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If you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you have that name.  I Peter 4:16

When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I have not a single bit of talent left and can say, “I used everything you gave me.”  copied

Talent is defined as a natural ability or skill.  I’ve always heard it said that everyone has a talent, no matter how large or how small; the important thing is that you use it in a positive way.  I’ve known people who have enormous talent, but they put it on a shelf and don’t or won’t use it.  Others, share so unselfishly of everything with which God has blessed them .

In anticipation of the Super Bowl where athletic talent seems to abound, I wanted to name some folks I know personally who in the course of their lives, have exhibited and still exhibit talents of a different kind.  Their talents may not gain acclaim or notoriety in the media, but they surely do speak of their courage, faith, peace, love, joy and service.   These are just some of the folks who recognized the source of their talents and set about using them according to His good purpose.

First, I think of Tom.  I’ve never known Tom outside of his wheelchair where polio placed him as a child, but I’ve never known him to be without a smile on his face or an encouraging word. He is so good at never complaining that I don’t even see his wheelchair when I see him.   He uses his engraving business as a mission, and he volunteers for almost everything from teaching Sunday School to serving on committees.  He is such a disciple for Christ in everything he does.  A loving man who  uses his talents while dealing with disabilities.  I can’t think of anyone he doesn’t touch in a positive way.

Secondly, I think of Will.  Imagine being a sighted teenager, having surgery, and waking up in complete darkness! At that moment, his life changed, and he had to reinvent himself to cope.  Yet, he has a ministry through jewelry, massage therapy, humor, singing, and just uplifting every person with whom he comes into contact.  You won’t leave him without a God Bless You from him.  He uses his talents for the good of others and in doing so passes on the joy of life.

Next, there was Robert, a gentle giant of a man who spewed talent from every pore in his body. His huge smile, laugh, compassion, concern, empathy, and love, bonded people to him in an unbelievable way.  Imagine a voice like his being used unselfishly to bless people and to offer praises to his God.  Whether he sang classical or a spiritual, when he began, it was as though God himself stood with him.  A man who was just at home preaching, teaching, singing, or just socializing, he was always using his talents to bless others.

Finally but never least,  there was Grace.  Tell me how a fourteen year old girl can manage to amass such courage, bravery, fortitude, faith, hope, and love without totally employing each talent she had been given and inventing others she didn’t even know she had?  So many lives were touched and God’s love exemplified through this one solitary life.  If you know of her, then there is an area of your life that will never be the same because she touched you.  A young girl who used her talents in amazing ways.

We can’t all be as remarkable as these, but all of us have something to offer to make this world a better place.  God bless us everyone.

(Love Drew Brees even though he didn’t make the Super Bowl!)

When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them.  John 10:4

Years ago, we were fortunate to have a family with a young son, Coop, who lived directly across the street.  Coop, would put on his Davy Crockett cap, dress himself in western gear, grab a stick, and ring our doorbell periodically.  When we opened the door, he would say, “Morning, I’m scouting for wild animals and strangers. Can I hunt them in your back yard?”  Of course,” we would say, “but do you need any help?”  “Nope,” he would reply, “It’s my job!”  We would run to the back window to watch him “hunting” while his Dad could be seen hiding behind a tree to keep watch on him.

During forty six years of marriage, I have been fortunate to learn so many interesting facts about Westerns.  It appears, according to my resident expert, that the basis for many stories and movies about the Old West used cattle drives to set the scene.  You always have the good guys, the bad guys, and the notorious rustlers and outlaws.

One of the most honored positions on the cattle drive was the point rider.  This guy determined the direction of the drive, controlled the speed of the drive, and basically gave the herd someone to follow.  I am told that in serious situations, he also rode ahead to scout out danger, i.e., Indian attacks.  John Wayne was the best trail boss I’ve heard.

On many occasions the point man left the herd to ride ahead or scout out the area ahead of the drive.  He would come back and report danger, water sources, terrain, and paths he thought best.  The rest of the drive waited for him to return while confident that he would be able to give them all they needed to know about what lay ahead.

In Biblical days, the shepherd always walked ahead of his sheep much like the point man.  He was always in front of the sheep to protect them from danger.  Whatever danger came, it had to take on the shepherd first.

I like to think of God as the point man in our lives.  He can help us determine the direction of our lives, determine the pace with which we attack problems and dilemmas that enter our lives, and He gives us someone to follow.

The blessed life would be one which sees us not anxious to see far down the road of life but rather trusting the point man to take care of it.  It would be a life not overly concerned about the next step or path, not weighed down with the future, but quietly following the shepherd or point man.

God is out in front always walking ahead of us into our tomorrows.  It seems the tomorrows of our lives fill us with fear, but God is already there.  Everything that is ahead of us has to pass through Him before it can get to us.  It’s His job.

In all things you yourself must be an example of good behavior.  Be sincere and serious in your teaching.      Titus 2:7

The recent passing of Aretha Franklin brought back so many memories of years gone by.  We always loved her super hit R-E-S-P-E-C-T.  The words were memorable, the beat was catchy, and you could sing along, plus a spelling lesson was included.

Respect is defined as a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something; worthy of high regard.  People tend to respect many different things, but I have some things for which respect is absolutely essential.  These include ultimate respect for God, The Bible, His church, our country, our flag, our laws, our families, our elders, our fellow man, our teachers, our veterans, our active armed forces, our medical professionals, and many more could be added to the list.

In our household, respect  was taught on a daily basis because you can never take for granted that it will be learned by osmosis.  Children were taught the rules, and that failure to follow these rules had consequences.  We had no problem with corporal punishment and resorted to weapons such as fly swatters, switches, wooden spoons, even the infamous flip flop when all other weapons were not available.  Rules were followed and negotiation when they were broken was usually unsuccessful.

Laws are worthy of respect.  We learned that laws are there for your protection.  You break the law – you endure the punishment.  The importance of laws were brought home to me in the 1970’s when the Alday murders occurred in my small hometown.  The brutal murder of members of this sweet family inspired a new respect in our hometown and community for the laws which bring criminals to justice.

Our country, its flag, and those who have served and are serving are worthy of respect.  We were taught to honor all, and to never take the freedoms we are afforded for granted.

The Bible is worthy of respect.  It lays out God’s law, His story, and His commandments, not His suggestions.  When we try to change it to fit our own thoughts, respect is ignored.

God and His church are worthy of our utmost respect, devotion, love and obedience.  In our growing up years and in all our years since, everyone dressed for church every Sunday.  It wasn’t because we especially liked it, but we felt that God and His house of worship were worthy of our best.  There’s a reason people refer to nice clothes as your “Sunday Best.”

In this age of uncertainty in our denomination, our churches, our economy, our country, and our world, it would be wise of us to begin to use respect in every area of our lives.  The Bible makes it very clear that respect is one of the values which is necessary for life. We can learn so many things from the folks who have come before us and the ways they grew generations who know how to show honor and respect.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T, this is what it means to me.

Respect is what we owe, what we give, and what we love.  Philip James Bailey

In my Father’s house are many rooms, if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?  John 14:2

Home is defined as the place where one lives permanently.   For most of us these days, physical homes aren’t what they used to be.  For a girl who lived her whole growing up life in one home, the Methodist system provided me with a new perspective on the word, home, as each new parsonage provided an opportunity to create a new home.

Randy and I had the opportunity to spend time with our Purcell grandchildren in Buford for a few days last month.  We are not totally familiar with the area there, so sometimes we rely on the boys to direct us.  On the first morning as I was taking Reese to school, I said, “OK, Reese, tell me the best way to get to your school this morning.”  Reese replied, “Oh, I can’t help you there, I don’t know the way to school, but I do know the way home.”

Home can mean so many different things in our lives – hometown, homegrown, home away from home, home plate, home cookin’,  present home, future home, past home, eternal home, and dozens of other things.

Two years ago as we sold my family home, I discovered something that has changed my perspective.  I did fine with the closing until the final signature which would deliver my growing up home into someone else’s hands.  As I teared up, the buyer reached his hand across the table, patted my hand, and said,  “Don’t you worry, we will take good care of your Mama’s house.”

That’s when I realized that a house is just a building with walls and a roof.  Our Mama isn’t the occupant of that home anymore. The memories, the security, the peace, the love, and the joy within those walls are what makes it a home.  We will always have that.  Just like Reese, I can always find my way back to that place in my heart and my mind.

This year we have sent several friends and family members home.  The good news here is that they are now in their permanent, eternal home.  There is no more moving, readjusting, or stress.  They are in the home that Jesus prepared for them.

It’s so comforting to know that Jesus provides a way for us to always find our way home.  C.S. Lewis says there are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.

Now we look inside and what  we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new.  2 Corinthians 5:17 the Message 

What is it about a new year that makes us innately want to start over or begin again?  We want that fresh start, so we set unrealistic goals, and in doing so, we set ourselves up for imminent failure and disappointment.

Morning television news programs seem to have made it their mission to improve the lives of their audience by constantly suggesting new ways to live life to the fullest.  One morning lately, they suggested ways to maximize your morning.  The ways began with “List six things you want to accomplish today”.  It went on to suggest that we should then rank these six things in order of importance, and as we accomplish them, they should be checked off the list.  Making a list takes effort each day, and who has time to check it off?

I decided that the first thing on my list of six things to accomplish would be to make my own list of ways to maximize my morning, my day, my week, my month, and my year.  I’m probably falling into the same trap of failure that I promised I wouldn’t do; but nothing ventured, nothing gained!

The first thing on my list is be positive.  I can’t listen to those cynics who weigh us down with negative thoughts; instead, I will remember that  with God all things are possible.

The second thing on my list is to find a purpose for each day.  This purpose should involve doing something for someone every day, whether it be in thought, word, prayer or deed.  Ask the question, “What can I do for you today?”

The third thing on my list is to be enthusiastic, empathetic and energetic.  No one needs another person being fatalistic, tired, and judgmental all the time.

The fourth thing on my list is trusting God in all things.  It is my mission to trust that when bad things happen, God is still in control.

The fifth thing on my list is to love unconditionally.  It’s easy to play the blame game, but that’s not what God expects.

The last thing on my list is to start each day in prayer and bible study.  God has set the example that we should follow, and it should be a mission each day to challenge ourselves to meet His criteria.

Good Luck with all the new resolutions for the new year.  I wish you a very Happy New Year filled with joy, peace and love!

How many Kings stepped down from their throne; How many Lords have abandoned their home; how many greats have become the least for me? Yes, and how many fathers gave up their sons for me? Only one did that for me.  All for me, all for you.    How Many Kings  by Downhere

The recent hurricane, Michael, came through my hometown of Donalsonville with terrific force, and left devastation in his wake.  The meteorologists designated this small town as “ground zero”.  There was no electricity for over a week, little help for the victims, and limited places which provided shelter and showers.

Lineman and workers came from all over this state and others to a small town that was ill equipped to handle them in the best of circumstances yet alone this one. The power company set up a command center right outside of town to provide food, water, and shelter for the linemen and volunteers.  These workers spent day after day sleeping when they could, working until they were physically exhausted, and they did it all for a town in desperate need.  They left their own families to help others they didn’t even know.

This reminds me of Bethlehem and the Savior’s birth.  God sent his only son into a devastated world to be born and die to help those He didn’t even know.  Jesus came into a world that didn’t know that He’d come to save them and take their sins away.

When He was born, He brought hope to us of everlasting life.  God came down in the form of a baby because we can never climb up to Him on our own.  We get to heaven because of Jesus.

He showed us self sacrificing love.  A baby who grew into a man who suffered and died to save us and take away our sins.  A sinless man who died for the sins of the whole world.

He replaced darkness with light.  You never know how dark it can be at night until you have no light.

If there’s no way to thank the army of volunteers and dedicated servants who came to a small town to save it, there certainly is no way we can ever embrace the love that was there when God sent Jesus to save us.  All we can do is say thank you.  The best way to do that is to accept God’s love and to spread His light throughout a needy world.

As we light candles this Christmas Eve, remember how fortunate we are to have the light of the world in our lives. Let His light shine!  He did it all for me, all for you!

Merry Christmas!

jesus coming into a devastated world

For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord.  Luke 2:11

Recently, I attended the musical comedy, Elf.   The venue was beautifully decorated with lights, trees, and tinsel, yet amidst all the outward signs of the Christmas spirit, there was a void in the mood needed to fill your heart and excite your spirit.  What’s Christmas without the music of the season, people laughing, children’s joy, celebratory faces, and the presence of God?  It’s dull at best and depressing at its worst.

I loved the movie, Elf.   It was wonderful as it was, but then the writers, directors, and the powers that be in theater, decided to rewrite the script which everyone knew and loved to make it more “modern day” friendly.  I mean, Santa using an iPad, the sleigh devoid of reindeer?! The process took away all the spirit and fun of the production for me, which ironically was the theme of the show -our Christmas spirit.

I wonder if we have also taken the Biblical Christmas story and inserted our “modern day” reasoning into it as well. It’s perfect as it is and beautiful, so why do people try to rewrite it to suit themselves? There are those who doubt the virgin birth and the resurrection and are trying to rewrite the Bible. We are losing the battle in this secular society that insists on changing everything to make it acceptable to all.  We can’t explain all the wonders of the Christmas story, but we can take God’s word on faith and celebrate it!  Emmanuel, God with us makes it a celebration and is reason in itself for spirit.

During the performance, I began to look around at the faces of children  who were expecting a magical night, and it made me imagine that night long ago when the Savior was born and the Christmas spirit began.  It reminded me that there are so many people in our world who are hungry for the Christmas Spirit.  We come to Christmas with great expectations, but many times our spirit doesn’t match our expectations. It’s up to us to open our hearts and our minds to the spirit that comes when we truly celebrate the reason for the season, the birth of our Savior.

Christmas is in our hearts and it’s there for sharing with others.  If we do nothing to share and celebrate it, others will have license to rewrite it to suit a new generation.  I love the story just as it is – a child of God born in a manger to a carpenter and his Mary.  It holds majesty and glory for me.  I love the old saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!”

Inheritance is defined as something as a quality, characteristic, or other immaterial possession received from predecessors.

A couple of years ago, it became necessary for me to have my gall bladder surgically removed.  The diagnosis was, “Your gall bladder is a mess, and it has to come out.”  I met with my surgeon, a great guy, who appreciated the humorous side of all this.  He sat down to discuss the surgery, and began the conversation by asking, “So, who gave this to you?”  When I laughed, he said, “I mean from whom did you inherit this messy thing?”  When I said that my Mama had hers removed, he said, “Well, there you go.  She’s the benefactor.”

Turns out, gall bladders, like many things in this life, are inherited.  Inheritance is so much more than monetary gain, material things, and physical things.  It can also include things in our spiritual life.

The town of Bethlehem is mentioned 35 times in the Old Testament, yet who knew at that time that it would be the birthplace of Jesus and the beginning of our inheritance as Christians.  Bethlehem was chosen many years before the birth.

Jesus was born in Bethlehem to fulfill the prophecy stated by the prophet Micah.  He was born as a baby, and in 33 short years gave us the greatest inheritance the world has ever known – Christianity.  The baby born in a manger came to tell us that God knows us, that our sins are forgiven, that prayers are answered, and that heaven is assured.  What an inheritance!

My messy gall bladder is history now.  At my post surgery appointment, my surgeon and I joked about the bad eating and lifestyle choices that contribute to the inheritance of a bad gall bladder.  We agreed that some changes needed to be made.  As I prepared to leave, he said, “Diane, remember your inheritance; go, and please sin no more.”

I think of that often and wonder if Jesus as the baby in a manger and the man on the cross would say the same thing to us this Christmas.  Celebrate the birth of your Savior, the  inheritance which is yours, the place in heaven reserved for you, the wonderful heritage of your faith; then, go and sin no more.

Merry Christmas!

We have an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.  This inheritance is kept in heaven for you.   1 Peter 1:4

Love the Lord with all your heart, and with all your mind, and with all your soul and with all your strength.   Mark  12:30 

Essential is defined as “absolutely something with which we cannot do without.” Necessary is defined as “something that is important but not essential.”

In the early 1980’s, our family and friends of our family spent a weekend at at a mountain lake cottage in late winter.  During the night an unexpected snowstorm hit, and we awoke the next morning to blankets of snow and ice.  Normally, I would consider this fun and exciting, but we had limited food, water, warm clothes, electricity,  and chocolate!  There was little chance of getting down the mountain in one piece, so we settled in to ride it out.

I began to quietly survey the food situation and the speed with which 4 kids and 4 adults were consuming it, and I quickly deduced that our essentials would be depleted long before the snow melted.  In an effort to save us all, I  began to “squirrel away” food.  In my mind, this was essential.  I would have made it work, too,  if our Black Lab hadn’t begun to find the food and eat it.  The dog outed my plan of survival for all, and the other 7 started a mutiny based on the incorrect thinking that I was only thinking of myself.

It was at this time when we decided to brave the roads, pack up, and head down the mountain in our respective cars.  Our friends slipped and slid, but made it down.  We, on the other hand, slipped and slid so close to the edge of the mountain that Randy made all the women, children, and dogs exit the car. We walked down and left him to maneuver down the mountain.

As all of us were waiting and watching, along with a ranger, at the bottom of the mountain, we saw a most amazing thing.  Randy was backing the car ever so slowly, but successfully,  down the mountain.   As we were watching in awe, the ranger asked, “Who is this guy, and is God his co pilot?”  My friend quickly replied, “I hope so because God is the only one who would ride with him!”

It was later when everyone was safe and reunited that I realized that I had confused essential with necessary.   Life and being together was essential while food was only necessary.  The love of God is essential, while material things are not.  In this Christmas season, it is good to take time away to ponder on what is essential and what is just necessary.

Thoreau said, Our lives are frittered away by detail…simplify, simplify.

As soon as the calendar flips to December and the Advent season arrives, our thoughts turn to Christmas gifts, gatherings, and celebrations. I wonder how many of us are already making things complicated.  Christmas has become so stressful as we try to entertain, buy gifts, cook, etc., that it makes me wonder why we don’t just keep it simple.

My mind goes back to the Christmas story.  It all took place in a simple time, in a simple stable, with a simple carpenter and his wife, simple shepherds, simple animals, a simple inn keeper, beautiful angels, three wise men, three gifts, and the Christ child.

The word “road” can mean the same as the word,”way”.  The road Joseph and Mary took to Bethlehem was the simple road which shows the simple way to the Christmas miracle.

During this Christmas season, I am trying not to miss the simple ways to celebrate Christ’s birth.  Wouldn’t it be a wonderful gift to all humanity if Jesus became a word that was used all through our society not only during Christmas but everyday?  If we could make Jesus the ordinary word on the street what a difference we would see!

We can make that happen if we concentrate on hearing the simple ways God would have us to hear the news of Jesus’ birth.  Take time to listen to the words of the Christmas hymns, the words of the carols, the Christmas story, and the words of joy around you.  Jesus speaks when we listen.

We can make it happen if we see the simple ways that we can help others by giving, not only monetarily,  but with our hearts.  Put God’s will first.

We can make it happen if we keep these simple ways sacred.  Try to take 5 minutes a day to be silent and pray for peace, hope, joy and love.  Follow Him and live a simple life in confidence.

The simple way isn’t complicated.  Love came down at Christmas.  It’s that simple.