Mature Shoes

Wesley Meixell, my father, in  a 2002 picture 

" Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained."

(Philippians 4:15) 

Recently I was digging through closets and found both treasures and items that went into the trash. I would like to share with you one of the treasures. It came in the form of a single 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of typewritten paper. The author was my dear father who has been with Jesus since 2010. The paper contained a study that he had prepared for the Mount Hope Mid Week Studies on November 7, 1996. The title of the study was: "Aging: Phunny, Phooey, or Phabulous?" The specific information on the page was entitled: "Biblical Principles/Teachings To Appropriate For Aging." Here is his advice:

"1. ACCEPT the transitoriness of life on earth: 'You turn us back to dust and say, 'Turn back you mortals, for a thousand years in Your sight are like yesterday when it is past or like a watch in the night.' (Psalm 90:3-4) 

2. PRACTICE SERENITY: " I have learned in whatever state I am to be content. I know how to be abased and I know how to abound in any and all circumstances. I have learned the secret of facing plenty and want.' (See also Genesis 37:17-28 and James 45:4-8 and James 1:12 and 1 Peter 2: 19-25)

3. ENJOY YOUR FAMILY: ' May you see your children's children.' (Psalm 128:6) Even if you do not HAVE grandchildren, enjoy the other members of your family.

4. LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST EVERY DAY: 'Abraham died FULL OF YEARS' ENJOY those years here on earth. (See also Ecclesiastes 3:22)

5. OVERCOME ADVERSITY: Jesus said: ' In THIS WORLD you have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.'( John 16:33 ; See also 2 Corinthians 11:23-28 about Paul's sufferings.)

6. DEEPEN YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE (Relationship with God) 'If you have been RAISED with Christ seek the things that are ABOVE' (Colossians 3:1-4)

7. PUT GOD FIRST IN EVERYTHING: 'Cast me not off in the time of old age.' (Psalm 71:9)

8.PRACTICE COMPASSION: ' Happy are those who consider the poor; the Lord delivers them in the day of trouble.' (Psalm  41:1)

9. TRUST IN GOD THE FATHER,SON, AND HOLY SPIRIT: ' Lord You have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth or ever you formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting YOU ARE GOD.' (Psalm 90:1-2)

10. TRUST IN OUR AWESOME GOD: If God could even 'burn up the stones' of the altar in the contest with the prophets of Baal, SURELY He can help us. (See 1 Kings 18: 25-29;36-39)

NOTE: I purposely made the first word of each statement above a VERB. ACT your faith. LIVE it.

SUGGESTION: Read selected portions of the Bible and WRITE OUT verses or paragraphs that YOU can apply to aging. Keep them in a notebook and read them from time to time as reminders of YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD IN CHRIST!"

This ends the advice listed by my father. I am happy to report that my father lived out the above list with great gusto. He was a wonderful example to those around him of how a Christian man ages. In fact he is the one person more like Christ than any I have ever known.

Dear sisters, if you have begun to wear those "mature shoes" or the "senior citizen shoes", do not panic! Rejoice that God has blessed you with a long life. Rejoice that he has given you the opportunity to share your wisdom with others. Rejoice that you can live Christ before those much younger. If you are younger and are not even close to wearing "mature shoes", I encourage you to seek out those who do. Ask them for their advice. Speak words of encouragement to them. Include them in your life. Bless them. It will be a blessing to you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fierce Shoes

"The woman who derives her principles from the Bible, and her amusements from intellectual sources, from the beauties of nature, and from active employment and exercise, will not pant for beholders. She is no clamorous beggar for the extorted alms of admiration. She lives on her own stock. She possesses the truest independence. She does not wait for the opinion of the world, to know if she is happy." (Hannah More)

A few months ago I read the biography of a woman named Hannah More. The title of the biography was Fierce Convictions  by Karen Swallow Prior. It is an inspirational story of a Christian woman who was born in England in 1745 and lived until 1833. How she lived her life testifies to the impact possible through one wholly committed follower of Jesus. The fact that she was also a woman makes her achievements even more noteworthy in light of the time in which she lived.

At the young age of just 3 or 4, Hannah began to read. She composed a complete poem at age 4. Unlike most women during the eighteenth century, Hannah was well educated and ran a school for girls. "She sought to advance female education in order to fulfill women as women, not to make them men." (K.S. Prior)

Understanding multiple languages, including Latin and French, Hannah published many works of poetry as well as theatrical works. She was well known in London and interacted with a variety of wealthy and influential people, including William Wilberforce. Hannah became quite prosperous as a result of the sale of her writings.She eventually left London to pursue her Christian faith in a deeper way. This faith was greatly influenced by the book Cardiphonia, written by John Newton.

Hannah's faith drove her to confront important issues of the day: the slave trade, illiteracy among the poor, thereby preventing them from reading the Bible, the need to advance Christianity both in England and abroad, labor conditions, a woman's role in society, and even the mistreatment of animals. Her efforts in all these areas came from this philosophy:

" ' Bible Christianity is what I love.....a Christianity practical and pure, which teaches holiness, humility, repentance, and faith in Christ; and which after summing up all Evangelical graces, declares that the greatest of these is charity.'" (as quoted on pg 155 by K.S. Prior) 

More not only confronted these issues but was instrumental in producing positive changes in all of these areas, including the abolition of the slave trade in England.

So, sisters, my question to you is simple: Do you have a faith that is fierce? Are you passionate about your relationship with Jesus? Just as in Hannah More's time, we have serious cultural issues that need to be addressed:

• Abortion - Do you believe that it is wrong to take the life of a baby within its mother's womb?
• Marriage - Do you believe that marriage is a God ordained union between a man and woman,representing the relationship of Christ and His church?
• Sexuality -  Do you believe that sex has been created and designed by God to take place ONLY within the marriage relationship?
• Biblical Illiteracy- Do you believe that the Word of God is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path?
• Prayer - Do you believe that we should be praying without ceasing?
• Jesus - Do you believe Jesus is the Way, the Truth, the Life with NO ONE coming to God except through Him?

Dear Sisters, if you do believe these things it is time to put on your fierce shoes! Be fearless, be strong, be courageous. Fight for Truth, Speak for those who cannot speak. Use the gifts that God has given to you, whatever they may be, to bring Life and Light to a culture that loves Death and Darkness. Be fierce for Christ, like Hannah More.

"Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off the goal." (Hannah More)

Unexpected Shoes

"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."

(1 Corinthians 15:58)

 A most surprising thing has recently happened - something totally new, totally amazing, totally unexpected. For the past year I have been earnestly seeking an answer to the question: " What do I do now?" The question relates to the fact that I will soon be experiencing the empty nest. It is still a few years away, but it is coming. I want to be prepared and seize the opportunity when it comes.

It came! I was walking my usual route and saw three women sitting outside an apartment building. One woman looked very familiar while the other two were clearly of the Muslim faith, dressed in black robes and head coverings. As I passed them, I decided to take a second look at the familiar-looking woman when I was on my return route. I knew her! I had helped her almost 20 years ago when she was pregnant and needed a safe place to stay. She is from Iraq. I walked to her and said her name. She said mine. She remembered.

I was introduced to the other two women. One was her sister, the other her mother-in-law. Her sister spoke to her in Arabic. My friend was now well spoken in English and translated for me.The sister wondered if I might teach her English. I responded, "I would love to!" We exchanged phone numbers, said our farewells, and I walked home.

A few days later, I texted my Iraqi friend to let her know that I was serious about teaching English to her sister. She replied, "Okay, how about tonight at 5:30?" GULP. Wait. This was happening too fast! This was not how I work. I had not had a chance to plan. And yet, I knew I had to say yes simply to communicate my sincere desire to teach her sister. I texted, "Okay."

That evening I walked to the apartment, unsure about which door was the correct one. My friend was not there either. I texted her to find out the number of the door. She responded with the number, stating that she would be there soon. Totally out of my comfort zone, I began to ask myself what I was doing, how was this ever going to work, etc., etc. Meanwhile, a door opened and out walked the sister! "Well, here I go!", I thought.

I followed the sister into her apartment. She greeted me with a kiss on the cheek. The sister was excited for me to be there. I learned about her family when my friend arrived. The sister cares for two children: one an orphaned girl and the other a grandson. The children spoke English quite well and helped in translating what the woman wanted to say.This woman knew very little English despite the fact that she has been in this country for four years. She welcomed me, offering a plate of fruit to share with her and my friend.

I left that day exhilarated by the newness of it all - the people, the environment, the hunger for knowledge, the eagerness for a friend. Five weeks have passed since that first day. Each week I have forced myself to go. Each week I have left with the joy of sharing my life with another woman, praying that she will see Christ in me. I have made flash cards and thought of creative ways to teach her English as a second language. Her desire to learn is delightful. I was even invited to and attended her grandson's birthday party.

There is so much more I could write but I will stop. I share this story because I want to encourage all of you, dear sisters. Be ready. Look out. Your opportunity may be right outside your door. Your God ordained appointment is coming or perhaps has already arrived. Don't shrug your shoulders or close your eyes. Be bold. After all, it is not just your life that you are sharing. You are sharing Christ. And your labor will not be in vain.

Reflecting Shoes

"Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another as God is Christ forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32)

Five years. That is how long it has been since our world was shaken. What happened? Five years ago my husband was called on a Wednesday and informed that the upcoming Sunday would be his last at the church that he faithfully pastored for over 25 years. The very remembrance of this fateful day still brings a great aching of the heart and tears to the eyes. It hurt then. It still hurts now.
   
During these past five years God has tended and cared for us in ways we could not have foreseen. He has met our physical needs. He has met our spiritual needs. He has poured the balm of healing over our wounded hearts and provided joy in unexpected places.

At this five year anniversary I have decided it is time to make a public declaration of sorts. It is a declaration of forgiveness. I will begin. Although no one has come to me to ask forgiveness, I am moving forward with my statement:

• For granting my husband and family only four days notice before our last Sunday, I forgive you.
• For allowing false testimony about my husband to be spoken, believed, and not corrected, I forgive you.
• For the many "friends" who immediately suspended interaction with my husband and behaved as though he were a type of criminal, I forgive you.
• For removing from my children the delight of returning home to the only church home they had ever known, I forgive you.
• For denying my youngest child the pleasure of growing up with his church nursery companions, I forgive you.
• For the refusal by the leadership to bless my husband in his work, I forgive you.
• For the overall disrespect shown to the faithful spiritual leadership of my husband for over 25 years, I forgive you.

Dear Sisters, forgiveness is so very hard, but we must. Our Lord has instructed us to do so ! While offenses against us seem to be looming towers, they are really quite small when weighed against those sins we have committed against a Holy God. He offers us forgiveness through His Son Jesus. We can offer no less to those who have done us harm.

As a five year veteran of the heartache inflicted by a church on its pastor, allow me to encourage my fellow PW sisters. Life does move on. Healing comes and it must include the extension of forgiveness by you to those who have brought hurt. Will you forget? No. But you must forgive.

POSTSCRIPT: I want to add a hearty thank you to those who continued to show kindness, grace, mercy, and friendship even after my husband was no longer a part of the church. Thank you. May God bless you for your love and care. 

Pro-Life Shoes

 "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute." (Proverbs 31:8)

According to statistics from the National Right to Life website:

• 1 every 26 seconds
• 137 every hour
• 3,304 every day
• 23,196 every week
• 100, 516 every month
• 1,206,192 every year ......

Since 1973: 54,559,615 BABIES have been violently killed in their mothers' wombs.

Do these facts matter to you? As followers of Christ we are to be "salt and light"in a world of darkness. Are we doing all that we can to speak up for these little ones who clearly cannot speak for themselves? Are we working to preserve life?

Tomorrow is Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. How is your church marking this day? A short video? A skit? A bulletin insert? Nothing? If nothing is being done, perhaps you can make it a goal to begin exploring the many options available to you to in the coming year so that you will be prepared for next year. 

In the meantime, here are some of the many choices available to you right now:

1. Join/Volunteer/Support the work of a Crisis Pregnancy Center near you; encourage your church to become involved.

2. Teach sexual purity and abstinence before marriage to your own children as well as to middle school and high school students. These are taught not because it's "good for them"but because God expects them to "'Be holy, because I am holy.'"(1 Peter 1:16) Purity and abstinence are to be pursued out of a desire to honor our Saviour.

3. Begin to establish a mindset of sexual purity in younger children by addressing issues of modesty and media discernment. What are they wearing? Why? What are they watching? To what are they listening? (See Philippians 4:8!)

4.Volunteer to counsel/support a woman who has had an abortion and may be struggling with Post Abortion Stress Syndrome. (Again, according to information provided on the National Right to Life website, women who have had abortions are 8 times more likely to seek psychological help.)

5. Step out and participate in the March for Life in Washington, DC this coming Friday, January 25. A rally begins at 12:00 on the Mall and then the march begins at 1:30. This comprises a peaceful, prayerful walk along Constitution Ave to the Supreme Court building. It's not too late to make plans to participate!

The photograph above is a baby who has been in the womb for four months. According to an abortion center in Orlando,FL, 3.5% of their abortions are performed on babies that look like the above picture.

Are you ready sisters? Are you ready to speak up? We have a message of hope. We have a message of love. We have a message of LIFE.

Need further inspiration? Watch the video below!

http://youtu.be/APkV40vUhWs

http://www.marchforlife.org - Find out more about the march!

LET'S GET UP AND GO!!!!!

School Shoes

Near the end of August most school age children are given the opportunity to shop for new school shoes. As a child I was no different. Because my family lived in a rural setting, there was a 45 minute drive to the nearest department store. Shopping for new school shoes was an event.

The event began with much anticipation. New shoes! I was going to have new shoes! As my family drove to the store I wondered, "What will my new shoes look like?"Ties or slip-ons? Brown or black? Heel or no heel? I would know the answer very soon. Eventually we arrived and went directly to the store's shoe department. Various styles were selected, tried, and a final decision made. Since the shoes must last all year, the decision was an important one.

When we arrived home, I carried the shoes up to my room and placed the box into my closet. Reverently, on the night before school began, I took the shoes out of their box and laid them beside my new clothes. Those shoes would never look as nice as that first day of school.

Years have passed since my annual shoe shopping trips Most of my children have outgrown such trips as well. My wardrobe is now full of a wide variety of shoes: black, brown, red, and even orange provide me with a plethora of choices. Heels, flats, boots and athletic wear extend my options. I am blessed to have so many choices! Nevertheless, as school begins each year I am reminded of the enthusiasm generated by the thought of new shoes and a new year of school. Such excitement! Oh, to be a student again!

Dear sisters, a moment...As followers of Jesus we are students for life. Our lives are to be active in pursuing the goal of continued growth into the image of our Saviour. Our every thought is to be captive to Christ! Are you there yet? I'm not! Psalm 119:27 states:

"Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders...."

We cannot understand without intentionally becoming and remaining a student of God's word. If we are in a place of service within the church this truth should especially renew our student heart. As we live Christ before others in the church let us make certain to wear our school shoes. When we put them on we remember that there is still so much more to learn.

"Study to show thyself approved unto God; a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."(2 Timothy 2:15 KJV) 

Changing Gears Shoes

"Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth."(Proverbs 27:1)

Too many weeks have come and gone since I last shared some thoughts. Life can be so busy...and unpredictable. Still, I am prompted by a series of events that have served to remind me that I am not in control. One would consider this an obvious statement, but it seems to require regular repetition.

With the approach of summer I made my typical list of goals to accomplish. The list was simply lovely, but something happened on the way to summer that I did not plan. My first reaction was frustration and discouragement. I liked my list! Finally, I asked out loud, "Okay Lord, what must I learn?"Speaking the words out loud served to strengthen me. (I had not only thought the prayer, but heard myself speaking it!) Slowly, the Holy Spirit reminded me of Hebrews 12:7 : "Endure hardships as discipline." Verse 11 of Hebrews 12 continues:

"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." 

I still have my list. Some items will be accopmplished, some will not. A gear change was required. The One in control made the change because He is a loving Father. He is working to produce a harvest of righteousness in me.

Sisters, has our Heavenly Father changed gears on you? Bend and submit. He wants us to share in his holiness. Eventually we will be able to joyfully shout, "Let the harvest begin!"