Wednesday, June 23, 2010
The dry stone
Vol. 5
While sitting on the bank of a river one day, I picked up a solid round stone from the water and broke it open. It was perfectly dry in spite of the fact that it had been immersed in water for centuries. The same is true of many people in the Western world. For centuries they have been surrounded by Christianity; they live immersed in the waters of its benefits. And yet it has not penetrated their hearts; they do not love it. The fault is not in Christianity, but in men's hearts, which have been hardened by materialism and intellectualism. ... Sadhu Sundar Singh Google this for more info. about author before you yell at me.
I had intended to talk to one of our graduates this month about their moment with God when they knew that Jesus was calling to them and they must answer. I still want to do that another time. In trying to find a graduate and not having any luck I came across the paragraph above in my saved documents folder. Now I was on a quest to find a stone that had been soaking in the water. I decided to call my friend Linda Diamond to see if she knew of any stones in our congregation and low and behold, SHE was my stone! Who knew, a ‘Diamond in the rough’? Here is her story.
I began my spiritual journey in a small Baptist church in the suburbs of Philadelphia. I flourished in Christ by attending Sunday school and church and participating in the many children activities such as Bible School, summer camps, youth group and choir. I was further blessed by living in a Christian home with both parents, a grandmother and an aunt. Who would not continue to grow in such a wonderful nourishing environment?
At the age of 13, I made the most important decision of my life. Along with several others in Sunday school, I committed myself to Jesus Christ in the waters of baptism. As the years passed, I tried to walk with Christ but I knew that I had fallen down many times. However, He was true to His promises and He never forsakes me but picked me up and carried me through some of the most difficult times in my life, especially the death of my father.
After I was married, it became very easy to make excuses for not finding a church home or for not even attending church on a limited basis. We had our very busy lives and felt that we had time to make those decisions later on. So....we just continued to put Christ off. I was happy; we had a very good marriage and were lucky to have most things going our way. However, I soon realized that there was a void in my life. I could not exactly put my finger on the reason for this feeling but I knew that this void could not be filled by material possessions or any worldly thing that I could think about.
The turning point came when my daughter, Jaclyn, accepted Christ and was baptized. And, here is where our God is so amazing. My husband also became a follower of Jesus Christ a short while after. What I had been trying to accomplish for years God made a reality. We had come full circle. Our family had become part of God’s family through the waters of baptism. Finally, I knew that I had filled the void in my life.
My story does not end here. Several years later, while on a missions trip in the DR, I decided to once again proclaim Christ as my personal Lord and Savior. Against the backdrop of the setting sun over the blue Caribbean waters, I again offered my life however damaged or whole to Christ. This time I was totally sure that no matter how many “dry” spells I would go through that Jesus would be with me always with the life giving water to restore by soul.
Isaiah 58:11 The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Linda Diamond
<”)))>
<”)))>< <”)))>< <”)))>< <”)))><
If you know of a grad that would be willing to share their story of Salvation with me, please let me know. Call or email. 259-0036 We have such incredible teens in our church and I would like to give them a show of support. Thanks.
Don’t forget the Fishwrapper Blog. All of our issues are there for sharing with others or reading again yourself. Hope you are enjoying them, P. http://thefishwrapper-prudence.blogspot.com
While sitting on the bank of a river one day, I picked up a solid round stone from the water and broke it open. It was perfectly dry in spite of the fact that it had been immersed in water for centuries. The same is true of many people in the Western world. For centuries they have been surrounded by Christianity; they live immersed in the waters of its benefits. And yet it has not penetrated their hearts; they do not love it. The fault is not in Christianity, but in men's hearts, which have been hardened by materialism and intellectualism. ... Sadhu Sundar Singh Google this for more info. about author before you yell at me.
I had intended to talk to one of our graduates this month about their moment with God when they knew that Jesus was calling to them and they must answer. I still want to do that another time. In trying to find a graduate and not having any luck I came across the paragraph above in my saved documents folder. Now I was on a quest to find a stone that had been soaking in the water. I decided to call my friend Linda Diamond to see if she knew of any stones in our congregation and low and behold, SHE was my stone! Who knew, a ‘Diamond in the rough’? Here is her story.
I began my spiritual journey in a small Baptist church in the suburbs of Philadelphia. I flourished in Christ by attending Sunday school and church and participating in the many children activities such as Bible School, summer camps, youth group and choir. I was further blessed by living in a Christian home with both parents, a grandmother and an aunt. Who would not continue to grow in such a wonderful nourishing environment?
At the age of 13, I made the most important decision of my life. Along with several others in Sunday school, I committed myself to Jesus Christ in the waters of baptism. As the years passed, I tried to walk with Christ but I knew that I had fallen down many times. However, He was true to His promises and He never forsakes me but picked me up and carried me through some of the most difficult times in my life, especially the death of my father.
After I was married, it became very easy to make excuses for not finding a church home or for not even attending church on a limited basis. We had our very busy lives and felt that we had time to make those decisions later on. So....we just continued to put Christ off. I was happy; we had a very good marriage and were lucky to have most things going our way. However, I soon realized that there was a void in my life. I could not exactly put my finger on the reason for this feeling but I knew that this void could not be filled by material possessions or any worldly thing that I could think about.
The turning point came when my daughter, Jaclyn, accepted Christ and was baptized. And, here is where our God is so amazing. My husband also became a follower of Jesus Christ a short while after. What I had been trying to accomplish for years God made a reality. We had come full circle. Our family had become part of God’s family through the waters of baptism. Finally, I knew that I had filled the void in my life.
My story does not end here. Several years later, while on a missions trip in the DR, I decided to once again proclaim Christ as my personal Lord and Savior. Against the backdrop of the setting sun over the blue Caribbean waters, I again offered my life however damaged or whole to Christ. This time I was totally sure that no matter how many “dry” spells I would go through that Jesus would be with me always with the life giving water to restore by soul.
Isaiah 58:11 The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Linda Diamond
<”)))>
<”)))>< <”)))>< <”)))>< <”)))><
If you know of a grad that would be willing to share their story of Salvation with me, please let me know. Call or email. 259-0036 We have such incredible teens in our church and I would like to give them a show of support. Thanks.
Don’t forget the Fishwrapper Blog. All of our issues are there for sharing with others or reading again yourself. Hope you are enjoying them, P. http://thefishwrapper-prudence.blogspot.com
Friday, May 21, 2010
Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world
Vol. 4
Transformation Story
I was having breakfast with two friends the other day. One was saying that someone she knows is supposed to be a Christian, (me) but sometimes she doesn’t act like it. She gets mad, lashes out and hurts people’s feelings. It came to me that we Christians are a lot like onions. Once Christ starts His work in us He peels the sin layers off one by one (and sometimes it takes a while) until we are made perfect for use in His recipe. In all recipes there is a start and a finish. It’s a process you go through to reach the end result. In the beginning you can’t tell what it’s going to be.
In the process of peeling this onion, our eyes and anyone standing too close may get a tear. That doesn’t mean it’s a bad onion. It’s a great onion, sweet and tasty, the way God made it. He made it; He chose it. Sometimes we must put up with the tears to have a divine sandwich or salad. Once it’s blended with all the other ingredients it compliments the others and as a whole recipe, it’s perfect and there are no more tears! Just like us!!! Have you ever eaten caramelized onions? They have been cooked over low heat for a long time, but in the end they are incredibly sweet.
It’s easy to judge people; we all do it, but try to remember the hard dry shell that once covered the onion. Once it was covered in dirt and lived in the ground! Take that shell away and the beautiful, tasty, sensitive part is revealed. The protective barrier that once covered the juicy inner part is gone and the poor onion is sitting there naked, waiting for the knife to dice it. Who can blame it for making our eyes water a bit. Christ will decide how to use it in His recipe. We don’t have the cookbook; much less know how He will use it, but He will. It’s His onion!
My experience with Christ’s peeling process was/is extremely difficult at times. I’ve resisted, complained, tried to hide, even practiced self-peeling. I’ve thought if I gave up some of my less used sin layers voluntarily He may allow me to keep others that I held especially dear to me in exchange. Did that work for me? Not so much. He found layers I didn’t know I had and unceremoniously yanked them off. Layers buried deeply in my soul that I thought I’d hidden from Him long ago. There they were, coming out of the cheap seats, marching across my conscience wearing bulls’ eye underwear, and He had his sights set on all of them.
When it comes to onions, I’m a Bermuda, a BIG Bermuda. Lots of sin layers! Some of you may be instantly peeled, (Spring onions) but for others it takes years of praying, throwing ourselves before His Mercy Seat and allowing Him to decide which recipe He will use us in. I’m so grateful that He loves us enough to use the ‘drops’ of this world and not just the market perfect ones. No life is wasted if they turn it over to the Master Chef.
Their sins and the evil things they do – I will not remember anymore. Jeremiah 31:34
Wes’s Onion Story
When we peel an onion there are various layers, like Prudence said, and a variety of thickness to those layers. The deeper we peel eventually the tears come.
When I think of how God has peeled this ole onion the tears do come. Not because of how sorry I feel for my self, but for the mercy He has shown me and for those I've hurt.
It wasn't until Feb. 2nd, 1996 that I started to realize how this onion had been in the bin too long, and was about to completely rot. That night, after what seemed like an eternity of prayer, not only from me, but from others asking God to show me a way to rid myself of that one thing that controlled my life, the layers were revealed.
For years I had been controlled by drinking. It was then I realized that I was the typical onion. But first God showed me how to deal with the outer layers. When I began to deal with the drinking problem He showed me other areas of my life that were hidden below the ugly brown wrinkled layers that were on the outside. He showed me that tobacco was also something that controlled me. There were areas like anger, going back for years I needed to deal with. The loss of a younger brother when I was nine years old that I've never really gotten over.
Unfortunately my family has had to pay a deep price for my selfishness, but they have always been the family God intended me to have. Never once did they turn their back on me. The church He brought me to twenty one years ago was the church he intended for me to have, because even though some of you talked to me like a Dutch uncle, you never turned your back on me. And most importantly He is the God I'm intended to have, because when I thought I was walking alone those foot prints in the sand were him carrying me.
So when we start peeling that onion remember, God wants that onion to be peeled and He'll use it for his glory.
Bless you all, Wes Thomason
If there are any other onions out there who would like to share their story with us just let me know. Thanks, Prudence
I’ve created a blog for all of the Fishwrappers at www.thefishwrapper-prudence.blogspot.com feel free to go there, read and share with your friends. Comment on any of the stories that touch you.
Vol. 4
Transformation Story
I was having breakfast with two friends the other day. One was saying that someone she knows is supposed to be a Christian, (me) but sometimes she doesn’t act like it. She gets mad, lashes out and hurts people’s feelings. It came to me that we Christians are a lot like onions. Once Christ starts His work in us He peels the sin layers off one by one (and sometimes it takes a while) until we are made perfect for use in His recipe. In all recipes there is a start and a finish. It’s a process you go through to reach the end result. In the beginning you can’t tell what it’s going to be.
In the process of peeling this onion, our eyes and anyone standing too close may get a tear. That doesn’t mean it’s a bad onion. It’s a great onion, sweet and tasty, the way God made it. He made it; He chose it. Sometimes we must put up with the tears to have a divine sandwich or salad. Once it’s blended with all the other ingredients it compliments the others and as a whole recipe, it’s perfect and there are no more tears! Just like us!!! Have you ever eaten caramelized onions? They have been cooked over low heat for a long time, but in the end they are incredibly sweet.
It’s easy to judge people; we all do it, but try to remember the hard dry shell that once covered the onion. Once it was covered in dirt and lived in the ground! Take that shell away and the beautiful, tasty, sensitive part is revealed. The protective barrier that once covered the juicy inner part is gone and the poor onion is sitting there naked, waiting for the knife to dice it. Who can blame it for making our eyes water a bit. Christ will decide how to use it in His recipe. We don’t have the cookbook; much less know how He will use it, but He will. It’s His onion!
My experience with Christ’s peeling process was/is extremely difficult at times. I’ve resisted, complained, tried to hide, even practiced self-peeling. I’ve thought if I gave up some of my less used sin layers voluntarily He may allow me to keep others that I held especially dear to me in exchange. Did that work for me? Not so much. He found layers I didn’t know I had and unceremoniously yanked them off. Layers buried deeply in my soul that I thought I’d hidden from Him long ago. There they were, coming out of the cheap seats, marching across my conscience wearing bulls’ eye underwear, and He had his sights set on all of them.
When it comes to onions, I’m a Bermuda, a BIG Bermuda. Lots of sin layers! Some of you may be instantly peeled, (Spring onions) but for others it takes years of praying, throwing ourselves before His Mercy Seat and allowing Him to decide which recipe He will use us in. I’m so grateful that He loves us enough to use the ‘drops’ of this world and not just the market perfect ones. No life is wasted if they turn it over to the Master Chef.
Their sins and the evil things they do – I will not remember anymore. Jeremiah 31:34
Wes’s Onion Story
When we peel an onion there are various layers, like Prudence said, and a variety of thickness to those layers. The deeper we peel eventually the tears come.
When I think of how God has peeled this ole onion the tears do come. Not because of how sorry I feel for my self, but for the mercy He has shown me and for those I've hurt.
It wasn't until Feb. 2nd, 1996 that I started to realize how this onion had been in the bin too long, and was about to completely rot. That night, after what seemed like an eternity of prayer, not only from me, but from others asking God to show me a way to rid myself of that one thing that controlled my life, the layers were revealed.
For years I had been controlled by drinking. It was then I realized that I was the typical onion. But first God showed me how to deal with the outer layers. When I began to deal with the drinking problem He showed me other areas of my life that were hidden below the ugly brown wrinkled layers that were on the outside. He showed me that tobacco was also something that controlled me. There were areas like anger, going back for years I needed to deal with. The loss of a younger brother when I was nine years old that I've never really gotten over.
Unfortunately my family has had to pay a deep price for my selfishness, but they have always been the family God intended me to have. Never once did they turn their back on me. The church He brought me to twenty one years ago was the church he intended for me to have, because even though some of you talked to me like a Dutch uncle, you never turned your back on me. And most importantly He is the God I'm intended to have, because when I thought I was walking alone those foot prints in the sand were him carrying me.
So when we start peeling that onion remember, God wants that onion to be peeled and He'll use it for his glory.
Bless you all, Wes Thomason
If there are any other onions out there who would like to share their story with us just let me know. Thanks, Prudence
I’ve created a blog for all of the Fishwrappers at www.thefishwrapper-prudence.blogspot.com feel free to go there, read and share with your friends. Comment on any of the stories that touch you.
Friday, May 7, 2010
The Fishwrapper Vol. 3
VOL. 3
I've included an attachment to our Fishwrapper. I hope you can open it and play it. I am still claiming my song, 'He Leads Us Along', sung here by Gloria Gaither, as my theme song. I want you to hear it. Listen to it and believe in it's message of hope. It has meant so much to me, and I'm sure for those of you who are suffering some hurt or pain in your life, it will be a balm for your soul. Listen to the words and soak in the sweetness.
2 Corinthians 12:9 He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” This month, I asked J.R. Reever to share a story of God's love with us. Many of you know J.R., I'm sure. He is a faithful, dedicated man of God who has answered His call to minister to the men in prison. They need His leading and are being taught about our loving God, whose forgiveness extends to all who ask for it. We're going to explore how this man's weakness was taken by our God, and changed into his strength. "He reached down from on high and took hold of me; He drove me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me." - Psalm 18:16-17
I thought of J.R. when I was given my assignment from God for this years Thanksgiving Ministry. I'll share my thoughts on that after you see what he shared with us.
Is God in charge and does He have a plan?
Last Tuesday evening at the Adams County Prison I had an experience that just let's you know that God is in charge and He does have a plan!
While ministering to the prisoners, I was conducting a lesson on trust and praying for each other. Especially if someone is having a bad day. Even if you don't like that person or care for that person, you still must pray for them.
I shared a story about my old neighbors. These old neighbors were party animals and very disruptive. They had huge parties and played loud music well into the morning hours. I asked them several times not to have parties that last so late. It fell on deaf ears. Their son Patrick had a motorcycle that he constantly ran around for hours on end. They would not listen to reason and cared nothing about anyone elses feelings or their privacy. I didn't care for them at all, and that would be putting it mildly.
Years went by and my dislike grew. One day I heard that they were not getting along with each other and were considering divorce. My first thoughts were good, maybe they will sell the house and move away from me, but God said no J.R. you must pray for them so they don't divorce and satan tears the family apart. I prayed for them for quite a while. My prayers were answered for awhile.
Eventually she met a co-worker though, while working at a local motorcycle plant and left her husband. He sold the house and moved away.
End of story, right? Not quite. To my surprise, an inmate who had never attended my Celebrate Recovery ministry before stated, that story sounds like my family. I looked at the young man and asked his first name. He said my name is Patrick. I said not Patrick @$!&*&^% Yes, he said, it is. I said Patrick, my name is J.R. Reever, your old neighbor.
The inmates jaw dropped as well as mine. I felt sadness, remorse and wanted to ask him for forgiveness. Time did not permit us to talk about what had happened to him, that he ended up in prison, but Patrick did tell me that his Mom went over to his Dad's house the other week to talk.
One of the prisoners commented, J.R., start praying again, maybe his Mom and Dad will get back together. I said that I will pray that God will bring them back together again.
God has placed Patrick back into my life, why I don't know, but God does............... Blessings, J.R. Reever, Prison Ministry
Thinking about J.R's Ministry, I realized that the families of those who J.R. is ministering to need to see God's love coming from those who profess to love Him and want to be a beacon in the darkness for those going through terrible struggles brought on, not by a stranger, but by the very ones they love. The betrayal they must be feeling. Think of the trust issues they will have when they get out. This year, God has shown me that we could feed these families Thanksgiving dinner. One prepared for them and where they can sit down together and relax, away from the stresses at home.
I am having address sized labels printed that say "IN GOD WE TRUST". In these times when our own government is taking away our rights regarding our freedom of religion, it is time for Christians to make a statement regarding their love of Country and our belief that our Nation was indeed founded as a Christian Nation who depends on Him to lead and direct both us and our leaders. I'm going to use all the proceeds from the sale of these labels to expand our ministry to feed people both at Thanksgiving and Christmas.
I've contacted the Adams County Office on Aging and they told me that people who get Meals On Wheels never get a hot Thanksgiving meal delivered to them. Those between Gettysburg, York Springs, East Berlin and Hanover will get one this year! I want to feed the families of J.R.'s Prison Ministry. I'd like to provide Bibles to all of these people, so please be thinking of a way to get a few Bibles you can donate for this need. I already have a restaurant that seats 140 people who will make our Thanksgiving dinner, even serve buffet style and all you can eat on Thanksgiving Day no less! God's Meal Barrel and York Rescue Mission will also be taken care of as well. It's a big undertaking, but if you all pitch in and sell at least 10 sets of 200 labels for $10.00 a set, we will be able to show others that "The GOD WE TRUST" is able to feed His Sheep.
I'm having 10,000 labels printed initially, but would love to run out and have to have more printed!!! I'll have a sign up sheet made available at Church later showing areas we'll need help with this ministry. I know God will again give us a loaves and fishes blessing for this much needed effort.
Another Ministry I would like to tell you about that is having a giant impact on those they serve is Nehemiah Missions. John Little gave me this note the other day. I want to share it with you:
.... About three years ago a woman in our neighborhood lost her husband of many years to cancer. Her husband took care of home repairs and she found she needed a plumbing job done. A mutual acquaintance gave out our phone number. Along with another neighbor the job was done through Nehemiah Mission. After talking a while and explaining the Nehemiah Mission our neighbor exclaimed "I'm so glad to meet you two, I thought I might be the only Christian in this neighborhood."
Luke 24:47 with My authority, take this message of repentance to all the nations, beginning with Jerusalem: 'there is forgiveness of sins for all who turn to Me'. I realized if 'my Jerusalem' was my neighborhood - and it is - we weren't doing too well.
As we walk through our daily life, what are we actively doing to let others know we are Christians? How are we showing, expressing our love of Jesus to all those we come into contact with? ....John Little
The Fishwrapper Vol. 2
Vol. 2
I am a cook, a wife, a housekeeper, a parent, a teacher, a referee, a nanny, a nurse, a handy man, a maid, security, and a comforter. I don't get holiday, sick pay, or a day off, I work through the day and some of the night, I am under paid and over worked, now tell me that YOUR job is harder then mine. Repost this if you're a ...MOM♥
I started thinking about this Fish Wrapper after our baptismal service. I was so touched by the precious children who committed their lives to Jesus in front of all their classmates and the rest of the congregation. Not to take away from the others who were baptized, but I had just talked with Laurie Jacoby, who wrote the opening paragraph above on her Face Book page and she said they had just led their youngest son to Christ, and how wonderful she felt that he had made this decision. I thought what a perfect moment to discuss how parents and their teachers nurture and lead the little ones along the path to salvation.
I always get weepy when the pastor carries the infants who are being dedicated back through the congregation and asks us all to help bring this child up by supporting them and encouraging them as they grow in the Lord. It takes me back a long time ago to when I was just a sprout going to church with my parents. There is a memory so fresh and poignant that springs up whenever I think of going to church as a child.
There was a snowy haired, little old man named Davie Keller who always had a smile on his weathered face. His icy blue eyes twinkled as he stood by the door as we left church, and as he reached out to shake my hand (and other children’s) and say a little something to me, he would slip a peppermint candy into my hand. Nothing big or momentous you might think, but to me, it was magical. This tiny old man took the time to acknowledge that I was there, I was special, and he even took the time to see that I got a little treat, every single Sunday. We can all contribute to the memories of a child in our own way. Plant that tiny seed in a youngster’s mind that they matter to us, they are there and we care about them. Water it and watch it grow.
I asked Laurie if she would share with us how she and Dan nurture the seeds of living a Christ filled life in their children, who all three have accepted Christ. She told me this little guy, all of six years old, asked her last week what happens to you when you die. Without missing a beat, she told him that our bodies are like shells that hold our spirits, who we are. When we die, they bury our bodies in the ground, but our spirits go to heaven to be with Jesus and we get all new bodies and live with Him forever. It just kind of went on from there she said, and he ended up asking Jesus into his heart.
It brings up all the things children ask us, that as parents, grandparents and teachers we must be ready to answer. It’s an awesome responsibility, but our God has given us the Holy Spirit and His Word to guide us and help us with this. That’s why it’s so important to study His Word and take them to church, so we are prepared when the opportunity arises to witness to them.
She said she can’t give enough credit to all of the wonderful teachers at our church who have helped her children to grow through the years they have been there. We are so blessed to have such a capable and dedicated staff. Thank all of you who have contributed to the growth of a child here.
Laurie and Dan have devotions daily with their children. Laurie home schools, and she said she can tell the difference in their day if they ever miss their devotions in the morning. It makes the day go so much better when they start it off spending that time with God.
Their daughter once asked them how they know what they believe about God is true. They told her that a lot of people have studied the Bible, it’s teachings, and they all believe what it says is true. We believe by faith, and faith is believing God’s Word, because He said it, even if we don’t know ourselves if it is true. Hebrews 11 talks all about faith. Verse 1 says 1Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Children are so ready to hear about Jesus. We must use every chance we get to answer their questions so they want to have a relationship with Him.
You know, with Dan still out of work, and other things going on, it is such a blessing that God has given this family reason to rejoice in Him for moving in their children like He has. What a mighty God is He!!!
Prudence, the Silver Fish
I am a cook, a wife, a housekeeper, a parent, a teacher, a referee, a nanny, a nurse, a handy man, a maid, security, and a comforter. I don't get holiday, sick pay, or a day off, I work through the day and some of the night, I am under paid and over worked, now tell me that YOUR job is harder then mine. Repost this if you're a ...MOM♥
I started thinking about this Fish Wrapper after our baptismal service. I was so touched by the precious children who committed their lives to Jesus in front of all their classmates and the rest of the congregation. Not to take away from the others who were baptized, but I had just talked with Laurie Jacoby, who wrote the opening paragraph above on her Face Book page and she said they had just led their youngest son to Christ, and how wonderful she felt that he had made this decision. I thought what a perfect moment to discuss how parents and their teachers nurture and lead the little ones along the path to salvation.
I always get weepy when the pastor carries the infants who are being dedicated back through the congregation and asks us all to help bring this child up by supporting them and encouraging them as they grow in the Lord. It takes me back a long time ago to when I was just a sprout going to church with my parents. There is a memory so fresh and poignant that springs up whenever I think of going to church as a child.
There was a snowy haired, little old man named Davie Keller who always had a smile on his weathered face. His icy blue eyes twinkled as he stood by the door as we left church, and as he reached out to shake my hand (and other children’s) and say a little something to me, he would slip a peppermint candy into my hand. Nothing big or momentous you might think, but to me, it was magical. This tiny old man took the time to acknowledge that I was there, I was special, and he even took the time to see that I got a little treat, every single Sunday. We can all contribute to the memories of a child in our own way. Plant that tiny seed in a youngster’s mind that they matter to us, they are there and we care about them. Water it and watch it grow.
I asked Laurie if she would share with us how she and Dan nurture the seeds of living a Christ filled life in their children, who all three have accepted Christ. She told me this little guy, all of six years old, asked her last week what happens to you when you die. Without missing a beat, she told him that our bodies are like shells that hold our spirits, who we are. When we die, they bury our bodies in the ground, but our spirits go to heaven to be with Jesus and we get all new bodies and live with Him forever. It just kind of went on from there she said, and he ended up asking Jesus into his heart.
It brings up all the things children ask us, that as parents, grandparents and teachers we must be ready to answer. It’s an awesome responsibility, but our God has given us the Holy Spirit and His Word to guide us and help us with this. That’s why it’s so important to study His Word and take them to church, so we are prepared when the opportunity arises to witness to them.
She said she can’t give enough credit to all of the wonderful teachers at our church who have helped her children to grow through the years they have been there. We are so blessed to have such a capable and dedicated staff. Thank all of you who have contributed to the growth of a child here.
Laurie and Dan have devotions daily with their children. Laurie home schools, and she said she can tell the difference in their day if they ever miss their devotions in the morning. It makes the day go so much better when they start it off spending that time with God.
Their daughter once asked them how they know what they believe about God is true. They told her that a lot of people have studied the Bible, it’s teachings, and they all believe what it says is true. We believe by faith, and faith is believing God’s Word, because He said it, even if we don’t know ourselves if it is true. Hebrews 11 talks all about faith. Verse 1 says 1Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Children are so ready to hear about Jesus. We must use every chance we get to answer their questions so they want to have a relationship with Him.
You know, with Dan still out of work, and other things going on, it is such a blessing that God has given this family reason to rejoice in Him for moving in their children like He has. What a mighty God is He!!!
Prudence, the Silver Fish
Thursday, May 6, 2010
The Fishwrapper Vol. I
Prudence is my name, writing is my game. When I had my Tea Room I sent email newsletters to my customers and friends. In them, I rambled on about what was going on in my life, news events that might interest those who came for tea and comfort, and just fun things I had stumbled upon while trying to survive the trials and tribulations of life on a small farm in the middle of no where.
I talked about my faith in Christ and how He used different circumstances in that very crazy life to show me the path He wanted me to follow. I’m living proof that even the hardest headed vessel on the shelf can be reshaped and molded into His image. It may take a while but He is patient, forgiving and will never give up on you.
The chorus of G. A. Young’s great song of comfort says, “God leads His dear children along. Some through the waters, some through the flood, some through the fire, but all through the blood. Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song, in the night season and all the day long.” It’s obvious that the author was reflecting upon an even greater song from the inspired pen of Isaiah in his prophecy, chapter 43, verse 2, “When thou passes through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walk-est through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” ( Why can’t we sing this in church???)
It is with this thought in mind that I want to talk to you. I’ve been asked to start doing a newsletter for the people of our church. The old song above is a favorite of mine and the words were such a comfort when I was going through the sale of our beloved farm and the subsequent move to our new home. I struggled with so many emotions, some not so Christ like, but through it all, my Savior was beside me and before me carrying me through. I know you all have stories of times when He carried you ‘through the night season and all the day long’. Would you share your story with me and the congregation in our little ‘Fish Wrapper’? They don’t have to be just tales of woe. A little joy would be great to! I hope if I email you or give you a call you will tell me your story. Prudence
