You Need His Chicken

We had a Sunday school picnic. They said, "Be at the park at 4:30 Saturday. Bring your supper and we'll furnish the tea."



Well, I came home at the last minute, and when I got ready to pack my lunch, all I could find in the refrigerator was one dried up piece of bologna and just enough mustard in the bottom of the jar so that I got it all over my knuckles when I tried to get it out.

And there were just two stale pieces of bread. So.......I made my bologna sandwich and wrapped it in a brown paper bag and took off for the picnic.


When it came time to eat, I sat at the end of the table and took out my sandwich. But the people next to me, well---the lady was a good cook. And she had cooked all day and she had fried chicken and potato salad and baked beans and home made rolls and sliced tomatoes and stuffed celery and deviled eggs and pickles and olives---and to top it off, two great big homemade chocolate pies.


And they spread it all out beside me, and there I was---with my bologna sandwich.


But they said to me, "Why don't we just put it all together?"


"Oh, no---I couldn't do that---I couldn't even think of it"---and I was embarrassed.


"Oh, come on.......there's plenty of chicken and pie---plenty of everything---and we just LOVE bologna sandwiches. Let's just put it all together."


So I did. And there I sat. Eating like a king when I came like a pauper.


And I get to thinking. I think of ME---sharing in the very being of God. When I think of how little I bring, and how much He brings---and that He invites me to share.


I know I should be shouting from the house tops, but I'm so filled with awe and wonder that I can hardly be heard.


I know I don't have enough love or faith or grace or mercy or wisdom---but He has.


He has all those things in abundance, and He says, "Let's just put it all together. Everything that I possess is available to you. Everything that I am and can be to a person, I will be to you."


And, when I think about it like that, it really amuses me---to see somebody running around through life hanging on to their dumb bag and their stale bologna sandwich---saying "God's not gonna get MY sandwich, no siree---not mine!"


Did you ever see anybody like that? Just so needy and about half starved to death, hanging on for dear life?


It's not that He needs your sandwich.


You need His chicken.

Do You Really Believe That Stuff?

Not long ago---just before I retired from full time employment---my boss came to work with me for two hectic days.  I was a sales rep for an equipment manufacturer and I traveled heavily.  I picked him up at the airport and we began our journey---a pounding drive that would take us to three states and seven sales calls.

We were scarcely on the highway when he reached over and picked up a little 1 1/2" high silver cross I keep in the storage area of my car, where it was intermingled with some loose change.  He stared at it a second before flipping it back into the coinage.

"You believe that stuff?", he probed.

I paused a few seconds, trying to consider why he would ask such a question.  I sensed that he was possibly struggling with his own faith.

"Yes", I answered.  "Why do you ask?"

Now it was his turn to get in touch with his true self.  "Well, I dunno......It just seems so far-fetched".

"What seems far-fetched?"

"Well....you know....all that Adam and Eve stuff and that Ark story and Jesus coming back to life.......You don't really believe that stuff really happened, do you?"

"Why wouldn't I?"

"Well.........there isn't any proof any of that happened."

"Look, Joe (I'll call him Joe)---What do you know about the Christian religion?"

"Well, my wife and I took our children to church for a few years---until they were teenagers, because we thought it would be good for them.  But I am no expert on religion.  I never could get past the fact that the bible seems to be just one big short story book and the stories are all like hocus pocus stuff that can't be verified or proven."

This conversation continued for the entire time we were together.  It was obvious to me that the man was struggling with his faith.  In short, if he couldn't see something with his own eyes or read a scientific investigation of it that proved its existence, he was unable to allow himself to believe.

I quietly did my best to point out that Christians "live by faith, not by sight", as the apostle Paul wrote (2 Corinthians 5:7).  I made sure Joe understood what this meant...that if one truly believes, one will truly see.  This was hard for Joe to grasp.  I mentioned "faith" over and over, and we discussed what that word means.

The discussion was long and the discussion was pleasing to me.  I know God put Joe in that car with me for two days because Joe was struggling with his faith, and God wanted me to help Joe.

I recall the last words I said to Joe upon returning home---the words of Jesus after he had returned to the disciples following the resurrection:  "Blessed are those who have seen and believe.  More blessed are those who have come to believe and have not seen."  (John 20:29)

I only saw Joe one more time---a brief encounter right before my retirement.  I do not know where Joe ended on his journey of seeking his faith.  But I am thankful to God for giving me the chance to perhaps make a small difference to another pilgrim seeking salvation.

You Never Know....

An Inexpensive Little Cross Can Make A Difference

About five years ago, I was teaching a Sunday school class in our church.  This was a class in which I am a member.  On that day, there were about 40 people in attendance.



Cindy Carries Her Little Cross In Her Purse

At the end of the class, I closed by handing out small metal crosses to each person.  These little crosses were about an inch long.  I had purchased them for a few pennies each from a local Christian market.  I asked the class members to put this little inexpensive cross somewhere where they would see it each day. I asked them to think of where they got it and what they were doing when they received it.

Of course, a few years went by and the incident of the crosses being passed out to the class was forgotten.....or, so I thought.

A couple of months ago, one of the class members who was in attendance on that day when I was the teacher remarked in front of the class that "I still have that cross that Clint gave us a few years ago.  I keep it by the sink where I shave every morning and I am always reminded of Jesus and of our class and of the day I was given the cross."

And, of course, that got me to thinking.....about how we just never really know what kind of an impact we have on other people when we interract with them---and how our actions and words may stay with others in a positive---or negative---way long after all is said and done.

Usually, we will never know the true extent of our impact on others.  Only in situations like the one I just described will we hear at a later date about what we have meant to someone.  It is a special feeling.

My Friend, Darrel

Last week, my friend Darrel, who is a member of our weekly prayer group, gave us all a cross that has been constructed of resin and designed to fit comfortably in the hand.  It is called the "Clinging Cross", and is meant to be held at any time the holder wishes to gain strength through the cross. 

The Clinging Cross

Thank you, Darrel!  I know that through the years I will always think of your thoughtfulness when my eyes fall upon your gift.

The Clinging Cross Fits Perfectly Into My Hand

Eureka Springs...

Hilly & Winding Streets are Crammed with Shops

I was traveling on business through the state of Arkansas a while back, and Cindy and I decided to spend a day and night in the northwest Arkansas town of Eureka Springs. 

Eureka Springs can be accessed by country roads, known for their beauty and winding personalities.  The drive was most pleasant and scenic. 

The Drive to Eureka Springs is Scenic

We decided to stay in a Bed & Breakfast in town instead of the usual motel.  More on that later.

Downtown Streets are Winding and Crammed With Shops, Galleries and Restaurants

The first full day we were there, we explored the entire town on foot.  The downtown area consists of a unique blend of winding, hilly thoroughfares built on the sides of steep hillsides, lined with closely joined old brick buildings from a bygone era.  The shops are legendary.  Everything from junk to true priceless antiques.  We loved it! 

The Crescent Hotel, at 75 Prospect Ave high atop the mountain above Eureka Springs, Has a Colorful History and is also Haunted!

Our favorite art gallery turned out to be "83 Spring Street".  It is a wonderful collection of paintings and bronze work.  I ended up buying a bronze piece by Mark Hopkins, a skilled sculptor who has done a number of varied forms.

One of the Spring Street Galleries

The piece I bought is called "Faith", and now resides in our den.

"Faith"  Sculptor:  Mark Hopkins

Our Bed & Breakfast (it shall go unnamed here) was pretty bad.  The floor of the room was uneven, with the head of the bed significantly lower than the foot.  We were sleeping downhill, so to speak.  The room was "decorated" with scores of cloth dolls.  Upon inspection, we found that the dolls had all accumulated oceans of dust.  That answered the question as to why I kept sneezing.  Ha.  The bathroom was quite small, and the coffee pot---one of the dirtiest I have ever seen---was right next to the toilet.  No, thanks.  To top it all off, the doorbell to the B & B was right outside our room.  Naturally, there were several late-arriving guests who kept us conscious until the very late hours.  Whew.

Aside from the B & B experience, I recommend Eureka Springs to anyone who wants to just get away and shop in a most unique atmosphere.  Food is varied and plentiful.  People are friendly.

The Corner Bakery

Our Little Restaurant

Our prayer group meets Tuesday mornings at 7:00 at The Corner Bakery.  There are six of us in our little group, and we have become close friends and brothers in Christ.  Today, I brought my camera and took a few pictures of our time together as we visited and discussed "Simple", Robert Morgan's book about the simplicity of being a Christian.

Mayra, Our Beautiful Server

Our first vision inside the Corner Bakery is that of Mayra, our beautiful server.  She is so cheerful!  She fills our orders for coffee and breakfast, and she always reinforces our good mood with her personality.


Darrell, Our Newest Member



Paul & Croissant



Darrell & Pannini

We sit at a table and eat our breakfasts and drink our coffee and catch up with what has been going on with each other over the past week.


Bill Holding Connor's New Crib Quilt

Debbie, Paul's wife, is a seamstress, and she has made a crib quilt for Bill's new grandbaby, Connor.

Then, we start discussing our reading assignment---today, it was chapter 1.  The burning question:  "How do you know you are going to heaven?"  This is a deep and sometimes troubling topic.  But, the discussion is lively and meaningful.

After two large mugs of java, a great discussion and comradeship, I am off for home, where Cindy will want to know what we discussed.

Angels and the Circumstances of Life

Over the past seven years or so, it has become evident to me that angels walk among us. I have learned that it is up to us to recognize them as they interract with us in our day-to-day lives.


One such example of this phenomenon in my life exists by the name of Cherry. My wife, Cindy, and I met Cherry some years ago in our Sunday school class.


As the weeks went by, and we got to know her better and better, it became clear that Cherry was a class act. She was the kind of person we wanted as a friend. One day, after Cindy and I had had a particularly rough few days with work and other stresses, a note came in the mail. It was a greeting card from Cherry. It urged us to stay focused---that God was working on our behalf.

Now, this note was completely unsolicited and totally "out of the blue". How did she know we needed cheering up? We never found out how she knew that; but, about a year later, another card came in the mail, right at a time when I was having a tough time spiritually. It was from Cherry, urging me to keep a good attitude.

Well, after several of these occasions where she seemed to appear from nowhere to bolster our attitudes, I began to call her "my angel"---someone who inexplicably was there when I needed a word of encouragement. I can't explain any of this, but the bible does tell us that there are angels among us, and that we may often be unaware of their presence.

I mention all of this because Cherry's husband, Mark, passed away a few days ago. She called me last night and asked me if I would bring my guitar to the memorial service on Friday and sing the great gospel song, "I'll Fly Away". She said she wanted something uplifting.


I told her that of course I would do that. I will do it to honor Mark's life, to bring some cheer to her and to glorify God.


"Just a few more weary days and then I'll fly away
To a land where joys will never end, I'll fly away
I'll fly away O glory, I'll fly away!
When I die, Hallelujah by and by, I'll fly away!"

The Picnic....

We had a Sunday school picnic. They said, "Be at the park at 4:30 Saturday. Bring your supper and we'll furnish the tea."

Well, I came home at the last minute, and when I got ready to pack my lunch, all I could find in the refrigerator was one dried up piece of bologna and just enough mustard in the bottom of the jar so that I got it all over my knuckles when I tried to get it out.

And there were just two stale pieces of bread. So.......I made my bologna sandwich and wrapped it in a brown paper bag and took off for the picnic.

When it came time to eat, I sat at the end of the table and took out my sandwich. But the people next to me, well---the lady was a good cook. And she had cooked all day and she had fried chicken and potato salad and baked beans and home made rolls and sliced tomatoes and stuffed celery and deviled eggs and pickles and olives---and to top it off, two great big homemade chocolate pies.

And they spread it all out beside me, and there I was---with my bologna sandwich.

But they said to me, "Why don't we just put it all together?"

"Oh, no---I couldn't do that---I couldn't even think of it"---and I was embarrassed.

"Oh, come on.......there's plenty of chicken and pie---plenty of everything---and we just LOVE bologna sandwiches. Let's just put it all together."

So I did. And there I sat. Eating like a king when I came like a pauper.

And I get to thinking. I think of ME---sharing in the very being of God. When I think of how little I bring, and how much He brings---and that He invites me to share.

I know I should be shouting from the house tops, but I'm so filled with awe and wonder that I can hardly be heard.

I know I don't have enough love or faith or grace or mercy or wisdom---but He has.

He has all those things in abundance, and He says, "Let's just put it all together. Everything that I possess is available to you. Everything that I am and can be to a person, I will be to you."

And, when I think about it like that, it really amuses me---to see somebody running around through life hanging on to their dumb bag and their stale bologna sandwich---saying "God's not gonna get MY sandwich, no siree---not mine!"

Did you ever see anybody like that? Just so needy and about half starved to death, hanging on for dear life?

It's not that He needs your sandwich.

You need His chicken.

Streams in the Desert...

The inspirational book, "Streams in the Desert", was given to me a few years ago as a gift. Since then, I have developed a routine in my early mornings to help prepare me for each day's spiritual journey. I read the corresponding day's entry in the book, along with the referenced biblical passage.

This twenty minute exercise each day, along with my morning prayer, sets the tone for the next 24 hours.

These readings help me focus on what is really important in my life. They help calm any anxieties I may have. They remind me of the many ways that God is working in my behalf, and that simply focusing on Him and allowing Him to guide me is the true way to fulfillment and happiness.

This wonderful book was first released in 1925. Compiled by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman, who was a Christian missionary in Japan and China, "Streams in the Desert" now has more than two million copies in print.

If you feel the need for daily spiritual assurance and refreshment, pick up a copy of this book! I know you'll find renewed peace and inspiration on a daily basis as I have.

Partial reading for Sept 25 (Ref Psalm 42:9):

Knowest thou not that day follows night, that flood comes after ebb, that spring and summer succeed winter? Hope thou then! Hope thou ever! For God fails thee not. (Charles Spurgeon)

The Cornerstone Disciples

A remarkable occurrence takes place in Plano, Texas every Tuesday morning at 7:00. A group of six men, between the ages of 40 and 66, meet for fellowship, prayer and uplifting discussion. This group of dedicated Christians is known as the Cornerstone Disciples.

The Cornerstone Disciples share several things in common:

1. They are all Christians

2. They have all experienced the Walk to Emmaus, a wonderful three day event that highlights the tenets of the faith and renews the soul for the remainder of the spiritual journey

3. They all enjoy poking fun at each other

4. They all have individual egos that are firmly under control. Any ego that begins to swell is immediately attacked by the rest of the group and deflated without fanfare.

Recent studies by the group include books by Rev Robert J Morgan ("The Promise", "Red Sea Rules", and "Simple"), assorted books of the Bible, and reviews of various other Christian publications.

A collection of $1 per week is exacted from each member. This money is collected by Paul, our treasurer, who keeps this money in a sock at home. At least, that's what he says. Since we have never actually spent any of this money, it is widely suspected that Paul has created a Ponzi scheme with the funds. We do intend to spend the money, but we cannot agree on which good cause to support. Hence, the money just sits in Paul's sock (or so he says).

Chuck and Bill are the two guys in the group who know everything. Bill knows everything important, and Chuck knows everything else.

Terry and Michael are the youth of the Cornerstone Disciples. They provide the energy that the older fuddieduddies lack. Terry is known for his motto, "Keep Smiling!" None of us has yet figured out why we are supposed to be happy all the time. Michael continually provides insights to issues that the rest of the group would never have if not for his ability to think deeply.

Me? I used to call myself the "conscience" of the group, but it turned out that nobody wanted to hear my pronouncements. So now, I just sit back and quietly enjoy my coffee while the other five guys dance on the head of a pin. Ha.

Seriously, a finer bunch of guys and Christians I have never known. I'm so proud to call these guys friends.

Pictured, From top: Bill, Terry, Chuck, Paul, Michael

REVERENCE Ref: James 4:14

Listen to earth's senses,

Her currents beckon long
God's timeless law condenses

Mere science to a song.

For you are but a vapor,

Here for a little while;

Take time to feel each moment,

So fleeting is Life's smile

Appreciate the plunder

Of rivers, stars and seas;

Remember Life's short wonder

Evokes eternities.

There is a Higher Power

Directing your brief stay;

For time on earth to flower

Requires his Holy Ray.

For you are not aware

Of what tomorrow brings;

Humbleness and praise are rare

But necessary things.

For you are but a vapor,

Here for a little while;

Take time to feel each moment,

So fleeting is Life's smile.

(C) 2005 Clint Ellison