Ghastly Graveside Grief

Ghastly Graveside Grief

     It was through Daphne that I first learned about Julie.  Daphne had been a valued friend for several years.  When I first met her I thought she was a Hallmark model.  With her ear-to-ear smile, beautiful teeth, dark hair and joyful laughter she was a delight.  I'll never forget her joyful faith.  She bubbled over with gratefulness.

     One day as we visited she asked if I would help her friend...Julie.  Daphne had introduced me to several other friends over the years.  Her tender heart and charisma always got results.  So I looked forward to meeting Julie.

     Julie was thin, light-haired and an introverted woman...probably in her mid-thirties.  I listened as she expressed deep grief, sadness, and fear about her husband Ted, and son Perry.  "They just won't..." she wept.

     "Tenderly I spoke, "Please go ahead, Julie.  I'm here to help you."

     "I'm very sick...I have cancer...I'm going to die...but Ted just can't accept it.  I tried to get him to help me explain it to Perry...but he wouldn't do it.  He said, "Julie, you promised you'd never leave me."  I told him the doctor said the tumor is close to my brain stem and is inoperable.  But, he repeated, "You told me you'd never leave me."

     "Have you been able to talk to Perry yet?

     "No.  I just don't know-how. Perry and his Dad are not Christians yet and my dream of seeing them come to the Lord isn't going to happen now.  I'm not sad about dying.  I'm looking forward to being freed from these awful headaches.  Heaven will mean no more pain or sorrow.  But I feel ripped wide open about my men. I'm letting them down."

     Admiring her strong faith and yet feeling anguished over her desperate plight I asked, "Julie how might I help you the most?"

     We visited about the numerous items needing attention during her final days.  After the mundane concerns were completed Julie began weeping again.  This time more mournfully.  Wiping her face she winced, "Will...you...do...me...one...last...favor?  Just...one?"

     "Absolutely, Julie.  What is it?"

     "Will you take my place?"

     Stupefied, I gestured for her to explain.

     "When I die will you take my place and lead my husband and son to Christ?  I can't bear the thought of never seeing them again."

     My jaw locked.  I had never heard such a plea...an intensely passionate plea it was.

     Finally, I whispered, "Julie I will do my best."

     "Will you hold my hand, look me in the eyes and promise me?"

     I'll never forget that moment.  It struck me like a lightning bolt.  I can still see her woefully poignant eyes.  My focus was blurry like trying to see through a rain-drenched windshield.

     Her Memorial Service was a modest event attended by church members and her extended family.

     I rode in the hearse up the winding road to the grave site on a bucolic hillside overlooking a scenic river and mountain peaks.

     As the internment began I quickly locked arms with Ted...fearing he might do something desperate.  It was a smart decision as it took all of my strength and pleading words to get him through this ordeal.  I suspect my coat still has some of his tears on it. I can't ever recall a man sobbing like Ted.  Between gasps, he kept uttering, "Julie you promised you'd never leave me."

     I tried my best to keep my promise to Julie.  But day after day Ted wasn't home or at work.  I wondered if he had moved or worse.  After a week or two the neighbor came out, "Son, I've seen you knocking on that door nearly every day.  But Ted doesn't come home much anymore.  He is still grieving horribly."

     Do you have any idea where he might be?  I need to talk with him."

     Oh, I thought maybe you knew.  He...he goes to her graveside every day...for hours.

     As my car crested the final rise I could see Ted's car.  I parked next to it and hoped he was inside.  But the car was empty.  I walked along the bluff looking down at the grave sites, not seeing anyone.  Until from the corner of my eye, I saw movement.

     Someone was lying on the grass, moaning, and mumbling.  I couldn't recognize the words, but I knew that distinctive voice.  It was Ted.  He was lying on her gravesite pounding his fists in the sod and crying out... "Julie, you promised me you'd never leave me.  Please come back.  I miss you so."

     Later I learned he had quit his job, sent Perry to live with Julie's sister and laid on her grave desperately ~ day after day, rain or shine, calling for her to come back.  When I spoke he was silent and didn't turn to look at me.  I nudged his shoulder pleading for him to rise up and chat. He was disheveled and unshaven.  His clothes were soiled and he was shivering in the cold.

     Irritably he told me to go away and live him to his grief.

     "Ted, I have a message from Julie.  If you'll sit in my car I'll share it with you."

     This perked some curiosity and he studied my face to see if I was being truthful.

     He arose and we got out of the frosty morning.  I turned the heater to high trying to warm his frigid body.

     About 6 months later the neighbor said that Ted was admitted to a psychiatric care facility as he could not cope with Julie being gone.  My efforts there were futile. He was locked in a catatonic-type trance and unable to carry on any meaningful discourse.  I had not kept my pledge to Julie and my soul still regrets that.  You always wonder what might I have done differently.

     I was overjoyed to keep half of my promise.  Julie's sister and I taught Perry about the Lord Jesus and were thrilled to see him become a Christian.  She was a lot like her sister and he trusted her. She nurtured him through the dark times and we all rejoiced for his Mom's dream come true.

     Ted never recovered.  In a later visit as his gray was turning white, I said, "Ted, if Julie could sing one final song to you ~ it would be:

"When I'm Gone" by Joey & Rory

     Over 50 years ago a dear older minister, Ed Henry, shared a song he'd written about heaven.  But today all I can recall is this phrase, "No tears in Heaven, How Can it be because I'll know I'll cry when he calls my name."  I believe Julie suffered no more pain or sensed the heartbroken story about her husband.  And if she did shed a tear that is the language God understands and He would have wiped her eyes.

     I found great courage in the Psalmist's words, "Lord, you know all my desires and deepest longings.  My tears are liquid words and you can read them all."  (Psalms 38"9', TPT)

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Mom's Nuclear Tantrum Boomerangs

Mom's Nuclear Tantrum Boomerangs

     I drove the 7 miles to visit Maude, our oldest and sweetest widow.  She was 76 and still spry as a spring chicken.  When younger her testimony had led friends to the Lord.  Children loved her Sunday School class and invited their friends to join them.

     Across the street was a family of four.  Maude frequently  made peanut-butter cookies and other treats for them.  "After all they are my neighbors."

     They grew to love her.  One day as Maude handed Theresa a plate of cookies she invited her to church.  Theresa quipped, "Oh, if I ever entered a church the roof would cave in."  Maude genially responded, "Well how about your children? They could join me when the preacher gives me a ride on Sundays.

     "That might be OK.  They could certainly learn to behave better"

     Sunday when I picked up Maude two beaming faces climbed into the back seat.  Maude introduced us and I felt a connection.  Riley age 15 and Leona age 11 were actually excited to be going to church.  They had school mates who attended.

     I picked them up Sundays for about a year and a half.  Leona fit in well socially.  Riley was more serious and asked many questions.  It was clear the Lord was working in his heart.  A visiting minister, Rodney Reyman was speaking Sunday night.  Riley's Mom said, I guess it'll be OK for you to go."

     After a heart-touching sermon Riley responded to the invitation.  With tears flushing his cheeks he said that he wanted to be baptized.  Knowing Riley, though 6'1", was a minor, Rodney said, "We better get his parents permission."

     It was a cold and dark winter night. We drove to his home, but it was dark.  Riley said, "Oh, they must still be at the lodge."

     "Can you show me how to get there?"  Riley nodded and pointed the way.

     As we twisted up the long gravel road I pondered just what to say.  Riley said, "That's it" as he pointed to a building nearly hidden by fir trees.  Christmas lights dangling from the porch were all the exterior lighting I could see.  But the parking area had a lot of cars.

     As Riley and I headed to the door he said, "My Dad plays the piano and my Mom's probably dancing."  He was right on both counts but I couldn't believe my eyes nor hear anything.  It was a huge crowd rocking to ear shattering music with the pulsing stench of booze and cigars.

     Riley's Mom saw us.  She looked puzzled but instantly she turned grim.  "What are you doing here Riley?" yelled Theresa over the noise?

     "I love Jesus and I want to become a Christian.  I want to be baptized tonight."

     Turning faster than a bull at a rodeo she screamed at me, "You're trying to make my son a religious nut.  Riley can not join your church or ever attend again."

     She capped her ferocity, "DON'T EVER DARKEN OUR DOOR AGAIN!"

     A year or so later when I took Maude home, I walked across the road and hoped they'd let me in.  Theresa opened the door and gestured to a chair.  Leona sat on the couch watching TV.  Riley wasn't there, nor was the Dad.

     "I've thought about you folks lately and wondered how you're all doing."

     Leona was glued to her program and didn't reply.  Theresa, scoffed, "We're doing just fine.  Why wouldn't we be?"

     Her smug coolness dashed my hope of restoring civility.  It was not to be.  After a long silent period I excused myself and went back to say goodbye to Maude.

     "Well how did it go over there?"

     "Theresa let me in but was not friendly at all.

     I asked her how they were all doing."

     "What did she say?"

     "She said, 'We're doing just fine.  Why wouldn't we be?'"

     "Oh did she, huh!  She's not telling the truth."

     "What do you mean?"

     "Riley robbed a store and is in prison."

     I wept all the way home.  I never saw Riley again.  But though the Lord moved me far away I never forgot him.  Nor the sad, very sad, decision Theresa made.

"Don’t be misled: No one makes a fool of God. What a person plants, he will harvest.  The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others—ignoring God!—harvests a crop of weeds.  All he’ll have to show for his life is weeds!  But the one who plants in response to God, letting God’s Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life, eternal life."  (Galatians 6:7-8, MSG)

Epilogue:  

     When a farmer sows corn seeds he expects the crop to be a billion times greater than that tiny seed.

     We reap what we sow...plus the crop growth.  Like what King David sowed when he lusted for Bathsheba.  He reaped far more than he ever considered.  She got pregnant. He murdered her husband.  The baby died.  His great desire to build the Temple was denied and he lost the respect of his people.

     Even sadder is David's admission and confession in Psalms 51:

1  Have mercy on me, O God,
    according to your unfailing love;
    according to your great compassion
    blot out my transgressions.
2  Wash away all my iniquity
    and cleanse me from my sin.
3  For I know my transgressions,
    and my sin is always before me.
4  Against you, you only, have I sinned
    and done what is evil in your sight;
    so you are right in your verdict
    and justified when you judge.
5  Surely I was sinful at birth,
    sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
6  Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb;
    you taught me wisdom in that secret place.
7  Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
    wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
8  Let me hear joy and gladness;
    let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
9  Hide your face from my sins
    and blot out all my iniquity.
10  Create in me a pure heart, O God,
      and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11  Do not cast me from your presence
      or take your Holy Spirit from me.
12  Restore to me the joy of your salvation
      and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
13  Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
      so that sinners will turn back to you.
14  Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God,
      you who are God my Savior,
      and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.
15  Open my lips, Lord,
      and my mouth will declare your praise.
16  You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
      you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
17  My sacrifice, O God, is[b] a broken spirit;
      a broken and contrite heart
      you, God, will not despise.
18  May it please you to prosper Zion,
      to build up the walls of Jerusalem.
19  Then you will delight in the sacrifices of the righteous,
      in burnt offerings offered whole;
      then bulls will be offered on your altar.
                              (Psalms 51, NIV)

     The Lord is forgiving of each and everyone who returns to him after devastating sin.  He is the most incredible Man ever to walk on the planet.

What Kind of Man 

by Legacy 5

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Forbid The Doll And Break Her Heart

Forbid The Doll And Break Her Heart

     Sharon's Mom and Dad came for counseling.  I knew the family pretty well as the Dad bragged in a Men's Meeting about how he was raising his kids.

     "I'm teaching my kids (Sharon's brother was 16) how to conduct themselves in all situations."

     An older man seemed to know a lot more about Dad than the rest of us.  He asked, "Well Clark...what do you mean?"

     "I teach them to be obedient to us and all authorities.  They are not to refer to any adult by their first name. Instead they must say, Sir or Mam.  With their allowances and any other money they receive they must tithe to the church.  They cannot do any activities Saturday nights as they must get up early Sunday and do their chores before we go to church.  They better not get into any trouble at school or they'll pay the piper."

     The older man wasn't liking Clark's attitude.  "Clark there are other things you expect of them ~ aren't there?"

     "Of course.  They can never use pepper - it is a symbol of dark sin.  Oh, and whenever my son gets a card or letter from anyone he must open it in front of us and read the entire message to the whole family... as will Sharon when she's older."  (This was before the cell-phone era).

     Several of the men, including me, squirmed in our chairs.

     Enjoying the men's reactions, Clark boasted, "And they can never go on a date unless we accompany them.  I call that a double date."

     So I was shocked when Clark asked me to counsel him and his wife.  I didn't have much experience yet and wasn't certain of just how to proceed.  But Clark didn't pause, and before I could say anything he set the boundary for me not to cross.

     "Whatever you do ~ don't tell us how to parent our kids."

     Then he opened Pandora's box.

     "Larry we don't know what to do with Sharon.  She's won't hardly talk or look us in the eyes.  She's way too young to be depressed, isn't she?"  We're trying not to discipline her...but we're running out of patience."

     "How old is she?"

     "7."

     I tried probing a little deeper.  "Maybe she's coming down with the flu or something."

     "Oh, No, she's not sick.  It seems like she's being defiant.  But whatever is wrong with her wasn't caused by us."

     "Let me pray about this and meet in a few days."

     They strode out of my office.

     "Please Holy Father give me wisdom and help me see the whole picture."

     And the Lord spoke the key to the whole story through a person. Sharon's Aunt asked if she could share her concerns about Sharon.  I hadn't contacted her and realized this was a God thing.

     Elsie began, "Sweet little Sharon saw a beautiful doll in a drug store.  She saw the price tag and knew she didn't have enough money.  After all she's only 7."

     I nodded for Elsie to continue.

     "Her parents watched her gaze at the doll.  They said, 'Sharon there's no sense in wishing your life away.  We won't buy it and you don't have any money.'"


     "Well if I save my allowance I could buy her."

     Clark snickered, "It would take you all Summer even if you saved every penny."  Just forget it!"

     The next day at home Sharon quietly asked her Mom if she could try to save up the money and get her doll.  Mom coaxed Clark to let her try.  That evening she told Sharon, "It's OK to try, but we doubt you can get it done.  You're just too young."

     Elsie said, Sharon told me the story and was resolved to buy the doll.  I encouraged her...every young girl should have a doll.

     Elsie continued, In late September Clark couldn't believe his ears, "Daddy, I saved up the money.  Can we please go and get my doll today?"

     "No, I've got too much to do the next few day.  I guess we can go Saturday."

     Sharon hardly could sleep nights as the days crawled bye.  Saturday she arose early and waited for her Dad to awaken.  "Dad can we please go now?

     As she rode in the car all she could think of was, I hope my doll is still there.

     Dad pulled into the parking space.  Sharon looked and saw her prize.  Excitedly she headed toward the door.  Then she heard her Dad say something I'm sure she'll remember when she's 99.  It happened as she was almost in the store.

     "Sharon, Don't go into the store. Come back to the car."

     "Why Daddy?"

     "You can not have that doll... you need to learn that in life you don't always get what you want."

     They drove home without the doll.

     Now I knew the whole story.

     "Forbid The Doll and Break Her Heart"

"Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart." (Colossians 3:21, NASB) 

“You men who are fathers—if your boy asks for bread, do you give him a stone? If he asks for fish, do you give him a snake?" (Luke 11:11, TLB)

“Do for others what you want them to do for you. This is the teaching of the laws of Moses and the prophets in a nutshell." (Matthew 7:12, TLB)

     Fathers ~ ~ Here is a better way to raise your child: 

"Butterfly Kisses" by Bob Carlisle

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She Taught Me How To Fly ~ Higher

She Taught Me How To Fly ~ Higher 

     Mrs. Rettig, my 5th grade teacher was of the old school.  She ran the classroom.  Did I say “RAN?”  Yes, she RAN the classroom.  You know, raise  your hand to speak.  Call her only MRS. Rettig.  Be polite.  Earn your playtime or stay in and do school work while the rest of the class went out to play.  She knew how to lay the law down, as we used to say.  But, Mrs. Rettig also had a gracious way about her.

     She believed in her students.  Thinking back now I can see she probably saw more in me than I saw in myself.  She asked me to rewrite papers with, “Larry, you can do better than this.”  Or, when I turned in a science article I can still hear her say, “Go back and study this some more and make sure when you rewrite this that you put it in your own words.  Larry you’re capable of better thinking than this.”

     Honesty was a virtue she insisted upon.  “Larry always listen closely without interrupting.  Then answer honestly without guile.”   As I recall her words I think of a Bible verse:

     “An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.”  (Prov 22:26, NIV)

     Did you have someone like Mrs. Rettig in your school years?  How do you feel about her now?  Personally, I believe Mrs. Rettig was my best teacher.  I’m thankful she kept urging me to improve.  Kept urging me to do my own thinking.  Kept seeking my best regardless of what my fellow classmates did.

     But, Mrs. Rettig did something even more memorable: she planted seed quotes in my mind.  Those seed quotes have produced quite a crop of results over the years.  It was Mrs. Rettig who first said, “Never judge a man until you’ve walked a mile in his shoes.”  But, Mrs. Rettig’s power seed quote…that I have used as my marching order for the 50 years since she spoke it:

     Any job worth doing is worth doing well.

     She taught me how to fly higher than an eagle.  Her encouragement was heaven sent.

     Is this your philosophy?  Is this the philosophy of your friends and associates?  Wouldn’t our world be a much better place if each of us had this philosophy: Any job worth doing is worth doing well.

     Several years ago America buried a great president.  His son Michael Reagan, fed up and disgusted with the immoral behavior of a more recent president, in and around the oval office, contrasted him to his father.  “When my dad was President he refused to enter the oval office unless he was wearing a suit coat or sport coat.”  It is obvious that President Reagan’s philosophy was Any job worth doing is worth doing well.

     If each of us would follow this simple philosophy amazing things would happen.  Our yard would look manicured. Our automobiles would be tidy and shiny.  Our employers would say, “What has happened to you? Whatever it is…keep it up.”  Our Pastors would say, “Thanks for starting and completing that project. Too many folks don’t follow through.  But you did.” Sinks wouldn’t bulge with dirty dishes.  Garages would actually garage cars again.

     Yes…each of us has seed thoughts that determine who and what we are.  I often write a Thank You note with the phrase: “Thank you for who and what you are.”  Does that sound strange?  The Creator’s Guide book teaches praising others. You are acknowledging that they have reflected upon improving themselves and have made significant gains.

Undesirable Tendencies

Ignoring Good Sense Advice:

“Eat honey, my son, for it is good;
    honey from the comb is sweet to your taste.
Know also that wisdom is like honey for you:
    If you find it, there is a future hope for you,
    and your hope will not be cut off.”    (Prov 24:13-14, NIV)

Not Giving Anything Much Effort:

“So how long are you going to laze around doing nothing?
    How long before you get out of bed?
A nap here, a nap there, a day off here, a day off there,
    sit back, take it easy—do you know what comes next?
Just this: You can look forward to a dirt-poor life,
    poverty your permanent houseguest!”   (Prov 6:6-11, MSG)

Ashamed and Afraid To Ask For God’s Help

“And let the loveliness of our Lord, our God, rest on us,
    confirming the work that we do.
    Oh, yes. Affirm the work that we do!”  (Ps 90:17, MSG)
 
     Seed thoughts are intriguing critters.  Sometimes, in spite of ourselves, they impact our lives with desirable OR undesirable outcomes.

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A Most Bizarre Assignment

A Most Bizarre Assignment 

Some of my counseling clients asked me to hold a Woman’s Workshop

“Are there specific concerns you’d like me to address?” 

“Yes, we’ve made a list of our main concerns.”

Near the end of the seminar I handed out an assignment. “After you’ve completed this, we’ll discuss it.  This may help you more than anything else we’ve covered today.”

Startled by the strange assignment the women seemed to freeze-lock when they saw that word.  The assignment said, “Write Your Obituary As Though You Died Today.”

As they hesitantly tried to write most kept pausing with puzzled faces.  Not like they didn’t know how to write, they didn’t know what to say.  It was a stunning incident.

Gina bursting into tears confessed, “I’ve said terrible things to my husband for cheating on me.  Last month,” … she choked up, “I told him I hoped he rotted in Hell forever.”

Following her lead a couple more of the women said, “I feel so guilty for what I’ve done.”

I said, “Let’s pray for healing.   Then let’s focus on finishing your obituaries.”

A hush came over the room as they continued trying to write how they might, in deed, be remembered when they passed on.

In the quiet my mind wandered to a person who read his own obituary while still alive.  Do you know who it was?

Alfred Nobel, sipping coffee and chewing on a biscuit, was shocked to read that he had died the night before.  The erroneous article written in 1888 appeared in a French newspaper.  A man named Nobel had died last night, but it was Ludvid, Alfred’s brother.  But the obituary was horrible.

What he read horrified him: The newspaper described him as “Alfred Nobel ~ The merchant of death is dead.”  It continued, “He was a man who had made it possible to kill more people more quickly than anyone else who had ever lived.”

At that moment, Alfred realized two things: that this was how he was going to be remembered, and that this was not how he wanted to be remembered.

“It pained him so much he never forgot it,” says Kenne Fant in Alfred Nobel: A Biography, and the insatiable inventor “became so obsessed with his posthumous reputation” that he would not rest until he had crafted “a cause upon which no future obituary writer would be able to cast aspersions.”

The facts are that Alfred was a brilliant chemist and had 255 patents for his creative inventions.  Among other things, Nobel invented dynamite and nitroglycerin.  He stated his purpose was for the explosives to be used to remove highway, bridge and building obstacles.  “Pulverize those boulders.”

Scheming war mongers, betrayed his wishes.  They had ungodly evil plans of using his destructive explosives to maim and kill countless people and hungered for the fortunes awaiting them.

Yes, Alfred had amassed his fortune by producing explosives.  But when he read that he was known as “The merchant of death” he spent his remaining 8 years turning his life around 180 degrees.  I don’t doubt history contains biographies of many who improved their reputations.  But Alfred’s turnaround was more than incredible.

Nobel set out to ensure that his name would forever be tied to humankind’s highest achievements, and not its destructive potential.  But having been burned by the true merchants of death he wrote, “I intend to leave after my death a large fund for the promotion of the peace idea, but I am skeptical as to its results.”

His promotion of peace plan was to reward one prize to the international winner (Nobel Laureate) in each of the 6 categories out of which all are given each year.  They are awarded for outstanding contributions for humanity in chemistry, economics, literature, peace, physics, or physiology or medicine.

To insure he would be forever remembered as a Philanthropist he scribbled a handwritten will stating that his fund should be invested and the resultant interest be used for paying for the prizes. The fund itself was to remain intact.  The large fund he left totaled SEK 31.5 million Krones which equaled $191,205,000.00 in his time.  Today that fund has more than doubled.


 
  Alfred Bernhard Nobel


          Nobel Peace Medal

The Nobel Prizes come with a diploma, a medal, and a cash award. Each medallion has a different appearance.  The one above is the Nobel Laureate Medal for Peace.  Each year the Nobel Foundation decides on the cash prize awarded to each Nobel laureate.  The cash prize is 8 million SEK (about US $1.1 million dollars).

If you were to write your obituary right now what would it say?

Pondering how your obituary is going to read ought to cause the deepest reflection.  If you had a moment to change each regret ~ what would they be?   Unforgiveness?  Selfishness?  Greediness? Pride?  Unfaithfulness?  Neglectful?  Abusive?  Dishonest? Procrastinator?  Addiction?  Hypocrisy?

Sobering isn’t it.

I’ve never heard any Eulogy which used these remembrances.  Never.

A call to someone who is lonely, a listening ear to a person in need, long walks with our children, saying thank you to a spouse, forgiving others, compassionate, loving, cheerful, helping the homeless, widows and those in grief and being true to God is how we want to be remembered.  This is the character marrow of a life well lived.

A wise person was once asked, “Exactly how much did Howard Hughes or John Rockefeller leave?”  He answered, “He left it all.”

So will I, and so will you.

None of us are guaranteed the next breath in their lungs.  Living people die every day.  Some pass unexpectedly.  It will then be too late to change their obituary.

Why not take one moment in time to turn your regrets into blossoming memories.

One Moment In Time

Whitney Houston

                            

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Without Faith We Won't Receive God's Rewards

Without Faith We Won't Receive God's Rewards 
~ Including Heaven

Evolution or Creation is an eternal decision.

     I was privileged to teach Jean's husband, Wayne, the Plan of Salvation.

     Jean was already a Christian and desired her husband to join her. She hungered for a Christian home in which to raise their three young children.  But Wayne reluctantly deferred making a decision.

     I really liked Wayne and remained close to him.  In fact we became good friends and chess competitors.  This allowed for a number of opportunities for me to share God's wonders. 

     A couple of years after we met he called me and said, "I was baptized last night."

     I was beyond elated and said, "Let me buy you breakfast in the morning and you can tell me all about it."  I was anxious to rejoice with him.

     The waitress brought our coffee and I said, "I am so happy for you. Tell me all about it."

     "I attended a different church Sunday and the minister brilliantly explained how the Bible's miracles could all be explained scientifically."

     My heart sank, "Wayne please give me an example."

     "Well the minister explained how Jesus walked through the wall: He just changed his molecules to the same as the wall."

     Oh, No! I thought. "Wayne what does it take to change your molecules to the same as a wall?"

     He looked stunned.

     I continued, "You and I can't change our molecules to the same as a wall, can we?"  Wayne didn't respond, continuing I said, "He walked through the wall because He is God in the flesh and it was a miracle.  We know that by faith not by science."

     Not to be outdone he asked, "Well can you think of any other miracles that can't be explained by Science?"

     (1) "Friend, Let me read you the story of Lazarus."

Jesus was again deeply moved at these words, and went on to the grave.  It was a cave, and a stone lay in front of it. “Take away the stone,” said Jesus. “But Lord,” said Martha, the dead man’s sister “he has been dead four days. By this time he will be decaying ....”  

“Did I not tell you,” replied Jesus, “that if you believed, you would see the wonder of what God can do?” 

"Then they took the stone away and Jesus raised his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me.  I know that you always hear me, but I have said this for the sake of these people standing here so that they may believe that you have sent me.”

And when he had said this, he called out in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!”

And the dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with grave-clothes and his face muffled with a handkerchief.  “Now unbind him,” Jesus told them, “and let him go home.”

     "Wayne, that was a miracle.  As an added thought just imagine what would have happened if Jesus hadn't specified Lazarus' name but just said, "Come Out!  All the dead would have come back to life."

     He pondered and scratched his ear and asked, "Any others?"

     (2)  Jesus' own resurrection.

"Very early that Sunday morning, the women made their way to the tomb, carrying the spices they had prepared.  Among them were Mary Magdalene; Joanna; and Mary, Jesus’ mother.  Arriving at the tomb they discovered that the huge stone covering the entrance had been rolled aside, so they went in to look.  But the tomb was empty. The body of Jesus was gone!

They stood there, stunned and perplexed.  Suddenly two men in dazzling white robes shining like lightning appeared above them.  Terrified, the women fell to the ground on their faces. 

The men in white said to them, “Why would you look for the living One in a tomb?  He is not here, for he has risen!  Have you forgotten what he said to you while he was still in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man is destined to be handed over to sinful men to be nailed to a cross, and on the third day he will rise again’?”

All at once they remembered his words.  Leaving the tomb, they went to break the news to the Eleven and to all the others of what they had seen and heard."  (Luke 24:1-8. TPT)

     Jesus was authenticated as dead by the Roman soldier that thrust a spear into his heart.  On the third day His tomb was empty attested to by the Roman Guards, the women at the tomb, Peter and John, and the two angels.  An even stronger proof Jesus rose from the dead is that the Apostles lives were forever changed.  They became powerful proclaimers of the risen Lord ~ to the point that 11 of the 12 Apostles died as martyrs - refusing to deny his resurrection.

     That was a miracle.

     Wayne left to go to work.  I prayed for wisdom of how to help him to have genuine faith and believe in the almighty Creator God.

     We remained the best of friends for over 50 years.  Over those five decades I used every opportunity to answer his objections.  But I failed.  The last few years, sadly, he became frumious.  My last tearful attempt was caustically rejected.

     (3)  The Bible and Creation

     I suspect that some of you would profit by considering just how crucial Faith in the Creator is and that the entire Bible is true.

"Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way." (2 Timothy 3:16, MSG)

     Without Faith we won't receive God's rewards ~ including Heaven.  Read and discover the depth of this eternal decision.

"Now faith brings our hopes into reality and becomes the foundation needed to acquire the things we long for. It is all the evidence required to prove what is still unseen. 2 This testimony of faith is what previous generations were commended for. 3 Faith empowers us to see that the universe was created and beautifully coordinated by the power of God’s words! He spoke and the invisible realm gave birth to all that is seen."  (Hebrews 11:1-3, TPT)

And without faith living within us it would be impossible to please God. For we come to God in faith knowing that he is real and that he rewards the faith of those who give all their passion and strength into seeking him."   (Hebrews 11:6 , TPT)

• Faith is like a window to the unseen aspects of the Creator. (verse 1 above)
• God spoke the Universe and all of Creation into existence. (verse 3 above)
• To deny Creation makes it impossible for us to please God. (verse 6 above
• Without Faith we won't receive God's rewards ~ including Heaven. (verse 6 above)
  

     Science not only fails to explain Creation, it also fails to understand how the Universe began and/or what holds the Universe together... so it won't collapse.

"For most of us, glue is a simple binding agent that we use to stick things together.  But in the heart of matter, glue takes on a far larger, more active role than the white paste that sticks macaroni to paper.  Before scientists can gain an understanding of the visible matter in our universe—the matter that makes up the 7 billion people on Earth, the stars in the sky and the earth beneath our feet—they will need to finally understand the universal glue that springs from the strong force. A new experiment at Jefferson Lab seeks to do just that." [a]

     Sorry Doubters ~ but the Bible defines what that super glue is that holds the Universe together:

"He existed before anything else, and He (Jesus) holds all creation together."  (Colossians 1:17, NLT)

     Scientists have also theorized that the Universe is not stationary ... rather it is expanding.

"Since the time of Hubble we have observed millions of galaxies with better equipment and verified his results.  With the exception of a small handful of galaxies close to us, every galaxy is moving away from us.

And in fact, the farther away a galaxy is the faster it is moving away from us.  This fits in very well with Einstein's predictions.  The galaxies seem to be receding from us because the entire universe is getting larger.  The space in between the galaxies is stretching!  And the farther away a galaxy is the more space there is to stretch so the faster the galaxy appears to move away from us.

Over the past half-century astronomers have observed many other facts about the universe that all point to the fact that the universe is expanding.  While a very inventive person might be able to explain away one or at most two of these discoveries, the expansion of the universe is the only theory that can explain all of them at once.  And with each passing year the evidence piles up higher!" [b]

     So Science is finally deducing what the Bible has said for nearly 2,000 years:

"The Son is the dazzling radiance of God’s splendor, the exact expression of God’s true nature—his mirror image! He holds the universe together and expands it by the mighty power of his spoken word." (Hebrews 1:3, TPT)

     The late Christian apologist Ray Stedman wrote:

"That is an amazing statement. It is put in the present tense, saying that he is the One who is keeping things going right now. ...(Scientists) talk about a kind of cosmic glue that holds things together. Isn't it fascinating that here in the Word of God you have that exact kind of terminology used of Jesus! If you want a name for the force that holds the universe together it is very simple: His name is Jesus. He sustains the universe by his powerful word."

     Stedman sums it up:

"That is not only true of the physical universe, including our bodies and all that we are, but it is true of all the other forces and powers in the universe--physical, psychological, social, spiritual, whatever; he is in charge of them all." [c]

     (4)  The Creator did not make any blunders.

     Creation scoffers rationalize: "The supposed intelligent design of a Creator is full of blunders and screw ups.  Obviously no Intelligent Designer would have goofed so badly."

     (5)  ZEBRAS

     These scoffers snicker mockingly at the belief that Zebras were created.  "This is a big mistake by a creator.  Painting Zebras with black and white stripes makes them easily vulnerable to predators. It is unimaginable that any exist."

     To the contrary the National Geographic takes issue.  I watched a video the other night about Zebras.  Doubters bow your heads in shame.  The National Geographic says, "For Zebras on the Run, Stripes May Provide Protection.  The theory known as "motion dazzle" suggests that dramatically patterned animals in motion can confuse, and elude, their predators."

Watch the video and see zebras' motion dazzle.

     In addition Zebras run in large herds and will group attack a predator such as a lion.

     It is crystal clear the Creator made no foozle in the creation of Zebras.

     (6)  Our Human Bodies.

     Maybe the greatest proof of Creation is our human bodies.  Since our bodies have infinite components, let's limit this consideration to the human brain... itself.

     (7)  The Brain

     Brain studies reveal:

"An adult brain weighs about 3 pounds.  About 75 percent of the brain is made up of water.  This means that dehydration, even in small amounts, can have a negative effect on the brain functions.  The human brain will grow three times its size in the first year of life. It continues to grow until you’re about 18 years old.  The human brain begins to lose some memory abilities as well as some cognitive skills by your late 20s.  The human brain gets smaller as we get older. This usually happens sometime after middle age.  Your brain uses 20 percent of the oxygen and blood in your body." [d]

     Now let's dig deeply into the Brain itself.  

     (8)  The Hypothalamus Gland

     The Hypothalamus Gland is an astounding tiny brain gland whose complexity absolutely proves Creation.

     I challenge any cynic to explain how the hypothalamus, surrounded by bones and not having any wiring, can control anything.  After all, this mostly-bone-surrounded gland functions in so many vast ways science can't even compute them.

     Here are a few of its functions:

"The hypothalamus' main role is to keep the body in homeostasis as much as possible.

Homeostasis means a healthful, balanced bodily state.  The body is always trying to achieve this balance.  Feelings of hunger, for example, are the brain's way of letting its owner know that they need more nutrients to achieve homeostasis. 

The hypothalamus acts as the connector between the endocrine and nervous systems to achieve this.  It plays a part in many essential functions of the body such as:

• body temperature
• thirst
• appetite and weight control
• emotions
• sleep cycles
• sex drive
• childbirth
• blood pressure and heart rate
• production of digestive juices
• balancing bodily fluids

As different systems and parts of the body send signals to the brain, they alert the hypothalamus to any unbalanced factors that need addressing.  The hypothalamus then responds by releasing the right hormones into the bloodstream to balance the body. 

One example of this is the remarkable ability of a human being to maintain an internal temperature of 98.6 °Fahrenheit (ºF). 

If the hypothalamus receives a signal that the internal temperature is too high, it will tell the body to sweat.  If it receives the signal that the temperature is too cold, the body will create its own heat by shivering."

"Hormones of the hypothalamus:

To maintain homeostasis, the hypothalamus is responsible for creating or controlling many hormones in the body.  The hypothalamus works with the pituitary gland, which makes and sends other important hormones around the body.

Together, the hypothalamus and pituitary gland control many of the glands that produce hormones of the body, called the endocrine system.  This includes the adrenal cortex, gonads, and thyroid.

Hormones secreted by the hypothalamus include:

• antidiuretic hormone, which increases how much water is absorbed into the blood by the kidneys corticotropin-releasing hormone, which helps regulate metabolism and immune response by working with the pituitary gland and adrenal gland to release certain steroids gonadotropin-releasing hormone, which instructs the pituitary gland to release more hormones that keep the sexual organs working 

• oxytocin, a hormone involved in several processes, including the release of a mother's breast milk, moderating body temperature, and regulating sleep cycles prolactin-controlling hormones, which tell the pituitary gland to either start or stop breast milk production in lactating mothers thyrotropin-releasing hormone activates the thyroid, which releases the hormones that regulate metabolism, energy levels, and developmental growth

The hypothalamus also directly influences growth hormones. It commands the pituitary gland to either increase or decrease their presence in the body, which is essential for both growing children and fully developed adults." [e]

     In conclusion I repeat:

     I challenge any scoffer to explain how the hypothalamus, evolved into one of the most complex glands when it is surrounded by bones and not having any wiring.  Who programmed the hypothalamus to control more than a 100 functions?  Who inserted a microchip into the hypothalamus?  Which electrician connected wires to the hypothalamus?  It is such an obvious proof of an intelligent designing Creator that no truly honest person can dispute.

     For your Eternal sake remember these proofs of a Creator and the absolute truthfulness of the entire Bible.

(1)  The Resurrection of Decaying Lazarus.
(2)  Jesus' Own Resurrection.
(3)  The Bible and Creation.
(4)  The Creator Did Not Make Any Blunders.
(5)   Zebras.
(6)  The Human Body.
(7)  The Brain.
(8)  The Hypothalamus Gland

"Look at the splendor of your skies,
your creative genius glowing in the heavens.
When I gaze at your moon and your stars,
mounted like jewels in their settings,
I know you are the fascinating artist who fashioned it all!" 
(Psalms 8:3, TPT)

Song, "Creation Sings" by Stuart Townend:

  

[a] https://www.symmetrymagazine.org/article/may-2013/exploring-the-universal-glue
[b] https://www.livescience.com/32260-how-do-scientists-know-the-universe-is-expanding.html
[c] https://www.raystedman.org/daily-devotions/hebrews/he-holds-all-things-together
[d] Excerpted from: https://www.healthline.com/health/fun-facts-about-the-brain#3
[e] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/312628.php

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The Whole World Sings Praises To The Lord -2

The Whole World Sings Praises To The Lord

Part 2

     As of this writing the Gospel of Jesus has been translated into more than 1,534 languages. When the Good News of Jesus is read millions of believers worldwide sing praises to our indescribably-great God. Supreme exaltation to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. "Now sing praises to God! Every kingdom on earth, sing to the Lord!" Jesus, when challenged to stop the praise singing rejoiced: “If they kept quiet, the stones would do it for them, shouting praise.” 

For an awesome spiritual mountain top experience 

feast on praise singing in several Oceania countries:

NEW ZEALAND

"All The Earth"

FIJI

"Surround Me Oh Lord"

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

"We Believe"

MIZORAM

(a large state in Northern India)

"He Hideth My Soul"

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