Mission Accomplished

As the boys were growing up and it was time to make decisions about toys they had outgrown they had three choices: #1 recycle or throw away if said item was beyond repair, #2 give toy/book/game to someone else, or #3 save it for their kids someday.  Thus, there were several boxes of toys and other items stored in the closets and attic.  For a few years now, our grandson David has eyed the large K’NEX roller coaster box in the closet.  Chad decided this was the year, at age 8, that David could tackle the project.  They discussed a plan and then he started building.  After each section was built, Chad would double check it before the next section was started and added.  After diligently working this week, the roller coaster was complete.  Mission accomplished.  There was much joy and excitement to share as the siblings, cousins and adults gathered for the trial run.

Observations from the week:

* Desire and excitement to tackle project

* Attention to detail

* Willingness to follow instructions

* Accountability during the process

* Determination is a plus

* Importance of checking and rechecking difficult parts

* Make corrections when needed

* Accept advice and help

* Focus on task at hand

* Trial runs are necessary to note any areas to be tweaked

* There is great delight when a mission is accomplished.

* Sharing with others brings joy

Whatever the work/mission the Lord has for us this week, may we, too, be diligent, enthusiastic, and committed.  And may we be known for our “work produced by faith, labor prompted by love, and endurance inspired by hope in Jesus.” ~ 1 Thessalonians 1:3

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm.  Let nothing move you.  Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

I Corinthians 15:58

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.

Colossians 3:23

We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 1:3

Peacemaker by Choice

Dan Crenshaw was commissioned as an officer in the Navy in 2006.  He went through SEAL training, but fractured his tibia.  Not one to give up, Crenshaw was able to complete the Navy SEAL training on his second attempt.  Crenshaw served two tours in Iraq and in 2012 was sent to serve in Afghanistan.  While working with his platoon to secure a compound in Helmand province, an Afghan interpreter stepped on a pressure plate.  The explosion killed Raqman and caused Crenshaw to lose an eye, damage the other eye, and sustain other wounds.  Due to the injury, Crenshaw wears a patch over his right eye.  After receiving medical attention, Crenshaw deployed two more times to Bahrain and South Korea.

Upon his retirement, Crenshaw earned a master’s degree in public administration from the Harvard Kennedy School in 2016.  He and his wife returned to Houston in 2017, in time to help with recovery efforts after Hurricane Harvey. 

Crenshaw was looking for a job on Capitol Hill, when he was asked to consider running for office.  He spent countless hours meeting with people, studying, learning, and engaging with voters before making the decision to run as the Republican representative from Texas’ 2nd congressional district.  The week before the election, Pete Davidson, on “Saturday Night Live’s Weekend Update,” chose to make comments and fun of politicians who were currently up for election by the way of their appearances.  In so doing, he made light of the eye patch Crenshaw wears due to the loss of his eye. 

People on both sides of the political spectrum were outraged and called for an apology.  When questioned about what was said, Crenshaw once again showed his character by tweeting, “Good rule in life:  I try not to offend; I try harder not to be offended.  That being said, I hope @nbcsnl recognizes that vets don’t deserve to see their wounds used as punchlines for bad jokes.”  Crenshaw also was quick to state “I want us to get away from this culture where we demand apologies every time someone misspeaks.  So I didn’t demand an apology and I didn’t call for anyone to be fired.  That doesn’t mean the 'war'…or whatever line was acceptable, but I didn’t have to fan the flames of outrage, either.”

In a rare move, on the next Saturday Night Live, Pete Davidson offered a sincere apology.  “I made a poor choice last week.  I made a joke about Lieutenant Commander Dan Crenshaw, and on behalf of the show and myself, I apologize.  I mean this from the bottom of my heart.  It was a poor choice of words.  The man is a war hero, and he deserves all the respect in the world.”  Then as the camera panned out, the viewers saw Crenshaw seated next to him accepting the apology.  After some good natured joking and laughs, Crenshaw stated, “There’s a lot of lessons to learn here.  Not just that the left and right can still agree on some things, but also this:  Americans can forgive one another.  We can remember what brings us together as a country and still see the good in each other.”  Being Veterans Day weekend he added, ‘…it’s a good time for every American to connect with a veteran.  Maybe say, ‘Thanks for your service.’  But I would actually encourage you to say something else, ‘Never forget.’”  Davidson then replied, “Never forget.  And that is from both of us!”

In this busy sometimes hectic season, may our hearts and words also be thoughtful gifts of love, encouragement, and peace as we celebrate and share about the Prince of Peace. 

The words of the reckless pierce like swords,

     but the tongue of the wise brings healing. 
Proverbs 12:18 

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 15:1 

Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

Proverbs 16:24 

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Psalm 19:14 

Blessed are the peacemakers,

     for they will be called children of God.

Matthew 5:9 

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Romans 12:18

Connections

Recently two comedians noticed a lady paying for the gas for her car with pennies.  They went up to the lady and gave her a handful of money to help out.  She was overcome with emotion at their gesture.  Her husband had died the week before and she was just trying to survive.  Along with the offering of money, the men gave her the gift of hope and knowing even strangers care.

A day care facility in England is having success reaching dementia patients through experiences with toddlers.  According to the BBC, “Beyond those difficulties, the person’s got a lifetime of skills, and knowledge, and experience, and expertise.”  By bringing in young children they are hoping to make connections with the residents, “to achieve good moments.”  The person may not remember what happened that day, but they do relate it to a positive experience.  As the toddlers play doctor, blow bubbles, and sing with the people, the research team noticed that after three days their patients were “happier, more active, and found lots in common with the kids, especially a love of music.”  The workers are offering amazing opportunities that have a positive impact for the people in the day care facility as well as the children. 

Sara Collins teaches a Pre-K class at Greensboro Elementary School.  One of the jobs on the class chart in her room is to be the greeter for the day.  As the students come in each morning they decide how they want the greeter to welcome them.  Each child makes a choice and then points to a picture of either a hug, handshake, fist bump, or smile.  The greeter then responds with that action.  Collins says that starting off the morning this way helps the students to feel loved, safe, and it is also building communication skills.   “We’re trying to create a school family.  We’re building relationships between the teachers and the children and the children and the children.  They’re more loving and kind to each other when they start the day off with that kind of connection.  Instead of throwing backpacks around they make eye contact with each other.”  Collins concluded her interview by wondering, “If 4-year-olds can get along, why can’t adults?”  Sara Collins is investing in her students in a way that will hopefully teach and encourage them to make a positive difference and contribution to society in the years to come as they greet people and look for ways to communicate with them.                                   

Because people took the time to observe the people around them, make a connection, assess the situation, and respond in positive and helpful ways, others were blessed, uplifted, encouraged, and offered the hope of a brighter day.  Especially during this holiday season, may we be willing to do the same.

By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

John 13:35

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 4:32

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

I Corinthians 13:4

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23

Therefore, as chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Colossians 3:12

A Thank Full Heart Expressed

“Breathing in blessings; exhaling gratitude.”

David Zailer

 

It’s November, the month that causes us to pause and reflect on our blessings and give thanks.  Growing up, being grateful and expressing thanks were lessons that were taught, modeled, and expected.  Thank you notes were written, pictures were drawn or taken with a camera and sent, phone calls were made, and verbal expressions were encouraged as appropriate ways of expressing gratitude for a gift or act of kindness.  Those lessons on gratitude were ones we wanted to instill in our sons as well.

We are thankful for the gift, but also need to express our gratitude to the giver.  Whether it is a gift or act of kindness, others are blessed when their efforts are recognized, appreciated, and acknowledged.  Psalm 100 reminds us that we enter God’s gates when we are thankful, but when we acknowledge God as the giver and provider of our blessings, with praise and adoration, we are invited into his courts.

John Piper expressed:

“Teaching God’s free grace, and his gift of himself…is one half of the story; teaching gratitude, and heartfelt thanksgiving, is the other half. Grace that doesn’t produce gratitude hasn’t succeeded in softening hard hearts.”

Especially during this holiday season, may our lives be refreshing, encouraging, and full of thanks as we intentionally breathe in blessings and exhale gratitude.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving

     and his courts with praise;

     give thanks to him and praise his name.

For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;

     his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Psalm 100:4-5

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

I Thessalonians 5:18