Let Your Light Shine

Today more than any other time, we want choices. We want to choose how we live, where we live, how we worship, what doctrines we value, and how we will rear our children. As a public school administrator and a Christian, I enjoy the diversity our community’s families offer our little school. We have children from backgrounds of extreme wealth to extreme poverty, from intensely protective to sadly neglectful families, from faithful Christian homes to some that are empty and lost, and these life learning experiences offer our children preparation for life and support for success. We really cannot minister or learn to care for the poor unless poverty is

Of the many things for which I am thankful, those families who bring Christian light into our schools are greatest. It comes before books, materials, our facility, or even the gifted teachers and staff and incredibly supportive community. This realization came to me over 10 years ago as I taught second grade and witnessed the gift of Christian light in the simple interaction of my students during an ordinary Valentine’s Day lesson.

Typically, seven year old boys are the rambunctious members of a group, but this year it was a little girl. Her beauty was clouded by a temper that I had never witnessed in one her age; as a result, she often chose to play alone. During February, I included the philosophy of “Random Acts of Kindness” and shared how special it is to be kind without expecting kindness in return. Later that day, a student confided, “I think she (meaning her hot-tempered classmate) is really sad because she doesn’t have a Beanie Baby.” I am so glad I didn’t throw cold water on that idea because it was the seed of a miracle. By the end of the day, this 7-year old had organized all the students to bring a Beanie Baby gift to this troubled little girl on Valentine’s Day. Secretly I worried that she would be embarrassed or worse throw a fit and fling the Beanies across the room. Thank the Lord, my fears were unfounded. The genuineness of her classmates’ love overflowed as she opened Beanie after Beanie. I watched a tear trickle down her cheek, and when she looked up at her classmates, I have never seen such a beautiful smile. Her beauty emanated around the room. For that moment, the satisfaction of giving and the joy of being appreciated was like a balm. Her classmates swelled with pride that they had really, really done a great thing. Their generosity had created a memorable moment in time that I will never forget.

Later as I helped her pack her bounty, she shared that she had always wanted a Beanie and now she had a whole backpack full. I had to call our little organizer’s mother and share how proud I was of her. Secretly I wondered how long it would be until the temper returned. The miracle: it never did, even in third, fourth, or fifth grades. Christian love was never more simply, purely, or effectively applied than in that little second grade classroom so many years ago.

I could not have given that gift. It could only come from the selfless, Christian love of a peer. Praise God for Christian parents who choose to teach their children how to live IN the world. Praise the Lord for Christian educators, who embrace those moments where Light has an opportunity to radiate and empower student leaders and who responsibly protect the innocence of their students. We have moments like these that remind us we are one, interdependent body. I hope I never miss those “Beanie” opportunities to make someone’s day, to offer a word or gift that would change a heart and make a difference. Most of all, I pray that we would turn our hearts to our children, not only our own, but every child teaching them that they all are precious and worthwhile in the eyes of God.

By Kim Fisher

The Heart of God

I stumbled upon this story on the internet and was really touched by it.  When someone loses a loved one, especially a child, answers are hard to come by.  The first thing usually asked is, "Why God?"  Why would God allow an innocent life to be snuffed out?  I have often wondered that same question.  This story, more than any other I have read or heard, really shows the extent of God's love for us.  Some may have already read this before, but I feel it's worth reading again.  The title and author are unknown to me.  

Craig Ammerall

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"Tomorrow morning," the surgeon began, "I'll open up your heart..."

"You'll find Jesus there," the boy interrupted.

The surgeon looked up, annoyed "I'll cut your heart open," he continued, "to see how much damage has been done..."

"But when you open up my heart, you'll find Jesus in there," said the boy.

The surgeon looked to the parents, who sat quietly. "When I see how much damage has been done, I'll sew your heart and chest back up, and I'll plan what to do next."

"But you'll find Jesus in my heart. The Bible says He lives there. The hymns all say He lives there. You'll find Him in my heart."

The surgeon had had enough. "I'll tell you what I'll find in your heart. I'll find damaged muscle, low blood supply, and weakened vessels. And I'll find out if I can make you well."

"You'll find Jesus there too. He lives there."

The surgeon left.

The surgeon sat in his office, recording his notes from the surgery, "...damaged aorta, damaged pulmonary vein, widespread muscle degeneration. No hope for transplant, no hope for cure. Therapy: painkillers and bed rest. Prognosis: here he paused, "death within one year."

He stopped the recorder, but there was more to be said. "Why?" he asked aloud. "Why did You do this? You've put him here; You've put him in this pain; and You've cursed him to an early death. Why?"

The Lord answered and said, "The boy, my lamb, was not meant for your flock for long, for he is a part of My flock, and will forever be. Here, in My flock, he will feel no pain, and will be comforted as you cannot imagine.

His parents will one day join him here, and they will know peace, and My flock will continue to grow."

The surgeon's tears were hot, but his anger was hotter. "You created that boy, and You created that heart. He'll be dead in months. Why?"

The Lord answered, "The boy, My lamb, shall return to My flock, for He has done his duty: I did not put My lamb with your flock to lose him, but to retrieve another lost lamb." The surgeon wept... The surgeon sat beside the boy's bed; the boy's parents sat across from him. The boy awoke and whispered, "Did you cut open my heart?"

"Yes," said the surgeon. "What did you find?" asked the boy.

"I found Jesus there," said the surgeon.

Author unknown 

An Adoption Story

I had always dreamed of getting married and having a baby. Part of my dream was fulfilled when I met and married my husband Michael. After several happy years of marriage passed, we were ready to start a family. Several more years went by and still there was no baby. After medical testing and failed fertility attempts, we began to give up hope. We started looking into private adoption. This road had many disappointments in store for us as well. It seemed as if the doors shut as quickly as they opened.

Finally, with the Lord’s help, we made peace with the fact that we would never be parents. My peace was tested when three of my best friends were pregnant at the same time. I can honestly say I was always happy for them. I planned baby showers for each of them, made them baby quilts, sent out the invitations and set up the decorations. I often wondered why I kept making new baby quilts. Why didn’t I just start giving away the quilts I had made for my baby? Deep inside I never really gave up my dream to be a mom. Somewhere, somehow, God must have a plan to resolve this situation. I wondered how people who didn’t know God and the peace He brings made it through life.

I always kept in mind how blessed I was to have such a wonderful husband and a happy marriage. Another blessing my husband and I enjoyed were our nieces. Our family is very close and being so involved in their lives helped Michael and I accept the fact that we had no children of our own.

One beautiful afternoon, Michael and I received a wonderful gift. Like most days I was busy in my office at work. When I answered my phone, I heard a very excited person on the other end. I found you a daughter!!!! We were to meet the birth mother that afternoon. I could hardly believe my ears! Michael and I were so excited! It was hard to concentrate on work the rest of that day. I wanted to tell everyone, but decided it would be best to keep my secret for now.

I remember praying that the Lord would handle this situation. I wanted Him, who is all knowing, to work out the details for everyone’s best interest. We wanted this precious child, but only if that was His will. I promised Him, that with His help, I would do all in my power to raise this child for Him.

Michael and I drove to the designated meeting location. I’ll never forget our first glimpse of Melanie being brought through the door. She was beautiful!!! We fell instantly in love with our little girl. We took our beautiful daughter home that evening. Our dreams were truly fulfilled. I especially enjoyed getting out all those baby quilts I had handmade.

One miracle after another had occurred throughout that day, placing the right person in the right place at the right time. God’s timing is always perfect. Never in a million years could we have engineered such a perfectly timed plan. Only God can work miracles. God always has a plan. Sometimes we just have to be patient enough for His will to be done. But the story doesn’t end here.

Several years went by, Melanie wanted a little brother or sister so much. Of course Michael and I did too. We began to make another child a matter of prayer. Time went by and God’s answer seemed to be no. We would trust His almighty knowledge and accept His answer. After all He knows the end from the beginning.

More time went by. We had quit even thinking about another child, but God hadn’t. Then it happened again. The phone rang with another miracle. Four days later Michael and I stood in the delivery room as little Steven was born. Michael even got to cut the cord! Our family was now complete. We were thrilled.

There is a God, a wonderful, all knowing God--a God who answers all prayers. Sometimes He says yes, sometimes no, and sometimes He says wait awhile. Sometimes His plans are totally different than the plans that we had imagined for ourselves. Never in a million years did I ever think I would thank God that I did not give birth to a child. After all, that had been my dream for such a long time. Every time I look at Melanie and Steven I thank God that I never gave birth because I love them so much. I can’t imagine my life without them, or their lives without Michael and I. All children are God’s creation. You may not carry a child in your womb, but you will carry that child in your heart.

Being a parent has helped me understand more clearly the tremendous love that God and Jesus have for us. It’s hard for me to imagine how God could give up His only Son Jesus to die for sinners. But He did, because He loves us that much! A God that loves you that much has a plan for you. God’s plan may not be your plan. It will be better! In heaven when all things are made known to us, we will never wish that our plan had worked out instead of God’s plan.

I know that prayer, faith, family, and friends helped us through our battle for a family. There is never a problem that can’t be fixed by God’s mighty power. I know, because He proved it to me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN ADOPTION:

• Make your request known to God. He’s the true miracle worker.
• Don’t be afraid to let your family, friends and church members know that you are interested in adoption. Remember, someone always know someone; getting the word out can open doors for you.
• Contact an adoption agency.
• Contact a good adoption attorney. Make sure the attorney specialized in adoption.
• Don’t listen to people who say, “What if after several months you find out the baby has something wrong with it?” I guarantee you will love that baby so much you won’t care if it is purple with pink polka dots. Just ask that person what their guarantee is that the baby they bring into the world will stay in perfect health.
• Your adopted baby may not look anything like you, but I guarantee you won’t notice that. When you look at your baby all you will see and feel is incredible love and joy!!
• Don’t be afraid. A baby will change your life for the better.
• Don’t worry about people who say, “But you don’t know the baby’s background.” Remember, God knows and He will bless you and take care of all you and your baby’s needs.
• Don’t worry if you are not in your 20’s or 30’s. Your baby loves you because you are it’s parent.
• Don’t listen to people who say, “Your life is nice the way it is. What if you get a child and they cause you lots of problems.” Remember, God is in charge. He will not give you more than you can bear.
• People always say, “It’s so expensive to adopt.” Don’t listen to them. It’s expensive to buy gas for our automobiles too, but that doesn’t stop us.

By Sue Luckstrum