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May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him so that you may overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Jesus said “Have you believed because you have seen me?” John 20:29

A few years ago my friend Penny and I were talking about our young grandkids, and she asked the age old question, “Do they still believe in Santa?” I replied, “Well, if they don’t, they won’t admit it because they know the presents could be negatively effected if they do!”

Penny agreed and then proceeded to tell me a story. It seems that she had a friend whose middle school daughter still believed in Santa. The child had been home schooled so she wasn’t privy to the usual school yard conversations and revelations that can occur during this time of year. Her mother thought it best to go ahead and break the news to her before she began her middle school year in the public school system.

The daughter took the news badly, and said to her mom, “Oh, no. if Santa isn’t real that means the Easter Bunny isn’t real! Next, you are going to tell me that Jesus isn’t real either!!” Believing in something or someone can sometimes lead to disappointment.

At this time of year, believing in Santa is the highlight for many children. They see his image everywhere, and it is easy for them to conjure up his image in their mind. They are very familiar with his red cheeks, white beard, jolly ho ho ho, and jelly belly. Believing is easy with Santa even if we don’t know his background.

Saint Nicholas was originally a bishop of the church in the fourth century. He was a very generous man who gave many charitable gifts and helped many poor and needy people. He also spent several years in prison because of his faith, and while he was there, he converted many prisoners to Jesus Christ.

Saint Nicholas was a good man who helped the poor, and Santa is the symbol that conveys the spirit of his generosity and love. The Santa that we have created and in which children believe, is supposed to be the one who has his historical origin in the bishop who obeyed God’s command that we love and help others in need. We believe.

However, it is Jesus that should be the main focus of the Christmas story. It is His birth that we celebrate along with the gifts of joy, peace, and love that He brings to each of us who believe. The story of Jesus has historical roots as well, and yet rarely can children conjure up a picture of this man.

The Book of John gives credence to the story of Jesus by declaring the things that were recorded during His life were done so by people who actually saw and heard the stories. The manger, the birth, the star, the angels, the shepherds, and the wise men are not legends, but rather people who were there and witnessed the miracle. Do we believe ?

The word believe is defined as accepting something as true. In order to believe, one must entrust one’s heart to someone or something through love, loyalty, and committment.

The good news of Jesus is that people can see him in their minds, not as a Santa, but as a Savior. Unlike Santa, He doesn’t look the same for everyone. James Taylor wrote, Some people see Him lily white, the baby Jesus born this night. Some people see Him bronzed and brown, the Lord of earth from heaven come down. Some people see Him almond eyed, this Savior whom we kneel beside. Some people see Him dark as they, sweet Mary’s son to whom we pray. The people in each place will see the Baby Jesus’ face, like theirs but light with heavenly grace.

The question for us this Christmas is Do we believe in our Savior? Do we believe in Jesus? Can we conjure up an image of this man in our mind? Do we worship Him or other things at this time of year? Do we believe God gave His only Son to live among us and die for our sins?

This Christmas as we sing the hymns, light the candles, and reflect on HIs birth, is it just tradition or do we truly believe? The question is, are we still believing in the Christ who came down at Christmas?

Though you have not seen him, you love Him. Though you do not now see Him, you believe in Him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory. 1 Peter 1:8-9

During this season, I have a habit of playing Christmas music when I’m out and about doing errands. It just seems to add to the joy! However, most of the folks out and about seemed to have forgotten the joy that comes with Christmas. They have long serious faces, stress written all over them, and driving with horns honking for others to move on! Where’s the joy?

On one occasion, a young boy visited his grandfather on his farm. His grandfather was not being a good companion, and obviously there was very little joy during the visit! Later in the day, the boy decided to take a walk around the farm and see if he could find the animal he thought most reminded him of his grandfather. He noticed the chickens scratching and playing, and said, “They ain’t it.”

He moved on to the colts playing and kicking up their heels in the field, and he said, “They ain’t it.” Finally he found an old donkey in the barn. When he saw the donkey’s long frowny face, and the way he just stood there looking sad, he yelled for his grandfather to come see. “Look, said the young boy, I found an animal with the same joy as you!” Where’s the joy?

Is that how people see us Christians at this joyful time of year? Do we walk around with long, sad faces, or do we smile, laugh and celebrate the coming of the Christ child? Christmas joy isn’t feeling happiness from good circumstances, but rather a deep abiding strength that comes from God.

The joy of Jesus was that he was able to see the comical side of many a human situation or predicament. His good natured approach to life was rooted in his great inner joy.

Dr Michael MacIntosh says, “There was joy at the tomb of the resurrected Lazarus. There was joy when a leper returned to thank Jesus. There was joy when the deaf heard, the blind saw, and the lame walked. Everywhere Jesus went, there was joy.

In this season of the year, people need to see the joy of Christians rather than the “donkey faces.” They need to hear a Merry Christmas, receive a smile, see the joy on our faces. We express His joy through smiles, laughter, helping others, fellowship, and discipleship!

Sometimes we need a mission to spread joy this Christmas! In the midst of all the gift giving, the greatest gift we can give to others is the gift of joy.

The story is told of a man in Salt Lake City who decided to send out Christmas cards to perfect strangers to help spread the joy of Christmas. He got telephone directories from several cities, addressed 600 cards to people he had never met, included his return address, and mailed them!

Amazingly, he received 117 responses from total strangers. One lady wrote, “It was so good to hear from you. Your card arrived the day I got home from the hospital, and I can’t tell you what an encouragement it was to hear from an old friend.”

Another wrote, “I must admit that when we received your card, we couldn’t really picture you. We had to think hard for a long time before we remembered. By the way, give our best to your father. He is such a wonderful man.”

But one response took the cake! One guy wrote, “It was good to hear from you after all these years! By the way, we are going to be in Salt Lake City next summer. Would it be all right if we come and stay with you for a few days?”

This past Saturday as we were preparing to watch the UGA verses Alabama game, the doorbell rang! When we opened the door, there stood “UGA”, the mascot for the Bulldogs who had come to lead us in some cheers and spread some joy before the game! Now, “UGA” was really a dear friend who loves to spread joy! Thank you, Eve for spreading the joy! Georgia won the game and the joy just kept on coming!! Go Dawgs!!

Where’s the joy? The joy of this season lives in every one of us if we will only make an effort to be like Jesus and reach for that inward joy! He came to bring Joy to the World. Let’s not let Him down!

For no word from God will ever be impossible. Luke 1:37

Thanksgiving has come and gone, and I have some good news and some bad news on this first day of December! The good news for us this day is that Christmas is only twenty four days away! The bad news for us today is that Christmas is only twenty four days away!!

As I was surveying the leftovers from Thanksgiving, it hit me that we have a very short window to put up our tree, hang our wreath and stockings, and trim the tree with all the timeless ornaments and special items that we enjoy each Christmas. I asked myself, are you ready to take this on?

At this point, the movie, Christmas with the Kranks flashed through my mind. In this adaptation of Skipping Christmas by John Gresham, Luther and Nora Krank decide to avoid the frenzy experienced during the holiday season. After sending their daughter off to the Peace Corps for a year long assignment, Luther develops an increasingly personal antipathy for normal Christmas traditions. He decides to save all the money they would spend on Christmas decorations, parties, food, etc., and book a cruise to the Caribbean!

Nora is skeptical, but acquiesces. and they don’t particiate in the usual Christmas traditions. The neighborhood is furious, and tries to punish them for not putting Frosty on their roof, and the hazing goes on and on. The short story is that their daughter decides to surprise them for Christmas, and they are not ready! What follows is a series of antics which lead them to realize how valuable traditions, friends, and Christmas is to all of us. Christmas is a time for miracles.

Things don’t necessarily come to those who wait or aren’t ready, but rather to those that prepare. Are you ready? It takes a lot more than a Christmas tree and decorations to find the real spirit of the celebration. The real Christmas story begins with a message from the angel to prepare or get ready for the coming of Christ.

How do we prepare for the coming of Christ? First, in order to prepare and get ready, we have to prioritize. An essential part of getting ready involves doing some re-arranging. Just as we re-arrange our homes, our schedules, and other aspects of our lives for Christmas, God wants us to re-arrange our hearts, and make room for the Christ child. When we make room for Jesus in our hearts and put him in the center of our lives, everything else comes together.

Next, we need to rediscover the blessing of giving. Louisa May Alcott inher book, Little Women, said, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without any presents. I agree. There’s nothing wrong with giving and receiving gifts, but here’s the key: we’ve got to rediscover the blessing of giving. Giving brings more blessings to the giver than the receiver.

Finally, in order to be ready, we have to turn on the lights! In Isaiah, God talks about people sitting around in darknes being uncomfortable, confused, and afraid. Our neighborhood is already aglow with lights, and I must say the light all around is astounding.

In John, Jesus called himself and His followers, the light of the world. Paul pictures the world without Christ in deep darkness and God’s people as the light in the darkness. Christmas, as in no other time of the year, offers Christians a chance to let the light of Jesus shine clearly and beautifully. Jesus shines a powerful light in the darkness.

So, are we ready for the coming of Jesus. Are we ready for Christmas? This year, the wonder of Christmas can come alive for us in brand new ways if we will open our hearts and let God help us get ready for Christmas!

This Advent season is the time to Prepare ye the way of the Lord.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

The day before Thanksgiving an elderly man in Phoenix called his son in New York and said, “I hate to ruin your day, but after 45 years of marriage, your mother and I are getting a divorce. We’re sick of each other, so call you sister in New York and tell her.”

Frantic, he called his sister who immediately phoned their Father and said to him, “Don’t you dare do a thing until we get there. I’m calling my brother and we will both be there tomorrow.”

The man hung up, looked at his wife and said, “Okay, honey. The kids are coming for Thanksgiving and paying for their own flight!” Some people will go to extreme measures to get family together for Thanksgiving!!

Thanksgiving Day is upon us, and in the spirit of the history of this day, I enjoy wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. The other day, I was talking with an older gentleman in our water class, and out of habit, I wished him a Happy Thanksgiving. Now, this man has celebrated losing 90 pounds, working out, and getting in shape, but he looked at me and said, “Listen, my wife and I are divorced. My son died. I am just a lonely old man who has nothing for which to be thankful.

Contrast this with a story told by Jim Penner. He says, “I’ll never forget sitting on the steps of our house as an eight year old watching my mother open the door to two men who handed her some papers. As tears rolled down her eyes, it didn’t take me long to figure out that our car had been repossessed, our house was in jeopardy, and we had no money.

Jim walked down the hall to find his mother on her knees praying, “Thank you, God for what you’ve provided and thank you that we have something to eat tonight.” I learned a lifetime of wisdom in those few minutes. The grateful heart in the midst of adversity is a blessing that I’ll never forget.

A grateful heart is a mind set of appreciation for life’s blessings, big and small, which helps transform perspective and find contentment in hardship. It involves forcusing on what one has rather than what is lacking in our lives. A grateful heart encompasses acknowledging simple pleasures in our lives and giving thanks for the present moments we enjoy.

A grateful heart isn’t a natural response to adversity in our lives, but it is a developed discipline. The Psalmist says, “Forget not all His benefits.” In the midst of an ungrateful heart, when we don’t think God has blessed us, if we will sit down and recall His faithfulness through the years, we will end up filled with joy and with a grateful heart.

Many of us are fortunate enough to be able to spend Thanksgiving with family and friends, and if we are, thank God with a grateful heart because many don’t have that opportunity. We are blessed in many ways, and sometimes rather than saying “Thank you,” we tend to just expect God to keep the blessings coming!

Leslie Weatherhead tells a story of eating with a couple in northern England right after WWII. Food was scarce, but the wife managed to fix a wonderful meal of fresh trout from a nearby stream and fresh vegetables from the garden. He enjoyed the meal greatly, and when it was over he thanked the hostess for it.

She blushed shyly and said, “Oh sir, my husband never thanks me when I prepare a meal for him.” Weatherhead was embarrassed for the husband, but he soon learned that the husband wasn’t embarrassed at all. He said he could still remember the husband sitting there saying, “I would have told you if I didn’t like it.” A grateful heart should be expressed.

This year as we gather together, remember to thank God in all circumstances and to gather with a grateful heart. The Apostle Paul didn’t say to give thanks “for” all circumstances, but “in” all circumstances. All of our circumstances in life are not good, but there will always be something in those circumstances for which to give thanks.

Give thanks with a grateful heart; Give thanks to the Holy One; Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, his Son. And now, Let the weak say, I am strong; Let the poor say, I am rich; Because of what the Lord has done. Give thanks. Henry Smith

Happy Thanksgiving!

Teach us to number our days, thta we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12

There is hardly a day that goes by without someone remarking, “I can’t believe we are beginning the holiday season! Where did the time go?” My Mama always warned us to enjoy the days you have because they are flying by. Now, I see what she meant.

I rencently read a book by Patrick Ryan, and he has a unique quote on time. “What is it about time that confounds us? We spend it. We save it. We while it away. We waste it. We kill it. We complain about not having enough of it, or about having too much of it on our hands. We regret what we’ve done with it. We give it away. We want it back. We say “Time and again” when something is bothering us, and “It’s time” when something is supposed to end. All we should ever want of time is more of it.”

The Bible tells us that the ultimate purpose of understanding life’s brevity is to “gain a heart of wisdom”. This wisdom comes from understanding the limited time we have and how best to use it.

When we realize that each of our days is numbered, it encourages us to live a life that is more intentional and focused on making choices which honor God. Ir prompts us to re evaluate our priorities and shift from worldly concerns to spiritual ones.

A woman once had a dream in which an angel gave her this message:” As a reward for your virtues, the sum of $1,440 will be deposited in your bank account every morning. This amount has only one condition. At the end of each business day, the amount that has not been used will be canceled. It won’t carry over to the next day nor accrue interest. At the start of each new day $1,440 will be credited to you.

When the woman woke up, she asked the Lord to explain what it meant. The Lord explained that she was receiving 1,440 minutes every morning which is the exact number of minutes in a 24 hour day. What she did with this deposit was important because the 1,440 minutes was all she would ever receive.

We have a similar account. Each day God grants us time to spend wisely and unselfishly so that we can close each day with joy and satisfaction. Someone once said, “Time is God’s gift to you, but what you do with your time is your gift to God!”

Everyone seems to be in a hurry these days because we are trying to get as much done as possible in the time we are allotted in a day. We have things to do and places to be, yet the Bible never says, “If you hurry, you can catch up with God”. It says, “Be still (take time) and know that I am God.”

Jesus was always busy, but He also found time to do meaningful things even though His total ministry was accomplished in three short years. He found time to pray, He found time to play with children, He found time to investigate a fig tree, He found time to nap during a boat ride, He found time to rest at noon beside a well, and He found time to aattend a wedding reception.

We don’t have time for everything, but we should make time for the important things. We need enough time to stroll the beach looking for shells, enough time to pursue our dreams, enough time to love unconditionally, and enough time to give unselfishly, just to name a few.

A friend of mine said this weekend, “I am just grateful to have the time to do the things I want to do rather than the things I have to do.”

Mother Teresa said, “Today is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let’s begin!” This morning we have 1,440 minutes of time. Let’s use it wisely.

Greater love has no man than this: that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

During the American Civil War, a certain man had a son who enlisted in the Union Army. The father was a banker, and although he gave his consent to his son, it seemed as if it would break his heart to let him go.

Once his son had left, he became deeply interested in the plight of soldiers, and whenever he saw one in uniform, his heart went out to him as he thought of his own dear boy. Often to the neglect of his business, he began spending his time and money to care for the soldiers who came home disabled. His friends pleaded with him not to neglect his business in this way, by spending so much time and energy on the soldiers. So, he decided to give it all up and take his friend’s advice.

After he made this decision, however, a young private in a faded, worn uniform stepped into the bank. It was easy to discern from the wounds on his face and hands that he had been in the Army field hospital. The poor young man was fumbling in his pocket to find something when the banker saw him.

Perceiving his purpose for coming into the bank, he said to the solider, “My dear young man, I cannot help you today. I am extremely busy. You will have to go to the Army headquarters where the officers will take care of you.

The poor wounded soldier still stood there not seeming to fully understand what was being said to him. He continued to fumble in his pockets and finally pulled out a scrap of dirty paper. He laid the filthy page before the banker who read the following words written in pencil:
“Dear Father, This is one of my friends who was wounded in the last battle, and he is coming to you directly from the hospital. Please receive him as you would me.” Charlie

All the banker’s previous resolve to focus solely on his business instead of soldiers quickly flew away. He took the young man to his own magnificent home and gave him Charlie’s room and seat at the dinner table. He cared for him until the food, rest, and love returned him to health.. The young soldier then went back to his place of service to again risk his life for his cause. Copied

This story hits home with me on this Veteran’s Day as I contemplate all the men and women who have served their country and those who have given their lives for all of us. If we aren’t reminded, it is easy for those of us who have never experienced war to dismiss it as just a holiday.

We Americans love to watch war movies whether it be ones such as, The Dirty Dozen, Saving Private Ryan, The Great Escape, or countless others. These movies inspire us because we love to recount the great events and revel in victory over insurmountable odds. We love heroes! We shouldn’t honor our Veterans only once a year, but rather, every day because they are all heroes. How can we honor them better?

First, remember the price of freedom! Our veterans didn’t fight for the sake of killing, for money, or for rewards. They fought for the cause – for freedom, and that is never free! Just as David single handedly fought Goliath for His God, these veterans paid the ultimate price for their country and fellow man.

Next, honor them by learning from their example. These veterans were not afraid to take a stand and never ran from a battle. As men and women of God, we need to have a policy – no retreat, no regrets. We serve our Lord faithfully.

Finally, we need to honor our veterans by praying for all those men and women today who are in harm’s way. We know that God answers prayers, so we need to ask God for His help in protecting those who fight to protect us.

We thank God for our veterans, and we remember them for their service, their bravery, and their courage. God bless you all, and thank you!

We can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good. Romans 8:28

In the very small town in which our family lived when we were growing up, it was possible to walk almost anywhere to get whatever was needed. The streets were quiet, and it was even possible for kids to play almost anywhere safely.

There were a variety of characters who resided there, and we even had cows at a house down the street. One of my favorite ladies was Miss Mary Emma Coachman, or as Daddy called her,”Miss Maemmie!” She lived down the block from us, and she rose every morning around 4:30 to milk her cows.

From this fresh milk, she made cream, buttermilk, and on Saturday, she churned butter. Mama had a standing order for her butter, and I picked it up every Saturday.

When daylight savings time became permanent, I asked her one Saturday how that change affected her and milking the cows. She was quick to reply, “Cows don’t have a clock They don’t tell time, and they don’t recognize the time change. I don’t change my clocks. I milk at the same time every day.”

There is much debate over the “time change” that we experience every fall and spring, but it just keeps on coming, and it inevitably disrupts our lives for weeks until we adjust! This past weekend the inevitable time change occurred, and we are in the midst of the adjustment.

Change is an inevitable part of life, even though many of us fight it. We encounter change in our relationships, careers, and even within ourselves. The world around us constantly bombards us with the need to change something in our lives. It can be anything from our weight to our hair style, our habits to our beliefs, even our lifestyle.

No matter how hard many of us fight it, change is a powerful force that moves us forward. Without change, there would be no evolution, innovation, or opportunity. I love the quote that says, “Nothing is permanent but change.” When we think about it that way, we are much more capable of adapting to it than we might think!

Change can bring us both opportunities for growth and renewal. Although it can be painful, it is essential for learning, progresing and becoming a better version of ourselves. Experts suggest that the key to navigating change is to focus on building the new rather that fighting for the old, and adapting our attitude rather than resisting what we cannot change.

Sometimes changes can be tough in our every day life. The story is told of a man who dialed the wrong number and received this message: “I am not available right now, but thank you for caring enough to call. I am making some changes in my life right now. Please leave a message after the beep. If I do not return your call, you are one of the changes.”

Jesus speaks of change as a repentance and reorientation of ones life toward God. This change involves an inner change of the mind and heart which leads to a new way of living that is not self centered. Jesus called for His followers not to conform to things of this world, but rather to be transformed or changed by their faith. This process involves following Him and changing or abandoning the old way of life.

Change is seen as a lifelong journey of maturing in faith and not a one time event. The Serenity Prayer is a well known prayer used in 12 step programs and by people seeking solace. It expresses the best way to handle change.

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference.

As we deal with the inevitable changes in our lives, may God lead us to handle each of them as He would have us to do.

Jesus said, “Peace to you: Just as the Father sent me, I send you.” John 20:21

On June 20, 1980 Universal Studios released the movie which would become an instant classic, The Blues Brothers. The movie tells the story of Jake and Elwood Blues and their mission from God.

Jake Blues, a vocalist and petty thief, is paroled from prison after serving a three year sentence for armed robbery. He is picked up by his brother Elwood, and they decide to make their first stop a visit to the Catholic orphanage where they were raised.

Sister Mary Stigmata who resides at the orphanage, greets the two with disturbing news. Unless the orphanage can raise the $5000.00 it owes in property taxes, the establishment will be closed. The Blues Brothers begin a trek to see what they can do to help.

At the suggestion of their friend, Curtis, the boys attend a sermon by the Reverend Cleopus James at the Triple Rock Baptist Church where Jake has an epiphany: they can reform their band, (The Blues Brothers, which disbanded when Jake went to prison), and raise money to save the orphanage. The movie tells the story of their journey to make the deadline, and their mission from God.

Although, there are many things along the way that threaten to derail their mission, the boys end up paying the property taxes for the orphanage! They complete their mission from God even though a return to prison was the price they paid.

Although the mission from God in this movie is ficticious and unrealistic, God assigns realistic missions of many different natures to us as Christians. A mission from God is rather like an assisgnment in which, we, as Christians are allowed to participate in demonstrating God’s love, promises, and hope. There are people all around us who are living out this mission from God in their everyday life.

We served five churches in our tenure in the ministry. In each one, the church had a Mission from God whether it be something like every day Bible studies or small groups, or something such as supporting missionaries and housing the homeless. Everyone worked together to make a difference. Every mission from God is important!

In the past week, I’ve seen a mission from God in action not only in our church and small groups, but also in a much larger community of friends and even strangers. Ten days ago, we got the news that the grand daughter of two of our dear friends had been admitted to ICU in Tampa, Florida with encephalitis and meningitis which resulted in brain surgery. Laine is five years old, and a precious little girl!

As word spread of her situation, we all had the conversation that began with, “What can we do to help?” It became apparent that although we couldn’t be there physically to help our friends, we had a job to do. We’ve often heard it said, “We feel so helpless. There’s nothing we can do to help,” but God says, “I have a mission for you.” It became apparent, that our mission was and is to lay all our petitions before Him, and in childlike simplicity pour out our hearts in prayer while trusting in Him to do the rest.

This mission for us at this point is to pray until the mission has been accomplished or until we have complete assurance in our hearts that it will be. Through our prayers, we are declaring that nothing is impossible with God.

Laine has proven that she is a fighter, and those of us who are on this mission from God are committed to fight this battle with her. The Tampa community, churches, and friends have banded together to pray and support the family believing that prayer breaks all barriers, dissolves all chains.

The many folks here and in so many places are committed to expect the unexpected things of God which are above all that we might ask or think. The Bible reminds us that when two or more people agree on anything to pray about on earth, God will grant it, and that Jesus is present when two or three are gathered in His name. Matthew 18:19-20

The God of hope gives us hope in the form of a promise and a track record of faithfulness that remains unbroken. We are believing that God will continue to provide the miracles needed to heal her completely. Please join us in praying for precious Laine and her family.

For God has not given us the spirit of fear or timidity, but rather of power, love, and self control. 2 Timothy 1:7

The month of October is flying by, and I never cease to be amazed at all the yard decorations celebrating Halloween. Grown men are climbing poles in order to place skeletons which wll be visible to passers by, ghosts are lurking around, witches are hanging out, pumpkins are prevalent, and huge spider webs seem to be everywhere!

High on my list of “fears” are spiders! I think it has more to do with walking into their webs than the actual spider, but it doesn’t matter because those huge webs are everywhere! While seeing them is my biggest fear, the fear of those I am with is seeing me, seeing a spider!

Fear is the unpleasant feeling one gets when we think we are in danger or that something bad might happen. It is an emotion that serves as a warning to protect one from a real or imagined threat by triggering a “fight or flight” response.

Evidently,spiders do that for me especially since the orb weaver spiders are reaching maturity at this time of year, building huge webs, and searching for mates. It is said that they are harmless, not aggressive, and they will only bite when they feel threatened which is why my fear drives me to stay away!!

Famous people throughout history have dealt with fears and phobias. Napoleon suffered from an irrational fear of cats (ailurophobia), Queen Elizabeth feared flowers especially roses (anthophobia), Howard Hughes was practically incapacitated by his fear of germs (mysophobia), and Harry Houdini dealt with his fear of claustrophobia of all things!!

There are several things that might cause fear. Specific objects (like spiders, heights, snakes, flying, etc), future events, imagined events, real environmental dangers, and fear of the unknown.

The trouble is many of us deal with some kind of fear, but we don’t consider it a major problem. I can avoid spiders,but it’s not as easy to deal with the everyday fears that are facing us in our neighborhoods, our country, our world, and many times our own personal lives.

The spiritual root of fear usually comes from our separation from God and the lack of faith we put in him to deal with it. There are many kinds of fear, but three of them come to mind today. First, the fear of failure is the most common of all because it keeps us from fulfilling our visions, hopes, and dreams. We need to realize that, not only, are our mistakes survivable, they are teaching tools which sharpen us and make us a better person.

Next, there is the fear of never being good enough. It is hard not to compare ourselves to others, but it’s not about being as good as others; it’s about being ourselves. We are all born with God given gifts to use for a purpose, and that purpose may be unlike anything we have ever known!

Finally, there is the fear of not being accepted. This may be one of the greatest sources of loneliness in our world today. There are so many among us who go home to an empty house, eat dinner alone, watch television, and then go to bed still alone. Even in a crowd, one can feel alone. The key to being accepted is to reach out to others and allow them to enter into your private world.

Sometimes we focus too much on our fears and too little on God’s power to help us deal with them. If we acknowledge them, it’s like flipping on a switch in a dark room, suddenly, we can see the mess and start decluttering.

Fear often stems from believeing lies such as, “I’m not good enough or this situation is hopeless” when Jesus says, “Do not fear for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.” God wants us to stay connected to Him and to others.

In the midst of fear, the right thing to do is simply to trust God, and while we trust, He can work!

Come before His presence with singing. Bring a gift of laughter, sing yourselves into His presence. Applaud God. Psalm 100:2

In 1978, one of my favorite musical artists, Anne Murray, recorded the single You Needed Me. The writer, Randy Goodrum, wrote the song for his wife, and from the first stanza, the song tells a sweet story. It expresses gratitude for someone who provides support and clears up confusion during difficult times. While the song isn’t exclusively religious, it’s themes of kindness and support can certainly be interpreted that way.

The lyrics center on the writer’s view of unconditional and undeserved love. In his mind, Randy Goodrum wondered how his wife could love him as if he was perfect, when he was not.

The other day as I was on my mission to get doctor appointments, check ups, tests, and other items checked off my list before the end of the year, I was reminded of how much I love that song and its meaning.

On several occasions, when I have been in Wellstar’s Medical building on Roswell Road, I have been comforted to hear calming music coming from a couple who play in the lobby at times. The woman plays the flute, and the man accompanies her on his guitar. The sound they make together is so comforting and beautiful that many times, I will stop to listen and even sing along.

On this day, they were playing Anne Murray’s beautiful song, You Needed Me. I stopped when they finished to chat and thank them for adding the gift of their talents. I am not sure of their story, but they are so dedicated to play here and also in hospice and nursing homes in the area.

Every science agrees that music has a healing power. Research shows that it improves surgical outcomes, it reduces the side effects of cancer therapy, relieve pain, and provides a healing balm for Alzheimers and stroke victims. This comfort is so needed by so many.

My mind turned to all the people in our lives who show us by thoughts, words, and action what a gift it is to be needed. Every Christian wants to be needed in this world of today because each have special gifts and graces which can be used to ease the pain and suffering we see all around us.

When God calls us, He equips us with all we need to be help ourselves and others feel needed. The Bible says, “Ask people what you want them to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them.” Matthew 7:12

There comes a time in some of our lives when we feel that we have reached the point where either we aren’t needed or we don’t need anyone. It’s like saying we don’t think we are of any use anymore. God always needs us to be open to His needs for our lives.

Many times being needed can be difficult such as in the role of a caregiver. In many cases, they deal with constant needs of those who they love, and it has hard to find a balance between physical and emotional exhaustion.

Our Daddy needed constant care near the end of his life. He didn’t really know what he wanted or needed, but I believe he somehow knew that Mama would be there to take care of his every need.

The expression unconditional love comes to mind when I think of being needed and needing others. This selfless love accepts the person as they are without conditions, ultimatums, or expectation of reciprocation.

The following lyrics from You Needed Me say it all.

I cried a tear, You wiped it dry. I was confused, You cleared my mind. I sold my soul, You bought it back for me, And held me up, And gave me dignity. Somehow you needed me.

You gave me strength to stand alone again, To face the world out on my own again. You put me high upon a pedestal, So high that I can almost see eternity, You needed me, you needed me.

And I can’t believe it’s you I can’t believe its true. I needed you, and you were there. And I’ll never leave, why should I leave I’d be a fool, ’cause I finally found someone who really cares.

You held my hand, When it was cold. When I was lost, You took me home. You gave me hope, when I was at the end, And turned my lies back into truth again, You even called me friend. You needed me. You needed me.