Unexpected Blessings from a Hospital Room

Posted on August 16, 2016 by Heart of the Matter

 

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Sometimes we gain the most from the people who have the least to give.

I stepped out of my mother’s house into the blazing summer heat feeling like a cloth twisted and wrung out, emerging flattened, from an old-fashioned washing machine. I had spent most of the last week at the hospital sitting at the bedside of my 90-year-old mother, who had experienced a potentially serious health issue, and I had just gotten her settled back into her home.

I stepped into my car, turned the key, and thought to myself, “Hallelujah, no more hospital room! For a while anyway.”

You see, I don’t like hospitals. I am germ-phobic and sensitive to weird smells so the whole medical/surgical atmosphere gives me the “heebie-jeebies”. Therefore, hospital rooms are among my least favorite places.

My mother is extremely hard of hearing and has very poor eyesight so she needed me to: facilitate communication with the nursing staff and doctors, help her with her personal needs, and lend moral support. As her devoted, (and only) daughter, I obliged.

As I sat there rigidly perched in the green vinyl recliner in the corner, like a bird on a wire, mouth closed tight so as not to breath in any extra germs, I thought of what it must be like to be her—almost entirely dependent on others—losing her eyesight and hearing at an ever-increasing rate.

I wondered which was worse, to lose ones physical mobility, hearing, and sight? Or to slowly lose one’s memory and mental function. Neither is a walk in the park. (Mom is still as sharp as a tack. Hours of crossword puzzles and reading books has no doubt helped with that!) It can be hard to watch as our parents slowly decline, losing their health, strength, and vitality—a foreshadowing of what is to come for us.

I sat there in the corner, watching the slow drip of the IV—physically and emotionally drained and petrified of picking up a super-germ! So far, my schedule had been turned upside-down, my house had fallen into disarray, and my family had gone several nights without dinner. It had not been an easy week.

As each day passed I came precariously close to falling off the cliff of self-pity.

After several tests and a procedure or two, my mother’s health issues were resolved and she got better thanks to the prayers of friends and the mercy of God. Five days after entering the hospital, we gathered her things, said goodbye to the nurses and headed home. She was so glad to sleep in her own bed. And I was so glad that this health crisis was over.

That first night after mom got home, I had a revelation. Even though I was exhausted and emotionally stressed, I realized that God had given me a great blessing that week. He had given me the opportunity to do something for someone who could in no way do anything in return. What a gift that is in a life—in my life—a life that is so often about me!

It’s the same feeling I, and others, experience on mission trips when we minister to orphans or the elderly. You know, going in, that it will drain you, inconvenience you, and test you to the limit. Yet, you go. And God blesses you beyond measure, in ways that you never would have imagined. How tragic to go through life and never experience the blessing of totally spending oneself for another human being—of serving another out of selfless love.

My mother devoted her life to her family and to her Savior. It was a life well-lived. Now she is pressing on into her 90’s, continuing to be a blessing to all who know her. I am grateful to be her daughter and to still have her hand to hold after 90 years. I thank God for the privilege of ministering to her in her time of need and for God’s protection from those nasty super-bugs!

“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:18 (NIV)

“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” Acts 20:35 (NIV, Paul speaking)

“The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself.” Proverbs 11:25 (NKJV)

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Modern Psychology vs the Word of God

Posted on August 8, 2016 by Heart of the Matter

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My middle son is studying sports psychology at college and he is passionate about it. He is an athlete and an intellectual, so sports psychology is a very good fit for him. When he is home on break or has the opportunity to talk with us on the phone he often shares what he’s learning at school—the latest theory on positive thinking, the newest literature on the power of habits, cutting-edge research on overcoming obstacles, etc. I love a good intellectually stimulating conversation so I happily engage with him.

My son will tell you, however, that more than once he has heard me exclaim something along the lines of: “You know, Jesus said that—2000 years ago.” Or, “Hey, God actually came up with that idea.” The point being: “There is nothing new under the sun.” Solomon said it well in the book of Ecclesiastes:

“What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 1:9 (NIV)

Basically, I have tried to teach our children that, Jesus is the answer to every problem. I believe that to be true with all my heart.

You see, the Bible is full of psychology. After all, God did create minds.—and thoughts, and theories. The Bible holds a wealth of information for emotional and psychological well-being and for life success, in general.

“All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)

The Word of God is where we go for wisdom, support, and encouragement.

“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” 2 Peter 1:3 (NIV)

It is the instruction book for life.

“The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.” Psalm 19:6-8 (NIV)

Isn’t that the most beautiful passage? God wants us to know that he is all-sufficient and His Word can meet our every need. Although the Bible doesn’t specifically address every one of today’s problems, it does address the underlying cause of them, such as: feelings of unworthiness, fear, guilt, regret, and anger.

In Galatians we find the description of an emotionally balanced, stable person:

“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 (NIV)

This person’s life has been shaped and impacted by a relationship with Jesus Christ and an adherence to His Word. We, too, can exhibit the traits of an emotionally stable and impactful life as described above. It is a matter of turning our lives over to Christ and allowing the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us through the trenches and minefields of life.

The problem with most modern psychology is that it is based on the false premise that man is basically good and full of wisdom and can solve his own problems apart from God.

“For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength” 1 Corinthians 1:25 (NIV)

There may be times when we will need the wise counsel of other Christians as we walk through life, but, we must be wary of any advice or counsel that is contrary to the Word of God.

I have no doubt my son (who is a believer), will find his way through the quicksand and pitfalls of modern psychology and end up with his heart firmly grounded in God’s psychology, where he too, will wisely tell his own children that…

“Jesus is the answer to every problem.”

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.” Colossians 2:6-8 (NIV)

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Jesus is Coming Again, Don’t Be Left Behind!

Posted on August 6, 2016 by Heart of the Matter

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Things have gotten really bad around here. As a human race, we applaud sin, idolize athletes and celebrities, and wantonly engage in life-altering habits. We follow false gods, such as: money, success, leisure and fame. And many literally worship evil spirits. We fight vehemently to remove any semblance of God from the public square. We fail to recognize the historic spiritual battle between Isaac and Ishmael that has now become a physical one. We devalue life itself. The Bible says that God searches to and fro across the earth to find those whose hearts are tuned to Him–today, those souls are few and far between.

Our present world culture puts one in mind of the Israelites during a particularly evil period in their history. They turned away from God–worshipping idols and “doing what was right in their own eyes”.  (Judges 21:25) In the process, they broke nearly all of the 10 commandments (Exodus 20:1-17). And God punished them over and over again by handing them over to their enemies.

In light of the fact that we as a culture, so resemble the rebellious Israelites, how much longer will God show patience and grace to us? Can the end of time be far away?

The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ will come again some day to take all believers with Him to glory. The bodies of those who have died in Christ will be raised, changed, and joined with their souls (that have long been in the presence of Jesus). Those believers who are still alive at that time will rise to meet him in the air–a legion of believers from every tribe, nation and race. What a glorious day that will be! (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, 1 Corinthians 15:52, Luke 17:34 )

That event will usher in the great tribulation, a time of the worst persecution, death, and destruction known to man. The presence, comfort, and drawing of the Holy Spirit will no longer be on the earth, as all believers–in whose hearts the Holy Spirit resides– have been removed. Hence, it will be very difficult (though not impossible), for those unbelievers left behind to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

No one knows the day or the hour of Christ’s return, despite all of the predictions from learned men and quacks, alike. (Mark 13:32, Luke 12:40) Therefore, we must be ready.

If you do not know Christ as your Lord and Savior, now is the time to settle this issue. It is of eternal importance. Come to Him in repentance and faith. Accept His free gift of salvation. Acknowledge Him as the Son of God. If you need to know more about how to do this, here is a link that may help: Answers about Salvation in Christ

If you are already a believer but have not been living a life that is pleasing to God, come back to Him. He is waiting with open arms to welcome you home.

Christ is coming again to bring his people to their heavenly home. Don’t be left behind.

“For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13

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Surprises from a Mama’s Life: Legacy and Letters

Posted on August 4, 2016 by Heart of the Matter

 

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Those of us who have elderly parents don’t often think about the life our parents led before old age set in. We see them as idle, helpless, quietly supportive, struggling… watching from the sidelines as life in all it’s busyness moves on without them.

In fact, our parents, at one time were the worker bees of society, the teachers, doctors, farmers, engineers, nurses and soldiers–the patient and dedicated moms and dads. They had a strong work ethic and a patriotism to be envied. Treating people with kindness and respect was a given. We don’t hear about their lives because many of them have forgotten the details, or because humility prevents them from sharing. And many times we don’t know about their rich and varied contributions to society because…we don’t ask.

My mother, who is 90 years old, recently handed me a letter she had received from a co-worker over 60 years ago. It was written in faded typeset on a small piece of yellowed, fragile paper. She gave it to me out of the blue as we got in the car to go for a pedicure which I had gifted to her on her 90th birthday.

As I opened the folded piece of paper and read the typewritten words, tears filled my eyes. This amazing note of gratitude and love from a friend upon my mother’s departure from her civilian job at the Department of the Navy, described my mother to a tee in the most beautiful language…some of which has long since faded from the lexicon. At the time the note was written, she was leaving to marry my father, a young marine, and had just received an award for her outstanding work.

This note was written at the apex of my mother’s productivity. She had been a country girl from the upstate of South Carolina who had moved to the city and, as the note suggests, made a tremendous impact there.

Here is an excerpt from the note:

Dear Peg,

You are leaving for a new life today–my choicest good wishes go with you. I cannot bring myself to say “goodbye”, Peg , so I am using this informal method of telling you that more than anyone else in the activity, I regret your leaving…

Your equanimity and “sang froid” in times of stress and emotion throughout the activity, has always been a source of comfort, and I might even say, inspiration, to me, as well as to the rest of us. There is a simplicity and dignity about our Peg, that softens feeling which often runs rampant in a crowd and cheapens everything it touches. You have been the leavener who imbued kindness, sympathy and understanding. The “outstanding” which you received this year could not have been accorded to anyone more deserving of that honor…

Sincerely, Lucy

My mother has loved and served the Lord for most of her life. This note reminds me how impactful a life lived for Christ can actually be. You see, it was the Holy Spirit within her that allowed her to be the “leavener” in her workplace. It was he who enabled her to show love, patience, understanding and kindness in stressful and difficult situations and he can do the same for us today.

God wants to use us, dear friends, as peacemakers, healers, helpers, and encouragers. Are you impacting your workplace for the better? How about your child’s school or “Moms” group? Never forget that we are in the world to be the salt and light, and to bring the help and hope of Jesus Christ to humanity.

I feel very blessed to be the daughter of this amazing and inspiring women…this leavener…this Peg.

Scan

(sang froid – composure or coolness, as shown in danger or trying circumstances. Aplomb, poise, self-control, calm. )

 

 

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Seize the Moment…Speak Life

Posted on August 4, 2016 by Heart of the Matter

 

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I love my hairdresser. She’s a Jesus girl. She and I often talk about spiritual things as we share what is happening in our lives. My hairdresser is one of the many people with whom I interact on a regular basis. I also talk to the bagger at my grocery store, the teller at my bank, the attendant at the convenience store and the neighbor I pass on my morning walk, just to name a few.

In fact, according to reference.com, the average person has 10,000 unique face-to-face interactions with other people during his or her lifetime. That’s a lot of people! Do you realize what that means? It means we have 10,000 opportunities to share the love and message of Jesus Christ with others!

I’m not sure that you and I are taking full advantage of that fact.

How many times do we hesitate to even make eye contact with people…much less speak encouragement to them?!

This week, why not try to be kingdom minded as you go about the business of daily life. Share a smile, an encouraging word, or a verse of scripture with those you encounter. Ask if you can pray with, or for them about anything that may be going on in their life…and then do it!   Give to those in need—a few dollars, or a fast food hamburger.

Speak the name of Jesus.

As Christians we are to be salt and light in the world. If we are afraid or ashamed to speak his name, then we are failing in our mission. Now, more than ever before, the world needs to know Him—to feel the love and hope he brings.

We often speak of certain chance meaningful encounters as divine appointments and they may well be, but I contend that every encounter is divine. We need only be ready—taking full advantage of those “God moments” to speak life, and love, and hope to humanity.

To speak the name of Jesus.

 

 

 

 

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