, “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” It is wonderful to have many friends, but there are a select few over our lives in whom we know we have a true, loyal friend that we can trust as closely as if he or she were a brother or sister to us.  A friend like that is a rare gift and we are truly blessed by God when a friend like that comes into our lives.  We must strive to be that loyal, trustworthy friend, as well.

Another mark of true Christian friendship is the way we build up one another.  The mutual edification we provide spiritually, emotionally and physically strengthens and encourages our friend.  We share burdens; we offer a helping hand, a sympathetic ear, a shoulder to lean on.  We are honest with one another, and sometimes that means saying difficult things with truth and grace and love—even when it hurts.  Proverbs 17 has several things to say about the counsel and advice of a true friend.  “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful…Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel…Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”  (Proverbs 27:6, 9, 17)  We sharpen, strengthen and support one another with honest, godly counsel and edification.

“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.  For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.”  (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)  We need one another.  God has provided a precious treasure in giving us Christian friends and fellowship.  And then He carried it a step further in making those dear friends our sisters and brothers!  Our life’s journey is made easier and far more enjoyable when we have a true Christian friend walking by our side.  I am thankful for each of mine!  And even better, we know we have all of eternity to cherish those friendships, as well!

Daughters-to-Mothers-to-Mothers-to-Be

I love to honor my mother on Mother’s Day—and every day!  I truly thank and praise God for making her my mother.  She has been a blessing and a beautiful gift from God to me and all my family.  She has been the inspiration for the desire in me to grow into a woman of faith like her.  My mother has influenced me in my thinking, my personality and my relationships with others. She has been a teacher and mentor in so many areas of my life, both practical and spiritual.  Most of all, my mother has led by godly example and walked the walk of what a woman of God and a godly mother should be.

Some of my favorite blogs on Sundays with Cindy have been the ones I’ve written about my mother.  In the archives you will find “Lessons I Learned from My Mother” (May 2009), “Nothin’ Says Lovin’” (May 2010) and “M.O.M.” (2010)  My mom claims that I am writing about some other woman because she does not remember being such a paragon of virtue, but that is how I see her and will always remember her.  Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.  Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.  Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.   Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.  (Proverbs 31:28-31)

This year I want to focus on two other women who I feel exemplify godly motherhood.  They began life as my daughters, Laura and Julie.  From their earliest years they grew up loving Jesus and they both accepted Him as their Savior at very young ages.  When God brought their severely handicapped little brother into their lives through adoption, they began the journey that would lead them into motherhood.  They adored Robbie and became little mothers to him, cheerfully and lovingly helping, entertaining and caring for him.  Those years of nurturing their little brother prepared them well for becoming mothers themselves someday.

I was not surprised then to see the tenderness and compassion that became a part of the fabric of their lives.  When their own babies came into their lives I saw the gentle touch of their hands as they stroked those tiny faces.  I saw the love as they patiently taught and disciplined and molded the young lives of my grandchildren.  I saw how they strived to be examples of godliness to their children.  Laura and Julie were meant to be mothers.  Theirs was a holy calling—they were made to be mothers to the glory of God.

What I did not envision is the scope of the calling to which God had called them!  Laura is now expecting her seventh baby.  As the Lord has increased their family, they have welcomed each new baby as a precious gift from God.  Laura has gladly taken on the challenge of pregnancy, delivering, and nursing as she carries on with caring for and home schooling the rest of the children.  It becomes increasingly more difficult physically with each new baby, but that does not stem the joy and anticipation she has for this blessing from the Lord.

Julie was not able to have more babies after their third, but that did not quench the burning desire in her heart to mother more children.  She and her husband began a very long and difficult journey to adopt, and finally last year brought home two more children, teenagers from the Ukraine, welcoming them into their family with open arms and open hearts.  Now the mother of five, Julie announced this week that she, too, is expecting a new baby through adoption, possibly by the end of this year!  Their new adoption agency seems very encouraging that it may happen quickly.  They are open, as well, if the Lord should bring more children through adoption in the future.  Motherhood is the calling that God has placed within Julie’s heart and it is her joy.

I would have never dreamed my two daughters would become the mothers of thirteen (or more?) beautiful children!  Now, however, I see how perfectly suited they are—equipped by God for the labor of love to which He has called them.   I Timothy 1:9 has always been one of my favorite verses of Scripture.  It says, “Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.”  The glory goes to God for making them the beautiful mothers they are.  He has given them the gifts of wisdom, strength, patience, faith, love and compassion.

I see a lot of my mother in Laura.  Julie tends to take after me.  I know as their children grow and raise children of their own, the spiritual legacy they have inherited will continue through the generations.  Proverbs 31 is so true of my mother and it is true of my daughters, as well.  “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.  Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.  She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.  She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.  Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.  Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.  Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.   Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.”  (Proverbs 31:10, 25-31)

Praise God for this precious calling of motherhood and for the gifts He gives us to be the best we can be to His glory!  Happy Mother’s Day!

The Three Bears

Once upon a time there were three bears—Papa Bear, Mama Bear and Little Bear.  Now, Little Bear needed a new chair, so Mama Bear went online and began searching for a recliner that would meet all of her Little Bear’s needs.  At last she found one that seemed just right.  According to the website it had the same dimensions as his old chair and it looked very comfy cozy.  Mama Bear traveled through the forest to the furniture store to see if they had one like it in stock.  Of course they did not, but no problem—they would order it for her.  Hurray!

Eight long weeks went by and finally the big day arrived!  Little Bear’s new chair was delivered but alas!—it was too small!  The chair that was supposed to be oversized so Little Bear could move around in it and change positions was much smaller than they expected after all of Mama’s research.  Little Bear was scrunched in one place and could not move.  His face puckered up and he looked so unhappy!  It would not do at all!  Little Bear’s comfort was the most important thing so Mama Bear called the store and said, “This chair is too small!”  They were very nice and told Mama and Papa to bring Little Bear into the store.  They had some new chairs in stock and maybe they would find one that was just right.

Papa, Mama and Little Bear traveled through the forest to the store and lo and behold—there was a nice big recliner that seemed to be just right for Little Bear!  Papa Bear put his boy into the chair and Little Bear’s face lit up!  He liked it!  “We’ll take it!” Papa and Mama cried.  Whew!

The new chair was delivered the very next day.  It was oversized, alright!  It looked even bigger in their house than the old chair had.  It was a throne!  A big throne for their little crown prince!  Nice!  There was only one problem.  It was so big that Mama could not put Little Bear in the chair at all!  It was too big!  Little Bear’s comfort was the most important thing, but if Mama couldn’t get him into the chair when Papa was gone, then what was the use?

Oh, no!   What should they do?  They could not call the store back and say, “This chair is too big!”  The people at the store would say, “Who do you think you are—Goldilocks?”  No, they would have to figure something out.  Mama and Papa put their heads together and came up with a plan.  Papa Bear went out to the garage and began to hammer and saw.  Soon he came back in carrying a sturdy wooden box.

He had built a three inch step.  It was long and wide enough that Mama and Little Bear could safely stand on it at the same time.  He had covered it with carpet for their comfort and attached a handle so Mama could move it easily.  All she had to do then was sit Little Bear up on his bed, swivel his feet over to the step, and stand him up.  Voilá!  Mama Bear could easily place him then on his big throne!  Hurray!  It was just right!

*****

That little three inch step up made all the difference.  It was a boost not only in height, but to my spirits.  I was ready to cry when the second chair came and I realized that it was fine for Robbie but not for me.  I felt old and weak—at least as far as caring for Robbie.   I think that is a fear for most parents of adult disabled children—that someday they will not be able to physically handle the challenges of caring for their child.  Bob can lift and carry Robbie as if he were a rag doll.  I can barely move him.  The step Bob built made it easier than it had been for several years.

We all need a boost from time to time.  Sometimes we need to be the one boosting others.  Hebrews 12:12-13 says, “Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.”  Some, like Robbie—and me—are weak physically.  Others may have spiritual or emotional needs.  They need someone to step up and lend a hand to hold or a shoulder to lean upon through this journey.  Galatians 6:2 encourages us to share one another’s burdens along the way.  ^“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

Even when the need is not great, it is a blessing to know others walk alongside, ready to give support and encouragement should the need arise.  Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 tells us, “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.   For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.”  The step Bob built was not much, but it was just enough to meet the need should it arise.  As loving brothers and sisters we must be ready to step up to encourage, inspire, help and lead by godly example.

Of course, our Lord is the great encourager, lifter and sustainer.  He is always with us to give us a step up; to carry our burdens; to uphold us through our times of discouragement or trouble.  The Bible says, “Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.” (Psalm 55:22)  Psalm 145:14 goes on to say, “The Lord upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.”  One of my favorite Scriptures is Isaiah 41:10.  It says, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”

We can give a step up to others by just being there for them.  And God Himself lifts us up and upholds us in His hands.  In Little Bear’s words—it is just right!