A Boost for the Youth Group!

I've mentioned in many blogs the fact that I was raised in a home where the Sabbath was rather strictly observed.

• no games
• no TV [till later - my dad decided that after evening church it was ok. I'll bet my mom didn't agree with that decision.]
• no playing outside [A few times I recall my dad taking me out to play catch in the front yard. I'm confident that my mom was NOT happy about that!]
• eventually, they did let me ride my bike
• attended Sunday School, Morning Worship, Youth group and the Evening Service.

My mom had been raised in the Scottish Presbyterian tradition. For those who are familiar with the 1981 movie, Chariots of Fire, telling the story of how Eric Liddell refused to run his 1924 Olympics race because it was scheduled on a Sunday  -  this is the tradition that my mother was from.

My dad worked at Townsend Company [mostly in Fallston] for 48 years. Through that long period, he rarely was scheduled to work on Sundays. Even though he resisted, there were a few times that he didn't have a choice and had to submit.

When I became a teenager, I must have overheard a conversation between my parents where they discussed what they would do with my dad's income from a recent Sunday of work. I learned that when he worked on a Sunday, he gave all of his income for that day to the church.

Well, becoming aware of this gave me an idea. Our church youth group was raising funds for a special project. I so wish I could remember what it was, but it was something that we were excited about.

I approached my dad and asked if he would consider giving his Sunday pay to the youth group's project. He - in typical fashion - told me that he'd think about it and talk with my mom. 

In the end, they decided to submit to my request and our project got a bit of a boost as a result!

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Here's some 21st century humor for you to consider. I know from later conversations that my dad never made big wages working at Townsend. I know this because after Debbie and I were married, I excitedly told him about a recent raise I had gotten while working part time at UPS in Lexington, Kentucky. When I told him that I would now be making $4.70/hour, I noticed his lack of excitement.

Being sensitive to him and desiring his approval, I later questioned him about his lack of zeal over my raise. That's when he told me that he'd never made $4.70/hour! I was humbled. This conversation probably took place around 1974.

Factoring this in, I'm guessing that the youth group back around 1967, probably received a gift of approximately $24. 

Last week Debbie and I spent $24 on a meal at Hot Heads!  Perspective is everything!

WHOA! THAT'S ENOUGH! THAT'S ENOUGH!

Exodus 36 records an incident that is every pastor's dream!

The children of Israel were being led by the Lord through the wilderness under Moses' direction. When they arrived at the Mountain of God, Moses spent a great deal of time on the mountain receiving instructions from the Lord.

After delivering the laws that God had declared, God proceeded to show Moses how to have the vestments made for the priests along with their clothing, the altar, the lampstand and the table. All of this was intricate work that demanded great attention to detail and immense knowledge and skill!

God designated two men - Bezalel and Oholiab - to oversee all of the workers. God had gifted these men with a vast array of knowledge and ability to accomplish all of the tasks related to these multiple projects!

These projects also required massive amounts of gold, silver, precious stones, and many other resources. So, Moses challenged the people to give! And they did! The gave not only on the Sabbath, but every day! Exodus 36 records an incident that is every pastor's dream!

        “The people continued to bring gifts each morning because they wanted to.”

And so the work advanced.  However, there came a point where the continually growing stockpile of gifts became an obstruction to the workers.  They approached Moses with a request:  “The people are bringing more than we need to do the work the LORD commanded.” [v.5]

So, “Moses sent this command throughout the camp:

‘No man or woman should make anything else as a gift for the Holy Tent.’ 

So the people were kept from giving more, because what they had was already more than enough to do all the work.” [vs.6-7]

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Imagine yourself in church this Sunday and when it comes time for the offering, your leader announces that no offering will be received because all of the needs have been met and the church is overwhelmed with resources to continue its ministry! 

Does that put a smile on your face? 

Can you imagine a situation where you and your fellow worshippers became so enthused about the ministries of your church that you brought gifts every day and dropped them off at the church?  The mission of the church was being so effective that you just WANTED TO GIVE!  You gave bountifully!  You gave joyfully!  You gave persistently!  No guilt!  No pleading, No faith-promises!  No pledge cards!  Just jubilant, free-spirited generosity!  [For further reading on this subject:  https://hal-lelujah.blogspot.com/2023/09/generous-churches-grow.html]

TREASURE IN HEAVEN

 The statement "you will have treasure in heaven" comes from Matthew 19:21, where Jesus is pursued by a wealthy, young man who asks, "Teacher, what good deed can I do to assure myself eternal life?" [v.16]

[All quotes from The Voice Bible unless otherwise noted]

Most of us are familiar with the passage of this encounter with Jesus.  But can you forget what you already know about it for right now?  

Let's just zero in on the relevant dialogue between Jesus and this wealthy man:

Then a young man came up to Jesus.  'Teacher, what good deed can I do to assure myself eternal life?' [v.16]

Jesus: "If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give all your money to the poor; then you will have treasure in heaven. And then come, follow Me."  [v.21]

The essence of this teaching seems to be: have money here, or accrue "treasure in heaven".

I just read a story about a woman who brought her one-year-old son to a clinic in Maradi, Niger.  But, by the time she arrived, he was barely able to breathe and a nurse had difficulty finding a vein to insert an IV.  He'd been vomiting for days and was so severely dehydrated that when he cried, there were no tears.  

When asked why she delayed so long in bringing him in, she responded, "We lived too far away to walk with such a sick baby and until two days ago, I didn't have enough money to come by bus."  [Story and photo from Richard and Renee Stearns' book, HE WALKS AMONG US, pp.221-223]

Such poverty in the face of needing to help one's only child!  Does she love her child any less than other moms love their children?  No!  She was simply dealing with the realities of extreme poverty.  

When I was teaching in northeast China, my students all had the perception that I was wealthy - because I was an American!  My attempts to explain that I was not wealthy, fell on deaf ears.  UNTIL two of my students later visited us several years later.  As we took them to Washington, D.C. to sight-see, they were not excited about the hotel that we stayed in.  They obviously saw our modest home in Enon Valley - which was a brand new manufactured home that we were delighted in.  These two students finally realized that we were NOT wealthy.  When they had us drop them off, they requested we drop them at one of the finest hotels in Washington!  :-)

Wealth here, or treasure in Heaven?  

How many of us actually believe this teaching of Jesus?  "If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give all your money to the poor; then you will have treasure in heaven."

As those who, up until the last three years, have been considered some of the wealthiest people on earth, have we justified ways to keep a lot of our wealth while still believing that we're pleasing God and meeting His requirements?  

• we tithe
• we give offerings
• we give to different charitable groups
• we send Samaritan Christmas shoeboxes at Christmas 
• we drop off a few cans of food to the local foodbank

Then we go home to our 65" televisions, campers, air conditioned and heated homes, and worship in our newly built, luxurious sanctuaries that sit empty six days a week.  

Will there be a great reversal when we get to Heaven?  Will those of us who have had so much in this life be assigned to mediocre homes there while the woman - pictured above - will live in a "mansion"?

Debbie and I were deeply moved a week ago after attending a missions rally that featured four speakers from the Middle East.  The stories they told of sacrifice left us in awe.  When two of these men spoke at The Foundery Church [which I am currently leading] last Sunday, we were asked not to video-cast because of the sensitivity of their content.  In the promotional material, their last names are not even given!   We heard stories of people who are coming to Christ at the risk of losing their lives!  

On our way home, we wistfully said, "Let's sell everything we have and give it all to this need."  We had seen the need and it moved us!  

The words of Jesus convict us.  Our meager, monthly gift to Samaritan's Purse is not balancing well with our accumulation of possessions and wealth!  

You're right - and you know it - we haven't put up a 'For Sale' sign yet.  But we both reflect on the happiness and fulfillment we experienced when we sold or gave away just about everything we had and went to live in China for three years.

Don't be surprised if... 

GENEROUS CHURCHES GROW!

As we finish out the book of Philippians, the Apostle Paul – who has just spoken eloquently about contentment – issues messages of gratitude to the churches that have supported him.  He especially singles out the Philippian church for being the only one that supported him during his time in Macedonia.  They also sent him several gifts while he was at Thessalonica. 

Then, he affirms them for a gift he has just recently received from the church at Philippi – carried to him by Epaphroditus.  His comment: “I am amply supplied.”

He seems to pick his words carefully here by saying: “Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account.”  This phrase is more important than you might think and has been exaggerated by many teachers.  THE MESSAGE paraphrases it: “Not that I’m looking for handouts, but I do want you to experience the blessing that issues from generosity.” 

Hmmm.  Generosity leads to blessing.

Then the apostle puts the capstone on his message: “You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus.” 

Maybe you’d recognize that verse if you heard it from a more familiar version? 

“And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” [v.19 NASB]

Hmmm.  Generosity leads to all your needs being met by Jesus. 

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It pains me to confess this, but most churches are receivers, but not very efficient givers. 

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I have two wonderful memories!

FIRST

While pastoring the Oakland Church, we discerned that God wanted us to give $100,000 to missions one year!  That was roughly twenty times what the congregation had given in a year previously!  Many thought it was IMPOSSIBLE! 

We made it a major prayer focus throughout the year!  There are too many stories that emerged for me to tell here.  But, just one:

And older member who never spoke out in a service, got up one Sunday and told us a story.  Ellen Wilson was watching the 700 Club.  Pat Robertson was praying.  In the middle of his prayer, he stopped.  After a moment of silence, he said: “There’s a church out there that is trying to raise $100,000 for missions.  God wants you to know that He’s going to do it!” 

At the end of that year, we had a special ‘watch-night’ service on December 31.  We were still $26,000 short.  The church was packed!  After a powerful worship time, we took a praise offering and exceeded our goal! 

It was during the next year that the church saw many converts and saw attendances consistently over 200!!

SECOND

At a request from the World Missions Department, I asked the Ministry Council at Free Methodist Community Church in New Middletown to pray at every meeting that God would send someone (or a couple) into full time missionary service in the Free Methodist Church.  For over two years, we held hands at the close of every meeting and lifted this prayer to Almighty God!

One Wednesday evening, Corey and Connie Persing asked to talk with me.  We met at the parsonage and Corey reported: “I think we might be the answer to the Ministry Council’s prayers!”

After collaboration with the World Missions Department, it was decided that they should go to Thailand for a couple of weeks to see if they would fit into that context.  FMCC paid for that trip.

Next, it was decided that they should go as ‘interns’ for a year.  FMCC paid most of the $85,000 needed to make that happen! 

This was a breakthrough event that catalyzed a wave of new conversions and caused us to start a second Sunday service.  Attendance began to exceed 200 as a result!

NOTE:  Corey and Connie are still significant leaders of International Child Care Ministries and mission’s training in Thailand today!

 Paul taught it:  GENEROSITY LEADS TO BLESSING!

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A FINAL THOUGHT AND A QUESTION:

Final Thought:

The context of Paul’s teaching here is the local church!  That does not mean that this principal doesn’t work for individuals (or couples) – I believe it does!  However, we should note that the context is focused on local churches!

Question:

With all the books and conferences that have been presented on the topic of church growth, could the defining factor be as simple as GENEROSITY?

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Lord of the Church,

Unlock the purse strings of our churches!  Help us to see the significance of building churches in needy areas instead of building cathedrals for our comfort! 

Open our eyes to see that generosity is the key to Your heart!  If we are generous, You will meet all our needs and grow Your Kingdom as a result!

With eyes and hearts of hope, we pray.  Amen!

PLANNED GIVING

When Debbie and I were younger, I bought gifts for her that (I noticed) she never used or wore.  I guess my tastes were different than hers.  I remember one year buying her a rather extravagant white sweater;  I was so excited for her to open it.  To the best of my knowledge - she never wore it.  When I asked her about this she gave me a rather blunt answer:  "Sometimes I just don't like the stuff you buy me."  I was frustrated!  

So, I developed a plan:  For quite a number of years, I took Debbie to the mall in mid-November for a leisurely stroll.  As she looked at various items, I made mental notes of what store we were in and where the items were located.  Then, I went back to the mall later in the day (ot the next day) and bought all of her Christmas gifts.  Problem solved!  😁

I eventually told her what I was doing.  She thought it was pretty smart!  

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I just had the most delightful hour!  I was going through a week's mail and came across Samaritan's Purse 2020 Christmas Gift Catalogue.  It lists all kinds of things you can purchase for those in need around the world:

• Hot meals for hungry children and families
• Care for an orphan
• Help by providing emergency medical care
• Serving refugees
• Helping families from disaster areas
• Helping a family earn an income
• Help a poor farming family
• Plant a grove of trees
• Give a dairy goat, cow, chicks or honey bees
• Give balls or sports gear
• Provide a family a water filter 
• Help dig a well
• Provide life-changing surgery
• Support a mission hospital
• Help build a house or a church or a hospital

It just goes on and on.  I expect to soon get a similar gift book from International Childcare - where Debbie and I have two sponsored children:  one from the Philippines and the other from Kenya.  You have to act now for them to receive their gifts by Christmas time!  ;-)

So many in our world need so much!  We already have SO MUCH!  These various catalogues offer the opportunity for gifts of any size!  You don't have to give hundreds or thousands.  

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I vividly remember quite a few years when we realized we had grossly overdone it for our kids at Christmas!  It was embarrassing.  We bought too much!  

Now that we're retired, we don't buy as much.  We live comfortably and try to be as generous with others as we can.  

So many - even here in our own country - are hurting this year.  Our generosity can make a difference.  

A NAVY SEAL'S PRAYER

This story will require me to unpack some details.  I don't have daily encounters with Navy Seals.  My son, Travis, did when he was with us, but I rarely meet these guys.  I used to think they all looked alike;  that is, until we attended Travis' memorial service in Honolulu four years ago.  He worked with a seal team at the time and MANY attended the service and greeted us afterward.  Some were tall - others short.  Some were thick - others thin.  Some were bulky and muscular - others were lean and toned.  In this particular scenario, the thing they all had in common was that they respected and admired Travis Haire.  :-)

When Debbie and I arrived in Boston Friday to meet our son-in-law, Josh, he introduced us to his friend, Nicholas R.  Senior Chief Nic is a Navy Seal who is enthusiastic about life and passionate about supporting the families of our fallen heroes.  Our whole purpose for being in Boston was to be spectators at the Spartan Stadion at Fenway Park where both Josh and Nic would be running the 5K obstacle course along with 10,000 others!  By the way, Nic is the tall, thick, muscular type.  ;-)   Through our discussions with him, it became quickly apparent to us that Nic was a Christian - a strong one!

We enjoyed watching Josh and Nic on Saturday as they completed the race.  It was a cold day, but sunny.  Then, Josh had arranged for Tracie (our daughter and family), Jon, Rylie and Colton to come up in the evening to join us at a local steakhouse for a late supper.  Eating out raises major concerns for Coltin due to his extreme dairy/egg allergies.  Josh had cleared the location with Tracie who had contacted their corporate office regarding the handling of food for people with allergies.  She had been assured that he would receive a special menu and his food would be properly handled.

We arrived at the restaurant and were seated and served our beverages.  Our waitress was acquainted with Jon and Tracie's home area and a good relationship was established.  She was very patient with Coltin - who by-the-way was using his best 'eat-out' manners (he announced early that he had placed his cloth napkin on his lap)!  :-)  This was a steakhouse a good couple clicks above the kind that Debbie and I tend to frequent.  Very nice!  It took over an hour to get settled and place our orders.

When our drinks arrived, to our surprise, Nic called for our attention and proposed a toast to Veteran's Day dedicating it to Travis' memory and using an old Irish proverb as its form:

"There are good ships and wood ships, ships that sail the sea,          but the best ships are friendships, may they always be!"

Although we didn't realize it at the moment, our toast was overheard by those at tables near us...

Finally, the food was all served within a couple of minutes and we began to enjoy our amazing steaks and extras.

Then it happened!  I looked up and Coltin was in tears.  Jon and Tracie reacted like first-responders, leaping to his side!  I immediately bowed my head and began to pray in my whispered manner.  Debbie also began to pray.  Once or twice, I looked up to see how things were evolving.  I saw the Epi-pen in Tracie's hand.  She and Jon were having him drink some Benadryl.  I continued to pray.

That's when I heard it!  It was a strong voice crying out to Jesus for intervention for Coltin.  The voice asked for Jesus to protect him and to cover him with the Holy Spirit!  It was not a short prayer, but continued in stride with the prayers that Debbie and I were also offering.  I was so immersed in my own intercession that I can't tell you great details about the prayer I was hearing in the background.  Debbie told me later that it was Nic, who was seated at the end of the table right next to Coltin.  They had enjoyed several friendly exchanges during the course of the evening.

You know how this ended, right?  Coltin ended up - after a bit of time - being ok.  His Uncle Josh walked him to a nearby drug store and eventually brought him back with a bag of chips and a bag of jerky!  Obviously, those around us were aware that we had experienced a bit of a crisis - as were the restaurant managers.  Our waitress stood with tears streaming down her face during this episode.

We finished our meals as best we could (they were amazing).  When it came time to fold up and leave, our waitress informed us that the restaurant had extended a significant discount as an expression of their concern.  Then she went on to tell us that the people at a table near ours had overheard our toast and some of our dialogue.  Realizing that we had several military personnel at our table, they paid the rest of the bill.  Although we never saw our bill, I'm guessing that it was in the $300-$500 range!  Yet they never identified themselves!

There are generous people in this world who practice the biblical exhortation to not let the right hand know what the left hand is doing!  I was encouraged by their kindness!

I am also encouraged to know that there are bold, courageous, strong men and women of faith who populate our military!  Today, on this Veterans Day Weekend, I give thanks for two of these men:  Master Chief Jon Kerstetter and Senior Chief Nicholas R.  May God continue to bless them and use them for His sovereign purposes - and may God bless the United States of America and and allow us to continue to be an instrument of blessing to the world in His hand!

AT - WHAT CAN I DO FOR YOU?

I have a good friend who frequently asks me this question.  He is a knowledgeable and generous man who has helped me with quite a few projects over the years.  He moved to South Carolina a year or two ago and I really miss him.  His modeling of generosity of time and talents has inspired me. 

Like everyone, I struggle with being self-centered and selfish.  I admire people who are self-giving, but often struggle and fail to get there myself.  I am fully aware of what a selfish thing it is to take off for six months and hike the Appalachian Trail.  I have struggled over that.  Of late, I've been praying about it.

However, in a recent conversation with my sister, Beverly, I received a confirming word from God.  She is one of the first people I turn to for prayer - because I KNOW she prays and I know she loves me!  :-)  I wish I could quote her exactly, but I'll just have to do the best I can based on a faulty memory.  She assured me that she would be praying for me on this journey.  She reported that she had struggled with 'how' to pray for me.  Then she had come to the conclusion that she should pray that God would thoroughly renew me spiritually and bring me home a totally new man in Christ! 

That resounded in my spirit!  That's what I want!  That's what I need!  That's what I long for.  There have been so many major changes in my life since 2012.  To some extent, I've been floundering.  But somehow, through the word from my precious sister - I have a new-found hope! 

Now, a personal word:
I have been backpacking before and I know that it's a solitary experience.  One of the many reasons I love it is because it reveals my utter dependence on God!  I need Him for:

• strength
• companionship
• courage
• wisdom
• and to help me overcome fear.

When I'm on-the-trail, it is an ongoing (often out-loud) dialogue with God.  I sing and talk with Him and praise Him!  I enjoy His presence and deepen my relationship with Him.  

So, I'd like to make an offer to you today.  I'm entering what could be a six-month school of prayer.  If you'd like to put something on my prayer list, I'd love to covenant with you about your need or concern.  I will only share your concern with God!  I will print (and laminate) a list of all concerns I receive along with your names.  I will periodically pull it out while I'm hiking and bring your needs before our loving and powerful God. 

If you would like me to be praying for your concern, simply share it with me via:

• email:  halinasia@psmail.net
• text:  (724) 944-3881, or
• Facebook - Private Message

Keep in mind that I leave March 9th, so you'll need to respond quickly!  Meanwhile, God bless you!

The blog I never wanted to write

Did you know that Travis was a preemy?  Yep!  Five pounds at birth and seven weeks early.  He immediately lost weight and we had to leave him in the hospital for two weeks.  That was tough!

It was love at first sight.  He changed our lives forever. That was thirty-nine and a half years ago.

In between, he has provided us with some of the proudest moments of our lives!

Raising him was actually pretty easy.  He was always respectful!  He never broke the trust.

People like Travis!  He was fortunate to get his mother's personality!  He makes friends easily everywhere he goes.

And, he is generous - especially with those he loves.  In 2005, Tracie had saved $600 to buy her wedding dress.  But she fell in love with one that cost more than twice that.  She borrowed the excess from Travis;  he never let her pay him back.

He was Troy's best man in 2012.  He came home for a whole week and went to extremes to see that everything was perfect. He prepared their honeymoon suite with extravagant treats and adornments.

We were also recipients of his generosity. He often bought us expensive things that he knew we would never purchase on our own.

A couple of years ago, Travis and Josh decided to stop showering Rylie and Coltin (Tracie's children) with gifts. Instead, they opened a college fund for them (as well as a niece of Josh's) and began making monthly contributions toward their future education.

When Debbie and I were young, we saw siblings that seemed to hate one another. Before we were even married, we determined that we would strive to raise our children to genuinely love each other. And they have!  They've shared vacations and still have animated and humorous text-conversations on a regular basis.

In recent years, Travis made major life decisions that we did not agree with. However, our love for him remained constant and grew to include Josh. He also made career decisions that changed his future work focus. We supported him in these.

Then, of course, we went to China for three years. The last time we saw him was at Family Camp during July, 2014.   It was wonderful to have our whole family together for an entire week!  A rare treat for the Haire family.

On Monday, Josh called to tell us that Travis had experienced a cardiac arrest.  We immediately flew to his side - where we have stayed. Initially, we had a hope that he would be restored to us;  however, in time it was clear that we would not tbe hearing his voice again.

In the meantime, we have taken turns standing at his side.  We have talked to him, held his hands, rubbed his shoulders and loving stroked his face.  It's ironic that I recently wrote a blog about weeping.  This week we have each sobbed with sorrow!  Wednesday night, Debbie wailed throughout the night!  The next morning, I watched her caress his face with her fingers and her lips as she sang to him and expressed her love to him!

I look at this man who is so intelligent. I remember how he used to love to lay on top of me when he was young.  I think about his knowledge of nuclear reactors.  I think about the places he's been and the experiences he's had.  When he came home from one of his deployments on the Parche, I smilingly asked him where all he'd been?  He said, "Well, Dad, I could tell you - but then I'd have to kill you".  And then he laughed that goofy laugh of his!

An hour ago, Travis passed away.  He is now giving life to others through the donation of his kidneys.  In time, he will be buried according to his wishes at the United States Military Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

Our grief is without description!  We are seized with pain. We are, however, a family of faith. Our trust is always in the Lord. If need be, we will stand with Job and say:  "The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away;  blessed be the name of the Lord."

We believe with all of our hearts in the pursuing love of God. We know that God pursues all people up until the last milli-second of life!  We have continually called on God's mercy and grace for ourselves and for Travis.

We stand with broken hearts that need mended and we look to the Lord for that healing.

TIPPING

I've had the luxury of traveling and eating out a lot over the last month - way more than usual.  Because of this, I've been faced with repeated situations that involved leaving a tip.

When I eat in a restaurant, I'm a 20% tipper;  except for breakfast or when Deb and I share a meal - then I try to tip more.  Why?  Because my wife was a server in a restaurant and I know how hard they work and how little they're paid.  I've seen her come home and dump crumpled bills out onto the couch and then sit - dead tired - and count it.  When it added up to a reasonable amount, I could see the pride and joy return!

What about tipping the housekkeeper at a hotel?  We've left anywhere from $2-5.  We try to do so daily to make sure the right person gets the tip!

How about the person who manages the free breakfast area in hotels?  Hmmm.  I haven't found guidelines for this, but I'm now leaving a couple of dollars on the table - even though I don't see others doing so.

Many years ago, I was a bellman in a hotel in Lexington, Kentucky.  In addition to assisting with luggage, I also drove people in the hotel van.  Another part of my role was delivering room service orders to the patrons.  I expected tips.  I looked forward to them.  A good tip could make my day! 

I remember a day when I drove a group of people to the Keeneland Race Track.  I answered questions and conversed with them the whole way.  As they disembarked, I received $30 in tips!  I was ecstatic!  Thirty dollars in 1973 - to a seminary student - was like receiving $150 today!!!  My wheels hardly touched the road on my way home that day!!!!  I couldn't wait to show Debbie!

If I can make someone's day by leaving a few dollars, I'm going to do so!  As long as I have it, I'm going to try to be generous with it!

Last night, Debbie, Janie, Ken, Dolores and I ate at a Perkins near our hotel.  To be honest, we were served poorly.  We repeatedly asked for more napkins.  My drink was never refilled.  She served us the wrong meals.  She spilled dressing on Janie.  When she wasn't around, we were critical of her.

At the end of the evening, Ken struck up a conversation with her and told her a story about one of his daughters-in-law who served poorly - but got a big tip anyway.  She warmed to us and told us that she's only been on-the-job a few weeks.  She was sweet and admitted her need for improvement. 

My father-in-law was in charge of the tip.  I noticed that he rewarded her generously.  I was proud!

GIVE IT AWAY

Some years back the Gaither Vocal Band sang a song titled, "Give It Away".  The chorus includes the following words:

If you want more happy than your heart will hold
If you want to stand taller if the truth were told
Take whatever you have, and give it away
If you want less lonely and a lot more fun
And deep satisfaction when the day is done
Then throw your heart wide open and give it away

It was a lively song that really tended to work the crowd up.  Very enthusiastic!  In one video, Bill Gaither takes off his jacket and throws it into the crowd!  You get the picture...

I wonder how many people go home from those concerts and start giving their stuff away?

I'm betting no one does.

Within the next three months, we'll be leaving our present home.  We have no idea where we're going.  I have been advocating for a massive reduction in everything that we own.

Just two years ago, I reduced all that I personally owned by fifty percent.  It was fun;  a little hard when it came to my books, but I accomplished the goal.  Now, I'm trying to convince Debbie to do it across-the-board with everything we own.  No yard sales - JUST GIVE IT AWAY!

Last night, I was already asleep when she woke me and wanted to talk.  She propped pillows so we could look at her list.  One side of the page had a list of stuff she wants to keep.  The other side was a list of stuff she wants to give away!  They were equal in length!

She asked if I disagreed with anything - I didn't.  It's a done deal.  We added a few more things to each list and went to sleep.

Why are you keeping all that stuff!

I'm remembering something Billy Graham said:  "I've never seen a hearse pulling a U-Haul trailer!"  In other words:  You can't take it with you!

If you want to see/hear the song, here's the link:

A DISTURBING SCRIPTURE

Luke 6:35-36 (The VOICE)

[Jesus speaking] If you want to be extraordinary - love your enemies!  Do good without restraint!  Lend with abandon!  Don't expect anything in return!  Then you'll receive the truly great reward - you will be children of the Most High - for God is kind to the ungrateful and those who are wicked.  So imitate God and be truly compassionate, the way your Father is." 

Jesus, did You really mean this?  It seems to me that You set the bar really high!  To do these things goes against my grain.  There is something in me that instinctively hates my enemies.  I tend to naturally be stingy.  And when I do something nice, I expect a return of some kind on my investment. 

You’re saying that if I counter these natural impulses and deliberately do what You say, I’ll eventually get a great reward?  Is that really true?  You expect me to make massive sacrifices while I’m here on earth in hopes that someday – after I die – I’ll be greatly rewarded? 

Isn’t that a long-shot?  I don’t see many people taking You up on that deal.  As a matter of fact, I’m not sure I know anyone who’s deliberately living that way.  So why should I? 

If everyone I see and know is hoarding and luxuriating, why shouldn’t I?  If we’re all wrong, at least I won’t be alone in any judgment that falls on me. 

What if I don’t want to be extraordinary?  Then can I hate my enemies, do less good, and hoard?  If I choose ordinary, does that mean I’ll still make Heaven but just won’t get a great reward?   Or, will I lose Heaven too? 

Why do You have to expect so much of us, Lord?  Can’t You just let us enjoy our lives here?  Why do You demand that we be so other-conscious?  Am I my brother’s keeper?