Frank and Honest About Christmas

I love Christmas! I dislike Christmas. The warring worlds of going through the motions and the emotional trauma juxtaposed with the reason for the season overwhelm me.

Side #1: I remember Christmas as a child and how much I looked forward to it with anticipation and excitement. When I had small children of my own I made Christmas a huge deal with church dramas, costumes, decorations, manger scenes, music, and cookie making. It was glorious fun to celebrate with my family and I loved every minute of it!

Side #2: I have not liked the weeks and nights before Christmas for the past few years. After setting up the tree, it stands there all lit up and glorious and I’m seated on the couch…alone. Yes, I’m playing the widow’s pity song, but you have parents, too, don’t you? Do you ever think about what they’re going through if they are by themselves?

Oh, my young friends with little kids, you too will have days like this in your future. Way down the road when the children have grown up and moved out, your husband is retired or one of you has passed away into glory. What do you think you will do? The constant argument within yourself to buck-up and take it like an adult or break down in tears is always present. I fight it every single day of my current life. I make myself think of better times with my family and of Christmas’s where we’re all home and loving on each other. I have to constantly run to the Scriptures for encouragement and help. There are places in my Bible that are practically worn right off the page where I’ve read and cried and read again the encouraging words of my Savior!

I don’t know where I’d be without Christ.

The living, pulsing hands of God that lift me up out of self-pity parties care for my soul.

The warm, calming breath of God that blows over me in the midst of anxiety and second-guessing myself settles my spirit.

Satan’s demons scatter when I repeat the name Jesus…Jesus…Jesus!

God is familiar with the war and wins again!

His Plan, Not Theirs

This week I’ve read some horrific news posts concerning sterilization in third-world countries and how they are making it happen through flu-type vaccines. Deception through governments and worldly plans are certainly not God’s plans.

I have young friends who have eight children and some who have just one. Their choices have been theirs and God’s. Not designed and carried out by the government. I can’t imagine not having experienced the joys of raising children—or worse yet, having the ability to have children taken away from me without my knowledge.

My first son, Matt, came just 19 months after I was married to my husband Tom. Our bouncing baby boy was pretty big at 10 pounds, 4 ounces. Matt’s brother Jon came along 23 months later and he was 10 pounds, 11 ½ ounces. They were big kids but that seemed like a great way to have kids, every two years apart.

It was almost four years before my next son came along. I was beginning to think that the two sons were all we were going to have. My pregnancy with Phillip was difficult compared to my first two. He was a huge child, born at 11 pounds, 10 ounces, and 22 inches long. My sugar was up, my back was a mess, and I thought I was having an elephant! My doctor recommended we not have any more children because the kids were getting bigger and bigger each time. My body just couldn’t take much more.

That wasn’t God’s plan. My last child was a girl and she was quite a bit smaller but so different. Leah came along at 9 pounds, 4 ounces.

My husband and I had a plan…sort of. To have a few kids, build a house, own a business, and then just sit back and watch it all happen. And it did.

This week, as I’ve read articles about the intent to sterilize people while supposedly vaccinating them, my stomach churned. What about the couples’ plans? What about God’s plans? Do neither of them have a say in this?

Governments around the world are making life-changing decisions and not informing the public about them. Whether it is known or unknown, many of these decisions will change the way we know families today. My heart aches for those who have already suffered and are now unable to bear children of their own.

In a ministry that was created to reach children for Christ, our minds are reeling after learning about this deadly tragedy. Please pray for the governments of those countries that are participating in this horror. 

A True Widow

Eight years ago, my husband passed away. In searching the Scriptures for comfort I came across I Timothy 5. This was a portion of the Bible that took on a new meaning for me. It focused on being a true widow. What in the world was that? Either you were a widow or you weren’t…right?

Examining the Scripture more closely, you’ll see that there is a big difference. For instance, verses 3-4 explain that a woman who has lost her husband but still has her children is not a true widow. It says, “But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband, and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the Lord’s people, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.”

Verse 8 explains that ^“Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

The Scripture then tells us what a true widow is. ^“The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help.” This widow is entirely alone with no children or family and absolutely no one to care for her.

Do you have a widow in your congregation or neighborhood, or a friend who is all alone with no one to care for her? Have you made an attempt to do what God commands in this verse in I Timothy 5:16? “If anyone who is a believer has widows in their care, they should continue to help them and not let the church be burdened with them, so that the church can help those widows who are really in need.”

I find great comfort as a widow knowing my children are still alive and able to help me. I can only imagine what it must be like for someone entirely alone in this world, without any family. Take a look around you and keep your heart open to helping a true widow today.

Be Still…

The song starts out like this:

When I am down and, oh, my soul, so weary;

            When troubles come and my heart burdened be;

            Then I am still and wait here in the silence,

            Until you come and sit awhile with me.

I don’t think this song was written specifically for believers but I’m going to take it that way.

It’s in those times of being weary and emotionally down on the ground, God comes in the silence and is just with me. I don’t have to ask Him or plead that He be there. He just is. What a great comfort that is to me.

When God chose for me to be a widow eight years ago, the silence was pretty much what I disliked the most. There were no noises of my husband breathing next to me while he slept. There wasn’t the noise of him doing his paperwork at his desk or blowing his nose and sounding like a moose! There were just no noises at all. All that quiet really bothered me at first. I fully expected to hear the door slam and someone call my name or say, “Honey, where are you?”

But now, I have grown used to it. In fact, some days I long for it amidst my busy schedule and work. I don’t mind sitting at home alone by my fireplace in the quiet because it’s peaceful and it relaxes me.

Psalm 46:10 says: “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Really knowing God and finding out about His excellence can only be found in the stillness of the study of His Word. No interruptions, no distractions. It’s then that God reveals himself to you in the most intimate ways. Hearing God’s voice in the stillness gives you courage and power to face what is to come. Those surprises are really a part of God’s plan for our pathway.

So find some time to be still and find out about your amazing God and Heavenly Father. You will never regret it!

The Stealers: Pride, Stubbornness, and Anger

I’ve known many young students from my years teaching at a local Christian college. Now those students are grown with families of their own. It’s amazing to see the traits, talents, and gifts of their parents in their young children. What’s that old saying? The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree!

This observation made me think about how God watches us grow up. What are His reactions to our actions?

We all start as young Christians, no matter what age we get saved. We stride ahead, stumble then get up and walk again. We hold back and miss opportunities. We have growth spurts when we rely on God for everything and then stunt our growth by relying on ourselves. Is there never a time when life just goes on without those times?

I can say in my senior years an emphatic NO! Every single day and moment I make decisions that affect my walk and growth in Christ. Pride becomes something that stops the life-giving knowledge of Christ from springing up in me. Selfishness becomes like a weed killer to the good that God really wants for me. Then there is anger. I never want to admit when I am angry; I tend to think it’s the other person’s fault. These feelings don’t lead to forgiveness and cause pain.

The blinders of pride, selfishness, and anger are satan’s tools to separate us from our Savior. (Sorry, I do not give satan the honor of being capitalized!) Oh, how the prince of darkness laughs when he’s raised pride in believers’ minds. The saved one now believes they have all they need in life to be happy, but their pride really keeps them separated from the One that loves them most.

Then selfishness becomes a continued issue of me-ism. I’ve accomplished this and I’ve done that and I’ve made it this far. Or maybe it’s the selfishness of sharing your gifts, abilities, and talents for God’s glory. Don’t tell me you haven’t been there at least once!

Anger is hateful, hurtful, and explosive. Words said in anger can never be taken back. You don’t own them anymore, the recipient does. Those words are weapons shot into the heart of the one you want to hurt and they only cause pain.

So, what’s the answer to my question of what God thinks of our growing years? I think He is true to His Words, “The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love” Jeremiah 31:3. He loves us anyway, no matter how we treat Him or how we act. He knows we are His, just like those parents know the little ones they are raising are theirs. They are responsible for them until they are old enough to make their own decisions, then they are accountable to God alone.

These are hard things to hear about ourselves and our kids but we need to remember that God loves us and them, anyway. I am positive about that!

A Grand Promise: The Grand Finale!

“Sunday, Monday, Happy Days! Tuesday, Wednesday, Happy Days!” Many of you will remember this song from the Happy Days TV show years ago. Somehow it has been chosen as our homecoming song from trips I’ve taken with my grandkids. We get to the end of their driveway, open all the windows and turn on that song with the volume up as high as we can get it! All 600 feet of their driveway, we sing at the top of our lungs and are glad to be home!

That’s how we ended our recent trip to the Grand Canyon, too. We were certainly all happy to be home and out of that 23-foot box called an RV. So what kind of trip did we have? What memories will those grands and their grandma cherish in the years to come?

I hope that they remember God’s amazing creation on display throughout our trip. Also, they will recall that five people CAN survive a two-week trip cramped in a camper! And then the biggest part is that they will always know their grandma loves them with all her heart.

Before we left, numerous people said to me, “Wow, you’re brave to do that!” or “I don’t think I could do that!” To all of them I reply, “Why not?” Isn’t it our privilege to be grandparents and to have good relationships with our kids and grands? Isn’t it amazing to think that God has allowed us to live long enough to enjoy watching them grow up and become amazing men and women?

Never knowing how much time we have here on this earth I take it as a gift from God to be physically able to take a trip like this one. I cherish the times each one took turns sitting next to me in the front seat and I was able to listen to them talk about their friends, their relationship with God, and their future. Those times are few and far between when their busy school schedules begin again in the fall.

I know God planned our memorable Wild West trip and I am so very grateful to Him! I am praying, even now, for more times with my other grands to create Grand memories!

The End!

A Grand Promise: Part 3

After working in children’s ministry for more than 38 years and directing a children’s nonprofit for 11 years, you’d think I’d be aware of contemporary children’s culture and what meets their needs. But during my trip out west with my grandchildren, I threw everything I thought about today’s kids out of my RV window.

Knowing we would pass through some amazing national parks, I envisioned the kids’ awe of God’s beautiful creation. But I didn’t expect how hard it would be to even get them look.

In an earlier post I wrote about my oldest grandson who spent most of his time at the dining room table. What I didn’t say was that he was connected to his iPod every day, all day long. In fact, each child had some electronic device they were attached to from morning to night. Whenever I wanted their attention for a roadside attraction I had to shout, “Hey you guys! Look at this!”

By the fourth day I was hoarse.

Never have I been so impacted by how an electronic device can capture a child’s attention. It didn’t matter if they are watching movies, playing video games, or like my oldest grandson, watching a TV series from long ago that had more than 80 hours of episodes! The amount of time they spent looking down (at their devise) instead of looking out the window astounded me.

We spent a lot of time on the road each day driving from one destination to the next. Some of the scenery was less than interesting. During these drives I tried to remember what I used to do on long road trips as a child. I remember that I couldn’t read books because I got car sick. I usually didn’t bring toys because there just wasn’t room with two sisters and my parents. I remember looking out the window a lot; this helped me learn my way around town, which came in handy when it was time to get my driver’s license. But this was different.

Capturing a child’s attention is not as simple as it was even just a few years ago. Their little hand-held devices draw them in like a magnet and it holds them there—captive. How do parents and teachers compete with this? How was I supposed to compete and draw them away?

Well, I didn’t have to wait long to find the answer to that question?

On the fourth day we headed into Estes National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Seeing mountains for the first time became an ethereal experience for my grandkids. The magnificent scenery lured their eyes up to the heavens instead of down into their devices. We stopped at every turn in the road to take more pictures. They even complained that their phones didn’t have enough memory to hold all their photos! No, I didn’t have to worry about where their attention was, that day it was captured by God’s amazing creation. It was refreshing to hear their comments about this first-in-their-life experience. I took pictures of their expressions so I wouldn’t forget.

Eventually, the exquisite vistas lost their appeal and they would be drawn back to their electronic devices. Every day I would have to say, “It’s time to put away your electronics for an hour and look out the windows.” They all complied willingly. I was so thankful for God’s artistic hand and all the beauty he created for us to enjoy. Thank you to the master attention-getter!

A Grand Promise: Part 2

On the third day of our Wild West Adventure, I noticed a pattern. After we had left the campground, the crew took their places. Everyone knew that my granddaughter was the navigator and always rode in the front passenger seat. She was also prone to car sickness, so if she felt better sitting in the front, that worked for us!

The oldest grandson mostly rode at the table in the center of the RV. He had a purpose for that which I’ll talk about later.

The youngest boy always moved around to different seats, which was pretty normal for a 10-year-old. And the 17-year-old mostly chilled out on my bed in the back. This is how we started our journey every day.

Taking off down the road was a hilarious occasion. After we slowly careened the motor home through the campground, we entered the busy roads leading us to our next destination. During the first mile the refrigerator was usually the first thing to pop open because nobody ever remembered to make sure it double clicked when they closed it. The milk, fruit, yogurt, water bottles and lunch meat for sandwiches all flew out the door and landed on the floor.

Next, the cupboard doors that had not been completely shut flapped open, scattering t-shirts, headphones, and underwear all over the place. This happened every single day! I’d long forgotten how kids do not remember to shut anything.

The worst was the bathroom door. If someone was in there when we took off, well…let’s just say everyone had a funny story about that experience!

To say we looked like a traveling clown show for the first few miles down the road would be an understatement!

(Stay tuned for more stories from the Wild West!)

Grand Promises: Part 1

After my husband died in 2006 I made a decision to begin creating lasting memories with my grandkids. I decided to ask them where they wanted to go in the US and when they turned 16, take them there one at a time. It seemed like a simple idea when I first thought of it. But as with any good plan hind-sight is 20/20.

First, I took my oldest granddaughter to Washington, DC. We toured the great monuments, ate in fine restaurants, and laughed a lot. We had a good time, but I’m sure she would have rather brought along someone her own age. I learned that sharing stories about your past is not what teenagers are into hearing. Live and learn!

The second granddaughter couldn’t make up her mind where she wanted to go so we’re still in the holding pattern with her.

Then I got the bright idea to take four grands at a time. (Insert extremely long pause here so you can imagine what I was about to get myself into.) I could actually stop writing right here and let you take your imagination to whatever level suits you. I’m sure you could come up with vivid stories of your own to amuse and humor yourself, but let me give a little reality check to the situation. 

Imagine…

• taking four grandkids ages 10, 15, 17, and 18 in a 23-foot motorhome for 13 days. 
• going from Michigan to the Grand Canyon and 11 states in between, amounting to 5300 miles.
• that they are brothers and sister!

Yep, now you’re getting the picture.

I don’t think I have laughed so much, bit my tongue so hard, lost my cool grandma status so often, or been so tired in my entire life during those 13 days. It’s taken me two weeks to even write anything about it!

Caption #1 – SO MANY PICTURES!!!

I have more than 1200 pictures taken by my right-hand navigator granddaughter, consisting of every turn in the road where the mountains created a new vista or the rock color changed, or the river ran alongside the road in a different direction. I have pictures of every cloud formation you could think of, and hundreds of landscapes plus 30 or so selfies—mostly of her! These kids had never been west of Chicago, so this vacation was truly a journey for them. (Stay tuned for more about our Wild West Adventures!)

Reading Keys...in Secret!

I often tell my grandchildren not to take for granted the freedom they have to worship. They have great Christian parents who love the Lord and are bringing them up to do the same.

But, not all children around the world are in that same situation. You would think that parents would be more civil about allowing children to worship, but not this little chap from England.  Here is his true story as told by a friend in a recent email to us.

The little boy is, we believe, saved, and would love to be baptized, but his mum has, in the last couple of years, apparently renounced her faith and won’t allow her husband to pray at mealtimes or read Bible stories with the children. He isn’t even allowed to read his own Bible in the house! Our friend is just about allowed to bring the 2 children along to Sunday school. However, the little boy is very keen to read Keys for Kids and his dad has told us he reads it secretly every morning and then hides it under the bed so his mum is none the wiser.

THIS is why Keys for Kids Ministries exists. It’s why we work long hours preparing our materials to be the best they can be whether it’s our radio dramas, our devotionals, or our internet presence. They all make a profound impact on children around the world.

Your gift to this ministry will help us reach children just like this little boy, who longs for the Truth of Scripture. Please give today by clicking the “Donate Now” button. You never know who is waiting to hear the Truth!

https://www.keysforkids.org/ForPartners/HowYouCanHelp/Donate.aspx

A God Moment – Part 3

(continued story) I never knew I could play unique instruments like Swiss cowbells and crystal glasses with such ease. Sure, I had plunked songs on a piano we used to have but never attempted anything like this. The kind woman who let me use her instruments (whose name was Aunt Marion), encouraged me to purchase a set of glasses and cowbells so that I could do more. But I didn’t know what more meant. She asked me if I could draw and I said, “A little,” so she gave me the name of a man near my home who taught black-light chalk drawing. I didn’t have a clue how I could take the lessons with all my little kids in tow.

The next week when I went to church, a friend handed me a check. She said, “I don’t know what this is for, but God told me to give it to you.” I broke down and cried as I looked at her offering. It was the exact amount needed to purchase the Swiss cowbells. The same scenario happened when I desired to purchase the crystal glasses and when I needed to take a week of chalk drawing lessons and when I needed to purchase a trailer to carry all my equipment in. God paid for it all!

I was 28 years old when my evangelistic meetings started. One of the first programs we did was in a little United Brethren Church not far from home. The piano player that accompanied me was 14 years old! She’s been our church pianist for over 30 years now. It was scary and exhilarating and rewarding all at the same time!

Now, 38 years later, I’ve been in thousands of churches, camps, and meetings across the nation and even around the world. God has helped me develop talents and abilities I never knew I had. I’ve been able to lead children in their decision to follow Christ and led adults into a relationship with their Heavenly Father. I have seen the grace of God with His power and provision all because of a four-hour conversation in my driveway with my husband who believed that God had planted something in me.

God used a man who was attuned to his wife’s needs and desires of her heart. He led me to change my thought process from just serving others to serving by reaching others with the Gospel. Matthew 19:5 tells us that a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined together with his wife and the two shall be one flesh. Not just physically, but body, soul, mind and spirit! I can actually say this was one of the biggest God moments ever for me. And yes, it was well worth paying that babysitter!

A God Moment – Part 2

As we sat in the parked car in the driveway while the paid babysitter inside the house watched our four children, Tom talked me through the plan of salvation, God’s righteousness, His love for me, and His grace and mercy. He explained to me what spiritual gifts were and what talents God had given me. I slowly began to understand what my relationship to Christ was and what Christianity was all about.

God had something for me to do that didn’t just involve work in the church, it involved me growing in the knowledge and understanding of who God was and what He desired of me. Tom saw gifts and abilities in me that I could not see.

Before that night was over I would realize:

1.      I was saved for sure!

2.      I had a lot of Bible study to do, like learn what spiritual gifts are.

3.      God had a plan for our lives. I didn’t know what that was yet, but I was beginning to listen.

Two weeks later we went to Tom’s parents’ house in Flint, Michigan for a week. As a pastor of a small church, Tom’s dad invited two evangelists to lead a daily vacation Bible school. Every night I would watch one of them play instruments, tell stories with flannel graph, and do ventriloquism. I was spellbound. The children were all held in rapt attention as she spoke. Her gentle spirit led them all the way to Jesus! I felt something moving deep in my soul, but I had no clue what it was.

Each evening after putting my kids to bed in Tom’s folks’ house, I would go back next door to the church and ask the evangelist if I could play the crystal glasses and cowbells. She was very gracious and gave me a short demonstration on how to play each instrument.

I began first with the glasses that made music by rubbing your finger around the top to make the crystal vibrate. They were tuned by putting water into the goblets and removing it to make the notes sharp or putting more water in to make the notes flat.

The set of cowbells were set up like a piano with black and white keys. They were loud but you could make melodies by playing harmony with two or three bells at a time. She stood amazed as I began playing them like I had been doing it for 20 years! She would name a song and I could play it. It was like I had a natural ability to do this; it was as natural to me as breathing.

(To be continued.)

A God Moment – Part 1

I've had some big God moments in my life, like when my kids were born and when my husband Tom died and events that happened on my many trips to Romania. All those events changed my life dramatically.

Another big God moment for me is a date my husband took me on when I was 28 years old.

I was married right out of high school. I turned 18 in July and married Tom in September. Sixteen months later I gave birth to our first child, Matthew. When I turned 28 we had four children (one was a newborn), we were building a new house, and my husband had a new, demanding full-time job starting our business as a non-foods broker. It was, to say the least, a stressful year.

One afternoon my husband called and said, “I think we need to go out together on a date. Get a babysitter.” He was an optimist to think I could find a sitter for four kids including a newborn on such short notice but it happened. I looked forward to that date all day.

By the time he got home and we got ready I was almost in tears because so many things had gone wrong that day, actually that week and even that month! Everything seemed to be building up inside of me.  I don’t remember what those things were and it really doesn’t matter. I just knew that I could not deal with one more thing!

We kissed the kids goodbye and got into the car. Tom started to pull out of the driveway and all of a sudden the dam burst and I began crying so hard I couldn’t even talk! He kept asking me, “What’s the matter?”, “Are you OK?”, and I kept saying, “I don’t know!”

He pulled the car back into the driveway where we sat…and talked…and prayed…and laughed…for four solid hours! We were parked in our own driveway, paying a babysitter to watch our kids inside our house. She kept peeking out the window to see what was going on.

In those four hours Tom talked me through a lot of things. One of the most important was that I didn’t really know who I was in Christ. Was I really saved at age 7 and did I even know what that meant at that age? How could I be a good Christian mom to four kids and not know these things?

And why was I so unhappy with all that I was doing at our church? I had done everything there was to do. I was a deacon’s wife, I sang in the choir, and taught Sunday school, Pioneer girls and vacation Bible school. I worked in the kitchen organizing all the banquets and weddings, making wedding cakes, and all that stuff! So…why was I so unhappy? Deep down in my gut unhappy? I couldn’t understand it, but thank the Lord, Tom could.

(To be continued.)

A Baby Just Like Ours

When my oldest son was born he was a chubby baby at 10 pounds 4oz! This is funny because now he’s a truck driver and he uses those numbers all the time…10-4 good buddy!

Our closest friends had given birth to a beautiful baby girl named Cheryl just a few months before us. She had huge blue eyes, curly reddish hair, and a smile that melted my heart. We often talked about getting them together when they were older and then we could be related—that’s how close we were.

Unfortunately, Cheryl was born with a hole in her heart, so she was not as healthy as our little guy.

Just about the time Cheryl was learning to walk, the doctors decided it was time to fix that hole, so they scheduled her surgery at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. We prayed with our friends about this surgery because it was quite involved. Then they left for Detroit.

I remember dropping down on our bed in shock after the phone call that Cheryl had not made it through the surgery. My husband cradled me in his arms as we both wept hard tears. Cheryl’s dad was my husband’s best friend growing up and his best man at our wedding. We had shared so many things together as young families. This was unbelievable.

Less than a week later we were doing something we had never wanted to do—go to a baby’s funeral. As we walked into our church the sight that met my eyes became etched on my mind forever. At the front was a tiny white casket with our friends’ beautiful daughter inside. Her red hair was even brighter against the white silk pillow where she lay. Her tiny little hands were still curled in that baby-like half-opened position, but her gorgeous smile was gone

As I backed up from the casket I was immediately surrounded with a waterfall of color. It was the largest floral display I had ever seen. Blues, yellows, purples, greens. and every other color of the rainbow brought to mind the colorful baby toys I had remembered Cheryl playing with just a few days before. I was speechless and began crying like it would never stop.

As we took our seats for the funeral to begin, a new and disturbing thought grabbed hold of me. After this funeral was over I would go home to a beautiful, healthy baby boy and our friends would go home to an empty house. I began to shake so hard my husband had to put his arm around me to calm me. Why would God let this happen? How does He choose? What will life be like for our friends? Would our relationship ever be the same again?

God did give our friends peace about Cheryl. They were strong believers and realized God had a plan and even if the outcome wasn’t what they had planned, it was HIS plan for them. That took amazing strength and the peace that only God can give.

We continued to raise our baby boy and had three more children. Our friends eventually had three more children, too. Our relationship only grew closer over the years and then they moved down south. When we visited, it was like we’d never parted.

They were witnesses to me that God’s plans are not our plans. We can grow stronger as God places these experiences in our pathway if we yield to His ways and will. Going through this with our friends helped prepare me for what God had in mind for our family down the road.

Isaiah 55:8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your

ways My ways,” says the LORD.

License to Change

Sometimes I don’t have much patience for people who don’t know how to drive or who drive recklessly. When someone puts me and my family in jeopardy, I go a little berserk!

I was driving on the expressway this week and I was just about ready to pass a semi-truck. I think he had a regulator that only allowed him to go 60 miles per hour and the speed limit was 70. So I started to pass him. Just about the time I moved over into the left lane and came within one car’s length of the semi’s trailer, a car came out of nowhere in the right lane, doing close to 90 and cut right in between me and the semi!

I freaked out! My grandkids were screaming and my blood pressure went into the 'no-can-go'. I SOOOO wanted to get on that guy’s tail and ride his bumper into oblivion! Ugh! That would have made a lot of sense, right? I would be doing 90, he would be doing 90, and we’d both be in the dead zone soon!

What makes you go from laughing and singing in the car to a raving maniac in two seconds? Does this happen to you? Is there any way to prevent you from feeling this way? If  that’s my old sin nature creeping up I’d like to know.

The only thing that stops me from reacting instantly to situations like this is my license plate. It’s what they call a vanity plate but I think I should call it a sanity plate. Why, you say? Because mine says CBHKIDS. Now, to some people that will make no sense, but to those who know me, it’s inspired by the former name of our ministry: CBH Ministries. I have to watch where I park my car and what I do while I’m driving. And believe me, there have been times I’ve wanted to do some bizarre things just because someone else was stupid on the road. But that plate has stopped me cold more than once! Thank you, Lord!

I really don’t like it when I revert to my old sin nature. It says in Ephesians 2 that even though we used to be “children of wrath,” we are now made alive in Him! I really want my reactions to be more Christ-like and I shouldn't need to depend on a license plate to do it for me. Ugh! Life!

Non-stop Prayer!

Sometimes, I become nauseous when I read Scripture. The predictions about end-times are almost too horrid to believe!

In Mark 13:9-13 Jesus is telling Peter, James, John, and Andrew what to look for as the end of the age approaches. Take off your blinders and read this—twice if you need to.

“But watch out for yourselves, for they will deliver you up to councils, and you will be beaten in the synagogues. You will be brought before rulers and kings for My sake, for a testimony to them. And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations. But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. Now brother will betray brother to death, and a father his children; and the children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.” (NKJV)

First of all, the spread of the Gospel will be rampant, that’s why the persecution will be so intense. Christians will suffer in ways we do not want to believe. Brothers will betray brothers by having them executed for being believers. Fathers will betray their own children and allow their sacrifice for the sake of saving themselves. Children will also not be missed on the betrayal trail. They will go against their parents and, it says, cause them to be put to death.

Since my parents recently passed away, I cannot even fathom what it would be like to cause their deaths—to be the one who gives them up to their killers!

I don’t ever want to be the cause of my grown children’s deaths by betraying them either. And yet, sin can cause us to do things we would never believe possible. It happens every day when a child decides to steal or a teen decides to take drugs and then gets addicted to a costly habit. Sin can cause a Bible-believing pastor to fall into pornography or a wife to be pulled into fornication. It can cause me to go to depths I never thought possible.

Never think that just because you are a believer you are exempt from big or small sins. Get your head and heart into the Word of God every single day to thwart the seductive ploys of sin. They are not only around us but inside us on a daily basis; it is a continual fight to keep them at bay.

Pray for God’s protection for yourself, your family, and your pastor and his family. Pray for your brothers and sisters in Christ that they will not succumb to anything today that has the appearance of evil. Whenever the talons of sin temp, you grab on to the Holy Spirit and PRAY—all day, every day! It is the only way to stop sin from creeping into your life and the lives of those you love. PRAY!  

CBH Ministries Changes Their Name!

We have an exciting new development at CBH Ministries. We’ve changed our name to Keys for Kids Ministries. This email displays our new logo and tagline.

Why did we make this change? Our original name Children’s Bible Hour focused on our radio ministry. Since then, the ministry has grown to also include internet, print products, and events. To reflect these additions, we changed the name to CBH Ministries in 2000. But after 14 years, we’ve found that we still have to explain what CBH Ministries is because the name is unclear.

After gaining the input of many people, we’ve decided to change our name to Keys for Kids Ministries because: (1) it clearly expresses our ministry focus, (2) it won’t be affected by changes in media formats, (3) it is easier to remember, (4) and it is familiar to the families we serve.

“..Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” (Matthew 19:14 NLT) It has always been our calling to invite kids into Christ’s kingdom. Our methods have changed to keep up with the times, but our message and mission remain the same, firmly grounded in God’s Holy Word.

As we begin our 72^nd year of ministry, will you join us in praying that God will continue to use Keys for Kids Ministries for many more years? We’re also very grateful to those of you who are willing to support us financially as we see God’s Story opening hearts.

Watch the video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uao9EUWW71Y

For His Children,

Terre K Ritchie

Executive Director

CBH Ministries

Busybody Business

 A few nights ago I ran across an old rerun of The Waltons program from the early 1970s. I had to laugh at their simple and somewhat carefree way of life.

I also was laughing at a certain character playing the town busybody in this episode. She knew everybody and all their business. She could tell you what each of the children in the Walton family did after high school, where they went to college, and how they were doing in their studies. She also was aware that the current child that was graduating didn’t know what she was going to do with her life and made a point of telling her that she was nothing like the other children.

I also remember a person who went to one of the churches I attended as a young married woman. This gal spent half of her time sticking her nose into everyone’s business and the rest of the time letting everyone else know all the details. Whenever you wanted to keep something a secret you certainly knew who not to tell!

One label that is not a good one is busybody. Scripture even reminds us to mind our own business. In 

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 (NLT) it says (emphasis added):

Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. Then people who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others.

In 1 Timothy 5:13-14 (NLT), Paul instructs Timothy how young widows shouldn’t become busybodies.

…they will learn to be lazy and will spend their time gossiping from house to house, meddling in other people’s business and talking about things they shouldn’t.  So I advise these younger widows to marry again, have children, and take care of their own homes. Then the enemy will not be able to say anything against them.

I have learned over the years to steer clear of people with the reputation of a busybody. Sometimes their half-truths can be so hurtful to the people they are talking about. Once I remember speaking directly to a person I would call a busybody and telling her that I was not concerned about what she was speaking of and then I simply walked away. I can only imagine what she said about me! But then, I’ve learned that busybodies are seldom believed when they repeat information.

If you’re concerning yourself with others’ business and problems more than your own, maybe it’s time to look in the mirror and check your label. Does it say busybody? Or does it say busy doing God’s work? Make sure you look closely so you can read ALL the letters, not just the ones you want to see.­­

Things TO BE before I Die Countdown #1 Be more Christ-like

This is the end of my list, or should I say, the top of my list of things I want TO BE before I die. More than anything else, I strive TO BE more like my Savior Jesus Christ. So what qualities am I striving to mirror?

1. He’s gentle. “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:29

2. He’s humble. “And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:8

3. He’s merciful. “Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.” Hebrews 2:17

4. He’s forgiving. “Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” Luke 23:34 

I say that I’m striving to be like Jesus because there is no way I can be like Him until I pass from this world and stand before Him in heaven. “As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness.” Psalm 17:15

Today, I am an imperfect person. I am also incomplete with a deep, deep longing in my soul to be somewhere else. Heaven is waiting for me with all its glory and my magnificent Savior. My grandmother, father-in-law, aunts and uncles, and my dear husband are there, including so many wonderful friends that I miss. I do not know what eternity feels like but I won’t care. All the old things and the old nature will be over; only what God has prepared for me will last.

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:1-3

I strive to be forgiving. I work at being merciful. I endeavor to be humble and I want to be known as a gentle person. It’s all a lifelong attempt TO BE more like Christ. Thank you for joining me on this journey. I pray I will see you beside me in eternity where we’ll worship our Lord and Savior forever. Amen!

1.  Be more Christ-like.

2.  Be a better parent/grandparent.

3. Be a better student of the Scriptures.

4. Be aggressive in my witness.

5.  Be wise.

6. Be less concerned about jobs and busyness and more concerned about others.

7.  Be a better listener.

8. Be more Mercy-filled.

9. Be able to be broken for Christ.

10. Be a sacrifice with my life, talents and gifts.

Things TO BE before I die Countdown #2 TO BE a better parent/grand-parent

Oh, how I wish parenting had come with a manuscript of what was going to happen. I have wanted to know the ending of this play ever since it began!

I didn’t know anything about raising a baby when I had my first child. I had never babysat once when going through high school. I got married just after graduation, turned 18, and 17 months later gave birth to my first child. Good grief! I was still a child myself!

I was scared to death to take my son home because I had never bathed a baby or taken a child’s temperature. I’m surprised they let me take him out of the hospital! Little did I know that soon he would projectile vomit on me and poop on every piece of clothing, including my entire lap

.

Thankfully, my wonderful mother-in-law started teaching me the basics. She had raised five children and had been through just about everything you could think of with babies. I was so extremely thankful for her!

But no one told me children were emotional time bombs and had spiritual needs.

Raising children is not a piece of cake, as my husband used to say. It’s hard and fun at the same time! When they’re young it’s just plain scary. But when they become teenagers it’s another story. Who is this person and where did they come from? That question was on the tip of my tongue a thousand times at the end of a school day.

My husband and I were fortunate to have four children, each different in every way. Three boys and then a girl. How that little girl made it through life with three older brothers I will never know!

Now that my children are all grown with families of their own, I get the joy of being a grandparent. This job is much, much easier and more enjoyable than being a parent.

I’ve learned that there is no changing an adult child’s mind and that I should keep my mouth shut more often than give my opinions. I’ve found out that my kids are all as different today as they were as children and that their children are following in their footsteps! I laugh to myself when I see a child acting just like their parent. (Secretly, I think they deserve everything they get, but I’d never tell them that.)

Parenting was fun, ever-changing, and challenging. Grand-parenting is so enjoyable because they all live in their own homes! Seriously, I willingly took the parenting job because I love kids. I loved seeing my own grow up and develop the abilities and talents God gave them. And today, I’m proud to say I’m their parent. Although I must admit when they were teenagers and people would ask me if I was so-and-so’s parent I would reply, “Why? What did they do now?”

God has taught me many lessons along the way as a parent and now as a grandparent. The most important one is to give of myself whenever I’m needed. I only have one shot at being a parent and what I do with it is up to me with God’s help. I have to be willing to ask for help and that’s where my mentors came into play. I had people I could go to and ask questions, seek advice, and just vent to about my struggles. They were the most supportive people and I really needed them at that time. So, today Iwant to be just like that for some other young parent.

God also is teaching me how important it is to be a grandparent that is available. Working full-time for a few more years doesn’t allow me to make it to every activity at school and church, but I try. I’ve found that buying hoards of Christmas presents is not the answer either. It’s more important to give smaller, more meaningful gifts that are from me, not just a store.

I certainly wasn’t a perfect parent and I’m sure you aren’t either. But with God’s help, prayers of friends, and a good set of mentors, I’m sure you can make it through. Then turn around and help someone else! There will be an end to this play someday and I hope the last line of mine reads: She cared.

Things TO BE before I Die Countdown #4 Be Aggressive In My Witness

One of the first verses of Scripture that influenced me to witness was Mark chapter sixteen verse fifteen: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” I distinctly remember the preacher looking straight at me when he quoted that verse! How did he know I was struggling in this area? How was he so sure I needed to hear that verse that night?

That was 37 years ago; today this Scripture still speaks to me with a pointing finger. The Holy Spirit always convicts me when I’ve missed another opportunity to talk to someone about my God. Don’t believe for one minute that just because I’m a ministry leader and an older Christian that I do everything right all the time. I don’t! I fail in this area—maybe just like you.

As a children’s minister and conference speaker it is easy for me to stand before a group of people and proclaim who my God is and all his power and majesty. I live my life as a true believer and I am not ashamed to speak of Him wherever I am. But if I’m in a hurry and need to rush through the grocery line, I don’t usually see the cashier who is hurting or the bank teller who needs five minutes of my listening ear. After all, I’m in a hurry! Right? Ugh, failed again.

I’m reminded of something Uncle Charlie told me one day. He was boarding a plane and walking up a steep loading staircase when the guy in front of him tripped. This person shouted out God’s name in vain. Uncle Charlie calmly said, “Oh, you know my Father, too?” That’s how brave I want to be. Maybe even to the point of being brazen!

Over the years I’ve been told many excuses by people of all ages why they don’t witness. Some believe it makes them religious extremists while others believe that religion is a personal thing, not to be flaunted. I think those are just excuses like mine. I believe God wants us to be available and willing to be used as witnesses for Him in the grocery store, the bank, our offices—wherever the opportunity presents itself.

Go into ALL the world and PREACH the Gospel to EVERY creature—sounds like He’s talking to me…again.

 #3 Be a better student of the Scriptures.

#4Be aggressive in my witness.

 #5 Be wise.

 #6 Be less concerned about jobs and busyness and more concerned about others.

 #7 Be a better listener.

#8 Be more Mercy-filled.

#9 Be able to be broken for Christ.

#10 Be a sacrifice with my life, talents and gifts.

Things TO BE before I die Countdown #3 TO BE a Better Student of the Scriptures

I have often wondered if I ever got captured and was imprisoned for an extended period of time, would I have memorized enough Scripture to get me through? It’s a strange thought but for some odd reason it’s always been in the back of my brain. I am weird; I admit it.

I know there are a lot of Awana and Bible Club kids who have memorized Scripture over the years, but I wonder how many of them could recite those same verses today? Could you? Of course we all know the verses that are widely known like John 3:16 and the Lord’s Prayer. What about the rest of the Bible? Do you have significantly large pieces of it memorized?

Years ago when I was going through a very difficult time, I memorized Romans 8:18.I remember why that verse came to me and I still know it today because I repeated it every morning, noon, and night for months. I never needed or felt so close to God as I did during that time. He was my Father, my friend, my closest confidant. I told Him so many things that I never told anyone else.

Verse 18 starts this way, “For the sufferings of this present world are not worthy to be compared to the glory which shall be revealed in us.” I was suffering; I was sure about that. I didn’t even know or care if I was in this present world. All I know is that I felt like the center of my life was completely gone.

Anyone who has lost someone knows that feeling. You know in the pit of your stomach that life has changed forever. In the morning you don’t hear the ever familiar whistling coming from the kitchen while the coffee brewed. In the evening you don’t get that welcome home kiss. At night the other side of your bed is flat and empty. Oh how I needed the words of God to comfort me then and now.

But I always remember the last part of verse 18; my suffering was not worthy to be compared to HIS GLORY being revealed in me. All of my woes would be like an eye’s blink compared to what was ahead! I had all of His Glory that was going to come into play in my future. What could that mean? How was it going to be revealed to me? God had given me something to look forward to in the days ahead.

When you memorize God’s Word he will bring it back to you just when you need it most. It flickers through your subconscious and you remember every word with clarity! It fills the void that the world has left and comforts your troubled soul. Begin today to hide it in your heart and let it fill your mind with words that are holy and pure. 

Things TO BE before I die Countdown, #5 Be Wise

James chapter one verses five and six say, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of sea driven and tossed by the wind.”

What is wisdom? To some it is gaining knowledge and education alone. To others it may be becoming wise in the ways of the world or seeking wisdom to make intelligent decisions. God’s Word says whenever we need wisdom in anything we should seek God; He alone will give wisdom to us.

I wish wisdom was handed out to every child when they turn 13. It would certainly help all of life’s events from that point on. Mostly because those junior high school years are so full of questions and turmoil. Teens are trying to find out who they are, what they are, and who their friends and enemies are. They feel like they’re in an eternal maze of emotional trauma!

I remember doing some pretty stupid things in junior high and on through high school. If you think I’m going to share those here, think again. My children read these blogs and they’d hold any one of those things against me forever and ever! Believe me, they would! ;-)

Seriously, I think gaining wisdom has everything to do with realizing who you are in Christ. It’s when you are able to shatter other people’s expectations of you and begin to search out your gifts and talents that you are finally able to see the real you. It’s the freedom you gain when you finally allow God to open your eyes to the needs of others and begin to put them above yourself. Possibly, wisdom is opening the window to the world.

How blessed is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding.

For its profit is better than the profit of silver, and its gain than fine gold.

She is more precious than fine jewels; and nothing you desire compares with her.

 Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.

Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace.

She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, and happy are all who hold her fast.

(NASB) Proverbs 3:13-18)

#5  Be Wise

#6     Be less concerned about jobs and busyness and more      concerned about others.

#7    Be a better listener.

#8   Be more Mercy-filled.

#9   Be able to be broken for Christ.

#10  Be a sacrifice with my life, talents and gifts.

Things TO BE before I die Countdown #6: Be less concerned about jobs and busyness, and be more concerned about others.

I often get this response when I ask people how they are doing, “I’m just so busy!” I usually bite my tongue when they say that and if you've read this blog for a while you know I've spoken about this a time or two.

When I was growing up, I don’t remember hearing anyone say the phrase, “I’m so busy.” Why weren’t they busy back then? Moms did laundry in wringer washing machines for crying out loud, I know that took time. They did most of the baking at home instead of buying it at the story ready-made.That's hours out of a day!  Dads worked regular office hours and came home every night to their families. Was I living in a bubble? And how could all those things go on without me hearing the phrase, “I’m so busy!”

Today, we acquaint busyness with worth. If you’re not busy, you’re not worth much. Oh, believe me, I’ve read about 20 articles on busyness and they all say the same thing. Here’s a quote from the New York Times that puts things into perspective:

Notice it isn’t generally people pulling back-to-back shifts in the I.C.U. or commuting by bus to three minimum-wage jobs who tell you how busy they are; what those people are is not busy but tired. Exhausted. Dead on their feet. It’s almost always people whose lamented busyness is purely self-imposed: work and obligations they’ve taken on voluntarily, classes and activities they’ve “encouraged” their kids to participate in. They’re busy because of their own ambition or drive or anxiety, because they’re addicted to busyness and dread what they might have to face in its absence. 

Ouch! Is that true for you? Do you fill up your calendar with extra activities just to prove the point that you’re busy? Chill out! Your kids don’t have to be at the center of every school activity. You don’t have to schedule every evening doing busy activities just to prove how valuable you and your family are! There are times you just need to BE! I mean, don’t you just want to do nothing for one night? One evening where you can sit and think and listen and veg out?

If you look in God’s Word you will see something very important.  Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.” It doesn’t say be so busy that you don’t have time for Me. It says, be still. It does say how much God loves you (Jeremiah 31:3) and that you don't have to prove anything to Him because He already know you inside and out (Psalm 44:21).

When was the last time you were still enough to listen to God? Last week. Last month. Last year! If the only time you’re not busy is when you’re sleeping, you’re in trouble. Stop right now and take a look at your calendar and prioritize. Start with God, then your family, then the rest of life. Being busy isn't an occupation, it's an excuse.

#6     Be less concerned about jobs and busyness and more concerned about others.

#7    Be a better listener.

#8   Be more Mercy-filled.

#9   Be able to be broken for Christ.

#10  Be a sacrifice with my life, talents and gifts.

Things TO BE before I die Countdown #7 TO BE a Better Listener

A mom puts both hands on either side of the small child’s cheeks and bends over so they are almost nose-to-nose and quietly says, “Listen to me.” I’ve seen that happen over and over again in grocery stores, shopping malls, and play areas when Mom needs the child’s undivided attention. I think God does that to us too when He wants our attention.

There’s a great portion of Scripture in Isaiah 55 that focuses on the abundant life. God says, “Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in abundance” (NKJV)It’s like God had to put His loving hands on each side of this great nation’s face and gets down on His knee. Listen! This is what I have for you! You won’t get it if you don’t listen!

Do we take the time to get face-to-face with the people we love and proclaim in their presence our love for them? Do we actually listen when they have things to tell us? Let’s take your children for instance. Do you always stop what you’re doing to pay attention to what they’re saying to you? Do they have to grab your cheeks, pull you down to their level, and speak right into your eyes to get you to listen to them?

That’s one thing I’ve always appreciated about Uncle Charlie, our ministries former director. With all the children that he has spent time, he would always get down on one knee and look right into their faces and make them feel important! Oh, how they loved that!

Take some time today to try this with your children. Don’t make anything too important so that you’re not paying attention to them. Do the same thing with your spouse. Look them right in the eyes while they’re talking to you about their day. Don’t glance away, don’t glaze over and let your mind wander to work on other responsibilities. Listen to your mate and what’s important to them! You’ll be truly blessed!

Father, help me to pay attention. Help me to not concentrate on anything or anyone other than the person who is trying to talk to me. If you have to grab my cheeks and turn my head, then do it! I want to be known as someone who puts importance on people and what is going on in their lives. And Lord, above all else, help me listen to You!

#7    Be a better listener.

#8   Be more Mercy-filled.

#9   Be able to be broken for Christ.

#10  Be a sacrifice with my life, talents and gifts.