I Stand to Show My Respect

Posted on September 27, 2017 by Lynn

We have lost something very valuable in Canada, and the United States: RESPECT.  We have lost respect on the national political global scene, as well as respect for one another in our own countries.  We do not value each other or the contributions we have made on the world stage or in our own back yards.  Social media allows bullying of the most insidious manner, by famous and infamous name-callers who use the most offensive language to demean, degrade and defame a person(s) on a world-wide scale.  There is no such thing as “freedom of speech” because there is no respect for anyone who has a differing opinion.  Divisiveness abounds in our culture.  Our catch word is “tolerance” but the reality is anything but that.  Hate-filled rhetoric is launched at us from all directions.  Even our world leaders resort to a cacophony of name-calling that is petty and childish.

Many people use a variety of methods to protest against racism, religious persecution and social injustice but this only leads to more denigrating banter between those who agree and those who disagree with the protest.  It all ultimately dissolves into more name-calling and side-show antics that negate the effectiveness of civil protests.  No one wins, everyone is offended, and all civility breaks down.  It all comes down to a profound lack of respect for one another and denying the right of groups or individuals to voice opposing opinions.  This permeates to every facet of our lives and to the way we conduct ourselves daily and interact with our fellow-man.

There used to be a time when RESPECT was learned, not necessarily earned.  That goes counter-culturally to what we think now, that respect is earned.  As children we were taught to respect our elders.  Age and wisdom demanded respect.  We were taught to respect those in authority over us: police, law-enforcement officials, teachers and political leaders.  We didn’t need to agree with everything they did or said, but we respected the “office” they represented.  We respected and honoured our parents and grandparents.  We gave up our seat on a bus or in a gathering so adults and seniors could sit down.  That courtesy also extended to men standing so a woman could sit down.  Chivalry is a thing of the past now.

We stood in respect and silence every Remembrance Day to honour the men and women who fought and died so we might have freedom in our country.  We understood their sacrifice for our nation and honoured them.  Here in Canada today, our war vets struggle to get the medical care they need, or the financial support to live.  It is a national disgrace.

I remember when patriotism included the singing of our National Anthem, and the recitation of The Lord’s Prayer every morning in school.  We honoured both God and country.  In 2017, Canada’s 150th anniversary, most public schools have banned those two exercises as being irrelevant and even offensive in our multi-cultural society.

As faithful church-goers, families in the 50’s and 60’s stood in church when Scripture was read, and everyone dressed in their “Sunday best” outfit to show respect in keeping the Sabbath Holy.  We honoured and respected our Senior Pastor as God’s appointed under-shepherd. We understood the significance of gathering together for Worship.  Now we criticize and complain if services go too long, or the songs are too traditional or too contemporary.  We prioritize our attendance as casually as the way we dress in church.  We critique the sermons and find fault with our brothers and sisters in Christ.  Christian against Christian, we sow disunity amongst ourselves.  We have become so “Seeker Sensitive”, we cater to an audience of the many rather than the Audience of The ONE.

Believer, how big does the “plank in the eye” have to be before we feel compelled to remove it?

What are we teaching our children about respect today?

It’s okay to tear down anything that offends us.  That includes people, things, and ideas.

It’s okay to call the President of the United States a “bum” and hold up a replica of his severed head as a joke on social media.

It’s okay to disrespect the flags and national anthems of our two countries by kneeling instead of standing at sporting events.

It’s okay to bully and name-call those whom we do not agree with.

Am I hitting a nerve yet?

Our two countries were founded on God.  Many would like to negate that now, but go back in history to the writing of the U.S. Constitution and Canada’s Charter, the supremacy of God is not disputed but applauded in both documents!  In our selfish societies, where me-first attitudes pervade every thought we think, we are unable to center our wills around a sovereign God.  It goes against our self-satisfying natures to be controlled in any manner by those in authority over us, be it parents, employers, law-makers, civic, provincial or national leaders, let alone GOD.  It all stems from a serious lack of respect for ANYONE in power.  God is maligned more than ever among secular humanists, who deny His existence or His dominion.  Little to no respect is shown to fellow-man, so it is not surprising that man’s Creator would also be shown little to no respect.  It will be to our own undoing!

So, I am taking a stand.

I am standing up for what I believe in; the values I hold dear.  I want my children and my grandchildren to know that in the midst of all this dissension and lack of respect they see in the world around them today, there are truly things we can STAND up for.  Though the inevitable criticism will come, we can STAND firm knowing our beliefs are trustworthy and built on the rock-solid foundation of Jesus Christ.

I STAND… to show that I am a follower of Jesus Christ.  He is my Saviour and my Lord.  There is NO ONE and NOTHING else worthy of my worship and praise.  If I must bow my knee, it is in reverence and prayer to Him only.  1 Chronicles 16:7-36

I STAND… to acknowledge that the Bible is the inerrant Word of God.  2 Timothy 3:16

I STAND… to acknowledge that “In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.”  Proverbs 16:9

I STAND… in support of family and to uphold the traditional marriage union between a man and woman in the bonds of Holy Matrimony.  Genesis 2:22-24

I STAND… to acknowledge that I believe in the sanctity of all human life from conception forward.  Jeremiah 1:5

I STAND…to acknowledge that every individual of every colour, race or nationality is a child of God and is worthy of love and respect.  Romans 8:14-17

I STAND…to give thanks to God for the law-givers and public officials who seek to lead, despite criticism and complaint, so that the laws of our land are upheld and respected.  Romans 13:1-5

I STAND…to show patriotic respect for my country’s flag and national anthem.  1 Peter 2:13-17

I STAND… and salute the brave men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for my freedom.  This includes veterans, first responders, police, fire and rescue and the many more exemplary individuals who have put themselves in harm’s way for others.  Isaiah 61:1-3

I STAND…to show my respect.

Who will stand with me?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Winter Is Coming

Posted on September 21, 2017 by Lynn

I am watching the snow fall here on the Ponderosa, (as we call our Homestead), in Alberta.  It’s not like the white stuff is unexpected.  We usually get a good snowfall, mid to late September, and then the temperatures can sky-rocket for a few more weeks, which always lulls us into thinking that summer is not quite over.  As I watch the flakes fall though, I know this first snowfall may be short-lived but winter is definitely coming.

As most of my friends and family know, I am not a fan of winter.  Some others may cheer at the thought of shooshing down the slopes, having a great affinity for the ski season, I however, do not ski.  I don’t see the appeal of careening down a leg-breaking hill of ice, only to get to the bottom and then take another vertigo challenging ride on a ski lift only to get to the top of the hill and careen down again.  Repeat.

Did I mention, I’m also afraid of heights?

I’m not a fan of winter driving either.  I white-knuckle my way around town, braving the slippery streets and carefree drivers who still think they can drive the same in the winter as they do in the summer.  Nope, not a fun time.

I don’t much like the mind-numbing cold we get here in Southern Alberta either.  I don’t like feeling my nose hairs freeze in my nostrils when I go outside.  I don’t like seeing the thermometer plummet to -20 C, knowing that at some point I need to go grocery shopping.  The choice is go out in the cold or starve.  Sometimes I feel like flipping a coin to decide.

When I brave the cold, I’m bundled up so well only my eyes are showing between the toque on my head and the colourful scarf over my nostril-frozen nose and mouth.  The extra padding of my winter coat may shield me from the blistering cold somewhat, but never seems to be enough to cushion me when I slip on any ice covering the sidewalk.  Tooshie bruises will attest to that fact.

Nope, not a fan of winter – at all!

However, as I watch the snow accumulate on the ground, I am also thankful.  I am thankful I have a warm house, and a warm hearth to take the chill out of the air.  There are many in this world today, who must brave the elements without a roof over their heads.  I have warm clothes to wear and a warm bed to tuck into at night.  Many in this world do not share that luxury.  I have the ability to drive to the store for food, even if it is white-knuckling all the way.  Many will go hungry tonight, even in the city in which I live!

It is sobering to think about all the suffering around the world, and have the audacity to complain about a little bit of snow and cold here.

I am reminded of this scripture: ” Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Being thankful is a choice, even during these long winter months ahead.

 

 

 

 

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No Fear

Posted on September 13, 2017 by Lynn

I’ve never stared down a Grizzly Bear waiting to charge.  I’ve never taken shelter from a Category 5 hurricane.  I’ve never personally experienced a war, or a host of other very fearful events that some people I know have gone through.  I am thankful that so far in my life I have not had to deal with any of those things, but I will admit that there have been many times when I was fearful.

I was terribly afraid when my father had open-heart surgery.  I was only a teenager and I feared for my father’s life.  I was frightened when my youngest child took a deep breath moments after she was born and her lung collapsed.  It was like time stood still until the doctor said she was okay.  I was terrified when I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  Not a day went by during treatment that I wasn’t in some way dreading the surgeries and chemo and the possibility of losing the battle with cancer.  To a lesser degree, my kids will attest to the fact that I am a constant worrier for their safety and well-being.  I don’t rest easy until I’ve heard from them, especially when they’ve been traveling any distance, even if it is just ten minutes across town.  I tell them, “Mama worries.”  They roll their eyes and say, “No kidding!”

One of the scariest moments of my life was just before I said, “Yes!” to Jesus.  That may sound strange, but I’m being honest.  I knew I needed Him, but I also knew I was totally unworthy of the Love only He could offer to me.  I had done it my way for so long and I had come to realize that it was getting me nowhere.  I was lost and I needed a Saviour!

I felt like I was getting ready to plunge off a cliff into some mysterious unknown if I didn’t do something drastic and I was absolutely terrified.  I wasn’t sure I wanted to let go of my life even if it was destructive.  I’d been wallowing in the mud so long, I was now pretty comfortable there.  My then boyfriend, Charles, (who would later became my husband), had shared the Gospel with me but I still wasn’t ready to make a commitment.  I also thought I should get myself together first before I started following God because I was convinced He wouldn’t have any use for me as I was.  I had done too many things to be ashamed of.  I just wasn’t good enough for Jesus.  There was this spiritual tug-of-war raging inside of me, an inward battle of wills, mine against the pull of God.  Finally, when I ran out of excuses, I let go of the rope and fell into His Embrace.

Peace.  That was the first thing I felt when I said, “Yes!” to Christ.  I knew Jesus would not love me more or less than He did right then.  I would never be able to work hard enough, or do enough to have Him love me more.  He had completely forgiven me of my past, the Holy Spirit would be my constant companion in my present, and my eternal salvation was secure for my future.  Repenting of my sin, accepting Jesus as God’s only Son, and believing that He died on the Cross and rose again three days later, freed me to live my life without condemnation.  I was, and still am, forgiven.

I am also human.  Fear and worry are very hard to let go of.  When I feel those emotions bubble up inside me, I seek refuge in the comfort of Scripture.  Circumstances in life, like battling cancer, or being in the middle of a raging storm may be scary, but I know God is in control.  No matter what life throws at me, I need not be defeated by fear.  I can rise above it as long as my focus is on Jesus and not on my circumstances.

I’ve compiled a list of 50 Encouraging Scripture Verses to Combat Fear.  If you are experiencing fear and worry in your life right now, draw near to the One Who can calm any storm you might face.  You are not alone.  Accept the Amazing Grace He offers to you.  Remember, Jesus will not love you more or less than He does right now.  He loves you exactly as you are, and exactly where you are.  The exciting thing is, He will not leave you as He first found you!  He has a plan and purpose for your life!

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!  All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”  2 Corinthians 5:17-21

(If you have never said “Yes” to Jesus, read: The Gospel Message – Get it?  Got it?  Good?)  ❤

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