Bunny Trails Worth Following

By Hally Franz –

The garnet and the carnation are the gemstone and flower, respectively, which are typically associated with the month of January. Born in the ‘60’s, I remember, too, that most folks born in January fall under the zodiac sign of Capricorn, but about one third are born under Aquarius. I did my sixth-grade term paper on the subject.

I wondered this morning how long the poinsettias that I purchased during the holiday season will last into the new year. I bought three, one each of the pink, white and red varieties. Then, I wondered what flower might represent January. A quick search gave me the information I sought, but revealed that the poinsettia is not, in fact, the standard December flower. A few sites identify the narcissus plant as such. That doesn’t seem right, given the fact that narcissus relatives daffodil and jonquil are recognized in March. Besides, who likes that name?

Any question we have can be asked online, and probably most have been at one time or another. It’s amazing how much time can be absorbed (wasted) in the pursuit of information that is largely pointless. Unless I happen to become a jeweler or horticulturist, my morning revelations probably won’t do much for me.

I have a love-hate relationship with social media and technology. The vast amounts of information available, the opportunities for sharing and connecting, the business opportunities—all are amazing benefits of all these “time-saving” tools that we now have at our disposal. However, how much time is saved, and how much is lost when we get caught up in online searches, discussions and mere musings?

And, how often do we dig into our paper and virtual Bibles with the same reckless abandon of time to hunt down answers and connect? As we begin a new year, most of us trying to do and be better, let’s consider our use of time. There are no better connections to make than the one we make with our Lord, no information more precious than what we learn from His word.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me to wisely use the time I am granted. Lead me to, and help me maintain focus on, endeavors that serve others and glorify You in this new year.

“To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 NKJV).

Boldly Go

By Hally Franz –

“To Boldly Go Where No Man Has Gone Before.”

As the 13th motion picture of the Star Trek franchise is scheduled for a 2016 release, this charge still elicits thoughts of the unknown, adventure, danger, courage and fear. Only persons uniquely equipped qualify for those missions. Only the very elite dare travel to such untold places.

Likely the most significant unknown many of us will enter is the adventure we call parenting. Unfortunately, though, that particular journey is not always faced with the bold confidence displayed by our favorite Star Trek heroes. In fact, sometimes the bombardment of expert parenting information, unnerving financial expectations, and frightening news-making scenarios leave parents disabled and dumfounded. And, potential parents, after a bit of exploration, may decide to avoid the proverbial parenting abyss altogether.

Let’s consider these confidence killers. It’s great to read the latest advice in preparation for the birth of a child, but it’s equally important for young parents to keep things in perspective. The little fellows are resilient, and a precisely-orchestrated bedtime routine or an ergonomically-correct binky won’t matter much in the scheme of things. Don’t sweat the small stuff.

Now, who of us hasn’t gotten caught up in the idea that kids need a perennial birthday bash or new clothes each school year (whether old ones fit or not) or a periodic room re-do or the newest phone or… or… or… It’s tough! We need to fight those feelings and get over it. They don’t!

The final threat to bold parenting is fear. Parents just can’t shake off worries about our children’s physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Rather than trying to escape terrifying thoughts, we should simply cling to His word for reassurance.

The Bible offers clear instruction about parenting. We are to love, train, discipline, and provide for our children. These four simple, and not entirely simple, tasks work together in the process of child-rearing. He prescribes this combination of ingredients to parents throughout time, and none of us should neglect or favor one component over the other.

While parents will, not may, encounter difficulties along the way, we should proceed boldly into the parenting realms with Him at our side.

PRAYER: Thank You, Heavenly Father, for parenting instruction provided in Your word. May we set aside doubts and fears, and courageously parent. For we are fully armed with Biblical guidance, fully supported by Your love.

“And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.” (Genesis 1:28 KJV).

History’s Great Gift-Givers

By Hally Franz –

By my latest count, there are 10 consignment or second-hand stores in my town of 10,000 citizens. That’s one used-goods establishment for every 1,000 people. Does that seem like a lot to anyone else?

Let it be known that I am completely supportive of endeavors to reuse, recycle, re-purpose, and even re-engineer objects in order to give them added life. However, I still find myself coming to one conclusion—we all have just too much stuff. Brain science, right?

Perhaps we should keep that in mind as we do this year’s Christmas shopping for friends and family. Before we populate our homes with a fresh set of electronics, clothes, tools, gadgets and toys (only to do a big household purge in January), maybe we should also consider two of the most famous and generous gifts ever given by man.

At two critical points in the life of Jesus, he was the recipient of wonderfully heart-felt expressions of love. Soon after his birth, esteemed wise men came to see him, and, as we know, they brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. The Magi traveled to view this prophesied Messiah, pay their respects, and honor him with gifts worthy of a king.

Then, near the end Jesus’s life, Mary, sister of Lazarus, demonstrated her deep love for Jesus by washing his feet with perfume and drying them with her hair. While some were offended by her gift, Jesus recognized this gift as far more than a gesture.

In these examples, the “gifts” did include tangible items that were given. In fact, Mary’s perfume was extremely expensive, as were the incense, spice and precious metal brought by the wise men. But, it seems to me the greater gift was in the lengthy journey of the wise men and the humble service of Mary. It was their magnificent expressions of devotion that most clearly demonstrated the love each had for Jesus, not the sharing and giving of the material items.

As I review this year’s gift-giving list, I think I’ll look for occasions when a visit, time spent, or a service provided might mean much more to someone than just another package under the tree.

PRAYER: Most righteous heavenly Father, as I select gifts this year for my loved ones and friends, help me to remember the spirit of giving demonstrated by Your servant, Mary. Help me to have a heart for giving like hers.

“Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume” (John 12:3 NIV).

Rascally Roundabout

By Hally Franz –

Running is all the rage these days. Runs exist for every cause, celebration and group imaginable.
Why, there are breast cancer and autism runs, sunshine and moonlight runs, zombie and Santa Claus runs, freedom, flood and mud runs. If you want to run, there’s a time and place to do it!

So, naturally, the completion of our small town’s latest and most thrilling traffic-easing structure will be commemorated in similar fashion—“Run the Roundabouts!”

Do you remember the first time you encountered a roundabout on the road? It’s overwhelming initially, trying to quickly decide where to get off and who has the right-of-way. Sometimes, we stay a few laps longer just to make sure we’ve accurately accessed the circular situation.

Life can be a bit like a roundabout. There are times when we’re moving in circles, not sure when to start something new or change course. Or, we may recognize needs or opportunities in our lives, but be confused about which direction to choose. Those around us may be urging us to take action or just get out of the way. And, it can leave us feeling dizzy.

I imagine our upcoming community run will have stations at each arm of the roundabout. There will be water or fruit available to keep runners hydrated and energized. Friends and family members will congregate at points along the way to offer cheers of encouragement. There may even be literature available to teach guests about the project and growth in the area.

Why would God do anything less for us as we travel through life? When we face new challenges or simply seem to be going nowhere, He can offer sustenance, encouragement and instruction from His word. So, we need not fear any real or proverbial roundabout. We should just run it!

PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for being eternally there for me as I travel through life. Whether I am barely moving or at a run, unclear of my direction or confident about where I’m headed, You always provide the perfect guidance and support needed.

“I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you” (Genesis 28:15 NIV).

Microwave Mastery

By Hally Franz –

The year was 1980, the day a Saturday just prior to Christmas. My dad was excited with the gift he’d bought Mom and eager to get home and try it out. Along with the very first microwave oven our home would have, Dad picked up a couple frozen Fox DeLuxe pizzas.

We sat down for lunch, and Mom served up the pizzas. With anticipation, we bit into our very hot slices, most likely burning the roofs of our mouths with molten cheese. Then, instead of the expected crispy crust, we found ourselves pulling on rubbery, soggy dough.

Microwave pizza hadn’t come along yet, and we had no idea microwaves didn’t just cook the same way traditional ovens did. My eternally-optimistic mother pretended it was great, but we all hoped the new microwave could do better. And, it did; we just needed to learn how to use it.

While the Bible is the exact opposite of a new-fangled gadget in any decade, we do sometimes puzzle about how to best use it. When we read our Bibles we may be discouraged if we don’t understand or know how to accurately interpret the lessons He has provided for us.

Here are a few suggestions. Carefully select the Bible version(s) you will use. Seek opinions from church family, and find those that are both authentic and understandable. A study Bible is a wonderful resource as you dig into the scriptures, as is a timeline chart. Supplement your reading with detailed studies on specific topics or Bible books. Finally, be willing to ask questions of the Bible scholars in your life. They’ll appreciate an opportunity to help.

We learned our way around that microwave, and I wouldn’t live without one now. When we get well-acquainted with His word, we won’t go without that either!

PRAYER: Lord, as I read and study Your word, please help me to use the tools and take the time necessary to gain the wisdom You desire me to have.

“The Lord’s teachings are perfect. They give strength to his people. The Lord’s rules can be trusted. They help even the foolish become wise” (Psalm 19:7 ERV).

« Previous Page — Next Page »