Painting Bees

As if we were ashamed, we put God on the side….
On the edge of our coins, as if we meant to hide
The statement of our faith, and in Whom we trust
For liberty and peace, and for all that we deem just.


Nothing is the same, since we put God on the edge
And spoke of taking “under God” out of our nation‘s pledge.
The children in our schools do not have a prayer,
And most seem unconcerned, as if they do not care.


God’s Commandments were replaced by plaques of dedication
In remembrance of men and events in each location.
There are laws that blaspheme God and His intended plan
Concerning life and love outside His design for man.


Oh nation, wake up now, before it is too late!
There is prophesy that warns of our impending fate
If our hearts aren’t stirred to stand and try to rectify
The mistakes that we have made, our nation’s end is nigh…

Let Us…

Let us be Your voice.
Let us do Your will.
Let us be Your hands.
Don’t let our feet be still.

Give us all kind words.
Let us grace extend.
Let us share Your love.
Let us be a friend.

Mercy, we’ve received.
Molded, formed by You,
Let us live a life of love,
And give our whole lives through.

Angela Usher

This is another "story" of the amazing ways that God has been working in Sylvania...


The Shoes Of Many Colors
(Based on a true story...)

A man with shoes of many colors was crossing ‘cross the street.
God was placing right in front of me someone that I would meet.
Half an hour later, a man was browsing through the store,
I told him just to let me know, if I could help him more.
He was looking for a Sunday suit that would fit him well
And that he could wear to God’s house, then he began to tell
That it was just two weeks ago that he had heart attack.
He had drifted some away from God but was ready to turn back.
He said, “I don’t have any money, but when I can, I’ll try
To get me a nice Sunday suit. Are there shoes that I could buy?”


I looked down in front of me, in wonder Lord, to see,
The same shoes of many colors that You had put in front of me!
He tried on suits, we looked for shoes, matched up a shirt and tie.
He said, “I can’t afford this.” “Don’t worry,” I replied,
“The lilies, they don’t toil and spin. Know that in God’s care
Is the life of every sparrow that has ever filled the air.”
In seeking to assist him, I heard much of his life’s story.
He told me how God saved him and he gave Him all the glory.
The road that would lead him back started with a trail of tears
Of sorrow he found knowing he’d wandered ‘way from God for years.


Being thankful for his health and life, his desire was to go
And walk in the Master‘s way, with seeds of faith to sow.
So on that day, he got his suit, two shirts, and two ties.
His heart was filled with gratitude, and tears fell from his eyes.
And shoes his size? We had none, but a preacher man I knew
Did not give him just one pair, but sent him quite a few.
Now the shoes of many colors that crossed the road that day
Bring to mind a man who walks now in the Master‘s way.
And blessings? They continue to bring the man a smile.
He has a testimony that he’ll share for quite a while.

Angela Usher

The phone rang. “Hello, Act’s III Ministries,” I answered. It was about an hour or so after the man I thought could have been an “angel” left. It was the secretary of a Methodist Church in Sylvania, and she was asking for the person at ActsIII who the same man in need had spoken to. “This is she,” I replied. I explained how I was I was not able to find him, and thanked her for calling. He had gone to the church in search of me… possibly confused in this town which he was a bit unfamiliar. I told her where I had intended to lead him, and she kindly told me that it would be no problem giving him directions.

Interestingly enough, when doubts and fears arise, mankind is compelled to turn God, the church or godly council. God has given us an innate awareness of the fact that He is in control. In other words, God has placed it in the spirit of man to know who He is. Romans 1:19-20 says, “…that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made so that they are without excuse.”

This man knew where to turn for help…he knew that he could find help in a church, the house of God.

God reaches out to others through His people. We are His hands, His feet, His voice. It is humbling to think that the only kind word, the only smile or the only help that someone may receive in a day’s time may be through a follower Christ. It is not only part of a Christian’s responsibility, for we have been commanded to love, but it is also a privilege. For in blessing others, we are able to receive a blessing.

I would not know whether or not the gentleman made it to the food pantry that day. However, he did come in the store later that week, eager to purchase some “church clothes” with his assistance. Apparently, a pastor who lived close by was able to help him with some propane for the little camper-trailer that he lived in. A neighbor had kindly offered him use of his water. These were simple acts of kindness and generosity that had compelled him to continue to seek God.

This story may be continued in a later blog…I guess that will depend on whether I see the gentleman again, and what he continues to share with me concerning how God is working in his life. This is one of quite a few stories that I am compelled to share with people because they have so blessed my heart. As the stories continue to unfold, and I see God changing the lives of people before my very eyes, displaying His love, His power, and His goodness.

Have you ever entertained an angel unawares? Hebrews 13 exhorts, “Let love of the brethren continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.”

One day this past week, I almost wondered if I had such an encounter. An older man, who was clearly in need, came into the Sylvania store searching for some boots. His clothes were dirty, and from all indications, he had no access to running water. He talked loud, perhaps from a hearing disability. His toes emerged from the large, gaping hole where the upper part of his shoes had come away from the sole. He walked with a crippled gait, as if he had arthritis in his ankles.

Despite his apparent condition, he was a content soul and was excited to be able to purchase a “new” pair of boots with the money that he made from collecting cans. Beaming, he told me that when he could afford to, he would be back to purchase a pair of pants. He proceeded to tell me about the pair of jeans that he had received from his son at Christmas that had become very worn and ragged at the bottom. He also spoke of washing all of his clothes by hand.

I could not help but think that this was a man who had “fallen through the cracks” and could use assistance. I encouraged him to fill out an application for assistance, but he could neither read nor write. After speaking with him at length, it was painfully evident that this man had never had an easy life. When I asked him what he had most need of, he replied, “food and a few clothes.”

On behalf of the ministry and the mission of ActsIII, I was able to share God’s love and aid him with some clothing assistance. A local mission with a food pantry was also willing to help. The gentleman told me where he had parked, and I took my lunch break so I could lead him there. After driving around and around, I came back to the store almost distraught because I never saw him again. In a town that small, I wondered how I could have lost him!

As I returned to my work, I reflected on the passage in Hebrews 13:2. Had this man actually been an angel sent to test the willingness of my spirit? It HAD been a difficult interview…one that took some patience, emotional strength, and quite frankly, a strong stomach. He had mentioned not having electricity or running water. (Hygiene was a real issue!) In realizing his apparent situation though, all of this became entirely irrelevant, and my awareness of the problem faded.

For a while, I wondered. I wondered if I would have been willing to “go there” a couple of years ago. It would have been easy to pass up the opportunity. Sure, I would have looked at him through eyes of compassion, but would I have made an effort to share Christ with him back then? It would have been easier to have waited until he was cleaner...but God had opened this door of opportunity through his needs.

Hebrews 13:8 says, “Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” I am so glad that He was, is, and always will be loving and compassionate. I am also glad that He didn’t wait until I got cleaned up to share His love with me. I hope, that like Christ, I will forever be willing to do whatever He would have me do.

Was he an angel? I don’t know whether the man was or not, but I was certainly blessed by his simplistic love and appreciation for life. His life was not full of material things, and he even lacked in some basic needs. Yet, he was just content to be. Could he be???

What if we just waited on the Lord? Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that God has plans for our lives. I can think back of years that I have experienced hard times and heartache that were simply not in God’s plan for me. I made decisions that I know He would not have made. Some were decisions that were completely against His Word. Therefore, I know that some of the things that happened in my life were consequences of the directions that I had chosen for myself.

If we were to ask ourselves WWJD every time there was a decision to be made, we would be in God’s will and following His plan for our lives. But, we tend to follow social trends, to be selfish, independent of godly council, just plain stubborn and resistant to the path that God has set before us.

We would not choose to make our children do a task that is too difficult for them to do! So why would God? In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus calls us to come to Him, saying, “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Jesus has made a way for all of us…an easy way. I prefer doing things with less effort involved. How about life? Are you ready for it to be easier? God has made a way. Follow His Son, and in everything you do, DWJWD… Do What Jesus Would Do.

As I was thinking about the word, “WORD,” I began to think on how we define it in layman terms. Some of the meanings that Webster uses are “that which is said; expression; promise; account; news; a password; sound; and finally, “Jesus Christ.” Then, I referenced the scripture in which Webster found “WORD” defined. John 1:1 states, “ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

God’s Word…part of Himself, defines His nature and character, never changes, is a promise that we have been given…in writing, manifest in His Son and fulfilled in truth. He has given us His Word, a sacrificial proof of His everlasting promise.

God’s Word is also a letter of encouragement and love. It also leads in His plan and purpose for the lives of those who follow Him. His Word contains direction and specific ingredients for successful Christian living.

If someone gives you a recipe for a cake, and you leave out the sugar, the cake will not be sweet. If you leave out the baking powder, the cake will not rise. If you leave out the butter, it may crumble. If you leave out the eggs, the cake may end up being tough. If you do not grease the pan, the cake will most likely stick to the pan. No one would really care to have a piece of it. Is it not amazing that we trust recipes? We actually take someone else’s word and act on it! Yet, many find it difficult to trust in God’s Word.

God’s Word is much like a recipe. A life lived without Jesus and disobedience to His Word results in a life that is not sweet, lacking in achievement, crumbling, or just plain stuck! Following God’s “Recipe for Life” (His Word…the Bible) will result in fulfilled promises of His Word. He has given us His Word, and we can believe it. He has never given us any reason not to have faith in the results we will achieve in obedience to His Word.

Some people may say that God has not done what He promised. But in His Word, God is not time specific. We are encouraged to “WAIT upon the Lord,” (Isaiah 40:31). I believe that impatience breeds failure. My mother used to say, “A watched pot never boils.” I believe that a cake that is not cooked long enough is still batter, and sometimes things that cook longer are better! A life steeped in the Word is a life that is good! Don’t just take my word for it! Take God’s Word for it!

This (and tears) came out of a real experience in ministering to a woman last week...Her prayer was so awesome!

The Cry of God’s Child

Deserted, alone
She sits and cries
In a strange place
That’s empty inside.

Discouraged, dismayed,
Her face streaming with tears,
Feeling hopeless, rejected,
Full of life’s fears.

Yet…

Humble and gracious
For a dry place,
Waking each day,
Receiving God’s grace.

Not knowing the day
Her trials will end,
She cries out to God,
Her Savior, her Friend.

She knows...

Difficult times
Eventually cease.
She blesses God
For His mighty increase.

Forever she has
Testimony to share.
In her troubled times
God has always been there.

In serving on the ministry team of ActsIII, I have had the amazing privilege to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to assist people who not only have spiritual needs, but also physical needs. Through individuals who donate clothing and other household items, as well as by the hands of those who work at ActsIII, many who live in our communities have had needs met.

There are people who feel helpless and hopeless, who are victims of circumstance, who have lost their jobs, who are trying but not quite making it. Your donations help them in regaining their lives. The kindness and generosity of others has helped us show the love of Jesus. I cannot begin to tell you how rewarding it is to be able to share and serve Christ in this capacity.
Here is something that I came home and wrote last week…“I Am”…..

I am looking for a job.
Today, I found my purpose.

I am suffering from a mental disorder.
Today, I am encouraged.

I am an ex-convict.
Today, I begin again.

I am a victim of circumstance.
Today, I have hope.

I am a widow.
Today, I am cared for.

I am unable to provide shoes for my child.
Today, her need has been met.

I am blessed.
Today, I will begin to bless.

In Exodus 3:14, God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM…Thus, you shall say to the sons of Israel, “I AM has sent me to you.”

Allow yourself to think about that scripture and connect it with the above statements. Now, refer to Matthew 25:40, in which Jesus says, “ Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.”

What it is like to be at ActsIII ?…Awesome!

beleaguer: To blockade by surrounding with an army; to surround; beset.

“Beleaguered” is a word that God placed in my mind the other day. I was not really familiar with the word, nor did I know it’s accurate definition. However, I found that it was a word that I had been searching for…

We, as Christians, seem to be surrounded more and more by a society in which evil is on the increase, where economic woes have raised concern, and where people’s lives seem more attracted to and distracted by things of the world instead of the things of God. Everywhere you look, there are people that are unable to escape problems, worries, and the darkness of this world due to their lack of a relationship with God. We are increasingly beleaguered by a world that is dying in sin.

I have been burdened by these thoughts for the past couple of months, and I just could not find a word to describe the “feeling” that I had. There was little of good report …only depressing, discouraging news.

That is the whole of Satan’s purpose…to discourage Christians. When we are distracted from focusing on our purpose in God’s kingdom, he gains ground. We must not allow the trials of life and the darkness of the world to beleaguer our spirits. We must shine as a light in the midst of the darkness and seek to point others to the Light of the world.

Brother Randy said something very profound in church on Sunday. He said something to the effect that “flashlights are most effective in darkness.” In that sense, we, as Christians, should be more and more encouraged! God can use us to shine even more brightly in this world of ever-increasing darkness!

Beleaguered by the trials and wickedness of this world? Christian, do not be discouraged! In Hebrews 12:1, Paul says, “...let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us…” The trials and discouragement that we face in today’s world are an amazing opportunity for us to LET JESUS SHINE!