And the Witnesses Came...

I've often played over in mind what I would do when inevitably the Jehovah's Witnesses came knocking.  I had heard they were out and about again.  I was determined to be ready.  I was ready for teenagers, young adults, middle-aged couples.  I was not ready for the octogenarian couple -- and he legally blind -- that showed up at my door.

I am confident they believed our dog, Brando, is the original hell hound.  Brando greeted them with more than his usual barking and had to be dragged away from the door.  He surely believed they were opposed to kibble and dogs sleeping in people beds.  I wasn't expecting company and certainly wasn't dressed for it.  Marge Simpson would have been more presentable on a bad day.

I saw the tracts through the window.  Watchtower jumped out at me.  Even in my discombobulated state, I was attempting to quickly retrieve all of the comebacks, retorts, and wisecracks that had been set aside in the dark recesses of my mind for this occasion.  Yes, I would stoop to rudeness and sarcasm in the name of Christ.  Then I opened the door.

I was greeted by Harry, who is legally blind, and his wife.  Harry carried a cane with one arm and used the other to gently hold his spouse's arm as she guided him.  

God never means for us to be sarcastic or rude when discussing Christianity with others.  We are to show compassion, love and the truth.  I am eternally grateful that the Holy Spirit overtook me at the right time.  I did exemplify compassion and love.

When Mrs. Witness -- I regret not getting her name so I could pray specifically for her -- started her speech, I calmly let her finish.  I told her we attend a local church that taught the Bible as it is written and as the Word of God. She mentioned the Jehovah's Witness translation, New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, and urged me to study the true Word of God.  I wanted to argue, to "put her in her place."  A still small voice said I couldn't do that. My Witness was 80 years old for crying out loud.  

I told her that while I do not proclaim to know everything, I do study and I use multiple translations.  While God's Word is infallible, people are not.  Language and cultural differences from Biblical times to the modern day make it difficult to understand Scripture sometimes; multiple versions help.  I must have sounded convincing.  She moved to her next topic.

"We're told to go out and spread the news," she said.  "We certainly are, I replied."  I told her I was familiar with the end of Matthew and referenced the Great Commission. 

^"19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20, NIV.

She nodded and smiled.  I reminded her that no religion can pick and choose which verses to follow.  If you want this one, you take all of them.  In context.  It's a package deal.  She nodded and said they had other homes to visit.  I wished them well, and encouraged them to enjoy the beautiful Michigan weather.  She nodded, and guided Harry off the porch and back to the car.

This encounter was not what I had planned.  Because of God's intervention in my heart, it was better than anything I could have come up with.  I wish I spent more time daily acting on my heart and less time responding with my quick wit and sarcastic tongue.  I'm working on it.  God's working on me.

I don't know if I made a difference in the lives of these two Jehovah's Witnesses.  I know their version of Christianity, which really isn't Christianity, is flawed.  I am not an expert, but I do understand the major stumbling blocks.  Jehovah's Witnesses believe:

• There is no trinity.  

• From Wikipedia, "Jehovah's Witnesses consider the Bible to be 
scientifically and historically accurate and reliable and interpret much of it literally, but accept parts of it as symbolic.^" The reference adds that statements from their elder board carry almost as much weight as the actual Scriptures.

• Their version of the Bible, New World Translation of the Scriptures, is the preferred version.

• They don't celebrate Christmas, Easter or birthdays, believing them to have pagan origins.  Ironically, a former co-worker of mine who professed to be a devout Witness would not give gifts because it was against her religion.  That same religion allowed her to graciously accept gifts.

Again, I am not an expert on what Jehovah's Witnesses believe.  I felt it important to include a few differences between their believes and Christianity so readers will understand why I was so determined to be armed when they inevitably arrived.  Unfortunately, I had prepped for military conquest when what was needed was love and kindness.  

How often do we prepare for a situation in the wrong way?  We assume the worst will happen, brace ourselves with harsh words and a stiff backbone.  We forget that we can be resolute in our beliefs and stand firm in our convictions while still being nice.  

Except in rare occasions -- when overturning the money-changers table in the tabernacle, for example, Jesus did not yell, scream and argue.  And he was the message.  I cannot find in the Bible where he raised his voice past rebuking.  He talked.  Jesus taught.  Jesus set an example.  That's what we are called to do.  We should be going door to door telling people of Christ's love for them.  We should be demonstrating Christ's love for them.  Yes, doors will be closed.  Some people will be sarcastic and rude.  You might reach one, though.

Love.  They will know we are Christians not because we tell them, but because we love.

I will leave you with this Biblical description of love, not a definition from Webster or Wikipedia.  Which characteristics could you demonstrate this week?

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. ² If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. ³ If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

⁴ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

⁸ Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues,they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. ⁹ For we know in part and we prophesy in part, ¹⁰ but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. ¹¹ When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. ¹² For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

¹³ And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13, NIV

Go, make disciples.

Why two mosquitoes?

We spent the past week in Michigan's upper peninsula enjoying family time at Gitche Gumee Bible Camp in Eagle River.  It was a wonderful time learning and reflecting on God, Christ, and our responsibilities as Christians.  Even the drive home had a lesson.

Driving through one small, Northern Michigan town or another, we saw a sign that read, "Why didn't Noah swat those two mosquitoes?"  We laughed.  I alone am sporting more than 40 bites.  This is particularly bothersome since I am allergic to them.  Right now, I look and feel like one giant hive.

As I drove, my passengers napped and focused on their electronic gadgets.  During this quiet time, my mind kept wandering back to that sign.  On an eleven-hour car ride, that's a lot of wandering.  It wasn't until we were almost home that the simple answer hit me.  Why didn't Noah swat those two mosquitoes?  Obedience.

⁸ But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.  Genesis 6:8 (NIV)

Noah had a track record with God.  He was obedient.  God knew he could tell Noah to do something and it would be done exactly as directed.  He built an ark that was essentially a floating box without asking questions!  Noah then put two of every kind of creature on the boat.  Every kind.

Be thankful Noah was building the ark and not me.  I can hear me now.  "Um, God, how about some more windows?  And you know, we might want to steer this thing."  I would have had lots of windows -- for the rain to come in for 40 days and nights and sink the boat.  And where exactly would I have steered to?  The entire world was under water.

Even if I had managed to build the ark to HIs specifications without second-guessing everything, I can only imagine me standing at the entrance to the ark as the animals gathered:

Sheep? Excellent.  We can make clothing out of your wool if it gets chilly floating along.  Chickens?  Eggs are tasty.  Might need those when we land.  Dogs?  Man's best friend.  Come on in.  Cats?  Sorry, no.  I'm allergic and in these close quarters that just doesn't seem like a good idea.  Mosquitoes?  SWAT!  Cool.  Two for one.  Now, where's that unicorn?

You know why my scenario plays out this way?  Because I struggle with obedience.  I like to be in control.  I can do it better, faster, smarter than God.  I am not always the sharpest tool in the shed, or the brightest star in the sky.

God picked Noah because Noah was obedient.  Noah found favor with God.  I cannot help but think what awesome responsibility God has for each of us that we haven't been assigned yet, because we haven't been obedient.  

If you feel God telling you to do something, do it.  This isn't the feeling of you wanting to do something and then trying to twist everything that happens into a "sign from above."  If it is a true calling, you have found favor and only need to follow God's direction.  It might take 40 days and nights of rain before the rainbow shows itself, but your choice to follow God will always be the right one.

On Being a Mentor and a Mentee

We all have so much more to learn about God, worship, and simply being people of faith.  We are surrounded by people older, wiser and more faithful than we are.  We need to pay attention to them, to learn from them.  

Each of us, however, is also surrounded by people who could benefit from our experiences, wisdom and faith.  I have often wanted to mentor others and as a high school teacher that opportunity presents itself often.  I appreciate every opportunity to help those around me grow.  Unfortunately, the public school is not a place I can scream Jesus' name from the rooftops.  Instead, I try to model Christ's behavior and wait for someone to ask, "How can you stay so calm?" and "Why don't you get mad?" 

For a few years now, I have asked my middle-aged self, "Are you a mentor or a mentee?"  I wonder when the shift from mentee to mentor occurs.  Is it a certain age?  A certain milestone in my Christian walk?  Is it after I memorize a certain number of Bible verses?

This week, while vacationing at Gitche Gumee Bible Camp in Eagle River, Michigan, I have found the answer.  We never transition from mentee to mentor.  If we are walking the walk, following the path Christ set out for us, then we are firmly entrenched in both roles.

True disciples of Christ understand they have never arrived; they never reach a point when they have nothing left to learn.  They also understand, however, that part of the mission is to bring others to Christ -- that's being a mentor.  

Upon reflection, I realized I have two mentors from my church.  I won't name them publicly.  You'd want them as mentors, and then I would have to share.  I , rather selfishly, want them all to myself.  These women are mentors, friends, women in Christ.  They probably don't even know I have appointed them to the position of Jen's Mentors.  Each teaches me different things about being a woman of Christ.  Both teach me about being a Christian wife and mother.

I don't have it "easy" by the American definition of life.  Our family budget is tight.  Kids want things.  For that matter, I want things.  We don't go on cruises, or out for weekly steak dinners.  We don't drive new, fancy cars.  We have what we need.  I have peace.   I am the parent of two teenagers. I do not have quiet, but I do have peace -- in Christ.

I grew up in a Presbyterian church and for my entire childhood and teen years I listened to the same pastor close every service with this as his benediction: "May the peace that passes all understanding be in abide with you this day and forever more."  It's only been recently that I truly understand that level of peace.  It is truly a wonderful feeling.  

This benediction is based on a letter to the church at Philippi, in which Paul wrote, "Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7, NASB) It is a peace we cannot describe. I have this peace because I understand and usually ackniwledge that I am not in control.  God is.  To say my life is less than perfect would be to call Him a failure.  I am not in the habit of calling the God of the universe a failure.  I get mad sometimes; I've been on my knees screaming at Him at times.  I am brutally honest with God.  I might as well be.  He knows my heart anyway.  

God knows I want to share my peace with other women so they, too, can understand it.  I sleep at night.  I mean really sleep.  Not with noises and jerky movements like a baby, but like a teenager who stayed up too late and appears still comatose at the crack of noon.  Every night I give my troubles, worries (and thanks) to God.  I don't reach out and take them back.  I talk to God and give him my cares.  I sleep.

If I were your mentor, I would tell you to give your troubles to God.  We can do nothing for ourselves, but through Him all things are possible. Thank Him for your blessings.  Thank Him for your mentors, even if they don't realize they are mentors.  Ask Him how to be a mentor.  Share your experiences, wisdom and faith walk.  Share your experiences, wisdom and faith walk. Share by example. Answer questions with transparency.  Walk the walk. Mentor.

In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus gives his disciples their mission.  We know it as the Great Commission: 

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."  (NIV)

How can we teach them if we don't develop relationships? How can we teach those we don't interact with?  Be a mentor.  Teach others about Christ and the ultimate sacrifice he gave for us.

Is the glass half full or half empty?

Recently, I saw one of those social media pictures designed to make you laugh, and to think. It was a glass depicted as half full.  The caption labeled the bottom half as full of water and the top half as full of air. The entire glass was "full" of something!  Wow, even things that appear empty never are.

I decided to apply this to our recent fire.  For those who are not aware, a storm blew through town June 27. This storm brought with it high winds and flooding in many areas.  It brought us a downed power line, very much full of current, torching our shed and our maple tree.  Our home does not have a garage or basement so you can imagine all of the items we lost.  It was leveled. We have insurance. Stuff can be replaced.

Too many people would see this experience as a glass half empty - maybe even totally empty. I cannot see it that way.  It's not a miracle that our home, and that of our neighbors', was spared.  A very capable fire department was here. God was here. His hand was in this. He sent me a sign.

As the rain poured down, we stood helpless and watched 18 years of sporting equipment, lawn equipment, and camping gear evaporate before our eyes. We prayed for containment. At the peak of my helplessness, I yelled at my husband, "Where's my rainbow?" I desperately needed a sign. I know God is always with me, that Christ died for me, and yet in a moment of panic I needed something tangible. Grabbing my shoulders, my wonderful husband turned me around and pointed, "There. Right there is your rainbow." It was the biggest, grandest rainbow I have ever seen. We could see both ends! Sobbing, I was reaffirmed that God never forsakes His children. Sometimes, we aren't listening, or facing the right direction. We take our eyes off Him.

In the grand scheme of things, our tragedy is minor. We'll get a new shed, new stuff to put in it. There's a plan in place for a new maple tree. Our glass, to a non-Christian, is just about empty. To me, it is full to the brim, even overflowing, with the Holy Spirit. What a blessing. I almost look forward to standing in ashes doing the clean-up this weekend.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.  Joshua 1:9, NIV

Why a blog?

Many days, I feel I have something worthwhile to say, something God wants me to share. Our testimonies should not be hidden under a bushel, but screamed from the rooftops.  Ultimately, I would like to write a book for Him. That seems a Herculean task so I am starting here. 

My life has been a rose garden, complete with thorns.  Thorns can be painful, but they also make us who we are.  Thorns are part of some of the most beautiful flowers in the world. Even when my rose garden had more in common with a cactus field than it did the Garden of Eden, I felt God with me.  Christ is always with you, too.

I also have found that posting these types of messages in forums such as Facebook is alienating some of those who I would most like to reach.  I desperately want to keep that communication open. They can choose to explore these additional writings when their hearts are ready.  

So, God has called me to share, to write.  Here I am.  Trying to be as obedient as Noah.

And Noah did all that the Lord commanded him. Gen. 7:5, NIV