Thursday, February 27, 2014

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.­­

Thursday, February 20, 2014

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.

Monday, February 17, 2014

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.

Friday, February 14, 2014

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.

Thursday, February 13, 2014

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. 

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

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.


Wednesday, February 5, 2014

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.

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

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.

Monday, February 3, 2014

Things TO BE Before I Die Countdown, #8 Be more mercy-filled

I’ve always heard this little phrase in Christian circles: Grace is when God gives us what we don't deserve and mercy is when God doesn't give us what we do deserve. Let’s talk about mercy for a moment.

If I had punished my children every time they disobeyed when they were growing up, I probably would have been called a barbarian! But instead, I chose to show them mercy and often forgave them in my heart before my head agreed. That was showing them mercy. God does the same thing for us every single minute of every day. Even when we disobey him, dishonor him, and are disloyal to him, He loves and forgives—that’s real mercy.

He is the all-powerful, almighty God! He could just wipe us off the face of the earth without a moment’s notice, but he chooses not to. He molds us and forms us in His image on a daily basis. That, again, is mercy.

When I was about 19 years old, my grandmother died. This was my Dad’s mother. He had four brothers. Some discrepancies happened with land and belongings during that time that caused my father to stop speaking to one of his brothers. Bad feelings and bad decisions caused over 35 years of silence between the two.

When his brother passed away, I went to the funeral with my Dad and sister. Dad sat across the dinner table from me after the funeral and said, “I should have called him.” I felt sorry for my Dad but that decision was a two way street. Anger, frustration, and words separated these two brothers for so long that it became irreconcilable to them; if they’d only shown mercy to each other, things could have been different. Yes, it was too late for Dad to make that call.

Showing mercy to another person means you have to forgive their big and small mistakes and personality traits. You love them no matter what they do and hopefully, they love you back just because of who you are. That’s what God does and proclaims in Ephesians 2:4-7.

“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (NKJV).

#8   Be more Mercy-filled.
#9   Be able to be broken for Christ.



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