And we know that the Son of God has come, and he has given us understanding so that we can know the true God. And now we live in fellowship with the true God because we live in fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only true God, and he is eternal life. 1 JOHN 5:20 (NLT)

Christians are encouraged to have fellowship with other believers. Fellowship is defined as, “A company of people that shares the same interest or aim; a feeling of friendship, relatedness or connection between people.” For Christians, the connection, of course, would be faith and belief in Jesus. The New Testament speaks about the fellowship of the believers among the newly formed church (ACTS 2:41-47). During these times of fellowship, they shared meals, had times of worship and they prayed together.

The New Testament book of 1John speaks of our fellowship with God the Father and with Jesus Christ the Son. The Old Testament book of Genesis speaks of two men who walked in fellowship with God. Enoch was taken up to heaven. “Enoch lived 365 years, walking in close fellowship with God. Then one day he disappeared, because God took him.” (GENESIS 5:23,24 NLT). Noah was the only “good” man on earth during his time, so the LORD spared him; God told him to build the ark as shelter during the great flood. “Noah was a righteous man, the only blameless person living on earth at the time, and he walked in close fellowship with God.” (GENESIS 6:9 NLT). Everyone except Noah and his immediate family was destroyed, along with all the other living creatures that did not make the ark.

When the venue of a gathering is the Church, for a Bible Study for instance, the focus of conversation would most likely be about the Bible. Subsequent discussions are generally wholesome in nature, and bring people closer together through a more intimate understanding of each other. People tend to be more careful of the context of their statements and the selection of their words, and make an effort not to offend or hurt anyone’s feelings.

Perhaps a get together is elsewhere and consists of a few friends meeting for coffee. The atmosphere is different. The conversation could start out innocently; someone asks about the well being of a mutual friend. Then, before the friends are aware of it, they are engaged in a gossip session.

In another scenario, a group gathers for a prayer meeting. It is common they begin by discussing the people they will pray for. How quickly such a well-intended effort can turn into a time of talk that grieves the LORD. It is not necessary that secrets or intimacies be revealed, and personal information about others made known, especially if it is second-hand information. It is a betrayal if something is shared when it was received in confidence, even with the best intentions.

The conversations that people share should always be pleasing to God’s ears. Regardless of where His children gather, He hears every word that is said, and He knows the content of each heart. If words are not true, helpful, insightful, necessary, and kind, they shouldn’t be said. Fellowship is a wonderful time spent with God and with each other, and shouldn’t be tainted by dishonorable conversation, any time or any place.

PSALM 41:6 (NLT)
They visit me as if they were my friends, but all the while, they gather gossip, and when they leave, they spread it everywhere.

2 CORINTHIANS 13:14 (NLT)
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

MY FIRST CHRISTMAS WITH THE "ARMY"

I hope everyone had a blessed Christmas celebration and that each had a moment or two to reflect upon the true meaning of Christmas—the celebration of the birth of Jesus. “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” [ISAIAH 9:6 NLT]
My Christmas wish to all may be a bit late, but sincere nonetheless—May God’s light always shine brightly on you and yours. (Thanks, Joe, for that phrase.)

The past few weeks have been a blessing and a learning experience. The Lord selected me to fill an opening in the office at the Salvation Army in my town. What an honor! There are so many people looking for work and Praise God, He selected me! Wow! I am so thankful for the privilege of serving Him in this way.

My “job” started at the peak of the Christmas season. The annual toy drive was drawing to a close. The parcels were at the participating vendors awaiting pick-up. After days of fetching then sorting toys by boys/girls and age, bags were filled according to the applicants’ children’s ages, gender, and special needs, if any. On Thursday and Friday (18th & 19th), the toys, food boxes, and turkeys were distributed.

Since this was the first Christmas under the command of the new officers and the program was different from the previous years, we expected to make a few mistakes here and there. Through participation, I wanted to capture the Christmas spirit and be joyous. I wanted to see happy parents with gifts for their children, some who might otherwise not had anything to wrap and place under the tree. I expected frazzled co-workers and volunteers; everyone worked so hard in order to prepare for these two hectic days.

What I really hoped for was the spirit of thankfulness and giving of the heart. I’m sure there were many grateful parents amongst the crowd. However, we only heard from the unhappy ones. The complaints and disappointment rang louder than the quietly mumbled “thanks” offered as people left with loaded car-trunks and pull carts. The atmosphere of entitlement was heavy. Yes, the program was not like previous years. Yes, it didn’t run like clockwork. What saddened me the most was the lack of support and respect for the new officers. (In my opinion) it wasn’t right that the officers were talked down the way they were. A sense of order must be established when dealing with such a large volume of people. Rules are set forth for a reason: to maintain order and control—and they must be adhered to. Each person must be treated equally and fairly. Although a day was set aside to make exchanges/returns for mistakes and/or inappropriate choices, some exceptions were allowed and corrections were made immediately. Regardless, the officer in charge was accused of being cold, uncaring, and insensitive. That is so unfair and inaccurate. The officers made a lifetime commitment of service to God and to others. As in the armed forces, the rank of Major comes only after many years of exemplary performance. The officer enforced the rules; others took offense. If exceptions had been made to everyone, it would have been mayhem.

I’ve learned this: We can’t help each and every person who comes in for assistance. It is just not possible. However, we do a lot for many. The charity work this Church does makes a huge difference in the lives of the recipients. We cannot be successful if we have no unity. We cannot be successful if we have no respect our leaders. We cannot maintain a joyful spirit if we have no love for one another. If underlying resentments govern our feelings and the lack of forgiveness exists, we will not effectively serve our community, the ministry will fall apart, and the evil one will be victorious. That thought makes me very sad.

Please join me in prayer and let’s go to the Lord and ask for unity within our group, to share the Love of Jesus Christ with each other as He commands us to, and spread it to all whom we serve; and that the true meaning of Christmas--the birth of our Lord and Savior--is celebrated every day of the year.

Scriptures:

Matthew 20:28: “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

John 15:9,12: [9] “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. [12] This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.

Ephesians 4:1-6 “Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each others' faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all.

Post Poles

Cheers,
joyous shouts
proclaiming victory
out loud
from the voters
for their winning candidate.

Jeers,
words of hate
from those opposing;
condemning and disparaging
instead of accepting and respecting,
their new president.

Being part of the history made yesterday,
many fear what tomorrow will bring.
Can this land stand united,
or will it go further to waste?

Let us be dignified, unified,
and together as one,
restore our great nation
from division and discrimination.

Let us continue
what our forefathers have begun:
build-up our land of liberty
our land of freedom
our land of justice,
into a land of prosperity
for everyone, not just for some.

United we must stand
faithfully giving our leaders
support and respect
lifting them up in prayer,
integrity and honor to project.

Our stars and stripes
we proudly display.
Yesterday, tomorrow, forever.
Only if together can we stay
the greatest country ever born
the greatest nation in the world
America the beautiful
the good ol’ U.S.A.

Scriptures

2 Chronicles 7:14
if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land

My First Luncheon

Matthew 26:37, 40 (NLT)
“Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’

The Salvation Army corps in my community was established in 1890. They invite the community in for a luncheon each Wednesday. The ladies auxiliary group prepares and serves the meal on the first and fourth weeks; groups from two local churches volunteer the other two weeks. My first time participating in the luncheon was such a wonderful experience, one I’ll always remember and one I’d like to share.

Let me describe the building for you. I’m guessing it was built in the early 1900’s, a three-story red brick structure with a modern addition in the back, which houses the shelter. The main entrance is at the top of a short flight of steps. As soon as you pass through the double glass doors, there is another set of steps. At the top of that stairway, you face the double doors of the chapel. To the left is the elevator; to the right, the small reception office and the steps that lead to the upper and lower levels. The dining room and kitchen are in the basement. It’s an old building with lots of old public building charm. Not shiny, but not scary either.

I entered from the back door and found the kitchen at the bottom of the two sets of concrete stairs. I was greeted by a very friendly lady who asked, “can I help you?” I said, “that was going to be my question; how can I help you?” She assured me they’d find something for me to do. She motioned me to have a seat at the table with the other ladies catching their breaths from cooking and waiting for the guests to be let in. Miss. D., a retired schoolteacher, sat next to me and explained the routine. I learned she’s a schoolteacher because one of the two volunteers from the bank was her student and they remembered each other. One of the two other ladies helping that day was Miss L. She was there to fulfill her commitment of public service as part the recovery program she is in.

Now let me tell you about Miss I. She was at the switchboard, as she calls it, the day I went over to inquire about doing volunteer work. I got the impression she was pretty much in charge that day. She’s been with the ladies’ auxiliary over 20 years, and knows a lot of the history there. I would say she’s the go-to girl for most everything. She was doing this, looking after that, giving direction to the volunteers, making sure the noodles were cooked and buttered, etc. We celebrated Miss I’s 91st birthday last week. She’s got the secret: keep on moving!

The food and beverages were set out on the serving tables and we each manned our respective posts. Miss I. served the ham; her daughter did the green beans. Miss L. scooped out the noodles and I was assigned the applesauce and the rolls. Across the isle at the beverage table were the two young ladies from the bank, and a staff member of the shelter. Dessert was self-service.

Once we were all situated, the doors were opened. The room filled up quickly. Earlier, I asked how many people usually come for the meals. Miss L. said usually around 60 or so, but they were expecting around 100. She said, “times are pretty bad, we’re going to have a crowd.” She was right. The place was filled to capacity in just a few minutes.

The Major offered the blessing, then the folks formed a line, got their trays and plates and made their way down the tables. I said, “would you like applesauce, a roll” and “you’re welcome” to everyone. I made it a point to look at each face. I recognized two ladies from Bible study the day before. She and her group stayed behind to help clean-up. They folded up all the chairs and put them off to the side. I saw their willingness to help with the clean-up as a gesture of appreciation.

For the most part, people were very appreciative. Many came back for seconds and said how delicious everything was. Some said that meal would be their only meal that day. As we packed-up the leftovers, I wished we could have made “doggie bags” for those people so they’d have something to eat later on. It took about an hour to clean-up, wash & dry dishes and put everything away.

I walked out of the building feeling grateful that I was able to do so. God put my pain on hold for a few hours and it didn’t interfere with the job He had for me that afternoon. I was able to do the steps, down then back up again. He showed me that even with my physical challenges, I am capable of doing something to help-out within my community. I love what Paul said in Philippians 4:13, “For I can do everything through Christ, who strengthens me.”

God opened my heart to feel compassion and empathy for the folks seated at those tables. He gave my eyes the clear vision to see everyone as the individuals they are, all there under different circumstances: some to give help, and some to receive help; some because they chose to be there, others because they had no other choice. I am privileged to serve Him and thankful to be chosen to participate in His work, wherever it may be that He sends me.

I have a new phrase to add to my meal blessing: “Thank you Father for the abundance, for the plenty of food we always have in this house.”

ACS Relay For Life 2008

Relay For Life: May 31 – June 1 2008

I participated in the annual Relay for Life, an event that benefits the American Cancer Society. Participants form groups, and during the span of the 24-hour period, members of the group walk laps around the track. Members obtain contributions from friends, family, business, etc., and in turn donate all of the money they collect to the ACS. Since I wasn't involved last year, I have nothing to make a comparison to; I can only say I was incredibly moved by the enormity of participation! I was mightily impressed!

All participants received a white tee-shirt with the logo on the front. Those that are cancer survivors wore purple tee-shirts with the word survivor printed in bold white letters on the back. Those shirts were the ones that I paid attention to. Elderly, middle-aged, and yes, young children! When my husband and I first arrived at the high school stadium, the opening ceremony had just begun. I found our Pastor's wife sitting on the bleachers and joined her there. I noticed two little girls a few feet away from me. It was obvious they were twins. One was wearing a purple shirt. I had then and now again, a hard time containing my emotions.

Sitting next to my pastor's wife were a woman, a few years older than me, her daughter and two of her granddaughters. They were each wearing orange shirts. One said "I’m Abigail’s ga-ma", one said "I’m Abigail's mommy"; one said "I’m Abigail’s sister and bone marrow donor"; and then, there was the little girl whose shirt said "I’m Abigail". (here I go again). Later in the evening, one of our "sisters" introduced me to Abigail. She works with her mom. Abigail was two years old when she was diagnosed with leukemia, and now's she's five years old.

During the opening ceremony, a man spoke. He told about his experiences with the Relay for Life events, and how his wife was fundamental in bringing it to our area. He told of her struggles, and her courage and how she fought cancer for 18 years until it finally claimed her. As he lovingly spoke of his late wife, his tears streamed down his face, onto the purple shirt he was wearing. I don’t remember him saying if he was diagnosed before or after his wife’s death.

There were a lot of heart-wrenching moments, but, many filled with laughter as well. There was a table that was selling those funny leashes with invisible dogs (three of us from our group got them and had hours of laughs) to celebrate the success of the paws for life walk, which by the way, raised close to $59K! Then, we had the privilege of meeting Amber, a gorgeous one-year old golden retriever who is in training for therapy work. Her handler (daddy) works in a center for trouble youths and she goes to work with him. She’s already a pro in finding cigarettes, he said. He also shared with me that they will be adding a German shepherd dog to their family in the near future; his wife grew up with German shepherds and wants to train one to work in the same capacity as Amber. I met them while my husband accompanied me as I did my single lap. I was very proud of myself that I made it the entire way around with the use of only one cane instead of both!

A nasty thunderstorm which prompted a tornado watch rolled through and the officials cleared the field; everyone was ordered to go inside the school building. Lucky for me, my husband found a parking spot close to our tent and parked my car there, so a few from our group made a dash for the car and waited out the rain from the car. Some folks left, but most stayed.

I could go on and on but mercifully, I’ll close now. I just want to encourage any and all that, if your town or nearby community hosts an event like this, please, go; even if it’s only for an hour or two.