Living Gratefully is sometimes hard

This is the season for "Thanks" here in America, isn't it? Next week we will be celebrating our national holiday of Thanksgiving. People will be gathering all over the country reminding each other of all the things for which they are thankful in their lives.

The problem with that is; that not everyone is in a thankful mood. There are many, many people who have had to deal with tragedy and loss. They are dealing with the loss of family members, the loss of friends, the loss of jobs, the loss of homes, cars, and things that cannot be replaced. Some of us despair over the condition of our county and the loss of moral values in our government and our society in general.

Sometimes it is difficult to "Be Grateful," in general; much less live gratefully all of the time. How do we cope? How do we not read the words of Paul in Philippians 4:4, where he says: "Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice," and not, at times, feel resentment?

Are we wrong to feel discouraged? Are we wrong not to go around smiling and laughing all the time? Honestly; I don't think we are wrong for having emotions and feelings which are not always in line with rejoicing. We often see Jesus as he is weighed down with the unbelief of the Jewish nation sorrowing and weeping. If you are human, then sometimes you are going to hurt.

I believe that, even though he wrote the words above, the apostle Paul sometimes had trouble rejoicing "Always". How many times did he chastise those who hurt the cause of Christ? How often did he warn that judgment is coming to those who fail to hold onto their faith and serve Satan? Really, do you think he rejoiced in doing that? I don't!

I believe that the point Paul was making is that we must never lose sight of the promise of our hope in the future. Yes, sometimes it's difficult to rejoice or to be thankful, but that is only until we remind ourselves that this world is only temporary and that all loses on earth don't really matter eternally. Our live is more than just the daily grind, pain and loss we suffer here; it is the hope for the future in which we rejoice! When I remember that, I honestly can rejoice always (or in all ways), because I remember the eternal promise of God.

TOLERANCE AND GOD

We are living in a very difficult time in our world. We live in a world where tolerance is often demanded by those in our society and our government. One definition of tolerance which I read said, that: "Tolerance is being forced to put up with something with which you disagree" .

Recently in California a law was passed saying that if a boy feels that he was really a girl or a girl feels that she is really a boy; that they must be allowed to use whatever dressing room or shower room they desire in the public schools. In other words a boy may join you daughter in the school showers and you daughter may join the boys in their school shower. Also, a law was passed that said that if your son or daughter had these inclinations that you are forbidden (by law) as a parent to seek counseling for them. This is some folk's idea of what tolerance should be like.

As I consider this I think their idea of tolerance is just plain crazy! It's not unlike the Calvin and Hobbes cartoon which was run not long ago.

Calvin and Hobbes are shown walking through the snow. Hobbes asks: "How are you doing on your New Year's resolutions?"

Calvin replies: "I didn't make any. See, in order to improve oneself, one must have some idea of what's 'good.' That implies certain values. But as we all know, values are relative. Every system of belief is equally valid and we need to tolerate diversity. Virtue isn't 'better' than vice. It's just different."

Hobbes replies: "I don't know if I can tolerate that much tolerance."

Calvin response was: "I refuse to be victimized by notions of virtuous behavior."

That in a nutshell is the problem. People demand tolerance of their ideas based upon the concept that there can be no right or wrong, no good or bad. This flies in the face of all of us who were raised with strong moral and ethical values. Yes, I will readily admit that my values are based upon God's Word, the bible, but then to begin with so were most of the laws of our land.

To declare that there is no true right or wrong, no definable good or bad is ludicrous. There have to be constant's by which we can guide our society or it will crumble around us, which is what I am afraid is beginning to happen. It is like declaring a three egg omelet is good, because it only had one bad egg in it. You can say it is good, but that does not make it so.

We see developing in our country a path, a way that is taking us away from everything that made us a great nation. "The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the godly will flourish. There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death." (Proverbs 14:11-12, NLT) Is there truly no right or wrong, no good or bad? God say that there is. Notice what he says in Revelation 21:8 "But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars, their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death, (an eternal separation from God)."

Some today are saying, "Who is this God? He's not real! He is only the remnants of an old mystical teaching. Psalms 14:1, tells us: "Only fools say in their hearts, 'There is no God.' They are corrupt, and their actions are evil; not one of them does good!" You can be tolerant of evil or you can decide that there really is a right way to live. The choice is yours!

MY CURRENT MOST HATED EXPRESSION

Have you ever heard someone say something really dumb? I mean something that indicates that they really haven't thought before they spoke. Here are a couple of examples:

l      "A fellow nurse at my hospital received a call from an anxious woman. 'I'm diabetic and I'm afraid I've had too much sugar today,' she said. 'Are you light-headed?' my colleague asked. 'No," the caller answered, "I'm a brunette.'

l      Here's another dumb statement: "Most cars on our roads have only one occupant, usually the driver." (Carol Malia, Anchorwoman).

OK, we can all read these statements and realize that they were not thought through before they came out of the peoples mouths. Granted these things are just dumb, they have no lasting consequence or importance in the grand scheme of things, but shouldn't we think before we speak?

My current most hated expression is "Oh My God." I am so sick of hearing this pop out of the mouth of almost everyone I meet. It seems that no one can express surprise anymore without misusing the name of God in what they say. You hear it a hundred times a day on television as well as on the radio. We as a people have lost our respect and reverence for the creator of our universe, our Heavenly Father, our God, when we use His name in such a frivolous way.

Have you heard someone casually use the name of our God as a curse, an exclamation of frustration or even surprise? Sure you have, maybe you've done it yourself. That is only a small example of one way we can speak out of habit rather than through thought. Let me encourage you however to start thinking before you speak. There are things that are of more consequence to us than we sometime think! Let me encourage you to say something to those who do this and remind them just who's name they are invoking.

 

Jesus speaking in Matthew 12:35-37 says, "The good man out of his good store gives good things; and the evil man out of his evil store gives evil things. And I say to you that in the day when they are judged, men will have to give an account of every foolish word they have said. For by your words will your righteousness be seen, and by your words you will be judged."

So how about it, how about stopping and thinking before you speak, especially when you are speaking about things that will effect your eternity. After all Jesus said the things that come out of our mouths, are a result of what has been stored up inside of us. Yes, you can say you are sorry for having said something, but wouldn't it have been easier not to have said it at all.

 

Dear Dad

I was in a second hand shop the other day and bought a book, yes a real book printed on paper. I have nothing against electronic books, I have a tablet which lets me read books on it also, but I guess I'm of the generation that still likes to hold a book printed on real paper too.

Anyway, a few days later I started reading the book. As I normally do, I read the front and rear covers and normally check to see what year the book was written, etc. (just a curiosity of mine). While looking the book over I found an inscription in the front of the book and the inscription has more meaning than the book it'self.

In 1993 two children, Rachal and Richard wrote this message (in part) in the cover of the book: "Dear Dad… I read something today that reminded me of you, so here it is… 'A father is strong, yet flexible; wise, yet always learning; a leader, yet serving others.' That's you dad! We love you."

We all dream of having the "Perfect" relationship with our children patterned after some thing we have seen, read or been taught. The problem is that many in our world rarely have that kind of relationship. We have been blessed in our family in the fact that now as adults our children seem to like us pretty well, but it wasn't always that way when they were growing up. There were lots of times when they probably didn't like us very well, maybe even wished they had other parents who were more like their idea of the "Perfect" parents.

That's part of what being a dad is about though, isn't it? A dad is a source of love and protection, but he is also a source of rules and discipline. As the inscription said, "A father is strong, yet flexible; wise, yet always learning; a leader, yet serving others." The Scripture instructs us as parents, to "Train up a child in the way they should go." (Proverbs 22:6), and from experience I can tell you, that's not always easy.

Too often today, it seems that Dad's try and be "Best Friends" to their children, but you can't "Always" be in that place, because God gave you a greater job. Sometimes you have to face up to the fact that there are times while they are growing up, that you kids won't like you very well, but that's how it is suppose to be. Because no one likes to be disciplined, the scripture tells us, "No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening, it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way." (Hebrews 12:11, NLT)

Now that they are adults our children can appreciate the discipline they had while growing up in our home. Occasionally, I'll even get the "Dear Dad" note or phone call. Those are special and meaningful, but I don't believe they would happen, if I had been less than a "Real Dad" while they were growing up. So, dad's, if you want to change the world, if you want to raise good kids, step up to the place and responsibility God has given you.

And Rachal and Richard, you message is still appreciated, even by a different dad than your own.

Russ Lawson, Messages From The Heart

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THE HOT WHEEL'S CRASH….

Yesterday I was reading my diary from a couple of years ago and read about the following incident. I thought perhaps it would be worth sharing my insights…

Well, the grandson was here again today and as is usual, the unusual happens when he is around.

Grandma had to leave for a little while and he has asked me to take him for a walk (translation: you walk with the dog on the leash and I'll ride my hot wheels bike with you trying to keep up). Well that afternoon we did take our walk, got out the Hot Wheels and put on the riding helmet and took off. We enjoyed looking at bugs on the sidewalk and even stopped by his preschool teachers home, but she wasn't home. It wasn't a long walk, just around a large block in the city, so when we got home we stayed outside and let him ride his Hot Wheels on our paved driveway.

The drive has a pretty good slope down to the garage and he enjoys going to the top of hill and coasting back down as fast as he can go. Well, this went well for a few times then he started to get tired and said, "Grandpa, would you push me back up the hill?" Of course I did and that became the routine. He would hold out his feet and I would push him pretty fast (for a grandpa) back up the hill.

Well, one of the times we were going up the hill I saw his feet dip and get mixed up with the tire and the Hot Wheels started to turn over and I stumbled into it and started to fall on top of him and the bike. Without even thinking about it I wrapped my arms around him and the bike and threw myself over on my side and roll over with him and the bike ending up on top. Thankfully he wasn't hurt at all, but for grandpa, that's a different matter. It's not terrible, it's not life threatening, but try skidding on broom finished concrete. I got a couple of scrapes that drew enough blood to get a couple of oohs from Christopher, as well as my back, shoulder, etc. muscles hurting like I was beaten. Christopher told me a kiss from grandma and a Spiderman bandage would make it all better. I however made a quick trip to the pain reliever bottle and waited for grandmother to get back and doctor me.

The question is, "Why did I do that without a moment's hesitation"? The answer is that "I love him more than myself and have no hesitation at taking any pain to prevent his injury. Any similarity between God and me is purely accidental, but the motivation is the same isn't it. The question is "Why did God allow his Son to die on a cross"? Because he would do anything to prevent pain and separation for his people, the human race! "For God so loved the world (people) that he gave his only begotten son that who ever believes on him should not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:16).

A kiss and a Spiderman Bandage won't take away your sin; it took the sacrifice of a life to do that!

Have you said "Thank You to God lately"?

(Grandpa) Russ Lawson

Memorial Day

 

"Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday which occurs every year on the final Monday of May. Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Formerly known as Decoration Day, it originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the Civil War. By the 20th century Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who have died while in the military service." (Wikipedia)

Remembering those who were willing to give their life for you shouldn't take a special day. It shouldn't have to be declared by a government to make it something special. However it seems to be human nature to forget some of the most important events or people. We don't mean to, we have the best intentions, but somehow it just happens that we forget.

Jesus knew human nature and understood our weaknesses. That's why he instituted things in his church such as "Communion" or "The Lord's Supper". He knew that although we have the best intentions, we would eventually forget his sacrifice, unless we were constantly reminded.

In Mathew 26:26-28 we read, "And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and broke it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; for this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins." (KJV)

The apostle Paul explains it in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 in this way, "For I pass on to you what I received from the Lord himself. On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and said, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me." In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant between God and his people, an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this to remember me as often as you drink it."

I encourage you to celebrate Memorial Day. Celebrate the day that remembers those of our military who were willing to die that you might live free. But more than that, I encourage you to meet with your church, partake of Communion and remember the one who died that you might live free eternally.

Mother's Day - The Gift

Gifts are sometimes not thought out before they are given. A report this past week said that Mother's Day gifts are much harder to find (or purchase) than Father's Day gifts. Harder, in the fact that they take more thought to find an appropriate gift. Another survey said that most people spend between $40 and $100 on Mother's Day gifts, whereas Father's Day gifts are typically between $15 and $25.

 

Understand I'm not complaining in any way shape or form, I'm just trying to make the point that it's sometimes hard to find the perfect gift. I'm reminded of a gift box we one time received while working as Missionaries in Kenya, East Africa. Some good friends wanted to do something special for us and fixed us up a special box. They wrote us about it and kept check with us to see if we had received it, but wouldn't say what it was. It took over 6 months for the box to arrive (you never know if you will actually receive a box from America or not, but we did.)

When the box arrived, I commented that it looked like an elephant has stepped on it. With great anticipation we opened the box and found a gallon can of Tapioca pudding (one of my favorites) and a bag of Mikesell's Potato Chips (crisps) from our home state in Ohio (one of my wife's favorites) and a couple of bags of chocolate.

Can you imagine a box, six months in transit with a gallon can of Tapioca and a plastic bag of potato chips and chocolate (which had set in the hot sun in a shipping container in the docks in Africa looked like when we opened it? Actually the can made it through pretty well with only some minor rust, the potato chips were now potato dust and crumbs and the chocolate was large lumps (rolled in potato chip dust).

Do you want to guess our reaction? We were thrilled to get a box from home. We enjoyed the stale potato chip crumbs and used some of them in cooking, we ate the chocolate anyway and opened the can and ate the Tapioca pudding. We rejoiced that these dear friends had remembered us in the far away foreign land and had sent their love in the form of a battered box.

All of this is to say, with gifts, it really is the thought that counts! Love is shared, not in things, not from spending money, but in remembering to let the one you love know that you love them!

Mother's, we children and husbands sometimes stumble on that point, but know that you are loved and appreciated for all you were and are in our lives!

Some of the foundation principals in relationships is found in 1 Corinthians 13:7, where we read: "Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance". (NLT)