Traveling the Rock Road

I hear from individuals regularly who want to discuss, debate or question my faith and the things I write about. Recently a friend told me this story with a question.

He had started going to a church in his town that he really liked. The pastor, congregation and overall attitude there made him feel comfortable and he never missed a Sunday. Then one day at work he recognized the back of a man he met at church that was talking to a group of guys in the cafeteria. He heard laughter coming from the table they sat at so decided to walk over and join in. As he drew nearer he could hear the individual talking and telling jokes that fell into the category of raunchy! Feeling a little uneasy he continued walking up until the man could see him. As soon as their eyes met there was a sober moment between them. Then the other man smirked, said hi and turned back to his buddies. My young friend turned away part in anger, part in confusion. The next Sunday he noticed this man kept a distance between the two of them but still acted in his typical nice and “holy” ways (my friend’s words, not mine). After the service the young man mentioned to the pastor he recently found out the other person worked at the same place. The pastor’s response? “Oh yes, I am so thankful he comes to our church; he really loves the Lord.”  My friend walked out of the church that day and never returned. Now his question came, “How can you say he’s a Christian or that Christianity is even so great if they allow someone like this guy to be a part of them?” Now there’s a topic on which volumes could be written, but since I’m just a blogger I’ll keep my responses short and answer to the best of my ability.

1^st. Let’s say perhaps this man isn’t really a Christian; I don’t know. But maybe he comes to church because his family always went there, maybe because of his wife. Or perhaps he realizes he has problems and needs help; possibly he hopes someday he’ll overcome his weakness.  After all, wouldn’t it be better to come with problems over staying away and letting the bad-behavior grow worse? Jesus said it himself, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Mark2:17

2^nd. Let’s say this guy is playing a game and figures he’ll never get caught. Billy Sunday said it this way, “Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than going to a garage makes you an automobile.” Just because a man hides his ways from others doesn’t mean God doesn’t know the truth. “I the LORD search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.” Jeremiah 17:10. If this man is playing a game it’s a dangerous one; I pray he comes to a full understanding of God’s love before it’s too late.

3^rd. To use an old adage, “Christians aren’t perfect, just forgiven.” I don’t care who you are, we all make mistakes and will continue to make bad decisions in this earthly vessel we call life. That’s why Jesus came; He knows we could never make it without Him. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:31. From this perspective I get a picture of someone who struggles with something bad in their life, but that doesn’t mean God has rejected him. A Loving Father doesn’t work that way. “God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him.” John 3:16,17. I pray this man brings his troubles to Christ, and continues to do so. It’s like putting on muscle; if you stay at it you will get stronger. “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13.

4^th. As I told my young friend, give your pastor a break! Shepherds, as I call them are some of the hardest working people I’ve ever met. They labor continuously to bring the Word of God to others as well as care for the needs of the ones God has placed before them. They have no magical way of knowing what people do all the time; they can only do what God has placed before them. “We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.” 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13. “And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding” Jeremiah 3:15.  As I told my friend, “Pray for your pastor and be a help to him when you can; he needs you as much as you need him.”

5^th I finally posed this question to my friend, “If you see what is wrong, what are you doing that is right?” It’s easy to see what someone does that’s wrong, the hard part is deciding what is right, and then doing it. I pointed out that excluding himself from the church, other believers and God didn’t right the wrong he saw in this man’s life, it pushed him away from blessings that were there for him, such as Grace, Mercy, Forgiveness, Love. Galatians 6:9 says, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Says it all, huh?

Well I got longer winded on this subject than I wanted to and I’m sure I missed other important answers to my young friend’s question. But if you’ll take another moment to read one more thought that I believe every “Traveler of the Rock Road” ought to consider; it just might make a difference when upsetting matters come your way. I’ve used it before but it’s worth repeating.

ATTITUDE by Charles Swindoll

The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company… a church… a home.

The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past… we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude… I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.

And so it is with you… we are in charge of our attitudes.

See ya next time.

Sorry I missed last week, guys; still getting over some medical issues. Here’s a story I started a few years back and thought it would be nice to finish and share with you wonderful people,

A few years back I was having coffee with an old musician friend who related this story to me. The two of us fell into that large category of musicians who tried to make it to the big time only to fall short. However, there was this person we both knew that had played on the big stage. Jess had been a member of a band from the 60s/70s that had several songs that made the Top 40 in their respective style. The band toured extensively during their moment in the sun and had a short resurgence in popularity in the 90s after a reunion tour, only to disband permanently soon afterwards. Our mutual friend, Jess, relocated to L.A. in hopes of continuing his musical career. Now it appeared Jess had returned home as my friend saw him going into a grocery store. He was going to go over and say hello until he noticed Jess was doing everything he could not to draw attention. Sitting in his car for a good amount of time; Jess finally got out, put his head down and quickly strolled into the store. My friend’s curiosity was now peaked so he sat in the parking lot until Jess came back out. When he did, Jess was carrying a bag of groceries and walked along the edge of the store like he was looking at something. When it was apparent no one was paying him any attention, he quickly headed to his old car that definitely had seen its better days and drove off.

As my friend was relating this story to me he began to chuckle, “I found out that old hotshot Jess hit rough times and was now broke, so he came home to live with his sister and does everything he can not to let others know how low he sank.” I don’t remember anymore, but I probably chuckled right along hearing of old Jess’ downfall. It was a while before it hit me that it really wasn’t funny at all; not just the fact that Jess had hit rock-bottom, but that he was embarrassed to have others know.  Perhaps because I never hit a pinnacle in life that was so high that if I fell it wouldn’t be seen as traumatic as Jess and ones like him. But I hold to the belief that an occupation, skills, gifts, mistakes and especially social status does not define who you are. I heard a saying I love that goes something like this, “I love that the morning’s sunrise does not define itself by last night’s sunset.” Isn’t that awesome?!! In other words, “Failure is not Final!” My favorite author relates this to God in your life when he says, “If we only have the will to walk, God is pleased with our stumbles.”

“Traveling the Rock Road” was never promised as easy, straight or without setbacks. But we’re told God is still with us no matter what; and He can use our failures as successes, as long as we don’t shut ourselves off from the world and to His love. Psalm 37:23-24 “The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand.” And remember, no matter how anyone else sees you (and that includes you) you are special and unique; God made you that way, and he loves you with all your faults!

“If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it. If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning… Face it, friend. He is crazy about you! ” Max Lucado

The last word I heard on old Jess, he was picking up work as a studio musician, plus he’s playing in a worship band at his sister’s church. He’s no longer hiding, he’s happy. “Failure is not final!!
See ya next time.

Last month my Lady and I traveled up north from our home to hear a young man perform who is very close to our hearts. Joe used to live in Chicago where he became good friends with our son and daughter-in-law, Jeremy and Bekah. Jer and Joe spent a great amount of time playing music together but more importantly, creating a bonding friendship that goes on to this day. Joe would travel to any venue, large or small for the opportunity to play his songs and get his name known. It wasn’t long that Chicago could no longer keep this hidden talent to themselves. Today he is seen as one of the top performers in folk music as well as being called by many the best song writer in the business. From driving 100 miles to play free in a record shop for a small crowd, he has performed all over the world and worked with the likes of Josh Ritter & The Royal City Band, Steve Earle, Levon Helm and Elvis Costello. So on this night Joe was on the tail end of his latest tour once again playing at a folk club in Goshen. He texted and invited us to be his guests, and we knew we couldn’t miss it.

The second Joe took the stage we recognized our young talented friend. But from the youngster who used to perform in worn out jeans and a dirty pair of work boots there now stood a man articulate in his looks, words and music. The show was tremendous as he belted out tunes from previous CDs as well as new numbers that he would soon be releasing. He flowed smoothly song to song, taking time to speak to the audience in the same creative way as his music; intelligent, entertaining as well as amusing. The sound system that carried his gift out to the listeners was amazing as his voice, guitar, harmonica and piano filled the room with the overwhelming rhapsody of all-encompassing melody. But then Joe did something, not once but twice, that is uncommon for a performer. He would shut off the feed to his guitar, step away from the mic and move to the front edge of the stage, singing and playing without the aid of amplification. Smiling to myself I thought Joe must me reliving some of his younger days when at times this was the way he had to sing to crowds. Then it struck me, that wasn’t his purpose at all. Without the sound system the music and his voice were softer and to hear you had to sit as still as possible, completely listening. That’s what he wanted, that was his purpose. These were not just songs he had written for entertainment purpose, these were messages from his heart, matters that he valued and deeply desired to share with everyone there. And you could have heard a pin drop. It was days later that the thought occurred to me, “Joe, young brother, you did exactly what God desires to do with each of us.”

One of my favorite verses is Psalms 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God.” So what does that mean? Is it saying if you find a quiet place to be all by yourself, void of all outside interference God will softly whisper in your ear all that He has for you? Well, I’m no theologian and I firmly believe in having quiet moments between me and the Creator of the universe, but that doesn’t appear to be what the verse is saying. In the daily rush we’re all going to have those moments when things are not going well, happiness seems far off and troubles appear to prevail at every corner. Those are the times many cry out, “God, where are you? Help me!!” then quickly dash back into the problems still weighted down with worry as they try to work things out by themselves. I know this to be true because I’ve been just as guilty as anyone. So as I’ve studied and pondered the words, “Be still and know that I am God,” I conclude that the Lord is saying, “Why do you spend all your time in worry? Why do you listen to the voice of doom and gloom? Why do you not earnestly come to me for guidance and peace? I’m here and I’m waiting on you, because I love you.”  Author and fellow blogger Jackie Trottmann points out, “The Hebrew definition is to stop striving, to let go, surrender. The chapter begins and ends with God is our refuge.” Friends and Family, I can truthfully  say, when I stopped facing difficulties alone and sought God through His Word, prayer, and other believers that problems no longer dominated who I was. They might have still been there for a time; but by turning them down and turning God up, fear and anguish was replaced with joy and peace. As our Savior, Christ called out to the waves, “Peace, be still!” so too He calls out to the storm that can rage in us, “Be Still, and know I am God.

Proverbs 3:6 “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”

As our friend Joe quieted the audience so that they could accurately listen to his songs, God calls to each of you “Travelers of the Rock Road” to stop for a moment and listen to what He softly has to tell you. It just might be the most important whisper you’ve ever heard.

See ya next time.

Another Christmas has come and gone, and in the flash of moment the next thing we know it’s now 2018! It seems like only yesterday a young couple were celebrating their 1^st holidays together in a 10’x50’ trailer giving each other small but memorable gifts we could afford on our small budget. Nowadays we cram a family of 14 into my basement studio for a festive occasion packed with gifts galore. With Cathy and I raised as only children, we feel special with this gathering and thank God for how richly He’s blessed us. Probably like many our age, we’re not concerned with what we might receive as presents; we receive more joy watching the faces of the others, especially the children, as they unwrap their latest treasure.  Late Christmas evening the family gave me a gift they probably didn’t realize, and that I’ve been looking back at everyday since with a fond memory and a smile. What was that gift? Well hang on and I’ll tell you.

As the evening grew late and all the festivities were completed some of my kids and a grandson gathered at the dining room table to play games. Cathy and our two youngest grandchildren had turned in, three more stayed down stairs watching a Christmas movie and I went to my easy chair to put my feet up and relax. It wasn’t long after that the final and best gift was given to me. Listening to the kids in the other room I began to hear chuckles, then more with others joining in. Soon it seemed like no one could take a turn playing without everyone else bursting into hilarity. After a while the girls just had to come up from the basement and join in on whatever was going on. Now there was a roar of happiness coming from the room. And as for me I continued to sit in my chair and listen, listen to the wonderful gift they were inadvertently giving. So, have you figured out what it was? Well, simply, laughter.

As a young child I remember being happy and laughing often, but when Mom and I went to live with my great aunt and uncle he would not allow that type of foolishness. If something brought me to the point of laughing more than he felt appropriate there would be a price to pay, so I had to focus on how to stifle that emotion. Later when I went to school, there was group that targeted me to make fun of. Whenever they laughed, it was not with me but at me with ridicule and hateful words, and for a time I grew to have a distain for the sound of laughter. For a period of time I lived quite sober minded and would only allow happiness in situations I felt in control of. Thankfully that period of my life didn’t last as I learned it was okay to laugh and even vital to my health, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. The latter was by far the hardest for me to grasp; for some reason I just didn’t see where being a Christian and enjoying life and laughter went together. That is until I took a look at what God’s Word said on the subject.

Job 8:21 “He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.”

Proverbs 17:22 “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

Nehemiah 8:10 Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

I have learned that bad things happen to all of us, it’s part of life here on Earth. But take two thoughts into consideration. The first, circumstances don’t have to rob you of happiness. I could give you a list longer than my arm of folks who have faced situations far worse than I ever have, but still find room for joy. The second is God knows of your state, cares for you and will never leave you. Take joy in Him for He takes joy in you.  Psalm 149:4 “For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the afflicted ones with salvation.”

One of my favorite authors Max Lucado writes, “I Choose Joy. I will invite my God to be the God of my circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.” He goes on to say it’s okay to have joy and laughter. “Be a child again. Flirt. Giggle. Dip your cookies in your milk. Take a nap. Say you’re sorry if you hurt someone. Chase a butterfly. Be a child again.” Try that on and see how your day goes.

So, here’s my New Year’s resolution challenge for 2018. Laugh, smile more, enjoy life, be even a little spontaneous. I realize it’s almost impossible to be that way every day; the world and life just doesn’t work that way. But if you can’t today, aim for tomorrow, or the next day. Let nothing rob your life from the joy of laughter, especially you own. I know you truly don’t want a joyless life. Neither do the friends and family that care for you, nor this long-winded “Traveler of the Rock Road.” And especially, God. He is the giver of joy, happiness. “Laughter!”

As for me, I continue to hear the laughter of my children and I think about the awesome present they gave this old man. That’s one gift I could enjoy getting every year.

A Happy and Blessed 2018, Dear Friends and Family!

See ya next time.

Thank you all for one of the most successful years that I’ve posted “Traveling the Rock Road.” Your kindness in reading my blog, commenting and passing it on to others has been encouraging as well as humbling.

So we’d like to now give you a Christmas card of sort that I hope you’ll enjoy.

Blessings to you and your loved ones

See ya next time.

My beloved mother, or “Ma” as I called her was quite a strong woman, but then she had to considering her situation. Being a single mother with a severe hearing loss back in the 1950s, with few if any aid programs like we have today made it difficult finding a good job plus ensuring I would be taken well care of when she did work. So, on a couple of occasions I wound up living with other relatives until Ma could get on her feet and send for me.

During one of those times I found myself staying with family in Eastern Kentucky.  This was a family of six; dad, mom and four sons, nice but strict. The punishment “time out” was not part of the American way back then. If I didn’t do as I was supposed to, there was no talking, just a good crack on the back side to get my attention. But as I mentioned they were kind and treated me as their own; but still I missed Ma.

I would think about how the two us would sit on the couch laugh, play games, or just hug. Often, I asked when she was coming for me, but my questions would be ignored. Slowly I began to wonder if she would ever come back at all.

One day a large box showed up at the house and it was for me. Inside were toys, games and clothes; and it was all for me. I didn’t understand why I was receiving this and when I thanked the parents for the gifts, but they said it wasn’t from them but said no more. I then asked, “Did my mom get these for me?” Again, I received no answer, but both looked at me hard as if to say I hit the nail on the head. From that point on, each day I would climb inside of that box with one of my new toys and say to myself, “Mom’s coming for me, mom’s coming for me.”

Time passed until one day my Great Aunt Pearl came to visit and spent the better part of that night conversing with the parents. The next morning this family seemed to be sad. Each one gave me a hug. The father took Pearl and me into town where we boarded a bus to leave. “Pearl, where are we going?” I asked. With a soft smile she answered, “I’m taking you home.” I wasn’t sure what that meant; by that point in my life I had lived in Kentucky, West Virginia, Maryland and Ohio. Where was this place she called home and how would I know it when we got there? That answer came some 12 hours later when the bus came to a stop in front of drugstore on a busy street. I sure didn’t know this place and was confused if this was where Pearl spoke of as home. But then, the doors opened. There waiting to greet me with tears and smiles–Ma! It no longer mattered where this place was. The only thing important was Ma there waiting on me. I was home!

Later I learned that the gift box had been sent by her. It had been Christmas time and knowing the family I was with didn’t celebrate the holiday, she wanted me to have something to know she was still there and stilled loved me. Even though they never told me it was from her, I just knew. I also learned it had been their plan not to let me return to mom but to keep me as their own. Enter Aunt Pearl to rescue but that’s another story for another time. Perhaps they thought over time I would just forget about Ma and stop asking for her. But I believe they learned that I could not forget or be happy separated from the one I loved most.

Some 2,000 years ago a Gift was sent from a Father, letting his children know He had not forgotten them, that His love was still there for them. That Gift was in the form of a Child, a Savior.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Another writer puts it like this, “Jesus was God’s gift to the world, not just for Christmas, but for every single day…your whole life through…and even beyond for all eternity.”

These many years later I can’t recall the contents of that most special Christmas present, but I still think about that box, “The Love Box” as I refer to it, was sent to assure me that I wasn’t forgotten and I would someday be home with the one who loved me most.

Many years prior to that moment, a manager with a baby was the eternal representation of the same thing, the same love. That God the Father hadn’t forgotten us and waits until the jubilant moment when we are with Him, Home, Forever!

On behalf of my Lady and myself I like to thank all who have “Traveled the Rock Road” with us this year, and we look forward to more journeys in the coming year.

A very Merry and Blessed Christmas and New Year to you and your loved ones.

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!”

Last month my Lady and I took a trip down to French Lick, Indiana to spend a few days of R&R. The town was quaint and relaxed with several artist shops and eateries serving a delicious array of entrees both foreign and domestic. There are two large hotels with some fabulous architecture worth seeing, each with casinos for those looking for a little game of chance. (Not my thing but good look to the ones that it is. Just be careful and be smart!) But what French Lick is known for best is really why we came there; to ride the old trains on tours through the scenic countryside which allows one to take in close up the beautiful and panoramic view of the hills in the region vivid in the colors of Fall foliage. Unfortunately, we disregarded checking what lines might be running, and upon arrival found out the only tour available was the “Polar Express.” This little excursion was adapted from the book and movie of the same name.  Children, as well as some of the parents, came dressed in pajamas just like in the story, hearts excited on what they would see and hear upon boarding train cars each beautifully adorned with Christmas decorations. Well, we didn’t have our PJs with us, and we didn’t come all this way to turn around and go home. Besides, who’s gonna turn down an opportunity to see the big guy in the red suit? “All Aboard the Polar Express?”

In each car was a man dressed as a conductor, walking up and down the aisle reading aloud (lip-syncing) from the fabled book the grand story we were now living out. When he finished they passed out hot cocoa and cookies, then two young ladies dressed as elves entertained in song, dance and leading everyone in familiar Christmas carols. My plan during all this was to stare out the window and take in the sights I had come to see. Instead my attention was drawn to a small heading bobbing up and down in the seat directly in front of me. The little cutie you see in the picture had come with her mom and grandmother and was bouncing vigorously unable to control her excitement on what was going on before her. Eyes shimmering, large as saucers and a smile from ear to ear proclaiming all the joy she was feeling during this event. The elves got the children out in the aisle way to help on several songs; some were too shy, but not Little Miss Starshine; she was right out there, singing, dancing, marching, fully enraptured into a character in the story. Finally, the moment came that every child had waited for. We pulled in the area designed and decorated as the North Pole. And there waving; Santa! The train continued and passed until finally coming to a stop, then reversing and going back the way we came. Santa was no longer standing at the North Pole. Where was he? Was that it? I thought this is a little disappointing if the kids don’t get to meet the old dude. But then, the door to our car opened, and with small gasps and shill screams filling the air at the sight, there  stood Santa Claus! The children were beyond themselves with excitement as he made his way to each one, sitting them on his knee and talking. But Little Miss Starshine was now still, not moving, just staring as he made his way closer to her. When her turn came she slowly moved toward Santa, sat on his knee, still quiet but with eyes bright as stars on a clear summer’s night, overwhelmed in joy and happiness. The was no reason for words. Everything else up to that moment had been nice and fun, but here was the real reason she came. Here was the one the hoped and believed she would see and be with it. Here was Santa!

“Childlike faith along with a childlike love are an open road to God’s Heart.” Little Miss Starshine reminded me of when I was a child and believed the people closest to me were the greatest in the world, that they could do no wrong, that their love for me was endless and life would always be good. As I grew older and began to experience disappointments, I became more skeptical. My heart began to harden and the question came of whether I could ever trust in anyone or anything.  Even when I first took a serious look at God I had reservations as to whether He could actually love me or not. I could tell you that through years of studying the Bible, praying, learning from others and believing in the love of my Lord, I have come to where my faith is today. But that’s not the end. I would be omitting some of my best mentors in faith, such as Little Miss Starshine if I stopped there. Childlike faith doesn’t question, does not give consideration as to whether something is true or not, it believes and loves unconditionally; that’s what God wants from us. For that is what He gives in return.

Billy Graham once said, “The greatest legacy one can pass on to one’s children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one’s life, but rather a legacy of character and faith.” It starts with us, parents, grandparents showing our children love and faith. Even if we’ve haven’t done that in a long time it’s never too late to capture that childlike faith. Jesus said “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” In other words, “Just trust and believe in Me for my love for you is never ending.”

Romans 8:38-39 “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

If you still have problems believing, well look around, God has given us many examples from which to learn. They may be a little small, perhaps a little loud at times, but still great teachers of Childlike Faith.

Occasionally I’ll pull up the picture of this latest “Traveler of the Rock Road” and smile as I remember her thinking to myself, Lord, everything up to this moment had been nice, but you’re the real reason I believe and I wait. I yearn for the day I see you!”

Merry Christmas Friends and Family.

And a Special Merry Christmas to Little Miss Starshine. Thank you for being an example to the Gray One.  🙂

See ya next time.

Coming off of Thanksgiving, one of America’s most celebrated holidays, I was giving thought to what thankfulness means to this man. Of course it’s always meant a day of incredible food, being with family and then falling asleep in front of the TV watching football. But what do I truly mean when I say “I’m thankful” not just on the holiday, but in everyday life? And specifically how did I come to my position on what thankfulness looks like? Glancing at several online dictionaries, most interpret the word “thanksgiving” the same way: “an expression of thanks,” “a day set apart for giving thanks.” Then my eyes fell on this description: “a public celebration in acknowledgment of divine favor or kindness.” Instantly my memory flashed to one person–enter Great Aunt Pearl.

I’ve known my share of folks that were quite content with what they had and their status in life and my beloved Pearly Mae will always be at the top. One day she was a little late getting home from work but when she finally arrived there was a big smile across her face and a bag from the Woolworth’s store in her hands. In the bag was as jigsaw puzzle she laid out a card table for us to work on and announced whenever we completed one she would buy another. She then announced the news that made her so happy; she had been given a raise and was now making a whopping $1.00 an hour! Here well over fifty years later, that doesn’t seem like any amount to get excited about (My grandkids wouldn’t let me get away paying them that low!), but in 1959 that meant she could afford to take care of the bills, buy us that puzzle and put back $5 each week, a practice she never stopped and increased the amount as time went on. Not far from the little home we rented sat an old rundown apartment house that had been vacant for years and looked like it would fall over if a strong wind hit. But Pearl loved place and was excited when it came on the market for the exact of money she could scrape together–$2,500. I wasn’t exceptionally thrilled when we moved into this overgrown dilapidated shack. We started by living in two rooms in the house, and as money became available fixed up the rest as well as cleaning up the yard and making it into a beautiful showcase of flowers. With each improvement Pearl would smile, this dear soul was living the dream. My favorite memory will always be Pearl’s story of the year she raised a large garden but didn’t have the money to purchase preservative for the canning process. After a short time in prayer she began finding money around the house and eventually ended up with enough to purchase what she needed. I still remember her telling me she sat for a time and cried for how rich God had made her with the gift of 30 cents.

It’s easy for me to remember the good things that made Pearl so thankful, but in the midst of those memories are ones that are far from being happy thoughts. For reasons I never understood, this wonderful woman married a man that could only be described as mean and cruel. How could such a saintly woman unite herself with such volatile angry person? Asking her in later years after he passed away, she told me he wasn’t always that way and delighted in telling me memories of their early days together before he changed so harshly. I then asked then why didn’t she leave him then. Pearl gave me several reasons, but the one that stuck with me the most was this, “Without him I would have never become as strong as I am today, and for that I’ll always be thankful to God.”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18  – Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

When the apostle Paul wrote these words, his audience was one that was being persecuted in many terrible ways. He wasn’t saying, as the song goes, “Don’t worry, be happy.” He was reassuring them that God was still there for them, that there was something better He had for them. Don’t lose hope and don’t give up! Today God is saying the same thing to us. Don’t lose heart, don’t give up and be thankful for all you’ve been blessed with. One writer put it like this; “Be thankful for what you have. Your life, no matter how bad you think it is, is someone else’s fairy tale.”

It’ll soon be 34 years since Pearly Mae finished her “Travels of the Rock Road,” but her memory, ways, love of life and words will stay with me until I’m called Home. I may not have obtained all my wants, but the dear Lady from West Virginia taught me that God will give me all that I need.

Now who couldn’t be thankful knowing that?

See ya next time.

Back in 1953 a young teenage girl, attractive but impressionable, was swept off her feet by an older man.  This relationship resulted in an unplanned pregnancy, something that a woman-child was not equipped to handle at such a delicate, young age. With the courts stepping in, the expectant mother was sent away to another town until she gave birth to a beautiful baby girl.  After two weeks the child was taken away to an orphanage which would become her home for 3½ years. I suppose at this point most are feeling sadness at the outcome for the mother and child, but that wasn’t the final chapter; God had a plan for both their lives. The mother grew into a strong and loving individual, raising three more children who deeply adored her, as well as grandchildren that saw as her nothing but the best. She discovered true love with a man and a love and wonderful marriage. The child finally found a permanent home with a devoted and caring couple that not only shared their love with her, but taught her early on of the love of Jesus. As the years went on the child grew into a beautiful intelligent woman filled with compassion and care for all she came in contact with. God also fulfilled her life with a loving husband, three dear children and seven amazing grandchildren. This writer is especially thankful that the Lord preserved this child, for if you haven’t figured it out by now I’m speaking of the love of my life–my Lady!

There’s so much more I could say on the subject, but that’s not the direction I’m going with this story. I will however tell you that the mother and child were reunited some thirty years later and shared a great love and friendship until the mother was called home to be with the Lord. But I’d like to focus today’s story on a certain article; something physical that carries a legacy for Cathy and the journey, the “Travels of the Rock Road” that God has mapped out.

When Cathy was at the orphanage she didn’t have clothes of her own. With so many children at this facility all garments were community objects separated only as boy or girl apparel. You might wear an outfit one day but after it went in the laundry it could go to someone else to wear. When one group of kids outgrew something it would be passed down to the younger wards and so forth. On the day my Lady’s new parents came to take Cathy home they were given a pair of slacks, two shirts, pair of socks and shoes, underwear, and a lovely delicate little blue and white checkered dress. The other clothes would soon wear out, and of course new ones would constantly be added to her wardrobe. But the little dress was special to Cathy’s new mom; it was that constant reminder how God had blessed her and her husband so richly by placing this precious child in their lives. You see, there was a time when they didn’t believe they’d ever have any children. But at the right time the Lord brought a special one into the world that He had picked out, in so doing made all their lives happy and complete. So when Cathy outgrew the dress her mom put it up to keep it safe and in good condition. Occasionally she’s get it out and smile.

When my Lady and I married her mother gave her the dress to someday pass on to her daughter. Then as life at times goes we experienced the same frustration her parents did; it seemed we could not have children. Over the course of six years, try as we may, we could not produce a child. We saw doctors, specialists and even attempted adoption ourselves, all to no avail. Like Cathy’s parents we began to believe God had no plans to put children in our lives; but the journey of the little blue and white dress wasn’t over. December 31, 1979, after nearly a full day of hard labor Jamie Melissa Miller entered the world and our lives. Twenty months later she was joined by her brother Jeremy, and another twenty months, Justin.

Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Abraham and Sarah were promised by God that their descendants would be more than the stars in the skies, more than the grains of sand. Even with that oath they weren’t always faithful in trusting God at His word; but that wasn’t the end of the journey. What mattered was God made that promise and wouldn’t go back on His word. When the children of Israel were taken captive and their cities destroyed God told them He would someday restore them and their land. Often it was hard for them to believe that day would ever come, but that wasn’t the end of the journey; God made that promise and wouldn’t go back on His word. A young girl in Bethlehem gave birth to a son that God told her would be the redemption of the world. And 33 years later she watched him die on the cross, but that wasn’t the end of the journey; merely the beginning. I wasn’t there those 60 plus years ago when another young girl gave birth, only this time to a daughter. But I’m betting it wouldn’t be a stretch of the imagination, knowing this dear soul, that as she watched them take her girl away, not knowing if she’d ever see her again that she closed her eyes and prayed, “God take care of my little girl, and put her with a family that will love her as much as I do.” I believe God honored that girl’s prayer, and the journey was far from over.

Nowadays when I look at the dress and pictures of my Lady, our daughter, and our four granddaughters all wearing it as it has been passed down from one generation to the next, I can’t help but think it all began with a promise God made to a special young girl who put her trust in Him. And God never, never goes back on his promise.

Perhaps the journey of the little blue and white dress is now complete; sixty years and three generations it has made its way “Traveling the Rock Road.” But who can measure how abundant God’s giving is to those to put their trust in Him. Perhaps the journey is still, just beginning.

See ya next time.

My granddaughter, Madison and I were recently riding in my truck listening to the oldies station when one of all-time favorite tunes started playing. “Country Roads, take me to the place I belong, West Virginia.”  She then asks me, “Grandpa, what do you miss most about being a kid and going to West Virginia?” That’s a tough one I had to mull over for a minute; so many wonderful and precious memories come back to mind that’s it’s hard to pick just one. Finally I answered, “I guess one of my fondest memories was the field of family.”  As you can imagine that brought quite the puzzled looked, so I did my best to explain it to her.

As a child my family unit was Ma, my great-aunt and great-uncle. The absence of a father had its difficulties but not having brothers and/or sisters to play with could make life a little lonely. There were children in the neighborhood but I still spent the majority of time alone. When the moments came to visit West Virginia, it was more exciting than going to the beach, Cedar Point or even someplace like Disneyworld!

About a mile out of Rock, West Virginia sat my Great Uncle Dave and Aunt Virgie’s home, a large white house with a porch. There was a huge yard that ran out from the house and down a hill to the household of Great Uncle Sam and Aunt Dorothy who raised six wonderful kids there. During our visits others who lived in the region would come to see us and often relatives from other states would be in at the same time we were. It would be such a grand reunion that came loaded with happiness, smiles, laughter, and oh yeah, the most delicious food you ever tasted this side of heaven! But I think the best moments came when all the children would gather in the yard to run, play games and catch a few lighting bugs as evening set in. I remember Aunt Virgie once telling me there were children from five states playing in her yard; that truly brought her great joy. And words can’t begin to describe what those moments meant to this man as a child. For I remember one time stopping to just look at all the kids playing there with me, for each and every one was a relative. A lonely boy realized he had a family.

Oh, those are such sweet memories that occasionally I love to replay in memory like someone who has a favorite old movie they just have to watch again and again because it makes them happy. But a lot has changed for me since the making of those memories over half a century ago. The first thing that comes to mind is my Lady who God has given me 44 wonderful years of marriage with. In those 44 years, He has multiplied us from 2 to 14. Family.

Dave Willis explains family with this interpretation: “Family isn’t only defined by last names or by blood; it’s defined by commitment. It means showing up when they need it most. It means having each other’s back. It means choosing to love each other even on the days when you struggle to like each other. It means never giving up on each other.”

Over the years many other children have come through our home and have stayed for periods of time, a number of them still refer to us a mom and dad. Family.

God has made me rich with some incredible friends that are as close as brothers and sisters, ones that I can call at a moment’s notice, and they’re there for me. Family

Without a doubt the most precious family I was adopted into was when I became a Believer in Christ Jesus and became a part of the Family of God. Now the Family of God is a term we’ve all heard before; God is our father, and we are his children.

John 1:12 “Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God”

Ephesians 2:19-22 “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of His household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone. In Him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by h=His Spirit.”

Romans 8:17 “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory.”

God is saying “I’ve already accepted you, all you have to do now is accept me and join the Family.”

And I’ll be the first to say here we don’t always act like it. We fight, bicker, disagree and even shun each other from time to time. (Hmm, maybe that does sound like family. Never mind!) But that doesn’t deter the love of the Father for each of us. So, we keep striving to show each other that family love and hopefully others will then want to be family, too. Amen?!!

Many years have passed since this “Traveler of Rock Road” has played on the Field of Family there where I felt so much love. I still occasionally visit that region just to drive by and remember. But I also am reminded that my Family Field is now worldwide, most I’ve never met and won’t until we get to Heaven and unite as Brothers and Sisters before our loving and proud Father. Who knows, maybe they’ll even be occasions to run out and see who can catch the most lighting bugs!

See ya next time.