Treading Water

 

When treading water you are doing what it takes to keep your head above water while not really moving forward. In other words, you're often doing what it takes to survive. Doing basic movements while gaining no ground in moving ahead. 

While treading water you can give your body a break from heavy physical exertion. However, you can only tread water so long before even this wears you out. At the worn out point a swimmer leans forward and floats (dead man's float) to give the legs and arms a break. 

Sometimes in life we can feel like we're treading water physically and mentally. We're just doing the basics to get through each day. This is ok but we must remember that while we're treading we are making no headway. We're only maintaining. 

I know very well what this is like. I felt like I had been treading water where my health is concerned for several years. A year ago I did something to move forward in correcting my health. Now I am on the mend and have knowledge to not be stuck treading water in my health anymore. 

I have also felt as though my husband and I have been treading water in life at home and at church for quite some time. Life has been a blur the past couple of years and we're tired. We have even had to do the dead man's float a few times. We finally took steps recently after a year of praying about what to do to make choices to move forward in a different direction. Now a lot of pressure and stress has been lifted. 

Sometimes treading water in life is absolutely necessary. Some days the bare essentials are all we can muster. With our minds consumed with the trials we're facing, our mental state is effected which in turn effects our physical state. So, it's ok during these times to tread or even float temporarily as we figure out what's next. 

Whose Lives Matter?

 

This post may upset some people but it's been weighing on my mind for some time now. In the past few months there has been a surge on Facebook of information and posts about pedophilia and sex and human trafficking. Awareness is always a good thing. Knowledge and truths will most definitely help save lives from abuse, destruction and death. I feel very strongly that every effort should be made to stop these dangerous practices.  

However, along with the posted information some have posted things such as "All lives matter except for pedophiles". When I read those, it made me cringe as I thought about what Jesus would say about that. See, I believe Jesus died for every person. Implying that a pedophile can't be saved is deciding which sins can and can't be forgiven and which people can and cannot be saved. I believe whosoever means anyone and each one who will accept the saving grace. Like I have stated before in a recent post, Jesus even died for those who will not accept Him. This is the all and the whosoever. I'd like to point out that God had to reach down just a far to save my wretched soul as he does the murderer, rapist, thief, and pedophile. When it comes to salvation from hell, liars, gossips, gluttons, and idolaters are equal sinners. God demands perfection and the only way to be perfect is to have the blood of Jesus covering you and applied to your sin debt. This is called imputed righteousness. It means that when you die, God will look at you and if you have accepted Jesus as your savior, He will see the righteousness of Christ and not your sin. 

So, to say that a pedophile's life doesn't matter is, in my opinion, wrong. Do I think they are sick? Yes. Do I think they should be punished for their wrong doing? Absolutely! They should be punished in a just and appropriate and fitting way. This may possibly include death for the heinous crime but it doesn't mean their life doesn't matter to God. Jesus in the gospels told us not to call anyone worthless. Sometimes in our humanness it's hard not to call someone that when we see a wasted life or one that causes harm. I've seen people who have turned their lives around and left drug or alcohol addictions behind. I've seen others mess up and do jail time but then straighten their life out and walk the right path from then on. Do their lives matter? Yes. No one has to stay what they once were or make the same mistakes they did in the past. I realize many do, but there are many who do not. Praise the Lord, I'm not what I once was! I am not what I hope to be but I can continue to strive towards my better self as long as I have breath left. Maybe the pedophile or so called worthless person you have a low opinion of just needs Jesus. Will you tell them about Him?

The Battle Scars of Life

 

I am almost 54 and when it comes to scars I have many. Most people do. We can barely escape childhood without some but adulthood brings them, too. Mothers have scars from childbirth. From stretch marks to episiotomies to tearing to c-sections, our bodies will never be the same. There are scars from surgeries and stitches and just cuts and scrapes. Some people have scars from acne. Nearly every teen goes through dealing with pimples and blemishes but some have more of a struggle than others which leads to a lifetime of scarring on the face. 

Often the scars have specific memories that go along with them. We remember the moment they showed up. These are the battle scars of our lives. 

Not all scars are physical scars. Some are mental. They wreak havoc on our emotions. They can't be seen on our physical bodies but they are just as lasting. They effect our actions and reactions to those around us; sometimes without our realizing it. Often these mental battle scars cause more brokenness within us than any of the physical scars. These scars take the most work to get over and move past. They have a profound impact on our relationships and can cause harm or can help us to use our scars to be better and more compassionate and empathetic towards others. 

When it comes to the physical battle scars do not be embarrassed by them. Think of them as trophies from battles that you survived. When it comes to the mental scars use them to help others and to remind yourself of the things you have overcome. 

Becoming a Noticer

 I want to say this post is inspired by an excerpt in a book I'm reading called "Only Love Today". I highly recommend this book for daily encouragement. 

I think I am a noticer most of the time in my daily life. I probably have days where I could be better at it than I am. However, I like observing people and watching their facial expressions, body language, actions and reactions. 

When you are a noticer you become tuned in to seeing what's really going on with a person. You notice the sad eyes behind a smile. You notice the bags and dark circles under the eyes that reveal tiredness and even exhaustion even though the person keeps on keeping on. You hear the cry for help behind the "I'm fine" statement when a person is at their wits end. You notice the anxiety and fear behind a child's acting out boldly to those around them. You notice the stand-offish attitude of another is probably from mistrust and feelings of isolation of a former hurt. You notice that the loud and boisterous person is probably covering their own feelings of inadequacy that was instilled in them earlier in life. 

You notice someone is in need of help at the store when you take your mind off self. You notice the withdrawn person may need an encouraging word or even a hug. You notice the excitement in someone's eyes when they are ready to explode with news to share when you pay attention to others. 

See, you can't just notice. You must do something about it. You must take some sort of action in order for the noticing to do any good for the other person and quite frankly for yourself. Giving of yourself and helping others does the heart good. You cannot lift up another without lifting yourself in spirit. A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.

I believe one of the best things to teach a child is to be a noticer. Teach them to notice hurt in another child when the whole group is against them. Teach them to notice a struggling waitress who is feeling overwhelmed but trying hard. Teach them to notice that all kids want to feel like they belong and teach them how to help that situation. 

Teaching a child to be a noticer will also keep them safer. Teach them to notice the cues of strangers that may want to cause harm. Teach them to never be so distracted they are easy prey for predators. Teach them to pay attention to their surroundings so they can describe where they are if they get lost. 

The noticers of the world are the helpers. They are the ones who see the beauty in the little everyday blessings of life such as the flowers, trees, sunsets, children at play and animals scampering.  They are the ones who enjoy the world around them. 

What a better world it would be if more people were noticers. Being a noticer could change the life of someone today. 

   

America and the Divides

I

I want to start by saying that I am white with a German and Irish heritage. I do not know what it's like to walk a day or a mile in a black person's shoes. Nor any other skin color for that matter. I was born in 1966 so I have very little first-hand knowledge of the civil rights movement. My knowledge comes from history books and documentaries and movies. I was a child of the 70's and a teen and young adult of the 80's. 

I do believe that there was a time in this country where there was systemic racism concerning black people. I think it's awful that there was ever a time in our history that you couldn't use public drinking fountains, eat in restaurants, go to the same schools as whites, or hold certain jobs based on your skin color. I can't begin to imagine what that was like. However, I would like to point out that there was also a time in our country when there was extreme prejudice against Irish people, Asian people, Polish people, and Jewish people. I grew up in a time when racial and ethnic slurs and jokes were common in society. Who from that era hasn't heard a "Polack" joke or some of the names associated with different people groups? But, you know what? Those jokes and names or terms are no longer common place in society. Are there still some who ignorantly use them? Yes! Because sin and evil people exist but it's not the norm. We had a black president for 8 years! As a matter of fact, I believe he was instrumental in stirring up the race problems again in this country during his time in office. Now, it's out of control. 

There is no systemic racism in this country anymore. People of all colors have the same laws. They have the same rights to pursue life and happiness as much as they want to try. Quite frankly, blacks and Hispanics have more opportunity for education than the average middle class white person. There are way more grants and loans available to minorities than there are for whites. 

When I watch what is happening in this country I'm sickened and saddened. People of color are demanding that white people pay for and make amends for things that happened before the white people were even born, or the people of color, too, for that matter. How is me kissing someone's foot going to fix something that happened 50, 100, or 200 years ago? How is it that a black person is owed restitution for something that never directly affected them? Just because they had an ancestor that was a slave, how does that mean they are owed money? By the way, not every black person is descended from slaves!   While we're talking of restitution should the Irish and Asian people also be paid since they were also enslaved? How does tearing down a statue or changing the name of a street, building, or institution help someone of color better themselves? It doesn't...be honest. None of this makes sense! Except that evil and sin always wreak havoc. 

Jesus says ALL lives matter. He made that abundantly clear when He suffered, died on the cross and rose again. He reaffirmed it when He said "Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved". Whosoever means ANYONE. Whosoever means ALL that will call. By the way, all means everyone in the world, and Jesus died for even those that would not call on Him. I would like to point out that I believe God created the different races at the Tower of Babel. I'd also like to point out that racism (which swings in every direction) didn't begin with America. It has existed since bible times. That doesn't mean it's right or acceptable but it does mean that people need to stop blaming the USA for it. There is an account in the book of Exodus where Miriam and Aaron (the sister and brother of Moses) were murmuring against Moses because he had married an Ethiopian woman. Most scholars believe that Zipporah was black. Many people try to say that God doesn't see races only the human race. Could be. Maybe. Galatians 3:28 - There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 

Colossians 3:11 - Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. 

These verses don't mention race or skin color. They also don't say that God doesn't see color. What they do say is that He doesn't differentiate between them. In other words, He loves them all! For me, it matters not skin color or ethnic back ground or heritage. If you treat me and my loved ones right, I will treat you right. Actually, I work hard at treating others right whether they treat me right or not. 

Satan is using people, as he always does, to divide and conquer this country that was built on God. There used to be two main groups that was used to accomplish this, race and class (skin color and rich vs poor). These are still being used but Satan is clever. He's added to that politics, environmental issues, social distancing and masks among many others. At this point, people can no longer agree to disagree and respect another's opinion even if you think it's wrong. People now DEMAND that all agree with them or they will scream, destroy property and become violent towards anyone who disagrees with them. It's mayhem and chaos and Satan is delighted by it. The more we bicker and take sides, the less people are focused on the true, behind-the-scenes motives and destruction of our country. The less focused on the cause of Christ which is the spreading of the Gospel. Guilty!!! I have often been caught up in the news and the chaos to the point of not telling others about Jesus. The latest craziness around the country is easier to talk about with passion and my opinion than telling someone how to go to heaven. NO MORE! I won't let my passionate feelings and opinions outweigh what is most necessary! I will fight for this country, my freedoms and my Savior on my feet and on my knees in every moment necessary. It's time every Christian remember the vocation by which ye are called and walk worthy of it! Keep the main thing the main thing. Don't let Satan distract us! 

A World of Christian Dabbling

It has been awhile since I posted. It's not because I haven't had things to write about but there have been so many topics that I wanted some time to think on and sort through before I posted. I want to blog with a clear mind and not during passionate reactions. 

Let's talk about what it means to dabble. I want to talk about the second meaning which is to take part in an activity in a casual or superficial way. Boy, this is what I see being played out in the USA today. Christians who think it's alright to be casual in their Christian walk. I will address this further later in this post. 

As I observe what is happening around the country these days, I feel that Christians are to blame at the core. Far too long we've been allowing the loud, liberal minority of the country to ram their ideals down the throats of conservative Christians. In an order not to offend, they make their demands and we say, "Okay" and do nothing much to stop it.  By minority I am not referring to a race, skin color, ethnic group or any other. I am simply referring to the fact that their agenda and ideals are those of the lesser number of the population because I do believe that Christianity is the most common view. It's just that since the 1960s Christians have been so worried about not offending and being accepting that they have gone silent. We are now the silent majority. 

 So now let's address what I mean specifically by dabbling. I mean being nonchalant and casual in how you live and conduct yourself on a daily basis. I can't tell you how many of my Facebook friends claim to be a Christian and one minute will quote Scripture on their wall and then post vulgar or crude images and/or profanity in the next post. I shake my head in exasperation and hide the post from my news feed. I see the posts about getting drunk or partying over the weekend and wonder does no one care about testimony!? Does no one care that they may be a stumbling block to someone's salvation? After all, why should they have a need for salvation through Christ when they see you who claims to be saved, act just like them?  

Faithful church attendance means nothing. It is something that is done when there is nothing else more important going on. I have been a member in several churches in several states now and I am tired of hearing how much someone loves the Lord yet won't come to Sunday school or church or heaven for bid, be on time if they do show up. If you showed your love for your spouse or anyone else you claim to love in the same way, the relationship would not last. 

Dabble, dabble, dabble.

Is there a prayer life going on? Do you pray outside of the walls of the church? Many church prayer lists are left laying in the pews. I reckon some of you are only praying while actually present at the church because you sure aren't taking the reminder list with you to know who needs prayer. And, some are only there occasionally so I suppose you are only praying occasionally. 

Dabble, Dabble, Dabble.

What about getting involved at church? There is no commitment or faithfulness. Everyone seems too involved in their own lives to help do anything at church, or commit to take part in an activity until the last minute or at all. Church services, church activities and the church building are not priorities. They are not thought about. I have had conversations with fellow pastors and pastor's wives and know the things I am writing about are widespread throughout many churches across the country. These things leave those in ministry questioning, floundering, frustrated and confused about how to move forward. What is the next thing to try to motivate people? Is it any wonder pastors are leaving ministry life at an alarming rate? They grow tired mentally and physically. 

I have said all this to make the point that this is what a world of Christian dabbling has lead to. Are you dabbling? Are you part of the problem in this country? Maybe it's time to self-evaluate. 

It's Best to Be an M&M

Last fall I took a few ladies to a ladies conference here in Oklahoma. One of the lessons has inspired this post. It was a lesson on the story of Mary and Martha. The lesson focused on the two different personalities of Mary and Martha and their priorities in life. 

When the lesson was over, my first thought was it seemed to me that the best thing was to be a blend of both Mary and Martha. Then I pictured M&M candies and thought it would be a good logo for a ladies ministry in the church. 

Wouldn't it be great if every lady could be the perfect blend of Mary who devoted her time to sitting at the feet of Jesus and learning of Him and adoring Him and also Martha who is a take charge and get things done kind of woman? Unfortunately, most of us are not that perfect blend. We tend to lean one way or the other. That's why we need both type of ladies in our churches, to keep things running smoothly. Sshhh! Don't tell the men leading that we are the ones keeping it smooth but really that's the case! LOL :) Think about it... the men leaders of the church say, "Let's have fellowship dinner" or "Let's do VBS" or "Let's have a carnival" and yet it's almost always the women in the church who organize those events, set them up and make sure things happen. Even with office stuff or mail outs or whatever. CEOs of large companies have secretaries and personal assistants that help them stay organized and get all the behind the scenes things moving so that they can be in charge. 

We need all the Marys at church to grow spiritually and pass on their new knowledge to others at church. We also need the Marthas to see the need and take the lead when things are needing done. I think maybe I should put up posters or pictures of M&Ms around the building to remind us ladies to be a blend of Mary and Martha. Both bible characters are important and we should strive to be a little of both.