FOLLOWING JESUS

I've always believed that just hearing a sermon or just reading my Bible was not enough. If I didn't put the new principle I was leaning about into action or into my experience in some way it forever remained a theory or concept rather than a truth for me. In other words, it didn't change my attitudes or behavior. As I see it, the whole point of learning about Jesus is not to increase my knowledge but to gain the ability to act and think more like Him. For those reasons, I was especially happy to hear about the children's class my daughter, Connie, taught last Sunday.

Preparing to Follow

Connie is our pastor's wife and she filled in to teach the first-fifth grade class Sunday school. She shared the same passage of scripture with the children that our pastor was using in his sermon but from a little different perspective. She chose to give one verse special emphasis. After washing the disciples' feet Jesus told them, "I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you." (John 13:15 NLT)

Connie explained how dirty the disciples' feet must have been because they always walked dusty trails while making the point that Jesus also meant we should try to follow His example in everything we do, not just washing each others feet, even though that is part of it. When she was through talking she rolled out a length of paper and laid it down to cover the enter aisle of the room and told the children to take off their shoes and socks.

Austin and Chloe

A young man, Austin, helped the eighteen children to choose one of six paint colors to cover their feet before 'following Jesus' done the paper road. Connie waited at the other end to wash the feet of the first child. Once washed, that child washed the feet of the next class member and so on before each child signed his foot prints. Connie said she couldn't get over how excited and happy the children were to wash their classmate's feet and help each other.

Once everyone had walked down the road all of the children wanted to wash Connie's feet so she took her turn. Then, they turned to Austin. "No," he protested shyly, but the children began to chant his name until he relented. When he reached the end of the road, Chloe, a first grader, couldn't wait to wash his feet as she had been the last child to walk and hadn't had a special pair of feet to wash!

The Road to Following Jesus

Connie said that she's going to laminate the 'road' and hang it on the wall outside the children's room. Hopefully they will never forget the joy they felt in serving and helping each other that morning!

As I listened I couldn't help wondering again, "Why is it so hard for us adults to step out and experience the truths we listen to week after week. It certainly isn't because we don't believe. Is it as simple as: I will feel silly or what will others think? Or do we wonder: what will this cost me or how is it going to impact my life? Whatever the reason, if we continue to live our lives in the same old ruts we are missing the joy that comes from acting upon Biblical principles and seeking God's wisdom for imaginative ways of reaching out to the people around us!

This is a new year, should or could we make a resolution to break out of our behavioral ruts? We might experience miraculous signs and wonders we didn't know were possible. We might see God's healing power poured out in mighty dimensions. We might even find we have become bold in sharing our faith. In short, we might find ourselves thinking, feeling, and acting more like Jesus.

Accepting Responsibility: A Choice for Personal Liberty

I was 27 years old when my mentor, Barbara, blew my mind with the pronouncement, "You cannot blame your rotten weekend on your mother-in-law's behavior. Your weekend was your fault. You had a choice."

"Oh, no," I hastened to explain, "I didn't have a choice. She said or did such and such so I had to do or say this or that."

"No, you chose to do and say what you did. You always have a choice. The truth is: you're never a victim of someone else's behavior."

If that was true, I wanted to know it! So, I began to examine my situation that very night. If I could actually choose how I reacted in any given situation (a radical thought) then I needed to plan ahead. I was sick of being a victim wounded, put down, and defeated by the words and behavior of others. I didn't like always defending myself and yet looking petty and childish in the eyes of my family. If I had to take responsibility for my behavior I wanted to act in ways that made me, at least, feel good about myself!

I found the principles I was looking for in the Bible. (I often wish I could show them to our national leaders today.)

The first on I concentrated on was freely you have received, freely give (Matt. 10:8). I knew Jesus had given me everything when I deserved nothing. So, to make it personal: I had been given forgiveness so instead of continuing to defend myself as a wife or parent I could agree with my adversary quickly (Matt. 5:25). That is, I could admit a possible mistake when accused and then silently forgive my mother-in-law's attack. To my shock the conversation was usually over!

Later, when I determined to love my adversary it was a little more difficult. However, I had learned to ask God in the Serenity Prayer to grant me the ability to accept the things I could not change by adding that means other people, places, and things. Acceptance is another word for love! Applied to my mother-in-law, I stopped trying to convince her to change her attitudes or behavior. I didn't have to agree with her but once I voiced my position I could refuse to respond any further and refuse to judge her. It truly does take two to argue.

At those times when I felt my temper rising so that I had to swallow down the desire to fight, I'd pick up a book or magazine and force myself to move into an empty bedroom where I could focus on something else until I cooled off. He that is slow to anger appeases strife (Prov. 15:18).  After years of making that choice I heard my mother-in-law complain to others as I left the room one day, "You never know when she's going to leave the room. Without any warning, she just picks up a book and without a word she's gone!" I thought that was high praise!

I was raised to fight for what I believed was the truth. That meant in an unjust world I was fighting something or someone all the time. I found a better way and it came with promises of success. Luke 6:38 (NLT), "If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use in giving---large or small--- it will be used to measure what is given back to you." What I didn't realized when I began on this journey was that it was the pathway to ultimate personal freedom but that is why I'm no longer the victim of any person, place, or thing!

A Word of Encouragement

I received a word of exhortation from the Lord the other day.

He said,

"Storm clouds of adversity are gathering and rising across your land.
Do not be afraid of them. Do not drop your head, for I am the Lord over every storm.
They obey My voice and My command.
I say, 'Cease!' and 'Be still!'
Let Me prove Myself to you.
My promises are true for I am faithful.
You can trust in Me."

I hope this word brings some encouragement to be strong and courageous through any trial that comes your way. God will surely bring you through.

Be Shrewd

There is a story in the Bible that begins in Luke 16:1. I haven't been able to relate that story to my life for more than forty years. However, last week to my great joy I got a revealing understanding of the point Jesus was making.

The story is about a cheating manager who was caught stealing. When his boss fired him the man didn't know what he was going to do. He reasoned that he wasn't capable of manual labor and yet he didn't know anyone who would help him out. Then he had a bright idea. He would look for some people who were weighed down with heavy burdens and offer to share them and lighten their loads. Jesus said the man was shrewd and that we, who follow Him, should be, too. Because using our worldly resources to help others will make friends for us; and at the same time our generosity will store up rewards for us in heaven.

Who are these people carrying heavy burdens and where could I find them? It just so happened that I heard of several different situations last week which eventually led to my revelation. First, there was a young wife who desperately wanted her husband's love and recognition and yet at every opportunity he either rejected or ignored her. Then there was the young son who yearned for his father's attention and guidance as he grew up but his father couldn't see beyond his own need for booze to meet his son's needs. I thought about the elderly neighbor who was being mistreated and threatened by her caregiver. She was suffering because she didn't know a single soul who could help her. Finally, there was a new widow whose husband had always taken care of the finances and now she had no idea how to make good decisions for herself.

It was easy to see that the people carrying heavy burdens were all around me. I couldn't miss them if I determined to listen to what they were saying. My struggle is the same one I've always had: am I willing to get involved, to share their burden and try to lighten it or just blow them off with platitudes? I've found it always requires more of a sacrifice than I first anticipate when I choose to enter in. So, I always leave some room for the unknown when I 'count the cost.'   I make a promise to God and myself that once I begin I won't quit just because the going gets tough.

The other thing I've learned about this principle is that I have to help when a person's burden is heavy. Friendship goes to the one who helps share the load. All of the good intentions or promises in the world will not make a friend once the burden is lifted. The young son who grew up with a Big Brother he could lean on does not switch his loyalty to a sober father once he's grown. No matter how much the father might lavish on him the same bond does not develop.

However, if someone comes across my path and I share her burdens and hopefully lighten them I make a new friend for life, a true friend that I can trust and depend on. As a bonus God sets aside a reward for me in heaven. There are not many endeavors that reap such lasting benefits!

Principles of Forgiveness

I happened across this verse this week. Ephesians 4:32 (NLT) "Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." Since I'm convinced that people as a whole do not grow past their leadership, I believe that anyone who wants to live as a Christ follower is going to be greatly tempted during this presidential election season and to come through spiritually victorious in Novermber we need to be prepared.

As I've asked God about how I should proceed He's given me direction that I want to share. First, don't ignore the conflict. He has given each of us a point of view that is important to share with the world. For most of us that means we speak with our vote.

However, if we're not going to ignore what is being said and done by our leaders then we find ourselves mired in the mud of lies, half-truths, slanders and underhanded tricks. As Christians, many of us have struggled out of that lifestyle and the only way we know to confront it again is with fear, anger, or tit-for-tat. I think God has been showing me a better way.

Forgiveness! For every person whose rhetoric offends me, for everyone I think is misguided or worse, for all those who seek to deceive me for their own gain, I must choose to forgive. And by that I mean I must choose to give up the right to resent and fight them in like manner and give that right to God! Since He cares about what happens to me, He will fight for me as I call on Him to bring justice and truth to our leadership.

Don't be confused by what I'm saying. I'm not advocating a position of passivity or weakness. I know that when I forgive it does not mean that I forget and become an emotional zombie. However, my emotions are just that, feelings that remain in the realm of temptation if I deal with them quckly. Anger, disappointment, or outrage that is not dealt with builds into prejudice, resentent or bitterness. As they fester and grow my nature is changed into 'the old man' again and if I act on them I fall into sin. When I choose forgiveness God can heal my feelings and line them up with His Word.

Join me! Choose to become a 'Prayer Warrior' in the old fashioned sense of the term. Together we can experience a victory we cannot achieve alone.

NOTICE:  Carolyn Maze and I will be meeting in the Lobby of Generations Church 3838 50th Street. Monday-Friday at 8:30 am. starting tomorrow, August 7, until election day in November. If you would like to join us to pray for our country and the campaigns we welcome you!

As God Sees Us

My pastor preached on the principle that we should see ourselves as God says He sees us if we are going to improve our self-image. I have seen and experienced how much we can help each other with that new vision. As Ed preached the memory that came to my mind was not about me but starred my ex-husband.

When my husband chose to sober up God began to deal with the wreckage alcoholism had made in our family members' personalities and characters. Naturally our values and beliefs had to change. However, we were not left alone in our quest to merely grasp wisdom from books, even the Bible, though we did read and meditate. We were surrounded by people who stuck so close to us they could see in the debris of our self-centered thinking that sought after attitudes and characteristics were taking shape. It was those qualities they made sure to point out.

That was a complete change for me. I was used to being confronted only if I was being corrected or reprimanded. I assumed I was doing everything right if nothing was said at all. I lived by the motto, no news is good news, you might say. But now we were in the midst of people who addressed our virtues as they saw them and it was reinforcing our positive behavior as we reached for the higher values of a sane and sober life.

One of the most dramatic changes I ever saw was in my husband. Not long after he joined the organization that was helping us he told me on the way home from a meeting, "Don't get to thinking we have some extra money since I'm sober. I have to give a dollar in every meeting when they pass the basket and you have to give a dollar in your meeting, too."

What? Do you think I didn't pass math, I wondered? Like I couldn't tell the difference between the costs of a case of beer every night and a dollar at a meeting! To say the least, my drinking husband was not generous. After several months of being sober I asked him if I could invite some friends over to our house after the meeting. He agreed, so, I told him we needed to go by Duncan Donuts and get a dozen donuts to have for refreshments.

We had so much fun we continued to invite friends over after the meetings. Each week our guest list grew and so did our donut purchases. Before long we extended our invitation to everyone who wanted to come and we provided the donuts and coffee. Almost every room of our house was filled with the babble of people with a common problem who were seeking a common solution and becoming friends on their journey.

One night, after everone had gone my husbnad and I were discussing our 'party' while he washed coffee cups. Suddenly a thought raced through my mind and without thinking I blurted it out. "Thank you for being so generous. It's your generosity that makes this work."

Actually, I had never thought of my husband as generous before, but his reaction told me I had hit the mark and that he wanted to be known as a generous man. Without a word, he stood up a little straighter, squaring his shoulders and lifting his head just a touch even though his hands were still in dish water.

From that moment to this, one of his greatest assets has been his generosity. It's one of the first things you think of when you hear his name.

God's Kind of Economy

"In those days when you pray I will listen. If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me. I will be found by you," says the Lord. "I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes." Jeremiah 29:12-14

Everyday last week there seemed to be a depressing report of the work force in America. Over and over I heard the stats of how hard hit women have been. The plight of the number of people receiving food stamps, of those who are underemployed, seeking jobs or unemployed but no longer seeking jobs, and the many more that will soon be among their number were well covered. The inference was, this country is on the skids and there is very little hope and President Obama says the only answer is to trust in the government to take care of us. However, on Sunday I was ready to pray and put this enormous problem in God's hands. In reply He seemed to say, "Maybe if those who are stuggling in this financial recession knew a small part of your mother's story it would lift their spirits. Because the truth is that even when men and women have lost the plan for their futures, God hasn't."

On the day my mother, Marian, met Jesus in a little West Texas church and made a decision to live her life His way everything changed for her. In Jesus' presence she agreed to finally become responsible for her life and only trust Him to help her. The days of leaning on other people or things were over. All had failed her but Jesus promised  that she would not be alone. When His vision disappeared she realized He had filled her with the peace and courage she had needed for so many years. She made a decision right then to resist the overwhelming terrors and fears that sought to control her as well as her violently abusive husband before she left the church.*

She returned home with new resolve to find her husband sitting in the living room. She grabbed a pillowcase and began to scoop all of the can goods into it. When she had gathered everything she needed from the apartment she went to where he sat and stood before him, she extended her hand to him palm up, and said, "The girls and I are leaving. We're going back to Dallas. I need the keys to the car." "Can I go , too?" he asked meekly now that he was sober. "Yes," she replied, "but only so far as your mother's house. I'll never live with you again."

Marian had been married since she was sixteen. And though she had owned a children's day care for a time, she had never trained for a job. She couldn't imagine how she was going to support and provide for her girls. But things began to fall into place. She found an apartment in a government housing complex as soon as she arrived in town. Then, looking through the Want Ads she saw the Bus Station needed help in the coffee shop. She was willing to learn the job and she was hired. My older stepsister, Susie, looked after her sister who was five years younger. There were only a few assets that Marian took to that job. She showed up on time with a smile, listened, and learned. "I didn't make hardly any money," she said later, "but I got a few tips and I could eat during my shift so the food money went to the girls."

Before long an actual restaurant downtown had an opening for a waitress. "I applied for it as soon as I heard about it," she smiled. "It only paid a little better but most importantly, I was allowed to take leftover food home so that was like a big raise to me and I learned more skills. Things were improving. I never figured to stay a long time anywhere. I was always looking for the next step up so I did the best I could everwhere just so I could get a good recommendation. But I always thought it was ironic that I would never have heard about the second restaurant if I hadn't taken the awful job working nights at the Bus Station.

"From there I got a job at a variety store. The trouble with it was it was so far away. I had to ride the bus to the end of the line then I still had to walk a couple of miles to the store," she related. However, she got a good raise and the sacrifice was worth it since she had some money for her children's needs. "I was working there at Easter and because of my boss the girls had the best Easter of their lives." When the holiday was over she asked if she could take some of the left over candy to her kids. Her boss replied, "You can have anything you want." She laughed as she related the story to me many years later, "You should have seen me getting on the bus with huge stuffed animals and big baskets full of candy, eggs, and grass. I still don't know how I carried it all until I reached the bus!"

The next job was only a few blocks from home at a high-end restaurant. There as one of the wait staff she was trained in table service and actually began to make enough money to cover the family's needs. That was when she realized her confidence in herself had changed. To her surprise, she actually believed that she could learn, she could grow, and she could succeed. After a little time she began to wonder if she could achieve the dream she had always carried.

One thing led to another and she was accepted into the local nursing program. The restaurant was only open in the evenings so she continued to work most of her way through school where she graduated at the top of her class.

For years Marian had believed she was a looser who couldn't succeed. She had been so beat up and beat down by life and her husband that her hope had run out. Once she started on her new path the problems didn't just magically disappear. Her husband continued to get drunk, intimidate, and terrorize her along with other trials, but she confronted each one with a new resolve and the knowledge that she was no longer alone. Once she put her faith in Jesus, knowing that she needed His directions and plan, in two short years she rose from a pit of despair and helplessness to achieve more than she had ever thought she could.

*See: Available Grace: True Short Stories of the Rewards of Intentional Living, "My Comforter In Trouble", pg.123. To order click on: http://sbpra.com/mariannecassell or www.amazon.com
     I'm telling my mother's story with her permission.

Guest Blog With Joanne Troppello

Hi! Joanne Troppello invited me to be a guest blogger on her blog site today. I hope you'll check it out. She has a wonderful site full of inspiration and information. Click on: http://joannetroppello.weebly.com/blog.html

Prophetic Messages

Last Sunday, God spoke prophetically to our church as our Father. He said in part, "Little children, much like your earthly fathers, in My eyes you never grow too old to need My protection, provision, grace or comfort. I want to see you living as light-hearted children because I desire to enter into your laughter, into your dancing and into your joy!"

Later, at the time in our service when we are encouraged to greet those worshiping with us a lady came to me to tell me that she felt the prophecy had been meant especially for her. Then, as our pastor preached he referred to it several times. Their reactions led me to remember past prophecies that impacted my life in mighty ways.

In 1973, I spent three months running from a friend, Carolyn, who had prophesied that God wanted me to write 'first and article, then a book.' The idea was so terrifying to me I was willing to destroy my friendship with Carolyn because of it. Then, during an evening service our pastor gave a prophetic message to our congregation that said in part, "I have told you what to do. Are you going to be afraid or are you going to obey?" I knew God was speaking directly to me! All of my excuses fell away. When I reached home I repented and committed myself to writing as He directed. That day my life took a radical turn I never expected or sought, but I have been blessed by it over and over again.

In 1988, I was committed to obeying a direction God had given me to open a free soup kitchen for the homeless in our city. However, everyday a new roadblock seemed to spring up to defeat my efforts. Then, one Sunday morning the Lord spoke to our congregation. In the midst of a lengthy 'word' He said, "Self-doubt and unbelief are the only things that will keep you from the victory." Today, that is an understood principle of walking with Jesus who is always victorious, but it was a new and radical thought back then. However, it was the encouragement I needed to persevere and deal with each obstacle as it arose so that God's plan could come into being.

One Sunday morning in 1986 a guest minister came to our church. After preaching he asked for those wanting prayer to come forward. I was planning to start writing a new book so I went to the front. When the man came to pray with me He had a confirmation from God that I was on the right track. Afterwards, I went back to my seat but before I could sit down he pointed at me and said in a commanding voice, "The Lord says you are to remember that your children may not always understand you, but they do love you." Thinking about it at home, I knew God was showing me something important. So, I wrote down all that He had said and put it in my file of prophetic messages. Two years later, my husband and I separated. When that happened I pulled the word from my files and put it in my billfold where it was continually available. Through all of the dark days leading to divorce it was the only hope I had that my children and I would be reconciled.

God speaks to us in many ways; a prophetic message is just one of them. However, these messages are supposed to fulfill at least one of three criteria. They are given to encourage us, build us up or edify us, or comfort us. We're the ones who lose out if we don't listen carefully.

Need a Crutch?

It's funny to me that those who claim to be atheists or agnostics look down on Christians as emotional or mental wimps needing a crutch to get through life while Christian leaders are warning their congregations more and more often that the Christian life is not for the faint hearted. Since I have followed Christ as best I could for almost 48 years now. I have an opinion. This is not the life for anyone seeking an easy ride and if miracles along your journey do not excite you, then this is definitely not the way for you to go. I've come to the conclusion that the life Jesus asks us to live is impossible without His miraculous power.

There was one event in my life that allowed me to compare life with God and life without. That event was divorce. My husband and I were divorced the first time when we were 25 years old and had been married 5 years. At the time, I thought I was a Christian because I believed that Jesus was the son of God, however, I had not committed my life to Him. I attended church when I chose and didn't want to get too involved with the people. I believed I was in control of my life and should be!

So, opting for divorce as an answer to my problems I believed it was entirely up to me to make my life a success. But why wouldn't I, I was capable, I reasoned. However, I was not prepared for the demons of fear, worry, and loneliness that took up residence with me. I learned quickly that when any of them became overwhelming I had choices of medications...alcohol, food, men, or money. But none of them brought permanent relief and all of them left lingering consequences that brougtht greater misery.

For no reason I've ever discerned, my children who had only seen their doctor for shots and well check-ups were suddenly being rushed to the emergency room with spiking temperatures or bleeding injuries. No matter how long or hard I worked I couldn't get ahead. What didn't go to the hospital went to the baby-sitter or to a member of my own family who took my rent money while I was at work. The men who claimed to be enamored of me quickly proved to be untrustworthy and alcohol was out of the question since I needed to be clear-headed to worry. Yet, I was proud to be in control of my life and decisions.

The result of five long months of that agony brought me face to face with a question of life and death. Nothing short of that seemed to break through my stubbornness. At that moment, to my everlasting gratitude Jesus came to me. My life was redeemed and I was converted.

I remarried my husband and we were married for the next 27 years then we were divorced again. The second time I thought I was prepared for the loneliness, doubt, and brokenness that divorce produces. However, doing things God's way rather than hardening my heart and medicating my feelings was even more painful than before. It was intensely painful to try to keep a tender, open heart toward those who were angry, judgmental, or critical with me. I quoted Psalms 46:1(paraphrased) to myself every few minutes for years. "God, You're my refuge and strength, my ever persent help in times of trouble."

I could never have forgiven those around me if He had not constantly touched my emotions and directed my steps (through others as well as the Holy Spirit). There's no way to describe the heartache of remorse or the despair of dying dreams and desires. However, because God comforted me I've been able to come into peace with every person and I still have friends today who proved to be so trustworthy they walked through the deepest valley with me. There were times I was alone but I was never lonely like I was the first time and every obstacle of potential defeat has crumbled before it could do me permanent harm.

There were so many times I wanted to cut and run from the pain or problem I was facing, but without fail God sent soneone(s) to encourage me to continue. He really doesn't give up and if I hold onto Him I won't either. I learned it takes courage, real courage, and strength of character to lean on Jesus alone when I'm walking in unfamiliar territoy. But it seems like the Lord can only bring about His victory in my life if I follow Him through the flood or fire of traumatic circumstances. That means I've got to be all in with Jesus lest I wound someone by my selfishness.

Thinking about it, I've got to admit the rationales'  of the atheists or agnostics make me smile when I hear them. I know what they don't. I have fought (and suffered) to become strong and courageous. That's not something their arguments can take away.

Choose Joy

For the last two weeks it seemed like all my things and many parts of my body were falling apart! None were getting fixed even though I presented each to the Lord every morning. The wreckage just seemed to be piling up.

When God didn't seem to be listening to my prayers I began to hear a good friend's voice in my head. Over and over during this last year she had said, "It seems like my body fell apart in my 74th year."

Alarmed, I asked, "Oh, my God, is this what I've got to look forward to all next year?" (I'll be 74 in a couple of months.) Needless to say, I was getting more impatient, disheartened, and discouraged with each new problem. My burden was becoming heavy indeed.

Then Connie, one of my daughters, called. After listening to my complaints for awhile she said, "OK. I'm going to pray for you." That helped me change my attitude, but it wasn't all the Lord had planned.
A couple of days later, eight of us attended Connie's birthday lunch. Because of our talk she bought everone who attendd a 'Joy Journal'. When I explained the circumstances I was going through several others began to share all the problems piling up at their homes. But none of them had connected their attitude to a lack of joy either.

However, later that afternoon I was listening to an interview with Ann Romney. The reporter asked how she kept a positive attitude in the face of breast cancer and MS. She said, "I learned a longtime ago to choose joy."

Sometimes I'm thick-headed but not that day. I clearly got the message and wondered why I even needed the reminder. I had learned many years ago that the Holy Spirit brought joy into my heart but I had to choose to keep walking in the attitude. Also, even though joy makes me so spiritually strong I can fight any spiritual battle it is so fragile that disappointment, discouragement, and impatience, let alone unbelief, are enough to drain my supply and leave me dry and feeling defeated.

Choosing joy again has totally changed my preception of my life. The problems haven't yet changed but I have. The burdens are no longer heavy and I have no doubt that what I need, God will supply. Maybe because we humans continually need the reminder of others is one of the reasons the writer of Hebrews wrote, "Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on..." (The Message, 10:25) Thank you, Connie, Lacey, and Jan!

Easy Mentoring

When my Bible study group was discussing activating blessing streams* our leader, Judy, said she was going to take her granddaughter, Mackenzie, with her. Mackenzie is in grade school and will be spending much of the summer with Judy because her parents both work. "I think she'll really like doing that," Judy said.

Thinking over our conversation reminded me of the year and a half before my youngest daughter, Carrie, started to school. At that time everything about my relationship and understanding of God seemed like new. Instead of reading the latest best seller or watching TV in my spare time I read my Bible, testimony books, or attended classes. I was fascinated by the nature and abilities of God, so I was willing to try any new activity I heard about to get closer to Him. After all, I reasoned, if it doesn't work or I look foolish who will know?

One morning, I was committing my day to God while I brushed my teeth (as was my normal routine) when a thought passed through my mind, "Go into the living room, bow down at the couch and pray out loud." That idea was so startling I sputtered and spewed toothpaste all over the sink! I had quit bowing to pray out loud since bedtime when I was 3 or 4. My average morning devotional consisted of a little reading and a little silent prayer accompanied by a cup of coffee and a cigarette before I dressed for work. However, the more I thought about it the more convinced I was that God must have made the outrageous suggestion...I never would have!

The older girls were already at school. Carrie and her baby-sitter were playing in her room. I seldom saw her until I was ready to leave the house. This is a good time to see what happens, I decided.

I got myself situated at the couch and addressed the Lord. Just the sound of my voice was so intimidating all thought flew from my mind! There I remained with my eyes screwed shut, my head bowed, and my hands folded trying to think of something to pray for anyone that I knew. But my overriding thought was, this is much harder and more embarrassing than I thought!

After mumbling "help her/him" after each name I could think of I called it quits, even though I knew this was going to require lots more practice. I rose from my knees and turned to find Carrie and her babysitter standing behind me. They were staring at me as though awe-struck with their mouths hanging open! Without a word, I lifted my chin, stiffened my spine and proceeded to my bedroom. However, the next morning as I knelt at the couch Carrie silently came to kneel beside me, bowed her head and folded her hands. It only seemed polite to ask her if there was someone or something she wanted to pray for before I stood up. That was how she became my prayer partner.

Driving around from one errand to another seemed like a good time to practice the choruses we were singing at church. They were new to me and difficult to remember. However, when a tune or lyric eluded me I was surprised that Carrie could often insert it. We drove around town singing at the top of our lungs. I don't know if it helped Carrie learn the songs, but by the next Sunday I could sing most of the selections instead of just humming along.

Then, one day I told Carrie about a testimony I'd heard where God directed a woman to a specific house to meet a specific need. "Do you want to practice and see what happens with us?" I asked. Immediately alert, she sat up straight and nodded emphatically. So, we did. Asking and listening, we twisted and turned along the streets of Lubbock until the Lord seemed to say, "Here." I parked while Carrie and I prayed for the people who lived in the house (sometimes houses.) We prayed everything we could think of until we were finally prayed out. Then, we ran our errands, visited friends or whatever else we needed to do.

There were many other 'spiritual games' we played that year. Mostly it just seemed like fun, but through the years there have been times I've thought, if I hadn't practiced that year I wouldn't be prepared to handle whatever was happening now.

As for Carrie, she was a normal kid growing up, but it did seem to be natural for her to hear God's voice. One night when she was 11 we had to take her to our home group meeting. We always got sitters for that meeting but since my older girls had plans we took Carrie along. During the meeting I could see Carrie sprawled on the floor of the next room coloring paper napkins to entertain herself. When we broke for refreshments she came to my side. I thought she wanted something to eat and drink but she said in a voice just above a whisper, "Mommy, God told me something for your group."

"He did?" I asked surprised.

She handed me a folded orange napkin as she nodded. Opening the napkin I found a message printed in her childish scrawl, "Oh, my children I shall love you all of your lives I shall never leave you. My children trust in me all of your needs shall be supplied." (punctuation Carrie's)

*See blessing streams in my blog Let the Church Be the Church posted on June 4, 2012

If you're looking for my book, Available Grace: True Short Stories of the Rewards of Intentional Living click on:  http://sbpra.com/mariannecassell

Let the Church Be the Church

Some of the major responsibilities of the church are to pass along the encouragement, comfort and strength found in living with Jesus. Today the church is taking a beating and many are saying the church needs to be more proactive. This weekend a scripture verse and a quote have been circling in my thoughts to the exclusion of everything else. I have finally decided that the Lord wants me to share them in order to dispel them.

The scripture is a comment in the verse II Samuel 11:1 "The following spring, the time of year when Kings go to war..." (NLT) The quote was repeated several times by our guest speaker, Charles Fiesel, in his sermon yesterday, "For the church to be the church, the church has to get out of the church."

For many years Christian pastors have been teaching that we fight the war against our enemy, the devil, by praising God. Also, many pastors across our land have become convinced that rather than expecting people to come to us we must go out to where they are if we are going to help them. My pastor is one of those.

Last night we had this year's first 'party in the park' for the park's surrounding residents. It was so much fun! We had food, drawings for lots of prizes, balloon animals, a wonderful variety show, and to top it off an opportunity to accept Jesus and start a new life for everyone who attended. What a blast!

However, as much fun as these parties are, waiting for the next planned event is not enough excitement for me. The day before I had had several errands to run and wanted to complete them early. I was congratulating myself when I realized I had made every stop and it wasn't yet nine o'clock. Then, I had a thought, "Go by McDonald's and start a blessing stream."

I hadn't ever thought in those exact terms but I knew what it meant. There was a McDonald's a few blocks up ahead so I pulled right into the Drive Thru and almost immediately a woman pulled in behind me. For the first time I felt that the simple random act of kindness I planned was more than an insignificant little incident. "Since God suggested the activity He must have brought the person He wanted to bless into line behind me." I reasoned. So, as I waited to reach the window to pay for her order as well as mine, I prayed for her.

As I prayed thoughts began to materialize. What if there were many 'blessing streams' active in town on the same day? What if several people made passes by a Drive Thru somewhere and the receivers decided to become givers to the next person in line? What if, while waiting, each one prayed that the stranger behind them would be blessed by God and his needs met? Would it make a difference in our city? Wouldn't it be fun to see?

If this experiment seems fun to you and you want to start a stream, let me know. I'll coordinate a day. Leave a comment on this blog or e-mail me at: mariannecassell@yahoo.com

If you're looking for my book, Available Grace: True Short Stories of the Rewards of Intentional Living click on: http://sbpra.com/mariannecassell

What Were You Like?

I had an early morning radio interview scheduled this week, so naturally I waked-up to ask the Lord what I should share. That day, I thought I was especially fuzzy-headed. Maybe I always am but I don't notice. This time I knew my brain needed to engage and my attitude needed to quick-charge before I contacted the DJ. Somehow I needed to get in touch with the Lord. It just wouldn't do for the stories in my book to seem so distant and lifeless to me, but I know I can't breathe life into the remembrances. The Holy Spirit is the One who does that.

I had awakened with plenty of time to prepare before calling the station. However, time was passing and my every thought seemed blah and emotionless.

I remembered years ago hearing a speaker talk about how God's miraculous grace had saved his life and started him on a new path. I was so irritated when the meeting was over I raved to my friend, "If God really saved His life why doesn't he act like it? I've never been so bored by the miraculous power of God in my life!" I didn't want someone to say the same thing about me.

So, I did what I could. I prayed, I sang worship songs, I read a Bible passage and yet nothing seemed to break through the fog in my mind. After an hour or so, I asked the Lord to show me what to do. How do I connect with You if You don't reveal Yourself to me, I wondered?

Immediately, a passage of scripture came into my mind. In the first chapter of Second Peter, the Apostle was assuring his readers that Jesus had given them everything they needed for life and godliness. Then he encouraged them to strive to develop godly virtues. Finally, he warned in verse nine that anyone who doesn't "is blind and cannot see afar off and has forgotten that he was purged from his old sins."

As soon as I began to think about who I was and what my life had been like on the day I encountered Jesus I began to connect with Him again. Suddenly, memories of specific moments that have happened over the years began to flow through my mind and heart. Quickly, I felt the hope began to rise that I would experience God's mercies and grace one more new day as He had promised. Finally, I was caught up again in the excitement of the adventure a daily walk with Jesus has always been. After all, who can remain unemotional in the face of that reality?

My book is: Available Grace: True Short Stories of the Rewards of Intentional Living

To find it, click on:  http://sbpra.com/mariannecassell

Spring, Season of New Life

Last week at our Bible study, my friends and I got into a discussion on the suffering Jesus asks of us and the admonition of the Apostle Paul to seek to know Him in the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings. (Phil.3:10)

I've always thought Paul was talking about the suffering we experience in our quest to share the good news of a life committed to God with those who don't know Him. I believe it's the suffering I encounter when my labor is motivated by love for those Jesus loves not the suffering that results from mistakes, error or trials.

My daughter, Chrissy, is a missionary to Mongolia and she is a teacher in the Bible School that she and her husband founded there. One of the classes she teaches is Evangelism. She sent an e-mail message this week describing the end of class projects she participated in this year. Because a portion of the students had decided to have a special children's service they, along with Chrissy, struck out into the community to invite all who would attend. Here is the account in Chrissy's own words.

Half of our students did a children's service outreach. The whole project was a battle. I struggled physically the whole time. Somehow on our first visit, we were in a ger (one room house, tent) and as I sat on the bed, I was attacked by bugs and got bites all over my one hip. There were struggles the whole time. The last day I had a woman that tried to pick a fight with me out in the ger district as we were inviting the kids to come to the service. Then , I had a drunk man chasing me around. (The good thing is that I can still outrun drunk men, ha ha)

However, the children's service went incredibly well. There were 80 children that came. I estimated that 50 of them stood indicating that they had never been to church before. Many of  those children prayed to receive Christ. The children's church leaders at the church were so encouraged and excited to disciple these new believers.

As Paul seemed to say, we never know what we will encounter when we step outside our church walls, but there is no suffering that can outweigh the great joy of being apart of someones new birth in Christ.

As in nature, new life in the church seems to spring forth abundantly in the Spring. Every mother will attest when she holds her baby for the first time after suffering through labor, "It was all worth it!" Don't let any hindrance keep you from experiencing this joy for yourself!

He Hears Our Calls

Sometimes something happens that brings a scripture verse to my mind with such stunning clarity it rolls around my head like a marble. That is what happened to me last week when I listened to a young woman's testimony of God's deliverance.

Her story was one of spousal abuse so intense and evil it rivaled any fictitious tale of horror and suspense out today. This young mother knows how to tell a story! She had me on the edge of my seat as she detailed the harrowing events of a two and a half year period in her early twenties.

As her tormentor's cruelty continued to escalate I thought, there hasn't been a newspaper account or Lifetime movie to top this. And I couldn't help wondering, how did you escape?

My friend's terror continued to grow until she entered a phase where she was compliant and depressed. Having been thwarted by her husband at every turn, she was finally convinced there was no hope and he would do exactly what he threatened...kill her. Facing imminent death one snowy night, however, she connected with God as a person, not a concept. "If anything I've ever heard about You is true, show me!" she begged.

His answer came swiftly a few minutes later! That was when the verse flew into my mind with a resounding, "Tuh-dum!"

"It shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear." Isaiah 65:24 (NKJV)

I suddenly had a vision of God sitting on the edge of His seat intently watching her every move. His love for her so great that He didn't want to miss the moment she might turn to Him. His gift of deliverance had been prepared long before. He was just waiting for her call.

In that moment, I was amazed all over again by the love Jesus has for us. It's so much greater than we can imagine or understand. Often we are so caught up in our trouble we don't think about why God is waiting. All the while He's waiting for that moment of connection when we call and He can act.

(I'm in the process of writing an account of my friend's testimony of God's miraculous grace. I'll post it on my story group when it's finished. Be sure to look for it. If you're not a member of the group send me your e-mail address and I'll add you to the group or you can join by clicking on:  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/thegracedgoup/ and follow the prompts under Invite.)

If you're looking for a copy of my book, Available Grace: True Short Stories of the Rewards of Intentional Living click on my website:  http://sbpra.com/mariannecassell or http://www.amazon.com

It's All About Him

In 1966 as a twenty-something young woman I entered into a walk with God. As often happens, I'm more grateful everyday that He sent a mentor, Barbara, to come along side me to share her experience, strength, and hope. She taught me to hear Jesus' voice and recognize the path I was seeking. One of the first principles I learned was to daily entrust my life and my will to Gods care as I understood Him to be my guide and Lord.

Many years later I was nearing sixty when I attended a week long conference at my church. There was only one speaker and he only had one message, "Walking with Jesus is not about me, it's all about Him."

As I left the church after the second evening I was bored! How could I sit through a full week of such old information, I wondered? There wasn't anything the man said that I hadn 't heard a million times! Silently, I began to complain to the Lord, "Isn't there anyone who knows You better than I do anymore? Is there any minister who can inspire me rather than plow up old ground?" I was on a roll, waxing more eloquent with each complaint when the Lord spoke to me.

"If you know this so well, why aren't you teaching it?" He asked.

That shut me up! As I pondered the question searching for an answer I realized I had been deceived. Because I had heard the principle, could even quote it, I thought I was living it. But the truth was I had many internal conflicts that were caused by my own ambitions and desires. Many of my thoughts and prayers reflected my discontent and I had not seen it until now.

I repented for my rotten attitude before I reached home and asked God to shine His light on my heart. However, even though I listened with a new hope for the rest of the week I knew I had not had a breakthrough. I was merely more convinced every evening that there was a missing element in my relationship with Jesus and I needed to find it. I bought all of the speaker's tapes when the conference was over.

In the next weeks I completed the move to the Dallas area I had been planning. My job turned out to be about thirty miles by highway from my house. For three months I played those tapes over and over. As soon as one ended, I replaced it with the next. Going and coming from my work I listened and prayed that God was changing my heart so that I could change my mind.

Finally, one day I knew I had it. A friend was dealing me grief, but instead of thinking about myself my prayers were all about how to help her. As Time passed I realized my ambitions and desires for myself were fading while my concerns for those around me were growing.

On one of the tapes the teacher had said, "If we experience the glorious joy of God touching someones life through us then we will become hooked." I agree. Like the old Jane Wyman and Rock Hudson movie, it makes for a "magnificent obsession."

Godly Giving

Yesterday I saw an inspirational Hallmark movie, Beyond the Blackboard. It was about the lengths a young teacher went to for her deprived students. After she had made great sacrifices for one student the girl's parent selfishly took her out of school and into a homeless situation. When the teacher protested to her principal and threatened to quit he said, "You just keep giving. No matter what they do with it, you just keep giving."

That made me remember the first time I learned that principle. I was feeling like God had set His seal of approval on me just because He chose me to be a part of His grace to someone. It never occurred to me that He wanted to teach me to give like He does.

In 1973 my husband opened his own cotton office and soon began to make more money than we needed every month. Until then, we had been the ones receiving God's provision, but now He called us to be givers. One of the first things that happened was that we moved out of a nice-sized house where there was no place for the kids' friends to visit and found a new house that gave us the room we needed for our teenagers. As we were moving my husband told me he had rented our old house rather than sold it. A young couple from our church who had three very young children needed a home. "They can't afford all of the monthly payment we had so I'm making up the difference between what they can pay and our mortgage," he added.

A few months later, during my morning prayer time the Lord told me to give the couple a certain amount of money for their living room furniture. I was excited to take the gift but as I considered it I thought, "I need to take Jeri the name and number of the man who just re-upholstered my furniture. For this amount of money, he could make her couch and two chairs look like new!"

When I delivered the check, I explained in detail how she could have a new living room. Jeri seemed very grateful and receptive and I was elated as I left. I could see a lovely, finished room in my mind! A few weeks later, she invited me to come see.

It was all I could do not to blurt my disapproval! Jeri had trashed all of her living room furniture. A lone sectional sofa and TV now sat in the space. It was not only cold and stark but ugly, I thought. I really tried not to show what I was thinking while Jeri thanked me for the gift that enabled her to get what she wanted for her home.

Like the teacher, I felt betrayed, disrespected and abused. "Look what she did! Now her living room looks worse than before," I wailed once I was in the car. The Lord began to explain how godly giving was giving without strings...any strings. As Jesus' death and blood was given for us without strings or pressure of any kind, so are all gifts of grace. In the end, I saw God had only asked me to give a certain amount of money for Jeri's living room everything else had been my idea.

Each time God calls I make a choice to give again with no strings, no pressure. How a gift is used is not my business and since I'm only participating in Jesus' grace to someone there's no gratitude due me. But I've got to say, the blessing that floods over me is always so fulfilling I can't help but wonder who got the best of it, the one I gave to or me?

(I made up the name, Jeri.)

Build Up Your World

Last Sunday, my pastor, Ed, was preaching about our responsibility as Christians to build up our world. He didn't specify exactly how we were to do that, but encouraged us to ask God for directions. At that point my thoughts leaped to something I had encountered at my book signing the day before.

The table displaying my book had been set up directly in front of the entrance. It was impossible to miss and made me feel a little like a fish in a bowl sitting behind it. For the first hour my friends and family crowded around me, but for the second hour I was left alone. That's when I noticed that the strangers entering the store fell into one of three categories that reminded me of a living parable.

The first and largest group was made up of ones who studiously ignored me. I wasn't offended because I identified with them. Before I met Jesus I had put on my blinders when I went out in public. In my mind I gave myself several excuses. I was in a hurry or I wasn't interested in... but most important to me was the feeling that if I acknowledged an unexpected presence I would be vulnerable to the stranger's desires or needs. Then how could I escape? Yes, I assured myself it was better to pretend to be blind in public and mind my own business.

The second group was smaller but they were the ones who had captured my attention in the first place. I didn't want to miss that moment of eye-contact and the smile or nod as each passed the table without breaking stride. I also identified with those folks. Many years ago, I had felt I was spreading God's cheer and goodwill when I had decided to smile and nod at fellow-shoppers in the grocery store instead of focusing intently on my purchases or when I actually looked at the checker and let her know I recognized she was a person. You get the idea. Through the years this second of eye-contact in public has made me feel we are all connected; a part of the human race even though we're strangers. Surprisingly, this practice has made me feel strong and secure rather than vulnerable.

But on Saturday, I experienced one more category that I really didn't identify with. That memory is the one that returned while Ed was preaching. About half-way through the last hour a lady came into the store. She obviously wasn't browsing but had a specific reason for coming. After she finished her business she retraced her steps to arrive at my table. Smiling she said, "I just came over to say 'hi'."

"I'm glad you did!" I said smiling back.

She picked up a book and glanced at the back cover as she made another comment or two. I don't remember the gist of our conversation because it wasn't important. The truth I was suddenly aware of was important.

She has come over for me, I thought. She doesn't want a book and is not impressed that I wrote one. She saw me sitting alone and has come to encourage me!

About that time she replaced the book as she said, "I hope you have a really successful book signing and sell lots of books."

I thanked her as she walked away. Then I marveled at how only a minute of two of the woman's kindness had lifted my spirits and renewed my hope. It wouldn't take much, I thought as Ed preached, to build up my world one person at a time.

When I'm Happy

I sat down in the sactuary as usual about thirty minutes before church started. I like to be early since it gives me time to turn my thoughts to God and quietly prepare for the service. All of a sudden I heard my daughter, Carrie's voice from somewhere behind me. I couldn't tell what she was saying and didn't turn around to see who she was talking to. Suddenly, however, I heard her laugh then her voice dropped as she continued to speak before she laughed again. "She's happy today," I thought as I smiled. As she laughed again I wanted to enter in and laugh with her.

Then the Lord spoke to me, "I joy over you when you're happy," The thought passed through my mind with a reference Zeph. 3:17.

Then, He continued, "Don't waste your days in complaints and worries. I came to help every trouble you'll ever face." Another reference, Psalm 46:1, sprang into my mind to confirm the truth He had just spoken.

Then He continued again, "Remember how your attention was instantly focused on Carrie when you heard her voice just now and how you wanted to join in her happiness? And yet, there are many times you cannot meet the needs she has? How much more do I joy over you when you are happy and carefree in your faith knowing that I can always make a difference in your life!"