THE NEW EWE

"What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!'"

Luke 15:4-6

April 22, 2020

LIFE IN THE FOLD:

My stepmother was very much a people person. She was comfortable talking to just about anyone, and was truly interested in their life. I took her and Daddy out to eat a few times, and she would invariably see someone that she thought she might know; or thought if she didn't know them, then she might know their family. She wasn't satisfied not knowing for sure, so would go over to their table and ask, "Do I know you?" More times than not, she would either know them or their parents or someone related to them.

Honestly, I'm not an outgoing people person, and there were times when I would be a tad embarrassed. I'd sometimes think, "June, just let them eat! You don't have to talk to every single person you think you might know!" But she liked people and finding out about their lives. She wanted to know if they were married, had kids, what they did for a living, etc. The truth is, most of those people probably didn't mind that June came up and talked to them for a few minutes.

Have you ever met someone you know in the unlikeliest of places; or meet someone that knows someone whom you are acquainted with or who has a connection with your hometown? It makes you feel as if the world really isn't that big after all.

Several years ago Jon had to go to Germany to work for three weeks and I went along, knowing that this would be a trip in a lifetime. On our flight home, we were delayed in Chicago due to storms surrounding the city. While sitting there, listening to our flight getting delayed time after time, we were getting tired, frustrated, and ready to be home. This young man, dressed in a pilot's uniform, came over and sat down next to Jon and asked, "Don't I know you from somewhere? You really look familiar." I was thinking, "I have no idea who you are! And I'm pretty sure I don't know anyone who would wear a pilot's uniform for this airline." But surprisingly to me, Jon responded that yes, he thought that the man look familiar to him, too. They began talking, trying to figure out where they could have met. It turned out, that they had worked together for a short time a few years prior to this. This guy was taking flying lessons at that time, unbeknown to Jon. He was on his way home from an interview for a job as a pilot. We visited with him until our flight was able to finally board. It was an unexpected connection that Jon never expected to make; nor did he dream of meeting someone at that airport that he would have known.

I have some older cousins who live in California. There were ten children in my mom's family, and their mom was the oldest of the ten. My mom was the third from the youngest, so these cousins are around my mom's age group. I have only seen them a few times during my lifetime, but keep in touch with a couple of them.

Several years ago, one of them contacted me and asked if I knew a particular man; who happened to be the father of three boys who had ridden my school bus when I was growing up. My cousin told me that he and this man had been friends for many years, but he had just found out that this man was from my hometown and had children who had attended the same school as I had. Up until then, my cousin had no idea that his friend had once lived in the hometown where he had family and had visited from time to time over the years. And I'm sure the friend had no idea that my cousin would have ever heard of Lampe or Blue Eye, Missouri.

Probably 4-5 years ago, my sister, Janie, and I attended the General Council of the Assemblies of God that was held in Anaheim, California that particular year. She was working as a sign language interpreter. Generally when I attended the services I would sit in the deaf section, but one evening I was late arriving to the service, so sat over to the side in the stadium seating. I chose a section that didn't have a lot of people sitting in it and sat on a row by myself, behind a young couple. That evening happened to be a missions emphasis service. They had all the missionaries to stand, and had those sitting around them to pray for them; then again at the end of the service had people pray for them. So I had prayed with this couple a couple times during that service. I found that they were missionaries to the Balkins.

Last year one of my nephews and his wife went to Greece for 3 months as missionaries. I cannot remember how it came up that I had met this couple in California. Come to find out, my nephew and his wife, had made contact with this couple, and had mutual friends in Greece. How cool is that?!? That God would place me in the right seat to be able to pray for this young missionary couple, then later my nephew and his wife would have contact with them, was amazing.

Psalm 37:23 says, "The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives."

So really, is it coincidental or accidental when encounters such I wrote about occur? Not if we truly believe the Word of God!

Every step that we take, whether it seems mundane and routine or unexpected and surprising, are directed by God. It's not only those occurrences that are unforeseen that are God-directed, but all of our steps. The Psalm says that God delights in every detail of our lives. All means all!

Even when we are grocery shopping, our steps are ordered by God. There have been several times when I've been shopping and someone will ask me where they can find an item. Even if there are other people in that same aisle, they will stop and ask me. May not seem like a big deal, but I believe that even in that, we can be at the right place at the right time to help someone.

Our neighbors on one side of us are in their mid to upper 80's in age. When Jon sees him outside, he will walk out and just talk for a few minutes (keeping that 6-feet distance!) to see if they are doing okay or need anything. A few nights ago, the wife called asking if Jon could open a jar of sauerkraut for them, that they wanted to fix for supper. The husband met Jon out in the yard and he was able to help them out. Not a big deal to many, but to them it was, at that moment. Because we've shown them kindness in the past, they felt comfortable asking for help. That is just a simple way how God directs our steps and delights in all we do.

When we are working, our steps are directed by God and we can experience favor, wisdom, solutions to problems that arise; as well as speak words of encouragement and help to co-workers. Often, Jon has been called upon by co-workers to help them solve a problem that arises, because they respect his experiences and opinions. God has gifted Jon in electrical engineering and computer science, and Jon has used that gift to benefit customers and co-workers.

When we have a chance encounter with someone, perhaps God is using us to speak blessing and encouragement to them; or we may be an answer to something that they are praying about or struggling with. On the other hand, God also directs the steps of others to benefit our lives and bless us.

We are never too young or too old for God to direct our steps or for Him to delight in every detail of our lives!

When I babysat my great-niece, Jovie, we would sing and pray together every day. She brought joy to my heart! She would pray for me, I would pray for her. One day she had a bad cough and when we laid down for nap time, she asked me if I would pray for Jesus to take her cough away while she was sleeping. I did. When I finished, she giggled and said, "I think Jesus is going to surprise me and take it away while I sleep!" And Jesus did just that!!

My father-in-law, Stan, was in assisted living before his death, due to Alzheimers. At one time he had a roommate names Zeke. Zeke was very confused and unsettled and would sometimes get scared due to the Alzheimers and not understanding what was happening. One night the two men were in their beds and Stan heard Zeke crying. He had clarity of mind at that moment to know that Zeke was scared, so he went over and held Zeke's hand and prayed for him until Zeke calmed down. That was God directing his steps, even in the midst of a horrible disease!

Never think that God doesn't care about your life or that you are useless or have no purpose. I don't believe that any of us probably realize our scope of impact on the lives of those around us. We don't know what our acts of kindness mean to others. What others may see as extraordinary and special, is just normal to us.

Several years ago, one of my cousins passed away from breast cancer. She had three daughters, who are all married and have families of their own now. Recently, one of the sons-in-law secretly asked people to post stories that they remembered about her, which he put into a book for the three girls on the anniversary of their mom's death. It was done on a special page that he set up, so everyone involved could read what people were writing. As I read over the numerous stories that were shared I thought, "Sherry had no idea the impact that she had on people's lives!" In fact, from conversations I'd had with her, I believe that she saw herself as insignificant and unimportant. All of the little things that she did from making girls feel special at slumber parties her girls had, to cooking special foods that she knew those who were at her house liked, to the joy and laugher that she brought to people's lives, to being willing to lend a helping hand, to having conversations with young girls who were going to camp for the first time to alleviate their fears, and so much in between. She impacted many people and likely didn't even know! But God ordered her steps and delighted in her.

Know that God delights in every single detail about you! He takes joy in having you as His child! He hears every prayer you pray! Begin to see ways in which God is directing your steps and may it bring you great joy and peace.

If you feel like your steps aren't going in the right direction, you don't have to continue on the path that you are on. If your steps are taking you away from God or you are walking in rebellion and choosing your own path, stop! Ask God to get you back on the way that He has prepared for you and allow Him to redirect your steps so that they will lead you safely home to Him!

JON'S PERSPECTIVE:

I've already written about when my truck was stolen several years ago. But it ties in well once again. It was a very frustrating day, when almost everything seemed to go wrong. Each thing that went wrong seemed so odd and unlikely that I was able to suspect there was something more to it.

In short, I went to get one gas meter turned on; had the wrong address, so got the wrong one turned off instead; had to leave my truck running because the battery was dead; ran into a house & back out to see my truck leaving without me; met the gas man while calling the police; and got my truck back. Plus a lot more.

Normally when things go wrong, I just get frustrated, and start thinking how I might give up and go home, without creating more frustration. Normally, I don't even try to look for something good to come of it.

But that day, I did. And I was glad I did. I was able to show calm and faith to the gas man. And I was able to show calm, compassion, and heartfelt gratitude to several police officers. The gas man seemed more confused than anything. Maybe he was thrown by someone who wasn't acting in anger. The police officers seemed to be having a great evening. I'm guessing they needed a win that day, and finally had it.

I really don't know much about the young man who took my truck. But I'm guessing he needed a warm place to spend a few nights instead of on the cold street. And I like to think he met someone who introduced Jesus to him.

Whatever the outcome, I'm convinced my steps were ordered by God. And even though they weren't pleasant for me most of that time, they ended well and I trust they were good for those around me.

ON THE MENEWE:

Peanut Butter Cookies

Mix all ingredients together well. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place on cookie sheet. Flatten dough balls down slightly with the back of a fork.

Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

**Note: You can use all white sugar if you have no brown sugar on hand.

THIS, THAT AND THE OTHER:

I thank God for the technology we have today! Even though I miss being in church on Sundays, I anticipate and am eager for Sundays to arrive. I thoroughly enjoy listening to all of the different sermons being posted online. I am getting to listen to my own home church, both of my brothers-in-law, former pastors, friends and family who are pastor whom I rarely have an opportunity to hear minister. I feel like it is revival every Sunday! I encourage you to listen and feed your spirit and soul, if you are not doing so. Take this opportunity to see what God is saying through all of these various ministers each week. Not necessarily the same ones whom I listen to, but those you know.

I'm also thankful for FaceTime! I miss those two babies that I spent 4 days a week, 9 hours a day babysitting for the past several months. This week I was able to FaceTime with them and see their smiling faces! It brought me great joy!! I'm so grateful for the technology to be able to do that!

Don't withdraw during this time of sheltering at home. Watch preaching videos. There are many people doing online concerts for free right now, so listen to those. If you know how, FaceTime with family and friends. Email, text, call.... do something to communicate with people. You need that, but also, there may be those who need to hear from you.

THOUGHT TO PONDER:

As each fingerprint is unique and different, God puts His fingerprint on each of us and makes us unique, special, and different. There may be similarities, but no two people are exactly the same. God makes each individual unique by putting His fingerprint on them. - unknown

OUR HEARTFELT THANKS TO YOU:

We love you!

Loretta & Jon

http://www.graysheep.org