Illustrated Messages

Dan is famous for his illustrated messages. Wednesday nights at Grace Mission he really gets geared up. Recently he spoke on “Growth Spurt.” In true form we outfitted him in absurdly large clothing from head to toe. The shoes I found for him were large enough for him to comfortably fit his foot inside of with his tennis shoes on.



His point was growing in our faith. In the New Year we should look forward to a growth spurt in our relationships with others and Christ. We tend to be visual creatures. When we see and hear, we retain more. That, other than his being part ham is the method for his madness.




He has dragged items from stones to power tools into many classrooms filled with curious faces. The only time I have seen any apprehension is the time he hauled in a giant cross and nails. Perhaps there was a small sigh of relief as he explained the exercise was nailing our sins and sorrows to that cross. It was powerful and heart warming to see that six and a half foot cross covered with petitions.

Each week the residents look forward to what he has come up with.  Last week when he told them he was prop free, they were skeptical. When he doesn’t have time to create his special props, I often take their place. Stories like, "If Linda just sits in her comfortable chair sipping coffee, eating chocolate and just watching exercise videos, nothing is going to happen."  I think it was a reference to commitment. I couldn’t quite make it all out over the giggles.

We have been talking about getting a new type of exercise equipment. You know the same old same old gets boring. Sunday he couldn't resist commenting when he caught me wiggling into my leggings. “Now that’s a good work out! You do that a couple times a day and that will keep you in shape! Who needs an elliptical?” I don’t know what this week’s message is, but I do have a very good idea about his illustration! Sigh.




“Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.”
2 Peter 3:17-18