In times of trouble, it certainly seems that way. Believers and unbelievers alike wonder about God when bad things happen.
In the Bible, one often finds the complaint that the Divine Presence has taken a leave of absence. One of my favorites is found in Isaiah 45. The prophet makes a declarative statement about God in verse 15: “Truly you are a God who hides himself, O God and Savior of Israel.” Saviors don’t hide, do they? They’re supposed to be heroes, showing up to save people when all seems lost.
I know. The Bible also says that the heavens declare the glory of God. There are signs of the Creator all around me. Isaiah’s complaint – and mine – is that God seems curiously absent when the human experience goes south. The Creation does not have a personal quality. Primitive religions try to make it personal, but they only end up with superstition. Not real help.
As I thought about this, a story appeared in the Arizona Daily Star about a wounded veteran. It was November 11, so the paper was filled with stories of Americans who gave their lives in the defense of freedom. The story that caught my eye was headlined “Viet vet’s bride never wavered from his side.” Johnny and Flora Brooks were married just before he went to Viet Nam. On November 15, 1969, twenty-year-old Flora learned from a telegram that her Johnny was wounded in action. The paper reported that Johnny returned home without a leg and soon lost the other, along with his ability to speak and the use of his arms.
Flora loves Johnny. Even though his brain injury does not allow him to communicate beyond eye contact, Flora says she shares a rich full life with her husband. She reads Scripture to him, buys DVDs for them to watch together, and talks to him. “I’m way thankful,” she said. “I’m the one that’s still saying ‘Please God, please God, don’t take him yet.’”
It suddenly dawned on me. In my communication with God, I’m a lot like Johnny. I’m the injured one. He's the one who loves and cares for me, even though I struggle to respond. Maybe God orchestrated the story of Johnny and Flora to show others what He is like. The heavens declare the glory of God; so do people, when they behave like Him.
By nature, I am a skeptic. I can easily identify with Philip, the disciple of Jesus who said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” Give us some proof – as though our weak eyes and puny brains and defective thought processes are worthy of such proof.
Jesus said, “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father (John 14:8-9).” Jesus claimed to be God incarnate. Anyone who wants to see God should look at Jesus.
God is not hiding. We are.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
How Much Does It Take?
Every year about this time, Forbes magazine releases a list of the 400 richest people in America. Perhaps you have seen it. This was a special year, because the Forbes list is celebrating its 25th anniversary.
It was a special year for another reason. For the first time, 82 billionaires didn’t make the cut. That’s right. 82. Last year, they would have made it. This year, it took at least 1.3 billion dollars to make the “Forbes 400.” I feel sorry for them. I think.
I noticed something else. Forbes explained why some rich people fell off the list. They gave lots of money away. The founder of Domino’s Pizza fell off in 1999. His current net worth is $600 million after giving away $600 million. Another person fell off the list in 2001 after giving away $650 million. There were others. Forbes called them “Selfless.” I call them wise, but only partly so. After all, how much money does it take to live really well?
According to a story from the Bible (Mark 12:41-44), Jesus sat in the Temple and watched people put money into the treasury. Many who were rich put in large amounts. Then one poor widow came by and put in two little coins, the smallest currency available. Jesus noticed. He called his disciples together and said to them, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”
I’m embarrassed every time I read that story. When it comes to money, most of us are hypocrites and thieves. We pretend to give selflessly to God, but we spend most of our money on personal desires. As a Pastor, I was astounded at how easily I could anger people by asking them to tithe. That’s only ten percent of our wealth. Actually, we ought to do better than that.
The way to do better is to start admitting that everything we have belongs to God. Our bodies belong to God. The air we breathe belongs to God. The talents we have come from him. The wealth we earn is produced in a world that belongs to the Creator. He gives everything. He wants us to do the same.
In my view, this is the missing piece in the ongoing conflict between Creationists and Evolutionists. If there is a Creator, then the world belongs to Him—including my pocket book. We should check the giving records of Creationists and find out how serious they really are.
We might be surprised.
It was a special year for another reason. For the first time, 82 billionaires didn’t make the cut. That’s right. 82. Last year, they would have made it. This year, it took at least 1.3 billion dollars to make the “Forbes 400.” I feel sorry for them. I think.
I noticed something else. Forbes explained why some rich people fell off the list. They gave lots of money away. The founder of Domino’s Pizza fell off in 1999. His current net worth is $600 million after giving away $600 million. Another person fell off the list in 2001 after giving away $650 million. There were others. Forbes called them “Selfless.” I call them wise, but only partly so. After all, how much money does it take to live really well?
According to a story from the Bible (Mark 12:41-44), Jesus sat in the Temple and watched people put money into the treasury. Many who were rich put in large amounts. Then one poor widow came by and put in two little coins, the smallest currency available. Jesus noticed. He called his disciples together and said to them, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”
I’m embarrassed every time I read that story. When it comes to money, most of us are hypocrites and thieves. We pretend to give selflessly to God, but we spend most of our money on personal desires. As a Pastor, I was astounded at how easily I could anger people by asking them to tithe. That’s only ten percent of our wealth. Actually, we ought to do better than that.
The way to do better is to start admitting that everything we have belongs to God. Our bodies belong to God. The air we breathe belongs to God. The talents we have come from him. The wealth we earn is produced in a world that belongs to the Creator. He gives everything. He wants us to do the same.
In my view, this is the missing piece in the ongoing conflict between Creationists and Evolutionists. If there is a Creator, then the world belongs to Him—including my pocket book. We should check the giving records of Creationists and find out how serious they really are.
We might be surprised.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Coming Your Way
During the winter of 2004, Loreen and I emptied our savings account at the Investment Foundation and bought an RV consisting of a truck and a fifth wheel trailer. We believed that God was calling us into a ministry of encouragement among Grace Brethren pastors and their wives. Since then, we have traveled 19,600 miles across 23 states to do what we believed God wanted us to do. That accounts only for truck and trailer travel, not what we do through the air.
In January and February, we traveled to the Southwest Focus Retreat in California and the South Focus Retreat in Florida. In April, we traveled to Winona Lake, Indiana and Lititz, Pennsylvania. The Indiana trip was mostly business – though it did provide an opportunity to visit my 91-year-old mother. She was a pastor’s wife for ten years until my father went to be with the Lord in 1963.
The Pennsylvania trip was mostly for fun and family, though I did have an opportunity to preach at Grace Church and visit the ministry staff. To be honest, the real reason for the trip was to visit our children and grandchildren.
By the time you read this page, we will be well on our way into another summer of travel. We traveled from Tucson through Albuquerque and Taos. We also visited Colorado Springs and Denver before turning east through Nebraska and Iowa. We haven’t seen pastors and their wives in these near and mid-western states since 2004.
If our plan holds, we should travel through Indiana the third week of June, Ohio the fourth week of June, and Pennsylvania the first week of July.
The fourth week of July will find us traveling back to Winona Lake for AGBM meetings and Equip07. It is our habit to park the trailer at the back of the old missions building – which now belongs to the Grace Brethren Investment Foundation. After conference is completed, we will drive back to Pennsylvania for one last visit with our family. It will be “the last hurrah” with our grandchildren before school starts. Sometime toward the end of August, we begin the long trip back to Tucson.
I usually send e-mail messages ahead wherever we go. If you should find a message in your box entitled “coming your way,” you will know what it means. Sometimes our schedules mesh, and we have an opportunity for fellowship. If it’s a weekend, I may even visit your worship service and hear you preach. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
In January and February, we traveled to the Southwest Focus Retreat in California and the South Focus Retreat in Florida. In April, we traveled to Winona Lake, Indiana and Lititz, Pennsylvania. The Indiana trip was mostly business – though it did provide an opportunity to visit my 91-year-old mother. She was a pastor’s wife for ten years until my father went to be with the Lord in 1963.
The Pennsylvania trip was mostly for fun and family, though I did have an opportunity to preach at Grace Church and visit the ministry staff. To be honest, the real reason for the trip was to visit our children and grandchildren.
By the time you read this page, we will be well on our way into another summer of travel. We traveled from Tucson through Albuquerque and Taos. We also visited Colorado Springs and Denver before turning east through Nebraska and Iowa. We haven’t seen pastors and their wives in these near and mid-western states since 2004.
If our plan holds, we should travel through Indiana the third week of June, Ohio the fourth week of June, and Pennsylvania the first week of July.
The fourth week of July will find us traveling back to Winona Lake for AGBM meetings and Equip07. It is our habit to park the trailer at the back of the old missions building – which now belongs to the Grace Brethren Investment Foundation. After conference is completed, we will drive back to Pennsylvania for one last visit with our family. It will be “the last hurrah” with our grandchildren before school starts. Sometime toward the end of August, we begin the long trip back to Tucson.
I usually send e-mail messages ahead wherever we go. If you should find a message in your box entitled “coming your way,” you will know what it means. Sometimes our schedules mesh, and we have an opportunity for fellowship. If it’s a weekend, I may even visit your worship service and hear you preach. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Monday, May 21, 2007
In Memory of Stephen Lee Young
James and Edith Young were granted six children, all of them special gifts from God. However, there were two separate families. Three children came before James and Edith gave their hearts to Christ. James Byron was the first born. Kay and Jerry followed to complete the family. No more children were anticipated.
But God had other plans. He called James and Edith to put their faith in Christ. Their lives were radically changed, and God gave them a second family. Stephen was the first born. Edna and Rebecca followed to complete the family.
Believing that God was calling him to the Christian ministry, our father received basic Bible training at Moody Bible Institute. He became a pastor at the age of 40. Steve remembers giving his heart to Christ at the age of 9 after hearing dad preach at a small country church in Kansas. Our father later served two churches in Ohio, and Steve eventually graduated from Norwayne High School in Creston, Ohio.
The first family hardly left the nest before our father went home to be with Jesus. He was only 50 years old, and he left behind the second family. Stephen was 17, a junior in high school. Edna was 13 and Becky was 8. Edna and Becky remember that Steve was their hero. He was smart, handsome, popular at school, captain of the football team, president of his class. He encouraged them. He counseled them. They looked up to him.
So did mom. She brought all her important decisions to Steve for advice. He was wise for his years, and she appreciated his counsel. When Steve graduated from high school, the four of them moved to Winona Lake, Indiana, where Grace College is located. Steve became a college student. Officially, mom went to work in the snack bar at the college. Unofficially, she became the “mother in residence.” While at Grace, Steve was active in music and theater productions. He was also elected student body president by his fellow students.
James and Edith came from humble circumstances. They knew what it meant to go without the finer things of life. In the spirit of Christ, they chose to give their lives away for others. Stephen embodies the principles he learned from them. Others can testify that Steve never bragged about his education or his accomplishments. He was a humble man who always had time for others – especially those less privileged than he. He gave himself away.
For those of us who knew him well, the opportunity to work at Denver Seminary seemed like a dream come true. Stephen was unusually gifted and experienced as a leader, and he loved to teach. How surprised we were to hear that – after such a short time – God had other plans.
Thank you, Stephen. We saw the face of Jesus in your life, especially as he prepared you for your journey home. The words of the Apostle Paul came true for you.
“Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Cor. 4:16-18 NIV)
Goodbye brother. Welcome home.
But God had other plans. He called James and Edith to put their faith in Christ. Their lives were radically changed, and God gave them a second family. Stephen was the first born. Edna and Rebecca followed to complete the family.
Believing that God was calling him to the Christian ministry, our father received basic Bible training at Moody Bible Institute. He became a pastor at the age of 40. Steve remembers giving his heart to Christ at the age of 9 after hearing dad preach at a small country church in Kansas. Our father later served two churches in Ohio, and Steve eventually graduated from Norwayne High School in Creston, Ohio.
The first family hardly left the nest before our father went home to be with Jesus. He was only 50 years old, and he left behind the second family. Stephen was 17, a junior in high school. Edna was 13 and Becky was 8. Edna and Becky remember that Steve was their hero. He was smart, handsome, popular at school, captain of the football team, president of his class. He encouraged them. He counseled them. They looked up to him.
So did mom. She brought all her important decisions to Steve for advice. He was wise for his years, and she appreciated his counsel. When Steve graduated from high school, the four of them moved to Winona Lake, Indiana, where Grace College is located. Steve became a college student. Officially, mom went to work in the snack bar at the college. Unofficially, she became the “mother in residence.” While at Grace, Steve was active in music and theater productions. He was also elected student body president by his fellow students.
James and Edith came from humble circumstances. They knew what it meant to go without the finer things of life. In the spirit of Christ, they chose to give their lives away for others. Stephen embodies the principles he learned from them. Others can testify that Steve never bragged about his education or his accomplishments. He was a humble man who always had time for others – especially those less privileged than he. He gave himself away.
For those of us who knew him well, the opportunity to work at Denver Seminary seemed like a dream come true. Stephen was unusually gifted and experienced as a leader, and he loved to teach. How surprised we were to hear that – after such a short time – God had other plans.
Thank you, Stephen. We saw the face of Jesus in your life, especially as he prepared you for your journey home. The words of the Apostle Paul came true for you.
“Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Cor. 4:16-18 NIV)
Goodbye brother. Welcome home.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Some Things Matter and Some Things Don't
One of my favorite stories is about a man from Pennsylvania who took a road trip into New England. He entered Vermont on an interstate highway, but soon decided to leave it and drive west toward the mountains. As he drove through the countryside, he came to a fork in the road – with no signs. Not being sure which road to take, he drove back to the nearest house. An old man answered his knock at the door. Pointing down the road, he asked, “Does it matter which road I take to get to the Green Mountains?” The old Vermonter squinted down the road and replied, “Not to me it don’t.”
One of the more important lessons I learned in life is that some things matter and some things don’t. My natural tendency is to make everything matter. Somewhere along the line, I awakened to the fact that deciding what not to do was just as important as deciding what to do.
What standards should govern these decisions? How do I decide which things to let go, and which things to pursue? Ah, that’s the tough part. Here is where I sometimes fail.
The Pennsylvania Dutch have a saying: “We get too soon old and too late smart.” It’s true, you know. I think my life was at least half over before the light came on. My relationship with God matters. So does my relationship with people. Everything I choose to do should be measured against these two standards. They represent the most important things of all. How did Jesus summarize the Law?
Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. (Matthew 22:37-40, KJV)
Last fall, my younger brother informed us that he was very ill. Subsequent tests revealed that he is suffering from cancer. Rigorous rounds of chemotherapy were indicated. For Steve and his family, things that matter have become crystal clear.
Last month, my mother nearly died from congestive heart failure. The doctor installed a pacemaker, and she is doing rather well. However, she is 91 years old. We all know that her time on earth is nearing a close.
What do we say to these things? Some things matter and some things don’t. At this time in my family, our relationship with God is of supreme importance. Our relationship with each other is deeply prized. Other things matter, but not nearly so much as these.
One of the more important lessons I learned in life is that some things matter and some things don’t. My natural tendency is to make everything matter. Somewhere along the line, I awakened to the fact that deciding what not to do was just as important as deciding what to do.
What standards should govern these decisions? How do I decide which things to let go, and which things to pursue? Ah, that’s the tough part. Here is where I sometimes fail.
The Pennsylvania Dutch have a saying: “We get too soon old and too late smart.” It’s true, you know. I think my life was at least half over before the light came on. My relationship with God matters. So does my relationship with people. Everything I choose to do should be measured against these two standards. They represent the most important things of all. How did Jesus summarize the Law?
Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. (Matthew 22:37-40, KJV)
Last fall, my younger brother informed us that he was very ill. Subsequent tests revealed that he is suffering from cancer. Rigorous rounds of chemotherapy were indicated. For Steve and his family, things that matter have become crystal clear.
Last month, my mother nearly died from congestive heart failure. The doctor installed a pacemaker, and she is doing rather well. However, she is 91 years old. We all know that her time on earth is nearing a close.
What do we say to these things? Some things matter and some things don’t. At this time in my family, our relationship with God is of supreme importance. Our relationship with each other is deeply prized. Other things matter, but not nearly so much as these.
Saturday, February 03, 2007
Making Big Things Small
I bought a new computer two weeks ago. It’s an Apple, not a PC. Have you seen the television commercials? Then you know what I’m talking about. I bought it for Loreen to use. I decided that she depended too much on my limited skills and she needed a whole new approach. The deal included 50 lessons. She is on her way.
I was amazed that all the computing power of her Apple fits inside the monitor. There is no separate box. Furthermore, a little square spot at the top of the monitor can snap her picture and send it into cyberspace. She can also make a video of herself at the computer. All I brought home was the 17 inch monitor, a keyboard and a mouse. Is that small, or what?
As I thought about how good we are at making big things small and small things big, I remembered an article I read recently about Norman Mailer. He’s the famous writer who wrote several novels about World War II. His very first, written at age 26, was entitled The Naked and the Dead. Mr. Mailer has just written another novel about the War. This one is called The Castle in the Forest.
In the interview that I read, Norman Mailer is quoted as saying, “I do believe that there is a creator. But I don’t believe that God is all good or all powerful. I believe that he or she is doing what he or she can, against some large odds.”
Let’s see. That makes God like us, right? We are men and women doing the best we can against large odds. In less than 40 words, Mr. Mailer made someone very big, very small. If God is like me, then I don’t need him. Furthermore, I should work harder at removing the “large odds” standing in God’s way. Let’s all pitch in and give God a hand.
As I thought about this, I realized that many of us who profess faith in Christ share Norman Mailer’s theology. We carry the attitude that God cannot do certain things unless we do something first. If we behave as we ought, then God is able to bless us with health and happiness. If we witness as we ought, then God is able to save people. If we pray for missionaries, then God is able to bless their work. If we work harder and smarter, then God is able to make our churches grow.
Sorry, folks, but I must stand against the idea that God is unable to act independently without my cooperation. Jesus chided the people of his day because they made God small. He reminded them that God was so good and so great that he even numbered the hairs on their heads. “Don’t worry,” he said. God not only cares for us, he is able to do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” (Ephesians 3:20)
I’m glad that God isn’t limited by my efforts. I refuse to make myself bigger than I am or God smaller than he is.
I was amazed that all the computing power of her Apple fits inside the monitor. There is no separate box. Furthermore, a little square spot at the top of the monitor can snap her picture and send it into cyberspace. She can also make a video of herself at the computer. All I brought home was the 17 inch monitor, a keyboard and a mouse. Is that small, or what?
As I thought about how good we are at making big things small and small things big, I remembered an article I read recently about Norman Mailer. He’s the famous writer who wrote several novels about World War II. His very first, written at age 26, was entitled The Naked and the Dead. Mr. Mailer has just written another novel about the War. This one is called The Castle in the Forest.
In the interview that I read, Norman Mailer is quoted as saying, “I do believe that there is a creator. But I don’t believe that God is all good or all powerful. I believe that he or she is doing what he or she can, against some large odds.”
Let’s see. That makes God like us, right? We are men and women doing the best we can against large odds. In less than 40 words, Mr. Mailer made someone very big, very small. If God is like me, then I don’t need him. Furthermore, I should work harder at removing the “large odds” standing in God’s way. Let’s all pitch in and give God a hand.
As I thought about this, I realized that many of us who profess faith in Christ share Norman Mailer’s theology. We carry the attitude that God cannot do certain things unless we do something first. If we behave as we ought, then God is able to bless us with health and happiness. If we witness as we ought, then God is able to save people. If we pray for missionaries, then God is able to bless their work. If we work harder and smarter, then God is able to make our churches grow.
Sorry, folks, but I must stand against the idea that God is unable to act independently without my cooperation. Jesus chided the people of his day because they made God small. He reminded them that God was so good and so great that he even numbered the hairs on their heads. “Don’t worry,” he said. God not only cares for us, he is able to do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” (Ephesians 3:20)
I’m glad that God isn’t limited by my efforts. I refuse to make myself bigger than I am or God smaller than he is.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Lazy J Ranch
My wife picked it out. The wallpaper, that is. Dark blue in color, it has a western theme with light brown lassos printed here and there. However, it’s the border at the top that really matters to her. Among the cowboy hats and horseshoes may be found several old-fashioned placards which boldly read, “Lazy J Ranch.” Since my name is Jerry, you can guess the rest.
OK. I’ll accept that – with a wry grin of course. Since I retired as Senior Pastor of Grace Church in Lititz, Pennsylvania, my frenetic pace has been seriously reduced. Every day feels like a day off. I now have time to read the morning paper and drink a second cup of coffee. That’s nice.
I have been especially lazy during the fall and winter months. Those of you who look for words of wisdom from me via the internet have been disappointed. Alright, you wags – “words of wisdom” may be a stretch. Seriously, I apologize to those of you who are disappointed by my silence.
A slight correction may be in order here. I wasn’t entirely lazy. Several days were given to the Association of Grace Brethren Ministers. I am their go-to guy for research and development, and the fall was very busy. It included a trip to Winona Lake, Indiana. I also squeezed in a meeting with the Grace Brethren Investment Foundation in Raleigh, North Carolina (I’m a member of the Board of Directors).
Trips to visit family members also dominated the fall landscape. Our fourth grandchild was born to Janae and Eric Goodwyn on October 12. We drove to California the day after he was born and spent a week at their home in Hemet. We also flew to Pennsylvania in November for Thanksgiving, and again in December for Christmas. I guess I’m not so lazy after all, huh?
It isn’t a new year’s resolution, but I promise to write more in the next three months than I have in the last three months. Except for trips to California at the end of January and Florida at the end of February, the beginning of 2007 should be somewhat quiet. I hope.
Fortunately, the Lazy J wallpaper is used only in the laundry room. I don’t see it very often. Otherwise, I might be unduly encouraged to loaf. I have enough encouragement as it is.
I’m especially encouraged that God is at work all the time behind the scenes. Jesus said that the Father cares about the smallest details of life on earth. I think that includes my life. He is at work on my behalf – even when I don’t know enough to ask for help. I want to write about that next week.
I’ll try not to look at the wallpaper.
OK. I’ll accept that – with a wry grin of course. Since I retired as Senior Pastor of Grace Church in Lititz, Pennsylvania, my frenetic pace has been seriously reduced. Every day feels like a day off. I now have time to read the morning paper and drink a second cup of coffee. That’s nice.
I have been especially lazy during the fall and winter months. Those of you who look for words of wisdom from me via the internet have been disappointed. Alright, you wags – “words of wisdom” may be a stretch. Seriously, I apologize to those of you who are disappointed by my silence.
A slight correction may be in order here. I wasn’t entirely lazy. Several days were given to the Association of Grace Brethren Ministers. I am their go-to guy for research and development, and the fall was very busy. It included a trip to Winona Lake, Indiana. I also squeezed in a meeting with the Grace Brethren Investment Foundation in Raleigh, North Carolina (I’m a member of the Board of Directors).
Trips to visit family members also dominated the fall landscape. Our fourth grandchild was born to Janae and Eric Goodwyn on October 12. We drove to California the day after he was born and spent a week at their home in Hemet. We also flew to Pennsylvania in November for Thanksgiving, and again in December for Christmas. I guess I’m not so lazy after all, huh?
It isn’t a new year’s resolution, but I promise to write more in the next three months than I have in the last three months. Except for trips to California at the end of January and Florida at the end of February, the beginning of 2007 should be somewhat quiet. I hope.
Fortunately, the Lazy J wallpaper is used only in the laundry room. I don’t see it very often. Otherwise, I might be unduly encouraged to loaf. I have enough encouragement as it is.
I’m especially encouraged that God is at work all the time behind the scenes. Jesus said that the Father cares about the smallest details of life on earth. I think that includes my life. He is at work on my behalf – even when I don’t know enough to ask for help. I want to write about that next week.
I’ll try not to look at the wallpaper.
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