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Couple Believes God's Greatest Gifts Include Life, Liberty, Laughter
by Greg Miller By Greg Miller 2015 Lois and her husband Larry were thrilled to be living in a nation where they were able to freely worship the Sovereign Lord. As they reflected on the year that was rapidly coming to an end, the couple thought about both the joys and sorrows of 2016. Through every circumstance, Larry and Lois had discovered God's ultimate and unending faithfulness. Lois received a 100 percent raise in pay from her job as a newspaper reporter. Larry's employer fired him because he refused to be untruthful on a report the company was required to file with the federal government. After his firing, however, Larry was blessed with enough money to start his own business and, in the process, tripled his previous salary. The couple lost their dog, Lucille, when the collie was shot by a passing motorist. Lucille was just like a daughter to Lois and Larry, so their loss was deeply felt. For about six weeks, Lois could hardly eat. Larry's response was just the opposite; He began eating double portions of everything. About three months later, his grief subsided to a level where he was better able to manage his appetite. Lois developed a mysterious skin ailment. Periods of itching were alternated with times of throbbing pain throughout her body. Three weeks after her symptoms first appeared, the Sovereign Lord miraculously manifested healing in her body. Lois recalled the Scripture in Isaiah 53:5, "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." "I feel like my old self again!" Lois declared. "Satan wanted us dead, but we're still alive," said Larry. "Life is one of God's greatest gifts," Lois agreed. The couple were thankful they lived in a free country. "That's another of God's greatest blessings," said Larry. "We can go to church when and where we want to go," observed Lois. Other members of the local church knew both Larry and Lois to be practical jokers. "We enjoy laughing all the time," said Larry. "And we also enjoy helping others laugh," said Lois. Following the morning worship services, the couple always played practical jokes on Pastor Leonard, the church's minister. Lucretia, Pastor Leonard's wife, received similar treatment following the evening services. "I love a good laugh, even when the joke's on me," she chuckled. One member of the congregation, Landon, believed the couple laughed too much. "You need to be more serious about life," he reasoned. "I think we're as serious about life as we need to be," said Larry. "Larry's right," said Lois. "We think God has given us many gifts. Three of the greatest are life, liberty and laughter. And the greatest of these is laughter!" To contact the writer of this column about speaking engagements, including Christian Comedy Fundraising Outreaches, Christian Creativity Seminars and/or puppet ministry, please email [email protected] or [email protected]. By Greg Miller 2018 Greg is retired from the Elizabethton STAR Newspaper, after working there for almost 23 years. He now freelances for the paper. Contact email address is [email protected], also facebook.com/kidcool4jesus. Available for speaking engagements/other ministries. Jesus is Lord Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |