tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63108603947919930822024-03-12T20:30:00.657-07:00MY SPIRITUAL JOURNEYRichard Lawryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03680320073463221740noreply@blogger.comBlogger326125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310860394791993082.post-78221275147052318092019-07-10T19:49:00.002-07:002019-07-10T19:49:33.063-07:00Table of Contents<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/07/playing-with-slime.html" target="_blank"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span> </a></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGGtddRIqeKHFuAJe3NYpTIRQ9gcs3vRHnHKnGPtiXB2Jp4Cl7pljqoZC1zFXikJxr8dm3ov2H7SyBzq92mGaSxDDp4RmjC57m3rAh1pR9Mb4A3o-mPGYcNGg3Hx3D2EDUVV8jKchITAc/s1600/toc.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="187" data-original-width="800" height="74" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGGtddRIqeKHFuAJe3NYpTIRQ9gcs3vRHnHKnGPtiXB2Jp4Cl7pljqoZC1zFXikJxr8dm3ov2H7SyBzq92mGaSxDDp4RmjC57m3rAh1pR9Mb4A3o-mPGYcNGg3Hx3D2EDUVV8jKchITAc/s320/toc.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2019/07/stand-up-paddleboards.html" target="_blank">Stand Up Paddleboards</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2019/07/angels-on-ouachita.html" target="_blank">Angels on the Ouachita</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2019/06/hailstones.html" target="_blank">Hailstones</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2019/06/dont-be-afraid.html" target="_blank">Don't be Afraid</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2019/06/anniversary-at-steel-creek.html" target="_blank">Anniversary at Steel Creek</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2019/06/the-summer-of-love.html" target="_blank">The Summer of Love</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2019/06/finding-friend.html" target="_blank">Finding a Friend</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2019/05/rambler-down.html" target="_blank">Rambler Down</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2019/05/a-birthday-surprise.html" target="_blank">A Birthday Surprise</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2019/05/prepaid.html" target="_blank">Prepaid</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2019/05/first-gear.html" target="_blank">First Gear</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2019/04/the-boxer.html" target="_blank">The Boxer</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2019/04/ten-years-after.html" target="_blank">Ten Years After</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2019/04/the-golden-eagle.html" target="_blank">The Golden Eagle</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2019/03/the-rest-of-story.html" target="_blank">The Rest of the Story</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2019/03/forgiveness-and-boundaries.html" target="_blank">Forgiveness and Boundaries</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2019/03/grow-old-with-me.html" target="_blank">Grow Old with Me</a> </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2019/03/portable-soup.html" target="_blank">Portable Soup</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2019/03/cape-disappointment.html" target="_blank">Cape Disappointment</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2019/03/sea-lions.html" target="_blank">Sea Lions</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2019/03/dirty-hands.html" target="_blank">Dirty Hands</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2019/03/a-gift-for-king.html" target="_blank">A Gift for a King</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2019/01/icy-promises.html" target="_blank">Icy Promises</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2019/01/rusty-treasures.html" target="_blank">Rusty Treasures</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2019/01/christmas-recital.html" target="_blank">Christmas Recital</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2019/01/afraid-of-dark.html" target="_blank">Afraid of the Dark</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2019/01/falls-branch-trail.html" target="_blank">Falls Branch Trail</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2019/01/the-knowledge.html" target="_blank">The Knowledge</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2018/11/daddys-guestbook.html" target="_blank">Daddy's Guestbook</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2018/11/balloons-over-branson.html" target="_blank">Balloons over Branson</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2018/10/your-vote-matters.html" target="_blank">Your Vote Matters</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2018/10/the-patrolman.html" target="_blank">The Patrolman</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2018/10/big-yellow-peterbilt.html" target="_blank">Big Yellow Peterbilt</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2018/11/twenty-tons-of-yellow-trees.html" target="_blank">Twenty Tons of Yellow Trees</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2018/10/adobe-badlands.html" target="_blank">Adobe Badlands</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2018/09/why-is-jesus-returning.html" target="_blank">Why is Jesus Returning?</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2018/09/out-on-tarmac.html" target="_blank">Out on the Tarmac</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2018/09/jump.html" target="_blank">Jump</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2018/09/on-caddo.html" target="_blank">On the Caddo</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2018/09/forest-fire.html" target="_blank">Forest Fire</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2018/09/giveaway.html" target="_blank">Giveaway</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2018/08/nothing-important.html" target="_blank">Nothing Important</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2018/08/a-pair-of-ioniqs.html" target="_blank">A Pair of Ioniqs</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2018/08/truth-is-truth.html" target="_blank">Truth is Truth</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2018/08/making-pizza.html" target="_blank">Making Pizza</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2018/08/the-character-of-god.html" target="_blank">The Character of God</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2018/08/a-summer-picnic.html" target="_blank">A Summer Picnic</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2018/08/infected.html" target="_blank">Infected</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2018/08/the-carriage-house.html" target="_blank">The Carriage House</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2018/08/rainbow-cheerios.html" target="_blank">Rainbow Cheerios</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2018/08/the-two-maggies.html" target="_blank">The Two Maggies</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2018/08/low-gap-cafe.html" target="_blank">Low Gap Cafe</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2018/08/wheaties-with-sugar.html" target="_blank">Wheaties With Sugar</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2018/08/running-rapids.html" target="_blank">Running the Rapids</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2018/08/grasshoppers-or-butterflies.html" target="_blank">Grasshoppers or Butterflies</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2018/08/mighty-mountains.html" target="_blank">Mighty Mountains</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2018/08/locked-out.html" target="_blank">Locked Out</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2018/08/the-little-gray-kitten.html" target="_blank">The Little Gray Kitten</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2018/08/my-most-unforgettable-character.html" target="_blank">My Most Unforgettable Character</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2018/08/a-gentle-god.html" target="_blank">A Gentle God</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2018/08/worth-cost.html" target="_blank">Worth the Cost</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2018/08/it-is-well-with-my-soul.html" target="_blank">It Is Well With My Soul</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2018/08/become-possiblitarian.html" target="_blank">Become a Possibilitarian</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2018/08/jury-duty.html" target="_blank">Jury Duty</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2018/08/a-little-help-from-my-friends.html" target="_blank">A Little Help From My Friends</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2018/08/what-must-i-do.html" target="_blank">What Must I Do?</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2018/08/jesus-wept.html" target="_blank">Jesus Wept</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2018/08/crankshaft-position-sensor.html" target="_blank">Crankshaft Position Sensor</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2018/08/old-washington.html" target="_blank">Old Washington</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2018/08/samson.html" target="_blank">Samson</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2018/05/storm-damage.html" target="_blank">Storm Damage</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2018/05/i-can-only-imagine.html" target="_blank">I Can Only Imagine</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2018/02/hot-water.html" target="_blank">Hot Water</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2018/02/when-rain-comes.html" target="_blank">When the Rain Comes</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2018/02/the-long-and-winding-road.html" target="_blank">The Long and Winding Road</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2018/02/the-question.html" target="_blank">The Question</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2018/01/out-in-cold.html" target="_blank">Out in the Cold</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2018/01/rehabilitation.html" target="_blank">Rehabilitation</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2018/01/the-emergency-room.html" target="_blank">The Emergency Room</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2018/01/geminid-meteor-shower.html" target="_blank">Geminid Meteor Shower</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/12/good-gifts.html" target="_blank">Good Gifts</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/12/a-shepherds-life.html" target="_blank">A Shepherd's Life</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/12/les-miserables.html" target="_blank">Les Miserables</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/12/the-rumble-seat.html" target="_blank">The Rumble Seat</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/11/kilauea-sunrise.html" target="_blank">Kilauea Sunrise</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/11/the-kalalau-trail.html" target="_blank">The Kalalau Trail</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/11/warning-lables.html" target="_blank">Warning Labels</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/11/the-hammered-dulcimer.html" target="_blank">The Hammered Dulcimer</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/10/the-corn-maze.html" target="_blank">The Corn Maze</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/10/do-we-need-more-spice.html" target="_blank">Do We Need More Spice?</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/10/a-loose-screw.html" target="_blank">A Loose Screw</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/10/metamorphosis.html" target="_blank">Metamorphosis</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/10/gods-amazing-love.html" target="_blank">God's Amazing Love</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/10/the-butterfly-palace.html" target="_blank">The Butterfly Palace</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/09/waiting-tables.html" target="_blank">Waiting Tables</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/09/once-gangster.html" target="_blank">Once a Gangster</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/09/fearing-storm.html" target="_blank">Fearing the Storm</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/09/winding-stairs.html" target="_blank">Winding Stairs</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/09/look-to-sky.html" target="_blank">Look to the Sky</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/09/restoration.html" target="_blank">Restoration</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/08/the-great-american-eclipse.html" target="_blank">The Great American Eclipse</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/08/video-shoot-miracles.html" target="_blank">Video Shoot Miracles</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/08/seven-billion-and-counting.html" target="_blank">Seven Billion and Counting</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>S<a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/08/speaking-out-against-hate.html" target="_blank">peaking Out Against Hate</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/08/press-gangs.html" target="_blank">Press Gangs</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/08/identity-crisis.html" target="_blank">Identity Crisis</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/08/loving-maggie.html" target="_blank">Loving Maggie</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/07/playing-with-slime.html" target="_blank">Playing With Slime</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/07/passionate-christians.html" target="_blank">Passionate Christians</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/07/fireworks-and-liberty.html" target="_blank">Fireworks and Liberty</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/07/dearly-beloved.html" target="_blank">Dearly Beloved</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/07/empty-cupboards.html" target="_blank">Empty Cupboards</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="https://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/07/life-liberty-and-pursuit-of-happiness.html" target="_blank">Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/06/the-final-exam.html" target="_blank">The Final Exam</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/06/a-big-lie.html" target="_blank">A Big Lie</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/06/the-lonely-boy.html" target="_blank">The Lonely Boy</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/06/funeral-sermon-for-aunt-kathy.html" target="_blank">Funeral Sermon for Aunt Kathy</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/06/crossing-bridge.html" target="_blank">Crossing the Bridge</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/06/wisdom-teeth.html" target="_blank">Wisdom Teeth</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/05/walking-with-hershey.html" target="_blank">Walking With Hershey</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/05/are-you-thriving.html" target="_blank">Are You Thriving?</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/05/keeping-lawn-mowed.html" target="_blank">Keeping the Lawn Mowed</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/05/vietnam-veterans-memorial.html" target="_blank">Vietnam Veterans Memorial</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/05/moonshots.html" target="_blank">Moonshots</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><u><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/05/splash.html" target="_blank">Causing a Splash</a></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/04/back-country-roads.html" target="_blank">Back Country Roads</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-bmw.html" target="_blank">The BMW</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/04/april-fools.html" target="_blank">April Fool's</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-wall.html" target="_blank">The Wall</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/03/sophies-journey.html" target="_blank">Sophie's Journey</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/03/the-little-things.html" target="_blank">The Little Things</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/03/dominion-war-and-love.html" target="_blank">Dominion, War, and Love</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/03/snowbound.html" target="_blank">Snowbound</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/03/together-forever.html" target="_blank">Together Forever</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/03/scavenger-hunt.html" target="_blank">Scavenger Hunt</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/03/free-gift.html" target="_blank">Free Gift</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/03/sick-and-tired.html" target="_blank">Sick and Tired</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/02/barn-find.html" target="_blank">Barn Find</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/02/liberty.html" target="_blank">Liberty</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/02/first-love.html" target="_blank">First Love</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/02/saving-moses.html" target="_blank">Saving Moses</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><u><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/02/finishing-job.html" target="_blank">Finishing the Job</a></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/01/in-fog.html" target="_blank">In the Fog</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/01/lift-up-trumpet.html" target="_blank">Lift Up the Trumpet</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/01/thriving.html" target="_blank">Thriving</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/01/resolutions.html">Resolutions</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/01/fake-news.html">Fake News</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2017/01/traditions.html">Traditions</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/12/tony-waiter.html">Tony the Waiter</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/12/jesus-and-second-death.html">Jesus and the Second Death</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/12/the-best-gift-ever.html">The Best Gift Ever</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/12/candy-canes.html">Candy Canes</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/12/genealogy-research.html">Genealogy Research</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/12/merry-xmas.html">Merry Xmas</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/12/learning-to-drive.html">Learning to Drive</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/12/i-want-to-be-shepherd.html">I Want to Be A Shepherd</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/11/goodbye-lou.html">Goodbye, Lou</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/11/love-yourself.html">Love Yourself</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/11/backpacking.html">Backpacking</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/11/encouragement.html">Encouragement</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/11/hacksaw-ridge.html">Hacksaw Ridge</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/11/the-hanging-judge.html">The Hanging Judge</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/10/check-up.html">Check Up</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/10/do-unto-others.html">Do Unto Others</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/10/jump-start.html">Jump Start</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/10/the-astoria-column.html">The Astoria Column</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/10/the-sabbath-truth.html">The Sabbath Truth</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/09/return-fire.html">Return Fire</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/09/run-through-rain.html">Run Through the Rain</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/09/the-peter-iredale.html">The Peter Iredale</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/09/why-lord.html">Why, Lord?</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/09/the-wedding.html">The Wedding</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/09/luke-and-stacey.html">Luke and Stacey</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/09/love-letters.html">Love Letters</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/09/a-helping-hand.html">A Helping Hand</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/08/dont-tell-god-no.html">Don't Tell God No</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/08/stranded-8102016.html">Stranded - 8/10/2016</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/08/let-them-eat-cake.html">Let Them Eat Cake</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/07/surprise-party.html">Surprise Party</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/07/the-power-of-one-part-two.html">The Power of One, Part Two</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/07/the-two-ramblers.html">The Two Ramblers</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/07/the-power-of-one.html">The Power of One</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/07/politics-and-social-media.html">Politics and Social Media</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/07/the-little-things.html">The Little Things</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/06/childlike.html">Childlike</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/06/unforgivable.html">Unforgivable</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/06/trust-your-gps.html">Trust Your GPS</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/06/deserve-to-die.html">Deserve To Die</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/06/no-fear.html">No Fear</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/06/a-local-hero.html">A Local Hero</a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/06/piano-recital.html">Piano Recital</a></b></div>
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/05/a-gentle-god.html">A Gentle God</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/05/waiting-for-sunrise.html">Waiting For Sunrise</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/05/mothers-day.html">Mother's Day</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/05/all-you-need-is-love-5112016.html">All You Need Is Love - 5/11/2016</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/05/what-is-truth.html">What is Truth?</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/05/newborns.html">Newborns</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/04/serenity.html">Serenity</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/04/tornado-remembered.html">Tornado Remembered</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/04/opening-day.html">Opening Day</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/04/urethane-stains.html">Urethane Stains</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/04/unselfish-christianity.html">Unselfish Christianity</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/03/now.html">Now!</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/03/the-missouri-river.html">The Missouri River</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/03/hes-alive-3232016.html">He's Alive - 3/23/2016</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://anarkiesmusings.blogspot.com/2016/03/second-death.html">Second Death</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/03/my-little-rambler.html">My Little Rambler</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/03/theology-in-raw.html">Theology in the Raw</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/03/kermit-snake-030916.html">Kermit the Snake</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/03/the-blustery-day-30216.html">The Blustery Day - 3/02/16</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://anarkiesmusings.blogspot.com/2016/02/atticus-finch-22416.html">Atticus Finch - 2/24/16</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/02/was-jonah-right.html">Was Jonah Right?</a></b><br />
<b>A<a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/02/algebra-concepts-21716.html">lgebra Concepts - 2/17/16</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/02/grandkids-022016.html">Grandkids - 2/10/16</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/02/george-sea-lion-20316.html">George the Sea Lion - 2/03/16</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/01/im-sorry-12716.html">I'm Sorry - 1/27/16</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/01/open-my-eyes-1202016.html">Open My Eyes - 1/20/16</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/01/tornado-warnings-11316.html">Tornado Warnings - 1/13/16</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/01/love-god.html">Love = God</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2016/01/one-little-candle-10716.html">One Little Candle - 1/07/16</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2015/12/do-you-know.html">Do You Know?</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2015/12/confess-ask-believe-receive.html">Confess, Ask, Believe, Receive</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2015/09/a-time-for-rest.html">A Time For Rest</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2015/09/lessons-from-little-league.html">Lessons From Little League</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2015/09/pharisees.html">Pharisees</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2015/09/dont-be-dissapointed.html">Don't Be Dissapointed</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2015/09/born-again.html">Born Again</a></b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2014/12/you-did-it-to-me-part-2.html"><br /></a><b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2015/09/little-children.html">Little Children</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2015/09/im-sorry.html">I'm Sorry</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2015/05/rejoice-with-me.html">Rejoice With Me</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2015/04/hes-alive.html">He's Alive</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2015/03/i-think-i-can.html">I Think I Can</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2014/11/you-did-it-to-me.html">You Did It To Me</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2014/12/you-did-it-to-me-part-2.html">You Did It To Me - Part 2</a><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2014/11/passion.html"><br /></a></b> <b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2014/11/the-golden-rule.html">The Golden Rule</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2014/11/nicolas-n-scott-eulogy.html">Nicolas N. Scott Eulogy</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2014/11/grace-happens-all-around-us.html">Grace Happens all Around Us</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2014/11/overflowing-grace.html">Overflowing Grace</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2014/11/passion.html">Passion</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2014/10/bears.html">Bears</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2014/08/stranded.html">Stranded</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2014/07/a-picture-of-god.html">A Picture of God</a></b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2014/06/unforgivable_20.html"><br /></a><b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2014/07/platos-soul.html">Plato's Soul</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2014/06/unforgivable_20.html">Unforgivable</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2014/06/how-much-are-you-worth.html">How Much Are You Worth?</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2014/05/failure-to-thrive.html">Failure To Thrive</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2014/05/voyage-to-tarshish.html">Voyage to Tarshish</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2014/05/tolerance.html">Tolerance</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2014/05/jump.html">Jump</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2014/02/liberty.html">Liberty</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2014/02/power.html">Power</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2014/02/memorial.html">Memorial</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2013/12/criticize-or-encourage.html">Criticize or Encourage</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-first-lie.html">The First Lie</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2013/12/reunion.html">Reunion</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2013/12/reflections-on-our-flooding.html">Reflections On Our Flooding</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2013/12/get-out-of-your-comfort-zone.html">Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2013/12/my-jewels.html">My Jewels</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2013/12/marching-to-zion.html">Marching To Zion</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2013/12/deep-water.html">Deep Water</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-seventh-day-adventist-church.html"><b>The Seventh- Day Adventist Church</b></a><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2013/12/your-gps.html">Your GPS</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2013/12/back-roads.html">Back Roads</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2013/12/road-of-death.html">Road Of Death</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2013/12/what-did-jesus-do.html">What Did Jesus Do?</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2013/12/who-do-you-think-you-are.html">Who Do You Think You Are</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2013/12/let-them-eat-cake.html">Let Them Eat Cake</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2013/12/belief-or-trust.html">Belief Or Trust</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2013/12/speeding-tickets.html">Speeding Tickets</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2013/12/dirty-hands.html">Dirty Hands</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2013/12/even-our-adversaries.html">Even Our Adversaries</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2013/12/love-and-hate.html">Love And Hate </a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-roman-road.html">The Roman Road</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2013/02/all-you-need-is-love.html">All You Need Is Love</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2013/12/shepherds.html">Shepherds</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2012/11/thanksgiving-proclamations.html">Thanksgiving Proclamations</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2012/09/i-cant-get-no-satisfaction.html">I Can't Get No Satisfaction</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2012/05/for-want-of-nail.html">For Want of a Nail</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2012/03/walking-with-papa.html">Walking With Papa</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2012/03/identity-theft.html">Identity Theft</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-gifts.html">Christmas Gifts</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2011/11/thank-god-for-grace.html">Thank God for Grace</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2011/07/verdict.html">The Verdict</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2011/06/higher-and-higher.html">Higher and Higher</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2011/04/let-me-count-ways.html">Let Me Count the Ways</a></b><br /><b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2011/01/body-armor.html">Body Armor</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2010/11/orphans.html">Orphans</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2010/09/your-kindness.html">Your Kindness</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2010/07/bridegroom.html">The Bridegroom</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2010/04/unforgiven.html">Unforgiven</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2009/09/character-assassination.html">Character Assasination</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2009/08/like-child.html">Like a Child</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2009/07/gods-will.html">God's Will</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2009/07/walking-tightrope.html">Walking a Tightrope</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2009/07/lasik.html">Lasik</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2009/07/list.html">The List</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2009/07/jesus-wept.html">Jesus Wept</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2009/07/mowing.html">Mowing</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2009/07/what-friend.html">What a Friend</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2009/07/spice.html">Spice</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2009/07/are-you-experienced.html">Are You Experienced?</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2009/07/comfort-zone.html">Comfort Zone</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2009/07/old-friends.html">Old Friends</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2009/07/my.html">My Resolution</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2009/07/imagination.html">Imagination</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2009/07/function-of-wisdom-is-to-discriminate.html">The Wisdom of Teeth</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2009/07/taste-and-see.html">Taste and See</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2009/07/legend-of-candy-cane.html">The Legend of the Candy Cane</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2009/07/doom-and-gloom.html">Doom and Gloom</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2009/07/i-love-driving-on-back-roads-in-western.html">Any Road</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2009/07/five-kernels-of-corn.html">Five Kernels of Corn</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2009/07/little-thanksgiving-history.html">A Little Thanksgiving History</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2009/07/justice-mercy-grace.html">Justice Mercy Grace</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2009/07/hammered-dulcimer.html">The Hammered Dulcimer</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2009/07/hallowen-grace.html">Halloween Grace</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2009/07/moses.html">Moses</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2009/07/stop-to-think.html">Stop to Think</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2009/07/best-gift.html">The Best Gift</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2009/07/sludge.html">Sludge</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2009/07/rebekahs-first-steps.html">Rebekah's First Steps</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2009/07/why.html">Why?</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://richard-lawry.blogspot.com/2009/07/what-matters-most.html">What Matters Most</a></b></b>Richard Lawryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03680320073463221740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310860394791993082.post-6088614454876048262019-07-10T19:46:00.002-07:002019-07-10T19:46:24.015-07:00Stand Up PaddleboardsAn Arkie's Faith column from the July 10, 2019, issue of The Mena Star.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMty_EyZaAhTl47vwubAQOgPFouzc6FdJ8nLJ_N3VnFg-A6WSIJicpuQ49oc-XuMqdoaTPXqigMiYLuSDgoJldi5NpaGFsaRDFC7iYrblQtqwncHzTrJO-Ih6AH373uFu1aZxERr4yggEg/s1600/pb2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMty_EyZaAhTl47vwubAQOgPFouzc6FdJ8nLJ_N3VnFg-A6WSIJicpuQ49oc-XuMqdoaTPXqigMiYLuSDgoJldi5NpaGFsaRDFC7iYrblQtqwncHzTrJO-Ih6AH373uFu1aZxERr4yggEg/s320/pb2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
“You will be riding with me on the Megalodon,” my daughter said. Everyone had such a good time floating the Ouachita River the week before that we decided to do it again this weekend. Last week six of us floated the river in a rubber raft while the rest of the group used paddleboards. This week the water wasn’t high enough to float in a raft, so we used paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes. The Megalodon is a large, very stable, multiple person paddleboard, but I was a bit nervous about riding it. I had never been on a paddleboard. Even though my daughter has lots of experience on paddleboards, I wasn’t sure how I would do.</div>
<br />
Once all the paddleboards were inflated, we were ready to head down the river. I crawled onto Megalodon and sat down. As we paddled down the river, I was surprised by how stable the Megalodon was. I had expected more movement. Before long, I was comfortable enough with the board to try a kneeling position. It was easier for me to paddle from that position. When I got the courage to try standing, I was able to balance standing up without any problems. I enjoyed paddling down the river, standing up on the paddleboard.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
As we made our way down the river, it started to rain. It was a soft, gentle rain, and the water was beautiful as the raindrops made tiny splashes and rings all over the surface of the river. The rain didn’t last too long, but it rained off and on all day. The scenery on this stretch of the Ouachita River, from Simms to Dragover, was spectacular. There were many beautiful rock formations along the banks of the river. We saw Great Blue Herons fishing in the river. The water was so clear that we could see the fish, including several large Gar. The serenity of the river was occasionally interrupted by frogs croaking and fish jumping and splashing.<br />
<br />
I was enjoying going down the river on the paddleboard. I became comfortable standing up and felt stable most of the time. Occasionally I would feel a bit unstable, but by bending my knees and shifting a foot, I was able to regain my balance. Before long, I was quite comfortable and had confidence in my newfound ability to stand up and paddle a paddleboard. We went through several small rapids, and each time I would go from a standing position to a kneeling position before we went through the rapids. As my confidence level rose, I thought, “the next rapids we come to; I will stay standing,”<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Before long we came to some small rapids that looked very tame. “I am going to stay standing through these rapids,” I told my daughter. As we started into the rapids, my daughter realized that they were very shallow. “We are going to stick,” she hollered back to me. I knew that when we made that sudden stop, I would not be able to keep my balance. I started to go down into a kneeling position, but before I could get down, the paddleboard came to an abrupt stop, and I was thrown into the water. It was a hard fall into the rocky shallow river, and it hurt. After sitting in the water for a few moments, I realized that even though my leg and my hand were aching, I wasn’t badly hurt. After my daughter dragged the board off the rocks, I crawled back on, and we continued down the river. Although I stood back up, I wasn’t as cocky about my abilities and the next rapids we came to, I kneeled on the board instead of standing up<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
At Fulton Branch, we stopped for a picnic lunch of sandwiches, chips, hummus, cherries, grapes, and cookies. As we ate our lunch, we had a short devotional. We talked about how important stability is in our lives. Stability is important when you are on a paddleboard, but stability is also important in life. In either case, if you lose stability, you will be thrown off. We talked about the things that help make us stable, like family, church, faith, and the Bible.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
On Supboardguide.com, I found the following information. “We think it’s helpful to focus on the most important factor for true beginners: stability. Why is SUP stability so important when buying your first SUP? You need something stable to get your bearings. Becoming familiar with balance and water surface fluctuations involves practice and developing muscle memory. If you start with a narrow board – say a racing or touring design – you will constantly fight the board and lose out on this fundamental phase of learning. Plus it will be less fun. The wider the board, the more stable the platform.”<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Just like stability is an important factor for stand up paddle boarding, it is important in our lives. Have you ever felt uneasy, unsettled, or unstable? Or maybe a better question is; who hasn’t? How do we overcome these feelings? George Muller, director of the Ashley Down orphanage in Bristol, England, had these feelings, but he had a plan for stability. He wrote in His diary on May 9, 1841; "Now, I saw that the most important thing I had to do was to give myself to the reading of the Word of God, and to meditation on it, that thus my heart might be comforted and encouraged.” Isaiah 33:6 (NET) tells us that God “is your constant source of stability; he abundantly provides safety and great wisdom; he gives all this to those who fear him.” When we search for wisdom and knowledge in the Bible, we become more stable in our lives! Let’s aim to spend more time in the Word and gain more stability in our lives.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Author Jim Gerrish writes, “In other articles, I have referred to this age as the ‘Jello Era’ of human history. In the last twenty or thirty years, we have seen many things shake and tremble before our eyes. These are things we used to trust in, like banks, jobs, companies, governments, family values, etc. In all these areas, and in many more, our world is beginning to look about as stable as a big bowl of Jello. Today, we are all being blasted with the words and opinions of men. The evening newscast is a good example of this. These opinions change by the day. In a week or even in another day these opinions may no longer be considered true. They are like the grass and flowers Peter mentions, but the word of God stands forever. If we build our opinions, our theologies, and our lives upon God’s word, we will be like the man who built his house on the rock.”<br />
<br />
Gentle Reader, we all need stability in our lives. Stability is important on a stand up paddleboard, and it is important in every aspect of our lives. Let’s aim to spend more time with God and his word, the Bible. That is the only way to gain more stability in our lives. Don’t let it be said about you; “You are mistaken, because you do not know the Scriptures. And you do not know the power of God.” Matthew 22:29 (NIRV)<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Richard Lawryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03680320073463221740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310860394791993082.post-29481444264399675792019-07-03T19:45:00.000-07:002019-07-10T19:45:39.385-07:00Angels on the OuachitaAn Arkie's Faith column from the July 3, 2019, issue of The Mena Star.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoOZeE0QCVVEo8mgf0y3sP43lSM4LGjTmbDHT8R1Q6BUUUdlDEfcaZ9kt06Is11omNSovUbYv4C8bM_-JWPgRLzqr0-sgn_e6__Q2oV9xS4NnnYuJEcLq4RddZNMQt2U4LGnzoeArzL0tq/s1600/f2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="960" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoOZeE0QCVVEo8mgf0y3sP43lSM4LGjTmbDHT8R1Q6BUUUdlDEfcaZ9kt06Is11omNSovUbYv4C8bM_-JWPgRLzqr0-sgn_e6__Q2oV9xS4NnnYuJEcLq4RddZNMQt2U4LGnzoeArzL0tq/s320/f2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The house was with a flurry of activity as kids and adults prepared for a day on the river. We were excited because the Ouachita River levels were perfect for floating a raft. Seven adults, four kids, food, drinks, a rubber raft, and three paddle boards including the Megalodon multi-person paddle board loaded into the vehicles and we were ready to head out. It had been raining off and on, but our spirits were high as we headed to the Ouachita River.<br />
<br />
By the time that we reached the Pine Ridge access and started unloading, the rain had stopped. While others were blowing up the rafts and paddleboards, a couple of us ran the shuttle to drop off a vehicle at the Shirley Creek access, six miles downstream. When everything was ready, we pushed off into the water and started downstream. The river was gently winding its way between the banks with lush green trees whose roots have been exposed by high water earlier in the year.<br />
<br />
It was a perfect summer day; not too hot, and the early morning rains were gone. There was blue sky and sunshine with enough cloud cover to make it comfortable. The river was peaceful and serene as we floated past amazing rock formations and the occasional home. The kids were having a great time jumping off the Megalodon paddle board, swimming in the river for a while then climbing back on the board. Shrieks and laughter filled the air as we made our way downstream.<br />
<br />
After an hour or two, we found a gravel bar and beached our raft. We pulled the coolers out of the raft and had a lunch of sandwiches, chips, fruit, and cookies. It is amazing how hungry you can get paddling on a river. Just upstream from the gravel bar was a large rock outcropping. The water at the base of the rock was quite deep, and the kids, along with my son-in-law, had a great time jumping off the rock into the water. The kids were having a good time swimming and jumping and didn’t want to leave, but it was time to get back on the river.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
While we were on the river, we pulled the paddle boards around the raft and stopped in the middle of the river for a devotional. We talked about Naaman and the Jordan River. Naaman left Syria and came to Israel looking for Elisha. His servant girl had told him that Elisha could heal him of his leprosy. When he knocked on Elisha’s door, “Elisha sent Naaman a messenger who said, ‘Go and wash in the Jordan River seven times. Then your skin will be healed, and you will be clean.’” 2 Kings 5:10 (NCV) But Naaman wasn’t impressed. He said, “‘the rivers of Damascus, are better than all the waters of Israel. Why can’t I wash in them and become clean?’ So Naaman went away very angry.” 2 Kings 5:12 (NCV)<br />
<br />
Naaman’s servants spoke sensibly to him, helping him to see that what Elisha asked was not that difficult. He went to the Jordan River, dipped seven times, and was healed. Why was he healed? It was not because of the Jordan River. It was not because he dipped seven times. It was because God told Naaman, through His prophet Elisha, that if he obeyed he would be healed. God healed Naaman because he obeyed. God wants to heal all of us, but he asks that we obey Him. Obedience doesn’t save us; God saves us. But He asks that we obey Him as a sign that we trust Him.<br />
<br />
We continued down the river until we reached the Shirley Creek takeout. When we had pulled our raft and paddle boards up the steep muddy stairs to the picnic area where our shuttle vehicle was parked, we realized that the keys to the vehicle were back at the Pine Ridge drop off point. What would we do? We had a group of tired people who had just spent the day floating six miles on the river, and they were ready to go home. But we were miles away from the keys that we needed. Walking would take several hours. Just as we realized our dilemma, a vehicle drove into the picnic area. Two guys were scouting out the river for a float trip. They were asking some of our group questions, so they sent my son-in-law to talk with them. He is very knowledgeable and has floated many rivers, including the Ouachita several times. He told the guys about our predicament and asked if they would take us back to Pine Ridge. They agreed to take us.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
My son-in-law and I rode back with them to pick up the two vehicles that we had left at Pine Ridge. As we drove along, we talked about our river floating experiences. When they dropped us off at our vehicles, I told the guys, “I have always wanted to know what angels looked like, but you really surprised me.” The laughed, and said that no one had ever called them angels before. But if they weren’t angels, I still think that they were sent by God. We could have been at the picnic area for hours without seeing anyone.<br />
<br />
When we had returned with the other vehicles, I was reminded of the fact that. “your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!” Matthew 6:8 (NLT) It made me think of my heavenly Father in such a loving and caring way. In the middle of taking care of the universe, God saw fit to remind me that just because I didn’t yet know how He was at work in my situation, didn’t mean He didn’t know exactly what was happening. He provided the answer to my problem even before I knew I had a problem.<br />
<br />
Gentle Reader, God knew what I needed even before I asked. He provided a way out of my predicament. He sent angels on the Ouachita. He will do the same for you. Just because God provided two guys to give me a ride when I needed it doesn’t mean they weren’t actually angels. “Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!” Hebrews 13:2 (NLT)<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Richard Lawryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03680320073463221740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310860394791993082.post-59526549436306678512019-06-26T19:44:00.000-07:002019-07-10T19:44:46.832-07:00HailstonesAn Arkie's Faith column from the June 26, 2019, issue of The Mena Star.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fI2U8pwUcD-H4Ev-rH_xIW2qLuDMT3aUaKmdNw6_UugLs7UkpaPO5Qp3j-8sMCBwMWPRnkhKqw-AE0oISSAPE_btjQYaNfTu29wxTvs7BuY3W8QEHqzHV8z9zGvn6uKAb-szuvzrPJ80/s1600/h2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1324" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fI2U8pwUcD-H4Ev-rH_xIW2qLuDMT3aUaKmdNw6_UugLs7UkpaPO5Qp3j-8sMCBwMWPRnkhKqw-AE0oISSAPE_btjQYaNfTu29wxTvs7BuY3W8QEHqzHV8z9zGvn6uKAb-szuvzrPJ80/s320/h2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Black clouds began to sprawl across the sky as we sat at Papa’s Mexican Café. It was our weekly family night, and we were having a wonderful meal at Papas. The kids wanted to sit at their own table separate from the adults. They were making up storylines for their very own superhero movie. From the adult's table, we could see out the front door. As the clouds rolled in and we began to hear thunder, we thought that we should cut the evening short. On our family nights, we usually sit and visit for quite some time after we have eaten. But tonight, we decided that it would be a good idea to get home before the storm hit. My Daddy had driven his Shay Model A Roadster, and with no side windows, it would be good to get home before it began to rain.<br />
<br />
As we walked to our cars, we could see dark, brooding, black clouds to the southwest. The skies looked ominous. We made it home before the storm hit. As we sat in the comfort of our living room, we could see the boughs of the trees in the back-yard swaying in the strengthening gusts of wind. The rain started with just a few drops; then the dark clouds unleashed a torrent of water, driven by the strong wind. The sky turned a strange color, and the thunder rolled as lightning flashed all around. I checked the radar on my phone and saw that there were serious storms to the south of us.<br />
<br />
While the rain fell in great sheets, lightning flashed around us followed by loud cracking booms. We were concerned about how severe the storm would be. Some small, pea-sized hail beat on the windows. When I checked the weather radar on my phone, I saw that there were very severe storms a few miles south. Reports started coming in on social media, showing very large hail south of us.<br />
<br />
Baseball-sized and even softball-sized hail fell in the Cove, Vandervoort, and Wickes area. We wondered if the hailstorms were heading our way. Before long, the storm in our area weakened, and the winds died down. The rain slackened and began floating down in gentle waves.<br />
<br />
Later that evening when I saw the photos on social media that several residents in the towns of Cove and Vandervoort posted of hailstones ranging from the size of a tennis ball to larger than softball-size, I knew that there would be a lot of damage. I was sure that the hail had damaged many cars and trucks. Sure enough, the next morning, as soon as I opened my auto glass shop, the phone started ringing off the hook. Many people in the area had their glass broken by the hail. I was busy all day pricing, scheduling, and ordering glass.<br />
<br />
What could have caused such large hailstones? Hail forms when thunderstorm updrafts are strong enough to carry water droplets well above the freezing level. This freezing process forms a hailstone, which can grow as additional water freezes onto it. Eventually, the hailstone becomes too heavy for the updrafts to support it, and it falls to the ground. The hailstones grow larger as they move up and down in the thunderstorm updraft. Eventually either the hailstones get too large and fall to the ground or get blown out of the updraft. For hail to get the size of a baseball, you need the updraft in the thunderstorm to be moving more than 100 mph! I can’t imagine what the speeds were to form softball and even grapefruit-sized hailstones.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
According to Weather Underground historian Chris Burt, the world's largest hailstone by diameter and weight was observed in the U.S. on July 23, 2010, near Vivian, South Dakota. The hailstone measured 8.0 inches in diameter, and it weighed 1.9 pounds. The National Weather Service has confirmed the hail which fell during the evening of June 19 in the Vandervoort community in south Polk County tied for an Arkansas record of approximately five inches. By comparison, a softball is 3.5 inches in diameter. The largest hailstones in this storm were the size of large grapefruit. There were reports of a calf that was killed by the hail.<br />
<br />
As large as the Vandervoort hailstones were, the Bible tells of much larger hailstones that will fall in the future at the very end of time. “Huge hailstones weighing about 100 pounds each fell from the sky. The hail crushed people. And they spoke evil things against God because of the plague. That’s because the plague of hail was so terrible.” Revelation 16:21 (NIRV) After seeing some of the damage that was caused by this storm, I can’t imagine the damage that 100-pound hailstones would do. The hailstones at the end of time are not the only hailstones mentioned in the Bible. In Joshua chapter 10, we find the story of the day that the sun stood still when Joshua and the Israelites were in battle with the Amorites. Did you know that a hailstorm was a pivotal point in the battle? “As the Amorites retreated down the road from Beth-horon, the Lord destroyed them with a terrible hailstorm from heaven that continued until they reached Azekah. The hail killed more of the enemy than the Israelites killed with the sword.” Joshua 10:11 (NLT)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Hailstorms can be deadly. Forty years ago, when we were living in Loveland, Colorado, a hailstorm damaged our new Toyota Corolla and broke out the windshield and the back glass. The hail punched holes in our neighbor’s camper. Hail damaged the roof of our home and had to be replaced. In that same storm, a baby died when a grapefruit-sized hailstone came crashing through a skylight in a shopping mall.<br />
<br />
Gentle Reader, when 100-pound hailstones are falling at the end of time, I want to be among the people who say, “this is our God; We have waited for Him, and He will save us. This is the Lord; We have waited for Him; We will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.” Isaiah 25:9 (NKJV) I don’t want to be among those who see the hail and say to the mountains and rocks, “fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!” Revelation 6:16 (NKJV) I look forward to the day that “God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:3,4 (NKJV) I hope that you are looking forward to that day too.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Richard Lawryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03680320073463221740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310860394791993082.post-16260977997617444262019-06-23T19:32:00.000-07:002019-06-23T19:32:01.566-07:00Don't be Afraid<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivjW2W6qe0tD-I5hQSS2SxDOhHaZ3JFOdr0x1DLDKD0pScYPK0-_RPsNPxeoDE6u6Ra7iPrKfSTH5GANVgYtmniqAAXtNpGGf26eXNaSJAl4sYveC820FLm28nOCEi8SZqnbsyobEfQxwB/s1600/doom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="378" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivjW2W6qe0tD-I5hQSS2SxDOhHaZ3JFOdr0x1DLDKD0pScYPK0-_RPsNPxeoDE6u6Ra7iPrKfSTH5GANVgYtmniqAAXtNpGGf26eXNaSJAl4sYveC820FLm28nOCEi8SZqnbsyobEfQxwB/s320/doom.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It seems like a day doesn't go by that someone doesn't talk to me about the condition of our country and the world. What I have noticed in the past few months, is that it seems like the people I have talked to who have been the most worried are Christians. I have gotten numerous e-mails from Christian people who are sure that doom and gloom are right around the corner. I can't believe that God wants us to live that way. 2 Thessalonians 3:16 says "may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way."<br />
<br />
I do believe that we are living in the last chapter of Earth's history, but I am puzzled by many of my fellow Christians. Does God want us to worry about the future?<br />
<br />
I saw something the other day that puzzled me. I was in a Christian bookstore, and I saw that they had Christian worry stones for sale. According to tradition, a worry stone is a smooth, polished stone that when rubbed is believed to reduce one's worries and add a sense of calmness. When the stone is rubbed, the negative energy and worries are supposedly transferred into the stone and you are left calm and peaceful. I don't think worry stones are compatible with Christianity.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
In Matthew 6:31 Jesus tells us "Do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?" He goes on to say "do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own".<br />
<br />
Why do we worry? We worry because we fear the future. Over 100 times, the Bible tells us; do not fear, do not be afraid, fear not. In Proverbs 3:24-26 we read; “You can go to bed without fear; you will lie down and sleep soundly. You need not be afraid of sudden disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the Lord is your security.”<br />
<br />
And Psalm 46:1-2 tells us that “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.”<br />
Many Christians teach us to be afraid of the end of time and the second coming of Jesus. I know that when I was a teenager, I was taught to fear the time of trouble and the last days before Jesus comes. I was taught to be afraid that I would not be worthy of making it through the end times.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Let me ask you a question. At what point in the future does your salvation stop being about what God does and start being about what you do? I was taught to ask if my faith would be strong enough to stand in the end-time persecution? Instead of asking that question, why don’t we ask ourselves a better question: Am I learning to trust God now? Am I giving God my everything now? Because if we are, then God will get you through the end times. By listening to God and surrendering today, you are doing the very best thing you can do to get ready for what’s coming tomorrow. And if God helped you yesterday to prepare for the challenges of today, what makes you think He won’t continue to do so through to the end? Jesus says, “I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28:20<br />
<br />
I was taught that I had to perfect my character so that I could make it through on my own without a mediator. But making it through to the end is all about trusting God and not about trusting myself and my perfect character. In the end, it is God who vindicates His name, not us. He simply uses us in this process. If the universe at the end is remarking about how good we are instead of how good God is, something will have gone terribly wrong.<br />
<br />
I feel that some of these false ideas that are taught is why so many of us fear the end times. I want to be with the group that says, “this is our God; We have waited for Him, and He will save us. This is the Lord; We have waited for Him; We will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.” Isaiah 25:9 I don’t want to be with the group that is afraid.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
In Isaiah 41:10 God tells us, “Do not be afraid - I am with you! I am your God - let nothing terrify you! I will make you strong and help you; I will protect you and save you.”<br />
<br />
When my daughter was little, my wife would sing to them when she was trying to get them to go to sleep. “Rock, rock, rock, little boat on the sparkling sea, Rock, rock, rock, dear Jesus rides in thee; Rock, rock, rock, o’er the waters swiftly flee, For Jesus rides in the little boat on blue Galilee.”<br />
<br />
While researching the Sea of Galilee, I found out that it is the lowest freshwater body of water in the world at 685 feet below sea level. It lies in the Jordan Rift, a fault zone with steep hills and mountains all around it. The Mediterranean Ocean is only 27 miles to the west.<br />
<br />
Ocean winds funnel through passes of the hill country and down the steep hillsides. As the warm moist air rises from the Sea of Galilee, it collides with the dry, cool air from the mountain heights to the east and thunderstorms can develop over the sea.<br />
<br />
The worst storms on the Sea of Galilee are caused when a low-pressure zone to the east causes the winds to blow down from the Golan Heights. The air compresses in the passes of the Trans-Jordan mountains and rushes down onto the Sea of Galilee which has a relatively small area of 64 square miles. The water is forced down, but has no place to go, so it pushes up into towering waves. A storm surge on the Sea of Galilee in March of 1992 sent ten-foot waves on the west side of the sea crashing into downtown Tiberias causing heavy damage to the shopping area and marina.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The Bible describes one of these severe storms on the Sea of Galilee in the Gospels. Matthew, Mark, and Luke all tell the story. The storm in the story was a serious storm that put anyone out on the sea in grave danger. But Jesus was the master of the storm. Ever since then, people facing all kinds of storms in their lives that that threaten to destroy them have found hope in Jesus because of this Bible story.<br />
<br />
The story is found in Mark 4:35-41. “On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”<br />
<br />
Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”<br />
<br />
The disciples are sure they know who Jesus is. To them, he is a teacher and story-teller, a miracle worker and an exhausted man. He is a celebrity, someone exciting to be around. It makes them feel good to be useful to him--to sail away with him from the crowd on the shore that envies their closeness to him.<br />
<br />
They know the Sea of Galilee like the backs of their hands. They know what it takes to sail these waters. They are out for a nice cruise this evening, certain that they are in control. Suddenly their certainties are shredded along with their sail. The storm almost kills them. They are powerless, adrift, just one gust and one wave away from drowning.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Jesus is sound asleep on a cushion in the back of the boat, oblivious to the terrible storm that is overpowering them. The disciples wake him up in a panic. “Teacher, don’t you care that we are about to die?” It's an odd question. Determining his state of mind about their welfare seems the least of their concerns. Something more direct would be in order like, "Help!" or "Lord, save us!"<br />
<br />
Jesus rouses himself and tells the wind to stop. He says to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" although he may be addressing the terrified disciples as well. After all, it was his idea to cross the lake. They aren't going to drown on his watch, but they don't know that or trust him yet.<br />
<br />
The wind stops, and the sea calms all in an instant. The disciples are surprised, but Jesus is disappointed. He had given them the amazing catch of fish when their best efforts had come up empty. They had seen him feed the 5,000 with only five loaves of bread and two sardines. He had healed the sick and raised the dead. But they are still focused on their needs, not on what Jesus can do.<br />
<br />
Jesus wants our trust because our salvation depends on him and our trust connects us to his saving power. Jesus wants us to trust Him to carry us through the end times.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Isaiah 12:2 “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid, for the Lord God is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation.” Our salvation isn't a personal achievement. It is a gift of God, and we have to trust that even in the midst of the storm God will save us.<br />
<br />
The disciples are finding out that there is a lot more to their "Teacher" than good stories and food distribution. He has faced down the worst storm that they have ever experienced, and they are stunned. They have only one question now, and it is the right one -- "Who is this, that even the wind and waves obey him?"<br />
<br />
Having seen his power in action, the men are now more afraid of Jesus than they were afraid of the storm. "They feared exceedingly," is the way the Bible puts it in Mark 4:41. Phobos is the Greek word that Mark's Gospel uses for how the men felt when they witnessed Jesus calming the waves. Phobos is the root word of "phobia," an abnormal, intense, illogical fear. It is a pathological terror devastating them to the core of their very being. At that moment, they realized that Jesus was more than just a good luck charm. They thought that when Jesus was with them, surely there wouldn’t be any storms. But when they witnessed the actual power that Jesus had over the storm, they were afraid of His power.<br />
<br />
We have a lot of sweet illusions about Jesus. He tells us to cross the sea. He comes to us just as we are and climbs in your boat just as he is. We sail out with the other boats. We're proud to be in his company--Jesus and us sailing off together into the sunset and he's picked our boat, not theirs! "It doesn't get any better than this--we're taking Jesus for a ride," we think. We even pride ourselves that we've got everything under control so Jesus can sleep.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Then the wind changes and blows up a storm so severe that it robs us of rational thought. The waves turn rough and hit us again and again and then recoil and crash into us from the other direction with no let-up. Our carefully constructed little vessel begins to break up and take on water. "Hello, we're sinking here," we think. "We're dying!"<br />
<br />
We wonder, "How can he be our sailing buddy when he is asleep in the back of the boat while we are bailing hard and not keeping up?" We call out in desperation, even anger, "Teacher, don't you care that I'm drowning?"<br />
<br />
I know that I feel that way at times. When I am going through tough times, I wonder why God is allowing these things to happen. Sometimes I feel like David in Psalms 13:1, “How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me?” And in Psalms 10:1 David wrote, “why do You stand afar off, O Lord? Why do You hide in times of trouble?”<br />
<br />
Often when we are going through tough times others no longer seem as supportive or as friendly, an abandoned feeling leads us into the downward spiral of thinking: No one cares for me! Like David, we may then conclude: God has also abandoned me!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Jesus has promised that He will calm the storm. We forget that Jesus told us the destination and said that we would go across together. It's our perception, not his reality that has us scared.<br />
Paul says that "the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus! (Phil 4:7). Jesus is our peace.<br />
<br />
It isn't the boat that you are in that is going to save you. It is being with Jesus and trusting him that makes all the difference.<br />
<br />
Christianity is built on faith and trust in Jesus. I want to close with a story about one of the greatest tightrope-walkers of all time. His name was Blondin. He became obsessed with the idea of crossing Niagara Falls the first time he saw them in 1858. A year after his initial visit, he returned to accomplish the feat. The stunt was not without controversy. Many people felt that a stunt like Blondin's would trivialize the falls, turning them into a backdrop for a circus act, and should not be allowed.<br />
<br />
Eventually, Blondin was allowed to string his wire across the falls and on June 30, 1859, he was the first man ever to cross Niagara Falls by tightrope. A large crowd of 100,000 people watched him walk on a single three-inch rope, 1,100 feet long and 160 feet above the falls on one side and 270 feet at the other.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Blondin made many more trips across the gorge during the next year. Each time, he thrilled larger crowds with more exciting acts. He balanced a chair on the rope and stood on it. He took pictures of the crowd while he balanced on the rope. He cooked a meal on a small portable cooker and lowered it to amazed passengers on the Maid of the Mist below. He crossed blindfolded, in a sack, on stilts, and pushing a wheelbarrow.<br />
<br />
In 1860 a Royal party from Britain that included the Prince of Wales saw Blondin cross the tightrope on stilts and again blindfolded. After that, he stopped halfway across and cooked and ate an omelet. Next, he wheeled a wheelbarrow from one side to the other and returned with a sack of potatoes in it. Then Blondin approached the Royal party. He asked the Prince of Wales, "Do you believe I could take a man across the tightrope in this wheelbarrow?" "Yes, I do," said the Prince. "Hop in, then," replied Blondin. Well, the Prince declined Blondin's challenge. He might have believed Blondin could do it, but he wasn't about to trust him with his life.<br />
<br />
When it comes to our relationship with God, this kind of trust doesn't do much good. God doesn't want us to say "Yes Lord I believe in you, but not enough to put my life in your hands." Belief has to come with trust. Proverbs 3:5,6 tells us to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.”<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Is there a difference between trust and belief? The Prince of Wales believed that Blondin could walk a man across the rope in a wheelbarrow, but he didn't trust him enough to get in. Do you believe in God? Do you trust him with your life? Trust God with all your heart. Trust Him to take you through to the end. Trust Him through the storms of your life and don’t be afraid. Jesus says, “Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid. I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” Will you take Him at his word?<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Richard Lawryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03680320073463221740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310860394791993082.post-63339621807268334472019-06-19T19:55:00.000-07:002019-06-23T19:55:27.152-07:00Anniversary at Steel CreekAn Arkie's Faith column from the June 19, 2019, issue of The Mena Star.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMKImRm9hZDEzXw3RIKWGCUBbCD4Ktn7FaWI861WXvVx1Xhdr9MPwVEKmTE3dHorlG3cAMnM0oppD0YmSP5qsxCcV2H9KXwc-KwLOLDEjkegC7O04yT1WaWyLBHElCjTSQSnSiYRkpAtN7/s1600/bluff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="592" data-original-width="960" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMKImRm9hZDEzXw3RIKWGCUBbCD4Ktn7FaWI861WXvVx1Xhdr9MPwVEKmTE3dHorlG3cAMnM0oppD0YmSP5qsxCcV2H9KXwc-KwLOLDEjkegC7O04yT1WaWyLBHElCjTSQSnSiYRkpAtN7/s320/bluff.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The warm evening sun shone on the towering and picturesque Roark Bluff. The Buffalo River rushed past the bluff, which is one of the most iconic and photographed bluffs along the river. In an open grassy field at Steel Creek Campground, over one thousand people gathered, waiting for the concert to begin. The band, National Park Radio, would be playing a free outdoor show in this beautiful location for the fourth consecutive year.<br />
<br />
National Park Radio is a modern folk band from Harrison that is known for its hopeful, heartfelt lyrics with themes about life, love, and difficult choices, all while echoing the enduring beauty of the band’s deep-seated roots in the Ozark Mountains. I first heard them when they headlined the 2018 Lum and Abner Days Festival. I became a big fan of National Park Radio and their music. I made plans months ahead to attend the Steel Creek concert. The concert date just happened to be on my 44th wedding anniversary.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
In an article about the concert, Superintendent Mark Foust of the Buffalo National River said; “This is a highly popular event among our local communities and park visitors alike. Last year’s concert brought out almost 1,300 people, many of whom spent the weekend in the area and supported local businesses while they were here. This event has proven year after year to cultivate stewardship and appreciation for the Buffalo River and the Ozarks through National Park Radio’s poignant lyrics, and it has also served as a great boost for the local economy.”<br />
<br />
My wife and I, along with my sister, brother-in-law, and granddaughter, were among those who boosted the local economy. We rented the lovely Azalea Falls Cabin near Kingston and had a wonderful anniversary dinner at the Low Gap Café. We arrived at the campground early in the afternoon. So early, that we were the first to set out our chairs in front of the stage. We spent the afternoon swimming in the Buffalo River and picnicking while taking in the incredible scenic beauty of the area.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
All afternoon people streamed into the concert area, and by the time the show began, the field was a teeming mass of people. When the first strains of music filled the air, everyone in the audience cheered as they settled down to watch the band play with the beautiful bluffs above the Buffalo River in the background. During the intermission, I was able to talk with the leader of the band, singer/songwriter Stefan Szabo, and asked him if he could acknowledge our anniversary and told him that we considered, “If the Rain is Fallin” our song. The song begins, “If the rain is fallin', it makes me think of you. And when the birds are callin', it reminds me too.” And it includes the lines, “And though the years have tired and worn us. We hold hands, and I can't hide, that now the only thing I truly need is just to have you by my side.”<br />
<br />
Before the band played “If the Rain is Fallin',” Stefan let everyone in the crowd know that it was our anniversary and that we had chosen to spend our special day at the concert. He then dedicated the song to us. It was a special moment and came as a big surprise to my wife. After the concert, National Park Radio posted on social media; “We had another magical evening with all of our Buffalo National River family at Steel Creek! You guys and this place completely fill our souls. We are forever grateful for the love and support you all give us.”<br />
<br />
Why do we celebrate wedding anniversaries? I think that it is because we make a covenant with God to become like one person. “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife. The two of them become one.” Genesis 2:24 (NIRV) Celebrating your anniversary says, “you matter enough to me to do something special to remember our union.” Remembering helps you continue to value each other and reflect on all you have been through since you were first married. And if it’s anything like our marriage, you’ve been through a lot.<br />
<br />
We celebrate wedding anniversaries because if there is anything that should be celebrated, it’s a time-tested marriage. Even if you haven’t been married that long if you have made it to at least one of your anniversaries, your marriage has been tested. There is something special about another year of marriage that deserves to be celebrated. It is sacred because you have kept a covenant to God and your spouse. Your marriage milestone is meant to mean something. It is not just another day that comes and goes without recognition. King Soloman wrote; “Let your fountain be blessed, And rejoice in the wife of your youth.” Proverbs 5:18 (NKJV) and Paul wrote, “on top of all this you must put on love, which ties everything together and makes it complete.” Colossians 3:14 (NTE)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
In Ephesians 5:25 (NKJV) the Bible tells us, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her.” When a bride and groom are in love, they can think of nothing else but each other. That is the kind of love God has for His people. The symbol of marriage between God and his people also occurs in the Old Testament. In Isaiah 62:5 (NLT) it says, “God will rejoice over you as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride.”<br />
<br />
Gentle Reader, your relationship with Jesus is meant to be a symbol of your marriage. They are both by grace. A good marriage only happens because your partner gives you grace. They both require focused attention and learning more about the other. So celebrate your marriage anniversary and enjoy the blessings of being together over time. It is something to be proud of because God says marriage is meant to last a lifetime. “Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” Mark 10:9 (NRSV)<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Richard Lawryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03680320073463221740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310860394791993082.post-24565557378522515212019-06-12T19:53:00.000-07:002019-06-23T19:54:21.171-07:00The Summer of LoveAn Arkie's Faith column from the June 12, 2019, issue of The Mena Star.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OVkWVW7jAy2XBID4tCDiqdri2Vsx2EXOXSywic61wPdb59aFCOsL60b0G6_aSQUExU0qQWvgLMY6Im3x7IQlFfADsR_3uhknH2tJ1ccILIncwTnUmVmgdTVt0AVQ2nITqCh7Z2DC3d0G/s1600/The-Beatles-All-You-Need-Is-Love-English-1993-20171023024017-500x500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OVkWVW7jAy2XBID4tCDiqdri2Vsx2EXOXSywic61wPdb59aFCOsL60b0G6_aSQUExU0qQWvgLMY6Im3x7IQlFfADsR_3uhknH2tJ1ccILIncwTnUmVmgdTVt0AVQ2nITqCh7Z2DC3d0G/s320/The-Beatles-All-You-Need-Is-Love-English-1993-20171023024017-500x500.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I can still remember the summer of 1967. I was just a kid, but it seemed like the world was changing. 1967 became known as the Summer of Love, and the song All You Need Is Love by The Beatles was the anthem. Just like other kids from around the world, I loved The Beatles. I remember visiting my cousins in California that December and listening to the Magical Mystery Tour album for the first time. One of the highlights of the album was All You Need is Love.<br />
<br />
Is there any truth to the catchphrase, “all you need is love?” I believe that it is the truth. “All you need is love – Love is all you need.” In 1 John 4:7,8 (NCV) the Bible tells us, “Dear friends, we should love each other, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has become God’s child and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”<br />
<br />
Love should be the basis for everything we do. In Matthew 22:36-40 (NLT), Jesus was asked, “what is the most important commandment in the law?” Jesus answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.’”<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The entire law and all the demands of the prophets – The entire Bible is summed up in these words. “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind… Love your neighbor as yourself.” When you distill it down that much, it seems so simple. It really is true – All you need is love.<br />
<br />
In the love letter God wrote to you called the Bible it says, “I am sure that nothing can separate us from God’s love—not life or death, not angels or spirits, not the present or the future, and not powers above or powers below. Nothing in all creation can separate us from God’s love for us in Christ Jesus our Lord!” Romans 8:38,39 (CEV)<br />
<br />
How would you feel if you wrote these beautiful words to the love of your life and they were ignored? God says to us, “there is nothing that can separate you from My love for you in Christ Jesus.” We will never know all the ways God shows His love to us.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
God's Word is His love letter to us. The love of Jesus waits on each page! Don’t leave your love letters unopened and unread. God loves you, and he wants to tell you just how much. Open his love letter to you and listen to what he has to say to you.<br />
<br />
The greatest love poem found in the Bible is in John 3:16,17 (NKJV). “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”<br />
<br />
What beautiful words. We need to keep in mind that it is the world that God loves, not a single nation, not a single race. Not just the “good” people, not just the people who love God back. “God so loved the world.” This includes the lovable and the unlovable; those who are popular, and those who have no one else to love them; the ones who love God, and the ones who never think of God. It includes all of those people and people groups that you dislike. Many Christians on social media show their hatred toward certain races, religions, and lifestyles. These are people that God loves.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
In 1 Corinthians 13 (NLT) Paul expresses the importance of love to the Christian, “If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing… Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever! Now our knowledge is partial and incomplete, and even the gift of prophecy reveals only part of the whole picture! But when the time of perfection comes, these partial things will become useless... All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.”<br />
<br />
Gentle Reader, remember that God loves the world - the entire world. He has told us that no matter what we do for Him if we don’t have love it is nothing. You see, it is true. “All You Need Is Love” – God’s love!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Richard Lawryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03680320073463221740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310860394791993082.post-37031377858817150912019-06-05T19:53:00.000-07:002019-06-23T19:53:41.428-07:00Finding a FriendAn Arkie's Faith column from the June 5, 2019, issue of The Mena Star.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLlKoIzMzq-mJEbk0h3a25R95lKvAFnKb9qrluHc-IpyyHncXb9zSji1_NWVeyKKipfHEeKeZnpOTZUApSLwCLzKEqN9N1Ugbzel1fcgcWF5gnE7juccvCei7kb53QM-rPFSju4D9o5suZ/s1600/phone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLlKoIzMzq-mJEbk0h3a25R95lKvAFnKb9qrluHc-IpyyHncXb9zSji1_NWVeyKKipfHEeKeZnpOTZUApSLwCLzKEqN9N1Ugbzel1fcgcWF5gnE7juccvCei7kb53QM-rPFSju4D9o5suZ/s1600/phone.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
It seems like I spend a lot of my time answering the phone. If my hands are full, or If I am inside or under a vehicle, the phone is likely to ring. One day, I was setting a windshield in place when the phone began to ring. I had to finish setting the windshield before I could answer the phone. The phone rang and rang. When I was able to answer, the voice on the other end of the line asked, “Is this a car lot?” “Yes,” I answered tentatively, thinking it might be a telemarketer. “I know that this is a longshot, but I don’t know where else to turn. I am looking for a friend who I have lost touch with.”<br />
<br />
As we continued the conversation, I learned that this man was trying to locate someone he had served with in the armed forces. He had a phone number for his friend, but it had been disconnected. He was afraid that his friend had passed away and that he hadn’t heard. He knew that his friend had sold used cars in this area. As we talked, I realized that I did know his friend. I promised him that I would get his information to his friend and let him know that he was trying to get in touch with him.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
When I called the number that I had, I got the message that the number had been disconnected and was no longer in service. I knew where he lived, so later that day when I was out making deliveries, I stopped by his house. He and his wife welcomed me into their home. When I told them the reason for my visit, tears came to his eyes. He had lost track of his friend. Over the years, since their active duty together, they had always kept in touch. He was very happy to receive his friend's contact information. He thanked me for taking the time to bring the information to him.<br />
<br />
I thought about how much the man must have wanted to reconnect with his friend, to start calling strangers in the hope that they might know him. I think that God may have directed him to call me because I did know his friend. His tenacity in searching for his friend reminds me of God as he searches for you and me. Luke 19:10 (NLT) tells us that “the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” And in Ezekiel 34:11 (NCV) “the Lord God says: ‘I, myself, will search for my sheep and take care of them.’”<br />
<br />
No matter what you have done, or where you are in this life, God will always be searching for you. He will use every method there is to save you. Often, we have no idea that we are lost, but God still searches for us.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
One of the greatest historical search stories is Henry Stanley's 1871 expedition to find David Livingstone in the uncharted interior of Africa. Dr. Livingstone was a Scottish missionary and explorer who had become an international celebrity for his work in exploring the African continent. In 1866 he began his third exploratory trip to Africa, searching for the source of the Nile River. Over the years, Livingston had been known for his letters and constant updates during his journeys. Livingstone was rumored to be dead when three years had passed on this final trip with very little news of his progress.<br />
<br />
Henry Stanley was a reporter who was commissioned by the publisher of the New York Herald newspaper in 1870 to go and find Livingstone. After a difficult expedition of more than seven months, he found Livingstone. He later wrote the following description of their meeting: “As I advanced slowly toward him I noticed he was pale, looked wearied, had a gray beard, wore a bluish cap with a faded gold braid round it, had on a red-sleeved waistcoat, and a pair of gray tweed trousers. I would have run to him, only I was a coward in the presence of such a mob—would have embraced him, only, he being an Englishman, I did not know how he would receive me. So I did what cowardice and false pride suggested was the best thing—walked deliberately to him, took off my hat, and said: ‘Dr. Livingstone, I presume?’”<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Dr. Livingstone would later express surprise that he was considered lost. He was troubled by illness and was short of supplies but had no intention of stopping his exploration of African lakes. Livingstone remained in Africa, where he died in 1873.<br />
<br />
God has been searching for the lost since the beginning of our earth’s history. Genesis 3:8,9 (NKJV) tells us the story of God seeking Adam and Eve after they had sinned. “And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, ‘Where are you?’<br />
<br />
Gentle Reader, remember that we have a Father who actively looks for us. Just as God searched for Adam and Eve as they tried to hide from Him, He is searching for you. Just as Henry Stanley sought for Dr. Livingstone, in the wilds of Africa, your Father seeks for you! “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 (ESV)<br />
<br />Richard Lawryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03680320073463221740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310860394791993082.post-30486266801591632562019-05-29T19:52:00.000-07:002019-06-23T19:53:04.580-07:00Rambler DownAn Arkie's Faith column from the May 29, 2019, issue of The Mena Star.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9vEiDfA0jnidpsMvd7DNbi5C3wmrVzjH25VRuDBVls4wssJ_jmnwcFuSqaMZW8IR9UxUnL1Wzaji3QOPi1SwGxY6Q0EJMZOK9_I8rFjh4p2-oFjT9E28HTG-19gaFkc1ByrlML748eptn/s1600/amc1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9vEiDfA0jnidpsMvd7DNbi5C3wmrVzjH25VRuDBVls4wssJ_jmnwcFuSqaMZW8IR9UxUnL1Wzaji3QOPi1SwGxY6Q0EJMZOK9_I8rFjh4p2-oFjT9E28HTG-19gaFkc1ByrlML748eptn/s320/amc1.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
Back in 2016, I purchased a 1960 Rambler American. I have always loved these little cars. They are very simple with a small flathead six-cylinder engine that produces 90 horsepower. When I bought the car, the previous owner told me he had cleaned out the gas tank and rebuilt the carburetor. He assured me that it was drivable. The first time I drove the little Rambler, it quit running. I was able to pull over to the side of the road. Just as I got out of the car to see what was wrong, a friend of mine stopped to see if I needed help. He pushed me back to my shop with his 1961 Pontiac. I can only imagine what the passers-by thought, seeing an old Pontiac pushing the little Rambler down the road.<br />
<br />
Since the gas gauge didn’t work, I thought that it might just be out of gas. I put several gallons in the tank, and the little Rambler started right up. That night I was driving it home, and once again the little Rambler quit running. With the help of some other motorists, I was able to push it to the side of the road. I was able to get the engine started again and headed to the gas station. After filling the tank, I started again, but the little Rambler didn’t want to run. I had to call my Dad and have him help me pull the car back to my shop. When I told my wife about the day's experience, she told me, “You need to get rid of that car.”<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The next morning I determined that the fuel pump wasn’t working. After replacing the pump, the little Rambler fired up and ran smoothly. I was ready for another drive. This time it ran perfectly, but when I returned to my shop, I noticed a stream of coolant running out from under the front end of the car. After checking out the leak, I found that I needed a new water pump. I had also noticed that the steering was loose. When I had replaced the water pump and a tie rod end, the little Rambler was ready to drive.<br />
<br />
Since that time, I have driven the little Rambler a lot. I have steadily worked on the car to improve it. It has a new gas tank, and clutch linkage. There is now a coat of new paint on the little car, and it looks nice. I recently replaced everything on the front brake system so I can stop safely. I hadn’t driven the Rambler for several months because the brakes needed to be repaired. On the first drive after the brake job, the little Rambler left me beside the road when the needle valve stuck and flooded the engine.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
For the past couple of weeks, I have enjoyed driving the Rambler with her new coat of paint and good brakes. But yesterday as I was driving down Highway 71, The car started to vibrate severely and then seemed to buck like a bronco. I was able to pull into the center turning lane. When I got out to look at the car, the right front tire was leaning at a crazy angle. I knew I wouldn’t be able to move the car. I called the towing company to have the little Rambler towed back to my shop. Because something in the suspension was broken and the right side of the car was sitting on the ground, we had a difficult time loading the Rambler. Traffic refused to move over to give us room to work the tow truck. We finally had to call the police to help stop traffic so we could load the car.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Did I still love the little Rambler? She has given me a lot of trouble. This time I am afraid that it is serious. I haven’t had time to find out what needs to be done, but I hope to be driving again soon.<br />
The Bible tells us in Romans 5:8(NLT) that, “God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” God loves us in our broken down imperfect state. Sometimes we feel that we have to become good before God can love us. But we learn in Isaiah 64:6 (AMPC) that, “our best deeds of rightness and justice are like filthy rags or a polluted garment.” We can never become good enough to deserve God’s love. Just like I love my little Rambler even when she isn’t driveable, God loves us in our sinful condition. The Apostle Paul said, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. And I am the worst of those sinners.” 1 Timothy 1:15 (ICB)<br />
<br />
Because God loves us, He wants better things for us. Peter explains the process in 2 Peter 1:5-7 (NCV), “Because you have these blessings, do your best to add these things to your lives: to your faith, add goodness; and to your goodness, add knowledge; and to your knowledge, add self-control; and to your self-control, add patience; and to your patience, add service for God; and to your service for God, add kindness for your brothers and sisters in Christ; and to this kindness, add love.”<br />
<br />
Gentle Reader, even though I haven’t gotten rid of the little Rambler though it seems that I can never drive it without a breakdown, I do want to improve it. God is the same way with us. He tells us that “nothing can ever separate us from His love” Romans 8:38 (NLT), but Jesus came to “save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 (ESV) He wants a relationship with us. He wants to improve us.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Richard Lawryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03680320073463221740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310860394791993082.post-87864754319926690182019-05-22T19:51:00.000-07:002019-06-23T19:51:49.540-07:00A Birthday SurpriseAn Arkie's Faith column from the May 22, 2019, issue of The Mena Star.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil7-7WW_aRDEFLkKu0sUbzCvhS7YMYiCKpnulR3Ef40EnK1Yn1Ag-EO37NztDYvnH0GoTQ5XcBlQEI3ExUah7P8JzzZvrFUJNiOTZEVY-MAGl5j7JJa2dthLrMrwIkuSFxu1p9GMD0ROQE/s1600/a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="394" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil7-7WW_aRDEFLkKu0sUbzCvhS7YMYiCKpnulR3Ef40EnK1Yn1Ag-EO37NztDYvnH0GoTQ5XcBlQEI3ExUah7P8JzzZvrFUJNiOTZEVY-MAGl5j7JJa2dthLrMrwIkuSFxu1p9GMD0ROQE/s320/a1.jpg" width="197" /></a></div>
<br />
Last weekend, I made a trip to southeastern Kansas with my Daddy to the area where he grew up. We went to church at the little church in Thayer, Kansas, where his family attended church. I have many fond memories of the Thayer church. When I was a child, we always attended there when we were visiting my grandparents. I still have cousins who attend there.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
While we were in the area, we visited places that are nostalgic for Daddy and me. We tried to find where the Morehead School had been. My Daddy attended grade school there. We found the road it was on, but everything had changed so much in the seventy years since he had been there that he wasn’t able to tell exactly where the school had been. We looked for familiar places in the small town of Altoona where my grandparents, great grandparents, and many other family members had lived. I had a wonderful time reliving old memories. My cousin, Don, drove us around the countryside, showing us the places where family members had lived. I had a wonderful time reminiscing, and hearing stories about family.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The reason that we were in the area was to attend a cousin’s birthday party. Her family had planned a surprise birthday party and had invited us. It wasn’t easy to keep it a secret with so many people involved, but my cousin was surprised. I almost let it slip when I posted on social media that I was heading to Thayer. I didn’t say anything about the party, but my cousin saw the post and wondered why I was coming. She told me that when she saw the post, she wondered If I would contact her so that she could see Daddy and me while we were in the area.<br />
<br />
It’s not easy to pull off a surprise party with a lot of people, but this party was very successful. Everyone loves a good party. Even the Bible loves a party. One of my favorite chapters in the Bible is Luke 15. I like to call it the party chapter. It is Luke’s account of three parables, each one describing a lost item that is found, and each one describing a party that was held to share the joy and happiness of finding the lost item.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The audience for these stories was the Pharisees who were complaining about Jesus' lifestyle and his welcoming of tax collectors and sinners. For the Pharisees, the term "sinners" was used for a class of people who lived immoral lives or had questionable occupations; people that no respectable Jew would ever associate with.<br />
<br />
These people, the social and religious outcasts, were coming to Jesus, and he was receiving them and eating with them. In Luke 5:30-32 (NIV), the Bible says, “But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, ‘Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?’ Jesus answered them, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.’”<br />
<br />
The Pharisees didn't like Jesus’ association with sinners. Why were they so upset that Jesus associated with sinners and enjoyed their company? Why were they unwilling to associate with them? We find the answer in the story of the older brother found in Luke 15. In this parable, the older brother represents the Pharisees, who grumbled at Jesus’ reception of sinners. In the story, the older brother is out in the fields working, when his younger brother, “the sinner," returns. The older brother does not know of his younger brother’s return until he hears the sounds of a party coming from the house. He became very angry and refused to join the party. When the father came out to ask him to join in, the older son refused.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
We find the story in Luke 15:29 (MEV), “But he answered his father, ‘Look! These many years have I served you. Nor have I ever transgressed your commands, yet never have you given me a goat, so that I might be merry with my friends.’” The older brother was at work in the field when his younger brother, “the sinner,” returned home. He thought that the basis for obtaining his father’s love was his works. He didn't need to work to win his father’s love; he only needed to be his son. This emphasis on works was the error of the Pharisees. They were “hard at work,” keeping the law, as they interpreted it, thinking that it would win God’s approval and blessing.<br />
<br />
The older brother continues complaining to his father in Luke 15:30 (MEV), “But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your living with harlots, you killed the fattened calf for him.” This complaint is the flip side of the first complaint. The older brother expected to be rewarded because his works, so he expected his younger brother to be disowned because of his lack of works.<br />
<br />
The father answered in Luke 15:31-32 (MEV) “He said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. But it was fitting to be merry and be glad, for this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’” The father was not celebrating because of the younger brother’s sins, but because of his repentance and return. The older brother not only failed to comprehend grace, but he resented it. The problem of the older brother is self-righteousness. His self-righteousness expects, and even demands, God’s approval and blessings. His self-righteousness is so strong that he resents the grace of God and refuses to rejoice in it.<br />
<br />
Gentle Reader, don’t be an older brother. Don’t resent the grace that God so freely offers to sinners. I challenge you today to see “sinners” the way that Jesus sees them, people to associate with and to love. Remember that Jesus throws a party whenever one of his lost sheep comes home, and he wants you to join the party.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Richard Lawryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03680320073463221740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310860394791993082.post-70381431352089088102019-05-15T19:49:00.000-07:002019-06-23T19:49:55.427-07:00PrepaidAn Arkie's Faith column from the May 15, 2019, issue of The Mena Star.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmAc2ieNTDYDbe5oSZej2Mts5vCnT9VCpFPRql85nC0IWPR2X8oVCQ6fpj821dIckitAllP89pRBn8mWHbOij8iob9GnqjittoJYx2dzBS5lSnHWrJ_kfy1vURo9h5azhXF2oB0XC74iKA/s1600/p1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1599" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmAc2ieNTDYDbe5oSZej2Mts5vCnT9VCpFPRql85nC0IWPR2X8oVCQ6fpj821dIckitAllP89pRBn8mWHbOij8iob9GnqjittoJYx2dzBS5lSnHWrJ_kfy1vURo9h5azhXF2oB0XC74iKA/s320/p1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I was busy installing a windshield when the phone rang. I laid down my tools and picked up the phone. “Last night the window was broken out of my Lincoln,” said the voice on the other end. “I need to get it replaced. How much will it cost?” “Let me get into the office where I can look it up,” I answered. After getting all the information and pricing the glass, I told him, “that is an expensive piece of glass. It will cost 550.00 for the glass and installation. I can have the glass here on Tuesday.” “Well, I have to have it,” he answered. “Go ahead and order it.” “Do you want me to come by and pay for it before you place the order,” he added. I told him that it wasn’t necessary to pay for it before the job was done.<br />
<br />
About an hour later, the customer with the Lincoln drove up to my shop. “I want to pay you for the glass,” he said. I told him that it wasn’t necessary, but he insisted. “Thank you,” I said. “That is very thoughtful of you.” He wrote me out a check handed it to me and then drove away.<br />
<br />
The Lincoln glass was delivered and at my shop on Tuesday morning. But the customer didn’t show up to get it installed. It was a busy day, and I didn’t have time to think about it until late that afternoon. I called the customer, but only got his voice mail. I left a message telling him that the glass was in and asked him to give me a call to reschedule. I didn’t hear from him for the rest of the week. I thought that was unusual, but I didn’t worry about it because he had prepaid for the glass.<br />
<br />
A week went by before I heard from the customer. He called, and we made an appointment to install the glass. I was glad to have the job completed. I was surprised that he waited so long to have the work done, especially since it had already been paid.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
In my warehouse, there are quite a few pieces of glass that customers have special ordered but never came to get the work done. It is a frustrating part of the business. But I also have several pieces of glass that customers paid for but have never picked up. I am puzzled that someone would pay for a piece of glass and then never pick it up.<br />
<br />
I am also puzzled that more people don’t accept God’s grace. It has already been paid for. The Bible is clear that God’s grace is a gift. Why don’t more people accept the gift? If you were to ask one hundred random people, “how do you get to heaven?” you would hear a lot of different answers. You would hear things like, “try to be good and do your best” or “work hard at being a good moral person” or “do more good things in life than you do bad things.” All of these ideas are based on our abilities and actions. They are not based on the idea of a gift. People that don’t feel the need of the gift see no need to accept God’s grace. Many religious people fall into this way of thinking. They feel that they can do it themselves and that they don’t need some gift.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
In 1 Corinthians 6:20 (NCV) Paul tells us, “you were bought by God for a price. So honor God with your bodies.” God paid the price of his Son to purchase your salvation. “He suffered the things we should have suffered. He took on himself the pain that should have been ours. But we thought God was punishing him. We thought God was wounding him and making him suffer. But the servant was pierced because we had sinned. He was crushed because we had done what was evil. He was punished to make us whole again. His wounds have healed us.” Isaiah 53:4,5 (NIRV)<br />
<br />
Jesus suffered for you. He took on himself the pain that should have been yours. Your sins were the ones that pierced him. He paid the price to heal you and make you whole. Jesus died for you. The stain of sin that marred your life has now been washed white as snow. He has paid your debts. All of them. Jesus has paid it all.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
John 19:28-30 (NCV) tells the story of the last moments of Jesus’ life on the cross. “After this, Jesus knew that everything had been done. So that the Scripture would come true, he said, ‘I am thirsty.’ There was a jar full of vinegar there, so the soldiers soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a branch of a hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ mouth. When Jesus tasted the vinegar, he said, ‘It is finished.’ Then he bowed his head and died.”<br />
<br />
Gentle Reader, Jesus said “It is finished” on the cross. He paid in full all the costs required for our sin to be forgiven. And when we place our trust in him, our debt for sin is forever wiped off the books! We all need the gift of grace. We all need to have the penalty paid for our sins. “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23 (NKJV) We need the gift of God, eternal life. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8 (NRSV) Don’t be too proud to accept the prepaid gift.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Richard Lawryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03680320073463221740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310860394791993082.post-83640273698363260282019-05-08T19:49:00.000-07:002019-06-23T19:49:24.694-07:00First GearAn Arkie's Faith column from the May 8, 2019, issue of The Mena Star.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZ6J25iYC1E3rElQesYp-E0jb5QYc3D8jqXSQ9Q2jz7GsuyLcPnObi1oWrgpNu1jSb3uzSYs1JNwYGiFUxSj6SG1A05A-QxvQ7C9xgcumu9BFl6ZU9mWdFuIRuZjrcs0YE__nGVNMNkym/s1600/r1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZ6J25iYC1E3rElQesYp-E0jb5QYc3D8jqXSQ9Q2jz7GsuyLcPnObi1oWrgpNu1jSb3uzSYs1JNwYGiFUxSj6SG1A05A-QxvQ7C9xgcumu9BFl6ZU9mWdFuIRuZjrcs0YE__nGVNMNkym/s320/r1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It was a beautiful spring evening with blue skies, fluffy clouds, and a perfect 70-degree temperature. The redbuds and dogwoods were in bloom, showing off their glorious beauty. I had not driven my little Rambler American for several weeks, so I decided that this evening would be a great time to take a drive. I headed for Wal-Mart to pick up some things that I needed. The sun was shining as I drove along with my window down. I pulled into the parking lot, found a space, and headed into the store.<br />
<br />
When I had finished shopping, I put my purchases in the trunk of the Rambler and then slid behind the wheel, getting ready to start the engine and head home. I slipped the key in the ignition and pushed on the clutch. The clutch went to the floor with no resistance. “Oh no,” I thought, “what am I going to do? With no clutch, I wouldn’t be able to drive home.”<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The car in the parking space in front of me pulled out of the space. I put the little Rambler in first gear and turned the key. The Rambler lurched and jerked as it started in gear. I was able to maneuver out of the parking lot in first gear and crept up to the stop sign at the exit. There was no one near, so I idled through the stop sign and made my way to the stoplight at the intersection. The light was red, but I made my way through the parking lot and onto the highway. Without a clutch, I couldn’t shift out of first gear. The engine raced as I drove down the highway at ten miles an hour. That was as fast as the Rambler could go in first gear.<br />
<br />
I had three miles to drive to get back to my shop. The roar of the engine echoed in my ears as I slowly drove down the road. Traffic behind me had to wait for a chance to get into the other lane to pass me. I felt bad about impeding traffic, but I had no other choice. I only hit one traffic light while it was red. I had to kill the engine and sit at the light. When it turned green, I once again turned the key and started the engine while the car groaned and stumbled forward. I was worried about the engine overheating from being driven at high rpm’s but at such a slow speed that very little air was going through the radiator. When I finally reached my shop, I breathed a sigh of relief.<br />
<br />
When I was able to get under the Rambler and check out the clutch linkage, I found that the reinforced fabric material of the clutch linkage flexible support assembly had torn apart. I would have to go online and order the parts before I could repair the Rambler and drive it again. I didn’t want to have to drive it stuck in first gear. I hope to have the clutch linkage repaired soon so that I can drive in high gear.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Too many of us are going through life stuck in first gear. We can plod along at a slow pace and eventually get where we are going, but life isn’t enjoyable. This isn’t the life that Jesus wants for us. He says, “I have come so they may have life. I want them to have it in the fullest possible way.” John 10:10 (NIRV) Jesus doesn’t want us to be stuck in first gear.<br />
<br />
Some days it seems like everything naturally goes from good to bad. I know that I have had days like that, and I’m sure that you have too. It seems like nothing is going right and we are just spinning our wheels and not making any headway. When things go wrong, and life is hard, heartbreaking, or even just disappointing, we can easily get stuck in a negative mindset. But a negative attitude keeps you stuck in first gear.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
In his letter to the believers in Ephesus, Paul included this prayer. “I pray that Christ may live in your hearts by faith. I pray that you will be filled with love. I pray that you will be able to understand how wide and how long and how high and how deep His love is. I pray that you will know the love of Christ. His love goes beyond anything we can understand. I pray that you will be filled with God Himself. God is able to do much more than we ask or think through His power working in us.” Ephesians 3:17-20 (NLV)<br />
<br />
When you are having that bad day, or if you feel that your life is going nowhere, remember that Jesus loves you beyond anything you can understand. “We are God’s accomplishment, created in Christ Jesus to do good things. God planned for these good things to be the way that we live our lives.” Ephesians 2:10 (CEB)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The life you have today, and all it includes or doesn’t include, is the life God has given you. It’s the only life you have. But you can live it to the fullest. Don’t let life pass you by as you allow problems, disappointments, or drudgery to steal your enthusiasm for living. Don’t go through life in first gear. God wants you to live life to it’s fullest in high gear. Your happiness is up to you.<br />
<br />
Gentle Reader, “no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NLT) But you don’t have to wait for heaven to experience a full life. King David wrote, “You direct me on the path that leads to a beautiful life. As I walk with You, the pleasures are never-ending, and I know true joy and contentment. Psalm 16:11 (VOICE) Even in this life, those who believe in Jesus can have a wonderful appetizer of future blessings! Jesus truly did come so that we can live life in the fullest possible way. He wants you to live life in high gear. Don’t get stuck in first gear<br />
<br />
<br />Richard Lawryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03680320073463221740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310860394791993082.post-39225804558649256232019-04-24T19:48:00.000-07:002019-06-23T19:48:45.707-07:00The BoxerAn Arkie's Faith column from the April 24, 2019, issue of The Mena Star.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXpyhAwkM8s4L1P4MuP6xewcGQoTA_xNDoVOyhhVKljrIVAQU4PYtAKRGjfW_apUs-ZvwKd5xVj8gFZW2VtNqWpBYhb0GTVz1xpkjOVtceXeHhjDGmYVf4NurGFgArinOWcvr44bU-FIvc/s1600/j1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXpyhAwkM8s4L1P4MuP6xewcGQoTA_xNDoVOyhhVKljrIVAQU4PYtAKRGjfW_apUs-ZvwKd5xVj8gFZW2VtNqWpBYhb0GTVz1xpkjOVtceXeHhjDGmYVf4NurGFgArinOWcvr44bU-FIvc/s320/j1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The car made its way along the rough, rocky county road. The idyllic pastures and the cattle they contained gave way to woods as the road gained elevation. After a sharp bend in the road, the surface became smoother as the road neared the top of the mountain. When the car climbed out of the woods, the view opened and revealed a beautiful mountaintop home. At the corner of the property, standing at attention, was a large, muscular, imposing looking dog. His sleek, short coat shone with the lean, muscular build of an athlete.<br />
<br />
This scene repeated itself many times as we made our way up the mountainside to visit my cousin. The dog, a Boxer, would always be standing there with a majestic pose. His well-developed muscles visible under his tight skin gave him the air of a bodyguard. When we drove onto the property, he would be there to escort us up the driveway and greet us when we got out of the car.<br />
<br />
Although the Boxer’s physique suggests that he would be aggressive, he is a gentle giant. He loves people and wants to be with you. According to the American Kennel Club; “The breed’s most appealing traits is a tremendous love for their humans and a need to be loved in return. A Boxer is happiest when he’s with his family.” My wife and I loved the Boxer, and he loved us.<br />
<br />
One Saturday afternoon while were visiting, the Boxer and one of the family dogs went for a romp in the woods surrounding the house. An hour or so later the other dog returned home, but the Boxer didn’t. When another hour passed and the Boxer still wasn’t home, we began to get worried. My cousin and I went walking through the woods looking for the Boxer. After walking and looking for a long time, we widened the search by driving down the mountain and circling through town to the east side of the mountain. There was no sign of the Boxer. After several hours, we gave up the search. We hoped that he would come home, but we feared the worst.<br />
<br />
Boxers are prone to the hereditary heart disease aortic stenosis, meaning an obstruction underneath the aortic valve. This medical condition can cause sudden death, so the dog looks fine one minute and keels over the next. We knew that Boxers are prone to heart problems, so we feared that the Boxer had suffered a heart attack. With sadness, we resigned ourselves to never seeing the Boxer again. Not knowing what had happened to him was the most difficult part.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
One evening later that week, my wife and I were sitting in our living room when the phone rang. My wife answered the phone. “You will never guess what happened,” said the voice on the other end. “Our boy is home.” Just a few minutes earlier, my cousin had been outside his house when he saw the Boxer running as fast as he could towards home. What a joyous reunion that was. I don’t know who was happier, the Boxer or his people.<br />
<br />
In Luke chapter 15, Jesus tells three stories, each describing a lost item, and the joy and celebration when they were found. “He was lost and has been found.” Luke 15:24 (NASB) could be referring to the Boxer. When Jesus was telling the story of a lost sheep, He said, “you will continue to search for it until you find it. And when you find it, you will be very happy. You will carry it home, go to your friends and neighbors and say to them, ‘Be happy with me because I found my lost sheep!’” Luke 15:4-6 (ERV) The story made me think about the phone call we received telling us that the Boxer was home.<br />
<br />
The stories of the lost items in Luke 15 are about God's love and mercy for sinful human beings. Jesus is telling us that he wants us to rejoice with him. He says, “there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15:10 (NKJV) “We had to celebrate and be happy, because your brother was dead, but now he is alive; he was lost, but now he has been found.” Luke 15:32 (GNT)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Are you looking for the lost? Are you celebrating and rejoicing when they are found? In Luke 19:10 (NRSV) Jesus says that He “came to seek out and to save the lost.” And the same Jesus who came to seek out and save, tells us in John 20:21 (NIV), “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”<br />
<br />
Looking for hurting people and saving them was a priority in Jesus’ life on earth. It should be a priority for his people as well. But to do that, we must engage the broken and hurting people around us. Too many Christians do not want to seek out and save the lost. They are very happy to point out sin in the world and declare that those sinners are lost, but they don’t want to engage with them. Ed Stetzer, American author and pastor writes; “It’s fascinating that a lot of Christians don’t seem to like non-Christians, often referred to as the lost or the unchurched. Often, we want to keep away from messy people.”<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The focus of too many Christians is pointing out the sin in others. Daniel Darling states, "we must not allow our protest against values with which we disagree to overshadow our responsibility to show Christ's love for the world. It may very well be the person who offends us the most whom God is in the process of saving. And our gracious response might be the bridge that the Spirit uses to usher him from death to life.” Many people who claim to love God don’t have genuine love for other people. But 1 John 4:8 (NKJV) tells us, “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.”<br />
<br />
Gentle Reader, do you have compassion on those who are lost? I challenge you today to see the lost the way that Jesus sees them and to rejoice with Him whenever one of his lost sheep comes home!<br />
<br />Richard Lawryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03680320073463221740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310860394791993082.post-19774432670824328272019-04-10T19:47:00.000-07:002019-06-23T19:48:01.648-07:00Ten Years AfterAn Arkie's Faith column from the April 10, 2019, issue of The Mena Star.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjrXXXXYVKeiDyAgJwd8mQmFYyuunF8wMgEsWB1h-z5Um3cq1HCDJqSfihbeQ8cc4h2N8-Cgqv0-GOxFIFY7ukI1YwRPIhqWI9d3y21oW211VdfVsyS7yXZDiW-b4rYvBsC5EHJUUKfhoa/s1600/t1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjrXXXXYVKeiDyAgJwd8mQmFYyuunF8wMgEsWB1h-z5Um3cq1HCDJqSfihbeQ8cc4h2N8-Cgqv0-GOxFIFY7ukI1YwRPIhqWI9d3y21oW211VdfVsyS7yXZDiW-b4rYvBsC5EHJUUKfhoa/s320/t1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
April 9 is the tenth anniversary of the EF-3 tornado that devastated portions of Mena in 2009. The Associated Press article that ran in newspapers nationwide the day after the storm stated, “Authorities began a house-to-house search Friday for possible victims of the tornado that struck a 'direct hit' on this mountain community, killing at least three people, injuring at least 30 others and flattening homes and businesses. The twister descended quickly on the Ouachita Mountains town shortly after eight p.m. Thursday.” Because it was national news, I had many people contact me asking if we were ok. I was one of the fortunate ones who had minimal damage from the storm.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Those of us that lived through that night will never forget it. I still often talk to people who experienced the terror of the storm. My wife was on the phone with a dear friend when the tornado hit. Our friend was in the bottom of a closet covered with blankets. She was afraid of the storm. As the storm hit the phone went dead. We didn’t know what had happened. After the storm had passed, I tried driving to her home, but the authorities were not letting traffic into that part of town. It was several long hours before a neighbor of hers was able to get word to us that she was ok, but her house was heavily damaged.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I remember the months that followed and the long hours at work installing auto glass. There were so many damaged vehicles that I worked from 6:00 A.M. till 10:00 P.M. six days a week. Two hundred homes were lost, and 1,000 homes were damaged. So many people had so much to do in the recovery and rebuilding that it seemed the whole town was fatigued.<br />
<br />
Even though the people of Mena were tired and saddened, there was still a resilient spirit. The prevailing attitude was, “we will get through this.” When a town with a population of 5,700 has 1,000 homes damaged, a large percentage of the residents are affected. Anyone who didn't have damage to their property knew people who did. Watching the town rebuild showed me the importance of community and small-town Christian values.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
On April 11, 2010, one year after the tornado, I was in attendance when the Polk County Arkansas Long Term Recovery Committee held an event in Janssen Park to recognize those who helped Mena recover from the tornado and to remember those who lost their lives. Mena residents gathered at the park on a beautiful sunny day to remember the tornado that swept through town the previous year. The volunteers that came from far and near to help with the recovery were recognized. The most poignant part of the event was the placement of a memorial in loving memory of the lives lost in the tornado; Anna Cress, Judy Lobner, and Albert Shaw.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
A memorial is something that serves as a focus to help remember an event. Are there memorials in the Bible? There is a memorial right in the Ten Commandments. Exodus 20:8-12 (NKJV) says, “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.”<br />
<br />
What are we to remember when we keep the Sabbath? God created the heavens and the earth. When did God set up this memorial to creation? Genesis 2:1-3 (NKJV) tells us, “Thus the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them, were finished. And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
On the seventh day of creation, God blessed and sanctified the seventh day. It is a memorial of creation. Many people no longer believe that God created the world in seven days. If we deny that God is the Creator, we have no reason to worship God. “No one can see God, but Jesus Christ is exactly like him. He ranks higher than everything that has been made. Through his power all things were made—things in heaven and on earth, things seen and unseen, all powers, authorities, lords, and rulers. All things were made through Christ and for Christ. He was there before anything was made, and all things continue because of him.” Colossians 1:15-17 (NCV)<br />
<br />
To reject the account of creation as found in Genesis is to reject not only Old Testament worship but New Testament worship. In Romans 1:25 (NLT) the Bible says, “They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise!” When we deny God’s creative power, we end up worshiping the creation instead of the Creator.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Gentle Reader, creation is important; It is the reason we worship God, and the seventh day has stood as a memorial to God’s creative power from creation week until today. “The Lord created the heavens. He is God. He formed the earth and made it. He set it firmly in place. He didn’t create it to be empty. Instead, he formed it for people to live on. He says, ‘I am the Lord. There is no other Lord.’” Isaiah 45:18 (NIRV)<br />
<br />
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Photos that I took in Mena during April 2009<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/windshieldman/3431623062/" title="IMG_4941 by richies, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4941" height="300" src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3562/3431623062_59aea4b102_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/windshieldman/3431623448/" title="IMG_4932 by richies, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4932" height="300" src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3585/3431623448_60791301e0_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/windshieldman/3430809277/" title="IMG_4933 by richies, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4933" height="300" src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3379/3430809277_64d05c193d_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/windshieldman/3431623294/" title="IMG_4934 by richies, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4934" height="300" src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3579/3431623294_da48613cb4_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/windshieldman/3431622966/" title="IMG_4955 by richies, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4955" height="300" src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3546/3431622966_9b56dcbca7_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/windshieldman/3430808623/" title="IMG_5021 by richies, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5021" height="300" src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3387/3430808623_b158345205_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/windshieldman/3430808543/" title="IMG_5025 by richies, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5025" height="300" src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3563/3430808543_b03c77b5d5_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/windshieldman/3431622554/" title="IMG_5032 by richies, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5032" height="300" src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3598/3431622554_ef4a88970f_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/windshieldman/3431622842/" title="IMG_4965 by richies, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4965" height="300" src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3618/3431622842_8dbe23f149_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/windshieldman/3433922943/" title="IMG_5058 by richies, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5058" height="300" src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3662/3433922943_9e69686f55_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/windshieldman/3433922661/" title="IMG_5056 by richies, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5056" height="300" src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3311/3433922661_eab1bea05c_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/windshieldman/3433922431/" title="IMG_5054 by richies, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5054" height="300" src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3648/3433922431_e8740a1439_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/windshieldman/3434729996/" title="IMG_5050 by richies, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5050" height="300" src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3613/3434729996_8b36ff997b_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/windshieldman/3433921957/" title="IMG_5046 by richies, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5046" height="300" src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3563/3433921957_54cba8ab76_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/windshieldman/3433921801/" title="IMG_5045 by richies, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5045" height="300" src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3585/3433921801_59dffa7c74_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/windshieldman/3434729532/" title="IMG_5044 by richies, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5044" height="300" src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3586/3434729532_1a7c8e66b6_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/windshieldman/3434729434/" title="IMG_5043 by richies, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5043" height="300" src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3370/3434729434_924e1aa1b3_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/windshieldman/3433921447/" title="IMG_5093 by richies, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5093" height="300" src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3564/3433921447_af9ffe93d1_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/windshieldman/3433921301/" title="IMG_5089 by richies, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5089" height="300" src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3316/3433921301_bb9b3b045c_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/windshieldman/3434728998/" title="IMG_5071 by richies, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5071" height="300" src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3548/3434728998_cd626e0a25_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/windshieldman/3433920969/" title="IMG_5064 by richies, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5064" height="300" src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3591/3433920969_49c8a48384_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/windshieldman/3434728644/" title="IMG_5060 by richies, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5060" height="300" src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3412/3434728644_9afc74f14e_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/windshieldman/3433920659/" title="IMG_5059 by richies, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5059" height="300" src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3552/3433920659_00f463cd28_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/windshieldman/3432619921/" title="IMG_5065 by richies, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5065" height="300" src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3416/3432619921_98ec6a9813_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/windshieldman/3432619803/" title="IMG_5080 by richies, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5080" height="300" src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3622/3432619803_8a8991bd55_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/windshieldman/3433430716/" title="IMG_5088 by richies, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5088" height="300" src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3356/3433430716_e36dc43a1c_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/windshieldman/3433430538/" title="IMG_5097 by richies, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5097" height="300" src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3321/3433430538_d9f8a2891c_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/windshieldman/3474512878/" title="Mena Tornado 2009 43 by richies, on Flickr"><img alt="Mena Tornado 2009 43" height="266" src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3372/3474512878_fddb692bbf_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/windshieldman/3474892684/" title="Mena Tornado 2009 47 by richies, on Flickr"><img alt="Mena Tornado 2009 47" height="266" src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3367/3474892684_e3dca3235e_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/windshieldman/3473704445/" title="Mena Tornado 2009 44 by richies, on Flickr"><img alt="Mena Tornado 2009 44" height="400" src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3395/3473704445_cef0ed079d_o.jpg" width="266" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/windshieldman/3473705431/" title="Mena Tornado 2009 35 by richies, on Flickr"><img alt="Mena Tornado 2009 35" height="266" src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3356/3473705431_e1178f5d4c_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/windshieldman/3474084207/" title="Mena Tornado 2009 54 by richies, on Flickr"><img alt="Mena Tornado 2009 54" height="266" src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3597/3474084207_26334f9060_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/windshieldman/3473705703/" title="Mena Tornado 2009 33 by richies, on Flickr"><img alt="Mena Tornado 2009 33" height="400" src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3570/3473705703_94ba4c8d38_o.jpg" width="266" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/windshieldman/3474891822/" title="Mena Tornado 2009 55 by richies, on Flickr"><img alt="Mena Tornado 2009 55" height="400" src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3385/3474891822_b3cbc4a0b6_o.jpg" width="266" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/windshieldman/3474892590/" title="Mena Tornado 2009 48 by richies, on Flickr"><img alt="Mena Tornado 2009 48" height="266" src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3553/3474892590_a3239077d4_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/windshieldman/3474892478/" title="Mena Tornado 2009 49 by richies, on Flickr"><img alt="Mena Tornado 2009 49" height="266" src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3659/3474892478_59204f2f0a_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/windshieldman/3474892392/" title="Mena Tornado 2009 50 by richies, on Flickr"><img alt="Mena Tornado 2009 50" height="266" src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3563/3474892392_9f8bfd5fca_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/windshieldman/3474084411/" title="Mena Tornado 2009 52 by richies, on Flickr"><img alt="Mena Tornado 2009 52" height="266" src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3599/3474084411_491a32421a_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/windshieldman/3474892046/" title="Mena Tornado 2009 53 by richies, on Flickr"><img alt="Mena Tornado 2009 53" height="266" src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3638/3474892046_0da7c5fea6_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/windshieldman/3474513962/" title="Mena Tornado 2009 34 by richies, on Flickr"><img alt="Mena Tornado 2009 34" height="266" src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3303/3474513962_4bfab6404a_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/windshieldman/3474513734/" title="Mena Tornado 2009 36 by richies, on Flickr"><img alt="Mena Tornado 2009 36" height="266" src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3320/3474513734_d2b75e4cce_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/windshieldman/3474513606/" title="Mena Tornado 2009 37 by richies, on Flickr"><img alt="Mena Tornado 2009 37" height="266" src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3317/3474513606_11a10fb370_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/windshieldman/3473705099/" title="Mena Tornado 2009 38 by richies, on Flickr"><img alt="Mena Tornado 2009 38" height="266" src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3360/3473705099_e0abeabb75_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/windshieldman/3474513318/" title="Mena Tornado 2009 39 by richies, on Flickr"><img alt="Mena Tornado 2009 39" height="400" src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3298/3474513318_ce15986cd9_o.jpg" width="266" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/windshieldman/3473704879/" title="Mena Tornado 2009 40 by richies, on Flickr"><img alt="Mena Tornado 2009 40" height="266" src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3328/3473704879_861af57be5_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/windshieldman/3474513106/" title="Mena Tornado 2009 41 by richies, on Flickr"><img alt="Mena Tornado 2009 41" height="266" src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3642/3474513106_e1ddc6ecc4_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/windshieldman/3473704707/" title="Mena Tornado 2009 42 by richies, on Flickr"><img alt="Mena Tornado 2009 42" height="266" src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3620/3473704707_ec1a13e8a6_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/windshieldman/3474512596/" title="Mena Tornado 2009 45 by richies, on Flickr"><img alt="Mena Tornado 2009 45" height="266" src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3658/3474512596_59e390d356_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/windshieldman/3474512450/" title="Mena Tornado 2009 46 by richies, on Flickr"><img alt="Mena Tornado 2009 46" height="266" src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3351/3474512450_ecc05593dd_o.jpg" width="400" /></a>Richard Lawryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03680320073463221740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310860394791993082.post-1603963698740044272019-04-03T19:47:00.000-07:002019-06-23T19:47:13.618-07:00The Golden EagleAn Arkie's Faith column from the April 3, 2019, issue of The Mena Star.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm2qY5YRqBztAl3_QMHfKMu9DgYJIlraW83gA_Aj2NjWwvbXVjJ7PdJQk9zspwC6OG5IM6_RzG5EvM8RuXK3A0eEWYV7uSYyfTeKw4yfdtd0MghiSod98O4Yi3mPybfoYCjdthbi4_whPb/s1600/ge2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="960" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm2qY5YRqBztAl3_QMHfKMu9DgYJIlraW83gA_Aj2NjWwvbXVjJ7PdJQk9zspwC6OG5IM6_RzG5EvM8RuXK3A0eEWYV7uSYyfTeKw4yfdtd0MghiSod98O4Yi3mPybfoYCjdthbi4_whPb/s320/ge2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The sun is still below the horizon as I walk on the beach listening to the sound of the waves. The moon is full and hanging low in the horizon to the west. The beach is transformed by the white-silver light of the moon, which gives the morning a magical, otherworldly feel. As each wave rolls in from the Pacific Ocean, it rushes over the flat, hard-packed sand of Long Beach. As the water retreats to the ocean, it leaves a glossy mirror-like finish. For a moment, the soft glimmering moonlight shone on the mirrored beach leaving a pale silver trail. All too soon the mirrored finish of the beach was gone, and the next wave rolled in. This wave too left a mirror-like finish that reflected the moonlight. The scene repeated itself over and over as I walked along the beach.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
While walking on the beach, I thought about how incredibly beautiful it was. It was hard for me to believe that no one else was there to witness it. For as far as I could see in either direction, there was no one else on the beach. Long Beach is the world's longest beach on a peninsula. It stretches 28 miles along Washington's southwest coast. One of the most interesting things about Long Beach is that you can drive on it. The beach is an official Washington State highway with a 25-mph speed limit.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
After my early morning walk on the beach, I returned to my car and started driving back to the condo where we were spending a long weekend at a family reunion. That morning I had driven on the beach from the condo to the southernmost point of the beach. There the rocky outcroppings of the Cape Disappointment headlands are a natural barrier at the end of the beach. As I was driving back, enjoying the view and the surreal experience of driving on a beach, I noticed something out of the corner of my eye. Coming up beside me on my right was a very large bird. I slowed down to get a better look. I could see that it was an eagle with a tremendous wingspan. Because of its dark brown coloration and large size, I knew that it was a golden eagle.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The magnificent bird kept pace with me, or maybe I was keeping pace with the eagle. We traveled together down the beach for what seemed like a long time although it was probably only about a minute. Golden Eagles are one of the largest birds in North America, and to be that close to a bird with a 7-foot wingspan is a surreal experience. The eagle commanded my attention, with its spreading wings as broad as they were powerful. It seemed to be intentionally staying right beside my car just a few feet away. Seeing the majestic bird resplendent in the early morning light was a wonderfully spellbinding experience. The encounter ended when with a mighty burst from its wings, the eagle accelerated upward and was soon soaring high into the air. I watched until I could no longer see the eagle.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
As the eagle disappeared from view, I remembered Isaiah 40:31 (NLT); “those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” The sight of an eagle flying is an impressive sight. Because of the size of these striking birds, and the ease and confidence with which they fly, watching an eagle fly always intrigues me. Eagles use the air currents to cover miles of ground with minimum effort. A small movement of their wings every now and again is all it takes for the eagle to continue soaring.<br />
<br />
How can an eagle soar to such heights with minimal energy? Eagles have very long, large wings. It takes a lot of energy to flap such large wings. Jon. M. Gerrard and Gary R. Bortolotti are scientists who have spent many hours observing eagle. They wrote: "Eagles are capable of sustained flapping flight, but they usually spend little time doing it. During the month when one of the female eagles was observed intensively, she averaged less than 2 minutes per hour in flapping flight. That is not surprising when one considers the large expenditure of energy required to power the huge wings. The energy needed to maintain a bird in flat soaring or gliding flight is much less, perhaps a 20th or less the power needed for flapping. Therefore, eagles will always choose to soar or glide when possible."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
That is why eagles often soar on thermals until they reach a great altitude, and then use the gliding/soaring method of flying to cover the longest distance using the smallest amount of energy. An eagle makes flying look effortless. When we insist on being in control and doing things in our own power, we are like an eagle who doesn’t soar. We quickly tire out and get nowhere. Psalm 46:10 (NASB) says, “Cease striving and know that I am God.” To find strength, we need to put our trust in God. In Philippians 4:13 (NKJV) the bible tells us, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”<br />
<br />
Gentle Reader, spread your wings and soar like an eagle. The only thing that limits you is how much you trust in God. When you trust Him, He has promised you strength. In Philippians 4:19 (NASB) Paul writes, “my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” When you put your trust in Him, God will supply your needs and renew your strength so that you can soar like an eagle.<br />
<br />Richard Lawryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03680320073463221740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310860394791993082.post-45616915999712419652019-03-27T19:45:00.000-07:002019-06-23T19:46:23.681-07:00The Rest of the StoryAn Arkie's Faith column from the March 27, 2019, issue of The Mena Star.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgTTmn6OIgtVaymjPyQpX0e1hzauiWvLF6L1ZzuVxakihYMWIMG4h9zi7SfGuYV7FX7W1aB148nH6em2FrMwqWRqMzf-BhZIjboKcytfv5hh9OlJ6ehvY-0pDFYputIucIZ6eF1K3fDjnT/s1600/ph2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="235" data-original-width="360" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgTTmn6OIgtVaymjPyQpX0e1hzauiWvLF6L1ZzuVxakihYMWIMG4h9zi7SfGuYV7FX7W1aB148nH6em2FrMwqWRqMzf-BhZIjboKcytfv5hh9OlJ6ehvY-0pDFYputIucIZ6eF1K3fDjnT/s320/ph2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Hello Americans, this is Paul Harvey. Stand by for NEWS! For many years I tried to arrange my work day so that I could be near the radio when Paul Harvey would start his daily newscast with those familiar words. Paul Harvey had a voice and style that made him seem like a friend was telling you what had happened that day. Over twenty million Americans regularly listened to Paul Harvey each week. One thousand six hundred radio stations carried his broadcast. His voice is one of the most recognizable in the history of radio.<br />
<br />
Paul Harvey was an innovator in the news business. He was a pioneer in the blending of news and opinion. He never tried to hide that fact that his “news” broadcasts included his personal opinions and conservative bias. His show was called Paul Harvey News & Comments. While he personalized the radio news with his conservative opinions, he did it in a friendly way with heart-warming tales of average Americans, and folksy observations that made people feel at ease.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
In 1945 at the age of 27, Paul Harvey began reporting the news on the Chicago radio station WENR. Soon, his broadcasts were topping the ratings in the greater Chicago area. In November 1950, the station debuted the 15-minute program, Paul Harvey News & Comments. The next year the program was nationally syndicated by the American Broadcasting Company. His distinctive delivery was heard regularly over ABC for almost 60 years, until his death in 2009. He was referred to as the most listened to man in broadcasting.<br />
<br />
Early in his career, he began using the tagline, “and now you know the rest of the story” at the end of in-depth stories. On May 10, 1976, Paul Harley premiered a new radio series, The Rest of the Story. The new program consisted of stories presented as little-known or forgotten facts on a variety of subjects with some key element of the story, usually the name of some well-known person, held back until the end. The broadcasts always concluded with the tag line "And now you know the rest of the story."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
But the rest of this story isn’t about Paul Harvey. It is about my eight-year-old granddaughter. The other day, while I was at work, the phone rang. When I answered the phone, my granddaughter said, "Papa, do you remember when we went to Colorado last year?" "Yes," I said. She went on, "do you remember when you preached on Friday night?” “Yes,” I answered. “You didn't finish the story. I was wondering what happened to the boy in the story."<br />
<br />
Last September, the alumni association of Campion Academy in Loveland, Colorado asked me to speak on Friday night of the alumni weekend. My wife and I were graduates of Campion Academy’s Class of 1973. We planned a week-long vacation in Colorado, spending time in Denver, Cedaredge, Leadville, and Loveland before attending the alumni weekend. We invited our granddaughter on the trip.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
My wife and granddaughter were in the audience that Friday night when I gave my talk. I had opened and closed my talk with this story. One night a house caught fire, and a young boy was forced onto the roof. A fireman stood on the ground below with outstretched arms, calling to the boy, "Jump! I'll catch you." He knew the boy had to jump to save his life. All the boy could see, however, was flame, smoke, and blackness. As you can imagine, he was afraid to leave the roof. The fireman kept yelling: "Jump! I will catch you." But the boy protested, “I can't see you." The fireman replied, "But I can see you, and that's all that matters."<br />
<br />
All these months later, my granddaughter was worried about the boy on the roof. She wondered what happened to him. In my talk, I had left the story open because the boy represents each one of us, and we have to decide what we are going to do.<br />
<br />
In Acts Chapter 16, there is a story about Paul and Silas. They had been put in prison for preaching about Jesus. That night there was “a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself. But Paul shouted to him, ‘Stop! Don’t kill yourself! We are all here!’ The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas.’ Then he brought them out and asked, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’” Acts 16:26-30 (NLT) Paul and Silas answered him, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved.”<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
What must I do to be saved? I need to believe in Jesus so much that I will trust him and jump into his arms. He can’t save me if I don’t trust him enough to jump. He can’t save me if I am busy trying to save myself. It’s time for us to really believe in the Lord Jesus Christ: Believe enough to surrender our will and jump into his arms. When my granddaughter asked me what happened to the boy in the story, I told her that the boy trusted the fireman and he jumped, so he was saved.<br />
<br />
Gentle Reader, each one of us finds ourselves in the same situation as the young boy on the roof. We will be destroyed unless we do something. If we stay in our current situation, we will be destroyed by fire. The biggest question in our lives is, what must I do to be saved. In the little boy’s situation, the answer was; jump. What is the answer in your life? When your story is finished, what will be - the rest of the story?<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Richard Lawryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03680320073463221740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310860394791993082.post-71903717135434625942019-03-10T15:36:00.000-07:002019-03-10T15:36:35.994-07:00Forgiveness and Boundaries<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGq3Yvwb-d0GIsqlWTqZXFfVCR0ivsrXCCf49NxrmYg4VndqdPmxMDeA-S1YZpt5voLbU_yZpfmDQkNsbDfGHld0g75lCtrV76dgPXf2S1aq4Q37ixfmr4VlgNrm0ut2-5RJutC9nw9cS/s1600/mom.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="812" data-original-width="585" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGq3Yvwb-d0GIsqlWTqZXFfVCR0ivsrXCCf49NxrmYg4VndqdPmxMDeA-S1YZpt5voLbU_yZpfmDQkNsbDfGHld0g75lCtrV76dgPXf2S1aq4Q37ixfmr4VlgNrm0ut2-5RJutC9nw9cS/s320/mom.png" width="230" /></a></div>
<br />
A little over a year ago my Momma passed away. I experienced powerful emotions during this time. Grief can be overwhelming, and it can heighten other emotions. I found myself dealing with extreme bitterness towards people who had mistreated my Momma. I felt that their mistreatment had been so stressful to my Momma that it had contributed to her death.<br />
<br />
It felt like my life was spinning out of control, and that I couldn’t make sense of it anymore. When you feel like you have been wronged, your feelings often intensify as you dwell on the situation. The more you think about it, the angrier you become. If you can’t get your feelings in check, bitterness can consume you. That was the mindset that I found myself in. The more I thought about the people who had wronged my family, the more enraged I became. My grief and my anger were consuming my life and making it difficult for me to cope.<br />
<br />
I knew that I had to get my life under control somehow. I had to rein in my emotions to be able to get on with my life. The pat answers that Christians give to those who are suffering from grief didn’t make any sense to me. I had used those same tired clichés when I had talked to people who were experiencing grief. In the back of my mind, I knew the answer was to let go and let God handle it. That’s an easy thing to say and a very difficult thing to do.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
One of my favorite songs kept running through my mind. “I cast all my cares upon You. I lay all of my burdens down at Your feet. And any time I don't know just what to do, I will cast all my cares upon You.” I didn’t seem to be able to let go of my cares. It was almost like I was clinging on to them. I know my Bible, and I knew the promises it contained. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” Psalms 34:18 (NLT) “He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.” Psalms 147:3 (NLT) “God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4 (NLT) When would these promises be fulfilled in my life. I was brokenhearted, I was mourning, and my spirit had been crushed. I wanted to say with Job, “I am weary of my life; I will complain without restraint; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.” Job 10:1 (NET)<br />
<br />
As he did with Job, God let me stew in my pity and anger for a few days. But then my mind was drawn to a set of sermons that my cousin had given me a few months before. It was a series of sermons that she had preached at a camp meeting. She had titled the series, Grace Lived Out. The very first sermon in the series was Grace That Leads to Forgiving Others. I knew that I needed to forgive, but all I could think of was the terrible things that had been done to my Momma and my family.<br />
<br />
Just like I knew the promises that the Bible held out to me in my grief, I knew what it said about forgiveness. “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you.” Matthew 6:14 (NLT) I knew that to move on I had to forgive, but how could I forgive such abominable behavior? Something in my cousin's sermon struck home with me. She said, “You get to choose the size of the measuring device that is used on you. You get to choose how much forgiveness you get. You can have a lot, or you can have a little. Or none at all. You can choose how you will be measured and judged; with mercy or with harshness. It is up to you how many blessings you receive.<br />
<br />
I wanted blessings. I wanted to claim those Bible promises, but I knew that I had a part to play in receiving them. “Surely it was for my welfare that I had great bitterness; but you have held back my life from the pit of destruction, for you have cast all my sins behind your back.” Isaiah 38:17 (NRSV) My cousin's sermons helped me get a balanced perception of what forgiveness is and what it isn’t.<br />
I knew that I needed to forgive, but was my forgiving them for them, or was it for me? If I forgive them because I see the enormity of my own sins, and because I realize that I am capable of doing whatever they did to me, are any of those reasons about them? Forgiving them is a choice I make, for me.<br />
<br />
But if I think forgiveness is for them, the conclusions are very different. If my forgiveness is for their benefit, then it seems that if I withhold forgiveness, it will hurt them somehow. I want them to hurt as I do. If I forgive them, it lets them off the hook. It tells them what they did was ok. It was not ok!<br />
Too often we perceive forgiveness as condoning the behavior. But does forgiveness eliminate accountability or the need for restitution? If I have forgiven, can I still hold the person accountable for their actions? Some Christians teach that forgiveness and accountability are mutually exclusive. That holding someone accountable means that I haven’t forgiven them. But that is not the message of the Bible. Even when God forgives us there are still consequences. He still expects us to make things right as best we can.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Forgiveness does not eliminate accountability and restitution. Let’s say, for example, that you get angry and smash my windshield. I see you do it. What do you owe me? You owe me a new windshield. Now let’s say that you repent, and I accept your apology. Now you don't have to pay for the windshield! Is that what it means? No, the windshield is still broken.<br />
<br />
Let’s say you don’t pay and you don’t even repent. Can I still forgive you? I have heard people say “I won’t forgive because they didn’t apologize.” Or they didn’t apologize in the right way. How can I forgive if you are not even sorry?<br />
<br />
Here is the key. Forgiveness is a choice. I do it for me, not you. I do it because I realize that what I owe to God is much bigger and because I have a hammer in my trunk and know I am capable of smashing windshields, given the right circumstances.<br />
<br />
If you don't repent and pay for my windshield, will I want to hang out with you? Probably not. Forgiveness is not the same as reconciliation or trust. Restitution must take place for reconciliation to occur.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
There is a big difference between forgiveness and trust. Forgiveness does not mean the instant restoration of trust. Forgiveness is instant. Trust must be rebuilt over time. Forgiveness is based on grace and transparency. Trust is built on works and authenticity. Forgiveness is given. Trust must be earned and rebuilt by the one who damaged the relationship.<br />
<br />
Sometimes we are reluctant to forgive because we think when we forgive people, we’ve automatically got to trust them again. But that’s a whole different issue. Let me say it again: Forgiving a person does not mean you have to trust them. It means you give the other person a chance to earn the trust back. Will you forgive me? Yes. Can we go back to the way it was? No. It does not work that way.<br />
<br />
Most of us want to forgive. We don’t want to hold a grudge. We don’t want to be bitter. We don’t want our lives to be consumed with resentment. But more than wanting to forgive, we don’t want to be hurt again. There is this natural belief that if we forgive, then we are not only saying what that person did was okay, we are vulnerable enough to allow them to hurt us again. Resentment becomes our only defense mechanism to protect our heart. I think many of us live with resentment and bitterness not because we want to, but because we’ve confused forgiveness with trust.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Forgiveness, according to the Bible, should be offered unconditionally. If there are conditions, then it isn’t forgiveness. But trust has to be earned. If you have been hurt; betrayed; abused; cheated on; lied to then it is easy to confuse these two things. Many people feel like they haven’t fully forgiven because their trust hasn’t been restored. As we forgive, we free ourselves from bitterness. As we trust, we experience the process of restoration.<br />
<br />
Forgiveness does not mean the instant restoration of trust. Forgiveness is instant. Trust must be rebuilt over time. Forgiveness is based on grace. Trust is built on works. You earn trust. You don't earn forgiveness. One reason we resist forgiving is that we don't understand what forgiveness is or how it works. We think we do, but we don't.<br />
<br />
Most of us assume that if we forgive our offenders, that we let them off the hook and they get to go about their merry ways while we unfairly suffer from their actions. We may also think that we have to be friendly with them again or go back to the old relationship. While God commands us to forgive others, he never told us to keep trusting those who violated our trust or even to like being around those who hurt us.<br />
<br />
The first step to understanding forgiveness is learning what it is and isn't. The next step is giving yourself permission to forgive and forget, letting go of the bitterness while remembering very clearly your rights to healthy boundaries.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Forgiveness is not letting the offender off the hook. We can and should still hold others accountable for their actions or lack of actions. Forgiveness is not letting the offense recur again and again. We don't have to tolerate, nor should we keep ourselves open to, lack of respect or any form of abuse.<br />
Forgiveness does not mean we have to revert to being the victim. Forgiving is not saying, "What you did was okay, so go ahead and walk all over me." Nor is it playing the martyr, enjoying the performance of forgiving people because it perpetuates our victim role.<br />
<br />
Forgiveness is not the same as reconciling. We can forgive someone even if we never can get along with that person again. Forgiveness is a process, not an event. It might take some time to work through our emotional problems before we can truly forgive. As soon as we can, we should decide to forgive, but it probably is not going to happen immediately. That's okay.<br />
<br />
We have to forgive every time. If we find ourselves constantly forgiving, though, we might need to take a look at the dance we are doing with the other person that sets us up to be continually hurt, attacked, or abused.<br />
<br />
Forgiveness does not mean denying reality or ignoring repeated offenses. Some people are obnoxious, mean-spirited, apathetic, or unreliable. They never will change. We need to change the way we respond to them and quit expecting them to be different.<br />
<br />
Forgiveness is not based on others' actions but our attitude. People will continue to hurt us through life. If they don't repent, we still have to forgive. Even if they never ask, we need to forgive. We should memorize and repeat over and over: Forgiveness is about our attitude, not their action.<br />
Withholding forgiveness is a refusal to let go of perceived power. We can feel powerful when the offender needs forgiveness and only we can give it. We may fear going back to being powerless if we forgive.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Forgiveness does not mean forgetting. It's normal for memories to be triggered in the future. When thoughts of past hurts occur, it's what we do with them that counts. When we find ourselves focusing on a past offense, we can learn to say, "Thank you, God, for this reminder of how important forgiveness is."<br />
<br />
Forgiveness starts with a mental decision. The emotional part of forgiveness is letting go of the resentment. Emotional healing may or may not quickly follow after we forgive.<br />
<br />
We forgive because God tells us to. We forgive because we want to let the poison go. We forgive because we want to be free of the past and move on to the future. We forgive, even if the other person isn’t sorry. We forgive, even if they keep doing the same thing over and over and over. Forgiveness is free. We received it freely, and we give it freely. But, trust is earned. We trust when, and only when, the other person is trustworthy. When the other person hurts me or disrespects me or ignores my boundaries, they are not trustworthy. Therefore, I should not trust them.<br />
<br />
A Christian counselor who deals with abuse cases told me, “to love everyone is Christian. To trust everyone is stupid. You are not morally obligated to trust anybody, especially someone who had demonstrated untrustworthiness.”<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
When we fail to understand the distinction between forgiveness and trust, we can end up like poor old Charlie Brown. How many times did Lucy talk Charlie Brown into kicking the football, only to pull the ball away at the last minute? Like Charlie Brown, we try to be nice, hoping for the best, and get ourselves into the same mess over and over again. Being nice is OK. Being hopeful is good. And it’s great to forgive. But until Lucy figures out how to be trustworthy, let’s find somebody else to hold the football.<br />
<br />
Forgiveness does not mean you are to ignore that a wrong was done or that you deny that a sin was committed. Forgiveness does not mean that you close your eyes to moral atrocity and pretend that it didn’t hurt or that it doesn’t matter whether or not the offending person is called to account for the offense. Neither are you being asked to diminish the gravity of the offense, or to tell others, “Oh, think nothing of it; it wasn’t that big of a deal after all.” Forgiveness means that you determine in your heart to let God be the avenger. He is the judge, not you.<br />
<br />
Often we refuse to forgive others because we mistakenly think that to do so is to minimize their sin. “And that’s not fair! He hurt me. If I forgive, who’s going to care for me and take up my cause and nurse my wounds?” God is. We must never buy into the lie that to forgive means that sin is being whitewashed or ignored or that the perpetrator is not being held accountable for their actions. It simply means we consciously choose to let God be the one who determines the appropriate course of action in dealing justly with the offending person.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Forgiveness does not mean you are to make it easy for the offender to hurt you again. They may hurt you again. That is their decision. But you must set boundaries in your relationship with them. The fact that you establish rules to govern how and to what extent you interact with this person in the future does not mean you have failed to sincerely and truly forgive them. True love never aids and abets the sin of another. Forgiveness does not mean you become a helpless and passive doormat for their continual sin.<br />
<br />
Have you ever been involved in a relationship conflict of some sort that can’t be fixed? I have had a few of them. Sometimes I have to figuratively put them away in a folder labeled “Can’t Be Fixed,” and then leave it with God.<br />
<br />
Let’s Look at the story of Abraham and Lot found in Genesis 13. “Lot, who was traveling with Abram, had also become very wealthy with flocks of sheep and goats, herds of cattle, and many tents. But the land could not support both Abram and Lot with all their flocks and herds living so close together. So disputes broke out between the herdsmen of Abram and Lot.<br />
<br />
Finally Abram said to Lot, ‘Let’s not allow this conflict to come between us or our herdsmen. After all, we are close relatives! The whole countryside is open to you. Take your choice of any section of the land you want, and we will separate. If you want the land to the left, then I’ll take the land on the right. If you prefer the land on the right, then I’ll go to the left.’<br />
<br />
Lot took a long look at the fertile plains of the Jordan Valley in the direction of Zoar. The whole area was well watered everywhere, like the garden of the Lord or the beautiful land of Egypt. Lot chose for himself the whole Jordan Valley to the east of them. He went there with his flocks and servants and parted company with his uncle Abram. So Abram settled in the land of Canaan, and Lot moved his tents to a place near Sodom and settled among the cities of the plain.” Genesis 13:5-12 (NLT)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
What did Abraham do? He didn’t say “you need to keep your herdsmen under better control. I intend to make sure that you do it.” Instead, he said, “We need some distance between us. You take your sheep and goats and camels and servants and go one way; I will take my sheep and goats and camels and servants and go the other.” They set up “boundaries” between them.<br />
<br />
Often we spend time trying to fix or change things we have no control over, like what people think of us, or our grown children’s choices. Consider how hard it is to change yourself, and you will understand what little chance you have trying to change others.<br />
<br />
You have personal God-given property lines--a boundary. A boundary is a personal property line that marks those things for which I am responsible. I am responsible for my life and my actions. It is very easy to focus on what the other guy is doing wrong. But what do we accomplish when we focus on the other guy?<br />
<br />
It is hard to give up focusing on the other person! Why? Because it takes away any responsibility on our part. Abraham said, “We are the responsible parties. Let’s fix our property line, so this pattern doesn’t keep happening.” He offered a solution that worked for both. He was generous. He gave Lot first choice! But most importantly, he established boundaries.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Some see boundaries as mean and selfish. But Abraham had boundaries. He was not accusing. He was proactive. He was gracious. He was even unselfish. But he had boundaries. So how do I apply the Abraham principle of boundaries to my life? Let’s say that someone does something I don’t like or that hurts me. How do I sort out who is responsible? Their actions are whose responsibility? Theirs. My reactions are whose responsibility? “He made me angry!” They are not responsible for your reaction. You are.<br />
<br />
When it is a situation that happens over and over we need to ask, what can I do to build a fence? How can I set a boundary? How do I interrupt the pattern? You can choose to put boundaries in place, so it does not happen again. You have the right to set boundaries and remove yourself from abusive behavior.<br />
<br />
Forgiveness doesn’t mean you’re obligated to stay in a relationship with someone who has destroyed the foundation of everything you’ve built. Forgiveness doesn’t mean you keep a close friendship with the person who betrayed you. Forgiveness doesn’t mean you continue to engage with people who have proven their disloyalty, time and time again.<br />
<br />
Forgiveness means you accept what wrongs have been done to you, you let go of those wrongs, you calm your heart with God’s love and patience, and you begin again—with or without that person, it’s up to you. You are not any less of a person for knowing when you need distance from people who have broken you. You are not spiteful, hateful, bad, or evil for taking time to heal and removing yourself from a toxic relationship. You are not wrong for forgiving, but setting boundaries and leaving that person in your past.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
And one final thought. The most important person to forgive is yourself. Stop beating yourself up about things that you did or didn’t do in the past. God has given you forgiveness, and he has given you grace. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 (NKJV)<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Richard Lawryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03680320073463221740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310860394791993082.post-22888595873825392532019-03-10T15:21:00.004-07:002019-03-10T15:21:56.089-07:00Grow Old with MeAn Arkie's Faith column from the March 6, 2019, issue of The Mena Star.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkPgvs60n5pR_3up0bPTCdHK0YH9HpxInwJohDifAVUiN5xPKsfLLebSLsVa1-lceTOGu-UGnmb_WHM3B26CzScoWzwjWDiJElqaAXKr3dQy51RkYA1xzRATKIGKwIdEIwzdxXC3WMUadp/s1600/j1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="347" data-original-width="461" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkPgvs60n5pR_3up0bPTCdHK0YH9HpxInwJohDifAVUiN5xPKsfLLebSLsVa1-lceTOGu-UGnmb_WHM3B26CzScoWzwjWDiJElqaAXKr3dQy51RkYA1xzRATKIGKwIdEIwzdxXC3WMUadp/s320/j1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
John sat at the piano in his bedroom. Pressing the record button on his cassette recorder, he started to play. After playing several measures, he began to sing. “Grow old along with me. The best is yet to be. When our time has come, we will be as one. God bless our love. God bless our love.”<br />
<br />
John and his wife appreciated the poetry of Robert and Elizabeth Browning. One morning, she suggested that he write a song using Robert Browning’s poetry as a stimulus. That afternoon, John was watching TV when an old movie came on about a baseball player. In the film, the baseball player's girlfriend sent him a poem by Robert Browning. The poem was "Rabbi Ben Ezra" which opens with the lines; “Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be, the last of life, for which the first was made.”<br />
<br />
John was struck by the coincidence and sat down to write. He penned a simple love song with the final verse: “Grow old along with me. Whatever fate decrees. We will see it through, for our love is true. God bless our love. God bless our love.”<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
John’s simple love song written for his wife, featuring simple themes of religion, romance, and commitment, has become well known even though the only recording he made of the song was a simple cassette recording made in his bedroom that November day in 1980. Grow Old with Me has become a popular wedding song. It is a very romantic song that's not about blinding passion, but about caring and commitment. When I was making a CD album to give to wedding guests at my daughter’s wedding, I included John’s home recording of Grow Old with Me.<br />
<br />
John was planning to record Grow Old with Me in the studio for his next album. He envisioned the song as a standard, the kind that they would play in church when a couple gets married, lushly arranged with horns and strings. But John wouldn’t get the chance to record Grow Old with Me in the studio. Less than a month after sitting at the piano in his bedroom and recording his new song on a cassette, John was shot and killed in the archway of his apartment building as he returned home with his wife. His lyrics would not be fulfilled; “Spending our lives together. Man and wife together. World without end.”<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
John wrote many love songs in the forty years he lived on this earth. Some of my favorite words that he wrote are “Love is real, real is love. Love is feeling, feeling love. Love is wanting to be loved.” Another favorite love poem he wrote includes the lines; “From this moment on I know exactly where my life will go. Seems that all I really was doing was waiting for love.”<br />
<br />
We all want to be loved, but not all of us find love. The greatest love poem ever written can be found in the Bible in John 3:16,17 (NKJV) “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”<br />
<br />
What beautiful words. Notice that it is the whole world that God loves, not a single nation, not a single race. Not just the “good” people, not just the people who love God back. “God so loved the world.” He loves the lovable and the unlovable; The popular, and the unpopular; Those who love God, and those who never think of God.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Some people find it hard to accept the fact that God freely gives His love and grace. They want to place limits on God’s love. They prefer to think that God only loves the same people they love and that God despises the same people they despise.<br />
<br />
To put it bluntly, these people are wrong. God loves the world, and that includes both those who are just like us and those who are totally different from us. If Jesus didn’t come into the world to condemn people, why should we? Jesus came to lift people up, not to put them down. Jesus didn’t come to condemn us; Jesus came to offer us eternal life. We should follow His example.<br />
<br />
Pastor Ty Gibson wrote, “I undergo the ultimate shift consciousness when I cease perceiving God as an authority figure who wants control and begin perceiving God as a husbandly figure who wants mutual love. Love alone is the agent God uses to expel sin from the heart.”<br />
<br />
In Romans 8:37-39 (NCV), we find these beautiful words. “But in all these things we are completely victorious through God who showed his love for us. Yes, I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor ruling spirits, nothing now, nothing in the future, no powers, nothing above us, nothing below us, nor anything else in the whole world will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
No matter what circumstance you find yourself in, you will never be separated from the love God has for you. God wants you to know Him personally, and he wants to love you and be loved by you for eternity. God says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, I have continued to extend faithful love to you.” Jeremiah 31:3 (HCSB)<br />
<br />
Gentle Reader, Jesus says to you, “I have loved you as the Father has loved me. Now continue in my love.” John 15:9 (ERV) In Hebrews 13:5 (NKJV) He tells you; “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” And He promises that “I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:3 (NKJV) It is as if Jesus is saying to us: “Grow old along with me. The best is yet to be. When our time has come. We will be as one. God bless our love.”<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="236" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EQp2d8-kx_s" width="420"></iframe>Richard Lawryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03680320073463221740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310860394791993082.post-13851205184736320942019-03-10T15:20:00.003-07:002019-03-10T15:20:49.648-07:00Portable SoupAn Arkie's Faith column from the February 27, 2019, issue of The Mena Star.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_MIK_CSvk6SuEuwWYWSKA-SPcpzkwiRDXM4lMYM8eQgOeufeqqbGbfQAC-hPXa_Wy3Eq6AgbJqQy_oMzMkXFldC84N-tYT-6pjyiblLt-9d0pxWkqFUhAe-XO5DIWDwDeW2jvzgeGnznp/s1600/ps1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="415" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_MIK_CSvk6SuEuwWYWSKA-SPcpzkwiRDXM4lMYM8eQgOeufeqqbGbfQAC-hPXa_Wy3Eq6AgbJqQy_oMzMkXFldC84N-tYT-6pjyiblLt-9d0pxWkqFUhAe-XO5DIWDwDeW2jvzgeGnznp/s320/ps1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The grey January day turned into a wet rainy day. Even though our condo was just a few hundred feet from the Pacific Ocean, the beach was barely visible. The rain came in waves, a blustery rain, driven by the wind. We were spending a long weekend at a family reunion in Long Beach, Washington. What would we do on such a stormy day?<br />
<br />
My brothers-in-law and I decided to visit the Lewis and Clark interpretive center at Cape Disappointment State Park a few miles south of Long Beach. The interpretive center features a series of mural-sized timeline panels that take visitors through the westward journey of the Lewis and Clark Expedition using sketches, paintings, photographs, and the words of the expedition members.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
As I was taking in the exhibits, I came across one mural panel that caught my attention. On Saturday, September 14, 1805, Sergeant Patrick Gass wrote in his journal: “none of the hunters killed anything except 2 or 3 pheasants; on which, without a miracle it was impossible to feed 30 hungry men and upwards, besides some Indians. So, Capt. Lewis gave out some portable soup, which he had along, to be used in cases of necessity. Some of the men did not relish this soup and agreed to kill a colt; which they immediately did and set about roasting it; and which appeared to me to be good eating.”<br />
<br />
What was portable soup, I wondered. Lewis and Clark didn’t take much in the way of food. The expedition was planning to hunt, fish, forage, and trade along the way. Under Provisions and Means of Subsistence, Lewis lists assorted spices, three bushels of salt, and 193 pounds of portable soup. If I wanted to know what portable soup was, I would have to do some research.<br />
<br />
I found that portable soup was the 19th century’s version of space food. It was intended for periods of dire dietary emergency. Portable soup, also known as pocket soup or veal glue, had been around since the 1600s. An early recipe from 1694, calls for a leg of veal, boiled, then the broth reduced and cooled until it forms a slab of jelly about the size of a hand. Wrap this in paper to dry, and it will keep many years.<br />
<br />
It seems that no one liked to eat portable soup. When Captain James Cook was heading for Australia in 1772, he took 1,000 pounds of portable soup on board the Endeavour. Some sailors, the records show, were flogged for refusing to eat it. It is reasonable to conclude that the soup was unsatisfying and had a disagreeable taste. The portable soup was intended to be combined with hot water, meat, vegetables, and spices to make a passable meal. Captain Cook and Lewis and Clark had none of these things except water.<br />
<br />
During this time, portable soup was well known. In Johann David Wyss's 1812 novel The Swiss Family Robinson, portable soup is mentioned several times. The youngest son, Franz, first mistakes it for glue, and then later suggests it be used as a substitute. William Wilberforce, the British politician who worked tirelessly to stop the slave trade, wrote, “Do not curtail too much, portable soup must be diluted before it can be used.”<br />
<br />
There is a trend in modern Christianity that seems to equate the gospel with portable soup. It will keep you alive, but it must be diluted and made palatable before people will accept it. But the gospel isn’t portable soup. It isn’t a concentrate. Some people present the gospel as their personal concentrate. They focus on certain aspects of Christianity and neglect the rest, ending up with a bitter tasting “gospel.” Often people distort the Bible for their own purposes, but if you truly reflect on the life of Jesus, you will realize that Christianity is not about hate at all, but rather about love.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
In Psalms 34:8 (NRSV) David tells us to “taste and see that the Lord is good.” And He is speaking from experience. In Psalms 119:103 (NKJV) he wrote, “how sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth!” David loved God’s word and wanted others to try it and see how good it was. Instead of presenting a bitter concentrated “portable soup” version of the gospel, we as Christians need to tell others how much we enjoy what the gospel has done for us.<br />
<br />
“Try it; you’ll like it.” That’s what David is urging us to do. He is encouraging us to experience what he has already discovered, God’s salvation. Like a momma who encourages her child to try at least one bite of a new food, he asks us to try it out, to do a quick taste-test. Because when we do, He knows that we will see God’s goodness in ways we can’t begin to imagine.<br />
<br />
In 1 Peter 2:1-3 (NLV) Peter wrote, “Put out of your life hate and lying. Do not pretend to be someone you are not. Do not always want something someone else has. Do not say bad things about other people. As new babies want milk, you should want to drink the pure milk which is God’s Word so you will grow up and be saved from the punishment of sin. If you have tasted of the Lord, you know how good He is.”<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Gentle Reader, have you tasted of the Lord? Do you know how good he is? If you have, tell others about your experience with God. Tell them what he has done for you. Before he left this earth, Jesus told his disciples, “you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (NIV) Today he asks us to be his witnesses in Mena, and in all of Arkansas and the United States, and to the ends of the earth. Ask someone today to taste and see that the Lord is good.<br />
<br />
<br />Richard Lawryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03680320073463221740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310860394791993082.post-41711432566249162232019-03-10T15:20:00.000-07:002019-03-10T15:20:00.672-07:00Cape DisappointmentAn Arkie's Faith column from the February 13, 2019, issue of The Mena Star.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWbVojnT0rVi3JRJQpcbRvvrvyywLjrSS-oTpqkMIA2KfIdeuTV_t5y9oHk2oNyiQ8SiCHtkxflNNRmX268iwdvwLJ0hyphenhyphen5tJYK9BNuZ_cl-tBXiUpH60kxlUOGKewcvqwXefbPwTojh41r/s1600/boat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="986" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWbVojnT0rVi3JRJQpcbRvvrvyywLjrSS-oTpqkMIA2KfIdeuTV_t5y9oHk2oNyiQ8SiCHtkxflNNRmX268iwdvwLJ0hyphenhyphen5tJYK9BNuZ_cl-tBXiUpH60kxlUOGKewcvqwXefbPwTojh41r/s320/boat.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
By the time he met the English merchant Michael Locke, Juan was a was a well-traveled seaman, who had perfected his skill as a pilot in the Spanish navy. His early voyages were to China, the Philippines, and New Spain; modern-day Mexico. In 1592, Juan led an expedition north up the coast of North America. When Juan returned to New Spain, he claimed to have found a passageway from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic.<br />
<br />
The Viceroy of New Spain repeatedly promised Juan great rewards for his discovery, but he never received them. After two years, Juan traveled to Spain to make his case in person, but he was disappointed. He received no reward. It was during this time that Juan met English merchant Michael Locke. Juan told him the fantastic story of a marine passageway that connected the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.<br />
<br />
Michael Locke convinced Juan to offer his services to Spain's archenemy, England. Juan never worked for England, but it is through Michael Locke’s account that the story of Juan de Fuca is known to us today. Juan’s fantastic story of a marine passageway that connected the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans would be the catalyst for centuries of maritime explorers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The search for the fabled Northwest Passage inspired explorers to seek out fame, adventure, knowledge, and riches. The empires of Spain and Great Britain were driven by the hopes of finding a naval trade route that would connect Europe to Asia and secure their dominance as an economic power. The story of the Northwest Passage is one of bold explorers and great empires fighting for a distant corner of North America.<br />
<br />
Despite the lure of the imagined Northwest Passage, more than 100 years would pass before Spain, or any other nation would attempt such an exploring voyage again. In 1775, Bruno Heceta set out from present-day Puerto Vallarta, looking for Juan de Fuca’s fabled passage. He reached as far north as the west coast of Vancouver Island, then turned back south. On August 15th, Heceta arrived at the mouth of the Columbia River. Heceta thought that this was the passage discovered by Juan de Fuca. Heavy currents made it impossible for him to explore the bay, but he was sure that it was the mouth of a great river. He named it the St. Roc River.<br />
<br />
In 1788, English fur trader John Meares was traveling south from Vancouver Island in search of pelts. He had heard about the big bay and surge of fresh water discovered by Bruno Heceta and set out to find it. On July 6th, Meares rounded a headland expecting to find the mouth of the St. Roc River. There he found a bay with treacherous sandbars. Conditions did not allow Meares to tell that the bay was the mouth of a river, so he called it Deception Bay and he named the headland Cape Disappointment, because of his disappointment at not finding the river. Cape Disappointment is now a Washington State Park.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Have you ever been disappointed? Has someone let you down or have circumstances not worked out the way you hoped they would? Have you experienced the truth of Proverbs 13:12 (MSG). “Unrelenting disappointment leaves you heartsick.” We experience disappointment when life doesn’t go according to our plan. The problem with disappointments is that they can color our outlook on life, and can even change the way we see God. Chicago journalist, Sydney J. Harris, wrote, “a cynic is not merely one who reads bitter lessons from the past; he is one who is prematurely disappointed in the future.”<br />
<br />
Many times, we as Christians allow our disappointments to color our view of God. I know that I have. We start out being disappointed by someone or some circumstance in our life, but when nothing changes, we become disappointed in God.<br />
<br />
No one can escape disappointment in this sinful world. No matter how optimistic you are, sooner or later you will end up disappointed. Friends will let you down. Family will let you down. Employers will let you down. Your church will let you down. And when that happens, we often feel that God has let us down.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
If disappointment is so inevitable, how do we recover from it? The disappointments we accumulate in a lifetime can stop us from seeing all the goodness God has planned for us. Here is the good news. “God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.” 1 Corinthians 1:9 (NCV)<br />
<br />
Remember that Jesus knew deep disappointment from his days on this earth. His disciples let him down continually. All forsook him, one denied him, and one even betrayed him. He knows the pain and frustration you are experiencing. “We have a high priest who can feel it when we are weak and hurting. We have a high priest who has been tempted in every way, just as we are. But he did not sin.” Hebrews 4:15 (NIRV)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Gentle Reader, when life’s disappointments come, the Christian still has a heavenly hope that no amount of earthly disappointment can take away. Paul wrote in Romans 5:2-4 (NCV), “we are happy because of the hope we have of sharing God’s glory. We also have joy with our troubles, because we know that these troubles produce patience. And patience produces character, and character produces hope. And this hope will never disappoint us, because God has poured out his love to fill our hearts.” When disappointments come in your life, remember that there will be a time when “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4 (NKJV)<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Richard Lawryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03680320073463221740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310860394791993082.post-90508398330496664532019-03-10T15:19:00.001-07:002019-03-10T15:19:23.059-07:00Sea LionsAn Arkie's Faith column from the February 6, 2019, issue of The Mena Star.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix55aohBD9jCTqo0xphRtwmANoJ5ev-tF-S8sMh3SHmuPYfrYVQZwDda1aPFmU4pdRvHMUg4SkTHzGJWrBiS6-gfMNnpSh-brpwZUJiH8-QIjoWvXZs6qo2kpFJGxvK_QYQ0Fie9Z0E-M5/s1600/sl1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix55aohBD9jCTqo0xphRtwmANoJ5ev-tF-S8sMh3SHmuPYfrYVQZwDda1aPFmU4pdRvHMUg4SkTHzGJWrBiS6-gfMNnpSh-brpwZUJiH8-QIjoWvXZs6qo2kpFJGxvK_QYQ0Fie9Z0E-M5/s320/sl1.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
Sea lions completely covered the docks at the bayfront in Newport, Oregon. Many of the sea lions were trying to sleep while others were barking to show their dominance. Sea Lions can be loud and raucous, or adorably lazy. A small juvenile was swimming in the water near the docks. He kept trying to find a place to haul out of the water onto the docks, but every time larger males kept him from getting on the docks.<br />
<br />
He kept trying and trying to find a place to rest on the docks, only to be rebuffed at every turn. Finally, he was able to haul himself up onto a cable attached between two floating docks. Once he was on the cable, he kept slowly and carefully inching his way onto the attached dock. After a while, he was able to get his front flippers onto the dock. By carefully maneuvering he was able to get most of his body onto a corner of the dock. As he was trying to get enough room to be able to lie down, he drew the ire of a couple of occupants of the dock who slowly moved closer to the edge and forced him back into the water.<br />
<br />
The winter sea lion population in Newport has increased tremendously in the last ten years. The sea lions haul out on docks, rocks and anyplace accessible in the water. The wooden sea lion docks on Newport’s Bayfront have provided a haul-out for sea lions for over twenty years. Tourists and locals alike enjoy observing these amusing and interesting animals close up.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
As I watched the little sea lion trying to find a place to rest, I felt sorry for him. The rest of the time I spent watching the sea lions, he was never able to find a place to haul out of the water. No one would make room for him. Watching the sea lions on the docks and their interactions with the youngster who wanted to join them reminded me of the way I have seen a lot of people act. Many people feel shut out from society. They don’t seem to be able to get a seat at the table. Sometimes Christians remind me of the sea lions who had a place on the docks. They want to keep certain groups of people from joining them. They won’t associate with them.<br />
<br />
Almost every kid has a memory of being excluded. I do. I was the weird kid, the chubby kid. I wasn’t the popular kid. But exclusion doesn’t stop as children grow into adults. People of all ages exclude others from acceptance, love, and affection. But Jesus was different. He went out of his way to extend love where it wasn’t expected; to society’s outcasts. In his ministry, Jesus consistently included the people that religion had left out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
In Luke chapter 15 Jesus tells three stories; the story of the lost sheep, the story of the lost coin and the story of the prodigal son. If we read the first three verses of the chapter, it tells us why Jesus told the stories. “The tax collectors and sinners all came to listen to Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law began to complain: ‘Look, this man welcomes sinners and even eats with them.’ Then Jesus told them this story.” Luke 15:1-3 (NCV)<br />
<br />
In each story Jesus wants us to understand that he loves and cares for everyone. He demonstrated that all people are welcome at the table of God’s kingdom. In Jesus, the outcasts of society have hope. Those that the religious community marginalizes can find Him extending a hand, inviting them back into the community with dignity and affection. When you study the life of Jesus, you see that no one ever opened a wider door of hope and love to the human race.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
“Come to me, Jesus said, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT) No invitation could be more inclusive, more welcoming. Those who customarily feel shut out are told that they are welcome to come to Jesus. The love of God is inclusive. God’s salvation is offered to everyone no matter what their background is or what they have done in the past.<br />
<br />
Henri Nouwen wrote, “For Jesus, there are no countries to be conquered, no ideologies to be imposed, no people to be dominated. There are only children, women and men to be loved.” Paul wrote, “In Christ, there is no difference between Jew and Greek, slave and free person, male and female. You are all the same in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28 (NCV) The kinds of divisions between people that are normal in human society, should not be found in the church of Jesus Christ. Neither race, nor ethnicity, nor economic status, nor gender, nor any other human distinction should exclude people from the church.<br />
<br />
Gentle Reader, if you study the example of Jesus, you will see that he was a champion of the oppressed. His example was one of unconditional love, and He was against all exclusionary practices. He did not follow his society’s exclusions. This was often a surprise to those who were used to being excluded. When Jesus talked to the woman at the well, “the woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, ‘You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?’” John 4:9 (NLT) Don’t be like the sea lions keeping others from joining you in your resting place. Be like Jesus, inviting everyone to rest.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Richard Lawryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03680320073463221740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310860394791993082.post-55997707047532652892019-03-10T15:18:00.003-07:002019-03-10T15:18:36.699-07:00Dirty HandsArkie's Faith column from the January 23, 2019, issue of The Mena Star.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcB_eWcotI8cNINkTnBzbi7xggvICKRhbwydTtRj7z0_wDvQJ8-0VHkirOsG34Js-kZ7APa33mLP9L2zW3X12NecUGwhlrK6qomlpsBwt6D4YPVgWfdR_eso2xx3AM4aTySHYzxbTO7R9i/s1600/dirtyhands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcB_eWcotI8cNINkTnBzbi7xggvICKRhbwydTtRj7z0_wDvQJ8-0VHkirOsG34Js-kZ7APa33mLP9L2zW3X12NecUGwhlrK6qomlpsBwt6D4YPVgWfdR_eso2xx3AM4aTySHYzxbTO7R9i/s320/dirtyhands.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
When people meet me, one of the first things that they notice are my hands. My hands are usually stained and look dirty. My job is installing windshields. Most windshields today are bonded to the vehicle with urethane designed specifically for auto glass installation. I use a high viscosity black urethane. Urethane is thick and sticky and bonds to almost anything. If it comes in contact with your hands or your clothes, it is difficult to remove, and it will stain.<br />
<br />
When I was fairly new to the business, I was talking to a long time technician and asked him if he had any secrets for removing urethane from his hands. He said, “Point your hand north, then south. Then wait a week, and I promise the stain will be gone. This is the only method that works. I'll recommend it to anyone.” In other words, only time will wear it off. Over the years I have had many people recommend products to me that they were sure would remove the stains from my hands. None of them work.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
One day a customer was watching while I was installing his windshield. The urethane that I was using seemed irresistible. He just had to touch it. He got some of the urethane on his hand. He didn't want me to know he had touched it. I noticed he was quietly rubbing on his hand with a shop towel. If you try to wipe urethane off, all it does is smear and make a bigger mess. When I noticed his problem, I offered him some solvent that helps clean the urethane up. He said, “No thanks, I don’t need any.”<br />
<br />
As I worked, I noticed him continuing to try to clean up. By this time he had gotten the urethane on both of his hands and had also gotten it on his coat. Urethane doesn't come out of clothes. Finally, after observing his attempts to clean himself up and seeing how big a mess he was making, I just got a shop towel and soaked it in solvent and gave it to him. By trying to clean it up himself, he had made a monumental mess. Have you ever made a big mess of your life by trying to clean things up yourself? I know I have.<br />
<br />
As silly as it seems, there are many Christians who have the same attitude as the man in this story. Their hands are dirty and stained with sin, and yet when offered God’s saving grace they say, “no thanks, I don’t need any.” They try and try to clean themselves up. Paul tells us in Romans 6:23 (NKJV), “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Even though the consequences of having hands stained with sin are so clearly stated, some Christians feel that they can clean themselves up by their works. Isaiah 64:6 (NLT) tells us that “when we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags.” Why would we try to clean ourselves up when Jesus has promised to forgive us and clean us up? Why would we ever think that we would have the ability to make ourselves clean?<br />
<br />
King David when he was confronted with his sin by the prophet Nathan admitted that his hands were dirty. In 2 Samuel 12:13 (NLT) the Bible tells us, “Then David confessed to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the Lord.’ Nathan replied, ‘Yes, but the Lord has forgiven you, and you won’t die for this sin.’”<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
After this experience, David wrote the 51st Psalm. In it, he repeatedly talked about God’s cleansing. Verse 2 (NKJV), “Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.” Verse 7 (NIV) “Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.” Verse 10 (NKJV) “Create in me a clean heart, O God.” David knew that he couldn’t clean himself up. He knew that only God could wash him and cleanse him. Only God could create a new heart in him.<br />
<br />
When the Bible talks about our heart, it isn’t referring to the muscle that pumps blood through our body. It is referring to someone’s inner, center self which is the most basic part of who they are. And that’s why the heart is important. It’s the truest part of ourselves, which is why the Bible uses language like “from the heart” and “take it to heart” and “with all your heart.” In Matthew 22:37 (NKJV) Jesus said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.”<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Your heart is the essence of who you are, and David knew that his heart was dirty. He knew that he couldn’t clean it up himself. His plea to God was, “Create in me a clean heart.” He knew that to be able to “love the Lord your God with all your heart,” he would need a new, clean heart.<br />
<br />
Gentle Reader, 1 John 1:9 (NKJV) tells us, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” We can trust God to clean us up. Our job is to admit that we have dirty hands and that we can’t clean them ourselves. Jesus has offered to forgive us of our sin, no matter what it is, and He has promised to clean us up. Let’s take him at his word. We don’t have to have dirty hearts or dirty hands.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Richard Lawryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03680320073463221740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310860394791993082.post-3696966058354434712019-03-10T15:17:00.000-07:002019-03-10T15:17:10.618-07:00A Gift for a KingAn Arkie's Faith column from the January 16, 2019, issue of The Mena Star.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisSbm9LZiR0ZGKLk1STNjm657qfOUqRki3Nxfq6FrP8SfVdxWP_oDio7tkVXYURquKgyQK0nhunf6CWnndF-cpSEsLhskHo-3VdMpaXegUeX0UoEYi1nc3J1CheWHCyUvxJ_awuVGeTINo/s1600/tree+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="914" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisSbm9LZiR0ZGKLk1STNjm657qfOUqRki3Nxfq6FrP8SfVdxWP_oDio7tkVXYURquKgyQK0nhunf6CWnndF-cpSEsLhskHo-3VdMpaXegUeX0UoEYi1nc3J1CheWHCyUvxJ_awuVGeTINo/s320/tree+2.jpg" width="182" /></a></div>
<br />
The young girl eagerly tore the wrapping paper as she anticipated what was inside such a large box. She had noticed this present the moment she walked into Grandma’s living room and saw that one present under the tree was larger than all the rest. When she looked at the present, it had her name on it! She was so excited that she could hardly wait for Christmas morning.<br />
<br />
When the paper was finally off the large box, and she was able to open it with the help of Daddy’s knife, her eyes lit up as she saw a barn and stable for her Spirit Riding Free horses. The box included a barn, fences, a wheelbarrow, stables with working lights, grooming tools, treats, and a real water pump with a hose. Grandma was happy that she seemed to like the gift. When we give gifts, we hope that the recipients will like them. We spend a lot of money and time finding the right gifts for people that are important in our life. Did you give any great gifts this year?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
One Christmas when my son was a young boy, we nearly ruined his Christmas with one of his gifts. One of his jobs was sweeping the kitchen floor. That Christmas we bought a stick vacuum cleaner and thought it would be funny to give to him as a gift. The vacuum, wrapped in beautiful paper, was the largest gift under the tree. When my son saw that the largest gift had his name on it, he was very excited. His imagination went wild. What could that present be? His whole Christmas revolved around the largest gift under the tree and speculating on what it could be. When Christmas morning arrived, all he could think about was that gift. When he opened it, he was so disappointed that the rest of his Christmas presents couldn't make up for the vacuum cleaner fiasco.<br />
<br />
Did you have a difficult time choosing gifts for your friends or family this Christmas? Sometimes it can be hard to find just the right gift. Finding great gifts isn't just a twenty-first century Christmas problem. In the eighth century, a monk named Alcuin was wondering what to get King Charlemagne for Christmas.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Around 780, Charlemagne asked Alcuin to join his court in Francia. One year at Christmas, Alcuin wrote a letter to the king. The monk was afraid that his wealthier rivals would overshadow him at court. They had the money to buy the king expensive presents. Alcuin wrote: “I have long wondered what I might think a worthy gift to do honor to your imperial power and add to the riches of your treasury.” He went on to say that he was presenting to the king, “a gift of the Scriptures which are written with the pen of heavenly grace.”<br />
<br />
When Alcuin wrote to Charlemagne to tell him of his Christmas gift, he said that a student of his, Nathanael, would deliver the gift. Alcuin sent Nathanael to Charlemagne’s court with the instruction, “Give my Lord my letter and my gift of the scriptures on Christmas Day with the greeting of peace.”<br />
<br />
A beautifully decorated tenth-century copy of Alcuin’s letters records the story of this Christmas gift. The manuscript is a part of Lambeth Palace Library. Imagine how hard it was for a poor monk to come up with a suitable gift for the king. He knew from reading the scriptures that “a gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.” Proverbs 18:16 (NIV)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
It is fun to give gifts but deciding on the proper gift for someone can be difficult. I have never needed to give a gift to a king, but I often struggle with coming up with good gift ideas for my wife. Receiving gifts can be fun. It’s especially nice when the person giving the gift knows you well enough to know what you need and the things that you like. A good gift fits your personality.<br />
<br />
When Jesus was giving the sermon on the mount, he said, “if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.” Matthew 7:11 (NLT) Even though we sometimes struggle with knowing what gifts to give others, God always knows the best gifts to give us. He knows what we need and can use, and he wraps up his gifts with love. “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23 (NKJV) Now that is an awesome gift!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Gentle Reader, at times we as humans use our gift giving to try and gain favor with someone. But God is not trying to buy our favor or our love. He gives to us freely because he loves us, knows us, and knows our needs. He knows that we all need the gift of grace. We all need forgiveness. We all need to have the penalty paid for our sins. We need the gift of God; eternal life through Jesus. “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 (NKJV) Don’t be too proud to accept the gift. “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.” Ephesians 2:8 (NLT) “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:15 (NIV)<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Richard Lawryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03680320073463221740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310860394791993082.post-70725015885065492372019-03-06T19:44:00.000-08:002019-06-23T19:44:54.869-07:00Grow Old With MeAn Arkie's Faith column from the March 6, 2019, issue of The Mena Star.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkPgvs60n5pR_3up0bPTCdHK0YH9HpxInwJohDifAVUiN5xPKsfLLebSLsVa1-lceTOGu-UGnmb_WHM3B26CzScoWzwjWDiJElqaAXKr3dQy51RkYA1xzRATKIGKwIdEIwzdxXC3WMUadp/s1600/j1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="347" data-original-width="461" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkPgvs60n5pR_3up0bPTCdHK0YH9HpxInwJohDifAVUiN5xPKsfLLebSLsVa1-lceTOGu-UGnmb_WHM3B26CzScoWzwjWDiJElqaAXKr3dQy51RkYA1xzRATKIGKwIdEIwzdxXC3WMUadp/s320/j1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
John sat at the piano in his bedroom. Pressing the record button on his cassette recorder, he started to play. After playing several measures, he began to sing. “Grow old along with me. The best is yet to be. When our time has come, we will be as one. God bless our love. God bless our love.”<br />
<br />
John and his wife appreciated the poetry of Robert and Elizabeth Browning. One morning, she suggested that he write a song using Robert Browning’s poetry as a stimulus. That afternoon, John was watching TV when an old movie came on about a baseball player. In the film, the baseball player's girlfriend sent him a poem by Robert Browning. The poem was "Rabbi Ben Ezra" which opens with the lines; “Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be, the last of life, for which the first was made.”<br />
<br />
John was struck by the coincidence and sat down to write. He penned a simple love song with the final verse: “Grow old along with me. Whatever fate decrees. We will see it through, for our love is true. God bless our love. God bless our love.”<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
John’s simple love song written for his wife, featuring simple themes of religion, romance, and commitment, has become well known even though the only recording he made of the song was a simple cassette recording made in his bedroom that November day in 1980. Grow Old with Me has become a popular wedding song. It is a very romantic song that's not about blinding passion, but about caring and commitment. When I was making a CD album to give to wedding guests at my daughter’s wedding, I included John’s home recording of Grow Old with Me.<br />
<br />
John was planning to record Grow Old with Me in the studio for his next album. He envisioned the song as a standard, the kind that they would play in church when a couple gets married, lushly arranged with horns and strings. But John wouldn’t get the chance to record Grow Old with Me in the studio. Less than a month after sitting at the piano in his bedroom and recording his new song on a cassette, John was shot and killed in the archway of his apartment building as he returned home with his wife. His lyrics would not be fulfilled; “Spending our lives together. Man and wife together. World without end.”<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
John wrote many love songs in the forty years he lived on this earth. Some of my favorite words that he wrote are “Love is real, real is love. Love is feeling, feeling love. Love is wanting to be loved.” Another favorite love poem he wrote includes the lines; “From this moment on I know exactly where my life will go. Seems that all I really was doing was waiting for love.”<br />
<br />
We all want to be loved, but not all of us find love. The greatest love poem ever written can be found in the Bible in John 3:16,17 (NKJV) “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”<br />
<br />
What beautiful words. Notice that it is the whole world that God loves, not a single nation, not a single race. Not just the “good” people, not just the people who love God back. “God so loved the world.” He loves the lovable and the unlovable; The popular, and the unpopular; Those who love God, and those who never think of God.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Some people find it hard to accept the fact that God freely gives His love and grace. They want to place limits on God’s love. They prefer to think that God only loves the same people they love and that God despises the same people they despise.<br />
<br />
To put it bluntly, these people are wrong. God loves the world, and that includes both those who are just like us and those who are totally different from us. If Jesus didn’t come into the world to condemn people, why should we? Jesus came to lift people up, not to put them down. Jesus didn’t come to condemn us; Jesus came to offer us eternal life. We should follow His example.<br />
<br />
Pastor Ty Gibson wrote, “I undergo the ultimate shift consciousness when I cease perceiving God as an authority figure who wants control and begin perceiving God as a husbandly figure who wants mutual love. Love alone is the agent God uses to expel sin from the heart.”<br />
<br />
In Romans 8:37-39 (NCV), we find these beautiful words. “But in all these things we are completely victorious through God who showed his love for us. Yes, I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor ruling spirits, nothing now, nothing in the future, no powers, nothing above us, nothing below us, nor anything else in the whole world will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
No matter what circumstance you find yourself in, you will never be separated from the love God has for you. God wants you to know Him personally, and he wants to love you and be loved by you for eternity. God says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, I have continued to extend faithful love to you.” Jeremiah 31:3 (HCSB)<br />
<br />
Gentle Reader, Jesus says to you, “I have loved you as the Father has loved me. Now continue in my love.” John 15:9 (ERV) In Hebrews 13:5 (NKJV) He tells you; “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” And He promises that “I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:3 (NKJV) It is as if Jesus is saying to us: “Grow old along with me. The best is yet to be. When our time has come. We will be as one. God bless our love.”<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="236" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EQp2d8-kx_s" width="420"></iframe>Richard Lawryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03680320073463221740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6310860394791993082.post-7601976662662277782019-01-02T12:33:00.001-08:002019-01-02T12:33:05.641-08:00Icy PromisesAn Arkie's Faith column from the January 2, 2019, issue of The Mena Star.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-i5URYp1xytcc2hRZdDX1b9lalI-wJj9IGUCgHh9N4DaniwziN4BP5Eg2iOfJVkC-wX2fqOtVrwputMVcOwG-GuQsTpvL1gl552ZqidirGNg_EauO7l-kAXWjma3w8gdZ8Ya06qTEFHxr/s1600/icy-country-road-located-in-holmdel-new-jersey-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="450" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-i5URYp1xytcc2hRZdDX1b9lalI-wJj9IGUCgHh9N4DaniwziN4BP5Eg2iOfJVkC-wX2fqOtVrwputMVcOwG-GuQsTpvL1gl552ZqidirGNg_EauO7l-kAXWjma3w8gdZ8Ya06qTEFHxr/s320/icy-country-road-located-in-holmdel-new-jersey-.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The cold Kansas winter wind blew as the young boy walked down the icy country road. The gravel road was coated in sleet and ice. “Be careful, Bobby,” Daddy said, “you don’t want to slip and fall like I just did.” “Yes, Daddy,” Bobby answered. They had already been walking for more than a mile, and still had several more to go. Bobby had never seen a road that was so slick. The day before, there had been several inches of sleet, followed by heavy freezing rain. The ice coated everything making it impossible to travel the country roads by car.<br />
<br />
Earlier that morning, Daddy had said, “Bobby, why don’t you come with me to take care of the neighbor’s cattle.” Daddy had promised the neighbor that he would feed the cattle while the neighbor had to be out of town for a few days. He hadn’t gone to feed the cattle the day before because of the ice storm, and he knew that the cows would be hungry. “We can’t take the Model A, it’s frozen solid, and the roads are too slick,” Daddy said, “we will have to walk.” “But the neighbor's house is five miles from here,” Bobby said. “Yes,” Daddy answered, “but I promised that I would take care of the cattle so if the only way that we can get there is by walking, then we will have to walk.”<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Along the country road on the way to the neighbors’ house, there were several long steep grades. Daddy and Bobby struggled to make it up the slippery slopes, and Daddy fell multiple times. “How long will it take us to get there,” Bobby asked. “However long it takes,” Daddy answered, “I promised that I would take care of the cattle and I must keep my word no matter how bad the conditions are or how long it takes.” Bobby put his hands in his pockets to warm them up as they continued walking down the icy road.<br />
<br />
After walking for three and a half miles, Daddy and Bobby came to the state highway. As they were walking down the highway, a truck came by spreading sand on the road. The driver stopped and asked where they were going. Daddy told him that they were heading to the neighbor’s house about a mile and a half on down the highway. “Hop in and get warmed up,” the driver said, “ride with me while I’m sanding the road and I will take you there.” Bobby was happy to crawl up into the cab of the truck and sit between the driver and Daddy.<br />
<br />
When they reached the neighbor’s house, the truck stopped, and Daddy and Bobby crawled down out of the truck. “Thank you so much,” Daddy told the driver as they waved goodbye. Bobby gave grain to the cattle and Daddy pitched hay. The cows were very happy to see them and get something to eat. When they had finished feeding the cows, Daddy chopped a hole in the ice so the cattle could get a drink. When they had finished, Daddy said, “we had better get started back home. We have a long way to go, and we want to get home before dark.”<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Shortly after they started walking down the highway, someone gave them a ride to the country road that led to their house. They still had three and a half miles to walk. As they made their way down the icy road, Daddy slipped and fell several more times. When they could finally see the home place, it was almost dark. They had walked miles and miles of treacherously slick roads to feed some cows. “Why did we have to go feed the cows when the roads were so icy?” Bobby wondered. “A man’s word is important,” Daddy answered. “If you make someone a promise, you should do everything in your power to keep it.” When they opened the door to their house and felt the warmth of the wood stove, Bobby was happy to be home. He hoped that Daddy wouldn’t be too sore from all the times that he slipped and fell on the icy road.<br />
<br />
The Daddy that felt that his promise to a neighbor was so important that he was willing to walk ten miles on slick, icy roads on a cold winter’s day was my Grandpa and Bobby was my Daddy. Daddy learned by example from an early age that a man’s word is his bond, and that the promises we make are important. As much as I would like to be able to say that because of the example of my Grandpa and my Daddy, I have always kept my promises; that isn’t the case. I have made promises that I didn’t keep. But God expects us to keep our promises. “If a man makes a promise to the Lord or says he will do something special, he must keep his promise. He must do what he said.” Numbers 30:2 (NCV)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="text-align: center;">Gentle Reader, I have had many promises made to me that were broken. I’m sure that you have too. And just like you, I have broken promises that I have made. But unlike the promises we make to each other, God keeps every promise he makes to us. God does not go back on His word. “God is not a human being, and he will not lie. He is not a human, and he does not change his mind. What he says he will do, he does. What he promises, he makes come true.” Numbers 23:19 (NCV) When you read your Bible, look for the promises God makes to you. A favorite promise of mine is found in Isaiah 41:10 (NLT) “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” It is a promise you can count on!</span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Richard Lawryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03680320073463221740noreply@blogger.com0