Twenty Minutes That Changed My Life

(The following testimonial was shared with me a few years ago; it’s ghastly “Food for Thought”)

I have had a problem with driving for a long time: other drivers. I can be perfectly content to go 15 in a school zone or 55 on the highway, as long as I am not behind someone else. For some reason, though, getting behind someone who goes the speed limit, or worse, a few miles per hour under it, really sets me off. Some days it has been so bad that I really feel like I shouldn't be behind the wheel at all. This was one of those days.

The morning started like most any other. I hit the snooze button one too many times and was running about ten minutes late. I've never liked being late. Something in my psyche just can't handle being late, even if I know I will be the first one there and no one else will even know. That's something I have to work on.

I was out the door on time, though, and started the 20 minute commute to the office. The ride was pretty smooth until I got to the last couple of miles. I fell in behind someone in a van who was going 25 in the 35 zone and refused to speed up or pull over. That REALLY set me going. Wasn't long before I was right up against his bumper (maybe he will see me and realize that he's going too slow?). He saw me, all right, and tapped his brakes a couple of times. Yeah, right, buddy, I'm not scared of your brake lights. By the time we got to the next major intersection, about a mile up the road, I was livid. I had called him every name in the book and my blood pressure had to be about doubled. At the light, he made the right turn while I went straight. I made the point of laying on the horn as I passed, to make sure he knew I was pissed. Then I sped on down the road.

I will never know why that little girl had to dart out from between the cars at that instant. Maybe she had a problem being late for the school bus, even though it was nowhere in sight. At 40 mph (in the 25 zone), there was no way I could stop in time. I felt the "clunk" with every fiber in my body. Praying and hoping as I jumped from my car, my heart dropped as I saw her crumpled in the road. Please God, let her just be stunned. I didn't mean to hurt anybody. I didn't even need to be rushing. PLEASE give me a break here, God!

I called 911 and waited, afraid to move her for fear of making something worse. I couldn't tell if she was breathing or not. I was blocking the road and a crowd started to gather. No one ever wants to see a child hurt; some folks were crying--I was one of them. A police car was almost too quick to arrive and the officer quickly assessed the girl. The paramedics were not far behind, and though I could not hear what they were saying, I could tell from their expressions that things didn't look good.

The police officer took me to the side. "I was behind you the whole last mile, while you were tail-gaiting that van. You were speeding after you got around him, too. What was the rush? I hope it was important, because you may have just killed that girl."

From that moment, things are a blur. I vaguely remember being cuffed and put in the patrol car, the booking process, calling my wife, getting bail posted, and going home. I was totally numb. I remember the agony of hearing that the girl had died from her injuries, news I received as I was sitting home with my own daughter.

With her death came charges of negligent vehicular homicide. My lawyer said I should plead not guilty and we would try to build a defense around my being stressed by things at home. I knew the truth though: I took somebody's little girl away forever FOR NO GOOD REASON. I deserved to be punished, though there was no way the authorities could punish me the way I was punishing myself, the way I was punishing my family.

The plea deal my attorney worked with the D.A. meant I have to spend two years in jail. I lost my job, of course, and without my income, my family lost everything--our house and most of our possessions. My wife and daughter moved in with her parents and tried to pick up and get on with their lives. I don't know what our lives will be like when I get out of here. I know my relationship with her will never be the same. I will never get a job as good as the one I had, now that I have a felony conviction.

I have re-lived that 20 minute period a thousand times in my head. I don't know why I had such a problem with being impatient behind the wheel, but I am certain that the problem is cured now for good. I so wish it hadn't taken such a horrible event to teach me what I should have already known...what my wife had been telling me for years. I just hope that someone else can learn from my experience before another innocent person has to die and the lives of two families have to be destroyed forever.

Note: This is a true story with a fictional ending. I thank God and the police officer who stopped me that morning and told me "you need to calm yourself down....". When the realization of the risk I was taking fully hit me, I broke down and cried. From that day, whenever I start to feel that impatient urge, I tell myself "Twenty Minutes" and remember the potential life changing consequences...it slows me right down.

Puppy Love

Don’t ask me to explain love. I can’t, because I don’t understand it. I can’t explain the Creator’s love for the creation. Like electricity, I know it’s there, and although I can’t explain it, I know how to use it. I can’t explain Christ’s love. Jesus knows everything I’ve ever done, everything I’ve ever said, every thought I’ve ever had, and He loves me anyway. I don’t understand this, but I’m thankful for it.

When God looks at me He doesn’t see me, He sees Jesus because I‘ve “put Jesus on” (Galatians 3:27). He sees Jesus, and opens his arms to welcome me. I don’t understand this, but I’m thankful for it; and I’m resting in it to get me through this life and into the next.

I’ve wondered why, since God wants me to live righteously, He doesn’t make it easier by removing some of my desire to sin, some of that sinful nature that makes it so hard to resist temptations. Maybe it’s because he doesn’t want his relationship with us to be like puppets on a string that dance when He pulls the strings. That would not demonstrate our love for Him. I’ve seen battery operated toy puppies that would dance around and yap when you turn them on. Then you can turn them off and put them in a closet. Compare the toy to a real live puppy that loves you and gets excited when you come near. He jumps around, wiggles, yaps, wags his tail, licks your hand, and leaves no doubt that he loves you and is glad to see you. God wants that pure sincere excited puppy love from us, not the reaction of an automaton.

Remembering “Puppy Love” should help me resists temptations, then when God comes near I won’t have to take on that pathetic, shameful, hang-dog look puppies get when they have forgotten to go on the paper.

Anticipating His Return

Over fifteen hundred years before Christ was born, Job (19:25) said, “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God” Thirty one years after Jesus’ crucifixion John (5:28) said, “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the grave shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” About twenty three years later Paul (I Thessalonians 4:16) said, “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, and with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”


Although they do not know exactly what to expect, Christians have been eagerly anticipating Christ’s return since His ascension from the Mount of Olives, forty days after His resurrection. I’ve seen a comparison made with a faithful dog separated from his master by a closed door. The dog will scratch and claw trying to get through the door, not knowing what’s on the other side, but because he knows “who” is on the other side.

When I was a child I looked forward to Christmas with great excitement. Around Halloween, I’d start thinking about how many days till Christmas and trying hard to be a “good boy”; especially if I thought something special, like an electric train or bicycle might be a possibility. After Thanksgiving the excitement would build and I’d start checking the backs and shelves in closets and under beds for any suspicious packages. I professed belief in Santa Claus for several years after my big sisters had enlightened me; because I feared the effect this knowledge might have on Christmas. I never knew exactly what Christmas would bring, but I knew I was going to like it.

Because of the saving grace of Jesus Christ, I can anticipate Christ’s return with that same excitement; I don’t know exactly what to expect, but I know I’m going to like it.

Angels

Pop was into his eighties and driving a Ford almost as old as him. I had tried numerous times to get him to buy a newer car, but he always said it was foolish to buy anything new at his age. He said he didn’t even buy green bananas. He was alone and southbound on busy Interstate 75 when the Ford died and stranded him between exits. Because of his age and arthritis, he didn’t ambulate so well and was pretty sure he could not walk to the next exit. Of course he didn’t have a cell phone because “at his age he didn’t need any new fangled, wireless telephones”.


He was telling me the story a few days later and I expressed concern, saying something brilliant like, I bet you were upset and worried. Pop said no, he really didn’t worry he just talked it over with the Lord. Within minutes a pick-up truck with two young ladies in it pulled in behind him on the side of the Interstate and asked if they could help. He told them the situation thinking maybe they could give him a ride somewhere or send help for him. One of the young ladies was a mechanic and the other was her sister. They were in town from Florida for a NASCAR race.

Pop’s angels made emergency repairs to the old Ford and then drove it to a nearby dealership for permanent repairs. Only after receiving assurance from the dealership that Pop would be going in about an hour did his NASCAR angels leave him.

The Bible teaches us that the Angels of God are given the wisdom to know all things that are in the earth. They excel in strength to do His commandments and hearken unto the voice of His Word. They are Spirits sent forth to minister to believers. Angels are exceedingly numerous, inconceivably powerful, and are concerned about the physical well being and safety of believers. Although angels are spirits, we are given numerous examples of them being visible in human form.

I believe there are “full-time” and “part-time” angels. I believe there are angelic spirits from God that are full-time angels. Then I believe God gives all believers the opportunity to be “part-time” angels. Something like a “weekend angel permit” to help others in need.

We need to be alert to our “weekend permit” opportunities, and make good use of them or God could give these privileges to others who will appreciate them. If we lose these opportunities, we also lose the blessings that come from them. The Bible says, “He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly: and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully……God loveth a cheerful giver”. Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive”…..“Give and it shall be given unto you……”. These promises are for physical, emotional and spiritual needs; they are financial, material, help in the time of need, comfort in time of sorrow or loneliness, and wise advice in times of decisions. They apply to all phases of our lives, cash in on them. Pop did.

Have a Good Day

“Have a good Day” the cashier at Kroger said as I folded my receipt and started pushing my cart of groceries out to the car. “Yeah, you too” I replied, thinking grocery shopping isn’t the best way to start a day. “Have a Good Day” has become a cliché, just a trite way of saying goodbye. It has no sincere meaning any more. Anyway, it seems I’m having fewer “good” days lately. I wonder why?

Maybe it’s because I pay more attention to the price of groceries and the hassle of shopping than the blessing of having food in the house; lots of folks don’t you know. How did that song go that we learned as children? Count your many blessings….. name them one by one?

Maybe it’s because I spend my days brooding about yesterday or fretting about tomorrow. How can I possibly have a good day if I’m brooding about yesterday and/or fretting about tomorrow? .Paul said, “forget those things which are behind, and reach forth unto those things which are before”. (Phil. 3:13) Jesus said, “Take no thought for the morrow; for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is he evil thereof”. Matt 6:34

Invariably when I’m sad or get down in the dumps, it’s because my behavior and/or attitude has deviated from God’s Word. That’s when I allow Satan to steal my joy. Preacher Davis has a sermon from Philippians which identifies the “Joy Stealers” as “Circumstances, People, Things, and Worry”; and shows the solutions as “Single Minded, Submissive Minded, Spiritual Minded, and Secure Minded”. That’s a gross over-simplification of a sermon I need to hear about once a month; but my point is that my solution to the blues is to do what God’s Word said in the first place.

Mama Said

God blessed me by allowing me to be born into a Christian home, with Christian parents that loved the Lord, each other, and my sisters and me. They worked hard, teaching us right from wrong and setting the right examples for us. I was exposed to the Gospel at an early age and gave my heart to Jesus while still a young boy. I’ve not always lived and acted like it, but I’ve been a Christian for almost as long as I can remember.

I don’t know how many real true angels God has put here on this earth, but my Mama was one of them. Look up sweetness and kindness in the dictionary and you’ll find my Mama. She reared three of us siblings and I can never remember her raising her voice. I may have had a few spankings early in life, because something had taught me to listen when Mama spoke. But from the time I was old enough to have a clear memory, I remember only one spanking by my Mama. I can remember many, many times I should have been spanked, but when I did wrong, Mama would usually cry. I can clearly remember how it broke my heart to see my Mama cry, and how much more I would have preferred a spanking.

My Daddy was a Railway Mail Clerk, working on the trains, and was gone from home a lot. While Mama had the most profound influence on my life, “Pop’s” influence was also significant. Pop did a little boxing early in life, and frequently used language from those days. Early in my life he stressed to me that whatever happened, or whatever I had done, I should always know that he “was in my corner”. I understood what that meant, and throughout life whenever I got into trouble Pop was the first person I wanted to see. I remember friends in high school having problems and hoping their Daddy didn’t find out; but that never made sense to me, because my Pop would be the first one I’d turn to when I had a problem.

Pop took his fatherhood duties seriously and there was never much playing around with him. He was quick to correct and stern with discipline, but it was done in such a way that there was never a doubt in my mind that he loved me very much, and he wanted me to be the best I could. Pop held ladies in high esteem, placing them on a pedestal, and behavior that might be acceptable to him around men could draw a sharp rebuke if there were ladies present. I can remember him getting up in a restaurant and going to a table of strangers to remind them that there were ladies present that could hear their conversation. Although he was not a large man physically, he had a presence that demanded respect and usually received an apology for his efforts.

He impressed upon me that I was to be a gentleman around ladies and that boys do not hit girls. My sisters could do nothing that would provoke me into hitting them, because I knew how Pop felt about boys hitting girls and I did not want to find out what would happen to me if I did it. I must confess that I did find sneaky and conniving ways to get even when they made me mad, but I never hit one of them. Pop always corrected my behavior when I erred in his presence, and his rebuke usually started with, “Boy ! ”. Whenever he started his comments with an emphatic “Boy”, I knew what was coming. The last time I remember hearing this was in my living room when I used a vulgar word in front of my wife. Pop said, “ Boy!, do not talk like that in front of a lady!” I was 60 years old and he was 84.

My mind is crammed full of things “Mama said”. She had a way of teaching with parables, and stories, and examples that would stick in your head for the rest of your life. Like when things would not be going well in life and you would wonder why God was letting all this trouble happen to you; Mama explained that life was like a big work of God’s embroidery. He is on the top looking down at the beautiful picture taking shape. And we’re on the bottom looking up at the mess of tangles and knots. When we would pray and tell God what a mess things were, He would look down at the work nearing completion and say things looked just fine from there.

What follows is a collection of things “Mama said”. Since it’s all from memory, Mama may get credit for some things she didn’t actually say, but in every case it is something Mama would have said if she had thought of it. And besides, some days I’m pretty sure Mama is still talking to me.

Mama said your conscience is a very small, sharp pointed, metal triangle embedded in your heart. When you do something you should not do, it turns ever so slightly and the three points prick your heart to let you know to stop doing it. If you ignore the pricks in your heart and keep doing it, your conscience will eventually cut a circle in your heart so it can spin around with no pricks at all. That’s when you’re in trouble because you won’t know right from wrong anymore.

Mama said a lot of folks in this old world are hungry and we should be thankful for any food we have and never ever complain about what it is or how it’s cooked or even how it tastes. Just be thankful you have something to eat. The Bible says, “When the people complained, it displeased the Lord”.

I spent 37 years of my career in supervision and management, giving instructions and trying to motivate folks to do their best. Sometimes I was tempted to slam my fist down and say “because I said so”, but I could never forget that Mama had said for me to not ever let the love of power replace the power of love in my life.

Mama said I should read and study my Bible every day so when Jesus comes back I won’t have to try to explain to Him why I didn’t have time to read the book he gave us. And besides that, if some false prophet starts quoting Hezekiah 10:18 to me I’ll have sense enough to know Hezekiah’s not a book in the Bible.

Mama said when you become a child of God, he does not take away your freedom of choice or your human desires. You still have temptations and the ability to choose sin. But He hooks a big bungee cord on the back of your belt so you can only go so far away from Him. The further you stretch this cord and go away from God, the harder you are coming back when you reach the end of your cord. It can be very painful.

If there are a hundred members in your church, I bet there are only a half dozen or so that will sweep the floors, cut the grass and clean up the cemetery. The Bible says to be doers of the Word, and not hearers only; Mama said not to just stand around and pray when there’s work to be done.

There are only two kinds of people in this world; everyone is either a taker or a giver. Takers are generally looking for something for nothing while givers are generally trying to lend someone a helping hand. Mama said I was raised to be a giver and to stay away from takers cause they will bleed you dry and then get mad at you when you run out.

Once Mama caught me looking at an attractive young lady too long and too intense and told me I’d better keep my eyes straight ahead. I tried to explain that it was like admiring beautiful flowers, just because I liked to look at them, it didn’t mean I wanted to pick them. But she said I’d best save that tale for someone that didn’t know me. Mama said the best way to avoid forbidden fruit was to stay out of the devil’s orchard.

During a discussion about sin, little white lie sin or really bad sin, and which sins might be worse than others, Mama said that sin is not a smorgasbord you can pick and choose from. It’s like soup, and when you drink it you get it all.

Pop always had a head-full of dreams about things he wanted to do, places he wanted to go, and things he wanted to buy, including big recreational vehicles, property in Florida and in the mountains, and exotic vacations. When he went too far with his dreams, Mama would bring him back to earth. Mama said that every decision we make and action we take is based either on Pride, Greed, Lust, Prejudice, or God’s Will. We need to make sure our decisions and actions are based on God’s Will for our life.

Sometimes I find myself praying for things I don’t really feel down in my heart, especially when it involves forgiving someone or giving up bad habits. Mama said God hears your words, but He listens to your heart.

When I was about twelve I decided that smoking cigarettes would make me tough, bad, cool, or whatever it was I wanted to be at that age. I was making about eight dollars a week from my paper route so it was no problem for me to drop a quarter into a vending machine and get a pack of Lucky Strike cigarettes. I got two pennies change back, stuck down in the cellophane on the pack. 

I knew Mama would never approve of me smoking, so I got a large tomato can and hid my cigarettes behind the garage. I would lay the cigarettes and matches on the ground and turn the can upside down over them. By stepping on the can and pushing it into the ground over my stash, it would hide them and also protect them from the rain. When I left for school each morning I would take a short cut through the back yard, pick-up my cigarettes, and proudly puff away as I walked to school. Any cigarette not completely smoked would be carefully extinguished and the butt placed in my pocket for later. This thrifty habit proved to be the Achilles Heel of my scheme when Mama called me to the washing machine one day to explain the loose tobacco she had found in my shirt pocket. She was hurt that her son would stunt his growth by smoking cigarettes (we didn’t know about cancer back then). Mama cried, and I promised faithfully never ever to do such a thing again. Many times I have said I was sorry for something I did or said. Then I went out and did it again. I was not so sorry I had done it as I was that I got caught. Mama said that real repentance was being sorry enough to stop doing it.

Did you ever feel like some of God’s commandments and rules were designed to keep you from having fun or a good time? God has no need to show you who is boss or to demonstrate his power. Everything He says is for your own good and benefit, to ensure your eternal home in heaven, and to improve the quality of your life on earth. Mama said God doesn’t have an ego problem.

As a homemaker, wife and mother, especially during the years she had three teenagers at home, Mama must have had many exasperating and frustrating days when nothing seemed to go right, as we all do. But Mama never shared her frustrations with us; she would smile and said: “Jesus knows my deepest need, He knows my every care. My Lord has promised to be near, and all my burdens share.”

Mama said that God wants a son/daughter relationship with you. Your prayers should not be a wish list, or a turning to God as a last result when you are sick or in trouble. Your daily prayers should be an intimate conversation with God about your life; praise and thanksgiving for your blessings; and His direction for your future.

Mama said the deepest, most complex and profound theology in the scriptures can be expressed in only three words; “Jesus loves me”. He knows everything I’ve ever done, everything I’ve ever said, and every thought I’ve ever had; and He loves me anyway. I don’t understand this, but I’m sure thankful for it.

They say that time is relevant, how long five minutes is depends on which side of the bathroom door you are on. We think of 80 or 90 years being a long life and then we read in the Bible of Methuselah fathering a child when he was 187 years old and living to be 969 years old. But even Methuselah’s long life was just a brief wisp of time as compared to eternity. Mama said it’s awesome to realize that during this brief time we spend on earth, we get to personally decide where we will spend eternity. Eternity is for ever and ever and ever and ever and ever and ever……. 

Have you ever resisted attacking a situation or problem that subsequently went away by its self? Mama said that many times the smartest thing to say or do is nothing.

God said despise not, judge not (Romans 14:3) Mama said a person that does a certain thing should not despise one that does not do it; and a person who does not do a certain thing should not judge one who does it. The Bible says, “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God” (Romans 14: 12).

God created the Garden of Eden for Adam, but He expected Adam “to dress and keep” it. (Genesis 2:15) Mama said God expects us to maintain things He gives us too. If He gives you a house, He expects you to keep it clean and painted, if He gives you shoes He expects you to keep them clean and polished, if He gives you a car He expects you to keep it maintained and washed. The same principle applies to everything God gives you.
When Mama was on her deathbed at the Henry Medical Center, we prayed with her and tried to encourage her, but she would turn it around and comfort us. The last words I ever heard my Mama say were, “All is well in my Father’s house”, as she smiled and patted my hand.

Complaining

Why are some people so unhappy? It’s hard to find someone today that doesn’t have a list of complaints. The Bible has much to say about complaining, and none of it is good. Numbers 11:1 says, “And when the people complained, it displeased the Lord”. This has not changed, it still displeases the Lord to hear us complain. Exodus 16:7 says, “…..he heareth your murmurings …..”

The Lord had varied ways of dealing with complainers: In Numbers 11 it was with fire,”….and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the Lord burnt among them, and consumed them…..” In Numbers 16 it was an earthquake,” And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up…..they went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them; and they perished.” Again, it was with the plague, “for there is wrath gone out from the Lord; the plague is begun.” In Numbers 21 it was with snakes, ’and the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people, and much people of Israel died.” Jude 16 refers to complainers as ungodly sinners walking after their own lusts… It’s obvious to me that God takes complaining seriously.

God doesn’t like to hear us complain because He knows what it does to us; it gives us a negative attitude, and robs us of our joy. It keeps us and those around us from enjoying the abundant life He has for us. Usually, you find what you are looking for; if you’re looking for something to complain about, you’ll find it, if you’re looking for something to be glad about, you can find that too. It takes no intelligence to find fault, any dummy can find something to complain about.

We are among the most blessed people on Earth, and should thank God several times daily and be very appreciative. It’s not hard to understand why the Lord is unhappy with murmurers and complainers, and why we are instructed to do all things without murmurings and disputings, and why Jesus said, murmur not among yourselves.

Kindness

Ephesians 4:32 tells us to “be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you”. I’ve thought a lot about kindness lately, don’t know why, just had it on my mind. I’ve thought about how easy it is to be kind to people, it doesn’t cost anything. It comes naturally to most of us if we just think about it, make a little effort, smile and just be nice. Mama use to say, ya’ll play nice and don’t be mean. If you smile at someone, it’s almost impossible for them not to smile back, try it and you’ll see. The more I’ve thought about this, the more I have noticed how many people are kind to me, smile, speak, hold the door, let me go ahead in line; and how good it makes me feel.


They tell the story of an elderly lady who went to the Post Office nearly every day to buy a stamp or two. Sometimes if the line was long, it appeared she had difficulty standing quietly waiting her turn. The employees wondered why she came so often instead of buying a book or roll of stamps. One particularly busy day when the line was long someone suggested it would be faster to use the vending machine. Oh my no she said, the clerks are so kind to me, they smile and ask how I’m doing or how I feel; the machines don’t do that.

Someone asked, what is your kindness quotient; when was the last time you did something kind for someone in your family? Kind hearts are quietly kind. They let the car cut into traffic; they let the mom with young children go ahead in the checkout line. People are watching the way we act more than they’re listening to what we say. Kindness, like love has its source in God. “But after that the kindness and love of God our saviour toward man appeared”. Titus 3:4

BEGIN TODAY

So brief a time we have to stay, along this dear, familiar way; it seems to me we should be kind, to those whose lives touch yours and mine;

The hands that serve us every day, should we not help them while we may? They are so kind that none can guess how soon they’ll cease our lives to bless.

The hearts that love us, who may know; how soon the long, long way must go. Then might we not their faults forgive; and make them happy while they live?

So many faults in life there are, we need not go to seek them far; but time is short and you and I, might let the little faults go by.

And seek for what is true and fine, in those whose lives touch yours and mine. This seems to me the better way. Then why not, friend, begin today?

I'm Thankful

Have you ever tried to list the all things for which you are thankful?

I’m thankful for a Mama that insisted I show “gumption”, and a Daddy that insisted that I have “Backbone”. Webster’s defines gumption as shrewd practical common sense with courage and initiative. Backbone to Daddy was guts, courage, masculinity, gentlemanly manners, and all that is associated with being a man.

I’m thankful for the simplicity of the gospel; that the deepest, most complex or profound theology in the scriptures can be expressed in only three words; “Jesus loves me”. He knows everything I’ve ever done, everything I’ve ever said, and every thought I’ve ever had and He loves me anyway. For this I’m very thankful.

I’m thankful for my parents, my sisters, and my heritage. I’m thankful for my wife, my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; my entire family. I’m thankful for a wife who cares and loves me enough to nag me to death sometimes. I’m thankful for a son that’ll put his own life on hold to move in and take care of me when I can’t take care of myself. I’m thankful for a grandchild that calls “just to see how ya’ll are doing”.

I’m thankful for the comfortable life God has given me here on this earth. To wake up in a comfortable and warm bed; have a hot cup of coffee, take a hot shower, put on clean clothes. Most of God’s creatures don’t have it so good. I’m thankful for the last can of soup in the pantry and the last pair of socks in my drawer, even the ones with the holes. It’s so easy to lose our attitude of gratitude.

I’m thankful for the medical profession and the way they can relieve pain; and for surgeons that can go inside of us and fix things.

I’m thankful for a Preacher that preaches the Bible and for southern gospel music. I’m thankful for a son that reinforces my faith by demonstrating his own and a friend that is always there for me.

I’m thankful for God’s faithfulness and, His patience and forgiveness, His healing touch, the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life; and for answered prayer, especially when He allows me to witness it. Most of all I’m thankful He chose me, loved me, and saved me; I’m thankful for the Lord Jesus Christ.

Granny

An Open Letter to Ronda Rich (www.rondarich.com)

On February 24, 2012 in an article entitled “Don’t call me Granny” you described your vision of a “Granny” as someone who often wore their gray hair in a tight bun, their shoulders were slumped from the weight of a lifetime or work and worry, and often, wore simple, cotton dresses---- sometimes made from fancy flour sacks------accented by the constant presence of an apron. You were belittling your friend Karen’s desire to be called Granny by her grandchildren. You said you were going to pray that Jesus delivers her from this wish.

My Granny is quite different from yours. My Granny is a lively little brown eyed brunette with a heart as big as all outdoors. She’s a walking encyclopedia for all things garden or kitchen related and is proud to be called Granny by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She’s not Granny just to her grandchildren, but to all the family. I’ve even dropped the little nicknames like “Cricket” and now call her Granny too. She shares her knowledge with her granddaughters, who all know you don’t go into Granny’s kitchen without covering your hair and properly washing your hands. She’s always available to those that need a shoulder to cry on, or an attentive ear and wise loving advice. This Granny has been my loving bride for over thirty years.

You should understand that Granny is not just a name, it’s an hard earned title of respect and admiration. You and Karen would be blessed to have it some day.

Sincerely,

Poppa

Heritage

Heritage is what you leave behind; the habits, characteristics, or genes you pass on to the following generations through your children and their children. This heritage can be good; someone quoted Toni Thomas as saying, “I was raised. I didn’t just grow up. I was taught to speak when I enter a room, say please and thank you, to have respect for my elders, lend a helping hand to those in need, hold the door for the person behind me, say excuse me when it’s needed, and to love people for who they are, not for what you can get from them! I was also taught to treat people the way I want to be treated!”

This heritage can also be bad; despite all his outstanding qualities, Abraham had a tendency toward deception, as when he lied to King Abimelech about his true relationship with Sarah. That same character flaw can be seen in his son and grandsons. The examples you set for your children become a part of their heritage. A grandson was sitting in a booster seat equipped with a little steering wheel and was helping his father drive on the interstate. When another driver suddenly cut in front of us, the little toddler exclaimed, “dumb ass!” I wonder where he learned that heritage.

I’ve been a football fan and followed the sport for over 60 years, and I cannot remember another single player attracting the attention and media coverage of the rookie Denver quarterback, Tim Tebow. Beyond his performance on the playing field, this recognition comes from Tebow’s speaking out and demonstrating his faith and trust in Jesus Christ. Tim is the son of evangelical missionaries and much of who he is can be credited to his heritage. In 2009 Tebow led the Florida Gators to the College Football National Championship; and wore “John 3:16” printed in his eye black during the game. The results of his action would be hard to measure, but it’s been reported that following the game, 97 million people “Googled” John 3:16 to see what it said; 97 million people exposed to the gospel of Jesus Christ through one man’s actions. God bless this man’s heritage.

Most people alive today know of Billy Graham, but few have heard of Edward Kimball. On Saturday morning, April 21, 1855 in the back stockroom of a shoe store in Chicago, Illinois; a shoe salesman and Sunday school teacher named Edward Kimball led another young shoe salesman to the Lord. On that morning Dwight L. Moody accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior. Subsequently young Moody became an evangelist and stirred F. B. Myer to become a soul winner. Meyer brought Wilbur Chapman to the Lord, and Chapman, along with Billy Sunday, held a revival where Mordecai Ham was saved.

It was Mordecai Hamm who led Billy Graham to the Lord and Graham became possibly the greatest evangelist of all time. Could Edward Kimball have dreamed of the avalanche he was starting and the heritage he was leaving when he witnessed to that young shoe salesman on that Saturday morning?

Imagine what could result the next time you witness to someone about the Lord? God has promised that His Word will not return void. “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11

Let’s be cautious with our heritage and bold in our witness.

Sometimes we need a boost, (Contributed by Les Killion)

Psalm 61:2 From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

As a little boy one day, I ran back and forth behind the crowd. The parade was coming, and I really wanted to have a good spot to watch it from. Everyone was so much taller than I was. Wherever I went, somebody was standing in front of me. In frustration, I started to cry. Suddenly, two strong hands lifted me up and placed me on shoulders high up above the mass of people. From the vantage point of the stranger's shoulders, the entire parade was easy to see.

Sometimes we need a boost. Problems loom too large, and we can't see our way around them. Pressures build up, and we don't feel big enough to cope with them. God sees all that and He is ready to lift us up; to give us a new vantage point. Reach up to the Lord, and He will lead you to Himself, a rock which is higher than any problem we might have. The best part, just reach up a little. He'll reach down a lot.

Brother Les