Grits with Grace

Family, friends, Grace, gratitude, life, priorities, Scripture, sovereignty of God, thankful, Trials

Facing Down Mortality

Posted on August 10, 2022July 23, 2022 by Dewayne Taylor

Hi Grits Family! Hey, my wife Judy and I are going to be “out of pocket” aka “not available” to write for the next couple of weeks. During that time, we decided to send out some of our past stories. I hope you enjoy the ones we selected and look forward to some “fresh Grits” in a couple of weeks. God bless. Bro. Dewayne

Jesus told Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in Me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in Me and believes in Me will never ever die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26

I look and see my mortality. Now don’t think for a moment this is one of those “Debbie Downer” stories. In fact, in a way, it might be the best news you will hear all day, all week, well, for always. So, I am sixty-eight years old. I know, I can’t believe it either. And all around me are signs that I am mortal. Remember that—all of us are mortal. I have been at my present position as a pastor for 22 years. I came to the church I serve in 2000 when I was 46 years old. I must have dozed off because just like that, 22 years of life have ticked off the calendar. My children are married, I have eight grandchildren and Judy and I have now been married 46 years. And the best part? It has been, and is, a great ride.

But then I did the math. When, and if, the next 20 years tick off the clock called life, I will be 88 years old. I find that astounding. We Taylor boys don’t have a real good track record when it comes to longevity. Three of my four brothers, all older than me, have already moved to heaven. Our clock is ticking, and we don’t know when the last tick will come. It is a sobering thought. But stay with me.

I live my life by the calendar. I speak to my church every Sunday and some Wednesdays. It seems I no more finish one message before it is time to deliver the next. The weeks fly by. Every first of the month I speak on the radio on a local program called “The Baptist Hour.” My tag line is, “Can you believe another month has come and gone?” And the answer each month is, “No, I really can’t.” I remember on the first of February, after a speedy January, I made a joke about it being Christmas before we know it. July is past which means over half of this new year is in the rearview mirror. Time flies by. It is a sobering thought. But stay with me.

Part of “The Baptist Hour” is the reading of the funeral arrangements of those who recently died. Invariably there are several, often more than a few. I’m learning that too often the names being read belong to people my age or younger. Recently an acquaintance in our small town suddenly died—a massive heart attack. He was younger than me. That really caused me to stop and ponder. It was a sobering thought. But stay with me.

Here’s what I am learning. Time is relative. We are eternal beings made and destined to spend forever somewhere. That destination doesn’t depend on good or bad, church or no church, religion or not. Does that surprise you? You see, heaven isn’t for good people and hell isn’t for bad people. No, where we spend eternity is about forgiveness of sin and that forgiveness is a free gift from God to anyone…anyone…who asks. I believe faith in Jesus is the only way to heaven. I know that sounds narrow but when you consider that God invites everyone to the party—well, it is really pretty broad. We read in the Bible that the payment for sin is death and radically Jesus came for one purpose—to willingly die and pay that price.

So, if we are eternal beings and if we place our trust, our faith in this one of a kind, God-man named Jesus, that means that when we die we can spend eternity in this place called heaven. When Jesus said that if anyone would believe in Him, they would never die—that’s what He meant. And then He closes with that all important question, “Do you believe this?”

With Jesus in the equation, death isn’t the end, it is a beginning. That might sound wacky to you. However, before you chuck it out, I challenge you to check it out. Get a copy of the Bible and read the four different accounts or stories about Jesus—Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. You might find yourself intrigued and amazed.

I read a true story yesterday about a man’s perception of his morality. This guy happened to be a minister and he went to the doctor and got some sobering news. He was terminally ill with no chance of recovery. The doctor told him he had about a year to live. He left the doctor’s office and went to one of his favorite spots—you know, to kinda take it in. Now, allow me to let the man tell his story. “I looked at the river in which I rejoice, and I looked at the stately trees that are always God’s own poetry to my soul. And I said, ‘I may not see you many more times, but mountain, I shall be alive when you are gone; and river, I shall be alive when you cease running toward the sea.’”

Wow…what wonderfully strong words. If this whole God story is true, and I honestly believe it is, then people who trust that Jesus is the path to God and heaven, will outlive the mountains and the rivers. We may change addresses, but we will live forever. I know this is probably a different kind of story than we usually share together, but I hope it will make us think about what happens next. For myself and so many others, it makes all the sense in the world—and beyond. I’m grateful for the eternal part but I also love the part of the story that says He is with me now—hot mess world and all. I can rest in Him and trust in Him because, He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne

Family, fear, friends, Grace, gratitude, life, prayer, Scripture, thankful

Contacts

Posted on August 9, 2022July 23, 2022 by Dewayne Taylor

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21

He did it again. It was a love note from my Heavenly Father and at least for me…it was a big one. It all started with a nap. You see, every day after lunch I take a short nap. I have done it for at least 45 years. It goes something like this. Eat. Nap. Back to work. It seems as soon as lunch is done so am I. (It could have something to do with my 4:30 am wakeup time.) It is my understanding that the folks who live in Japan do this, and they live longer and are healthier. So, Monday, I ate a sandwich and then went to take my nap. Generally, it is about 15 or 20 minutes and as usual, that’s what happened. However, as I woke up, I sat up, and it was then that I messed up.

You see, accidentally and totally unintentionally, I touched my right eye as I sat up. It might have been one of those getting the momentum going in the right direction kind of thing. At any rate, I touched the eye where I wear my “mono vision.” I knew right away something changed. I have a test I perform to make sure my contact is doing its thing. I simply look at my watch and if I can read it, all is well. However, when I looked that day it was way past blurry. That meant my contact was either on the bed somewhere or lost in my eye. From the way things felt—it was lost in my eye. I called my eye doctor friend.

I explained that I thought my contact was lost in my eye and she kindly agreed to meet me there. That’s the kind of person she is—kind. I was soon at her office and in her eye checking chair. She looked and looked. Nothing. Next, she put in some dye to make the contact stand out and then even rolled my eye lid up to peek there. Nothing. Despite all her best efforts—no contact was to be found. We were pretty sure it had jumped out. Only time would tell the tale.

Well, throughout the rest of the afternoon and evening, every once in a while, I knew I could feel it. It would stick its little head out and when I went and looked it had already disappeared again. This happened again and again. I went to bed that night knowing my friend was still in there. Well, the next morning, it greeted me but at the same time alluded me. It was frustrating. It was going to be one of those things that make your day a little more difficult.

And then it happened. I was chatting with my wife Judy, and I felt it. I could tell it was right near the edge of my eye lid. I rushed to the bathroom and reached in, pinched and boom—I got it. Oh, happy days were here again! Talk about a game changer…you would have thought I won the lottery and in a way, I guess I had!

Here’s the best part! I knew it was a love note from my Dearest Daddy. You say, “Really?” And I say, “Absolutely.” You see He is a good, good Father who is into the details. He cares about the biggest things, and He cares about the smallest things. Paul, the guy who wrote most of the New Testament, said that He could and would do more than we can ever imagine. Trust me, it was no accident the contact suddenly made its appearance, and it was no accident that it was right where I could grab it. Yup…it was a love note.

So, I told Him thanks about a dozen times, and I figured I had to write this story. I had to take another opportunity to tell Him thanks by telling you about Him. I just had to share this big truth—God cares about the little things. Oh, and it doesn’t happen every time or all the time—nope, and that is what makes it special.

So, today, why not look around for a special love note from your Heavenly Father. If you think about it, even the fact that we are breathing His air is amazing! Whether it is a lost contact that is found or just a beautiful day in the neighborhood, remember to say, “Thank you.” Learning to see the little things and being grateful is better…in fact, it is a lot better. And as we learn to be grateful, well, we will recognize more and more that great truth, no matter what, “He’s got this.” Bro. Dewayne

Family, forgiveness, friends, Grace, life, loving others, Scripture, Trials

Steel Gladiators

Posted on August 8, 2022July 23, 2022 by Dewayne Taylor

Finishing is better than starting. Patience is better than pride.” Ecclesiastes 7:8

We were opposite each other—two fire breathing chariots just waiting. Well, that isn’t exactly how it happened but maybe it was. My wife Judy and I were returning from a trip to Kentucky where grits and a southern draw are standard issue. We were back in our town of Harrisburg and were going to swing by the church to check a couple of things for an event that evening. We were giving away some food boxes and wanted to make sure we were set to go. To get there we had to cross a busy intersection. I pulled up and that’s when I saw him sitting there. He was anxiously waiting for a break in the steady stream of cars. Even from that distance I could see his darting eyes as his sweaty palms gripped his steering wheel.

I pulled up on the opposite side of the road headed in the opposite direction. We were two men, to gladiators of automobiles, about to pass side by side. I knew he was there first, so he had the right a way…that was never in debate. I also knew there would be only a quick window to cross the road. There was no blinker on my opponent’s car—we would pass quickly like two ships in the night. I knew, too, that there was a chance that he would not follow the rules. Blinker or not, he might turn across my lane. Try as I might, I couldn’t read his mind or his intentions.

Suddenly there was a break in the traffic, my left foot moved from my brake to my accelerator, and I was sure the same was happening in the car opposite me. Like I said…two ships in the night…side by side in opposite directions. No deal. No challenge. And, then, yes, it happened.

Instead of going straight as his no blinker indicated he cut across in front of me and turned. I had fallen for the oldest trick in the book. It was the old “I’m really going to turn but I’m not going to tell you” trick! Well, I quickly hit my brakes as he quickly turned in from of my chariot. I confess. I gave him the two hands in the air, “Dude, what are you doing?” gesture and he responded with the two hands in the air, “Dude, I had the right of way” gesture. It was all over in a moment of time. Two gladiators of steel on two totally different wave lengths of communication that left both of us wondering. First, him wondering why I was upset when he clearly had the right of way and second, me wondering why he didn’t let me know he was going to turn in front of me. Hey…blinker equals turn. No blinker equals no turn. Dude.

Are you confused by now? Are you wondering what this is all about? Does any of it really matter? Probably the answer to all three of those questions is, wait for it, no. But it does show how easily it is to miscommunicate our intentions and it also shows just how easy it is for moments of waiting to escalate to moments of tension. And, amazingly, it doesn’t have to involve two gladiators of steel waiting at an intersection. It can easily be the one you are married to, or the ones you gave birth to, or the ones that you work with or, my favorite, the ones you sit next to in worship at church.

But the answer is always the same. Keep your foot on the brake till you know clearly what the other person’s intention is. Just wait, be patient, and most likely you will come out looking a little bit more like Jesus and the more gallant in the exchange. The writer of Ecclesiastes says, “Finishing is better than starting. Patience is better than pride.” Hmmm…that’s good. We usually have more time than we think, and we all know the pleasure of letting someone go first. They smile and think, “What a nice person.” And most times, that beats beating someone across an intersection, or to a place in line or to a parking spot.

Ok, you gladiators of steel, all right you Walmart line cutters, it’s time to keep our foot on the brake and our hearts in our chest. Let’s determine that nothing is more important than for a Jesus follower to act like Jesus—at the intersection, in the line, at home or at church. Feeling challenged about now? I know, me too, that’s why it is so important to remember, “He’s got this.” So, ladies and gentlemen…start your engines. Bro. Dewayne

Family, gratitude, life, priorities, Scripture, thankful, Trials, wisdom

Out of Alignment

Posted on August 5, 2022July 23, 2022 by Dewayne Taylor

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Something told me I was a day late and a dollar short. A couple of years ago we bought a “new to us” car. It was a 2014 Volkswagen Jetta. I drove all the way up near St. Louis to look at their lot full of Jetta cars. Volkswagen had gotten in trouble about emissions and recalled all their diesel cars. It took them a couple of years to get them fixed and rerelease them to the market. Judy and I decided to dive into the diesel market and get one.

So, off I went to St. Louis. When I arrived, I saw dozens and dozens of VW Jettas. However, the problem was most of them were in pretty rough shape. Apparently as the owners turned them in, they decided to treat them like an unloved dog. Even after they cleaned them up it was pretty apparent, they had lived a hard-knock life. So, with my trusty salesman by my side, I went from car to car to car—with no luck. I’m particular about cars and these were not making the cut.

Finally, after checking almost every car in my price range, we found one that was not as perfect as I wanted, but it was the best one available. I drove it and liked it and before long it was ours. Driving it home I noticed that the VW emblem on the steering wheel was not pointing straight up. Hmmmm. But trying to control my perfectionism I chose to ignore it—for a while.

So, even though it was “Judy’s car”, it had to go. I asked my super mechanic, Chris, if we could pull the steering wheel and straighten it up. He said, “You don’t have a steering wheel problem, you have a front-end problem. You need a front-end alignment.” Well, what about that. I had noticed the car was not wanting to stay straight on the highway, but I didn’t think too much about it. I should have.

After we got the front end aligned and sure enough there it was—the VW emblem was straight up and down. Yay—I said. Problem solved…and it was. However, the problem was that I had waited too late. Then, a little later I was looking at my front tires and realized that the outside tread was virtually gone…outta there. My choice to ignore and live with a problem ended up costing me nearly $500.00 dollars for new tires. Bummer. Big bummer. Oftentimes, procrastination can be very expensive.

Life can be like a car out of balance. It got me thinking, what in our lives might be a little misaligned, out of balance? What habit, what misplaced priority, what sins are we hiding, ignoring, or choosing to not take care of? I know, it seems easier not to worry about it, but truth be known, the longer we wait the more it costs. The longer we wait the bigger the consequences and the greater the regrets. It has been said that if you aim for the moon and are less than one degree off you will end up somewhere, but it won’t be the moon…it might be Mars.

Solomon, one of the smartest guys in Bible, said it best. He said that we should learn to trust in the Lord with everything we’ve got, and don’t try to figure it out on our own. He goes on to say that in all our ways check with Him and He will make our paths straight. Make. Our. Paths. Straight. In other words, if the steering wheel on our life is crooked, He can give us the realignment that we need. He can make our lives straight.

Well, I don’t know about you, but I think I will save the $500.00 next time and head to the alignment place as soon as I notice something’s going wrong. I think I’m gonna do the same thing with life. When my “VW emblem” is a little crooked or I find myself pulling away from the One who loves me most—I’m gonna head to the Master mechanic and let Him check me out. I can trust Him. The Creator always knows the creation best. I’ll rest in the waiting room while He works. I know He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne

Family, fear, friends, gratitude, life, loving others, Scripture, Southern born, sovereignty of God, thankful

Settled

Posted on August 4, 2022July 23, 2022 by Dewayne Taylor

Hi Grits Family! My wife Judy and I are going to be “out of pocket” aka “not available” to write for the next couple of weeks. During that time, we decided to send out some of our past stories. I hope you enjoy the ones we selected and look forward to some “fresh Grits” in a couple of weeks. God bless. Bro. Dewayne

For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—not from works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

Well, the issue is finally settled. It is really a difficult thing to be the baby of the family especially when it is obvious that after seven previous tries mom and dad finally got it right. Yup…that was me. Number eight in a litter of eight. Sometimes, because I was the baby of eight, my other brothers and sisters got a little jealous.

One of the stories that I was raised with was the fact that I really wasn’t a natural born part of the family. In fact, they told me that mama and daddy had found me in a ditch in the poor part of town and felt sorry for me and brought me home. Now I understand how that story got started. I mean I was so much cuter and smarter than my brothers and sisters it seemed pretty apparent that I was an outsider. Yup, they would rag on me big time, but it didn’t bother me. I knew I was special.

I grew up and the story about me being “found” kind of faded away. I knew it was all a joke, but every once in a while, it gives me pause. Hmmm, what if, I wonder, could it be? Naw…I was pretty sure; it was not true. As time passed and technology grew, someone started a company that would allow you to check your DNA. The results would tell you where you were from and where your ancestors lived. One of my older brothers decided to spend the money and have his checked. The results were lack luster.

I always envisioned being related to William Wallace or some other great hero. But when his results came in it turned out that we were 83% plain ole Englishmen. Yup…right there in Northern Europe. I guess my ancestors got mad at the king or queen and took a ship to America. His results did show that we were 17% Scott Irish which meant there was about a one in five chance that I had an Irish brogue hidden somewhere in me. However, it wasn’t enough for me to go buy a kilt!

But then I thought, “Well, those are his results but are they, my results?” I mean if the “we found you in a ditch story” was true then his story couldn’t be mine. So, guess what? For Father’s Day, Judy spent the money, and I was able to spit in a tube and send my DNA off in the mail. It took several weeks but guess what? Yup, you guessed it. My results were exactly-the same as my brothers. What that really means is that we had the same father and mother, and I was the best looking and smartest because mom and dad finally got it right. Smile.

I’m just pulling your leg. I knew I was part of the family, there is a whole lot of family resemblance in me. I also knew that old story was just a joke, but I always enjoyed playing along. It made me feel kinda…special. As you have heard before…my brothers and sisters called me “precious”—mainly because I was. Smile. But I want you to know that you are special too. We all are. We are all wonderful creations of God. Like someone said, “God doesn’t make junk.”

I was born into the Taylor clan by an act of God’s grace. Period. I could have been born anywhere or at any time, but by His grace I was born to Alston and Leslie back in 1954. That wasn’t the only time I experienced His grace. I was born another time too, back on October 26, 1976. That was the day I was born again and adopted into the family of God. You see, each person who trusts Christ is in the family by a new birth (that’s where we get our spiritual DNA) but also by the power of adoption (that’s where we get all the rights and privileges of a full-grown son.). From the moment I believed in Jesus, I had all the rights of a person who has known Jesus for decades. Amazing.

So, I’m a Taylor down to my core…my DNA proves it. But I am also a “tailor-made” (I couldn’t resist) child of God. Born again by His grace and adopted into the family as His son. There is no higher privilege than that. And it is an open invitation. God invites each and every person into the family if they are willing to believe and trust in His Son. It is all a matter of faith and His grace. His Book says, “For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—not from works, so that no one can boast.”

I know I use that verse often, but it just never grows old. I am a child of God, and He is my Dearest Daddy. Not because of who I am, but because of His love for me and His amazing grace. How about that?

If you should ever wonder who you really belong to, can I make a suggestion? Why not settle the issue and become a child of His? You will never wander or wonder again. He’s just waiting for you to come to Him and rest. He wants you to know He’s got this, for now and for all eternity. Bro. Dewayne

Family, fear, Grace, gratitude, life, prayer, Scripture, thankful, Trials

Trust

Posted on August 3, 2022July 23, 2022 by Dewayne Taylor

Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand.” Psalm 37:24

It seems so easy…but it just not. In the Disney movie Aladdin, the central figure named Aladdin (bet you saw that one coming) and the beautiful young princess are in a difficult situation. Options are limited because the bad guys are just about to win the day–grab her and jail him. He reaches out his hand, looks her in the eyes and says, “Do you trust me?”

Well, you have probably seen the movie a dozen times, but the bottom line is she does, they escape, and eventually live happily ever after. But not before one more precarious situation, one more extended hand and one more time the all-important question asked, “Do you trust me?” She does. She extends her hand and well, you know.

Times like these times help us begin to understand just how difficult it might have been for these two fictitious characters. To not trust meant certain disaster. To trust meant risk. It’s a hard call–well especially in the movie because Aladdin wasn’t some dashing, super strong, super-hero but a, gulp, “street rat,” a nobody, from the wrong side of town.

But what about us–what about our plot–our uncertainty. Well, there is an extended hand and there is that all important question, “Do you trust me?” But that’s where things change. The hand extended to us doesn’t belong to a “street rat” but rather to the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. It belongs to the One who speaks, and a billion stars begin to twinkle. And the one on the receiving end? Oh, that would be us–the one He calls son, daughter, child of mine.

I love Psalm 37:24. Speaking of God and us, it says, “Though they [that would be us] stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand.” Never fall, never perish, never. Let that soak in. The word picture is that of a person—perhaps a small child or maybe a frail senior adult—who has lost their footing and consequently is on their way down to certain pain and suffering. Then, at the last minute, the hand reaches down and takes hold, and they are saved.

That has to be what caused the prophet Habakkuk 3:17-18 to say, “Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fails and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, 18. yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.”

It’s not a hard call really. I mean He’s all powerful and loves us like no prince has ever loved his princess…cares for us more than any husband his bride. He has a perfect track record. Never fails…no, not once. Regardless of how scary the days were or may become, He is bigger, He is stronger, and He can be trusted. So, listen carefully today. Tune out or turn down the volume of a screeching world and you will probably hear a soft whisper saying, “Do you trust me?” And look with Spirit eyes and you might even see a hand extended. You don’t even need to try and take hold for He’s got you and yes, He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne

Family, food, friends, gratitude, life, prayer, Scripture, Southern born, thankful, Trials

Blueberry Crumble

Posted on August 2, 2022July 23, 2022 by Dewayne Taylor

I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among His people! He will live with them, and they will be His people. God Himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” Revelation 21:3-4

I love dessert. My journey with dessert goes back to my earliest memories. Whether it was a biscuit with cane syrup and butter or a cake or pie from mama’s oven—I loved dessert. Sometimes when there was nothing else, I would grab a teaspoon from the drawer and shovel in a teaspoon of sugar. Hey, when it’s all you have—it’s all that you have.

Two dessert memories spring from my earlier years. I remember my mama having to have surgery when I was about 10 years old. Two things happened during that time that were monumental. First, dad took care of us. Daddy was a bring-home-the-bacon kind of guy and Momma took care of the kids and the house. Well, with her in the hospital and daddy not cooking much—things were a bit different in the kitchen. I remember one night we were coming home from the hospital and daddy stopped at a place called Milligan’s Burgers and I had my first taste of a fast-food hamburger. It was kinda like a Krystal Burger and it was a big deal.

Something else that happened during Momma’s hospital stay showed her love for me and solidified my love for desserts. During her stay, the “three-little-ones” and my daddy made our nightly visit to the hospital. We walked into her room and there she was in her hospital bed with the tray thing (much like today) beside her bed. She said, “Dewayne, I saved you something from my supper.” There on her tray in a small bowl was a serving of “blueberry crunch.” It was like a small blueberry crunch top pie and it was delicious. To this day I never eat anything blueberry with a crunch top without thinking about my mama’s love.

Years later, my oldest brother and I were visiting another brother out in Texas. It was a man-trip that included driving all night, camping in the mountains, and eating. When we got back from the mountain part, we had a last supper of sorts, and his wife made cherry cheesecake. Well, I thought I had died and gone to heaven and ate a whole lot more than I should have. After supper we hit the road for the long drive back to Florida and before long, I wished I could die and go to heaven. All that cherry cheesecake started rolling around in my belly and we had to make more than one stop—and it wasn’t for gas.

Yup…dessert and I go way back. When we go visit someone for supper, I always enjoy the food and fellowship, but I also always hold back a little room for dessert. I know the best is yet to come. The story is told of a woman who wanted to be buried with a spoon in her casket. When asked why, she said, “Well, when I go to someone’s house for supper, the hostess will lean down and say, “Be sure and keep your spoon.” I always smile when that happens because I know that means that there is dessert, and the best is yet to come.” I like that.

In this crazy, upside-down world of the never-ending story of COVID, racial injustice, violence and crazy politics, we probably should all carry a spoon in our pocket. You ask, “Why should we do that?” Well, it would remind us that this crazy world is not all the end. It would remind us that for every person who is Christ follower, who can call God Dearest Father, there is more—much more. That beyond this life is eternal life—that the best is surely yet to come.

I am so grateful for the life that God has given me. Like a delicious meal filled with good old Southern comfort food, I enjoy each day…mostly. Honestly though, life is filled too with warts, bumps and more than a few bruises. But it seems like at the table of this banquet called life, I can hear the Whisperer lean over and say, “Be sure and keep your spoon.” When that happens, I know He is reminding me that the best is yet come. As good as life is here, it is going to be a million times better there. The Bible speaks of heaven as a place of no sickness, no pain, no sorrow, no separation and no more death. It is like dessert on steroids. I. Can’t. Wait.

Well, I know I need to keep my love affair with desserts in check. Both my doctor and my wife Judy remind me of that. But each time I get to indulge, you can take it to the bank that I’m gonna remember that there is more than this hot mess coming and it is going to be good. You know, sometimes when Judy is cooking, I go in and sneak a taste. I love to sneak a bite of cookie dough when she isn’t looking. It’s just a sample of the finished product. Take time today to crawl up with Jesus and take a rest. It will just be a taste of what is coming in eternity…just enough to keep you wanting as you wait. And then, remember this…that the Master Maker of dessert—God—has all this under control. Yup…He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne

Family, fear, friends, gratitude, life, loving others, Scripture, Southern born, thankful, travel, wisdom

Bruiser

Posted on August 1, 2022July 23, 2022 by Dewayne Taylor

The one who walks with the wise will become wise, but a companion of fools will suffer harm.” Proverbs 13:20

I saw it coming. I never saw it coming. Both are true, and the truth is, it didn’t matter. So, about a month ago now, two-thirds of the family (that would be two of my three daughters and their families) were able to jail break and go to Florida for a week. The middle daughter had been going to the Palm Coast of Florida for the last several years and she suggested we give it a try. I was a reluctant participant.

You see, I was raised on the Northeast coast of Florida. My growing up years consisted of regular trips to the beach. Many years later I discovered the Gulf coast with its sugary white sands and clear blue-green waters, and I was sold. Because of this, I wasn’t overly excited when the plans for the East coast were drafted. However, having done life being the only male in the house (there was my wife, three daughters, a girl dog, a girl cat or two and six female tropical fish. Even the mice in the barn were girls.) I realized that resistance was futile. So off to the East coast we went.

I was pleasantly surprised. We were about an hour or so South of Jacksonville (where I was raised) in a nice condominium complex. We shared the place with our middle daughter and family, and it was just perfect. It overlooked the golf course with a great view of the ocean. The grounds were well maintained, and it had two very nice pools—one family and one for the adults who liked things a little quieter. The normal vacation crowd was much smaller and that was good news given the COVID thing. The only problem was “they” were there.

“They” were waves. Pretty big waves. You see on the Gulf side you usually have little friendly waves. The waves gently bump into you and seem to say, “Hi, we are glad you are here.” The waves in the Atlantic are from the Southside of Chicago. They are gangster waves. When we went to the beach they were waiting. This is the part I remember from my growing up and from one or two vacations from earlier years. You can hear them before you see them. They are inviting you into the water—so they can bully you.

Anyway, we get to the beach, and you know they didn’t look too intimidating. I mean they weren’t gentle “hey, glad you are here waves” but they weren’t “terminator” waves either. We set our stuff down on the beach and off we went into the water. First, I tested the waves with a knee-deep stand. Not bad. Then I went a little deeper. Still not too bad but I could begin to feel them. They wanted me. They had my number.

I was out in waist deep water and realized the power of perception. Those waves that didn’t seem so big from shore were suddenly larger—much larger. I turned to talk to Judy who was close by and looked back just in time to see a large wave coming. Fortunately, I was able to keep my footing and survived the onslaught. I smiled. My sunglasses were still on my face and my hat was still on my head. I was an overcomer. Who’s the man now?! That’s when “Bruiser” came.

“Bruiser” was epic, “Bruiser” had one goal in mind—take me down. I saw him coming but it was too late. “Bruiser” was well over my head and broke right on top of me. One minute I was standing and the next minute I was in a washing machine of ocean water…in the spin cycle. When I came to surface, of which I was very grateful, “Bruiser” had moved on. My swim shirt was over my head, my hat was gone, and my pride and body were a little bruised. He had won. I had taken on the big boy and come up short. Probably worse of all my Seattle hat, the one I had worn for several years was lost to the jaws of “Bruiser.” It never had a chance. May he rest in peace.

Well, one time in the spin cycle was enough for me that day. And somewhat gratefully I was glad to learn that others in the family had suffered similar fates. Even the son-in-laws got bowled over a time or two. Hats and sunglasses were lost but what was found was the joy of being with family. We had a good time.

I did learn, or perhaps more accurately, relearn a lesson about the waves of the Atlantic. They can be powerful. Usually there is a flag system that warns of particularly rough waves. Our beach didn’t have that, but I later heard on the news there had been some big waves. Oh well, hindsight is 20/20. Sometimes they manage to sneak in but even when you see them coming, they can take you down.

Life is the same way. A day at life’s beach can quickly turn into a spin cycle of ocean water. We can get bowled over by circumstances, uncertainties, tragedies, and pandemics. Even when we see them coming, they can be overwhelming. After my encounter with “Bruiser” that day, I decided it was time to visit the pool—eventually all of us did. The Bible says, “The one who walks with the wise will become wise, but a companion of fools will suffer harm.” Translated another way that means there is a time to swim in the ocean and there is a time to head to the pool. Wisdom is knowing when to do what. Wisdom is also knowing that no matter what life throws at you, we can rest in the One who makes the waves because He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne

Family, forgiveness, Grace, gratitude, life, Scripture, Southern born, wisdom

My Clock is a Liar

Posted on July 29, 2022July 23, 2022 by Dewayne Taylor

You are of your father the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie, he speaks from his own nature, because he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44

My clock lies to me. Throughout my life I have had times when I collect things. Once it was eagles. To this day I love eagles but there was a time I would go to the mall or any store that might sell them and tell Judy, “I’m going to look for eagles.” If I found one, I would buy it. Not too long ago it was BB guns. It started with a Red Ryder model (the one from the movie, “A Christmas Story”). The next thing I knew I had nine BB guns and pistols. Boom. Just like that. Over the years urges have come and gone but there is one that has kinda stuck with me. Clocks.

A long time ago (and in a galaxy far, far away…you know, like the Star Wars movies) I started collecting clocks. Unlike eagles and BB guns, this one can get rather pricy. But it started rather innocently. When Judy and I were stationed in Germany near the French border, we went to a flea market with a couple of good friends. My friend spied a German wall clock laying on the ground, halfway in a mud puddle and ended up buying it. The long story made short is that I ended up talking him out of it. It was a swap kinda thing. It is a bing-bam clock which means it strikes on the hour and half-hour. It was pretty old then, and now, 42 years later, it is like me, a lot older.

It is a special clock because of the story and all the memories but it does have a problem. It lies. You see, over the years it has developed this nasty habit of saying one thing and doing another. As I mentioned, it is designed to bing-bam on the half-hour and then on the hour it counts the time out. If it is 4:00 then it will bing-bam four times. You can hear it shouting out the time almost throughout the house. It was nostalgic and handy. And then it starting lying. It started innocently enough—at 1:00 it would sound two times instead of once. It was predictable so I just lived with it. Now, well now, it lies big time. Randomly, and throughout the day it sounds the wrong time.

Well, adjusting the clock is quite easy…or at least it is supposed to be. So, if it was showing 4:00 but counting five, I would simply stopped the clock and moved the hour hand to five. I waited an hour to restart the clock—problem solved—or not. I restarted old faithful and at 6:00 it sounded five. So, I slid the hour hand to 5:00 and waited and sure enough it chimed six. No matter what I did the clock lied. It has stubbornly developed a very bad habit. Hmmmm.

Fortunately for the old clock, I like it a lot. Its value to me goes way beyond its value as a time teller—it is part of the family. Because of that, I’m willing to tolerate its bad habit. I don’t like it. I don’t trust it. It is frustrating, but in this case, it is mostly harmless. I simply have learned to believe it when I can read the dial but not when I can only hear it. It’s a negotiated settlement. That works fine for clocks—but it is not fine for people.

When I was growing up telling the truth was a pretty big deal. Now, I would be the last to tell you that I always did it. I didn’t. But the bottom line was if you did the crime—you did the time. Lie and get caught (and invariably I did) and Alston and Leslie (that’s daddy and mama) made sure you received a refresher course on the importance of telling the truth. Whether it was a spanking or washing my mouth out with soap—I learned lying was a bad deal.

I think daddy and mama must have talked to Jesus about it because He thought it was a big deal too. One time, there was a group of religious leaders who had a problem speaking or even liking the truth. Jesus cut loose on them and said, “You are just like your father the devil. When he lies he is just speaking his natural language. He is the father of lies and the truth is not in him.” Wow—so if you ever wonder why lying made the big ten—now you know.

Today we live in a culture of convenience and whatever works for you—you kinda go with it. If telling a lie makes things a little easier—just cut loose and worry about the consequences later. Its like the 60’s “if it feels good do it” on steroids. Just know this. No matter what culture says lying is a big deal—regardless if you are a preacher, a politician, or the guy next door. God says it so it is a nonnegotiable for His followers. Oh, and even if you’re not a God follower you will still find life has fewer consequences and less regrets when you make the truth the standard.

As I finish this story, the old clock got it right. An hour ago—it got it wrong. Good grief…I just wish it would make up its mind to tell the truth. Speaking of truth—here are two you can count on every time. First…you can always trust and rest in creator God. Second…He’s got this. And that friend—is the truth. Bro. Dewayne

Family, Grace, gratitude, life, loving others, prayer, Scripture, thankful, Trials

Construction Zone Ahead

Posted on July 28, 2022July 23, 2022 by Dewayne Taylor

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

It was a long time ago, but I remember it well. Way back, before I knew anything about Harrisburg or Dorrisville Baptist Church, I made a trip to this small town in Southeastern Illinois. I was pastoring in Cobden, a smaller town by far. A person associated with our church there was having some mental health issues that required admission to a clinic. Somehow, they ended up at the center located at the Harrisburg Medical Center.

I wanted to go over and visit them but had no clue how to get there. This was a time, gulp, before GPS, so I had to rely on directions and an old-fashioned map. I made it to Marion and got off Interstate 57 and followed the road sign pointing to Harrisburg. Before long, I found myself on a long and winding road (wait… isn’t there a song that goes like that?). It was the kind of two-lane road that you got to play like a race car driver on. There were plenty of curves and practically no passing lanes. I remember coming upon a gigantic crane…I mean HUGE…that was abandoned by one of the coal mines.

Well, the long and winding road was about 24 or 25 miles but because I was blessed to get behind several slow, like really slow, drivers, it seemed like forever. In fact, when I got to Harrisburg, I had to stop to get a haircut. You ask, “Well, why didn’t you get one in Cobden?” The answer is “I didn’t need one then.” Smile. Anyway (I have to be careful not to get distracted) I made my visit and then reversed the route. I remember thinking how isolated Harrisburg was. I mean you had to be going there to get there. I kinda reminded me of the wagon trains and the Oregon Trail.

Now, fast-forward years…I’m not sure how many…but lots. My daughter Jennifer was going to try out for the Illinois Baptist State Association All-State Choir and her audition was at Dorrisville Baptist Church in Harrisburg. When I heard that, I mentally blocked off two days for the trip (ok, I’m being facetious). But I still remember that long and winding road. Now, imagine my surprise when we exited off the interstate again and followed the signs for Harrisburg and there before us was a four-lane divided highway. No winding road, no 45 mph speed zones, no no-passing zones—just smooth sailing. What a change. What a blessing. What took the better part of an hour now took 25 minutes.

Obviously, barring a road building fairy, a long and complicated construction project had taken place and replaced the two-lane, long, and winding road with a modern highway. I’m sure it involved multiple construction zones. I’m sure it involved inconvenience. I’m sure it involved frustration—though I’m not sure what could have been more frustrating that the original two-lanes. But I bet it all was worth it when the new highway opened, and the miles flew by. It had to be game changer. Yup, the construction zones had to be worth it.

Well, I was praying this morning and something like this came out of my mouth, “Lord, help me to be patient in the construction zones of my life.” I paused when I said it because it really grabbed my heart. The construction zones of my life. Hmmm. You see, it made me realize that I am like a construction project, and it can be frustrating. But God is in charge of the project, and He does have a plan that He is working out in my life. I know I use this a lot in my writing but it just too good. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” One day, someday, it will be worth it. It might be years down the road, or it might even be heaven, but I will see the big picture and I will know that no matter how painful or costly, it was worth it. It.Was.Worth.It.

There’s an old song (my apologies to my younger readers) that says, “It will be worth it all, when we see Jesus. One look at His dear face all sorrows will erase.” I believe that. So, as you tootle down life’s road and you hit one of those stinking construction zones—hold on and throttle back. It could be that God is working in one of His mysterious ways. It might be to bring you into His family, or it might be He is just trying to make you a little bit more like Jesus. One thing I know for sure…it won’t be wasted. God doesn’t waste time and He doesn’t waste suffering. I like that. If you find yourself in stopped traffic on this road called life, just hit the pause button and breathe deeply. Then repeat this as many times as you need to, “I choose to rest in Him. He’s got this.” There you go. Now, don’t you feel better already? Bro. Dewayne

* Signpost photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash