As I wipe the tears, Joe you take your gifts and you share them with us. Your friend which passed, he was a gift and because of you, we got to know him, know of him, and smile as we know he went home.
I try to remind myself, when we pass, we don’t get to pack. We don’t even have to prepare, this means everything here in our lives doesn’t matter except our relationships. Those left behind mourn but inevitably continue on. I’m sure you and your wife will be a “God send” to your friend’s wife. What a gift your last weekend was, all of you together. I’m sorry for your aunt’s passing as well. I live in Wisconsin, we get visited a lot by out of staters during the summer. The official playground for all!
Thanks to you, I’m going to think of Martha now, often. After all , we can have a cake baking in the oven, but when it’s our time to go, what’s cooking isn’t relevant, those we leave behind are.
You mean a great deal to us here in the Badlands Media community. You truly are our gift, we should each say a prayer for you, thanking God for your bright light even in your darkest hour. We really are blessed!!
I’m going to save this particular substack, it’s worth reading at the start or end of each day.
So many can relate here Joe, and believe me I’m my own worst taskmaster but I can’t change on my own by sheer willpower, no, only God can do that. And I thank Him that we are works in progress. We need more of Jesus. I try to sit at Jesus’ feet as much as possible but often find myself distracted! But He gently guides me back. We are the apple of His eye and He knows us better than we know ourselves, and STILL loves us. God bless you Joe, you are a beautiful soul!
I really don't even know how to begin to tell you how much your words have struck my heart like a thunderbolt. Like many in this thread, your words have brought me to tears. First, let me say that I am truly sorry for the loss of your beautiful friend and your beloved Aunt. As you so eloquently conveyed, you were blessed to have the kind of "spiritual" kinship with your friend and the privilege of sharing his last days with him. Your message is powerful and no doubt comes from God who wants all of us to slow down, be still and turn back to Him. I just completed one of my Bible plans this morning titled "Addicted to Busy: Recovery for the Rushed Soul". It encapsulates exactly what you have shared with us in your writing today. I've said it once and I'll say it again, the inspiration and encouragement that is poured out into this community is truly a blessing and I am so grateful to be here to receive it. Thank you, Joe! May God continue you blessing you and speaking to us through you.
Joe, you couldn’t have written anything better for me to step back and realize how much I miss because of being too busy with business obligations. Thank you. More time with the Lord is needed❤️
I always had a love/hate relationship with the story of Mary and Martha. You see, I have a sister named Mary that would get out of most of her chores, and I would have to pick up her slack. She was three years younger than me, and I suppose it was expected that I fulfill the role of Momma's little helper for just about everything. This is a tough task when you have seven brothers and just one sister. But as I matured and learned the difference between wants and needs, I realized what Jesus was saying was the truth. We do have a choice and our expectations aren't necessarily His. Thank you for this reminder of the better things we've been given as His children, the freedom that is ours from the life of bandage ad oppression. God bless you!
Another God inspired substack. Tears runinng down my face as your words are the light for the week. Easter week is one of deep thought and prayer for me, and this was God's gift. To remember what's important. Thank you Joe for your raw honesty and opening up your heart to share this very personal moment.
Thank you Darlene. I learned a long time ago that God wanted me to share my walk with Him so others could be encouraged. He has risen and He’s a mighty Savior!
❤️... God is good all the time. My life has been Martha! Martha! Martha lately. I quit my job in midst of the pandemic due to being surrounded by orwellian leadership. Still waiting on the class action lawsuit .. even tho, as a Christian that is NOT my mo. I worked with a real live witch who wasnt afraid to flaunt her wickedness. She flew under the radar of most, but my spirit and hers.. Oil and water! G(o)od vs Evil. I knew to keep my distance from that one... story for another time.. I have since had 6 jobs in the past 2 yrars trying to again find my place in this world. Doing doing doing,. Some seeking, but mostly doing. I did find 2 part time jobs that pay more than 1 full time job, and most days I am content because they are in line with what God has called me to do. SERVE OTHERS. I wish I could serve and not get paid.. but right now it is what it is.. O I fight Him still on his plan for my life, but I know that I know that I know.. I can never be snatched out of the loving hands that called me, and keeps me despite myself. Maybe God allows Martha seasons in our lives to remind us what is truly important. I prayed many years ago tthat I would stop trying to be someone God had not intended me . I JUSTVWANTED TO BE. I ONCE WAS LOST. NOW I'M FOUND. C'mon people what's so hard. I have to be reminded that only Jesus can change a heart. I wanted to save the world. VERY Quickly, God said.. wait wait wait who do you think you are.. that is my job. I wanted so many stages to tell my testimony, but God hasn't yet provided that grand stage. He did take this fatherless child into his arms, (my earthly dad died when I wss 3,) spared this child from greater pain I have mo doubt about that. I hope I impact the lives God has given me, mostly my children and grandchildren, leave a legacy of faithfulness, Rejoice in heaven, singing on key with the saints One day, and spend all of eternity wiith our faithful God and fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. You have chosen the good life Joe... or maybe He chose you for such a time as this.. I am pondering your words.. I need to get my game on drawing on the love and power and strength of Jesus.through God's Word.. I spent 1 solid year daily in God's Word after my mom passed in 2012 and I was so full of life. I struggle finding people who want to connect on that very deep level, so sometimes I put God in a box.. because when he speaks I tend to listen.. I shake everything up around me.... it feels isolating and lonely, so I have been on a hiatus for far too long. I NEEDED to be reminded of what faithfulness looks like. Thanks for modeling what true Christanity looks like and for sharing a part of your struggle. When God changes a heart its real, it's genuine, its deep,, and filled with much joy. You are a breath of fresh air. Much love to you and your family... oh look at that the Son is rising.... figuratively and sun literally. Keep searching and sharing, Joe, sure am glad God put you in my life, brother ❤️
Thanks, Joe I too believe in Jesus and His work on the cross. Tears are just fine as He wept over Jerusalem this week. Blessings to you and your wife and have a wonderful "Resurrection Sunday!" Keep writing...
Beautiful message Joe! I sometimes wonder what God's purpose for me is. I think at times it's to encourage others, but I'm never sure . I've been feeling God's presence alot lately and I know I need to be more still and listen. Thank you for writing this.
I would encourage you to search for your gift. Are you a teacher, an encourager, a helper, a gift giver, a prayer warrior, a host, comforter etc.
When I realized exactly what my main gift was, it was easy for me to be led more by the Holy Spirit in order to use that gift. It can be quite the adventure.
One thing that helped me was putting myself in the Bible as I read. Making it more personal by using my own pronouns in the stories. I tried to place myself in the shoes of the main characters and read it like it was for me in those situations.
I quickly found certain gifts that fit me perfectly.
I’m an encourager but I’m also a teacher. I focus on my strengths because they bring me joy from the heart. They renew my spirit as I give them away.
I think that’s why they are called gifts.
God gives them to you so you’ll give them away to those in need.
I’m going to pray God shows you your gift so you can focus on it.
Be warned though.
When you are in the sweet spot using your gift, there will be trials. It is through those trials that people will see God working instead of you.
One of my favorite verses is this.
“He must become greater; I must become less.””
John 3:30 NIV
If people aren’t seeing Jesus in me working than I’m failing.
Love this. I, too, struggle with perfection/humility. I pray the Litany of Humility often. It helps for sure! God speaks through us and He probably helped abbreviate your talk that time for a good reason. If nothing else, it spared you from being too prideful about your work, but not from affirmation of the message! Love you Joe! God bless your family.
You are so talented. I am subject to some of the pitfalls you describe so I can relate to Martha and the “perfection plague”. But I was very touched regarding your perceived failure ( not) in the pulpit. But you quality but not quantity. But in this case, just what was needed. Thank you again, Joe.
Hi Joe, My condolences for your loss, I love your gratitude and cherished memories for those you love. I am very happy to have you here on Badlands, you are very much appreciated. I want to share
with you a recommendation for a song sung by Ashley DuBose called “Memories” . The lyrics are haunting,. It is beautiful and bittersweet and reminds us that the people we touch in our lives are the gifts we leave behind. I hope you enjoy it. Blessings to you, keep them alive in your memories, keep sharing and remembering them , they are never really gone unless they are forgotten. I’d like to think it pulls a string and rings a bell in heaven connecting them back to us each we do. Love is eternal after all.
Go see your kid one extra time before the year’s end, boy do I relate to that, they are our greatest work.
Thank you so much for your very encouraging comment my friend. I will definitely check out that song. I agree with you about the importance of our memories and it’s connection to love.
We are going with our widowed friend this morning to their church that they had recently started attending. He loved this church and especially the music. Should be a great memory today.
As I wipe the tears, Joe you take your gifts and you share them with us. Your friend which passed, he was a gift and because of you, we got to know him, know of him, and smile as we know he went home.
I try to remind myself, when we pass, we don’t get to pack. We don’t even have to prepare, this means everything here in our lives doesn’t matter except our relationships. Those left behind mourn but inevitably continue on. I’m sure you and your wife will be a “God send” to your friend’s wife. What a gift your last weekend was, all of you together. I’m sorry for your aunt’s passing as well. I live in Wisconsin, we get visited a lot by out of staters during the summer. The official playground for all!
Thanks to you, I’m going to think of Martha now, often. After all , we can have a cake baking in the oven, but when it’s our time to go, what’s cooking isn’t relevant, those we leave behind are.
You mean a great deal to us here in the Badlands Media community. You truly are our gift, we should each say a prayer for you, thanking God for your bright light even in your darkest hour. We really are blessed!!
I’m going to save this particular substack, it’s worth reading at the start or end of each day.
Don’t be a Martha!
I appreciate you so much Lisa! That really encouraged me and I thank you my friend!
Amen!
So many can relate here Joe, and believe me I’m my own worst taskmaster but I can’t change on my own by sheer willpower, no, only God can do that. And I thank Him that we are works in progress. We need more of Jesus. I try to sit at Jesus’ feet as much as possible but often find myself distracted! But He gently guides me back. We are the apple of His eye and He knows us better than we know ourselves, and STILL loves us. God bless you Joe, you are a beautiful soul!
Very well put TM! Thank you for that wisdom!
I really don't even know how to begin to tell you how much your words have struck my heart like a thunderbolt. Like many in this thread, your words have brought me to tears. First, let me say that I am truly sorry for the loss of your beautiful friend and your beloved Aunt. As you so eloquently conveyed, you were blessed to have the kind of "spiritual" kinship with your friend and the privilege of sharing his last days with him. Your message is powerful and no doubt comes from God who wants all of us to slow down, be still and turn back to Him. I just completed one of my Bible plans this morning titled "Addicted to Busy: Recovery for the Rushed Soul". It encapsulates exactly what you have shared with us in your writing today. I've said it once and I'll say it again, the inspiration and encouragement that is poured out into this community is truly a blessing and I am so grateful to be here to receive it. Thank you, Joe! May God continue you blessing you and speaking to us through you.
Thank you so much Nancy. That was my aunts name.
Thank you for your encouragement.
Your study plan sounds awesome and I’m like you, I’m so glad I found this little community of patriots.
It’s like a family and encourages me daily.
Blessings friend
Joe, you couldn’t have written anything better for me to step back and realize how much I miss because of being too busy with business obligations. Thank you. More time with the Lord is needed❤️
I’m in the same boat Gerri. I need to prioritize my life again. Even a small amount of time given to Him is beneficial.
He’s the King.
He’s all knowing and all wise.
I need His wisdom in my life.
Blessings always friend
Mr. Lange,
I always had a love/hate relationship with the story of Mary and Martha. You see, I have a sister named Mary that would get out of most of her chores, and I would have to pick up her slack. She was three years younger than me, and I suppose it was expected that I fulfill the role of Momma's little helper for just about everything. This is a tough task when you have seven brothers and just one sister. But as I matured and learned the difference between wants and needs, I realized what Jesus was saying was the truth. We do have a choice and our expectations aren't necessarily His. Thank you for this reminder of the better things we've been given as His children, the freedom that is ours from the life of bandage ad oppression. God bless you!
I can totally see why that story would be a tough one for you. I would have felt the same way.
I’m so glad you grasp the important difference between our wants and needs.
I think Martha needed to hear that message just like I recently did.
But as we know later in the Bible we see that Martha had fully embraced that need when her brother Lazarus had died.
She was the one that ran to meet Jesus and knew He could do all things, including raising her brother from the dead.
Her priorities had certainly changed it seems.
Blessings my friend.
Another God inspired substack. Tears runinng down my face as your words are the light for the week. Easter week is one of deep thought and prayer for me, and this was God's gift. To remember what's important. Thank you Joe for your raw honesty and opening up your heart to share this very personal moment.
Thank you Darlene. I learned a long time ago that God wanted me to share my walk with Him so others could be encouraged. He has risen and He’s a mighty Savior!
❤️... God is good all the time. My life has been Martha! Martha! Martha lately. I quit my job in midst of the pandemic due to being surrounded by orwellian leadership. Still waiting on the class action lawsuit .. even tho, as a Christian that is NOT my mo. I worked with a real live witch who wasnt afraid to flaunt her wickedness. She flew under the radar of most, but my spirit and hers.. Oil and water! G(o)od vs Evil. I knew to keep my distance from that one... story for another time.. I have since had 6 jobs in the past 2 yrars trying to again find my place in this world. Doing doing doing,. Some seeking, but mostly doing. I did find 2 part time jobs that pay more than 1 full time job, and most days I am content because they are in line with what God has called me to do. SERVE OTHERS. I wish I could serve and not get paid.. but right now it is what it is.. O I fight Him still on his plan for my life, but I know that I know that I know.. I can never be snatched out of the loving hands that called me, and keeps me despite myself. Maybe God allows Martha seasons in our lives to remind us what is truly important. I prayed many years ago tthat I would stop trying to be someone God had not intended me . I JUSTVWANTED TO BE. I ONCE WAS LOST. NOW I'M FOUND. C'mon people what's so hard. I have to be reminded that only Jesus can change a heart. I wanted to save the world. VERY Quickly, God said.. wait wait wait who do you think you are.. that is my job. I wanted so many stages to tell my testimony, but God hasn't yet provided that grand stage. He did take this fatherless child into his arms, (my earthly dad died when I wss 3,) spared this child from greater pain I have mo doubt about that. I hope I impact the lives God has given me, mostly my children and grandchildren, leave a legacy of faithfulness, Rejoice in heaven, singing on key with the saints One day, and spend all of eternity wiith our faithful God and fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. You have chosen the good life Joe... or maybe He chose you for such a time as this.. I am pondering your words.. I need to get my game on drawing on the love and power and strength of Jesus.through God's Word.. I spent 1 solid year daily in God's Word after my mom passed in 2012 and I was so full of life. I struggle finding people who want to connect on that very deep level, so sometimes I put God in a box.. because when he speaks I tend to listen.. I shake everything up around me.... it feels isolating and lonely, so I have been on a hiatus for far too long. I NEEDED to be reminded of what faithfulness looks like. Thanks for modeling what true Christanity looks like and for sharing a part of your struggle. When God changes a heart its real, it's genuine, its deep,, and filled with much joy. You are a breath of fresh air. Much love to you and your family... oh look at that the Son is rising.... figuratively and sun literally. Keep searching and sharing, Joe, sure am glad God put you in my life, brother ❤️
Thank you so much for sharing your testimony. Life is a struggle but a wonderful journey.
Keep walking with Him and shining the light. You’ll never know the impact you’ve made on one person in just one moment of time.
You hit on a great point I had to learn the hard way.
God never asked me to save the world or anybody around me.
That’s His job alone.
He only asked me to love them where they are and in their need.
I try to stay in my lane and be as gracious as possible.
Blessings my friend
I'm not crying...
Such a wonderful gift .
Many Blessing my Friend 💞
Thank you Sam! You were one of my first encouragers. I really appreciate you giving me the gentle push to walk through this door.
What a timely message. Thank you! Sharing everywhere‼️
You’re the best Jo!!
Thank you for sharing your heart and being so transparent...
Blessings Cheryl. I’ve been criticized in the past for sharing too much and being emotional.
I wasn’t emotional before I met Jesus and most of my emotions flow from an inner joy.
I really do think life is meant to be shared.
If we can’t relate to each other especially in the tough times then we’re pretty much on our own and I know that’s not true.
We weren’t created to isolate, we were created for relationship.
It’s a path to freedom.
Thanks, Joe I too believe in Jesus and His work on the cross. Tears are just fine as He wept over Jerusalem this week. Blessings to you and your wife and have a wonderful "Resurrection Sunday!" Keep writing...
Jesus did weep over Jerusalem. Thank you for that reminder.
He must have felt all the pain and hurt from the people in that city and everywhere He went.
We have a very compassionate Savior. His sacrifice for me is overwhelming sometimes when I think about it.
Blessings Cheryl!
Big smile as I type!!!
Beautiful message Joe! I sometimes wonder what God's purpose for me is. I think at times it's to encourage others, but I'm never sure . I've been feeling God's presence alot lately and I know I need to be more still and listen. Thank you for writing this.
I would encourage you to search for your gift. Are you a teacher, an encourager, a helper, a gift giver, a prayer warrior, a host, comforter etc.
When I realized exactly what my main gift was, it was easy for me to be led more by the Holy Spirit in order to use that gift. It can be quite the adventure.
One thing that helped me was putting myself in the Bible as I read. Making it more personal by using my own pronouns in the stories. I tried to place myself in the shoes of the main characters and read it like it was for me in those situations.
I quickly found certain gifts that fit me perfectly.
I’m an encourager but I’m also a teacher. I focus on my strengths because they bring me joy from the heart. They renew my spirit as I give them away.
I think that’s why they are called gifts.
God gives them to you so you’ll give them away to those in need.
I’m going to pray God shows you your gift so you can focus on it.
Be warned though.
When you are in the sweet spot using your gift, there will be trials. It is through those trials that people will see God working instead of you.
One of my favorite verses is this.
“He must become greater; I must become less.””
John 3:30 NIV
If people aren’t seeing Jesus in me working than I’m failing.
Blessings friend
Thank you for the prayers, blessings, and inspiration. You are truly one of God's angels.
Thank you so much Karen! I really appreciate you!!
Love this. I, too, struggle with perfection/humility. I pray the Litany of Humility often. It helps for sure! God speaks through us and He probably helped abbreviate your talk that time for a good reason. If nothing else, it spared you from being too prideful about your work, but not from affirmation of the message! Love you Joe! God bless your family.
You could be right. I really appreciate your encouragement my friend!
What a wonderful essay! Thank you.
Thank you June!
👆above is for Cat
You are so talented. I am subject to some of the pitfalls you describe so I can relate to Martha and the “perfection plague”. But I was very touched regarding your perceived failure ( not) in the pulpit. But you quality but not quantity. But in this case, just what was needed. Thank you again, Joe.
Thank you so much Diane! I really appreciate that! One thing I always try to never lose sight of is this...God delights in mercy and is full of grace.
He will always offer me mercy and never run out of grace.
Blessings friend
Hi Joe, My condolences for your loss, I love your gratitude and cherished memories for those you love. I am very happy to have you here on Badlands, you are very much appreciated. I want to share
with you a recommendation for a song sung by Ashley DuBose called “Memories” . The lyrics are haunting,. It is beautiful and bittersweet and reminds us that the people we touch in our lives are the gifts we leave behind. I hope you enjoy it. Blessings to you, keep them alive in your memories, keep sharing and remembering them , they are never really gone unless they are forgotten. I’d like to think it pulls a string and rings a bell in heaven connecting them back to us each we do. Love is eternal after all.
Go see your kid one extra time before the year’s end, boy do I relate to that, they are our greatest work.
Thank you so much for your very encouraging comment my friend. I will definitely check out that song. I agree with you about the importance of our memories and it’s connection to love.
We are going with our widowed friend this morning to their church that they had recently started attending. He loved this church and especially the music. Should be a great memory today.
Blessings Twirlgirl!