Author: [email protected]

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

This past week, the world lost the beloved Queen Elizabeth of England. She was the only ruler most of us have known in our lifetime, and the outpouring of love from around the world speaks to her character, her kindness, compassion, and love of country, God, and family. She was a most successful monarch.

In this world of today, we enjoy hearing about the successes of others, and we all pray for successful things in our own lives. It’s uplifting to hear things such as: the surgery was a success, the treatment was a success, our children are successful, our grandchildren are having a successful year, or our business is successful. These successes are important and God should get the glory for each one, but there are other successes that are judged by man which don’t deserve the same adulation.

A small business owner once posted a sign in his store which read: The 57 Rules of Success: Rule One: Deliver the goods; Rule Two: the other 56 don’t matter! Alexandre Dumas said, “Nothing succeeds like success,” which suggests that success will breed more success. If you work hard and achieve your goals, you will be very likely to continue to achieve success. The successful people and things in this world is a wonderful thing, but there are different ways of viewing success.

What is success? Success is defined as the accomplishment of an aim or purpose. The trouble with this kind of success is that many people define it in ways which aren’t aligned with the Christian teachings. There is a difference between what the world considers success and what God sees as success. The world’s success is all about making a lot of money, being popular, and getting your name and face in the media. God would want success to include things such as the wisdom to know when to speak and when to be silent; the ability to teach and be taught; and the courage to know when and whom to fight and when to turn and walk away.

The trouble with success is that it never arrives on its own, but it is rather often preceded by difficulties and accompanied by pain and rejection. Many years in the ministry, several different places we called home, and many different people have taught me that not everyone is always happy when others are successful. Some people have trouble celebrating the success of others because they are jealous of the accomplishment. Successful people are the ones who don’t need all the glory, but rather as Paul says, rejoice with those who rejoice. John Woodman once said, “There is no limit to what can be accomplished if it doesn’t matter who gets the credit.”

The Christian who lives a successful life has a few important characteristics which differ from the world’s perception of success. First, a successful Christian is humble because of the security found in knowing our own strengths and weaknesses and being content with our identity in Christ.

A humble heart leads to an obedient heart which is content with serving, loving, and being faithful. Success to the Christian is complete honesty and integrity in all aspects of life. In order to succeed, every Christian must be strong in the Lord, and courageous enough to face challenges from both the world and the forces of evil.

A successful Christian values the bond of peace and unity above all else in all aspects of life. When we seek peace it lifts Christ above all else and magnifies His name to all the world. One Lord, One Faith, and One Father of all who is over all, in all, and through all.

The following is a great synopsis of what it means to be successful in this life. Ralph Waldo Emerson in his work, To Succeed says: To laugh often and love much; to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children; to earn the approbation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to give of one’s self; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden path or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived – this is to have succeeded. (Thanks to a sweet friend for sharing this work.)

For what nation is is great enough to have a god as near to them as the Lord our God is to us whenever we call on Him? ( Deuteronomy 4:7) God is our refuge and strength; a very present help in times of trouble. ( Psalm 46:1)

Fortunately, I’ve never been in an earthquake or big tremor, but I have experienced the aftershocks of one and that can be scary as well. Aftershocks are actually smaller earthquakes which can occur in the same area as the larger one and can continue over a period of weeks, months, or even years. An aftershock usually results from sudden changes in stress occurring within and between rocks with the sudden change brought on by the principle earthquake.

It seems as though this country has been living through aftershocks since that fateful day twenty one years ago when we all sat in stunned silence and watched the horror of the attacks on our democracy unveil all around us. This was a day where I remember prayers being uttered everywhere, the skies deathly silent, people checking in with loved ones, tears being shed, military families gearing up to go into the service when needed, churches opening their doors for prayer, and a feeling of utter helplessness.

The aftershocks still affect us even after all these years when we come together to remember this day and to relive the events that changed our world forever. In a matter of three hours, our country, Americans, and our world as we knew it were changed forever.

We, as Christians, also experience aftershocks in our lives. The sudden loss of a family member or friend, a health issue that changes our life, or an unforeseen disappointment can shock us. The fact that storms still come into our lives even though we are following Jesus and obedient to His word is shocking to many Christians. When aftershocks hit, the negative way we sometimes react tends to say to others, “We always follow Jesus if He meets our expectations and needs.” The truth is we need to take Jesus as He is and not as we construe Him to be.

We also experience aftershocks when we feel that Jesus is sleeping and not answering our prayers. Just like the disciples during the storm when the situation looked hopeless, they hesitated to wake Jesus because they were sailors and He was a former carpenter. What sailor asks a carpenter for help on the seas? There’s a reason Jesus doesn’t rescue us when we are intent on rescuing ourselves. As long as we think we can handle it ourselves, He allows us to try. As a nation, we got upset with God thinking He was sleeping during the attack. We always seem to place the blame on Him when aftershocks come. He is to be the Pilot of our boat, not a passenger, but many times we tell him to get in the back of the boat, and we will call Him when we need Him.

We have aftershocks when God speaks to us. Jesus came up from the bottom of the boat and said three words, Peace be still. Those words calmed the winds and the seas. We think as the disciples did, What manner of man is this that even the winds and the waves obey Him? (Mark 4 :41) Jesus speaks in so many ways to us individually, as a group of believers, and in the midst of our troubles. Our job is to listen and obey.

This nation has never in my lifetime been more united than it was immediately after 911. We were experiencing the aftershocks of tragedy together, and we leaned on each other and most heavily on God. Aftershocks tend to bring us out of our self reliance and show us the way back to our faith.

Andrew Dorsey was a jazz musician from Atlanta in the 1920’s who gave up his career in jazz to concentrate on spiritual music. The depression years were hard on him trying to just survive as a musician. On top of that, many people didn’t accept his music calling it “the devil’s music’. Dorsey could laugh about that years later as he said, “I got kicked out of some of the best church’s in the land because of my music”. One night while in St. Louis, he received a telegram informing him that his pregnant wife had died. He could have wallowed in the aftershock of grief and self pity, but instead he turned to the thing he knew best, music, and he wrote these words.

Precious Lord, take my hand, Lead me on, let me stand. I am tired, I am weak, I am worn. Through the storm, through the night, Lead me on to the light; Take my hand, Precious Lord, Lead me home.

As we remember that day, our prayer should be the words of Billy Graham as he said, “My prayer today is that we will feel the loving arms of God wrapped around us and that as we trust in Him, we will know in our hearts that He will never forsake us. And that this day will be a day that we will remember as a day of Victory.” God Bless America!

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man, this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God. Mark 10:27

A miracle is defined as an extraordinary and astounding happening that is attributed to the presence and action of an ultimate or divine power. My research indicates that the four gospels recount thirty seven miracles performed by Jesus in His short ministry on this earth. Miracles such as turning the water into wine, feeding the 5000, walking on the water, healing the paralytic at Bethesda, raising Lazarus from the dead, and of course, the resurrection. He performed these miracles by touching, healing, and transforming countless lives.

Miracles still happen today, and they happen in the most unexpected places and times. The path to a miracle often goes through uncomfortable territory, but miracles happen when things are uncomfortable. Maybe God needs us to feel uncomfortable in order to appreciate just how amazing His miracles can be!

Just a couple of months ago, my neighbor shared a struggle that she and her family were facing. It seems their son, a young husband and father of two, had just been diagnosed with a hereditary type of kidney disease, and he needed a kidney transplant. I’ve done some research on kidney transplants, and although, they are very successful these days, there are many factors involved to make a transplant happen. The biggest factor is finding a match between the recipient and the donor.

My neighbor’s family was quickly disqualified because the disease is hereditary and none of their kidneys could be used. In cases like this, the recipient goes on a donor list which means it could be years before a kidney becomes available. This miracle is that his wife stepped up to see if by any chance she could be a donor. Miracle of miracles, she was a perfect match! The surgery is over and both are recuperating. Their family can celebrate this together because, I believe God gave them a miracle.

The source of a miracle is always unexpected. It is strange to me that Jesus chose the wedding in Cana to perform His first miracle, why not use feeding 5000 with two loaves and five fish be first? He performed the miracle of turning water into wine to bring happiness and joy to the celebration of the union of a man and a woman. That shows me that God can and does intervene in our lives at exactly the right moment, and He provides us with exactly what we need. It also says our way of making things happen is always second to God’s way.

If Jesus can do something so spectacular, then what situation in our lives could possibly be too hard for Him? He is able to see our problems, failures, strengths, and weaknesses in greater depth and in much greater detail than we ever could. He is the master of every imaginable problem.

We probably don’t need our water turned into wine at this particular moment, and perhaps, everything in our life is pretty good right now, but imagine those who do need a miracle! Almost every day I hear the expression, “We are just praying for a miracle.” It is comforting to know that Jesus showed us God’s unlimited power to offer us help when things do happen. Things like a job loss, a call from the doctor’s office, an unexpected bill, or any other challenge can give God a chance to perform a miracle. It’s God’s blessing to us to be able to tap into His strength and wisdom.

Jesus always had witnesses at His miracles so that they could tell others of what they had seen and heard. He wanted people to say, “Here’s what happened or it was just this way.” It was not for His own glory, but to show the power, might, and love of God. People all around these happenings were changed. Some people fear miracles because they don’t want to be changed, but ignoring their existence will change us also.

I’ve seen quite a few miracles in these past few months, and it is proof to me that God is alive and working in this world and in our lives. The miracles such as the gentleness in the touch of a child’s hand, the generous loving care of others, the power of God in the fury of a storm, or the hum of a hummingbird’s wings next to you, is a chance to experience a power much greater than ourselves. To believe in miracles is to believe that God is there pouring out His love for us, revealing His majesty and glory, and inviting us to have a closer walk with Him.

Oh Lord, my God, the Majesty and Glory of your name, Transcends the earth and fills the heavens. Tom Fettke

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!

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self seeking, not easily angered, and keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge it will pass away. And now these three remain, faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love. I Corinthians 13 selected

It’s hard to believe it, but at the end of this week, Randy and I will celebrate fifty years of marriage. It truly amazes me that God can take two totally different people, blend them together and make a union! It seems like just yesterday on a hot, sultry day in South Georgia that we said our “I Wills and I Dos” in the Friendship United Methodist Church in my hometown. As we exchanged our simple gold bands at the altar, I remember thinking of the inscription we had put inside both our rings, “The Greatest is Love.”

We had few future plans except for Randy to attend seminary, me to begin my teaching career, and us to live in an upstairs apartment of an old house in Decatur. We weren’t even sure at that point that Randy would decide to give in to the call into ministry. That call to the ministry is the last thing he or I would have expected for him, but when God calls, He won’t let go. Randy majored in political science thinking that one day he would enter the law profession. I thought he would make a great lawyer, and selfishly, I thought that would be much better than a life where the minister moves, lives in parsonages, and faces the uncertainty that is part of the Methodist calling.

At the time of our engagement, said to me, “I promise you when we get married, you will never be rich, but you will never be bored.” The fifty year mark has certainly proven that to be true!

All these years later, even though it was hard leaving each congregation, each (well, not all) the parsonages which became our home, and each piece of our heart we left, I wouldn’t change a thing. With each new congregation came new challenges, new perspectives, and new friends which left us with accomplishments, learning experiences, and a stronger love and memories for each other and every appointment.

During those early years I had to do things that I swore I would never do. Things like teaching children’s Sunday School classes, forming and leading the children’s choir, playing (picking) the piano, and hosting groups in the parsonage. I had to sometimes (when the expectations of the minister’s wife were too high) voice the words to members, “I didn’t marry the minister, I married the man.” When we have occasion to revisit some of these churches, the memories flood back, and I can see vividly that what I thought was such a burden at the time turned out to be the greatest blessings of my life.

Each home gave us a chance to work with a parsonage committee as we bargained for a dishwasher, a washing machine, air conditioning, and even a new piece of furniture. Each congregation took us in as part of their family. We celebrated with them, laughed with them, cried with them, and grieved with them. They welcomed each of our children and nurtured them during our time with them. Each name of members of churches brings back memories of our experiences with them. When you have an occasion to face uncertainty together, stick trials out together, and love together, you find the strong love of people who looked to their side in suffering and found the other person there.

Through it all, there is one person with whom you get to share experiences, talk things over, discuss needs, and plan for the future. It makes you realize how important it is to choose your life’s mate carefully. This one decision will bring either 90% of your life’s happiness or 90% of your life’s misery.

Marriage, in my perspective, is a lot like a soloist and the accompanist that perform together. The soloist sets the tempo and the accompanist follows in order to keep the two together. There are times in life where one is the soloist and one the accompanist. It takes the two being willing to play each role that makes life together either heaven or hell.

On this special occasion, I would say I have learned many things, but a few stand out. First, marry only for love. Next, never waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them. Thirdly, build on mutual sacrifice. Finally, forgive quickly for life is short.

Happy 50th Anniversary, Randy. I love you lots! Thank you for making life exciting!

If you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. John 15:7

When we look back over the events of the years since the pandemic began, we realize that during this time we’ve done a lot of biding our time until this whole epidemic passes. We got immunized, boosted, and still we find that the whole thing just keeps reconfiguring itself.

Everybody who keeps a calendar, either an old fashioned paper one or the ones we keep on our devices, knows that we check this almost daily to see what’s on the agenda for that day or week. Nobody had Covid-19 on their calendar. It caught us totally unaware, and we were not prepared for all the ramifications it would produce. It is in these hard unexpected times that our identity is forged, and we learn the value of abiding.

Abiding has different synonyms such as bearing, enduring, tolerating, and suffering. It seems that during these last few years, we have began to identity with these as we learn the value of abiding. Abiding means to stay or remain. The word makes us think of home, the place where we find joy, acceptance, encouragement, support, protection, purpose and rest. Abiding gives us a chance to treasure God’s word and renew our pledge to accept it as our highest authority, our compass for direction, our counselor in making decisions, and our benchmark for every relationship and action.

As disciples, our faith will always be put to the test, and it is in these times that we experience the true definition of abiding as we “take up residence and live in” and continually receive, believe and trust that Christ is everything we need. In short, we become a container for God’s spirt to live within us and affect every area of our lives from relationships, to health, to decisions, to marriage, and struggles. Abiding reminds us to remember that every word of God is flawless and to turn to it for guidance. (Proverbs 30:5)

Each of us have to make the decision to abide in Him wherever we are in life. Oswald Chambers said, “Make the determination to abide in Jesus wherever you are now or wherever you may be placed in the future.” Many of us have abided with our family, friends, and with others in the faith during times of death, illness, chemotherapy, surgery, stress, relationships, emotional struggles, health, decisions, and handling overwhelming problems. There’s no way to hurry up the process, so the best advice is to abide and let God work.

So, how do we learn to abide in Jesus? The best way to illustrate abiding in Jesus is to liken it to a tea bag. When you put a tea bag in hot water, something happens. As the tea bag abides in the water, the tea begins to flavor the water until it takes on the taste of the tea. The longer the tea bag abides in the water, the stronger the color and the flavor of the tea. That’s what happens when we abide in Christ and He abides in us. The longer and the deeper we go with Him, the more His presence will permeate our lives. (copied)

I read recently that there are three things we need to do to abide in Jesus. First, we should walk by faith and let Him be the guide. Next, we should spend time focused on Him, the Bible, and His will. Lastly, we should live intentionally as we show others by our example.

The closer we get to God, the more we will want to do what He says. Abiding in Christ daily requires dependence on the Holy Spirit. When we do what He says, we will begin to abide in His blessings.

In Christ alone my hope is found. He is my light, my strength, my song. This cornerstone, this solid ground; Firm through the fiercest drought and storm. What heights of love, what depths of peace; when fears are stilled, when strivings cease. My Comforter, my all in all, Here in the love of Christ I stand. In Christ Alone by Adrienne Camp