An unusual Remedy

An Unusual Remedy

The coffee lid flew and the hot contents of the cup drenched dad’s pants, burning his legs.  He did a bit of a jig after the hot coffee hit the skin, taking off into the house.  I dare not enter now I thought, as he hurriedly placed “my” apple butter all over the area where the coffee landed.  Getting out of the car, he caught the door on the breakfast from a fast food restaurant. 

                        My mother and dad were delighted with the cinnamon mixture and promised they would try it at breakfast.  While I was out gardening in their front yard, dad pulled up in the driveway.  I didn’t know just what he did until I entered the house later.  At first, sensitive “me” wanted to say, “What did you do with ‘my’ apple butter?” But I kept quiet realizing he was really hurting.  My father likes his coffee hot, but did not like wearing it. 

            Dad used the apple butter as first aid just like his mother.  He went on to tell me his sister pulled a hot kettle of water from off the stove accidentally spilling the contents all over her.   The cool apple butter was used as the solution for the bad burn. Whether that is recommended today I do not know, but then, it was thought to be a helpful suave. 

            Once I gave the apple butter to dad, it was no longer mine.  He could choose to use it anyway he so desired.  I used to feel hurt when I saw my Christmas present to someone returned, taking it personal.  Now once something leaves my hands and is given, and is no longer mine to make decisions over on how and if used. 

            The apple butter had a higher much greater use, and after thinking about it, I was glad it was there to provide relief for my dad.  Just as there is more than one use for homemade apple butter, so is there more than one reason for Hell.  Some feel God is a cruel God allowing there to be a Hell.  But as the scriptures read, Hell was not made for us; it was made for Satan and has angels.  God gave his Son, not that any should perish, but have everlasting life.  God gave his Son to die on the Cross; the remedy for a sin sick world.  The remedy has been there all along, but many try their own way, resulting in less than heavenly results.  No guessing at whether it will work.

            You have been given a solution, an answer for your eternal destiny.  What you do with it is up to you.  Why choose a place made for Satan and his angels, a place not even made for you?  Why not accept the gift of eternal life to experience what God wanted and desired for you from the beginning? The gift is yours.  What will you do with it?

               

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have ever lasting life.

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

                                                                                                              …John 3:16-17

Flying High/And it's not Cocaine

Flying High

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
                                                                              ...Isaiah 53:5


It was almost magic, as if the children’s dreams were towering the sky, right along with their theatrical presentation of floating designs.  The winds rush the kites up and onward, while embracing the colorful creative shapes.

Flying Kites has always been a favorite pass time of children all over the world.  Brazilian children especially come up with innovative ways to make a kite from paper bags to newspapers, to anything lightweight in nature.  The richest child to the poorest could own the sky for a few hours of pleasure while flying kites. The heavens note not the status of those who fly kites.

In the small town of Pouso Alegre, M.G. Brazil, we had taken our six-year-old to fly her kite as promised.  We found property where we could do just that, right outside of town.  Bill did everything to keep April's kite in the sky, but it desperately needed a tail.  Nothing was found to serve that purpose so we began to walk back to the car.  Disappointment was felt by all----Bill, April, one year old Bobby and me.
Then I remembered," Hey, I have nylons on!  That might work!" 

Just having a couple of pairs brought from the states, it was very hard to let go; to sacrifice for the soul purpose of flying a kite.  It was definitely a hard decision to make for a moment, but only a moment, after seeing April's face light up.  Taking my USA nylons off in the middle of the field and knotting them up took courage.  Bill helped April toss the kite to the wind and take off running.  Up it went, but this time it stayed.  We all watched with delight as it towered overhead.  Bobby was ecstatic with the sight of this colorful activity in the sky.  It was worth the letting go of the hosiery for the joy it brought our 7 year old.

We call these acts sacrifices, when in reality they are what should be expected everyday, the giving of ourselves.  I was caught in a moment that day, a rare form, of me thinking of someone else.  What we think are sacrifices, are really self-less acts of memory making, to show someone we care.  Most of us do not know what true sacrifice really is.

Self-less acts can make a big difference and maybe even help turn someone's life around.  Make a memory, not for the whole world to see, but for your heart to feel alive.  What self-less act will you do for someone today?  Talk about flying high!

Real sacrifice is what Christ did.  If you don't know Jesus, call on His name and your heart will be so light after burdens have been lifted, that you will feel like soaring right along with the kites.  He alone can lift away your burden of sin.