Verses from Mama

Hearing God speak one Bible verse at a time.

Be A “Masker” – Protect Your Health, Your Heart, and Your Mind

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Colossians 3:2 “Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.”

Dear Kids,

Protect Your Health, Heart, and Mind

Danger is always a good incentive to take extra care. The recent spread of the COVID-19 virus has gotten people doing things and not doing things they hadn’t even thought about before. That is why Abigail and I recently entered the ranks of mask-wearing patrons.

Wearing a Mask for Protection

Saturday morning Abigail and I watched a YouTube video to learn how to create our own perfect mask. We each chose a colorful bandana – I always knew these would come in handy one day – and folded it according to the simple directions. After sliding a rubber band onto each side and folding a little more we were ready to suit up and go.

I must admit the two of us had some good laughs over our fancy headgear. We even wondered if we’d actually have the nerve to go out in public wearing them. But the desire for safety finally out ruled our fear of looking foolish.

We drove to town, gathered our courage, and marched into the store on a mission. In only a few minutes I had mastered the art of keeping my eyes focused straight ahead and choosing the deserted aisles to get to where we wanted to go without being seen. Only once did Abigail and I make eye contact in the vitamin aisle and break into peals of laughter at our ridiculous new look. But fortunately nobody noticed because other than shaking shoulders we hid our mirth behind the mask. When it came time to checkout, the other “maskers” gave us the courage to act normal and do what needed to be done as quickly as possible.

Protect Your Health, Heart and Mind

I couldn’t help thinking about our recent measures for extra protection from germs and wonder why more people don’t take similar severe measures to protect their minds and hearts. The Apostle Paul reminded the Colossian believers that since they had died and been raised with Christ, they must set their mind on things above rather on earthly things. As Christians they and we have a new identity in Christ. So we must put to death everything that belongs to our old earthly nature.

We must not allow sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed to be part of our lives anymore. We must take great care to protect ourselves from all forms of anger, malice, slander, and filthy language by replacing them with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. This is not always easy to do in a world infected with the evil germs of sin.

This is why you must think of ways to protect yourself. Take all precautions necessary to keep your heart and mind clean. You may not be able to wear a bandana mask, but you can protect your mind by only watching wholesome movies, and putting filters on your computer to ward off pornography and other harmful media. Develop a plan to keep yourself from getting into compromising situations with a boyfriend or girlfriend. Or if married choose to put up hedges to guard your heart.  Work hard to be thankful so jealousy and greed don’t infect your contentment. Stop anger short by keeping forgiveness nearby. And always tell the truth so the consequences of lies won’t affect you.

Stay Strong in Your Convictions

Keep in mind that there may be times you feel foolish for making strong decisions. Peer pressure may push you to give in. But stay strong to your convictions. Set your mind resolutely on things above, and God will reward you with His perfect peace. Not only that, but you will spend eternity with Him in glory because your life is hidden in Christ, .

Danger from the COVID-19 virus is a good incentive to take extra precautions. You may even want to check out YouTube and create your own colorful mask. But don’t forget about your mind and heart. These are at risk every day of your life and you must protect them just as carefully as you protect your physical health.

So join Abigail, me, and all the other “maskers.” Develop a plan for safety. Put on your spiritual protection equipment and keep those germs away!

Love,

Mama

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Social Distancing and a Friend Who Sticks Closer Than a Brother

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Proverbs 18:24 “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

Dear Kids,

Isolation really stinks! Who would have ever dreamed a year ago that this Easter season we would be hunkered down in our houses avoiding contact with those we love? Today’s proverb takes on new meaning in light of COVID-19. Wisdom for today says, “Those who meet with any of their companions may come to ruin . . . but thank the Lord there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

Social Distancing Creates Times of Loneliness

We have all experienced times of loneliness. Certain seasons of life lend themselves to disconnection and lack of close companionship. These past weeks have been one of those times. While it is a blessing to have social media, Zoom meetings, and FaceTime, nothing can really take the place of face-to-face physical interaction. You can’t give a big hug to your grandchildren over the airwaves or feel the affirmation of a warm and understanding squeeze through the phone. But for the sake of protection we choose to discontinue any regular meetings, communicate through windows to elderly family members in care facilities, wave from a distance when spying a friend in a local store, and avoid the neighbor when taking a walk. It’s helpful to slow the spread of germs, but it really stinks!

Yet no matter how bad this 2020 pandemic gets we never have to be in complete and total isolation. There is a friend who can override the 6-9 foot rule. This friend sticks closer than a brother even when you even need to quarantine from other family members. He is never affected by the coronavirus or any other results of sin, and He promises to never leave us or forsake us. This friend is Jesus.

Jesus is a Friend Who Sticks Closer Than a Brother

In John 15 Jesus called His obedient disciples His friends and made known to them all He heard from His Father. And He still shares the secret of the Lord with those who fear Him while continually keeping His covenant of faithfulness. After all, He laid down His life for us so we can be sure He will not forsake us now.

Are you feeling alone and isolated? Then reach out to the best friend you will ever have. Listen to His secrets as He speaks through the Bible. Talk to Him in prayer while taking your daily walks. Memorize His words as you sit eating your meals. Stretch your hands upward as you praise Him for His constant faithfulness. Soon you will experience His gentle touch as He makes you aware of His very real presence.

Isolation really stinks! But maybe during this time of social distancing we will discover a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Maybe the coronavirus will reintroduce us to Jesus!

Love,

Mama

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How To Be The Right Kind Of Wise Guy

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James 3:13 “Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.”

How To Be The Right Kind Of Wise Guy

Are you the right kind of wise guy?

Dear Kids:

Are you a wise guy?

Wisdom is a virtue for which we all should strive. But usually someone referred to as a wise guy thinks more of himself than he should. This particular person always has the answers and won’t listen to reason. He highlights his own cleverness by using smart retorts and sarcastic remarks to belittle others. Worldly wisdom of this sort does not endear itself to people or originate with God. If you want to be the right kind of wise guy then you must seek the wisdom from above.

Worldly Understanding is Man’s Natural Default

Worldly wisdom – labeled earthly, natural, and demonic – is fallen man’s natural default.  Jealousy and selfish ambition characterize it. Those who only promote themselves usually step on others to get what they want. They arrogantly ignore personal foibles and exalt themselves without thought of the relational consequences. Sadly, these wise guys who make it to the pinnacle suddenly find the space is small. They are alone and miserable. The downward spiral of their lives creates chaos and every evil thing.

Wisdom From Above Seeks Peace

Wise guys pursuing the wisdom from above have different goals. This wisdom is characterized by purity, peace, gentleness, reason, and abundant mercy. In humility these reach out to others with a willingness to grow in knowledge and promote goodwill. They are skilled at handling people and even under provocation gently seek to restore peace. This wise guy or gal represents Christ well through the power of His Spirit who gives the grace needed to live in this way. The results are a peaceful heart and the fruit of righteousness.

What Kind Of Wise Guy Are You?

We all know both types of people – those who have used us or ignored us and those who have made us feel loved and important. The real question is what type of person are you?

Do you struggle with jealousy and selfish ambition? Consider the consequences. Choose to reject worldly wisdom that tempts you to advance only your own personal interests. Instead ask God to give you the grace you need to pursue His standards. Your good behavior and deeds done in the gentleness of wisdom will please God, bless others, and prove you to be the right kind of wise guy!

Love,

Mama

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A New Genealogy: Children of the Light

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Ephesians 5:8-10 “ . . . for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.”

Dear Kids:

Recently there has been a growing interest in the study of genealogy. Improved technology and DNA testing has created previously unknown avenues for a person to open up the world of the past and find out more about their ancestors.

4-H Genealogy Project

For years Dad has had a great interest in his family’s history. Starting at the age of thirteen when he took a 4-H genealogy project to the county fair, his love of searching out the past has grown. He has visited different counties, graveyards, and libraries. He has talked to numerous people in order to glean any small detail related to the names and histories of those who came before him.

This is a worthwhile hobby for more than one reason. Certainly it is fascinating to discover the names of great-great-grandparents and fill them in on a family tree, but the study can also give us an insight into who we are and why we do the things we do.

Family Traits Passed To Future Generations

Family traits are often passed on from generation to generation. Not just physical characteristics, but also mannerisms and outlooks on life. This familial trend can have a positive side, but it can also have a negative side.

Negative ways of dealing with stress, thought processes about how to handle conflict, and destructive attitudes about others not like us can become rooted in our heart. These and more become part of the fabric of who we are and dictate how we respond to the world around us.

The negative effects of sin on our life could seem like a discouraging prospect. We have been born into a dark world filled with immorality, impurity, and greed. But there is great hope!

God’s Children Inherit A New Genealogy

When we accept the salvation Jesus Christ provided by His death and resurrection, we are reborn into a different family. No longer are we children of darkness, but now we are children of light in the Lord. The characteristics of this family are different than the one we were physically born into. These are goodness, righteousness, and truth.

While we will still display some of the negative effects of our past from time to time, these do not define us. God has promised to complete the work He started in us at the time of our new birth. He will teach us what pleases Him. Gradually our new self will reflect the traits of our heavenly Father more than any negative traits of our family’s genealogy.

Children of the Light

We all have a genealogical history, and today it is much easier to find out what that is. But don’t be discouraged if you recognize some of your own undesirable traits as coming from your parents. We were all born into darkness. Sin is part of our physical familial inheritance. But if, through Jesus Christ, you have been born into the family of God you now have a different genealogy and a different Father. Let your actions, attitudes, and responses to the world reveal what Ancestry.com cannot show. You are no longer a child of darkness. You are now a child of the Light.

Love,

Mama

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The Importance of Good Soil

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Matthew 13:3 “Then he told them many things in parables, saying: ‘A farmer went out to sow his seed.’”

Dear Kids:

I shouldered my bag and started the long hike from my car to the Molly Caren Agricultural Center. I had arrived, along with 50,000 other people, to enjoy the sights and sounds of the annual Farm Science Review in London, Ohio. After surrendering my ticket at the gate I paused to gain my bearings. I immediately noticed a huge sign inviting me and others to Uncover Your Phosphorus Variability with Grid Soil Sampling.

Good Soil Yields Bumper Crops

Now I have never even considered the phosphorus variability of the soil at our home, but working in the real estate business I know that soil matters. The farmers attending this event had great interest in this information. The perfect mix of sand, silt, and clay could be the difference between an average and a bumper crop. These farming men and women love the land and the yield supports their families.

Jesus understood the earth’s importance to a farmer’s livelihood, and He used it as an example of another type of soil. Sitting out in a boat on the nearby lake, Jesus told a parable to the large crowds who had gathered on shore to hear His teaching.

The Parable of the Sower and the Seed

“A farmer went out to sow his seed,” He began. Some of the seed fell on the hardened path and birds came and ate it all up. Some of the seed fell on the rocky places at the edge of the field. These sprang up quickly but wilted fast when the sun radiated its scorching rays. Still other seed fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the plants. But still other seed fell onto the good soil. This seed produced a bumper crop, multiplying what was originally sown by as much as a hundred times.

Jesus explained the meaning of this parable to his confused disciples. Many will hear the message about God’s kingdom, but not all will understand. For some, the evil one snatches away what was sown in his heart. For others difficulty causes them to fall away quickly. Some will become overburdened with the thorny worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth. But the one who receives the message of God’s kingdom and understands it will yield a crop up to a hundred times what was sown.

Is Your Heart Good Soil?

You may never need to know the phosphorus variability of your particular plot of earth, but it wouldn’t hurt to evaluate what kind of soil makes up your heart. Do you hear God’s message and respond with joy and obedience? Or do you allow the evil one and the cares of this life to choke out any seeds of truth?

Ask God to cultivate your heart to receive His good seed. He will do it, and you will be thrilled with high demand crops He produces in your life!

Love,
Mama

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What Does God Really Care About?

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Jeremiah 7:5-7 “If you really change your ways and your actions and deal with each other justly, if you do not oppress the alien, the fatherless or the widow and do not shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not follow other gods to your own harm, then I will let you live in this place, in the land I gave your forefathers for ever and ever.”

Dear Kids:

God Cares About Our Treatment of People

Photo by Charlein Gracia on Unsplash

God really, really cares about how we treat other people! You don’t need to be a student of the Bible for very long before you realize the importance God puts on His people’s treatment of others. In fact, the way we treat others is a direct indication of our relationship with God Himself.

God Really Cares About Our Treatment of Others

I have always loved to read.  From the time I first learned that letters have sounds and make up words I have relished finding a comfortable corner and getting lost inside a good book . Recently, I read a loved it/hated it historical novel. I couldn’t put it down, but the story was horrifying. It involved the despicable treatment of orphans in the early to mid-1900s. Helpless orphaned children and others stolen away from their parents were deposited into an institution where they were treated with disrespect and cruelty. This particular story-line was fiction, but it was based on real historical events where children were being sold to unsuspecting adoptive parents.

Religious Posturing is Not Enough

I think we would all agree that these types of actions are criminal, but according to God any mistreatment, or even disregard for those in need, indicates a callous heart. The people of Jeremiah’s time believed they would be safe from invading armies because they spent time in the temple “worshiping” God. But the Lord warned that no amount of outward religious posturing would save them. He knew their hearts were self-centered. And their oppression of the alien, the fatherless, and the widow for selfish gain proved they had drifted far from the Lord.

James 1:27 states, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”

Our Actions Toward Others Indicates Our Relationship With God

The way we treat others, especially those who cannot return the favor, does not bring us into a relationship with God, but it proves that we already belong to God and have His heart for others. After all, Jesus gave up everything to come to earth to help us in our distress, so we should also help those around us.

Jeremiah warned his people that they must reform their ways and their actions. Outward shows of religion were not enough. Their wrongful treatment of others revealed their true colors, and only a change of heart could modify their dismal future.

How about us? Are we relying on our pristine church attendance or other surface actions to feel confident in our relationship with God? If we are treating others badly then we are only kidding ourselves. A true relationship with God found in the Lord Jesus Christ will transform our selfish outlook. Every day it will become more and more natural to treat others, especially those with great needs, with kindness and compassion. This heart of love will be the best indicator of our relationship with God. If we love God we will do what He wants. And He really, really cares about how we treat others.

Love,
Mama

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Is God Really in Control?

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Jeremiah 5:22-23 “’Do you not fear Me?’ declares the Lord. ‘Do you not tremble in My presence? For I have placed the sand as a boundary for the sea, an eternal decree, so it cannot cross over it. Though the waves toss, yet they cannot prevail; though they roar, yet they cannot cross over it. But this people has a stubborn and rebellious heart; they have turned aside and departed.’”

Dear Kids:

Photo by Tyler Penner on Unsplash

Is God really in control? This is an age-old question recently asked again in light of devastating news events. The answer is yes, but there’s more to the question than meets the eye. 

God Controls the Ocean Waves

As a child I loved to watch the rolling waves hit the Jersey shore in a rhythmic pattern. Over and over the surf swept up onto the beach and then returned to its watery home. I would stand near the edge waiting for it to come and then try to race up higher onto the beach before it could catch me. Always the breakers pursued me for a certain distance, but then they grew tired and receded back into the ocean.

I had no idea what kept the waves from encompassing the whole beach, but the Bible gives insight into this phenomenon. The prophet Jeremiah explains that the Lord placed the sand as a boundary for the sea and gave an eternal decree that the waves cannot cross over. Though they toss and roar they obey the Creator’s laws. They do not go beyond where they are allowed.

Jeremiah Contrasts the Mighty Sea With God’s People

Jeremiah contrasted the mighty sea with God’s own people. Powerful waves that in one fell swoop could wash away entire towns obey the Creator and submissively return in accordance with the Master’s word. Yet humans, made in the image of God and personally chosen to bear His image to the world, often have no fear of the Almighty and refuse to obey His laws. These ones foolishly ignore what is true and show no respect to the One Who halts the mighty ocean with only a beach of fine quartz particles.

The people of Jeremiah’s day used their fellow man for personal gain. They excelled in deeds of wickedness and ignored the cries of the poor, the widow, and the orphan. Their prophets prophesied falsely; their priests ruled on their own authority, and all the people applauded. This is the way they wanted to live life.

But are we any better?

Is God Really in Control?

The recent shootings in El Paso and closer to my home in Dayton, Ohio, reveal that man’s heart is still far from God. We ignore God’s priority of protecting life and instead take life for no apparent reason. Anger, greed, and desire for revenge build up, finally culminating in disaster where many pay the consequences.

Is God really in control? He dominates the waves of the ocean, so why doesn’t He stop these horrible things? Doesn’t He care? He cares deeply but has given humans a free will. Sadly, unlike the ocean waves, we have chosen to rebel. All of the tragedies we suffer on this earth result from sin that entered the world when the first humans chose to disobey.

But there is hope! The Lord is still in control, and in time He will make all things right. Through Jesus Christ God has opened a way to restore all we have lost due to our sin natures and disobedience.

Those who embrace God’s gift of salvation receive a new heart and are delivered from the dominion of sin. For them there is a day coming when there will be no more rebellion, no more devastating shootings, no more tears or crying. In that day all creation will rejoice. Every knee will bow before the Creator. And all humanity, like the waves of the sea, will finally understand the fear of the Lord.

Love,
Mama

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Our Foolish Attachments and How They Hinder Us

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Jeremiah 2:28 “But where are your gods which you made for yourself? Let them arise, if they can save you in the time of your trouble; For according to the number of your cities are your gods, O Judah.”

Dear Kids: 

Our Foolish AttachmentsSometimes we hold on dearly to things that only weigh us down. It could be a relationship, an experience, our possessions, or any of various other things. While some of these may not necessarily be bad they may hinder us from something better. Other times the foolish attachments we hold tightly become idols that damage us and keep us from experiencing God’s blessing.

Foolish Attachments – Worthless Idols

Surrounding nations enticed God’s people into following their pagan customs and worshipping their foreign gods. It is baffling to think how so many could easily forget God’s provision and loving care and attach themselves to these worthless idols. Yet this blessed nation fell for such foolishness and participated in the sinful actions that accompanied these beliefs. The gradual decline resulted in complete rebelliousness. Before long the people had as many gods as they had cities.

Once hooked the people of Judah held tenaciously to the error of their ways. No amount of persuasion could turn them back. Yet when difficulties came, they thought they could call out to God for help.

But God’s response surprised them. He asked, “Where are your gods which you made for yourselves? Let them arise and save you in your time of trouble!” Of course, these worthless idols could not help for they were only made of wood and stone. They dishonored the Lord and hindered God’s people from receiving the help they needed in time of trouble.

Idols of Today

Before we judge these idol worshippers too harshly, what about us? Are there things we revere that hinder a vibrant relationship with our God? Are there objects we hold tightly and trust before the Lord?

Money becomes an idol when we value it highly and believe it will solve all our problems. But will a healthy bank account be able to save us if a huge tragedy strikes? Friends develop into idols if we turn to them with our problems before we ever bow our heads in prayer. But can friends help us solve every extreme need? Status turns out to be an idol when we find our self-worth only through the adulation of others rather than in our position in Christ. Does worldly status remain constant in a sinful world?

The people of Judah failed to see how their idols dishonored and separated them from the only One Who could truly love them and help them in their times of trouble. But we still have the opportunity to mend our ways.

So, carefully consider the things you hold dear and decide whether they are weighing you down. Then turn away from any foolish attachments and personal idols and turn your face to the Lord. This is the only way to find freedom and experience the blessings He has prepared for you!

Love,
Mama

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The June Bride – Keys to a Successful Relationship

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Jeremiah 2:2 & 5b “Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem: “‘I remember the devotion of your youth, how as a bride you loved Me and followed Me through the desert, through a land not sown.’” “ . . . They followed worthless idols and became worthless themselves.”

Dear Kids:

“Oh, they say when you marry in June you’re a bride all your life, and the bridegroom who married in June gets a sweetheart for a wife.”

June Brides - The Keys to Successful RelationshipsThese lyrics from the popular 1954 movie, Seven Brides For Seven Brothers, play on an ancient tradition. Most June brides of today are ignorant of the fact that this custom came from Roman times.

June Brides Derived From Roman Times

The month of June derived its named from the Roman goddess, Juno. Annually on June 1st worshipers celebrated this deity of marriage and childbirth, and it was believed that those who “tied the knot” during the month of June would experience prosperity and great happiness.

Likely, June brides of our day settle on the date based more on warm weather, flexible work schedules, and sunny vacation spots. But it would behoove every bride to consider what truly makes a healthy and prosperous marriage. All young couples enter life together dreaming of a happily ever after. I doubt there are any who suppose they will “fall out of love” when spring rolls into winter. Yet so often this is exactly what happens!

All Relationships Take Time and Effort

But marriage to an earthly partner is not the only union from which a strong and beautiful connection can fade away. Any relationship worth keeping takes time and effort. This is certainly true when it comes to our relationship with the Lord.

God, through the prophet Jeremiah, plays on the image of young love grown cold to describe His relationship with His people. The lessons learned here apply to our rapport with each other, whether in marriage or otherwise, as well as our rapport with the Lord.

During the honeymoon period the children of Israel had great devotion to the God of their fathers. They followed Him through the wilderness and experienced His great loving care, provision, and protection. But what happened?

Forgetfulness Damages Marriages

As with many marriages today things changed. The people forgot the miraculous escape from Egypt that God had orchestrated. They grew used to the fruitful Promised Land secured by their heavenly Bridegroom. They turned and walked away from all they once cherished to lust after unprofitable things. Even the leaders stopped seeking God and pursued foreign gods!

Jeremiah portrays the heartbreak felt by a jilted lover when the Lord pleads His case and questions the reasons for Judah’s unfaithfulness. These fickle people became dissatisfied and searched for someone and something else to fill their desires. Sadly the search was based on a lie. They forsook God, the fountain of living waters and were left with leaking cisterns.

“When you marry in June, you will be a bride all your life.” This is a worthy goal and hope that Juno, the fictional goddess of love and marriage, can’t produce. June brides are not always successful.

All flourishing marriages, including a vibrant relationship with the Lord, are sustained with attentiveness and by staying connected. So take a lesson from the people of Israel.

Keys to Successful Relationships:

Never forget your initial devotion.

Keep following despite difficulties.

Stay contented with the blessings you have.

Never forsake your first love.

If you do these things, no matter what month you start your relationship, you will have a much better shot at being a bride all your life!

Love,

Mama

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Every Day Love and the Dining Room Table

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John 15:12-13 “This is my commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this that one lay down his life for his friends.”

“Mother, don’t hate me! Love, NS.” 

This note greeted me at the kitchen door on Wednesday evening after work. “Hate you? Why would I ever hate my son?” I thought. 

I entered the kitchen and looked into the dining room. Suddenly, I understood the reason for his note.

For four months our house had been complete bedlam. Our unplanned kitchen remodel caused by a burst pipe overwhelmed the whole downstairs. Layers of dirt and dust coated the furniture for weeks and all the kitchen items had taken up residence in the living room, the downstairs bedroom, and on the dining room table. All winter our living space was sparse and we survived by clearing paths and creating a small eating space on the table.

Finally I Could Breathe Again!

But Memorial Day weekend proved to be the end of most things messy. I worked like crazy cleaning and finding homes for all my important kitchen items in the new cabinets. After discarding much unneeded stuff, things were finally in order. Finally I could breathe deeply again – until I got the note!

This is my expression of every day love! Love you, Nate!

This is my expression of every day love! Love you, Nate!

Monday night a tornado passed through our county. Our home survived the storm, but Nathan’s apartment sustained extensive damage. With very little notice he was forced to terminate his lease and move all his belongings out of the rental. He and his two roommates stayed up all night throwing possessions in boxes to empty the apartment as quickly as possible. Now the big things, like furniture, were tucked away in our barn, but everything else again littered the dining room table.

My mouth dropped and my eyes grew large as I surveyed the situation before me. “Not again!” I lamented. But then I thought of Nathan’s note. I certainly didn’t hate him. I loved him!

Jesus’ Command to Love Sacrificially

Jesus commanded his disciples in John 15 to love one another sacrificially. Maybe this was a small example of laying down one’s life for a friend. It isn’t often that one physically dies for another, but every day we encounter opportunities to give up the things we think we need to live – comfort, finances, rest, strength, belongings, and maybe even the dining room table.

Suddenly, a thought came to me. I grabbed my camera, took a picture of the clutter, and sent it to our family group message stating, “This is real love! Love you, Nate!”

I do love my son and I’m so glad he wasn’t hurt in the tornado! If need be I would give my life for him. But today I lay down my comfort and my organized home. Today, I give him the dining room table!!!

Love you, Nate!!

Love,

Mama

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