Work the Program

I am so thankful to be able to continue learning at my age, and I don't think that I am all that old, yet! But it is a breath of fresh air to see God at work in my life leading me to study and learn even more than I ever would have thought possible.

As most of you know my son Anthoney is an addict in recovery.  I am so proud that he is seeing himself in a different light than ever before.  He is smiling and seems happier with himself and who and whose he is.  He is jumping in with both feet, getting involved spiritually and emotionally with God and that to me is wonderful.

One of the things that I have learned from being a part of the recovery process that he is undergoing is leaning about the "Twelve Step Program" that he is using to become more dependent upon himself and God and less on drugs and alcohol.  Their statement of "work the program" means to find the way to sobriety. 

Working the program can also be a good way for us as Christians to look at our spiritual needs and desires. 

God wants us to be active and working in His kingdom.  When we have problems with our lives, we need to "work the program."  We need to admit our sin and look to Him for the forgiveness He offers.

When rehab is completed and the addict or alcoholic leaves, one of the things that they are encouraged to do is to attend 90 meetings in 90 days to help them continue in overcoming their addiction.  Wouldn't that be a great way for us minister to each other and move out of a life of sin and into a life of Godliness?  90 meetings in 90 days.  Seems like a lot of commitment doesn't it?  Is it to much to ask to strive to walk closer to God?

I'll see you later.

What Do You Do?

Who knew? Did you? Really, did you know and just not tell me? I was around when you found out and I am totally surprised that you had said nothing to me concerning it. Did you think I knew and just turned a blind eye so as not to have to deal with it. How did you find out? Did someone tell you? Were you knowledgeable about this situation before me or did you think I didn't care enough to take care of it when I could or should?

I don't know. Honestly. When did you know my little boy was on drugs and said nothing to me about it? When did you know he was being influenced by a world gone mad and failed to share with me the knowledge that I did not have. Honestly, do you think I knew and was doing nothing about it.

For all of you who knew and didn't say anything to me, shame on you. I forgive you and don't want to know who you are or were, but shame on you. I pray for you and your family. Drugs hit my son in his weakness and in his strengths and some of you didn't do or say anything. Yes, I am hurt because of it, but it does not mean I will be vengeful nor will you ever know if I knew you didn't say anything to me. I will not be hunting you down for an explanation and don't come to apologize, you are already forgiven and we will get through this.


How? "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures, he leads me besides still waters, he restores my soul. He leads me in he paths of righteous for his name sake. And yes, even though I walk in the vally of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil..."

I'll see you later.

I Want to Hear Those Words

When time comes, I want to be in heaven, don't you? I can't wait to be with all the saints and if possible hearing the great old stories about the flood, the crossing of the Jordon, not to mention the Red Sea. I want to hear John talk about what he saw and tried to describe in Revelation. I want to hear Peter laugh about how his immaturity that was so evident finally was put aside and he became the one who proclaimed our salvation that morning of Pentecost. I want to hear Moses chat about "the trip." I want to hear Zacchaeus talk about Jesus coming to his house and sharing in a meal. I would like to hear Paul talk about that trip he took where "he saw the light." One that is really interesting, that I want to talk to, is the one who cooked the fish Jesus ate after his resurrection.
And then, I want to hear Jesus talk about how much he loved me and to hear him say how proud he was that I trusted in the blood he shed for my sins. How I totally gave myself to him and about how he prepared my place in heaven for me. I want to hear him say "Well done good and faithful servant." That will be the greatest day of my life.
Now, you may be sitting there shaking your head while you read this because you know me and what I just wrote doesn't sound like the Britt you know. "Oh, he really thinks a lot of himself, doesn't he?"
The answer to that is "No, I know my sins. I know my weaknesses. I know where I struggle with temptation and I don't always avoid it. But, Jesus promised that when I asked forgiveness of sin, He would "remember their sins no more." Isn't that what it says in the Bible? I believe it is found in Hebrews 8:12, "For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more."
If he doesn't remember my sins any longer, then I will hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
Will you hear those word? Think about it. That is why He, Jesus, died for you.

I'll see you later!

Things

I like having things. Things give me some happiness now and then. I know that it isn't really the thing that makes me happy, it is the ownership or usability of the thing that brings joy and excitement at times. Sometimes the thing brings me sadness as I have to repair it or work on it or have someone else work on it.

I have had many things in my life and I have been happy most of my life. I remember the first "thing" I really remember bringing me "happiness." It was a highway road set of men and women and railroads, trucks, stop signs, yield signs, water towers, buildings and a lot of little people with cars and trucks. It was my own little city. I enjoyed having that, what I believe was a Christmas present from dear ole Saint Nick. Everything had to be lined up and no one could disobey the laws of the city. The police were there along with the firemen and postmen. Ladies with their strollers and shopping baskets. It was grand. Everyone was in place and playing with them was fun, for a while.

Then, it really got boring. Setting it all up and then having to pick up the 1000 piece set was an enormous task for a pre-schooler (at least in his mind). The signs and rules no longer mattered and the fun turned into nothing left to do but find ways to change it all up. Typical male mind syndrome.

Not too long after Christmas, it became less of a thrill to have this thing that I loved so much. My problem? I didn't really love the thing, it was more of an infatuation for a while. How long after Christmas was the problem. Probably the third or fourth time I played with this 1000 piece set. I lost interest. It didn't fascinate me anymore. No one in my family wanted to help set it all up, much less put it all away after we played with it.

Can you imagine God giving up on us? Losing his fascination with humanity? I am amazed at how long he has suffered through my misguidance, much less that of those who pay him no tribute at all with their lives. Those who may have given homage to him at one time but now have lost fascination with his leadership and wisdom. I can't imagine what it would be like if God all of a sudden decided, "I'm tired of this. No one is wanting to play by the rules and obey the signs. It is useless and I am ready to pack it all in."

Then, at just the right moment His Son places his hand on his shoulder and says, "Forgive them Father, they don't know what they are doing."

I'll see you later