This week has been a tough one for my friends and their families.  I grieve because of what they are enduring.  Some I cannot share.  Some I can.

My friend Joyce died.  Unexpectantly.  In her last text to me, two days before her death, she wrote this: “I’ve got my eyes on The Prize…Jesus…”  Little did Joyce know that she would meet her “Prize” a short time later.  The day before, she had asked her friends to send her cards so she could post them on the wall in her care facility room.  If Joyce was praying for you, you can be sure she never missed a day.

My girlfriend “Sarah” phoned and reacquainted me with the term “mean girls” who obviously are alive and not well. I don’t understand what makes them tick. Her granddaughter “Jessie,” a student at a new school, had made friends with three girls. After moving several times because of her parents’ divorce and remarriages, this was the first time she had close friends.  Jessie’s invitation to prom gave her renewed confidence.  All four girls would meet at Jessie’s house to dress for the prom where Jessie’s mother, thrilled about her daughter’s excitement, created a potato bar for the girls and their dates.

When Sarah arrived at her granddaughter’s house to take pictures, the mood had changed.  Jessie’s date had phoned and said that he was not able to drive and asked if Jessie’s dad could drop her off at the prom.  Strange, but what else could she do?  When none of the friends arrived at her house, Jessie called them.  No one answered.  Sarah made excuses and attempted to encourage her granddaughter that this “obviously” was some goof-up.  Jessie needed to go to the dance where, surely, everything would be explained.

Fifteen minutes after Jessie was dropped off at prom, she called her dad, asking that he pick her up.  None of the girls were talking to her, and her “date” acted as if she didn’t exist.  My friend cried for three days and then called me.  “I have some advice,” I said.  “Drive up to Jessie’s school and greet the three girls when they leave.  Ask them what pleasure they had in destroying your granddaughter’s confidence and belief that they were her friends. And then meet her “date,” and knock him unconscious. (And yes, I know that this is not what Christians do…but remember, even Jesus got angry.)

The next night, a text came from one of my five college friends who meet up annually for a reunion.  She had been on a date-night with her husband.  He choked on a piece of steak and died. Waiters had attempted the Heimlich but to no avail.  What a horror for my friend to watch!

I tried to find blessings out of such sadness.  Joyce had been struggling for the past year with health issues.  Jessie didn’t need “friends’ like these mean girls.  My sorority friend’s husband had been dealing with early-onset-dementia, had to move out of his house and was grieving because of it.  God knew all of that…and more.

How does one know how God is working?  Because He’s always working.  His permissive will allows things to occur that we do not understand.  When I opened my emails today, this appeared: “God absolutely longs to help us in our hurt.”  He does that by offering Heaven to those who love Him and accept the gift of His son.  When I think of my two friends’ deaths, I know that their last breath here on earth became their first breath in eternity. They loved Jesus. They are so much better off than we are.

Their physical and mental deficiencies are no more.  No pain.  No sorrow.  Only pure joy.  As for my friend’s granddaughter, I pray that God leads her to a “real” friend…hopefully one that will last and love her unconditionally.  A perfect friend like Jesus.

 

Keys to the Kingdom

By Carolyn Tucker

We are in T R O U B L E

 

While sitting at the table during a funeral dinner, my friend Mary Ann was asked how many head of cattle she had.  Without missing a beat she responded, “More than I need with it as dry as it is.” My friend Tammy had been working in her yard and emailed: “I didn’t realize how dry it is….we are in trouble.” Another friend, Carie, recently commented that they had lost some trees because it was so dry last year. And then my friend Deborah told me they had some bushes that didn’t leaf out this spring because they’re dead. For two years, I’ve babied a Jane Magnolia tree that we planted in 2021 in  memory of my late husband. Because of the significance of that special tree, it looks like I’ll need to keep watering it because I want it to live and bloom.

 

I awakened one morning with Tammy’s words, “We are in trouble,” on my mind. I realized that she’s right, but what could I do about it?  The Lord brought the following  scripture to my heart (He is responding to King Solomon‘s prayer at the dedication of the Lord’s Temple): “At times I might shut up the heavens so that no rain falls, or command grasshoppers to devour your crops, or send plagues among you. Then if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land” (2 Chronicles 7:13,14 NLT).

 

Until recent years, I misunderstood the true message of that scripture. I thought it was directed to out-and-out sinners. But no, God is referring to followers of Christ — “My people.“ I knew that I needed to ponder and obey this scripture. There’s more than one way to think, “It’s not about me.” Well, this time it is about me. And as I spent time with God, one of my devotional books confirmed my meditation because the writer mentioned (not once but twice) “humble yourself today…humble yourself today.” In 1 Corinthians, Paul instructs us to examine ourselves (not one another) and be repentant.

 

King David wrote, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends You, and lead me along the path of everlasting life” (Psalm 139: 23,24 NLT). Based off this heartfelt scripture, J. Edwin Orr penned the lyrics to a prayer-like hymn entitled, “Cleanse Me.“  Verse 1: Search me, O God and know my heart today. Try me, O Savior, know my thoughts I pray. See if there be some wicked way in me. Cleanse me from every sin and set me free.

 

This is pretty-serious stuff, but when we’re in trouble, it’s necessary business with God. Not just in times of trouble, but every day I need to be humble. Mac Davis is a gifted songwriter, but I don’t need to go around singing, “Oh Lord, it’s hard to be humble when you’re perfect in every way…” I simply cannot think too highly of myself because that puts me in a scary place without God’s forgiveness, restoration, and favor. It’s my desire to practice humility in my daily walk with God: “And He gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, ’God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble‘” (James 4:6 NLT).

 

The Key: Let’s bow low before God and admit we’re doomed without His gracious forgiveness.

Melanie and her husband, Beau, picked me up at the Philadelphia airport and drove us to our hotel in Wilmington, Delaware, where I would deliver a TEDx talk the following afternoon.  A “Meet and Greet” was scheduled that evening which was where Melanie introduced me to some of the other speakers. I then realized what a nerve-wracking ordeal this really was.

I met entrepreneurs, Google masters, scientists, life coaches, geniuses.  Several were there with their agents and support staff who would be in the audience, assuring a standing ovation for their friend.  I was there with…well, me.  Close friends had asked to come, but I had chosen to go it alone.  Now I wasn’t so sure that was a grand plan.

One lady, a psychoanalyst, shared that she had submitted four videos to the TED organizers.  All were rejected.  She hired an audio coach.  A speech coach.  A videographer.  A make-up person.  Only then was she accepted.  I had done none of that.  Melanie Burris, a recruiter for this platform, had orchestrated this opportunity for me. Until then, I had no idea how much people needed this talk to advance their positions in the workplace.

I was to speak at 3:30. By noon, they were an hour behind, so they shortened lunch and omitted the afternoon break (which came one speaker before me).  From backstage, I sensed the audience was lethargic for the two speakers preceding me.  Not good.  My opening line, intended to get a laugh, got none.  This was an uphill battle I had not intended.  Within the first two minutes, I messed up a sentence.  My recovery was not stellar.  The next “humorous” section caused a few chuckles but not what I had hoped for.

Maybe I needed a stun gun.  Or a trap door that would swallow me whole.

Suggestions made by friends (Suck on a lemon drop; drink tons of water with electrolytes; have no caffeine) had helped, so at least I hadn’t passed out or had my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth, but I was not capturing my audience.   I reminded myself that God had allowed this opportunity and visualized Jesus standing beside me. My biggest fan was on that stage with me.   Friends were praying for me.  The audience needed to hear this message about the rewards of rejection.

When I came to the next funny part, I was shocked to hear people laughing…hard.  From that point on, they continued to do so. At the end, several stood to applaud, and at the after-party, many introduced themselves and made kind comments. A thousand-pound weight was lifted from my shoulders, most which came from me having no idea what to expect when I first said “yes” to memorizing this speech.

The unknown is so ridiculously…unknown, isn’t it?  Several times before this talk, I considered backing out, but when I thought of the people praying for me, trusting that God had a purpose (perhaps to teach me humility?), I knew that I could not let Fear win.  Fear can paralyze.

One of my close friends recently shared that she avoids large crowds because of an experience with a cruel teacher who called her to the front of her fifth-grade class and demanded an answer. When the student froze, she had to hold her hands out for the teacher to strike each palm with a ruler.  All while her classmates watched. To date, she is fifty-five years old and is terrified of crowds. God wants differently.

“Fear not” is written 365 times in the Bible.  Obviously fear is a problem God wants us to overcome. One of my favorite scriptures is Isaiah 41:13: For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.  The coolest thing is—He does.  We just have to be willing to give Him a chance.

Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Hayward Tucker

I very well remember September 27, 1970, when the first grandbaby in my immediate family made his appearance.

 

My nephew Brad was born in Olathe, Kansas and the hospital rules were stricter then than now. I was 12 years old and sitting in the OB waiting room with my parents. We had all read the posted sign: “No one under age 14 allowed in  Waiting Room.“  We simply ignored the rule and hoped no one would notice, because I was so excited about this birth! I absolutely did not want to be excluded on such a special occasion! I also very well remember the nurse that came out, took one look at me, and promptly threw me out.

Nevertheless, the arrival of that baby rocked our world and we were never the same. My mother passed away in 2015 and I read her diaries. One of her entries was about her grandson Brad, which read: “I  kept Bradley today. He is like my very own; no difference.” Tears fall even now when I think of the beauty and truth of those words. Our family witnessed her beautiful love for all five of her grandchildren.

 

The Old Testament account of Boaz and Ruth’s marriage and Ruth’s mother-in-law Naomi is very touching. “So Boaz took Ruth into his home, and she became his wife…and she gave birth to a son.  Then the women of the town said to Naomi, …May this child be famous in Israel. May he restore your youth and care for you in your old age. For he is the son of your daughter-in-law who loves you and has been better to you than seven sons!” (Ruth 4:13-15 NLT). (Seven was considered a number of completeness, so to have seven sons was the epitome of all family blessings in Israel.) The beautiful love of a grandmother is a priceless treasure. “Naomi took the baby and cuddled him to her breast. And she cared for him as if he were her own” (Ruth 4:16 NLT). In this verse, we see the special love between a grandmother and a grandson.

 

In the New Testament, we find the beautiful love between a mother and a son.  When Jesus was suffering on the cross, he had his adoring mother on his mind. “Standing near the cross were Jesus’ mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary (the wife of Clopas), and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple He loved, He said to her, ‘Dear woman, here is your son.’ And He said to this disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ And from then on this disciple took her into his home” (John 19:25-27 NLT). Evidently John was standing by Mary, giving her consolation and comfort. In this passage we see the special love between a mother and a son.

 

Mary was nearly 50 years old and a widow. Jesus deeply loved and honored His mother  and, while in terrible pain and suffering, Jesus tenderly thought of her. He knew it was the responsibility of children to care for their elderly parents and provide a proper burial for them. Although Mary had other children, Jesus was her firstborn and He needed to know that His precious mother would be taken care of when He left this world. Since John was the only disciple devoted and brave enough to be at the crucifixion, I believe Jesus knew He could trust John to be lovingly committed to the care of  His mother Mary.

 

It’s been said that as death draws nearer, the dying individual narrows their thoughts down to those who are nearest and dearest. Jesus proved this to be true.  Let’s not wait until death is approaching to demonstrate beautiful love to our mother and grandmothers. Remember, no matter how old we are, we never outgrow our need for a mother.

 

The Key: A lovely bouquet of roses to all mothers and grandmothers — you are a VIP!

It was probably the best Mother’s Day I’ve ever had, certainly since my children have been living on their own.  Granted, it’s hard to beat the coupon books they created for me when they first were learning to write.  Scribbles of “I won’t argue with my brothers all day long” or “I will make you breakfast in bed someday” or “I will wash your car if you help me” were hand-crafted delights held together by a bow of knitting yarn, and each had a special message that inspired me to be a better mom.

When Jeff and Andy, two of my (then, grown) sons, lived in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, I spoke at their church’s Mother’s Day service.  The message?  Do as I say and not as I did.  Before the second service, Jeff and Andy greeted me with a dozen roses.  During my talk I introduced them to the members of the congregation who delighted in watching the boys’ expressions as I spoke of their childhood shenanigans.

I  addressed the ten greatest lessons I learned as a mother.  Number five was this: it’s a waste of time to worry. When I asked the women in the audience to raise their hands if they worry, all but a handful did so.  The others lied. I explained that worry is not trusting God is in charge, and it’s difficult to grow in a relationship with Him as long as we live in a world of “what ifs.”

Jesus makes that clear: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens. They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?” (Luke 12:22-26)   My listeners nodded.  They pretended to get it.

The rest of that Sunday was perfect. My step-daughters called me, and the boys treated me to a wonderful brunch and a facial at a local spa.  I went to bed, thanking God for the many blessings from that day.  No concerns.  No fretting. Life was good.

Then Monday rolled around. Jeff, Andy and I were discussing their upcoming schedules.  Jeff let it slip that their fall plans included motorcycling across Southeast Asia.

Surely they meant southeast Kansas. In a car. Like an Abrams Battle Tank.

“You’re not serious,” I began. From across the table, Andy shot Jeff the “You’ve blown it now” look.  I pressed on. “Are you aware that tigers, cobras, crocodiles and cannibals live there?  Have you ever ridden a motorcycle before?  How fast can a motorcycle escape a tsunami?  Who else is going?  Have you lost your minds?”  You know, small details like that.

The boys assured me that it was not a big deal and they would be safe and I needed to follow the advice I had given the moms the day before.  A diversion tactic. I recognized it immediately.

“Easy for you to say,” I lectured. “And while you’re at it, why don’t you go sky-diving without a parachute or snorkel with great white sharks or climb Mt. Kilimanjaro in flip-flops?  You could always solo across the Pacific in an inner tube or wrestle starving alligators in the Louisiana Bayou or put an apple on your head and be target practice for a serial killer.”

The best I could figure, I had four months of sleepless nights ahead of me.  But then Andy quoted my talk.  “Mom, it’s a sin to worry.”  As much as it went against my nature, I revisited Luke’s passage.  By worrying about this insane, suicide mission my sons were planning, I could accomplish no good.  God was in control, and if He could provide for the birds, surely He could take care of Jeff and Andy.  Of course, birds don’t go looking for trouble by doing stupid things like riding motorcycles half-way around the universe.

It was much easier to stick to the other advice I had given the mothers: Do as I say. Not as I do.

 

Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker

You May Be Seated

 

Have you ever attended a wedding when the minister forgot to tell the audience to be seated? I have and it was terribly awkward. We continued to stand because we were patiently waiting to hear, “Please be seated,” but the appropriate moment came and went and there we stood, uncomfortable and annoyed. Finally, the minister noticed and gave us permission to sit.  I’ve been involved in enough weddings and funerals to write a bizarre book. Just when I think I’ve seen and heard it all, I find out I haven’t. Americans should be used to standing in line (and maybe we are) but I don’t think we like it. A lady who lived to be over 100 years old was asked what her secret to longevity was. She answered, “I never stood when I could sit, and I never sat when I could lay down.”   

 

In the natural, believers are living on the earth being the hands and feet of Jesus. But at the same time (in the spiritual realm) we are seated with Christ because we are united with Him. We’re to be loving examples of God’s favor and kindness because of what He has done for us through His Son. “But God is so rich in mercy, and He loved us so much, that…He gave us life when He raised Christ from the dead. For He raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us…as examples of the incredible wealth of His grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all He has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:4-7 NLT).

 

We have a tendency to be so focused and involved in the busyness and stress of life that we completely forget where we are in the heavenly realm. No matter what negative or challenging situations we’re in, we must remember that we have the privilege to be at rest. Many occupations require individuals to be on their feet for the entire shift. We’ve all heard someone say, “I’ve been on my feet all day — I’ve simply got to sit down!” Spiritually speaking, God in His mercy has provided a comfortable and relaxing place for His children to sit down. We can stand in the natural while being seated in the Spirit.

 

However, you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink. Recently, my friend Carie and I were seated at a table at the local coffee house when another church friend approached to say “hello.” At least twice I offered him the extra seat, but he politely refused to accept it. Jesus has a chair just for you, but it’s your choice to accept or reject it. Why wear yourself out by standing on your own two feet when you don’t have to? Being at rest and seated with Christ is an inclusive privilege when we are truly united with Him.

 

I suspect there are a large number of Christ followers who are refusing to be seated next to Jesus. By either not knowing any better or just plain stubbornness, we  reject the rest that is rightfully ours. In the midst of our struggles we often overlook and miss the open seat that’s available to us. Why in the world would we refuse the peace we so desperately need when our feet and heart are crying out for mercy? We can choose to accept the  comfort of resting in Him. When we’re seated next to Christ, we’re set free from the stress and troubles that are beyond our control. Are you going to trust Jesus to be big enough to love on you and take care of you? Why stand alone when you can sit together?

 

The Key: Let’s get off our feet and take our seat.

My friend Melanie had arranged for me to deliver a TEDx talk in Delaware on the rewards of rejection.  For months ahead of time, I was challenged with the very thing about which I would be speaking: rejection.  A ZOOM call last week confirmed that this assignment was far above my ability when I met the other 26 scheduled speakers.

I was to address the audience at 3:30 this past Saturday afternoon.  I was allowed no notes, no power point, and I had 15 minutes allotted for my memorized speech.  That was the most difficult part.  (If you don’t know by now, I have a hard time shortening my stories, much less memorizing a speech.)

That ZOOM call was the first time I had seen the faces of the other speakers and realized that they all were talking about nuclear fission (or is it fusion), metaphysical instability of the planetary system, and how nucleotides relate to photosynthesis.  Okay, I made those up, but they’re not far off.  The other speakers had more letters after their names than I have in mine.  (I mean, how many PhD’s do people need?)

A circle, 10-feet in diameter, would be on the stage floor.  I was not to leave that circle or I would fall into a hole.  Okay, I made that up too, but should I stray beyond the line, the camera could not film me.  Fine with me, I thought.

One of the other speakers–there for a repeat performance–warned us not to use words like “energy.” And whyyyyyyy? I wanted to ask.  Apparently she was referring to the word as it relates to thermodynamics or entropy and not as simpletons like me would use it (“I have no energy today.”)  We also shouldn’t say anything not backed up by irrefutable facts unless we state that it is our opinion. (Do I begin my talk with “Everything you are about to hear is my opinion?”)

At the end of the ZOOM call, we were asked if we had questions.  “Yes,” I wanted to say, “What do I do with my purse when I am speaking?”  However, since the other questions were at a much higher academic level, I refrained.

We were told that the audience could go to the fourth floor if they weren’t interested in the topic being presented.  Immediately, I pictured all the scientists and researchers in the room exiting as I am introduced.  Here I would be talking about the rewards of being rejected, and I will have to demonstrate the beauty of no one listening to me.

The thought crossed my mind that this might be great fodder for my book about rejection; however, since the publisher already has the final copy, it’s too late for that.  But then, as usual, God dealt with my concerns/fears/panic.  In the past few days, I have spoken to four parents whose families are in trouble.  Trouble that totally eclipses my petty concerns about me.

Yesterday parent number five told me about how bad her day had gone but ended with this: “I was getting worked up over things that were out of my control.  God has my days planned.  It’s times like this that give me an opportunity to let Him be in charge, yet I fail to see His blessings.  What’s wrong with me?”

Ouch!

Colossians 3:15 needs to be my life verse: Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. God had used Melanie to give me an opportunity of a lifetime, and I was fretting it away.  Next week, I will share the miracles He provided to calm my fears, thanks to some prayer warrior friends and relatives.

 

 

 

Fort Scott, “the Jewel of S/E Kansas

I got a feeling… everything’s ‘gonna be OK,

I got a feeling… the Old Fort is here to stay.

We got engineers to lead us,

We got grants to rebuild Wall Street,

Sewer and water lines and Horton Street

We got a 100-block-per-year street improvement program,

With a new heated and stirred asphalt emulsion tank.

We even got a brick crew leveling up the historic brick streets!

I got a feeling… everything’s ‘gonna be OK,

I got a feeling… the Old Fort is here to stay.

We got funds that stay in the right place,

We got 6 mil in the sewer account, and we got plans

To start rebuilding per our comprehensive plan.

We got beer sales on Sundays and

We no longer have to go to the line.

We now have a million or two in the lake account, (Skitch led the way)

With lake improvements on-going (new docks, beach improvements,

Campground and shelter house repairs).

We have funds in our parks account, with improvements on the horizon.

I got a feeling… everything’s ‘gonna be OK,

I got a feeling… the Old Fort is here to stay.

We got new city management (born and raised in FS),

And commissioners who make policy and hold everyone accountable.

We got a new school district superintendent, and soon-to-be new college pres.

We got a new truck route policy (with enforcement coming)

This is to keep the heavy trucks off our side streets.

Best of all, we have a new attitude! “We Can” instead of “We Can’t”!

We are doing it! Just look at the renovations going on downtown

And you will see! Citizens of Fort Scott… pat yourselves on the back.

We have just begun!

I got a feeling… everything’s ‘gonna be OK,

I got a feeling… the Old Fort is here to stay.

 

Pete Allen

5/4/2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

I really enjoy living in the country — it just suits me to a T and makes me thankful and happy. I’m not at all bothered by the off-key singing of coyotes, and I love the playful squirrels, bunnies, chirping birds, and fat groundhogs. However, there are some varmints I could do without. My son Aaron and I were in the barn one evening and he discovered a rat hiding behind some plywood. Varmints don’t have a chance around my pistol-packin’ son — one shot and the rat was a goner. After he killed it, I went into the house to do something. A few minutes later I noticed Aaron standing outside in front of the kitchen bay window grinning and holding the rat by its tail. I’ve heard that a cat will kill a mouse and then bring it to its master for praise and approval.

 

Like a snake in the grass or a rat in the barn, the devil is a lurking mangy varmint. He continually prowls around looking for “too-busy Christians” so he can wreak havoc in their lives. Neglecting to schedule God time into our daily schedule is like leaving the barn door open for all the varmints to take up residence. Spending personal time with our heavenly Father in prayer and in His Word is when we are in the secret place. “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty“ (Psalm 91:1 NKJV).  God has given believers every weapon and tool we need to not only survive but thrive. He is our provider, shelter and security. Calmness in the storm can be ours if we choose to really live in the secret place of Almighty God.

 

When we give God a goodly piece of our time, He gives us peace for our mind. Jesus needed alone time with His Father and so do we. While the world may have gone off the deep end, Christ followers can keep our hearts open to the abiding presence of God.  On our own strength, we’re no match for the devil. But when we live under the shadow of Almighty God, we have access to His power, grace, and stability. When the chips are down, we don’t have to fold because we have the power to stand our ground. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13 NKJV).

 

Don’t believe the devil’s lies when he whispers that you’re a “zero.” Jesus says that you can be a “ten” through Him. The apostle Paul wrote the following letter to the Church in Ephesus: “I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will empower you with inner strength through His Spirit. Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God” (Ephesians 3:16,17,19 NLT). These crucial truths are still in effect for all believers today.

 

The Key:  Don’t shoot yourself in the foot by neglecting your secret place with God.