All That I Am Today
(A ministry for THIS moment)
"Offering everything we are to the Lord."
most writing is by South Dakota author BJ Reese
VISIT OUR FACEBOOK GROUP
Special Christmas, 2018, Edition
LAST CHANCES
12-21-2018
Merry Christmas!!!
​
As my husband and I prepare to celebrate Christmas this year, I am filled with eager anticipation. For the first time in 15 years, all three of my sons will be here to celebrate with us. God has brought us all closer during this past year, which is such a precious gift.
At the same time, however, my heart aches for several people I know. A dear friend, who lives across the country, faces her first Christmas without her husband of 20 years. My niece’s family members are reeling from her recent, sudden death. And, Ruby, a treasured member of our church family has gone Home to the Lord. For her, that was an answer to prayer.
For her family, it is a source of conflicting emotions. They are happy for her, but she will be sorely missed. In fact, every single person who died this year will be missed by someone. Someone’s life has a hole in it where that person used to live.
Those of us who miss them now face the reality of “the last chance”. The last chance to call and talk to my friend and her husband, to see how they’re doing. The last chance to let my niece know I’m thinking about her. The last chance to share a treat and a cup of tea with Ruby. If you have not lost a loved one this year, your last chance hasn’t come yet. You still have time.
This Christmas, I challenge you to REALLY remember why you’re celebrating. The very first gift of Christmas was a child – who brought love, forgiveness, and redemption into a damaged world. In the spirit of THAT amazing love, I urge you to reach out.
Build a bridge to someone from whom you’ve been estranged. Express your affection for the people around you. Treasure and nurture the relationships in your life. Cherish every moment you have, and live it with joy. Honor the true spirit of this amazing season.
Don’t let your last chance leave you writhing in regret because you wasted the opportunity. Make the most of every moment given to you. Christmas is a time of rejoicing, so rejoice at every single treasure God has granted you. Start the New Year determined to live in that joy every day of your life. How? By living each day as though it’s your last chance.
Merry Christmas, Everybody!
To His Glory . . . BJ
PRAY!!!
11-28-2018
Merry Christmas!!!
​
Many times in life, we are called upon to pray for someone else. One of the times I have struggled with the most is when it involves prayers of intervention – on behalf of someone in a crisis situation. I’ve witnessed such a scenario many times, and am always impressed by how eloquent another person’s words sound.
One of the most challenging scenarios for me is when I am seeking divine intervention for one of my kids or grandkids. First, I’m usually concerned that I’m not very good at it. Then, there’s also the fact that I feel frustrated that there isn’t more I can do.
I recently had the opportunity to discuss this subject with a visitor to our church. Ginger and Pat had just moved to the area, and I chatted with her during social hour. As we talked, I soon realized this woman has the unique ability to uncover the true blessing – the real gift – in virtually everything. She shared her viewpoint on praying with me.
She told me she saw prayer as a special and generous gift – the greatest gift you could offer someone – because it is both personal and extremely intimate. “That you would care enough about me to stop and pray for me is a profound act of love and caring,” she said with gentle enthusiasm.
How many times do we look at a situation and bemoan the fact that “all I can do is pray about it.”? Ginger made it very clear to me that ‘praying about it’ is the most precious, most intimate, most loving and personal thing we can do. It is the most generous and special gift you can give someone. Ginger’s comments changed my entire outlook about prayer.
Ginger and I spoke for quite a while that day. When I walked away, I had the distinct feeling that God had used her voice to explain to me some things He needed me to understand. What an extraordinary gift!
James 5:16 tells us, “. . . the effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (KJV) Elsewhere, Scripture assures us that the Holy Spirit stands ready to translate and intercede for us in those moments when our words don’t seem to make any sense.
​
This Christmas season, remember this: God knows your heart. He can sift through your thoughts and get to the truth. When you feel strongly about something; when you’re worried or concerned about some thing or some one; when you don’t know what to do; when you know you can do nothing . . . PRAY! It is the greatest effort you can make on someone’s behalf . . . and the single greatest gift you can offer them. Merry Christmas, from our family to yours.
​
To His Glory . . . BJ
Gratitude:
Happy Thanksgiving!
11-15-2018
Besides Veterans Day, we have another important day this month: Thanksgiving. I offer this special post as my Thanksgiving greeting to you and your family . . .
​
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting this week. There is SO much in my life to be thankful for! I have a wonderful husband, who makes me laugh and feel loved every single day.
We have a church family who never fails to show their love and concern for others. And, they do it in countless ways! Our ever-growing Earth family welcomed a new great-grandson on Halloween. And, we were recently blessed with a visit from our oldest stepson, who had never been to the Black Hills before.
Richard is at peace with his retirement from truck driving, and I am thrilled to have him home and safe. My youngest son completed his move to South Dakota earlier this year, and is engaged to a woman who truly cherishes him. After years apart, all three of my boys now live nearby. In fact, two of them are only a block away!
We have the blessing of sharing their lives, and watching each of them grow in his personal walk with God. I could go on and on, but I don’t want to steal a lot of time from your holiday preparations.
I wanted to stop by and share some of our blessings with you. I also want to offer a reminder, which I have learned from many precious elders who have crossed my path in this life . . .
As you prepare – and share – your Thanksgiving celebration with those you love, please take the time to pause for a moment. Take notice of all you have to be thankful for in YOUR life.
Muster up the courage to express that gratitude to your loved ones. I promise you: it is, by far, the MOST precious legacy you can ever leave them! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
​
To His Glory . . . BJ
Unity: In Honor of Our Brave Veterans
11-2-2018
This month, we celebrate Veterans Day. I wanted to do something special for all the brave men and women who gave so much in service to our country. As you may have guessed by now, the best way I can think of is through my writing.
​
So, I'm taking a brief respite from the usual sorts of posts you find here. I've written something in honor of our Veterans. With all my heart, I pray it will cause each and every one of you to stop and see these brave warriors in a new and more favorable light.
​
Join me, as we discuss unity. When you're finished, I invite you to read more about our Veterans on the Wings of Hope page. For now, please read on . . . and learn a little more about the unity that can make us stronger . . .
Unity. A concept we don’t think about much. Still, we see examples of it in our daily lives. At church, when a member is facing a crisis, the rest of the congregation lifts that person up in prayer. Sometimes, they surround him with comforting hugs.
When a community learns that a neighbor’s home has burned down, they respond in unison. Gifts of clothing, household items, furniture, toys, and money come pouring in to help the family get back on its feet.
When a young person at our church announces a mission trip they want to go on, our church family steps up. Through donations and fundraisers, they make sure that young person has all the money needed for their trip.
Most of us may need to stop and think about how to unite in such common causes. “How can I show my support?” “How can I let them know I’m on their side?” “How can I be there for them?” We find ourselves pausing between hearing the need and acting upon it.
However, there is an elite group of people in our society who know all about such unity. They know because they lived it every day of their lives. Who are they? Veterans.
In the military, your daily routine is shared with a bunch of other guys (or gals) who have also signed up to serve. You eat with them; sleep with them; and work with them. You exercise and study with them every single day.
If called into combat, you fight beside them – trusting them to have your back, while they trust you to have theirs – no matter what. On the rare occasion you get a little time off, you also go out to relax with that same bunch of people. They become your whole world.
There is a different kind of camaraderie in the military. A different kind of relationship. It is unlike anything we experience in the civilian world. As one Navy Veteran explained it to me, “Everyone has your back.” That bond is necessary to the survival of that soldier, sailor, airman, or marine. And, it creates unity.
This month – in honor of Veterans Day – sit down and talk to a Veteran. Thank them for their service and sacrifice. Then, if you both have the time, ask them to teach you about unity. You won’t be sorry.
​
To His Glory . . . BJ
Courage
9-3-2018
The Bible tells us, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
Still, fear creeps into our lives – even if we know this verse by heart. I believe it is one of Satan’s favorite weapons. It is possible to encounter fear on a daily basis. So, how does one counter that fear?
I read once that the only thing stronger than fear is faith. That seems to fit well with what Timothy told us. Could it be that simple? So we simply lean into our faith in order to keep from being afraid? Is that how we emerge as victors over our fears? I’ve often wondered about it, but I don’t claim to have all the answers.
However, when I think about courage, my mind nearly always ends up in the same place – remembering my mother. She didn’t openly discuss her faith with people, and feelings were considered personal and private. But I still have a strong perception of courage because of her. It is based on my observations of her – and what I know about her life – rather than anything she said. Simply put, my mother was one of the most courageous people I’ve ever known . . . but I don’t think she realized it.
She had been born to strict, Victorian parents. She survived the great flu epidemic of 1917, as an infant. She quit school at 16 and left home to help support her parents and siblings during the Great Depression. As an adult, Mama bore five children, and endured the infant death of one of them. Despite that pain, she raised the rest of us with great love and compassion.
She left her abusive marriage – at a time when women were expected to stay no matter what. She remarried over seven years later and left, after only a few months, when THAT marriage became dangerously abusive. She remained single for the rest of her life, raising her family on her own.
At the age of 51 years old, she returned to school and earned a high school diploma and a retail sales degree. Afterward, she embarked on a career as a teacher’s aide for the school district. She performed her duties with distinction for the next twelve years, and touched the lives of hundreds of children.
Withdrawn and private about her own emotions, she taught all of us to openly discuss anything on our minds. She would fiercely defend her children against ANYONE who spoke out against them. If you wanted HER friendship, you were expected to accept us. That was not negotiable.
Mama bought her first home at the age of 47, and paid it off in 16 years. AT the age of 67, she sold that home and moved in with my family and me – 3,000 miles away.
Shortly before her death, I saw her perform one final act of courage. Having never been sure SHE would be allowed an afterlife, she proudly declared, “I get to go HOME for Christmas!” with a face as bright as Christmas itself. She was obviously thrilled at the prospect. The next morning – December 23, 1999, Mama went home to the Lord.
Throughout all the 46 years I knew her, my mother’s life showed me that courage manifests itself in many ways. Thanks to her, I’ve come to truly appreciate something that John Wayne said:
“Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.”
My mother displayed that kind of courage all of her life. It is the legacy she left behind, for all the generations that followed her.
​
To His Glory . . . BJ
Compassion
7-21-2018
Generally, when we hear the word ‘compassion’, our minds conjure up an image of some female to whom we attribute that characteristic. We, at the Little White Church have been blessed with a more balanced illustration. Besides the amazing women in our congregation, we are surrounded by men who openly wear their compassion on a daily basis.
There’s Dennis, who never hesitates to show his appreciation for the growth and faithfulness of the people in our congregation. He has a way of making each one feel special and loved.
When Buzz speaks of a person whose soul is lost, you can almost feel the pain it causes his heart. When he shared someone’s victory, his face lights up with joy. When he prays over someone’s need, the love he feels for them is palpable.
Dean speaks openly about the darker times in his life – before he found Jesus. His countenance radiates pride and joy when he speaks of his conversion. The gratitude he feels toward those who prayed for him, and those who mentored him, shows readily on his face.
Then, there’s Keith, who seems to hold his feelings very close – not letting them out much. Observing him soon tells you otherwise. His eyes twinkle when he helps with the children’s activities. He has a warm, affectionate greeting for each of the senior ladies in our congregation. Whether he’s mowing a widow’s lawn, helping with a special project, or teaching the younger folks, Keith projects genuine feeling in everything he does.
Ron shares a gentle, studious love for the Word with everyone who asks. His compassion goes to the Word itself. Learning all he can about what the Scriptures mean, he shares that knowledge with the world around him. In difficult times, he’ll guide a family through the words which need expressed before a loved one leaves this life.
Mike’s love for people shows in his remarkable ability to remember who they are and where they’re from. Greeting everyone with genuine affection and joy, he makes everyone feel welcome and appreciated. That same joy fills the room when he’s singing or whistling a praise song during our worship service.
Jack has a heart for mentoring other men. Fathers, husbands, husbands-to-be, and fathers-to-be have all benefited from his desire to teach them. Teaching them to be the best they can at loving their families is his greatest joy.
These are just a few of the men I’ve observed at our church. Each of them loves openly . . . the Lord, their wives, their children, and our church family. They never fail to show others the unmistakable love God has for His children.
Thanks to them, we have living images of what our Father’s love looks like; breathing examples to follow in our daily lives. They show us HOW to love one another. Thank you, fellas, for teaching us what we need to know.
​
To His Glory . . . BJ
Tenacity
6-25-2018
I first had the opportunity to get to know Gini when we ended up taking a class together. She was among a group of people there from our church, and we ended up sitting together. I think her presence surprised me. In my experience, people in their 70s and 80s didn’t usually sign up for classes.
Of course, that observation was based on the life I’d lived in other states, as a younger woman. BEFORE I moved to South Dakota. I was beginning to notice that people here were different. There’s a tenacity about them that keeps them going . . . keeps them seeking things to DO.
As it turns out, Gini is no exception. For her, participating in that class involved traveling 26 miles – one way – for each session. Undaunted, she simply car-pooled with some of the other folks making that drive each week. Over the years, I’ve learned that Gini has applied that same tenacity to many aspects of her life. Her tenacious faith kept her praying for her sons until they were saved. She never gave up on them.
She has been attending out church since 1952. She attends two Bible study groups each week. For years, she worked with the Awana group that met each week. She was in her 80s when she stopped doing that.
Recently, Gini told me that she wasn’t always so active and outgoing. There had been a time when she withdrew. “When I first ended up alone, I had never BEEN alone. I hated it, but I was so sad, I just stayed home and didn’t go anywhere.” Finally, she says, someone encouraged her to get out of the house and DO something. Reluctantly, she took their advice and began attending a Bible study. Soon, she was adding other activities, as she realized how much a person needs fellowship.
When health issues found Gini on oxygen maintenance, that didn’t stop her. She was still there, at church, every week. Her new ‘companion’ accompanied her where ever she went. She never let it stop her.
Without hesitation, Gini will tell you how important it is to do anything you can still do. That tenacity has become a part of everything Gini does. As I watch her sit next to her family every Sunday, I smile to myself.
I am so very grateful for the tenacious example she sets for the rest of us. I love how readily she talks about these things when the opportunity arises. Thank you, Gini, for sharing yourself with us . . .
To His Glory . . . BJ
Fatherhood
6-12-2018
In honor of Father's Day, I'm departing from the usual format for this blog. I feel compelled to say a few things about Fathers . . . and Fatherhood, as I understand both of those things. Please bear with me as I do my best to honor the only 'dad' I would ever have in my life --- my Mom. And the Father Who has made sure I understand how valuable fatherhood is.
By the time I was born, my father was already out of the picture. So, my brothers and I grew up with Mama. She played both roles - father and mother - and did so very well. Because of that, I never really missed having a dad in the house. Still, when Mama remarried - when I was seven years old - I was thrilled at the idea of having a daddy.
Abuse ended that relationship in a matter of months and, for the rest of her life, Mama remained alone. Never again would there be a male figurehead in our home. My adult self married, and became a parent, with no real knowledge of what fathers should be like, or how important they were. It has taken the better part of 45 years of adulthood to change that reality.
God has blessed my life with glimpses into fatherhood, through other families. As I have watched, I have learned about human fathers. They love their children, and will do whatever it takes to protect them from harm. They strive to provide well for their families. They believe in their children, no matter what.
They coach sports teams. They teach bike riding, car repair, carpentry, driving, and yard maintenance. They offer instruction in the fine are of cooking over a barbecue grill. They paint little girls' fingernails and toe nails. I even watched one dad let his little girl paint HIS fingernails and toe nails - joyfully.
They pray for the souls of their children, and cry for them when they're in danger or trouble. They rejoice over their successes. They encourage them to be all God created them to be. They ache for them to find peace and joy in their lives. They guide, hope, and dream. They laugh. And they love. That love supersedes ANY mistakes those children make.
​
Fathers also do their very best to teach their children about God. They tell them about Him, and what He did for us through Jesus Christ. They show them how to worship Him, praise Him, and pray to Him. Through their behavior, they show their children Who God is and what His character is like.
​
I grew up having all of those lessons and encouragements in my life - through my mother. I never knew that all of those things normally come from our fathers. And, until I met my church family, I didn't realize that all of those things would teach me more about God and His love for me.
​
I used to make sure I took the time to honor my mother every Father's Day, but she went Home to the Lord many years ago. This year, I long to honor all the fathers that I have had the privilege of observing in the past 16 years or so. Thanks to all of you, I have learned SO much about God's love for me . . . and why He created fathers in the first place.
​
From the beginning, He intended for us to learn about Him and His love through our relationships with our Earth fathers. Having grown up without one, I feel blessed to have been taught by all of you. Father, I thank you for all the fine examples of fatherhood You placed in my life, so that I may learn about You through them . . .
Happy Father's Day to you all. Thank you for being who you are, and may God bless your journey.
To His Glory . . . BJ
Fellowship
5-24-2018
When I was a child, it seemed like most of the elderly people I knew often suffered from loneliness. They didn’t drive any more, and they seldom had company come to visit. Over the course of my adult life, I’ve traveled across this country and had the opportunity to observe all sorts of people. Many of them have struggled with loneliness in one situation or another.
In all that time, I never knew what the word ‘fellowship’ really meant. I had a vague idea that it had something to do with church, but that was all I knew. Because of that, I certainly didn’t understand the impact that fellowship could have on loneliness.
Then, I moved to South Dakota and, eventually, began attending our church. The way the people there deal with loneliness seems to be different than I’m used to seeing. Maybe that’s because I’m different; maybe it’s because I’m older and see things differently. I’m not sure why it’s different. I just know it is.
A fair number of our church members are octogenarians, and some are approaching the century mark. They cannot drive any more. Still, they are at church every Sunday. Some friend, neighbor, or relative makes sure they have a ride each week. And their involvement and activity doesn’t stop there.
Marge tells us, “Do whatever you still can do, to serve others.” She backs that statement by leading a weekly Bible study where she lives. She volunteers at the Thrift Store for the local homeless shelter. She shares her wisdom with younger generations at every opportunity.
Gini has a simple philosophy: “Get out and be with people. Do something.” She participates in two different Bible studies every week and is often present at the special functions in which her grandchildren are involved.
Arlene and Mildred are also present at special events quite often. A ready smile and a genuine, “How are you?” greet you whenever you sit down to talk to them.
Theresa and Dottie – who are no longer able to attend – warmly welcome visitors whenever they arrive. While you sit with them, they regale you with stories of times gone by and share wonderful memories.
Bob uses his sense of humor to build relationships where ever he goes.
These are just a few of the folks I watch in our church family. None of them is letting moss grow under their feet – no matter what their circumstances are. All of them live out a simple remedy for loneliness.
One I first heard from Ruby: “Keep busy. Get up and DO something. Keep yourself occupied. Get involved – in SOMETHING.”
Watching these amazing people, and listening to their wisdom, has taught me a lot. Loneliness can not wrap its hands around my throat, and can’t dig its claws in for the kill, if it can’t catch me! By their example, I’ve learned that fellowship is the perfect cure for loneliness.
Every day that I spend in church with these wonderful folks, I am increasingly grateful to the Lord for placing them in my life. They share so very much of themselves, just by BEING there.
My most profound thanks to each and every one of you, for being who you are and showing THAT self to the world around you. You are a real blessing to us!
To His Glory . . . BJ
Perseverance
5-10-2018
I remember the day my husband and I were participating in a prayer event at our church. As everyone there took turns expressing their requests of God, I heard Ruby’s unmistakable voice. I couldn’t begin to recall the specific nature of her prayer, but one thing caught my attention. She said she’d begun attending that church in 1953.
For reasons I cannot begin to explain, I was stunned. Ruby had been coming to THAT church ALL of my life! I found that extraordinary; awe-inspiring. It has stuck with me ever since. It also generated a desire for me to get to know her better. I’m so glad I did . . . it has explained some things.
Ruby and her husband moved to Hill City, from Rapid City, in 1953. These two South Dakota towns are 26 miles apart. After the move, they tried commuting to their old church in Rapid but soon felt they were missing too much. So, they sought a new church home nearby. They found one in The Little White Church. In itself, this small, non-denominational church is a monument to ‘hanging in there’. It has stood, on the same ground, since 1889.
I marveled at the notion of a person staying in any one place that long, and I’ve told Ruby so. Her matter-of-fact response verified the strength-of-character I had already perceived in her. With the same gentle dignity I had seen before, she said:
“You have to be flexible. And never let anyone chase you out of your church. I never let a preacher chase me away. If I didn’t agree with him, I told him so.”
There it was: another valuable quality that carried with it a priceless lesson. Perseverance. It resonated with me because I’d learned of its importance from my mother. Here it was again, staring me in the face. It brought with it a lesson we can all hold close to our hearts.
If we truly believe in something, we should stick with it, despite all opposition. We should never allow any one or any thing to chase us away from it. Ruby’s tenacious loyalty to her church shows us God’s will for our lives.
He wants us to stand up for what’s right – no matter what. He wants us to persevere, so that we cannot be deterred from our faith or our beliefs. Thanks to faithful followers like Ruby, we have a picture of what that looks like. Thanks, Ruby, for showing us how to persevere.
To His Glory . . . BJ
Dignity in Action
4-26-2018
There’s a woman at our church named Ruby, who is in her mid-90s. I had seen her when I first began attending, but never paid much attention at the time. That is, until the day she traded a cane for a walker. Maybe I first noticed it because it was in my old high school colors: red and black. That would be the superficial reason – the one that made me take a second look.
However, there was more to it as I watched her roll up to a table in the Fellowship Hall, turn the walker around, and sit down on the built-in seat. What I saw is best described by one word. It is a word I hear in my mind every time I see Ruby or think of her. Dignity. It is evident in everything she does.
As Ruby rolled her new walker-with-a-seat up to that table, she did it as though it was the most natural thing in the world. She held her head erect. I see this same quality when she’s sitting in church, listening to the sermon. Her posture is impeccable. She sits tall and straight, with her entire countenance fully focused on the music or the message.
If you mention it to her, Ruby will say it’s because she has to listen extra hard . . . her hearing and eyesight are poor these days. But as I observe her from my own seat across the aisle, I see something else. I see a woman who sits with a purpose.
Watching Ruby move through our church and participate in what’s happening there has been an education for me. Through the tremendous dignity with which she carries herself, I’ve learned a valuable lesson. Each and every one of us should accept ourselves exactly as we are. Whatever our limitations, we should carry on in spite of them.
Ruby is a living picture of what God wants us to remember each and every day of our lives. He loves us just exactly the way we are. When the gift of life allows us to stay here on this Earth a long time, we should rejoice.
We should hold our heads up and carry on. Walk through each day as though we are exactly where we are supposed to be. Without shame; without regret; without complaining. With dignity and grace. The dignity and grace that belong to a child of the King. Just like Ruby does. Thanks, Ruby, for showing us what this looks like.
To His Glory . . . BJ
Welcome to Precious Legacy! (4-12-2018)
For many years, I’ve been fascinated by the knowledge, stories, and experiences of the eldest members of our society. It seems to me that they’ve seen things I will never encounter. They possess a wisdom that can only come from living a long life.
Proverbs 3:13-18 discusses wisdom in an intriguing way. Describing it using female pronouns, this passage makes one thing vividly clear. Wisdom is far more valuable than anything in the world. I’ve never heard a valid argument against that notion.
The idea for this blog was inspired through my observations of a woman at our church. You’ll hear more about her in some of my future blog entries. During my planning and preparation for this project, I approached our church youth group. I wanted them to help develop questions that might open up conversations with the folks with whom I’d be talking.
I spoke to Neal, a young man who’d been involved with the youth group since his own adolescence began. I figured he would be a great person to connect me with the young people who would be willing to help. Intrigued by my idea, Neal readily agreed to help me. He also offered an insight I’d never heard – and will never forget:
"I read once,” he said thoughtfully, “that when an old person dies, it’s like losing a library.”
Wow! I still have to catch my breath every time I repeat his words. It is in honor of that concept –-- and the teachings of Proverbs 3 –-- that I write this page. Here, I will share tidbits of wisdom gleaned from countless interactions with some of the most amazing people on Earth. May these nuggets guide and enrich your lives, as they have mine.
Please, come back and visit often, and share this journey with me. God has blessed these people with immeasurable wisdom. He has asked me to share that wisdom with you. I cannot begin to express how it feels to answer His call. Join me as, word by word, line by line, we preserve this precious legacy.
To His Glory . . . BJ