There it was at my feet. A blue “fishing pole” with a knit ducky attached to the end by a string. The fishing pole came moving forward towards me and then fell at my feet. There it was waiting for me to pick it up. It was the first thing I did every morning. My Bengal cat was ready to play and his favorite toy since he was four months old was the ducky. It was his favorite thing to do and whenever he was ready to play, he let me know by bringing the ducky from wherever it was in the house.
The game was rather simple. Use the “fishing pole” to hide ducky under the bed while Beau waited for the right time to pounce on the toy. Sometimes he liked to hide under the bed ruffle and wait for the ducky to swing by. Then at times he liked to have ducky up on the bed where it could hide under the covers or fly up in the air. That trick meant that Beau had to catch his prey in the air and bring it down to his level where he could show ducky that he was the king. The game fascinated him and it was played more than once through the day. Each time he brought the toy to me and begged to play.
Cats are known for their independence and usually when I want to spend some time with him in my lap, he could seem to care less. He will jump down and walk away. Then when I am really busy he becomes very insistent that he wants my attention. He will crawl over the computer desk, sit down on the bed while I am trying to fold clothes, or sit on the back of the rocker and put his paws in my hair. For some reason that satisfies him but the resulting hairdo is much less than perfect. But then that is why I like cats. I appreciate their personality and rather than make them behave I have to “read” their facial expressions or body language. I have the challenge of meeting them on their own terms.
There is a wonderful comparison between my cat and his antics and my relationship to God. Unlike my cat, I don’t have to get God’s attention. He is always there and hears me whenever I call upon Him. I can call upon Him and don’t have to wave anything back and forth to get His attention. He always has time for me and even when I have lost my way He still is there beside me. He knows my emotions and doesn’t have to play a guessing game to see if He can find me. Isn’t it great to know that God cares enough so that I always have His attention!
Friday, May 11, 2007
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
FINDING THE BEST SHORTCUT
Saving time. It's something we all try to do. It no longer seems like a day is a full twenty-four hours. There are committments to keep, jobs around the home that need attention, and children who need help in getting to a sports activity, doing homework or just need some special time or advice from a parent. It's so much to keep up with. That's why shortcuts are used so often.
Perhaps one of the most obvious things we all do is take a shortcut when we are around the house. I may need a hammer to hit something but rather than find the hammer, I use a block of wood or other flat object that looks like it will do the trick. Eventually I realize that only a hammer will work and I go on a hunt for the tool that I should have used in the first place.
The shortcut I take more than anything else is using a substitute for a ladder or step stool. I am about 5 feet tall and it always seems that everything is just out of my reach. I know I need a ladder but I try to stand on the closest thing nearby that I think will support my weight. Things may come down from the shelf but they don’t come down safely. I may stand on a chair or on the bed to change a light bulb rather than take the time to use a short step stool. The other area where I use shortcuts is when I am in the garage. Since our garage does not look like the neat and tidy ones on the home improvement shows, I usually have trouble finding what I want. That’s when I try to reach across a box or behind an object and hope to latch onto it so I can avoid moving all the clutter to get to what I needed. Usually that is when something falls down and I have a worse situation not than when I started. The quick fix caused more trouble that if I would have done things right the first time.
Our family is not mechanically inclined. We depend on an auto shop for repairs and maintenance for our cars. But at times we may have to wait to get something fixed/ That is when we usually take some type of shortcut so we can have a little more time to get the money we need to pay for repairs. On one of our visits to Pennsylvania we had a problem with our car. We would be driving along and from time to time we could not get the car started. We took it in to a mechanic where we were vacationing and he told us how much it would cost to fix it properly. The cost seemed high and we really wanted to have it serviced at home. The mechanic then showed us how to get safely home with a "little fix". There was a little cog that had been broken off and whenever that broken part came up to the top where the belt was, the car would not start. Here's the way we ended up and drove home. We started the car and if the engine wouldn’t turn over, we lifted up the hood and took a hammer and hit in the area where the missing cog was. With a little ingenuity we could start the car and continue on our way. We traveled over 350 miles like that!
Another shortcut I remember was also on vacation. We were within a couple of hours from our destination when we cane across a road closed sigh. If we took the time to turn around and go back to the nearest town we would lose 30 minutes of our time. My husband and his parents had constructed the cabin in the ‘60’s where we were going. Since he was very familiar with the area and claimed that he knew a shortcut, I put my trust in him. He was very familiar with the area and we were tired and wanted to just get to the cabin where we could rest. After several minutes passed I began to question whether or not he had missed a turn. He reassured me that he knew what he was doing and it wouldn’t be much longer until we reached the road. After almost an hour of driving we ended up back at our starting point. Trying to save time and take the shortcut took a large amount of time that we could have saved if we had followed the sign in the first place.
I know of an elderly lady who is living by herself. She does not have a lot of resources of money to get everything fixed. She has been having trouble with her washing machine for years. Rather than buy another one she takes a stick of wood and places it inside the washer, gives it a couple of whacks and the washer starts the cycle again. Not the best way to solve a problem and definitely there is a risk of getting hurt in the process, but it is a quick fix solution and apparently works.
I have a friend who is single and decided to clean and update part of her home. She decided to work on the floors in the kitchen and dining room and together we scrubbed off the old dirt and polished the floor so it was clean and shiny. She had dining room table set on the floor with a rug under it. Rather than move the table and clean the floor underneath, she simply ignored it because no one could see it. On another occasion she decided to paint the walls in her front hall and living room. She worked hard to lighten up the dark colors and the room looked brighter and more inviting. But she had heavy furniture and a large aquarium that was set up. Rather than move the furniture or even try to move the aquarium, she painted only the portion of the wall that she could reach. So, in several areas the wall was the original color, you just couldn’t see it. Another homeowner who purchased the home would see the problem because it would be visible.
As humans we try to find quick fixes for solutions in life. We spend money that we don’t have to help us feel better. We go on vacations that we can’t afford. We may binge eat or not eat at all to help us deal with the emotions of hurt, anger, and loneliness. We work hard at covering up problem areas in our life rather than face the situation “head-on”.
What is the one stabilizing force in our life that can help us? For Christians and others who look to us for answers the only to have the strength to work through the difficult times of life is to take our problems to the Lord. There is no “quick fix” for healing our minds and getting us focused on actually solving the problem. There is no shortcut to salvation. The steps are simple and all we have to do is to put our trust in the Lord. There are no quick solutions here. You must first believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that through Him We don’t have the answers to many things in life and without Him we can do nothing. Once we have accepted His sovereignty, confessed our sins and asked for forgiveness we put Him in control of our life. When we move through life with Him at our side we can find peace and happiness. The result of letting Him into our life is the “best fix” for everything.
Perhaps one of the most obvious things we all do is take a shortcut when we are around the house. I may need a hammer to hit something but rather than find the hammer, I use a block of wood or other flat object that looks like it will do the trick. Eventually I realize that only a hammer will work and I go on a hunt for the tool that I should have used in the first place.
The shortcut I take more than anything else is using a substitute for a ladder or step stool. I am about 5 feet tall and it always seems that everything is just out of my reach. I know I need a ladder but I try to stand on the closest thing nearby that I think will support my weight. Things may come down from the shelf but they don’t come down safely. I may stand on a chair or on the bed to change a light bulb rather than take the time to use a short step stool. The other area where I use shortcuts is when I am in the garage. Since our garage does not look like the neat and tidy ones on the home improvement shows, I usually have trouble finding what I want. That’s when I try to reach across a box or behind an object and hope to latch onto it so I can avoid moving all the clutter to get to what I needed. Usually that is when something falls down and I have a worse situation not than when I started. The quick fix caused more trouble that if I would have done things right the first time.
Our family is not mechanically inclined. We depend on an auto shop for repairs and maintenance for our cars. But at times we may have to wait to get something fixed/ That is when we usually take some type of shortcut so we can have a little more time to get the money we need to pay for repairs. On one of our visits to Pennsylvania we had a problem with our car. We would be driving along and from time to time we could not get the car started. We took it in to a mechanic where we were vacationing and he told us how much it would cost to fix it properly. The cost seemed high and we really wanted to have it serviced at home. The mechanic then showed us how to get safely home with a "little fix". There was a little cog that had been broken off and whenever that broken part came up to the top where the belt was, the car would not start. Here's the way we ended up and drove home. We started the car and if the engine wouldn’t turn over, we lifted up the hood and took a hammer and hit in the area where the missing cog was. With a little ingenuity we could start the car and continue on our way. We traveled over 350 miles like that!
Another shortcut I remember was also on vacation. We were within a couple of hours from our destination when we cane across a road closed sigh. If we took the time to turn around and go back to the nearest town we would lose 30 minutes of our time. My husband and his parents had constructed the cabin in the ‘60’s where we were going. Since he was very familiar with the area and claimed that he knew a shortcut, I put my trust in him. He was very familiar with the area and we were tired and wanted to just get to the cabin where we could rest. After several minutes passed I began to question whether or not he had missed a turn. He reassured me that he knew what he was doing and it wouldn’t be much longer until we reached the road. After almost an hour of driving we ended up back at our starting point. Trying to save time and take the shortcut took a large amount of time that we could have saved if we had followed the sign in the first place.
I know of an elderly lady who is living by herself. She does not have a lot of resources of money to get everything fixed. She has been having trouble with her washing machine for years. Rather than buy another one she takes a stick of wood and places it inside the washer, gives it a couple of whacks and the washer starts the cycle again. Not the best way to solve a problem and definitely there is a risk of getting hurt in the process, but it is a quick fix solution and apparently works.
I have a friend who is single and decided to clean and update part of her home. She decided to work on the floors in the kitchen and dining room and together we scrubbed off the old dirt and polished the floor so it was clean and shiny. She had dining room table set on the floor with a rug under it. Rather than move the table and clean the floor underneath, she simply ignored it because no one could see it. On another occasion she decided to paint the walls in her front hall and living room. She worked hard to lighten up the dark colors and the room looked brighter and more inviting. But she had heavy furniture and a large aquarium that was set up. Rather than move the furniture or even try to move the aquarium, she painted only the portion of the wall that she could reach. So, in several areas the wall was the original color, you just couldn’t see it. Another homeowner who purchased the home would see the problem because it would be visible.
As humans we try to find quick fixes for solutions in life. We spend money that we don’t have to help us feel better. We go on vacations that we can’t afford. We may binge eat or not eat at all to help us deal with the emotions of hurt, anger, and loneliness. We work hard at covering up problem areas in our life rather than face the situation “head-on”.
What is the one stabilizing force in our life that can help us? For Christians and others who look to us for answers the only to have the strength to work through the difficult times of life is to take our problems to the Lord. There is no “quick fix” for healing our minds and getting us focused on actually solving the problem. There is no shortcut to salvation. The steps are simple and all we have to do is to put our trust in the Lord. There are no quick solutions here. You must first believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that through Him We don’t have the answers to many things in life and without Him we can do nothing. Once we have accepted His sovereignty, confessed our sins and asked for forgiveness we put Him in control of our life. When we move through life with Him at our side we can find peace and happiness. The result of letting Him into our life is the “best fix” for everything.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
CONCENTRATE ON THE IMPORTANT THINGS
“May I help you?” asked Mike, the salesman at the computer department.
“We are looking for a new computer. Our old hard drive is acting up and we would like to buy a complete new system.”
The computer salesman looked knowledgeable and since a computer is a rather expensive item, we had questions that needed to be answered. We had already been in a couple of other competitor stores, so we knew what was available. We had researched several models and had also spent time over the phone discussing computers with our sons who are experienced computer technicians. Getting a good price was important and we didn’t want to buy one model only to learn later that another model was better.
We located a video game set-up on a computer nearby and decided to spend our time there until Mike could finish up his current sale. After a few minutes, Mike listened to our specifications and directed us to the display of computers. He showed us a new model that met most of our needs. We felt like we were really making progress, but in the middle of everything, Mike dismissed himself to go to the restroom. He returned several minutes later and we returned to the discussion about computers. Within a few minutes Mike had to leave the area to turn off the alarm that was ringing in the digital camera section. He returned to finish the discussion, but once again the alarm rang and he left the area.
Since we had been doing comparison shopping, we mentioned the price of a similar item at another store. Mike made the phone call and verified that the prices were both the same. Comparison shopping is very much a part of computer shopping and since the cost of the entire system would be around $900, we wanted to be sure that we were satisfied with everything.
The salesman directed us to the display of computers and showed us a new model that met most of our needs. The complete package was just over $900. Everything seemed to be going quite well until the salesman excused himself for a bathroom break. From there the experience went downward. On at least two other occasions Mike left during our conversation to shut off the alarm that kept going off in the camera department. He did take the time to research a comparable with another competitor and did verify that the prices were the same.
With all the interruptions we decided that we would go ahead and purchase the computer. We had waited patiently for almost an hour and in a few minutes more we could walk out the store with our computer and take it home and set it up. Mike left again, but this time when he came back he told us that the system was out of stock. Perhaps I am not as tolerant as most people, but checking the availability of the computer system at the beginning of the presentation would have saved all of us a lot of time. And, just as we were ready to leave, the alarm in the camera department went off again. Mike just couldn’t stay focused because of the interruptions throughout the day.
We returned to another store where we knew the item was in stock and bought the computer system there. It may have cost a little more overall but the service we received made the experience positive. It just didn’t seem that the customer was top priority in the store where Mike worked. We lost an hour of our day while waiting for answers to questions which was really unnecessary.
Trying to keep concentrated on one task seems to be a problem for me right now. I usually haven’t had much trouble in this area but recently there have been so many interruptions that I have lost my sense of direction. I may start one task and be asked to work on another one that needs my attention. During this time, my focus is changed and it is twice as hard to get back to the original problem that I was solving. We have to keep our eyes on our goals or we will not feel satisfied because the original ones have been pushed off to the side.
The same is true for Christians. We live in a world where everything calls out for our attention. The lure of money, the enticement of parties and having fun, and the desire for sexual satisfaction through worldly examples are just a few of the temptations that can get us off course. We have to keep our eyes on Christ and His example to be sure that we walk close to Him. In Psalm 32:8 we read, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go. I will guide you with My eye.” And in Psalm 119:18 we see that David requests “Open my eyes that I may see wondrous things from Your law”. Notice that the emphasis is on the eyes. The eyes that see and give us direction are important and help us to stay focused on the goals we set. These goals should include any specific directions or guidance that comes from God and the Holy Spirit. Without that, we wander around aimlessly and fail to see the blessings that God has for us.
Give special attention to the direction you are moving in life and see if you are truly focused on God and His will for your life. If not, then ask Him to show you the way so that you will not miss out on the blessings He has for you. Let your eyes look to Him so that you can follow the right path. By committing your life to Him you can be motivated and can keep your concentration on the right things.
“We are looking for a new computer. Our old hard drive is acting up and we would like to buy a complete new system.”
The computer salesman looked knowledgeable and since a computer is a rather expensive item, we had questions that needed to be answered. We had already been in a couple of other competitor stores, so we knew what was available. We had researched several models and had also spent time over the phone discussing computers with our sons who are experienced computer technicians. Getting a good price was important and we didn’t want to buy one model only to learn later that another model was better.
We located a video game set-up on a computer nearby and decided to spend our time there until Mike could finish up his current sale. After a few minutes, Mike listened to our specifications and directed us to the display of computers. He showed us a new model that met most of our needs. We felt like we were really making progress, but in the middle of everything, Mike dismissed himself to go to the restroom. He returned several minutes later and we returned to the discussion about computers. Within a few minutes Mike had to leave the area to turn off the alarm that was ringing in the digital camera section. He returned to finish the discussion, but once again the alarm rang and he left the area.
Since we had been doing comparison shopping, we mentioned the price of a similar item at another store. Mike made the phone call and verified that the prices were both the same. Comparison shopping is very much a part of computer shopping and since the cost of the entire system would be around $900, we wanted to be sure that we were satisfied with everything.
The salesman directed us to the display of computers and showed us a new model that met most of our needs. The complete package was just over $900. Everything seemed to be going quite well until the salesman excused himself for a bathroom break. From there the experience went downward. On at least two other occasions Mike left during our conversation to shut off the alarm that kept going off in the camera department. He did take the time to research a comparable with another competitor and did verify that the prices were the same.
With all the interruptions we decided that we would go ahead and purchase the computer. We had waited patiently for almost an hour and in a few minutes more we could walk out the store with our computer and take it home and set it up. Mike left again, but this time when he came back he told us that the system was out of stock. Perhaps I am not as tolerant as most people, but checking the availability of the computer system at the beginning of the presentation would have saved all of us a lot of time. And, just as we were ready to leave, the alarm in the camera department went off again. Mike just couldn’t stay focused because of the interruptions throughout the day.
We returned to another store where we knew the item was in stock and bought the computer system there. It may have cost a little more overall but the service we received made the experience positive. It just didn’t seem that the customer was top priority in the store where Mike worked. We lost an hour of our day while waiting for answers to questions which was really unnecessary.
Trying to keep concentrated on one task seems to be a problem for me right now. I usually haven’t had much trouble in this area but recently there have been so many interruptions that I have lost my sense of direction. I may start one task and be asked to work on another one that needs my attention. During this time, my focus is changed and it is twice as hard to get back to the original problem that I was solving. We have to keep our eyes on our goals or we will not feel satisfied because the original ones have been pushed off to the side.
The same is true for Christians. We live in a world where everything calls out for our attention. The lure of money, the enticement of parties and having fun, and the desire for sexual satisfaction through worldly examples are just a few of the temptations that can get us off course. We have to keep our eyes on Christ and His example to be sure that we walk close to Him. In Psalm 32:8 we read, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go. I will guide you with My eye.” And in Psalm 119:18 we see that David requests “Open my eyes that I may see wondrous things from Your law”. Notice that the emphasis is on the eyes. The eyes that see and give us direction are important and help us to stay focused on the goals we set. These goals should include any specific directions or guidance that comes from God and the Holy Spirit. Without that, we wander around aimlessly and fail to see the blessings that God has for us.
Give special attention to the direction you are moving in life and see if you are truly focused on God and His will for your life. If not, then ask Him to show you the way so that you will not miss out on the blessings He has for you. Let your eyes look to Him so that you can follow the right path. By committing your life to Him you can be motivated and can keep your concentration on the right things.
Friday, April 27, 2007
HOW WELL DO YOU LISTEN?
The moving van stopped at the one story ranch house. It had been a long drive to Arkansas and the reality of everything was just sinking in. Part of moving was fun and there was always an adventure along the way but the fact was that moving took a lot of work and involved plenty of changes. We had moved with our faithful companion Peanut, a mixed terrier. He was ten years when we moved so he had been a part of our family for quite some time.
Everyone had to make adjustments and we no longer had a fenced yard. Peanut was either on a leash or tied up in the front yard so that he could not wander away. It wasn’t long until I noticed a problem. More than one dog ran through the neighborhood and no one seemed to care. Leash laws were in effect but no one ever enforced them. On two different occasions our mutt was attacked by the German shepherd next door. The first incident found our dog at the mercy of the German shepherd and the teeth marks had torn into the skin and required stitches. The second time the same dog attacked our mutt and almost put puncture wounds through his abdomen. The problems with dogs had gotten out of hand and I was determined to watch the yard even more closely.
My next brush with dogs in the area happened when I observed one of our neighbors walking down our street. Her two dogs were running ahead of her and they roamed freely wherever they wanted to. My yard was no exception. It was just another area to them, and the owner did nothing to keep them walking with her. After I had observed this more than once, I decided to ask politely if she would keep her dogs on a leash. The last thing I wanted was another dog attacking my terrier.
Walking out to the street, I asked as politely as I could if she would please keep her dogs on a leash. I explained that my dog had already been attacked and I wanted to avoid any further problems. With all the frustration and anger that she could muster, she looked at me and boldly stated, “How dare you tell me that I can’t walk down this street! I’ll walk down any street that I please.” And with an uplifted chin and plenty of arrogance the neighbor walked away. She avoided our street for a while but her dogs were allowed to roam through the neighborhood.
What I noticed most was the fact that when she was asked to keep her dogs on a leash, the neighbor heard something entirely different. At no point did I ever tell her she couldn’t walk down the street. I wanted a little courtesy and consideration and yet I got much more than I bargained for. I had an angry neighbor who was upset for no obvious reason other than that she didn’t want to be held accountable for her actions.
Throughout life we meet all kinds of people. The thing I remember most about this experience was that this neighbor heard only what she wanted to hear. We all need to listen and hear what others are saying. “Listen carefully to me” are four words hidden within Isaiah 55:2. It is a skill that God wants us to develop. In John 8:43 we read “Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word”.
God speaks to us and yet we fail to listen to His voice and avoid getting into His word where we get guidance. Hebrews 4:11 illustrates that we can “become dull of hearing”. And Isaiah 65:12 reminds us that “When I called you did not answer; when I spoke you did not hear”. In our own lives we are often too busy to connect with others. We tune out the real conversations we have with others because we are too preoccupied. Not only do we ignore others in the world around us; we neglect to listen to God’s call and become hard of hearing his advice. Evaluate your own life and see if you are truly hearing God. If not, make a choice to listen, really listen to His voice and His word.
Everyone had to make adjustments and we no longer had a fenced yard. Peanut was either on a leash or tied up in the front yard so that he could not wander away. It wasn’t long until I noticed a problem. More than one dog ran through the neighborhood and no one seemed to care. Leash laws were in effect but no one ever enforced them. On two different occasions our mutt was attacked by the German shepherd next door. The first incident found our dog at the mercy of the German shepherd and the teeth marks had torn into the skin and required stitches. The second time the same dog attacked our mutt and almost put puncture wounds through his abdomen. The problems with dogs had gotten out of hand and I was determined to watch the yard even more closely.
My next brush with dogs in the area happened when I observed one of our neighbors walking down our street. Her two dogs were running ahead of her and they roamed freely wherever they wanted to. My yard was no exception. It was just another area to them, and the owner did nothing to keep them walking with her. After I had observed this more than once, I decided to ask politely if she would keep her dogs on a leash. The last thing I wanted was another dog attacking my terrier.
Walking out to the street, I asked as politely as I could if she would please keep her dogs on a leash. I explained that my dog had already been attacked and I wanted to avoid any further problems. With all the frustration and anger that she could muster, she looked at me and boldly stated, “How dare you tell me that I can’t walk down this street! I’ll walk down any street that I please.” And with an uplifted chin and plenty of arrogance the neighbor walked away. She avoided our street for a while but her dogs were allowed to roam through the neighborhood.
What I noticed most was the fact that when she was asked to keep her dogs on a leash, the neighbor heard something entirely different. At no point did I ever tell her she couldn’t walk down the street. I wanted a little courtesy and consideration and yet I got much more than I bargained for. I had an angry neighbor who was upset for no obvious reason other than that she didn’t want to be held accountable for her actions.
Throughout life we meet all kinds of people. The thing I remember most about this experience was that this neighbor heard only what she wanted to hear. We all need to listen and hear what others are saying. “Listen carefully to me” are four words hidden within Isaiah 55:2. It is a skill that God wants us to develop. In John 8:43 we read “Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word”.
God speaks to us and yet we fail to listen to His voice and avoid getting into His word where we get guidance. Hebrews 4:11 illustrates that we can “become dull of hearing”. And Isaiah 65:12 reminds us that “When I called you did not answer; when I spoke you did not hear”. In our own lives we are often too busy to connect with others. We tune out the real conversations we have with others because we are too preoccupied. Not only do we ignore others in the world around us; we neglect to listen to God’s call and become hard of hearing his advice. Evaluate your own life and see if you are truly hearing God. If not, make a choice to listen, really listen to His voice and His word.
ESCAPE FROM THE ROUTINE
My name is Kevin and what I am about to tell you is something that actually happened one night while I was working. I am a senior at Tyler High School and I have a part-time job to earn some extra cash for spending.
4:00 AM--- I was busy on the floor of the discount store working methodically to open the boxes of items on pallets that need to be put on the shelf. It wasn’t easy being on the late night shift and the work was tedious and monotonous. Music played through the store to help lift everyone’s attitude. The time between 3:00 and 4:00 was the hardest time of all. It simply was hard to stay awake.
I had worked hard to keep everything organized and with only a couple of hours to finish my shift I was looking forward to getting home. Most of the furniture boxes had been stocked and I was almost finished when I heard the sound. The clip, clop, clip, clop sound resonated on the linoleum floor and seemed out of place. I didn’t check to see what was going on for a while but after still hearing the noise, I became curious. Just as I walked into the center aisle I saw the most bizarre picture. I still can’t believe what I saw.
Two young men sat atop chestnut mares and were making their way down the aisle of the store. Both of the men looked to be about 21 and they were riding and laughing as if what they were doing was normal. Horses? In a discount store? You have got to be kidding? Yet, here it was right before my eyes. It took a moment for the shock to wear off.
I tried to figure exactly why the horses were in the store and I came up with four possibilities. Perhaps the young men had been challenged by their peers to pull this stunt just to prove that they could do it. Maybe it was part of a college fraternity initiation rite. There was the chance that they were on drugs and actually didn’t realize exactly what they were doing. The only other possibility was they both decided to do something “wild” just for fun and to see if they could get away with it. No matter what the reason, I stood there in astonishment as the team headed back towards the rear doors and then disappeared.
Everyone on the night staff began to talk about the incident. Most everyone had reacted with shock just like me. By now, everyone was laughing. It just didn’t seem plausible that something like this could happen. The manager had made his way to the back of the store where the loading docks were located. The floor manager had walked around the store trying to get everyone focused on their task. Boxes had to be opened and merchandise had to be shelved before the morning crew arrived.
The police had been notified of the prank and came into the store to ask questions. It was rather obvious that the officers on duty were not amused by the antics. The two pranksters had to be apprehended and held accountable for their actions. They questioned the manager and anyone else who may have seen the horses either come into the store or exit. This matter was no longer funny. It was serious and several items had to be taken into consideration so that the details of the story were accurate.
What could have been a peaceful night turned into a hectic scene that had consequences for many people. The risks that these two young men took put the safety of everyone in the store in jeopardy. Health concerns had to be dealt with and it was no small task cleaning up before more customers arrived. (Thankfully, I wasn’t part of the clean-up crew!) Adrenaline had taken over and I was fully awake. My intentions of leaving the store and going home to relax wouldn’t happen, at least for a while.
We all have times when we do things that are amusing. We say something in jest or fail to take things seriously. You tease someone without thinking how your words hurt the individual. You get mad while driving and dash out into traffic cutting off another driver ahead of you. You decide to drive through someone’s lawn because you’re angry. You ride with your friends in the country and go along the side of the road knocking down mailboxes. You take a chance at hiding items that you picked up in a store just to see if you can get away with it. No matter what the prank, it may seem insignificant at first but later on it becomes a problem. Dealing with the consequences may be harder than you thought
From a spiritual aspect, we may scoff at what Christians represent and reject the Bible as the Word of God. We may refuse to believe in Jesus as the Son of God. We may feel that there is plenty of time to make a decision to serve Christ and delay taking action to serve Him. We may even think that the principles in the Bible do not directly apply to us. In Luke 6:25b we are admonished “Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep.” In the context of the Scripture, Jesus is reminding the rich that pleasures and riches here on earth will not be enough to keep them in heaven. A Christian is certainly allowed to have fun but not at the expense of others. In the end, we will all have to stand before Him and give an accounting for the way we have lived our life. Look carefully at your life and be sure that part of your routine is spending quality time with the Lord. When you stay focused on Him, others will notice a difference. Your walk through life will guide you in the right direction where you can be a testimony to others who are seeking guidance. Can you commit to walking daily with Him?
4:00 AM--- I was busy on the floor of the discount store working methodically to open the boxes of items on pallets that need to be put on the shelf. It wasn’t easy being on the late night shift and the work was tedious and monotonous. Music played through the store to help lift everyone’s attitude. The time between 3:00 and 4:00 was the hardest time of all. It simply was hard to stay awake.
I had worked hard to keep everything organized and with only a couple of hours to finish my shift I was looking forward to getting home. Most of the furniture boxes had been stocked and I was almost finished when I heard the sound. The clip, clop, clip, clop sound resonated on the linoleum floor and seemed out of place. I didn’t check to see what was going on for a while but after still hearing the noise, I became curious. Just as I walked into the center aisle I saw the most bizarre picture. I still can’t believe what I saw.
Two young men sat atop chestnut mares and were making their way down the aisle of the store. Both of the men looked to be about 21 and they were riding and laughing as if what they were doing was normal. Horses? In a discount store? You have got to be kidding? Yet, here it was right before my eyes. It took a moment for the shock to wear off.
I tried to figure exactly why the horses were in the store and I came up with four possibilities. Perhaps the young men had been challenged by their peers to pull this stunt just to prove that they could do it. Maybe it was part of a college fraternity initiation rite. There was the chance that they were on drugs and actually didn’t realize exactly what they were doing. The only other possibility was they both decided to do something “wild” just for fun and to see if they could get away with it. No matter what the reason, I stood there in astonishment as the team headed back towards the rear doors and then disappeared.
Everyone on the night staff began to talk about the incident. Most everyone had reacted with shock just like me. By now, everyone was laughing. It just didn’t seem plausible that something like this could happen. The manager had made his way to the back of the store where the loading docks were located. The floor manager had walked around the store trying to get everyone focused on their task. Boxes had to be opened and merchandise had to be shelved before the morning crew arrived.
The police had been notified of the prank and came into the store to ask questions. It was rather obvious that the officers on duty were not amused by the antics. The two pranksters had to be apprehended and held accountable for their actions. They questioned the manager and anyone else who may have seen the horses either come into the store or exit. This matter was no longer funny. It was serious and several items had to be taken into consideration so that the details of the story were accurate.
What could have been a peaceful night turned into a hectic scene that had consequences for many people. The risks that these two young men took put the safety of everyone in the store in jeopardy. Health concerns had to be dealt with and it was no small task cleaning up before more customers arrived. (Thankfully, I wasn’t part of the clean-up crew!) Adrenaline had taken over and I was fully awake. My intentions of leaving the store and going home to relax wouldn’t happen, at least for a while.
We all have times when we do things that are amusing. We say something in jest or fail to take things seriously. You tease someone without thinking how your words hurt the individual. You get mad while driving and dash out into traffic cutting off another driver ahead of you. You decide to drive through someone’s lawn because you’re angry. You ride with your friends in the country and go along the side of the road knocking down mailboxes. You take a chance at hiding items that you picked up in a store just to see if you can get away with it. No matter what the prank, it may seem insignificant at first but later on it becomes a problem. Dealing with the consequences may be harder than you thought
From a spiritual aspect, we may scoff at what Christians represent and reject the Bible as the Word of God. We may refuse to believe in Jesus as the Son of God. We may feel that there is plenty of time to make a decision to serve Christ and delay taking action to serve Him. We may even think that the principles in the Bible do not directly apply to us. In Luke 6:25b we are admonished “Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep.” In the context of the Scripture, Jesus is reminding the rich that pleasures and riches here on earth will not be enough to keep them in heaven. A Christian is certainly allowed to have fun but not at the expense of others. In the end, we will all have to stand before Him and give an accounting for the way we have lived our life. Look carefully at your life and be sure that part of your routine is spending quality time with the Lord. When you stay focused on Him, others will notice a difference. Your walk through life will guide you in the right direction where you can be a testimony to others who are seeking guidance. Can you commit to walking daily with Him?
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
MARY COMES TO THE RESCUE
It was Saturday morning when we headed towards the service station to get our car checked. We had been having problems with the car stalling and stopping. Since we needed the car for transportation, we had to get it fixed. Getting up early and dealing with car problems was something that neither one of us wanted to do.
It seemed like this morning everything went wrong. We had taken our time driving into town hoping that we would make it to the shop before the car died. Near the top of the small hill at the corner of Adams and Van Buren our car stopped. No matter how much we tried to turn the engine over, it just wouldn’t cooperate. Being on a hill didn’t help matters either. We were so close to our destination and yet so far away.
Neither one of us really wanted to make the jaunt to the service station four blocks away. We were tired and frustrated. Just as we were trying to decide which person would go and which one would stay with the car, we noticed a woman about 40 years old. We hadn’t even seen her come up the sidewalk towards our car, but she casually looked into the open window on the passenger side and asked what was wrong. She listened and then to our amazement she asked us to open the hood of the car. She studied the inside, adjusted some part and then asked us to start the car. She told us what was wrong and said the car was safe to get to the service station. By no means should we stop the car or else it would stall again.
Mary was an angel in disguise that day. She walked that way every day and literally seemed to come out of nowhere. She came along at the most opportune time and with a good knowledge of mechanics. She had a good rapport with us and enjoyed helping people. You could tell that she was friendly and I’m guessing that she had helped many other people in need. We told her how appreciative we were. Then we drove the short distance to the service station so the car could be repaired.
On the way home we talked about Mary. It was no coincidence that she happened along the street where we were stalled. We truly believe that God had sent her to us and her help was just what we needed. Later, we drove down the same street where we saw Mary. We looked each time we went in that direction but we never saw Mary again. Her Christian attitude and guidance was something we will never forget. God in His wisdom sent us an angel who gave us a blessing. He is always with us and takes care of us. Open your eyes and see if an angel may be watching over you. And when you see that angel, thank God for His care and love. (Psalm 91:11)
It seemed like this morning everything went wrong. We had taken our time driving into town hoping that we would make it to the shop before the car died. Near the top of the small hill at the corner of Adams and Van Buren our car stopped. No matter how much we tried to turn the engine over, it just wouldn’t cooperate. Being on a hill didn’t help matters either. We were so close to our destination and yet so far away.
Neither one of us really wanted to make the jaunt to the service station four blocks away. We were tired and frustrated. Just as we were trying to decide which person would go and which one would stay with the car, we noticed a woman about 40 years old. We hadn’t even seen her come up the sidewalk towards our car, but she casually looked into the open window on the passenger side and asked what was wrong. She listened and then to our amazement she asked us to open the hood of the car. She studied the inside, adjusted some part and then asked us to start the car. She told us what was wrong and said the car was safe to get to the service station. By no means should we stop the car or else it would stall again.
Mary was an angel in disguise that day. She walked that way every day and literally seemed to come out of nowhere. She came along at the most opportune time and with a good knowledge of mechanics. She had a good rapport with us and enjoyed helping people. You could tell that she was friendly and I’m guessing that she had helped many other people in need. We told her how appreciative we were. Then we drove the short distance to the service station so the car could be repaired.
On the way home we talked about Mary. It was no coincidence that she happened along the street where we were stalled. We truly believe that God had sent her to us and her help was just what we needed. Later, we drove down the same street where we saw Mary. We looked each time we went in that direction but we never saw Mary again. Her Christian attitude and guidance was something we will never forget. God in His wisdom sent us an angel who gave us a blessing. He is always with us and takes care of us. Open your eyes and see if an angel may be watching over you. And when you see that angel, thank God for His care and love. (Psalm 91:11)
Friday, April 13, 2007
LET'S CLEAR UP THE CONFUSION
Frustration was etched on her face. It had been days since she had felt like doing anything “fun”. She was able to get up without a problem, but when it came to motivating herself to trying to get anything done, she was overwhelmed. The weather was beautiful outside, perfect spring weather. The stark trees were putting forth their buds and branches would soon be covered in a palette of green. The daffodils and tulips were blooming and the dogwoods were covered with buds that would burst forth in either white or pink. Everything was turning green and the colors were coming alive leaving the brown colors of winter behind.
Normally she would be outdoors at the first hint of spring, but this year it was harder. Family problems had taken a toll on her emotions and keeping everything in perspective seemed harder than in the past. It would be a day-by-day challenge to try to turn the depression around so that life would be enjoyable. It was something that only God could help her with.
The doctor had diagnosed the patient with clinical depression. One antidepressant would work and then without any warning it would quit working. At that point it was back to the beginning and starting all over with a new medication. It was like a proverbial roller coaster. Five or six months of feeling great followed by five or six months of being moody and feeling gloomy. It wasn’t until after changing doctors that she actually realized that the diagnosis was only partially correct.
Meeting with the doctor wasn’t as hard as anticipated. After exchanging some medical information the doctor began to unravel the cause of the problem that had gone with her throughout her life. The diagnosis was bipolar disorder and it was caused by an imbalance of chemicals in her brain. This time there was a solid diagnosis and medication that would work to keep the chemicals in the brain at a steady level. Thank God that there was an answer to the questions she had always had. Over a period of several months the depression cleared and life became a new routine that cleared the gloomy moods of the past into happiness and enthusiasm.
Many people think that depression is a sign of weakness and that you can really snap out of the gloomy mood. There is nothing further from the truth. With a diagnosis like bipolar disorder, it is essential that the medication be taken every day and at the same time. What is the risk if you don’t take the medication? At least two people that I have known have had to take an extended stay in the hospital and a period of readjusting to the medication again. In more advanced cases, hallucinations and images torture the mind.
Why? What could affect one individual so profoundly and yet others were able to escape from the struggle? In some cases it is caused by heredity and the balance of chemicals goes further than one generation. In other cases prolonged periods of stress depleted the regular balance of chemicals in the brain. All the busyness of day-to-day living can take a toll on anyone. One of the results of trying to keep up the fast pace of trying to fit everything into one day and not getting plenty of sleep can trigger an imbalance.
So, where does this fit into the Christian viewpoint? Many Christians think that depression and medication are not necessary if you wholly put your life into God’s hands. Others hide in confusion away from friends and have no idea what to do and are afraid to even discuss it with others. Some Christians believe that doctors and medication can help the situation but have to overcome the stigma of going to a psychiatrist or psychologist. And then there are the Christians who bravely take the steps to work through the process and discover a new aspect of their life and learn how to manage the problem.
It seems to me that John 8:32 helps us to gain a better understanding of times that our emotions are clouded. “And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” Not knowing the truth can cause emotional pain. Having a mind clouded by misunderstanding or a mind that is confused and not able to focus is not what God wants for us. Medication may be the answer but only by searching can you discover whether or not the alternative is right for you. God has agreed to take our burdens on His shoulders and He can lift our spirits. He is the one true friend in our life who can help us through the depression that may be tormenting our mind. He is also available to help us gain victory over the periods when Satan is attacking us. God is the one who can take you through the maze of life and bring us to the truth of His Word. Knowing that Word can keep us out of the chains of bondage that often bring us down. Yes, knowing the truth is the only way to gain peace and understanding.
Normally she would be outdoors at the first hint of spring, but this year it was harder. Family problems had taken a toll on her emotions and keeping everything in perspective seemed harder than in the past. It would be a day-by-day challenge to try to turn the depression around so that life would be enjoyable. It was something that only God could help her with.
The doctor had diagnosed the patient with clinical depression. One antidepressant would work and then without any warning it would quit working. At that point it was back to the beginning and starting all over with a new medication. It was like a proverbial roller coaster. Five or six months of feeling great followed by five or six months of being moody and feeling gloomy. It wasn’t until after changing doctors that she actually realized that the diagnosis was only partially correct.
Meeting with the doctor wasn’t as hard as anticipated. After exchanging some medical information the doctor began to unravel the cause of the problem that had gone with her throughout her life. The diagnosis was bipolar disorder and it was caused by an imbalance of chemicals in her brain. This time there was a solid diagnosis and medication that would work to keep the chemicals in the brain at a steady level. Thank God that there was an answer to the questions she had always had. Over a period of several months the depression cleared and life became a new routine that cleared the gloomy moods of the past into happiness and enthusiasm.
Many people think that depression is a sign of weakness and that you can really snap out of the gloomy mood. There is nothing further from the truth. With a diagnosis like bipolar disorder, it is essential that the medication be taken every day and at the same time. What is the risk if you don’t take the medication? At least two people that I have known have had to take an extended stay in the hospital and a period of readjusting to the medication again. In more advanced cases, hallucinations and images torture the mind.
Why? What could affect one individual so profoundly and yet others were able to escape from the struggle? In some cases it is caused by heredity and the balance of chemicals goes further than one generation. In other cases prolonged periods of stress depleted the regular balance of chemicals in the brain. All the busyness of day-to-day living can take a toll on anyone. One of the results of trying to keep up the fast pace of trying to fit everything into one day and not getting plenty of sleep can trigger an imbalance.
So, where does this fit into the Christian viewpoint? Many Christians think that depression and medication are not necessary if you wholly put your life into God’s hands. Others hide in confusion away from friends and have no idea what to do and are afraid to even discuss it with others. Some Christians believe that doctors and medication can help the situation but have to overcome the stigma of going to a psychiatrist or psychologist. And then there are the Christians who bravely take the steps to work through the process and discover a new aspect of their life and learn how to manage the problem.
It seems to me that John 8:32 helps us to gain a better understanding of times that our emotions are clouded. “And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” Not knowing the truth can cause emotional pain. Having a mind clouded by misunderstanding or a mind that is confused and not able to focus is not what God wants for us. Medication may be the answer but only by searching can you discover whether or not the alternative is right for you. God has agreed to take our burdens on His shoulders and He can lift our spirits. He is the one true friend in our life who can help us through the depression that may be tormenting our mind. He is also available to help us gain victory over the periods when Satan is attacking us. God is the one who can take you through the maze of life and bring us to the truth of His Word. Knowing that Word can keep us out of the chains of bondage that often bring us down. Yes, knowing the truth is the only way to gain peace and understanding.
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