Dancing in Vain

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.   ~  Psalm 20:7-8

     I trailed behind the kids as they entered the room, trying to keep up with the energetic group of boys I was in charge of this week for Kidz City, our version of children’s church. They clamored up on the risers, waiting to hear this Sunday’s Bible story from Mrs. Peggy. She reminded them of their story from last week about Elijah and the prophets of Baal. Asking the boys if they remembered what happened, they eagerly shared how God sent down fire and burned up Elijah’s altar after the prophets of Baal had danced for hours around their own altar with no response from their gods. (1 Kings 18)

     She then shared the Bible story about Elijah’s discouragement after this great event and how God had encouraged him by ministering to him through the angels.

     After she finished, a little boy named Jacob raised his hand. “Mrs. Peggy, why would those men believe those false gods could burn up their altar when they weren’t even real?”

     “Well,” Mrs. Peggy explained,” they put their trust in something that they believed was real. They loved these gods more than anything else so they believed their gods could do anything.”

     Another boy, Barron, raised his hand and asked if anyone could worship shoes. I had to chuckle. Anyone who’s heard of Sarah Jessica Parker in the TV show Sex and the City would know the answer to that question. Even though I never watched the show, I knew of her character’s obsession with expensive shoes.

     “If they think those shoes are more important than God, then yes, you can worship shoes.” she replied.

     They seemed satisfied with her answers and lined up at the door, ready to go have their snack.

     As I thought about these questions, I was amazed at the faith of a little child. Having been raised in Christian homes, these boys couldn’t understand how anyone would look to someone or something else for help. They know their God is powerful and believe He can do anything. They know who to ask when they have a need and believe He will take care of them.

     I was reminded of a series I recently watched on the History channel called “The Men Who Built America”. I was fascinated learning how four men, all but one from humble beginnings, literally built the industry of our country that made us financially great, through railroads, oil, steel and electricity. As the series delved into the lives of the famed Rockefeller, Vanderbilt, Carnegie and Morgan, it became clear what ruled their lives; money and power. These were ruthless men who would stop at nothing to accomplish their purpose. They each intended to become the most powerful and wealthiest man in America, and succeeded beyond what anyone could imagine.

     But at what cost? After years of conniving, wheeling and dealing and undercutting the competition, they began to see the uselessness of keeping so much for themselves. After all, they couldn't take it with them. And so they began giving it away in huge sums. However, that seemed to turn into a competition as well, seeing who could outdo the other in giving.

     I don’t know if these men finally understood at the end of their lives who the one true God is. I hope they did. I’m glad some of their fortune bettered our nation, but it’s sad to think they may have put their hope in that alone, just as the prophets of Baal did with their false gods.

     As this Christmas season fast approaches, we all need to be reminded of the only Hope we have for abundant and eternal life; Jesus Christ. No matter who or what the world tells us to put our trust in, we need to remember we can trust Him because He is the only one still in control. I pray those young boys in Kidz City will become strong men of faith who find their purpose by fulfilling the call God has on their lives, and always believing their God is big enough.

Are we faithfully asking ourselves if we are dancing in vain around the wrong gods?

A Special Blessing

Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits – who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion. 

~ Psalm 103:2-4    

     Let me state the obvious…it’s Thanksgiving week. I have been following a lot of friends on facebook who are posting each day this month something they’re especially grateful for. I thought about joining them, but knew I probably wouldn’t follow through. So I decided to just enjoy everyone else’s posts and save myself the guilt of not accomplishing yet another task on my to-do list.

     But today I want to share something from my heart that I’m especially grateful for.

     A little over a year ago, on October 25^th, 2011, my dad had surgery for lung cancer. We didn’t know what the outcome would be and were very concerned because he’d smoked for 50 years prior to his quitting 12 years ago. (Yes, that means he was eight when he started smoking!) He also has leukemia. Thank goodness it’s the best kind you can have, according to his doctor. But it was still another factor to consider when looking at his treatment.

     As my whole family and many friends sat in the waiting room and prayed for my dad during the surgery, I was overwhelmed by the love shown to us. There were many phone calls checking on dad’s progress and assuring us of their continued prayers, lots of visitors giving hugs, and even an especially thoughtful gift given by the ladies from my church of a goodie bag filled with fruit, candy, bottled water and a Chick-fil-a giftcard. They didn’t want us to have to worry about finding change for the vending machines. That right there is a ministry in itself for those sitting hours in a hospital waiting room. It comforted me and my family to know others cared enough to take time out of their day to minister to us.

     After a very long surgery we were relieved when the doctor came out with good news. He felt they had gotten all the cancer and it was confined to one lung. They took out a large portion of that lung and said it would take him a full year to regain most of his strength.

     Several weeks later it was confirmed that he was completely cancer free and wouldn’t need any chemo or radiation .We were amazed by God’s grace and mercy.

     It was hard during the last year to watch Daddy go from being a strong and healthy man to one who was weak and struggled to walk any amount of distance without getting winded. But now he is strong again, back to doing all of the yard work and carpentry he has always loved.

     The past year has been a difficult one for our family, especially my mom. Other than dealing with my dad’s cancer, last March her only brother died unexpectedly and less than two months after that her mother passed away. So I’m sure this upcoming holiday season will be difficult.

     But we are grateful for those who are still with us, especially my dad. I know it could have gone the other way, and I praise God that He’s not finished with Daddy yet.

     So this Thanksgiving I want to say how grateful I am to God for my dad’s recovery and also for all of the loving friends and family who have supported us over this last year. You are definitely a special blessing to our family. May God bless all of you with a bountiful Thanksgiving, full of His love and grace. 

The God Who Sees

                     Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father 

               of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.  ~  James 1:17     

     God showed up for me today. Not in a major rock your world type of miracle, but in a little thing I was disappointed about yesterday.   

     I know many of you ladies will understand my predicament. Several weeks ago I purchased a few items from a clothing store and received $30 in City Cash to use between a certain few days in November. However, these particular days happened to fall when I was out of town, had a sick child and an important doctor’s appointment. Yesterday was the last day I could use the reward. As I left the doctor’s office I had a choice to make - I could go into Greenville 20 minutes away at 4:00 in the afternoon to use the coupon or I could head the other direction toward the grocery store and make sure my family had something decent to eat for supper. I chose the latter. I was disappointed I hadn’t been able to use the “free money”, but knew my family would agree my time was better spent at the grocery store.

     I had forgotten all about it this morning as I was reading a chapter out of the The Pastor Driven Wife by Paula Russell and co-written by my friend Kim Aldrich. I was almost jealous as I read how God had worked in a particular situation during a Christmas party for inner city kids where Paula served. God provided a very specific need no one in the ministry was even aware of. Because that need was met through a loving group of people, God was glorified. All parties involved knew His hand had to have orchestrated the circumstances.

     As I reflected on all of the previous ways God had shown up in this woman’s life through the experiences she shared in the book, I realized how sporadic my prayer life has become. The reason Paula had seen God show up so much was because she had become dependent on Him. I’ve been wandering around aimlessly these last few weeks because I’ve been confused over the direction I’m supposed to go. But I also haven’t taken the time to say much more than a quick hello to God in the mornings – if that. How can God show up in my life when I'm not even paying attention?

     I immediately felt led to spend some time in prayer. At the close of my sweet time of prayer, I boldly asked God to show up in my life as He had for Paula.

     Lest you think I’ve never seen God’s hand at work in my life, I have. I’ve seen Him in many different, and even miraculous, ways. But I haven’t been experiencing Him like I used to. I know it’s my own fault. I’m the one who hasn’t been growing our relationship and today I realized how much I miss Him.

     A while later, as I was about to leave for a hair appointment in Greenville, I checked my e-mail. Lo and behold there was a message from the previously mentioned clothing store declaring they had extended their redemption of City Cash one more day! Since I was headed to Greenville I could stop on the way home and use it.

     I know this may seem a little shallow for a Christian woman to be sharing, but when I read that e-mail I knew it was a personal note from God saying He sees me and cares about even the smallest detail of my life. I’d made the right choice denying my wants yesterday and putting my family first and He honored that.  I wish I could say I prioritize well all the time, but I don’t.

     Things won’t always work out that well. Many times we make sacrifices and feel as if God doesn’t care. But He sees every sacrifice we make. He’s not a genie in a bottle, but He is our loving Father who cares enough to reveal Himself to us today and every day. Today it was through a coupon, who knows what it will be tomorrow.

How has God been revealing Himself to you lately? 

PS - Thanks, Kim, for sharing this wonderful and inspirational book with me!