Barbara's Banter

The Abundant Life: Riches money can’t buy…

As we enter the New Year, we busy ourselves thinking how we can make changes to better ourselves. These changes are called New Year’s resolutions. Top resolutions are usually to lose weight, quit smoking, become physically fit, get organized, reduce debt, and drink less. All are noble endeavors, but statistics show they don’t last very long.

Therefore, I’ve decided to take a different approach to my New Year’s resolutions. I’ve decided to make some resolutions I can keep such as:

• eat more
• exercise less
• waste time
• remain disorganized
• be stressed
• procrastinate

These really aren’t lofty goals, but doable! Of course, I jest. Well, not totally jest, but partially jest.   

Actually, making constructive resolutions is not a bad thing. It shows a desire to be a better person. The world thinks being a better person is reflected in how we look to others: thin, athletic, goal oriented, and successful. Man wants to focus on the outside; God wants us to focus on the inside—our heart. (1 Samuel 15:7) Having a heart for God (love of God) and a heart for others (love your neighbor) are resolutions God can bless. (Matthew 22:36-40) 

What changes could we make that would show more love for God and for our fellow man? Love for God might include more praise, more prayer, more drinking in of God’s word. Love for others might include being more kind, patient, peaceable, loving, or encouraging. Plus, these changes help us experience the abundant life mentioned in John 10:10.

In trying to come up with a theme for 2023, John 10:10 kept popping in my mind. In this passage, Jesus tells us that He came so we might have life and have it more abundantly. If you would like to have a more abundant life, come along with me on a weekly journey to explore exactly what that means.

Here’s wishing you an abundant New Year! You can start by resolving to do the best you can with what you have!  

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“…I have come that they may have life and that they

may have it more abundantly.” ~John 10:10 (KJV)

It Is Good to Be Thankful: Appreciation makes the world a better place…

Here’s a Christmas prayer from a card I received. I love it!

Thank You, Lord, for

Your birth,

Your life,

Your sacrifice, and

Your resurrection!

YOU are the meaning of Christmas.

And all God’s children said, “Amen!”

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“It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord...” ~ Psalms 92:1 (KJV)

It Is Good to Be Thankful: Appreciation makes the world a better place…

When I think about the birth of Christ, I think of light. A star shone bright casting a light to guide the wise men to where Christ was born. Jesus, Himself, will later tell us, “I have come into the world as a Light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.” (John 12:46)

Jesus is referred to in Scripture many times as the Light. Jesus, the Light, came to the world, but men loved darkness instead of the Light. (John 3:19-21) As Christians we should love the Light, not darkness.

The contrast of light and darkness is often metaphorically used in the Bible to contrast good with evil. There is so much evil and darkness in the world that it’s easy for us to get discouraged. Yet, most would agree that it is “better to light a candle than curse the darkness.”  Paul said something similar when he told us to “cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.” He goes on to reveal what this armor of light is: “Put on the Lord, Jesus Christ.” (Romans 13:12-14)

Jesus living His life in us makes us a light in the world as well. We are encouraged to let our lights shine before others, so they may see our good deeds which glorify our Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16) We should never underestimate the ability of our light to influence the world for good. Impacting just one person with the light of Christ can make a big difference. 

We should never let the darkness of this world keep us from shining a light, no matter how small we may think it is. Jesus tells us that darkness cannot overcome light. (John 1:5) Although we might feel like a small candle in a vast darkness, even a small candle can benefit others. It offers light and warmth. Even small ways we reflect the light of Jesus can benefit others.

We are God’s children—children of light. (1 Thessalonians 5:5) Everything we do can bring light to others. (Colossians 4:5-6) Being a good example shines a light. The testimony we share shines a light. The scripture we quote shines a light. The encouragement we give shines a light. The love we show others shines a light.

Sometimes we forget that we were all once in darkness, needing light. Now we are children of light. (Ephesians 5:8) This would not have been possible without the birth of Christ—the Light coming into the world. How thankful I am for that blessed event!

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“It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord...” ~ Psalms 92:1 (KJV)

It Is Good to Be Thankful: Appreciation makes the world a better place…

The idea of a universal language probably dates back to the biblical account of the tower of Babel. At that time, there was only one language spoken, referred to by scholars as the Adamic language. People got together to build a tower up to the heavens. God decided to slow down the progress by confusing the languages. The project was abandoned for lack of communication.

Today, universal language means “a language intended to further communication and goodwill among people speaking different languages without necessarily replacing their native tongues.”

The word “language” means more than just the spoken word. It can be anything that communicates. We can communicate with others using sounds, gestures, symbols, or words that express or represent objects, emotions, concepts, meanings, ideas, or thoughts.

Many have had their own ideas of universal language.

The American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow said, “Music is the universal language of mankind.”

Inspirational author William A. Ward said, “A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.”

Lecturer and astrologer Chrissie Blaze says, “Prayer is the universal language of the soul.”

Having done a bit of traveling, I’ve discovered a world full of “universal languages”—things people seem to understand regardless of their native tongue. My list would include: laughter, babies, acts of kindness, facial expressions, hand gestures, shaking a head to indicate “yes” or “no,” pain, art, graffiti, pantomime, winning, losing, certain sports, restroom icons, and road signs.

And let’s not forget McDonald’s golden arches! I’ve seen them while cruising down the Nile in Egypt, by the Pantheon in Rome, on cobblestone walkways in Germany, and many other remote places. I remember traveling up to the high mountain village of Ronda in Spain, so far up in the mountains you get a nosebleed trying to get there. The village stands on a towering plateau, divided by a plunging river gorge. The gorge is spanned by a spectacular bridge called “Puente Nuevo,” built in the eighteenth century. It separates the old Moorish town from the newer portion of the city. Known for its breathtaking views, it was a sight to behold. There, near that magnificent bridge, is a vision hard to forget—a McDonalds!  

I guess my favorite “universal language” symbol comes in the form of jewelry. For when I see someone wearing a cross or crucifix, I usually find a Christian, a kindred spirit who believes in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

In Christianity, the cross represents Christ’s victory over death and sin. Perhaps belief in Jesus is the greatest “universal language” of all. All those who believe, understand what that means. I am so thankful that through Jesus, salvation was made available for all nationalities, all races, all genders—the rich or poor, the free man or slave, the young or old—no matter what language they speak. 

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“It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord...” ~ Psalms 92:1 (KJV)

It Is Good to Be Thankful: Appreciation makes the world a better place…

A few years ago I got a speeding ticket on my way to church. I held God personally responsible for this. God could have caused the police officer to look the other way, issue me a warning instead of a ticket, or even be on a different road. And when the policeman stopped me, could not God have displayed a halo around my head so the officer would know I was about my Father’s business? After all, I was on my way to church, which was a good thing. I had to be there early to help with worship, which was a good thing. I was late leaving the house because I was working on our church newsletter, which was a good thing.

Amazingly, the policeman seemed to be totally unimpressed with my good works. He was more concerned with my safety (or his ticket quota, but I prefer to think “safety” because I was definitely speeding). As he placed the ticket in my hand and bid me “God speed” (his feeble attempt at humor), I thought I heard the voice of God saying, “Sloweth thou down!” And I am not a person who usually hears voices.

In our busy world, it’s hard to slow down. I guess this was a problem in biblical times, too. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God.” The reference here would be more toward, “Just relax because I have everything under control,” or in today’s vernacular, “Chill out!” However, I think it’s reasonable to stretch the thought into “Sloweth thou down, O Busy Bee, and thinketh not that you are above the law just because you doeth some good things for me.”

Moses gave the same concept in Exodus 14:13-14 when he told the people, “Fear not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD…” Sometimes we get so busy, we can’t see what God is doing.

When some hear the biblical phrase “be still,” they think of a calm admonition, whispered in hushed tones. Those of us who’ve had children might think of it as a parent grabbing an overactive kid, locking eyes with him or her and saying, “Can’t you be still for just a minute and listen to me?”

“Being still” does not imply limiting our mobility or being stagnant Christians. But rather, it means not to get so caught up in what we’re doing that we lose sight of the greatness of God. In other words, “Sloweth thou down a bit” and see God more clearly.

I decided I should be thankful for that speeding ticket. After all, it could have slowed me down just enough to save my life. The Lord does work in mysterious ways!

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“It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord...” ~ Psalms 92:1 (KJV)

It Is Good to Be Thankful: Appreciation makes the world a better place…

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.

Most of us know how that feels. We’ve all made thoughtless statements we wish we could suck back into our head. They aren’t meant to hurt. They’re mistakes, faux pas, blunders, or slips of the tongue. We know they are wrong the minute we say them but it’s too late. We all strive to listen to a matter fully before responding, think before we speak, or keep our mouths shut. However, we all “open the mouth and insert the foot” occasionally.

When we do, it would be nice to have someone like my blind friend Rose around. She didn’t miss a beat as she chuckled and graciously said, “Oh, you want me to lead then, huh?” The man sighed and we all laughed.

I’m reminded of Proverbs 25:11: “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in setting of silver.”

Usually we think of the word fitly spoken as advice or encouragement. But to me, true “apples of gold” is this ability to turn an uncomfortable situation around by simply saying the right words.

Some fitly spoken words can be very powerful. Kennedy’s “Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country” inspired us. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I have a dream” influenced us. Churchill’s “We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender…” evoked confidence during World War II. When George Burns said, “Say good night, Gracie,” it made us smile.

As for me, I’m a simple person. I’m not out to change the world. I would settle for being able to set that other person at ease so they don’t have to feel as foolish as I do sometimes. That’s why I’m thankful for people like Rose. Her example makes me want to be a better person. 

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“It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord...” ~ Psalms 92:1 (KJV)

It Is Good to Be Thankful: Appreciation makes the world a better place…

We live in a society that fosters discontent, not thankfulness. People prefer to complain about what they don’t have, rather than be thankful for what they do have. Bombarded with a media blitz designed to make us feel like we are missing the good life, we can end up dissatisfied with a new purchase before we even get it home and out of the box.

However, I think the pandemic made all of us a little more thankful for the simple things in life. Now that the pandemic has eased up, we can easily fall into the discontentment trap again if we aren’t careful. That’s why I love Thanksgiving Day. It’s a reminder for all of us to be thankful.

Actually, giving thanks should be a daily mindset, not a once a year activity. The older I get, the more I realize how many blessings I enjoy. To me, just breathing, sleeping, and being able to get out of bed in the morning have become reasons to rejoice. I’m thankful for family, friends, and freedom. And what a privilege it is to have clean food to eat, decent water to drink, shelter from a storm, and warm clothing in winter. Yes, they seem like basics to us, but these are basics many people in the world live without. So I am truly thankful for these things.  

Once I heard someone ask, “What if you woke up today and only had access to the things you had thanked God for in the past?” This gives a slightly different perspective on giving thanks!

Sometimes I try to go through a whole day without asking God for anything, but thanking Him for everything. These little prayers can be random. When I think of all God has done for me, I might thank Him for His forgiveness, love, and mercy. When I see blooming flowers, I might thank God for His creation. When I see a homeless person, I might thank God that He never gives up on me even when I’m down and out. If someone really irritates me, I might thank God I can learn from everyone I meet, even if it’s only how not to do something!

One of the most meaningful prayers we can offer is, “Thank You, Lord!” Not only does it acknowledge God’s greatness, it praises Him for who He is and what He does.

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“It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord...” ~ Psalms 92:1 (KJV)

It Is Good to Be Thankful: Appreciation makes the world a better place…

Good food is meant to be savored, much like life. We can just live life, or savor it. We can endure life, or enjoy it. So much depends on us tasting and seeing that God is good and learning to trust Him. (Psalm 34:8) What we taste becomes a part of us internally.

Many times God uses analogies connected to our five senses because it’s something we can all identify with. Notice how God cleverly uses this analogy about tasting, but does not mention any specific food because all of our culinary tastes are different. Having done a bit of traveling around the world, I’ve learned that what some people love to eat, others don’t. We all have a very personal relationship with food.

Some of us are reluctant to try new foods. Even when someone admonishes us to “try it, you’ll like it,” we might refuse. We know that just because they like it doesn’t mean we will. However, this hesitancy to try something different can keep us from experiencing life to the fullest. So I usually try a little. Sometimes I’ve been pleasantly surprised. At least, if don’t like it and someone else asks me to try it, I can say, “No thanks! I already tried it.” It really irritates me when people think if you try it again, your experience will magically be different. People tend to think that if they like something, everyone should like it.

I enjoy eating foods that I know I like! Why???? Because I love to eat and I don’t want to waste precious taste buds on something I don’t enjoy. I know the purpose of food is to strengthen and nourish our bodies, but much is said in the Bible about enjoying food. We are told to eat food with gladness. (Ecclesiastes 9:7) Food was an integral part of celebrations. (Nehemiah 8:10) Christian fellowship was closely associated with “breaking bread” together. (Acts 2:46-47)

My dad loved to eat. When he got older, food did not taste as good to him anymore, even things he used to really relish. It was sad for me to see him eat and not enjoy it. I think about that when I taste something I love. Yes, we say grace for the food God provides before we eat. However, if I drink some really good fruit tea or consume a yummy crisp cobb salad or devour a mouthwatering juicy hamburger—I thank God for it. I’ll mentally say, “Dear heavenly Father, I am so enjoying this! Thank you so much!”

Taste and see! The Lord is so good to allow us to enjoy life and the food He provides.   

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“It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord...” ~ Psalms 92:1 (KJV)

It Is Good to Be Thankful: Appreciation makes the world a better place…

Veterans Day, which occurs on November 11 each year, honors all veterans of U.S. wars. Our Veteran’s hospitals are full of aged forgotten men and women who suffered so we might live the good life.

Many know I’m a movie buff. I especially appreciate a movie with good, crisp dialog. A favorite of mine is A Few Good Men which is about a military court case. We can visualize Jack Nicholson yelling, “You can’t handle the truth!” People remember it even if they’ve never seen the film.

However, the line I like happens when two of the lawyers disagree about their Marine clients. One asks the other, “Why do you like them so much?”

The reply is: “Because they stand on a wall and say, ‘Nothing’s going to hurt you tonight, not on my watch.’”

I love that line. When I think of those who serve in the military to protect our freedoms that’s what I picture—soldiers standing guard so we can sleep in peace. They stand watch so we can enjoy the freedoms and rights we so often take for granted: freedom of religion, freedom of speech, the right to assemble, the right to a trial, the right to vote, and so on. These are privileges not afforded many in foreign countries.  

My Dad who passed away a few years ago fought in World War II. Once when he and my stepmother had come to visit, they wanted to see the movie Saving Private Ryan. I tried to deter them by saying how realistic it was, but they really wanted to go. At the theater, my Dad proceeded to talk loudly, as older people are apt to do, throughout the whole movie. He said things like, “I was there!” “I remember that.” “What country are they in now?”

Those around us were not amused and I was a little embarrassed, of course, but I just thought about all the things I must have done to embarrass him when I was a kid. He was my dad and he served in World War II. I was proud of him and thankful he came home alive. Sometimes he would tear up when he thought of the atrocities he saw and endured.  

Old people want to forget the horrors of war but they want to remember that they fought the good fight. So much of the Bible speaks of spiritual warfare. Songs are written about being in God’s army and to advance as “Onward Christian Soldiers.” The Bible speaks of fighting the good fight (I Timothy 6:12, I Timothy 4:7). It also speaks of God fighting our battles for us.

Veterans fought battles for us, too. I think they and all our military deserve our thanks!

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“It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord...” ~ Psalms 92:1 (KJV)

It Is Good to Be Thankful: Appreciation makes the world a better place…

To me, one of the most joyous sounds in the whole world is laughter. Those who know me well know I love to laugh. I guess when people first meet me, I don’t emit that kind of vibe. Years ago I took a little speaking workshop and in my evaluation, the teacher told me that when I speak to new groups, I should let everyone know to feel free to laugh if something I say strikes them as funny. This advice has served me well through the years.

The health benefits of laughter are many. Studies show that laughter can boost the immune system, provide higher pain tolerance, increase respiratory capacity, reduce heart attack risk, help control diabetic blood sugar levels, relax muscles, decrease stress hormones, and curb allergy symptoms. Some findings even show that laughter can have some of the same positive effects as exercise. Although, that rumor may have been started by someone who hates to exercise.

The world eventually found out that what God told us years ago is true: “A cheerful heart is good medicine.” (Proverbs 17:21)

Our family has many funny stories we like to recall and laugh about when we get together. Many know that my husband, whom I affectionately nicknamed Zorro, has been a big source of laughter. So much so that I even wrote a book about him. However, other family members have given us a few chuckles as well.  

When our son Matthew was doing a grade school project on Chicago, we discovered too late that his poster said “Chigogo” instead of Chicago. That was one very funny project.   

When our daughter Sherisa was little she did not want to be considered “little,” so when we told her she was a “little mess” she replied indignantly, “I am not a little mess! I’m a big mess!”

Once we were leaving the library when my daughter Shelly was small. For some unexplainable reason, as we approached the door she turned around and in a loud voice said, “You all come see us sometime.”

When we get together for holidays we sometimes drink mimosas. I always had what I call a “poor man’s” mimosa which means I don’t want the champagne but a little seltzer water with the orange juice instead. When our granddaughter was about six she volunteered to get me a refill. She went into the kitchen and announced, “Grandma will have another homeless mimosa.”  

The list could go on and on.

We are made in God’s image, so God must laugh. I’m so thankful God created laughter and gave it His stamp of approval for “indeed, it is very good!” (Genesis 1:31)

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“It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord...” ~ Psalms 92:1 (KJV)