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The Changing Standards of Christianity: A Reflection

My Dad often asked me a question. I am going to ask his question here. What changed? Was it not a sin back then? or is it still a sin now?

He asked this question in regard to all the changes in the standards of Christians. He would then give examples of the various changes he had seen in his lifetime. He was born in 1944. He started asking me this question in 2010. He stopped asking with he died in 2019. Thankfully he had made it back to God.

I am going to give some of the examples that he gave me.

ThenNow
All Women wore dressesMost women wear pants
No Christian went dancing Many Christians go dancing
The music was different. Hymns were common. You could never confuse a church service with the music with that of the dance hall/bar.There are praise teams leading the worship that is loud. Hymns are uncommon. My dad once commented that the praise team could make a lot of money playing this music at the local bar down the street. He had no idea what they were singing, but the music had a good beat for dancing.
No fancy lightsStrobe lights are common
Men always removed their hats before praying and when entering the church.Men are seen wearing hats in church.
Movie watching was frown upon mostly.Movie watching is normal.

I now understand that he was really asking why the church looks so much like the world. He was raised in the church by his Grandparents until they died. He then went to live with his uncles. They taught him to drink, swear, and live in the world. Later in life he went back to church and was surprised by all the changes. Because of the changes it took him a while longer to come back. He kept looking for the church that he had left. He said many times if only I could hear my grandpa preach just one more time. If only I had my grandpa’s Bible to look at just one more time.

Now I want you to think about your life. Can others see the difference between your life and the world? If those differences are only that you go to church and the world does not, there is a problem. There are people who are looking for the differences. They need to see the difference. They need to see a grandpa’s preaching just one more time. If you are living a life set apart from the world, it is possible for your life to be the sermon that they need to see/hear just one more time.

Overcoming Challenges: Faith in Modern Society

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Faith and Perseverance: Running Life’s Race

Can’t never could because Can’t won’t try. This is something I heard my mom frequently say.

It means that unless you try for sure you will never do something because you didn’t even try.

Remember the story of the Little Engine that Could? “The Little Engine That Could” is a beloved children’s book that teaches the values of optimism and perseverance through the story of a small blue engine that triumphs against the odds. A few other engines that were bigger and better suited for the task refused to even try to help the toys get over the mountain. This story should remind us that perseverance and hope is sometimes the most important things that we could have. Because the little engine tried, the little engine was able to bring joy to the children.

Remember The Hare and the Tortoise? The tortoise won because he kept going. The hare was so puffed up with pride that he didn’t really try to win the race. He took a nap in the middle to the race, but the tortoise kept going.

In Paul’s writings, he compares the life of a Christian to running in the Olympic games. He says that many start, but the prize only goes to the one who finishes the race. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

Many people hear the word of God, but not all will start following God. Just like in the story the Pilgram’s Progress, there will be people who start and then turn back because of difficulty. There are some like in the story of the Little Engine that never try because it is inconvenient. There are some people like in the story of the Hare and the Tortoise that think that they have no need of trying because they are just that good. Unfortunately, just like in the case of the hare, they are wrong. The tortoise knew that he was slow, but he also need that he could eventually reach his destination simply by trying.

There’s a country song that talks about how you will never reach your destination if you never try. It is called “The River” by Garth Brooks. In the song it talks about how some people are content to sit on the shoreline. It also explains that they will never reach their dreams or full potential because they do not try. Yes, sometimes there will be rough waters, trouble, but the prize is for the one who does not give up.

Songs That Teach: Reflections on Life and Faith

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Understanding Divine Love through “Love Without End, Amen”

There is an older country music song that says, “Daddy’s don’t just love their children every now and then, it’s a love without end amen.”

I was thinking about this song, “Love Without End, Amen”, the other day. It reminds me of my Heavenly Father’s love for me. He doesn’t just love me when I am good. He also loves me when I mess up. He loved me so much that He sent his only begotten son, Jesus, to die on the cross so that I could be reconciled to Him.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

In this song it talks about how a young boy has gotten in trouble yet again. He is waiting for his father’s punishment. What he gets instead is a life lesson. His dad explains that Father’s love their children through it all. This is explained as a secret. Later in the song this same boy has grown up and became a father. He is certain that this boy is just like him. When he thinks that he can’t take any more he passes this secrete to his son. The third verse:

“Last night I dreamed I died and stood outside those pearly gates.
When suddenly I realized there must be some mistake.
If they know half the things I’ve done, they’ll never let me in.
And then somewhere from the other side I heard these words again.”

This brings home the message that this song is comparing the love of a real Father to that of God Almighty.

Below is the song in case you want to hear it.

Songs That Teach: Reflections on Life and Faith

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Songs, Thoughts

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Songs That Teach: Reflections on Life and Faith

Songs have the power to make us reflect on various things, some positive and some not so much. They can teach us valuable lessons, and it’s often easier to remember a song than random facts. Below are a few articles I’ve written that feature a song, sharing some of my personal thoughts. More will be added as time goes by.

Inspiring Tales of Faith and Divine Protection

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Explorer and Snowbell

It all started when I was visiting my dad in Ovett, MS. There was a very little kitten that had been rejected by his mother. So, we tried to bottle feed it. My dad was a truck driver. He was going to be leaving out on the road again right after we left. Therefore, he told me to take the kitten home with me.

We took the kitten home. All seemed to be okay. That night I woke up several times to feed the kitten. The next morning things took a turn for the worse. The kitten appeared to be in distress. We rushed the kitten to the vet. The kitten died in route. We had named the kitten Little Pete. The vet informed us that the kitten was born with a life-threatening birth defect. The kitten was only about 2 weeks old.

My children were very upset over the loss of their new kitten. I suddenly had an idea on how to comfort them. We went to Cat Haven.

Since Little Pete had had blue eyes, my daughter wanted the new cat to have blue eyes. There was only one kitten there with blue eyes. This was a white kitten about 9 weeks old. A sign on his cage indicated that he might have FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) because his mother had tested positive and an earlier test showed a faint positive for this cat. However, it was still a little early to be sure. He would need to be retested at a later date. So, I ask some more questions about FIV. In the end I agree to take the kitten who we named Snow Bell.

My son by this time has found a kitten. This kitten is about 8 weeks old. The papers on his cage indicate that he is a very active kitten but loves to cuddle after he runs out of energy. My son believes that this kitten would be perfect for him. He is a mostly black colored kitten with a few stripes. We named him Explorer.

I call and make an appointment at the vet for both of the kittens. They are both sick with worms. Snowbell also has developed an eye infection. It takes two rounds of medication to get them well from the worms. Snowbell is retested for FIV because of the eye infection that does not want to get well. He is also tested for a few other things. Thankfully it is not FIV. Instead, this kitten has herpes. So, I learn about herpes in cats. Thankfully it is not usually transmitted to humans under normal conditions. Unfortunately, every time this cat gets stressed out about anything, he will have a flair up of herpes. That is why his eye developed an infection right after we brought him home. He was stressed out by the move. So, we now just keep his eye medication on hand for flair ups and try to keep the cat calm.

Explorer has most certainly lived up to his name. His favorite activity is exploring and getting into everything and anything. He is still very cuddly after he has run out of energy from playing.

Heartfelt Tales of My Beloved Pets

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How Children Learn from Their Environment

Have you ever heard this poem?

Children Learn What They Live
By Dorothy Law Nolte, Ph.D.
If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive.
If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.
If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.
If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy.
If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.
If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.
If children live with tolerance, they learn patience.
If children live with praise, they learn appreciation.
If children live with acceptance, they learn to love.
If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.
If children live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal.
If children live with sharing, they learn generosity.
If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.
If children live with fairness, they learn justice.
If children live with kindness and consideration, they learn respect.
If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and in those about them.
If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live.

Copyright © 1972 by Dorothy Law Nolte

This is a great poem with lots of truth to it. Children learn based on what they see and hear. Children learn by doing and they often copy what they see and hear the adults and other children around them do. It is important to be careful what you say and do around children because they are always watching. It is important how you treat children and others because children learn how to treat others by watching you. Many of the problems that our society has today was create yesterday by how the adults behaved around the children. In order to create a better tomorrow, we must start today by correcting our behavior today.

Children are not born knowing how to act, talk, or walk. They learn by watching the adults and other children around them. So, the next time the child in your care misbehaves, go look in a mirror and see what you are doing and check on what any children around them are doing. Yes, they need to be corrected, but it is possible that your actions or the actions of others need correcting as well. Remember the old adage, Birds of a feather flock together. The people that children are around will cause them to start behaving just like them. Now stop and think about what kind of person you want children to become when they grow up. What kind of world do we want the future to be? Do you like the way the world seems to be going? The future is literally in your hands today. Correct your behavior today for a better tomorrow.

Overcoming Challenges: Faith in Modern Society

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Jesus and the Parable of the Lost Sheep Explained

During a recent heavy rainstorm, I checked on my animals. I first found all four cats, and the one dog was under my feet. Next, I checked on the chickens. All but one was accounted for. So, I head into the pouring down rain looking for my chicken. After finding the chicken, and ensuring her safety, I thought about Jesus and the parable of the good shepherd.

The Parable of the Lost Sheep

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” So, he told them this parable: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?  And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. Luke 15:1-7

The shepherd in the parable leaves the 99 in a safe place. He goes out into the elements and finds his lost sheep. He doesn’t stop until he is successful. Then he brings the sheep back to safety.

This is also a picture of what has done for us. Jesus to came, seek, and to save, the lost. We were unable to redeem ourselves. So, Jesus came to earth and weathered the elements. He endured many hardships, was beaten and crucified all because He loves us. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Just as my love for my animals drove me into the pouring down rain to look for my chicken, Jesus’ love for you and me brought Him down from Heaven just for you and me. I only got soaked from the rain. Jesus was beaten and killed by the very people He came to save. Just think about how much love he has for us.

Overcoming Challenges: Faith in Modern Society

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Overcoming Challenges: Faith in Modern Society

General Thoughts

The content includes diverse topics related to faith and community, such as biblical lessons, the role of children in prayer, societal issues like violence in schools, and personal stories on faith and survival. It emphasizes respect in religious settings, the significance of gratitude, and the importance of guiding young people.

Inspiring Family Stories That Uplift Your Spirit

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Exploring Family Stories of Faith and Life Lessons

Family Stories

This collection of family stories explores various themes such as faith, relationships, and personal experiences. It includes narratives about a boat ride, church services, and childhood perspectives emphasizing the importance of listening to the Holy Spirit and learning from diverse life experiences, such as those of a long-haul truck driver.

  • People are People: Child learns from truck-driving father that all people, regardless of location or appearance, are similar.
  • The Boat Ride: Years ago, a Mississippi family braved a month of rain, culminating in a risky boat ride on a flooded river, exemplifying courage and faith in adversity.
  • Friday Night Church Service: My great-grandmother advocated for Friday night church services for youth, fearing their absence would lead to declining church attendance, which has occurred.
  • Unlocked Church: The story of a church, that had been left unlocked since 1940, when the new preacher installed locks on the doors.
  • The Seashell: This is the story of a family heirloom.
  • Snakes: This is a story told by my mom. She was scared of snakes. This story is about her having to deal with snakes as a young girl.
  • Just Vaccinate Me: This is a story about my grandfather and how he dealt with poison ivy. This has impacted our family for generations.
  • Child-like Faith: The story illustrates child-like faith through a mother’s experience during Hurricane Camille, emphasizing trust in God despite life’s challenges.
  • Coke Truck: On a hot summer day in the 1950s, Berry walks two miles for cokes, gets a ride home, and surprises his family.
  • Understanding Relationships Through a Child’s Eyes: After my parents’ divorce, my dad’s relationships and my accidental name mistake with his girlfriend led to unexpected lessons about faith and choices.
  • Listening to the Holy Spirit: A Life-Defining Moment- On August 13, 1999, a strong intuition led me not to wear my seat belt, saving my life during a severe car accident that injured me significantly.
  • Bloopers From Church: Laughter in Faith
  • Remembering My Grandmothers: A Hanukkah Reflection: The author reflects on memories of her grandmothers during Hanukkah, exploring family traditions, heritage, and the significance of a unique light shared across generations.
Inspiring Family Stories That Uplift Your Spirit

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Family stories, Stories and more

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Inspiring Tales of Faith and Divine Protection

Inspirational Stories

This collection features inspirational stories emphasizing hope, divine protection, and the transformative power of prayer. It includes person struggles, lessons from family and the kindness of strangers. The narratives highlight the significance of faith and the demonstrate how simple prayers can lead to profound changes and salvation.

  • Never Lose Hope: This is the story of a mother, facing surgery and despair over infertility. She discovers she is pregnant. Despite an accident and being told the baby was dead, hope prevails, leading to a miraculous birth.
  • Short Prayer: The narrator recalls a challenging experience in a malfunctioning car when an 18-wheeler turned too sharply nearby. Despite the chaos, no one honked, demonstrating community support. This experience reinforced the importance of sincere prayer and a relationship with God.
  • God’s protection: At age 7, I cherished my white boots, playing outside while unaware of a rattle snake on my bike path. My mom found the snake, revealing my boot print on it. This experience reminded me of God’s protective presence, even in ignorance.
  • God Will Provide: Growing up in a financially strained environment after my parents’ divorce, both underwent serious health challenges, leading to unemployment. Despite hardships, including housing insecurity and my mother’s disability, faith and determination inspired resilience. Miraculously, provisions often appeared as answered prayers, allowing us to survive and maintain our home.
  • A Life Saved by Prayer: A long-haul truck driver’s perilous mountain descent coincided with his wife’s fervent prayer for his safety. An angel, resembling their daughter, miraculously stabilizes the trailer throughout the descent. After the dangerous experience, the driver acknowledges the power of prayer, emphasizing its potential to save lives when a strong urge to pray arises.
  • Lessons from my grandpa’ life: Great-grandpa Berry lived a complex life, serving in the army, farming, and working various jobs, but he struggled with hypocrisy and illegal activities. In his final days, he expressed love for his family and a longing for redemption before passing away.
  • Delivered from Cocaine: Marvin, a man once addicted to cocaine and alcohol, transformed through prayer and support from his wife, Annabel, and Pastor Roy. After a powerful encounter at church, he overcame abuse and addiction, remaining faithful until his passing, with Annabel always by his side.
  • Nostalgic Hymns and Childlike Faith: The author reflects on childhood church hymns that inspired emotions and visions of angels, emphasizing the importance of childlike faith in perceiving spiritual experiences.
  • Freezing Children and Kindness from a Stranger: In the 1960s, Marcus and Ann, traveling with their young children, sought warmth at a stranger’s home after a cold church service. The welcoming black couple defied racial norms, demonstrating kindness and compassion, highlighting a memorable act of humanity and divine blessing.
  • The Power of prayer: a childhood story: In the late 1960s, a family moved to an oilfield town where the children, Jerry and Karen, faced a challenge crossing a cattle gap. After Karen got stuck, she prayed for help, and Jerry miraculously bent the pipe to free her. Their father, skeptical, eventually recognized the extraordinary event as a manifestation of their faith.
  • Beating out the Fire: In 1963, Grandpa Paul, a new assistant pastor, shocked a congregation by admitting to “beating” his wife, which he later explained was to extinguish her dress fire. This incident taught the community the importance of understanding intentions behind actions, emphasizing listening before judgment.
  • The Power of Simple Prayers: A Personal Journey: The author recounts experiences from childhood living in a remote town with their mother, emphasizing the power of prayer. During dire moments, including a near-train accident and car troubles, simple prayers were instrumental in their survival. These events reinforced the belief in Jesus’ assistance and the importance of trust in divine timing.
  • Heaven: At a young age, the author learns about Jesus, heaven, and hell, desiring to go to heaven due to chronic sickness and the allure of animals there. After persistently praying, the author dreams of heaven where ailments disappear. Eventually, health improves, confirming the belief that Jesus answers prayers in various ways.
  • God Hears Every Prayer: A mother’s prayer for protection from snakes illustrates faith’s significance, showing that no concern is too trivial for God.
  • A Fork’s Symbolism: Hope and Faith: A woman nearing death insisted on being buried with a fork, symbolizing hope for something better, reminding others that faith leads to eternal life and joy.
  • Car Trouble and the Good Samaritan: A story about a good Samaritan that was the mostly likely to be considered a good Samaritan.
Inspiring Family Stories That Uplift Your Spirit

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