God and Todd, age 4

Some say the Bible is mostly myth, while others build their lives on it. Whichever you choose, "God's say so" reveals truth about life and living - it can be treasured and left on the shelf, steadfastly denied, or it can be received daily as living bread from which to grow wise.

At age 4, Todd found himself regularly learning what God says. Todd was beginning to put his own words to what he was understanding from his Bible lessons. Since Todd's Mom and Dad were divorced and had been for nearly two years, Todd had some gritty family issues to consider.

One evening at dinner with his Dad and brother, Todd bluntly asked, "Is Mommy going to go to Heaven with us, or is she going to burn forever in the Lake of Fire?"

His Dad, surprised by the depth of his question, replied, "Well Todd, I really don't know whether Mommy is going to heaven with us. I don't know if your Mommy believes God's Word."

"Well, I sure hope she comes to Heaven with us," Todd asserted, "I really don't want her to burn in the Lake of Fire!"

Dad, while privately noting his questionable attitude toward his ex-wife, said, "Todd, I hope she comes to Heaven with us too. Let's pray and ask God's blessing on her right now." So they prayed right then and there - praying that Todd and Geoff's Mommy would come to know the Lord Jesus Christ personally, and that through Him God would guide and protect her life.

Would you believe the very next week Todd's Mommy asked Jesus Christ to save her from the Lake of Fire? She received Him as Lord of her life. This is amazing to me even today because I'm Todd's Mommy.

This story is true because it's my story; one I share with my family (Todd's Dad and I were remarried the following year!) and now I share it with you. Now you know me and how God has worked in my life.

Normally, who'd think that "God's say so" spoken to a 4 year old about "the Lake of Fire" would have such a profound impact upon the destiny of an adult? Just for fun, here's a picture of Todd and his family now. How time flies!

If you'd like to know more, I'd enjoy hearing from you! ~ Dr. M

My doctor's story

It was a sobering story. Last week my doctor friend told me about Don, who was 58. Don worked hard and saved $5M - a real accomplishment. Don said $5M wasn't quite enough, telling my doctor friend that he aimed to continue working to make $3M more before retiring. Not long after that conversation Don died suddenly from a heart attack.

This loss greatly impacted my doctor friend. He had a long conversation with his wife about it. Since then, he's made peace with God and himself about his friend's death. He's decided that the $2M he and his wife have saved so far is enough. They decided together to enjoy what they've worked together to build over the years: a family, 8 grandkids and a thriving professional practice.

My doctor friend decided to back off his prior work intensity and to have fun at work. He aims to do work projects he enjoys part-time, easier work for the people he's served for 30 years. Now he'll hand off more challenging jobs to the professional he trained in-house for eleven years. She's bought the practice. She now pays her prior boss a commission for his work.

This doc and I were kids together - neighbors on the same street. His decisions to back off the long hard work and his new peace with God, his wife and himself make me feel glad. Although Don's loss is sad, his death helped the doc wake up - and to put the love of money in its proper place. Money can't give life. Only God can do that.

At the same time, financial responsibility is important in everyday life. I want my faith in God to intersect with my everyday work and my financial responsibilities. I'm trusting my Father God to provide opportunities for gainful employment. I'm not sitting back and hoping for heavenly checks to arrive in the mail!

Does your work connect with God's abundance for things you need? If so, how do you do that?
- Dr. M

Recent Reading

I've just read a book I remember seeing years ago on my Dad's bedside table. It's How to Win Friends and Influence People, by Dale Carnegie. Originally published in 1936, I was really surprised by the way the 1981 revised edition hit me.

Carnegie convinced me that what I do naturally often blocks my opportunity for success. Naturally, I wouldn't buy that. But just for fun, let's see how you do with the following:

• In your everyday workplace, do you find it easier to find fault or condemn your co-worker mentally, or to understand his or her viewpoint in a conversation?

• Which is easier - to see weaknesses or to verbalize praiseworthy points about others?

• Is it more enjoyable to talk with others about what you find interesting, or to listen and affirm good points about what they find interesting?

Were you surprised? I was! It's true, my natural inclinations aren't the best relational point-makers. What do you think about this?

I'd appreciate your feedback. - Dr M