Robert and I were watching a movie the other day, and at the end of it there was an interesting statement. It said: “The opposite of addition isn’t sobriety, it’s connection.” This made me think a bit.

There’s also an old African proverb that says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

1 Thes. 5:11 tells us to build each other up and to encourage one another.  Ecc. 4:9-12 states that two are better than one — one can lift up the other if they fall, and together, two can defend an enemy better than someone all by themself. Being connected increases strength and endurance.

True connection happens when there’s openness and vulnerability. Exposing our weaknesses to other people makes us susceptible to the possibility of being judged or even rejected, and not many of us like to admit when we have a problem or are struggling with something. It causes us to feel naked and unprotected, or shamed in some way.

So connecting with others isn’t always easy — at least it isn’t for me.

I never liked sharing my feelings. I’d been made fun of doing so one time in elementary school so I shut them down. The humiliation and pain wasn’t worth it, I had thought. Yet, having received healing over this and aiming to live in the Father’s love today, I know that it doesn’t matter what anyone says about me, my Father God loves me unequivocally. 

I don’t have to be ashamed of my past, my faults, or my struggles because there’s nothing I can do to make God love me any more or less than He already does. So if the Creator of the Universe, God Almighty, loves me unquestionably and unconditionally, then I can choose to freely share and be open to others. I don’t need to worry about rejection or judgement, I know I’m already accepted and loved.

And this true love from the Father is what enables me connect with others. Because He protects me, covers me, and cares for me, I can share my failures and shortcomings honestly without fear. This, in turn, bonds me together with others in the same situation. 

I can’t say I am totally comfortable with being exposed now, but it’s much better than it used to be. And I, for sure, don’t go telling just anybody anything about me — wisdom is always needed for whom to share things with. But if you want to “go far,” and have growth in your life, I recommend you do it together with someone. Make some connections. We need each other.

I didn’t grow up being a coffee drinker. Not even in college. (Back then I preferred Mountain Dew for my caffeine.)  In fact, I really didn’t start drinking coffee more till I was older, married, and traveling around sharing the Father’s Love message. It developed because at every conference there was coffee, and it seemed normal to be holding a cup of it as I walked around and talked to people.

I can’t say I’m a connoisseur of coffee, but in our house we tend to change the kind we use for something different every time we buy it. Maybe it’s because I like different countries, I don’t know, but I find trying beans from Guatemala, Brazil, Ethiopia, and a myriad of other places exciting. I enjoy the assortment of flavors. 

So the other day when I went to get coffee and saw all the diverse bags and the copious amount of self-serve varieties available on the wall, it made me think: “Wow! There are so many different kinds of coffee — just like people!”

Every person has their own “flavor,” so to speak. Each one of us has unique physical characteristics, personalities, opinions, talents, and so forth. God made us that way. We’re distinct. If you think about everyone world-wide and realize that no two are alike…that’s so cool! I guess God is fond of an assortment of people!

His artistry in giving each one of us a different voice, a different skin color, a differentfingerprint, is amazing. Yet, Father God loves each and everyone of us the same. He even sent Jesus to reveal His heart to us and bring us back into a relationship with Him. 

And the relationship He has with each person is different. Some people like to pray to Him loudly, some quietly to themselves. Some like to praise Him in a dance, others on bended knees by their beds. Some people feel His presence more out in nature, some in books, some on a busy street. But I truly believe that God loves the varied flavors of communication and connection with us. 

His palate is invigorated by the extreme varieties of expressions. “I love you,” can be said while we’re standing next to others in a pew, driving in a car, or sitting in a hospital waiting room. We can shout His praises in the jungles or far up the mountains! It’s all a sweet aroma to Him. 

Yes, I think Father God enjoys the different flavors of His people. And He loves us all the same — unconditionally. So no matter what flavor you may be, He loves you, my friend.

We just got a new puppy. Yes, can you believe it? And we still have an older cat, so there’s an adjustment period going on. But this sweet little puppy is extremely full of energy and everything is new and exciting! However, there are some things that are a little scary for her. 

Recently we took her to a small beach area where she met her first dog up close. Besides the owner, there weren’t many people around but she was still a little anxious. Something new and unknown can cause anyone to be uneasy and afraid at times, but as she stayed close to us, she eventually began to walk around watching the seagulls and enjoying the fresh breeze.

One of her favorite spots in the house is hanging out under Robert’s chair or on her bed right next to him. Her very favorite place is in his arms where many times she simply falls asleep. It’s a place of comfort and security for her. She just wants to be near him at all times. She loves her daddy; he takes good care of her and lavishes her with love and affection.

And oh, how much this reminds me of our own Father God! 

When things are scary or unknown, we have the arms of our Father to run to for comfort and security. He’s the One who protects us, provides for us, and puts up with us. 

Sometimes when I look at this puppy I can see myself. I know I — like her — can be running around frantically, wearing myself out over so many things going on in my life. I can be anxious, fearful, even hesitant — especially with my finances or future. I can be stubborn, immature, and selfish too. But He never stops lavishing me with love and affection through it all.

So my dear reader, I merely wanted to remind you of how we have such an awesome Father in heaven Who cares for us better than we could ever care for a puppy. No matter what we’ve been through, going through, or will have to face in the future, He will never leave us nor forsake us. (Heb.13:5) We are His children and He loves us with an unending love. (Rom. 8:38-39) Like our little pup, come to Him and rest in His arms when you feel unsure or afraid.

 

By Cyndi

I was probably about 16 years old when our family first entered a “bikini cup” race here on the St. Johns River. This was a sailboat race where at least half of the crew had to be women and a female had to be steering the entire time. For our family — a dad, mom, and two daughters — the qualifications were no problem.

My family had sailed on the river for years and had even raced in a few other races, but normally I was part of the crew. I’d wench in sails, let them out, and stare at the little tell-tale pieces of yarn on the luff hoping to set it to the fastest position. But this time I was appointed the helmsman. Of course, my dad stayed as captain and overseer, but I was the one driving.

Unlike daysailing, racing was a little stressful, especially at the beginning when all the boats are tacking back and forth waiting to cross the starting line. Everyone is under sail, not motors, so there’s quite a skill in this. My dad helped me get into a good position and prepare for the start gun.

As the cannon boomed, we trimmed the sails and took off on a beam reach heading north towards Marker 3, the first turn. Sailing side by side, we were with a bunch of other boats at first, then after a while they all spread out taking different routes using different strategies. Each of us was hoping to get to the marker first and ultimately win the race.

My father was a good sailor and had taught us well, so I was very attentive to all the direction he was giving me at the helm as we glided along in the nice breeze.

When we were approaching the first turning point, the boats began compacting, each one hoping to round the marker as close as possible without loosing any speed or accidentally hitting it. My anxiety jacked up as you could almost touch the boat right next to you we were so crowded. I wasn’t sure how we were going to change directions in this cramped situation and I was in charge of driving this thing! My heart was beating so fast; it was intense!

But the voice of my father kept me focused. “Not yet… not yet…” he said patiently as the nearby boats felt inches apart. “Wait a bit…”, I was about to panic! Then suddenly he said, “NOW!” and in blind faith I shouted “TACK!” and swung the tiller to the other side. Sails were luffing loudly, wenches were grinding, people were yelling, and all the boats switched directions at once, rounding the marker like a group of choreographed ballet dancers in a row. Quickly trimming up and setting their sails, the boats took off down the river onto the next leg of the race. We’d made the turn well and without incident. I was relieved. 

That was my first marker rounding in a race being at the helm steering on my own. Fortunately, as I mentioned beforehand, I wasn’t on my own. My father guided me through every stage of it. This truly was a “marker moment” in my life (no pun intended). In that race, I knew if I only did what my father told me to do, trusting him, it’d be okay and things would work out. 

It’s been many years since my dad has passed away but that day on the river at Marker 3 was a lesson I’ve never forgotten. Today, I see my Heavenly Father watching over me, calmly guiding and directing me just like my earthly father did in that race. Sometimes I’m anxious or don’t always know when to change directions or make a move, but He does. I just need to listen to my Father’s voice. 

(By the way, we took 3rd place in our class in that race and I still keep the little silver cup on my bookshelf.)