GEORGE AND THE CHERRY TREE

Yesterday was George Washington’s birthday, and if we think about him, we picture him as the “Father of our Country”, our first President of these great United States. And just about everyone has heard the story of George and the cherry tree. There probably isn’t a child alive who hasn’t been told about this episode at least once. But I wonder how many have remembered it!

Apparently not many, or if they did, they just have not paid any attention to it at all. This is quite evident as we review the things told us by our co-workers, by sales people, by others we meet in the course of everyday living, and by our representatives in local, state, and national government, and even sometimes by our own family and friends. Is this right? Should a friend tell us we look good if we don’t; or our family tells us it’s okay to do something when it isn’t; or a salesperson tells us that the suit or dress makes us look good when it really doesn’t?

The answer to some of these questions is quite obvious. The answer to some of them depends upon your point of view. There are those who believe that “honesty is the best policy” no matter what, while others may believe this except when being honest would be harmful to someone. Of course, there are some who believe honesty is a matter of convenience and that the only thing wrong with lying is the fact that later it is often hard to keep their stories straight. And there are those who are pathological liars because they just cannot help it. Is there a difference between a lie and a fib? Is there such a thing as a “little white lie”? This is strictly between you and your conscious. There are many ways you can look upon the subject of lying, and what you do and what you say will ultimately reflect your beliefs.

One example of truth being the best policy is when a doctor tells a patient they have an incurable disease and gives them a prognosis of how much longer they have to live. It may seem harsh but it also prepares the patient to face reality. As many of you know, this happened to me last year, and it has caused me to look at life a little differently. The one good thing about it is that I have lots of family and friends who are standing in faith with me to be completely healed. Was the doctor wrong? With the information she had and looking at things from her perspective, she believed she was telling the truth. Yet it has been interesting to see that, except for the fluid buildup in my abdomen and lung (which get drained every so often), every time I go in my vital signs are all good and the lab reports show everything in the normal range. The truth does not always depend upon what man sees and knows, but what God has planned for each individual. Yes, there will be a time when I will go Home to Heaven, but it is in His timing, not mine – or the doctor’s.

I know that since this has happened, I really appreciate the beauty of the sky and the trees, and all the other beautiful artistry God has provided for us. I thank Him for the wonderful family and all the great prayer warriors He has given me to help me through this time. And I treasure the times when we can be together. Not that I did not always appreciate them and love them, but it is that I have learned not to take them – or anything else – for granted. These are gifts from our Heavenly Father and I treasure them highly.

I pray that as you read this, you will be blessed as you remember all the precious gifts of family and friends He has given to you.

LOVE MAKES THE WORLD GO ‘ROUND

There is an old saying and a popular song that “Love Makes the World Go ‘Round” and today this old world should really be spinning as that cute little cherub Dan Cupid shoots off a lot of love arrows in celebration of Valentine’s Day.

Just think of all the valentines that have been made or purchased this week, not to mention all the flowers, candy, and other types of gifts, including some diamond rings. Although we express our love on various occasions during the year, this is the holiday that is especially devoted to romance and affection. Everyone likes to be loved, whether it is a simple expression of friendship, or the courtship of that special one in your life.

I once wrote a column about how this holiday came into being and I happened to come across it, so thought you might enjoy knowing about it. Of course we know that it comes on the feast day of that Christian martyr, St. Valentine, but did you know there were at least two St. Valentines, and possibly more? Or that the customs we celebrate have nothing to do with the lives of these saints? It is generally believed to have come from an ancient Roman festival called Lupercalia, which took place on the 15th of February. This festival, honoring Juno, the Roman goddess of women and marriage, and Pan, the God of nature, was celebrated as a lover’s festival for young women and men who chose their festival partners by drawing names by chance. The partners would then exchange gifts as a sign of affection and many times such partnerships ended in courtship and marriage.

Wanting to give Christian meaning to what he considered a pagan festival, Pope Gelasius changed it to St. Valentine’s Day in 496, but the sentimental meaning of the old festival still remains. The holiday did not become popular in this country until the mid-1880’s, although the oldest valentines found in America date back to the early 1700’s.

Down through the years there have been many beliefs and customs in connection with this day, mostly concerned with romance or the choice of a mate. One of the oldest beliefs is that birds choose their mates on this date. There was also an old superstition that it was bad luck to bring snowdrop flowers into the house of an unmarried girl before Valentine’s Day if the girl hoped to get married that year. In some places an unmarried girl would strike her forehead with a folded rose petal. If the petal cracked, she knew that her valentine loved her.

Although these things might be interesting, one thing is for sure, Valentine’s Day is a day for children and lovers and no matter what customs or beliefs you might have, it is a fun day with lots of love and affection being spread around.

Wouldn’t it be nice if all this love and affection could be spread around every day?

Hope this Valentine’s Day has been special for you and that you celebrated it with those you love. I did!

WHAT HAPPENED TO JANUARY?

What happened to January? Here I was at the first of the month paying bills and looking forward to the rest of the bowl games, etc., and all of a sudden it is February and I am back to paying bills. Time really has a way of slipping by fast and I can’t help but think that God is speeding things up for the Saint’s sake. And even though all you hear about is the recession and the hard times, it is still nice to know that God is in control and if you put your trust in Him, you will come out okay. That does not mean that you are exempt from the world and all its challenges, but it does mean that He will see you through whatever happens.

Those of you who have read my blog for a while know that last year I was given a prognosis of having three to twelve months more to live. Now I am in the ninth month of that time period and except for fluid in my abdomen and my lungs, there are not any other signs of deterioration that we can tell.

On December 31st I had about 2 ½ liters of fluid drained from my abdomen (before this it was usually 4 to 5 liters about every 8 weeks) and on January 29th had 4 liters drained from my left lung. Was scheduled to have the other lung drained the next day, but PTL, they said there was hardly any fluid in my right lung so did not have to go back the next day. Then, on Thursday, Feb 5th, went to see the Doctor. Once again everything looked and sounded good and do not have to back until March 26th.

As I said before, I am now in my ninth month since the initial prognosis and I know that it is the love and prayers of my family and friends that have been sustaining me during this time. And I know God is working in me to heal me completely. To Him be all the glory and honor.

I cannot tell you it has been easy, but again knowing they are all there for me, and that I do not have to fight this alone has made such a difference. They may never know how much, but God does, and He will bless them for it. I know I am not the only one who is facing battles and my love and prayers go out to them all every day, and even though I do not know any specifics, God does, and I trust He is working in their lives just as He is in mine. I do not think I could have come this far without them for there were times when I did want to give up, but just knowing they were all there for me kept me going and I cannot help but remember what the Word says about the prayers of a righteous man availing much. So I praise Him for His Word – and for bringing them all into my life.

Last year I was given a picture of Jesus holding the Bible in His hand and extending it out toward His people and every time I see it I am reminded that He has given us His Word that we might know how to live the abundant life He has for us. Everything that you would ever need to know is contained in it. He gives us instructions, He answers all our questions, and so much more. It is a constant source of information, of comfort, of exhortation, of praise, and a reminder of all His promises. Yes, we have problems and go through trials and tribulations, but He is always there to take us THROUGH them. But it is up to you whether you will let Him or not. He does not force you to do anything you do not want to do, but He does give you the opportunity to accept Him and when you do, He is always there for you. He will love you and guide you and take you by the hand that you will never be alone.

I pray that each and every one of you who reads this will know Him and follow Him.


FOLLOW THE KING

When you learn to follow the King
How truly blessed you’ll be
For He will take you by the hand
And guide you constantly

But you must listen to His voice
And willingly obey
To receive the many blessings
That He wants to convey

The blessing of His presence
Wherever you may go
The blessing of His wisdom
To help you learn and grow

That you might walk in confidence
Whatever He might ask
Because He’s well equipped you
To handle any task

Wherever He might lead you
His presence you will know
Whether on a mountaintop
Or valley deep below

Knowing as you follow Him
He’ll keep you in His care
For you’ve surrendered to Him
And now you are His heir

Kay Smith Crouch