TO BOO OR NOT TO BOO

 

                                                    Unknown children 1982

As I recall, butterscotch was my least favorite candy when I was a kid. Other than that, I was eager to go trick-or-treating and collect just about every other kind of candy. I had a giant sweet tooth! In fact, I was a trick-or-treat enthusiast all the way into my sophomore year in college.

When I was in high school, I had two little brothers who helped cover for me. I don't recall exactly what happened on Halloween back then, but I'm sure I got to share some of the candy my brothers collected. After all, what are little brothers for?

My enthusiasm for Halloween continued into college. During my sophomore year, we were so poor that we couldn't afford snacks, so we went trick-or-treating! Some nuns invited us in for gingerbread and hot cider, which was a lovely treat. Other times, however, we were scolded because we were supposedly too old for such activities. I guess not everyone appreciated our enthusiasm!

But times have certainly changed. In 1958, the White House distributed Halloween treats to children, including candy and cookies. By 1964, concerns about poisoned treats had become prominent enough to inspire warnings about accepting homemade goodies from strangers. Parents began insisting that treats be commercially packaged and sealed. Homemade treats were often thrown away unless they came from someone the family knew and trusted. What a change from the days when a homemade cookie or caramel apple was a welcome Halloween surprise!

As for costumes, my choice was almost always Peter Pan. My theme was that I would never grow up! I almost managed to stick to that lifestyle until marriage and children came along. While the other girls in high school and college were interested in getting married and starting families, I was interested in avoiding growing up. I guess that explains why several boyfriends eventually broke up with me. I was just a little too immature for their plans!

Today, Halloween has taken on some different forms. Many communities now offer harvest fairs and other family-friendly activities. Some Christians have even returned to celebrating Reformation Day, remembering October 31, 1517, when Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the church door in Wittenberg, Germany. I particularly liked one commentator's suggestion: celebrate by nailing 95 Reese's Cups to your door!

I suppose Halloween has changed quite a bit since my childhood days of collecting candy, sharing my brothers' treats, and pretending I would never grow up. We have traded some of the old traditions for new ones, and our concerns about safety have changed how we celebrate. But whether it is trick-or-treating, harvest festivals, or remembering the Reformation, there is still something special about this time of year. And I have to admit, if someone offered me a bag of Halloween candy today, I would probably still be tempted. After all, growing up doesn't necessarily mean giving up your sweet tooth!

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Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

POUR OUT YOUR HEART

 

The school will soon be silent. All the investigations will be over. The children and teachers will be absent. Families, staff, and the community will mourn. It was another school shooting. Bend, Oregon, will never be the same. How can we begin to understand such evil? Where does it come from?

Is it the result of living in this fallen, sinful, damaged, disordered, afflicted, beleaguered, and only partially redeemed world? Does it begin in the human heart? Or does it grow in the digital worlds of Discord, Reddit, 4Chan, TikTok, and countless other online spaces? As some young people become immersed in these environments, they may be radicalized, dehumanized, and increasingly disconnected from the real people around them. What begins as isolation or anger can become something far more dangerous.

What do we know about those who commit these terrible acts? School shootings are a subset of the broader category of mass shootings.  The Violence Project identified four commonalities among mass shooters, which include a history of trauma, mental health issues, a fascination with violence, and a pattern of concerning behavior prior to the attack. These insights aim to help in understanding and preventing future incidents of mass violence.

These findings do not explain every shooting, nor do they excuse the choices of those who commit such violence. However, they remind us that there may be warning signs, painful experiences, and opportunities for intervention long before a tragedy occurs. We must take those signs seriously and work together to protect vulnerable children.

But how do we protect our children in an increasingly dangerous world? We may need to invest less in the assumption that schools can remain open and welcoming without additional safeguards, and more in alarms, cameras, security measures, and thoughtful planning. Parents may face difficult decisions about where and how their children should be educated. If violence continues to threaten our schools, will we eventually find ourselves trying to protect children inside bulletproof capsules or other forms of extreme security? It is heartbreaking to imagine a world in which such measures seem necessary.

Yet security systems alone cannot heal wounded hearts or remove the evil that leads someone to harm others. We need to care for children who experience trauma, recognize signs of crisis, teach responsible use of technology, and help young people develop meaningful connections with others. Families, schools, communities, and churches all have a role to play.

Can the "evil one" be defeated? We cannot overcome such darkness through human wisdom and strength alone. God can give us the wisdom to recognize danger, the courage to act, and the compassion to care for those who are hurting. Through prayer, we seek His guidance and strength. But prayer must also move us to action—to protect the vulnerable, comfort grieving families, and reach out to those who are struggling before despair turns into destruction.

As Christians, we know that this world is broken, but we also know that evil does not have the final word. Jesus Christ offers hope in the midst of sorrow and light in the darkest places. We may not understand why another school has become a place of mourning, and we cannot promise that tragedy will never happen again. But we can pray, we can act, and we can faithfully teach our children to love their neighbors and value every human life. May God give comfort to the families of Bend, wisdom to those responsible for protecting our children, and healing to a world so desperately in need of Him.

SPIRITUAL GIFTS AND BLESSINGS

 

Jes 5 years old

Children are amazing. Suddenly, you will discover that they are more capable than you thought. Our son Jes was a quiet child. He was a good listener, and he learned quickly. One Sunday, the children were putting on a Christmas play, and the pastor’s wife chose Jes to have a speaking part. I told her that he probably wouldn’t be able to get up and talk in front of the church. She simply told me to leave it to her.

During the play, Jes calmly stood up and spoke his part with no problem. Of course, I beamed with pride! He went on to use this ability many more times throughout his life.

That experience made me think about how God gives each of us abilities that we may not recognize at first. So, how did Jes develop this talent? I believe that God had given him a spiritual gift. I also believe that God, in the person of the Holy Spirit, helps us and teaches us many things. He is God, and He will lead and guide us if we are willing to listen to His voice. Sometimes He speaks to us through Scripture, sometimes through a friend, and sometimes through what feels like a gentle nudge in our hearts.

I have experienced this kind of guidance in my own life.

Recently, a friend and her husband were moving to a new location and would be passing through our area. She wanted to stop by for a quick visit and then stop to see another friend from our long-ago Moms in Prayer group. The only problem was that the phone number we had for our friend had been disconnected.

I e-mailed her, but there was no reply. I called her son-in-law’s church and left a message asking her to call me, but there was still no response. I finally asked God to help us get in touch with her.

Then, quite suddenly, I remembered that years ago I had called her on FaceTime. I looked at the information I had for her in the address book on my phone and noticed the little FaceTime icon. I pressed it—and it rang. She answered!

I was shocked. How did I reach her using an old phone number that she no longer had? We had a wonderful catch-up visit, and she gave me her new phone number. I passed it along to our other friend, who was then able to call her and make arrangements for them to meet.

I believe the Holy Spirit connected that call somehow.

That is only one of many times when I believe I have experienced the Holy Spirit’s guidance in my life. Looking back, I can see occasions when He protected me from choices that might not have been good for me. There were times when a boyfriend suddenly broke up with me, perhaps saving me from a relationship that was not right for me. Most of the young men I dated treated me with respect and were gentlemen. At another important time in my life, a good friend from church started a Moms group where we studied Help! I’m a Parent by Bruce Narramore. That group became an important part of my life.

I have also seen God’s care in circumstances that were completely beyond my control. Even while sailing on the high seas, our vessel was carried safely into harbors. Looking back over the years, I can see many other instances when God was with us, protecting us, guiding us, and giving us abilities we needed at just the right time.

Perhaps that is one of the things I have learned most clearly as I have grown older: God is always at work, even when we don’t recognize what He is doing at the time. The Holy Spirit can use Scripture, other people, circumstances, and even a simple thought that suddenly comes to mind to guide us. We may not always understand why something happens or where a particular nudge is leading, but we can learn to listen.

But the most important gifts given when one asks Jesus into their heart is--  salvation by God's cleansing of our sins, and being sealed for eternity. 

When I look back at Jes standing in front of the church that Christmas morning, I see more than a shy little boy discovering that he could speak. I see a reminder that God has given each of us gifts and abilities, sometimes before we even know we have them. My prayer is that I will continue to listen for His voice, trust His leading, and recognize His hand in the ordinary—and sometimes extraordinary—events of my life.

Ephesians 1:3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,

1952 IN VIRGINIA

Jefferson manor 1952, left to right unknown, unknown, me, Beverly , Rita, Evy 

Grandpa told us the truth. You may ask why I believe my grandfather was correct. He knew the truth about the Communists. As I recall, he wanted to build a fallout shelter in our backyard in Alexandria. I’m not sure how far he got with it. Meanwhile, we had “duck and cover” drills at school every so often. We would hear an alarm and be instructed to climb under our desks and cover our heads with our hands. All of this was supposed to protect us from the threat of the “bomb” during the Cold War—a time when the United States and the Soviet Union were locked in a tense struggle.

In America, some people went overboard in their efforts to keep Communism out of the United States. Others understood that the answer went much deeper than politics. Richard Wurmbrand, for example, knew that Jesus was the answer. He was tortured and imprisoned in Romania for fourteen years because of his faith.

Wurmbrand believed Soviet Communism was a fundamentally atheistic and oppressive system. In his 1966 testimony before the U.S. Senate, he described his experiences preaching to Russian soldiers and warned that Communist systems would ultimately become oppressive when Communists gained complete power.

Looking back, the defeat of Soviet Communism came about through many influences—economic decline, the prayers and persistence of free people, the witness of Christians like Wurmbrand, and many other forces working against that system.

And that brings me to today. Once again, we hear promises that the government can provide for everyone and that a peaceful, prosperous utopia can be created if only we put enough power in the right hands. But history reminds us to be cautious about such promises. Human government cannot create the perfect world we long for.

As Christians, we know that true peace and justice ultimately come from God. We are called to love our neighbors, care for one another, help those in need, and live responsibly—not simply look to government to solve every problem. Grandpa understood something important: freedom is precious, government has limits, and no earthly system can take the place of God.

Hebrews 13:3  Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.

HOME

 

Grandpa Roy and Grandma Grace Belle 1913

“Joyce never forgot what Joe had gone through in his early years, and she never wavered from a vow she had made to herself early in their relationship: come what may, she would make sure he never went through anything like it again, would never again be abandoned, would always have a warm and loving home.”
—The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown

Home is so important in a person’s life, yet the work of building a home can be tedious and often goes unnoticed. Joyce had never planned to be a housewife or to spend her days keeping house. But because she loved Joe, she willingly did the work. She wanted him to feel secure. She wanted him to know that, whatever happened, he had a place where he was loved and would not be abandoned.

That reminded me of Grandma and Grandpa. They, too, built a home together—not simply a house, but a place where their three daughters could grow, learn, and develop their own gifts.

My mom remembered her dad teaching her older sister and her to type. He supervised their practice, making sure they learned to do it well. Grandma stood beside the piano for their piano practice helping them keep time. Those girls became typists and piano and organ players, and they continued those activities throughout their lives.

Grandma also found practical ways to care for her daughters. When my mom studied late at night, Grandma would heat a brick in the wood-stove oven, wrap it carefully, and put it at my mom’s feet to keep them warm. It was a simple thing, but it was an expression of love. The youngest daughter took voice lessons and developed a love of singing that stayed with her throughout her life.

In those days, building a home was not something that happened by itself. It took time, work, sacrifice, patience, and love. Grandma and Grandpa invested those things in their family, and eventually their three daughters left home to build homes of their own.

Yet leaving home was not always easy, nor was it always possible. Tragic circumstances like my great uncle dying at a young age and leaving a deaf wife and a baby.  In those days deafness was treated differently than it is today.  The family took the baby to raise and sent the mom away. The unmarried brother and sister remained at home.  In my own family my sister and 3 brothers were reluctant to move out on their own.  Eventually they did so. 

And so the story continued from one generation to the next: people leaving one home and trying to create another. Houses were built, children were raised, skills were taught, and traditions were passed along. Through it all, the ordinary, sometimes tedious work of making a home continued.

Today, however, the idea of marriage and family seems to be changing. Many women are delaying marriage and family, and some are freezing their eggs so they can have children when they are older. According to a December 9, 2025, Washington Post report, young men today are, surprisingly, more interested in marriage than young women. The article suggested that this growing difference between the sexes could contribute to social chaos.

Perhaps part of the reason for the reluctance to marry is the message women have received for decades: that they can—and should—have it all. They can pursue a career, build a home, raise children, and somehow manage all of it without having to make difficult choices or sacrifices.

But can we really have it all?

Maybe the better question is: What is it that we value most? A career can be rewarding, and accomplishments outside the home certainly have value. But a loving home does not happen without someone investing time and energy in it. Joyce understood that. Grandma understood it. They knew that making a home was work, but they also knew that the work mattered.

Perhaps we have underestimated the importance of that work. A warm meal, a clean and welcoming house, a piano lesson supervised, a brick warmed in a wood stove, a child encouraged, a husband welcomed home—these may seem like small things. Yet those small things can become the very fabric of a family’s life.

A home is built one act of love at a time. And while building one may not always be glamorous, the security, memories, and love created there can last for generations.

Proverbs 31:10   An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. 11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. 12 She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.    

11  and h

I'M STANDING UP ON THE INSIDE

 

No safety back in the day.

Years ago, our son, Jes, and our future daughter-in-law, Jessica, had the responsibility of picking up someone from the airport for the wedding of their friend. They were surprised when they met the group from Japan and discovered that they had no car seat for their four-year-old. After getting the child safely to their friend's house, Jes and Jessica promptly went out and bought a car seat. They respected the law and wanted to obey it—not simply because it was the law, but because they knew it was intended for the child's safety.

That story reminds me of another story I heard years ago. A little girl was standing up on the seat in the car. Her mother insisted that she sit down and put on her seat belt. After some quick discussion, the girl finally submitted. But then she said, "I'm still standing up on the inside."

Isn't that sometimes how we are? We may obey outwardly while our hearts are still resisting.

I am very blessed to live in the United States and to have the freedom we have here. We can express our opinions and speak our minds as long as our speech is peaceful. Yet freedom does not mean that everything we choose to do is necessarily good for us or for those around us.

As I look at our culture today, I sometimes feel as though the young people are repeating some of the attitudes of the 1970s. Ugly is in, and language that once would have shocked us has become commonplace. Tattoos are now so normal that someone without tattoos can sometimes be the one who stands out. Yet customs and standards vary greatly from one part of the world to another. In some areas of Tanzania, for example, tattoos are considered far more serious than we might imagine—some even viewing them as worse than adultery.

These differences remind me that what our culture accepts is not always the same as what is best for us. And underneath all these outward expressions is something we all have in common: there is a little bit of rebellion in every one of us.

It is difficult to walk the straight path when there is so much noise surrounding us. We want to have friends. We want to fit in. We want to enjoy life. Sometimes one small step away from what is good seems harmless, but that one step can make the next step easier—and before long, we can find ourselves farther from the path than we ever intended to be.

So how do we live the best life? How do we continue walking in the right direction when making the effort becomes tiring? Sometimes it may seem almost useless to keep trying. We are running the marathon of this life, and we can become weary from the effort.

But there is Good News!

God does not ask us to run this race in our own strength. When we ask Him, He will indwell us with the power of His Holy Spirit. He helps us recognize what is right, gives us strength when we are weak, and draws us back when we begin to wander. Through His Word and His people, He teaches us how to keep walking the straight path.

Perhaps the goal isn't simply to make sure we are sitting down on the outside. God wants to change what is happening on the inside as well. We don't have to remain "standing up on the inside." Through His grace, He can change our hearts so that our outward obedience becomes an expression of an inward desire to follow Him.

And when we stumble—and we will—we don't have to give up. We can get back on the path, ask for His help, and keep running the race. The Good News is that we don't run it alone.

I Kings 19:18 "...Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.”

THE BEST REUNION IS YET TO COME

 

Jeanne, Stina, Nancy, me

It was forty years later that the four of us were finally reunited. For many years I had been the "lost classmate" until Nancy M. discovered that my parents had been sending her parents Christmas cards every year for four decades. What a delightful surprise it was to reconnect with three dear classmates—Jeanne, Stina, and Nancy L.

Time, however, has a way of reminding us that life is precious. Since our reunion, Stina and then Jeanne have gone. When I spoke with Nancy L. on her 83rd birthday, she firmly informed me that I was not allowed to die. I laughed and assured her that I was "going strong." Not long afterward, though, I received a gentle reminder that perhaps I wasn't quite as invincible as I thought. I had a sudden head rush and, for the first time in my life, it resulted in a fall.

Experiences like that have caused me to think more intentionally about saying goodbye before the time comes. I believe it is a gift to leave our loved ones with words of hope rather than uncertainty. I want my family and friends to know that I am looking forward to a far better place and that my greatest desire is for them to join me there someday. The assurance of that hope rests on the words of Jesus in John 14: "I go to prepare a place for you... I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

Life is uncertain, but our hope does not have to be. While we are here on earth, we can rely completely on Jesus. And when our earthly journey is over, we can continue to rely on Him. Those who place their trust in Him need not fear what lies ahead, for He has already prepared the way. That is the confidence I want to leave with those I love—and the hope I pray they will embrace for themselves.

 1 Corinthians 15:51 Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

KEEPING ON THE OLD PATH

 

Me, Davy, Jay, Evy, Wayne.  Grandpa in the background -- Grandma and Grandpa's house 1962

I had four siblings. All five of us stayed on the old path. We were obedient to our parents, attended school and church faithfully, and graduated from college. As is often the case, however, life became more complicated after adulthood. It was after college that we didn't necessarily make our parents happy. I won't go into detail, but after we all married, our relationships became difficult at times. Even so, we worked hard to keep the lines of communication open and to care for our parents in their old age. The Lord sustained us through every challenge. Along the way we experienced heartbreaking losses. Evy died of cancer in the middle of those years, and Jay passed away from diabetic shock two years after Dad was gone. Through it all, God's faithfulness carried us.

That brings me to an important question: Why should we stay on the old path? According to Voddie Baucham, in his sermon Three Trees, the beauty of the gospel reveals truth, beauty, and goodness while demonstrating God's power to transform lives and cultures.

History provides powerful evidence of that truth. I have noticed that countries ruled by Communism eventually stop prospering and freedom begins to disappear. Right now in South Korea, former U.S. Ambassador Morse Tan has been unable to return to the United States and to his wife and four children after South Korea imposed a travel exit ban on him. To me, this is an indication that Communist influence is slowly creeping into South Korea.

We can also see changing ideas here at home. In recent primary elections, several Democratic Socialists won nominations and will run as Democratic candidates against Republicans in the general election. Their platform is lunacy:

Underlying many of these cultural changes is a deeper philosophical issue. University of Texas professor J. Budziszewski has spent decades writing about ethics, conscience, and natural law. A former atheist who converted to Catholicism more than two decades ago, he has written more than twenty books, including The Pandemic of Lunacy. In discussing what he calls thirty modern myths, he argues that at the root of many of them is the desire for God not to be God—and for us to take His place. In other words, we want to determine our own standards of right and wrong, redefine marriage to suit ourselves, and declare that reality is whatever we choose it to be.

Budziszewski points out that there have always been times in history when societies were steeped in immorality. The difference today, he says, is striking. In the past, people often admitted what they were doing was wrong but simply chose not to care. Today, vice often claims the moral high ground. It says, "You are evil for calling this vice." That is a very different—and very troubling—situation.

For all of these reasons, I believe the old path is still the best path. It is the path that honors God, strengthens families, preserves freedom, and provides a firm foundation for future generations. While the world constantly searches for something new, God's timeless truth has never needed improvement.

Jeremiah 6:16a Thus says the Lord:“Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.

THE BLESSING OF HAVING A DRESSER

 

I must be related to Jerry Seinfeld. See the above video. I've often had the very same thoughts about clothes. Why can't we all just wear the same uniform every day? We'd have six identical outfits for everyday wear and then one pure white one reserved for Sunday.

Fortunately, I've had someone to dress me all these years, so it has never been much of a problem. When I was growing up, my mom picked out my clothes. If I wanted something different, I'd borrow my sister's. In college, if my mom hadn't packed something I needed, I'd borrow clothes from anyone willing to loan them to me. (That ball gown was 2 sizes too small but I squeezed into it.  Thanks Phyllis.)After I got married, my husband became my fashion consultant. (Sorry about those mini skirts now.) I wore his  waist 36" pants with suspenders for maternity clothes. These days, my daughter has taken over the job, and she's doing a wonderful job of keeping me presentable.

Looking back, I suppose I've never really been interested in fashion—only in being appropriately dressed. Having someone else make those decisions has saved me countless hours of standing in front of a closet wondering what goes with what. Maybe Jerry Seinfeld is onto something. A simple uniform would eliminate one more unnecessary decision from our day and leave more time for the things that really matter.

As for me, I'm perfectly content to let my daughter keep me from becoming a fashion disaster.

Proverbs 31:22 — "She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple."

FAITHFUL IN LITTLE THINGS

 Natalie--  4th of July parade

After traveling all over the world by jet, train, boat, bus, and car I realized that I loved the good old US of A. This is where we have freedom.  This is where we don't have government interference. This is where we have choice. But I have been saddened lately to find out that people want the government to run their lives. They think that the government knows better how to spend their money.  

At one time it was families and churches who took care of the poor, widows and orphans.  But slowly as families split up,  and churches withdrew from helping, the government was left to pick up the pieces. Unfortunately the government became so big that oversight was lost and dishonesty was rampant.

What was it that we forgot?  We forgot God. We have been told in Luke 16:10 “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. 

 A nation is built one person, one family, one church, and one community at a time. When we neglect personal responsibility and place our trust in institutions rather than in God, we should not be surprised when those institutions fail us. Lasting freedom depends not only on the laws we pass but on the character of the people who live under them. My travels taught me to appreciate America's blessings, but they also reminded me that those blessings cannot be taken for granted. They must be preserved by citizens who value faith, integrity, personal responsibility, and the freedom to care for one another.

Matthew 10:32-33 So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, 33 but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.

FATHER'S DAY AND REMEMBERING

 

Grace, Brad, Ruth, Dave, Evelyn, Jack. My mom Grace's sisters and my dad Dave's in-laws Redwood City, CA

Memories about Father's Day are few for me. Father's Day wasn't celebrated widely until the 1920s, and while I was growing up, our family simply attended church on Father's Day. Beyond that, we didn't do anything particularly special.

Like many fathers of the World War II generation, my dad seemed to believe that children should be "seen but not heard." Because of that, I can't remember having many conversations with him. Yet there were small moments that revealed his care and affection.

We enjoyed watching the TV show Mannix together and predicting how many times Mannix would get hit on the head during an episode. When I was in my twenties, Dad sent me a subscription to Christianity Today. Years later, after retirement, he took up baking cookies and regularly mailed us some of his delicious creations. On a visit to Chinatown, he surprised me with a pair of earrings. Another time, he hauled a piano crate out of storage for us. After we unloaded it, my mother put the box to good use as a storage shed.

Those gestures may seem ordinary, but they spoke volumes. Dad wasn't a man who expressed his love with many words. Instead, he showed it through faithfulness, hard work, and a willingness to help whenever he was needed. He worked diligently to provide for our family and spent countless hours repairing things around the house. Looking back, I realize that his steady presence gave me a sense of security and stability. Because he was always there, doing what needed to be done, I was blessed with a good childhood—and for that, I remain grateful.

I Corinthians 1: 26 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 

HOW TO SERVE MAN

 

For years, movies and television shows have explored the possibility of life on other planets. We have heard stories of unidentified lights in the sky, reports of crash sites where non-human beings were allegedly found, and accounts from people who claim to have contacted or even been abducted by aliens. These reports naturally lead to an important question: Are such phenomena ultimately working for the good of humanity or for its harm?

Popular culture has often portrayed these mysterious beings as dangerous. The above clip from The Twilight Zone, a television series broadcast from 1959 to 1964, suggests that these non-human entities are working for evil rather than good. Interestingly, when we turn to Scripture, we also find examples of non-human beings that oppose God's purposes.

One of the earliest examples is the serpent in the Garden of Eden, who tempted Eve to disobey God. Likewise, Revelation 9 describes terrifying locust-like creatures emerging from the bottomless pit. They are given power like scorpions and are commanded to torment those who do not have the seal of God. These passages remind us that not every supernatural encounter is beneficial or trustworthy.

However, the Bible also presents non-human beings who serve God's purposes and bring help rather than harm. Angels are perhaps the best-known example. In Genesis, angels were sent to Sodom and Gomorrah to warn Lot of the coming destruction of the cities because of their wickedness. They urged him and his family to flee so that they might escape God's judgment. Throughout Scripture, angels often act as God's messengers, protectors, and servants.

So, can humanity prepare itself for encounters with extraterrestrials or other non-human beings? I believe the answer is yes. Whether such encounters are physical, spiritual, or something we do not yet understand, Christians are called to remain grounded in their faith. We prepare by spending time in prayer, studying God's Word, and fellowshipping with other believers. When we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus rather than on the fears and uncertainties around us, we can face whatever comes with confidence.

The Apostle Peter gives this warning and encouragement:

"I Peter 5:8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 

MODERN CONVENIENCES AND TIMELESS TRUTHS

 

Heather and Samantha read together.  Photo by Chris.

Oh no! It broke! How am I ever going to survive?

Over the course of our married life, the microwave, dishwasher, washing machine, TV set, and blow dryer have all broken at one time or another. How did I function without these so-called modern conveniences? Surprisingly, I persevered.

Instead of warming my coffee in the microwave, I heated it on the stove. I washed dishes by hand. There was always a laundromat available. I could read instead of watching TV. And my hair would dry eventually. So I survived.

Of course, having a husband who was a good repairman helped tremendously. Chris became quite skilled at jerry-rigging broken items. He once repaired a washing machine by taking parts from a Whirlpool and parts from a Kenmore and combining them into one working machine. Goodwill provided a decent replacement blow dryer, and TVs were frequently on sale. While I could live without these conveniences, they certainly made life better.

Now, however, I am facing a new dilemma. My Kindle is no longer supported by Amazon. Thankfully, it just occurred to me that I can still read books checked out from the library. Even so, I'll miss my Kindle. It held hundreds of books without taking up precious space in our new, smaller living quarters.

Perhaps that is why I have always loved electronics. I would rather receive a new gadget than a piece of jewelry. Years ago, I even encouraged my son to pursue robotics. While he didn't choose that career path, he did give me a robot that vacuums and mops the floors. I'm still hoping someone invents a robot that can load and unload the dishwasher, washer, and dryer!

Looking ahead, technology has the potential to make life easier in many ways. Robotic assistance in childcare and elder care could relieve physical strain on caregivers. Self-driving cars may increase mobility for many people. I am already fascinated by the "people movers" found in airports and other locations. And I can only imagine the ways artificial intelligence may help us in the future.

Yet this raises an important question: What will all this convenience do to our character development?

When my children were growing up, I often told them they needed to do housework because it helped build character. Responsibility, perseverance, and diligence are often developed through ordinary tasks. On the other hand, if technology frees us from some household duties, perhaps it will give us more time for worthwhile pursuits—gardening, caring for animals, conservation efforts, recycling, inventing new ways to help people, and many other creative endeavors. And no matter how advanced technology becomes, there will likely always be employment opportunities for people who can repair what breaks. But cuddling up with your family and reading is still needed for bonding. The human touch is very important for well being. 

For that reason, I hope AI and other technological advances will be used wisely and for the good of humanity. Every tool can be used for good or ill, but when used well, technology can be one more way that life is improved and burdens are eased.

As James reminds us:

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." — James 1:17

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