Labor Day - A Restful Holiday

     Labor Day is a United States Federal Holiday designated by man for  the contributions made by men to the labor force.  Those who are able and those who choose to work as God intended without depending on others to take care of them, gladly take this day off from their jobs, but it is not necessarily a day of rest.  We often find some other form of work that keeps us busy.   We are so busy being busy we forget some very important issues in life.

      It is the same on Sundays.  We are so busy being busy we forget about God.  On the seventh day God ended His work and He rested.  He actually blessed the seventh day and declared it a day of rest.  Sunday is our weekly Labor Day that was designated by God.  But do we take the time needed for the important things in life? Do we slow our pace and rest?  Do we take time to worship God and talk with Him? 
     Even in the very early days people were busy being busy.  Martha was very busy when Jesus went to visit her.  She wanted her home to be clean and neat.  She wanted the dinner prepared just right.  When her sister, Mary didn’t help her, Martha became fretful and started complaining.  Yet, Mary chose to take a “Labor Day” off from work.  She chose to sit at Jesus’ feet and spend time with Him.  She chose to listen to His Word and His teaching.  
     I wish I could say I was like Mary, but I must be honest and admit that I am more like Martha.  I am just like most people. I am busy being busy; although, I do have my preferences.  After a week sitting behind a desk, I am ready for some manual labor.  I actually enjoy it! That probably accounts for why my daughter presented me with a sign that read, "A day in the garden is better than any day in the mall."  Don't get me wrong.  I do enjoy shopping, but that can be tiresome and laborious, too. Regardless of which activity I chose, I am still busy being busy.   
     This Labor Day we need to remember Jesus’ answer to Martha, “Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: but one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42

Proverbs 31 - A Woman's Purse

     “Guilt Trip” with Barbara Steisand was a cute movie.  One of the things I remember was when she took out her purse hook and hung her purse from the restaurant table.  I was reminded of this movie when I read a facebook post by a friend named Barb (short for Barbara)  who wrote  that “all bathrooms should have a purse hook installed in the women’s stalls.”  It may be a coincidence that both episodes about purse hooks came from a Barbara.  But not just Barbaras carry purses. 

      All women carry purses and they carry a lot in their purses.  A woman’s purse  is the catchall any day but especially when traveling.  Personally, I never go anywhere without my small pull-out tape measure, my Tide pen, and my lipstick not to mention cell phone which has taken the place of my notebook for jotting notes, label names and prices.  Now I can just take out my phone and snap a picture.  Men will tell you, “If you like it, buy it now.”  Not women, we have to shop to see if we can find something we like better or maybe just get a better price. 
     Sitting under “A Friendly Shade” and thinking about all the things women carry in purses I came to the conclusion that I am so thankful I am not required to carry Jesus around in my purse because I might not be able to find him when I need Him most.  That being said, I still think women should be honored for all they are required to keep up with in their purses.  The revised version I created on Proverbs 31 does just that.

Who can find a virtuous woman? For her purse is always with her.

The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, for he has no need to carry her lipstick.

She will do him good and he can trust in her for she carries what she needs in her purse. 

She seeks the best leather, and worketh willingly to shop for the best handbag.

She is like the merchants’ ship; she fills her purse with necessary snacks and food items.

She rises also while it is yet night, and selects the best shoulder bag for the day.

She considers different sizes and colors; with her hands she fills her purse to meet the needs of the day.

She girdeth her arms with strength to support the strap of her bag.     

She perceiveth that her satchel is good and strong to carry the heavy load. 

She layeth her hands securely around the strap of her handbag to protect it from thieves.

She stretcheth forth her hands for money, check books, and credit cards to put into her purse.

She is not afraid for her household, they will be well taken care of from the contents in her satchel.

She maketh coverings of silk and linen to protect glasses, notebooks or whatever is found in her
purse.

Her husband is known in the gates for sometimes he has to hold her large bag.

She always takes her purse wherever she goes; to sells, to work, to vacations. She is prepared!

Strength and honour are with her and she carries her shoulder bag with dignity. 

She opens her mouth with wisdom and reaches for just the right items from her purse; things that will calm a crying baby, wipe a snotty nose, or cure a headache.

She looketh well to the ways of her household and is never negligent in keeping up with her large bag. 

Her children call her blessed, her husband also; they praise her for meeting their needs from items found in the bag she carries everywhere she goes.  

Many daughters have done the same; there are few that surpass each other when it comes to their satchels.

Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman who maintains a full handbag, she shall be praised.

Give her of the fruits of your hands and she will store them in just the right place-her purse. 

Seventy Times Seven

    When I was reading my “In Touch” the writer was giving an example of Jonah and how he was fearful of following what God was calling him to do and what a high price we pay in trying to flee from the Lord.  Along with that, he stated that in spite of our weak fleeing “God is forgiving – He offers a second or third or fortieth or millionth chance.”

     As I sit under “A Friendly Shade,” I wasn’t thinking so much about fleeing from God, which I certainly have a tendency to do out of fear as the author was talking about, but I was thinking about forgiveness.  First of all, if we do not have a forgiving heart we are not in the best position to do God’s will and to affect the lives of people for Him and for His work. 
     My first thoughts went to Matthew 18 when Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?”  In verse 22 Jesus answers, “I say not unto thee, until seven times: but, until seventy times seven.”  
     Over my lifetime, I am sure God has forgiven me much more than seventy times seven.  There is no telling how many chances I have been given; more than “fortieth or a millionth” chances.  I praise my God for His forgiveness. 
     Certainly, if I want God to forgive me I should be just as willing to forgive others.  As I have tried to practice forgiveness, and it takes earnest prayer to do this, I have found that I am much more content and my heart is must more joyful when I do not hold grudges.  I have a better feeling about myself.  I have found that when I am “big enough” to forgive, I actually keep many more friendships, but most of all, I am following God’s direction and teaching.   
     My biggest fear as I sit under “A Friendly Shade,” is that someone will offend me in such a way that I cannot forgive.  Then I might be more like Jonah and be “swallowed by the whale.”  In other words, I hope I have a reverent fear of the Lord; a fear that is much healthier and greater than my fear of forgiving.   

 Matthew 18:35   “So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.”

Prayer

     As I sit beneath “A Friendly Shade” today and recall the Sunday School lesson and the preaching service, in which both were on prayer, I find myself lacking in all the areas that I truly know about but have become complacent and lacking. 

     First of all, I know that I need to establish a special time to be with God, a special time-appointed quiet time.  Yet, as the pastor pointed out, prayer is never-ending.  There should be no beginning and no ending.  It should be steadfast and continuous.   That, in itself, makes us more watchful for things and people we should pray about and for.  It presents an opportunity for us to be able to intercede for others. 
     I have used the slogan, “Fake it till you make it,” so often in my life, but I was fascinated by another slogan given that the Puritans use.  It is, “Pray until you pray.”  This really has given me food for thought.  So often, most of us have to admit that, we go to God for answers in our lives.  We say, “We want!  When will You answer?”  How often do we pray just to be thankful, to reflect, and to be grateful for what God has already given us?

 My Prayer as I sit in “A Friendly Shade,” is:

How often, Lord, do I come to talk with you?

Let it be all though the day and down every road. 
Forgive my neglect.
Let me be thankful as I reflect
On the blessings you have bestowed.

Let me rise early in the morning
With You in my thought.
Circumvent, Lord, any intrusion,
Keeping you in my mind, without exclusion.
Keep me thankful for every blessing brought.

Give me confidence to trust in thee.

Help me “pray until I pray.”
Give me courage to proclaim
Your almighty Name!  
Give me faith when I see no answer right away.

Lest I forget to ‘hush and listen,’

Lest I forget to give you praise,
Humble me.
This is my earnest plea,    
For you are my rock all of my days.

Who's On First?

   As I was sitting under  "A Friendly Shade" I thought  back to my basketball days and how competitive I was and, must admit, still am in certain areas of my life.  Most people will agree   that sports is highly competitive.  In fact, many extremely talented players find, at some point in their lives, they dream of making it to the "big league." 

     As I thought about sports, I remembered how faithful my dad was in supporting and following my team to every game.  However, his favorite sports was baseball.  Not only did he watch baseball, but one of his favorite comedy shows was Abbot and Costello.  I remember, so well, one of their most popular episodes which started out with "Who's on first?"  and how the dialogue went full circle with Costello never understanding the names of the players.   Turns out Who was on first base, What was on second, and I Don't Know was on third.  They finally wrap it up with, "Same as You!  I throw the ball to Who. Whoever it is drops the ball and the guy runs to second. Who picks up the ball and throws it to What. What throws it to I Don't Know. I Don't Know throws it back to Tomorrow, Triple play. Another guy gets up and hits a long fly ball to Because. Why? I don't know! He's on third...!"!
     Thinking about all this I suddenly realized that baseball is kind of like life.  We step up to the batter's plate in hopes of feeling that cracking sound as the bat connects with the ball, sending it outside the playing field to score a home run.  Often it turns out that we can only bunt to get to first base, then become fortunate enough to steal second base, running with all our might to third base, and finally skid into home plate.  The problem is that we often take our attitudes, hard feelings, and 'feel sorry for me' traits along with us.  However, there is always another chance at the batter's plate.  We  may never quite hit the home run that we dream about.  We may strike out, we may hit a foul ball, we may fall and get tagged out, but with God in our life, pitching for us, we can skid into home base and hear the crowd as it goes wild.    
     I can picture my career now!  I am standing on home plate.  I am about to hear, "Strike three, you're out!" so I bunt and run with mustard seed faith hoping, all the while, to hear the booming sound of the umpire as he calls out, "Safe."  Then I wait.  I slip away from first, but I see the error I am about to make and quickly return before the pitcher attempts to throw the ball, and Who, which is on first, tags me out.  This time I wait until  another team mate helps me out by solidity swinging the bat sending the ball far into left field. With faith I run, not stopping at second but on around to third and skid into home plate creating a cloud of dust that turns into a miraculous home run.  Out of the dust, I feel a presence.  Someone is lifting me up!  The crowd cheers! Nothing can silent the hoorays and applause.  There is pandemonium in the stands!

    

Out of Slavery; Into Forgiveness

     Slavery has been a keynote of our lives since the beginning of time, or at least since after the time Adam and Eve chose to disobey God.  From that time forward people have chosen to follow their own weak desires and offended people.

     Last week in “A Friendly Shade,” I wrote about how we struggle with the slavery we create in our own lives through our spending habits and how we allow ourselves to become slaves to the credit card company. 

     This week as I sit under my “Friendly Shade,” I thought back to a recent phone conversation of a woman going through a divorce and how she was reacting to that period of hurt in her life.  It brought to mind my own divorce and how much it hurt.  But, more than that, it brought to mind how I dealt with forgiveness. 

     We are given the greatest example in life of forgiveness when Jesus hung on the cross and said, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”  That was true love!  Jesus freed us that day, and I believe He wants us to be free while we live here on earth.  When we fail to forgive we are placing ourselves into a state of slavery.  Resentment, bitterness, anger, and ill-health will build up inside of us.   We become sick inside.  When we fail to forgive we injure ourselves.   Unforgiveness festers and it changes us. 

     Unforgiveness has caused families to be split, wars to develop, and tension to brew.  It burns like a fire, and it will destroy.  The more we forgive, the more beautiful our lives can become.  When we choose to forgive, we begin a healing process that releases us from our own self-pity.  We are freeing our minds by doing good for ourselves. Healing takes place.  When we forgive we are no longer the victim.  Booker T. Washington had it right when he said, “You can’t hold a man down without staying down with him.”   

     Forgiving is hard to do.  It is not an easy road to travel, but it can be done.  It takes an attitude change!  I read a quote somewhere that said, “Forgiving is not forgetting, it’s letting go of the hurt.” 

     I believe that forgiveness is required in life, not only to help us create a healthy life-style and keep us out of the bondage of slavery, but we are required to do it if we want to be forgiven of our own failings in life.   We must forgive to be forgiven. 

      “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (Matthew 6:14-15)

      “But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good  to them which hate you.  Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.  Luke 6:27-28

     We are told to love our enemies, and we will be rewarded.  I believe a part of that reward is the freedom that is created inside of us.  When we let it go and  forgive, we are removing hatred and replacing it with love.  We are rising above, gaining a steady foothold in life, and finding wisdom, maturity, humility, and courage. 

     “But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.” Luke 6:35  

     “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32

     There is much to be said about being angry, but when we let it simmer and fail to forgive we are robbing ourselves of peace and rest. Do you think, that maybe, the scripture below also means do not let the sun go down on your unforgiveness?

     “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:” Ephesians 4:26

      There are many scriptures in the Bible regarding forgiveness.  The hurt and the pain placed upon us may be so great that we wonder, “How can we find it in our hearts to forgive?”  We may ask, "If I forgive how will I obtain justice?" It is then that we need to go humbly to God remembering that He is the only one who is to provide justice in His way and in His time.  "Let Go and Let God!"  We need to seek out all the scriptures we can find on forgiveness, pray over them, and pray for the offender.  We can overcome and find the peace we seek!  We can remove the slavery of unforgiveness from our minds, attitudes, and hearts.  We will have our rewards without injury to any man!   

     “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:7

     “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.”  Isaiah 40:31