It's that time of year again, time for Operation Christmas Child. Click on this link to find out why this is so near and dear to my heart.
Operation Christmas Child
Girlfriends In Christ Mentor - Drewe Llyn
Endeavoring to fulfill the Titus 2 exhortation to live a reverent life and to encourage others to live reverently as well.
Operation Christmas Child
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Operation Christmas Child
What happens when an 18-Wheeler hits a '98 Ford Taurus?
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Investing or Grace? What's the Motivation?
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Prayer
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
My Sunday School class just finished a unit on prayer. I've posted the material on my personal blog.
I hope it blesses someone today.
Blogging
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Hi, everyone! Sorry I've not posted in a while. I don't even have time to tell how busy I've been, so I won't try. Girlfriends in Christ is about to have an exciting face lift. As part of that face lift my blogging spot will move to a new home. If you want to see what I've been up to (including our mission trip to Baltimore) check it out:
See you around!
Passport Stamps
Monday, July 02, 2007
In honor of the Fourth, I thought I would post some thoughts on citizenship I wrote while living overseas.
Passport Stamps
May 5, 2001
Sometimes I still feel like a small child on Christmas morning, filled with excitement at the possibility of fulfilled dreams. My excitement spills all over everyone in my path, and I just can’t control my enthusiasm. I had one of those days last Thursday. Everyone in a five mile radius knew I was giddy with excitement when our Slovene friends announced that our Friday plans included an excursion into Austria. (Ok. Ok. Maybe not a five mile radius, but everyone in the house.) You might be wondering, “So,what’s the big deal?” Well, to this country, Mississippi girl who has memorized most of the songs from The Sound of Music, going to Austria was big stuff. My expectations weren’t even great. I didn’t have to go to Salzburg and take the Sound of Music tour. (Even though I’d love to some day.) I didn’t have to enjoy authentic Austrian food. (We ate at McDonalds.) I didn’t even have to “shop ‘til I dropped”. (I bought some shaving cream and a few postcards. ) Learning German and living like an Austrian weren’t even part of the plan. I didn’t want to live there, I just wanted my passport stamped. I wanted proof to show that I’ve been to Austria. It was a tense moment when the border guard tried to wave us through with just a count of passports and passengers, but our driver kindly asked if the Jeffcoat’s passports could be stamped. (Which he did!) I was thrilled and satisfied.
Even though my excitement nearly drove Raymond and the kids crazy, I don’t think it was a bad thing to simply want my passport stamped with the Austrian insignia. (I’ll be glad to show it to you sometimeJ) But I did get to wondering…Do I/we ever approach the kingdom of God the same way? Sure, we all want to enjoy the Kingdom of Heaven in the next life. But do we really want to be a part of it in this one?
If I go to church on Sunday and live like I want to Monday through Saturday;
if I give begrudgingly to the church or special offerings;
if I join the church and am baptized, but my life hasn’t changed;
if I do things for God out of a sense of duty and not out of my love for Him;
even if I live as a “missionary” in a foreign country, but have a heart full of self-pity;
then I’m only having my spiritual passport stamped for show and am not really living the Kingdom life.
I don’t think God wants tourists to His Kingdom on earth, He wants committed citizens. He wants people to live the Kingdom life here and now every minute of every hour of every day. If I were a citizen of Austria, I wouldn’t be merely passing through, I would plant my life there. I would have to leave my American comfort zone, give up my American ways, language, and life style, and abide totally by Austrian rules and culture. It wouldn’t be easy.
If I want to be a genuine citizen of Christ’s kingdom, I have to give up my worldly ways, language, life-style, and totally abide in Christ. Often that means reaching beyond my comfort zone to touch the lives of others. It isn’t always easy. But it is always worth it, because even though His Kingdom is one of self-sacrifice and self-denial, it is a kingdom of love. There’s no place like it on earth.
“But your hearts must be fully committed to the Lord our God, to live by his decrees and obey his commands…” (1 Kings 8:61) “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (Colossians 1:23)
Dear Lord,
Help me to make the necessary changes in my life in order to be a committee citizen of Your Kingdom. When it comes to Your Kingdom, I don’t just want my “passport” stamped, I want to live, breathe, and experience You every minute of every hour of every day. Amen.
Striving to be a good Kingdom Citizen with you,
Drewe Llyn
Labels: Devotions, Living Overseas
Praise from Kris' Mom
Monday, June 18, 2007
"After 34 days in the Trauma unit we were finally released!!! We were transferred to the rehabilitation hospital in our own town!!!! He is doing very well!!"
(Don't stop praying!)
Update on Kris
Saturday, June 02, 2007
From Kris's Mom:
Kris is at (name of hospital). He had surgery Thursday on his broken pelvis. He is improving. They are going to try to ween him from the ventilator this week. He will be here for 6-8 weeks, during his healing. He has an external stabalizing bar on his pelvis that will have to be surgically removed in 6 weeks.
The trauma nurses call him a miracle. We had already knew that!! I will let you know more as we go.
Kris is at (name of hospital). He had surgery Thursday on his broken pelvis. He is improving. They are going to try to ween him from the ventilator this week. He will be here for 6-8 weeks, during his healing. He has an external stabalizing bar on his pelvis that will have to be surgically removed in 6 weeks.
The trauma nurses call him a miracle. We had already knew that!! I will let you know more as we go.
Labels: Kris
Bloom where you are planted.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
"Bloom where you are planted" was my first thought when I noticed this petunia growing by my grill. But the more I've thought about it, the more I think this photo should be labeled "With God, all things are possible."
This petunia wasn't "planted". Obviously a very, very tiny seed (Have you ever seen a petunia seed?) fell from my window box last summer and got washed into this crack in our patio. Then, unnoticed, unloved, and uncultivated it not only made it to maturity, it bloomed!
As followers of Jesus we often try to plant "seeds" of kindness, love, forgiveness, and hope in difficult places - prisons, hardened hearts, and cracked lives. Many times our efforts seem futile. Can change really happen? Can love truly bloom? Can people honestly break free from the strongholds that control them?
God just smiles; for in His kingdom there is no one unnoticed, unloved, or beyond His reach. He can take the smallest "seed" in the hardest heart and cultivate into something beautiful. See the proof for yourself.
Labels: Devotions
Blessed Memorial Day
Friday, May 25, 2007
Living for God
I wrote this in my old journal dated 12-25-00 and decided to ponder on it today:
We shouldn't spend all our time living for God, trying to do His will. He desires that we spend all our time living in His presence, in perfect unity with Christ. The former is us saying, "I will do everything in my power to please God." The latter is Christ saying, "Abide in Me; without Me you can do nothing."
Labels: quotes
Update on Kris
Sunday, May 20, 2007
From Kris' mom:
Kris is still in critical condition. But Friday the Doctors finally said he had some hope. I never gave up hope!! He has pneumonia but that goes along with the lung condition. His lungs were badly injured in the accident and it is a long slow process to heal. His pelvis is crushed but surgery is not an option until he stabilizes.
Keep us in your prayers and I will keep you posted.
Keep us in your prayers and I will keep you posted.
Labels: Kris
Please pray...
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
...for Kris S. He is the 16 year old son of a high school friend of mine. He was in an auto accident with an 18 wheeler. His mom said all they have is hope and prayer. I don't know how serious his injuries are, but anything involving an 18 wheeler doesn't sound good.
Thank you.
Labels: Kris
Nice, to Her?!?!??!
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
The sign hanging from a pink polka-dotted ribbon boldly declared, “DO NOT DISTURB.” What better invitation did a twelve-year-old need to barge into her older sister’s room?
“Get out!” the eldest yelled, “And I mean now!” Rather than leave quietly, the younger began a volley of less than loving words. The older was more than up to the challenge. After several rounds, the younger finally ended it with a slam dunk and a slammed door. With determination she set off to find a sympathetic ear (a.k.a. me, her mom.)
In an effort to justify herself, my younger daughter let fly a string of examples to prove she is always mistreated by my older one. I listened patiently, finally counseling her to “just be nice to your sister.” (This seemed the motherly thing to say)
“Why?” She demanded, “Why should I be nice to her?” (With an emphasis on “her” as if uttering “her” real name might cause regurgitation.) Without waiting for a reply she proceeded to list all the reasons her older sister did not deserve kindness. And while there was some truth to her words, I knew her sister could compile a similar list. Exasperated by this time, I once again admonished the younger to treat her sister with kindness. She looked at me with her own frustration and demanded once more, “Why should I?”
All the good things her sister had done for her were on the tip of my tongue waiting to fly off like messengers of grace to bridge this valley in my daughters’ relationship. I realized, however, that the younger was not in the Land of Reason, so I decided to put it bluntly, “Because I said to.”
She gave me a bewildered look and left deciding, I suppose, the cat appeared to be more sympathetic than I.
I began to think.
How often do we, God’s children, exchange cross words with one another justifying each one? Do we explain to God why we can’t be nice to So & So, detailing all the reasons they don’t deserve kindness?
Perhaps the reason we are to treat our “brothers” and “sisters” with love is not because they deserve it, but because Dad said to.
That’s something to think about.
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” ~ Ephesians 4:32
Sisters who usually get along.
Labels: Devotions
Jesus with the Little Children
Saturday, May 12, 2007
When I was a little girl I owned a picture of Jesus with the little children. It was a cheap, cardboard print in a cheap, plastic frame. But, oh, that picture of the kind, loving Christ warmed my heart! Part of the charm may have been a little poem written at the bottom that made me wish I could sit at the feet of Jesus. Through the years the print has been lost and the stanza has faded from memory, yet there are still times I wish I could look at it once more, or even go back in time to put my special picture of Jesus in a safe place.
Then along came the internet.
A google search of "Jesus and the Children" brought up that long lost picture by Francis Hook entitled "Jesus with the Little Children." Another search with the few lines I could remember brought up the poem entitled "The Sweet Story of Old" by Jemima Luke! Please take a moment to follow the links and be blessed.
Here are the lines on my precious print:
I wish that His hands had been placed on my head,
That His arm had been thrown around me;
and that I might have seen His kind look when He said,
"Let the little ones come unto Me."
Labels: Dear to My Heart
For the Minister's Wife
Thursday, April 05, 2007
As I traveled through Cyberspace this morning I found this article especially for the minister's wife. It is well worth reading. I hope it encourages you in your unique calling.
Pastor's Wives: Enjoy Your Lives
Pastor's Wives: Enjoy Your Lives
Dear Anna Claire
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Word came that four-year-old Anna Claire’s three-week-old cousin had stopped breathing during the night. While paramedics worked feverishly on Baby Matthew, family members called everyone they knew requesting prayer. Precious time passed, and as fear and panic set in more and more calls were made. What a scary time for anyone, especially Anna Claire. What could she do? How could she help? Finally, in desperation, she shouted out the only thing she knew to do, “Call Jesus, Momma! Call Jesus!”
My Dear Anna Claire,
Oh, that it were that simple. To just pick up the phone and call Jesus would be a wonderful thing, wouldn’t it? People who are sad, lonely, or hurting would be able to call Jesus when they need Him most. You have the right idea about Who to call when in trouble, but the problem with telephones is you often get a busy signal or an answering machine. Sometimes, like during Katrina, the phone lines and cell towers are down and you can’t get through.
Don’t worry, though, Anna Claire, you can call Jesus any time of the day or night, and He’ll never be too busy to listen. You don’t even need a phone. Just close your eyes, think about Him, and say, “Dear Jesus.” And He’ll be right beside you, listening to your every word.
I don’t know why Jesus didn’t let Baby Matthew stay longer with you. I know it makes you very sad. Can you picture something? Can you picture Jesus stretching out both arms? He is so big that one hand reaches all the way to heaven and the other one is right here on earth. Standing in His hand here on earth is you and your family. And in heaven, safely in His other hand, is baby Matthew. Jesus has you both, and He won’t let go.
It’s ok to be sad; when you are sad and need to talk to someone, pick up your heart and just call Jesus.
“Call to Me and I will answer you…” ~ Jeremiah 33:3
"See, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands." ~ Isaiah 49:16
© Drewe Llyn Jeffcoat 2007
Labels: Devotions
Purity? What's the big deal?
Friday, March 23, 2007
A while back I was confronted with some questions/remarks about sexual purity here on the Girlfriend's site which I answered to the best of my ability. Realizing that the questions raised are not unique to that particular reader, I have decided to post the dialogue here.
For ease in reading I have alternately posted the questioner's words in blue and my response in black.
Why do you think that being pure is important for God to love you, or to be a good Christian?
Actually, the Bible is very clear that neither purity nor "good works" are necessary to have God's love which is a gift of grace. And quite honestly, everyone has sinned and fallen short of God's glory. (Romans 3:23) It also says that even our goodness is like filthy rags in God's sight (Isaiah 64:6) which means that even at our best we are "filthy" in God's eyes. (That's the bad news.) The good news is that God loves us anyway. He devised a way to clean us up "…While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8) See, all of us were guilty and all that sin deserved punishment, but Jesus took that punishment upon Himself and died in our place. Did you notice the part that says, "While we were sinners…"? God loves us no matter what. There is nothing we can do, say, or think that will make God stop loving us. He loves us already. We may sadden Him by our actions or inaction, but He will always love us. He proved it on the cross.
Being a good Christian has nothing to do with purity, it comes from the heart and involves helping people, caring for people, being kind and living a good life.
Psalm 24:3-4 says only those with clean hands and a pure heart may go to be with God. Matthew 5:8 says that the pure in heart will see God. Hopefully those with pure hearts will help and care for people, be kind, and live a good honest life, but doing good things doesn't make a person good. I know many people who appear good on the outside, yet their thoughts and motives are wicked. Jesus said such was the case with the Pharisees. He said they were beautiful on the outside yet filled with dead men's bones, just like a whitewashed tomb. (Matthew 23:26-28) In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus stressed that purity is more than an outward sign, it comes from a right attitude toward God. (See also Proverbs 15:26)
Those sorts of thoughts and urges are natural as is sharing them with someone you love and who loves you back; there is nothing wrong, bad, sinful or shameful about being with someone you love, in fact, it's perfectly normal. Suppressing those urges, thoughts and feelings is abnormal as is remaining pure past puberty when hormones kick in, God gave us those feelings and hormones for a reason, and he says nothing about abstaining from sex.
You are right in saying the desire for intimacy is natural. Sexual intimacy is, indeed, a gift from God. There is nothing wrong, bad, sinful, or shameful about it when it is experienced the way God intended. That's what sexual purity is…doing it God's way without any variation. And He does have a lot to say about it.
1. Sex was intended as an intimacy builder between one man and one woman for life. (See Matthew 19:5-6 and Malachi 2:16)
2. Adultery is expressly condemned by God. By definition "adultery" is "voluntary sexual intercourse between a married man and someone other than his wife or between a married woman and someone other than her husband." (Click here for reference.) Here are some passages that condemn it: Exodus 20:14; Leviticus 20:10; and Proverbs 5; Proverbs 6:20-35)
3. Fornication is expressly condemned by God. By definition "fornication" is "consensual sexual intercourse between two persons not married to each other". (Click here for reference.) The King James Version uses "fornication". New translations translate it "sexual immorality". Here are some passages that condemn it (I'm using the New International Version. Click on the link and switch to King James Version if you like.): Romans 1:29; 1 Corinthians 6:13; 1 Corinthians 6:18; 1 Corinthians 10:8; Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 5:3; and 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8.)
When I was in college my parents gave me their old car. (I think it was a Dodge. I didn't really care as long as it got me where I was going.) My dad said, "It leaks a little oil, so check the oil every time you get to school and before you head home again." I think I followed his guidelines for a month or so, but then I started missing a time or two or three or four. Nothing bad happened so I gave it no more thought. Until the day I was driving down the road and began hearing a loud knocking noise coming from under the hood of my car. A loud BOOM soon followed and that was the end of my car. It seems the manufacturer knew what he was talking about when it came to keeping oil in the engine. I had run out and the engine threw a rod causing irreversible damage
God is our Creator, our Manufacturer if you will. He knows all about us and what makes us tick as a whole and as individuals. He's not trying to cramp our style or make unreasonable demands when He says marriage is for one man and one woman for life. If we don't do things God's way there is irreversible damage. God knows that sex His way…
…prevents sexually transmitted diseases 100% of the time.
…makes sure babies have a mom and a dad to take care of them.
…preserves the sacredness of intimacy. (Let's face it, how special is that intimacy if you or your "partner" have done it with 10 or more other people?)
…prevents a lot of regret.
…preserves trust in marriage. (How can you trust your spouse if he/she's been unfaithful in the most intimate of activities?)
I once heard sex outside of marriage compared to licking a metal pole in subfreezing temperatures. You can do it, but you will leave part of yourself behind every time. Sexual intimacy is not just physical, it is emotionally binding. And every time it is done outside of the security of the marriage relationship, an emotional piece of those involved is left behind. So much is left behind that often there is nothing left to give to the person they eventually do marry. Stay sexually pure for your future mate. What a gift to give him!
It's the organized religions that want their members to remain pure, they put a guilt trip on you so you remain true to their cause, and they hang damnation over your head if you're "weak" and give in to sin. That's how they keep their numbers in the church.
Most "organized religions" want their members to remain pure for the reasons I've already listed (i.e. preventing sexually transmitted diseases and regrets, preserving sacredness in intimacy and marriages, etc.) They know purity is ultimately best for those they love. I won't deny that some do use "guilt" to manipulate people into being or doing what they want. Unfortunately, many are quick to condemn failures in sexual purity and not failures in other areas. God wants us to be totally devoted to Him in every area of our lives.
I truly believe God is happy if we are happy and living a life true to his commandments. No where in the commandments does it say "be pure". It's orthodox rubbish. Follow the commandments and forget the rest,
No where in Scripture do I find that our happiness is God's goal for our lives. When our hearts are pure and focused on God we will have joy, but joy is having peace and contentment in spite of our circumstances. It is peace in doing things God's way. Happiness, on the other hand, is totally about getting our way.
I think I've already offered plenty of Scriptures regarding God's command for purity. And since we both agree we should follow His commands here are four more.
"…do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure." (1 Timothy 5:22)
"Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord." Hebrews 12:14
"But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do;" 1 Peter 1:15
"Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral." Hebrews 13:4 (The marriage bed is not pure if husband and wife bring past sexual experiences to it.)
if you want to love your man, then love him and leave your guilt at the door,
Guilt is like the knocking sound I heard in my car engine, a sign that something is wrong. If you really love your man, you will save yourself for him. You will respect him. (You won't know who your future mate will be until he pledges his life to you before God.)
purity or lack of has nothing to do with God, his love or getting into heaven.
As already stated, purity has everything to do with God. It's His command. However, I will agree that our purity or lack of it won't get us in or keep us out of heaven. It's all about Christ's purity covering our sins.
The purpose of this response is not to bash or condemn anyone who has been sexually impure. The purpose was to clarify the Bible's stance on the issue. For those reading this who have given in to sexual intimacy before or outside of marriage, I want to offer hope. Jesus died on the cross so that we could be free from the world's way of doing things. He doesn't sit in judgment, He walks beside us with love and compassion and the offer of forgiveness and a fresh start.
No where in Scripture do I find that our happiness is God's goal for our lives. When our hearts are pure and focused on God we will have joy, but joy is having peace and contentment in spite of our circumstances. It is peace in doing things God's way. Happiness, on the other hand, is totally about getting our way.
I think I've already offered plenty of Scriptures regarding God's command for purity. And since we both agree we should follow His commands here are four more.
"…do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure." (1 Timothy 5:22)
"Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord." Hebrews 12:14
"But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do;" 1 Peter 1:15
"Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral." Hebrews 13:4 (The marriage bed is not pure if husband and wife bring past sexual experiences to it.)
if you want to love your man, then love him and leave your guilt at the door,
Guilt is like the knocking sound I heard in my car engine, a sign that something is wrong. If you really love your man, you will save yourself for him. You will respect him. (You won't know who your future mate will be until he pledges his life to you before God.)
purity or lack of has nothing to do with God, his love or getting into heaven.
As already stated, purity has everything to do with God. It's His command. However, I will agree that our purity or lack of it won't get us in or keep us out of heaven. It's all about Christ's purity covering our sins.
The purpose of this response is not to bash or condemn anyone who has been sexually impure. The purpose was to clarify the Bible's stance on the issue. For those reading this who have given in to sexual intimacy before or outside of marriage, I want to offer hope. Jesus died on the cross so that we could be free from the world's way of doing things. He doesn't sit in judgment, He walks beside us with love and compassion and the offer of forgiveness and a fresh start.
"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death." Romans 8:1-2
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9
After all, Jesus died for us; shouldn't we spend our lives pleasing Him? Sexual purity is something that pleases Him. Ask Him to forgive your past mistakes and make a commitment to please Him from this day forward.
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" 1 Corinthians 5:17
Facing the Giants
Monday, March 12, 2007
I don't generally consider my blog here at Girlfriends-in-Christ to be a forum for promoting books and movies as everyone has differing opinions, and I'm not here to spark unnecessary controversy. However, when you find a wholesome, clean, family movie that reignites your faith, well then, you just have to pass it along to other families looking for the same thing.
Enter:
Ok, so our family is a little behind the times as I'm sure we're the last people to have seen Facing the Giants. I've heard the story was good but the acting was bad; I also knew it was another one of those underdog-makes-good movies (which seem to be in abundance). For those reasons I didn't race to the theater or the video store. I figured I'd get around to watching it eventually. Well, eventually came Saturday night and now I feel the need to throw my thoughts into the movie critic arena.
I seriously doubt any of the actors will receive Academy Award nominations, and it was another underdog-makes-good movie. However, as Cassie (my 15 year old) put it, "The acting isn't very good, but by the end of the movie you don't really care because the story is so good." How true! And while it may be another "Cinderella" kind of story, it is unlike any you've ever seen before. When things go bad, God gets the glory. When things turn around and start going well, God gets the credit and the glory. (You just won't find that in a Disney movie!) The movie's message is clearly "With God all things are Possible", and by the end your faith is reaffirmed, and you have confidence that God can indeed do anything. The God of Facing the Giants is real and intimately active in the lives of His children.
I think one of the most important characters in the story is the gentleman who walks the halls every week praying over the kids' lockers asking God to raise up a generation that loves Him. His prayers seem to be the catalyst for all the miracles to come. (Hmm? I wonder what would happen if we diligently prayed for our youth that way and that consistently....)
If you are finding yourself low on faith, then you need to see this movie. It is blatently "Christian" and pulls no punches about it. As a matter of fact, I do believe it received its PG rating because of its Christian message. Isn't that a refreshing change?
~ Drewe Llyn
After the Super Bowl (a.k.a. What the media won't show you.)
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
No Promises
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
It's been one of those Hi-how-are-you?-I'm-good-how-are-you?-How-are-the-kids?-Fine-how-are-yours? relationships.
Our kids are friends. We've cheered the band on to superior ratings together, and we've watched our oldest children graduate together. Nothing deep, just friendly.
Our kids are friends. We've cheered the band on to superior ratings together, and we've watched our oldest children graduate together. Nothing deep, just friendly.
My middle child and their youngest still have several more "band" years to go, so I never thought that 2006 would be his (their dad's) last year to watch them march. Even though he wasn't yet 50, Mr. Goodwin died last night of a massive heart attack leaving behind a wife, a college freshman son, and a high school freshman son.
The Goodwin family's lives have just taken a drastic, catastrophic turn. Life will never be the same for them. There will be an empty place at the table, and there will be an empty spot in the stands come August 2007.
I'm sad, and I’m thinking.
About a month ago doctors told my husband that because of his cholesterol levels he is a prime candidate for a massive heart attack. He'll be 45 this year. That warning seems a little more ominous today. As a matter of fact, life in general seems a little more precious today. We've been given no promise of tomorrow, or even of the rest of today. I'm thinking...
I need to praise more and nag less.
I need to cherish each person I meet more, and look at their faults less.
I need to look each person that comes across my path in the eye and see their value more, and I need to spend less time worrying that such-and-such chore or task isn't getting done.
I need to hug and care more and worry less about what people think.
I need to say, "I love you" to those I love more, and assume they know it less.
I need to sing more, laugh more, cry with people more, and invest myself in others more (including my family). I need to allow Jesus to fill my cup to overflowing, and then let His love spill over onto everyone I meet more.
If you're reading this it is because you have been given the very valuable gift of now. Use it wisely. You won't get it back.
What's going on in my life....
Monday, January 15, 2007
It totally blows my mind that it is already the middle of January! My youngest will turn 12 in just a couple of weeks and I have not yet figured out how to celebrate. There are some things she wants to do, but then there are church obligations to work around. I'm still praying about what is best.
Our family had a wonderful Christmas holiday. As I learned last year, Christmas is more of a season than a day, and I try to unwrap each blessing as a special gift from God. My "gifts" this past Christmas include:
* Packing Shoeboxes to send around the world which always reminds me of that special time our family passed them out overseas.
* The Trans Siberian Orchestra Concert my girls and I attended.
* Delivering fruitbaskets with some special and new friends.
* Taking the family out to the Japanese Restaurant for the first time. What a blast! Not only was the food fantastic, but our chef was awesome. Everyone had a great time!
* Listening to some special people sing in church. (My 15 year old daughter was one of them.)
* The enthusiasm and fun of directing the choir's cantata. That was soooooooooooo much fun!
* Having a serious and insightful conversation with my 18 year old son during our holiday travels. (Even if it did mean listening to Swedish Metal music.)
* Having my children and family all safely together under one roof and enjoying their presence.
* Receiving an anonymous gift...the gift? The four items on my "wishlist" for my Christmas bookshelf!!! Christmas Tapestry by Patricia Polacco, An Orange for Frankie by Patricia Polacco, The Twelve Days of Christmas pop-up by Robert Sabuda, and The Lost Christmas Eve by the Trans Siberian Orchestra. Not only were the gifts a wish fulfilled, but the receipt of them meant that someone in our church read the Christmas book I wrote and distributed as gifts. I included a section entitled "On My Bookshelf" which also had those four items listed as "My Wish List". I'm still overwhelmed!
It was a blessed season!
Our family had a wonderful Christmas holiday. As I learned last year, Christmas is more of a season than a day, and I try to unwrap each blessing as a special gift from God. My "gifts" this past Christmas include:
* Packing Shoeboxes to send around the world which always reminds me of that special time our family passed them out overseas.
* The Trans Siberian Orchestra Concert my girls and I attended.
* Delivering fruitbaskets with some special and new friends.
* Taking the family out to the Japanese Restaurant for the first time. What a blast! Not only was the food fantastic, but our chef was awesome. Everyone had a great time!
* Listening to some special people sing in church. (My 15 year old daughter was one of them.)
* The enthusiasm and fun of directing the choir's cantata. That was soooooooooooo much fun!
* Having a serious and insightful conversation with my 18 year old son during our holiday travels. (Even if it did mean listening to Swedish Metal music.)
* Having my children and family all safely together under one roof and enjoying their presence.
* Receiving an anonymous gift...the gift? The four items on my "wishlist" for my Christmas bookshelf!!! Christmas Tapestry by Patricia Polacco, An Orange for Frankie by Patricia Polacco, The Twelve Days of Christmas pop-up by Robert Sabuda, and The Lost Christmas Eve by the Trans Siberian Orchestra. Not only were the gifts a wish fulfilled, but the receipt of them meant that someone in our church read the Christmas book I wrote and distributed as gifts. I included a section entitled "On My Bookshelf" which also had those four items listed as "My Wish List". I'm still overwhelmed!
It was a blessed season!
On a different note! How about those Saints?!?!?!?!? One of my husband's best character traits is faithfulness. In 22 + years of marriage I've never once doubted his faithful devotion to me and then to our children as they came into the family. He's always there through thick and thin. That's the kind of New Orleans Saints fan he's been through the years, never giving up on them, always cheering them on, always proud to wear gold and black through thick and thin. I can't help but rejoice with him that this year they are going to the NFC championship for the first time EVER! Win or lose, it has been an exciting season.
Labels: Life
The Undeserving
Thursday, December 07, 2006
The Undeserving
“Organized chaos” – that sums it up. Well over a thousand large cardboard boxes had been neatly arranged in rows separated by narrow aisles on the floor of this old department store. Each open box contained a varied selection of games, puzzles, toys, and clothing. Amongst these boxes, dozens of people scurried like ants whose bed had been disturbed. Outside, scores of people waited in line for their turn to enter and claim free Christmas gifts for their children, gifts donated by generous folks all across the area. The day was December 22, 2004: distribution day for the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree and Toys for Tots annual Christmas charity.
“Organized chaos” – that sums it up. Well over a thousand large cardboard boxes had been neatly arranged in rows separated by narrow aisles on the floor of this old department store. Each open box contained a varied selection of games, puzzles, toys, and clothing. Amongst these boxes, dozens of people scurried like ants whose bed had been disturbed. Outside, scores of people waited in line for their turn to enter and claim free Christmas gifts for their children, gifts donated by generous folks all across the area. The day was December 22, 2004: distribution day for the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree and Toys for Tots annual Christmas charity.
As volunteers for this event we Jeffcoats were among the multitude of “scurrying ants”, better known as “runners”. We waited as one by one each recipient was registered and directed to one of many tables where their assigned number was given to us runners who then searched to find the corresponding box. Once located, all items found there were scooped up and brought back to the table to be double checked, making sure each child in that family had been provided for. From there, runner and recipient picked up a food box and, going assembly line style, received potatoes, bread, and finally a hen to go with the items it already contained. Then the food box and gifts were taken to that person’s vehicle for unloading before the process began again.
Dozens of bustling volunteers, scores of waiting recipients, and hundreds of loaded boxes flooded the building at any given time…but everyone knew where to go and what to do (usuallyJ) hence: Organized chaos.
While walking among the mass of boxes hunting correct numbers, I was utterly overwhelmed by the generosity of the community. Actually, “generosity” is really a rather weak word in this case as it does not begin to describe the vast number of items people had bought to make Christmas happy for strangers. This was the Christmas spirit come to life. It looked as if every department store in the area had been relieved of its toys. I couldn’t even begin to guess the monetary value of such bigheartedness, and the thought of all the love and kindness represented in that room would have moved me to tears, if I hadn’t been so busy.
Recipients came in all shapes, sizes, and ages: Mothers, grandmothers, fathers, all waiting patiently in line for their turn. Some wore smiles. Some looked stressed. Some were obviously very poor. Most were extremely grateful. But some of my “warm fuzzy” feelings were cooled by that first lady then 13 year old Cassie and I helped. She didn’t say one word to us as we struggled with her generous load. There was no offer to help, and not so much as a “Thank you” when we finished and wished her a Merry Christmas. If only she could have read my mind, she’d have received more than food and toys; she’d have gotten an ear full. Something like, “You sure do have an attitude, woman. Your children will have a wonderful Christmas because someone you don’t even know spent their valuable time, money, and energy buying things you could not afford yourself. I’d think the very least you could do would to be grateful and say, ‘Thank you.’ You act like you’re owed this, but in reality, you don’t deserve such gracious generosity!” (It’s probably a good thing she couldn’t read my mind.)
I tried to put this encounter behind me as we rushed to help other, more grateful, more “deserving” people, with their packages, but I couldn’t. You see, though the woman couldn’t read my mind, God could, and He had something to say. Something like, “You sure do have a self-righteous attitude girl. I’ve given you an abundance of gifts that will last forever. Even when you didn’t know Me, I paid a tremendous price you could never afford. Are you truly grateful?”
Am I truly grateful or do I act as if somehow God owes me something?
In reality, I deserved hell; He gave me heaven.
I deserved punishment; He gave me forgiveness.
I deserved death; He gave me life.
I deserved abandonment; He gave me Himself.
I was spiritually bankrupt; He paid my account in full.
I was unworthy; even so, He loved me.
I was trapped; He set me free.
I didn’t receive what I deserved; I received what I didn’t: Grace.
These are the true gifts of Christmas, given to me extravagantly; all wrapped up in Jesus Christ, the Spirit of Christmas come to life. The least I can do is show my gratitude by freely passing His grace along.
© Drewe Llyn Jeffcoat 2004
Labels: Devotions
What Can I Do for You?
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Many of you know that our family spent nearly two years as missionaries in a Muslim part of Europe. Though their civil war had ended several years earlier, there was still much poverty and need among the people. Our family was there to help in the recovery not only physically, but spiritually as well. Because "missionaries" weren't allowed in the country, we were there as humanitarians which in this case means everyone who needed anything came to us. Helping people with their physical needs often opened the door to share Jesus. But somedays....well, here's what I wrote to our prayer partners about the situation. I thought it appropriate for the Thanksgiving weekend:
What Can I Do for You?
Questions. I'm weary of them.
Questions. Always the same.
"Can you fix my roof?"
"Can you help with our rent?"
"Can you get me to America?"
"I need money for….."
Honestly, sometimes I think the only reason people want to get to know us is so they can get something from us. And I'm tired of it.
We had another such encounter today. I have had to fight the tears and the desire to cry out loud, "DOESN'T ANYONE HERE LIKE US JUST BECAUSE THEY LIKE US?" I'm tired of relationships based on my ability to do something for someone. Can I be honest here? Sometimes when people are extra friendly to us I have to fight the urge to question their motives. I've been asked for stuff so many times.
Somehow I don't think Raymond and I are the first to have this problem. Check out these comments and requests:
"Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean." ~ Matthew 8:2b
When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help... ~ Matthew 8:5
"Lord, save us! We're going to drown!" ~ Matthew 8:25
Some men brought to him a paralytic, lying on a mat ~ Matthew 9:2
And how about this one:
While he was saying this, a ruler came and knelt before him and said, "My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live." ~ Matthew 9:18
(This is just a sampling; I could list dozens of others.) As I read through the Gospels I find that almost everyone that came to Jesus wanted something from Him. I wonder if He ever got tired of all the help-me cries. You be the judge…right after He fed the five thousand Matthew 14:23 says, "After he had dismissed them (the crowd), he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray."
I can't help but wonder….
Does God ever get tired of our help-me cries today? Don't take that question the wrong way. I know the Scriptures say, "Ask and it shall be given to you…" (Matthew 7:7) "You may ask me for anything in my name…" (John 14:14) And "You do not have, because you do not ask God." (James 4:4b) I claim these promises often, and I present many petitions to God. I know that He delights in giving good gifts to His children and that He wants us to make our requests known to Him (Philippians 4:6) I'm certainly not saying that we shouldn't ask for God's help. After all, only He can truly help us as we depend on Him for everything. But after today I wonder if occasionally God just wants to be loved because of Who He is and not because of what He can and does do for us. Does He want us to just spend time with Him because we want to spend time with Him and not because we want something? Do we praise Him as often as we request things? Does He ever say, "No" to our requests because He is testing our motives in coming to Him? What is our devotion to Him based on anyway?
I think I'll take a few extra moments today to just bask in His glory and be thankful that He is the great I AM. (See Exodus 3:14)
"Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." ~ Psalm 46:10.
Enjoying the Lord with you,
Drewe Llyn
Labels: Devotions
Thanksgiving Special
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
As Thanksgiving approaches are you finding it difficult to be thankful? I mean, it's oh, so easy to thank God for the good things that come our way. Our hearts swell with gratitude at His abundant blessings and all seems right with the world...when things go our way. But what about when things don't go our way; are we truly supposed to be thankful for those things that tear our world apart? The Bible says, "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:18) Perhaps our greatest "Sacrifice of Praise" is for the difficult things. I just believe that thanks offered for the hard times in life please God a 100 times more, for it is a sign we are truly trusting Him.
This Thanksgiving I'd like to share a different kind of Thanksgiving story with you. You can find it here.
Be blessed in everything.
~ Drewe Llyn
The Power of One
Thursday, November 09, 2006
The Christmas season is quickly approaching which means soon I will settle down and watch my all time holiday favorite It's a Wonderful Life. To some it is an outdated, even cheesy movie (a phrase my teenagers use...whatever that means) which is probably why I often find myself watching it alone. Yet it has been on my Christmas "to do" list every year for about fifteen years now, still giving me warm-fuzzies and hope.
In this classic tale, George Bailey has dreams, big dreams. He wants to leave small town USA and travel the world to accomplish great and exciting things. He seems to be well on his way when a series of unfortunate events (not to be confused with another movie by that title) keeps George in Bedford Falls working at the old Savings and Loan, his worst nightmare come true.
One Christmas Eve, when life looks bleakest for George, his efforts to commit suicide are thwarted by an unlikely angel who gives him a glimpse of what life would be like if he had never been born. As Clarence the Angel takes Goerge to familiar people and places, he discovers that his life actually made a tremendous difference in his town, neighbors, and friends. The world was a better place with him in it.
Changing the world would seem to be the role of political leaders, powerful CEO's, brilliant scientists, or rich investors. Yet George made a profound difference by simply living a life of love and integrity. That's the part that gives me both the warm fuzzies and the hope - simple people making a world of difference.
But, It's a Wonderful Life is merely a movie, isn't it? We all know movies have "happily-ever-after" endings, when real life seldom does. Is it too much to hope that ordinary, real people can have such an impact?
Recently I came across this verse in Jeremiah:
"Roam through the streets of Jerusalem. Look and take note; search in her squares. If you find a single person, anyone who acts justly, who seeks to be faithful, then I will forgive her." (Jeremiah 5:1)
Ancient Jerusalem was wicked, so much so that God decided to destroy her. Jeremiah the Prophet was sent to warn the city about her impending doom. There was one hope for the city, however; God told Jeremiah He would spare the city if even one just and faithful person (meaning someone sold out to God) could be found. That's worth repeating: God would spare the entire city if only one godly person lived there! Unfortunately, there wasn't one found, not even one, who still pleased God. So God eventually allowed the city to be destroyed by her enemies. Many died, many were taking captive, and many were left homeless all because there wasn't one person who was faithful. God summed it up when He said to the prophet, Ezekiel, "I looked for a man among them who would ...stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none." (Ezekiel 22:30)
Clarence once said to George, "Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?"
Yes, indeed, each life touches each other in ways we can't even imagine. One person sold out to God has the power of life; the lack of one the power of death.
Will we be that one person in our family, our community, our city?
Labels: Devotions
Thankful
Saturday, November 04, 2006
I just realized it has been well over a month since I've shared here in my little corner of cyber space. Where has time gone? I wish I had something polished and profound to share today, but since I don't, I thought I'd give you a glimpse of my world.
Since I last posted...
...my eighteen year old son was in a car accident. He hit a deer. It killed the deer and the car, but praise the Lord, Kyle is fine. (He is now the proud owner of a newer car and a car note!)
A week after Kyle's accident my mother-in-law was rear-ended and landed upside down in a ditch full of water. She is extremely sore and is having neck and back pain, but I'm so thankful she, and everyone else involved, is alive.
...our family has grown by one kitten. I wanted to name him Oreo simply because I'm overly fond of that delectable treat. But the name "Shadows" won out. He and the dog make quite an entertaining team.
...my 15 year old daughter, Cassie, had to see the doctor because of some enlarge lymph nodes. He said her psoriasis was infected. She is now on some medication and we are seeing improvement.
... Valerie Lopez-Robinson (a young girl of 16 who I asked you to pray for a while back) passed away. Though I know she is in a better place, my heart grieves for her family.
...I've been working hard and heavy on a writing project for Christmas. Which will be here before we know it. (I'm trying not to stress too much.)
And most importantly, since my last post I had a God given opportunity to share Christ with someone quite dear to my heart.
...my eighteen year old son was in a car accident. He hit a deer. It killed the deer and the car, but praise the Lord, Kyle is fine. (He is now the proud owner of a newer car and a car note!)
A week after Kyle's accident my mother-in-law was rear-ended and landed upside down in a ditch full of water. She is extremely sore and is having neck and back pain, but I'm so thankful she, and everyone else involved, is alive.
...our family has grown by one kitten. I wanted to name him Oreo simply because I'm overly fond of that delectable treat. But the name "Shadows" won out. He and the dog make quite an entertaining team.
...my 15 year old daughter, Cassie, had to see the doctor because of some enlarge lymph nodes. He said her psoriasis was infected. She is now on some medication and we are seeing improvement.
... Valerie Lopez-Robinson (a young girl of 16 who I asked you to pray for a while back) passed away. Though I know she is in a better place, my heart grieves for her family.
...I've been working hard and heavy on a writing project for Christmas. Which will be here before we know it. (I'm trying not to stress too much.)
And most importantly, since my last post I had a God given opportunity to share Christ with someone quite dear to my heart.
I consider myself blessed beyond measure, and I am thankful.
I suppose that is the most profound thing I can say: I'm thankful.
I suppose that is the most profound thing I can say: I'm thankful.
"Come see what I made!"
Monday, September 25, 2006
I know I was too busy last Saturday to be out in the flower bed taking pictures, but this was the first time this summer I've seen a Monarch in it. It was as if God said, "Hey, Drewe Llyn, come look at what I made!" I had to go share the joy. Here are some of the pictures I took:
World Trade Center
Friday, September 08, 2006
My husband and I recently went to the movies to see World Trade Center, and I’ve been asked if it is a good movie. I’m not exactly sure how to respond.
“Good” sometimes means “well made” and since I’m not a professional movie critic I’m not really qualified to say if it is Oscar material or not. (Who even knows what “Oscar Material” is anyway?) I just know what I like and what I don’t, and I can’t really say I liked this movie.
“Good” can mean “family friendly?” In this case that would be a negative. There was more foul language than I care for my children (or even myself) to hear. (Though I understand why certain word choices were made.) It was a very emotional movie and probably too intense for young viewers.
If “good” is synonymous with “entertaining” it once again fails the test. An “entertaining” movie should leave you with a smile or warm fuzzy feelings. At the very least you should leave the theater with a skip in your step or a new thought or feeling to ponder. An “entertaining” movie should never leave you depressed. This one left me with a heavy heart.
Though it fails all the above criteria I would still recommend seeing World Trade Center. It is a poignant reminder of the fateful day the twin towers fell. It puts real faces on the 9-11 catastrophe. It is a dramatic reminder of the heroism and fortitude of the American people who put their lives on the line for others. And for that reason I recommend it.
There are those who feel re-living 9-11 is detrimental to our nation and our relationship with our Islamic neighbors. Many feel we should allow those wounds to heal and not generate more hostility and hatred toward our adversaries through the replaying of those horrific events. While the remembrance of 911 may, indeed, spark new waves of anger and revenge in the hearts of some, we must continue honoring those people who sacrificially worked to save the lives of strangers. We must mourn the innocents who died that day. And most importantly, we must never forget that America is vulnerable. We might be “indivisible” but we aren’t invincible. We may have prosperity, freedoms, and power that most of the world covets, but we are not indestructible. If nothing else, reliving 9-11 brings us back to our knees, back to the place where we no longer trust in our military might or “superior” government, but in God Almighty who is our only true refuge, strength, and ever present help in time of trouble.
Perhaps that’s what 9-11-01 was all about.
The LORD foils the plans of the nations;
he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.
But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever,
But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever,
the purposes of his heart through all generations.
Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,
Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,
the people he chose for his inheritance.
From heaven the LORD looks down
From heaven the LORD looks down
and sees all mankind;
from his dwelling place he watches
from his dwelling place he watches
all who live on earth-
he who forms the hearts of all,
he who forms the hearts of all,
who considers everything they do.
No king is saved by the size of his army;
No king is saved by the size of his army;
no warrior escapes by his great strength.
A horse is a vain hope for deliverance;
A horse is a vain hope for deliverance;
despite all its great strength it cannot save.
But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,
But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,
on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,
to deliver them from death
to deliver them from death
and keep them alive in famine.
We wait in hope for the LORD;
We wait in hope for the LORD;
he is our help and our shield.
In him our hearts rejoice,
In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.
May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD,
May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD,
even as we put our hope in you.
Psalm 33:10-22 (NIV)
Psalm 33:10-22 (NIV)
~ Drewe Llyn Jeffcoat
Suicide
Monday, August 21, 2006
They lived on the same street this man and woman, my street. Both were around sixty. The former used a gun, the latter pills, but the results were the same. Lives were ended. Their lives.
Within the last month these two acquaintances of mine killed themselves. I passed each house on my morning walk and exchanged pleasantries:
“Good morning,” we’d each call out.
“How are you today?”
“Fine. How are you?”
“Fine.”
Sometimes we’d say more. The last time I saw “her” she reminisced about what a godly man her father was and how she still missed him even after all these years. I had no clue, no clue she struggled with depression. No clue she would choose to end her own life.
I’m sad, and I’m afraid.
I’m sad because these two people couldn’t fight their way to the surface; they drowned in their sorrow either unable to grasp hold of hands willing to lift them up, or (horror of horrors) there were no hands extended to them. (Was my hand held out?)
I’m afraid. I’m afraid because I know there are thousands of people just like them suffocated by their life circumstances. People who feel there is no way out of their suffering except through death at their own hands. How many of these people do I know but am unaware of their struggle?
If you are one of those totally overwhelmed by life – PLEASE, STOP!!!! Don’t hurt yourself! There are hands extending out to you! Before you do something drastic, PLEASE write me (or call me if you know me) and let me talk to you and pray for you. I mean it! I’m not just saying it to be nice or because I’m a preacher’s wife. I want to offer a heartfelt cry for mercy to heaven on your behalf. It’s not a bother. It would be my privilege.
There is another hand held out to you which is much stronger than mine:
I waited patiently for the LORD;
he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.
He put a new song in my mouth,
He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
~ Psalm 40:1-3
~ Drewe Llyn
~ Psalm 40:1-3
~ Drewe Llyn
Every Good and Perfect Gift
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created." James 1:16-17
(c) Drewe Llyn Jeffcoat 2006 - Seen in my flower bed.
James 1:1-4 Part 1
Friday, August 11, 2006
I decided I need to be memorizing Scripture, but which ones? There are so many to choose from that I usually feel overwhelmed and memorize nothing. (Isn't that just what Satan wants?) I finally settled on James...the entire book. I made this decision in March, 2006 and I've only learned James 1:1-18. But I figure that's 18 verses I didn't know. I'll just keep working on them as I take my morning walk. Not only am I memorizing, I'm pondering and jotting down my thoughts on those verses then sharing what I've learned and discovred with my Sunday school class. I thought I might share some of them here and hope you will be challenged and encouraged. Perhaps you'll even pray for me to be dilligent and listening for His voice in this undertaking.
~ Drewe Llyn
Pure Joy
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” James 1:2-3
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” James 1:2-3
Pure joy? Pure joy?!?!?! Let’s be honest, how many of us really consider trials a “pure joy”? When the washing machine goes out with six loads of dirty laundry still on the floor, when a co-worker spreads hurtful gossip around the office, when there are more bills than money to pay them, when that self-breast exam reveals a highly suspicious lump, when the police confirm your daughter has been arrested for dealing drugs, when a spouse dies after a long and painful illness, it is difficult to maintain a positive attitude, much less one of joy. How we can consider such difficulties “joy” is a difficult concept, one I must confess I’ve not mastered. Perhaps it simply needs to be accepted in obedience and with the knowledge that our Heavenly Father knows much more than we do.
A Personal Story
Several years ago our family faced a minor trial, one that wasn’t earth-shaking nor life-shattering, but it served as a reminder to give thanks in all circumstances. (1)
Our son, a ninth grader at the time, rode to school every morning with a friend who often ran late. This caused them to arrive just past the bell several mornings, a fact that didn’t bother the friend's first teacher of the day, but after the third time our son received early morning in-school suspension. Needless to say his father and I were not happy; one of us would have to drive him the ten miles to school an hour early on the day of the suspension. It was an aggravating inconvenience, one we grumbled about for days before hand.
After dropping our son off early that day, I went on to do some errands. Around 9:00 a.m. I received a phone call from my husband saying the friend had been in a car wreck that morning. My first thought? “Thank you, God, our son wasn’t in the car.” Later I asked about the friend who was a little shaken, but fine. But how would our son have been had he been in the car? Thankfully we don’t know. How funny I could be joyful about the tardy AFTER I saw how it worked out. Yet God really wanted me, wants us, to be thankful, even joyful, about our trials, trusting that He knows best, and that truly, somehow, though we can’t see it, He has our best interest in mind.
Quote:
“God is too good to be unkind, too wise to be mistaken and, when you cannot trace His hand, you can always trust His heart.” ~Charles Spurgeon, British Baptist Preacher (1834-1892)
Think about it:
Have you ever experienced a trial which you were thankful for after it was over?
Have you ever experienced a trial which you were thankful for after it was over?
Do we really trust God to have our best interest in mind?
What exactly did Spurgeon mean in his above quote?
Take a look at Hebrews 12:2. What joy could Christ have possibly seen in and beyond the horror of the Cross? (3)
(3) I believe Jesus saw us, spending eternity with Him, as the joy set before Him.
(c) 2006 Drewe Llyn Jeffcoat
Disappointments
Sunday, August 06, 2006
I've faced some disappointments this week. Here are my thoughts:
Often our disappointments in people, things, and circumstances stem from unrealistic expectations on our part. So and So turned out not to be the person we thought he/she was; purchased items didn't measure up to our standard; situations didn't turn out the way we had hoped. Of course, sometimes outright deception is involved: people portray themselves and their products falsely.
I'm reminded that Jesus knows exactly what's inside a person. He knows the secrets of the heart. (John 2:24-25; Psalm 44:21). He is never misled or deceived. We can't "pull one over on Him".
How would we feel about the people we say we love if we really knew what was in their heart and mind? How often has that love faded because our expectations weren't met?
"But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8) He knows us and loves us anyway!
Incredible!
Often our disappointments in people, things, and circumstances stem from unrealistic expectations on our part. So and So turned out not to be the person we thought he/she was; purchased items didn't measure up to our standard; situations didn't turn out the way we had hoped. Of course, sometimes outright deception is involved: people portray themselves and their products falsely.
I'm reminded that Jesus knows exactly what's inside a person. He knows the secrets of the heart. (John 2:24-25; Psalm 44:21). He is never misled or deceived. We can't "pull one over on Him".
How would we feel about the people we say we love if we really knew what was in their heart and mind? How often has that love faded because our expectations weren't met?
"But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8) He knows us and loves us anyway!
Incredible!
Feeding the Children
Friday, July 21, 2006
Feeding the Children
My friend Dawn has gone totally radical on me. It’s not that she’s dyed her hair green, pierced her belly button, or gotten a tattoo. Worse than that…she’s started making homemade bread – after grinding her own wheat!! A quote from The Little Red Hen comes to mind: “‘Not I,’ said the Drewe Llyn.” (OK. I tweaked it a little.)
My friend Dawn has gone totally radical on me. It’s not that she’s dyed her hair green, pierced her belly button, or gotten a tattoo. Worse than that…she’s started making homemade bread – after grinding her own wheat!! A quote from The Little Red Hen comes to mind: “‘Not I,’ said the Drewe Llyn.” (OK. I tweaked it a little.)
Actually, I admire her resolve to provide the best nutrition for her family, even if it does mean cutting back on sugar, buying organic meats, and truly making bread from scratch. In fact, all her talk about these health benefits has me thinking… about maybe buying a loaf or two from herJ. Seriously, her greatest “selling point” about healthier eating wasn’t the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, or even feeling better. What caught me was when she said, “I’m not only teaching my children to eat healthy, but I’m teaching them how to feed my grandchildren.”
Feeding grandchildren.
Somehow, and rightly so, my friend sees a bigger picture. It’s not just her well being, or even that of her own children at stake, but she has shouldered the health of generations to come, generations she may not live to see but will influence by the positive life choices she makes today.
This really has me thinking. Jesus said He was the Bread of Life, which means He is the basis of life. Without Him there is no life, at least not REAL life. He also said, “Feed my sheep.” When I teach my children to trust in the Lord with all their hearts, to stand firm in the faith, to read the Word everyday, to pray about everything, I’m not just “feeding” my three children; in reality I’m influencing the way they “feed” their children who will in turn “feed” theirs, on and on for generations to come. There is a bigger picture here, a lot of responsibility to shoulder; the spiritual health of the future, even eternity, is at stake.
So, while I may be lax in nutritional areas (I have been known to make chocolate chip cookies for supper – but not too oftenJ.) when it comes to feeding my children spiritually let me loudly proclaim, “I will do it myself!” and let the record show, “and she did.”
© Drewe Llyn Jeffcoat 2006
You Must Be Quiet
Friday, July 07, 2006
As church secretary I'm in the unique position to preview the pastor's sermons while typing each point and Scripture into the Power Point program. That means I screen typos, offer commentary to the pastor, and even make suggestions. (I don't advocate those last two for every church secretary, but since I'm also his wife I can usually get by with it *grin*.) But, to be perfectly honest, I usually pay more attention to the mechanics of the sermon instead of the substance. The Scripture passages are on the computer so all I really have to do is find, copy, and paste them where they need to go. This past week, however, one verse in particular jumped out at me giving me cause to stop and ponder.
Exodus 14:14 "The LORD will fight for you; you must be quiet." (That's from the Holman Christian Standard Bible.)
Read it in the New International Version:
"The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still."
Read that once more:
"The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." (The emphasis is mine.)
Background for this verse is the crossing of the Red Sea. But couldn't it apply to me (and all of us)? How many times have I found myself in a spiritual battle trying to fight it out on my own? (I won't answer that.) I worry, panic, busy myself, etc. But here God is promising to fight our battles for us...with a condition... "you need only to be still."
In Psalm 46:10 God says, "Be still, and know that I am God..."
I don't believe this is a command to be lazy, but rather an assurance that He has everything under control. Perhaps it is even a warning that sometimes we get in the way of what He is trying to accomplish. Maybe it is an invitation to watch Him at work and be amazed at His power. (How can we watch Him when we're busy looking at ourselves?)
I'm not really sure what else the sermon holds (I was thinking about this verse the whole time), but I've already been "preached" to by His still, small voice.
Amen.
Freedom
Monday, July 03, 2006
Just Cause
Treacherous Enemy
Far Reaching Ramifications
Love of Country
Desert Sands
Army Tanks
Patriot Missiles
Blood
Agony
Body Bags
Ultimate Sacrifice
Let us not forget:
Freedom comes at a terrible price.
"Greater love has no one than this that he lay down his life for his friends." ~ John 15:13
Merciful Cause
Unconscionable Enemy
Eternal Consequences
Love for Us
Calvary's Hill
Nails, Thorns
Insults, Humiliation
Blood
Agony
Borrowed Grave
"Father, forgive them."
Ultimate Sacrifice.
Let us not forget:
Freedom comes at a terrible price.
"For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed...but with the precious blood of Christ." ~ 1 Peter 1:18 & 19
Treacherous Enemy
Far Reaching Ramifications
Love of Country
Desert Sands
Army Tanks
Patriot Missiles
Blood
Agony
Body Bags
Ultimate Sacrifice
Let us not forget:
Freedom comes at a terrible price.
"Greater love has no one than this that he lay down his life for his friends." ~ John 15:13
Merciful Cause
Unconscionable Enemy
Eternal Consequences
Love for Us
Calvary's Hill
Nails, Thorns
Insults, Humiliation
Blood
Agony
Borrowed Grave
"Father, forgive them."
Ultimate Sacrifice.
Let us not forget:
Freedom comes at a terrible price.
"For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed...but with the precious blood of Christ." ~ 1 Peter 1:18 & 19
Prayer Requests
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Remember the old camp song "It's me, it's me, it's me, oh, Lord, standin' in the need of prayer"? Well, that's why I'm writing today. There are a few things on my heart and a few stresses in my life that I would like to bring before all you prayer warriors.
1. Our minister of music/youth resigned last week placing our church in a time of transition which is always stressful. (My husband is the pastor.) The role of music minister has fallen to me as there really isn't any one else at the moment. This means I am now a Sunday School teacher, GA teacher, the part-time church secretary, and now the acting music director. Since I have a daughter in the youth I'm sure I'll be helping in that area also. Please pray for me to have wisdom and discernment in every decision and action. Pray for strength to do what I need to do. I'm not a great multi-tasker (My husband and children would say that's putting it mildly.) and am a bit stressed, especially considering....
2. Vacation Bible School is next week. My 15 year-old daughter and I are doing the music. It is also the week the monthly newsletter goes out. Please pray for my stress level, our VBS, and for our church to be united as we seek God's direction for it.
3. My Sunday School class is basically the young married's of which there are four couples enrolled. The potential (that I can see and not counting what God knows and sees) is 16 - 18 couples that aren't in Sunday School anywhere that I'm aware of of! That's a lot of young families that need to be studying the Word and raising their children in church. (I counted approximately 26 children among them.) I have a real burden for them and other families in our community which are under tremendous attack from Satan. Please help me pray that God will place a tremendous hungering and thirsting for righteousness in each heart so that they will seek after the Lord.
4. Last summer a mission team from Maryland came to help with Operation Love Thy Neighbor which was a tri-church, multi-racial community outreach. One member of that team, teenager Valerie Lopez-Robinson, has been diagnosed with Grade 4 Glioblastoma Multiforme - a form of cancer. The latest update is that she is not doing well. Her doctors have told her mother to contact the Make-a-Wish foundation to see if they can move up the date of her "wish" which is a cruise to Hawaii. Please say a prayer for her and her family. You can read more about Valerie and her condition by clicking here.
I thank God for the privilege of prayer and that we can intercede on each other's behalf. Thank you in advance.
In Him,
Drewe Llyn
Picking Blueberries
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
“Are you about ready to head back to the house?” I called out to my mother.
“I’m not leaving until I’ve picked this branch clean, my bucket gets full, or it starts to rain,” was her reply. My mother and I were together in her blueberry patch this particular overcast Saturday. I knew that “picking the branch clean” was my mother’s technique for picking blueberries. This simply meant she was going to pick every ripe berry off her part of the bush, leaving only the green ones behind. I glanced at her branch, her bucket, and the sky and decided the threat of rain was our quickest relief from berry picking.
Sweat and mosquitoes aside, I actually admire my mother’s leave-no-leaf-unturned-leave-no-ripe-berries-behind attitude. She knows where she’s been and where she needs to go. Her goal is clear…pick berries. I, on the other hand, have a slightly different attitude and approach. I’d rather roam through the bushes seeking out clusters of ripe berries that can be picked all at one time – preferable at eye level. I figure the birds can have the high ones and the ‘coons can have the low ones. I certainly don’t want to get scratched up reaching deep in the middle either, and forget those isolated berries hanging by themselves in hard to reach places. They can turn to seed for all I care. Basically, give me the convenient ones. This is a great strategy for my goal, which is to fill my bucket as quickly as possible.
Suddenly it occurred to me that too often we as Christians win souls to the kingdom in much the same way I approach blueberry picking. (I’ve been guilty myself.)
Let me explain.
We gladly seek the salvation of those who are at eye level, the ones we see more clearly such as immediate family members, close friends, and the lost that come to church. Sometimes we stretch a little further to reach out to colleagues and neighbors; our basic goal being to fill our “bucket” (a.k.a. church). (Should we compare the number of times we’ve invited people to church instead of to Jesus?) But we certainly don’t want to stoop too low or stretch too high or reach too deep to share the forgiving, redeeming love of Jesus. Stooping, stretching, and reaching can be uncomfortable. There are prickles deep in those bushes. OUCH! We certainly don’t want to get hurt. That’s it, isn’t it? We want our churches full of people, but we don’t want to leave our comfort zone to get them there. The fact is, most of those who don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus live outside our comfort zone. They live in Africa, Bosnia, and New York City. They live in prison, on skid row, or at the rehab center. Their skin is sometimes lighter or darker than ours. Their speech is foreign to us either because it is a totally different language altogether or because “nice” people don’t talk like that. Sometimes they are children who wiggle too much, or perhaps don’t know the “proper” way to dress for church, or maybe they ask questions that make us feel uncomfortable or inadequate.
God is not willing that any should perish, but that all come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). He cares if the “birds” get the ones on top and if the “’coons” get the ones on bottom. They are all precious in His sight. O, that God would open our eyes to every precious soul; those in our comfort zone and those outside of it. May we be willing to stretch spiritually, bow in humility, and seek out even the one who is lost in hard to reach places. May God grant us perseverance to “pick” our communities clean, leaving no stone unturned, no soul unreached with the good news of Jesus.
"And there will be much rejoicing in heaven over even one..." (Luke 15:7)
Reworking my approach with you,
Drewe Llyn
© 2004 Drewe Llyn Jeffcoat
Memorial Day
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Thank you, God, for men and women who were willing to give their lives for our freedom. Bless those families who painfully grieve those losses today. Hold them close to Your heart. Help us to never take our liberties forgranted. May we love, live, laugh, cry, pray, and serve to Your glory. Thank you for their sacrifice; I know You truly understand the price of freedom. You paid it Yourself.
Amen.
You Say; God Says
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Someone recently sent this to me. It is so full of Scripture that I feel it is well worth sharing.
You Say; God Says
~ Author Unknown
You say: "It's impossible."
God says: "All things are possible."
(Luke 18:27)
You say: "I'm too tired."
God says: "I will give you rest."
(Matthew 11:28-30)
You say: "Nobody really loves me."
God says: "I love you."
(John 3:16 & John 3:34 )
You say: "I can't go on."
God says: "My grace is sufficient."
(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
You say: "I can't figure things out."
God says: "I will direct your steps."
(Proverbs 3:5-6)
You say: "I can't do it."
God says: "You can do all things."
(Philippians 4:13)
You say: "I'm not able."
God says: "I am able."
(II Corinthians 9:8)
You say: "It's not worth it."
God says: "It will be worth it."
(Roman 8:28 )
You say: "I can't forgive myself."
God says: "I forgive you."
(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say: "I can't manage."
God says: "I will supply all your needs."
(Philippians 4:19)
You say: "I'm afraid."
God says: "I have not given you a spirit of fear."
(II Timothy 1:7)
You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated."
God says: "Cast all your cares on ME."
(I Peter 5:7)
You say: "I'm not smart enough."
God says: "I give you wisdom."
(I Corinthians 1:30 and James 1:5)
You say: "I feel all alone."
God says: "I will never leave you or forsake you."
(Hebrews 13:5)
Becoming My Mother
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Happy Mother's Day to all our Girlfriends who are mommies or have mommies. Whether your mom is still with you or has passed on, I celebrate the life she gave you and pray this day brings happy memories both new and old.
Instead of sending each of you a card, I thought I'd share an article I wrote last fall about my own mother. Enjoy!
Instead of sending each of you a card, I thought I'd share an article I wrote last fall about my own mother. Enjoy!
Becoming My Mother
October 29, 2005
It’s official – I’ve turned into my mother.
October 29, 2005
It’s official – I’ve turned into my mother.
I suspected as much last summer when we were both caught wearing similar bathrobes and slippers. It became clearer upon discovering both our pre-Katrina preparations included boiling eggs and filling the bathtub with water. Let’s face it, for years we’ve laugh at the same jokes, enjoyed the same books and movies, and appreciated good puns. (Not everyone can, you know.) And in spite of the fact she loves squash, which I despise; my notions that I was becoming my mother were recently validated at the local Dollar General Store.
“I’ve got to get a pair of reading glasses,” she began. “I just can’t read the fine print on boxes anymore.” As she perused the reading glass rack my suspicion was confirmed, for it wasn’t my mother who was trying them on and speaking, it was me!
I’ve always had 20/20 vision and became slightly irritated when my mother would say, “Just a minute, let me get my glasses first,” every time I asked her to look at something. Over the past year, however, I’ve noticed a few changes. Manufacturers have changed the print size on their packaging, the light by my reading chair has grown dimmer, and people have been standing too close to my face during conversations.
Alas, the evidence mounted to beyond a reasonable doubt, so I scheduled an appointment with the optometrist. “When you reach forty your eye muscles start weakening,” she politely said during the exam. “You could use a pair of reading glasses.” What she meant was, “Nothing’s wrong with you; you’re just getting older.” Well meaning? Yes, but it brought little comfort coming from a twenty-six year old.
My mother and mother-in-law are forty…well, er... at least they were the last time I noticed. My mother-in-law’s fortieth birthday celebration was only yesterday. Wasn’t it? I was madly in love with her son at the time. The simple fact she was my boyfriend’s mother meant she was old. (Ahem…I mean old-er.) My own mother was forty when I married that same fellow, and we’ve only been married a mere…let’s see…twenty-one years. Twenty-one years?!?!? Yikes! That makes me…oh, my!...forty-one! How did that creep up on me?!?!?! That means I’m old! (I mean old-er.)
To be honest, turning into my mother isn’t such a horrid thing. She’s smart, caring, a hard worker, has a heart for God, and can make an awesome pan of chicken and dumplings. She has a great sense of humor and a love of books that’s been passed down to me and at least one granddaughter. She has a creative side I greatly admire, is a good listener, and repeatedly puts her faith into action. I consider myself blessed to be her child.
I modeled my new reading glasses for my own children the night I got them. “They’re cute!” one said kindly. Another wasn’t quite so tactful. “You look like Grandma,” she declared.
Actually, I hope I do.
© Drewe Llyn Jeffcoat 2005
Praying for Rescue
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
I’ll be honest; sometimes I get tired of praying. Sometimes I feel as if it is a waste of time. How many hours have I prayed for So and So’s marriage to be salvaged, for Such and Such loved one to be saved, or for Dear Friend to be delivered from “this or that” only to see no visible results? It gets frustrating and downright discouraging to say the least. I was at that point the other day, wondering why I “waste” my time on seemingly futile petitions.
It was then I turned to 2 Corinthians 1:8-11.
The Apostle Paul tells of a personal time of testing which was so severe he and his companions “despaired even of life” because it was “beyond our ability to endure”. We think of Paul as being a true hero of the faith, a pillar of strength and wisdom, and yet even he reached a point lower than low. I’m sure he could have thrown himself a nice pity party, feeling forsaken by the One he’d given his entire being to serve. He could have whined and complained about how unfair life is and given it all up to take a nice day job. But not Paul; even in the storm he saw God’s hand and purpose, “But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.” His faith did not waver. He knew God would deliver him, and He did.
Now, here’s the part about prayer:
“He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.” (2 Corinthians 1:10-11 NIV Emphasis mine)
The great Apostle Paul’s rescue, though ultimately by the hand of God, was somehow tied to the prayers of his friends - fellow believers! Paul is telling them this after the deliverance which means their prayers made a life and death difference in Paul’s life though the petitioners were oblivious to the outcome at the time.
It makes me think.
Is there someone sinking today because I’ve given up the rescue of prayer? Is someone’s eternal destination in question because I’ve not been diligent in my intercessions? Is deliverance just around the corner waiting for one last petition?
There’s too much at stake for me to give up now.
© Drewe Llyn Jeffcoat 2006
It was then I turned to 2 Corinthians 1:8-11.
The Apostle Paul tells of a personal time of testing which was so severe he and his companions “despaired even of life” because it was “beyond our ability to endure”. We think of Paul as being a true hero of the faith, a pillar of strength and wisdom, and yet even he reached a point lower than low. I’m sure he could have thrown himself a nice pity party, feeling forsaken by the One he’d given his entire being to serve. He could have whined and complained about how unfair life is and given it all up to take a nice day job. But not Paul; even in the storm he saw God’s hand and purpose, “But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.” His faith did not waver. He knew God would deliver him, and He did.
Now, here’s the part about prayer:
“He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.” (2 Corinthians 1:10-11 NIV Emphasis mine)
The great Apostle Paul’s rescue, though ultimately by the hand of God, was somehow tied to the prayers of his friends - fellow believers! Paul is telling them this after the deliverance which means their prayers made a life and death difference in Paul’s life though the petitioners were oblivious to the outcome at the time.
It makes me think.
Is there someone sinking today because I’ve given up the rescue of prayer? Is someone’s eternal destination in question because I’ve not been diligent in my intercessions? Is deliverance just around the corner waiting for one last petition?
There’s too much at stake for me to give up now.
© Drewe Llyn Jeffcoat 2006
Love Gifts
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Dear Daughter age 11 took this photo the other day. The fact it was actually growing in my flower bed is utterly amazing as I certainly don't have a green thumb. Looking at this beautiful picture reminded me of something I wrote for our prayer partners while we were on our missionary "adventure". I'd like to share it with you.
Love Gifts
June 9, 2001
I don’t know why I didn’t “see” them before. According to Teta Neda, my land lady, they’ve been there for years and years. Yet, it wasn’t until today, this moment, as I took them from her hand, that I really “saw” them for what they were.
June 9, 2001
I don’t know why I didn’t “see” them before. According to Teta Neda, my land lady, they’ve been there for years and years. Yet, it wasn’t until today, this moment, as I took them from her hand, that I really “saw” them for what they were.
Maybe I should go back a few years so you can truly share this moment with me…
The summer before we came to B. we lived in a brand new parsonage courtesy of Central Baptist Church. I’m not sure which inspired me most, the brand new yard lying there like a blank sheet of paper waiting to be drawn on, or the fact that we lived next door to a plant nursery. Probably both. But it was certainly the nursery owner’s pity on my lack of a green thumb that produced the lovely flower bed I enjoyed that last summer.
Two of my most cherished plants were a pair of Tropicana roses. They were small, but beyond gorgeous when in bloom!!! They are now my absolutely favorite rose color! Every day I would go out and admire their beauty. I considered each bud and bloom a personal love-gift from my heavenly Father.
When we knew God was asking us to move to B., I dug up those two rose bushes and entrusted them to the care of my earthly father. (What happened to them then is not relevant to this story, so I will spare you the details…By the way, I still love you, Dad.)
I missed my beautiful roses (among many other things) the day I first laid eyes on our new town. All the buildings seemed to be the same, drab, color brown. There was nothing of beauty to capture and please the eye. With all the enthusiasm reserved for finding out you need a root canal, I thought to myself, “So, this is it.”
Now back to the story at hand. As Teta Neda and I stood in the front yard this particular summer day, she held out to me a bouquet of roses cut fresh from her very own bushes. Bushes that had been there all last summer, bushes that I had admired, flowers whose fragrance had tickled my nose. But for the first time I realized that the roses held out to me were Tropicana’s… exactly like the ones I’d left behind. It could not be a coincidence.
I may have moved, but my Heavenly Father never left me. I may not have noticed His love-gifts for an entire summer; but He still gave them. Teta Neda may have planted, watered, trimmed, and cared for those roses for a long time, but I just have to believe that God’s hand was with her those many years ago as she chose those particular bushes. Because even before she’d heard of me or I’d heard of her, God knew I would live in this place. He wanted me to know He’d already been here, and He loves me.
He loves you too! Don’t let His love-gifts to you go unnoticed.
Enjoying the Father’s love-gifts with you,
Drewe Llyn
(c) Drewe Llyn Jeffcoat 2001
