Barbara's Banter

A Journal of Joy: Things that make my heart smile…

One of my favorite words in the English language is “stuff.” It’s just so versatile. If you look it up in Webster’s Dictionary, you will find it has a bazillion meanings: material possessions, supplies, equipment, bullets, personal property, textiles, literary or artistic production, ideas of little value, trash, an unspecified kind of matter, scattered miscellaneous articles, talk, actions, construction material, subject matter, something consumed in the body, special knowledge or capability, a great baseball pitch, cram in, fill up, thrust, and the list goes on and on.

People got lots of “stuff.” People strut their “stuff.” People know their “stuff.” People show their “stuff.” People pick their “stuff” up and put it away. People spread their “stuff” all around. Honored baseball pitchers have what is known as tremendous “stuff.” People buy “stuff.” People sell “stuff.” People have the “stuff” of greatness. Some people “stuff” their heads with knowledge. In fact, a little knowledge can be heady “stuff.”

People “stuff” their faces. People “stuff” their pockets. People “stuff” their bags. People “stuff” their birds. Some people are “stuffed” shirts. People dish out “stuff” in conversations. Some people take that “stuff” from others and some people don’t. And all people go through “stuff” they don’t want to go through. “Stuff” happens.

At times we all wish we had other people’s “stuff” instead of our own. Rich people got lots of “stuff” and sometimes their “stuff” looks better than our “stuff.” Some of us carry around a lot of excess emotional and psychological “stuff” that weighs us down and prevents us from making the progress we’d like to make. Sometimes the “stuff” others are going through doesn’t seem as hard as the “stuff” we’re going through. But one thing is for sure. All people got “stuff” they have to put up with. No one goes through life without dealing with “stuff,” no matter how charmed you may think someone else’s life is.

God never promised us we wouldn’t have “stuff” to deal with or “stuff” to go through. However, He did say He would be there with us. Hebrew 13:5 says we should be content with such “stuff” as we have for God said He would never leave us or forsake us. Psalms 37:39 says that God is our strength when bad “stuff” happens. Proverbs 11:28 says that those who trust in their “stuff” will fall, but those who trust in God won’t.

When people have God, they can take just about any old “stuff” this world throws at them. Only God has the right “stuff” to help us in our time of need. Only God can help us keep our perspective when “stuff” happens. And I happen to think my “stuff” is personalized just for me. God said that He’d never give me more “stuff” than I could handle. So when people ask me if I want some of their “stuff,” I just say, “No, thanks!” I got plenty of “stuff” of my own.

*****

O Lord, I praise and worship You! When I see the word “stuff” I laugh. How can one word have so many meanings? Thank You for letting me see the funny side of life. Put in my heart Your gift of laughter so I will smile more and complain less when I’m dealing with my “stuff.”

A Journal of Joy: Things that make my heart smile…

I love to sleep. I love my cozy bed. I’m not a morning person so I love to sleep in. Some people can get by on six hours a night, but not me. The recommended amount of sleep to function at one’s best is between seven to nine hours. I’m definitely a nine-hour person. I don’t always get that much, but would love it if I could. I can get by on seven hours for a night or two, but nine keeps me at optimal productivity level. Did I mention that I love to sleep?

Our bodies need to rest. Sleep is therapeutic, healing, and replenishing. Old sayings like “The best bridge between despair and hope is a good night’s sleep” and “a good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor’s book” seem to be rooted in truth.

Unfortunately, people find little time for sleep in this 24/7 world. The results are problems, frustrations, and anger. Poor sleep habits create mistakes and miscalculations. Lack of sleep affects concentration and coordination. Many driving accidents can be linked to driver fatigue. Not only does lack of sleep make people testy and accident-prone, it makes them vulnerable to disease and infection.

Years ago people went to sleep when it got dark. The invention of electricity and the light bulb changed all that. Today video games, television, and computers provide us with scads of late night options. Grocery stores are open all night long. Telephone service is available all night long. We can literally wake up in a city that never sleeps all over the world.

Although I love to sleep, it doesn’t always come easy. The pressure and stress of life can weigh heavily on my mind. Fortunately, God never slumbers or sleeps (Psalm 121:4). Sometimes I forget He stays awake 24/7 to watch over me so I can sleep. God has everything under control.

If I have a hard night, I think of Psalm 30:4-5. “Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning!” There is much comfort and joy in sleep – and in resting in the Lord.

*****

Father, I know You created us to need sleep and rest. Not only do You provide physical rest from my daily labor, but ultimate rest from the burdens in life. When I am weary You tell me to come to You and You will give me rest. My soul can find rest in You!

A Journal of Joy: Things that make my heart smile…

Everyone’s life is full of turmoil and trials. We all have times when we feel like we don’t know what to do. What should we do when life gets overwhelming, hard decisions need to be made, or the enemy is attacking?

One thing I try to do is stay focused. I need to be looking to God. Only He has the power to save me (Isaiah 45:22). I fix my eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2). I lose power, hope, and purpose when I don’t focus on the right things.

A wonderful biblical example of this is found in 2 Chronicles 20.

Jehoshaphat’s kingdom of Judah was being threatened by the armies of many nations like Ammon and Moab who joined together to annihilate Judah. These huge armies were strong and surrounded Judah. There seemed to be no chance of survival. So people from every town came together to seek help from the Lord. The men, their wives, and children stood in the courtyard of the temple and Jehoshaphat prayed a heartfelt prayer extolling God’s greatness and acknowledging Judah’s lack of power to withstand the inevitable attack. It ended with, “For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You” (2 Chronicles 20:12).

God told the people not to be afraid or discouraged. He told them to face the enemy and stand firm. They would not have to fight this battle because it was the Lord’s. The people fell down in worship to God.

Early the next morning, Jehoshaphat encouraged the people to have faith in the Lord. As they headed off to battle, he appointed men to lead the way by singing and praising God. “Give thanks to the Lord. His love endures forever” 2 Chronicles 20:21. As they sang, a miraculous thing happened. These armies began to attack one another instead of Judah. By the time Judah got to the battleground, they saw only the dead bodies of their enemies.

Now the path I need to follow doesn’t always become immediately crystal clear, nor does deliverance come quickly. Sometimes waiting is part of the process. That’s all the more reason I need to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus. I need to be continually praising Him for His greatness, for what He’s done in my past, and what He will do in my future. I need to let Him know I’m looking to Him because I have no power and very little strength. I’m relying on His strength.

It comforts me to know that I am never alone or forsaken (Hebrews 13:5-6). The world around me might feel like it is crumbling at times but the Creator of the universe holds me in His loving hands.

*****

Dear Lord, You know my life is filled with problems I am not equipped to handle. Without You to lean on and look to, I have no hope. My hope is in You alone. Let Your loving hands hold me close and keep me safe. Help me see clearly the paths You want me take. When I must wait for answers, fill my heart with peace, patience, and praise.  

A Journal of Joy: Things that make my heart smile…

By Barbara Dahlgren

Independence Day gives all Americans a reason to celebrate. The parades, the barbecues, and the fireworks are all part of the fun. However, I want to appreciate the freedom I have that make these activities possible.

Years ago I wrote a weekly newspaper column called Patterns of the Past which required a lot of research. Being a student of history made these articles a pleasure to write, not a pain. Around Fourth of July I always tried to include something about our forefathers. So I found out some interesting facts about the signers of the Declaration of Independence.   

Signing the Declaration of Independence was more than just putting your “John Hancock” on a piece of paper. Those men had courage. From the moment they signed their names, they became traitors in the eyes of the British. They sacrificed a lot so I might have freedom.

Did you know the British considered John Hancock and Sam Adams criminals and had a price on their heads? The British chased Thomas McKean, George Reed, and William Hooper like foxes. They had to move their families from town to town to escape being captured. Ned Rutledge, the youngest signer, and Thomas Hayward Jr. were made prisoners of war. Richard Stockton was captured, tortured, and killed. James Otis was beaten by the British and left mentally deranged.

William Floyd, Lyman Hall, George Clymer, and Lewis Morris had their homes plundered and destroyed. While “Honest John” Hart was away, his wife died during an attack on his home. His children had to flee to neighbors for refuge. Francis Lewis had his Long Island mansion destroyed. His wife was imprisoned and tortured. The Revolutionary War swept away his fortune.

War costs money so many other fortunes were lost, too. Lewis Morris was the wealthiest merchant in Philadelphia. His home and business were destroyed. He ended up in debtor’s prison. Thomas Nelson died, leaving his family deeply in debt.

John Morton of Pennsylvania had all of his friends who were mostly Quakers turn against him. These stories could go on and on. The hardships and trials of all 54 men are too numerous to mention. They did more than sign a historic document; they sacrificed their lives so I might have freedom.

Someone else sacrificed His life for my freedom as well. His name is Jesus Christ. He was rich and for me, He became poor (2 Corinthians 8:9). He died to give me freedom from sin and freedom from bondage (Romans 6:18, 22; Galatians 5:1). He gave me the free gift of righteousness and the free gift of grace (Romans 5:7; Ephesians 2:8).

The month of July always reminds me of freedom. I don’t want to ever take my physical or spiritual freedom for granted.

*****

Dear Jesus, I can’t begin to understand what other Christians go through to worship You in countries where freedom is a dream and not a reality. Be with them. Give them strength, courage, and protection. Help me to always appreciate my freedom in America and my freedom in You! May I never cease to give You praise and glory and honor!

A Journal of Joy: Things that make my heart smile…..

My friend Lori has been gone a while now but I think of her often. When I think of Lori, I think of laughter, all kinds of flowers, shoes and purses, teddy bears, her boys, beanie babies, reading books, and diet coke. Lori loved to talk to people, and her trusty cell phone was by her side until the end. Lilac was her favorite color, but almost any shade of purple would do. Soft purple hues were on her sheets, pillows, clothes—everywhere!

Lori had the keenest sense of direction of any person I’ve ever known—male or female. I have none! When we went someplace I’d drive and Lori would direct. That way we would each have control over something. We were both strong-willed, so we called ourselves the “bossy broads.” I’m not really a “do lunch” kind of person, but Lori was. So we’d lunch at these out of the way places that she knew 500 different ways to get to. We’d fight about who would pay the tab.

I was with Lori the day she found out she had ovarian cancer. Our hopes were high. Hers was not an aggressive cancer, and with chemotherapy the doctor was 90% sure they could rid her body of the dreaded disease and it would not return. Even with those great odds, chemo was not easy. There was the guilt over feeling angry, but it was momentary, for Lori was one of the most positive people I’ve ever known. Her trust in God never waned. The question of “Why me?” quickly dissolved into “Why not me?”

After months of chemo, Lori lost her hair. This may not sound like much, but when a woman brushes her hair and handfuls come out, it can be very traumatic. We had our own little “therapy” the night before each major chemo treatment. We’d go see a funny movie and feast on buttered popcorn. Finally, chemo ended. Lori was ready to rebuild her life.

I was with Lori the day she found out her cancer had returned. The medical profession was puzzled. Hers was a non-aggressive cancer. How could it return? Surgery and more chemo were prescribed. The second round of chemo didn’t go well. She was allergic to the drug they wanted to use—the one with the best track record. They substituted others. The cancer kept growing. The doctors remained baffled.

I was with Lori the day doctors released her from care. They could do nothing more for her. She searched for alternative methods but nothing seemed to help. She kept her receptionist job at Los Gatos Christian Church for as long as she could. It gave her a reason to get out and about. Our lunches and movies became fewer. Eventually, she was house bound and then virtually bedridden. Hospice workers and nurses would come a couple of times a week. I’d call her often and sometimes come to visit her on my way to work. I’d bring her a blue Slurpee, Jamba Juice, or some little something she was craving. She became weaker and weaker. As I hugged her, all I could feel were the bones of a once robust body. In her frailness, she held me tight and close. She whispered in my ear, “I’m going to die, Barb.” I’d whisper back, “I know.” We’d pray.

Lori did not die lonely. She had more friends than any person I’ve ever known. I was just one of many. If she was in the hospital or at home, her room would be filled with cards, books, flowers, comforters, quilts, stuffed animals, or pillows people had brought her. One day she even received a bouquet of flowers from the owners of her local florist shop. She loved people and people loved her. She gravitated toward the elderly, the sick, the hurting, the handicapped. She genuinely cared about others. No task was too menial or dirty for her to do if someone needed help. God always got the glory. People knew she loved God by the way she lived her life.

She had her up days and down days, but her relationship with God never wavered. Even in her darkest hours she never doubted God’s wisdom, love, and gentle hand in her life. There might be things she didn’t understand, but she never doubted. I would always leave Lori a little ashamed that my trust in God was not as great as hers and very inspired that I knew a “real Christian.”

I miss Lori, but I know she is with God now. With her keen sense of direction, there is no way she could get lost!   

*****

Oh Lord, I thank and praise You for the friends You’ve brought into my life. I’ve learned so much from each one of them. What a blessing they are! In sickness or in health, they never cease to amaze me. Help me be a good friend to others. No matter what I’m going through, help me always reflect Your glory.

A Journal of Joy: Things that make my heart smile…..

My life is an endless cycle of walking into rooms and forgetting what I went in there to get – until I go back to where I started. Then I remember it, only to forget it when I get back to where I went in the first place. It’s getting to where I have to write myself a post-it note just to remember what I want to get in the next room.

This memory thing can be problematic. There is the problem of two people looking at the same thing, but seeing something different. My husband and I do this all the time. The technical name for it is marriage.

When we moved to Tacoma, Washington over thirty years ago, we were in a rush to get to our first church service there. We hurriedly scooted our three young children into the car and flew down the highway. My husband glanced out the rearview mirror and noticed a flurry of papers flying around behind us. Then he remembered leaving his briefcase on the top of the car. Could this paper storm be everything from his briefcase, including all our important documents we didn’t want lost in our move? Yes, indeed it was!

Frantically we pulled to the side of the highway and he started picking up some still intact files, his Bible, and what random documents he could find. Miraculously, he wasn’t killed by the oncoming traffic. We were surprised when a leather-jacketed, Good Samaritan on a motorcycle stopped to help. Believe it or not, most of the important stuff was recovered. The Good Samaritan waved farewell, and we have recounted the incident many times. However, each of our versions seems to be slightly different. He remembers the Good Samaritan taking off his helmet and revealing long, shoulder length, tousled hair. I remember his head as totally shaven. To this day each of us knows he/she is right and the other one is wrong.

Police officers experience this all the time. When eyewitnesses are questioned about whom they saw do the robbery, the descriptions indicate the crime was committed by a short, tall, black, white person with short, long, brown, blonde hair wearing blue sweatpants or a brown suit.

Our memories can be flawed and unduly influenced by time, bias, and suggestions. Some of us even tend to shade the truth a bit—not intentionally, but if we tell an embellished story long enough, we actually think it is true. If we are having difficulty with a person, our minds magnify their imperfections. We even believe our fantasized ideas about how much better things were in years gone by.

Such was the case when the Israelites came out of Egypt. For years they groaned for deliverance because of their unbearable hardships (Exodus 1:8-22; 2:23; 5:7). However, when God delivered them, they grumbled about how much better off they had been in Egypt.

When they didn’t like how God provided for them they’d recall their distorted view of the good old days. “Remember the fish we ate in Egypt…” (Deuteronomy 11:5) or “It would have been better if the Lord had just killed us in the land of Egypt! At least there we had plenty to eat” (Exodus 16:3 ERV). Yes, they may have had fish, but they also had oppressive slavery under cruel task masters, to the point that even their baby boys were killed at birth.

Later, God would tell them to remember when they were slaves in Egypt. Remember that God delivered them to freedom (Deuteronomy 5:15). Remember what God did to Pharaoh and to Egypt (Deuteronomy 7:18). Remember how God led them through the wilderness (Deuteronomy 8:2).

This was more than exhorting them just to remember these things; it was telling them to remember accurately. “Be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live” (Deuteronomy 4:9 NLT).

Human memory is flawed. Life, even the Christian life, is not easy so when times get rough we might imagine it was better before God revealed Himself to us. Not true! We forget how lonely, depressed, angry, hopeless, or void of purpose we felt without God. We forget all God has done for us.

When God reminds me of something He did for me that I have forgotten, it fills my heart with joy. It has to be a God thing because I can’t even remember what I came into this room to get.

*****

O God, help me remember Your love, mercy, kindness, and faithfulness to me and my loved ones. Bring to memory all those little prayers You answered immediately and the ones where You wisely didn’t give me what I wanted because You know what’s best. Gently and lovingly remind me of all You have done for me, lest I forget.

A Journal of Joy: Things that make my heart smile…..

Around Father’s Day, precious memories of my dad flood my soul! A lot of them came from his last year of life.

It’s funny how your parents seem to age all of a sudden. One minute you look at them and they look like your mom or dad. The next minute, some old person is looking at you. That’s how it was with my dad.

When my 84-year-old father’s hip broke, we knew it was the beginning of the end. First he went to the hospital to have a rod put in. The pain was excruciating. He was in the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s, so he was very disoriented. We had to explain over and over and over again where he was and what had happened. He looked so frail and frightened. Any quality of life was gone. I felt guilty praying for God to release him from this world, and I felt guilty asking God to let him live. But I must admit, although I prayed for God’s will to be done, my heart’s desire was for our heavenly Father to just let him go, but He didn’t.

It was obvious Dad could no longer be cared for at home, so it was with apprehension that we placed him in a nursing home. After much prayer and discussion, we opted for a veteran’s facility about 30 miles from my parent’s home in the Midwest. It was a clean and a had a loving environment—something many in my dad’s position weren’t fortunate enough to have. It was also close enough for my stepmom to faithfully visit him for a few hours every day. My stepbrother lived about four hours away and came back almost every other weekend to help her drive. Since I lived in California, it was more difficult for me to get back to visit, but I tried to make it once a month and stayed in touch via telephone a couple of times a week.

At first Dad cried to come home but that was out of the question. His hip healed and he became a little mobile, using a walker and wheelchair. Although he was generally a mild-mannered man, he could wreak havoc out of frustration. My heart ached each time I saw him and I begged God to be merciful but prayed, “nevertheless, Lord, Your will be done.” Eventually, Dad settled in and started thinking of his little room as home. He didn’t fuss as much when Mom left each day.

It gradually became clear to me there might be many reasons why God chose to keep my dad alive, one of them being that I had a lot to learn through this experience.

I learned love from the staff at this care facility. It’s true they got paid for what they did, but no amount of money could give them the sunny dispositions they kept day after day. They tenderly cleaned Dad up and changed his soiled linen. The nurses gave him kisses, combed his hair, and made sure he ate.

I learned about going above and beyond. Even when Dad was placed in hospice, which everyone knew was the last stop before dying, they made sure he had a new air bed so he wouldn’t get bed sores, new glasses, and new expensive shoes to accommodate his hammer toes. It would have been easy to just say, “Why bother? He’s not going to last much longer anyway.” They didn’t. They wanted only his comfort and well-being.

I learned appreciation. It touched me how respected the vets were in the Midwest. Some organization was always bringing him candy, comforters, toiletries, or stuffed animals. School classes were constantly sending cards and letters of appreciation saying, “Thank you for fighting in the war,” and “Thank you for keeping America safe.”

I learned to take joy in simple things like an ordinary Bingo game. When some vet in a wheelchair without the use of all his limbs or hearing or sight yelled, “Bingo!” everyone cheered. There were also Craft Fairs where vets proudly displayed what they made. When they won a prize, they loved it when you congratulated them or took their picture.  

I learned compassion. There’s something quite moving about one vet without an arm helping another without his legs. At first the pain of seeing these guys in those conditions was too difficult for me to bear, but soon I had camaraderie with them. We were joking and sharing stories.

I learned selfless service. Many who helped at this VA facility were volunteers. Like Jack who helped the guys bowl with a special apparatus designed to hold the ball so all the men had to do was push. Each time I visited, I saw Dad’s little bowling trophy on his nightstand.

I learned to be happy for what I had instead of sad over what I didn’t have. When my dad saw me his face would light up! I was happy he knew I was his daughter even if he couldn’t remember my name. He’d say, “I know you! You’re my daughter!”

I learned even an Alzheimer’s patient can put his trust in God. Each day my dad played the same tape of old gospel songs over and over and over again. He’d sing and sing and sing. “Just a closer walk with thee…” “Oh they tell me of an unclouded day…” “I’ll fly away, oh glory…” We loved to sing together. When we’d sing, “Take it to the Lord in prayer,” he’d look over at me and say, “You know that’s true, don’t you? Don’t ever forget it!”

When the Lord finally took my dad home to be with Him, I was thankful for that last year I got to spend with him. What precious memories!

*****

O Father, I can’t thank You enough for giving me my dad. Because of him, it is easier for me to accept You as a loving Father. My dad has gone to be with You, and I know You will take good care of him. Please help me be attuned to other fathers and when I see them doing a great job with their kids, put in my heart to let them know. Parenting is a hard job. Everyone needs a little encouragement now and then.

A Journal of Joy: Things that make my heart smile…..

I want to share some of my favorite magnets with you—full of pithy quotes that have given me much joy and laughter. They contain much wisdom and have been hand-chosen by me to hold an honorable, prominent place on my refrigerator or near my work desk.

But first, I need to make a disclaimer. A couple of them may contain a few words others might find offensive – especially the ones I keep in my private work area. So if you are easily offended, I suggest you stop reading now. For the rest, I say read on.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I am against dirty jokes, foul language, and profanity. However, remember the Bible itself is not beyond colorful language for accurate descriptions. What does one think a pile of dung is? And don’t look up the meaning to “filthy rags” if you are squeamish. There is difference in saying the road to hell is paved with good intentions versus telling someone to go to hell, although both expressions contain the word “hell.”

With that said, here are some of my favorite magnet memos.

• Leave me alone! I’m having a crisis!

• I found myself. See? I’m right here!

• What is popular is not always right. What is right is not always popular.

• I didn’t say it was your fault. I said I was going to blame you.

• Behind every successful man is an exhausted woman.

• The rooster may crow but the hen delivers the goods.

• You have two choices for dinner: take it or leave it.

• I clean house every other day. This is the other day.

• I can only please one person a day. Today is not your day and tomorrow isn’t looking too good either.

• Do it! Do it right! Do it right now!

• Doo-doo happens. (Yes, it says “doo-doo” happens!)

• It’s better to be pissed off than to be pissed on.

• Where is the liar who said life was fair?

• I’ve changed. It’s called menopause!

• The truth will set you free, but it will piss you off first.

Oh sure, I have a lot of magnets with scriptures, others encouraging me to stay spiritually focused, and tons that are of places I’ve visited. I love my magnets. But none seem to bring me as much joy as the ones I’ve listed.

This one about truth is a definite keeper. It sort of reminds me of that line in A Few Good Men when Tom Cruise asks Jack Nicholson to tell him the truth. Jack’s angry reply is, “You can’t handle the truth!”

We live in a world with very little truth. What little truth we have, no one wants to hear. Don’t confuse me with the facts! People think truth is relative. Everyone has their own truth. I have my truth. You have your truth. They have their truth. Truth can be very deceptive. People can even convince themselves they are speaking truth when they aren’t, thinking the end justifies the means even if it means being untruthful. 

What they fail to realize is that there is only one truth. It’s Jesus Christ. Yes, I know many people don’t want to hear it. It upsets them because they can’t handle the truth. Jesus is “the way, the truth, the life! (John 14:6)” No one comes to salvation unless they go through Him. Once we accept salvation we become His disciples. Jesus tells us that His disciples will abide in His Word. There they will find the truth and the truth will set them free (John 8:31).

****

Jesus, You are the way, the truth, the life! Staying focused on You is the only way to navigate in an untruthful world. As I read the Bible I pray for Your guidance, Your discernment, Your wisdom, and Your insight to permeate my inner being so I can live in the reality of Your truth.

A Journal of Joy: Things that make my heart smile…..

Keeping your word is almost unheard of among politicians. It’s becoming a lost art form among regular folks as well. The tragedy in not keeping your word results in what Cicero told us, “A liar is not believed even though he tells the truth.” That’s why it’s a real breath of fresh air when you find someone who actually keeps his word.

We learned this many years ago while living in Appalachia. As a young family, we wanted to purchase a little property to build a house. We had our eye on some acreage owned by a man I will call Farmer Brown. We met Farmer Brown on his land. He looked around, pointed to the trees and foliage, then said he had a special affection for this particular parcel because he wanted to give it to his son to build on, but his son had other plans. “Uh-oh,” we thought. “Is he good or what?” We were city people and could feel the price rising even as we spoke.

Then he quoted us an extremely low amount. He said he liked us because we reminded him of his children. We quickly agreed and said we would have a contract drawn up immediately. He stopped talking and just stared at us for a few seconds. To use the vernacular of the area we were in, he got plum insulted. He said if we needed a contract the deal was off. His handshake should be a good enough bond for us. We trusted him and shook on it. He was refreshing, honest, and true to his word.

The world is used to men twisting words to manipulate people, but the old saying still rings true, “A man is as good as his word.” The Bible speaks of a good name being better than precious ointment (Ecclesiastes 7:1). It also says that putting confidence in those who are not true to their word can be painful (Proverbs 25:19).

James 5:12 says, “Let your yes be yes and your no be no,” which is just a fancy way of saying, “Keep your word.” That’s what I think about when I remember Farmer Brown.   

*****

Dear Father, I want to be a person who can be counted on to do what I say even in the small things. Give me wisdom in what I agree to do. If I agree to do something and can’t make it, then help me be courteous enough to contact those who are counting on me and not leave them hanging. This world is full of broken promises. You do not break Your promises to me, and I shouldn’t break mine to others. 

A Journal of Joy: Things that make my heart smile…..

Three lady friends and I were out for a night on the town. We were going to dinner and then the symphony. What fun! After dinner we shared an elevator with a middle-aged man. We chatted with him and found out he was headed for the symphony, too. Since we were within walking distance but not sure which way to go we said, “Great! We’ll follow you.”

He good naturedly replied, “That would be like the blind leading the blind.”

There was dead silence, the kind that only lasts a second but seems like a lifetime. You see, my friend Rose is blind. It was apparent by the man’s expression that he wanted the earth to open and swallow him up.

I knew the feeling well because I’ve had my share of verbal faux pas. I long to be the one speaking “apples of gold in a setting of silver” (Proverbs 25:11), but that precious word so fitly spoken seems to elude me. I have blooper-itis. “Kids say the darndest things” but we adults can give them a run for their money.

I’m reminded of a story I heard about a woman who went to the produce section of a grocery store and asked to buy half a head of lettuce. The produce guy seemed perplexed but said he would check with the manager. He went to the back of the store, found the manager, and said, “Some idiot wants to buy a half a head of lettuce.” He turned slowly to find the woman had followed him. He then added, “And this lovely lady here would like to buy the other half. Would that be okay?”

I’m afraid I don’t think that quickly. I consider myself a reasonably intelligent person, but I tend to have these brain-freeze moments.

Once, a neighboring church choir came to sing for our congregation. I thanked a man for coming. He looked at me blankly and said, “But I attend church here with you.”

At a family conference, the speaker encouraged us to meet someone new from each age group every day: a pre-teen, a teen, an adult, and a senior citizen. I went up to the first woman I saw and said, “Perhaps I could meet you and you’d be my senior citizen for today.” She looked offended and replied, “Perhaps you could, but I’m NOT a senior citizen.”

One time I even forgot the name of my best friend when I was introducing her to someone. The list could go on and on.

While these bloopers bring a smile to my face, I still wish I could be more like my friend Rose. She had a certain graciousness that set the other person at ease in an awkward situation.

When the man good naturedly replied, “That would be like the blind leading the blind” and dead silence occurred, Rose didn’t skip a beat. She laughed and graciously said, “Oh, you want me to lead then, huh?” The man sighed and we all laughed.

Now that’s what I call true apples of gold!

*****

Father, how I long to speak apples of gold in settings of silver, but it doesn’t seem to happen very often. Forgive me when I don’t think before I speak and perhaps say a hurtful thing to someone thinking it’s all in fun. Give me the ability to make others feel comfortable in an awkward situation and fill my mouth with Your words of edification.