Author: bonniejeancarr

For many a month, my three year old grandson planned on taking me to the zoo. Delighted, I was coming to visit, he began making plans. On the morning of our zoo visit, I was as excited as he to begin our excursion. Mommy and baby sister joined our trip. Our expedition began with giraffes, chimpanzees, and orangutans. My daughter, directly staring me in the eyes, announced REPTILES were next. Under her breath she emphatically declared, “Mom, your fear isn’t your grandson’s. Please, don’t share it.” I not only fully understood, I, also, agreed with her intercession.

Truth is, I am not afraid, but petrified, of snakes. That zoo morning I realized my snake fear results from my personal view, not any dogma — Christian or otherwise. Wrongly, I could force my view on others ( specifically my grandson) and expect all (him) to accept my declaration as absolute dogma; but this is invalid thinking and forcing my view, not dogma, to be held as valid for all. From this perspective is where today’s blog roots.

Our Country is falling apart, being torn from its stability, I believe, because in many ways we are expecting and forcing our views to be received and realized as dogma by others.

First off, let’s define the difference between views and dogma. A view is “my” conclusion on world issues. Dogma is God’s proclamation outlined and defined in His word, the Bible. Views center in personal choice, estimation and judgment. Dogma is rooted in God’s laws, warnings and conclusions, as defined in Scripture. I (or you) author views. God authors dogma.

Society is being torn apart by personal views being screamed at each other. So very often, dogma inspired directions, especially the Ten Commandments, are not the source of our personal proclamations. Instead, personal views, more and more, are the explosive accusations ripping us apart.

Dogma states it is wrong to not recognize and praise God, kill, steal, commit adultery, not honor parents, bear false witness or covet what belongs to others. Upholding and defending these commands we, as Christians, are called to do, and do strongly. However, personal views, on much that is destroying our land, are not meant to divide us or to be forced on others. The Covid Pandemic, I feel, has torn our Country apart on a higher pitch than any of our conflicts over dogma. For example, masks and vaccinations are not dogma but rather views. However, society (including some Christians) acts as if they are highest dogma.

I wonder, is it worth dividing and destroying our Country over that which is our views. Shouldn’t all of our efforts be directed toward preserving God’s dogma? Could it be that the devil might well be using the tactic of letting our views take over any dominance of Biblical dogma?

Jesus clearly instructed, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s”. Mark 12:17 (ESV) I suggest a paraphrase might be: what is of Caesar’s is of the world and holds individual value. It’s meaning or direction differs, and is determined, by choice, not dogma. What is of God is dogma and of equal value and sameness for all. Its worth is written in God’s Hand and not to be interpreted by personal view. Why does this matter? Because, the distraction of our views is covering up the relevance and commands of dogma.

Now, before there’s any misconception, this blog is my view. I do not make any pretense of it being dogma. It’s merely a view to mull over, not dogma by which to be sworn!!!

My last few months in North Carolina and my first months in Florida, I have been attending very large churches. For me, one of the greatest teaching points in this has been: whom is a child of God to resemble. Having come from smaller congregational settings, I was used to being surrounded by the majority of worshippers who, mostly, matched me. By placing myself in much larger settings, God has opened my squinting eyes. Bottom line, I’ve come to understand that children of God are not to resemble me. They are called to reflect the image of God. Come beside me as I share one of the diverse images I came to realize deeply reflects our Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

My initial, rather shocking, revelation pivoted around tattoos. My olden “prim and proper” nature automatically assumed all tattoos were a sign of borderline rebellion, at its best, and full blown insurrection at its worst. Never did I put tattoos in the realm of belief in the Resurrection. However, an eye opener stared me down via an on stage music leader. His passion for Christ oozed out of every note he sang. In a matter of seconds, he escalated my emotional worship energy. It was a few weeks before it even dawned on me his outer skin was inked. Up until that moment, all I had witnessed was his love of God inspiring me, and the whole congregation, to join in choruses of Divine praise. Suddenly, I was questioning the short sightedness of my automatic tattoo conclusions.

My eyes began to look around the congregation. The family of God surrounding me was so very large and, quite naturally, was not anywhere close to a 100% clone of the “prim and proper”. However, upon closer observation, I concluded all were to be included in the reflection of God’s children. I witnessed universal hearts loving, and souls praising, God — no matter what outside appearance each portrayed. Wow, was I convicted; and, yes, I felt a big ouch!!! Children of God are to resemble God, not me or any of my preconceived notions.

Tomorrow is Easter Sunday. All churches, no matter their size, will be overflowing with worshippers. Will you join me in forgetting about where our blind, pigeon hole eyes might guess their belonging — or not belonging? Let’s, instead, look for God (not ourselves) in others. Above all, let us remember, we are not to make our own preconceived conclusions; “for God does not show favoritism”. Romans 2:11 (NLT)

Condemnation and judgment are not a Christians levying duty. Only God’s hands hold this enforcing power. In fact, instead of condescendingly looking down on evil doers, we are instructed to reflect and realize “there, but for the Grace of God, go I”. Simply stated, but for the Grace of God, I (and you) could be under the same fate as any (and every) fallen, unfortunate or persecuted person. Every created human being bears the label sinner. That we have escaped the dire depths of our sinful nature, we must realize is due to the gift of God’s Grace.

It is upright to proclaim God’s Grace is to be praised as our escape from the devastating situations many deserve or endure. However, too often, relief (not praise) becomes our sigh upon recognition of “there, but for the Grace of God, go I. I can’t help but wonder if this is the full, God intended, voice meant to flow from this idiom. I don’t believe so.

Man’s purpose is to praise God. Relief that we escaped a negative scenario somehow seems to lack praise. “Dodging a bullet” relief hardly exudes joyful praise. So maybe, the phrase “but for the Grace of God” has an overlooked flip side that we Christians need to embrace. Possibly, if we were to do so, the result would be to expand our praise for God and deflate our self glorification.

Let’s explore a flip side of “there, but for the Grace of God, go I”. I purpose we ponder “there, BECAUSE of the Grace of God, go I”. Application could apply to all of our accomplishments, gifts and blessings (both earned and unmerited). Might this bring home to us gratitude and praise laid at God’s feet, over self pride and over estimating our own worth?

Are any of us capable of producing success without God’s Grace — anymore than we can escape failure without God’s Grace? I don’t think so. However, I also believe that only by contemplating God’s Grace as the agent for all we positively receive, will God be praised as the source for all we are blessed to achieve or be given.

This week marks the beginning of celebrating the greatest gift we have ever been given, and one we totally have not earned — Jesus Christ’s Death and Resurrection so that we could be forgiven and redeemed. What better time is there to proclaim both sides of this idiom?

There, BUT FOR the Grace of God, go I — Good Friday: Jesus took on my sins (and yours) and died in place of me.

There, BECAUSE OF the Grace of God, go I — Easter Sunday: Jesus rose from death so I (and you) can walk through the gates of Heaven.

After sighs of relief on Good Friday for God’s saving Grace, let us praise God on Easter Sunday for His greatest gift of Grace.

“But by the Grace of God I am what I am.” 1 Corinthians 15:10 (NIV)

     The mighty little warrior capturing my vision is a ten year old lad.   As I sit calmly on the shoreline, he and his surfboard are conquering humongous waves.   His Uncle is standing watch and hand gestures him in a little closer, but this tyke only has his sight set on the next big wave.   Not chilling fear, but thrilling confidence runs through his miniature muscles.

     For near an hour, I’ve been mesmerized by this little boy defying ocean power, riding all the waves regardless of their might and celebrating every time he comes to a halt on the sand.   My heart, too, rejoices in his victories and delights in his, from top of his head to tip of his toes, exuberant joy.   Children are meant to be filled with the freedom of pretending to be a super hero and thoroughly occupied with having fun.

     Suddenly, I felt a nudge to allow not solely my eyes, but also my soul, to capture the scene before me.   It was then that I noticed this lad was donning bright blue swim trunks and was riding a brilliant yellow surfboard – Ukraine’s colors.   My heart ached as it awakened to the contrast of one little American boy’s dream-filled day versus a multitude of Ukrainian youngsters’ war-filled nights.   These little children might be oceans away, but they were created by God, just like the little boy surfing and on-looker me.

     It’s ok for me to be an on-looker to another’s dream; but as a child of God, am I not called to be an active participant, at least through prayer, when nightmares overtake even distant little souls created by God?   Shouldn’t the suffering of any, and all, youngsters hit home – including my and your abode?

     Sadly, it seems many Americans have become so focused on scurrying around to find “what we want” despite disrupted supply chains that we overlook there are others who, without a life line, are in hiding with “nothing they need” to even survive.  

     Strange how a little boy surfing the ocean helped me dive beneath the surface and into the waves of war.   Granted, I’m unable to do much, but I can do more – deeper prayer can led me, and you, to unite at God’s feet and beg His hands to cradle the innocent youth caught up in our war torn world.   Above all, are we not called to pray for these tormented souls as family, not as distant foreigners?

     As my thoughts began wondering if there is any Hope for the young lives enduring the plaque of war, God sent His assurance.   The little surfer captivating my gaze, suddenly, met a monster of a wave which conquered him.   Both the lad and the board toppled over and were momentarily submerged under the wave.   Upon the two of them re-surfacing, the board was upside down.   Never will I forget the little man dragging his “bottom up” board back onto the beach.   For you see, the bottom of his surfboard was neon green – the color of HOPE.

     God’s message to me was clear.   HOPE can surface even after being toppled by all waves, and wars, in life.   Nothing is beyond God’s power to bring us up from the depths of drowning fear and persecution.   Will you join me in praying for God’s HOPE to carry the children of Ukraine (and all their countrymen) out of war’s nightmare and into the peace and freedom of SONshine?   In unison, may we fervently pray for all God’s creations as family, not foreigners.   “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 (NIV)

     Yesterday, March 23^rd, my heart knew it was time.   Tater Tot, our beloved 14 year old Yorkie, was ready to romp the fields of heaven.   An appointment was made for the following afternoon to release her from her earthly suffering.   At that moment, I wrongfully thought I was going to “put her down”.   God’s love and compassion changed my understanding from “putting down” to “lifting up and letting go” — resting Tater Tot in God’s presence where she could be completely restored.   It is the truth of this perception, not my personal heartbreak, my soul yearns to share.

     Each morn before my feet even hit the floor, I reach for my Daily Devotional, JESUS CALLING.   Today, March 24^th, the very day Tater Tot is crossing the Rainbow Bridge, these are the words my tear-filled eyes read:

        March 24 – THIS IS A TIME  

       “THIS IS A TIME in your life when you must learn to let go of loved ones, of possessions, of control.  In order to let go of something that is precious to you, you need to rest in My presence, where you are complete.  Take time to bask in the light of My Love.  As you relax more and more, your grasping hand gradually opens up, releasing your prized possession into My care.  (JESUS CALLING, by Sarah Young.)

     Immediately following reading these words, I heard God telling me I WAS NOT “putting Tater Tot down”, as the world declares.   Rather, I was “lifting up and letting go” of Tater Tot so His Healing Hands could restore her health, entrust her to family already in heaven and allow Tater Tot the well earned blessing of romping happily in heaven while waiting for me to someday rejoin her.   

     No, most definitely, Tater Tot was not going in a downward direction as we said “I’ll see you later”.   She was being uplifted to the reward her life on earth merited.   The world is wrong to pin the phrase “putting down” on our four legged family’s journey to heaven.   How many of our human hearts are crushed by these words?   “Putting down” or “lifting up and letting go” will, both, break our hearts; but “lifting up and letting go” does not crush our hearts.   On the contrary, it supports and allows our souls to cradle what is broken and, in time and faith, cements the pieces of our hearts into a renewed forever love.   Simply stated, God can, and will, heal all that are broken if we “lift up, let go” and, in trust, collapse into His Hands.

       “Putting down” is a catastrophic end.   “Lifting up and letting go” into God’s Hands is an eternal life beginning.   Forever, I praise God for the GOD INCIDENCE daily devotional He sent me this morning.   Yes, my tears still fall, but the sad are intermingled with the grateful for a deeply cherished companion and the joyful that our little canine cherub now barks in Heaven’s choir.

     Fourteen women of prayer, in circular formation, wondering how to lead wayward children of God from unbiblical paths to salvation.   All ascertained that digging their heels in and preaching is only heard as screeching.   Looking up for inspiration, they implored, “What are we called to do?  God we need direction!”   Our Lord answered right away.   “Look down!” I heard Him say.

     Fourteen pairs of shoes were the foundation of this circle.   Each pair was distinct from all others.   No two were the same.   Neither are God’s children.   Think about this.   My journey is mine.   Yours is yours.   Each of our voyages to eternal life is unique – like none other.   By design, God created each of us unlike any other.   He did not manufacture, use a duplicate template or clone us.   Each of us was created not as a possession to be mass molded but an original treasure to be unfolded.  

     Not molded but unfolded – herein might rest God’s message hidden amongst 14 pairs of shoes.   Could it be, every child of God’s journey travels their own path; and ours is not the power to choose or change their trail?   In other words, our shoes don’t fit another’s feet.   Might, also, be that God is not expecting us to force others to walk in our shoes.

     So what are we supposed to do?   Not care about others; give up; don’t even try in the first place?   No, not at all, we are called to share the one pathway God duplicated in each of us – our hearts.  

     Lest we overestimate our ability and underestimate God’s power, let us confirm, and reaffirm, God is the only force strong enough to change one’s condemning ways.   Our calling is to show and share God’s love.    Then, leave to God the path that can lead His wayward children from straying and into the direction of seeing and feeling His goodness – over being bombarded by their badness.   

     Simply stated, our commission is to bring others (both those found and lost) to God.   Then God, not us, will re-chart their course and bring them home to heaven.   Too often, we amplify and over initiate our ability and calling.   The miracle of salvation is not ours, but God’s.   Our mission is to open our hearts to all (even before they have been showered in baptismal cleansing), reflect God’s all-embracing love, confirm God’s grace is given all who need and ask, then walk beside and lead to the foot of the cross.   Once we’ve shared this leg with another’s journey, God’s arms solely (and “soul”y) carry the transformation from being lost to finally found.

     Neither the weight of our evil world nor the weight of actually saving others rest upon our shoulders.   Though each weighs on our hearts, and as a Christian rightfully so, our capability is only to lead others to our Father, Son and Holy Ghost – knowing our Triune God’s ability, alone, can convict, cleanse and change one’s journey from on the road to hell to destined for heaven.

                                            Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

                                            Praise Him, all creatures here below;

                                            Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host;

                                            Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!

                                            Praise God the Father who’s the sower;

                                           Praise God the Son who’s the course;

                                           Praise God the Spirit who’s the flow;

                                           Praise God, our portion here below!

                                                                         (By Rev. Thomas Ken)

     Reality is most every American adult (also, the majority of our teens and too many of our tweens) are unsettled by both the closeness of city crime and the far reach of Eastern European countries at war.   While it is understandable that mankind fears these physical threats, as children of God we are called to, are able to and must rest confidently in God’s promise – “…I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palm of My hands…”  Isaiah 49: 15-16 (NIV)

     Do you remember when as a child you faced attack by a peer?   Bet you turned the battle over to the strongest person you knew – your daddy.   You knew he’d right all wrongs and be your safeguard, didn’t you?   I certainly did.    Well, God in heaven, also, longs to be our “Father Shelter” defending and protecting us from every one of our fears, enemies and hostilities.   “So do not fear, for I am with you; and do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”  Isaiah 41: 10 (NIV)

     Have you felt yourself trembling when you hear about devastating weapons striking – and lurking to be unleashed upon – innocent citizens who are no different than you, me and ours?   I have.   How, you wonder, can one not be paralyzed in fright?   Our panic screams can best be silenced by listening to God’s Word, the Bible.   “Now I know: The Lord gives victory to His anointed.   He answers him from His heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of His right hand.  Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.   They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.”  Psalm 20: 6-8 (NIV)

     We trust God; but, yes, in today’s tumultuous world we waver and quiver over the atrocities taking place on our planet, Earth.   They seem too close to home not to feel the reverberations.   We can’t help but glare at their reality.   This leaves us shell shocked.   Sadly, our trust is frozen and our sight locked onto, and into, trepidation.   However, God calls His children, you and me included, to a different focus.   “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.  Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord Himself, is the rock eternal.”  Isaiah 26 3-4 (NIV)

     Bottom line, and top priority, is “When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.  In God, whose word I praise – in God I trust and am not afraid.”  Psalm 56:3-4 (NIV)

     This past week, I asked God where we have gone so wrong with rearing the youth of today.   Is Covid, bullying and lack of family the sole causes of so many wayward young people?   God led me to a totally new perspective.   It was an awakening!!!

     Youth of today are absorbed in the worldly ladder of horizontal success.   They are judged by being the best athlete, the smartest student, the most beautiful body, etc., etc., etc.   Sadly, not only do they constantly hear this from their peers, but also, from their parents, teachers and coaches.   Standard way of the young’s thinking (and believing) is if they aren’t the best, they are sub adequate.   Those who do attain the top rung are indoctrinated that they are only valuable (and validated) if they remain above all competition.   But is this God’s doctrine?   I don’t think so, or at least that was what I heard God whispering to me.

     Truth be told, I can’t find even one place in God’s word where He speaks that any human being is perfect, without fault, and towers above all other creatures; or that this is the direction in which mankind is to strive.   However, multiple times God reveals, though we all are sinners, the gift of His grace carries us beyond the lowliness of our shortcomings and into the highest glory – the reward of being called a child of God capable of (and destined to) reach beyond the limelight of the stars and merit the heavens.

     The greatest tragedy, today, is not that our youth are obsessed with their self-worth being tied to worldly status.   It is that we, their parents, teachers and coaches, have helped their identity be tied to successes instead of instilling in them that, like us grown-ups, they are sinners, not created to be measured by perfection, but grace covered in our imperfections.   Honestly, our adult conversations concerning the individual youth in our family, more than not, would, most likely, convict us all in this regard.   Ouch!!! 

     Maybe, young people need to know they are not adored because of what they achieve.   Quite possibly, what the young need to receive is our unconditional love, not solely doled out when they stand perfect above all others, but forever theirs, even when they fall down and “soul”y need God’s gift of grace to crawl across their finish line.

     Wonder what the world would reflect if we, adults, set out to help our young identify with being a grace gifted sinner instead of the reflection of a flawless, better than the rest, human being?

     When I first noticed the bike rack, by the entry gates to my subdivision, my thought was what a strange place to park a bike.   Yet, it was completely packed with bikes of all size and colors.   I thought it was interesting that not a single electric scoter was in the mix.   The time of day was midmorning.   Late afternoon, I drove by again.   Every single bike was gone.   As the days passed, the same scene occurred – totally full or completely empty.   Finally, my timing changed.   The Middle School bus and I arrived at the bike rack at the same moment.   A crowd of preteens piled off the bus and onto their “wheels” to ride the rest of their way home.  

As the youth raced up the street, my old soul took a trip down memory lane.   Those of you sharing my ancient generation are smiling as you remember how our bikes were our favorite (and only) means of transportation.   What a reflecting journey back in time to see young people eager (and content) to hop on a bike and ride into the future!!!

     Then, early afternoon one weekday, I was walking the sidewalk outside my community.   Suddenly, I felt ambushed.   Bike after bike after bike kept passing me up from the rear.   However, this time each and every bicycle was being pedaled by a grown-up.   Since when did anyone with a driver’s license choose to pedal a bike instead of turning over an engine?   Definitely, I was in the dark and missing something.   A few blocks up the road, understanding dawned.

     I came upon an Elementary School.   All those adult bike riders who had passed me were stopped outside the school’s fence waiting for their children to be dismissed.   I, too, halted my walk and watched.   Little tykes raced out, found their wheels amongst the flock at the school’s bike racks and then searched for mommy or daddy.   (Yes, daddies were as prevalent in the parents waiting as mommies!)   Once found and united with their parent, off they went as family heading home.

     Witnessing this, I was gratefully astounded.   Who ever said old fashioned families are extinct?   There I was re-living one of the most beautiful moments of family caring and togetherness.   Might not be the norm everywhere, but I guarantee you, in my new hometown the family unit has not been removed from the face of the earth.   Quite the opposite, it is alive, well and flourishing.

     As I headed home, I found myself, once more, being breezed by with packs of parents and their children journeying through life together.   What a blessed time this was.   My heart was filled with deja vu excitement and gratitude.   Newspapers, radios and TVs might spread that parents don’t care, can’t be bothered and that children are spoiled, lazy and evil; but this is not the truth.   Families, as God created them to be, still inhabit earth.

Old fashioned bike riding, parents caring and families sharing – thank you God for reminding me, who could ask for more or accept less?   Not me!!!  How about you???

“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6

     Today finds me taking a step back, looking into our world and questioning do our youth even have soul dreams or are they solely drowning in nightmares?   Quite possibly, this is not only one of the greatest travesties handed to our young but, also, a very great failure of ours in their legacy.   Somehow we have turned from helping our children and grandchildren discover the God given dreams within their hearts.   Instead, we have idly stood by and let the devil drown our precious young ones in the world’s nightmares.   My soul cries over this; and my pen cries out, desiring to unmask what I believe God’s people are not seeing, yet the devil is perceiving as his victory.

     Are our youth, via the screams of social media, being so inundated with how bad the world and its population are that not even a flicker of hope enlightens them to heaven’s promise and the goodness of God?   Have our young people’s inner desire to hold a dream been wiped out by smearing them with all that is wrong, instead of wiping away their doubts of knowing that through God’s grace carrying them, their own hard work and our faith, hope and love in them, they can not only reach their dreams but also reach beyond their starry dreams and touch the heavens? 

     One additional shortcoming of us grown-ups takes reaching a dream out of the goals of our young.  Through falling into the misguided trap of not wanting our children to be lacking of anything, aren’t we doing our children harm when we remove all obstacles from their paths?  This leads to them not having  to seek (and believe in) strength beyond their known power or having to stretch their courage to earn their dreams?   Aren’t outstretched fingertips struggling to attain a dream, not an open palm waiting to be dropped into, the gift we are called to share with our young?   My heart believes this; but, too often, we grown-ups propagate in our youth the doom and gloom of nightmares over instilling in them the ability to have, strive for, achieve and hold onto a dream.

     Without any wondering, I am a forever God centered, 100% believer seeking the wonder of dreams – both those attained in heaven and the ones sewn into my journey on earth.   Recently, a new dream became mine (and hopefully, yours too).   Let’s dig even a tiny crevice in the devil’s shroud of nightmares engulfing our children and enlighten and encourage them to trust both God and themselves and, then, to dare to dream their dreams.   It’s more than time that our youth were given the gift of worn and torn, “believing-in-dreams” fingertips instead of the nightmare of Satan’s slippery slope of greased palms and worldly doom and gloom.  Simply spoken, let’s become dedicated to turning our children from being upset by nightmares into being stirred up by dreams.