Diane Mickler's Blog

I am the vine, you are the branches; if you remain in me, and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

We use labels all the time in our everyday lives because the labels on the outside tell us what’s on the inside. People, however, are different. We can’t always “judge a book by it’s cover” when dealing with others.

We are often quick to label people and situations in this world today. Isn’t it strange how quickly that happens and how we begin behaving according to our understanding of that label?

In the world of education and teaching, most teachers work very hard at not labeling the children who come through their classes over the years. Each child is unique, as is each person, but when children are passed from grades and teachers each year, it’s hard not to listen to the former teacher’s assessment of them. I have heard many teachers say, “Please don’t tell me any weaknesses or strengths or any labels, I want to look at the child with fresh eyes.”

Just as in classrooms, labels can limit us, so when someone tries to label us it immediately makes our world smaller. If we begin to accept that label, we find that we start to believe that’s who we are and that we’ll never amount to anything more than that. It begs the question, “Who am I?”

The question in life is not, who am I, but rather whose am I? Until we resolve the question of whose we are, we can’t really find out who we are. We can base our identity on a thousand different things, the degrees we’ve earned, the positions we’ve held, the salary we make, the friends we have, but if we base our identity on anything temporal, our identity is a house of cards.

At this point, it’s good to go to God to find out whose we are. God created us. God redeemed us. God calls us, He equips us, He empowers us, and He rewards us. No one can tell us who we are except God. So, when people try to limit us, we need to let God step in.

Where in life do we place our security, our strength, our loyalty, our hope? If it is in something other than God, that’s where the problem of who am I begins. The truth is, God loves and accepts us, and His approval of us trumps everybody else’s labels.

And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water whose waters do not fail. Isaiah 58:11

Randy and I have been fortunate to travel to some pretty spectacular places, and no matter where we are, we usually try to schedule at least one guided tour.  Most of the guides are knowledgeable and usually end up educating you far better than you could ever do on your own. 

If the guide is experienced, they usually begin the tour with an introduction of themselves, a overview of the tour, and a plea to be prompt and please stay close to your guide. 

The main problem guides encounter is that tourists get caught up in what they are seeing and they wander away.  For this reason, many guides carry large sticks with different colored flags or numbers on them so tourists can find them in the crowd.  In large crowds, their constant plea is please watch for pick pockets and stay close to me.

While the guides are focused, experienced, and familiar with their surroundings, tourists are often none of these things, and when they tend to wander away from the group, the guide must bring them back. 

As Christians, it’s easy to wander away from the values we have been taught and the life we know is the right one.  It’s almost like a pickpocket comes and steals away some of our dearest values, and we don’t even realize they are gone until it’s too late.

If we don’t stay close to our guide, we can suddenly find that our faith, our love for God, and our peace is gone.  We’ve let ourselves wander away from the teachings of the Bible, our prayer life, and our inner peace.  God asks us to “return to the Shepherd and Guardian of your soul.”  (1 Peter 2:25)

In this crazy world of ours where so many things compete for our attention, we can find that, like the tourist, we look up and find that we’ve lost God in our lives.   The comforting thing is that God hasn’t gone anywhere, He’s right there, but we have to find Him again in the midst of all that’s going on around us.

When we set out on a tour, often times we don’t know as much as we’d like to, but the guide will give us knowledge as well as guidance.  Likewise, we as Christians don’t know all we should, but if we stay close to our guide, He’ll be glad to teach us.  Just like the tour guide who begs us to stay close, God tells us that He will show us the way back to Him if we will only watch and listen.  

The point is best illustrated in the verse from Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing by Robert Robinson: Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it; Prone to leave the God I love; Take my heart, oh take it seal it; Seal it for Thy courts above.                                                                                                                                         

Stay close to Your Guide.

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. Matthew 19:26

During my growing up years, one of the most popular and fun things to do on a hot summer evening was to catch lightning bugs. We would get a Mason Jar, punch holes in the lid, and set out to see how many of the critters we could catch. They are easy to spot because they light up like a stars in a dark sky.

Lightning bugs are curious insects and are part of the beetle family. They don’t bite, don’t attack, don’t carry diseases, they aren’t poisonous, and they don’t even fly very fast. They talk to each other through their light, they don’t have a long lifespan, their eggs glow, and they live on almost every continent. If they don’t really do anything, then I wonder why God made them?

There is always a purpose for one of God’s creatures even if it is to give kids a wonder to put in a jar! I think he also uses them to illustrate the wonder of His power. In the words of one of Charles Martin’s characters, Unc, “If God can make a lightning bug’s rear end light up like a star, then almost anything is possible.” I love that explanation because it illustrates the point that nothing is impossible for and with God. Nothing is impossible within the providence of God.

When we are facing problems, situations, illness, or death, it’s comforting to know that with God at our side we never face them alone. The key here is to watch for the strength and protection He sends and provides. If we fail to receive it, it’s usually because we aren’t watching the horizon for evidence of its approach and aren’t ready to open our hearts up so it may enter. There is an old saying, “Unless you put the water jars out when it rains, you will never collect any water.” So, unless you grab a jar and head out to catch lightning bugs, you probably will never collect any.

When God shows us a new path or opens a door, we are supposed to take it or walk through it. We can’t stand around asking “why” or “should I”? Give God the gift of a willing heart and mobility, and He will always guide us to where we need to be and what is needed.

Even the doors that don’t open, the opportunity we don’t get, or the call that never came can be as much God’s leading as those that did. What God prevents is as much divine guidance as what He permits.

If we know we can’t stay where we are right now, it may very well be the starting point for God’s leading in our lives. We need to take the stirring or restlessness in our soul and just ask, “Where are you leading me, God?” Anything is possible.

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. Thessalonians 5:11

Our household is sad to say that college football season is over, and with it go the Fromm and Swift era for our Bulldogs. We all have some great memories from this year along with some disappointments, but all in all, ending the season ranked in the top five in the country is awesome!

The best take away for me from the past season is the picture above that epitomizes the word, encourager. An encourager is one who inspires another with courage, spirit or confidence. I see the result of the encourager (Kirby Smart) on Jake Fromm’s face. We’ve all seen that look on the faces of children and adults when they hear those encouraging words of pride from coaches, teachers, parents or friends.

Teachers, coaches, parents, and other leaders have the demanding job of holding their students, players, children and others accountable while remaining encouraging. Every one of us face that in our daily life if we are true to our calling as Christians. In our churches today, we are called to be encouragers – building one another up, inspiring one another, and strengthening one another in the faith – not discouragers.

Although God has called us to be encouragers, sometimes we find ourselves doing just the opposite. We concentrate on weaknesses instead of strengths, we criticize rather than compliment good qualities, and we tear down rather than build up self worth and self esteem.

Just like the picture illustrates, we need to concentrate on the good things that people do and just tell them. It makes a world of difference to hear encouragment rather than criticism. We all hold the fate of others in our hands, and we hold the power to change their lives or destroy it.

There is not one among us who doesn’t appreciate a word of encouragement. It is always special to receive positive affirmation in one way or another. After the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, several items were found in his pockets. Among the things, he had tucked away in his wallet were nine complimentary newspaper clippings along with a souvenir five dollar confederate bill. I’m sure it was rare for everybody to encourage him, but it meant everything to him to have those few encouraging articles.

I can’t imagine all the ups and downs that occurred before the picture above was taken, but I see in it the reward of the encourager as well as the encouraged.

In this new year, wouldn’t it be wonderful if we all made it our goal to encourage at least one person every day, not only for them but for ourselves.

In the history of our country, we have faced many perilous times, and today is no exception. It seems that our leaders might need a prayer which was prayed around 1957 by the Chaplain of the Senate, Peter Marshall. It seems appropriate to share that prayer today.

God of our fathers in Whom we trust and by Whose guidance and grace this nation was born, bless these Senators of the United States at this important time in history and give them all things needful to the faithful discharge of their responsibilities.

We pray especially today for our President, and also for him who will preside over this chamber.

Give to them good health for the physical strains of their office, good judgment for the decisions they must make, wisdom beyond their own, and clear understanding for the problems of this difficult hour.

We thank Thee for their humble reliance upon Thee. May they go often to the throne of grace as we commend them both to Thy loving care and Thy guiding hand.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Isn’t it remarkable that a prayer prayed over sixty years ago could be so relevant today??

When we have the opportunity to help, we should do it.  Gal. 6:10 

When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers.  You will always find people who are helping.”   Fred Rogers

The recent fires in Australia have given new meaning to the word helpers.  The fires have burned over twenty four million acres, destroyed over 2000 homes, and killed over twenty five people.  When I see the news coverage of the outpouring of help and helpers that are coming to the aid of the Australian people, it reminds me of how we are all called to this ministry of helping in different ways.  We can’t all be on the front lines of a disaster, go on mission trips, or give millions of dollars, but we can all try to bless others through our efforts to help.  Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Life’s most persistent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?'”

We are here to show the same love and compassion Jesus showed when it comes to helping others. When it comes to serving God, if it doesn’t cost you anything – it doesn’t count.  Jesus said if you help others, your return will be great, and the way you treat others is the way you will be treated in return.  

When looking for those who need help, it’s important to remember that we don’t expect them to reciprocate, that we encourage them, and that we make them feel special.

Sometimes people need to be strengthened; other times we need to be stretched.  Sometimes people need comfort, not correction; other times, we need correction not comfort.  Sometimes people need a handout; other times, we just need a hand up.  

Years ago during a graduation service at the church, Sam Halverson sang a song entitled Thank You For Giving to the Lord by Ray Boltz for the special music.  The words are beautiful, and it was a way of thanking the helpers such as small group leaders, teachers and parents, for all the ways they had been responsible for changing the lives of these graduates.  The words to the chorus say it all:  Thank you for giving to the Lord:  I am a life that was changed;  Thank you for giving to the Lord: I am so glad you gave.

As we reflect on how many helpers all of us have and have had along the road of life that have given of themselves so that we might grow,  accomplish our goals, and find wholeness and satisfaction, it is humbling.  Their sacrifice is why we are where we are today.  We never know how many lives might be changed if we take that first step toward being a helper.

How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.  Anne Frank

 

Everything is possible for him who believes.                Mark 9:23

Years ago when Randy and I served Calhoun First United Methodist Church, the church sponsored a group of children and adults called The Winner’s Club.  It was the dream and ministry of a couple, Deacon and Inez Belue.  They were called to create a group for special needs children and adults, to help them dream of the things they could do.   The group loved to sing, so the couple worked with them, and they traveled around singing for churches and organizations.  The music was inspiring even if it wasn’t perfectly performed, but on stage, they had overcome their handicap.  These people had dreams, and this group helped them realize some of them.

Recently, I watched the movie, The Peanut Butter Falcon, and it brought back memories of The Winner’s Club and some of its members.  The star of the movie is Zak, and he is a Downs Syndrome boy who is living his life in a nursing home where he was placed until the case worker can find a home for him.  Zak has dreams of becoming a professional wrestler, and he desperately wants to attend the Saltwater Redneck Wrestling School.  He escapes the home and the adventure begins.  

The star of the movie is Zack Gottsagen, and he is a Downs Syndrome young man who dreamed of being a movie star.  The writers met him at a camp for people with disabilities, and when he told them his dream, they tried to dissuade him by telling him how hard it was to be a movie star for the ordinary person much less one with a disability.  Zack replied, “Cool.  Sounds like we do it together then.  You guys write and direct, and I can be the movie star.”  The movie is his true story.

The movie shows the power of dreams.  I came away realizing that human beings can’t be defined by their academic degrees, affluence, personal problems, or chromosomal disorders.  It shows the reality of life with a disability or handicap, and the realization that everyone has a dream.  In short, it reaffirms the value of every life.

The Bible implies that Jabez had some kind of handicap or disability, but he was stronger than whatever afflicted him, and his faith kept him going.  He kept his eyes on the future rather than dwelling on the past. I have friends who work everyday to overcome these circumstances and those who have a dream usually end up achieving great things.

When God gives us a dream, sometimes the circumstances required to fulfill that dream won’t be to our liking.  In the midst of the conflict, ask God, “What is it that You are saying or trying to show me in this situation?” Sometimes God ordained dreams aren’t just born, they have to be reborn.

I’m forever grateful for the friends I know who live their dreams every day and are all winners.

Expect great things from God, and attempt great things for God.                          William Carey

P.S.  Unfortunately, this movie is not for young adults or children!

 

Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

Most every morning finds me at the pool for a water aerobics class. Before and after class begins, (if I’m early or stay late), I enjoy watching the swimmers who come to do laps. Swimming really is quite an art, and if one is good, it’s pure poetry in motion.

The seasoned swimmer literally uses their stroke and pushes water that is in front of them behind them. They are moving whatever stands in the way of their goal. They are confident, rhythmic, and they make swimming look effortless as they glide through the water toward their goal. These people are comfortable in the water, and they trust the water and their skill to make it all work.

Then there are those who are afraid of the water. We have a lady who wants to swim so badly, but she fights the water all the way and her body sinks like a rock. She doesn’t trust the things she has learned, and her fear is obvious. The fear will take you under every time. The situation would be comical if it weren’t so painful to watch.

Sometimes when I ask people how they are, they respond with, “Well, I’m keeping my head above water and pressing on.” These are times when we are just treading water. The fact is we can only tread water for so long, before, eventually, we will drown. The waters that we are treading through don’t determine our destiny; they either carry us over or take us under.

There are those times in life when we, like a swimmer in water, have to feel comfortable enough to take hold of the faith God has placed within us and keep moving forward through those times when we feel like we are sinking and there’s nowhere to turn.

It’s these times when the swimmer in us presses on and fights our way through while being confident that God is on our side because He surely is. Don’t quit pressing on, for if you do, God can do nothing more for you! No matter whether we are treading water or comfortable swimming, God is there for us.

The beginning of a new year offers the perfect opportunity to press on confidently and with a renewed faith in God and His plan.

The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.
Luke 18:27

It’s hard to believe that we are coming to the end of another year and a new year and decade are beginning. This time of year always prompts us to stop, take stock, and look back at all our blessings from the past year. As I thought back over the year of 2019, I asked myself, “What is the greatest gift God has given me this year?” In counting all the blessings, it occurred to me that the biggest gift this year has been opportunities. God has opened so many doors and offered so many ways to glorify Him through so many different avenues.

This is not to imply that I’ve done everything I could have done in the past year, it’s just a starting point. Thomas Edison said, “If we did all the things we are capable of doing, we’d astound ourselves.”

This is the time of year for resolutions, commitments, and promises. Years ago, Randy did the Prayer of Jabez for his New Years Resolution because Jabez dared to ask God for great things and believed God would do great things. He wrote out the prayer and placed it above his study desk so that each day he could pray it. The prayer is simple, Oh that You would bless me indeed, that You would enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain. It can be found in 1 Chronicles 4:10. Since we cannot out ask God or out dream God, it seems a great start to the New Year to ask for what we want, and believe that God will give it to us.

I love that Jabez wanted God to “enlarge his territory” because as long as our horizons are expanding, we will be spiritually and emotionally happy. When we ask to have our territory enlarged, it has to be something new – unfamiliar land. We can’t be satisfied to start this new year as we have started others with the same resolutions, the same plans, the same habits, and the same land. This year we need to dream big!

Jabez also asked God to be with him because he realized that if he got more territory, he would have more responsibility which would require even more of God’s help. As we prosper in our lives, sometimes we think we need God less, but the truth is, we need Him more.

He asked God to keep him from evil and not cause anyone pain. Jabez needed God’s protection as we all do. The more successful we are, the more critics we have; the more critics we have, the more people will attack us; the more people who attack us, the more we need God. When God is closer, we can be sure that we have nothing or no one to fear. We have the opportunity to do great things.

My wish for all of us is that 2020 would be a year filled with opportunites, expansion, and big dreams!

Happy New Year!

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.    John 3:16

This special verse was, and probably still is, the first verse we learned in our Sunday Schools and churches.  It is loved because it is inclusive, sacrificial, and a gift to the whole world.  In this season of giving, there is no better gift we can receive than the gift of love.

My Mama and Daddy always loved to give their grandchildren special gifts at Christmas, and for some reason, they always liked to wrap them in huge boxes.  The gifts inside the boxes were nice and appreciated, but the biggest thrill for the kids was playing with the boxes!  The kids looked beyond the gift inside and just looked at the package. Love doesn’t need to come in the biggest packages to be appreciated.

No matter how large or small the gift, nothing can compare to the love of God sent down in the form of a little baby.  His love isn’t based on looks, personality, wealth or even moral goodness.  It’s offered to us without any preconditions, and His love keeps no record of wrongs.  God’s love guarantees His acceptance when all others have rejected us, offers His forgiveness when others have judged us, and gives His mercy when others have condemned us.

Jesus came as a baby to tell us that nothing we can do will make God love us more, and we can do nothing to make Him love us less.  His love is constantly at work to direct us toward making wise decisions, to protect us when we make poor ones, and to correct us when we make bad ones.  The world didn’t give us this love, Jesus did, and so the world can never take it away.

God’s gift to all of us this Christmas is eternal life.  Our job this Christmas is to accept His gift of love and use it to believe and live.  That is the best news of the season!

The verse of When I Survey the Wondrous Cross says it best:                               Love so amazing, so divine, demands your soul, your life, your all.

When we open our gifts this year, remember all the love behind the most special gift – Jesus and His love.

Merry Christmas!