(Un) Broken

 “Where your treasure is, there your heart will also be.” ~ Matthew 6:19

Jake’s wife Annette returned from visiting Addy, an elderly friend, carrying a rickety old rocker that looked as though it needed to be buried in a dumpster. She brought it home hoping he could fix it. Jake wasn’t much of a handyman but agreed to take a look.

Soon it lay disassembled in the middle of their living room. The chair’s loose-fitting parts needed way more than TLC - the wood was dry and cracked, one glider was split down its length, and the back lacked several spindles. “Why don’t we toss this out and just buy her a new one?” Jake suggested callously.

Annette reminded him of something they’d heard from the pulpit a few weeks back – “A Godly heart cares about what others care about.” Where Jake saw an impossible repair for even a skilled craftsman, her optimism sparked something that encouraged him to give it a (long) shot.

As he touched the worn splintered pieces, Jake began to see the importance of them in Addy’s eyes. So, for weeks he worked assiduously restoring the old wood skeleton, gluing, sanding, refinishing and ultimately restoring it to its original beauty. In addition to upgrading his woodworking skills, he gained some valuable insights during the process.

Regardless of how he viewed the chair, it was still Addy’s. Replacing it would have shown pride instead of humility. A proud heart is more concerned with what it thinks is important. A humble heart is more focused on what’s important to others.

He’d purchase some additional materials to make it safer to sit on. The cost was easily more than the cost of a new rocking chair. But, his ‘investment’ was not actually in the chair, but rather in Addy. And she was worth it.

Jake returned the chair to an astonished old woman whose eyes revealed the joy of greeting an old friend returning home. She climbed into the rocker and leaned back ever so slightly, allowing her mind to wander.

“It wasn’t the most elaborate chair ever made, it was quite plain,” she admitted. “The wood came from old scrap Papa picked up - old homes, pallets, and even a shipwreck that had drifted ashore. He worked on it every night for nearly a year with the crudest of hand tools. When finished, it was the most beautiful piece of furniture we ever owned,” she said.

She continued rocking back and forth, loving memories resurfacing with each motion.

Friends, a humble heart will look at an investment beyond what’s visible and tangible for those will eventually deteriorate and fade away. But what pleases God most are the intangible acts – ones loving, supporting, and enhancing other people’s lives.

Dear God, thank You for navigating this journey with me. I anticipate the restoration You’ve already planned out for me, and I will trust You with everything I go through. You are the God of all grace, my peace, and my protector. Amen

Blasphemy... or Opportunity

 “Let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light." ~ Romans 13:12

Tea has always been the emblem of friendship and peace. “Through tea make friends” is an old proverb expressing the sentiments shared with tea.

And so, it was on that this October morning, with its crisp air, vibrant leaves, and the anticipation of Halloween that Sandy and her English friend Ella shared an amicable chat over a cup of Earl Grey. Their conversations often drifted toward differences between their two cultures.

“Why do Americans celebrate Halloween in America?” asked Ella curiously. “In England and most of Europe, it’s mostly ‘frowned upon’ by Christians as a day for recognizing Satan.”

Sandy thought for a moment before answering. Her pensive expression melted into a smile as soft as a lamb. “Well,” she began, “I don’t see anything wrong with dressing up once a year and getting treats. I miss grabbing my plastic pumpkin bucket and collecting all those mini candy bars.”

Ella parried, “Aren’t you apprehensive about the holiday’s origins and its association with the supernatural? To appease the gods, Celtic priests built bonfires and sacrificed crops and animals. Villagers attended the ceremonies wearing animal heads and skins, which is likely where the tradition of Halloween costumes first originated."

“You’re right,” Sandy replied. “Halloween can be scary, but it's also an opportunity to teach kids about overcoming fear.”

“We can remind our kids that God is always on our side. He loves us deeply and wants to know us on a personal level. It's essential to remind Christian kids that their faith in Jesus teaches them not to be afraid of evil spirits or the darker aspects of Halloween.”

Note: By 1000 A.D., All Souls' Day on November 2 served as a time for the living to pray for the souls of the dead. All Saints' Day, or All Hallows, honored the saints on November 1. That made October 31 All Hallows Eve, which later became Halloween. Festivities honoring the dead are still celebrated in Mexico, Italy, Guatemala, Japan, Ireland, and China.

“We do love Halloween, Ella,” Sandy concluded, “and overindulge in outdoor decorations. But once each year we show that no matter how we love to dress up as monsters, we’re still angels in our childish souls.”

At the very least, Halloween provides a conversation starter between you and your kids, or a neighbor, or even a co-worker. It offers a unique opportunity for kids to be kids - share God’s goodness with their friends, show Christian generosity, and emphasize that God is bigger than evil spirits. His love and protection are always with us.

And maybe they’ll share some of their free candy with you.

Almighty Father, thank You for the joy that kids celebrate on this night. Please wrap Your arms around them, keep them safe from would-be wrongdoers, and let them bask in the glow of Your eternal light. Amen

"Leaves That Are Green"

 “Thank God, who gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ." ~ 1 Corin 15:57

One of my favorite Autumn songs is the soul-gripping tune by the fabled folk-rock duo, Simon & Garfunkel. Released in 1966, “Leaves That Are Green” poetically explores the passage of time, the fleeting nature of life, and the bittersweet emotions that accompany the certainty of change.

As the song progresses, Simon cleverly uses the metaphor of leaves changing color and falling from trees to symbolize the passage of time and the impermanence of youth. The lyrics evoke a sense of melancholy that comes with growing older.

Yellow leaves framed the walking path on my walk today. As their bright green color fades, it seems they drop almost as quickly as they change. I like the summer months but part of me whispers to the trees: “Hold on just a little longer.”

Graciously the woods listen to their Creator. To flourish in the spring, a tree must release its decayed leaves; their time has drawn to a close. Autumn wakes us to wonder.

Springtime will bring its own beauty. It’s a relief to see new growth after a long, harsh winter. Then spring morphs into summer, and soon verdant forests become the new normal. It’s not that we get tired of green, but in a way, we get used to it. In the Fall, God’s creative artistry bellows a glory all its own.

Western culture is all about the glories of youth: strength, vitality, a body neither weathered nor weakened by time. In our culture, we see splendor in youth and freshness. Aging is looked upon with a skeptical eye. Autumn leaves are delicate, but their bold colors are so bright they shine.

Autumn doesn’t stay - reminding us that winter is coming. Its beauty and wonder fade, “and the leaves that are green turn to brown.” Its presence changes into winter’s chilled silence.

Just like autumn, I too will not live forever. My leaves will also die. My chlorophyll will break down; my limbs will turn brittle; one of these casual breaths I take now will be my last.

It’s this truth, that gives us the hope of dying fabulously. When I pass, I don’t wish to cling to the edges of this earth, begging for one more day. I want to die with grace, falling back into the arms of my Savior, knowing that His beauty is greater than anything I could compare on this earth.

Winter comes to us all. But winter isn’t the end for Christians, because our lives are joined to a tree that winter can’t touch. Death has no sting; winter has no bite. We will fall from Adam’s tree, but we will flower again in a spring of eternal, magnificent growth.

Lord of all, as cooler winds drift in and the days grow shorter, draw us closer to You. Let us feel Your warm and loving presence. May we imagine ourselves in Your arms, close to Your heart, surrounded by Your light. Amen

Safe in His Arms

“God is our refuge and strength, ever-present in troubled times." ~ Psalm 46:1

Fanny was barely six weeks old when she lost her eyesight. A country doctor placed a hot mustard poultice (think Vick’s VapoRub) on her chest to stimulate healing from severe congestion.

The infant accidentally rubbed the ointment into her eyes. Shadows of light and dark were all that she could detect from that day forward. She’d never see life’s brilliant colors again.

Even as a child, though, Fanny never let blindness prevent her from being happy. Instead, her condition opened a new world in which she saw Jesus as her helper and friend. “There’s no cloud that can keep the sunlight of hope from a trustful soul,” she wrote.

Her cheerful spirit came to fruition at NYC’s School for the Blind where she developed an amazing talent for writing poetry and music verses. One song even brought an astounding $3,000 royalty.

While expecting their first child, she and her husband were elated with the prospect of parenting. Blindness would bring unique challenges, but none that couldn’t be overcome.

When their precious child died from birthing complications, the hopeful parents were devastated. They’d never see their baby’s first steps or hear its first word. Long, sleepless nights filled with haunting thoughts of what could’ve been; what should’ve been.

A composer-friend encouraged her to use her “positive voice” to comfort others and share God’s many blessings. So, at age 44, she began writing gospel lyrics. Soon it became her true “calling.” She wrote prolifically, telling friends that “the words to hymns came as fast as they can be dictated.”

One night, a composer-friend knocked on Fanny’s Manhattan apartment door humming a melody for which he needed lyrics. He had only forty minutes before his train to Cincinnati departed.

She listened and immediately declared, “Why, to me, that says, ‘Safe in the arms of Jesus!’”

She knelt in another room and asked God to give her the words quickly. With 10 minutes to spare, she composed the words in her head and dictated them to him! Fanny penned the lyrics for mothers, like her, who’d buried their children. Many a Christian has felt reassured by the words of this song when a loved one has died and is now “safe in the arms of Jesus.”

Having written over 8,000 songs before her death in 1915 at age 95, Fanny Crosby is perhaps one of the most famous hymn writers in all Christendom. Her words have inspired, renewed, and refreshed so many souls. “Blessed Assurance” and “He Hideth My Soul,” are but a few of her most beloved songs.

What a marvelous illustration of the ways in which God can enable us to rise above our trials. There are indeed so many ways to express an awareness of God’s love.

Almighty Father, thank You for the gifts that have enriched our lives beyond measure. Thank You for Your love and the sacrifices You made to support us. May we continue to appreciate You every day. Amen

"Love That Forgives"

“If you forgive others their sins, your Father will also forgive you. " ~ Matthew 6:15

Hope was in the air a half-century ago, coming off the “March on Washington” in late August of 1963. Momentum was rising… unfortunately on BOTH sides.

At Birmingham’s 16^th Street Baptist Church, the city’s oldest and largest black church, preparations were underway for Youth Sunday. A tradition in Baptist churches, young people would lead the worship service. The boys sported dark pants and white shirts, and the girls wore white dresses and carefully primped for this special day.

Shortly before the service began, Klansmen detonated 19 sticks of dynamite under the church’s staircase. The explosion ripped through the ladies' lounge, reducing the church to rubble, mangling cars in the parking lot, and echoing through the community as if it were the anguished cry of God. The horrific blast even blew Jesus’ face off a stained-glass window.

Barehanded, workers dug deep into the rubble until the lifeless bodies of four young girls were discovered. (Note: In the resulting unrest, two black teenagers were also gunned down later that day.) 

Pastor John Cross, hurried up and down the sidewalk, urging the milling crowd to go home. “Please go home!” he pleaded. “The Lord is our shepherd, and we shall not want.” Another suggested: “Pray for the men who did this evil deed. “We must have love in our hearts for them.”

Ironically, Youth Sunday’s theme was “Love That Forgives.” The Sunday School lesson (Genesis 45:4-15), was to focus on how Joseph forgave his brothers after they sold him into slavery.

Pastor Cross’ Sermon was going to be from Luke 23:34 where, from the cross, Jesus asked God to forgive those crucifying him. It was never delivered, but here is the written text of a portion of it:

“In order to be forgiven, we must forgive. Forgiveness sets both the captor and the captive free. The Word of God clearly states that if we do not forgive others their trespasses, He cannot forgive us our trespasses.

Today, let us purpose in our heart to forgive those who have hurt or harmed us as we set them free so that we may move forward to fulfill the call that God has on our lives.”

In the aftermath of that fateful day on September 15, 1963, the city and our nation took a hard look at itself in order to reckon with the unconscionable effects of hate and racism.

Outrage over the death of the four young girls helped build increased support behind the continuing struggle to end segregation - support that would help lead to the passage of both the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. In that important sense, the bombing’s impact was exactly the opposite of what its perpetrators had intended.

Dear Lord, thank You for loving and forgiving me. Help me to build and rebuild my friendships by forgiving others and accepting forgiveness. I am Your child. We are all Your children. Amen ~ The Children’s Sermon Prayer 1963

His Best Voice

 “Use whatever gift God gave you to serve others, as faithful stewards of His grace." ~ 1 Peter 4:10

They say that “focused practice leads to mastery.” For him, it may have saved his life.

Known as the “Man of a Thousand Voices,” Mel Blanc became the most popular voice of cartoon characters from Bugs Bunny and Porky Pig, to Foghorn Leghorn and Tweety Bird. His unusually thick vocal cords gave him the range of an opera singer. His normal voice resembled Sylvester’s.

In January 1961, Blanc (52), cruised a notoriously dangerous section of LA’s Sunset Boulevard when his Astin Martin was struck head-on. So badly mangled, it took a torch to extricate the unconscious Blanc. The only bone in his body not broken was his left arm.

Doctors didn’t expect him to live. One newspaper even reported him already deceased. Blanc remained in a coma for three weeks unresponsive to any treatment until his neurosurgeon proposed an interesting idea that he thought might help.

“Bugs, can you hear me?'" the doctor asked. Mel responded, “Yeah, what’s up doc?” slipping out of his coma in true Bugs Bunny fashion. “Mel was dying, and it seemed as though Bugs Bunny was trying to save his life,” the doctor later recalled.

He remained in a full-body cast for nearly a year, surviving chiefly on the power of other’s prayers. “I never realized how much goodwill my cartoon characters had built up for me. It enveloped me in a kind of serenity that made it possible for me to hear a small, quiet, inner voice.” 

Talent is a gift, one that can be withdrawn at any time, an undeserved gift that can be repaid only by a sense of constant, humble gratitude to Almighty God.

The man of a thousand voices found himself listening to one small voice that he’d never paid much attention to before. The voice was inside him.

Given his God-given talents, one might correctly expect Mel to be drawn to work with children. As a teenager, he often passed by the Portland Shrine Hospital. Hearing about the work they did with sick and disabled kids piqued an interest in their fellowship, prompting him to join the Shiners.

Grateful for his physical recovery, he began entertaining children at Shrine Hospital Children’s Burn Center. "As I sat talking in Sylvester's voice to a darling little girl, I thanked God for not revoking this unmerited gift. I don't know who appreciates whom more, me or them,” he admitted.

In 1982 he produced “Ounce of Prevention”, a twelve-minute television PSA starring Bugs Bunny and his “Looney” pals about burn prevention in the home.

He continued his charitable works up until his death in 1989 at the age of 81. His tombstone includes the memorable line "That's all folks!

Father God, thank You for the gifts You’ve given us that have enriched our lives beyond measure. We thank You for the sacrifices You made to support us. May we continue to appreciate Your love each minute of every day. Amen

 

Sun Fire

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” ~ Romans 12:12

She had a career most young female athletes would envy.

Growing up, Lexi loved playing competitive soccer, helping her team win back-to-back state titles. But she literally outgrew the sport before her 12^th birthday due to her height (5’10”). So, her parents encouraged her to give volleyball a try.

By the eighth grade, she was heavily recruited by the NCAA’s top volleyball programs. Lexi became the country’s 1 recruit after finishing her prep career with a record 2,813 kills.

In her first collegiate year, the 6’2” outside hitter helped lead the Texas Longhorns to a perfect conference record and was named a unanimous All-Big 12 selection. Texas finished 6^th in the 2017 AVCA national poll.

But Texas’ program and culture weren’t suited to her. She transferred to the University of Nebraska for her sophomore year, confident that “God had a better plan! The Husker program was a perfect fit – it became her second home.

Sidelined with an upper-body injury, Lexi missed her first several matches at Nebraska. Then COVID hit. Everything, including volleyball, shut down. A promising relationship dissolved. 

The earthly things important to her had been stripped away.

Her focus shifted to Jesus. Growing up in a Christian home, faith had always been a part of her life but it wasn’t until she faced such personal hardships that her faith grew more active and authentic. “Through all life’s ups and downs, God’s consistency kept me grounded, both on and off the court,” she said. Her faith caught fire; she “burned” with enthusiasm.

Lexi helped the Cornhuskers defeat #2 Texas and #3 Pittsburgh in the 2021 NCAA Tournament to reach the school's tenth national title match. Their five-set loss to Wisconsin set a new NCAA volleyball attendance record.

But in her final year of eligibility, the Huskers’ two-time, first-team All-Big 10, outside hitter was relegated to a supporting role, coming off the bench during most of the season. Some might have pouted; others may have quit. But, with grace, sincerity, and love, she became the team’s spiritual leader and used her position to share her Christian faith and glorify God.

“Even though I wasn’t getting as much playing time, seeing my teammates grow spiritually made my final year amazing. Volleyball was a great way for me to thank God for the talents He blessed me with. So, I made it my goal to make Him better known!”

Lexi Sun currently lives in California, finishing her master’s degree while also providing full-time care for her 91-year-old grandmother with dementia. She frequently speaks to young athletes about her experiences, encouraging them to understand their reason for playing their sport. “Despite the success I had on the court, the greatest satisfaction was in giving my life to Christ and sharing my faith with others.”

“Dear God, thank You for this gift of life that I’ve done nothing to deserve. Humble me. I’m only here because of You, the least I can do is live my life for You.” ~ Lexi Sun

Beach Rescue

 “Your Message pleases me and provides wise counsel." ~ Psalms 119:24

The beach was just what Kai needed. He’d been experiencing one of those bleak periods that many of us encounter from time to time – a speedbump on life’s dragstrip when everything goes stale and flat, energy wanes, and enthusiasm dies. The effect on his work was deafening.

Every morning he’d wake up clenching his teeth and mutter: “Today my life will take on some of its old meaning. You’ve got to break through this thing. You’ve got to!”

Peaceful in its own way, it was a sanctuary of sorts – away from work, coworkers, and email. Kai thought of his cell phone, sitting on the coffee table at home. Switching off for a day would do him the world of good, he imagined.

Kai closed his eyes and drew in a lung full of the cool ocean breeze. Kai studied an endless sea, lost in the rhythmic percussion of waves on sand. Immersed in the sweetness of children’s laughter, he sought God's whisper. Today was a day for healing, for allowing time to slow and reassure.

As the day wore on and with the patience of a sloth, the sun’s light yawned toward eventide. Soon the sun began to vanish; time to bid this beautiful day goodnight. He stood to collect his things and instantly panicked.

Earlier in the day he buried his wallet in the sand before he entered the water to deter potential thieves. Now he couldn’t remember where; he’d moved his towel at least twice that day.

There, kicking around the sand in Clearwater Beach for about a half hour with his cellphone flashlight, he looked a bit crazy.

But to one stranger, Kai looked like somebody needing help unsure how to ask for it.

The man offered to trace Kai’s earlier paths with his metal detector, explaining that the device might be able to detect metal in a debit card. So, they walked the beach, but no luck.

The gentleman would probably have searched all night had Kai not ended the search at about midnight. It was one of the kindest and most selfless acts Kai had ever encountered.

His anxiety raging back, he returned to his car, upset with himself at first for losing his wallet. But he’d found something worth far more. Kai saw a refreshing side of humanity; one different from all the fear in the world routinely reported about. It gave Kai a glimmer of hope, a reminder that pure, unselfish, kindness still exists!

Sometimes we get caught thinking so much about ourselves and our own problems that we stop listening to God’s gentle counsel. For there's grace in every bad situation thrown at us.

Dear Lord, help me find hope despite my situation. My situation is never hidden from Your loving eyes. Teach me to listen attentively for Your wise counsel. Remind me that hope is in me because You are in me, working all things for my good. Amen

Pet Detective

 “Always give thanks to God for everything." ~ Ephesian 5:20

Centuries ago, stagecoach drivers assumed responsibility for the safety of their passengers from the perils of unknown territories, impassable roads, and the threat of robbery. Modern bus drivers must still keep guard for their passengers, even the furry ones.

So, when the car in front of him swerved to avoid a man walking toward traffic in his pajamas, Mike slowed his city bus to a stop. The man guided a golden Lab down the middle of the road by the collar. A drunken smile crossed his face when he looked up.

Concerned for their safety, he pulled beside the pair and offered them a free lift. The man let go of the dog’s collar as if planning to leave the poor little guy behind! Mike knew immediately that something wasn't quite right.

Mike coaxed the dog up the steps where it promptly slumped next to the strapping busman’s seat. His collar read “Cooper.”

Oddly enough, Cooper didn’t seem eager to follow his owner, so the man dragged him by the collar toward the back of the bus where he took a seat next to a young woman.

The near-empty coach echoed their brief chat. Mike overheard the man offer Cooper to her for $50. She acidly refused.

The drunkard rose from his seat and stumbled forward and waited beside Mike to exit the bus. The cool operator decided to ask the 'owner' a few questions, including the pooch's name. The man seemed unsure, and none of the names he attempted matched the one on Cooper’s collar.

That’s when Mike knew that Cooper and his supposed owner did not actually belong together. Cooper was either lost or stolen. If lost, he’d been found by the wrong person.

He pulled his rig to a complete stop and motioned for the man to get off. “The dog stays with me,” Mike told the man with a menacing grin. He left to hearty applause from the remaining passengers.

When his shift ended Mike turned Cooper over to an all-night veterinary hospital that identified the dog’s owner as Jane Murphy from an imbedded chip. The wily pooch had either escaped or was taken while Jane’s son was visiting a friend that night.

Cooper was returned to a grateful Murphy family the next morning. They insisted on meeting Mike so they could thank him in person and gave the hero driver a framed picture of their beloved pup with this adorable note: "Thank you for bringing me back home to my family! Love Cooper.”

Beneath the chaos of today’s headlines, is a quietness that whispers of love as our truth. When we invite the Spirit in, when we savor opportunities to return goodness, there’s a sense of amazing gratitude. It’s this sense that makes our souls robust, strong enough to greet stormy and sunny days with equal satisfaction.

Father God, thank You for the courageous people of great character around us, and for bringing them into our lives at the exact time we need them. Amen

Lost, but Grounded

 “Avoid obsessing over material things, be satisfied with what you have.” ~ Hebrews 13:5

Jaelyn’s rainy Monday was shaping up to be an awful day. Dragging herself back to work after a two-day recess always felt like an imposition. Customers seemed more antagonistic, bosses more demanding and coworkers more needy.

She was looking forward to sharing lunch with her friends to commiserate. Except it seemed the other girls missed the 'memo.' They organized lunch together and forgot to include Jaelyn.

It began with a pang of envy, followed by anxiety, self-doubt, and a gnawing sense of inadequacy. After a few minutes of pouting and sulking, Jaelyn decided it was probably unintentional and she was being childish, but it still hurt a little.

While choking down a few sandwich bites at a table by herself in the cafeteria, Jaelyn picked up her iPhone. She scrolled quickly by a few friends’ stunning vacations, epic achievements, and glamorous selfies. Instead of feeling less isolated, she felt sadder, emptier, and lonelier.

She couldn’t help herself from wishing she were doing that, living that life, flaunting that body, or having that many friends. Jaelyn caught herself in an emotional spiral downward.

She got up from the table and decided to take a walk instead – alone with her thoughts. Soon the playful sounds of dancing drops pelted her umbrella as if their sole purpose was to bring serenity and peace to this day. 

Walking among the rainfall offered time for meditation, a way to become fully present in the moment, an opportunity for the Holy Spirit to enter her consciousness.

By His grace: 

“I know how you struggle when you feel unwanted and unloved. I’ve been here too. Life has nothing to do with your social status or achievements. I came, so you might believe. I created you with infinite worth. I suffered and died so that no one should ever feel left out again.”

She recalled the many times she hunched over her phone in line at the grocery store or sitting in her car checking TikTok. It was like she’d rather have something take up the space in her mind than be alone with the quiet of her own thoughts anymore. In their place, she distracted herself with Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

The Holy Spirit reminded her that she made those choices by immersing herself in social media and missing the mood-boosting benefits that come from face-to-face interaction. When you’re one-on-one, you can more accurately read body language, emotions, and energy better, which means more empathy and less comparison.

It’s sometimes painful to admit loneliness, but it might actually be an invitation for the Holy Spirit to do His work within you! After all, the Holy Spirit calls us both to action and stillness, fierce integrity and playful wonder. Grounded in the full love of Christ.

Holy Spirit, help me stay grounded in my own story and avoid falling into comparison and envy. Let me never forget how God has been, and is currently at work, in my life at all times.  Amen