Be Interested, Not Interesting

Last Monday, the day before school started, we went with the Tipton Children's Home family to a water park to celebrate the last day of summer vacation.  That evening my husband did a "Back to School" devotional and one of the things he said has really stuck with me.  "Be interested, not interesting."  In other words, care about learning more about someone else than you do about telling about yourself.

This past weekend, my husband and oldest son were gone to Colorado.  Our daughter was out of town visiting her grandparents.  I took the youngest two to a Texas Rangers' baseball game, then they played golf.  Since they were a twosome, they paired them up with two other guys who were playing as singles.  During the course of that 18 holes, we learned so much about those two guys.  One of them was a retired Navy man who had spent his time on submarines.  The submarines were two football fields long, five stories high, and he was out three months at a time.  The other guy's son was drafted by the Pittsburg Steelers and played college football at Missouri.  He knew an acquaintance of ours and his son even roomed with that guy's son and played with him at college.

I was just thinking about how much we learned about those two guys, and while they probably asked my boys questions that I didn't hear, for myself, I was just interested in their stories instead of worrying about telling my own.  It's easy to get caught up in talking about "us", but it is best to listen to others tell about themselves, isn't it?  My mom and I used to laugh that when we went to the mall, we always heard at least one person's "life story".  I guess we just took the time to listen and the person needed to tell it!

We would all do well to listen more and talk less. I know for certain that I would. In fact, I'm striving to do so, and that's hard to do for a "talker" like me!  I don't care always about talking about myself, but I just like to talk!  I'm just being careful to channel the talking gene into learning more about others and being more careful to make sure it's not about me all of the time.

When listening to others, we will find out about their needs.  We will be better equipped to serve them and help them.  We will learn about their struggles, their pain, their joys, and their interests.  We may become friends.  We may be able to share the gospel with them.  In doing so, we will be interested, not interesting.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3-4

Which One Are You?

Today I was going to Sam's Club. I happened to get behind someone who was actually "parking" in the walkway area so that their party could unload the basket in the trunk. I got too close to be able to move and someone was behind me, so I was stuck. The Salvation Army bell ringer even went to help the young man unload his basket into the trunk to hurry things along. I was amazed at the lack of respect from the driver of the car and the young man. Now maybe the driver was handicapped or something. That could be so. But the young (teen or young 20 year old) was in adequate shape to walk a short distance to the parking lot had the driver chosen to park in a real spot. Years ago this would have aggravated me! Today it just made me kind of sad.

On the way out of Sam's Club, when I was driving off, an older lady was parked in a handicapped spot and trying to unload her basket. A young couple (early 20's) stopped to help her unload her basket, put it in her car, and took her basket for her. This one made me smile.

Now for a few questions concerning both of the stories above:
Which one of these stories is closer to how you are?
Are you aware of the fact that people watch you and watch your reactions/actions - and assumptions are made (whether right or wrong) depending on those reactions/actions? Do you care?

Some of the best ways we can show Jesus living within us is in the small, everyday things of life. Our walk must match our talk for His light to shine in our lives.

 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. 

Titus 2:7-9

A Faithful Journey

Last night I took a few ladies to a ladies night out in a nearby town. We heard a great lesson from a wonderful Christian lady, Robbie Sikes, who was 85 years "young".  Her husband, Jack, passed away in October at the age of 86, but she doesn't use the term, "passed away".  She says he has "passed over".  I like that! They had been married 65 years.

She said many, many memorable things, but this was really neat: She said when people say "I'm sorry for you loss,", she says, 'I'm not lost', I just haven't caught up with him yet!" This sweet lady knows that life on this earth is not where we should long to be.  We should long to be in our heavenly home.  That is what our Christian journey is all about.

This sweet lady and her husband were/are faithful servants of God. They had 12 children, plus a foster daughter who became a part of their family. They worked in child care for 35 years, serving in many children's homes in Oklahoma, New Mexico, and finally, in Nebraska. They have 45 grandchildren and 52 (plus one on the way) great-grandchildren!

What an inspiration she was to all who were able to attend!

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.

And what does the Lord require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy  

and to walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6:8

Let Your Light Shine

Last year I posted a picture about two basketball teams coming together before a game to pray.  Our team was in the playoffs and when we traveled out of town to play the opponent, we were inspired by the leadership and example of one girl on their team.  She would lead the girls from her own team, as well as the other team, in a prayer before the game.

About a month ago, a few girls on our team (including our daughter), decided to begin the basketball prayer circle before each of their games, inviting the opponent to join them.  All of the teams have been willing participants in the prayer before each game.  It's a great thing to see!  God is definitely being glorified by the hearts and examples of all of these girls!

I wonder......Is this example continuing on and other teams doing so at their own games?  Will it cause other teams to decide to do next year for their own teams?  Are the fans in the stands being inspired to go and let their light shine in a different way because of this example?  Is the prayer changing the hearts of some of the players?  It's interesting to me that it's been only with girls' teams, so far.  Will boys' teams begin to do prayers, as well?

Each of these questions is something that really may be happening.....all because of one girls' example last year.  We never know where our influence will go and the good it will bring to the lives of others.  We will never know how far our example may reach.  

Let your light shine today!  Someone is watching for your example!

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praiseyour Father in heaven. 

Matthew 5:16

Two of My Favorite People

Tipton is very blessed with many great senior citizens.  In fact, I believe that for a small town we have a huge number of involved seniors.  They support the youth at school events and fundraisers, volunteer to help with town events, and they are active within their church family.  Today I want to spotlight one special couple who are two of my very, very favorite people.

Billy and Verna recently celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary. They are wonderful Christian  examples to all who know them, and they happen to be the parents of one of my sisters-in-law.  The two both worked at Tipton Home for almost 35 years before retiring.....but not quitting.  They are some of the most active retired people you will ever find.  They have devoted their lives to serving the Lord.

This week we had a lesson series going on at our congregation from Sunday until Wednesday.  On the three weekdays during the morning session, we met at 10 a.m.  At noon we had a meal together. It's a neat thing where even the school students are invited to eat each day.  When I would arrive with my potluck dishes, Billy would be waiting outside on the porch of the building, waiting to help me with my food.  Others helped at times, but Billy was always there....waiting.  

Billy also stands in the foyer before Bible classes and hands out any outlines/bulletins that we have.  He waits until a little after class starts to go into the auditorium to sit down because he wants to make sure anyone that might come in a little late, has the papers.  He wants to make sure everyone is taken care of before he sits down.

Together Billy and Verna go visiting the hospitals and nursing homes at least once a week....probably more most weeks.  They also take widows to doctors appointments when needed, many times several days in a row.  There is probably a lot more they do that I don't even know.  They are always willing to help with any need in the church - whether big or small.

Verna still swims two mornings each week for exercise with a group of ladies.  She has a beautiful soprano voice and uses it to God's glory.  She writes poems for many wedding and baby showers.  She wrote one for me almost 25 years ago!  She is witty and tells great stories!

Billy's exercise is his walking, yard work, garden, and I guess I could say he's my goat-loving husband's assistant shepherd!  Some of our goats are in one of the field by Billy and Verna's house.  Billy helps take care of the goats, just because he cares.  He'll give them water, get them back in the pen if the hot wire isn't working for some reason, and gets the goats heads unstuck when they need it.  Last year he took on our annual pumpkin patch - designing a PVC pipe watering system that could water seven rows at once.

Billy and Verna are avid Tipton Tigers supporters, attending volleyball, football, and basketball games in town - and maybe even some that are out of town. They make food for others, send cards, encourage, and always have something kind to say.  Oh, and they smile and laugh....a lot!  They're funny and fun!  They are genuine.  They are examples of Jesus.

What Do They See? Is Jesus in Me?

We've had a series of lessons going on this week at our congregation.  Every lesson has been great and full of wisdom from God's Word.  One comment the preacher made in this morning's class was about sharing Jesus with others.

Of course, as Christians, we know that we should "let our lights shine".  We've know we should  be good examples.  We know these basic truths and hopefully most of us strive to do so.

But this morning the preacher talked in depth about how we honestly might be the only "Jesus" someone sees.  We might be the only Christian that a certain person sees and the way we act, react, respond is going to be their view of who Jesus is.

Hmmmmm........Makes you think, doesn't it?  What if my life is the ONLY glimpse of Jesus someone has?  What am I showing them?  What picture of Jesus are they getting?  What does He look like based on my life.....my words.....my actions.....my example?

What are YOU showing others?  What would people think of Jesus based on your striving to be like Him?  Do they want to be more like Jesus because they see Him in you?  Do they see that you have given your life wholly and fully to Him?  Do they see someone who is devoted, denying self and striving to follow in His footsteps?  Or do they see someone straddling the fence.....teetering between being committed and being in the world?

If, as Christians, we are to imitate our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, don't we need to be looking like Him a little more each day?  The Bible says we should.  God says we should.  And, deep down, we all know we should.

The problem is that self gets in the way.  Satan gets in our way. We allow others to get in our way by peer pressure.

But God can prevail!  The Holy Spirit can prevail!  Jesus can shine through us!

Christians, let's get to work!  Let's look like Jesus!

A Special Moment.....A Great Example

Last night our high school girls' basketball team played in their first game of the Regional Tournament.  We played Ryan (OK).  The Ryan girls set a great example....probably a tradition they've had for the whole season, if not for years.

As the two teams gathered in a circle right before the game, one of the girls prayed for the teams and the game.  The words were not clear to us in the stands, but the message to each of us was certainly clear!

Thank you, Ryan Cowgirls, for the example you are setting for others!  May we have the courage to use our lives in a way that sets an example to others, as well.  To God be the glory in all that we do and in all that we say!

Trust in the LORD with all your heart    

and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge him, 

and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Do You Help or Hinder the Church?

The other day, Trey Morgan wrote this post about being a Christian hypocrite.  The post really made me think.  I'm not doing any of the things he mentioned in his post.  The things Trey mentioned seemed like "BIG" things.  But, am I doing anything that would hinder the growth of the church?  Aren't "little" things that I might be doing, really BIG things, too?  God doesn't see sin as "BIG" or "little".  Sin is sin in His eyes, and it should be in our eyes, as well.

From time to time, maybe we should examine our own lives....not someone else's' life....and see if we are helping or hindering the Lord's work.

1.  Faithful - Am I faithful to God, to Jesus, and to His church?  Do I attend worship, Bible classes, other church gatherings?  Being faithful isn't just meaning sitting on a pew, but am I an actively involved member?  Do I faithfully pray for those who are sick and hurting?  Do I faithfully do what I can to bring others to Christ?  Am I always faithful or am I only faithful when it is convenient for me to do so?

2.  Servant - Am I a worker in the church?  Do I volunteer to help in ways that will help the church or do I leave the work up to others who I believe are more capable or who have more time?  Am I willing to help when asked or do I make excuses of why I can't help?  Do I expect to be catered to or am I an eager servant of God, willing to serve others in order for them to have their needs met?  Do I put others' needs above my own or am I selfish with my money, food, and talents?

3.  Example of my words - What does my Christian life say to those around me?  Am I hypocritical?  Am I a good example and one that exemplifies the life of Jesus?  What about my words?  Do they shout to the world that I'm living a life of service to God, or do they shout prideful and boastful words that make me look selfish?  When I speak, do I speak with love or with hate?  Are my words hurtful or helpful?  Do they uplift and encourage or tear down and destroy?

4.  Example of my life - What do people see when they look at my life?  Do they see someone devoted to spiritual things or to earthly things?  Does my Christian walk mimic the walk of Jesus or does it mimic the ways of the world?  What would people say is the most important thing in my life?  Is it what I would want them to say or do I need to adjust my priorities and show that Christ is the center of my life?  Am I using my money, my talents, and my time for selfish reasons or to glorify God and as a servant for Him?

5.  Am I a help or a hinderance?  By my words and by my actions, do others have a positive view of the Christian life or of the church, or do I cause it to be a negative view?  Am I argumentative and cause strife within my relationships or do I seek ways of being understood without arguing?  Do I take pleasure in calling out those who are wrong or do I gently restore/explain to them the Way (as Aquila and Priscilla did in Acts 18:26.)  Is my "point" and my desire to be "right" more important than showing the love of Christ to others?  Am I a peacemaker or a troublemaker?  Am I humble or am I prideful?  Am I showing love or festering hate?  If a problem comes up, do I activity try to help find a solution, or am I part of the problem?  Am I mature or immature?

It's easy to point out the problems that others have.  We seem to have no trouble doing that at all.  What's more difficult is truthfully examining our own lives and seeing what we are doing to help or to hinder the church.  Maybe we're fine.  Maybe nothing we're doing is hindering growth.  But, on the other hand, maybe we're not doing anything....at all.  Maybe our "not doing anything" is a hinderance.  Maybe we should get busy!  Maybe we should get our minds off of ourselves and get busy for the Lord!

Our Christian walk may be the only thing some people see that would point them to Jesus.  It's imperative that we take our walk seriously.  It matters!  It matters to God....to us....and to the world around us.  We must let our lights shine!

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:16

Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
Philippians 3:17-21