Diane Mickler's Blog

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning. Lamentations 3:22-23

There is an old proverb that says, “You are never too old to learn.” The proverb explains that people can acquire new knowledge and skills at any age regardless of their spiritual and/or mental limitations! It emphasizes that the human brain remains capable of forming new connections and learning new things throughout life which encourages a mindset of lifelong learning and personal growth rather than using the excuse that we might be too old to learn new things!

Just because we get older it doesn’t mean that God has relieved us of our responsibilities to Him and to others. There are so many ways that we can contribute to this world. Don’t be like the man who said, “I get up each morning and dust off my wits. I go out. get the paper, and read the obits. If my name is missing, I know I’m not dead. I eat a good breakfast and go back to bed.”

If we stay aware, there’s something we can do every day to make someone’s day. I love it when someone says or does something to or for another which can be very generic, but it seems to be just what they needed, and they respond with, “Thank you, that made my day.” I’ve had that happen to me on many occasions, and I never forgot the way it made me feel.

There are so many people in this world who could use a kind word, a simple kindness, a pat on the back, a hug, or just a smile and that makes their day. Andy Rooney once said, “I’ve learned that just one person saying to me, You’ve made my day, makes my day.

A couple of weeks ago, I had one of these experiences, and it was amazing the way it made my day. It happened on a shopping trip to Publix. The pumpkin muffins, pumpkin bread, and these new little pumpkin cream cheese bites had just been put out for sale. Of course, I had to buy one of these, so I decided on a package of the bites for my breakfast sweet.

As I placed those bites down with my other groceries at check out, they made their way from the cashier to the bag boy who was waiting. This young man has worked there forever, and I casually know him to speak and wave. However, when he saw those bites, his eyes lit up! He got so excited laughing, clapping his hands, and saying “I’ve never seen these. Boy, do they look good!”

His excitment was contagious and pretty soon all of us were laughing. As he was about to bag them, I said, “Would you like to open them up and taste one for me?” He stopped, looked at me, then at the cashier, and said “Yes!” He politely asked her if it was all right, she looked at me, I nodded, and he began to clap his hands.

We opened the package, he took one, his eyes rolled back in his head, and he laughed and licked his lips as he walked up and down by the cashier. By this time, we were all laughing, so I shared the rest with all those around. (I didn’t need them anyway.) The cashier smiled and said, that made his day and mine, too. It made mine as well..

As a Christian, how would God have us make someone’s day? First, in everything we do, it should be done to glorify God. There’s nothing in the Bible that says we should give up on a purpose for our lives. Those around us can see God through us as we strive to make their day through some unselfish act.

Next, we should listen to God’s direction and obey Him. When we feel God leading us to do something for others, listen. He’s showing us how to make someone’s day.

Finally, we should allow ourselves to enjoy the blessings God is putting before us. There’s nothing like the joy we get when we make someone’s day by being the person God has created us to be.

God is faithful. Whatever circumstances to make someone’s day that might arise each day, God is with you and smiling. So, go ahead, make their day!

Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father, There is no shadow of turning with Thee. Thou changest not. Thy compassions, they fail not, As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be. Thomas Chisholm

Judge not lest ye be judged. Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults – unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Matthew 7:1

There is precious little to watch on television these days, and so last week, I found myself returning to the old Matlock series. It was a bit refreshing to watch as Matlock, the defense attorney, matched wits with the prosecuting attorney and the judge. Of course, almost every episode ends the same way with justice prevaiing, and the defendant being proved innocent. The jury listened to the facts, and the judge ruled.

There are appropriate and inappropriate times and ways to judge others. Christ, however, in His sermon on the Mount instructs us to pay more attention to our own faults rather than judging the faults of others.

Judging is defined as forming an opinion or critical assessment based on limited evidence which often produces negative assumptions. The laws of our land proclaim that a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty, but in everyday life, many times people falsely judged are never allowed that privilege.

Years ago there was a story of the “Gentleman Bandit” in New Jersey, a man who robbed many banks in the area. He stood out because he was so polite. He would pass a note to the tellers which read, “Please, place all your money in this bag. Thank you.”

The wide spread publicity led to a very unlikely arrest – a Catholic priest! His church was appalled, but they stood beside him because they knew him and his character. They signed petitions, protested, and came up with his bail. Meanwhile, the eye witnesses positively identified him, and the media began to dig into his past looking for anything with which to judge him.

People across the country and even those in his own church began to speculate that perhaps he had a sociopathic personality which allowed him to rob banks during the week and preach on Sunday with no guilt. Pretty soon, everyone, including his own congregation, had judged him to be guilty. The priest steadfastly, but confidently continued to proclaim his innocence.

Then, a funny thing happened. The real “Gentleman Bandit” was caught red handed. As it turned out, he was the spitting image of the priest. It’s just that he wasn’t the priest! The priest was released, the church threw him a big party assuming that he had forgiven them all, and the news media and those who had prematurely judged him went on to the next story!

Unfortunately, this story is all too common in this world of today. Without knowing all the facts, coupled with listening to unreliable sources, we make judgments about people. We, who call ourselves Christians, spread rumors under the guise of telling the truth as we see it. We destroy people’s character, and we question their integrity without ever having proof that they are guilty.

Since the assassination of Charlie Kirk, there has been a wave of judgment. There have been judgments on the rights of free speech and exactly how far that right goes. There have been judgments on the job security of airline personnel, teachers, and many others. There have been judgments on how late night hosts may or may not have gone too far with their comments. Who really sits in a seat of judgment?

One thing that can be said with certainty about judging others is that it then becomes more difficult to do an acceptable job of judging ourselves. Someone once asked, “Why is it that my dirt is never as dirty as your dirt from my perspective, and your dirt is never as dirty as my dirt from your perspective? “

There are three things to remember when we are tempted to judge others. First, remember that we will be judged by the same standards that we use to judge others.

Next, remember that each of us is accountable to God. He will judge us honestly, fairly, and truthfully. Finally, remember how merciful God has been to us with His forgiveness, His mercy, and His judgment.

When we are tempted to judge others, I would remind all of us of a saying my Grandmother loved even if she didn’t always practice it: “If you can’t say something good, don’t say anything at all.” I would rephrase it: “If you can’t be fair in your judgment, try not to judge at all.”

This is no afternoon athletic contest that we will walk away and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps. A life or death fight to the finish against the devil and all his angels. Be prepared, you are up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting, you’ll still be on your feet. Ephesians 6:12-13

This past week has been so terribly unbelieveable that it is almost impossible to put into words the emotions, the disbelief, and the anguish our country has experienced. A couple of months ago, a dear friend, Marion, used the acronym F.R.O.G in one of her writings. It stands for Fully Relying On God, and I can’t think of any better way for us to handle the tragedies of the past week.

The above scripture instructs Christians to put on the “full armor of God” to stand firm against the spiritual struggle, not with people, but rather against demonic powers like rulers and authorites in the heavenly realm.

It confuses me to read that scripture and yet be able to put a face to the person who has committed such unspeakable crimes. It is almost impossible to look beyond their faces and see the unseen enemy. It is what controls the person that is our true enemy. That’s when I repeat F.R.O.G. to myself, and I try to leave it in His hands.

When we Fully Rely On God, we trust His faithfulness and wisdom even in difficult times. Each time our nation faces a tragedy, it seems to enable each American no matter the differences, to turn to prayer, a moment of silence in remembrance, acknowledge a flag flown at half mast, and an acknowledgement of His power over our circumstances. We all bond together in Christian love and prayer, and in a few weeks, it is all forgotten.

Charlie Kirk was a deeply religious man, but also a man devoted to listening to the views, opinions, and beliefs of others even though they might be different from his own. He gained his inner peace, confidence, and endruance through His faith and recognition that God provides for all our needs through His unchanging and eternal nature. We must Fully Rely on God to deal with our confusion.

Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian immigrant, did nothing more than board a subway in Charlotte, NC, and she became the victim of a stabbing. She had survived in the Ukraine in a bomb shelter and made her way to Charlotte seeking nothing more than refuge and promise. Her only mistake was boarding a subway train. We remember to F.R.O.G.

As the unrest deepens and more social media sites stir up the political unrest in our country, our job is to be the voice of reason in an otherwise insane atmosphere. We are to Fully Rely On God.

Just like the young man, who instead of asking questions of Charlie Kirk, chose to climb up on a roof and with a single shot end a life, people are taking drastic measures when they disagree with others. As Christians, we have to be ready to defend our faith and political views in a way that mirrors Jesus while wearing “the full armor of Christ.”

In her remarks, Erika Kirk vowed to keep her husband’s legacy alive. She said, “If you think my husband’s mission was powerful before, you have no idea what you have just unleashed across this entire country and this world.”

My prayer is that Christians can ignite an awakening that the battle is not physical, but spiritual, requiring divine power rather than worldly methods. Spiritual weapons such as prayer, the Bible, and relying on God’s strength are the things we need to win the battle.

We can be certain that Charlie Kirk is resting in the arms of his Savior. God bless the Kirk family.

The lot is cast unto the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord. Proverbs 16:33

“Povidence is a permanent activity of God. He is never a spectator. He always directs everything toward fulfillment. Yet God’s directing creativity always creates through the freedom of man and through the spontaneity and structural wholeness of all creatures.” Paul Tillich

This Thursday is the twenty fourth anniversary of the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Our remembrance of that day becomes a little more muted with each passing year, and yet, most of us remember exactly where we were when we heard the news.

In the last generation, which includes ours, the assasination of President John F. Kennedy was the historical marker. Each of my peers can remember that day like it was yesterday.

To this generation, the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Virginia, and the crash in Shanksville, Pennsylvania of Flight 93 on September 11, 2001 will be our historical marker. Again, most of us can remember exactly where we were.

Providence is defined as the protective care of God, or to see in advance and propvide for. When horrific things happen, we tend to question the providencial care of God, but as a believer there are three words that should not be in our vocabulary: luck, coincidence, and fate.

On that day, we were angry, confused, and fearful. We asked questions like, “Why God, have you abandoned us? How could this happen? Will it ever happen again? ” We want peace, and yet we want vengance.

There are stories of different people who were spared that day because they stopped for coffee, were running late, or changed flights. How do we explain it? Theologian Dr. R. C. had this to say, “God’s sovereign providence stands over and above our actions. He works out His will through the actions of human wills without violating the freedom of those human wills.”

On September 11, terrorists hijacked United Airlines Flight 93 after it left Newark intending to fly to Washington, D.C. The hijackers took over the cockpit on a suicide mission to create more devastation. Once the flight crew and passengers heard of the planes which crashed into the towers, they made a decision to fight back.

Todd Beamer, a passenger and one of the leaders of the group, is said to have said, “Let’s Roll” to the 911 operator and the other passengers just before they stormed the cockpit to stop the hijackers. His words became a symbol of courage and resilience inspiring others to join the effort which prevented the plane from reaching its target in Washington, D.C.

A total of 44 people died on that flight, 33 passengers, 7 crew members, and 4 terrorists. How do we explain those who gave their lives? Was it fate? Was it coincidence? Was it bravery? Was it providence?

We have many occasions in this life to ask, “Why God have you abandoned us?” We see unnecessary suffering, pain, and hardship. We endure many things which we might consider unfair. Everything from the untimely death of someone we love, to the horrific events in this world. Many of us could point to difficult times in our families, with our friends, in our community, and in our world.

The question rightly comes, “How are we to face such difficult times?” Simply put, we have to simply trust in the providence of God. None of the tragedies that we face have caught God by surprise, neither has God abdicated control of the situation. For some reason or another, God has brought these things into our lives. We need to trust Him through all of them

Hope and trust in the Lord will come as we learn to understand that God is providentially in charge of all things! A man once wrote to his minister after ahis wife’s visit with her doctor; “Tough news from our end, but God in His providence is on the throne.”

As we remember those who lost their lives, let’s also remember all the brave men and women of the police force, the fire department, the military and the emergency personnel, the doctors, nurses, and every person who gave “the last full measure of devotion.” Abraham Lincoln

Our country tis of Thee, sweet land of liberty, to thee we sing. Long may our land be bright with freedom’s holy light, protect us by thy might, Great God our KIng. Samuel Francis Smith

Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confidant that you will get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Colossians 3: 23-24 The Message

Today we celebrate Labor Day which is thought of as the unofficial beginning of fall. It’s a bit of a strange holiday because even though we call it “Labor Day”, it’s a day where people labor as little as possible and most working folks have the day off!

Labor Day was first celebrated in New York City in 1882 to honor the nation’s workers stemming from the 19th century labor movement and The Industrial Revolution. In 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed legislation establishing the first Monday in September as a federal holiday to acknowledge the contributions of workers.

The holiday is different for different people. For example, for the person who works each day, it’s a day off, but for a Mom it’s a day with the kids and the spouse, so it can be a difficult day rather than a holiday. For the policeman, it’s a day with extra heavy traffic and more alcohol abuse, but for the farmer and the rancher, it’s just another day to feed the cattle and work in the field.

As much as we sometimes dread going to work, work is good for us. It’s actually a healthy thing to do because it exercises both the body and the brain. Most poeople don’t die from hard work or being overworked, they die from doing nothing!

God was a worker! He set about creating the heavens and the earth. On the first day, He gave light. The second day, He created the sky. The third day, He labored to create the land, seas, and plants. The fourth day, He put in place the sun, moon, and stars. The fifth day was the day He created the sea creatures and the birds. The sixth day, He made the land animals and humans. The seventh day, He rested!

From the beginning, God gave the humans that he had created work to do. Adam and Eve were charged with working to tend the Garden of Eden. Shepherds labored to tend the sheep in their care. When Jesus came, He had the job of being a carpenter, and He worked with his hands in Joseph’s carpentry shop.

Andrew, Peter,James,and John labored as fishermen. Matthew worked as a tax collector. Jesus also worked at choosing His disciples, and He called the disciples from their jobs to a new job being “fishers of men.”

Paul says that we are to consider our labor as a service to God no matter what we do. Whatever we do, we are to do it to the glory of God and not just to gain status or power.

As Christians, we can labor for the Lord by serving those who need us. Last week, we witnessed yet another senseless tragedy at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis which resulted in the death of two children. No one is immune to the horrors that unfold before us, and it is our job to reach out to our fellow man with the love of Christ.

We can also labor with dignity and intelligence in our daily tasks by praying and living a life of obedience while serving in our community and church.

Ultimately, any labor that we do that is focused on God, rather than self, becomes a way to bring glory to Him and advance His kingdom.

The hymn When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder expresses our hope and belief in being present for “roll call” when the roll is called in heaven saying that our job here is done.

Let us labor for the Master from the dawn to setting sun, Let us talk of all His wondrous love and care. When the saved of earth shall gather over on the other shore, and the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there! James M. Black

Happy Labor Day!

Be glad in God! I don’t mind repeating what I have written in earlier letters, and I hope you don’t mind hearing it again. Better safe than sorry! Phillippians 3:1

Many years ago when our kids were small, we had to drive around 10-15 miles to take them to a movie. It was sometimes difficult to get everyone “ready to roll,” and thus, we often arrived after the movie of choice had begun!

We usually missed the first ten to fifteen minutes of the movie by the time we bought snacks and got settled. Even though it wasn’t hard to ascertain the plot of the movie, the kids always wanted to stay and watch the next showing from the beginning! It is entirely possible that they just wanted an excuse to have more popcorn, but none the less, we acquiesced and waited for the movie to begin again!

Usually by the time the next movie had started again, Randy’s patience was running thin, but the kids were totally absorbed. Suddenly, Randy would stand up and announce, “All right ya’ll, this is where we came in! Let’s go!!

The expression This is where I came in originates from the practice of continuous movie screenings in early 20th century cinemas. The viewers could enter a film in progress, stay to watch the part they missed, and identify their entry point to others.

The phrase is also used to describe a situation where a discussion, argument, or project has returned to its starting point often indicating that things are going in circles or have an unresolved pattern. At this point, folks are known to say, This is where I came in!

Most teachers I know were subjected to faculty meetings every week! We were required to attend, but usually after the first ten minutes, most of us were thinking, This is where I came in!.

I’m pretty sure that God feels like This is where I came in in regard to many in the Old Testament, the New Testament, and this world of today. People in all of these had occasions where they ignored God, they disobeyed God, or they just refused to listen.

Adam and Eve are the classic case of disobedience. God only asked one thing of them, “Do not eat from the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil.” Satan was able to tempt them into doing just that, and God probably said, This is where I came in!

The Israelites, despite witnessing God’s power, repeatedly ignored His request to trust and obey Him. That’s when God said, This is where I came in, and decreed that they would not enter the Promised Land.

The parable in Luke of a rich man and Lazarus, tells of a rich man who refused to listen to the needs of Lazarus. After the rich man’s death, he found himself in eternal torment emphasizing the consequences of refusing to listen to God. God said, This is where I came in and punished the rich man.

The world of today has views which ignore God, disobey God, and refuse to listen to Him. For example, people may believe that science dispells the idea that miracles exist because it goes against scientific principles. God says, This is where I came in!

God says, “Thou shall not kill”, and there are people who continue to do just that in this world. God says, This is where I came in!

In the scripture above, Paul would have us to remember not to tire of hearing the scripture that tells us to obey God, to listen to God, and to never ignore His teachings. Don’t tire and think This is where I came in!. The scripture and teachings are definitely worth repeating. Never tire of telling it over and over.

There is an old hymn, I Love To Tell The Story, that expresses the need to repeat the wonders of God.

I love to tell the story of unseen things above. Of Jesus and His glory, Of Jesus and His love. I love to tell the story because I know tis true; It satisfies my longing as nothing else can do. I love to tell the story, Twill be my theme in glory; To tell the old, old, story of Jesus and His love. Words and music by Arabella Hankey and William Fischer

The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything which makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. Hebrews 11:1 The Message

During the 1970’s, Heinz catsup had a commercial which aired to show the television audience just how rich and thick their catsup was compared to other brands. In the add, as the catsup slowly poured from the Heinz bottle, the song, Anticipation by Carly Simon, was playing in the background while viewers watched the catsup slowly pour from the bottle over a plate of french fries. It was the perfect illustration of anticipation!

Anticipation is defined as waiting eagerly for something you know is going to happen. At this time of year, the anticipation around our house is building every day as we await the beginning of another season of College Football and the Dawgs back in action. The prognosticators have been working feverishly to set the stage for what they say will be, the best season ever.

Randy and most of his buddies, can tell you exactly how many days, hours, and minutes are left before the players hit the field, the football is “teed up”, the whistle blows, and the game begins. We’ve anticipated this day for about seven months, and the day is almost here!!

Sometimes it’s exciting to anticipate an event, a trip, a special occasion, etc., but on the other hand, it can be nerve wracking. Anticipation is basically a meditation on the notions of time, and how we all get trapped thinking about the future instead of enjoying the present.

In the spring of 1924, Jack Sundine was a four year old kid, standing in a line with his father inside the White House, eagerly anticipating meeting President Calvin Coolidge. As they neared him, Jack noticed that the President said something to each visitor. He couldn’t wait to hear what the President would say to him. Soon the thrilling moment arrived. Jack put his small hand in the hand of the President’s. Then the President said words Jack had not anticipated, but he would never forget: “Move along.” Not the ending he had anticipated.

Sometimes anticipation doesn’t live up to our hopes, but it is a powerful thing if it is directed in the right manner toward the right thing. Anticipation can either destroy your peace and even your faith through worry and anxiety over what is, or something that may never happen, or it can spur you onward in faith and joy.

Anticipation is a core element of the Christian faith, involving not just waiting, but also actively preparing and living in a way that reflects Christ’s teachings. As Christians, we are anticipating the return of Jesus someday, and the ongoing presence of His grace in this world of today.

There is a tension we feel in this country as we try to get a grip on the senseless shootings, natural disasters, and everyday pain, frustration, and sadness. Things that we never in our wildest thoughts anticipated would happen in our country are happening right before our eyes, and we seem helpless to stop them.

On a daily basis, we see much unrest, war, and human suffering. It is frustrating as we ponder an answer to these problems, but if we look ahead with a sense of anticipation, we remember that we also have faith in Jesus to handle his world.

Anticipation is about expectation. We look ahead to what is coming and believe with certainty that it will happen. Another word for anticpation and expectation is faith. Faith is the confidence that what we believe is true, and our faith as believers is rooted in who Jesus is, what He has done, and what He will do.

Rather than anticpating the worst, try remembering that whether we experience good things right now or one day in eternity, good things are ahead because our God is faithful and everything He promises is true.

Andy Warhol said, The idea of anticipating something makes it more exciting. As we enter the fall, and all the anticipation ahead of us remember that He has made an awful lot of exciting things for us to enjoy! Go Dawgs!

Anyone who has seen me, has seen the Father. John 14:9

There was a news story this week which highlighted a seagull on the beaches in Connecticut. It appears that he terrorizes beachgoers by swooping down and stealing their food, even several sandwiches at one time. The situation has gotten so bad, that the county has put up wanted signs on the beach which show a picture of the seagull with the words, Have you seen him?

The seagull’s name is Cecil, and he is known for his persistence, biting while stealing sandwiches, and arriving just at lunchtime when the food begins to appear.

Seagulls are present on beaches everywhere, and we have always found them to be pretty even tempered animals. However, many beaches do warn against feeding them as they are nature’s ultimate opportunists when it comes to food.

I began to wonder what would happen if we placed signs with a picture of Jesus around a community with the words, Have you seen Him? In the scripture above, Jesus is telling his disciples that “If they have seen Him, they have seen God.” There are so many times and places in our daily lives where we “See God” without even noticing it!

The disciples and many of the people in the New Testament were fortunate enough to see Jesus in the flesh when He walked among them. We will need to be content with feeling His spirit and seeing His works until that day when we will see him face to face.

People experience Him in a variety of ways, from profound life altering encounters to subtle every day feelings. Some may find Jesus in moments of peace, joy, or a sense of connection to something greater than ourselves while others find Him in life altering situations. These experiences are deeply personal and vary greatly from one person to another.

Seeing Jesus in our everyday places is like seeing a reflection of God’s nature and character. If we are honest, most of us feel the reassurance of seeing God’s hand in the things and events of life.

For example, have you seen Him in the first light of day while the “dew is still on the roses”? Who else could bless us with the beauty of each new day?

Have you seen Him in the face of a newborn baby as parents and family feel that sense of unconditional love and connection?

Have you seen Him in acts of service as the joy of selfless giving of ourselves and our resources show us God’s love in action through Missions to others?

Have you seen HIm in challenging situations when He bestows peace, strength, or hope in the way that allows us to experience God’s presence?

Have you seen Him when hummingbirds come back every year to visit as a reminder of those who are no longer with us, but with the reassurance that God is there?

Have you seen Him during “rainbow days” when His promise is bright and reassuring in the heavens?

Have you seen HIm through people who remain “anonymous” even though they give so much of themselves to others?

Have you seen Him in the comforting words and actions of those around us when we lose a loved one?

Have you seen Him through the kindness of others?

Have you seen Him through prayer and meditation that allows you to develop a deeper connection with Him?

Have you seen Him in the mundane of the everyday life such as a commute, a grocery store line, or a long hold on the phone?

Have you seen Him in the faces of the young person who is leaving home for the college adventure and dealing with all the excitement and emotion that accompanies that big step in life?

Have you seen Him in the many volunteers who rush to aid victims of floods, fires, or other natural disasters?

Have you seen Him in the faces of congregations across this world as they joyfully offer praises and thanks to Him in worship?

As Christians, we know that we are supposed to see Him in our lives every day growing, strengthening, guiding , and sustaining us everyday. However, for many of us, hearing the words, “Have you seen Him?” become just a cliche’ because many of us miss seeing Him in our every day lives because of the distractions all around us.

Even with the beauty of creation, the natural wonders of the world, the cycle of life, etc., we don’t take the time to really see Him. In this world, we heavily rely on what we can see as we face the circumstances of life which captures our focus and our attention.

God is never silent in our lives, and we only need to be aware of His presence to see Him. Finally brethern, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of a good report; think on these things and you will see Him. (Phillippians 4:8)

I will probably never see Cecil, but I can say that I will see God in the everyday miracles of this life!

Words have immense power, both bringing life and causing death. Proverbs 18-21

It’s hard to believe that teachers, students, and parents are getting back to school and back to the routine that goes with it! The first day of school can be traumatic especially for the kindergarten classes because some parents have a hard time saying the word, good bye. When the teachers manage to pry the kids away from the parents, the three words or phraases most often heard from the parents are, I love you, mind your teacher, see you later, or do your best!

Words have the ability to bring both positive or negative consequences. They can impact relationships and self esteem, build up or tear down, encourage or discourage, inspire or demoralize. Words reveal the condition of our heart, and they should be those of encouragement rather than words of anger, judgment, or criticism.

Words have incredible power. The story is told of a teacher who had the same group of students when they were in the third grade, and she had them again when they were in the ninth grade. She immediately noticed the change in attitude and the condition of their heart near the beginning of the new year, so she gave them an assignment.

The teacher had the students take out a piece of paper, write the name of each person in the class, and then write the nicest thing they could think about of this person. She took the list and composed a list for each of the students of the nicest words their classmates had written about them.

Nothing was said, but in later years one of their classmates was killed in Viet Nam. At the funeral, his mother pulled out the paper of the nicest words the classmates had written about him and explained that he took this paper with him as he fought in Viet Nam. At that point, others in the class revealed that they, too, kept this paper and read the kind words frequently. Words have power.

God used words to create the world. Words like, let there be light, let the birds fly, let the earth bring forth vegetation, and let us make humankind in our image. Genesis says that He spoke these words, He didn’t just think them. The words we speak have power.

Parents speak words in raising their children. Words like, Lord help me, Lord forgive me, Lord show me the way, and Lord thank you. Speaking the words gives us power and strength than we don’t have.

As a teacher, we learned that positive words get much greater results with students than negative ones. If you start a sentence with “DON’T”, the negative connitation is there. For example, rather than saying “don’t run” use the word, “walk”, and it gets more attention.

Lately, I’ve wondered if we could write a message to God with only three words, what would it be? I think mine would be Lord, thank you. Most of us, myself included, love to hear words of thanks and appreciation because there is a lot of power in words of gratitude. I realized that I don’t say those words enough.

Samuel Lebowitz, a lawyer who saved seventy eight people from the electric chair admited that not one of them reached out to say thank you for his help. It’s the same with many professions. The author William Steiger was asked if he could remember how he became such a master of words, and he pointed to one specific teacher. After the interview, he wrote her a letter of thanks. She wrote back these words, “I taught school for over fifty years, and yours is the first note of thanks I have ever received.” Words of gratitude and thanks can warm a cold heart.

As this new school year begins, it would be great to start it with words that are filled with inspiration, affirmation, and gratitude! “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14

Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your promises, give it all you’ve got, be resolute, and love without stopping. 1 Corinthians 16:14 The Message

In the early years of the 1970’s, Randy and I were both attending The University of Georgia. Although, we were friends, we had never dated at this point in our relationship. It was during this time that we watched with great interest as many of our friends gave or received a “promise ring”. The “promise ring” was very trendy, and it offered a way for those who were either too young to get engaged or those who just didn’t want to rush into marriage to continue their relationship.

A promise is defined as a declaration or assurance that one will do a particular thing or that a particular thing will happen. Some who received the promise ring went on to get married, but for some of them, the promise of the ring never came to fruition.

In essence, marriage is a promise between two people built on love, faithfulness, and a mutual commitment which mirrors the relationship between Christ and the church. In the wedding vows, the couple promises to remain faithful in love and commitment by taking these vows:”I take you to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in heath, to love and to cherish from this day forward, and forsaking all others remain faithful until death do us part.”

Fifty three years ago this week, Randy and I stood before the altar at Friendship United Methodst Church in Donalsonville, and we took these vows. These are the promises that we made to each other before God, our loved ones, and our friends. At that time, we willingly and joyfully made these promises to each other never knowing what would lie ahead.

One of our minister friends told us on that day, “You think you know today what love is and what a promise means, but you will look back years later and realize that it takes years of being partners in your marriage to truly understand. The love you feel for each other today can not compare to the love you will feel in the later years.” I can attest that there were never truer words.

We started out without a clue where life would lead us, and it has led us in some pretty interesting places, times, and situations. It has never been perfect, but God has never ceased to amaze me! As Randy said when he “proposed,” You will never be rich, but I promise you will never be bored.

If I could add to the marriage vows today, I would use the words of Rob Flood. He says: With these words, I will seek to build you up rather than tear you down. With these words, I will do all that I can do to reiterate what you mean in a way that honors and respects you. With these hands, I will touch you caringly, seeking unity even through the hardest conversations. With these eyes, I will look on you tenderly, avoiding judgment 0r scorn. With these ears, I will listen intently to understand what you are trying to say. With this heart, I will seek to love the Lord first and foremost, loving you all the while. With these words, I will share grace, mercy, and forgiveness as it has been abundantly shared with me by our Savior. And with God’s help, our communication will draw us more closely together for the good of our home and the glory of God.

Someone once said that promises are made to be broken, but God is not like that person. What He says, He does, and that is a promise.

Mark Twain wrote these words about promises entitled These I Can Promise. I cannot promise you a life of sunshine; I cannot promise riches, wealth. or gold; I cannot promise you an easy pathway, That leads away from change or growing old. But I can promise you all my heart’s devotion; A smile to chase away your tears of sorrow; A love that’s ever true and ever growing; A hand to hold in yours through each tomorrow.

Happy Anniversary, Randy. I love you!