Rachel M. Colby has a heart for reconciliation and a passion to uplift those who serve in tough places. She writes to connect culture's questions with Christianity’s answers, inspire faith, and motivate.
She is an award-winning writer in the categories of articles, poetry, devotions, essays, flash fiction, and children’s picture books. Her article The Integration of Oak Ridge (the subject of her WIP) won the 2022 Selah Award for Articles in Print at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. She is a longtime member of The Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild and a protégé in the Cecil Murphey Mentoring program.
Rachael's work has appeared on the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference Blog, Chicken Soup for the Soul, Christian Devotions, Southern Ohio Christian Voice, Inkspirations Online, in the compilation books Creative Writing Journal: Faith Inspired Writing Prompts & Hope-Filled Poetry, Defining Moments: Memorable and Inspiring Stories from Outstanding Leaders, and The Courage to Write: 62 Devotions to Encourage Your Writing Journey, and in the Oak Ridger newspaper.
This Jamaican-born wife, mom, beach bum, artist, and work in progress makes her home in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. She runs on copious amounts of coffee, chocolate, and a whole lot of “Help me, Jesus.”
I got my first “hater,” response to one of my articles a few weeks ago on Twitter. Lol! Sigh.
Of course I seek to present truth with grace and pursue peace with all men as I share the Gospel through my writing. To paraphrase several authors though, everyone can’t love you; you have to have some haters too or you must not be really saying anything, believe anything or be making a stand for anything.
If you create work that matters and share it, you will attract critics. – Bryan Hutchinson
We should always look for ways in which critics can help us grow. We should always humble ourselves and listen to voices of disagreement.
The reality is this: You are not in this creativity business to make everybody happy. That’s impossible. What you’re called to do is say something worth disagreeing with, to change the world — in some small way — with your words. If you’re doing that, you’re on the right track. – Jeff Goins
Like rejections, a few “haters,” are part of the process, the road to successful writing and to having a positive impact.
So, congratulations are in order! Here’s my first one:
“It would be a lot more efficient to get your religious b.s. out of politics so we can make common sense laws instead of religious ones.” -Nicholas Corey, @flipsidernick2
I choose to instead heed counsel such as this:
So go say something awesome, something worthy of criticism. And if it does get flamed, thank God someone’s listening. -Jeff Goins
Bryan also says to write what scares the _ _ _ _ out of you.
Okay.
Hmm… Speaking of common sense laws- imagine the empty prisons, what a nicer world this would be, if we all endeavored to follow religious laws like:
-Honor your father and mother
-Don’t commit adultery
-Don’t covet, steal, murder…
Hey! Those religious laws sure sound like common sense to me!
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, The people He has chosen as His own inheritance. Psalms 33:12 (NKJV)
Remember this, America?
The United States of America’s Pledge of Allegiance
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.Mark 3:24 (NKJV)
Come together America; Get it together.
But we cannot secure lasting peace as a nation whilst we wage war against the counsel of the Almighty.
My depiction of Uncle Sam represents different races because the racial tensions in our nation greatly grieve me. The schism in our nation, between fellow citizens and in our government also saddens me. Hence, I have shown Uncle sam with two skin colors and eyes of different color and his jacket is split in half, one color on each side representing our two main political parties.
“And He has made fromone bloodevery nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their per-appointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings,”Acts 17:26 (NKJV)
Some need to speak up against racism. Others need to quit fanning the flames of the racial divide.
God will hold us accountable for our words, or our lack thereof.
But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.Matthew 12:36 (NKJV)
The moral regression, the voracity of some who wish to squelch our hard won freedoms, and the apathy of others in these matters is of concern. By the grace of God, I will stand for righteousness, hold fast to our freedoms, our Godly heritage, and to the Gospel mandate.
He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad. Matthew 12:30 (NKJV)
And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.”Luke 7:23 (NKJV)
I’ve had a few things simmering on the back burner for awhile now, including the above painting. Thanks for the nudge, Mr. Corey. God bless you. I’m praying for you.
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 (NKJV)
Lazy rays of afternoon sunlight stretched across the beach, the relentless waves strewing shell and stone along the shoreline. I bent for a beautiful shell partially buried in the whirl of sea and sand. Disappointed to find it broken, I flung it back into the angry waters. As it left my hand, the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart.
“Aren’t you glad Jesus doesn’t treat you like that?”
Jesus walks through the sea of humanity, intentionally seeking the broken, the flawed, the less than perfect. He sets out to rescue and redeem the lost, those battered, even shipwrecked, by the storms of life. Sometimes, through no fault of our own, life beats us, leaves us breathless, lying on the ground. Other times we reap the consequences of our poor decisions. Regardless, we can cast ourselves, our cares, and sin, at Jesus’ feet.
Jesus, perfection personified, gave Himself to bring us to Himself. There’s no need to bury our brokenness or feel condemned because of it. Nothing is hidden from Him. God is not impressed with an act, or rote religious dialogue. When we allow Jesus to uncover our shortfalls and sin, we find shelter and safety. He covers us in His grace, forgiveness, and righteousness. Life can leave us worn and weary, off course and in need of direction. Jesus’ invites to us to come as we are so He can make us into who He created us to be. He knows us, sees us, and loves us anyway. He will not cast us away but welcomes a contrite heart and our honest, uncensored prayers for help.
He loves you too. Do you need to be found?
The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit. Psalms 34:18 (NKJV)
I can give Jesus my sin, myself, and what I’m not meant to bear. He carries me when I can’t walk on my own.
Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NLT)
All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out. John 6:37 (NASB)
I want You, Jesus
I want all of You
Have all of me
Thy will be done
Have Your way in me
You fulfill me
But I am not satisfied
Empty me
Fill me
Teach me your ways
Oh God, I want to know You
You are my sustenance
My life, my breath, my strength
My friend
My God.
“For you are a holy people to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth. Deuteronomy 7:6 (NKJV)
“Everything in me wants to quit right now,” she said.
“You can’t. Not- an- option. That would be flushing all your hard work, and turning your back on the gift God gave you.”
“Suddenly I question everything, especially my abilities as a writer, and I just want to turn and run the other way…”
“You think you have battles now? Remember, there is no armor in the back, so if you turn tail you are more exposed than ever to the enemy. Regret is a miserable bedfellow. It’s harder in the end to go in the opposite direction God’s headed, which is forward.”
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Galatians 6:9 (NKJV)
Trending
My friend complained that certain media is just propaganda.
“(They) set algorithm to trend only hate and propaganda. The Gospel or anything positive never trends,” she said. “If you watch trending lines, you can tell it’s being manipulated. It’s so negative. We Christians, or positives thoughts, are being pushed off.”
There’s a lot of bad in the media, and in the world. And it’s all pretty trendy. I can pay attention to that and let it discourage, distract and derail me, or I can seize the opportunity to promote good and encourage others.
The Gospel has never been trendy, but it still gets its work done— one by one. Jesus only had 12 apostles and not nearly as many followers as Rome, or the Pharisees and Sadducees, the religious leaders of the day. And even Jesus’ few followers deserted Him for a time, but that didn’t stop the Gospel.
Your worth is in Christ, not in others. Even if men revered you- what is that compared to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords calling you His own and loving you?
Never mind what others are doing. Focus on what God is doing and what He has for you to do.
Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant. Galatians 1:10 (NLT)
The Sound of Crickets
“…I know my writing is amateur. I know all these things, but it’s still frustrating putting words out into the world to the sound of crickets….” she said.
If God has called you to a task shouldn’t you get to it?
The only real failure is quitting when we are called to carry on. All else is just the learning on the road to success.
“Lord, You are life giving Living Water. Encourage Your weary word warriors. Refresh our world worn souls.”
Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart.II Corinthians 4:1 (NKJV)
I believe God created us with the desire to be a part of something greater than ourselves, to do something that matters. Fulfillment is found in Jesus, and purpose, when we follow Him and find our calling and use our talents to glorify Him and serve others.
I am called to scatter the seed of the Gospel through His Word and the words God gives me, to lift up Jesus’ name and honor Him. I write for the one and The One. I let God decide what to do with it. The good shepherd leaves the 99 to rescue the one lost sheep. So, even if my words only impact a few, what matters is that I obey God by sharing His truth from the platform He gives me. It’s worth it for the one who hears and follows Jesus. You are one. I am one.
And if my words impact many, I must remember it is:
“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,” Says the Lord of hosts.Zechariah 4:6 NKJV
So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.I Corinthians 3:7 (NKJV)
Small Potatoes
A friend recently referred to her writer website as “small potatoes.” Let me tell you a story.
Dwight was only four years old when his father died, leaving his mother to raise his family of nine children on their farm in Northfield, MA. His formal education ended in fifth grade. He moved to Boston at 17 years old where his uncle hired him to work in his shoe store, under the condition he attend services at Mt. Vernon Congregational Church. On April 21st, 1855 his Sunday School teacher, Edward Kimball, took the time to pay a visit to and share the Gospel with the young shoe salesman. Dwight L Moody accepted Jesus as his savior and became one of the leading evangelists of his time. He also founded the Moody Church, Northfield Mount Hermon School, the Moody Bible Institute, and Moody Publishers.
Look at the chain reaction of influence and conversions of men who became preachers:
Edward Kimball,volunteer Sunday School teacher ⇨
D.L. Moody- “I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do. And that which I can do, by the grace of God, I will do.” ⇨
F.B Meyer- “Let us, therefore, not live in the summer‑house of emotion, but in the central citadel of the will, wholly yielded and devoted to the will of God.” ⇨
Wilbur Chapman-“Anything that dims my vision for Christ, or takes away or cramps me in my prayer life, or makes Christian work difficult, is wrong for me; and I must, as a Christian turn away from it.”⇨
Billy Sunday-“Stopping at Third adds no more to the score than striking out. It doesn’t matter how well you start if you fail to finish.” ⇨
Mordecai Ham-“When’s the last time you asked God for something that was beyond your ability?” ⇨
Billy Graham-has preached to more people than anyone else in history.
And it all goes back to a volunteer Sunday School teacher who took time to share the Gospel with one.
Every soul impacted by each of these preachers and each of their converts is the fruit of Mr Kimball’s decision to minister to one. I wonder who led Mr. Kimball to Christ?
We are tools and seeds in the Master Gardener’s hands. Jesus is the sun shine and the rain that makes the seed grow and bear fruit. I must use what I have for God and leave the results up to Him. That’s enough to keep me busy and blessed till He takes me home.
“Mountaintops are for views and inspiration, but fruit is grown in the valleys.” – Billy Graham
“When we come to the end of ourselves, we come to the beginning of God.”- Billy Graham
Remember, it’s by grace.
His grace will take you from the place called, “small potatoes,” to the plans He has for you.
Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. John 4:34 (NKJV)
**Please Note: I made necessary revisions to my prior post entitled,Happy Birthday America.If you read it beforehand, please take a moment to read the revised version.
My, how you’ve grown and how I love you. But it seems like you are leaning away from the life giving Light.
*“Let us, then, search the Scriptures … The Bible contains the revelation of the will of God.” – John Quincy Adams, from a letter to his son dated September 1811 from, Letters of John Quincy Adams, to His Son, on the Bible and Its Teachings by John Quincy Adams (Auburn: James M. Alden, 1850).
By letting go of the Godly principles upon which we were founded, we trample underfoot the names and the precious blood of those who laid down their lives to secure our great country’s freedom.
Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, And prudent in their own sight! Isaiah 5:20-21 NKJV
* “…the propitious smiles of Heaven, can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right, which Heaven itself has ordained…”-George Washington, Inaugural Address of 1879
* While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens and soldiers, we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher duties of religion. To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian. –George Washington, General Orders, 2nd May 1778
Education is useless without the Bible. The Bible was America’s basic textbook in all fields. God’s Word, contained in the Bible, has furnished all necessary rules to direct our conduct. Noah Webster
“A Thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education.” – Theodore Roosevelt, as quoted in Stepping Stones, the Complete Bible Narratives, 1941
In my view, the Christian religion is the most important and one of the first things in which all children, under a free government ought to be instructed … No truth is more evident to my mind than that the Christian religion must be the basis of any government intended to secure the rights and privileges of a free people. – Noah Webster, Preface Noah Webster Dictionary, 1828
We are called to be Light bearers. It is easy to say what a mess our church, our country, or world is, but the responsibility of moving God’s heart on our behalf rests squarely on the shoulders of the Christian. Before we can effectively pray for our church and nation we must first get ourselves right with God. We can’t give to others what we don’t have.
Judgement, repentance, and revival begin in the Church. He is a holy, jealous, passionate God. He will not share affection with any other gods or idols in our life. He wants to be our first passion, our go-to. He is calling us to return to our first love and do the first works.
It’s the Church that has made herself right with God that will move God’s hand to bring healing and revival to our families, churches, country and world. What if we each became broken before God and repented of our sin? What if we fell on our faces and sought Him for Himself, for that personal relationship and because He is worthy? Not just for what He can do for us. I believe then we would see what we were looking for.
Awake! Cast off sin, distraction, and trivial pursuit. Let us lay our hearts, our lives before our King. Re-enlist in the army of the ultimate freedom fighter, Jesus Christ, who laid down His life to free the souls of mankind from the bondage of sin.
*“….You, Gentlemen, act the part of pious Christians and good citizens by your prayers and exertions to preserve that harmony and good will towards men which must be the basis of every political establishment; and I readily join with you that “while just government protects all in their religious rights, true religion affords to government its surest support.”-From George Washington to the Synod of the Dutch reformed Church in North America
“That book, sir, is the rock on which our Republic rests…” – Andrew Jackson, reportedly while on his deathbed while pointing to the Bible.
If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven, and forgive their sin and heal their land. II Chronicles 7:14
To fully appreciate what we have, and to ensure we maintain our liberty, it is crucial that we know and understand history (*not erase it) and teach it to our children.
VIDEO:The Lost Secrets of Liberty – *Includes some little known and surprising facts about the Fourth of July and Independence day.
Courtesy of: Heirloom Audio Productions- Bringing history to life for the whole family. Check out their exciting dramatized audio adventures based on the works of G.A. Henty http://www.heirloomaudio.com/
Originally posted on July 4th, 2016. Updated with added entertaining and enriching history videos and other resources for families and those who love to learn.
***Please note: Corrections and revisions have been made to this post as I became aware of the need. A * indicates content added or updated on 7/4/17 or thereafter. In my attempt to report truth, I will continue to add and update this post with confirmed quotes and verified links as I research. Your comments are welcome, and help with this process would be greatly appreciated. God bless you. Rachael M Colby
Be wary of comparing. It’s a wretched road which leads to self-doubt and discontent. Stop. Look to God.
God withholds no good thing from us. So, to be jealous or discouraged because of someone else’s success is like accusing God of denying or not knowing what’s best for us. It’s an attempt of the heart to mutiny against the Lordship of Christ. God makes the path, sets the pace and wants to patiently, lovingly, bring us to the destiny He has for us.
I understand massive spiritual assaults, like apathy and doubt. Sometimes I’m so exhausted and discouraged I feel like my pen weighs a ton and it’s so hard to pick it up and write. I understand no time, little support, feeling overwhelmed— and procrastination.
I am acutely aware of my inability and shortcomings. And I’m so grateful for Jesus’ guidance and empowerment to overcome.
Others inspire, challenge, and teach me. But Jesus calls me to follow Him, and by His grace, to become the best me I can be for Him.
A lump of clay is of little use until it is yielded to the molding of the potter’s hands. It’s value is determined by who the potter is and his workmanship.
So it is also with us. We are dust, clay- and Jesus is the Potter. Like a lump of clay, our existence lacks significance until we fulfill our purpose. Our first purpose is to know Him; He created us for relationship with Him. We cannot form ourselves into what God’s intent is for us. We are truly nothing on our own.
It’s as we place ourselves in The Master Artist’s hands and let Him work out our imperfections, mold and shape us into the vessel He intends for us to become, that our identity, purpose and value is realized.
God makes no duplicates, so why compare yourself?
God does not judge greatness or reward according to talents and accomplishments, but rather, by the intent of the heart and faithful stewardship to His calling.
There are no insignificant tasks when I am doing what God has called me to.
There is no less than or better than, in God’s eyes- just obedience or disobedience to His will.
You cannot attain anything greater than the destiny God has for you. We are all called to greatness in God.
Jesus is a hands on kind of Maker. We are His workmanship.
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV)
Have you allowed the enemies of frustration, doubt and fear to hinder you? What are you going to do about it?
What has God called you to do? Do that. What are your gifts? Don’t doubt them- develop them.
It is my responsibility and God’s desire for me to use my gifts for His glory and to serve others. If I do that, I will have nothing to be ashamed of, and nothing to be proud of either, because it’s all given by Him.
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” James 1:17 (NKJV)
“Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else.” Galatians 6:4 (NLT)
So, to my writer friends I say, sit your butt down in the chair, and just write! Just start. Lay one word down on the page and then another and another… Pay attention to your heart and the stress, and the mess, and the blessed around you. It’s all potential writing material.
There’s a whole hurting, dying world out there waiting for a glimpse of Jesus and his grace and power. Your words can be the window.
Don’t draw back— carry on soldier. Write on. Let’s press the battle to the gates.
Yes, we all have much learning and growing to go. So, “Go!”
Daddy held my hand as we entered the arched iron gates to the botanical gardens. Memories of his buying me Wrigley’s gum, elephant ear pastries, and Matchbox cars still bring a smile. He carried me when I was injured and scraped every speck of black pepper off my food. And bumper cars. I hated them, but I never told him because I liked to hear him laugh—and we were together.
I lived with Grandma in the countryside on the north coat of Jamaica, and Daddy lived on the south coast in the city, so I treasured his visits. He gave me a toypiano, like Schroeder’s in the “Peanuts” comic strip. I played it as loudly as I could because I believed it would make him visit us sooner. I loved our adventures. Sometimes he brought gifts.
One morning, Daddy showed up for a visit and handed me a big box. Grandma gave him a warning look as he hadn’t sought her pre-approval on this one—a tie-dye set. Perhaps he thought his gift was just fine for a six-year-old and Grandma’s nice tile floors.
“You gave her the tie dye set. You get her cleaned up!” Grandma said and pushed us outside. A bucket of soapy water, a scrub brush, and our stifled laughter under the mango tree. Pinned to the clothesline, my brightly colored creation flapped happily in the breeze. I loved that hat.
We made kites with bamboo and tissue paper. They always crashed, but that was okay. He drove too fast on the windy island mountain roads in his little ultramarine Triumph Spitfire. At the amusement park, Daddy emerged pale and shaky after riding the corkscrew roller coaster, but waited for me while I went again. He got upset when I fared better with a drop line than he did with his expensive fishing rod.
When I was a young teen, he took me to Disney World. His camera bag embarrassed me, as it looked like a purse, and I feared someone might recognize us. So I pretended I didn’t know him and walked several feet ahead, or behind.
Daddy wouldn’t let me accept the invitation to run off for the day with the boy I met at the Disney resort. I cried when Daddy scared him away. All the boys were afraid of my daddy. I didn’t yet appreciate his protectiveness.
Daddy had his problems. At times, he missed the mark—and it was painful. But he loved his children and grandchildren. Sometimes God uses imperfect people to guide our lives if we let Him. We only have a finite amount of time to know, understand, and reconcile with each other, to extend forgiveness and grace like God does to us. I’m grateful for our time. Life is too short, and eternity too near to be at odds with those God calls us to love.
Then one day he was gone. Just. Like. That. Death gave no warning. I didn’t know that was our last I love you. I wasn’t ready. But God is the one who numbers our days; He said it was time.
Though he’s gone, his voice still echoes in my mind. “Daugh-tah, come here. Child of mine, I love you so much, yuh see,” my father would say in his accent.
My Daddy made mistakes; he wasn’t a perfect father. None of them are. Except for one. He calls me daughter too.
The Perfect Father
Relentless and reckless in His love for us,
He seeks and rescues us from our wanderings.
God is ever-present.
He is holy.
He is our help in all He calls us to,
A father to the fatherless.
He offers hope and healing to the hurting heart,
Strength to the weak,
Forgiveness from failure,
A new beginning at the end of our road.
In my destitution,
He clothed me in His righteousness.
Adopted and adored,
Never alone.
I come into His presence,
Call Him Abba, Father.
“But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12 NLT)
“You received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, ‘Abba, Father.’” (Romans 8:15 NLT)
*This piece, In Step with My Father, was originally posted on 6/10/2016. Revisions and additions made in 2017 and 6/2025.
~~~*~~~
God is the only perfect father. He is afather to the fatherless. Jesus went to great lengths to meet us where we are. He left his throne in Heaven, donned human flesh, and died to save us from our sin, and reconcile us to Himself, to God. He loves us in spite of ourselves. But we have to accept Him.
A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows, Is God in His holy habitation. Psalms 68:5
For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:26 NLT
Father, daughter, son, is there a breach that needs mending? Will you start the journey to restoration? Just take one small step. May I suggest the first one be to pray; and the second,forgive? Maybe you won’t get where you’d like to on this side of eternity. Maybe you are only able to take those first two steps. That’s okay. Just start, and let God be God, the mender of hearts. Extend grace like God does for us, even though we don’t deserve it.
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 NKJV
“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matthew 6:14-15 NLT
Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!” Matthew 18:21-22 NLT
Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:31-32 NKJV
SONG: The Blessing – Jim Trick
Dads- your children, your wives, your country needs you. Will you step up to the plate?
“Here I am Father. Forgive me. Help me to forgive those who hurt me. Help me to step in Your footprints, and walk a little closer with You Jesus.”
SONG: Lead Me – Sanctus Real
Yeah, you are probably going to mess up sometimes, stumble and fall in the process. But God will pick you up. He’s like that.
SONG: Good, Good Father – Chris Tomlin
LINK TO: The Father Effect, Movie – 3 Minute Trailer (*Warning: Contains some sensitive material)
John Finch grew up the youngest of 3 boys in a suburb of Dallas where he lost his father to suicide at age 11. As a young man, John did anything he could to avoid confronting the wounds he suffered as a result of being fatherless. His craving for affirmation from a father who was not there to provide it, led him to… http://thefathereffect.com/about
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Relationship problems are the result of sin played out in that forum. Sin is the culprit- our own brokenness, the gap in our relationship with Christ- where we are, as opposed to where Christ would have us to be.
Sometimes I catch myself praying for God to change circumstance and behavior when what is needed is for God to change hearts-oftentimes my own. Our actions and reactions are merely a symptom of the problem. When God transforms a heart, the change will spill out to influence all circumstance and relationships. We need to treat the root, not the fruit, if we want true and lasting change.
When I focus on my unmet needs, nobody’s needs are met, because no one is serving. I’m just having a self serving pity party. If I want to see change, then I must change, and the only way that will happen is if I let Christ have His way in me. I must give Jesus the reins of my heart.
“Will the tears ever stop, Lord?”
You number my wanderings; Put my tears into Your bottle; Are they not in Your book?Psalms 56:8 (NKJV)
“Sometimes I think that must be a really big bottle, Lord.”
But to forgive the incessant provocations of life- to keep on forgiving the the bossy mother-in-law, the bullying husband, the nagging wife, the selfish daughter, the deceitful son- how can we do it? Only, I think, by remembering where we stand, by meaning what we say in our prayers each night,“forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those that trespass against us.” -C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory
Forgiving means letting go of offenses, not holding it against the person. It means wiping slate clean, canceling the debt, not retaliating.
What if I dared to speak the words I’ve never said?
What if I set them free from the captivity of silence?
Would the chains of pain be broken?
Or would the weight of regret be too great?
For once let loose I cannot call them back.
“Lord…?”
He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth.Isaiah 53:7 (NKJV)
But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,Matthew 5:44 (NKJV)
There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven- …A time to be silent and a time to speak.Ecclesiastes 3:1 & 7 (NASB)
Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.Psalms 141:3 (NKJV)
Extending forgiveness requires humility, putting aside my pride, emotions. It means valuing relationships and being right with God over my rights.
Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?”
Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” (Matthew 18:21-22 NKJV)
Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:31-32 NKJV)
Rather than trying to fix others, I need to fix my relationship with Christ. When I let Jesus overhaul my inward man, the core of me, many of my relationship problems resolve themselves. He is the restorer.
Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye?(Matthew 7:4 NKJV)
As the old song goes, “It’s not my brother, not my sister, but it’s me, oh Lord, standing in the need of prayer.”
I’m guilty, Lord.
Here I am
Forgive me
Heal my divided, renegade heart.
Deliver me from myself, my sin.
Change me, Jesus
I long for one accord with You
But I fail; I fall
Remember,
I am dust, Lord
Help me
And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.(II Corinthians 12:9 NKJV)
Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6 (NKJV)
You are The Way
Have your way in me, Lord
Burn up the dross
Make me pure
I want to love like You
Refine me until I reflect You
Jesus,
Song of my soul,
My heart’s desire and delight,
Form Yourself in me
I want to be one with You
Standing In The Need Of Prayer (Live)
I must extend forgiveness if I want to be forgiven, even if the other person is wrong and unrepentant. This requires a supernatural enabling.
How I forgive others = God’s grace extended to me in forgiveness
“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:14-15)
To be Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because Christ forgave the inexcusable in you. -C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory
Many times what God asks of us is impossible in our own strength. He knows we will fail in our own strength. He want us to acknowledge our brokenness, failures, our need, so He can change and empower us.
Matthew West – Forgiveness (Lyrics)
Jesus didn’t just die for those who would accept Him. He paid the penalty for all the sins of those He knew would reject Him too. The sins of all humanity were borne on the shoulders of the great I Am.
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.(Romans 5:8 NKJV)
Jesus did His part. He paid the price and provides forgiveness- it’s available up front, but we must choose to accept or reject it.
We must let go of unforgiveness, of sin, if we want to receive the forgiveness He offers. We can’t hold on to both.
Regardless of the behavior of others, if I forgive them and yield to God’s refining of my heart and character through the circumstances in my life, I will be rewarded with a closer walk with Jesus and the peace that comes from a right heart.
The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him.(Psalms 28:7 NKJV)
Love is forgiving. Love is serving. We are commanded to love. When I set my heart and mind to love and serve others as Christ calls me to, even if it is unrequited, Jesus will fulfill me. There is joy and contentment when my heart rests in Jesus’ hands and I walk in His ways.
Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy. Matthew 5:7 (NASB)
Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.Matthew 5:8 (NKJV)
Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.Matthew 5:9 (NKJV)
The Story Behind the Song, Forgiveness –Matthew West
Robin & Spencer’s Story
On January 26 2002 my life changed forever. My son Spencer Macleod was brought into the ER where I was working as a nurse, barely clinging to life from a stab wound to the heart. He was pronounced dead fifteen minutes later. It was then that I discovered his identity. He died coming to the rescue of…Continued at: http://spencersmom.com/the-story/
“I joined the military because I’m answering my calling.” – U.S. Army serviceman
There is no less than or better than in God’s eyes- just obedience or disobedience to God and the tasks He has called us to. There are no insignificant tasks when we are doing what God has called us to. What are you called to do? Then do that.
Only 2 of the 50 people I asked, knew that the third Saturday of May is designated as Armed Services Day. I didn’t know either until I read Dr. Nichols’s article. However, someone did inform me that May fourth was Star Wars Day. Can we please fix this?
***The quotes in blue dispersed throughout this post are from active duty members of our military who I had the privilege of interviewing this weekend.
“After college I couldn’t find a job. My Father was an Army reservist and encouraged me. My Grandfather was a World War II Navy veteran.” -active duty U.S Air force, 14 years
“I thought why not be the first to serve in my family?”
“It‘s stable. Good pay.” -U.S. Army, Served in Kuwait twice
“I was in a rut and in need of a way out. I felt the military was a good way out- schooling, job. -U.S. Army
”I Joined because I wanted to do something better with myself.” -Retired, U.S. Air Force, 20 yrs. (Still volunteers for events)
President Harry S. Truman led the effort to establish a single holiday for citizens to come together and thank our military members for their patriotic service in support of our country.
On August 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy and Air Force Days. The single-day celebration stemmed from the unification of the Armed Forces under one department — the U. S. Department of Defense.
“They, (American civilians), think Otis Air Force base is closed. They don’t know there is still a war. “ -U.S. Air force
“We do our duty. Be supportive of the military. Some towns locally don’t show support of us. When they see us it’s like, “What are you doing here?” I’d like to see more parades, and events like this, (Troops in the Spotlight), to be more a part of the culture. -U.S. Army
How can we help you?
“Many Americans don’t understand our military. There is a gap between civilians and the military. People ask, most don’t know we are still at war. In World War II there was a shared sacrifice with civilians. They participated in the war effort, to meet the needs. We need civilians to educate themselves and participate.” -U.S. Army
“Remember we are serving. Serving here is just as important as serving overseas.We have jobs, we volunteer in the community- training personnel to deploy, helping with school, with storm support, the Red Cross, the Boston marathon, communications.” -U.S. Air Force
“I never really thought about it. I get treated well. Show support- like atTroops in the Spotlight.” – U.S. Army
“Be an American. Show your support, like you’re doing now. Appreciate the benefits of the U.S. being your home. Take care of it. America needs to come first. Just be a civilian and do the best you can.”
“I could say more benefits, or that some things need to be fixed with the VA… but what we really need is unity. Have your differences. You’re an immigrant…Welcome- but you are an American now. Be one nation.”
~~~*~~~
Belgium, WWII
He was only 19 as he and his fellow soldiers of the 104th Infantry Division “Timberwolves” fought to the north of where the Battle of the Bulge waged. The cold, wet conditions in December 1944 made it all the more miserable and David and many of the men suffered from trench foot as a result.
They pressed toward the Nazi army as shots rang out. Suddenly, in the exchange of fire a bullet found its target and an American soldier fell and lay wounded in the space between them and the enemy.
David ran across the open field, dodging the volley of ammunition raining down on them from the enemy. As he carried his fellow soldier back to their unit a bullet ripped through David’s leg.
David lay recovering from his wound in the hospital in Belgium, grateful to be alive, and that he had managed to save the soldier’s life. But he longed for home. His thoughts drifted to his younger sister, Jean, and the sweet sound of her singing as she played Christmas carols on the family piano in the parlor. David picked up his pen and began to draw.
“The sacrifice of being away from my family is the hardest. The births, funerals, birthdays I miss. When my niece asked why I wasn’t at her birthday…when you come home and kids don’t recognize you, don’t know you. It’s hard not being there for my family, but those people I’m not there for- are the reason why I’m gone. I’m doing this for them, to take care of them. So, by being away, I am there for them.” – U.S. Army
“The hardest thing is being away from my family. I have friends serving overseas.”
The good soldier fights for freedom, righteousness & securing an ordinary peaceful life and opportunity for his people. Those fulfilling wholesome occupations are part of a soldier’s reward which he can look forward to coming home to. Do your secular duty in light of the trust you have received as citizens of our great nation, and if you are a Christian, as ambassadors for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
“God, I pray for your grace to enable us to raise our families, appreciate our freedoms, care for our countrymen and nation and live our lives in such a manner that is worthy of the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform.”
“Those citizens who are doing their best- We appreciate it.” -U.S. Army
What bothers you?
“Staying up all night.”
“The PC. Why is there any such thing as politically correct?”
“When I ask for the military discount and they ask for my husband’s ID. I’m the service person.”
“Recognize women in the military. People ask about us being harassed in the military. I get harassed by those not in the military.”
“I have lost two friends in combat.”
“Most American citizens aren’t aware servicemen died today in combat. Do they know their names?”
Do you have concerns about our military?
“Not at all, right now.”
“No concerns. Everything is a cycle. What goes up will come down and what is down will come up.”
“Drill instructors aren’t tough enough today on recruits.”
“I’m concerned the military has gotten a little soft.”
“The definition of hazing has gone too far.”
“Now there is more paperwork. The military used to be more physical. You can’t engage the enemy with paper.”
“We need to toughen up the military.”
“We hope they don’t shut down more bases. This is how we support our families. This is our job. This is who we are. This is what we do” -U.S. Air Force
“It is what it is. I don’t get caught up in the possibilities, the threats. I knew what I was getting into when I signed up.”
~~*~~
Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)
In 1866, following the Civil War, a women’s memorial association in Columbus, Mississippi, decorated the graves of both Confederate and Union soldiers with flowers. This benevolent gesture inspired the poem “The Blue and the Grey,” by Francis Miles Finch.
On May 5th, 1868, Union hero Maj. Gen. John A. Logan, who was also the Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, issued General Order Number 11, designating May 30 as a day of memorial, originally known as Decoration Day, “for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land.”
With President Ulysses Grant presiding, General James A. Garfield, (who later became 20th president of the united States in 1881), delivered the speech at the first national Memorial Day observance which took place on May 30th 1868, with a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, the ground of which was formerly the estate of Confederate General Robert E. Lee and his wife.
Memorial Day was later expanded to honor all deceased American military men and women who gave their lives defending our nation in battle. In 1971, federal law moved the observance of Memorial day to the last Monday in May.
Today Memorial Day is observed at Arlington National Cemetery by decorating each grave with an American flag and placing a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. In other military cemeteries, flags are placed on the graves of all veterans and even on their spouse’s graves on Memorial Day.
General James A. Garfield’s Speech, known as “His finest hour,” given at the first national Memorial Day:
I am oppressed with a sense of the impropriety of uttering words on this occasion. If silence is ever golden, it must be here beside the graves of fifteen thousand men, whose lives were more significant than speech, and whose death was a poem, the music of which can never be sung. With words we make promises, plight faith, praise virtue… Click to continue
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. -Edmund Burke
In issues of morality, there is no neutral ground.
Do you have concerns about our country?
“The way kids are being brought up. They don’t respect authority and only want to play games. I think they should all serve two years in the military after high school.”
“Taking away gun rights doesn’t stop the bad guys. We need rules and regulations. But you need the right to defend yourself.” -U.S. Air Force
“There’s no respect.”
“Children today have no respect for authority.”
“People don’t have respect for authority, for each other, the military, our country.”
“It’s horrible how people treat our police officers.” -U.S. Army
“The situation in the nation between citizens, the youth, and police officers.” -U.S. Air Force
“We need more enlistments.” -U.S. Army
“I’m concerned about the disconnect. Less than 1% of the population carry the burden of serving in our military.” U.S. Army
“Be aware. Isis is everywhere. They are here. Living on your street.” -U.S Air Force
We are either aiding the advancement of evil, or good. Doing nothing to stop evil when you are able, is aiding it.
War is a terrible thing, but sometimes it is necessary to wage war in order to win peace.
But the greatest danger is always present- war or not. The jeopardy of the man precariously perched on the edge of Hell waiting for someone to deliver the life & eternal life saving message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
I would be remiss to not draw attention to the most epic battle ever waged- the one for our souls. Jesus fought to rescue you from the grip of Satan’s tyranny so you don’t have to live captive to your sin, your sorrow, your past, or circumstance.
You wouldn’t step into battle unprepared. You shouldn’t step into eternity unprepared.
“I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” John 10:11 (NASB)
Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.John 15:13 (NASB)
We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.1 John 3:16 (NASB)
I am concerned that we are divided. Realize what we as a nation are about: United- one nation. Represent your flag. We need understanding, to accept and respect each other. Out of many one people.
Have your culture; have your heritage. Be proud of your heritage, but we are all Americans. E Pluribus Unim; out of many, one. We are Americans first. -U.S. Army serviceman (Twice deployed to Afghanistan) -U.S. Army
Link to video of:The Star Spangled Banner (with lyrics) Performed by Sandi Patti with the original lyrics written by Francis Scott Key in 1814 and added verse composed by Claire Cloninger for the Statue of Liberty Centennial Celebration in 1986.
In grateful acknowledgement of all American military personnel who have served and are currently serving in our United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard. Thank you for your service.
“God, may our hearts hold our American military and their families in grateful honor and prayer and let us demonstrate our love and support for them, not just on designated days, but always.”
The connection between poppies and the military:
The poem, In Flander’s Fields, written by Canadian officer and surgeon John McCrae in 1915 during World War I, is responsible for the red poppy’s rise of popularity and subsequent adoption as a symbol of remembrance. By 1917, In Flanders Fields, was shared throughout the English speaking world and used to bring attention to the war effort, recruit American soldiers, and help raise money for the troops. It became one of history’s most famous wartime poems.
American Involvement in Wars from Colonial Times to the Present
Dates
War in Which American Colonists or
United States Citizens Officially Participated
Major Combatants
July 4, 1675 –
August 12, 1676
King Philip’s War
New England Colonies vs. Wampanoag, Narragansett, and Nipmuck Indians
1689-1697
King William’s War
The English Colonies vs. France
1702-1713
Queen Anne’s War (War of Spanish Succession)
The English Colonies vs. France
1744-1748
King George’s War (War of Austrian Succession)
The French Colonies vs. Great Britain
1756-1763
French and Indian War(Seven Years War)
The French Colonies vs. Great Britain
1759-1761
Cherokee War
English Colonists vs. Cherokee Indians
1775-1783
American Revolution
English Colonists vs. Great Britain
1798-1800
Franco-American Naval War
United States vs. France
1801-1805; 1815
Barbary Wars
United States vs. Morocco, Algiers, Tunis, and Tripoli
1812-1815
War of 1812
United States vs. Great Britain
1813-1814
Creek War
United States vs. Creek Indians
1836
War of Texas Independence
Texas vs. Mexico
1846-1848
Mexican-American War
United States vs. Mexico
1861-1865
U.S. Civil War
Union vs. Confederacy
1898
Spanish-American War
United States vs. Spain
1914-1918
World War I
Triple Alliance: Germany, Italy, and Austria-Hungary vs. Triple Entente: Britain, France, and Russia. The United States joined on the side of the Triple Entente in 1917.
1939-1945
World War II
Axis Powers: Germany, Italy, Japan vs. Major Allied Powers: United States, Great Britain, France, and Russia
1950-1953
Korean War
United States (as part of the United Nations) and South Korea vs. North Korea and Communist China
1960-1975
Vietnam War
United States and South Vietnam vs. North Vietnam
1961
Bay of Pigs Invasion
United States vs. Cuba
1983
Grenada
United States Intervention
1989
US Invasion of Panama
United States vs. Panama
1990-1991
Persian Gulf War
United States and Coalition Forces vs. Iraq
1995-1996
Intervention in Bosnia and Herzegovina
United States as part of NATO acted peacekeepers in former Yugoslavia
2001
Invasion of Afghanistan
United States and Coalition Forces vs. the Taliban regime in Afghanistan to fight terrorism.
In answer to your question, what do I want from you:
~ I want you to see the needs of others and meet them when you should.
~Sometimes I want help, preferably without asking.
~I want time to have fun with you, not just facilitate it for you.
~I want you to respect and obey us.We really do have your best interest at heart.
~I want to trust you.
~I want you to tell the truth and to admit when you are wrong.
~I want you to cultivate a grateful heart. It will serve you well. It is one of the secrets to a contented life.
~ I want you to value your Christian testimony and the impact it has on others as one of your most precious possessions in life.
~I want you to learn to hear Jesus’ voice, to know His Word, to seek His direction for your decisions, and to obey Him.
~I want you to know and love Jesus more than anything and to do everything you can to draw close to Him.
I love you, no matter what.
Mom
To my children,
What is most important is a heart for God and a heart for people.
Pray for wisdom and common sense- own them-. They are priceless.
Most of life is work. Accept it; deal with it. Learn to take pleasure and pride in a job well done. Do not allow yourself to become lazy or complacent in the natural world or in your spiritual life.
Excelsior- ever higher.
Ad astra per aspera- through difficulties to the stars, to excellence.
Make godly character your crown.
Be jealous for your soul.
Be sober, be vigilant for your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 1Peter 5:8 NKJV
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23 NIV
Pursue holiness. Let God’s pleasure on your life be your joy.
Keep a humble heart and a teachable spirit.
I love you forever and no matter what. So does Jesus.
“Let’s quit fiddling with religion and do something to bring the world to Christ.” – Billy Sunday
The preaching of the gospel and salvation of souls is the primary focus and call of the Gospel. It is biblical that all else done in the name of the Church, as representatives of Jesus, should be done with this ultimate purpose in mind.
The Great Commission:
And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.Mark 16:15 (NKJV)
Many organizations start out with this focus, but lose it as they get overwhelmed by attempting to meet the the endless physical needs of the people they are serving with their humanitarian work. This is something to be mindful of, so as to stay balanced and faithful to Jesus’ mandate.
The Bible Says:
For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?Mark 8:36 (NKJV)
But the Gospel is not a buffet. We don’t get to pick and choose what we like in the Bible and ignore the rest. It’s all or nothing; we must ingest the whole thing.
Look:
“Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.”James 1:27 (NKJV)
“..and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?”James 2:16 (NKJV)
37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’” Matthew 25:34-44
Pray, Send, Plant, Establish, Support, Nurture:
Neither our home church, nor Adventures in Missions are organizations with a “drop a bag of rice and run” mentality. But rather, both believe and are are invested in planting, helping establish, supporting, and nurturing ministries that are dedicated to planting themselves in the nations among the people they are serving. We must seek to serve both the spiritual and physical needs where we are called, with a hand up, not just a hand out.
We each have different callings and how we fulfill them will play out differently for each of us. It is Biblical to serve first in our home churches and communities, but there are different seasons in which some are called to go; some to stay and send. But even those who stay and send get to go, as the sender is linked by their investment of prayer, finances, and encouragement to every impact the missionary makes for Jesus in the lives of other people.
In July my 18 year old daughter, Abigail, leaves on a month long mission trip for Nepal with Adventures in Missions. In spite of turning 18 and wanting a car, she has chosen to forego a month of pay from her summer job to go and work unpaid serving the Nepali people. I love her heart and her boldness. Abby’s team will need prayer support for their endeavor. As of today, Abigail also still needs to raise another $1,861 for her mission trip.
“Why do you want to go on a mission trip so badly?”
“Why do you care?”
I never understand their whys. As a Christian we are commanded to care for people and share God’s love with as many as possible. If I work hard enough I know I can raise enough money to go on a mission trip. Even those out of town outreaches on Saturdays- I don’t have anything to do a lot of Saturdays, so, of course I’m going to go. “Why not?” I find myself saying so often. The opportunity is there, and it makes no sense not to take it.
No, I don’t think I’m too young. There is no such thing as too young to serve in the best way possible and do God’s will for your life.
“Do these things when you’re old enough to appreciate it,” they say.
I know I’m capable of appreciating it now. God has put an overwhelming love in my heart for people now, so why not put it to use now? If I waited until I was older, what would I do now? I’m not waiting until I’m older because I’m capable of making a difference now.
I’m not doing this to have a good experience, or to better myself, but to better other people. Until I have ministered God’s word to people who can give me nothing in return, I have not lived.
“God, please use me now. My life is yours; do as you please with it.”
People ask me, “How can you send your children away?”
“Why do allow your children to go to these far away and dangerous places?”
“Aren’t you afraid? Won’t you miss them?”
Here’s my answer. Yes. But I would Rather give my children to the cause of Christ than have the world steal them away.
There is really nowhere safe in the world anymore. Our older daughter Anna went on a three month mission trip to Kenya in 2013. Her team of thirteen girls was sent to serve in one of the most unattractive and unsafe towns in the country. The terrorist attack took place while they were there- but it took place in one of the nicest and seemingly safest areas.
When Abby went to visit and help out family who are missionaries in Lithuania, we didn’t book her on the lesser known airline which had a day layover in an unstable country. She did reach her destination unharmed. But a few weeks later, it was that same reputable airline that she had traveled on, Lufthansa, that was intentionally crashed by the copilot into the alps, thus killing all on board. My heart breaks for the people impacted by these tragedies.
So, where is safe? The only safe place is in Christ. We really just have to be ready. Safe is in the hands and will of Jesus. Safe is a right heart with God.
Which heart should I feed? She is young. She was only 16 when she went to Swaziland and will just have turned 18 when she leaves for Nepal. I am her mom, and I see the pull of the world and our culture. I also see that little bit of edginess and that youthful lust for a little risk, a little adventure. I see her heart for people and for God, that thirst to know God more and to do something that matters. It needs expression somewhere. So let that expression be found in the cause of Christ.
I challenged her and asked her in 2015, “Why Swaziland? Why not somewhere closer, cheaper, and safer?”
Her response was, “It seems to be the area of greatest need. And I don’t want to go somewhere easy.”
She could spend the month of July lining her pockets with silver from a summer job and shopping at the mall with friends, or relaxing on the beach… And that would be okay. But instead, in 2015 she chose to go and serve the Gospel of Jesus Christ and a hand up to a destitute, disease stricken people in the tiny African nation of Swaziland. How could I say no to that?
This Summer, in July 2017, her desire is to go on another month long mission trip. This time it is to Nepal.
I know there are plenty of people that need the Gospel preached to them and their needs met, right here on the home front- and Abby does outreach locally. But who am I to tell Abby, or anyone else, where God is telling them to “Go ye,” if God has laid somewhere on their heart? I held her back for a year the first time.
Here’s to the little girl with the little bit of an edge to her. The little girl with the gumption to reach for a dream and follow her heart for Jesus. I love you Abby.
So, if God speaks to your heart and leads you, go ahead and hit: DONATE
I got my first “hater,” response to one of my articles a few weeks ago on Twitter. Lol! Sigh.
“Mountaintops are for views and inspiration, but fruit is grown in the valleys.” – Billy Graham
attention to your heart and the stress, and the mess, and the blessed around you. It’s all potential writing material.
war effort, to meet the needs. We need civilians to educate themselves and participate.” -U.S. Army
ver really thought about it. I get treated well. Show support- like at
Be sober, be vigilant for your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 
The preaching of the gospel and salvation of souls is the primary focus and call of the Gospel. It is biblical that all else done in the name of the Church, as representatives of Jesus, should be done with this ultimate purpose in mind.
Tattoo It On Your Heart 