Reflections about Young Life Camp

Direct your children onto the right path,
    and when they are older, they will not leave it.

Proverbs 22:6 (NLT)

Back to my serene spot by the lake after a busy week with five hundred high school students at a Young Life camp in Georgia. Picturesque SharpTop Cove is located in the mountains of northern Georgia. 

            Excited students climbed off bus after bus from Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina, Missippi, and Texas to attend an amazing week of activities. Team members welcomed them with music and smiles. Work crew members grabbed luggage and led them to their cabins. Many of the wide-eyed attendees had come for the first time and didn’t know what to expect. 

            All week, energy flowed as they sang, danced, played volleyball, threw frisbees, swam, slid down a slide into the lake, maneuvered the ropes course, hiked… With no phones, the young people actually enjoyed being together and having fun. 

            Even with all the activities, godly values were woven into each day. The camp speaker gave a daily Biblical message. Five leaders shared stories about their difficult lives that God had changed. 

            Leaders spent time getting to know campers better and answering questions. Students formed relationships with new friends and enhanced older ones. 

            By the end of the week, the final message revealed how to have a relationship with Jesus. Some teens already knew Jesus, but for some campers, the concept was new. 

            Everyone who had accepted Jesus during the week, was asked to stand, say their name, and Say So. What a moving experience it was to see teens loving God and knowing their lives will be changed. Perhaps their family members and friends will too after observing them. 

            Each time I attend a Young Life event, I am thankful for all who participate in the ministry. Young people around the world have an opportunity to know about Jesus. It is encouraging to see them heading in the right direction. 

Dear Lord, be with each student and leader as they live as Christians in an often hostile environment. Show them how to live in the world but not get entangled in the world. Help us all be more bold in sharing the Gospel.

Amen

A Comforting Sanctuary

When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? 

Psalm 8:3-4 NIV

Hundreds, no thousands of times, over the years, I have sat on my patio and marveled at the beauty before me. It is never boring or routine. I thank God each day for providing my marvelous, lakeside retreat. 

            Recently, orange salvia supplied nectar for a tiny bee. A boisterous blackbird startled me with his thunderous caws from my oak tree. A bouquet of white Easter lilies rose from remnants I had planted over the years. Sunshine formed spotlights on motionless cypress trees. The lake displayed a mirrored image of the forest. 

            Years earlier, we selected an almost bare lot for our new home. Only seven small cypress trees rose from the shore. We imagined what it would become after the house was built. 

            Anticipation of the future, helped us focus on something besides the turmoil we faced and the reason for our move.

            Alan’s idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a terminal disease, had progressed, and we knew he was getting worse. We searched for a community because we decided to downsize from our large home. Many of the places had extra medical care if he needed it later. However, I wasn’t ready to be in one of them alone. 

            We returned to Victoria Gardens after visiting a Parade of Homes many years earlier. This time, we actually looked in earnest.  We liked the lot on water and that the lawns were to be taken care of. 

            When we told the realtor we would take it, she told us to go home and think about it overnight. That had never happened before. The next day, she got our deposit. 

            As we prepared to move, my mom went into an assisted care facility, and my dad passed away. What a stressful time it was. 

            Alan and I looked forward to clubhouse activities after we settled in. I joined the VeeGees, a singing group. He didn’t get to enjoy the community because he quickly declined. Four months after we moved in, he passed away. 

            I wasn’t ready to be a widow and couldn’t even say the word. My world turned up-side down, but the quiet of the lake comforted me. 

            How thankful I am to have a place to escape the chaos of the world. My lake became a haven where I grieved the loss of my mom, dad, Alan, and my daughter, Susie. God continues to meet me there daily as I pray, meditate on God’s Word, rejoice, and feel wrapped in His love. Sometimes I laugh at the antics of animals, sing hymns, or even cry. But each day I feel blessed. 

Loving Father, thank you for always being with me in all seasons. I don’t always like the changes, but I know You are with me in every season of life.

Amen

My Little Garden of Eden

Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.

Luke 12:27 NIV

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who^[a] have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28 NIV

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:30-31 NIV

After days away from my patio view, the beauty of my yard overwhelmed me. I felt like I had stepped into a lovely, botanical garden.

Sunlight streamed from a crystal-clear blue sky. Along the shore, at least thirty delicate, white African irises filled the area between two cypress trees with newly sprouted green needles. More irises bordered my patio.

An abundance of yellow coreopsis displayed their sunny faces in a flower bed under the oak tree next to mounds of white and green spider plants. Orange and white salvia filled the area in front of my porch. Purple society garlic waved their slender blooms on a side of my patio. Dew drops sparkled on leaves and a lacey spider web.

A chorus of birds welcomed the morning with their songs. A pair of cardinals chirped and flew from tree to tree.

The beauty of my view captured my attention and kept me from my normal devotional time. I didn’t want to miss the exquisite gift before my eyes. I always appreciated the landscape and thanked God for it, but the phenomenal blessing left me speechless.

Instead of a few pretty flowers, my yard had been transformed into my own little Garden of Eden. I could not stop staring at the magnificence of what God had done. The unexpected display reminded me of His love and care. He took my freeze-damaged yard and created a masterpiece.

Over the years, I added a variety of plants. The irises had come from our previous home. A neighbor gave me clumps of coreopsis, which multiplied and were originally planted by another neighbor. A friend gave me the society garlic from her garden. The salvia had spread from a couple of plants I purchased. I planted several specimens, but God expanded them into the abundant, magnificent showcase I now have.

The Lord can take our insignificant lives and turn them into something beautiful. As I experienced my spectacular garden, I began singing a song I learned years ago at a church divorce group.

“Something beautiful, something good. All my confusion He understood. All I had to offer Him was brokenness and strife, but He made something beautiful out of my life.” by Bill and Gloria Gaither.

 

After a few words, I burst into tears. My mind went back fifty years to a broken, scared young mom facing an unwanted divorce. Now nearing eighty with countless trials and disappointments behind me, God has taken my broken pieces so I could understand the pain of others and write books to comfort them.

He has been molding me for His purpose. That reality brought tears of thankfulness. I have no idea what lies ahead, but I know He will love, guide, and strengthen me. 

Father, thank you for taking my messes and using them for good. Give me strength, wisdom, and compassion to help those around me who are hurting.

Amen

Hope in the Garden for All Seasons

 My new book is out. I have copies to sell and it is also on Amazon. 

The Long Trip to Nowhere

            At the rural DeLand station, I chatted with another passenger as we waited for our Amtrak train to arrive. She had gotten a job promotion with a transfer to Orlando. She was anxious to go home to South Carolina to see her husband for their anniversary. 

            The pleasant spring weather provided the perfect send-off for my trip to Charleston, SC, to visit my friend, Jean. I looked forward to exploring historical sites with her for a few days. 

            In the coach section, I struggled to get my suitcase over the bar of the overhead luggage rack. Alan always used to do it for me. This was my first train travel since we went around the United States many years ago. Memories filled my mind. 

            After my seatmate listened to her music for a while, she turned to me, and we began talking. She had visited her sister near Orlando and was returning home to Jacksonville. 

            As we traveled through old Florida, I saw rows and rows of trees and shrubs at multiple nurseries. Green forests lined both sides of the tracks, and then occasional houses appeared. We crossed over the St. John’s River and stopped briefly at the small town of Palatka. 

            We resumed our journey, and I enjoyed the scenery from one window while noticing a four-lane highway on the other side.       Then my new friend spotted a large plume of black smoke ahead. 

            We had just discussed less stress traveling by train compared to flying. Then our ride stopped. 

            Passengers looked at each other.  No station. Why were we stopping by the road? We waited and waited. 

            Finally, a voice came over the intercom. “There’s a fire ahead on the tracks. We have to wait for clearance.” 

            Quiet conversations continued. Books and Kindles came out. Snacks were nibbled. An hour passed. Then another hour. 

            A text from Amtrak dinged on phones. Still delayed. We were told the fire was near the tracks. 

            Thankfully, there was cell service. Text messages went to family and friends. Phones rang, but we were not to use them without earbuds which I didn’t have for my new phone. 

            A huge number of people were trapped far from a town. We began searching the internet for information about the fires which was relayed to fellow prisoners. The fire was spreading and not under control. Fires had started days before. 

            After an extended time, a worker began passing out small bags with 3 little packets of snacks and bottles of water. Everyone started eating, and the food changed the mood. Children became restless and moved up and down the aisle. Adults asked questions and wondered how long we would be there. No answers. 

            A text to “Valued Guests” came thanking us for our patience. What we wanted was information and a way to get out of the predicament. Would we resume our trip? Would they supply buses? Still no answers. 

            After about four hours, another text said we would be backing up to Palatka, and everyone would get off. The trip was canceled, but then what were we to do? 

            I had been texting my son, Chris, who had offered to come and get me earlier. However, I had no idea what was going on then. We decided he would drive to my stop and pick me up. However, I had no idea when I would get there. How fast do you go backwards? How far was it to Palatka? 

            When I found a Jacksonville tv station online, it reported about the fires. A lady sent a comment that she was stopped on the auto train, so we knew there were two trains on the tracks. 

             As we were all discussing what to do, a final text came through. 

“We will go backwards and take passengers to the station they left from.”

            People who were going home to the north didn’t want to go back south. Did we have to go back to that station? Could we get off at the first stop? 

            I checked with Chris, and he said he would pick me up in Palatka.  It would take him an hour and a half which was farther than DeLand. But we had no idea when they would actually get to my station. The train still had not moved. 

            Finally, we began to slowly back up. In a few minutes, lights showed but no station. A pause and then we moved again. 

            Passengers could get off but not get back on. Several travelers decided to remain onboard to get to their departing station. A long line formed down the aisles as we moved from on car to the other. One by one, we trudged off. In the dark, I couldn’t see where to walk. The building was not close to our car. While I tried to see the walkway, a lady pointed me in one direction after I went around a barrier. I prayed I wouldn’t fall in the dark. The walkway ended, so I had to pull my suitcase through the grass. Clusters of people formed around the station which was closed. We were all on our own. No one was there to assist us. 

            Thankfully, my seatmate and I had sons coming to rescue us. Chris was in Winter Springs, and her son was coming from Jacksonville. Both had an hour to an hour and a half drive. 

            The one car rental in the town was closed on Sunday. Others tried to find an Uber driver to take them to Jacksonville. None were nearby in the little town late at night. 

            Six police vehicles were parked near the entrance to the parking lot. That made me feel better since it was late and not a great area. However, they stayed with their cars and blocked the entrance. 

            While I waited for over an hour for Chris to come, I talked to various travelers. One lady had come from West Palm Beach and had to be at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville the next morning at 5:30 am for a test. Her mom was getting her an Uber for $160. Another lady had surgery scheduled for 7 am in Jacksonville for the following day. Her husband found an Uber for $300. 

            There were still about fifteen weary travelers waiting when I left. I was so thankful that Chris made the long drive to pick me up. When I arrived home, I had been gone twelve hours for a trip to nowhere. 

            Even though the situation was frustrating and I was disappointed not getting to Charleston, there were some positive moments. 

            I met some interesting people. I spent time with my son. 

            We were all safe. 

            Amtrak certainly could not control the fire. However, they could have handled the situation better. After our train was stopped, there should not have been three trains continuing their travels behind us. Our online sources about the fire stated that it was growing and not under control. It seems those in charge of the trains would have been able to get that information too, so that we didn’t have to remain there for so long.  An hour or so is understandable but not five. Since we arrived first, we had to wait until the three other trains backed up before we could return. Hopefully, we will get the refunds for our trip like we were promised.

            The situation was annoying but not horrible for me. However, for those with medical issues, jobs to get to, students going to school, and those with no transportation, the extended delay caused stress and difficulties. 

            For all of us, we will remember our adventure and perhaps even laugh about it in the future.

            

 

            

The Black Leather Biker

 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii^[e] and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

Bike Week in Daytona Beach, Florida, brings thousands of motorcycles to Central Florida each March. The influx of tourists increases business for restaurants, hotels, stores, and other establishments. 

            However, throngs of bikers jam local streets and beaches. Residents contend with crowds as they try to go about their normal activities. 

            The stereotype of rowdy, rough riders fills many minds when they see or hear of disturbances and arrests. However, people of various ages, nationalities, and occupations gather for the iconic event. Some fit the label, but many don’t. 

            As I stopped at a traffic light on a crowded street in St. Augustine, Florida, three black-clad bikers waited in front of me. Pedestrians walked across the road. The light changed, and an elderly man in a wheelchair tried to maneuver across the bumps. He pushed with his feet but could not get to the curb. 

            One biker left his motorcycle and pushed the man to the sidewalk while traffic waited. 

            My heart smiled at his act of kindness. People who walked beside the elderly gentleman ignored him. The person who was perceived as the most unlikely candidate to help didn’t hesitate.

            While I watched the encounter, I thought of the Good Samaritan who was also the least likely to stop that day. No fanfare or desire for recognition.  But they both did what they could without thinking of themselves. 

            Probably some people looked at the trio in front of me as rough and scary. But I observed kindness and compassion.

            No one honked or yelled for him to move when the light turned green. He jumped on his Harley after he completed his good deed and took off. 

            Hopefully, other onlookers remember what he did and want to emulate him as I do.  

Heavenly Father, we may see people who look different from us and who don’t fit our acceptable images. Show us how to look at the heart and not outward appearances. Amen

Indistinct But Perky Birds

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

Matthew 6:25-27 NIV

Cool breezes tickled my face when I stepped onto my patio. Days ago, freezing temperatures altered my garden by transforming most of it into ugly brown. 

            Leaves and flowers drooped. Once colorful blooms begged to be taken out of their misery. 

            As pink colored the sky, shadowy, bare trees appeared along my lakefront. In the distance birds cawed, tweeted, and trilled. 

            Only feet from my porch, instead of seeing a lush, green oak tree, I easily saw the sky through its nearly bare limbs.

            A cluster of tiny birds danced among the branches. Their dark feathers blended in with the scattered leaves. Despite the gloomy scene, they chirped a delightful tune. In the dim light, I couldn’t distinguish their true colors nor identify their species. 

            Even though occasionally, they visited my garden, a larger group flew in to enjoy the day. 

            After a weekend of vertigo, the chipper creatures presented me with a gift. They ignored the ugliness of dead and dying foliage around them. The lack of leaf cover didn’t deter them from visiting. They flapped their wings, chirped, and danced among the limbs. 

            The sun rises each morning on my year, whether it is beautiful or dismal and freeze-affected. I can choose to focus on what was damaged or find delightful surprises despite the destruction.

            We can focus on what we have lost or find comfort in the miracles that can come even in adversity. 

            As the sun rose, the wee visitors disappeared. However, their appearance reminded me of God’s provision. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for not leaving us even in our trials. When we think you are gone, help us see you in unexpected ways.

Amen

A Mysterious Masterpiece

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:2 (NIV)

Because chilly weather and a crummy cold kept me inside for a few weeks, my lakeside retreat brought joy and surprises when I finally emerged. Everything seemed new and fascinating. 

            Limbs on nearly naked cypress trees stretched to the sky. Normally hidden nests, snuggled on high boughs. 

            Dew drops sparkled on green grass and other foliage. Pink blooms dotted an azalea plant. Tiny waves wrinkled the dark lake. In the distance, a bird warbled a morning tune. 

            Along the shoreline, bare trees mingled with evergreens. The winter Florida scene, though less colorful than other seasons, revealed its own unique beauty. 

            Bordering my patio, orange flowers caught my eyes. A few stalks of the hearty specimen retained their summer beauty. Another lovely surprise captured my attention. 

            A mysterious sparkle appeared at the tip of one stem. A spider’s unique creation encircled the drab green vegetation. Its delicate web formed a crystal-like lacework which connected several stalks. The bowl-shaped cobweb glittered in the morning sunlight. 

            Even though I had observed many lovely webs, none compared to its complexity and beauty. Up close and without the sunshine, there was little luster, and it certainly didn’t stand out. 

            If I had stayed inside or only studied my books, the spectacular display would have passed unnoticed. I would have missed the spider’s masterpiece. The spider had disappeared, but its creation remained for me to enjoy. 

            In our busy lives, we often overlook the gifts that God provides around us. Perhaps it is a sunset, flowers, or people we love. If we are so focused on daily tasks, our problems, or dwelling in the past, we fail to delight in how God is working around us in both small and large ways. 

Creator, thank you for providing surprise miracles for us to enjoy. Help us take time to appreciate all we have and what you have done for us.

Amen

A Little But Powerful Light

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.

Matthew 5:14-15  NIV

Years ago, candles frequently burned in my home. After doctors diagnosed Alan’s lung condition, cabinets held my supply.. Their odors and flames were not compatible with his diseased lungs and oxygen supply. 

            Recently, when my granddaughter, Molly, wanted a new candle, I offered for her to check my collection. Then I decided it was time to start using them again. 

            While stuck on the couch with a cold, I decided to bring light to a dreary day. A red candle in a glass case glowed in the dim room. 

            The flame danced back and forth. Then it rose above the top of the container. Even though I felt no breeze, something made the fire move gracefully. 

            The tiny blaze fascinated me with its constant movements in the darkened room. My eyes remained on the delightful show. 

            The taper reminded me that as Christians, we are to be beacons in a dark world. We might flicker and be pushed back and forth by difficult situations but not extinguished. If we live for Jesus, we will shine so that those in the world will see we are different because of Him.  

Lord, show us how to live as a bright light in darkness. Give us strength to remain strong even when those around us are consumed by the world. Guide us each day to be more like you.

Amen

Unappreciated Roles

This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about^[a]: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. ¹⁹ Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet^[ did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,^[c] because he will save his people from their sins.”All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:  “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”^[d] (which means “God with us”).

Matthew 1:18-23 (NIV)

 

Conflicting thoughts swirled in Joseph’s head after Mary’s scandalous announcement. Never had he imagined Mary would betray him and become pregnant. As hurtful as the news had been, Joseph didn’t seek revenge but decided to quietly divorce her. 

            The disturbing situation brought restless sleep. Then an intense dream appeared. 

            An angel spoke to Joseph. “Don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife. She’s not pregnant from another man but miraculously from the Holy Spirit. Name Him Jesus who will save His people.”

            With no argument, Joseph obeyed even when it was difficult. Neighbors whispered when Mary’s condition became apparent. Unwelcome stares greeted the couple from villagers.

            Joseph knew their arduous journey to Bethlehem would be hard for Mary. When they finally arrived, crowds flooded the village. Anxiously, he searched for suitable accommodations, but none could be found. Finally, a room with the animals was offered to the weary couple. Although it wasn’t what he hoped for, the young man was thankful to find a place where Mary could rest and deliver her precious son.  

            A marvelous birth occurred when Jesus entered our world on that glorious night. Angels, wise men, shepherds, and Mary were prominent characters in the Christmas story.

            Even though little is written about Joseph’s obedience, faithfulness, and determination in carrying out God’s plan, he was chosen to be the earthly father and played an unassuming but significant role. 

            We encounter people who faithfully and quietly serve with little recognition. Sometimes we may feel unappreciated or unnoticed. But we can all still be an important participant in God’s purpose.

Lord, help us to obey when it is hard or when we feel ignored. Some people are in the spotlight and others in supporting roles. Show us how all are important. 

Amen

Abandoned, Ripped and Scattered

 Abandoned, Ripped and Scattered

Rebecca Carpenter      

September 24, 2025

Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
    he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God^[c];
    he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people;

 pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.

Psalm 62:5-8 (NIV)

Hymns filled my car with soothing music as I drove to church early on Sunday. A number of cars joined me. 

            Soon after getting onto the interstate, I noticed a totally out of place boat resting in the grass beside the road. 

            About a mile further, an empty car sat on the shoulder. Before my exit, I noticed six more vehicles abandoned along the highway as cars whizzed by. 

            In three spots, rubber fragments littered the road from blown tires. 

            A steady stream of traffic passed by the boat, cars and debris but no one stopped to check them out. We all kept going to our destinations. Maybe most drivers hardly noticed. 

            The boat made me think of those who feel out of place. Perhaps trying to fit in but never succeeding. Each car reminded me of people abandoned by loved ones, friends, co-workers ... The tire remnants evoked memories of broken lives scattered and ripped apart. 

             

            Over the years, I have had times of each scenario; feeling out of place, abandoned and ripped apart. However, God has been with me, held me close and offered unconditional love.  

            My faith has grown during my tribulations. Because of what I have experienced, I can understand and comfort people who are hurting and grieving. 

As Christians we can influence people as we faithfully serve with the love of Jesus. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for being with us in our hardships. Lead us in the way you want us to go. Increase our faith and help us be more like Jesus.

Amen

Beginning and Ending

Brothers and sisters, we want you to be fully informed about those who have fallen asleep in death so that you will not be overwhelmed with grief like those who live outside of the true hope. Here’s what we believe: since Jesus died and rose again, in the same way, God will bring with Jesus all who have died through Him.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (Voice)

Joyous music filled the sanctuary. A line of new believers moved onto the stage. One by one they stepped into the large tub, affirmed their belief in Jesus and were lowered into the water. Emerging from the water, they were symbolically raised to new life in Jesus. What a glorious experience for those getting baptized and congregants watching the celebration. 

            After church, I attended a memorial service for a neighbor. Uplifting music and words from family and friends spoke of his legacy. Of course, there was grief since he is no longer here but joy knowing he is now with Jesus. 

            In a few hours, I experienced the beginning of lives with Jesus and the culmination of a life well lived following Jesus to heaven. 

            For those who have accepted Jesus as their Savior, there is an assurance of eternal life with Him. 

Heavenly Father, guide us as we follow the path You have planned for us. Open eyes and hearts to know You fully.

Amen

The Empty Mall

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. 

In all your ways acknowledge and he will make straight your paths. 

Be not wise in your own eyes;
    fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.

 It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.

Proverbs 3:4-5 (NIV)

My eyes glanced at the massive structure near the highway as I drove to church. Years ago, shoppers flocked to the new mall and strolled from store to store. 

            Vendors passed out tasty samples at the food court. Cars filled the parking lots. People drove from nearby and other cities to experience the numerous venues. 

            From the outside, the building looked worn but basically the same. Only three or four businesses remain open. Four or five cars parked in the expansive lots. 

            The property had been sold and extravagant plans released more than once. Who knows when changes will happen and what they will actually be.

            The vacant mall reminded me of depleted lives. On the outside only minor changes show and they may appear normal. But inside, there is hollowness. Dreams and ambitions sucked out. Anxiety, divorce, death, addictions and other painful situations purged purpose and stripped away hope. 

            We can be like the useless mall with no purpose, loneliness and shattered dreams. 

            But if we lean on Jesus, He holds us tightly, lifts us up and guides us. 

Father, in our times of sadness and despair, show us how to regain purpose and follow your plan.

Amen

An Unforeseen Missionary

My dear friends, don’t let public opinion influence how you live out our glorious, Christ-originated faith. If a man enters your church wearing an expensive suit, and a street person wearing rags comes in right after him, and you say to the man in the suit, “Sit here, sir; this is the best seat in the house!” and either ignore the street person or say, “Better sit here in the back row,” haven’t you segregated God’s children and proved that you are judges who can’t be trusted? Listen, dear friends. Isn’t it clear by now that God operates quite differently? He chose the world’s down-and-out as the kingdom’s first citizens, with full rights and privileges. This kingdom is promised to anyone who loves God. And here you are abusing these same citizens!

James 2:1-5 (MSG)

On my early morning drive to church, a pastor on the radio preached about James 2. At the exit from the highway, I pondered his message. 

            On many occasions, men begged at that stoplight but rarely on my way to church. However, that day, a man holding a sign that said-God bless you- stood near my car. 

            I averted my eyes from him as my mind quickly thought of beggars who try to guilt drivers by writing messages about God on their cardboard signs. Then a nudge by the Holy Spirit reminded me of the bag in my backseat. I grabbed a plastic bag with a bottle of water, granola bar and devotional. The man smiled as he took the gift. 

            The delayed light gave us time to talk. “Thank you,” he said. “God bless you.” 

            “I am on my way to church,’’ I replied. 

            A huge smile spread across his face as he raised his hands toward the sky. “I go to church at 9:30 at Sanlando. Do you go there?” 

            “No, I go to Northland,” I answered as the light changed.

            Our short, but meaningful exchange, played over and over in my mind and touched my heart. What perfect timing with the Scripture from James and the man by the road. 

            I have no idea why he was at the corner but his sign was sincere. I could have ignored him and missed an important lesson God had for me. 

            As a greeter at church, people enter who are dressed well, some rather shabby and all kinds in-between. Outward appearances mask what is inside whether they wear fancy clothes or well-worn ones. 

            I was almost like the priest who passed the beaten man on the road as he hurried to perform his priestly duties. I could have passed him since I was on my way to church to serve those who entered our building. 

            My job isn’t to judge but to welcome them all like Jesus whether I am volunteering at church or in the community. 

Loving Father, help us to be kind in all types of situations. You know what people are going through when we don’t. Open our hearts to love those around us even when it is difficult.

Amen

 

       

A Different Kind of Mission

“Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old.

Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it?
I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert.

Isaiah 43: 18-19 (NKJV)

Candles twinkled on the tables. The aroma of delicious food filled the air.  Friends waited for Pastor Robert and Rose to descend the stairs for their surprise anniversary party. 

            Music played as the couple from Uganda were showered with love by American friends. Team members from mission trips, one of their sons, and other friends welcomed them. 

            The humble couple told a little of their stories and how thankful they were for each other and how God has worked in their lives. 

            Each attendee said a few words about the couple. It was evident they had touched many lives. My husband, Alan, had met them on a trip to Uganda several years ago after he was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. 

            Memories of mission trips flooded my mind that night. The love of the couple made me miss Alan more than normal. They definitely displayed the love of Jesus to each other and those around them. 

            A couple of days later, I attended a lunch for the Brazilian mission trip members to share their experiences. Once again, friends and family members listened to testimonies of changed lives for the Brazilians and Americans. 

            Pictures of the boat on the Amazon reminded me of when Alan and I served there. Each story shared brought back memories of when we distributed reading glasses and sunglasses to residents along the river who had very little access to health care.  

            A team member’s story brought me back to the present when she said she was a widow. One day on the trip, she spoke with a widow who wanted to see well enough to read her Bible. A couple of team members left and returned to the boat. They came back with a pair of glasses so the lady could read. 

            That incident touched my heart because the ladies were also widows, and because I had donated reading glasses from the boxes Alan had left me. No longer did I wonder if anyone had given them out. Alan’s legacy lived on. My heart smiled. 

After lunch, Pastor Gus showed me an email he had just received from Pastor Patrick in South Sudan. He planned to be in the US and asked if I had any glasses.  Alan had given out hundreds while on a mission there.

As Alan prepared to see Jesus, he told me that there were enough glasses for four mission trips. However, I had only gone on one since he passed away. Each year, I think about the trips and remember how we traveled around the world. During the mission talks, I regretted that I had not continued our yearly mission trips.  

Then I realized that time and age change situations. As I near eighty, my body isn’t as adaptable or healthy as it used to be. However, I realized that instead of going on missions, I can continue to supply donations and support those who do go. The glasses in my garage will be put to good use around the world as others distribute them. 

Perhaps there will be an easier trip in my future but if not, I look forward to how God will lead me to serve others from home both nearby and overseas.  

Look around. Who can you serve today?

Heavenly Father, you have gifts and work for each of us to do no matter our ages. Show us your plans and help us accept that we can’t always do what we want to do but give us wisdom to obey what you want. Because you bless us, we can bless others. 

Amen