Jehoiada

After reading through a plethora of biological and scientific definitions of the word “fat” in my two home dictionaries (both published in 1979), I got to the descriptive words I could better understand – 2. Plumpness; obesity.

I recall many people of note who though talented, prominent and largely likeable, were also known (more often than not) for their signature girth…their “plumpness” and “obesity.”

Travel briefly with me down memory lane and up the road a piece as I recall several of them: President William Taft; “Fats” Waller; Babe Ruth; Oliver Hardy; Lou Costello; “Fats” Domino; Winston Churchill; Sidney Greenstreet; Jackie Gleason; Elvis Pressley; William Conrad; Mama Cass Elliot; Nell Carter; Roseanne Barr; John Goodman; John Candy; The Fat Boys; Heavy D; Chris Farley; General H. Norman Schwarzkopf; Aretha Franklin; Kirstie Alley; Monique, Santa Claus and others (make your own list).

People designated or seen as “fat” are often belittled, mistreated and ridiculed.  In many cases of our (American) society, “fat” people are marginalized, made the brunt of humor and seen as disgusting, greedy, lazy and worthless.

Pastor R. Richard Edgar (pastor of the Reality Gospel Church in Alexandria, Virginia) often boldly and publicly states that God loves “FAT” people. I agree with him.  I believe God loves “fat” people too.  That’s because I know without any doubt whatsoever that God loves all of mankind regardless of shape, size or skin tone.

But let me explain what Pastor Edgar is really saying when he proclaims God loves “FAT” people.  Possibly sharing somewhat of an affinity for acronyms as I do, he’s not singling out people of “plumpness” and “obesity” when he says this – oh no, O Appreciated Reader, he’s speaking “acronyministically.” (Yes…you’re right…there’s no such word…I made it up…)

The “F” is for “Faithful.” The “A” represents “Available,” and the “T” stands for “Teachable.”

With that profound understanding, anyone, “fat” or otherwise could be in the “F.A.T.” people category that God loves.

We should strive to be “Faithful” to God – be dependable, reliable, responsible and trustworthy…God is Faithful Himself and He likes seeing us imitate Him.  We should be “Available” to God – one great way we can make ourselves available to Him is by serving others.  Didn’t you know we serve God when we serve our fellow man?  And finally (yeah, right), we should be “Teachable” to the One who formed and fashioned us in His image and likeness.  When we study His Holy Word (the Bible), seek and communicate with Him (pray) and follow His instructions (obey Him); we demonstrate a desire and willingness to learn of Him by being “Teachable.”

Though I’m currently working out regularly in the gym these days to keep my 185lb. frame from growing any wider, I’m simultaneously trying to be a “FAT” person for God.  I know He loves me now just as I am, but I also want to get that “FAT People love” Pastor Edgar identifies.

BTW, another “fat” definition my dictionary has is: 3. The best or most desirable of something…when you’re “F.A.T.” in God’s sight via Pastor Edgar’s wise definition, that “best or most desirable of something” are the Godly qualities inside of you.

Copyright © Paul Schneidmill 2008 All Rights Reserved

Ann Georgi

In John Piper’s book, “Let the Nations Be Glad”, (c) 2003, published by Baker Academic, he describes life as war. He refers to Ephesians chapter 6, verses 12 through 18 wherein Paul instructs the church as Ephesus to don the full armor of God so that they will be able to defend themselves and their families against the enemy. Piper reminds us that if we love someone we want them to have what brings them joy.

What brings God joy is seeing the lost and hurting come to Him, believe Him, and love Him. When we turn fully to God through acknowledging Jesus Christ as God’s sacrifice for a reconciliation with us, even though we have sinned against Him, our joy will be complete. While this does not mean we will experience constant happiness, it does mean that the joy of our salvation will be the foundation of a deep, abiding comfort that underlies every experience in our lives.

As the enemy ignites flaming missiles and launches them our way, we need a strong defense. In the military, we constantly train in battle readiness. We are either preparing for war or actually engaging the enemy. That is the purpose of our armed forces: to defend and protect. An enormous part of any strategic battle plan is a strong defense. Paul describes the war we Christians are in as a battle against an unseen enemy and wicked spiritual forces. His battle plans include a mighty arsenal, beyond anything man can create.

Paul instructs believers to wrap our bodies in Truth and use righteousness as a covering for our vital organs. We know the Bible is God’s Truth and we know that our righteousness is found only in the suffering, service, and sacrifice of Jesus. Jesus’ death and resurrection protects our lives eternally. So we study the Bible faithfully and we pattern our lives after Him.Paul says also that we are to put on the shoes of the gospel of peace. In other words, we are to walk peacefully with one another and with those who do not believe in Jesus.

We are to hold up a shield of faith which, Paul explains, will shoot down the missiles of the enemy. When I am convinced that God will complete the good work he began in me, I can have faith that He will give me all I need to fight this daily battle, not only for me, but on behalf of those who are lost or hurting.

On our heads, Paul wants us to put a protective covering of our salvation. If I clad my mind in the full knowledge of my secure salvation from Hell, I begin to understand that I have already won the battle, not me but Jesus has won it for me! Therefore, the work I undertake in this life is completed in eternity. My efforts here are already successful, despite my flaws, frailties, and occasional floundering. So I know fully that my work will be fruitful. My Father assigned the work to me and He does not allow His plan to fail. No tree He plants fails to bear good fruit. I can now take up the sword of the Spirit which, Paul says, is the Word of God, and pray, and I can be fully confident that His good work in me will come to fruition!

In verses 19 and 20 of Ephesians chapter 6, Paul asks the Ephesians to pray for him that he would be given what is needed to boldly let others know about the good news of Jesus Christ. Ironically, Paul is writing this letter as an “ambassador in chains” for the good news of Christ. He asks for prayer to be able to speak boldly when he proclaims the good news, as he “ought to”! This man was in prison for this very act: proclaiming boldly the gospel message. Bound with chains, Paul is writing to encourage a church he planted as God directed him, and he is boldly proclaiming the gospel. He has put on the full armor of God and is fighting the battle that rages around him. Even while He is in prison, he is enlisting fellow soldiers to come alongside him and engage the enemy face to face with the most powerful arsenal of weapons in existence: Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, the Holy Spirit, the Word of God, and prayer. Paul doesn’t just believe IN God, he BELIEVES Him! Lord, help us to BELIEVE you!

Copyright © Ann Georgi 2008 All Rights Reserved

Paul Schneidmill

“We now return to our previously begun submission…” or, “In our last writing episode, we were introduced and/or revisited to the subject of acronyms. An uncommon and unfamiliar one addressed as “SBTC,” which has its basis in the Scriptures of the Bible, was alluded to…”

“As you may have guessed, I have a penchant for nostalgic television-related phrases. I’ve other little quirky things too that speak to the way God wired me. Therefore, allow me to make the following statement:

In my effort to regularly write these submissions, my goal is threefold — 1) To convey what God imparts to my heart and mind, 2) To be a blessing to the readers, and 3) To have fun while doing it.

Now…there you have it — my explanation for what may appear as “out-of-the box” Christ-centered writing. By the way, if those of you who so graciously read this site appreciate “out-of-the box” Christ-centered writing, I highly recommend authors James Alexander Langteaux (a fellow Regent University alumnus and author of “GOD.Com” and “GOD.Net”) and Donald Miller (author of “Blue Like Jazz” and “Searching For God Knows What”).

Last time I wrote, I shared that I’d been given the Bible-based acronym of “SBTC” while attending a “Town Hall Meeting” conducted by the parent organization I’m employed with. So freely-flowing were the outstretched smiles and lofty lingo of the presenters regarding how all was going to be “changed” and “improved” for the better for all, that the gift of discernment God has given me, engaged itself and showed me in complete totality what for the most part was really being conveyed — “SBTC.”

In what is probably the most famous and well-known chapter of the New Testament Epistles written in Scripture by the Apostle Paul, the author gives a God-breathed and inspired examination and explanation of what love truly is, consists of, and how it is identified (1 Corinthians 13). In the very first verse of the chapter, though Paul uses himself as an example, he essentially states that if we (people) do not have and exercise love in our actions, intentions, speech, etc.; we are in essence become as/like “sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal” — “SBTC.”

Whenever we deal with and relate to others in whatever capacity we are privileged to do so, we must do so with love. The love we express and distribute must be as real and sincere as it is clearly stated in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 — anything short of that just amounts to the sounds of the blare of those heralding and percussive instruments Paul spoke of — “SBTC.”

During that meeting, I perceived that the majority of those “talking” about what would be, were operating outside of the symphonic melody of love. Instead, they were utilizing the sharp and pronounced sound effects designed to get attention and excite, but in reality, were just making noise.

Whatever we do or say, we must allow it to be founded in love. God consists of and is love (1 John 4:7-8). God epitomizes love. When we tap into Who He is and unite with and operate in Him; we’re able to convey, display, portray and relay His love. His love is music extraordinaire, not noise.

Let’s be real in our love whether stated or shown. Let’ s play the Master’s melody throughout every aspect of our lives. Let’s not be guilty of being a sound-effect (”SBTC”).

Please read the submissions of Ms. Ann Georgi here at “Jehoiada” and please pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17) for her and her husband.

Copyright © Paul Schneidmill 2008 All Rights Reserved

Hello.  My name is Ann Georgi and I am privileged to be invited to write notes of encouragement here and to offer hope in stressful or difficult times.  I have always enjoyed writing and have been urged to write for publishing by several people over the years and recently an occasion presented itself wherein I began writing regularly in another venue.  Responses indicate that many people are encouraged by the writings.  My prayer is that my writings here will bless and uplift someone with the hope and love that can only come from God through Jesus Christ.      

My husband was diagnosed about 11 years ago with severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) and became completely disabled by the disease.  After having served for 25 years in the U.S. Navy as an aircraft maintenance officer, it was especially devastating that, as such a fit man, he was transitioning into retirement and only a couple of years later he found himself utterly unable to perform most physical tasks.  He has had great difficulty with the simplest of physical activity like walking or putting groceries away and taking out the trash is most often impossible. 

In August of 2007, my husband was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. The cancer is in the lowest part of his esophagus next to his stomach and just inside the stomach where the esophagus connects.  He has been through six weeks of chemo and radiation and has been referred for a couple of types of treatment that he was not found to be fit for, for one reason or another, usually his lungs.  Recently though, he was referred for photodynamic therapy (PDT) which is a laser light treatment that is used to burn the cancer cells directly using a laser on a fiberoptic wire inserted through an endoscope down his throat.  His is currently recovering slowly from the first two treatments.  He will return soon for more  chemo and will then have additional laser treatments.     

Last month my stepfather died of metastatic lung cancer, survived by my mother, age 70, who has her own share of health problems.  My family lives in a different state than where we live.     

I share these details with you only so that you will know some of the situation from which I stand and proclaim that the joy of the Lord is my strength.  For without my relationship with Him, I cannot fathom how I would possibly handle what we are facing.  I know that so many people are suffering, some much worse than are we.       

Some find medical help or cures, while others find none or cannot afford them.  Some pray and receive healing, while others pray and seem to hear nothing.  Some suffer alone.  Others suffer in the midst of other hardships: financial, family, or just life happening in the middle of their grief or losses or hardships.  Some are suffering as single parents or elderly where there is no one to turn to, to lean on, and no one to encourage or help them.  Others are surrounded by lots of loved ones, friends, community members, service providers, caretakers, or brothers and sisters in Christ.  Some people are caretakers who often bear burdens no one knows about or no one can do anything about and there is no one to share their load.  But there is hope.     

Today I simply want to begin to share with you some of the things that I have had on my mind and heart that have helped to shore up my weak legs and help me to stand in times and places where there was no one or nothing else.  We have no genetic family where we live but we are blessed with a large spiritual family and we are thankful.       

For those readers who have been following my announcements about my husband’s health, some things you read here may seem redundant.  I hope they still bless you.  If there are others that you feel might be lifted up by these entries, please share this site with them.  If you would like to be notified when I make an entry please click on “subscribe” and a notice will be sent to you.  If you decide at any point that you do not want to continue receiving the notices, simply send an email and we will remove your subscription.  My writing here is my theology, my philosophy, my opinion, my experience, and my expression.       

So at this time please allow me to offer you comfort and hope in the Lord.  If you are suffering in any way, remember that God’s plan for our suffering is that it result in His glory, that we would use our suffering to build up the Body of Christ and grow it in numbers, and that God’s Son’s death not be dismissed or taken for granted.  In times of anger or frustration or loneliness with God, I encourage you to tell Him exactly how mad or stuck or alone you feel.  For we have not a High Priest who has not suffered.  We have a Lord that knows suffering and is compassionate.  He will give you what you need to sustain you.   

Though we may not feel His presence or love at times of deep pain, we can rest assured that the pain is indeed temporary, regardless of how many years we might have suffered.  We will enter a place one day where there will be no need for tears or pain or heartache; a place of utter and forever freedom!  Thank you God, for the sacrifice of your Son, Jesus.     

Blessings,Ann 

During my lifetime, I’ve had the honor and privilege of serving for over 20 years as a member of the United States military. 

From that life-period, I’ve become very familiar with and fond of the use of acronyms.  Acronyms are used to abbreviate a connected group of words by making them into a single word.  This is accomplished by taking the first letter of each word in a succession of words forming a collective thought, to make them into a single word that combines them all.  You probably can find a simpler definition of the word “acronym” in the dictionary…the one I used just works for me…

For example: “METL” is the acronym word known as and pronounced, “metal.”  The M,E, T and L are the first letters of the words, “Mission,” “Essential,” “Tasks” and “List.”  Many military missions have essential tasks necessary to complete a mission as a whole and it’s beneficial to operate from a “list” of those “tasks” to ensure the mission is completed in the manner or sequence required and/or vital for its success — thus the acronym “METL.”

An acronym many people in the great ol’ U. S. of A. would be more familiar with (than “METL”) is the one that refers to the nationally-known organization known as “MADD” — “Mothers Against Drunk Driving.”

Very often, acronyms don’t form pronounceable words and are more like abbreviations, but I often view them as acronyms.  Examples of this would be “ETA” and “SPU.”  There are no words currently (that I’m aware of) in the English language known as “Eta” and “Spu,” but these letters are acronyms for the words, “Estimated Time of Arrival” and “Skill, “Precision” and “Uniformity.”  The latter is an acronym I used to train troops when I served as a Basic Combat Training (acronym — BCT) Drill Sergeant in the 1980’s.  Whenever we competed against another BCT unit, we would use “SPU” to win the competition.

I recently attended a “Town Hall Meeting” my organization of employment held.  During the meeting, several individuals and groups addressed how they were going to work toward making things better within the organization for the overall benefit of employees and customers.  As I listened, my “DAD” deposited a new acronym within me that addressed the real, underlying truth of many of the “improvement agendas” that were addressed.  This acronym was “SBTC.”

I won’t be able to break it down for you during this submission, but if my time on this earth and in this life is extended by “DAD’s” goodness and grace, I’ll clarify it when I write and you read again.

Just know this…because “DAD” gave me the acronym, you can be sure it’s foundation is in His Book — the Bible.

So, I close this submission via an invitation using words from one of my favorite movies, “Circle of Iron;” “Come again, welcome guest.”

Copyright © Paul Schneidmill 2008 All Rights Reserved

I read a lot.

Copyright © Paul Schneidmill 2008 All Rights Reserved

I’ve been reading through the Bible each year for about 12 years now utilizing a daily reading program provided in a publication entitled, “Our Daily Bread.”“Our Daily Bread” is an excellent daily devotional published by the Radio Bible Class (RBC) Ministries of Grand Rapids, Michigan. 

I’m uncertain how long RBC has been in operation, but the “Our Daily Bread” devotional booklet has been around since 1956.  I’ve been benefitting from its almost always timely counsel, encouragement and insight since 1986.  I’m very appreciative for it, fond of it, and highly recommend it.

Though I’ve been reading and studying the Bible for a considerably longer time than the 12 years I’ve been reading through it in a daily/systematic manner; I never cease to be amazed when I read a passage I’ve read many times before, and learn things, I’d not “seen” during previous readings.  For me, the Bible never gets “old,” boring or mundane.  That’s one of the innumerable reasons why I believe the Bible is so amazing and powerful — something awesome, exciting, refreshing and revitalizing can always be found in its pages no matter how many times it’s read.

In the 11th chapter of the Old Testament book of Numbers, an account is given regarding a manner in which God provided food for the huge population of Israel, following their rescue and departure from Egypt and its tyrannical ruler.

As the Israelite nation traveled from Egypt toward the “Promised Land” of Canaan, God supernaturally provided them sustenance continually during their journey.  At one point, He provided them a completely nutrition-sufficient food known as “Manna,” which they were able to eat daily without having to do any work for it other than to pick it up off the ground.  They didn’t need to catch it or kill it, clean it, plant it or harvest it — all they had to do was collect, cook and eat it; and there was always enough for everyone.

Unfortunately, they tired of eating the free, almost ready-to-eat meals provided by the One who rescued them from a life of degradation and drudgery and began to complain about their daily menu like a hospital patient.  They began to groan and grumble (probably like my kids do sometimes when what’s for dinner is not to their liking).  They started asking Moses (their leader) to get them some meat to eat.  Moses, not possessing any Harland Sanders or Ray Kroc characteristics, brought their complaint to God.

So check out what God did: He made a wind bring an immeasurable amount of quail (a small chicken-like bird having mottled brown plumage and a short tail) from the sea.  These quail simply fell down beside the right and left outskirts of the Israelite camp. Now, check out how many quail fell: There were quail waiting to be picked up and eaten that stretched about a day’s journey from two sides of the campground of this huge group of people.

Today, I will wrap up the recounting of this story and theme. 

1) Because God has blessed me with the ability to move on from situations in life that are detrimental to growth, health and productivity. 

2) Because there are lots of other things I want to share with you via these blog submissions in the future.   

Now, I know I really didn’t elaborate well enough during the last two submissions to scratch the surface on how negative and unwholesome this working situation really and ultimately was to me. 

And you know what?  I really don’t think I need to. 

Simply know that I chose not to accept the permanent employment offer that I closed with in Part 2.   

For some reason this incensed the managerialship (good ol’ “D.R.” and “C.H.”). 

They in turn began dispensing a noticeable yet subtle amount of mistreatment and misuse my way (similar to that received by their permanent staff members who still suffer the same today), and yet, I successfully managed the program to the point of substantially exceeding the fundraising goal established. 

The upper echelon of the organization was elated, received and accepted accolades and awards and smiled a lot. 

The day I started this series, “C.H.” told me, “Your part here is over.  You may return to your activity on Monday.” 

“D.R.” sweetly told me to have a nice weekend as if I would be back in her area of authority that following Monday. 

All in all, as the title says, this was essentially “For Good.” 

It was good that I got to work with many wonderful people as we raised money to help others. 

It was good that I was able to get involved with numerous charities and participate in the great work many charitable organzations do. 

It was good that I had the opportunity to experience what it was like managing a program of such magnitude and importance. 

It was good that I was given the privilege to see the “big picture” regarding what a long-term, senior/subordinate working relationship with less than honorable individuals in leadership positions would be like. 

And it was very good that I had a choice in the matter of accepting or declining the offer of working for such idenified individuals on a permanent basis. 

Yes, accepting the offer would have meant an employment promotion, and consequently, earning more money than I’m currently earning.  But the “big picture” revealed to me the misery and mistreatment that would’ve been part of the package. Neither of which would have been necessary, needed or worth the monetary or status increase. 

The all-time, best-selling, non-fiction Book (authored by the Author of creation and existence, Himself), holds a brief yet powerful note of encouraging truth and wisdom in direct relation to this story.  Like all of the encouragement, truth and wisdom I find in that book, I take it personally for my benefit. 

This particular passage tells me that I’ve got to know assuredly that all things, i.e situations, experiences and circumstances — be they good or bad, positive or negative; work in concert for my “good” because of my love for God and because He has specifically assigned me a purpose for Him (Romans 8:28 - personal paraphrase, mine). 

So to make a long story short (that probably truly was long)…all of that 9-month experience was “For Good.”

Please be sure to read the impressive, insightful and inimitable writings of my mentor, J.D. Pendry.   

Copyright © Paul Schneidmill 2008 All Rights Reserved

Okay.

Allow me to endeavor to continue my relating of the temporary (almost 9 months) assignment I began sharing with you during my last submission. It is my hope that I’ll be able to transition from that submission and segway into the one you’re now reading as seemlessly and smoothly as a suspense novelist would flow from one chapter to another even though this story is not fictional by any stretch of the imagination.

I got out today!

“What’s he talking about?” you may be asking yourself. 

“Out of what?”  “Debt?”  “A hospital?”  “Prison?”

No, my much-appreciated reader — nothing quite that dramatic or intense.

What I got out of today was an unfavorable working situation.  Not a job…a working situation.

Let me explain. In April of 2007, I was asked by a senior executive-level gentleman to serve as the program manager of a program within his purview that was expected to raise a significant amount of money annually for a nationally-known charitable consortium.

This gentleman believed in me, believed I would do a good job for him and intended favorable things to happen for me in the realm of advancement in the wonderful world of employment, before all was said and done.

In other words, he wanted the program and my conducting it to be a win-win for all and he meant this for my good.

Sooooooo, I was temporarily re-assigned from my position as a security specialist (see the “Security Plan” submission) to his staff the following month and began working the program.

This gentleman had a very capable, efficient and knowledgeable staff. 

They welcomed me, we bonded quickly and they assisted and worked with me for our collective good.

Then (dum de dum dum), all of a sudden there was a re-organization within the higher echelons of this organization and the programs this gentleman had previously been responsible for, to include the staff that had served him, was given to a newly-promoted senior executive whom I shall identify (sort of) shortly.

The new senior executive that inherited the programs and staff swiftly set about establishing her agenda (which was her right) about doing things. 

She began by replacing her inherited staff’s chief of staff with an individual of her choosing.  She did this while that fellow was convalescing from a medical procedure… and didn’t bother to infom him of her actions.Of course, he found out when he returned to work and found out he no longer served in the capacity he’d served in prior to going to the hospital. (Has this story begun to sound weird to you or is it just me?)