Not the Counterfeit

I have heard that in the financial world, when people seek to uncover counterfeit currency, they dnot study the counterfeit bill, but the true. I have often been told that we need to do the same in regards to the Bible, but am ashamed to admit that I sometimes wondered about its effectiveness. Here is a story that boosted my confidence in this tactic, and I hope it does yours, too.

Jonathan Goforth was accepted by his family when he became a Christian. At his school, however, he was not. Many his fellow students agreed with Thomas Paine's sentiments in the book The Age of Reason. As Jonathan sought to defend his faith against their sophisticated arguments, he could see it beginning to fall apart. But instead of giving in to their way of thinking, he reasoned that the Bible must have the answers-he just had to find them. Every day after school, he would earnestly search its pages for responses to give his schoolmates. Ere long he was rewarded, and as he shared his findings, the students (and the teacher) decided to give up their ideas and embrace the truth.

"Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:21.

Blessings,
Jean

"From the Inside Out"

Cameron Townsend was a Bible translator who worked among the peoples of Guatemala, Mexico, and Peru. While in Mexico, he moved with his wife and niece to a town known as Tetelcingo. Cam was privileged to meet the mayor the very first day they arrived there, especially since the mayor was the only one in the village who spoke passable Spanish. When Cam explained that he wanted to live in Tetelcingo so that the Bible could be translated into the villagers' native tongue, Mayor Méndez was surprised, but agreed to the idea after reading letters of recommendation. He showed Cam where to park his trailer and assured him that there would be plenty of villagers who would be willing to help him learn the local language. Cam thanked the mayor, and told him he looked forward to getting to know him better.

Since there wasn't much to do in Tetelcingo, the mayor was often bored and wishing for outsiders to converse with. He was only happy to spend time with Cam, and came to visit each day after breakfast. During this time, Cam learned that despite his powerful position, Mayor Méndez wasn't satisfied. Throughout the past few years, the mayor had lived with twenty-eight different women, all of whom had eventually left him because of his foul temper. Furthermore, because he had made some unwise decisions, Mayor Méndez had enemies, and always carried a gun in case something should happen.

Along with getting to know more about the mayor and the Aztec language, Cam had been reading to him from a Spanish New Testament. It wasn't long before the mayor requested a copy for himself. He began reading it aloud from the steps of the municipal building, first in Spanish, then in Aztec. This way everyone could understand. Often Mayor Méndez would read the Bible in this manner for up to three hours at a time.

Several weeks went by, and then one day the mayor came to see Cam. "Don Guillermo [Cam's Spanish name], something strange is happening to me," he said. "I cannot understand it." He went on to explain that when he went to lie, get drunk, or beat up his woman, he couldn't. The book stopped him from doing it. What was wrong with him?

Cam smiled and replied, "You have read in the Book how GOD can change people from the inside out. I think that is what is happening to you. Keep reading!"

Change surely was taking place. A week after that visit, the mayor was back. This time he no longer wanted to wear or use his gun; rather, he wanted to send a Bible to each of his three enemies. He also wanted to write to tell them that he forgave them because of this Book, and that they should read it too so they could see if they could forgive him. "I feel so different inside now, I no longer want to shoot people," he added.

This story truly illustrates that "The law of the LORD [is] perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD [is] sure, making wise the simple." Psalm 19:7. May we never neglect the Bible, the Book that can change us inside and out.

Blessings,
Jean

God is Good

"The LORD is good to all: and His tender mercies are over all His works." Psalm 145:9.

I couldn't have said it better myself. This is true in any case, but especially so for my family and me. I'm late for the telling, but God came through in regards to Piedmont. Another counselor was found for the boys, and so Z. was able to go. She had a nice trip down, and today will be her first full day in Virginia. She arrived there yesterday.

The way everything worked out testifies to GOD's care. As I mentioned in my last post on the subject, Musings about Bible Camp...and Being Happy, Zelda had originally wanted to attend the camp in Washington, but couldn't. The camp in Washington had many more activities than Piedmont, but Piedmont had one that the other didn't: Chinese classes. My sister has been wanting to learn Chinese for quite a long time. I find it amazing that Piedmont was the camp she was able to go to! I honestly believe God planned it that way.

As for me, it has been different without her here. So much so that I have been struggling even more with feelings of unhappiness than usual, and speaking about it...too much. I've decided that I'm not going to do that anymore, by God's grace. It's certainly not making the situation any rosier.

There is a saying that goes thus: "Train your mind to see the good in every situation."

It really does make life more worth bearing, more fulfilling, if we do so. I know it works, even though I may have strayed a bit from following this advice. This morning is a good illustration. Breakfast started out as a bowl of cut-up fruit, Ezekiel bread toast with jelly, and Cheerios. Good, yes, but I wasn't pleased.

"Breakfast is boring," I muttered as I bit into a piece of toast.

"I'm sorry dear," my mother replied, even though she had nothing to be sorry for.

A few minutes went by, and then I remembered 1 Thessalonians 5:18: "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." OK. I looked at my food. I can be thankful I have something to eat. It may not be what I want, but at least I have something to eat. There was no sudden rush of feeling, but with this thought, I became happier. I went on to have French fries, read from Nehemiah with my mother, and finish typing up an assignment. The day has turned out well.

"The LORD is good to all:" Yes, and that includes me as well as my sister. I may not be able to enjoy Bible camp, but I have been reminded to look through the right lens, to see the glass as half full. That's just as amazing, if you think about it.

How has the LORD been good to you?

Blessings,
Jean

"A Tinkling Cymbal"

Amy Carmichael, Irish missionary to India, was blessed with a strong moral backbone. She was loathe to indulge self pity, and believed that other missionaries should be on guard against it. Amy believed that this deadly weakness manifested itself in many ways. One of these was the tendency of a new missionary to sigh and whine because they didn’t know enough of the language to communicate with the natives. Words were not needed, she said, to show the character of the One you came to teach them about. Amy went on to say that the Hindus of India will listen to one’s words, but they watch the actions more closely. That is what they put store by. She used this story to illustrate the point:

A patient at the hospital at Dohnavur, the compound where Amy and her family lived, was surprised by the loving care she saw being shown to others there. She asked one of the nurses, Kohila, why she could care for the baby she was tending as tirelessly as she did.

“It is not me,” Kohila said. “It is the love of Jesus that makes me care for this baby.”

The woman replied, “I have heard people talk about this Jesus of yours. I used to think it was just mere talk. Now I know it is not mere talk.”

It isn’t only the Hindus that prize example more than words; it is everyone. This is why the apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13:1: “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity [meaning love], I am become [as] sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.” If we can speak in all the languages of heaven and earth, but don’t have the love of GOD in us, the love that shows itself through selfless action, the love that points others to Him, it doesn’t matter.

No wonder John writes in 1 John 3:18: “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” GOD bless us with this love, that we may be more than simply a  "tinkling cymbal".

Blessings,
Jean

Free at Last

With my sister going to Piedmont (2 Cor. 5:7), I allow myself to entertain what might be a foolish hope, and indeed does seem to be. Perhaps, between now and then, the LORD will see fit to heal me. In the About Me section, I mentioned that GOD gave my mother two dreams. One was of her and my father in an unfamiliar church, which turned out to be the first SDA church I attended. The other was of me walking. The first one came to pass; the second one, not yet. Since that time other people we have met have had similar dreams. (Or perhaps just one person. I can't remember now.) I am confident that it will happen one day.

Yet I can't help hoping that it will be soon. No more worrying about whether a place is handicap accessible. No more people having to take me to the bathroom-I'll be able to walk there myself. Best of all, no more people assuming I'm intellectually challenged as well as physically-no more pitying looks or voices dripping with the artificial sweetness of condescension! People won't give me a second thought. I will just be one among many, as far as physical conditions go, at least. For the first time, I will be able to jump, hop, skip, spin, run. For the first time, I will be able to learn how to ride a bike, and maybe even climb a tree (I know even some able-bodied folks can't do that)! For the first time, I will be able to go out with simply my sister-because, after all, I am old enough. I will have opportunities, I hope, to eventually colporteur with her. Yes, that day will be a great day, friends!

There is a thought that is sweeter than that, however. The thought of heaven and the New Earth. I know that when Jesus heals, He heals every part, but even the best health here doesn't compare to that of heaven. And besides, unless I am alive and found to be faithful when Jesus returns, I will one day have to go to my rest. In heaven and the New Earth, there is no chance of death, no chance of weak, stiff legs, no chance of hands with crippled fingers. I want to be fit for the heavenly courts, even if my body were to never get better. The joys there will far exceed the greatest blessing we could receive while here.

Just as I will have to go to my rest with a healed body if Jesus doesn't return before I get too old, so will the temporal things you may be working for fade away after you pass on. Earthly joys, whether good or not, are ephemeral, transitory. They won't last. One day everything here will be burned up along with the wicked, and Jesus will "make all things new." (Revelation 21:5). We have His promise. The verse continues thus: "And He said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful." Where will you be?

Laying aside worldly plans and pursuing an entrance into the celestial kingdom isn't an easy thing to do, nor is the road one has to travel always pleasant. In fact, it may mean facing more hardship than you ever have before; but wouldn't you rather want to make it there, and be free at last-free from sorrow, pain, and death- than to have it made here, and then lose it and your life as well?

Blessings,
Jean

Musings about Bible Camp... and Being Happy

Anybody who is completely honest can appreciate this statement. At the same time, while we recognize the truth of it, many times we forget ourselves, and think that if such-and-such happened we would just be 100% happy for the other individual, with no thought to ourselves whatsoever. A grand way to live, and attainable...but only in Jesus.

 

My sister has wanted to go to Young Disciple Bible Camp in Walla Walla, WA. I wholeheartedly supported her wanting to go. I knew she would receive great spiritual blessings, and it would be her first extended trip away from her home and family-a great time to grow.

 

Yet I would be lying if I said I wasn't feeling a bit selfish, maybe even a bit envious. When your sister has become your virtual caretaker (Mom works three nights a week, and sleeps during the day) and is really the only friend you see in person on a daily basis, it's difficult not to want to be a hog. And, if one succumbs to studying outward circumstances, it's hard not to be jealous.

 

We continued to pray about her going, and even though I failed at times, I sought to think and speak  positive things about the matter. It helped, and I began to think I was really OK. Washington was out of the question apparently, but we knew GOD could work a miracle if He so desired. The mother of a mutual friend had called to talk to my mom about the situation, and agreed, I believe, to pray about it. Then she called again to tell Mom about Piedmont Valley Bible Camp. Z. and I checked it out, but it seemed like a no-go because one needed to have paid a good amount of the fee by May 19. We told this to Mom, but later *Lynn's* mother called and said they were still accepting applicants, a late fee would just be required. As well, if there were enough counselors for the boys at the camp, Lynn and some other friends (one of whom was a boy) would switch going to that camp instead of Walla Walla. The miracle we had prayed for seems to be occurring right before our eyes, praise GOD!

 

Truly, praise Him. I tried to focus simply on this thought, but found it difficult, and I ended up crying. Of course, my mother was able to ascertain half the reason why (the latter of the two issues mentioned previously), but not all of it. However, when I told her she said my feelings were "understandable" and "valid". Maybe so, but that doesn't mean it's right!

 

I know I still have work ahead of me as far as being entirely joyous for someone else. I'm not perfect at that, but by GOD's grace, one day I hope to be. In the meantime, one thing consoles me. My Heavenly Father, Who is so kind and gracious as to give Zelda this gift, is not negligent of His other children in the least; nor would He give her something special only to have it cause the grief or hurt for the rest of us. Whenever He gives a blessing to one, He has something in store for the other. He is "able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think" (Ephesians 3:20) for each of us. It may not be what they want, or even pleasant at the time, but whatever it is will prove to be as much a blessing in the end for us as our brother's will be for him-or in this case, sister's. It will be what we have wanted, could we see as He does, from beginning to end.

 

With the knowledge of such a Father in mind, why should we stoop to be selfish? We shouldn't! 1 Peter 5:7 says that "He careth" for us, and Jesus says that the Father knows what we need before we ask Him (Matthew 6:8). Farther along He says that if He cares for the lilies, how much more will He care for us? We are counseled not to worry nor consider what will be provided, what will be our lot, but to simply seek to do His will each day as it comes, and we will be all right. (vv. 28-34). The rest is in His hands.

 

What, then, prevents us from following the admonition of Romans 12:15: "Rejoice with them that do rejoice"? Nothing, if we choose to believe it!

 

Blessings,

Jean L.

 

 

 

 

On Two Dogs, Carob Peanut Butter Cup, and Being a Light

Friday

Since I gave up chocolate years ago, I've eaten carob. It doesn't taste like chocolate, but that's what I chose to eat instead. Z. makes what we call peanut butter cup, though it should actually be called peanut butter circle. It's melted carob spread over peanut butter and frozen on a plate. It tastes very good.

The other day Z. was cutting me a piece. Well, something went amuck and a big chunk ended up on the floor. A big chunk. Well, the doggies could have it. It stayed there for a few days, but then Zelda decided to split it up between our two dogs, Lacey and Friday. Generally they both love anything like that, but when Friday was offered a piece, he sniffed it and backed away, so it was given to Lacey. Again Z. tried giving him a piece. Again the same thing. Lacey ended up getting most of it, but the third time he was offered it, Friday took a piece, and got two in all.

"You missed all that," Zelda muttered, speaking of the bounty "the troll" received.

Z. made a good point afterwards. Friday wouldn't take any carob cup until he saw how much Lacey, in essence, benefited from it. It's the same with Christianity, she said. People will not be as apt to embrace it if we don't show that it really does benefit us, if we don't show that it makes an honest uplifting difference in our lives.

Lacey, "the troll"
Don't let the cuteness fool you!

It's true. Yes, we are counseled in Psalm 34:8: "O taste and see that the LORD [is] good:" We are supposed to individually find out for ourselves, but we as believers are counseled to "...be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation [behavior], in charity [love], in spirit, in faith, in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12.

If we claim the title Christian, it means we are ambassadors for Christ. Are we doing Him justice? Are we showing that the way of our King is the best? He says to each of us, "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick: and it giveth light to all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16. Are we that light? It's something to think on.

Blessings,
Jean

A Smile

In a recent post entitled "The Backbone" I had made reference to impacting someone with just a smile, and had said a post on that would follow shortly. Here it is.

Some time ago, my mom had wanted to go to a Rite-Aid to pick up some things, but instead of going to the local one, (we had been there three times already that week), we went to one in a neighboring town. As I was getting out of the van, I happened to look up and see a somewhat stern-looking, bearded man in a truck. He was looking at me, so I smiled at him. If I remember right he smiled back, but the matter was pushed to the back of my mind as we went inside, laughing about how Mom didn't wear her black boots because they didn't match with her brown purse.

After looking around some and using the facilities, we ended up at the end of an aisle. I look and see the man I smiled at coming towards us. My mom thought we were in the way, so she apologized.

"No, no, you're fine," he said. "I've come to talk to this young lady here." He gestured towards me. "I noticed she smiled at me earlier, and I thought 'Wow'." If my memory is correct, it was then that he gave me a five-dollar bill.

"Thank you!" "Thank you so much!"

Mom went on to say that she had always taught us, from the time we were little, to smile at people and see how many smiled back. He then proceeded to tell us that he was a single father and he had raised twins, a boy and a girl, who were eighteen.

"Good for you," my mother said. "That's wonderful!"

Before he left, I shook his hand. "Now you have five dollars," he said. "Spend it well now!" I smiled and nodded, and then he turned and made his way out of the store.

The money was nice, but the thought that I had so touched this man just by smiling was worth more to me than $5 times a million.

Paul admonishes us thus in Galatians 6:9-10: "And let us not be weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all [men,] especially unto them who are of the household of the faith." Never underestimate your influence, nor the power of a smile. You might reap very largely for it in the world to come.

Blessings,

Jean

Who I Really Am

The title is not speaking about anything abstract this time.

 

If you've read my About Me section, then you know Adelaide Smith is just an alias. I've been thinking that maybe I should just drop it. I could then feel comfortable sharing publicly on my Google + account, post an actual profile photo on Blogger (to the left), and just be more real. Of course, it would mean baring my identity not only to the online world, but to any unknowing friends who might happen to stumble across this blog (I doubt it, but it's possible). But...that's OK. I don't know if aliases are all that appropriate anyway.

 

However, while I will reveal who I am, the real names of family members and friends will not be given. I don't feel the need to do that. It is bad enough that people I know might be able to figure out who they are, never mind people I don't know. Aliases of some family members may be changed for various reasons. The signatures of past posts may or may not be modified. Probably not. People will just have more reason to read the above page (which will be updated accordingly) when they see the apparent contradiction.

 

With that said, my real name is Jean. Jean LeBlanc. There you have it. Not as elegant sounding as Adelaide Smith, but nevertheless, that is my name. (Go ahead and giggle if you wish).

 

Sincerely yours,

Jean LeBlanc