Monday, September 17, 2012

''IT'S A MAD, MAD WORLD''

I was in Wal-mart returning something today and had a scary experience.  A woman standing a couple of people behind me was very upset that there was only one cashier working in the return department.  She just kept complaining about it.  After awhile, another cashier came to the register, however, she was doing something to the register, not helping people return items.  While she was doing this, the original cashier went to the end of the counter to help a couple who had just walked in who were asking about a credit card or something related.  This really got to the woman who was complaining so loudly.  She yelled at that couple for "jumping ahead of the line".  They both started yelling and cussing back at her and she responded.  Then, another man made a comment.  The conversation was getting very ugly and threats were being made.  I was about to leave when it came my turn to make my return.  I told the cashier that I thought she needed to call Security.  She called for a manager.  Fortunately, he showed up very quickly.  Just as he got there, the couple who had been arguing with the loud complainer left the area.  This manager was trying to calm this woman down as I left.  I don't recall ever being in a store where people were about to fight with one another. 

As I was heading away and walking past some other registers, a lady who had been just standing, waiting for her husband, asked me what was going on in the Return Dept.  After I told her, she said she had just seen another customer with her hands on her hips giving another cashier a hard time at her register.

When I got to the isle to pick up some items I needed, a couple with a small boy were arguing with each other over what she wanted to buy.  I was beginning to feel like I was in a bad T.V. show.  I couldn't wait to get out of the store and back to my safe, peaceful car.

Do you ever have days when it seems like people have totally lost their feelings of kindness and respect for others? Do you ever feel like everyone around you has gone mad?  Sadly, we live in a fallen world, full of self-centered, angry people.  They do not know Jesus or try to live by His teachings.  For now, we must live in this world even though it is not our true home.  One day, He shall return and take us away from all the anger, sin and pain we endure while here on earth.  In the meantime, let us not grow weary of doing good and may we share with others the love of Jesus so they might know Him as their Lord and Savior,too.

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."  John 14:27

Monday, August 20, 2012

SEE THE FAIRY DUST

Yesterday, we got some much needed rain.  It was inconvenient and made getting in and out of church a little harder but I didn't melt!  My husband had rotator cuff surgery a couple of weeks ago and is still in a sling, so I am the official driver for us right now.  He usually lets me out at the door of the church then he parks the car.  It was the other way around yesterday.  It made me really appreciate him doing this for me every Sunday, especially in the rain or snow!

  As you come down our street, you have a beautiful view of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  Driving down the hill on our way home from church, patches of opaque clouds had drifted over on the mountains. They appeared to have been sprinkled with fairy dust.  It was a gorgeous sight on what had been a dreary, rainy Sunday morning. 

We can look at the rain and clouds and get depressed or we can see the green grass and beautiful mountains sprinkled with fairy dust.  It all depends on how we choose to look at things!

"A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones." Proverbs 15:30

Try to keep a positive outlook even when everything isn't all sunshine and rainbows :)

Thursday, August 9, 2012

WHY,GOD?

Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people?  I have heard this asked so many times and have asked the same question myself at times.  Our pastor's new grandson was born with a disease similar to Lou Gehrig's Disease.  His parents were told shortly after his birth that he would soon die.  This precious little one only lived 4 days then went to be with our Lord.  Through the strength of God, our pastor performed the funeral service for little Dominic.  It was heartbreaking.  He said' he did not believe God caused this to happen but allowed it to happen.'We live in a fallen world and are subject to the diseases, disasters, and other tragedies that being imperfect humans makes us vulnerable to.  I had a discussion with a Christian friend yesterday who felt that if God is sovereign then he is in control and he has a plan for each of our lives and that this was his plan for baby Dominic.  I do not believe God planned for this precious baby or family to go through this,
I do not know why God allows bad things to happen to good, Christian people.  None of us can fully understand the mind of God.  I do believe God can bring some good out of this tragedy and that he will help comfort each of them during this time of grief.  Also, their church family will continue to be there to support them and love them. 

If you have any thoughts on this subject, I would love to hear them.

Sunday, July 22, 2012

PRAY FOR AURORA, CO

Once again, tragedy has struck.  The shootings/killings at the movie theatre in Aurora,CO was horrific.  Friends that we served on staff with are now on staff of a church 2 miles from that movie theatre.  Thankfully, they, nor their teenage daughter were at the movie.  None of their church members were hurt either but they know people who were.  The whole community is in shock and grieving.  I can relate to this since we experienced the Va. Tech shootings a few years ago and dealt with all the emotions that followed.  We live about 45 min. from Va. Tech but the entire Hokie Nation was affected and we had many in our church family attending the University.  We need to all lift all of Aurora up in our prayers, especially the families of the victims and those that were injured and also those that were in the theatre but got out unharmed.  Their grief and trauma will not go away quickly.  Our friends' church has offered counseling and also prayer vigils for anyone wanting to come.  Their daughter told me the prayer vigil had helped her deal with all of this.  Many other churches are also helping.

When something like this happens, people ask why?  They ask "Where was God", Doesn't he care?
Why did God let this happen?  Did God cause this to happen?  I'm not a theologian but I do know God does care and he certainly did not cause this to happen.  He let this happen because he gave humans a free will.  We can choose to be evil or to be good.  We can choose to follow God or reject him.

At this time, they do not have any answers as to why this young man acted as he did.  He has to be mentally disturbed to have done such a terrible deed.  I have trouble believing anyone in their right mind could have done this.  Pray also for his family.  Can you imagine the pain, shame, agony, and confusion they must feel?  Pray for the officers trying to disarm all the boobie-traps in this young man's apartment.

We do not have all the answers for those affected by this tragedy.  We can offer words of comfort and encouragement from God's word.  Matthew 5:4 says "Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted."  Psalm 147:3 states "HE heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." and may the folks in Aurora be strengthened by these words found in Psalm 62:8, "Trust in HIM at all times, you people.  Pour out your heart before HIM.  God is a refuge for us."

Let us not forget to continue to pray for the people of Aurora, even long after the news media has moved on to something else.  May God give them comfort today and in the days to come.

Monday, July 9, 2012

THE DERECHO EXPERIENCE

Sorry I haven't written anything for a long time.  I was not well for 3 months with stomach problems.  Thank the Lord, I am well now!  On June 29th, my town and many other towns and states were hit by a very strange storm called a derecho.  Wikipedia defined it as: a widespread, long-lived, straight-line windstorm associated with a fast moving band of severe thunderstorms.  It came up very quickly and was mostly just strong winds here (clocked at 80 mph at the airport).  We had some thunder and lightening but the wind was what I noticed the most.  It was so strong and lasted soooooo long!  Our power went out about 30 min. after it started.  To make it even worse, we were in the middle of a heat-wave with the temp. that day of 101.  It hit here about 9:00 that night but it was still extremely hot outside.  We were very fortunate in that our power was restored after only 18 hours and we only had a couple of lower limbs break on one of our 5 large maple trees.  However, others were not as fortunate.  Some lost their lives, others had trees fall on their houses or cars and many were without power and water for over a week.  Some still don't have power and water. 

I had several things brought to my attention following this strange storm.  First, I realized how much I take things like electricity and water for granted.  Also, I never give any thought to being able to just drive to the grocery store or gas station or bank and get whatever I need.  (Our Kroger lost all their refrigerated foods and it was 3 days before they had milk and meat again.)  Second, I was happy to see how people came together to help each other by cutting down tree limbs, sharing food, water and ice and even opening up their homes to those who had no power.  Thirdly, I was reminded that we are not in control.  We are powerless over the forces of nature.  One friend told me she thought this was God's judgement on us.  I disagree with that statement.  I do believe God is in control and He certainly can control the weather, but I also believe He allows weather conditions to form naturally on their own.  Many strong Christians suffered due to this storm as well as non-believers.

It was a very frightening experience but the Lord saw us through it.  When you go through storms (literal storms) or troubling times, remember God will see you through it and give you peace.   Let me leave you with this verse: "Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.  the Lord be with all of you."  2 Thessalonians 3:16

(A thunderstorm has just started here so I better get off the computer, but I don't think it's going to be a bad storm and we are being blessed with much needed rain!)  Talk to you later!

Saturday, February 4, 2012

"HE STILL MOVES STONES"

I'd like to share a devotion I read today by Max Lucado from his book He Still Moves Stones.
The Lord is close to everyone who pray to him, to all who truly pray to him.  Psalm 145:18.
"Healing begins when we do something.  Healing begins when we reach out.  Healing starts when we take a step.  God's help is near and always available, but it is only given to those who seek it.  Nothing results from apathy...God honors radical, risk-taking faith.  When arks are built, lives are saved.  When soldiers march, Jerichos tumble.  When staffs are raised, seas still open.  When a lunch is shared, thousands are fed." 

I'm not sure he is just talking about physical healing.  Perhaps he is talking about a broken relationship or a church that is sick.  Perhaps one of you out there needs to take a step and try to mend a "broken fence" with someone.  Perhaps God is asking one of you to take the initiative to start a new ministry in your church or to pray for your husband to have the courage and faith to "raise that staff" and ask your congregation to be willing to make some needed changes in order for your church to reach more people by becoming more involved with the folks in your community.  Getting outside the walls of our churches and "eating with tax-collectors" or "talking to a Samaritan woman with a bad reputation" can be scary and risky.  Put that in today's language and see who God might be asking you or your church to try to reach.  Pray. Take that first step if you need a relationship healed.  Step out with that radical, risk-taking faith and see how many thousands God will feed!

Thursday, February 2, 2012

The "Terrible, Horrible, Awful Day"

Ever have one of those "terrible, horrible, awful days"?  Yesterday, I was awakened by gunshots!  No-I wasn't being shot at-the man who lives up the hill behind my next door neighbor was doing his target practice in his backyard.  I guess his yard is isolated enough that he won't ever hit anyone but the loud noise is still very unnerving. 

While dressing, I removed my glasses to put on my necklace and the side/earpiece broke off completely!  I found my old glasses so I wasn't totally blind but the world seemed much blurrier than usual. 

On the way to have them order the new piece to fix my glasses frame (which was supposed to be made of titanium and extremely flexible and last forever), a light came on in my car.  It was telling me that the bulb for my left blinker light had burnt out.

To top it all off, my nose spent the day either being totally stuffed up or running constantly. By 8:00 p.m. it was pouring rain outside and I had all I wanted for one day!

I was ready to crawl into bed, pull the covers up over me and escape from the world.  Do you ever have days like that?  I'm sure you do.  As I was lamenting to myself over the "disasters" of the day, it dawned on me that things really were not that bad.  There were alot worse things that could have happened and there were many people out there dealing with cancer, job losses, rebellious children, hunger, etc.  My problems were inconvenient and annoying but not earth-shattering.  I didn't get shot, my husband replaced the bulb in the car and in a couple of days I will have my glasses fixed.  I'm not sure what's going on with my nose or how long that will last, but I doubt it's more than a cold or some sinus drainage that will eventually go away.

When you have one of those "terrible, horrible, awful days", take a deep breath, put things in their proper perspective, pray and let God see you through it!

"Praise the Lord, God our Savior, who helps us every day."  Psalm 68:19

Monday, January 23, 2012

DOING GOOD

As a Minister's wife, I'm sure you sometimes get overloaded and tired.  We should learn to say no and to take time for ourselves but we are not to stop doing good for others.  In Galations 6:9-10 we are instructed: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."   It may be something as simple as a phone call to a shut-in or a card to someone in the hospital but let's all try to do something good for someone else this week :)