GRANDPA'S HANDS

I'll never look at my hands the same! Grandpa, some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the patio bench. He didn't move, just sat with his head down staring at his hands. When I sat down beside him he didn't acknowledge my presence and the longer I sat, I wondered if he was OK. Finally, not really wanting to disturb him but wanting to check on him at the same time, I asked him if he was OK. He raised his head and looked at me and smiled. "Yes, I'm fine. Thank you for asking," he said in a clear strong voice. "I didn't mean to disturb you, Grandpa, but you were just sitting here staring at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were OK," I explained to him. "Have you ever looked at your hands," he asked. "I mean really looked at your hands?" I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them over, palms up and then palms down. No, I guess I had never really looked at my hands as I tried to figure out the point he was making. Grandpa smiled and related this story: "Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they have served you well throughout your years. These hands, though wrinkled, shriveled, and weak have been the tools I have used all my life to reach out and grab and embrace life. They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back. As a child my mother taught me to fold them in prayer. They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots. They have been dirty, scraped and raw, swollen and bent. They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son. Decorated with my wedding band they showed the world that I was married and loved someone special. They trembled and shook when I buried my parents and spouse and walked my daughter down the aisle. They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the rest of my body. They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and raw. And to this day, when not much of anything else of me works real well, these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again continue to fold in prayer. These hands are the mark of where I've been and the ruggedness of my life. But more importantly it will be these hands that God will reach out and take when he leads me home. And with my hands He will lift me to His side and there I will use these hands to touch the face of Christ." I will never look at my hands the same again. But I remember God reached out and took my grandpa's hands and led him home. When my hands are hurt or sore, I think of Grandpa. I know he has been stroked and caressed and held by the hands of God. I, too, want to touch the face of God and feel His hands upon my face. When you receive this, say a prayer for the person who sent it to you and watch God's answer to prayer work in your life. Let's continue praying for one another Passing this on to anyone you consider a friend will bless you both. Passing this on to one not considered a friend is something Christ would have done.

(Anonymous)

HUMOR IN THE AGE OF THE CORONA

The world is just concluding a year unlike any year in its very long history.

The Age of the Corona

And while there have been Pandemics in the past, not the least of which was the 1918 Spanish Flu outbreak, the Year 2020 has also seen Riots, Fires, Hurricanes, Mass Unemployment and Hunger.

And like multiplied millions of my fellow citizens, my wife and I have suffered loss during the 2020 Pandemic.

Her uncle and my cousin each contracted the virus, and both succumbed to it, while eight or ten other relatives have experienced Covid-19, and recovered from it.

But for all of the sadness, misery and suffering which have been part and parcel of this pandemic, it has been accompanied by things to laugh about; (and God knows, during this excruciating season, we need to find some solace in laughter).

I was at the post office the other day, and as I was standing in the socially appropriate, six foot between patrons’ line, waiting to buy stamps, it occurred to me that everyone in the line was wearing a mask. And for no apparent reason, except I thought it was humorous, I turned to the man behind me, and mused,

“We look like a buncha bank robbers waiting for our turn to inform the teller, ‘This is a holdup. Give me all of your money!’”

I saw a post on social media the other day which featured the photo of a customer at Walmart. The lady was wearing the perfunctory mask, and bending over to select something from a low display case. As a result, she was showing a bit too much flesh below the beltline. The caption? “We live in an age where we are expected to cover our faces, but not our posteriors!”

Pt. 2

Many of us have been concerned about eating in restaurants, and how best to take advantage of one of America’s favorite past times, while remaining healthy. Of course, many eating establishments mandate that customers walk in and walk out while adorned in a mask. Once they sit down at the table, however, they are free to shed the mask while they partake of their meal.

One post depicts a man who has discovered a way to protect himself while he is having dinner. The fellow’s face is adorned with a mask constructed from the button, zipper and surrounding fabric of a pair of blue jeans. It goes without saying that when he wishes to eat or speak, down goes the zipper.

Then, we have the ‘rush’ on toilet paper. I mean, you would think a Category 5 hurricane of geographical proportions was due to wipe out the entire United States. The poor soul who arrives at the supermarket a day after the toilet paper aisle has been stocked may want to unpack his old Sears & Roebuck catalogues from the top shelf of his bedroom closet.

And while the following story originated several years ago, it could have just as well happened yesterday, (and I think the hope and humor it inspires are more applicable today, than when it actually occurred).

At that time, I rode my bicycle in the wee hours of the morning. As I pulled up to a stop sign, I stopped and looked to the left, and then the right, and noticed a young man walking down the sidewalk towards me; the wall of a gated community on his left, and a lit four lane highway on his right.

Now, I looked directly ahead of me, and momentarily turned my gaze back towards the young man; who, in the course of two seconds… had simply vanished!

As a man of faith, I have always been convinced that God graced me with a very unique, and almost singular experience that night. And while I cannot guess the why’s or wherefore’s of this experience, I believe I was privileged to witness an angel of God that evening.

A day or two later, I shared this story with my grandson, Noah, who, as you might expect, seemed a bit incredulous. When I finished the story, Noah shook his head, and smiled, and said,

“That was no angel! That was just some guy dressed up in an angel suit!”

 

I hope my foregoing illustrations, and stories brought a smile to your face, and a chuckle to your lips during the difficult season in which we now find ourselves.

by William McDonald, PhD. Copyright pending

 

FOUR VITAL ATTRIBUTES OF A COUNSELOR AND MENTOR

Recently, I was thinking about the kind of attributes which serve a counselor and his clients best, and those variables which serve a mentor and his students most.

And it occurred to me that there are four things, in particular, which stand “head and shoulders” above the rest.

Time

If we hope to impact anyone, we must be willing to expend our valuable time on them. And to be sure, time is very valuable and precious, since it represents a portion of this momentary life with which we have been blessed. For once time has been spent, like money it can never be spent again. It is gone forever. It has either been well-used, or squandered on foolish things.

The time devoted to those whom God has set in our pathway to impact is more precious than diamonds and rubies, since gemstones will continue to grace the fingers of corpses long after we find ourselves looking into the face of Jesus.

If we hope to make a difference in lives, it is imperative that we devote significant amounts of time to their care. Oh, it would be more convenient to lavish our time on television, fishing, reading, jogging, etc., and, of course, there is a place for such pursuits, but it is imperative that we find balance, and where we discover we are devoting inordinate amounts of time to the good, rather than the best, I think we should probably rearrange our priorities.

My friends, we will be remembered for the manner in which we spent our time. And make no mistake, people will talk about us when we are gone. We will be remembered for our investment of time in the lives of deserving people.

Pt. 2

Effort

We are all too aware when someone, anyone, is giving us their best. I mean, it may be someone who has promised to do something for us that only they can do.

I am reminded of a man, his name and status aren’t important, but this particular man was in a unique position to “put in a good word” for me, and that good word would almost certainly have led to a publishing contract on one of my volumes. Well, “Martin” promised he would do just that. A year and a half have elapsed, and I haven’t heard a word from him. No effort expended here. Nada. Zilch. Zero.

One of my few “pet peeves” is doing what I say I’m going to do. And if I can’t, or won’t, or have no intention of doing it, I don’t “put myself out there” in the first place, and the other guy has no illusions about my intentions.

As a counselor I have often shared a little “ditty” with my clients.

“There is no substitute for action.”

Speaking of counseling, sometimes when I am sitting with a client, I will refer to a common practice in Hollywood (All the while talking in a quiet monotone).

“Jim, (or John, or Suzie) you know when they’re making a movie, and they’re about to shoot the next scene, and the actors congregate in one area, and the director says,… ACTION!!!”

Well, I can tell you when I suddenly scream that final word, more than one of my clients have just about fell over backwards in their seat!

But action (or effort) is like that. You know it when you see (or hear) it.

1^st Peter 1:17 admonishes us that, “We serve a God who judges men according to their actions.”

And I admit it. I also judge people that way.

Don’t be afraid to put out a little effort on behalf of others.

Pt. 3

Presence

You simply know when someone “is there for you.”

Jesus knew. When some of His outer circle suddenly deserted him, without a word or explanation, He looked at the Twelve, and asked, “Will you also go away?” (John 6:67) I have often thought that this story represents the most “human” situation in His entire life. You can visualize it. You can almost hear the “catch” in His throat as He asks the question. These were men and women whom He knew and loved. And then they were gone.

I can tell you, “I have been there.” I can name four or five people in my life who I considered better than average friends who just “disappeared” on me; without a word and without any explanation. (And while I’m at it, I’m prone to say, “If you happen to be one of my long lost friends, and you’re reading this, please give me a call, and bring me up to date”).

Granted the variable I refer to as “Presence” is a lot like “Time,” but I see a slight difference in the two. Presence doesn’t always require a great deal of time. I think it is simply being there when you’re needed, even if the task only takes two minutes.

You can imagine in my role, I teach communication skills. And speaking of “Presence,” there is nothing like eye contact. Eye contact conveys two words in particular, well, two words and three words and four words.

I care

You are important

I’m here for you

Long after I am dead and gone, I want my clients, students and interns to be able to say, “He was there for me.”

Pt. 4

Hope

In the movie, “Shawshank Redemption,” one of the main characters says,

“Hope is among the best of things.”

(And indeed, it is)!

This year has been the most stressful, and potentially depressing years in the lives of the vast majority of Americans.

The Corona Virus. Riots. Fires. Hurricanes. Unemployment. A controversial Presidential election. And (fill in the blank).

There are people among us who couldn’t inspire hope if you gave them a bag full of it to pass out. (And God knows, we need a big bag full of it right about now).

I love the verse in the New Testament Book of Hebrews.

“But day by day, and as long as today shall last, continue to encourage one another.”

One of my ministry partners has accused me of being an encourager. And while I didn’t say so, I thought about responding to her accusation with, “Yep. Encouragement is my middle name.”

A full half a century ago, I was attending a church in Tampa, and the pastor hosted a summer revival service. I have long since forgotten the name of the evangelist, but the young man had this tendency of kicking his right leg out in front of him when he wished to make a significant spiritual point. Of course, I could not help but smile, and had to stifle a chuckle when he would do this several times during the course of his sermon.

As “Rev. Tim’s” final service ended, Pastor Matheny called on the congregation to line up, and bid the evangelist goodbye. And as it came my time to shake his hand, the young minister looked me in the eye, and said, “Stay encouraged!”

Now, I don’t know if he is still preaching, or if he is even still living and moving and breathing, but I have never forgotten his two word admonition, and I have often passed that phrase on to others.

Stay Encouraged!

Hope is, indeed, among the best of things.

by William McDonald, PhD. Copyright pending

THE BOOK OF ROMANS, CHAPTER 8

There is no condemnation to those who have invested their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ since the Law of the Spirit has set us free from the Law of sin and death. For what the Law was unable to do because it had been weakened by the flesh God accomplished by sending His Son in the guise of sinful flesh to be a sin offering for us.

And as Christ took upon Himself the sins of all men of all time, God was, through Him, in the process of overcoming man’s sinful nature. As a result, we are able to satisfy the requirements of the Law if we simply avoid the ultimatums of the carnal man, and, rather, we cooperate with the leading of the Spirit.

Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh wants, but those who live according to the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit wants. The mind which is governed by the flesh results in spiritual poverty and death, but the mind which is governed by the Spirit results in life and peace. The mind which is governed by the flesh is nothing less than the enemy of God. It does not submit to God’s Law nor is it capable of doing so. Those who live according to the desires of the flesh are incapable of pleasing God.

You, however, do not live in and for the flesh, but in and for the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. If a man does not have the Spirit of Christ he does not belong to Christ.  However, if Christ is in you, though your body is subject to death due to sin, the Spirit will provide you life, because of the righteousness with which He endues you.  And if the Spirit which is responsible for Christ’ resurrection is alive and well in you He will also give life to your mortal bodies, as a result of that quickening Spirit.

Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have no obligation to the flesh to live according to its demands. For if you live according to fleshly desires you will die. But if you by the Spirit put to death the inappropriate thoughts and actions of the body, you will, without any doubt or contradiction, live.

For those among us who voluntarily submit to the unction of the Holy Spirit are the children of God. The Spirit which you received does not lead you into spiritual slavery so that you continue in fear. But, rather, the Spirit you received has caused you to be adopted as sons. And by Him God has gifted you with the wherewithal to use the words, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit, Himself agrees with our spirit that we are the children of the living God. Yes, if we are children then we are heirs, and we will share all that is His. If indeed we share in His sufferings, we cannot help but share in His preeminence!

In my humble estimation, I believe that which we endure now is hardly comparable with the inestimable, and everlasting future God has promised us.  For all of creation is desperately waiting for the sons of the Father to inherit all that God has stored up for them in heaven.

For the creation cannot, as yet see the reward, not by its own choice, but by the will of the One who subjected it to this present dispensation. And yet, there is that hope which God instills in us. And the expectation is that every known and unknown creature will, one day, be released from its bondage to aging and decomposition, and will inherit the freedom and glory of the children of the Most High God!

 It is obvious that every animate, and inanimate thing which currently exists has been groaning, as does a woman in childbirth. Not only this, but we, ourselves, who are recipients of the first fruits of the Spirit are groaning within ourselves, as we wait eagerly for our heavenly adoption; the redemption of these frail human bodies. For as a result of this hope we will be saved.

During this little season in which we now wait, we should encourage one another that hope requires waiting for something which has not yet transpired, but which is of inestimable and lasting value. If we exercise a spirit of hope, that which is invisible but more real than what we call “real,” we must also exercise a spirit of patience.

The Spirit always inspires us to believe our redemption is at hand, and helps us when weakness overcomes us. So often, we find ourselves unsure just how to pray, but the Spirit, Himself intercedes and intervenes for us with inarticulate groanings. And He who searches the compulsions of our souls knows the Spirit’s aspirations for us since the Spirit intervenes for believers in accordance with the will of the Father.

And we know that in all things God works for the benefit of those who invest their expectations in Him, those who were foreordained to achieve His wonderful plans. For those whom God foreknew, He also predestined to emulate the life, words and actions of His Son, so that He might be the first among a myriad of brothers and sisters.

And God foreordained the destinies of many children before He ever breathed the earth and stars into place. And having foreordained them, He also appointed them. And having appointed them, He also validated them. And having validated them, we know and we are sure that He will exalt them.

How then can we adequately respond to all of these things? If God stands with us, who can ever stand against us? If this magnificent God of ours refused to intervene for His Son and allowed Him to die a sacrificial death for us, why would we doubt His willingness to fulfill our every need?

Who would dare bring a false accusation against those whom God has chosen for Himself? After all, God is the justifier of men. Who then has any right to denounce us? Only Christ, Himself, (and He has no intention of doing so). For it was Christ who surrendered His life for us. And more than this He was raised to life for us. And more than this He sits at the very right hand of His Father. And more than this He has never failed to intercede for us.  

Who or what can possibly remove us from the never-failing, ever-enduring love of Christ? Will difficulty or hardship or persecution or suffering or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? (I tell you, no)!

As it is written,

“For Your sake we encounter death on a daily basis.
 We are like sacrificial sheep ready to be slaughtered.”

In every circumstance with which we contend we win. We win! And we owe our victory to the One who has so often proven His love for us, and who has never failed to fight the good fight with and for us.

For I am absolutely convinced that neither this life, nor the cessation of this life, nor the angels of heaven, nor the angels of hell, nor the status quo, nor that which awaits us in the future, nor rulers, nor mountains, nor valleys, nor anything else God ever created will be able to separate us from the overwhelming love of our Abba Father; that love which is manifested in the person of Christ Jesus our Lord.

McDonald Paraphrase of the New Testament. Copyright 2018

FORREST GUMP GOES TO HEAVEN

When Forrest Gump died, he stood in front of St. Peter at the Pearly Gates. St. Peter said,

"Welcome, Forrest. We've heard a lot about you."

He continued, "Unfortunately, it's getting pretty crowded up here and we find that we now have to give people an entrance examination before we let them in."

"Okay," said Forrest. "I hope it's not too hard. I've already been through a test. My momma used to say, 'Life is like a final exam. It's hard.' "

"Yes, Forrest, I know. But this test is only three questions. Here they are."

1) Which two days of the week begin with the letter 'T'?"

2) How many seconds are in a year?

3) What is God's first name?

"Well, sir," said Forrest, "The first one is easy. Which two days of the week begin with the letter 'T'? Today and Tomorrow."

St. Peter looked surprised and said,

"Well, that wasn't the answer I was looking for, but you have a point. I give you credit for that answer."

"The next question," said Forrest, "How many seconds are in a year?"

"The answer is twelve."

"Twelve?" said St. Peter, surprised and confused.

"Yes, sir. January 2nd, February 2nd, March 2nd …"

St. Peter interrupted him.

"I see what you mean. I'll have to give you credit for that one, too."

"And the last question," said Forrest,

"What is God's first name? It's Andy."

"Andy?" said St. Peter, in shock. "How did you come up with 'Andy'?"

"I learned it in church. We used to sing about it." Forrest broke into song, "Andy walks with me, Andy talks with me, Andy tells me I am His own."

St. Peter opened the gate to heaven and said,

"Run, Forrest, Run!

NOT ALL THAT FAMOUS AFTER ALL

I previously wrote a series of blogs about the famous people whom I have met, or with whom I have “shared the same airspace.” Some of these “meetings” were premeditated on my part. Some of them were strictly happenstance in nature.

While I was in college, I was privileged to attend a chapel service in which ”Colonel” Harland Sanders, of KFC fame, was the guest speaker. What a soft-spoken, fine Christian gentleman he was. Sometime in the next several months, I literally rubbed shoulders with Rev. C.M. Ward of Christian Radio fame, as he made his way up the stairs to speak to my New Testament class.

When I was stationed at MacDill Air Force Base, and living in Tampa, I attended a Jimmy Swaggart crusade; (long before he gained nation-wide attention for, well, you know). A year or two later, I sat in the audience, and watched spell-bound as the very singular Kathryn Kuhlman intoned words about the beauty of holiness.

I attended a George Beverly Shea concert, a Dale Evans Rogers evangelical meeting, and a Ruth Graham conference; all in the space of a few years, as the 20^th century was about to give way to the 21^st. My wife and I sat just feet away from Roy Rogers’ wife, one of my childhood television idols, and Billy Graham’s daughter spoke to me between two of her presentations.

Once, as I was delivering UPS packages at the back door of a local mall, a car pulled up, and, lo and behold, Cornelia Wallace, the former wife of Governor George Wallace of Alabama, stepped out of the driver’s seat, and we exchanged a few words. It seems she knew the owner of the store, and had stopped by to see him. Of course, it was she who covered his body with her own, after the attempt on his life, and as he lay badly wounded on the ground.

After I began my counseling career, I counseled a famous major league baseball player, who was a standout in one of the World Series games of the past; nameless here since I cannot breach his confidentiality.

Pt. 2

Speaking of my counseling career, I attended a conference twenty years ago sponsored by my professional association, and “Focus on the Family.” On the last night of the conference, I had the distinct pleasure and privilege of speaking to Dr. James Dobson; the internationally known psychologist. I had waited in a very long line in order to speak to him, and procure his autograph. Seconds before I stepped up to him, his wife, Shirley, her sandals in her hands, exclaimed, “Jim, I’m tired. We really need to go home!” Of course, I will always remember that somewhat humorous scene.

Just over a decade ago, I planned a grave marking ceremony for an ancient relative who fought in the American Revolution. Of course, I invited a multitude of relatives to attend the poignant celebration. And among the uninvited, (but most welcome) guests was Mr. Sonny Shroyer, (“Enos” of the “Dukes of Hazzard” television series). It seems he lived in the area, and knew a couple of my cousins. I snapped his picture, but failed to speak to him.

The grandfather of a well-known movie star, Taylor Lautner, who starred in the “Twilight” series, attended my church. It so happens that my pastor afforded me the opportunity to preach many Wednesday night sermons there, and the actor’s grandfather regularly forwarded CD copies of my sermons to his famous grandson. I like to think they had an indelible impact on the young man.

Then, there was the long distance relationship between yours truly, and the movie and television actress, “Mrs. Harriet Oleson” (the late Katherine MacGregor) of the “Little House on the Prairie” series. What began as a single fan letter evolved into a pen pal relationship of sorts, and lasted several months. Based on the numerous letters we exchanged, I think Ms. MacGregor was possessed of a personality somewhat like her television character.

Afterward

All rather famous, or at least very notable people. However, it occurs to me that whereas they are well known, and well off here, there will come a day when all the men, women, boys and girls of all the ages will, well, take a moment to read the following scripture.

“For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.” (2^nd Cor. 5:10)

In that day, each and every one of us will stand at the same level. There will be no famous or rich or notable. For fame and riches and notoriety will be consigned to this earth, and will be left behind, and all the glory, and wealth and celebrity there will reside in the lovely person of our Lord Jesus Christ. Praise God!

“That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Phil. 2:10-11)

by William McDonald, PhD. Copyright pending

THE SNAKES IN OUR MINDS

 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Picture this -- you come home from a long day of work -- you walk into your living room -- plop down on your couch in exhaustion -- and there in the corner of the room -- your eyes are drawn to something moving -- it's a rattlesnake! Do you say to yourself, "Oh, I'm too tired to worry about that now, I'll deal with it later?" Of course not! You jump up right away, find a bat or something, alert your family, call the neighbors, 911, the fire department, the national guard, and start praying with all your might! It's a life-threatening situation!

Though it may sound extreme, negative thoughts, which are lies, opposed to God's truth and character, should be treated the same way when they enter our minds. We ought to immediately sense their danger and rise to action; take that thought captive and bring it under submission to the truth of God's word. These thoughts are as poisonous to our minds and souls as rattlesnake bites are to our bodies. If we realize that danger, we'll be extremely vigilant to watch what we allow to sneak into our minds and remain there. Thoughts cannot be taken captive until they appear and are recognized. So we need to watch them carefully and consider whether they're good and true or not.

Bad thinking comes in many forms. Dangerous thoughts can be obvious and easily recognized as sinful and evil or destructive, lustful, vengeful, spiteful, and vain; or they can be subtle as snakes, quietly lying in the background like clever rationalizations or spiritual pride. Whatever form they take is dangerous to our spiritual well being, and this word from Paul exhorts us to deal with them on the spot, just as if a snake had entered the house.

Your mind is active and thinking during every waking hour, (and also of course in your dreams). Developing a habit of watchfulness over your thinking is a challenging discipline that will change your life and protect your spiritual house. Knowing the word of God is a tremendous help since the word contains God's thoughts which are the corrective for our bad and wrong thinking. So pay attention! What was that my mind just told me? Is that true and good, blessed and holy...or is it a snake? Respond accordingly...and fast!

(Church Newsletter)

BE CIVILIZED

Years ago, anthropologist Margaret Mead was asked by a student what she considered to be the first sign of civilization in a culture. The student expected Mead to talk about fishhooks or clay pots or grinding stones.

But no. Mead said that the first sign of civilization in an ancient culture was a femur (thighbone) that had been broken and then healed. Mead explained that in the animal kingdom, if you break your leg, you die. You cannot run from danger, get to the river for a drink or hunt for food. You are meat for prowling beasts. No animal survives a broken leg long enough for the bone to heal.

A broken femur that has healed is evidence that someone has taken time to stay with the one who fell, has bound up the wound, has carried the person to safety and has tended the person through recovery. Helping someone else through difficulty is where civilization starts, Mead said."

We are at our best when we serve others. Be civilized.

- Ira Byock."

A MOMENTARY MEETING ON AN ELEVATOR IN SCOTLAND

My wife and I enjoyed the vacation of a lifetime last year. We had often wanted to visit Scotland and Ireland, and were determined to do so by our 70th birthdays. And true to our intentions, we just managed to do so 'by a whisker.'

 

Our hotel in Glasgow, Scotland stood on the banks of the Clyde River, (or River Clyde, as they are prone to refer to it 'over there'). We were just fifty feet from a beautiful bridge which spanned the river, a hundred yards from the convention center in which the now world famous Susan Boyle was awarded second place in "Britain's Got Talent," and an ancient overhead ship-building crane, for which the wonderful city is known, was just seconds away from the front door of the hotel.

 

On our second day in Glasgow, I boarded an elevator to take me up to our room on the third floor. And it so happened that a middle-aged, fairly non-descript man stepped on the elevator with me. I must have greeted him with a, "How are you." And recognizing my accent he said, "Are you an American?" And I evidently responded in the affirmative. (I could not be sure, and I did not ask, but based on the stranger's own peculiar accent, I surmised he was probably a native of this country).

 

As the elevator moved quickly towards my third floor destination, referring to the Second World War, my short-term acquaintance mused,

 

"Ah, we are so grateful for what your great country did for us; coming over here to help us" (and) "those dear, dear American lads. How we love and appreciate them even today."

 

And with this the elevator reached its destination, the doors opened, I nodded, and stepped off.

 

It was just a momentary, circumstantial sort of thing, lasting all of thirty seconds, and yet I will remember my brief interaction with this fine gentleman; as long as I live, and move, and breathe on the earth.

 

by William McDonald, PhD. Copyright pending

OCCUPIED & UNOCCUPIED TOMBS

I was listening to my favorite radio program the other day, “Night Sounds,” when the late Bill Pearce made the statement,

“Recently, a work crew was constructing a parking lot in Egypt when they came across dozens of tombs with the intact mummies of several pharaohs, and their family members.”

And this rather old news, (since all Night Sounds Radio programs are re-runs) got me to thinking about something I never quit thinking about anyhow… Death.

Now, you may think this personal revelation is strange, but given the fact that I never quit thinking about completing the remainder of my destiny, it is impossible not to also think about the brevity of the time which remains for me to complete it. As a result, it doesn’t seem all that strange to me that the topic of death is always on my mind.

We simply can’t stay here.

I mean, I am convinced that even animals contemplate their own demise. About a week before my precious pooch’s passing, “Buddy,” (a female Shih Tzu), began shivering, and continued to do so for perhaps a minute. And given the moderate temperature in our house at the time, I realized this symptom had little or nothing to do with the weather. After Buddy’s passing, I became convinced that she had experienced a premonition of things to come.

I can relate at some level. At this writing, I am a year into my seventh decade of life, and given my “chronological’s” I sometimes wonder how much time remains to me, and how I will pass from this earth.

Scripture has plenty to say about the subject.

In the Book of Job, the main character’s wife asks the poignant question,

“If a man die, will he live again?” (Job 14:14)

Her question is answered several thousand years later in the New Testament Book of Hebrews.

“It is appointed unto man once to die, and after this, the judgement.” (Hebrews 9:27)

Pt. 2

A friend of mine visited Israel a few years ago, and before “Marta” left, she asked what I would like her to bring back from the Holy Land.

I answered her immediately.

“I would like a stone from just outside the Garden Tomb of Jesus.”

(You’ll never guess what she brought back to me).

Of course, when Marta returned, she handed me a small flat rectangular shaped stone; perhaps an inch by half an inch. For quite some time, I carried it in my pocket. But then, I began thinking that I might lose it. As I write these words, this rock resides in the drawer beneath the keyboard upon which I am typing.

I call it my “Resurrection Stone.”

I have often surmised that Jesus might have stepped on this stone, as He made His way out of the tomb. I mean, it’s possible. But, whether He did or whether He didn’t, this small rock is a precious reminder to me of His promise to return, and receive me to Himself, that where He is, I may be also.

And this precious promise encourages me that this is not all there is, and I believe that He is perfectly capable of fulfilling His Word. For you see, my friends, the resurrection of Jesus Christ did not take place in a closet. He appeared to His disciples after He rose from the dead, and, subsequently, He appeared to 500 believers prior to His ascension into heaven. (1^st Cor. 15:6)

You may recall, as I began this piece of writing, I alluded to the large number of tombs which were discovered in Egypt; each and every one of them containing the remains of previous rulers. However, what makes Jesus singular, among the billions who preceded Him in death, is His empty tomb.

Should the Lord tarry, I know that I will complete my destiny here, and that I will be consigned to the earth. However, I am assured that because His tomb is empty, He will return and receive me unto Himself, and my tomb will ultimately be empty.

 

What a precious promise He has left us.

“Because I live, you shall live also.” (John 14:19)

by William McDonald, PhD. Copyright pending

 

ISRAEL: THE LAND THAT GOD LOVES

I don’t know why I even thought about the topic.

Perhaps because my wife, and I were talking last night about our mutual distinction of being conceived in 1948; the year in which the Jewish Diaspora returned to the land of their ancient heritage, and was once again reconstituted as a nation.

Interestingly enough, (at least to me) I have a ‘smidgen’ of Jewish heritage myself. Long story short, I am related to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt; through his mother’s line, the Delano’s. It is thought that both the Roosevelt’s (Rosenfelt’s) and Delano’s were originally Jewish, but at some point decided to identify themselves as Gentiles.

At any rate, a question occurred to me in the past hour.

“What is the geographical size of Israel?”

I kinda played with that thought in my mind for a couple of minutes before looking on the internet, and I decided Israel must be in the neighborhood of 5,000 square miles, (or almost three times the size of the county in which I live). As it fell together, I wasn’t too far off. Having done a Google search, I saw the nation of Israel was just over 8,000 square miles, (or about 4x the size of Rhode Island).

And while I am not surprised at the relative smallness of this famous country, the relative importance of this biblical land in the geo-political-spiritual scheme of things is nothing less than astounding.

Pt. 2

I mean in my own lifetime, Israel fought a “Six Day War,” simultaneously against numerous Arab countries, … and won! This particular conflict is especially memorable to me since it occurred within a couple of weeks of my graduation, and during the same week in June, 1967 that I “walked the sawdust trail” and gave my life to Jesus Christ.

Of course, Israel has been engaged in conflict ever since its inception, most often against the descendants of another son of Abraham; the Arab nations.

During the presidency of Jimmy Carter, a Mideast peace deal was reached between Israel and Egypt. However, a state of unrest continues between Israel and the unofficial nation of Palestine; which is currently under the domination of the former. Of course, the United States has, at one time or another, been involved in an attempt to establish and maintain a state of peace between the two.

And speaking of the relationship between the United States and Israel, it seems apparent to me that in spite of its flaws God has blessed America for its financial, political, and moral support of Israel; over the course of many decades.

However, when considering the significance of the nation of Israel, as “there there” as the things I have previously recounted, these variables pale in weightiness to the existence and import of the Judeo-Christian religions, and the Old and New Testaments which inspired them.

Of course, the primary ‘object’ of the 39 books of the Old Testament, (and of which each and every one of these volumes in some way allude) is the promised Messiah. And, of course, the primary personage of the 27 books of the New Testament happens to be the very same individual… Jesus Christ; the First and the Last, the King of kings, the Lord of lords, the Lamb of God, the Savior of the world, and our soon coming heavenly Bridegroom.

by William McDonald, PhD. Copyright pending

The LORD had said to Abram,

“Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. 

“I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 

“I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you, I will curse; and all the peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”

(Gen. 12:1-3)

PLENTY OF TIME FOR SLEEPING

 During my father’s waning years, I used to walk into his unlocked front door, through his living room, and into what amounted to a second living room, and found him nodding off in his lounge chair.

And finding him in that state of slumber, I would always exclaim,

“Wake up, Daddy. They’ll be plenty of time for sleeping!”

(with a somewhat admittedly morbid implication)

And with this, my father would lift his head slightly, open his eyes a few millimeters, smile, and… go back to sleep.

Fast forward a few, all too short years and… he was gone.

During the course of counseling a multitude of clients over the past almost thirty years, I have uttered the following four word sentence numerous times.

“We can’t stay here.”

In the New Testament Book of Hebrews, we read one of the most “in your face” sentences ever written.

“It is appointed unto man once to die, and after that, the judgement.”

And I think because of this unalterable truth, (unalterable whether you happen to be a believer, agnostic, atheist or member of another religion), it is crucial that we “get it right.”

My friends, I am determined to get it right

And I believe getting it right is dependent on my surrender and commitment to Jesus Christ. After all, He claimed to be “THE WAY, THE TRUTH and THE LIFE” and has assured us that “No man comes to the Father, except through Me.”

Pt. 2

As I have entered the final quarter of my life, (and at the grand old age of 70, that characterization of my remaining time on earth is being very generous) I find myself doing some of the things I once criticized in my father.

Why, just the other day my wife showed me a video of yours truly nodding off while seated with my back against one arm of our living room sofa. And as you might imagine, I saved the video to my genealogical hard drive. I expect one day my great grandchildren will “get a kick out of it.”

And while my physical body is prone to fatigue, I am determined not to fall into a spiritual slumber; since I realize my time on earth is limited, and I “can’t stay here.”

I think far too many believers have fallen into a spiritual malaise, and they are content with living out a life of mediocrity. And given that realization and reality, I am both challenged and comforted by a verse in 1st John.

“But this life and the lust of it are passing away. But he who does the will of God endures forever.” (1st John 2:17)

God give us the realization that we cannot stay here. God help us to get our spiritual priorities in order. God help us to make a difference in the lives He sets before us. God give us the wherewithal to fulfill the remainder of our individual destinies.

May God wake us from our spiritual slumber since the time is short, and… we cannot stay here.

by William McDonald, PhD. Copyright pending

ALL THINGS (REALLY DO) WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD

Yesterday I was “sprucing up” the bushes behind my house with a small hedge trimmer; which I was holding in my right hand. Suddenly, I managed to touch the underside of my left forefinger with the moving blade.

And, in the course of a millisecond, I felt the moving, metal blade slice my finger open, and I, subsequently, dropped the hedger on the ground. And immediately looking at the bloody result, I noticed a cross shaped double cut “looking back at me.”

As I reflected on my accident the next day, the oft quoted pat verse came wafting back to me.

“All things work together for good for those who love the Lord…” (Romans 8:28)

However, upon reflection I remember thinking,

“The only good thing about this event was I made a ‘cut in stone’ (play on words) commitment to myself that it will never happen again.”

Speaking of injuries, about ten years ago I sustained a physical insult, the result of which figuratively added an exclamation point to that encouraging scriptural passage.

Given the condition of my neighbor’s oak tree, and the fact that its limbs hung over my driveway, I leaned a long straight ladder against an adjacent basketball post, and began to climb it; with the intention of cutting off said limbs with a hand saw. (As I reflect on it now, my daddy never warned me not to lean a straight ladder against a round post. I did see him fall off a painter’s ladder once, and that memory should have put me on my guard).

Pt. 2

I was 4-5 feet up the ladder when… it began to wobble to the left.

I realized I had a couple of seconds to decide the best course of action.

You know how at a moment like that everything seems to slow down? This subject has always fascinated me, and, as a result, I did a little research on the topic. The answer is so obvious, but it has always eluded me. It seems that during traumatic, life-threatening moments, such as this one, the brain is on overload, and processes a great deal of information in a very short amount of time causing the situation to seem so much longer.

At any rate, rather than ride the ladder to the driveway, I decided to jump. And it immediately occurred to me that I would prefer to break one leg, than two. As a result, I bent my left leg behind me, and landed on my right foot.

As my foot came down on the concrete, I sensed, rather than heard, my right ankle pop. By the time I completed the fall, I was lying prostrate on the driveway. Now, realizing that I was outside, and I needed to get inside, I managed to get to my feet, well foot, and hop-scotched to my front door.

I have long since forgotten whether the door was locked, but I recall knocking loudly on it, and screaming, “I’m hurt. I’m hurt.” Of course, as my wife opened the door, I found the closest chair, and explained to her what had happened.

Time and space would fail me to detail the number of clinics and clinicians I “went through” before being referred to an orthopedic surgeon a month later. By then, I knew that I had shattered, actually powered, my ankle, and that I would require major surgery to put it back together.

Pt. 3

As the surgeon finished the operation, including the introduction of metal plates and screws, he installed a florescent yellow cast, and after one night in the hospital, I was released to go home.

And while “it’s neither here nor there” in terms of the moral of this story, it may be interesting to note that due to the cast, and perhaps the claustrophobia of wearing something uncomfortably warm, which was equally uncomfortable when I lay in a prostrate position, and which prevented me from scratching my foot and leg, I slept in my lounge chair; more often than my bed.

Sometime before the cast was removed, I was “crutching” through my home one day, and my wife suddenly said,

“Royce, there’s something dark between the top of your cast, and the bottom of your shorts.”

As a result, I stood still, and Jean, (who happens to be a nurse) stooped down to examine “the thing” that shouldn’t be there.

“Honey, it’s a very dark mole, and I don’t like how it looks.”

Of course, I made an appointment with my doctor, and he biopsied the offending mole; only to discover it was a melanoma. As a result, after the cast was newly removed, I submitted to a second major surgery within months of the first, and the melanoma was removed.

Many more times than once, my wife and I have spoken about these things.

My friends, I believe it. I am convinced that had I not fallen from a ladder that day, and had I not had surgery and had the cast installed, I would no longer be “among the land of the living;” since I think it was only because of the florescent yellow color of the cast that my wife noticed the contrasting color of the mole.

“All things (really do) work together for good to those who love the Lord…”

by William McDonald, PhD. Copyright pending

THE ACT OF GIVING - Katherine Hepburn

 I love this story from Katharine Hepburn’s childhood; in her own words.

 

“Once when I was a teenager, my father and I were standing in line to buy tickets for the circus.

 

Finally, there was only one other family between us and the ticket counter. This family made a big impression on me.

 

There were eight children, all probably under the age of 12. The way they were dressed, you could tell they didn't have a lot of money, but their clothes were neat and clean.

 

The children were well-behaved, all of them standing in line, two-by-two behind their parents, holding hands. They were excitedly jabbering about the clowns, animals, and all the acts they would be seeing that night. By their excitement you could sense they had never been to the circus before. It would be a highlight of their lives.

The father and mother were at the head of the pack standing proud as could be. The mother was holding her husband's hand, looking up at him as if to say, "You're my knight in shining armor." He was smiling and enjoying seeing his family happy.

 

The ticket lady asked the man how many tickets he wanted? He proudly responded, "I'd like to buy eight children's tickets and two adult tickets, so I can take my family to the circus." The ticket lady stated the price.

 

The man's wife let go of his hand, her head dropped, the man's lip began to quiver. Then he leaned a little closer and asked, "How much did you say?" The ticket lady again stated the price.

The man didn't have enough money. How was he supposed to turn and tell his eight kids that he didn't have enough money to take them to the circus?

 

Seeing what was going on, my dad reached into his pocket, pulled out a $20 bill, and then dropped it on the ground. (We were not wealthy in any sense of the word!) My father bent down, picked up the $20 bill, tapped the man on the shoulder and said, "Excuse me, sir, this fell out of your pocket."

 

The man understood what was going on. He wasn't begging for a handout but certainly appreciated the help in a desperate, heartbreaking and embarrassing situation.

 

He looked straight into my dad's eyes, took my dad's hand in both of his, squeezed tightly onto the $20 bill, and with his lip quivering and a tear streaming down his cheek, he replied; "Thank you, thank you, sir. This really means a lot to me and my family."

 

My father and I went back to our car and drove home. The $20 that my dad gave away is what we were going to buy our own tickets with.

 

Although we didn't get to see the circus that night, we both felt a joy inside us that was far greater than seeing the circus could ever provide.

 

That day I learned the value of giving.

 

The Giver is bigger than the Receiver. If you want to be large, larger than life, learn to Give. Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get - only with what you are expecting to give - which is everything.

 

The importance of giving, blessing others can never be over emphasized because there's always joy in giving. Learn to make someone happy by acts of giving.” 

(Katherine Hepburn)