The Kreider Connection
Racers For Christ
January, 2010 Newsletter
Again we must remember to use a new year each time we write the date: it will probably be sometime in February until my mind finally grasps this fact! The dawn of a new year is often the time when we reflect on the past, and speaking of reflections, I think we have a faulty mirror in our bathroom. It needs to be replaced with one that makes me look younger not older. Who wants to look at gray hair and wrinkles the first thing each morning?
Twice in my life I realized what it was like to be severely limited physically in what I could do. Many years ago just before back surgery and again this past summer with my shoulder. Pain at a certain level limits everything we want or need to do. I feel very blessed that both times a gifted surgeon was able to help the situation. It gives me great sympathy for people who must live that way without hope of relief. I am not sure I could make it knowing I would never get better. Makes that new body that believers will receive when we leave this world something to really look forward to!
I would hate to live not knowing about the next life that is full of so many wonderful and perfect things. God really has the perfect plan, if only I could follow it more perfectly. That too will be taken care of when we reach the other shore. Perfect in mind and body, enjoyed in perfect surroundings. Sounds too good to be true but it will be reality for those who know Jesus. So in the meantime let’s make the best we can of the new year of 2010! Let’s strive to follow God’s plan for our lives. Remember: when we compare the challenges to our strength we can be fearful, but compared to God they are small!
Have a most blessed New Year and remember, always brighten the corner where you are. Smiles and laughter are better than frowns and it helps to count blessings rather than problems.
Glenn and Linda
976 Coyote Ave., Greenville, IL 62246
Phone: 618-292-6048
Email: kreiders@papadocs.com
REMINDER:
Please remember our annual RFC/DRAW silent auction which will be held Friday night and Saturday at the NHRA Div. 3 Banquet – Jan. 8 & 9, 2010
We appreciate your donated items and support of this annual event.
We will also be having a Sunday morning devotional at the Sheraton Indianapolis Hotel on Jan. 10. Time and place to be announced.
The Quilt of Life
As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with all the other souls. Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles. An angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that is our life.
But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes. Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with in everyday life. I saw hardships that I endured, which were the largest holes of all.
I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened. My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty, like binding air.
Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light, the scrutiny of truth. The others rose, each in turn holding up their tapestries. So filled their lives had been.
My angel looked upon me, and nodded for me to rise. My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn’t had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life, and laughter. But there had also been trials of illness, and death, and false accusations that took from me my world, as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again. I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully, each time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me.
And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it. I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light. An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with wide eyes.
Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes, creating an image, the face of Christ. Then our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes. He said, “Every time you gave over your life to Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles. Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you.”
May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing Christ to shine through.