Clean Dirt

I was traveling down one of the commercial streets here in Abilene one day and saw the sign, "Clean Dirt". That struck me odd since I was always told that dirt was "dirty". I was told to wash the dirt off my hands before I ate. I washed the dirt out of my hair and my mom cleaned my "dirty" clothes.

There was a time that I had my "dirty" mouth cleaned out with Lifebuoy soap. I listened to guys tell "dirty" jokes and even saw them pass around "dirty" books. I had to take off my "dirty" shoes before coming into the house and couldn't sit on the couch until I had taken a bath to clean my "dirty" body.

But one thing I never did was try to clean dirt. When we try to clean it it just becomes mud and then when it's dry it is harder than it was before. After it's hardened it's even more difficult to get rid of. In reality it's impossible to "clean dirt". Dirt is always dirty no matter how much you wash it.

That's the way it is with sin in our lives. If we allow our lives to be mired in sin it will keep us from being clean. As long as we live in sin we're going to be dirty. We can hide it from everyone else, but it's still there. We can disguise it, but it's still there. We can ignore it, but it's still there. The more we hide it or the more we disguise it or the more we ignore it trying to make it look okay the harder it becomes and more difficult to remove.

The only way to get rid of the dirt is to wash it away completely, for in reality there is no such thing as clean dirt just as there is no such thing as good sin. They are both an oxymoron.

The Word as recorded in Isaiah "Wash and make yourself clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight! Stop doing wrong, learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. "Come now, let us reason together,' says the Lord. 'Though your sin are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they shall be like wool.'" Isaiah 1:16-18.

"Clean Dirt" simply means no trash or impurities. So it should be with our lives.

Devil in the White City

The 1893 Chicago Columbian Exposition World's Fair was to be one of the greatest events of the 19th Century. The previous fair in Paris highlighted by the Eiffel Tower was to be nothing compared to what Chicago had to offer.

There would be grand buildings all whitewashed that gave a gleaming portrait when the lights were turned on at night. It was labeled the "White City". The fair would introduce a host of new products. The first dishwasher would be displayed. Cracker Jacks, Wrigley's Juicy Fruit Gum, Aunt Jemima Pancake Syrup, Cream of Wheat and picture postcards would all be introduced to the public. In all there would be more than 65,000 exhibits.

The biggest attraction meant to "Out Eiffel, Eiffel" would also make it's debut. It was a gigantic wheel support by two steel towers. Around the wheel were 36 wooden cradles each with a capacity of 60 people. For 50 cents a person, one could take two complete revolutions on the 26 story high contraption built by George Washington Gale Ferris, Jr., the Ferris Wheel.

However, in the midst of the excitement only a few blocks away from the "White City" stood "the Castle" as people called it. It was a ominous looking building designed and constructed by a man named Herman Webster Mudgett aka. Henry Howard (H.H.) Holmes. In a world of wonder and amazement where people were laughing and enjoying the sights and sound of the world's greatest fair the first know American serial killer took the lives of 27 by his confession, but the number is said to have exceeded over 200.

Erik Larson details the story of both in his book The Devil in the White City. Holmes is quoted as saying of himself, "I was born with the devil in me. I could not help the fact that I was a murderer, no more than the poet can help the inspiration to sing -- I was born with the "Evil One" standing as my sponsor beside the bed where I was ushered into the world, and he has been with me since."

In a way this is exactly how Satan works in today's world. His ways are subtle and hidden and often go unnoticed by the world until it is too late. When things are going well , life seems smooth we become complacent with what is happening around us he reaches out and drags us down with his sly, evil ways. It can happen when we least expect it.

Paul wrote to the Thessalonians "the Lord is faithful and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one." 2 Thessalonians 3:3. As we live our lives we must learn to be careful of becoming complacent in life and to always be aware that there is one who is always watching over us to protect us from the one who is working against us.

A Message From Space?

As you look through the Hubble Telescope you view many wonders of the universe. But there is one galaxy 23 million light years away called the Whirlpool Galaxy. Located at its core is what astronomers call an "X" structure. However when you look at it at first glance it doesn't look like and "X" but a cross. In the depths of space a message is sent to us. It's a simple message. "No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6) It's an interesting picture deep in space. I suggest another name for it instead of "X" structure. How about "Heaven's Gate"!

Photo courtesy of www.hubblesite.org

Cornbread

When Kathy and I first got married we lived in a little house on Orange Street in Abilene. We didn't have much. She was working for $50 a week at the Public Relations department at Abilene Christian. I was going to school and working part-time at Gibsons Discount Center.

We didn't have a lot of bills, but it was enough for a young college couple, I was 21 and she was 19, to have to struggle to make ends meet. Our rent was $60 per month and we were paying one of our old high school teachers $50 per month for a used car we had bought from them. I was able to purchase an old window air conditioner for the bedroom. We also splurged after the first six months and got a telephone. The biggest mistake that probably put us in a bind was buying a stereo and charging it. That was an extra $10 per month that we put out. Now days that doesn't sound like a lot of money, but remember to us that was a full days pay for Kathy or a couple of days of my part time pay.

There was one month that we got down to the last couple of days and we were out of funds. The bills were paid, but we had absolutely no money to buy food and it was a couple of days before either of us got paid. We had very little food in the house. There was notmeat or vegetables only a few eggs, a little milk and cornbread. So I remember the night before we got paid the next day, our supper was simply a plate of cornbread. That's it. There was no meat, no vegetables, no desert only cornbread and water to drink.

As I look back I guess we could have called our parents and gotten some help, but we didn't. We could have gone to the church and I'm sure they'd have helped us out, but we didn't. We even had friends that would have fed us, but we didn't ask. We even could have gotten an advance on her paycheck, but we didn't think of that either.

I guess we were college student poor. But you know, I believe that those were some of the happiest times of our lives. Happiness wasn't centered around the things we had or didn't have. Oh we wanted these things, but weren't obsessed with obtaining them. I was going to school to be a preacher. We wanted to share Christ with the world. We had cornbread, but more importantly we had each other.

When our priorities become the things of this world we easily lose focus on the things that are important. Our wives, our husbands, our children, our families are much more important than the physical things of this world. They are our treasures. Happiness comes, not from the riches we can obtain in this world, but from the loving relationships that we can grow with each other.

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matt. 6:19-21

Sometimes in my hectic world I think it would be nice to go back and have cornbread for supper.

Up and Over

Growing up I played a lot of sandlot baseball. In the summer every week we'd get a group together and head to the field behind the old high school building. Sometimes we'd have a dozen or so and other times we'd have only seven or eight.

It was when we had so few that we'd play scrub baseball with three batters and the rest would play the field. It took a lot more running and better play to move around, so the bigger boys were at bats a lot more than those of us who were smaller.

I was short and weighed about 60 pounds in those days. The first time I came to play with the big guys I wasn't expected to do much. During this first game it was my turn to bat. I remember it well. The fielders felt so threatened by me that the infield moved in right behind the picture and the outfield moved in to the edge of the infield sand area. You can imagine how embarrassing it was to see this. Everyone was so close I could have thrown my bat and hit any of them easily.

I was always a first pitch hitter, so when the pitcher threw the first pitch I swung hard. More action took place in the next few seconds than the entire time we had been playing. You see, not only did I hit the ball over everyone's head, it sailed out to where they would have been for any other batter. From there is was a mad dash around the bases for me as the outfielders were racing as hard as they could to get the ball as it rolled toward the street behind left field.

A scrawny 60 pound little kid had embarrassed them all. I can still remember it clearly. The next time it was my turn to bat no one moved in closer. The outfielders held their place ready to catch a fly ball that came their way.

Paul wrote to the Philippians, "I can do everything through Him, who gives me strength." (Phil. 4:13) Failure comes when we convince ourselves that we cannot succeed. If we believe in ourselves even when others don't we can do great things. Take notice that Paul did not say he could do anything, but that he could do everything. There is nothing that I can't accomplish with God on my side.

I was never a power hitter, but good enough with enough confidence that no one every moved up on me again.



Image courtesy of http://www.iloveclipart.com

It Seems Like Only Yesterday...

It Seems Like Only Yesterday…

When I received the call, "how would you like a baby boy?";

It Seems Like Only Yesterday…

When the caller asked excitedly, “do you want another boy?”;

It Seems Like Only Yesterday…

When I held my boys, rocking them to sleep at night;

It Seems Like Only Yesterday…

When I watched my son take the field at his high school football games;

It Seems Like Only Yesterday…

When I stood cheering on the sideline at soccer games;

It Seems Like Only Yesterday…

When there were Star Wars and E.T. packages under the Christmas tree;

It Seems Like Only Yesterday…

When there were light sabers and miniature cars and crayons on the floor;

It Seems Like Only Yesterday…

When I dried the tears caused by a scraped knee or overturned bicycle;

It Seems Like Only Yesterday…

When I could hold both sons, one in each arm;

It Seems Like Only Yesterday…

When there were crying babies and bottles in the middle of the night;

It Seems Like Only Yesterday…

When there were goodnight hugs and kisses;

Time goes fast and as I reminisce it seems to have raced by. Where did it go? Did I ever think I’d miss all the little things? As I look back I can remember a time when I told myself “I don’t want these boys to grow up.” But time was something I couldn’t stop. There are times now that exist only in my memory; times that if I could relive I’d cherish much more.

It’s tough being a parent, but there are so many more good times to remember than there are struggles. We just need to take the time to take hold of them. We should cherish the todays and look forward to the tomorrows. For before we know it, one day we’ll open our eyes and all our todays and tomorrows will only be our fond memories of yesterday.

The Almost Home Run

We were behind by two runs with two outs and a man on second base. I was the third batter in the lineup and was on deck. Bill, our second batter was one of our best hitters and capable of hitting long balls.

The dilemma the other team faced was to either pitch to Bill or to walk him and pitch to me, someone who didn't seem at least to be a power hitter. I think it took all of two seconds before they decided to pitch to me and threw four balls intentionally walking Bill.

The outfield was in some to try and get a cut off at the plate just in case I hit it their way. The first pitch was a strike that I took a swing at and missed. On the second pitch I connected as well as any ball I'd ever hit. The ball went sailing high over the left fielder's head and into the edge of the woods. We didn't have fences so home runs had to be run out. I rounded first and headed for second, then third and easily crossing home plate for a home run.

Then it happened, the ball came in to second and the second baseman touched the base. The umpire called me out saying that I'd never touched second base. I was furious. I had touched the base. The coach was mad and our team was mad. It was a really big deal. In fact the coach almost quit over it. The home run I almost had was nullified. We lost in the next inning and were devastated.

The secret that I hold in my heart and I alone know until you read this is that I never touched second base. The second baseman was right and the umpire was right. This has been my secret for almost 50 years and one that I still feel ashamed about. It was a lie that could have hurt relationships for a long time. But instead of admitting that I messed up, I covered it up for all these years. Now, the coach and umpire are both dead. Actually, they probably forgot about it 49 and 1/2 years ago, but I didn't and now it can never be corrected.

Lying does that to us. Many times we're the only one who knows the truth, but that doesn't make it right. Once it's done it at times is impossible to correct the damage that is done to others and or to yourself.

Today, I cherish my integrity. I'm not perfect, but I try to be truthful with everyone. Sometimes it's hard and it hurts to face it, but not as much as keeping it buried in your heart.

Proverbs 6:16ff - There are six things the Lord hates one of those is a lying tongue.

Clip art courtesy of http://www.iloveclipart.com

The Empty Room

Well, for the first time in 36 years Kathy and I stayed at home without anybody but ourselves. For 18 years it was the two of of us with our two boys and the dog. When our youngest went off to college that left us with just our oldest, who has cerebral palsy and our two dogs. Two years ago one of our dogs died and a few weeks ago our second dog died. That left the three of us.

Last week our oldest developed pneumonia and had to be put into the hospital. With him in ICU we came home to a dark quiet house, no kids, not pets. It was just the two of us. It was an eerie feeling to walk into the boys' room and know nobody would be sleeping there that night or the next few nights for that matter.

I turned off the monitor in our bedroom for the night for the first time in years. There would be no getting up 2 or 3 times a night to check on our son. There would be no dog scratching the side of the bed in the morning to take a trip outside. There would be no feedings of son or dog during the day. The TV would remain quiet. Fewer clothes would be washed. It would be quiet for the next several days.

But, you know, it really wasn't peaceful. You'd think that it would be nice to be in the quiet atmosphere without as many responsibilities as before. The nights were filled with concern for our sons. Our youngest was in the middle of a move and he and his family were all sick. The oldest was lying in the hospital. We'd come in late and arise early to get back up to check on him.

I believe God's kind of like that. There is really no rest while his children are hurting. He lives with a constant concern for them and their well being. He cares for us every sleeping and waking hour that we live. David wrote in the Psalm 55, "Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice."

Jesus talked about the rooms in His Father's house in John 14, "In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you".

It's comforting to know that God will never rest as long as there is an empty room.

Last night I slept better. The monitor was on and the room was no longer empty.

To See Tomorrow

Have you ever wished you could see into tomorrow to find out what it holds for you? People spend lots of money to try and do just that. Palm Readers, Fortune Tellers, Ouija Boards, Tarot Cards, Horoscopes and the list goes on, are all ways that people want to see what their future holds. In reality you can see into tomorrow. That is if you are in the right place.

Between the Russian mainland and Alaska there are a couple of islands. They are the Diomede Islands. The larger one "Big" Diomede is part of Russia. The smaller one "Little" Diomede is part of the state of Alaska. They are about two and a half miles apart. The interesting thing is that the International Date Line runs between the two Islands. Therefore, you can stand on the shore of Little Diomede and cast your eyes on Big Diomede. When you do you are looking 21 hours into the future. You are looking at tomorrow.

In fact, with permission of course, you could get into a boat head out from Little Diomede to Big Diomede, check out tomorrow and then come back to today. That's about a half hour trip there and back. While on the big island you can look back at yesterday and come back to today on your trip home.

Of course you can't predict what will happen to you on that island, but there is one lesson that can be learned from visiting tomorrow. There is one constant that you can always count on. That is that Jesus Christ is the same Yesterday, and Today and Forever. (Heb. 13:8)

With this in mind we can always look into tomorrow with the confidence that our Savior will be there to meet us.

All I Have to Give

It used to be popular for traveling missionaries to go through areas of the African jungles and establish congregations of Christian worshipers. When first converted many of these congregations were very strict and serious about making sure that they followed the way of the New Testament.

It was the practice at these meetings to carry a large basket during the offering and pass in front of each individual for them to place whatever offering they had brought to the Lord. Everyone was expected to give a gift to God for his work to be done.

At one particular meeting the basket was being carried down the aisle with people placing what they could in its coffer. Finally the two men came to a young teenage boy who had nothing to put in the basket. All he had was the clothes he wore. The men stood in front of the lad waiting, but to no avail. In order to make an example of him the two men sat the basket down and stood silently staring at the embarrassed young man.

The scene lasted for several minutes with the entire congregation focused on the young man as he stood, head bowed with tears rolling down his cheeks. As the two men decided it was useless , but their point being made, they started to pick up the basket. Suddenly, the young teenager raised his head, smiled and stepped into the basket. Proudly he proclaimed, "All I have to give is me, so me I give to God."

Amazingly that's what God really wants as a gift from us, the gift of ourselves. We can give of all the riches we have, but none of it means anything to God unless it is from within our hearts. Our primary gift to God should be our very lives. If we do this not only will God receive what he wants from us, but a heart given to God also turns over not only token gifts of our riches, but all of what we possess.

Jesus told the rich young ruler that if he wanted to do God's will, he must go sell everything he had and follow Him. In other words, Jesus must mean more to us than any worldly possession we have.

Now, when was the last time you stepped into the basket?