Pay It Forward

Pay It Forward
 
Recently my wife and I were in a drive thru at Starbucks. There was a long line and it took a few minutes to get our food and drinks. But when we pulled up to the window to pay, the employee told us the person in the car in front of us had paid for our order. We couldn’t believe it. A total stranger paid for our coffee and snacks!
 
You have heard similar stories. You may have been the one who paid for the person in the car behind you at the drive thru at McDonalds or Starbucks. Or a stranger may have paid for your food and coffee. We use the phrase Pay It Forward to describe this kind of giving to other people. People doing something for those who come after them.
 
Another example of paying it forward is the citrus tree in our back yard. I shared in previous article how my wife and I enjoy the beautiful tasty Navel Oranges that grow in our backyard each year. We did not plant the tree. The previous homeowner did. We continue to enjoy the benefits from his simple act of planting a tree many years ago.
 
There are many other examples of this in our state. Men like John Muir and Henry Cowell took action to preserve the Yosemite Valley and the coastal redwoods for generations who came after them. And we are glad they did.
 
Maybe we need to be thinking and looking further ahead for things we can do now that will benefit future generations. It might be as simple as planting a fruit tree in your back yard. It might be starting a college savings account for your grandchildren. It might be conserving more water so your kids and grandkids have enough for their generation. You may not personally benefit in your lifetime but your children, grandchildren and future generations will!
 
There is a passage in the Bible that says, “One plants and another waters but God makes it grow” (First Corinthians 3:5-9). The Apostle Paul was referring to planting new churches across the Roman Empire. His pioneering work impacted future generations as he shared the good news about Jesus. What can you do today to impact future generations? Let me encourage you to talk with your children and grandchildren about how you can do something to Pay It Forward. Why not plant a fruit tree with them in your yard – not just to benefit yourselves but to benefit the future homeowners too!  Why not pay for the coffee in the car behind you at Starbucks? You will be glad you did and they will too!

You can read 365 more articles and stories by the author in his book “Let Me Encourage You” by Mark Hopper. You can purchase two copies for only $30 plus postage ($5) one for yourself and one to share with a friend. Order your copies at markh@efreedb.org.

Fresh Oranges

I was reminded again this week of how much I enjoy the fresh oranges from the tree in our back yard. My wife and I grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona in the 1960’s. There were miles and miles of orange groves in Scottsdale in those days. Now most of them have been replaced by suburban home developments. The home my wife grew up in was built on a half-acre lot where the home builder removed only a small number of citrus trees to make room for their new house.
 
There were orange groves next to my elementary school and on the perimeter of our Little League baseball field. There were orange groves on both sides of Lafayette Boulevard which paralleled one of the large irrigation canals that threaded its way through Scottsdale. I vividly remember the fragrant aroma from the blossoms of the Orange, Grapefruit and Tangerine trees in the springtime in Scottsdale.
 
The growth of the citrus went pretty much unnoticed during the hot summer months. The fruit on the trees continued to grow with the help of the abundant irrigation water from both the local canals and water pumped from the underground aquafer.   
 
The same is true for the Naval Orange tree in our back yard. I love the smell in the spring from the tiny blossoms as an army of bees spreads pollen from flower to flower.  From that small beginning the oranges grew in our warm California sunshine. In October and November the oranges began to change color. By the end of December our tree was filled with over 100 brightly colored oranges.
 
In early January, I walked out to the backyard and picked my first orange. It is one of my favorite moments of the year. I was not disappointed. It was juicy and delicious. And there were a lot more where that one came from. A beautiful healthy orange tree in our backyard.
 
There is a verse in the Bible that says my orange tree is visible proof of a loving God. It says, “God provided evidence of His existence and His kindness by giving us rain and crops in their season. He provides us with plenty of food and fills our hearts with joy” (Acts 14:17).
 
Let me encourage you to pause and smell the orange blossoms in the spring. And, enjoy the wonderful taste of fresh oranges in the winter. I hope you will give thanks to God for the tasty fruit He provides for you to enjoy!

You can read 365 more stories (one for every day of the year) by the author in his book “Let Me Encourage You” by Mark Hopper. You can purchase one book for $20 or two books for only $30 (plus $5 postage). Order your books today at markh@efreedb.org.

A Hope and a Future (Part Three)

Many young people and adults are experiencing discouragement and despair during the ongoing Covid19 pandemic. Many are struggling with their mental health without any hope for the future. Some teens and adults have taken their own life. I believe there are a number of things people can do to move from darkness and despair to light and hope. Here are some suggestions.
 
Get off the internet and video games. Stop watching, reading and playing games that suggest suicide is the solution to your problems.
 
Get out of the house and enjoy the outdoors. When our children were young and fussy and agitated, it helped to get them out of the house and find a change of scenery. Just a walk around the block or time at the park helped to change their attitude and perspective.
 
Spend time with other people. Isolation can contribute to a negative outlook. We are social creatures. It is not healthy to be alone all of the time. Don’t sit in front of the TV or computer screen all day. Take the initiative and spend time with other people. Attend a church near you. Join a club that offers things you enjoy. Enroll in some classes at a local community college.
 
Find a place to serve in your community. Volunteer at a local school, hospital or church. Use your skills and experience to help other teens and adults. There is something therapeutic about helping people. It changes the focus from your problems to focusing on the needs of other people who need help and encouragement.
 
Get help from a mental health professional. You may have a chemical imbalance that needs to be addressed by a medical doctor. Don’t try to solve your problems by yourself. Many others have walked the path that you are walking. Help is available. You just need to make a call and ask for help. Open a Bible and read some of the passages in the book of Psalms and see how God helped people face discouragement and despair.
 
There is a verse in the Bible that says, “Bear one another’s burdens and you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). Let me encourage you to reach out to those around you who may be struggling with negative thoughts and feelings. Don’t stand by and do nothing. Make a call, send a card, extend a helping hand or listening ear. You will be glad you did and they will too.

You can read 365 more stories (one for every day of the year) by the author in his book, Let Me Encourage You by Mark Hopper. Purchase one copy for $20 or two copes for $30. Buy one for yourself and one to share with a friend. Order your books today at markh@efreedb.org.

A Hope and a Future (Part Two)

There are several examples of suicide in the Bible. None of them are good. Judas was the disciple who betrayed Jesus. When he realized the terrible thing he had done, Judas took his own life (Matthew 27:5). A wise man named Ahithophel killed himself after David’s rebellious son Absalom rejected his advice (Second Samuel 17:23).

The Apostle Paul prevented a Roman soldier from killing himself. Paul reassured the guard that he and all of the prisoners had remained in the jail after a powerful earthquake opened the doors. Paul’s quick action and words stopped the soldier from killing himself (Acts 16:28).

I continue to read and hear about the declining mental health among teens and adults during the Covid19 pandemic. Reports of attempted suicides and self-inflicted harm is increasing among students at an alarming rate. What can parents and peers do to help those who are struggling and at risk of taking their own lives?

First, pray for the hearts and minds of students and adults around you. Ask God to give them hope and help to face these uncertain times. Pray that God would lift the darkness in their hearts and minds and prevent them from hurting themselves.

Second, be alert to conversations and conduct that might signal a person is considering suicide. My son is now an Assistant Principal at a local high school. He launched a program with the staff and administrators to do a mental health update every Monday of students on their campus who might be at risk of harming themselves.

Third, provide hope and encouragement through your own words and actions. Offer to spend time with those who are struggling. Offer to connect them with a local pastor, counselor or mental health professional. Ask the person to make a commitment to you that they will call you before they take any steps to harm or injure themselves.

Fourth, don’t let them dwell on the negative but focus on the positive things in their life (Philippians 4:6-9). When a person takes their own life they leave a trail of pain and heartache in the lives of others. If you or someone you know are in a dark place, let me encourage you to get help right now. Make a call or get to someone’s office or home right now. Don’t wait until it is too late. You will be glad you did and your friends and loved ones will too. (continued)

You can read 365 more stories (one for every day of the year) in the author’s book – Let Me Encourage You by Mark Hopper. Purchase one copy for only $20 or two copies for only $30 plus postage ($5). Order your copies today at markh@efreedb.org.

A Hope and a Future (Part One)

I have often said that some of the happiest things about being a pastor are weddings and babies. It was a privilege to meet with a young couple in premarital counseling and hear about their dreams and hopes for their future together. And I always went to the hospital when I heard that a new baby was born to one of our church families.
 
But some of the hardest things about being a pastor were divorce and death. I was always willing to meet with a married couple who were going through difficulties in their marriage. I always shared with them the things that I believe cause problems in a relationship – selfishness and a critical attitude. I also shared with them some of the things that I believe can improve their relationship. (See my story about “The Man in the Mirror”).
 
Death was also one of the harder things I dealt with as a pastor. It was an honor to lead a memorial service and celebrate someone’s life. It was also important to provide support and encouragement to those who had lost their loved one. Maybe the most difficult thing to deal with was suicide. There were a few occasions when someone in our church or community took their own life. Parents and loved ones were devastated and heart broken.
 
One day my son Tim called to tell me that a high school friend took his own life. I didn’t know his friend well but I had given him a ride to work at a grocery store near our house. I never imagined he would do something so drastic. The friend’s father was a Viet Nam war veteran. He was very strict with his son. One day Tim’s friend violated one of his father’s rules. Instead of going home to face his father, the friend drove to a local college campus and jumped out of the seventh floor window. I was not asked to lead the memorial service for Tim’s friend but I did share some of my thoughts with our church the next Sunday. I warned the students and adults that suicide is not the answer to the problems they were facing. I tried to help them understand how devastating suicide was to the surviving family and friends.
 
There is a verse in the Bible that says, “I know the plans I have for you – plans to give you a hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). God wants to give you a future and a hope. Let me encourage you to call me or a trusted adult before you injure yourself or take your own life. I will be glad you did and you and your family will too.  (continued)

Start reading 365 more encouraging stories (one for every day of the year) in Mark’s book, “Let Me Encourage You” by Mark Hopper. You can purchase one copy for $20 or two copies for $30 plus postage ($5). Buy one for yourself and give one to a friend. Order your copy today at markh@efreedb.org. You will be glad you did!

Under The Christmas Tree

When our kids were teenagers, it seemed like we had a fleet of cars. One of them had a compact red Chevy Chevette. We called it the tomato. Another one had a small brown Ford Pinto. We called it the potato. The third teenager drove his grandmother’s old Ford Mustang. I don’t remember what we called it.
 
It was a lot of work keeping up with all these cars in addition to the Chrysler K-Car I drove and the Dodge Van my wife drove. One of the gifts the kids could count on every Christmas was a new air filter for their car. I would wrap each one in colorful Christmas paper and put them under the tree.  I’m sure it was their favorite Christmas present.
 
Another gift that we gave all of our children was a small envelope in the branches of the Christmas tree. It contained some money for after-Christmas shopping. It became a tradition they could count on every year.
 
Recently my son shared that he had done the same things for his children. A few years ago he married a wonderful woman with two teenagers. Both of them had older cars and Tim knew they would need a new air filter for their cars. He made sure there were air filters under the Christmas tree for every driver at their house.
 
In addition, Tim put an envelope for each of them in the branches of the Christmas tree. The envelopes contained some money for after- Christmas shopping.
 
I smiled when he told me that he had given his children some of the same things I had given to him and his sisters when they were teenagers. I was pleased to learn that my son followed my example. I wonder what else I have said or done that my son has chosen to repeat or not repeat.
 
There is a passage in the Bible where the Apostle Paul told his young disciple Timothy to do the things that he had learned, seen and heard from Paul’s life (Philippians 4:9). Someone said that the highest compliment is when someone else imitates what you have done. Let me encourage you to follow the example you have seen in others. And, make sure you are an example others can follow too. You will be glad you did and they will too.  

Read 365 more stories (one for every day of the year) in Mark’s book Let Me Encourage You by Mark Hopper. During our holiday sale you can purchase two books for only $30 plus postage ($5). Buy a book for yourself and give one to a friend. Order your books today at markh@efreedb.org.

Is It Better to Receive Than to Give?

I learned an important lesson on a recent trip with my wife and some relatives. Sometimes it is better to receive than to give. I know this sounds contradictory to what we have been taught as children and what is even written in the Bible. Let me explain.
 
During our vacation my wife wanted to buy me a T-shirt or hat to remember our time together. My response was always the same – I don’t need another hat or shirt. I have plenty at home. The result was the same too. She was frustrated and discouraged. She enjoys shopping and buying gifts for people. It is her love language. It is her way of expressing how she values friendships and values our relationship. Giving gifts gives her satisfaction and purpose.
 
One evening while we were waiting for our names to be called at a local restaurant my wife and her sister went in to a gift shop. Her sister purchased a couple of things to take home to her grandkids and my wife found a T-shirt she thought I might like. When she showed it to me I immediately responded by saying – I don’t need another T-shirt.
 
It was obvious that she was frustrated and disappointed. She wanted me to have something to remind us of our trip but I didn’t want to spend more money on something I didn’t need. The gift shop lady was persistent and showed me some hats while we sat outside her store waiting for our table. Gradually I realized that I was ruining the evening and acting selfishly.
 
I decided to try on a couple of hats and see what my wife thought. She thought the gray hat looked best so we bought one. I was surprised at how quickly my wife’s mood changed. She was glad that I had a hat to remember our trip and glad that I was willing to let her express her love for me with this small gift. Does that make sense?
 
There is a passage in the Bible when a woman poured costly perfume on Jesus’ head while he was eating dinner with his disciples. When the disciples objected Jesus told them to not stop her. He was willing to receive this woman’s expression of love and kindness (Mark 14:1-9).
 
Maybe it is true that sometimes it is better to receive than to give. It allows people to do something kind and thoughtful for you. It gives them the opportunity to encourage you and express their love for you. Let me encourage you to be willing to receive as well as give this holiday season. You will be glad you did and they will too!

You can read 365 more stories by the author in his book Let Me Encourage You by Mark Hopper. The holiday sales price is two books for only $30 plus postage ($5). You can order a copy for yourself and give a copy to a friend or family member this holiday season. Order your books today at markh@efreedb.org. You will be glad you did and they will too!

The Invitation

Our church in Tucson was pretty small. There was a faithful group of people who had attended the church for many years. But we knew we needed to reach more new people for the church to grow.
 
One group of people we targeted were snowbirds who were enjoying the warm Arizona sunshine during the winter months. Many of these folks had motorhomes and travel trailers. Some of the mobile home parks allowed snowbirds to rent an empty space on a short-term basis. Many permanent residents also had lovely mobile homes in those parks. Gradually the snowbirds and residents got to know each other.  
 
We got permission to place some brochures from our church in the offices of these mobile home parks. We also put some free-standing signs out every Saturday to point the way. It was encouraging to have some guests from these parks visit our Sunday services.
 
But I did not foresee that these seasonal guests would invite other people to come with them. I don’t remember where the Browns were from but they were churchgoing people from the Midwest. Every Sunday they brought another couple to our services. Some of them came back. Eventually there was a whole row of 6-8 guests at our church every Sunday because the Browns had invited them.
 
The Browns also invited some of the permanent residents from their mobile home park. Herschel and Hilda Boggs not only came with the Browns but they continued to come after the Browns left for home. Herschel and Hilda had very little church background but they were eager to learn and grow in their faith. They invited other people to come   to our church too!  
 
There is a passage in the Bible when Andrew invited his brother Peter to come with him to meet Jesus. These two men eventually became Jesus’ disciples. It all began with a simple invitation (John 1: 40-42 ). There is power in a personal invitation. God wants to use you and me to bring other people to Him. Let me encourage you to invite a friend, coworker, classmate or family member to come with you to church this month. You will be glad you did and they will too!

You can read 365 more stories by the author in his book, Let Me Encourage You by Mark Hopper. You can purchase two copies for only $30 plus $5 postage. Why not get a copy for yourself and give one as a gift to a friend or family member this holiday season. Order your copies today at markh@efreedb.org.

Pumpkin Pie

We always have pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving. It is a family tradition.  Sometimes we purchase pies from Costco or Marie Callender’s, but this year my wife decided to make them herself. She already had some of the ingredients in our cupboard and picked up some additional items at the store. She made two beautiful pumpkin pies.
 
As I was helping her clean up, I rinsed out one of the cans of evaporated milk and noticed there were thick white chunks in the bottom of the can.  The expiration date was almost a year old. Was there a risk eating the pies she just made with old evaporated milk?
 
We certainly didn’t want our Thanksgiving guests to get sick, so she decided to make two new pies. She stopped at the store to get new ingredients including two new cans of evaporated milk. However, when she got home she realized she had bought two cans of pumpkin pie mix instead of just regular canned pumpkin. So, she sent me back to the store to get the canned pumpkin so she could make two new pies.
 
Did I mention that our son-in-law called while she was making the new pies?  He did not know about the previous pies. He was at Costco and offered to buy a pie there. No thanks, she was fine. Later that evening, we decided to sample the new pies. They didn’t taste very good. Something was wrong. She forgot to add the sugar!
 
What do you do at nine o’clock the night before Thanksgiving with no pumpkin pie?  We called Marie Callender’s and asked if they had any pumpkin pies left and how late they were open. Yes, they still had a few pies and they were open until ten. I rushed over and got two of the remaining pies. I was surprised to learn that a small Marie Callender’s pumpkin pie cost over thirteen dollars each, but I was willing to pay any price to make sure we had pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving!
 
Let me encourage you to check the expiration date before using a can of milk from your pantry.  You may want to let your son-in-law buy the pumpkin pie next year.  And, if you decide to make your own pies, don’t forget to add the sugar!  You will be glad you did and your guests will too!

You can read 365 more stories (one for every day of the year) by the author in his book “Let Me Encourage You” by Mark Hopper. The price is $20 plus $5 for postage. Order your book at markh@efreedb.org. Happy Thanksgiving!

A Week Without Water (Part 2)

I launched into my re-pipe project on Monday morning. I knew when I cut the main water pipe in the attic there was no turning back. Each step took longer than I expected. Several times I had to start over when pipes leaked or when the connections were not sealed properly. It was a slow process with many setbacks. On several occasions I was ready to give up and call a plumber to finish the work. I wondered what a seventy year old guy like me was thinking when he launched into this project? I was climbing up and down ladders. I was working in the attic above our garage. I was driving to Home Depot, Ace Hardware or Ferguson’s Plumbing Supply several times a day. But I pressed on and didn’t give up. My wife encouraged me with words like “You can do it”. I certainly had my doubts but I didn’t want to give up.
 
One of my favorite Greek words in the Bible is “proskartereo”. It means persistence, tenacity, never give up. It was used in a historical reference to describe the siege of a city when the attacking forces laid siege to a walled city and refused to give up until they overcame the enemy. Several times the word is translated “devote” yourselves to prayer.in the New Testament (Acts 1:14 & 6:4). But I think the word “be devoted” seems a little weak. I think it could be paraphrased – be relentless and never give up. Jesus taught His followers to keep on asking, keep on seeking and keep on knocking (Matthew 7:7-8). The Apostle Paul also encouraged people to pray and not give up (Romans 12:12 & Colossians 4:2).

I suspect it also relates to plumbing. Keep pressing on and don’t give up! I did a lot of praying while I was working on the plumbing.. Praying God would protect me while I used a flaming torch to solder pipes together. Praying for safety as I climbed up and down ladders. Praying for strength when I got tired and discouraged.
 
On Thursday evening I thought I had finished the project. I had assembled the last pieces of pipe and turned on the main water valve. I brought my wife out to the garage to see the finished work. We decided to take showers and run the dishwasher now that the water was back on. However, about an hour later as I was cleaning up in the garage I heard a hissing noise and saw water dripping from the pipes.

We shut off the water again and went to bed tired and discouraged. The next morning I tried to solder the dripping joints but could not stop the leak. I decided to disassemble some pipe above the hot water heater and rebuild that critical section. I bought more materials and reassembled the pipes. On Friday evening I held my breath as I turned the water back on again. It worked! No leaks! I kept checking throughout the evening – still no leaks. It was a crazy week without water.

Let me encourage you to never give up praying for yourself and others. Call on God for help with the personal problems you and others are facing.  And you might want to call a plumber for help with your water problems. You will be glad you did and he will too.

You can read 365 more stories by the author in his book “Let Me Encourage You” by Mark Hopper. There is a story for every day of the year. During our holiday sale you can purchase two books for only $30 plus postage ($5). Buy one for yourself and one to give to a friend. Order your books today at markh@efreedb.org.