Events and Emotions

Events and Emotions

We've all had hectic and trying times in our lives. Many of us have said, "What a bad day it was!" Have you ever had a particularly bad week, when everything went wrong? Can you think back over your life and remember an especially bad year? For me, 1985 and 1989 were two years that weren't very good. On the opposite end of the spectrum, we've had those magical and wonderful times that we've never wanted to end.

Life brings us a few ups and downs. Sometimes life's events come at us too fast to take it all in at once. Other times, the burdens seem to linger on and on. Have you ever experienced a week, or so, of mixed events, all charged with emotions?

The "things of life" have occurred far too fast for me recently. I've needed to buckle my "emotional seatbelt" in order to ride it out. On the heartbreaking end, my cousin's wife in Utah complained of headaches and went to the hospital. She died twenty-four hours later of brain cancer. No one knew that she was ill. It was a shock.

On a happier note, some family members traveled to Sherman, Texas, to celebrate my father's 100th birthday. The day before, he lead a song during the morning worship service -- "When We All Get to Heaven." I was so touched to see him lead that song. We had a wonderful reunion -- seeing so many of our friends from the congregation.

Many people sent cards to my father. The telephone rang off the hook all day. Several friends dropped by to visit. One of the friends who appeared on the doorstep was the minister who officiated at my wedding. My husband and I had our picture made with him. It was an awesome feeling to know that we were all together again within a few days of our 40th wedding anniversary. Our wedding had taken place in Sherman -- we live in San Diego -- and it was great to see him after all these years. Coincidentally, we saw the best man from our wedding at the church building.

He is with us in the ever-changing seasons of life!

Daddy's birthday dinner and party were low-key. He didn't want any fuss. I couldn't believe that my father had turned 100. I had never even attended a birthday gathering for a centenarian. My parents' picture was on the front page of the local newspaper with a nice article about his life.

Within a few days of that happy occasion, we had another sad one – my father-in-law's memorial service. He was a good man. Among the pictures and flowers at the front of the church building, one unusual item stood out. It was a large candy bar: dark chocolate. Only a family member would have grasped the significance of the candy. He loved chocolate, and had us trained to give him dark chocolate for any gift-giving occasions. He had become diabetic in later years, and wasn't supposed to eat it. One of his grandsons broke off little pieces of the chocolate bar to share during our time of light refreshments after the service. I almost "lost it" when I ate that little piece of chocolate, and thought of "Fafa" -- his affectionate nick-name.

Today is our 40th wedding anniversary. We'll celebrate by going out to eat tonight -- just the two of us. Later on, when things settle down, we may take a belated anniversary trip somewhere. However, I've taken a real live trip down memory lane over the past few days -- that's sometimes the best kind of trip. Every year on our anniversary, my in-laws used to send flowers as their way of wishing us well. My mother-in-law called events like this "victories and milestones." We lost her two years ago, and the anniversary flowers stopped at that time. I almost expected flowers today, and then remembered that they weren't coming. However, I also remembered the joy of years past, when things were different. What a blessing!

If you're celebrating, sorrowing, or somewhere in-between, remember that God is with us always and loves us, no matter what. He is with us in the ever-changing seasons of life!

There is an appointed time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace (Ecclesiastes 3:1-10 NIV).

Katha Winther

This incomparable book! – The Bible

This incomparable book! – The Bible

The whole of Scripture is but one entire love letter, dispatched from the Lord Christ, to His beloved spouse!

Oh! The mysteries, the excellencies, the glories which are in this incomparable book! There are none so useful, none so needful, none so delightful, none so necessary to make you happy and to keep you happy - as this!

Ah! the Word of the Lord is . . .
a light to guide you,
a counselor to counsel you,
a comforter to comfort you,
a staff to support you,
a sword to defend you,
a physician to cure you!

The Word is . . .
a mine to enrich you,
a robe to clothe you,
a crown to crown you.
bread to strengthen you,
wine to cheer you,
a honeycomb to feast you,
music to delight you,
a paradise to entertain you!

Oh! therefore, before all and above all:
search the Scripture,
study the Scripture,
meditate on the Scripture,
delight in the Scripture,
treasure up the Scripture!

There is . . .
no wisdom like Scripture wisdom,
no knowledge like Scripture knowledge,
no experience like Scripture experience,
no comforts like Scripture comforts,
no delights like Scripture delights,
no convictions like Scripture convictions,
no conversion like Scripture conversion!

I exhort you to a speedy, serious, diligent, and constant study of the Scripture.

Ah! you do not know how soon . . .
your blind minds may be enlightened,
your hard hearts may be softened,
your proud spirits may be humbled,
your sinful natures may be changed,
your defiled consciences may be purged,
your distempered affections may be regulated,
and your poor souls may be saved . . .

by searching into the Scriptures,
by reading the Scripture, and
by pondering upon the Scripture.

Ah! if you do not in good earnest, give yourself up . . .
to the reading,
to the studying,
to the pondering,
to the believing,
to the practicing,
to the applying, and
to the living up to the Scripture –

Satan will be too hard for you,
the world will be too hard for you,
your lusts will be too hard for you,
temptations will be too hard for you,
deceivers will be too hard for you,
and in the end you will be miserable!

Thomas Brooks

Refuse to be afraid

Refuse to be afraid

As wars continue around the world, we must remember our true battles are not against flesh and blood - not against terrorism or weapons of mass destruction, nor against an oppressive boss or unappreciative spouse – but "against the spiritual forces of evil in the Heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12). The true battles occur in a world which is real, but unseen; and yet, the battles we see and hear everywhere we turn are the ones which tend to consume our thoughts and cause us to fear.

As Jesus was teaching and healing around the Sea of Galilee, large crowds of people began to come out to Him. One evening, Jesus decided to leave the crowds behind and sail with His disciples to the other side of the sea. As Jesus slept in the back of the boat, a terrible storm soon developed. The disciples woke Jesus and cried out in fear, "Teacher, don't You care if we drown?" (Mark 4:38).

Mark 4:39-40
"He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, 'Quiet! Be still!' Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to His disciples, 'Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?'"

The disciples had seen Jesus cure a man with leprosy, heal a paralytic, and teach with the authority of Almighty God; but now they thought Jesus didn't care. When Jesus rose, He rebuked the storm as well as His disciples. These men who were chosen to walk with the Son of God were now accused by Jesus of being afraid and living without faith.

This same event occurs in our life today. Jesus climbs into our boat and directs us to a distant shore. We've heard about His miracles so we joyfully cast off, expecting a smooth sail. Suddenly, the wind begins to blow and the waves turn white - this is probably not the voyage we had in mind. No longer able to see the shore, we begin to wonder why we ever set sail. Did we really hear His voice? And in our desperation we pathetically cry out, "Don't You care if we drown?" Is our faith really so weak?

In the midst of our fears, we must remember that He is the same God who created the Heavens and the earth, sent His Son to die for our sins, and gave us His Spirit "with whom we were sealed for the day of redemption" (Ephesians 4:30). He is the same God who chose us to walk by His side!

Jesus is still committed to our journey, and still in complete control. In His perfect timing He will calm ALL the wind and waves - ALL the roaring seas. When doubts begin to surface, we must draw even closer, hold on even tighter, and trust Him even deeper. No matter what battles we see with our eyes and hear with our ears, we must be determined to live each moment by faith and refuse to be afraid.

Steve Troxel

A Costly Shower

A Costly Shower

A Costly Shower. As if I Needed one with All That Rain!

These are the words of GOD, the God of Israel, to you, Baruch. You say, 'These are bad times for me! It's one thing after another. GOD is piling on the pain. I'm worn out and there's no end in sight.' Jer. 45: 2-3 (The Message)

The day was just not destined to be a perfect one.

When we made the reservations in April for a Pacific Hot Springs Boat Adventure, we never expected that we would have the torrential rains that greeted us all over Vancouver Island.

To make it worse, we had been unable to obtain a hotel room in Tofino where our adventure would commence, and we had been forced to stay in Nanaimo. The distance between the two cities looked pretty insignificant on the map. Were we ever in for a surprise!

The final straw however, was the "encouragement" given to us by the people at the visitor's information centre: "You have reservations for a boat tour at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow morning in Tofino and you are lodging in Nanaimo???"

"Euh, yes," I stumbled, disheartened by her tone. "Is that a problem?"

"You will have to get up pretty early to get there on time!"

"How early?" I asked.

"It's a 210 kilometres trek (130 miles)," she answered.

That didn't seem that far to me. Two hours perhaps, but we would no doubt allow two hours and a half. That would mean leaving Nanaimo around 7:30, just to play it safe. What was the problem?

But the "heartening" agent wasn't finished: "The roads aren't exactly-uh-ideal-if you get my drift!"

"Euh." I stammered. "I am not sure what kind of a 'drift' you mean!"

A stern look motivated me to zip my mouth shut!

"The road is narrow. It twists and turns, zigzagging like a drunkard through the mountains. You will need a good three hours to get there. More if it rains!"

I glanced outside. Since it had been raining steadily ever since our arrival on the island, things weren't looking too hopeful . . .

"I would suggest you leave no later than 6:30 a.m."

As we left that "enlightening" visitor's information bureau, I couldn't stop my thoughts from pouring forth into words: "6:30 a.m. on a holiday!!!"

We did follow the advice of the helpful lady however, and as we sat on the side of that road that, did, indeed, "zigzag like a drunkard through the mountains", waiting for relief to settle into the upside-down stomachs of two of our passengers, I was glad we did. Let's just say that it was a good thing there was a pull-out right where we needed one!

I'm afraid that the boat trip wasn't much better on our stomachs. The torrential rain and their accompanying heavy winds must have thought we hadn't endured enough motion sickness for the day, and as we were tossed to the left and to the right, some of us were eager to leave our breakfasts behind in the ocean.

"Boy!" You say, "you guys must be crazy to undertake such a foolish trip! Was it worth it?"

Amazingly, it was! We very much enjoyed exploring the rich ocean waters of Clayoquot Sound with its abundant wildlife. We saw orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, otters, puffins, murrelets, cormorants, and auklets. Then we came to Hot Springs Cove, a provincial park only accessible by boat or hydroplane, where a thirty minute hike along a boardwalk through a breathtaking rainforest left us wishing it had been a sixty minute walk. When we reached the natural hot springs however, we were met with the very best part of the day. We couldn't resist the steaming hot water, and we quickly donned our swimming suits to soak in the natural hot tubs that the water had formed in the rock. But what was even more special was the opportunity to take a natural hot shower under the hot waterfall! Despite the incessant rain, it was with regret that we made our way back to the boat a couple of hours later.

"Welcome aboard!" Called out the captain. "I have some bad news. The weather has taken a turn for the worse! Our ride back to Tofino will be a wild one!"

Our stomachs all turned as one . . .

Life in general is not a smooth ride. All of us have our fair share of adversity and tribulations. But what about Christians? Aren't they exempt from such unpleasant experiences?

Let's see what Jesus has to say about that: "Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also." (John 15:20 NIV)

What a relief . . . It seems our ride home "will be a wild one" too . . .

But shouldn't God spare us the pain?

This same question was uttered by Baruch, Jeremiah's scribe: "These are the words of GOD, the God of Israel, to you, Baruch. You say, 'These are bad times for me! It's one thing after another. GOD is piling on the pain. I'm worn out and there's no end in sight.'" (Jer. 45: 2-3 The Message)

However God has bigger plans than any of us can fathom! His only promise to His servant is that he won't be crushed and he will survive to serve Him: "But GOD says, 'Look around. What I've built I'm about to wreck, and what I've planted I'm about to rip up. And I'm doing it everywhere - all over the whole earth! So forget about making any big plans for yourself. Things are going to get worse before they get better. But don't worry. I'll keep you alive through the whole business.'" (Jer. 45: 4-5 The Message)

Who are we, anyway, to question the Almighty Creator? He knows what is best for us, and personally, I have found out that I learn more about depending upon my loving God when I am in the middle of tribulations! Adversity goes hand in hand with spiritual growth spurts!

God made a promise though to all of His children: "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matt. 28:20 NIV). I can personally vouch for this. Never have I been closer to God than in times where I feel completely helpless and at the mercy of turbulent circumstances.

Although in the middle of them, we have a place to go where we can find rest: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matt. 11:28 NIV). Not only will He give us rest, but He will also give us the necessary strength to face what seems the impossible: "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." (Phil. 4:13 NIV)

When your stomach turns upside down because of the roller coaster called life, remember you are not alone in this. God loves you and will help you to reach home in one piece.

Is it worth it?

You will know when you reach home! "I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe." (Eph. 1:17-19 NIV)

Rob Chaffart

Johnny the Bagger

Johnny the Bagger

Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58

Recommended Reading: 1 Corinthians 7:17-24

Employees of a large supermarket chain were challenged by a guest speaker to put their personal signature on the job. A few weeks later, the guest speaker received a call from 19-year-old Johnny, a bagger from the supermarket she had spoken at. He proudly told her he was Down syndrome and proceeded to tell his story.

"At first I didn't think I could do anything special for our customers because I'm just a bagger," said Johnny. "Then I got an idea! Every day I come home and find a thought for the day." He would print it out, sign the back, and put his thought for the day in every customer's bag and say "Thanks for shopping with us."

A month later, the store manager called the guest speaker to tell her about the transformation his store had gone through. Johnny's lane was three times longer than all the others--no one was willing to change; they all wanted his thought for the day. The whole store was filled with a wonderful spirit of service . . . and all because Johnny chose to make a difference.

Flourish where you are, and make a difference in the world with what God has given you.

The grass is always greener wherever you water it.

- Anonymous

A Quiet Place - So Needful

A Quiet Place - So Needful

Have you been still lately? I mean really still?

With no television or radio playing, no one to talk to… just sitting still?

I know I have told you we have a large back yard, full of nurtured plants, a vegetable garden, and many rose bushes. It is quiet back there. The only noise is an occasional barking of a dog, or the song of a bird. It is so restful. No noise. Just the surroundings of God's beautiful creation. A quiet place.

We all need that quiet place within us… where the world cannot intrude, where our troubles don't take precedence, and where we allow God's spirit to whisper to ours.

A place that is a garden of refreshing… of hope, of renewal.

If you have not found that quiet time, that quiet spot then you are missing out on the most important time in your spiritual life daily. Time with God.

Nothing you do, will matter more than this time. Nothing. Everything else will pass away.

Only time with God will prosper and last.

Love others, savor them, enjoy the day, but don't neglect the God you need above all else.

Then today you can say, I walked in the garden with God, and He refreshed me and held me close. I knew then, everything would be ok.

For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed, but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that has mercy on thee. Isaiah 54:10

Receive that blessed peace… in the quiet times and small corners of each day


God Speaking

The man whispered, "God, speak to me". And a meadowlark sang. But the man did not hear.

So the man yelled "God, speak to me". And the thunder & lightning rolled across the sky. But the man did not listen.

The man looked around and said, "God, let me see you". And a star shined brightly. But the man did not see.

And, the man shouted, "God, show me a miracle". And a life was born. But the man did not notice.

So, the man cried out in despair, "Touch me, God, and let me know you are here". Whereupon, God reached down and touched the man. But the man brushed the butterfly away and walked on.

I found this to be a great reminder that God is always around us in the little and simple things that we take for granted… even in our electronic age… so I would like to add one more:

The man cried "God, I need your help"… and an e-mail arrived reaching out with good news and encouragement. But the man deleted it and continued crying…

The good news is that you are loved. Don't miss out on a blessing because it isn't packaged the way that you expect.

Expect the unexpected… It is called Faith. :)

God speaks in ways we may not expect. Have you ever been just sitting there and all of a sudden you feel like doing something nice for someone you care for? That's GOD... He talks to you through the Holy Spirit.

Have you ever been down and out and nobody seems to be around for you to talk to? That's GOD... He wants you to talk to Him.

Have you ever been thinking about somebody that you haven't seen in a long time and then next thing you know... you see them or receive a phone call from them? That's GOD... There is no such thing as "coincidence."

Have you ever received something wonderful that you didn't even ask for? Like money in the mail, a debt that had mysteriously been cleared, or a coupon to a department store where you had just seen something you wanted, but couldn't afford? That's GOD... He knows the desires of your heart...

Have you ever been in a situation and you had no clue how it is going to get better, but now as you look back on it, you got through it? That's GOD... He passes us through tribulation to see a brighter day.

Millie

I’m a Simple Piece of Iron? Can I Shine?

I’m a Simple Piece of Iron? Can I Shine?

2 Cor. 3:18 And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

There is no time to be bored in Old Fort Langley. This is your chance to return to the 1830s and experience life as it was in pioneer Langley, British Columbia, Canada.

My youngest son and I were especially intrigued by the blacksmith. As he patiently created one of his many masterpieces, he took the time to explain each step in the process of turning an unattractive piece of metal into a work of art. We were fascinated as he repeatedly heated the iron in the fires of his forge and then placed it on his anvil and shaped it with sledges and hammers.

I could just imagine myself as that piece of iron. I could see myself looking at the fire and the anvil, I could feel myself shutter at the sight of the sledge and hammer, I could hear myself crying out: "Why is this happening to me? What have I done to deserve this? Ouch! Stop that! That hurts!" I would have had no idea that all of this was necessary in order for my Master to form me into a “work of art”!

As we were watching with fascination, the flat piece of iron was transformed almost miraculously into a beautiful leaf. When we examined it more closely, we were amazed to realize that it even displayed the intricate parts of a leaf!

But although its form was now beautiful, it was dull black in color. Once again it was heated red heat on the open forge, and then the master craftsman scrubbed it down with a bronze brush. In moments that dull appearance brightened up until a hint of gold reflected off of its surface. That little leaf was now fit to be worn even by a king!

This masterpiece now dangles with my key chain. I am reminded daily that I was once plain as well, dirtied by my many sins and addictions, but praise be to God, my Master is taking the time and effort to forge me into His image. It's true that I have often viewed the process with disdain, but I have received the outcome with joy and gratitude. I am now considered royalty. I am one of the King's sons!

"And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." (2 Cor. 3:18 NIV)

"Those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God." (Rom. 8:14 NIV)

It isn't any fun to go through trials and tribulations, but instead of despairing, let's spend out energy anticipating the glorious final product. When we do, our whining will be transformed into songs of praise!

"Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way." (James 1:2-4 The Message)

If you find yourself lost amidst the afflictions of life, turn to our Master. He will come to your rescue. His specialty is just that: helping His children! "If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get his help, and won't be condescended to when you ask for it." (James 1:5 The Message)

Can you turn the fire down please? It's kind of hot in here!

Would you prefer to remain a simple piece of metal?

Rob Chaffart