Volunteering Saves Lives--At Any Age

Giving Helps the Giver



Research on 2000 people, over age 55, has proven that giving reduces mortality, even when you start late. The statistics they came up with concluded that "those who volunteer for two or more organizations have a 44% lower likelihood of dying (within a five year period)"

Volunteering of this kind beats exercising four times a week. It is even more helpful than attending religious worship services. These conclusions were drawn from closely following, and monitoring, other groups. Only stopping cigarette smoking reduced mortality more. That had a 49% lower result. Most of this is documented in a great book by Stephen Post: Why Good Things Happen to Good People.

We are discovering that some of the behaviors we th0ught were mostly to be followed as "good Christian conduct", are in fact God's teaching about how to live healthier and longer lives. It isn't something we do to increase God's regard for us. It is God's guidance to help us! In the coming weeks I will spell out the realities, of the same kind, with several other prescribed ways of living about which the same conclusions can be drawn, for example--forgiveness, gratitude, fellowship.

Service, of any kind, is good. But continuing over the long run is difficult without some kinds of rewards. Now we know that helping is personally beneficial. It is never too late to start.

My Angel Experience

“My Angel Experience”

While teaching a class about Angels I thought “has anything unusual ever happened to me that might have been an Angel experience?”

When I ran that open ended question through my mind a memory popped up. That was interesting in itself. Where did that come from, I thought? The event was over twenty-five years old. And I had never shared it with anyone. But since it jumped up I suspect it is important. Here is what I recalled.

One February Sunday morning in Michigan I had traveled across town to teach at a church adult education class. On the way home it was snowing rather hard. Driving about 35 MPH I came to a locally infamous S-curve on the Freeway in mid-Grand Rapids. As I entered the curve I suddenly saw right in front of me several cars stopped in a pile up. The freeway was blocked and I groaned “Oh God I’m going to hit them.” There was no chance of braking with the slippery road and no opening on the left, the right, or through the middle. Hitting them was unavoidable.

Then suddenly I was on the other side of the wrecks. I was past them. They were behind me. I kept going, stunned and puzzled, but I just kept chugging along, and soon arrived home for dinner. I really gave it little additional thought. But obviously it got stored in a special compartment in my brain waiting to be recognized.

Today I share it, now and then, selectively and carefully as “My Angel Experience”.

Do You Believe in Angels?

“Do You Believe in Angels?”

I was eating dinner at Marie Callender’s with my parents, a few years ago, when I asked them “do you believe in Angels?” I expected their affirmative “Oh yes, of course.” But then I pushed the issue and asked if they believed Angels were visibly active today. That is, did Angels ever come into someone's life in a tangible or visible way? Then I inquired if either of them had ever had an Angel experience.

Both agreed that Angels are not visibly active today, and that neither of them had ever had the personal help, or an encounter, with one. Then something strange happened.

On the heels of her vehement denial of Angel appearances Mother went into a story of something that had happened to her 65 years earlier when she was at Calvin College. She started into the anecdote with no referennce to the topic on the table-Angels. Here is what she said:

She was walking home alone from choir practice, that night. This walk took her through a dark and uncertain neighborhood and then through a rather large tree-shrouded city park. She was scared, she said, as she left the campus. To her surprise, shortly after getting onto the sidewalk, a large German Shepherd dog came up and began to walk at her side. A country girl, she had no fear of dogs and they walked quietly side by side all the way to the house where she was rooming. When they arrived she went in bidding her canine friend goodbye.

She said she looked back from the enclosed porch but he was gone, and that was the end of that companionship.

All this time I was still thinking about angels, so I quickly inquired if she thought the dog might have been an angel sent to care for her. “Oh no”, she replied, “ it was just a dog who happened to show up.”

I thought it was strange that it was the subject of Angels I’d introduced earlier that had resurrected that story from her memory bank. But consciously Mother denied any connection or belief that she had had an Angel take care of her.

Our unconscious is a reservoir of precious treasures. I think it whispered to Mom "speaking of Angels, remember that German Shepherd?" But all she heard was the last four words.

Asking for Help is Kindness Too

Asking for Help is Kindness Too


Rhea Zakich sent me this account of an important encounter she had with a couple of youngsters:

"Jim, I had a neat and sweet experience today."----from Rhea Zakich.

I went to the Post Office with 6 rather large packages. I took them out of the trunk of my car and walked across the parking lot, barely able to see over them, let alone, see the sidewalk. As I got closer to the door, I noticed two little boys fighting (I'd guess they were 6 & 8). The older one was bullying the younger one. At first, I wanted to say something and separate them. And then this thought came to me. Rather than admonish them, EMPLOY THEM!

So I said in a loud voice, "I'm looking for two strong boys to open this door for me." Suddenly, they stopped hitting, stood up and just stared at me. I repeated it, but in a kinder voice, like I was pleading. "I'm looking for two strong boys to open this door for me." They bounded to the big heavy glass double doors and each opened one. They stood like little soldiers as I entered. I praised them for "rescuing me". I wondered if their mother was in the long customer line or why it was they were wrestling outside on a public sidewalk, but no one seemed to pay attention to them.

The entire time I stood in line, they remained, standing by the door, like guards, It seemed they wanted to be their best for me. I smiled a few times as I moved toward the counter, but after my packages were handled, I had to walk past them. Since my hands were now free I couldn't really say I needed them to open the door again. But I did smile and say, "Whew! I don't know what I would have done without you two strong boys. Thank you." They beamed.

Isn't it amazing how the slightest bit or recognition, or asking a favor, can change the day for someone? Isn't it interesting that the same energy it takes to hit someone can be used to help someone? I think people would rather be visible, than miserable, employed, rather than ignored, used, rather than bruised. Don't you?

Your Smile Can Heal

Your Smile Can Heal

I was walking in the Mall pondering a couple of discouraging encounters earlier in the day. A young boy suddenly was blocking my path and I slowed to step around him. He greeted me with a warm smile and a wave of his hand. I couldn’t help but smile back, and suddenly I realized my mood had lifted. I also reflected on the fact that the youth was a youngster with Downs Syndrome. He had healed me of my blue feelings—with a smile.

Every one carries a smile. Too many are unused, or too rarely used. Smiles are instant inoculations of loving-kindness. Every one needs them constantly. So each of us walks through life carrying this powerful medicine, and we have the opportunity to lift spirits and heal discouraged souls everywhere we go. THEREFORE----

1. Believe your smile can heal another person.
2. Decide to give it to people you meet—clerks, mechanics, anyone you pass.
3. Trust that they will feel brightened by your kind act.
4. Enjoy this new agenda for everyday living.

Four More Suggestions

1. Say “thank you”. Whatever anyone does for you- if they fill out a form, hand you a check or receipt, point something out---say “thank you”, or “I appreciate your help.” I even pour it on my dentist: “thank you for the way you take care of me” I have said. Surprise people with words of appreciation.

Example: I answered a phone call from the Laguna Playhouse. The call was promotional. She was selling tickets for their upcoming series. For a variety of reasons there was no chance we would be interested. Not only that, her call was intruding on an important project on which I was working. Nevertheless I said “Thank you for calling us. I appreciate your interest in our attending your productions.” Needless to say she concluded the call with warmth and kindness.


2. Show Interest. Ask, when time allows, about their work, their car, their home, their children or grandchildren, pets, vacations, trips…. “when time allows” is an important qualifier here. Asking, and then leaving, cancels everything gained. Attentive listening is vital. Showing interest is a powerful form of loving kindness.

3. Smile Generously. Your smile is always available. Remember to turn it on. Anyone, regardless of age, or level of intelligence, can lift another’s spirits by giving a smile. Not only is that person lifted, you, the one smiling, are too. There is evidence that putting on a smile makes the person offering the smile feel better. Smiling may even raise our immunity level. Recent research suggests that even when Botox is applied to a frown, taking it away, the person is often less depressed and more positive in their outlook. The muscles of the face seem to be connected to the chemical system. Frowns generate bad chemicals. Smiles produce beneficial chemicals. Turn it on!! Brightening others lifts your own spirits.


4. Notice and Mention Feelings. Our goal is to lift another’s spirits. But it is very comforting and heartwarming, when someone simply acknowledges our feelings and accepts them. We heal another that way more than when we try to change their sorrow, fear or anxiety saying something. For example, noticing a tear in someone’s eye, say “you’re feeling sad…” That is more heart warming than “Cheer up”! Hurt feelings are healed far more by naming them-“ that hurts doesn’t it,” than by reminding them that Jesus cares. Jesus’ love is effectively communicated by caring people showing understanding. That helps far more than than efforts to take the feeling away.

Saturday Morning Catechism

Saturday Morning Catechism


One of the traditions in my young years was Catechism Class. It was always scheduled for Saturday morning, at the church. Every kid was expected to be there, with his lesson learned. That meant being able to answer the questions the Pastor asked. There was always a catechism book, usually a thin paper back booklet, about a quarter of an inch thick.


It was The Heidelberg Catechism. It included fifty-two lessons, one for each week of the year. Every lesson included a basic doctrinal issue, then some Bible texts, which supported it. The test came when the teacher, always the Pastor, would ask the student the basic question for that week, which had a standard answer. We were supposed to have it memorized, and be prepared to recite.

I remember Catechism class with fondness All the kids came to church and hung around before and afterwards, and we lived right next door because my Dad was the Pastor. So there was a lot of socializing and fooling around with each other, both before and after (during too).


I wonder what happened to the bell. It was a brass bell about the size of a quart jar, with a long polished wooden handle. Dad would come out on the porch of the church and vigorously ring the bell to round up the kids, and get us into the classroom. It was a pleasant sound, and I would like to hear it again.


Not only did we have to learn and memorize the Catechism, it was part of the Church Order that one of the two sermons every Sunday was to be based on one of the fifty-two lessons of The Heidelberg Catechism. In fact, each of the weekly lessons was entitled Lord's Day # 21 or # 12, or whatever, up to #52.

The only one, of all of the year's lessons, that sticks with me is the first one—"What is your only comfort in life and in death?" The answer is "My only comfort in life and in death is that I belong, body and soul, to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ." There is more to it, but that's the most important.


I'm not sure what the status of The Catechism is today. I don't think there is a church anywhere that gathers the kids on Saturday morning, and the Pastor calls them in with a hand-held bell. I think they are missing something. And I remember that first Q. and A. very well.

A Partridge in A Pear Tree

This is the meaning of the Christmas Carol "Partridge in a Pear Tree"

AND A PARTRIDGE IN A PEAR TREE…

There is one Christmas Carol that has always baffled me, (says Dave Cook). What in the world do leaping lords, French hens, swimming swans, and especially the partridge who won't come out of the pear tree have to do with Christmas? Today I found out.

From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning -- the surface meaning, plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember:

The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ. Two turtledoves were the Old and New Testaments. Three French hens stood for Faith, Hope and Love.

The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.

The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.

Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit:
Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.

The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes. Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.

The ten lords a-leaping were the Ten Commandments. The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples. The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

So, there is your history for today. This knowledge was shared with me, and I found it interesting and enlightening -- and, now I know how that strange song became a Christmas Carol.—Dave Cook . Thanks Dave.

The First Four Suggestions

The First Four Suggestions for Brightening Our World

1. Greet People Warmly-"Good morning. It is good to see you." Become an enthusiastic, habitual greetor. Greet everybody, whether or not they make eye contact with you. Say "Hello. Say "Good morning." Say "Great to see you." -anything to send a pleasant message that they are noticed. A greeting is a connection. It is a gift. A greeting says "I notice you, you are valued, you are somebody!" A simple greeting is a blessing everybody needs. No exceptions.

2. Make Eye Contact-Look the person in the eyes, briefly, with warmth. Combine your eye contact with a smile and a greeting. "The eyes are the window to the soul", says the Bible. To be looked at personally is medicine for the soul.

3. Act Friendly-The emphasis here is on ACT. We do not just follow our feelings. That is, it doesn't depend on our mood in order to act friendly. We do what is right; good; needed. No matter what we are feeling we can send a message of friendliness. The amazing thing is that when we act friendly we not only lift another's spirits, but we also end up feeling better.

4. Offer Compliments-"You look good." "I like doing business with you." "You have a good attitude." "I love your smile." Inside us, and everyone, are many appreciative feelings, words of admiration, and gratitude. Most of those thoughts remain unexpressed, kept inside ourselves. We must let them out! We must spray, sprinkle and spread compliments and appreciation on people. Take two seconds after any transaction, and put ionto words a short sentence of thankfulness, gratitude, or admiration. Make it simple, direct and personal. Plan ahead to be ready to give your gift of love. Then stand there for five seconds and say it, with a smile.

(four more, soon)

The Cocoon

One of life’s constant questions is why God doesn’t step in and help us in the steady flow of dilemmas, hardships and tragedies of life. It seems like it would be so easy for God to quickly pick us up, heal the hurts, smooth things out, and get us going again.

The following story is like a parable. The carry over to our own lives and how, no doubt, for beneficial reasons, God resists stepping in, comes through sharply.

The Cocoon

A man came home one day and discovered a moth cocoon near his door. He became curious and wanted to watch the moth emerge, so he took it inside and put it in a warm place. In a few days the moth began to break through the tip of the cocoon. It made a small hole in the top and then seemed to stop unable to free itself further. As the man watched, he became impatient and worried because the moth was making little progress in breaking free and emerging. In an effort to be helpful, the man took a little scissor and enlarged the hole in the top of the cocoon. It helped. The moth promptly came out.

However to the man's dismay, the moth emerged with a large, bloated body and small, withered wings. It couldn't fly and had great difficulty managing its unwieldy body.

Perplexed the man inquired of a friend who taught Biology at a nearby high school. The teacher explained that in his efforts to make it easier for the moth, he had not realized the central role that a seemingly insurmountable effort played in the emergence of a healthy, viable, adult moth. It was essential for the moth to struggle, at its own speed, through the small hole at the top of the cocoon. The process of squeezing through the hole forced the liquid out of the moth's body into its wings. Under normal circumstances, by the time an adult moth has struggled through the small hole in the top of the cocoon, its body becomes smaller and its wings become strong and large enough to support it in flight. Effort and struggle comprise the key to healthy development for the young adult moth.

It is helpful to apply this lesson from nature to human life. Almost always the struggles of life are necessary pre-requisites for growing into the kind of people God intends us to be. And most of the time our loving God does not obviously make tough circumstances easier for us.

You Are Always on the Job

“You are Always on the Job”

When you go to the book store to make a purchase, you are still on the job. This is not free time completely. Likewise, when you go to your doctor’s office to keep an appointment. You have work to do, while you are there. The same is true when you park you car in a public parking garage, or drive through McDonalds. You have an assignment there too.

In each of those situations the job is similar. You are there to brighten the lives of those who help you. You are not just a receiver, a taker, a customer, or patient. You are a giver, as well. Your task is to find simple ways to lift their spirits, encourage them, appreciate those you meet.

It starts, of course with looking at them: Eye contact. Then a smile. Noticing them. Then words—like “I really admire the way you do your work.” Or, I love your smile.” Or, You are so attractive.” Or merely, with energy, “It is good to see you!”

A few days ago, on a Saturday, there was a knock at our front door. It was an older lady with a little dog on a leash. We did not recognize her. She said she often walked past our house while exercising her dog. Then she said: “I want you to know how much I enjoy walking past your house and hearing the piano playing. I just love that.”

She made our day; especially Linda’s the piano player. Here was an unexpected, spontaneous act of appreciation. She lifted our spirits and brightened our lives. A perfect and unique example of kindness.

What Prayer Is

Prayer is More Than Words and Thoughts

Prayer usually is active thinking and caring for another person. It can include picturing them in your mind, and even trying to feel their pain, when there is a trial or grief. At the very least we will be thinking of them and their need, when we pray for them.

Love is being given when we stand and pray with someone. Love is traveling from us to the one in need. And, Love is from God. God is Love, the Apostle John says, in I John 4:16. Our Love is God flowing through us into the other.

I like to think of that Love as energy. So our prayer, for someone, is sending Godly energy into them. Prayer is Love, and Godly energy, flowing from me and directly from God. That resource, that energy, has the power to heal and encourage; to restore and strengthen.