Searching for Hidden Treasure

By Donna Coffey | Published: September 2, 2010

As a child, I can remember my cousin, Jackie, and I would dream of finding buried treasure.  We would even dig under trees and rocks in hopes of finding a box of jewels or money!  Needless to say, we were never successful in our quest!

But we all have a treasure trove that we can “dig” into….Proverbs 2:4-5 says and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.  Reading, studying, and meditating on God’s Word opens a multitude of treasures:  knowledge, understanding, wisdom, and insight into who God is and what He wants for our lives.

We should take time daily to read His Word and unearth nuggets of truth for our lives.  Many Bible scholars recommend reading one chapter of Psalms and one chapter of Proverbs along with whatever other chapters or verses you might read. Proverbs, the book of wise living principles, lends itself easily for daily reading.  There are 31 chapters in this book of the Bible…one for each day of the month.  So on the 3rd day of the month, read chapter 3, and so on. 

The treasure is right there in our Bibles for us to discover…then you will understand what is right and just and fair – every good path, for wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.  Discretion will protect you and understanding will guard you. (Proverbs 2:9-11)

May we all be treasure seekers today!

Donna Coffey

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Three Wheeling

By Shelly Johns | Published: August 29, 2010

  

 

I remember learning to ride a bike.  My father bought me a tricycle first.  It was red with white handle bar caps and streamers at the end.  I loved that bike and rode it until the seat would no longer stay on the bike—at least not without careful maneuvering. 

So, daddy declared it unsafe and forbade me to ride until he could get me what he called a “big girl’s” bike.  Well as any child would do, I “listened”….for his footsteps as I continued to ride my bike behind Granny’s house (my father’s grandmother). 

One day, as I rounded a bush, I lost my balance, causing the seat to tilt.  Yep, there was nothing but post after that.  I still have a scar on my thigh to this day!  Nevertheless, daddy was there to clean me up.

Months later, I had that “big girl’s” bike, and after a few potentially bad knee scrapes, I got it. Then, I moved from the lawn to the road.

I read somewhere that once you master balance, speed, and momentum, you will be riding with abandon.  The author was right.  In just a short time, I was shouting, “look, no hands…no hands!”

I am also learning there’s nothing like living life in Christ with true abandon.  We  just have to lay aside everything—sin and/or “weighty” things that would hinder our effectiveness—(Hebrews 12:1).  In other words, whatever does not help us run the race, we must put it aside.

The Master has given us all we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3) so that we can live it with true abandon. Whole-hearted obedience is the key (Psalm 119:9-11).

I am still peddling, using three wheels these days (the Father, Son and Holy Spirit).  On good days (when I stay in step with the Spirit—Galatians 5:16), my face is in the wind with eyes closed as I shout “look, His hands…His hands!” 

Of course, there are those “big girl” falls when I take my eyes off Jesus (Hebrews 12:2). Thankfully, Dearest Daddy, my Heavenly Father, is always there to clean me up (1 John 1:9).

~Shelly Johns

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Firefighters

By Aundie Starks | Published: August 26, 2010

In my household being a volunteer fireman is extremely important.   My husband,Tom is a fireman as well as the Chaplin for the unit.  My oldest son Jordan (he is 21) is a fireman and my youngest son, Taylor (he is 15) is a junior firefighter.  I am very proud of all three of them, but worry constantly for their safety.  A few days ago they got called out at 2 in the morning to a house fire.  About two hours later my phone rang, one of my worst fears.  My husband was on the other end telling me they were taking Taylor to the hospital in the ambulance.  He had almost passed out and had a high blood pressure and for me to get dressed he would pick me up in a minute.  Worried I quickly (as quick as one can who is still barely moving from surgery) got dressed and off we went.  Turned out he was fine, he just got to close to the smoke and over heated as well.

Jump forward a couple of days, Jordan and Tom were called to another house fire.  Tom comes home first and says, “um, don’t worry to much, but Jordan got burnt.”  WHAT?!  Jordan walks in with his wrist wrapped with two burns and his face had a line of burns down it.  UGH!!  I wish I could just ban them all from the fire department, but they love it and as they say “if it was our house wouldn’t you want someone to respond?”  Oh now they think rational!

As a Christian though we are all firefighters.  Mark 9:44 describes hell as “where their worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched.”  When my guys go out to fight a fire they put it out, but hell is a never ending flame.  As Christians we hold the fire hose so to speak in keeping a lost person from those flames.  We have the power to share the Gospel of Christ to them and save them from this inferno.

When Jordan go back from the fire that burnt him, some of his gear had actually melted due to the heat.  Can you imagine the intensity that could do that?  Now imagine that it never goes away!  We must share God’s Word!  We must be the firefighters of hell!

I pray that today if you know a lost person (and I am sure that you do), let us get down on our knees and pray that today be the day that they find the Saviour.  If you are able to reach out to them personally…what are you waiting for?

A humble firefighter,

Aundie Starks

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Confessions of a Former Pit Dweller

By Shelly Johns | Published: August 22, 2010

Since Crosseyed Living’s conception, I have written from where God is teaching me.  So, when I write about gossiping, failure to listen, etc.,  it’s because God has spoken to me personally–about MY issues. 

This is because I suffer from “plank-eyeism” (Matthew 7:3, NIV).  In other words, I have enough of my own issues that keep me from writing about someone else’s.  This post is no different.  Read on….

Three weeks ago, I was called the “n” word.  (Hint…it’s the word sometimes used instead of calling someone African American or Black.)  Anyway, I had just completed a site visit at a church hosting an upcoming event, and I was standing at a fuel pump in Hopkinsville, KY.

As I stood, reading the prompts about payment at the pump or inside, a car whizzed by and the words “you can do it n….!” were yelled.

At first, I looked around in sheer astonishment at what I had just heard.  Then I looked around to see who would have heard the words too.  There was a young, white man just one row over, and I know that he heard; however, he never looked at me.  (Perhaps he was embarrassed and just wanted to get out of there. Who can blame him?)

I was little shaken too.  Not because I have never been called that name before.  (Unless I stay in the house, there is hardly a day that goes by that I am not reminded, in some way, that I am a person of color. Nevertheless, it has been a long time since I was called the “n” word–to my face, well sort of.) 

I was shaken because I realized the heart depravity from which such a statement arose.  From one pit dweller to that one (the name caller), he is definitely in a pit of some sort, “for out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). Trust me…pit dwelling is definitely a heart issue!!!

As I headed back to Louisville, I couldn’t help but ask God to search my heart for sin (Psalm 139:23-24).  Although I do not sense prejudices, pride, greed, etc.,  I have been a pit dweller far too long and understand how uncovered sin as well as those that are blatantly in our hearts carry dangerous, enemy-using potential and are just as wrong.

You see, following my divorce (almost eight years ago), I dwelled in a pit for about five of those years.  I was bitter, angry, lonely, sad…an emotional array of potential among the “best” (meaning worst) of the pit-dwelling-residents.

Thankfully, I am no longer there.  Nevertheless, I have been sensitized to recognize other dwellers.  The name caller is one.

Instead of being angry at him and potentially all white people, I choose to pray.  (Understand what I mean by this statement.  I mean that we already have far too many people, Christians included, treating the masses of a particular group with disdain because of one person’s actions or words.) 

Because of the actions of One person, Jesus Christ, I choose to offer love because He first loved me (1 John 4:19-21).

Former pit dweller,

Shelly Johns

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Hereditary?

By Aundie Starks | Published: August 19, 2010

First let me say thank you to all of you for your prayers during my surgery.  I am slowly recovering and dealing with all of the issues that go along with a major surgery.  Please continue to pray as I heal and gain strength.

I went to the surgeon today for my pre-op appointment.  She told me that I was healing great and right on track.  I had several questions for her, including how I can be so young and already need a double bypass.  My mother has had a triple bypass, 10 stents and a mitral valve replaced.  The dr. was nice enough to inform me that it was most likely hereditary.  Great!   Hereditary.  I called my mom to tell her thank you of course for my wonderful gift she past along.  She knew and said she had inherited it from her mother.  So we are just passing it right down the line.  By the way, I have extolled the value of diet and exercise to my children so we can at least slow it down.

I got to thinking about all this heredity stuff and what I have inherited and what I haven’t.  So my mom has given me some not so fun stuff, but then I thought about what my Heavenly Father has given me.  Wow!  Not only do I have eternal life and an amazing Kingdom awaiting me, but He has given me everything that is good and wonderful in my life here on earth.  He has instilled in my joy, peace, understanding, grace and so much, much more.

During the last few weeks I have found myself having some down moments.  I have to stop and remember how thankful I am that they found this blockage before I had a fatal heart attack.  We need to be the same way in our day to day lives.  When things get us down, we need to look at all the wonderful ways the Lord has blessed our lives. 

Thank you again for the uplifting prayers!! 

God bless to you all,

Aundie

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Father, I’m Listening

By Shelly Johns | Published: August 15, 2010

During the run of “Frasier,” one of TV’s most successful sitcoms, Dr. Frasier Crane often began his radio station program with “Good Morning Seattle, this is Frasier Crane, I’m listening.”  This statement often opened the door to many conversational adventures. 

Listening is so underrated.  I mean, it’s often after the fact that we say, “If I had only listened.”  If I were honest, I would admit that I have said this far too many times to God when He has called me.

One night, the Lord called the boy Samuel.  Do you remember the story?  Three times the Lord called him, and Samuel thought that it was Eli the priest.  After the third time Samuel went to Eli, Eli realized that the Lord was calling Samuel. So, Eli told him if the Lord calls again to say, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 8-9).

Sure enough, “the Lord came and stood there, calling…Samuel!  Samuel!” (1 Samuel 3:10).   Samuel listened.

The Lord revealed to him that He was going to “do something in Israel that will make the ears of everyone who hears of it tingle….” (1 Samuel 3:11-14).  For the entire story, read 1 Samuel 1-3.

God still speaks….God still reveals to his servants (those of us in Christ).  He wants to let us in on what will even today make the ears of everyone who hears of it tingle!  He also wants us involved just as He involved Samuel, for “all Israel…recognized that Samuel was attested as a prophet of the Lord….” (1 Samuel 3:19-21). 

Unlike the fictional “Dr. Frasier Crane,” God is the Creator and Sustainer of all.   He gave His One and Only Son Jesus Christ to die in our place, giving all who will accept eternal life.  One of the benefits while still here (on earth) is that we can hear His voice.    

Nevertheless, far too often, we miss His voice for various reasons.  We miss being involved in His work in the lives of others or we miss what He wants to do in our lives because we aren’t listening.

We are in for many conversational adventures and so much more if we simply take the time to listen, for the Lord will continue to appear and reveal himself to us through his word (1 Samuel 3:21).

I challenge you (and myself) to include listening in your prayer and Bible study time.  Sit before Him, expecting Him to speak.  Continue throughout the day, listening for His voice of instruction.

“Good Morning Father, this is your servant Shelly, I’m listening.” 

 ~Shelly

P.S.  want to know how to have a relationship with Christ so that you can begin listening to Him today?  Go to findithere.com and let your adventure begin!

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Choppy Waters

By Donna Coffey | Published: August 12, 2010

A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. Mark 4: 37-41

Fishing on the expansive waters of Lake of the Woods in Ontario, Canada, is an adventure in itself. The beautiful scenery, rugged terrain, and abundant wildlife make an idyllic setting for a relaxing vacation. However, on windy days, the lake takes on a dangerous character. One particular August day, we traveled up the lake to our favorite fishing spots in pursuit of walleye and northern pike, oblivious to a storm front moving in. Coming back to our lodge in the evening was an extremely uncomfortable ride! Our small fishing vessel was hitting white-capping waves, bouncing us in our seats, slamming us down on impact, jarring our weary bones! As I was being jostled around by the waves, I couldn’t help but recall this scripture about Jesus calming the sea.

The disciples had Jesus right there with them in the boat, yet they were afraid for their lives. We might tend to scoff at the disciples’ lack of insight and faith, yet we can be just as guilty. Whenever we face the choppy waters of life, we often panic or feel overwhelmed instead of relying on the Lord. But just as with the disciples, Jesus is the One who can calm those uncertain times of our lives. The Bible clearly teaches us…Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).

He who has command over the wind and waves can surely quiet your worries and qualms whenever you face dubious circumstances. Allow Jesus to calm your storms and give you peace through whatever experiences you might face.

Donna Coffey

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Gossip Girl?

By Shelly Johns | Published: August 10, 2010

I have never been one to gossip.  Sure, periodically, there has been the occasional slip here and there.  Nevertheless, I managed to stay off the “vine” and out of it (at least on a full-time basis). 

Well, lately, I seem to ask one too many questions about…..whatever, and before I know it…well you can piece  the rest together.  My innocent question has not only put me in a bad position, but it may have caused the other person to feel somewhat obligated to divulge more than they intended.

Now before you go off the deep end, I am not talking about engaging in speading lies or discussing hear-say.  Nevertheless, even the simple chit-chat (i.e. reminiscing about someone or something from the distant past) can dull our senses of hearing God’s voice, being peace-makers or just representing Him in all that we say and do.

God knows that I have been the subject of much discussion (and I am sure that you have too at some point).  So, I know how it feels (even when the subject matter has been supplied by something that I did!!!).  Nevertheless, by the end of the conversation, I feel as if I should “slither” off.

Therefore, I have decided to simply stop.  I do not need to know why “she” is doing this or that or why “you” might have made a certain statement.   Instead, I am striving to pray more often (including for myself so that I can simply keep my mouth shut!).   

By doing just these two things, I will create a better internal environment. (Sin wreaks more internal havoc than acid reflux!) Just as important, however, I will also spur others on toward love and good deeds (instead of dishing the dirt!). 

~Shelly

Update on Aundie Starks, one of our crosseyedliving bloggers:  she is home and recuperating well following double bypass surgery.  Please continue to pray that her appetite gets better.  (Aundie, we are thankful for God’s intervention and wait expectantly for a complete recovery! We love you.)

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New Ministry Frontier

By Donna Coffey | Published: August 5, 2010

I have recently become a “Facebook” user.  This media phenomenon has opened a whole new world of networking!  I have connected with old classmates, found long lost friends and family,  and  it helps me stay in touch with many people that I wouldn’t ordinarily be in contact with daily.   My friends list reaches from next door all the way to Iraq!

The networking site allows me a window into other’s lives.  I am privy to the ups and downs they experience.  Their joys and sorrows are documented online along with their day to day living.

The Lord has been dealing with me since I entered this new realm of communication.   The Holy Spirit has helped me realize this is not just a way to keep in touch with others; it is a new avenue of opportunity for ministry!

As Christians, we need to share our faith rather than having just mindless connections with our “friends”.  Some ideas for ministry include:      

                                    pray for our friends whenever we see their postings

                                   witness when the opportunity presents itself

                                    encourage during trials and troubles

                                    post scripture passages daily

                                    mentor others experiencing situations you have overcome

                                    post Christian information for others to read

                                   pass on prayer request information

I am sure each of us can creatively share our faith and use social networking as a tool for ministry if we look at it as an opportunity to bring people closer to Jesus and if we become intentional in seeking ways to reach out to our “friends”.  May God bless your efforts!

An additional note:  My fellow blogger, Aundie Starks, had double bypass heart surgery this week.  She is doing well and continues to improve, but please remember her in prayer as she recovers.

Donna Coffey

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Reason’s Name

By Shelly Johns | Published: July 26, 2010

Corrianna was her name.  She was an African American girl who appeared to be around 11 or 12.  She stood in the hotel elevator alone as I stepped on. 

“What is the North American Mission Board?” she asked. She must have noticed the “North American Mission Board” on the tag around my neck.  (She also had to have noticed all of the signs bearing this name around the hotel where we were meeting.)

 I answered her question, telling her what this organization does, where it is located, and told her that she can find them on the Internet at namb.net. I asked her name as I stepped off on my floor.  “Corrianna,” she answered.  “I am Shelly,” I said. “Have good day.”

A little later, I thought, “what a missed opportunity!!!”  I mean, she might as well have asked, “Who is God???”  (The main motivation behind NAMB’s existence is to share Christ.) This was such a set-up to tell her about Christ.

There is a reason God tells us to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).  There is a reason that God tells us to “make the most of every opportunity” (Colossians 4:5 ).  Today, for me, reason’s name was Corrianna.

“Father, forgive me for not sharing You with Corrianna.  Send others to witness to her.  Prod her to ask even more questions that eventually lead her to You.  May she come to understand how much You love her and accept the gift of eternal life.  Help me to be more alert and faithful to share You, trusting You with the results.”

~Shelly

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