Entry #11 -- Little Bunny Foo Foo

My blog opens today with an old children’s sing-song style rhyme. 

Little Bunny Foo Foo was hopping in the forest, scooping up the field mice, and boppin’ ‘em on the head.  When down came the Good Fairy, and she said, “Little Bunny Foo Foo, I don’t want to see you, scooping up the field mice and boppin’ ‘em on the head!  I’ll give you three chances, and if you do not behave, I’m going to turn you into a goon!”

Now the rhyme is quite long—ask any parent or grandparent—it seems to go on forever. But alas, Little Bunny Foo Foo uses up all his chances to get his act together, and POOF, the Good Fairy turns him into a goon.  The moral of the story?    Hare today, Goon tomorrow!

I fluctuate on and off Facebook from time to time.  I seem to have too much in common with Little Bunny Foo Foo.  I seem to be gifted in the ability to mess up.  Often I’ll post a one-liner with the most sincere intention of humor, only to be REceived and PERceived as anything other than funny.  Through the years this has cost a few friendships.  Thankfully, I don’t have to answer to a “Good Fairy.”  I answer to a Heavenly Father who is full of love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness.  I am overwhelming grateful that He accepts my requests for forgiveness time and time again. I’m reminded of the chorus of an old hymn:

           

            His love has no limit; His grace has no measure. 

            His pow’r has no boundary known unto men. 

            For out of his infinite riches in Jesus,

            He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.

                        He Giveth More Grace, #317, Hymns of Heritage and Hope, 2001

                        Words: Annie Johnson Flint, 1941 / Music: Hubert Mitchell, 1941

And so—I continue to write.  Why? Because I’m great and know a lot of stuff? NO! Most certainly NOT! That’s pretty obvious.  I write, because perhaps the mistakes I have made will encourage others to take another path.  I write, because I have experienced first-hand the forgiveness of a loving Heavenly Father.  I write, because whatever talent or ability I might have comes directly from Him.  I write, because above all, I want to serve Him and do the things that honor Him.  Do I fail? Sure, bunches!  But God picks me up and sets me straight; He is always faithful.

In closing, I would like to tell you about another one of my dear friends (JRP), whom I have never met in person, but only through Facebook.  She is probably among the most gifted and talented of writers whose works never cease to bring inspiration, hope, and comfort.  But if you ask her, she is quick to say that all credit is due to God, and that she is only happy to be obedient in writing what He lays on her heart to share with others. Recently her posts have included many inspirational sayings of A.W. Tozer—and here is my favorite:

“If God gives you a few more years, remember, it is not yours. Your time must honor God, your home must honor God, your activity must honor God, and everything you do must honor God.”

                        --A.W.Tozer

What is the bottom line?  Little Bunny Foo Foo used up all his chances.  I plan to choose wisely.  I plan to honor my Heavenly Father with all that is within me.  Mistakes may come and go.  However, God is faithful to those who put their trust in Him.

Respectfully written and submitted by:

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian

Additional Sources:

WWW.REVIVAL-LIBRARY.COM and WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/AWTOZERMANOFGOD

Note:  The date and author for the original “Little Bunny Foo Foo” are listed as unknown, although there currently exists a myriad of versions in song, print, and video by various authors and artists.

Entry #10 - Stoop-idity

Most of us are fortunate enough to have at least one or more close friends. Let me introduce you to one of mine.  We are just a few years apart in age and have boys who are just a few years apart in age. We attend the same church, enjoy music, enjoy having breakfast (or lunch) together, and we enjoy the same career—teaching, although she retired last year and I still have a year or two to go.  My dear friend is someone with whom I can talk, listen, laugh, cry, and pray.  One other commonality is our view of using Facebook as a means to keep up with family and friends, and yet we are equally frustrated by much of the unsolicited Facebook suggested posts.

Today, my friend and I made a new discovery.  Apparently (according to Facebook), science has proven people who use inappropriate language (i.e., swear words), have a much greater vocabulary, and are therefore smarter than other people.  Really? Seriously?

A quick stop at Global Language Monitor: www.languagemonitor.com reveals as of January 1, 2016, the English language contained an estimated 1,035,877.3 words.  (Just like you, I’m wondering what the three-tenths of a word could have been.) It is estimated that one new word is created every 98 minutes which comes to roughly 14.7 newly generated words per day. (Yes, I did the math… 24 hours X 60 minutes ÷ 98 = 14.693877551, which rounds to 14.7 words per day. No, don’t ask about the seven-tenths of a word because I have no clue!) The same site purported Shakespeare created 1,700 words during his lifetime.

I realize many families, including ours, have uniquely generated words.  This is in large measure due to a child’s inability to correctly pronounce words.  Hence we have words such as “pasghetti” instead of spaghetti, “dink” instead of drink, and “baff” instead of bath.  Obviously, this was not the focus of the Facebook suggested post.  So how does the Christian respond to the topic of swear words? Isn’t it a person’s “right?”

The Bible is quite clear on matters regarding our words and the wisdom of speech.  James identifies the tongue as being a small part of our body, and yet capable of producing great evil when left unguided, (James 3:1-12).  David reminds us that the LORD examines our hearts, knows everything about us, and knows what we are going to say even before we say it, (Psalm 139:1-6).  The Wisest of the Wise, King Solomon, repeatedly warns:

·        The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked. (Proverbs 10:11, NIV)

·        The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse. (Proverbs 10:32, NIV)

·        Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (Proverbs 12:18, NIV)

·        A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1, NIV)

·        The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil. (Proverbs 15:28, NIV)

·        A wise man’s heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction. (Proverbs 16:23, NIV)

If you take time to read through Proverbs, you will easily recognize that I have only provided a small sampling of wisdom regarding the importance of choosing our words carefully.  Words matter.  Words are a reflection of our hearts. 

Do you know what bothers me the most? The use of inappropriate language is so prevalent in today’s world, that even Christians—who would never think of actually using such language themselves—have grown callous of its use by others. We are becoming immune to the recognition of swear words in movies, songs, commercials, and even Facebook posts. We are stooping to a new low.  Now you understand the title of this blog:  Stoop-idity; the state or quality of stooping to the world’s standards. (Yes, I just made that up.  It’s one of the 14.7 new words for today.)

Thankfully, we are given a solution.

“And whatever you do, whether in WORD [emphasis mine] or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”  Colossians 3:17, NIV

“Let your conversation be always full of grace…”  Colossians 4:6, NIV

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.  It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness [e.g., foul language; again emphasis mine], and 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.”  Titus 2:11-13, NIV

Yes, we have a choice.  We can say “NO!” to stoop-idity.

Respectfully written and submitted by:

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian

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