Open Windows 7-3-2003
Open windows. When we first moved to St. Louis from Michigan, we had to get used to locking the doors – something we did not do in Michigan. The house we bought in Michigan came with lots of keys – all for the lock on the back door. The front door lock had no keys for they were lost somewhere in history. We soon learned it was better if we didn’t lock the back door. Bunny and I would head to school for the day and return to fresh garden produce on the kitchen table – or warm from the oven baked goods – or other goodies left by friendly neighbors and congregation members. Their way of welcoming us into the community was by showering us with gifts – anonymously. By leaving the back door open, they had the opportunity to slip in and drop off their gifts without embarrassment or threat of discovery.
Every now and then we would hear a knock at the door and someone would be dropping off a key to our house. The family we bought the house from was large and caring. Family members were given their own key to the parent’s house – the one we had purchased. So the family members would come by, visit, check on the remodeling and leave a key. We never felt so much love and safety. We didn’t have to lock the house, the car, or the garage. The one and only time we lost anything was when some kids stole our manger scene one Christmas while we were in Denver. (We didn’t even know it was gone – the police left a message on our answering machine to let us know that they recovered our Christmas decorations. We listened to the message before we had a chance to miss the scene.)
Yes, our village in Sebewaing was a community that practiced an “Open Door – Open Heart” policy.
When we moved to St. Louis, we started locking all the doors – car and house – even if we would be gone for just a few minutes. It was a new experience for us, but one I felt we needed to practice. One day Bunny, Russell, and I left for the store. We returned to discover that the house was locked up tight – with the house leys in the kitchen. As we stood on the steps in a quandary, Russell discovered one of the windows was unlocked. He was small enough to slip inside and open the door for us. We thanked God for open windows and an agile son.
I have been thinking of open windows a lot lately. It seems that everywhere I go and everyone I talk to has the same sad news: lack of funds eliminating programs, ministries and people. A deficient budget is a closed door. But I believe that God does indeed provide open windows – new opportunities not seen or needed in the past. I think of how the lack of funds in a church budget offers the open window of Stewardship training. When my church suffers from lack of funds, I have the open window to examine my finances, review my priorities, and adjust my giving. Each time the door is closed – the windows to new opportunities are flung open. I firmly believe that God will provide for all my daily needs – every day. It may not be the provisions I think I want, but they will sustain my life. The closed door of my house pointed to the open window. May lots of windows and doors be opened as we serve the Lord.
Every now and then we would hear a knock at the door and someone would be dropping off a key to our house. The family we bought the house from was large and caring. Family members were given their own key to the parent’s house – the one we had purchased. So the family members would come by, visit, check on the remodeling and leave a key. We never felt so much love and safety. We didn’t have to lock the house, the car, or the garage. The one and only time we lost anything was when some kids stole our manger scene one Christmas while we were in Denver. (We didn’t even know it was gone – the police left a message on our answering machine to let us know that they recovered our Christmas decorations. We listened to the message before we had a chance to miss the scene.)
Yes, our village in Sebewaing was a community that practiced an “Open Door – Open Heart” policy.
When we moved to St. Louis, we started locking all the doors – car and house – even if we would be gone for just a few minutes. It was a new experience for us, but one I felt we needed to practice. One day Bunny, Russell, and I left for the store. We returned to discover that the house was locked up tight – with the house leys in the kitchen. As we stood on the steps in a quandary, Russell discovered one of the windows was unlocked. He was small enough to slip inside and open the door for us. We thanked God for open windows and an agile son.
I have been thinking of open windows a lot lately. It seems that everywhere I go and everyone I talk to has the same sad news: lack of funds eliminating programs, ministries and people. A deficient budget is a closed door. But I believe that God does indeed provide open windows – new opportunities not seen or needed in the past. I think of how the lack of funds in a church budget offers the open window of Stewardship training. When my church suffers from lack of funds, I have the open window to examine my finances, review my priorities, and adjust my giving. Each time the door is closed – the windows to new opportunities are flung open. I firmly believe that God will provide for all my daily needs – every day. It may not be the provisions I think I want, but they will sustain my life. The closed door of my house pointed to the open window. May lots of windows and doors be opened as we serve the Lord.
Anger 7-10-2003
Have you ever had a headache? No, not that little, “I think it hurts” type, but the throbbing, behind the eyes, blurred vision, I need aspirin headache. I just heard that scientists have discovered that most of the really bad headaches are caused by unresolved anger. When a person gets angry, he must release the stress of the anger or suffer from a splitting headache. Suggestions given to release the anger were to walk, sing loud, or participate in other safe and sane physical activities. Punching, yelling and tantrums were not recommended.
How do you handle anger? When we were first married, we had our first “fight.” The cause of the disagreement has long since been forgotten; however, the actions will be remembered for a long time. Bunny and I were in the kitchen of our apartment in Chicago. We started our discussion in a calm manner, soon escalating to loud words. Points were given and counterpoints shouted back. I was reaching that point when I felt uncomfortable and could not control my words or actions. So I followed the example of the TV couples I grew up watching – I stormed out of the kitchen and slammed the door. I got in our car and started driving. I was a few blocks from home when it hit me, “This is the most stupid thing you have done so far. Running away from the one person you love above all others is just plain dumb.” So I went and got the car washed (I didn’t want to waste the trip), returned to the apartment and we forgave each other. It was then that my grandmother Anna’s words of advice came back to me, “Never go to bed mad.” I promised Bunny that I would never walk out on her again. We promised that we would resolve our differences in a civil way. We love each other too much to let anger ruin our relationship.
But I still get mad. One evening meal will never be forgotten. Bunny had prepared her delicious spaghetti and the phone rang just as we were ready to sit down for dinner. The family prayed and began eating while I answered the call. The call was one of those that made my blood boil. I was seething with anger. Bunny asked who called and what it was about. I responded. She questioned. I exploded. I threw the plate of food across the kitchen – spaghetti on the wall. Our oldest child Richie asked, “Mommy, who is going to clean up the mess?” She wasn’t, Richie wasn’t, I saw the mess and started laughing. (Yes, I cleaned it up.) We can still laugh about it. I didn’t get a headache, but I sure made a memory. (I would not recommend throwing food as a release for anger.)
I am not proud of that reaction. I still struggle with my reactions to anger. I try to be angry, yet not sin. That is a goal that can be hard to obtain. If I focus outside of me and my feelings and look for the reasons for the anger, I can maintain my calm. I still get mad, but I have not thrown a plate of food again. Walks help. Singing helps. Prayer comforts. It is God’s peace that I pray for and often receive. His peace calms my heart. His peace eases the hurt. His peace does pass all understanding. I pray you, too, experience His peace.
How do you handle anger? When we were first married, we had our first “fight.” The cause of the disagreement has long since been forgotten; however, the actions will be remembered for a long time. Bunny and I were in the kitchen of our apartment in Chicago. We started our discussion in a calm manner, soon escalating to loud words. Points were given and counterpoints shouted back. I was reaching that point when I felt uncomfortable and could not control my words or actions. So I followed the example of the TV couples I grew up watching – I stormed out of the kitchen and slammed the door. I got in our car and started driving. I was a few blocks from home when it hit me, “This is the most stupid thing you have done so far. Running away from the one person you love above all others is just plain dumb.” So I went and got the car washed (I didn’t want to waste the trip), returned to the apartment and we forgave each other. It was then that my grandmother Anna’s words of advice came back to me, “Never go to bed mad.” I promised Bunny that I would never walk out on her again. We promised that we would resolve our differences in a civil way. We love each other too much to let anger ruin our relationship.
But I still get mad. One evening meal will never be forgotten. Bunny had prepared her delicious spaghetti and the phone rang just as we were ready to sit down for dinner. The family prayed and began eating while I answered the call. The call was one of those that made my blood boil. I was seething with anger. Bunny asked who called and what it was about. I responded. She questioned. I exploded. I threw the plate of food across the kitchen – spaghetti on the wall. Our oldest child Richie asked, “Mommy, who is going to clean up the mess?” She wasn’t, Richie wasn’t, I saw the mess and started laughing. (Yes, I cleaned it up.) We can still laugh about it. I didn’t get a headache, but I sure made a memory. (I would not recommend throwing food as a release for anger.)
I am not proud of that reaction. I still struggle with my reactions to anger. I try to be angry, yet not sin. That is a goal that can be hard to obtain. If I focus outside of me and my feelings and look for the reasons for the anger, I can maintain my calm. I still get mad, but I have not thrown a plate of food again. Walks help. Singing helps. Prayer comforts. It is God’s peace that I pray for and often receive. His peace calms my heart. His peace eases the hurt. His peace does pass all understanding. I pray you, too, experience His peace.
Share Christ 7-17-2003
Our experience in Tanacross, AK, was a life-changing moment. We were never quite the same after our return. Our lives were changed on many levels. On one level we experienced some of the most picturesque scenery in the United States. The majestic mountains, towering glaciers, and abundant wildlife kept us glued to the windows of our RV. We made a pact among ourselves that each of us would be allowed only two “wows” and only three “ooo’s” per day. We also agreed that unless two people spotted something, it didn’t count. (My lone sighting of an eagle didn’t count – but the herd of caribou was seen by all.) Each turn of the road brought another vista, another chance to see sheep or eagles or whales or moose or caribou or another glacier. The Northern Lights were particularly inspiring – especially since we saw them from our plane at night as we flew home. It was as if the heavens were waving “bye” to us.
We gained a deeper appreciation for all of God’s creation. Thus it was when we returned, we were able to appreciate the beauty of the Midwest farm lands laid out in neat rows, the calming beauty of a sunset over Saginaw Bay or the heart-warming scent of a forest filled with pine trees. Even now I am able to appreciate the beauty of my surroundings – whether I am watching a storm-tossed beach in New Jersey, the bounding of a buck in Montana, or the sun-baked streets of Zaragoza, Mexico.
On another level, we were brought face-to-face with the fact that people die every day without hearing that Jesus is their Savior. The urgency of the Gospel was brought home to us as we listened to the children and adults ask questions and try to find meaning in their lives. We returned with a missionary zeal to proclaim the Gospel. It is our goal to proclaim Christ daily. It is our goal to support the work of proclamation with our time, talents and treasures. It is our prayer that the Good News of Jesus will spread around the world.
But we don’t have to travel very far to proclaim Christ. Bunny touches lives daily when she teaches her little lambs the sweet name of Jesus. When her pupils sing “Jesus Loves Me” – they sing from the heart. I can proclaim Christ in all that I do and say – from how I handle the drive to work to my interaction with other people to my witness as I pray before meals in public places. I pray that each of you can continue to share Christ in your homes, your church, your community and the world.
We gained a deeper appreciation for all of God’s creation. Thus it was when we returned, we were able to appreciate the beauty of the Midwest farm lands laid out in neat rows, the calming beauty of a sunset over Saginaw Bay or the heart-warming scent of a forest filled with pine trees. Even now I am able to appreciate the beauty of my surroundings – whether I am watching a storm-tossed beach in New Jersey, the bounding of a buck in Montana, or the sun-baked streets of Zaragoza, Mexico.
On another level, we were brought face-to-face with the fact that people die every day without hearing that Jesus is their Savior. The urgency of the Gospel was brought home to us as we listened to the children and adults ask questions and try to find meaning in their lives. We returned with a missionary zeal to proclaim the Gospel. It is our goal to proclaim Christ daily. It is our goal to support the work of proclamation with our time, talents and treasures. It is our prayer that the Good News of Jesus will spread around the world.
But we don’t have to travel very far to proclaim Christ. Bunny touches lives daily when she teaches her little lambs the sweet name of Jesus. When her pupils sing “Jesus Loves Me” – they sing from the heart. I can proclaim Christ in all that I do and say – from how I handle the drive to work to my interaction with other people to my witness as I pray before meals in public places. I pray that each of you can continue to share Christ in your homes, your church, your community and the world.
Be Happy 7-24-2003
“Happy people get fewer colds,” declared the radio announcer this past week. He cited a study that supposedly proved that people who are “happy” experienced milder symptoms than “unhappy” people when both groups were exposed to the virus that causes sickness. It seems that “happy” people not only have milder symptoms, but also have fewer cases of illness than their unhappy counterparts. Wow! I can imagine the consequences for the medical industry. The sales of aspirin would plummet as physicians advise their patients to, “Watch the Three Stooges and call me in the morning.” Could HMO’s and Medicare now cover the cost of tickets to comedy clubs?
But what makes a “happy” person? Can a person be happy without laughing all the time? What makes you happy?
I consider myself a fairly happy person. I do enjoy a good belly laugh (or belly “quake” in my case – however – it is a form of exercise) but do not continually laugh my way through the day. I do enjoy jokes – especially puns – however I have a serious side (not the profile.) Happiness for me is beyond laughter, beyond obvious joy. Happiness is the feeling that I am important in another person’s life. I have worth. I have gifts and talents to use for the good of mankind. I have provided a home for my family and we have food and raiment sufficient for the day. Perhaps a better word for “happiness” would be “contentment.” I am content with my life. I am happy.
Happiness does not always depend on good things. Bunny and I have experienced death of loved ones, alienation of friends, arguments and illnesses – some life-threatening. We have been at that place where we don’t know where the next meal will come from and we have wondered what God is planning for us. However, we are “happy” people.
Happiness for us comes not from the world, but from the certainty of our future. We know that we have a mansion waiting for us in heaven. God has promised and Christ has paid our price. Knowing our future allows us to enjoy our life here on earth. We can be happy in the laugh of a baby, the scent of a flower, or the panorama of a rainbow. We can be happy because we can “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” - Philippians 4:4.
But what makes a “happy” person? Can a person be happy without laughing all the time? What makes you happy?
I consider myself a fairly happy person. I do enjoy a good belly laugh (or belly “quake” in my case – however – it is a form of exercise) but do not continually laugh my way through the day. I do enjoy jokes – especially puns – however I have a serious side (not the profile.) Happiness for me is beyond laughter, beyond obvious joy. Happiness is the feeling that I am important in another person’s life. I have worth. I have gifts and talents to use for the good of mankind. I have provided a home for my family and we have food and raiment sufficient for the day. Perhaps a better word for “happiness” would be “contentment.” I am content with my life. I am happy.
Happiness does not always depend on good things. Bunny and I have experienced death of loved ones, alienation of friends, arguments and illnesses – some life-threatening. We have been at that place where we don’t know where the next meal will come from and we have wondered what God is planning for us. However, we are “happy” people.
Happiness for us comes not from the world, but from the certainty of our future. We know that we have a mansion waiting for us in heaven. God has promised and Christ has paid our price. Knowing our future allows us to enjoy our life here on earth. We can be happy in the laugh of a baby, the scent of a flower, or the panorama of a rainbow. We can be happy because we can “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” - Philippians 4:4.
Partings 7-31-2003
I pulled up in front of the school, leaned over and gave her a kiss. Bunny opened the door and walked into the building for her first Principals Conference. As I drove away, I was filled with emotion. I was so very proud of her – she is a talented and gifted leader. I was sad – I was going to miss being with her. I was anxious – would she make friends? Would the other Principals like her? Would she find lunch? Would others see how special she was?
I wiped a small tear from my cheek and drove away.
This scene reminded me of the other times I watched my loved ones walk away from the car to enter a new phase of their life. I still can picture each of our children as they pulled open the door to the school for their very first day of their educational career. They seemed so very small – too tiny to be walking away from me into the huge school. I was anxious that they would soon grow apart from me – from their mother – from their family. The day I dropped each of the children off in front of their college dorm was another anxious day for me. They seemed so naïve – so unprepared for the world. I wanted to rush up to them and spirit them away to a safe place – a place where only my family lived. I would protect them from all danger.
I felt the same emotions as we pulled our car away from the front of Abby’s house. She was so tiny as her daddy held her and moved her arms up and down to wave bye-bye to O’Ma and O’Pa. I wanted to wrap them all up and carry them with me.
I felt the same when I watched the heart monitor connected to my mom. She was in a coma – the pain eased by medication. She looked so fragile as she lay in the bed – with the beeps of the monitor coming further and further apart. As the machine announced that she was gone, I wanted to wrap her in my arms and carry her to a safe place – one without fear, pain and suffering.
Each parting in my life is another step to the final parting from this earth. I do not have the power to eliminate all of the pain and suffering of my loved ones. As long as we live on this earth, we experience the down days of disappointment, failure and hurt. I look forward to the day when I will walk into Heaven and be welcomed by my Father – who will wrap His arms around me and take me to that safe place – a place just for His family – a place without suffering and pain.
What joy we have when we can share this good news with others!
I wiped a small tear from my cheek and drove away.
This scene reminded me of the other times I watched my loved ones walk away from the car to enter a new phase of their life. I still can picture each of our children as they pulled open the door to the school for their very first day of their educational career. They seemed so very small – too tiny to be walking away from me into the huge school. I was anxious that they would soon grow apart from me – from their mother – from their family. The day I dropped each of the children off in front of their college dorm was another anxious day for me. They seemed so naïve – so unprepared for the world. I wanted to rush up to them and spirit them away to a safe place – a place where only my family lived. I would protect them from all danger.
I felt the same emotions as we pulled our car away from the front of Abby’s house. She was so tiny as her daddy held her and moved her arms up and down to wave bye-bye to O’Ma and O’Pa. I wanted to wrap them all up and carry them with me.
I felt the same when I watched the heart monitor connected to my mom. She was in a coma – the pain eased by medication. She looked so fragile as she lay in the bed – with the beeps of the monitor coming further and further apart. As the machine announced that she was gone, I wanted to wrap her in my arms and carry her to a safe place – one without fear, pain and suffering.
Each parting in my life is another step to the final parting from this earth. I do not have the power to eliminate all of the pain and suffering of my loved ones. As long as we live on this earth, we experience the down days of disappointment, failure and hurt. I look forward to the day when I will walk into Heaven and be welcomed by my Father – who will wrap His arms around me and take me to that safe place – a place just for His family – a place without suffering and pain.
What joy we have when we can share this good news with others!