A Letter to a "Devoted Friend"

Despite the fact that I often appear to have my head in the clouds I'd like it to be writ large that I do not engage Mediums to solve my problems! Why would I? I have a Divine Mediator - I don't need any self-professed psychic, particularly one who sends me unsolicited emails such as this:

Dear Jen,

First of all, I wanted to thank you for your trust.

Regarding your request, your problem seemed so important to solve that I carried out a thorough study on your behalf so as to help you as soon as possible…

I invite you to consult these important revelations about you.

With all my friendship,

Your devoted friend,

Tara.

Medium

 

This is my response, which I will not be sending to Tara, for obvious reasons (not the least being cyber-vulnerability!):

Dear Tara,

First of all, I have not entrusted you with anything. I don't even know you, and until today had never even heard of you.

Secondly, I have made no requests to you, and certainly have not confided in you, so it is interesting that you have not only somehow worked out that I have an urgent problem but that you also apparently know what the problem is and how to solve it.

Thank you for offering me some important revelations about myself. I will not be consulting them. I place my trust in One who truly knows everything about me and reveals that knowledge In His Time. My God does not need to research or carry out a thorough study to determine my needs. He already understands every detail of my life, my personality, and even my future! Who else could possibly know me so well? In fact, He knows my thoughts even before I have formulated them in my head. I doubt if you could do that, nor would I want you to! If you can get hold of a Bible, I would suggest that you read Psalm 139. It’s all set out so clearly there. God made me. God knows me. God cares about me. God will help me sort out my life and deal with any anxieties or troubles, and He will indeed “lead me in the way everlasting”.

I surely do not need a Medium to sort out my problems. I have a Mediator who has promised to intercede for me at the Throne of Grace. Yes, Tara, it’s true – a Divine Mediator with whom and through whom I can communicate directly to God. Might I suggest that you take a long hard look at yourself and your values? You might realise that the powers that you lay claim to are of little worth when compared to the might of the Omnipotent God.

I pray that your eyes will be opened to the Truth that “there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus” - 1 Timothy 2:5 (NIVUK).

Another thing, Tara, as for being my devoted friend – isn’t that a bit of overkill? You don’t even know me! We’re not even passing acquaintances! Let’s take it slowly! OK?

In the meantime, may I request that you refrain from any further offerings of your services? I really do not want to offend you with my refusals!

Oh, and be assured that I will pray for you, that your eyes and heart will indeed be opened to the truth and that, in time, you might redirect your prophetic energies to the glory of God.

Regards,

Jen

Come Moodle With Me

I learned a new word today – and I like it very much:  MOODLE.

Moodle (rhymes with canoodle, but doesn’t have anything to do with that sort of activity – well, it might, but we won’t go there!).

I first noticed “moodle” within a web address, and my curiosity caused me to investigate further. In that setting, moodle relates to a pedagogical application that facilitates the delivery of online academic courses. It is an acronym, standing for 
Modular 
Object-
Oriented 
Dynamic 
Learning 
Environment. 
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moodle)

According to Wikipedia, “Moodle provides a flexible environment for learning communities” with its constructivist and social constructionist pedagogy, suggesting “that learners (and not just teachers) can contribute to the educational experience”. Moodle, in the context of being an e-learning software platform, has been evolving since 1999, but the word “moodle” was in use long before that.

(cartoon is courtesy of: http://elearning.miis.edu/mod/resource/view.php?id=15970 )

The original meaning of moodle is somewhat less focussed. Moodling is a bit like doodling, a mindless, nonsensical activity that doesn’t necessarily have a productive outcome – enjoyable, maybe, relaxing, perhaps, but none-the-less a trivial pursuit.

I like the definitions that “Allwords” gives:
(http://www.allwords.com/word-moodle.html)

moodle   verb (moodl, ing) To dawdle aimlessly, to idle time away. The process of lazily meandering through something, doing things as it occurs. An enjoyable tinkering that may lead to insight and creativity. Etymology: The true etymology is unknown. The following prior usage has been noted: (1921) "That old one who saw you out of your shell has gone off to moodle about doing nothing." Back to Methuselah v. 223 http://www.gbs.pi8.com/methuselah/partvasfarasthoughtcanreach.htm (1928) "Napoleon often moodled about for a week at a time doing nothing but play with his children or read trash or waste his time helplessly." Intelligent Woman"s Guide Socialism lxix. 328 http://www.timesonline.co.uk/printFriendly/0,,1-4305-1698915,00.html (1938) "So you see, imagination needs moodling, -long, inefficient, happy idling, dawdling and puttering." If you want to write - Brenda Ueland http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ISBN3D1555972608/annejohnsonA/103-8115856-5071807http://www.womenfolk.com/creativity/moodling.htm

I can’t help but think that a lot of moodling happens these days, particularly on the Internet, but not always in well-intentioned use of time through online study, or in a dynamic learning environment, but perhaps more frequently in “surfing”, playing games, social networking and the like. Not that there is anything wrong with any of these activities, but, uncontrolled, they are killers of time.

Time is not ours to kill. Time belongs to God. Time should not be wasted, although I must confess, I have wasted more than my share of the precious commodity! The older I get, the more valuable time becomes! I often wish that I had realised the value of time when I was much younger! How I yearn for a little more time – the things I could do with it!

Scripture tells us that there is a time for everything, except for killing time itself (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8).

There is a time for everything,
And a season for every activity under heaven:
A time to be born and a time to die,
A time to plant and a time to uproot,
A time to kill and a time to heal,
A time to tear down and a time to build,
A time to weep and a time to laugh,
A time to mourn and a time to dance,
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
A time to embrace and a time to refrain,
A time to search and a time to give up,
A time to keep and a time to throw away,
A time to tear and a time to mend,
A time to be silent and a time to speak,
A time to love and a time to hate,
A time for war and a time for peace.

There is indeed a time for everything and God expects his children to be efficient time-managers, faithful stewards of the time that he has given them. Don’t expect God to reward you for killing time. Colossians 4:5 (KJV) tells us, “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time” and Ephesians 5:16 speaks of “redeeming the time” or “making the best use of the time”, “because the days are evil”. The Greek word used for “redeem”, exagorazo, suggests redeeming, or purchasing, someone out of slavery. When, as Christians, we redeem the time, we are ensuring that our time is freed up from everything that would prevent it being used fully and effectively for God. Now that’s a challenge, isn’t it?

John Wesley equated “redeeming the time” with getting up early, and I think that if getting up early means making the most of the day, it certainly is a commendable way to redeem the time. But I suspect that his real intention was to tell his listeners that early rising is a discipline, and only disciplined followers of Christ can demonstrate the self-denial and resolution to take up the cross of Christ in their everyday lives, and go on to experience the holiness that makes the Christian complete.

“But do not imagine that this single point, rising early, will suffice to make you a Christian. No: Although that single point, the not rising, may keep you a Heathen, void of the whole Christian spirit; although this alone (especially if you had once conquered it) will keep you cold, formal, heartless, dead, and make it impossible for you to get one step forward in vital holiness, yet this alone will go but a little way to make you a real Christian. It is but one step out of many; but it is one. And having taken this, go forward. Go on to universal self-denial, to temperance in all things, to a firm resolution of taking up daily every cross whereto you are called. Go on, in a full pursuit of all the mind that was in Christ, of inward and then outward holiness; so shall you be not almost but altogether, a Christian; so shall you finish your course with joy: You shall awake up after his likeness, and be satisfied.” 
http://www.umcmission.org/Find-Resources/Global-Worship-and-Spiritual-Growth/John-Wesley-Sermons/Sermon-93-On-Redeeming-The-Time

I truly want to “wake up after his likeness, and be satisfied”! Don’t you?

God, I offer you my time, not that it’s really mine to give. It belongs to you. Thank you for entrusting this valuable resource to me. I acknowledge that I’m not always a good steward of my time. I want to use all of my time for your glory, Lord. I want to walk every moment of every day with Jesus, my Saviour. I want to have his mind in me. I want that inward and outward holiness, so that I won’t just experience holiness but I will exude it, too! Unless it can be seen in me, what’s the point?

I’d like Charles Wesley’s prayer to be my prayer, too:

I would the precious time redeem,

And longer live for this alone,

To spend, and to be spent for them

Who have not yet my Saviour known;

Fully on them my labours prove,

And only breathe to breathe thy love.

Amen!

MY REVIEW of Heaven is for Real for Kids as told by Colton Burpo to his parents, Todd and Sonja Burpo.

While I find it a tad problematic to accept the literal message of this book – descriptions of Jesus, the animals, the games and the like - the spiritual message, that Heaven is for real, is of immense value. Heaven is for Real for Kids is the children’s edition of the original book, Heaven is for Real. 

This story documents a little boy’s experience of Heaven. Close to death after a medical emergency, Colton Burpo miraculously pulled through and, after his remarkable recovery, gradually disclosed an amazing account of a near-death experience where he encountered Jesus in Heaven. While it would be easy to dismiss this story as mere fantasy, the figment of a child’s imagination, or the product of his parents’ promptings, it is much more helpful to take it at face value and read it with an open mind. Don’t be distracted by details but allow yourself to be comforted and reassured by the truth of the message – Heaven is indeed for real!

This edition has been beautifully illustrated by Wilson Ong, albeit with pictorial portrayals remarkably reminiscent of some vintage Ellen G. White Bible story books.  Nevertheless, the pictures certainly do transform it into an attractive little book to share with children of all ages.

This is a book that should generate much beneficial discussion about very important issues that children (and perhaps their parents) might not otherwise know how to broach. Illness, death and life after death are not easy topics to tackle. Here is the perfect opportunity to allow children to start to talk about those serious, scary – and sacred – subjects.

I recommend this book for family reading. Don’t just give it to your child and walk away. Allow the young reader to express any concerns or reactions that they have to the story. There is a brief question and answer section at the end of the book that may address some of the issues that children raise, but I understand that an associated “Conversation Kit” has also been published, I assume for use with the “adult version” of the book. Undoubtedly, this would be a very useful tool to facilitate the dialogue.

Whether or not the little ones take on the complex message of Heaven and life after death, there is one message that I pray that they will not miss, and that is that “Jesus really, really loves children!”.

A little book direct from the heart and experience of a little person! To be sure, “a little child will lead them”! (Isaiah 11:6).

Well done, Colton! You are God’s miracle and God’s messenger!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Bowled by a Barley Loaf

In Judges 7 we read about two Midianite soldiers who were discussing a perplexing dream that one of the soldiers had experienced – he saw a tent, representing the Midian army, being bowled over by a loaf of bread. Gideon’s army and the Israelites are represented by the barley loaf – albeit a very big loaf! Gideon overheard the soldiers’ conversation and was encouraged and challenged – yes, he believed that God was going to make a way for them to defeat the Midianites, but he also ensured that he and his troops were active within God’s plan. In a most unusual skirmish, the Midianites were indeed defeated. There had been no battle, just a lot of noise and confusion. God proved his faithfulness and Gideon demonstrated his trust. To be sure, “God moves in a mysterious way his wonders to perform”!

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” ~ Romans 8:28 (NIV)

God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines

Of never failing skill

He treasures up His bright designs

And works His sovereign will.

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;

The clouds ye so much dread

Are big with mercy and shall break

In blessings on your head.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,

But trust Him for His grace;

Behind a frowning providence

He hides a smiling face.

His purposes will ripen fast,

Unfolding every hour;

The bud may have a bitter taste,

But sweet will be the flower.

Blind unbelief is sure to err

And scan His work in vain;

God is His own interpreter,

And He will make it plain.

By William Cowper

Thank you, God, for blessing me: A Book Review

Thank you, God, for blessing me by Max Lucado, illustrated by Frank Endersby.

What a delightful little book for beginning readers! Beautifully illustrated to capture the imagination and interest of young children, “Thank you, God, for blessing me”” is a lovely way to introduce the concept of showing and expressing gratitude to God. It places thankfulness right at the heart of everyday life – reminding readers that the simple, common things of daily living can be the cause for praise and the source of blessing. This children’s book is perfect for reading to the youngest infant, but also suitable for older children who may want to read it for themselves.

Young readers easily connect with the rhyming prayer of Hermie, the very cute caterpillar. Hermie is a loveable little character that Lucado uses to convey clear, concise, doctrinally-sound, Biblical truths to even the youngest of his readers (and those who read to them). The length of the book is just right – long enough to be jam-packed with sound teaching and short enough that the children will want to read it again and again – and again!

The chunky little book with its sturdy board covers is easy for little hands to hold and delightfully attractive to look at. Frank Endersby’s illustrations are cute and colourful, with detail that invites the young reader to explore and discover, taking them on an adventurous and satisfying journey through a day in the life of Hermie.

Readers can always rely on Max Lucado to present a strong spiritual message, and Thank you, God, for blessing me definitely does not disappoint on this count.

I would not hesitate to recommend this book to families with young children, and would suggest that it could just as readily be tucked into any welcome-baby gift as it would be well-received by toddlers and children as old as five or six years of age.

Definitely a five-star book!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html>: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Great Books!

Great Books!