Monday Morning Memo: Selective Hearing

A mother shared with me recently her frustration with her children not listening when they are told to do something.  She said that she and her husband usually have to repeat themselves over and over again before their children do what they are told to do.  She thought it would get better as her children grew older, but that hasn’t been the case.

Her dilemma brought back memories of when our three children were at home and I doubt there is a parent that couldn’t relate to this problem.  Unfortunately, children tend to have selective hearing skills and often only hear what they want to hear.  One way to see if your child has chosen to have selective hearing skills is to say to them, “Hey, who wants ice cream?”  If they immediately say, “I DO!” you can be pretty sure that they are probably making the choice not to hear you when you tell them to do something!  Very few children have to be asked over and over again if they want something that is a delectable delight or is a fun adventure.

We came to the realization with our children that they usually did hear us the first time and so we decided that there would be a consequence if they didn’t obey the first time.  We had to figure out what the one thing was that each child really didn’t want to lose and then if they chose not to obey, that one privilege was taken away.  For example, if one of our children loved electronics and made the decision not to obey us, those electronics were taken away from them for an undisclosed length of time.

The reason we didn’t tell them how long they would be without their “privilege” was because we realized that if we told them a week, that child would behave beautifully for a week until they got their privilege returned to them and then their bad habit would return.  So, we told them that when we saw a consistent change in their behavior, they would regain their privilege.  I can remember being asked, “How much longer?” several times because it really was hard on them to not know when their privilege would be returned.

Do you know what?  All three of our children survived and soon learned to listen the first time they were told to do something.  We didn’t even have to count…which is a huge pet peeve of mine. I will probably get flack for this, but it really bothers me when I hear a parent tell their child to do something and when they choose not to listen, the adult starts counting. “One…two…three…four…five…and I’ve heard some go up as far as ten and many times nothing happens at that point. The adult stops counting and the child still chooses not to listen.  Why? Because that little darling is smarter than you think and they know that you will tire of counting!  

Parenting is hard…really hard…and you will face many challenges along the way.  I know that it isn’t always easy being the “bad guy” to your children because we all want our children to think we are the greatest and be our friend.  But we need to remember that children are actually happier when they have boundaries and limits and that one of our jobs as a parent is to make sure they learn to respect and honor those who have authority over them.

Ephesians 6:2-3 tells us, “Honor your father and mother” – which is the first commandment with a promise– “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”  Most children are not going to automatically learn to honor their parents and those in authority without our guidance.  We must be consistent and loving in our discipline because we know that this is what God wants for them.  Learning this will become a life skill that will go with them the rest of their lives.  If we can keep that in mind now when they are young, there is a higher probability that as adults they will have a positive influence on our world in the years to come.  And that will make these trying days oh so worth it!

Monday Morning Memo: Divine Intervention

Our pastor is currently sharing with us a sermon series entitled, “Uncomfortable: Being the Church is Difficult”.  As always, his sermons are so timely with where we are personally, as a church, as a community and as a country.

Every sermon in this series has been great, but the one a week ago on September 30^th, really spoke to me.  He talked about the believers in Acts when the Holy Spirit came upon them.  He shared how Peter then spoke to all who came to see what was going on and he told them that they needed to repent.  He said, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.  Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away – all who have been called by the Lord our God.”  Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!”  Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day – about 3,000 in all (Acts 2:38-41).

Wouldn’t it be awesome if this happened today? Can you imagine if 3,000 were added to our church in one day?  Many churches are doing good to add a handful of people in a year…let alone 3,000 in one day!

The question then becomes…why aren’t we seeing “scenes” like this today?  What was going on then with Jesus’ followers that isn’t going on today?  Could it be that we are just not willing to be that committed?  Do we wish it would happen, but yet show with our actions that it just isn’t a priority?

Our pastor then reminded us that if we expect to experience God’s power, as they did in Acts, we have to be committed to sustained prayer.  We can’t just throw up a prayer when we finally find a spare minute and expect to experience the Holy Spirit to work within us and through us.  It made me think of the times when I have done just that. Those times when I’ve tried to do things on my own, not allowing Him to be in control, and then throw up a prayer when I get things all messed up asking Him to fix it.  I’m doubtful that acting this way will allow me to see the Holy Spirit work in a powerful way in my life.  

Pastor Gary then closed with these questions:  “What if we lived in such a way that we were constantly and desperately crying out for Divine intervention?  What if we got serious and prayed, ‘God, we can’t do this on our own.  We need You. We need the filling of your Spirit.’” I haven’t been able to get those questions out of my mind and I decided that morning that I would be committed to praying this way.  Since then, I have been constantly and desperately crying out for God’s Divine intervention in many situations in our government, our church and in my own family. I want to see Him work in a mighty way in and through my life so that others will see Him through me.  I want to see thousands added to His Kingdom.  I want to see miracles happen on a daily basis. I want to be so filled with His Spirit that I am overflowing with His strength, wisdom and power.

How about you?  Are you satisfied with the status quo, only praying and seeking Him when you need Him to do something for you?  If not, I urge you to begin to constantly and desperately cry out for God’s Divine intervention.  I believe you and I will see His Spirit work in a mighty way, like we have never seen before.  There are thousands and thousands of people that need to accept His amazing grace and they need to see Him in us.  I’m expecting great things as we realize that we can’t do it on our own and we rely on Him to work in us and through us in the days ahead! 

Monday Morning Memo: Thankful. Grateful. Blessed.

Last week marked one year since I headed in for my fifth back surgery, thinking it would be the “easiest” one of all of them…only to wake up and find out it had been the most extensive one.  I’ll never forget my surgeon standing at the foot of my bed after it was over, shaking his head and saying, “I am sorry LuAnn.  It was so much worse than I imagined.  I can’t even tell you how long of a recovery this will be…but it will be a long one.” 

Unfortunately he was right.  It has been a very long recovery, with an unexpected knee replacement thrown in the mix.  There have been good days and there have been some very bad days, when it took every ounce of fortitude I could muster, just to get out of bed.  But when I look back over the past year, there is one word that just keeps coming to my mind: BLESSED.

Through it all, I have been blessed.  Now before you start thinking that I am writing this just to sound spiritual, let me assure you that I am not.  I’m not trying to paint a picture of being such a strong, devoted follower of Jesus that I didn’t ever whine, complain or become discouraged…because I did all of those things (just ask my husband).  I even had times when I was pretty ticked at Jesus for making me go through all of this.  So since I’m usually pretty honest with my readers, I have to admit that I haven’t always walked a righteous, sinless path during this time of recovery.

But regardless of my actions or reactions, Jesus has never left my side.  Not once did He throw His arms up in disgust and decide that I was just too much of a bother to Him.  I have never felt like He wanted me to just pull myself up by my bootstraps and march on, because I know that when I’ve hurt…He has hurt.  When I’ve cried…He has cried.  When I’ve rejoiced over steps forward…He has rejoiced with me.  

When I look back over the last year, I am so very thankful, incredibly grateful and unbelievably blessed.  Over and over again, Christ has shown me that His timing is perfect and His ways need to be my ways.  It is usually when I try relying on my strength alone, that I find myself in the valley of discouragement.  

On the anniversary of my back surgery last week, I had the privilege of speaking at the Palestine Christian Church in Wolcott, IN. The evening was a wonderful reminder of Christ’s faithfulness and His many blessings.  I’m not sure I have ever met a more welcoming and loving group of women as I did that evening.  As I drove home, I felt so blessed that my health has been restored enough that I was able to share with these sisters in Christ.

The following morning, Ezra John Yue Tan, our 9 lb 14 oz third grandson, joined our family.  Again, his arrival showed me how God’s timing in my life had been perfect leading up to his arrival, since I’ve had time to recuperate from my knee surgery so I could help my daughter and her family.  Even when things made no sense to me…they made perfect sense to God. 

  

Isaiah 41:10 tells us, “Don’t be afraid,for I am with you.  Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” These are such encouraging words for us to read, especially when we are going through times of trials.  No matter what we are going through, He is with us and He will never leave us to fend for ourselves.  

If you are in a valley of discouragement right now, you may want to reflect on the past year and make a list of those times when you saw God’s hand at work in your life.  You just might be surprised at how often His timing proved to be perfect for you.  As a result, even in the darkest times, you may realize how very thankful, incredibly grateful and unbelievably blessed you are.  

Monday Morning Memo: Am I Willing?

This will be another life changing week for our family, as we will welcome our fourth grandchild into the world.  Our daughter, Megan, will give birth to their third son and we can hardly wait.  

To me, it seems like Megan’s pregnancy has gone by quickly…but then I haven’t been the one carrying the baby!  She has been the one to go through all of the physical changes as this precious little one has grown and developed these past nine months. She has been the one to deal with the morning sickness, the tiredness, the frequent trips to the bathroom and the punches and kicks under her ribs.  She has been the one to, in many ways, sacrifice her body for these past months to enable their son to have life.

I can remember the times when I would get discouraged during my pregnancies and my mom would say to me, “LuAnn, it will all be worth it when you hold your baby in your arms.”  She wanted me to stay focused, to remember why I was willing to sacrifice my comfort, so that someone else could have life.   

This makes me think of all of those who serve in our military.  They too realize when they enlist, that they will have to sacrifice their comfort for a time. They have to be willing to put themselves in harm’s way, sometimes giving their life as a sacrifice, to allow us to live in freedom. They have to stay focused and remember that their unselfish giving is so that others, such as us, can have life.

All of this led me to think about the word “sacrifice” this past weekend.  What am I willing to sacrifice in my life, so that others might have life in Christ? Am I willing to be uncomfortable? Am I willing to suffer if it means that others will experience His amazing grace?  Am I willing to give my all?

I have to be honest, I prove by my actions that my answer isn’t always “Yes” to these questions.  Unfortunately, I’m not always willing.  I sometimes choose my physical comfort over concern for those who need my Jesus.  I’m not always willing to sacrifice anything that may end up causing me pain…even when I know someone else’s eternal destiny is at risk.  Ouch.  That’s hard to admit.  Sometimes I’m just not willing.

Jesus is working on me to be more prepared to do whatever it takes to impact eternity…even if it makes me uncomfortable or causes me pain.  I want to get to the place where, when I hear the word sacrifice, I don’t cringe. Instead, I want to be the one who steps up and offers my life to be used to bring Him more glory and to increase the numbers in heaven.

I can almost hear my mom, who is already experiencing eternity with her Jesus, saying to me, “LuAnn it will all be worth it when those you sacrifice for join you in eternity with your Jesus!”  She would tell me to stay focused, to be willing to give my all so that others can find life.

It all comes down to the simple question, “Am I willing?”     Are you?

Monday Morning Memo: Unexpected "Hiccups"

It seems like I have heard the question “Why?” asked often lately by various friends.  Why is God allowing so many natural disasters to occur?  Why am I being afflicted with one health problem after another?  Why did my spouse walk away from our marriage?  Why did God take my spouse in the prime of their life?  Why aren’t my children following the Lord like I want them to?  Why are we struggling to make ends meet, when others who aren’t following the Lord seem to prosper?

Why?  It’s a question that many of us ask at some time during our lives, and unfortunately, we often don’t receive an answer.  At least we don’t receive the answer that we want to hear.  If you are like me, then you want things to be much more black and white…an answer for everything…and you want to be able to plan your future without unexpected “hiccups”.   Unforeseen detours can sure put a wrench in our plans and that often leads us to ask why.

A friend of mine posted this graphic last week and it really spoke to me.  I would imagine that being thrown into a fiery furnace was not in Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego’s plans and could have been classified as a major unexpected “hiccup”. King Nebuchadnezzar had them thrown in to the fiery blaze because they refused to bow down to the golden image that he had set up for the people to worship.  Even though these three men knew that they would suffer severe consequences for disobeying King Nebuchadnezzar, they knew that God was able to deliver them.

You would think that because Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were willing to give their all for their God, that God would just snuff out the flames.  Or maybe He would have the King have second thoughts and at the last minute pull them aside, safe and sound.  No, God allowed the flames to roar as the men were thrown in.  I just love this story.  We read in Daniel 3:19-25, “Nebuchadnezzar was so furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego that his face became distorted with rage.  He commanded that the furnace be heated seven times hotter than usual.  Then he ordered some of the strongest men of his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and throw them in to the blazing furnace. So they tied them up and threw them in to the furnace, fully dressed in their pants, turbans, robes and othergarments.  And because the king, in his anger, had demanded such a hot fire in the furnace, the flames killed the soldiers as they threw the three men in.   So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, securely tied, fell into the roaring flames.

But suddenly, Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in amazement and exclaimed to his advisors, “Didn’t we tie up three men and throw them in the furnace?” Yes, your majesty, we surely did,” they replied.  

“Look!” Nebuchadnezzar shouted. “I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire unharmed!  And the fourth looks like a god.”

If there were ever three people who could have asked “Why?” it was Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, but that isn’t what we hear them saying. They trusted their God to do what was best for them and do what would bring God the most glory.  The result?  The rest of the chapter tells us, “Then Nebuchadnezzar came as close as he could to the door of the flaming furnace and shouted: ‘Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out!  Come here!’ So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stepped out of the fire.  Then the high officers, officials, governors, and advisers crowded around them and saw that the fire had not touched them.  Not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched.  They didn’t even smell of smoke!  Then Nebuchadnezzar said, ‘Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego!  He sent his angel to rescue his servants who trusted in him.  They defied the king’s command and were willing to die rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.  Therefore, I make this decree:  If any people, whatever their race or nation or language, speak a word against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, they will be torn limb from limb, and their houses will be turned into heaps of rubble.  There is no other god who can rescue like this!’”

Wow.  Many lives were changed because these three men trusted their God, even when their circumstances didn’t make sense.  I wonder if I would see more miraculous things happen if I spent less time asking “Why?” and more time just trusting God. If He could protect them from the raging heat…He can probably take care of me during my unexpected “hiccups”.  I may never have the answer to the “why” questions of my life…but I can rest in the fact that I am not alone because my Jesus walks beside me.  

This week, why not join me in asking “Why?” less often and trusting our Jesus to do what is best for us and do what will bring Him the most glory.  We just might see some miracles happen before our eyes too!

Monday Morning Memo: Cheerleaders Needed!

We have had some exciting weeks in our family. Every family has events and milestones that are celebrated…but there are certain occurrences that really rank high enough to cause some heavy-duty rejoicing. What has happened?  Two of our grandchildren have been experiencing the life-altering experience of potty training J

Now for the parents of these precious children, I’m doubtful that the word “exciting” has been used very often during this time of training.  But to their grandma…this is such a fun time. I was working in the kitchen one day when my phone rang and I saw that my daughter was face-timing me.  As I accepted the call, all I saw on the screen was the face of my two-year-old grandson, Ezekiel, and he was grinning from ear to ear.  Without saying a word, he backed up so I could see what was causing his huge smile.  He was wearing big-boy underwear.  If you heard yelling and clapping from my area of the state, it was because this grandma was so proud!  I showered him with praises and told him what a grown up boy he is.

Within just a few weeks, my phone rang and I saw that my daughter-in-law was face-timing me.  As I clicked into the call, there was my two-year-old granddaughter, Emma, smiling from ear to ear.  As soon as she saw me, she said, “Grandma…I pooped on the potty!”  Oh what a time of celebration we had!  I showered her with praises and I told her what a grown up girl she is.

I love these times when I can pour love and self-worth into my grandchildren.  I want them to know that their grandma and grandpa care about every area of their lives and that we are here to be their cheerleaders.

How different it would be if they would call to share their accomplishments, and my answer would be, “Well it’s about time. I mean, for pete’s sake, other kids have been trained for quite some time by now.  What took you so long?  I thought you were calling to tell me something more important than the fact that you are wearing Paw Patrol or Elmo underwear.”

I hope I never do or say anything of that nature to them.  But yet, how often do I say something similar to those who are new believers?  For some reason, I often expect those who are young in their walk with Jesus to just suddenly be changed and not still holding on to their past.  Oh, I may not always say it to their face, but I shake my head when I see them reverting back to their old ways, wondering how long it will take for them to learn. Instead of coming alongside them, being their cheerleader and helping them celebrate each new milestone as a new child of our Jesus, I just expect them to be immediately matured in their faith. No wonder many often get so discouraged that they give up.  

I’m guessing there are many of us who need a good lesson in cheerleading.  The dictionary says that a cheerleader is a supporter and an uncritical enthusiast. Oh how wonderful it would be if we would all learn to be loving supporters and uncritical enthusiasts of those who are new on their walk…striving to look like our Jesus. Maybe if we look more like our Jesus as we help them, they will be encouraged to continue on.  Oh what a time of celebration we will have as we all mature together!  

“So let’s agree to use all our energy in getting along with each other. Help others with encouraging words; don’t drag them down by finding fault. You’re certainly not going to permit an argument over what is served or not served at supper to wreck God’s work among you, are you? I said it before and I’ll say it again: All food is good, but it can turn bad if you use it badly, if you use it to trip others up and send them sprawling. When you sit down to a meal, your primary concern should not be to feed your own face but to share the life of Jesus. So be sensitive and courteous to the others who are eating. Don’t eat or say or do things that might interfere with the free exchange of love.”

Romans 14:19-21 The Message

                                                       

Monday Morning Memo: Our Legacy

Each day I receive an e-mail, which contains various quotes.  I usually skim through the quotes and many of them get deleted.  But there are those that speak to me and I often get my ideas for my devotionals based on something I have read from these e-mails.  I recently came across this quote on legacy and I haven’t been able to get it off my mind this past week.  I kept wondering how the Lord was going to use it in my life and little did I know it would come to life in the hills of Tennessee several days ago.

This story begins four years ago when we were vacationing in Sevierville, TN, and we found an amazing BBQ restaurant in what seemed like the “boonies”.  The food was outstanding and so we were so disappointed when we found out the business had closed the next time we were in the area.  Imagine our delight when I discovered a couple weeks ago that it had reopened and so we set our plans to eat there this past Thursday and then we returned on Friday to once again get our fill of the delicious food.

The establishment, Preacher’s Smokehouse, had a new owner but the food did not disappoint.  Neither did the fellowship.  On Thursday we sat next to a couple from Kansas who love the Lord and talked about the importance of living their lives as an example to those they meet.  Then on Friday, we had the opportunity to spend time with the owner, the preacher himself.  He shared how he works construction Monday – Wednesday to pay the bills,  then runs the restaurant Thursday – Saturday and then preaches right in the restaurant on Sunday.  He told us about the many meals he prepares each week to feed the families in their community that are struggling to make ends meet.  These parents have to work two jobs and live in some of the area motels. So he prepares food to make sure that they, along with their children, get a good hot meal three nights a week. There are no strings attached. The families don’t have to attend church to be fed.  He just wants them to know that there are people who love them and care about them.

We heard about the thousands of meals he prepared to feed those who were fighting the fires two years ago in the Gatlinburg area. He told us about how faithful God was during that time, as person after person came to him to donate propane, charcoal, meat, beans, etc.  Whatever was needed…God provided and the preacher’s face just lit up as he talked about the joy of serving others.

As we drove away, I knew that this quote on legacy had just been lived out right in front of me.  This preacher understands that every day his choices will write his legacy.  It was obvious that many of the things that others hold tightly, just aren’t important to him.  I believe he realizes that when the Lord calls him home, people won’t remember him for how much is in his bank account or what degrees are or aren’t hanging on his wall.  They will remember him because of his love and devotion to his Jesus, which is obviously what fuels him each and every day.

It was a good reminder that the same is true for me. It won’t matter what I own, what degrees I have, how many blog posts or books I’ve written…what will matter in the end is whether I have chosen to serve my Jesus each and every day. Serving Him is what will make the difference on the legacy that I leave behind.  My prayer is that the “pen” that I hold will be used to share the love of Jesus to those I come in contact with, with no strings attached.  Some may never see my Jesus…if they don’t first see Him in me.

By the way, if you are ever in the Sevierville area…I highly recommend that you make the drive to see the preacher and his sweet wife and eat some of their goodies.  I guarantee that you won’t be disappointed! 

“Wherever your treasure is, 

there the desires of your heart 

will also be.”

Matthew 6:21