After a long and valiant fight with cancer, Steve Seelig stepped out of pain and into the presence of his Lord and Savior. 

Many of you followed Steve’s journey through his regular blog posts and witnessed first-hand his courage, faith and tenacity.

Never afraid to walk through doors that were opened for him, Steve changed the lives of those around him. Through these opportunities, Steve transformed into a leader and a visionary.

Shearer Hills Baptist Church in San Antonio gave him the grace to develop as a young minister. At Second Baptist Church in Little Rock, he “pushed the envelope” and appreciated the wealth of diversity in the church. During his time at Willow Meadows Baptist Church in Houston, he recognized the importance of international missions and loving those outside our borders. North Phoenix Baptist Church allowed him to see the beauty of growth through evangelism and a staff that feels like family.

Serving at Houston’s First Baptist Church, the opportunities were endless. METRO Bible Study allowed Steve to reach young adults and unite a city. Steve also learned the importance of Women’s Ministry as a spearhead of Beth Moore’s Living Proof Ministries.

Music was a part of every aspect of his ministry. Steve saw a new form of worship inspiring an emerging generation leading him to aid in the development of Passion Conferences with Louie Giglio. Steve produced, nurtured, and managed Christian artists and speakers such as Point of Grace, Jaci Velasquez, Watermark, Jami Smith, Vodie Baucham, and Passion Worship.

Under the leadership of Dr. Ed Young at Second Baptist Church, Steve used his gifts to the fullest. Combining all these experiences and believing that children are the heart of the church, Steve developed a children’s program unlike any other and became Papa Steve to so many!  Steve’s love of people and bringing the JOY of Christ to others was woven through all opportunities in his life.

Steve chose to brag about his children and family more than his accomplishments and successes. He loved watching his grandsons play sports and facetime with his granddaughter, always making her laugh. Steve taught his family to love and live life to the fullest!

He leaves behind his wife of 46 years, Bonita, his 92-year old father, Dr. John Earl Seelig, and his family: Stephanie, Jeffrey, John Mark, Laura, Will, Jake, Bowen, Tim, Dan, Corianna, Clay, Clara, Judson, Julianna, and Eden.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, April 13th at 11 am in the Worship Center of Second Baptist Church (6400 Woodway Drive, Houston, TX 77057) with a reception immediately following.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in Steve Seelig’s name be directed to: Second Kids at Second Baptist Church (6400 Woodway Drive, Houston, TX 77057), MD Anderson Brain and Spine Research (1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030), or Houston Hospice (1905 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030).

To see a snippet of the many, many moments in Steve’s life and ministry, be sure to watch the video presentation by clicking on the photo below.

(Reprinted with permission from Elisa Morgan.  For the complete Really blog, please see www.elisamorgan.com.)

 

 

Christmas Changes Everything        By Elisa Morgan When did Christmas become Christmas to you? When did it become more than Santa and stockings and presents? When did it morph into more than choirs and candles and carolers? When did Christmas become more than family?   When Christmas becomes Christmas, it changes everything! Consider several main characters in the Christmas story …   Christmas made Mary the mother of our Savior. She was just a young devout Jewess who was betrothed but still a virgin, when the invitation from God through Gabriel changed her present and future. Mary responded to that invitation with a yes, with trust, with agreement and submission. The identity of Christmas birthing in Mary changed her – and changed our world.   Christmas made Joseph the stepfather of Jesus. One day he was a carpenter, betrothed to Mary who was stunningly found to be pregnant, though their marriage had yet to be consummated. In an attempt to help Mary save face, Joseph carefully decided to divorce her quietly. Yet before the next day would dawn, Joseph’s world was rearranged by a dream and a message in it from an angel. Christmas changed Joseph from a grieving, ruined, devastated betrothed groom to a committed, trusting husband of the mother of God, who accepted her Son as his own.   Christmas changed the shepherds. After an angel appeared, they moved from a field to a manger. Christmas changed the shepherds from watching over lambs in a field near Jerusalem to worshipping the Lamb of God who came to take away the sins of the world.   Christmas changed Herod. Knowing his false royal identity – he was neither of the line of David nor even a true king – Herod fought to rid the world of what he saw as a rival king in the birth of the promised Messiah. Unsure of the child’s location, he ordered the slaying of all baby boys two years and under to make sure his throne would remain intact. Because Joseph and Mary escaped to Egypt with their Son, Herod missed Jesus. Christmas changed Herod from a man who might discover faith to one who followed after fear.   Christmas changed the Magi. They followed a star to honor a newborn king and along the way were instructed by Herod to report back their findings. After finding the Christ child, they refused. Christmas changed their loyalties from honoring an earthly authority to recognizing a heavenly presence.   When Christmas becomes Christmas, it changes you and me. From the moment we first thrill to its magic of twinkly lights and promise, through our discovery of the hollow of the holy night, we come to embrace both its salvation and its sacrifice and we are changed.   Christmas changes everything. It gives meaning to our meanderings, wonder to our wanderings and joy to our journeys.   Merry Christmas!   Elisa Morgan speaks and writes to equip and encourage others. She is the cohost of Discover the Word. Her books includeHello, Beauty Full, The Beauty of Broken andShe Did What She Could. Connect with Elisa @elisa_morgan on Twitter, on Facebook and elisamorganauthor on Instagram.

CHRISTY NOCKELS . . . “A Thrill of Hope”

“A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious ‘morn!” I couldn’t be more grateful to be releasing my first Christmas album, “The Thrill of Hope”! It has been one of the greatest joys of my life to write and record these songs and offer them to the world. Thank you again to all of you who supported this record and made this dream a reality. May Jesus be treasured as you listen this season! {available on iTunes and Amazon.com} #thethrillofhope bit.ly/thethrillofhope. : @kaylajohnsonphoto

My Miracle Story

Miracle #1: Sepsis

Ten (10) years ago through a number of incidents, a fall, a broken foot, surgery, and recovery, I was told I had sepsis. Death is eminent in those who have sepsis; people usually don’t live with it.    I was placed in a drug-induced coma for many, many weeks.  My family was called to the hospital to prepare for my death. While in that coma, Bonita, each morning, would choose a scripture verse for that day. That was the verse everyone would pray over me.  Obviously I was not aware of any of the things going on around me. Bonita would also receive other verses from friends. She would notate them in her Bible, i.e. “Amy,” “Tom Clanton.” “Steve ate ice today,” “Today is a turnaround day.” “Lisa Milne,” “Jim & Lisa,” etc.  Those were the verses prayed for and over me each day.

I had purchased an iPod the month before. John Mark thought there should be music in the room.  I had placed some of my favorite artists and songs in the new iPod, so he placed the iPod in my room and songs of praise filled that whole area.  Remember, I didn’t have a clue this was going on. The nurses, medical assistants, doctors, and all the nurses, and even visitors, commented about the soothing sound playing in my room.  I love it!

I was sent home to recover. While at home I took my Bible and began to read random verses in Psalms and other places. Immediately when I would come to certain verses I would explode in tears.  Bonita came in the room to see what was wrong. Through my tears I would explain my tears.  She then would say something like this, “Come here big boy!  I want to show you something.”  There in her Bible were the verses she had marked and prayed over me during my coma.  Praise God!  So amazing!

One day Bonita and I were out driving around.  She put a CD in, and when the music began to play, I started crying.  I asked Bonita why she thought I might be crying and be so moved by the music I was hearing.  She told me that they had compiled a CD of the songs from my iPod, the ones that had played continually over me in my hospital room.  That was the CD we were listening to.  We called the CD “Songs of my Healing” and played it over and over again.  (You cannot order the CD, but you can listen by way of the link at the very bottom of this blog, or by clicking on the image of the CD here.)   It was those praise songs and the scriptures that began to heal my heart to bring about a miracle.

Click on the image to hear “Songs of My Healing”

Is that all?  No way!

Miracle #2: Cancer

In January 2012, I had a cervical Lamectomy. Following that, my back had been damaged requiring six (6) back surgeries. That summer I had not recovered adequately, so we went to San Diego to recover (you know of any better place to chill?) from the severe pain I was experiencing. The pain continued through the Summer. In August we returned to Houston. Things were not better. Bonita noticed the side of my face was drooping. So at the hospital, they determined that I had had a stroke.  Then, worse than that: cancer . . . the most-dreaded thing anyone can be told. Brain cancer. Glioblastoma, stage 4 terminal cancer. Just like sepsis, the possibility of anyone surviving is slim. Cancer sucks!!

Fear, loneliness, anger, isolation, “Deep dark night of the soul,” tears, sobbing, and more. What was going on? Did I need to change my name to Job?  Had God abandoned me or what was He trying to tell me? In just a few days I remembered a phrase that summed up my feelings:

God is no where?  Look closer. Just as I felt God had left me and He was no where, I saw it!  Okay, look closer.  Do you see it?  In the midst of my anger, pain, and loneliness, I was reminded  . . . He was now here.

Wow! There He was. He hadn’t left or abandoned me. He was so near, so close, still by my side. How stupid could I be?  Hallelujah!  He was here!

This was followed by two craniotomies, open brain surgeries in two weeks’ time.  At that time my doctor told me I had one year to live.  THAT WAS OVER FOUR (4) YEARS AGO.  Praise God!!

What next? What had God been trying to teach me?  I then had six weeks of radiation and six weeks of chemotherapy.  So Bonita knew what to do.  HOW DID HE SHOW ME WHO HE WAS?

HIS WORD

She printed large pieces of paper with wonderful scriptures posted all around the walls of my bedroom, many of which had brought such peace during my sepsis days. Those words were treasures full of blessings, encouragement, hope, and instruction.  During that time, my dear friend Beth Moore had been encouraging women to memorize scriptures.  Brain cancer and memorization don’t mix well.  I failed my assignment from Beth.  Sorry Beth!

Chinese House Church

A number of years ago I traveled to China to a house church on the 20^th floor of a tall building where each average-sized room housed at least 50 people from one extended family.  It was the same place that they worshipped.  Mind you, it was a tense time in our world. Christians were frowned on so the church was forced to meet underground. I don’t mean under the ground!

When we entered the room packed with people, the sound of songs, not in English, still had the feeling of the Spirit.  We stood to sing the familiar Amazing Grace, and when I stood I laid my Bible on the floor next to my chair.  At that moment, a precious older lady walked over to me, bent down, picked up my Bible, tenderly held it to her chest, looked into my eyes, and smiled.  I will never forget the message she delivered to me that day. She wanted me to know how precious God’s Word is and that we should treat His Holy Word with care . . .  I will never forget that day.  Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

HIS SONGS

At that point I began to post on Facebook the lyrics of some old hymns and songs dear to me since my childhood. Who knew? Posting those songs and hymns close to me brought about an amazing response. The response of thousands of my Facebook friends was overwhelming. They brought up memories so powerful. They talked about where they first heard those songs … at camp, in church, in choir, with their family, at retreats … and it was amazing how those songs were full of great theology and hope for even me.  My sweet friend, Jana Drake-Tornga, helped me compile the songs to go on my Facebook page.  She is a great, great singer who loves the Lord dearly.

Next?  God revealed Himself to me through . . .

HIS PEOPLE . . . and through the prayers, support, and strength only found through the fellowship of the believers.  It wasn’t too long until I began having fellow believers visit, send cards, and use text and Facebook messages to bring overwhelming response from all over the world. The precious lady employees of Beth Moore’s Living Proof Ministry began sending us scriptures, prayers, and words of blessing and encouragement. We were so changed by these expressions by God’s people. Wow!!

The bound book from Living Proof Ministries

With Bonita’s encouragement the LPM ladies put all of the verses together then surprised us with a BOUND BOOK of their writings.  GOD IS NOW HERE.  Amen!  

So it’s His Word.  His Songs.   His People and … ONE MORE!!!

Yep. HIS SON … JESUS!

Jesus is the way to God. Therefore, I stand at the door and knock. If I had not had a relationship with Jesus in my life I would not have survived. Wow! That’s good stuff, huh? The way to God is JESUS.

So it’s His Word.  His Songs.   His People and … THE GREATEST MIRACLE OF ALL … the changed life through Jesus Christ, revealing God to us all.

GOD IS NOW HERE!

For more details about my incredible journey through sepsis and cancer, I invite you to watch the video below, made for the celebration reunion I recently had to miss at North Phoenix Baptist Church.

Big God Big Things is written and published by Stephen C. Seelig, Houston, Texas.  All rights reserved.

“When are we ever gonna get a grip on this disease?”  Bonita and I ask ourselves this question daily.  We are in our fourth year fighting Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM).  Recently one of the nurses in the MRI recovery room lovingly called me her “freak show.”  She had never seen anyone living with this disease this long and loved the chance to be my nurse.

The word grip in today’s language has a two-fold meaning.  One is a dictionary term that can mean several things: a tight hold, an understanding, a clinching grasp.  The other meaning in the lingo of today’s world’s “get-a-grip” meaning is to get ahold of yourself and get the meaning of what is happening around you.

The first term is exactly what we have felt for four years on this journey of GBM .  We have just been trying to understand the technical, intricate concept of this terrible disease.  We have found no two cases are the same.  No two physical bodies have reacted in the exact way.  There are similarities, but no absolutes.

So, we “got a grip” yesterday when we met a man who had GBM for almost 9 years.  But … he was still wondering when the disease would come back. Nine years of living day by day with  GBM had found no absolutes for him either.

There is only ONE absolute:  Christ is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.  HE has been our absolute GOD. HE is our constant in this storm of every day uncertainty.  HIS strength and might overshadow any doubt that arises and any fear that overcomes.  HE has . . . “a grip” . . . and HE is the . . . “over-comer!”

For Jesus doesn’t change—yesterday, today, tomorrow, He’s always totally Himself.   Hebrews 13:8 MSG

I think clearer at night.  I always have.  My planning, my studying, my most creative times have been in my office where it was quiet and God could speak to me most clearly.  (I know you all thought all of my great ideas came right off the top of my head.)  Well, most of my greatest ideas came in the dark of night, when everything was still, and I could hear HIS voice.  Hearing that voice would give me an urgency, and fortunately or unfortunately for my staff, this urgency couldn’t come to fruition fast enough.

Last night, I was asking to hear that voice again.  For several days, I’ve been thinking, considering, and praying for the decision to accept the cancer trial or not.  I have decided to fight this cancer with all I can muster.  Given the option of a target therapy, we will embrace the trial and take whatever comes our way.

I do have things that I haven’t said.  I do want the extended chance to take back my life from cancer, and I do have this opportunity to live life to the fullest, however long that will be. “To live is Christ and to die is gain.”  Do not misunderstand my desire to live, for “I know what awaits me.”   For I also am hard-pressed from both directions.  There is JOY to be found in the Lord no matter what my circumstances.

Please continue to pray for me.  That is the best medicine for me right now. I cannot tell you how it soothes my soul.   Calling the church for prayer is Biblical, and I thank you with all my heart that you seek HIS face on my behalf.  (Phillippians 1)

This song by Rachel Platten is perfect … be sure to listen to it as you’re scrolling through the words.  You’ll find the link beneath these lyrics:

Fight Song

Like a small boat

On the ocean

Sending big waves

Into motion

Like how a single word

Can make a heart open

I might only have one match

But I can make an explosion

And all those things I didn’t say

Wrecking balls inside my brain

I will scream them loud tonight

Can you hear my voice this time?

This is my fight song

Take back my life song

Prove I’m all right song

My power’s turned on

Starting right now I’ll be strong

I’ll play my fight song

And I don’t really care if nobody else believes

‘Cause I’ve still got a lot of fight left in me

Losing friends and I’m chasing sleep

Everybody’s worried about me

In too deep

Say I’m in too deep (in too deep)

And it’s been two years

I miss my home

But there’s a fire burning in my bones

Still believe

Yeah, I still believe

And all those things I didn’t say

Wrecking balls inside my brain

I will scream them loud tonight

Can you hear my voice this time?

This is my fight song

Take back my life song

Prove I’m all right song

My power’s turned on

Starting right now I’ll be strong

I’ll play my fight song

And I don’t really care if nobody else believes

‘Cause I’ve still got a lot of fight left in me

A lot of fight left in me

Like a small boat

On the ocean

Sending big waves

Into motion

Like how a single word

Can make a heart open

I might only have one match

But I can make an explosion

This is my fight song (Hey!)

Take back my life song (Hey!)

Prove I’m all right song (Hey!)

My power’s turned on

Starting right now I’ll be strong (I’ll be strong

I’ll play my fight song

And I don’t really care if nobody else believes

‘Cause I’ve still got a lot of fight left in me

No I’ve still got a lot of fight left in me

Click on the image below to listen to …

[ A Fight to the Finish ] And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.  Ephesians 6:10-12

Keep on scrolling … there’s more to come!

Sorry readers.  I have not been writing for a while because the words became all about me.  I know that God has continued my life here, not for my own enjoyment, but for HIS glory. So, I write today to update you with not only what God has continued to do with my life, but how the scripture can draw me closer to HIM.

“What is God’s plan here?” I ask myself frequently.  “Why do I continue to find myself back at square one?”

It seems that wheelchair, walker, cane is the merry-go-round that I find myself on.  Constantly being set at the last of the line is not a place that has ever been comfortable for me.  But, here I am again.  “Hey, God!  Have you forgotten about me?  I’m going around one more time.”

I believe I have found my answer.  In Acts 12, after James had been beheaded and Peter was arrested, the church was stunned.  They had been so accustomed to miracles, but now persecution was upon them.  Fervent prayer was being made by the church for Peter.

We must encourage each other to fervently pray, not only for large things, but the small intimate burdens of the heart.  I ask you to pray, not only for me – though knowing you pray calms my fears – but pray because it binds the church together . . .

Blest be the tie that binds!

Blest be the tie that binds
Our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred minds
Is like to that above.

Before our Father’s throne
We pour our ardent prayers;
Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one
Our comforts and our cares.

We share our mutual woes,
Our mutual burdens bear,
And often for each other flows
The sympathizing tear.

When we are called to part,
It gives us inward pain;
But we shall still be joined in heart,
And hope to meet again.

This glorious hope revives
Our courage by the way;
While each in expectation lives
And waits to see the day.

From sorrow, toil, and pain,
And sin, we shall be free;
And perfect love and friendship reign
Through all eternity.

NOTE: I only remember singing the first verse. The others are just as wonderful, if not better.

Life with loss is different I have found.  What is lost sometimes cannot be replaced or found again.  Lost is just that … lost.  Every time I leave the house I stop and review my big three often lost items.  I stop and review:

Phone 

Wallet 

Glasses 

Some people “like to lose” things.  I find that I have always liked the “newness” of life.  New stuff!

There was an old song that we sang with our dear, dear friend, Cynthia Clawson, “Bring Back the New Again.” Lord, bring back the new again. Bring back the way it was when we began.  This song called us to search our hearts for the way we felt when we were somewhat lost and became new Christians, when we had that spark and were zealous about our faith.  So, here I am at a different place in my life, and I ask myself where or what is my “new?”

1. My faith is renewed . . . I have found that Christ is more real to me than ever before. HE has walked with me and HE has talked with me.  The closeness I find can never be shaken.
2. My purpose is renewing . . . I don’t have all the answers yet, but I know HE does. I can live with knowing I’m not walking this life alone.
3. My calling is strong . . . I have been called to serve Christ with what I have, and what I am. Nothing more, nothing less.

Jesus said, “The first in importance is, ‘Listen, Israel: The Lord your God is one; so love the Lord God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence and energy.’ And here is the second: ‘Love others as well as you love yourself.’ There is no other commandment that ranks with these.”  Mark 12:30-31 The Message (MSG)

If you know this song, sing it with me!

I’m Yours Lord

I’m yours, Lord
Everything I’ve got
Everything I am
Everything I’m not.

I’m yours, Lord
Try me now and see
See if I can be
Completely yours.

My life and my love
You hold in your hand
And I’ll gladly devote
And enjoy your command.

Now, I know it’s not much
Your gift to repay
But it’s all that I got
And it’s all I can say.

I’m yours, Lord
Everything I got
Everything I am
Everything I’m not.

I’m yours, Lord
Try me now and see
See if I can be
Completely yours.

You put it aside
Desire to belong
And join in your strength
Unless we become strong.

With that thought in mind
I reach for the sky
And I lift up my voice
And read out the signs.

I’m yours, Lord
Everything I’ve got
Everything I am
Everything I’m not.

I’m yours, Lord
Try me now and see
See if I can be
Completely yours.

I’m yours, Lord
Everything I’ve got
Everything I am
Everything I’m not.

I’m yours, Lord
Try me now and see
See if I can be completely yours

It wasn’t over the heart stent (the doctor assures me I’m good to go).  It wasn’t the back pain (there are so many other issues that cloud over the fact that my back is only secure on one side). It wasn’t even the hip replacement (which continues to cause pain sitting, standing, and walking).  The cry was over a rash.  A Simple.Irritating.Rash.  The rash just pushed me over the edge.  It was just   one    more   thing   to add to my list…and I lost it!

Have you ever had one more thing added to your list that caused your blocks to tumble?  One more thing that caused your temper to flare, your fist to double up, or your mouth to open and spew unkind words?  Later you think, “Who was that?”  “Where did that come from?”  “Have I totally lost my mind, my decency, my faith?”

The times we find ourselves most vulnerable to Satan are times when we have pushed ourselves to the last ounce of energy, the last ounce of patience, and the last ounce of dependency on HIS spiritual presence.  We left Christ behind and ventured forward on our own.

HE wants to be involved in everything in our lives.  Every difficulty, every disagreement, every business decision, every relationship … every “rash” that sends us over the edge.  I cannot make it through life without Him.  Can you?

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.  1 Peter 5:6-10 NASB.

Prayer request:

I sent this verse to my dear friend, Chuck Caldwell, who is suffering through that dreadful treatment of radiation and chemo.  Please pray that the cancer will subside and total healing will take place in his body.

One of the funniest evenings I have ever spent was celebrating the 80th birthday of Marge Caldwell.  The night was called Marvelous Night with Marge.  What people knew before they arrived was that every night with Marge was marvelous.  I co-hosted the evening with the up-and-coming Beth Moore.  If you don’t know the name Marge Caldwell, you might want to stop reading right now.  Marge Caldwell—genuine saint, author of many books and magazines, speaker, storyteller, humorist, and hero of the faith—was the godliest woman I ever knew. Many, many hours were spent at her feet laughing, crying, and . . . changed. There was no one like Marge.

Can I say that humor was the base camp for the evening, and it went up from there?  We laughed until we cried  … literally cried for several hours.  All at Marge’s expense, of course.

There were three of the funniest ladies I have ever known in the room:   My mom, Virginia Seelig (she and Marge spoke and sang at conferences together for years.  My mother made humor a mainstay of her life), Beth Moore (mentored by Marge and just beginning her ministry.  And, did I say funny?), and Marge Caldwell.  Marvelous Night with Marge. This was her night.  Laughter is contagious. It is good medicine for the soul, and that was what Marge’s life was all about, bringing souls to know the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Her humor paved the way.

Sadly, ten years ago, Marge and I found ourselves in the hospital at the same time, both with serious illnesses.  We had laughed together for years.  Now we were both fighting for our lives.  But, God still had a sense of humor and allowed us some precious moments together laughing.  We were placed in rooms side by side, head to head, and we could tap on the wall to see how each other was doing.  As I was recovering, I would wheel myself into her room to laugh and wish her well.  Humor amidst our pain.

A joyful heart is good medicine,

but a broken spirit dries up the bones. 

Proverbs 17:22 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Humorist to the end.

Allowed by God to bring the Gospel

through humor.

What a gift Marge was!

But what about you?  Are you bogged down in the cares of this world, or are you finding joy in your every day walk with the Lord?  There are hundreds of people all around you that need a good dose of “medicine” … laughter.  Won’t you be the one to share your joy with them? 

Marge, my best friend, I miss you to this day.

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you.  Philippians 1:3 NASB

SO, HERE’S OUR ASSIGNMENT:

1. Be a blessing. Find someone to whom you can be a blessing.
2. Who are you encouraging? Purposely find someone who you will encourage in the faith.

As always, John 10:10 comes to my mind as God encourages us to seek the abundant life.  Happy, Fun, Overflowing.   The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.  John 10:10 NASB

(Disclaimer:  This is an actual account of a real-life event.  The story has not been altered in any way.  This REALLY happened . . . )

Bonita attended a shower at a restaurant this past Saturday.  When she was almost home she discovered she had lost her wedding ring. More than the value was the sentimentality that went with it. She has worn this ring most of the near 45 years of our marriage. Bonita could not rest until she had found that ring.

She called the restaurant in City Centre, where the shower had been held.  The sweet girl who answered the phone went through three trash cans, looked in the area where the shower had been held, but sadly called with the bad news that they had not found the ring.  “But, you can come look for yourself,” was her suggestion.  That is what Bonita decided to do.

We left our house to go to Saturday night church as we regularly do. She was driving and took a turn not on our usual route to church. Without a hesitation she said, “I am going back to look for that ring.”  We both were saddened by the missing ring.  Note: before she entered the restaurant I said, “Let’s stop and pray we might find the ring: ‘Lord, please help Bonita find this lost ring. We trust You. We love You, and we know You can lead us to that lost ring.’”

She entered the area where the shower had been held and asked the unsuspecting diners to look for her ring.  They looked and looked and found nothing.  Entering the restroom, after a full day of patrons in the restaurant, she started the task at hand . . . going through three full cans of smelly trash.  After going through the trash cans (she had brought rubber gloves with her), she decided to empty out one trash can, paper by paper.  Down at the bottom of the disgusting, nauseating trash can was the bright gold ring shining up at her.  What was lost was now found!

She washed the ring carefully at the sink, held it tightly in her hand and headed out.  There was much rejoicing in that area of the restaurant, and in the car, as she shared her happy news with me.  

Ring in hand, we drove off for church, hoping to not be too late.

NOW, HERE’S THE KICKER!

So we rolled into church just on time.

There was no coincidence that one hour later, in that evening service, Dr. Young was preaching on the passage of Luke 15.  This is the section where the woman found her lost coin.  This was a gift from God.  This was our confirmation that everything . . . yes, EVERYTHING is a concern to our loving Father … even a ring in a smelly bathroom.

We were willing to give up the ring—it is just a material object—but the power of prayer has changed us.  Years ago we would not have wanted to bother the Lord with such a small detail.  But, we have found, in these years of illness, a calling out from us is what He wants to hear.  He wants to be involved in everything in our lives . . . small, big . . . ANYthing that concerns us, concerns Him.  God is BIG and He does BIG things!

Years ago, my dear, dear friend Ragan Courtney wrote and performed an excellent monologue by that woman with the lost coin found in Luke 15.  The play was called Mountain Light–one of the most sensitive, dramatic, and touching portrayals of the lost coin.  Hopefully, it is still in print or performed so that you can glean from Ragan’s insight into one of the most important chapters of the Bible.  It is a timeless, artistic interpretation of this special scripture . . . what was lost was found.

God is continually seeking our heart, mind, and soul. We only have to admit that we are lost without Him.

We keep bumping into miracles. Amen.

Imagine a woman who has ten coins and loses one. Won’t she light a lamp and scour the house, looking in every nook and cranny until she finds it? And when she finds it you can be sure she’ll call her friends and neighbors: ‘Celebrate with me! I found my lost coin!’ Count on it—that’s the kind of party God’s angels throw every time one lost soul turns to God.  Luke 15:8-10