Animals Are a Gift From God

I've had many animals as pets, but I never connected with one as much as I have my cute little grand-dog. Apparently he feels the same way about me as captured in a hilarious (to me anyway!) video made by my son Chris. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGnXVuvcWJM. 

His name is Dan, but I call him Danny, and he is a Beagle/Jack Russell mix.  He has his own shelf of doggie treats in my pantry, a corner of my living room for storage of his bed (when he stays overnight) and toys,  and the assurance of at least an hour walk per day when he visits. I am firmly wrapped around one of his little paws although I haven't identified which one as yet.

Genesis 1:26 states: "Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground."' I don't know if God intended some of the creatures to become pets, but I'm sure He knew and was pleased that man could relate to animals in such a way.

Enjoy the video and my New Year's wish for each of you is to embrace each day with as much excitement as my grand-dog! (Feel free to share this blog or the video).

It Only Now Begins

I'm always a little sad when Christmas is over so I don't take down the Christmas decorations until mid-January. By then, I'm feeling a little guilty about having them up for 2 months, but I really enjoy the way it makes my home so inviting and special.

This year, I also faced a change that will result in a dilemma next year. My church changed service times which conflicted with our annual open house that had been an event since 1973. I learned too late that the later service (in the past it was midnight, 11pm and then 10pm) was abolished due to low attendance of maybe 30 people last year. I couldn't cancel my open house because family and friends begin looking forward to it as early as October. I understand why the change was made, but I still am saddened by the decision.

Since 1969, I had been attending these candlelight services (and the later one for almost 3 decades), and I believe that was only the 3rd time I'd ever missed a Christmas Eve service. Instead, my younger son and I attended my older son's and daughter-in-law's church. It was a nice contemporary service, but we missed the traditional candlelight service of our own church. Next year, I'll have to decide which event of more than 40 years takes priority - the open house or attending my own church's services. We'll see what happens...

When Steve was living, I could always look forward to New Year's Day and our anniversary later in January. Now I have to focus on something else, and it is actually the right thing to do.

Jesus is born!!! The world changed with that one simple event, and now the journey to follow him begins anew. I can make whatever NewYear's resolutions I want, but I know everything should focus on how I can continue his lessons for living. And in the end, it won't matter whether I have an open house or attend different church services on Christmas Eve - what matters is that I remember the significance of Christmas itself and live it every day. I hope that is a reality for all my Christian friends and family too.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

More Than a Business

For the second time, I am the recipient of a special kindness from a business. In fact, it's difficult for me to think of them as a business because we have a special bond that has lasted more than 3 decades. To me, they epitomize what commerce and good customer service should be about and here's why:

Every year, but one (because I was expecting), my husband had something under the tree for me from my favorite women's clothing store - Saffees. It was my favorite for a number of reasons, and not just because of the quality and selection of their clothing. Over the years, we became friends with a son and daughter of the owners who have now taken over the family business.

The year I lost my husband, I received a call from the manager Bonnie McConnell Smith who unfortunately passed away recently. Bonnie was special, too, and always knew what I would I like, although my husband Steve did an excellent job of that himself.

Bonnie called to tell me they had something for me that she needed to drop by my home. Apparently, the owners' son, also named Steve, awoke in the middle of the night thinking, "What about Vicki?" He knew the tradition, and was adamant that a gift from Saffees should be under my tree. So these fine people presented me with an Oleg Cassini running suit.

This year, while shopping at Oak Park Mall, I visited with Marie who now manages the store there. (It's customary for me to visit that store at least annually to purchase stocking stuffers which are donated). As always, we visited and I also found a couple of gifts for family.

Now, back in Lawrence, I decided there was one additional item I wanted so I called Marie to ask her to send it to the Lawrence store for pick-up. When the Lawrence store called to tell me it had arrived, I asked them to put it on my account and I would try to have one of my sons pick it up for me.

Soon after, I received another call from Cheryl who said that she would press the wrinkles out of the item for me, gift wrap it, and either she or Steve would personally drop it by my home, or they would send it UPS. This was not an expensive item so I told them to please not make an extra effort, but Cheryl stated that Steve wanted to do that for me. Within a few hours, the package was delivered!

I have been the recipient of many kindnesses, but one doesn't expect those same kindnesses from a business. That is what makes Saffees so special. Even though I can only make it into the local store a couple of times a year, they continue to bestow the same kindness and courtesy I truly value from them.

The Bible tells us to "love one another," and Titus 3:8 states: "...so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone." The Saffees staff and owners live that philosophy, so while other stores may be caught up in the commercialization of Christmas, these individuals truly make this a better world for their fellowman.

Merry Christmas to all, and may you also give and receive many unexpected kindnesses this holiday season.

Wishing or Praying? Hope at Christmas

It occurred to me recently that both wishing and praying are about hope. In this season that is all about hope, it's interesting to reflect on the two.

I think the biggest difference between wishing and praying is that the later is based on faith. We are making our wants and needs known specifically to God, and hoping that it is His will to honor our request. Wishing, on the other hand, is just hoping that something will occur.

I also know that I'm ignorant of the big picture. Some bad things will happen; Christians are not immune. Sometimes, it's really difficult to understand why God lets certain things occur, but I believe it all works according to His BIG plan. Although it's not easy, I also think God will help us to make lemonade out of the lemons that we encounter on our life's journey. In fact, I've seen that to be true with of my own heartaches. The Bible specifically addresses it in Romans 8:28 - "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

I have to admit, there are so many blessings in my life that I couldn't begin to list all of them. I especially notice this around the holidays when, I believe it was Dickens who said in A Christmas Carol, "want is felt more keenly." I have everything I need, and most everything that I really want. That's a true blessing, and I feel it my responsibility to share that blessing with others.

If you read my story in the recently released Chicken Soup for the Soul: Merry Christmas! edition, you will understand why the loss of my husband always makes this time of the year a little bittersweet. While I'm sad that I can't have Steve here to share the holiday with me, I love Christmas and the hope that it stands for. And for those of us who have experienced significant loss, it is that hope which often drives us to prayer.

And now, Merry Christmas to all, and I pray that you will share the love, peace, hope and blessings of the season, especially with those who need it most!

Thanksgiving vs. Christmas

It’s been looking like Christmas since before Halloween, and usually I have no problem getting caught up in the excitement. As usual, I’ve been reading Christmas books for more than a month now, and watching Christmas shows on television. And normally, my Christmas decorating begins before Thanksgiving, but this year, I find myself uncharacteristically wanting to wait a little longer with that. 

I truly think that thanksgiving is a year-round concept. In fact, I often thank God many times during the day. With that said, I confess I’m not very diligent in saying grace before meals except on special occasions, but I do try to remember to thank God each night for all he has given me, and the possibilities sent my way.

I think this year is a little different for me because I’m continuing to move away from putting so much importance on possessions. Make no mistake, I still like things, but I’ve realized they aren’t what really bring me happiness.  I most value experiences (preferably the positive kind), and the ability to do for others.  That’s when I feel most blessed when I can give and share – something some of us never realize is a true blessing.

So, it might take me a little longer to get into the Christmas spirit this year. I do have my tree up, although undecorated as yet, and I will put out my outside décor while it is still relatively nice weather, but I want to savor Thanksgiving a little while longer this year before I buy many more things to give or keep.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “…give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” I’ll readily admit that isn’t always easy when things aren’t going my way, but it should be very easy to at least be thankful amidst so many blessings on a daily basis. Maybe that’s what Thanksgiving is really all about - preparing us to know that we are blessed every day and to give thanks.

For ways to express your Thanksgiving gratitude and do something positive for your fellowman, check out my forthcoming Examiner article on "Thanksgiving opportunities," or visit my website (www.vickijulian.com) and click on the link to access my column.

Disabled, Handicapped or Something Else

I am mobility challenged. I can walk, but not far and not well. A scooter (aka adult go-kart) is my main transport, and I have one in my car tethered to a boom lift for when I go away from home. There are a few more issues associated with my Multiple Sclerosis (M.S.) diagnosis, but I’m not thinking of those as I write this blog entry.

Like many others, I believe, I don’t consider myself disabled or handicapped. There are simply some things that I can’t do any more like run a marathon (okay, I never really did that), cross-country ski, or dance.  I miss some of that mobility and being able to do little tasks around the house, but I still function well, especially cognitively. And, most importantly, I can accept my situation with humor. In fact, I've recently won awards for a humorous essay on the subject of living with my M.S.

Since I’m an optimist, I would rather concentrate on what I can do rather than what I cannot. That’s really a secret to happiness for all of us. And one of those things that almost all of us can do is to make things better for those around us. As long as I can still do for others, I am empowered and will never really consider myself disabled or handicapped. 

Although my challenges may be obvious to others, and they sometimes express surprise at what I can do, it’s no big deal to me. I accept help when needed, or if it will make someone else happy to do something for me, but I retain my independence. I truly thank God for that.

I know so many who struggle inwardly and no one knows of their challenges, only because these are more difficult to discern than a leg brace or use of mobility equipment. But also I think of those with some of the same issues as mine, both current and noted in the Bible.

I remember the paralyzed man whose friends brought him to meet Jesus and receive healing. How hard that must have been for the lame man to be so dependent upon others (Matthew 9:2). No public transportation, no accessibility, no physical or occupational therapy, and certainly not many others with whom he might identify. Add to that, the Old Testament is full of stories ostracizing the sick and disabled. It wasn’t a good time to be anything but perfectly healthy. Again, I truly thank God for placing me in this world at the present time.

It seems there are a lot more of us with physical challenges these days as evidenced by the prevalence of specially designated handicapped parking. When these were first established, it was common to see almost all were empty, but now it seems difficult to find one at times.

So what does all this mean, especially as the population ages and people live longer, perhaps with bodies that are wearing out and not made to last forever? I’m not sure, but I think God wants us to appreciate who we are, what we have, what we’ve been given, and what we can do. That’s a tall order, but that’s probably the biggest challenge any of us face. And one thing is for certain, He loves us no matter what.

Are You Googleable?

That sounds like a funny question - Are you Googleable? That may not be an actual word, but I like it, and it might surprise many people that they, in fact, are. You don't have to be famous; it seems the Internet just has a wealth of information on everyone, including your name, address, and even age range.

As a writer, I periodically Google myself just to see if any of my new publications are posted. It's amazing what you can find.

I know I'm not the only Vicki Julian. I also know I'm not the only Vicki L. Julian. But recently, I discovered that among the links attributed to me, was a Vicki Julian talking about her addiction! That was not exactly in line with my reputation, and I could only hope that no one who Googles me thinks I am the person who wrote that blog. It's not that I'm passing judgement, it's just that I wish to be known for my own accomplishments as well as my own foibles.

I've discovered you can't trust the pictures that pop up either. They indicate "Vicki Julian's photos," but I don't know half of the people in those designated pictures. And some photos I'd prefer not to be attributed to me.

Even though I don't want strangers to mistake me for others, I can be comforted by one thing. God sees my strengths as well as every weakness, and I'm sure there may be other Vicki Julians who are more than happy not to be me. So it really comes down to what really matters.

1 John 3:20 says: ",,,For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything." And if he even knows the number of hairs on our heads (or lack thereof), I'm pretty sure he knows us individually. In any case, at the appointed time of my judgement, I know God can identify which Vicki L. Julian I am.

A Milestone in Aging

My husband always said that “any day above ground is a good day.” I guess that could be extended to adding another birthday, keeping in mind that age is just a number. Of course, some numbers bring some significant changes such as the one I will soon achieve.

For years, I’ve let my formerly brown-platinum blond hair return to its natural shade of white.  That might surprise some people because they’ve only known me as one or the other. A third gray at age 30, I began dying my hair, and it gradually turned to platinum blond whenever I tried to color it brown. Finally, I decided there wasn’t much difference in being platinum blond versus white-haired except that people might assume I’m older.

Having said that, I also noticed my laugh lines are deepening. Add that to the use of a mobility scooter (aka adult go-kart for which use is age unrelated), and people have 3 reasons to assume I’m older. So, now I’ve said it. In a few short days, I will officially be on Plan65 with my Blue Cross-Blue Shield insurance.

Hopefully I’ve picked up some wisdom from God along the way; actually, I know that I have. Things and stuff aren’t so important – I’m not so vain about my appearance, I don’t need the latest gadget, and I value experiences above possessions. My epiphany is that money’s true value is only in how much good it can do. I also know that love is the only thing that can change the world because it makes us care.

When Jesus gave the commandment to “love one another,” he gave us the solution to everything. If we truly saw our fellowman in this light, there would be no wars, no hunger, no need for prisons, and the list goes on.  He also told us that we must have the faith of a child so with that in mind, here is my philosophy on turning the big Six-Five: Be a kid in the best possible way – at heart.

Unknown Influence

You never know what influence you have on others. Teachers hear that all the time, but it really applies to all of us.

Last Sunday, our new pastor cited an unknown survey which purportedly determined that children remain in their faith and go to church when they become adults because of childhood relationships with at least five unrelated members of their church. That's a good wake-up call to interact and become acquainted with the children in the congregation.

In response to an announcement that my Christmas story submission to Chicken Soup for the Soul: Merry Christmas! would appear in the 2015 edition of the book, I heard from many wonderful friends and family members. One in particular made me think about the impact we have in this world.

A friend commented that she wished she had done as much for others as I had, but I was surprised by her comment. She obviously didn't realize what an amazing influence she is to so many.  She listens and provides tender encouragement to those in need, and she is very supportive of everyone's efforts. Her compassion and care impact lives far more than any words written by me.

Her comment also made me think of my late husband. Steve was probably the most selfless person I've ever known. He knew when someone needed to talk, or to have a shoulder to cry on - sometimes, I'm embarrassed to say, much to my chagrin and impatience. While I might be generous in giving things, he was generous in spirit.

When Steve was preparing to leave this world, he lamented that he had never done much to make this world a better place because he hadn't saved a life, invented something great, etc. What? I couldn't believe what he was saying! He always gave of himself; his time, his energy, and his love. He was generous in what Jesus asks of us - to truly care for each other. (John 13: 34-35 "I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." - NSRV)

Fortunately, Steve had an inkling of what he meant to many when the long lines of visitors to the hospital during his last days resulted in an extended queue that had to be managed. These were people on whom Steve had a positive impact, and he influenced them to live a better life in countless ways.

So, I concede that influence knows no bounds. Perhaps it's in the gentle way we look at life, the kindness that we bestow on strangers, or the effort we put into truly getting to know our fellowman and his needs. But of one thing I'm pretty certain - those who mistakenly believe they have no positive impact on this world are often the ones to quietly serve as the example we should follow.

Why Did I Do It? Never Again!

Most anyone acquainted with me knows I avoid anything that contributes to or demonstrates inappropriate or otherwise undesirable behavior by my fellowman. I don't watch reality or contestant TV shows which portray how ignorant, crude, or mean people can be to each other, nor do I wish to read or hear disparaging remarks about others. Include in that a basic aversion to rumors and gossip. I think people who engage in these behaviors are not a fair representation of what the majority of people are really like, and it certainly doesn't make for a better world.

So why did I ever agree to a garage sale! That's more rhetorical than a question, hence the exclamation mark instead of a period.

During my lifetime, I've been involved with four garage sales and one auction - two sales after remodeling in two different residences, one as an estate sale, one an estate auction, and the latest a community garage sale. Normally, I just donate items to charities, but since I'm the secretary for our home owner association which sponsored the event, and because my son and daughter-in-law wanted to sell some items, I agreed. Big mistake on my part.

It didn't matter how inexpensively an item was priced, some people wanted it lower. I'm not talking about $5 items, I'm talking about 25 cents or a dollar. To some people, it may be a game to see how low they can bargain, but I still expect people to exhibit good and fair behavior whether Christian or not.

For a few, a garage sale can be an opportunity to scam, and it enabled some people to appear very predatory and cheap. There were two particularly disturbing situations for which I won't go into detail. I just don't like it when something brings out the worst in people because it can cloud one's perception about the majority of people who are really good and honest individuals.

If I go to a neighbor's garage sale, I pay what they ask, especially if it's reasonable. If it's more than I want to pay, I won't buy it. If they offer to sell an item to me for a lower price, that's just fine, but I won't ask for it. In fairness, I did encounter a few nice people with the same philosophy.

I don't want to take advantage of anyone because I wouldn't feel right about it. Leviticus 25:17 states: "Do not take advantage of each other, but fear your God," and there are numerous verses in the New Testament about how we should treat each other fairly.

So I'm counting this experience as further evidence that garage sales are something I personally should never do, and viewing it as a social event that took a good deal of work - much more than it was worth. I'm glad I only had a few items for sale, even though I wish I'd donated them instead. I would have felt much better giving to people in need rather than to some people "in greed." The measly $11 I received will go to charity, but the items would have been better given as a donation.

So, I apologize to those who enjoy garage sales, either as a participant in buying or selling. I just know it's not for me, and this was my garage sale swan song. Five times of witnessing what I consider to be  less than desirable behavior is enough; selling at one of these venues is now among my avoidance options and I'll never be tempted to do so again. And, for the record, any that I infrequently attend will continue to be done with a Christian perspective toward my fellowman.

A Good Question

As a council member of my church, I had the opportunity at our meeting last night to review a chapter in Reclaiming the "E" Word, and then give devotions based upon that material. I selected the chapter about living a purposeful life. It was well suited to me because it fit well with my favorite Biblical passage to explain why we are on this earth.


Hebrews 10:24 states: "Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds." I believe that passage is the actionable statement for Jesus' message to love one another. I also believe the reason for our existence on earth is to care for one another. This is how I try to live my life and it was the basis for my book, Simple Things to Make This World a Better Place.


The gist of the chapter was that church should be a place, not just to worship God, but to equip us for being Disciples of Christ in our daily lives. We should not have to be an in-your-face Christian for people to know that is who we are. Our very lives, through actions and behavior, should demonstrate that.


When people see us do good things, live with joy, respond positively to negativity, atone for our mistakes, and show genuine care for our fellowman, that defines us as a Christian. Certainly, there are many good people who do these positive things, but we as Christians should purposely strive to do them.


Of course, none of us wants to exhibit behavior that will cause others to think hypocrisy when we fail. Instead, it can be a good lesson to show others how we respond when we do fail - apologizing, atoning, having faith, and never repeating the same offence can speak volumes. After all, forgiveness is a cornerstone of our faith, and sometimes forgiving ourselves is the most difficult. But since we know we are forgiven, it makes it easier to live a good life.


So, the big question we should each ask ourselves is this: Do the people we encounter in our daily lives know that we are a Christian without us having to tell them?"


The answer can be a little scary.

Sometimes Yes and Sometimes No

As a person of faith, I think receiving an answer of no to a prayer causes one of the biggest struggles, especially if that prayer involves a critical matter to the supplicant. After all, John 14:13 states: "And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son."

I have prayed for healing for many individuals, but no more so than for my late husband. In fact, I prayed for a miraculous healing until he took his last breath. I surmised, What could have been a better way to glorify God? Just look at the incidents in the Bible where life was restored by Jesus and his disciples. 

No to his healing was a difficult answer for me to accept, but I must believe that dying isn't a punishment for the one who passes. It is just a temporary difficulty that can also be a horrific one for those of us who are left behind. If we truly believe the promises of Heaven, then we can accept God's answer even though we may not agree or like it.

Now, there have been yes answers to my prayers, too. Most recently, I wrote about a longtime friend who caused me a great deal of pain in wanting to end the friendship over an unfair judgement. I prayed about that and eventually found peace. But the better part? This friend called me last week and apologized! It was a good conversation because I had already forgiven her with God's help.

I think of the families in Charleston who experienced such a tragic loss at the hands of a gunman filled with hate. They demonstrated a true Christian following of Jesus in forgiveness. To do so could only be with God's help. No human alone could endure what they must have felt. Our nature as humans is to seek revenge, to be angry, to question God.  Instead, they found courage to bury themselves in the love of God for all mankind. To do that is in itself a miracle!

Now there have been many others things to which my prayers have also received yes answers. And I must admit, even with my share of difficulties, I am grateful to God for the life I've been given. I would not want to exchange places with anyone who has gone before me, resides in the present with me, or will come after I am gone. That, too, is a miracle.

A Difficult Lesson

I recently gave approbation to something I believe, but also learned something very valuable. It's a difficult thing to write about, but it's important to share because many of us have probably experienced a similar situation or might in the future.

When I wrote Simple Things to Make This World a Better Place, I noted the importance of forgiveness - for both the one who forgives as well as the one who is forgiven. I also noted that people who see themselves as victims cannot see beyond themselves, and can do little to make this world a better place for others. A recent event resulted in that approbation.

A longtime friend sees herself as a victim of many things, and in the process said some unjust, judgmental things to me meant to be hurtful with no care for the truth. It was difficult not to be angry and it agonized me for almost every waking hour, but I did what I was supposed to do - I prayed.

I prayed for almost a week that God would help me to forgive, and then the most remarkable thing occurred. I finally saw this person's view of the world! I didn't agree with it, but it allowed me to replace being upset with feeling compassion. I finally started praying for that person instead of asking help for ME to forgive.

I don't know if the friendship can ever be restored, but I'm going to leave that in God's hands. I'm also praying that the person gets the help she needs to function successfully in this world, but I am ever so grateful that God gave me the tools to cope with this and any other difficult situation that life sends my way.

Another Gray Area in Everyday Living

Being a Christian or a person of faith has its share of challenges. Fortunately, I don't have to worry about being thrown to the lions, stoned to death, or otherwise tortured, but I do have a lot of gray areas when it comes to my daily actions involving others.

Today, I'm thinking about a simple annoyance and not something earth-shattering, but my actions, even in the simplest matters, should reflect who I am. That's the dilemma, and I'm talking about telemarketers and solicitors.

Have you ever felt inundated by phone calls, especially ones that you know are solicitations and robo calls? I certainly have, and I vacillate between answering the phone and putting it down on the end table so the caller just hears dead air, or leaving a message on my machine about being on the no call list (doesn't apply to charities or political entities), or just picking up the phone and being frank.

Being frank seems like it might be the best, but it's also the hardest, I think. That's especially true if it's a charity solicitation. It's difficult to say no if the caller is soliciting for a worthy cause, even though some may not be. I feel sorry for some of the telemarketers because you know they probably receive a lot of abuse.

But...we all have our limits, even if we practice generosity. I believe God expects us to share, but at some point, we have to decide which charities are most important. I donate to many including my church, and I'm not willing to exchange one of those I've supported for many years for another (unless God makes it clear to me that I need to do that).

So, I guess the next time my phone rings with one of those caller IDs that actually indicates the name of the charity, I need to be frank. It's not right to let them continue making useless calls.

On the other hand, for those IDs that say "unassigned" or give a city and state, I really haven't decided what to do. If it's definitely a scam (like I've won a prize for a contest I didn't enter, or an offer to lower my credit card interest on an undesignated card), I don't mind just letting the caller dangle a little bit. That's a very bad way to make a living by preying on others so maybe I can delay that a little for the next person they try to call.

If anyone has better suggestions, I'm open to hearing them. Consumer Reports suggests the following: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2012/07/how-to-stop-unwanted-robocalls/index.htm. Then maybe I'll just try a little experiment - I'll answer the next ten calls and then decide how to handle them individually. Wish me luck!

Being Always Thankful is Easier Sometimes

Saturday I had one of those days. Not the bad kind, but the one where you wish you had bought a lottery ticket. Everything seems right with the world and things just go your way. We've all had them, and it seems easier to remember those because they don't occur as often as normal days or the ones that just make you want to bury your head in the sand.

My day seemed routine, but really improved in the evening. I attended a fundraiser for which I had had tickets for some time. Feeling very fatigued lately and a bit under the weather, I missed the awards ceremony for Kansas Authors Club District 2 that morning, but I didn't want to miss the evening event since it was paid for already.

At the evening event, I wound up winning a door prize basket and two silent auction baskets which were also a good deal. When I returned home, I had a message from a friend telling me I had won an award from the KAC  contest. It wasn't until the next day that I discovered it was first prize in the humor category which thrilled me even more. After always being a bridesmaid and never a bride (winning 2nd or 3rd and never first), I missed it. Maybe for me the key to winning is not to attend the ceremony.

All that aside, it was a good day, and I was happy to thank God in my prayers. I'm trying to do that daily, but it just seems easier to do when all goes well.

I'm reading a book that often talks about thanking God even when circumstances seem to warrant anything but appreciation. But, if we truly look at life, there is always something for which we can be grateful. Just the fact that we have our faith to fall back on and the ability to talk to God when things don't go right, is sufficient reason to be thankful. I just have to remember that we sometimes learn more from negative situations than from positive ones.

Romans 8:28 states: "And we know that in all things God works for the good⁵⁶ of those who love him, who have been called⁵⁷ according to his purpose.^"   Thessalonians 5:18 also states: "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

So there you have it - God wants us all to be thankful when things go well and also when they do not. I remind myself that many times God has made lemonade from my troubles which were lemons. But, I'm just so incredibly happy when things go my way like they did Saturday. Maybe that's giving me a little glimpse of what Heaven is really like - not just occasionally, but every day.

Appreciating our Heritage

Among the books I'm currently reading is one about Christianity's early martyrs. It's a book that I know one of my sisters will never read because she has difficulty even watching the crucifixion scenes so prevalent around Easter.

Although persecution still exists in various parts of the world, for not just Christianity, I think it's easy to forget the sacrifices that others have made to bring our faith to us. After reading some of the tortures and death accounts endured by Christian martyrs in the centuries following Jesus' resurrection, I found myself asking God in prayer to thank them for keeping my religion alive.

I don't want to go into detail about their sacrifices, but let's just say that beheading may have been the easiest of what some experienced. The trials and tribulations of their lives under persecution often made me grimace, and I was grateful to learn of their fates through words rather than a depiction of their suffering. Like many, it’s impossible for me to watch the crucifixion of Jesus without pain and tears.

I like to think that my faith is unwavering, but it leaves the question of: How much could I endure of pain and suffering? If early Christianity depended upon me, would I have had the courage and fortitude shown by the martyrs?

The answer, I think, is that their strength had to come from God, the same God who abides with us through our difficulties which pale in comparison. For whatever God asks me to do, I have to believe his promise in Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful;¹ he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.² But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”

I’m thinking there couldn’t be any greater temptation than to say you disavow what you believe in when confronted with such horrific punishment. No man would alone have the strength, so it must have come from the divine. (As a Stephen Minister, I also learned this is the verse most erroneously misinterpreted as, “God never gives you anything more than you can handle.”)

I will never take Jesus’ sacrifice as anything but with profound, humbling, sincere and eternal gratitude, and now I can no longer forget the importance of the early Christian martyrs’ sacrifices either. I am truly grateful to them for allowing God to use their lives in the most challenging way to bring my faith to me.