Of Beef and Graffiti

Yes, that's right--beef and graffiti.

John Williams was a missionary in the South Pacific islands, and frequently traveled. He came back to Rarotonga with sheep and cows from Tahiti. He and the other missionaries were quite excited as a cow was killed and the wives set out to recreate a traditional English meal of roast beef. When it was complete, John took pains to cut thick slices for everyone-though he noticed  as he did so that the smell was less than desirable.

After a few minutes of eating, Sarah Buzacott burst into tears. "All this time I've been longing for roast beef, and I don't like it!" she said. "The flavor is too strong. What kind of barbarian have I become that I don't like roast beef?" Her husband Aaron added that he too disliked it, though he wasn't going to say anything. It turned out nobody liked the meat, and it was fed to the cats.

 It is often the same with us. As the LORD lifts us up, He leads us in a different path. A lot of us, after a time, look down memory lane, and pine for the things which we laid aside. Some of us have found that when we go back to those apparently teeming fountains, they are quite dry and unsatisfying.

When I was younger, I was more or less a product of my school environment, and I had developed a taste for well-done graffiti. I used to use a website where you could create digital graffiti. As time passed, I realized it wasn't right, and stopped doing it. I didn't do it for a few years-I had no desire to. Then one night as I looked back on my past, I seemed to remember those things as bringing me great joy, and I was angry that I "couldn't" do it. "I'm going to do it. I'll like it. It'll be fun," I said determinedly, and went to the site. After a few minutes, I wasn't feeling the warm feelings I expected to. I felt just as down as before, and knew this wasn't going to do anything for me. I repented, and haven't been on there since.

So I hope that all of you who are longing after the flesh pots of Egypt, missing what is lost, won't do that anymore. Rest assured that those feelings are nothing more than delusionary, and temporary at that-at least, if we don't give in to them. There are joys unspeakable awaiting us if only we will keep our eyes fixed on GOD.  "Set your affection on things above, not on things of earth" is the counsel of Colossians 3:2. Let us do this, looking straight forward, and not back. Remember too, that if we don't pledge our all to heavenly things, we won't be any benefit to heaven. "And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of GOD." Luke 9:62.

Blessings,
Adelaide
 

He is Enough

At church this past Sabbath, Pastor talked about how we tend to think that if we can get this one thing-that opportunity, that job, that person, that whatever-we will be happier. It comes to us, and yet we find that after awhile, the old empty feeling returns. He talked about how it even happened to him. He thought that once he could get his book published-the company had rejected it-he would be satisfied. It was eventually published, but he said he then asked himself, "Now what?" After some time he realized what he had been missing-a relationship with Christ. Without meaning to, he had shifted his focus from Him to things, expecting them to fulfill the need that only GOD can fill. He brought out how it some of the early Adventist leaders fell prey to this, such as James White, husband of Ellen White. Take, for example, this quote written by him a relatively short time before his death:

"With some there is an unutterable yearning for Christ, and the writer is one of this class. With some of us it has been business, work, and care, giving Christ but little room in the mind and in the affections. With others it has been nearly all theory, dwelling upon the law and the prophets, the nature and destiny of man, and the messages, while destitute, to an alarming degree, of an indwelling Christ." Review and Herald, February 8, 1881.

I never would have guessed James White would have written this, but it simply shows that it doesn't matter your position-you can still be missing Jesus. And as I listened to the sermon, it dawned on me that I too had been distracted unawares. Being disabled, I have often felt almost subhuman because I didn't yet have employment. I felt the absence more keenly than I think others would, because being unemployed served to justify (in my mind) opinions others may have about people like me being literally no use to society. I thought that once I had a job-an official job that paid wages-I would be content. Sitting there in the fellowship hall of the church, I realized that if I was given one, the hole would still be there. Why? I was depending on it to make me satisfied. And it never would have. Only Jesus can do that. It isn't a sin to enjoy being useful, or to enjoy any other good gift-but we should never expect them to fill us-that ability, that right, belongs to Christ, and Christ alone.

I see Paul's words in Philippians 4:11 in a whole new light: "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, to [therewith] be content." He could do that, because no matter what, he had Jesus. And I can to, by His grace. I'm still jobless, but it no longer bothers me like it used to. It doesn't matter anymore if I never make a penny myself in my entire life. I have Jesus, and He is enough.

What about you?

Sincerely,
Adelaide

Something Better

I was out and about today at a local store, and came across a music box/note card set. It was very pretty, but the design seemed strange to me-a butterfly with a crown. I made sure I remembered the name of the company so I could look for more options online. I found a few, and one stood out to me. It was a blue box with a white bird and pink flower illustration on it. It was filled with green tea soap, and played Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake". It looked a lot nicer than it sounds, believe me. I added it to my wish list on Amazon. It would make a great gift, I thought.

But the nagging idea that it seemed out of line with what I professed to be wouldn't leave me. Yes, the illustration pointed to something in nature-which most of my friends scarcely pay attention to; yes, it contained soap, which to most people is  practical; but it was a little fancier than what I was comfortable with, even though the design was not nearly as gaudy as some of the others I had seen, and-it played Tchaikovsky? I used to love Tchaikovsky. I will still listen to it on the radio. But it hardly seems like the kind of music I would recommend to anyone these days, being a Christian.

And that's just it. We as humans can tend to think that what we do is our business and no one else's-and in many respects, that's true! And yet in some ways, it isn't. You see, just like acts of kindness speak louder than words and show whose side we're on, so does everything else we do. And everything, whether we like it or not, is seen by someone-to either their betterment or detriment.

Paul the apostle penned 1 Corinthians 4:9, it would seem, in light of the martyrdom he might face: "For I think that GOD hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men." Isn't it true, however, that we as Christians are always such spectacles, always being watched? I think so; unbelievers are always ready to point out some flaw in our lives, as vindication for their believing Christianity is a bunch of nonsense. "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of GOD" (1 Corinthians 10:31). We must, if we have taken upon ourselves the name of Christ...even when it's unpleasant, even when it requires self sacrifice.

Back to the box. It didn't sit right with me, but I found something just as good and even better instead-music boxes with inspirational sayings and uplifting thoughts, such as the "Serenity prayer" or "I thank GOD for you". That leads me to my main thought. When GOD requires us to say "No'' to something, it's always with a comma, followed by something better-even if it takes awhile to see.

Blessings,
Adelaide

"We Never Know"

Life keeps us all busy. Too busy. Sometimes so busy we forget what's really important-reflecting the character of Christ. Oftentimes circumstances don't permit us to show all we can of Him to others-and we don't always need to, either. A small act of kindness can go a long, long way. It may be something as simple as a smile, or a hello. Sometimes, though, it doesn't seem worth it to keep on trying to be friendly. It seems to yield no result.

 It has been rightfully said that Christ is the Author of friendliness, even in people who don't follow Him, though they know it not. Of course, as has been shown in the lives of many throughout history, if one refuses Him, eventually all inclinations to any sort of tenderness fade. Kindness, sympathy, and all their kin are just as verily talents requiring cultivation as are writing and artistic abilities. What happens when we don't cultivate a flower? It withers and dies. The same with these virtues.

I don't want to risk losing them altogether because I didn't feel it would do any good to exercise them. I don't think you do either. Where would that leave me, leave you? Not in a pleasant position. Being Christ-like is worth it, even in the little things, simply because it illustrates His character to others, and allows Him to develop the same character in us. It doesn't really matter what anyone else does with what we do; when you get right down to it, we are the ones most affected by what we do. "The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but [he that is] cruel troubleth his own flesh." Proverbs 11:17.

Thank GOD, however! The benefits don't end there. "Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days." Ecclesiastes 11:1. Galatians 6:9 states it more plainly: "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."

This poem may help you to remember such sentiments, as it is quite catchy with all the rhyme. (I don't ascribe to the author's views on everything, but this I agree with).

 

A LITTLE WORD

  



I spoke a word,
And no one heard;
I wrote a word,
And no one cared,
Or seemed to heed;
But after half a score of years
It blossomed in a fragrant deed.

Preachers and teachers all are we, --
Sowers of seeds unconsciously.
Our hearers are beyond our ken,
Yet all we give may come again
With usury of joy or pain.
We never know
To what one little word may grow.
See to it then that all your seeds
Be such as bring forth noble deeds.

                                                             ~John Oxenham


Blessings,
Adelaide

More of a Reality

I haven't posted in awhile, mostly due to laziness as usual. Well, the desire to write has returned...I only wish it was for a different reason. A friend of mine, *Maria*, went to Nigeria two months ago to do missionary work. She passed away two days ago from malaria. The words still don't seem to belong together. I wasn't even aware she was ill. She was supposed to be home next month, and a month after that would have brought her 18th birthday. I can't completely wrap my mind around what happened. On the one hand I know she won't be coming back, but on the other it seems like a big joke. When I say, "Maria's death," or "Maria died," it sounds like I'm talking about some other girl with that name.

This experience has sobered me. It's true that over the years I've lost a lot of my light-heartedness, but now even more so. This has showed me in clear lines that we cannot be guaranteed tomorrow, that whatever we want to do we had better do today. "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest." Ecclesiastes 9:10.

It also has taught me to never take offense. Maria was a strong personality, and sometimes the way she said things stung, even though she meant it in love. (I have been guilty of the same). Now my irritation seems so foolish. I would give nearly anything to hear her say my face looked unsymmetrical or that I shouldn't be eating at Subway again. She was probably right anyway. Yes, life is too short and precious to get angry...

More importantly, it has brought eternal things into sharper focus. It has made it, as it were, more down to earth. More of a reality. It was my goal before to reach the heavenly country, and now I have all the more reason to. As you can perhaps tell from what I wrote above, my relationship with Maria was not as smooth as others were, at least on my end. Yet, over the past few months God has changed my heart more, and I was really looking forward to her homecoming and getting to know her better. I had all these facets of truth that I wished to discuss with her, and I had even found a recipe for cake that she would have probably eaten. Well, that's not possible now, but if I am faithful I am confident I will see her at the last day, and then we have all eternity to become the best of friends-and we won't have to worry about anyone dying. "Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall. For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1:10-11. I pray that this may be your aim as well, and that death will not have to make it more relevant to you.

Through it all and above all, I have been shown that even though I can't discern it now, there is a reason for her death. God could have healed her-after all, He has restored people who were in greater troubles than she was-, but He chose not to. Therefore I conclude that He didn't allow this to happen to cause needless grief or pain. There is a meaning in this tragedy, and that comforts me. "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [His] purpose." Romans 8:28. Yes, and not just for the one who passed, but for those who are left behind. May this promise comfort those of you who are suffering, too.

Blessings,
Adelaide





  

"Under the Shadow of Thy Wings"

Do you remember those times when you were younger and some "enemy" (a dog, person, or maybe just a distorted inanimate object) was "going to get" you? Most likely you were very scared. You probably knew, however, that if you could make it to mommy and daddy they would protect you. Perhaps some of you had that stability for a time, but then it was ripped out from underneath your feet; perhaps some of you never had it at all. It's the unfortunate way of things today.

 And, perhaps, some of you are trying to flee from something that no parent can vanquish. Each one of us has a foe that no family member, no friend, can fight for us. It is between us and them. I have seen it many a time in the life of those dear to me-when I just wanted to be able to give them the victory on a silver platter, but I couldn't.

What's more, I have gone through such lone struggle myself. The worst trials I have experienced have not involved individuals (though some of those have been hard as well), but my own mind. There is nothing more terrible than one's brain being assaulted with random, hideous thoughts and ideas, things that you would never willingly ascribe to. No one you know can fight it for you. You can't make sense of it, and it seems like no matter what you do you can't stop it. No sooner did you fight one than another one takes it's place. You get tired from trying to hold onto what you know is true, and every few minutes feels like hell. You get to the point where you're not sure what or who you really are anymore. You begin to doubt your own sanity. Soon other people aren't too far behind you on that, especially when you start talking to yourself so you can at least hear something sensible... My mother was particularly distressed by my strange behavior, and had often told me to "hold the thoughts captive to the obedience of Jesus Christ." I scoffed at such an idea. Like it was that simple! Furthermore, I told her, I did not want to have to be doing that all day.

One day, however, I reached the end of my rope. I realized I had nothing whatsoever to lose by giving it a try. Surely it could be no worse in effect than the mantras I had created-they weren't much help. So I tried. I can't remember the exact experiences following my decision to try it, but I know it put me on the road to "recovery". Sometimes I would-and still do- fall back into the old habits, but more and more I have learned to hold them captive. Then, I go by faith. Since I truly believe that they have fled, I go about my business as though they had never come, regardless of the feelings of fear and condemnation that come upon me. Often, it is not easy, but GOD has given me many victories through this advice.

Such advice does not just apply to my particular situation. The basis, going by faith, is applicable to any and all situations. When temptation assails us, we may claim the promises in GOD's Word, and we can be sure of them- as long as we do all that is within our power to cooperate with Him. It might be confessing sins, setting things right between us and our neighbor, removing temptations as much as possible, and so on. He cannot help as much when we willingly cherish known evil.

I hope these promises become a safe haven to you, as they are to me. Here is a quote from a devotional called Our High Calling by Mrs. Ellen G. White. It is taken from March 20, "Give No Place to Temptation":

"Let us trust fully, humbly, unselfishly, in God. We are His little children, and thus He deals with us. When we draw near to Him, He mercifully preserves us from the assaults of the enemy. Never will He betray one who trusts in Him as a child trusts in its parents. He sees the humble, trusting souls drawing near to Him, and in pity and love He draws near to them, and lifts up for them a standard against the enemy. “Touch them not,” He says, “for they are mine. I have graven them upon the palms of my hands.” He teaches them to exercise unquestioning faith in His power to work in their behalf. With assurance they say, “This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”

 

May GOD be the Father you can run to. May you realize, by faith, the fulfillment of the psalmist's prayer in Psalm 17:8-9: "Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of Thy wings, From the wicked that oppress me, [from] my deadly enemies, [who] compass me about."

Blessings,
Adelaide


 

Like Little Children

"And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:2-3.

Little children. When you're little and you look up to someone, you think the best of them. You think that whatever they say is so, and that they always have your well being in mind. And thus, you obey them without question. You try to make them happy in every thing. You seek to be just like them, because you love them.

So often as we grow older, we become jaded because we realize that they are not perfect, they are not always right, and in most cases, not always looking out for us. We begin to lose the ability to trust people, more or less, to some degree. We hold people, perhaps without realizing it, at arms length.

We don't have to with GOD. He is perfect, He is always right, and He always seeks our highest good, even though it may not seem so at the time. "...the LORD [is] upright: [He is] my rock, and [there is] no unrighteousness in Him." Psalm 92:15

"Oh that My people had hearkened unto Me, [and] Israel had walked in My ways! I should soon have subdued their enemies, and turned My hand against their adversaries. The haters of the LORD should have submitted themselves unto Him: but their time should have endured for ever. He should have fed them also with the finest of the wheat: and with honey out of the rock should I have satisfied thee." Psalm 81:13-16. "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Jeremiah 29:11.

"God [is] not a man, that He should lie; neither the son of man, that He should repent: hath He said, and shall He not do [it?] or hath He spoken, and shall He not make it good?" Numbers 23:19. If we do what He says, He will do as He says. "Them that honour me I will honour," 1 Samuel 2:30.

With such assurance, shouldn't we seek to be more childlike today?

Blessings,
Adelaide