One More Starfish

   
As the story goes…. ….Early one morning a man headed out for his customary walk on the beach near his house.  There had been a storm the night before.  Usually something unique would wash up on the sandy shore after a high surf.  He hoped for an unusual ‘find’ to add to his collection of ‘drift-items’.  

As he approached the beach he could see a young boy meandering down the beach. He would stop, lean down, pick up something and toss it into the ocean.   As the man came closer he could see what the boy was doing.  The beach was littered with Starfish that had washed up from the bottom of the ocean by the previous night’s storm.  

He asked the lad, “What are you doing?”   

 The boy, paused, and replied, “I’m rescuing the Starfish.”   

The man, with grown-up wisdom, observed…. “There are hundreds, maybe thousands of Starfish washed up!  There’s too many! It won’t make any difference!” 

The boy paused again, leaned over, picked up another Starfish and tossing it into the water, with a youthful innocence, replied, “It makes a difference to that one.”    Then he continued his meandering course down the beach, pausing, and picking up another stranded Starfish, tossing it into the ocean before it baked and died in the hot sun.  The man stood in awe. With each one tossed into the surf, the boy would say, “It makes a difference to that one……..It makes a difference to that one……… It makes a difference……” 

After a couple of minutes of watching the boy’s determined rescue – the man stepped over to a dying Starfish – leaning down, picked it up, tossing it into the water, saying, “Makes a difference to that one.” And, began his own meandering rescue. 

I don’t know that God is as concerned with great efforts, great programs or huge ministries as He is with our ‘one Starfish at a time’, personal efforts.  What “Starfish” has God put on the beach of our lives today?  What single effort can I do today to ‘make a difference’ – maybe in, or after, a storm has swept ashore, in our path, the debris of some life?   There’s no applause, no accolades, no Servant Towels, just the satisfaction of ‘I did what I could, with what I have’.    There may be times when we feel our efforts would be ineffective or too feeble compared to the overall task of making a ‘big’ difference.  Others may scoff or discourage our attempts with their own pessimistic conclusion, “It won’t make any difference.” 

Remember, discouragement is from the Father of Lies, not from the Father of Light!  Who knows that our ‘Starfish’ rescue effort is a smile, a word of encouragement, a hug, a prayer, an ‘attaboy’ or ‘attagirl’, a phone call, a card, an email, a little more in the contribution, a can of beans, a meal delivered, a visit, etc. We each can, I believe, find our own “Starfish”. The bottom line is we must set out to do what we find God has called us to do and purposed for each of us, respectively. 

So, whether your daily walk is a dead-on-target straight line or a meandering search on your beach of life – look for ‘one more Starfish’ because “It will make a difference for that one.” 

To Him Be the Glory and Praise.   

DANCING WITH GOD

u 

by ST Ledgerwood

When I meditated on the word GUIDANCE,  I kept seeing “dance”at the end of the word.

I remember reading that doing God’s will is a lot like dancing.

When two people try to lead, nothing feels right.  The movement doesn’t flow with the music, and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky.

When one person realizes that, and lets the other lead, both bodies begin to flow with the music.

One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back or by pressing lightly in one direcdtion or another.

It’s as if two become one body, moving beautifully.  The dance takes surrender, willingness, and attentiveness from one person and gentle guidance and skill from the other.

My eyes drew back to the word ‘GUIDANCE’.

When I saw “G”; I thought of God, followed by “u” and “i”.   “God”, “u” and “i” ,”dance.” God, you and I dance!

As I lowered my head, I became willing to trust that I would get guidance about my life.

Once again, I became willing to let God lead.  My prayer for you today is that God’s blessings and mercies be upon you on this day and everyday.  May you abide in God as God abides in you.  Dance together with God, trusting Him to lead and guide you through each season of your life.

KEEP YOUR FORK

There was a young woman who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and had been given three months to live.  So as she was getting her things “in order”, she contacted her minister and had him come to her house to discuss certain aspects of her final wishes.

She told him which songs she wanted sung at the service, what scriptures she would like read, and what outfit she wanted to be buried in.

 Everything was in order and the minister was preparing to leave when the young woman suddenly remembered something very important to her.  “There’s one more thing,” she said excitedly.  “What’s that?” was the minister’s reply.

“This is very important,” the young woman continued.  “I want to buried with a fork in my right hand.”

The minister stood looking at the young woman, not knowing quite what to say.

“That surprises you, doesn’t it?” the young woman asked.

“Well, to be honest, I’m puzzled by the request,” said the minister.

The young woman explained: “My grandmother once told me this story, and from that time on I have always tried to pass along its message to those I love and those who are in need of encouragement.

She said, “In all my years of attending socials and dinners, I always remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably lean over and say, “Keep your fork.”  It was my favorite part because I knew something better was coming…….like velvet chocolate cake or deep-dish apple pie.  Something wonderful and with substance!”

So, I just want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my hand and I want them to wonder, “ What’s with the fork?”  Then I want you to tell them: “Keep your fork – for the best is yet to come.”

The minister’s eyes welled up with tears of joy as he hugged the young woman ‘good-bye’.  He knew this would be one of the last times he would see her before she died.  But he also knew that the young woman had a better grasp of heaven than he did.  She had a better grasp of what heaven would be like than most people twice her age with twice as much experience and knowledge.

SHE KNEW THAT SOMETHING BETTER WAS COMING!

So, the next time you reach for your fork, let it remind you , ever so gently, that “the best is yet to come!”

Author – unknown (at least to me).

“300″ – Over the Top!

Yes, “300″, the movie IS Over The Top!  I agree with the critic I read in his review who blasted “300″ as “Over The Top“. 

It is OTT in it’s vivid portrayal of war, politics, adultery, etc., etc.  It is  not for the squeamish and those with sensitive natures.  And, there is nudity.  Okay, something for everybody.  No!  It’s not a “Christian” movie.  Well, duhhhh….

And it is OTT in it’s portrayal of the Spartans‘ adherence to loyalty, honor, devotion, comradeship and patriotism.   Some good lessons there!

OTT, also, are the battle scenes which are bloody, intense, graphic with a lot of blood, lopped off heads, arms, legs….what else should I say…you get the picture.  And, you may NOT want to see it!   Absolutely no one you would call your ‘kid’ should see it.   Only the mature with strong stomachs would want to pay their buck$ for this flick.  

The ‘liberals’ will ignore it and those that don’t will resoundingly condemn it.  Why?  Because there is a underlying theme that is extremely devoted to PATRIOTISM and the sacrifice it takes to defend freedom!  

 War is portrayed as it IS!  Horrible!  Today, men (and women) die in defense of their country so others can live free.  And, that’s exactly what the 300 Spartans accomplished at Thermopylae in withstanding  King Xerxes’ (husband of Esther!) million man army for three days.   Estimates vary but the Persian horde lost between 150,000 and 250,000 men.   Some give the number as high as 600,000 (probably exaggerated) who died on the swords and spears of the 300 Greek warriors.  

It was a turning point in world history!  All of Greece rallied and finally sent 40,000 soldiers against the remnants of the 100 nation alliance and turned them away.   And, following that conflict the roots of DEMOCRACY were planted in the world.   That theme, the price paid by a few for the welfare of the many, is also OTT!  And, reflect on the fact that our “democracy” today had it’s origin in the efforts of the 300!

Our freedom and the freedom of countless others comes at a high price.  It always has!  It always will!  The movie “300″ just brings it gut level to what our men and women who defend OUR FREEDOM face today! 

I’m not a warmonger but I am a PATRIOT and I support our efforts wherever our forces are fighting anyone who seeks to destroy our freedom…and that of others.  And, my prayers are for those who lay their lives on the line day and night for my country.

Welcome Storms because……

A smooth sea never made a skilled mariner….English proverb.

Amazing Grace – Amazing song facts.

 

Amazing Facts about “Amazing Grace”
Lyrics of “Amazing Grace,” by John Newton (1725-1807)

1. The lyrics were written by a reformed British slave trader turned
Anglican minister who wrote it for a New Year’s Day church service in 1773.

2. The tune for Amazing Grace is an early American melody and was not
matched to the words until 1835 in William Walker’s Southern Harmony. Until
then it was set to a variety of tunes.

3. The final stanza-’When we’ve been there ten thousand years’-was added by
Edwin Othello Excell in 1909 and was taken from another hymn.

4. Amazing Grace is considered to be the anthem of the Cherokee Nation
because the song was sung on the Trail of Tears during 1838-39.

5. The first gospel recording of Amazing Grace was made in 1926 by Rev. H.
R. Tomlin. Over 3200 different recordings now exist. Most of the recordings
of Amazing Grace have been made since Judy Collins had a surprise pop hit
with the song in 1971.

6. A survey of British teenagers in the mid-1970s found that the majority
thought that Amazing Grace was a love song about a girl named Grace.

7. Amazing Grace was sung at the funerals of Richard Nixon, Sonny Bono,
Barry Goldwater, Joe DiMaggio and John Kennedy Jr.

8. After his time in the slave trade, it took John Newton three decades to
convert to the abolitionist cause. He was influenced by young Wilberforce
who admired Newton as a mentor.

9. Newton died 200 years ago in 1807, the same year the British slave trade
was finally abolished due to the efforts of a young man whom Newton had
mentored (William Wilberforce; 1759 – 1833).

10. A new movie titled “Amazing Grace” is now playing telling Wilberforce’s
story. His Christian faith led him to consider leaving politics for the
ministry. John Newton, his elder mentor, persuaded young Wilberforce to
“serve God where he was.” Wilberforce realized that his political life
could be used for the service of God and he became the foremost foe of
slavery and advocate for moral reform in his generation.
__._,_.___

When Is God Awake?

by Carl W. Wade 

He was just ready to close his eyes.   It’s bedtime, tuck-in-time, prayer-time….the last question-of-the-night-time.   Dad leans over to give him “a night-night-kiss-on-the-noggin”…..

……”Dad?  When does God wake up?”  

Dad, pauses, searching for just the right, fatherly, all-wise answer of the ages…..

…….”Well, I was just wondering.  Every morning I’m trying to wake up before God so I can see him turn the sun on!”

As an intelligent, spiritual reader you and I know the answer.    But it’s a good question – and for other times, too.  

The storm is bellowing with wind and waves soaking the crew of the little boat.  Their fishing craft is filling up with water!   Up to their knees! 

 In panic they’re screaming….”We’re going down!” “We’re sinking!”  “Bail faster!”  “Where’s the Master?!”   ……”Asleep?!..Wake him up…..we’re going to drown!!!”

 How could the man who walks on water…..sleep….during a howling storm?! How dare this worker of miracles, walker on water…..sleep….when we’re going to drown!

How could he sleep?  Why didn’t he help during the crisis?  Didn’t he care?  They shouted the question above the howl of the wind…….”Master!  Don’t you care that we perish?!”

Kinda like our questions in the crisis of our lives also…huh?   When the storms of life hit – when the big Katrina rakes our lives, blows away all we held dear and precious, we suddenly realize how feeble and frail we are…what’s our question?   How’s our panic?  Where’s our faith?

He rises from his slumber….wet like the rest….and speaks calmly into the storm, “Peace…..Be still.”  And it’s all quiet, except for the dripping of water from the mast & men.   They’re still breathing heavily from the struggle to stay afloat.  

His eyes are kind, his words piercing…..”Why are you so fearful…..you men of little faith?”

These are words and event they will reflect on and preach on the rest of their lives…after the resurrection.

When is God awake?   Let’s wake up real early and see if we can catch Him turning on the sun.   We already know when He turned on the Son to light our lives and keep us safe in the storm.

THE ‘SECOND CLASS’ DAD

                       

THE ‘SECOND CLASS’ DAD  

                      (written by one)            

 He was an acquaintance of mine – at the church we attended in Chattanooga a few years ago.  Not a close friend.  He was a dad with two children, 8 & 12 yrs old, boy and girl, respectively.  He was then divorced.     We happened to bump into each other one day at a Subway.  And we had lunch together. He was usually a quiet person, sorta remote, seemingly.  But that day he wanted to talk.  He told me about some of his life. 

He was 32.  He played football in high school.   He had some college education.  He married his high school sweetheart.  He struggled in his small landscaping business.  Then, came the divorce. She left him for another man. He didn’t dwell on it long. Mostly he talked about his kids.  They were the light of his life! Being a single dad was thrust upon him.  And he said, now being “single” and “a dad” he felt he had somehow become a ‘second class citizen’, at his church.   I didn’t detect bitterness in him, but there was disappointment.  He lamented that since his divorce he wasn’t called upon any more to lead in any worship activities. Before the divorce he was very active.  His situation wasn’t, isn’t, unique. It’s an attitude thing in the church as a whole. 

After all we exalt marriage and place it on a pedestal. And rightly so.  So when divorce knocks you off of the lofty perch you do feel less than what you were. I believe it’s due too, to faulty stereotyping.   He added, “Now I sit in the back of the church.”  A sad commentary which speaks volumes.  I could fully empathize with him.  From my previous work as a Singles’ Minister in Atlanta I had seen that attitude in other churches.  I know it’s a struggle for most churches not to regard single adults as ‘2^nd class’ – or just ignore them. Most churches are ‘couple’ oriented.  I don’t believe most churches plan it that way, it just happens. Leaders are all married with stable home environments and it’s difficult for them to really relate to ‘single hood’.   It’s unfamiliar terrain for them. Its one thing to read a map, its altogether another to hack your way through a jungle.   

Few churches have viable ministries to single adults.  And fewer still, to single dads.   ‘Single Mom’ ministries are here and there.   It’s like single moms have more sensitive feelings and greater love for their children – than the dad – ditto on the faulty stereotyping thing again. 

Since we lived in the same area of the city I’d see him out and about during the week, from time to time, driving his old beat-up flat bed truck, hauling plants and landscaping materials.  Often his kids would be with him.  He would tell me how they were his ‘helpers’.  They’d beam with pride.  He was proud of them. He told me how he had to go to court to ‘get his visitation rights’ with his children, even though he hadn’t been charged with any marital misbehavior.  The stated reason for their divorce was the ‘catch-all’ and ‘divorce-all’ – “irreconcilable differences”. Still he would have to prove he was a worthy dad and fight the courts’ stereotyping of a single dad.  He won. 

 Ed’s story probably parallels a growing number of Christian men today.  These are dads who find themselves in a role they didn’t want or ask for – being a single dad.  I’ve been there, twice – once through death – now in divorce.  Yes, I write this from a very subjective position.  But being a single dad – again – in no way changes my affection nor desire in being a loving, caring and protective dad.  Like so many other Single Dads our role in “Daddy-ship” is accentuated, not diminished!   

The default thinking today, in our society and the courts, favors the single mom.  And the dad?  Well, even though he loves his children, he is deprived of them most days and nights.  Many single dads have been responsible, loving fathers struggling to provide the best of themselves and things for their families.  Now his role has been diminished, and, so has he.   He misses most the daily relationship of a father to his children, his family.  He is now relegated to certain times on assigned days, to be a father.   That’s the real world. 

So, on behalf of all Single Dads – those of us who were (are) devoted to our families.  To those who live in this undesired role – they don’t ask for pity or favoritism.  However, understanding, respect and consideration, is nice.  Of course, Ed was wrong in his feelings.  We’re not “second class dads”.    

And, oh by the way…..we’re not going away! Our tribe is increasing – if the statisticians and James Dobson (Focus on the Family) are correct – then over 50% of our ‘church’ marriages will dissolve in divorce!    That’s a gate that church leadership can’t seem to shut.   

So here we are church, dads without partners.  The question is – “What do you do with us?”  For some of us sitting in the back of the church is not an option. 

And in June …..Happy Father’s Day!   (Should you say that to a single dad?) 

In His love

Carl Wade

Understanding Southerners!

now u know why i am the way i am

Only a Southerner knows the difference between a hissie fit and a conniption fit, and that you don’t “HAVE” them, you “PITCH” them.
_____Only a Southerner knows how many fish, collard greens, turnip greens, peas, beans, etc., make up “a mess.”
_____

Only a Southerner can show or point out to you the general direction of “yonder.”
_____

Only a Southerner knows exactly how long “directly” is — as in: “Going to town, be back directly.”
_____

Even Southern babies know that “Gimme some sugar” is not a request for the white, granular sweet substance that sits in a pretty little bowl in the middle of the table.
_____

All Southerners know exactly when “by and by” is. They might not use the term, but they know the concept well.
_____

Only a Southerner knows instinctively that the best gesture of  solace for a neighbor who’s got trouble is a plate of hot fried chicken and a big bowl of cold potato salad. If the neighbor’s trouble is a real crisis, they also know to add a large banana
puddin!
_____

Only Southerners grow up knowing the difference between “right near” and “a right far piece.” They also know that “just down the road” can be 1 mile or 20.
_____

Only a Southerner, both knows and understands, the difference between a redneck, a good ol’ boy, and po’ white trash.
_____

No true Southerner would ever assume that the car with the flashing turn signal is actually going to make a turn.
_____

A Southerner knows that “fixin” can be used as a noun, a verb, or an adverb.
_____

Only Southerners make friends while standing in lines. We don’t do “queues,” we do “lines”; and when we’re “in line ,” we talk to everybody!

______

Put 100 Southerners in a room and half of them will discover they’re related, even if only by marriage.
_____

Southerners never refer to one person as “ya’ll.”
_____

Southerners know grits come from corn and how to eat them.
_____

Every Southerner knows tomatoes with eggs, bacon, grits, and coffee are perfectly wonderful; that red eye gravy is also a breakfast food; and that fried green tomatoes are not a breakfast food.
_____

When you hear someone say, “Well, I caught myself lookin’,” you know you are in the presence of a genuine Southerner!
_____

Only true Southerners say “sweet tea” and “sweet milk.” Sweet tea indicates the need for sugar and lots of it — we do not like our tea unsweetened. “Sweet milk” means you don’t want buttermilk.
_____

And a true Southerner knows you don’t scream obscenities at little old ladies who drive 30 MPH on the freeway. You just say, “Bless her heart” and go your own way.
_____

To those of you who’re still a little embarrassed by your Southerness: Take two tent revivals and a dose of sausage gravy and call me in the morning.

Bless your heart!
_____

And to those of you who are still having a hard time understanding all this Southern stuff, bless your hearts, I hear they are fixin’ to have classes on Southernness as a second language!
_____

And for those that are not from the South but have lived here for a long time, ya’ll need a sign to hang on ya’lls front porch that reads “I aint from the South but I got here as fast as I could.”

Boycott Citco & Chavez

Boycott Citco and Chavez

JJ says,
Venezuela Dictator Hugo Chavez has vowed to bring down the U.S. government. Chavez, president of Venezuela, told a TV audience: “Enough of imperialist aggression; we must tell the world: down with the U.S. empire. We have to bury imperialism this century.” The guest on his television program, beamed across Venezuela, was Cindy Sheehan, the antiwar activist. Chavez recently had as his guest Harry Belafonte, who called President Bush “the greatest terrorist in the world.”Chavez is pushing a socialist revolution and has a close alliance with Cuban dictator Fidel Castro.

Regardless of your feelings about the war in Iraq, the issue here is that we have a socialist dictator vowing to bring down the government of the U.S. And he is using our money to achieve his goal!The Venezuela government, run by dictator Chavez, is the sole owner of Citgo gas company. Sales of products at Citgo stations send money back to Chavez to help him in his vow to bring down our government.

Take Action! Send an email to Chavez and to Citgo that you will not be shopping at a Citgo station. Why should U.S. citizens who love freedom be financing a dictator who has vowed to take down our government?

Click Here To Send Your Email Letter Now!
(Please email this post to your friends and family. Most of them don’t know that Citgo is owned by the Venezuela government.)This content provided by American Family Association.

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