Pizza Party Peril

“The gate to destruction is wide and the road that leads there is easy to follow.  Be careful - many people go through that wrong gate.” -- Matthew 7:13

The fog in Jenny’s brain was clearing again; she’d been drifting in and out of consciousness for several days.  She remembered the joy meeting new friends on the first day at her new school.  A football player even asked her out on a date.  Soon she might soon be one of the popular girls if things work out.  High school would be so great she thought, as drowsiness engulfed her again.

She was never sure how long she’d slept; hours, maybe only minutes.  Jenny recalled her ambivalence: Mom and Dad thought she was too young to date, especially a boy they didn’t know.  She’d told them she’d stay at a friend’s that night, but left out important details.  She hated that guilty feeling about lying - but what's the harm in a pizza, a party, and a moonlight ride?

The pizza was good; the party was great!  When it was time for a ride, her date seemed a little drunk.  Geoff assured her that the fresh air would sober him up.  They jumped in the car and drove to the Pointe.   He tried to make a pass at her (and I don't mean playing football.)  Jenny got scared, they were probably right, maybe she was too young.

“NO!” she screamed and pushed Geoff away with all of her might. "Please take me home now!”  In a fit of rage, Geoff started the car and drove home recklessly.  Jenny knew her life was in danger; she pleaded with him to slow down, but his agitation only grew. 

Her mind faded again, but this time her stupor was short lived.   Suddenly she awoke to the memory of shattered glass and screeching metal.  She didn’t recall the impact.  She did hear someone yell, "Call an ambulance!  These folks are in trouble!"

Fully alert now, she learns from the nurse that Geoff had been discharged – thankfully only a few scrapes.  “And the people in the other car?” Jenny asks.

"Dear,” the nurse says tenderly, “The two adults in the other car died instantly.”

Jenny spoke haltingly, "Oh God!  Please forgive me for what I've done.  I only wanted to have a little fun.  Tell them that I’m so sorry; that’s it’s my fault that those children lost their parents.  Oh, nurse, won't you please tell them that for me?"

Her lips sealed; the nurse never agreed.  She waited quietly as Jenny drifted back into a peaceful unconsciousness.   Soon she would have to muster the courage to tell Jenny that the two killed in the crash were her own Mom and Dad.

Holy Father, life goes quickly.  Grant us the wisdom to choose wisely - our activities, our studies, and especially our friends.  Help us to live each day, taking every challenge one step at a time, and bless each step with friends that care.  Amen.

Something For Chad

“With shouts of praise, I’ll offer You a sacrifice, my Lord, because you have the power to save me.” - - Jonah 2:9

Bob was worried – he’d never hired someone handicapped before.  The counselor assured him that Chad would make an excellent busboy; Bob just wasn’t sure how his customers would react.  “Truckers” frankly don’t care who buses tables as long as the meatloaf is good and the pies are homemade.  He was concerned about the immature teenagers, yuppie snobs, and stiff-collared businessmen who thought every waitress wants to be flirted with.

His worries proved groundless.  The staff adored Chad from Day1 and the ‘regulars’ quickly adopted him as one of their own.  Chad was a blessing!

The minute customers finished, he’d race to the table, carefully clear dishes and glasses, and then wipe the table spotless.  If he thought someone was watching, his brow would crease with added concentration.  No customer left disappointed.

He and his widowed mother lived off their government benefits.  Money was tight, but Chad’s wages kept him from having to live in a group home.

He missed work for the first time in three years due to open heart surgery.  When she learned that Chad was out of surgery and doing well, Flo the head waitress, leaped for joy.  Praise God!

Capt’Jack, one of the truckers, deadened her enthusiasm.  "How’ll they handle all the bills, they're barely getting’ by now?"  Flo hurried off; Chad hadn’t been replaced so everyone was bussing their own tables.

Three months passed before Chad returned to work.  He’d been counting the days and had called a dozen times to make sure they knew he was coming.  It didn’t matter that today was Thanksgiving. Chad couldn't stop grinning as he pushed through the door and headed for the back room where his apron and busing cart were waiting.

"Hold up there, buddy!” Bob hollered.  ”Breakfast is on me to celebrate your return.”  

The staff followed behind them toward a large booth near the back.  Glancing over his shoulder, Bob noticed booth after booth of beaming truckers joined the procession.  They stopped in front of the big table; its surface covered with napkins, coffee cups, and dinner plates.

“First you’ll have to clean up this mess," Bob said trying to sound stern.  Chad looked puzzled.  He picked up one of the napkins which had "Something for Chad" written on it.  Two $10 bills fell onto the table.  Chad stared at the money.  Happy Thanksgiving Chad,” they all shouted!

Every napkin had his name on it . . . each contained cash.  They eventually counted more than $3,500.  Gotta love them truckers!   And while everybody else was busy shaking hands and hugging each other, Chad, a broad smile stretching his already-proud expression, went quietly back to work.

“Love one another!” – such a simple concept, but we find it so difficult in everyday life. God, remove our selfish hearts and replace them with Your own.  Remind us of our many blessings on this Thanksgiving Day.  Amen

Disposable Kids

"When you care for a child, you honor Me." - - Mark 9:37

Alejandro was barely 4 when his family broke apart.  His schizophrenic mother couldn't care for the kids; prison walls now protected him from a violent father.  He’s still tormented by unspeakable memories of both.  So when he woke up in the hospital bruised and battered, it was good that Child Services placed all three siblings with foster parents.

Of all the foster homes he’d been in, one stood out above all the others.  Alejandro couldn’t recall Bill and Eleanor’s last name, but he vividly remembered that they listened to him; they taught him.  He thought the older couple may have even loved him.  Too bad he couldn’t have stayed, but when cancer stole Bill’s health, Alejandro was forced to move on . . . and on . . .  and so on.

Honestly, he hated some of the foster parents he’d been “tossed” to.  They didn’t love him – they just liked the money that accompanied him.  They were strangers - just another set of adults who had power over him, adults who expected him to be grateful.  Helpless, his life laid in pieces!  Even he thought of himself as shattered, damaged, broken.  He often wondered what it would have been like to have experienced the security of a loving family.  He wished someone had really cared about him.

Another new school, an unfamiliar teacher, a fresh bunch of kids staring piteously at him.  Alejandro knew all too well that he was different from them. 

His desk sat next to the teacher’s.  He liked being close to her.  She seemed nice. 

He was silently absorbed in math homework when a stick of gum slid his way.  He looked up just in time to catch his teacher’s friendly smile.  Confused, he quietly opened the wrapper, popped the gum in his mouth and quickly scanned the classroom.

From what he could tell, she hadn’t given anyone else a piece.  Only him!  She snuck a stick of gum to him every day after that.  Each day he acknowledged her with a thankful grin. 

Today as a grown man, he knows what she really gave him.  To her, it may have seemed like a simple piece of gum, a small token of kindness.  To Alejandro, it was so much more.  It was something all his own, something precious that no other kid in that room had.  That little stick of gum made Alejandro feel something he had never felt before . . . special!  No longer “invisible.”

She must have listened to God’s whisper – the same one that guides him today as the Foster Dad of two emotionally-scarred children, each shattered, damaged, and broken . . . for now.

O Lord, watch over Your little ones who are poor and abandoned.   Gather them under Your wings, warm their tender hearts that they may too feel Your loving grace and forever enjoy Your kindness as their heavenly Parent.  Amen

Character Matters

After twenty-two online dates, Paul sighed.  If this woman was any more of a gold digger, she’d be on his lap taking out his fillings.  He really needed to change the “Millionaire” entry on the “Income” line.  He owned his own company and was proud of it, but perhaps he shouldn’t advertise it on first dates.  Something more subtle perhaps - “Moderate income” would keep them guessing.  He’d be returning to the USA soon; a needed change of pace. 

Annie liked Paul’s new eHarmony profile.  Finally a genuine, thoughtful on-line connection.  During the next six weeks, the two grew to close over the internet.  Each message was a seed falling on a fertile heart.  Paul requested a photograph, but Annie refused.  If he really cares, it won’t matter what I look like, she reasoned.

When the day finally came for Paul to return from Europe, she agreed to pick him up at Metro Airport.  "You'll recognize me," Annie wrote, "by the green rose on my lapel."  So when he entered the baggage claim area, he scanned the crowd for a woman whose spirit he loved, but whose face he'd never seen.

His eyes lit up when a young woman sauntered toward him, her figure long and slim.  Her blonde hair lay back in curls behind delicate earrings.  An ivory-colored suit accentuated eyes blue as the Caribbean Sea.  He started toward her, forgetting to notice the absence of any green rose.  

"Looking for anyone special?" she asked provocatively.  

As he stepped closer, Paul spotted Annie standing directly behind the blond goddess.  Wearing a green rose, her graying hair was tucked under a worn hat.  She was full-figured; her thick-ankled feet forced into matronly flats.  

The girl in the ivory suit walked away hastily.  Paul wanted to follow her, but turned his attention back to Annie – the pale, fleshy-faced woman whose gray eyes had a kind twinkle.  Perhaps not the love he had hoped for, but maybe something more precious, a true friend – someone who would walk in when everyone else walks out.

Paul leaned forward and kissed her lightly on the cheek, trying desperately to choke back disappointment. "You must be Annie.  I’m so glad to finally meet you.  Join me for dinner?"

Her face broadened into a charitable smile. "Son, I don't know what this is about!" she answered, "but that young lady in the ivory suit asked me to wear this rose on my coat.  She told me that if you invited me to dinner, to tell you that she’s waiting for you near the taxi stand outside; said it was some kind of test!"

Holy One, we mistake lust for love.  But true love reaches below the surface of physical beauty.   It grows beyond pointing out the good and bad in someone . . . to accepting both.  Agape love stands the tests of time - just like Your love for us.  Thank You!

Never Forget Them

“Sometimes you will order your people to attack their enemies.  Then they will pray to you.  Answer their heavenly prayers and give them victory.”  -- II Chronicles 6:34-35

Leo arrived at the airport early this morning – as he has for the last 24 Veteran’s Days.  His crumpled khaki slacks and faded blue shirt were outshined by a sharp blue sport jacket adorned with several medals pinned on the lapel.  

His thining silver hair belied the fact that he was 83 years ‘young.’  He wasn’t fat, maybe a few extra pounds around the waist, but what would you expect from someone who had spent his last sixty-some years in a wheelchair?

Leo wasn’t traveling today, but he parked himself proudly by a red carpet that led to the check-in counter and greeted young soldiers arriving home from Iraq.  To every young man or woman in uniform he said, "Welcome home, soldier!  Your country is proud of you . . . and so am I!  Where are you heading today?"

He then directed them to the proper line.  "God Bless your safe return, friend," Leo said humbly.  Then he slowly raised a hand withered by arthritis, and saluted each one.

"Thanks, sir," the soldiers would often say, sometimes saluting in return as they moved on.

Leo often reflected on the many soldiers who had become disabled like him.  Their sacrifices merit respect - their courage became the conduit to freedom and with that, opened a path for the Gospel.  He was immensely proud to be an American. 

Then his thoughts would drift to the horrors of war.  He recalled silently walking single file past troops returning from the front.  The shock and horror on their faces told it all.  They were returning from Hell . . . Leo was walking into it.

On one such patrol, they rounded a huge boulder surprising two teenaged enemy troops busily devouring foul smelling flesh from the head of a horse.  Terrified, their frail, quaking bodies shook wildly in their ill-fitting uniforms.  They scrambled monkey-style beyond reach.   No shots were exchanged.

He’d never been able to erase the stench of melting human and animal flesh that still assaults his senses.  The worst was the Order that day to bury the dead ‘kids’ rotting in their fox holes.  First salvage the dog tags, turn them face down and push them deeper into the wet clay, and cover them with lye and cold dirt.  His greatest fear had always been being buried on foreign soil, never to go home . . . not even as a corpse.

Most of us will never experience the atrocities of war.  For the brave that did – we thank you this Veteran's Day.  May God Bless you richly today and every single day.

Father, we pray for the day when all people - Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists and others, will melt their weapons into productive tools.  Please protect our brave soldiers in the war against terrorism, and encourage their families with Your grace.  Amen

The Soldier's Daughter

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called God’s children.”  - - Matthew 5:7

A sudden bump as the747’s tires kissed the tarmac told him the 12-hour flight from Shanghai was almost over.  Once the jumbo jet parked safely at its arrival gate, Daren readied himself for the hike to the parking structure.  It had been an exhausting flight . . . an even longer week. 

He grabbed his carryon, bid farewell to the crew and raced through the terminal to see how fast he could exit the airport and get home to his family.  Along the way, Daren couldn’t help but notice a group of camo-clad soldiers heading to their gate.  “God be with them,” he thought.

As the soldiers passed, almost everyone waved and cheered.  When Daren saw the soldiers being honored and applauded, he too stopped and clapped. 

It touched him, deeply!  These unsung heroes would soon be putting their lives at great risk so that people like him could go to school, work, church and home without fear.

Just when he thought he couldn’t be more proud or patriotic, a young girl not more than 5 years old ran up to one of the soldiers.  He kneeled and greeted her warmly.  She spoke with conviction, “Sir, will please give my Daddy something from me?”

“I’ll sure try,” he offered politely.  “What would you like me to give to him?”

She suddenly grabbed his neck, gave him a hearty bear hug and kissed him on the cheek.   The sweetness of her act flooded his soul as if he were being embraced by Jesus himself.

The girl’s mother introduced herself.  “Our Marine,” she began through tender sobs, “has been overseas for 14 months.  Courtney misses him desperately!”   

The remaining soldiers overheard the girl’s appeal and huddled briefly.  One pulled out a military looking walkie-talkie, and spoke purposefully into it.

A few minutes passed before the young soldier walked back over to the girl, bent down and said, "I just spoke to your Daddy.  He told me to give you this."  He then hugged Courtney and lightly kissed her cheek.   “Your Daddy told me that he misses you more than anything, that he loves you a gazillion, and that he’s coming home very soon."  

The soldier squared his shoulders and joined his squad in saluting Courtney and her Mom.  “God Bless you al!” he said respectfully.  As they walked away, the young soldier turned and blew Courtney one last kiss.  A single tear fell off his cheek.

Daren watched the incident from a distance.  He’d remember this day forever!  No longer would he take for granted the conveniences of an American lifestyle.  Never again would he forget the price others had paid for his freedom.  He’ll pray for all the heroes separated from their loved ones and for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands.  Protect them as they protect us.  Bless them and their families for their selfless acts.   Amen

Small Things are Possible

“The LORD is constantly watching everyone, and he gives strength to those who faithfully obey him." – 1 Chronicles 16:9

Katrin loved everything about rock climbing – everything!  She loved facing her fear of heights; there's something exhilarating (and terrifying) about hanging out over nothing.  Mountains must be the “stairway to God’s heart.”

She loved the feeling of utter exhaustion after a few hours of climbing, getting into her jeep, and barely having the grip strength to turn the steering wheel.  Even the smooth feeling of chalk excited her.  Climbing was her passion – today was no exception! 

Katrin was concentrating so hard on completing an “inverted campus” (climbing without using her feet) that she didn’t realize she’d somehow lost a contact lens.  Stranded on a dangerous rock ledge, hundreds of feet above the ground, and now unable to see clearly from her right eye.  Luckily she was close to the summit, but this climbing expedition was officially over.  Bummer!

She prayed that the Lord would help her find it . . . and then started laughing hysterically!  Her appeal was silly, bordering on ridiculous, impossible really!

When she got to the top, a friend examined her eye hoping it had worked its way into the corner of her eye.  No such luck!

Enjoying the serenity of her majestic surroundings, 1 Chronicles 16:9 came to mind.  She thought, "Lord, You can see all these mountains.  You know every single crevice, choss, and cornice.  You must know exactly where my contact lens is."

Katrin and her mates eventually walked down the trail to their base camp.  They approached a new party of rock climbers just starting up the face of the cliff.  One of women shouted, "Hey, you guys!  Anybody lose a contact lens?"

No way!  Seriously?

Finding the proverbial contact lens on a mountainside would be amazing enough, wouldn't it?  But do you know why she saw it?  An ant was carrying the lens slowly across the face of the rock.

What does that tell you about the God of our universe?  Is He in charge of the tiniest things?  Do ants matter to Him? Of course they do - He made them.  He designed them.

They may be small, but if we were as strong as ants, we could easily carry an automobile.  Ants repel enemies and use chemical signals to contact each other in case of attack.  Their farming society can be compared to that of human beings.  They don’t harm the environment or use much energy either.  Fabulous creatures!

If God is in charge of the ants, don't you think He cares about you and me?  We could learn a valuable lesson from that ant’s prayer below – just trust God:

“God, I don't know why you want me to carry this load.  I see no good in it and it's awfully heavy.  Still, if you want me to, I'll carry it for You because I love You and You commanded me to do so.  – the Ant

Face Values

"You obey the law of Christ when you help carry another’s burden.” – Galatians 6:2

Gladys had but one eye.   Curious stares, strange looks, hurtful remarks and even put-downs were all part of her everyday life.  We all learned that looks are only ‘skin deep,’ but the face is the first part of the body we normally see when meeting someone.  All too often, we judge people based on first impressions. 

Gladys had a lonely life, made worse by a daughter often humiliated by her appearance.   Kids would tease, taunt and even bully Mandy on account of her mom.  Teens can get easily embarrassed by parents publicly fussing over them, or by acting in ways ‘not their age.’  But this was deeper – actually bordering on hatred.

As Mandy recalled, “One day Mom came to my elementary school just to say hello.  I was mortified.  I ignored her, threw her a terrible look and ran out.   I wanted to die!  I also wished my mom would disappear for good, and I told her as much!”

Mandy was angry, oblivious to her Mom’s feelings. 

Gladys didn’t respond.  She knew that someday Mandy would come to realize that there was a person behind the face.  “Love her . . . to love me,” she prayed. 

Friction between the two intensified, until one day Mandy packed her bags and left for good.  Mandy eventually got married and had children of her own.  They hadn’t spoken in years.  Gladys had never even met her two grandchildren.

One day she decided their separation had gone on long enough, and went to visit Mandy.  As she stood at the door, hoping to be invited in, the children appeared - frightened by her strange face.  Mandy yelled at her for coming uninvited and told her to leave.   Gladys answered politely, “Oh, I'm so sorry.  I must have gotten the wrong address,” and left at once. 

Before leaving, she discreetly left Mandy a handwritten note.  Out of curiosity, Mandy opened the tattered letter [which must have been penned long ago] and read:

Dearest Mandy,
I think of you all the time, wishing of course that I hadn’t been a constant embarrassment to you as you were growing up.  When you were very little, you had an accident, and lost your eye.   I couldn't bear watching you having to grow up with one eye, so I gave you mine.  I was so proud to view a whole new world through your eyes.  All my love, Mom

Perhaps you are, or know of a friend or relative who lives with a handicap.  We need to remember that without warning . . . we too could become disabled and have to depend on others for our well being.  Be that spark of encouragement someone needs right now!

 Lord, bless those with physical limitations and help them succeed in whatever trials they may face today.  Open our hearts and eyes, to see more clearly that compassion is what’s needed; not pity.  Amen