Verses from Mama

Hearing God speak one Bible verse at a time.

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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Seven Life Lessons I Learned From a One-Year Old

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Proverbs 1:5 “A wise man will hear and increase in learning, And a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel . . .”

Dear Kids,

7 Life Lessons I Learned From a One-Year Old

Ruby Mae Sheridan and her new sister, Lilly Anne.

As you grow older life becomes more and more complicated. A prudent man or woman will take to heart wise counsel from those with greater experience. But sometimes it takes a one-year-old to help you push pause and relearn some simple life lessons. When you listen carefully and follow through you’ll find life becomes a little more enjoyable and a lot more satisfying.

It was another busy week – work schedules, meetings, deadlines – all as usual pushed me to the brink of exhaustion and my sanity. Then Ruby stepped into the picture!

Wednesday afternoon, after a nine-month wait, Luke took Brianna to the hospital. One-year old Ruby came to Nana’s house to await the arrival of a new baby sister. And I stepped out of my busy, crazy life and back into time. Déjà vu took over as I relived the days of caring for a toddler. I had forgotten about the uncomplicated moments of small but essential things. Somehow all the busyness of important stuff had sapped my joy. It took a one-year old to slow my whirlwind dash for accomplishment enough to rediscover the wonder and delight of the simple life. In just a few short days I was reminded of several important life lessons.

  1. Live in the moment – stop everything to experience the things you enjoy.

So often I sacrifice small pleasures to the god of accomplishment. The afternoon was waning and dinner needed preparation. But Ruby heard Apache outside barking. She didn’t seem to care that dinner hour was approaching. She wanted to see the “Arf Arf.” So reluctantly I set aside the unchopped vegetables, picked her up, and together we stood at the window watching, barking, and giggling at the silly doggy’s antics. It wasn’t until later I realized the release and joy of putting aside needful tasks to just “be in the moment.” We ate dinner just a little later than planned, but my heart was peaceful and nobody starved.

  1. Eat slowly and dip every nugget into the sauce more than once.

I have a bad habit of eating fast. I never could get the hang of my grandfather’s advice of “32 chews.” Instead I gulp and swallow so I can get on to the next thing. Ruby isn’t like that. Abigail and I took her to a favorite local haunt for lunch on Valentine’s Day. She savored every bite, dipping each chicken finger and French fry into the sauce multiple times. Long after we were finished eating, Ruby was still dipping and enjoying. The slow pace gave more time for talking and observing the other guests around us. What was the big rush anyway?

  1. Sing along even when you can’t keep the tune.

Why do adults become so self-conscious? We don’t ever want to mess up or look silly, so we often shut down. In doing so we lose many opportunities to join in fun. On the way home from lunch, Abigail and I spontaneously started singing songs from last year’s high school musical. Suddenly from the back seat we heard Ruby singing along with us. She had no idea of the words or the tune but she didn’t want to be left out. Her sweet voice brought huge smiles to our faces and warmth to our hearts.

  1. Take a nap when you need one.

Our success driven culture rarely sleeps. We think somehow that going to bed late and getting up early will give us more time to achieve big things. Instead there are a lot of tired and grumpy people clawing their way through each day. Wouldn’t it be so much better to do what Ruby does? She goes to bed at a decent hour and then takes a nap when she needs one. If adults did this there would be a whole lot more nice people in the world and we might even accomplish more with our minds clear and rested.

  1. Learn peoples’ names and say them over and over.

Ruby doesn’t say a lot of words yet. She loves to talk, but her vocabulary is limited. That doesn’t stop her. She has learned the names of those she loves and says them over and over. I will never get tired of hearing her say, “Nana.” It makes me feel loved and wanted. All people need this. They want to know they are thought of and significant. As adults we also should learn people’s names and use them over and over.

  1. Laugh a lot. It does the heart good!

Somewhere in the journey to adulthood people often lose their sense of humor. We become so serious and businesslike that we miss laughable moments including the benefits that come from them. Ruby giggles constantly. Belly kisses, funny faces, and silly games all produce chuckles. If only adults could break out into uncontrollable belly laughs more often we would be so much happier and healthier.

  1. Open all the drawers and explore. You never know what you will find.

I have become very predictable. I go to the same restaurants, take the same roads to places I visit, and generally stay in my patterns of daily living. But Ruby showed me the joy of exploration. She opened the drawers in my desk, my hall cabinet, and bathroom and was thrilled with the things she found. And believe it or not, she discovered some things I had forgotten about or thought I had lost. Maybe it would be a good idea for me to break out from my comfort zone and try something new. I might just find joy beyond the borders of my usual routine.

Before I could snap my fingers it was time to take Ruby home. Baby Lilly Anne needed her big sister to teach her all about the world she had just entered. But this Nana had learned a few things too. Life is not all about the hustle and bustle of accomplishment. Sometimes you have to hit pause and slow down. A wise man or woman can look through the eyes of a one-year old and relearn important life lessons. When you do you will discover there is joy and satisfaction in the simple life.

Love,

Mama

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Where to Find a Never Failing Sense of Security

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Psalm 20:7 “Some boast in chariots and some in horses, But we will boast in the name of the Lord, our God.”

Dear Kids,

Where to find a never failing sense of security.

Emily and our Tennessee Walking horse, Sonny!

Where do you go to find safety and security? Many of us turn to friends, parents, or counselors, for comfort and wisdom in times of distress. Others rely on their bank account or their connections with rich or important people to create a sense of confidence or procure help in time of need. God has given us all of these blessings for companionship, love, and support during difficult times, but sometimes we forget that our greatest source of help and protection comes from God Himself.

Some Think Military Status Ensures Safety

In ancient times kings measured the strength of their armies by the number of their horses and chariots. The more they had, the safer they felt. Today nations are no different. The status of the military often determines the perceived security a country feels. During the 1980s when I was a young teenager I remember that our nation participated in an arms race with the Soviet Union. Presidents have emphasized the importance and necessity of a strong military and weapon system to keep ahead of other countries. By staying on top our government believed they could much better ensure the safety of our country and citizens.

A strong military is important, but even the strongest can’t protect against surprise assaults such as occurred on September 11, 2001, when the World Trade Center was attacked. No one knew this atrocity was coming and the people of the United States suffered huge losses in lives, businesses, buildings, and normalcy. Our sense of safety crumbled with the debris from the twin towers as they collapsed onto the New York City streets.

God is Our Constant Source of Help and Security

David, the writer of Psalm 20 was a powerful king. He had many enemies and participated in numerous wars. But this godly monarch recognized that the number of generals, horses, chariots and weapons he had could never be his source of security. His boast was only in the name of the Lord, His God. God delivered him from the fearsome giant, Goliath, when he carried only a sling and a stone. God protected him from the life-threatening schemes of jealous King Saul. And God would be David’s constant source of help and security throughout his whole life.

On what do you rely for safety and security? Is it your family, your finances, your country’s military, or your own ingenuity? None of these are failsafe. Like King David we must recognize that our boast should not be in all the people and earthly support systems we have at our disposal. Do not boast in horses or chariots. Instead boast of the security found in the name of the Lord, your God.

Love,

Mama

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Repentance: When A U-Turn is Needed

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Jeremiah 8:4-5 “You shall say to them, ‘Thus says the LORD, Do men fall and not get up again? Does one turn away and not repent?’ Why then has this people Jerusalem, Turned away in continual apostasy? They hold fast to deceit, They refuse to return.’”

Dear Kids:

There are plenty of times in life when you will find yourself going the wrong direction. It may be you have made a bad decision and found yourself in a muddle. Maybe you over committed and feel overwhelmed.  Or maybe you just misread the map and found yourself on a road you don’t recognize. Whatever the situation, the best option is repentance.  Admit your mistake and redirect your course. Otherwise you could find yourself really far away from where you want to be.

Before we even got married Dad discovered my weak navigation skills. I have always had trouble deciphering between right and left. Before the days of Siri it was common for me to make a wrong turn or two and find myself far away from my planned destination.

One Saturday, early in our dating relationship, Dad and I planned to attend a friend’s wedding in Northern New Jersey. He jumped in the driver’s seat and handed me the handwritten map (that was his first mistake). About thirty minutes into the trip he asked if we were near our exit. I glanced at the map and determined we still had some more miles to go. A few minutes later he inquired again, but I reported we still were not there.

After a little more dialogue we found ourselves no closer to our desired exit. So Dad finally pulled over to look at the map himself. He quickly recognized our problem when he examined the drawing . . . and then turned it 180 degrees.

Yes, I admit it! I had been holding the map upside down. We were now miles past our desired destination, and the only thing to do was to retrace our route. I am glad to say that despite my blunder we finally made it to the church. But that was only because we determined the error and rerouted our course.

We all make mistakes, but it’s what we do with them that determines the final outcome. When we refuse to admit we’ve done wrong and continue in the same direction, things only get worse. But when we acknowledge our shortcomings, take responsibility, and turn the other direction, we will be better off for it.

Sadly, the people of Jerusalem during Jeremiah’s time held fast to their sinful ways. Although they heard God’s message repeatedly they chose not to repent of their wickedness. Instead they doggedly continued charting their own errant course. This road took them farther and farther away from the Lord and closer and closer to grave punishment. How much better things would have been if they had just turned around and repented!

My map skills have not improved much over the years. There have been many times when I had to admit sheepishly that I was lost or headed in the wrong direction. But I have learned the best option is to own up to my errors and turn around.

So don’t be like the people of Jerusalem who ignored all the warnings and continued full speed down the wrong road. If you find you have made an incorrect turn then admit your mistake. Readjust the map, make a U-turn, and head back the other way. God is gracious and responds to repentance. And He is always faithful to get you to the correct destination.

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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It’s Only a Game – Holding On To What Really Matters

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Philippians 2:16 “ . . . holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.”

What really matters? Opposing volleyball teams uniting in prayer for a fan with a medical emergency.

Opposing volleyball teams uniting in prayer for a fan with a medical emergency.

Dear Kids:

When it comes to sports in our family, I am on a different wavelength than everyone else. Since I never played team sports when I was young (that was not a thing for girls in the town and the culture I grew up in) I have never been able to understand completely the all out, life consuming commitment to the game. So it has become a joke in our family when the competition gets stiff to repeat my favorite saying, “It’s only a game . . . just like UNO”.

My sport is not like a card game!

I have taken a lot of ribbing for this statement over the years. “Mom, you don’t understand! (eye roll) My sport is not anything like a card game!” But while I have made my comment with tongue in cheek, there is a grain of truth to the saying. And it was played out in living color last week.

Our high school volleyball team traveled to another league school where they engaged in a discouraging match. For various reasons the team has struggled this season, and even with a lot of good effort they were lagging behind this opponent’s group of accomplished girls. The coaches and parents were frustrated as the disheartened players tried to focus and get back on track. Suddenly there was a disruption at the far end of the court.

The other school’s athletic director was watching from the corner when, without warning, he collapsed breaking two teeth and wounding his head. As he lay motionless on the court, nurses and medical personnel rushed from the stands to help. The rest of the players, coaches, and fans sat in suspended silence watching and waiting for any news on his condition. Finally, a local parent gathered both teams into a circle on the court and led the group in prayer for their administrator. Twenty minutes later the ambulance arrived and transported the man to a nearby hospital.

The game resumed and concluded quickly, but there was a new outlook on the results. Tears were not about who won or lost. There was more at stake then being a winner or loser in the game of volleyball. Someone’s life was hanging in the balance.

Hold Tightly to What Really Matters

I firmly believe we must give our best effort to whatever God sets before us, whether that be our job, our homework, or our sport. But we must always keep in mind what is most important. The Apostle Paul understood that his life, glory, and worth did not depend on what kind of grades he received in school, how much money he made in his career, or his stats on a high school volleyball team. He recognized that the purpose of life and his true worth was in Christ alone. Christ was working in him to will and to work for His good pleasure and he counted everything as loss in order to know Christ more fully. Paul determined to hold tightly to the Word of Life. This would assure he would have reason to glory and he wouldn’t run or toil in vain.

Kids, there will be many disappointments in this life. But these don’t determine your worth or your status with God. Give your best effort to all that you set your hand to do in order to bring Him glory. But keep in mind that life is short and everything on this earth will soon pass away. Instead hold on tightly with all out, life-consuming commitment to what really matters – the words of life, knowing Christ, living above reproach, and shining your light for all to see.

Then when you have a discouraging sports season, you won’t take it too hard. Your perspective will be changed and you will finally agree with what I’ve always said, “It’s only a game . . . just like UNO!”

Love,

Mama

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My Shiny New Stove and Its Inner Workings

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1 Chronicles 28:9 “As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him he will reject you forever.”

Dear Kids:

My heart dropped as I processed the bad news. After five months of living in a home disrupted by a January frozen pipe disaster, we were finally making headway on the kitchen remodel. The new appliances had arrived and I was excited for another step towards normalcy in our daily routine. But there was a problem! The bright, new, shiny stove fit snugly into its spot, but I couldn’t use it. Unbeknownst to me gas stoves fueled by propane need different parts than ones fueled by natural gas . . . and this stove had not been converted!

The Inner Workings of a Stove Matter

I immediately called the retailer where we had bought the stove to voice my frustration and was met with incredulity. “How could you not know you have propane? Don’t you have a tank in the back of your house?” the merchant scolded. Desperately, I tried to explain that I knew we employed propane fuel. But I had no idea there was any difference in a propane or natural gas stove.  If the outside looked good to me I just pushed a button, opened the door, and slid in the cake! The inner workings made no difference to me. But apparently now I knew they were crucial.

It’s not just the inner workings of gas stoves that are important. The inner character of individuals trumps all that we see on the outside.  Yet, we tend to judge people by the things we can observe without any real idea what is going on inside them. A shy, introverted individual may be judged as haughty or self-absorbed while they are really just timid and uncomfortable in their own skin. On the other hand, a charismatic and outgoing person may be estimated to be trustworthy while their sociable personality just masks a lack of integrity and ethics. It is dangerous to judge people only by their shiny exteriors.

God is Not Fooled By Polished Exteriors

King David gave some wise advise to his son, Solomon. “My Son, serve the Lord with your all your heart and mind, for the Lord knows if you are not genuine. He searches every heart and understands your thoughts and intentions. If you seek Him wholeheartedly you will find Him. But if you reject Him no amount of polished exterior will hide the truth and He will reject you.”

My new range appears quite sharp nestled between our rich cherry cabinets, but for all of its shiny exterior it will be useless until it is converted to be propane safe. I don’t believe I will make this mistake again.

I now know that the inner workings of stoves, like the inner traits of people, are what really matter. While I may not always fully understand the mechanics of either, nothing is hidden from God. He comprehends every thought and intention of the heart and outward trappings never take Him by surprise . . . not even the shiny exterior of a spanking brand new stove!

Love,
Mama

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