Entry #9 -- The 47th State

Although I was born in New England and raised in Florida, I currently reside in the vast state of New Mexico.  To those of you slightly geographically challenged, yes, New Mexico is part of the United States proper and received Statehood in 1912.  It is that big chunk of land that lies between Texas and Arizona on any modern USA map.  According to the 2016 World Population Review^[1], New Mexico is the 5^th largest state in area, yet the 6^th most sparsely populated territory—ranking #37 in population at just 2,135,288.  That is undoubtedly more information than you need or desire, so let me get back on track.

As I said, I currently reside in New Mexico.  Recently, I was reading a book about New Mexico and noticed several contradictions!  Here is just one example:

(p. 21)  “Commercial agriculture was not practiced…families produced what they needed, with a small surplus to enable them to afford necessary purchases.”

(p. 185)  “…they built dairies to provide fresh milk for children, had wells dug…” (One might infer that dairies, especially commercial dairies, also tend to require large commercial crops of grain.)

So how can it be that New Mexico does NOT practice commercial agriculture…yet it DOES build commercial dairies/crops?  Can this book be trusted? Is it a fraud?  Oh wait a minute, I forgot to mention that the book I was reading was an anthology—a collection of essays^[2] by thirteen different authors, spanning the sixty-five years from 1900-1965.  Furthermore, the essays range in style from narrative to documentary.  However, they are ALL focused on ONE central theme of the various components of New Mexico and its historical development.  The above quotes, although technically accurate in wording, are definitely only partial quotes^{[3 and 4]} and grossly taken out of context. The anthology is correct.

Those who would deny the validity of the Bible will often make similar mistakes.  They justify their position on the basis of the Bible apparently containing several contradictory statements. Yet they purposefully forget or refuse to acknowledge that the Bible is an anthology—a collection of works including poetry, law, narratives, documentaries, and apocalyptical writings—with approximately 40 authors spanning a history of approximately 1,500 years.  Skeptics rarely acknowledge the background of the authors, living conditions, or any other factors (e.g., geographical, economical,  political, cultural) occurring during the time of each written work.  Yet the Bible, with its variety of works and diversity of authors, has ONE central theme—it is the inspired work of God, our Heavenly Father and Creator of all that exists.

Here is an ironic twist for skeptics to consider:  God, who inspired the authors of the Bible, warned in advance—yes, thousands of years in advance—that there would be skeptics. 

One of the primary authors of New Testament writings, Paul, offers this message to Timothy:
“I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he appears to set up his Kingdom:  Preach the word of God.  Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not.  Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.  For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching.  They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.  They will reject the truth and chase after myths.” 

2 Timothy 4:1-4 (NLT^[5])

Peter also writes a similar message:

“Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires.”  2 Peter 3:3 (NLT)

The Bible makes something else perfectly clear as well.  Those who reject truth and chase after myths will not enter the Kingdom of God.

“Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”  Revelation 21:27 (NIV)

Dear Friends, you may choose to scoff at the validity of the Bible today; however, there is a day coming—and coming soon—that your scoffing will cease.  At that time you will know and acknowledge the truth:

God is real. His Word is truth.

Here is another truth.  The Bible offers hope.  Jesus, himself, states:

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”  John 3:16 (NLT)

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes has eternal life.”  John 6:47 (NLT)

God is real.  God loves you.

Respectfully written and submitted by:

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian

[1]        worldpopulationreview.com/states/new-mexico-population/

[2]        DeMark, Judith B., ed. Essays in 20^th Century New Mexico History. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press, 1994. Print.

 [3]        Jensen, Joan M. “Farm Families Organize Their Work, 1900-1940.” Essays in 20^th Century New Mexico History. Ed. Judith Boyce DeMark. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press, 1994. 13-27. Print.

 [4]        Schackel, Sandra. “Healthcare Across Cultures: Public Health Nurses in Hispanic and   Native American Communities.” Essays in 20^th Century New Mexico History. Ed. Judith Boyce DeMark. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press, 1994. 181-197. Print.

 [5]        Holy Bible, New Living Translation. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2004.  Print.

Entry #8 -- Who Engages Whom?

As an educator, it amazes me how the wording of educational concepts is continually evolving. And since I will be using a few choice expressions used within the educational setting, I want to make it perfectly clear at the onset, that my blog contains my own thoughts. In no way is this entry reflective of the institution for whom I work—in either a positive or negative means.  It is simply my own personal observance of a unique correlation between one specific educational term—and its direct relationship to a more church-oriented term.

Here is my general observation:  There seems to be no shortage of instructional books for teachers regarding the engaged reader/learner; or, on how to engage one’s students in the educational setting.  Strategies include everything from capturing the attention of students with a wide variety of kinesthetic (that means “hands-on”) activities -- to modified creative marketing tactics using craft demonstrations and explanations to “guide” students in self-learning.

The educational theory has its foundation in the premise that students do not always learn as they should because teachers fail to engage them in the learning process.  Stated in the reverse, if teachers would engage their students, then students would be more apt to learn.

Already, I have used the word engage at least half a dozen times. So what does the word engage mean?  Most definitions relate the verb form of engage to attracting and holding the attention of someone for a specified reason. Other definitions imply making a choice to commit oneself to someone or something.

It is at this point my thoughts drift to Sunday morning worship.  The question occupying my thoughts is this:  Who engages whom?  In education, the onus is on the teacher to create lessons designed to engage their students.  It would not surprise me if seminaries also taught pastors to create sermons designed to engage their congregations.  If the truth be told, this is probably why many people attend church.  They are waiting for someone or something to engage them—someone or something to capture and hold their attention (aka “entertain”) them.

Ah, and therein lies the rub—It is my opinion that we do not, and should not, attend church to BE engaged, but rather TO engage.  I would submit that it is not God who engages us in worship, but rather it is we who should engage God in worship.  We are His creation and it is our responsibility to worship (which means give reverent honor and homage to--) God.  Our purpose for attending worship should be to ENGAGE: capture and hold God’s attention through prayer, praise, the reading of His Word, music, and the bringing of our tithes and offerings. Our total and complete desire should be to ENGAGE: commit ourselves to Him. Furthermore, our goal should be to leave Sunday morning worship still fully engaged in worship—ready to capture and hold God’s attention throughout the entire week as we continue to pray and praise Him in all aspects of life.

If you have read any of my former blogs, you know I tend to leave you with a thought-provoking twist.  Could it be that when you leave church on Sunday morning, and you are feeling less than satisfied, that the onus is actually upon YOU as a worshiper?  Could it simply be that you forgot to engage God in your multitude of worship activities?  If you expect God to respond to you, then make certain everything you do, everything you think, everything you say, everything you pray, and everything you sing—is something that will ENGAGE: capture and hold God’s attention, as well as, demonstrate clear evidence of your ENGAGEMENT: commitment to Him.

“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.”  Psalm 19:14  (NIV)

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”  Colossians 3:17  (NIV)

Respectfully written and submitted by:

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian

Entry #7 - When all you can say is, "Merci!"

Sometimes I get the feeling that because I like to write, people think somehow I must be different from everyone else in this world.  I assure you, I am not.  I feel deep pain and ache in my heart over the death of loved ones just as you do—and I miss them so incredibly much each passing day!  My heart cries out daily that my boys would always make choices that draw them closer to a loving relationship with their Heavenly Father, just as you cry out for your children.  I get frustrated with peripheral demands of my job (which in reality actually hinder me from doing the work) just as you do.  Oh, and let’s not even get started on society and politics!  I often fail miserably at many things.  And, I cannot count the number of times I surely have been a disappointment to my Heavenly Father.  I am not perfect.  I am real.  I am human.  I am very guilty of publicly plowing through life with an effervescent smile on my face and the classic “Oh, I’m fine, thanks!” response; sometimes it’s just easier that way.

If you have been following my blog, by this time you are well aware of my affinity for interesting vocabulary.  I really can’t help it—it’s the teacher in me. However, when I review my daily failings, the word that surfaces to the top is mercy.  Most definitions concur that mercy is the ability to have compassion on the one who is at fault.   My friend smiles at me and loves me even though while be-bopping along in my own little world I just blurted out, “Oh, hi! How are you doing?”  Her heart is full of pain from the recent loss of a loved one, but she has mercy on me anyway.  As a result, I am blessed because she has chosen to personify God’s plan:

“He has showed you, O man, what is good.  And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”   Micah 6:8 (NIV)

Having been raised in a Christian home, surrounded by Christian family and friends, I would have to say there are not many major sins in my life.  I don’t steal. I don’t murder.  I don’t smoke, drink, or use foul language.  But oh, the sins of the heart are many. I suffer from the natural ability to be inattentive to what really matters.  I do not make the most of every opportunity God gives me.  I have a tendency to focus on the problem rather than the solution.  When I am with friends who whine and complain about anything; then all too quickly I find myself trying to compete.  Since God does not grade sins by degrees of sinfulness…sin is sin…I am a sinner.  I need a Savior.  I need His mercy. 

What I know in my heart is this:

“He who conceals his sins [and folks, it doesn’t matter what kind or how big; sin is sin in God’s eyes] does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”  Proverbs 28:13 (NIV)

Therefore, each day I share in the poignant prayer of King David:

“Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.  Remember, O LORD, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O LORD.”   Psalm 25:4-7 (NIV)

The cool thing is that God has already provided the answer. Not only this, but He understands our need for repetition and reassurance:

“You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us.”  Micah 7:18b-19 (NIV)

“The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.”  James 5:11 (NIV)

The Apostle Paul and I share something in common:

“I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.”  1 Timothy 1:16 (NIV)

And so, I sing:

Depth of mercy! can there be

            Mercy still reserved for me?

                        Can my God his wrath forbear?

                                    Me, the chief of sinners, spare?

I have long withstood his grace;

            Long provoked him to his face;

                        Would not harken to his calls;

                                    Grieved him by a thousand falls.

Now incline me to repent;

            Let me now my sins lament;

                        Now my foul revolt deplore,

                                    Weep, believe, and sin no more.

The above is an untitled hymn written by Charles Wesley and taken from:

The Advent Christian Hymnal: A Collection of Hymns and Tunes for Public and Social Worship.  1894. 24^th ed. Boston: Advent Christian Publication Society, 1930. Print.

No, I haven’t forgotten the title of this blog.  The French word for “Thank you” is Merci.  And it is all I can say when my Heavenly Father reaches down to me in His infinite MERCY.

~~~~~ Weep, believe, and sin no more. ~~~~~

Respectfully written and submitted by:

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian

Entry #6 -- To Like, or not to Like? This definitely IS the question!

So I’m just scrolling along FB enjoying the posts (or most of them) while I sip on my morning coffee…and for some reason I began to give serious attention to specific wording of posts and from whom the posts were sent.  According to Facebook Help Center www.facebook.com , “Clicking Like is a way to give positive feedback and connect with things you care about.”  Well, that’s pretty cool and fairly self-explanatory.  Except…my friends…my Christian friends… do they actually READ what they are Like-ing? Not so sure.

At first glance, it looks great!  If you were encouraged to:

Eat the delicious food.  Walk in the sunshine. Jump in the ocean.  Say the truth that you’re carrying in your heart like hidden treasure.  Be silly.  Be kind.  Be weird.

Wouldn’t you agree that it sounds positively refreshing?  Yeah, just be me for a change!

However, here is the whole post (sun-gazing.com), and when I saw it this morning it already had 214,496 Likes, over 5,202 Comments, and 914,336 Shares.

Note to self:

None of us are getting out of here alive, so please stop treating yourself like an after thought. Eat the delicious food. Walk in the sunshine. Jump in the ocean. Say the truth that you’re carrying in your heart like hidden treasure.  Be silly. Be kind. Be weird. There’s no time for anything else.

Really?  Seriously?

Now I am in no way degrading the good folks at sun-gazing.com; merely saying I’m not so sure I agree, and I definitely cannot Like this post in all good Biblical consciousness. Here is my humble opinion on the matter.

“First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.  They will say, ‘Where is this coming he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.’”   2 Peter 3:3-4 (NIV)

“For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine.  Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.  They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.  But you, keep your head in all situations…”   2 Timothy 4:3-5a (NIV)

Additionally, both Matthew (chapter 24) and Luke (chapter 17) remind us that in the days of Noah and in the days of Lot, everyone was going about their business as if there were no tomorrow.  Great destruction came suddenly in both cases. Yet there were survivors in each case—those who remained faithful.  So I would rephrase the original quote: 

SOME of us ARE getting out of here alive—those who remain faithful and are alive when Christ returns, and those who remained faithful and though physically dead are resurrected when Christ returns. 

I would further submit what we do with our time DOES matter. 

So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.  Romans 14:12

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.  Ephesians 4:32

Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.  1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.  1 Thessalonians 5:16

And finally, I would amend the last statement of the original quote:

There’s no time for anything else—EXCEPT:

“…to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.”  Titus 2:13-14 (NIV)

“So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.”  2 Peter 3:14 (NIV)

“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’  Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.  Revelation 22:20 (NIV)

Not sure about you, but I Like that!

Respectfully written and submitted by:

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian