tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16690004304686210762024-03-14T12:22:42.680-07:00An Arkie's FaithRichard Lawryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03680320073463221740noreply@blogger.comBlogger378125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669000430468621076.post-91067845791683410382024-03-13T12:19:00.000-07:002024-03-14T12:21:19.874-07:00The Doctor's Coupe - March 13, 2024<p>My An Arkie's Faith column from the March 13, 2024, issue of The Polk County Pulse.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0c2wzWnMPUoVivr7KI2M9y2KBdFxe1JELNmI1NMNMXT2gTdUeUDwEngmX1qq55UerKIKaWW2xY3sHKwEzgylhENNbvn2MdtbubZr4sXS7YFu-09yOur1D-_GRhCEFnDV7NKuY5TzWeSA4FpDs5qyvjITb_5-76z9Ct6PmMDks-hJT81ACAz9ZruvfTije/s3020/Model%20T%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3020" data-original-width="3020" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0c2wzWnMPUoVivr7KI2M9y2KBdFxe1JELNmI1NMNMXT2gTdUeUDwEngmX1qq55UerKIKaWW2xY3sHKwEzgylhENNbvn2MdtbubZr4sXS7YFu-09yOur1D-_GRhCEFnDV7NKuY5TzWeSA4FpDs5qyvjITb_5-76z9Ct6PmMDks-hJT81ACAz9ZruvfTije/s320/Model%20T%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>As I was visiting with a long-time car collector friend, he told me that he was going to sell his 1926 Ford Model T Doctor’s Coupe. I had a couple of cars that he was interested in and wanted to know if I would be interested in making a trade. I told him that I wasn’t interested in Model T’s. They were too old for me, and I knew nothing about them.</p><p>A few days later, he posted the Doctor’s Coupe on Facebook Messenger. When I saw the photos, I fell in love with the car. I had never seen a Model T coupe before. I decided to call my friend and see if we could make a deal. I made him an offer, and the Model T Doctor’s Coupe was mine.</p><p>A few days later, my friend delivered the Model T to my shop. He gave me a quick driving lesson after driving the car off the trailer. Model Ts are different from modern vehicles in the way they drive. On the floor are three pedals, just like the manual transmission cars of today. But the pedals serve very different functions.</p><p>The left pedal is the clutch on the cars I am used to driving. When you push on the clutch, the car’s transmission disengages from the motor. But on a Model T, you press hard on the left pedal, bands tighten on the transmission, and the car moves forward in low gear. When you have built enough speed, you let off the left pedal, and the car shifts into high gear. This car has only two speeds forward. Push down for low, and lift for high. </p><p>On the right-hand side, you have a conventional brake pedal. When you want to stop, you step on it, just like in a modern car. The only difference is the location of the pedal. In the vehicles that I am used to driving, the right pedal is the gas pedal that controls the engine's speed. But on a model T, the right pedal engages a brake band on the outside of the transmission and slows the car. The brakes on a Model T are weak, and you must be very careful when driving.</p><p>Now, can you guess what the center pedal is for? When you want to back up, you step on the center pedal, and the car backs up. The dual-purpose, hand-operated Emergency Brake and Clutch Release are also located on the floor to the driver's left. It is pulled back toward the driver and serves as the parking brake. But pushing the handle halfway into a vertical position puts the car into Neutral, essential for stopping and reversing. Moving the handle toward the driver’s feet puts the Model T in top gear.</p><p>Modern drivers will not be used to two controls on the steering wheel. These two levers are positioned under the steering wheel. This one on the left is the spark advance, retard in the up position, advance down. On the other side is the hand throttle. The Model T has no accelerator on the floor; instead, the engine speed is controlled by this hand throttle. As you move it down, the engine goes faster and faster.</p><p>After driving around at my shop for a few minutes, I was ready to try the Model T on the highway. I needed gas in the fuel tank and headed for the nearest gas station. The highway heading into town from my shop has a fairly steep incline. The Model T struggled to make it up the hill as I mashed down on the low-gear pedal. I chugged along at around five miles an hour.</p><p>When I reached the gas station, I opened the flap on the cowl and removed the gas cap. When I could see the gas nearing the top of the tank, I put the gas nozzle back on the pump, replaced the gas cap, and got back in the Model T. I was still nervous while driving. The controls were so different, and the little car was so slow that I worried about the traffic passing me at highway speeds. </p><p>That evening, I watched many YouTube videos explaining how the Model T transmission and pedals worked. My new purchase intrigued me, and I wanted to learn all I could about it. I was also fascinated by the tremble coils the Model T uses in its ignition system.</p><p>As I was getting ready for bed, a thought suddenly came to my mind. I didn't pay for the gas when I drove the Model T to the gas station and filled the tank. I am used to using a credit card for my gas purchases, but the station nearest my shop doesn’t have card readers at the pump. As I thought about it, I clearly remembered driving off without paying. </p><p>I didn’t sleep well all night, tossing and turning, knowing I had not paid for my gas. First thing in the morning, I drove to the gas station to pay for the gas. I was embarrassed and apologetic as I walked into the station and told them what had happened. I felt like a thief, even though it had been unintentional.</p><p>I thought about the passage in Leviticus 5:17(NCV), “If a person sins and does something the Lord has commanded not to be done, even if he does not know it, he is still guilty. He is responsible for his sin.” I wondered, can we be guilty for sinful responses that seem to happen to us automatically? Can we consider sin voluntary if it is not consciously chosen? What if I unintentionally drive off without paying for my gas?</p><p>As I was paying for the gas, I had the assurance of God’s forgiveness. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 (ESV)</p><p>Gentle Reader, God has promised to forgive us if we confess our sins. Part of confession is making things right. I hold on to the promise found in Hebrews 10:22 (NCV): Let us come near to God with a sincere heart and a sure faith because we have been made free from a guilty conscience, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.”</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Richard Lawryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03680320073463221740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669000430468621076.post-23765241888654265982024-03-06T10:37:00.000-08:002024-03-14T12:22:08.043-07:00The Rearview Mirror - March 6, 2024<p>My An Arkie's Faith column from the March 6, 2024, issue of The Polk County Pulse.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp790nk8VYdMSgLRypQu4x8dGjDuGBXV1s5IyKVLq9khTfb3exgRg-6Oyl1h7tDuztOXx6nhC7pCw2elwqZB3EVAEuDhe7cAx-7cUMjLCt7ozpo5xxcxOAKqfJYBlM1RtpGHxCM2X3j6hiNy68oTEqWWbKncokKQi7hgAYdb8rDjYlPK_-oSl20_tNNIY/s2806/Mirror2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1871" data-original-width="2806" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp790nk8VYdMSgLRypQu4x8dGjDuGBXV1s5IyKVLq9khTfb3exgRg-6Oyl1h7tDuztOXx6nhC7pCw2elwqZB3EVAEuDhe7cAx-7cUMjLCt7ozpo5xxcxOAKqfJYBlM1RtpGHxCM2X3j6hiNy68oTEqWWbKncokKQi7hgAYdb8rDjYlPK_-oSl20_tNNIY/s320/Mirror2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>As a windshield installer, one of the things that I am often asked to do is glue the rearview mirror back onto a windshield when it has fallen off. </p><p>One day, a friend of mine came by my shop. “My rearview mirror fell off my Bronco’s windshield. Can you glue it back on,” he asked. I assured him I could and got the rearview mirror adhesive kit off the shelf. After removing the mirror from the windshield bracket, I carefully cleaned and prepped the windshield and the bracket. I used the two-part adhesive and activator to reattach the bracket to the windshield. After the adhesive cured for a few minutes, I reattached the mirror to the windshield.</p><p>A few days later, my friend returned his Bronco to the shop. “The rearview mirror has fallen off again,” he said. I glued the bracket back on the windshield and reattached the mirror. I could never figure out the issue with his windshield, but over the time he owned the Bronco, I reattached the rearview mirror four times. The Bronco’s rearview mirror became a running joke with us, and he still gives me a hard time.</p><p>Have you ever driven a car without a rearview mirror? It can be uncomfortable. Why do cars have a rearview mirror? Sometimes, we need to know what is behind us.</p><p>Do we need a spiritual rearview mirror? Yes, we need to know what is behind us. When Moses presented the Feast of Unleavened Bread to his people, he said, “Remember this day, the day you left Egypt. You were slaves in that land, but the Lord with his great power brought you out of it.” Exodus 13:3 (NCV)</p><p>We need to look back and see what God has done for us in the past. It gives us something to base our belief on. God wants us to remember. The word remember is used 230 times in the New King James Version of the Bible.</p><p>Psalms 105:5 (VOICE) says, “Remember the wonderful things He has done, His miracles and the wise decisions He has made.” Just like a glance in your car's rearview mirror can put your mind at ease, remembering what God has done for us is very reassuring.</p><p>A rearview mirror is excellent for checking out what is happening behind you, but there is something that a rearview mirror isn't good for. Would you want to be on the road with me if I spent all my time looking in the rearview mirror? That would be very dangerous. Spending all our time in the past is also dangerous in our spiritual lives.</p><p>In Philippians 3:12-14 (NLT), Paul wrote,” I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”</p><p>Paul says the first step in pressing forward is forgetting what is behind. We are to remember what God has done for us in the past, but we are to forget our own past. The past can be a terrible enemy. John MacArthur said about Paul's statement in Philippians 3, "Churches are full of spiritual cripples, paralyzed by the grudges, bitterness, sins, and tragedies of the past.”</p><p>Writer Max Lucado likens holding a grudge to being in quicksand. When we have a grudge, we can't seem to get out of its grasp. The more we think about and struggle with it, the deeper we sink. I think the only way we can get ourselves out of the quicksand of holding a grudge is through the power of God. In Ephesians 4:26,27 (NLT), Paul writes, “Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.</p><p>Our conflict with the devil is hard enough without us intentionally giving him a mighty foothold. Don’t look in the rearview mirror at all the wrongs done to you.</p><p>The Bible makes it clear that Christians should forgive, not hold grudges. In Matthew 6:14-15 (NCV), Jesus says, “If you forgive others for their sins, your Father in heaven will also forgive you for your sins. But if you don’t forgive others, your Father in heaven will not forgive your sins.”</p><p>Can forgiveness change the past? No. What will forgiveness do? It sets us free from the past so we can move into the future. </p><p>Sometimes, I think that accepting forgiveness is the only thing harder than forgiving. When I was growing up in Colorado, my pastor was Pastor George. I still remember his teaching on the scripture 1 John 1:9 (KJV). “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 became my favorite verse.</p><p>Over the years, I have come to realize that there is a problem with this verse. The problem is not with the verse but that many Christians don’t believe it. They say they believe, but their actions show they don’t feel forgiven.</p><p>In Isaiah 43:25 (NASB), God tells us, “I alone, am the one who wipes out your wrongdoings for My own sake, And I will not remember your sins.” David wrote in Psalms 103:12 (ISV), “As distant as the east is from the west, that is how far he has removed our sins from us.” And Micah 7:19 (NIRV) says, “You will completely wipe out the evil things we’ve done. You will throw all our sins into the bottom of the sea.”</p><p>When you are forgiven, God wipes out your sins; He has removed them as far as the East is from the West and thrown them into the bottom of the sea. Don’t be looking in your rearview mirror for your sins. </p><p>Gentle Reader, we must learn how to use our rearview mirror properly. We need to look back at how God has led in our lives and how he has blessed us. But don’t look back at our sins that God has promised to forgive as we forgive those who have sinned against us. </p><div><br /></div>Richard Lawryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03680320073463221740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669000430468621076.post-22994758701335993612024-02-28T09:43:00.000-08:002024-02-29T09:45:19.109-08:00Erfurt, Germany - February 28, 2024<p>My An Arkie's Faith column from the February 28, 2024, issue of The Polk County Pulse.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlynHumdOcP4YSG21uPl6EamwaZjvKnOcFI2-R2z3UqCyLQs97p9zDbfgPuYCTZDYUmDm2c3_80sG0iht4RPrvUu2yPp_Ga4yXjfEn33Dka3CGZR7THT12d_utMcx1WKOzFqd7TQSzjwCVYFUbkvFRWc5pm9S8TTGAeqOh8LCEhUvBJUHFlqlr5Z3QCZ0o/s1924/IMG_6786.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1444" data-original-width="1924" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlynHumdOcP4YSG21uPl6EamwaZjvKnOcFI2-R2z3UqCyLQs97p9zDbfgPuYCTZDYUmDm2c3_80sG0iht4RPrvUu2yPp_Ga4yXjfEn33Dka3CGZR7THT12d_utMcx1WKOzFqd7TQSzjwCVYFUbkvFRWc5pm9S8TTGAeqOh8LCEhUvBJUHFlqlr5Z3QCZ0o/s320/IMG_6786.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Someone who knew I had traveled to many places recently asked me a question. They wanted to know my favorite destination I would recommend visiting. That was a difficult question because many areas have left a lasting impression. The answer to that question might change from day to day, but the answer I gave that day was Erfurt, Germany. </p><p>I still remember my first impressions of Erfurt. The tour bus drove down the narrow cobblestone street and stopped in front of an old church. Our tour guide, Bernd, told us that the church was St. Augustine's Church, built over 700 years ago. In 1277, Augustinian Hermits started to build St. Augustine's Church and the monastery complex. He said, "We will spend the weekend inside the historic walls and rooms where monks, including Martin Luther, once lived and prayed."</p><p>Our tour had arranged for us to stay at the Augustinerkloster in Erfurt, Germany. It's a working Lutheran church and cloister used as a conference center with 51 visitor rooms. As I walked toward my room, I soaked in the history of the place and tried to imagine what it would have been like to live here as a monk over five hundred years ago.</p><p>After settling into the room, I headed out to explore the old town of Erfurt. The area has been inhabited for thousands of years, but no one knows precisely how old the city is. The earliest written records of Erfurt were from 742 A.D. when a diocese was established there.</p><p>German writer Arnold Zweig described Erfurt's charming old quarter as a "picture book of German history." Somehow, the medieval city center emerged relatively unscathed from World War II, after which it became stuck in the strange cocoon of East German communism for half a century. Because of this, Erfurt has a surprising time-capsule quality. Walking through the jumble of narrow alleys and open squares, I tried to visualize the same places during medieval times.</p><p>The picturesque beauty of the Krämerbrücke, or Merchants Bridge, struck me. It's the oldest secular building in town and the longest-inhabited bridge in Europe. Half-timbered houses flank a beautiful cobblestone street. The bridge was constructed in 1325, though most houses date to the 15th century.</p><p>My walk through Erfurt culminated in the vast Cathedral Square, dominated by two old churches. As I sat down and soaked up the scene, The sounds of a busy German square enveloped me. Conversations surrounded me as people ate and socialized at the many open-air restaurants around the plaza. Children squealed with delight while they played. I sat on a bench, watching couples quietly conversing and teenagers congregating nearby. </p><p>Even though I was alone, I felt part of a vibrant community. I sat quietly and tried to imagine what it was like five hundred years ago when Martin Luther lived here. The medieval charm of the old city made it easy for my mind to engage in flights of imagination and fill it with the sights and sounds of the 16th century.</p><p>After spending the night in the modernized rooms of the over six-hundred-year-old Augustinerkloster, our tour group met the following day to worship in St. Augustine's Church. We had been permitted to worship in the old church Martin Luther had attended as a monk. The church was closed to tourists for one hour, and we had it all to ourselves. Sitting in the beautiful old church and singing Martin Luther’s A Mighty Fortress, I was filled with awe and the history of the place. </p><p>I was reminded of why Martin Luther became a monk who worshipped in this church. The day was July 2, 1505. Martin had recently completed a Master's degree and started his law studies at the University of Erfurt. He was returning to Erfurt after visiting his parents when he was caught in a terrible thunderstorm. Lightning struck near him, and he was thrown to the ground. Fearing for his life, he called to Saint Anne: "I will become a monk!" Much to his father’s dismay, Martin left law school and entered the monastery.</p><p>In 1517, Martin Luther wrote a document attacking the Medieval Church’s corrupt practice of selling indulgences to absolve sin. His “95 Theses” had two central beliefs. The first is that the Bible is the central religious authority, and the second is that salvation is only by faith in Jesus and not by works. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2:8,9 (NKJV)</p><p>As Christians, we want to make Jesus the center of everything. We shouldn’t focus on just portions of the gospel of Jesus; we should teach Jesus in the completeness of his life. Paul addressed this concept in 1 Corinthians 2:1,2 (NLV): "Christian brothers, when I came to you, I did not preach the secrets of God with big sounding words or make it sound as if I were so wise. I made up my mind that while I was with you, I would speak of nothing except Jesus Christ and His death on the cross."</p><p>Martin Luther was a champion of the Bible. He spent many years translating the Bible into the vernacular German of the common man. He believed every Christian should read the Bible for himself and that with God's help, each Christian could understand the truths it contained. He wrote, "We must make a great difference between God's Word and the word of man. A man's word is a little sound that flies into the air and soon vanishes, but the Word of God is greater than heaven and earth, yea, greater than death and hell, for it forms part of the power of God, and endures everlastingly." </p><p>Gentle Reader, I want to leave you with these words penned by Luther. "There is no other interpreter of the Word of God than the Author of this Word, as He has said, ‘They will all be taught by God.’ John 6:45 (NCV). Hope for nothing from your own labors, from your own understanding: trust solely in God and in the influence of His Spirit. Believe this on the word of a man who has experience."</p><div><br /></div>Richard Lawryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03680320073463221740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669000430468621076.post-84697872164766856582024-02-21T00:30:00.000-08:002024-02-21T00:30:00.143-08:00Just One More - February 21, 2024<p>My An Arkie's Faith column from the February 21, 2024, issue of The Polk County Pulse.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf22p9e02E8D0xJMyGBC92KSCDhxoM5gAz2XdhxvoR55Ks1B2RWAOpQ5yc3WMY1USHlYyCE-SsP5Bp_Na4WybOLdiLpOJiZn9Kd_CMf4tJ1j5OBVywM_T9NwHQWi4nQKM8qpPDhDPN92ydk8APslUWYMxMlvRf-cQX7laRT8LkTbtxI8xf1G7c62hvJrAY/s400/dd1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="274" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf22p9e02E8D0xJMyGBC92KSCDhxoM5gAz2XdhxvoR55Ks1B2RWAOpQ5yc3WMY1USHlYyCE-SsP5Bp_Na4WybOLdiLpOJiZn9Kd_CMf4tJ1j5OBVywM_T9NwHQWi4nQKM8qpPDhDPN92ydk8APslUWYMxMlvRf-cQX7laRT8LkTbtxI8xf1G7c62hvJrAY/s320/dd1.jpg" width="219" /></a></div><p>On Hacksaw Ridge, soldiers lay dead or dying. Over the noise of gunfire and artillery, voices yelled, “medic!” The enemy had caught them by surprise. Mortar rounds were exploding, and bullets were flying. The order came, “Retreat!” While soldiers scrambled away from danger, one soldier ran toward the enemy, looking for wounded soldiers left on the battlefield. More than seventy-five men remained behind, too wounded to retreat. </p><p>For hours, without any help, he carried injured soldiers through enemy fire, lowering each man on a rope-supported litter he had devised to a safe spot over forty feet below the ridge. He used double bowline knots he had learned as a young boy, tying the makeshift litter to a tree stump that served as an anchor. Many hours later, after rescuing countless injured soldiers, he refused to stop even though he was at the point of exhaustion. He was determined to find every fallen soldier who was still breathing. His motto was, “As long as there is life, there is hope.”</p><p>At the beginning of the day, his company had launched the assault of Hacksaw Ridge with 155 men. After the vicious enemy attack, fewer than one-third could retreat down the escarpment to relative safety. The rest lay wounded, scattered across the enemy-controlled ground. One lone soldier charged back into the firefight to rescue as many men as he could, knowing that he would probably die that day. The soldier strongly believed in God, and his prayer after each rescue was, “Please, Lord, help me get just one more.”</p><p>Just One More is the title that my granddaughter, Autumn Grant, has chosen for her second play. Last year, although only a junior in high school, she wrote and directed her first play, The Unlikely Messenger. For the last year, she has been working on a two-act play presenting the story of Desmond Doss. Rehearsals for Just One More begin this week, and the play will be performed in April. I am looking forward to seeing the play.</p><p>Just One More is the story of Desmond Doss. He enlisted in April 1942 but refused to kill or carry a weapon into combat because of his strong belief in the commandment that says, “Thou shalt not kill” Exodus 20:13 (KJV). The Army gave him the designation of conscientious objector. Desmond worked at the Newport News Naval shipyard and could have requested a deferment. But he desired to do his part in the war effort. For him, that meant saving lives, not taking them. He described himself as a “conscientious cooperator.” He became a medic and served in the Pacific theatre. </p><p>His refusal to carry a gun caused trouble with his fellow soldiers. They called him a misfit. One man in the barracks warned him, “Doss, as soon as we get into combat, I’ll make sure you won’t come back alive.” His commanding officers wanted to get rid of Desmond. They saw him as a liability. Nobody believed a soldier without a weapon was worthwhile. They tried to intimidate him, scold him, assign him extra arduous duties, and when that didn’t work, declared him mentally unfit for the Army.</p><p>Desmond was court-martialed for refusing a direct order to carry a gun. But the Army failed to find a way to throw him out, and he refused to leave. He believed his duty was to obey God and serve his country. But it had to be in that order. His unwavering convictions were most important.</p><p>Desmond never held a grudge. With kindness and gentle courtesy, he treated those who had mistreated him. He lived by the words of Jesus, “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you.” Matthew 7:12 (NASB) When the men in his unit saw him in action, displaying incredible courage and selflessness, his tormentors became his biggest supporters. Desmond was an example of the principle found in John 15:13 (NKJV), “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”</p><p>Because of his bravery during the American assault on Okinawa in May 1945, Desmond was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor by President Truman on October 12, 1945. As he shook the hand of Corporal Desmond Doss, President Truman said, “I’m proud of you. You really deserve this. I consider this a greater honor than being President.”</p><p>I have known the story of Desmond Doss for many years. When I was a boy, I read his biography, The Unlikeliest Hero, by Booton Herndon. One story that I remember happened three weeks after Hacksaw Ridge. In a night attack, Desmond remained in exposed territory while the rest of his company took cover. A grenade blast seriously wounded his legs. Rather than call another aid man, he cared for his injuries and waited five hours before litter bearers reached him and started carrying him to safety. </p><p>When Desmond saw a more critically wounded man nearby, he crawled off the litter and directed the litter bearers to take care of the other man. While he was waiting for the litter bearers to return, he was hit by enemy fire, this time suffering a compound fracture of his arm. In extreme pain, he bound a rifle stock to his shattered arm as a splint and then crawled 300 yards over rough terrain to the aid station.</p><p>In 1999, I had the honor of meeting Desmond Doss. I had taken a group of boys ages 10 to 14 to hear him speak. After his talk, my boys wanted to meet him. We waited for a chance to talk to him. Desmond stayed until everyone who wanted to meet him had a chance. He took the time to speak to each of the boys personally. The boys loved him and were very impressed. They told me, “We got to meet a real American hero.”</p><p>Gentle Reader, I’m proud to have met this humble man. His story made an impression on me when I was a boy. When I met him, I was impressed by his humility. Even though everyone in the audience wanted to hear about his Medal of Honor, he was uncomfortable talking about his actions. He focused more on being prepared and being willing to help others. He stressed the importance of standing up for your convictions. </p><p>Desmond’s life reminds me of the words found in Proverbs 15:33 (NCV), “Respect for the Lord will teach you wisdom. If you want to be honored, you must be humble.” The world needs more people like Desmond Doss, who are focused on saving just one more.</p><p><br /></p>Richard Lawryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03680320073463221740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669000430468621076.post-88827217004385592602024-02-14T14:36:00.000-08:002024-02-15T14:37:48.994-08:00Latter Rain - February 14, 2024<p>My An Arkie's Faith column from the February 14, 2024, issue of The Polk County Pulse.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjKyFrhhEKVlpQBI9twBFggZtYtcY2FtgaVlsRAeJLMDx4D6-67X5Q9mZqmngAvsstuHawZlFnqYOoxDkYBEzrnFaGy5DkItC6aD3XNGl_SA4gyEpeQbuvpvv5zpxBlzYLOYHO5O01WeLrgynTCbvKO15PoJLl-c0aeLJvfOas-Ef9kF9uzlXMa1hxCGL/s2016/ah1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjKyFrhhEKVlpQBI9twBFggZtYtcY2FtgaVlsRAeJLMDx4D6-67X5Q9mZqmngAvsstuHawZlFnqYOoxDkYBEzrnFaGy5DkItC6aD3XNGl_SA4gyEpeQbuvpvv5zpxBlzYLOYHO5O01WeLrgynTCbvKO15PoJLl-c0aeLJvfOas-Ef9kF9uzlXMa1hxCGL/s320/ah1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>A light mist was in the air as we arrived at Avalon Hall. I was curious as to what the evening would look like. The event was the Art Lovers Ball. I knew there would be art, music, and food, but I wasn’t sure what to expect. We walked into the beautifully decorated venue and were directed to our table.</p><p>As the event began, Michael Cate introduced artist Carolyn MacMahon. On the stage were three large paintings. Two paintings of castles reminded me of our summer trip to Europe. Carolyn explained her process, from composition to the steps she took as she finished the paintings. I was touched by the paintings and impressed with the quality. They would not have been out of place displayed at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.</p><p>But the painting that most impacted me depicted several spirited horses running in a field with beautiful scenery and ominous clouds in the background. As Carolyn began to talk about the painting, she told the story of how it was commissioned.</p><p>When Kirk contacted Carolyn with the idea for the painting, he wasn’t sure it was even possible. When Kirk was going through his father's estate, he found an old photo that was very meaningful. It was an 8x10 photo of himself standing in front of the fireplace of the home he grew up in. Above the fireplace mantel was a painting of a circle of running wild stallions and, in the distance, a storm-covered mountain range. The photo reminded him fondly of his younger years and how much he loved the painting over the fireplace. Unfortunately, the photo had irreparable water damage.</p><p>As Carolyn was telling us about the origins of the painting, she invited Kirk to come up on stage and tell us how the painting came to be and how much it meant to him. His story touched my heart, and after the presentation, I asked him if I could share his words with you, my readers. He graciously gave me permission. </p><p>Kirk continued the story after telling us about the history of the old, damaged photo. “About five years later, my path crossed that of Carolyn MacMahon. I had gotten to know one of her sons here in Mena, Arkansas, and in becoming friends with him, I learned of his mother’s talent and extraordinary gift for painting. I was invited to her home with several members of our church for a small Bible study. When I walked in, I saw that her home was filled with her paintings and other items of her artwork. I could see clearly her wealth of talent as I went from piece to piece. It was then that I felt my friend say to me, ask her to recreate your beloved painting. </p><p>At once, I asked her about it, and she stated she would give it a try. Knowing the condition of the photo and its damage, I wasn’t sure what she could do. She came over a few days later, and I gave her the photo as we discussed the challenges of recreating the painting. In joy and great anticipation, she started the process. There was quite a bit of communication back and forth as to what I remembered about the painting, for a lot of details were missing due to the water damage. Some months later, she had completed the painting, and when I saw it for the first time in its final state, I could not express the joy I felt inside. It is truly a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.</p><p>So many years later, so many experiences between then and now, looking at myself in the photo and juxtaposed to myself now, I know so much more about God, my Father and my friend. The painting now took on an eternal meaning of life with God, now and in the future. I now understand that God’s Spirit in the first temple dwelled by a pillar of fire by night and a pillar of smoke by day, a splendor that held the world in glorious awe. Now, the Spirit of God dwells in us, making the latter rein of Christ greater than the former. </p><p>The first temple was built by the hands of men according to God’s specifications and it was a site so wonderful and excellent it captivated the attention of every nation on earth. The second temple was built and ordained by the hands of God, exceeding in greatness the first, making the latter temple more excellent than the former temple.</p><p>The first covenant was written by the finger of God on tablets of stone. The second covenant was written by God on the hearts of men, making the second covenant greater than the first.</p><p>The Word of God became flesh and dwelled among us through the person of Jesus Christ, not doing away with the commandments but fulfilling them, being all in all, showing and proving the righteousness and love of God for us all. </p><p>When I look at this painting, I see the tempest in the background, the raging storms, and the mountains of struggles. The stallions aren’t escaping; they have gone through the storm, being set free from the torrents of disaster, free to run and not be weary, free to walk in truth and burst forth in joy, being set free from pain and sorrow of the past and what lies behind them, and exhilarated in joy, not fear, for the life ahead of them.</p><p>My latter life far exceeds my former life. I look forward with Joy to the First Resurrection, when I will see God, not as through a veil, but face to face as He truly is. So, I run with Joy and Faith in the race set before me. And this painting is that constant reminder. Thank you, Jesus, and thank you, Carolyn.”</p><p>Kirk Kelso named his precious painting “Latter Rain.” As I was listening to him talk about the painting with his voice filled with emotion, I thought of the text in Joel chapter two that talks of the latter rain. “Rejoice in the Lord your God; For He has given you the former rain faithfully, And He will cause the rain to come down for you— The former rain, and the latter rain.” Joel 2:23 (NKJV) </p><p>Gentle Reader, in farming, there are specific stages involved in producing a good harvest: the planting, the germination of the seed by the early rains, the maturation period, and finally, the ripening period brought on by the last rains of the season, which the Bible calls, “the latter rain.” In Deuteronomy 32:2 (AMPC), God says, “My message shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distill as the dew, as the light rain upon the tender grass, and as the showers upon the herb.” Let’s pray for the latter rain of God’s message to fall on our hearts so He can complete the final harvest.</p><div><br /></div>Richard Lawryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03680320073463221740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669000430468621076.post-88309771704710675162024-02-07T14:32:00.000-08:002024-02-15T14:36:04.354-08:00Terlingua, Texas - February 7, 2024<p>My An Arkie's Faith column from the February 7, 2024, issue of The Polk County Pulse.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ZD_IVA_Rs28OLwdeEQWaeFcvLZ4UPtLSwqshxXpvPMu2avLdZ9corl4AG4_8Z2U0bJEmNmajZP9U7bCkjrwtw4rVOTZxVOLMIo2c7LIxvgp2wGXAq60CuzC7lRhkaP3ZztoWx_XVmUnLKyuRyzydaVzW_YMek-uPhe2yrDJPXstxTm23Cs9Rhqk65_0M/s590/texas_20120307__MG_9550_1_2_tonemapped-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="392" data-original-width="590" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ZD_IVA_Rs28OLwdeEQWaeFcvLZ4UPtLSwqshxXpvPMu2avLdZ9corl4AG4_8Z2U0bJEmNmajZP9U7bCkjrwtw4rVOTZxVOLMIo2c7LIxvgp2wGXAq60CuzC7lRhkaP3ZztoWx_XVmUnLKyuRyzydaVzW_YMek-uPhe2yrDJPXstxTm23Cs9Rhqk65_0M/s320/texas_20120307__MG_9550_1_2_tonemapped-Edit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Last December, a friend of mine, a former resident of Mena, moved to Terlingua, Texas. Terlingua is a mining ghost town with a population of around one hundred. Situated eight miles from Big Bend National Park, tourism is the basis for the town’s economy.</p><p>My friend loves the town and its laid-back atmosphere. He has been busy remodeling an old house and adapting to the way of life there. Last week, he told me, “Terlingua brings perspective. It illuminates time and your part in the vast expanse of time. It humbles you but consoles you. Terlingua tells you, ‘Relax, it’s all OK. We are a small part of a much bigger picture.’”</p><p>His words reminded me of my first morning in the Terlingua area. It was a crisp 34 degrees as I walked out of our hotel. I carefully made my way down the dark path to the parking lot. I saw the inky black sky with thousands of stars embedded into the canopy like brilliant diamonds. I stopped and soaked in the eerie silence before climbing into my car and starting the engine.</p><p>Today was my first morning in the Big Bend area of Texas, and I wanted to find an excellent place to watch the sunrise. I pulled out onto Highway 170 and headed northwest out of Lajitas. The road spread out in front of me like a pitch-black river, following along the banks of the Rio Grande. My headlights fought to penetrate the overwhelming darkness. I found a place to pull off the highway several miles down the road. A sign that read West Contrabando Trailhead pointed to a dirt road that turned off to my right. At the trailhead was an empty parking lot. I pull in and turn off the engine. </p><p>It is hard to describe the night sky in a place with no light. The darker the night, the brighter the stars. I am miles away from any light sources, and the sky seems to expand with more and more stars. As I sit in the darkness and my eyes adjust to the velvety blackness, I see a blanket of stars stretching into infinity. The Milky Way rushes across the sky, looking like a bold brush stroke from the hand of a divine painter. As I look up into the night sky, countless stars and constellations seem to welcome me into their world. The serenity and quietness of the moment envelop me. With its immense canopy and brilliant pinpricks of light, the starry night sky seems to wrap me in comfort and peace.</p><p>“For my part, I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream.” Vincent Van Gogh’s words describing his famous painting, “Starry Starry Night,” come to my mind. The solitude and the impressive display of the universe over my head put me in a reflective mood. I realized that David saw a night sky similar to this one when he wrote, “The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.” Psalms 19:1 (NASB)</p><p>Today, less than 10% of Americans can enjoy a view of our galaxy, the Milky Way. That means more than 90% have never seen a picture of the sky taken for granted for almost all human history. Stargazing has been a human pastime since ancient times. The ancients interpreted constellations and arrangements of the stars and planets they saw in the night sky to have essential meaning for themselves and their families. This night sky view inspired countless artists, poets, musicians, mathematicians, scientists, and philosophers. Something about the vastness of the night sky leads to thoughts of how our universe came to be and how insignificant we are. David wrote, “When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—the moon and the stars you set in place—what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?” Psalms 8:3,4 (NLT)</p><p>As I sat there, swept up in my solitude and meditating on life's big questions, a gentle glow appeared in the east, and the stars slowly began to fade. The faint light outlined dramatic vistas, and the few remaining stars seemed impossibly brilliant. The first light of dawn showed no color, but slowly, the sky filled with yellow and orange hues. The morning light was perfect, a visual silence that filled me with reverent awe. Soon, there was enough light to see the rugged beauty of the Chihuahuan Desert. </p><p>There is something to be said for solitude, being alone. Solitude is different than loneliness. I don’t like being lonely. I need people around me, just not too many people. But solitude gives me a chance to recharge, reflect, and meditate. The morning I spent in Big Bend, miles away from other human beings, will always be a special memory. Some of my favorite moments are the solitude of an early morning sitting on my deck or special moments like watching a day be born in Big Bend. Mother Teresa said, "Listen in silence because if your heart is full of other things, you cannot hear the voice of God."</p><p>Most of us lead such busy lives that we never fully realize how much we need to spend time alone with our Creator. In The Weight of Glory, C.S. Lewis wrote, “We live, in fact, in a world starved for solitude, silence, and private: and therefore starved for meditation and true friendship.” I know that I need moments of solitude in my life because of the example of Jesus. The Bible tells of many times that Jesus would seek solitude. “Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.” Mark 1:35 (NKJV)</p><p>Gentle Reader, I would encourage you to look for moments of solitude. Even though God is all-powerful, His presence often shows up in the most gentle, loving fashion. Regardless of your situation, God cares. He wants to meet you one-on-one and help you with your most pressing concerns. God says, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him. And he will eat with me.” Revelation 3:20 (ICB) God wants to spend some quiet, alone time with you. I hope you can find time in your busy life for some alone time with God.</p><p><br /></p>Richard Lawryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03680320073463221740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669000430468621076.post-43499983816730278452024-01-31T14:31:00.000-08:002024-02-15T14:32:40.834-08:00Chrysler New Yorker - January 31, 2024<p>My An Arkie's Faith column from the January 31, 2024, issue of The Polk County Pulse.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizb3KlSbHVn3lMwW9uySHq-QQEhaKiteNZAIK5_DEAQE_Og4Om9kqFWbP-wpeuAiBqIa844dnzK93MZ1wZYic9e9Rg_-fMdhjhg9SwF0OZ5ph8YxqIhyphenhyphenYIoS_ulrboG7GiUqcX9yAdAB32TrgIX-dvV129R6EKcC-9rmlnOah29Q62fbzapK2e3L7HRd08/s2016/Chrysler.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizb3KlSbHVn3lMwW9uySHq-QQEhaKiteNZAIK5_DEAQE_Og4Om9kqFWbP-wpeuAiBqIa844dnzK93MZ1wZYic9e9Rg_-fMdhjhg9SwF0OZ5ph8YxqIhyphenhyphenYIoS_ulrboG7GiUqcX9yAdAB32TrgIX-dvV129R6EKcC-9rmlnOah29Q62fbzapK2e3L7HRd08/s320/Chrysler.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The 318 V/8 engine roared to life for the first time in over eight years. The putrid smell of old gas overwhelmed me as the engine raced. It was satisfying to hear the engine running even though there was still a lot of work to be done on the 1940 Chrysler New Yorker Convertible.</p><p>Ten years ago, my Daddy purchased the Chrysler New Yorker. It was not running, there was no convertible top, and the interior was terrible, but something about the car intrigued him. The body was decent, and the car was rare. In 1940, Chrysler built fewer than 1000 of these elegant New Yorker convertibles.</p><p>After purchasing the car, Daddy took it to his friend Roger, who installed a 318 V/8 engine, automatic transmission, and new modern dash instrumentation. When he received the car back from Roger, he could drive it, but there was still a lot of work to be done.</p><p>I have a video of the car in this rough but running condition, showing my six-year-old granddaughter sitting in her Daddy’s lap driving the car down the street in front of my house. The Chrysler is unpainted, and there is no convertible top, but it is driving down the road filled with squeals and laughter.</p><p>The transformation of the New Yorker was complete after Daddy painted it maroon, installed a new convertible top, and had the seats reupholstered. It wasn’t long before it was sold. The new owner loved the car and drove it regularly.</p><p>One day, the man who had purchased the Chrysler New Yorker visited our shop and looked at cars. He loved Daddy’s latest acquisition, a beautifully restored 1948 Lincoln Continental Coupe. He told Daddy that he wanted the Lincoln Continental but that the only way he could afford it would be to trade in the Chrysler New Yorker. After negotiating a sale price, Daddy once again owned the 1940 Chrysler New Yorker Convertible.</p><p>Daddy drove the convertible inside our storage building because he didn’t want it sitting out in the rain. Before long, other cars were parked behind the convertible, and he never drove it again. The car had been sitting in the building for over eight years when my friend Chad and I decided to try to get it running again.</p><p>The first step was to put new tires on the Chrysler New Yorker. The old tires had rotted, and there was no way to get them to hold air. After installing tires and purchasing a new battery, we were ready to try and start the car. We were able to get it running, but it wouldn’t idle. We also noticed that the water pump was leaking.</p><p>After Chad installed a new water pump and rebuilt the carburetor, we were ready to see how it would run. The V/8 engine ran smoothly and idled adequately, but we still had a small water leak. What could it be? We also noticed that the charging system wasn’t working. After taking the alternator off to get it checked, Chad noticed the hidden freeze plug behind it was leaking.</p><p>Once the freeze plug was replaced, the Chrysler was ready to be back on the road. After eight years of neglect in the back corner of a building, the car was ready to drive. This weekend, we drove the New Yorker to Papa’s Mexican Café for lunch and then went to Wal-Mart. The car attracts attention wherever it is.</p><p>While driving the Chrysler New Yorker on a beautiful, sunny Sunday, I thought about a parallel between rebuilt cars and our spiritual lives. “God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” Romans 5:8 (NLT) Just like I saw the potential in the New Yorker while it sat in the corner with its tires rotted into the ground, God loves us in our broken-down condition. But even though he loves us in our sinful condition, He doesn’t want us to stay in that condition. He has a vision for our lives. He wants to restore us.</p><p>In Job 33:26 (NKJV), The Bible talks about restoration. There, it says, “He shall pray to God, and He will delight in him, He shall see His face with joy, For He restores to man His righteousness.” God has a plan for each one of us. He plans to restore us to righteousness. The difference between you and me and an old car needing restoration is that the old car is passive. It isn’t part of the decision to restore. But you and I must be willing to be restored.</p><p>Old cars that aren’t chosen for a restoration project will eventually rot and rust away until no one can see the possibility of saving the car. They end up abandoned, crushed, or destroyed. Fortunately, God wants to restore all of us regardless of our condition. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 (NKJV) God doesn’t want us to be abandoned and crushed by this life. He doesn’t want us to perish. 2 Peter 3:9 (KJV) tells us that God is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”</p><p>Unlike the old car that is passive in the restoration process, we have a part to play in our restoration. God wants us to repent. Repentance says to God, “I know I need to be restored. I want you to restore me.” In Romans 2:4 (NASB), the Bible says, “Do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?”</p><p>What leads us to repentance? What leads us to confess? We are led to repentance by the kindness of God. When we experience God’s kindness and feel his love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness, we want to love Him. When we love God, we want to please Him. We want to be restored.</p><p>Gentle Reader, I hope you will spend some time today reflecting on the kindness God has shown you and tell Him that you are sorry for what you did to hurt Him. God has promised that “if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 (NKJV) He will restore us if we let Him.</p><p><br /></p>Richard Lawryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03680320073463221740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669000430468621076.post-15827062666023168782024-01-24T14:29:00.000-08:002024-02-15T14:30:52.896-08:00The Serpentine Belt - January 24, 2024<p>My An Arkie's Faith column from the January 24, 2024, issue of The Polk County Pulse.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAB6mHY0A5WJyDTd2Zlj0bKgbQ5mItfPzhQBQ_f-cPYlDYtixa4qlc97PJXUX1x-SSnHtCDyxfetMBIVEwQj5mKTIWqsKxswJI_t1y_dlDY8Ult7_oDBQgnBQXr79nAALHBrlSGXI6i91y88ZpS4qStDkMIqPDDdZJxLYhU-uDPd2a9p_GQDM4MLK6_Hvj/s1082/Portland_International_Airport_rloynq.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="721" data-original-width="1082" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAB6mHY0A5WJyDTd2Zlj0bKgbQ5mItfPzhQBQ_f-cPYlDYtixa4qlc97PJXUX1x-SSnHtCDyxfetMBIVEwQj5mKTIWqsKxswJI_t1y_dlDY8Ult7_oDBQgnBQXr79nAALHBrlSGXI6i91y88ZpS4qStDkMIqPDDdZJxLYhU-uDPd2a9p_GQDM4MLK6_Hvj/s320/Portland_International_Airport_rloynq.webp" width="320" /></a></div><p>The wheels of the airliner touched down on the runway at Portland International Airport. The flight from Dallas had been uneventful, but I was happy to leave my cramped seat and stretch my legs. After collecting our luggage, we called family members waiting at the designated cell phone lot. Within a few minutes, we were picked up and on our way to Red Robin for lunch.</p><p>After lunch, we headed out on the highway for Long Beach, Washington, where we would spend the next few days. I rode with my nephew in the Ford Escape that my brother-in-law lent me so I didn’t have to rent a car. We crossed the Columbia River and were driving on Interstate 5 when the dash of the Escape showed a battery warning light. What were we going to do? If the battery wasn’t charging, we could not reach our destination. </p><p>We alerted other family members headed to Long Beach of our predicament and then started looking for the nearest auto parts store. We were only a few miles from Longview, Washington, and drove to the NAPA store there. We turned off the highway into the NAPA parking lot and noticed the power steering wasn’t working. I realized that we didn’t have a battery or charging system problem. A broken serpentine belt was the only thing that could make the charging system and the power steering quit simultaneously.</p><p>I popped open the hood, and sure enough, the serpentine belt was missing. Looking at the cramped quarters under the hood, I realized it was not a repair I could do in the parking lot. I started searching for mechanic shops in Longview, hoping someone could do the work that afternoon. If I couldn’t get the belt replaced, we would have to leave the car there and have someone in the family circle back and pick us up.</p><p>The first shop I called said it would be four days before they could get us in. I explained to them my predicament, but they stated they couldn’t help me. The second shop that I called was Esty’s Auto Center. When I told them my situation, they said to come to their shop, and they would see if they could work with me. I informed them that I would be right there.</p><p>I was expecting to wait several hours, but I was thankful I could get it repaired the same day and still get to Long Beach to meet up with the rest of the family. We drove the half mile to Esty’s Auto Center in just a few minutes and parked in the parking lot. I went inside and told them I had just talked to them about replacing the serpentine belt on my Ford Escape. While the lady was still taking my information, I saw a technician get into the Escape and pull it inside the shop.</p><p>“Wow,” I thought, “I expected to have to wait for at least an hour or two.” My nephew and I sat in the waiting room and visited while waiting. The end wall was a large glass window that looked out over the work bays. I had never seen such a clean, well-organized shop. It was nothing like my own shop. The work was completed within forty-five minutes, and we would soon be back on the road.</p><p>As I paid for the job, I thanked them for getting us in so promptly. I told them about the first shop I had called, which informed me it would be four days before they could do the work. Esty’s told me they were also scheduling work four or five days out, but when they heard that I was traveling and stranded there until I could get the work done, they made an exception for me.</p><p>I thanked them again, and we were soon on the road, just an hour behind the rest of the group. As I thought over the afternoon’s events, I couldn’t believe that we had a breakdown, and yet, in one hour, we were back on the road. Two thoughts came to my mind. Number one, there are some wonderful, thoughtful, and helpful people. Number two, it was a God thing.</p><p>When my Momma was alive, she referred to those little coincidences in life and times when things seemed to work out when they shouldn’t have as God things. She went through life looking for those unexpected blessings she called God things. Her outlook on life has left me also looking for God things in my life.</p><p>I must confess that I never once prayed to God for help during the Serpentine Belt saga. I only prayed a prayer of thanks when it was over. A Bible verse came to mind when I was thanking God for the wonderful people at Esty’s Auto Center. “Your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!” Matthew 6:8 (NKJV)</p><p>Just because I was too worried and frustrated to ask God for help didn’t mean he abandoned me. He knew what I needed and directed me to Esty’s Auto Center. “A person may plan his own journey, but the Lord directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 (GW)</p><p>The next time you feel inconvenienced or like your day is interrupted, stop and consider that you believe God is in control. God has a purpose in everything, and nothing is wasted. We only see the immediate, but God sees the bigger picture. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:9 (KJV)</p><p>Gentle Reader, prayer is not about magic words or fancy speech. Prayer is about confidence that God knows us and responds to our needs. With this understanding, our words don't need to be unique or flowery, just heartfelt and genuine! And sometimes, words are not even required. Ask God to open your eyes to the God things that so often happen in your life.</p><p><br /></p>Richard Lawryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03680320073463221740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669000430468621076.post-74412196974778541722024-01-17T14:28:00.000-08:002024-02-15T14:29:31.277-08:00Eagles on Long Beach - January 17, 2024<p>My An Arkie's Faith column from the January 17, 2024, issue of The Polk County Pulse.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAOE-4rbb1NaTeerhO_xUHNQ99X-W4n9CUFRx3OS5Q5CQ7v_RYLjkJsOmoN85yRO9dk0r7evaonJzKsMxW5Xc_4mnHA-saUpRtkOifqB8aEzkjDgrfJG_BiU8Dh2DAYiDCZr09D0pQwICVAROwTNBfz0fw_Ddtz_iPoH7-95Mqx8bkvZkqQtkZS6m5va8E/s2048/lb1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAOE-4rbb1NaTeerhO_xUHNQ99X-W4n9CUFRx3OS5Q5CQ7v_RYLjkJsOmoN85yRO9dk0r7evaonJzKsMxW5Xc_4mnHA-saUpRtkOifqB8aEzkjDgrfJG_BiU8Dh2DAYiDCZr09D0pQwICVAROwTNBfz0fw_Ddtz_iPoH7-95Mqx8bkvZkqQtkZS6m5va8E/s320/lb1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Every year in January, my wife's family meets somewhere on the Pacific Coast for a family reunion. This year, we are staying in Long Beach, Washington. There are family here from Washington, Oregon, Colorado, and Arkansas. Whenever I am on vacation, I am the first one up. I love the quiet of the early morning and love to go exploring.</p><p>The sun is still below the horizon as I walk on the beach, listening to the sound of the waves. The moon is full and hanging low on the horizon to the west. The white-silver light of the moon transforms the beach, giving the morning a magical, otherworldly feel. As each wave rolls in from the Pacific Ocean, it rushes over the flat, hard-packed sand of Long Beach. As the water retreats to the ocean, it leaves a glossy mirror-like finish. The soft, glimmering moonlight momentarily shone on the mirrored beach, leaving a pale silver trail. The mirrored finish of the beach was gone too soon, and the next wave rolled in. This wave also left a mirror-like finish that reflected the moonlight. The scene repeated itself over and over as I walked along the beach.</p><p>While walking on the beach, I thought about how gorgeous it was. It was hard for me to believe that no one else was there to witness it. As far as I could see in either direction, no one else was on the beach. Long Beach is the world's longest beach on a peninsula. It stretches 28 miles along Washington's southwest coast. One of the most exciting things about Long Beach is that you can drive on it. The beach is an official Washington State highway with a 25-mph speed limit. </p><p>After my early morning walk on the beach, I returned to my car and drove back to the condo, where we spent a long weekend at a family reunion. That morning, I drove on the beach from the condo to the southernmost point of the beach, Cape Disappointment. The rocky outcroppings of the Cape Disappointment headlands are a natural barrier at the end of the beach. As I was driving back, enjoying the view and the surreal experience of driving on a beach, I noticed something out of the corner of my eye. Coming up beside me on my right was a large bird. I slowed down to get a better look. I could see that it was an eagle with a tremendous wingspan. Because of its dark brown color and large size, I knew it was a golden eagle.</p><p>The magnificent bird kept pace with me, or maybe I was keeping pace with the eagle. We traveled together down the beach for a long time. Golden Eagles are one of the largest birds in North America, and to be that close to a bird with a seven-foot wingspan is a surreal experience. The eagle commanded my attention, with its spreading wings as broad as they were powerful. It seemed to be intentionally staying right beside my car, just a few feet away. Seeing the majestic bird resplendent in the early morning light was a wonderfully captivating experience. The encounter ended when the eagle accelerated upward with a mighty burst from its wings and soon soared high into the air. I watched until I could no longer see the eagle.</p><p>As the eagle disappeared from view, I remembered Isaiah 40:31 (NLT); "those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." The sight of an eagle flying is an impressive sight. Because of these striking birds' size and the ease and confidence with which they fly, watching an eagle fly always intrigues me. Eagles use the air currents to cover miles of ground with minimum effort. Now and again, a slight movement of their wings is all it takes for the eagle to continue soaring.</p><p>How can an eagle soar to such heights with minimal energy? Eagles have very long, large wings. It takes a lot of energy to flap such large wings. Jon. M. Gerrard and Gary R. Bortolotti are scientists who have spent many hours observing eagles. They wrote: "Eagles can sustain flapping flight, but they usually spend little time doing it. During the month when one of the female eagles was observed intensively, she averaged less than 2 minutes per hour in flapping flight. That is not surprising when one considers the large expenditure of energy required to power the huge wings. The energy needed to maintain a bird in flat soaring or gliding flight is much less, perhaps a 20th or less the power needed for flapping. Therefore, eagles will always choose to soar or glide when possible."</p><p>That is why eagles often soar on thermals until they reach a great altitude and then use the gliding/soaring method of flying to cover the longest distance using the smallest amount of energy. An eagle makes flying look effortless. When we insist on being in control and doing things in our power, we are like an eagle who doesn't soar. We quickly tire out and get nowhere. Psalm 46:10 (NASB) says, "Cease striving and know that I am God." To find strength, we need to put our trust in God. In Philippians 4:13 (NKJV), the Bible tells us, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."</p><p>While at Long Beach, I saw many bald eagles and a couple of golden eagles. All along the twenty-eight miles of Long Beach, eagle perches have been constructed. Almost anytime you drive on the beach, you will see eagles. I even saw Bald Eagles wading in the ocean. </p><p>Gentle Reader, spread your wings and soar like an eagle. The only thing that limits you is how much you trust in God. When you trust Him, He has promised you strength. In Philippians 4:19 (NASB), Paul writes, "My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." When you trust Him, God will supply your needs and renew your strength so you can soar like an eagle. </p><div><br /></div>Richard Lawryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03680320073463221740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669000430468621076.post-54322121255218482852024-01-10T14:25:00.000-08:002024-02-15T14:27:09.231-08:00The Grandfather Clock - January 10, 2024<p>My An Arkie's Faith column from the January 10, 2024, issue of The Polk County Pulse.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHzDpaEq96XVaySu5V8EAbeJNX87Fh25sgtiwUNHyo9VdrdeohOMHvKygmgR0tJNShxUm5AEQchtuhtmrY5Xjb8kFjvNI3l68SDmqaPpBdbPSOj4JvJ3-XkLURGID70RO6hRukLJFXtwvkM33Dux-x65LC5mL84P1QajRPTxDkFlO0ldC0aDepznFctx-/s1716/frazer.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1144" data-original-width="1716" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHzDpaEq96XVaySu5V8EAbeJNX87Fh25sgtiwUNHyo9VdrdeohOMHvKygmgR0tJNShxUm5AEQchtuhtmrY5Xjb8kFjvNI3l68SDmqaPpBdbPSOj4JvJ3-XkLURGID70RO6hRukLJFXtwvkM33Dux-x65LC5mL84P1QajRPTxDkFlO0ldC0aDepznFctx-/s320/frazer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>It was a cold December day in 1954 as the young couple headed north out of Tennessee on their way to Michigan. The 1949 Frazer Manhattan drove smoothly down the highway as snow started falling. Bob was proud of the Frazer he had bought and rebuilt for this trip. </p><p>He spotted the 1949 Frazer Manhattan behind a gas station in Nashville, Tennessee, while attending college in nearby Madison, Tennessee. The Frazer had been sideswiped, and the front bumper bent, but it was only five years old, very nice, and only 100 dollars.</p><p>The Frazer had belonged to Rod Brassfield, who performed as a comedian at The Grand Ole Opry. Rod had wrecked the Frazier, and it had been totaled. Though he was only eighteen, Bob purchased the wrecked car and rebuilt it with parts he found at a local wrecking yard. With some bodywork and some Bondo, a relatively new product at the time, along with a gallon of blue paint, it looked good, and he was proud of it.</p><p>As the road stretched out in front of Bob and his fiancé, Pat, they hoped the roads wouldn’t get any worse before they reached their destination in Eaton Rapids, Michigan. Before they got to Michigan, Bob began to hear a tic-tic-tic in the Frazier’s engine. They were relieved when they finally pulled into the driveway of Pat’s house. Bob thought the engine noise was a loose tappet, so he adjusted the valves out in the snow.</p><p>Bob felt slightly nervous about meeting Pat’s parents for the first time. What had he gotten himself into? In a couple of days, he would be married.</p><p>Bob thought about the whirlwind of activity over the past few weeks. Was he ready for this? Because of the marriage laws in Kansas, where Bob was from, he needed parental permission to marry at 18. When his mother went to the courthouse to complete the proper paperwork, they asked her for the bride’s name. Bob’s mother only knew that her name was Pat and had to return later when she learned Pat’s full name.</p><p>The wedding day, Sunday, the 19th of December, started with a ferocious snowstorm. By the time of the afternoon wedding, two feet of snow blanketed the Michigan countryside. The wedding was delayed for an hour as the preacher had difficulty getting there on the unplowed roads. But eventually, Bob and Pat were married, and their new life lay before them.</p><p>After spending a few days with Pat’s family in Michigan, the newlyweds headed for Kansas to visit Bob’s family. With only thirty dollars in their possession, they planned on traveling to Kansas and then back to Tennessee. On the way, they splurged and spent one night in a motel that cost five dollars. </p><p>The engine was making a bad noise when the Frazer made it to Kansas. Bob determined that the number five cylinder was knocking. How were they going to get back to Tennessee? Bob removed the spark plug from the bad cylinder, and the Frazer Manhattan limped back home to Madison, Tennessee, where the newlyweds were attending college. With the help of his friend Louie, Bob dropped the pan, pulled the crankshaft, had the number five throw on the crankshaft ground to .060, installed a new bearing, and put it back together.</p><p>A roly-poly little boy was born into the family a little over a year later, and they named him Richie. My parents celebrated their sixty-third wedding anniversary before my Momma passed away in 2018.</p><p>Daddy bought Momma a special gift for their fiftieth anniversary: a beautiful Howard Miller grandfather clock. It was one of their prized possessions. The grandfather clock now graces my living room with its stately presence.</p><p>The first Grandfather clock was produced around 1680 by a British clockmaker, William Clement. But it would be 200 years before clocks of this type would be referred to as a grandfather clock. They were called longcase clocks, and they were very popular. The name Grandfather Clock is thought to be the result of a song written in 1876 by Henry Clay Work entitled “My Grandfather’s Clock.” </p><p>The song describes a grandfather’s clock that faithfully ticks its way through its owner’s life. Childhood, adulthood, and old age are all viewed in relationship to his beloved timepiece. The refrain says: “Ninety years without slumbering, Tick, tock, tick, tock, His life’s seconds numbering, Tick, tock, tick, tock, But it stopped, short, Never to go again, When the old man died.”</p><p>The steady ticking of the clock reminds us that our time on earth is limited. Despite the joys and pains of life, time always marches on. For the believer, our time on earth is an opportunity for gaining wisdom. The psalmist writes, “Teach us to comprehend how few our days are so that our hearts may be filled with wisdom.” Psalms 90:12 (NCB)</p><p>Time is the great equalizer. We all have the same daily twenty-four hours handed to us. “To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NKJV) Billy Graham said, “Time is the capital that God has given us to invest. People are the stocks in which we are to invest our time.” </p><p>In Psalms 90: 2-4 (NIRV), the Bible says, “Before you created the whole world and the mountains were made, from the beginning to the end you are God. You turn human beings back to dust. You say to them, ‘Return to dust.’ To you a thousand years are like a day that has just gone by. They are like a few hours of the night.” </p><p>But then the Psalmist contrasts God’s time with the reality of man’s life. “We live to be about 70. Or we may live to be 80, if we stay healthy. But even our best days are filled with trouble and sorrow. The years quickly pass, and we are gone.” Psalms 90:10 (NIRV)</p><p>Gentle Reader, what are you investing your time in? “Be careful how you live. Live as men who are wise and not foolish. Make the best use of your time. These are sinful days.” Ephesians 5:15,16 (NLV) Ask God to help you use your time wisely so that you won’t waste the years you have on earth.</p><div><br /></div>Richard Lawryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03680320073463221740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669000430468621076.post-77229699989151143552024-01-03T14:05:00.000-08:002024-02-15T14:07:14.612-08:00Eight Years and Counting - January 3, 2024<p>My An Arkie's Faith column from the January 3, 2024, issue of The Polk County Pulse.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZsOeZ19_R5lSv_rLVpWCBhTtdww4ZKZM6tgi5KdT0HtiWXoOeHWupowf0vHoreUPz5OEqUbkLeyYl74YqxEtmyc1VLSRqCbuAlzAe0qQ2WXUtV2o0kym9Q-IXL3iSXHZfKgn94TbZ3aP7YpXGAfpt9v2c2bd_zg6R0s80B8GAkjkycM812SuQ9xU93ZC/s1140/2016.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1140" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZsOeZ19_R5lSv_rLVpWCBhTtdww4ZKZM6tgi5KdT0HtiWXoOeHWupowf0vHoreUPz5OEqUbkLeyYl74YqxEtmyc1VLSRqCbuAlzAe0qQ2WXUtV2o0kym9Q-IXL3iSXHZfKgn94TbZ3aP7YpXGAfpt9v2c2bd_zg6R0s80B8GAkjkycM812SuQ9xU93ZC/s320/2016.webp" width="320" /></a></div><p>The new year of 2016 brought a significant change to my life. In December of 2015, I had been asked if I would be willing to write a newspaper column starting with the new year. I was flattered and said yes immediately, and An Arkie’s Faith was born. I had no idea what it would be like to have a deadline and try to develop a topic every week. But for the last eight years, I have continued to write an article for An Arkie’s Faith. </p><p>The year 2024 will be my ninth year writing for local newspapers. I appreciate everyone who reads my column, especially those who let me know they have enjoyed a particular article. I thought my readers might like to read the first ever An Arkie’s Faith column published on January 7, 2016.</p><p>The beginning of a new year is when many people start new things. This year, I’m starting something new: a weekly newspaper column. </p><p>Let me introduce myself. I have been a long-time resident of Mena. My wife and I moved to Mena from Colorado in 1981. I love the people of Mena and the friendly, easy-going way of life here. I have owned and operated my own business since moving here. I enjoy the natural beauty of this part of Arkansas and being out of doors. In 2008, I started writing a blog. A friend was visiting our home and showed me her daughter's blog. Because she lived far away from her daughter, she kept up with her through the blog. I had heard the word "blog" but had no idea what it was all about.</p><p>While reading the blog, I noticed at the top of the page that it had a link that said create a blog. I had to see what it was all about, so I clicked it. The title was one of the first things that had to be filled in. I spent about thirty seconds thinking and then typed An Arkie’s Musings. Arkie is a slang word for someone who lives in Arkansas.</p><p>We used to be officially called Arkansawyers, but now the term is Arkansan. During the Great Depression of the 1930s, Arkansas and Oklahoma were some of the hardest-hit states. Many people moved to California trying to get jobs. Arkie and Okie were disparaging terms used by the Californians for people from Arkansas and Oklahoma. Now, the term Arkie is often used to describe a native Arkansan and is often still a bit disparaging. It seems to indicate that someone is unlearned and backward. I have lived here for over 30 years. Though I'm not a native, I am proud to be an Arkansan or even an Arkie. You must admit that An Arkansan's Musings doesn't roll off the tongue.</p><p>Like that, I had my own blog and enjoyed writing and posting pictures on it. I had written a little before starting the blog, but not regularly. I had never had a "reason" to write before. Because being a Christian is a big part of my life, many blog posts were on religious topics. I look forward to sharing my thoughts with you.</p><p>I resolve to write in a plain, simple, easily understood style. I hope I will do a better job with this resolution than I have done with resolutions I have made in the past.</p><p>My favorite comic as a kid was Peanuts with Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, Snoopy, and the gang. I still remember one comic strip I read then. It is January 1st, and Charlie Brown tells anyone who will listen, “The best way to keep New Year’s Resolutions is in a sealed envelope in a bottom desk drawer.” Charlie Brown knew what you already know if you have made resolutions. Making and keeping resolutions is difficult and usually ends in failure.</p><p>How has making resolutions worked out for you? I don't even want to talk about mine. If you have made and broken resolutions on many previous New Year's days, you may feel that you might as well seal them in a bottom desk drawer and forget them.</p><p>If you ask most people about the resolutions they made for the New Year, they will tell you that they are going to cut down on their eating, they are going to exercise more, stop doing unhealthy things, etc. While these are reasonable goals, they focus on and rely on self. Self-improvement for most people means making themselves more attractive, healthier, and happier. They depend on willpower to bring about the changes.</p><p>Notice how different our typical resolutions are from the words of Paul in Colossians 3:12-14 (NLT): “Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony”.</p><p>Paul’s words are focused on others. If we are to use resolutions wisely, we need to turn our attention away from ourselves and toward others. What kind of resolutions should we make?</p><p>The Bible calls John “the disciple that Jesus loved.” Jesus had a best friend. I want my resolution to be the words that the best friend of Jesus wrote in 1 John 4:7,8 (NCV): “Dear friends, we should love each other, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has become God’s child and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”</p><p>I don’t know of a better resolution that you could make. If we all resolve to love others, imagine how different the world would be.</p><p>My wife's cousin, Jerry Patton, spent 37 years as the second tenor of The King's Heralds Quartet, America's oldest continuous gospel quartet. One of my favorite songs that he sang was titled One Little Candle. The lyrics, written by George Mysels and J. Maloy Roach, are excellent.</p><p>“It's better to light just one little candle, than to stumble in the dark. Better far that you light just one little candle, all you need's a tiny spark. If we'd all say a prayer that the world would be free. The wonderful dawn of a new day we'll see. And if everyone lit just one little candle what a bright world this would be".</p><p>My resolution for the New Year is to focus on loving others. Gentle Reader, will you join me in resolving to love others? What a bright world this would be if we all lit just one little candle.</p><div><br /></div>Richard Lawryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03680320073463221740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669000430468621076.post-26404505952051076552023-12-27T14:03:00.000-08:002024-02-15T14:05:13.751-08:00Lonely Christmas - December 27, 2023<p>My An Arkie's Faith column from the December 27, 2023, issue of The Polk County Pulse.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtGLGLNgWnsBSx6U9EoCE6KD-9BR5xxWZAPO_BH-pSWq8Xig8FH1XDjXiEVwo-s1PgsZBCfJZb-ygAbsGWePvwgXTQ3RP6PUX2jSpyFOusOQW9-PobLo3nLGE1x7c5A20HDLxJnNHQeggDgFEwRo9sMBiv-eSvPdvF2_7cVHLamroUommsBbHzHaHQE0CO/s4030/xmastree.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4030" data-original-width="2267" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtGLGLNgWnsBSx6U9EoCE6KD-9BR5xxWZAPO_BH-pSWq8Xig8FH1XDjXiEVwo-s1PgsZBCfJZb-ygAbsGWePvwgXTQ3RP6PUX2jSpyFOusOQW9-PobLo3nLGE1x7c5A20HDLxJnNHQeggDgFEwRo9sMBiv-eSvPdvF2_7cVHLamroUommsBbHzHaHQE0CO/s320/xmastree.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><p>The morning dawned quiet and peaceful. It’s too quiet and peaceful. There was no excitement. There were no shouts of Merry Christmas. No laughter filled the air. The Christmas tree in the living room stood silently with presents all around. But the gifts remained untouched. No one was opening them. The living room was in perfect order, with no torn wrapping paper.</p><p>I sighed and thought, “It doesn’t feel like Christmas.” Across the street, cars filled the driveway, and people arrived for Christmas morning celebrations. But our house was quiet. No one would be at our home for Christmas. No bubbly, excited granddaughters to make the day festive. I thought about all the people who would not be with those they love this Christmas and felt empathy for them.</p><p>This would be my first Christmas without my Daddy. With no family here, a sadness washed over me. I sat in my chair, feeling just a bit sorry for myself. “What makes Christmas feel special?” I wondered. I decided it is being with people you love and feeling a part of a tradition. Our traditions help Christmas feel special.</p><p>Around the world, Christmas traditions vary considerably. I remember spending a Christmas in Puerto Rico in the 70s. Puerto Ricans celebrated Christmas, but there were no gifts on Christmas Day. January 6th, known as Three Kings Day, rather than December 25th, was the day for exchanging gifts. Children would gather grass, hay, or straw in shoeboxes for the horses and camels of the three kings, much like children in the U.S. leave cookies and milk for Santa and his reindeer. Good kids are rewarded with presents and candy on Three Kings Day.</p><p>The tradition of Three Kings Day comes from the story in the Gospel of Matthew of wise men from the East who came looking for a baby who was the King of the Jews. “The star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” Matthew 2:9-11 (NKJV) This biblical story is the basis for gift giving at Christmas.</p><p>In much of Europe, it is Christkind that brings the Christmas presents. The tradition dates to the Reformation and Martin Luther. At this time, it was traditional to give children gifts on December 6th, St. Nicolas’s Day. Does the idea that Saint Nicolas delivers gifts sound familiar to you? But Martin Luther wanted to do away with the veneration of saints and saints’ days, so he started a gift-giving tradition on Christmas Eve. He told the children that the Christ Child had brought their presents. This tradition quickly took hold in Lutheran families.</p><p>While Martin Luther’s original intention was that the infant Jesus bring the children gifts, the image of a baby transformed into an angelic figure with golden hair topped with a crown and golden wings over time. A baby couldn’t deliver gifts, so a female angel with Christ-like qualities did the job. This angelic figure is known as Christkind. In much of Europe, Christkind is a symbol of Christmas along with Santa Claus. In this tradition, children never see Christkind in person. Parents tell them Christkind will not come and bring presents if they try to spot it. Christkind delivers gifts across Germany, Austria, Croatia, Hungary, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and much of Latin America.</p><p>In Scandinavia, an essential tradition during the Christmas season is celebrating Saint Lucia. She was a young Christian girl who was killed in 304 A.D. Her history has been lost, and all we know for sure is that this brave woman lost her life during the persecution of Christians in the early fourth century. Her veneration spread to Rome so that by the sixth century, the whole church recognized her courage in defense of the faith.</p><p>Tradition tells us that she would secretly bring food to the persecuted Christians in Rome, hiding in the catacombs under the city. She would wear candles on her head to have both her hands free to carry things. St. Lucia’s Day is now celebrated by a girl dressing in a white dress with a red sash around her waist and a crown of candles on her head. The crown is made of evergreen Lingonberry branches that symbolize new life in winter. Many towns and villages choose a girl to play St. Lucia and lead a procession of carolers.</p><p>Whatever your Christmas traditions are, I hope they bring you joy and happiness. I have noticed that many Christians believe very strongly in their traditions. Traditions are not inherently good or bad, right or wrong. Some people defend traditions because the church has practiced it that way for years. Other people dislike tradition and want change just for the sake of change.</p><p>Christians should be neither “traditional” nor “non-traditional.” They should neither accept nor oppose a practice simply because it is a tradition. It doesn’t matter how long we have practiced something or when it began. What’s important is what God’s word says about it. If God’s word requires it, then we must do it. If God’s word forbids it, we must oppose it even if it is a tradition. If God’s word is silent, there is no problem with tradition. But I can’t expect all Christians to follow just because it is my tradition.</p><p>Gentle Reader, what are your Christmas traditions? Do they bring you joy? Do they remind you of Jesus and how important He is to you? Jesus wants you to have joy. He says, “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” John 15:11 (NKJV) I hope you have experienced love and joy this Christmas. “There are three things that endure: faith, hope, and love, and the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13 (NCB)</p><div><br /></div>Richard Lawryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03680320073463221740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669000430468621076.post-75837191213978922722023-12-20T10:30:00.000-08:002023-12-20T10:30:07.767-08:00The Electric Train - December 20, 2023<p>My An Arkie's Faith column from the December 20, 2023, issue of The Polk County Pulse.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC2UgBbWu-P7Wg3ZImzKPa4cPkHnuPPXmxz5zxdwalfP0J5_4W-rDTZ_zt3hHTscd9Yz7YMT7jQHRw22mWdqRdtZuuxJfFXqlRTtMnUiX2iTxT8SroFrUQA4pho-qC7YlTDjkIxMR6EAzvliloL39D-fqNVxRqj2MocvIeoiAfZ1H5tvnBPBfnzjlz3FR9/s640/santa-1940s.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="463" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC2UgBbWu-P7Wg3ZImzKPa4cPkHnuPPXmxz5zxdwalfP0J5_4W-rDTZ_zt3hHTscd9Yz7YMT7jQHRw22mWdqRdtZuuxJfFXqlRTtMnUiX2iTxT8SroFrUQA4pho-qC7YlTDjkIxMR6EAzvliloL39D-fqNVxRqj2MocvIeoiAfZ1H5tvnBPBfnzjlz3FR9/s320/santa-1940s.jpg" width="232" /></a></div><p>The six-year-old boy stood shyly in line with the other boys and girls. It was his first Christmastime in the big city of Denver, and everything seemed exciting, wonderful, and a little bit scary. It had only been a short time since he, his mom, and his little sister moved from his grandparents’ house on the plains of eastern Colorado to live with his daddy, who had found work in Denver.</p><p>The little family lived in a motel room as Daddy struggled to save enough money to find a proper house for them to live in. At six years old and having grown up during the Depression, Duane knew that there was not much money for Christmas presents that year. But as he stood in line waiting to see Santa Claus, he knew what he would ask for. He wanted an electric train set. It was all he could think about. He spent hours imagining his train chugging around the track.</p><p>When it was his turn to see Santa, Duane timidly walked forward and sat on Santa’s lap. When Santa asked him what he wanted for Christmas, Duane answered, “I want an electric train set.” After a moment of hesitation, Duane continued, “But I know that my Daddy can’t afford one, so a wind-up train would be okay.”</p><p>As they drove home, Daddy decided that no matter what happened, there would be an electric train under the tree. On Christmas Eve, Daddy set up the electric train in the little room after the kids were in bed. When morning came, he started the little train chugging around the tracks, blew the train whistle, and yelled, “Merry Christmas.”</p><p>That Christmas morning of 1940 is still a precious memory for Duane, even though he is now nearly ninety years old. From that Christmas morning until this day, the electric train has been one of his most prized possessions. When his children and grandchildren were growing up, they had fond memories of the little antique electric train running around the Christmas tree. The train was part of the family’s Christmas tradition.</p><p>Today, before writing this story, I called Duane to ensure I had the details correct. I asked him if he still put the train under the tree, and he told me it had been several years since the train had made its Christmas appearance. The family has gotten so large with grandkids and great-grandkids that there isn’t enough room in his small house. But as I was on the phone with him, he got his train out and sent me a photo. The top of the original box is no longer there, but the train is still in good condition in its original box.</p><p>When Duane’s daddy heard him ask Santa for an electric train all those years ago, I don’t imagine that he could have had any idea of the impact his decision to buy Duane an electric train for Christmas would have. For every Christmas for eighty years, his love for his son has been on display every Christmas. </p><p>The Bible tells us that “every good act of giving and every perfect gift are from above, coming down from the Father of all light.” James 1:17 (NCB) Even though I understand that Christmas has become very commercialized, giving gifts is a way to become more like God, the ultimate gift giver. I know the danger of celebrating Christmas with cultural trappings and commercial glitz. But giving good gifts is a way we honor God, the giver of gifts.</p><p>Amy Carmichael, who spent her life as a Christian missionary in India, wrote, “You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.” When you select Christmas gifts this year, make sure that love is the overriding reason for your gifts. The miracle of giving is that it ripples. Your one small gesture can affect hundreds. The smallest gift given with love and compassion is priceless.</p><p>God is the very best gift giver. His love is an extravagant gift to us. God promises us a gift more incredible than we can imagine or ask for. 2 Corinthians 9:15 (VOICE) describes Jesus this way; "Praise God for this incredible, unbelievable, indescribable gift!" With the gift of Jesus and all the other large and small ways we are blessed in this life, God wants to instill in us reciprocal generosity. All we are, all we have, is a gift from God. He is our Provider, Sustainer, Creator, and Good Father. Gift-giving allows us to keep the circle of generosity flowing to people God has placed in our lives.</p><p>Gentle Reader, I know you have given good gifts at Christmastime. Jesus knows that, too. In Matthew 7:7-11 (VOICE), Jesus said, "Just ask and it will be given to you; seek after it and you will find. Continue to knock and the door will be opened for you. All who ask receive. Those who seek, find what they seek. And he who knocks, will have the door opened. Think of it this way: if your son asked you for bread, would you give him a stone? Of course not—you would give him a loaf of bread. If your son asked for a fish, would you give him a snake? No, to be sure, you would give him a fish—the best fish you could find. So if you, who are sinful, know how to give your children good gifts, how much more so does your Father in heaven, who is perfect, know how to give great gifts to His children!"</p><p>God is the ultimate giver of good gifts. No matter how fantastic the best gift you open this Christmas is, it can't compare to the gift of Jesus we celebrate at Christmas. In Romans 6:23 (KJV), the Bible tells us, "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord." God has given you the best gift ever; how will you reciprocate? Who could you bless this Christmastime with your time or attention, with a gift, large or small? Find a way to be a gift to someone today.</p><p><br /></p>Richard Lawryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03680320073463221740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669000430468621076.post-75424873100800818342023-12-13T10:26:00.000-08:002023-12-20T10:28:36.724-08:00The Model A Pickup - December 13, 2023<p>My An Arkie's Faith column from the December 13, 2023, issue of The Polk County Pulse.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIoRDeU8osvTq5sgZXLJxXPfdAu7Nvf5P4hhw6MmCUrZhUrz_eC9eYKLWUGc9ga0wpceXHCH_SnF-SNY2pewiYstn-9eBboRc1M9_tzhdoeCJ6jcI-kGXwq9LL3ueKwGv-NPiFulJ46p-bPkaQSuw2BRJZ1UFzxHbxzu-VC_Y6RrEFLCD29D5jsNcljy4/s3693/Model%20A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2077" data-original-width="3693" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIoRDeU8osvTq5sgZXLJxXPfdAu7Nvf5P4hhw6MmCUrZhUrz_eC9eYKLWUGc9ga0wpceXHCH_SnF-SNY2pewiYstn-9eBboRc1M9_tzhdoeCJ6jcI-kGXwq9LL3ueKwGv-NPiFulJ46p-bPkaQSuw2BRJZ1UFzxHbxzu-VC_Y6RrEFLCD29D5jsNcljy4/s320/Model%20A.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>My Daddy grew up in a Ford Model A. By the time he was eight years old he was driving the family Model A. One of the ways that the family earned money was by peddling eggs, fruit, and vegetables door to door. By the time he was eight years old, when the traffic was light, his Momma would send Daddy back down the street to pull the Model A up to where she was. Daddy remembered having to look through the steering wheel instead of over it.</p><p>Over the years Daddy owned many antique and special interest collector cars. But the cars he loved the most were Model A’s. In 1992, he drove a Shay Model A on several trips. On one trip he drove the Model A from Arkansas to Dawson City, Yukon in Canada. From there, he traveled on the Dempster Highway toward Inuvik. Driving his Model A above the Arctic Circle was one of his proudest achievements. Later that year he took another vacation, driving the Model A to Key West, Florida. Over the years, I heard him tell the story of driving his Model A to the Arctic Circle and the Florida Keys in the same year to hundreds of people.</p><p>The last old car Daddy bought was a 1930 Ford Model A Roadster Pickup. He was no longer driving his old cars and wasn’t interested in purchasing any. But he bought this original Model A pickup when offered it. The Model A had been donated to the TV ministry. It Is Written, by one of the owners of McKee Foods, makers of Little Debbie Snack Cakes. When It Is Written contacted Daddy to see if he was interested in purchasing the Model A, he told them he was no longer buying cars, but he did have a soft spot for Model A’s. </p><p>After negotiating a price and finding transport from Chattanooga to Mena, the day finally arrived when the Model A pickup was delivered. Daddy was excited to see his new purchase. He loved the untouched original look. In its unrestored condition with the cracked and pealing black lacquer paint, the Model A pickup looked the way it would have eighty years ago when Daddy first learned to drive in a Model A.</p><p>We moved cars around in our building to accommodate the new acquisition. I asked Daddy if he wanted to try and start the Model A Pickup. He said, “Not today,” and returned to his favorite chair and scrolling through Facebook on his iPad. For the next three years, he loved to show people his Model A Roadster Pickup and tell them that the previous owner was the owner of Little Debbie’s. Several more times over the years, I asked Daddy if he wanted to try and start the Model A, and his answer was always the same. “Not today.”</p><p>Two months ago, Daddy passed away suddenly. After the shock and taking care of the necessary things had subsided, I turned my attention to the shop and everything that would need to be done there. I started thinking about getting some of the cars in Daddy’s collection running again. I mentioned to several people that I would like to get the Model A pickup running but didn’t know much about Model A’s. </p><p>One day, a customer came by the shop and said, “I hear you have a Model A that you want to get running.” “Yes, I do,” I replied. He told me he had been working on Model A’s for years, and in the next day or two, he would come by and see what we could do. The very next day, he showed up and was anxious to get to work. He showed me where the fuel shut-off valve was located under the dash. After turning the fuel valve on, he made sure the spark control lever on the left side of the steering wheel was pushed up. Then he pulled the throttle lever on the right side of the steering wheel halfway down.</p><p>Pulling the choke control out, he pressed the starter button and pushed the choke control back in as soon as the engine turned over. The Model A pickup that hadn’t been started in years came to life. He pulled the spark control lever down as soon as it started until the engine ran more smoothly. “Hop in,” he said, “let’s go for a ride.”</p><p>We drove to the gas station to put more fuel in the little truck. The old gas that had been in the tank for years smelled terrible, so we filled it with new gas. On the way back to the shop, we changed drivers, and for the first time, I was driving the Model A Roadster Pickup. I felt sad that Daddy wasn’t there to see it.</p><p>My friend Chad told me I should drive the Model A in the Christmas parade. So we decorated it with lights and cut down a Christmas tree to haul in the pickup bed. My wife and I enjoyed driving the Model A in the parade.</p><p>As I drove in the parade, I thought about those years that Daddy had owned the Model A but had never driven or even started it. I was thankful for my customer and Model A expert, who was excited to help me get it running. </p><p>I thought about how often I needed instructions and someone to teach me things I didn’t know. The same thing happens in my spiritual life. Every day, there seem to be things I don’t understand. But God tells me in Psalms 32:8 (AMP), “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you who are willing to learn with My eye upon you.”</p><p>Gentle Reader, God has a specific plan and purpose for our lives. These plans come with individual guidance from God Himself. No one else can direct us into what God has for us except Our Creator, who knows us intimately. In Psalms 32:8, God is reassuring us of His devotion and desire to get us where He designed us to be. He is saying I am here and know exactly what to do; all you have to do is follow me. He wants to instruct and teach us so we will be wise. “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16 (NIV)</p><div><br /></div>Richard Lawryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03680320073463221740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669000430468621076.post-19632001632344168782023-12-06T10:24:00.000-08:002023-12-20T10:26:13.209-08:00I'll Be Home For Christmas - December 6, 2023<p> My An Arkie's Faith column from the December 6, 2023, issue of The Polk County Pulse.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMEZUBDcdI6ilJ0iOClY40mbFvDIr9ryFHLuvhWdRMrLmn5A7PyzYqQRx-qLwphiyfI_k-F7RCqVDbZZWuLW18pvVyzSrAk1E_A_gWsiCFUBuz25XuOsDOpYwxLllGivv7j1on_KzuddkECOOTVZXvRa0T3sxAYmpxsMJsMtdq5uhDzwOXuAtoGLUlT9F7/s2734/Kitty%20Hawk%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1518" data-original-width="2734" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMEZUBDcdI6ilJ0iOClY40mbFvDIr9ryFHLuvhWdRMrLmn5A7PyzYqQRx-qLwphiyfI_k-F7RCqVDbZZWuLW18pvVyzSrAk1E_A_gWsiCFUBuz25XuOsDOpYwxLllGivv7j1on_KzuddkECOOTVZXvRa0T3sxAYmpxsMJsMtdq5uhDzwOXuAtoGLUlT9F7/s320/Kitty%20Hawk%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>It was a cold, windy day in December 1903. Orville Wright stands on the beach in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, staring at the sky. His brother Wilbur is flying overhead in the machine they had built together. It was their fourth flight of the day in their hand-built flying machine. Wilbur Wright successfully flew their homemade machine for 59 seconds, covering 852 feet at seven miles per hour. Orville had piloted the day’s first flight, which lasted just 12 seconds and traveled only 180 feet, but it proved that human flight was possible. </p><p>Orville wrote in his diary about the first attempted flight that morning. “I found the control of the front rudder quite difficult. As a result, the machine would rise suddenly to about ten feet and then as suddenly, on turning the rudder, dart for the ground. A sudden dart when out about 100 feet from the end of the tracks ended the flight. Time about 12 seconds.”</p><p>The brothers realized that a successful flight depended on their ability to learn how to handle the machine. Each attempt showed improvement. They were pleased enough with Wilbur’s 59-second flight but knew they could have done better. Unfortunately, there was not going to be another flight that day. Orville explains in his diary. “We set the machine down a few feet west of the building, and while standing about discussing the last flight, a sudden gust of wind struck the machine and started to turn it over. All rushed to stop it. Will, near one end, ran to the front, but too late to do any good. Mr. Daniels and myself seized spars at the rear, but to no purpose. The machine gradually turned over on us. Mr. Daniels, having had no experience in handling a machine of this kind, hung on to it from the inside, and as a result was knocked down and turned over and over with it as it went. His escape was miraculous, as he was in with the engine and chains. The engine legs were all broken off, the chain guides badly bent, a number of uprights, and nearly all the rear ends of the ribs were broken.”</p><p>That day, Orville and Wilbur became the first to demonstrate a heavier-than-air machine’s sustained flight under the pilot’s complete control. What did the brothers do after their exciting success and the heartbreak of damaging their flying machine? They had an unhurried lunch and then walked four miles to send a telegram to their father. The telegraph read, “Success four flights Thursday morning all against twenty-one-mile wind started from level with engine power alone. Average speed through air thirty-one miles. Longest 57 seconds. Inform press. Home for Christmas.” With their machine wrecked by the wind and flying done for the season, the Wrights immediately thought of going home for Christmas. They returned home with their broken machine on the evening of December 23.</p><p>According to their niece, Ivonette Miller, who was 7 in 1903, the children were excited that Wilbur and Orville would be home for Christmas. She recalled they said, “Oh, goody, Uncle Will will be home in time to carve the Christmas turkey!”</p><p>Amanda Wright Lane, the great-grandniece of Wilbur and Orville, said: “The Wright family was thrilled to learn about that first flight, but they were happier yet to know that meant the boys, great cooks, would be home in time for Wilbur to stuff the Christmas turkey and for Orville to make his cranberry bunny, served at holiday meals.”</p><p>Orville and Wilbur Wright had just accomplished something no human had ever done. What they accomplished on that cold, windy December day would change humankind forever. But their thoughts were with their family and making it home for Christmas.</p><p>The family is important to God because it is an institution He has created and one of His blessings. Families come in all shapes and sizes. Every family is unique, and every person within each family is essential. When God created the family, he gave us an extraordinary gift and a unique challenge. Family requires an unshakable commitment to each other, even when everyone involved is intimately aware of each other’s flaws.</p><p>If you are committed to your family, they should always come first. Even if you are working on something significant, like the first powered, heavier-than-air flight, you should never forget your commitment to your family.</p><p>One of my favorite Christmas songs is the Bing Crosby classic, I’ll Be Home For Christmas. The song was written to honor soldiers overseas who longed to be home at Christmas time. The song is sung from the point of view of a soldier stationed overseas during World War II, writing a letter to his family. In the message, he tells his family he will be coming home and to prepare the holiday for him. The song touched the hearts of Americans, soldiers, and civilians, earning Bing Crosby his fifth gold record. </p><p>“I'll be home for Christmas. You can plan on me. Please have snow and mistletoe and presents on the tree. Christmas Eve will find me where the love light gleams. I'll be home for Christmas, if only in my dreams.”</p><p>As a Christian, you are a part of two families: your earthly and heavenly families. 1 John 3:1 (GW) says, “Consider this: The Father has given us his love. He loves us so much that we are actually called God’s dear children. And that’s what we are.” And Romans 8:15-17 (ICB) says, “The Spirit that we have makes us children of God. And with that Spirit we say, ‘Father, dear Father.’ And the Spirit himself joins with our spirits to say that we are God’s children. If we are God’s children, then we will receive the blessings God has for us. We will receive these things from God together with Christ.” </p><p>Gentle Reader, there is no doubt that God loves His children. He shows it by His words, His actions, and His promises. He longs for His children to be with him. Like we want our children and grandchildren to come home for Christmas, God wants us to come home and be with Him. Jesus says, “I will be there to greet you personally and welcome you home, where we will be together.” John 14:3 (VOICE) There is nothing in this life that is more important than for us to be a child of God and come home for Christmas. Let’s tell God, “I’ll be home for Christmas. You can plan on me.”</p><div><br /></div>Richard Lawryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03680320073463221740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669000430468621076.post-23678023423492885922023-11-29T10:23:00.000-08:002023-12-20T10:24:49.864-08:00Passsing the Test - November 29, 2023<p>My An Arkie's Faith column from the November 29, 2023, issue of The Polk County Pulse.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj04h1fIvtmacKE8pe6Yfzoa-YqgE7HFIszpbxIO6sqD2cWqNKfGori7JLMhdIdj9jUAt6RXzitnUKn5ThpNAM22CHr5ZUgUX9kAzsTD-8zMLxQXByidBgkpyWbqo_dipsdt-oBK4GatSBSGdAnvuYIg2GdeJgIgcM1vNWZriayybdhgja0TA0WV0KfWkQ/s4494/636313114155408942-test-taking.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2539" data-original-width="4494" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj04h1fIvtmacKE8pe6Yfzoa-YqgE7HFIszpbxIO6sqD2cWqNKfGori7JLMhdIdj9jUAt6RXzitnUKn5ThpNAM22CHr5ZUgUX9kAzsTD-8zMLxQXByidBgkpyWbqo_dipsdt-oBK4GatSBSGdAnvuYIg2GdeJgIgcM1vNWZriayybdhgja0TA0WV0KfWkQ/s320/636313114155408942-test-taking.webp" width="320" /></a></div><p>Most people don't like to take tests. It makes them nervous. Some occupations such as nursing, law, civil service jobs, and many others, require passing a test before you can be licensed to work. Tests can create a lot of anxiety in people. Waiting to find out if you passed is very stressful.</p><p>Recently, a friend was stressed out while waiting for the day she would take the test required to be certified. Without the certification, she could not work in the field she had studied. Even though the worry about taking the test almost made her ill, when the day came, she passed it. </p><p>I remember taking my driving test. I was driving a 1962 Chrysler. For the turn signals to work, you had to hold the turn signal lever in position because it wouldn’t stay if you didn’t. When I had to turn corners during the test, I held the turn signal lever in position with one hand while I steered with the other. When the test was over, the driving examiner took off points because I didn’t keep both hands on the wheel when I turned a corner. He didn’t notice that I was holding the turn signal lever in position with the other hand. I was afraid I wouldn't pass the exam, but after a lecture on the importance of keeping both hands on the wheel, he gave me a passing grade.</p><p>When I was in high school, I had a teacher who told us that if we had an A in the class, we wouldn’t have to take the final exam. I wouldn’t say I liked taking finals, so I worked hard to get an A. On the Monday of finals week, the teacher posted the grades. I looked at the bulletin board and saw that I had an A-. I was relieved. I wouldn’t have to take the final exam. Then the teacher told me I would have to take the final exam because only those with an A were exempt and I had an A-. I argued that an A- was still an A but it didn’t do me any good. I still had to take the final exam. I was not happy.</p><p>Many Christians go through life like they are in school. They are always worried about their grades. They are concerned about making a passing grade. They spend their lives in anxiety about the outcome. They believe they cannot know if they are saved or lost! Many don't have that assurance of salvation.</p><p>The Bible has a lot to say on this topic. You can have the assurance of salvation. Jesus Himself gives assurance to those who believe in Him. In John 10:27,28 (NRSV) Jesus says, “My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand.”</p><p>While speaking to a group of people on the topic of assurance, I asked, “How many here are married? If you are, raise your hand.” Most of the hands in the audience went up. Then I asked a follow-up question, “How many of you don't know if you're married?” Not a single hand went up. Then I asked, “How do you know you are married?”</p><p>Just about everyone knows if they are married or not. A rare issue in the legal system might make someone unsure of their marital status, but most people know whether they are married.</p><p>We can be sure of our marital status, but can we know if we are saved? Indeed, we can know. In Philippians 4:7 (VOICE) Paul tells us that we can “know that the peace of God (a peace that is beyond any and all of our human understanding) will stand watch over your hearts and minds in Jesus.” If we wonder every moment of every day what our score is on our final exam, we do not have peace. But God has promised his children peace. When Jesus was about to leave this earth, he told His disciples, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27 (NLT)</p><p>We can be sure of our marital status, but can we be sure what our marital status will be ten years from now? Now that’s a different question. In 2 Peter 1:10 (NLT), the Apostle Peter wrote, “Dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away.”</p><p>We can know that we are saved today, but only God knows the future. Only He knows whether we will fall away. But we can know in our heart whether we are in a saved condition right now. We need to know that.</p><p>Works-oriented Christians know that they don’t measure up. They know that Romans 6:23 (NKJV) tells us, “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” They have a hard time believing that eternal life is a gift of God. They feel that they must score high on the final exam to achieve eternal life.</p><p>If we think perfect obedience is the test, we feel that God can’t save us every time we make a mistake. That doubt is intensified by the accusations made by Satan against us. Satan delights in making us doubt our salvation. On the other hand, we can delude ourselves by looking at our works with an overblown view of our own goodness, seeing righteousness in ourselves when there is none.</p><p>Gentle Reader, Jesus wants you to be saved. 2 Peter 3:9 (NCV) says, “God is being patient with you. He does not want anyone to be lost, but he wants all people to change their hearts and lives.” When you believe in Him and change your heart and life, Jesus wants you to know you are saved. In John 6:47 (NKJV), Jesus says, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life.”</p><p><br /></p>Richard Lawryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03680320073463221740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669000430468621076.post-40922835669484922752023-11-22T08:31:00.000-08:002023-11-22T08:31:00.153-08:00Flexibility - November 22, 2023<p>My An Arkie's Faith column from the November 22, 2023, issue of The Polk County Pulse.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSn6bRKrLlQl8wxpz_6bW9GkvDKI56TDhYkY7rRm8JYBRZuzrIDHDHXq5rCIZ2ZnYAY4voTmkLhj6pkCrhg0PZvxBBh8NOw3qU1oP0Lvpxv-BfajQo11xZvdz6bsKXi7OLhAK0zNeHdQLbKhb1s9K5DKj5SzLCVpSTQ9-OOvMtTrHrHnoJMaoCEDhPl7XZ/s761/Severe-Knee-OA-and-radiological-changes-In-this-left-knee-radiography-there-is.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="761" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSn6bRKrLlQl8wxpz_6bW9GkvDKI56TDhYkY7rRm8JYBRZuzrIDHDHXq5rCIZ2ZnYAY4voTmkLhj6pkCrhg0PZvxBBh8NOw3qU1oP0Lvpxv-BfajQo11xZvdz6bsKXi7OLhAK0zNeHdQLbKhb1s9K5DKj5SzLCVpSTQ9-OOvMtTrHrHnoJMaoCEDhPl7XZ/s320/Severe-Knee-OA-and-radiological-changes-In-this-left-knee-radiography-there-is.png" width="320" /></a></div><p>After years of leg and knee pain, I finally decided to have knee replacement surgery. My left knee had been in bad shape for a long time. Three years ago, my X-rays showed that it was bone on bone. At that time, my orthopedic surgeon told me the answer was a complete knee replacement. I resisted the idea, and he said to me that when it hurt bad enough, I would get it replaced. </p><p>In early October, Dr. Hefley performed a total knee replacement on my left knee at the Arkansas Surgical Hospital. The morning after the surgery, the hospital’s physical therapist came into my room and told me it was time for therapy. After she helped me get out of bed, I fumbled with my hospital gown, trying to maintain at least a small amount of modesty.</p><p>As I walked down the hospital corridor with my walker, the physical therapist told me the goals for the session and then explained the importance of physical therapy after I went home. At the end of the corridor was an alcove with a couple of steps leading up to a small platform. She instructed me on the best way to step up onto the platform. I would need to master the skill before being released from the hospital.</p><p>After the step therapy, we walked back down the corridor towards my room. As we walked, the therapist explained the importance of physical therapy after knee replacement and told me what to expect. “During the first couple of weeks,” she said, “you will be working on things like bending your knee, stretching your knee straight, restoring normal walking, and doing exercises to help you move through the different stages of recovery.”</p><p>“As your therapy progresses,” she continued, “you will work on flexibility, range-of-motion, and muscle-strengthening exercises. The goal is not only to strengthen the knee but to slow the development of scar tissue that can reduce your range of motion. The most important aspect of your physical therapy will be range-of-motion exercises—active knee bending and straightening help to improve pain and swelling. Your physical therapist will safely guide you through exercises to restore your knee range of motion. Movement and flexibility are key to a good recovery.”</p><p>After going home from the hospital and starting physical therapy in Mena, it became evident how stiff and inflexible my knee was. I had a poor range of motion in my knee and was not able to bend it easily. Physical therapy and the stretching exercises that I did daily helped me become more flexible. After several weeks of treatment, my therapist was happy with the range of motion restored to my knee.</p><p>While doing the stretching exercises, I realized that while my legs are not very flexible, I have other issues with flexibility. My body may not be very flexible, but neither is my mind. We often refer to someone as stubborn or headstrong. In a more flattering way, we may refer to them as uncompromising, determined, or persistent. As Christians, we often see these traits as positive, and they can be. In 1 Corinthians 15:58 (ISV), Paul wrote, “Therefore, my dear brothers, be steadfast, unmovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord.” I believe that the Bible is firm and unchangeable. It contains God’s truth and His principles. But sometimes, that belief can make me very inflexible. </p><p>We may think that we must remain faithful to principles and convictions, regardless of the opinions of others. But many Christians with this mindset bully others or are perpetually angry because they do not like what is going on. I recently heard an acronym I want to adapt and use here. These people are cave people, that is, Christians Against Virtually Everything. There is a time to take a moral stand, but we should still be salt and light, and the only way to do that is to be flexible in how we see things.</p><p>Flexibility, the ability to quickly change directions and compromise when appropriate, is admirable. Think what would happen if an airplane pilot refused to be flexible and change altitude or direction when advised of a dangerous weather system. Or think about what could happen if car drivers refused to let other people merge into their lanes. Flexibility is necessary, but how should you decide when to be flexible and when to resist change? </p><p>Maybe, like me, many of you suffer from inflexibility. We have figured out how to live our lives and feel that to be victorious Christians; we must be determined and uncompromising. The backbone of our beliefs becomes rigid rules and regulations. We are stubborn in our determination to control life’s course and outcome.</p><p>Often, I have tried to maintain control over my life instead of letting God be in control. I thought I figured out everything and knew how God needed to answer my prayers. Yet, life rarely works how I want it to or think it should. I am too inflexible. I like the answer to inflexibility given by the Christian author Susan Lenzkes. She says, “There is a cure. Each time life throws us a punch, we can do a deep knee bend, forcing our muscles of faith, hope, and understanding to stretch.” She goes on to say, “Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be broken. No, that’s not one of Jesus’ Beatitudes, but it is an attitude that makes all the difference in your emotional and spiritual health.”</p><p>Gentle Reader, are you a flexible person? Spiritual flexibility comes from exercising our faith and trust in God, not from an unyielding belief. We must be accommodating and eliminate pride in our rigid rules and regulations. “Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.” James 1:19,20 (NLT)</p><p>Inflexible Christians are not good witnesses to the world. Trillia Newbell explains it this way; “What is so strange to me is people believe that by fighting, they are being faithful. It’s hard to convince someone that they may need to be slow to speak and to tame their tongue if they think they’re right. And if they think they’re fighting for Jesus.” Don’t be a cave person. Make it your goal to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. </p><p><br /></p>Richard Lawryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03680320073463221740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669000430468621076.post-58648566052582899652023-11-15T09:57:00.000-08:002023-11-21T10:00:38.680-08:00Newsies - November 15, 2023<p>My An Arkie's Faith column from the November 15, 2023, issue of The Polk County Pulse.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFbaXbT72LZeKdMsBYZPKGh1me2ezu0bMcp9IzRKz6Z2BAFeb-a4Fj76MqVTfZY9Q-n5OcQD-SXrX0Ct7UrFR2yVZ_3DpFd35ZFGup3_cV1W9iHoKGSgEFUMn2UATKqoIpRLt6AvI0O0XgstuEur8Y991mCu3rmkO_sG3ynB7bjDr2uADGROOfFwT5S0/s537/Newsies_-_pic_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="537" data-original-width="311" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFbaXbT72LZeKdMsBYZPKGh1me2ezu0bMcp9IzRKz6Z2BAFeb-a4Fj76MqVTfZY9Q-n5OcQD-SXrX0Ct7UrFR2yVZ_3DpFd35ZFGup3_cV1W9iHoKGSgEFUMn2UATKqoIpRLt6AvI0O0XgstuEur8Y991mCu3rmkO_sG3ynB7bjDr2uADGROOfFwT5S0/s320/Newsies_-_pic_1.jpg" width="185" /></a></div><p>During the first part of 1993, our family built our new home. To save money, we would go to the building site every evening and clean up after the workers. Seeing the progress each day was exciting, even though it seemed painfully slow. </p><p>Before the new house was completed, the house we were living in sold, and we needed a place to live while our new house was finished. My parents had an available rental house in Yocana, so we moved to the country. Our new home was nearing completion and would be ready to move into in a few weeks. We enjoyed living in the country, even if the long drive into town several times a day did get old.</p><p>The house on the hilltop overlooked the highway, and cows in the field behind the house stood at the fence and watched as we moved in. Before long, the excitement of living in a new home in the country wore off for my kids. There is nothing to do, they complained. My son would let us know that he was “bored, bored, bored, bored, bored.”</p><p>We didn't have satellite television because we would only be there for a few weeks. Our only entertainment was a VHS player, a small television, and a few VHS tapes. One of the movies we owned was the Disney film Newsies. My daughter, who was in the eighth grade, loved the movie. It seemed that she watched it every day. </p><p>The movie Newsies is based on the true story of the Newsboys Strike of 1899 in New York City. Thousands of homeless children try to make a living selling newspapers. Newsboy Jack "Cowboy" Kelly, played by Christian Bale, is a newsboy selling newspapers for Joseph Pulitzer and his paper, the New York World. The newsboys must purchase the newspapers for fifty cents per hundred and make money by selling them for a penny each.</p><p>Early in the film, Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst agree to raise the price of newspapers for purchase by the newsboys to sixty cents per hundred. Feeling they cannot bear the added cost, Jack organizes a strike with the aid of fellow newsie David. Along the way, the boys are aided by a newspaper reporter and hindered by the warden of “The Refuge,” a juvenile detention facility.</p><p>Jack and the newsies gain the cooperation of rival newsboy groups from New York and Brooklyn to team up and strike against the big-shot newspaper owners. They eventually win their hard-fought demands after distributing a self-published newspaper flier and gaining the support of other non-union child workers around the city.</p><p>As I heard the music and dialogue from Newsies in the house almost daily for several weeks, the story became embedded in my brain. After our new home was finished and we moved in, Newsies faded into the background as we now had many more cable television options. But I never forgot the story.</p><p>A few weeks ago, the girl next door invited us to see the Mena High School production of the musical Newsies. She was excited about her role in the play and wanted us to see the show. I hadn’t thought about the Newsies for quite a few years, but the memories of our Yocana house and Christian Bale singing and dancing as the VHS tape of Newsies played almost daily came flooding back.</p><p>As the play began, there was a good crowd in the audience at the Mena High School Performing Arts Center. The energetic ensemble cast kept the crowd entertained as the story progressed. I was impressed with the quality performances by the young cast. </p><p>The musical was light-hearted and entertaining, with lively and spirited choreography. But as I reflected on the performance, I realized that the underlying true story was anything but light-hearted. The complexities of the newsies’ struggle could never be explored in a movie or a musical. The historical reality was one of homelessness and child exploitation. </p><p>As I tried to put myself back in 1899, I wondered how I would have seen the situation. As a businessman living in a lovely home, how would I have viewed the rag-tag children standing up to respected community leaders and causing trouble? Would I have been able to see the injustice of their situation?</p><p>God’s view of injustice is clear: he hates and renounces it. Yet injustice can be found in almost every area of human relationships. So, what should the Christian do when he sees injustice? Isaiah 1:17 (VOICE) says, “Learn to do good; commit yourselves to seeking justice. Make right for the world’s most vulnerable— the oppressed, the orphaned, the widow.”</p><p>Unfortunately, I don’t see much of Christianity following this council. Often, Christians side with the oppressors or are the oppressors. Jesus called out the religious leaders of his time for neglecting justice. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the Law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others.” Matthew 23:23 (NASB)</p><p>Seeking justice is central to understanding Jesus. In his teaching and healing work, Jesus ministered to the sick, the poor, foreigners, and outcasts. He overturned unjust social structures between the rich and the poor, the powerful and the weak, and more.</p><p>Micah 6:8 (NIRV) tells us: “The Lord has shown you what is good. He has told you what he requires of you. You must act with justice. You must love to show mercy. And you must be humble as you live in the sight of your God.” Jesus’ life teaches us that these three characteristics mentioned in Micah 6:8 should be embodied and reflected in our lives as we relate to our neighbors.</p><p>Gentle Reader, Jesus is telling His people today to walk humbly, act with justice, show mercy, and love all of humanity. Will we listen to His voice and instruction? “Open your mouth for those who cannot speak, and for the rights of those who are left without help. Open your mouth. Be right and fair in what you decide. Stand up for the rights of those who are suffering and in need.” Proverbs 31:8,9 (NLV)</p><div><br /></div>Richard Lawryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03680320073463221740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669000430468621076.post-86965613993021491202023-11-08T09:56:00.000-08:002023-11-21T09:57:25.420-08:00Lost Valley - November 8, 2023<p>My An Arkie's Faith column from the November 8, 2023, issue of The Polk County Pulse.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycglUcUvpcdav2Z_UFMctMaxtdyIYV2xibxb1RdZkTJC5RZJcfziYiuAG34KuAxXJCqVbeaO_K5V1ZuBgUgFWYyTCKkLNtEaxlhJgvRndd_6y_UTdl1NFF4EG8NZKQEDvsxsg5B1x_SOQvcuf1csT8uuPU-gO3KXCjyIGBpnPc1rPNqGa85JxvedtWpaF/s300/lv1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="199" data-original-width="300" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycglUcUvpcdav2Z_UFMctMaxtdyIYV2xibxb1RdZkTJC5RZJcfziYiuAG34KuAxXJCqVbeaO_K5V1ZuBgUgFWYyTCKkLNtEaxlhJgvRndd_6y_UTdl1NFF4EG8NZKQEDvsxsg5B1x_SOQvcuf1csT8uuPU-gO3KXCjyIGBpnPc1rPNqGa85JxvedtWpaF/s1600/lv1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p>Abraham Clark settled near the Buffalo River in Arkansas sometime in the 1830s or 40s. Records from those early days in Arkansas are scarce. He built a small cabin near a tributary of the Buffalo. Families who settled in the Buffalo River region had to work hard to make it. The land could provide food, but it wasn’t easy to make money. Some families grew cotton and some harvested plants like goldenseal, ginseng, sassafras, and slippery elm to sell to dealers. The rugged terrain made it difficult to move goods.</p><p>We don’t know much about Abraham Clark, but the tributary of the Buffalo River, where he first settled, is named for him. This intermittent stream, called Clark Creek, plunges 1,200 feet in the 3-mile stretch from its source to its confluence with the Buffalo River.</p><p>It was one of Abraham’s descendants who guided a group of government surveyors up the creek in 1898. He led them to an enormous rock shelter. Deep in its dry interior, they noticed bushel upon bushel of tiny corn cobs left centuries earlier by Native Americans. The locals named the rock formation Cob Cave. </p><p>In 1931, archeologist Samuel C. Dellinger led an expedition from the University of Arkansas to the cave, looking for Native American artifacts. He spent three weeks digging in the deepest section of the Cob Cave. Dellinger and his team uncovered many corn cobs, and an assortment of gourds, sunflower seeds, and woven baskets. The artifacts had been preserved due to the site’s arid conditions. The collections, made possible by a grant from the Carnegie Foundation, are still used today by researchers examining the food and fiber practices of Native Americans.</p><p>In the spring of 1945, Arkansas state publicist Avantus Green arranged for a National Geographic staff photographer, Willard Culver, to visit the Buffalo River area. Green had heard rumors of Cob Cave and decided to take his guest to the remote location. Not only did they find Cob Cave after a strenuous hike, but they also found a series of waterfalls beyond the rock shelter and another cavern with an underground cascade. Even though National Geographic decided not to use any of Culver’s photographs taken that day, Green was impressed with the area’s spectacular beauty and named it The Lost Valley.</p><p>Green’s press releases about The Lost Valley caught the attention of Margaret Maunder, a feature writer for the St. Louis Globe-Democrat. In April 1946, she traveled to Little Rock, where she met Green and Harold Foxhall, an Arkansas state geologist. The trio drove to Harrison and then to the valley of Clark Creek the following day. The Sunday, June 2, 1946, edition of the St. Louis Globe-Democrat included a full-page article describing the adventure, along with six photographs.</p><p>The first paragraph of Margaret Maunder’s article read, “Oddly enough, in a country combed by the wandering footpaths of 140,000,000 people, there still exist spots of rugged yet ethereal beauty, virtually unknown to present-day Americans. One of these is the newly discovered Lost Valley in the verdant, rocky wilderness of northwestern Arkansas, scarcely more than 325 miles from the heart of St. Louis. Here, as recently as one year ago, mighty waterfalls cascaded over cliff-like palisades as tall as 40-story buildings and pounded on ancient slabs of pure marble many feet below all without their thundering roar touching the eardrums or their sun-glistening beauty catching the eye of modern man.”</p><p>In the early 1950s, students from the University of Arkansas began making the arduous trip from Fayetteville to explore this special place they kept hearing about. One of them was Kenneth L. Smith, who, in the summer of 1958, wrote two articles on Lost Valley for the Sunday Magazine published by the Arkansas Gazette. </p><p>In 1960, commercial logging within sight of Cob Cave galvanized public support for protecting the property. In 1966, Gov. Orval Faubus announced a 200-acre purchase establishing Lost Valley State Park. In 1973, this park was given to the National Park Service for inclusion in the Buffalo National River.</p><p>Today, Lost Valley is a popular destination with an easy-to-moderate trail leading to Cob Cave and Eden Falls. The round-trip hike of a little over 2 miles is jam-packed with fascinating photo ops: caves, springs, waterfalls, bluffs, a rock shelter, and a natural bridge. When Margaret Maunder described Lost Valley as “one of the most scenically beautiful spots between the two oceans,” she wasn’t exaggerating. </p><p>I have made the beautiful hike along Clark’s Creek to Cob Cave several times. I spent last weekend in the Buffalo River area. We had family visiting from Oregon and wanted to show them some of the beauty that Arkansas has to offer. The weekend was rainy and gloomy, but we didn’t let the weather dampen our spirits.</p><p>On Sunday, the group decided to hike the Lost Valley Trail in the rain. I couldn’t do the hike because of my recent knee replacement surgery, but those who went had a great time, even in the rain. They took flashlights with them so they could explore the cave. I’m so thankful that this beautiful location is now easily accessible to so many. A friend told me, “I guess if they named it, it isn't really lost anymore.”</p><p>There was a time when the Bible wasn’t easily accessible. Only a select few could read it. The Church discouraged people from reading the Bible on their own. This policy intensified through the Middle Ages and later, with the addition of a prohibition forbidding translation of the Bible into native languages. The Council of Toulouse (1229 C.E.) declared, "We prohibit also that the laity should be permitted to have the books of the Old or New Testament; but we most strictly forbid their having any translation of these books."</p><p>Although much of the world now has easy access to the Bible, in over 50 countries, it is either illegal to own or challenging to get Bibles. I’m thankful that I can easily purchase Bibles and access many translations for free over the internet. </p><p>Gentle Reader, if you are looking for a beautiful hike in Arkansas, I recommend the Lost Valley Trail. And if you are looking for hidden gems of wisdom, I recommend The Bible. God says, “Listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures.” Proverbs 2:1-4 (NLT) </p><p><br /></p>Richard Lawryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03680320073463221740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669000430468621076.post-51020215157225071152023-11-01T04:18:00.001-07:002023-11-01T04:18:00.160-07:00Poor Vision - November 1, 2023<p>My An Arkie's Faith column from the November 1, 2023, issue of The Polk County Pulse.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_eQJshkCOYovkXI7BL32Jhxdtzt2z_LUJFw7GKCVtFi7I725v4v4VCKGFrUBAcC5mxkXlwR0UXBKYtZduLEMZcDdygkqtLYbO12CoLC2SJSekKB4RTXPptqH6tfuq1PTxmTxEKO1WTrV0SsVJuGneH0jLLDto2JQneaI75jDUeiA4twjJ7KhWu0kKhm_8/s460/molly%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="374" data-original-width="460" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_eQJshkCOYovkXI7BL32Jhxdtzt2z_LUJFw7GKCVtFi7I725v4v4VCKGFrUBAcC5mxkXlwR0UXBKYtZduLEMZcDdygkqtLYbO12CoLC2SJSekKB4RTXPptqH6tfuq1PTxmTxEKO1WTrV0SsVJuGneH0jLLDto2JQneaI75jDUeiA4twjJ7KhWu0kKhm_8/s320/molly%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Four-year-old Molly is at her neighbor Nicole’s house. She likes to go with her big brother when he plays with the neighbor boys. And Nicole loves having Molly around. Being the mother of three rambunctious boys, she liked spending quiet girl time with Molly.</p><p>Molly’s favorite movie is Pocahontas. This evening, while the boys are playing, she is in Nicole’s dimly lit bedroom, and Nicole is putting braids like Pocahontas’ in Molly’s long, dark brown hair. When she finishes, Nicole sets Molly on the vanity in front of the mirror and holds a mirror behind Molly’s head. “How do you like it?” Nicole asks. “Oh, I can’t see it,” Molly says. Nicole starts tilting the mirror in different ways. “I still can’t see it,” Molly says.</p><p>Molly’s family and friends know she has poor vision, but no one knows she is night blind. She has already had one surgery and many exploratory tests, but people think she sees more than she does. Molly would try to tell adults that she couldn’t see when it was dark, but they always assumed it was just a typical childhood fear of the dark. They didn’t realize that she couldn’t see anything. Night blindness is one of the first symptoms of retinitis pigmentosa.</p><p>One night, when Nicole was taking Molly back to her house, they began walking down the porch steps when Molly started clinging to her and saying, “I can’t see. I can’t see.” Nicole said, “I know you can’t see the same as you can during the day, but you can still see outlines, shadows, and shapes. See? Look at the stairs; you can still see the line of the edge of the stairs.” But Molly told her, “No, I still can’t see.” When Nicole got Molly home and told her parents what had happened, it was the first time they realized how severe her vision loss was.</p><p>When Molly started school, the other kids picked on her. Bullying was part of Molly's life from first grade until she graduated from high school. One day, Molly’s mom was picking her up from school. As they walked through the hallway, kids started throwing garbage at Molly and giggling. One of them slid a french fry container filled with ketchup in front of her feet to see if Molly would step in it. Molly’s mom couldn’t believe they were doing that right in front of an adult. Mom told Molly, “These kids are throwing things, so you’ll trip. They think it’s funny, and they’re looking at me with absolutely no respect.” Molly told her, “Yeah, Mom, that’s my life. That’s what it’s like. Just ignore it.”</p><p>By the eighth grade, Molly noticed that her vision was fading fast. Within six months, she lost what little remaining sight she had. During her high school years, Molly suffered from crippling depression. Still, with very supportive parents and counselors, she was able to overcome and become a successful motivational speaker and author.</p><p>In her book, “It’s Not What It Looks Like,” Molly writes, “The first voice I hear most days is Niamh, my amazing mom, coming into my room to wake me up. She opens the blackout curtains in my LA apartment, so just a little bit of light comes in. Yep. I already know what you’re thinking: You’re 25, and your mom still wakes you up? What? Is that because you’re blind? Nope. News flash: Blind people can, and many do, live alone. In fact, back home in Toronto, I lived in my own apartment for two years.</p><p>Most blind people go through years of training and, in the case of those who were not born blind, rehabilitation to make sure that we can be capable and independent. We go through orientation and mobility training, take life skills classes, and many other things to make sure we don’t walk into things, that we’re confident, and that we can navigate safely without hurting ourselves or others. I rely on my mom and others, not because I’m disabled, but because anybody with a business like mine doesn’t do it alone. Blindness just adds an extra layer of challenge to what I do daily. ‘Molly,’ my dad said, ‘You can do a lot of things, but what you can’t do is be this independent, hard-working, and successful unless you have people to support you. No one, no matter who they are, gets to achieve their goals without support from others. No one is 100% perfect at 100% of what they try. That’s why it takes a team to achieve what you were put on this earth to do.’ So, that’s why my mom is waking me up. And someday, when she does go back home, I’ll get a really loud alarm clock. But for now, it’s her and me. And I’m loving this morning ritual we share. So, good morning, Mom.”</p><p>In Ecclesiastes 4:9,10 (NLT), King Solomon wrote, “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.” We need to rely on others and be willing to reach out and help. We, as Christians, often have the wrong idea of what it means to reach out and help. A blind person isn’t helped by being informed that they are blind.</p><p>Gentle Reader, “It is God himself who has made us what we are and given us new lives from Christ Jesus, and long ages ago he planned that we should spend these lives in helping others.” Ephesians 2:10 (TLB) God has planned for you to spend your life helping others. The choice is yours. Either you can point out the faults of others and criticize them, or you can help and encourage them. I hope that your choice will be to support and inspire others. When we encourage and help others, we are showing God’s love. Show someone today how much you value them for who they are. Help and encouragement can make a big difference in a person’s life!</p><div><br /></div>Richard Lawryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03680320073463221740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669000430468621076.post-35999669985201033872023-10-25T04:17:00.001-07:002023-10-27T04:18:43.558-07:00Keeping Your Word - October 25, 2023<p>My An Arkie's Faith column from the October 25, 2023, issue of The Polk County Pulse.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWPzpI1JVRScyXKiVyJIcaWHW9mr3-HbFJxJB6TKYaJGkVPh_Cu_shgEq2wdk7vc63-7VqhNW8LdoDniAMBZ6p9-9hH78AiQh9cFTrVbA6RYRFmJ0brg54aUPLKtitDu0uDskd1lubE2Xjfhz33wHxTAahNXD0FoGsyDeCt7hzZy551M2B3qdIKml7c8dR/s2048/studemino.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWPzpI1JVRScyXKiVyJIcaWHW9mr3-HbFJxJB6TKYaJGkVPh_Cu_shgEq2wdk7vc63-7VqhNW8LdoDniAMBZ6p9-9hH78AiQh9cFTrVbA6RYRFmJ0brg54aUPLKtitDu0uDskd1lubE2Xjfhz33wHxTAahNXD0FoGsyDeCt7hzZy551M2B3qdIKml7c8dR/s320/studemino.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Saturday, family and friends gathered to say goodbye to my Daddy. He was one of the most interesting people you could ever meet. His life revolved around his love for God, family, and cars. Anyone who knew him knew that he had a passion for cars. I drove one of my Daddy’s unique car creations to the memorial. It had started as a Chevrolet El Camino, but Daddy had grafted the front end of a 1950 Studebaker to the front of it. He called his creation a Studemino.</div><div><br /></div><div>As I was driving the Studemino to the memorial, it started to lose power, and soon after, it quit as I went up a steep hill. I had to call my cousin to rescue me. As my daughter and I were waiting to be rescued, she started laughing. “It is so appropriate to be having car trouble on the day of Grandpa’s memorial,” she said. Through the years, Daddy had broken down on the highway too many times to count. It was almost a trademark. And he often ran out of gas trying to get to that next gas station that was a couple of cents cheaper. </div><div><br /></div><div>At the memorial, people remembered their experiences with Daddy, almost all centered around a car. So many people in attendance remembered Daddy giving them rides in his old cars or even letting them drive them. Daddy loved showing his cars to people and sharing them. Another theme was his trustworthiness. You could count on Daddy to keep his word. As people shared stories, I remembered one he had told me about his childhood. When Daddy told me the story, he said he learned the importance of keeping your word from his Daddy.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>When he was young, his family called my Daddy Bobby. The cold Kansas winter wind blew as the young boy walked down the icy country road. The gravel road was coated in sleet and ice. “Be careful, Bobby,” Daddy said, “you don’t want to slip and fall like I just did.” “Yes, Daddy,” Bobby answered. They had already been walking for more than a mile and still had several more. Bobby had never seen a road that was so slick. There had been several inches of sleet the day before, followed by heavy freezing rain. The ice coated everything, making it impossible to travel the country roads by car.</div><div><br /></div><div>Earlier that morning, Daddy had said, “Bobby, why don’t you come with me to take care of the neighbor’s cattle.” Daddy had promised the neighbor that he would feed the cattle while the neighbor had to be out of town for a few days. He hadn’t gone to feed the cattle the day before because of the ice storm, and he knew the cows would be hungry. “We can’t take the Model A; it’s frozen solid, and the roads are too slick,” Daddy said, “we will have to walk.” “But the neighbor's house is five miles from here,” Bobby said. “Yes,” Daddy answered, “but I promised I would take care of the cattle, so if the only way we can get there is by walking, then we will have to walk.”</div><div><br /></div><div>Along the country road to the neighbors’ house were several long, steep grades. Daddy and Bobby struggled to make it up the slippery slopes, and Daddy fell multiple times. “How long will it take us to get there,” Bobby asked. “However long it takes,” Daddy answered, “I promised that I would take care of the cattle, and I must keep my word no matter how bad the conditions are or how long it takes.” Bobby put his hands in his pockets to warm them as they continued walking down the icy road.</div><div><br /></div><div>After walking for three and a half miles, Daddy and Bobby came to the state highway. As they were walking down the highway, a truck spread sand on the road. The driver stopped and asked where they were going. Daddy told him they were heading to the neighbor’s house about a mile and a half down the highway. “Hop in and get warmed up,” the driver said, “ride with me while I’m sanding the road, and I will take you there.” Bobby was happy to crawl up into the cab of the truck and sit between the driver and Daddy.</div><div><br /></div><div>When they reached the neighbor’s house, the truck stopped, and Daddy and Bobby crawled down out of the truck. “Thank you so much,” Daddy told the driver as they waved goodbye. Bobby gave grain to the cattle, and Daddy pitched hay. The cows were very happy to see them and get something to eat. When they had finished feeding the cows, Daddy chopped a hole in the ice so the cattle could get a drink. When they had finished, Daddy said, “We had better get started back home. We have a long way to go and want to get home before dark.”</div><div><br /></div><div>Shortly after they started walking down the highway, someone gave them a ride to the country road that led to their house. They still had three and a half miles to walk. Daddy slipped and fell several times as they walked down the icy road. When they could finally see the home place, it was almost dark. They had walked miles and miles of treacherously slick roads to feed some cows. “Why did we have to feed the cows when the roads were so icy?” Bobby wondered. “A man’s word is important,” Daddy answered. “If you make someone a promise, you should do everything you can to keep it.” When they opened the door to their house and felt the warmth of the wood stove, Bobby was happy to be home.</div><div><br /></div><div>Gentle Reader, I have had many promises made to me that were broken. I’m sure that you have, too. And I have broken promises that I have made. But unlike our promises to each other, God keeps every promise he makes to us. God does not go back on His word. “God is not a human being, and he will not lie. He is not a human, and he does not change his mind. What he says he will do, he does. What he promises, he makes come true.” Numbers 23:19 (NCV) When you read your Bible, look for God’s promises to you. A favorite promise of mine is found in Isaiah 41:10 (NLT): “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” You can count on God to keep his word!</div></div><div><br /></div>Richard Lawryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03680320073463221740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669000430468621076.post-45032099373926832292023-10-18T14:42:00.001-07:002023-10-19T14:43:46.257-07:00I'll Meet You at the River - October 18, 2023<p>My An Arkie's Faith column from the October 18, 2023, issue of The Polk County Pulse.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj52tjQzmY4gbpojYlSR1GUllGwuIUb7zJWizb4OINxv5tMjabxP8Wo8qqf627P5WYRakUSrTmGwRbiueYiFrYHVvdQ7ZnXm3SK8zUSuPE6DFolNSMcCQw6IkCDMXfzRfVNFUcGaF1OdyO2y3Ncd1isZplKW0iH_3a5sjHFGjGr1-Itwz6mU4ZN0hhDhiM/s1306/madison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1306" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj52tjQzmY4gbpojYlSR1GUllGwuIUb7zJWizb4OINxv5tMjabxP8Wo8qqf627P5WYRakUSrTmGwRbiueYiFrYHVvdQ7ZnXm3SK8zUSuPE6DFolNSMcCQw6IkCDMXfzRfVNFUcGaF1OdyO2y3Ncd1isZplKW0iH_3a5sjHFGjGr1-Itwz6mU4ZN0hhDhiM/s320/madison.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>My Daddy had looked forward to his Madison College reunion for six months. I told him I would take him, and he was so happy. Over the years, he kept in touch with friends from college. This year’s reunion was to be the final reunion, and Daddy didn’t want to miss it. Madison College closed in the early 60s, so there are few remaining alumni. As the reunion neared, he talked about it to everyone he met.</p><p>A few weeks before the reunion, my orthopedic surgeon scheduled my knee replacement surgery just a few days before the college reunion. When I told Daddy, he was very disappointed. I felt terrible, but there was nothing I could do. I asked my daughter if there was any way that she might be able to take him, and she was able to arrange her schedule so that she could.</p><p>Daddy was excited when I told him she would take him to the reunion. They packed the car with snacks and headed out on a road trip to Nashville, Tennessee. While at the reunion, Daddy had a great time reconnecting with old friends. He also enjoyed showing off his beautiful granddaughter. Nine college alumni who, along with Daddy, graduated in the 50s were in attendance.</p><p>The morning after the reunion, Daddy and some friends ate breakfast at Cracker Barrel. After a wonderful visit, it was time to head back home to Mena. When they said their goodbyes, Daddy told his friends, “I probably won't see you again, but I will meet you at the river.”</p><p>The evening that Daddy and my daughter returned from Nashville, we had a wonderful time visiting as they told us stories of the weekend. Daddy was happier and more engaging than he had been for quite a while. He told anyone he talked to about his reunion experiences. He told stories from his boyhood that I had never heard before. </p><p>While recovering from knee surgery, Daddy stayed at my business daily to let customers know I could not work for a few weeks. Last Wednesday, while he was at the shop, my wife and I made two trips there and visited with him for a few minutes. On Thursday, a friend helped me pick up a load of glass and make deliveries. My Daddy wasn't there when we stopped by the shop to pick up the glass delivery truck. “He is usually here by this time,” I thought. “I wonder what is happening with him.”</p><p>When we returned to the shop with a load of glass on the truck, he still wasn’t there. “Let’s go check on Daddy before we make our deliveries,” I told my friend. When we arrived at Daddy’s house and went inside, we found that he had slipped away during the night. That scene will be forever etched in my memory.</p><p>The shock of that experience is still with me as I make funeral arrangements. Sadness and grief have come in waves as I cope with everything that must be taken care of. But between those waves of intense emotion are thoughts of comfort as I think about Daddy’s last words to his friends, “I’ll meet you at the river.”</p><p>One of his favorite hymns was Shall We Gather at the River. “Shall we gather at the river, where bright angel feet have trod, with its crystal tide forever flowing by the throne of God? Yes, we'll gather at the river, the beautiful, the beautiful river; Gather with the saints at the river that flows by the throne of God.”</p><p>My Daddy had spent his life serving God in the best way he knew how. He loved Jesus and believed fully that he would spend eternity with him. He loved studying his Bible and took to heart the passages that read, “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.” 1 John 5:13 (ESV) “Endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.” Romans 5:4 (NLT) He was confident he would meet at the river.</p><p>The hymn’s final verse proclaims, “Soon we'll reach the shining river, soon our pilgrimage will cease. Soon our happy hearts will quiver with the melody of peace. Yes, we'll gather at the river, the beautiful, the beautiful river; Gather with the saints at the river that flows by the throne of God.”</p><p>Robert Lowry wrote this hymn in 1864 after meditating on a picture of heaven found in Revelation 22:1-2 (ESV), “Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city.”</p><p>I’m comforted that Daddy has fallen asleep and is resting peacefully. He is no longer fighting the daily battles of life. In 2 Timothy 4:7 (NLT), Paul’s words could be Daddy’s. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.” I’m comforted that God has promised that if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, we can be sure that those who sleep in Jesus will live again. When the Lord Himself descends from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, the dead in Christ will rise again.</p><p>Gentle Reader, if you have experienced the loss of a friend or family member, remember that God does not want you to be ignorant “concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13 (NKJV) God has said that they are blessed. Revelation 14:13 (NIV) says, “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.”’</p><p>I’m confident that Daddy believed the words of the Psalmist found in Psalms 17:15 (NASB); “As for me, I shall behold Your face in righteousness; I will be satisfied with Your likeness when I awake.” I’m looking forward to the day that Jesus returns and Daddy will awake and look into the face of Jesus, his Savior. I’m looking forward to the day “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4 (NKJV) I hope to meet Daddy and you at the river one day.</p><div><br /></div>Richard Lawryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03680320073463221740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669000430468621076.post-64361513364939060192023-10-11T14:40:00.001-07:002023-10-19T14:41:24.612-07:00The Great Imbalance - October 11, 2023<p>My An Arkie's Faith column from the October 11, 2023, issue of The Polk County Pulse.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ShbRrpzu-2LS28OBmvpWnA83wt4hFbI4l3NKiRbZJnbLJwrxjgeeLtsE-KXwDKeclzPapawUEFBsSBojMSi0eZAUOgNhHownGQx3okxdyTkKYxTRGo3FxUhgzIkBRQWcTC8lEq1zA5zd9OVdss9mFqE5-6rMH7Kh0qkHiMnxawPBdfo675R351LG9Fcw/s1200/Great-Imbalance-1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1200" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ShbRrpzu-2LS28OBmvpWnA83wt4hFbI4l3NKiRbZJnbLJwrxjgeeLtsE-KXwDKeclzPapawUEFBsSBojMSi0eZAUOgNhHownGQx3okxdyTkKYxTRGo3FxUhgzIkBRQWcTC8lEq1zA5zd9OVdss9mFqE5-6rMH7Kh0qkHiMnxawPBdfo675R351LG9Fcw/s320/Great-Imbalance-1.png" width="320" /></a></div><p>I recently received a phone call from Vicky Warren. A mutual friend gave her my phone number and told her we might have mutual interests. Vicky has a passion for missions, and I have a passion for writing about my experiences using spiritual principles. As we talked, she told me she was the CEO of a parachurch organization, MissionNext. MissionNext is a church mobilization organization that connects ministry leaders and missionaries to service opportunities in over 200 countries.</p><p>Vicky’s passion for missions was evident as we visited. Her particular passion is for the unreached areas of the world. She takes the gospel commission very seriously. “Go and make followers of all people in the world. Baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach them to obey everything that I have taught you, and I will be with you always, even until the end of this age.” Matthew 28:19,20 (NCV) </p><p>Vicky made me aware of some things that I had never realized before. A large portion of the world has no Christian presence at all. Twenty-nine percent of the world, just over one out of every four people on this planet, live in areas where they have never heard of Jesus. They have no chance of hearing the good news of Jesus Christ because they have no access to the gospel: no Bibles in their language and no churches or believers nearby who might tell them about Jesus.</p><p>Like most Christians, I thought we were doing a pretty good job of spreading the gospel. To be presented with evidence that shows we have so much room for improvement was disheartening. </p><p>On the YouTube channel Radical, I watched a video titled The Great Imbalance. There, I learned that there are 7.75 billion people in our world, and over three million are unreached, meaning they have zero access to the gospel. Most will be born, live, and die without hearing about Jesus.</p><p>In its simplest terms, The Great Commission is the command of Jesus to reach “all of the world.” But we are not getting close to that goal. The video I watched broke down the numbers of what they called the great imbalance. Accomplishing any task requires determination, a plan, and resources. But here is where the imbalance comes into play.</p><p>Across the world, hundreds of millions of Bible-believing Christians want to fulfill the Great Commission. They donate hundreds and hundreds of billions of dollars to their churches. Last year, over forty billion dollars were allocated to missions. 400,000 Christian people are working as missionaries. It seems like Christians are doing their part to help fulfill the command of Jesus to make followers worldwide.</p><p>But on closer inspection of the statistics, we find a great imbalance. Of those billions of dollars given to missions, only a tiny portion, around one percent, is used for unreached people groups, and only three percent of missionaries take the gospel to unreached people worldwide. This is the great imbalance. Twenty-nine percent of the world, just over one out of every four people on this planet, live in areas where they have never heard of Jesus. And Christians use just one percent of their mission donations in these areas.</p><p>I’m reminded of the story of Jonah, where God gave him a message. “Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh. Announce my judgment against it because I have seen how wicked its people are.” Jonah 1:2 (NLT) But instead of following God’s command, “Jonah got up and went in the opposite direction to get away from the Lord. He went down to the port of Joppa, where he found a ship leaving for Tarshish. He bought a ticket and went on board, hoping to escape from the Lord by sailing to Tarshish.” Jonah 1:3 (NLT)</p><p>We know how Jonah tried to get out of doing what God had told him to do. But have we ever acted like Jonah? Jesus has told us to get up and go. Where are you going? Are you on the road to Nineveh or on a voyage to Tarshish? We have been given a message to spread worldwide but failed. We have passed judgment on many of the people groups of the world. We say, "They don't deserve the love of God; they don't deserve my time because they are no good.”</p><p>When we decide that certain people groups aren't worthy of our time, aren't worthy of the good news of salvation, we are boarding a boat for Tarshish. We don’t want to travel to Nineveh and give the good news because we are worried that God might save the people we don’t like. That was a factor in Jonah’s decision to board the voyage to Tarshish.</p><p>In Revelation 7:9 (NASB), God reveals the grand finale of human history. When humanity’s struggle finally ends, God will fill His eternal Kingdom with “a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues.” God is preparing for an uncountable multitude of worshippers from every nation, tribe, and language. We must not merely wait for this to happen. God asks for us to work with Him to bring it to pass. Jesus commands us to “go throughout the whole world and preach the gospel to all people.” Mark 16:15 (GNT)</p><p>How can you and I go into the world and preach the gospel “to every nation, tribe and people, no matter what language they speak?” Revelation 14:6 (NIRV) What can we do from a small town in Western Arkansas? God has a job for each one of us, and he provides the means for us to accomplish it.</p><p>Gentle Reader, what will you do when God asks you to get up and go? Do you take the Gospel Commission as a personal command? Are you looking forward to hearing, “Well done, good and faithful servant?” Matthew 25:23 (NKJV) Then we must “go throughout the whole world and preach the gospel to all people.” Mark 16:15 (GNT) Let’s help correct the great imbalance.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Richard Lawryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03680320073463221740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669000430468621076.post-73099572332342658912023-10-04T11:52:00.001-07:002023-10-04T11:52:00.150-07:00A Leg to Stand On - October 4, 2023<p>My An Arkie's Faith column from the October 4, 2023, issue of The Polk County Pulse.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicsp_6bnF-uWVZp7uRYbreJKiLZP9VxIyQ0sEDEVAAf8ch6iD4trkZfmuFFNlWyoXX9aJPiDAILYz5wBPYcyyycnKdb23GKrT4tVEIEUgV1eGv9jptQ864ZuASIExzDg7WvA6B6M1qNb85E1U-0cZBdE31Idrsg9mQvH30e_WEQiWkb9IZGPrEjA_wBITp/s303/logoOrtho.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="120" data-original-width="303" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicsp_6bnF-uWVZp7uRYbreJKiLZP9VxIyQ0sEDEVAAf8ch6iD4trkZfmuFFNlWyoXX9aJPiDAILYz5wBPYcyyycnKdb23GKrT4tVEIEUgV1eGv9jptQ864ZuASIExzDg7WvA6B6M1qNb85E1U-0cZBdE31Idrsg9mQvH30e_WEQiWkb9IZGPrEjA_wBITp/s1600/logoOrtho.png" width="303" /></a></div><br /><p>I walked into Dr. Hefley’s office in Little Rock with a few minutes to spare before my appointment. Just a minute after checking in, I was called to the door leading to the exam rooms. The X-ray technician led me to the x-ray room and took images of my knees. When he was finished, I was directed to an exam room to wait for the doctor.</p><p>As I waited, I wondered what the process would be. I was changing Orthopedic doctors, and this was my first visit. A man in scrubs walked into the room and said, “My name is Kenneth Weaver, and I am a physician assistant. Dr. Hefley couldn’t be here today, so I will examine you.”</p><p>My heart sank a little. Would this make the process take longer? Would I have to make more trips to Little Rock? I had been suffering from knee pain for several years and finally decided to have the knee replacement done. Now that I was ready, how long would it take before the surgery would be scheduled?</p><p> While I was lost in my thoughts, the doctor examined the X-rays on his computer. When he had finished, he turned to me and said, “You don’t have a leg to stand on.” </p><p>I know my left knee has been in bad shape for a long time. Three years ago, my X-rays showed that it was bone on bone. My previous orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Bean, told me the answer was a complete knee replacement. I resisted the idea, and he said to me that when it hurt bad enough, I would get it replaced. But I hadn’t realized how bad my right knee was. </p><p>The doctor said, “We need to schedule knee replacement surgery as soon as possible.” </p><p>“I have a fiftieth high school reunion to attend,” I told him. “And I have tickets to see the Beach Boys in concert. But after that, I am ready.”</p><p>“On your way out, talk to the girl who does the scheduling, and let’s get you a new knee so you will have a leg to stand on,” he replied.</p><p>When I told the scheduler that I was ready to schedule the surgery any time after the Beach Boys concert, she put me on the schedule for the day after the concert. As I write this, it is the day before my knee replacement surgery. By this time tomorrow, I should have a brand-new knee.</p><p>To prepare for the surgery, I had to travel to Little Rock for a pre-op physical. Passing the physical was the final hurdle to getting relief from the pain I had been experiencing. The doctor requires that I be off all pain medications before the surgery, including arthritis medication. My pain levels over the last couple of weeks have been high, and I have had extreme difficulty climbing stairs and getting in and out of chairs. I am looking forward to having a leg to stand on.</p><p>As I limp around with a cane and must have help to get out of my chair, I think about a passage in Ecclesiastes 12:2,3 (ICB). “When you become old, the light from the sun, moon and stars will seem dark to you. It will seem as if the rain clouds never go away. At that time your arms will lose their strength. Your strong legs will become weak and bent.”</p><p>What will it mean for me to have a leg to stand on? In a physical sense, it will be a relief for me to have a new knee. But when we use the phrase, “He doesn’t have a leg to stand on,” what do we mean?</p><p>If you say that someone doesn’t have a leg to stand on, you mean that a statement or claim they have made cannot be justified or proven. There is no evidence, support, or justification for one's argument or actions, or they have no chance of success. This metaphor dates from the sixteenth century and applies the lack of physical support to an idea or hypothesis. The Elizabethan satirist Thomas Nashe in The Unfortunate Traveler, written in 1594 stated, “Faine he would have pacht out a polt-foot tale, but God knows it had not one true leg to stand on.”</p><p>How many of our beliefs and claims can be proven, and how often, when we speak, do we not have a leg to stand on? I have often thought I could accomplish God’s will for my life with my own effort. I think I still have one good leg to please God with, and I believe I can accomplish His purposes without His power. I hobble my way through life, seeking to walk the Christian walk.</p><p>I’m sure that I am not alone in this. Paul thought he could be righteous through his efforts. Only when God knocked him off his high horse and had a face-to-face encounter with him did Paul realize he didn’t have a leg to stand on. He later wrote, “For it’s by God’s grace that you have been saved. You receive it through faith. It was not our plan or our effort. It is God’s gift, pure and simple. You didn’t earn it, not one of us did, so don’t go around bragging that you must have done something amazing.” Ephesians 2:8 (VOICE)</p><p>We must admit we do not have a “leg to stand on.” The Holy Spirit gives us the strength to want to please and serve God. We must recognize our weaknesses and remember we are dependent on God’s grace moment by moment and step by step.</p><p>Isaiah 64:6 (GW) tells us that “all our righteous acts are like permanently stained rags. All of us shrivel like leaves, and our sins carry us away like the wind.” Why would we rely on saving ourselves when God tells us that in our own works, we don’t have a leg to stand on?</p><p>Gentle Reader, in a beautiful poetic passage in Psalms 139:9,10 (NIV), David wrote, “If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” The only way we can navigate through life's pitfalls is if God guides us and holds us up. Otherwise, we don’t have a leg to stand on.</p><div><br /></div>Richard Lawryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03680320073463221740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1669000430468621076.post-91519276846942466992023-09-27T13:29:00.000-07:002023-09-27T13:29:04.381-07:00Arbour Season - September 27, 2023<p>My An Arkie's Faith column from the September 27, 2023, issue of The Polk County Pulse.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4rsPkumkYSy5jZyaccrCqqkAv9Zs1SwrJyOsO15lXHVwZvCIKPzF-kZQJMfmOrHC7z9mlEZcdS3wYWMKxOHlYD1ISMWo9KVVT2x3D_3Ok7hP6zjH_LT6QiMYqNGLrdtgJNnKMY8dHp8Ozq6TTiTT4Lswyta2UG8UdVUz3i1Fk5uO9OHq1fLOCXTXjqguR/s1322/as2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="1322" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4rsPkumkYSy5jZyaccrCqqkAv9Zs1SwrJyOsO15lXHVwZvCIKPzF-kZQJMfmOrHC7z9mlEZcdS3wYWMKxOHlYD1ISMWo9KVVT2x3D_3Ok7hP6zjH_LT6QiMYqNGLrdtgJNnKMY8dHp8Ozq6TTiTT4Lswyta2UG8UdVUz3i1Fk5uO9OHq1fLOCXTXjqguR/s320/as2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The windshield wipers beat furiously as they tried in vain to keep the windshield clear. Flashing sheets of water crossed the road as the rain came down in waves. My hands gripped the steering wheel, maybe too tightly, and I thought, “Why am I driving to Fort Smith through this terrible storm?” </p><p>A few days earlier, I learned that a favorite group, Arbour Season, would be playing in the area. I messaged them to get more information, and they replied, “We are playing at something called the Bakery District in Fort Smith. Is that too far for you?”</p><p>“What time is the concert,” I asked.</p><p>“6 p.m. Thank you so much again for reaching out! Hope to see you!” was the reply.</p><p>So, I was driving through a massive storm to see Arbour Season in concert. I had been listening to their music and watching their YouTube channel for months and was excited to see them. They describe themselves as “an indie/folk husband and wife duo who draw inspiration from the incredible adventures we experience all across North America in our converted school bus/home. Our unique journey inspires the ambient folk sound that captures the serenity of the Western vistas, the rhythms of the Eastern coastlines, and the brilliance of the national forests. We express our passion for life through music and invite you to travel with us by listening to the intricate instrumentation, layered harmonies, and lyrics that tell our stories.”</p><p>As the rain continued to beat down and the black highway seemed to disappear beneath the onslaught, a message from Shane of Arbour Season pinged on my phone. My wife read the message to me. “Hey! I’m going to keep you posted, but we just arrived at the venue, and there was a mix-up with dates or something, and they didn’t know we were going to be here today. This was a House Concert that was being put on by another girl, and she wanted to host it here at the district, but I think they had their information mixed up. There is still a possibility we could be playing tonight, but it’s unsure at this moment.”</p><p>“What should we do,” I thought. “I don’t want to continue driving through this storm if there isn’t a concert.” We pulled off the road to decide what we should do. My phone pinged with another message from Shane. “This has not been promoted at all, so I’m thinking no one is going to show up. But we are thinking about hanging out here for a little bit and having some dinner. Maybe we can all catch dinner together. We definitely want to meet you guys while we are still here in Arkansas.”</p><p>We decided to continue to Fort Smith to go out for dinner. After several more messages back and forth, deciding on a time and location, Shane texted, “Ok… sooo. We still may be able to make dinner, but we just found out we have a flat tire, haha. So we are now taking it to get looked at. That shouldn’t take too long, though, I would think!”</p><p>After several more messages back and forth, Shane told us that while the tire was being repaired, he had dropped Emily and the kids off at the mall. There is a food court with a kid’s play area right in the middle. He wanted to know if we could meet there so the kids could play while we eat, hang out, and talk.</p><p>We met at the mall and enjoyed visiting and eating some of the worst Chinese food I had ever eaten. When it was time to go, I asked them where they were headed next, and they said they were driving back to Mena. We had a good laugh about the irony of driving in a horrible storm to go to a canceled concert and then eating at a mall food court when we were both returning to Mena.</p><p>That rainy day mall food court meet-up with Arbour Season was a year ago. I have continued to follow their adventures on YouTube. I was excited when I was recently invited to an Arbour Season house concert.</p><p>After spending time with them on the crazy no concert, flat tire, lousy mall food court food day last year, it was wonderful to finally hear Arbour Season in concert. The concert was everything that I hoped it would be. The music was excellent, and the banter made everyone in the audience feel like they were lifelong friends. </p><p>When the lilting guitar picking of the song “Arcadian” began, I silently mouthed the words. “I saw you today when I wasn’t looking. There was a sway in the trees above that told, told me you were near. And I heard your voice when I wasn’t listening. There was a sweet noise I’d never heard before, singing in the breeze. Oh, the pain, oh, the needless pain we bear. Oh, this world so full with all its cares. You made me innocent again. And I thought I found you, but you found me. Oh, I thought I found you, but you found me.”</p><p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="236" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qmjetERm9G8?si=l35M9ER5I7uh_kav" title="YouTube video player" width="420"></iframe>
</p><p>Arcadian is one of my favorite songs, and I love the line, “I thought I found you, but you found me.” Sometimes, we think we have found God, but the Bible tells us that Jesus “came to find lost people and save them.” Luke 19:10 (NCV)</p><p>This idea is best shown in the story Jesus told in Luke 15:4-6 (ICB): “Suppose one of you has 100 sheep, but he loses 1 of them. Then he will leave the other 99 sheep alone and go out and look for the lost sheep. The man will keep on searching for the lost sheep until he finds it. And when he finds it, the man is very happy. He puts it on his shoulders and goes home. He calls to his friends and neighbors and says, ‘Be happy with me because I found my lost sheep!’” Luke 15:4-6 (ICB)</p><p>Gentle Reader, you are so important to God that He will follow you to the ends of the earth. He stays by your side, whether you acknowledge Him or not. There’s nothing you can do that will stop Him from loving you. “God clearly shows and proves His own love for us, by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 (AMP)</p><div><br /></div><p><br /></p>Richard Lawryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03680320073463221740noreply@blogger.com0