“The greatest surprise in life to me is the brevity of life” #BillyGraham
In late May or early June of 1975, John H Starkey from the Indianapolis Star contacted me asking if I’d be interested in doing a one day photo shoot. He explained that it would be scheduled in June and that it was for a July Sunday Star Magazine story titled, “Summer Days and Daisies,” to which I agreed. I was 20 years old, working full time at Olson Electronics, and living in Indianapolis, my home town.
On the day of the shoot we actually didn’t find any daisies but did find plenty of Black-eyed Susans. Thus, the writer edited into the article the Black-eyed Susan connection, as it was originally planned to be an article about daisies. The article included my name, comments about the connection between Black-eyed Susans and daisies, and several stock photos of daisies. So yes, it was fun and no, I don’t remember the name of the young man in the background; he was just one of John Starkey’s friends.
In retrospect, improvising the use of Black-eyed Susans, and the writer having to re-write his story was a providential life lesson for me, although I didn’t recognize it at the time. That is, our lives don’t always fit a planned script, and many times things turn out differently than what we may have originally planned. In any case, and I what I came to learn few years later, when we make Jesus the Lord of our life, His plans are always perfect; in all things, in the joys of life, in the sorrows of life, and in our everyday life. God is sovereign over all.
Just as July 27, 1975, was on a Sunday years ago, so it is on July 27, 2025, a Sunday. Exactly 50 years have passed and yet in my mind, 1975 seems like just yesterday. It actually is hard to believe how fast time flies, but it most certainly has.
The Bible warns us that, “Man is like a mere breath; His days are like a passing shadow.” Psalm 144:4
Yet, the good news is that, “The one who believes in me, even if he dies, will live. Everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this? ” (John 11:25-26)
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
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.
Generally speaking, people do what they want to do, although wanting to do something and actually doing it is not necessarily mutually inclusive. There are some things we feel we should do, or perhaps would like to do, but for whatever reason we haven’t done it yet; in other words, we’re waiting to get “around to it” aka “a round tuit” as the saying has been coined.
While we all have a tendency to procrastinate in doing things like cleaning out the garage, balancing the checkbook, or painting the shed, etc., it becomes a much more serious matter when it comes to important issues in life. I believe this applies to both believers and non-believers.
In my case, I have a few ministry related ideas and projects that have been weighing on my mind that I’d like to put into action but I haven’t quite gotten “around to it.” I well know at 70 years of age that my time on earth is closer to the finish line than the start, but I have been praying about these ideas and projects. Sometimes I feel that maybe the delay is because of me, because of fear of failure, which I readily admit, but also I haven’t gotten a sense of clear direction from God yet. So, I’m trusting in Him and in His perfect timing for the answers.
In the case of a non-believer, the most important issue they have, whether they realize it or not, is what they’re going to do about Jesus. The problem is, our natural desires are not towards God and we don’t seek to have a relationship with Jesus on our own. Non-believers are in grave danger and most don’t even know it.
Because,
“The god of this world has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” 2 Corinthians 4:5
And, “There is no one who seeks God.” Romans 3:11b
So, while non-believers go about living their life in the here and now, they generally don’t really care or even think much about the hereafter. They typically choose to delay considering Christ, and instead put their trust in the world and all it has to offer. They purposely ignore or avoid anyone or anything that points them to Christ. Life without Christ can be fun (for a season) and it seems right (so to speak) but actually it’s the way of death.
Matthew 16:26 explains,
“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?”
The great preacher Charles Spurgeon put it this way: “People display great ingenuity in making excuses for rejecting the message of God’s love; they display marvelous skill not in seeking salvation but in fashioning reasons for refusing it; they are dexterous in avoiding divine grace and in securing their own ruin.”
In the book of Ezekiel, Ezekiel was sent by God to awaken the people of Jerusalem to a sense of danger as there were a great number of false prophets in Jerusalem leading people astray during this time and idol worship was rampant. Ezekiel also prophesied about a future generation that will be stiff-necked and who will resist the Holy Spirit just as their fathers did.
That stiff-necked generation is very present in our world today: people who continually reject Christ, the Holy Spirit, and His word. They reject His message and have made it a habit to continually hold up shields to ward off the gracious arrows of the gospel. If only they would take the time to stop and consider that those arrows are meant to slay the sins that are enslaving their own hearts. Each and every time they hold up a shield against Christ and His word they establish a pattern of delay. They delay considering Christ and prefer to think that the issues we speak of concerning Him aren’t for them, or at very least not of any immediate importance. They delay receiving the message of the cross; they choose to go about their lives as if Jesus’ death on the cross was of no importance, and especially not to them. They refuse to see themselves as a sinner in need of a savior. Their continual delay and continual rejection of Christ, is what, in fact, will send them to hell. No amount of good deeds or good intentions will save the unbeliever.
Perhaps you’re young or perhaps you’re old like me, but my prayer is this: if you haven’t already done so, turn to Christ in repentance and faith today, before it’s too late. Leave your past life and step into a new life in Christ.
For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
2 Corinthians 6:2
As it is said, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” For who were those who heard and yet rebelled? Was it not all those who left Egypt led by Moses? And with whom was he provoked for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? Hebrews 3:15-17
Don’t procrastinate. Don’t delay. Get “around to it” today.
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
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
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.
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
A few years ago my little brother started calling me almost everyday. It was usually around 1:00 p.m. Dallas time and 11:00 a.m. Seattle time. That was when The Price is Right was over, which was one of his favorite game shows, and mine as well. I think he got a kick out of the fact that I was a contestant on The Price is Right in 2005, and that’s probably why he thought of me when he’d watch it. Harold and I would try to catch The Price is Right as often as we could so we could talk about the show when Dougie called. We’d talk about who won a car, who overbid, when someone won both showcases, or when they both lost! Sometimes when he called I was busy so he’d leave me a voicemail but would still call me back later if I didn’t get right back with him. I have several voicemails saved on my phone from him:
“This is Doug. Bye for now.”
ALL of his phone messages were pretty much just like this, and they’re really quite special to me now.
Although he was mentally disabled since birth, Dougie believed in Jesus. He had a childlike faith and was “forever young.” He enjoyed going to Sunday School, church, and Vacation Bible School as a child.
“Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14
And, as I mentioned in an earlier blog, in the 1980s he came to me upset one day. He was upset with himself because he had told a lie and knew it was wrong. His lips were quivering and he was near tears. I told him that God knows when we do wrong things and that it was good that he was sorry for what he did. His humility was precious and real. I hugged him and helped him pray out loud, in Jesus’ name, for forgiveness.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.“1 John 1:9
Dougie attended church well into his adulthood with mom until she was no longer able to take him due to her illness.
Dougie and Mom in 1988Mom and Dougie in 1991Dougie and Dad at home in the 1970s
My mom, dad, older brother Eldon, and Dougie have all passed away now; their souls are safe at home with Jesus. I look forward to seeing them one day in heaven and praise God for His perfect plan of salvation for all who will repent and believe in Him.
“So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:6-8
Because,
“Jesus said, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?‘” John 11:25
The Bible has a lot to say about the promise of the resurrection.
“I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you… that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
“Christ has indeed been raised, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” 1 Corinthians 15:20-22
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” 1 Peter 1:3
Our resurrected bodies will be spiritual, imperishable, and raised in glory and power. Resurrected bodies will never experience sickness, decay, deterioration, or death.
The last couple of times I saw Dougie was in May and June 2024.
May 26, 2024, I gave Dougie a 1988 picture of him and Mom. His eyes lit up and a big smile emerged as soon as he saw it. We talked about mom and he said he remembered her making puffed wheat balls at Christmas time and that they tasted really good!
Harold and I visited Dougie and my niece, Debbie, in May 2024 on our way to an Alaskan cruise to celebrate Harold’s 76th birthday. We had lunch together at a downtown Burien, Washington restaurant, and then we took Dougie to Angle Lake Park later that day and sat and watched the children play. He enjoyed watching them run around the water spray, having fun, and hearing them laugh.
Debbie, Dougie, and me at a downtown Burien, Washington restaurant. Dougie and me at Angle Lake Park, May 27, 2024.
My niece was Dougie’s caregiver for 28 years and I believe he was very happy with the life and the home that Debbie provided for him. He had a wonderful, happy disposition! I also believe it was part of God’s plan for my niece to be his caregiver. She grew up loving him as her uncle and ended up loving him like a son. He was a special blessing to everyone in our family and to the many who knew and loved him.
Harold, Dougie, and me in downtown Burien, June 4, 2024 at Debbie’s office. Dougie wanted to go to his favorite nearby restaurant, The Little Chicken Burger, so we walked over to it. This picture of us at the restaurant is our last photo together.
Harold and I returned to Seattle after the cruise on June 4, and visited with Dougie in downtown Burien. I gave him a warm beanie from Alaska in anticipation of the cold weather this coming winter, not knowing at the time that Dougie would not be going through another Seattle winter; not knowing that this would be our last day together this side of heaven.
I last talked to him on the phone on Monday, November 18, the anniversary date of our dad’s passing. Dougie passed away the next day, Tuesday November 19, 2024. No autopsy was done but according to the doctor, he passed away approximately 10:00 a.m. likely due to a sudden heart attack.
My little brother, mentally disabled since birth, was actually very wise. He left me several phone messages reminding me that our parting is only temporary and that we will see each other one day in the future:
“This is Doug. Bye for now.”
I believe this because of what Jesus did on the cross on our behalf and because we believe in Him.
My husband and I enjoyed a Caribbean cruise this month in celebration of my 70th birthday. We visited Mahogany Bay Roatan Honduras, Costa Maya Mexico, and Puerto Maya Cozumel Mexico.
We enjoy cruising and are hoping to go as often as we can, now that we’re both retired. The ship on this cruise was the Carnival Jubilee. It’s Carnival’s newest and largest ship, and is based out of the Port of Galveston. The passenger capacity is well over 6500 and although I heard the ship was not full on this cruise, it was packed wall to wall with cruisers.
Out of all those people, there were two of them in particular that caught my attention and brought smiles to my heart. The first one was a lady named Stacy. She was probably in her 50’s or 60’s and was traveling with a large family group. We first met on our van ride over to the seaport from the cruise parking lot. We saw each other often throughout the 7-day cruise and enjoyed talking with one another. Stacy was like a ray of sunshine, always smiling, and quite friendly. Her family, in particular her sister, was very attentive and caring about Stacy and I admired her for that. Stacy was intellectually disabled.
The other person was named Reece. He too was always smiling and very friendly; young, probably in his early to mid 20’s, and very outgoing! He too had some type of intellectual disability but he didn’t let that stop him from meeting people, participating with many of the group activities, dancing, and interacting with the cruise director. Unlike Stacy, who was always surrounded by family, Reece was out and about by himself every time I saw him. Now, his family may have been nearby watching him from afar, but he definitely was quite independent. The first time we met was on an elevator ride and as usual, he was all by himself. I immediately recognized him and started up a conversation. His eyes lit up with joy when Harold and I told him that we saw him dancing with the cruise director earlier. I told him he was a good dancer! He smiled from ear to ear!
Now since being back home from our cruise, I heard a snippet of a radio program in which someone was saying that Iceland has infamously become known as the first country to claim that no one gives birth to a child with Down’s syndrome there. Apparently they’re very proud of the fact that they have aggressively and intentionally pursued prenatal testing and subsequent abortions.
After hearing that on the radio, I’ve since learned that isn’t actually true. Iceland doesn’t have a zero incidence of Down syndrome births. They just like to claim that they do. There are still some Down syndrome children born in Iceland but the numbers are dwindling.
Somehow this all put me in mind of Nazi Germany’s Holocaust; the slaughter of approximately 6 million Jews, and approximately 5 million other people groups including the disabled.
How is it that a person, or a group of people, think that they have the right to dispose of people they dislike, who don’t look like them, don’t act like them, or because they’re disabled in some way?
When I think of all of the joy I’ve had in my life from my younger brother, Dougie, who is intellectually disabled,
My brother Dougie! 💙
And our daughter Megan, who is physically disabled from being born with Spina Bifida.
Our daughter Megan! ❤️
And, our sweet 3 year old granddaughter, Remi, who has Down syndrome,
Our granddaughter, Remi! 💖
I feel sorry for people who don’t know that kind of joy, and that kind of love. They’re not only a blessing to me. They’re each a blessing to so many others and in so many ways.
Each and everyone of us are uniquely planned by God.
“Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book and planned beforehand to the end.” Psalm 139:16
God forms us in our mother’s womb.
This is what the Lord says—He who made you, who formed you in the womb. (Isaiah 44:2)
Each and everyone of us are made in the image of God, including the ones you may dislike, who don’t look like you, don’t act like you, have some type of disability, or a mother who doesn’t want them.
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27
God is sovereign.
The Bible says, “His hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of every human being” (Job 12:10).
God cares so very deeply for each and everyone of us, including the ones you may not like, who don’t look like you, don’t act like you, have some type of disability, or a mother who doesn’t want them.
God is the author of life.
“Your hands shaped me and made me . . . Did You not clothe me with skin and flesh and knit me together with bones and sinews? You gave me life.” (Job 10:8–12)
Finally, as the giver of life, God is also the authority on death. He commands us not to take the life of an innocent person: “Do not shed innocent blood” (Jeremiah 7:6.)
“There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and
hands that shed innocent blood,
a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.” Proverbs 6:16.
Treasure In Jars of Clay 