Month: August 2022

For we are co workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building. 1 Corinthians 3:9

Fall is in the air and with it comes the long awaited beginning of a new football season. We, as grandparents, are already involved with the high school games which have begun, and our house is gearing up for another season of college football. The Georgia Bulldogs brought much joy to this house last year by winning the National Championship, and we would love nothing better than a repeat performance!

Randy and I attended our grandson’s first football game of the season this past week. It’s exciting to watch these guys who have worked so hard begin their season with a chance to put into practice all the things for which they have worked almost every day to achieve. When you have a special player on the team, you tend to follow that player wherever he is on the field or the sidelines. Our special player is the center, so we watch for good blocks, good snaps, good timing, and we celebrate each one.

As I sat watching our offense come out on the field, do their jobs, then go off the field for the defense to take over, it was interesting to watch the activity on the sidelines. It’s natural to focus only on the game on the field when you watch an athletic event, but when you are watching one player more than any other, you pick up a few things.

For some reason, the sidelines caught my attention during this game, perhaps because I was watching our grandson? Sidelines is defined as removed from the center of activity for a time. When you are on the sidelines for a break, even though you are removed from the center of activity for a short time, that doesn’t mean you aren’t involved. As the offensive line sat on the bench for a breather, the coach was there instructing, listening, and critiquing the plays and players. The others on the sideline such as the other players, physicians, trainers, equipment managers, media, water people, and support staff are busily doing their jobs

The sidelines are made up of so many different moving parts and each one is important. Those who aren’t actively playing are there to offer support, to encourage, and to instruct. Nobody on the sidelines is inactive – each one is ready to be used whenever and wherever they are needed.

God might be allowing some of us to sit on the sidelines of this life at this particular moment, but He will call us to the front lines of this world in His time. When He calls us into service, we should be ready, willing, and excited to answer because small acts of faith and courage have a domino effect. When we get off the sidelines to do what is right regardless of the circumstances or consequences, God puts us in the game!

When God decides to put us in this game, some things will happen. First, we will hear the call and have the opportunity to respond. God asks common people to do uncommon things just like Peter getting out of the boat and walking on water. With God, all things are possible.

Secondly, we will probably be fearful. Just like Moses who said to God, “I am not a good enough speaker, please use somebody else”, we won’t feel worthy of the call.

Thirdly, we will feel God’s reassurance. Joshua must have felt very unworthy to fill Moses’ shoes, but God said to him, “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you.” (Joshua 1:5)

Next, we must make a decision. Sometimes we say “yes” to God and sometimes we say “no”. When we say “yes”, we live with joy; when we say “no” we probably forfeit much of that joy, but we always have the right to make our decision.

Lastly, we can experience a changed life. Those who say “yes” to God certainly aren’t guaranteed a perfect path, but because the we answered “yes”, we can learn and grow even from our failures. Whatever God needs us to do, His call will go to the core of who we are and what we do.

Every athlete is on the sidelines for the purpose of getting into the game and making a difference. Christians have the same opportunity. Getting off the sidelines and saying “Yes” to Him will be the best decision we will ever make.

I’ll go where you want me to go, dear Lord; over mountain or plain or sea. I’ll say what you want me to say, dear Lord; I’ll be what you want me to be. Chorus from I’ll Go Where You Want Me To Go by Mary Brown

I delight to do your will. Psalm 40:8

Ruth Graham once wrote about her German Shepherd who was trained in search and rescue, attack, and obedience. The Grahams had a home in the mountains, and it was comforting to have a dog trained in search and rescue, and attack skills. If the dog senses hostility, Ruth says “it is a wise person who freezes in their tracks” when he is in attack mode. Randy and I had a German Shepherd when we first married, and even though, he was gentle and loving with us, it was a different story when he was our protector. Even though, the dog was their protector, she states that it’s the obedience training which brings real joy. To obey commands to stop, to sit, to lie down, to search, to stay, and to heel are the commands to obedience. A disobedient dog can not only be a liability, but a headache. Obedience is the key.

Randy and I now have the most precious dog which we rescued when he was nine months old. There are many things that make Rocco special, but the best thing for me is that he came to us totally trained – totally obedient. We didn’t have to go through the process of teaching him to “go” outside, to sit, to stay with us, or even not to beg. Someone before us had meticulous done all the obedience training even though they hadn’t loved him enough to keep him.

The differences in the obedience of dogs is comparable to God and His children. Just like Mrs. Grahams, German Shepherd, there are some people who are trained to attack. They are skilled in attacking those with whom they have disagreements or differences of opinion. We all know a few of these.

Then, there are those people who are trained in search and rescue. I would put groups such as Must Ministries, Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army, organized Mission Trips, and Homeless Ministries in this special group. These special organizations are sensitive to the needs of others and are obedient to God’s calling in their lives.

The last group of people are those who have been trained in obedience. These are the people who have taken the true test of obedience by maintaining their love for Him, walking in His power, and staying faithful to His will. These are the people who have overcome the fear of trusting God completely with their lives. They know His plans are infinitely better than any which they might have had.

Along with obedience comes rewards. Our Rocco knows that when he is obedient, he will get a chicken crisp treat or even better, a bone. He knows exactly the time of day that he gets each one, and there is no chance that he will let us forget! Just like a faithful, obedient dog who gets a treat every time they show their obedience, we, as obedient servants, receive rewards as well.

God rewards us with protection. This doesn’t mean that nothing will go wrong and that we won’t experience pain, sorrow, or testing, but it does mean that each one will strengthen us and ultimately come to good.

God also rewards us with gladness and joy. The most joyful people are those who are constantly seeking to keep God’s commandments and please him. Everything is not always perfect, but these people have that inner joy.

God gives us the reward of great peace. Psalm 119:165 tells us that Great peace have those who love the Lord and nothing causes them to stumble. What a precious reward to enjoy great peace in this world of trouble, fear, and war.

Simple obedience which is joyful, eager, and unquestioning more than anything else must give the Lord pleasure. The height of obedience training for the Christian is to be able to say with the Psalmist, “I delight to do Your will, O my God.” This is what gives God the greatest pleasure.

When we walk with the Lord, In the light of His word; What a glory it sheds on our way. While we do His good will, He abides with us still, And with all who will trust and obey. Trust and obey; For there’s no other way, To be happy in Jesus, But to trust and obey.

Yet it was good of you to share in my trouble. You sent help more than once. Philippians 4:14 and 16

Some days cause me to remember past events or stages of life which have been special to me. Although, I have to be honest and say that high school doesn’t hold any stand out memories for me, it does hold some stand out friendships and stand out memories of those friends and friendships. One of my special friends from high school died this past week, and it gave me the opportunity to remember and reminisce about him with my cousin. It was special not only because of him and who he was, but also because his wife is my sorority sister, roommate, and dear friend. We have kept in touch and see each other on a pretty regular basis.

The timing of things like this remind me that there are many people throughout our lives who have given of themselves so that we might grow, accomplish our goals, and find wholeness and satisfaction. It’s sobering to reflect on this. Other than the obvious people such as parents and family, I can’t help but remember people who came into our lives and helped us even when we didn’t realize we needed help. Everybody probably has someone like this whether it be a teacher, a friend, or just an acquaintance.

Randy and I lived in parsonages until 1990 when a group of people came to us with a proposal. They were smart enough to realize that because we had always lived in church owned homes, we had built up no equity for our later years. This group offered to help us put down the down payment on a home and stand with us in order to get the mortgage. We didn’t even know we needed that, but through their sacrifice, we were able to own a home!! In later years, we have tried to repay their investment, but none would hear of it! Sometimes we tend to forget these amazing things in our life.

It would be easy to list all the times Randy along with other members of our churches had a vision, and when it was presented, different people stepped forward to make that vision a reality. However, a vision only goes so far. If not for folks being willing to give of themselves it wouldn’t work.

Lest we forget put simply means, it should not be forgotten. Although it is most commonly used at remembrance services and commemorative events, it is a phrase that we can use everyday. Rudyard Kipling in his poem, Recessional, reminds us of this when he says, Lord of Hosts, Be with us yet; Lest We Forget, Lest We Forget.

There are many stories in each of our lives where someone has come to our aid more than once. Shel Silverstein wrote a wonderful book entitled The Giving Tree which I used many times in my Kindergarten classes. The book tells the story of a tree and a young boy. The synopsis is something like this: “When the boy was young, he swung from the tree’s branches, ate her apples, and slept in the shade it provided. As he grew up, he spent less and less time with the tree. ‘Come on, let’s play, said the tree, but the young boy was only interested in money. ‘Then take my apples and sell them’, said the tree. The boy, now a man, did, and the tree was happy. The boy didn’t return for a long time, but the tree smiled one day as he passed by. ‘Come and play,’ said the tree, but the man was old and tired, and he just wanted to get away from it all. ‘Cut me down, take my trunk, make a boat, and sail away’, said the tree. The man did, and the tree was happy. Many seasons passed, and the tree waited. Finally the man returned, too old to play, or pursue riches or sail the seas. ‘I have a pretty good stump left. Sit down here and rest,’ said the tree. The man did and the tree was happy.” The tree gave in order to make the boy happy.

When we reflect on our own life as we get older, we can probably identify with both the boy and the tree at different stages. It would be easy to make a list of the many “giving trees” that have been a part of our lives. We need to take the time to thank God for each and every one. It is very humbling to take the opportunity to reflect and be thankful.

During Paul’s time in Philippi, Paul instructed the people there to seek whatever is righteous. He also declared his confidence in the enabling strength of Jesus Christ. Finally, he thanked them for their support and remembered those who helped him. So should we.

Lest we forget. Thank you Lord, for each and every person who have given of themselves to help others.

HIs love has no limit ,His grace has no measure; His pow’r has no boundary known unto men; For out of His infinite riches in Jesus He giveth and giveth and giveth again. He Giveth More Grace by Don Moen

If you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, “Be taken up and thrown into the sea,” it will be done for you! Matthew 21:21

Our family is very fortunate to have lived in the same house for all our thirty two years in the East Cobb area. Our neighborhood is very dear as it is a sweet combination of the “older’ established families and the new families with children ranging in age from babies to college students.

Monday as I was watching the middle school kids sit and wait for the bus (which was late because it was the first day), a mom walked over and said, “Please pray for me and my girls. They are all in middle school this year, and I’ve heard middle school years are the worst! Kids can be so mean!” Before I caught myself, I said, “Worst three years of my life for each of my kids!”

Walking back home, my mind went back to the days I taught kindergarten when those innocent little faces appeared; some excited, some terrified, some crying, and others just in shock! Each one of them were so precious, and as teachers, we had no information upon which to base their educational wants and needs so we began our journey to know each child individually. Our job was to teach them, build self esteem, love them, dry tears, teach them to tie their shoes, offer help when they needed it, “learn them” as one father told me, and do our best to communicate with their parents strengths, weaknesses, or achievements.

Theses children all entered our classrooms on equal footing. In those days, it was rare that a parent called the office and requested a certain teacher, and if they did, they were not promised anything. There is a great difference between being an advocate for your child and being controlling. Parents used to be tolerant of all the new children and would never demand that some children be separated from friends because it might influence their child in a bad way. This was something that they trusted the teacher and their child to handle. Life is going to present us with many different people, it’s best to learn how to handle it early. Believe me, we, as teachers, were smart enough to separate those who needed it ourselves!!

The words, “My child would never do a thing like that” were rarely heard. Parents taught their children composure and self respect along with respect and courtesy to their peers and teachers. Teachers emphasized three things from kindergarten through high school; self control, integrity and humility, and they expected parents to do the same. Kids won’t remember everything you say, but they will remember what you taught them and how you made them feel!

The word if is a conjunction, a part of the English language which joins together or connects, and it is defined as in the event that or allowing that. My thoughts as we enter a new school year turn to the parents more than the students. If a teacher can say, “Oh, no, she/he is just like her/his mother” or “I can surely see his/her Daddy’s habits written all over him/her”, and not mean these things in a positive way, there is a problem which might reflect on those parents. If a child doesn’t have the integrity to fight their own battles, there might be a problem. If your family doesn’t teach humility, watch out! If you feel entitled to better treatment than your neighbor, what would Jesus think of that? If you feel that practice isn’t necessary to play the game, what does that say about sportsmanship?

We certainly live in the era of entitlement, but what does that teach our kids about life? I love the poem by Rudyard Kipling entitled IF. It is as true today for young men and women as it was when it was written, and applies to all. These words pretty much say it all.

If you can keep your head when all those about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you. If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you but make allowances for that doubting too; If you can wait and not be tired by waiting, or being lied about, don’t deal in lies, or being hated don’t give way to hating, Yet don’t look too good or talk too wise. If you can dream – and not make dreams your master; If you can think-and not make thoughts your aim; If you can meet with triumph and disaster and treat those two imposters just the same; If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools, Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken, And stoop to pick them up with worn out tools; If you can make one heap of all your winnings, And risk it on one turn of pitch and toss, And never breathe a word about your loss; If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew To serve your term long after they are gone, And so hold on when there is nothing in you except the Will which says to them, “Hold On!” If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, Or walk with Kings nor lose the common touch, If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you, If all men count with you but none too much; If you can fill the unforgiving minute With sixty seconds worth of distance run, Yours is the earth and everything that’s in it And- which is more – you’ll be a man, my son! If by Rudyard Kipling

Give instruction to the wise and they will become wiser still; teach the righteous, and they will gain in learning. Proverbs 9:9

One of the best things about growing up in South Georgia was that almost everybody in our small town could make a delicious pitcher of sweet tea. There is a method, indeed an art, to the process to make it just right. Even though it sounds simple, the devil is in the details. I’ve never seen two people make it exactly the same way, and if you ask any person in my hometown they can recall immediately who they believe made the best!!

One thing I have learned about Southern cooks and pretty much cooks everywhere is that people are happy to give you their recipes for their specialties, but many times they forget to include their secret ingredient or the one thing that makes their dish extra special

I had been married and cooking for a few years before my Mama remembered to share a few of those with me. For example, fresh peas and butterbeans are cooked in much the same way, i.e., fat back, water, salt and pepper, but mine never tasted quite as good are hers. Years later she shared that she always puts a pinch of sugar in to give the fresh vegetables just the right taste. Her secret ingredient was important.

This week teachers and students return to their respective classrooms, and each is hoping and praying to find the secret ingredient to a successful and exciting year of learning. The secret ingredient can make all the difference for students as they seek to bond with their teacher, make new friends and connect with the old ones, and become life long learners.

Our country is striving to find the leaders who might possess the secret ingredient so badly needed to renew the spirt, bravery, and respect our country felt in the past. We want leaders that are willing to learn more. We want those leaders who don’t want to control us but rather to empower us to do bigger and greater things.

There are those searching for the secret ingredient to mend a broken heart after the loss of a loved one or friend. There are those praying for the secret ingredient to treat cancer. There are those who are praying for the secret ingredient to help them understand where God is when their family is torn apart by divorce or loss. There are farmers praying for the secret ingredient to provide food for their cattle and keep their family afloat financially.

There are churches looking for the secret ingredient to teach others the value of learning about God. It is said in the scripture that true wisdom realizes there is always room to learn more because there is no one who could ever exhaust all there is to know about Him.

So, what is the secret ingredient? I have heard that every one of us was born ignorant. We came into this world knowing nothing, and it’s up to us to gain knowledge. True wisdom always realizes and readily admits that there is always room to learn more. The only truly ignorant person is the one who thinks he or she has nothing more to learn. The secret ingredient is that we can learn something from anyone if we open our heart and mind to be taught.

It’s interesting that just like sweet tea, no two people find the same secret ingredient that works for them. I have found an interesting idea that just might solve the problem for everybody. It comes from Walter Edward Williams when he writes about the importance of “Somebody” and “Someone.” It essentially explains that for Somebody to succeed, Someone has to take the responsibility of making it work.

As a kindergarten teacher for thirty years before retiring, I and many of my cohorts are experiencing the joy of celebrating former student’s achievements. For example, one has just become a United States Marine, one has just gotten engaged, one has a successful business, and the list goes on. These and so many others have found the secret ingredient to life.

Jesus always preached that the secret ingredient to this life is love. Instruction and teaching are blessings from God to help us grow in this love and increase our knowledge and understanding. Character is known by its response to teaching. A wise man is a student of truth and wisdom that loves learning.

The secret ingredient in sweet tea is just a pinch of baking soda to keep it from getting cloudy. The secret ingredient to life is to love, continue to pray, and learn all you can!

Have a great new year teachers and students!