Love One Another

I will never forget driving up to the church one evening and William (not his real name), was sitting on the steps just waiting for someone to show up and let him in. Will grew up in the worst kind of social squaller. He was the product of a broken home and his mother would bring men into the house and engage in behavior that no child should ever have to see.

One day members of the local church were canvassing the neighborhood and signed Will up to ride the "Joy Bus." It was the day that changed his life forever. He only lived a few blocks away, so he rarely waited for the bus to show up at his house. More often than not he was at the church ready to ride along and help out where he could. He attended every service, never missed a youth event, and pretty soon was leading prayers and giving short Bible talks.

I left for college and often wondered what happend to Will, at least until that cool December morning in Plymouth, MI. I remember a tall strapping young man in uniform walked in with his wife at his side and small child in tow. Will was serving with distinction in the U.S. Army, had married a Christian girl and was active in the local church.

How does a young man from such a troubled background grow to become a pillar in the local church? It was the result of a loving family. No, not his biological family, but his spiritual family. I have often subscribed to the belief that we can make a lot of mistakes in life, as long as we love one another, for "love covers a multitude of sin."

A Touch of Wonder

Arthur C. Gordon wrote this inspiring litte book entitled, "A Touch of Wonder." It is simply a series of short stories and applications that he has drawn from his own experiences of life. I have read the book a number of times and given it as a gift more than once.

I think the reason I am drawn to Gordon's book is that it is relevant to everyone. As we read his stories we are reminded of the fenceposts we have passed in our own life.

Over the years I have compiled stories and illustrations from my own life; they relate the wonders and marvels God has worked on me and sometimes even through me. For the next week or two I am going to share some of those stories with you. Some are wonderful stories of hope and restoration, others reflect times of brokenness and healing.

I hope before we are through that they might bring a little wonder to your life as well.

My yoke is easy...

Sometimes we simply need a point of reference to remind us of how good God is. There have been days when I indulged in my own pity party, or complained because my Father was a little slow in bestowing His blessings. I marvel at how God continues to bless me through my murmuring and complaining. He simply waits for teachable moments to reveal himself to me.

This week has been a struggle at times. I have found myself impatient with others and with God. I want my prayers answered almost immediately and think how sweet life would be if all the obstacles were cleared from my path. I know that is not a very practical consideration, but it is my blog - so I am allowed to dream.

I know that God works on us in during our times of need and dependence. He challenges us with trails that we can only overcome with His help. He rebukes the son that He loves (Hebrews 12:6)! Sometimes I simply wish he didn't love me so much (no, not really).

So what about this point of clarity? How do we come to accept the challenges and heartaches that creep into our lives? I can only offer two simple strategies that work for me.

1. Claim the promises of God. Today I claim the words that Jesus spoke, "Come to me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart and you will find rest for your souls. My yoke is easy and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30)

2. Stop and take a good hard look at the world. I don't ever want to be like the Pharisee in Luke 18:11, "I thank you that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican." That kind of self-righteousness smacks in the face of God's desire for us. However, when I look around and see the tragedy in the world; the starvation in Africa, the earthquakes in Peru, or the plight of our inner cities I realize how truly blessed I am.

No, life isn't always easy and sometimes our knees buckle under the burdens and weight we carry. Those are challenging times, but if we are faithful, they can also be extremely liberating. It may be in those dark days, straining under the weight and sin that we better understand a couple of other promises God has given us:

"Cast your cares on him: for he cares for you" (I Peter 5:7).

"Lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily besets us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us" (Hebrews 12:1)

I don't know about you, but I am tired of collapsing under the burdens and weight of this life. I am ready to throw off the yoke of despair and heartache. I am ready to cast my cares on my Lord and Savior. I am tired of standing on the sidelines watching - I am ready to run the race.

Gatlinburg Retreat

This weekend was the 11th Annual Christian Singles retreat in Gatlinburg, TN. There were about 60 in attendance at the Stiener Bell Lodge tucked way in the beautiful Smokey Mountains.

I was blessed this year to be able to facilitate the retreat and we all had an amazing weekend together. The theme this year was "Living a Fulfilled Single Life," and the group took full advantage of experiencing the fulfilled life as well as studying about it. We had games, devotionals, hikes and my personal favorite - shopping in Gatlinburg (I hope you can sense the satire).

There were two keys to the success of this year's program. First, everyone came with a spirit of love, acceptance and compassion. It was really exciting to see how quickly this group connected and the support and encouragement they all provided for one another. The second key was their spirit of participation. During the educational periods, the group discussion was dynamic and compelling.

Of course the best part of any good singles workshop is spending it with other great singles. I was blessed to be able to make so many new friends, but I enjoyed the added pleasure of enjoying the beauty of God's creation with someone very special.