Joy!

Way back when I was in junior high, circa 1967-1969, the journalism class put out a monthly publication with all the current school happenings and the occasional commentary. I remember one of the editions included a section that published comments from several students that had completed the following statement:

“Happiness is…..”

I wish I had saved a copy of it!

What I remember most about it was that many of the comments were funny, some were trying to be funny but were not, and a few were sincere. It was interesting to read and it also gave me a glimpse into the various personalities of some my classmates.

So, what makes you happy?

Let me first say, that’s a loaded question. I know some might have trouble putting a list together right now. Others would have no problem at all. So, why do you think that is?

It’s because happiness is circumstantial and is, by and large, likely determined by what is currently happening in your life. It can be very difficult to be happy when life isn’t going very well; when life is difficult; on the sad days, when tears are many.

But, I believe there is a joy that transcends our circumstances, and it’s a joy that remains in and though the difficult times in life. It’s a godly joy. It comes from the Lord as we look to Him in all of life’s circumstances. Be they good or bad.

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11

The joy of the Lord is actually more than a belief. It’s my experience. Joy just knowing the Lord. Joy in the good times. Joy in the bad times. There have been several times in my life where God has given me peace in the middle of the storm, and joy in spite of my circumstances. Trusting Him no matter what. Rejoicing in Him no matter what.

Because,

The Bible tells us regardless of our present circumstances, that we are to “rejoice in the Lord.” When we look to and praise God in worship our hearts are filled with joy.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Philippians 4:4

Even when life is difficult.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Roman 15:13

So here’s the first two verses and the chorus to a sweet old children’s song about the joy of the Lord. May it bless you with His joy!

I’ve Got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy!

Verse 1

I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart
Where?
Down in my heart!
Where?
Down in my heart!
I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart
Down in my heart to stay

Chorus

And I’m so happy, so very happy
I’ve got the love of Jesus in my heart
Down in my heart.
And I’m so happy, so very happy
I’ve got the love of Jesus in my heart.

Verse 2

I’ve got the love of Jesus, love of Jesus down in my heart
Where?
Down in my heart!
Where?
Down in my heart!
I’ve got the love of Jesus, love of Jesus down in my heart
Where?
Down in my heart to stay.

Chorus

And I’m so happy, so very happy
I’ve got the love of Jesus in my heart
Down in my heart.
And I’m so happy, so very happy
I’ve got the love of Jesus in my heart.

#ComposerUnknown.

Male and Female He Created Them

God’s word explains,

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16

And God’s word is clear,

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27

There are only two sexes,

He (Jesus) answered, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female” Matthew 19:4

Yet,

In 2023 we find ourselves living in a world where:

– Gender ideology defies God and attempts to redefine God’s creation of man and woman and their God-given roles.

⁃ Men who “identify as a woman” are allowed to use women’s public restrooms and dressing rooms.

⁃ Public school teachers are allowed to actively proselytize young children about changing their “gender,” while they teach today’s world view version of sexuality.

⁃ Young children are being given puberty blockers and hormones in attempt to change their “gender,” and in some cases against the will of one of their parents.

⁃ Public libraries are hosting drag queen story hours for young children, where men mockingly dress up as sexually provocative women.

⁃ Men who “identify as a woman” are allowed to compete in women’s sports; they’re winning and literally stealing trophies away from rightfully deserving woman athletes.

⁃ Men and women are voluntarily having irreversible, painful, and numerous surgeries, and voluntarily taking hormones in a futile attempt to change their “gender.”

– Public school teachers throughout the USA (except Florida) are teaching K-12 students about the LGBTQ lifestyle and agenda issues.

And the above is just a partial list of some of the more recent societal changes considering sexuality.

How did we get here?!

Some might say we could blame it on Gloria Steinem of the 1970’s “Woman’s Liberation” movement who defied God by convincing millions of women that they had the “right” to change traditional women’s roles.

Some might say we could blame it on the government for enacting various laws such as same-sex marriages laws.

Some might say we could blame it on woke Big Corp who’ve hired DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) managers to insure their company meets certain expectations to keep their ESG (Environmental, Social, and Government) scores high.

Some might say we could blame it on all the men who fail in their God-given roles as spiritual leaders in their home and head of the household.

Some might say we could blame it on all the women who try to “run the show” in their marriage by usurping their husband’s God-given role as head of the household.

Some might say we could blame it on churches who allow Beth Moore and other so called “women pastors” like her who dare to defy God and His word (1 Timothy 2) each time they stand at a pulpit and preach to men.

While I believe all of these things have certainly played a part, they’re not the root cause.

We find the root cause in the Bible.

In the book of Genesis in the Garden of Eden, where Eve believed the serpent and chose to disobey God. As Eve was tempted by the devil, Adam was tempted by Eve, and sin entered the world through Adam.

Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’ ”But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. Genesis 3:1-6

And,

Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned— Romans 5:12

The Bible clearly explains our root problem is sin.

We’re all sinners, deserving of punishment and eternity separated from God.

And,

Sexual sin is not only against God, it is against one’s own body,

Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. 1 Corinthians 6:18

And,

Sexual sin is directly opposed to God’s will to sanctify us (1 Thessalonians 4:3)

But the good news is that,

God made a way,

By sending His Son to take the penalty for our sin, for all who’ll come to Christ in repentance and faith.

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21

However,

Unrepentant sinners, by nature, don’t want to repent. Unrepentant sinners, by nature, don’t want to obey God or His word. Unrepentant sinners want to be their own gods, choose their own idols, and live their own lives irrespective of God. Unrepentant sinners love the dark.

And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. John 3:19

And,

Unrepentant sinners pridefully reject God: “the wicked boasts of the desires of his soul” and rejects God in pride (Psalm 10:3-4). Humility is where the knowledge of God begins; therefore, those who reject God reject humility too.

But it doesn’t have to be so.

The distance between an unrepentant sinner and God is not far.

If you find yourself described here, and feel God convicting you to make a change in your life,

Just turn around.

Turn toward Christ and away from sin.

And it’s not too late.

For Jew or Greek, male or female, LGBTQ or heterosexual, rich or poor, etc.

Acknowledge the sin in your life today and repent of it. Put your faith and trust in God, the maker of heaven and earth. Cry out to Him and humbly ask for His forgiveness. Trust in Jesus and His sacrificial death on the cross. Read and study the Bible. Find a biblical church. Honor God in your life and in your home. No one knows you better or loves you more than God, the author and creator of your life.

For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible. Ephesians 5:8-13

So then,

Trust in God,

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

And,

If you’re male, trust in God’s plans and God-given roles for men. If you’re female, trust in Gods plans and God-given roles for women.

O taste and see that the Lord is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! Psalm 34:8

Interestingly, I remember when I was a child, I used to dress up in my brother’s army outfit and crawl around in the back yard playing “Army guy” with a toy machine gun strapped to my back and a rubber knife in my mouth. I was a “Tom-Boy.” Vic Marrow of the TV show, Combat, was my inspiration. But, I grew out of it. How glad I am that no one tried to give me puberty blockers or tried to convince me I needed try to change my sex back then. I love being a woman. Actually, I love all the roles that God has chosen for me in life, and I especially love being a mom.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

Mother’s Day 2023 💐

As I’ve grown older, Mother’s Day has become one of my favorite holidays. My perfect Mother’s Day includes food, fun, family, flowers, and a Mother’s Day card.

So in the days leading up to Mother’s Day, I always think of my sweet mom who passed away in 1998. I was blessed to have my mom for the first 44 years of my life. She was a great role model in so many ways; as a woman, a wife, a mom, a Christian, etc. I will forever remember her praying on her knees by her bedside at night and studying her Bible in the early mornings when I was a child.

Me and my mom in Indianapolis back in the late 1970’s:

My mom passed away at the age of 77 after suffering for several years from Alzheimer’s Disease.

“Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” Proverbs 31:25-28

My grandma was a godly woman too. When I was a child I loved going to her house just to be near her. When I was a teenager and again as a young adult, she would pull me off to the side and tell me that she was praying for me. I knew she loved me and she knew I needed prayer.

Here’s a photo of my grandma in our kitchen nook in Indianapolis back in the early 1970’s. I think she was cutting the meat off a turkey to make us some of her delicious homemade turkey noodle soup!

“Older women should be reverent in their behavior, not slanderers or addicted to much wine. They should teach the younger women to love their husbands and children, be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, so that the word of God may not be reviled.” Titus 2:3-5

My grandma was recognized and honored in her community as Mother of The Year” back the 1960’s.

And below is a photo of my great-grandma Stockrahm, I think this was taken in the early 1950’s. She lived with my grandma in Frankfort, Indiana when she was elderly and where my grandma took care of her until she passed away. I was very young back then when she lived with my grandma but I do remember she was very quiet, and my grandma was very protective of her. I remember feeling sorry for my great grandma because she couldn’t get up out of bed. I really didn’t get to know her well because I was so young, but I knew that my grandma loved her, and I loved my grandma, so I remember trying to be respectful and quiet around her.

“Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” 1 Peter 3:4

I’m so thankful for my mom, my grandma, and great-grandma. They were wonderful and godly mothers! Having them in my life made an eternal impact in my life.

I want to encourage Christian mothers and grandmothers everywhere; to never give up, to continue in prayer for each one of your loved ones, to continue modeling Christ to your family, and to take opportunities as often as you can to share Christ with your children and grandchildren. Your godly influence has an eternal impact on the lives and futures of your children, grandchildren, and so on.

I also realize that not all woman become mothers and am so thankful that being a mother was in God’s plan for me. I thank Him 🙌🏻 for our three daughters, each of whom are mothers now as well, but more importantly, Christian mothers.

From left to right standing, Michelle and me.
From left to right seated, Mackenzie (pregnant with Tate) and Megan.

God has blessed us with six grandchildren, with one more grandchild (Tate) due in July 2023.

Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children. Proverbs 17:6

Lastly,

My Mother’s Day story would not be complete without mentioning my two step children and four step grandchildren (plus one deceased) from my husband’s first marriage. They used to be a part of our lives, each in differing ways and at various times over the years. I love and and miss them, and am sorry we’re estranged. And while it may not be my story to tell, I believe it’s both my privilege and my place as a step-mother to continue to pray for them and their families. ❤️‍🩹🙏🏻

Called By Name

“Elaine Crandell! Come on down! You’re the next contestant on The Price is Right!”

I first remember watching “The Price is Right” sometime after I graduated from high school in 1972. I continued watching it on and off over the years, basically whenever I just happened to be at home during the day. I never thought I could ever be a contestant on the show until sometime after 1989, when I started working for Delta Air Lines. My travel benefits at Delta opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me and my family.

So in January 2005, my daughter Megan and I flew to Los Angeles for three days of sightseeing and shows.

Now instead of going to bed the night before the show, like any normal person might do, we left the comfort of our warm hotel room and spent the night standing (in my daughter’s case, sitting in her wheelchair) in the cold, in the dark, in downtown Los Angeles, on the sidewalk just outside of CBS Television City studios.

We arrived outside the studio really early, around midnight actually, which made us the third group in line, and pretty much assured us we’d be able to exchange our tickets for a studio admission number at 6:00 a.m. We spent the night trying to keep warm, eating bagels, and talking with everyone around us in line. It was fun but in the middle of the night I started feeling sick and went back to the rental car to lay down. I couldn’t sleep so I got up and got back in line. By the time 6:00 a.m. rolled around, the line had grown around the block and out of sight, and I had a soar throat, but, we got our studio admission numbers!

We left to go back to the hotel with strict instructions to be back within three hours to get back in another line. We freshened up but were afraid to lay down thinking we might oversleep.

About three hours later, with our admission numbers in hand, we got back in line at CBS Television City. This was about a three hour process and although we were exhausted, it turned out to be a nice experience. It was here I met a young man who was a previous showcase winner a few years before. He was now working as a student advisor at a college and was back in line on this day with a group of students from his college. We talked for a while about a lot of different things, including my faith in Christ.

Continuing our way through the admission line, we encountered the show producers who were conducting interviews with each one of us, one by one. I noticed they were very personable and were taking notes as they did their interviews. The producer who interviewed me asked me what I did for a living. I smiled and told him, “I make mad people happy!” He laughed and then asked me what I really did. I explained that I was a customer service agent for Delta Air Lines and that I help passengers and agents resolve various problems and issues.

He must have liked my answer.

Within a couple of hours, I heard my name:

“Elaine Crandell! Come on down! You’re the next contestant on The Price is Right!”

I jumped up, screaming, and ran up to the podium. Within a few minutes I got the winning bid on a metal detector and ran up on stage. At this point my heart was pumping and my mind was racing with so many thoughts: “Mercy, those lights are so bright! Do I look sick? Do I need more make up? Do I look like I’ve been up all night?!” Suddenly I found myself talking with Bob Barker and playing The Range Game. I looked back to find my daughter in the crowd and all I saw was what seemed to be everyone telling me to stop. I hit the stop button but it was a tad bit too soon.

They cut to a commercial break and whisked me off stage to sign a bunch of legal papers: one giving my consent to be a contestant on a CBS game show, another explaining that I understood that I’d be responsible for any and all tax implications of my prize winnings, and yet another paper that gave me an option to decline any or all of my gifts.

By the time I finished signing all the papers it was time to go back on stage to spin the Big Wheel in the Showcase Showdown. My 95, in one spin, won me the chance to bid on a showcase!

During one of the next commercial breaks, a stage manager came up to talk with me. He was so kind. Talking with him really helped calm my nerves. My only regret at this point was that I realized then that I forgot to say, “Hello!” to my family while waiting for the Big Wheel to stop.

So then came the chance to win the showcase. Mine was a set of video phones, a Colorado Hot Air Balloon trip, a Colorado ski vacation, and a ski boat. I had no idea how much that ski boat was worth but decided to bid low as I didn’t want to overbid. My mind raced back to a few weeks before when my husband and I were invited to go on a ski boat but we declined because neither of us skied. I suddenly wished we’d gone as maybe the price of it would have came up in our conversations. Oh well, too late now.

As it turned out, the ski boat was worth a lot more money that I thought. I underbid my showcase by over $25K and lost to my opponent who also underbid her showcase, but by less.

What a day! All 24 hours of it! We went back to our hotel and as soon as the excitement wore down we both fell asleep in exhaustion.

A few weeks later I made a T-shirt to remember the experience. I used the photo of my expression when I realized I’d lost the showcase and titled it “The Price was Wrong!” Ha!

In retrospect, so much of what happened was right. I enjoyed and shared a great experience with my daughter. I won a metal detector worth $1100, which I still have. I got to be a contestant on one of the longest running game shows in television history. I got to meet Bob Barker, and I got to share my faith with a stranger.

In the big picture of life, “The Price is Right” is just a TV game show. My name was called and I won a gift.

Oh so much more importantly, Jesus knows my name! By faith, I’ve received the gift of eternal life; life here and now, and life in the ever after.

Not because I’m a “good person.” Not because I was baptized or a member of a church.

But because I trusted in Jesus and His plan of salvation one night many years ago, when God lovingly convicted me that I was a sinner in desperate need of a Savior. I responded and called out to Him in repentance and faith, and placed my trust in Jesus alone.

It was Jesus who took the penalty for my sins on the cross; He paid the price in full on my behalf. God, the Creator, Sustainer, and Author of Life, made a way for a sinner like me to be redeemed.

The Price Jesus Paid is Right, and it was according to His perfect plan and unfathomable love; it’s for all He calls to come and follow Him, for all who will respond in repentance and faith.

Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. Isaiah 43:1

Jesus Revolution Movie

For several years, beginning back in the early 2000’s, I followed Greg Laurie’s daily radio ministry, A New Beginning. I also followed his podcasts when they became available a few years later. I found him to be a very likable and effective evangelist. I have several of his books, The Great Compromise, Worldview, Run to Win, and Lost Boy, with my favorite being The Great Compromise.

On a January 2006 visit to California, I visited his church in Riverside, with two of my daughters for a Sunday morning service.

Harvest Christian Fellowship, Riverside, California in January 2006, with my two oldest daughters, Michelle and Megan (in the wheelchair) and back when we all had the same hair color. Actually mine was gray even back then but my dark hair came out of a bottle!

In 2009, my oldest daughter and I went to hear him preach at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Dallas, where my step-grandson, Ethan, went forward to profess faith in Christ that evening.

*Greg Laurie and Ethan at Prestonwood Baptist Church, February, 2009*

A few years later I went to his 2016 Harvest Crusade in Dallas, also with my oldest daughter, and then again to his 2018 Harvest Dallas Crusade, where I sang in the choir for the crusade.

So, it’s fair to say I’m very familiar with Greg Laurie’s ministry, although I have to say I’ve not been as active of a listener of late. For the past several years I have shifted more toward reformed Bible teachers, such as Alistair Begg, Steve Lawson, John MacArthur, etc. I’ve also developed a dislike of popular contemporary music being played at church, but that perhaps is a story for another day.

So, when I heard late in 2022 that Greg Laurie was involved in a new movie, Jesus Revolution, and that it was going to be released in February 2023 on a limited basis I was hopeful that it would be shown nearby. I’m old enough to remember the Jesus Revolution TIME magazine cover from June, 1971, and recall hearing people talk about it as the Jesus Movement. I was 16 years old at the time.

Come February 24th, 2023, I was very happy to find out that Jesus Revolution was being shown in a theater within walking distance of our home! I bought tickets for the 6:10 p.m. showing, which actually was the first time in a long while that I’ve bought movie tickets. The stuff that Hollywood has been cranking out the past few years is mostly junk, so we rarely go to the movie theater anymore, also perhaps another story for another day.

So I was very hopeful and excited to go to this movie. I liked it but I have to admit it was a little different than what I was expecting. As I watched it and since watching it, several questions and concerns popped up in my mind. Thus, it’s the topic of this writing.

– First, I was a little surprised the movie didn’t clearly present the gospel. Or, did I miss it?

– The words spoken at Greg’s baptism were so vague. It was like he wasn’t quite sure what he was doing there. Like he was caught up with the crowd?

– And the under water portion of the baptism scene seemed overly dramatic. Why so much emphasis on the water? Baptism is a first step in obedience; an outward sign of an inward change. Why over dramatize the water?

– I also don’t recall hearing much about repentance in the movie. Did I miss that too?

Now, I know Greg Laurie’s ministry. I’ve heard him clearly present the gospel many times. I even checked his current statement of faith on his church website in case something had changed, which it did not. It’s biblical. So I decided to look a little more into the making of this movie.

After just a little research I learned that while the story is based upon Greg’s autobiography, the co-directors and screenwriter, together with the producer, production company, etc., had artistic license to present the movie as written by the screenwriter. The “artistic license” allows deviation from the original story as written in the autobiography. So, The Jesus Revolution movie is not a autobiography or even a documentary, nor is this the first time we find a movie is actually different from the book.

Ultimately I believe there’s an inherent risk whenever entertainment is combined with the gospel message. The gospel is Holy and is God’s perfect plan for sinful man. Movies are entertainment, created by man. Movies are not Holy and are not “church” or a church service. Pointedly, repentance of sin has never been a popular subject with man. In our natural depraved state, we love our sins and do not want to part with them. Faith and repentance are gifts of God, and it’s only by the grace of God that we become convicted of our sin, turn from it and turn toward Christ.

Which brings me to two concerns this movie raised, both of which center around Lonnie Frisbee.

1. The actor who played Lonnie Frisbee, Jonathan Roumie, was involved in a practice called “grave soaking” in preparation for this movie. He visited Lonnie Frisbee’s gravesite and laid down next to his grave in an effort to “connect in some way with Lonnie” and “to pray with him.” That’s plain creepy and in no way Biblical. Period. In my opinion, Jonathan Roumie, regardless of his acting skills, was a poor choice as a lead actor in this movie.

2. And, what happened to Lonnie Frisbee?

While Chuck Smith and Greg Laurie went on to have successful Christian ministries, Lonnie Frisbee, I’m sorry to say, did not. Toward the end of his approximate one and a half year involvement with The Jesus Movement at Calvary Chapel, Lonnie grew increasingly erratic, self-centered, and overly focused on “faith healing.” After he left Calvary Chapel, Lonnie got involved with several questionable ministries, referred to himself as a “seeing prophet,” reportedly struggled with drugs and homosexuality, and died at age 43. I found several disparaging articles, comments, and videos on the internet about Lonnie Frisbee. Not a great legacy I’m also sorry to say.

Greg Laurie, in a recent interview, explained briefly that although he was not in contact with Lonnie Frisbee after Lonnie left Calvary Chapel, he did visit him just prior to his death in 1993. Greg stated that Lonnie Frisbee was in fact repentant of his sins. Greg then eloquently reminded us that we’re all flawed in one way or another, and that God often uses flawed people to accomplish His purposes.

To be clear, salvation grants us forgiveness for our sins and gives us a renewed life in Christ, but Christians still struggle against the flesh and the negative influence of our former sin nature. Ideally we sin less as we grow in Christ. It’s the process of sanctification. Why some stop growing or regress excessively I do not know. God knows. But I do believe that Lonnie Frisbee was used by God for a specific time period for a specific purpose. That specific time period and specific purpose was portrayed in this movie.

With all that said, my gut reaction is that if Greg Laurie was the screenwriter as well as the author perhaps the movie would not have raised so many questions.

Regardless, I think the movie is still inspirational, despite all of my questions and concerns. In fact, it’s probably one of the best movies I’ve seen in a long time. While it may have some flaws, the message is still inspirational. Moreover, I think the overall theme of this movie is that Jesus still seeks and saves the lost, and still sets the captives free. In addition, both Greg Laurie and this movie reminds us that God can and does use flawed people to accomplish His purposes.

Mardi Gras

For several years while my husband and I were in the RV business, we kept pretty busy traveling. Typically we’d fly one-way once or twice a month, buy motor homes and vehicles, then drive them back home to sell. We’d go all over the United States but the route between Texas and Florida was our road most traveled. As we so often did, we’d stop for the night in Mississippi and/or Louisiana on our way back home to Texas. They were good halfway marks and rest stops for us.

So, anytime we traveled in the first quarter of the year, no matter which hotel or restaurant we stopped at in the Mississippi or Louisiana area, we’d find ourself engulfed in a sea of purple, green, and gold Mardi Gras decor. The colors are beautiful, vivid and eye catching, but I’ve always I found it strange that they also decorated the Christmas trees. The same trees that held Christmas ornaments in December are decorated with Mardi Gras ornaments and ribbons in January, February, and sometimes March.

In February of 2023, after once again seeing the Mardi Gras decorated trees, I decided to look a little more into the history of Mardi Gras.

After a quick internet search I was reminded that the Mardi Gras tradition originally dates back well over 2000 years ago to the pagan celebrations of spring and fertility, which included raucous Roman festivals. When Christianity arrived in Rome, the religious leaders (Catholic) decided to incorporate these popular local traditions into their religion, which apparently was an easier task for them to do than abolishing them altogether. As a result, the excess and debauchery of the Mardi Gras season became a prelude to Lent, the 40 days of fasting and penance between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday. Quite an interesting merger.

Growing up attending a Methodist church, I was somewhat familiar with Ash Wednesday and Lent. However years later, when I actually came into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, I noticed the Baptist Church I attended didn’t really speak of Ash Wednesday or Lent. It was then I first learned that the practice of Ash Wednesday and Lent were actually man-made traditions. A few years later I learned that penance is also man-made, unbiblical, and is not the same thing as repentance. See https://www.gotquestions.org/penance-Bible.html

Repentance is a change of mind toward God.

Repentance of sin and faith in Christ are two sides of the same coin. Repentance of sin is a necessary step in salvation, and an ongoing daily private practice for believers in Christ. It is not an annual public event or tradition.

Additionally, the wearing of an ashen cross on one’s forehead, fasting, or giving up something for lent, as a matter of annual public practice or tradition is not biblical.

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. Colossians 2:8

Now I realize that Mardi Gras has long been considered a colorful cultural tradition for many of those raised in the south. The colors, the cakes, the family friendly parades and get-togethers have become a southern tradition that many people have enjoyed since childhood, but that’s about as kindly as I can put it.

I also know that some of what I’m saying here may be offensive. It’s honestly not my intent to offend anyone but it is my intent to always try to convey a biblical perspective. Tradition and culture add pleasure and variety to our daily lives but whenever they cross the line with what Bible has to say, I’m going with the Bible every time.

Truthfully, the debauchery, drunkenness, lasciviousness, and such that goes on in New Orleans and elsewhere in the name of “Mardi Gras” and “Fat Tuesday” is sickening to me. People overindulging, sinning egregiously and publicly; supposedly getting all of their sin out of their system before they start trying to be “good again.” One doesn’t become “good again” by performing man-made annual traditions. To me, this is a mockery of God and His plan of salvation.

And sin is serious business and should never to be celebrated.

Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. Romans 6:13

The message of the gospel is that we can never be good enough to get to heaven. We must recognize that we are sinners who fall short of God’s glory, and we must obey the command to repent of our sins and place our faith and trust in Jesus Christ. Christ then, being the only “good person” gives His righteousness to all those who believe in His name.

The idea that Mardi Gras evolved from the mixing of pagan festivals and man-made traditions with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ does not sit well with me. While I suspect many who participate in the Mardi Gras debauchery do not claim to be Christian, and that they’re just there for the party. But to those who claim to be Christian, why perpetuate this mockery of Christ and His finished work on the cross? Trust in Christ alone, not in man-made traditions. No amount of participation in man-made traditions will increase your favor with Him. What He did on the cross is more than sufficient. What you do in response to His finished work on the cross is a matter of eternal life or eternal death.

Thus says the Lord, “Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death. Jeremiah 21:8

Monday Memorization ~ 2023

This year one of our family goals was to memorize the answers to 52 questions put together by the Redeemer Presbyterian Church and TGC in The New City Catechism flip book from Truth For Life. Using the kid’s answers for simplicity. #MondayMemorization

Q1: What is our only hope in life and death?

That we are not our own but belong, body and soul, both in life and death, to God and to our Savior Jesus Christ.

Q2: What is God?

God is the creator and sustainer of everyone and everything. He is eternal, infinite, and unchangeable in his power and perfection, goodness and glory, wisdom, justice, and truth. Nothing happens except through him and by his will.

Q3: How many persons are there in God?

There are three persons in the one true and living God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. They are the same in substance, equal in power.

Q4: How and why did God create us?

God created us male and female in His own image to know Him, love Him, live with Him, and glorify Him. And it is right that we who were created by God should live to His glory.

Q5: What else did God create?

God created all things by His powerful Word, and all His creation was very good; everything flourished under His loving rule.

Q6: How can we glorify God?

We glorify God by enjoying Him, loving Him, trusting Him, and by obeying His will, commands, and law.

Q7: What does the law of God require?

Personal, perfect, and perpetual obedience; that we love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength; and love our neighbor as ourselves. What God forbids should never be done and what God commands should always be done.

Q8: What is the law of God stated in the Ten Commandments?

You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below – you shall not bow down to them or worship them. You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God. Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Honor your father and your mother. You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not give false testimony. You shall not covet.

Q9: What does God require in the first, second, and third commandments?

First, that we know and trust God as the only true and living God. Second, that we avoid all idolatry and do not worship God improperly. Third, that we treat God’s name with fear and reverence, honoring also his Word and works.

Q10: What does God require in the fourth and fifth commandments?

Fourth, that on the Sabbath day we spend time in public and private worship of God, rest from routine employment, serve the Lord and others, and so anticipate the eternal Sabbath. Fifth, that we love and honor our father and our mother, submitting to their godly discipline and direction.

Q11: What does God require in the sixth, seventh, and eighth commandments?

Sixth, that we do not hurt, or hate, or be hostile to our neighbor, but be patient and peaceful, pursuing even our enemies with love.
Seventh, that we abstain from sexual Immorality and live purely and faithfully, whether in marriage or in single life, avoiding all impure actions, looks, words, thoughts, or desires, and whatever might lead to them. Eighth, that we do not take without permission that which belongs to someone else, nor withhold any good trom someone we might benefit.

Q12: What does God require in the ninth and tenth commandments?

Ninth, that we do not lie or deceive,
but speak the truth in love.
Tenth, that we are content,
not envying anyone or resenting what
God has given them or us.

Q13: Can anyone keep the law of
God perfectly?

Since the fall, no mere human has been able to keep the law of God perfectly, but consistently breaks it in thought, word, and deed.

Kid’s Answer:
Since the fall, no human has been able to keep the law of God perfectly.

Bible Reference: Romans 3:10-12

Q14: Did God create us unable to keep his law?

No, but because of the disobedience of our first parents, Adam and Eve, all of creation is fallen; we are all born in sin and guilt, corrupt in our nature and unable to keep God’s law.

Kid’s Answer:

No, but because of the disobedience of Adam and Eve we are all born in sin and guilt unable to keep God’s law.

Bible Reference: Romans 5:12

Q15: Since no one can keep the law,
what is its purpose?

That we may know the holy nature and will of God, and the sinful nature and disobedience of our hearts; and thus our need of a Savior. The law also teaches and exhorts us to live a life worthy of our Savior.

Kid’s Answer:
That we may know the holy nature of God, and the sinful nature of our hearts; and thus our need of a Savior.

Bible Reference: Romans 3:20

Q16: What is sin?

Sin is rejecting or ignoring God in the world he created, rebelling against him by living without reference to him, not being or doing what he requires in his law-resulting in our death and the disintegration of all creation.

Kid’s Answer:
Sin is rejecting or ignoring God in the world he created, not being or doing what he requires in his law.

Bible Reference: 1 John 3:4

Q17: What is idolatry?

Idolatry is trusting in created things rather than the Creator for our hope and happiness, significance and security.

Kid’s Answer:
Idolatry is trusting in created things rather than the Creator.

Bible Reference: Romans 1:21 and 25

Q18: Will God allow our disobedience and idolatry to go unpunished?

No, every sin is against the sovereignty, holiness, and goodness of God, and against his righteous law, and God is righteously angry with our sins and will punish them in his just judgment both in this life, and in the life to come.

Kid’s Answer:

No, God is righteously angry with our sins and will punish them both in this life, and in the life to come.

Bible Reference: Ephesians 5:5-6

Q19: Is there any way to escape punishment and be brought back into God’s favor?

Yes, to satisfy his justice, God himself, out of mere mercy, reconciles us to himself and delivers us from sin and from the punishment for sin, by a Redeemer.

Kid’s Answer:

Yes, God reconciles us to himself by a Redeemer.

Bible Reference: Isaiah 53:10-11

Q20: Who is the Redeemer?

The only Redeemer is the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, in whom God became man and bore the penalty for sin himself.

Kid’s Answer:

The only Redeemer is the Lord Jesus Christ.

Bible Reference: 1 Timothy 2:5

Q21: What sort of Redeemer is needed to bring us back to God?

One who is truly human and also truly God.

Kid’s Answer:

One who is truly human and also truly God.

Bible Reference: Isaiah 9:6

Q22: Why must the Redeemer be truly human?

That in human nature he might on our behalf perfectly obey the whole law and suffer the punishment for human sin; and also that he might sympathize with our weaknesses.

Kid’s Answer:

That in human nature he might on our behalf perfectly obey the whole law and suffer the punishment for human sin.

Bible Reference: Hebrews 2:17

Q23: Why must the Redeemer be truly God?

That because of his divine nature his obedience and suffering would be perfect and effective; and also that he would be able to bear the righteous anger of God against sin and yet overcome death.

Kid’s Answer:

That because of his divine nature his obedience and suffering would be perfect and effective.

Bible Reference: Acts 2:24

Q24: Why was it necessary for Christ, the Redeemer, to die?

Since death is the punishment for sin, Christ died willingly in our place to deliver us from the power and penalty of sin and bring us back to God. By his substitutionary atoning death, he alone redeems us from hell and gains for us forgiveness of sin, righteousness, and everlasting life.

Kid’s Answer:

Christ died willingly in our place to deliver us from the power and penalty of sin and bring us back to God.

Bible Reference: Colossians 1:21-22

#MondayMemorization

Q25: Does Christ’s death mean all our sins can be forgiven?

Yes, because Christ’s death on the cross fully paid the penalty for our sin, God graciously imputes Christ’s righteousness to us as if it were our own and will remember our sins no more.

Kid’s Answer:

Yes, because Christ’s death on the cross fully paid the penalty for our sin, God will remember our sins no more.

Bible Reference: 2 Corinthians 5:21

Q26: What else does Christ’s death redeem?

Christ’s death is the beginning of the redemption and renewal of every part of fallen creation, as he powerfully directs all things for his own glory and creation’s good.

Kid’s Answer

Every part of fallen creation.

Bible Reference: Colossians 1:19-20

Q27: Are all people, just as they were lost through Adam, saved through Christ?

No, only those who are elected by God and united to Christ by faith. Nevertheless God in his mercy demonstrates common grace even to those who are not elect, by restraining the effects of sin and enabling works of culture for human well-being.

Kid’s Answer:

No, only those who are elected by God and united to Christ by faith.

Bible Reference: Romans 5:17

I realize this weeks answer may be a bit controversial as it clearly Reformed Theology, so I’ve added some additional references to expound on it a bit more.

And to be clear, I do agree with this quote:

I am a Calvinist: I believe in
election and predestination;
but I would not dream of
putting it under the heading
of essential. I put it under the
heading of non-essential….
You are not saved by your precise
understanding of how this
great salvation comes to you. #MartynLloydJones

Additional references:

What is the Doctrine of Election?

https://www.gotquestions.org/doctrine-of-election.html

Who are the Elect of God?

https://www.gotquestions.org/elect-of-God.html

Unconditional Election.

https://www.gotquestions.org/unconditional-election.html

What is Conditional Election?

https://www.gotquestions.org/conditional-election.html

Q28: What happens after death to those not united to Christ by faith?

At the day of judgment they will receive the fearful but just sentence of condemnation pronounced against them. They will be cast out from the favorable presence of God, into hell, to be justly and grievously punished, forever.

Kid’s Answer:

They will be cast out from the presence of God, into hell, to be justly punished, forever.

Bible Reference: John 3:16-18 and 36

Q29 How can we be saved?

Only by faith in Jesus Christ and in his substitutionary atoning death on the cross; so even though we are guilty of having disobeyed God and are still inclined to all evil, nevertheless, God, without any merit of our own but only by pure grace, imputes to us the perfect righteousness of Christ when we repent and believe in him.

Kid’s Answer:

Only by faith in Jesus Christ and in his substitutionary atoning death on the cross.

Bible Reference: Ephesians 2:8-9

Q30: What is faith in Jesus Christ?

Faith in Jesus Christ is acknowledging the truth of everything that God has revealed in his Word, trusting in him, and also receiving and resting on him alone for salvation as he is offered to us in the gospel.

Kid’s Answer:

Receiving and resting on him alone for salvation as he is offered to us in the gospel.

Bible Reference: Galatians 2:20

Q31: What do we believe by true faith?

Everything taught to us in the gospel. The Apostles’ Creed expresses what we believe in these words: We believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.

Kid’s Answer:

We believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.

Bible Reference: Jude 1:3

Q32: What do justification and sanctification mean?

Justification means our declared righteousness before God, made possible by Christ’s death and resurrection for us. Sanctification means our gradual, growing righteousness, made possible by the Spirit’s work in us.

Kid’s Answer:

Justification means our declared righteousness before God.
Sanctification means our gradual, growing righteousness.

Bible Reference: 1 Peter 1:1-2

Q33: Should those who have faith in Christ seek their salvation through their own works, or anywhere else?

No, they should not, as everything necessary to salvation is found in Christ. To seek salvation through good works is a denial that Christ is the only Redeemer and Savior.

Kid’s Answer:

No, everything necessary to salvation is found in Christ.

Bible Reference: Galatians 2:16

Q34: Since we are redeemed by grace alone, through Christ alone, must we still do good works and obey God’s Word?

Yes, because Christ, having redeemed us by his blood, also renews us by his Spirit; so that our lives may show love and gratitude to God; so that we may be assured of our faith by the fruits; and so that by our godly behavior others may be won to Christ.

Kid’s Answer:

Yes, so that our lives may show love and gratitude to God and so that by our godly behavior others may be won to Christ.

Bible Reference: 1 Peter 2:9-12

Q35: Since we are redeemed by grace alone, through faith alone, where does this faith come from?

All the gifts we receive from Christ we receive through the Holy Spirit, including faith itself.

Kid’s Answer:

From the Holy Spirit.

Bible Reference: Titus 3:4-6

Q36: What do we believe about the Holy Spirit?

That he is God, coeternal with the Father and the Son, and that God grants him irrevocably to all who believe.

Kid’s Answer:

That he is God, coeternal with the Father and the Son.

Bible Reference: John 14:16-17

Q37: How does the Holy Spirit help us?

The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin, comforts us, guides us, gives us spiritual gifts and the desire to obey God; and he enables us to pray and to understand God’s Word.

Kid’s Answer:

The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin and he enables us to pray and to understand God’s Word.

Bible Reference: Ephesians 6:17-18

Q38: What is prayer?

Prayer is pouring out our hearts to God in praise, petition, confession of sin, and thanksgiving.

Kid’s Answer:

Prayer is pouring out our hearts to God.

Bible Reference: Psalm 62:8

Q39: With what attitude should we pray?

With love, perseverance, and gratefulness; in humble submission to God’s will, knowing that, for the sake of Christ, he always hears our prayers.

Kid’s Answer:

With love, perseverance, and gratefulness.

Bible Reference: Philippians 4:6

Q40: What should we pray?

The whole Word of God directs and inspires us in what we should pray, including the prayer Jesus himself taught us.

Kid’s Answer:

The whole Word of God directs us in what we should pray.

Bible Reference: Ephesians 3:14-21

Q41: What is the Lord’s Prayer?

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Kid’s Answer:

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Bible Reference: Matthew 6:9

Q42: How is the word of God to be read and heard?

With diligence, preparation, and prayer; so that we may accept it with faith, store it in our hearts, and practice it in our lives.

Kid’s Answer:

With diligence, preparation, and prayer; so that we may accept it
with faith and practice it in our lives.

Bible Reference: 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Q43: What are the sacraments or ordinances?

The sacraments or ordinances given by God and instituted by Christ, namely baptism and the Lord’s Supper, are visible signs and seals that we are bound together as a community of faith by his death and resurrection. By our use of them the Holy Spirit more fully declares and seals the promises of the gospel to us.

Kid’s Answer:

Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

Bible Reference: Romans 6:4 and Luke 22:19-20

Q44: What is baptism?

Baptism is the washing with water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; it signifies and seals our adoption into Christ, our cleansing from sin, and our commitment to belong to the Lord and to his church.

Kid’s Answer:
Baptism is the washing with water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Bible Reference: Matthew 28:19

Q45: Is baptism with water the washing away of sin itself?

No, only the blood of Christ and the renewal of the Holy Spirit can cleanse us from sin.

Kid’s Answer:

No, only the blood of Christ can cleanse us from sin.

Bible Reference: Luke 3:16

Q46: What is the Lord’s Supper?

Christ commanded all Christians to eat bread and to drink from the cup in thankful remembrance of him and his death. The Lord’s Supper is a celebration of the presence of God in our midst; bringing us into communion with God and with one another; feeding and nourishing our souls. It also anticipates the day when we will eat and drink with Christ in his Father’s kingdom.

Kid’s Answer:

Christ commanded all Christians to eat bread and to drink from the cup in thankful remembrance of him.

Bible Reference: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

Q47: Does the Lord’s Supper add anything to Christ’s atoning work?

No, Christ died once for all. The Lord’s Supper is a covenant meal celebrating Christ’s atoning work; as it is also a means of strengthening our faith as we look to him, and a foretaste of the future feast. But those who take part with unrepentant hearts eat and drink judgment on themselves.

Kid’s Answer:

No, Christ died once for all.

Bible Reference: 1 Peter 3:18

Q48: What is the church?

God chooses and preserves for himself a community elected for eternal life and united by faith, who love, follow, learn from, and worship God together. God sends out this community to proclaim the gospel and prefigure Christ’s kingdom by the quality of their life together and their love for one another.

Kid’s Answer:

A community elected for eternal life and united by faith, who love, follow, learn from, and worship God together.

Bible Reference: 2 Thessalonians 2:13

Q49: Where is Christ now?

Christ rose bodily from the grave on the third day after his death and is seated at the right hand of the Father, ruling his kingdom and interceding for us, until he returns to judge and renew the whole world.

Kid’s Answer:

Christ rose bodily from the grave on the third day after his death and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

Bible Reference: Ephesians 1:20-21

Q50: What does Christ’s resurrection mean for us?

Christ triumphed over sin and death by being physically resurrected, so that all who trust in him are raised to new life in this world and to everlasting life in the world to come. Just as we will one day be resurrected, so this world will one day be restored. But those who do not trust in Christ will be raised to everlasting death.

Kid’s Answer:

Christ triumphed over sin and death so that all who trust in him are raised to new life in this world and to everlasting life in the world to come.

Bible Reference: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

Q51: Of what advantage to us is Christ’s ascension?

Christ physically ascended on our behalf, just as he came down to earth physically on our account, and he is now advocating for us in the presence of his Father, preparing a place for us, and also sends us his Spirit.

Kid’s Answer:

Christ is now advocating for us in the presence of his Father and also sends us his Spirit.

Bible Reference: Romans 8:34

Q52: What hope does everlasting life hold for us?

It reminds us that this present fallen world is not all there is; soon we will live with and enjoy God forever in the new city, in the new heaven and the new earth, where we will be fully and forever freed from all sin and will inhabit renewed, resurrection bodies in a renewed, restored creation.

Kid’s Answer:

That we will live with and enjoy God forever in the new heaven and the new earth, where we will be forever freed from all sin in a renewed, restored creation.

Bible Reference: Revelation 21:1-4

Query Family Christmases

My childhood Christmas memories were some of my fondest childhood memories. We were not well off financially but we always had a wonderful Christmastime. Our Christmas celebration was fairly traditional all except for one thing: we had it in the middle of the night! It was not until several years later that I realized that most people don’t have Christmas at 3:00 a.m.!

Our family Christmas card Circa 1961 or 1962. I’m sitting on my dad’s lap, Dennis standing next to me, and Doug on my mom’s lap. Standing in the back is Eldon, Joyce, and Ronnie.

Actually, my dad worked a second job as a musician. He played guitar 🎸 and got home around 2:00 or 3:00 a.m. So instead of him going straight to bed and having to wake up in a couple of hours, we’d all get up when he got home. By the time we were done opening presents, my mom would fix us a big breakfast and then she’d lay back down for a morning nap while we played with our new toys. Then it was off to my grandma’s for a visit and dinner. She would give each of her grandchildren a small gift or maybe just a dollar bill for Christmas, but the size of the gift didn’t matter to me. I loved my grandma and grandpa so much! After a day of food and fun playing with my cousins and siblings, we’d pile back into the car and fall asleep on the ride back home.

On my grandma’s stairway with my cousin Connie, and my brothers Dennis, Ronnie, and Doug, Circa late 1950’s or early 1960’s.

When I was old enough to shop for presents on my own, I remember going to K-Mart or Ayr-Way (later bought by Target) and getting all my Christmas shopping done in one day. I loved being able to do this, and really enjoyed buying my family handpicked gifts. It didn’t matter that they were from a discount store. I thought they were perfect gifts and I felt joy in giving gifts that I had bought on my own. In retrospect I believe this is when I first experienced the blessing of giving gifts.

It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:35

Now many years later, with grown children and ever growing grandchildren, I still enjoy giving gifts at Christmastime, but it’s more about being together as a family and making memories that I cherish the most. Our Christmas gatherings have taken on a deeper meaning to this aging wife, mom, and grandmother. Lord willing, I’ll have many more Christmases and many more years here on earth but I know my days are numbered.

Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. James 4:14

As for man, his days are like grass: he flourishes like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone … But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him. Psalm 103:15-17

One day God will take me home and in turn, I’ll be but a memory to my loved ones, and awaiting to see them again in heaven. In the meantime it’s my hope and prayer that each one of my loved ones will have personally received the most perfect gift ever:

The LORD Jesus Christ.

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15

Count your Blessings

In the early 2000’s, a little before Thanksgiving time, I sat down and wrote out a detailed list of the blessings in my life. My salvation in Christ, my family, and God’s provisions topped the list, but I was deliberate to also include personal experiences and events that most people likely wouldn’t initially consider a blessing. Honestly they probably didn’t seem like a blessing to me at the time either. I realized, in time however, that many of my blessings and much of my spiritual growth has came from relying on God and His word during the difficult times in my life. In some cases, years after it occurred in my life, and now many of which I have included in my writings of my life story.

Romans 8:28 is still one of my favorite Bible verses:

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

Over the years I’ve learned that being a Christian doesn’t make any of us immune to life’s trials and tribulations, but more importantly I’ve learned that those trials and tribulations often have a divine purpose.

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” James 1:2-4

I primarily write about my life experiences combined with one or more aspects concerning my faith in Christ. Things like the sin nature we’re all born with, our need for repentance and forgiveness, God’s amazing mercy, and the undeserved grace that He gives freely to all who turn away from sin and turn to Him in repentance and faith.

I believe that forgiveness from God, besides being the one thing we need most from Him, is often the catalyst that leads us to forgive others.

And that,

Forgiving others leads to blessings, and blessings lead to thankfulness; a thankfulness not necessarily based on the circumstance but rather in Him.

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

One of the most significant things I ever realized in my own life, was that it was not until I received God’s forgiveness that I was able to genuinely forgive others. That forgiveness which I’ve extended to others has in turn blessed me in ways I would have never realized without first being forgiven by Christ.

And,

Forgiveness is like a two way street.

“Forgiveness is setting the prisoner free, only to find out that the prisoner was me.” Corrie ten Boom

I suspect people who choose not to forgive others are setting up at least two traps for themselves.

One,

Missing out on the blessing of a mutual loving relationship, and

Two,

Having a questionable relationship with God.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:12

The joy of knowing that God knows the worst of me and loves me anyway, is immeasurable. The blessing of being forgiven by Christ and the freedom of forgiving others also brings a joy to my life that is hard to describe. Words like peace, happiness, gratefulness, thankfulness, blessedness, probably come closest to describing this feeling.

So, twenty-plus years after making that list of blessings, I’m ever thankful for my salvation in Him, my family, and His provisions. His amazing grace and providence in my life has been amazing.

I’m also continually reminded that many times a blessing may not initially appear to be a blessing. It is with hope and faith in Him that we look to God for answers, and in His perfect timing, and trust Him no matter what. In the meantime, we are to have a spirit of thankfulness in all things. We’re to continually count our blessings and never forget them as Johnson Oatman, Jr reminds us in his sweet hymn:

Count your blessings,

name them one by one;

Count your blessings,

see what God hath done;

Count your blessings,

name them one by one;

Count your many blessings,

see what God hath done.

And be thankful.

Knowin’ Where I’m Goin’

Travel has long been one of my favorite things to do. I enjoy everything about it, even the planning. I also enjoy the challenge of traveling as inexpensively as possible.

Thanks to my airline employee and retiree benefits, I’ve been able to travel inexpensively for many years. I also get discounts on hotels, car rentals, and cruises too. All of which I’m very thankful for.

So in October of 2022 I traveled to/from Indianapolis for my 50th high school reunion. I flew on a confirmed ticket there because I wanted to make sure I’d get there on the day I planned, and decided to use my airline travel benefits to standby for my return flight. I wasn’t sure if I’d be going back to Dallas or to Tampa, plus getting back on a certain day wasn’t as important as getting there, so standby travel was a good option for my return. I also booked my hotel using reward points and reserved a rental car with a discount rate. Everything was set. At least I thought it was.

I made a little mistake on my hotel. 😬

Well actually, kind of a big mistake.

I had booked the hotel several months out using my husband’s Wyndham Rewards points. I put IND in the hotel search bar as I generally prefer staying near the airport whenever I need a hotel. The search showed availability south of IND airport so I booked it. So far so good.

So I thought.

As I got closer to my travel date, I even pulled up the address of my old high school on my iPhone and noticed that the hotel was actually in Southport. I thought, “Oh, that’s close to my high school. That’ll work.”

Same hotel name. Wrong hotel.

Wrong.

So on Thursday morning I flew nonstop from DAL Dallas Love Field to IND on WN Southwest Airlines. I got my rental car. I drove to Frankfort to have lunch with my cousin, Jeri. We had a nice visit and then I drove by my grandparents old house and also by the graveyard.

Then I drove over to Lebanon where I met my 2nd cousin, Chrissy, for dinner. After a nice visit I put in the address for my hotel on my iPhone map and headed back toward Indianapolis around 10 p.m. It was dark when I exited I-465 on to US 31 South and I was shocked when the map told me to take an immediate right. I thought, Oh no! Not THAT hotel! I remembered THAT hotel from over 50 years ago.

Mercy.

It was late and I was tired. I thought, well maybe, just maybe, they’ve updated it and that everything would be ok.

Wrong again.

As I walked inside the lobby I saw a few attempts had been made to try to update the hotel, but as I opened the door to my room my heart sank. The carpet was torn, the door lock latch was bent and therefore did not work, the toilet paper holder was rusted, and the under sink area had exposed pipes that were rusty and dirty looking.

So I sat down exhausted and upset with myself. I’d been up since 3:30 a.m Dallas time. Why wasn’t I more careful about which hotel I booked? Why didn’t I take time to reconfirm my reservation and verify the location?! I closed my eyes and prayed, “Lord, what should I do? 🙏🏻

I called my husband and told him I made a BIG mistake. While on the phone I heard people out in the hallway which made me feel uncomfortable; unsafe actually. I decided right then that I needed to find another hotel. Then, while still on the phone with my husband I got a text from my cousin Connie, who I was planning visiting the next day. She asked me if I was at my hotel and if everything was ok.

Insert perfect timing and an answer to prayer here! 🙏🏻❤️

I was embarrassed to tell her that I’d made a mistake on my hotel reservation, plus it was so late, nearly 11:00 p.m. but she insisted I come on over to her house to stay instead of getting another hotel. I was so thankful 🙌🏻 and it was so nice to stay with her for three nights.

While in Indianapolis I visited my brother Ron, the graveyard where my parents and brother Eldon’s gravesites are, went to three different reunion events, and had a Sunday visit with my brother and sister-in-law, Dennis and Pam, at their new house in Westfield. We went to church, had brunch, a nice 3 mile walk on the Monon Trail, and a yummy dinner at home. The next morning I returned my rental car and flew standby on Delta IND x/ATL TPA.

It was a wonderful trip; all except my hotel mess-up. I realized:

• It was my own fault.

• I booked the wrong hotel.

• I assumed everything was ok, and

• I should have reconfirmed my hotel reservations and verified the location. As a seasoned traveler I should have known better.

Which made me think,

How much more we all need to make sure where our eternal destination is.

Years ago I used to listen to a Christian radio program hosted by Larry Burkett. He taught Christian principles concerning finances. He used to say, “Do your givin’ while your livin’, then you’re knowin’ where it’s goin’.” Good advice with a catchy country twang.

Thus the title, “Knowin’ Where I’m Goin’”

While “knowin’ where I’m goin’” is good advice concerning hotel reservations, it’s of eternal importance concerning where we’re going after we pass away.

It’s OK to make a mistake with a hotel reservation.

It’s not OK to make a mistake with our eternal destination.

• Have you admitted you’re a sinner in need of a Savior?

• Have you repented of your sin and placed your faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone? Was there a change in your heart and in your life?

• Never “assume” you ’re going to heaven because you’re a “good person” or because you were baptized or because you go to church, or because of any “good works.”

• “Reconfirm your reservation” to heaven in “fear and trembling:

Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Philippians 2:13)

And,

Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. 2 Corinthians 13:5

Make sure Jesus is your Savior and Lord.

You must be born again. John 3:7

Then, rest in knowing that the Bible is clear that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.

“By grace are you saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves. It is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8

As the hymn writer, C.L. Bancroft (1863) reminds us, we’re not saved by anything we’ve done, we’re saved by a work done for us:

Because the sinless Savior died,

My sinful soul is counted free,

For God the just is satisfied,

To look on Him and pardon me.

Treasure In Jars of Clay

My life story and journey of faith.

Author: elainecrandell

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