Enjoy devotionals, respectful satire, stark honesty, humor, and warmth.
Where’s Your Treasure?
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:21)
I was always the first to sigh when a church leader started talking about tithing or giving. I knew it was necessary for operations, of course, but wasn’t there a way to be more subtle? To not outright ASK and make it uncomfortable? The longer their talk, the more I squirmed. I wondered how I could leave without it looking strange to everyone else.
God wants us to give. But He wants this to be a natural reflection of what is in our hearts, versus something we do because we “have to”.
There was a Rich Man mentioned in three different Gospels of the New Testament. When he asked Jesus what he must do to go to heaven, Jesus gave him a list. It included avoiding sins that we’ve all committed-lying, dishonoring our parents, etc. The Rich Man quickly said that he had avoided all of those already and what else? So Jesus gave him the finale: “get rid of all you have, give it to the poor and come follow me.” The Rich Man was upset, and he turned down the opportunity for eternal life.
His treasure was his priority. Sadly, he refused to give it up.
I’m quite sure his treasure is no longer important to him.
First Fruits
God also asks us to give the first ten percent of what we earn back to him via tithing. When I obey this, I remember clearly whose money it truly is. It isn’t mine. It never was. With this act of humility, I am:
- acknowledging that I wouldn’t have the money if it wasn’t for Him in the first place
- returning some to Him what is already (and always was) His
- showing my gratefulness that He provides for my needs
- helping a cause that I care about and helping people and programs continue to grow
- being obedient
If we are obedient, God provides for our needs. I’ve heard many examples of people who have not tithed and struggled with making ends meet and when they begin to tithe, God provides what they need and, on some occasions, more than what they need.
He blesses obedience.
I no longer sigh when someone at the pulpit teaches about giving. I listen with an open heart, knowing that needs are being presented. And I thank God for the reminder of one of the ways that I am to show my love to Him and to others.
If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land. -Isaiah 1:19, NIV
For I am commanding you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, statutes, and ordinances, so that you may live and increase, and the LORD your God may bless you in the land you are entering to possess. – Deuteronomy 30:16, NIV
How To Respond When Wronged
This morning I was re-reading the complete story of Joseph. Although we often hear of his plight (thrown into a pit and sold into slavery by his brothers, jail time for something he never even did), we seldom hear the other details of the story. Yes, God used Joseph’s plight for good. He used the atrocious actions of his brothers to save them. And to save a nation when famine would have killed them all. But Joseph was human, of course. And through his story, I was reminded of how to respond when I am wronged.
Anger + Stubbornness- When Joseph’s brothers first approached him for food, he tossed them into a holding cell for three days. He later set it up to look like Benjamin stole silver. This waylays the brothers on their second journey home as they are falsely accused and then promptly returned to the city.
Anger is a natural emotion that God has given us and it can have positive results when used appropriately. Although God tells us to not sin in our anger, He feels it himself and fully expects it of us. It is a step when processing through many things-including grief, wrongdoing, and pain. It’s OK to feel anger when we are wronged. And alright to cry out to God and lament the pain of being falsely accused, looked down upon, or stepped on.
He understood Joseph and He understands you and me.
Grief and Joy
Grief + Joy- Three times during this story, Joseph either turns away from his brothers or leaves the room. He weeps after he sees his brothers for the first time in years and when he finally sees Benjamin, his full-blooded and younger brother. He weeps again when he tells his brothers who he really is. In Genesis 45:2, he weeps so loudly that the Egyptians hear him and Pharaoh’s entire household learns of it.
I don’t believe that Joseph was any more emotional than the rest of us. But I have had a similar experience when, after years of turmoil, it was acknowledged by family members that they had been misled. They now understood I had a certain family member’s best interest at heart. I cried too.
Forgiveness + Graciousness- Joseph was gracious to his brothers in spite of their sin against him. He sent them home not only with extra provisions but he returned their money as well. Later, after he had revealed himself, he provided goods in excess for his family and then moved them to the area where they lived prosperously.
Have I been gracious to those who have wronged me and falsely accused me? I need to do better with this one. In the story, Joseph’s graciousness to his brothers has a direct result on their conscience. God used Joseph’s graciousness in bringing his brothers to repentance. Is it possible that when we “go the extra mile”, “take the high road” and treat others better than they have treated us that God will reward that in some fashion? I believe so. He shows us this in the story of Joseph.
Faithfulness and Loyalty
Faithfulness + Loyalty- Joseph wasn’t perfect by any means. But it is clear throughout his lifetime that he remained close to God during the multiple, discouraging trials that haunted him. Although he definitely responded as a human might to these situations initially, he always came back around to trusting and yielding to God. As he did this, it allowed God to turn these situations to good for those involved and future generations.
When I remain irritated and unforgiving, God cannot work in my life to turn the trials to good. My stubbornness waylays His goodness, just like Joseph planting the silver waylaid his brother’s journey. Like a patient Father, God waits for me to come around after I have been wronged. And when I do, He rewards that with an emotional release from those who irk me, a knowledge that I am right with God and His precepts and the ultimate peace in my heart. And that opens the door for Him to speak to others about it too.
Puttin’ Up: Adventures in Preserving
Puttin’ Up is in my blood. As a child, I knew an exhausting night or preserving was coming when my folks picked up boxes of peaches and cherries. I remember being so tired that I felt physically ill as I peeled and processed until the wee hours of the night. I begged to go to bed. When I was finally able to scamper down the hallway to my room, I usually flopped on my bed and fell asleep with my clothes still on.
Much of that became worth it when I enjoyed those canned goods as an after-school snack.
Matthew 6: 19-21 talks about puttin’ up for our eternal lives. Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven. Where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (NIV)
We Went to AWANA
One of my other intense childhood memories was attending AWANA clubs through our church. My parents were heavily involved and for several years were Commander and Leader. Although I didn’t understand it then, I was learning to store up treasure in heaven with the habit of memorizing scripture. It wasn’t easy. In fact, I often groaned and moaned. Others seemed to memorize easily whereas I had to repeat the verses fifty million times to make it stick. But as an adult, I am often grateful for the experience and rewards. God brings specific verses to mind on a regular basis and not just for my pursual, but also to use to bless others.
Renewing & Preserving Our Minds
God often talks about the importance of renewing our minds. This is something else memorizing scripture provides. As verses come to mind, I concentrate on His Words. My mind is renewed and I am heaven-focused. Another advantage-when God brings a certain topic to mind, such as “Puttin’ Up”, I sometimes already know the verse that should be attached to it. 🙂
Recently we were gifted free Gravensteins, my favorite apples of all time. Hubs came along to help and we picked two bins full of apples. Preserving time! Although the peeling took forever and stretched out to ten days, today the chest freezer in the garage holds a decent amount of applesauce and apple butter. Some went out for gifts today and a couple more will go out for gifts tomorrow.
Puttin’ up allows me to bless others, just like storing up treasure in heaven does.
Burning Oregon
Today is 9/11 and usually, I’m focused on remembering what happened in our country so many years ago. But this 9/11, Oregon is burning down. At one time there were five fires. I believe we might be down to four. But as of today, over a million acres have burned or are burning and over 40 thousand people have been evacuated. Thousands more have voluntarily left their homes.
The State of The Sun
The sun is an eerily eclipse-looking round shape in the sky that doesn’t sting your eyes to look at (please don’t look at it too long) and the sky is filled with smoke and haze. Although it is Summer and has been up to 90 degrees, we haven’t seen a blue sky in days. It’s a bit claustrophobic.
Our air quality in Oregon has moved quickly from “dangerous” to “hazardous-stay inside”. Those of us with allergies or respiratory difficulties are scrambling to stay healthy. Even those without are experiencing headaches, sinus pain, coughing and other symptoms of too much smoke.
Outside, the light is a funky grey/yellow color. Like a muddy river filled with volcanic ash, but not quite. Like sunlight trying to shine through a black filter. But it can’t. With all the brilliance of the sun, it is unable to break through.
Brilliant Sunsets
The scenery changed as the fires grew closer. When it first started reaching our areas, the sight was somewhat beautiful, if it hadn’t meant that lives were at stake. The sunsets were brilliant. The colors unlike those which we’ve seen before. But as fires grow closer, that same beauty changes to a menacing wall of red. Those who are close to evacuating or being told to evacuate look out their windows to see a scary sight.
No breaks in the red.
No variation of the skyline.
No clouds.
Yes, in spite of conditions, people continue to work and keep Oregon going. Until it gets too dangerous to do so.
We are nervous, but trying not to be. Our children and pets know this. Our personal vibe becomes the pulse of the home. There are so many questions-most with no answers. We pray for rain. Rain was originally supposed to wait until Thursday to come. But now the forecast says this Monday. So we wait. We strongly encourage those in the danger zones to leave and we pull into survival mode within our own houses, keeping those we love close. We are sad thinking about our beloved State burning to the ground and grateful that our area in the past has shown the ability to enthusiastically regrow. We saw this with the wildfires in the Gorge last year. And I’ve recently been to Mt St Helens-it no longer has grey, dead trees lined up on the ground like matchsticks. It is healthy and beautiful.
He Is Here In Oregon-And There With You
Through all of this, we still know the One who knows the answers, and we know that He has not abandoned us. Although He certainly seems up to something in our area, we choose to trust. We will get through. With Him, we will be victorious.
“For He has said, “I will never [under any circumstances] desert you [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless], nor will I forsake or let you down or relax My hold on you [assuredly not]!” Hebrews 13:5b, Amplified Version
May His words and the words of Susan Boyle below encourage you as they have encouraged me.
(thanks to my Facebook friends who have provided some of the photos)
Do You See Jesus in Your Fire?
In Daniel chapter 3, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego are thrown into a fiery furnace for refusing to bow down to an idol provided by King Nebuchadnezzar. In his wrath, the king orders the furnace to be turned up seven times hotter than usual. His helpers bind the legs, feet and hands of the men and toss them into it. The two guards that carry them to the fire both die from the heat.
The three Christ-followers surely would burn to a crisp.
There have been a lot of fires in our world. Are you walking through one now? Are you sick of COVID, sick of wearing a mask (me!), discouraged and maybe a bit angry? Perhaps the election went backwards for you and on top of that, you are having family, relationship or job issues.
We all get discouraged. And sometimes, in a year like 2020, that discouragement goes painfully deep.
Let me tell you about Dina. She fled from an abusive marriage, the courts mandated that the kids have to stay with their father, and she has been living in her car on the streets of Portland for two months while she works the programs she needs and also works her regular job. She cannot go to a homeless shelter-they require her to be unemployed and absorb herself into the programs there. As much as she needs a roof over her head, it seemed backward to her to give up her employment to do so. She will need the income to help support her kids.
Dina is on the waiting list for some other shelters but nothing has opened up. She has met with numerous people, completed mounds of paperwork, all to no avail. Every waking moment that she is not working at her jobs and programs, she is looking for resources. Winter will soon be here and in a weekly group we hold, I’ve been praying for Dina for about four weeks that God will intervene and provide her with a safe place before the cold weather hits.
Nothing happened. For a long time. And then something happened last week. I saw a breakthrough in Dina. She admitted her defeat, she put aside her pride, she opened up more and she started working on herself. As we again prayed for God’s relief in this situation, a brilliant light appeared. As long as I provide a reference and Dina continues to work on what she needs to do, a nonprofit organization in Portland will pay for her apartment deposit, and three months of rent. She will be off the streets by Thanksgiving and her children will get to come live with her.
In Daniel 3, King Neb was shocked to see that not only were the three men walking around within the fire free from the ties that had bound them only minutes
before, but that Jesus stood in the flames with them. Calling them truly the “servants of God”, he then called them out of the fire.
They walked out untouched. Not a hair was singed. And unlike those of us who survived Oregon Burning, they didn’t even smell like smoke.
Sometimes God seems a bit quiet in all the racket of 2020. Sometimes, we might even wonder if He is there. Sometimes it takes all our faith muscles to BELIEVE that He is with us in our fire. And we wonder “well can’t you make it more obvious, like you did in the fiery furnace?”
Did Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego know that Jesus was in the fire with them? Although I have seen illustrations that imply that the four men visited with each other in that hot fire, the scriptures are not clear on this fact. They do not say that the men in the furnace saw Jesus. They say only that King Neb did. Perhaps before they realized they weren’t burning to death, the three men grew terrified, wondering where God was now.
I can’t imagine the panic of being bound and thrown into a fire. Can you? And yet Jesus met them there, just like he meets you and me when the fires of life grow unbearable and we cry out in pain, seeking mercy and relief. When we wonder where He is, we can be assured that He IS there. For He has assured us, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)
Jesus is with you in your fire. Do you choose to see him? Open your eyes, admit your need for Him and seek Him fully (bear fruit). He will answer you.
“You did not choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should abide: that whatsoever you shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it to you.”
John 15:16
The Big Wait
Isaiah 40:31 But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Waiting is a gift. At times it doesn’t feel like a gift. It feels like a much like we are pinned down or behind a fence at the zoo. But as we wait, things are happening behind the scenes. They will be revealed in God’s time, in His manner, with His ultimate wisdom.
During this time of waiting, I have consciously chosen two thought processes that permeate my thoughts, my decisions and my actions.
- I choose to trust. Yes, it is a choice. It isn’t always easy to trust, especially when we cannot see or touch God. But this is not the end of our books. In spite of hardship, job changes, social distancing and the grieving of how life was, this is only a middle. Our stories are still being revealed and I trust God in not only writing mine, but managing it as well.
- I choose to look for what He wants me to learn during this time. How is He asking me to draw closer to Him? What opportunities is He giving me and what surprises does He have for me? One of these for me has been the gift of more time-time to read His words and more time to pray. Another has been the opportunity to mentor several ladies through some tough times in their lives and another who is a new believer and wants to grow. Thirdly, because our churches are virtual, there are wonderful opportunities to immerse myself in more messages pointing me to Christ. Anytime of day or night. These messages have been a huge encouragement and draw me closer to my Savior.
We have our Lord’s assurance that He will never leave or forsake us. I believe that during this time of waiting, He wants us to draw closer, to depend on Him more and to make that daily (sometimes hourly) choice to trust Him.
I can’t wait to hear what He is teaching you.
The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. Lamentations 3:25
Abundant Life-Only in Heaven?
During dinner with my beautiful African American friend the other day (outside with social distancing), she lamented that the world is just getting worse. Why can’t we get a glimpse of the abundant life that God has promised us?
Something popped out of my mouth that I had never thought of before. It surprised even me.
What if that abundant life He promises is not meant to be here on earth? What if it is awaiting us in heaven?
Let’s consider. We are here on earth (God willing) for 80-100 years. But we are in heaven for eternity. I’m thinking that when we’ve been in heaven for a couple of thousand years, life here on earth will seem like a VERY brief interlude. Somewhere we were placed for an extremely short amount of time in order to fulfill whatever it is God asked us to do there.
Life is Temporary. Eternal Life is Abundant.
In no way will our time here on earth be the majority of our lives.
I am missing my brother in heaven today as the Fourth was a day that we gathered at the beach. We usually watch the parade, help the kids collect the tossed candy, help kids trade their candy and eat together at mom and dads. But I neglected to prepare for today being difficult-missed that somehow.
I take comfort in the fact that I know he is experiencing true abundant life with our Father. And maybe-just maybe-he has a window from heaven today to wave “hello” to the rest of us.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. -John 10:10, NIV
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. -John 10:10, ESV
Does My Sin Affect My Prayers For Others?
Proverbs 15:29 The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
It’s not always easy to write insights from the Lord. And for me, nasty pride can certainly get in the way. Often I learn my lessons through failure and writing about them to others. Of course, that means that I have to admit to them.
I suspect you understand exactly what I mean.
God’s given me hints throughout life that he hears my prayers and blesses me more when I am following fully what He wants of me. This makes perfect sense. But what I didn’t realize until a few weeks ago is that my prayers for others might also be affected when I am not fully being obedient.
When God Keeps Hinting
Recently, I finally gave in on something that God had asked me to do. I mean, not only did He ask, He sent hint after hint after hint that this is what He wanted to do. Ongoing. For several months. And I fought it with all that I have. Have you guessed that I am stubborn? Sigh. I should have known that I wouldn’t have full peace until I was obedient.
It did not completely surprise me that God started answering more of my prayers for myself when I finally gave in.
What surprised me is that He started answering my prayers for other people. For instance, I was helping a gal who was in a custody suit for her child after a very abusive marriage. Her former husband was being manipulative and abusive. The courts believed him. Between him and his attorney, they had not only convinced the courts that she was crazy, but they had taken her child away a year ago. She’d been unable to see or talk to her child since. In spite of me helping her try to get representation and praying fervently with her week after week after week, everything continued to go downhill. Until last week. One of our prayers was finally answered-just as she was ready to give up. She now has hope.
Answered Prayers
At a weekly class that I hold, three other women came forward and said that God had answered our prayers from the week before. And that was just the beginning. There became so many “answers to my prayers” that every time I turned around, there was a new one. And in addition, an area of my life that had not shown progress for years suddenly made a turn for the better within days.
Deuteronomy 28:1-2 says “Now it shall be, if you diligently obey the Lord your God, being careful to do all His commandments which I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. All these blessings will come upon you and overtake you if you obey the Lord your God:…” I will let you read the rest of the verse as there are some interesting things that meant a lot in that day (blessings of crops, etc) but would likely be a bit different these days.
Now are these answers to prayer due to ME? Absolutely not. Nothing to do with me. Only the mighty power of our Lord God who wanted to show me that He truly does bless those who fully obey Him.
I Feel Guilty
I struggle with some guilt now, of course. Would more of my prayers for others have been answered if I had been obedient earlier? Several times in His word, God specifically mentions blessings for future descendants due to acts of obedience. Have I been the block in some of my descendants fully accepting the love of God for them?
I experienced the other side a few days ago. I had been having pain in an area and a specific ultrasound showed nothing. A new ultrasound with different parameters was ordered for next week. But on Saturday after I had prayed for the ladies in my morning Zoom group, one of them requested to pray for me. I felt comfortable so shared some of what has been going on. She prayed for me and can you guess what happened next? My pain disappeared. It’s been gone now for two days.
The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
Psalm 145:18
Thank you, Lord.
Just Read The Instructions
Having planted sugar snap peas for many, many years, I am an expert. Or so I thought.
Why read the instructions? I don’t need them. I’ve planted them each year, sometimes twice a year, for over 30 years! I plant them a couple of inches apart and each year carefully take the time to construct a support system for each row usually consisting of garden poles and string. I pound the posts into the ground with a hammer to ensure steadiness, as peas need a ton of support. I’ve worked with thick string and thin string. For two years now, I’ve been trying to get rid of my roll of thin string so have doubled it for strength purposes. I can’t wait to buy thick string.
What on earth got into me when this year, I read the BACK of the package?! I have no idea. Or maybe my husband read it and relayed it to me. Possible.
What Does The Package Say?
What did it say? “Plant two rows about six inches apart and construct ONE supporting structure between the two for both rows to use.” (Or something of the like)
HUH?
I’ve found myself doing this in my spiritual walk, as well. Having been a believer since the age of 4, have I not “read it all”, “done it all”, “practiced it all”? There is nothing in the Word that I haven’t read!
Some say that BIBLE should stand for “Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth”. It is our guide and manual. God’s Word was not just applicable a few thousand years ago. He made it to last and it is as befitting to our issues today as it always was. There is not one problem we face that is not addressed in His book. In addition, there is power within the words in the Bible. Speaking the name of Jesus aloud chases Satan out. Memorizing scripture means that when we need it the most, certain verses will echo in our heads. The voice of our Lord.
I don’t know about you, but I am certainly reading the scriptures more during this time of world chaos-a habit I will strive to keep up even after the world seems safer.
How can a young man/woman keep their way pure? By guarding it according to your word. . . . I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:9, 11
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. Timothy 3:16-17
Question I’m Pondering This Week: Is there written scripture in heaven?
Getting Outta Me
Although I watch the homeless epidemic from afar, I have been the first (sadly) to walk a wide berth around someone sitting on the sidewalk and look the other way when approaching an intersection with a panhandler. This is not helped by the drug epidemic here (and all over) as some act strange or scary when I pass them on the streets.
I’ve even been a bit judgemental. Have seen panhandlers step away from their “post” and pull out a cell phone. I’ve seen those actively begging who have cell phones. And wondered “What the heck? Are they not really homeless? They have money for a phone!” (Yes, I know that there are panhandlers working the system and ones who are scammers.) I’ve heard others talk of this cell phone issue and for anyone who has these same questions, I encourage you to read this post. It explains a lot.
Volunteering at a Homeless Shelter
As nervous as I was, hubs and I volunteered two nights ago at a homeless shelter. My friend Mark Hovarth from Invisible People would be proud of me, I suspect. I usually do step into some type of ministry once settled at a church. Commonly this was AWANA, VBS, Children’s Church or Nursery-often helped along by the fact that I had children. I entered safe ministries, of course. I had to feel safe. Focusing on serving others not only blessed them but had the unexpected benefit of taking much of my focus off of ME.
My children are grown now (although two still hang at home) and as much as I still love interacting with kiddos, I felt nudged a different direction this time. (Disclaimer- this may or may not been initially somewhat influenced by book research).
My nerves ahead of time didn’t make me proud. Hubs announcing “well I’m going to go circulate” when we got there made me more nervous. HA! But I knew these were just people. I already work with some at-risk populations at ARMS and I’ve worked with juvenile delinquents in the past (I would not call them that these days, by the way). Certainly, I could do this too.
Mingling With The Homeless
So off I went to a table of folks waiting for the dinner call. There were some females there, but mostly men. We talked, I looked them in the eye and I asked for their stories. I left the table blown away. One was homeless due to a layoff and then a severe foot break requiring multiple surgeries. Another, with schizophrenia, was turned down by social security disability and is in the process of appealing. But she had nowhere to stay for the past five months in the meantime.
Throughout the evening, several gentlemen came to introduce themselves. They were all appropriate and all kind. “You must be new”, I heard. And I asked them their story. At one point a man asked me politely for a pen. There was a guy at his table who had work he could do, and he needed to write down the info. Another young man is clean now but had a criminal past and when his apartment situation fell apart due to his record, he had nowhere to go. During the days, he works for the temporary labor agencies as much as possible, but there is not enough income to secure housing quite yet.
She Learned to Trust Me
I could hardly understand the garbled speech of one older gal. But she had some very specific needs and I helped her throughout the evening. There was an event that terrified her. I quickly saw, understood and sympathized. Living on the street would be terrifying. I would be jumping at every strange thing, as well. She ran. I went and got her, and we tried again, this time with my help. As I walked through it with her, it showed her that she could be victorious. She learned to trust just a little bit that night. Later when I was almost ready to go she was chatting again and I was shocked to realize that I pretty much understood everything that she was saying.
Today at church, our pastor spoke on specifically greeting and showing Jesus’ love to people “not like us” in his message. He has spent time in Kenya and Rwanda and mentioned how comforting it is when he, as the obvious minority in the group, is specifically sought out by them to be welcomed. Because of this, he now makes it a point to find and greet people who are different from he in most situations. He showed us stats about the Hillsboro area. Although over slightly 50% of Hillsboro are white/caucasian (as of 2017), we don’t see those numbers reflected in our church numbers. Attendees are mostly white/caucasian.
Ministries to Draw The Under-Served
This explains why Sonrise has intentionally made very specific programming and ministries to draw minorities, people born outside of the USA, people who have been in prison and multi-cultural individuals. It is a great thing.
I shall make an intentional practice now of greeting and loving on people who are different than me, no matter how nervous I might initially feel. I’m pleased to say that we got a headstart on this two days ago at the SOS shelter. We will return. With a change in my focus, I am getting outside my head, issues, challenges and pain.
I am getting outta me.
Remembering Rick Bonn
He was my brother. He was 52. And he went to heaven on March 19th of this year. Way too young. This is more than difficult. Here are my words to him:
Dear Rick,
I know my tribute has been a bit long in coming. But I have been trying to wake up from this bad dream that started over two weeks ago with you becoming seriously sick.
I guess today is the day to pounce on it since I wrote your obit as well. UGH. LOL. Never a job I wanted to have but happy to help your family survive this. And not only that-but to eventually thrive. Because they will.
The Migrant Pea Worker
Do you remember this framed picture that you bought me several years ago? I was a single mom at the time. And although I looked at her and later told you, “she’s old looking” (LOL to that now that I DO have wrinkles and grey hair), you laughed. “That doesn’t say ‘old’ to me.” You said, “That is a woman of tremendous courage and strength. And she reminds me of you.” I quickly shut up. Because a compliment from my brother was…WOW!
Ever since that time, she has sat on my bedroom dresser in each one of our homes. She is my reminder that you thought of me as strong and courageous, and it is a nudge to continue to work on living up to that. I will do this, brother. For you, and the sake of my family and also for the sake of your family still here with us.
I think I mentioned this, but in case I forgot, I’m confessing now. There was a time in jr high when I truly was tired of hearing all about you. For many years, I attempted to live up to what you accomplished and fell drastically short. Great grades came easy for you, while I struggled for every “A” or “B”. Athleticism, popularity and friends were also a big part of your life. Yes, there was quite a bit of time that when I heard “are you related to Rick?” (because I heard it a lot), and I denied it completely.
Other students probably laughed at me.
You were not only stellar at the debate team, you excelled in arguments with me and that was the worst of all. But I will never forget your encouragement when I tried out for Jazz Choir/Highlighters, (South Kitsap High School). I wasn’t even going to look at the posted acceptance list. But you and our friend Christian Weber basically dragged me down the hallway and read the list as I hid my face. In a short time, you were both whooping and hollering and I was red-faced but pleased as could be. Thank you for supporting me and for knowing that I could do it.
Thank you, for being my example of how to love Christ, and to make Him first in my life. You seldom stepped off the path that I loved to wander from and I suspect you are now being rewarded for that. Well done, my brother. I will read “Blue Like Jazz” again, in memory of you.
A pain-in-the-butt sister
I can only imagine that at times I was a pain-in-the-butt sister. Check that-I KNOW I was. I know this because you also had your share of being a pain. But I am grateful that God chose me to be in your family and I’m grateful for the parts of you that have been left behind in your children. I will hold them close and treasure them. Remind them of memories and tell them stories. We will not let your legacy die. People all over the world are telling us how you greatly impacted their lives. You didn’t realize this so I pray that God has shown that to you now. You made a forever impact and were loved by us all.
I am proud to be your one and only sister. And in truth, I always have been.
Miss you and love you.
Jules
Rick Bonn Obituary
Rick Bonn (Richard Wayne Bonn), age 52 of Newbury Park, CA graduated to heaven on March 19, 2020. He leaves behind his wife of 25 years, Shanda Gibson Bonn, and children Fiona, Jacob and Joseph Bonn. He also leaves parents, Richard L. and Dolores Bonn, one sister, Julie Bonn Blank and family, and one brother, Jason Bonn and family. Although we know heaven has gained a star and that it was the most joyful day of Rick’s life, many of us here will miss him deeply.
Rick Bonn loved movies
Rick had a passion for movies and bringing the love of Jesus to others through movies, both secular and spiritual. He worked in creative development in Hollywood for over 20 years. He worked with Wind Dancer Films, Nickelodeon, Providence Entertainment, Keystone Films, PorchLight Entertainment, and most recently, Pure Flix Entertainment, where he developed “The Case for Christ,” the project he was most proud of. One of the many highlights of his Hollywood career was the opportunity to consult on the 2018 film “Buttons: a Christmas Tale” with one of his childhood heroes, Dick Van Dyke. He was also a talented teacher, speaker, writer, actor and singer.
Rick graduated from South Kitsap High School (Port Orchard, WA) in 1986 and from Wheaton College (Wheaton, IL) in 1991. He also pursued writing studies at UCLA and theology and film studies at Multnomah University and Fuller Theological Seminary. He loved his family, Cannon Beach, Disneyland, comic books and musical theatre. And he was captivated by the miraculous, the mysterious, and the unusual, from the lives of saints to aliens to Sasquatch and the Loch Ness Monster.
Rick impacted lives
Rick impacted more lives than he realized. The words and tributes coming in from around the world are heartfelt and beautiful. His impact on all was significant and lasting.
People are irreplacable
He was a deep thinker who penned these words several months ago. “I think the sad thing about death I’m starting to realize in middle-age is that there’s no replacing those who pass on. Yes, circle of life. Yes, afterlife. Memories live on. Next generation up. All that. But the people and family you’ve come to love in your life–there is no one specifically and particularly like them–and when they’re gone, there is no one who CAN replace them. So you miss them. There’s an absence in your life, a void. Because they were unique. They were special. Good and bad. We all are. Guess that’s why we’d better spend as much time loving our people and ourselves NOW.”