I belong to a group called Memoir Writers.  We meet twice a month and are assigned topics.  A while back, the topic was, either, A STRANGE ENCOUNTER or AN ENCOUNTER WITH A STRANGER.  I thought I would take the easy way out this week.  Hope you enjoy.

AN ENCOUNTER WITH A STRANGER

If mother told me about stranger danger, I did not listen to her.  To me, strangers are a story waiting to be told.  I heard a young man sing to some customers in his grandfather’s restaurant in southern Indiana.  His story?  He was earning spending money to go along with his full-ride scholarship to Juilliard.  I met a single dad, in Hannibal, Missouri, who told me, “I hated Mark Twain.  Every year, I had to write a paper on him.  When I graduated, I tossed my cap in the air and shouted:  NO MORE PAPERS ON MARK TWAIN.”  We then talked about how hard it was to be a single dad, with full custody of his daughter. 

Then there was the time I jumped into a stranger’s car.

I was in Terre Haute, Indiana.  My sister, mother, and I were having a great time.  The meal had been extra good.  The staff never said a thing about us visiting and laughing at family stories.  BUT every good thing must come to an end.  The owner came over and said, “We are about to close.”  Oh my.  We did not realize we had sat and talked that long.  We also did not realize it had rained.

 It was more of a downpour than the word rain would indicate.  The parking lot was flooded.  My car was on the far side of the parking lot.  Sitting there, all by itself, waiting.  My mother and sister agreed, “It is your car.  You can go get it.”  I did not even have a jacket to hold over my head.  What I had was a sweet, elderly lady who said, “My husband is getting our car.  There is no need for you to get wet too.  When he gets here, jump in the car and tell him I said to take you to your car.”  And I did just that! 

The car stopped.  I opened the door.  I jumped in the passenger's seat.  I said, to a very wet, confused man, with eyes that had a deer in the headlights look, “Your wife said you would be thrilled to take me to my car.  She doesn’t want me to melt.  Bless her heart.  My car is right over there.”  He took me to the car.  I told him, “Thank you.”  I got out and quickly got in my car. 

When I pulled up, my mother said, “I cannot believe you did that.”  My sister said, “I can.”

Many years later, I had the opportunity to pay it forward.  Again, I was in Terre Haute visiting my sister.  I was eating breakfast at the Hampton, when I heard a man talking to the lady at the registration counter.  “I have an appointment in 30 minutes and my rental car will not start.  Do you have a taxi service here?”  He was informed that there was one, but no way would a taxi get here in time.  The man looked worried.  He sighed loudly and said, “I have been trying to get an appointment with this company for a year.  If I do not get there …..” 

I finished the last sip of coffee.  I asked where this company was located.  It was about a mile down this street.  I looked at the man and said, “If you will wait for me while I get my purse, I will take you.” 

We walked out to my car and this stranger kept saying, “I cannot believe you are doing this.”  If I am honest, I couldn’t believe I was doing this either.  We arrived with 10 minutes to spare. 

North Manchester and Terre Haute are 186 miles apart, but news travels fast.  I called Bill.  “If you hear I picked up a man in the lobby of the hotel, I did.”

 

 

 SPREAD THE GOOD NEWS

Tell.  Tell.  Tell.  Be the light.  Spread the Good News of Jesus.  BUT …

What do you do when you try and the wheel falls off?  Last week I had 45 emails bounce back.  45!!!  Talk about being frustrated!!!  Those very same email addresses had worked the previous week. I even apologized and sent the blog out again.  Nope.  Still had them bounce back and, now, a few new ones were added.  I had emails bouncing all over the place.    I checked the ones that were from our church or friends.  The others were people I do not know but who want to read my blog or who are too polite to ask to be deleted.  

Why would this happen?  I was doing exactly what the Bible said to do.

He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭16‬:‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I tried.  I failed.  I was frustrated.

What now?  I will try again Friday to send out this blog.  Will there be a glitch again?  Or will the emails make it through?  I have no idea.  If it does, I will work to fix the problem.

Another type of spreading the word is telling family and friends.  BUT what if they do not listen?  What if we cannot get through to them?  What now?  PRAY FOR THEM!!

I often use scriptures and make them personal.  An example is Ephesians 2:1-10.  (Fill in the blank with the name or pronoun of your loved one or friend.)

Lord,________ is dead in _______ transgressions and sins. I understand because I was in the same lifestyle.  I followed the cravings of flesh, desires, and thoughts.  Please put someone in ______ life that will explain the great love God has for ___.  Let ____ find the mercy which will make ______ alive with Christ. Touch _____’s soul so _____ realizes that Christ sees ____ sin and still offers saving grace.  

Lord, let ___________ see the incomparable riches of God’s grace, which was expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. I pray that _________  is saved, through faith, as a gift of God, and discovers ____ was created by God.  

Lord, I pray __________ will hear your Word and turn from the ways of the world and toward eternal life with you.  Please put someone in ____  path if I am not the one to open ____ eyes.

Amen

Tell.  Tell.  Tell.  Be the light.  Spread the Good News of Jesus.  BUT …

What if things go wrong?  (Send the emails again and then work on the problem.  Do not give up.)

What if they will not listen?  (Pray.  Pray.  Pray.  While you pray, accept that it might be someone else that gets through to them.)

FEEDING THE FIVE THOUSAND

 

Jesus had just heard about the death of John the Baptist.   

As soon as Jesus heard the news, he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone.   But the crowds heard where he was headed and followed on foot from many towns.   Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.

 

That evening the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late.  Send the crowds away so they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.

 

 But Jesus said, “That isn’t necessary—you feed them.”

 

“But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish!” they answered. 

 

“Bring them here,” he said.  Then he told the people to sit down on the grass.  Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them.  Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he gave the bread to the disciples, who distributed it to the people.  They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers.  About 5,000 men were fed that day, in addition to all the women and children!

       Matthew 14:13-21 NLT

I like this story, but I wonder what it would look like today.  I can picture …

Peter looked around and said, “Here we go again.  A crowd and I am responsible for the legal stuff.  It used to be so easy.  A crowd came and Jesus healed and taught.  Not now.  I'd better get to it.”  Peter then made sure they had all the permits and checked on local restrictions.   

The news spread fast.  “JESUS IS GOING TO BE ON THE HILL.”  Things started happening!  The local ticket broker printed tickets for the section close to where Jesus would be.  Ticket sales went through the roof.  The man, who had the only porta-pots within fifty miles, loaded them on the flatbed and headed to the hill.  The food truck owners also heard the news.  They took off, paying no attention to the speed limit.  The roads were congested with people walking.  The news reported that at least five thousand men, plus the women and children, were filling the hillside.  The reporter thought it was strange that there was no sound system and no band for an opening act.   

Jesus stepped out of the boat and the crowd became quiet.  He had compassion and healed the sick. Then he began to teach.

Towards evening, the disciples suggested that Jesus end his teaching and let the people go into the town and get something to eat.  Jesus chuckled and said, “Go into town?  Look around, there are food trucks and the Ubers are making so many deliveries they called Grubhub to help.  But sit back and wait.  I have an idea.”

Immediately, the food trucks discovered they were out of food.  The Ubers and Grubhubs stopped delivering.  Their electric cars suddenly needed charging.  Only a few people had gotten anything to eat because 99.9% were hanging onto every word.   

Jesus looked around and asked the disciples, “What food is available?”  

The disciples, still whispering about all the sources for food having shut down, said there were only two fish sandwiches and three extra buns from the golden arches.  Jesus told them, “That is perfect.  Bring them to me.”

Jesus looked up toward heaven and blessed the food.  Then he instructed the disciples to feed the people all they wanted.  The disciples did just that.  They fed the people and had baskets of food left.

= = = = = = = = = = = = =

I love this story and, yes, I let my imagination bring the story into today.  I think this story is told for many reasons.

Jesus healed and Jesus taught a whole lot of people.  These people will go home and tell a whole lot more people.  They would spread the message Jesus taught them and talk about the healings.  The Word of God can spread quickly, if we allow our lives to shine with God’s love and tell Jesus’ story to others.

Men, women, and children came because they were seeking to fill the hole in their lives that only God can fill.  They were hungry for the Good News Jesus was teaching.  They came to be fed.

HE FED THEM!!  Think about that.  He fed their bodies food that had been blessed.  He fed their souls with words from God.  They came to hear this man called Jesus because everyone was talking about him.  They left knowing earthly food fills us only until our next meal, BUT the Word of God fills our souls and lasts forever.

I also think this story was a lesson for the disciples, especially Peter.  Jesus was preparing them to feed his sheep.

A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

 

Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time.  He said, “Lord, you know everything.  You know that I love you.”

 

Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.”

        John 21:17

I have two questions:

1. Do you leave full when you pray, read the scriptures and spend time with Jesus?
2. What did they do with the leftovers?

WAIT QUIETLY, LET IT PASS

I enjoy a coloring app.  It is a time to breathe and step away from the reality of life.  And, yes, we all need to do that once in a while.  This popped up and, since I like frogs, I colored it.  

Then I realized I need to apply this to my life. 

Wait quietly, let it pass.  This is my new motto.  Not easy … waiting is extremely hard.  It requires patience.  It requires trust.  It requires working during the waiting.  It requires faith that God is in charge.  It requires me to take a breath and follow God instead of trying to lead Him.  (Again, not easy.  We try to do it our way first and, when that fails, we ask God to direct our path.)

The quiet part is not easy either.  Quiet means I must listen.  Quiet requires me to realize others have the right to speak out too.  When I do speak up for my beliefs, my one voice can be shut down by the silence of others.  (Please think about this.  Have you stopped speaking out about an issue or stopped speaking up for a cause because no one clicks the like button/leaves a comment?  Have you put your beliefs in the “Sunday only, at church” column?  Do people know what you stand for?  Do you support others when they have the courage to speak up?)

This also reminds me that “this” will pass.  Life is full of “this” thing and “that” thing.  They are temporary and, even during the waiting, I know I am not alone.  I have a God who gives me the strength to get through and family and friends who support me.  (When life is rough.  When you are going through trials, do you feel alone?  Do you ask for support or do you hide your fears and your needs, so others will think you are strong?  Do you know that God gives you strength and is beside you?)

Now, do not read anything into this.  There is nothing new.  I am just thinking about life and realizing I am blessed. 

I'd better get to the working part.  A bed waits to be made, the laundry will not get in the washer by itself, and I do believe there are bills to pay. 

And, sometime this week, wait quietly, let it pass.  In the waiting, we often find the answer and the help we need to be strong.

Have a super fantastic week. 

 

GOD IN A BOX

Our minister asked me where I get my blog ideas.  This week’s blog is because he mentioned putting God in a box.  That got my imagination going.  Going on warp speed.  Faster than Hans Solo could fly.  Or if I quoted Yoda, “Box God put in.”

Putting God in a box would take a bit of effort.  First, you would need a small box.  Why small?  If you used a big box, it would have to sit in the middle of the living room, and you would be tripping over it.  A small box can be stuffed into the back of a closet.  Out of sight, out of mind.

Next, you would have to find bubble wrap and newspaper.  You might want God in a box, but you would want to protect him with bubble wrap.  Another reason for a small box.  In the back of a closet, you would not hear God popping the bubble wrap.  Hey, he has to have something to do while waiting for you to come to your senses and take him out of the box.  The newspaper would be next.  Sticking crumpled newspaper into the corners will keep him from rolling around when you are carrying the box to the closet.

Next, you will need tape.  Not that tape will hold him, but the tape has writing on it.  You will need a roll of tape with FEAR written on it.  Rolls of tape labeled: WE HAVE ALWAYS DONE IT THIS WAY and THE MUSIC HAS CHANGED or LACK OF TRUST. Do not forget the tape that says, “BUT I DON’T WANT TO DO IT GOD’S WAY.”  There are many reasons we can find to secure God in the box.

Now you have all the supplies you need.  Go ahead.  Put God in a box.  We all put him there.  We all have different reasons.  We all have times when our faith dips and we question.  It is hard to go through trials or watch those we love go through trials.  Sometimes we put God in a box because we don’t want him to see our sins or our actions.

Putting God in a box will take some effort, BUT taking him out is easy.  Go to the closet and find the box.  Take it to a quiet area.  Find the scissors of BELIEF, MERCY, FORGIVENESS, and LOVE.  Cut right through that tape.  When you have all the tape cut away, open the box and you will not find God.

You see.  God does not stay in “our” boxes.  He stays right beside us.

 UPDATE:  The girl who was burned is doing much better.  She still has a long way to go and needs prayers and encouragement.  One more round of cards would be a blessing.

 Rosetta Lengacher

9036 W 800 S

South Whitley, IN 46787

USA

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IT IS ONLY APRIL

I am sitting outside and it feels so good.  A light breeze, blue sky, a few puffy clouds, and warm sunshine.  Oh, how good that feels.  The sounds and the view are special.  The birds are chirping.  The grass is green.  Some bushes are flowering.  I hear a lawnmower.  The trees are getting their leaves.  Yes, a treat to be sitting outside!!!

As I sit here, it is hard to remember:  IT IS ONLY APRIL!  Surely the weather is ready to be nice.  Or is it?  Our forecast: Today and tomorrow, we could have a chance for strong thunderstorms and gusty winds.  OH GREAT.  And a stronger system could move in Monday with renewed thunderstorms, with the potential to be strong to severe.  If that is not a big enough change in our weather, after Monday, there could be a large cool down by next weekend.

I have to keep telling myself, “It is only April.”

This weather is like a wolf in sheep’s clothing.  Teasing with some half-truths (or a few days of warm sunshine) and then, when the wolf has us tricked, he takes off the sheep’s clothing and reveals his true self.

“Watch out for false prophets.  They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.”

     Matthew 7:15 NIV

Be wary of false preachers who smile a lot, dripping with practiced sincerity.  Chances are they are out to rip you off some way of other.  Don’t be impressed with charisma; look for character.  Who preachers are is the main thing, not what they say.  A genuine leader will never exploit your emotions or your pocketbook.  These diseased trees with their bad apples are going to be chopped down and burned.

     Matthew 7:15-20 The Message

 I used the Message because it puts these verses in plain language.  BUT, how do we see beyond the outer skin and see the wolf? Examples are in ( ) to help get you thinking.

•  Listen and think.  —- Think before you agree with everything you are told.  (Just because you believe and pray, you still might not get the job, your mortgage will not magically disappear, and all your aches and pains will not go away.)
• Read the Bible and hold your ministers, teachers, and others in leadership roles accountable.  (I teach Sunday School and tell my class to read and study.  They are responsible for making sure I am teaching the truth.)
• Serve God!  (Serving may be helping at the food pantry.  It may be leading the singing.  It may be anything God asks you to do.  Yes, we are to tithe, but if a church only sees you for the money you can give, that is a church in sheep’s clothing.)

Celebrate the true Shepherd, Jesus, but be on guard.  There are a lot of wolves out there doing their best to take you down the wrong path.

 OUR GAME

Bill and I play a game almost every day.  It is called:  What do you want for supper?  This game has no rules.  Strictly question and answer.

Me:  “What do you want for supper?”

Bill:  “I don’t care.”

Me:  “We had that last night.  It was baked.”

Bill:  “What do you want for supper?”

Me:  “I don’t know.”

Bill:  “We had that Wednesday night.”

Me:  “Oh, right.”

You get the idea?  A good friend says they play this game also.  Being the “ladies of the house,” our job has been to plan meals.  And we are tired of our job.  It is not that we mind cooking.  We are just tired of making the decision on food.  Every day!  For our friend, a few years less, but I have been in charge of this for 60+ years.  Now, Bill had been in charge a few times when I have been laid up, but even then he would ask what I wanted to eat.  If I found a magic lamp, I would ask the genie for a personal chef.

Oh what a wonderful idea.  No matter how the day went, the evening meal would be prepared and placed on the table.  We could just sit down and enjoy!   Anyone know where I can find a magic lamp?

BUT … I wonder if it would get old?  Would I miss cooking?  Miss the challenge of making a meat loaf?  Would they make mashed potatoes as good as Bill does?  Would they know how to make cooked carrots with orange marmalade?  Would they cook green beans or serve them only dipped in hot water?  Would I still enjoy the meal if I put no effort into it?

Maybe this is how I treat God.  I want him to give me all the blessings — peace, strength, joy, comfort, healing — without me lifting a finger.  I’ve been a Christian for a whole lot of years.  Do I still have to pray, read the Bible, serve others, walk away from sin, hold family, friends, church family, and even strangers in my heart and prayers, and give thanks?  Do I still have to put in the effort?

I know the answer.  The answer is yes, I do.  I have to put in the effort.  I have responsibilities in my relationship with God.  Those responsibilities are no less now than they were the day I accepted the sacrifice Jesus paid on the Cross.  

BUT, if you do know where there is a magic lamp with a genie, I will allow beauty pageant contestants to wish for world peace.  I will go for a personal chef and sit down and enjoy supper.