Brenda’s Blog – November 1, 2022

“They never have anybody pray, so I just volunteered.”

My son’s words still remain in my mind.

Their entire family of six volunteered to fill food packages for distribution to Guatemala. Feeding His Starving Children operates 30 sessions each week, drawing volunteers from the Minneapolis area. Fifty percent of them are under 18 representing church, school, community groups, and families who come to serve together.

My grandson Will wanted the family to go as part of his birthday celebration. I was blessed to be visiting and was included in the effort.

On that particular Saturday meals sufficient for thousands of orphans were boxed and prepared for shipment.

When the session ended the ministry leader announced they were going to pray over the pallets as they send them to Guatemala.

“Does anyone want to pray?” My son moved quickly to the front and prayed earnestly and clearly in the name of Jesus.

As we walked out he said, “Whenever we come, no one volunteers to pray, so I did.”

It made me think… where can I step into a vacuum? Maybe it is not public prayer, but it can be a word of kindness, an errand run, a message of hope or comfort… wherever you can say, “I could, so I did.”

Brenda’s Blog – October 18, 2022

Steve Brown is a Bible teacher from Florida whose well-known tag line when he finishes a radio program or a sermon is always ”Now you think about that.”

A.W. Tozer said, “What you think about when you think about God is the most important thing about you.”
The Bible says, “As a man thinks, so is he.”

Growing up I was encouraged to say “I think” rather than “I feel.” As an adult I now know both are important and each is indicative of particular personality types. We also know our behavior follows thoughts and feelings. Action doesn’t spring out of thin air; it has a solid basis.

Watching college students for years I soon learned what was important to them. It was what they talked about – and especially who they talked about. People in love cannot avoid mentioning the other because the relationship fills their thoughts.

Recently the phrase “top of mind” made the news. That is exactly what it is. We fill our minds with seemingly limitless data, but some of it rises to the top and commands our attention. More than that, it often determines our behavior. Compulsions and premeditated crimes are literally outcomes of “top of mind” obsession.

Our creator knows us and in His design He built in the ability to filter and choose our thoughts. We are given categories on which to focus (e.g. true, honorable, pure, of good reputation, etc.). We are instructed to capture our thoughts and manage what we spend time thinking about.

Dad once told me he came in to say goodnight and I was still awake, sitting on my bed and looking out the window. “Why aren’t you asleep?” “How can anybody sleep when there is so much to think about?” was my answer. Oh, to be that little girl!
It is easy in our media-sated culture to avoid thinking, but how much poorer we are. We were given minds as a fantastic tool. Using them to grow healthy and helpful is a rich opportunity.

Brenda’s Blog – October 4, 2022

“Sorry, he wasn’t heying you – he was talking to me.”

As I walked through the grocery the lady directly in front of me stopped dead in her tracks. She looked around with a puzzled expression. Then a store employee walked out of the office, looked at the customer, and apologized.

Living in Texas for years has accustomed me to “fixin’ to,” “y’all,” and especially “all y’all.” But I wasn’t prepared for “heying you.” It made me think about the different ways we get someone else’s attention. I grew up with “hey, you,” was quite familiar with “youse guys,” but it made me smile to see the relief on the customer’s face when she realized she wasn’t being called.

Then I started thinking about the way we communicate with each other – and particularly the way we get attention. We can wave, wink an eye, or even reach out to connect. We can clear our throats with a not-so-subtle “ahem,” or we can politely offer a “pardon me, please.” It is interesting to sit in public places and watch the male/female dance that starts with a quick glance; perhaps move on to a light smile, then if the signals are right, results in lingering eye contact. No words are spoken, but the message is clear.

As I thought about it more deeply I thought about how God contacts us. How does He get our attention? How do we know He has something to say to us? Theologians talk about general and special revelation: the magnificence of nature is there for all to experience. The awesomeness of the Rockies, the powerful roar of Niagara Falls, or the vast plains with their miles of crops… all are unspoken messages from the God of creation shared with everyone. These are examples of general revelation.

Special revelation is indeed that – special. It is a term that talks about the way God communicates with us through the Bible, His written Word, and through Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh to bring us back into relationship after our genetic father Adam lost our access to heaven. There are no heys, howdies, or youse guys – there is just the powerful message that in the beginning God created; and in the incarnation God recreated.

Glorious! Let’s study the Word, let’s hear Him as we pray, and let’s celebrate the gift of the Lord Jesus Christ. Let’s eagerly share the mystery of the God-man, second person of the Trinity, and Savior. May we be intent on calling to others with the great news of the God who calls us. And may we pray the Holy Spirit is surely “heying” others, bringing them into the Kingdom and into the conversation.

Brenda’s Blog – September 20, 2022

The voice rang out: “Three Cheers for the King!” What started as a prelude to a toast has now become a familiar chant for the monarch. In that large crowd, the calls rang out! Hip, hip Hooray! Hip, hip Hooray! Hip, hip Hooray! They were expressing their approval, their encouragement, and good wishes.

This joyful noise immediately brought my friend Becky to mind. In her last weeks of completing her Doctorate of Ministry from Dallas Theological Seminary, she received a severe diagnosis of uterine cancer. She took it on as a calling, creating a vibrant support group at Dallas Baylor Hospital, speaking, putting together volumes from stories of the support group women’s journeys. Her ministry looked much different than her plan. This was not serving in a church as Women’s Minister, but working day by day in a world of women whose lives were about pain, suffering, and death.

In a speech she spoke the promise of God’s presence. She lifted up the reality of Christian faith in the darkest of times. She challenged the women to look to Jesus for meaning, security, and confidence.

As she concluded her stirring message she lifted her hands and exclaimed “Hope, Hope, Hooray! Hope, Hope, Hooray! Hope, Hope, Hooray!” Becky expressed her approval of the God who was with her, the encouragement for those who were walking the cancer road, and eternal good wishes for life with Him even when the earthly time ended.

Brenda’s Blog – September 6, 2022

“I am proud of myself for adulting today.”

My comment to my daughter made both of us laugh. At nearly 80 wouldn’t you think I had conquered all possible hindrances to maturity? But no –

Last week an allergy attack left me with puffy eyes and a most unattractive stye. Ordinarily I would ignore it. However, on Saturday I was beginning a ten month program of study with a required meeting in Dallas. A short email message tied me in knots: “The first thing will be an individual photo session for the directory. Come prepared.”

I looked in the mirror, hoping the lumpy, bumpy eyelid was now smooth. Instead, it seemed enlarged. I actually entertained thoughts of asking permission to have my photo done with sunglasses. Then, it got serious – I considered not attending.

Then I started the growing up process. First, I got up at 4:30am, drove to Dallas, took off my sunglasses, got in the photo line – and adulted!

You know what happened? I stopped thinking about myself, engaged in the lectures, discussion, and group interactions. No one drew back in sheer horror, or proposed to eliminate me from the program.

C.S. Lewis says, “True humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.” It reminds me maturity includes developing humility and a sense of reality. Adulting is an exercise in humility.

At the end of Saturday I thought back to high school and the time I missed an important leadership conference because it was a bad hair day and I couldn’t face anybody “like that.” At least I have made progress in the intervening 60 years.

Have fun as you practice adulting and let me know how you are doing.

Brenda’s Blog – August 23, 2022

“Welcome to the future, Gram.”

My 13 year old grandson told me about his enjoyment of the TV show, Monk. “Oh, I like that show, too. I watch it when I can’t sleep because it is on from 1-4am at home.”

“Do you want to watch one with me?” “Yes, I would love that. What time is it on?”

“We stream it, and watch it whenever we want to – we don’t have to wait for it to be on a TV channel. Welcome to the future, Gram.” I laughed and laughed. I felt like he was explaining how to use a car, leaving the horse and buggy in the barn!

My Dad used to say “principles never change, just the illustrations.” It is crucial to have a timeless foundation and timely applications. When we were raising the children our way of saying it was: “give them roots and wings.”

My future-oriented grandson teaches me about bloggers, YouTube videos, and fantasy games. I can teach him about character, perseverance, and love. The ancient truths of Biblical wisdom never become obsolete. My responsibility is to stay curious about all the “what’s new” pieces of his world while enjoying the opportunity to talk about sustainable values.

The sixty-five years between us evaporates when we laugh, marvel, and learn from each other. I may be older, but am trying to avoid getting old. His exuberance oils my imagination and my eagerness for all things new. Of course, there are times when my travels around the sun allow me to see potholes, and mine fields. My challenge is to warn in a helpful way, without wagging a finger. My concern must be based on God’s wisdom and love – two everlasting tent posts.

He may introduce me to on demand Monk… great fun! And, my desire is to encourage him as he grows in knowledge, good decision-making, and the joy of following Jesus. I, too, welcome him to the future!

Brenda’s Blog – August 9, 2022

“Some of my most significant life events happened at an altar.” Jack Graham, Pastor Prestonwood Church

As I drove down the road early one morning I listened to the sermon of Jack Graham. His subject was total surrender to God’s will. I thought back over my life, recalling several key moments kneeling at an altar dedicating my life; standing before an altar pledging marital fidelity, and joining hands with family members as we said goodbye to beloved parents.

Then, in typical Brenda-fashion, I started hearing the word roll around, changing its meaning. Altar became alter. But they really are not so very unlike.

I heard a woman bemoaning additional weight the other day… ”I used to blame my dryer for shrinking my clothes, but I was wrong – it was the refrigerator’s fault.” Clothes that used to be a tad too big now hug my ample late fourth quarter body. How thankful I am for elasticized waists!

Living for nearly 80 years gives me the advantage – a robust selection of rear view mirror experiences. I can look back on moments of alteration when critical changes were made. Some shocked me while others quietly creeped up. Some were received with boundless joy while others took my breath away and threw me into a spin. But all were alterations!

And even better than that – they were altar-ations. They were brought into my life by the hand of a loving, gracious, all-powerful God. When I kneeled in recognition of His goodness my heart experienced peace preciously unknown. Peace with God and the peace of God gave me an acceptance of alterations and made each day one to practice altar-ations.

Brenda’s Blog – July 26, 2022

“Placing biscuits touching each other will increase rising when baking.”

I love Mary B frozen biscuits. As I put two in the toaster oven and looked for the baking temperature I noticed a little line titled “Tip.” The words made me smile and of course I put them cozily together on the baking pan.

Isn’t that like the Body of Christ? Isn’t our belief about the way the church works (ecclesiology) very similar to Mary B’s tip? Aren’t we to be a people who touch each other both rejoicing and weeping with each other in encouragement?

Think about family pictures you see on Facebook or you receive in Christmas letters. Some feature individuals with separate expressions and body language. Others show members with arms wrapped around shoulders, or hands touching. Don’t you enjoy seeing the interlocking ones?

As believers we are not to be a group of individualists who enjoy their personal “Jesus and me” faith. We are to be a community of faith with commonalities. We should share the hopes, cares, victories, and defeats as brothers and sisters who stand with each other.

Have you ever walked into a church service while on vacation? You are unfamiliar with anyone, yet you can detect evidence of their culture. You can take the temperature of the group right away, can’t you? We are called to lean into each other to assist the story of Jesus to rise from the building into the world. Radiating love one for another tells everyone Jesus is real – this is not just a social club; this is the gathering of those who follow the living Lord.

It isn’t easy to open our lives, but when we establish trust as “fellow biscuits,” we understand the principle of siding up to one another. When we grasp the concept of breaking the bread of life with those who don’t believe we know we want to offer a taste of truth and love in Jesus.

Let’s create a body of Christ which functions well because we eagerly touch each other’s lives.

Brenda’s Blog – July 12, 2022

“Where Big Mac?”

These words were spoken years ago by the toddler granddaughter of a well-loved neighbor. You could hear her little sentence fragment spoken in a small, inquisitive voice. “Where Big Mac?” as she ran into their house without immediately seeing him.

His recent death spurred the remembrance of a child’s comments as the pastor began his message. It was the ideal theme for a Christian memorial service. We gathered to honor a man who was a community leader, teacher, coach, family man, and truly beloved by all. His loss hit everyone for the diagnosis to death was only a span of six months.

The hope expressed by the pastor keyed off the gospel of Jesus. He assured the audience the question was answered because Coach McInturff had put his faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, son of God and son of Man. He spoke confidently of the hope of heaven because Coach had been drawn to reconciliation with Father God through belief in the Son and the work of the Spirit.

Of course, I thought of the wide-reaching impact of this question for all of us. What will be the answer for us?
Then, I thought about the broader implications of the question. Where am I in my life direction? Service to others? Relationship with my family and friends? Where am I in setting proper priorities? How about healthy habits and spiritual growth? Where am I? Where are you?

We live in chaotic times with cultural cacophony creating confusion. We are bombarded with demands, opportunities, decisions, and crises. We must clearly understand our values, our “red lines,” and our goals. When we measure our progress, it is critical to have an accurate standard. When we assess, asking “where am I?” having an idea of our direction is key.

Think about going to a strange park or shopping mall and feeling lost. Where do you go? You look for that familiar poster with the comforting words, “You are here.” You can either make adjustments because you are going in the wrong direction, or relax knowing you are right on target.

Where Big Mac? Where you? Where me? What is your answer? Make it good because it counts.

Brenda’s Blog – June 28, 2022

“You just Benjamin Buttoned me!” My friend laughed as she said this. “Do you know what I mean?” Obviously I didn’t. Yes, I knew the movie about the man who grew younger as he chronologically aged, but I didn’t get the connection.

“Old people seem to want to talk about themselves all the time, especially about their illnesses and complaints. You just asked me a question about me. I call that Benjamin Buttoning because you are not acting your age, but much younger!” I laughed and accepted the compliment from my much younger friend.

She is right – at my nearly 80 years conversations about health, the closest and best buffet, and the sad condition of the world dominate most exchanges. Long ago we forgot the art of listening, asking questions, and then listening again.

When I inquired about a Zoom class she is teaching her face lit up. I really cared about her life without seeing her as simply someone to hear my stories and receive my “gathered over the years wisdom.” A lesson was learned in those two hours we spent together. Whether you are forty, sixty, or eighty you want to be heard.

My youngest grandchild once looked at me during a visit and said quite seriously, “Are you listening to me?” How easy it is to put on a face that looks like attention while the mind wanders away. Children quickly learn what true listening looks like. Yes, eyes and ears are a powerful combination.

I don’t want to be a crotchety old woman complaining about my aching back, my lactose intolerance, or certainly not my occasional incontinence. Young ones will discover those on their own soon enough. I want to ask questions that uncover their hopes, dreams, fears, and concerns. Only if I cede my talking time to them will I ever have the privilege of knowing what they are thinking.

When you live alone you have thousands of rolled over words to use. It is tempting to spend the bulk of them posing as a “wisdom figure.” Aging sadly allows “diarrhea of the mouth” which discourages others from engaging us socially. Haven’t we all heard, “Don’t sit down with her – she just talks about herself constantly.”

Be a Benjamin Buttons who gets younger, more curious, more interactive, and certainly more attentive to others even as the calendar says he should settle into old age. My Dad was known for saying, “I have to get older, but I don’t have to get old.” Neither do we!