The Keys

A hammer, a tape measure, a saw, a screwdriver, ….. a crescent wrench, pilers, a ratchet, a drill……Tools. The types and sizes of tools seem almost as numerous as the stars scattered in the sky. My husbands tool box looks like it could it tackle anything from a baby buggy to a Boeing 737. It’s mind boggling what he could possibly do with ALL those tools. Build a table, change my oil, change a flat, fix the chair leg, pull a dent out of a truck, replace a broken pipe, change a faucet, hang Christmas lights, build a nativity, repair the guttering, or fix the shower door. The list goes on and on for what he could do with all those tools. 

In today’s American culture there’s a sense we must have the biggest and baddest of everything, from our 48 oz size mega cups, to our oversized chairs, to our mega volume eye lashes, and our super size fries. We all seem to want the bigger and larger and mega of everything.  Men love to compare and brag at the size and kind of tools they have compared to other men. To be the envy of your friends is one more reason to puff your chest out in pride. I believe tool envy is the most common illness among men. If the big pharmaceuticals could make a pill to cure ‘tool envy’, I believe women in America would deplete the companies supply and hide the pills in the men’s mashed potatoes. Tool envy would then be as common as winning the lottery, if left up to a woman.

Even in the Truckin’ industry the biggest and baddest tools are a man’s dream. The most commonly used tool for a trucker is the adjustable wrench. A company recently took on the challenge to make what is known as the ‘world’s largest wrench’. It’s an adjustable wrench 30 inches in length, and weighs in at 12 pounds. To some it’s called a ‘beast’. They say with a wrench like this in a truckers toolbox you feel there’s no nut or bolt too big, and no obstacle in your way, that can stop you from completing the job at hand. What a monster of a tool. Every truckers dream is to have bigger and better tools than the trucker sitting next to you at the truck stop. 

With all the tool selections and options it’s mind boggling. To get anything done it seems you need the right size or the right kind. It’s frustrating when all you need to do is change batteries in the remote control, and you have the wrong size or the wrong kind of screw driver. You have to go back to the tool box and rummage around to located the one needed for the job. Such a fiasco, in my opinion.

It seems however there’s one thing missing when considering all these tools. It’s a key. Yes a key. While in their tool boxes are instruments to build, construct, repair, fix or change something, I believe to have the ability to open something is more valuable than all mechanical good you will ever accomplish using all the tools in the world, including even the 30 inch adjustable beast. 

You see the ‘task’ the tools do is only the beginning of the equation. For tools are nothing more than keys. A hammer and tape measure, used to perfectly hang a family portrait on the wall, is a key to opening stronger relationships. The saw, used to build a one of a kind coffee table, is a key that opens the opportunity to create a timeless family heirloom. A screwdriver, used to assemble children’s toys on Christmas morning, is a key to creating family memories that last.    A crescent wrench, used to change out a dead battery on a car, is a key to open our new adventures to exciting destinations. Pliers, used for years until they are worn smooth, is a key to open the understanding of someone’s get ‘r done mentality. The ratchet, used to assemble shelves to store treasures collected for years, is a key to opening the acceptance of someone with all their quirkiness. A drill, used to create a hole in a door which a knob is inserted, is the key to opening up to new horizon’s each time someone passes through the door.

The massive amount of tools used as keys in a lifetime provide adventures, moments, opportunities into someone’s heart, a chance at fixing a broken relationship, building family memories, showing love, establishing new friendships, entering rooms and new horizon’s never gone before.

I do love all the task those tools can accomplish, and I am proud when my husband comes through to save the day on task I have for him to do. His big box of keys, which builds a stronger us, is perfect in my eyes.

Hurt Man Down

April 15, 2016. Not a date of historical significance other than tax day. Probably an insignificant date to most people. 

Walking through Times Square in New York City with my mom, my sister, and my daughter we were taking in some of New York City’s attractions. The music was blaring from all around us. The LED lighting, from the larger than life screens surrounding us, made it easy to forget it was dark beyond the lights. We were walking along the sidewalk following the flow of traffic when the foot traffic veered to the left. So we followed and stepped to the left. There on the ground, curled up in a fetal position, was a homeless man. The street was packed with people. The blaring noise coming from numerous speakers made is difficult to carry on a conversation. People hustling on the street, up one side and down the other, barely gave even a glimpse to this Hurt Man Down. From the looks of his clothes it was apparent the concrete was probably his bed on most nights. 
The towns I’ve lived haven’t been affected by homelessness as I witnessed April 15, 2016. What caused this man to be lying on the cold hard concrete amidst all the lights and noise and people? Where does his hurt come from? When did his hurt begin? I dare say no one has expectations of becoming a homeless person. As this man lay there down on the ground my eyes were opened. It was a startling awakening for me. The magnitude of homelessness is disturbing in our country of excessive abundance. 

We walked on, just as everyone else in Times Square, happy to be there. Somehow it seems easy to put on blinders, as everyone else does. We make ourselves feel better pretending it doesn’t exist. Speaking to a woman a couple days later, she shared ‘many of the homeless are that way because of mental issues'. Certainly mental issues contribute to the homeless population, as well as many other things. 

Again, I dare say no one has expectations of becoming a homeless person when they come into this world. Somewhere along the way something had to have happened to this Hurt Man Down. Did we as a population keep our blinders on because it was easier. Since everyone else was doing it, did we look the other way? Did we wrap ourselves in our own world not caring about the needs of others? 

I’ve been involved with an organization that rehabilitates people affected by human trafficking. In a class I once taught, a young girl told me she’d eaten out of trash can. Hurting people are sometimes the ones sitting next to us. Sometimes they are our cousins, our nephews, our brothers, maybe our parents, or maybe even ourself. I’ve experienced hurt so deep that being curled up in the fetal position on the bathroom floor was where I found comfort. The man on the cold, dirty sidewalk in Times Square obviously had hurts I knew nothing about. He seemed numb from years of hurt. There were people that supported me through my hurt. I wonder if this Hurt Man Down had anyone, or if he had to face his hurt alone? 

Solving Homelessness is certainly a daunting task. The number of homeless people in New York City was too many to count. There was no way I could just turn my head, when faced with the homelessness. I had to do something, and I did. I’ll not say what I did. It wasn’t enough to move anyone out of homelessness. I only made a small difference to a small few, in the vast sea of Hurting Men Down. New York Cities Homeless population is but a tip of the ice berg of Hurting Men Down. Look around us. Look deep into the eyes of people you come into contact with. Hurts come wrapped in a variety of packages. Some hurts can be seen physically. Some hurts require professional intervention. Some can only be seen when someone feels safe enough to share their heart. Some hurts of the heart will reveal themselves through outward behavior. 

The gigantic task surrounding us, of Hurting Men Down, comes back to us, you and I. The very small number of people reading this can make a difference in the lives of Hurting Men Down. I’d like to give you the first step in making a difference. It’s the only step I’ll give. After the first step, it will be you who determines on your own what step number 2 will be. The first step is crucial. I’ll give it to you. I’ll spell it out for you. 

C - A - R - E 

Care. Care for the Hurt Man Down.

Matthew 25:35-40
'For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me' "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty, and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' "The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of min, you did for me.'

Walls

Oh, the walls we build. Have you ever found a straight stretch of road, rolled down your windows and driven your vehicle fast enough to “blow out the pipes”? You know, just let it all hang out? While against the law, and unsafe, there are times in life you just need to let loose. Perhaps your way of letting loose is different than the way I’ve used several times, but still, where do you go? What do YOU do to let it all hang out? Pressures in life that take a toll on us physically, mentally, and emotionally. Where are the days of Mayberry? Where did Andy, Opie, and Barney go? I’ll tell you. They went away with party lines, ledger books, corner dime stores, front porch sitting, and air conditioners.

Cell phones -

Cell phones, what a great tool. Cell phones have replaced pay phones, and land lines. The invention of the cell phone has ushered in the ability to make mobile phone calls, texting, emailing, banking, and other tasks while on the go. On the flip side of the coin they have also hindered relationships previously established thru face to face interactions. The days of party lines with nosy neighbors telling what mischief children are up to are long gone. Cell phones put a few bricks between us as we build our wall. As we conduct business on our phones we miss out on eye contact, personal handshakes, and heart felt interactions.

Computers -

Computers, what another great tool. Computers with on-line gaming, on-line banking, shopping on-line with Amazon, Craigslist, and ebay, Bookkeeping is done by computer.

Computers put a few bricks between us as we build our wall. As we conduct business on our computers we miss out on eye contact, personal handshakes, and heart felt interactions.

Closed doors on homes, and no front porch sitting -

Closed doors on our homes and no front porch sitting certainly can make us feel more secure. Don’t you agree? By shutting ourselves away from neighbors, visitors, family time outside, keeping the children inside and not running in and out the door. Don’t we feel more safe? But, the closing of doors and no front porch sitting puts a few bricks between us in the wall we are building. As we close ourselves off by closing our doors and leaving the front porch we miss out on eye contact, personal handshakes, and heart felt interactions.

Windows rolled up on cars and shut down on homes -

Rolling up our windows on our cars and shutting the windows on our homes with the invention of air conditioning, what comfort and how much safer we feel. Isolating ourselves from neighboring drivers, peeping toms, nosy neighbors, thieves, and kidnappers. With our windows rolled up, we put a few bricks between us as we build our wall. As we roll up or shut down our windows, we miss out on eye contact, personal communication, and heart felt interactions.

It’s easy to fall into the fads of the day.

The pocket size entertainment and communication tool, the flip top all purpose business tool. It seems reasonable and understandable to shut our doors, and windows, and leave our porches to go back inside our houses.

I, myself, am just as guilty of falling for the lies that seem to make our lives complete. However it is when I choose to make different choices, step outside the box I have built, it is then I truly find enjoyment in life.

We are built for relationships, and meaningful experiences. Locking ourselves away with things that give a temporary buzz of excitement and enjoyment, pale in comparison to the truths to be gained in life with relationships we have with others.

Oh, the walls we build. Pressures in life take a toll on us emotionally, mentally, and physically. Go looking for the days of Mayberry.

Turn off your phone, visit your neighbor, visit a dollar store, sit on your front porch, and roll down your windows.

Enjoy a little life with no walls.

My Inch

Of the estimated 108.2 billion people ever born in the history of the world. I am one. If a rope were taken to the moon approximately 7.21 times, my life would occupy approximately 1 inch. I am one. My impact is mostly limited to the few other inches in close proximity to me on the rope, those within my closest circles.

As an owner of an estimated 3.5 million German Shepherd dogs in US, I am one.

An estimated 2 million horse owners are in the US, I am one.

An estimated 16 million active quilters are in the US, I am one.

As a member of a family affected by the 203 Law Enforcement Officers killed in the line of duty 1981, I am one.

Of the people who can cross their toes, I am one.

Of the mother’s who have 3 children in this world, I am one.

Of the grandmother’s who have only one grandchild, I am one.

Of the people who have always lived within a 10 mile radius of where they were born, I am one.

Of the thousands of people who have ran and completed a half marathon, I am one.

As someone whose marriage was restored by God’s grace, after I filed for divorce, I am in one.

Of the more than 15 million people self employed in the US, I am one.

Of Mac’s approximate 60 million users, I am one.

Of the many who have traveled to Ghana, West Africa on mission trips, I am one.

Of the one’s who left part of their heart in Ghana, West Africa, I am one.

As a child who lost all their belongings in a house fire at the age of 12, I am one.

As a granddaughter who had the privilege of being at their grandmother’s bedside when she died, I am one.

As someone who was a late bloomer graduating college at the age of 34, I am one.

Of the American coffee drinkers consuming 400 million cups of coffee per day, I am one.

As a woman who can successfully, effectively, and efficiently back a trailer, I am one.

As someone who has a phobia of praying mantis and walking stick bugs, I am one.

As someone who kept a horse from her father for 32 years, and buried it herself, I am one.

My 1 inch on the rope is seemingly insignificant. My eccentricities are mine, and mine alone. My journey, while seeming to be important in my eyes, can be insignificant in the volume of lives to have walked on this big blue ball called Earth. My days are limited. My days are numbered. My days will someday be gone. The short little thing I call a life span is all I have to offer. During my lifespan choices have been made, and will be made. It’s the choices I make which determine the mark I leave on my inch of the rope. Will I burn my inch with wasted efforts, or will I build and create something upon it which will make my inch strong? Where do I begin? How do I start? What do I do? Why does it matter?

Looking in the rear view mirror I see some regret. Missed opportunities weigh heavy on my mind. As only One occupying a small space on an seemingly unending rope of One’s, my inch is unique to what I make of it.

My inch is still being woven. To create a stronger inch, as I toil about day after day, it’s the lifting my eyes, and it's being attentive with my ears, and it’s opening my heart, and it's keeping a soft focus. These things help bring into focus opportunities that enable me to make my inch of time stronger.  

Of the estimated 108.2 billion people ever born in the history of the world. I am one.



Earth and its moon, seen from Mars. The HiRISE camera on NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter acquired 2 images on November 20, 2016, which were combined, with brightness adjusted separately to show details on both bodies. Image via NASA/ JPL-Caltech/ Univ. of Arizona.

Too Many Scales

We often fished in ponds and creeks. The fish were catfish, bream, sunfish, bass, perch, and an occasional crappie. Since all of these fish had scales, except catfish, we primarily caught fish that indeed had scales. Growing up in the Southern United States, the long hot days of summer provided ample opportunity for us kids to dip our hooks in some water. We fished with grub worms, red worms, crickets, grass hoppers, fish we’d caught that was too small to eat, and anything else we thought a fish might eat. Hours and days were spent passing the time trying our luck at catching the next big one. 

Not having a lot of cash as kids to purchase a lot of fishing equipment, many times our fishing poles were good ole cane poles. You know, the long dried out stick where you hold one end while strategically trying to place the other end containing the hook in a ‘fish catching’ location. As you place the hook in a ‘fish catching’ location, extra care has to be taken not to snag the hook on weeds, grass, or trees growing at the edge of the water.  

A cane pole doesn’t have the casting ability a rod and reel does. As a result, most of our fishing was done close to the bank. It seemed close to the bank was the perfect place for catching the smallest fish in the pond, or perhaps our fishing skills needed tuning. Catching the small fish kept us busy, always wishing the ‘next one’ was going to be a trophy catch. However, I don't recall that day ever happening. The only trophies we got were memories of spending lazy summer days with friends. Ah, if we could only go back. 

I don’t remember cleaning many fish. Probably because there weren’t many big enough to clean, or perhaps it was the boys job to clean the fish. As an adult, I do remember cleaning fish with my children. One thing I remember from the years as a child fishing, and the years as an adult cleaning fish with my children, were the endless amount of scales. It seemed scales counted into the hundreds of thousands on each and every fish.

I know what fish scales look and feel like, from childhood and adult experiences. They feel soft as you run your fingers along the side of a fish, but they are very durable and rugged. Taken off the fish and allowed to dry they almost feel like armor. They serve as a protective coating for fish.

Fish scales came to my mind a while back, as I remembered a verse in Acts 9:18. I remembered how something similar to scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. (Acts 9:18 NIV,  Immediately something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized.) Sometimes I’ll read a Bible verse, hear a sermon, read a book, or maybe hear a song. There will be something I see or hear, and it will be an ah-ha moment. If it happens to be a verse, it’s been around a couple thousand years, but it’s like I understand it for the first time. If it happens to be a sermon it’ll be a truth studied for a couple thousand years, but all of a sudden it’s like ‘I get it’. If it happens to be a book, there’s new revelation in the truth I read. If it happens to be a song, the words sung will shed light on something I didn’t know. Anyone of these occurring makes me  feel “I finally get it”!!  There are many ways the ah-ha moments show up. When it occurs I’m amazed at how blind I feel. 

Not only was Saul physically blind, but he was spiritually blind. Once the ‘scales’ fell from Saul, he gained both physical sight and spiritual sight. I feel sometimes there are too many scales on my eyes. Each time scales fall from my eyes, and new knowledge is learned, I thank God. He is gracious in showing us more. God’s truths have been around forever. The Word has been studied and examined by scholars, clergy, theologians, Sunday School teachers, and others with various levels of knowledge, degrees and accomplishments. Even so, understanding the truths of the Ancient Words are revealed by the Holy Spirit. I’ve read that some of the greatest revivals in the world were led by men with little more than an elementary school education. The men were led and directed by the Holy Spirit. It wasn’t their formal education that inspired and equipped them to proclaim the Word in such a powerful way. It was the moving of the Holy Spirit. 

It is the Holy Spirit that shows up and gives us ah-ha moments. It’s my desire to have more ah-ha moments. I want to know and learn more. God pursues us and wants a deep relationship with us, but we are required to do our part. God doesn’t pour out understanding, enlightenment and knowledge to random people. The following verses show ah-ha moments occur by us doing our part:

*1 Chronicles 28:9 “If you seek Him, he will be found by you”.

*Deuteronomy 4:29 “But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all you soul.

*Matthew 7:7-8 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.”

*Jeremiah 29:12-13 “Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

If - I - Seek - Him - He - Will - Be - Found.

An old hymn came to mind as I was writing this. It’s probably in every hymnal I’ve ever sang from. It's the words of the song that speak to my heart. The writer asks God to open her eyes, open her ears, and then open her mouth while she waits silently to be illumined by the divine Spirit. Wouldn’t that be a great prayer, and daily desire? 

Open My Eyes, That I May See

Text: Clara H. Scott, 1841-1897 

Music: Clara H. Scott, 1841-1897 

1. Open my eyes, that I may see 

glimpses of truth thou hast for me; 

place in my hands the wonderful key 

that shall unclasp and set me free. 

Silently now I wait for thee, 

ready, my God, thy will to see. 

Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine! 

2. Open my ears, that I may hear 

voices of truth thou sendest clear; 

and while the wavenotes fall on my ear, 

everything false will disappear. 

Silently now I wait for thee, 

ready, my God, thy will to see. 

Open my ears, illumine me, Spirit divine! 

3. Open my mouth, and let me bear 

gladly the warm truth everywhere; 

open my heart and let me prepare 

love with thy children thus to share. 

Silently now I wait for thee, 

ready, my God, thy will to see. 

Open my heart, illumine me, Spirit divine!

To read more about ‘Open My Eyes, That I May See’ hymn, a history of the hymn can be read by going to this link.

https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-open-my-eyes-that-i-may-see

I Want To Run With My Friends

Transporting equipment after church on Sunday, we arrived in the village of Yamah in Northern Ghana, West Africa. It was an hour drive one way over a rutted, bumpy road to get to the village. The pastor of a new church plant in the community requested a well, and as part of the ministry of the well drilling team I was with, we were preparing to drill a water well next to the new church. The weather predicted for the week was to be extremely hot with highs hovering around 107 - 110. Coming from the southern part of the United States, we occasionally see temperatures like what was predicted. However, expecting an entire week of the extreme heat was a little more than we were used to. Teams had traveled to the region before, but hadn't encountered the type of temperatures we were expected to have. 

Curious children gathered as we set up and unloaded the necessary equipment used to drill the bore holes. With large eyes, and big courage, they crept closer as time passed. Before we knew it they were sitting all around us and the equipment. Sweat pouring from every pore on our bodies, some of us sought relief inside the covered church. With only openings for the doors and windows, an occasional breeze flowed through. The small church served us well for a couple days as the well next to the church was drilled. 

Beginning on the first day, with the children creeping closer and closer, relationships were being made. It's difficult not to open and expose your heart to the depths of your soul to these beautiful children. All across parts of Africa the need is so great it's hard to know where to begin. There are children in need in the States, however this is where I was at this moment in life. Facing the children in front of me I wish I had a magic wand. I would wave it over them for a satisfied tummy, for adequate clothing, and for a hundred hugs a day. We all know magic wands do not exist, so all I had to offer was only a few snacks, an encouraging smile, a little conversation in English, a few hugs, prayers of blessing, and fresh clean water from a soon coming water well.

I think it was on the second day of drilling when the pastor of the church asked if a second well could be drilled at an orphanage nearby. It wasn't in our plans to dig a second well in this community. The plans for this trip was to dig five wells in the northern region of Ghana, but each would be at different locations. While we had the equipment at this village, it would make sense to go ahead and drill the second well. It was learned the pastor of the church was also the overseer of the orphanage. He was the one looking after the children. We found out there were about 50-60 children who slept at the orphanage, and about 200 children attending a school next to the orphanage. 

There was a definite need to drill a well at this location for the children. There was a hand dug well next to the school twenty-three feet deep. The quality of water at the hand dug well was compromised, as it is with most hand dug wells in the country. Drawing a sample of water up in a bucket it was muddy. The other source of water was an above ground black pvc holding tank. It was well water drawn from another well outside the city of Yamah and it was piped there but was very unreliable. It was clean water when they had it, but never knew when they would be without. It became evident a second well could definitely benefit this village. Once the drilling of the first well was complete, the team would move the equipment to the orphanage a quarter mile from the first location and drill the second well. The pastor was pleased. 

With the first well completed, and the crew still pouring the base, the rig was moved to the second location. It was decided to dig the well beside a mango tree, which has proved to be a reliable source for finding water. In this case the mango tree was right. At about twenty-five feet the first sign of water rose to the surface. The dirt which had been dry and dusty became moist. It was a good feeling to know this would probably be a very good well for the children. The mango tree also provided much needed relief from the heat for the workers doing the drilling. What a blessing for this mango tree to be growing at this location. 

At the second location there was no church which we could use to get under and be protected from the sun. However, there were enormous trees next to the school we could sit under. I didn't pay attention to the type of tree, but the shade it provided reminded me of large oak trees we have around home. Sitting under the tree was actually cooler than sitting in the church, because the breeze could be felt as it blew. 

It was at the second drilling location in this village, when I had my first encounter with the girls. God has a way of bringing people together for His purpose. I believe these girls were brought to me by His hands. I'd spoken to all the children as a group trying to establish some sort of communication. English is not their native tongue. I'd spoken to some of the children at the first location in the village, but had a difficult time carrying on a conversation. I figured communication at this second location would also be difficult. In Africa many villages have their own language, or dialect of a common local language. It's even difficult sometimes for villages ten miles apart to understand each other. It seems most schools are taught English, but there doesn't seem to be any standardization. So the reading abilities of one village is vastly different than the reading abilities of another village. Each school learns as much as the overseer and teachers implement. So, it's a guess sometimes as to how much English the students might understand, or might speak. 

Speaking to the children I introduced myself by telling them my name. I pointed to myself, and said my name. With an inquisitive look on their face, I asked if they knew English. Two or three children spoke up and said 'yes'. My eyes rapidly scanned the audience trying to pick out which one's had spoken up so bravely. As I narrowed in on them, I asked again 'Do you speak English?'. Shying behind a fellow classmate they spoke bravely once more, 'yes'. I gave them my name to introduce myself again, and asked their name. Still very bashful and shy, but brave, they spoke up and gave me their name. I asked a few more questions trying to communicate, but quickly ran out of things to talk about. Not only did we have a communication barrier, but we also had a cultural barrier. The things I knew, which I could ask questions about, they didn't know anything about. The conversation dried up quickly. It seemed all we could really do was sit and look at each other. Our attention went back to the drilling occurring under the mango tree.

It didn't seem long before three girls showed up beside me. With school books in their hands, I asked to look at one of their books. Tattered, and well worn, I held the workbook given and flipped thru the pages commenting a little on the writing on the pages. Whoever had written in the book had handwriting as good as mine. The girl who had given me the book was standing next to me. Taking the book, she started reading. They started reading close to the beginning of the book. She, and a friend of hers, read page to page as they progressed through the book. A big part of the reading was by sight words they'd memorized, but they were reading. In the book was the Lord's Prayer, and they read it aloud. It was marvelous! 

The two girls read mostly in unison as the pages were turned. I could feel the pride growing in them. They were communicating with me in the way they knew how. It was a little rough, no it was not a little rough, it was GREAT!! I was proud of them for being bold. I was proud of them for paying attention in school. I was proud of them for sitting, and being a friend to me. What wonderful young women to find in this little village in the remote areas of northern Ghana. 

We spent several minutes with them reading, until they read all there was to read in their workbook. We had formed a bond. Girls need girls. I needed these girls, and there they were. They were an encouragement for me on this day, at this place, at this moment in my life. We said our good byes, and most of the team left to go start preparing dinner. It had been a good day.

On the second day the water which had seeped in overnight was blown out, and the men finished drilling the well. It was late in the day after school let out before the girls showed up again. The crew was busy building the form which the concrete base was to be poured. The work on the second well was coming to a end. The only thing left to do was to come back for the remaining equipment, and attend the dedication ceremony. We spoke briefly before the girls needed to go home. We said our good-byes and they left. 

We arrived back in the village on Sunday morning for church services held at the church beside the first well site. We were also there to take part in a dedication service for each of the wells. Church was lively and filled with God's presence. It was going to be another very hot day with temperatures well over 100. Sweat began to pour as services were underway. It was after services had began that I saw my friends. One had come in and sat towards the middle of the church, and two others stood at the opening of the door. We acknowledged and waved at each other. At the end of services I told them how happy I was to see them again. Communication was still a struggle. Eye language and body language let each of us know we were both happy to be in church, and to see each other once more. We gathered around the first well, performed the formalities, prayed over it, and pumped fresh water from it for all the officials to drink. Pictures were taken to document the dedication. With pointing and attempted communication, I tried to tell my friends we were headed to the second well. I could only hope they would understand, and make the short walk to the well site for the dedication.

The extreme heat made everyone move quickly to try and get the process started. There was no standing around. It was all action. Folks quickly gathered around the well, and once again formalities were spoken, a prayer was said, and water pumped for all the officials to drink. More pictures were taken to document the occasion. I realized my friends had indeed made the short walk. We greeted each other once again with eye language, and smiles, and limited verbal communication. Things were moving quickly because of the heat, and before I knew it we were loading into the trucks preparing to leave. 

It would probably be a very long time before I saw my friends again, if ever. This was the first time a team had made it to this village to drill a well. The fact two wells were dug made it highly unlikely we'd return anytime soon. During the meeting with the chief, he requested two more wells. However, with two new wells in the village it was unlikely we would come anytime soon to dig more. There were other villages, such as this one had been, with zero wells. The mission of Water for Christ is to dig wells where mission churches are planted helping local pastors spread the gospel. A few other places have been dug to also help in the spread of the gospel. The first well dug in this village provided the well for the new mission church. The second well dug at this location was for humanitarian reasons, and it also helped the pastor of the church as he minsters to this village. Returning to this location was unlikely.

As we started to pull away, children started climbing on the utility trailer we were pulling carrying tools and equipment. Adults, and older children both, instructed the younger children to get off the trailer for their safety. They were slow to get off, but finally did. We were then able to pull away from the drilling site. We turned the corner onto the dirt road leading away from the orphanage and school. The children were running beside and behind us. It was my friends who were leading the way. They were right at my door running along side the truck waving bye to me. As we drove, we just kept waving a smiling, and they kept running. SO, what do you do when your new friends are running along side the truck you are in? That's right..... You get out and run!! To God be the Glory, for girls from a village called Yamah in Northern Ghana can run with a girl from Arkansas in the Southern United States. It's been a while since I've done much running, but I guess it can be compared to riding a bicycle. Once you know how, it comes back to you when you need it. With our skirt tails flying and our flip flops flopping, we ran!! 

I can't tell you how far we ran. It wasn't a long distance. I can't tell you what those girls must've been thinking. The thoughts were certainly in their native language. I can't tell you how many prickly dried grass stems scraped against my legs. It was a lot. I can't tell you how much joy I had running with my friends. It was hard to contain. I can't tell you when I will see my friends again. I hope it's in this lifetime. If however our paths do not ever cross again in this life, I hope and pray they will have faith, and believe, when they hear the gospel. I hope and pray I will run again with them someday in heaven. 

I want to run with my friends from Yamah!

Blowing out the well before beginning drilling on the second day. Notice the children having school ing the background under the tree.

Blowing out the well before beginning drilling on the second day.

Drilling on the second day. Striking a pose for the camera.

 Drilling on the second day.

The 3 Ghanaians instrumental in getting wells dug. Ben (white shirt), Justice (green shirt), and Kwaku (orange shirt).

 Waving at a drone the camera man used to take pictures.

Handing out mangos after the dedication of the well.

Fulfilling formalities with a visit to the chief of the village.

Fulfilling formalities with a visit to the chief of the village. Some of the team were drilling, and could not make it.

Koinonia

Koinonia

Christian fellowship or communion, with God or, more commonly, with fellow Christians.

Reading a book by Rick Joyner I came across a word I’d never heard. There are certainly many words I’ve never heard, and this is only one in probably millions. This word as it was written in the book jumped off the page and grabbed my attention. Perhaps it was the content of the chapter which the word was written. The word is Koinonia. It has been frequently popping into my head. Really it’s the meaning of the word that has been popping into my head. The word, Koinonia, is not found in our english vocabulary. It is a Greek word. Reading the book created in me a desire to know more about this word. So to Wikipedia I went. This is probably taking the easy way out to learn about such a word, but it was available. I invite comments to this blog if my interpretation taken from Wikipedia is too shallow. I feel it is a word worthy of higher intelligence than I have to offer. However, I’d like to share what is on my mind regarding this word. 

I’ve heard Old Testament Hebrew writing in the Bible is more romantic than the New Testament Greek. I must say, I agree. I have found a valuable tool in apps available on smartphones, tablets, and computers. It’s apps that have the Bible in audio form. I have two of these apps on my phone. Both apps contain various translations. What a way to enjoy God’s Word. Empowering, relaxing, convicting, peaceful, wisdom, directing, knowledge, strength, and of course ‘romantic’ are some words that come to mind when I think of my times listening to the Old Testament. 

My college degree was not as an english major. English subjects were only taken to meet the state minimum requirements of the state institution I attended. There are no classes about the Hebrew or Greek languages in my past. As a child the only Greek word I remember ever coming in contact with was on a t-shirt our youth group wore. It seemed a little strange as a youth to have a Greek word plastered across your chest. The word was ‘Theophilus’. As I’ve gotten older that word creates a warm fuzzy feeling in my heart every time I think of it. I’ve come to a greater appreciation for the language used. The word means ‘a friend of God, loved by God, or loving God’. My recollection, as to why the word was used, was because we wanted to be identified as ‘a friend of God’. Our youth group wore those shirts, and what a testimony it was. We were letting the world know about our friendship with God. 

Jesus calls us His friend, if we do as He commands.     John 15:12-15 (NIV) My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.         The command to ‘Love each other’ is known as the second greatest commandment. The first and greatest commandment is found in       Matthew 22:36-40 (NIV) “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all you heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Back to our word, ‘Koinonia’. There’s quiet a bit written about this word in Wikipedia, and other resources. I encourage you to research this word for yourself. Here are a few of the things I found in Wikipedia about ‘Koinonia’:

• In the New Testament, the basis of communion begins with a joining of Jesus with the community of the faithful. This union is also experienced in practical daily life. The same bonds that link the individual to Jesus also link him or her with other faithful. The New Testament letters describe those bonds as so vital and genuine that a deep level of intimacy can be experienced among the members of a local church.
• The first usage of Koinonia in the Greek New Testament is found in Acts 2:42-47, where a striking description of the common life shared by the early Christian believers in Jerusalem is given:   ‘They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the communion, to the breaking of bread and to prayer…All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need…They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.
• The word has such a multitude of meanings that no single English word is adequate to express its depth and richness. It is a derivative of "koinos", the word for "common". Koinonia is a complex, rich, and thoroughly fascinating Greek approach to building community or teamwork. Koinonia embraced a strong commitment to “kalos k’agathos” meaning “good and good”, an inner goodness toward virtue, and an outer goodness toward social relationships. In the context of outer goodness, translated in English, the meaning of koinonia holds the idea of joint participation in something with someone, such as in a community, or team or an alliance or joint venture. Those who have studied the word find there is always an implication of action included in its meaning…
• Koinonia creates a brethren bond which builds trust and, especially when combined with the values of wisdom, virtue and honor, overcomes two of humanity’s deepest fears and insecurities: being betrayed and being demeaned.

(Parts of the text are in bold for emphasis)

Koinonia
Christian fellowship or communion, with God or, more commonly, with fellow Christians.

So this word found in the New Testament, seems to have depth of meaning we could all benefit from, even those of us who had just enough english classes to meet state minimum requirements. What do we find in this word? A word that means ‘communion’ in the NIV translation, but has a much deeper and richer meaning? 

- ‘a bond so vital and genuine that a deep level of intimacy can be experienced’.

- ‘a complex, rich, and thoroughly fascinating Greek approach to building community or teamwork. It has a strong commitment to an inner goodness toward virtue, and an outer goodness toward social relationship’.

- ‘a brethren bond which builds trust and, especially when combined with the values of wisdom, virtue and honor, overcomes two of humanity’s deepest fears and insecurities: being betrayed and being demeaned’.

Bring on some Koinonia!! This ole world needs some Koinonia!! Do you feel generic and disconnected? Do you feel bland and no place to fit in? Do you feel a lack of honesty and respect? Do you feel alone? Do you feel a lack of commitment? Do you feel a lack of trust, from being betrayed and demeaned? We all could use a big dose of Koinonia. I need some fellowship. I need some communion. I need my fellow Christians. 

‘They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the communion, to the breaking of bread and to prayer…All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need…They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. (Acts 2:42-47 NIV)