Five Minute Friday — Progress

Posted on August 7, 2020 by wisdomfromafather

Time for Five Minute Friday thoughts. I can’t wait to join my fellow writers at the Community link-up at fiveminutefriday.com as we share our pearls of wisdom or our pig’s ears and just mix and mingle like we do at our #fmfriday Twitter party on Thursday night awaiting the prompt.

I’ve been sharing snippets taken from Five Minute Friday: A Collection of Stories Written in Five Minutes Flat compiled by Susan Shipe. They are a testament to the value of the exercise. This week, I’ll share some perspective from Kristin. I hope she inspires you to check us out … and maybe join in?

“I’ve been inconsistent writing for the Five Minute Friday link up throughout the years, but my words are always welcomed. That’s what I love about this flash mob writing community. These writers know our words and stories matter. Sometimes instead of writing stories, we’re living them, hence the lack of post for any given week, but our words are welcomed. Five Minute Friday is a community of people who come to their computer screens from all kinds of lives. There are stay-at-home moms and women who’ve never had kids. There are empty nesters and newlyweds. There are single ladies and a couple of brave men. People have jobs and insecurities and dreams. All of that comes to the virtual table of the gatherings that begin on Twitter each Thursday night and carry over to everyone’s blogs on Friday and throughout the coming week. There are so many ways to be a writer and this community embraces them all.”

With that, the prompt has been revealed — PROGRESS — and the timer is set. So, it’s time to GO…

As writers we often refer to WIP– work in progress. It could be at any stage, the beginning, middle scenes or ending. We refer to them as in progress because they are not finished.

As authors we’re threading the story, developing the characters, bringing them to life, and ultimately to a resolution. For me, I’m more of a Hallmark writer, recognizing the plot twists but ending up under the proverbial mistletoe.

In a way, our lives are that way too. Of course, we’re replaced by the Author who has outlined a flow for our story. It may take unpredictable twists and turns and we — being humans with free will — sometimes follow down a wrong path (our plot twist). We’re the characters being developed. We’re having the adventures, the happiness, the sadness. And we are being weaved into a dramatic climax by our Author.

Unlike our … STOP

… writing, however, is how much we — the characters — influence the ending. We know what the Author intends, but unlike the personalities we develop, we have a say in how the story ends.

We are a WIP, a work in progress. We can twist the plot and end up chasing a rabbit hole to death, destruction, and hell or we can follow the Author’s outline for a happy ever after.

What progress are you making on your story?

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Enjoy the day, for today’s moments will be tomorrow’s memories.

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Bucket List

Posted on August 6, 2020 by wisdomfromafather

As I  am wont to do, I was Tune In hopscotching and landed at B 105.7, Indianapolis, IN. Between light listening tunes, DJ Eric Allen shared responses to an interesting question he posed back in April — where is a place you would like visit around home?

He posted the question when people were thinking about all the things they are not doing … missing out doing … or wish they were doing.  He reasoned there was something productive you can do – either as an individual or as a family: Every time you wish you do something, go somewhere, treat yourself, see someone you love, visit a new place, invite someone to visit you, write it down on a piece of paper and put it in a jar.

Whenever things get back to normal, allow this jar to be your bucket list.  Work your way through all the things you wrote down – all the things you missed and all the things you wished you could be doing.

“As you work through that jar, more than likely you’ll have a sense of gratitude and probably will have a new perspective to not take the little things we miss now for granted,” he said, encouraging his listeners to enjoy filling up that jar.  He called it a “quarantine bucket list.”

So, now that the quarantine is lifted (at least in Indiana), he has been asking his followers to report their bucket list. His only caveat was the visit or event being in a 200 mile radius of Indianapolis. Thus far, some of the responses have been trail biking or hiking, attending the Indianapolis 500, and going to museums or zoos.

That woke up my neurons. They started darting hither and yon and reminded me how often we take the things closest to us for granted. For example, I lived in the shadow of the Statue of Liberty  for better than 30 years — and never went there. We penciled it in during a family trip back home, but it was under renovation and repair so we settled for seeing Lady Liberty from a distance. That’s just one of dozens of “tomorrows” that never materialized, be it in New Jersey, Illinois, Ohio, Washington, DC, Maryland, or New York.

My wanderlust has resulted in numerous staycations and day trips through the years. It wasn’t unusual to take the kiddos to some obscure outpost for the day in addition to the usual tourist traps. Karen and I did a lot of wine tasting and B&B hopping, especially after the kids flew out of the nest.

With more time on my hands, I have been a little more proactive traveling around Maine. I can say — and pat myself on the back while saying it — I have visited each of Maine’s 16 counties — including antiquing in Portland, stopping at Old Fort Western in Augusta, whale watching in Bar Harbor, sunrises in Lubec, and just plain enjoying the mountains, lakes, rivers, and ocean.

I do have a few Maine highlights to add now that I’m back. I did not get to see a Northern Lights display. I never took a Katahdin Cruise on Moosehead Lake. I never went back to hike to Tumbledown Pond {I did hike about halfway up the trail}. I never made it to the Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory (the tallest observatory bridge in the United State — 420 feet in elevation) nor the Maynard F. Jordan Observatory in Orono (planetarium). Outside Maine, I failed to drive up Mount Washington in the White Mountains in neighboring New Hampshire or visit Prince Edward Island, Canada.

Trying to keep this spot interactive, what would throw in your local “bucket list jar”? Just share where you’re from and what hidden (or very visible) gems are in your neck of the woods that you have put off visiting or doing until “tomorrow”.

Then remember, no one is promised tomorrow.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Humble people live to serve.

 

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Midweek Mirth

Posted on August 5, 2020 by wisdomfromafather

One of the misconceptions about being a Christian is non-Christians think we don’t know how to have fun or have a sense of humor. Trust me, if the Big Guy can have a sense of humor when it comes to dealing with us mere mortals, so can we.

The difference for Christians is we don’t have to debase ourselves or others to generate a smile. Laughter at life or ourselves is a gift from God.

Here’s this week’s edition of Midweek Mirth  … so let’s smile a little!

The Privileged Rich

“Take a pencil and paper,” the teacher said, “and write an essay with the title If I Were a Millionaire.” Everyone but Philip, who leaned back with arms folded, began to write furiously.

“What’s the matter,” the teacher asked. “Why don’t you begin?”

“I’m waiting for my secretary,” he replied.

… And now for the bonus …

The Music Critic

A couple phoned a neighbor to extend birthday greetings. They dialed the number and then sang Happy Birthday to him. But when they finished their off-key rendition, they discovered they had dialed the wrong number.

“Don’t let it bother you,” said a strange but amused voice. “You folks need all the practice you can get.”

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: An optimist laughs to forget; a pessimist forgets to laugh. — Tom Nansbury

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New News

Posted on August 4, 2020 by wisdomfromafather

Well, the virtual date — an evening with yours truly — is in the books. As I did my self-assessment following the presentation, I concluded:

— I am not technologically savvy. In fact I am technologically challenged.

— I am a hopeless procrastinator. Instead of testing technology in advance, I waited until Friday — afternoon at that — to prepare for the broadcast. Guess what? Internet was not available in the community room; sharing wi-fi through my phone, which was actually sharing signal strength from a different carrier, slowed down the speed; I had trouble with the audio.

— I ended up broadcasting from my living room with just about 15 minutes to spare that looked like I was broadcasting from my living room, something I have been critical about during the pandemic.

— I discovered I am a better writer than speaker. That’s not totally true. I’m comfortable preaching or in small groups, but that little light on the computer is intimidating. As intimate as I try to be, I can’t gauge the audience. I can’t tell when I have their attention and when I’ve lost them with a wayward tale.

Not too many joined in live, although there may have been a settings glitch that darkened the live broadcast for some. Still, at last count, about 140 people have tuned in to the replay. It’s at facebook.com/wisdomfromafather/videos/1366121193573728/ if you’re brave enough to watch the 1:03:47 presentation.

Despite some technical missteps and a brief interruption when the dog went a little crazy when my neighbor stopped by for the show, it was okay. All of the comments were positive. They said the presentation was interesting and somewhat surprising since I wasn’t necessarily “selling” but filling in some of the blanks about my life and the writing experience. One friend commented, “Your relaxed way of communicating helped me to focus on your story. I felt like we were out for coffee talking. It was nice to get to know the ‘author’ even though I know the person.”

That being said — and really burying the lede — there were some significant announcements. I have been busy during this pandemic.

First, I’ve been working with my publisher, Rebecca Bentson of Higher Ground Books & Media, to create an audio version {I’m not involved in the narrative!} of My Name Is Sam … and Heaven Is Still Shining Through. I’ve listened to a few chapters, but Rebecca has been involved from day one. “Wow!” she said. “It turned out so good! I’m an audio book lover, so it was great to hear the story … [it] really painted a complete picture of the story for me. By the end, I was in tears. Thanks for that. LOL.”

The audio version has been submitted for final review with ACX and approve it for sale. It takes a bit for that to happen, but we are getting close. I’ll keep you posted.

The next news revealed is the cover for Wisdom From a Father … one dad’s thoughts on life — Vol. 2 is finished and has been downloaded. The final draft is almost ready to go and awaiting a couple of beta read returns, edits, and formatting for an Oct. 8 release. More details will follow next month.

Also scheduled for release this winter is a children’s Christmas book, Yes, There Is a Santa … And I’ve Met Him Personally Many Times. Originally penned as a Christmas gift for my grandchildren and great-grandchildren last year, I spent the quarantined time cleaning it up, cutting it down, and converting it for a broader audience. It is designed to be read to children, with a light, fluffy message for the kiddos and a deeper message for the narrator. Rebecca and crew helped with the editing and set me up with an illustrator to add some graphics to the 57 page project. Illustrations are due Sept. 1 and we’re shooting for a pre-Thanksgiving launch.

The last tidbit revealed was I am working on a new project. I’m about halfway through still to be named WIP. Samantha is still an integral part of the story … not directly, but rather her legacy, especially with her granddaughter. To be honest, I chased down a rabbit hole and I’ve been stuck there for a few weeks. I have to decide whether the delete button is in the future or to continue exploring. Hmm. The trials of an author.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated. — Confucius

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On Broken Wings

Posted on August 3, 2020 by wisdomfromafather

We’re sharing Joan Clayton’s experience as Words for the Week.

I wanted to share an experience I had concerning broken wings. This experience came when I needed it the most. In June 2003 my husband was in a terrible car wreck. He spent several days in the hospital. I have expressed my gratitude to God many times for saving his life. His body was one solid bruise, a whiplash, and broken ribs. I had to get a strong stance just to help him up (he’s 6’3″ tall) as he couldn’t do that by himself.

I did great for two weeks, but utter exhaustion and emotional drain attacked me. I went to bed one night, half praying, half crying and half asleep, sort of in that twilight zone just before falling asleep. (Some may call this a dream, but to me it was straight from God.) I had what I call a vision. I saw a beautifully wrapped package with beautiful ribbons and bows. I tore into it immediately and there lay a bird’s wing, shimmering in brilliance and outlined in silver and gold. I immediately fell asleep and awakened the next morning totally restored.

I just knew this had to be in the Bible and I found it. It was Psalm 68:13 (NIV): Even while you sleep among the campfires, the wings of my dove are sheathed with silver, its feathers with shining gold.

The Comforter had come to me, and, by the way, my husband recovered.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: People with good intentions make promises. But people with good character keep them — Eric Thomas

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Jehovah Our God Is One Jehovah

Posted on August 2, 2020 by wisdomfromafather

Listen, O Israel: Jehovah our God is one Jehovah. — Deuteronomy 6:4

For centuries, the six words of the Hebrew text of Deuteronomy 6:4 have been used by people of the Jewish faith as part of a devotional prayer. They say it daily, morning and evening. This prayer is called the Shema, which is the first word of the verse. With this prayer, devout Jews declare their exclusive devotion to God.

Those words are part of Moses’ parting speech to the nation of Israel gathered on the plains of Moab in the year 1473 BCE. The nation was about to cross the river Jordan to take possession of the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 6:1). Moses, their leader for the past 40 years, wanted the people to be courageous when facing the challenges ahead. They needed to trust in Jehovah and be faithful to Him as their God. Moses’ final words would understandably have a profound effect on the people. After mentioning the Ten Commandments and other regulations Jehovah had given the nation, Moses made the powerful declaration found at Deuteronomy 6:4, 5. 

Did the Israelites gathered there with Moses not know Jehovah their God is “one Jehovah”?

Of course, they did. Faithful Israelites knew and worshiped only one God​ — the God of their forefathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. That being so, why did Moses call to their attention Jehovah their God is one Jehovah? Does the oneness of Jehovah relate to loving Him with one’s whole heart, whole soul, and whole strength, as stated in verse 5? And what meaning do the words of Deuteronomy 6:4, 5 have for us today?

The word “one” in Hebrew and many other languages can mean much more than a simple number. It can imply being unique, the one and only. Jehovah is the Maker of heaven and earth, the Sovereign of the universe. There is no real or true God but Him; no other god is like Him (2 Samuel 7:22). Thus, Moses was reminding the Israelites their worship of Jehovah must be exclusive. They were not to follow the people around them who worshiped various gods and goddesses. Some of those false gods were viewed as ruling over certain parts of nature. Others were separate forms of a particular deity.

For example, the Egyptians worshiped the sun-god Ra, the sky-goddess Nut, the earth-god Geb, the Nile-god Hapi, and numerous sacred animals. Many of these false gods were dealt devastating blows by Jehovah through the Ten Plagues. The prominent Canaanite god was Baal, the god of fertility, who also appeared as the god of the sky, rain, and storm. In many places, Baal was the local patron deity as well (Numbers 25:3). The Israelites were to remember their God, the true God is one Jehovah (Deuteronomy 4:35, 39).

The word “one” also suggests unity and oneness of purpose and activity. Jehovah God is not divided or unpredictable. Rather, He is always faithful, consistent, loyal, and true. He promised Abraham his descendants would inherit the Promised Land, and Jehovah performed mighty deeds to fulfill that promise. The passing of 430 years did not diminish Jehovah’s determination to do so (Genesis 12:1, 2, 7; Exodus 12:40, 41).

Centuries later, when identifying the Israelites as His witnesses, Jehovah told them: I am the same One. Before Me no God was formed, and after Me there has been none. Emphasizing His unchanging purpose, Jehovah added: I am always the same One (Isaiah 43:10, 13; 44:6; 48:12). What an extraordinary privilege for the Israelites​ — and for us — ​to be servants of Jehovah, the God who is consistent and loyal in all his ways (Malachi 3:6; James. 1:17)!

Yes, Moses reminded the people Jehovah was constant and unchanging in His love and care for them. That being so, it logically followed they were to render Him exclusive devotion, loving Him unreservedly with all their heart, soul, and strength. Young ones too were to follow this way of complete devotion because the parents were to teach the children at every opportunity (Deuteronomy6:6-9).

Because Jehovah is unchanging and constant regarding His will and purpose, it is clear His fundamental requirements for true worshipers remain the same today. For our worship to be acceptable to Him, we too must give him exclusive devotion and love him with our complete heart, mind, and strength. In fact, that is exactly what Jesus Christ told an inquirer (Mark 12:28-31). Let us, therefore, see how we can show by our actions we truly understand Jehovah our God is one Jehovah.

To have Jehovah as our one and only God, we should give Him our exclusive devotion. Our worship of Him cannot be divided or shared with any other gods nor tinged with ideas or practices from other forms of worship. We must bear in mind Jehovah is not just one among many gods; nor is He even the highest and most powerful among them. Only Jehovah is to be worshiped (Revelation 4:11).

In the book of Daniel, we read about the Hebrew youths Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. They demonstrated their exclusive devotion to Jehovah not only by abstaining from eating foods that were unclean but also by refusing to bow down to Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image. Their priorities were clear; there was no room in their worship for compromise (Daniel 1:1–3:30).

To give Jehovah exclusive devotion, we must be careful not to allow anything to take, or even to share, the place in our life Jehovah alone should occupy. What might such things be?

In the Ten Commandments, Jehovah made clear His people must have no other gods besides Him and they must not practice any form of idolatry (Deuteronomy 5:6-10). Today, idolatry can take many forms, some of which might be hard to recognize. But Jehovah’s requirements have not changed​ — He is still one Jehovah. Let us see what meaning that should have for us.

At Colossians 3:5, we find strong counsel to Christians regarding what might break their exclusive relationship with Jehovah. Note greediness is linked to idolatry. That is because the object of one’s desire, such as riches or luxuries, can become so controlling in life, it takes on the role of a powerful god. But when we look at the entire verse, it is not hard to see all the other sinful practices mentioned are in some way connected with greediness and thus with idolatry. The craving for such things can easily take the place of our love for God. Can we take the risk of allowing any of these things to control us, so Jehovah is no longer one Jehovah to us?

No, we cannot.

The apostle John made much the same point when he warned if anyone loves the things in the world​ — the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the showy display of one’s means of life — then the love of the Father is not in him (1 John 2:15, 16). This means we need to examine our heart constantly to see if it is being enticed by worldly entertainment, associations, and styles of dress and grooming. Or the love of the world might involve efforts to attain “great things” (Jeremiah 45:4, 5).

We stand at the threshold of the promised new world. Thus, how important it is we keep well in mind Moses’ powerful words! If we clearly understand and firmly believe Jehovah our God is one Jehovah, we will do all we can to give Him exclusive devotion, serving Him as He approves (Hebrews 12:28, 29).

The oneness of Jehovah also implies unity and oneness of purpose, characteristics we as His worshipers must have as we serve Him. The first-century Christian congregation was made up of Jews, Greeks, Romans, and people of other nationalities. They had different religious backgrounds, customs, and sensibilities. Because of that, some had difficulty accepting the new way of worship or fully relinquishing their former ways. The apostle Paul found it fitting to remind them Christians have one God, Jehovah (1 Corinthians 8:5, 6).

What about the situation in the Christian congregation today?

The prophet Isaiah foretold in the final part of the days, people of all nations would flock to Jehovah’s elevated place of true worship. They would say: [Jehovah] will instruct us about His ways, and we will walk in His paths. (Isaiah 2:2, 3) How happy we are to see this prophecy undergoing fulfillment before our eyes! The result is many congregations have become multiracial, multicultural, and multilingual, giving praise to Jehovah. This diversity, however, can present issues that merit our serious consideration.

For example, how do you feel about fellow Christians who are from cultures very different from your own? Their first language, style of clothing, manners, and food may not be what you are accustomed to. Do you tend to shy away from them and associate mainly with those who have a background similar to yours? Or what if those appointed as overseers in your congregation​ are younger or are culturally or racially different from you? Do you allow such matters to undermine the unity and oneness of purpose that should exist among Jehovah’s people? What can help us to avoid such pitfalls?

To the Christians in Ephesus, a prosperous and diversified city, Paul offered some practical counsel (Ephesians 4:1-3). Note Paul first mentioned such qualities as humility, mildness, patience, and love. These might be likened to the pillars of a house that keep it standing. But besides having strong pillars, a house needs maintenance, which must be done regularly; otherwise, deterioration could set in. Paul appealed to the Ephesian Christians they earnestly endeavor to maintain the oneness of the spirit.

Each of us should accept it as his or her personal responsibility to contribute to maintaining the oneness in the congregation. What can we do?

First, cultivate and display the qualities Paul mentioned​ — humility, mildness, patience, and love. Then, put forth earnest effort to promote the uniting bond of peace. We should work to repair, as it were, any fissure-like weaknesses that may appear. Doing so, we contribute to the maintenance of our precious peace and unity.

Jehovah our God is one Jehovah. What a powerful statement! That reminder fortified the Israelites to confront the challenges facing them as they entered and took possession of the Promised Land. Our taking those words to heart will empower us and contribute to the Paradise to follow. Let us go on rendering exclusive devotion to Jehovah by loving and serving Him whole-souled and putting forth earnest effort to maintain oneness in the Christian brotherhood. If we continue to do so, we can look forward with confidence to seeing fulfilled what Jesus said about those whom He will judge as sheep: Come, you who have been blessed by My Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the founding of the world​ (Matthew 25:34).

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: If Jesus is calling, answer Him. You can’t afford to miss His call!

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Prayer Changes Things …

Posted on August 1, 2020 by wisdomfromafather

As we build this community prayer platform, we ask the Lord to listen to our petitions with full confidence they not only are heard but acted upon by God according to His holy will. These requests are on my prayer list and I hope you consider putting them on yours as you place your petitions before the Lord Sunday.

Approach the throne room and respond with faith and not fear, knowing the promises of God and His mighty hand will hold us through any situation! Sometimes, all it takes is just one prayer to change everything. Something extraordinary happens when two or more agree together in prayer.

What is one of the most important things we should do as Christians? Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints (Ephesians 6:18).

And, so, Lord, we come to You with our petitions, knowing and expecting Your will to be done.

Thoughts and prayers to all worldwide suffering from the consequences of coronavirus flu – and all other strains. Many – many – of the prayer requests are covid-19 related … people diagnosed … people sick … people dying … relatives worried and isolated. We are in this together – in prayer!

Please keep the victims of household abuse in your prayers. Whether it be physical, emotional, sexual or neglect, this time in particular is very horrifying for them to be trapped in a house with their abuser(s) and not being able to escape.

We also need to pray for colorblind peace. Racism will remain a plague until we stop looking at people as black and white, but as human beings created by the same Creator. We pray for new eyes, calmer heads, and softer hearts. 

Prayers requested for Kendall who was injured in a ball game last weekend. She had a MRI and a torn ACL .

Stacia needs your prayers again. Same stuff with her heart and breathing … going on three days straight this time.

Please pray for Rene. She is fighting an aggressive cancer.

Andrew can’t keep food in at either end, is very tired, and has massive swelling in the neck and chest, but he continues to fight the fight. Keep him in your prayers.

Prayers up for Sabrina with a Grade 3 left ankle sprain and needs to be re-evaluated.

Joe asks for prayers for a CT scan scheduled Wednesday.

Astrid and Betty ask for prayers for their health.

David’s MRI showed he doesn’t have a blockage and did not have a stroke. His condition was diagnosed as viral Bell’s palsy. He’s still in hospital though and being treated. Prayers requested.

Randy is preaching the Stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:51-8:1) tomorrow. Please pray for him as I make much of the Sitting Lord who Stands. Pray for all pastors bringing the gospel to life.

Antonio is asking for prayer his eyes get better and he doesn’t go blind . For the past month he has been dealing with inflammation in his cornea which could lead to scarring and possibly blindness.

Please pray Pam recovers from her brain cancer.

Please pray God will heal Maddie’s eyes. She’s only five and has serious problems.

Please pray for Kathy whose retina detached recently.

Healing prayers requested for Patricia who has early dementia.

Please pray for Sheila, newly admitted (during hurricane warnings) to the hospital with respiratory issues.

David has a health issue that is causing him great anxiety. Please pray for a speedy healing and peace of mind.

Please pray for Clifford. Previously he was able to get around with his walker. Now, he can’t even stand.

Andrea is asking for prayer the nodule in her lung is not cancer.

Please pray for Jackie, recovering from hip replacement but facing a heart procedure.

Please pray for Mary, who has leukemia.

Prayers requested for Rebecca, Linda, and Linda, all dealing with recurring breast cancer diagnoses.

Duarte’s colon test came back positive and surgery is scheduled to see if the polyps are cancerous. Please pray for him.

Debbie is asking for prayers for her finances.

Please pray for the health of Kuriakou to improve, especially her legs and heart.

Prayers requested for Florence who has non-hopkins lymphoma and is experiencing severe pain in her right arm.

Bill and Janet were in a bad car accident and have back and neck injuries. Prayers requested.

Please pray for Brandon. He was driving and had a seizure, totaling his work van and several cars.

Please pray for John who is struggling with excessive cholesterol problems and diabetes.

Christylin asks for prayer for gallstones, gallbladder, and lover problems.

Prayers requested for Betty whose white blood cell had dropped dangerously low.

Prayers requested for Bebelin who has not been able to sleep for two months.

Please pray for Shalini, who has had a high fever the past two days.

Greg’s tests confirmed he does have esophageal cancer that spread to a lung. He is on chemo. The cancer is not curable, but manageable. Prayers requested.

There were a host of unspoken prayer requests and we heard of a number of deaths this week. Prayers for their families as they go through this earthly trial. We grieve … heaven rejoices.

We come to You, Lord, because prayer is the least yet the greatest thing we can do for each other. When two or more are gathered in Your name, we confidently know You are with us. What better company can we have? You reign and we trust You! We may be broken and battered but know You heal and quiet the soul. You are the source for all that happens in our lives. We thank You for the progress being made. We thank You for the many blessings we have received this week. Some we unfortunately didn’t notice. Nonetheless, those blessings are ever-present in our lives. We thank You for healing. We thank You for slowing us down. We thank You for providing us our daily needs — no more and no less. We thank You for being with us, listening to us, walking with us on this journey. We thank You for the support of our family and friends … for seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary — sunrises, sunsets, flowers, kids laughing, adventures, good news amid the bad news. We know we can come to You with our concerns and they will be heard. Through Christ all things are possible. We lift up those family members and friends who are battling various physical, emotional, financial, career or spiritual issues and ask not for Your guidance and healing (although that would be welcomed) but to keep reminding us we are not alone in our battles. Specifically we lift up Kendall, Stacia, Rene, Andrew, Sabrina, Joe, Astrid, Betty, David, Randy, Antonio, Pam, Maddie, Kathy, Patricia, Sheila, David, Clifford, Andrea, Jackie, Mary, Rebecca, Linda, Linda, Duarte, Debbie, Kuriakou, Florence, Bill, Janet, Brandon, John, Christylin, Betty, Bebelin,  Shalini,Greg  and all those needing Your healing and guiding touch. We pray for the families of all those You have called home. We grieve … You celebrate. We pray for obedience to Your Will so Your “Son” Light shines through us through the power of the Spirit. And we come to You through the confidence of the words taught by Your Son Jesus. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Keep your joys and concerns coming. They have been and will be included during my prayer time and I trust they will be on your lips as well as you approach the altar. All it takes is a couple of keystrokes under the “Contact Me” button on the top bar {or to the right if you’re not a follower yet}. I hope it becomes your best friend as you navigate around the site so we can all be viable prayer warriors. You can also comment or reach me at wisdomfromafather@gmail.com.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: A generous prayer is never presented in vain; the petition may be refused, but the petitioner is always, I believe, rewarded by some gracious visitation. – Robert Louis Stevenson

 

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Five Minute Friday — Respect

Posted on July 31, 2020 by wisdomfromafather

Is everybody ready for Five Minute Friday?

It’s where our group of writers gather  to write unscripted for five minutes on a specific word prompt. Our prompt is diligently supplied by Kate Motaung. After we post, we link up on Facebook at fiveminutefriday.com {in the Join the Community section} to share our pearls of wisdom or our pig’s ears and just mix and mingle.

I’ve been sharing snippets taken from Five Minute Friday: A Collection of Stories Written in Five Minutes Flat compiled by Susan Shipe. They are an up close and personal testament to the value of the exercise. This week, I’ll share some perspective from Kimberly. I hope she inspires you to check us out … and maybe join in?

“FMF gave me permission to release my need for perfection, for over-thinking, and for worrying about how the readers will receive my work. It allowed me to revel in the smaller details of my ordinary days and receive them as a gift. Thanks to you, Kate, and Lisa-Jo [the originator of Five Minute Friday], I have embraced moments I would have otherwise have forgotten. It’s been a joy to participate.”

Yes. It’s a great creative outlet. Not everything is perfect … but neither are we. It’s always eye-opening. You should check out the site and see for yourself … or better yet, try it yourself.

The prompt this week is RESPECT and the timer is set, so let’s GO…

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Anyone singing or dancing in the late 60s remember that song belted out by Aretha Franklin. Although not the first to sing the song — Otis Redding released the original version in 1965 with a more soulful intention — Franklin’s version two years later, with just a few subtle lyric and style changes, became an anthem as women were starting to flex their muscle. It was a declaration from a strong, confident woman. It was embraced by just about everyone, not because it was an “anthem” but because it was a universal truth. We all want respect — just give me some respect.

Unfortunately these days, R-E-S-P-E-C-T has been often tossed onto the pile labeled “outdated”. We don’t see enough of it … and that is just too bad.

The song and lyrics weren’t new for the country at the time. Women, minorities, you and me were clamoring for the same thing — a little bit of … STOP

… R-E-S-P-E-C-T — nothing more, nothing less. And so it goes today.

It’s a little seven letter word that sets the stage for a life well lived. You want respect; give some respect.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Happiness is a journey … not a destination. — Ben Sweetland

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I’m Tired

Posted on July 30, 2020 by wisdomfromafather

I’m tired.

I don’t like to clutter my space with social issues, but today I can’t help myself. I will apologize up front if I offend anyone during this rant. But I AM tired.

I am tired of this whole covid thing. Certainly it is nothing to ignore, but we are being pummeled relentlessly with “facts” and “figures” which, quite honestly, I feel are often presented to confuse us and, worse yet — scare us. We seem to relish in this death watch, nationally and globally. We can’t wait for the next update.

Yet no one seems to care about the unintended consequences of lockdowns. Suicide and suicide attempts are dramatically up. Drug abuse is up. {I can’t explain this since no one is working and thus should have less cash on hand.} Spousal and child abuse is up. Crime is up. Depression is more prevalent. Doctors were mandated to defer non-emergency tests, procedures, and treatments. I have to wonder how many illnesses could have been discovered earlier when, perhaps, they were more easily treatable.

I do think we needed a worldwide pause as we wrapped our heads and most brilliant minds around the pandemic. I just don’t think we needed to shut everything down except essentials — isn’t every job essential? — for as long as we did. Within weeks, our doctors and scientists were able to dissect the little bug and start breakneck speed “discoveries” in its epidemiology.

That’s where it breaks down for me. There has been a lot of worldwide work on the virus and, as is often the case among doctors and scientists, their expertise and bias drives their conclusions. And they tend to be non-committal — could, may, might. We’ve heard it — “maybe a year” when it turns out to be weeks or, on a positive note, turns out to be years. That’s why we get second and third and fourth opinions trying to find a narrative we’re comfortable with. The epidemiology may be scientific but it’s more an educated guess. The truth is the virus will affect — or not affect — each person differently based on their genetic makeup, their lifestyle, their underlying conditions.

I’m not getting into the efficacy of masks or social distancing. That’s your individual call. But it seems a little common sense would go a long way in mitigating the disease — washing your hands … coughing into your arm … staying away from crowds, especially if you’re feeling under the weather.

It’s time to put things in perspective, not propagate fear. I refuse to live in fear. My time will be up at the appointed time — not before, not after, whether or not we are experiencing a pandemic.

I’m tired of politics. Especially as we race to a national election, the rhetoric has become more divisive on both sides of the aisle. Our elected leaders — let me emphasize OUR — look at party first and people last. How do speeches reflect party planks? What gotcha comment did the opponent say or do today to advance the party agenda? How can facts be twisted to benefit the party?

A perfect case in point was the House Judiciary Committee hearing with Attorney General William Barr. That wasn’t a hearing. That was political posturing. I mean, really, you “invite” the sitting attorney general to get answers and don’t allow him to answer? He is called rude and ridiculed. It was a farce. It was a perfect illustration of how power hungry the politicos in Washington have become. And we’re supposed to take them seriously? Seriously!

You don’t have to look far beyond the Beltway to recognize this. Although perhaps not as blatant, just look at campaigns in your state, county, city, village, town. Are the candidates telling you what they would do if elected, or the horrors their opponents have committed?

I’m tired of all the political correctness. A blade of grass is not a cow — even after being digested. Doesn’t anyone realize any person or group can be offended by almost anything? So we “correct” the affront — at the expense of everyone else. Washington Football Club? Lions & tigers & bears, oh my!

I’m tired of revisionist history. History is history. Our founding fathers were not perfect. Our leaders over the past 200-plus years were not perfect. You are not perfect. I am not perfect. In fact, the only Person I know who was perfect was Jesus — and they crucified Him … literally!

The Civil War is part of that history. The Civil Rights movement was part of that history. We can’t, we just can’t erase our past. We can learn from it. We can grow from it. We can’t and we shouldn’t erase it.

I’m tired of the protests. Yes, black lives matter, but all lives matter. Police lives matter. White lives matter. Asian lives matter. Muslim lives matter. We all matter because our God created us uniquely.

I have no problem with peaceful protests. I want to know your experiences. But you’ve lost me at the first brick thrown. You’ve lost me when you allow the protest to be hijacked by thugs. You’ve lost me when the “protest” denigrates into rioting, looting, and violence. You’ve lost me when the stereotypes surface.

I know the movement is to deal with systemic oppression. However, that’s a two way street. The last time I was involved in a traffic stop, I couldn’t help but notice the trooper had her hand on her pistol throughout the entire stop and especially when I reached into the glove box for my paperwork. The thing is she had no idea what was in that glove box. You don’t know what kind of day she had … did her call log include a domestic incident? Was her last call a death or injury notification? Put yourself in her shoes if you want her to walk in yours.

I personally don’t think the unrest is caused by systemic police procedures. It goes deeper than that. It goes to a legal system where indigents overwhelm the public defender system resulting often in less than effective court representation and additions to a rap sheet. It goes to the family unit that too often includes a single mom, an absent dad, and a slew of step-siblings. It goes to education — or lack of it. It goes to economics where the glitzy allure of quick gain through illegal activity overpowers hard work. It empowers gangs as the familial support unit. It goes to a total lack of respect for anyone but self.

We’ve successfully taken God out of our schools, communities, and lives. Is it surprising many have no moral compass?

I’m tired of social justice commandeering our lives. I am all for social justice, but for goodness sake, take it out of our sports arenas. Celebrities — who typically are as far removed from experiencing injustice as anyone — are not spokespersons for the oppressed and down-trodden. It’s easy to talk about the plight in the projects from your $150 million gated mansion in Malibu. It’s easy to pick up on a cause behind a wall of armed bodyguards. Please. Please. Please. Actors act. Singers sing. Athletes play. Don’t push your values on me or anyone else. Use your talent. Be part of the solution, not part of the problem.

I do want to understand the struggles my friends of color have gone through … and I have listened. I understand the frustrations. But, you know what, when we talk — and listen — we find out we have more in common. The roads we travel may take us through different landscapes — urban, rural, peaceful, chaotic — but we are in this life together.

My suggestion is to stop the whining. Stop the entitlement mentality. Stop blaming everyone else for the choices you make. Educate me by showing the accomplishments of those who have fought the battle — people like Hank Aaron, Benjamin Banneker, George Washington Carver, Frederick Douglass, Martin Luther King Jr, Thurgood Marshall, Rosa Parks, Condoleezza Rice, Jackie Robinson, Mary Church Terrell, Harriett Tubman, Ida Belle Wells-Barnett. The list can go on and on.

I’m getting off my soapbox now because …

I’m tired.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: It is at the end of the race when we know who the winner is. It is not at the start. If you are winning at the start, do not consider yourself the winner until you cross the finish line.

 

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Midweek Mirth

Posted on July 29, 2020 by wisdomfromafather

One of the misconceptions about being a Christian is non-Christians think we don’t know how to have fun or have a sense of humor. Trust me, if the Big Guy can have a sense of humor when it comes to dealing with us mere mortals, so can we.

The difference for Christians is we don’t have to debase ourselves or others to generate a smile. Laughter at life or ourselves is a gift from God.

Here’s this week’s edition of Midweek Mirth  … so let’s smile a little!

Franken Car

Guy 1: “My uncle in Detroit tried to invent a new kind of car. He took the engine from a Ford, the transmission from a Chevy, the tires from a Cadillac and the exhaust system from a Chrysler.”

Guy 2: “Really? What did he get?”

Guy 1: “Fifteen years for theft.”

… And now for the bonus …

The Solution

When a man worked for the security department of a large retail store, his duties included responding to fire and burglar alarms. A side door of the building was wired with a security alarm because it was not supposed to be used by customers. Nevertheless people found the convenience of the exit tempting. Even a sign with large red letters, warning “Alarm will sound if opened,” failed to deter people from using it.

One day, after attending to a number of shrieking alarms, the guy placed a small handmade sign on the door that totally eliminated the problem: “Wet paint.”

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: I am interested in entertaining people, in bringing pleasure, particularly laughter, to others, rather than being concerned with “expressing” myself with obscure creative impressions. – Walt Disney

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