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“Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the Kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Matthew 25:34-36, 40

On Tuesday morning, Keith and I left central Arkansas and headed to the East Coast with our daughter Melissa’s car. She took a dream job in New London, New Hampshire for the summer and flew out a few weeks ago. The journey was 1,600 miles one way, but hey! We love the wind in our hair and the road before us. However, we watched from afar as our home state, Arkansas, suffered historic and catastrophic flooding along the Arkansas River. When we awoke in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, and saw their local news reporting on the Holly Bend Levy failure, we knew it was more than staggering. 

Thoughts and imaginings drifted to the long haul of this natural disaster. There won’t be a recovery, but rather, a continuing forward with a new normal no one really wants. My home is on high, dry ground. I haven’t lost anything, so what must I do to help those in loss? Here’s my plan, maybe you’d like to join me.

1. Go light on lip service and heavy on man power. It takes more little Indians than big chiefs to rebuild a village.
2. Shut mouth and shovel mud! Resist complaining about leadership or politics.
3. Anger and desperation will be rampant. Be gracious and kind.
4. Be invisible. If they don’t see me, they will give God the Glory.
5. Support organizations who specialize in disaster relief.

Any time, any day, alone, in a group, every day or every once in a while, God will direct and I must go. I know He will send others too. I look forward to seeing you there.

Love,

Gretchen

P.S. A huge thank you to my sister Gayle Elizabeth Paladino for helping Keith and I get two vehicles to New Hampshire so we would have a ride home. We’ve been in a car for 3,200+ miles, (in Canada they were kilometers, but who’s counting) and I am better and stronger for having laughed so much. You lightened our load and brightened our journey. Love you!

One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When He finished, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught His disciples.” Luke 11:1 (Luke 11:1-13)

Although Jesus was the Son of God, God incarnate, while He was in the flesh He seemed utterly dependent on the Power of prayer and always referred to God as Father. He prayed this prayer, The Lord’s Prayer, as a guide for us as we petition God with our daily concerns.

Jesus puts a great deal of emphasis on private prayer, not to be ashamed, but to bare ourselves honestly before God. Prayer is a matter between ourselves and God and no one else. In this manner we protect the integrity and motive of every act and decision we have in our heart as we give our lives to God for guidance, strength and/or thanksgiving.

If God is our most intimate friend, prayer will bring more joy than any other habit we practice or experience. We will find wisdom for every emergency, discernment and confidence in every decision and encouragement to be persistent and bold in our requests.

When we are instructed to come before God as a little child comes to their parent, it begins with prayer. The younger the child, the more they ask for and expect to receive. What does this say about God’s desire and intention to give us all we could ever imagine we might need? Ask in His name and He will provide.

Love,

Gretchen

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 (Matthew 11:20-30, Luke 9:51-56, 17:11-19, 10:1-42)

Following the Feast of Tabernacles there is growing opposition toward Jesus because He refuses to accept the role most want Him to play, that of a political ruler and conquerer. He faces the reality of His final suffering and sends out 72 disciples, empowered to spread the Gospel and heal sorrows and broken bodies.

During this time Jesus heals ten lepers and sends them on their way. As they realize the miracle they have received, only one returns in gratitude for Jesus’ healing touch. Because of this, only he receives eternal life. While health was restored to the others, it was temporary and of this world only. Jesus pays a visit to two sisters, Mary and Martha. Mary sits and basks in Jesus’ presence while Martha bitterly plays diligent hostess. Martha is missing the presence of God in an effort to create a perfect earthly atmosphere. While Jesus was teaching, a young theologian asked Him how to gain the Kingdom of Heaven. Everyone knows you are to love the Lord God with all your mind, body and soul, and your neighbor as yourself.  The young scholar tested, “Then who is my neighbor?” Jesus answered with the parable of the Good Samaritan. A neighbor is he who acts with love when the opportunity arises, regardless of past woes and present bias.

When the 72 were sent out, Jesus instructs them to accept the support they are entitled too, but to avoid luxury. Selfish ambition has no place in service to the Kingdom. Time is precious and there’s work to be done and you’ll only find disappointment when you ask Jesus to be something other than Who He is.

Weariness is a fact of life. As humble servants, we are offered relief from our burdens. A yoke allows no looking back and shares the load of a difficult task. Jesus is a gentle, kind and loving master. He will not crush you in order to please Himself. He will give you rest and all the resources you need to live in joy.

Love,

Gretchen

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 (John 8:12-10:21)

During The Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus begins to speak more publicly of His deity. Many believe and follow when He shares wisdom on light and points to Himself as a light that will not extinguish. Truth becomes the focus of conversation between Jesus and the Pharisees while others closely observe.  Jesus states the Truth will set you free while sin enslaves you. The Pharisees are highly offended because they are sons of Abraham and they have not been slaves since the Exodus. In defense of their obtuse behavior they declare Jesus to be demon possessed, which makes no logical sense whatsoever, but validated their rebellious attitude when Jesus spoke of things eternal and the Pharisees picked up stones to kill Him.

As if by coincidence, a man, blind since birth crossed Jesus’ path following His comments on Light. The disciples asked why the man is afflicted. Is it because of his personal sin or the sin of his parents? Jesus explains, sin is not the cause but shows that every pain is an opportunity to show God’s glory, then He heals the man…..on the Sabbath. Again, the Pharisees are outraged and question Jesus, then the man, and his parents, then the man again. They were bent on discerning the how and why of Jesus’ actions and applying some nefarious motivation. They could not find what did not exist.

Jesus continued His teaching with verses that have become some of the most precious and cherished words in Christendom, John 10:7-18. “I am the Good Shepherd.” Shepherds were well known to the people of Palestine. They knew you don’t drive sheep, you lead them. The Good Shepherd longs to give life in full so He walks closely, provides absolute security, guides to green pastures and still water, gives constant companionship and unfailing love. There is nothing more to wish for.

Jesus has no motive but love, a love so great that it frees and heals and fills the void that the world leaves.

Love,

Gretchen

When they kept on questioning Him, He straightened up and said to them, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” John 8:7 (John 7:2-8:11)

It has been a year and a half since Jesus was in Jerusalem. The threats to His life are real, yet He knows His time has not yet come. However, He chose to take His ministry to other parts of Israel. All Jewish males are required to attend The Feast of Tabernacles, the commemoration of the ancient wilderness journey when the Israelites lived in tents. As this celebration approaches Jesus’ own brothers taunt Him and urge Him to make His way back to Jerusalem. As His friends, disciples and family members head toward Jerusalem, Jesus delays, then proceeds privately. There are mixed feelings about Him among the Jewish population, some hate Him and others are convinced He is the Messiah, but He does not wish to incite riots or a circus.

Upon arriving in Jerusalem, Jesus proceeds to teach in the temple where the things He says are so profound even those sent to arrest Him are halted by His truths. And when an adulterous woman is brought forward they ask Jesus to condemn according to the Law of Moses and join them in her stoning. It was actually a trap, as they already suspected He would act in peace rather than violence and He knew those among them ready to cast stones were guilty of adultery themselves.

Jesus resists condemnation in exchange for compassion…..EVERYTIME! There are those who turn their backs on all He offers, but it didn’t change His message and purpose then and it won’t today. If you are the woman (or man) curled up on the ground, waiting for someone’s death blow of judgement to take you out, stand up and face the Son. He has a better way and He’s holding no rocks. Believe, be saved and put away your shame.

Love,

Gretchen 

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.” Matthew 16:16 ( Matthew 16:13-28, 17:1-27, 18:1-14, Mark 8:27-38, 9:1-42, Luke 9:18-48, 17:2-10)

As Jesus returns to Galilee He begins to strengthen and prepare His disciples for His death. By this time all the Apostles know Jesus is the Messiah, but their understanding is limited and faith simple. Both will be tested to the breaking point.

The highlight of this preparation is the Transfiguration. Jesus takes James, John and Peter, His inner circle, to Mount Hermon where Jesus was seen in His Glory. Moses and Elijah, representative of The Law and The Prophets, were there. Again, A voice from Heaven affirms the supremacy of God and the deity of Jesus the Christ.

Following this amazing event, Jesus asks Peter who He is. Peter has recognized Jesus as LORD, Messiah, and The Holy One of God, but at this point He knows He is The One True God. It is this Truth Jesus refers to as ‘The Rock’ upon which the Church will be built. Peter will lead the way.

Even as Jesus begins to intensely teach His followers, the masses continue to bring their needs to Him. He heals an epileptic child, tells the parables of the lost sheep and the unforgiving servant, and speaks a great deal about humility. Jesus took a little child and had him stand among them and taught they must come to Him humbly as a child would and the spiritual well-being of the weak is to be the concern of the strong.

These men saw and heard what we must know in faith. When those who were present for these events asked for greater faith, Jesus reminded them the smallest seed of confidence in what we hope for, but have not seen, can move mountains. Always remember, God is the God of the impossible, Creator of all, and Victor over death.

Love,

Gretchen

Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith!” Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment. Matthew 15:28 (Matthew 15:21-39, 16:1-12, Mark 7:24-30, 8:5-26)

The Jewish people of authority became increasingly hostile toward Jesus, so Jesus turns His evangelism to Tyre and Sidon, away from Jewish territory. Here we hear the story of a Canaanite mother begging Jesus to heal her daughter from demon possession. Canaanites were descendants of Noah’s cursed son Ham. They were considered far beneath that status of Jews and unworthy of God’s blessing. At first it seems as though Jesus would reject and rebuke this mother’s request. He likened her to a dog. But, we know race nor ethnicity is an issue with Jesus. He was merely mirroring the thoughts of His disciples and showing them the ugliness in their hearts. In the presence of this perceived prejudice, the woman was persistent and by her faith the child was healed. This act shows the universality of God’s loving concern for all people.

Once again, the masses follow Jesus. For three days one group of people remained with Him, listening as He taught. They grew hungry, He fed them. He also restored the speech of a man deaf and mute and gave sight to the blind. Mingled in these stories of God’s power over nature and man’s health is a story of the Pharisees and Sadducees again, badgering Jesus for a confirming sign of His deity. He refused. They had plenty of reason to believe and chose not to. When Jesus rose from the grave, they would know.

Those who shouldn’t believe did and those who should have, wouldn’t. Regardless, there will come a day when excuses and reasoning will be no more. Faith will be all that matters. You only need a little, so don’t be caught without it.

Happy Memorial Day,

Gretchen

Since the summer before we became parents, until today, Keith and I have traveled to many amazing and enthralling places, but the ribbon of highway often takes us to battle fields where Americans who came before us died, because they stood for the conviction that all men should be free. Here are a few of the stories we heard and experienced, that forever changed us.

Among the rolling hills and along the Tennessee River and the Mississippi/Tennessee state line, stands Shiloh National Military Park. We visited there the summer we were expecting our first born child. White grave markers extend as far as the eye can see. Swords, bullets and cannon wounded or killed 23,746 men in two days. It is said that during rainy weather you can still smell the stench of bodies that lay in the heat on those late spring days, waiting to be buried. My feet touched where their blood spilled. I cried and begged God to stop the hatred and war. He said, “Let it begin with you, don’t hate.”

Years later, on July 4th, 2001 (just weeks before 9/11) we took our daughters to York Town National Historical Park to watch fireworks over the James River.  As we carried our blankets and picnic down a small ditch and up a short climb, then down and up again and again, we realized we were hiking the trenches men had dug to safeguard themselves against enemy fire. My heart stilled. This hallowed place was both a Revolutionary and Civil War battle field.  As earth’s eternal spin hid the sun’s rays, and the stars began to shine on a perfect evening, a military choir serenaded us with many wonderful, patriotic choruses, but when they began God Bless America, I couldn’t breath.  I held the hands of my children knowing the cost someone else paid for my privilege. I asked God to protect them from the storm clouds of dissension that could bring about another war and rob them of the blessings they enjoyed.  God said, “Let it begin with you, teach them to love.” 

In the same summer we traveled a small distance to Gettysburg, PA, a quaint town that has preserved our Civil War history beautifully. We viewed gunshot holes in bed posts and stepped into cellars were civilians hid. We journeyed across the battlefield, and made our way to the National Cemetery.  It was my mistake to believe that only casualties of the war between the states were enshrined there.  Keith quietly asked me to look down.  I didn’t understand until he said, “Read the date.” I did, “December 7, 1941.” (Pearl Harbor) Then he said, “Do the math.”  I did. The soldier was only 16 years old when he drew his last breath for me and mine. He lied about his age and joined the navy hoping his life would mean something more.  It does, it means everything! I asked God to make life mean something better. He said, “Let it begin with you, be brave.”

Finally, I have been to Arlington. There are no words. Even as we gave our respect to those who were entombed there, new graves were preparing to receive those who deserve this honor and much more. I asked God to make me worthy. He said, “You are worthy, be honorable and noble.”

The ears I speak to will never hear my humble gratitude, but I say it anyway. “Thank you!”  To those that gave their life so that I could bask in a freedom like no other on the face of the earth, “Thank you.”

Have a Blessed Weekend,

Gretchen

You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men. Mark 7:8  (Matthew 14:14-15:20, Mark 6:34-7:23, Luke 9:11-17, John 6:1-7:1)

The second year of Jesus’ ministry was a peak year of popularity. He continued to heal the sick, and began feeding the multitudes. Following an especially long day, Jesus sent his disciples ahead, across the Sea of Galilea, while He found a quiet place to pray. Later, during the night He walked on water to join His friends. They believed Him to be a ghost, so Jesus spoke to them and Peter asked to join Him as an affirmation of who He was. Peter became the first to understand that Jesus was the Son of God, God incarnate.

The masses were ready to make Jesus king. He fed them for free, provided medical and mental health care, understood their plight and righted the wrongs they were suffering, but they misunderstood the nature of God’s Kingdom. They wanted the perks, but not the pain. Jesus explained the cost of following and many declined.

During this time, things began to heat up between Jesus and the Pharisees. He pointed out the dangers of their legalism and the pitfalls of traditional, doctrinal rules that were not at all connected to any part of the Law. His condemnation of their behavior, coupled with His threat to their authority, ignited furious hostility. Opposition in Judea became so life threatening Jesus remained in Galilea.

Many times Jesus made a clear distinction between evolved tradition and true Law. The Jewish authority’s creation of inappropriate authority to oppress and abuse was very offensive to Jesus. It was hypocrisy at its finest. Worship God for who HE IS! Then serve others because of who HE IS! This is obedience to His Law.

Love,

Gretchen

When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed the helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Matthew 9:36-37 (Matthew 9:35-10:42, 11:1, 14:1-13, Mark 6:6-33, Luke 9:1-11)

Jesus had been rejected a second time by His own community and close family, but crowds in surrounding places aggressively sought Him. Keenly aware of their need for spiritual guidance, Jesus called all who were willing to work for the Kingdom of Heaven. He gave them power to heal the sick, cast out demons and restore life to the dead. ALL who believed were called, only a few went.

With the specialized skills given to those who answered God’s voice, there was great potential for wealth. Who wouldn’t give all they owned to paralyze the threat of pain or death? However, Jesus cautioned, travel light, expect hardship and resistance, trust God’s unfailing care, keep your eyes on the eternal goal. You will find food and shelter among those who share in your mission, but take no money! God’s Love is NOT to be used for profit!

 Matthew 14:1-13 tells the story of John the Baptist’s murder. To summarize this event would do an injustice, so I encourage you to read it, but keep in mind, guilt and superstition made Herod Antipas add sin upon sin. Herod had divorced his own wife to marry Herodius, wife of his half-half-brother Philip. John had denounced this as incest and was imprisoned for his truth. Herodius held a grudge and wanted to silence John’s voice permanently. When the opportunity emerged, she took it and John was martyred. Jesus and His disciples attempted to quietly grieve and comfort each other, but the world needed them more, and so they continued on, with Love, Grace and Mercy.

If you know Jesus as Messiah, you are called to spread the message. Compassion for the lost motivated those who went. Are you moved? It WILL cost you, but you won’t pay more than you gain, eternal life in a place that exceeds far beyond man’s comprehension. 

Love,

Gretchen