2025 December Travel Blog

On November 23, 2025 Harold and I loaded up the car and headed south toward Galveston, Texas for a one night hotel stay, to board a 10-Day cruise the following morning. This was a last minute booking which we just booked a few days earlier and our first trip on the Carnival Legend. So this month I decided to write about our trip and to do it in a daily travel blog + faith format in lieu of my regular monthly blog. Travel has long been a part of my life with my 30+ years in the airport/airline industry as well as the 20+ years my husband and I worked together in the RV business. Sharing my faith all along the way has been a part of my life since the late 1980s.

Our Itinerary:

Galveston – Monday
Fun Day at Sea – Tuesday
Cozumel, Mexico – Wednesday
Belize City, Belize – Thursday
Mahogany Bay, Roatan Honduras – Friday
Fun Day at Sea – Saturday
Ocho Rios, Jamaica – Sunday
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands – Monday
Fun Day at Sea – Tuesday
Fun Day at Sea – Wednesday
Galveston – Thursday

Sunday, November 23, 2024: Car drive to Galveston, Texas.

Bible Study: Amos 3

Devotional: “Let it Shine” by Ray Comfort and corresponding Bible verse, “Ye are the light of the world.” Matthew 5:14 (KJV)

Our drive was under clouds most of the way with only a few sprinkles here and there. We stopped at the Buc-ee’s in Madisonville, Texas for fuel but encountered a fuel pump problem and the inside was so crowded that the line to the ladies restroom was winding around to the drink dispenser! So we decided just to go across the street to the Shell gas station, and I’m glad we did. Sometimes little inconveniences and detours lead to unexpected blessings. It was here I gave the cashier a British Invasion Million Dollar Bill. This bill has a photo of the Beatles on the front and the gospel message on the back and a link referral to NeedGod.com and LivingWaters.com for more information. I got a thousand of these (actually by mistake as I didn’t mean to order this many) in October for a planned trip to see Paul McCartney in concert in San Antonio. I had a bunch left over so I’ve been passing them out ever since, and everywhere I go, including our October trip out to Phoenix and back. I’ve been getting my gospel sharing tools over the past several years from Living Waters Ministries. I have other bills made by Living Waters but I really like the British Invasion Million Dollar Bills because I think they draw more reactions. Or, maybe it’s because I’m old enough to remember the Beatles when they first appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show back in 1964 plus I really liked their early songs. Anyway, this particular young girl was so excited to receive it she thanked me a couple of times. She told me that she’d like to give it to her dad and so I gave her another one. It made my heart smile; it was so encouraging to see her receive it with such joy. It actually set the tone for the rest of our trip. When we got to Galveston Island we stopped at a KFC to get a couple of chicken dinners to-go and gave a British Invasion Million Dollar Bill to the lady at the pickup window. Just a smile and a thank you but you never know what a simple sharing of the gospel message will do in a persons heart. From there we drove to our hotel which was only a few minutes away. The Seabreeze Hotel is a newly constructed hotel and it was only $98 for a one night stay. It’s a nice, clean, and new hotel that’s located just a block from the Galveston Boardwalk. It’s so close to the cruise terminal we could see our ship from our hotel window! In the early evening I walked over to enjoy the ocean up close and take some photos while Harold watched a football game on TV.

Day 1, Monday, November 24: Embarkation

Bible Study: Amos 4

Daily Devotional: “The Same Message” by Ray Comfort and corresponding Bible verse, “We should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.” Titus 3:1 (KJV)

The hotel breakfast was pretty good. It included sausage and scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, muffins, dry cereal, oatmeal, and waffles. I left two British Invasion Million Dollar Bills inside the room Bible and one for the maid along with her tip. This has been one of the various ways I’ve shared the gospel in the past, but since the Paul McCartney concert in October I determined in my heart that I would try to share them more intentionally by interacting with people instead of just leaving them here and there for people to find. We left the hotel at 11:00 a.m. and drove over to Lot B Parking which only took about five minutes. We tipped the bag porter and included a British Invasion Million Dollar Bill. Once onboard the ship we dropped off our carry-on bags in our cabin and proceeded to the buffet for a salad lunch. After our cabin was ready we did an old fashioned outdoor muster station drill for 30 minutes although it seemed a lot longer. A lot of people were noticeably annoyed which I suspect was because in the past few years the muster drill has been accomplished within a couple of minutes by just stopping by your muster station, showing your boarding pass, and agreeing to watch the muster station drill information on your cabin TV. After this muster drill was over we walked around the ship for a while to get familiar with our new surroundings and then we went back to our cabin to rest. We got in a nice afternoon nap, watched some TV, and then went to the PG comedy show at 6:30 p.m. Our scheduled dinner time was at 7:30 p.m., which is a lot latter than what we usually choose but the “Early Dine” and the “Your Time Dining” was sold out by the time we booked this last minute cruise, so we didn’t really have a choice. We met our dinner partners, Gloria and Harold, in the Truffles Restaurant tonight. After dinner we located the Pixels area and bought our embarkation photo and then went to the 9:30 p.m. Welcome Aboard show in the Follies main Lounge. I hid 2 ducks (from Lunmon at Amazon with faith statements such as “Jesus Loves You”) + Ten Commandments Coins (from Living Waters Ministries) this evening on our way back to our cabin for the night.

Day 2, Tuesday, November 25: Sea Day

Bible Study: Amos 5

Devotional: “Do it Heartily” by Ray Comfort and corresponding Bible verse, “Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily.” Colossians 3:23 (KJV)

We went to the Sea Day Breakfast at the Truffles restaurant and within a couple of minutes of being seated, we were given two tiny Jesus figures by the couple seated next to us, and I responded by giving them two British Invasion Million Dollar Bills, to which they seemed pleasantly surprised to receive. We didn’t get to talk with them very much during breakfast as he was very busy working on his laptop and she was helping him. I do have to say, while I appreciate the intentions of those who pass out or hide tiny Jesus figures on cruise ships, I don’t particularly like this as an evangelism tool. Simply put, I think it’s disrespectful of the glory and honor we should have for Christ, but that’s just my opinion. After breakfast we went to the Lido Deck to get some steps in and to see the ocean views. We then got two sandwiches to-go to take back to our cabin for our afternoon lunch. I spent some time working on this month’s blog, “Let’s Make a Deal” and then we watched the Family Feud Auditions in the Follies theatre on Deck 4 near our cabin. After a short afternoon nap we dressed for formal night (actually less formal for us) and we had pictures taken, went to watch the karaoke singers in the Red Frog Pub, and then headed off to dinner in the Truffles restaurant. This evening we met two new dinner partners, Diana and Michael Burke, which was good as Harold and Gloria were a no-show this evening. After dinner I hid one British Invasion Million Dollar Bill on the way to the Truffle Lounge to watch the Playlist Production called 1970’s NYC. When we got back to our cabin around 10:00 p.m. we learned that our Cozumel Excursion scheduled for tomorrow was cancelled due to low booking count. We were a little disappointed but there was nothing we could do about it at this late hour. Whenever I’m a little disappointed about something I try to think on the bright side as there’s really always something to be grateful for. In our case, I decided I was grateful that we didn’t have to set the alarm to get up tomorrow! Interestingly this ties in nicely with tomorrow’s devotional title. Note: Our current daily devotional is titled, Count Your Blessings and Stop Stressing” by Ray Comfort 2024 Edition.

Day 3, Wednesday, November 26: Cozumel, Mexico

Bible study: Amos 6

Daily Devotional: “Silencing the Alarm” by Ray Comfort and corresponding Bible verse, “God is greater than our heart.” 1 John 3:20 (KJV)

Wednesday Wisdom: “Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” Proverbs 28:13

We had a one hour time change forward this morning in Cozumel which worked out really good because I didn’t sleep well last night so I ready appreciated that in addition to not having to onshore at any particular time since our excursion was cancelled. I hid a duck + Ten Commandments Coin on a hallway telephone on our way to breakfast in the buffet. We got off the ship around 11:30 a.m. and walked around the port shops, took a some photos, and then headed back to get on the ship. I gave away one British Invasion Million Dollar Bill to a man who offered to take our photo together. We caught a ride on bike taxi and got a funny photo of me pedaling the bike taxi with Harold as my passenger! I gave a British Invasion Million Dollar Bill to our bike taxi driver along with his tip. I then talked with a man from Germany who was standing outside of a ship, Meinschiff, that was docked across from our ship. He spoke good English and I gave him and another man, who was standing behind him, two British Invasion Million Dollar Bills, which they both received with huge smiles. We then sat down outside of our ship to rest a minute and I struck up a quick little convo with an older lady who was sitting there with her elderly brother in a wheelchair. I said I was thankful for a cool glass of water and a place to sit in the shade to which she replied, “Amen.” Our convo turned into a mini praise session about the goodness of God and then it took on more depth as she secretly motioned to me, by pointing to her brother while hiding her pointing finger with her other hand, stating that “Not everyone believes in Jesus,” I wondered if he overheard some of our conversation, but didn’t know. At this point we got up and started back onto the ship. I wondered if I should have tried to engage him in a faith convo but I was hesitant. He was avoiding looking towards me. I think the sister was actually wanting me to pray for him so later I prayed for him and I also asked God to give me more discernment and to help me be more bold. Back on board the ship I hid one British Invasion Million Dollar Bill on a little shelf on a craps table and gave one away to a lady who was searching for ducks in the military lounge. We ate a light lunch in the buffet and then rested in our cabin before it was time to get ready for dinner. We went to the PG comedy show and then to the Truffles restaurant and had a nice dinner with Michael and Diana. We then went to the 9:30 p.m. Michael Wordly Viva Variety Show in the Follies Lounge. It was really an enjoyable show. He had a great voice and a nice background story about his grandmother who helped him get voice lessons after he found out he had a heart murmur when he was young. He had to stop playing football, which was something he really loved, but she helped him find something else to love and to do, that eventually led to being his career.

Day 4, Thursday, November 27: Belize City, Belize

Thanksgiving Day

Bible Study: Amos 7

Daily Devotional: “Heaven’s Reality” by Ray Comfort and corresponding Bible verse, “I go and prepare a place for you.” John 14:3

We had breakfast in the Truffles restaurant and Harold gave away one tiny pink duck to a little girl at a nearby table. We grabbed an umbrella (it was raining earlier) and headed to the meeting place for our excursion in the Follies Lounge. We proceeded to the tender boat that took us to the Belize City Port Terminal 2A after a smooth 15 minute ride. We boarded our excursion wildlife cruise boat and spent two hours on the water. We saw crocodiles, a turtles, a monkey, a bunch of iguanas, and an egret. On our return tender boat it started to rain. As I was getting out a British Invasion Million Dollar Bills to put with our tip and the lady across from us asked me what it was so I gave her and her husband two of them. That led to me giving some to the ladies sitting next to them, and so on as I sent a handful to the people behind us which they passed on as well. In total I passed out around 30 British Invasion Million Dollar Bills today to the passengers, a boat worker, and also a bathroom attendant, along with a tip. Back onboard the ship we had a salad for lunch and one cookie each. (Watching our calories!) After our afternoon nap we got ready for dinner and stopped to get photos together before dinner as it was Elegant Night. When we got to the Truffles restaurant we were happy to see Michael and Diana and our other dinner partners, Harold and Gloria, as they hadn’t been to dinner since Monday. We ordered a traditional Thanksgiving meal and I got the waiter to take a photo of our table afterwards. We ended the night by seeing part of the Rock show in the Follies Lounge. I didn’t care for this show so we left after a couple of songs. I hid one duck + 10 Commandments Coin on the way back to our cabin.

Day 5, Friday, November 28: Mahogany Bay, Roatán Honduras

Bible Study: Amos 8

Daily Devotional: “A Good Sleep” by Ray Comfort and corresponding Bible verse “He gives to his beloved sleep” Psalm 127:2 (Amen, as I sometimes suffer from insomnia but had a good nights sleep last night!)

After our breakfast at the Truffles restaurant, we disembarked to get on our excursion which was all about Monkeys, Sloths, Iguanas, Macaws! To begin with, the funniest thing was the tour van! It was made in Japan for tiny people! The aisle was so narrow! We all cracked up laughing as everyone, one by one, wrestled to get by the seats. Harold is such a good sport; he let me take a funny movie of him struggling to get by the seats, and he even let me post it on Facebook. The actual excursion and all animals and birds was very enjoyable and fun. I got photos with an iguana on my shoulder and a macaw on my head. We also shopped at a Chocolate factory store. We passed out around 12 British Invasion Million Dollar Bills at this little shopping center and also gave one to our bus driver and our tour guide along with their tips. On the return bus trip the tour guide began singing Christian songs at random and many of us joined in to sing with her on the ones she sang in English. It was a sweet surprise and a highlight of this trip that I will not soon forget. Back on board we ate dinner at the Truffles restaurant and watched the Family Feud Live Show. I hid one duck + 10 Commandments Coin on the way back to our cabin.

Day 6, Saturday, November 29: Sea Day

Bible Study: Amos 9

Daily Devotional: “Faithful Prayer” by Ray Comfort and corresponding Bible verse, “She coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.” Luke 2:38 (KJV)

Breakfast at Truffles restaurant. After breakfast we went to the Beatles “Guess that Song” trivia contest and I passed out around 45 British Invasion Million Dollar Bills! Knowing that the people who were there were very likely Beatles fans made it seem so easy to walk around handing the bills to them. After I left, I was so encouraged when I walked by teenage girl who was reading the back of her bill out loud to a group of her friends. It was so sweet to see them listening to her as she was reading the gospel message out loud, and with a smile on her face. After lunch I signed up to join the ship’s FB group after running into the “Mrs Ropers” and “Stanley Ropers” (Three’s Company TV show) bunch. I got some photos of them and posted them on the ship’s FB group page. Back at the cabin, Harold took a nap while I finished writing and publishing my November blog, The Other Side of the Door. After dinner at the Truffles restaurant, I hid one faith duck + 10 Commandments Coin and we went to bed early.

Day 7, Sunday, November 30: Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Bible Study: Obadiah 1

Daily Devotional: “Seal my Heart” by Ray Comfort and corresponding Bible verse, “I will make an everlasting covenant with them that I will do them good and not turn away from them; and I will put in their heart a fear and reverential awe of me, so that they will not turn away from me.” Jeremiah 32:40 (AMP)

We had a leisurely breakfast in the buffet as our debark time was delayed about an hour. The captain wanted to first offload the relief supplies they were delivering due to Hurricane Melissa damage to the island in October. We were understanding of the delay and glad that Carnival was doing this. As a result the captain extended our stay by one hour as a courtesy due to the debarking delay. Although we’ve been to Jamaica before, this was our first visit to the port of Ocho Rios. We got off the ship and headed to our excursion meeting point and boarded a bus which dropped us off just a few minutes away at Mystic Mountain Escape. In order to get up to Mystic Mountain you have to travel up the mountain on a sky lift. Our stomach’s were a little queasy as we rode up the mountain on the Sky Explorer. Not that we’d never been on a sky lift, it was because it was so old and it went up so high! Once we got there we were glad to be on solid ground! We enjoyed the beautiful views and walking through the cave. A hummingbird buzzed right by me in the hummingbird garden but it was too quick for me to get a photo of it. The return trip down the mountain was not as harrowing as the trip up the mountain because it rode closer to the ground. I gave out five British Invasion Million Dollar Bills with tips to five of the workers on thiis excursion. Back at the cruise port, Harold bought a $10 Jamaica ball cap and we ate a light lunch once we got back onboard. Afterwards I hid one duck + 10 Commandments Coin on our way back to our cabin. We ate dinner in the Truffles dining room with Diana and Michael and headed back to our cabin after dinner. When we returned to our cabin we found a notice that our Glass Bottom Boat excursion for tomorrow at 9:45 a.m. had been cancelled. This time they rebooked us on the 8:15 a.m. excursion but we decided to return our tickets to Guest Services and request a refund as we prefer not having to rush in the morning to get on an early excursion.

Day 8, Monday, December 1: Grand Cayman, The Cayman Islands

Bible Study: Jonah 1

Daily Devotional: “Blessed Patience” by Ray Comfort and corresponding Bible verse, “We count them happy which endure.” James 5:11 (KJV)

After breakfast in the buffet, we took the water shuttle over to the Port of Grand Cayman. I shopped for a magnet and found one I liked for only $7. We walked around the shopping area a bit but returned after only a short time because Harold’s stomach was getting upset. Thinking about our canceled excursion at this point made us thankful that it was cancelled. Back on board we took an afternoon nap and then went to the Shore Excursion Desk to verify our refund for today’s cancelled excursion. I ironed Harold’s blue tropical cotton shirt to coordinate with my blue top I was planning to wear tonight. We got photos taken with the ship’s photographers and proceeded to the Truffles restaurant for dinner. We ate alone tonight but had a nice night anyway. Our waiter spent more time talking with us and he made a “swan” out of a napkin in a water glass for me and we got a photo together with it. After dinner we watched Guess that Groove in the Follies Lounge and also Deal or No Deal. I hid one duck + 10 Commandments Coin on the ship and gave away 2 British Invasion Million Dollar Bills today in Grand Cayman, and one to a cashier on the ship when I was getting change.

Day 9, Tuesday, December 2: Sea Day

Bible Study: Jonah 2

Daily Devotional: “ The Light of the Bible” by Ray Comfort and corresponding Bible verse, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet.” Psalm 119:105 (KJV)

A leisurely Sea Day breakfast at the Truffles restaurant this morning and then we went to the Platinum Diamond Reunion in the Follies Lounge. After it was over, a girl, probably in her mid 20s, came up to me to thank me for giving her a British Invasion Million Dollar Bill at the Beatles Song Trivia game the other day. We spoke for a short while about the Living Waters Ministry and Ray Comfort. I mentioned how I like how he asks people if they’re a good person and how so many say, “Yes,” because they think they are, until Ray starts asking if they’ve ever told a lie, ever stolen anything, ever taken the Lord’s name in vain, etc. Explaining that is when they start to realize that they’re not actually a good person. She smiled and nodded yes, and told me she had read the back of the (British Invasion Million Dollar) bill and agreed with what it said. She then mentioned how traveling and seeing the beauty of God’s creation was especially inspirational to her. I told her that God’s creation was God’s general revelation of his existence, and that it alone should be enough to make people realize that God is the creator of everything. I said “all of God’s creation attests of his glory” and that “man has no excuse” concerning understanding that just seeing all of what God has created proves that there is a creator. She was again in agreement with what I was saying. After we were done talking and as she was walking away I then wondered then if I had should have actually gone through the “Good Person” questions with her instead of talking about it. I was assuming she was a Christian. I prayed that if I wrongly assumed she was a Christian that hopefully at least a seed was planted. We had dinner in the Truffles restaurant with our dinner partners Michael and Diana and then went to bed early after I hid one duck + Ten Commandments Coin.

Day 10, Wednesday, December 3: Sea Day

Bible Study: Jonah 3-4

Daily Devotional: “He Knows His Own” by Ray Comfort and corresponding Bible verse, “The Lord knows those who are his.” 2 Timothy 2:19

Wednesday Wisdom: “The fear of mankind is a snare, but the one who trusts in the LORD is protected.” Proverbs 29:25

Our last Sea Day on the ship we had a late breakfast at the Truffles restaurant and then an afternoon nap. I selected our digital debark time of 9:30 a.m, for tomorrow debarkation. As Carnival Platinum cruisers we’re eligible to take the earliest time slots but we prefer the very last time slot as it gives us more time in the morning. We had our last dinner in the Truffles restaurant with Michael and Diana who we really enjoyed getting to know on this cruise. I exchanged FB contact info with Diana and we connected within a couple of days. We went this evening to the Playlist Production, Flick, with intention of only watching it just a few minutes as we’ve seen it before, but soon after it started it had a production problem and they cancelled the rest of the show anyway. So our last evening on the ship was another early evening for us, after hiding one duck + Ten Commandments Coin.

Day 11, Thursday, December 4: Disembark Day

Bible Study: Micah 1

Daily Devotional: Godless Traditions, “[Make] the word of God of no effect through your tradition.” Mark 7:13

We had breakfast at the buffet at 8:30 a.m. and were off the ship by 9:30 a.m. We gave away two British Invasion Million Dollar Bills to the bus driver and bag porter along with their tips. We stopped twice on our way home and I left a British Invasion Million Dollar Bill at both places. We got home around 3:15 p.m. and we were both tired but decided to go watch our 7th grade grandson play a 5:00 p.m. basketball game that was about an hour away from our house. After the game we were glad to get home, and thankful for a wonderful cruise, the joy of having more intentional interactions with people, and for another safe trip home.

This is the Day

It’s that time of year again; Halloween. Boo!

Fall is my favorite time of year. The temperatures drop, the air is crisp, and the beautiful season of red, orange and yellow colors emerge from trees, each leaf declaring the glory of God. The season also includes Halloween. I have a lifetime of memories surrounding this cultural and now perhaps controversial holiday within the Christian community.

In my childhood my brothers and I would dress up in homemade costumes and walk around our neighborhood getting candy!

In my teens and early 20’s I’d go to Halloween parties and haunted houses with friends; screaming and running out as fast as we could!

As a mother in my late 20’s and early 30’s I’d buy cute costumes for our two daughters and walk them around the neighborhood to get Halloween candy.

As a mother of three daughters in my early 40’s our pre-teen and teenage daughters would typically dress up and go to Halloween parties with friends. Our young daughter would dress up in a cute costume and we’d take her to church fall festivals for games and candy.

As a grandmother in my 50’s and 60’s I’d take photos of the grandkids dressed up in their costumes, pass out candy and gospel tracts to the neighborhood kids, take them to church fall festivals, and help with our church’s “Trunk or Treat” programs. I also made the mistake of agreeing to take a group of our youngest daughter’s friends to a haunted house. I immediately regretted it. It was sponsored by group of local firemen and I mistakenly assumed it wouldn’t be too scary. I hadn’t been to a haunted house for many years, have not been to any since, and don’t plan to go to any in the future.

The one time I can remember wearing a costume for Halloween as an adult was recently in October of 2023 when Harold and I were on a 14-day Carnival cruise. He wore his Peyton Manning Indianapolis Colts Jersey and I wore a makeshift Indianapolis Colts cheerleader outfit. It was fun for both of us! I think especially for me, as I always wanted to be a cheerleader when I was young.

Now at age 71 and reflecting back over the years, I remember when I was first convicted that Halloween was not just all fun, candy and games. I was in my mid 30’s and had recently experienced a remarkable growth in my personal walk with the Lord. It was like a light had been turned on in my head; all of a sudden I started wondering about the dark side of Halloween. We were living in Brandon, Florida at the time; new to the area and attending Providence Baptist Church. I asked a couple of the ladies in my Sunday School class if their kids went “Trick or Treating” and they replied, “Of course.” I resolved to ease up on my negative thoughts about Halloween. I let the girls pick out some Halloween costumes, as we had always done in the past, so they could go “Trick or Treating” in our neighborhood. I was reassured I made the right decision upon receiving an early knock on our door on Halloween evening and hearing the words, “Trick or Treat!” It was the associate pastor and his family at our door.

However, over the many years since then I’ve steadily seen more and more Christians speaking out against the evil of Halloween activities. I actually think this was a catalyst back in the early 2000’s as more and more churches began sponsoring Halloween alternative activities during this time. I don’t recall this being an option when I was young.

In more recent years, however, I’ve been seeing some pastors and Christian leaders speaking out saying that churches should not be sponsoring Halloween alternative activities. To this I have mixed emotions as I’m of the opinion that any opportunity to share the gospel and the love of Christ is a good thing, even during Halloween.

I remember one Bible verse in particular that helped me get through this years ago:

“This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalms 118:24

While this verse is referring to the Sabbath, I personally took this verse to heart and decided to apply it to my everyday life. I resolved that the devil doesn’t get to have the honor of any one particular day. It is our Lord that makes and blesses our days, including October 31.

I could go on with a list of all of the evils associated with Halloween but I’ll leave that for others to do. Instead, here’s a list of Bible verses to help guide us in our daily choices. These verses, and the whole of the Bible, are meant to guide us each and every day in our life, not just on one day in October.

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. Ephesians 5:11-12

Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Isaiah 5:20

“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. 1 Corinthians 10:23

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:21

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8

In conclusion, I believe God has given parents the awesome responsibility of raising our children to adulthood. We are to love them, provide for their needs, and protect them from harm, but most of all it is our responsibility to “bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4) With that said, personally I would not take my young children out “Trick or Treating” today unless it was to visit neighbors that you actually know, friends, and family. I would not allow them to wear any type of costume that appears evil or that glorifies murder or evil characters. I would allow them to go to church fall festivals and “Trunk or Treat.” Bottom line, there is no Bible verse that specifically states we are not allowed to do these events. Christians have “Christian Liberty” which is the discretion to make personal choices in areas of life that are not explicitly forbidden in scripture.

And remember, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.”Philippians 4:16-17

The Workers

This past summer one of our grandsons asked if he could do some work for us to earn some money, so we asked him to come over to trim a garden tree. After he started my husband thought it’d be a good time to ask another grandson to go pick up some bags of mulch to spread in our garden. So we asked the first grandson to stay and help spread the mulch too. A couple of hours later our other grandson delivered the mulch to our house and both grandsons worked together to spread the mulch. We paid them both the same amount.

Later, the first grandson, humbly asked me if he should maybe get paid more because he started working earlier in the day by trimming the tree. I smiled as his request immediately brought to mind the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard in Matthew 20:1-16. I lovingly declined his request and told him that this would better serve as a biblical lesson as this was very similar to one of Jesus’ parables. I also reasoned with him that although the other grandson did start later in the day, he got to rest on the couch while waiting for the other grandson to bring the mulch. The other grandson also had to drive his truck to the Home Depot from his house which was about 12 miles away, wait for the pick-up order to be ready, load 25 bags of mulch, and deliver it to our house.

In the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard the landowner hired groups of workers at different times throughout the day and at the end of the day he paid them each the same amount, regardless of how long they worked. The workers who started working earliest complained that they should get paid more than the ones who started working late in the day. They accused him of being unjust. The landowner explained he paid them fairly, and that as the landowner he has the right to choose whatever he wants to do with his money, and with that which He owns.

The workers in this parable represent both believers in Christ and Pharisees, or at very least, those who do not yet understand the grace and mercy of God. The landowner represents God. The landowner, whose decision to pay all the workers the same amount was actually an act of mercy, not of injustice. God’s grace and mercy are shed abundantly upon all those of His choosing. “For he says to Moses, ‘I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”Romans 9:15. In addition and most certainly, God’s grace is more than sufficient to redeem all those who believe.

“For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and to them he said, ‘You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.’ So they went. Going out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour, he did the same. And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing. And he said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’ They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You go into the vineyard too.’ And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first.’ And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius. Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius. And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house, saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?’ So the last will be first, and the first last.” Matthew 20:1-16

Essentially, the message of verse 16, “the last will be first, and the first last,” is that no matter how long or how hard a believer works during his lifetime, the reward of eternal life is the same for all believers in Christ. While there’re also scriptures that teach of additional rewards in heaven based upon an individuals service to Him, the ultimate reward of eternal life is equal for all believers in Christ regardless of length of service.

“For He says to Moses, ‘I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion.’ So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy.” Romans 9:15-16

Someplace Wonderful

Chip and Joanna Gaines’ new television show, “Back to the Frontier” has caused quite a stir on social media this month, particularly among Christians. The show features three families who are temporarily living as 19th-century homesteaders, without modern conveniences, including electricity. The controversy is that one of the three families include a homosexual couple with adopted twin boys

While homosexuality has been around since biblical times, the amount of people who identify as homosexual, and the acceptance of homosexuality in our society has definitely increased in the past few years.

We’re living in a much different world today than when I was young. I’m old enough to remember when homosexuality was something that was often likened to something that was hid in a closet. People recognized that it was a sin and used to try to hide it. Fast forward to today where is not just out and in the open, it’s celebrated. It’s weaved into television shows, movies, advertising, etc., and is one of the favorite topics of the DEI, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion agenda.

While I can somewhat understand the emotional connection that a homosexual might feel for their partner, from a purely companionship perspective, I do not understand the physical connection between two people of the same sex. It goes against God’s natural order and laws of attraction, and to put it simply, it doesn’t make sense. What does make sense to me is that non-Christians engaging in homosexual relationships do not see their relationship as sinful, simply because they’re not Christian. They see “love as love” and frankly, many of them are likable, friendly, sensitive, and caring individuals.

I think what I’m most disappointed in is the progressive “Christian” churches of today. Somewhere along the way they took a left turn; they left their first love and instead of defending the gospel, they defend social issues of the DEI agenda as if it were a part of the gospel. They teach that homosexuality isn’t a sin. They oppose the word of God and preach a false gospel. Jesus came to save us from our sins, not to condone them. The Bible clearly teaches that a person cannot be a practicing homosexual (or thief, or swindler, etc.) and enter the kingdom of heaven.

“Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” 1 Corinthians 6:9-10

The good news is that God loves and offers forgiveness to all those who will repent of their sins and trust Christ as their Savior.

“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” Ephesians 1:7

I was convicted to write about this topic after seeing several comments on social media about Chip and Joanna’s new show. One comment in particular stated that “apparently Joanna is a trans woman or a transvestite.” I do not believe that is in anyway true.

What I do believe is that she (and Chip) need to stop and consider their ways. Now is the time to seize this opportunity to cry out to the Lord, in repentance and faith in Christ alone, and make Him the Lord of their life if they have not yet done so.

“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

I also believe that instead of posting critical and/or false remarks, Christians should pray for Chip and Joanna’s repentance concerning the same sex couple, and also for their salvation if they’re false converts. Imagine what a witness they could be for Christ if they repented and trusted in Him now. Imagine if they actually halted the “Frontier” TV production or removed the homosexual “family” from it. Imagine if they declared that according to God’s word, homosexuality is a sin and that, marriage is between one man and one woman.

Actually, Chip and Joanna have a quote, in all caps, on the back cover of their book, The Magnolia Story, that they would do well to take to heart today:

“SOMETIMES THE MESSIEST STUFF AND THE BIGGEST MISTAKES CAN TAKE YOU SOMEPLACE WONDERFUL.”

I have that book, and actually I met Chip in 2017 at the Texas Motor Speedway. He signed the last page for me.

I was happy to meet him and have long felt that Chip and Joanna are talented, creative, hardworking, and very likable people. Chip’s humor combined with Joanna’s calm and loving demeanor toward him is heartwarming. However, they also have presented themselves for the past several years, on a very public platform, as a Christian couple. I believe it’s time for them to reflect on their worldly “Christian” beliefs and stop to consider their ways. They’ve acquired much fame and fortune for the houses that they’ve so beautifully renovated, redesigned, and redecorated, but they’re far and away from the house that God commanded to be rebuilt in the Book of Haggai.

The Book of Haggai talks about rebuilding a house for the Lord, a temple actually. Overall, it begs us to stop and consider our ways, to examine our priorities, and to submit to the Lord’s priorities, in His timing, and not necessarily ours.

Charles Spurgeon also reminds us to consider our ways:

“It does not matter whom we please if God is not pleased, or who gets honor from what we give, if God is not glorified as a result.”

Some questions for Christians to consider:

Are we only interested in doing our own thing or are we willing to instead do a work for Him?
What are we actually building here on earth; wood, hay, or stubble? Or, have we ever done a work or built something that rightfully brings Him pleasure and glory?
Do we fear doing a work for the Lord when we know it goes against the world and its popular agendas?
Are we willing to humble ourselves, admit our selfish desires are sinful, and that we need to prioritize God’s will in our lives?
Is our faith so shallow that we do not trust that He will be with us always and that He is in full control of our circumstances? Are we not willing to trust God, no matter what?
Do we not know that He will more than bless us when we actually step out of our comfort zone, in faith, to glorify and serve Him?

“Now, therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts: Consider your ways. You have sown much, and harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes. “Thus says the LORD of hosts: Consider your ways. Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house, that I may take pleasure in it and that I may be glorified, says the LORD.” Haggai 1:5-8

Not Political, Social, or Economic

I received a political comment about one of my faith based Facebook posts this month. The post was based on Proverbs 17:17 so I was a bit surprised to get a comment that was political in nature.

Here’s the post which included both the Bible verse and my comments:

I believe the key to lasting friendship is unconditional love; to love one another regardless of differences or difficulties. While many of us have been blessed with several close friends in this life, not everyone can say this is true in their own life, myself included. Regardless, I think this Proverb is written in such a way to point everyone to the amazing, unconditional love of Christ, who died on the cross for our sins. Jesus is the epitome of a friend who truly loves at all times. He is the One Friend we all need and also the One Friend that commands us to “Love each other as I have loved you.” (John 15:12)

This was one of my #WednesdayWisdom posts I’ve been doing this year in which I share a Proverb each week along with some insights. I post them in my blog, on Facebook, and I also share them with my grandchildren.

My faith based posts are simply expressions of my faith. My goal is to glorify God and to point people to Christ. My focus on Proverbs 17:17 on this particular day was about lasting friendship and unconditional love but it was especially directed toward the amazing unconditional love of Christ.

The person that made the comment was an old friend who basically stated that he felt that ICE (Immigration Control and Enforcement) is doing the complete opposite of this Proverb. He suggested that they were not doing what I spoke of in my first line (unconditional love) and that they should read my post.

To be clear, the unconditional love I spoke of in my first line was with regard to friendships and that this type of love is key to lasting relationships; to love one another regardless of differences or difficulties. It was not directed to enforcement officers who are doing their job; they’re not seeking a lasting friendship.

So, I replied and told him that as far as ICE is concerned, I believe the agents are doing what they took an oath to do when they signed up to be an Immigrations and Customs Enforcement Agent: they’re enforcing federal laws governing border control, customs, trade, and immigration. In other words, they’re doing their job.

My best guess is that he was focused on John 15:12, to “Love each other as I have loved you.” which I concluded my post with. However, using this scenario involving ICE agents, the Bible also tells us that we are to “Obey the government, for God is the One who has put it there. There is no government anywhere that God has not placed in power. So those who refuse to obey the law of the land are refusing to obey God, and punishment will follow.” Romans 13:1-2

I did appreciate his input though because it inspired me to to sit down and write about something similar that’s been bothering me for the past few years concerning a growing trend to connect politics and social issues with Christianity.

In general, I don’t particularly like politics (or political parties, candidates, or those in office) and try not to spend very much energy or time on these issues. I do vote however my vote is typically based more upon the lesser of two evils.

Nor am I in any way a part of the emerging sect of progressive Christianity that has invaded the SBC, the Gospel Coalition, the ERLC, Christianity Today, and numerous denominations; many of which try to blur the line between Christianity and political, social, and economic issues. Specifically, people such as David French, Russell Moore, the late Tim Keller, Rick Warren, JD Greear, Brent Leatherwood, Ed Stetzer, and Matt Chandler, to name a few. The likes of which who joined the social justice band wagon that gained popularity in 2019 with the SBC’s Resolution 9. It spread to other denominations as well. Social Justice, Critical Race Theory, Intersectionality, Liberation Theology, Standpoint Epistemology, and Egalitarianism became their mantra. Fast forward to today, complete with all of it’s current social justice issues, we have churches who have veered so far from the word of God that they’re actually preaching “another gospel” now.

Somehow over the past few years, the progressive left church and its leaders have filled their pews with people who liken their social, political, and economic issues as gospel issues. Complete with contemporary “Christian” music with lyrics that rival something between a “Me, Myself, and I Convention” and a typical NPR radio broadcast. (My feeble attempt at sarcasm.)

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2 Timothy 3-4

Whereas, I believe the calling of the church is to proclaim the gospel, and that politics and social issues have no place in the pulpit. Likewise, I believe Christ calls Christians to share the gospel. In this one-minute clip that is shared from Wretched Radio, it captures Alistair Begg’s position on this subject with which I totally agree.

“We are not in the world today to reform the world. Our mandate in the world is not political, it’s not social, and it’s not economic. The fact that many of us have lived through a period of time in the United States whereby the social, political, and economic concerns have increasingly encroached upon the minds of those who should know better and have begun to take on virtually a life of their own, whereby we have begun to be seduced by the idea that these really are the issues—that if we could fix this and fix this and fix this, then we would be fine. But we were never invited to fix this and this and this. The calling of the church is to proclaim the gospel. And whenever that which is central, namely the gospel, becomes peripheral, then that which is peripheral inevitably becomes central.”

I also like this quote from a writer I follow on Substack: “Jesus didn’t die for a tax bracket or a constitutional republic. He died for His sheep. And like it or not, He didn’t rise again to endorse a particular immigration policy or rescue a stock market. He rose to crush death and the devil, redeem a people, and build a Kingdom not made with hands.”

I believe that social, political, and economic issues come and go as the culture goes. However, the message of the cross stands on its own, and the gospel should not be tainted or watered down with the addition of a social, political, or economic issue.

And to be clear, my faith based posts are simply expressions of my faith. My goal is to glorify God and to point people to Christ.

The Ark, the Flood, and the Coming Judgement

When our girls were young I taught Vacation Bible School, children’s Sunday School, worked in children’s church, and in a bus ministry. I didn’t think I had the gift of teaching nor did it always work out well with my work schedule, but I saw a need and stepped out in faith. God did more than just make it work out with my schedule; He blessed me many times over and above what I could have imagined. Preparing Bible lessons, teaching children, and singing children’s Bible songs helped me grow in my faith as well.

Several of the young children’s songs we sang at VBS and Sunday School have stuck in my mind over the years, including the hand motions! One song I remember was about Noah and the Ark:

A rat-a-tat-tat and a thump, thump, thump! Noah built a great big ark!

A rat-a-tat-tat and a thump, thump, thump! For his family to embark!

Get all aboard! it’s going to rain!

Here come the cows; moo, moo, moo!

(Chorus)

Get all aboard! it’s going to rain!

Here come the ducks; quack, quack, quack!

(Chorus)

Get all aboard! it’s going to rain!

Here come the pigs; oink, oink, oink!

Get all aboard; it’s going to rain!

Here come the animals, two by two.

Note: You can add as many animals as you want!

In Genesis 1-11, in the Bible tells us of God’s amazing creation story as well as the flood. Amazingly, both of these events encompassed the entire world.

To be clear, I believe that everything in the Bible is true, including the creation story, Noah and the Ark, and the flood.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 2 Timothy 3:16

I also believe that the creation and the flood were global events, just as the Second Coming of Christ and the Judgement will be global events.

Jesus spoke clearly about the connection of both the creation and the flood with the coming Judgment in the New Testament:

For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Matthew 24:37-39

But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ Mark 10:6

So that the blood of all the prophets, shed from the foundation of the world, may be charged against this generation, from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who perished between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, it will be required of this generation. Luke 11:50-51

But on the day when Lot went out from Sodom, fire and sulfur rained from heaven and destroyed them all. So will it be on the day when the Son of Man is revealed. Luke 27:29-30

And he said to the disciples, “The days are coming when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it. Luke 17:22

Paul also spoke of the connection between the creation and the flood with the coming Judgment in the New Testament:

Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned. Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come. Romans 5:12, 14

For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 1 Corinthians 15:21-22

For man was not made from woman, but woman from man. Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. 1 Corinthians 11:8-9

But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:3

Peter, as well, spoke of the connection between the creation and the flood with the coming Judgment in the New Testament:

If he did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a herald of righteousness, with seven others, when he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly. 2 Peter 2:5

For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God, and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished. 2 Peter 3:5-6

Jesus will return one day to judge all mankind, the living and the dead:

For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” Matthew 25:41, 46

The Bible story of Noah and the Ark, and the children’s Bible song noted above, warns that in order to escape the fate of non-believers in the coming Judgement, that we need to “Get all aboard,” i.e., turn from sin, turn to Christ, receive Him as our Lord and Savior, and to do this before it’s too late.

The Bible explains, no less than six times, that the Lord’s return will appear suddenly, like a thief in the night:

For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 1 Thessalonians 5:2

But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Matthew 24:43

But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into. Luke 12:39

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. 2 Peter 3:10

Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you. Revelation 3:3

“Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed! Revelation 16:15

Blog, #Faith, #TheArkTheFloodAndTheComingJudgement #TreasureInJarsOfClay, #ElaineCrandell, #LifeStory #SinnerSavedByGrace,

Paradise

On Saturday, March 15, 2025, my husband Harold and I visited Honolulu, Oahu, which was actually our 4th time here. We visited Honolulu 3 times in the 1990’s-2000’s, back when I worked for Delta Air Lines. I learned back then that Waikiki is really just a big city in the middle of “paradise” and full of people in need.

On this visit I was once again struck with the sight of so many hurting people set against the backdrop of the beauty of Waikiki Beach. My mind flashed back to the last time we were here years ago, when I noticed what looked to be a prostitute pushing a toddler in a stroller, and an abundance of people walking around dazed and confused, likely on drugs and/or alcohol.

This visit wasn’t much different.

While waiting for our bus to Waikiki Beach a man came up to Harold and me (and another couple) begging us to let him take the 4 of us to Waikiki for only $10. He looked rough and I immediately sensed he was on drugs. When we each politely declined he suddenly began violently cursing at us. He walked away angry and cursing. It was pretty intense.

When we got to Waikiki Beach, there was a woman out in the middle of the street who was screaming obscenities at a man who was walking away from her as fast as he could. He initially ignored her for the most part but then he stopped, turned around and started screaming obscenities back at her, all within earshot of walkers-by including young children. It was quite a scene.

When we walked over to the public restroom, which was connected to the Waikiki Beach Police Department, there was what looked to be an elderly homeless man lying on the ground shaking. He was within 25 feet of the police department. Then we saw a young woman sitting outside of the police station smoking marijuana. She was very pretty, looked healthy and young, and she did not appear to be homeless.

I found the condition of the ladies restroom so repugnant I nearly got sick just being there a minute or two. It was the filthiest restroom I have ever been in my entire life. I walked over to talk to someone at the police station but the door was locked. There was an intercom but the man who answered the intercom was of no help.

We managed to get in a short visit at the beach and a few photos, but didn’t stay long. We left, thinking about what the ravages of sin has done to so many people, in the middle of the beauty, in the middle of “paradise,” in the middle of Waikiki Beach.

To be honest, I was afraid to accept that man’s offer to drive us to Waikiki Beach. I feared if we got in his car he would pull a gun on us, or that his car interior might have traces of fentanyl in it.

I was afraid to look into that woman’s eyes who was screaming obscenities on the street for fear of her walking up to me and attacking me.

I was afraid to try to help the elderly man lying on the ground by the police station for fear he might be sick with something contagious.

I was afraid to say anything to the young woman smoking marijuana just outside of the police department for fear of what she might say or do to me.

But,

I’m not afraid to write about it, and to pray for God to help these people with their addictions and with their anger; and to bless them with the gift of repentance and faith in Him, before it’s too late.

For the wages of sin is death, but, the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

True paradise is not found at Waikiki Beach, or any beach for that matter. It is found only at the end of our life on earth to those who have a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.

To the thief who trusted in Jesus at the cross,

Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43

His Name

While eating lunch on one of our recent cruises I overheard a buffet worker talking with a guest as she was gathering up the dirty dishes from a nearby table. Her English was pretty good (most of the workers are foreigners) but what caught my attention was that she was spewing out the Lord’s name carelessly (and excessively) as she was talking about something they had in common. I don’t think I’m exaggerating when I say that she must have said His name around 10 or 15 times in the course of 1 or 2 minutes. She was smiling and being very friendly but obviously had no idea she was taking the Lord’s name in vain, and for no good purpose; it was insanely repetitive and disrespectful. Not just to me or any nearby Christians, but to God.

I thought to myself that if she comes near our table that maybe I could strike up a conversation with her and then mention it politely to her that she was taking the Lord’s name in vain, and then ask her if she knew this was against one of the 10 Commandments. So as I was eating, I grabbed my iPhone and looked up the chapter and verse I wanted to share with her, and to use it as a reference:

You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain. Exodus 20:7

After I finished copying the verse onto my notepad, I looked up but I didn’t see her anywhere. So then, I contemplated that when I saw her again that maybe I would just get up and go over to her to say something to her.

I never saw her again.

I left a little duck and a Living Waters 10 Commandments Coin on the table, hoping that she would be the one to clean our table, but I’ll never know for sure. In retrospect I wish I would have just gotten up and walked over to talk to her while she was still there, but I didn’t. I could have handed her the 10 Commandments Coin in person and pointed out the third Commandment to her, but I didn’t. Why didn’t I think of that in the first place? Probably because it’s much easier to leave some type of an evangelical message for random people to pick up than it is to actually walk up and speak to people in person. Ya think?

So, throughout the rest of that cruise and also the next one, I became a little extra sensitive in overhearing random people in different settings taking the name of the Lord in vain. Random people, casually throwing the name of our Lord around in common catch phrases, like “Oh my …” and “Oh …,” etc., although it wasn’t in repetitive excess like that buffet worker.

And to be clear, this wasn’t the first time I’ve been sensitive about people taking the Lord’s name in vain. I’ve been sensitive to this ever since becoming a follower of Christ and learning that it’s a serious offense that God doesn’t take lightly.

I used to say His name in vain without a blink of an eye,

But,

He changed me from inside out when He saved me by His amazing grace many years ago. I know, as a Christian, that God’s name should only be used with reverence and love. Throughout the Bible the names of the Lord God are clearly presented as Holy, precious, and powerful. Those who misuse His name in trite conversation and in blasphemous anger greatly misunderstand His greatness and glory.

Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness. Psalm 29:2

In Exodus 3:14 He chose to reveal His name to Moses as “I Am Who I Am” declaring His sovereignty, His self-sufficiency, and the fact that He is self-existent.

In Exodus 34:6 He chose to reveal His glory to Moses by revealing His name to him: “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious.”

So, did I ever get around to saying anything to those people taking His name in vain on these cruises? No I did not, but, I am praying for God to give me more opportunities in the future and in His perfect timing. I pray for boldness, sensitivity, clarity, discernment, and strength to speak up when given the opportunity, and also for more creative ways to share the gospel and His word.

And, in the meantime I’m doing what I often do when something weighs on my mind: I’m writing about it. Writing ✍🏻 is so much easier….

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe. Proverbs 18:10

Some photos from our January and February 2025 cruises. We cruised 14 days on 3 cruises on 2 different ships, out of Cape Canaveral and Jacksonville, Florida. Our destinations were all in the Bahamas: Freeport, Nassau, Bimini, and Princess Cays. We had already visited Freeport on 3 previous cruises but this was our first visit to Bimini, and to Princess Cays. It was also our first visit to Nassau on the January cruise and then we got to stop there two more times in February. Truth be told, no matter where we go, Harold and I really would be happy just cruising, relaxing, and enjoying the views and the food. Harold and I are incredibly thankful to be able to enjoy our retirement years together. Lord willing, we have several more cruises planned this year.

Wednesday Wisdom 2025

The majority of the book of Proverbs was written by King Solomon, who is considered to be one of the wisest of men ever. While he wrote many proverbs with his sons in mind, the stories, teachings, and examples can be applied to all of us. Solomon’s teachings were not only written by a wise man, more importantly they were inspired by the Spirit of God! So, this year I’m highlighting a proverb each Wednesday, with the hashtag, #WednesdayWisdom.

January 1:
Fools not only dislike learning about the Lord, they also reject Him and the scriptures. Interestingly, the ungodly think themselves wise and imagine the godly as fools. The ungodly will stay in this in this fatal state of mind until the fear of the Lord (and only by the grace of God) becomes a reality in their own life.
#WednesdayWisdom

January 8:
The Hebrew term, “shield” that is used here, could also be defined as a “defender.” God provides wisdom and a hedge of protection around all those who follow Him and “walk in integrity.” #WednesdayWisdom

January 15:
Proverbs 3:5 is a familiar Bible verse that’s often quoted along with the next verse, however in and of itself it’s a very important verse on its own. In it we’re basically told to do one thing (to trust the Lord) and not to do the other (not to trust in our own understanding.) The key focus here is trust, specifically trusting in the Lord. Without placing our faith and trust in Him, people will naturally choose to trust themselves. It’s a heart issue and the only way to break that cycle is by turning to Jesus in repentance and faith.
#WednesdayWisdom

January 22:
The instructions referred to here are not just any instructions; they refer to the word of God, which not only guides us to eternal life in Jesus Christ, but also teaches us how we should live in the here and now. We should hold it in high regard, keep it close to our eyes, and in our heart as, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

January 29:
The truth of this proverb is both profound and simple: God lights the path of believers as they look to Him with each passing day. Their life has purpose and meaning and is full of blessings from the Lord. The opposite is true for non-believers; their walk, their choices, their actions, are all in direct opposition to God and as a result their life is dark and full of unfruitful and meaningless efforts. They’re so tied up in living a life without God they don’t even recognize that their life is headed in the wrong direction or that they are doomed without Him.

February 5:
Here, we are reminded and warned to guard our eyes as they are like windows of light; whatever we place our gaze on has the potential to influence our heart. The point here is that we need to look away from sin; look purposefully and instead toward God and His righteousness. Eyes that gaze at sin bring darkness to our souls rather than light of God. Actually, every member of our body, our heart, lips, eyes, feet, etc., need to be carefully watched, lest in any way it should become the cause of sin. #WednesdayWisdom

February 12:
One day, in one way or another, each of us will take our last breath. This verse reflects on the effects of sin in the world. By the disobedience of one man (Adam) the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s (Jesus) obedience the many will be made righteous. (Romans 12:19) Essentially the bad news is that we all come into this world as sinners and have sin debt we cannot pay. The good news is that Jesus paid the sin debt of any and all who will come to Him in repentance and faith. The bad news is that unless you believe that He is who He says He is you will die in your sins. The good news is that if you have trusted Christ as your Savior you will die in Christ. Blessed are they who die in the Lord. (Revelation 14:13) #WednesdayWisdom

February 19:
The first part of this verse refers to ropes or a net such as those that are used to capture a bird or an animal, and equates the bait in these nets to the sin (inequities) that so easily attracts the sinner. Once the sinner is charmed, it naturally leads him to indulge in it. When he indulges in it he then becomes so tangled up in the net that he cannot escape. What first attracted the sinner has in turn became the means by which he is detained. The more he struggles to loose himself the more entrapped he becomes. The sin that was so attractive to him in the beginning becomes a snare from which he cannot escape. #WednesdayWisdom

February 26:
Here, Solomon urges his son to keep the godly commands that he has been taught since his youth. Godly commands from our parents help us light our way through life and help keep us on the right path. Solomon continues the remainder of this chapter specifically warning his son to stay away from evil and adulterous women. A wise son will heed his parents’ godly advice sparing himself unnecessary hardship, and likely reaping the benefits of blessed life. An unwise son, who chooses to ignore his parents’ godly advice, will very likely learn the hard way, bringing disgrace and hardship upon himself, if not worse. #WednesdayWisdom

March 5:
Solomon continues his warnings about sin with clear instructions to pay close attention to his teachings. Treasure the word of God; guard it as you would your most prized possession. Stay on the narrow path. Choose to follow Him and His commands. Choosing to follow seducing women has brought many to death, like an ox going to slaughter. Don’t fall for satan’s bait and switch. Choosing sinful desires rather than obeying God’s clear instruction leads to death. #WednesdayWisdom

March 12:
God’s word guides us to everlasting wealth and inheritance; eternal life in Him. Those who choose to follow the riches of this world are fools, like sheep being lead to slaughter. Gold, silver, and the treasures of this world lead to death. Those who choose to follow God’s word are wise. True riches and honor are found only in a saving relationship with the Lord. #WednesdayWisdom

March 19:
Proverbs Chapter 9 speaks of both the benefits of wisdom and the judgment associated with folly. Verse 8 gives us a heads up about critiquing or giving godly advice to others: fools will likely reject both you and your godly advice. Whereas the wise will likely receive you and your message, with respect and a willingness to consider applying it in their own life. #WednesdayWisdom

March 26:
Simply put, work is good; it brings us a sense of accomplishment and it also honors our parents. Good parents, who want their children to grow up to be responsible and productive adults, give their children age appropriate chores; praising and rewarding them accordingly. Lazy or spoiled privileged children with no sense of work or age appropriate responsibilities, will likely grow up to be lazy adults, bringing shame to both themselves and their parents. #WednesdayWisdom

April 2:
While money is certainly useful in the here and now, it’s of absolutely no use in the hereafter. To better put this in the proper perspective, the fact is, 10 out of 10 people die. True riches are not found in having an abundance of money or possessions, but in a saving relationship in the Lord. Those who have placed their faith and trust in the Lord in the here and now, have nothing to fear about death and the hereafter. #WednesdayWisdom

April 9:
While selfishness comes naturally to our fallen human nature, generosity is likened unto the nature of God. Blessing or ministering to others in some way, and especially when we expect nothing in return, but out of service to the Lord and in His love, oftentimes brings a sense of happiness that is practically indescribable. #WednesdayWisdom

April 16:
True Christians are both blessed by God and a blessing to others. True godliness seeks to help point others to Christ and is a natural outcome of our new nature as believers. While the battle between our old sinful nature and our new Christ-like nature is real, our new nature will grow and will produce godly fruit as we water it in prayer and the light of God’s word. #WednesdayWisdom

April 23:
There’s so much evil in the world today, I have to be careful not to be overly concerned about it. I’ve found that focusing on God and His word helps me from becoming overly anxious about evil. That, plus encouraging and kind words from others, helps me maintain a positive and happy outlook in life. #WednesdayWisdom

April 30:
The old saying that “people are known by the company they keep,” is so true. Proverbs 13:20 gives us a quick lesson on the importance of who we choose to hang out with. Choose your friends wisely, especially when you’re young. Otherwise, you may find yourself having to deal with more problems in life than you could have ever imagined. It’s far better to have only one friend that has integrity and makes right choices than a bunch of fools that consistently make wrong choices. #WednesdayWisdom

May 7:
While we live our lives in community; family, friends, neighbors, etc., this verse reminds us that we are all very much individuals. No matter how many people we surround ourselves with, we are still alone. “Alone are we born, one by one, alone do we die, one by one.” The same will be true concerning our standing before the throne of God one day. Although we’ll stand with a great multitude, we will face God’s judgement individually, one by one. #WednesdayWisdom

May 14:
The fear that is spoken of here is similar to that of a young child in awe of his father. It’s a fear that is born out of so much admiration and respect for him that a child would never think of questioning his father’s motives. Fear of the Lord is a short way of expressing real faith, real hope, and real love. So much so, that we, who are called by His name, can trust Him no matter what evil we will face in this world. #WednesdayWisdom

May 21:
The bad news about this verse is that Sheol is the place of death, Abaddon is the place of destruction, and our hearts are an open book to the Lord. He knows all of our ways and all of our thoughts; we are continually in His sight. The very real problem here is sin and the fact that the “heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9) The good news is that Jesus offers forgiveness of sin and eternal life for anyone who will turn to Him in repentance and faith. #WednesdayWisdom

May 28:
While the Bible in its entirety solidifies the sovereignty of God over all, this verse serves to concisely define His sovereignty from the beginning to the end: He has planned and prepared everything from the beginning. He has a purpose for everyone and everything. He has a specific plan for the wicked. He will use the wicked as instruments of his wrath in the day of evil, in the time of the final judgment; in the culmination of His redemptive plan. #WednesdayWisdom

June 4:
Don’t be deceived. The devil is a master of deception. Just because something seems ok doesn’t mean that it is. This verse also warns us not to follow the crowd, as the crowd is very likely headed in the wrong direction. Follow Jesus, not other people. Jesus expands this theme in Matthew 7:13-14, “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” #WednesdayWisdom

June 11:
I believe the main point of this proverb is about forgiving and loving one another. People, as natural born sinners, are bound to offend each other at times. I also believe that forgiveness doesn’t come naturally; it’s something that comes from a heart that is surrendered to Christ. When we forgive and love one another we mirror Christ who forgave us of all our sins (past, present, and future) the moment we turned to Him in repentance and faith. #WednesdayWisdom

June 18:
I believe the key to lasting friendship is unconditional love; to love one another regardless of differences or difficulties. While many of us have been blessed with several close friends in this life, not everyone can say this is true in their own life, myself included. Regardless, I think this Proverb is written in such a way to point everyone to the amazing, unconditional love of Christ, who died on the cross for our sins. Jesus is the epitome of a friend who truly loves at all times. He is the One Friend we all need and also the One Friend that commands us to “Love each other as I have loved you.” (John 15:12)

June 25:
In ancient days, strong towers or castles were known as the place to run to in times of trouble. The castle owner, who was known as the lord over the region, offered safety and protection for his people whenever they sought shelter. There is safety in the Lord, but also as this verse implies, there is safety in His very Name. The Lord’s name is a strong tower because of the person, presence, and power that His Holy Name represents. We, who have been made right with God through a relationship with Jesus Christ, are the righteous that is spoken of here; we can run to Him; He is our righteousness; His name is Jesus. #WednesdayWisdom

July 2:
Seeing people with lots of friends has always been fascinating to me. Interestingly, this verse gives contrasting views concerning those with a lot of friends vs. the one friend who sticks closer than a brother. While having good friends is a blessing, having a bunch of fair weather friends who really don’t have your back is not. Having a true friend who sticks closer than a brother will undoubtedly bring us happiness in this world, but having received Jesus as your Lord, Savior, and Friend will assure you eternal life and happiness in the world to come. #WednesdayWisdom

July 9:
Children are a blessing from the Lord and parenting is one of the most rewarding responsibilities we could ever have, but parenting is not easy. This verse reminds us that parents are responsible for disciplining their children appropriately and consistently. We are to discipline early, throughout their entire childhood, and are to never give up on them. The overwhelming most important factor is love. Discipline without love is harsh and excessive, and love without discipline is too permissive and neglectful; both of which are a recipe for disaster. While parents have been given a specific window of time to raise and biblically discipline their children, failure to do so within that window of time puts the child in danger of dire consequences in both their childhood and into their adulthood. #WednesdayWisdom

July 16:
The sovereignty of God cannot be understated, underestimated, or unappreciated. Thank God that He intervenes on our behalf and does not allow many of our own plans to come to fruition. The human heart is naturally deceitful and if it were not for the Lord’s intervention in our lives, we would be lying in a gutter somewhere, or even worse. Praise God for His plans and His purposes in our life. #WednesdayWisdom

July 23:
The nature of alcohol is such for many that one drink does not seem to be enough. The results of drunkenness produces not only a fool, but a wide range of foolish behaviors including: abusive tongues, physical altercations, promiscuity, sexual abuse, raging tempers, slothful workers, people who are generally unfit for society, and felons guilty of involuntary vehicular manslaughter; just to name a few. #WednesdayWisdom

July 30:
There’s not one of us who’s not been injured by someone else’s words or actions at one time or another. The fact is, as inhabitants of this world, no one escapes having something wrongfully done against them. This verse reminds us that we’re not to take revenge, or even wish revenge against that person who’s done us wrong. We must instead, pray about it. Forgive. Give it to God; tell Him how you feel. Let God deal with those who have done us wrong and patiently trust in Him to handle it in such a way as He sees fit, and in His perfect timing. #WednesdayWisdom

August 6:
This verse is, yet again, another wonderful reminder for Christians not to worry about the evil that is going on in our world today. While many of these evil doers, including questionable politicians, governments, governmental agencies, courts, scientists, big corporations, etc., may think they have wisdom, understanding, and counsel, yet if it’s against the Lord, it cannot prosper long; it shall not prevail. In fact, those who do evil against God are actually preparing shame and ruin for themselves that will come in due time. God is in control. #WednesdayWisdom

August 13:
The man who is careful to achieve and keep a good reputation is not only wise, but is likely an honest man with an honorable life. The man who strives to accumulate wealth and sets his heart on riches is not only a fool, but is in danger of not having much of a life. #WednesdayWisdom

August 20:
This verse is not a guarantee, but a hope that when a child grows up they will not depart from the Christian principles they were taught in their youth. As parents our influence over our children is great however we need to understand that influence includes both the good and the bad influences. In any case, there’s nothing a parent can do to guarantee our childrens’ salvation, however the likelihood of them coming to Christ is greater when parents have faithfully taught them the truths of the gospel when they were young and impressionable. #WednesdayWisdom

August 27:
These are the words of a slacker. This proverb paints a picture of the lazy man. A man who has the ability to work but refuses to do so. He much prefers to spend his time either sleeping or thinking of different excuses as to why he cannot work. This is a man who does not present himself to be wise, although he undoubtedly thinks he is. Nor does he seem to understand the biblical principle of sowing and reaping. #WednesdayWisdom.

September 3:
Envy creates envious thoughts which, unless checked right away, create unnecessary murmuring and an unattractive distrust toward the Lord. We are to instead, and in reverence and fear of the Lord, cease from fretting about the proud, the vain, and the prosperity of the ungodly. “For then you will have a future, and your hope will not be dashed.” Proverbs 23:18 #WednesdayWisdom

September 10 (🎂)
Truth, no matter what the cost, is one of the most valuable possessions one could possibly ever have, and of which should never be sold. For along with truth comes wisdom, instruction, and understanding. All these, combined with devine guidance, help us find our way through life’s land mines and allow us to pass through safely to our eternal home. Hold fast to the truth and never let it go. #WednesdayWisdom

September 17:
The house that is spoken of here is not that of a mansion that has been built by ill-gotten gain. Nor is it a house that at first look may appear well built, but upon closer inspection we find a rotten foundation. No, the house that is spoken of here is one that has been established with a firm foundation in the Lord. It is a strong house that is filled with precious and beautiful treasures from above which sets the foundation for a godly inheritance to our children’s children. #WednesdayWisdom

September 24:
The context of this verse is the great duty that is required of us when we see someone whose life is in imminent danger. Specifically, we are to come to their aid. We’re not to turn away and act as if we didn’t see what’s happening to them, regardless if we know them or not. This verse is also used in an evangelical sense, as without Christ in one’s life, the unsaved person is headed to an eternity separated from God. In fact, Proverbs 24:11 was an inspiration to Fanny Crosby in 1869 when she wrote the famous evangelical hymn, Rescue the Perishing. #WednesdayWisdom

October 1:
Our sin nature tends to make us want to take pleasure in the troubles of our enemy, but here the Bible specifically tells us not to do this. While this may very well be standard practice for unbelievers, I find it particularly distasteful to hear Christians speak in such a way that reveals their delight and satisfaction in the ruin of their enemies. Instead, we should weep and pray for them. #WednesdayWisdom

October 8:
This is one of five verses (30-34) in this chapter in which Solomon describes the vineyard of the slothful. He first describes the vineyard’s rundown condition, takes a moment to consider the whole of it, learns from it, and then summarizes it in the form of a wise observation: People who love to sleep and have no understanding or desire to work are lazy and foolish people. Their fruitless weed infested fields represent the unsanctified heart which is overgrown with thorns and nettles. The thorns and nettles represent lazy hearts which are filled with inordinate lusts; passions, pride, covetousness, sensuality, and malice towards others. They have no desire to tend to their fields, to fix a broken down fence nor set up a guard against an enemy; they’d much rather just lie down to sleep. The lazy and foolish person actions not only injures himself, but he also injures his family, and most regrettably he injures his own soul. Whereas, the souls of the wise no only recognize that we are to take care of our fields and vineyards with due diligence, but also recognize that our souls are our fields and vineyards. We are to clear the ground, plant it, sow it, and fence it in order to produce good fruit in our lives and to keep our guard up against the enemy. #WednesdayWisdom

October 15:
This proverb honors God for who He is; He is all-knowing, all-powerful, and ultimately in control. It’s God’s prerogative to conceal whatever he choses to conceal. However, it is God’s will to allow kings and authorities to investigate certain matters as they occur. God establishes kings and authorities not only to bring people to justice but also to fulfill His plans. #WednesdayWisdom

October 22:
This insightful proverb reminds us to use our words thoughtfully, purposefully, and prayerfully. Just as a beautiful gold apple is pleasing to the eye, so is a word spoken at just the right time to the listening ear who needs to hear those exact words. Words have the potential of blessing both the hearer and the speaker. A best case scenario is one who speaks prudently and timely, to one who is listening patiently and earnestly. Prayer, prudence, and patience, combined with God’s perfect timing is a beautiful example of God’s will at work in the life of His children. #WednesdayWisdom

October 29:
The far country is Heaven and the Good News is the gospel of Jesus Christ. The thirsty soul is the lost sinner, like a sheep without a shepherd. But, God has not forgotten you; He is the Good Shepherd. The Shepherd, who while counting His sheep, finds that one is missing, and seeks the one who has gone astray; He seeks the lost sinner. How refreshing for the lost sinner to hear and receive the message of the cross, like a drink of cold water to a parched throat. #WednesdayWisdom

November 5:
At first glance these two verses may seem to contradict each another but actually they complement each other. One emphasizes knowing when to keep silent and the other emphasizes knowing when to speak. The Holy Spirit helps us to know whether we should do one or the other. An example of knowing when to keep silent is by not replying to a fool. In other words, sometimes it’s wise to choose to ignore the fool and the lies that he speaks. An example of knowing when to speak in this type of scenario is by conviction; the conviction to speak the truth in love. Truth is of love, and of God who is the source of all truth. Lies are the opposite of love, and are of the devil. Foolish people are often living a life built on the lies of the devil. Pray that God will open the eyes of the foolish person to convict them of their ultimate demise without God and His truth in their life. In the meantime, it is a wise man who uses the truth of God to help convict the fool of his error. #WednesdayWisdom

November 12:
It’s wise not to presume anything about tomorrow, let alone all of the days that follow. To be clear, preparation for tomorrow is just fine; it’s the presumption of tomorrow that’s not. All of our tomorrows are in God’s hands which he wisely reserves for himself alone to know. It is the glory of God to conceal whatever he chooses to conceal from us. While we may be in the dark concerning future events, we can make the best of today by depending on God no matter what comes our way; knowing Him is the best preparation for the unknown future events that tomorrow will undoubtedly bring. #WednesdayWisdom.

November 19:
I believe this verse is for the encouragement of those who labor for the Lord. He refers to the fig tree that requires constant care as it is growing. When it comes to maturity it bears figs that taste so wonderful they’re like a reward. The same is true of Christ’s workers who’re obedient and faithful, including those who’re almost to the point of exhaustion. God is saying, your work is not done for naught; you shall see the fruit of your work and receive your reward in due time, God’s perfect timing actually. #WednesdayWisdom

November 26:
It is the fool who thinks he can excuse, blame, deny, or hide his sins away. No one will ever succeed in covering their sin. Sin separate us from God and leads to death. Those who say, “I have no sin,” deceive themselves, and the truth is not in them. (1 John 1:8) The sooner we acknowledge and turn from our sin, the better, and he who confesses his sin to God, and does not return to it, finds mercy with Him. #WednesdayWisdom

December 3:
Here we have two ancient proverbs combined together which are equally true in their own, but are particularly true when linked together. The overwhelming message here is that whatever fear or foe we face today, trusting in the Lord is always the better choice. Trusting in the Lord not only leads to safety, but also leads to eternal life in Him. #WednesdayWisdom.

December 10:
Here we come to a chapter, Proverbs 30, that was not written by Solomon, but by a man named Agur. Not much is known about Agur but that which he writes about in this chapter, but what an inspiring chapter it is! He begins and ends it with great humility, and fills everything in between with much wisdom. His humble exaltation of God’s Word is spoken from a heart that not only knows Him but has taken refuge in Him. #WednesdayWisdom.

December 17: Proverbs 31 is last chapter in the book of Proverbs and is also one of only two chapters that were not written by Solomon. This chapter was written by King Lemuel, whose words were inspired by his mother’s wise teachings. Verse 8 is self explanatory. We are called to speak up for those who can not speak for themselves. I think it not presumptuous of me to use the example of a baby in utero as a word picture. I can not think of of a better example than a voiceless developing infant inside the womb of its mother. I believe there should be no safer place for a growing baby than in its mother’s womb, and that all children are a gift from the Lord, regardless of circumstance. #WednesdayWisdom

December 24:
Proverbs 31:10-31 depicts King Lemuel’s praise for a wife of noble character, which he no doubt learned from his own mother. These verses remind me of my own sweet mother who passed away in 1998 at age 77. The whole of these verses make for an excellent ending to the Book of Proverbs. While in Ephesians and Colossians we learn that a husband is the head of his wife, as Christ is the head of the church, in this last chapter of Proverbs we learn that it is the wise, loving, modest, frugal, diligent, Christian wife who sets the tone for the entire household. The wife, who by nature is the weaker vessel, is made strong by wisdom, grace, and the fear of God. The wife who loves God first and foremost, results in both her husband and her children to “rise up and call her blessed.” (Vs 28) #WednesdayWisdom

The Word Became Flesh

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.
In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
John 1:1 -5

When our youngest daughter was around 6 years old I was convicted to change the way our family talked about Santa. I began emphasizing to her that Santa is for fun, but Jesus is for real.

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

That year our daughter eagerly shared this matter-of-fact information with a few of her first grade classmates at school one day. Apparently that didn’t sit well with the mother of at least one of her classmates, who interestingly attended the same church as we did at that time. I heard about it through the grapevine, so to speak; actually it was one day while at church. One of the ladies in my Sunday School class let me know about it. She told me that the mother of this little boy was not happy with Mackenzie or me. It was an interesting moment, to say the least. We no longer attend that church, but not for this reason.

She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:18-23

I realized back in the early 2000’s, that teaching my young daughter that Santa is for fun but Jesus is for real was was in direct opposition to what was considered widely accepted and traditional Christmas norms of the day, which was to basically tell a “white lie” to our children about Santa. I, like most of us, have fond memories of childhood Christmases which included the mystery of Santa Claus. In fact, I continued that tradition with our first two daughters, who are 15 and 11 years older than our youngest daughter, but as I matured and grew as a Christian I became increasingly uncomfortable with this tradition. In particular I was (and still am) very uncomfortable with the use of the word “believe” used in any reference to “Santa” and also the word “magic” as used in the phrase, “the magic of Christmas.”

I thought a lot about this and asked myself, why would we, as Christian parents, expect our children to believe in Jesus Christ, after years of perpetuating a “white lie” about Santa Claus while they were a young child, and especially during Christmastime!?

To be perfectly clear, I’m ok with the legend of Santa Claus and the connection with St Nickolas, but I am not ok with perpetuating the “white lie” of telling young children that Santa Claus is real.

“Bah humbug!” Some may say, but truth be told, a “white lie” is still a lie. The Bible is full of warnings about lying.

Jesus said, “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44

The fact is, Jesus was born, to save sinners like me and like you. Jesus is real and sin is serious business. Sin has been around since Adam and Eve began their conversation with the serpent in the Garden of Eden.

Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?” Genesis 3:1

It’s a big problem. Actually, it’s a huge problem; what began in the Garden of Eden has infiltrated every aspect of life here on earth. The truth is, if you never see yourself as a sinner in need of a Savior, you will die in your sins one day and spend eternity separated from God, and that’s putting it gently.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6,

And, unless you have humbled your heart, acknowledged your sin, and turned to Him in repentance and faith in Him alone, the “merry” in your “Christmas” is coming to an abrupt end one day and it won’t be pretty or nice. No amount of good intentions or good works will grant you a “get out of hell” card.

And while, good works may be a sign of salvation, the process of becoming saved has nothing to do with being “good” or doing “good things.” Salvation is by grace through faith in God. Similarly, obedience is not required for salvation, it’s a result of salvation.

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-10

Or, whether you’re “naughty or nice.”

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23.

Salvation has everything to do with the One who took our place on the cross and paid our sin debt in full. He made a way. He who was born and who died so….

that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 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. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” John 3:15-21

Merry Christmas 🎄

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