Here’s to My Best Friend…A Sister’s Toast

This past week my family and I spent the week on the west coast. Our niece, Karissa, and her fiance John, were married in Visalia, California on Saturday, July 20th…Congratulations! We enjoyed the nostalgic stops along Route 66 (from Amarillo, TX to Barstow, CA) as well as the majesty of the Grand Canyon. Our ten day trip concluded as we stopped at the Palo Duro Canyon to enjoy TEXAS. An excellent, cross-country family trip we enjoyed together across this great nation. But my personal highlight was the reason for the trip… John & Karissa’s wedding day.

Our oldest son was honored to serve as one of John’s groomsmen, and our youngest was an usher. And though those two were excited to share in this day with their cousin, during the reception Karissa’s only sister summed up the day. After 22 years, Tiffany offered a toast to her ‘best friend’ and life-long companion. This ‘speech’ is a great example of how you honor your family & friend. Congratulations Karissa and thank you, Tiffany!

“My name is Tiffini, and I’m Karissa’s older, and only sister. About a year ago I realized I would be making this speech and when John proposed to Karissa I knew what I had to do. I told her I better start thinking about which happy and touching moments to reflect on while I’m up here. Without a pause she turned to me and said, “Tiffini, I’m going to be emotional and will probably be crying on and off during the day, so during your few minutes of giving a speech, you better make me laugh.” No pressure, right?

So I started to think what would make you laugh. Most of our jokes are inside jokes, so no one here would get it when I quote a random line from a movie or song. They wouldn’t get it if I talked about something funny we made up after sitting in a car together for three or more days straight during one of our many family vacations, or something hilarious we made up when making fun of one of our late night movies. You might laugh and some people might find it funny if I relayed one of our many silly and impromptu adventures, like the time I pretended to rob you at the bank and it just so happened that your co-worker saw the whole incident and when you went in to work the next day she asked if you were okay. But stories like that take too long.

And then I finally realized what I’d do. I’d quote you. For those who don’t know, Karissa wrote a special card to each of her bridesmaids and gave them to us a couple of days ago. When I opened mine it said, “We have way too many jokes for me to write down…” And I got to thinking, we have 22 years of jokes and memories that I can’t fit into a less than five minute speech. And the reason for this is even better explained in Karissa’s last line in the card she gave me. She wrote, “I love you a ton, not because we’re sisters, but we’re also best friends.”

This isn’t the first time I’ve heard this. I’ve heard a lot of people tell us over the years that we act more like friends than sisters and that we get along very well for being siblings. I will always remember the first time we were given the title of best friend-sisters. I’ve always considered Karissa the best friend I’ve ever had. So of course her card touched me and I wanted to say thank you to my sister for the loving words she wrote, but before I could say this she quietly said to me, “I wrote all of those bridesmaids cards really late at night and yours was the last one. I have no idea what I wrote to you.”

That’s okay. It’s her wedding day, so I’ll forgive her for that one. But hopefully I got you to laugh a little bit.

I haven’t left you out John. I’ve been hearing about John a lot from my sister the last few years, but it hasn’t been until this last month or so that I’ve really gotten to know him. This last memory is for you.

If you don’t already know, my family loves Disney, especially Disneyland. (I told you two I’d fit Disneyland into this). If we ever go on vacation, it’s to Disneyland, dubbed “THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH!” I’ve noticed over the past 22 years that Karissa tends to hold in her excitement about things. But when we are in the car, on the way to Disneyland, Karissa will be singing every verse of ‘It’s a Small World’ in each language; (which I still can’t figure out how she learned to do that). I guess she just can’t help it. She’ll start to sway back and forth, fidget in her seat, and almost bounce around when we see that sign that says Disneyland. She can’t contain herself. It’s rare to see her get that excited about something.

So I found it interesting last summer when we took a family trip to Arkansas to visit John and his family, and we had just arrived to John’s hometown, and we were at the hotel room (of course Karissa and I always had to share a room or a bed when traveling… the stories I could tell you). I was trying to watch TV and I see Karissa pacing back and forth next to the door, bouncing up and down, kinda holding her breath like she’s waiting for something. Up until this point the only thing that’s ever made her this crazy is Disneyland, so I ask her what she’s doing. And she says, “I haven’t seen him since our school year ended. John’s almost here.”

It was when she said this that I realized Disneyland was no longer the happiest place on earth for Karissa. The happiest place on earth for her is wherever John is. So John, if you’re doing better than Disneyland, I think you’re doing pretty alright.

So here’s to John and Karissa:

“May your marriage be a long, loving, and happy one. You both will forever be in my heart and I love you both. And may your home always be blessed and open for me to crash in for random movie nights.”

1, July 12, 20131, July 12, 2013

The Good Samerican…July 14th

Jesus tells the story of a man who was traveling on the road to Jericho only to be ‘mugged’ by highway robbers. Being stripped of all he had and left for dead (literally) the man is at the mercy of those who pass by as they too travel the road. You know how the parable goes and the cast of characters. And most likely you’ve considered which one you would be.

Most would like to say that in the circumstances described in Christ’s parable we’d follow the lead of the man from Samaria. But have you considered what it would take to truly help someone who is broken and bleeding? Would you walk across the road for your neighbor or are you ‘too busy?’ Here in America we live a good life and pretty much ‘want for nothing.’ We know lots of good American’s, but it might take some uncomfortable steps if we are to act like the good Samaritan.

“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” I Corinthians 14:15

Sunday morning, July 14, 2013

The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.

“Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah” -3

Pick up your bible and turn to Psalm chapter 148. This song we’ll be singing is indeed a ‘psalm’ and is almost a word-for-word account from the chapter. From the hills and mountains to the beast and cattle, we sing this song of praise. Whether you see yourself as young man or a maiden we must all be praising God. Don’t let the birds that in the heavens fly out sing your praise!

“For the Beauty of the Earth” – 67

Consider this first verse, “For the beauty of the earth, for the beauty of the skies, for the love which from our birth over and around us lies: Lord of all to Thee we raise this our sacrifice of praise.” Do you think this praise is for our physical birth or our spiritual birth? The love that surrounds us (over and above) comes from God. Makes you think doesn’t it?

“I Sing Praises” – 97

A ‘contemporary song’ that is simple in verse. We’ll conclude this medley of ‘praise songs because our God’s name, ‘…is great and greatly to be praised.’ Hallelujah! Praise Jehovah…

“How Deep the Father’s Love” – no book

We’ll turn our minds to the cross and Christ sacrifice using this contemporary song reminding us of the love of God. The last verse is one of striking value to me…“I will not boast in anything; no gifts no power no wisdom. But I will boast in Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection…” Quoting Paul in Galatians 6:14 “…may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ…”

“I’ll Live for Him” – 553

Between the bread and the fruit of the vine we’ll softly sing the third (often omitted) verse. “O Thou who died on Calvary…” Many have missed the point of emotion in our songs. We don’t sing to serve ourselves or those who are listening, we sing to glorify and edify the family of God. In my humble opinion, the heart is more important than the voice.

“Sweet Adoration” – 253

Where do you turn for comfort in times of trouble? How do face the frustrations of this world and temptations that seem to be endless? Try this…come to the Savior, give Him your heart-felt praise and adoration. As you give your all to adoration, little is left for focusing on your trials. Admiration and adoration are essential elements when we recognize our Savior.

“To Love Someone More Dearly” – 636

We all have a job to do in this life. Some are willing to immerse themselves wholly into their work. Others just ‘get the job done.’ But there is one task we need to make a priority in our life; to love someone more dearly! To help a wandering child who’s lost or even just to ponder over something that is good and worthy of our time. Our task might be as simple as praying or smiling. The man from Samaria would have sung this song with full conviction.

“A Beautiful Life” – 570

This is a strong spiritual song with a full bass lead in the chorus. But what do we mean, ‘…life’s evening sun is sinking low…’, are we really talking about death in this upbeat, ‘exciting to sing’ song? Certainly, when life is over, we will meet our Creator and be held accountable for our deeds. Are you one who is trying to lift a traveler’s load? As you strive to be a child of God, remember, your ‘…life must shine along the way.’

“Wonderful Story of Love” – 286

Not a typical invitation song, but when you listen to what we’re saying I think you’ll agree. “Sinner, O won’t you believe it (the wonderful story of love)?” Through His love, the wonderful story of love, Jesus continues to call us to come to Him, since the dawn of creation even until today.

“Let the Lower Lights Be Burning” – 642

I’ve always enjoyed this old spiritual song about shining our light to the lost world. The imagine is clear as we consider the responsible we have in reaching out to those who are bruised and bleeding. The traveler on the road or the sailor on the sea are bound to face difficult times. How willing are we to shine our light, walk across the path and offer them a Savior! The good Samaritan did!

1, April 12, 20131, April 12, 2013

Parents Need Only Two Prayers…April 14th

A representative from a lesser known media outlet made the following statement earlier this week; “…we’ve always had kind of a private notion of children: Your kid is yours and totally your responsibility. We haven’t had a very collective notion of, ‘these are our children.’ So part of it is we have to break through our kind of private idea that kids belong to their parents, or kids belong to their families, and recognize that kids belong to whole communities…”

For years we have embraced the notion, “It takes a whole village to raise a child.” We must never forget God’s instruction is for parents to bring their children up in the Lord, Ephesians 6:1-4. Mothers and fathers (Families, not communities) are responsible for raising children. Proverbs 6:20, “My son, observe the commandment of your father and do not forsake the teaching of your mother.” There are some who would like the passage to read…My son, observe the commandment of your community leader and do not forsake the teaching of your neighbor.

This coming Sunday morning our lesson will be focused on how parents prepare for children, and how parents come to understand the obligation of bringing their children to God. As always, I hope you’ll remember the inspired words of Paul from the 14th chapter of I Corinthians; “…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.”

Sunday morning, April 14, 2013

The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.

“I Will Call Upon the Lord” – 63

Our opening song, the ‘call to worship’, comes from the book of Psalms, chapter 18:3…almost word for word. Penned in 1981, this contemporary psalm provides the singer a strong opportunity to express our deepest desire to ‘call upon the Lord.’

“Father, Hear the Prayer We Offer” – 777

Written over 150 years ago, this song is filled with poetry that stirs the heart…if you’ll take the time to examine the message. Notice the reference to Old Testament scripture in verse 2, “Not forever by still waters would we idly, quiet stay; but would smite the living fountains from the rocks along our way.” (Read Exodus 17: 5, 6)

“When My Love for Christ Grows Weak” – 350

Before we partake of the Lord’s Supper, we’ll sing this old spiritual song that reminds us to stay close to Christ. As we sing the first two verses we are reminded of Christ in the garden. The 3rd and 4th verses take us to Calvary as we sing, “There behold His agony, suffered on the bitter tree; see His anguish, see His faith…” But the final verse encourages us to learn from Christ, and to become self-sacrificing.

“More Precious than Silver” – 273

One of my favorite hymns (we are singing this song to our God) starts with the words, “Lord, You are more precious than silver…”. A song, as you look more closely at it, professing our desire for God and for God alone. We sing that He is more precious than silver…more costly than gold…more beautiful than diamonds. So I ask you, do I really believe that, or are you just singing it? Remember I Corinthian 14:15…

“When He Cometh” – 714

Known in some circles as a ‘child’s hymn’, this spiritual song reminds us that God will come back and take (collect) his children home. The chorus is an interesting analogy; “Like the stars of the morning, His bright crown adorning, they shall shine in their beauty, bright gems for His crown.” Who will shine in their beauty? Take a look at verse 3…“Little children, little children who love their Redeemer are the jewels, precious jewels, His loved and His own.”

“I Will Pray” – 840

“Father, in the morning…At the noontide…in the evening shadows…I will pray…Morning, noon and evening unto Thee I’ll pray.” How often do we pray? When times are tough and the going get’s rough? Perhaps when we’re happy and content. But read I Thessalonians 5:17, Paul tells us in to, “Pray without ceasing…” That would be morning, noon and evening!

“Hark! ‘Tis the Shepherd’s Voice” – 880

Another ‘children’s hymn’, this song calls for us to take on the responsibility of bringing our children (the lost) back to the fold of Christ. The words of Jesus from Matthew 18 sum it up pretty well; “What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go the mountains to seek the one that is straying?” Let’s sing and then let’s ‘bring them in!’

“God’s Family” – 744

As we close the service this morning, we’ll sing about the family of God. Do we really see each other as brothers and sisters? Can we say we laugh together? How often have you cried with a brother or sister in Christ? Do we share with each other our heartaches and sighs? When was the last time you shared your dreams with the family of God? On Sunday morning we should do more than just say “Hi…how are you doing?” as we hurry away to lunch. Remember, we are part of the family…that’s been born again!

1, March 11, 20131, March 11, 2013

A Faithful Friend

The greatest compliment we might ever receive comes when someone calls us their friend. Perhaps we are all in search of a friend who is true and faithful!

How many friends would you say you have? How many faithful and true friends would answer your phone call in the early hours of the morning? A faithful friend is always there in the hard times. A faithful friend is consistent day in and day out. As a child of God, we can know our God is faithful…

Lamentations 3:22 reads, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassion never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” The following YouTube (sung by the Blue Rock Mennonite Youth) will provide a good A Cappella arrangement of T.O. Chisholm’s, Great Is Thy Faithfulness.

So often we are willing to help our friends when it’s convenient for our schedule. But if things are busy in our life or if we just ‘don’t feel like it’, our friendship might come into question. This hymn (a song that is sung to our God) states in the chorus, “Morning by morning new mercies I see…” But read about the surmounting evidence as referenced in the 2nd verse…“Summer and winter, springtime and harvest, sun, moon and stars in their courses above join with all nature in manifold (multiple) witness to Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.”

How faithful do you think God is to you? Would you consider Him your friend. As we draw this article to a close, read the words of Paul in I Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.” When times are difficult and life is tough, is there a friend you can call on. My faith looks heavenward as I know He’s a faithful friend. Great is His faithfulness!