A Heart of Gold

Today, we would have celebrated my dad's 71st birthday.   Instead, he's in heaven at a perpetual party.  I take comfort knowing he's in a better place, but I miss him immensely and today was especially difficult.  I thought about him all day and what a great man he was.  I could write an endless list of qualities that made him so special, but most evident was his heart of gold.

When God talks about gold in the Bible, He talks about something special, something precious, something pure, something rich as we witness in the following verses.

Genesis 13:2 Abraham was very rich in livestock, in silver and in gold.

Exodus 25:17 "You shall make a mercy seat of pure gold; two an a half cubits shall be its length and a cubit and a half its width.

Psalm 21:3 For you meet him with the blessings of goodness; You set a crown of pure gold upon his head.

While my father was not a rich man in earthly possessions, he was absolutely rich in spirit and eternal things that matter like love, kindness, compassion, generosity and everything else that makes up a golden heart.

Thinking about my dad today brought back some very special memories.  For example, every time I was sick, he would say, "I wish I could be sick for you" and I knew he meant it.  Another vivid memory is endless hours on the front porch swing listening to his life lessons, "Always see the good in others", "Let people know that they matter and they're important",  "Love your brother and sister because some day when your mother and I are gone, you'll only have each other", "Your smile always makes my heart happy", "I'm blessed to have such beautiful girls in my life", "You're very special", and most importantly, "I love you with all my heart".

No only did my dad always have a kind heart and encouraging words, but he graciously did the thankless job of a parent like working hard to provide for his family.  He made many sacrifices not just to meet our needs but to give us the extras like dance lessons, swim lessons, cheerleading, baton lessons, skate lessons, karate lessons, private school tuition, pretty outfits for special occasions, and of course big birthday celebrations to remind us that we were special.

When times were tough, he sheltered us from the stress and hardship as much as he could.  He protected us from the cruel world and when I was scared or worried, I found comfort and safety with my father.  I knew I could always depend on him to rescue me from any situation, even when I was wrong and needed correction or discipline; much like our heavenly Father.  Psalm 84:11 tells us, "For the Lord God is a sun and a shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless."

I am selfishly saddened at the thought that this life will never know my father again.  What a loss for everyone he ever influenced, especially me.  But I know that this life is fleeting and there will soon come the day when I get to join him in heaven.  Until then, I will strive to make my time on earth more meaningful by carrying on his legacy of kindness, compassion, and a heart of gold.

Vanessa

Winds of Change

In the past, there have been numerous writings on the winds of change.  Most of them refer to some type of freedom or autonomy.  For instance, in 1989 the German rock band, Scorpions wrote the song, “Winds of Change”.  The lyrics celebrate the end of the Cold War and the beginning of the pervasive fall of Socialist-run governments in eastern-bloc nations where religion was actively suppressed.    

In 1960, British Prime Minister Harold MacMillan addressed the South African Parliament with his “Wind of Change” speech during his African tour.   He suggested an independence movement across the continent, acknowledging that black people in Africa had the right to rule themselves.  His speech also signaled a change in attitude towards the Apartheid regime in South Africa and is considered a milestone in the process of decolonization.  MacMillan said, “"The wind of change is blowing through this [African] continent, and whether we like it or not, this growth of national consciousness is a political fact. We must all accept it as a fact, and our national policies must take account of it."

No doubt, the past century has witnessed progress in the way of social equality and freedom, but morally we are bankrupt.  And today, the term “winds of change” has a more literal connotation for us.  The deadly tornadoes in Oklahoma, the devastating fires in California and of course Sandy, the most destructive hurricane of the 2012 Atlantic hurricane season have proven this accurate.  At least 285 people were killed by Sandy in the seven countries it affected.  Damage has been estimated at more than $53 billion and the lives of those who survived the storm have been forever changed.  In addition, we must not fail to mention Katrina in 2005, one of the deadliest, most expensive and most destructive natural disasters in the history of the United States. 

Natural disasters are no longer occasional catastrophes, in far off countries that we only read about.  They are common headlines consuming our daily lives and all we can do is sit back, in frozen disbelief.  Can it be that God has removed His hand of protection to get our attention? Or possibly, is it a sign of the end times that Jesus warns us about in Matthew 24:7-8 “Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom.  There will be famines are earthquakes in various places.  All these are the beginning of birth pains.”?

Whatever the reason, we must recognize the rapid decline of our society and the urgency of God’s message.  Reverend Billy Graham writes about our moral condition in his book, “Storm Warning”.  “I have not seen such widespread anxiety and depression in people’s hearts as I do today…..The American dream has become America’s god; wealth and abundance have become the measure of America’s success.” 

It is true that we have become too dependent on our stuff.   We must learn to rely more on God’s promises and not on our own assets and abilities.  If we don’t, we will certainly fall short.  John 15:55 says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”  This message could not be any clearer.  Either we depend on God or we fail completely; all or none.

Unfortunately, too many people are independently seeking peace through self-help books, spiritual guides, meditation, and positive thinking that focuses on creating our own destinies.  While an optimistic attitude will make our lives more enjoyable, it will not prevent the sufferings of this world that God has intentionally allowed; nor can it offer us true peace.  John 16:33 reminds us, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Today, the winds of change signify a more eminent warning and a different type of freedom; one that comes only from God.

Vanessa

I highly recommend reading the book, “Storm Warning” by Reverend Billy Graham.  It gives an accurate account of the storms we are facing today and the one’s yet to come.  It will encourage you to consider your own salvation and where you stand in the eyes of our precious Lord.  

A Letter To My Beautiful Daughter On March 4

March 4 is no ordinary day for me.  As a matter of fact, it is a very special day because it is your birthday; the birthday of my first child and my only daughter.  I know this year is extra special to you because you are turning 21!  It’s special to dad and me because it signifies that you are no longer a child.  You have made your way into adulthood and we could not be more proud of the beautiful young woman that has blossomed right before our eyes.

  

I clearly remember the day you were born and how we smiled because you were so much bigger than the rest of the babies in the nursery – a healthy sign.  I remember being mesmerized by your beauty; big blue eyes, golden curly hair and smooth milky skin (traits that earned your nicknames Goldilocks and Snow White). 

I remember how cute you looked in your plaid blue uniform on your first day of kindergarten and how you cried long after the rest of the students had settled in.

I remember how excited you were at nine years old when your brother Andrew was born.  I also remember that after your baby brother, Eric was born two years later, the excitement of being “big sister” to two vivacious boys, had dwindled to mere toleration. 

I remember buying your first car when you turned 16 and being thankful that you weren't hurt when you wrecked it shortly after. 

I remember feeling such joy as you walked across the stage during your high school graduation and then feeling a sudden panic at the thought of you moving away to college and facing the world on your own for the first time. 

You are now a junior at an acclaimed university that requires much effort and dedication for success and we are so proud of you.  All the memories we've cherished over the past 21 years have resulted in a life that is not just celebrated on March 4, but every day.  God has intentionally created each of us for a specific purpose and I know the birthday He gave you is significant to your calling. 

March 4 is not just another day on the calendar.  It is the only day of the year with a command, “march forth” and it is a reminder for all of us to press ahead; to walk on.  Walk according to God’s plan as He reminds us, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  Jeremiah 29:11

You have always been faithful to walk through life’s issues with grace and beauty.  You know who’s in control of your life and you submit with such trust and hope.  I know that God’s plans for hope and a future will continue to unfold in your life because you have heeded to His calling.  And remember, “Many are called, but few are chosen.”  Matthew 22:14 

I pray that God places His hand of favor over you today and every day of your future including your education, your career, your marriage, your children, your health, your finances and every area that He weaves into your life.  

I thank God for choosing me to be your mother and for trusting me with such a precious jewel.  I thank you for being such a blessing in our lives and bestowing such kindness and compassion to those around you.

I know that God was thinking of you when He wrote, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”  Jeremiah 1:5. 

Happy birthday to my sweet girl and blessings for many more.  May you continue to march forth in God’s will and appointment for your chosen life!

Love,

Mom

It's Not Political, It's Biblical

As the presidential election draws near, Americans are pledging their support to the candidate who best suits their political interests.  While I have definitely taken a firm side on this debate, I consider myself neither Republican nor Democrat and I have no real political agenda.  As a matter of fact, politics don’t excite me.  I find the subject rather boring and redundant.  It’s not that I don’t care about the welfare of our government and our country.  It’s that I don’t care about the misleading, hypocritical and downright untruthful banter that so often volleys among politicians.  And this year’s election is no exception. 

I can honestly say that I don’t “like” one candidate over the other.  I think both have had interesting things to say about how he will turn the economy around.  I also think that both would be hard-pressed to keep every promise he’s made.  In summary, both have asserted to make this country a better place.  The general promises are no different than the declarations of every other candidate in the history of U.S. presidential elections.  Overall, I’m not impressed.

However, it’s not to say that my attention has not been piqued.  I may not be impressed, but I’m very concerned.  This country was founded on Christian values.  Not through our own discovery or innovation, but by God’s plan for His American people, hence “One nation under God”.   And while America continues to evolve as a beautiful melting pot of some very diverse cultures and traditions, God’s plan for His people to honor Him as the ultimate authority has not changed.

 Our Founding Fathers referenced the Bible for confirmation of their ideas when establishing our government.  America is unique in its formation of government because our original leaders had many years of history from older countries to consider what worked and what failed.  The resounding conclusion was that neither the church nor state should have absolute authority.  Rather, there should be a balance between church and state.  Unfortunately, that balance has become lop-sided.  Public institutions have banned prayer, the name of Jesus is forbidden and many more anti-Christian policies and practices are now accepted as the norm. 

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder.  And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  Isaiah 9:6.  How can we expect our government to stand firm if we have abandoned our trust in Jesus?

Earlier this year, in an interview with ABC correspondent, Robin Roberts, President Obama said, “I’ve just concluded that for me personally it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same sex couples should be able to get married.”  This is just a portion of the interview.  Obama goes on to say more of the same thing and to justify his decision. 

Now before I continue, let me commence by clarifying that I have nothing against homosexuals.  I have friends and loved ones who label themselves as gay and lesbian and I love them dearly.  I am not prejudice and I try not to pass judgment on anyone.  I have enough flaws of my own to correct.  In addition, every time I point my accusing finger at someone else, I have three pointing right back at me.  Try it.

In the interview, Obama also claims to be Christian, but there is nothing Christian about the stand he has taken for same sex marriages.  God is not ambivalent or obscure about how He created us to be in relationship with one another. 

“Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”  I Corinthians 6:9-11

“If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them.” Leviticus 20:13

These are just a few scriptures that reveal God’s distinct command on this matter.  Though His message is clear, I find the subject a little murky.  Therefore, my debate on this topic is brief because I have no argument other than, “It’s what the Bible says.”  And when surges of opposing, insoluble questions arise, I refer to Isaiah 55:8-9 which states, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.  “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”  I then humbly ask myself, “Who am I to argue with God?” 

If I agreed with Obama on every other issue at hand in this election, I would still be obligated to offer him no support because of his direct defiance against God’s Word.  My allegiance to my heavenly Father is greater than my allegiance to anyone else, including the leader of my country.  I do believe in equal rights for everyone as long as they do not violate the Word of God. 

The lax moral standards of today’s society have encouraged many of us to be apathetic about our convictions; sometimes in the name of equality or peace or even compassion.  And personally, nothing hurts and angers me more than to see others oppressed and afflicted.  But do not be deceived.  Interpreting the Word of God in a way that justifies our own belief system does not change It.  “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8.  Even though times have changed significantly and the morale of civilization continues to decline, the promises and warnings of God remain unchanged.

Vanessa

Start In The Backyard

The other day, my nine-year-old son was feeling under the weather so I kept him home from school.  We were sitting on the couch watching one of my favorite television evangelists and the message about Jesus was so inspiring that I turned to my young son and said, “I think it would be pretty cool to be an evangelist or even a Bible teacher.” 

He simply responded, “Well, why don’t you?”

I thought about it for a few seconds (truly pondering the question) and answered, “I just don’t know where to start.”

What I really meant was that I don’t have any formal theological education (and it would cost me in the tens of thousands to get one).  I’m not as knowledgeable about the Bible as I would expect from a Bible teacher.  I really don’t like speaking to crowds (although I've become much more comfortable).  I've always earned an income and where would it now come from?

The excuses just kept flowing through my mind when he responded with such an unassuming confidence.  “Why don’t you just start in the backyard?  You could invite a few people over and talk to them about Jesus.  It’s no big deal.”

Wow, how simple is that? What a novel idea!  I can just start here.  I don’t have to make any drastic life changes or wait for better timing.   I should begin right where I’m at with what I’ve got.  His suggestion reminds me of Jesus’ command to start now.  Now is the accepted time.  Not tomorrow.  Not when we get our lives in order.  Not when we feel better prepared.  Whatever that first step means to us, we need to take it now. 

“In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you.  Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2. 

God has created each and every one of us for a specific purpose.  And He doesn’t turn us loose in an aimless attempt to figure it all out on our own.  He intentionally places desires and interests in our hearts leading us to fulfill His perfect purpose.  As long as we look to Him for guidance, our paths will be divinely directed.  “Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.”  Psalm 37:4

We were not put here to muddle through life trapped in fruitless, unrewarding careers that provide little more than a paycheck.  Too many of us have big plans to follow our life dreams once we retire or once the kids get older.  Perhaps we’re weary from encountering too many obstacles.  Regardless of all the hurdles, we are created to live each day in our dreams and we can do that by fixing our eyes on Jesus. 

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.  And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of our faith.  For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”  Hebrews 12:1-3

Maybe your heart’s desire is to pursue a new career or devote more time to a favorite hobby (even getting your photography or baking skills to earn money for you).  Maybe there’s a tugging in your spirit to make minor adjustments to your life by being a more intentional parent or by stepping up your game as the nutritional gatekeeper for your family.  

Possibly, accomplishing items on your bucket list like running a marathon, learning a new language or going on a mission trip will give you the discipline and self-control you need to grow into your destiny.  Whatever your calling is, don’t delay.  Take one step at a time and let the Perfecter of your faith guide you.  Don’t make it more difficult than it really is and never underestimate the power of simplicity by starting right where you’re at with what you’ve got.  As my son so cleverly suggested, “Just start in the backyard.”

Vanessa