Category: marriage

Posted in Family, life, marriage, Scripture, Southern born

Forgetting the Most Important

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

“Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” Philippians 3:13b-14

I forgot the most important thing.  It was the fall of 1976.  My wife Judy and I were newlyweds and life was good.  Oh, and for the record…smile…here we are almost 49 years later, and life is well…good. Ok…back to 1976. I got a call from my oldest brother Reggie who asked if I wanted to go squirrel hunting and could I find a place for us to go. I told him sure and a good friend who had a good place to go squirrel hunting said sure too. So, we picked a Saturday and set a time.

Since the really good place was east of Valdosta where Judy and I lived and since he lived in Jacksonville, we agreed to meet at the hunting place.  So, I left early and he, having to drive even further, left earlier and at the appointed hour, we both arrived. I love it when a plan comes together. The sun was just about to say good morning when we got out of our cars.  It turns out squirrels are early risers so the best time for hunting is early, and we were early.  I love it when a plan comes together.

After a “good morning” and “how are you doing”, we both went to our cars to get our weapons.  I recently learned from a friend that guns are not called guns they are either firearms or weapons.  The Navy does the same thing with boats and ships.  Anyway, as I got to my car and popped the trunk, I reached in to get my gun, weapon or firearm and…wait for it…it wasn’t there.  At first I thought in the dim light of dim I just wasn’t seeing it so I prodded and poked around and guess what?  The hunter had forgotten the most important thing…his gun, weapon or firearm.

I was so embarrassed.  My brother was one of those African safari kind of hunters.  He had his hunting vest, his gun, weapon or firearm, a knife and on and on.  He looked the part and there I stood with no gun, weapon, or firearm.  I didn’t even have a knife.  So I told him apparently in the rush to be on time I had left the most important thing behind.  We groaned, we moaned and then we laughed.  After all, it was funny.  So, with two hunters and one gun, weapon or firearm, off we went into the woods.  And all morning, I followed quietly behind my brother as he shot squirrels and I watched.

You might be wondering exactly how does a guy who is going hunting forget the tool of the trade…the gun, weapon or firearm.  Well, the best I can figure the answer probably has to do with priorities.  You see, I can only imagine that I was running a little late that morning and at the moment being on time (which for the record is important) caused me to rush and leave my gun, weapon or firearm behind.  In other words, the important took the place of the most important…the urgent overrode the most urgent. And, I have the feeling, it happens way too often.

All of us have things that are important and most of us have a most important thing.  Paul, the guy who wrote a bunch of the New Testament said that there was one thing he did.  In other words,…this one is important, and do you know what it was?  Forgetting the past and looking to the future.  Now that is a good one.  You see, he knew he had a past worth forgetting and a future worth grabbing ahold of and that was what made it important.

So, what is it in your life that you need to bump up to the top?  Chances are it can’t be bought at a store or rented from Rent One.  Chances are it involves those that you love the most and the ones who love you most.  Don’t wait to figure this one out.  Time is ticking by and there is not a minute to lose.  If you find yourself at a loss, well, there is someone just waiting to help. He is really good at lending clarity for our priorities if we ask. Too some He is just God but to others He is Dearest Daddy.  Regardless, He loves you and is waiting to help you.  No doubt about it…He’s got this.  Bro. Dewayne

Posted in communication, Family, life, marriage, Scripture

The Law and Gravity

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

 “But still, the law itself is holy, and its commands are holy and right and good.” Romans 7:12

The Law and Gravity:  Simply put–things tend to fall downward.  So it goes something like this–if you hold a rock out and drop it–it probably isn’t going to float–in fact it will “drop like a rock.”  That is just what gravity does. And we should be grateful for gravity because without it we would just float off into space. But there is more.

Have you ever thought about this?  The law of gravity can work for you or against you.  Let me explain.  Several years ago we bought my wife Judy a new bike.  She and I both like to do some causal riding.  Well, a short time later,  I said, “Hey, do you want to go for a ride on your new bike.”  She said yes and off we went.  I learned a long time ago to more or less let Judy lead the way when we ride or walk.  She is more adventurous than I am as I tend to do the same thing over and over again.

Well, I let her lead the way.  The bottom line is that seven miles later we got back home and because of the route she chose there were some slightly sore body parts.  Overall, though, it was an enjoyable ride–for the most part.  Let me explain. We ended up on a bike trail near our house and then we cut through over by our middle school and ended up on Liberty Road. I had ridden this way before and she had too but it had been a while.

What I didn’t know was they had moved Mount Everest onto Liberty Road.  You probably have never ridden that road but maybe you have ridden on one like it.  My road had a pretty good hill on it and since it had been a while since we had faced a hill–well–we experienced the law of gravity.  As we climbed that stinking hill, the law of gravity said, “Pedal harder.”  My legs responded with, “I don’t think so.”  My legs got the short end of the stick and reluctantly pedaled me up the hill.  There was no doubt—the law of gravity was against me.

Then an amazing thing happened.  As we reached the top of the hill we started DOWN the other side and all of a sudden we were flying–without even pedaling.  Oh the joy–on the wonder…and guess what–the law of gravity that was against me was now for me and it made all the difference.  Same law–same hill just two different sides.

So, the law of gravity can be helpful or hurtful and so can another set of laws.  You see God’s law, like the law of gravity, has a good side and a more difficult side.  Let me explain.  One of the primary purposes of God’s Big Ten is to show us our sin and need for a Savior.  It says, “This is how you come up short and you need some help.”  Our sin, as pointed out by the Law, is the very thing that condemns us to be eternally separated from God–at that point it is against us. But the bottom line is the law itself is holy, and its commands are holy and right and good.”

But, receive the forgiveness offered by God through Jesus and the Big Ten become a great guideline for living.  It says, don’t lie–it really complicates life.  Don’t steal–it will put you in jail.  Don’t commit adultery–it will destroy your marriage.  Don’t have other gods–enough said.  You see the do not’s and do’s are there because God knows that life is better within the scope of these laws.  In that way the law of good–it is for us.

So, the next time you are pedaling or walking up a hill or the next time you drop your keys, remember the law of gravity has two sides.  And, the next time you are tempted to disobey God’s law remember it is there to point you in the right direction.  And if you have never trusted Jesus as your Savior it is shouting that it is time for a U-turn–right into the arms of a God who loves you very much.  Oh, there’s more.  When you are heading uphill in life, it’s great to know that, “He’s got this.” Bro. Dewayne

Posted in Family, food, gratitude, heaven, life, loving others, marriage, Scripture, sovereignty of God, thankful

And They Sang

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

 “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the expanse proclaims the work of His hands. Day after day they pour out speech; night after night they communicate knowledge.” Psalm 19:1-2

I think He was just showing off. Last year, in one of our more creative moments, either my wife Judy or I thought it would be a great idea to take a little overnighter for Valentine’s Day. So, we did. There is place called Camp Ondessonk about 24 miles from our house. They have a great cabin there and we decided to rent it for Friday night. Now when I say cabin don’t think like rustic and primitive…think nice…like nicer than a Holiday Inn. Well, we made a day of it. First, we drove a couple of hours to a very special restaurant and had a great lunch. Then we drove up to Paducah for a quick visit with one of the kids and their kids. It was a great time.

Finally, it was time head to the camp and our cabin. I have to admit I was a bit reluctant at first because it was a little pricy and I said to myself, “Self, it can’t be that nice.” Well, once again, I was wrong because it really was…nice. We settled in and watched a little television. Yes, they even had internet and television…I was just hoping for running water and indoor plumbing. After a while, Judy said she was going to go out and check out the stars. It was already below freezing and at first, I thought she had dropped a couple of her marbles. Mark it down…wrong twice.

In a few minutes, she came back in and said, “Dewayne, you have to come outside and see this. The stars are brighter than Africa.” Now, I realize you probably haven’t been to Africa and looked up at the stars on a clear night. They are so amazing I figured there was at least a possibility that she was exaggerating…just a little bit. I slipped on my shoes and joined her on the deck. She was right. Without much light pollution, the stars were literally breathtaking. Imagine a field of diamonds, of every color of white and blue and all of different caret sizes. Now, imagine again and again and again. It was wonderful.

Well, we finally went back inside but before bedtime we wandered out one more time. It seemed we couldn’t get enough of God’s wonder show. Finally, it was bedtime and since we were in the middle of nowhere, Judy suggested we raise the blinds in the bedroom. We did and lying there in bed we had a front row seat to the show all over again. I just knew we were going to see a falling star or two but we didn’t but that was ok because the razzle, dazzle of the stars was more than enough. All through the night, when I woke up to rollover, there they were shouting, singing, and showing the glory of God.

I know I might overuse this verse in Grits but this time, well, it is just so appropriate not to. In the Old Testament part of the Bible, Psalms19:1-2, it says, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the expanse proclaims the work of His hands. Day after day they pour out speech; night after night they communicate knowledge.” I have long loved that verse but after Friday I not only love it, but I also more fully understand it. There before my eyes was part of God’s creation and their job was simply to proclaim His glory and they did it well…very well.

Judy and I are already planning another trip to one of our new favorite places. I sure hope when we go the skies are once again clear so God’s starry sky can once again proclaim His glory. Lee Ann Womack sings a song about creation and God. In that song she sings, “There is a God, there is a God, there is a God…how much proof do you need? Well I don’t know about you but Friday night was enough for me. Let me encourage you to go and find a good dark place the next time the skies are crystal clear. Then…look up. And if the world is dark enough you will see the choir singing about Him and then do two things. First, remember He who made that made you and loves you immensely. Second, remember and never forget that no matter what we are facing, He is bigger, and He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne

Posted in communication, Family, love, loving others, marriage, priorities, Scripture

Valentine’s Day, Football and Love

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

 “I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another.” John 13:34

Today is Valentine’s Day. It is a day that makes a whole lot of money for all the people who sell that kind of stuff—flowers, jewelry, eating, candy, gifts and all kinds of other stuff. I’m not sure who came up with the idea but like anything it has its good points and bad. If Valentine’s Day is just a day when you gotta do something special for  someone special—well that isn’t very meaningful. But, if it is a day when we “get to” do something special for someone special—well that is a game changer.

Did you know that Valentine’s Day is kinda like a game of football? Well, I think it is. You see, my wife Judy and I have been married for a pretty long time—almost 49 years. If the Lord is willing that means next year we will be celebrating 50 years of doing life together. Five decades—that is just unbelievable. Now there are two things I know. First, I believe we both would say it has been a great journey—not perfect, not by a long shot—but a great journey. Second, just like a football game has its up and downs—so does any marriage.

As I look back on the Valentine Days we have celebrated, it reads like a romantic barometer. There have been years when we have done a pretty good job celebrating this day. As an example, one year I remember I cooked a meal (imagine that) and set our living room up like a nice restaurant. I then had our daughter Sarah serve us dinner and then, get ready, we played some soft music and we danced. Trust me it was pretty romantic. Another time we went out to dinner and came home and watched one of our favorite movies, “Sleepless In Seattle.” That was a good one two.  The secret ingredient seemed to always have to do with quality time—when we made time for each other. You might want to write that one down.

And what was the biggest flop. Well, one year we decided that we really wouldn’t do anything for Valentine’s Day. It was probably one of those times when our pastor life led to a packed calendar and we were just wore out. So, I followed the plan, which was a bad one, and didn’t get a gift or a card. Like I said…bad. Well, anyway, I think Judy got a card for me card but I had nothing…did nothing. Judy was so disappointed. I should have known better. Did I mention bad? Well, the next day, I went and bought a gift and a card but it was way too late. hat day that I learned to never let Valentine’s Day be just another day. 

Like I said marriage and Valentine’s Day are a lot like a football game. No game is going to be perfect but trust me it is so important to win the game…to win the day and the best way to do that is to do your best and that day was not my best. It is not a matter of dollars and cents—it is often a matter of common sense. The one you chose and the one who chose you needs to know that you care—that you love them. So let’s be sure and not fumble the ball. The songwriter said that “love is a many splendid thing” and they were right. Sometimes the simplest thing can be the most splendid of things. 

God didn’t invent Valentine’s Day but He is the author of love and the creator of marriage. Today is an opportunity to show Him that we understand His love for us but showing our love for our special someone. So go ahead, grab the football today (metaphorically speaking) and run for the end zone. Not very good at romance? Me either but even in that department, we can know that, “He’s got this.”  Bro. Dewayne

Posted in birthday, Family, gratitude, life, marriage, Scripture, thankful, travel

Amazing Creator–Amazing Creation

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

 “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through Him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth.” Colossians 1:15-16

 In a flash it rose from the ground. It was my birthday and we were aboard the Caribbean Princess leaving Port Canaveral for a six day cruise. It was half intentional and half happenstance that we left on my birthday.  We first decided it would nice to go on a cruise in January. Then we decided it would be nice to leave near my birthday. Then it turned out that the cruise we wanted left on my birthday.  How cool is that?

When we registered for the cruise, my wife Judy shared with the staff that my birthday was January 6 so that led to a week of many birthday wishes in many different ways. All week, many of the staff members, whether I was ordering something to drink or seeking help at the Guest Services counter would wish me a happy birthday.  Of course, during our evening meal on my birthday, six servers, all from different parts of the world, came to my table and sang to me. Trust me, that was a very special experience, especially when they all struggled to pronounce my name.

Another part of my birthday experience was from my wife Judy. You see, the doors on the ship are all metal and she had ordered a large set of magnetic birthday graphics.  Imagine my surprise when we returned to our room on the afternoon of my birthday and found our door plastered with birthday wishes and graphics.  It was very, very special. The ship had even arranged for birthday wishes to appear on the many digital screens throughout the ship. I felt so special.

The afternoon we left Port Canaveral, we learned that Space X was set to launch a rocket. From the ship we had a perfectly clear view of the launch sight. As we were sailing out, and as we watched, there was a brilliant flash and we watched as  the rocket soared toward the heavens. I had never seen a launch before and to see this one on my birthday was incredible.  Talk about a birthday candle—that was one I will never forget. As the rocket arched across the sky, heading toward space, two emotions filled me. First, I was so proud to be an American. To live in a country where such technology is designed and built is amazing. The second emotion was one of amazement—that our creator God made us and gifted us with the intelligence to do such things.

As the rocket soared, I said to no one in particular, “Who would ever had dreamed that we could do this?” Hearing my comment, a lady standing next to me said, “Elon Musk.” While she was absolutely right…there was a bigger answer.  There is no doubt that Mr. Musk is an incredible business man and visionary, in my way of thinking I know that he is who he is because God created him, made him that way. Our world is filled with miracles and masterpieces all courtesy of our amazing and wonderful God.

So as you look around in your world today, just remember that all of it, the things we can explain and imagine, and the things we can’t are all compliments of God the great creator. You see, the Bible says that He is the creator of all things so let’s be sure and give Him the glory He deserves. The song says, “To God be the glory…great things He has done.” My response, and hopefully yours, is “Amen and Amen.” If you struggle seeing the goodness and creativity in your world, just asked God for a little help.  He’s got this.  Bro. Dewayne 

Posted in Family, forgiveness, friends, gratitude, life, marriage, priorities, school days

Happily Ever After

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

 “You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in Your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” Psalm139:16

Cinderella and happily ever after.  Most of us grew up knowing at least something of fairy tales. Mr. Disney was just getting started and there were few animated films but slowly things changed.  Over the years, what was once only printed on the pages of a book became alive on the screen before our eyes…and it was amazing.  For years there were the classics, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Pinocchio, and Peter Pan to name just a few.  And the list has grown and grown.  When we watch them, we often want to be them. As the story plays out and ends with the dramatic “happily ever after” we sigh and long…if only.

Each fairy tale, every animated story begins with a “once upon a time…” It sets the stage for the story and then slowly, and almost invariably, the plot develops and oh so often there are plenty of bumps and bruises along the way.  There is usually a bad guy or guyette and they slosh their mess all over the screen, hurting and wounding.  And then, right when it seems that they are going to win…things turn around.  Good overcomes evil, the weak become strong and the impossible becomes…possible. Just about then the “happily ever after” music begins and we smile at the end, we savor the redemption, and we leave feeling good but knowing that story could never be our story.  Or can it?

You see, all our lives begin with a “once upon time…” All of us have a beginning—even me.  On that day a grand story began to be written.  A little boy with dreams about a big future. A teenager trying to figure out what life was all about.  A husband and later a father trying to figure that out—still trying to figure that out.  Twelve years in the service of his country and forty-two years in the service of his King. Mountains and valleys, wins and losses, victories, and defeats—fighting monsters and dragons and loving his fair maiden and their princesses. Whew…what a journey.

And honestly, there were times when I would ponder how all this would play out.  Having watched a whole lot of “redemption” movies where the end is always exactly how we would want it, I wondered, “What about this story?”  Perhaps you have done the same.  Perhaps you have wondered how your story will end.  Perhaps you have longed for a different story…a different prince or princess, a different role, something, anything different.  Well, I have some good news for you.  The Playwright for your story never makes a mistake and never gets it wrong.  He has been writing stories since before the beginning of time.  In fact, the Bible says that He wrote every scene of your life before there was a “once upon a time.”  In Psalm 139:16 it says, “You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in Your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” Wow…how about that?

But wait…it might just get better.  So, every story, including yours, can be like every fairy tale.  A beginning, a story filled with up and downs, bumps and bruises, toads, and princes.  But here’s the best part—every story can have a “happily ever after.”  No, really.  You see the same book and the same God who promises that every day, every scene in your story has been written and planned promises a “happily ever after.”  Oh, it is not always here, though sometimes it is.  It is in eternity.  When we are willing to put our faith and trust in the Prince of Peace and the King of Kings we have the promise of an eternity that is beyond our wildest dreams.  Believe what He did and choose to follow Him and heaven is the end of the story.

It is nice when the story, our story, plays out like we want and wish. It would be nice if every detail was just as we would have written it. Perhaps, but maybe not, because the One who writes the story, our story, is far wiser than us.  We probably won’t be able to understand or see that entirely till the end but, well, that is what faith is all about.  So, trust Him for the grand finale. It is going to be a wiz-bang finish.  And until then…enjoy the show…savoring the good scenes and trusting in the hard ones.  He’s got this.  Bro. Dewayne

Posted in Family, fear, friends, gratitude, heaven, life, marriage, prayer, Scripture, sovereignty of God, spiritual battles, travel

Cruising With the Captain

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

The Lord is my Shepherd; I have all that I need.” Psalm 23:1

Her name was Radiance of the Sea. Several years ago, I did something that I didn’t think I would ever do…take a cruise.  The thought of being on a boat, a ship, a vessel with several thousand people that I didn’t even know was anything but enticing. I could only imagine me threading my way through crowds of people with four words continuously coming from my mouth! Excuse me. Pardon me. No, from the safety of the shore it just didn’t sound like something I wanted to do.  And then, somehow, someway, we did it.  And then we did it again and now we did it again.

A while back we drove down to New Orleans and boarded the Radiance of the Sea.  As cruise ships go, she wasn’t the biggest, she wasn’t the newest.  Now that I think about it, though, she might have been like the bed in the story of the three bears…just right. If you have never cruised, let me share with you about our experience.  So, you buy your ticket, and you board the ship.  From the moment you step on, they attempt to make each person feel important, valuable.  They try to make sure your every need is met. It is like a small city that you call home for a few days or so.

The purpose of the ship is to take you and bring you back home.  That involves sailing over some deep waters—like, 8,500 feet deep. But even knowing that, you feel safe…every precaution has been made to keep you safe.  As every cruiser knows, it really is about the food. I mean three meals a day with snacks in-between and while it might not always taste like your momma’s cooking…it is pretty close. And the variety is incredible…allowing you to try new things…different things.  It makes it all interesting.  But there is more.

If you get sick, there is a doctor and several nurses. If you get bored, there is a cruise director who acts like he has had way too much coffee.  There are all kinds of venues, or places, to listen to all kinds of music.  That is one of our favorites.  Oh, and there is someone who comes in to make our bed and clean our room…not once like a hotel but several times each day. There are noisy places if that is your thing and there are quiet places if that is your thing.  And then, there are a couple of stops along the way for you to get off and see a new part of the world.

Now that is just a sampling, but I think you get the picture.  And guess what?  There is a captain up on the bridge (that’s what you call the place where they steer the ship) and he always knows where we are going and when we will get there. I don’t have to worry about a thing. Not.A.Thing. And that is why this whole experience, on a smaller scale, reminds me of my Father in heaven.  Every need met. Ever watching and caring. Ever leading us to…home.

One of the most beautiful songs in the Hebrew hymnbook is what we call the 23rd Psalm and the first verse, the first few words, describe the Great Captain’s care for us as we cruise here…and into eternity.  Are you ready?  Here is it.  “The Lord is my Shepherd…I shall not want.”  Don’t run past that.  When we become part of the family of God by faith in Jesus, God is our Captain and He takes responsibility for us.  Responsibility.For.Us.  We don’t need to worry, we don’t need to fret because He is in control and His storeroom of supplies never, never, runs out.  How about that?

So, why not just think about today, tomorrow and the next and then think about the fact that you don’t have to worry because the Captain of your life has everything under control.  Now to be fair and truthful, we did have one day that was rough due to some high winds.  But never, ever did we feel in danger.  And you will have some rough weather in life too, but you don’t have to worry because the Captain knows the way, knows the storm.  You can have a meal, have a rest and lay your head down on your pillow knowing that “He’s got this.”  Bro. Dewayne

Posted in friends, Grace, gratitude, life, love, loving others, marriage, Scripture, thankful

A Good Laugh

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

In every way I’ve shown you that it is necessary to help the weak by laboring like this and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, because he said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” Acts 20:35

It made me laugh. I love a good joke.  But I love bad jokes even more. My grandson James asked me, “Papa, what do you call a cow with no legs?” Well, I had heard this joke before but hey, why not one more time. I asked him “what?” And he said, “ground beef.” Ok, now tell me that isn’t good. Of course, I responded with, “What do you call a pig with no legs?” and he said he didn’t know.  I told him, “A ground hog.” Ok, so you are now armed with two great jokes, but this story is about another one that I read in one of my devotions.

It goes like this, “A barber in a small town was busy cutting hair one day when the local policeman walked in for a haircut. The barber was feeling a bit generous, so he said to him, “Since you do such a good job protecting us, today’s haircut is free.” Well, the next day when the barber showed up at his shop, there were a dozen donuts waiting for him from the grateful policeman.

That same day the local florist came in for a haircut. Again, in a generous mood, the barber said to the florist, “Since you do so much to make this town look beautiful, today’s haircut is free.” The next day when the barber arrived at his shop, he was greeted by a dozen beautiful roses.

Later that day, in walked the local preacher. The barber, once again filled with generosity, said to the minister, “Since you work so hard to care for our souls, today’s haircut is free.” Well, the next day the barber showed up to find a dozen preachers waiting for a free haircut.” That is a great story and maybe partially true. I remember when I first started preaching forty years ago, I was told more than once to be on the outlook for the free perks of pastoring. I am glad to say that didn’t stick with me though I must admit I sure like a free lunch! Smile.

The big truth of this story is no joke—generosity should be a part of every believer’s DNA. Our Dearest Daddy is so, so generous to us. John 3:16 teaches us that He loved us so much He gave His only Son—to a cruel Roman cross. God is the greatest giver there is and we should strive to be just like Him. In Acts 20:35 Paul tells us, “In every way I’ve shown you that it is necessary to help the weak by laboring like this and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, because he said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” We don’t know when Jesus said these words but what we do know is that His life spoke to them every day. He always gave—every day and in every way.

Let me encourage you to be generous…not just with your physical resources but with your time, abilities, and love. Let me encourage you to be just like Jesus who was so willing to give Himself away. I’ll be honest enough to tell you that sometimes this is easier than others for me, but I can always go to my Dearest Daddy who will help me learn and remember, “He’s got this.” Bro. Dewayne

Posted in communication, Family, fear, food, friends, Grace, gratitude, life, loving others, marriage, prayer, pride, Scripture, thankful, travel

Food for Bridges

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you. John 14:26

Say that again? Well, if everything goes according to plan, on November 4th I will be getting a set of hearing aids. Truth be known I have probably been needing them for a while, but pride and my bank account weren’t quite willing. Well, I think I am ready to swallow my pride and the Veteran’s Administration is taking care of the cost. I have been going to an ear, nose and throat specialist for several years so none of this was a surprise. I have two ears (no surprise there) and one is pretty good and the other one is pretty bad. My doctor would always say, “Are you ready for hearing aids yet?” I would always respond with no for the two reasons I mentioned above but not anymore.

This became obvious on a recent flight from Seattle to Chicago. We got off the ground and it was time for the flight attendants to start their attending thing. From experience, I knew they would come along with their cart and offer a snack and something to drink. Well, she came to our row and paused. She said something, something I assumed was, “Would you like something to drink?” I responded with, “Coffee, please.” but that wasn’t what she said. So, she repeated it, and I thought I heard her say something about, “Food for bridges.” Well, that certainly didn’t make any sense, so I responded with a questioning, “Ma’am?” to which she responded with her food for bridges line. Wait! What? All of this made no sense because I couldn’t understand what food had to do with bridges. Then my wife Judy helped.

Judy leaned over and gave me the correct interpretation.  Judy said, “She has food for purchase.” Boy did I miss that one. I quickly told her “No thank-you.” After all a free cup of coffee is one thing but a nine-dollar sandwich is another. My misunderstanding and inability to hear what was being said almost set me back nine bucks! Holy moly. I am glad that Judy, my “hearing aid” for the minute was there and trust me—that is not the only time she has saved the day.

Our Heavenly Father knows that all of us sometimes struggle with our hearing. Too often, He is talking and either we aren’t listening, or we aren’t hearing.  His “hearing aid” for us doesn’t fit in our ear, rather He lives in our heart. It is the Holy Spirit. You see, when we become Christ followers, our Dearest Daddy, gives us His Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit helps us to hear and understand the Son and the Father. He helps when we allow the noise of life to interfere when the Father is trying to speak to us. He helps when our busyness keeps us from concentrating and grasp the Word. He helps when the preacher is preaching, and our mind wants to wander to the lunch menu.  Make no mistake, the Holy Spirit is our Helper—our hearing aid.

The hearing doctor has already told me that for these hearing aids to help me I have to wear them—they do little good just sitting in the charger. And do you know what? I think the same is true of the Holy Spirit. We must be willing to allow Him to work in our lives and when we do—life is better and our ability to hear from God is clearer.  How about that? If we are willing, you can believe that He is willing, and we can know that “He’s got this.”  Bro. Dewayne

Posted in communication, Family, friends, life, marriage, Scripture, thankful, travel

Wrong Kind of Dump

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your “yes” mean “yes,” and your “no” mean “no,” so that you won’t fall under judgment.” James 5:12

We were just tootling along somewhere in Washington state. Not familiar with the term tootling? Well, you are probably more familiar than you think.  The word means to go or travel in a leisurely way.  For example, remember last week when you were going somewhere and the couple in front of you was driving fifteen miles an hour under the speed limit.  Yup…they were tootling.  Or maybe you were leaving a big event and the person in front of you was walking like they couldn’t? Yup…they were tootling.  Sometimes we call it being “out for a Sunday drive” or “strolling in the park” but the bottom line is, it’s tootling.

Well, we weren’t driving fifteen miles per hour under the speed limit but at the same time we weren’t in a hurry either. I was casually looking around and so was Judy. We would occasionally comment about this thing or that thing but mostly we were just enjoying the day and the drive.  We were tootling.  The area we were in had multiple campsites and RV parks.  It was a beautiful to tootle. As we tootled, we came upon an RV camp on my side of the road. We knew it was an RV park because it had one of those two sided signs—two boards hinged together that made a sorta tent.

Here is what it said, “RV Park. Dump. $5.  Well, I didn’t think too much about it because I knew it was letting people know that it was an RV Park and if it was time to dump your sewage or grey water you could do it there for five dollars. Well, just a few seconds after we drove past the sign, Judy spoke up and said, “That must really be a poor place since they called it a dump and it only cost five dollars. Well, I let it ride for just about a minute and then I explained it wasn’t talking about the condition of the park but rather the fact that you could dump your stuff there for five bucks. And then—best as I tried to avoid it—I laughed at her misinterpretation of the sign, and she laughed too.

I knew right away buried in there somewhere was a Grits story about communication. You see, I knew what they were saying but since Judy didn’t, she got a whole different meaning. To me they were advertising a service and a bargain, and she thought that the owners were so desperate they were willing to let anybody stay for just five bucks. Now stop for a minute and think just how often what we say or what we do is totally misunderstood. If we are honest, it is more than we want to admit. I know during my preaching years it was common for me to be unclear in what I was trying to say. Mostly it was just funny but a couple of times it was painful.

James, the half-brother of Jesus, said in the book he wrote in the Bible, “Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your “yes” mean “yes,” and your “no” mean “no,” so that you won’t fall under judgment.” In other words, be careful what you say, when you say it, and even how you say it. If our “misspeaks” end in a laugh that isn’t too bad but when it hurts—well, it hurts. Momma always told me to mind my manners and that included what I said. Well, our Dearest Daddy wants us to mind our mouths. The best part is He is always willing to help us do that.  You might say, “He’s got that” and you would be right. Bro. Dewayne