Memorial Day

John took the girls to the War Memorial Ceremony this morning while I stayed home to scrub floors. He's resting, and I'm working, I thought. And my next thought was, Why, that's what Memorial Day is all about. Others' hard work has won our sweet rest. Men and women have fought for our freedom, so that we can enjoy sitting around sipping iced tea and firing up the grill for some good 'ole hot dogs and hamburgers. We must remember and give thanks. We must. And, of course, there is the One who fought the fiercest battle and bought for us an even better freedom. He did the work, and I now I rest in His great grace. We must remember and give thanks. We must.

Witnessed To

I met a man named Moses, and he ministered to me by asking me if I knew the Lord Jesus Christ. There's just something so encouraging about finding a friend in the faith through their reaching out in boldness to bring the Good News. I, in turn, invited him to visit our church since he shared that he currently didn't attend one, and this past Sunday we shared sweet fellowship together, singing songs of praise and worshiping through the Word. Thank you, Lord, for your people, placed throughout the world, preaching the Gospel.

Witnessing Words

There are so many wonderful ways to witness to others about the love of Christ, but one of my favorites is through literature. A while back I ordered copies of a book called Ultimate Questions in lots of different languages from a company called Multi-Language Media. I put them in a box in the trunk of my car, so whenever I meet someone from another country, I can quickly have access to timeless truths in their heart language. A mom at the park from Germany. Two clerks in the African American haircare shop from Korea. International students that attend VCU with friends. What a joy to think that when you walk away from a brief encounter with an unbeliever that they, in turn, may come to encounter the Living God!

New Clothes

Look at me, Daddy! Look at me! Jesse runs from the room to show her father her new dress. Or her new shoes. Or her new hairdo. Her longing for his approval seems to come naturally, having never been encouraged that I can recall. Beautiful, he exclaims! Beautiful! And a satisfied smile crosses her face. I clothe myself in the righteousness of Christ, and I run to my Father in Heaven. Look at me, Daddy! Look at me! My longing for His approval was fulfilled through Christ's blood on the cross. Beautiful, he exclaims! Beautiful! And a thankful smile crosses my face. So thankful.

Personalized Plates

I've never been an advocate for spending money on specialty license plates and then adding to the cost by getting them personalized. Just think of all the things that we could buy with that cash that we really need. John's the same way, so we've never had one since we've been married. Well, until recently. When I first saw the bright yellow "Choose Life" plates that came out in Virginia, my eye was drawn to the first car flying by that had one. The next thing I knew I was making up messages in my mind that I could put on one. And now, my car is adorned with "Choose Life," and my personalized message below it is IN JC. So, I reasoned with John, "If I can't see that it's reaching anyone, then I won't keep them." Yesterday, a man that was visiting a neighboring house, came and knocked on our door. "I don't mean to be presumptuous he said, but I noticed your license plate and just wondered if it meant, "Choose life in Jesus Christ?" Why, yes it does! We had met a brother and made a friend. And after he left, I turned to John with a smile and said, "I'm keeping those plates."

Overlooking Gems

We've been bringing two young girls to church with us for over a year now, yet there's no indication that they've become Christians. Curiously, they continue to come, getting themselves up and ready in time all on their own. It is so easy to overlook these children in the sea of faces that fill up our facility. In the worldly way, they have nothing to offer us. There are no parents with time and talent for the edification of the saints and no tithe to contribute to the construction of the new building. No house to offer for hospitality, no knowledge to offer for leadership. Why, they're just like me before Jesus! Nothing at all to offer. But, my empty hands didn't stop my Lord from stooping down and picking me up in His arms. Oh, I pray to be like Him, seeking out the small and the weak that have nothing to offer and showering them with love.

Surrender All

One moment she was quietly playing, and the next, she was suddenly asserting, "I am God." I looked at John, and he looked at me. Where did that come from? I think we were wondering. But we didn't wonder for long. Hadn't our two-year-old hit at the reality of all of our hearts? Hadn't she said what we all struggle not to say with the way we live our lives? Oh, Lord, the battle for control begins so early. From the very beginning. By your grace, may we fully surrender and not deceive ourselves with the dangerous dream that we are God.