Change Happens

by Angela L. Craig
www.girlfriendsingod.com

Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Right now as I am writing this devotional, the world is changing. My children are growing-up, I'm facing one of those birthdays with a zero at the end, and the price of gas has probably gone up five cents in the time it has taken me to write this first paragraph.

I am famous for holding on to the illusion that I have total control over my world, but the truth is - I don't. I have come to realize that whether it is by personal choice or by circumstance, change is inevitable in our lives. How about you? What changes are you facing in your life? I imagine that for many of us, the changes we are facing are not as trivial as growing children and wrinkles. Uninvited change brings with it a river of emotions, doesn't it? The fear of failure, heart wrenching feelings of loss, obsession with the "what if" questions, and emotional instability are just a few of the things we experience. My personal favorite is the fear that I will never get to the other side of change; that I will be stuck in transition forever.

Luckily for you and I, there is someone who is in control: God! The Bible teaches us that change is one thing in life that is guaranteed, but we don't have to fear because God is in control and He has plans to do good things! God just needs us to perceive it and believe it (Isaiah 43:18).

Although change is inevitable, there are four ways we can manage the transition with God's help.
1) Focus on today. Sometimes the big picture can be overwhelming and paralyzing. A very good friend of mine taught me that when I feel overwhelmed by the big picture, I should focus only on the very next thing and let God handle the rest. You will feel insurmountable peace when you practice this exercise.

2) Focus on others. When you serve others, it is impossible to think about yourself. And by the way, doing laundry and dishes does not count. Be the change in your community by volunteering one hour per week in an area of service you are passionate about. Doing good has been scientifically proven to heal, so go for it!

3) Incorporate exercise into your day. Add "sprint" (short duration) exercises to your day. For example, try doing 10 push-ups and 20 sit-ups before getting in the shower or pick up some weights during the commercials of your favorite T.V. show. Adding two or more sprint exercises to your day will increase your endorphin level and relieve stress.

4) Change the way you think about change. Instead of dreading change, embrace it. Instead of thinking, "This change is completely freaking me out. I feel frightened for my future. What if this or that happens?"

Speak these words to yourself instead: "God is my rock and my fortress (Psalm 1), He has a plan to prosper and not harm me (Jeremiah 29:11). I do not need to fear for God is with me (Isaiah 41:10). Nothing is too hard for my God (Jeremiah 32:17) I have great expectation for what God has in mind for my life and I can't wait to see His plan revealed!"

The secret: when you start matching your thoughts and words with God's thoughts and words you gain power and courage that you never thought existed!

Let's Pray: Dear Lord, I need your strength and peace today as I face change. I pray Lord that you will help me keep my eyes on You. Lord, show me the steps I need to take towards the life You have designed for me. Help me to face change with courage and faith. I thank you Lord that Your plan is always for good! In Jesus' Name, Amen.

The Finish

With the end of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China there are some great stories and illustrations that will be shared for years to come. Not having an ounce of athleticism in me I am awe struck with what the human body and spirit can endure and accomplish. But I am often more amazed at the depth of heart in the stories behind the events.

I’m reaching back to a very special year in our lives when our daughter was born and the Detroit Tigers won the World Series. The 1968 Olympic Games were in Mexico City and John Stephen Ahkwari of Tanzania was one very excited marathon runner.

The starter’s pistol fired and the race began. A little over 2 hours later, the first runner crossed the finish line. Other runners finished the race shortly afterwards, but John was not among them. Over an hour after the winner had crossed the finish line, with only a few spectators remaining in the stands, John Stephen Ahkwari finally entered the stadium.

Bandaged and bloody, John finally crossed the finish line. A sports reporter, asked John why he didn't just quit. He answered, "My country did not send me 5000 miles to Mexico City to start the race. They sent me here to finish."

A pearl to string: John Stephen Akhwari did not receive a prize or a medal, but he did endure. He didn't just start the race, he finished it. Sometimes being a Christian feels like a race but God didn’t just call us to start the Christian race, He called us to finish it! When it’s all said and done I want to be able to say just what it says in 2 Timothy 4:7 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." And then I want to hear the words spoken in Matthew 25:21; "Well done good and faithful servant…… come share your master’s happiness".



May His presence light your way,
Lyndi

Stretcher Bearers

By Sharon Jaynes
www.girlfriendsingod.com

One day Jesus traveled to Capernaum, Peter's hometown. The people had heard about how Jesus healed the sick, made the lame to walk, and cast out evil spirits. That evening, so many people came to hear Jesus at Peter's home they were crowded into every nook and cranny, even overflowing out the door.

However, Jesus' voice was not the only thing heard among the crowd. Sounds of hammering, pounding, digging, and scraping mingled with voices. Jesus suddenly felt clay from the ceiling begin to rain down on his head and sprinkle his lashes. Dust piled up around his sandaled feet and showered his now powdery cloak. As Jesus raised his eyes to the ceiling, he discovered a growing opening in the ceiling and four very determined men.

The crowd stared wide-eyed as a man was lowered through the opening in the roof and placed at Jesus' feet. Jesus looked down at the paralyzed man lying on the palette before him and simply said, "Your sins are forgiven."

But wait; is that what the man really longed for? Is that what his friends had in mind? Oh my friend, sometimes it is our sin that paralyzes us. One of Satan's most damaging tactics is to paralyze us with our own emotional wounds. He wants to fill us with shame, weigh us down with guilt, and cripple our progress toward the cross, but Jesus came to set us free! He tells us to get up and walk!

Another facet of this story sets my heart to singing! The man's friends loved him enough to carry him to Jesus. Sometimes we don't have the energy to make it to the Healer alone. How blessed to have friends who will be the stretcher bearers that carry us to the Savior, risk the rebuke of digging a hole in the roof, and are not afraid of getting a bit messy in the process.
Someone once said, "A friend hears the song in my heart and sings it to me when my memory fails." A friend can remind me of God's faithfulness when my memory is clouded by the circumstances of life.

God sometimes uses friends to be our "stretcher bearers", those willing to carry us through the difficulties of life and set us at the feet of Jesus. At other times, He might call you to be that willing friend for someone else.

A pearl to string: "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!". Ecclesiastes 4:9, 10 NIV

My prayers for you my friend have made me one of your stretcher bearers.
You are loved,
Lyndi

You Never Let Go

The Pig and the Billboard

String a pearl: This was one of my favorite in a long line of devotionals by Pastor and friend James Ryle.
http://jamesryle.blogspot.com/

"For God does speak—now one way, now another— though man may not perceive it."
(Job 33:14, NIV)

Years ago I was invited to conduct a training seminar in a neighboring city. I arrived at the pastor's house on the evening before the event was to begin and settled down for a good night's rest, but just before I fell asleep I saw a vision of a billboard alongside a highway. Standing in the grass beside the billboard was a little pink pig. I looked at the pig and asked the Lord, "What does that mean?" He did not answer me, so I began to think of all the verses in the Bible that mentioned pigs.

I thought maybe the Lord was trying to tell me that the people would be like the pigs that went back to wallow in the mud after they were cleansed; or that there would be demons in the meeting tomorrow, and that I was to cast them into pigs; or perhaps that I shouldn't even teach because it would be like casting my pearls before swine. I even thought maybe He was telling me not to look at any pretty girls who might be there because they could be like a gold ring in a pig's nose!

Obviously, I was being quite ridiculous in my efforts to solve this riddle. And despite my ardent efforts, I could not come up with anything that made sense out of this strange vision.
Finally I stopped and asked the Lord what He was trying to say to me. He said, "James, did you read the billboard?"

Ooops. I hadn't even thought about that. I couldn't recall the vision, so I was unable to say what had been on the billboard. I said, "Lord I'm sorry. I was so taken by the pig that I didn't even look at the billboard. What did it say?"

He showed me the vision again and I read the words that were written on the billboard: "Don't Be Distracted!"

I felt so foolish. The very thing that the Lord was trying to tell me not to do was exactly what I was doing! The Lord continued, "I am speaking to My people in billboards all of the time, but they are so distracted by the little pigs that they seldom ever notice what I am saying."

How about you....seen any pigs lately?

Changing the Face of Love

I must be getting old – a quick glance and I see my mother’s hands at the end of my arms – yes I am getting old. I think I’m getting a little cranky too because I do not like what I am seeing on TV. Pardon my spew but show after show after show and over half the commercials deal with illicit sexual content. What is that teaching our young people? Just this week the Parents Television Council reports the broadcast television networks favor adultery and promiscuity over marital intimacy, and in a new study, suggests that “many in Hollywood are actively seeking to undermine marriage by consistently showing it in a negative manner.” In addition the violence is so graphic and it’s ok to use foul language and use the Lord’s name in a disrespectful & highly offensive manner. The choices have grown very small as to what various age groups can view on TV these days. The Disney channel is about where regular TV was 40 years ago – in need of parental guidance. We’re down to a few game shows, sports, men quit laughing, and a small percentage of the reality shows. That’s about it.

I was reading in 1st Corinthians chapter 8 where Paul is addressing some of the issues of the day that members of the church had requested his counsel. And while I am aware he is addressing dietary issues the 9th verse just leapt off the page at me.

But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat and no better if we do. Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. -- 1 Corinthians 8:8-9NIV

String a pearl: In the God’s Word translation, “But be careful that by using your freedom you don't somehow make a believer who is weak in faith fall into sin”.

Yep, that’s verse 9 again – different translation – yes I am repeating it – instant replay if that terminology is more comfortable. We have so much freedom in this country that we have run amok! We’re changing the face of love. What does TV show the face of love to be? Certainly not family – God maybe? Not on my TV. Wow, if this keeps up we’re all going to be forced to turn the big box off and talk to each other. Oh Revelation!

I don’t know what the face of God looks like but I love the familiar optical illusion of Him where truths about God are etched in His face. I think I would also see my husband, my family, my friends, my church and myself in the face of His love. You too?
You are loved,
Lyndi

Philosophy of "Peanuts"

The people who make a difference in your life are the ones who encourage you in your Christian walk, who encourage you with spiritual strength in times of trouble and the ones who help you see your value to the Kingdom of God.

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11

A Symbol of Hope

Photo by Sandrine

As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. 'I tell you the truth,' he said, 'this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.’ Luke 21:1-4

Ruele Howe tells about growing up with his parents in the country. When he was 15 years old, the house caught on fire. They escaped with only the clothes on their backs. There were no close neighbors to help, so he and his father walked to a distant village to get supplies. As they returned they saw something that stayed with Ruele Howe all those years after. Beside the charred remains of what had been their house, his mother had laid out lunch on a log. She had placed a tin can filled with wildflowers on the log. It was a symbol of hope in the midst of tragedy.

This is the Christian faith, isn't it? She didn't try to cover up the disaster with flowers, but in the midst of that gloomy scene she had placed a symbol of hope.

The two coins that the widow placed in the temple treasury were her wildflowers. That was her symbol, her way of saying I know God will provide.

A pearl to string: How about you when you go through a valley or a desert trial?
What’s your symbol of hope? Do you put your trust in yourself or your capabilities? Do you fully rely on a doctor to give you all the answers? Must you have all the answers in a crisis? Are you content with the gifts God has given you or do you long for what others have? Are you waiting to be rescued? Do you need some hope? My symbol of hope is a saying I made up years ago. “One thing to remember about a desert experience – you’re only one S away from dessert.” Having a Savior is SWEET! Add an S to your desert!

'Call to me and I will answer you. I'll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.' Jeremiah 33:3

Lean into the Lord, read and learn from your Bible and symbols of hope will spring up all around you. There is hope everywhere BUT it’s not in the things seen - the things of this world. Hope is in that which is unseen. Real hope is in the real Lord.

You can shine
Under the Son
Lyndi

Music From The Fire

by Rocky Henriques
The Timothy Report
www.timothyreport.com


Someone long ago wrote of sitting by a fire. The writer imagined the noises which came from the wood as it burned were imprisoned songs, finally brought to freedom by the flames.

The birds had sung while sitting on the branches of the tree. The wind had pushed its way through, making its own music. The rain had written a melody which sank deep into its roots. A child had played and sang in its shade. All these notes soaked into the wood, hidden away in the trunk.

They were hidden away until the flames set them free one evening chilly enough to warrant an open fire.

As the years pass, our spirits take in many different melodies of life. They may become trapped, hidden away by busyness, by apathy, by ignorance. The flames of adversity can serve as a wonderful tool in the Hands of God, releasing the music inside of us.

We don't have to just "pass through" life; we can gather songs along the way, storing them up for the day when we will need to hear them most.

"Wait for the Lord, and He will deliver you."
Proverbs 20:22b

To the Garage

To quote Oz Hillman, “The battle you are in will soon become a meal for you, an experience that will nourish and build you up spiritually.”

I have found that to be true and the Bible continues to be my blueprint for living.

“Keep alert. Be firm in your faith. Stay brave and strong.” 1 Corinthians 16:13/CEV

Ever have those moments when you feel yourself shouting, Ok, I’m NOT tense….. just terribly, terribly alert.

Many years ago I came across a method of having a hissy fit or dealing with a downward mood swing that avoided the usual freak out or self-imposed exile to the couch with a pint of ice cream, chocolate sauce and a delivered pizza. If any of us are alive today we have negative events occurring that can have disastrous consequences for our physical health. So much of how we feel is determined by how we think and what we believe. God’s Word tells us to “be careful how we think, our lives are shaped by our thoughts.” Proverbs 4:23 (NCV). With that Scripture in mind we must deal with the daily bombardment of negativity.

It’s good for our physical health to be pro active with our mental and spiritual health.
This is a two-fold method called release/relax.

Phase 1: If one is encountering a pile-up of negative episodes one should go to their bedroom and fetch their favorite sleeping pillow. Walk silently through the house to the garage. If someone asks you a question along the way – don’t say a word just give them The Look. (Oh… you know the look… The one that has everyone within a five mile radius roll their eyes and step back from you) Continue on your route to the garage and get into the back seat of your car. Place the pillow on the seat then lean over - press your face directly into the center of the pillow and scream at the top of your lungs. Make it your personal policy never to be sad, angry, emotionally upset or screaming into your pillow for more than 10 minutes. Instant replay: Never more than 10 minutes! Never!

Pick up your pillow, get out of the car, walk back to your bedroom and place the pillow back on your bed. Take three deep cleansing breaths to re-oxygenate your body and proceed to phase 2. You could go without phase 2 but it would be like baking a cake and not frosting it. Frosting is my favorite part of a cake and phase 2 is my favorite part of getting a handle on my life when it seems to be a slippery slope.

Phase 2 is simply popping in a Praise & Worship CD and letting the praise music surround you. It’s like turning on a light. It engulfs you, comforts you and lifts your spirit to joy.

A pearl to string: There are many times that I didn’t feel like singing along to praise music so I let it sing to me. It’s like allowing the Holy Spirit to stand in the gap and sing praises to God for me. Bless my soul it never fails - Joy is not the absence of trouble but the presence of Christ. You can close your eyes and feel the Lord singing to you. “The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17

You are in His song,
Lyndi

The Unmistakable Sound of a Rooster

A pearl to string: Friend & Pastor James Ryle is guest author today. I love how he hears God's way and hope it blesses you as much as me.
http://jamesryle.blogspot.com/



But Peter said, "Man, I do not know what you are saying!" Immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." (Luke 22:60-61).

For the general populace there are seven birds that are readily recognizable by their song: 1) the goose that honks, 2) the duck that quacks, 3) the chicken that clucks, 4) the dove that coos, 5) the owl that hoots, 6) the crow that caws, and 7) the rooster that crows. Each of these are so distinct that the moment one hears them, right away we know what kind of bird it is.

Other birds are a bit more indiscernible to the untrained ear. The whistle of a robin may not be all that different from a bluejay, or a cardinal. The chirp of a sparrow and of a wren are very much alike indeed. And who knows what kind of bird that is we all hear in the Tarzan movies? You know, the one that squeals somewhere in the jungle during the night, and sends shivers down your spine.

Interesting, don't you think, that Jesus would choose a rooster to bring Simon Peter to his senses during that dark night of betrayal and denial? When we say someone is cocky, we are comparing them to the rooster. A person who "struts their stuff" is kin to the barnyard fowl. It seems that the rooster is forever associated with prideful boasting since the night Peter denied the Lord.

But, beyond this, the rooster also symbolizes two other things for us today.

First, he is the herald of a new dawn. When the rooster crows it means only one thing; a new day is at hand. So, while Peter would be stung by the sound that jolted his mind back to the words of the Lord, the sting also carried promise of a new day -- a fresh chance to walk with Him whose mercies are new every morning.

Second, the rooster was for Simon Peter a messenger with a personal word from God. No doubt many heard the rooster crow that morning, but nobody heard what Peter heard. For in the routine sounds of the ordinary he discovered the God who speaks through donkeys and roosters. And from that day forward, Peter would never be able to hear a rooster again without thinking of this one moment in his life.

A moment of devastating failure......and of great forgiveness. A moment of death and resurrection; certainly for Jesus -- but also for Peter.

How about you? Heard any Roosters lately?



by James Ryle

Adore

Blue Door photo by Sandrine
Father, I adore You
Lay my life before You
How I love You

Jesus, I adore You
Lay my life before You
How I love You

Spirit, I adore You
Lay my life before You
How I love You

(Repeat as many times as needed)

This photo fascinates me – draws me in – comforts me. At first glance the beautiful blue doors do not appear to have a handle. On closer inspection I do see the latch and key hole. But my first thoughts were this is a door at which I must knock – I cannot just walk in. Do I want to get in? Or do I want whoever is inside to come out? I see no hinges so it must open inward. How inviting. I love the curves above that arch around the door. They are both gracious and sensitive while being bold and strong. The triangle enclosed trefoil symbolizes God the Father, Jesus His Son and the Holy Spirit to me. I don’t think that representation is assigned – it’s just what I think of when I see a trefoil. The stone is old, pitted, crumbling in spots, cracked and weathered representing a long life time of experience. Some good - some not so good. There were times I’d looked for God, knocked on some doors but didn’t understand why He would not answer. Ever happened to you? Your prayers don’t seem to be answered? What I discovered is today’s pearl.

A pearl to string: It’s easier to find God when you quit looking for Him on your terms. In fact start letting go of your terms and He’ll find you. And Jesus says; “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me”. Revelation 3:20 NKJV

Joy in Son shine,
Lyndi

CELEBRATE G U I dance

When I saw ‘G’ I thought of God, followed by 'u’ and ‘i’.

"God, 'u’ and ‘i’ dance."

A Rush to Judgment

Eight-year-old Susie came home from school and informed her mother that today in class they had learned how to make babies. The mother, rather shaken by the development, called the teacher to complain.

After listening to the mother complain for a few minutes, the teacher responded, "Did you ask her to explain how it is done?"

"No," said the mother.

"Then ask her and call me back," replied the teacher.

"So how DO you make babies?" the mother asked her daughter.

Susie responded, "You drop the 'y' and add 'ies.'"

Oh boy! That Mom had to be red faced – I wonder if she called the teacher back? I won’t label all women but I know I personally have a tendency to lean towards the emotional side of life’s happenings. Facts just mess up a good emotional outburst as demonstrated by the little story. Of course getting the wrong facts can do almost as much damage. For example: The obituaries in the newspaper prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that people die in alphabetical order. Pretty silly but the culture can become askew from the truth rapidly with all that is thrown at us daily.

Another rush to judgment is what some folks believe about the Bible without ever reading it. I can testify to that: as a young adult (wish I could say child – sigh) I envisioned the birth of Christ just like the beautiful Christmas cards that are produced yearly. Imagine my surprise while traveling in Israel to find it was a nasty, dirty, dingy – completely ugly place where our beautiful Savior was born. Oh I read the accounts in the Gospels but chose to not see the truth. The world’s way was prettier but it isn’t the real beauty.

A pearl to string: The real beauty is: Christ was born to demonstrate for us the ways of our Father and to pay in full for the wages of sin through His shed blood. Sin is falling short of the glory of God. You don’t want to get good at it. I fall short of the glory of God many times through each day – I need a Savior and I thank God He loves me enough that He sent one. We all have the freedom of choice to believe and receive eternal life.
Romans 6:23, Romans 3:22-25, 1 Peter 2:24

Right click on Scripture verse and click on open to take you directly to the Scripture verse in e-Bible

238 is my lucky number and in Act 2:38 you’ll find the perfect gift,
You are loved,
Lyndi

PS: I usually don’t do a PS but this just came across the news: All reports are in...life is now officially unfair. Now you know but please don't put a question mark where God puts a period.

ARE

Preparing for a family vacation, Kathy and Matt explained to their young children that they would be sitting in the car for a very long time. The kids were told they would not be arriving at their destination until after dark, and were warned not to keep saying, "Are we there yet?"

After a few minutes of peaceful driving, four year old Rachel perked up, "Is it dark yet?"

Ya know ……. we kind of do that to the Lord. We earnestly pray for something very serious but wait with child like impatience.

So with that thought in mind Father God……… I’d just like to thank you right now!
I want to thank you for who You are.
I want to thank You for what you have already done.
I am not going to wait until I see results or receive rewards; I am thanking you right now.
I am not going to wait until I feel better or things look better; I am thanking you right now.
I am not going to wait until people say they are sorry or until they stop talking about me; I am thanking you right now.
I am not going to wait until the pain in my body disappears; I am thanking you right now.
I am not going to wait until my financial situation improves; I am going to thank you right now.
I am not going to wait until the children are asleep and the house is quiet; I am going to thank you right now.
I am not going to wait until I get promoted at work or until I get the job; I am going to thank you right now.
I am not going to wait until I understand every experience in my life that has caused me pain or grief; I am thanking you right now.
I am not going to wait until the journey gets easier or the challenges are removed; I am thanking you right now.
I am thanking you because I am alive.
I am thanking you because I made it through the day's difficulties.
I am thanking you because I have walked around the obstacles.
I am thanking you because I have the ability and the opportunity to do more and do better.
I'm thanking YOU, God...You haven't given up on me.

If you spend your life being thankful and being of service to others you will truly be, “A well watered garden.” (Isaiah 58:10-11)

A pearl to string: It’s not dark yet! You still have time to thank Him.

Thankfully jumping for joy,
Lyndi

Price They Paid

"A page of history is worth a volume of logic."
--Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.

Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the
Declaration of Independence?

• Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died.
  

• Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned.

• Two lost their sons in the Revolutionary Army, another had two sons captured.
  

• Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or the hardships of the Revolutionary War.
  

What kind of men were they? Here are some examples.

Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships
swept from the seas by the British navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.

Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.

At the Battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis, had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. The owner urged General George Washington to open fire. His home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.

John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his grist mill were laid waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished. A few weeks later
he died from exhaustion and a broken heart.

How Does This Apply to Our Lives?

Such were the stories and sacrifices of the American Revolution. Men and their families who had security and material possessions, but who valued liberty more. Standing tall, straight and unwavering, they pledged:

"For the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of the Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor."

Do you have the same resolve to stand up for your beliefs? Many Christian men and women do. The March-April 1997 issue of Light, a publication of the Southern Baptist Convention, contains this sentence:"More people have died for their faith in the 20th century than in the previous 19 centuries combined." That sentence is in a review of In the Lion's Den, a book that details international persecution and martyrdom of Christians. Yes, evangelicals laying down their lives in places like China or Sudan for Jesus Christ.

This one page about American history, and that one sentence about the sacrifices of fellow Christians, should help us overcome any fears or hesitation about standing up for righteousness, and for our Lord.

In your own way, do what God expects and follow these examples. Great will be your reward.

"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong."
1 Corinthians 16:13

The Sneeze

They walked in tandem, each of the ninety-two students filing into the already crowded auditorium. With their rich maroon gowns flowing and the traditional caps, they looked almost ... As grown up as they felt. Dads swallowed hard behind broad smiles, and Moms freely brushed away tears.

This class would NOT pray during the commencements----not by choice, but because of a recent court ruling prohibiting it.

The principal and several students were careful to stay within the guidelines allowed by the ruling. They gave inspirational and challenging speeches, but no one mentioned divine guidance and no one asked for blessings on the graduates or their families. The speeches were nice, but they were routine.....until the final speech received a standing ovation.

A solitary student, Ryan Brown, walked proudly to the microphone. He stood still and silent for just a moment, and then, it happened. Achoo... He sneezed!!! From the group of graduates a handful stood to say: "GOD BLESS YOU... Ryan Brown smiled, nodded and walked of the stage.
The audience exploded into applause. This graduating class had found a unique way to invoke God's blessing on their future with or without the court's approval.

(It happened the 20th of May 2001 during the commencement exercises at Washington Community High School in Washington, Illinois)

A pearl to string: In Genesis 22, God made a promised to Abraham, saying, "In thy seed shall all the generations of the earth be blessed." Christ is that seed of Abraham, Paul says in the third chapter of Galatians. You can’t stop God’s blessing – the law can try – but creativity is God’s middle name.

You are dearly loved,
God Bless You,
Lyndi

Happy, Happy Graduation for all those celebrating this joyous milestone.

The Good Person Test

Cedric Hohnstadt Illustration

Enjoy the Grape

by Alan Smith
http://www.tftd-online.com/content.asp?lShow=20&ListSG=411&Start=41&SortAlpha=


I read a parable recently that bothered me when I read it the first time. It is a story that was reportedly told by Buddha:

A traveler, fleeing a tiger who was chasing him, ran till he came to the edge of a cliff. There he caught hold of a thick vine, and swung himself over the edge.

Above him the tiger snarled. Below him he heard another snarl, and behold, there was another tiger, peering up at him. The vine suspended him midway between two tigers.

Two mice, a white mouse and a black mouse, began to gnaw at the vine. He could see they were quickly eating it through. Then in front of him on the cliff side he saw a luscious bunch of grapes. Holding onto the vine with one hand, he reached and picked a grape with the other. How delicious!That's the end of the parable.

That's it??? If you're like me, you want to know how the story ends. Does the man get eaten by one of the tigers? Does he manage to find a way of escape? We don't know. And how can a man possibly stop to enjoy eating a grape while in the midst of such a crisis???

I can't tell you for sure what the parable was intended to teach, but after giving it considerable thought, here's the lesson that I gained from it. We are sometimes so focused on wanting to know what's going to happen in the future that we fail to enjoy what we have right here, right now.

What is the doctor going to find when I go in for these tests? How can I possibly meet the deadline my boss has given me since I have more work to do than I can possibly get done? How will my wife react when I talk to her about the need to go see a counselor to deal with the deep-rooted problems we're having? How am I going to pay the bills that are due next week when there's not enough money in the bank to cover them? How should I react to the racial prejudice that's causing students to say ugly things to me at school?

None of those things are unimportant (nor are the countless other trials and difficulties you could add to that list from your own experience); some may even be life-threatening But today, all day long, I am surrounded by countless blessings from God -- a beautiful sunrise, the changing autumn leaves, a child's kiss, a bunch of grapes, a warm bed, hot water, and the list goes on and on.

Is it possible to focus on the blessings at hand even when we are surrounded by difficulties and we don't know how the story will turn out? For a child of God, it is not only possible, it is essential that we learn to do so.

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." (Philippians 4:11-12)

Are you surrounded by tigers today? Take a moment to enjoy the grape that God has placed right in front of you.

Remember and KNOW you are loved,
Lyndi

Magnificent Obsession

It’s one of my favorite movies from the 50’s and one that influenced my young life. I grew up in Hollywood (the industry not the city) and my Dad was a writer. Being exposed to that make believe life style definitely played a role in the wrong notions I gained about life. But the pearl I gleaned from that movie still holds true today.

The movie takes place in a small lakeside town, millionaire playboy (isn’t that an old fashion word) Bob Merrick recklessly crashes his speedboat, and after the town's only resuscitator is requisitioned to save his life, hospital head Dr. Wayne Phillips suffers a heart attack and dies without the machine. Hours later, Wayne's wife of six months, Helen Phillips is horrified to learn that the notoriously rude and irresponsible Merrick has been saved instead of her husband Wayne. Guilt ridden and filled with fascination for the widow Merrick's persistence causes another tragedy, and he must remake his life, including going back to medical school, in an attempt to make amends and win the widow’s love.

It was a love story with many obstacles to overcome but what caught my heart was the description of the man, Dr Wayne Phillips, who died early on in the movie. How he lived the magnificent obsession that grew from his philanthropy and works of great generosity in private and without compensation. I was absolutely mesmerized during the scene in the movie between Dr. Phillips’ close friend, Edward Randolph, and reckless Bob Merrick:

Edward Randolph: Once you find the way, you'll be bound. It will obsess you. But believe me, it will be a magnificent obsession.
Dr. Bob Merrick: [of a plan to do anonymous good works] Well, if it's as simple as all that, why, I'll certainly give it a chance.
Edward Randolph: Now wait, Merrick! Don't try to use this unless you're ready for it! You can't just try this out for a week like a new car, you know! And if you think you can feather your own nest with it, just forget it. Besides, this is dangerous stuff. One of the first men who used it went to the Cross at the age of thirty-three...

A pearl to string: Jesus compassion was not for His personal glory and I doubt that it was ever done to please some private internal emotion. I wanted to be just like Jesus where compassion would inspire me to act in the best interest and for the greater good of those in need, without calling attention to myself or listing my sacrifices. Although raising a family and being married to a high achieving famous person I have fallen to the temptation a time or 100 to do the very thing I did not want to do: Listing to people with skin on – forgive me Lord.

Matthew 6:1 “Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven”. New Living Translation
“Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don't make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won't be applauding”. The Message Translation

Loving God and tender Shepherd, use me each day to be a blessing to someone in need.
We are in His compassionate care,
Lyndi

Father’s Day Tribute to Overcoming

A Life
This is the day that the Lord has made; it belongs to Him and not the devil. I have been made a joint heir with Jesus Christ, therefore this day belongs to me, and not the devil. I rejoice in this day, because God made it for me. God has already given me all things that pertain to life and godliness. Everything I need for this day has been provided. I speak to this day and command the blessing of God to be released into my life.

Ps 118:24, Gal 4:7, 2 Pe 1:3

A Vision
I'm a dreamer and God is giving me the desires of my heart. As I delight myself in Him and commit my plans to Him, God will bring it to pass. God is able to do exceedingly abundantly beyond what I ask or think. Jesus said, if I can believe, nothing will be impossible to me. Jesus said to ask, that my joy might be full.

Ps 37:4,5, Eph 3:20, Matt 17:20, John 16:24

A Direction
Those that are joined to the Lord are one spirit. My spirit is the candle of the Lord and God is speaking revelation to me through His Word and by His Spirit made one with my spirit. I have an unction from the Holy One and I know all things. The peace of God in my heart keeps me from making wrong decisions. Christ is made unto me wisdom.

1 Cor 6:17, Prov 20:27, 1 John 2:20, Col 3:15, 1 Cor 1:30

A Hope to Overcoming
I am more than a conqueror through Christ who always leads me in His victory". I am more than equal to the task that God has set before me. Every place where the sole of my foot shall tread today, God has already given me.
Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world. I am an overcomer. I have overcome my adversary by the Blood of the Lamb . Death and life is in the power of the tongue and I have chosen life. I'm a winner. I'm born of the incorruptible seed of God, and I have received power from the Holy Ghost. The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead now lives in me and is energizing, motivating, empowering and equipping me for total victory today.

I speak it with assurance knowing that it is God's Word and it will come to pass. Jesus said, "he who believes that those things he says will come to pass, he will have whatever he says". I shall have what I say. I believe, therefore I receive. I speak the same thing as God, and His Word coming out of my mouth shall not return to me void, but it shall accomplish the purpose for which I sent it. IN JESUS NAME, IT SHALL BE DONE!

Rom 8:37, 2 Cor 2:14, Josh 1:3, I John 4:4, Rev 12:11, Prov 18:21, 1 Pet 1:23, Acts 1:8, Rom 8:11, Mark 11:23, Is 55:11.

Ironman is the toughest triathlon ever.
The race encompasses three endurance events of a 2.4 mile ocean swim,
followed by a 112 mile bike ride and ending with a 262 mile marathon
along the coast of the Big Island.



1989 Ironman World Championship with Dick & Rick Hoyt.

Happy Fathers Day

June 15, 2008

In Psalm 40 verse 4
God planted the secret for each Father to be most excellent.
“Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust”.

We celebrate all our Dad’s for they are irreplaceable in our hearts and to our lives and we thank God for each one of you.

When the good Lord was creating fathers, He started with a tall frame. A female angel nearby said, "What kind of father is that? If you're going to make children so close to the ground, why have you put fathers up so high? He won't be able to shoot marbles without kneeling, tuck a child in bed without bending or even kiss a child without a lot of stooping. And God smiled and said, "Yes, but if I make him child size, who would children have to look up to?"

And when God made a father's hands, they were large and sinewy. The angel shook her head sadly and said, "Large hands are clumsy. They can't manage diaper pins, small buttons, rubber bands on ponytails or even remove splinters caused by baseball bats." And God smiled and said, "I know, but they're large enough to hold everything a small boy empties from his pockets at the end of a day, yet small enough to cup a child's face."

And then God molded long, slim legs and broad shoulders. The angel nearly had a heart attack. "Boy, this is the end of the week, all right," she clucked. "Do you realize you just made a father without a lap? How is he going to pull a child close to him without the kid falling between his legs?" And God smiled and said, "A mother needs a lap. A father needs strong shoulders to pull a sled, balance a boy on a bicycle or hold a sleepy head on the way home from the circus."

God was in the middle of creating two of the largest feet anyone had ever seen when the angel could contain herself no longer. "That's not fair. Do you honestly think those large boats are going to dig out of bed early in the morning when the baby cries? Or walk through a small birthday party without crushing at least three of the guests?" And God smiled and said, "They'll work. You'll see. They'll support a small child who wants to ride a horse to Banbury Cross or scare off mice at the summer cabin or display shoes that will be a challenge to fill."

God worked throughout the night, giving the father few words but a firm, authoritive voice and eyes that saw everything but remained calm and tolerant. Finally, almost as an afterthought, He added tears. Then He turned to the angel and said, "Now, are you satisfied that he can love as much as a mother?"

The angel shutteth up. By Erma Bombeck

A pearl to string: Father God, in your wisdom and love you made all things. Bless those fathers who have taken upon themselves, the responsibility of parenting. Bless those who have lost a spouse to death ... or divorce who are parenting their children alone. Bless those men who grew up without an earth father to emulate. Strengthen them all by your love that they may be and become the loving, caring persons they are meant to be. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen and amen.

Fathers young, fathers old may you all walk in Son shine,
Lyndi

What is Baseball?

From Pastor Tim's Daily CleanLaugh

I got to go to our grandson’s baseball game the other day. Baseball games – I think I’ve attended maybe seven million of them in my life time. I’m really not fond of baseball ….. watching white paint dry on a wall produces the same thrill for me. What is baseball? So you want me to explain it to you with all my vast experience of attending seven millions games?

OK… it’s a game played by two teams, one out the other in. The one that's in, sends players out one at a time, to see if they can get in before they get out. If they get out before they get in, they come in, but it doesn't count. If they get in before they get out it does count.

When the ones out get three outs from the ones in before they get in without being out, the team that's out comes in and the team in goes out to get those going in out before they get in without being out.

When both teams have been in and out nine times the game is over. The team with the most in without being out before coming in wins unless the ones in are equal. In which case, the last ones in go out to get the ones in out before they get in without being out.

The game will end when each team has the same number of ins out but one team has more in without being out before coming in. No wonder I get so much joy out of watching this game!

A pearl to string: My joy comes from watching the ones I love and watching all those who love them watch them. It plumps a grandma’s heart with joy just watching the skills and performances of our grandchildren as they participate in a play or a choir, gymnastics, football, basketball, soccer or baseball. But the bee knees is when I get to watch my children watching their children with such love and pride. Wow! That brings tears of pure joy.

These precious little image bearers are a gift from God, beloved by their parents and the crown of grandparents. The Lord longs to builds beautiful families. As parents walk in integrity their children are blessed after them and parents become the glory of their children. (Psalm 127:3, Proverbs 17: 6, Psalm 127:1, Proverbs 20:7)

‘Watching’ is a gift from God,
May your hearts by thrilled by your ‘watching’ too.
You are loved,
Lyndi

MOTHERHOOD

"Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herd"
(Proverbs 27:23).

When we signed on for this blessing we were thinking small – really cute and small. We really didn’t grasp lifetime in our twenties. Nor did any of us intend to have problems. We were going to love our children and raise them in the Lord and enjoy a long and fruitful life. There’s the key – fruitful! Who knew that nuts were a fruit? And we, cool as we were, would turn into a nut case over clean hands & fingernails, brushed teeth, and toys & clothes picked up. Who knew we would absolutely insist that our sons would use soap AND WATER for their showers and that our daughters would limit their showers to 5 minutes. Paleeze! How could anyone predict that? When we held our little bundles of joy in our arms for the first time how could we imagine turning over the keys to the car? Or what we were going to do when they didn’t make curfew? We could never imagine our pride as we watched our child graduate from high school. Nor could we imagine the pain as we drove them off to college. Or the large departure of funds! Oh my!

Many of us expected to live that perfect timeline of life events adding marriages, grandchildren and family gatherings. What none of us could anticipate were the devastating life events that some families go through in this lifetime and how we as mothers would feel that pain deep in the crevasses of our soul. The actual source of a devastating life events are as varied in number as the stars in the sky. What is constant is the pain in a mother’s heart. It’s not exactly a describable noun but a growing through experience.

A dear friend just experienced the loss of her 23 year old second born son. It was not just the unexpected death but the personal struggles he valiantly battled in his young life that broke this mother’s heart. I can only imagine the pain and I cry too but through life experiences I’ve learned that the loss of a child is not something you heal from. Through the grace of God the pain becomes less loud in your heart over time.

In my mind the loss of a child would be the most difficult and yes I would be comforted knowing my child was with Jesus. If I cut my finger nearly through but there was immediate medical help would that lessen the initial pain? No it would not but knowing Jesus, our immediate help, lessens the pain of the future. We can never measure someone else’s pain not even if we experience the exact same thing. Actually that is quite impossible since we are all individuals with different life prints. We can however carry one another’s burdens.

A pearl to string: God’s Word tell us in Galatians 6-2 to bear one another’s burdens (help each other along this life road) and in first Thessalonians 5:11 to continue to encourage one another and build each other up. We were created to need one another and not go through this life alone. John Milton said: Loneliness is the first thing which God's eye named not good.

Go love on someone who has suffered a loss in their life.
They need your sweetness and the fragrance of the Lord.
Lyndi

A Star in the Window

We applaud our men and women who serve for freedom so gallantly. Our prayers, our admiration and gratitude are never-ending. Our hearts break each time a life falls in service to their country and to their families go our deepest sympathies and a prayer for God to sweetly bless them for their painful sacrifice of their loved one. May God bless and watch over one and all.



The "Sons in Service" flag was used during World War I and World War II. Each family was entitled to hang a small Son In Service flag in their window, the blue star in the center of the red-bordered white rectangle signified a family member in active service. The star was replaced (or covered) with a gold star if the family member died in action. The organization "Gold Star Mothers", women who had lost sons in the war became active in those years.

A Star in the Window

A man was walking along with his grandson when his grandson asked "Why do all these homes have stars in the windows?" The grandfather explained to the son what the star symbolized.

They walked along and every time they passed a home with a star in the window the boy would smile and clap his hands together. Then the boy pointed up to the sky and pointed to a star.

"Look," he said. "God must have given his son too!"

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

"Yahshua, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. Amen and amen."

MANNA

Holy Fast Food
The first picture was staged with white beads (3/16 of an inch in diameter) upon the dew in grass. It gives you an idea of what manna would look like. When the manna would fall it would be very deep similar looking to the second picture.



The first morning that God gave the children of Israel bread, they did not know what it was.
It was something they had never seen before. It was like a coriander seed, which is 3/16 of an inch in diameter. It was the color of white as the color of bdellium.
Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary defines bdellium as "a gum or resin, a precious stone, or a pearl".
When they saw it, they said "What is it?" They called the bread, manna. The Hebrew word, manna, means "What is it?"

It’s pretty shocking when you lose your salaried job. That happened to us last week. It makes you want to go”Oh Manna what is this?” After walking around in a daze believing we had to sell everything in order to survive over the long haul my thoughts turned to manna. Ok, I’m strange but God isn’t and He is who I look to in good times and bad times. When the shock wears off you realize that you are not up against anything but as always in God’s care. Prayer keeps our eyes on the Lord and just like the Israelites we receive manna (food from God) for the decisions to be made each day. Trying to figure it all out might get you stinky worms in your brain or something. Well, that happened to the Israelites who took more manna than they needed.

Remember, everything you need for the circumstance you find yourself in is already present in Me. I am your ever present help in time of trouble Psalm 46:1

Pearl to string: I always figured we were to keep our eyes upon Jesus cuz like Peter if we knew we were walking on water we would drowned.

Don’t let life aweigh you down,
You are loved,
Lyndi

Is it the thought that counts?

Well, I thought about you sitting in your very own Lamborghini for your birthday! Does that count?

Possibly not!


In a remote village in Central America the word got out among the peoples of the region that one of the American missionaries that had served this country for many years was about to return to the US to live out the remaining years of her life.

The nationals desired to honor her for her years of service with a public time of appreciation. News of the event went to all parts of the country in which the missionary was known to the people. One very old and very poor man walked to the ceremony over mountainous terrain for 4 days to bring his gift to the missionary.

The gift consisted of 2 coconuts, but it was all the man had. The missionary recognized the man as coming from the remote village in the mountains.

"Brother, I cannot believe that you would walk so far to present me with this gift," said the missionary to the man.

His response? "Long walk part of gift."
- Author Unknown

A pearl to string: Having just experienced a wonderful Mother’s day I’m thinking a long walk together is part of the gift that God has given me. A long walk with my parents, my brothers, my sister, my Coach Wonderful, my children, my daughter’s in law, my grandchildren, my husband’s family, my friends and with my Savior Jesus. The thought does count but the long walk together is the real gift that blesses me.

Joshua 1.9………. "Be strong and of good courage; be not frightened, neither be dismayed; for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." JOY

Did you know? You are someone else’s treasure
And you are loved,
Lyndi

Happy Mother’s Day

Losing self: It started to happen gradually¦ One day I was walking my son Mike to school. I was holding his hand and we were about to cross the street when the crossing guard said to him, “Who is that with you, young fella?” “Nobody,” he shrugged. Nobody? The crossing guard and I laughed. My son was only 5, but as we crossed the street I thought, “Oh my goodness, nobody?”

After years of mulling over in my mind my ‘nobody-ness’ I had this brilliant idea to trap all four kids in the car and as we went for a nice long drive I would tell them how cool their Mom was before she got married and had four kids. About half an hour into the plan I noticed the oldest had slumped into slumber in the front seat. I checked the rear view mirror and sure enough #2 son – fast asleep and my angel daughter? Sleeping beauty! The baby was awake but he doesn’t understand English – he’s only 3 months. He is smiling – gas I guess. Will they ever know how cool Mom used to be?

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, 'Can't you see I'm on the phone?' Obviously not. No one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible.

A pearl to string: The Invisible Mother

Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this? Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, 'What time is it?' I'm a satellite guide to answer, 'What number is the Disney Channel?' I'm a car to order, 'Right around 5:30, please.' I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude - but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going, she's going, she's gone!

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, 'I brought you this.' It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription: 'To Charlotte, with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees.'

In the days ahead I would read - no, devour – the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work: No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names. These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit. The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.

A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, 'Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it.' And the workman replied, ’Because God sees.'

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, 'I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become.'

At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride. I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on.

The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree. When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving,’ My Mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand-bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table.’ That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home.

And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, 'you’re gonna love it there.' As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women. Author Invisible

To all my fellow cathedral builders - I see you
You are loved,
Lyndi

New York Times Story

A Sporting Gesture Touches ’Em All

By GEORGE VECSEY
Published: April 30, 2008

Something remarkable happened in a college softball game last Saturday in Ellensburg, Wash. At least, I am conditioned to think it was remarkable, since it involved an act of sportsmanship, with two players helping an injured opponent complete the home run she had just slugged.


Sara Tucholsky of Western Oregon being carried around
the bases by Central Washington’s Liz Wallace, left,
and Mallory Holtman.

Why this generous act should seem so unusual probably stems from the normal range of bulked-up baseball players, police-blotter football players, diving soccer and hockey players and other high-profile professionals.

The moment of grace came after Sara Tucholsky, a diminutive senior for Western Oregon, hit what looked like a three-run homer against Central Washington. Never in her 21 years had Tucholsky propelled a ball over a fence, so she did not have her home run trot in order, gazing in awe, missing first base. When she turned back to touch the bag, her right knee buckled, and she went down, crying and crawling back to first base.

Pam Knox, the Western Oregon coach, made sure no teammates touched Tucholsky, which would have automatically made her unable to advance. The umpires ruled that if Tucholsky could not make it around the bases, two runs would score but she would be credited with only a single. (“She’ll kill me if I take it away from her,” Knox thought.)

Then Mallory Holtman, the powerful first baseman for Central Washington, said words that brought a chill to everybody who heard them:

“Excuse me, would it be O.K. if we carried her around and she touched each bag?”

The umpires huddled and said it would be legal, so Holtman and the Central Washington shortstop, Liz Wallace, lifted Tucholsky, hands crossed under her, and carried her to second base, and gently lowered her so she could touch the base. Then Holtman and Wallace started to giggle, and so did Tucholsky, through her tears, and the three of them continued this odd procession to third base and home to a standing ovation.

“Everybody was crying,” Knox recalled on Tuesday. “It was an away game, and our four fans were crying. We couldn’t hit after that.”

The extra run made it easier for Western Oregon to win the second game, 4-2, and sweep the doubleheader. More important, all involved realized they had taken part in an event they would always remember. (Credit where credit is due: I heard about this incident via Jared Max on WCBS-AM news radio Tuesday morning and later I found a nice article by Graham Hays on ESPN.com before making my own calls.)

The question is, where did it come from, this impulsive gesture by Mallory Holtman?

“She hit it over the fence,” Holtman said Tuesday. “She deserved it. Anybody would have done it. I just beat them to it.” She said she had been taught by her coach, Gary Frederick, that “winning is not everything.”


Is there something intrinsic to women’s sports that caused this generosity? Holtman, nearly 23, did not think so. “Not many people are ever in that position,” she said. “I would hope that our baseball players would do it.”

Knox, the Western Oregon coach, said the act “came from character.”

“They’re playing for a coach who instills it,” she said.

Knox said she absolutely would not say this demonstrated some major difference between women’s and men’s sports: “As coaches, we are so competitive, we forget this stuff. By God, I would hope I would have done the same thing.”

Would the Oakland A’s have carried a sore-legged Kirk Gibson around the bases to complete his two-run homer that gave the Dodgers a 5-4 comeback victory in the opening game of the 1988 World Series? My guess is that if Gibson had crumpled in the dirt, Tony La Russa (or Billy Martin or Leo Durocher or Earl Weaver or just about any manager) would have said, “Let him lie there.” But let’s grant that those stakes are much higher.

We’ve all seen sportsmanship at a high level. Golf depends upon personal adherence to the rules. In tennis a player occasionally yields a point — not usually at a crucial moment — producing a sweet little patter of applause.

In 1999, Arsène Wenger, the French coach of Arsenal of the English Premier League, insisted upon a replay of a cup match after a young Arsenal player had unwittingly set up a goal in violation of the unwritten code when an opponent is injured. So maybe sportsmanship is universal, out there, needing to be cultivated.

“It’s amazing what they did,” Tucholsky said of the Central Washington players Tuesday, while facing what she assumes will be the first surgery of her 21 years for what is suspected to be a torn ligament.


“Mallory didn’t know it was my first home run,” said Tucholsky, whose college career will end with a .153 batting average and exactly one home run. “It just says a lot about them.”

Tucholsky was too immobile to join the handshake line at the end of the game Saturday, but her family has been in touch with Holtman, photographs have been exchanged, the two teams are wrapped in a bond of good feeling we can only wish did not seem so singular, so remarkable.

Soul Catch-up Day

After eating an entire bull,
a mountain lion felt so good he started roaring.
He kept it up until a hunter came along and shot him.
The moral: When you're full of bull, keep your mouth shut.

Be still, and know that I am God Psalm 46:10/NLT. With the surge of activity for the end of the school year upon us that could be a timely verse though not in time for the mouthy lion. There is a story I came across, reportedly from the writings of Rabbi Kushner, about a group of tourists who went on a safari in Africa and hired several native porters to carry their supplies for them. After three days, the porters announced they would have to stop and rest for a day. When the tourists inquired as to why (they did not appear to be tired) the porters confirmed that fatigue was not the reason: “but we have walked too far too fast and now we must wait for our souls to catch up to us."

The soul is the part of us that longs for God—that tells us how spiritually hungry we are. It’s also the part that reminds us of the truth. For David, the psalmist, his soul was like his inner compass that told him the right way to go. He often had to stop and listen to his soul. Over and over again, his soul is thirsty (Psalm 107:9), it longs for God (Psalm 143:6), his soul cries out for salvation (Psalm 199:81), and it recognizes the truth about himself—that he is fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). If we don’t listen to our souls we become spiritually disconnected. It’s impossible to know God and not connect to your own soul but every once in a while we need a Soul Catch-up Day. “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord” (Psalm 37:23) but as Charles Spurgeon rightly noted “so are His stops”. Teachers, Professors, students and parents it may be time to take a stop. Is there some matter plaguing you today--an issue, an obstacle, a problem that stands in your path? Wait on the Lord to give your soul a chance to catch up and in His time, He will clear the way for you to see your way through.

A pearl to string:
Luis Palau said, “God is not disillusioned with us. He never had any illusions to begin with”. Remember you are loved.


Know that the God who holds the universe is the God who is holding you,
Lyndi

Oprah's New Church?