“We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”

– 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3

 

Once a year, I would go to my children’s school and pick them up to take them home. I just wanted to see what their daily life looked like. While I was standing there with a good friend, Rick, I noticed a large number of other parents waiting as well. Rick was a stay-at-home parent. When his children were born, he and his wife made the decision that he would stay home, and she would work. Rick had a Ph.D. in Chemistry, and this friendly and intelligent person certainly could have done well in his career but chose to be there for his children.

The crowd of parents was about 80% women, which is the national norm. I asked Rick why so many were here on this day. Rick, in his usual humor, explained that when the children get out, we all become bus drivers! From 3 pm until dinner time, children were dropped off at sports practices, music lessons, or maybe a doctor’s visit. Then there was always the effort to get dinner made and ensure homework was getting done.

Despite the busyness, questions were asked, like, “how was your day?” Or “how did you do on the latest test?” Questions designed to stay informed and also to measure how the children were doing in life.

Earlier in the day, there was breakfast, and then the normal tidying up of the house. Followed by visits to the cleaners, the supermarket, or other important errands. Perhaps the bills had to be paid or visits to the gym to stay fit.

The more I listened to Rick, the more impressed I became with his discipline and effort. A stay-at-home parent had to be self-directed and forever flexible. Their life isn’t a box of bonbons, rather an endless day of doing something for someone else. And each morning the day was filled.

In a world that often measures success by income or career status, the role of stay-at-home parents can sometimes be overlooked or undervalued. To parents with children, however, it is one of the most important and selfless roles anyone can take on.

The decision for a parent to stay at home is personal and depends on various factors, including financial stability, career aspirations, and personal preferences. It is important to recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all approach, and each family must determine what works best for them. For some families, having both parents working outside the home is necessary to meet financial obligations. For others, it may be feasible and desirable for one parent to stay at home. I have a wife, brother-in-law, friends of both genders and a mother who performed this role.

I do not write this to say one parent should stay home. Rather, I think it is important to praise those who are sometimes overlooked for the many intangible benefits they bring to our society. When I first read today’s verse, it struck me that the verse so aptly supports our feelings toward these wonderful people of sacrifice – stay-at-home parents.

Honoring the dedication and hard work of stay-at-home parents is something we should do as a society. Perhaps we could have a Stay-at-Home Parents Day. Nationwide, close to 25% of households have stay-at-home parents, with 20% of those being dads. There are already 26 other family-related days. Certainly, we know about Mother’s and Father’s Day, but there are also days for brothers, cousins, daughters-in-law, mothers-in-law, etc. So, why not?

These parents are the family’s errand runners. They act like bus drivers, taking children to after-school events. They wait in long lines or on the phone to accomplish their daily tasks. They have little power other than a smile to get things done. Yet they do complete their to-do lists, which are often long and varied. No day for them is the same. They are self-motivated and driven by an intensity to perform at a high level without getting raises, promotions, or awards.

Perhaps, as the verse in Thessalonians says, “We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ,” we can say this to the stay-at-home parents we know.

Today, let us show our appreciation for this important part of society with a simple ‘Thank You!’ These unselfish people would appreciate this recognition.

“But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, for the one who doubts, is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.”

– James 1:6

 

This summer, Connie and I set our sights on a grand adventure, hiking a significant stretch of the Appalachian Trail in the unique landscapes of New England, where ‘alpine’ signifies not just a change in elevation but a transformation of the soul. Here, trees yield to rocks and delicate flora, and most strikingly, to breathtaking, unobstructed views.

For some, these heights are exhilarating. For me, they’ve long been a source of paralyzing fear. The cliffs of New England, grand as they are, seemed to me like towering walls of dread.

Connie, ever the problem solver, suggested an unconventional aide: non-intoxicating CBD from cannabis. Skeptical, I decided to try prayer instead. The last scenario I wanted was to find myself petrified on a precarious ledge. Yet to fully experience New England’s trails, I needed to learn to face these fears.

Our proving ground: Mount Moosilauke in New Hampshire, a nearly 5,000-foot giant. Its summit, a stark and beautiful expanse of rock and resilient alpine plants promised the most stunning views in New England. As I lay restless the night before our climb, anxiety played a relentless loop in my mind.

Dawn brought both promise and trepidation. My research had prepared me for the four major cliffside exposures on the ascent, but knowing is quite different from seeing, and seeing is a universe away from the crossing.

The trail’s steep New England gradient was relentless, demanding a steadfast, rhythmic advance. In this repetitive motion, I found a meditative space to recall a verse from James: “…you must believe and not doubt…” Could faith be the key to calming my storm of anxiety?

I decided to trust—to pray with a conviction as solid as the mountain itself. It worked. My anxiety subsided, replaced by a tranquil certainty. And when doubt crept back in at the first daunting overlook, prayer was my steadying hand once more.

Each subsequent lookout became both a challenge and a testimony to the power of faith-fueled prayer. Anxiety would rise, prayer would counter, and peace would follow. Not a serene comfort, but a tranquil assurance that enabled me to continue onward.

Finally, breaking through the last of the low, wind-shaped trees, the grandeur of Mount Moosilauke’s summit lay before me—a panorama that felt like standing on top of the world. At nearly 5,000 feet, amidst the expansive White Mountains, my anxiety had transformed into awe.

I no longer needed to pray for the courage to continue; the final path to the summit, where fellow hikers rested and refueled, now called to me invitingly. As I stood, triumphant and grateful, next to the sign marking the peak of Mount Moosilauke, I marveled at the journey.

Days earlier, such a feat seemed beyond my reach. But here I was, a testament to the power of prayer—not as a hopeful wish, but as a profound, unwavering belief that carried me to the top of this mountain.

In that sacred moment, high above the tree line, I made a simple sign of the cross and offered my heartfelt thanks to the Lord.

 

 

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Mark [10:45]

The Healing Power of Serving

He is eighty-five and all alone. Each Sunday, he goes to church and looks for something to do. The woman in charge of the clothing ministry, Peggy, gave him clothes to fold that her posse could hand out. He sat down and folded the clothes. Then he started coming during the week. Every week he folded more clothes.

He had served in Vietnam and came home an unwanted vet. He raised a family and lived a good life. Then he retired, his wife died, and his kids moved away. He started to decline with no one to help raise, work for, or tend to. Sensing he had to move and do something, he decided to go to church. A small church but with an active congregation. Soon he was folding clothes and getting involved.

His days were no longer dull but meaningful. His health decline slowed, and he had new friends. Life was no long drudgery; he was back in the game.

The women who helped the man are called Peggy’s Posse. Like the Vietnam vet, they were also drifting a few years earlier. Peggy, the group leader, asked the minister to give them something to do. The minister told them about a clothing initiative he wanted to start. Peggy talked to her friends, and soon shut-in women were at the church organizing clothing and distributing it to people who needed them.

They quickly started clothing drives to help those with scarce resources. First, the group reached out to local schools, who promptly responded. Next, they opened the church to receive clothing that would otherwise be discarded. Soon they had racks to put clothing on. Finally, they used the church van to distribute the clothing throughout Atlantic City. In a short period, they had a well-run machine.

Others joined in, like the local police and other citizens from their community. But it was also a time of community for Peggy’s posse. On the days they worked throughout the church, they shared stories and were in communion. They had developed a purpose and were joyous.

So why is it that real joy is found in serving? We have all heard it is better to give than receive. Jesus gives us a clue in His own ministry.

Jesus had often told the twelve Apostles, For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark [10:45]) His purpose wasn’t to be waited on but to help others. Also, what’s interesting in this quote by Jesus is that he called himself the Son of Man. While Jesus is commonly called the Son of God, he never stated the same. Jesus always referred to himself as the Son of Man.

When Jesus visited Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, he rode in on a young donkey, which was considered the lowest of all farm animals. When other kings rode into a city, they rode in on majestic horses to show their power. In Jesus’s case, he rode on a donkey to show his humbleness.

It is easy sometimes to want to be served, and it is often nice to have someone wait on you. But Jesus tells us it is far better to serve than be served. Jesus, who created us, created us in God’s image. Through Jesus, we can see serving is in the image of God.

Peggy, her posse, and the Vietnam veteran rekindled their lives not by receiving but by serving. They went from shut-ins to community organizers. By producing fruit in their lives, they found Joy. Despair was replaced with wondering how they were going to get things done.

When they handed out the clothing, they experienced a joy that created tears. Each of them will tell you of their thankfulness they could help. When they heard words of blessings from those they helped, it gave them a sense of purpose. The exact purpose Jesus instilled in them.

It might seem contradictory that working hard for others is actually receiving. For example, one of my favorite people, Mead, tells me his favorite time at work is when he has helped a customer. Or he will tell me about the unique sense of joy when he uses his days off doing something for someone else.

Jesus served and also instilled in us the desire to serve. By being made in the image of God, it is what we were made to do.

So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey.

Exodus 3:8

I was recently listening to an old sermon by Billy Graham. In the sermon, he mentioned his land of milk and honey was Heaven. This interesting statement made me curious about why he would make this bold statement. I thought the land of milk and honey was for the Israelites, given to them by God millenniums earlier. And today’s verse is the first of twenty bible verses spelling out this promise. So I started some research.

God indeed promised this land of Canaan to the Israelites. But interestingly, scholars think it only took eleven days to travel from Egypt to Canaan—a relatively short journey for them to make. But we are also told it took them forty years to get to Canaan. So which is true? It seems both are and let me explain.

The first group of Israelites likely made it to the Jordan River in eleven days. However, when the first group arrived, they refused to cross! Why wouldn’t they cross the Jordan River? It seems soon after they arrived, Moses sent a leader from each of the twelve tribes to investigate the land. Stunningly, even though they did find prosperous signs, ten of the twelve became fearful and gave adverse reports. Thus causing the Israelites to refuse to trust God and not cross over the River Jordan. While two, Joshua and Caleb, gave glowing reports.

Because of their obstinate refusal to trust God, God had the first group of Israelites wander in the desert for forty years. Only a few survived this journey, notably Moses, Joshua, and Caleb. Both Joshua and Caleb were two of the twelve who had initially investigated and given glowing reports about the land survived. Children were born during the forty years of wandering, creating a new generation of Israelites. Most of the original people who had been promised the land of milk and honey died. Leaving a new generation to enter the land of milk and honey. Led by Joshua, they crossed over to the land of milk and honey.

As a side note Moses while he was with the Israelites during the second arrival at the Jordan River, he was told by God he would not enter. So Moses died on top of Mount Nebo, overlooking the land promised by God.

It was Joshua who actually led the Israelites into the promised land of milk and honey. Those who refused to trust God’s promise died in the desert. As a side note, Israel means “One who contends with God.”

The first group didn’t have faith and trust in God. The second group had faith and trust in God.

So this doesn’t wholly explain why Billy Graham made this comment about Heaven being his promised land of milk and honey. However, it is important to explain the origin and history of the phrase.

Now Billy Graham was one of the most prolific and respected preachers of the last sixty years, and I believe he wouldn’t have made such a bold statement without support. So I started researching more about Heaven as the land of milk and honey.

It is definitely not a mainstream concept, but there are articles to support the idea. Knowing this, I asked myself, why would I believe this comment? First, you could reach this conclusion if you look at the Bible as containing metaphorical references.

Here is how. Let’s start with, as Christians; God makes us a promise through our faith in Jesus; we are saved and protected. Then if we assume Egypt metaphorically represents the world, and Jesus provides us with a safe refuge from the world through our faith. Then perhaps we can metaphorically think of the land of milk and honey as Heaven. Especially if we, as Christians, view our journey of faith ends in Heaven.

Now I do not believe that the only reason for declaring ourselves as Christians is to go to Heaven. Indeed, our faith in Jesus as our savior implies this is a result. However, I believe this is a very narrow and opportunistic view. There is far more to following Jesus, like loving God/Jesus and our neighbor. As well as believing Jesus is paramount in our lives and being obedient to the words of Jesus. Plus, things like reading the Bible regularly, attending church, being charitable, and graciously showing our faith.

As the Apostle Paul says, we all fail. But does this failure eliminate our chance to go to Heaven? No more than doing good works help us get to Heaven. Instead, it is our faith in Jesus that steers that course.

On another point, how can we be sure there is a heaven? I have found certainty through my father’s death. I still feel his presence and see oddities in my day. For instance, many times when I hike, I feel my father. Right after his death, as I sat wondering if he was safe, a strange bird came and sat unusually close to me in the early morning, which I took as a sign he was safe. I find coins deep in the woods and feel him near. Strange coincidences keep happening, and I am grateful.

If you talk to hospice workers, they will agree strange things happen just before and after a person’s death. Certainly, we have heard of people seeing Jesus through near-death experiences. Of course, some will say they aren’t true, but when you look at the odds, it is more likely they are true than not.

I also needed to research if others believed the same thing and if it is biblically sound to say Heaven is our place of milk and honey. Or am I being overly hopeful? So I called my brother-in-law, Kenny, a wonderful pastor. But also the most knowledgeable of all the Biblical scholars I know. At first, Kenny was a little concerned that I had stretched my Methodist roots too far because this thought is very Methodist! But, after Kenny’s deeply detailed explanation of the Israelites and their journey to the promised land, he confirmed that Billy Graham was possibly correct. So, while not ready to sign up for this unusual thought, he was not opposed.

So if we are on a journey of faith and Billy Graham made this bold statement, perhaps it is true. Others I have read also have made this same conclusion. So while it isn’t a mainstream thought, there is logic to Graham’s comment.

After doing all this research, I now believe Heaven is our land of milk and honey. Not just because I researched, but I feel it as well. But also, my goal isn’t just Heaven. Instead, it is also to serve Jesus with faith.

While I think Heaven is the end of our journey—a land of our milk and honey. I also feel ours is not to know when the journey ends, but our task is to be the best believers we can be and always to try to be better every day.

So I thank Billy Graham for this unusual statement!

For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude;

– 1 Timothy 4:4

I parked my van at a large parking near the Appalachian Trail in Tennessee. As I usually did, I reviewed my backpack’s contents to ensure I had enough food and water for a five-hour hike. I had three liters of water or Gatorade, my Snickers bar, 2 BelVita cookie packages, and a well-filled peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Probably more than I needed, but more is better than not enough.

Then I ensured I had my emergency kit in case of an injury to myself or someone else. Next, I made sure I had my bear spray. Finally, I switched my phone to GPS mode to track where I was and the height of the climb in front of me. Switching to GPS mode also entails going to Airplane mode so the GPS doesn’t drain the battery.

Then I made my regular mental reminders. The first was to enjoy the hike and not treat it like a competition. This a helpful reminder to ensure I didn’t miss anything along the way, and this attitude also provides I drink and eat properly. There is always the tendency when you go too fast to give up the important water and snack breaks. Plus, you won’t take the time to experience the woods and views. For competitive people, it is important to remind ourselves it’s about the hike, not the speed.

My one last thing to do is say a prayer of thankfulness and protection. Usually, when Connie and I hiked, we did this just after we were on the trail. It always seems inappropriate to pray in the parking lot and feels much better when we are standing on the trail.

On this day, I crossed the street in front of the parking lot and spotted the three-by-six-inch white blaze on a tree that let me know I was on the Appalachian Trail. Up a few stairs by the blaze, and a quick right put me right on the trail. When I looked up after making the turn, I was suddenly hit with the sun shining precisely on the path of the trail. Almost as if the sun’s rays followed the path I was to take. Amazingly, the shadow of the trees outlined the path perfectly.

As I looked up, the sun was like a crown encasing the tops of the trees. At that moment, I knew where to say my prayer and to tell God I was thankful. There was a warmth to the sun, almost as if God was inviting me into God’s creation. But then, peace settled in, and while I knew the hike would be tough, I was thankful to be able to share in this place.

I stopped to take a picture to capture this unusual image. A photo I would later study many times. Not because I am a great photographer, I am not! But to see the miracle in my day. A perfectly outlined path. An unusual creation from God.

Later, a half-mile climb almost straight up had to be encountered. There were the cliffs, which required hand-over-hand climbing without hiking poles. There was the walk on an exposed path to a view of a valley some fifteen hundred feet below. There were rocks littering the tail and fallen trees to climb over. All reminders of what a normal hike on the Appalachian Trail looks like.

On my five-hour trek, I climbed two thousand feet. I had lunch at a wonderful picnic table far away from the road, making me wonder how it got there. As is usually the case met a few other hikers, whom you take the time to greet. We would talk about where we have been and where we are going. No formal script, just friendly reminders of how wonderful the hiking community can be. No judgment because everyone hikes their own hike.

On this day, the first step on the trail and into the sun, the warmth of God, was what I remember from this day. The grandeur of a simple scene of trees, a path, and golden sun. A reminder all that exists took billions of years to be just right for God to remind me to look and enjoy God’s world.

I am thankful!