Dads,
Do you react to life situations when the kids are watching in a way that teaches your children and honors God?
Read Kenny's Story MAY I HELP YOU?
Do you react to life situations when the kids are watching in a way that teaches your children and honors God?
Read Kenny's Story MAY I HELP YOU?
May I Help You?
by Kenny Vaughan
While on vacation, my family and I went to a fast food restaurant.
While ordering our food, my three kids began to make some noise in the back seat of the car. Out of obvious frustration over the noise, the lady on the other side of the speaker instructed me to drive around to the window to place my order.
Within seconds, it was obvious that this clerk was never going to win the “Customer Service Award”. Her body language seemed to say, "What are you doing here!" rather than, "May I help you?" Even my kids asked, “Daddy, is that lady mean?”
To maintain peace, I just pretended everything was great and placed our order. When the lady came back to the window, she asked, "Why didn't you just order the 12-piece? It would have been much easier and saved you money!"
I bit my tongue and just told her, "Hey, if you can get me everything I ordered and save me money with the 12-piece, that would be great!"
I think at this point she finally started feeling guilty for being so rude, especially since I had refused to engage in her verbal battle.
While the lady assembled our order, I asked my wife, Tammie, to grab one of our “Shields of Strength” dog tags and a neck chain (No, I wasn’t
planning on strangling her!).
When the lady returned to the window, I showed her the dog tag and told her that it was inscribed with one of my favorite verses from the Bible.
As I handed it to her, she really did not know what to say.
She turned around and showed it to another employee and then asked if she could have some more for her co-workers. As I gave them to her, tears welled up in her eyes. "You have no idea how much I needed this!” she said, “I have so much going on in my life right now and I don't know what to do."
I watched in amazement as this lady who had been hostile to our family moments before, was now hanging out of the drive-through window thanking us. I sensed in my spirit she needed prayer, so I asked if she would like me to pray for her.
She leaned all the way out of the drive-through window (shoulders and all) and reached both hands into our car. We prayed a very simple but powerful prayer. We agreed for God to bring His wisdom, direction, will, peace, and strength into her life.
As we drove away, I looked in the mirror and saw the lady still hanging out of the window with big tears streaming out of her
eyes.
I share this story to say: Nothing on this earth is more powerful than the Word of God. This lady didn’t need a “Shield of Strength” to touch her heart, she needed the Word of God.
I could have torn a piece of paper off my chicken bag and written down the scripture, and the same thing would have happened. This lady simply needed to be reminded of God’s love and that His Word is true, regardless of her circumstances.
If you want the power of God in your life, let the law of love govern your life. It would have been really easy to respond in anger to this rude lady, I could have even justified it; but doing so would have ruined my day, added to the sorrows of the lady, and caused me to miss an opportunity to show my kids God’s love in action.
Because I held my tongue and followed the leading of the Holy Spirit, my family and this lady were able to share a blessing none of us
will ever forget.
The Story Behind Shields of Strength:
My drive-through story is a perfect example of why I make “Shields of Strength”. For years, I ran into situations where I had no way to “break the ice” and bring God into a conversation.
I have found that people are always touched when they receive a tangible reminder of God’s truth and His love.
You may not have a “Shield of Strength” in your car, but as long as you have the Word of God in you, you can always pass on hope to the hopeless!
So, the next time you find yourself in a situation where you wish you could bring God into the moment, I encourage you to share God’s Word verbally, or simply tear off a piece of paper, write down the scripture that is on your heart, and pass it on! If you are too uncomfortable,
then give it to the person as you walk away. Don’t let fear keep you from touching someone’s heart.
God has much to say, so much hope to give... Share it!
While ordering our food, my three kids began to make some noise in the back seat of the car. Out of obvious frustration over the noise, the lady on the other side of the speaker instructed me to drive around to the window to place my order.
Within seconds, it was obvious that this clerk was never going to win the “Customer Service Award”. Her body language seemed to say, "What are you doing here!" rather than, "May I help you?" Even my kids asked, “Daddy, is that lady mean?”
To maintain peace, I just pretended everything was great and placed our order. When the lady came back to the window, she asked, "Why didn't you just order the 12-piece? It would have been much easier and saved you money!"
I bit my tongue and just told her, "Hey, if you can get me everything I ordered and save me money with the 12-piece, that would be great!"
I think at this point she finally started feeling guilty for being so rude, especially since I had refused to engage in her verbal battle.
While the lady assembled our order, I asked my wife, Tammie, to grab one of our “Shields of Strength” dog tags and a neck chain (No, I wasn’t
planning on strangling her!).
When the lady returned to the window, I showed her the dog tag and told her that it was inscribed with one of my favorite verses from the Bible.
As I handed it to her, she really did not know what to say.
She turned around and showed it to another employee and then asked if she could have some more for her co-workers. As I gave them to her, tears welled up in her eyes. "You have no idea how much I needed this!” she said, “I have so much going on in my life right now and I don't know what to do."
I watched in amazement as this lady who had been hostile to our family moments before, was now hanging out of the drive-through window thanking us. I sensed in my spirit she needed prayer, so I asked if she would like me to pray for her.
She leaned all the way out of the drive-through window (shoulders and all) and reached both hands into our car. We prayed a very simple but powerful prayer. We agreed for God to bring His wisdom, direction, will, peace, and strength into her life.
As we drove away, I looked in the mirror and saw the lady still hanging out of the window with big tears streaming out of her
eyes.
I share this story to say: Nothing on this earth is more powerful than the Word of God. This lady didn’t need a “Shield of Strength” to touch her heart, she needed the Word of God.
I could have torn a piece of paper off my chicken bag and written down the scripture, and the same thing would have happened. This lady simply needed to be reminded of God’s love and that His Word is true, regardless of her circumstances.
If you want the power of God in your life, let the law of love govern your life. It would have been really easy to respond in anger to this rude lady, I could have even justified it; but doing so would have ruined my day, added to the sorrows of the lady, and caused me to miss an opportunity to show my kids God’s love in action.
Because I held my tongue and followed the leading of the Holy Spirit, my family and this lady were able to share a blessing none of us
will ever forget.
The Story Behind Shields of Strength:
My drive-through story is a perfect example of why I make “Shields of Strength”. For years, I ran into situations where I had no way to “break the ice” and bring God into a conversation.
I have found that people are always touched when they receive a tangible reminder of God’s truth and His love.
You may not have a “Shield of Strength” in your car, but as long as you have the Word of God in you, you can always pass on hope to the hopeless!
So, the next time you find yourself in a situation where you wish you could bring God into the moment, I encourage you to share God’s Word verbally, or simply tear off a piece of paper, write down the scripture that is on your heart, and pass it on! If you are too uncomfortable,
then give it to the person as you walk away. Don’t let fear keep you from touching someone’s heart.
God has much to say, so much hope to give... Share it!
Shields of Strength Samples
~ A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath, But A Harsh Word Stirs Up Anger. Proverbs 15:1~
Kenny Vaughan is a championship water ski jumper and is the Founder of Shields of Strength. (The shields are the creation of Kenny, who overcame his fear of competition by trusting God's Word) To read more about Kenny's story: and to learn more about Shields of Strength and find just the right shield for you or as a gift for someone else, go to: shieldsofstrength.com
GOD IS GREATER THAN THE STORMS OF LIFE
by Jim McBride
My wife, Sheila, and I are enjoying the sweet moments of life as grandparents. We're savoring every second of watching our children raise our grandchildren. But being grandparents hasn’t always been about those special moments spent rocking our grandchildren. A few years ago, a life storm really rocked our family.
In 2011, we were excitedly expecting our third grandchild, the second child born to our son, James McBride III (Buddy), and daughter-in-law, Mallory. But then during a routine checkup at 20 weeks, the doctors delivered some unexpected news: They had diagnosed baby James McBride IV with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, which meant the left side of his heart wouldn’t develop.
Over the next four months, we researched HLHS and spent much time in prayer as a family. Through it all, I observed my son and daughter-in-law walking out their faith. It reminded me of 3 John 1:4: "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth."
Doctors recommended the Norwood procedures, a process of three surgeries that would enable half of James’ heart to function as a whole heart, which could postpone the need for a heart transplant until his 30s or 40s.
James was born on December 3, 2011. Four days later, he underwent the first of the three surgeries. In April 2012, he had a second procedure. At this point, little James still had several issues related to his heart that we were praying would resolve themselves.
When he went for his checkup in March 2013, however, we were told the Norwood procedures were not delivering the desired results and his heart was not working properly. There was no need to complete the last of the Norwood procedures. James needed a heart transplant.
Not knowing how long he would spend on the waiting list for a heart, we continued to pray for James. Thousands of people and hundreds of churches joined us on his prayer team.
Miraculously, in less than two months, we received the call we’d been praying for early on Sunday, May 19, 2013. Surgeons believed they had found a heart for James. He was soon prepped for surgery with an open chest while we waited for the new heart to arrive. Then at last the surgery began, and it was a very LONG day for all of us. But what better day for the transplant than the Lord’s day?
As we waited, we were highly encouraged by watching a video of members of our home church, Sherwood Baptist Church, on their knees praying for James. God was doing something in the midst of our storm.
In Mark 4:35-41, the disciples and Jesus are riding in a boat when suddenly a storm comes upon them. The disciples are afraid and are surprised to discover that Jesus is asleep. They wake Him, asking if He cares if they die. And then Jesus does something they don’t expect: He miraculously calms the storm. The Bible says the men "were filled with great fear.” They were even MORE afraid when they realized the one in the boat had a greater power than the storm and sea.
I found encouragement in those scriptures, because our journey had many moments similar to rough seas and raging wind, when the outcomes and conversations weren't what we expected. I'm proud of James' parents for never losing sight of the fact that their God was bigger than their circumstances. I’m also forever grateful to the family who, after losing their child, chose to donate his/her heart, giving life to James. We still pray for that family.
Now, at four and a half years old, James' reports conclude that his test numbers are excellent and there are zero signs of his body rejecting his gifted heart. We praise God for the great things He did in the midst of the storm, while remembering that this is a continuing journey for James, as he will require annual checkups throughout his life. We continually pray Philippians 1:6 for James and his parents: “that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
As we approach Father’s Day, I’m thankful that throughout the storms he’s endured, James has had an earthly father who reflects the love and faithfulness of our heavenly Father. As each of us face our own life challenges, let us always remember that our God is greater than the storms of life.
My wife, Sheila, and I are enjoying the sweet moments of life as grandparents. We're savoring every second of watching our children raise our grandchildren. But being grandparents hasn’t always been about those special moments spent rocking our grandchildren. A few years ago, a life storm really rocked our family.
In 2011, we were excitedly expecting our third grandchild, the second child born to our son, James McBride III (Buddy), and daughter-in-law, Mallory. But then during a routine checkup at 20 weeks, the doctors delivered some unexpected news: They had diagnosed baby James McBride IV with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, which meant the left side of his heart wouldn’t develop.
Over the next four months, we researched HLHS and spent much time in prayer as a family. Through it all, I observed my son and daughter-in-law walking out their faith. It reminded me of 3 John 1:4: "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth."
Doctors recommended the Norwood procedures, a process of three surgeries that would enable half of James’ heart to function as a whole heart, which could postpone the need for a heart transplant until his 30s or 40s.
James was born on December 3, 2011. Four days later, he underwent the first of the three surgeries. In April 2012, he had a second procedure. At this point, little James still had several issues related to his heart that we were praying would resolve themselves.
When he went for his checkup in March 2013, however, we were told the Norwood procedures were not delivering the desired results and his heart was not working properly. There was no need to complete the last of the Norwood procedures. James needed a heart transplant.
Not knowing how long he would spend on the waiting list for a heart, we continued to pray for James. Thousands of people and hundreds of churches joined us on his prayer team.
Miraculously, in less than two months, we received the call we’d been praying for early on Sunday, May 19, 2013. Surgeons believed they had found a heart for James. He was soon prepped for surgery with an open chest while we waited for the new heart to arrive. Then at last the surgery began, and it was a very LONG day for all of us. But what better day for the transplant than the Lord’s day?
As we waited, we were highly encouraged by watching a video of members of our home church, Sherwood Baptist Church, on their knees praying for James. God was doing something in the midst of our storm.
In Mark 4:35-41, the disciples and Jesus are riding in a boat when suddenly a storm comes upon them. The disciples are afraid and are surprised to discover that Jesus is asleep. They wake Him, asking if He cares if they die. And then Jesus does something they don’t expect: He miraculously calms the storm. The Bible says the men "were filled with great fear.” They were even MORE afraid when they realized the one in the boat had a greater power than the storm and sea.
I found encouragement in those scriptures, because our journey had many moments similar to rough seas and raging wind, when the outcomes and conversations weren't what we expected. I'm proud of James' parents for never losing sight of the fact that their God was bigger than their circumstances. I’m also forever grateful to the family who, after losing their child, chose to donate his/her heart, giving life to James. We still pray for that family.
Now, at four and a half years old, James' reports conclude that his test numbers are excellent and there are zero signs of his body rejecting his gifted heart. We praise God for the great things He did in the midst of the storm, while remembering that this is a continuing journey for James, as he will require annual checkups throughout his life. We continually pray Philippians 1:6 for James and his parents: “that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
As we approach Father’s Day, I’m thankful that throughout the storms he’s endured, James has had an earthly father who reflects the love and faithfulness of our heavenly Father. As each of us face our own life challenges, let us always remember that our God is greater than the storms of life.
Our Featured Writer, Jim McBride, is the Executive Pastor at Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia.
Jim was also an Executive Producer for Sherwood Films on the releases of box office hits FIREPROOF, FACING THE GIANTS and FLYWHEEL.
Follow Jim's Devotions and writings on his blog at:
JimMcBrideblog.com
Jim was also an Executive Producer for Sherwood Films on the releases of box office hits FIREPROOF, FACING THE GIANTS and FLYWHEEL.
Follow Jim's Devotions and writings on his blog at:
JimMcBrideblog.com
Jim and Sheila McBride
If you are in the Albany, Georgia area and would like to know more about Sherwood Baptist Church, visit their website sherwoodbaptist.net for service times and location.
Something To Ponder
by Paul Spite
The second chapter of Luke tells us Mary pondered all the supernatural events surrounding the birth of Jesus and kept them in her heart. A once popular song asks “Mary, Did You Know?” Did she really know what miracles her child would perform? I wonder if she meant to trade her personal relationship with God for personal satisfaction.
Other than one incident, scripture gives us no indication the life of Jesus was anything besides ordinary for his first three decades. At the wedding in Cana though, there was a pressing need for more wine. Mary became impatient. She had been pondering way too long and demanded her son to deal with the problem. Obviously not bothered by the lack of drink, Jesus told her it was not yet time for him to act thus.
Ignoring Jesus, Mary gave the servants timeless advice we could all use. “Whatsoever he (Jesus) saith unto you, do it.” He then did what only God could do to meet a need. He changed part of creation from one state to another. She finally uncovered the God she knew He surely must be and lost her son in the process. She had her needs met, but lost her relationship while doing so.
We are not told what Mary was thinking. Perhaps thirty years of suspected infidelity finally took its toll. Perhaps her personal pride at having given birth to the son of God needed to be made public. Perhaps it was just typical parental impatience at a child failing to live up to his potential.
I personally think she just failed to ponder long enough. I am sure she knew Isaiah’s prophecy that “JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.” She definitely knew Jesus had been given for the purpose of saving His people from sin. As a Jew, she surely knew life was in the blood, and without the shedding of the blood in their daily sacrifices, there was no remission of sin. I think she failed to think it through, that her son’s actual destiny required His blood be shed to remit the sins of His people.
I wonder, had she pondered longer, would she have spoken at the wedding? She received vindication and they received wine, but what a loss. We never read again of Jesus acting as her son. As God, once His power became known, there were too many other needs to be met. At one point, He declined to come out of a meeting to speak to His mother and brothers, denying their relationship. One of Mary’s last visits with her boy came when He was writhing on a tree of crucifixion.
I think we also trade our relationship with God for our satisfaction. I know beyond the shadow of a doubt, I was created to be an eternal companion to a once lonely God. There is joy, peace, and beauty in my relationship with God and in His presence. It should be enough to have God completing me spiritually, but I have other pressing needs. Sometime I just want Him to give me what I need, that only a God can supply. Because He loves me, He supplies. But what does it cost me in terms of our relationship?
I wonder if God ever whispers, “What about me? Whatever happened to the whispered talks late at night, the praises you used to bestow on me and the delight you took just being with me?” I wonder if God ever misses my first love. How I felt before my needs became the most important part of our interaction.
Sometimes, we do the same thing in our relationships with those we love. We are given earthly partners to ease our loneliness and complete us at the level of our souls. In those relationships, there is joy and peace and beauty. It should be enough. But we also need housekeepers, launderers, chauffeurs, gardeners, providers, mechanics, babysitters, and so on. Time passes. Our lives fill up with our activities in the meeting of needs, instead of one another and the meeting of our souls.
I wonder if anyone else ever whispers, “What about me? Whatever happened to the whispered talks late at night, the compliments you used to bestow on me and the delight you took just being with me?” I wonder if anyone else misses their first love. The one before daily needs and tasks became the most important part of our interaction and relationship took a back seat.
Is God really concerned about such things? In one incident, His friend Mary chose to sit and talk with Jesus while her sister Martha worked hard accomplishing tasks. Jesus responded to Martha’s rebuke of Mary by telling her what Mary had chosen to do with her time was needful. Who needed to know they were appreciated and loved? It was the physical manifestation of God on this earth.
So I wonder. If God never met another one of my needs, could I still love Him for who He is? Could I just respond to His hunger for me with my time and my attention? Could I forget my personal and unstated definition of God as a being who exists to serve me, long enough to let this lonely God know I just enjoy being with Him? And I wonder what my relationship with God would be at this point, had I remained focused on enjoying the relationship I first found with Him. I don’t know. I don’t think Mary did either or she would never have spoken.
But I ponder all these things and keep them in my heart.
__________________________________________________________________________
We welcome Paul Spite on A Gentle Answer Ministries online magazine.
Paul is a Playwright, Author of a 6 novel series called The Game of Life, Hubsand, Grandfather (Boppa) . Paul and his wife Sally live just outside of Nashville and desire to honor the Lord with their talents and gifts. You will find Paul's writing to be thought provoking, challenging, and spiritually sound. You can visit the fan page for his series on facebook which has been optioned for an upcoming movie. We encourage you to check out some of Paul's writing by following Paul Spite or go to his facebook page at Paul Spite on Facebook.
Other than one incident, scripture gives us no indication the life of Jesus was anything besides ordinary for his first three decades. At the wedding in Cana though, there was a pressing need for more wine. Mary became impatient. She had been pondering way too long and demanded her son to deal with the problem. Obviously not bothered by the lack of drink, Jesus told her it was not yet time for him to act thus.
Ignoring Jesus, Mary gave the servants timeless advice we could all use. “Whatsoever he (Jesus) saith unto you, do it.” He then did what only God could do to meet a need. He changed part of creation from one state to another. She finally uncovered the God she knew He surely must be and lost her son in the process. She had her needs met, but lost her relationship while doing so.
We are not told what Mary was thinking. Perhaps thirty years of suspected infidelity finally took its toll. Perhaps her personal pride at having given birth to the son of God needed to be made public. Perhaps it was just typical parental impatience at a child failing to live up to his potential.
I personally think she just failed to ponder long enough. I am sure she knew Isaiah’s prophecy that “JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.” She definitely knew Jesus had been given for the purpose of saving His people from sin. As a Jew, she surely knew life was in the blood, and without the shedding of the blood in their daily sacrifices, there was no remission of sin. I think she failed to think it through, that her son’s actual destiny required His blood be shed to remit the sins of His people.
I wonder, had she pondered longer, would she have spoken at the wedding? She received vindication and they received wine, but what a loss. We never read again of Jesus acting as her son. As God, once His power became known, there were too many other needs to be met. At one point, He declined to come out of a meeting to speak to His mother and brothers, denying their relationship. One of Mary’s last visits with her boy came when He was writhing on a tree of crucifixion.
I think we also trade our relationship with God for our satisfaction. I know beyond the shadow of a doubt, I was created to be an eternal companion to a once lonely God. There is joy, peace, and beauty in my relationship with God and in His presence. It should be enough to have God completing me spiritually, but I have other pressing needs. Sometime I just want Him to give me what I need, that only a God can supply. Because He loves me, He supplies. But what does it cost me in terms of our relationship?
I wonder if God ever whispers, “What about me? Whatever happened to the whispered talks late at night, the praises you used to bestow on me and the delight you took just being with me?” I wonder if God ever misses my first love. How I felt before my needs became the most important part of our interaction.
Sometimes, we do the same thing in our relationships with those we love. We are given earthly partners to ease our loneliness and complete us at the level of our souls. In those relationships, there is joy and peace and beauty. It should be enough. But we also need housekeepers, launderers, chauffeurs, gardeners, providers, mechanics, babysitters, and so on. Time passes. Our lives fill up with our activities in the meeting of needs, instead of one another and the meeting of our souls.
I wonder if anyone else ever whispers, “What about me? Whatever happened to the whispered talks late at night, the compliments you used to bestow on me and the delight you took just being with me?” I wonder if anyone else misses their first love. The one before daily needs and tasks became the most important part of our interaction and relationship took a back seat.
Is God really concerned about such things? In one incident, His friend Mary chose to sit and talk with Jesus while her sister Martha worked hard accomplishing tasks. Jesus responded to Martha’s rebuke of Mary by telling her what Mary had chosen to do with her time was needful. Who needed to know they were appreciated and loved? It was the physical manifestation of God on this earth.
So I wonder. If God never met another one of my needs, could I still love Him for who He is? Could I just respond to His hunger for me with my time and my attention? Could I forget my personal and unstated definition of God as a being who exists to serve me, long enough to let this lonely God know I just enjoy being with Him? And I wonder what my relationship with God would be at this point, had I remained focused on enjoying the relationship I first found with Him. I don’t know. I don’t think Mary did either or she would never have spoken.
But I ponder all these things and keep them in my heart.
__________________________________________________________________________
We welcome Paul Spite on A Gentle Answer Ministries online magazine.
Paul is a Playwright, Author of a 6 novel series called The Game of Life, Hubsand, Grandfather (Boppa) . Paul and his wife Sally live just outside of Nashville and desire to honor the Lord with their talents and gifts. You will find Paul's writing to be thought provoking, challenging, and spiritually sound. You can visit the fan page for his series on facebook which has been optioned for an upcoming movie. We encourage you to check out some of Paul's writing by following Paul Spite or go to his facebook page at Paul Spite on Facebook.
Paul and Sally Spite
"UP ALL NIGHT"
by Lori Marett
“And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.” EXODUS 14:21
Can’t sleep? What’s keeping you up at night? Is it your thoughts? Thoughts of things you need to accomplish over the next couple of days? Things that transpired during the day? Are they fears or concerns? Your health? Or maybe you (and your legs) are just restless. Maybe it’s a combination of things. Maybe it’s all of the above. Or maybe it’s something you feel no one else could possibly understand.
At this writing, I have a friend who has $2100 in prescription medications a month and has lost her insurance and is uncertain what that means for her health in the immediate future. I have another friend whose 17 year old daughter is pregnant by a 14 year old boy in our church. Another friend’s son has a rare cancer that is eating up his leg and the doctors are struggling to save his life and hopefully his leg. And while this mom is staying at the Ronald McDonald house with her son who has cancer, she too has found out she is pregnant. As for me, my husband is jobless once again due to the economy. We have saved our house from foreclosure twice before, but the threat of a third battle with the bank is looming in front of us.
So what do we do about all these things that keep our minds revving all night long? Do we flip our pillows over in hopes that the cool side brings us rest? Or find a new position in the bed? Stare at the ceiling? Or reach for sleep meds, which we know will make us groggy in the morning. So maybe we reach instead for our laptop and do a search for TROUBLE SLEEPING. Maybe the search will lead to this article. It is my hope that this article will help each of us in our quest for rest. I’ve discovered in my search that there is help for the troubled, for those who can’t sleep, for those of us who are up all night, for those who are restless.
You may have wondered by now why I included a verse from that very old book at the beginning of the Bible. I have read about Moses and the parting of the Red Sea many times. And I’ve seen the movie The Ten Commandments when Charlton Heston/Moses raises his staff and stretches out his hands and the waters of the Red Sea divide. It’s an epic scene that has stuck in my mind from when I first saw this movie as a young child.
You probably know the story that leads up to this memorable scene, but I’ll recap: The Israelites had been in bondage for 400 years to the Egyptians. But Pharoah’s heart was hardened and he wouldn’t release God’s children, despite Moses’ warnings and all those nasty plagues. Not until Pharoah’s first-born son was taken by the Angel of Death did Pharoah ‘kick’ the Israelites out of his land. But after they left, Pharoah had realized his mistake. There were no more slaves. No one left to do all the dirty, menial jobs for him. So he sent his Egyptian army to capture and return the millions of Israelites to their proper place – as slaves – back in Egypt.
Meanwhile, the Israelites were panicking while bunched on the banks of the Red Sea. They had fled Egypt to follow Moses and the pillar of cloud by day and fire by night only to find their selves trapped. The Israelites heard the chariots coming for them but the path before them was not passable. They could see in the distance the Egyptians coming for them but there was nowhere to go, no road or path to take. The Israelites had no way to escape. So they cried out to Moses who cried out to God. And God instructed Moses to raise the staff in his hands and God provided a way out.
But here’s where the movie takes artistic license. Here’s the part in the movie that is not scripturally correct. The Bible verse in Exodus says that “…the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind ALL THAT NIGHT and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.”
It only took minutes for Charlton Heston/Moses to part the Red Sea in the movie, but the Bible says that it took God all night. Think about it. The night is when it is the darkest. The night is miserable when sleep won’t come. The night lasts for eternity when there is no rest. The Israelites could not see God at work. Because God – a cloud column by day and a pillar of fire by night – had moved to the back of the millions of Israelites to create a barrier between them and the Egyptians that were in pursuit. So the only thing the Israelites could see was the pillar of fire holding the Egyptians back. They were anxious and could only focus on the ominous threat that snapped at their heels. They could not see God at work before them.
If we back up a little in Exodus, to the 13th and 14th verses, we read where Moses tells the people “Fear not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD… The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.” So don’t be dissuaded if God doesn’t come to your rescue in an instant, like he does in the movies. God worked to part the Red Sea all night long, in the dark, and from the other side of the bank. Just because we cannot see God at work doesn’t mean he’s not at work.
So climb into bed and find your rest. Know that God will be working all night long, while it is dark, from the other side of the bank where we can’t see. God will be working so His children can sleep.
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rodney and Lori Marett are the founders of Gideon Media Arts Conference and Film Festival
Lori and Rodney Marett
The Gideon was started to give Christians who are interested in the media arts a place to encourage their talents, a venue to meet, learn, network and get advice from experts in the industry, and the opportunity to develop working and personal relationships that extend long after the Gideon is over.
The Mission Statement of the Gideon:
To spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ through all types of media withan emphasis on television, film, theater, church drama, music, graphic arts, marketing and distribution, screenwriting, youth ministries, and spiritual encouragement.
Writers, filmmakers, vocalists, check out the contests page on Gideon's website.
Lori is a wife, mother, writer, screen writer and co-founder of The Gideon.
The Mission Statement of the Gideon:
To spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ through all types of media withan emphasis on television, film, theater, church drama, music, graphic arts, marketing and distribution, screenwriting, youth ministries, and spiritual encouragement.
Writers, filmmakers, vocalists, check out the contests page on Gideon's website.
Lori is a wife, mother, writer, screen writer and co-founder of The Gideon.
Torn Between Two Fathers
by Ginny Dent Brant
I grew up a card-carrying daddy’s girl who desired to go wherever her father went. For me that meant political rallies and conventions, the Capitol, and eventually the White House. Yes, I grew up in the halls of power because my father (Harry Dent) built the Republican Party in the South, and served a Senator and three Presidents. You might say my father taught me how to dance in more ways than one. My first dance was with him, and we danced joyously to the same tunes for many years. Boy, could we cut the rug together.
That rug was pulled out from underneath me, when my father’s political career caused my family to move once again—this time to my third high school located in Langley, Va. I had to leave behind my boyfriend, friends, and my cheerleading pom poms. This devastating move motivated me to look beyond myself for answers to life’s disappointments. I got involved in a ministry called Young Life, gave my life to Jesus, and began my journey seeking God’s plan for my life. I grew in spiritual ways my parents did not understand. My father viewed the church as a “force for moral good” and he was paving his way to heaven with his litany of good works. He thought my dedication was misguided and sensed I was moving towards a life of poverty, dissatisfaction, and overzealous ideals. His ultimate fear was that I might become some “gosh awful missionary.”
As he stated, “It was out of love for my daughter,” that he blocked my path. He forbid me to attend a Bible College God was clearly leading me to. I was torn between my earthly father and my Heavenly Father. There was no one I wanted to please more than my dear, sweet dad; however, the pulling of allegiance between the two forces I loved the most resulted in buckets of tears. I recall weeping as I drove down the forbidden path to my first day of classes at Columbia International University (CIU), risking my earthly father’s approval and his willingness to pay for my college education. In the midst of my tears, my Heavenly Father graciously brought this verse to comfort my soul--Matthew 6:33. It says, “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” This verse gave me the courage to press on, believing by faith that God himself would take care of my dad as I obeyed His will and put Him first. As I continued down the forbidden path, my dad continued to express his disapproval warning, “I’d never be success in this world.” It was hard to say “no” to a man who advised presidents.
It was devastating to realize my father and I were no longer dancing to the same tune. The pain was more than I could bear. My Heavenly Father was gently teaching me one step at a time to dance to His beat—a radically different tune and a new definition of success. The dance with my Heavenly Father was so inviting I wanted my earthly father to share in the joy and eternal significance. Yet, we continued to dance and twirl in different directions.
After the grueling death of my dad’s brother to colon cancer, the thought of my dad possibly dying and not sharing eternity with me, motivated me to pray with a passion for his soul. I barraged the gates of heaven for the sake of my dad for many years, yet the divide between us only widened. I endured subtle persecution and mocking which drove a stake into my heart. I was so burdened I went to a wise professor to seek his counsel. He advised me to keep praying, live my life as a witness and allow God himself to draw my dad to Him.
In looking back I realize God was working from the first moments I began to pray, bringing people and circumstances into his life. Oh true, I left a plaque under his pillow one night that read, “The purpose of life is to serve God.” In 1978 my father surrendered his life and began to walk in a different direction. He gave up his legal and political career to enter fulltime ministry with my mother in 1980. The logo of their ministry, Laity Alive and Serving, came from the plaque I laid under my dad’s pillow.
My husband and I were shocked yet overjoyed when my father entered the forbidden place, Columbia International University, to get his training. We watched as God went far beyond our prayers transforming my father from a political strategist to His Kingdom strategist—a man who would walk through doors only He could open. Only God knew the plans He had for my dad—to wake and shake the men in the pews who were paving their way to heaven with their good works and to help the underground churches and the country of Romania to come to freedom after Communism. One of my greatest thrills in life was working with my dad in his ministry in the US and in Romania. My husband and I both chuckled as my father became everything he forbid me to be and more—including that “gosh awful missionary!”
What a joy to finally be dancing with my dad again. This time the tune was from a heavenly chorus. Imagine my earthly father and me dancing to the same tune as our Heavenly Father—a dance that will last forever. I was no longer torn between two fathers and my heart continues to overflow with praise—even after my father’s passing to heaven after Alzheimer’s. I can say without reservation I look forward to the next dance.
================================================
Click Here to leave a Comment for Ginny or Visit with other readers about this article.
That rug was pulled out from underneath me, when my father’s political career caused my family to move once again—this time to my third high school located in Langley, Va. I had to leave behind my boyfriend, friends, and my cheerleading pom poms. This devastating move motivated me to look beyond myself for answers to life’s disappointments. I got involved in a ministry called Young Life, gave my life to Jesus, and began my journey seeking God’s plan for my life. I grew in spiritual ways my parents did not understand. My father viewed the church as a “force for moral good” and he was paving his way to heaven with his litany of good works. He thought my dedication was misguided and sensed I was moving towards a life of poverty, dissatisfaction, and overzealous ideals. His ultimate fear was that I might become some “gosh awful missionary.”
As he stated, “It was out of love for my daughter,” that he blocked my path. He forbid me to attend a Bible College God was clearly leading me to. I was torn between my earthly father and my Heavenly Father. There was no one I wanted to please more than my dear, sweet dad; however, the pulling of allegiance between the two forces I loved the most resulted in buckets of tears. I recall weeping as I drove down the forbidden path to my first day of classes at Columbia International University (CIU), risking my earthly father’s approval and his willingness to pay for my college education. In the midst of my tears, my Heavenly Father graciously brought this verse to comfort my soul--Matthew 6:33. It says, “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” This verse gave me the courage to press on, believing by faith that God himself would take care of my dad as I obeyed His will and put Him first. As I continued down the forbidden path, my dad continued to express his disapproval warning, “I’d never be success in this world.” It was hard to say “no” to a man who advised presidents.
It was devastating to realize my father and I were no longer dancing to the same tune. The pain was more than I could bear. My Heavenly Father was gently teaching me one step at a time to dance to His beat—a radically different tune and a new definition of success. The dance with my Heavenly Father was so inviting I wanted my earthly father to share in the joy and eternal significance. Yet, we continued to dance and twirl in different directions.
After the grueling death of my dad’s brother to colon cancer, the thought of my dad possibly dying and not sharing eternity with me, motivated me to pray with a passion for his soul. I barraged the gates of heaven for the sake of my dad for many years, yet the divide between us only widened. I endured subtle persecution and mocking which drove a stake into my heart. I was so burdened I went to a wise professor to seek his counsel. He advised me to keep praying, live my life as a witness and allow God himself to draw my dad to Him.
In looking back I realize God was working from the first moments I began to pray, bringing people and circumstances into his life. Oh true, I left a plaque under his pillow one night that read, “The purpose of life is to serve God.” In 1978 my father surrendered his life and began to walk in a different direction. He gave up his legal and political career to enter fulltime ministry with my mother in 1980. The logo of their ministry, Laity Alive and Serving, came from the plaque I laid under my dad’s pillow.
My husband and I were shocked yet overjoyed when my father entered the forbidden place, Columbia International University, to get his training. We watched as God went far beyond our prayers transforming my father from a political strategist to His Kingdom strategist—a man who would walk through doors only He could open. Only God knew the plans He had for my dad—to wake and shake the men in the pews who were paving their way to heaven with their good works and to help the underground churches and the country of Romania to come to freedom after Communism. One of my greatest thrills in life was working with my dad in his ministry in the US and in Romania. My husband and I both chuckled as my father became everything he forbid me to be and more—including that “gosh awful missionary!”
What a joy to finally be dancing with my dad again. This time the tune was from a heavenly chorus. Imagine my earthly father and me dancing to the same tune as our Heavenly Father—a dance that will last forever. I was no longer torn between two fathers and my heart continues to overflow with praise—even after my father’s passing to heaven after Alzheimer’s. I can say without reservation I look forward to the next dance.
================================================
Click Here to leave a Comment for Ginny or Visit with other readers about this article.
About Ginny Dent Brant:
Ginny Dent Brant graduated with a B.A. from Columbia International University (cum laude), and holds two Masters Degrees from the University of South Carolina in Elementary Education and Elementary Counseling. With 28 years of experience serving on the frontlines of our culture in public education as a teacher, counselor, and adjunct professor, she currently serves as a counselor at Orchard Park Elementary School. Ginny served as a trustee of the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention and has held leadership roles in many Baptist churches. Ginny has done mission work in Gaza, Yemen, the Czech Republic, Romania, and China. She is a soloist, Bible teacher and Christian speaker. She also speaks on the family, parenting, and health and wellness. She is the President of Laity Alive and Serving which her father, Harry S. Dent, started in 1985.
Her husband, Dr. Alton Brant, is an associate professor of American Sign Language and Deaf Studies at Clemson University. The Brants have one married son, Joshua (and wife Sydney) and twin sons, Jonathan and Harrison. She is the daughter of Harry and Betty Dent. Ginny was a contributing author for The Chosen Path: 365 Inspirational Messages, Love is a Flame, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Shaping the New You, and online with Christian Devotions. She also contributes articles to The Baptist Courier in South Carolina. Her first book Finding True Freedom: From the White House to the World was released late 2010. Ginny was recently interviewed by Sheila Schuller Coleman at the Crystal Cathedral, on Christian Television Network, and by American Family Radio. She has been interviewed by TV, radio and newspapers concerning her new book and her life with her dad. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ You can watch Ginny at the Crystal Cathedral here. For more information, go to www.ginnybrant.com . To read another story about Ginny go to the March Edition of ReachOutColumbia.com |
For more about Ginny Dent Brant and FindingTrue Freedom:
From theWhite House to theWorld, you can go to: www.ginnybrant.com The book is also available through her website and at FamilyChristian Stores. |
All material on A G A Ministries copyright protection ©2011-2012 (unless credit noted). Ginny Dent Brant Photos courtesy of Ginny Dent Brant. Cover Story link courtesy of ReachOutColumbia.com
So be nice and don't make me stop this car and come back there...just read and enjoy...share with others but give us the shout out if you want to reprint!
(unauthorized use of this material or any on this ministry site will cause itching, swelling, guilty conscience and or physical trauma)
So be nice and don't make me stop this car and come back there...just read and enjoy...share with others but give us the shout out if you want to reprint!
(unauthorized use of this material or any on this ministry site will cause itching, swelling, guilty conscience and or physical trauma)
SHOO FLY
Oh Just Give Up...
by Kathy Lonsinger
Saturday morning in the kitchen: Fly buzzing around my head.
Me...."Why is the fly swatter not hanging in it's spot?"
Kids...."Don't know!"
Said fly continues annoying BUZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzing...and me... ducking, aimless swatting and mumbling, "I wish you would die already" under my breath.
SHOO FLY!
So, I brew a nice pitcher of tea (iced tea on a hot muggy Oklahoma summer day makes things better) and go about my daily business.
Saturday noon back in the kitchen: Fly buzzing around my head. RRRGGGGGG!!! grumble@#$%&*!!!!!
Me: "Has anyone seen the fly swatter?"
Kids: "NOPE!" Hubby....."I never use 'em...I roll up a towel or a paper and mid-air those suckers!"
SHOO FLY!
Said fly...now smiling I believe....continues annoying BUZZZZZZZZZZZZzing. Me: still ducking, swatting and mumbling, "I wish you would die already" now out loud!
SHOO FLY!
So, I add ice to the nice pitcher of tea and go about my daily business.
Saturday evening: Had fun at the grocery store with my husband. Came home to unload groceries in the kitchen. Fly buzzing around my head. RRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGG grumble@#$%^&*!!!!!!!!!!
Me: "WHY DIDN"T WE BUY A FLY SWATTER AT THE STORE JUST NOW?"
SHOO FLY!
I'll just sit down after dinner with Richard and a nice glass of iced tea in the other room, maybe the saddistc fly with leave me alone.
Made dinner (Jumbalaya mmmmm)while said fly continues his sociopathic behavior around my head. Me..."JUST DIE ALREADY!"
SHOO FLY!
Cleaned up dishes, sat down to check emails and ministry blog and hear my daughter from the kitchen:
Daughter: "Mom, I found it!"
Me.: THE FLY SWATTER?"
Daughter: "NOPE!" "THE FLY!"
Turns out it was a clinically depressed, suicidal fly...or at best... a really bad swimmer.
Yep, Death by drowning....IN MY NICELY BREWED NEW PITCHER of ICED TEA!
by Kathy Lonsinger
Saturday morning in the kitchen: Fly buzzing around my head.
Me...."Why is the fly swatter not hanging in it's spot?"
Kids...."Don't know!"
Said fly continues annoying BUZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzing...and me... ducking, aimless swatting and mumbling, "I wish you would die already" under my breath.
SHOO FLY!
So, I brew a nice pitcher of tea (iced tea on a hot muggy Oklahoma summer day makes things better) and go about my daily business.
Saturday noon back in the kitchen: Fly buzzing around my head. RRRGGGGGG!!! grumble@#$%&*!!!!!
Me: "Has anyone seen the fly swatter?"
Kids: "NOPE!" Hubby....."I never use 'em...I roll up a towel or a paper and mid-air those suckers!"
SHOO FLY!
Said fly...now smiling I believe....continues annoying BUZZZZZZZZZZZZzing. Me: still ducking, swatting and mumbling, "I wish you would die already" now out loud!
SHOO FLY!
So, I add ice to the nice pitcher of tea and go about my daily business.
Saturday evening: Had fun at the grocery store with my husband. Came home to unload groceries in the kitchen. Fly buzzing around my head. RRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGG grumble@#$%^&*!!!!!!!!!!
Me: "WHY DIDN"T WE BUY A FLY SWATTER AT THE STORE JUST NOW?"
SHOO FLY!
I'll just sit down after dinner with Richard and a nice glass of iced tea in the other room, maybe the saddistc fly with leave me alone.
Made dinner (Jumbalaya mmmmm)while said fly continues his sociopathic behavior around my head. Me..."JUST DIE ALREADY!"
SHOO FLY!
Cleaned up dishes, sat down to check emails and ministry blog and hear my daughter from the kitchen:
Daughter: "Mom, I found it!"
Me.: THE FLY SWATTER?"
Daughter: "NOPE!" "THE FLY!"
Turns out it was a clinically depressed, suicidal fly...or at best... a really bad swimmer.
Yep, Death by drowning....IN MY NICELY BREWED NEW PITCHER of ICED TEA!
Sometimes, we get exactly what we ask for....but it is not without sacrifice of something we really wanted.
Well I better go now...I need to brew some tea!
Luke 14:33
In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.
Just thinkin',
Kathy
Relaxing to See the Vision
By Jenni Stahlmann
I remember the difficult days leading up to our son’s diagnosis. Early Intervention specialists flooded our life with eleven therapy appointments a week. Occasionally they’d suggest we meet with a neurologist, but I just thought it was a casual recommendation. As educators and social workers, they were not allowed to offer medical opinions. In other words, they couldn’t come right out say they suspected Griffyn was autistic. So truly, I had no clue.
When someone first said the word autism, it sounded ridiculous to me. I had never met a 2-year-old autistic child. My only exposure to it was from the movie “Rainman” with Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise. Certainly my two-year-old was nothing like that. But as it turns out, the only reason he was nothing like Rainman was because he was a baby and Rainman was an adult. Had the movie shown Rainman at two, the character might have behaved exactly like my son. Now, at 13, he’s very much like Rainman.
As the months of therapy followed, I noticed more and more how profoundly different Griffyn was from other kids his age. One day, I asked one of his therapists, “You don’t think Griffyn is autistic, right?” Silence, and then a slow, hesitating response. “Well…the thought has crossed my mind.” What? I was stunned!
I don’t think I’ll ever forget the day we got the diagnosis. It was March 17, 2000, a cold and rainy day. The doctor spent a good half-hour just observing Griffyn, and then he conducted an extensive interview with me. When he was done, he leaned back in his big leather chair, crossed his legs, and closed the portfolio containing his observations of my precious little boy.
Perhaps he’d said the same words a dozen times a week. I was told he was one of the most sought after experts in the tri-state region. Maybe the repetition of this experience made him forget that all my hopes and dreams were sitting on the floor of his office that morning. It’s not that he was apathetic or even unkind; he just seemed completely unaware of the fear that was squeezing my heart. At that moment, it seemed as if my entire life hinged on the next few words that would come out of this man’s mouth. Perhaps in some ways that turned out to be true; I just didn’t realize then that there was nothing to fear.
The doctor was entirely aloof as he stretched his arms up, crossed his hands behind his head and assumed a position of relaxation. His work was done. “Well,” he said with certain finality, “the diagnosis is clear. This is autism.”
In a moment I felt as if an avalanche had dumped on me, the weight of it dulling my senses. Had it lasted more than a fraction of a second, I would have been consumed with panic, clawing desperately through the swirling thoughts that filled my mind and clouded my ability to respond.
But in that fraction of a second, something amazing happened. God, the Creator of the universe, the very One who knit my son together in the depths of my womb, reached out with His amazing grace and poured it over me a like gentle waterfall, washing away the fear and the hurt and the desperation. In my own strength, left to my own thoughts, I would have crumbled. That fleeting moment of panic let me know that I was not able to manage this on my own. But in the power of God’s grace, I was suddenly bathed in peace. This is what the book of Philippians is referring to when it describes “the peace that passes all understanding.”
I breathed in His strength and leaned forward, and in that pivotal moment I looked the doctor soberly in the eye. God had pointed me in a new direction, and with great determination and focus, I said, “Okay…so now what?”
When our children are first born, they hold so much promise and mystery, and in our flesh it is tempting to imagine their future. When our son was diagnosed with autism, God showed me that I would need to let go of my ideas of what I thought he should be. Until I fully released my agenda into God’s hands, I would not be able to receive all the blessings that God intended to bring through this special child. And although God had guarded my heart and mind against despair, there was still a process that had to happen, a shifting and refocusing.
One morning a few years ago, as I was writing at my desk, my daughter brought me a 3-D picture to see if I could find the image. I held it close to my nose and let my eyes relax. As I slowly pulled it away, the image became clear. In relaxing, even allowing my focus to blur for a time, my perspective was transformed. Once my focus shifted, the new picture was easy to spot. Instead of seeing the mish-mosh of seemingly random patterns, I could clearly see the crisp outline of a horse emerge from the page.
What a great object lesson! When we relax and allow God to refocus the eyes of our heart, a new image clearly emerges. Things may be confusing at first—blurry—but soon the events and circumstances of our life don’t seem so random, and instead of asking why, we are left asking how. Instead of crying out to God for answers, we cry out to God for wisdom and direction.
During my season of refocusing on Griffyn’s diagnosis, God gave me this verse: “I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” (John 12:24) Once I let go of the child I thought I had, the one I’d created in my own imagination, I could open myself to so many new possibilities. God has so many riches in store for those who are willing let their own agendas die and trust Him for the harvest.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jenni Stahlmann is married to her best friend, Matthew, and they have five kids. She is a freelance writer, who also co-owns a non-traditional private school in Florida and is currently co-authoring a book to help parents shape their teen's high school years with the end result in mind. You can chat with her at www.powerlaunch.wordpress.com about raising leaders who will impact their generation for the kingdom of God. Be sure to join Power Launch by clicking right here on FACEBOOK.
When someone first said the word autism, it sounded ridiculous to me. I had never met a 2-year-old autistic child. My only exposure to it was from the movie “Rainman” with Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise. Certainly my two-year-old was nothing like that. But as it turns out, the only reason he was nothing like Rainman was because he was a baby and Rainman was an adult. Had the movie shown Rainman at two, the character might have behaved exactly like my son. Now, at 13, he’s very much like Rainman.
As the months of therapy followed, I noticed more and more how profoundly different Griffyn was from other kids his age. One day, I asked one of his therapists, “You don’t think Griffyn is autistic, right?” Silence, and then a slow, hesitating response. “Well…the thought has crossed my mind.” What? I was stunned!
I don’t think I’ll ever forget the day we got the diagnosis. It was March 17, 2000, a cold and rainy day. The doctor spent a good half-hour just observing Griffyn, and then he conducted an extensive interview with me. When he was done, he leaned back in his big leather chair, crossed his legs, and closed the portfolio containing his observations of my precious little boy.
Perhaps he’d said the same words a dozen times a week. I was told he was one of the most sought after experts in the tri-state region. Maybe the repetition of this experience made him forget that all my hopes and dreams were sitting on the floor of his office that morning. It’s not that he was apathetic or even unkind; he just seemed completely unaware of the fear that was squeezing my heart. At that moment, it seemed as if my entire life hinged on the next few words that would come out of this man’s mouth. Perhaps in some ways that turned out to be true; I just didn’t realize then that there was nothing to fear.
The doctor was entirely aloof as he stretched his arms up, crossed his hands behind his head and assumed a position of relaxation. His work was done. “Well,” he said with certain finality, “the diagnosis is clear. This is autism.”
In a moment I felt as if an avalanche had dumped on me, the weight of it dulling my senses. Had it lasted more than a fraction of a second, I would have been consumed with panic, clawing desperately through the swirling thoughts that filled my mind and clouded my ability to respond.
But in that fraction of a second, something amazing happened. God, the Creator of the universe, the very One who knit my son together in the depths of my womb, reached out with His amazing grace and poured it over me a like gentle waterfall, washing away the fear and the hurt and the desperation. In my own strength, left to my own thoughts, I would have crumbled. That fleeting moment of panic let me know that I was not able to manage this on my own. But in the power of God’s grace, I was suddenly bathed in peace. This is what the book of Philippians is referring to when it describes “the peace that passes all understanding.”
I breathed in His strength and leaned forward, and in that pivotal moment I looked the doctor soberly in the eye. God had pointed me in a new direction, and with great determination and focus, I said, “Okay…so now what?”
When our children are first born, they hold so much promise and mystery, and in our flesh it is tempting to imagine their future. When our son was diagnosed with autism, God showed me that I would need to let go of my ideas of what I thought he should be. Until I fully released my agenda into God’s hands, I would not be able to receive all the blessings that God intended to bring through this special child. And although God had guarded my heart and mind against despair, there was still a process that had to happen, a shifting and refocusing.
One morning a few years ago, as I was writing at my desk, my daughter brought me a 3-D picture to see if I could find the image. I held it close to my nose and let my eyes relax. As I slowly pulled it away, the image became clear. In relaxing, even allowing my focus to blur for a time, my perspective was transformed. Once my focus shifted, the new picture was easy to spot. Instead of seeing the mish-mosh of seemingly random patterns, I could clearly see the crisp outline of a horse emerge from the page.
What a great object lesson! When we relax and allow God to refocus the eyes of our heart, a new image clearly emerges. Things may be confusing at first—blurry—but soon the events and circumstances of our life don’t seem so random, and instead of asking why, we are left asking how. Instead of crying out to God for answers, we cry out to God for wisdom and direction.
During my season of refocusing on Griffyn’s diagnosis, God gave me this verse: “I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” (John 12:24) Once I let go of the child I thought I had, the one I’d created in my own imagination, I could open myself to so many new possibilities. God has so many riches in store for those who are willing let their own agendas die and trust Him for the harvest.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jenni Stahlmann is married to her best friend, Matthew, and they have five kids. She is a freelance writer, who also co-owns a non-traditional private school in Florida and is currently co-authoring a book to help parents shape their teen's high school years with the end result in mind. You can chat with her at www.powerlaunch.wordpress.com about raising leaders who will impact their generation for the kingdom of God. Be sure to join Power Launch by clicking right here on FACEBOOK.
God is the Perfect GPS
by Kathy Lonsinger
A few months ago I was in Kansas City for a writer’s conference. I was not familiar with the area and was looking down at the GPS to make sure I was following the instruction carefully to get to the venue. The flashing lights I saw in the mirror indicated I should have been paying closer attention to the street signs and speed limits and construction zone warning than I was my GPS.
I had the chance to meet one of Overland Parks finest as she pointed out that the speed limit had gone from 55 to 35 due to posted construction work.
I knew the Scottish accent of my GPS might get me in trouble that day but it wasn’t his fault I was looking to the wrong source for my direction.
You know, often I get people’s opinion confused with the posted word of God. His instructions to me in the Bible are clear and based in love to guide me.
Mr. Smarty pants from Scotland had no way to know about the orange work cones and warnings to slow down that were just posted. I was looking in the wrong place to get where I need to go.
Look to Him, pay attention…and watch out for road blocks and warning signs!
Isaiah 8:20
Consult God’s instruction and the testimony of warning. If anyone does not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.
Psalm 119:105 (King James Version)
105Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
I had the chance to meet one of Overland Parks finest as she pointed out that the speed limit had gone from 55 to 35 due to posted construction work.
I knew the Scottish accent of my GPS might get me in trouble that day but it wasn’t his fault I was looking to the wrong source for my direction.
You know, often I get people’s opinion confused with the posted word of God. His instructions to me in the Bible are clear and based in love to guide me.
Mr. Smarty pants from Scotland had no way to know about the orange work cones and warnings to slow down that were just posted. I was looking in the wrong place to get where I need to go.
Look to Him, pay attention…and watch out for road blocks and warning signs!
Isaiah 8:20
Consult God’s instruction and the testimony of warning. If anyone does not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.
Psalm 119:105 (King James Version)
105Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Welcome to the first edition of A Gentle Answer Ministries online magazine for January 2011.
__________________________________________________________
IT'S TIME...
by Paula Wood
It's that time again. One year gone and the next is here. Time to set new goals for the new year for that new body, new house, new car?
We all do it one way or another. Set goals. Whether it's during the beginning of the new year or later -- we all have things we'd like to achieve. I've been thinking a lot lately about what new goals I'd like to set for this upcoming year. Write my feature film, purchase a home, take my business to the next level, meet a man. Ha! (Single ladies, I know you can relate.) But the one goal that's been a burning desire in my heart, is to be a REAL Christian. To operate fully in the ways of Christ. To spread God's Words to all who will listen. Just like Jesus did. I'm talking about having my entire day consumed and centered around God. Can you imagine what that will be like? Actually living to serve the Creator? Glorious, I'd imagine.
"Whoever says I know him but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked." 1 John 2:4-6
This scripture really captures my heart, because it reveals the necessary steps needed to be intimate with our Father. I encourage my fellow brothers and sisters to not only keep God first in your lives, but to also understand what it means to truly know Him.
There can be no truth without intimacy. Knowing God is good, but being intimate with Him will make you powerful.
As Christians we must not see the commandments as a hard rule to follow, but we must be intimate with His Word, intimate with His Truth, and intimate with His Commandments. In doing this, we shall truly prevail in this New Year!
It’s time to raise above the world and witness the Glory that awaits us. God is looking for His sons and daughters to be intimate with Him. It is time. Time to be Real!
Hi...My name is Paula, and I Know God.
(Photo courtesy CrazyLulu Productions...Paul Wood Directing on set)
by Paula Wood
It's that time again. One year gone and the next is here. Time to set new goals for the new year for that new body, new house, new car?
We all do it one way or another. Set goals. Whether it's during the beginning of the new year or later -- we all have things we'd like to achieve. I've been thinking a lot lately about what new goals I'd like to set for this upcoming year. Write my feature film, purchase a home, take my business to the next level, meet a man. Ha! (Single ladies, I know you can relate.) But the one goal that's been a burning desire in my heart, is to be a REAL Christian. To operate fully in the ways of Christ. To spread God's Words to all who will listen. Just like Jesus did. I'm talking about having my entire day consumed and centered around God. Can you imagine what that will be like? Actually living to serve the Creator? Glorious, I'd imagine.
"Whoever says I know him but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked." 1 John 2:4-6
This scripture really captures my heart, because it reveals the necessary steps needed to be intimate with our Father. I encourage my fellow brothers and sisters to not only keep God first in your lives, but to also understand what it means to truly know Him.
There can be no truth without intimacy. Knowing God is good, but being intimate with Him will make you powerful.
As Christians we must not see the commandments as a hard rule to follow, but we must be intimate with His Word, intimate with His Truth, and intimate with His Commandments. In doing this, we shall truly prevail in this New Year!
It’s time to raise above the world and witness the Glory that awaits us. God is looking for His sons and daughters to be intimate with Him. It is time. Time to be Real!
Hi...My name is Paula, and I Know God.
(Photo courtesy CrazyLulu Productions...Paul Wood Directing on set)
Filmmaker Paula Wood is the Founder of CrazyLulu Productions.
___________________________________________________
Paula Wood is an award winning filmmaker who owns a production company based in the D.C. area. Wood 's projects are always inspired by personal experiences and explore the truth found in God's Word through everyday life. She has a knack for revealing the human experience and looks forward to experiencing all that God is preparing her for.
_____________________________________________________________________
Learn more about Producer/Director Paula Wood by visiting CrazyLulu Productions.
CrazyLuLu Productions, produces:
music videos
corporate videos
commercials
public service announcements
short films
feature films
www.crazyluluproductions.com
Paula Wood is an award winning filmmaker who owns a production company based in the D.C. area. Wood 's projects are always inspired by personal experiences and explore the truth found in God's Word through everyday life. She has a knack for revealing the human experience and looks forward to experiencing all that God is preparing her for.
_____________________________________________________________________
Learn more about Producer/Director Paula Wood by visiting CrazyLulu Productions.
CrazyLuLu Productions, produces:
music videos
corporate videos
commercials
public service announcements
short films
feature films
www.crazyluluproductions.com
Checking shots on set of a production...
Paula Wood (2010) Cover....It's Time by Paula Wood
Go to Current Teachable Moment
Humor...Someone Explain Football!
Daily Devotions...Finding Direction at the Cross
by Kathy Lonsinger
Believe? What do We believe?
Resources
Go to Current Teachable Moment
Humor...Someone Explain Football!
Daily Devotions...Finding Direction at the Cross
by Kathy Lonsinger
Believe? What do We believe?
Resources
Keep up with Paula's projects by joining CrazyLulu Productions on Facebook:
Or leave a comment for Paula: Comment
"It's Time" property of Paula Wood 2011.
A Gentle Answer Ministries Copyright applies-2011
A Gentle Answer Ministries Copyright applies-2011
In life...look for the Teachable Moments~ ~December 10, 2010 A G A M online Magazine
 Henry and his lovely wife Sharon!
See what Steven Curtis Champan and MaryBeth Champan are up to at Maria's Big House of Hope. Find out what it is all about...click on the link below...you'll be glad you did!
http://www.showhope.org/OrphanCare/MariasBigHouseofHope.aspx _______________________________________________________ |
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October 14, 2010 Edition of A Gentle Answer Ministries Teachable Moments
-_____________________________________________________________________________
Teachable Moments
by Cindy Navarro
I'm Coming Home
Cody called me on the last day of summer vacation: "Are you ready? I'm coming home!" My 12 year old grandson had been gone all Summer except for an occasional need to come home and regroup. I have had custody of him for the past 10 years, and this was the first time we had spent weeks apart. When I assured him that I was ready, he joyfully announced, "I got money for my birthday last week, so I will be buying my own stuff now!!" Before I could reply, I heard, "No! Wait! I want to buy my own phone, so YOU can keep buying the other stuff." Independence was so short lived.
I was still laughing at his words when the thought hit me that I used to do the same thing with my Heavenly Father. When I was going through periods where all seemed to be going my way, I would tell God, "It's okay! I can take care of my own stuff now!" Whenever that thought crosses my mind anymore, just as quickly as Cody, I cry out, "No! Wait!" I have tried to do things my own way without Him and I have learned that I NEVER want to go through even one minute of my life without God.
I went to do a last minute check to make sure his new room was ready (he had been begging to swap bedrooms with me for a year, so I decided to surprise him). I could not help but consider Cody's joy when he saw all I had prepared for him. Where could my thoughts go but straight to John 14:2 "My Father’s house has many rooms. If that were not true, would I have told you that I’m going to prepare a place for you?" Just as I carefully prepared a room I knew Cody would love, Jesus is preparing a place for ME...and for all who trust in Him as their Savior!!
I may not know the day or hour, but someday I will be going to the place where a room has been prepared just for me. It makes me want to look Heaven-ward and shout,
"ARE YOU READY? I AM COMING HOME!"
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Cindy Navarro is a Christian blogger, mother, and grandmother who currently works with various Christian Media organizations and faith-based film companies to promote family friendly entertainment. She is currently working to get the word out about the film Beyond the Farthest Star http://beyondthefartheststar.com/ and a book series being developed into a movie by writer Paul Spite titled The Game of Life.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Game-of-Life/102660933114421?v=info
You can visit Cindy on facebook or check out her blog at http://cindynavarro.blogspot.com/
Thank you Cindy for sharing your teachable moment with our readers.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
A G A M Oct.14, 2010
I was still laughing at his words when the thought hit me that I used to do the same thing with my Heavenly Father. When I was going through periods where all seemed to be going my way, I would tell God, "It's okay! I can take care of my own stuff now!" Whenever that thought crosses my mind anymore, just as quickly as Cody, I cry out, "No! Wait!" I have tried to do things my own way without Him and I have learned that I NEVER want to go through even one minute of my life without God.
I went to do a last minute check to make sure his new room was ready (he had been begging to swap bedrooms with me for a year, so I decided to surprise him). I could not help but consider Cody's joy when he saw all I had prepared for him. Where could my thoughts go but straight to John 14:2 "My Father’s house has many rooms. If that were not true, would I have told you that I’m going to prepare a place for you?" Just as I carefully prepared a room I knew Cody would love, Jesus is preparing a place for ME...and for all who trust in Him as their Savior!!
I may not know the day or hour, but someday I will be going to the place where a room has been prepared just for me. It makes me want to look Heaven-ward and shout,
"ARE YOU READY? I AM COMING HOME!"
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Cindy Navarro is a Christian blogger, mother, and grandmother who currently works with various Christian Media organizations and faith-based film companies to promote family friendly entertainment. She is currently working to get the word out about the film Beyond the Farthest Star http://beyondthefartheststar.com/ and a book series being developed into a movie by writer Paul Spite titled The Game of Life.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Game-of-Life/102660933114421?v=info
You can visit Cindy on facebook or check out her blog at http://cindynavarro.blogspot.com/
Thank you Cindy for sharing your teachable moment with our readers.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
A G A M Oct.14, 2010
~In Life, Look For The Teachable Moments~ October 1, 2010 Issue A Gentle Answer Ministries Online Magazine
On this weeks Teachable Moments, we are honored to have Actor Michael Joiner as our featured writer. Michael is possibly best known for his talent as a stand up comedian. Dubbed "God's Smart Aleck", Michael is one of the top Clean Comedians in the entertainment industry. Michael plays the leading role in the soon to be released movie The Grace Card. Although Michael is an actor, comedian, writer, filmmaker and producer, his favorite role is that of Christian, husband and father. We know you will be blessed by the story he shares this week on A G A M online magazine.
Faith In Action
by Michael Joiner
Mark 2: 1-5 (1)A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. (2)So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. (3)Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. (4)Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. (5)When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven."
The men who brought the paralyzed man to Jesus did ALL they could, even to the point of cutting a whole in the roof…and sure enough, Jesus respected their “faith in action” and healed their friend.
How many people are complaining, “I asked God to do this... or that... and he didn’t”? Yet, a closer look will usually show that they haven’t done a thing to MOVE toward what they HOPE God will do. God requires faith on our part. Time after time in Jesus’ ministry, after he would heal someone he would say, “YOUR faith has healed you.”
We often see that most of the time the person came to Jesus, they didn’t wait for Jesus to come to them. God is ready and willing to give you a break-through spiritually, mentally, physically, financially…but what “steps of faith” are YOU taking?
Do you pray over your troubled marriage, but in your heart and out loud call your mate negative words? Or complain that he “will never change.” How is that faith?
Over 20-something years ago, when Joel Osteen’s mother was told she had only weeks to live, she didn’t just sit around and “hope” God would heal her. She got up every day and confessed her healing scriptures and walked around and cried out to God. She didn’t watch some “doctor” on TV…she asked everyone she knew, to pray for her and with her. You can call it what you want, but she is alive and well today because God honored her faith.
When I moved my entire family to Hollywood in 2002, I was auditioning a lot and my career looked like it was slowly but surely on the rise. However, in April of 2009, when we had to sell our house and move back to Kansas City, MO (because of the bad economy) some may have thought just the opposite. I could have easily looked at my impossible circumstances and given up…and indeed a few times I almost did. But, if God has taught me anything it’s that HE can do ANYTHING, from ANYWHERE, at ANYTIME! I just knew in my heart that God had assured me that this was all in his plan, and that he was going to give me the desires of my heart as an actor.
So with that understanding and hope, I continued to “do all I can with what I have.” I studied my acting technique daily, as my L.A. acting teachers always told me to. I updated and sent out my picture and resume wherever I could. I networked on Facebook and other acting websites. I even signed up with a local Kansas City agency who landed me a few small, but well paying, commercial and print gigs. Above all, I prayed and read God’s Word daily and let God know I believed he could do anything, and that I was also willing to go wherever he wanted, and do whatever he called me to do.
Psalm 37:4 says, "Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart."
What happened soon after was simply a miracle. Not only did I land a lead role in a full-length feature film starring Oscar winner Louis Gossett Jr. and a film crew that had worked with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, but I landed that role without so much as an audition. A friend (Producer/Director Kyle Prohaska) of the director David G. Evans told him to look at my acting reel online. He did, and decided right there that I was the only person for that role. To those of you not in the film industry, that type of thing is unheard of, even in low budget films. On top of that, I found out later that a few “name” actors were interested in taking my part. One big producer even called them foolish for getting a “no name” like me, instead of the star of their own movie.
In mid November we wrapped the film after 4-plus weeks of a heavy, yet wonderfully blessed, shooting schedule of...The Grace Card. (www.thegracecardmovie.com)
Since then God has opened even more doors for our movie. For example, SONY/PROVIDENT bought the film after only one viewing and agreed to distribute it in theaters (Opening date is 2/25/11). Three of the nation’s top Christian Music acts (Including Toby Mac and Third Day) signed up to have their #1 hits on the soundtrack. Test audiences across the nation are standing up and cheering (even as they wipe away tears) at the powerfully moving ending.
I can say for certain that regardless of how big the filmThe Grace Card becomes, I am confident that whoever watches will be positively affected. And I can also say for certain that whatever trial or hard time you are going through, God wants to prove himself faithful in your situation. God not only knows you have your back to the wall, but (if you are a Christian) he is the one who put you there!
Why? For the same reason God led the Israelites to the Red Sea as they were being chased by a relentless enemy. So he can show you who HE is and what HE can do. You see, God could’ve had some boats waiting for them when they got to the Red Sea. But how much would that have increased their faith in God? Not much. And no doubt many would have attributed something like that to “coincidence”. No, God led them to that impossible situation so that he could show them he is the GOD OF THE IMPOSSIBLE. And I can assure you that, the folks who were blessed the most when God parted the Red Sea, where the ones who never doubted him.
C.S. Lewis once gave us this quote which I believe is the secret to balancing out our part vs.God’s part in our faith walk:
He said, “Pray as if it all depends upon God, but act as if it all depends upon you.”
Do this in whatever impossible situation you find yourself, and I can say from experience, God WILL part the Red Sea… for you!
Ephesians 2:8 ~For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God~
Article property of Michael Joiner Copyright © 2010-2016
Mark 2: 1-5 (1)A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. (2)So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. (3)Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. (4)Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. (5)When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven."
The men who brought the paralyzed man to Jesus did ALL they could, even to the point of cutting a whole in the roof…and sure enough, Jesus respected their “faith in action” and healed their friend.
How many people are complaining, “I asked God to do this... or that... and he didn’t”? Yet, a closer look will usually show that they haven’t done a thing to MOVE toward what they HOPE God will do. God requires faith on our part. Time after time in Jesus’ ministry, after he would heal someone he would say, “YOUR faith has healed you.”
We often see that most of the time the person came to Jesus, they didn’t wait for Jesus to come to them. God is ready and willing to give you a break-through spiritually, mentally, physically, financially…but what “steps of faith” are YOU taking?
Do you pray over your troubled marriage, but in your heart and out loud call your mate negative words? Or complain that he “will never change.” How is that faith?
Over 20-something years ago, when Joel Osteen’s mother was told she had only weeks to live, she didn’t just sit around and “hope” God would heal her. She got up every day and confessed her healing scriptures and walked around and cried out to God. She didn’t watch some “doctor” on TV…she asked everyone she knew, to pray for her and with her. You can call it what you want, but she is alive and well today because God honored her faith.
When I moved my entire family to Hollywood in 2002, I was auditioning a lot and my career looked like it was slowly but surely on the rise. However, in April of 2009, when we had to sell our house and move back to Kansas City, MO (because of the bad economy) some may have thought just the opposite. I could have easily looked at my impossible circumstances and given up…and indeed a few times I almost did. But, if God has taught me anything it’s that HE can do ANYTHING, from ANYWHERE, at ANYTIME! I just knew in my heart that God had assured me that this was all in his plan, and that he was going to give me the desires of my heart as an actor.
So with that understanding and hope, I continued to “do all I can with what I have.” I studied my acting technique daily, as my L.A. acting teachers always told me to. I updated and sent out my picture and resume wherever I could. I networked on Facebook and other acting websites. I even signed up with a local Kansas City agency who landed me a few small, but well paying, commercial and print gigs. Above all, I prayed and read God’s Word daily and let God know I believed he could do anything, and that I was also willing to go wherever he wanted, and do whatever he called me to do.
Psalm 37:4 says, "Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart."
What happened soon after was simply a miracle. Not only did I land a lead role in a full-length feature film starring Oscar winner Louis Gossett Jr. and a film crew that had worked with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, but I landed that role without so much as an audition. A friend (Producer/Director Kyle Prohaska) of the director David G. Evans told him to look at my acting reel online. He did, and decided right there that I was the only person for that role. To those of you not in the film industry, that type of thing is unheard of, even in low budget films. On top of that, I found out later that a few “name” actors were interested in taking my part. One big producer even called them foolish for getting a “no name” like me, instead of the star of their own movie.
In mid November we wrapped the film after 4-plus weeks of a heavy, yet wonderfully blessed, shooting schedule of...The Grace Card. (www.thegracecardmovie.com)
Since then God has opened even more doors for our movie. For example, SONY/PROVIDENT bought the film after only one viewing and agreed to distribute it in theaters (Opening date is 2/25/11). Three of the nation’s top Christian Music acts (Including Toby Mac and Third Day) signed up to have their #1 hits on the soundtrack. Test audiences across the nation are standing up and cheering (even as they wipe away tears) at the powerfully moving ending.
I can say for certain that regardless of how big the filmThe Grace Card becomes, I am confident that whoever watches will be positively affected. And I can also say for certain that whatever trial or hard time you are going through, God wants to prove himself faithful in your situation. God not only knows you have your back to the wall, but (if you are a Christian) he is the one who put you there!
Why? For the same reason God led the Israelites to the Red Sea as they were being chased by a relentless enemy. So he can show you who HE is and what HE can do. You see, God could’ve had some boats waiting for them when they got to the Red Sea. But how much would that have increased their faith in God? Not much. And no doubt many would have attributed something like that to “coincidence”. No, God led them to that impossible situation so that he could show them he is the GOD OF THE IMPOSSIBLE. And I can assure you that, the folks who were blessed the most when God parted the Red Sea, where the ones who never doubted him.
C.S. Lewis once gave us this quote which I believe is the secret to balancing out our part vs.God’s part in our faith walk:
He said, “Pray as if it all depends upon God, but act as if it all depends upon you.”
Do this in whatever impossible situation you find yourself, and I can say from experience, God WILL part the Red Sea… for you!
Ephesians 2:8 ~For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God~
Article property of Michael Joiner Copyright © 2010-2016
Learn More about The Grace Card by going to www.gracecardmovie.com
You can visit Michael Joiner's Fanpage on Facebook www.facebook.com/michaeljoiner and don't forget to check out his own website at www.michaeljoiner.com
www.youtube.com/MICHAELJOINER click on this link to see a clip of Michael doing Stand up. Then check out his website to book Michael for your next event.www.youtube.com/MICHAELJOINER#p/f/7/0zat46wdFRM
http://www.facebook.com/th?ref=tsegracecard
http://www.facebook.com/th?ref=tsegracecard
 |
Bananas TV, Season 2 By Guardian Studios This "a-peeling" bunch of top bananas doesn't monkey around when it comes to delivering good clean laughs! Fun for the whole family, this sidesplitting show features 13 nationally acclaimed comedians who have a heart for the Lord. Chuckle along with Thor Ramsey, Bob Stromberg, Phil DiTommaso, Isaac Witty, Bone, Michael Joiner, CPR, and others. Four DVDs, approx. 10 hours total. |
A G A Ministries Online Magazine Sept. 21, 2010 Issue
Be An Echo...
by Kathy Lonsinger
Well, since the washing machine broke last week (and yes I grumbled) I have found myself at the laundry mat twice this week.
Today, as I was waiting on a rinse cycle, I was allowed to observe a man and his dog. I've determined that God is up to something when things break at my house. I would have missed this wonderful moment at the local laundry mat...had I been home doing laundry.
I was witnessing such a clear picture of Christ, the master, and how I am to behave as the faithful servant... no matter what is going on in the world around me.
Meet Echo:
Echo is a 12 year old Red Healer that waited outside the door of this laundry mat while Brad, his master, was inside getting his work done.
Echo had a gift Brad had given him years ago, a worn out tennis ball. The ball never got out of Echo's sight and neither did his master.
People came in and out of the door and Echo, constantly with his eyes on Brad, would try to offer the tennis ball to whoever paid any attention. Most people ignored Echo, some kind of seemed annoyed by the gift Echo was trying to share, but a few took the ball and shared the gift, but Echo never moved out of the sight of his master.
I am to "Echo" my master, Jesus, here on Earth. I am not to be moved by people around me coming and going with vain philosophy and emerging ideas of who Christ and the Church should be. Even if I am ignored or mistreated, I am to share the gift of the Gospel of Christ...the free gift of salvation. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He does not change, and His church had better note that!
He promised to return for those who would confess with their mouths that Jesus IS LORD and believe in their hearts that God raised Him from the dead.
He gave me the gift of life through His shed blood on the cross of Calvary. I will not be moved, and my eyes wait for Him to return to take me to the place He is preparing for me now.
Brad finished his work inside the door, came outside and by his voice command, Echo picked up his tennis ball and followed his master to the car.
I would like to thank God for using Echo and Brad to remind me that I am to be found waiting, serving, and unswerving when Christ returns.
I will wait upon the Lord and I want Him to return to find me faithful, having cherished the gift of salvation I have accepted.
The time is now... don't wait to make up your mind.
In Jesus Name I pray that you "Echo" the Image of the Living God, Christ Jesus.
Amen
Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
Well, since the washing machine broke last week (and yes I grumbled) I have found myself at the laundry mat twice this week.
Today, as I was waiting on a rinse cycle, I was allowed to observe a man and his dog. I've determined that God is up to something when things break at my house. I would have missed this wonderful moment at the local laundry mat...had I been home doing laundry.
I was witnessing such a clear picture of Christ, the master, and how I am to behave as the faithful servant... no matter what is going on in the world around me.
Meet Echo:
Echo is a 12 year old Red Healer that waited outside the door of this laundry mat while Brad, his master, was inside getting his work done.
Echo had a gift Brad had given him years ago, a worn out tennis ball. The ball never got out of Echo's sight and neither did his master.
People came in and out of the door and Echo, constantly with his eyes on Brad, would try to offer the tennis ball to whoever paid any attention. Most people ignored Echo, some kind of seemed annoyed by the gift Echo was trying to share, but a few took the ball and shared the gift, but Echo never moved out of the sight of his master.
I am to "Echo" my master, Jesus, here on Earth. I am not to be moved by people around me coming and going with vain philosophy and emerging ideas of who Christ and the Church should be. Even if I am ignored or mistreated, I am to share the gift of the Gospel of Christ...the free gift of salvation. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He does not change, and His church had better note that!
He promised to return for those who would confess with their mouths that Jesus IS LORD and believe in their hearts that God raised Him from the dead.
He gave me the gift of life through His shed blood on the cross of Calvary. I will not be moved, and my eyes wait for Him to return to take me to the place He is preparing for me now.
Brad finished his work inside the door, came outside and by his voice command, Echo picked up his tennis ball and followed his master to the car.
I would like to thank God for using Echo and Brad to remind me that I am to be found waiting, serving, and unswerving when Christ returns.
I will wait upon the Lord and I want Him to return to find me faithful, having cherished the gift of salvation I have accepted.
The time is now... don't wait to make up your mind.
In Jesus Name I pray that you "Echo" the Image of the Living God, Christ Jesus.
Amen
Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
We are pleased to have featured James Watkins in Sept. 2010, on the Teachable Moments Section of the online magazine. You can read more about James on his website
www.jameswatkins.com
No hablo Estrogen! Becoming bilingual with opposite sex
by James Watkins
I knew something was wrong the second I said it.
While on a speaking tour of Australia, our host had filled us in on what words not to use "down under." For instance, a proper Aussie would never say, after dinner (which is not called dinner but "tea"), "I'm stuffed." That's a rather improper word for pregnant. In fact, avoid "stuff" all together, since that's a very improper word for sex.
Well, I thought I had avoided all the foreign faux pas, until the auditorium full of high school students—who were "bonkers" about American basketball—asked who is my favorite team. "I don't really have a favorite, but a lot of my friends like to root for the Bulls." Suddenly, silence punctuated by some suppressed snickers swept over the crowd. "Root" I later was told, is Australia's version of the American f-word!
Although we both spoke English, my fair dinkin (genuine) Australian friends spoke "Ausie English" and I spoke "American English" and they are two very different dialects!
I've discovered that even though males and females in English-speaking countries speak the native language, they speak two totally different dialects: Androgen-English spoken by males and Estrogen-English spoken by females.
Here are some of the theories I've developed over twenty-five years of attempting communication—often unsuccessfully—with my wife.
1. Androgen-English tends to communicate for information; Estrogen-English tends to communicate for validation
Don't believe me? Okay, how many times has this scene played at a home theater near you?
Women, so my theory goes, are not communicating for information, but for validation. They want to be assured of their value to those they love and be certain those people love them.
Let's go back to our exciting he/she story.
She said, "I don't want to watch TV. Let's just talk."
The perceptive male (that's not an oxymoron!) will sense that his spouse needs to know that time spent with her is more important to him than time with the Norwegian curling team. (And he's the one who will "score" if he clicks off the TV.)
Men tend to have their worth validated by what they do, whether it's closing a deal at the office or getting the '78 Cougar purring like a contented cat. Women, however, seem to receive more validation from the break room conversations than board room confrontations. Spending time together talking subliminally says, "I value you. You're important to me."
And, as we'll see in theory four, males don't need to voice a lot of verbiage to validate. "Okay," "uh-huh," and the sure-fire winner "I understand," are often all that's needed.
Translation tip: Guys, listen more, talk less. (And turn off the TV occasionally—your team will do just fine without your armchair coaching.)
2. Androgen-English tends to be literal; Estrogen-English tends to be literary.
A best-selling book claims Men are From Mars, Women are From Venus. My theory, however, is that men and women are not even in the same communication cosmos! Men tend to speak with the bleakness of the red planet. Women, however, are inclined to share with a rhetorical richness which can distinguish between three hundred shades of "red" such as aniline, Bengal, carmine, crimson, cerise, garnet, magenta, nacaret, ruby, russet, rust, scarlet, etc. etc. (Do any of those names mean anything to anyone with a "Y" chromosome?!) Thus, I believe the more accurate book title would be Men are From Mars, Women are From Vermilion.
For instance, when Lois would say, "You never listen to me," my original response was often, "What do you think I'm doing right now? You just said, 'You never listen to me.' See I was listening."
I heard the literal words, but I completely missed the emotional meaning. She meant, "I don't feel you understand me." (See, same words, different meanings!)
We men are more literal in our thinking. We're used to talking about three-eighth-inch wrenches, thirty megabytes of random access memory, twenty-five-hundred revolutions per minutes, and a score of 104 to 96 in NBA playoffs—things you can see, measure, quantitate. So, men's communications encompass all the emotion of Martian bacteria. And thus, when women use word pictures, superlatives ("never," "always"), and poetic license, we men tend to respond literally.
A woman may say, "We never go out" which may mean in Estrogen-English, "I just love going out with you. It makes me feel so special. Let's go out this weekend." But our literal male mind mouths, "What do you mean, 'we never go out'? We went out to dinner and a movie during the last solar eclipse!"
To further confuse communication, men occasionally do attach emotional meanings to literal words. For instance, I recently spent an afternoon with my brother target practising. My wife thought it was merely a testosterone festival with small caliber conversation. But if she could have translated what was being said, she would have found it a touching time of brotherly bonding."Great gun, Tom! Wow, Smith and Wesson. Cool!"
Androgen translation: I admire your discriminating taste. You obviously have given as much thought to the purchase of a .32 caliber revolver, as you have given to your car and wardrobe.
"Good shot! Right through the bull's eye!"
Androgen translation: I apologize for all the times I put you down and told my friends you weren't really my brother, but a brain-damaged baby my parents adopted. You are obviously a competent person whom I wish to affirm and validate."
So, when a husband tells his wife, "That dress looks great on you," "That was terrific meat loaf," or "Thanks for taking the car in for an oil change," the intended meaning may be "you are obviously a competent person whom I wish to affirm and validate—and have sex with as soon as the kids are in bed."
Androgen-English tends toward technical language—even when attempting to express emotional messages; Estrogen-English toward emotional words.
Translation tip: The secret then, is to simply ask for a translation.
When I give a "just the facts" answer, Lois now switches into her talk show host mode and asks "So, how did you feel about it?"
When Lois says, "You never listen to me" (or some other phrase that I think is an over generalization) I'm trying to display enough self-preservation to reply, "Help me understand what you mean." Then, I attempt to keep my mouth shut until she is finished explaining—which is not always easy because of my third theory.
3. Androgen-English makes for good newspaper articles; Estrogen-English for epic novels.
For instance, when a male returns home from a job interview, he usually blurts out "I got the job!" or "@#$% *&+X!" When a women arrives home, a male may hear, "I couldn't wait to get home to tell you." "So, the answer is?," he foolishly replies, trying to read her facial and body language.
"Sit down and I'll tell you all about it."
"But did you get the job?!" he says more forcefully—and foolishly.
"I had a really tough time picking out what to wear. You know, I wanted something professional, but not pretentious. Well anyway, I decided on the gray suit, but I wore this blouse because it looks a bit more casual."
By this time the significant other has resigned himself to not getting an answer until the next presidential election. There's a detailed description of the office ("There seemed to be a lot of tension in the office. Everyone was nice, but something didn't seem quite right") plus a complete transcript of the actual interview and emotional responses to each line of dialog ("The man I'd be working for seemed nice enough, but I could tell he was a bit of a sexist from his exclusive language").
"So, did you get the job?"
"You weren't listening to me! I told you there's a lot of tension in the office."
In journalism, male communication is called an "inverted pyramid." Give the reader "who," "what," "where," "when," "why," and "how" in the lead paragraph and then, in each subsequent paragraph, give lesser and lesser important information.
So, if you'd like the thirty-second "Headline News" version of our trip "down under," ask me. If you want PBS's "News Hour" version, ask Lois.
Translation tip: With this in mind, Lois now tries to talk with me as if she was sitting at an anchor desk with a thirty-second "news break." She provides only the information that's important enough to include in our annual Christmas letter or to demand the services of a plumber, neurosurgeon, or lawyer. And once I know the five "W's" and an "H," then I'm more willing to listen to the "indepth reporting" of less important details and her emotional reaction to each.
And I'm trying to provide her with more than a "sound byte" of my day. But sometimes, we males are incapable of even that as we will discover in my final theory.
4. Androgen-English is often expressed with silence; Estrogen-English with words.
Men, under stress tend to withdraw and escape, while women need to express their feelings. For instance, a male sitting on the couch with his nose in the newspaper may not be saying a word but is silently shouting, "I've had a hard day and I want to escape into the world of murder and mayhem to console myself that my life isn't as bad as it is in Iraq or Gary."
Sitting on the couch mindlessly clicking TV remote may be translated, "I am totally stressed and I need some time to try to think it through. I love you and care about you, but I need time to myself."
This is understandably upsetting to the female who believes every carbon-based life form has a God-given need to talk when stressed, depressed, or trying to figure out a 1040 tax form. When the female does attempt to draw out feelings from this pile of protoplasm, she is lucky to get one-word responses.
For instance, "Fine" can mean anything from "fine" to "I'm passing a kidney stone."
"Okay" may translate "I was fired from my job, but I may get it back pending the grand jury investigation of my expense account" or "I just found out I have six weeks to live."
The underlying message is, "I've got to work this out myself—preferably in the garage, on a lake, or golf course—before I can talk to you about it."
Silence, then, is a perplexing mode of male communication for the female who has the need to talk about the problem.
Translation tip: Lois has learned that when I am in my persistent vegetative state to simply toss me the TV remote and say, "You look like something's really bothering you. Let me know whenever you want to talk about it." And then she waits patiently for me to begin verbalizing.
And I try to fight the urge to provide an immediate answer when Lois shares a problem. All she often wants is for me to listen and say, "I understand."
Lois and I both speak American English words, but we have come to understand we communicate with two very different dialects—Androgen-English and Estrogen-English. And we are attempting to become "bilingual" using the translation tips listed. We're not always fluent, but we are at least attempting meaningful dialog.
Copyright © James N. Watkins. All rights reserved.
by James Watkins
I knew something was wrong the second I said it.
While on a speaking tour of Australia, our host had filled us in on what words not to use "down under." For instance, a proper Aussie would never say, after dinner (which is not called dinner but "tea"), "I'm stuffed." That's a rather improper word for pregnant. In fact, avoid "stuff" all together, since that's a very improper word for sex.
Well, I thought I had avoided all the foreign faux pas, until the auditorium full of high school students—who were "bonkers" about American basketball—asked who is my favorite team. "I don't really have a favorite, but a lot of my friends like to root for the Bulls." Suddenly, silence punctuated by some suppressed snickers swept over the crowd. "Root" I later was told, is Australia's version of the American f-word!
Although we both spoke English, my fair dinkin (genuine) Australian friends spoke "Ausie English" and I spoke "American English" and they are two very different dialects!
I've discovered that even though males and females in English-speaking countries speak the native language, they speak two totally different dialects: Androgen-English spoken by males and Estrogen-English spoken by females.
Here are some of the theories I've developed over twenty-five years of attempting communication—often unsuccessfully—with my wife.
1. Androgen-English tends to communicate for information; Estrogen-English tends to communicate for validation
Don't believe me? Okay, how many times has this scene played at a home theater near you?
- She: I don't want to watch TV. Let's just talk.
He: Okay. (Actually, many males don't exhibit enough self-preservation to answer this way. Most will mutter, "Not right now. The Norwegian National Curling Playoffs are just coming on.)
She: So, how was your day?
He: Okay. (So far, so good, and he's only missed the Norwegian National Anthem.)
She: So, how are things between us?
He: Okay.
She: I wish we spent more time like this just talking.
He: Okay.
She: Thanks for listening. It makes me feel so special. (Phone rings.) We'll have to do it again sometime soon.
He. Okay. (All right, nobody's scored yet.)
Women, so my theory goes, are not communicating for information, but for validation. They want to be assured of their value to those they love and be certain those people love them.
Let's go back to our exciting he/she story.
She said, "I don't want to watch TV. Let's just talk."
The perceptive male (that's not an oxymoron!) will sense that his spouse needs to know that time spent with her is more important to him than time with the Norwegian curling team. (And he's the one who will "score" if he clicks off the TV.)
Men tend to have their worth validated by what they do, whether it's closing a deal at the office or getting the '78 Cougar purring like a contented cat. Women, however, seem to receive more validation from the break room conversations than board room confrontations. Spending time together talking subliminally says, "I value you. You're important to me."
And, as we'll see in theory four, males don't need to voice a lot of verbiage to validate. "Okay," "uh-huh," and the sure-fire winner "I understand," are often all that's needed.
Translation tip: Guys, listen more, talk less. (And turn off the TV occasionally—your team will do just fine without your armchair coaching.)
2. Androgen-English tends to be literal; Estrogen-English tends to be literary.
A best-selling book claims Men are From Mars, Women are From Venus. My theory, however, is that men and women are not even in the same communication cosmos! Men tend to speak with the bleakness of the red planet. Women, however, are inclined to share with a rhetorical richness which can distinguish between three hundred shades of "red" such as aniline, Bengal, carmine, crimson, cerise, garnet, magenta, nacaret, ruby, russet, rust, scarlet, etc. etc. (Do any of those names mean anything to anyone with a "Y" chromosome?!) Thus, I believe the more accurate book title would be Men are From Mars, Women are From Vermilion.
For instance, when Lois would say, "You never listen to me," my original response was often, "What do you think I'm doing right now? You just said, 'You never listen to me.' See I was listening."
I heard the literal words, but I completely missed the emotional meaning. She meant, "I don't feel you understand me." (See, same words, different meanings!)
We men are more literal in our thinking. We're used to talking about three-eighth-inch wrenches, thirty megabytes of random access memory, twenty-five-hundred revolutions per minutes, and a score of 104 to 96 in NBA playoffs—things you can see, measure, quantitate. So, men's communications encompass all the emotion of Martian bacteria. And thus, when women use word pictures, superlatives ("never," "always"), and poetic license, we men tend to respond literally.
A woman may say, "We never go out" which may mean in Estrogen-English, "I just love going out with you. It makes me feel so special. Let's go out this weekend." But our literal male mind mouths, "What do you mean, 'we never go out'? We went out to dinner and a movie during the last solar eclipse!"
To further confuse communication, men occasionally do attach emotional meanings to literal words. For instance, I recently spent an afternoon with my brother target practising. My wife thought it was merely a testosterone festival with small caliber conversation. But if she could have translated what was being said, she would have found it a touching time of brotherly bonding."Great gun, Tom! Wow, Smith and Wesson. Cool!"
Androgen translation: I admire your discriminating taste. You obviously have given as much thought to the purchase of a .32 caliber revolver, as you have given to your car and wardrobe.
"Good shot! Right through the bull's eye!"
Androgen translation: I apologize for all the times I put you down and told my friends you weren't really my brother, but a brain-damaged baby my parents adopted. You are obviously a competent person whom I wish to affirm and validate."
So, when a husband tells his wife, "That dress looks great on you," "That was terrific meat loaf," or "Thanks for taking the car in for an oil change," the intended meaning may be "you are obviously a competent person whom I wish to affirm and validate—and have sex with as soon as the kids are in bed."
Androgen-English tends toward technical language—even when attempting to express emotional messages; Estrogen-English toward emotional words.
Translation tip: The secret then, is to simply ask for a translation.
When I give a "just the facts" answer, Lois now switches into her talk show host mode and asks "So, how did you feel about it?"
When Lois says, "You never listen to me" (or some other phrase that I think is an over generalization) I'm trying to display enough self-preservation to reply, "Help me understand what you mean." Then, I attempt to keep my mouth shut until she is finished explaining—which is not always easy because of my third theory.
3. Androgen-English makes for good newspaper articles; Estrogen-English for epic novels.
For instance, when a male returns home from a job interview, he usually blurts out "I got the job!" or "@#$% *&+X!" When a women arrives home, a male may hear, "I couldn't wait to get home to tell you." "So, the answer is?," he foolishly replies, trying to read her facial and body language.
"Sit down and I'll tell you all about it."
"But did you get the job?!" he says more forcefully—and foolishly.
"I had a really tough time picking out what to wear. You know, I wanted something professional, but not pretentious. Well anyway, I decided on the gray suit, but I wore this blouse because it looks a bit more casual."
By this time the significant other has resigned himself to not getting an answer until the next presidential election. There's a detailed description of the office ("There seemed to be a lot of tension in the office. Everyone was nice, but something didn't seem quite right") plus a complete transcript of the actual interview and emotional responses to each line of dialog ("The man I'd be working for seemed nice enough, but I could tell he was a bit of a sexist from his exclusive language").
"So, did you get the job?"
"You weren't listening to me! I told you there's a lot of tension in the office."
In journalism, male communication is called an "inverted pyramid." Give the reader "who," "what," "where," "when," "why," and "how" in the lead paragraph and then, in each subsequent paragraph, give lesser and lesser important information.
So, if you'd like the thirty-second "Headline News" version of our trip "down under," ask me. If you want PBS's "News Hour" version, ask Lois.
Translation tip: With this in mind, Lois now tries to talk with me as if she was sitting at an anchor desk with a thirty-second "news break." She provides only the information that's important enough to include in our annual Christmas letter or to demand the services of a plumber, neurosurgeon, or lawyer. And once I know the five "W's" and an "H," then I'm more willing to listen to the "indepth reporting" of less important details and her emotional reaction to each.
And I'm trying to provide her with more than a "sound byte" of my day. But sometimes, we males are incapable of even that as we will discover in my final theory.
4. Androgen-English is often expressed with silence; Estrogen-English with words.
Men, under stress tend to withdraw and escape, while women need to express their feelings. For instance, a male sitting on the couch with his nose in the newspaper may not be saying a word but is silently shouting, "I've had a hard day and I want to escape into the world of murder and mayhem to console myself that my life isn't as bad as it is in Iraq or Gary."
Sitting on the couch mindlessly clicking TV remote may be translated, "I am totally stressed and I need some time to try to think it through. I love you and care about you, but I need time to myself."
This is understandably upsetting to the female who believes every carbon-based life form has a God-given need to talk when stressed, depressed, or trying to figure out a 1040 tax form. When the female does attempt to draw out feelings from this pile of protoplasm, she is lucky to get one-word responses.
For instance, "Fine" can mean anything from "fine" to "I'm passing a kidney stone."
"Okay" may translate "I was fired from my job, but I may get it back pending the grand jury investigation of my expense account" or "I just found out I have six weeks to live."
The underlying message is, "I've got to work this out myself—preferably in the garage, on a lake, or golf course—before I can talk to you about it."
Silence, then, is a perplexing mode of male communication for the female who has the need to talk about the problem.
Translation tip: Lois has learned that when I am in my persistent vegetative state to simply toss me the TV remote and say, "You look like something's really bothering you. Let me know whenever you want to talk about it." And then she waits patiently for me to begin verbalizing.
And I try to fight the urge to provide an immediate answer when Lois shares a problem. All she often wants is for me to listen and say, "I understand."
Lois and I both speak American English words, but we have come to understand we communicate with two very different dialects—Androgen-English and Estrogen-English. And we are attempting to become "bilingual" using the translation tips listed. We're not always fluent, but we are at least attempting meaningful dialog.
Copyright © James N. Watkins. All rights reserved.
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James N. Watkins.
Get Writing with Banana Peels for Kindle by clicking the link listed below.
Copyright © James Watkins. All text and graphics on my sites, unless otherwise noted, are copyrighted © in my name, James N. Watkins, and are protected by United States copyright law and international copyright law under the Berne Convention. Please visit the press room for information on reprinting any text or graphics. Thanks!
WARNING: Reader assumes full responsibility for the proper and prescribed use of this site. For external use only. Discontinue if rash, redness, irritation, or swelling develops. If swallowed, do not induce vomiting. Side-effects may include drowsiness or mild to severe agitation. Do not read while consuming alcohol or operating heavy machinery. Keep away from open flame. Do not store above 451 degrees. Do not use near or place in water. Void where prohibited, taxed or licensed. Any medical information provided is for general educational use only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of any other person—real or fictitious, living or dead—using the name
James N. Watkins.
Get Writing with Banana Peels for Kindle by clicking the link listed below.
James is an author, speaker, humorist, ordained minister, and self proclaimed threat to society! He is passionate about his faith and his family and expresses this passion through his gift of writing. James is the author of sixteen books and over two thousand articles. He is also a writing teacher and has just released his book Writing With Banana Peels. You can find James over on his own website Hope&Humor at www.jameswatkins.com where you will find many resources to make you giggle, think, and even cry just a touch from time to time.
We know you will enjoy our featured article by James Watkins.
We know you will enjoy our featured article by James Watkins.
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Communicate to Change Lives in Person and in Print By James Watkins / Wesleyan Publishing House |
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Characters: Comedies, Dramas, & Raps Featuring Bible Characters By James Watkins / Lillenas This book of comedies, dramas, and raps featuring bible characters require only one or two characters, so casting - even in a small church - won't be a problem. And most require only simple props, so stage settings are strictly optional. |
“If I Could Tell You a Thing or Two”
Sept. 08, 2010 Issue A.G.A.M. Magazine\
by Janelle Keith
Hi...I am Janelle Keith. I have lost 104 lbs in 3 years. It has been the best thing I have ever accomplished. I wanted to lose weight because I was unhealthy and unhappy. God has totally delivered me from the chains of convenience, comfort, and of cravings. He has given me a parole; I can live in freedom now. Now don’t go thinking that I am perfect. I do let myself have an ice cream cone now and then. But I don’t want one every day, that is the difference. I know that eating a Twinkie at every meal is not God’s best for me. You know, God can change your heart too, it’s possible. So how do you start?? Here are some things that helped me.
• Give it! First and foremost, you must surrender your will to overeat to God. No one else can do that for you. Admit to Him that you love food more than you should. Admitting that you need to change is the first step. After that, you must invite God to work, because He is the one who can change any problem. Change is difficult and some of you may think it’s impossible, but it is not difficult for God. It is possible!!!! He is bigger than our problems, appetites, heath issues or cravings. Don’t buy into the lie that you can not change or that God can’t change you. It’s not true. All things are possible with God, allow God to change you. Luke 18:27 “But he said, the things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”
• Shut it! Don’t listen to the excuse monster! Maybe you have said things like this... I’ve tried before, nothing works for me…. I’ve done everything possible and can’t change…… This is just the way God created me, I am destined to be overweight…..so I have a few pounds to lose there are others that need to lose more than me.
Before you tap into God’s life changing power you have to eliminate excuses. We have a tendency to grow so accustomed to our problems that we focus on all the reasons we can’t, versus that God can. 2 Cor. 10:5 “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” Grab any thought contrary to God’s, over take it and replace it with truth.
• Write it! Write down everything that you eat. Even gum! And at the end of the day see how many calories you are actually eating and what foods you are taking in. You will be surprised at the amount of food that you are consuming. And you will see when you are eating and that will tell you your “danger zones”.
• Circle it! Surround yourself with good accountability. If you are surrounded by naysayers or other dangerous friends that can cause you to stumble, you might need to get some new friends, those with goals similar to yours. Proverbs 27:17 “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."• Research it! Find an eating plan that works for you. Everybody is different and what works for me may not work for you. Check with your physician before beginning. There are lots of free resources on the Internet, www.sparkpeople.com is a good one where you can track your calories, monitor your weight, and track your exercise. Weight Watchers is another good resource.
• Flex it! Get moving. God did not design us to be couch potatoes. Try to get some exercise 3 – 5 times a week. Start out slow with walking, and then add a little more every day. For a low impact/walking exercise DVD, try Leslie Sansone series http://tinyurl.com/25ugete, for a more advanced workout try the Biggest Loser or Jillian Michaels DVD’s. Start simple, you will feel better physically and mentally, knowing you have done something for yourself. 1 Cor. 6:19 “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own”.
• Believe it! Accept that you are loved and beautiful to God. If I could tell you one thing, it would be that you are loved beyond measure. Eph 3:19, “and to know this love that surpasses knowledge–that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” You deserve to be free and not burdened with self esteem issues, so that you can become the person that God wants you to be. God created us in His image, believe that He loves you just the way you are right now…but His desires are for you to live free of guilt, the burden of extra weight, health issues, unencumbered from the sin of overeating. Only God can give you a feeling of worth and approval. Don’t think that you can only be the cookie cutter image that you see on TV. Your reality is who you are in Christ.
Thank you for allowing me to share my miracle. My hope is if you need to make a change then... believe that it is possible. Don’t doubt that God can work in your life, it is possible! “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” Philippians 1:6. Believe that He has SO MUCH MORE in store for you…..than you can imagine. “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, unto Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus unto all generations forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20
Janelle Keith is a familiar voice in Christian Radio. She was co-host for the "McCoy in the Morning" show before she retired to pursue her writing career full time. Janelle also served as Promotions Director for The House and Praise 88.7 the sister station. You can read her wonderful and insightful blog by following the link http://janellekeith.blogspot.com/Janelle has a passion for spreading the word about Christ love. Janelle is a wife to Terry, and mother of two grown children Shayne and Lindsay. As a mom and Christian, she has a passion for the Missions and works with several organizations and she would love to tell you how to sponsor a child.
Thanks again to Janelle Keith our featured writer.
by Janelle Keith
Hi...I am Janelle Keith. I have lost 104 lbs in 3 years. It has been the best thing I have ever accomplished. I wanted to lose weight because I was unhealthy and unhappy. God has totally delivered me from the chains of convenience, comfort, and of cravings. He has given me a parole; I can live in freedom now. Now don’t go thinking that I am perfect. I do let myself have an ice cream cone now and then. But I don’t want one every day, that is the difference. I know that eating a Twinkie at every meal is not God’s best for me. You know, God can change your heart too, it’s possible. So how do you start?? Here are some things that helped me.
• Give it! First and foremost, you must surrender your will to overeat to God. No one else can do that for you. Admit to Him that you love food more than you should. Admitting that you need to change is the first step. After that, you must invite God to work, because He is the one who can change any problem. Change is difficult and some of you may think it’s impossible, but it is not difficult for God. It is possible!!!! He is bigger than our problems, appetites, heath issues or cravings. Don’t buy into the lie that you can not change or that God can’t change you. It’s not true. All things are possible with God, allow God to change you. Luke 18:27 “But he said, the things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”
• Shut it! Don’t listen to the excuse monster! Maybe you have said things like this... I’ve tried before, nothing works for me…. I’ve done everything possible and can’t change…… This is just the way God created me, I am destined to be overweight…..so I have a few pounds to lose there are others that need to lose more than me.
Before you tap into God’s life changing power you have to eliminate excuses. We have a tendency to grow so accustomed to our problems that we focus on all the reasons we can’t, versus that God can. 2 Cor. 10:5 “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” Grab any thought contrary to God’s, over take it and replace it with truth.
• Write it! Write down everything that you eat. Even gum! And at the end of the day see how many calories you are actually eating and what foods you are taking in. You will be surprised at the amount of food that you are consuming. And you will see when you are eating and that will tell you your “danger zones”.
• Circle it! Surround yourself with good accountability. If you are surrounded by naysayers or other dangerous friends that can cause you to stumble, you might need to get some new friends, those with goals similar to yours. Proverbs 27:17 “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."• Research it! Find an eating plan that works for you. Everybody is different and what works for me may not work for you. Check with your physician before beginning. There are lots of free resources on the Internet, www.sparkpeople.com is a good one where you can track your calories, monitor your weight, and track your exercise. Weight Watchers is another good resource.
• Flex it! Get moving. God did not design us to be couch potatoes. Try to get some exercise 3 – 5 times a week. Start out slow with walking, and then add a little more every day. For a low impact/walking exercise DVD, try Leslie Sansone series http://tinyurl.com/25ugete, for a more advanced workout try the Biggest Loser or Jillian Michaels DVD’s. Start simple, you will feel better physically and mentally, knowing you have done something for yourself. 1 Cor. 6:19 “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own”.
• Believe it! Accept that you are loved and beautiful to God. If I could tell you one thing, it would be that you are loved beyond measure. Eph 3:19, “and to know this love that surpasses knowledge–that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” You deserve to be free and not burdened with self esteem issues, so that you can become the person that God wants you to be. God created us in His image, believe that He loves you just the way you are right now…but His desires are for you to live free of guilt, the burden of extra weight, health issues, unencumbered from the sin of overeating. Only God can give you a feeling of worth and approval. Don’t think that you can only be the cookie cutter image that you see on TV. Your reality is who you are in Christ.
Thank you for allowing me to share my miracle. My hope is if you need to make a change then... believe that it is possible. Don’t doubt that God can work in your life, it is possible! “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” Philippians 1:6. Believe that He has SO MUCH MORE in store for you…..than you can imagine. “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, unto Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus unto all generations forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20
Janelle Keith is a familiar voice in Christian Radio. She was co-host for the "McCoy in the Morning" show before she retired to pursue her writing career full time. Janelle also served as Promotions Director for The House and Praise 88.7 the sister station. You can read her wonderful and insightful blog by following the link http://janellekeith.blogspot.com/Janelle has a passion for spreading the word about Christ love. Janelle is a wife to Terry, and mother of two grown children Shayne and Lindsay. As a mom and Christian, she has a passion for the Missions and works with several organizations and she would love to tell you how to sponsor a child.
Thanks again to Janelle Keith our featured writer.
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