What do these stones mean?

In the future when your descendants ask their fathers, "What do these stones mean?" tell them, "Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground." For the LORD your God did to the Jordan just what he had done to the Red Sea when he dried it up before us…He did this so you might always fear the LORD your God.
—Joshua 4:21-24

It is Memorial Day 2011. This is the weekend that marks summer’s beginning and, more importantly, when we as a nation are invited to remember the past as we consider the future; to remember the horror of war, to honor those who served at their county’s request and died in the defense of freedom.

It is a time to remember the lessons of the past, the values, the history, which hopefully will teach us so we can embrace a more confident and fulfilling future.

So what were you doing this weekend? Beach? Concert? Did you watch the Indy 500 or the Coca-Cola 600? Did you go on a picnic? I hope amidst all the entertaining and fun things that you took time to remember and reflect.

I do this by going to a graveyard or a war memorial and ask the question: "What do these stones mean?"

I’m so right, I can’t be wrong!

Test everything. Hold on to the good.
—1 Thessalonians 5:21-22

Ever met someone who was convinced of their "rightness"? Do you remember the power of their conviction, the refuting of questions, if they listened to you, or the "damn the torpedos, full speed ahead" attitude that compelled or intimidated you into following? Sales people practice this well, busy people do it all the time, arrogant people don’t know anything different.

Ever been that kind of person?

Being passionate about your position, belief or conviction is not a bad thing at all. In fact this is what you are given as the very drive that brings change to all aspects of your life and your world.

Right people, right place, right time!

I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my spokesperson to the world.
—Jeremiah 1:5

Ever wondered about the daily grind, the challenges that seem to always be right in your face, the endless tasks and where they all lead to?

Ever felt like packing it in, doing something else, something easier, less demanding?

Ever wonder if you are up to the task at hand?

I sure have...many times in my years of service. Wondered, but by God’s strength persevered, struggled and came out the other side tired, sometimes spent but smiling!

Before Google, there was Mum!

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
—Proverbs 3:5-6

There is something about your Mum! Only she could know who was sneaking in late just by the sound of your steps on the stairs. Only a Mum could change a diaper, talk on the phone, and cook supper at the same time. Economic stimulus…mother could make a penny cry for mercy, quadrupling its value with coupons and sales. She was the comforter for disappointed test results, the consoler for love requited, and the encourager for anything your dreams called you to embrace…as long as it was safe!

Somehow she could help you with calculus and geography, literature and sonnets, history and presidents. She knew that pie was both edible and a key component in figuring out the properties of a circle. She was our Google. But she was so much more, because in her presence you found comfort and hope, not just a menu of interesting factoids. Every answer she provided was tailor made, with a bit of counsel or encouragement woven in. When was the last time you searched Google and had an answer that said, "You are on the right track, keep going, you can do it!"?

A Prince, a Princess, and Prayer

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his
wonderful light.
—1 Peter 2:9-10

Once upon a time there was a handsome prince and a beautiful commoner … and so begins the story that recently captured the attention of the people of the world.

Ever wondered why you weren’t born into royalty? It is the desire of each young heart to be special, to stand out and be respected, to experience the attention of the many. May older hearts have the same desire.

I well remember the wedding of Prince William’s parents and thinking, "They are so fortunate, that simply being born into Royalty brings with it all the stuff I wish I had." I confess that because it is the lot of each of us to have an "envy" seed. A seed that if it takes root, changes your life from the sunshine of being thankful for what you have, into the darkness of a bitter scavenging, cynical attitude of entitlement. An attitude that centers on self and does not consider the needs of others.