Verses from Mama

Hearing God speak one Bible verse at a time.

Why Do the Nations Rage? An Old But Relevant Question

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Psalm 2:1 “Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?” (ESV)

Dear Kids,

Why do the nations rage? This is not an antiquated question. It came to my mind just a few days ago when I heard my phone notification ping and in shock read the headline telling of crowds storming the capitol and political leaders being forced to evacuate.

How could this be happening many asked. But irrational responses of angry people are not new. Uncontrolled human nature often responds to personal bias or perceived injustice in rash and violent ways.

Why Do the Nations Rage? An Ancient Question

Thousands of years ago the psalmist asked the same question. He foresaw nations revolting against an even higher authority than a particular country’s government. These people rant and rave against a sovereign king – the God of heaven and earth. They are angry because they have not gotten their way and choose to rebel against His authority. 

But the mighty King only laughs. The responses of the spoiled nations are like the antics of unruly children to Him. He has appointed His Son to rule over the nations in power and nothing can hinder His plans. Those who rebel will be punished. He will break them with a rod of iron and shatter them like earthenware. But those who worship the Son with reverence will be blessed and will find refuge.

The Heavenly Sovereign Causes Earthly Rulers to Rise and Fall

Politics all over the world today produces sparks that easily rage into uncontrollable fires. Citizens demand their own agendas and rebel when thwarted or believe they’ve been violated. Leaders misuse their authority to force their own agendas. But the Heavenly Sovereign is the One who allows earthly rulers to rise and to fall. Legislators may believe they’ve gained power through their own ingenuity or popular platform, but the truth remains: they’ve been installed to high positions only by God’s allowance. No finagling or powerful campaigning gave them an upper hand. They can also be easily removed from power in an instant at God’s dictate. So we, God’s children, are called to respect whom our Father has installed and to trust Him for our protection and provision.

Why do the nations rage? They want to gain control and have things their own way. But this is a pipe dream and pure foolishness! The way to blessing and peace is forever the same. Focus your allegiance on the One who assigns authority to whomever He will. Honor whom He has appointed knowing that they will answer to Him.  He is our powerful Father, and He is still the High and All-Sovereign King!!

Love,

Mama

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Making Decisions When You Hear Two Voices

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James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

Making Decisions

Dear Kids,

No one makes it through life without facing some life-shaping decisions. Even one who resolves not to take one road or another is making the decision to stay where they are. And this choice also affects their life. Some decisions are no-brainers. Others stretch the mind. But what happens when you have two options with possible outcomes that could be good or bad? How do you make sure you are choosing the right one?

Following Two Voices

Those who know me best recognize that I am directionally challenged. As I have often admitted I rely heavily on Google Maps to take me wherever I need to go. The other day I began to drive to a nearby place of business. Since I don’t go there often I, of course, asked SIRI to guide me. It wasn’t long before I realized she was guiding me to the wrong place. This place of business has two offices and she was leading me to the incorrect one. So I stopped the car, Googled the correct information, and entered the appropriate address.

Confidently, I started out again following her advice until something strange happened. My technological advisor told me to turn left, but when I did so she immediately started chirping, “Reroute, reroute!” This kept happening until the opposing commands had me completely confused. I pulled over to the side of the road again to figure out my dilemma, and that’s when I realized the problem.

When I had typed in the new address I hadn’t turned off the first navigation router. So, now two voices were telling me where to go. They were guiding me to different places with the same business name, but the addresses were in opposite directions. Only one of the locations had what I needed. That’s where I had to go.

Making Decisions Can Be Confusing

I find that life’s decisions are often like this. Where should I go to school? Who should I marry? Should I invest or shouldn’t I? The possibilities for good and bad can race around in our heads until our thoughts tangle into a ball of confusion. But the decisions must be made.

James tells us that those who lack wisdom should ask of God who gives generously. Now God does not always immediately make the answers plain and clear, but He does promise to guide us when we wholeheartedly seek Him. So we must pray and ask Him to show us the correct way.

Wisdom For Making Decisions

Next, we must seek God’s will through His word. We can eliminate some of our options by comparing them against the Bible. Is the issue a matter of sin? If so, the answer is obvious. God would not want us to make that choice.

Then, we can ask knowledgeable and wise counselors to give us advice and list the pros and cons of each possibility. After we have done all our homework, prayed for wisdom, and thoughtfully weighed all the options, we must make the decision and trust God for the outcome. He is completely able to close doors at any time and lead in a different direction. By going through this process we may still experience questions about whether we made the right choice, but we can have confidence that God will keep His word. He promises to give wisdom when we ask, and we must believe and not doubt.

So the next time you hear two voices in your head giving conflicting opinions about the direction you should take, don’t panic. Do what James suggests. Ask God for wisdom, do all your homework thoroughly, and then make the decision with confidence. God is faithful! And who knows to what exciting places He will take you!

Love,

Mama

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How to Deal With Conflict and Gain Peace

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Mark 9:50 “Salt is good; but if the salt becomes unsalty, with what will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”

Dear Kids,

Deal With ConflictDoes anyone really love conflict? I know there are some who thrive on the drama of difficult circumstances and relationships. But I expect there are many more who would love to float through life without ever facing any kind of uncomfortable disagreement. This would be nice, but the Bible makes it clear that such ease will not be the norm. Life in a sinful world that is full of sinful people portends hurt and strife. We will need to deal with conflict. And in order to attain peace we must embrace the painful path.

Different Ways to Deal With Conflict

All of us deal  with conflict differently. Some, with feet planted and fists clenched, like to face it head on. These ones are ready to protect and fight to the end. And that is often what happens. Harsh words fly, hearts shrivel, and souls die a painful death.

Others defend themselves by running away and avoiding the fray at all costs. In their minds they think this will guard against hurt and preserve the peace. But these responses are wrong also. The painful emotions caused by misunderstanding take root in the heart spreading cancerous bitterness that over time erodes even the best of relationships.

If you want to experience peace in a confusing, hurtful, disappointing world there is only one way to do it. It is to walk the path of conflict courageously with wisdom, grace, and love. This thorny trail is risky. But the benefits are reconciliation and life.

Interpersonal Struggles Have Been Around Since the Fall

Interpersonal relationship struggles have been around since Adam and Eve chose to disobey God. Even Jesus had to deal with them while here on earth. His closest band of followers struggled just as we do. One day they were travelling to Capernaum and on the way the twelve argued over which of them was the greatest.

Jesus could have blasted these prideful men for thinking so highly of themselves, or He could have avoided the conflict by trying to change the subject. Instead Jesus appropriately addressed the heated discussion and used it as a teachable moment.

How Did Jesus Deal With Conflict

First, Jesus waited for the right timing. He did not enter the fray in the public arena, but delayed until they were inside a house and could speak privately. Next, Jesus gently questioned His disciples about what they had been discussing on the road. The disciples knew they were wrong and were embarrassed, so they kept quiet and didn’t answer.

Instead of accusing and belittling these men because of their misconduct, Jesus sat down with them and explained that the way to become great is to be a servant of all. To help them understand He demonstrated His point by taking a child in His arms and showing the kind of humility they must maintain to reflect Christlikeness.

The Benefits of Dealing With Conflict Appropriately

Many more missteps took place during those days as Jesus trained His disciples, but each time the Lord gently guided them to the right way of thinking and acting. They were to salt the earth with prudence in their dealings with each other and all people. This salt would be the very ingredient necessary to preserve relationships and share the gospel of peace successfully with the world.

We will always be confronted with conflict on this sinful earth. How we deal with it will make all the difference. Do not run away. Do not go toe-to-toe only to defend your self-interest. Instead, when appropriate, gently and humbly enter in with love and grace. This painful path is what leads to interpersonal healing and gives us opportunity to promote the gospel of peace. This is the salt that seasons the earth.

Love,
Mama

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What’s Really Behind Your Mask?

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Jeremiah 17:9-10a “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? I the LORD search the heart . . .” (NIV)

Dear Kids,

What's Really Behind Your Mask?

What’s Really Behind Your Mask?

We now live in a world where masks are an everyday reality. Every time you engage with someone – whether at work, school, or store – everyone wears a mask to protect themselves and others. But is this really very different than what has always been?

The other day I took my weekly grocery shopping trip into town. While in the store I ran into four people I thought I knew. I didn’t recognize any of them at first because half of their face was covered, but after scrutinizing their other physical characteristics, even one person’s sandaled feet, I realized they were acquaintances. It took some time and effort to recognize these individuals because I couldn’t see an important part of their face.

Creativity With Your Masks

Since the mandate to mask up, I’ve also noticed a wide variety of creativity. I’ve come across big toothy smiley faces, scary monster grimaces, animal snouts, and masks with various messages. Each of these is meant to draw attention to the wearer and evoke some sort of response, but no one really knows the true sentiment behind the cloth cover.

This may seem like a new and strange development in our COVID-19 world, but people have been masking up for years. Some of the seemingly happiest people I’ve known have struggled with debilitating depression within the recesses of their inner self. Other ultra-charismatic people sometimes have ulterior motives. Their smooth and well-timed words may be meant to induce the response they want from the hearer. What we initially see in people is not always the truth of their character.

God Sees Behind Your Mask

Although we can’t always discern what’s behind the masks people wear, there is Someone Who can. God is not fooled by a laughing face cover trying to disguise tears. Likewise, He never capitulates to smooth talk and calculated actions meant to use others for personal gain. He sees directly into the soul and discerns the deepest hurts and truest motives. This can be a scary thought if your heart is not right. But it is also very comforting when others don’t get you or understand your broken heart.

I’m sorry to say that for now it looks like masks are around to stay for a while. So keep your creative stash handy and available for all occasions. But while you must keep your mouth and nose covered for safety’s sake, be careful not to cover up the true sentiments of your heart. Friends and family may not always see the real you, but there is Someone who does. And not even a mask will fool Him.

Love,

Mama

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When It Hurts So Good – Healing From Hard Words

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Colossians 3:12-13 “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

Dear Kids,

Sometimes it’s necessary to hear hard words. We often fail to see ourselves in a proper light. But God has a way of pointing out our weaknesses. When this happens don’t shy away from the truth but respond appropriately. His reprimands will hurt “so good” and the results will be great blessings in your life.

God Sometimes Speaks Hard Words

A person who reads God’s word regularly may once in a while become uncomfortable. There will always be calming words of encouragement to soothe the frazzled heart and mind, but there will also be times when a strong exhortation will stop you in your tracks. The question then is what are you going to do about it?

It was a long and hot Monday and I just wasn’t feeling the routine beginnings of a new week. I grudgingly dragged myself through the motions while constantly checking the clock for quitting time. Right before five I took a phone call. The particular circumstances of the call stirred up some previous frustrations and I drove home feeling annoyed.

I grabbed my daily devotional book and plopped down in a lawn chair on the porch hoping to read an inspirational passage of Scripture and something to make me feel better about the unreasonable people who were ruffling my feathers.

Forgive Others as God Has Forgiven You

But instead God used the passage of the day to point out my own personal need for an attitude adjustment. He reminded me that His chosen people must always put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. It is our duty to bear with others and forgive them just as God has forgiven us.

This was not what I wanted to hear!

But as the words penetrated my heart I started to think about all the annoying things I do and say. Despite my blind spots and flaws God is always so forgiving and gracious. And I hope that others will also cut me some slack when I grate on their nerves.

God’s Words Demand a Decision

It was decision time! What would I do? Would I shut the book and tune out this pertinent reminder, choosing to cling to my annoyance and frustration? Or would I agree with God, repent, and let the offense go?

It didn’t take too much convincing. I know how I want to be treated despite my flaws. And as God’s child it is my responsibility to treat others accordingly.

Obedience Brings Healing From Hard Words

The uncomfortable feeling dissipated as I let the wrongdoing go and immediately I felt so much better. I had forgiven. I was forgiven. And the previously elusive peace I had desired finally took over. Life was good again.

If you are human, you can be sure you have some blind spots. But take a lesson from me. When God’s word hits you right where you need it most, don’t shy away. Listen to what you need to hear and respond. It will hurt “so good.” You will be much happier. And the result will be great blessings for all!

Love,

Mama

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Finding Space in Your Life for God’s Peace

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Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Dear Kids,

Clearing out the clutter makes room for peace!

Do you want to experience God’s peace in your life? Then it’s time to do some mental housecleaning and clear out unwanted clutter.

I happen to be an organization fanatic. Deep down inside I have a need for things to be in order and find it hard to function if things are cluttered and out of place. Even performing the simplest of tasks, like making lunch, can’t happen until the counter is clean. Some call this OCD. I just call it survival.

Make Space in Your life

While I may be over the top with this functionality essential, I think it is appropriate to say that in order to enjoy certain things in life you need to make some space. For example, if you want a drink of lemonade, you must have an empty glass so you can fill it with the chosen beverage. Adding lemonade to a glass of water will dilute the refreshing flavor you were hoping for.

Recently I decided to make one of our now unused bedrooms into a cozy den and work room. In my mind’s eye I envisioned a peaceful space with a small loveseat, television, and a sizeable table for Bible study or other projects. But in order to reach this goal, I first must rid the room of everything that won’t help me reach my goal. Closets need to be cleaned out and unwanted furniture removed. Once the room is clear I can begin to fill it with the accouterments needed to create my calming space.

Clear Out Mind Clutter to Experience God’s Peace

This concept applies to our mental capacity as well. In order to embrace appropriate thoughts and emotions, we need to take inventory of what is in our mind and clear out the clutter. When my heart is full of worry and anxiety I am not focusing on God and His power. Biblical truths are squeezed out by frantic imaginings and desperate attempts to control the situation.

The way to experience God’s peace that transcends our understanding is to do some mental housecleaning. The peace comes when we obey the first part of today’s verses. We must present our requests to God by prayer and petition with thanksgiving. I think of it as taking all the cluttery anxieties that clog up my mind and releasing them into God’s hands. Sometimes I even make a list of my worries on paper in one column and a list of things related to the situation for which I am thankful in another column. This practical exercise helps empty the chamber of my mind and free it up for God’s peace to flow in. And let me tell you, it is refreshing!

Our Minds Need Constant Supervision

As with all things this is not a one-time procedure. When I finish fashioning my cozy den, I will continually need to clean up and put things in their place to keep it free from untidiness. Our minds also need constant supervision. It’s important to check daily for mental clutter and keep it under control through prayer and thanksgiving. This is how to maintain the calm and tranquility the Lord offers.

Do you want to experience God’s peace in your life? It’s free and it’s there for the taking. All you need to do is some mental housekeeping. Clear away all your unwanted anxiety through prayer and thanksgiving. Present your requests to God.  And this will make room for God’s perfect peace.

Love,

Mama

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Seeking the Lord – An All Out Heart and Soul Effort

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Deuteronomy 4:29 “But from there you will seek the LORD your God, and you will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart and all your soul.”

Dear Kids,

Have you ever wanted something so badly that you exerted an all out, heart-and-soul effort to attain it? These kinds of goals are few and far between. They take a tremendous amount of time and effort. But seeking the Lord is a pursuit in which the reward is amazing!

An All Out Heart and Soul Effort

I daily get a laugh out of our German shepherd dog. Apache has a one-track mind. Each morning when I open the door to the kennel she follows the same routine. First, she darts out of the pen to take a quick run around the yard. Next, she gallops back and nuzzles her head on my leg to gain my attention and get some love. And after the head rub and affirmation she sets her sights on the fields.

As soon as she hears the bajeep bajeep of a nervous killdeer swooping low over the field to distract intruders from her babies, Apache is off! In seconds she hits the ground running at a good 35 miles per hour (I know; I clocked her in the car once). Ears pasted against her head, body tense, and legs stretched out, she gives every ounce of strength to the chase as she fades into a black and tan speck against the brown soil. Soon the bird swings around and heads back to her nest. Apache also navigates a wide arc and barrels towards home without losing any speed. The blur becomes clearer and clearer to me the closer she comes. Exhausted she collapses onto the porch. She hasn’t caught any killdeers yet, but I know she’ll give it an all out effort again tomorrow.

Seeking the Lord is what God wants

Apache knows what she wants and day after day she goes after it with everything she’s got. This kind of effort is how we should be seeking the Lord.

Moses, the famous Israelite leader, urged the Israelites to fear the Lord, walk in His ways, and seek Him with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. Moses understood the fickleness of the children of Israel and warned them to put God first. He knew they would wander away from God and suffer great punishment because of it. But he assured them that they would find the Lord if only they searched for Him with all their heart.

The New Testament writers, likewise, encourage us to seek the Lord wholeheartedly. Matthew and Luke reiterate Moses’ instruction to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. The Apostle Paul declared, “But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted a loss for the sake of Christ.” Paul wanted to know Jesus and the power of His resurrection more than anything else. He desired it so badly that he gave an all out, heart-and-soul effort to the endeavor. This pursuit eventually cost him his life. But Paul would be the first to tell you of the eternal rewards. He knew Christ was worth more than anything and that to die was gain.

Seek the Lord and You Will Find Him

What kind of effort are you willing to give in order to develop a meaningful relationship with the Lord? Apache gives her all to catch a mere killdeer. Should we not have this same kind of determination for a much better goal? The best part is our efforts will never be in vain. God promises that when we are seeking the Lord diligently, we will find Him. Now, that’s a desire worth an all out, heart-and-soul effort.

Love,
Mama

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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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No Bird Soars in a Calm – The Benefit of Trials

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James 1:2-3 “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.”

Dear Kids, 

“No bird soars in a calm.” These words were written by one of Dayton, Ohio’s famous sons, Wilbur Wright. The Wright brothers spent years developing an invention that could fly through the sky. According to Wikipedia, Orville and Wilbur are “credited with inventing, building and flying the world’s first successful motorized airplane.” In order to understand the technology needed to allow their craft to become airborne, Wilbur spent many hours watching and recording information about birds in flight. One of many breakthroughs came when he realized that wind gave the lift needed to allow a bird to soar through the air.

Difficulty Helps Us Grow and Mature

Birds and airplanes are not the only things that need moving air in order to soar. People can also thrive when they are faced with a strong wind. Those who only experience calm in life are apt to become complacent or too comfortable. These have no impetus to learn and grow. But those who experience difficulties and struggle forward through the storm find they soon reach an altitude where they can spread their wings and ride the wind.

James encouraged a group of struggling Christians to find joy in the trials they suffered. He knew that these very trials would test their faith, and through them they would develop perseverance. The strong winds of life would prove their character, strengthen their resolve, and develop maturity. They would find that God could and would sustain them in their times of trouble. This would grow their faith even more causing them to soar above the very difficulties they were enduring.

Velocity Picks Up With Stay At Home Order

These past few weeks we have been facing some strong winds with the progression of the COVID-19 virus. Even this week the velocity picked up as our governor signed a “stay at home” order for Ohio residents. I, like many others, have wondered how we will keep on in the midst of this trial. How will we keep our business going? Will any of our family develop symptoms? When will we be able to join our friends in large groups again? This is a complete disaster . . . or is it?

James tells us we must change our perspective. In faith we should joyfully consider our circumstances an occasion to trust God more. This will develop our perseverance and character. Trying days ahead may be the very opportunity we need to launch into a new realm of growth impossible during unruffled days of normalcy.

No Bird Soars in a Calm

So spread your wings, point your face into the wind, and get ready to fly. Because in the words of Wilbur Wright, “No bird soars in a calm!”

Love,

Mama

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Important Reasons You Should Always Be Prepared

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Matthew 25:1-2 “Then the kingdom of heaven will be compared to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were prudent.”

Always Be Prepared

Reasons Why You Should Always Be Prepared

The baby book picture Dad and I didn’t prepare for – Notice unshaven face (Dad) and messy hairdo (Mom). Learned Lesson: Always Be Prepared!

“Be prepared.” A motto used for more than a century by the Boy Scouts of America applies in many areas of life. When you don’t heed this apropos advice you may find yourself in some interesting quandaries that last a lifetime . . . including your grandchild’s baby book.

We arrived in Boston last October excited to finally see our newest granddaughter. Margaret Anna entered the world in late August, but due to prior commitments Dad and I hadn’t been able to make the trip until two months later. We awoke at the ungodly hour of 3 AM to report to the Columbus airport on time to traverse the check-in lines and board our flight.

Upon our arrival in the Boston area, we were excited, but fully exhausted. We retired early that evening, planning to walk to a nearby café for breakfast the next morning. I awoke feeling lazy and made the conscious decision to forego my usual morning rituals of personal hygiene. “Who cares what I look like? We are with family,” I reasoned to myself. So I threw my hair into a messy ponytail, left the makeup bag undisturbed, and joined the group for our morning rendezvous at the donut shop.

The Unplanned Picture

I was thrilled with the opportunity to carry sweet Margie Anna and waited as John-Keith secured her to my person with the swaddling wrap. She was so cuddly and cute that someone snapped a picture of us before leaving.

I never thought about it again until a few weeks ago when I was admiring my daughter-in-law’s beautiful baby book. Page after page of creative photos and annotations documented Margie Anna’s first six months and proved to be an incredible lifetime treasure. Then I turned the next page and saw the picture. My messy ponytail and au natural face stared back at me as big as life. Who knew when I made my conscious decision to forego my usual prinking that the memory would be preserved for all posterity to see? If only I had adhered to the Boy Scout motto, “Be Prepared!”

Unprepared Bridesmaids Miss the Party

Jesus told a story about some bridesmaids who also found themselves unprepared. These girls were part of a bridal party waiting for the arrival of the groom. Each carried a lamp to light his way. Around midnight these five girls realized they were almost out of oil. So they asked to borrow some from the others, but there wasn’t enough to go around. So these foolish bridesmaids went to try to buy some more. While they were shopping the bridegroom came. The prepared bridesmaids accompanied the crowd into the celebration, but the unprepared returned too late. They never even got into the pictures because they missed the party altogether.

Jesus told this parable to demonstrate the need to be ready for Christ’s return. Just as the bridesmaids didn’t know the exact hour of the groom’s arrival, neither do we know the time of Christ’s return. We must be prepared and ready in our relationship with God or we will be left behind.

“Be prepared!” This motto has served the Boy Scouts of America well. And it is a maxim we all should live by. If you do, you won’t have to worry about missing the party, being left behind at Christ’s return, or having the perfect baby book photograph to last for a lifetime.

Love,

Mama

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