Bible – Page 3 – Pilgrim with a Pen

Rest is Best

Published on April 10, 2022June 29, 2022 by Pilgrim with a Pen2 Comments

I was watching Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood with my one-year-old nephew the other day. It was the episode where Daniel has to stay home sick from school.

I didn’t think much about it at the time, but as my 6-year-old has been home sick the past few days, a song from that show randomly popped into my head again — “Rest is Best.”

The message of the song in a nutshell is this: When you’re sick, you need to rest in order to get better.

Pretty simple concept, right?

It’s an instinct really — when our bodies get sick (or even just tired), what do we feel like doing??

Absolutely nothing!!!

Our bodies instinctively tell us to rest.

But there’s more to “resting” than just sleeping 18 hours a day and then lying on the couch watching I Love Lucy reruns for the other 6.

Rest alone will not make us “all-better” – we also need to follow doctor’s orders, eating, drinking, and taking the proper medications to be made whole again.

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Just like our bodies, our souls need rest too.

And while it may sound counterintuitive to get up early for church on a Sunday morning in order to find rest — Jesus says we can only find true rest in Him:

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls” (Matthew 11:28–29).

You see, Jesus not only knows we’re tired, he knows the reason we’re tired as well — we’re sick.

Sick and tired. Great combination, right?

We’re sick with a terminal disease called sin — and we’re tired because we spend our daily lives battling the side effects of it — fear, hate, depression, loneliness, insecurity, heartaches and pains…the list could go on and on.

Jesus said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” – Mark 2:17

Jesus is often considered The Great Physician.

And the church? A hospital for the sinners he heals.

If you haven’t yet been healed of your sin, come to Jesus and follow His prescription:

Believe that He is the Son of God.

Confess your faith publicly.

Be baptized for the remission of your sins.

If you’ve already been healed by the Great Physician through belief and baptism, well…let me just say: don’t forget to keep your “follow-up appointments.” 😉

As an oncology nurse, I educate patients about this all the time: a patient may be considered to be in remission after completing their initial cancer treatments, but they should still continue regular follow ups with their physician as directed.

Why?

Well, these follow-ups are often referred to as surveillance visits — where the doctor will monitor and assess for any signs of a recurrence at regularly scheduled intervals.

In much the same fashion, God also calls the church together in weekly intervals — knowing that we need these regularly scheduled “check-ups” to keep us accountable and to make sure the dreadful disease of sin is not overtaking our lives once more.

But more than some sort of a weekly support group for sinners, our weekly worship to God alongside fellow Christians is commanded and designed for the glory of God.

After all, He deserves our thanks and praise more than any earthly physician does.

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To those who overlook the importance of meeting together as a whole body of believers on the first day of the week, let me just say…

When we don’t heed the call to worship God and remember Jesus’s death on the first day of every week, we become like patients who don’t keep their follow up appointments.

Often referred to as being “lost to follow up,” these patients are almost invariably prone to poorer outcomes than the ones who strictly followed the directions of their doctor.

Forsaking the assembly of the church is nothing short of signing yourself out of God’s “hospital for sinners” ASA (against spiritual advice) — putting yourself at high risk of a similarly poor outcome, spiritually speaking. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

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And lastly, there’s always those who rely on WebMD to diagnose and treat their medical problems.

The world says to find rest in self-care, vacations, retail therapy, spa days, fishing with your buddies on the lake, Netflix binges, and the list could go on and on…

But those are just like putting cheap bandaids on a gaping wound.

Jesus says we can find true rest in Him. Rest that’s more than just a bandaid. Rest that will heal our souls.

So who are you going to listen to?

The Great Physician…or some quack on the internet?

I’d go with Jesus, He’s never lost a patient yet. 😉

Oh…and for what it’s worth…His bedside manner is impeccable. 🥰

Until next time…

-PWAP

From Rags to Riches

Published on April 8, 2022June 29, 2022 by Pilgrim with a PenLeave a comment

The amazingly intricate patchwork quilt pictured above is a famous Civil War-era relic known as the Reconciliation Quilt. Created by Lucinda Ward Honstain in 1867, it depicts scenes of everyday American life in the aftermath of the Civil-war.

According to the clarafordfoundation.org, the Reconciliation Quilt was sold at Sotheby’s in 1991 for $264,000!!!! — making it the most expensive quilt ever sold at auction.

Who would’ve thought that what started out as just some scraps of fabric and spools of thread, could one day be worth so much!

Mind = Blown 🤯

I don’t know if I’d ever pay that much for a quilt (let’s face it, $264,000 is more than I paid for my first house!!!😳😳😳), but I still think they are soft, cozy, and beautiful.

I especially loved my great-grandmother’s quilts. I remember going to her house when I was little, grabbing a peppermint stick from the mason jar on her counter and staring in awe at all of the beautiful patchwork she had lying around her house.

She made things like pillows and baby dolls, but “Grandma Abernathy” had a special talent for taking tattered pieces of fabric and lovingly sewing them together into magnificent quilts.

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My dear friend Miss Ruth wrote to me the other day with an idea she had for one of my blog posts. She said, “I was looking at a quilt a friend had made, and the thought came to me that she makes quilts beautiful from scraps (of material); but what does God do? He makes scraps (wayward man) into things beautiful (when they obey).” 😊

And you know what? She’s exactly right.

Just like my great-grandmother, with a pattern and a purpose, these quilters take seemingly insignificant scraps and make them into something beautiful (and useful) — and often selflessly give their finished projects away as gifts to family and friends alike. ❤️

When we choose to give the tattered scraps of our lives to God in humble obedience, reconciling our will to His, God can turn the fabric of our lives into a magnificent “Reconciliation” Quilt of His own.

In fact, the Bible teaches us that “…all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28

The Bible is full of stories where God is threading people’s life events together for His purpose…and for our good.

Right now, we’re studying the life of Joseph in our Wednesday night Bible class. He’s kind of the perfect example of how God can take scraps and turn them into something beautiful — if only we’ll be faithful to Him.

Do you remember the story of Joseph? You probably do — you know, he was the one with the “Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat…”

(Or wait…maybe that was Donny Osmond??? 🤔)

😂😂😂😉 Anyhoo…Joseph was given that special coat because he was loved by his father — which unfortunately only made his brothers hate him even more.

The target of a murder plot, sold into slavery in a foreign land, falsely accused, and thrown into prison — Joseph’s life ended up as tattered and torn as his beautiful coat did.

And for a while, Joseph was seemingly forgotten by God…despite his faithfulness.

But behind the scenes, God was always there.

Sitting at his proverbial heavenly “sewing machine,” He was threading together the tattered pieces of Joseph’s life with a purpose and a pattern in mind.

As much as Joseph’s earthly father had loved him, he was about to find out that his Heavenly Father loved him even more.

God took Joseph’s dire circumstances as a slave and prisoner, and ultimately promoted him to second-in-command, right under Pharaoh himself — leading him to the conclusion that his brothers had meant “evil against [him], but God meant it for good…” (Genesis 50:20)

Joseph knew who was behind his rags to riches story. He knew who was sewing his scraps together. And he trusted that in time, God was making them into a beautiful…life.

Are you trusting God to do the same for you? He can turn your rags to a priceless quits too, if you will only let Him — if you will only be faithful to him, like Joseph.

Remember that really expensive quilt that we talked about before? The one that cost more than my first home?

Why was it sold for such a high price?

The materials themselves were certainly not worth that much. Neither was the labor.

But it’s a one-of-kind. It’s rare and beautiful and represents something profound in American history. So, therefore it has great value.

The value we put on something directly corresponds to the price we are willing to pay for it.

We too are each one-of-a-kind — rare and valuable in the eyes of God.

And God was willing to pay the highest price there is for our reconciliation — the precious blood of His son Jesus Christ.

And for those of us who choose to bring the scraps of our lives to the cross, He is faithful to weave them together for our good and His glory.

And the finished product will always be beautiful…and priceless.

Until next time…

– PWAP

All I Really Need to Know, I Learned From…

Published on April 5, 2022June 29, 2022 by Pilgrim with a PenLeave a comment

Isn’t it ironic how some of life’s most important lessons aren’t learned in the classroom at all?

My high school English teacher, Mrs. Kotyuk, had a poster on her wall that humorously testified to this very fact.

It was one of those “All I Really Need to Know in Life, I learned from ________” posters.

I’m sure you’ve seen one before — and chances are, your teacher had one, too! 🤓

The concept for the posters came from a book written in 1986 titled, “All I Really Need to Know, I Learned in Kindergarten.”

And since then, there’s been no shortage of spin-off themes, ranging anywhere from Star Trek to Mexican hat-dancing 🤣 — each showcasing it’s own unique list of witty little tongue-in-cheek adages that apply to life.

The idea of life lessons learned outside the classroom never rang truer than it did last week when the kids were out of school for spring break, and we decided to take them to the local theme park.

I’ll tell you what, school may have been out, but visiting a theme park in peak season is an education all its own. 😳

And now I somehow feel strangely qualified 🤔 to write an “All I Really Need to Know” list of my very own 😳🤣😜😬.…

ALL I REALLY NEED TO KNOW, I LEARNED FROM A DAY AT THE THEME PARK:

1. Good things come to those who wait.

— that is, as long as the ride doesn’t experience technical difficulties and have to shut down after you’ve waited 2 hours in line. 🙄🙄🙄 (Not that I would know from experience or anything…🤣).

I guess we could’ve bought the “fast passes” that let you skip the line, but we’re a little too budget conscious (aka cheap) for that…

So, as I stood in the lines for hours on end, one of the thoughts that crossed my mind was: Why are there so many people willing to wait in a 2 hour line for a 3 minute ride — but won’t attend a 2 hour worship service that has eternal impact on their souls? 😔

Maybe it’s because it’s because in Christ’s kingdom, there are no fast passes. You can’t just buy your way out of line. In fact, He promises that “the last shall be first, and the first last.” (Matthew 20:16)

What that really means is that those who cut ahead in this life for their own personal gain, won’t be rewarded by God in eternity. But it’s those who wait patiently, putting the commands of God before their own desires, and the needs of others before their own needs, who will be rewarded in the final judgment.

2. Just enjoy the ride.

The lines may have been long, but the rides were still short — as is this life.

In fact, sometimes this life feels like a roller coaster itself! We’re buckled in to the very end and in some ways all we can do is hang on and try to enjoy the ride.

Though we are ultimately fixing our eyes on Jesus and looking forward to Heaven, through the ups and downs, twists and turns, God does wants us to find some joy in this short life —

“Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot.” – Ecclesiastes 5:18

3. The best things in life are free.

They say you get what you pay for…well, except at theme parks, where you end up paying $75 dollars for a couple of chicken tenders and a non-refillable coke. 🤣

(My husband learned this the hard way …turns out the $5 one-use paper cups now have little sensors on the bottom that detect if you try to fill your drink more than once. 🙄)

But, wait! The good news is, for the low, low price of only $18, you can buy a reusable plastic cup that is good for unlimited fountain drink refills throughout the park.

Sound like a steal? Sure, compared to the paper cups…but the only catch is it’s only good for one day…if you bring the cup back to the park with you the next day, you have to pay an additional $11 to reactivate it. 😳

Listen, I may be thirsty, but I ain’t that thirsty. I’ll take my chances on an ambulance and a saline drip before I consent to that kind of highway robbery. 😂

And in comparison, Jesus’ offer has never sounded sweeter.

His water is free: “…I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts’” (Revelation 21:6) and “…whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:14)

4. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

It’s not just the crowds, costs, and coasters that are hard on you at the theme park, but sometimes it’s the elements themselves. Weather-wise, you never know what a day at the park is going to throw your way.

Cold and rain? Heat and sun? Either way, it pays to plan ahead and come prepared.

And it starts with listening to the forecast and heeding it’s warnings.

If there’s a chance of rain, bring your umbrella…or you’ll end up soaked and miserable…(or out $20 bucks for an oversized plastic trash bag, otherwise known as a poncho 😂).

If the forecast calls for sunny skies, you’ll definitely need plenty of sunscreen —- either that or plenty of aloe after it’s all said and done. 😂

God says we should heed the warnings in our spiritual lives as well…he wants us to be conscientious and prudent in our spiritual actions…not just “learning the hard way” and then asking for forgiveness all the time —

“And Samuel said, ‘Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.’” – I Samuel 15:22

5. Never judge a book by its cover.

Our sons have recently taken an interest in the Harry Potter books, which is why we chose to visit Universal over Disney this time — so they could check out the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. 😊

But it didn’t take long to realize that we weren’t the only ones there for that reason. The Harry Potter section was easily the most popular part of the park.

People were not only flocking to the rides there, but to the shops as well. They came out carrying interactive wands, drinking butter beers, and wearing the classic Hogwarts’ robes all around the park.

Honestly, it was neat to see such enthusiasm…but there were some people wearing robes that I would have otherwise never pegged as Harry Potter fans.

I witnessed people of all races, ages, and sexes traipsing about the park, much as if they were at Hogwarts itself.

And that’s what really got me thinking…how often are we guilty of pegging people as not likely to receive the gospel? When in reality, they could be the very ones who need to hear it most!

How can we deny any individual the opportunity to one day wear a robe…and a crown? (Mark 16:15)

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Despite the crowds and the costs, at the end of the day, the kids said they had the best day ever, they both got to ride their first big roller coaster (and I had personally learned a lot more than I bargained for)…so I’d call it a success.

But our “dogs were barking” so-to-speak, we were tired, and just ready to go home!

How about you? Have you ever felt that way?

Spiritually speaking, this life has its wonderful moments, but it can also wear you down worse than a day at the theme park! But the reality is, we won’t be here forever. Our admission is limited and our passes will eventually expire.

When they do, will you be ready to go home?

The only way to know for sure is by obeying God’s Word…after all, when it really comes down to it…

All You Really Need to Know, You Can Learn From the Bible. ❤️

Until next time…

-PWAP

Happy St.“Patrick’s” Day

Published on March 17, 2022June 29, 2022 by Pilgrim with a PenLeave a comment

Today, my oldest son who is 10, stayed home sick from school. In typical sick-kid fashion, he spent half the day lying on the couch just watching cartoons — a 2 hour-long SpongeBob SquarePants marathon, to be exact.

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, Nickelodeon cleverly featured back-to-back episodes of SpongeBob starring a character named (you guessed it)…Patrick. 😉

In case you’re not familiar, Patrick is SpongeBob’s trusty sidekick.

He’s a large, salmon-colored starfish, who is always there to lend a hand for any of SpongeBob’s crazy schemes — he is NOT, however, the brains of the operation…😂.

🤔 Come to think of it, neither is Sponge Bob, but that’s a whole ‘nother can of worms…😂.

Anyway, as if being less astute than SpongeBob wasn’t bad enough already, in a particular episode we watched today, Patrick’s brain completely stops working altogether. 😳

In order to save him, SpongeBob came up with a brilliant idea to “unplug” Patrick’s brain and then plug it back in 🙄…kind of like you do when you need to “reboot” your computer. 😂

Hmmm…who knew it also worked on brains…I can think of a handful of people I’d like to try that on…🤔🤭🤫…

But I digress…🤣

The good news is…SpongeBob’s idea worked!

Not only did Patrick get his brain back, he was even way smarter than before!

But this happy turn of events didn’t go smoothly for long. Before you know it, Patrick’s newfound intellectual prowess starts going to his head…literally.

He begins using all kinds of “highfalutin” words and condescending tones to criticize his friends for their supposed ignorance.

I’ll spare you the quirky details, but Patrick eventually comes to his senses and sets out on a mission to become his old self again — the sweet, humble, fun-loving (albeit slightly dense) guy he was before. ❤️

The only problem? Patrick’s new brain goes about trying to learn these virtues the same way you might try to learn math or science — cut to scenes of Patrick desperately scribbling equations on a chalkboard and scanning the pages of textbooks like, “The Physics of Fun.” 🤣

Of course, the hilarity of it all lies in the fact that this is obviously NOT the way to go about finding kindness, humility, or fun at all. Even kids can appreciate the irony in that.

Kindness and humility cannot be calculated in some sort of an equation. Just as having fun is not rocket science.

And simply put, neither is having faith.

We live in a society that values brains like Patrick’s…brains that “know” a lot. And we’re arguably a generation “knows” more than any other generation before us — and what we don’t know, we Google. 😉

For better or for worse, information is at our fingertips more than ever before.

But in our own quest for intellectual prowess, we are in danger of missing the bigger picture — and in danger of becoming people who “…are always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.” – II Timothy 3:7

The deep and meaningful things of life — things like truth, love, faith, and wisdom aren’t rocket science.

Just like Patrick was totally overthinking it, we sometimes fall into that trap as well.

But God has chosen to “make wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7) and Jesus promises that those who seek Him will find Him.

Seeking Him means spending time in His Word.

“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17)

It doesn’t take years of study to come to a knowledge of the truth. I think about the Ethiopian eunuch, the Philippian jailer, and the thief on the cross — none of them “knew it all” before believing…they took the first step in faith.

The Gospel of Christ is just as powerful today as it was during the first century. It convicts and cuts to the heart. It is living and active — alive and applicable as much today as it was 2000 years ago.

You don’t need to know anything more than they did in the first century to believe and be baptized.

Don’t overthink it — it’s not rocket science.

“Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase…just take the first step.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.

Until next time…

-PWAP

Brady’s Back, Baby

Published on March 14, 2022June 29, 2022 by Pilgrim with a PenLeave a comment

Over the last 24 hours, “Brady’s Back” has been the biggest sports headline in America.

It’s official, Tom Brady is not — I repeat not — done with football yet.

Lol — I’m not gonna lie, when I first read those words yesterday, the first thing I did was google snopes to get the 411. 😂

Those headlines just couldn’t be right — right???

Wasn’t it only a couple of months ago that he announced his retirement???

I’m not even a football fan, but I was intrigued by the headlines…

…and after confirming that it really is true that Tom Brady, the oldest guy in the NFL, is headed back for yet another season as quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, I went from intrigued…to inspired. ❤️

Now, I will admit that I usually hate it when people put professional athletes up on pedestals, showering them with undue adulation, but the reason I find him inspiring has less to do with his success than it has to do with his failure.

As the reigning Super Bowl champs, the bar was set high last year for Tom Brady and the Buccaneers to repeat their championship once more.

When the Bucs fell short of that goal in the playoffs, their season came to a screeching halt — and so did Tom Brady’s career.

Despite all of his previous successes, Brady’s final season had ended in disappointment and failure.

And when he announced his retirement, it felt like a fairytale football career that didn’t get the “happily ever after” it deserved.

Do you ever find yourself feeling like that in your own life sometimes?

Through disappointing seasons of your own life, have you had times where you just want to throw in the towel? Moments where you feel defeated and want to say, “That’s it, I give up.”

I do. At least twice a week.

Maybe I’m being melodramatic (ok, I’m definitely being melodramatic), but sometimes when I’m making my kids’ school lunches at night, I just stand there looking around my house at piles of toys and dirty laundry, hearing them wrestling each other and praying between thuds that they don’t break a bone, and I just stop mid PB&J and think, “So this is it? This is how it all ends???” 😂😂😂

Maybe that’s why when I heard that Tom Brady was coming back, it resonated with me so much. It reminded me of Proverbs 24:16: “For though a righteous man may fall seven times, he still gets up; but the wicked stumble in bad times.”

You too might be down for a moment, but the righteous don’t stay there forever. Dust yourself off and get back up again — every great comeback always starts with a first step.

If Tom Brady can do it — so can you.

Because honestly, if you’re a child of God, no matter what you’re facing, you can rise up again from it — whether it be sin, temptation to sin, trials and turmoil, or just every day day-to-day life.

How do I know you can rise? Because you’ve got something even better than Brady has — you’ve got Jesus.

Brady relies on his own strength and stamina to win the game. But as Christians, our strength comes from Jesus (Isaiah 40:31) who appeared to have been “defeated” in death, only to rise up to eternal victory. And through Him, the Bible says we are “more than conquerors.” (Romans 8:33-39)

And as Tom Brady enters this next season, possibly his last, he still has to wonder whether or not this one will end in victory or defeat.

As Christians, we don’t have to wonder. The victory has already been won for us through Jesus Christ.

“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

So, don’t give up. Get up.

Stay on His team and make as many comebacks as you need to endure ‘til the end. We may fall, but we will rise back up again…and one day, it will be eternally.

Until next time…

-PWAP

This too shall pass…

Published on March 11, 2022June 29, 2022 by Pilgrim with a PenLeave a comment

“This too shall pass”…nobody really quite knows where that famous colloquial phrase originated…but credit has been assigned to many different possible origins…including ancient Persian, Buddhist, and Jewish sources. It’s also one of those phrases that people even sometimes mistake for a Bible verse (right up there with “God works in mysterious ways”). But alas, it’s not.

While we may never know the exact origins of the phrase, consensus is that it’s been around for a while — and from what I hear, it was even one of Abraham Lincoln’s favorite sayings.

As I was driving to pick the kids up from school today, the phrase popped into my head.

I was just driving down a two-lane road minding my own business, going the speed limit (maybe even 5 over 🤭), when all of the sudden, a big Dodge pickup that was all jacked-up on monster truck tires came up behind me loud and fast in my rear-view mirror.

He quickly gained on me until he couldn’t gain anymore. Something about the way his headlights were blaring in my rear view mirror even at midday, made me feel like he was metaphorically breathing down my neck…pressuring me to go faster or move out of the way.

But I know that road. And I know the speed limit. And I also know there’s a state trooper who likes to create a speed trap for unsuspecting drivers a few times a month, so no way was I going to let this guy pressure me into speeding up.

After a minute or so, he finally got the gist, and swerved into to the left lane, putting the pedal to the metal and leaving me to eat his dust.

But honestly, I was glad he passed me — it was a relief.

As I watched him speed down the road until his taillights disappeared completely, the phrase “this too shall pass” came to mind.

When we’re traveling the road of life, minding the speed limit (and our own business), there’s often times the enemy comes up and presses in hard on us as we are trying to stay within God’s limits.

Just like one of those aggressive drivers, he’ll come in looking all big, bad and intimidating…trying to pressure us to violate God’s laws.

“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” – 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

The things of this earth are transient, fleeting, passing away — and that includes the temptations, persecutions, and other “light momentary afflictions” that the devil tries to bring about in our lives, provoking us with his own brand of “road rage.”

So…keep your eyes on the road. Keep those hands at 10 and 2— or better yet, let Jesus take the wheel — and just let the devil pass.

Because it will pass…it may pass like a kidney stone, but it will pass. 😉

Until next time…

-PWAP

The “Keep the Van Clean” Contract

Published on March 7, 2022June 2, 2023 by Pilgrim with a PenLeave a comment

Well, here I am again…another weekday afternoon spent just waiting in the school car rider line. It’s a 30 minute drive here, and at least a 30 minute wait once I’m parked.

With gas prices at $4.00 per gallon right now, my wallet doesn’t like that very much…but that’s ok — I also do some of my best thinking during this quiet ride.

Sometimes my husband comes with. On those days, we do more talking than thinking.

And then there’s those times when my husband drives himself — and on those days, he’s got one thing and one thing only on his mind:

Beat 👏 The 👏 Odysseys. 😂

— The Honda Odysseys, to be exact.

I don’t know whether it’s his competitive spirit or just that he wants to be the first to nab the super shady parking spot on 90 degree days 🥵 — but let me tell you, that man is on a mission. 🤣

Part of me can understand why he’d want to upstage the Odysseys though.

I mean, they do give off a slightly condescending vibe 😒 — what with their automatic doors, fresh wax jobs, and…ALL THOSE Disney passholder decals. 🤭🙄🙄🙄🤣

I kid.

But they certainly are a far cry from our dusty Kia van…whose only embellishment is a “custom pinstripe” down one side, courtesy of the sand hill cranes in our neighborhood, who viciously attacked it with their beaks during last year’s mating season. 🤦‍♀️

And don’t even get me started on the interior, which right now straight up looks like an episode of hoarders.

Literally every time those van doors open, I’m silently praying that one of our McDonald’s wrappers doesn’t go flying out the door like that feather from Forrest Gump.

But honestly people, it wasn’t always like this.

Believe it or not, our van was once in mint condition…even had that “new car smell” for at least a month after we drove it off the lot.

Ahhh, I still remember signing those purchase agreement papers like it was yesterday. 🥰

Our oldest son, who was about six at the time, was with us that day…he was busy playing a game on the iPad while we haggled with the salesman.

And that’s when my husband came up with the brilliant idea to quietly pull the salesman aside and ask if he would draw up a little “contract” for our son to sign as well — a “Keep the Van Clean” contract. 🤣

Thankfully, the salesman was eager to play along. And the hilarity that ensued was almost too much to bear with a straight face…

My husband vacated the seat nearest to the sales desk and motioned for my son to take his place…without missing a beat, the salesman began to explain to my son that indeed he too had a part to play in this whole purchase process.

We watched and listened as the salesman in his most professional composure walked my son through all the details of the “Keep the Van Clean” contract…🤣

My son looked at me in disbelief…would the van really be repossessed if we didn’t keep it clean?!?! 😳😳😳😳😳😱🤯

I bit my lip to keep from bursting out in laughter and somehow managed to nod soberly — but then immediately looked away as tears of laughter began rolling down my cheeks. 😂

We still have a carbon copy of that “contract” tucked away in our glove box for safe-keeping. 🤣

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Fast forward to today and despite the best of intentions, we obviously did not in fact end up keeping the van clean. 😩

Don’t get me wrong, we do take it through the car wash every now and again…always vowing afterward to “never eat fast food in here again.” But it’s never long before we’ve messed things up once more.

Good thing our local car wash has an option for an unlimited pass — for a monthly fee, you can drive through the wash and use the vacuums as many times as you need.

And that’s when I got to thinking…when it comes down to it, we’re all just like those minivans. And no matter how nice looking our “van” is on the outside, we all get all messy on the inside sometimes.

And God knows that.

He knows we’re messy…he knows life is rough and we tend to go off road sometimes…and get a little mud on our tires…we get busy and instead of consuming the bread of life from his Word, we’re stopping at a drive thru and keeping the evidence in a pile on our floorboards.

He also knows that just like my dirty old van, we as sinners are in desperate need of washing too — in need of cleansing from all our sins.

So through the blood of Christ the Lamb, He offers unlimited washes to us, too.

And best yet, God’s wash is free. Praise God the price has already been paid for you and me through Jesus’ sacrifice. 🙏❤️🙏

There is one stipulation though…

Our local car wash is open from dawn to dusk — daylight hours only. As convenient as it would be sometimes to we can’t expect to run through the carwash after business hours (when it’s dark), it’s closed. The washers aren’t working.

And just as we can’t run our van through the carwash in the middle of the night, we also cannot expect God to cleanse us when we are willfully walking in darkness. (Hebrew 10:26-29; Romans 6:1)

We must continue to walk in the light in order to receive that continual forgiveness and cleansing — to receive the blessing and privilege of unlimited washes. (I John 1:5-10) That means, following the example and teachings of Jesus in out everyday lives.

The “Keep the Van Clean” contract is a lot like God’s law for us. We should aim to be holy as He is holy — to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. But alas, we are human and we fail — the car wash is His grace for us through Jesus.

Take advantage of that wonderful grace today by acknowledging Jesus as the Son of God and your Savior, repenting of your sins, and being baptized for the remission of your sins. It’s a limited time offer too good to pass up! ❤️

Until next time…

-PWAP

The Life of the Party

Published on March 5, 2022June 29, 2022 by Pilgrim with a PenLeave a comment

It’s Saturday night — got any plans?

Not me…I’m not much of a partier. I’m just cooking dinner, doing laundry, and trying to talk my husband into watching a chick flick with me later tonight. 😂

Speaking of chick flicks…do you remember the movie Father of the Bride?

Unless you were living under a rock in the 90’s, you probably do. It’s one of my favorites — the unofficial Father of all romantic comedies. 😉

In the film, Steve Martin stars as George Banks, your typical tight-waddish father-of-the-bride. His hilarious foil is Franck Eggelhoffer, an over-the-top flamboyant wedding planner played by Martin Short.

In one of my favorite scenes, these two polar opposites are going back and forth with each other (yet again) over the event budget. 🙄

Tired of George raining on his parade, Franck and his party-planning assistant Howard Weinstein proceed to break out in a catchy little tune:

🎶 “Every party has a pooper, that’s why we invited you, party pooper, party pooper…” 🎶

🥳💩😂😂😂😂😂💩🥳

I guess weddings tend to bring out the best and worst in people. They’re just stressful like that. 🤷‍♀️

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In John 2:1-11, we read about a time that Jesus went to a wedding party, too. You know, the one where He performed His first recorded miracle? Turning water into wine is quite the party trick, if you ask me! 🎉

I think that proves Jesus is definitely NOT a party pooper.

In fact, he’s quite the opposite…Jesus is the Life of the party — “The way, the truth, and the life,” to be exact. 😬😬😬😬 (John 14:6) 😉

And as followers of Christ, we should be, too.

On Saturday nights, some Christians forget that Christ is living in them — and they try to be the “life of the party” by the world’s standards — in what they wear, what they drink, what they say, where they go, and what they do, fearing that others may call them a party pooper if they don’t conform.

Christians are called to be different though. The Bible says we shouldn’t be conformed to the world (Romans 12:2), but transformed. We are to be in the world but not of the world, so-to-speak.

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (I Peter 2:9)

People may call you a party pooper…they may even sing you a little song about it 🤣…but if that’s the worst we face in persecution, we should count it all joy.

Whatever your weekend plans may be, remember who you are…remember that Christ lives in you and that we are meant to be so much more than just the life of the party…rather we are the Life of the party instead.

Until next time…

-PWAP

Run, Hide, Fight

Published on March 1, 2022June 29, 2022 by Pilgrim with a PenLeave a comment

Ukraine is on the hearts and minds of the whole world right now. Unthinkable acts of war have been committed by Russian military forces on innocent Ukrainian civilians.

My heart breaks for the people of Ukraine.

They are not just in a war for their country and their lives — but in a war against evil itself.

And the response of the Ukrainian people has been nothing short of awe-inspiring.

Hundreds of thousands of the elderly, women, and children have already fled the country, running for their lives.

Millions within the border are hiding in subways and basements, seeking shelter from crossfire and bombs.

And many more brave civilians, including President Zelenskyy himself, are actively arming themselves and fighting back in defense against these unsolicited attacks.

RUN. HIDE. FIGHT.

These three simple words are our first line of defense in any attack — and they’ve been in my head all week as the world watches the violence in Ukraine unfold.

Jesus tells us, “…do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” – Matthew 10:28

This verse provides a comforting perspective to Christians when our physical lives are in jeopardy. But it also points to the fact that there’s a bigger battle going on here than what meets the eye.

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” – Ephesians 6:12

Like Putin — the devil doesn’t fight fair. He ambushes us, especially when our defenses are down. He sees us not as soldiers, but as prey. We don’t have to go looking for a fight…he is hunting us like a lion every day. (I Peter 5:8)

So, as soldiers of Christ, what can we do when the devil attacks?

1. RUN

Flee from sin (I Corinthians 6:18). Don’t let the devil fool you — when he gathers troops at your border, know that his intentions are never good. Run away from sin and don’t look back. Run to spiritual safety if you possibly can.

2. HIDE

If you can’t run…then hide. Hide the Word of God in your heart. (Psalm 119:11) We are told “…the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7) It will be like a refuge for your soul when you are under spiritual attack. (Psalm 46:1)

3. FIGHT

If you can’t run or hide, just like those brave citizens of Ukraine, you have no other choice but to fight for your spiritual life.

“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.” Ephesians 6:13-18

They say the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.

Evil isn’t only fought on the battlefield with tanks and ammunition…it’s a daily battle that starts in our hearts, in our homes, and in our communities.

So do something — if you know what’s right, do it!

Don’t sit idly by while the spiritual Putins of the world push their evil agenda. Don’t be overtaken. Take a stand. Fight back against evil. Do the right thing.

RUN. HIDE. FIGHT.

And until next time…keep praying for Ukraine. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” -Psalm 46:1

-PWAP

Forgive and Forget

Published on February 20, 2022June 29, 2022 by Pilgrim with a PenLeave a comment

The other day, my six-year-old son came running to me from the playroom with a flushed face and big crocodile tears in his eyes.

Assuming he had been wrestling around with his big brother again, I braced myself for impact as I anxiously asked, “Buddy — what’s wrong?!??”

He buried his head in the arm of my chair as he broke down into full-on sobs. I stroked and patted his little back, waiting to hear what had happened.

Eventually, through his tears he got a few words out a a time: “Mom…I’m…so…sorry!!!”

“For what?!?” I said.

“Remember that time…I broke the…the…the pirate flashlight? I’m sorry!!!”

Despite his conviction, I honestly couldn’t remember the incident at all …but I knew what he was referring to because he’s told me this story before at random intervals. Always with tears in his eyes. 😔🥺 He’s my youngest and my most sensitive child.

The supposed transgression apparently happened a few years ago when we were living in our previous house. From what I’m told, I bought each of the boys a new toy, but because my younger son liked his older brother’s toy better, he immediately threw his own flashlight to the ground, causing it to break. He couldn’t have been more than 3 or 4 years old at the time.

I said, “Buddy, you were so small…you didn’t even know any better.”

He began to cry again.

“Yes, Mom…I did know that it was wrong — but I did it anyway.”

I hugged him tightly…it was obvious his heart was breaking and mine was breaking for him! I looked at his quivering lip and tear-stained cheeks, and said, “Buddy, don’t worry — I forgive you…I forgave you a long time ago for that…and I don’t even remember it anymore!”

The next morning, I got up and as I was brushing my teeth, a thought hit me. It’s not a new thought by any means, but it nonetheless hit me in a very new, very freeing way…

God forgives me.

There’s been so many days that I’ve come to God in prayer, still riddled with guilt and shame over past sins.

He doesn’t literally speak back to me in prayer, but through His Word the Bible, it’s as if God is saying: I forgive you…I forgave you for that a long time ago…and I don’t even remember it!

“For I will forgive their iniquities and will remember their sins no more.” – Hebrews 8:12

“The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. He will not always accuse us, nor harbor His anger forever. He has not dealt with us according to our sins or repaid us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His loving devotion for those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.” -Psalm 103: 8-13

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man, as an offering for sin. He thus condemned sin in the flesh, so that the righteous standard of the law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” – Romans 8:1-4

But there is only one way to take part in the forgiveness of God — by becoming His child.

Just like my son came to me for forgiveness…if we are children of God, we can come to our Father in the same way, also!

Because “As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.” -Psalm 103:13

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9.

If you are already a child of God and struggle with believing that God forgives you, I would suggest listening to a sermon called “Saved Without a Doubt” by Don Blackwell . All you have to do is click on the underlined words and it will take you straight to the video on YouTube. His message was a blessing to me and I hope will be to you as well.

Until next time…

-PWAP