Another Year of Green Valley is Done

I'm back after a great week at Green Valley Bible Camp. Last Saturday evening before camp began, a pretty good thunderstorm blew in causing the creeks to fill and everyone to scamper for cover. After a short but intense rain, a beautiful rainbow appeared. I looked at my co-director (really, he directs, I just show up) and said, "This is going to be a special week."
We had some difficulties because kids are dealing with things these days that I never had to deal with as a kid. We tried to hit these challenges head-on. All camp weeks are different. Momentum builds and ebbs during the week. This week the momentum just finally exploded. On Friday night as I was returning to my camper, there in the same valley, in the same place the rainbow had showed up, there was a beautiful half-moon. Almost as if God was saying, "I was glorified this week."
So, I'm physically tired. I'm not as young as I used to be. But I am spiritually overflowing. I'm seeing second generation kids come up through camp and it's a joy to see them. I think one of the attributes of strong Christian families is they do things together. I'm talking about things like going to camp, enjoying each other's company, and the like. Perhaps another blog for another day.
Pray for the camp. Pray that good will continue to be done through that little plot of land in Northwest Arkansas. It's good to be back home. Have a great day. JW

P.S. By the way, please pray for my friends Craig and Jan Jones. Jan had breast cancer several years ago and beat it. Now she's fighting pancreatic cancer. Please keep that good family in your prayers.

Take My Life

I have been extremely blessed in my life. It was my pleasure (yes, it was a pleasure) to attend a Christian high school. I had godly teachers and have wonderful friends as a result. At my baccalaureate services, we sang several hymns. I happened to lead "Take My Life, O Father, Mold It." It's number 502 in the blue Great Songs of the Church book. This morning, as I walked out of Starbucks, that song came to mind. Why? I don't know; perhaps the Spirit thought it was time I revisited the song.

Take my life, O Father, mold it in obedience to Thy will;
And as rip'ning years unfold it, keep it true and child-like still.

Father keep it pure and lowly, strong and brave, yet free from strife,
Turning from the paths unholy of a vain or sinful life.

Ever light Thy might surround it; strengthen it with pow'r divine,
Till Thy cords of love have bound it, Father, wholly unto Thine.

When I was 18 years old, those words rang true. Looking back on the 35 years since, I wondered about if I have heeded those words. Have I continued to be child-like? Not in maturity, but in dependence and trust and simple faith. Have I been pure? Has my life been vain or sinful? I have to admit, at times it has. But God has continued to be faithful. He has surrounded me with his power and love and He has truly bound His cords of love around me. How truly blessed I am! Have a great day. JW

Camp

One of my earliest remembraces of childhood is going to Fort Hill Christian Camp near Chillicothe, OH being with my dad for the week. There were Bible classes, singing, SWIMMING, and canteen, and SWIMMING, and horseshoes and so many fun things. There were kids all over the place. By the way, at that time, the swimming was in a nasty creek with cold, cold water. I went back several years later as a camper.
Later, I counseled at Camp Tahkodah in Arkansas. It was so much fun. The people there seemed to have the same beliefs as I. I'm not talking about clones, but they loved God and have a moral system that coincided with mine. I think back on some of the close relationships I established at that time.
As a youth minister, I would go to camp. It was a great experience! At one camp in Louisiana, one of our members flew A-10 bombers. When he found out we were at camp, he would come and give us an aerial show. It was sooo cool.
In 1991, we moved to Springdale, AR and began anew (I say "anew" because I had been to camp there before in the late 70s) with Green Valley Bible Camp. Since 1991, I think I have only missed twice. I have driven from my home in Nashville, TN and now from my home in Omaha. Now I help co-direct the session and it has become a family affair. My entire family attends. My wife as a counselor, my daughter as a former camper, now counselor, my son-in-law as a counselor, and my son as a camper. We're also taking two of his friends. So many say, "Oh, you are so nice to go and help those kids." Let me let you in on a little secret. I do it because I get a lift. Think about it. How many camps do you know with plush surroundings? How good is the food at camp? Where is the fellowship so sweet? Where can you go where worship is releasing? Where else is the singing so, well, angelic?
My daughter asked me the other day, "Dad, will you still go to camp when Nate's gone?" The answer? Probably. Got a camp story? Let me know. Have a great day.

The Unfailing Love has Vanished

There are times when I want to write about something, but it's best not to. Today is one of those days. Perhaps in the future when I've calmed my thoughts down will I consider writing what is really on my mind.
With that bit of intrigue, here's what else I've been thinking about today. I love talking about God's love. Read the descriptions of the Bible writers and they can't get enough. It's overflowing, it's wide, deep, long, and wide, it's poured out, etc.
But what's it like when you don't feel God's love? When He seems so far away or absent? I think of Job in his misery. Even Jesus asks why God has forsaken Him. I came across an interesting scripture the other day that may give us a clue into this. What does it feel like to be without God's love?

Will the Lord reject forever?
Will he never show his favor again?
Has his unfailing love vanished forever?
Has his promise failed for all time? Psalm 77:7, 8

"Unfailing" is how many describe God's love. I would think that unfailing would be never-ending, eternal, constant, consistent. Don't miss the contrast. Is the unfailing love gone forever? Has his promise (something He will never renege on, again, constant, consistent) failed?
When one feels as if God's love is absent, even the consistent becomes inconsistent. The norm becomes the rare and the only thing that is constant is the lack of constancy.
I imagine there are a lot of people who feel this way. Your job today, should you decide to accept it, is to let people know how much God loves them. Even though the psalmist said the unfailing love was gone and the promise failed, it didn't. If that's the way you feel, oh friend, please rest assured that God's love indeed never fails. His mercies never come to an end and they are new every morning. God's love is steadfast and sure. And when all else fails, you can know that God's love will be the one constant in your life. Have a great day. JW

P.S. There! I feel better. I shouldn't have been thinking about that old nasty negative stuff in the first place.

God is Running

I was indulging in one of latest pasttimes yesterday--bike riding--when I noticed something. There are always people riding or walking on the path. But I passed someone a little different. This guy was running and while he was running, he had his dog on a leash and was getting the dog some exercise. But wait, there's more. He also had (I presume it was his) a small child in one of those strollers for runners. The kid was sleeping away as the guy ran, exercised his dog, and put his kid down for a little nap time.
It got me thinking. I know it's a poor example, but humor my small mind. It reminded me of what God does, except on a much more huge scale. He keeps us going. He meets our needs. He allows us to take a nap. He takes care of everything while we go about our daily business. The psalmist said, "....he who watches over you will not sumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep."
Now can you imagine if the dog would have had these thoughts? "How far are we going to run? Do you think the baby will wake up? Will I get a drink at the end of this run?" Or maybe the baby was thinking, "This ride sure is bumpy. I'm hungry, right now! It's so hot out here. When are going to stop? (said in whiny tone)" Isn't that us? Complain even when God has everything in control?
I know I've put this quote in my blog before, but it bears repeating. "The goodness of God is that which disposes Him to be kind, cordial, benevolent, and full of good will toward men. He is tenderhearted and of quick sympathy, and His unfailing attitude toward all moral beings is open, frank, and friendly. By his nature He is inclined to bestow blessedness and He takes holy pleasure in the happiness of His people. The whole outlook of mankind might be changed if we could all believe that we dwell under a friendly sky and that the God of heaven, though exalted in power and majesty, is eager to be friends with us." A. W. Tozer
Friends, indeed. And in control. And caring. And not sleeping while I am. And.....Have a great day. JW

Empty Nest and Dad's Tears

Now it starts. Oh, it's been going on for about 17 years now, but it really is becoming reality starting tomorrow. You see, my baby boy leaves to go to Harding for an Honors Symposium tomorrow. He'll be flying by himself, making his own connections in Chicago. Slowly it's been happening. It began with the toddling walk, then to the tricycle, then the bike with training wheels, now with the car.
He's getting ready to enter his senior year. We've done the senior pictures, we've got the senior schedule, we've already got senioritis. We know it's been coming, but the stark reality is starting to sink in. In about a year, we'll have finished most of our training with this life that God gave us. I know, it never stops. In fact, my daughter and her husband still live here in town near us. I think I ought to be able to declare her as dependent on my taxes because she still eats all of my food. But that's a small price to pay to be able to see her so often.
Tomorrow begins a new era, a new day. When I put him on the plane tomorrow, it will be like saying, "Begin your journey into manhood my son. I pray you're ready. Remember what you've learned. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus." Now I have to rely on others to help him make the mid-course corrections, to encourage him to seek God's face, and to whack him in the head when he blows it. Actually, the world will do a pretty good job of that. I guess what gets me is the unknown. What's lurking out there? What good things does God have in store? How will he turn out?
"Dear God, here's my son. You understand my feelings right now because you gave your Son up, too. It's been too fast, Lord. He was just born yesterday. Thank you for letting me have him because he has made me smile. Make him strong. Don't let him wander from you. May he make his Mom and Dad proud. And even though I said I had to depend on others to lead him now, it's really You on whom I'm depending. Hold him in Your hand. Lead him. Keep his heart pure. As I prayed when he was born that he would belong to You, I now give him You praying that you will keep him from the evil one. Make him strong. Help him to depend on you, as I have to so much right now. In Jesus name." Have a good day. JW

Tell Your Story

I don't like the word evangelism. Not that it's not a good word. You cannot, however, find it in the scripture. But that's neither here nor there, it's just a personal bias. I think I don't like it because of the images it brings up, i.e. door knocking, evangelism committee meeting in Room 13, etc. Talking about Jesus is who we are, not what we do.
Hence, I came across this psalm this morning:

Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me. Psalm 66:16.

Isn't that the essence of the gospel? No one tells your story better than you do. I'm not talking about bragging about all your accomplishments or talking solely about yourself. But I can hear these words spoken in humility, love, and gratitude..."Can I tell you what God has done for me?"

And as David finishes this wonderful psalm he realizes the impact of all of this on his life. He says:

Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me! Amen, King David. Amen! Have a great day. By the way, telling your story is true evangelism. JW

Some Days are Diamond...

In southwest Arkansas, there is a little town called Murfreesboro. Near that little burg is a state park that consists of 37 acres of dirt. You can go in there anytime, pay a fee, and dig to your heart's content. What you can find in this little state park are diamonds. It's called Crater of Diamonds State Park. In 2006 there were diamonds found that were 6.35 carats, 5.47 carats, 4.21 carats, and 2.37 carats. This year, one has been found that is 2.67 carats. I have heard of people who take their lawn chairs and sit and watch the field. If they see something glisten, they'll send someone to the spot to dig.
Why do I tell this little story? There have been so many times that I feel as if I have read the Bible and found everything I can find. Whenever I hear someone preach, I've heard the topic and I'm up to date on everything that's said on the topic. I wonder if anything I say is a new thought to anyone else. Sounds arrogant, doesn't it? You see, that's the devil talking. He wants us to admit mundane. He thrives in the ordinary and wants us to always have mountaintop experiences. He gloats in us sitting by the property in our lawn chairs just waiting for something to come to us.
But then it happens. I read a passage I have read hundreds, yea thousands of times. And there it is...something I've never seen before. I have uncovered the nugget that has been there all along, I've just not been patient enough. I have to admit, the most comments I get on a sermon come after one that I think I've bombed on. So I have quit swinging for the fence. I just keep digging and digging and digging. It's in those moments when God reveals His splendor to me. I know He does the same for you.
John Denver used to sing a song, "Some Days are Diamond, Some Days are Stone." Satan wants us to dwell in the stone age. I want to find the diamond. I hope this is a diamond day for you. Have a good one. JW

June 30, 1942

Diary entry: June 30, 1942:
Our wedding day! Everything went along in fine shape. George and I left Washington (PA) this a.m. and went to St. Joe (OH). Spent p.m. completing arrangements for wedding at 7:30. They serenaded us. Mother, Dad, Leo, Maude, and Seldon came up. We took George home after wedding supper and stayed in tourist home between there and Pittsburg.

Thus it began 65 years ago. Names of family and friends, few words, and the marriage began between my dad and mom. From that union came four boys, three of whom preach (one in a foreign field for the last 31 years), the others in local work. The other teaches school, just like Dad.
Most of the time it doesn't take a lot of words to describe such things that gave life. And they gave life to many people, not just their sons. Happy anniversary, Mom and Dad! A few days late, but what do you care? You're enjoying God's riches all the time. Take care. We love you. Have a great day. JW

Change

I tried something different this morning. Ever since I began shaving (I believe that was about the age of two), I have shaved the same way. On the neck under the chin, then the sides, then the tough chin, then under the nose. Same way for all these years. I've done it with mirrors and without. I've shaved in the shower. I've shaved nearly everywhere. I've tried the electric stuff and only ended up with ingrown hairs.
This morning I experimented. I started with the chin. My hands could hardly move there. I went to one side of my face, then to the lip. The neck was the last thing I shaved. Even a moment ago, I felt my face to see if I was really able to shave cleanly. It was different. It accomplished the same task. But I'm telling you, it was one of the hardest things I've ever done? Why? Because it was the way I always did it.
You already know where I'm going, don't you? Change is inevitable. If we don't grow, something is wrong. We don't look the same as we did when we first started shaving. We don't look the same as we did when we were born. Change happens. So many times we play church and when someone comes around with an idea of how to do something differently, we immediately brand them as a heretic, liberal, or change agent. The latter is one of my favorite terms. Change agent. Kind of sounds like a spy.
God never changes. He's the same today as He was yesterday and the way He will be tomorrow. But I MUST CHANGE! The songwriter said it best when he said, "New heights I'm gaining every day." It is up to me to become more like God. What? "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a frangrant offering and sacrifice to God." Ephesians 5:1
Don't be afraid of change. In fact, change is one of the most natural things that happens. Make sure you hang on to the things that never change. Then change what you must. Have a great day. JW

Proud or Ashamed?

Sometimes I think I'm such a cynic. Paris Hilton gets out of jail after serving about 3 weeks. She was in, then she was out, then she was back in, now she's out. And the press goes wild. Fans are everywhere. She has received her celebrity status back. In fact, she never lost it.
I see the same thing happening in life. There are those who brag about their past life. Then Jesus came along and saved their souls. Please don't get me wrong, I think that's wonderful. What I don't like is those who really like to talk about the sin. Instead of being humbled, instead of being ashamed, it's like a mark of pride.
Sin is ugly. Sin crucified our Lord. Praise God for the lives that are changed. But let's spend our time talking about the incredible work He did and less about the stupid things we did. Thanks for letting me rant. I hope your day is good. JW

Keep Your Eyes Open

Wow, what a game! One of the advantages of living in Omaha, NE is being able to go and see the College World Series. The second largest crowd in CWS history was there at the second game last night and it was a dandy! (Did I just sound like a sportscaster?)
It had been a fairly boring game, a hit here, a run there, for most of the game. Then in the eighth inning, Arizona State struck for three runs. Now it's 7-3, and UC-Irvine is probably going to lose. People start streaming out of the stadium. After all, who comes back from a four run deficit to the number 5 rated team in the country? Guess what? In the bottom of the eighth the Anteaters (Can you believe that nickname for UC-Irvine, reminds me of some of the mascots for teams in Arkansas) scored four runs and probably would have scored more had their third base coach not tried to stop one of his players from going too far. He reached out and tried to keep him from running home. He was automatically called out. The inning ended soon after. But in the bottom of the ninth, with the bases loaded, the center fielder (Ol-lie! Ol-lie! Ol-lie!, the crowd chanted) singled to drive in a walk-off run. The crowd went wild, the game was fantastic.
But a lot of the crowd left. They missed it. They missed the excitement, the cheers, the drama. Isn't that what happens in our lives? We think everything is boring so we turn to other things. We leave, we check out. Much of life is mundane. Much of life is feeding the kids, going to work, and paying the bills. But there are times, and you never know when they're going to happen, when the kids do something that just WHAM!, hit's you in the face spectacular. Or there is something where God just knocks your socks off. Where will you be when that happens?
You see, that's my problem with the quality/quantity time debate. The problem with the quality time is, you never know when it's going to happen. So the best way is to spend the quantity time you need to.
Keep your eyes open today. Put your nose to the grindstone. But don't miss a beat. You never know what fantastic thing will happen. Have a great day. JW

Baling Hay and Hard Work

You have probably read a blog of mine talking about how aromas can be one of the most specific memory reminders of us humans. You can take one whiff of something and it takes you back to certain places in your past. I have talked about smelling a lamination machine and thinking of my days at Yarnell's Ice Cream where they packed the half-gallons in plastic.
Well, it happened again as I was riding my bike. This time, it was the fresh cut grass. It reminded me of my granddad's farm, fresh cut hay, and hard work. What was the hard work? Once the hay was cut, my grandfather took his Allis Chalmers tractor and connected the rake to it. He would then rake the hay into neat rows. My Great Uncle Seddie owned the baler. He would come and bale the hay. When the hay was baled, my grandfather would, this time with the wagon attached, come along behind and the bales were put up on the wagon. In my younger days, I could only watch the others lift the heavy bales onto the wagon. In my teen years, I got the "privilege" of doing that. It was hard work for little pay.
So today, I laugh at my son when he complains of a double shift, i.e. working eight hours or two four hour shifts at Olive Garden. He's a host. He gets paid $8 an hour to smile at people and seat them. "When I was a boy...." Once he hears those words, the eyes roll and the brain disengages. That's all right. I did the same to my father when I heard his tales. I've been reading his diaries lately. They are filled with hard work. Work that I never did. So one day, my son will tell his son about his double shifts. Wow, I'm getting old. Have a great day. JW

Religious Blowhards

One of the pleasures of living in Omaha, NE is being able to go to the College World Series. What a blast to see eight great teams come in and compete. I have to admit, in spite of the blast of sunburn I got last Saturday, it's really something that's fun. Unless....
Friday, my son and I were sitting along the third base side in the corner of left field. Behind us was a guy who was, well, I'll just say it, a blowhard. He had no clue what he was talking about. And talk he did. He commented on every pitch. He called the pitcher "Meat." "C'mon, Meat. Throw the curve ball, Meat." His friend who was a baseball novice asked him the question, "How do all these teams qualify to come?" His answer? "Well, they have these things called regionals and they play each other." Wow! That's bright, Sherlock. The fact that they have regionals all over the country where 64 teams compete. Four in each regional. Then they have Super Regionals where the final eight teams are decided by a best two out of three series. Then it's a double elimination at the CWS with the final two teams playing the best two out of three.
There was a foul ball down the third base line. "Awwww, c'mon ump! How could you call that foul. It was in fair territory. I'll pay for your next eye examination." The gentleman in front of me turned around smiling, he said, "It wasn't even close." Constant talk, never saying anything.
I wonder if that's how we come across in the church. Always talking, rarely acting. Spouting off as if we knew everything, but really knowing very little. And truly we often come off sounding like religious blowhards. Yet we keep talking and talking and talking. Who was it, Francis of Assisi who said something like, "Preach the gospel always. if necessary, use words." Perhaps that should be our motto.
You've got to realize, these are hard words for a preacher because I am one who talks for a living. But I need to realize that actions speak louder than words. How cliche. How true. I hope your day is good. And I hope you don't have to sit in front of a pseudo know-it-all. JW

VBS

I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart. Where? Down in my heart. Where? Down in my heart.....Those of you who have ever attended Vacation Bible School know that song. Now you have to sing it with a scowl on your face because it's very serious singing about joy. Nowadays we sing songs like, Who is the King of the jungle? (Ooo Ooo) Who is the King of the sea? (Wadda Wadda Wadda), etc.
Yes, tomorrow night we begin our VBS. I remember the "Brought One" buttons. If you brought somebody, you got a pin. If you brought 10 by the end of the VBS (we were industrious back then) then you got a "Brought 10" button. No door prize, only a button.
But a lot of teaching goes on at these. Robert Fulghum wrote a book All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. In it he tells of basic things we need to know. Well here's what we learn in VBS.

1. God is God and there is no One like Him
2. Singing is fun
3. There are a lot of people who care for children
4. Church buildings can be used for a lot of cool things
5. Kool-Aid and cookies are good
6. My teachers act a lot like Jesus would
7. I like learning with others
8. You can learn about Jesus days other than Sunday and Wednesday
9. The Bible is God's Word
10. I can't wait until next year's VBS

I hope your day is good. JW

Paul's Task

We often talk about the apostle Paul, about his mission in this world. He mentions that he is the apostle to the Gentiles. Missions are good. Mission statements are important. They give us direction. They give us a starting and ending point. But I found something today that just verified my thoughts lately.
You who have been reading my blog know that I have mentioned a lot about grace. You've heard me say that I had an elder (not where I am now) tell me that he thought we could talk too much about grace. How can that be? It's by grace that we're saved. Grace is one of the foundational things we must latch onto. The New Testament is full of grace. Paul's teachings are full of grace. The apostles taught grace often.
Today, as I was reading in Acts, I found Paul's mission. He was talking to the Ephesian elders and he tells them that he is being warned by the Holy Spirit that hardships were facing him at every turn. But here's his reply to that.

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--

Here it is! The task the Lord Jesus has given him. What is that task? Is it to go to all the world? Is it to preach in Rome? Is it to tell the Gentiles of God's love? The answer to all of those questions is "yes." But not in the form we often think. Listen to what the task is.

...the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace. Acts 20:24

There it is again. The gospel (good news) of God's (The Almighty, the Creator, I AM) grace (God's riches at Christ's expense). Wow! If you ever needed evidence of our message, there it is. God's grace. That's our task, our mission. To tell the world of God's grace. Why don't we start today. Why don't we start believing in our own lives today. Have a great day. JW

What Defines You

I was picking up my (not as often) venti, no water chai from Starbucks this morning. The young barista who made my drink called out, "Venti, no water chai." "That's me," I proclaimed. She said, "I hope that's not you. That's just your drink."
I started to think about that. When Hal Holbrook did a Mark Twain imitation, the advertisement said, "Hal Holbrook is Mark Twain." When referring to Jerry West, former West Virginia Mountaineer and Los Angeles Lakers basketball star, they call him "The Logo." They call him that because the logo of the NBA is Jerry West. He's also called "Mr. Basketball."
Who do people say you are? Or, what defines your life? Is it your job? Is it some extra-curricular activity you are involved in? Some civic club? Are you called Mr. or Ms. Kiwanis? Really, ask yourself, "What defines me?"
For Paul it was easy. "For me to live is Christ..." He spoke with deeds and actions, not just words. Truly he lived de facto for or as Jesus. Perhaps that our role here on earth. To show people who Jesus really was. To truly ask the question before every action, "What would Jesus do?" We need to be Jesus with skin. What a challenge! What a mission! What a Savior! What a Lord! Have a great day. JW

Sacrifice

Three years ago yesterday I stood on the shores of Omaha Beach looking out over the North Sea where the Normandy Invasion occurred 60 years earlier. What an inspiring place to stand knowing that thousands of heroes died that day. The walk through the cemetery is equalling humbling.
Several years before that, I stood in the memorial that spans the U.S.S. Arizona at Pearl Harbor. Over 3000 soldiers are still entombed in the ship. There is a permanent oil slick there, described as the ship weeping for its inhabitants.
I have also walked among the graves at Arlington National Cemetery and have been moved to tears while hearing Taps being played at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. All of these places are ones of sacrifice and honor and quietness.
Yet, one day there was One who was sentenced for a crime He didn't commit. He was killed for speaking the truth. He was nailed to a tree in my place. And though I am moved by seeing the sacrifices of our troops, I am even more humbled by my Lord and Savior who died so that I could have life. It was He who taught the world about sacrifice. He led the way, as always. He did so willingly so that we might have life, hope. Thank you, Lord! Thank you! I hope your day is good. JW

Come Ye Disconsolate

I remember it as if it were yesterday. Fifteen minutes of uninterrupted quiet time seemed like an eternity. Yet at Fort Hill Camp, we were required to find a place of solitude and listen to hymns piped over the intercom while we read our Bibles or prayed or played in the dirt. The latter seemed more interesting to me.
There was one song (and only one song) that I remember that played over that loudspeaker system. There were others, but for some reason I remember this one. We don't sing it much anymore although the words are comforting and the tune is beautiful.
Come, ye disconsolate, where'er ye languish;
Come, at the mercy seat, fervently kneel;
Here bring your wounded hearts, here tell your anguish;
Earth has no sorrow that heav'n cannot heal.

Joy of the desolate, light of the straying,
Hope of the penitent, fadeless and pure;
Here speaks the Comforter, tenderly saying,
"Earth has no sorrow that heav'n cannot cure."

Here see the bread of life, see waters flowing
Forth from the throne of God, pure from above;
Come to the feast of love; come, ever knowing
Earth has no sorrow but heav'n can remove.

For some reason those words have stuck in my heart. We have a place of consolation, a place where God meets us and loves us and forgives us. And there is no sorrow that He cannot heal. Words of hope. Words of comfort. Ah, those old hymns. Have a great day. JW

Evelyn Juanita Garloch White

Those of you who read my blog regularly will know that I have talked a lot about my mother. Today, June 4, would have been her 86th birthday had she lived. How appropriate, though, I've been listening to Rick Atchley's sermon series on Heaven. That is, I'm convinced with all my heart, is where she will be for eternity.
I learned so much at her feet. Her compassion, her tenderness, her grit, her joy, her devotion were all things I admired greatly about her. She used to sing at the kitchen sink. She didn't sing songs about just anything. She sang hymns. She was teaching her boys about Jesus through song. And when I collected the white flowers of clover from our yard, mere weeds, she acted as if they were a dozen roses. She would get a glass of water and put them in there. And when I knocked over my drink at the table, even though my brothers would fuss at me for making a mess, she would say, "It'll come out in the wash." And although I towered over her physically in her later years, I never measured up to her spiritual greatness in the Lord. So today, I wish you a happy birthday, Mom. I miss you. Have a great day. JW