Bible Devotion Fairy

In Praise of Mothers

2010-05-10T15:08:00.003-05:00

Greetings Fairy Followers,

Just yesterday we celebrated Mother's Day. That Hallmark holiday where we take time to specifically celebrate all that mom has done. Taking time to look back at moms got me thinking about moms in scripture. They weren't all perfect...and that's putting it mildly.

Eve, well, she committed the first sin and then had to watch one son of hers kill the other.

Rebecca, helped her son Jacob learn how to lie, because she loved him better than her other son, Esau.

Jochebed, put her son in a basket and set him afloat.

These moms are just a few of the all-too human examples in scripture. Even Mary, the vaunted mother of our Lord, was only human. I'm sure she had her moments of frustration with her children for it was her first son who was born with the ability to be perfect, not her.

What's the moral of the story you ask? It is simply this. There are days when we are convinced that our mothers live only to pour into our lives things we can later pour out to our therapists. So, the next time you have reached the breaking point with your mom, just remember that she is doing the best she knows how.

Blessings, The B.D.F.

Nacho Libre and Other Famous Wrestlers

2010-03-29T09:57:00.003-05:00

Greetings Fairy Followers,

I'm constantly amazed at the restoring desires of our God. Sometimes we think we're beyond restoring, that we've done too many crummy things. I learned a new restoration story this week and I'm going to share it with you. Hold onto your stretchy pants.

The history of the nation of Israel is filled with those in need of restoration. Liars, cheats and philanderers abound. In Genesis 27 Rebecca convinces her son, Jacob, to trick dad - who is blind with age - into giving him the blessing that belonged to his slightly older twin brother Esau.

Here's how the interaction played out:
Jacob carried the platter of food to his father and said, "My father?"

"Yes, my son," he answered. "Who is it -- Esau or Jacob?"

Jacob replied, "It's Esau, your older son. I've done as you told me. Here is the wild game, cooked the way you like it. Sit up and eat it so you can give me your blessing."

Isaac falls for it, blesses the wrong kid and Jacob then had to flee before the burly anger of his brother.

Now here comes the good part...Jacob gets tricked, does some tricking himself, and then the day comes when he must face his brother again. He sends gifts ahead to try and soften up Esau. Then the night before the coming encounter Jacob wrestles with an angel.

You heard me.

Genesis 32:22ff:
When the man (the angel) saw that he couldn't win the match, he struck Jacob's hip and knocked it out of joint at the socket. Then the man said, "Let me go, for it is dawn."

But Jacob panted, "I will not let you go unless you bless me."

"What is your name?" the man asked.

He replied, "Jacob." Israel means "God struggles" or "one who struggles with God."">

"Your name will no longer be Jacob," the man told him. "It is now Israel, because you have struggled with both God and men and have won."

So, two points of restoration here:
#1. "I will not let you go until you bless me." Now, Jacob is already blessed because he tricked dad into giving it to him. But how blessed do you feel when you trick someone into doing it? Jacob wanted a blessing that he had earned.

#2. Did you notice that the angel asked Jacob his name, just as dad had asked him his name. This time Jacob tells the truth...and out of it he gets a new name and a new destiny.

You are never beyond God's scope of restoration and 'tis the season as we approach Easter, the ultimate restoration of the human race.

Blessings, the B.D.F.

Lines, Triangles and Circles

2010-03-21T19:03:00.004-05:00

Greetings Fairy Followers,

I had an interesting day in church today. We were talking about the passage in I Timothy 6 where Paul tells Timothy to flee from certain things and run toward "righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness."

The question I had was, is it an either or? If you are running away from evil, are you necessarily running toward righteousness? Is there another option? Instead of moving back and forth along a continuum, can you run away from both? Form the point of the triangle so to speak...equidistant from evil and righteousness.

Love to hear your thoughts.

Also looking forward to hearing from those of you who went to Dare 2 Share. What did you learn? Surprises? Expectations?

For those of you who missed it, here is your first look:

Can't wait to get the updates. Enjoy spring, Fairy Followers. It is nigh upon us!

Blessings, The B.D.F.

Separation of Church and State

2010-03-14T12:58:00.004-05:00

Greetings Fairy Followers,

How often have we heard these words? The all important "separation" of church and state. That anything hinting of a relationship with God should be kept far from any person or place involved in the governing process.

Insert shudder here.

I was reading this week in Zechariah. One of those prophetic books filled with visions of flying scrolls and women with wings. Verse 6:13 says, "And he will be a priest on his throne. And there will be harmony between the two."

Did you catch it? A throne - which, back in the day, was the seat of government. The king. The man with the plan. And the one sitting on the throne was a priest. Apparently the Israelites had a hard time with the whole kingly priest thing as much as we do today because they believed, at one point in time, that there must be two Messiahs coming - one from the kingly line of David and one from the Levitical line of the priests.

Zechariah makes it clear here that this person was one in the same. King and priest. And, more importantly, that there would be "harmony between the two."

Picture the day when a man who loves God and his country could rule without all this tension about weather it's okay to pray before a meal in school or wear a tee shirt with a Christian message, or give thanks for a good grade.

Your principals and teachers might be struggling to keep God as far away from your school as they can, but you know the truth. That one day the priest and the king will be one and the same.

Blessings, The B.D.F.

Are you "Them?"

2010-03-08T10:17:00.002-06:00

Greetings Fairy Followers,

Last week the BDF was doing some research on "church words." You know, those words that people who've been around the church for awhile throw around like "covenant," "consecrate," or "communion."

I came across a particular church, poking a little fun at itself, that included this definition:

Some People – as in “some people have been saying…” or "some people think..." ~ This is a phrase that is sometimes used to share one's opinion while simultaneously trying to avoid claiming the opinion and give it more weight by implying that you've taken a survey and lots of people agree. We try not to use this phrase at First Christian Church, preferring instead to take responsibility for our own opinions and not to speak for one another.

Have you ever used that phrase? Perhaps it sounds more like "You know, they say that..." (fill in the blank with your favorite controversial opinion.) Yesterday in church, my pastor talked about the most powerful group of people in the church..."them."

Jesus, of course, said it best when, referring to our propensity to promise, vow or, even, push our opinions off on "them" he said, "Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No';"
We are to be owners of our words. To take responsibility and, when necessary, make amends for speaking what is in our own heads and what comes off of our own tongues. Which is why James gives us a full dissertation of things that should and should not come off of our tongues.

So, today, fairy followers, banish "them" from your life and your speech. Own your words and if you're apprehensive to take possession of your words, keep them reigned until you are.

Blessings, The B.D.F.

Old School Jesus in Lamentations

2010-01-28T12:22:00.002-06:00

Greetings Fairy Followers,

How apt are you to follow warnings?

Warning: Texting late into the night could negatively affect your grades.
Warning: Eating the last piece of chocolate cake could result in your pants fitting tighter.
Warning: Turning left here could result in a flat tire.

While those are all applicable, they aren't very scary. They aren't immediate. They aren't "important."

I can't help thinking that the Israelites were from the same school of thought when the prophets came along and said, "Watch yourself. If you fall away, God will punish you."

Just like the ethereal fear that one random bad grade could lead to a history of poor grades, then poor college performance, then a job history that leaves you working at McDonald's for life instead of managing a financial institution, Israel chose to leave tomorrow's problems for tomorrow instead of heading them off.

God did not have pity on them and their city was crushed, their walls were broken down and the people were either killed or displaced. This book was written as a lament of how far the nation had turned from God and of the great lengths God used to bring judgment and mercy upon his people.

The key section of scripture in in chapter 3:21-26.
21 Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:
22 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
24 I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him."
25 The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;
26 it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD.

As we read Lamentations, we are reminded that God is all powerful and will use any means necessary to remind us of who He is. And in the midst of all the destruction and death, the writer of Lamentations holds out hope for those that will seek God.

Is the Lord your portion? Are you trusting solely in Christ or in other things?

Praise God that his mercies are new every morning.

Blessings, The B.D.F.

Old School Jesus in Isaiah

2010-01-15T10:06:00.004-06:00

Greetings Fairy Followers,

I'm sure all of you have been following the tragedy unfolding in Haiti as survivors struggle to make their way to the top of the rubble and struggle to grab a breath while crushed under buildings that fell in the wake of the 7.0 earthquake that shook the region.

Several conservative commentators have gotten flack for their words about the tragedy

I can't pretend to know the mind of God in this matter. Was the earthquake the result of a long ago deal made with a representative of Satan as an old Haitian legend says? Was it a result of the thousands of years our earth has been under the bane of sin? Or was it, in some inconceivable way, the will and purpose of God?

My brain can comprehend more easily that it was somehow a result that had an inciting event. When I read the Old Testament it is much easier to understand "These people sinned so God sent this plague upon them" than it is to understand a situation like poor Job who was righteous but God chose to test in some horrifying ways.

Jesus pops up in the book of Isaiah in some unusual ways but the entirety of chapter 53 gives a summary of Christ...long before he came to earth. Verse 10 says, "Yet it was the LORD's will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand."

A much more righteous man than Job was caused to suffer and make his life a guilt offering because it was "the LORD's will." Ouch.

We aren't always able to see the greater plan and greater purpose and sometimes we can be properly outraged and frustrated and discouraged because we can't see. But God is far and above anything we can understand and deserving of our praise for bringing suffering to Christ so that we didn't have to face it ourselves.

No matter the purpose of the tragedy in Haiti, we can all send prayers on behalf of the families of those who lost their lives and are struggling to survive.

Blessings, The B.D.F.

Guardian Agents

2010-01-09T09:06:00.006-06:00

Greetings Fairy Followers,

While Greg and Summer's wedding was a great time to celebrate love and marriage, it was also a time to have a little fun. Glad to see a black suit still brings out the silly in some of us.

However, I couldn't help thinking that these Guardian Agent pictures give us a much needed reminder that God is watching over us. We can't see the heavenly agents that keep watch while we sleep or go ahead of us into danger, or have our backs. But they are ever present.

"He will send his angel before you"

God always sends the advance team. He sets the protocol in place, clears out any potential dangers and gets the venue ready to receive us. Wherever we are headed, he has already been.

"The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them."

While we are in the midst of a situation he does not leave us to fight and suffer alone. Instead, he encamps around us keeping a watchful eye open for any who might wish us harm.

"May their path be dark and slippery, with the angel of the LORD pursuing them."

If a danger presents itself, our heavenly charges are quick to act. While we may not physically be thrown to the ground and held while they pursue the gunmen, they do not allow evil to go unanswered.

So, dear ones, strike out in confidence this new year and be confident that spiritual armies have "got your back."

Blessings, The B.D.F.

Old School Jesus in Song of Solomon

2010-01-07T11:47:00.003-06:00

Greetings Fairy Followers,

I usually like to put my own spin on the topic of the week, but this week I've chosen to take the words right out of the mouth of the man in charge. Here are Pastor Alan's notes on last night's topic of Old School Jesus in Song of Solomon.

Song of Songs 7:9,10,13 9 and your mouth like the best wine. May the wine go straight to my lover, flowing gently over lips and teeth. [a] 10 I belong to my lover, and his desire is for me. 13 The mandrakes send out their fragrance, and at our door is every delicacy, both new and old, that I have stored up for you, my lover.

Our desire is to be exclusively for the one we commit to. This means that before we get married, that we STORE UP our physical excitement, energy and passion for our spouse. Sadly, in our culture today we have let the ketchup out of the bottle. We have shared our sexuality so often that it has lost much of what God has intended for it to be. Even if our culture is lost, we have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty and specialness of what God desires for us in our sexuality.

When you look at water in a cup, some see it as restricted and bound up so we spill it out and liberate it. Once the water is out though, we cannot get it back. Think of our sexuality, our purity that way. We cannot get back what we have given away. Some things were meant to be saved up, stored up for the right time so that when it is unleashed in the right way, it will be the ultimate experience.

Jesus is the greatest example of commitment as he is completely committed to us. We are to show that kind of commitment in our sexuality when we commit to one person in marriage.

Amen and Amen. This issue is so prevelant in society today. It's best to just turn off the media and run to the word, dear ones.

Blessings to all of you this week, this new year and safe travels to those of you flitting off to Green Bay for the weekend. Those remaining behind will pine in your absence.

The B.D.F.

First...A Word From Our Sponsors

2010-01-04T10:59:00.003-06:00

Greetings, Fairy Followers

How appropriate that the week before we look for Old School Jesus in Song of Solomon, we get the opportunity to celebrate a wedding.

The first day of 2010 marked the first day of Mr. Gregory Heil's wedding to Summer. The couple wed at a camp down in Georgia and though a small affair, it was a blessed one.

Every human love story is designed to be a shadow of the ultimate love story of our savior, Jesus Christ, for his church. Someday we will stand in heaven and experience the love he has for us in ways we can't fathom here on Earth.

Best wishes, Goo and Summer, may you have a long and blessed marriage.

Blessings, The B.D.F.

Spiritual Resolutions

2009-12-28T14:54:00.003-06:00

Greetings Fairy Followers,

We are approaching the beginning of a new year. The time when we wipe the slate clean and start planning our successes for the next year. Many of us make resolutions that include losing weight, being a better friend, pursuing a dream.

I admit that I have something on my list from each of those categories. I also have one on my list in the spiritual category. There are always things we can learn about God and His word. Where is your area of weakness that you want to grow? Do you need to harness your anger? Forgive someone who's harmed you? Memorize a greater portion of scripture?

Once you've picked your goal, here are some tips to reach it:
Put it everywhere: Write your goal on a stack of sticky notes and post them places you will see it regularly. In your calendar, locker, bathroom mirror, nightstand.

Break it into measurable steps: If your goal is to memorize scripture then make a list of the verses you want to learn and set goals for each month.

Keep a record: If your goal is to harness your anger, then write down the instances you've been angry and how you responded. Make a plan for how to respond better the next time and some scripture to help you respond rightly.

Find some resources: Have the library find some books on the topic you are studying. Check out crosswalk.com for verses that relate to your issue and articles about it. Remember that people are resources too and you can talk to your parents, friends and leaders about keeping you accountable to improve.

Here's to a great 2010. Praying for all of you who are headed to Districts.

Blessings, The B.D.F.

Old School Jesus in Job

2009-12-17T22:23:00.003-06:00

Greetings Fairy Followers,

It is Christmas time and the hollow logs in the neighborhood are bedecked with blinking fireflies. What a wonderful time of year to be talking about Jesus in all of his incarnations.

Last week we talked about Jesus in Job. Job is a fascinating book of the Bible having the designation of being the very first scripture written down. And when that writer inscribed his inspiration he wrote:

"Oh, that my words were recorded, that they were written on a scroll, that they were inscribed with an iron tool on lead, or engraved in rock forever! I know that my Redeemer lives and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God..."

I know that my Redeemer lives. I know he will stand upon the earth in the end. Wow. Before the tabernacle was toted through the dessert, before the temple was built in Jerusalem, before Sunday morning coffee hour became the standard, Job Knew.

I pray that this season finds you secure in the knowledge of your salvation and your savior. Know that you know, dear followers.

Blessings, The B.D.F.

2009-12-10T13:29:00.008-06:00

Greetings Fairy Followers,

Since the great snow of December 8-10 kept us locked up inside the hollow log sipping cocoa from acorn caps, I don't have a new episode of Old School Jesus to bring you.

Instead, our entire pastoral staff had occasion to venture to Green Bay for the Monday night game against the Ravens. Nessie, of course, made the trip and brought back some pictures.

She brought along Pastor Alan and his mom who made sure that Nessie was well outfitted, even if P.A. forgot that the Packer's colors are Green and Gold - Not red and white. Even the Raven fans were accepting of Nessie...before their team got trounced, anyway.

This last picture is of a plaque that hangs at historic Lambeau Field. It is an excerpt from J.F.K's inaugural speech. The final line reads:

Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us here the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own.

Do you feel that way about the work of God? Do you feel you are his hands and feet and mouth here on earth? Consider today what job He might have in store for you.

Just a little reminder from J.F.K and Audio A.

Blessings, The B.D.F.

Old School Jesus in Esther

2009-12-04T09:30:00.005-06:00

Greetings Fairy Followers,

This week we were treated to guest speaker Emily Dunham bringing us Old School Jesus in Esther. She had her work cut out for her in bringing to us a book that doesn't even mention God's name!

Here's a little video to tell you about the book of Esther in case you aren't familiar.

Jesus was foreshadowed in Esther's preparation to go out and plead for her people with her husband.

1. She had to sacrifice her own wants and desires, just as Jesus had to sacrifice himself for us.
2. She fasted for three days, just as Jesus was in the grave for three days. (Incidentally, if you want to do a study of all 'three day' references in the Bible click here. Very interesting stuff)
3. On the third day she rose and went to see her husband. On the third day Jesus rose from the dead.

Jesus had a great adventure in mind for you if you will choose to engage.

Blessings, The B.D.F.

Unholy Alliances

2009-12-02T11:20:00.010-06:00

Greetings Fairy Followers,

The B.D.F. of late has become a fan of the TV show "Glee!" I, of course, watch it for the music not for its portrayal of Fox's version of the average American high school.

In said average high school exists one young cheerleader who has gotten pregnant. She tells one boy that he's the father when he really isn't...why? Because he's the good guy, the guy she likes, the guy with a greater chance of supporting her than the baby's father. She's using this child as a chance to attach herself, form an alliance if you will, with the boy. Creating a way for him to have to be with her even if he doesn't love her.

Sounds like average soap opera stuff, right? That's what I thought until someone brought me back to Genesis this week. Chapter 29 describes poor Jacob who winds up married to the sister he doesn't love and working for many more years to earn the sister he does love. Sister #1, knowing she is unloved, begins having children and naming them for her state of mind. By the time she has son #3 she names him Levi (which means 'to attach')and says, "Now at last my husband will become attached to me, because I have borne him three sons."

Frequently, we find the person we want to "be attached" to - in romantic relationships, business endeavors, friendships - and then we go ask God to bless the attachment, the alliance, if you will. There are many ways to force someone to be attached to you, but none of them will achieve success without us first being attached to God. Instead of forming an attachment and then asking God to plug on at the end, you need to be attached to God and let him be the bridge that brings you together.

Praying you holy alliances.

Blessings, The B.D.F.

Which star are you?

2009-10-26T14:09:00.003-05:00

Greetings Fairy Followers,

The B.D.F. has vivid memories of her trips to camp. One night our speaker sent us out into the night and told us to lay on our backs and find the brightest star in the sky. Once we had located the North Star we each took turns describing which star in the sky we were in relation to that one and why. Were we close and working to become closer? Were we dim and struggling to make light? Were we working so hard to be bright that we were close to burnout?

We came back together as a group and our speaker explained his choice. He said that he had pegged himself as the moon because the sun was the brightest star in our sky and the moon made no light of it's own but only reflected the light of the sun.

This past week we talked about Old School Jesus in Judges. The Israelites were proficient at losing focus. They were as easily distracted as a first grader sitting by the window and they fell into a pattern:

Israel serves the Lord,

Israel falls into sin and idolatry,

Israel is enslaved,

Israel cries out to the Lord,

God raises up a Judge,

Israel is delivered

I like the way it starts and ends...but could we maybe skip a couple of those steps in the middle? Could we serve the Lord without falling away? Not without His constant help and guidance. Not without learning how to reflect the Son instead of striving to shine in our own glory.

Blessings, The B.D.F.

One Marshmallow or Two?

2009-10-13T13:53:00.003-05:00

Greeting Fairy Followers,

We kicked off of our discussion of Old School Jesus in Deuteronomy with this video of the Marshmallow test. The ultimate in delayed gratification.

What would you have done? Could you have waited to eat the first to earn the second?

How about now? Are you willing to deny yourself things that seem good now to earn God's best?

This world is only the first marshmallow - with a whole truck load to come.

Blessings, The B.D.F.

Jesus in Numbers

2009-10-03T13:52:00.003-05:00

Greeting Fairy Followers,

Your sin will find you out and there will be consequences.

That was one of the main themes when we looked at Jesus in Numbers. Now, I'm not calling Shuffle Your Buns "sinful" but there certainly were consequences for using the chairs in the grotto in a manner more rough than they were intended to be used. Maybe one of my followers could let P.A. know that this game should only be played with chairs with no arms!

The Israelites had to learn this lesson over and over again. In Numbers chapter 21, they disobeyed God. Then God, very justly, sent them a gang of snakes as punishment.

Many times when we sin and then are consequenced, we get mad at God. When we experience an unplanned pregnancy because we chose to engage in sex outside of marriage we ask, "Why me?" When we wind up in the hospital after a car accident because we were driving too fast, we beg for healing. Even lamenting our lack of money when we choose not to work for it, or spend it unwisely.

These consequences are the result of our sin and God lets us experience them to remind us that His ways are the best.

The true blessing, however, is that while He may let us experience the full brunt of our sin, He is always ready to forgive. When the people realized their error and asked for forgiveness, God provided a way by having them lift their eyes to a bronze snake (the universal symbol for the medical profession, by the way).

And today 1 John 1:9 tells us that, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

God wants us to be in a relationship with him. When we sin against God in any number of ways, we break that fellowship with Him. God will go to great lengths to get us back to him. Our sin was crucified on the cross. John 3:15 And this was not in shame but done in GLORY.

Are you in the midst of a consequence right now? Are you complaining about it? Take some time this week to rejoice that God isn't content to let you stay in your sin and praise Him for it.

Blessings, The B.D.F.

Jesus in Genesis

2009-09-27T11:44:00.003-05:00

Greetings Fairy Followers,

Welcome to a new school year with the Bible Devotion Fairy. This year our youth group is finding Jesus in the Old Testament. Each week we'll be talking about a different book of the Bible and one verse where Jesus is foretold.

In Genesis the first reference to Jesus is after the fall. Before we screwed up, there was no need for a Savior. We were in perfect harmony with God and creation. Once the woman yielded to the temptation of the serpent, God curses the serpent thus:

Genesis 3:15 "And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel."

The "offspring" to whom God is referring in this verse is His own son, Jesus. When Christ comes, Satan is allowed to "strike his heel." In other words, he is allowed to work in such a way that it appears failure is coming. The community is allowed to crucify Christ.

But once that strike is taken, Christ returns, rises from the dead, and crushes the head of the serpent. Christ takes away Satan's power over death, He creates a new path to God. He removes the fear of a relationship with God and becomes our closest friend.

Even from the very beginning God had a plan and he's still working it out in your life today. Be faithful, followers, and see what He has in mind for you.

Blessings,
The B.D.F.

Okay, tell me...No wait. Don't

2009-09-01T09:27:00.004-05:00

Greetings Fairy Followers,

Can't believe the start of the school year is here already! Seems we barely had a summer with only a few 90 degree days and cool breezes, but here we are turning the calendar page.

I've been thinking lately about how much I love a good mystery. You have a crime at the opening and then spend the rest of the 300 pages trying to figure out who done it. Twists and turns, you think you have it figured out and then you're taken down a totally new path. That's when I put the book down and say, "What are you doing? It was him. It was totally him. Grr." Then I dive back in and read to the end.

What this school year is going to bring is, as yet, a mystery to you and me. And how cool that our omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent (all-knowing, everywhere all the time, all powerful) God, who has never and will never know a surprise, endowed his creation with the ability to be surprised. To experience his revelations one step at a time.

So today, instead of growling at God for not showing you the full blueprint of your life, praise him for the ability to be surprised and get in His Word for answers to those questions that are following you today.

Have a blessed school year,

The B.D.F.

Frank's Baptism

2009-08-28T11:36:00.004-05:00

Greetings Fairy Followers,

The BDF has been flitting to and fro from her hollow log of late and is behind on her posts. On the heels of my apology, I'm bringing you pictures and notes from what was one of the highlights of my summer.

Floating on a piece of driftwood on Lake Arbutus, the fairy watched as Frank chose to express his faith in Jesus through the right of Baptism before embarking on the adventure of college.

Baptism is probably one of the most debated sacraments in the history of the church. Should you baptize infants or adults? Does baptism guarantee salvation?

While I could give you my personal opinion, instead, I shall point you to the word of God itself. My favorite baptism story is in Acts 8:26-40. Philip was directed by an angel to go and talk with a man who was reading the book of Isaiah while he traveled. He didn't understand what he was reading and Philip began in Isaiah and explained the gospel of Jesus to the man.

When he believed the man asked, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?" And he was. Believe and be baptized. There is never a basin of holy water dedicated to baptism in the Bible. They use whatever is handy - a lake or a river. There is never a priest around. Whoever was preaching the message is the one who baptizes. There is never a ceremony - you just did it.

Baptism was designed to be a public declaration of a private decision. A chance to tell the world that you believe in Jesus. Have you believed? Once you believed have you been baptized? Why or why not?

Log on and share your thoughts.

Blessings, The B.D.F.

Godspeed

2009-07-23T08:23:00.004-05:00

I've been faced with that timing issue again. Must be God dealing with me in that area. I was reminded of Isaiah 40:31 "They who wait on the Lord will renew their strength."

Okay. Read it a million times before. Never noticed that the reverse is true. If you're waiting on a thing, a person, an event, waiting can be the most exhausting thing there is. If we're waiting on a friend to get her act together or for it to be time to go back to school or for those tomato plants to grow, it can feel like forever...a watched pot never boils and all that.

But, if we use that time to grow with God, to wait on the Lord's timing and live our life waiting with eager expectation for what he will bring next, we will be renewed, uplifted, ready to face what ever the next day, hour, chapter or year may bring.

So, dear fairy followers, I am praying that you will be living life at God's speed today.

Blessings, The B.D.F.

I'm lost!

2009-07-06T00:58:00.003-05:00

I was at the beach over this lovely fourth of July weekend and sitting on my blanket when a little girl, maybe two or three years old, wandered up the beach in tears. She was shrieking the words that we've all heard these little children say..."I can't find my mommy."

Once the urgency of her situation became clear, I took her under my wing and we flitted up and down the beach in search of her mommy. She refused to answer any of my questions...What's your name? What is your mommy wearing? Who did you come with? A need to maintain that 'Don't talk to strangers' rule, I'm sure.

After a trip all the way around the waterfront, we finally encountered mom - fretting and worried.

Have we not all been lost at one time or another, dear Fairy Followers? Lost on our way to a major decision or lost after a poor decision has been made and followed through upon? Lost in a belief or seeking how to follow the teachings we believe?

Haven't you stood on the edge of your own waterfront and feared that your Heavenly Father had lost you? That he'd left you to your own devices and left you wandering the sand by yourself?

The feeling is understandable. But the truth is that he will never leave you nor forsake you. Matthew 18: 12-14 says, "Look at it this way. If someone has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders off, doesn't he leave the ninety-nine and go after the one? And if he finds it, doesn't he make far more over it than over the ninety-nine who stay put? Your Father in heaven feels the same way. He doesn't want to lose even one of these simple believers."

Not only does he not forget you, he is out looking for the one that is lost and throws a party when he finds you. So, if you find yourself lost: send up a flare, shout out your need and He'll come and get you. Hallelujah!

Blessings, The B.D.F.

All yards must be this high...

2009-06-29T10:37:00.006-05:00

Greetings, Fairy Followers,

I've noticed an interesting phenomenon in my neighborhood. If I get out my mower and get started cutting the lawn within fifteen minutes three more of my neighbors are out cutting theirs. A friend of mine told me that she actually had a neighbor come over and tell her to be sure to let them know when they mowed so that their lawns could match. Really?

On the one hand, it's nice to have a bit of conformity to the neighborhood. I've never been much of a conformist so I guess I'm okay with everyone following me.

Have you ever given into the conformist mentality? Wearing a style similar to someone else's? Growing your bangs out to match the current trend?

Despite all of our determination to be different, unique, unusual, we usually wind up being "different just like everybody else." And there isn't anything wrong with that, most of the time. Having the right amount of flare (or lack thereof) in your jeans, sporting henley's all winter, or the right color flip-flops.

The problem comes when we feel pressured to do things that are dangerous to our spiritual or physical lives. We let ourselves be subjected to things that are not just a way to fit in, but that defile the Holy ground of our heart. Check out this video set to a song by Ceili Rain called "Junkyard."

My heart is not a Junkyard.
My mind is not a dump for all the gunk around...no, it's holy ground.

Keep your temple clean.

Blessings, The B.D.F.

Timing is Everything

2009-06-21T20:57:00.004-05:00

Greetings Fairy Followers,

My son stole my husband's chair at lunch today. So hubby stood, with his strawberries and ice cream, and hovered around the table while we ate. My step mom jumped up and told him that there was another chair in the closet.

With impeccable comedic timing my husband answered, "I'd rather stand out here than sit in the closet."

The cardinal rule of comedy...Timing. Do something too late, you miss the joke, too early and your set up isn't in place.

I've been participating this summer in the Beth Moore "Esther" study. Today I was listening to the teaching about when Esther invited King Xerxes and Haman to the first banquet and then, instead of asking Xerxes to save her people, she invites him to another banquet the next night.

It seems, at first glance, that she chickened out. Couldn't go through with it. Decided to give herself 24 more hours to gather some courage. But, as we read on, some pretty important things happen during those 24 hours. And is it possible that God shut her mouth and instructed her to wait?

When was the last time you were faced with a timing issue? I feel God wants me to talk to this friend about her behavior last weekend. I need to leave this job or change schools, but when?

Whatever your "IT" happens to be, the when can be almost as disconcerting as the what. Should I speak up now or wait until the weekend? Should I leave school now or wait until the semester break? Should I sell my car and start taking the bus?

Whatever your next when, fairy followers, be assured that the cosmic clock ticks on in a time-zone unknown to us. But remember that, despite our desire to be in control, that sometimes God is working to align my destiny with that of others who, like Xerxes and Haman, have to be ready to hear what we have to say.

Praying that all of you will do the right thing at the right time.

Blessings, The B.D.F.

What's my motivation?

2009-06-16T22:28:00.004-05:00

Greetings Fairy Followers,

I've used that line: "What's my motivation" with various directors as I've done plays over the years. It's when I need the director to tell me why my character is doing what she's doing. The script tells me to walk across the stage and pinch my sister. I want to know why I want to pinch my sister...because she stole my doll? Because she stole my boyfriend? Because she's falling asleep in church?

The reason I want to know is because how I pinch her and what I do before and after I pinch her will be affected by why I needed to pinch her in the first place.

Now translate this to real life. A friend walks by, bumps into you and keeps on going. How would you feel? I'd be slightly put out to say the least. Would it change if you knew that your friend had just found out that her sister was in the hospital or if your friend had just been told that you got the spot on the squad that she wanted?

We are prone to not only put words in the mouths of others, but to put thoughts in their head as well. It is easy for us to judge someone by what they might be thinking. Unless you've developed a sixth sense, you don't know what is happening in the heart and mind of the one sitting across from you.

So the next time you get cut off in traffic or a friend is snippy, put the best thoughts in their mind, instead of the worst. Pray for them.

Blessings, The B.D.F.

You are my density...I mean, my destiny

2009-06-07T21:58:00.002-05:00

Greetings Fairy Followers,

We are a week past graduation now and will be officially starting summer vacation. Which, in my family, means starting summer school a half hour later than we started regular school.

The end of the school year always brings thoughts of the "what's next." For graduates it's a big question of what are you going to do as a grown up. For the rest of us it's the answer to what we will be doing for the summer and then the next school year. I just completed my summer "to do" list. It has no fewer than forty individual items on it. Not counting the regular weekly things like mow the lawn, weed the garden and cook dinner.

You may feel you have the next 12 weeks peacefully planned and ready to go. Or you may be more of a fly by the seat of your pants vacationer. Either way, be prepared.

I've been studying Esther and one point the teacher made about chapter four was that often the pivots of our destiny are negotiated during the worst times. On the day when you've gotten up late, missed your ride and your cup of coffee is the day you meet someone on the street who needs your shoulder. They day you lose your job is the day you feel prompted to give to a missionary friend. Have you seen this before in your life? I know I have and it makes me a little fearful to peek around the corner...but who better to entrust with your destiny, than the creator of the universe?

So, like George McFly, chug the shake, walk across the room and meet your density...I mean, your destiny, head on. Your hands may shake, your voice might quiver, but the outcome will be worth it.

Fly on Fairy Followers,

Blessings, The B.D.F.

Get Your Goo

2009-05-25T23:11:00.006-05:00

Greetings Fairy Followers,

I got to hook up with an old friend from high school this past weekend. We went to the sporting good store at nine at night so she could get goo. Do you runners know about goo? It's like a power bar pureed and served in a packet. She bought it because she was going to be running a half marathon the next morning. Runners bring along the goo and down it when they need a boost.

The point of the goo is to maintain the same amount of energy at the beginning of the race as you have at the end of the race. To run with the same amount of enthusiasm at mile one as at mile twelve and three-fourths.

So, how are you at managing your spiritual energy? Do you have some goo stored aside to help you keep running with energy and enthusiasm? Do you have a church you go to regularly? A friend who pushes you onward? A program of study to help you learn the Bible?

Get your goo and keep running!
Blessings, The B.D.F.

So Long, Farewell...

2009-05-22T08:30:00.009-05:00

Greetings Fairy Followers,

It is with a touch of mourning that I write to you this morning. This is our chance to bid farewell to our seniors. Wednesday night was devoted to celebrating their high school career and sending them off into the great unknown of college.

Pastor Alan started off the evening and talked to the seniors about the fact that even though you are graduating from the requirements of education, you are not graduating from the church and he suggested three ways to help you stay on the right track.

1. Find the right friends. Even if you are attending a Christian college or if you get involved with a seemingly good group, be careful. Find friends that are going to encourage you to grow closer to God.

2. Find a church. Getting involved in a church gets you connected to a group of believers and has the added benefit, as Alan pointed out, of putting you in touch with families who want to help out poor college students and love to invite you over for Sunday dinner. My hubby and I still visit with the family who did this for me in college. The attended our wedding with a week-old baby.

3. Find time for the Word. There is nothing that will keep you connected with Christ than being in his Word. If you thought keeping up on your Bible study was tough in high school...well, college will have its own challenges - like staying up half the night goofing off with your roommate and then being consistently late for your 10:30 class even though it's right behind your dorm. Not that I have any personal experience....

So, Cody, Kelsey, Frank, 'Pusta, Kacey, Stephen, Jessica, and Bryce, know that our prayers go with you as you get ready to head to new climbs after this summer. And don't forget to pack your hot pot.

Blessings, The B.D.F.

P.S. I had the opportunity to hear many of you talk about what you're going to be doing next year but some of our readers did not. If you would be so kind, please log on and leave a comment about your plans.

Love in Action

2009-05-18T10:51:00.003-05:00

Greetings Fairy Followers,

This week in our Crazy Love class, Chan talked about a time when he came back from a mission trip, decided to sell his house and move into a smaller one.

While I doubt his new home bears any resemblance to the picture I've posted, I'm sure it was an adjustment. The challenge he issued the rest of us was to take inventory and get obsessed with Jesus.

Are you obsessed with Jesus today? Would you rather see Him than anyone else? Check out this devotional thought from Chan.

The B.D.F. is realizing that our seniors will soon be graduating and moving off to greater climbs. I'd love for them to take a moment and post a comment about what the future holds so we can pray for them as they move on.

Blessings, The B.D.F.

Liar, Lunatic or Lord?

2009-05-10T17:53:00.003-05:00

I've been amazed that the warm weather has brought many of you out of the woodwork and down to the Grotto. Last week the Gospel Journey was about who Jesus is.

This quote was included:

I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: “I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept His claim to be God.” That is the one thing we must not say. A man who said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic—on a level with the man who says he is a poached egg—or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse. You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.¹

How did that make you feel? Just as our study of "Crazy Love" has said, there are no lukewarm Christians. Who do you say Jesus is?

Prayer Request: Many of you know that our own Bryce suffered from a mysterious lung collapse this past week and is out of school until Thursday. Prayers, cards, and gifts--I'm sure--would be welcome.

Blessings, The B.D.F.

Lewis, C.S. (Clive Staples), Mere Christianity, revised edition, New York,
Macmillan/Collier, 1952, p. 55 ff.

The Great Romance

2009-05-04T08:39:00.002-05:00

Dear Fairy Followers,

I started a new book on Saturday night called "The Chosen" by Ted Dekker. "The Chosen" is the first of a series of Young Adult novels that Dekker has written as companion pieces to his enormously popular "Red," "White," and "Black" novels.

The premise of the book is that there are seven pools in seven forests in an Earth 2000 years in the future. The pools provide healing and are guarded against The Hoard who don't believe in the power of the water. The forest dwellers believe in and serve a loving, powerful God called Elyon and call their worship of God "The Great Romance."

When Jesus was asked what the most important commandment was he said, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength." It's easy to read over that and think, yeah, read it before. But are you living up to it? Do you love God with that intensity?

Do you plan dates with God? Do you dress up for him? At least put on deodorant? What is your romance with Him like?

Share your thoughts, followers.

Blessings, The B.D.F.

The Power of the Zip Tie

2009-04-27T15:39:00.008-05:00

Greetings Fairy Followers,

The B.D.F. had a blast at the Living Hope LOL Comedy Night. God loves it when we laugh and you all did Him proud.

Do you doubt God's sense of humor? Watch a pair of squirrels play in the leaves, or check out a puffer fish. Read the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal. "Maybe your god is in the bathroom. Yell louder." Nice, huh?

What was your favorite skit? I loved the contagious jr. highers, the gum chewers and, of course, the zip tie guys.

A young fan I bumped into this week gave me his version of your tag line:

Bibles for China

2009-04-21T13:09:00.004-05:00

I'm so proud and celebrating what a great ministry you all participated in raising enough money to send 200 New Testaments into China. $1200 in all. That's a lot of A&W freezes you won't be drinking this summer.

There was a big story on the Today Show today about how kids growing up today are selfish and self-involved. Thank you for being a great example that not all of you are!

Blessings, The B.D.F.

Frank's D2S phone call

2009-04-09T07:12:00.001-05:00

We asked, Frank answered - here's what happened at Dare 2 Share when Frank made a phone call:

Dare 2 Share was an amazing weekend. I feel truly blessed to have gone. On Saturday we were challenged to pull out our cell phone right there at the conference and share the gospel with one of our friends. Before the challenge Greg Stier(the founder of Dare 2 Share) taught us how to share the gospel.

G-God created us to be with him
O-our sins separate us from God
S-sins cannot be removed by good deeds
P-paying the price for our sins, Christ died
and rose again
E-everyone who trusts in Christ alone has
eternal life
L-life that's eternal means we will be with
Jesus forever

So, I called my friend and started to share the gospel with him. I started telling him about God wanting to have a relationship with us. Then I told him about the problem of sin. At first he thought that good works would get him to heaven. But then I explained to him how God is perfect and he expects us to be perfect also. And we may think we are good people compared to others, but God is not comparing us to other people but to himself. There is no way that we could ever be good enough to remove our sins. I continued to tell him about grace and Jesus' death on the cross. He understood all that I told him. I asked him if he was ready to trust Jesus Christ as his savior. He said yes!! I prayed with him and then invited him to church with me this Sunday.

God really is amazing, and he can use us in incredible ways if we let him. I would also like to say that I did not do this on my own but it was the Holy Spirit working through me. I would like to encourage everybody reading this to get out there and share the gospel with your friends, family, co-workers, etc.

"I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes..." Romans 1:16

Dare 2 Share recap

2009-04-08T08:13:00.005-05:00

Guest blogger and fearless leader Alan Dunham shares his thoughts on last weekend's Dare 2 Share conference.

Dare 2 Share rocked. 10 brave students traveled down with us (Emily, Mary and myself) to Chicago for the Invincible tour put on by Greg Stier and Dare 2 Share.

We were challenged to get right with Jesus and to share our faith.

We were all asked to make a list of 5 people to share the GOSPEL with and we were also given the cell phone challenge to call one of them on Saturday during the conference. Ask Frank how his conversation went - unreal. If that is not enough, we also found time to collect 16,000 pounds of canned goods. I am so glad we went and so thankful to take a group of super students.

Next year the conference is called BLAZE and it will be March 19-21. Put it in your phone now!

The B.D.F. asks:

Willing to share with us, Frank? Be a guest blogger and let the B.D.F. post it? Just leave a comment, we'd love to hear your story.

Blessings, The B.D.F.

2009-04-07T09:23:00.002-05:00

Greetings Fairy Followers,
Last night the fairy had the opportunity to sit in on "The Mirror of Truth and the Mirror of Lies." What an evening! You gentlemen missed out.

Speaker Kerri Pollard talked to us about how we are bombarded by images that are not the truth. She showed us this video produced by Dove about the process of a "real person" becoming a model.

Purely by happenstance I discovered that Miley Cyrus was on Good Morning America this morning talking about her own struggles with body image. She also discusses her Bible reading habits. The fairy likes to see this out there!

I know many of you struggle with having the right look and I hope you were encouraged last night. There is much prayer surrounding this event and the rest of the week that Kerri will be around. Please, if you have questions, ask someone. Use this opportunity. Post a question here, get together with Kerri while she's in town, ask a parent or youth leader.

Kerri opened our eyes to the consequences. It is easy to forget that the things we do today will have consequences tomorrow.

I pray that you are all looking today through the Mirror of Truth. It's called the Word of God.

Blessings, The B.D.F.

Remember Me

2009-04-02T06:01:00.001-05:00

Greetings Fairy Followers,

I love it when a plan comes together (ten points for whoever can name the show that's from). On Sunday in our "Crazy Love" class we talked about the fact that life can be over in an instant and what would be want to have done differently.

Last night at Plumbline you all talked about how you want to be remembered. What you want your life to mean. Would you rather be remembered as Mother Theresa or Saddam Hussein?

Here are some interesting epitaphs I found:

On Ezekiel Pease:

Pease is not here,

Only his pod

He shelled out his Peas

And went to his God

Nantucket, Massachusetts

Effie Jean Robinson

1897-1922

Come blooming youths, as you pass by ,

And on these lines do cast an eye.

As you are now, so once was I;

As I am now, so must you be;

Prepare for death and follow me.

Which is not funny at all. But underneath, someone had added:

To follow you

I am not content,

How do I know

Which way you went.

So, my question to you, Fairy Followers, is what would you like to have said in your eulogy or on your tombstone? She was a woman of style and grace? He was a man of strength and character? She knew God? Loved God? Served God?

Post your own epitaphs here...I'd love to hear them. Or watch out and I might post one for you.

Alan Dunham here doth rest
The weight of earth upon his chest
No more smiles or breaths of air
No more worrying about his hair

Blessings, the B.D.F.

$50 Million

2009-03-22T17:00:00.005-05:00

Greetings Fairy Followers,

This Wednesday, you were asked what you would do with $50 million. How did you answer? I've always said that my hubby would be happiest if we had enough to support ourselves and then become professional volunteers. Still waiting...

Talking about Solomon's "Chasing after the wind" challenged us to know our purpose in life. Right now you're at a point in your life where you are thinking about...or soon will be...what you want to be when you grow up. What your gifts are, how you can combine all of these things to better society. No pressure.

Above all your purpose is to love God and love others. Sounds simple, right? No matter what you choose to do to earn money and make a living, keep in mind that it's always about serving, loving and obeying God.

So, what would you do with fifty mil? How can you give your lives meaning right here and now? Who can you love extravagantly?

Blessings, The B.D.F.

Filter between brain and mouth

2009-03-22T16:18:00.005-05:00

Greetings Fairy Followers,

I have long had a faulty filter that refuses to warn me when the things in my brain shouldn't leave my mouth. I'll spare you all the stories, but the feelings came back as we had a very interesting Sunday morning. First we spent some time with Francis Chan talking about the awe-factor of God. How we have come to see him, at times, as common and were reminded in Ecclesiastes of how wrong that is!

Ecclesiastes 5:1-2 "Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong. Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few."

Then we walked into Sunday service and listened to the disciples tell Christ: Mark 10:35 'Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. "Teacher," they said, "we want you to do for us whatever we ask."'

Talk about being hasty and quick with your mouth! "Here God, do this for me." Not how God operates.

So, Fairy Followers, be full of awe this week and come before him humbly. Here's a great video to "Let My Words Be Few" by Matt Redman

Blessings, The B.D.F.

The Counterfeit

2009-03-17T07:35:00.004-05:00

Greetings Fairy Followers,

You know how they train federal treasury officers to identify counterfeit money, right? They spend hours, days and weeks looking at the real thing so that when something unreal passes their eyes it stands out like a flashing neon sign.

I was thinking that it works the same when it comes to our own faith. Instead of matching ourselves up against the amazing holiness of God, we look at those around us and decide if we are better or worse.

For if we were looking to the great, awesome, holiness of God then we would say what Isaiah said: I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple..."Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty."

I read my Crazy Love chapter last night - I know some of you already have and I couldn't stand to be behind - and Francis Chan said some of the same things. Here is the Awesomeness of God video he mentions.

And...just for fun.

Blessings,
The B.D.F.

Francis Chan...Live

2009-03-15T21:34:00.002-05:00

Greetings Fairy Followers,

Rumor has it many of you invaded the adult Sunday School class today and were introduced to Francis Chan's book "Crazy Love." Although I understand that Pastor Steve did a truly life-like impression of Pastor Chan, thought you might like to get a look at the man himself. He does a video blog right here on blogspot at: http://francischansblog.blogspot.com/. The BDF will not be offended if you choose to check him out. This is just a sample...and we'll be seeing more from Pastor Chan as the next ten weeks play out.

What did you all think of Sunday School this morning? Check in when you've done your homework and let's discuss Chapter One: Stop Praying. I'd better get it read before you all think I'm encouraging you to cease talking to God. I'm not and I'm intrigued.

For those of you keeping track of our prayer focus: Jeff Love, his daughter was in Neillsville visiting this weekend. She granted the BDF an exclusive interview. Her dad has completed his chemo (which kills all the bad bone marrow) and has had his transplant from marrow donated by his brother. The match was nearly 100% and they are past the initial times when rejection could have occurred. He is home now and waiting for the transplant to grow new marrow. The risk for infection is high now and he's not allowed many visitors but would still welcome your prayers for fast marrow growth, no infection and no rejection.

Blessings, The B.D.F.

Set Me On Fire

2009-03-13T09:27:00.000-05:00

The Bible Devotion Fairy has a nasty habit of igniting herself. There was the clip lamp that got too close to my feather pillow - smelled like I had roasted the Christmas goose for a week in my apartment.

The time I sat on the step too close to the citronella candle. We call that one the case of the flaming red dress.

And just today I tossed my ear buds on the table when I had to get up, as I am wont to do, and they accidentally landed smack in the middle of the candle. They only had one good ear on them anyway and that's the one that got fried. Oops.

Check out this video about being set on fire:

A few weeks ago on Sunday morning Pastor Alan made a comment about the I Peter series...something along the lines of - these are people who are not ashamed of their faith. They don't have the luxury of being lackadaisical about what they believe. They must be all or nothing - hot or cold, not lukewarm.

Perhaps this Fairy has been a little to literal in her prayers to be "set on fire" but I am praying that all of you will be a flame for the Kingdom.

Blessings,
The B.D.F.

Evening in a Funeral Home

2009-03-05T15:44:00.003-06:00

Greetings Fairy Followers,

When the BDF was a wee glimmering spark, her babysitter's family operated the local funeral home which meant that I played hide and seek with my brother amongst caskets and grew accustomed to the smell of formaldehyde. I considered it seriously creepy that anyone would want to do that for a job.

Years later, I saw my babysitter again when she was acting in the role of funeral director for my grandmother's funeral (she died just shy of her 100th birthday). There are few ministries that touch a heart when it is most tender than those who help us grieve.

So, if you could be a fly on the wall at your own funeral what would you hope to hear? What is the hardest loss you've had to endure? Share your thoughts.

Blessings,
The B.D.F.

Here follows the outline from Pastor Alan's teaching from last night.
3.4(2).09 HaNdout Outline FILLED in Wk 2

Publish at Scribd or explore others:

Fat Tuesday

2009-02-28T09:53:00.003-06:00

How many of you kept tabs on the events surrounding Mardi Gras this year? 13 shot in New Orleans and one killed.

The history of Mardi Gras is church related you know. Fat Tuesday (the English translation of the French phrase) is the day before Ash Wednesday which begins the forty day sojourn to Easter. The concept is that we are to spend these forty days in prayer, penitence and preparation before we celebrate the death and resurrection of our Lord.

Somewhere in the midst of all of that repenting and self-denial, someone decided that there should be a blow-out day before hand. A day to partake in all of the things that you are going to deny yourself during the upcoming month plus. Sounds so spiritual, doesn't it?

I know God has told us to consecrate ourselves - a little birdie told me your band was challenged to partake in some consecrating rituals before they play on Sunday. Joshua 3:5 says: "Consecrate yourselves because tomorrow the Lord will do great things among you." It does not say - party hard today so that tomorrow, the day before God is going to do great things, you can make a mockery of your faith.

Be careful Fairy Followers for the world will lead you astray if you let it!

37 days until Easter. How will you consecrate yourself? Give up chocolate? Caffeine? Meat? (that's where Friday night fish fries started) Maybe something less concrete...give up sarcasm? give up TV? Computer? Facebook? (oh the horror!) The idea is to restrict the influence of something less than spiritual in your life. I'm sure you could find something.

I know I need to partake in this myself but the Lord hasn't given me the what yet. I'll let you know.

Blessings,
The B.D.F.

Trans-Siberian Distribution

2009-02-23T08:18:00.000-06:00

A friend of mine from high school is a missionary in Siberia. Here's their latest email:

Lyubomir left on Monday Feb 2 with 4 other pastors. For the sake of reaching Yakuts, Russians and others in spiritual darkness they have started on an arduous journey of about 9000 kilometers through the ice-bound wilds of the Siberian heartland. They are planning to come back in the middle of March. They will be going to the north (into the Arctic Circle and to the arctic coast). The last stop will be the place where we used to live before (Cherskii).

They went in a double cabin truck. They had to take food, water and petrol for the journey as there is nowhere to buy these things on the way. Much of the rest of the space inside their truck is taken up with Christian literature which they want to give away to people they will meet.They will be visiting villages where there has never been anyone speaking about Jesus before and they will also visit groups of believers who have never had opportunity to fellowship with believers from elsewhere.

They have to cook in the open air, by the road. The temperature has been below -40c. The roads are very isolated and there is no mobile phone service so they are completely cut off. It is a dangerous trip because if anything happens with the truck on the road they canot call out anyone to help.

One of the pastors is a good mechanic and he knows the truck well, having nearly rebuilt it. He had to rebuild it as while it had been given - new - to Lyubomir's chch network by a foreign Christian organisation it was in poor shape. It had been bought from a truck factory but was typical of Russian truck production standards and technology!

In between the rebuild and this journey north the truck had already been travelled in quite a lot and it seemed OK. However it has broken down on the journey already. They were able to fix it and soon after arrived in one of the villages where an American has started a church. There they have been meeting with believers and non believers.

They are planning to visit several villages around, before carrying on.

So, would you please pray for them and if you can, ask others to pray as well...

Lyubomir really wanted to go to some of these places because he lived in three of them. But this time it was quite hard for him to go because of my health. I should not carry heavy things yet I have to in his absence because I need to heat the house with wood which I need to bring in from the woodshed. And there are other lifting and carrying jobs I need to do while Lyubomir is away.

Putting this difficulty in context, there is no meaning to our living here if we let other needs hold us back from doing God's work. God has been looking after me and there are also brothers and sister who can also help me if I need it.

How do you feel about your life right now??

Blessings, The BDF

Extreme Faith

2009-02-20T08:10:00.000-06:00

We talked in church last Sunday about having extreme faith. "The Voice of the Martyrs" is a magazine that keeps those of us who sleep in comfortable beds and can read our Bibles over lunch on the village green. Check out this video about teens just like you who did an extraordinary thing.

Video - Underground Reality

See what happens when eight ordinary teens set out on a mission to meet the underground church in Vietnam.

http://www.persecution.com/media_undergroundReality.html

If You Want to Walk on Water

2009-02-18T19:50:00.000-06:00

Have you ever jumped out of the boat? I'm not much of a daredevil. I'm scared of heights so there will be no skydiving pictures in my scrapbook. That also means no base jumping, bungee jumping or spaceflight. I don't even like commercial flight.

But I have had the experience of grasping my Savior's hand and leaping from my safe haven into his glorious unknown. I picked a man and chose to love him, I took a job in the old west, I've invited troubled kids to be part of my family...all things that were scaring and thrilling at the same time.

Peter had a habit of falling into the sea. He was the one who got out of the boat and walked on water, he's the one who jumped out of the boat and swam to Jesus when he appeared on the beach. Peter was willing to jump...are you?

What do you believe God is asking you to do? Talk to a friend about him? Volunteer for something at church or school? Study art instead of accounting at college?

I Peter Week One

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A Valentine For You

2009-02-16T10:25:00.002-06:00

At a meeting last week, a friend passed me a note. She said she overheard me talking about something and felt that this one was meant for me.

As warm and fuzzy as that made me feel, I've fallen in love with these words from Nelson Mandela and believe they are meant for you, too.

"Our deapest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and famous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God."

Here, here! Go forth, Fairy Followers, and be brilliant. We are watching you!

Blessings,
The B.D.F.

Love Letters

2009-02-14T10:11:00.001-06:00

The year I met the man who would become my adoring husband he sent me valentines. Lots and lots of valentines. Three big envelopes stuffed with those little valentines that you send to your school friends in third grade. Each one was signed and had a little message. It made me smile. For a long time.

I was challenged through a study I was doing recently. The teacher asked if I really loved God. Well...sure. I'm a good Christian girl - have been since 8. I go to church, read my Bible, pray as well as I can in a home with small children. I would say I love God.

Beth Moore offered a checklist:
1. Does God regularly circulate through your thoughts?
2. Am I drawn to spend time with Him?
3. Does my life demonstrate a love for Him?
4. Do I often enjoy God?
5. Do I find relief or satisfaction in the obedient life...even when it's hard?

How did you do? I find I love to learn...and now need to learn to love a little better. I was reading some verses about God's love - what better way to love someone than to listen to how much he loves you?

Malachi 3:18 - They will be mine in the day when I make up my treasured possessions.
Zeph 3:17 - He will rejoice over you with singing.
Psalm 45:11 - The King is enthralled with your beauty.

Are you feeling warm and fuzzy yet? He is also proud of you and spends his time boasting about you. How cool.

So, celebrate love today. In the right way. God is love. Any way we have to express that is from him.

Blessings, The B.D.F.

Valentine's Day - Guest Blogger

2009-02-13T10:12:00.000-06:00

To say that I anticipate February 14th is to assume that one likes dropping mashed potatoes in their coffee. It's not a horrible occurrence, but why ruin a perfectly good cup of coffee?

What is the hype about really? Why do we so desperately long to be in relationships? Why do movies continually portray men in their pursuit of that woman or a woman finding that right man? Why do songs glorify relationships? Why do advertisers exploit them? What is it that we so desperately long for from another?

It seems that the crux of all these things, at there very core, lies an individuals pursuit of love. If we honestly assess our lives, wouldn't we agree that our greatest desire is to be loved? Who doesn't want to be loved? Who doesn't want to be seen as special or significant to a certain someone? Who doesn't long for intimacy? Who doesn't want the security of a relationship. Honestly, sign me up. Hey, wait a second, is it really that easy? Is dating someone really the answer? Do Nashville and Hollywood have it right? So we should worry about how to attract him/her, right? We should wear the right clothes, hang out with the right people, say the right things and eventually he/she will realize that I can fulfill his/her dreams? Why does our society focus so intently on how to get love and never stop to ask why we all need it?

But to begin, what is love? Some would define love as a feeling or a desire, others would say an action or simply being kind. I do not question whether it can embody all of those elements since love is multi-faceted, but to start at the beginning, "God is love." God's very nature is love. He cannot be separated from love. God created us for entering into relationship with Him. In doing so, He created us, every person to ever live or that will ever live, with an inherent need for love. In doing so, He intends for our quest to lead us to Him as the source of love.

Know that you can choose to try and fill these need for love with temporary human relationships, or even with money, or praise of men, or possessions or fame, but nothing will satisfy, nothing can satisfy outside of the infinite and all-surpassing love of a God who delights in you. Once you are complete in God, through the atoning work of Christ and indwelt with His Spirit, then you receive security in His love and an awareness that you are significant in His plan. This frees you to love selflessly. Selfish love seems like an oxymoron, but if you pursue a relationship to meet your needs is it not selfish?

Okay, by now you probably realize that I am an idealist. But not always. I get lonely. I am tempted to believe a relationship will bring happiness and fulfillment. I am tempted to base my self-worth on another's desires for me. I like flowers and chocolate too. Being single is not easy. At the same time, I am unwilling to compromise my standards. Maybe you have heard of the three M's: Master, Mission, Mate. Know whose you are, figure out what you were created to do and then look around for someone with the same values and the same passion so that you can encourage one another and grow together.

I really want a husband. Sometimes so badly my soul aches, but I have set criteria. I want to marry a man who fears the Lord and is passionate about youth ministry. Until then, whenever then is, I can not see how 'seeing what is out there' or 'getting to know someone' would be profitable. With singleness comes great responsibility. I realize that I need to be above reproach in any interactions I have with the opposite sex. Loving my brothers requires me to respect myself by dressing modestly, talking purely and setting rigid physical boundaries. In this moment, I must make decisions that will shape me to become a good wife, knowing that actions really do have consequences.

With singleness also comes some sweet perks. How cool is it that for now "the Lord your Maker is [my] husband"? My primary focus rests in submitting to God. So I get to serve someone who is love and promises to never leave me or forsake me.

I just want you to ask yourself a few questions this week: Do I know love? Am I walking in relationship with God? How does that impact my relationships? What are prerequisites the other person must meet before I will even consider dating them? Do I conduct myself in a way that is honoring to God and thereby loving to the men/women I encounter?

My Valentine at 35

2009-02-12T11:24:00.001-06:00

Dear Fairy Followers,

Please welcome our guest blogger, Deborah Kay. Deb is a 35 year old scientist who is gifted in music and worship. She's also a dear friend of mine who is still single. Here's what she has to say on the subject of purity.

Sometimes I wonder if I’m totally out of touch with the challenges of living as a young single person in this culture. I mean, I am 35 now. I’ll admit, when the Bible Devotional Fairy asked if I would do a guest blog about purity, I wasn’t sure what I would say…because, by golly, I’ve made a lot of mistakes in that department. Believe it or not, when I was a teenager I made a commitment to God that I wasn’t going to kiss someone until I became engaged. I’ve blown that one more times than I’d like to admit. But the two times in my life I had the guts to tell the guy I was alone with about my “rule” they respected my boundary and we stayed out of trouble.

Psalm 119:9-10

How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.

I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.

Pray these two verses as often as you can. Commit them to memory. Invite God to chaperone your dates – or take an even higher road and avoid dates altogether. One day you’ll look back and be proud of the decisions you made because you understood that God isn’t trying to spoil our fun; he wants to preserve it for the right time and place – the safety and sanctity of marriage. And that’s the truth whether you’re 15, 25 or 35.

Deborah Kay

Scripture Study

2009-02-12T08:00:00.000-06:00

Last night you talked about the last letter in our HABITS study. "S" for Scripture Study. At the beginning of your devotional you will find statistics that state that you are more likely to share your faith with someone than you are to study the Bible.

Question: How can you talk about Jesus if you aren't taking the time to learn about him? Hmmm.

Here's your devo book with five different methods for studying. Have you tried any of them? Which is your favorite? Share with your fellow Fairy Followers.

Blessings,
The B.D.F.

Scripture Study

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Balance: Zero - tithing

2009-02-09T09:57:00.000-06:00

I got a call from the hubby one day. "Could you run to the bank and put $20 in the checking account?" Normally I would be delighted to...the problem? I didn't have $20 and we were going to be over drawn if we didn't find some way to fill that hole. I want to say that I got all spiritual and fell to my knees and asked God to provide that $20. I didn't. I probably wandered around the house wondering what I could sell or if I could find a job to do that would pay me cash.

Two things happened that day. First, a friend needed me to watch her little one. A job I would happily do for nothing. When she returned she gave me $10. I normally would have argued and refused, but I needed it and I wasn't going to be the man on the roof in the flood who turned down a ride from the guy in the boat because he was convinced God was going to save him.

Then, I checked the mail. And some random angel had send us a $100 bill. I still don't know who it was, but I tell the story in as many circles as I can so that maybe the story will get back and they will see that what they sent as a prompting from the Lord helped me avoid overdraft charges. Thank you!!

So, Fairy Followers, what have you given up that God has given back to you? Have you ever had an empty well that he has filled? How? Why? What? Share your story here!

Blessings,
The B.D.F.

Tithing

2009-02-05T08:00:00.000-06:00

Greetings Fairy Followers,

Last night you talked about Tithing. Always weird to talk about money in a church setting - especially when your tithe goes to pay the guy doing the talking. Did you get your money's worth? Tried to find how many verses there are about money with no luck. Gold star to any follower who can get me a number!!

Here's you're study on Tithing. Look out this week for blogs about budgeting and how financial blessings can occur.

Blessings,
The B.D.F.

Tithing

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Lovin' the Loves - Update

2009-02-02T11:28:00.002-06:00

Hey everyone, I just wanted to let you guys know that I’m going in today to begin what I hope is the last leg of this journey I’m on with my health. This curative transplant is something I’m still amazed at and still don’t completely understand. This morning I get a “central line” (surgical procedure) put in so it will be easier to receive the chemo treatment that will start this afternoon. After 6-7 days of chemo I will then get the stem cells that will be harvested from my brother (he will get stem cell booster shots during this time also). This will be followed by a 3-4 week stay in the stem cell unit to make sure everything ‘ takes’.

I again ask for prayer for Jan and the girls during this time I’m away from home as they really have a lot on their plate. Pray for my brother Jim as he’s pretty anxious about this upcoming week and the transplant procedure. Please pray for my witness while I’m in the hospital, God has granted me plenty of time to talk to the nurses and other patients. I am SO thankful to belong to a church like KBC where my brothers and sisters in Christ are constantly lifting me and my family up to the throne of grace.

In Christ,

Jeff Love

The Perfect Gift

2009-02-01T10:11:00.000-06:00

My family has a long history of giving bad gifts. My dad gave my step mom a router for their first Christmas and a ping-pong table for their second. After that she started buying her own gifts. I'm not kidding. I've received a fish plate for a gift and a pair of leg warmers about ten sizes too small. My husband did really great our first Christmas and has been so-so since. I'm telling you guys out there to stick to the list. Trust me.

When I did my spiritual gifts testing again I was sad to see that I don't have the gifts of voluntary poverty and service and mercy. Those are the ones that I wish I had and have to work on. Ah, there goes that lack of contentment raising it's ugly head again. Why are we not just content with what we have? Even God can't give us the right gift, huh? Wrong. His gifts are always perfect and always right on time.

Be content. Celebrate the gifts you have, build the ones you feel led to. How do you feel about your gifts? What would you pick if you could pick just one extra to add?

Blessings,
The B.D.F.

Spiritual Gifts

2009-01-30T21:31:00.000-06:00

Ok, in your devotions this week, you guided to "gifted to serve"
(http://buildingchurch.net/g2s-i.htm) to evaluate your spiritual gifts. I've done this before, but I'm a firm believer in not asking you to do something I'm not willing to do myself. Here were my top four in order of most to less most.

Anyone surprised that a mystery fairy who offers wit and wisdom to miscellaneous followers is high in wisdom, teaching and knowledge? I'll just have to let those of you fairy followers who have been over to the hollow log attest for the fact that it's one of my tops. Hospitality rounds out my top four. Anyone want to come over for cocoa??

Anyone else want to share? What were your tops? Were you surprised or not? How do you feel about your gifts?

Blessings,
The B.D.F.

Love for the Loves

2009-01-30T11:19:00.002-06:00

Got the following updates about Jeff Love. For those of you who aren't in the know, this is the friend of the Dunham's working through a bone marrow transplant. Keep them in your prayers.

Jeff asked me to just give a quick note of praise from him.

The doctor just visited him and was so pleased with the way he is progressing and the way his counts are coming up, he said if things continue to improve at this rate he might be able to come home as early as this Monday, January 12!!!!! I can’t tell you how excited he is! He will still have out patient monitoring, treatment, and blood product support, but at least he can sleep in his own bed until he is admitted again at the end of the month for the high dose chemo and stem cell transplant.

We are so thankful and feel so blessed! Thank you all for your continued prayers on behalf of Jeff and our family!!!!!

God Bless!

Jan Love

I forgot in all my excitement to update the chain…..I’m actually at home for two weeks (the Dr. is giving me a little reprieve) to rest up for the next round of high dose chemo and then the transplant. At first I wanted to just get it over with, but after 26 days in the stem cell unit at the hospital for the first round of chemo I REALLY needed a break. I feel SO blessed to have this time with my family and just to sleep in my own bed and recover….Again, I want thank all my brothers and sisters in Christ for the all the prayers being lifted up to our Heavenly Father for me and especially my family at this time….I’m actually studying the book of Psalms and today read Psalm 12:6 which says “The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times”……..I thank God for the “extra “ time to study and dig into His word and the assurances He gives me in everything I read…… Wed. morning I go back to the hospital for another bone marrow biopsy to see how effective the first round of chemo was …….

In Christ,

Jeff Love

Just a quick update on my medical situation …….I had another bone marrow biopsy yesterday and the results are amazing, the induction chemo therapy I had has reduced the leukemia BACK to myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) or pre-leukemia as it is called…….I still will have another round of chemo and then the stem cell transplant that will happen the last week of January……We are praising God for this news as the leukemia is actually reversed for now and this should make the stem cell transplant more manageable…….I want to thank our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for this answer to prayer and I want to thank all the faithful prayer warriors out there for lifting me and my family up in prayer during this time…..

In Christ,

Jeff Love

A New Look

2009-01-29T10:47:00.006-06:00

For some reason the B.D.F. was craving a toasted meatball sub last night. I'm sure it had nothing to do with the new look of The Grotto. Fabulous!

Also heard that there was some great action and you talked to the big man himself about getting involved in the church. Anyone made a decision from that?? Taking on a new project?? Wanting to guest blog for the Fairy?

Give me a shout-out.
The B.D.F.

Body Parts

2009-01-29T08:31:00.001-06:00

I Corinthians 12:14-20: Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. 15If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 16And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 17If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20As it is, there are many parts, but one body.

If you really want to have some fun...get a group of friends together, butcher paper and your markers. Have someone lay down on the paper and trace around him or her. Now label the person you've drawn with how you fit in the body.

Are you an ear because you listen well?
Are you an eye because you can spot when things need change?
Are you a mouth because you speak God's words?
Are you the hand of a servant or the foot of an evangelist?
Are you an elbow or a tendon that ties parts together?

Can you guess what I am? Even though I speak through the written word, I still consider that being a mouth. But even saying I'm a mouth includes so many pieces. A tongue to manipulate and sculpt. Teeth to chew up the info...there are the most of those. Lips to close or open as needed. Taste buds to test the spirits. And so many more things that I can't see.

There are also nerves and cavities which is why I need to make sure I'm brushing and flossing my part of the body with continued regularity.

I'd love to see some pictures of this project!! Time to get out your crayons and markers boys and girls and get to work on some art.

Blessings,
The B.D.F.

Involvement in the Church

2009-01-28T22:00:00.000-06:00

Tonight you talked about getting involved in the church (check out this picture of the inflatable church - so not kidding!). Living where we do, you have a unique opportunity to do exactly that. If you lived in a big town and went to a mega-church they would say you are too young to get involved in many of the areas of ministry. Not so here!

I started singing in church choir in high school and would duck out of my post office summer job to get to the early service to sing with our first ever worship band (gasp!). You have talents and as you are getting closer to college and independence, now is the time to start getting a feel for how you fit into the church body as a whole.

What do you currently do in your church? What do you think would be fun to try? What's stopping you? This week you will get blogs about getting together with your friends and doing an art project, your spiritual gifts testing (and mine), and my family history of giving really bad gifts. Log on to see how all of these relate to being involved in the body of Christ.

Blessings,
The B.D.F.

Involvement in the Church

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Poverty

2009-01-28T10:48:00.007-06:00

Don't know how many of you were in church on Sunday, but if you weren't, you missed out!!

The youth band rocked the house and introduced us to a great new song: God of this City. Many things are yet to be done in this city!! I also heard we have three brand new members of the body of Christ. So exciting!

Props to our own Frank who shared his testimony with everyone. I was impressed with his desire to grow closer to God while still honoring the wishes of his parents. The true mark of someone with a heart for the things of God.

We also heard from Steve Moen of Living Hope Ministries in Minneapolis who told us that there is no word for poverty in the Bible. Interesting. He said that 'poverty' in the Bible always indicates a lack.

What are you lacking today, Fairy Followers? After that service yesterday I'm feeling pretty full, I must say, but there are still things lacking in our lives. Do you seem lacking in fellowship with other believers? Bravery to share the things of Christ? Self-esteem to love yourself as Christ loves you?

Ask and you shall receive.

Blessings,
The B.D.F.

Always Be Prepared

2009-01-27T13:26:00.001-06:00

Motto of the Boy Scouts of America - don't ya know. Be Prepared. As I was working on the study for the Bible Memorization section of our H.A.B.I.T.S. study my Microsoft Word Clipboard quit working. Which meant that I couldn't do my usual side by side of the devotion with a version of the Bible from crosswalk.com.
Do you see where this is going?

Yeah, I didn't have all of the verses memorized so I had to keep flipping back and forth and typing three and four words at a time. I quit, closed everything and prayed it was fixed when I reopened. Talk about not practicing what you preach. I did know the general content, which I guess is better than nothing and in this day and age of technology and information super-highways it's easy to find what we need without the pesky problem of memorizing them all.

Romans 1:28 "Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done." And the list of "what ought not to be done" goes on for another four verses if you want to check it out.

So, what do you think? Is it still important to memorize scripture? Why or why not? The B.D.F. awaits your thoughts.

Feed Me!

2009-01-25T08:21:00.001-06:00

The first play I ever did was "Little Shop of Horrors." Have you seen it? Steve Martin and Rick Moranis did a movie version of it many years ago. The premise of the show is a little man gains a big reputation by feeding this plant from outer space that eats only....blood. He names the plant Aundrey II in honor of the girl he loves.

Throughout the play we learn that Audrey II (who has a voice like James Earl Jones) is always hungry. And he's always letting Seymore know by whispering, shouting, singing "Feed Me!"

Our soul does the same. Sometimes it is the flesh side of our personality begging for food - like gossip, cheating, impure thoughts. Other times, much more quietly, our spiritual side is asking to be fed through the scriptures, prayer and teaching. Which voice do you hear more often?

Romans 8:5 "Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires."

Feed your soul...and hunger no more.
Until next time,
The B.D.F.

Wallpapering the Mind

2009-01-23T08:06:00.001-06:00

During my Bible study this week I came across a great illustration. The teacher likened memorizing scripture to changing the wallpaper in your mind. Living in a hollow log that reads like a show home for the 1980 wallpaper catalog, I relate.

First we need to strip off the old stuff. That means getting out the steamer and the fabric softener and getting the old stuff off. The old stuff in our mind is the lies that Satan tells us about us. Lies are his native tongue. "You're too fat/skinny/old/young/smart/stupid/silly/serious." Those ones.

Then we need to wallpaper our minds with the truth. We do that by memorizing scriptures that overturn the lies we've been believing. (Like Psalm 45:11 "The king is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord. ")

Nature abhors a vacuum. Any physics students out there know what I mean? It means that you can't just get rid of something, physics requires that something else take it's place. If you try to empty your mind of lies but don't replace them with the truth, then the lies will just flood back in. You need to fill up the space between your ears with truth.

What lies are you stripping away? What truth are you replacing them with?? Let us know.
Until next time,
The B.D.F.

Bible Memorization Week

2009-01-22T09:11:00.002-06:00

Happy Thursday, Fairy Followers.

Started our week of Bible Memorization last night. How do you feel about it? Do you feel like you have a good start or feel like you barely know John 3:16??

Here's the Devotional for any of you who couldn't make it or lost yours. Three extra posts coming your way this week including discussions about wallpaper, a man-eating plant and my computer woes. To see how these topics relate to Bible Memorization...check back.

Until then,
The B.D.F.

Bible Memorization

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Resolutions

2009-01-19T07:47:00.002-06:00

I have made the same resolution to lose weight that I've made for the last six years. I'm failing miserably. I need someone to keep me accountable.

Unfortunately, I live with Metabolism Man. He can eat an entire cow in a single sitting and not gain an ounce. He doesn't like sweets and he's on his feet all day. I ask him, repeatedly, to help me eat better, remind me to work out, those types of things. Problem is: Metabolism Man is a pushover for a good pout.

"But honey...I need ice cream. Just tonight." And then he flies to the store and brings home a bucket. And I eat it all. AAACK!!

The point is, I'm not going to lose an ounce if I depend on Metabolism Man to be my accountability partner. I need someone tough. Someone who will close the fridge and tell me no. Someone who cares about my long-term health, not my short-term emotions.

The same is true of any accountability relationship. Don't let your partner get away with sin because it was "a bad day." Our goal is to help each other strive toward holiness. So, put away the puppy-dog pout. Listen, learn and grow. Your thighs and your soul will thank you.

Blessings, B.D.F.

The Forgiveness Post

2009-01-18T21:39:00.003-06:00

The following question and response were posted last week. I felt it was important enough to move to the front. My Fairy Feelers have been tingling with the things that are being said. You all are thinking and listening to God and working to do his will. I'm very proud of all of you! With the fact that the sermon this morning was about this very topic, I wanted to post this up top and then add what Pastor Steve had to say.


Anonymous said...: So...I got to thinking the other night about forgiveness (so this isn't directly related but it does involve relationships and trust). Alright, two people are in a dating situation and one of them does something that would normally break trust and possibly the relationship. The other wants to forgive the person and just 'forget' it, but we never really forget... so, if the trust isn't there...can the relationship survive? If you end it then isn't like not forgiving them or is it just not trusting?

Just Wondering

Bible Devotion Fairy said...: Ah, Dear Anonymous, I envy not your situation. Here are two things I know:

We are commanded to forgive.
Matthew 18:21: Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" 22. Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times."

We are also told to not associate with people who are a detriment to our walk.
Proverbs 12:26: A righteous person is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

Proverbs 13:20: One who walks with wise men grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.

Trust is a precious gift. It is something to be earned and cherished. And if someone in a relationship makes a choice to violate that trust it may be grounds for retreating from the relationship (this applies to friends or “more than friends”) or it may mean working together to overcome and rebuild the trust.

Let me make this practical in a non-relationship situation. Let’s say that Joy is running for president. She has a great new education policy that is going to make her a winner hands-down. Roy is on her staff and decides that it is in his best interest to go to Joy’s opponent and tell them her idea. The opponent takes her idea as his own and wins the election.

If you were Joy would you fire Roy? You would be a fool not to, right? He stole your idea, caused you to lose the election. Can you fire him and still forgive him? I purport, yes. Of course you can. It doesn’t mean you want him dog sitting for you any time soon.

The entire purpose of a dating relationship is to discover more about the person you are dating. If this is something you don’t want to have to forgive in a spouse, I would let this one more on. Trust is imperative in a relationship but even marriages have to suffer through some breaks in trust and you need to decide which breaks you would be able to get over again and again - for little quirks in marriage become really annoying after 1, 5, 10, 30 years.

Does this help?

You’re in my prayers,
The B.D.F.

Here are the additional things that Pastor Steve said this morning that I wanted to add:
1. Forgiving is not forgetting
2. Forgiving does not mean everything will be like it was before. The offender doesn't automatically and instantaneously return to previous status.

He also reminded me of one important point: We will never be able to forgive others until we experience God's forgiveness. Haven't yet done a salvation post, but please log on and ask if you don't know what it means to have God's forgiveness.

Blessings and get back to work you four-day weekend slackers :).
B.D.F.

The Leak

2009-01-16T07:04:00.001-06:00

So, the water department showed up at my house at 7:30 this morning. You would think that dew-drop tanks are easy to maintain but...

Anyway, the truth of the matter is that my basement was harboring a little secret. A leaking pipe. (Only one of many issues in our little house.) Don't ask me when the leak began. A while ago - weeks. But from my location up above I could pretend it didn't exist. Then, late at night, like the beating of Poe's "Tell Tale Heart" I could hear it dripping far below...driving me to the brink of insanity.

I begged the maintenance crew to alleviate the issue. They would have. In time. But since it wasn't running through the meter, they chose to let it go. It wasn't causing any damage, it was because of a problem from the water company so we weren't doing anything wrong, right? Ah...wrong.

So, there I was, still in my P.J.'s - trying to get everyone off to school and suddenly I was surrounded by water guys and plumbers and they were air hammering my basement floor to try and find a little piece of pipe in good enough shape to attach new pipe to. Oh, and we're going to have to dig up the yard this summer to replace the water line and the sewer pipe. I sooo can't wait.

The point being, my secret was uncovered. That's kind of their purpose, right? We hold them in until they finally come to light. And they will always come to light. When it is most inconvenient. Here's where your accountability partner comes in. She stays on your back until you get rid of the problem. He reminds you that it's easier to face the music now.

Listen to them. Listen to God. Give up your secret sins and find peace in Him.

Blessings,
The B.D.F.

H.A.B.I.T.S. - Accountablility

2009-01-15T08:00:00.000-06:00

How was Plumbline? What are your thoughts on accountability? Have you ever tried an accountable relationship to help you reach a goal?

Tell the Fairy Followers all about it.

Here's your study, in case you didn't get it. And click on the link to the right and become an official "Fairy Follower" so that you are notified when the new blogs are posted. There will be two new ones over the next week telling tales of accountability here in the Hollow Log.

Blessings,
The B.D.F.

P.S. If you're confused because the pages don't go together in the view, you are right to be so. You have to print the pages and then layer them and fold them into a little book. Just pay attention to page numbers and you'll be fine. I'm confident you can all count to twelve.

Accountability

Publish at Scribd or explore others:

2009-01-12T16:12:00.003-06:00

Ok, I feel like this post should be accompanied by the sounding of trumpets and the waving of wands. An anonymous poster asked if we could publish the devos to the blog - so that if you missed Plumbline one night you might still be able to download the devotions. I think I have figured it out thanks to a fellow blogger!

To print this, click on ipaper and select print. Let me know if you have any problems.
Yours, The B.D.F.

Hang Time

Publish at Scribd or explore others:

The Legend of Nessie

2009-01-09T12:23:00.003-06:00

Dear Lads and Lassies,

Gazing upon the emerald waters of my pond today, I was looking for the lake-dwelling mythic creature who was supposed to live in my neighborhood.

The frog that keeps track of such things told me that Nessie had given up her home near the hollow log and hit the road to live a life of adventure, excitement and meeting all the right people. Can this be true? Have you stories of the fabled Nessie?

Please share them and let me know she's okay.
Until next time, the B.D.F.

Hang Time with God

2009-01-08T12:38:00.008-06:00

It was so nice to see all of your smiling faces back together again after a cold and snowy Christmas break.

We kicked off our H.A.B.I.T.S. study last night with Hang Time with God. What did you think?

Have you started on your devotions yet? It's a great way to start spending a little time with God - without a whole lot of pressure. This week we're talking about a process that you can use to make your time with God productive. I don't know about you, but I like things laid out for me. Don't just tell me what to do, give me a few hints as to how I can do it. That's what your devotion books are designed to do and you will find them filled with practical application.

We welcome your questions and comments here in the hollow log and will respond as quickly as possible. The B.D.F. has a bit of an internet addiction and her glow may start to fade if you don't at least leave a comment or a little shout out...dawgs.

Until next time, the Bible Devotion Fairy.

Now Just Wait a Minute!

2009-01-07T13:46:00.003-06:00

Greetings Fairy Followers,

'Tis the season...of waiting. Waiting for the school year to end, waiting for the weather to warm up, waiting for college and scholarship acceptance (or rejection) letters. I've been doing a bit of waiting myself and can say, quite frankly, it stinks!

In his book, Visioneering, Andy Stanley, Atlanta pastor coined the phrase, "Waiting time is not wasted time." If you can grab onto this idea--it can change the way you wait!

David said it best in Psalm 5:3, "In the morning O Lord, I lay my requests before you and I wait in expectation!"

Waiting is holding on and praying expectantly!

Waiting is watching for a signal from God when to move!

Waiting is a time to observe the needs of others around you!

Waiting is the place of listening to the still, small voice in your heart!

Waiting is not a lonely activity, if you invite someone to wait with you!

This week, wait in joyful expectation of what is to come. And live in the now, striving for the Lord's will in your life.

Blessings, The B.D.F.

Districts Photos

2009-01-05T12:01:00.007-06:00

Tuesday, 1/6 8:23pm. Just discovered a video from Disticts on Dutton's website. I saw one familiar face...do you??
http://www.duttonband.com/

Ok, Gang, Got tired of squishing all the pictures I've been harvesting into the previous post - it wrecks the flow of the verbiage...don't ya know?

Here are some more snaps from the event.

Districts

2009-01-04T17:52:00.006-06:00

The brave souls who traveled to Green Bay this weekend have returned in one piece...and in the case of the Wilke's van...more than one piece. Really more sharing than we counted on this weekend. The Bible Devotion Fairy tucked into a pair of socks (you boys really should bring clean socks on a trip...I'm just saying.)

Dutton has become out new youth group mascot band. Their worship rocked the house and our souls. 3-2-1-Penguins...oh, I mean 3-2-1 Improve...kept us in stitches. And P.T.L. those were the only kind we needed. Watch yourself at youth group this week - the spam-weilder will be in attendance if you act out. Flatfoot56 introduced some of us to our first mosh-pit...and you will excuse us if we need you to repeat yourself for the next few days.

Like Pinocchio and the Velveteen Rabbit we were challenged to be Real and alerted to the process of sin.
First you Notice
Then you Think about the sin
Then you Act on the temptation
Which leads to Paying the Price (and there always is one)

So, what was your perspective on Districts? What did you learn? What was the best or the worst?

Your Listening Ears

2009-01-04T08:32:00.001-06:00

Last night one of the little flutter pixies in my grove came skipping up to my log and announced, "I can't hear God. I sit here really quiet but I just can't hear him."

I didn't have the heart to tell her that she would probably spend the next ninety years figuring out how to hear the voice of God. My willow reed bookshelf has a number of volumes committed to the topic. Including "How to Hear from God" by Joyce Meyers. Maybe if I finished it I'd be closer to becoming an expert. Maybe.

The truth of the matter is, I don't think this is as difficult as we make it out to be. It just takes us committing to things that don't come naturally. Like...practicing solitude. Being alone just doesn't fit into most of our lives. Neither does being quiet. Pay attention to your life today. How often are you alone and quiet? No music, no talking (to others or yourself), no friends or family.

I think my time of quiet today totaled the amount of time I was in the shower. Even going to bed I turn on the tunes and then wake up to music.

So, fair humans, how do you hear from God? How do you know when God is speaking and when you might be hearing other voices? Leave a comment - share your thoughts.

Until next time, The B.D.F.

The Fairy Wakes

2009-01-03T18:29:00.000-06:00

Greetings Children of God!

It is the first week of the New Year and we are getting ready to start our new study on habits. Apropo don't you think? (Yes, I use big words. Get over it. Go to dictionary.com and look it up if you need to. Then you'll score better on the S.A.T. and come back and thank me for it later.)

Habits are a funny thing.
There are some I'd like to have. The habit of rising before dawn every day to work out, spend time with God and clean the entire house before the other fairies wake to mess it up.

There are some of which I'd like to rid myself. The habit of indulging in fairy berry muffins after each and every meal. The habit of raising my wand in anger when provoked. The habit of "Gossip Girl."

We aren't talking about these habits. We're talking about H.A.B.I.T.S...Hang Time with God, Accountability, Bible Memorization, Involvement in the Church, Tithing, and Scripture Study.

So, great and tall, humans living above...what are your habits? What do you want to add? Subtract? Multiply or Divide?