I Want it Now

Little Bit and I went to the store the other day to buy groceries for Sabbath. Of course we had to go down the clearance aisle because why not. We saw a baby doll set in the aisle. It came with the baby, a bed, stroller, high chair, bath, and other accessories. Not thinking she would take me up on it, 

I told her I’d get it for her if she gave away all of her other toys. She got super excited and said yes! She promised she wouldn’t throw a fit and she’d give away everything. 

I was unsure of this. I began listing off toys that are extremely special to her. Including ones she’s had since she was a baby. Her special Chewy, a stuffed animal we gave her for her first birthday. Elizabeth and Gracie, dolls similar to American Girl Dolls her grandfather got her for Christmas. 

I kept listing off toys I knew she considered special. And yet she still was willing to give away everything for this one toy. 

Of course, I called the Hubs and talked to him. I also had him talk to Little Bit. We decided to not get it and put it back, which made Little Bit sad. 

The problem though is she was only looking at the here and now. She wanted instant gratification. She wasn’t looking ahead to see how it would affect her a week from now, a month from now, or even a year from now.  We know our daughter quite well. We know she would cry her little heart out if she no longer had certain toys. But she was only seeing what was in front of her. She was only seeing what she wanted now. What would make her happy in that exact moment. 

As I was thinking about this experience with our daughter, I was also thinking about humans as a whole and instant gratification. Or as my husband calls it, the microwave generation. We as a human race want what we want and we want it now. We don’t think about the ramifications that may follow. I want to be happy and I want to be happy now. What? You mean I hurt someone’s feelings? I don’t care. I got what I wanted. 

But I think the hardest one is with our relationship with God. We want things now, at this very moment, that we fall into temptation and sin. At the moment, the sin feels good or makes us happy. 

But we don’t think about how we will feel one week, one month, one year, or even an eternity later. Our relationship with Jesus should not be a microwave relationship. It should be more of a slow cooker relationship. 

When we are tempted, we should not think about what we get right now. What would make us happy in this instant. But instead, it should be what would please God? What would make me happy in the long run? What would give me eternal happiness with my Lord and Savior? 

That is the real question. It is not about instant gratification, but eternal salvation and happiness. 

Our choices today affect where we spend eternity. In Heaven with Jesus or eternal death. 

There have been a few challenges on YouTube concerning little kids. The parent puts something tasty in front of the child. The parent tells them to not eat it and then they walk out of the room. The child agonizingly stares at the item. Either a marshmallow, cookie, cupcake, or something like that. Many times the children are not able to maintain self-control and eat the item before the parent comes back. But if the child can wait, they not only get the one item, but they get another for being patient. 

Which child are you like? Do you want the instant deliciousness and eat it or do you wait and receive a greater reward? Do you fall into temptation for an instant reward, satisfaction, or fleeting happiness? Or do you “submit yourselves therefore to God and resist the devil?” James 4:7. James 1:12 says, “blessed is the man that endures the temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him.” 

We can overcome. The reward is greater than whatever temptation or sin lies before us. We only know this life, this pleasure, this happiness. 

But what about Heaven and Jesus? “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9. 

There is a greater reward than we can ever imagine. Yes, greater than that donut. Greater than that one night stand. Greater than that movie. Greater than anything that gives us fleeting happiness. We can spend eternity with Jesus. That reward is greater. Wait on the Lord. Wait on His reward. It is possible Only By God’s Amazing Grace.

 

Asymptotes

 I was teaching my students asymptotes in class. Let me give you a real quick math lesson. An asymptote is present when the equation is a fraction with a variable in both the numerator and denominator. 

There are three different types of asymptotes: vertical, horizontal, and slant. 

A vertical asymptote is when the denominator’s value would equal zero. In the laws of math, you cannot divide by zero. I always tell my students that if you divide by zero, the world will explode and you don’t want to be the reason we all die! So whatever value of x that makes the denominator equal to zero is the vertical asymptote. It is an imaginary vertical line that the graph will never cross because the graph does not exist on that line. With the equation set up as a fraction, there will always be a vertical asymptote. 

But there may or may not be a horizontal asymptote. 

If there is not a horizontal asymptote, there is a slant asymptote. But here is the thing. For these asymptotes, parts of the graph will not cross the asymptote, but other parts will. 

I was explaining all this, and more, to my students.  And one student has a profound idea. God’s laws, commandments, are the vertical asymptote.  God created those laws and He will not break them. He will not lie, kill, steal, break the Sabbath, covet, etc. and He doesn’t want us to break those laws either. 

But the horizontal and slant asymptotes, God can and will cross those lines to save. He is able to perform miracles in contrast to what seems humanly impossible. 

In Exodus 14, God parted the Red Sea for the Israelites to pass through to escape the Egyptians. It seemed the Israelites were literally between a rock and a hard place.  They had nowhere to go. “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.” 

Joshua asked God to hold the sun still for a day and God did just that. Joshua 10:12-13. “Then spoke Joshua to the Lord...Sun stand thou still upon Gibeon...and the sun stood still.”  

The Philistines captured the Ark of the covenant and placed it in their temple. Their god, Dagon was found fallen, as if bowed down to God. 1 Samuel 5 gives the account of this story. “...Dagon was fallen upon his face to the earth before the ark of the Lord. And they took Dagon, and set him in his place again...on the morrow morning, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the ground before the ark of the Lord; and the head of Dagon and both his palms of his hands were cut off upon the threshold...” I love this story because it also shows God’s sense of humor. 

In 2 Kings 4, we find the story of a widow who was about to lose her sons to repay a debt her late husband owed. Elisha advised her to get as many vessels as possible and pour her small pot of oil into each vessel. The oil did not run out until the last vessel was filled. She then sold them to pay off the debt. “Then she came and told the man. And he said, Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy children of the rest.” 

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were cast into the fiery furnace for not bowing down to the statue King Nebuchadnezzar had built. Yet not a hair on their bodies were burned in Daniel 3. “He answered and said, 

Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.” 

Jesus was born of a virgin.  Isaiah 7:14 says “Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” 

Jesus fed 5000 men, not including men and women with five loaves and two fish. Matthew 14:16-21. “And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full.” 

Jesus walked on water. Not only Jesus but Peter as well. Not only did Jesus walk on water, but He walked on water during a storm.  And then calmed said storm.  Matthew 14:24-31. “And He said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.” 

In Acts chapter 12, Herod killed James, the brother of John, and to please the Jews, he arrested Peter with all intents to kill him. He was guarded by 16 soldiers. That night, while his church family prayed for him, 

Peter’s chains fell off of him and he walked out of the prison, past all 16 guards and out of locked iron gates. “And Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent His angel, 

and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.” 

And what about Lazarus? In John 11 we find the story of a dead Lazarus. After being dead for four days, Jesus raised him back to life. The Hellenistic view influenced the Jewish thought that the souls of a dead person hung around for three days. But by Jesus waiting four days, He dismissed this thought from their minds and put their minds on the glory of God. Speaking to the disciples, Jesus said, “...Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go that I may awake him out of his sleep...And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent he may believe...” 

There are so many horizontal asymptotes in the Bible. Where God went against what seemed humanly possible to save someone. He continues to do such things today. 

He has sent angels to protect drivers on the road when there was no rhyme or reason an accident didn’t occur. People have been dead only to come back to life with no medical reason. Similar to that of John Smith from the movie based on his story, Breakthrough. The miracles He has done go beyond what we ever deem possible. But because He is God, He created the world, He is able to control the natural world to save you and me. He is able to cross those lines that seem impossible to cross. He created the asymptote, He can cross it. “He is a personal God who loves us and who interacts with us. 

He is a God of miracles who, through using natural laws, is not bound by those laws and who can transcend those laws when He wills.”  He created the sun, He can make it stand still. He created the water, He can walk on it. He created life, He can give it back. He created you and He will do what it takes to save you, including controlling the nature He created. 

It is possible only By God’s Amazing Grace. 

Glow Sticks

Glow sticks can be great fun. They are great for playing tag at night. If you have never played tag while wearing glow sticks, are you even living?  I see glow sticks more often on holidays like Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve. I guess those would be times when people are outside after dark. Makes sense. 

Little Bit enjoys glow sticks. She likes to break them and watch the glowing, especially when it is dark. She is not a fan of the dark. Honestly, I don’t blame her. But the light from a glow stick helps her to enjoy something she does not like. 

Whenever we go some place that has the glow sticks for sale, she will ask for some. Sometimes we say no. But this time, we obliged. The glow sticks have been in the house for a few weeks with minimal mention of them. She did ask me the other if I had seen them. I knew where they were and I told her such. But I also told her I didn’t want her playing with them at that moment. 

But what good have the glow sticks been while in the package? What purpose have they served? None obviously. What if I gave Little Bit the glow sticks, but she did not break them? They would not serve their intended purpose. I’m sure she would still find ways to have fun with them. 

But the moment she breaks them, they begin to serve their intended purpose. They emit light. Not just any light, but glowing light. Unfortunately the light does not last long. After some time, the light begins to dim until it has gone completely out. It is then thrown to the side, it’s purpose fulfilled but no longer applicable. 

I think of Psalm 119:105, “They word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” The Word of God is able to light out path. But we have to break it open. If it sits on a shelf unread, it is not serving its intended purpose. Sure it can look nice on that shelf. Sure people can think what good Christians you are because you own a Bible. But looks can be deceiving. The Bible needs to bred, to be studied, to receive the light that is emitted from it. And it is not just any light. It is a glowing light. 

In Exodus chapter 34, God calls Moses up to the mountain with Him. In verse 28 and 29 it says, “And he was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the Ten Commandments. And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses’ hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shown while he talked with him.” Moses spent time with the author, the One who inspired the Bible, and his face became a glow stick. The people couldn’t even look at him. Moses had to put a veil over his face. 

Here’s the thing, just like a glow stick, the light begins to dim the further we are removed from God’s word. We must continually read and study to receive the light that is emitted. Our paths cannot be lit if we don’t break open our Bibles and use it for its intended purpose. 

Eventually the light of the glow stick will fade. Eventually it will be nothing but rubbish. Without God’s word, our lives become rubbish. Open your Bible. Read the inspired word. Share the light. Your light will not go out if you continually break open the book.

Don’t be like the glow stick and let the light fade. Keep your path lit. This is possible onlyBy God’s Amazing Grace. 

You Can do It

Little Bit was playing on one of those triangular shaped jungle gyms that have the ropes you climb to get to the top.  She has had access to them before, but she has only climbed a few rungs up and decided she was done. 

This one particular day she decided she would do some climbing. I was pretty amazed when she made it half way up. She turned around and sat down where she was. I was sure Little Bit would turn around and climb down or even call for me to get her down. This has happened multiple times in the past. I expected the same results this day. 

But to my surprise, after a short amount of time of sitting, she turned around and began climbing higher. I was awestruck when Little Bit reached the top of the jungle gym, no tears, no fear.  Just joy and excitement that she made it all the way up. 

Well, I expected her to call me over to help he down. Nope. Not at all. She climbed down all by herself without any help or coaching. And not only that, but she did it again. The whole time the Hubs and I were sitting there, jaw dropped. It is not that we doubted her or her ability. It is that we have seen what she has done in the past. We have seen her on jungle gyms before and her reactions. We would always encourage her to keep trying, to keep going. There were times we would even give her a hand to show her it can be done. We knew one day she would do it. We were always her cheer squad. We are always her cheer squad. 

How different would the jungle gym experience be if we hadn’t encouraged her? How would it be different if we allowed her to give in? To quit? What we saw that day would not have happened for many years, if at all. 

The thing is, we have two people in our lives. We have those that encourage us, push us to do our best, reassure us that we can do it. But then we will also have the opposite. 

When we fail, they’ll say, see, I told you you couldn’t do it. Just give up. It is not worth it. They will bring you down and discourage you from reaching your goals. Many times that voice is our own. We many times we are the harshest critique. I see this many times with my math students. They don’t think they can, so they can’t. But I continue to encourage them until they see that they can.  So it is your choice who you listen to.

Will you listen to the voice that says “keep trying, you can do this” or “give up, you’ll never succeed”? 

If Michael Jordan would have listened to his discouragers, he wouldn’t have played for the Bulls. If Albert Einstein listened to his discouragers, we wouldn’t have e=mc^2. Abraham Lincoln wouldn’t have been our 16th president. Vincent Van Gogh wouldn’t have given us The Starry Night. 

In 1 Thessalonians 5:11, we are told to comfort or encourage one another and edify one another. We should encourage each other. We should lift each other up. 

Just like Little Bit was able to climb to the top of the jungle gym because she was continually encouraged, you too can complete what you have been trying yo complete. But you must decide who you will listen to.  Choose today. Who’s voice will you choose? Choose to be encouraged and to encourage others. 

This is possible Only By God’s Amazing Grace. 

What’s in a Name?

 Have you ever thought about what your name means and why your parents chose it for you? Were you named after a family member that everyone loved? Maybe your parents didn’t name you? There are cultures where a family member names the child instead of the parents.  I have a friend who was sure she was having a boy. When her baby was delivered, she was shocked when she had a girl. No girl names were picked out. She had to think quick. It was a morning and raining outside. So she named her Misty Dawn. Sometimes parents choose a name because of how it rolls off the tongue. 

If we go to the Bible, we discover the names had specific meanings. Adam, the first man, means earthy or red. He was made from the dust of the earth. Methuselah means he has sent his death. Methuselah died and then the flood came. Samson means there the second time. And God gave him a second chance to defeat the Philistines. Samuel, who was prayed for by his mother Hannah, means asked of God. David was a man after God’s own heart and his name means well-beloved. Daniel’s name means judgement of God and he was among the captives of Babylon. Jesus means Savior. And He is our Savior. Names had a meaning and purpose in the Bible. Names reflected the character of the person.

 Many of us call ourselves Christians. It is a name we take on. Do you know what the name Christian means? According to Merriam Webster, a Christian is one who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ. The character of a person taking the name Christian so be that of Jesus. There is a song by DC Talk called What if I Stumble. The beginning has the following: “The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips then walk out the door and deny Him by their lifestyle.  That is what an unbelieving world simply find unbelievable.” 

If we call ourselves Christians, we should act like Christians. We shouldn’t lie, steal, kill, gossip. A comedian named Ken Davis once said, “so tired of people who claim to be followers of Christ who walk around with a face that looks like they swallowed a profusely sweating toad...I’ve been a Christian for 27 years. It’s been great.. I wanna say well tell your face. You need to send missionaries to your face. Your face has not yet heard the good news.” Our faces should reflect our relationship with Jesus. We should have the joy, joy, joy, joy down in our hearts...and on our faces. How do we expect to convert others if we are miserable? Or just look miserable? Let me tell you about the love of Jesus. I wouldn’t want to experience that type of love. I know His love puts a smile on my face. The things He has done in my life, how could I not smile. Does this mean my life is easy? No! Not even close. But He IS close and I am not alone. 

Want to be a witness to others? Don’t just take the name Christian, but live the life of a Christian. This is possible only By God’s Amazing Grace. 

The Test

 As a teacher, I have to give tests. But before I do, I give the lessons. I teach what needs to be taught, explain the material in ways the students will understand, give the students a chance to apply the lessons, and offer help where needed. We even review for the test the class before. The moment the students sit down for their test, my hands are tied. I’ve done all I can. It is now up to the students to show me what they know, what they have learned. All I can do is pray for them as they take the test. I have to be silent during their test. 

It breaks my heart when I see them making mistakes or forgetting that one rule. For example, working with circles. The student remembers to complete the square to right the formula but then forgets to change the signs when writing the center. But during the test, I cannot help. As much as I want to say, “but the signs!!”, I remain quiet.  

There are many people in the Bible who went through a test. Abraham and Isaac went through a test. One that would not have ended well. On the way up to the mountain for the sacrifice of Isaac, God was silent. 

When Isaac was on the altar, God was silent. But the moment the test was over, God spoke. Abraham and Isaac passed the test. Job went through a test. Within a matter of hours, Job lost his wealth, livestock, servants, and children.  

Then his health was affected. Even though God was with him, God was silent. And yet again, he passed the test. Not only did Job pass, but he also gained all that he has lost plus some. But I am thinking of one story, one person in particular. Jesus. 

His life was a study session. He was preparing for the ultimate test. The class final you could say. 

But when Jesus was on the cross, God was silent. Jesus even said, “my God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”  Jesus had to complete the test on His own. All of His efforts were not in vain. 

All the lessons He had learned came down to this one moment. The moment on the cross. But here’s the thing: although God was silent, He was still there. He had not forsaken Jesus. He was watching, His heart was hurting for His student, for His Son. God believed Jesus would pass the test. But His heart still hurt because of the pain His Son was going through. And we all know the outcome. Jesus aced the test, blew the curve, passed it with flying colors. 

There are many times we go through a test, a trial. And it seems God is silent, absent. But like any good teacher, He is watching with bated breath. He is there with His students, watching over them. The difference between our tests/trials and my students’ tests is my students know when they will have a test. Very rarely do I even give a pop quiz. 

We don’t know when we will go through a trial. We are to be prepared. We are to constantly study for our exam. Be ready at any moment. But how? Bible study, prayer, helping others, living the life of a Christian, strengthening our faith with each quiz He gives us. Through our preparation, we can be more prepared for a test. God may be silent. But He is still present. We can pass the test. Through our preparations, we have become equipped. 

Many people will say God will not give us more than we can bear. I have not found this in the Bible. It is something easy to say that seems to provide comfort. But why give false hope? 

What we need to remember is that through each test, God gives us what we need during the lessons to strengthen us for the test. And each test helps you become stronger which prepares you for the next. 

But you are able to pass the test. Use the tools He has given you. Don’t give up. And if you are fighting a battle right now, if you are taking that test, reach into your toolbox. Grab what you need. 

Remember that when God is silent, He is still there and will not leave you nor forsake you. Ace your exam! This is possible only By God’s Amazing Grace. 

Take Up Your Bed

In John 5, we find a story of a man who had an infirmity. Some versions say he was invalid, sick, ill, disabled. We don’t know exactly what was wrong with him. But he was in this condition for thirty-eight years. I don’t know about you, but thirty-eight years seems like a long time to be dealing with this condition that has him in this position. This man was lying by the pool of Bethesda, which in Hebrew means house of mercy. But I’m sure this man was not feeling the mercy. Many people believed that when the water was stirred, there was a supernatural power that would heal the first person to get in the pool. The problem for most of those that were at the pool is they couldn’t get in the pool fast enough. The weak were trampled on by those stronger than them. Some would make it to the edge of the pool to only lose their life before getting in the pool. This man, though, was never able to make it to the pool. He was too weak, too crippled. He did not have enough strength. So mercy was not present. Until this one particular day. A special day. The Sabbath. As he was lying there, heart-aching due to lack of healing, a man approaches him. The man asks, “Wilt thou be made whole?” John 5: 6. Does he want to be made whole? What kind of question is that? Of course. But I’m sure his heart sank. He responded, “Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppe this down before me.” John 5:7. The Man, Jesus, didn’t hesitate. He didn’t need the pool to heal. He told him, “Rise, take up thy bed, and walk,” John 5:8. There was zero hesitation. Even though he did not know this was Jesus, he had the faith required. He didn’t hesitate. He didn’t sing the blues. He stood up, took up his bed, and walked. In verse 14, the man finds Jesus again and Jesus says, “Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon thee.”  Why was this healing significant? One, it was done on the Sabbath. Two, Jesus had the man take his bed, which according to the Jews, was a sin to do on the Sabbath. But I think Jesus was trying to make a point. He could have healed this man on Sunday instead of Saturday. He could have waited. But He didn’t. He could have had the man leave his bed there and come back for it. But He didn’t. The Jews were so focused on law instead of relationship that they missed the joy of Sabbath. I personally think there is a significance to having the man take his bed with him. Wherever your bed is, your house is. He was living at the pool for many years. The consequences of his sinful life took him to the pool. Jesus told him to sin no more lest a worse thing come upon thee. If he continues to sin, he will end up back at the pool but in a much worse condition. And with no hope. So why should he leave his bed, unless he plans on coming back? He had no intention of coming back. He had all intentions of turning away from sin and never returning. 

In our life, we called to leave a life of sin. We are called to follow God. When Jesus calls out of a life of sin, we are not to return to the same lifestyle. Alcoholics are not called away just to go back to the bars and alcohol stores. Porn addicts are not called out of that lifestyle to return to risqué sites or movies. Sin addicts are not called out of a lifestyle of sin just to return to the same habits that got us there in the first place.  When Jesus heals you of some infirmity, pick up your bed and walk. Don’t leave your bed in the sinful lifestyle. Don’t plan on going back. Get up and leave. Never look back. Think of Lot’s wife. She didn’t take her bed with her. She looked back. And man did she feel salty. 

Be like the man Jesus healed. Take the healing, the forgiveness, and your bed. Rise up and walk away. This is possible only By God’s Amazing Grace. 

The Harvest

 Our school has a great agriculture program. At some point in time, all the students work in the ag department. Last school year, our students sowed seeds into their own garden plots. They tended to the seeds. They watered the seeds. They pulled up the weeds to ensure the weeds didn’t take up the nutrients and moisture from the soil. They applied fertilizer as necessary.  But then our students were sent home and the school was closed due to the pandemic. The students no longer were able to tend to their gardens nor reap the harvest. As the new school year began, some of the harvests still needed to be reaped, but it was not done by the original sowers. Other people had to reap the harvest. The original sowers did not reap the benefits of their harvest. They did not see the fruits of their labor. 

We, too, are farmers. We may not plant a garden, sow seeds, or even harvest the plants. But we sow gospel seeds. We tell others about the love of Jesus. We tell others about His forgiving power. Even Little Bit loves to tell others that Jesus died for them. Matthew 28:19-20 says, “Go he therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” We are all called to plant seeds. 

But the job doesn’t stop there. Those seeds need to be tended to. The seeds that have been planted need to be watered. Bible studies need to be continued. But also, showing them you care is just as important. Building that relationship. New converts that come into the church and build friendships are more likely to stay in the church while those who do not have friendships within the church will leave within the first year, statistically speaking.  The "seeds" need to be watered.  Proverbs 11:25 says, "and he that watereth shall be watered also himself."  We as farmers will get the water we need when we provide the water the seeds need.  How amazing is that? The tending process doesn't stop.  It continues throughout the whole growing season.

As plants are being tended to, they also need to be fertilized.  The seeds need to receive nutrients and food essential to growing.  Bible truth is essential.  We must remember what Peter says in 2 Peter 2:2, "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.  There is proper food for growing seeds.  Yes, the seeds need Bible truth, but it needs to be broken down.  When we feed a baby, we break down the food.  We don't feed a baby a sirloin steak, but instead mashed potatoes.  Paul says in 1 Corinthians 3:2, "I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are able." We must feed the seeds properly so they receive the nutrients necessary to grow and prosper.  Many times we try to feed the seeds with meat that cannot be digested yet.  They are not ready for that type of food.  They get discouraged and soon give up because it seems impossible. 

As the tending to the seeds and the fertilization process takes place, pest control and weeding must also occur.  Now this must be a very gentle process.  You don't want to uproot the plant while ridding it of the weeds and bugs.  But if we don't remove the weeds, they will rob the plant of nutrients and water necessary for growth.  If we don't eliminate the pests, they will eat away at the plant.  In Galatians 6:1, it says, "Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness.  Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted."  Restore him a spirit of gentleness. That is the key part.  Also, James 5:19-20 says, "My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins." It is very important that this process be done gently, slowly.  We need to point the seeds to Jesus.  Many times, the sins will be shone on their own.  The closer we get to Jesus, the more we want to give up the things that are keeping us from Him.  

The last step is the harvest.  The baptism.  The turning over one's life and growing into a mature Christian.  Many times this is the most rewarding part of the process because the fruits of the labor are most visible.  1 Peter 3:21 says, "The like figure whereunto even baptism doeth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh," by the resurrection of Jesus Christ." 

But once the harvest is complete, the journey isn't over.  The process still continues.

Something to remember, though we are all farmers, we do not do the whole farmer process with one person, one seed.  We are farmers that work together and take on different jobs throughout the process.  Some are called to be the sower while others are the tender.  Some may be the weeder while someone else is the fertilizer.  That is why it is important to remember what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 12:12, "For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ." You may be a sower of a seed but not see the fruit of the harvest until you enter the Kingdom of God.  When we get to Heaven, we may then and only then see the fruits of our labors.  We may have stars in our crowns because of seeds we planted, but did not harvest. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 3:6, "I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase."

We each are farmers.  There will be a harvest.  And we all have a part to play, but only By God's Amazing Grace.

Uniquely Created

When I look at creation, I am amazed. The creativity that God has blows my mind. When He created flowers, he didn’t create just one type of flower.  Nor did He create just one color. Even flowers that are of the same type are different. There are red, pink, orange, white, black roses. The Creator designed each flower that blooms, hence the individuality of each one. 

The animals are all different. Hence the reason we have poodles, pit bulls, German shepherds, and even chihuahuas. And each dog has its own unique feature. Which is where a lot of dogs get their names. 

But Our Creator did not just uniquely design flowers and animals. He uniquely designed each one of us. Everyone has beautifully unique melanin. 

We all have beautifully unique eye pigmentations. For example, my eyes will change colors based on my mood or even what I’m wearing.  I have a family member that has two different colored eyes. 

Even hair is wildly unique. You could have straight, curly, wavy, or even no hair. 

My dad used to always says “God made some people perfect. Others he put hair on their head.” 

And the one thing that I find awe inspiring is that each and every one of us has a unique thumb print. Even twins do not share a thumb print. That means we are all thumb body. 

“I will praise Thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” Psalm 139:14.

 If you are struggling today with the idea that you are loved, that you are special, or that you are somebody, remember that God fearfully and wonderfully made you. 

He took the time to create you and make you unique. There is no one like you. You are thumb body. 

God cares about the details. Look at those details. What makes you different could be the thing that makes you special. The thing you dislike about yourself could be the thing someone loves about you. 

The thing that makes you different could be the thing that points someone to Jesus. 

For example, I have a friend who has Spina Bifida. And I am able to see how mighty God is because of what He has done through her despite everything she has gone through.  

Maybe one day I can get her on here to share her testimony. Treasure your differences. Embrace them. 

And I can tell you firsthand that this is not easy. It never is. 

But that doesn’t mean it is impossible. Because it is possible but Only By God’s Amazing Grace. 

This Little Light of Mine

 We live in an area that loses power when someone sneezes. No, not really. But if a storm comes through, we will lose power. I think the longest we have been out of power was 20 hours. And the shortest was three seconds.  So we have to be prepared for those situations. We make sure we have candles and matches, that our phones are fully charged, and that we have food that doesn’t need to be cooked. 

But what would be the point if we have candles yet no way to light them. No matches or lighters. What benefit would we have? Absolutely none. A candle does us no good if it won’t shine. A candle is worthless without it’s flame. Well, they can be beautiful and smell good...but that is pretty much it. The flame of the candle is its main purpose. To light the way. 

In the Bible, it says "ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick. And it give them light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." Matthew 5:14-16. 

We are the candle. But if we don’t have a flame, how are we to point others to Jesus? Just like my family having to be prepared for a power outage, we too must be prepared to shine our light. But we can’t wait to have the flame right before we need it. There are things we must do to obtain that flame. Prayer, Bible study, having a relationship with the flame creator. This is part of being prepared. The lack of preparation is like hiding the candle under the bushel. It is like the song, "this little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine. Hide it under a bushel, no! Won’t let Satan blow it out! Let it shine till Jesus comes. I’m gonna let it shine!" 

From the Desire of Ages pg 307 it says, "True character is not shaped from without, and put on; It radiates from within. If we wish to direct others in the paths of righteousness, the principals of righteousness must be enshrined in our own hearts. Our profession of faith may proclaim the theory of religion, but it is our practical piety that holds forth the word of truth. The consistent life, the holy conversation, the unswerving integrity, the active benevolent spirit, the godly example—These are the mediums through which light is conveyed to the world." 

Let your light shine. Don’t just have a candle. Light it up. Point others to Jesus. A prayer I pray regularly is let my light shine so others can see You. I don’t want my candle to be flameless. I want my light to shine. How about you? Let your light shine, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. But this is possible only By God’s Amazing Grace. 

The Nemesis

 I started my fourteenth year of teaching.  After all these years, you'd think I would be a pro when it comes to the first day of school.  I wouldn't have any nervousness and I'd be "cool" the whole time.  

Far from it.  I still have nightmares leading up to the first day.  Usually my class is rowdy and unmanageable.  The students refuse to listen.  I show up to school and slowly lose my clothing throughout the day.  Crazy dreams.  Thankfully none of them ever come true.  The morning of the first day, my stomach is in knots.  Forget butterflies.  I think I have dogs running around in there.  I play it cool on the outside, but inside is a battlefield.  Please tell me I'm not the only teacher who goes through this. 

I consider my first day of school my nemesis.  What is a nemesis? you may ask. It is a long-standing rival or an archenemy.  First day of school has been my rival since I was in kindergarten.  

I think about others who have or had a nemesis.  Eve and the Serpent.  Abel and Cain.  Joseph and his brothers.  David and Saul.  David and Goliath.  Daniel and the Persian princes.  Jesus and Satan.  There are so many in the Bible.  

Eve succumbed to her nemesis, hence the reason we are in this sinfilled world.  Abel succumbed to his as Cain killed him.  But the others mentioned?  They all overcame.  David ran for his life many times but was able to become king of the Israelites.  The giant fell when David trusted in God.  Daniel survived his trip to the lion's den despite the tactics of the Persians.  Jesus.  Praise the Lord!  Jesus overcame.  And now we too can overcome.  Herod tried to kill Him, Satan tried to tempt Him, the Jews tried to stone Him, the Jews tempted Him, and the Romans crucified Him because of the Jews.  But He overcame.  Death could not hold Him down.  He rose again! 

So yes, the first day of school is my nemesis.  But Jesus overcame so I am able to do the same.  He was victorious so I can be victorious!  I am sure one day I will let the dogs out!  One day not even butterflies will fill my stomach.  The nightmares will vanish.  I will overcome!  And so will you!  You can be like Jesus!  You can defeat your nemesis.  You can do it!  But only By God's Amazing Grace!

Just Joking

 Little Bit and I were walking her dog when she said something quite profound.

"People who love Jesus don't make fun of others."

So simple, yet so profound.  

Yet we do it all the time.  For simple reasons or malicious.  Either way, a huge majority of people make fun of others.  I have heard so many times, "If I didn't love you, I wouldn't pick on you."  Then don't love me so much.  I understand Proverbs 27:6, "Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy."  But why are we going out of our way to wound our friends?  Why do we purposely wound the ones we love.

I had a conversation with a friend and we actually were talking about this.  When we get comfortable with those we love, we let our guard down and become snappy and hurtful.  But neither one of us want to be this way. 

I remember when the Hubs and I first got married.  I was extremely quick witted and would say hurtful things.  It was not my intention to be hurtful, but to be funny.  I never would purposely hurt him.  But I did hurt him nonetheless.  I have learned over the years to be more kind to him and not make him the butt of a joke.  Does it still happen?  Occasionally.  But not like it used to.  Ephesians 4:29 says, "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear."  When I was joking with him, I was not building him up, but instead, tearing him down.  

There have been many people in our lives that have used joking as a way to "love" us, but instead, it tears us down.  Luke 6:45 says, "The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks."

Now am I saying that those that joke are evil?  No.  I am not saying that.  God knows the heart.  I don't.  What I am saying is, if we say we love someone, shouldn't our actions and WORDS express that?  What do we gain from joking about someone by tearing them down?  There is a difference between joking with and joking about.  I love to tell jokes.  I have come to learn the difference and have done my best to refrain from joking about someone.  I know I have hurt people's feelings.  I know my feelings have been hurt in return.  Those wounds may be faithful, but why do there need to be wounds in the first place?  

We need to remember Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report: if there is any virtue, if there be any praise, think on these things."

Is joking true.  Someone may go the speed limit.  But that doesn't mean you need to make fun of them for driving slow. 

But is joking may be honest, which actually means honourable?  How does joking about someone honor them?

Is joking just?  Is it righteous?  If it hurts someone, I don't see how it could be.

Is joking pure? Is it sacred or exciting reverence? Well...who was the shortest man in the Bible?  Bildad, the Shuhite.  It comes from the Bible.  But I'm not making fun of anyone.

Is joking lovely? Is it acceptable and pleasing? To others around, it may seem as much.  But is it pleasing to hear, "Oh don't listen to her.  Her opinion doesn't matter?" when said in jest?  Not at all.

Is joking of a good report? If you compare a preacher to someone who puts you to sleep, is that a good report?  I think not.

Is there any virtue in joking? Is there moral goodness?  

Is joking praiseworthy? I used to think so.  But I was so wrong.  There is nothing praiseworthy about tearing someone down, even if it was said in jest.  

Is this something I still need to work on?  Oh, yes.  For sure.  But I know I can change. I know I don't have to give faithful wounds to my friends.  I don't want to wound anyone.  Period.  Friend or enemy.  But I know I can change.  I can apply Philippians 4:8 to my words.  This is possible only By God's Amazing Grace.

True Education

As August is starting, school is becoming more of a reality. How school will look when it actually begins is still up in the air, many families still have big decisions to make. Are we sending our kid back into a normal classroom? Are we going to have our kid learn virtually? What about home school? There are quite a few options this year. Many families don’t have the option to home school or for virtual learning. 

When both parents have to work, the child staying home is not an option. There are many parents not willing to send their child back to school with all the uncertainties right now. 

Schools are working hard to come up with a plan to ensure the health and safety of every student that walks through the doors. Do we wear masks? What will the classroom size look like? Will students change classrooms? What will electives look like? So many questions and some of those can’t be answered at this time due to regulations not be handed down yet. Law makers have not made a decision yet.  Teachers are being challenged quite a bit this year.  With all the changes, teachers have to learn new methods of delivery. Zoom, google classroom, meet, bitmoji classroom, online instruction while teaching in person. So much learning. Teachers want the best for their students. 

This isn’t the first time students have been in this situation. There were a group of students who were removed from their homes and sent to a government supported private boarding school. There was no home leave or vacations. The students were not allowed to speak with their parents. Everything changed for them overnight. They were captives of the country. What did they do wrong? Nothing. They were Israelites and the Babylonians took them captive. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshack, and Abednego were among the captives. And they excelled at the new school. Even though they were put in trying positions, they still were the top of their class. They passed all their tests and never compromised once. But how? How were they able to stand strong in a foreign country, learning the ways and customs of the Babylonians, and never once compromised or bowed a knee to anyone but God? Easy. Their first school was the home. Their parents taught them from their youth of the ways to walk in. Their parents had an active roll in their education.  They knew that if they “Train up a child in the way he should go , when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6. And Daniel and his three friends never departed from the knowledge their parents imparted on them. 

Parents, true education starts at home. Our children are watching our every moves. Are our actions teaching them to trust in God or to have a lack faith? Are our children hearing the word of God from the Bible or the words of the world through music and videos? Are we raising our children to please God or the world?

Whether someone is sending their student back to the classroom, virtually or in person, remember that education begins at home. The parent is the first teacher. The Bible is the first textbook. 

Your child can stand up for what is right like Daniel and his three friends did. It is possible but only By God’s Amazing Grace. 

Did He Hear Me?

Do you ever wonder if God answers your prayers?  Or even if He hears them? I know there have been times that I have questioned just that, even though I know He does.  Sometimes I forget how God has worked in my life in the past so I doubt how He is working in my life now.  

My family has been on a journey for many years.  There is so much to this story. Let me start from the beginning.

When Little Bit was a baby, we started noticing some delays.  She wasn't on track for anything.  She would only speak one or two words at a time and couldn't actually express herself.  We would speak to doctors to no avail.  So we began praying.  We prayed for a miracle in Little Bit's life.  Since the doctors were not listening to us, we knew God would. We knew that in Psalm 37:4, we are told to Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.  Within the time we began praying, Little Bit was diagnosed with autism.  This made sense.  But we continued to pray for her sake. 

One year after we began praying, we found a chiropractor due to my migraines.  The chiropractor offered to also work on Little Bit.  Within one month she was a completely different child.  She was speaking complete sentences, was very social, and was doing things she couldn't do before.  God had answered our prayers.  

But that is not the end of the story.  And just to make it clear, our Little Bit still has autism.  She wasn't "cured".  We didn't ask God to take away the autism.  We asked God to help us understand her.  We asked God to help her be able to do things she couldn't. And He answered that prayer.  

By the time Little Bit was 8, she was doing well.  The one thing we were concerned about at the moment was her speaking.  She would interact and play with people but refuse to speak to them.  And when we moved, we saw a regression in that speaking ability.  She went from speaking to multiple people, to only speaking to four, not including family.  We were concerned.  She was eventually diagnosed with selective mutism.  Now we understood a little bit more of what she was going through and we worked with her.  But if there was an option to help her, we would seek it out.

So we turned back to God.  We want Little Bit to be able to talk to people so she could tell others about Jesus.  We want her to talk to people so she can ask for help.  We want her to talk to people so she can feel included.  We called over our elders and Pastor and we prayed over her and anointed her.  We prayed that He would touch her mouth like He did Isaiah to help him speak.  We prayed that God would use her voice for His glory.  We prayed that if it wasn't His will for her to speak to others, to allow her life to be a witness without words.  We asked God to help us accept His answer.  And we waited.

We saw Little Bit open up to a few people.  As of two weeks ago, she was speaking to about eight or nine people.  We were thankful for the answers.  We assumed God answered us according to His will.  She was doing great.  

But.  And this is a big but.  God wasn't done.  

It was a Monday.  Little Bit came to me asking if she could call some friends and she promised she would talk to them.  I doubted her.  But I let her call anyway.  When their mom answered the phone.  "Hi, Ms. Diana!"  I was almost in tears.  She spoke to her for about a minute and then spoke to her friends.  And then their dad.  Once she got off the phone with them, we began calling more people.  And more people.  And even more people!  By the end of the day, Little Bit spoke to 21 new people.  And it didn't stop there. The next day, Little Bit continued calling people and speaking to them face to face.  I have lost track with how many people she has spoken to since she began.  

Sometimes God answers immediately.  Sometimes God says no.  Sometimes God says Wait a minute.  You won't believe the miracle I have in store for you.  And boy did He show off!  

If you are waiting for God to answer your prayers, keep waiting.  Don't lose faith.  He has something in store for you.  If you are doubting that He is hearing your prayers, read 1 John 5:14-15.  And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.  And if we know hat he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests we have asked of him.  Remember to Pray without ceasing, 1 Thessalonians 5:17.  So continue to pray.  He will answer according to HIS will.  Not ours.  Wait on the Lord.  

Little Bit is still amazing us each day.  She will continue to speak.  God heard us.  This is possible only By God's Amazing Grace.

Reflect His Image

When I look in the mirror, you know who I see?  I know, you'd never believe it, but I see my reflection.  I see me.  But that is the problem.  I don't want to see me when I look at my reflection.  I don't want to see my imperfections of character: my stubbornness, over sensitiveness, sarcasm, self-consciousness, insecurities.  I want to see my Father.  

No, not my earthly father, but my Father in Heaven.  I want to see His reflection in me.  I want to reflect His character, not mine.  

What is His character, you might ask?

God is good.  A rich young ruler called Jesus "Good master" in Luke 18:18.  Jesus responds with, "Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God."

God is love.  1 John 4:8, "He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love." and 1 John 3:1, "Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God; therfore the world knoweth us not, becasue it knew Him not."

God is just. In Deuteronomy 32:4, Moses is speaking to the Israelites.  He tells them that God is "a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right He is."

God is pure.  1 John 3:3 states, "every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure."

God is righteous.  The psalmist tells us that The Lord is righteous in all His ways and holy in all His works.  Psalm 145:17

God is caring.  God even cares for the birds of the air.  Matthew 6:26

God is kind.  Ephesians 2:8, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God."

God is gracious and merciful.  The psalmist tells us in Psalm 116:5 that God is gracious, righteous, and merciful.

God is forgiving.  "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."1 John 1:9

God is faithful.  Lamentations 3:22-23, Jeremiah tells us, "it is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.  They are new every morning; great is they faithfulness."

God is compassionate.  Psalm 103:8 tells us that God is merciful and gracious, but also slow to anger and plentious mercy.

These are all characteristics I strive for.  I want to reflect His image.  I am made in His image according to Genesis 1:26. He got down on His hands and knees to create mankind.  He spoke everything else into existence, but He formed man and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life.  When my husband got down on his knee to ask me to marry him, I knew I was special.  But when I realized that God did that to create mankind, I knew we were all special.  He made us to reflect His image, His character. 

Today is a special day.  It is Father's day.  As you celebrate your fathers, husbands, neighbors, remember the Greatest Father Ever.  Remember the One whose image you are created in.  Remember God.  He is the best father anyone could ever ask for.  He is love, just, pure, righteous, caring, kind, gracious, merciful, forgiving, faithful, compassionate, and so much more.  

And fathers, follow the best example given.  Our Father in Heaven will lead you and guide you.  He will show you how to be a great father.  Reflect His image.  Look in the mirror.  Who do you see?  You can see Him.  It is possible only By God's Amazing Grace.