Supersonic Fliers

 “Those who trust God will soar high on wings like eagles." ~ Isaiah 40:31

When the alley trash can began shaking, Caleb froze in his tracks, wondering what might be inside. His initial thought was a raccoon, but experience suggested coons were smart enough to escape if curious enough to get in.

He decided to turn the can on its side and give the creature a chance to flee. With a cautious step forward, Caleb instantly jumped back as it shook more violently. Perched on the can’s rim wasn’t a raccoon, or any other furry animal, but a peregrine falcon.

Its icy stare left him feeling exposed and intimidated; the kind of gaze that penetrates the soul. The peregrine tilted its head slightly, keeping one eye on Caleb and looking inside the can with the other before retreating inside the can.

A burst of noise followed: ruffled feathers, screeching talons, and the distinct sound of a small animal snarling. Suddenly the falcon burst out and soared into the heavens with a chipmunk clutched in one claw.

Dumbfounded, Caleb took a moment for his brain to find the words to adequately express what he felt. That hawk was magnificent.

What must God be like that He makes such a fierce, beautiful creature? What must He be like that tons of aluminum can lift gracefully off the ground and fly around the globe? For centuries, gravity kept us grounded until someone mastered the science that enables us to fly.

A peregrine falcon is not a meaningless, killing machine. It’s an amazing creature, crafted by our Heavenly Father, revealing something of His creative genius.

Known for its exceptional speed, keen eyesight, and unparalleled hunting skills, the mighty raptor embodies quickness, agility, and focus. Beyond its remarkable physical attributes, the falcon offers deep biblical symbolism that resonates with believers.

Like fighter jets and missiles, peregrine falcons are built for high velocity. Their hollow bones and aerodynamic torso allow them to fly as fast as a cheetah (70 mph), and dive after prey at the speed of an Indy race car (+240 mph). The falcon’s ability to soar high above the earth reminds us to rise above earthly concerns and seek a higher perspective free from earthly constraints.

Their eyes can function simultaneously as both a macro and zoom lens, allowing it to spot small prey from nearly two miles away, and then precisely catch it in midair. Its remarkable eyesight serves as a reminder to keep our spiritual vision clear and to remain focused on our faith.

The falcon's agility, strength, and intelligence make it one of Earth's most formidable hunters. Its precise movements and unwavering focus encourage us to remain centered, purpose-driven, and prepared for spiritual battles.

Not bad for birds nearly extinct in the mid-1960s from the widespread use of the pesticide DDT.

Almighty Father, let the falcon serve as a celestial messenger, steering us toward a deeper understanding of our faith and life's purpose. Help us trust in the spiritual significance of falcon encounters while You guide our path. Amen

My Spiritual BOD

 “Get all the advice and instruction you can.” ~ Proverbs 19:20

Many of the wisest people in my life have passed away as I’ve aged. The stalwarts of good sense, judgment, and inspiration are no longer available to me. So, one day when I heard a friend talk about his Spiritual Board of Directors (SBOD) for advice on something, I listened intently.

Public companies have Boards of Directors that consist of specialized advisors with diverse perspectives, expertise, and relevant experiences. They have fiduciary obligations to act in the best interest of the shareholders and provide invaluable counsel to the firm’s CEO.

As I’m the CEO of my own life, I sit at the head of my boardroom table - or sofa, picnic table, or park bench. So I wrote down the names of people in my life I admired for advice, mentoring, and influence.

My SBOD is a secret group, known only to me. In fact, none of my Directors even knows that they’re on my Board since we never actually meet. Members are not elected, have no term limits, and receive no compensation or recognition for their services.

These 12 cherished adults of integrity, wisdom, and authenticity who help me stay spiritually healthy. I admire them because they consistently lead by EXAMPLE and motivate me to become a better person.

They come from diverse backgrounds. There’s a secretary, a Pastor, a writer, a doctor, an engineer, and several retirees. They are people that I trust implicitly and am not shy to be vulnerable with. The Holy Spirit serves as my Board Chair.

Our faith journeys are fraught with anxiety, confusion, selfishness, and at times hypocrisy. The examples exhibited by my Directors help me stay focused on my identity as a beloved child of God rather than whatever other roles I might enumerate.

It's good to be intentional about the handful of people you choose to most directly influence your actions and your character. I often find myself asking “What would _ name _ do in this situation?” Watching how they live and interact with others, helps me make decisions aligned with God's plan.

Many of us turn to friends and small groups who pray for us when asked. I find it comforting to have someone I can always turn to for prayer. My Directors are people with the gift of intercessory prayer who make it their ministry to pray for others.

So why not give it a try?

Go to your sacred space and light a candle. With pen and paper begin writing down people you know who bring focus, joy, and light into your life. Their living testimony will help you become a better Christian, and encourage you to be the person God created you to be.

Almighty Father, my heart floods with gratitude for the incredible Christians You’ve placed in my life. Thank you for their love, guidance, and unwavering faith that draws me closer to You. May I always be a reflection of Your love through the relationships You’ve graced me with. Amen

Settling In

 “He puts a little of heaven in our hearts, so we'll never settle for less.” ~ 2 Cor. 5:5

When bored or depressed, Murphy often scanned her favorite motivational YouTube videos for some lighthearted inspiration. Today’s speaker was opining about perseverance; never giving up. “What if George Sperti had given up after his first eight formulas (Preparations A through G) had failed?” she questioned.

The humorous but inaccurate answer was “He might never have invented the popular hemorrhoid treatment called Preparation H! We know how painful that would be.”

Fun Fact: It’s the most stolen item in the drugstore because people are too embarrassed to buy it.

Kidding aside, the Italian American inventor’s dogged determination eventually resulted in 127 pharmaceutical patents. He donated most of the money he received to the Institutum Divi Thomae, which he co-founded in 1935 to research cancer.

Murphy finished the video with twin thoughts on the subject. In this culture of money and materialism, one track reminded her that life often rewards those with strength and determination to keep pushing forward, even when the path seems daunting. Sometimes to the detriment of health, relationships, and satisfaction.

Could the antithesis of moving up or forward be “settling in,” she pondered; perhaps getting married, starting a family, or adopting a more stable routine. When everything seems to be working, if our marriages are comfortable, our jobs aren’t terrible, and our finances are secure, most people are satisfied. But are we giving up too early, settling for too little?

The bigger question: “Is God satisfied? Have we become content long before God’s grace has completed His work?”

Murphy knew that she needed His constant intervention until she was transformed into the perfect likeness of Jesus. She would continue to need the forgiving, enabling, and transforming power of His grace until every thought and desire in her heart pleases God. 

She would need His protection and rescue from the seductive temptations of this fallen world.

Murphy recalled what a colleague had shared years ago: “You have to bloom where you’re planted.” For example, there are many ways to see and know the world. Traveling to Rome won’t make one a Christian alone. Prayer, Bible study, fellowship, and allowing Christ the primary place in all life’s choices can make you more of a Christian than someone who lives there.

In the same way, something like “heaven” is as much inside as out; someone with a troubled mind won’t find peace anywhere, no matter how far they travel. Knowledge and contentment are found within, however much you seek it ‘without.’

So, don’t quit before Grace has completed its work. Cry out for more rescue, transformation, and deliverance. Be grateful that your Savior continues to work even in the moments when you don’t value the work you may desperately need.

Precious Lord, I’m a sinner who needs Your Grace and mercy. Shake me from my current routines and turn my focus from myself and toward You. Work in me, through me, and despite me today and every day. Amen

Bus-todian

 “My children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." ~ 1 John 3:18

In a tiny central Missouri town, children stood on ladders ready to tear off the paper covering new letters on the elementary school building. Swedeborg, an unincorporated community has only two businesses: a quick shop and a gas station.

Most of the town’s 497 inhabitants and school staff had gathered for the unveiling. They eagerly awaited the recognition kept secret until the start of the school year.

When it comes time to name a public building, communities look at either historic or financial contributors and choose a high-profile name that brings recognition. Famous Missourians like George Washington Carver, Josephine Baker, and Harry S. Truman adorn facilities across the state. So, when the School Board chose their honoree, they did so carefully.

With fanfare befitting a legend, the letters scrawled across the school’s entrance read “Claudene Wilson Learning Center.” A slightly confused custodian looked up at her name as people applauded in agreement with the Board’s unanimous decision of a rare celebrity who didn’t like attention.

The retired 64-year-old “Bus-todian,” had been the school’s bus driver, custodian, cafeteria helper, and lawn mower for more than three decades. But her most valuable role was being ‘present’ for the children.

She offered special treats like suckers or candy bars for raising grades, kind actions, or noteworthy successes. “They’re what kept me coming back since 1992,” she shared.

School Board President Chuck Boren said of the beloved handywoman, "Claudene treats every student like they're her own.” He knew firsthand. Wilson's last year at the K-8 school was his first. “When the kids get sick, they go to her first. If there was trouble at home, they go to her. She's so empathetic and attuned to every student.”

“By unanimous consent, our goal in renaming the building,” he added, “was not only to honor her 32 years of service, but also to encourage students to be kind, hardworking, and supportive - just like Claudene.”

One parent remarked, “Claudene was the glue that held our school together. By nurturing and supporting our kids, the entire community rises. Kind-hearted people like her create positive ripples into the future.”

Kristi Cargill, an elementary teacher, appreciated Wilson always checking on them to see if they needed a bathroom break or any classroom repairs, by flashing them a thumbs-up outside the hallway window. “I love coming in from summer vacation and seeing the light’s reflection on the walls and floors because she’d waxed and shined them to perfection,” Cargill added. “She never did things halfway.”

Now mostly retired, Wilson is still on campus every day and occasionally helps drive the bus. “I’m no hero,” Wilson claims, “I just hope the school’s new name inspires people to be more kind.”

Heavenly Father, it's only by following You that we can become a beacon of conspicuous love and humble compassion. Help me be a Godly example by my uplifting words, kind actions, unselfish love, and pure heart. Amen

Two Wrongs

 "Instead of drinking to excess, fill your heart with the Holy Spirit" ~ Ephesians 5:18

He’d become far too comfortable driving drunk. At first, he did everything right: using designated drivers, calling Ubers, or even chilling for however long it took to sober up. But as the years went on and Jerrod’s alcohol tolerance increased, he broke his own rules.

What started as a slight buzz evolved into full-blown drunk driving. Tonight, on his drive home, a neighbor driving toward him repeatedly flashed his headlights. It was a warning that the Sheriff was parked around the corner.

He’d been driving more than twice the speed limit. Jerrod decelerated quickly and passed the Sheriff without incident. “Whew, dodged another bullet,” he said to himself.

Aaron, the driver who’d signaled Jerrod to slow down, had seen him ‘flying’ down the road and, knowing him, was probably drunk again. He deliberately flashed a warning.

Days later, Aaron sat alone when his daughter, Carrie, got home, her beautiful smile and warm heart reminded him of his late wife. He missed her so, why did she have to die?

Carrie (17) was now the center of his world. He cherished the memories of years gone by, but she’d always be ‘Daddy’s little girl.’ But oh, how she was growing up too fast!

They spoke briefly, before she hugged him, and kissed Aaron goodnight. She headed for bed, then stopped to say, “I saw a friend of yours today. He said to tell you thanks for flashing your lights. He was going too fast, so he slowed way down. He’d been drinking - that would’ve been his third DWI. He’d be sitting in jail if not for your warning.”

Months later, Jerrod wasn’t speeding or weaving. But when he crested the hill, a crowd of people stood in front of him. He tried to stop. But his reflexes were too slow, too inebriated to react correctly.

By the time the police arrived, Jerrod sat on the side of the road holding his knees, rocking. When he looked up, he saw Aaron talking to the Sheriff. His knees buckled as a river of tears burst from his eyes. He pleaded in vain, “Please don’t tell me it’s not true.”

The Officer pointed at a disheveled Aaron wasted on the curb. He’s the one who caused the fatal accident, and we believe alcohol was a factor. 

Her last words were, “Tell Daddy I love him.”

Aaron got off easy. He served fifteen years in state prison charged with DWI, assault with a deadly weapon, and involuntary manslaughter.

Jerrod’s nightmare will never end. He longs to just once more hear her coming in the door! From Heaven above her voice still echoes: “Dad, trust the law to do its job. Please drive safely, so that everyone’s precious children get home safely.”

Father God, we pray for those addicted to alcohol and find themselves behind the wheel while under its influence. We ask for Your intervention, that You touch their hearts and give them the strength to overcome this destructive habit. Amen

Restored

 “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion." ~ Philippians 1:6

No one could see what Jackson saw in that old, dilapidated house. It mirrored his own life’s shambles – unemployed, divorced, PTSD.

He saw potential, they couldn’t see past its fractured appearance. They saw rotted siding, chipped paint, falling gutters, and a leaky roof. He envisioned the builder’s original intent – and what that house could be one day with a little work.

Jackson stepped into the run-down home that’d once been a stunning place for a family to live safely. Over time, through neglect and the city’s systemic downfall, it’d fallen into disrepair: filthy, repulsive, and dangerous.

She had some issues but was entitled to them given her decades of decay.

Passerby couldn’t fathom why Jackson worked so hard replacing the roof, windows, and doors. Or why he bothered to sand down the chipped paint.

Despite splinters and muscle strains, he couldn’t stop. The house constantly asked for more – more of his time, money, and energy. He sacrificed hundreds of weekends at the altar of restoration, with endless to-do lists and a love-hate relationship that was addictively alluring.

But he labored on. Jackson knew something others didn’t. He knew how the house had been built and what it was meant to be… because he’d built it.

Restoring it to its original glory reversed the mirror back at him, reflecting new perspectives that he hadn’t considered before: the value of time and money, the importance placed on things new and “improved,” and finally how humble it made him feel.

During its tenure, six families had called it home, filling closets and drawers with their heirlooms, beliefs, and sentiments. Many of those treasures were tender, motivating, and joyful. But there was also clutter metaphorically accrued in their hearts’ darkest spaces - disappointments, regrets, and self-doubt, that robbed them of happiness and purpose in their lives.

It took years, one could even say a lifetime, but eventually, others saw it too. No one recognized the elegant mansion that now replaced the abandoned house. There’s something about being human that longs for, and delights in, seeing something restored.

In the process, he’d learned more about himself and life than he had about replacing gutters.

Upon reflection, Jackson marveled at the comparison between the process of restoring an old house to God's work in his own life. One of the most important considerations in restoration is that as much as possible of the original material must be preserved.

The story reveals how the chaos of rebuilding can result in a beautiful masterpiece, similar to how God can restore a broken person with joy and peace. This points to the redeeming miracles of God’s work as only He can make a broken, ugly world beautiful and whole again.

Lord Almighty, as we navigate the uncertainty of our country’s future, renew our trust that You have a plan for us that brings restoration and renewal in ways that exceed our imagination. Remind us that You are the God of restoration. Amen