LOVE IS NOT A STINKER

It is very likely that you have met this Christmas brat before. Undoubtedly, many Christmas celebrations have had to deal with this little monster.

In the picture above we see that a picture really does speak a thousand words... so I will skip those words and give only the appropriate history for context. For one child, Christmas and birthday celebations overlapped... doubled... and so did the gifts received. Of course, someone would have to feel this was unfair. Can you guess who?

Envy and jealousy are powerful emotions... and very destructive. They reveal a covetous human sinful nature that is anything but loving.

Love is not a stinker. "... it does not envy..." according to Paul's letter to the Corinthians. Furthermore, we should also "Live in harmony with one another." according to Romans 12:16

ONCE UPON A TIME THERE WAS A LAWNMOWER ... THEN ... IT DIED.

The experience could have been traumatic for an 11-year-old boy. The John Deere self-propelled grass-cutting machine was a critical asset ... a cornerstone perhaps ... for a young boy’s newly emerging grass-cutting business. For many years this trusty two-stroke machine had represented quality. The mower had been recently passed down as a gift to a son who was entrusted to keep the machine in good repair… now it simply would not start (and it was not for want of a "tired arm" pulling the start cord).

(little sister posing with beloved John Deere mower)

What would Dad say when he found out why it would not start?

There was no way to buy a new one. The old mower could not be fixed nor could it be pushed into the garage to pretend as if nothing ever happened … there were numerous clients (neighbors) with fast growing grass that would eventually need to be cut! Yes, sooner or later the facts would be faced and this adolescent blunder dealt with.

Apparently if you don’t add oil to the gasoline in a two-stroke machine… eventually you seize the block. Metal on metal creates some impressive heat without proper lubrication… but that was nothing like the heat this kid was going to receive from his dad about the matter! In a surprising turn of events, a larger more important lesson was learned – a lesson on true love… about mercy and grace.

Have you ever met anyone who was quick to listen, slow to speak and even slower to become angry? James 1:19-20 reminds us that man’s anger does not bring about the kind of life that God desires.

Someone not easily offended is commended.

On that very ominous day, both grace and mercy were personally experienced ... and their meanings better understood. Definition 1 - Grace: when you receive a gift you do not deserve. Definition 2 - Mercy: when you do NOT receive that which you truly deserve (like punishment).

Not being punished for destroying the $300 lawnmower was merciful. Receiving the gift of a replacement "walk behind" Murray mower (to cover my blunder) was gracious… however, it did not seem a very worthy gift at first. Is it even possible to entertain the idea that a person could be unhappy about such a gracious act of love? Even angry in return? You see it was MORE WORK!! It had to be PUSHED UP hills (no longer self-propelled)!! How ungrateful was such an attitude!! But that attitude was short-lived. A few weeks of sore muscles and soon both body and heart were re-conditioned, renewed, strengthened to be far better than before. Lesson learned...

1 Cor. 13:5 – Love Is Not Easily Angered

DOG… A MAN'S BEST FRIEND

Anyone who has encountered the wonderful opportunity to experience the “master & faithful sidekick” relationship with a dog of his or her own simply cannot deny truth in this statement: 

“Dog – A Man’s Best Friend.”

Such a dog is not so rare. Perhaps you have one of your own. Why does it seem that the dog is such an unfailing, faithful companion? Perhaps not unfailing, yet always quick to recover from a mistake. Why must every greeting be extraneous? What on earth makes them love that bone or ball sooooo much (other than peanut butter)! How is it that affection is always right around the corner, no matter the scolding or rebuke?

It would be a mistake to focus the entire attention on the dogs themselves. The true reasons extend far beyond mere instincts and behaviors. God has created many things, which have been designed to be reminders for us. Contrary to much popular belief, I am quite certain that creation is more than a simple reminder of God’s character or his essence. The purpose of creation far exceeds these. To worship the creation is not the point... but it does point us to the Creator. We are to view all of God's creation as a reflection of His commands (spoken in His written Word). 

When I see a dog, I can not help but be reminded of an element of God's love. In fact, every time I see this picture of Gus (my dog… look above… isn’t he cute… I am getting off track lol!) it is a gentle reminder to have an enduring love. To love other people with a true love that never fails.

1 Cor. 13:8 – Love Never Fails.

~BLIZZARDS & BABIES~

It was a cold harsh November day in the winter of 1985 … rather it was commonly

referred to as the Blizzard of 85’ A very pregnant wife and quite concerned husband

were very impetuously penetrating towering snow banks and the associated drifts

through seemingly narrower and narrower streets as they made their way toward Appleton Medical center in Appleton, Wisconsin. The matter was quite serious, for her

water had broken quite some time ago and her contractions were very close together.

Some of the roads seemed impassable, yet they somehow managed to press on in the

blue GMC pickup truck. The ballast of weighty sand over the rear axle used for traction,

did not seem nearly enough for today’s adventure. One final hurdle … the parking lot

entrance to the hospital had been plowed shut. Accelerator down and vehicle pointed

straight towards the fresh snow bank, they skid their way towards the emergency

room without a second thought, nearly getting stuck.

After a quick inspection, the attending ER staff quickly noted that the wife was in no

condition to walk to the delivery room. They forced her to sit in a wheel chair. She

protested … informing the staff that “ he’s coming ” and decided to prop her body

weight up using her elbows, with a few bruises and very sore arms to prove it later. As

the couple took a seemingly everlasting ride up the elevator little did they realize how

quickly time would soon pass. Very soon after, a new life entered the world. That was

me.

Love is not self- seeking (1 Cor. 13:5). It is affirmed in word but displayed by action.

The love of a mother for her children extends beyond mere affection. Her sacrifice is

what sets her apart. " Thanks Mom" is not nearly enough to express my gratitude for

her dedication and determination from day one ... and this is just the beginning of many

people who have taught me love.