A Sword and a Crow

                            

One day many years ago there was a fisherman named Simon working with his brother Andrew when, along the shoreline, walked a man who spoke to them these simple words- “Come follow me and I will make you fishers of men” (Matt 4:18-20). The concept of that statement and their response were far from simple because follow they did-without hesitation! Andrew first. Then, excitedly he brought his brother Simon (John 1:40). The man was Jesus and the concept he was proposing to them was a ministry of reconciliation with God that would later be referred to as “The Way” and what we now call Christianity. To leave the family business, their only means of livelihood, in order to follow a man who appeared to have no means of his own was a huge decision. A decision requiring much faith that somehow their needs would be met. Obviously something drew them-a sincerity that there was a purpose much bigger and more meaningful than acquiring food for the body, which was food for the soul.

John the Baptist

At the same time a great man of God, with his own ministry and disciples, named John was preaching, baptizing and proclaiming the truth of the soon to come Messiah. So, when he saw Jesus his soul recognized him and he declared, “Look! There is the Lamb of God” (John 1:27)! Andrew was there to hear these profound words and his spirit was overwhelmed with joy. He shared this good news with his brother and the two dropped everything to follow which suggests a hunger deep in the souls of these two men. It was during their first meeting when Jesus looked at Simon and said, “Your name is Simon but you will be called Peter” (or Cephas which means stone) (John 1:42). I’m sure that about this time Simon was questioning why a man he just met would already be giving him a nickname. What he didn’t realize was that Jesus saw the leader in him he didn’t know was there. It was too soon for him to recognize its significance. Neither could he imagine the hard road he had to face, the changes he would go through or the importance of the role he would play.

Indescribable-Chris Tomlin

Justified Measures

                           

Have you ever taken a moment to think about all the things we measure in life? In cooking we measure each ingredient to make sure the desired dish comes out tasting great. During a building project we calculate each measurement precisely to ensure proper function and safety. We even measure our kids to see how fast they’re growing. In each case, we always have tools to help us achieve an accurate assessment. Our society has even taught us how to measure a person socially by judging a person based on certain standards such as wealth, education, social standing or appearance. Now, I ask you, “By what, do we measure these attributes and how can we feel secure in the accuracy of our ‘measurement’ of that person? How much does our approval of each other really matter in the long run anyway?” Yes, in some social situations achieving approval from certain individuals may provide prosperity to a person’s immediate future but does it really benefit later on or even where it matters most-eternity? Remember everything that happens, every decision that you make will affect your life, those around you and your future: here and for eternity!

.......anyway

Handful of Change

               

It’s Christmastime and all the stores are adorn with festive lights and decorations in an attempt to enhance the holiday spirit. Bell-ringers faithfully stand by each storefront with their clinking bells, big red pots and “Merry Christmas” greetings hoping to acquire all the change left in the hands of those last minute shoppers. Many put the change in their pocket and walk on by without a second glance. Others drop the change into their pocket without a second thought, mainly to avoid the hassle of having to put it back in their wallets. After all it is just change, right? What difference could a few coins really make? ‘It’s not like a handful of change is going to make a difference in the world!’ Yet, the truth is, a handful of “change” could make a difference in someone’s life without costing a penny!Okay, so that last statement may sound like a riddle but it really isn’t if you think about it. When someone speaks of a ‘handful’ or something ‘in hand’ they are usually referring to something in one’s possession (Webster’s Online Dictionary). Most possessions are considered valuable if only to the owner. Many things could be considered possessions but not all are monetary. Some possessions come in the form of skills, talents, abilities or even personality traits. 

Praying for You

Zoe

As I watch you run and play, I see what carefree looks like. I see how happiness can come from simple pleasures like the joy you find in rock collecting, the comfort you get in carrying around your favorite toy or the warmth of finding a patch of sun to nap in on a cold, February afternoon. In you I see how simple it is to find true joy in life when you show what it means to live, laugh and love.

Zoe is your name but love is the lesson you teach by example to all those around you. You live not wanting to miss a thing, going full throttle until sleep sneaks up on you. And you laugh-yes laugh! I am amazed that you can give such a peculiar, almost thoughtful look through those big, passionate brown eyes. After which, you throw your head back with a grin, take a running head start and tackle me a huge hug and a lot of love. How enlightened I feel when I allow myself to learn from your unpretentious, sincere and innocent nature.

Oh, how much richer our lives would be and how valued our loved ones would feel if we all followed your example of living life to its fullest and loving without hesitation. When we find such an impressive example of simplistically living with a pure heart, we are wise to follow it. Even wiser, to refuse to be hindered by the fact that this message of how to live a contented life is packaged in a four-legged, pug nosed bundle of fur!

Maybe you can’t actually speak but you communicate volumes. Oh, the volumes you could teach us humans! If I could actually have a conversation with you, I would tell you how thankful I am for the insight you have given me. Maybe I’m the one who doesn’t understand for somehow assuming that you don’t already know. Zoe-your name means life. You definitely inspire life and give honor to your name!



copyright Morning Glories 2009

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/morning-glories-shawn-tinsley/1016944355?ean=9781425184513

http://bookstore.trafford.com/Products/SKU-000164899/Morning-Glories.aspx

http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Morning-Glories/Shawn-Tinsley/9781425184513?id=5743433583536