Midweek Mirth

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.

So, let’s smile a little!

Prescription Bottle

A pharmacist is going over the directions on a prescription bottle with an elderly patient. “Be sure not to take this more often than once every four hours,” the pharmacist says.

“Don’t worry,” replies the patient. “It takes me four hours to get the lid off.”

And now for the bonus …

Help Wanted Ad

Found in an actual church bulletin:

POSITIONS OPEN in soprano, alto, tenor and bass. No others need apply.

PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS: Must be able to carry light musical notes part way across the sanctuary. Must have sufficient vision to see the director.

EXPERIENCE: No applications will be accepted from persons who have not sung, hummed or whistled in the bathtub or shower at some time.

BEGINNING WAGE: Increased satisfaction and joy in the service of God.

FRINGE BENEFITS: Social Security. We promise you the security of social fellowship with other choir members.

HOURS: Thursday evenings from 7 to 8 PM & Sunday mornings. There is occasional opportunity for overtime.

RETIREMENT: Generally determined by the printed notes getting too small, the hymnal too heavy, notes too high, the sanctuary too hot or too cold or the organist unable to play the notes you sing.

We are an equal opportunity employer!

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: Life expectancy would grow by leaps and bounds if green vegetables smelled as good as bacon. — Doug Larson

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Passing Lincoln

I’m always intrigued by the power of God in everyday life. What we see as ordinary, God transforms to extraordinary.

Passing Lincoln by Michael Rogers is an example. He uses an everyday $5 bill to show His power.

The story starts with a prologue directly from the Father Himself. We’re introduced to Great-grandma Dolores and her great-grandson LC (Little Chet), a sulking, troubled 17 year old who wants to hear little if anything about God. Dolores hands the boy — named after his great-grandfather — a card with $25 enclosed. He thanks her, but returns the Lincoln when he spots Grandma had underlined “In God We Trust” and added a note, “You can too, LC.” LC responds by asking her, “Gran, if there is a God, He can use this five dollar bill to reach me. Right?” He scribbles a response, hands it back to Delores and heads for the car.

The exchange dispirits Delores, shaking her faith. But it sets in motion a series of events — chapters — showing this  specific Lincoln’s journey around Beulah, IN, and back to LC.

It starts when Delores gave the bill at the church offering to an usher who replaces it and gives to waitress Lianne, who is helped by Jason and pays Dave for a new battery.  In subsequent chapters we learn more about Dave, conniving Jack who works for Dave, who gives it to Klaus who pays Seth with it. We’re also introduced to Tess, friends with Blaise, Seth’s pregnant sister, Rita, a clinic worker, who visits with Blaise before clinic opens. Pastor Preston (preacher) receives a note from Rita with the bill who shares it with Mary, the drunk barber Matthew who threw it into a dumpster; homeless Everyman who pulled it out … and the Spirit ministering to Dale, Hope, Zach, Runner, James, Jason, Vaughn, Will and Lance. Some continue the dialogue on the back of the bill. Others are just touched after hearing or seeing the graffiti covered $5 bill.

The Lincoln ultimately finds its way back to Little Chet, who goes to church — the same church where even the non-regulars are in attendance as Preston tosses his sermon and talks about the hope found in that wayward $5 bill.

“In God We Trust”

“You can too, LC.”

… “My name is Hope.” Every line was written by a different person and all were in attendance at this special Sunday service.

Rogers deftly shared these little coming to Jesus moments. The characters are not cardboard, but real — people you or I might encounter every day.

I could add additional comments from the book, but I don’t want to take away your joy in reading about these transformations and reaffirmations. I’m a firm believer God works best when He works through us with ordinary things and events. This is a definite five-star effort. Thanks, Mike.

Passing Lincoln

Michael Rogers

313 pages

A2G Media (Sept. 6, 2018)

Amazon Digital Services

English

ASIN: B07H57V6XV

ISBN: 1732750009

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Actions make your faith complete.

 

 

 

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Making Your Life Significant and Worthwhile

This week’s Words for the Week come from American Author Grenville Kleiser, 1868-1935.

There are fine things which you mean to do some day, under what you think will be more favorable circumstances. But the only time that is surely yours is the present, hence this is the time to speak the word of appreciation and sympathy, to do the generous deed, to forgive the fault of a thoughtless friend, to sacrifice self a little more for others. Today is the day in which to express your noblest qualities of mind and heart, to do at least one worthy thing which you have long postponed, and to use your God-given abilities for the enrichment of someone less fortunate. Today you can make your life significant and worthwhile.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Meaning doesn’t lie in things. Meaning lies in us. When we attach value to things that aren’t love – the money, the car, the house, the prestige – we are loving things that can’t love us back.

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Two Left Feet

Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. — Jeremiah 33:3 (ESV)

Recently, I was in a hurry getting the children and myself ready for school. So, this particular morning, I picked up my shoes and made my way to the living room to sit down, as I encouraged the children to switch off and move away from their gadgets and get their paraphernalia together, in every sense.

As I bent forward to put on my shoes, I looked down and saw they were not a pair. They were different makes and both the same side of a pair. I was sure I had picked up two shoes together, which I had, but apparently not the right two shoes! Oh dear! So, off to the bedroom I went to find the companion to one set of shoes. In the process, I wondered how I had managed to misjudge so badly in picking up my shoes.

Sometimes, I am in a rush in the morning, half asleep. Okay, quite often, I am in a rush in the morning during term-time to get the children and myself into the car and off.

This school journey is something I will miss in September because Zoë goes up to start secondary school, and she will walk there with her friends. Zoë is usually quite talkative, and so, the car journey will be quieter, as Sophia will not have to compete with her elder sister to be heard, and hopefully, I will be better able to concentrate on the driving.

I know God wants to have a conversation with us in the morning. He asks us to put aside time to be quiet and peaceful in His presence, rather than being in too much of a rush to get on with the chores and tasks of the day ahead.

I often rush off into the day and find, not unlike my mismatched shoes, I have not brought my Travel Companion with me. In some manner, I have become one-sided, having left Jesus behind. So, this has left me in need to catch up with God through the day, relying on His grace, until I find Him the space so I am able to receive and to hear from Jesus, and in return, lift up those people and situations on my heart in need of prayer.

Let each one of us take time to pair up with God this morning, so we have checked in with Jesus before getting on with the chores of the day.

Lord, You are gracious and compassionate in the patience You show toward us every day. Please forgive us when we presume to get on with the day without inviting You into our lives and situations. Prompt us to remember You always want to be paired up with us and have a conversation. May we know Your presence with us and receive Your Word for us today.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

This devotion was contributed to The Presbyterian Church in Canada for its PresbyCan Daily Devotional by Rod Marshall of Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England. Marshall can be reached at roderickmarshall@yahoo.com and PresbyCan at presbycan.ca/

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Make choices that reflect your hopes, not your fears. — Nelson Mandela

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Thy Will Be Done

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.

Let’s remember to 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)

Stacia sent a quick update. It’s been a week since she went to the hospital and while she’s still having breathing issues every now and then, they are fewer than before. She also have a little more energy. Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers. Please continue to pray, she asks, as she’s definitely not out of the woods.

Victoria could use some prayer for herself and her family. Last week, she fell and broke bones in both of her feet and is  in a lot of pain They currently live on the second floor with a one year old but are potentially looking at moving to a downstairs apartment. A big blessing through the trial, however, was some help with childcare that came through. God provides.

Shawna is scheduled  for surgery Monday for cervical cancer. She asks for prayers, energy, and love.

Joel asks for prayers for his upcoming shoulder surgery Wednesday,

Jennifer is seeking extreme prayers for her family … four siblings and Mom.

Jesse’s dad underwent long surgery on his throat. It was suppose to be a simple surgery, but the doctor reported it was one of the hardest surgeries he had ever done. Jesse’s dad is having a hard time breathing and has been moved to ICU .

Meghan asks for prayer after suffering a miscarriage.

Deborah said she really loves Jesus, but asks for prayers for her health, which is keeping her from reading her Bible like she should, and praying like she wants to. She said she in pain from her back 24/7, is tired and fatigued, and her mind is foggy.

Beth and Diane have a prayer request! They are both getting ready to move in the next few months and ask for strength and focus to get it together!

Lesley had a situation in the last few days that has left her feeling confused and on edge. Prayers for peace and God’s wisdom in dealing with it would be great!

Marianne  said  it sure wouldn’t hurt asking for prayer for something that’s takes so much more time to get done.

Jane and Joe would appreciate prayers to hear, understand, and follow where the Lord leads them.

Paula is asking prayers their house will sell quickly.

Lisa can’t even find a way to type her prayer request, but God knows. It’s for her family.

Susan asks for traveling prayers.

Jeanne is asking prayers for wisdom as she walks a rough patch with her sons, and for her in-laws. Lots of health stuff there, and they don’t know the Lord … yet.

Kelly-Robert is asking prayers for her writing, taking time to go through the schooling, listening to God, obeying His leading, and family where there is a lot going on.

Kevin is still facing the toughest challenge of his life with chronic kidney disease, crippling arthritis, neuropathy, a totally pinched sciatic nerve, and extremely painful bone on bone in his right hip.

Jim is asking for prayer as he was given the opportunity to seed a church in Tennessee to reach the sick and suffering lost and hopeless souls afflicted with addiction, giving them hope and real help while ministering the love of Jesus Christ into their life.

Steve is entering his final hours of life after a long battle with cancer. His family is at his bedside and they ask for strength, peace, and mercy.

Andrew inches closer to the end as well. He reported bleeding from places that really should not bleed, breathing off the top of his lungs, and swellings along his neck and collarbone that make it hard to swallow anything more than a cold drink.

There were a host of unspoken prayer requests and we heard of a number of deaths this week, including John, Dave and Sharon’s sister. 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 also 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 Stacia, Victoria, Shawna, Joel, Jennifer, Jesse’s dad, Meghan, Deborah, Beth, Diane, Leslie, Marianne, Jane, Joe, Paula, Lisa, Susan, Jeanne, Kelly-Robert, Kevin, Jim, Steve, Andrewand all those needing Your healing touch. We pray for the families of all those You have called home, especially the families of John, Dave and Sharon’s sister. 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: Worry is like a rocking chair, it will give you something to do, but it won’t get you anywhere. — Vance Havner

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Five Minute Friday — Distant

Happy Five Minute Friday time!

I don’t have to tell you the drill — I’ve done that many times over — but there is something different. The link is on Facebook at www.fiveminutefriday.com. I hope to see some of you there.

If you’ve followed this blog at all, you know how much value FMF has for me. I’ve asked you to join in [you really, really should]. It’s quick. It’s easy {okay, sometimes not always}. It’s challenging. And it’s oh so rewarding. But don’t take my word for it. Here is what Lauren has to say, taken from snippets in Five Minute Friday: A Collection of Stories Written in Five Minutes Flat. Don’t listen to me. Listen to her.

“FMF has been a consistent community of encouraging writers. Each week I look forward to the positive words and inspirational perspectives each contributor brings.”

I hope you find the time to join our special group. In the meantime, the prompt word is DISTANT. The time has been set for five minutes, so I guess we should GO...

The other night, my South Carolina son sent a photo of the distant full moon shimmering across the Atlantic Ocean. As I glanced out my window, I noticed the distant full moon reflecting off the Piscataquis River. It hit me … we were distant (separated) by about 1,200 miles, but saw the same full moon in all its glory.

It also reminded me of the story of Fievel Mousekewitz and his family as they emigrate from the Imperial Russian territory of Ukraine to the United States for freedom. However, the little mouse gets lost and must find a way to reunite with his family. He remembered the story of the moon and stars and kept looking up.

It was a touching American Tail that has so much relevance to all of us. We live under the same moon and stars … we are lost … we are constantly reminded to look up … we seek to be reunited with our eternal Family.

As we zig zag through this life, wouldn’t it be a great exercise to just stop and look at the distant events that unite us, that bring us together, that connect us with the ultimate … STOP

Family.

As I often state to my family, we may be distant (separated) but we are connected at the heart. As I stated last night at the Five Minute Friday Twitter party, we may be distant (separated) but we’re family and community.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door. — Milton Berle

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… But Green Is My Favorite Color

I think I’ve been behaving myself, healthwise. My A1C is down almost two points. I’ve shaved about 40 pounds or so. I sleep soundly despite some apnea. I only take four prescription drugs {plus a bunch of supplements}. Not too bad for a septuagenarian.

The mot impressive part is I’ve done it without going vegan, without spending hours in the weight room, without modifying my lifestyle too much. I’ve done it with consistency and moderation.

About seven or eight years ago, my doctor gave me a stern lecture {with love} abut my overall health. Sonni pushed me to eat better and exercise more, even if it meant a simple walk from the furthest spot from the entrance to the store. She made me try veggie burgers and healthy snacks. My daughter-in-law keeps preaching healthy food choices {although they had mac and cheese with hot dogs last night}. My daughter insists running, jogging and a fitness regimen is the key to physical happiness.

Don’t get me wrong. They were and are well meaning, but what do they say about old dogs?

I have changed my lifestyle. Thanks to Angelina we’re out walking at least four times a day. Now that the weather is nice, one of those walks generally is longer at the park adjacent to the river — even in the rain. I’ve all but cut out morning muffins {I can’t get the thought Dr. Coan painted of a muffin with skull and crossbones on it} except for special occasions. Okay, I’ve replaced it with morning toast, but it’s usually farmer’s, oat nut or 12-grain bread with a few more nutrients than processed breads. I snacked  on grapes this morning. I enjoy natural peanut butter {without sugar} by the spoonful periodically during the day … all by itself. I rarely eat fast food. I eat a lot of chicken and fish, in fact, prefer them to red meat. Okay, except a thick, juicy end cut prime rib. Oh, and sausage and peppers. In fact, I like  bacon, but prefer sausage with my eggs or pancakes.

So, I don’t necessarily always eat “healthy”. I eat what I want, when I want … only I do it in moderation.

That brings us to accompaniments. Potatoes are okay. Baked. French fires. Baked. But I prefer onion rings, also baked in the oven. Rice is an okay alternative. I’m okay with veggies, although, frankly, they’re a pain. I don’t like canned or frozen vegetables and getting the right amount of fresh vegetables to cook for a meal is cumbersome. I do like broiled, grilled or baked veggies drizzled with just a little olive oil to give it a crunch. Unfortunately, when the harvest is plenty, the temperatures are up and there is nothing more annoying than a hot apartment with the oven fighting the air conditioning.

And then we have the hybrids, things like hummus {ironically as I was typing this there was a massive recall because of possible listeria}, beans, weird nuts, avocado, milk alternatives, and apple cider vinegar. As soon as I see  recipe with a weird name or ingredient {one I’m not familiar with, like Ratatouille With Toasted Pine Nuts Over Rice, Pad Thai-style Noodles With Tofu, or Black Bean Patties With Avocado-Mango Salsa} my eyes glaze over and my mind wanders to doughnuts. Just saying.

I drove Dr. Coan and Sonni crazy {Karen, too, but she got used to me}. Doc would suggest meal planning, like cook one day for the week. That’s fine, but it’s Monday, I don’t know what I’ll be in the mood for on Friday. “What about eggs for breakfast?” one {or both} would suggest. “That would work,” I would answer, “but you have to have toast to soak up the yolk.” They would just shake their head.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Every day is about creating memories to last a lifetime. You don’t have to take an expensive vacation to make a memory. You can create a memory sitting at the dinner table. — Joel Osteen

 

 

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Midweek Mirth

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.

So, let’s smile a little!

Lost And Found

A devout cowboy lost his Bible after church one Sunday. Three weeks later a monkey ran up to him carrying the Bible in his mouth. He removed the precious Bible out of the monkey’s mouth and exclaimed, “A miracle!”

“Not really,” replied the monkey. “Your name was inside the cover!”

And now for some bonus monkeyshine thoughts …

Monkey Business

How do monkeys get down the stairs?

They slide down the bananastair!

What key opens a banana?

A monkey!

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Today is a good day to BE a good day.

 

 

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Evaluation Time

I always like to evaluate what I offer. Am I doing what I  set out to do? Are my words resonating with my audience?

Well, I think so.

As you know, since the beginning of the year, I’ve been posting every day — each with a different theme. Sunday there is a devotional, Sunday Sermonette. Monday is a Words for the Week. Tuesday centers on readin (reviews), ritin and ‘rithmetic (stats), including book promotion. Wednesday is home to Midweek Mirth. Thursday is free write, whatever  escapes my mind. Friday is reserved for my response to the Five Minute Friday prompt. Saturday is Prayer, Care, Share day where I collect your prayer requests, put them on my weekend prayer list and encourage others to do the same.

The intention was to have a more regular presence, which, in turn, would result in more exposure. From that standpoint, the regimen has been successful. New friends have found my site and started following. More comments are being made.

But the one thing I  haven’t been able to figure out is which themes resonate well and which ones are just there. I thought I could scan the stats to trend which days — and which post themes —  poll well, but I can’t. While there might be a dip in readership and/or views, they are on different days. And I’ve found some posts were actually read later — Words for the Week on Tuesday or Wednesday in addition to Monday.

So, I guess I’m asking you. What works? What tunes you out?

It’s always been my intention to keep this blog relevant. Am I succeeding? What would you like to see?

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did … so throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.  — Mark Twain

 

 

 

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What Do YOU See?

This week’s contribution is from Stan Tower

Three people visiting the Grand Canyon: A painter, a preacher, and a cowboy. Looking over the massive canyon, each one verbalized his observation:

“Incredible!” the painter said. “I’d love to paint a picture of this!”

The preacher waved his arms and cried, “Glory! Look what God has done!”

The cowboy exclaimed, “I’d sure hate to lose a cow down there!”

Think about it. What do you see when you look at your situation? An illustration of God’s handiwork, or just some place to lose a cow?

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: A baby is God’s opinion that life should go on. — Carl Sandburg

 

 

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