Get away from the lights of the city and find a place that is dark, real dark. Now, look into the heavens and wait for a moment. A shooting star streaks across the sky. The really awesome ones leave a trail of glitter behind them. As you gaze into the endless expanse you begin to understand that you are focusing your eyes on galaxies, stars, and planets that sent out their light thousands of years ago.
I just described what our family did on many summer nights. Those nights when we knew it was time for a shooting star extravaganza we watched the show on the comfort of our trampoline. The sleeping bags were gathered and put on the trampoline. Lying on our backs we would try and count the fiery particles as they raced across our eyes. Slowly, with tired eyes, but still enthusiastic, we would fall asleep.
Standing under the canopy of heaven or lying on a trampoline watching shooting stars, a question naturally comes to the searching soul. What am I in comparison to the vastness of the universe? What significance can I possibly have in a world of planets and stars, of mountains and oceans? What difference is one speck of sand on the shores of this world?
A few thousand years ago the same question was asked, under the same setting. "God, when I look up into the heavens, when I see the stars and the moons which you have ordained. What am I? Why should you care one little bit about me? Yet, you made me just a little lower than the created beings of the heavens. You crowned me with glory and majesty. You appointed me the steward of all you made. Glory to your name."
Men and women, boys and girls, all find their purpose and significance in God. He is the one who created mankind and he knows what it takes to fill the heart and soul with meaning and purpose. Jesus told us that He came into the world to give us life and give it in great abundance.
The blessing of the presence of God in the heart of Christ Followers is the presence of transformation. Christianity is no different than any other religion if it does not transform the human character. It is the power of God in our life that can take control. It is the presence of Christ and the fruit of His Spirit that can, should, change humanity.
In light of being transformed by the love and power of God, consider these words from the book of Ephesians. "To know the love that surpasses knowledge- that you may be filled to the measure of all of the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine, according to his power that is working within us.."
The next time you stand under the canopy of heaven thank God, not your lucky stars, that you have great meaning and significance to the God of all creation.
Tedd Galloway is a former missionary and is currently the pastor at West Adrian Community Church. His book, A Mother's Heart Moved the Hand of God, has been released through, Morgan James Publishing. You can follow Tedd on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. His website is, www.teddgalloway.com
Monday, May 19, 2014
Monday, May 12, 2014
Dreams should not die
When I was in elementary school I wrote a story based on a movie that Mickey Rooney starred in. It seems that he was in the wrong spot at the wrong time. He was caught in the fall-out from a nuclear test and some crazy things happened to him. My story was entitled, The Radioactive Rabbit. It told the story of a poor cottontail that got caught in the same fallout as Mickey Rooney. He grew to be about six foot tall and had some pretty nasty habits. I loved writing the story and I really loved the feedback I got from the teacher.
Some years later, in high school, I wrote another story. It was the true account of me and a dog named Scout. On a February night, about 20 below, my dog Scout didn't come home. I went out in the night searching for him. I eventually tracked him to a cedar swamp where he was caught in a coyote trap. The trap was frozen to his paw and I was unable to open it. I broke the chain and carried Scout the mile back to our house.
Over the next weeks Scout got gangrene in the wound. Every day my mother helped me clean the wound and pour antiseptic on it. Close to spring we had to decide if we were going to put him down. The wound was not improving and the smell was awful. I resisted the thought but had to agree that we would give Scout another week to show some improvement.
A week later we noticed that the smell was not as bad and we thought we could see very small hairs beginning to grow. To this day I remember walking up the driveway and Scout running with three good legs and a bandaged paw greeting me. His recovery was fantastic and he became the canine celebrity of Huron Beach.
I wrote a story about Scout and sent it in to Readers Digest. I was sure that everybody would love the story and I would frame the copy of the magazine. I wasn't prepared for the rejection letter that came in the mail. Not only did I feel rejected, the dumb people were rejecting Scout.
Those two experiences of writing brought me to the highs and lows of trying to express myself with written words. I have had other rejections since then. And, I am blessed to say, I have received very positive words of encouragement and how my words have helped people. There are many days when I feel that I have nothing to say to the world. Putting my fingers on the keyboard, as today, helps me put those days behind me.
I love and hate writing. That might sound like I have some kind of mental defect, probably do. When the words form faster than my fingers can maneuver I am enthralled with writing. When I sit and star at this computer and my mind and spirit are blank, I hate it.
I want to encourage any who read these words to, never give up on a dream. Life circumstances can suck the very energy out of us and our dreams. We can imagine a million reasons why we should not continue with our, Fairy Tale. Do not give up. Get back to it.
Check out my website and my book, A Mother's Heart Moved the Hand of God, is available. It is available online and soon to be in most book stores. www.teddgalloway.com
Some years later, in high school, I wrote another story. It was the true account of me and a dog named Scout. On a February night, about 20 below, my dog Scout didn't come home. I went out in the night searching for him. I eventually tracked him to a cedar swamp where he was caught in a coyote trap. The trap was frozen to his paw and I was unable to open it. I broke the chain and carried Scout the mile back to our house.
Over the next weeks Scout got gangrene in the wound. Every day my mother helped me clean the wound and pour antiseptic on it. Close to spring we had to decide if we were going to put him down. The wound was not improving and the smell was awful. I resisted the thought but had to agree that we would give Scout another week to show some improvement.
A week later we noticed that the smell was not as bad and we thought we could see very small hairs beginning to grow. To this day I remember walking up the driveway and Scout running with three good legs and a bandaged paw greeting me. His recovery was fantastic and he became the canine celebrity of Huron Beach.
I wrote a story about Scout and sent it in to Readers Digest. I was sure that everybody would love the story and I would frame the copy of the magazine. I wasn't prepared for the rejection letter that came in the mail. Not only did I feel rejected, the dumb people were rejecting Scout.
Those two experiences of writing brought me to the highs and lows of trying to express myself with written words. I have had other rejections since then. And, I am blessed to say, I have received very positive words of encouragement and how my words have helped people. There are many days when I feel that I have nothing to say to the world. Putting my fingers on the keyboard, as today, helps me put those days behind me.
I love and hate writing. That might sound like I have some kind of mental defect, probably do. When the words form faster than my fingers can maneuver I am enthralled with writing. When I sit and star at this computer and my mind and spirit are blank, I hate it.
I want to encourage any who read these words to, never give up on a dream. Life circumstances can suck the very energy out of us and our dreams. We can imagine a million reasons why we should not continue with our, Fairy Tale. Do not give up. Get back to it.
Check out my website and my book, A Mother's Heart Moved the Hand of God, is available. It is available online and soon to be in most book stores. www.teddgalloway.com
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Full Heart
Parenthood is full of emotional highs and lows. In my opinion amusement parks do not compare to the ups and downs of being a dad. As parents, we have a love for our children that can not easily be put into words. Look into the eyes of a dad as he holds his newborn child. Now, try to write about that look. It is almost impossible to describe. Look into the eyes of a new mother as she nurses her newborn. Tell me, how in the world do you put that experience into words, it is impossible. We can only attempt to use the symbols of speech to describe the indescribable.
Parenthood can bring the deepest pain imaginable. I have watched parents in agony as their child languished close to death. The pain that was crushing them, again, is beyond description. The pain in parenthood can come in a hundred different directions. As parents we try to help our children learn how to make good and healthy decisions. Because we know what happens when bad decisions are made. I have made more than a few. When I was sixteen and seventeen I thought my dad was as dumb as a brick. I didn't want to listen to anything he had to say.
I know people who tried with all sincerity and tremendous effort to raise their children with a sense of right and wrong and respect for others. And, I have witnessed those same loving parents put themselves through hell as their children made bad decisions and poor choices. Some children ending up in jail and others on the fringe of society. How do you put into words the pain those parents are dealing with, you can't.
On the other side is the absolutely indescribable sense of love and gratitude that fills the hearts of parents when their children walk into the future with love and confidence. Ask a dad how he feels when he walks his daughter down the wedding isle. He can't tell you without choking up. Ask him how he feels when he watches his children graduate from high school. Ask him how he feels when he watches his children excel, beyond their own expectations, not his. Ask him to describe how he feels when his son is holding his newborn child and the new grandpa knows what is in the future.
Full Heart, I guess those two words are the only way that I can describe the emotions that I just listed. The pain fills the heart and threatens to choke the life out of us. It can knock us down and bring us to our knees. The blessings of the, Full Heart, again are beyond the use of words. It is to be experienced and put into the treasure-house of the soul.
I have experienced both sides of the, Full Heart. This has been an easy post to write for today I have really experienced the, Full Heart. My granddaughter is gifted and intelligent. She is an excellent student and athlete. She is the, first chair trumpet player in the middle school band that just won state honors. Her mom, my daughter Hilary, is an awesome overcomer who is soon to be caring for the elderly in the professional manner of her dreams.
Last week, Ana graduated with honors earning her master's degree. Her life and radiance draws people like a magnet. This weekend, Marily graduated with highest honors and set an example for many to follow.
I wish my heart could write. Maybe then I might be able to put it all into the right words.
Tedd Galloway is a former missionary and is currently the pastor at West Adrian Community Church. His book, A Mother's Heart Moved the Hand of God, is soon to be released through, Morgan James Publishing. You can follow Tedd on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. His website is, www.teddgalloway.com
Parenthood can bring the deepest pain imaginable. I have watched parents in agony as their child languished close to death. The pain that was crushing them, again, is beyond description. The pain in parenthood can come in a hundred different directions. As parents we try to help our children learn how to make good and healthy decisions. Because we know what happens when bad decisions are made. I have made more than a few. When I was sixteen and seventeen I thought my dad was as dumb as a brick. I didn't want to listen to anything he had to say.
I know people who tried with all sincerity and tremendous effort to raise their children with a sense of right and wrong and respect for others. And, I have witnessed those same loving parents put themselves through hell as their children made bad decisions and poor choices. Some children ending up in jail and others on the fringe of society. How do you put into words the pain those parents are dealing with, you can't.
On the other side is the absolutely indescribable sense of love and gratitude that fills the hearts of parents when their children walk into the future with love and confidence. Ask a dad how he feels when he walks his daughter down the wedding isle. He can't tell you without choking up. Ask him how he feels when he watches his children graduate from high school. Ask him how he feels when he watches his children excel, beyond their own expectations, not his. Ask him to describe how he feels when his son is holding his newborn child and the new grandpa knows what is in the future.
Full Heart, I guess those two words are the only way that I can describe the emotions that I just listed. The pain fills the heart and threatens to choke the life out of us. It can knock us down and bring us to our knees. The blessings of the, Full Heart, again are beyond the use of words. It is to be experienced and put into the treasure-house of the soul.
I have experienced both sides of the, Full Heart. This has been an easy post to write for today I have really experienced the, Full Heart. My granddaughter is gifted and intelligent. She is an excellent student and athlete. She is the, first chair trumpet player in the middle school band that just won state honors. Her mom, my daughter Hilary, is an awesome overcomer who is soon to be caring for the elderly in the professional manner of her dreams.
Last week, Ana graduated with honors earning her master's degree. Her life and radiance draws people like a magnet. This weekend, Marily graduated with highest honors and set an example for many to follow.
I wish my heart could write. Maybe then I might be able to put it all into the right words.
Tedd Galloway is a former missionary and is currently the pastor at West Adrian Community Church. His book, A Mother's Heart Moved the Hand of God, is soon to be released through, Morgan James Publishing. You can follow Tedd on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. His website is, www.teddgalloway.com
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