The Instruction Manual

A friend here in the piney woods was in the appliance business before retirement. "Fall in love with the 'Use and Care Guide' was the advice to all new customers. This is the only way to find out all the wonderful things your new appliance will do."

Now, let me tell you. There is not one guide in my house with even the slightest hint of use or care! "But how do you know what it will do if you don't read about it?" Does it do the one thing I bought it to do? Then, I am happy. But, I am deprived, as well.

Take my digital camera, for example. A dozen icons pop up each time it is on. Do I have the faintest idea what they mean? Absolutely not. Do I know how to press the button to take the picture. Yes, and that is all I want to know. Am I limiting the enjoyment of the camera? Probably, but it doesn't bother me enough to devote hours of time reading the instructions.

You are way ahead of me on this, aren't you? God gave us a "Use and Care Guide" when He inspired the Bible. We can memorize a handful of verses and make it through life just fine. We will be equipped for basic functionality. But will I (took responsibility for this one and moved from "we") take the time to read, study, and exult in all He has built into this Christian life?

I met a man last week who has literally worn out three bibles in his 90 years. Of course, this man probably wore out the user's guide for each and every appliance he ever bought his wife!

I was taught to underline the commands in red and the promises in yellow. But, that bible long ago bit the dust. And, anyway ---- I don't need them underlined in a book --- I need them underlined in my heart.

The wonder of wonders these days is that all guides can be downloaded from websites. That is what I need to do ---- do a spiritual download ----"Thy Word have I hid in my heart" is the way David put it. This year I think I will fall in love with the Use and Care Guide given me by the one who cares so deeply and uses me despite myself --- my most holy guide.

A New Perspective

"Look, it's a deer!"
The ladies staying here this weekend on their church planning retreat raced to the window.
You all know by now about the love/hate relationship I have with the deer. They grace my yard as living sculptures, and disgrace my yard as living scavengers.
But each time new people come, I start to see them through another set of eyes. I momentarily forget their mess, their greedy chomping away at my expensive plants, and stop to see their curious personalities, their agile movements, and their total disregard of any danger I pose.
"My thoughts are not your thoughts and my ways are not your ways." God clearly spoke, didn't He? Our filters need changing often. We need to see things as God sees them ---- or at least appreciate the fact His view is different.
When things don't add up, we can only assume His perspective is different. When precious friends suffer great losses, I can only confess my inadequacy to understand, then acknowledge His sovereignty.
It would probably do me good to stand for awhile to ooh and aah over the deer. God truly doesn't make any junk --- and this certainly applies to my four legged munchers.

Crawlin' Jack

When Anne broke the news to Jeff, "There are going to be three Horches in this family," he began blogging. Jeff's Journey to Fatherhood made its debut and carried us throughout the entire delivery process. Thankfully, Jeff decided to take us on the next leg of the journey.

www.thehorches.com/blog will introduce you to the world of Jack.

As a devoted and completely nutso "Gram" I faithfully follow --- sometimes telling my friends they just HAVE to see the latest Jack pics. But most times I control my grandmotherly urges.

HOWEVER, they posted a video that is a MUST SEE. I know he isn't your grandson, but your life will be richer by far after watching crawlin' Jack.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTI3KCxYNDM
Turn up the volume to get the full effect.

Ties of Love

Charlie "Tremendous" Jones was a lifetime friend of Dad's. His enthusiastic approach to life, business, and relationships often overwhelmed those he met. "I never hug women...nobody except my sweet Gloria." But, he hugged men ---- and hugged them big. His size, his personality, and love for others filled a room as he entered. And he never, never lost an opportunity to share the Gospel.

The night after Dad's memorial service, we ate alone in a Dickey's Barbecue restaurant in Dallas. We were literally the last customers and as the young man walked to unlock the door for us, Charlie stopped suddenly. He wasn't leaving until he could share the good news of Jesus.

He is in heaven with his friend Fred. I can only imagine the great experiences they are having.

After his homegoing, his daughters sent me two of his famous bow ties....he was never seen without one. They are treasures and reminders of what a life fully devoted to the work of God looks like.

This pic sits in my BWF office.....Dad on his gurney preparing to speak to 1500 people, Bill Glass, Charlie, and me.
I learned from Charlie how reading out loud enhances the impact of the content. The idea to read out loud to Dad each day came from him. One of the greatest gifts Dad and I shared.

Charlie touched hundreds of thousands throughout the world. I miss him. I learned from him and I hope to pass along the great hope of heaven he exemplified.

Sleep, Baby Jesus

One of the happiest times each year is the "unpacking of the nativities." My son, Jeff, began the collection about 32 years ago and it continues to grow. I love them for they represent travel, both by me and my friends. They each have a story for me and as I put them out, they help me recall the sweet memories.

They stay out sharing the story of Jesus until mid-January (or early February sometimes) when they get packed away to hibernate. Some stay out with me all year long because their stories are particularly poignant.

Yesterday was the "put them back in the closet" day. I dreaded wrapping all the little pieces, but as I began, I soon realized the joy of saying goodbye to them for awhile. They have their own dedicated closet and they safely abide!

The thought occurred to me ----how often do I take my relationship with Jesus, wrap it carefully in spiritual tissue paper, and safely tuck it away from my everyday life? How often do I live a life reflecting a sleeping Jesus? Shouldn't He be front and center every day of the year? Prayer closets are wonderful, but closeting my savior is a big mistake. Instead, He should be like the few nativities which have a full-time place of display in my house. He should be evident in and out of season.

Thanks, Dad

"Hey, Dad --- you would just love this event at Dallas Baptist University." Do you ever talk to people in heaven? I do --- quite regularly, actually.
Recently, a friend of Dad's gave me a sermon by Pete Briscoe on the Bema seat judgment in heaven. It focused on rewards for the work done on earth that lasts ---- the stuff that isn't wood, hay, and stubble.
When I was little (before eco-awareness), we raked leaves into great big piles and when it got bigger than we were, we lit it and savored the wonderful aroma. I am sure we knocked several holes in some layer somewhere, but it was a grand experience.
The thought of seeing most of what I did on earth piled high and ignited doesn't give me nearly the sense of awe.
On my desk is a glass square given to me by the Ziglar Corporation. It simply says, "Make today worth remembering." Isn't that another way to say, "Make today precious."
On March 1 BWF will partner with Dallas Baptist University to bring 10 men and women to their campus for an entire day of sharing about Leading with Integrity. Dad used that theme for one of his books.
As I work putting all the pieces together, I find myself talking to Dad about it --- and wishing he were here to enjoy it.
He lived his life to stretch others. We are archiving his life to stretch and bless the next generations. Kinda cool!
Bringing wisdom and hope to DBU is a worthy goal and one I hope is driven by the spirit of God, not by my wood pile.
Bringing Dad's influence to DBU is joyful and exciting. He always told me, "Brenda, there is nothing in your life a little excitement can't cure." Thanks, Dad ---- you have made that possible.
Where is your excitement? Where is God prompting you right now....not for next year, but right this very day? I know I need to keep thinking about that...and being grateful. After all, this is the Year of the Dog! :)

Safety Gates

The bars came down just as I approached the crossing. Just a few seconds more and I would have made it across before the arms blocked my way.

I sat waiting for this unbelievably long parade of transport cars to pass. Then, I thought about the implications of railroad gates.

They exist to stop progress in a dangerous direction. They are colorful, equipped with flashers, and in the way! They come down BEFORE the train arrives and even stay down for a while longer after the train is down the track.

Haven't I experienced the Holy Spirit's arms in this way? "Danger, danger, Will Robinson!" is often heard in my spirit. Sometimes I stop, look, and listen. Other times I need the prompting of the safety gate.

When my son, Jeff, was in high school and just newly driving, he called from school. "Mom, I broke the windshield on the way to school." "Jeff, how did you do this?" "Well, I think I drove through the gate at the train crossing." "You think?" Sure enough, the shattered windshield testified to his story.

It is a pain to wait as trains pass slowly by. But, it is way more painful to race them and lose. God's arms often lower in protection, letting us know one of life's locomotives is on the way and it is probably best to give it room.