Recently my husband went to visit a couple from our church. They are two of our seniors who have had health issues and have missed many services because of their illnesses. The wife was excited to show my husband a passage of Scripture that she had read in her Bible that morning. “It seemed like this was describing us,” she said, referring to herself and her husband. Here is the passage, first in King James Version, then paraphrased for clearer understanding…

Ecclesiastes 12

The home was God’s idea. Whenever there was a new beginning, God started with a family – Adam and Eve, and Noah and his wife and family. Isn’t easy to see that God loves the family and the home? How thankful I am for such a wonderful gift.

You know, in some ways I think people in America are understanding more the influence and blessing of the home. Delivered pizzas and fast food to go. Where? Home. Movies are rented to take home. It’s a comforting place, a nurturing place, a place where we can be ourselves, laugh, cry and play.

Anyone who does anything that is seen by others is open for criticism. No matter what your good intentions were, or how much of your heart you put into some ministry, person or work, someone will find fault. For most of us, we find the criticism harder to bear than all the hours of toil.

In Psalm 38 David reveals the best way to respond to criticism. In verses 13-14 David says, But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth. Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs. One commentator said that to be deaf and dumb is a great inability and defect when they occur naturally, but when they are voluntary, they are a great ability! It’s easy to have a smart come-back or to give our reason or a defence, but David, like our Savior before Pilate, didn’t open his mouth. We show wisdom when we keep silent instead.

If we believe that our God is sovereign, we will have an easier time keeping quiet in the midst of criticism. Verse 15 goes on to say, “For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God. ” When we remember that God is hearing the criticism and that He can and will take care of this situation and our critic, we can remove our hands and rest. Not that we think, “Get them, God!” But we realize that the God who knows all the facts will reveal the truth in His time. Yes, we can rest instead of figuring out a plan.

On the other hand – can I offer good counsel that I heard years ago? If you have something negative to say to someone, say it with a right heart – to their face or at least with your signature on your kind note. I read this recently and felt led to share it with you:

“Don’t write or say anything that you won’t sign your name to. If you receive a negative, anonymous note, ignore it! If they’re not willing to sign their name, it’s not worth reading don’t take heed to it. Like the pastor who received an anonymous note with nothing but the word “FOOL!” written on it. The next morning he got in church and said, “I’ve gotten many notes without signatures before but this is the first time I got one where someone forgot to write the note and just signed his name!”

I shared this simply because this is what the Lord put on my heart today. The timing is so good because I haven’t had any recent criticism from which I’m writing in order to get revenge! I trust this has encouraged your heart to share things correctly if you have something negative to say to someone. Then also if you’ve been criticized, respond like David and our Savior. God can handle it far better!

With love,

I had to allow those of you who missed the Ladies’ Winter Tea to have a peek at the blessing the night was! Our theme, “Whiter Than Snow,” was carried throughout the decorations. Snowflake napkin holders…

Snowy sparkles of the snow were seen in the glittered ribbon, and the soft colors of the snow – in blues, grays and whites. There was a group of women that worked together to transform our gym into a tea room! They worked many hours and it was obvious!

The gym was candlelit and beautiful. Our men servers were so kind and more efficient than any you’d find at any 5-Star restaurant! About 15-16 men gave up their evening to cater to us, to run back and forth, and then to wash our glass plates and punch cups!

This picture wouldn’t turn (hmph!) – but you get the idea of all the wonderful treats the ladies brought! Each woman bringing something made the meal a smorgasbord! Many also brought guests – friends and family they were burdened for and cared enough about to ask them to come so they could hear the Gospel. Many have been praying as others invited. We saw God answer many of those prayers as we watched those women walk through the doors! We greeted them politely, but on the inside we were jumping up and down!

After the wonderful Tea time, we went upstairs to the auditorium to see a drama entitled, When Jesus Comes. This backdrop was made by one of the dear carpenters who is a member of our church, then it was painted by a small group of 3. They spent hours making it perfect so we could get the idea of a setting in the Bible. Finishing touches were added to it right up to 6:30 last night!

Women sang the Gospel message, played it on instruments, shared it with their own personal testimony, or displayed it by helping with the drama. Many men also participated in helping us visualize the difference Jesus makes when He comes into their life!

All the people I’ve referenced here that helped are a part of the Body of Christ – His Church. How thankful I am for this group of believers, and for God’s gift to us in the Church. As we work together, and each of us uses our gifts, God is glorified, the Gospel is spread, and sinners are converted! Though I am not aware of anyone who was saved last night, I know that seeds were planted or watered and that God will give the increase.

This took place all because the Body worked in God’s strength to glorify Him. It was a blessed evening, and I thank the Lord that I could witness my God at work!

We’re sorry you weren’t there with us, but we trust you enjoyed getting a glimpse of what a sweet evening it was!

With love,

Winter Tea time is here tonight! I’m so excited. I mentioned it on Friday’s post, but because of it, I have much to do, and not much time for extras like writing a long Monday post. I thought I’d just share with you what I’m taking for my part of the tea tonight…Scones. They are sweet biscuits – could it get any better than that? I think not!