CHARACTER and COURAGE

I hope you are enjoying the holiday weekend whether you are chillin’ at the beach, fishing on the lake, watching fireworks, grilling, or cuddling up on the couch watching a movie or reading a book.

My Winsday Week recommendation is to watch Chariots of Fire, renowned for its awesome music theme, or explore the larger story in the book, Something Beyond the Gold.

My brief synopsis contains Preview Spoiler Alerts and Subliminal Suggestions.

CHARACTER, COMMITMENT, AND COURAGE MATTER IN LIFE…everyday…with everyone… involving everything.

Imagine doing something impossible…something which has never been done before. Eric Liddell faced that challenge. The Academy Award winning movie, Chariots of Fire, told the real-life story of Eric and his track competitor, Harold Abrahams. The film follows them through their university years as they prepared to compete for the 100-meter gold medal in the 1924 Paris Olympics.

The most dramatic scenes highlight one of the reasons Liddell became so famous as he refused to compete in his best event, the 100-meter heat because it took place on a Sunday. He was a very committed follower of Jesus Christ. His decision shocked the world. Years later, Liddell would be tested far beyond mere physical ability as a missionary to China. He had postponed his missionary service for this opportunity to glorify God. As he told his sister, “I plan to serve God in helping others, but God also made me fast. When I run, I can feel His pleasure.”

Liddell was harassed about his decision by the British Olympic Committee.

Despite this, he didn’t back down on the issue. When offered an alternative plan, he agreed to run the 400-meter race. He was fast but nowhere near the fastest times of the other athletes.

Liddell also was noted for his very peculiar running style as a sprinter. When he kicked it in gear, he would throw his head back and flail both arms like he was fighting the wind.

Liddell ran the Olympic race clutching a small piece of paper with a note given to him by the American 100-meter finalist: “In the old Book, God says, “He who honors Me, I will honor.”

The writer of Something Beyond the Gold described what happened next. The shot of the starter’s pistol echoed around the stadium as the 400-meters race began. Eric Liddell lunged forward. The spikes on his black leather shoes gripped the rolled cinder track surface. Puffs of gray cinders burst from under his shoes with each stride.

Liddell was running in the outside lane which was a disadvantage since he could not see how well the others were doing. Running next to him was the American, Horatio Fitch, the favorite to win the gold medal. Fitch had set a new world record that year. The Swiss runner, Joseph Imbach, was in the next lane. He had also broken the previous world record. The cheers of the crowd roared throughout the stadium in anticipation of this battle.

As the runners streaked down the back straightaway, it was Liddell still out in front, sprinting through the first 200 meters in 22.2 seconds. Another British runner was close, and the favorite Fitch appeared to be gaining ground. The crowd suddenly went silent as Liddell continued to lead.

Most thought the 100-meter star could not keep up this full out sprint in what many consider the toughest race of all. The crowd waited for Liddell to falter from using all his energy and stamina in the first half of the race. As the runners entered the final turn, Fitch made his move, and the crowd erupted with loud shouts.

It seemed impossible for Liddell to hold off this challenge. When everyone expected Liddell to fade, he threw back his head and began to flail his arms like a drowning man. Like a rocket shot from a cannon, Liddell had a burst of speed and began pulling away from Fitch’s challenge.

Instead of slowing down, he ran the second half of the race faster than the first. The crowd sensed an upset and roared for Liddell’s finish as British flags waved throughout the stadium. Liddell lunged for the finish line five meters in front of the favorite Fitch.

He had done the impossible. Liddell fell into the arms of his coach and then to the ground as he struggled to catch his breath. Thunderous applause erupted throughout the stadium. The noise was deafening. It was later reported that the celebration could be heard all over Paris.

As the sound levels lessened, an announcement came over the speakers declaring Eric Liddell the gold medal champion with a new world record.

The crowd went wild again as his British teammates hoisted him on their shoulders and paraded around the track. Liddell defied the odds and won the event with a world record performance (47.6 seconds). His incredible victory further strengthened his belief in God’s promise, “He who honors Me, I will honor.”

He was just an athlete who remembered the most important thing in life: Love God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength and then love your brothers as yourself.

Liddell ran the race as a full out sprint. How did he do it? Listen to his description. “I run the first 200 meters as hard as I can. Then, with God’s help, I run the last half even harder.”

Winning the Olympic gold medal was truly an impressive achievement, but it was child’s play compared to what Liddell did next. Originally born in China to missionary parents, he was educated in Scotland. Although he ran under the British flag, China regarded him as one of her first Olympic champions. The following year after his Olympic victory, Liddell spoke all over England and Scotland to raise funds for the Lord’s work among the poor and needy. Then he returned to China as a missionary.

For several years, Liddell served as both a science and sports teacher at a college in the same Chinese city in which he was born. He also engaged in preaching and humanitarian work. He helped the poor and sick.

During this time, the Japanese were attacking China as part of World War II. Liddell ran the risk of being shot every time he walked out the door. The situation was so dangerous that the British government advised him and other British citizens to leave the country. Liddell’s family left, but he voluntarily stayed to help the needy.

Eventually, the Japanese invaded China and took control of the city. Liddell and other foreigners were sent to a prison camp. Liddell spent his time teaching children and sharing what he had. However, his health rapidly deteriorated. He suffered from a brain tumor.

The English Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, managed to secure Liddell’s freedom in a prisoner exchange, but Liddell declined and instead offered his place to a pregnant woman who was also in the camp, saving her and the unborn child. Liddell died in a World War II prison.

A survivor of the prison camp described Eric Liddell this way. Often in an evening I would see him bent over a chessboard or a model boat, or directing some sort of square dance – absorbed, weary and interested, pouring all of himself into this effort to capture the imagination of these penned-up youths. He was overflowing with good humor and love for life, and with enthusiasm and charm. It is rare indeed that a person has the good fortune to meet a saint, but he came as close to it as anyone I have ever known.

God has given you some ability and opportunity. The main goal is to use your platform of influence to glorify God and help others.

Eric Liddell often said, “A fellow’s life counts for far more at helping others than his athletic endeavors.” His character, perseverance, endurance, and kindness set an example for every one of us willing to take on the impossible.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)

CHARACTER, COMMITMENT, AND COURAGE MATTER IN LIFE…everyday…with everyone… involving everything.

EYES UP! LOVE YOU!

For Your Eyes Only

It was memorable! It was stupid! It was memorably stupid! It was extraordinarily memorably stupid!

It was one of the most inspirational illustrations ever performed before a live audience. It was a rare, unusual, remarkable event. As I said…truly extraordinary.

If you were there, you had never seen anything like it. I was there doing the illustration. I could not see anything.

Why? I blinded myself in an extraordinary display of stupidity.

KIDS! DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!                                                                                

DO NOT TRY THIS ANYWHERE OR AT ANYTIME!

The scene was a college football team retreat. I was the inspirational speaker. That in itself might seem somewhat comical. The intent was to spiritually challenge the players as they prepared for the new season ahead.

I wanted the lesson to greatly impact their lives, so I chose the story of the woman who poured her expensive perfume on Jesus. The eyewitnesses called her action “a waste.”

The main point of the story is that Jesus praised her actions, calling them “Extraordinary.” Personally, I was rocked by Jesus’ description of extraordinary: “She did what she could.”

SHE DID WHAT SHE COULD.

Consider that for a moment…and for a lifetime. Jesus defined “extraordinary” as doing what you can do. It was not some monumental feat. It was not some unbelievable action.

A WOMAN JUST DID WHAT SHE COULD DO WHEN SHE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO IT.

IN THIS CASE, SHE LOVED FIRST AND LOVED MOST.

EXTRAORDINARY!

The woman’s gift of love was an expensive jar of perfume that she broke and poured over Jesus’ head. The fragrant aroma quickly filled the room and got everyone’s attention and Jesus’ commendation.

I had an idea for a visual illustration of the story. I asked some stylish players for their favorite cologne. I bought a bottle, which was quite expensive. That was exactly what I needed: a bottle of costly, fragrant cologne.

At the start of my presentation, I gave the cologne bottle to a player in front and asked him to pour it into a small paper bowl. As he worked on my request, I told the team that some criticized the woman’s action as wasteful.

Then came the moment. I mentioned the well-known brand of cologne and its extravagant cost. I asked what they would think if I used it all at once?

Foolish? Funny? Wasteful? Or a life lesson?

My intention was to illustrate the vast difference between “Pretend” and “All-In.”

A player or team can pretend commitment to the goal through words or demonstrate the reality through visible actions. Talk about it or do it.

I leaned back and poured all the cologne on top of my head. The pleasant fragrance quickly filled the large room.

I wish you could have seen their shocked faces because I did not. I heard the gasps, but my stupidity blinded my eyes.

As I leaned my head forward, the cologne began streaming down my face. I underestimated the flow. There was little hair to soak up or hinder the downward rush.

Suddenly, the costly cologne flooded into both eyes. It hurt and felt as if my eyes were on fire.

My eyelids instinctively closed tightly, and I was unable to open my eyes at all. It felt as if they were glued shut.

(How would I ever know how “eyes glued shut” might feel? That experience began as an illustration to my wife of what a handyman can do. Pretend or All-in? It was a Super-Glue moment of stupidity.)

I could not see. I began a wild frantic search for the towel somewhere on the stage. I stumbled around with my arms outstretched, mostly grabbing air. I touched the stage curtains.

At first, the players thought this was part of the act. I looked like a mime pretending he was blind. But this was not intended as part of the show. This was Panic-ville at Blind Man’s Bluff!

My arms flailed. My feet stumbled. My eyes burned. Was it comedy or an emergency?

I grabbed the towel and dabbed my eyes. They would not open. The stinging intensified.

Then the thought hit me. I could go blind. I told the players I had done something really stupid and might have permanently injured my eyes.

I was Sightless in Seattle. The song, Blinded by the Light, rang in my ears as the cologne burned in my eyes.

I heard Bruce Springsteen singing, “I was blinded by the light, cut loose like a (dumb) deuce, another (idiot) runner in the night.”

Several players rushed to offer assistance. I asked them to let me finish the lesson first.

It was a great life-lesson.

With my eyes shut tight from the cologne flood, I spoke about something extraordinary. I called attention to the sweet aroma that filled the room. I pointed out how one meaningful action could create a scent of love that influences many people.

I challenged them to do something extraordinary with their football season and with their lives.

Pouring cologne over my head became a big problem. The burning and blinding feeling did not go away. Medical assistance could not ease the pain. We rinsed the eyes several times. We tried to flush them with a stronger stream of water.

I think I even asked someone who knew Jesus if he would just spit on them. All to no avail. I could not open my eyes.

I sat with a towel pushed against my eyes. I thought about the stupidity of my actions. I strained to open an eye. The eyelids would not budge. It was definitely a super-glue stuck feeling. The stinging intensity did not subside.

Would the blindness be permanent? That thought certainly crossed my mind.

Several players required medical treatment for trauma. Two still suffer from “olfactophobia,” an anxiety disorder caused by the fear of strong fragrances such as cologne.

At some point, my eyes began to see flickers of light. The recovery was slow and painful. Eventually, I would heal except from the embarrassing stupidity.

The optometrist said there was no lasting damage, but I might have occasional irritation. I pointed to my brother and said, “No, that has been a permanent condition that started when he deflated my new basketball with thumbtacks.”

The doctor laughed and said that at least my eyes smelled good.

The shirt I wore that night of cologne calamity was used many times afterward. Once, I wore it while mowing the lawn in the summer heat. It was washed at least seven times.

The polo shirt retained a sweet fragrance for over three years. When I talked about this Biblical story at another church, I brought the shirt to showcase its lasting scent.

I asked several people to smell the shirt and describe the odor. That is a risky request. I do not recommend asking that question when you go to church.

In this case, everyone mentioned that the shirt smelled good.

Extraordinary is just doing what you can do. Sadly, that is unusual on this earth. Why?

Most people do not do all they can do in this life to love first and love most. They withhold love from God and others. They prefer to be lovers of self in love with money and pleasures (#1 Textbook).

Love should never be half-hearted. Never mediocre. Never part-time. Never a second-thought.

What can you do?

Extraordinary is a small step between what you refuse to do and what you will do. Extraordinary is just doing what you can do.

The love of Christ is a sweet aroma. Extraordinary love has a lasting effect and can create an everlasting impact.

What can you do?

Jesus lives inside you to lead you to others He intends to love through you.

Will you Pretend or be All-in?

You can do something special today. Jesus will see it. God’s Word states that unselfish acts of love will be remembered in heaven forever.

In truth, heaven will be extraordinary. We will be fully equipped to love in the manner Jesus has loved us. First and Most. We will do what we can do to love other heavenly inhabitants engaged in the same purpose. Extraordinary!

What could you do if you were All-in?

This week is a wonderful opportunity to love God and love others first and most.

How? Just do what you can do. Give your selfishness away.

Live for a cause which is greater than yourself and lasts longer than your earthly life. That will be called extraordinary in heaven.

There are many needs in the world that we cannot meet. You and I cannot solve all the problems, feed everyone who is hungry, or end poverty, even in our own cities. We cannot fix every injustice.

THE LORD DOES NOT JUDGE US FOR WHAT WE CANNOT DO.

GOD ENCOURAGES US TO FOCUS ON WHAT WE CAN DO TO SHARE LIFE’S MOST IMPORTANT MESSAGE OF LOVE.

What can you do? You can take your love to a higher level. Show kindness, compassion, and encouragement. Write someone. Text. Call. Pray. Support. Give. Love. Do what you can do.

Just be you and do what you can do to love God and love others. Love never goes unnoticed by God.

DO WHAT YOU CAN DO. THAT WILL BE EXTRAORDINARY!

FYI: I HAVE THE BEST SMELLING EYES IN THE WORLD.

REMEMBER THE ALAMO…BUT NOT YOUR GRIEVANCES

REMEMBER THE ALAMO…But do not dwell on your past battles in life.

Remember the Alamo!

I loved the historical account of the Alamo and the John Wayne movie version.

My heart was captured by the tale of 186 Texas fighters holding out against the larger Mexican army led by Santa Anna for thirteen days during the Alamo siege in present-day San Antonio.

My favorite movie moment is when Colonel Travis, faced with a fight to the death, drew a line in the dirt with his sword and declared, “If you have the courage to stay and fight with me, step across the line.”

Facing defeat and death, they chose to stand for what was worth their lives. They left behind a legacy of bravery and sacrifice for freedom.

I watched the historically inaccurate and poorly acted movie as a child, teen, young adult, and older person.

My mother often remarked that I kept hoping for a different outcome.

How many of us remember our past battles in life? That War of Words.

We all have past hurts and grievances from being treated unfairly by others.

We often recall past events, hoping we could change what happened. We ponder the “what ifs” and the “I wish I had said or done that.”

But we cannot change what happened, no matter how often we remember and rethink the scene.

We focus on how to express our hurt or anger towards someone because of their words or actions. We craft the perfect comment, text, or email to reignite the battle or renew the word war.

We behave like Santa Anna at the Alamo. Peace negotiations are not an option. They can admit they are wrong and know they are dead to me, or they can just die and go to hell.

“We drink the poison our minds pour for us and wonder why we feel sick.” (Atticus in To Kill a Mockingbird).

Screenshot

We drink the poison. We drown in a cesspool of self-reflective memories. Our thoughts cry out to “Remember the War of Words,” but it does not lead our minds to freedom.

As Nelson Mandela stated as he was released from twenty-seven years of imprisonment in South Africa, “As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn’t leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still be in prison.”

Mandela chose peace and reconciliation as a better way forward. His life demonstrated the importance of letting go of past grievances for a better future.

You and I cannot change the past. We can wallow in its disappointments. We can be imprisoned by its hurts. Or we can let go of the past regrets, worries, and grievances for a better future.

How? Eyes up! Your help comes from the Lord (Psalm 121:1).

Do not dwell on the past…God is doing a new thing in your life. The Lord is making a way through the wilderness and streams in the wasteland (Isaiah 43:18-19).

Here is one thing I can do because of God’s grace at work in me. I will focus on this one thing. I will forget what is behind and put my thoughts and efforts into what is ahead. I will press on toward the goal to finish my race and receive the heavenly prize (Philippians 3:13-14).

Holding on to anger, resentment, and unforgiveness keeps us chained to our past. The result is unhappiness and emotional turmoil.

Forgiveness lets go of the past. It does not alter what happened, but it transforms you. It begins to heal you emotionally and free you to live and love, unchained.

Make allowance for the faults of others and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you (Colossians 3:13).

Put away all your bad feelings about other people. Leave behind your anger and hurts and arguments and harsh words and dislikes which should have no place in your life. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God has forgiven you because you belong to Christ (Ephesians 4:31-32).

We will need God’s help to do that. EYES UP! The Lord is here to help right now.

We all face difficulties that threaten to overwhelm us. We all face the temptation to dwell on past battles in life as the reason for our present unhappiness.

All struggles in life are temporary, like suffering. They have expiration dates. Do not keep them around longer. They will only cause you to feel worse.

“We drink the poison our minds pour for us and wonder why we feel sick.”

God loves you unconditionally. There is nothing in your past that will ever cause Him to love you less. Joy and goodness await you…fresh every morning.

Ask the Lord to help change your focus today. Renew your mind with God’s Word.

Remember the Alamo but get rid of the past poisons in your life.

DO NOT DWELL ON THE PAST. LOOK TO THE FUTURE AND LIVE IN THE PRESENT.

GET YOUR EYES UP SO YOU CAN SEE HOPE ON THE HORIZON AND HAPPINESS SURROUNDING YOU NOW.

WISDOM IN THE WASTELAND (Tribute to a Friend)

Note: Please disregard this if you are hoping for some wisdom or theological thoughts. However, our #1 Textbook tells us there is a Time to Laugh. Just hoping to crack a smile.

This is my tribute to O Bud of Mine. I hope this finds you well and fine.

Screenshot

I met Jeff when he had long hair, wore short shorts, drove a Datemobile, and acted like Jerry Lewis on a golf course. Hey laaady!

His strangest visit to the Sandite movie theatre was to view the double feature Planet of the Blood and Spencer’s Mountain. I am not sure he was ever the same.

I saw him battle pirates in the office of our pastor who often envisioned himself as the swashbuckling Long John Silver.

My friend, Jeff, has spilled more glasses of tea on our dining table than all my kids combined.

When he was new Christian, the pastor announced that a seriously ill church member had gone home. Then the pastor asked Jeff to say the offertory prayer. Home meant heaven, right??

Yes, it was surprising and slightly embarrassing to pray for the grieving family and then find the person prayed for sitting in the pew, laughing.

In his role of Minister of Announcements, he once offered a comedic safety announcement following a week of record rainfall. He urged the church attendees to “use the blue pew cushions as floating devices in case the heavy rains continued to flood our streets.“

I thought it was hilarious, but I was the only one who laughed, while puzzled congregants tried to detach the cushions.

Screenshot

During our joint counseling sessions, he continued to whisper caution in my ears with the same admonition Dallas Cowboy Coach Tom Landry used when his quarterback, Danny White, audibled to the wrong play: “No, Danny! No!” He knows counseling is not my forte.

When you ask me for counsel, I can only assume you are out of all other rational options.

Each memory has its own story, better told by him; but I could if I must.

I witnessed Jeff supervise a funeral fiasco that ended in a family fight which necessitated police and firemen intervention.

The Tombstone Showdown was real. I was a bystander, there for support and protection. The fight breakout was shocking, but it was no surprise to Jeff to see me backing up farther and farther from the skirmish.

I hope I was praying. I know my mouth was as wide open in astonishment as my eyes. I had never witnessed something like this before. At least, not in a cemetery.

We were aware of some family unrest. Much to the chagrin and disapproval of their children, the elderly couple had welcomed a stranger into their home. This man, a druggie, began to take on the self-proclaimed role of “stepson.”

There had been several shouting matches between the son and so-called stepson. Threats were made regarding his presence at the memorial services. The tension was prevalent. The danger of disruption was anticipated. A police officer was hired to provide security for the event.

The two daughters flew in from California. The unwelcomed stepson appeared as well. The son refused to come to the cemetery, but his two sons were more than capable stand-ins for the revenge tour.

As Jeff finished his closing prayer at the graveside, he declared that this concluded the memorial service. He went to shake the hand of the grieving widow. As the stepson expressed his condolences, chaos broke out.

The grandsons completely ignored Jeff’s closing declaration of “Peace be with you.”

As my uncle would often whisper in his fake dismay, “I was aghast.” Aghast–to be filled with horror or shock.

The two young adult grandsons literally leaped over their grandmother and into the hated fall guy. Grandmother was knocked to the ground. Her head missed a tombstone by inches, or things would have been much worse.

The two grandsons began to pummel the unwanted family intruder. The security officer pulled away the bleeding and bruised victim. As the police officer held the screaming man in a headlock, the two grandsons continued to pound away at his face and body.

The officer had called for backup. I was doing my part. I backed up. Four gravediggers were standing nearby. They rushed into the skirmish and literally wrestled the two grandsons to the ground and held them there until help arrived.

As Jeff struggled to help the knocked-down grandmother, he nearly fell back into the open grave. Jeff’s wife had blood all over her. Jenny had offered aid to the bloodied stepson. She had to go for shots once she learned that the bleeding drug addict had hepatitis.

Sirens filled the quiet solitude of the cemetery. Four police cars, an ambulance, and a firetruck raced to the scene. I have never witnessed a funeral like this one. I have the highest respect for my associate and longtime friend as you can tell by my next comment. If you are expecting a fight showdown in Tombstone, call Doc Segner.

I have known Jeff since his early college days. I observed Jeff rebuff the many amorous advances from women desiring to permanently ride shotgun in the Datemobile. Some wore high white go-go boots. Jeff ended up at Casa Bonita on the other side of town, hoping to be unseen.

One girl had her boyfriend deliver a note to Jeff which should have been preserved in the Smithsonian.

The churches were filled with many hopeful matchmakers, but Jeff always “nipped it in the bud.”

However, I was there with him on a golf course in Arkansas when he was confronted with the possibility of losing the love of his life. Never has such fear and such hope entered the mind of a man at the same time. Thank God for Jenny.

I finished the golf round while Jeff sped home to Louisiana. His life was changed for the better.

Brief interruption by the special girl who changed my life for the better. I wish I could say the same for her.

My wife just yelled from the bedroom, “Do you ever get a shooting pain across your body as if someone was stabbing a voodoo doll that looked like you?”

I replied, “No.”

She responded, “How about now?”

As my Pastor Tim once said in a sermon, “that is not Truism or Biblicism. That is Awfulism.”

Back to the Wisdom Wasteland Tribute.

Jeff’s greatest talent is observing people. He sees the humor, irony, and “conundrums” in life. Conundrum-a confusing and difficult problem which might be impossible to solve. Jeff taught me what “conundrum” means and often showed it in his actions.

That ministerial talent has successfully made me laugh during funerals, song services, and keynote addresses. He has cracked me up while he was preaching, making church announcements, and welcoming guests. He has caused my mind to shift to laughter in elders’ meetings and while listening to him read Scriptures.

I witnessed him trying to take credit for the Glorietta Mountain Jehovah-Jireh canteen. That day, God provided water on the mountain for my thirsty young disciple, Curtis Davis, and me. It came with an important lesson about faith.

Jeff said he tossed the canteen under a bush, just like he tried to throw cold water on our miracle. What’s next? Did he light the fire in the burning bush that changed Moses’ life? Did he unlock the Philippian prison door so Paul could go free?

I know he once described a vison of himself as a cliff diver near the site of the “swine dive” in the days of Legion’s lesson on faith. That drop the mic moment left all of us in stitches. It just cannot be told without banishment from our cancel culture.

Jeff often criticized my failure to preach thematic sermons for seasonal occasions. He was particularly against my reliance on expository preaching book by book, especially when we were in Lamentations during Christmas.

He took sermon notes of only my mispronounced words.

He singlehandedly ended my practice of summer camp “God Bless You” services because it might include holding hands, not to mention actually becoming a blessing to someone. That subject always appeared to be far and removed from his mission in life.

There is some background to his reluctance. One night, a young man took the opportunity to replace the usual “I want to say God bless (someone’s name)” with the surprising question, “Why do I hate Jeff?” (Ouch! I did not see that one coming.)

Jeff compared my sarcastic humor directed to him to the electric eel which hides among the rocks in the water, waiting for the right moment to rise and zap its prey with a strong Taser-like shock. Whatever one calls it, I enjoyed it immensely.

A rose can be called many names and yet it remains a rose. The same is true of a horse’s behind. I had many names for this Wasteland Wonder from Sand Springs.

  • Doc (not sure of the origin but I think he was once a sports trainer)
  • Whiff Wang (he could completely whiff on a golf shot and then whack the golf ball a country mile all in one incredible non-stop circular motion)
  • De-Bud (self-explanatory)
  • Corrie Ten Segner (He was complaining about starvation two hours into a twenty-four-hour staff retreat fast.)
  • Weather Wizard and Clairvoyant of the Clouds (Jeff was always apprised of the weather causes and conditions, more accurate than the TV meteorologists)
  • Luke Skidwalker (When the less known pilot of Star Wars struggled with how to use the chopsticks in a Chinese restaurant, Obi-Wan said, “Use the forks, Luke.”)
  • Counselor of the Brethren and Carnac the Magnificent (He is the best counselor I know who knows the most comedic lines by Johnny Carson’s Carnac routine.)
  • Heaven’s Pooper Scooper. (He once cracked up all his associates at a John Piper Bible Conference when he observed an attendant sweeping up trash in one of the aisles. “That will be me my job when all of you are listening to Jesus in heaven.”)
  • Walking Conundrum, Sage of Nonsense, and Sultan of Sarcasm. (self-explanatory)

Time does not allow me to list all his honorary titles. Well, onward with this Tribute before the orchestra starts playing me off the stage.

Jeffrey Lane’s songwriting has no peer in its prowess: (Please imagine yourself sitting next to someone singing these song versions…in church…pre-ministerial days.)

  • Tell the Gnus and the Elephants, Too.
  • Blessed Insurance Jesus is Mine
  • When the Road is Full of Yonder
  • I’ve got the Pizza Pie of Understanding Down in My Heart
  • Bringing in the Sheets
  • Give me Cheese-Sauce, Give me Cheese Sauce
  • Andy Walks with Me
  • And the infamous Through many dangerous Toys and Snails that Saved the Ranch for Me.

Jeffrey composed some of the all-time greatest Christmas hits:

  • Noel, Noel spelled backwards is Leon, Leon
  • While Shepherds Wash their Socks by Night
  • And his classic musical improvisation in protest to my Christmas Lamentations’ sermons:
  • Deck the Halls with Fire and Brimstone. Fah-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la. We are all going to hell in a handbasket. Fah-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la. (Please sing it Myles)

JEFF REMAINS THE MOUNT EVEREST ON MY HORIZON.

His infamous comedic moments were highlighted by his perfect delivery of the best lines from Johnny Carson as Carnac the Magnificent.

“Heaven has no brighter star than the stellar mind and omnipotent master from the East who was formerly the manicurist for Howard Hughes. May his Perrier water be secretly bottled in Tijuana.

And now for the one guest who remained until the end of this celebration, I present the envelopes that any child of four can plainly see have been hermetically sealed and kept in a #2 mayonnaise jar since noon today under Funk and Wagnell’s porch.

No one..and I mean NO ONE…knows the contents of these envelopes but the Guest of Honor, our Swami of the Springs, who will ascertain the answers to these questions having never seen them before.”

Envelope 1: A, B, C, D, E, F.
Answer 1: What were some of the earlier forms of Preparation H?

Envelope 2: Peter Pan.
Answer 2: What do you use to fry a peter?

Envelope 3: Kumquat.
Answer 3: How do you call your quat home?

Envelope 4:  Shoo-be-doo-be-doo.
Answer 4: What do you look for when you are tracking a shoo-be-doo-be?

Envelope 5: A full moon.
Answer 5: What does the choir see if the pastor’s pants fall down?

Envelope 6: Zippity doo-dah
Answer 6: What do you say to someone who left his doo-dah open?

Envelope 7: Sissss, Booom, Baaaah.
Answer 7: What do you hear when a sheep blows up?

Envelope 8: Hi Diddly-dee.
Answer 8: How do you say, “Good morning” to a diddly-dee?

Envelope 9: Rosy-red cheeks.
Answer 9: What do you get when you sit down on a rosy-red fire?

“And now the last envelope.” (Applause)

Envelope10: Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition.
Answer 10: What is the best thing to do if you swallow a hand grenade?

I had a lot on my mind this week, so it was time to clean out some of the files. I realize only former fellow staff members could fully enjoy this tribute. They could add so much more.

God knew I needed Jeff’s Jerry Lewis in my life. When pastoral life was in its darkest nights, he could make me laugh, even when he declared, “I just said what you were thinking, but too godly to say it.”

The young man whose testimony was once declared “not to be worth a nickel” became a wonderful counselor and tremendous Bible Teacher.

Every pastor and every struggling soul would benefit from such a friend. I did.

Jeff was one member of a ministry team that included Steve Sharp, Derek Cox, and Big John Flanagan. Along the way, we were joined by Tim Gibson, Andrew Moss, Rafe Semmes, and Myles Roberts.

I am forever grateful for these men and their wives, for their faith, for their love, for how they blessed Vicki and me.

There were special times and many wonderful memories. They were the best years of my ministry.

We charged the gates of hell, stood in the face of lions, and walked through the fires of adversity. By God’s grace, we experienced revival, spiritual awakening, transformation, joy, and lots of laughter.

I do not desire to go back to those times. My prayer is that each one of us will finish strong in the role and places we serve now. May we Preach the Word. Live it. Love God and others. Love first and Love most. One day we will gather in heaven with a host of people who blessed our lives along the way.

Any reflection on those times by this old preacher would be incomplete without these trips though the Wisdom Wasteland. Through it all, Jeff’s friendship and laughter were priceless in value.

On earth, his golf shots still end up in the woods. In heaven, he will be the richest Pooper Scooper of us all.

Sail on Cyrus! Happy Trails Trigger! May the good weather always be at your back! (Or should that be the other way around? Ask the Clairvoyant of the Clouds.)

EYES UP! LOVE ALL OF YOU WHO LASTED TO THE END OF THIS WISDOM WASTELAND.

Bonus Envelope: Sage, Soothsayer, and Big John.
Bonus Answer: Name two mediums and an extra-large.

A SOAP OPERA LIFE

Do you ever feel as if your life has become a soap opera drama?

I lived in the midst of soap opera drama this past week. Can you relate?

The TV soap operas tell melodramatic stories about the daily lives of interconnected characters tangled in unresolved emotionally complicated relationships. Each episode ends with a cliffhanger meant to keep the audience engaged with their favorite or disliked characters in risky situations.

Everyone in our family knew that you did not interrupt my grandmother As the World Turns.

Soap operas are not about soap or operas. The term supposedly came from radio dramas funded by soap companies’ ads.

Soap and operas have endings, but soap operas just tend to go endlessly on and on.

Years ago, I wrote a script titled, The Soap Opera to End All Soap Operas. This is the plot.

As the World Turns…All My Children… including The Young and the Restless, The Bold and the Beautiful, and the Blue Bloods of our Modern Family gather in our Full House where we discover This is Us has One Life to Live.

The Real Housewives, the fake Kardashians, and Grandmother Madea’s Family Reunion along with cousins, Betty…Roseanne...Seinfeld…and Eddie, who is Not Smarter than a Fifth Grader, are All in the Family.

This is Us spends the Days of our Lives in a Family Feud at The Office of Parks and Recreation, on a Search for Tomorrow. They are listening for The Voice of that Masked Singer, while looking for the next American Idol.

Along the way to Nashville, Big Brother from Beverly Hills 90210 quits his job as Top Chef to play the Game of Thrones. He gets an Extreme Makeover as The Bachelor in The Real World…for 24 hours.

While Dancing with the Stars and their Friends at Melrose Place in Dallas, he stumbles along The Edge of Night without a Guiding Light. He falls with a Big Bang and gets Knots Landing on The Crown of his head. The accident broke The Weakest Link of his Grey’s Anatomy, which left him looking like Two-and-a-Half Men.

Hindsight would have been 20/20 According to Jim, but we had only 60 Minutes for CSI: Miami to rush to the scene with NCIS to meet Chicago Fire, P.D., and Med. 

Boston Legal took the case before Judge Judy at Night Court seeking Law and Order in Twenty-five Words or Less. The ruling was Deal or No Deal. One Jeopardy question remained: What Would You Do?  Call 9-1-1.

That sets off an Amazing Race to the ER at General Hospital where The Resident and The Good Doctor are no longer at New Amsterdam or in Private Practice. They have been fired by The Apprentice.

The Intern and Nurses diagnosed This is Us has been infected with a strange, rare disease called March Madness…a terminal Date Line…a Cold Case.

The Netflix binge series finale reveals the Wheel of Fortune prognosis of no Survivor.

Everyone is sent to The Twilight Zone, St. Elsewhere, or…Another World.

There will be no Trading Places…The End. 

Do you ever feel as if your life has become a soap opera drama?

Have you ever felt so lost in life that you think no one could love you again? You feel exhausted mentally and emotionally.

Sometimes we see others’ troubled lives and believe they cannot be helped or loved. Do you know someone who has crossed that thin line between hope and hopelessness?

Many people live dramatic lives like Erica Kane, but without her fancy clothes and makeup. No one can find satisfaction in their soap opera world apart from God. God made life that way.

The #1 Textbook describes life as crooked, broken, and missing something. We cannot fix it or figure it out.

Every soap opera life needs God for true happiness.

GOD’S LOVE HAS POWER TO TRANSFORM PEOPLE.

History records the stories of people whose lives were filled with melodrama of biblical proportions. Characters like Legion, the Samaritan woman at the well, the woman caught in adultery, and the Old Testament Joseph were soap opera stars changed by God’s love.

Legion’s life was stranger than fiction. In the soap opera world, he was a mega star. He was well acquainted with the drama and conflict of a messed-up life.

The stories about Legion were a bigtime ratings-grabber. He was a mean, mad man, like a scary monster in the movies, only the tales were real.

Legion lost everything that mattered in life. He destroyed his family, shipwrecked his career, and blew up his friendships. His slippery slope story became a nightmare. He was a physical monster, an emotional wreck, and a social outcast.

The plot development was saturated with drama inside and outside. Frightened people practiced social distancing from his personal pandemic. He was Sleepless in Graveyards and Hopeless in Seattle or any other place on the planet.

Everyone saw Legion as beyond all hope.

Jesus brought His disciples to love this scary man who was no longer loved or loving. That encounter transformed Legion’s heart, soul, and mind.

Many lonely people go through life like Legion, dwelling in the graveyards of greed, gripes, and grumbling. They are among the Walking Dead who fight with family members, wrestle with addictions, and star in social struggles.

They feel desperately alone, alienated, afraid, and ashamed. They hurt and they hate. Self-destructive bitterness and self-inflicted misery know them well.

Legion was the poster child of a soap opera world without God, without help, and without hope. He was driven by the unrest that was in his soul, running in never-ending circles of nothing but misery. Socially alienated, spiritually unfit, culturally unacceptable.

It was humanly impossible to love him. He was the most hated soap opera victim/villain of all time. 

Jesus searched him out and that was the teaching point for the first disciples and anyone else following Jesus.

THERE IS NO ONE BEYOND THE HELP AND HOPE OF GOD’S LOVE.

Legion is an example of a hopeless cause that was revived through someone’s act of love.

Transformed by love, Legion returned home with the most important thing in life: loving God and others.

In another example, a woman of ill-repute showed up at the Samaritan well in Search of more than just Tomorrow. Her soap opera role lasted many years, featuring five husbands and her present scandalous relationship.

This soap opera diva’s shameful past and social status were prime news for tabloid gossip. She was the Whore of Sychar.

Her daily trips to the well showed she wanted more than just water or stability. She longed for true love and lasting happiness.

Jesus showed her love which transcended physical and emotional bonds. The living water of His love gave her life value, joy, and purpose.

When the changed lady discovered love for God and others, she positively influenced her city.

The third character in the soap opera highlights was the victim of the self-righteous hypocrites on social media who shamed and terrorized an adulterous woman.

Instead of being the scarlet letter star of this drama, she was about to be stoned. Not with a little marijuana, but with huge rocks.

This soap opera diva was trapped, humiliated, mocked, bullied, and judged guilty. The shaming mob surrounded her with threats of condemnation and punishment.

Jesus stepped inside the circle of the self-righteous crowd and openly declared to the woman at the center of their hatred, “I do not condemn you.”

Jesus welcomed the woman into a loving and forgiving community. Love changed her life.

“Lovingkindness leads to character change” (#1 Textbook).

How do we love first and most in a soap opera world? Jesus showed us the way.

TRANSFORMING LOVE ALWAYS STARTS THE RELATIONSHIP WITH NO CONDEMNATION.

Any Biblical list of favorite soap opera stars would rank Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat near the top. His story had a long run in several countries.

Perhaps, we can continue next time with the rerun of this highly dysfunctional family Soap Opera drama.

These Biblical soap opera stories convey an important lesson…THE GREAT VALUE OF LOVING ONE HOPELESS PERSON.

Each story’s spin-off showed how changed characters influenced their families and communities. What a way to end a soap opera!

Are you living in a soap opera? Are you the star? The villain? Or just a family member caught up in all the drama?

As the World Turns, do you feel as if you are the most messed-up hopeless person? Or do you live near General Hospital around someone who acts hopeless?

In any situation and relationship, a clear choice to change future goals comes from three available options:

  1. You can give up and quit because things are hard or look hopeless.
  2. You can keep things the same and ride out the season of life, just going through the motions while dying on the inside.
  3. You can change the relationship for the better.

Give up. Stay the same. Change for the better. What will you do?

LIMITLESS LOVE IS ALWAYS AN OPTION.

End the soap opera. Be a difference maker. Stretch your side-by-side love wider, longer, higher, and deeper.

God lives inside of you to lead you to other hopeless persons He intends to love first and love most through you.

Live in your hopes, not your fears. No one is hopeless. Our failures do not define us. Our problems do not disqualify us. Our drama does not frighten away the restorative love of God.

WHEN YOU GIVE LOVE, YOU GIVE HOPE!

WE ARE ALL ROUGH DRAFTS OF THE FINISHED STORY.                       

THANKFULLY, GOD ALWAYS WRITES THE LAST CHAPTER.

EYES UP! LOVE YOU!

SPIRITUALLY DISORIENTED…UNTIL I SAW THAT SPARROW

I thought my prayers had been answered. Unexpectantly, the clouds of change left me spiritually disoriented. Joy and thanksgiving became confusion and disappointment. Just as we cheered our family ship sailing safely into the harbor from its treacherous journey, the boat capsized. We were suddenly swept back out into stormy seas on a life raft.

Heartbroken? That would be an understatement. I was Spiritually Disoriented.

Spiritual Disorientation occurs when one’s perception of the circumstances is disconnected from trustworthy Bible verses.

My faith was shaken. My dream project was taken from me, and I was pushed aside after all my sacrifices. My close colleagues doubted me, while newer ones ignored my contributions. I felt erased, as if I no longer existed. They just did not call it cancel culture.

I felt empty and confused. Their unfair words hurt me deeply. My family was suffering, and my future looked bleak. Relationships were falling apart. I was blamed for having a wrong attitude!

My thinking was called irrational. My motives were deemed to be materialistic. Even my integrity was questioned.

We all have blind spots we do not see, and I have them too. Well, I did not see this coming.

What do you do when you feel disappointed, depressed, or defeated? How do you trust God when everything seems wrong, plans fail, circumstances are tough, bad things happen, or well-intentioned dreams get crushed?

The God I trusted seemed distant. I believed God should know my situation and how to help me. This felt more like a disaster than happiness.

I cried more than at any time in my life. I complained more than at any time in my life. I criticized others more than at any time in my life. In retrospect, I was on the verge of crashing emotionally and spiritually.

Any thoughts of love were buried in the fog of self-pity. Any sense of right direction was lost. I was spiritually disoriented. Have you felt like that?

SPIRITUAL DISORIENTATION OCCURS WHEN PERCEPTION IS DIFFERENT FROM REALITY.

Spatial Disorientation refers to the difficulty in determining one’s location relative to a known reference point, similar to a term used in aviation.

Pilots can feel directionally confused while flying through clouds or bad weather that obscure the horizon or ground. Without clear reference points, their perception cannot be trusted.

The pilot’s sight and feelings do not align. The eyes and inner ears send mixed signals, causing blurry vision and balance issues.

The pilot loses perspective of attitude, altitude, and airspeed. He can no longer be certain of the plane’s flight path. He might think he in flying straight while actually turning or be plummeting in a deep dive while perceiving he is soaring to a higher altitude. The consequences can be fatal.

The best way to avoid the risks of spatial disorientation is to rely on the instrument panel. Flight instructors advise student pilots to trust their cockpit instruments over their instincts, especially in stressful situations where perception can differ from reality.

SPIRITUAL DISORIENTATION AFFECTS OUR SPIRITUAL SENSES. OUR PERCEPTION DOES NOT MATCH REALITY.

We lose our way in a relationship, make incorrect adjustments, and fail to realize we are in a graveyard spiral. Unaware of the danger to our soul, we hide our spiritual struggles from others who could help. Instead, we make life-changing corrections based on our blinded perception of right or wrong.

In hurtful situations, our feelings can lead to anger and blame. We may want to retaliate or withdraw, but those reactions can cause more harm, like a disaster waiting to happen.

I have faced spiritual confusion several times, but this time was the worst. The changing circumstances felt as if I were surrounded by a thick fog, clouding my spiritual perception. The darkness in my soul concealed spiritual truth.

Sometimes in life and death circumstances, we cannot see God anywhere.

Some dear friends received the worst possible news this week. My situation is not comparable to theirs. The only similarity is the emotional and spiritual disorientation.

The darkness of the soul obscures spiritual truth. They will find hope and guidance from Jesus in their tragedy, but that does not minimize their hurt.

In moments of spiritual struggle, we often wonder if God is in control or if God exists. When faced with tragedy, we can lose sight of what truly matters.

Bitter pills, broken hearts, and crushed dreams create feelings of hopelessness and despair. The loss of a loved one or a bad medical diagnosis can make the living reflect on life.

How should we live? How do we get ready for death? What truly matters?

WHAT WILL BE OUR INSTRUMENT PANEL OF TRUTH WHEN EVERYTHING ELSE FAILS?

Spiritual guidance needs a reliable source.

What caused me to refocus on my trustworthy spiritual instrument panel?

GOD DELIVERED MY MESSAGE REMINDER THROUGH A TINY SPARROW CHIRPING ON MY FENCE AS IF IT HAD NO WORRIES IN THE WORLD.

I looked out my window and remembered the #1 Textbook instrument panel.

“A sparrow never worries. God never forgets even one of them. There is no reason for you to fear; you are far more valuable to God. He will take care of you.”

Amid spiritual disorientation, I failed to do what I was trained to do, trust the reliability of life’s instrument panel found in the #1 Textbook. Reality was different than my perception.

God is always with me and always for me.

Thank you to all the sparrows who help us remember what is truly important.

Faith is not about knowing everything or having all the answers. Faith is trusting that God has perfect plans and controls all circumstances.

God does not always explain things. Instead, He is there to support us through our struggles and suffering. This gives us help and hope.

When faced with spiritual disorientation, the psalmist declared, I will lift my eyes to the hills. My help comes from the LORD (#1 Textbook).

God is still working all things for our good. All things. Even now. In every season of life. In the face of loss and changing circumstances. Even in the valley of the shadow of death.

I realized my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside…I was senseless…Even so, I am in your presence. You grasp my right hand and guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. You alone are for me on earth and in the heavens. Who else is there to trust? (#1 Textbook).

That’s true. Who else can we trust but the One who is always faithful?

The true horizon will always guide me to safety where love and trust are constant companions.

Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord (#1 Textbook).

Hope is not some wish or dream. It is not some brain-washed platitude or spiritual crutch. We have a spiritual guide for our souls. The skies will clear. The storm will fade. We will see hope ahead. God will bring us home safely.

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take 

The clouds you so much dread                                                                                                   

Are big with mercy and soon shall break                                                                                     

with blessings on your head. (Wm. Cowper)

Thanks to God, I feel spiritually grounded. Throughout everything, God’s love for me has remained unchanged. God never loved me less. What a blessing!

Celine Dion sings, “It’s all coming back to me now.”

My concern is for you who might be experiencing spiritual disorientation. I sympathetically understand the confusion and fears.

Are you trusting Jesus to be your Spiritual Pilot? Are you focused on the #1 Textbook instrument panel?

I have attached the basic truths for review in times of spiritual disorientation.

  • GOD ALWAYS WATCHES OVER THE SPARROW AND GOD WILL ALWAYS TAKE CARE OF YOU.
  • HOPE IN GOD ALWAYS LANDS THE DISORIENTED HEART IN A SAFE PLACE. ALWAYS.
  • I WILL LIFT MY EYES TO THE HILLS. MY HELP COMES FROM THE LORD.
  • EYES UP! LOVE YOU!

When Life goes Downward (Lessons from a Coal Miner who Dreamed of becoming an Astronaut)

I wanted to be an astronaut. I ended up being a coal miner.

I dreamed of soaring into space with John Glenn or leaping around the moon’s surface with Neil Armstrong. “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

Instead, I went deep into the earth. There were no stunning views of our blue planet, just high piles of dirt in a dark dungeon.

Outer space was far away. My coal mining day was spent deeper underground than the Empire State Building is tall.

I was fully qualified to be an astronaut. I had all the Right Stuff except for my poor vision, even poorer vertigo, the poorest grades in physics, and my inability to fly a plane.

Apparently, I had all the Right Stuff to be a coal miner. I had a body, and I was expendable.

I had coal mining in my family history before I ever felt my face covered in black soot. My mom was a Coal Miner’s Daughter, and I was the grandson of a coal mine foreman from Kentucky and later Tahona, Oklahoma.

I wanted to be an athlete and then an astronaut. I ended up as a coal miner.

One summer in college, I worked as a coal miner in a shaft mine. We took an elevator down, and then the tunnels extended horizontally underground.

This was the one dark place where literally I could not see my hand in front of my face without the assistance of the headlamp. My dreams had plummeted from the infinite heights of outer space to the hidden depths of total darkness.

The summer benefit was vanity. After cleaning my blackened face, I was left with dark eyebrows and eyelashes that could make Elvis Presley jealous. Girls who spent hours with mascara and fake eyelashes envied my look. It felt as if a Hollywood stylist had prepared me for a photo shoot.

The long-term benefit was qualifying for Black Lung support. Apparently, breathing coal dust is unhealthy for the lungs.

I remember this experience around three topics. Darkness. Danger. Dirt.

Coal Mine Lesson #1 DARKNESS:
I arrived for my engineering apprenticeship, which was mostly about studying, not working hard. The chief engineer said the timber crew needed an extra person, and they offered three dollars more an hour. I needed the money, so it was an easy choice.

An elevator brought us to the bottom of the shaft, which resembled a lit-up parking lot. There were large machines, bright floodlights, and a lot of noise. The horizontal tunnels were very dark.

The crew took a lunch break at noon. When a co-worker asked about my lunch, I said it was in my locker. He laughed and told me we do not go back above ground for lunch; we eat against the shaft wall.

Man does not live by bread alone, but by the word of God.

The only light in the horizontal tunnel we traveled through was the small light on our coal miner’s hardhat.

After lunch, my headlamp started to dim. The foreman told me to return to the main center for a new light and to follow the conveyor belt to the main shaft.

As I walked, my lamp gradually dimmed and then went out. It was completely dark, and I could not see my hand. There was nothing around me, just the sound of the conveyor belt.

Darkness can be frightening and cause confusion about direction.

What should I do? Should I ask for help? I was too proud and scared to shout. I thought there was time, so I continued walking close to the sound on my left.

When I reached the bright lights of the center complex, I noticed my foreman had come with me. This was a trust test and a lesson on keeping the headlamp fully charged.

I learned both.

Spiritual Lesson about Darkness. Life has both light and dark moments. We experience sunny days, but sometimes our despair feels so heavy that we do not feel there is any hope of better days.

God uses darkness to teach us to trust Him and the importance of keeping our own light bright for life’s journey.

God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Never leave home without its guidance. Trust it and preach to yourself in the darkness. Read it often to remind yourself God is always with you and for you.

Every dark day serves a good purpose. Darkness makes faith, hope, and love shine brighter, helping those whose light is fading into fear and confusion.

Coal Mining Lesson #2 DANGER:

My time in coal mining was filled with danger, not extra money for summer fun. When my retired grandfather, who used to be a coal miner, learned I joined the timber crew, he felt fear instead of pride. He had seen too much. The year before he became foreman, an explosion killed his foreman and nineteen other miners.

Coal mining is dangerous. A roof collapse can cause heavy rocks to fall. Dust and methane gas can ignite and cause explosions. Coal dust harms the respiratory system.

The timber crew faced increased danger. As the big machines carved out new tunnel shafts in the rock, the timber crew followed closely to support the ceiling.

The roof was quickly supported by hydraulic jacks. The crew then replaced the jacks with large oak timbers. We measured and cut the timbers with a two-man saw. After lifting and adjusting them into place, our foreman slowly lowered the hydraulic jack until the ceiling’s weight rested fully on the timbers.

Some experiences helped me understand my grandfather’s fears.

I stood by my experienced foreman as he prepared to move the heavy rock ceiling from the hydraulic jack to the new wooden supports. In complete silence, he listened as he slowly released the jack, little by little.

He would stop, listen, and rely on a sense learned only through experience. This timber insertion was unique. He warned me, “Son, be ready to run when I say. Just let go of the jack and run for your life.”

The next breath was, “Run!”

I stood up as a large rock dropped two inches onto my helmet. I felt a small bump. If I had still been on my knees, I might never have played sports again or seen daylight.

As we ran to a safe spot, the rock ceiling fell. Large rocks crashed around us as dust swirled in the air.

Spiritual Lesson for Danger: Stay close to the Lord. Listen to His voice. Follow His warnings. Be aware of His cautions. Avoid dangers to your soul and spiritual health.

There is never a good time to stop and ignore the warnings in the #1 Textbook.

Blessed is the one who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,

nor stands in the way of sinners,

nor sits in the seat of scoffers;

but his delight is in the law of the Lord,

and on his law he meditates day and night.

Coal Mining Lesson #3 DIRT:

Coal dust poses a significant risk of fire explosions. As new mine shafts are developed, large quantities of coal are placed on the conveyor belt that leads to the main shaft for extraction.

One week, the safety engineer threatened to close the mine due to excessive dust under the conveyor belt. Two of us were assigned to shovel the dust onto the belt—three hundred yards of dirt, four feet on each side. We had to shovel until we reached rock bottom.

After eight hours and a lunch break, we only uncovered twenty feet of dirt. That was less than seven yards of a three-hundred yard project.

Why so little progress? The depth of the dirt.

I began the morning on my knees level with the conveyer belt. I moved shovel loads of coal dust, dropping it down on the belt. At the end of the day, I was standing below eye-level of the conveyor belt, lifting shovel loads above my head.

A lot of dirt built up over the years, dust particle by dust particle.

I woke up the next morning, calling for my dad. My hands felt stiff, curled up as if holding a shovel. I thought I was paralyzed. Despite my feelings, I went back to work at the coal mine.

The next day, the mine supervisor assigned our ten-man crew to the project. We dug another thirty yards. A lot of dirt had built up over time. Eventually, we were told to just remove two feet of dirt from the top.

Many of us manage our spiritual lives with just a quick, surface-level approach. Superficial spirituality.

Spiritual Life Lesson about DIRT:

Even a small amount of daily dirt will eventually lead to a hardened heart. Simply trying to be better never solves the problem. We need Christ’s forgiveness each day to have a pure heart for a fresh start.

Clean me up, Lord, and I will be whiter than snow.

Do you need help today? Learn from a summertime coal miner and a wanna-be astronaut.

In times of Darkness, Danger, or Dirt, turn to the Lord.

Oh soul, are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior; and life more abundant and free!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face

And the things of this world will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.

EYES UP! LOVE YOU!

CREAMED CORN CATASTROPHE

On the day that you were born the angels got together and decided to create a dream come true.

So they sprinkled creamed corn in your hair of gold and starlight in your eyes of blue.

Just like me, they long to be Close to You. (Close to You–The Carpenters)

Catastrophe–a disastrous event causing great and sudden damage or suffering.

HAVE YOU EVER HELPLESSLY WATCHED AS YOUR WIFE WAS ENGULFED BY A TSUNAMI OF FLYING CREAMED CORN? Probably not.

The explosive disaster got everyone’s attention. The creamed corn looked as if it had been shot out of a cannon. It splattered everywhere…at least, everywhere it was not supposed to end up.

This was a catastrophe.

My wife and I took our grandkids to Rudy’s, one of their favorite barbeque restaurants. You wait in line to order and then eat family style at one of the long wooden picnic tables. Everyone was having an enjoyable time. The food was delicious. The youngest granddaughter declared this to be where she would like to eat every day.

Our oldest granddaughter asked if she could have some more creamed corn. Our entire family loves Rudy’s creamed corn. It’s the perfect accent dish to the BBQ sandwiches. I passed her the creamed corn. That was the plan!

The creamed corn is served in a large Styrofoam cup, about the size of a Quik Trip Big Slurpee cup. I picked up the big serving and stood up.

As I was handing the large cup to my wife, it slipped out of my hand.

The full container of creamed corn fell about a distance of three feet, from the height of my shoulder to the hard tabletop. It erupted like a volcano. It spewed into the air like a windblown dust storm.

The science of Physics has confirmed Newton’s three laws of motion. My Dummies version goes like this.

First Law: An object stays motionless until an external force is applied. The cup of creamed corn will stay where it is in my hand until I drop it, thus, setting it in motion.

Second Law: Force is created that is directly proportional to the weight of the object multiplied by its acceleration. The weight of the creamed corn cup times its acceleration due to gravity creates force. In this case, the force is about three times the impact of the full cup as it hits the table.

Newton’s Third Law of Motion: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. The cup goes downward and the triple force of the creamed corn’s impact has a reverse reaction in the direction from which it came. Any Dummy will be able to see that. The creamed corn went down and now it goes up at roughly three times the speed. One second of drop time and nanoseconds of flying creamed corn time.

Here is the kicker. The cup has only a slight bounce on the tabletop. Its contents have a reverse reaction, but no cup to hold it in place. The creamed corn boldly explores new frontiers of space. It was like the Star Trek starship Enterprise boldly going where no one has gone before.

The creamed corn ended up mostly on my wife. In her hair. On her face. On her clothes. On her arm. In her lap. I said it was an excessively big cup of creamed corn.

It was funny. Very funny if it happened in a movie. It would have been a classic comedy skit. But this was not I Love Lucy; this was real life.

Our grandkids laughed. People around us laughed. I chuckled, but only for less than a nanosecond.

The hilarity did not land on my wife with the same force as the creamed corn.

My wife could not see the humor. At the moment her creamed corn eyes could not see anything.

She finally looked at me. That was after she used a napkin to wipe creamed corn out of her eyes.

I thought her beautiful blue eyes matched well with the yellow corn. And it was creamy, so it probably did not hurt much.

I wondered if this is how World War III might start. I guess I should be thankful that Colorado has a No Gun restriction for eating establishments.

My wife was dismayed. She made a funny face at the grandkids, but I considered crying. Begging for mercy would have been more appropriate. I thought that we needed some creamed corn replacement. However, I imagine there was a good chance that would have been poured over my head.

This was not one of my finest moments in marriage. My wife brought up a good thought. Why didn’t I just pass the cup across the table instead of standing up and doing a fly by over our heads?

Well, I never thought of that, dear. I also never expected the creamed corn to go kamikaze on us.

I still love Rudy’s creamed corn. I rarely get to order it anymore. The cost is too high. The memory carries too much baggage.

The whole ordeal made quite an impression on our grandkids. They bring it up at the oddest times. At a recent family meal, a grandchild asked for someone to please pass the creamed corn. It was not even on the menu that day. Apparently, dry humor runs in our family.

The indelible image of my wife covered in creamed corn is seared into my memory bank. Honestly, I had no idea creamed corn could fly. The circumstances defy physics.

Circumstances: Webster’s Dictionary describes them as a fact or condition connected with or relevant to an event or action.

Neither my wife nor I had prepared for the condition connected to this random action which set off some very unforeseen circumstances.

Circumstances never make us what we are. They should never define us. They might reveal what is inside us.

A face and hair covered in creamed corn could be described as an unexpected circumstance. It did not happen because of a choice made by my wife. That is assuming we eliminate her choice of me as her husband which is the real source of most of her problems.

Babe is not to blame for this fiasco. Things like this just happen to her when I am involved.

Each one of us is caught somewhere in the mid-story of messy circumstances we did not choose. We are left wondering how this situation in life might turn out. Where is the good God promised us? We do not see it. Why? The good on the horizon is buried somewhere under the creamed corn of our circumstances.

When our circumstances are plummeting from bad to worse, we are often haunted by feelings that we should have been able to avoid or stop this from happening. Or our minds are bombarded by questions of why God did not stop this.

We wrestle with thoughts that we failed God or, worse, that God has failed us.

We cannot fix every problem. Sometimes, we can only clean up the mess and learn from the experience.

What happens when some parts of your life do not turn out as you hoped? What happens when someone blows up your plans with a circumstantial creamed corn catastrophe?

Life can be interrupted by some mishap or mayhem. Hurt or heartache can blow in with some storm. Disappointment can make a sudden appearance to interrupt one of your carefree moments.

I like how K.J. Ramsay wrote her thoughts in her book on suffering, This Too Shall Last.

“I imagine we have all bought into the lie at some point that we could avoid suffering. Just be healthier or wealthier. Work harder. Live smarter. Control your diet, your exercise, your environment, your relationships. Guard your heart and save your planet…We march to the cadence of the culture…

You are part of a story much bigger than just yourself. You are an important part of that story. The purpose of faith was never about sustaining yourself. It is dependence on Another who is wiser, stronger, and better than you.”

God really does have everything under control. Even every drop of creamed corn lands precisely as He choregraphed it. God will clean up all your messy circumstances. He always writes the last chapter. The story will be beautiful.

Your true identity is defined by your character, not your circumstances. Those who walk in love imitate their Heavenly Father (#1 Textbook). Lowliness, kindness, longsuffering, enduring in love, and striving to do whatever it takes to preserve unity are traits of Christlike character.

Love First becomes our attitude. Circumstances might slow the process, but they are also used by God to refine our progress.

Love Most translates into actions. God-orchestrated circumstances provide the greater opportunity to display character.

Legendary Basketball Coach and cancer victim, Jim Valvano declared, “If you laugh, and you think, and you cry, then you’ve had a really good day. If you can do that seven times a week, then you have something very special.”

Spilling creamed corn on your beautiful wife can make one laugh, think, and cry. What a day! I am praying your days will be filled with laughter, thoughts, and tears of love.

My wife eventually had a good day as well. She cried…with creamed corn in her eyes of blue. She thought…about killing me. She eventually laughed.

I think I won her over when I put my arm around her creamed corn shoulder and moved closer to her creamed corn cheek as I sang my improvised version of Karen Carpenter’s Close to You, minus her sweet voice.

On the day that you were born the angels got together and decided to create a dream come true.

So they sprinkled creamed corn in your hair of gold and starlight in your eyes of blue.

Just like me, they long to be Close to You.

Donuts and Patience

Donuts or Patience? Which one has the shortest shelf life at your house?

Patience is waiting with a smile. At least that is the version I teach my grandkids.

I have committed myself to pursue the most important goal of loving God and loving others first and most. God’s #1 Textbook begins that description with “love is patient…”

Patience! Do you ever forget to smile?

I was recently tested...again. I saw the humor but not sure I smiled.

Learning patience is a process which is more about direction than perfection.

But, what the jeepers? Why does it seem that everyone signed up to be God’s instruments of teaching me patience?

This session is about Donut Decisions and Patience. Why do they both seem to run out when most needed?

This will sound as if it is an exaggerated story. This really did happen the morning God knew I needed patience more than the donuts.

I recently stopped at Krispy Kreme to pick up some donuts for my grandkids. The decision was not too complicated. One dozen glazed, and one dozen chocolate covered glazed.

I arrived with the “Hot” sign flashing in the window. For donut beginners, the “Hot” sign means more than just fresh donuts. If you go inside, you will receive one free hot donut. If you remain in the drive-thru lane, you are required to add two extra hot donuts to your order for immediate personal enjoyment.

Only one car was ahead of me in the drive-thru lane. This would be a quick pick-up, resulting in an extremely popular surprise back home.

Somehow this convenient stop at the donut place with the “Hot” flashing sign turned into a glaze of frustration.

The lady in the only car ahead of me was obviously not in a hurry for donuts or any decision. I listened as the sound came from the speaker indicating the Krispy Kreme employee was waiting for her order.

When there was no reply by the customer, they told her to just order when ready. Long silence. Repeat, “Ready when you are.” Longer silence. “Please order when ready.“

Finally, the lady started an order; then canceled it. She restarted. Paused for what felt like twenty minutes. Added two specialty donuts. Subtracted two regular items. Then she abruptly canceled the entire order…again.

The lady began to ask questions about the menu. She deliberated and then placed a call on her cellphone for suggestions. I decided to back out and go inside for my order. However, that was no longer an option. By this time, I was blocked in the drive-through line. No way out and no way through! I was stuck!

I am not sure whom she called. It might have been her grandkids. Maybe it was her daughter or husband. Perhaps it was the fire station or her church class.

Maybe she called her priest to confess her insensitivity to holding up the other customers. Was she requesting an indulgence for her insatiable desire to order more donuts than could be eaten by the multitude of five thousand? Most of the church people I know just stuff their faces with donuts and ask for forgiveness in the next life.

I understand the desire to please. She wanted to get the order correct and to someone’s satisfaction.

Of course, I was patient. Love first. Love most. This was just a test. Donuts can wait.

Then the store turned off the “Hot” sign. Wait a minute!

I would wait more than another minute. The lady began to read the entire menu to the person on the other end of the call. The phone recipient asked her to read the entire menu…twice. A few items were added to her order. Another was withdrawn. One icing flavored was changed.

Is that all? “Yes. No! No! Wait.” She just spotted the picture with special patriotic donuts. She wanted some of them. She inquired as to what kinds were available. The picture had patriotic “sprinkles” or choice of colored glaze (“red, white, or blue”). Thankfully, our national flag has only three colors. The special offers also came in regular or chocolate, which added complications to each decision.

How long does it take to say, “One dozen glazed, and one dozen chocolate glazed, please”??? Apparently, much longer than I assumed.

I tried to imagine that the lady could have been my grandmother. I would definitely want others to show her patience and kindness. Then it dawned on me that I am now the age of my grandmother. Heavens to Betsy!

The dear lady canceled her order and started over. I texted the home team about the delay. We were more likely to have donuts for lunch rather than brunch.

I mentioned something about the “witch of the west” ordering for all her munchkins. Well, sorry. At least I did not call her the “Wicked Witch of the West.“

Oh, the agony of her dilemma. Back to the phone. She repeated the patriotic options as she pointed to each picture, as if the person on the other end of the cell call could see the multi-colored choices. Yes, she changed the order.

The driver behind me honked his horn and yelled at her, “Hey lady, there are other people waiting to get donuts!”

She leaned out her window and screamed at ME. “Be patient!“

I tried to smile.

Things took a turn for the worse when she arrived at the checkout window. I will spare the details. I asked for a second order of Patience.

Patience is an admired and respected virtue, until it needs to be practiced in our own lives. The gift card balance on my Patience often runs low and even out.

However, there is a separate gift card that came from heaven which has no limits. Yes, patience is a gift card from God. Whenever I choose to use it, patience waits with a smile.

No matter how long. No matter how many times.

I need to remember not to leave home without it.

There is one item that does not appear on any donut sign or restaurant menu. PATIENCE.

Does anyone else wish for a drive-thru where you could pick up one or two dozen minutes of patience? That would be very beneficial when your temperament sign is flashing “Hot.”

Or maybe a PATIENCE Gift Card whose balance could be renewed daily.

??????????

Love is patient. Patience means much more than just passively waiting. In fact, the #1 Textbook describes it as an aggressive activity of inner strength, often associated with running the race of life (Colossians 1:11; Hebrews 12:1).

Patience is also linked to the active words of perseverance and hope.

Perseverance is made up of two words, “Severe” refers to hard times. The “per” signifies “through” the severe times. Steadfastness under pressure. Endurance in trials and tests.

Hope is not wishful thinking, but rather a confident expectation of seeing all the goodness God has promised…somehow…someway…sometime.

God has promised to gift-card us with unlimited patience, perseverance, and hope (Romans 15:5). Why?

Patience, perseverance, and hope all deal with character development. God has promised to make me and you more like Jesus. He always loves first and loves most.

So, here is where the rubber hits the road, not with Goodyear tires, but in our lives.

Every stop light on the road of life is for character building in my life.

Every slow or misguided person on the road or stuck in the Krispy Kreme drive-thru has been placed there by God for character building in my life.

Every incompetent or inconvenient customer service representative was sent into my life for character building.

I fail to see it that way too often as the balance on my Patience gift card quickly evaporates.

Here is the lesson from the #1 Textbook (Romans 5:1-5). The tests will surely follow.

Because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us…we confidently and joyfully look forward to actually becoming all that God has had in mind for us to be.

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us—they help us learn to be patient. 

And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady. 

Then, when that happens, we are able to hold our heads high no matter what happens and know that all is well, for we know how dearly God loves us, and we feel His love everywhere within us because God has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

JESUS LIVES IN US TO LEAD US TO OTHERS HE INTENDS TO LOVE WITH PATIENCE, PERSEVERANCE, AND HOPE THROUGH US.

Get ready for today’s test. Remind yourself, it is all about character building.

Rejoice at the red lights and ridiculous people in the drive-thru lanes who slow you down long enough to see the good God is doing in your life.

PATIENCE: It’s a no-brainer Love Test. Love is patient…all the time…every time.

Love First and Love Most. That is a decision. It is your choice, no matter what is on the other person’s menu. I wish I had learned that sooner in life.

POST NOTE: I offer one other option for donut selection. Self-Service. Just do what my granddaughter did when she was three. As I placed my order with the attendant, I realized Channing had disappeared. She suddenly reappeared from behind the donut display case carrying a pink sprinkled donut.

Self-Service.

Now if someone would just invent a Self-Service window for Patience…with no waiting... (and a sarcasm font).

I have to go now. The “Hot” sign is back on at Krispy Kreme. Gotta hurry…with a smile, of course!

EYES UP! LOVE YOU!

The Kentucky Derby…Again

This weekend is the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby.

[Introductory Comment: Should you be interested in placing a bet on this year’s race for recreational purposes or nondisclosure gaming interests, I have enclosed my Sure-Lock Tip on this year’s winning horse…That Guaranteed Winner Tip will be shared at the end of this session.]

Do you realize you are in a race that will define your life? Are you running to win? Are you aware of the only opponent who can stop you?

A BIG HEART CAN DO GREAT THINGS.

I use the true story of Secretariat, the greatest racehorse of all time, as an example of that truth.

The Kentucky Derby was my mother’s favorite sporting event because of her childhood memories watching this annual race with her dad. I watch the Derby every year with memories of my mom. She would tear up with the singing of My Old Kentucky Home.

The Run for the Roses is declared to be “the most exciting two minutes in sports.”

I recently visited the famous Kentucky Horse Park with my daughter and oldest grandson. It includes the International Museum of the Horse. I introduced Cooper to the greatest racehorse of all time…Secretariat.

The Triple Crown racehorse story is beautifully told in one of my favorite movies, Secretariat.

My recollection of Secretariat’s championships and movie spurs more than just visions of athletic grace and greatness. It has encouraged me to be better at what God purposed for my life, loving first and loving most. I hope this reminder will encourage you in your life’s race.

A BIG HEART CAN DO GREAT THINGS.

Athletically, heart size is referred to as the X Factor in desire to win. Secretariat was a horse with a big heart, literally and competitively. His heart was more than twice the size of a normal horse which aided his strength, stamina, and speed.

Secretariat was the first horse in twenty-five years to win the Triple Crown (Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont), all in speed record times which still stand over fifty years later.

SECRETARIAT TRIPLE CROWN WINNER

The legend began at the Kentucky Derby. Wearing blue and white colors, Secretariat took on the challengers. Coming around the first turn, he began passing horses in front of him as he moved from eighth position to right behind the favorite Sham.

As the horses raced into the home stretch heading for the finish line, Secretariat sprinted past the leader and won by 2.5 lengths (one length is the approximate length of a horse which is 8 to 10 feet) in a new record time which still stands today, 1:59.25.

Fascinating observation: The champion thoroughbred ran every quarter of the race faster than the preceding one.

The second race of the Triple Crown at the Preakness was even more brilliant. Secretariat came out of the gate last, but immediately engaged in a full sprint, ignoring the safety warnings associated with the tight turns. His win in record time catapulted him into a cultural phenomenon.

Praised as a super-horse, Secretariat gained celebrity status among the fans, even featured on a Sports Illustrated cover.

The third race at Belmont was the most challenging, a graveyard for speed horses. This longer race favored the bigger and stronger Sham. The opponent’s strategy was to force Secretariat to start fast but falter due to lack of stamina.

Secretariat sprinted right out of the gate; he never stopped. The race was as legendary as it was dramatic. Secretariat and Sham took the lead, leaving the other horses far behind. His trainer feared that Secretariat had started too fast.

Something amazing began to unfold. The movie captured the race announcer’s voice calling Secretariat’s lead at six lengths, growing to eleven.

The broadcaster shouted Secretariat was moving like a “tremendous machine” leading by 17 lengths as he came around the turn. Onlookers were not watching a machine. This was the showcase manifestation of a big heart.

Strength. Stamina. Speed.

The spectators were on their feet, their voices thundered, the stadium began to shake. The movie captured the moment in SILENCE as the camera looked back from the finish line to the final turn awaiting the appearance of the horses.

The off-screen narration reflected on life in the context of athletic contests.

This is about life being ahead of you and you run at it! Because you never know how far you can run unless you run.

Time seemed frozen as everyone waited in anticipation for the climactic end of the race. Could Secretariat finish as strong and as swiftly as he began? How big is his heart?

The theatre speakers began to vibrate with the thunderous sounds of galloping legs pounding the turf as Secretariat appeared on the screen, coming around the final turn, headed for home and victory. The horse with the big heart appeared…all alone…fluid and fast…mighty and majestic.

Everything on the screen changed into classic movie slow motion as a voiceover narrated words from the #1 Textbook.

The horse rejoices in his strength and charges into battle. He laughs at fear, afraid of nothing. He does not shy away from the sword…In frenzied excitement he eats up the ground. He cannot stand still when the trumpet sounds.                                                                          

My favorite part of the movie comes next as the music heightens as a choir’s beautiful voices stir the soul.

O Happy Day! O Happy Day! When Jesus washed my sins away. O Happy Day!

As the song continued, the race announcer’s voice filled the background. “Secretariat sprints toward the finish line…20 lengths in front, having run the first mile and a quarter faster than his Derby time. His lead increases to 25 . . .28 lengths.”

He taught me how to walk, fight and pray, and live rejoicing–everyday. O Happy Day!

Secretariat crossed the finish line in record time: 2 minutes and 24 seconds.  Winning margin: 31 Lengths (the distance of a hundred-yard football field)!

As the famous sportswriter, William Nack, penned, “As rhythmic as a rocking horse, Secretariat never missed a beat, a stunning portrait of grace and wonder. No fading. No faltering. No failure.”

This life we live is not about horses, but it is about heart.

There is a race aspect to our lives. It is not a rat race or horse race. It is not even a competitive race with others to climb the ladder or be king of the mountain.

THE ETERNAL GOAL IS TO ACCOMPLISH OUR GOD-CENTERED PURPOSE TO LOVE.

OUR LIFE VERSUS DEATH RACE IS DOWN TO TWO COMPETITORS. ONE IS A LIFE OF GOD-CENTERED LOVE FOR OTHERS. THE ONLY OPPOSITION THREATENING THE CHAMPION’S CROWN IS THE SHAM OF OUR SELF-CENTEREDNESS.

Self-centeredness is an untiring fierce competitor. The internal opponent will never quit. It must be defeated by a heart overflowing with God’s love. The bigger our heart, the greater we distance ourselves from this great adversary.

We learn to win that colossal race in life’s smaller things.

The X Factor reveals itself in times of testing. We discover limitless love for a spouse amidst changes from honeymoon bliss to vacation stress, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, until death and then beyond.

Our heart grows to love others more in moments of spiritual disorientation, soap opera drama, or relational tension.

Make no mistake about this. The struggle to love is not caused by the other person’s selfishness, stubbornness, or stupidity. The greatest and only barrier to loving any other person is our self-centeredness.

Use your God-given big heart to love wholeheartedly. Shortcuts never help. Mediocre or half-hearted efforts will fail. Insincere actions will always lose. Good actions from an insincere heart miss the mark. Love First. Love Most. Feel the Beat.

GOD LIVES INSIDE OF US TO LEAD US TO OTHERS HE INTENDS TO LOVE THROUGH US.

God gave you a big heart, bigger than you have yet to realize. A big heart can do great things.

SINCE GOD’S LOVE IS INFINITE, WE CAN ALWAYS STRETCH OUR LOVE FOR GOD AND FOR OTHERS TO WIDER, LONGER, HIGHER, DEEPER LEVELS.

This is a wonderful time to showcase a big heart in your relationships. Give more. Forgive more. Be more faithful. Never give up. Finish Strong. Love first. Love most.

Then, with God’s help, love even more.

Small victories of love are extremely important. The goal is to win bigger. Leave the Sham of Self-centeredness behind in the dust. Break away. Run as hard as you can and then, with God’s help, run even harder. Put some ever-widening distance between love for others and your selfish futility.

And get some blinders so you do not keep checking on others around you. That will only cause you to lose focus of the goal and falter in your steps. Life is not about “Jockeying for Position.” Just do your best and ask God to help you do better.

I finally realized I could do more than just “Eat Like a Horse.” I needed to “Get Off My High Horse.” It was time to “Stop Beating a Dead Horse” while staring at a “Gift Horse in the Mouth.”

I heard that advice “Straight from the Horse’s Mouth. Do Not Put the Cart Before the Horse.”

You were “Born to be a Champion…Chomping at the Bit.”

This is the “Homestretch.”

Let your heart race faster and farther than ever before. Let the beat of your heart be seen, heard, and shared by others.

Listen and love to the beat of your big heart. Hear the roar of the angelic crowd urging you toward the earthly finish line as a stunning portrayal of grace, love, and wonder.

O Happy Day! O Happy Day! When Jesus washed my sins away. O Happy Day!

Love First and Love Most. Love Faster! Love Farther! No limits! No exceptions!

Finish Strong! No fading. No faltering. No failure.

Now for the Bonus Sure Lock Winner Tip for the 151st Kentucky Derby:

PICK THE FASTEST HORSE!

DO NOT PICK THE SLOWER HORSES!