Let FUN Impact Your Faith!

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(The famous Chicken Potholder)

The game is called “Chicken Run”; the rules are simple. IT tries to tag another player with a chicken-shaped potholder, or he/she may throw the potholder Frisbee-style, and snag someone that way. If the chicken touches you below the shoulder, you’re the next IT.

I love playing this game with our granddaughters. Laughter is guaranteed– sometimes the result of a clever move that avoids the potholder, or when “You-missed-me!” is soon followed by a solid chicken-thwack.

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(A 30-second rest before the next round.)

We don’t bother keeping score. When we get too tired to run, the game is over, yet everyone feels energized and relaxed. No surprise there. You’ve surely experienced how rejuvenating a bit of fun can be—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

But here’s an idea that may surprise you:  Fun also rejuvenates us spiritually.

Fun can impact our faith.

I admit: Faith and fun are two words we seldom use together. We sometimes feel guilty for having fun, wondering with King Solomon:

But at least several benefits await those who embrace faith and fun together.

Before I list them though, please understand: I’m not suggesting a bit of fun will erase all pain and sorrow. Trouble clearly overshadows fun–at least for a season. But, praise God, joy does come in the morning (Psalm 30:5)!

The benefits of embracing faith and fun together include:

The Euphoria of Answered Prayer

God allows us to be a part of his miracles as we pray for the needs of others. What fun to see his answers come to pass—sometimes way beyond our requests or daydreams (Ephesians 3:20)! Several years ago, I wrote about just such an incident in “Part of the Process.”

 The Pursuit of All Things Praiseworthy

God provides pleasurable fun for us to enjoy every day—even in the midst of difficulty. Such pleasures include: sliding into a fleecy robe on a chilly morning; catching the carefree laughter of children on the breeze; spooning into the season’s first bowl of autumn squash soup.

The Realization That God Engineers Circumstances—Even in Small Matters

Steve and I stopped at a furniture store to inquire about a recliner we’d purchased there, because the bottom and top sections seemed to be separating.  A cheerful salesman showed us how to make the simple repair ourselves.

While there, we checked the clearance section and found a rug and another chair—absolutely perfect for our new home and super-bargain priced. What fun that we would “just happen” into that store at that time!

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Even lovlier in person!

The Special Delight of Faith-Filled People Who Also Know How to Laugh

Somehow God augments the pleasure of fun that rests on a foundation of faith—perhaps because a Christian secure in Jesus is not looking to impress others. They can even tell stories on themselves.

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My grandfather was just such a person. One time years ago, as he was about to leave the mall, he put his key in the lock of his car and nothing happened. The key would not turn. He wondered if the lock had frozen up and he’d have to call Triple-A.

Suddenly a man’s voice from behind him said, “Here. Try this key.” It was the owner of the car. Gramps was trying to get into a similar-but-incorrect vehicle. The two of them enjoyed a good chuckle and wide-eyed amazement that the car owner arrived on the scene when he did.

Now we never would have known about the incident except Gramps told us.  Unlike some who’d feel foolish after such a mistake, he had fun relating the story.  

And perhaps without knowing it, Gramps modeled for us a humble, unself-conscious celebration of life—mistakes included–due to his strong faith-foundation on Jesus. (You may enjoy Gramps’ amazing life-turnaround story  in “The God of Rachel, Henry, and Clara.”)

Billy Sunday used to say:

Let’s plug the leaks with a little fun!

Meanwhile, what kind of fun impacts your faith?  Please share in the Comments below!

(Revised and reblogged from 10-3-2016 during an ultra-busy week.)

Image credits: Nancy Ruegg (2); http://www.rawpixel.com; http://www.pxhere.com; Nancy Ruegg; http://www.pixhere.com; http://www.geograph.org.uk (Jim Barton).

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Everywhere We Look

There’s a name for it: pareidolia.

You’ve no doubt experienced it, when discovering a cloud that resembles a bushy-bearded old man, or a house with windows and a front door that look like eyes, a nose and mouth, or a car with headlights staring ahead and a grille grinning at you.

We seem to be wired to find faces everywhere we look.

Similar to this ability in the physical realm, we’ve also been gifted with eyes of the heart that can see truth in the spiritual realm–everywhere we look—if we seek it.

For example:

“LOOK AT the birds of the air,” Jesus directed. “They do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them” (Matthew 6:26).

The perfections of God’s provision are on display everywhere we look in creation, reminding us that out of his goodness, he’ll care for us too.

LOOK BEHIND:

King David wrote, “I LOOK BEHIND me and you’re there” (Psalm 139:5 MSG).

He was likely remembering what God had accomplished in the past–the problems resolved, the blessings provided, the satisfying moments spent with God that quieted his spirit.

We too can LOOK BEHIND for such indicators of God’s presence in our lives and his work on our behalf.

LOOK FOR:

“Beg for knowledge; plead for insight. LOOK FOR it as hard as you would for silver or some hidden treasure” (Proverbs 2:3-4 GNT).

Pastor/Bible teacher, Charles Swindoll would have us understand:

“Hidden in the scriptures are priceless verbal vaults. Silent. Hard to find. Easy to miss if you’re in a hurry. But they are there, awaiting discovery. God’s Word, like a deep, deep mine, stands ready to yield its treasures”[1].

It’s been a joy of my life to LOOK FOR the treasure of truth in the Bible. You too?

LOOK FORWARD:

“Let your eyes LOOK FORWARD; fix your gaze straight ahead,” advised King Solomon (Proverbs 4:25 HCSB).

Why? We need to focus on the goal of glorifying God and enjoying him forever [2], avoiding those distractions that might lead to the compromise of our faith, or into the evil of this world.

LOOK TO:

“I LOOK TO the mountains; where will my help come from? My help will come from the LORD, who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2 GNT).

Begin the day with the affirmation, “My powerful God created the universe! With that same power He’s promised to help me” (Psalm 46:1)!

Then seize the day with confidence, knowing that nothing can stand in his way.

LOOK UP:

“My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will LOOK UP” (Psalm 5:3 KJV).

And when we LOOK UP, what do we see? A God who loves us, desires what’s best for us, and works through events, relationships, challenges, and blessings to bring that best into fruition.

LOOK WITHIN:

LOOK WITHIN as you “Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine” (2 Corinthians 13:5a NLT).

Socrates said, “An unexamined life is not worth living.”

So here are a few questions to guide us as we LOOK WITHIN to take a spiritual inventory:

Am I living a life of obedience out of heartfelt gratitude for what Christ has done for me?

Am I relying upon the Holy Spirit to produce his qualities in my life—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness and more (Galatians 5:22-23)?

What do my reactions reveal about my faith? How do I respond to criticism, unkindness, or anger?

“Self-examination does not imply sinless living. Rather it implies Christlike growing”—Randy Smith [3].

Finding faces everywhere we look in the physical realm can be a fun past time.

Finding truth everywhere we look in the spiritual realm is a necessity because . . .

“. . . As we delight in the truth of God’s Word and live out the truth of God’s Word, it truly becomes a lifeline to our souls”—Lysa Terkheurst, Embraced, 309-310.

[1] Come before Winter, 230.

[2] From the Westminster Shorter Catechism.

[3] From a sermon, “The Basis for Spiritual Growth,” May 22, 2022, https://gracequotes.org/topic/self-examination/.

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Fast Lane Fantasy

Years ago and for the span of a decade, I commuted a half hour each way to and from the school where I taught.

Needless to say I saw all kinds of drivers: the speed demons and poke-alongs, the weavers and squeezers, the distracted and multi-taskers—each one an accident waiting to happen, each one confident that he or she was not.

One day a young man on a motorcycle whizzed by, darting between vehicles left and right in search of the fastest lane. This was not in near standstill traffic; it was on a stretch of Florida Turnpike where the speed limit is seventy.

Oh, Lord, I thought. Talk about an accident waiting to happen. That boy has no idea the danger he’s creating for himself and everyone else in his path.

A few minutes later I reached my exit and gasped aloud. Lying in the grass in the middle of the cloverleaf turn-off was that young motorcyclist, far separated from his twisted bike.

A few people were already hunched over him, perhaps from the nearby tollbooth area. I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw his leg move.

Every now and then that scene comes to mind. I imagine that young man as he straddled his cycle that morning, anxious to be on his way for another exhilarating trip of engine revving, speed, and clever maneuvering.

No doubt a trip to the hospital never even crossed his mind.

The young often do live in a fantasy world of invincibility. And those of us with a bit more life-experience shake our heads at their carelessness.

But fast-lane living isn’t the singular domain of speeders and teenage boys on motorcycles.

Even a retired schoolteacher like me can forget: life is fragile.

Not that I drive recklessly or take foolish chances.

But I am very capable of rushing through a to-do list and missing an opportunity to provide joy in someone else’s life. I can breeze right past the blessings-of-the-moment because I’m focused on something down the road.

I can even forget the values I hold dear, including attentiveness to God and loving compassion for others.

It is downright foolish of me to live in a fantasy of invincibility, as if there will always be plenty of tomorrows for attentiveness and compassion, while cruising along in the fast lane of frenzied activity.

Instead, I’d rather cup my hands around each day and:

Find wonder in the common. “The moment one gives close attention to anything, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribable, magnificent world in itself” (Henry Miller).

Take note of the everyday miracles. “Looking is the beginning of seeing” (Sister Corita Kent).

Hug often. “Hugs are one of the reasons God gave us arms. So stretch out your arms to someone today . . . It will warm the heart of the giver and give light to the soul of the recipient” (Unknown).

Laugh easily.

Value every person. “The way we treat others is more about who we are, not who they are” (Unknown, emphasis added).

Forgive quickly. “Forgiveness isn’t about letting the other person off the hook. It’s about keeping the hooks of bitterness from getting into you” (Gabrielle Bernstein).

Avoid negativity. “Beautiful things happen when you distance yourself from negativity” (Unknown).

Choose joy. “True contentment is the power of getting out of any situation all that there is in it” (G. K. Chesterton).

*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

Lord God, I have so much to be thankful for, including this cloudy, cozy day and the welcome chill in the air. I thank you for this moment, complete with winking candle, hazelnut coffee, and soft music to keep me company as I write.

Thank you also for the designated purpose you ordain for each person.   Because I am still alive, you still have plans to fulfill through me, especially to bless others. For that I am also grateful.

Keep me mindful, I pray, that fast lane living is not only foolish, it is dangerous to my soul.

(1 Thessalonians 5:18; Psalm 37:23; Proverbs 19:21; Ephesians 2:10)

What will you cup your hands around today?  Tell us about it in the comment section below!

(Revised and reblogged from September 14, 2017 while my husband is in the hospital after a small stroke. We’re awaiting test results that will determine the way forward. All is well; God is good!)

(Art & photo credits:  www.commons.wikimedia.org (2); www.needpix.com; http://www.rawpixel.com; http://www.publicdomainpictures.net; Nancy Ruegg.)

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Way Beyond Peanuts and Pretzels

“Will Nancy Ruegg please come to the gate counter,” a voice announced over the airport PA system. My one-track mind was deep into a book but fortunately I heard my name.

What could they possibly want with me? I wondered, while gathering my belongings and approaching the counter.

“Mrs. Ruegg,” began the attendant, “we have a favor to ask of you. Would you mind changing your seat so a father and son can travel together? You’d still be in an aisle seat.”

“Sure—I can do that,” I responded. She thanked me, changed my ticket, and I returned to the waiting area. Sometime later, they called my name again and asked the same favor. Though further back in the plane, I’d still be on the aisle so I said yes.

And then, just before boarding they called me up a third time: “Mrs. Ruegg, because you’ve been so kind, we’d like to put you in first class. We happen to have an empty seat.”

Now imagine if I’d responded, “Oh, no thank you. I’d much rather stay in the main cabin.”

How silly! I would have missed:

  • the relative peace and quiet of first class
  • the blessings of more leg room and a wide, cushy seat that actually reclines
  • the attentive care of the flight attendant, who even addressed me by name
  • the privilege of a full meal and delectable snacks—way beyond peanuts and pretzels

That’s a lot of benefits to pass up, if I’d said no. Yet that’s exactly what we’re prone to do in day-to-day life. We forego a life of satisfying upgrades and settle for a lot of frustrating futility, because we don’t avail ourselves to the benefits Christ offers.

‘Remember what he said?

Many versions of the Bible use the term, “abundant life,” indicating a surplus, a super-abundance of a thing [1].

Of course, Jesus wasn’t promising a trouble-free life, any more than sitting in first class that day solved all my problems. Rather, the abundant life consists of knowing God and experiencing the fruit of that relationship—into eternity [2].

What might “the fruit of relationship” with God include? Some qualities share characteristics with first class on a flight:

  • Peace and quiet—of mind and spirit
  • The delight of many blessings
  • The attentive care of a heavenly Father who knows each of us by name
  • The privilege of access to God’s Word, providing rich soul-sustenance [3]

But that’s not all; the list continues. (No doubt these are familiar to many of you, but seeing them altogether rekindles the wonder, I think):

  • An intimate relationship with the God of the universe
  • His unfailing love
  • Inexpressible and glorious joy
  • Wisdom to choose the best means for the best end
  • Guidance for the way forward
  • God’s help and strength
  • Freedom from guilt and worry
  • Fulfilling purpose
  • Contentment [4]

It’s a magnificent list, isn’t it? So why aren’t we availing ourselves of these benefits?

Instead, we’re sitting in the main cabin of life with the constant rumble in our minds of nagging worries and worthless trifles, the crush of responsibilities pressing in on all sides, and a lack of sustenance to feed our hungry souls.

What will usher us into the abundance of first-class living? We follow the judicious instructions of our Maker—and move toward obedience.

These three steps offer a start:

  • Start the day alert for God’s guaranteed blessings and end the day with gratitude for his benevolent goodness. (See Balancing-the-Scales/).

We’ll soon discover: “A life of holiness is a life of real happiness—happiness for time and for eternity” (John MacDuff).

‘Anyone still interested in peanuts and pretzels?

 

[1] William Barclay, The Gospel of John, 69.

[2] https://insightforliving.ca/read/articles/finding-balance-between-abundant-life-and-challenges.

[3] Isaiah 26:3; Psalm 23:5; Psalm 121; Isaiah 43:1; Jeremiah 15:16.

[4] James 4:8; Psalm 86:15; 1 Peter 1:8; Proverbs 2:1-11 and J. I. Packer, Knowing God;

  Psalm 32:8; Isaiah 41:10; Romans 8:1; Philippians 4:6-7; Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 4:11-12.

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Crowded with Happiness

Such a quote sets my mind to reminiscing the many delightful blessings that have crowded our family’s lives with happiness over the years—all manifestations of his awe-inspiring attributes.

And the thought occurred to me, what a gratifying exercise it might be to list a number of God’s traits and name an event to illustrate each one.

Perhaps this list will trigger memories of your own refreshing joys.

WATCHFUL CARE

It was my responsibility to disarm the alarm at church for our Women Connect meetings. After opening the door, a timer ticked off thirty seconds until the alarm sounded. But one morning I couldn’t find the new code in my wallet.

More than a few tense moments transpired while I rummaged, and then, just in the nick of time the slip of paper with the code appeared, and I quickly punched it in.

About half an hour later, our pastor came by and asked, “Do these belong to anybody?” He held up my rubber-banded charge cards, license, insurance cards, etc. They must have popped out as I grabbed the paper with the code, and in the dark hallway I didn’t see them.

PROVISION

I just happened to come across pertinent ideas in Jesus Always (by Sarah Young) that fit perfectly with what I was preparing to share as a devotional for the Mother’s Day Brunch at church. Such a lovely discovery.

CREATIVE POWER

Perhaps you too have stood amazed on the shore of Reflection Lake in Washington State, gazing up at majestic Mt. Rainier, whose peak reaches 14,410 feet and whose base covers approximately one hundred square miles. How mind-boggling to contemplate God’s creative capacities!

COMPASSION

Countless times over the years, when feeling apprehensive about the future, we’ve received God’s comfort through such scriptures as: “Has not the Lord gone ahead of you?” (Judges 4:14b). He’s proven everything is under his capable control.  

GOODNESS

Indeed, my cup overflows (Psalm 23:5)! I enjoy the delight of a loving family, wonderful friends, a vibrant church community, Steve’s continuing health after a liver transplant nearly eight years ago, and SO much more.

WISDOM

In hindsight we see God’s astute engineering of events for our benefit. One outstanding example: in 2001 Steve just happened to be assigned as pastor of a church that just happened to maintain a scholarship fund, thanks to a generous endowment and successful fund-raising.

Our younger son just happened to be preparing to enter the ministry. He received a full scholarship to attend seminary, and has now served as a pastor for more than fifteen years.

NURTURING

All my life I’ve been blessed with spiritual teachers and mentors who’ve guided and inspired my experience with God and contributing greatly to my growth in biblical understanding. The instruction of his Word continues to give me much pleasure.

PROTECTION

Another purse story! One day I left my purse at the outdoor student-dismissal area where I taught school. An hour after I’d returned to my classroom from that duty I suddenly remembered. God watched over that purse until I retrieved it, saving me from a heart-sickening and time-consuming setback.

ENCOURAGEMENT

Sometimes spiritual refreshment comes through an experience rather than words.

One morning on my way to school I reveled in a scene worthy of a painting: dark green trees and vegetation reflected from the calm surface of a pond as a great egret gracefully winged across just above it. His brilliant white feathers against the dark foliage provided a breath-taking sight.

The moment felt like a special gift.

RIGHTEOUSNESS

SO many times over the years, circumstances or decisions we’ve been concerned about have turned out “just right,” thanks to God’s leading and provision. One example: our home in retirement, close to our older son and his family, perfect in size and layout.

There you have it: ten of God’s attributes, demonstrated in personal blessings. My heart is indeed crowded with happiness as I remember the wonderful works he has done (Psalm 105:5a).

Now it’s your turn. Please share in the comment section below an example of a “refreshing joy” that has crowded your heart with happiness!

Images credits: http://www.pxhere.com; http://www.easy-peasy.ai; http://www.publicdomainpictures.net; http://www.canva.com; http://www.unsplash (Aaron Burden); http://www.easy-peasy.ai; http://www.canva.com.

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