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By Sandra McGarrity
According to a Gallup poll:
“Nearly 9 out of 10 Americans say it is OK for people to wish others "Merry Christmas" as a way of spreading holiday cheer.”
Now, that’s encouraging.
In fact, there is a movement dedicated entirely to holding onto our tradition and privilege to wish others a Merry Christmas. Visit www.wmamc.com to learn more and to listen to the “Wish Me a Merry Christmas” song.
Merry Christmas!
@ December 16, 2009
Crazy Love in Action
By Sandra McGarrity
A family of five goes on a Missions trip to Africa and comes home changed forever. After seeking God, they sell their house, buy an RV and head out (with little brother Noah in tow) to travel our country committing random acts of kindness.
The Loecken family has traveled 10,000 plus miles helping wherever and whenever they are needed. Most of their work involves feeding the hungry and caring for the homeless but they have also spent time on such activities as cleaning animal kennels at humane shelters.
They called their 2008 tour The Ark Tour. Their tour is now known as Crazy Love in Action. Take a few minutes to visit their web site at http://www.thearktour.org
Now, this is encouraging.
The foundation of Crazy Love In Action is going deep into the crazy relentless love of God. This is our first and most important pursuit. He first loved us and He desires an intimate, love relationship with us. First and foremost, He values our relationship with Him more than what we can do for Him. There are different seasons that we go through in life and there are times when the most important thing we can do is to heal the wounds from our past or we may need a season of waiting, where we simply sit at the feet of Jesus and drink in all that He wants us to know. Matthew 22:37 says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind”. He desires all of us before we should even consider getting active in our faith.
Love God
@October 20, 2009
Fools for Christ
By Sandra McGarrity
I’ve been through a lot with my doctor. Consultations, tests and more tests, surgery, medications, change in medications, more consultations and more tests. Through this all he was one of the best doctors I have ever had; knowledgeable, kind, gentle, and honestly caring. Now I’m talking about my gynecologist and the women readers will understand just how hard it is to find one you feel comfortable with.
When I went in for a check-up last winter I was told that he had taken an indefinite amount of time off. He was a rather large man so I assumed it had something to do with weight loss surgery or maybe he was just tired of working and needed a rest. The doctor I saw was a nice man but began telling me about a test he wanted to do. My doctor had never mentioned it so I came home and did some research. After finding out it can be very painful I decided to wait for my doctor to return.
I dawdled around with making an appointment trying to avoid discomfort. This morning, three months late, I called to make an appointment, but only if my doctor was back in the office.
My first words were “Is Dr. _____ back in the office?”
The nurse answered in a sweet and compassionate voice. “No, honey, I’m sorry but Dr. _______ died last week.
I immediately broke into tears. “Can you tell me what he died of?”
“It was cancer. His obituary was in last Sunday’s paper if you would care to find a copy.”
Still in tears I answered, “I’ll call back later.”
She replied, “I’m so sorry.”
I spent some more time in tears before the thought hit me. I don’t even know if he was a Christian. Surely, at some point during all those visits I could have simply asked. There was a time in my life when I would have asked.
I went on to think of the zeal of the early Christians. They believed so deeply that they spent their entire lives telling the world.
Yea, but if I acted like that everyone would think I’m a loony.
The answer came clear and plain: The world thought they were loonies. That’s why they suffered such persecution.
What am I going to do about it? I don’t know but I do know that I am going to be more sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading and concentrate less on all my own baggage.
We are fools for Christ. - I Corinthians 4:10
…let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1
My column is intended to be encouraging. The encouragement is that nothing (our shortcomings) can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus.
@September 16, 2009
He Took Care of Us
By Sandra McGarrity
Can a father who is not a Christian reflect the image of the heavenly father? My answer to that would have to be a resounding “yes”. My father was not a Christian during the growing up years of my three older sisters and me. He sometimes drank alcohol just like most men did. The problem was that alcohol gave him a “Dr. Jekyll” and “Mr. Hyde” personality. You didn’t see the image of the heavenly father in him when he was drinking but it sometimes showed up afterwards as he dealt with the results of the drinking. On a normal, daily basis we saw the image of the heavenly father in him by the kind of father he was. He took care of us.
There was no room in our house for question about the existence of God. My Daddy not only believed in God but also respected Him. He didn’t go to church but was all for Mother taking us girls. He wouldn’t have stood for any fuss about it from us, either. We celebrated all of the religious holidays like everyone else but we always knew that Jesus was the reason and somehow that didn’t come from just our mother.
Daddy taught us such a respect for God’s creation. He was always pointing out an animal, a flower, a bird, or a butterfly. He always grew a huge vegetable garden. He showed us the migratory habits of birds. He taught us to tell time by the position of the sun in the sky. He showed us how the sky looks green when a tornado is coming and how the air smells just before it rains. We grew up so aware of the world around us.
Daddy loved the weather. He got as excited as any kid over the first snowfall and loved the colors of autumn. He often took us out under the carport to watch the awesomeness of thunderstorms. He had a healthy fear of storms but took time to make certain that we weren’t too afraid. I don’t know what he said but I always came away from those times knowing that God was the power in the storm. My daddy laughed at the idea that giants were bowling in heaven when it thundered. He also laughed when weathermen got fooled trying to outguess God.
Daddy reflected the image of the heavenly Father by dragging in and setting up Christmas trees every year, sometimes cutting down several trees because we couldn’t make up our minds. He strung up those same Christmas lights around the house year after year. He bought Easter dresses for four girls and school clothes every September and everything in between. He made home-made ice cream in the summer and beat us at dominoes when it was too hot to play outside.
We always had plenty of food. Not only did he pay for the groceries but he sometimes cooked the food. Daddy cooked everything from parched peanuts to barbecue. His barbecued chicken was not to be forgotten and his fried chicken the best in the world.
There are a lot of stories I could focus on but one in particular shows my Daddy’s heart. Daddy didn’t own very many personal treasures. Besides the house and land, the company truck he drove, and a few clothes, about all he had of any value was a couple of fishing rods and reels he used when he took a little time out from his long work days and the shotgun he used when he got to go on a rare duck hunting trip.
One night he went out with some of the guys and I guess the drinking started in and “Mr. Hyde” took him over. Well, he did a pretty dumb thing. He lost all of his money playing poker. The bad thing was that mother hadn’t bought the week’s groceries yet and he came home at sun-up dead broke.
I heard them talking in the kitchen. He was real sorry and told Mother about it right away. He didn’t try to hide anything. After that, he walked over to the closet and took out his shotgun. “I’ll be back in a little bit,” he told my mother. He came back in a while and handed her some folded up money. He didn’t bring the shotgun back with him but Mother bought groceries.
Some of the things my Daddy did gave forth a pretty bad reflection but we choose to forget those now. We do remember that the most important way that he reflected the image of the heavenly father was in his care for his children. Daddy came to know Christ as his Savior when he was in his mid-sixties. He went to live forever with his heavenly father about six and a half years ago. His birthday would have been September 10.
@September 9, 2009
Get On With It
By Sandra McGarrity
Joanna the wife of Cuza, the manager of Herod’s household…These women were helping to support them out of their own means. - Luke 8:3
Some years ago I lost my job—under less than fair conditions. Emotions roiled through me. What was I to do with my life now? After years of working I couldn’t see letting my husband be the sole wage earner. I felt guilty about not contributing. But that is exactly what happened and my ministry of writing was born. I had to use the means at hand and get on with life, even when it didn’t make sense. It isn’t my ministry——is ours. Hopefully it has touched a few lives.
Joanna ministered to Jesus needs from her own means—money earned by her husband, Cuza, manager of Herod’s household. Through Joanna’s obedience, Herod inadvertently provided for Jesus ministry. It may have seemed strange to them to use Herod’s money but it was the means at hand. She used what she had and got on with life. Her ministry was their ministry. It definitely touched many lives.
We don’t always have to understand His call to ministry or the means He uses—we just have to get on with it.
@June 24, 2009
Under the weather
By Sandra McGarrity
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I’ve been “under the weather” for awhile now. I have an interest in the origin of phrases such as this so I looked up a few:
"Under the weather" is a nautical term that was originated, I believe, in the British navy. When a sailor was ill, he was kept below decks, and thus, under the weather.
To be under the weather is to be unwell. This comes again from a maritime source. In the old days, when a sailor was unwell, he was sent down below to help his recovery, under the deck and away from the weather.
"Under the weather. To feel ill. Originally it meant to feel seasick or to be adversely affected by bad weather. The term is correctly 'under the weather bow' which is a gloomy prospect; the weather bow is the side upon which all the rotten weather is blowing." From "Salty Dog Talk: The Nautical Origins of Everyday Expressions" by Bill Beavis and Richard G. McCloskey ( Sheridan House, Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., 1995. First published in Great Britain, 1983).
I am feeling better now. I love spring and can’t help but feel better this time of year when God’s creation is bursting with new life. So now do I say I’m “above the weather?”
In honor of springtime, I post a poem about my favorite flowers.
"Daffodils" (1804)
I WANDER'D lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.
Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the Milky Way,
They stretch'd in never-ending line
Along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.
The waves beside them danced; but they
Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:
A poet could not but be gay,
In such a jocund company:
I gazed -- and gazed -- but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:
For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.
By William Wordsworth (1770-1850).
New Book Information
By Sandra McGarrity
I would like to introduce author LeAnn Campbell. Information about her new book, Writers’ Devotions to Go, is below along with a link to her website. LeAnn and I are contributors to the new Cup of Comfort Devotional for Mothers and Daughters.
Writers’ Devotions to Go Meditations from Proverbs
By LeAnn Campbell
Extreme Diva Media, Inc.
Do you bring a professional attitude to your writing? LeAnn Campbell uses the book of Proverbs as a guidebook for writers. Every chapter has one or more nuggets of wisdom to motivate writers. There is guidance for perfecting your craft, choosing words carefully, and handling criticism. Listening to instruction, dealing with rejections, and working diligently instead of acting like a lazy sluggard—Proverbs covers it all. Proverbs 19:2 (NIV) could be a motto for writers. “It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way.”
Writers Devotions to Go covers all this and many more situations that writers face. It includes web sites for contacting writers’ organizations, suggestions for writers who want to establish local groups, guidelines for critique groups, and web sites to determine whether information you get over the Internet is the truth or a hoax.
Available at bookstores and www.extremedivamedia.com around March 1, 2009
ISBN: 978-1-934626-08-5 or at www.leanncampbell.com
JUST IN TIME FOR MOTHER’S DAY
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Over two million copies of the beloved Cup of Comfort® brand in print!
A CUP OF COMFORT® DEVOTIONAL FOR MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS
Daily Reminders of God’s Love and Grace
Edited by James Stuart Bell and Susan Townsend
WHAT’S THE STORY?
Few bonds are more blessed than that of mother and daughter. Now, A Cup of Comfort ®Devotional for Mothers and Daughters ( March 10, 2009; Adams Media) edited by James Stuart Bell and Susan Townsend offers a collection that celebrates that bond. Especially helpful for mothers trying to raise their daughters according to God’s word, this book features a touching essay for each month, biblical passages and real life accounts of mother daughter miracles large and small.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR YOUR AUDIENCE?
A Cup of Comfort ®Devotional for Mothers and Daughters is the first devotional that uniquely celebrates the special—and spiritual—relationship between mother and daughter. A perfect gift for mother’s day, this book shows how God’s love and compassion for mothers and daughters is at work in their lives every day of the year. A Cup of Comfort® Devotional for Mothers and Daughters is a daily dose of grace and goodness for Christians everywhere.
WHO IS THE EDITOR?
James Stuart Bell served as editorial director at Moody Press for many years. His work includes A Cup of Comfort® Devotional for Women and A Cup of Comfort®for Christians. Before joining Moody Press, he was the director of religious publishing at Doubleday in New York.
Susan B. Townsend author of A Bouquet for Mom is a writer of nonfiction and fiction and a stay-at-home mother. Her work has appeared in A Cup of Comfort® for Mothers and Daughters and A Cup of Comfort® for Teachers.
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CONTRIBUTORS ARE AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW
Please contact Jacquinn Williams at 508-427-6737 or
Jacquinn.Williams@adamsmedia.com
@ March 10, 2009
Stuck
By Sandra McGarrity
I’ve been hearing a lot of people, including myself, talking about being “stuck in a rut” lately. I think that’s just the way we feel during these winter months between Christmas and spring. We don’t think of the word “stuck” as being something good. The young man in this picture is definitely stuck and he has a big ole’ grin on his face. I guess it all depends on our perspective.
This guy from Lexington, TN, was out for a day of driving fun with my niece and her family. They wanted to be in the mud. I suspect they even wanted to be stuck. It does look like fun. Engines racing, barreling over bumpy ground, dodging trees and mud holes, adrenaline pumping, and then landing in a slimy bog almost up to your ears. What a rush. I’m serious—the pictures made me want to be with them.
“Stuck” doesn’t have to be bad. The thing that comes to my mind is that old TV jingle, “I’m stuck on band-aids, ‘cause band-aid’s stuck on me.” The kid singing apparently loved band-aids because they didn’t come unstuck. He also wanted to be “stuck.”
So, maybe when I’m barreling through life feeling less adrenaline and more “stuck” I could think about the happy side of stuck. I’m glad I have a house to be “stuck” in. I’m glad I’ve been “stuck” with the same man for thirty-six years. I’m glad I have two gorgeous grandchildren that I’m sometimes “stuck” babysitting. I’m glad I’m “stuck” eating spaghetti over and over because it’s better than being hungry. I’m even glad I’m “stuck” in this body because at least it moves and feels.
Most of all I’m glad that Jesus is stuck to me like that band-aid. The kid didn’t have to stay stuck; the band-aid did the sticking. In the picture above, the truck wasn’t holding onto the mud; the mud was holding onto the truck. He will not let go of His children.
I will never fail you; I will never abandon you. Hebrews 13:5 - NLT
@ Feb 10, 2009
Inaugural Day, January 20, 2009 will most likely be the most Historical Moment I have ever seen or possibly ever will see. Although I’m sure thousands of writers have something much better to say, I feel the Lord leading me to share a story I wrote a few years back. This story was first published under the title “The Vocabulary Lesson” in God Allows U-Turns: American Moments compiled by Allison Bottke, published by Promise Press an imprint of Barbour Books in 2002.
Words Or Bullets?
by Sandra McGarrity
“President Kennedy has been shot. He has been taken to the hospital.” Our fifth grade classroom gasped as our teacher, eyes brimming, made the announcement.
“Good! I hope the ****** lover; dies!” the girl sitting in front of me exclaimed.
Thirty children froze in horror as the words ricocheted around the classroom. It was as if our president had taken another bullet before our eyes. Mrs. Johnson tried to resume class, but I didn’t take in a thing she said during the next hour or so.
I don’t know which announcement was the most shocking. I couldn’t believe that someone— especially a child—would speak of the President in that way. We had watched him on television from his campaign, to his election and inauguration, to the news broadcast the night before. My sister had a scrapbook of newspaper clippings and photographs of President Kennedy and his family. We quoted his famous words, “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” He was our hero.
Since we lived in the heart of the south, of course we’d heard the vulgar word that student used. But I had never heard it spoken so vilely. I wondered if there was some connection between that word and the reason why someone gunned down my beloved president. I’d never heard him called that.
A few years earlier, I had noticed that the dark-skinned people she accused him of loving had to go to a little side window at the drive-in dairy bar. When I went to the movies, I saw them pay on the other side of the ticket booth, before they went up the outside stairway to the balcony. I noticed that there were separate rest rooms marked “Colored.” I feared that I would get sick and have to be rushed to the doctor if I drank from the “Colored” water fountain. Maybe because it was so rusty and dirty when the one marked “White Only” was shiny clean. I never understood. Was she saying that President Kennedy didn’t understand it either?
Before long, someone came back and announced that our President had died. Most of us burst into tears, including the girl. She buried her face in her arms and cried, “I didn’t mean it.” A few girls tried to comfort her, but no one could take back her ugly words.
I would like to say I never said unkind, angry words after that day, but that wouldn’t be true. However, when I express wrong words, the Lord often reminds me of that day in fifth grade. As I remember, I realize words can fatally wound our concept of someone, a reputation, a core belief or our cherished dream just as a bullet proved fatal to our beloved President.
I do not agree with all of soon-to-be President Obama’s beliefs. I do not agree with all of his policies. I have, however, prayed for his safety since the moment I heard of his election. I pray to never again see a President gunned down. Lord, watch our words, our attitudes, and our actions.
“Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.” James 3:5
@ Jan 20, 2009
Give What?
By Sandra McGarrity
“Give him my what?”
“Your coat.”
“Hey, it’s cold out here.”
“The coat, please.”
“Why?”
“He asked for it.”
“Oh, okay.”
“Now, don’t you feel good?”
“Actually, I feel a little chilly and what’s that guy saying now?”
“He’s asking for your shirt.”
“Is he insane?”
“Not really.”
“It’s thirty-two degrees out here.”
“Just give him the shirt.”
“The shirt off my back?”
“Yes.”
“You don’t understand.”
“Perhaps you would like to explain it to me.”
“As a matter of fact I would. You see, he has a closet full of Nordstrom shirts at home. All I have is this one shirt I bought at Big Lots ten years ago and now he wants it too.”
“The shirt, please.”
“But, why?”
“He asked for it.”
“Alright, already; here’s the shirt.”
“Now, don’t you feel lighter?”
“I sure do. I’m so light the next gust of frigid air is going to blow me into the gutter where I’ll freeze to death. I’m going now.”
“Not yet.”
“Why?”
“Walk with him.”
“Huh? What’s that? He wants me to walk to where? No way am I walking a mile.”
“A mile isn’t so far.”
“I’m freezing out here.”
“A good walk will warm you up.”
“I’d rather have a cup of Starbucks.”
“Walk.”
“I’d be satisfied with a cup of stale coffee from the office.”
“He’s starting to walk alone.”
“I’m walking; I’m walking.”
“Don’t you feel good now? Didn’t that nice walk get your blood stirring?”
“My blood’s stirring like a slushy machine and now this guy’s asking me to walk another mile.”
“Get moving.”
“Why should I have to walk a second mile with this guy? He has a membership at Bally’s. He’s in shape. I’m a couch potato. A second mile is going to kill me.”
“Not really.”
“I won’t be able to move a muscle tomorrow.”
“That may be a slight exaggeration.”
“He has expensive running shoes and I’m wearing flip-flops.”
“You can stand in the cold and be miserable or you can walk.”
“Huff, huff, huff, huff; okay, I’ve gone the second mile. Can we go now?”
“We aren’t quite finished.”
“Ouch! Did you see that? The guy smacked me in the face. Aren’t you going to do anything about it?”
“Here, let me help.”
“What are you doing? Why are you turning my other cheek toward this looney? Ouch! I knew that was going to happen. My face hurts.”
“How much money do you have in your wallet?”
“Twenty bucks.”
“Give it to him.”
“No way; it’s my last twenty dollars.”
“It’s just a loan.”
“Yea, I’ll give it to him. I can collect some interest on it.”
“No interest.”
“Huh? Whatever.”
“We can go now.”
“Thank goodness. Where are we going?”
“To my house.”
“Really? I love your house; it’s the best place I’ve ever seen. It’s unbelievable. It’s like heaven.”
“Yes, it is.”
“Is that other guy coming with us?”
“Not today but he’ll be thinking about the things you did. He’ll figure out you did them for me. Then he’ll come.”
Luke 6 27"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. 30Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31Do to others as you would have them do to you. 32"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. 33And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. 34And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. 35But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
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By Sandra McGarrity |
Nov 26, 2008 - Like most people my list of things to be thankful for would include God, family, friends, salvation, freedom, etc. I’m very thankful for the meal we will enjoy on Thanksgiving Day. I’m doubly thankful we will be having that meal at my daughter’s house and not at mine.
In my scripture reading today I was reminded of how much more we have to be thankful for. Psalm 103 is a true Psalm of Thanksgiving. Verse one begins with “Let all that I am praise the Lord.” Verse two continues with “may I never forget the good things He does for me.” Verses three and on list some of the good things the Lord does for us.
The Psalm ends with “Let all that I am praise the LORD.” We truly have much to be thankful for.
God Is Not Troubled
By Sandra McGarrity
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. – John 14:1
Oct 30, 2008- I just read of the planned killing spree of two young men in Tennessee. As members of the Neo-Nazi group, they seem to think it their destiny to rid the community of black members—fourteen by decapitation and eighty-eight by shooting. These numbers relate to a saying by their “leader” and other Nazi propaganda. The first target was to be a predominantly black school. Their next target was Barack Obama.
Wow. My relatives live in that very area of Tennessee. My heart was immediately troubled at reading that report. I grew up in that area and remember the violence enacted during the fifties and sixties. I have witnessed the so called “neo-nazi” attitude first hand and let me tell you it isn’t “new” anything; just “old sin.” God’s word says, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
But I have to remember who my “leader” is and think on His admonition to not be troubled but to trust His word. We aren’t going to get beyond conflict on this planet but as Christians we do have a new heaven and earth to look forward to. If our hearts are going to be troubled, it should probably be in pity for the day those two young men are going to stand before “our leader” and try to explain their actions.
The above photograph is of my two great-nieces of whom I am extremely proud. They are exemplary students and assets to this planet.
A Personal Recommendation
By Sandra McGarrity
Oct 16, 2008 - I would like to recommend to you two Christian Fiction books by author Christy Barritt. These “squeaky clean” mysteries are sure to entertain as well as bless. Support clean literature by purchasing these books.
Hazardous Duty
Now that Christy's second book, Suspicious Minds, is out; Hazardous Duty is a must read. Follow it closely by the second book in the series. You will be anxiously awaiting the third.
Gabby St. Claire seems always to be in the wrong place at the wrong time or vice-versa depending upon your point of view. She's a modern day cross between Lucille Ball and Mary Tyler Moore. This is a totally entertaining book.
A forensic scientist wannabe becomes a remarkable crime solver in this CSI-type mystery.
Kregel Publications ( October 10, 2006)
ISBN-10: 0825420164
Suspicious Minds
Are you tired of thinking about rising gas prices, the falling stock market, and the static real estate trend? Moments after you begin to read Suspicious Minds you will find yourself transported to another place - a hilarious one. I read this book while my husband was asleep in another room and literally had to clamp a hand over my mouth to drown the laughter.
The tongue-in-cheek Elvis quips are too funny. Gabby St. Clair becomes even more lovable in this book. I can't wait for the third.
A dead Elvis impersonator and a rival turned wooer are just a couple of Gabby St. Claire's problems in this thrilling sequel to Hazardous Duty
Kregel Publications ( June 17, 2008)
ISBN-10: 0825425409
Read Christy’s blog at:
http://myblog4fun.com/cbarritt/archive/2008/09.asp x
Visit Christy’s website at:
www.christybarritt.com
Big Boy School
By Sandra McGarrity
Sept 17, 2008 - My daughter just attended open house for her son’s Kindergarten class at school. The teacher discussed all of the routine material then took questions. One mom asked, “What do I do when my child doesn’t want to do homework?”
The teacher answered without hesitation, “Tell him what I tell my own children: This is big boy school and this is your part in life, so do the homework.”
You can’t put it more straightforward than that. We Christians are in “big boy school.” We have our part in life; we’ve just got to do it. This one is going to leave me thinking for awhile.
For each one should carry his own load. - Galatians 6:5
I See Where You Are
By Sandra McGarrity
… "You are the God who sees me." … "Have I truly seen the One who sees me?" - Genesis 16: 13
July 31, 2008 - My daughters participated in various competitions and programs for church and school during their growing up years. I noticed when they came onto the platform their first action was to seek me out in the crowd.
My youngest daughter in particular did this. Whether she was alone or in a group, her eyes always scanned the audience until she found me. She often appeared to be a bit nervous. As soon as my facial expression told her I’d seen her and we made eye contact she relaxed. She needed to know I was there for her and that I knew exactly where she was.
Her habit would be a good one for all of us to adapt. When a daunting task lies before me, I need to make contact with my heavenly father. Once I’m reassured He sees where I am and I am reminded He is there for me I can move ahead.
He knows exactly where I am.
I Need a Vacation
By Sandra McGarrity
July 15, 2008 - And the same one who descended is the same one who ascended higher than all the universe, so that he might fill the entire universe with himself. Ephesians 4:10 NLT
The high price of gasoline has most of us a little closer to home this summer. If you’re feeling bogged down in the day-to-day take a vacation to consider the universe God created and inhabits. Just think; the entire universe is filled with Him!
Below are some excellent websites to begin your journey. If you aren’t internet savvy; visit a library. Don’t worry about text; look at the photographs and realize where it all came from.
Travel far away:
http://hubblesite.org/gallery/album/the_universe_collection/
Move in closer to consider our own solar system clustered around the sun:
http://www.solarsystempictures.net/
Back to our planet:
http://www.earthkam.ucsd.edu/public/images/themed.shtml
Visit the United States:
http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/North_America/United_States/page1.htm
Virginia:
http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/dynoGall2.asp?catID=219
In the beginning God created…rest.
The American Dream
By Sandra McGarrity
June 11, 2008 - According to a recent report by the Washington, D.C.-based Pew Research Center, “Fewer Americans now than at any time in the last half century believe they're moving forward in life,"
An AOL news article suggests the American Dream is wounded.
The phrase “The American Dream” was coined by James Thurslow Adams in his book The Epic of America. He states: "The American Dream is that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement.”
Yep: I would say The American Dream is wounded. I try not to live by the American Dream but more by God’s Plan for my life but I find myself wondering lately like many others. It seems our world is in a sad state of affairs and most of us are pretty sure it’s going to get worse, not just for America but for the entire planet.
So many ideas could spin off from the above definition. If anyone wants to send their thoughts to me please feel free. I just want to look at the encouraging side of it all. In Luke 21:28 after describing the terrible things that are to befall the earth Jesus said, “ When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
Is The American Dream crumbling? If you belong to His kingdom; don’t be afraid. We’re moving forward, up, and out.
“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever and ever.” - Revelation 11: 15 NIV
A Man Asked for Directions
By Sandra McGarrity
Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. -Jeremiah 6: 16
June 5, 2008 - I’m not particularly politically inclined (some are screaming “bad Christian” here) and I don’t keep up with every detail of current events. I am the impressionable type to say the least and watching the news usually disturbs me. It’s difficult to “think on the good, true, pure, lovely, etc.” while watching the news.
While I’m on the subject let me insert that here I don’t care if Lindsay Lohan is in jail again. I certainly don’t care if Brittany Spears if fat or thin. When did actors start taking over the news?
So, now on to what I have to say after I got the ranting over since my column is supposed to be about encouragement.
A few years back I attended church with a young man who had an internet based firearms business. One day in our small group he mentioned that he believed God was leading him to cease business dealings with a company by the name of “Blackwater.” He said he had serious doubts that their dealings were ethical. It was the first time I had ever heard about Blackwater.
Over the following weeks, things began to look bleak for this young man and his family. Not only did he lose the revenue from the company in question but several other companies black-balled him for his decision. Then, things began to turn around. He got enough new clients to cover the gap and then some. They moved away from our area and opened a storefront business in addition to the internet. The last I heard, they were doing great. Shortly after that, “blackwater” became a word I was hearing or seeing almost every day. The news was they were in a lot of “hot water.”
My thoughts have nothing to do with firearms—that isn’t what I want to discuss. The take-away value for that situation for me was God is more than willing to direct our steps. When we stop to listen to Him it may not always make sense but we need to stop, ask, listen, and move in the direction He says. When we do, He pours out His blessing more abundantly than we can imagine.
Like Mother; Like Daughter
By Sandra McGarrity
…As is the mother, so is her daughter. Ezekiel 16:44
May 5 2008 - My oldest daughter and I have been communicating via telephone about her younger sister’s baby shower. I had used her to toss around various party ideas but neither of us mentioned the gifts we planned to give. I told my husband of a special gift I had planned—a special, unique homemade gift. I also had a purchased gift in mind to go along with it.
One night my eldest phoned full of excitement over her day of shopping. She went on to tell me of her plan to make a gift so similar to mine it was uncanny. I had to laugh and couldn’t pass up the opportunity to say, “It was my idea first.”
She then went on to tell me she was also making the same thing I had planned to purchase. Remember, we had not discussed this. My comment was, “You are so-o-o-o like your mother!”
My daughters are adults and it is true—I see myself in both of them. I generally see the parts that make me happy because both of my daughters are wonderful young women. I have seen some parts of me that aren’t so good crop up along the way and believe me; I can pick them out and trace them back to myself in a heartbeat.
For Mother’s Day and every day—I believe our lives as mothers influence our children more than any other. We do our best and thank God, He can deal with the mistakes.
Allegiance to Jesus
By Sandra McGarrity
Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. Hebrews 13:15
April 18, 2008 - This verse stood out to me in my morning reading. I did as I often do and ran a search on the internet regarding “allegiance to Jesus.” You wouldn’t believe the crazy stuff out there. In fact, most of it was crazy or downright rude. I saw little that would help an unbeliever understand allegiance to Jesus and too much to set the Christian’s mind in the wrong direction.
I did, however, find a wonderful video at You Tube. The link is below. It is serious and a little scary but so encouraging at the same time. Please watch it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ew-Kip22oaU
I pledge allegiance to the Lamb:
I pledge allegiance to the Lamb
with all my strength, with all I am.
I will seek to honor His commands
I pledge allegiance to the Lamb.
(An excerpt from the song I Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb by Ray Boltz (c) 1994 )
He is the Painter
By Sandra McGarrity
March 25, 2008 - In our small group we discussed Ephesians 1:20-21 He demonstrated (this power) in the Messiah by raising Him from the dead and seating Him at His right hand in the heavens—far above every ruler and authority, power and dominion, and every title given, not only in this age but also in the one to come.
Our teacher discussed the fact that Jesus is above and over everything in our lives. He said sometimes we don’t get a clear picture of how things are. It’s like putting the tiny paint sample card on a wall to determine how the entire wall will look in that color. It’s so hard to envision. Because Jesus is the painter He can see the whole picture and knows how it will come out although we feel as if we can see only a tiny square of it all.
Of course, I had to speak up and say “Because Jesus is the painter we have to know it will come out fantastic and it won’t be the wrong shade.” I was sincere when I said that and not trying to be showy but I wonder if my sincerity was tested.
After church something happened that irritated me. It was nothing big but as it sometimes happens; I couldn’t get it off my mind. I prayed about it, talked about it, and reasoned with myself about it but the irritation kept creeping back.
FINALLY, I said, “Okay, God; I don’t know why I’m so bugged and I don’t know why stuff like this happens but I thank you for it and for whatever you’re trying to work in my life through it.”
I hadn’t thought anymore about group discussion but I immediately got a mental picture of a paint sample taped to a wall. The thought came—this is a small square in the entire painting. Let the painter do His work.
It’s hard to obsess over something if I believe Jesus is above and over everything in my life.
Hollow Bunny
By Sandra McGarrity
March 19, 2008 - When we went to pick up some Easter cards my husband did what he usually does—handed me so many husband-wife cards to look at I couldn’t find a card for my mother. A part of one card stands out in my memory. The card gave a list of “10 Reasons Why You’re Better Than a Chocolate Bunny.” The memorable one is: “Because You Aren’t Hollow.
Oddly enough, AOL had a review of best and worst chocolate bunnies that night. I couldn’t resist looking at it. I found that the large majority of chocolate bunnies are hollow. Who started that? It’s a rip-off if you ask me. Give me a solid block of chocolate!
So then I was thinking about the times when I go around acting hollow. I’m a Christian. The Spirit of Christ lives within me. It’s a shame I act like he isn’t there.
Thankfully my train of thought turned from “hollow” to “empty.” Easter is all about the empty tomb. He wasn’t there. He had risen! “Empty” is one of the best words in the Christian’s vocabulary. The empty tomb—empty of self—emptying all we have before Him.
The next time I bite into a hollow chocolate bunny, I’ll try to think, “Empty.”
He is not here; he has risen, just as He said. – Matthew 28: 6 NIV
On the Right Trail
By Sandra McGarrity
March 12, 2008 - I have recently spent time doing research on George Washington Bush. This African-Irish American traveled the Oregon Trail with his family in search of a place where he could live as the free man he was without discrimination.
When their party reached Oregon they found he wasn’t welcome there as he had hoped. Seeking a place where he could own land, he decided to push on into the unsettled area now known as Washington. The other members of the group, although white, chose to move on with him.
Their travels involved a good deal of trailblazing. He is considered largely responsible for settling that part of our nation. That settlement was the impetus for Great Britain to surrender the land to the Americans. This allowed for the formation of the Washington Territory and later on, the state of Washington.
I love thinking about the “what ifs?” of this story.
It’s so easy to believe we’re on the wrong trail when things start to get complicated. When that trail ends in a dead end we’re tempted to wonder if God was in it from the beginning. Hebrews 11 recounts about some complicated situations. Every one of them was overcome by faith.
But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved. – Hebrews 10: 39 NIV
Good Noise
By Sandra McGarrity
March 5, 2008 - I saw the greatest snippet of news while I was getting ready for church on Sunday morning. I didn’t get the entire story and can’t find it but it dealt with construction noise in downtown Norfolk. Apparently, the noise has been driving some people just shy of crazy. I don’t know how it was organized but musicians of different genres came in to play music as an accompaniment to the noise. They created some good music that blended with the noise rather than trying to cover it. Now that’s what I call making lemonade from lemons—or music from cacophony.
Good noise can make daily irritations fade into the background.
Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord… Ephesians 5: 18
And Yet, God Was in the Midst of Us
By Sandra McGarrity
February 20, 2008 - This amazing testimony is from Heather Martin. She is a student at Union University in Tennessee. She survived a recent F4 tornado that struck the university. Heather Martin was trapped in the girl's dorm at Union. Her story is amazing... she's a brave girl.
Well, most of you have probably heard by now, my school, Union University was hit by an F4 tornado this past Tuesday night ( Feb. 5, 2008). I was one of the 15 students who got trapped in the wreckage. I was in my dorm room with one of my roommate, the 3 girls from upstairs, and my mentor from church. About 2 minutes before the tornado hit, my other roommate (who is an RA) ran in and told us to get in the bathtub. We barely made it. Our ears popped, my mentor looked at me and said, "We have to get in, NOW!" -- then the lights went off.
I was the last one in. My legs didn't quite make it before the building collapsed on us. I have not yet found words to describe the actual tornado, the noises, and the pressure. We felt our bodies being compressed and compressed, and then it stopped. I couldn't move. We made sure everyone in the tub was alive. It felt like we were miles from outside -- it was pitch black.
My initial thought was, "this is where I'm going to die -- there is no way the rescuers will get to us in time". Then, I assessed my physical state. My body was twisted and contorted into a position that I plan on never attempting again...I think God placed me in there just so, because I don't know how else I could have fit. I had a pocket of air against Julie's legs. I couldn't feel my legs because they were pinned between the edge of the tub and all the debris on top of us. I thought through what my death was going to be like. I realized I was probably going to pass out first, and then I would be with Jesus.
I've always wondered what my "last thoughts" would be. As one who has struggled in the past with doubts about salvation, I have always wondered what my last moments would be like. All I can say is, God was there. I knew He had me. And I knew He was either going to save me unto Himself or He was going to save me for a little more time here. I began to pray aloud, I prayed for peace, for the ability to trust Him. I started accounting for everyone who was in the tub. At that point I realized that someone under me was near the point of death (from her breathing). Then, I called out Julie's name and realized it was her. My heart sunk at that point. I didn't think my heart could bear losing another friend. I started praying for her out loud, telling her to keep breathing, God was with her. I was so afraid she was going to die underneath me. I think I even asked God to take me if He took her. Every time I moved, she either couldn't breathe or she had excruciating pain. I tried to stay as still and calm as I could. I know God was managing my thoughts for me at that point. I could NOT panic...and by His grace, I didn't.
I found out later we were trapped for 45 minutes. One of the other girls in the tub had her cell phone and was actually able to call 911. I honestly only felt like I was in there for 10-15 minutes. I don't know if I ever lost consciousness or if God just allowed it to seem shorter. I was told later the rescuers had to use a backhoe to remove the initial debris. None of us remember that -- again, that was by God's grace. We would have been terrified had we heard that. When the rescuers started digging us out, it was terrifying. Julie's neck was exposed in such a way that one wrong move and it would have snapped...she was still having lots of trouble breathing. At one point, the rescuers could see my face and I was screaming out to them...telling them I was not panicking but there was a girl under me and I could not move or she would die, and that they needed to lift the debris and not slide it. Once they broke through to us, they got everyone out in about 10-15 minutes. I was the last because my legs were stuck and I couldn't feel them or move them.
ulie and I ended up needing to go to the hospital. But neither of us had to stay overnight. It was a night of chaos. And yet, God was in the midst of us. We were buried in a tangled mess of wreckage and yet He knew how each board, each piece of brick and rubble was placed. For example, right next to my legs was a 2x4...it ended up keeping just enough pressure off my legs so that I did not lose them. I haven't gotten all my feeling back, but I'm walking around. I know I have mentioned God a whole lot throughout this note. I know many of you who are reading this do not know Him and may think I'm a bit odd. But it comes down to this, there is NO other explanation as to why I am alive today other than, God had His hand over us. He kept just enough pressure off. He didn't let me panic. Was I scared?? Yes -- terrified at first. But at one point, my friend Kellie said "Heather, it's gonna be okay". And a sense of peace came around us. I know God was with us that entire time And He did give me a sense of peace -- it kept me from panicking, it all owed me to speak up for Julie when the rescue started. My life has been a little screwy recently. I've struggled with trusting God. I've struggled accepting the fact that He loves me unconditionally. But God was with me. He showed me how to trust Him in the rubble -- in the chaos. I know I have some long days ahead. There are sounds stored in my memory that I'm not aware of until I hear them again. I freak out at some very random times and I'm not sure what all the triggers are. But this is what I'm holding onto -- God is not finished with me yet. He still has a purpose for me here on earth a little while longer. And the One who sustained me through the nightmare of Tuesday night will continue to sustain me, to love me unconditionally, to comfort me, and to hold me when I'm scared. And knowing that is what allowed me to get out of bed this morning. He is a good God. If you don't know Him, you need to. He loves you. He wants to know you intimately, and He wants you to know Him intimately.
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By Sandra McGarrity
Posted February 4, 2008 - Winter in Virginia and in the part of Tennessee I grew up in consists mostly of chilly days and gray skies. We get little winter weather but we can count on the gray skies. I am not a fan of day after day of gray skies. That's why I call our two winter months Janu-weary and Febru-weary. I know many people must agree with me. Why else would we have so many strange holidays this month?
February 1 is . . . . . Serpent Day
February 3 is . . . . . Cordova Ice Worm Day
February 4 is . . . . . Create a Vacuum Day
February 6 is . . . . . Lame Duck Day
February 9 is . . . . . Toothache Day
February 10 is . . . . Umbrella Day
February 11 is . . . . White Tee-Shirt Day and Don't Cry over Spilled Milk Day
February 12 is . . . . National Plum Pudding Day
February 13 is . . . . Get a Different Name Day
February 16 is . . . . Do a Grouch a Favor DayFebruary 17 is . . . . Champion Crab Races Day
February 18 is . . . . National Battery Day
February 23 is . . . . International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day
February 25 is . . . . Pistol Patent Day (Samuel Colt)
February 28 is . . . . Public Sleeping Day
The only one of these holidays that makes a bit of sense occurs on February 16.
So, you say, “What’s so encouraging about this?” Well next month doesn’t have a “weary” in its name. I suppose “March” denotes an activity that could be wearying but by next month we will know spring is on the way. Until then, celebrate some of the crazy holidays.
I think I shall celebrate Cordova Ice Worm Day.
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Posted January 8, 2008 - “I’m going across the street to the dime store,” she answered without a moment’s hesitation.
We knew our mother and something told us that this couldn’t be good. We tried to delay her leaving. “Why are you going?”
“I’m going to the dime store to buy some head scarves,” she spoke firmly. “You are going to get sick without your heads covered.”
We groaned in unison. “We don’t need scarves. We are warm; honest we are.” We whined and complained as much as we dared.
Horrors! It was 1959, almost 1960. Girls didn’t wear head scarves! Scarves were for old women like our grandmother and for very poor people that couldn’t afford the cute little knitted caps that we had left at home. Was she really going to do this thing?
Off she marched across the street and into the dime store. She was a woman on a mission. Her mind was made up. There was no stopping her. She was going to do it, and worse still, we were going to wear them.
We stood on the sidewalk and discussed our fate. How could she do this to us? We were going to look so stupid. What if our school friends saw us? Tears welled in our eyes as we mourned our unhappy circumstances.
We folded our arms tightly around our bodies and pouted while we watched the storefront for her return. The window displays didn’t glitter as brilliantly as they had before. The colored lights lost their brightness as if someone had turned a dimmer switch. Why did our mother have to be so…so…motherly?
Within ten minutes she emerged from the store with a bag containing the hideous headgear that would undoubtedly seal our fate. Here it came and there was no help for it. People were going to think that we were…poor. We were going to look like little waifs. Didn’t it bother her that her children were going to look like street urchins?
But, wait; she had something else in her hands. It looked like…could it be?…yes, it was! She carried three bags of hot, buttered, popcorn, fresh from the dime store popper. This was an almost unheard of treat. The pouts turned to smiles. The sun broke through the clouds. Had our town ever before boasted such brilliant holiday decorations? What caused them to glow so much brighter than before? Had the winter air ever had such a clean, fresh snap to it?
She hurried across the street and gave a bag to each of us. While we dove into the buttery goodness that she had brought to soften the blow, she tied a scarf around each of our heads. Just as she securely knotted the last scarf under my chin, we heard the blast of the siren from the police car. The parade had begun.
We were near the bottom of the popcorn bags when the final float came into view. Dressed in her costume of a red and white striped pajama top, with red pants and an elves cap, our sister rode proudly beside Santa. We made certain that anyone within a mile radius of us was aware that our sister was on that float.
Beside us, our mother clutched her purse knowing that it held an empty coin bag. Her oldest daughter was a celebrity for the day. The three younger ones were warm and snug under the head scarves that they no longer remembered they were wearing. She knew when to spend her last coin.
This story, written by myself, was published in What I Learned from God While Cooking compiled by Christine Bolley.
Lemon Pie to Make the Heart Glad
Her child rode the bus to church every week. The Young woman was elated at the good news that she was carrying another, much wanted child. She and her husband rejoiced that their family would soon be complete. They hoped for a girl.
One Saturday my husband came home from visiting his bus route. His voice was tinged with sadness as he told me the little family had lost their baby. “She (the mother) is devastated. I talked to her for a long time,” he said. “Do you think you could make some food or something? They don’t have any family living here and they have very few friends.”
I was the wife of a college student and we had two little girls to support so I had to give some thought to his request. It couldn’t be anything fancy and definitely not expensive. I decided on a meat loaf and some vegetables. For dessert, I made a homemade lemon meringue pie—crust and all. I made them fairly often because they were inexpensive, but delicious. It wasn’t the easiest dessert I could make, but I felt certain the Lord was instructing me to make it.
When the food was delivered to their door, they were almost overwhelmed with gratitude. Because his hands had been full on the first trip my husband had to go back to the car to get the pie. As he approached the door the grieving woman burst into tears and said, “I know that has to be a lemon meringue pie. I have been craving it. It is my favorite; how did your wife know?”
Of course, I didn’t know, but her Heavenly Father knew, and he passed the word along to me, without my realizing it. Pie is a small thing, but it made her heart glad, and mine too. Our great big God cares so much about the little things. He sends many things simply to gladden our hearts. His word tells us that He gives wine to gladden the heart, oil to make the face shine, and bread to sustain the heart. All of these speak of things given for our happiness, not simply things given to fill our stomachs. He could stop at providing our physical needs but our happiness means so much to Him that he gives the extra for our pleasure.
Do you know someone who needs a “lemon pie” to gladden the heart?
Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.
- Isaiah 40:1
Although baking a lemon meringue pie is neither easy nor quick, everyone should try it at least once in a lifetime. There is great pleasure in stirring the filling until it starts to thicken and becomes clear. Fascinating bubbles form and pop in the mixture. The sweet, sour aroma causes you to drool for the finished product. Patting meringue on top to make peaks with just the perfect curl is a work of art. Browning the meringue to perfection without burning the curls provides a challenge. Nothing compares to biting into a flaky crust you made yourself.
Gladden someone’s heart today. It may be your own
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