friends – Page 54 – 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, 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, 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, friends, Grace, gratitude, life, loving others, prayer, priorities, Scripture, sovereignty of God, thankful, Trials

Nothing is Impossible

Posted on July 27, 2022July 23, 2022 by Dewayne Taylor

And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. For nothing will be impossible with God.” Luke 1:34-35, 37

It was almost unbelievable. My wife, Judy, runs an Airbnb. Airbnb was founded in California by a couple of guys who needed to make some cash. Since there was a shortage of places to stay in the city where they lived, they decided to rent a spare space they had as a nightly rental. They threw an air mattress on the floor and ran an ad. What happened next was just amazing. The room was booked all the time and well, the rest is history. Today it is a multi-billion-dollar corporation that works as a clearing house for people who have property they want to rent on a nightly basis. One of those is us.

We had a two-bedroom apartment over our garage that was sitting empty. Judy researched and worked hard, and now we have a business that is a supplement to our household income. As a side benefit, we get to meet a lot of people from all over the United States and sometimes from overseas. Judy loves to host people, so it is just a win all the way around.

As I said, we get to meet some pretty wonderful people. One of our favorites bordered on almost incredible. We’ve had lots of really good people stay with us and a lot of them are Christians. But the first fall we were renting, we had a younger couple stay with us and they began to tell us a bit of their story. I was chatting with the husband while Judy was chatting with the wife. I thought I heard the word “grandfather” and the name “Kenneth Taylor.” So, I pushed pause on my conversation with her husband and said, “Excuse me, did you say that Kenneth Taylor was your grandfather?” And she replied, “Yes.” We had read his children’s story books to our girls many times, so I had to know the story.

Kenneth Taylor was a regular walk around guy who loved Jesus—a lot. He really wanted his children to know God like he did. Sadly, there wasn’t a scripture translation available that they could understand. Back in those days it was the King James Version (KJV) and it was written on a grade level way too high for kids. He got the idea to paraphrase the Bible into a language that was easy to understand. He wanted his ten kids to understand God’s Word like he did. In 1954, he had to ride a commuter train about an hour each way to work in Chicago, so he came up with a plan to paraphrase the New Testament into modern English during his commute.

For seven years—seven years, he would put his Bible on the seat next to him and put a yellow tablet on his leg and he would literally read and then write—read and then write. He started with the gospels and went from there. When he got finished, he called his new paraphrase, Living Letters and it was released in 1962. Well, he quickly found out that the Christian world was not ready for that—they were still struggling with anything besides KJV. No one was interested in publishing Living Letters. So, do you know what he did?

He and his wife took their limited savings and begin publishing Living Letters. The Living Letters would later be called The Living Bible. Slowly, ever so slowly, he began selling this paraphrase of the Bible and then something happened. The Billy Graham Association called and asked if they could publish a special edition to give away at their crusades. They wanted something that they could give to new Christians when they became Jesus followers, and they thought the Living Bible would be just the thing. They ordered and purchased half a million copies. It was a huge success. Oh, and along the way he started a new publishing company. If you follow Christian publishing, you just might recognize it—Tyndale House Publishing. How amazing is that?

Just think—an ordinary, walk around guy who loved Jesus, decided to do something about something. He was very intelligent, and way committed, but really, he was just an ordinary man who loved Jesus. And the paraphrase of the Bible he created on a yellow tablet strapped to his leg has helped millions get to know Jesus or know Him better. It wasn’t easy and it wasn’t fast, but he stuck with it and God used him in a big way.

So, what about you? What niggle do you have? What thing is there that God is maybe, just maybe, calling you, leading you, to do? What ministry does He want you to lead or birth? What way can you bring some light into this way too dark world? One of the greatest miracles in the world involved a young Jewish girl who was maybe as young as 14 or 15 years old. God chose her to give birth to His Son. She was just an ordinary, walk around girl who said yes to God. When she said, “How can this be since I’ve never been with a man?” God just said, “Hey, with Me anything is possible.” Anything is possible.

I know, in our day, everything seems impossible. We can’t seem to get anything right. But that’s only because we are excluding the One who can make it happen. Remember what God said…with Me anything is possible. When we choose to put God back in the mix of our lives, well, there’s just no telling what can happen. Hey, I’m writing stories and having the time of my life. I’ve always been too busy and God just sorta, kinda slowed the world down. There you go. I hope you will never forget Kenneth Taylor’s story and I hope you will never forget that God wants to use us to do something big for Him. Don’t let the unknown scare you—it’s just a new adventure about to start. You can rest in Him. He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne

Family, forgiveness, friends, Grace, gratitude, life, love, loving others, Scripture, thankful, travel, Trials

Night and Day

Posted on July 26, 2022July 23, 2022 by Dewayne Taylor

Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

One man’s way of packing is another woman’s dump, stuff and close. Judy and I have been married for 46 years. In case you are wondering that is 552 months (give or take a few days) and 16,831 sunrises and sunsets. It has been an incredible journey that has been marked by a few bumps and a whole lot of good times. You might ask, “So what’s the secret?” Well, I am sure there are several. We both are Jesus followers though she is a lot better at it than I am. We are both committed to our marriage—she would kill me if I even thought of leaving. And, honesty, she is a really, classy lady. With that being said, I can tell you one reason that didn’t make the list. We are alike.

Nope, ain’t gonna happen, you gotta be kidding me.” In fact, we are pretty “unalike” in several ways. She is definitely more optimistic. In fact, she is so optimistic that for her it’s not a matter of the glass being half-full or empty—she doesn’t even need a glass. Me, well, not so much. I need to analyze and rationalize. Judy thrives around people. Put her a room of strangers and she is a like a pinball game going from person to person—sharing, chatting, and laughing. Me, well, I head to the nearest wall and lean. If I can find one person to talk with—I’m good.

On the other side of the coin, I am organized. Go to my office, either at home or work, and you will find a neat and tidy desk. A place for everything and everything it is place. Go into Judy’s office and you might have a difficult time finding the desk. I am generally a focused person. If there is a task to do, I sit down and get it done. If the house is on fire, that will have to wait until I am done. Judy would probably not notice the house was on fire and if she did notice, she would immediately begin visiting with the firemen.

Now you probably need to know that Judy suggested this story. We are leaving for vacation soon. Can someone say “YAY”? That foray will cause us to have to pack our luggage. Now given what you know, here’s how it will go. I will take my suitcase, lay everything out on the bed, carefully fold and sort each item, and then assign them a specific place in the luggage. I will overpack because you never know what you might need. When I get done the suitcase will look like a clothing file cabinet—neatly packed.

Judy, on the other hand, has a different technique. She, too, will place her luggage either on the bed or floor. She too will probably overpack because you never know what you will need, however, that’s where the similarity ends. She will then proceed to dump her clothes, shoes, etc., in the bag, on the bag, and anywhere near the bag. Then she will begin to heap and pile the clothes in the hopes that the thing will close when she is done. It’s a fifty-fifty chance. She may call in reinforcements (me) if needed but that is always a last resort.

Like I said, in many ways we are not alike. But, with that said, that is not a weakness, it is a strength. Where I am weak, she is strong and vice versa. We have learned (and are still learning) that the power of a team lies in loving, sharing, working together and yes, forgiving. Oh, and I also have learned the power of two incredibly powerful words, “Yes, dear.” No, that would be “I’m sorry.” In Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 it says, “Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up.” You can take that to the bank.

There’s one more thing that is quite interesting. In our 16,831 days of marriage, we have shared 14,615 of those as a team working together in vocational ministry. I am certain that without Judy, and all the ways we are different, we would not have seen all the amazing things God has done. It is a story of love, grace, loyalty, and friendship. Now before you gag yourself and throw up, know that we definitely don’t always get it right. But there is one thing you can take it to the bank. The Bible says that we are fearful and wonderfully [and let me add differently] made. Someone once said if you and your spouse are alike then one of you isn’t necessary. Hmmm.

So, there you go. I hope today’s big truth, that it is more than ok to be different, will strengthen your resolve and commitment in your marriage. But I think it works at work, at church, and even with your neighbors. And when the frustration begins to build, like the next time he or she doesn’t pack the way you do, remember this—hang tight because both of you will get to the same place in the end. And if it gets really hard—just go and sit with your Dearest Father and rest. He’ll whisper some things like “let it go—it doesn’t matter how they pack it just matters that you keep traveling together.” And you will say, “Oh yeah…that’s right.” And He will remind you once again that, it’s ok because…He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne

Family, fear, friends, Grace, gratitude, life, loving others, missions, prayer, priorities, Scripture, sovereignty of God, thankful, travel, Trials, wisdom

Got Your Boots On?

Posted on July 25, 2022July 24, 2022 by Dewayne Taylor

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21

Thank you, Ruby and Laura. I was preparing for a message that I was going to share at the church I pastor. I am always amazed how God brings to my mind different angles and ideas and illustrations to help make a truth stick. I learned a long time ago if we can’t remember what we hear, well, it can’t help us a lot. Stories help things to stick. They are like “duct tape” and I’ve learned that sermons need a lot of duct tape.

The message was about being ready…ready for whatever God has next in our lives. And for the record that can be just about anything. My wife, Judy, and I have had several God “whatevers” through the years. Some we saw coming and some we didn’t, but it was always exciting to know that God was and is on the move. Well, when I thought about being ready, I remembered part of a message that pastor John Piper taught. He was speaking in the year 2000 to a huge group of young people and he was making the point that they should make their lives matter. Well, let’s just say he did a good job.

As part of his message that day, he told the story of two women, Ruby and Laura. Ruby was a nurse who had committed her entire life to caring for the poor and broken of the world for the cause of Christ. She chose to remain single so she could devote everything…everything…to her mission. She was all in…one hundred percent. Laura was a medical doctor who took “early retirement” so she could do the same thing. She wanted to make a bigger difference, so she closed up shop and joined Ruby doing mission work.

So, they were loving God and loving people in Cameroon, East Africa. By the time the story was told, they were, well, older. Ruby was into her eighties and Laura was chasing her…she was in her very late seventies. As John Piper tells the story, these two incredible ladies were driving their jeep in the mountains when, without warning, their brakes went out and they sailed over a cliff and literally into eternity. Both ladies died in the crash and both ladies went out “with their boots on.” At a time when most would be at home rocking grandbabies, they were still making a difference.

I know, some would say what a tragedy it was that these two ladies died that day. Some would wonder why they just didn’t play it safe. I have a feeling that Ruby and Laura would tell us that they were playing it safe—because their lives were not held by circumstance or chance but rather by God. They would tell us they danced into eternity with the One they loved…Jesus and they would, of course, be right.

I find myself desiring to finish well. I know, I will not be a Ruby or a Laura, but I do want to go out “dancing” with the One who loves me most and best. I want to go out with my boots on. Sometimes we see our later years as years to relax but I wonder if we aren’t missing something. Maybe our later years are our best years to serve Him and them. Maybe our later years are intended to be the finest chapters of our lives.

Tomorrow, Judy and I will be getting on a plane and flying to Europe to minister to a group of folks from East Africa. They are in a poverty-stricken area and few, if any, know Jesus. It is going to challenging but it also is going to be a great adventure. I won’t be driving a jeep on dangerous mountain roads, so I won’t have to worry about my brakes giving out. Smile. But I do know that no matter what, our lives are in the hands of our Dearest Daddy and that is never a bad thing. In fact, there is nothing better.

Paul, the guy who wrote a chunk of the New Testament, knew about dangerous mountain roads and losing your brakes. He was an “all in” sorta guy and ultimately was martyred for his faith. Anyway, he wrote, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” In other words, if God chose to keep him here on earth…that was good. If God chose to call him heaven…that was good too. All that mattered was living “all in” and going out “with his boots on.”

So, no matter what, if you are a Jesus person let me encourage you to go “all in” and leave the details to the One who loves you most. If you haven’t discovered Jesus yet, let me encourage you to make that your pursuit starting now. It is a journey you won’t regret. Living “all in” and being willing to go out “with your boots on” can sound daunting. Truth is, it just doesn’t sound daunting…it is. The good news is the One who loves you most will always be right by your side, whispering softly, “Go ahead, don’t worry, I’ve got this.” Bro. Dewayne

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

Trash Day

Posted on July 20, 2022July 19, 2022 by Dewayne Taylor

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” 1 John 3:1

So long trash. Some years ago, my friend David introduced me to the Gmail calendar. It was a game changer and life saver. Back in the day most pastors carried a little pocket calendar wherever they went. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t my thing. And, invariably, someone would tell me something and I would not have a calendar, nor a piece of paper nor a pen or pencil. I would really try to remember all this important stuff but well it just didn’t work.

Well, one day my friend David told me about the Gmail calendar. I already had a smartphone, but I just hadn’t been introduced to the Gmail calendar app. Then, one day, we met, and it was love at first sight. With the Gmail calendar I can instantly add things to my calendar. Joe is having surgery. Check. Personnel meeting Tuesday at 6pm. Check. Don’t forget Judy’s birthday. Double check. On and on the list goes and while the system isn’t perfect…it works so much better. All that important stuff has a much better chance of not being forgotten. Thank you, Gmail and David.

Another cool feature of this calendar is that you can set a reminder for something every day, week, or month. You can even schedule things next year. One of the things that I have set up on my calendar is the reminder to carry the trash to the curb. You see, our trash guy comes early Monday morning so we really need to set it out early…like the night before early. Well, every Sunday evening I get a reminder to put the trash out. More than once that reminder has saved us from a week of too much stinky trash.

Speaking of trash…isn’t it amazing just how much trash we generate? I know for two people we seem to make a lot. Several times a week I must take the trash out of the kitchen and to the big trash and then out to the curb on Sunday nights. Usually, of course, the trash is just trash. Potato chip bags, coke cans, plastic water bottles…you know…trash. Of course, there is the stinky stuff too. Meat wrappers, old veggies, scraps…you know…stinky stuff. It is never hard to throw any of that away…it has to go.

Sometimes, when we are cleaning out this or that, we toss out sorta-kinda, good stuff. An old glass or two, a figurine with a chip or two, or maybe a slightly broken lamp…you know…semi-good stuff. It might be useful to someone but not to us so out it goes. As I cruise around town, I am amazed at the stuff people throw away. They are often things people paid a lot of money and they are discarded…no longer wanted or needed. Like I said, sometimes it is amazing. You wonder, what caused the discard? Outta space. Taste changed. Left over from the last move.

Well, I don’t always get it but there is one thing I do get, and I am grateful. I am so glad that God doesn’t have a trash day. And more than that…I am glad that He will never, ever throw me away like so much discarded trash. You see, every one of His kids are valuable to Him. He doesn’t just value the ones who always seem to get it right…He values all of them. More amazing than that is the fact He is just waiting to add to His family. And, once you’re in…you’re in. There is a cool verse in the Bible that says, “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so, we are.” Wow. How awesome is that.

If you are a Jesus follower, a person who said, “yes” and asked and received God’s forgiveness by believing in His Son, you never have to worry about trash day. He will not, and I repeat, will not, kick you to the curb. How about that? And if you haven’t made that decision yet, what are you waiting for? God loves you and can’t wait for you to join the family. You don’t need to get better, you just need to come and when you do…well, welcome home.

So, you might want to check out the Gmail calendar…it sure helped me. And be sure and check out God…He loves you a lot and won’t let you go. Oh, and as you do life, you will find Him always there for you just waiting to let you know that…He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne