Brenda’s Blog – November 21, 2017

“Are you a thermometer or a thermostat?”

I am Gram to nine grandchildren and two great-grands. As I pray for them I ask for protection, God’s saving grace, and peace. And as they get older I pray for them to make wise choices about friends. This is one of the questions they must answer in order to create healthy relationships.

I want them to know if they are a thermostat or a thermometer. What is the difference? A thermometer reflects the temperature in the room; a thermostat sets it. It is the same way in social situations.

Is it weak to be a thermometer? By no means. Think how critically important it is to determine if we have a fever – we need an accurate instrument which gives us a proper reading. Groups are the same way – they need those who feel temperature changes and alert the others. The danger comes when the thermostats are so strong they ignore any negative changes.

Thermostats can heat up or cool down activities. They are the ones who pull others along. They are the lead dogs. Therefore, it is vitally important for them to have a strong moral compass. Their natural strengths can be used for good or ill. Their charisma can move a group positively to achieve great things or their magnetism can lead others down a risky path.
Our society makes value judgments which elevate thermostats. They have a serious responsibility to themselves and others. Change makers carry the weight of leadership. But thermometers must use their discernment to alert without alarming. They are the monitors of social environments.

I know each of my grandchildren has a unique design, given by God to achieve their purpose. My prayer is for those who are thermostats to be shining examples of Godly leadership and those who are thermometers to have strength in reading situations and understanding when the temperature isn’t positive. My admonition to them is always “Be bold and of good courage in whatever God calls you to do.”

Brenda’s Blog – November 7, 2017

“I had to think all the time when I was at work, so now that I am retired I don’t think anymore.”

Stop a minute and chew on that one! Raised in a family which valued thinking as a core value, this man’s statement struck me as not only strange, but almost incomprehensible.

The Bible says: “As a person thinks, so are they.” For you purists, I know the KJV says “a man thinketh,” but I think I have the freedom to expand the text. This presupposes thought, doesn’t it? And it underscores the critical nature of the process.

I once saw a humorous comedy routine describing the differences in men and women. One of the distinctives was the ability of men to absolutely put their brains into neutral gear – and exist happily. When the wife says, “What are you thinking?” he responds, “Nothing” and means it! I subscribe more to the Facebook meme which says “Closing my eyes is the open door to reminding me of all those things I haven’t done all day.” Minds just won’t shut off sometimes.

But that isn’t really productive thinking, is it? What the Bible is talking about pertains to our worldview, our perspective on life, and as A.W. Tozer says “What a man thinks about when he thinks about God is the most important thing about him.” The way we view the nature of God and the nature of man – and the way we participate is important.

Zig Ziglar fondly spoke of “stinkin’ thinkin’.” He knew the way we think impacts the way we live. And he knew the way we think about not only God, but ourselves directs us. Thinking rightly is healthy and wise.

Consequently, taking an “I’m not thinking anymore” position sets a person up for a cruise down the rapids without a good game plan. Let’s think clearly, intentionally, and purposefully to make each day one worthy of remembering in the future (as Zig taught!)

Brenda’s Blog – October 24, 2017

“Christ-Fest: Battle of the Worship Bands”

I turned the corner in the little East Texas town and the sign caught my eye. Then I turned to my grandson Colby and started laughing. “There is just something off-kilter about that, don’t you think?”

Yes, we sing Onward Christian Soldiers and as children we certainly march around singing “We’re in the Lord’s Army.” We put on the spiritual armor and attach posters to the walls of our children’s rooms reminding them that we are part of a much bigger battle between good and evil.

But battling for bragging rights as the victorious worship band? Irony drapes itself all over the idea!

It makes me think of the conflict among those of “The Way” and the way we all too often injure, maim, and disable other believers because they don’t agree on our spiritual practice preferences – or even the way we “do church.” What a shame it is to pit one Christian against another to win what? A trophy of pride. Certainly no trophies of grace are handed out in these intramural contests. We are brothers and sisters in Christ and yet we devour one another way too often.

I know the worship bands will be wailing away praising Jesus and amping up the sound to impress the audience, but is it the right message to send? Will heaven be one eternal, everlasting vying for approval? I think not.

A Catholic bishop spoke recently by invitation on the meaning of the Reformation. He was a gracious (and brave) man to address the topic. He was adept in avoiding theological landmines and instead chose to focus on the importance of unity and the things which bring us together rather than dividing us. A wise man who has probably seen one too many battles in his clerical years.

“They will know you by your love one for another.” Yes, let’s battle and battle strongly with boldness and courage, but let’s make sure our guns are pointed at the true enemy, avoiding friendly fire.

Brenda’s Blog – October 10, 2017

“Your sunroof is for sunny days!”

I love my sunroof – it is my compromise for the convertible-longing which will probably never be satisfied. There is only one negative: it isn’t designed to protect the interior from rain without direction. No, mine isn’t defective – none of them automatically close at the first rain drop… it is a manual operation. And when the driver locks the doors securely, checks into the hotels, and curls up in bed the car is on its own in a rain.

Imagine my surprise when I unlocked my door and noticed soggy books and papers on the passenger side. Then surveying the interior further, I discovered wet seats, console, and dashboard. Thankfully, it wasn’t a gully-washer, but certainly enough to get my attention.

Strangely the day before I visited the Ark Encounter, bought an umbrella, and casually laid it across the space between the front and back seats. Even though it wasn’t open, it’s broad, deep folds gathered water. Noah was saved by a gigantic boat; my interior was protected by a rainbow-hued bumbershoot.

After a good mopping up (and laying my Bible out to dry) I went on toward Tennessee. I thought about how safe I thought I was because I covered all the luggage with either a blanket or the built in shade. I locked the doors activating the alarm. I was a good steward! But I left the sun roof open.

Then it hit me. Haven’t there been times when I thought I had the bases covered but in haste forgot a critical element? Haven’t there been times when pride got in the way?

It makes me think about the soft spots in my character. Where am I vulnerable to ethical downpours? Where have I left openings for spiritual rain? Taking time to check my attitude, my heart, my motivations, and my desires can protect me from drizzly failures. When I let my guard down, I risk making mistakes which will require remediation.