Don't Give Up

DON'T GIVE UP

I enjoy my home office. It's easy to rest my eyes as I look out the window above my desk. Is it windy? All I have to do is look at the movement of the pine trees.


Will I see wildlife? That's always a special treat, except for the javelinas that seem to root around and travel in packs. It's much more fun to watch the birds peck the ground for food.

Relief Without a Window

Years ago, I worked in a large church as an administrative assistant. My office had been set up to suit me and I enjoyed it. I'd say the only thing missing was a window. But I could delight in lovely landscaping whenever I chose to step outside.

This church had a large staff with many offices. It was a busy place and I enjoyed it, because I like having plenty of things to do. But I still remember one day that had been particularly tiresome.

About four o'clock I took a break and walked over to talk with a secretary whose positive attitude and work ethic I had always admired. I surprised her with a question. "Do you have a scripture of encouragement for a very tiring day?"

She said, "I wasn't prepared for that. I'll have to think about it." We talked a little more and I went back to my work.

About twenty minutes later, she walked over to my office. "I've got it."

"Great," I said, "what is it?"

She quoted Galatians 6:9. "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

That meant completing an assignment, no matter how challenging or how short the deadline. Our satisfying harvest would be the job completed and handed over to the person who needed it.

Recently I read another scripture that this lady fulfilled. Hebrews 10:24 says, "Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds."

A Wider View

Office workers aren't the only ones who need encouragement. And spurring one another on in a positive manner need not always be verbal.

My parents used to encourage me toward good quarterly grades by promising monetary rewards for A's, B's and C's.

Little League teams seem to enjoy food rewards after a game. It's easy to see this spurring them on after expending all that energy.

Cards can be a great source of encouragement. So many choices---Get Well, Thinking of You, Sympathy for Your Loss, Happy Birthday, Thank You and more.

Not into snail mail? Send an encouraging e-mail. Or make a call to say, "Hi. I've been thinking of you and wanted to say thank you for . . . "

You Can Do It

Perhaps you're thinking I haven't even started to do good this way.

That's OK. I'm thinking don't give up. It's never too late to get started.

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NOTE: I have reduced the size of my photos to make it easier for cell phone readers.

How Can We Help?

HOW CAN WE HELP?

Hurricane Harvey recently did its damage. People in Texas are still trying to recover. I rarely watch the Weather Channel, but today I saw Hurricane Irma working her way up from the tropics to Florida and beyond.

Mankind can prevent diseases, work to prevent earthquake damage on bridges and buildings and find better ways to fight fires. 

Wonderful accomplishments!

What we cannot do is prevent tornadoes, hurricanes or earthquakes. 

All we can do is prepare for them, and that's not easy. 

Be Prepared
I've heard a lot about preparedness. In California and Washington, it had to do with earthquakes. Here in northern Arizona, it's all about forest fires. In South Dakota, I remember being in the car as Dad was trying to outrun a tornado. I was too young to understand the implications of that.

What I do understand, as an adult, is that not all levels of society have the means to prepare for disaster. I read an article just last week about the high percentage of Americans that are now living from paycheck to paycheck.

Think About It

Nature's hard hitters leave a lot of problems to solve . . . and they all take time to overcome!

Let's get personal. If your job is gone because of a natural disaster, will you ever get it back? If so, how long will it be?

If your home is wiped out by fire, earthquake or flood will you be able to rebuild? If so, how long will that take?

How long will your community be able to supply food, water, sleeping quarters and sanitation for hundreds or thousands who have lost everything? Some survivors even prepared for disaster, but it happened so suddenly they could not save their provisions.

A Helpful Solution
Humans helping humans is God's principle since the day Eve was created to be a helpmate for Adam (Genesis 2:20-23). In the Old Testament, people were instructed to meet the needs of their poor relatives as well as others in need. This directive included a blessing for the generous (Deuteronomy 15:10-11).

Think about it. How can you help? You don't have anything to give? Think again. I once heard a former street person say that, in her experience, the homeless shared from what little they had.

Another example of giving from meager fare was shared by the Apostle Paul. He knew the Macedonian believers had gone through a severe trial, yet they insisted on giving to others in need before being asked (2 Corinthians 8:1-4).

Why Wait?
Giving before being asked is a good idea. It allows immediate disaster relief through the Salvation Army, Red Cross, United Way, Operation Blessing, Convoy of Hope and others. You've probably seen them at work on TV, just like me.

There has not been enough time to meet the needs of Hurricane Harvey. Hurricane Irma will only multiply the problem.

How can we help? I only know what I can do. What you do is up to you, but . . . do something!

Watch Out! No Respect

WATCH OUT! NO RESPECT

Just this week I saw a huge trash truck trying to back out of a small street onto a larger one. He was on the opposite side from me and I noticed that he was on hold because cars kept whizzing around him.

My street curved where he was trying to back out. I felt uneasy about my limited view, so I stopped about a half block away and waited. There were no cars behind me.

He started to back up again, and once more a driver sped around him. I was thankful I had left some room since she crossed into my lane before swerving into her lane again.

At last the truck backed out into the street and headed my way. I was surprised to see him wave a thank you. As I drove on, the word respect came to mind. I thought I showed respect by waiting for him to back up and he showed respect for me by taking time to be polite.

Diamonds are for Everyone

Respect is like a sparking diamond. It has many facets to make it shine. Let's consider a few:

Regard: Your opinion of a person or their job affects the way you treat them. Do you treat higher ups with respect and people of less importance poorly?

Esteem: Your attitude reveals how important or valuable someone is to you. For example, do you esteem a waiter as much as a doctor? What would your world be like without each one?

Sharing: Every time you give respect to someone you share a part of yourself. Have you noticed how little sharing is done in a parking lot? People don't seem to have a second to spare.

Politeness: Our society has a "me first" edge. Common courtesy is no longer common. At the least, do you try to show respect with a simple please and/or thank you?

Empathy: This is the ability to share in another's emotions or feelings. In difficult situations, do you consider anyone besides yourself?

Control: The most important control is self-control. Losing your temper and lashing out at others shows a lack of respect, not just for them but for yourself, too. Do you ever feel good when you create a scene?

Thoughtfulness: This includes kindness and careful attentiveness to others. For example, when giving a gift do you consider what the receiver might enjoy? Or are you focused only on your satisfaction as the gift giver?

Your Attitude Matters

Respect is free and easy to give, but it's not automatic. Romans 12:10b says, "Honor one another above yourselves."

Do you really want to make a difference in this world? Consider how to give some respect. It's a good way to start.

NOTE

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Peaceful Sleep

PEACEFUL SLEEP

To me, the words peace and sleep go together. In my lifetime, I've had my share of sleepless nights, even restless nights. Sometimes it was due to a physical condition. Other times it was due to stress of some kind. One scary night I discovered a helpful solution.


It was after midnight when I heard angry voices in the street outside my bedroom window. My husband had taken a part-time job with a custodial service, and it was my first time to be home alone until early morning.

We were living in a church parsonage in Phoenix, Arizona. There was a driveway between the house and the church that led to a parking lot in back. This made the house feel more public than private to me.

I got up carefully and pulled the curtains back to peek out the window. The shouting continued, then the car door opened and a woman was pushed out. As the car sped off, she gained her balance. Then she started walking in the same direction as the car.

What's Happening Out There?

I found this unsettling as an observer. In our family, you might argue but never shout, and physical abuse was not in any way an issue. Having never had children I was used to being alone at night when my husband was busy with ministry. But having him gone on an all-night job was different from seeing him walk in the door at nine-thirty or ten o'clock after a church event.

When he worked, I would stay up as late as I could, then go to bed hoping to fall asleep. But sleep eluded me. It was nice to have a streetlight outside, but still I was very uneasy alone.

Psalm 23 was a favorite chapter in the Bible, but I didn't feel it was exactly what I needed. I wondered if I could find a scripture that applied specifically to sleep.

I Found a "Keeper!
My Bible's small concordance did not list many scriptures, but I found exactly what I needed in Psalm 4:8 (KJV): "I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for Thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety." Later I found it just as comforting in more modern translations.

Psalm 4:8 (NIV)In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.

Here was the promise of two things I needed: Peace and Sleep! I wrote the verse down and started to memorize it. Every night as I went to bed, I would quote this scripture and turn my fears over to God.

I believed He would keep His word. My faith was based on an ancient scripture that says God will not let His word "return empty." He will make sure it achieves its intended purpose (Isaiah 55:11).

Over the years, there have been other times and places I have needed to quote that scripture to get a good night's rest. I'm happy to report that I have shared this verse many times, and I'm not the only one who has applied it by faith and found it true.

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Things I Learned in the Valley (Part 2)

THINGS I LEARNED in the VALLEY . . .  (Part 2)

I acknowledged the reality of my diagnosis and treatments. I realized I was not in control of any of them. The only things I could control were my thoughts, will and daily choices. I found that I could not think both negative and positive thoughts at the same time, so I chose positive. Proverbs 17:22 talks about a cheerful heart being like good medicine, so I was always on the lookout for good humor. I also began a new bedtime routine. Before going to sleep I would thank God for ten positive things that had happened that day, no matter how small. The simple, but calming, idea came from Psalm 100:4-5.

I prayed over each appointment, test and treatment. A friend sent a postcard of a painting by Nathan Greene called The Difficult Case. I found it so inspirational that I framed it and still have it in my office. It shows a doctor at his desk with books and papers in front of him. Christ is by his side with one hand on his shoulder, and the other hand pointing things out for the doctor's consideration. This painting and the scripture in 1 Peter 5:7 inspired me to pray: May whoever has anything to do with my case today see, speak and do only God's will for me. Jesus, You are my Great Physician and all my doctors and medical personnel are Your servants for my good. Amen.

 

I learned that God did not give me a free pass spiritually just because I was ill. He taught me things about His Word and about myself that I would never have learned otherwise. For example, The Lord's Prayer became even more meaningful as I prayed it thoughtfully most every morning (Matthew 6:9-13; 1 Chronicles 29:11-12). If I felt any check in my spirit, I took the Psalmist David's advice and asked God to show me what needed to be cleared up in my understanding, or cleaned out of my heart (Psalm 139:23-24).

Health may come and go, but spiritual life is eternal. God is real and HOPE in Him moves us forward from temporal to spiritual realities. It's great to hear, see, feel, taste and touch our world, but there's more. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 explains this quite well. Even the smallest faith seed, once planted, can grow and provide HOPE from day to day (Matthew 17:20).

Medical professionals say each cancer case is different, though the type may be the same. My treatment was an individualized plan. If doctors can do such a great job individually, God can, too. I'm sharing what I learned so that you might be encouraged on your own personal journey (Romans 1:12). Should you choose to put your faith in God and His Word, it will not be in vain. Psalm 100:5 says three three things about God: 1) He is good, 2) His love endures forever, and 3) His faithfulness continues throughout all generations. That's why I have HOPE! And so can you.

THINGS I LEARNED IN THE VALLEY of the Shadow of Death

THINGS I LEARNED IN THE VALLEYof the Shadow of Death

PART ONE

I never thought I'd get a cancer diagnosis. Everyone in my family seemed to have heart trouble. But I'll never forget listening to a surgeon give me the biopsy report: Cancer! One little word . . . but a major life-changer. My initial reaction was shock, then tears. But time was crucial and I needed to move quickly.

My journey into the Valley began in 2007. I was diagnosed with Stage Three Breast Cancer, along with Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC). Due to an insurance mix up I was not able to get treated immediately, so from the start I learned to trust God. Psalm 23 took on personal meaning. The Lord was my Shepherd and still is. Until 2016, I had labs, diagnostic mammograms and ultrasounds every six months, and more PET scans than I ever wanted to endure. Since then I have graduated to yearly mammograms. I'm still asking God for good reports (Matthew 7:7).

DARLIS SAILORS
Glamour Shots: Usage Permit Purchased 2007

Treatments began with chemo, then surgery, followed by radiation. A friend once told me she was mad at God. When I asked why, she said, "Because He gave you cancer." I said, "I don't believe that. It's just part of the human condition in a fallen world." My diagnosis was challenging because I had always been in good health. The labs, treatments and appointments seemed endless and were very tiring. But I found comfort in God's invitation to come to Him for rest (Matthew 11:28-30). In my months of chemo and radiation, physical rest was needed, but I found rest for my soul, too.

I experienced hope on a daily basis. I made it a point to read scripture. Some days I had energy for short Bible studies. Other days I simply read a chapter or two in Psalms and jotted down notes about verses that stood out to me. Sometimes I dated scriptures in my Bible that seemed particularly important to remember. Isaiah 55:9-11 says that God's Word will never return to Him empty. It will accomplish what He desires. For that reason, my hope in God and His Word was not in vain.

At times I was isolated, but I was never alone. I lived in Yuma, Arizona but due to insurance, all of my treatments were in Phoenix. God was way ahead of me on that one. My husband and I had purchased a small co-op a couple of years earlier as a vacation place. Though I was alone, I always felt safe. When I had to wear a face mask or avoid people due to my low white blood cell count, I always felt that God was near. He kept His word NEVER to leave me or forsake me (Hebrews 13:5b-6).

(Watch for Part Two next week)

Raindrops and Gully Washers

RAINDROPS and GULLY WASHERS

"More rain! We haven't had a summer like this for a while." I stared out my kitchen window. Raindrops were bouncing up from the pavement as if they were ping pong balls while water flowed furiously down the street.

Most of my life has been lived in areas with limited amounts of rain. Washington state was the first place I remember as having such hard rain that my windshield wipers couldn't keep up. But the rains I have seen this summer in northern Arizona run a close second.

It's monsoon season. I've learned that the day can start out sunny and calm, but by afternoon or early evening dark clouds will gather, thunder will rumble and lightening flash.  We live on a mountain and sometimes all this seems a little too close, too bright and too loud.

RAINDROPS AND GULLY WASHERS

When I was a child in the Midwest, I liked to play in the rain. Gentle rains created happy memories. But here I have learned to expect cloudbursts. I try to carry an umbrella with me, but I've learned to be patient with the rain. Cloudbursts explode and drench things in water quickly, then move on. I rarely use an umbrella.

The term "gully washers" has come to life as I see hillsides full of small crevices where water has washed the dirt downhill. Many of our streets have dirt compacted at the bottom of the hill. Street crews try to clear it away, but with daily rains, it's hard to keep up.

Before the monsoons came, we had a major fire in the area that burned for a couple of weeks and destroyed thousands of acres. Rain would have been welcome then, but rain should be welcome anytime. Whenever I think I wish this rainy season would end, I remind myself that many areas would love to deal with the rain I'm wishing away. 

Schools don't wait long to teach children about the rain cycle. What amazes me is that it is mentioned in the Book of Job, an ancient work. One of Job's comforters, Elihu, talks about the wonders of nature that show God's power and majesty.

CONSIDER THE SOURCE

Check out Job 36:27-30 in the Bible of your choice, but The Message shares an interesting word picture: "He pulls water up out of the sea, distills it, and fills up his rain-cloud cisterns. Then the skies open up and pour out soaking showers on everyone."

I can't imagine what it must have been like for Noah and his family to endure rain for forty days and forty nights (Genesis 7:12). It makes my afternoon monsoons seem quite puny. But whether it's gentle rain drops or powerful gully washers, moisture is important to the earth and has its place in the four seasons.

Science can explain a lot, but no man is in charge of the rain cycle. In the next big storm, I need to remember to act on Elihu's practical advice to "stop and consider God's wonders" (Job 37:14).