Family Traditions
By Pamela Blattner

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever.”
Psalm 136:1

At our home, it was customary to give thanks before we ate our Thanksgiving meal. The prayer was different each year, but my dad’s Thanksgiving reading remained the same. He would stand, unfold the same piece of paper and say, “Welcome to the Martins’ (date) Thanksgiving Dinner. I want to tell you what I'm thankful for. I’m thankful for: the mess to clean up after Thanksgiving Dinner because it means I have been surrounded by friends and family; the taxes I pay because it means that I'm employed; the clothes that fit a little too snug around the middle, because it means I have enough to eat; Bernie (sitting next to him at our table), behind me in church who sings off key because it means that I can hear; the lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning, and gutters that need fixing because it means I have a home; my huge heating bill because it means that we’re warm.” At this point my sister and I would look over his way to hear the annual pause and witness his teary blue eyes. “I am thankful for all of you at this table because it means that I am loved.”

God often touched my heart through the longings and expressions of my father. I wanted his Bible after he passed away because he had written all over it and stuffed many memories and thoughts inside it, including his annual Thanksgiving reading. I found this note on the back of it, written by either my grandmother or my aunt:

“Blessed Thanksgiving, Glen! Please try and remember that everything in your life that flows out of love has come to you from God. Everything in your life that is good has been initiated by God. He is everything to you, and He is enriching your family, friends and co-workers at Harnischfeger through you. His blessings are limitless; His love is endless. He has saved you, redeemed you, and justified you. All of God’s grace abounds toward you, all of Christ’s riches are made available to you and all spiritual blessings are provided for you. In Christ, you have received the treasures that can never be taken away, the hope that can never fade away and the life that will never pass away. It’s Thanksgiving, Glen, and you, who have so little, have received so much, because He has been so generous.”

This year, as we gather our family and friends around our tables for a Thanksgiving meal, let’s pass on the tradition of having thankful hearts toward God…all through the coming year.

GOING DEEPER:
1. For what spiritual blessing are you most grateful to the Lord Jesus today? Tell Him, then write a note to a loved one, passing on the tradition of thankfulness for God’s work in your life.

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 128:5, 138:2

Pam and her husband Richard have two adult children and two grandchildren. She serves Oakwood through its Family Care Ministries.

Songs of Thanksgiving
By Jen Wollner

“Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.”
Psalm 95:2

My 3-year-old daughter has a habit that I hope she never changes. When she asks me for something and I oblige, she raises both of her arms above her head and exuberantly exclaims, “Yaaaay!” It’s her way of showing her gratitude and sheer joy for what I am doing for her. I just love how kids express themselves so freely, don’t you? They aren’t afraid to dance or sing in a show of emotion….they may even prefer it! So, what is it that happens between childhood and adulthood to make us so inhibited and restrained? Do we lose that joy and thankfulness, or just simply subdue it?

I did a search in Scripture on the word “thanksgiving.” I was surprised to find that many of the references in the Old Testament linked “thanksgiving” with “singing” or “shouting.” As I read through the verses, phrases like “songs of praise and thanksgiving” (Nehemiah 12:46) and “shouts of joy and thanksgiving” (Psalm 42:4) caught my attention. Oftentimes, when the people of Israel wanted to show their gratitude for what the Lord had done for them, they had a celebration. And, we’re not talking about a small proper dinner party…it was loud and boisterous! There were trumpets, cymbals, harps, lyres, shouting voices and singing choirs. It was with thunderous praises and joy that they expressed their thankfulness for God’s goodness.

What about us? Do we sing praises to the Lord out of a grateful heart? Do we shout for joy when He pours His blessing on us? I’m not referring to Sunday morning corporate worship…although that is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate…but, what about when we are all alone with the Lord? Do we allow ourselves the freedom to express our emotions outwardly? It may feel uncomfortable at first, but try it. As you pray, do so out loud with your arms raised to your Creator. Or, turn on your favorite praise music and sing aloud to your Savior…you could even twirl and dance, if you dare! When we physically act out our thankfulness, our joy and appreciation for our heavenly Father is enhanced and heightened. Maybe that’s why the Israelites made it a tradition to celebrate so energetically.

Today, as our thoughts turn to that for which we are thankful, may our arms raise and voices roar in song and praise to our God!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Think of the people or things in your life for which you are most thankful. Praise God in a demonstrative way for His faithfulness and lovingkindness!

FURTHER READING:
Ezra 3:11; Nehemiah 12:27, 31, 38; Psalm 69:30

Jen and her husband are busily parenting three children under the age of 6. Jen heads the Fresh Start ministry and is on the leadership team for Mission: Hope, Oakwood’s orphan care ministry.

Keeping in Step with the Spirit
By Karen D’Amore

“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”
Galatians 5:25

“Laeft…laeft…laeft…right…laeft”, barked the commander in military-like twang. The para-military structured police academy strongly resembled “boot camp.” Everyday we lined up in single file squads to practice marching drills. With the squads aligned according to height, the shortest led the class. “Mike” led my row, marching to the beat of his own rhythm-less drummer. He could not keep in step! Following directly behind Mike, I was thrown out of step, as well. A domino-effect continued down the line with each recruit doing a comical double-step skip to get back in step. Midway through the academy, the direction of the squad was reversed, with the taller recruits taking the lead. Amazingly, once “Mike” was re-positioned to follow in the steps of another, he was able to keep in step.

In Galatians 5:25 the Greek for “to walk” means “to get in line with.” “to follow after.” The phrase “keep in step” is a military term that describes a soldier standing in the ranks. Surrounded by a host of other soldiers, he focuses straight ahead on his commanding officer. When the order is given to move, he steps forward in perfect time, moving with his fellow soldiers. Following the commands of his leader, he does not have to understand, he simply has to obey. A good soldier must not lag behind nor run ahead. He must “keep in step” with his leader and follow wherever he leads.

Paul exhorts us to keep in step with the Spirit’s clearly revealed orders, as well as with His people. As Christ-followers we are to abandon the life of the flesh; a life which marches to the beat of its own sin-natured drummer. We are to align ourselves with our Commanding Officer. We must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and follow His commands. We aren’t called to understand all of His marching orders, nor do we need to know every detail of His Master Plan. Proclaiming to live by the Spirit of Christ carries the responsibility to conduct ourselves accordingly. We can’t merely talk the talk…we must walk the walk!

Unlike “Mike,” whose direction determined his positioning for a leader’s steps to follow, our Leader…the Holy Spirit…is always with us. As we obey His Words with military-like devotion, His cadence will resonate in our walk…exhibiting the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Check your step. How can your walk better align with your talk?

FURTHER READING:
Romans 6:6, 8:5-11; Galatians 5:22-23

Married to husband Dan, Karen is the Salon Coordinator for Intrigue Salon & Spa, the administrator for Oakwood’s Tuesday a.m. Bible Study and a volunteer at the Wildlife In Need Center.

Lessons from the Bowling Alley
By Pamela Blattner

“I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.”
2 Timothy 1:5

My dad’s family went to church faithfully. That’s what they had always done. But, once inside the brick walls of home, the story was different. There the masks came off, and my dad and his brother and sister lived with the painful reality of their father’s bad choices. When my grandfather passed away suddenly, my grandma was faced with providing for the family. Being unskilled, she went to work for a local bowling alley in South Milwaukee within walking distance of their home. She spent the next several years polishing the floors. She and her children also went on welfare.

What she did had a lasting impact on my dad. Quiet, consistent and exhausted, Grandma Gusty showed love to her family. Her never-wavering faith was an anchor. Her unconditional love toward many homeless children in her neighborhood was like water to a thirsty child. My grandmother gave hope that there was more to God and to this life than what she knew. Moreover, my dad, my sister and I, and my children, learned from our grandmother that Christianity was something you lived out every day, not just on Sundays.

Never underestimate the power of faith to make an impact over generations. Through the faith that both my grandmother and dad shared with me, I learned that God doesn’t need dynamic preaching to convey His love. Nor does He need people with classy cars, big houses or fancy vacation plans to make an impression. God can change a life, and a generation of lives, using the gentle, consistent, sincere lives of people who love and serve Him.

Thank you, God, for Grandma Gusty’s sparkling eyes and model of faith you’ve shown me through her life. I long to be a wife, mother and grandmother who leaves a legacy of faith to my family.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Who in your life has modeled Christ’s servant heart to you or your family?
2. What can you do for your own children, grandchildren or others in your life to leave a legacy of faith?

FURTHER READING:
Isaiah 55:11; Daniel 4:34b

Pam and her husband Richard have two adult children and two grandchildren. She serves Oakwood through its Family Care Ministries.

M.I.A.
By Becci Terrill

“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”
Psalm 139:7-9

MISSING: 5’9”, 135 lb. female, brown hair & eyes, 44 yrs old, probably wearing red high heels.

It had been one of those days…my husband was out of town, the kids were attending school out of state, the new job wasn’t going as well as planned, and to top it off, the puppy had just chewed up my Oriental rug. At this point, even Calgon couldn’t take me far enough away to help. The passport in my drawer was calling out my name, tempting me with visions of far off places, but unfortunately the checkbook was speechless and empty.

Maybe I could run to that place, like Cheers, where “everybody knows your name and they’re always glad you came.” Surely someone there would understand, wouldn’t they?

Have you ever had one of those days? A day when life is spinning out of control like an amusement park ride and you just want to get off and run away? Fortunately, no matter where we run, the Lord is there. Jonah found this out the hard way by trying to flee from God. He thought he had succeeded…paid the fare, boarded the ship, and settled in his bed for a nap. Then came the big storm, the unexpected swim and the unusual accommodations where God finally got his attention…in the belly of a whale.

Maybe that’s where I should run in the first place…TO JESUS! Maybe He allows all these things to crowd into my life to drive me TO HIM. I hadn’t thought of that before. Spending time with my precious Savior, away from the busy-ness and crazy-ness of life, is just what I need to refresh my soul and calm my emotions…especially after “one of those days.”

So, if you ever see the M.I.A. notice posted above, please let my family know I’ll be home soon…after time spent with Jesus!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What circumstance in your life makes you want to run away? Whatever you are facing, share your heart with Jesus.
2. Do you sometimes feel like you’re beyond God’s reach? Ask God to strengthen your faith.

FURTHER READING:
Jonah 1-2

Becci is a wife and mom to two daughters. She is the Director of Ministry Partnerships at Shepherds Ministries in Union Grove and is the Special Events Coordinator for Oakwood's We Women Ministries.

For His Glory
By Dawn Weimar

“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.”
1 Corinthians 1:27

A little girl was born, sickly from the beginning. Her parents worried, especially when the seizures started. But her parents believed in her future and sacrificed to put her through private school, ignoring a teacher’s claim that she was retarded.

The girl knew she was different, but didn’t know why. She had a hard time socially because of strong epilepsy medications. Unfortunately, her classmates knew she was different, too, and the social stigmas were hard for her to tear down. The negative voices she heard went with her wherever she went.

As a teenager, the girl was finally taken off of her medications. All of a sudden, the world through her eyes grew peripheral vision. It became noisier; colors more vivid. Now, she knew why she had struggled. She vowed things would be different and worked to develop skills that evaded her for years. She graduated at the top of her class, well-liked and voted “smartest girl.”

Unfortunately, the voices continued to tell her for years that there was something wrong with her. She was never quite good enough and lacked confidence. Until one day this young lady heard the voice of God break through. The Word of God spoke blessings and promise. Like Moses and Joseph in the Bible, she learned that she should not let her past define her future. That’s when things changed drastically!

These song lyrics remind us that we are to listen to the voice of truth, of God, rather than negative voices meant to hurt us:

Oh, what I would do to have the kind of faith it takes to climb out of this boat I’m in, onto the crashing waves. To step out of my comfort zone into the realm of the unknown where Jesus lives…and He’s holding out His hand. But the waves are calling out my name & they laugh at me. Reminding me of all the times I’ve tried before & failed. The waves they keep on telling me time & time again, you’ll never win, you’ll never win.

But The Voice of Truth tells me a different story
The Voice of Truth says, “Do not be afraid”, and
The Voice of Truth says, ”This is for My Glory”
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of Truth

I will soar with the wings of eagles when I stop & listen to the sound of Jesus singing over me! I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of Truth. (1)

GOING DEEPER:
1. Whose voice are you listening to today…the Voice of truth or the voice of lies?

FURTHER READING:
1 Corinthians 1:18-2:16; Psalm 103; John 9:1-3

(1) © 2003, Voice of Truth, Written by Steven Curtis Chapman and Mark Hall, Performed by Casting Crowns, Published by Club Zoo Music, Inc., My Refuge Music, Peach Hill Songs, Sparrow Song and SWECS Music

Dawn is a wife and mother of three daughters, and is active in Oakwood's worship ministries. She's a pediatric nurse, currently working as VP of Business Development in Population Health Improvement.

Tree Huggers!
By Susan Klein

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.”
Galatians 5:1

Late November in Wisconsin can be a pretty bleak time. All the beautiful fall foliage has left the trees, leaving the landscape wrapped in a shadow of gray. Decaying leaves and dormant grass are underfoot, and the skies typically don’t pour forth much sun. And THOSE WINDS!!! Those north winds can be biting!

Driving home the other morning, a peculiar sight caught my eye. Amidst the barren landscape along the highway, I saw one lone maple that absolutely refused to give up its leaves! It was completely covered in shriveled up little brown clumps. They appeared to be ready to drop, as had the other trees’ leaves, but the branches stubbornly held on tight. I wondered why this tree wouldn’t just let go! Would it have an adverse effect on its growing period in the spring if all the old leaves were still intact? Perhaps it just needed one more good wind gust to blow them to the ground.

Sometimes, I feel much like that tree. I have these old, crusty ideas or habits…even sins…that I just can’t let go of! I occasionally try half-heartedly to shake them loose, but they hang on for dear life! In reality, I’m not choosing to release them, allowing them to fall away as they should. They are of no value to me, but I can’t seem to let them go. Occasionally, God has to send a pretty strong wind to blow them off so my branches can be cleared, ready for the new fruit and foliage that He so wants to grow in me.

When Jesus died on the cross, His death was to set us free from bondage to our old and decaying sinful self. He set us free, so we could enjoy freedom, not stay in bondage to our old sin nature and wrong ideas. He desires for us to shake loose those dead leaves and be set free from their harm to our branches. As long as we hang on to them, He cannot replace them with new growth.

While we can’t do anything about the cold November winds, we can avoid a wind gust from our heavenly Father. Through the power of the Holy Spirit within us, let’s choose to drop those old leaves and experience true freedom!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What old or harmful habits might you be in need of letting go?
2. Ask God to show you any un-confessed sin you might be harboring so that your branches may be cleared, ready to be filled with His new growth!

FURTHER READING:
John 15:1-8

Susan is a wife and mother of two. She is the Coordinator of Oakwood’s Tuesday a.m. Bible Study and one of its teachers.

Is 24 Hours in a Day Enough?
By Pamela Blattner

“Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.”
Ecclesiastes 2:11

A while back, one of my professors picked up a pickle jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked all of us if the jar was full. We all agreed that it was. Then he picked up a box of pea gravel and poured it into the jar. He shook the jar carefully. The gravel rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He asked us again if we thought the jar was full, and we, again, agreed that it was. Next, he picked up a box of sand and poured it into the pickle jar. The sand filled up everything else, and he asked us, again, if the jar was full. Again, we said “Yes!” I thought the illustration was complete until he went under the table and got two cups of coffee and poured them into the jar. Then, very seriously and deliberately he said, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things in your life like your relationships with God, family and friends. The pebbles are other things that matter, like your job and your house. The sand is everything else… “the small stuff.” If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for your life. If you spend all your time and energy on the little things, you won’t have room for the significant things that are really important to you…the things you take to eternity.” He then went on to share that his wife had just suffered a stroke…

As I was driving home that evening, I thought of the little things I’d been doing that really weren’t my first priorities in life. Later that evening, I talked with my husband. I told him I had to start to take care of the golf balls first—the things that really matter. Together, we reset our priorities and got rid of most of “the sand.” But, we agreed that no matter how full our schedules may be, there’s always room for a cup of coffee!

When circumstances in life seem almost too much to handle…when 24 hours in a day are not enough…let’s remember the pickle jar and prioritize well.

GOING DEEPER:
1. This week, how can you reprioritize to make your life more fruitful and beneficial?
2. What can you do to make God and things of eternal value your main concern?

FURTHER READING:
Ecclesiastes 4:4

Pam and her husband Richard have two adult children and two grandchildren. She serves Oakwood through its Family Care Ministries.

Small, but Significant
By Karen D’Amore

“So the human body has many parts, but the many parts make up only one body. So it is with the body of Christ…Now all of you together are Christ’s body, and each one of you is a separate and necessary part of it.”
1 Corinthians 12:12, 27 (NLT)

WHAM!! “Holy Phalanges,” I screeched as my body flailed on the floor in torturous pain. In the course of my inattentive stupor, my intermediate phalanges slammed head on into a large inanimate object. Interpretation: not paying attention as I exited the room, my bare, little toe collided with the wall.

A broken toe! How could something so small produce such debilitating pain? Six weeks post toe collision and I am still hobbling from the crippling damage to the tiny appendage. I never considered the significance of this small body part, until it was nonfunctional. Toes are integral to the body’s ability to balance. With compromised balance and symmetry askew, basic functions like walking were challenging. How enlightening that a tiny non-working body part could derail my entire body and unravel my routine.

The human body is an illustration of diversity and unity. Comprised of multiple parts, each part was designed to perform different functions. Paul likens the human body to the Body of Christ. He reminds us that, “the eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I don’t need you!’ And the head cannot say to the feet, ‘I don’t need you!’ On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable…” (1 Corinthians 12:21-22).

We are each, who we are, by Divine Design. As members of the Body of Christ, we each have different functions and unique gifts to be used in service to the body. Your gift may be teaching God’s Word, encouraging those who are struggling, or praying for those in their weakness. Paul encourages us, “God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as He wanted them to be” (1 Corinthians 12:18).

We are all different. We are all important. We are all necessary. Just as the human body cannot balance without toes, the Body of Christ needs each member fulfilling their God-designed role to function properly. You might be an elbow. You might be a kneecap. Or you might possibly be a little toe! But be assured, no matter how small you may think you are…you are significant to the Body of Christ.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Are feelings of insignificance preventing you from serving in the body? Ask God to reveal how you can become a contributing member.

FURTHER READING:
Ephesians 4:16; Romans 12:4-8

Married to husband Dan, Karen is the Salon Coordinator for Intrigue Salon & Spa, the administrator for Oakwood’s Tuesday a.m. Bible Study and a volunteer at the Wildlife In Need Center.

The Concert
By Susan Klein

“Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before Him with thanksgiving and extol Him with music and song.”
Psalm 95:1-2

It’s the morning of the concert. The hall is quiet. The stage is set. It’s time to tune my strings and focus on the music that is about to be poured forth. I’ve been preparing for this moment, ensuring all is ready for my solo performance. My mind must be cleared of all distractions so I can concentrate on making beautiful music for my most prestigious audience. I sit quietly, taking in the stillness of my surroundings. I close my eyes and focus. It’s almost time!

I am not a musician. I do not even have a good singing voice. The hall I speak of is a quiet room in my house. The event I’m preparing for is a “concert of praise.” I am playing for an audience of one: my heavenly Father. The strings I am tuning are my heartstrings, making sure no off-key notes are hiding within that could distort my praises of Him. I may sing my praises or I may speak them. I may turn to the Psalms for guidance or just let my heart be led by the Holy Spirit. It doesn’t really matter. He will be happy that I’ve taken the time to come to Him with my song. He so enjoys a good concert!

Usually, when I spend time with God, I’m petitioning Him for intervention on certain matters in my life and in the lives of others. I do try to acknowledge His attributes and to praise Him, when time permits. I even try to spend time listening for His voice. But rarely is the focus solely on Him. Today, I am going to shift my focus from me and my requests, to only Him. I am going to have a concert of praise for my heavenly Father who delights in me! I am going to sing my thanks and praises to the Rock of my salvation. I am going to give my attention to who He is, and what He has done, and what He continues to do. I am going to extol Him with the music of my heart!

How about you? Will you join me? Not in my solo performance, but in having a concert of your own? Will you sing a new song unto the Lord? Will you praise His name and declare His glory among the nations? Will you worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness? He’ll be ever so happy to listen!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Plan some time for a concert of praise with the One who adores you! Tell Him how much you adore Him back!

FURTHER READING:
Psalms 92, 95, 96, 98...

Susan is a wife and mother of two. She is the Coordinator of Oakwood’s Tuesday a.m. Bible Study and one of its teachers.

Out of the Spotlight
By Leslie Snyder

“He must become greater; I must become less.”
John 3:30

If you did a character study on John the Baptist it might look something like this:

His conception was a miracle. (Luke 1: 5-25)
He experienced a prenatal recognition of Christ. (Luke 1:39-45)
He was named by God. (Luke 1: 13, 57-66)
He was raised in the desert. (Luke 1:80)
He preached a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. (Luke 3:3)
People flocked to him. (Mark 1:5)
His life was marked by humility. (Mark 1:6)
His life and ministry fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah. (Isaiah 40:3-5)
He wasn’t afraid to speak the truth. (Luke 3:7-14, 18-19)
He knew his purpose. (Mark 1:7-8, Luke 3:16)
He baptized Jesus. (Matthew 3:13-17)
He questioned his life and ministry. (Matthew 11: 3)
He was beheaded by Herod. (Matthew 14:1-12)
He was loved by Jesus. (Matthew 14: 13)

Of John the Baptist, Jesus said this, “I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist.”

If anyone had credentials, it was John the Baptist. His life was, by outward appearance, extremely successful. People flocked to him. His followers modeled their lives after him. Jesus Himself praised John. Yet, John understood that his life’s purpose was to point others to Jesus. When John’s disciples began leaving him to follow Jesus, he did not fuss, whine, complain or argue. John was not threatened by Jesus, nor did he ever attempt to compete with Him. Rather, he pointed the way to Jesus.

Isn’t that what our lives should also be about? Too often, we get caught up in competition with other Christians, other churches or other ministries, and we forget that our primary purpose is not to seek attention for ourselves, but it is to point others to Jesus. Yes, God uses people, churches, and ministries to reach the world, but He uses them to reach the world for Christ, not in order to inflate our egos, our church attendance or the offering. John the Baptist said it best when he said, “He must become greater; I must become less.” The same is true for us today.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Take this opportunity to honestly examine your life. What areas of your life point to yourself rather than to Jesus?
2. What steps can you take to move the focus from yourself to pointing others to Christ?

FURTHER READING:
Philippians 2:1-11

© HomeWord. Used by permission.

Freedom in Christ
By Karen D’Amore

“For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”
Galatians 5:13 (NASB)

His jet black eyes remained fixed on me, watching my every move. Cradling him as I offered food with my free hand, he trustingly retrieved the food. Thus began my relationship with an orphaned baby crow. The unconventional bond was immediate and mutual. My attachment grew stronger as I cared for him weekly at the wildlife rescue center. His clinging to his caregivers inherited him the name “Mr. Friendly.” Upon joining the adult crows in the outdoor enclosure, he connected affectionately with an amputee crow named “Lefty.” A permanent resident at the center, Lefty’s disabilities prevent him from ever being released back into the wild. For months, Mr. Friendly tenderly groomed Lefty, offered him food and protected him from bullying crows.

But then that bittersweet day arrived when Mr. Friendly was ready for release. It was time for him to be set free and live as he was created to live. Many of his caregivers gathered around to witness the ceremonial release. Soaring high to the nearest treetop he cawed with delight. After exploring several neighboring trees, the unexpected happened. Mr. Friendly returned to the rooftop of the enclosure from which he had been set free. Perching himself above Lefty, he refused to leave his side.

It’s been six weeks since Mr. Friendly’s release and he still refuses to go free. Gathering twigs, berries, seeds and nuts, he drops them through the wire cage for Lefty. He has the freedom to roam and fly anywhere he chooses, but out of his affection for Lefty, he forfeits that freedom and lovingly sticks by Lefty’s side.

What a precious example for us to emulate! True happiness is found in serving God and serving others, not in serving ourselves. As Christ-followers, we have been set free. This freedom is not an excuse to become lawless and self-indulgent, but rather to experience freedom that calls us to love. The freedom Christ brings is a freedom with only one law…the Law of Love: to love Him and to love one another as Christ loved us.

Rice Broocks writes, “Freedom is not the ability to do whatever you want to do. It is the power to do what you ought to do!” Our freedom wasn’t free. It was purchased at a very high price. Remember, Jesus died so that you and I could be free! What will we do with that freedom? Is there a Lefty in your life who needs you to stick lovingly by her side?

GOING DEEPER:
1. Our freedom in Christ is a privilege that carries responsibilities. How can you respond more responsibly to that freedom?

FURTHER READING:
Galatians 5:1; Romans 14:17; 1 Peter 2:16

Married to husband Dan, Karen is the Salon Coordinator for Intrigue Salon & Spa, the administrator for Oakwood’s Tuesday a.m. Bible Study and a volunteer at the Wildlife In Need Center.

Confessions of a Guilty “Piler”
By Elin Henderson

“Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
Matthew 6:34

Okay, I admit it, I am a guilty “piler”! My desk and my closet give evidence to this sad fact! I like to let things pile up and when it gets to the point where collapse is inevitable, then I tackle the pile and shrink it back to a manageable size. It gets so bad that my nine-year-old daughter will say, “Mom, I am going to clean your desk for you!”

Well, we “pilers” can exist in all forms. Mine exists not only in the physical realm, but also in the worry realm. I can certainly pile the worries high and deep. Have you ever seen how worries not only pile up, but seem to reproduce at an exponential rate? What was just a little worrisome thought in no time has babies and becomes the mother to a whole host of other issues and worries. And so the pile grows!

Not just once, but several times throughout the Scriptures we see the subject of worries come up. I think that the Lord knows that we…especially a lot of us ladies…struggle in this area. Our natures are to care, but in caring, we worry. We worry about how something has affected our past, is inhibiting our present or will destroy our future. And if that isn’t enough, we wonder if this present struggle or worry is a punishment from God or an “if only”…“if only I had been better, done better, listened better, I wouldn’t be in this predicament.”

The first step in dealing with any form of addiction—and “piling” is no exception—is to admit you have a problem, right? When we find ourselves under a pile of worries and struggles, let’s start by admitting to the Lord what’s really going on. Then, we are free to pile our burdens on Him as He commands in Scripture. But, don’t stop there. He gives another rather unusual instruction in Matthew 20:28: “Rejoice in your sufferings.” I believe worries fit right in there as “sufferings.” So, hand that pile over to God and rejoice that victory is yours in Him! Who better to handle our piles of yesterday, today and tomorrow then the very One who holds yesterday, today and tomorrow in the palm of His hand!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Make a list of your present pile of worries and their accompanying baggage. Now, take the time to place each one in the mighty hands of God.

FURTHER READING:
Matthew 6:25-34, 29:30

Oakwood’s missionaries Elin Henderson and her husband Phil serve as church planters with New Tribes in Mozambique, Africa. Elin is mother to nine-year-old Callie and six-year-old Elias.

What Shackles Are Holding You Captive?
By Kelly McFadden

“What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer…For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin… In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.”
Romans 6:1-2, 6, 11

When a captive elephant is young, its handler will place a shackle around its leg and chain it to a tree so that it will not escape. At this age the elephant is too small to pull the tree over. Try as it might, the baby elephant cannot get away. However, when the elephant is full-grown the handler can chain it to a stick in the ground and it will not escape. The elephant still thinks itself to be chained to an unmovable tree.

Think for a few moments: Is it possible that a “shackle” of some kind of habitual sin is tied around your leg? What is it that holds you back from experiencing the freedom found only in Christ? It might seem like you are tied to an unmovable tree. Yet, I’d like to challenge you to consider instead, that “thing” that holds you might only be a small stick in the ground. If you become comfortable with your captivity, you may be just like an elephant that was trained to believe it could not break free.

Even as Christ-followers, we’re still susceptible to sin and its natural consequences. But according to the Apostle Paul, the truth is that, by our relationship with Christ, we have died to sin. The fact is that the old shackle around your ankle can no longer hold you, if you recognize that you are a new creation and are no longer a “slave to sin.” While Christ can and has miraculously changed lives and immediately “set captives free” from habits and addictions, for most of us, old habits die hard. It takes a lot of work and prayer to accomplish change. But if you find yourself struggling, understand that you can break free. Christ’s death and resurrection has made it possible. In Christ, your old self is gone, your spirit has been made alive, the new has come, and freedom is within your reach.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What holds you back from experiencing the grace and truth that the Lord has waiting for you?
2. What are steps you can take to begin to break free from an old habit? Ask for God’s help to take the steps you’ve identified.

FURTHER READING:
Romans 8:1-17; Galatians 5:1-26; 2 Corinthians 5:17

© HomeWord. Used by permission.

Dancing Down the Snack Aisle
By Pamela Blattner

“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”
1 Corinthians 12:7

On my father’s side, I come from a long line of "creatives." My grandmother was a storyteller and writer. My aunt was an artist who traveled the world and was instrumental in the beginnings of the art center in Milwaukee. My dad was an amateur inventor and visionary and had a patent before he died. My mom was a talented floral arranger.

I love my creative bloodline, but I have noticed that sometimes the craziness inherent in creative people comes at the expense of their family members' comfort. For instance, you could often see me dancing down the snack aisle at Piggly Wiggly to Muzak. I remember telling my kids, “We can't let this good music go to waste!" I've also been a special challenge to my darling hubby at times. He tends to express his creativity engaging in quality control at work. I, on the other hand, love to decorate and re-decorate on a dime. In fact, Richard never knows when he'll come home to a totally different house than the one he left that morning or if I’ll have the same hair color! To be fair, he does encourage me to stay just as God made me, and says my creative side keeps our marriage fun and interesting.

Hidden within us, we have the most powerful tools known to mankind. As we use them, through Christ’s leading and through His power, they can change the course of history, big or small. What are those tools? They are our God-given gifts! I would encourage you to embrace the Spirit of Christ and stir up the gifts He blessed you with. Each one of us should welcome the gifts that God bestowed on us and be true to the woman that He created us to be. Let’s not waste our time comparing our gifts to another’s. Jealousy is a joy robber! Instead, let’s focus on developing what the Lord has uniquely given us. We bless Him when we are free to be ourselves…and when we find the joy in giving back to Him.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What steps are you taking to stir up the gifts that you have been given? Do they need to be activated by developing, refining, enhancing or using them by serving?

FURTHER READING:
Proverbs 17:8; 2 Timothy 1:6

Pam and her husband Richard have two adult children and two grandchildren. She serves Oakwood through its Family Care Ministries.

Do You See What I See?
By Leslie Snyder

“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.’”
1 Samuel 16:7

According to research at Cambridge University, it doesn’t matter in what order the letters in a word are, the only important thing is that the first and last letter be in the right place. The rest can be a total mess and you can still read it without a problem. This is because the human mind does not read every letter by itself, but the word as a whole.

Give the theory a shot, and see if it’s true:

Aoccdrnig to rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe.

Isn’t it amazing? I love this illustration of how the mind works to put words together. It goes against everything I was taught in grade school and totally ends the need for spell check! It’s the perfect example that confirms what you see may not be what you get.

Here’s a reminder: God is searching our hearts. He doesn’t care about our outward appearances. In fact, many of us have gotten so good at hiding who we really are that even we don’t recognize our true selves. And, it’s often Christians who put masks on so quickly, fearing that if other people really knew them, they would be rejected, condemned, or cast aside like yesterday’s paper.

Today, if you are hiding behind a mask, afraid to reveal your true self, allow God to peel back the layers of fear, pain, and deception in order to find your true self…the one that was made in the image of God.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Is there anyone you’ve judged by outward appearances? If so, what can you do to make things right?
2. If you are preventing people from getting to know the real you, ask God to give you the courage to remove the “mask” you wear.

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 139:1, 23; Jeremiah 17:10; 1 Chronicles 28:9

© HomeWord. Used by permission.

A Mighty Hand and an Outstretched Arm
By Susan Klein

“To Him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt and brought Israel out from among them with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm…”
Psalm 136:12

What image most frequently comes to mind when you hear the name of God? Is it the all-powerful God who used His mighty hand to release the flood waters on a rebellious people, or annihilated a whole city in a matter of minutes while men marched around its walls? Or, do you more often picture the tender-hearted God with the loving arm outstretched to the widow whose jar of flour and jug of oil never ran dry, or to Hannah as He opened her barren womb and gave her the son she so desired?

It’s funny how we tend to see God in one light or the other, very often depending on our circumstances of the moment. When our country is devastated by terrorist attacks, we want to see the mighty hand of God pour forth His justice on these evildoers. Yet, when we are struggling with trials in our personal lives, we want to see His outstretched arm wrapped around our weary shoulders to ease our burden. Look at the verse above one more time. Our God is not an “either or” God. With the same appendage, He extends a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. And He often uses them both at the same time!

He used His mighty hand to crush the armies who pursued the Israelites, while at the same time stretching out His arm of protection and provision to His chosen as they fled through the desert, never leaving them lacking food or a place to rest. We also see His mighty hand extended as He destroys the corrupt cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, and His outstretched arm as He spares Lot and his family by sending angels to warn them to flee.

He is the same God, mighty in battle and loving toward all He has made. He casts the wicked to the ground while sustaining the humble. With His mighty hand He administers justice and with His outstretched arm He welcomes all to reside in His eternal security. He is simultaneously just and loving.

Let’s not let circumstances cloud our vision so that we only see one aspect of our sovereign God. He is a great God, and He’s capable of and purposeful in doing many things at once!

GOING DEEPER:
1. How might circumstances cause you to think of God as unjust or unfair?
2. Can you think of times in your own life where you’ve witnessed God’s justice and love at the same time?

FURTHER READING:
Job 36:5-7; Psalm 77:13-19; Psalm 146:6

Susan is a wife and mother of two. She is the Coordinator of Oakwood’s Tuesday a.m. Bible Study and one of its teachers.

Applause for a Ten-Year-Old
By Kelly McFadden

“Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.”
2 Corinthians 13:11 (NLT)

There is nothing quite like a stage performance by young children. You’ve seen it, or at least something like it. Whether it is at your church or a school production or your own little munchkin singing a song for you at your home, the situation usually is the same. Proud parents are perched with cameras waiting to capture a picture of their starlet up on stage. Others in the audience “ooooo,” “ahhhh” and laugh as the children perform. Half of the children know the words and are singing with gusto, while the other half is a mixture of children waving to parents, playing with cords on the stage, talking to their friends or standing like a deer caught in headlights. No matter what the quality of the performance is, at the end comes a thunderous cheer and a standing ovation from the audience.

Have you noticed that it gets a little different when you grow up? The encouragement disappears. Often when we give it our all, there is no one around to give us a pat on the back, let alone give us a standing ovation. In his letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul tells us to encourage each other. As Christians it is so important for us to lift up and encourage those around us. It is not always easy to walk through this world as a Christian. Often, decisions Christians make and the beliefs Christians hold are mocked, not valued. Still, there is a simple and tangible action we can all take today to help a fellow Christian: Say a simple word of encouragement. Or perhaps better yet, applaud someone like she or he is a ten-year-old!

GOING DEEPER:
1. When is a time someone has encouraged you? How did that change your perspective?
2. Think about those in your life whom you can encourage. Take a moment to send them an email, card or give them a phone call. Let them know that they are doing a good job.

FURTHER READING:
Psalms 138:1-5; 2 Corinthians 13:11; Ephesians 6:19-24

© HomeWord. Used by permission.

A City Without Walls
By Elin Henderson

“He that has no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down and without walls.”
Proverbs 25:28

The year is about 900 B.C. The country of Israel is experiencing relative peace under the rule of King Solomon, but the memories of recent wars still haunt their lives. Having lived through battles with his father, Solomon knew very well how important strong walls were and no doubt built many. The cities of Israel and the surrounding nations boasted walls of such huge proportions that even today we are shocked by their size. Imagine six chariots riding side by side on top of a wall. That’s like an interstate on top of a high rise! The walls were probably the most significant part of the city, bringing safety, security, a defense and a place for offense. When a wall was breeched or fell down, the city itself was all but lost.

This analogy gives us a better understanding of why Solomon would liken the rule of one’s spirit, or heart—mind, will and emotions—to the walls of a city. When we have no rule over our spirit, we are like a city with no defense, and, thus, no offense. The enemy can easily overtake and dominate us. Instead of experiencing peace and safety, we tremble with fear and helplessness. I love how Major Ian Thomas puts it: “God gave us a mind to know Him, a will to choose Him and emotions to love Him.” It is through our spirit that we can fellowship with the Spirit of God…a pretty amazing thing! Yet, in the same way, our heart can take us places we ought not to be. When left unguarded, the floodgates open, tearing down the walls and allowing the enemy and our own sinful desires to move in with their destructive powers.

So, how do we rule over our own spirits? It is a matter of a choice of dependency. Are we allowing the Spirit of the Lord to have dominion over our minds, wills and emotions or are we attempting to rule our own spirit and relying on self? Our will, if left unchecked, can become a selfish tool, seeking only our own desires. Our emotions, if left unruly, can result in mental and emotional anguish. Our mind, if left unconstrained, can allow negative and harmful thought patterns.

In the end, if our walls collapse, so does our city. Let’s keep a close eye on the condition of the walls that protect our heart and spirit!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What can you do to make sure the Holy Spirit has dominion over your mind, will and emotions?

FURTHER READING:
Ephesians 6:10-18

Oakwood’s missionaries Elin Henderson and her husband Phil serve as church planters with New Tribes in Mozambique, Africa. Elin is mother to nine-year-old Callie and six-year-old Elias.

Power Source
By Jennie Pierce

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’”
2 Corinthians 12:9

In my feeble attempt to get in shape, I decided to join my friend at her house and take advantage of her exercise equipment. Immediately, I chose the elliptical machine, quickly hopped on, and began bobbing up and down. I was going great guns…for a whole two minutes…when I realized that not only was this exhausting work, but it was unusually difficult. I knew it had been awhile since I last attempted an exercise routine, but I certainly didn’t remember the elliptical being this hard. Upon further inspection, my friend and I realized that the machine’s control plate was battery operated, and there were no batteries! Once batteries were installed, I could make the necessary adjustments to the machine’s resistance level and speed. Naturally, my workout went much more smoothly.

Life is often lived in a similar way. As we try to do life, we find it to be challenging, maybe even more strenuous than we remember. Sometimes we continue trying to live despite the resistance, wearing ourselves out too prematurely. In our eagerness to succeed, we hop on and attempt to go places in our own strength, all the while not taking advantage of life’s true Power Source.

This is not how our Heavenly Father intended for us to live life. As our Creator, He is our Sustainer, the real Source of Power. It is when we are weak, that He is truly strong. In our weakness, we are able to experience His all-sufficient grace, and He receives the glory! If you are His child, the power of God rests upon you. There is no reason for fear, consternation or distress. For this God of Power will strengthen and uphold His children when we call upon Him and when we hope in Him. It’s because of Him, and through Him, that we can do all things. And before we know it, we’ll be walking, running, even soaring to new heights of power-filled life, from the Power Source Himself.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Do you feel weak and discouraged? In what areas are you living in your own strength? Stop living in the flesh and live supernaturally through the power that only Jesus can be for you.

FURTHER READING:
Isaiah 40:31, 41:10, 68:35; Ephesians 3:16; Philippians 4:13

Jennie is a wife and mother of three. She is active in Oakwood’s musical worship ministry and works part-time for a chiropractor.

Beauty for Ashes
By Kelly McFadden

“…and provide for those who grieve in Zion - to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.”
Isaiah 61:3

A friend of mine was asked by a young couple to perform a memorial at sea for their stillborn child. The three of them planned to spread the baby’s ashes at sea. The morning they chose was overcast and glum, reflecting their feelings of loss. They huddled together on deck, praying through swollen, tear-stained eyes while they pulled away from the shore. When the time drew near to spread the ashes, the young couple did not want to remove the ashes from the small satin box, but instead intended to throw the box overboard. The captain explained to them that it was better to open the box and release the ashes to the waves. With reservation and tears, the couple stood at the railing, releasing their baby’s ashes over the sea. They stood together watching the ashes float away and spread across the rolling sea.

At this moment, something unexpected happened. The clouds parted enough to let a beam of sunlight shine down where the ashes drifted. For an instant, the ash began to sparkle in the sunlight. As my friend shared her story with me, she described the moment as surreal. For what she saw in that moment was beauty for ashes, gladness for mourning and praise for despair. She understood a deep truth about the Lord.

Each of us hides pain inside. Whether it is a shameful past, a break-up, the loss a loved one or bad decisions, we all have “ashes” hidden in a box. We try to cover our loss with a beautiful exterior, attempting to make what resides inside less painful than it is. Yet, to experience healing, we need to let those hidden things go. God sees our deepest parts and inmost thoughts. He wants to turn our mourning to praise and give us hope, but we can prevent this healing process from taking place if we hold on too tightly to our pain.

Like the young couple on the boat, we, too, need to be willing to scatter our pain into the Lord’s hands so He can make beauty of our ashes.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Think through an area in your life that lacks healing. Why is it easier to cover up the past than release it to the Lord?
2. What are ways you can give your pain to the Lord, so He can make beauty for ashes?

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 42; John 9:1-7; 1 Corinthians 4:12-19

© HomeWord. Used by permission.

Your Life is the Only Bible Some People Read
By Pamela Blattner

“Since we have such a huge crowd of men of faith watching us from the grandstands, let us strip off anything that hinders, slows us down or holds us back.”
Hebrews 12:1 (The Living Bible)

Often when I go and visit my mother, who is an elder resident at a local memory care unit, one of our favorite and feistiest caregivers is there, observing our relationship. One particular day I had a dear friend of mine come with me. My mom recognized her and we all visited happily in the living room. When it was time to leave, I hugged and kissed my mom good-bye. As my friend bent down to do the same, my mom whispered in her ear, “Anne, will you pray for my eyes? I can only see out of one now. I believe that you can pray and God will hear you.” Without hesitation, my friend gently touched my mother’s brow, kissed her face and began praying. The nurse walked passed us and was startled, raised her eyebrows in disbelief, and resumed walking. My friend just kept praying until my back started to feel the strain of her lengthy prayer. That same nurse came in again, and saw us all in the same huddled position, and said, “Are you o.k. Dorothy?” My friend ignored her and kept praying. The nurse came past us a third time and became impatient and issued an enormous sigh. I began to feel uncomfortable! Eventually my friend’s prayer subsided. My mom’s face looked rested and hopeful. We hugged and kissed good-bye again.

The following Wednesday, that same nurse approached me and asked, “Will you pray with me? I know you are a Christian because of the Christian magazines and Christian cards you send to your mother and the friends you bring. I need prayer very badly.” I stepped outside on the porch and prayed with her. I also invited her to church and Café Chocolat, a women’s event at Oakwood, which she attended. After she left, I bowed my head and prayed, “Father, thank You that our nurse has never had to deliver anything to my mom’s room or mailbox that would reflect badly on our testimony to You. Keep our lives and our future visits pure from ungodliness.”

Someone once said, “Our life may be the only Bible some people will ever read.” What a good reminder that not only are “people of faith” watching, but also people with weak or no faith. Let us get rid of all that may hinder our witness or hold us back from glorifying God.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What are others reading in your life and actions today? Ask the Holy Spirit to give you strength to walk uncompromisingly with Him.

FURTHER READING:
Romans 2:15; Acts 22:15; Proverbs 14:25

Pam and her husband Richard have two adult children and two grandchildren. She serves Oakwood through its Family Care Ministries.

Blinders
By Kelly McFadden

“That is why I use these parables, for they look, but they don’t really see. They hear, but they don’t really listen or understand.”
Matthew 13:13

As my dog, Peanut, got older she began to lose her sight. I remember watching her walk down the hall of our family’s home feeling so sad because she kept bumping into the walls due to her poor vision. After a few weeks of this, Peanut went to the groomers. She came back ready for the summer with a new short haircut. I watched in awe as Peanut trotted in a straight line down the hall, never running into a wall once. Then it hit me: Peanut wasn’t going blind. Rather, the hair in front of her eyes had gotten so long it was blocking her sight.

In Matthew 13, Jesus tells the parable of the four soils. Jesus used this analogy to give unique insight into the ways of God. In this parable, Jesus showed how differently people hear the Word of God. For some, they hear but do not understand. Others hear it, accept it, but fall away quickly because there is no depth to their faith. Still others hear the message, but the worries of life and lust of the world leave no room for God. There are some, however, who hear and understand, producing a harvest that extends beyond them.

Which soil are you? Sometimes, I think I fall into all four categories. There are times when I am thirsty and searching, and it is easy for God’s Word to burrow deep into my heart. Still, there are other times I am too busy to pay attention to the lessons God is teaching me. I am blinded by an outward distraction or worry. It is at those times I become spiritually blinded, stumbling until I am willing to take care of the root problem: the blinders blocking my eyes.

I do not believe spiritual blindness must be a permanent problem. We have the opportunity to see more clearly by removing the blinders from our hearts. We must humble ourselves and ask God to give us a pliable and understanding heart…which is work that He wants to do in our lives. Then, we must follow through and do what we know we need to do.

Trust God to be faithful to continue the work He has begun in you. As a result, you will have eyes that see and ears to hear the greatness of our Lord.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What hinders God’s Word from rooting deep in your heart?
2. What are ways you have seen God’s Word take root in your life when your heart was open to understanding?

FURTHER READING:
Matthew 13:1-23; 1 Corinthians 2:6-10; Ephesians 3:3-9

© HomeWord. Used by permission.

Mary, Mary Quite Contrary
By Carolyn Hulliberger

“‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May it be to me as you have said.’ Then the angel left her.”
Luke 1:38

A child’s development challenge. The collapse of a marriage. Financial devastation. The loss of a loved one. A son or daughter’s addiction. Life-changing diagnosis. Self-loathing over choices in the past.

Many of us have faced life-shattering moments. I think of these as “It” moments. They are moments that forever define our history and alter the course of our lives. The before “It” is marked by comfort and familiarity. The after “It” is marked by brokenness and change. There is no going back to the moment before “It” – as much as we may yearn for that time.

Perhaps no other woman in the Bible displays how to move forward from life’s “It” moments better than Mary, the mother of Jesus. Mary experienced situations many cannot fathom: an unplanned pregnancy, a flight into Egypt to prevent harm to her child, her gut-wrenching grief at the crucifixion and her participation in the earliest community of believers.

Mary’s actions are contrary to how many would react. When she did not understand God’s plan, she chose trust. When forced to leave her homeland and live as a foreigner, she apparently chose perseverance. When crushed by grief and despair at her son’s circumstances, she chose to stand by the cross. Others have surrendered their faith over much less strenuous circumstances.

In the book, ­A New Kind of Normal, author Carol Kent quotes Ken Gire: “When suffering shatters the carefully kept vase that is our lives, God stoops to pick up the pieces. But he doesn’t put them back together as a restoration project patterned after our former selves. Instead, he sifts through the rubble and selects some of the shards as raw material for another project…a mosaic that tells the story of redemption.”(1) What a beautiful picture of our broken selves being used and filled in with the mortar of God.

For each of us, a past, current or future “life-shattering moment” leads to a point of personal choice. Will we choose trust…. perseverance… faithfulness? Contrary to what seems the only option, Mary’s example stands out: “Oh God, may it be to me as you have said.” Allow God to take the brokenness and use it to tell a contrary story, a story of redemption.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Does the “vase of your life” seem cracked or shattered? Seek support in allowing God to use the pieces for His mosaic.
2. Think back to your personal “It” moments. Have you come to a place where God can use you to help others in their brokenness?

FURTHER READING:
Romans 5:3-5; Luke 2:41-51; Acts 1:12-14

(1) © 2007 Carol Kent

Along with caring for her husband, two children and the dog, Carolyn is an Office Representative for State Farm Insurance, serves as a small group leader for Wednesday p.m. Bible study, and is the treasurer for Women’s Ministries.

Wanted: Stretcher Bearers
By Carolyn Hulliberger

“Some men arrived carrying a paraplegic on a stretcher. They were looking for a way to get into the house and set him before Jesus. When they couldn't find a way in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof, removed some tiles, and let him down in the middle of everyone, right in front of Jesus.”
Luke 5:18-20 (MSG)

Imagine the classified ad: “Help Wanted: Stretcher Bearers. Individuals needed to help carry someone who cannot carry himself. Job requirements include a good sense of balance and a strong back. Patience and compassion are a must. The desired candidates will display creativity in problem solving. No salary is offered, but the benefits are priceless.”

The men in this portion of Scripture demonstrate great characteristics of being a Stretcher Bearer:

• They recognized the man could not help himself.
• They interrupted their own activities and got involved.
• They physically carried the paralyzed man.
• They encountered a big obstacle when they got to their destination…a huge crowd blocked their access to Jesus.
• They got creative. Carrying the man up the likely stairs (how precarious that must have been!), they made an opening in the roof over the spot where Jesus was.
• They worked together as a team to lower their friend through the roof.

Most of us will need a Stretcher Bearer at some point in our lives. My friend, Karen, described Stretcher Bearers that came to her aid when her husband John was nearly killed in a car accident. Karen was five months pregnant with their second child when John was taken by Flight for Life with serious injuries. Stretcher Bearers drove Karen to the trauma hospital an hour away, made meals, babysat her daughter, sat with her in the hospital, decorated their Christmas tree, wrapped her Christmas gifts, cleaned up after their four dogs, did laundry, grocery shopped, and ran an endless number of other errands. Her Stretcher Bearers continued their work for weeks, taking John to rehabilitation appointments, and later, caring for Karen and the new baby. Just as the paralyzed man’s Stretcher Bearers took him to Jesus, Karen’s Stretcher Bearers brought her closer to Jesus as well.

Today, John is fully recovered with only a slight limp when he tires. Baby Xander is an active toddler. And Karen shares her stories of the miracles performed in this crisis, giving praise to God and His provision for her through His people.

Being a Stretcher Bearer may not be a glamorous job, but witnessing a miracle is a priceless benefit!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Think of a time when you have needed a Stretcher Bearer. Send a note of appreciation.
2. Is there someone whose burden you can help to carry for a while?

FURTHER READING:
Galatians 6:9-10

Along with caring for her husband, two children and the dog, Carolyn is an Office Representative for State Farm Insurance, serves as a small group leader for Wednesday p.m. Bible study, and is the treasurer for Women’s Ministries.

Look Grandma, God did it!
By Pamela Blattner

“He will defend the afflicted among the people…He will endure as long as the sun, as long as the moon, through all generations.”

Psalm 72:4-5

I drove my granddaughter, Izzy, home after a day of babysitting. It’s become a habit to say “good night” to the moon and stars. I picked up that smiley little cherub in my arms, smelled her hair, and spent the next five minutes leaning against the car and observing the magnificent night sky. I wrapped her in her blanket and savored the embrace. A while back we saw a pale yellow moon that was brilliant and fully round. Izzy must have remembered an earlier moon that was just a crescent, because she became very quiet and looked like she was surveying the heavens, and then burst into excitement looking at the full moon saying, “Look Grandma, God did it!” She then looked at me, gave me a “high five” and shouted, “OOOO-Whooooooo!” That’s Blattner talk for “great job!”

I hugged her and paused to enjoy the last portion of our evening together. Isn’t it wonderful when God delivers lessons of his faithfulness through our little ones? It’s effortless for children to call out and relate to God through His creation. Believing that God is able to grant what they pray for is never a problem for them. Yet sometimes I have a problem believing He will do it for me. I know it’s right to pray expectantly. Still, I’m often surprised when I receive the miracle of answered prayer. A shadow of doubt may limit my expectation, but in no way does it limit a limitless God.

Whatever may be going on in your life today, know this God loves you and He is eternally faithful in His character. Give Him the control of your circumstances. Speak to Him and then listen for His voice. Expect Him to take over the situation and know with great assuredness in your heart that He is going to meet your needs. Don't doubt or question His ability to provide for you. Look and listen for His direction. God is still speaking today...through Creation, through His Spirit, through His Word and through His children.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What can we learn about God from His creation? 2. What do you need from God to get through your day? Ask Him!

FURTHER READING:
Genesis 1:1-2; Job 38:4-12; Psalm 100:3; 2 Timothy 2:13

Pam and her husband Richard have two adult children and two grandchildren. She serves Oakwood through its Family Care Ministries.

A Fishy Story
By Leslie Snyder

“When I had lost all hope, I turned my thoughts once more to the Lord.”
Jonah 2:7

Most people are somewhat familiar with the story of Jonah. Who doesn’t love a “big fish story?” Modern day anglers continue to discuss the mystery of a fish large enough to swallow a grown man.

In the above scripture, Jonah is in the belly of a large fish. He had been there for three days and three nights. At this point some would argue about whether or not it was a literal fish, or if it was really three days and three nights, or even if this story is fact or allegory. However, to stumble around these arguments seems to trivialize the larger lesson at hand. Verse 7 reads, “When I had lost all hope, I turned my thoughts once more to the Lord.” One has to wonder why it took Jonah so long to realize his desperation and his need for God. How long does one have to be fish food before seeking a little help? If it had been me, I think I would have called out immediately…or would I?

Chances are my pride would have kicked in much like Jonah’s appeared to do. Pride screams, “I can do it myself,” “I don’t need anyone’s help,” or “I got myself into this mess, I’ll get myself out.” Why is it that instead of immediately turning to God when things get messy we turn to our spouse, neighbors, co-workers, counselors, or even horoscopes and psychics? Can we not trust the Living God of the Universe who knows us, loves us and is waiting to help us? Unfortunately most of us must answer no. Pride is truly an ugly monster.

The Old Testament book of Proverbs is full of sayings regarding pride but Proverbs 11:2 stands out. It reads, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Sharing our burdens and concerns with those who love us and know us well is important. But, when we find ourselves in trouble we shouldn’t make God our last resort. In fact, 1 Peter 5:7 reads: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

Once Jonah returned his thoughts to God, his prayer was answered. Jonah 2:10 reads, “Then the Lord ordered the fish to spit up Jonah on the beach, and it did.” It’s never too late to call out to God and ask for help. Perhaps you feel like Jonah, surrounded in darkness, swirling in confusion, and honestly, you’re starting to smell like three-day-old fish food. Turn your thoughts once more to God. Seek his help and come out of the storm.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What areas of life do you demonstrate that you have pride issues? What action(s) can you take to become more humble?
2. What situation in your life do you need to give to God today?

FURTHER READING:
Jonah 1-4

© HomeWord. Used by permission.

You Are Special!
By Susan Klein

“The Lord takes delight in you.”
Psalm 149:4

When my children were young, one of our absolute favorite bedtime stories was Max Lucado’s You Are Special. It is a heartwarming tale about a village of small wooden people (Wemmicks) who spend their days sticking gold stars or gray dots on each other, depending on how they value that person. For example, if a person is pretty or talented, she gets a gold star. If one is clumsy or dull, he gets a gray dot.

The story centers on a small boy who seems to get more than his fair share of gray dots. Then he meets a girl with no stars or dots. They just refuse to stick to her! He inquires about her lack of stickers and she refers him to Eli, the woodcarver who created all the Wemmicks. The boy decides to pay him a visit. Eli tenderly picks him up and calls him his child. He lets the boy know that he thinks he is very special! It doesn’t matter what he can or can’t do, just the fact that Eli created him makes him special. Eli tells him that the more he trusts his love, the less he’ll care about the stickers. He gently reminds the boy that he is special because Eli made him, and he doesn’t make mistakes!

I’d always end up in tears at the end of the story when the dots started to fall off the boy as he finally realized how special he was! What a great story to fall asleep to…knowing that you are special to God! Perhaps, like the boy in the story, we could use a reminder of how special we are. Try some of these truths on and let them stick!

The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing! (Zephaniah 3:17)
He created you in His image! (Genesis 1:27)
God has made you an heir! (Galatians 4:7)
He gives you eternal life and you shall never perish; no one can snatch you out of His hand! (John10:28)
He knit you together and created your inmost being! (Psalm 137:13)
God loves you with an everlasting love and has drawn you with loving-kindness! (Jeremiah 31:3)
He is enthralled by your beauty! (Psalm 45:11)
God has plans to prosper you, to give you hope and a future! (Jeremiah 29:11)

GOING DEEPER:
1. Which of these truths do you need to focus on today to know that you are very special to your Creator? Spend time in His Word discovering new truths and promises that he has in store for you!

Susan is a wife and mother of two. She is the Coordinator of Oakwood’s Tuesday a.m. Bible Study and one of its teachers.

Happy Campers
By Jennie Pierce

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever . . . [He made] the moon and stars to govern the night; His love endures forever”
Psalm 136:1, 9

Although cold drizzly weather, dark rainy nights, and scary noises can all make for one miserable camping experience, truly, nothing sours the fun of camping more than those dreaded midnight bathroom runs. It’s no fun to have to get out of a warm, cozy sleeping bag only to be smacked in the face with the night’s cool, damp air. I struggle to adjust my eyes, aimlessly wandering toward what I hope is the restroom!

This night was no exception. I was awakened by my daughter requesting my company as she needed to use the less-than-ideal campground facilities. Mumbling and grumbling (all on the inside, of course), I unwillingly took the potty trail with her. Walking with my eyes still half-closed and my head dropped down toward the ground, I couldn’t think of anything else but being reunited with my comfy bed.

My daughter’s sudden gasp of air as she seized my arm jolted me out of my sleepy stupor. Surely we were about to wrestle a grizzly bear! My daughter was pointing up toward the skies in awestruck wonder as she exclaimed, “Mom! Look!” Turning my gaze upward, I saw the blackest night sky ablaze with bright, twinkling stars unlike anything I had seen in a long time. We couldn’t help but temporarily forget we were cold and shivering. Somehow I forgot about my comfortable bed waiting for me. All I could do was pause and gaze at the beautiful display of God’s glory, which I almost missed because I was too busy grumbling and hanging my head down low.

An old adage claims, “The darker the night, the brighter the stars.” In our darkest nights, when life is scary, cold, and unwelcoming, God longs for us to see His goodness shine brighter still. In our dark times, when we run to Him, we will find Him to be faithful, beautiful and good, as He showers on us His love that endures forever. It’s then that we can find ourselves singing midnight praises.

Thanks to the keen awareness of my child, God revealed the goodness of Himself to me in the midst of that dark, miserable night, making the journey so very worth it all.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Is your life so dark right now that you find it difficult to see God’s goodness? Ask God to give you the courage to look up, and to give you eyes that are open to see His goodness already revealed for you.

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 63:6-7; Psalm 136

Jennie is a wife and mother of three. She is active in Oakwood’s musical worship ministry and works part-time for a chiropractor.

Where Do You Spike?
By Elin Henderson

“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.”
1 Corinthians 12:4

Which one of us as believers is not interested in knowing our “spiritual gifts”? We take tests and personality quizzes, go to seminars and read books…all in an attempt to discover our gifts. I was recently at a meeting featuring Stuart Briscoe and he had some interesting insights into this area of gifts. He started by saying that we are each called to two sets of gifts. The first gifting is the “Christian giftings,” the things that we are all called to do. Then he spoke of a “second gifting or calling,” or what we would term our “spiritual gifts”—those gifts the Holy Spirit chooses to give each believer. I like to call them our “spikes” because they are areas where we really excel…like those significant points on a graph where the line leaps up dramatically.

Almost every gift of the Spirit mentioned by Paul in both 1 Corinthians 12 and in Romans 12:6-9 is also stated as a mandate for all believers. For example, we are all called to give, to encourage one another, to be hospitable and to teach each other. While we are all called to each of these areas, it is clear that some of us particularly spike in some of those areas. These are our “second giftings.” These verses also show us that we need to be involved in the lives of others to truly know our spikes. Our God is all about people, reaching out to them through human vessels like ourselves, so His giftings are given for the sake of building up others.

How do you figure out your spikes? I think by practicing the things that we know we are all called to do and being available to the Lord each and every day to use you in the lives of people. As we practice those “giftings,” we will soon come to see which areas we spike in. In our own strength, we cannot replicate a genuine spike. We can try to be extra-giving or extra-encouraging on our own, but it will only be through the power of the Holy Spirit working in and through us that we will genuinely spike if he has indeed gifted us in a particular area.

So, my advice…try them all out and see where you spike the highest! Or, ask a friend or family member, “Where do you think I spike?” And, when you identify your spike, start using it. Ask the Lord to open opportunities for you to reach out and spike into the lives of others!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Do you know your spiritual gifts?
2. Have you been practicing those gifts as the Lord has directed you?

FURTHER READING:
Romans 12:6-9; 1 Corinthians 12

Oakwood’s missionaries Elin Henderson and her husband Phil serve as church planters with New Tribes in Mozambique, Africa. Elin is mother to nine-year-old Callie and six-year-old Elias.

In the Stillness
By Janet Byrne

“Be still before the Lord, all mankind…”
Zechariah 2:13

My family recently spent quality time with close friends. We were at a cottage “up north.” Two hours in a car can go by delightfully with children that are sleeping. Our children were wide awake. Potty breaks, “Are we there yet” and the occasional “I’m hungry,” plagued us. I was less than relaxed when we arrived. Vacations tend to start out that way, don’t they? The hustle and bustle of packing, leaving, driving and arriving rarely equate to stillness.

After a picnic lunch we were off to the beach…a private beach. With every step closer, I was becoming more and more relaxed. The wind blowing through the canopy of trees calmed me. We would soon have the beach all to ourselves. As my girlfriend and I sat down in lounge chairs, we enjoyed God’s beauty all around us...the blue sky, the lake in front of us, nature, etc. Stress found a new home as we welcomed stillness to sit with us. In that stillness, God revealed Himself to us by sending a bald eagle. It made two graceful passes directly over us. His majestic poise and powerful claws were a sight to behold. I encountered incredible beauty and power in my place of stillness.

God desires to bless you and me, and reveal Himself to us in the stillness. He desires for us to slow down and look for Him. Jesus went away to a quiet place often because He knew distractions would keep Him from hearing His Father’s voice. He wanted to be still before the Father so that He could give Him His full attention. I would have never experienced seeing the bald eagle had I not stopped and been still that day.

Today, we are so busy. We sometimes miss the many ways God wants to make Himself known to us. It may be through a rainbow, meditation on His Word, a quiet time of prayer or an eagle. The following is an excerpt from a book entitled Too Busy Not to Pray, by Bill Hybels.

“No one can become an authentic Christian on a steady diet of activity. Power comes out of stillness; strength comes out of solitude. Decisions that change the entire course of your life come out of the Holy of Holies, your times of stillness before God.” (1)

May God draw you into stillness today and reveal Himself to you. May you experience stillness…may you experience the Father.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What is keeping you from becoming still before the Father? Are you willing to withdraw to a quiet place this week and allow Him to reveal Himself to you?

FURTHER READING:
Acts 10:9-20; Mark 1:35

(1) ©1988 by Bill Hybels, InterVarsity Press

Janet is the Women’s Ministries Prayer Coordinator and balances her time caring for her husband Yancy and their two sons, working at Waukesha State Bank, and serving on the Moms Nurturing Moms leadership team.